TO THE ILLVSTRIOVS PRINCESS, MARY Dutchess of RICHMOND and LENOX.

Madam,

I Humbly offer Your Grace the last sacri­fice of this nature that is in my power, having only a hope that it may be re­ceiv'd by You with that favour as when it was formerly presented. And so, Madam, I only dare to appear in an address to You, as others to their Altars, who by sacrifices get pardon for their defects, if not advance their devotions. This was to your Sex in­deed [Page] a peculiar offering, whilst all either gave as much Passion to their Adorers, or wisht their Beauties great enough to do it: your Graces excel­lencies alone have been by all admi­rers esteem'd at so great and just a va­lue, as to create, and not reward mens passions. This with as just a reverence I present to you, hoping for this Ro­mantique passion such an entertain­ment as none durst expect for real ones; your severity would deny a reception to those, which your cha­rity may grant to this: And believe, he that attempts all ways to express his respects and duty, has more then Fortune will give him leave to shew, The unhappy condition at this time of

MADAM,
The most humble of all your Graces most ob­liged Servants, ALEX. GOUGHE.

THE Names and Characters of the Persons.

  • KIng of Burgony.
  • Agenor
  • Clarimant
    • His sons.
  • Cleon
  • Senor
  • Stremon
    • Three Lords disaffected to th [...] Prince Agenor.
  • Lucidor, a Lord
  • Clindor, a Captain
    • Friends to Agenor.
  • Merchant.
  • Captain.
  • Souldiers.
  • Clorinda, the Kings Niece.
  • Selina, her Woman.
  • King of Neustrea.
  • Prince of Aquiain
  • Two other Princes
    • Suitors to Austell [...].
  • Lords
  • A Druid.
  • Sailors.
  • Austella, the Kings daughter.
  • Olinda, her Sister.
  • The Scenes
    • BURGONY.
    • NEUSTREA.

THE Passionate Lover,

FIRST PART.

Act. 1. Scaen. 1.

Enter Lucidor, and Clindor, and a Captain, (severally.)
Lucid.

WEll met, Clindor.

Clind.

I would it were so.

Lucid.

Why, what mis­fortune is happened, man?

Clind.

A pox on Fortune, she ne'r was friend of mine; And now the wars are at end, there's no way left For men of merit to supply themselves: But cou'd I [Page 2] Catch that Beldam by the foretop, I would so Lug her Ladiship.

Lu.
Thou mistakest,
And threatnest Opportunity: 'tis she that hath
A lock before, and bald behind; but Fortune is a [...]
Mighty Goddess, and must be reverenc'd.
Cl.
A Quean, a Strumpet by this hand; and sh [...] you talk of
Is her Bawd; they pickt my pockets with a pair o [...]
Dice, giving the mony to a Sot, that scarce knew
How to tell it when he had won it.
Lu.
That was ill luck.
Cl.
To lose a months pay in a night, now when I' [...]
Never like to see another muster, nor hope of booty [...]los [...]
O I could eat these fingers!
Lu.
Lose not thy patience, and then thy monie [...]
Will not afflict thee.
Cl.
Pray will ye lend me 20 Crowns, and keep i [...] for me.
Lu.
Keep what?
Cl.
My patience.
Lu.
Thou hast none.
Cl.
To what end then was your grave advice,
My great Foolosopher! stand by.
Enter Senor and Stremon.
Sen.
Believe me, if the insolencie of these Com­manders
That are come back with the Prince be not restrain'd,
This Court, best ordered in the world,
Will grow to Barbarism and shame our Nation,
Chiefly us that should keep all in form.
Str.
My Lord, take heed whilst you too much study
A regularity, you not forget the proper time:
The Court is yet a kind of Camp, a place of free access,
[Page 3] In which the Prince is as the Sun,
Whose cheerful rays give life to all.
Clind.
Wil't please your Lordship to buy a Vir­tue of me?
Sen.
Sure I believe 'tis a very beggerly one.
Cl.
Your Lordship's a witch; 'tis Patience indeed,
The beggers virtue; you shall have it for 20 crowns.
Sen.
Sirra, this sawciness may in time
Procure you the beggers punishment
To exercise your virtue, A whip.
Clind.
Hum, a whip!
Lu.
Your Lordships reply was by much too harsh
For harmless merriment, and argues you
Of a proud dogged nature.
Sen.
Pray teach not me to speak, my Lord,
Until I go about to teach you how to fight.
Lu.
I would your formal Lordship wore a sword,
I should most gladly learn.
Sen:
I do not want when I intend to wear one.
Lu.
Certain you do, pray put it on against
I see you next, let this remember you.
Puls him by the nose.
Sen.
What insolence is this?
Clind.
My Lord fight with him, or by this hand
Ye have got my patience, and you shall pay me for't.
Sen.
How now you base Rascal!
Enter Agenor, Cleon, and Attendants.
Age.
Who's that he calls so?
Lu.
One sir, that I have seen do bravely in the wars.
Age.
The attribute was very course:
Sir, you must know those whom I call fellows
[...]n arms, and who for you and me, and all
Have spent their bloods, must meet with better
Recompence then contumelious words.
'Tis such as you that buz into my Fathers ears
[Page 4] A thousands tales, contract his bounties into nothings [...]
Or little to any soldier; and this not as good husbands
For your master, but your selves, that your shares
May be greater.
Sen.
I hope your Highness will on better knowledg [...]
Change this hard opinion.
Cle.
I dare engage my self, your Highness
May absolutely dispose my Lord.
Age.
Since you esteem him as a friend, I should not
Be displeased to have cause to believe it.
Cle.
The occasion is only wanting, Sir.
Age.
Well my Lord, if it prove so, I know how
To reward those that serve me. Go Lucidor
And enquire if my Father be ready yet.
Sen.
If it please your Majesty, I shall.
Age.
You forget, my Lord,
That title is only due to my Father.
Clind.
To whom he had so great a mind to make complaint,
That he forgot himself.
Age.
Let him complain: Those that are mine I will secure.
Clind.
Who are not such, deserve not your pro­tection.
Age.
There, share that purse betwixt you; I'l go.
Be to night at my chamber at 9 a clock: now leave us.
Clind.
The Gods bless your Highness.
Lucid.
What say you now to the old Beldam, is she not kind?
(manent Age. Cleon.
Clind.
She durst do no other.
[Exeunt.
Cleon.
Sir, as I told you, upon my knowledge
Your Father is possest with a belief
That your late victories and custom of commanding
In the Army, hath made you quite forget
How to obey; and Sir, to humble you, your greatest Captains
Do receive daily affronts:
Age.
[Page 5]
My Captains! even my self do feel their injuries.
My needful bounty's censured prodigality,
My courtesie insinuations; and all
What I have ever learnt for good or commendable
Turn to my prejudice: Nothing, I see,
Can please my Father, or free me from suspition,
Unless I prove my self or base, or foolish.
Cleon.
The present affairs, sir, of this Kingdom
Call for a man both wise and valiant:
Such I must say you are; nor is this needful truth
Thus timely urged, to be esteemed a flattery,
Though spoken to your self. Your father, sir, was what you are;
But now time and infirmities have brought him
Near to what we truly might call dotage
In a meaner man. And is it reasonable
You should stand by an idle looker on,
Whilst his weak or false Councellors and he
Make peace or war with foreign States,
Dispose of government and Offices at home,
Not on the best deserver, but the greatest briber,
Or such a Lords particular friend or kinsman.
Age.
Truth is, I do appear now at home of no
esteem:
Even those Princes lately made subject
By my sweat and blood, no one of their Ambassadors
Makes any particular address to me.
Cle.
'Twere madness if they should,
The certain way to miss their ends; no sir,
Your younger brother Clarimant is the known
Powerful Advocate for favors from the King;
And for the Prince himself, and power,
Are both laid prostrate at the feet
Of his fair Cousin the Lady Clorinda.
Age.
Does she not deserve to be obeyed?
Cle
[Page 6]
Doubtless no Virgin lives that equals he [...] in merit:
And yet 'tis possible the Prince may have
Another end besides her personal worth,
Which makes him court her.
Age.
What end?
Cle.
You know, sir, at least must needs have heare
Her ancestors have been pretenders, to this Crown,
And time hardly wears out the right of Princes.
Age.
'Tis true, hardly where right;
But a pretension not then prosperous,
Neither lives but to shame the undertakers memory
But were it otherwise in this particular,
I durst trust my brother, indeed in any,
For I know his love to me is firm.
Cle.
Sir, 'tis a noble confidence in you,
Nor would I seek to change that quiet peace
That lodges in your mind, for a worse guest, suspition
But if I do not freely speak my fears,
I shall be guilty of a treason to my Prince
And friend. Your brother sir, fosters ambitious hopes
And howsoe'r you slight Clorinda's title,
That is their chiefest nourishment.
Age.
It is impossible.
Cle.
If I should tell you, some believe your fathe [...]
Holds what I have said, is conscious that he
Does keep the Crown by wrong, and so would
By a marriage set all strait; this would exact
A greater faith then you, I know, can yet allow.
Age.
'Tis true, for this implies my disinheriting
The falshood of my brother, nay something mo [...]
Then this, which I may chance one day to tell yo [...] freely:
But now I live curbed in my person,
Nay my tho [...]ghts pent up, when I would ease
My heart by uttering them.
Cle.
[Page 7]
Enlarge your self each way.
Age.
Oh I must not
Cle.
Then I will for you. My grief to see my Country
Lose the advantage of your best of years
For action, makes me speak plain and home,
Though to the hazard of my head, if you mislike
The councel; nor will I put you upon danger,
And not share it with you?
Age.
What is't you mean? I am confident you love me.
Cle.
As I do happiness, which is included
In your knowledge of my faith and love.
Age.
Speak then.
Cle.
In short 'tis this:
Propose a war in Germany, raise a great Army▪
Live there a King, since here you cannot.
Age.
My father never will consent.
Cle.
Where's that Souldier or Commander, will not obey
Your summons?
Age.
To raise an Army, my Father not allowing it,
Were treason; which once proclaim'd, would startle
The most resolute.
Cle.
Scarce a man, if you should on the contrary
Make known what your intents were for your Coun­tries
Honor and profit.
Age.
But in the mean time should they seise my person?
Cle.
But in the mean time should you seise your
Fathers person, which is sure much easier to do.
There's but few Nations that adore the setting sun;
The braver spirits do attend his rise,
And hope to mount with him aloft.
Age.
Though I confess I willingly would aid
My Fathers feeble arm to hold the scepter right,
I would not force it from his hands.
Cle.
[Page 8]
Two hands upon one scepter; men will in­terpret
Violence; however since 'twas ordain'd in one,
If violence at all, let it be powerful in effect:
The happy issue then may change the attribute
To providence care of the present & the future state:
Age.
It is an affair of a high consequence,
Pray see me in the morning, I must take time
To think—
Exit.
Cle.
Do Prince, 'tis my desire, since thought
Must make that poison work, I have distill'd
Into thy soul; the compounds are so strong
And operative, that it must cause destruction
To thy self, father, or brother, if not all.
But soft; much time, and many dangers
Must be past, ere I can hope to touch that happy
Period; the part I long have acted
Must be still maintain'd; a seeming faithful
Servant to the father and his sons,
By each believ'd so tender of their safeties
And their honour, as if I had no sense
Of what concern'd the other two.
The grounds thus laid, and mutual jealousies growing
In each, I am secured from a discovery
By any general conference of theirs:
Nay, should an intimacie hold, as 'tis not like,
Betwixt the brothers, yet am I still secure
By their own nobleness, scorning to tell Councels
The secrets of an Enemy, much less reveal these of a friend,
Which when I do, I shal no other but my self betray;
Friendship's an useful word, the substance thrown away.
Exit.
Enter Clindor, Selina.
Clind.
Nay, Lady, if you flie, being so able to desend,
[Page 9] [...] shall suspect you have an ambush here:
[...]'le make good this ground, proud of my purchase;
I know 'tis of such value, that the restoring
Will press you to another parly.
Sel.
Why think you so? To lose your company withall,
Will make the loss of any thing I have about me in­sensible.
Clind.
Make good your word; change but your maidenhead
For this; and if I ever trouble you again—
Sel.
O insolence! can you believe that such a jewel
Is reserv'd for you? you may as well by your small
Single valor hope to surprise the strongest fort.
Clind.
Nay perhaps sooner, Lady; may be you
Know the first impossible.
Sel.
I know 'tis impossible you should be other
Then a rude Soldier.
Clind.
True, whilst you are an uncivil Lady,
'Tis wisdom to frame our selves like to the company
We wish to keep.
Sel.
Indeed I must confess you put upon me in this seeming
Censure, a mighty obligation: your words imply as much,
As if I would be wicked, you for conformity
Would be so too; in troth I do not doubt it:
But that you can as well conform yourself to better
Images, is that I have no reason to believe.
Clind.
From these your hard opinions, yet in a milder phrase
Exprest, judge charitably, that my disrespect
Is likewise lessening: And certain, Lady,
So many beauties as shew themselves about your
Person, were gifts the Gods repented of,
Which made them place a soul whose pride might tel the world
It was a goodly Temple built to shew their power,
But not to share their adoration.
Sel:
[Page 10]
I see you are an experienc'd Soldier,
And are not without stratagems, making your
Battery on the weakest side. You praise the beauty
Of my person, and dispraise my mind:
That too for what we almost hold a vertue, (pride)
Grant us but fair, whate're we seem, it is
Impossible we should be angry.
Clind.
No more of these ingenious confessions, Lady,
Le [...]t I become Apostate from my old religion,
And believe there may be other beauties in your sex
Then what the eye surveys.
Sel.
I am wondrous sorry if I have said any thing
To gain your good opinion.
Enter Clarimant and Clorinda.
Cli.
O fear not, Lady, I am not so much taken yet
To trouble you with lamentable verses,
Or blow the candle out with sighs: breaking my buttons
After a full meal, [...]s the highest I can reach to: I assure you,
Methinks that Princely pattern is scarce worth
The following. The King!
Enter Old King, Cleon, Senor, Stremon.
O. K.
I see you lose no opportunity to become
Gracious with the Ladies, I like it well;
Your brother's more unnatural, and courts the men.
Cle.
The men of action, sir, he does indeed.
O. K:
The men of turbulencie and ambition:
But I shall check his and their haughty spirits.
Cle:
Let what you do, sir, be with moderation,
He's of a fierce nature, and can ill endure
Reproof, however just.
O. K.
Fierce nature! shall I observe a boy?
I am his father and his King; and what he fails
In duty to the one, the other shall inforce him
To confess and satisfie.
Cle.
[Page 11]
'Tis just indeed.
O. K.
And being so, I mst not fear to let him know
His faults.
[Enter Agenor and Lucidor
Now sir, what would you with us?
Age.
I must not hope, sir, you will grant the suit
I come to move, until I see your brow more calm▪
O. K.
If you mislike these looks, remove the cause.
Age.
Perhaps it is not, sir, in me, but in your self:
There are some waters where the billows rise
Though no cross winds do blow; Earthquakes are in
Another kind the same, the causes dark,
And yet not more then are your groundless distastes
From whence this tempest grows.
O. K.
Your words explain your actions, and your actions them:
From both you do conclude my weakness,
And your innocence from fault.
Age.
The latter is, and still hath been my study:
Shew me wherein, sir, I have err'd,
In what I have deserved your hard opinion:
Till when I would not, sir, by asking pardon
Create a guilt.
O. K.
I know you rather do expect that I should sue to you,
And I will do it. Pray give me leave to be
A King some few years more; you know
I shall not trouble you when your turn comes.
Clorind.
Dear servant, I find my self not well.
Clari.
Heaven forbid!
Exeunt Clor. Clari.
Age.
Sir, I do find your age is wrought upon
By some unworthy men, who for their own ends
Keep me from that interest nature and reason
Ought to yield me in your love; which since
I cannot hope from you by my true service,
(Still misinterpreted) I scorn to seek
To gain it by a flattery of them.
O. K.
[Page 12]
I know those whom I favour,
Are for that cause the objects of your hate.
And 'tis not strange, that having forfeited
Much of your own obedience, you should mislike
Their faithfulness.
Age.
I see, sir, 'tis in vain to plead a cause
Already judg'd against me: Cunning
Weighs down my interest in your blood.
I came, sir, with a hope to obtain some suits
For others, which now reason commands me to let fall,
And rather beg what I am only likely to obtain.
O. K.
What's that, I pray?
Age.
Your leave sir, to retire
My self, to free your Majesty
And me both from disturbance.
O. K.
You ask and grant your self, 'tis well.
Exeunt Agen. Lucid. Clind.
Cle.
Sir, that retirement he intends,
Grows not from duty, but ambition.
Out of that cloud ere long he means to break
Forth gloriously; the world, sir, cannot admit
More then one Sun; and he's resolved to shine,
Though nature suffer in it.
O. K.
It was still my fear, you have no other proofs
But your conjecture.
Cleon.
I would I had not, sir; but such my love is to your Majesty.
That to preserve the Royal stem, I must not fear
To hazard breaking a corrupted branch.
At more convenience I shall inform you.
Exeunt King, Cleon, Attendants.
Sen.
The King is old and sickly, inconstant by nature;
And we must, whilst this heat of passion lasts,
Work for our safety by the Princes ruine.
If he should come to reign, our power, if not our, lives,
[Page 13] Is at end; but both are likely to be safe
And prosperous under his brother Clarimant,
Who is of a soft and gentle nature,
Apt to be governed.
Stre.
Especially when it shall appear
We have both will and power to serve him
In attaining to the Crown.
Senor.
Perhaps Lord Cleon does resolve the same,
And he's man of power and blood; we being join'd
How can we miss our end,
Since the whole Court does on us three depend?
Exeunt.
Enter Clarimant and Clorinda:
Clar.
Dear Lady, do not welcom sadness thus:
Trust me, it is an ill mannered guest,
And seldom leaves us; though we grow weary
Of its company, and wish it gone.
Clor.
Not be sensible when there is cause,
Would shew stupidity.
Clar.
Wife men affirm there is no cause of sorrow
But for offending heaven.
Clor.
These strengths of mind you Men enjoy,
Are certain to our weaker sex denied.
Clar.
Alas, but I am none of those;
For if you grieve, I cannot be exempted.
Clor.
Would I had kept my troubles to my self then!
I would not have them grow by being guilty
Of infecting you.
Clar.
A sympathie with you for what concerns my self,
Though it be grief to me, is pleasing.
Clor.
I must not say so much for you;
And yet this is the only time I ever wisht
Your absence: pray sir be pleased to leave me
To my self.
Cla.
[Page 14]
And 'tis the only time I ever durst seem
Disobedient; be but your self, and I will leave you
But whilst you are in bondage,
A prisoner to your grief, I must not.
Clo.
Ye are cruel in you kindness, sir,
And tie me faster: A ransom of my tears
Being plentifully paid, perhaps may free me;
And whilst you stay, shame bars me from the trial.
Cla.
I would not see you weep; for if your tears
Were shed in vain, it would call in question
My religion, as having paid my vows
To powers insensible.
Clo.
Take heed, sweet Prince, you do not jest your self
Into idolatry, and over-act that part you personate,
To please a brother; that were a guilt
Neither your tears not mine can expiate,
Cla.
I fear your warning comes too late for me.
Clo.
I hope I understand you not.
Cla.
You do not Lady, nor I my self,
For I have spoke I know not what: shame forces
An obedience, which your commands could not.
All peace of mind wait on you.
Enter Agenor.
Stay brother, whither so fast? I came to seek you,
Stay—
Cla.
Not for the world, and pray henceforth
Let us not injure truth.
Exit.
Age.
What means this?
Clo.
My Lord, I know not well, some discontent.
Age.
Are we alone? is there no other eye but that of
Heaven beholds us?
Clo.
None that I know.
Age.
Blest opportunity! still I am fearful; for your sake
I would not have our loves discover'd now by chance
Which with such art and care hath been so long
[Page 15] Conceal'd from all men but my brother.
Clo.
I would it had been so from him too, sir:
Age.
Why do you fear he will discover us?
Clo.
O no sir, but—
Age.
But what?
Clo.
The gods were witness enough for me, sir,
'Twere my glory, were it known; if in your fortune
But a slave, I should with joy proclaim to all
The world what your interest were in me:
But for your sake, considering how you father
Frowns already, I scarce dare to my self
Whisper the joy of being yours.
Age.
My father! let not that trouble you,
We will be free as he ere long, and our commands
Better obeyed.
Clo.
O speak not again my fears! how sir? better obeyed!
Age.
By those that love me, and will live and die with me.
Clo.
Die with you, sir! why should that come in question?
Age.
Only as an expression of my friends affection.
Clo.
But sir, were all men what they seem,
That which I fear you do intend, is that
Which heaven cannot approve; take heed of dis­obedience, sir.
Age.
Why doest thou plead against thy self, a­gainst thy joyes
And mine? Now as I am, I dare not look on these
Bright eyes, the comforts of my life, nor touch this hand,
These lips, not speak but by the assistance
Of my brother.
Clo.
This is a freedom, sir, modesty could not allow
Did we oft meet; and as it is, do not again
Expect it.
Age.
[Page 16]
Why, dearest, are you so nice? you do no [...] love me:
Your hand you will not sure refuse me.
Clo.
I shall, sir, if you presume upon an opportu [...]nity▪
Age.
You never did deny that favor to my brothe [...]
As my substitute.
Clo.
It is confest, and that in publike too,
More willingly I there would grant him any mode [...]
Favor, then here to you in private.
Age.
That's strange.
Clo.
Do we not often give those praises to a perso [...]
Absent, which modesty would make us blush
To speak unto himself?
Age.
It seems I must be only favored by attorny▪
Clo.
Not so; the mind being the noblest part,
I'st not enough if that be happy?
Age.
Yes, if it could subsist without a body:
Which since it cannot, dearest mistres, if you'll be just,
The beauties of your person must in some measure
Satisfie the flames that they create.
Offers to kiss her.
Clo.
Sir, I believe you will not think 'tis a forc'd modesty
That I put on; though I should tell you I am not pleas'd
At all to be alone with you, yet how much
I do love you, it were in vain to speak.
That love enjoins, as you will keep your faith
To me, not to disturb the quiet of your Father
And this Kingdom, likely to be yours;
Do not expect to find them faithful in the time
To come, to whom you shall teach falshood
By your own example.
Age.
Happily I have no such design; we are ingrate
To fortune and to Love, in spending this happy
Opportunity on any other subject
Then what may tend unto his glory.
Clo.
[Page 17]
I see, Sir, I must leave you, or my modesty.
Age.
Dear do not frown; pardon those faults
Your beauties and my love engage me in.
Clo.
Should I grant that for an excuse sufficient,
Where should we find a guilty or immodest person,
Since all immoderate desires do find a beauty
In their object, which promises a pleasure
By enjoying? My love then yours is of a purer
Kind, and fit it should, as growing from
A nobler cause, your greater merit:
Be witness heaven, I never yielded yet
To any thought or motion, wherein your happiness
Had not precedence.
Age.
Should I pretend to what you do appropriate,
The greatest love, 'twould shew presumption.
Yet here I offer what you dare not perform
To me, a free unlimited disposing
Of my person and my will.
Clo.
I take you at your word; and though your
Humble servant, as a Mistress do impose
These two commands: Be modest in your love,
And patient in your expectation of a Crown;
Let all things be mature and ripen'd to perfection,
Then they are sweet and lovely; but on the
Contrary, many infirmities accompany
Abortive births, seldom or never lasting.
She offers to go away:
Age.
Sure you will not leave me thus.
Clo.
Yes sir, I must,
The greatness of my love commands me,
Remember your promise.
Age.
You do express it strangely;
Would you stay longer, if you loved me less?
Clo.
With much more confidence. I tremble, sir, lest
Some unwelcom person should find us here
Alone; if there were company with whom you
Might discourse, I should stand by and hear you
[Page 18] With delight, look on you with much more:
Now apprehension of discovery takes away
All pleasure from me.
Age.
If we must ever live with this constraint upon us,
Where are the joys of love? It rests not sure
Alone in being beloved, but in possession.
He that despairs in love, hath a more happy fate
Then I: You do not love me sure; what have I
More then words to build my faith upon?
If you have pitty in you, be more kind,
Or free me from my last engagement.
Clo.
Not for a million.
Age.
Trust me, I shall not hold my self sufficiently
Obliged, unless I seal my promise on your lip.
Clo.
He that will break his word, no other tie
Can hold him.
Age.
Yet never any fearful Creditor
(Such you appear to be) refused an Obligation.
Clo.
This is the last you ever as a Mistress
Shall receive from me.
Age.
May your last words prove happily prophe­tick!
Clo.
Think on your promise, sir.
Exit.
Age.
I do; so sweet was the engagement,
That whilst I think on it, even then
It prompts me to the breaking, the only way
For to attain a greater bliss in her. Promises
Made in prejudice of Love, I should be most profane
To keep; nor can she be offended, however fear
And modesty in her forbad me to attempt.
Power, and her dear Embraces, are alike
The objects of my soul: shall danger then make me retire?
No, danger thrusts me on, and tells me there's no [...] safety
But in arms, which well imployed, cancels my fault
Unto my father, and smooths Clorinda's brow:
[Page 19] [...]he cannot be so cruel to herself to frown
On disobedience that presents a Crown.
Exit:

Act. 2. Scaen. 1.

Enter Clarimant.
[...]lar.
O Fool! for ever thou hast forfeited thy bliss,
She never will endure to hear thee speak,
Or look upon her more. What falshood
[...]ust she think me guilty of? I am so sensible
Of my offence, that though she would admit me,
[...]durst never see her more: How poor a value then
[...]ears life!
Enter Agenor with a Picture.
Brother!
Clar▪
Ha!
Age.
How strangely you are alter'd!
Clar.
You do not erre sir, I was not wont to be thus sad.
Age.
Nor do I hope you will continue long so;
Your grief may prove infectious, pray shake it off,
You shall not else keep company with my Clorinda.
Clar.
I never will, sir.
Age.
How, brother?
Clar.
This sadness will not leave me.
Age.
Come, by all our interests I conjure you
[...]peak freely what troubles you.
Clar.
Then sir, in short, you have undone me.
Age.
I! dearest brother.
Clar.
Yes, you: Did you not enjoin
[...]at I should make in publike address to your Mi­stress,
[...] which received opinion you might be freer
[...] your love?
Age.
[Page 20]
Had you engaged me in the like,
I should with joy have done it.
Clar.
My care was such to do it to the life,
That I am really become what I did personate;
Are not you then the cause that I am miserable?
Age.
What do I hear! can there be truth in this
If it be so, speak it again.
Cla.
'Tis that I never must deny,
I love her more then I do life.
Age.
Or faith, or honour, do you not?
Cla.
Sure I believe nothing with her can stand i [...] competion long.
Yet I will never see her more.
Age.
It is not fit you should. What do I feel
Can the meer name of Rival trouble me?
Yes, with the addition that he is my brother.
But whither am I falling? Assist me Reason,
Let me but weigh my Mistresses unequal'd beauty
And her greater merit, and that must prove
Both his excuse, and my assurance.
Cla.
I fear, sir, you are angry; Not that I valu [...]
Any danger, but that I would not have you so unjus [...]
Age.
Trust me I am not, brother,
I will admit you as a friendly Rival:
Make her inconstant once, and I shall gladly quit her [...]
Cla.
Had you so mean a thought of her or me,
It were an injury I could not suffer.
Age.
Come, come, upon my life I have not.
Some business, brother, of the highest importance
Commands me from you, perhaps from Court er [...] long.
And that I may assure you of my love and trust,
Carry from me this Picture to my dearest Mistress.
Clar.
Sir, I beseech you pardon me; I would no [...] see her
When I may avoid it; there's too much danger
In the object.
Age.
[Page 21]
Remember she's your Brothers Mistress, that will protect you.
Cla.
I never did forget, pray send it by some other.
[Offers the Picture back.]
Age.
I shall believe you do indeed intend to wooe
My mistress from me, since you refuse to appear to her
My friend and messenger.
Cla.
Sir, I will do it; but henceforth never mis­doubt
The strengths you hold upon me; for I in it
[...]o break a resolution equal to a vow.
Age.
Farewell.
Exit.
Clar.
How hard a fate is mine! to what cross actions
[...]oth our passions move? I flie from what I wish;
Yet to assist anothers flame, I grant what
so my own I had denied. Oh no, it is not thus;
[...]or every action rightly weighed, it will be found,
Our own advantage is the proper center
Where all lines meet: For if I tru [...]y apprehended
[...] discontent from seeing her, I should not sure
[...]ave yielded to the inforcement of my brother.
[...]o, 'tis with me as with those men who are
[...]y nature strongly tempted to some lust,
[...]as'd in the sin, yet grant no guilt,
Only alleadging for excuse, They must.
Exit.
Enter Cleon and Selina.
Cle.
Sweet Selina, it is not now that I shall need
[...]o make a declaration of my love,
[...]ou long have known the engagement of my heart.
Sel.
My Lord, my obligations are so great,
[...]hat you may justly claim the utmost of my power
[...]oward the accomplishment of your desires.
Cle.
I have been too unthankful to so true a friend;
[Page 22] But be assured that thou shalt have my best
Of fortunes with me; in the mean time wear this
To keep me in thy memory.
Sel.
It needs not sir, I have already too many test [...]moni [...]
Of your favor, to forget.
Cle.
When was Prince Clarimant with thy Lad [...]
Sel.
When was he not? I fear, sir, her affection
To him is so rooted, that it will grow for ever.
Yet I have used those arts you taught me,
And some female practises of mine, but all in vain.
But sir, despair not, since as yet you never
Did make known your love to her; and were she
My mind, she soon would make a difference
Betwixt a boy, a child, and such a man as you.
Cle.
Friendship doth blind thee, more then [...]o does me:
The frost I wear upon my locks, will keep
My fire from kindling in her breast;
Whilst equal youth and beauty in the Prince
Gives nourishment unto a mutual flame.
Sel.
I hope it will—
[Aside]
Cle.
Yet prethee say that I would speak with h [...]
And have a care none overhear our conference.
Sel.
My Lord, I shall endeavour it; she's now [...] the garden.
Exit. S [...]
Cle.
It is not love alone unto the Princess perso [...]
I know I cannot be so faithless to my own designs,
No, 'tis her interest to the Crown engages me
As much as does her beauty or her wit:
And yet she holds by those, when I do see,
Or hear her speak, great power upon me.
But I must watch my flame, no spark let fall
That may give any light of my affection to her,
In a third person I must try her,
Since she's of humane race, a woman to her moth [...]
Whether from her be not derived some seeds
[Page 23] Of the first female weaknesses, ambition and
Inconstancie; which if I find, I'll nourish them,
And in their growth my hopes; but if I see
Such powerful charm no alteration move,
She claims my adoration, cures my love.
[ Enter Clorinda, Selina.]
She comes, be firm my resolution,
The splendor of her eyes is powerful; already
My designs meet with confusion: Love gives the lye
To my ambition, triumphs o're my discretion,
And tels me that a Crown's an aiery nothing
Compared with the possessing of her personal
Beauty: what wonders will the magick of
Her tongue perform?
Clo.
What means this?
Cle.
'Tis best I should at once profess my love,
And in her scorn receive a glorious death—
Stay, let me be a King first; and then to offer
Up my self to my great Deity,
Brings no dishonor to her shrine.
Clo.
My Lord, did you not desire to speak with me?
Cle.
Madam, I did; and the affair is of such weight,
That though I had consulted with my self before,
I durst not utter it without a second thought,
And none but your dear self to hear it.
Clo.
Leave us.
Exit Selina:
Cle.
Madam, amongst those many whom your perfections
Have devoted to your service, though not so happy
As with others to express my zeal,
There's none, without exception I dare speak it,
Would sooner undertake, or hazard more to serve you.
This if you can believe, I dare enlarge my self:
If not, I must be satisfied with this expression.
Clo.
[Page 24]
My Lord, if I be not mistaken, you are a frien [...]
To those whom all know I do value highly; that,
Were I ignorant of your own worth,
Is argument enough for my esteem and trust.
Cle.
I here do call the Gods to witness,
That all my study, all my friendship tends to you [...] advantage:
Nor is the Prince at all considerable to me,
But as he is your servant; but for your sake
I wish he were the the Monarch of the world.
For, how so much perfection can be ordain'd
To bless a Subjects bed, comes not within
The compass of my faith; and Prince Clarimant
Is never like to be a King.
Clo.
To what tends this?
Cle.
But had your love been plac'd upon his bro­ther
As his is upon you, ere long your beauties
Might have found their proper foil, a Crown,
To set [...]hem off as a bright constellation, there
All eyes might look on you with wonder
And delight; but in a Subjects name, your glorie
Are obscured.
Clo.
Either the Prince, as being his friend,
Hath made discovery to him of our loves,
Or he hath found cause to suspect.
Cle.
Madam, I see what I have spoke, begets you [...] trouble.
Clo.
I must confess it, sir; can it do less,
When I shall hear a person of your merit,
A friend as you profess, perswading me
To quit my faith for the vain expectation
Of a Crown.
Cle.
Madam, the Crown will soon be his, as certai [...]
As he loves you, and both as certain as I live.
Clo.
It is impossible that Prince Agenor he should love,
And never speak his passion.
Cle.
[Page 25]
No more then it was in me.
Clo.
How sir, in you?
Cle.
Madam, I will confess a secret to you,
[...] burn with a more zealous consuming fire
Then ever yet was kindled in a mortals breast;
Have often seen my Mistress, spoke to her,
Had opportunities alone, as now with you:
Yet such was my respect to her, I never durst
Express my passion▪ Then, Madam, from the purity
Of my affection, judge of the Prince,
And reward his sufferings.
Clo.
I must try him; Can this be possible?
Cle.
Iove strike me with his thunder,
If what I now have said, be not a truth:
Clo.
My Lord, if it be thus, I shall at least find pitty
For his sufferings: my best of wishes too
For your success in love.
Cle.
Would you be pleas'd, when I shall let you know
Her name, to be my advocate? I cannot doubt
My happiness.
Clo.
Sure he means me.—Alas, my Lord, what you desire
I should perform for any worthy person,
Much more for you, since what I shall perswade
Must tend for certain to her happiness.
Cle.
Can I ask more? she courts me to discover.
Enter Selina.
Divinest Lady,
The Prince your servant desires admittance.
Cle.
Hell take him! Madam, be pleas'd to grant me
The honor of your hand as an assurance
Of your promis'd favor.
Clo.
If you believe I have the power to serve you
In your love, name but the time and person,
I am ready to assist you, were it this minute.
Cle.
[Page 26]
I should too much presume upon your favo [...]
The Prince your servant being so near attending.
Clo.
Do not mistake sir, he may stay.
Cle.
Why am I fearful? dare I believe my self [...] happy,
That you would miss the Prince's company a minute [...]
To pleasure me?
Clo.
Yes by my life, two minutes; nor is't in [...]
Meer curiosity to know the loves of others,
But that I hold my self obliged no longer
To be ignorant of one whose worth and beauty
Hath the force to ad your conquest to Lov's triumph
Yours who have been still observed victorious
In the subduing every other passion.
To force an inclination, is an act of power,
Where every common beauty can subdue the amo­rous.
Cle.
Not to have yielded homage here, had been a flat
Rebellion, since all hearts are a tribute due
To her perfections; which justice will inforce you
To confess, when you know how much she doth
Resemble you.
Clo.
'Tis plain he loves, rather would have me think so,
My Lord, your last words give me cause to doubt,
Not so much your attaining, as the over-value
Of the purchase; and that I may not have a less esteem
Of you, I must confess I do not wish to know her now.
Enter Selina and Clarimant.
Sel.
Madam, the Prince!
Cle.
How shall I understand this dark Enigma?
Hope, or despair? 'tis time must cleer it.
Sir, I presume to have that interest in you,
You will not be offended at your stay.
[Page 27] For the injury, name your own satisfaction.
Clar.
So kind,
Madam, to me who have no other merit
But obedience, how can there be an injury?
Clo.
In this unjust acknowledgment, much mo­desty appears:
How winning must your words and actions be,
When they are accompanied with truth?
Clar.
That only must be truth with me,
Which you are pleas'd to have so; I will not own
A faculty that prompts me to a contradiction:
Yet never could I yield to my own praise,
But as I am dignified in being your creature.
Clo.
In being so absolutely mine, you make me richer
In my own esteem, then all additions which the world
Can yield besides.
Cle.
This Lady can dissemble; but with whom she does so,
I am yet to learn. It is not fit I should disturb
This harmony; the God of love is hovering
Not far off, delighted with the musick
Of these melting accents: For I, a profest opposite
To all his sweetness, have forfeited my manners by my stay.
Clor.
Not so, my Lord; the excess of kindness
I have shewed Prince Clarimant,
Must clear all suspition in this Lord,
If he had any, that I love Agenor.
Cle.
Sir, be happy in this Princess to my wish,
Which hath a latitude as great as you can
Think. Your Father by my means (if I may boast
A service to my Princely friend) highly approves
The match.—
All happiness attend you both.
Exit.
Clar.
[Page 28]
How fortune mocks me!
Clo.
Struck with a sudden sadness, sir!
Selina, Ex. Sel.
Call for my servants, I'll go to Court,
Have you any service to command me, sir?
Clar:
Madam, I see you fain would change the Scene:
How soon are you weary of his company,
To whom just now you did profess so much?
Clo.
Not weary, sir, but yet I hope
That you have not forgot to whom
All those professions were intended.
Clar.
Yet they were spoke to me, the words ac­companied
With proper accents, your eyes, to speak Loves lan­guage;
And here before Lord Cleon with more perswasive
Eloquence then ever.
Clo:
'Tis true, it makes me almost blush to think
How much I courted you: Heaven knows
I could not for the world have spoke
Or lookt so on your brother; the reason was,
I feared that Cleon did suspect whom I did
Love indeed.
Clar.
And you to cozen him, used me so over­kindly,
At first I doubt not but you laid the plot
Of thus disguising your affection.
Clo.
You speak as if you did repent the obligation
You have laid upon your brother and my self.
Clar.
Do you esteem it one?
Clo.
A great one, sir, believe.
Clar.
Heaven knows I not repent it then;
But can you think that when you look and speak
With passion, whoever hears must not be moved,
And in despight of duty wish
Though dare not hope, that he were the object
Of that passion:
Clo.
Oh misery!
Clar.
[Page 29]
How could I then, to whom they were addrest,
Having withall a sympathie of blood,
But find joy as a brother, at first no more,
Which warranted for just, at last that pleasure
Ere I was aware betrayed to me a deeper
And more peculiar sense of happiness in you.
Clo.
Add not that vanity unto your falshood,
To hope from me a common estimation after this.
Clar.
Add not injustice to your cruelty,
To hate where you should pitty: The injunction
Did proceed from you, you are the first
And the immediate cause that I am miserable:
Which makes me often doubt, since it proceeds from you,
Whether it be a crime or no. When I shall find it
Such, you shall not need to frown or threaten
Punishment by hating me, once confident you do,
Without a cause I know you cannot;
I will inflict more, then happily you will wish
I should.
Clo.
The Judge and the accused so neer allied,
As we are to our selves, no crime is great enough
For punishment.
Clar.
Madam, you much mistake; I cannot be the Judge.
That am am the Plaintiff: for who does, at least justly
Can complain of injury but I? How is my love,
Since a requital is not in my wish, a wrong
To you or to my brother?
Clo.
No! why did you by complaining
Make me know your passion?
Clar.
Now you have named my guilt,
Alas I find I have too much approved that law
Which says, no man is bound to be his own accuser.
You are the proper Judge, truth speaks in you,
[Page 30] Let your severest censure fall, and by the Gods
I am your faithful Executioner.
Clo.
Then—
Clar.
Stay, first receive this Picture of my happy Brother,
Sent from himself, the occasion of your trouble,
Now, I speak not this in my excuse,
To raise your pitty up against your justice;
For I at last was pleas'd in the imployment.
Nay, now profess to you and all the world,
Whilst I have life, I shall adore you.
Clo.
And must I sentence you then,
Like to a desperate person that hath done
Some wickedness so great, for which the happiness
Of sorrow is denied.
Clar.
You must for what concerns my loving you.
Clo.
Then hear a sentence proper to the guilt:
Your eyes and tongue, which did betray your vertue,
Must never meet in me their objects more.
Clar.
Misery! never to look or speak to you,
Is that my doom?
Clo.
It is justly inflicted.
Clar.
I not dispute; but shall it never be revok'd?
Clo.
It is from me inviolate by all the Gods;
You may to morrow break it, and I look you should.
Clar.
I must confess, what ere I do resolve,
'Tis not unlike I should.
Clo.
I thought no less.
[She offers to go]
Clar.
But Madam, I will never see to morrow,
Death is more welcom then to disobey you.
Clo.
Hold sir.
Clar.
How long?
Clo.
Sure you are not in earnest.
Clar.
[Page 31]
Not in earnest! death could have brought no pain
[...]ike this; I see I did so well dissemble once,
That I am thought to do so still.
This is an injury so great, it frees me
From disobedience.
Offers his sword agen upon himself:
Clo.
Oh hold, as you doe love me.
Clar.
As you do hate me, let me die.
Clo.
No, you mistake,
Or would by death frustrate your punishment.
If you were dead, no longer should remain
The sense of your offence, or my just hatred
For it: Live to be sorry, that way expiate
Your guilt, I do not say your punishment.
But if you kill yourself on this occasion,
Making me accessary to your murder,
[...] call the Gods to witness I will revenge it
By making you like guilty of your Brothers death,
For I will never see him more: how horrid
Should I look drest in a scarlet robe
Dyed in your blood.
Clar.
All these are trifles, whilst your (just)
Yet most hard sentence rests upon me,
Never to see you more.
Clo.
Would vertue could permit to make your noble sufferings less:
Your love might be received, and yet your person
Never gain access.
[Exeunt.]
Clar.
O cruel pitty!
Enter Cleon with a Letter and Papers.
Cle. reads.
Meet me with all the forces you ca [...]
Raise, at Lassent on the frontiers of Germany; th [...]
Imployment you then shall know.
—As I could wish.
[Enter Old King.]
You Powers, why should I be thought a person
Capable of his temptation? but there's no help,
He that hath lost his own vertue, may well expect
To make another false. The Rocks, whose constanc [...]
Denies an entrance to the beating waves,
Though they want motion, yet in their firmness
Seem to take revenge by casting the attempting
Billows with disperst drops upon the movers
Face: So though all motion be denied
Against the person of the Prince, from reverence
To the Father, yet here I may revenge
My injuries, and manifest the vanity of his design
In this dispersion.
[Tears the Letter]
O. K.
Hold, hold, why do you tear the paper [...]
[He takes up some.]
Cle.
What do you mean sir? 'twas but a trivia [...] Note,
Howe'r the impertinencie of the Sender
Moved me.
O. K.
A trivial Note! can thy faith stile that so,
Wherein my safety is concern'd?
Cle.
How sir, your safety!
O. K.
Come, come, dissemble not; we will be both reveng'd.
Cle.
Reveng'd, on whom?
O. K.
On my false Son: No more I say,
For know, your tenderness hath trencht upon your faith,
I must know every circumstance,
Dare nott hide it from me:
Cle.
[Page 33]
Remember, sir, he is your son, your heir,
A Prince in whom your peoples hopes and joyes are fixt:
[...]ay these close to your heart to move your pitty;
And then what my unhappy memory contains
Of what was writ.
O. K.
Nay, if a Councellor suspect his memory,
His Princes safety at the stake, 'tis fit he trust
His own care, I'll gather these.
Gathers the papers.
Cle.
Your pardon, Royal sir; you shall know every
Circumstance: but sir, remember still
How dear your son is to your people,
Lose not their love by cruelty to him.
O. K:
Not dearer sure to them then you.
Cle.
Nay, then this be my witness of the con­trary—
[...]o, read, till it kill all nature in thee,
And corrupt thy brain,
[...]uch loss to him must prove my greatest gain.
Exeunt.

Act. 3. Scaen. 1.

Enter Agenor (with a Paper) Lucidor:
Age.
ALl these you say are ready.
Lu.
All on my knowledg; there's no other fear,
[...]ut that your troops will be too full. Might I have
[...]iven advice, ere this you had been gone;
here's danger in your stay, so many flock hither
[...]rom the Court, your house is no way able
[...]o contain them, and some no doubt that come
[...] Spies.
Age.
[Page 34]
To morrow early I'll be gone, I must this night
Bid farewell to my dearest Mistress.—Now.
Enter Clindor.
O sir, I have rid; my horse fell dead just at the door▪
You are betrayed, sir, proclaim'd a Traitor,
Your Fathers Guard I overtook.
Age.
Where?
Clind.
By this time they are at the gates.
Lucid.
O heavens! my fears are faln upon us.
Age.
What's to be done?
Clind.
Let us make good the gates against them▪
Age.
There's none dares touch my person.
Lucid.
Believe it not sir, there is no fafety:
Your Fathers jealousies are wrought to a strange
Height, and those whom you least suspect
I fear conspire your ruine, to advance
Your brother to the Crown.
Age.
Who do you mean?
Lucid.
Lord Cleon.
Age.
It is impossible.
Clind.
I saw Prince Clarimant and him together
And Cleon's words were to the Captain of the guar [...]
Bring him alive or dead.
Lucid.
Sir, be advised, there is no safety
In the Kingdom for you, until this storm blow ove [...] ▪
Age.
What, shall I flie?
Lucid.
Rather then fall. I know there's thousan [...]
Will live and dye with with you, but here they a [...] not.
Enter Lord.
The Guard, Sir, do approach the house on every sid [...]
Clind.
Make sure the gates.
Lucid.
That will not do't; fire soon will ope [...] ther [...]
[Page 35] —Down with them, Fire the gates,
Within a crying:
Lucid.
Hark!
Age.
Let's force our passage through them.
[They clash their swords within.]
Exeunt.
Enter Clindor, and four Guard.
Clind.

My friends, this care is needless; why do you hold me? I am not mad.

I.

Mad, sir, we do not think it.

Clind.

Nor can I swim, I do assure you.

I.

What then?

Clind.

Then you are sure I cannot scape your hands, as the Prince did.

I.

No sir, we'll look to you for that: Bring him away before the King.

Clind.

Before the King! of what will you accuse me?

I.

For being accessary of the Princes flight.

Cl.

O 'tis well, then we'll ev'n hang for company.

I.

For company!

Cl.

Even so, if I be accessary, you let him scape.

I.

Why, could we help it, when he leapt into the river?

Cl.

Had your Zeal been so hot to serve the King, as you do now make shew of, You would have dows'd in over head and ears.

2.

What, drown our selves?

Cl.

Yes, any thing in zeal: My zeal to justice shall hang all you and my self Too, for in my conscience we deserve it; what, shrin [...] for a little water?

I.

He tels us true, our fault will be esteem'd as great as his.

Cl.

Come, come along my friends, we must before the King.

I.

Very pretty.

Clind.
[Page 36]
You will not find so, when my most nob [...]
Lord Cleon shall with the King
Judge of your actions.
I.
Well Captain, we acquit you; I find indeed
We should be fools to accuse each other.
Clind.
Speak for your selves, &c.
Enter Old King, Clarimant, Cleon.
O. K.
Urge nought in his excuse, he's a bo [...] Traitor,
And he shall know his birth is no excuse
For disobedience.
Clar.
Sir, I dare pawn my life, my brother neve [...] di [...]
Nor does intend ill to your Royal person.
O. K.
If it were so, am not I wounded in m [...] Ministers?
[Enter Capt.]
This natural tenderness of thine, a Brothers,
Condemns him most unnatural to me a Father.
Now speak, is the Traitor coming to assault us?
Capt.
No sir, but he is scap'd our hands.
Cle.
How? scap'd!
Capt.
He resolutely made his passage through u [...]
And we pursuing to take him, he with Lucidor
Leapt into the river, and swam to a small pi [...]ace
Of his own, that always lay there for his
Pleasure, in which they are put to sea.
Cle.
With all speed make to the shore, and se [...] what course
They hold: if he sir in despair should go into New [...]stre [...]
With whose King you now have difference
About the staying of your ships of treasure,
And the Isle of Cires; no doubt much danger
Threatens your self and State; to prevent which,
Straight raise an Army, and make Prince Clarimant
Your General, that being in readiness,
[Page 37] You may prevent any attempt Agenor
Or the enemy can make against you.
O. K.
Be all things ordered by thy faith and judg­ment,
Thy care must be my preservation,
I do commit all power into thy hands:
Hearken to him, my dearest Clarimant,
In what he shall advise thee; my age
And griefs, I find, will quickly wear me out.
[...]'ll to my chamber: Give order, careful,
Faithful Cleon.
Exeunt King, Clar▪ and others.
Cle.
Yes, I shall be careful to take order,
An order with you all, Father and sons.
Now my designs work prosperously;
Only the late discovery that Selina made,
Does trouble me; Agenor, not Clarimant
My Rival, is by her beloved: but all
Do love Clorinda; yet now Agenor's gone,
She happily may change her love to Clarimant,
Who is opinion now stands fairest for the Crown:
Rather I hope by this she hates him
As the cause of all Agenor's misery:
So far Selina is by me instructed
[...]o insinuate, whom I of late have wrought
To a belief that I do love her person,
But Clorinda's quality and title,
As being those steps by which I hope of ascend
The throne—See where she comes! speak my sweet
Agent; how moves our plot?
Enter Selina, with a Letter seal'd and writ out.
Sel.
Not well, too fast I fear.
Cle.
As how?
Sel.
Obeying your directions, my Lady hath con­tracted
[...]o much hatred against Prince Clarimant,
[...]he scarcely can endure to hear him named,
Resolves never to see him more.
Cle.
[Page 38]
Is not this well? 'tis all as I could wish?
Sel.
Thus far 'tis true: but now Agenor's gon [...]
She so much apprehends the importunity
Of Prince Clarimants affection, that she's resolv [...]
Past all perswasion, in a disguise
To seek for the Agenor, which if she find,
She satisfies her love, however cures her fears.
Cle.
My cunning hath undone me:
Thus chance oft triumphs over wisdom.
But what? there is some remedy in every ill—
Let me think it what disguise: soft, may she not
With you dissemble, as you with her?
And she does yet love Clarimant, and not Ageno [...]
Sel
No, I have that here does assure me
She hates Prince Clarimant.
Cle.
What is't▪ a Letter? O let me see it!
Sel.
By no means sir, you cannot close it
But the Prince will find it hath been broken.
Cle.
You do not know my skill.
Sel.
I need not trust it, upon my life I'll tell yo [...]
Every word that it contains, she read it to me.
Cle.
Nay then I fear she did abuse you,
All Lovers are dissemblers, and she I fear
Is a cunning one.
Sel.
What she hath done, I know not;
But now her sorrows and her passions
Are so rais'd, the heart's transparent.
Cle.
There may be greatest art.
Sel.
Such broken sighs, and floods of tears,
Agenor's name still call'd upon,
Gives me assurance of her love to him.
Cle.
Change but the name, the griefs may still [...]
Counterfeit: I sigh and vow Clorinda,
Instructed by ambition; but yet my heart
Is more Selina's.
[Kisses her]
Sel.
Well, my Lord, you may abuse me.
Cle.
[Page 39]
Prethee let me see the Letter.
Sel.
The words are few, and I can write them down:
Pray sir do not desire what may undo
My credit with my Lady, which truth is,
I do only value, as it may advance your ends.
[ Enter Clarimant.]
Cle.
The Prince! Make shew as if you only
Did of me enquire for him.
Sel.
My Lord!
Cle.
There, Lady, is Prince Clarimant, whom you
Enquire for—If he do read it here, I shall
Observe his action.
Sel.
From Clorinda this, accompanied with all misfortunes:
Clar.
How?
Sel.
Pardon the duty of a servant.
Clar.
Stay, Lady.
Sel.
I must receive no answer.
Exit.
Clar.
Since from her hand, however I receive it
Thus—
[Kisses it.]
Cle.
Certain she hath abused Selina:
He kift the paper, as knowing the inside
Differs from the superscription.
Clar. reads
Of Lovers most injurious, of Brothers falsest,
Of all Mankind the worst! Yet know I wish now
What before I only griev'd for, that Clarimant
Should love Clorinda, may it be to madness;
If less, only because the sense of torment
May be more, in which alone I can expect
A diminution of that grief, which by thy means
I suffer.— Thine everlasting enemy, Clorinda.
Clar.
So long my Saint! O you Gods, do I de­serve this?
Yes, I do, for she like you is just;
[Page 40] And we blaspheme, when we in thought repine,
As not conceiving how, though certainly
We have offended; my guilt is clear,
'Tis crime enough to be the accidental cause
Of misery to her.
Cle.
This sure is real sadness; Selina, I believe thee now.
Exit Cleon.
Clar.
Let me examine, have I not through am­bition
Or hope to gain Clorinda for my self,
Been aiding to my Brothers wrongs?
Sure I am guilty: I but think I did
My best to appease my Father; yes, the Gods know,
And she as being divine, may see my real
Love to him, not only as my brother,
But my friend; did either want, and could be
So supplied, how gladly would I pour this
Blood into their empty veins? and yet she
Hates me thus, perhaps my brother does so too.
What's that? nothing: 'Tis true, if I durst
Wholly yield my heart.
He meanly does deserve a Lovers name,
That can know mixture in his grief, or flame.
Exit.
Enter Agenor and Lucidor (disguis'd.)
Lucid.
Though you have lost your Country for the present,
All your hopes dasht in the minute of your greatest▪
Expectation; yet sir consider, the hand of fortune▪
That presses you thus low, may as she turns
The wheel, raise you agen.
Age.
Never, oh never! 'tis not the hand of for­tune
But my guilt that bears me down; Justice,
The justice of the Gods lies heavy on me,
Treason and disobedience, till now I never
Found their weight.
Lucid.
[Page 41]
I know not, sir, what you call Treason:
Though what you did intend, succeeded not,
[...] hold your fortune to be better now
Then in in your Fathers Court; you are safe in this
Country, and your own disposer, neither of which
[...] take it was allowed you there.
Age.
Why do you injure truth, and seek to lessen
My foul faults? Think not to make my grief
Diminish so; rather express your friendship
In yielding as I do; so shall you quickly
Be inform'd that our crimes are so great,
No punishment can be too much; and I have now
No joy, but in this burden of my sorrows.
Lucid.
Nor I in my particular, no grief so great
As in the lightness of my purse.
Age.
We have enough, these Jewels will
From want secure us; for I am resolv'd
Never to quit this habit and condition,
Since justice hath impos'd it as a punishment
For my ambition.
Enter Two:
I.
Make haste, make haste; sure we shall come
Too late.
Age.
Let's leave the street.
Exeunt.
Enter Two!
1.
Do you think we shall get neer to see?
Sure she'll chuse one of the strange Princes.
2.
Troth who can tell? Newstrea affords
Handsomer men then they.
1.
Indeed she's past fifteen; I'll warrant she has
A Sweetheart, some at her age have two
Or three.
2.
Trust me, she's the wiser to have plenty;
When age comes, they'll drop like leaves
In Autumn.
Exeunt.
Enter (with all the glory can be) King, Austella, three Princes, Lords, Ladies, Sister, and People.
King.
Daughter, this is the day
Wherein you have full power
To dispose my Kingdom, nay more,
Your self.
Austel.
This freedom, sir, of choice, which custom [...]
And your Majesty allows, is that wherein
My bondage will consist; nay, all this
Glorious troop appear to me no other
Then if they came with joy to see me
Put into the grave alive.
K.
How, daughter!
Aust.
Many Virgins, sir, that have been forc'd to
Marry those they did not love, have rather
Chosen death as the less evil.
K.
I understand you not; call you this force,
Where the election's absolutely free?
Aust.
I grant, sir, I am free to choose;
But if I would not chuse at all, does not
The same constraint still rest upon me?
Pardon, great Princes, whose expectation
To enjoy me and a Crown, have drawn you
From your Countries: you are all indifferent
In my eye, nor does my knowledg of your merits
Which I confess is great, perswade that in
The choice of any one I shall be happy:
And where the wife is discontented, the husband sure▪
If he have real worth, cannot be pleas'd.
K.
From the knowledg of the liberal power
The law allows, and the necessity of a successor,
You cannot but have often thought on this dayes
Ceremony: Let not a fained modesty,
[Page 43] Or be it real, prevail above your duty and your reason:
The ripeness of your years may justly challenge
All delight; and here a Husband, and the assurance
Of a Crown attend you.
[She weeps]
If these do make you weep,
What can cause joy in woman? Since you are
My daughter, I dare not think that you have plac'd
Your love on any man you are ashamed to name.
Aust.
The Gods are witness, sir, I never saw that person
Yet, whom I thought worthy to exchange
My heart with; but custom, sir, and you impose
On me the prostitution of my love perhaps to one,
Who, wer't not for the Crown I bring,
Nay even with that addition will happily refuse me.
1 Pr.
Refuse you, Madam!
2 Pr.
He must not sure be mortal,
That dare aspire a greater happiness.
3 Pr.
The Gods have left heaven for mortals,
Then here there never was a greater cause.
Aust.
Princes, these words do fitly wait upon
The action you are now engag'd in:
I do not doubt you should refuse me,
But I perhaps may choose one whose affection
Is already given; how miserable am I then?
Since there to be refused, were the less mischief,
For his acceptance only grants a perjur'd
And ambitious husband.
K.
How vain are these excuses, since the custom
And my age inforce a choice.
Aust.
Like one condemned I beg for mercy:
Cross not the course of nature; even beasts, sir,
Do not couple till they wooe.
K.
Plead not the rights of nature, since those you wrong
[Page 44] By thus refusing marriage: On your posterity
Depends the safety of my State, and I nor can
Nor will dispence with what custom and law
Appoint.
Aust.
The law doubtless was made in favor of
The daughter, to make her happy in a free
Choice, which almost never is allowed to Princes;
But where like priviledges are, if not demanded,
They'r not inforct: Those Countries where the
Book's allowed to save the forfeit life
For theft, 'tis but if askt; so when a Virgin
Saves a life, and gains a husband,
Yet have they in those offers been refused,
And death embrac'd by the delinquent.
Then wonder not that I, a Princess, to miss
A husband, which being inforc'd I needs must hate,
Do that which common persons have perform'd.
My seeming disobedience set against
Their forfeit life, Justice will force
These Princes, and your sacred Majesty confess
That I have reason on my side, however will
And custom plead for you.
King.
Fond Austella, too late I fear thou wilt repent
This pride of soul; it is no other cause
Makes thee thus peevish: My Lords, your ear.
Aust.
Ha! what object meets mine eyes? sure there is
Somthing like a charm that works upon me;
Can this be natural? fie Austella,
Consider these Princes had no power;
Let not a glance then of a strangers eye
Kindle an amorous fire about thy Virgin heart:
Age.
The Princess eyes are fixt upon me,
And they are glorious ones, believe me friend.
1 Pr.
[Page 45]
Sir, we are all agreed; the honour to be your
Son in law, which thus we still may be,
Is that we covet.
King.
Know Austella, since you refuse the priviledges
Of your birth, and thus neglect my safety
And the State; that reason which you so much plead
Invests your sister with all those priviledges
Which once belong'd to you.
Austel.
Ah me! that I had sooner se [...]n, or never.
Sist.
My sister, sir, will be better advs'id, I know.
Austel.
I wish, sir, I had not so far transgrest;
But do your pleasure.
King.
My pleasure, dearest Austella, is to make thee yet
What nature did ordain thee, if thou wilt chuse
A husband.
Aust.
I shall sir, so you will promise
What the law requires upon your part.
King.
'Tis vain to make a second promise,
With the Crown I took that Oath.
Austel.
These Princes and all that hear me, know that I
Can chuse but one; I hope none will repine
Since for my self I chuse.
I Pr.
None dares be so unjust to question the actions
Of a Goddess, such all true Lovers
Ever should esteem their Mistress.
Austel.
Sir, in obedience to your royal will,
I am resolved to give away my self—
Stay—pause Austella—It is no less:
How rash, how fatal may that bounty prove!
[Page 46] Shall the deceitfullest of all my senses
Be more powerful then reason, duty,
Or my resolution? No, no, my eyes,
Though as a woman I receive with joy
The beams which you convey, yet as a Princess
On whom depends the good of others,
Reason and vertue ought to sway me more.
Age.
Is't not extremely dark upon the sudden?
Lucid.
Just as it was.
Age.
O friend, I am undone for ever!
K.
Daughter, why do you hold us all upon the Rack
Of expectation?
Aust.
In an affair of so high consequence
Blame me not, sir, though I advise. Were you to give away
A Kingdom, you would do so. I shall not only, sir,
Do that, but likewise take from many,
Especially these Princes, a Kingdom, and your Daughter;
And yet to ballance all these discontents,
Please but one person:
K.
Yes, dearest Austella, your self in your free choice
Of him whoe're he be.
Aust.
You encourage me; but I, sir, from my care
Of these your subjects for whom I am to chuse
A King, as well as for my self a husband,
Humbly desire the Ceremonial part
Of this days custom may be dispenc'd with;
And where the manner was to praise the Gods
For him was chosen son in law, and so successor
To the Crown, you now would with more reason
And a righter set devotion go to the Temple,
And invoke those heavenly powers to inspire me
With their wisdoms in my election, which I wil make
At my return.
K.
[Page 47]
I know not how I, or these Princes, or these people
Can refuse you a request so just and pious,
[...]ending to all our goods.—Set forward to the Temple.
Exeunt.
Enter people passing over by degrees, (talking.)
Enter Austella and a Lady.
Are not those strangers I sent for, come?
Thom.
Madam, they wait your pleasure.
Aust.
Wait! why did you suffer it? Oh bring them in,
Yet stay.
Thom.
What contradiction's here?
Aust.
How hard a part necessity hath thrust upon me!
Time, till for this cause, I never wisht
Thy motion slower; desire them enter.
Ex. Lady
Enter Agenor, Lucidor.
Age.
O you Gods, was this the Lady that sent
for us?
Aust.
Noble strangers, for such your looks do promise,
I took the boldness to send for you to know
A truth, which from our natives, or my fathers
Subjects, 'tis not like I shall, since all are apt
Still to approve the customs of their Nation:
Lucid.
Madam, when you are pleas'd to make me and my son
Know your demands, so far as our abilities inform,
Truth shall not suffer.
Aust.
Say you the same, sir?
Age.
[Page 48]
'Twere alike vain as to dissemble with Di­vinity,
Not to speak truth to you.
Aust.
What I demand, is, how you do approve
Those actions of which you were late witnesses?
Age.
I must esteem that Kingdom made happy
By a custom, where their prosperity
And future bliss depends on your election,
Who have no doubt the care of heaven to govern
What you do, as well as 'tis exprest
In the harmonious composing of your person:
Aust.
This flattery makes me despair to find
That truth which I expected, and you promis'd.
Yet necessity does urge me to demand
A bolder question: What Country do you hold
Produces the greatest beauties?
Age.
Madam, this Kingdom, even this place con­tains
More then the world besides.
Aust.
These words methinks fall from your tongue,
As if you had been taught by Love to speak
Hyperboles: You have a Mistress, I perceive.
Age.
Ah me!
Aust.
Speak, have you not?
Lucid.
She loves you, on my life.
Aust.
Oh I fear.
Lucid.
What mean you sir?
Madam, I know the Prince.
Aust.
How sir?
Lucid.
The Prince of Love I mean, Queen Venus Child,
Had never any power yet o're my son,
The war hath ever been his Mistress.
Aust.
How gladly would I flatter my desires
With a belief of something even above my hopes!
The words were strangely broken and abrupt,
Is he your father, sir?
Age.
[Page 49]
Madam, you are the first that ever seem'd to doubt it.
Au.
I must confess I do: withall, whate'r he says,
I must believe you are a Lover.
Age.
Madam, one truth's in both; the latter
I will swear, or seal it with my blood.
Au.
How sir?
Age.
That I do love.
Au.
How long have you done so?
Age.
Since the first minute that I saw the object
Of my passion.
Au.
I must increase your wonder at the strictness
Of my examination: Hath many days past
Since your passion first took birth?
Age.
Though it may seem an arrogance ap­proaching
Madness; yet truth, which you enjoin,
And all must reverence, forces me say
The sun hath never set, since my affection
Rise; a glorious passion sure, if but consider'd
From your self the object.
Au.
Me! Know you to whom you speak?
Age.
I know you are the daughter of a King,
So to be reverenc'd: but I obey a power
That aws all scepters; your beauty hath erected
In my heart a greater monarchy, and that commands
Me, fear cast by, here prostrate at your feet,
Acknowledging my subjection.
[Kneels]
Au.
Ye Gods, teach me to husband all my joys:
Although encouraged, he that dares thus profess
His love to me, must have a soul above the
Common rank: why do you kneel?
Age.
You are my destiny, give life or death:
Au.
So were you mine; time bars all ceremony now,
At once receive all happiness that I can give you.
Age.
[Page 50]
If this be real, I shall contemn addition;
Are we not in a pleasing dream? is all this truth?
Lucid.
All certainly, if she be flesh and blood:
Ere long I hope you'll be resolv'd.
Au.
Let none take notice of our conference,
I must in publique chuse you:
If but my Father then my act approve,
None ever was so happy in their love.
Exeunt.

Act. 4. Scaen 1.

Enter King, three Princes.
1 Pr.
SIr, we are injur'd past all sufferance,
And shall return back to our Countries
The scorn of all the world.
K.
Princes, I had no power to force the affection
Of my daughter.
1 Pr.
Your daughter never durst have made a choice
So much to our dishonor, had you not been
Before acquainted with it.
2 Pr.
Or when she had, would he have given consent,
But that it was his plot?
K.
Let not my patient bearing of your slander
Make you believe I fear your angers,
Though united; yet that I may give you all
Satisfaction possible, the Gods be witness with me
I knew not her intent before, nor had I power
To hinder when the choice was made: You saw
Your selves, the people, as if inspired to his
Advantage whom my daughter chose, with strange
[Page 51] Unheard of acclamation did express their joy.
3 Pr.
I wonder what they saw to be delighted with,
Some of our persons are as promising as his.
K.
They saw one like themselves, a common per­son chosen,
And that begot their joy and friendship.
Know Princes, though in honour I am bound to observe
Fairly my promise to content my subjects;
Not all your discontents, if join'd, make up one half
Of mine: but if you hold your selves disgrac'd
By such a Rival, am not I more, both in his present
Interest, and future expectation of my Crown?
But now to manifest in publike our discontent,
Will no ways suit the present joys attending
Hymen's rights; but you shall find your honours
Something righted by what I shall perform.
This musick speaks the Brides approach to bed,
We must be wanting in no outward ceremony
Custom commands.—Now all retire, and leave
This happy man to enjoy a pleasure
Which the Gods may envy; these Princes do, I am sure.
Enter Agenor, Austella, Sister, Ladies, Lucidor:
1 Pr.

This Gentleman deserves so much, he is above our envy.

2 Pr.
Some Prince disguis'd, without all doubt.
3 Pr.
Most mighty Monarch, we subscribe to your high birth,
Fate did ordain us humble vassals to attend your triumph.
Age.
That this divinest Lady judg'd me worthy,
[Page 52] Does raise me really to what your scorns
Do throw upon me; and were this time and place
Proper to right my self, the boldest of you
I would make seal with his blood, I were in worth
His equal, however I do boast no title.
Lucid.
Well spoke; h'as cool'd the Princes blood.
Au.
I hope, sir, you'll remember he is my hus­band,
So your son, in that at least an equal to these Princes.
But happily their injuries take birth
From your exprest dislike: If so, let all
Your anger fall where it is only due, on me.
Yet Royal sir, remember you forc'd me chuse
A husband, and Love instructed 'twas only he
Could make me happy.
K.
Why, daughter, are your joys disturb'd?
Do you believe you and my Kingdom
Bore so smalll a value with these Princes,
That they could part with all their hopes
And not be moved? Their murmuring proves but
A foil to set you off with greater lustre;
So raise your husband to an extasie of joy,
Since he a private man possesses that which Princes
Grieve to miss:
1 Pr.
Madam, the King hath spoken what we had
Else alleadged in our excuse.
K.
'Tis time all should retire, and leave them
To the accomplishment of their full joys:
Remember what I injoin'd.
Exeunt all but Age. and Aust.
Age.
Were not my faith strong in your happy
Influence, a sadness now might give some little
Check to my full joys.
Au.
It reaches not so high as sadness,
[Page 53] Only some thoughts that crost my fancie.
Age.
Madam, the Ladies of this Court are ene­mies
To Hymen's rights; else sure they would have staid
To undress you; all Brides that I have seen
Were in an instant ready for their bed,
So many busie hands about them.
Au.
Perhaps our customs in that point do differ
Yet you must grant we are no enemies to Love.
Age.
If so, you were ingrate, since that great Deity
In your fair sex, hath plac'd his glory, power,
And all his sweetness: which when you freely do
Dispence to those that honour you, you pay
To him the proper sacrifice.
Au.
I do not understand what sacrifice you mean.
Age.
I would instruct you to bed, bright Queen of Love!
All other attributes come short; the zealous ardor
Of my heart commands me stile you so.
Au.
Mine to you enjoins me study how to keep
Your flame (in which I glory) pure and high;
And I believe that our imaginations
Far exceeds the touches of our sense.
Age.
Be not deceived; if this, and this, beget delight,
Which, if you love, it must; can an increase
Diminish joy?
Au.
No more, I must not trust to demonstration,
My faith grew by discourse.
Age.
I find you had a woman to your Tutor;
But know, this Logick is the properest for Love,
Yet this is not the fittest School to teach it in.
To bed; and if you do not there confess
Our loves and joys receive increase,
For ever banish me your sight.
Au.
[Page 54]
Neither my love nor duty can admit that,
Since you are my husband
Age.
Not going to bed, both point to it.
Au.
You willingly mistake; I mean, both do [...] forbid
Our separation.
Age.
Then sure they do conclude the contrary:
Come dearest, make me no longer languish;
You are an excellence so great,
You can no more receive addition by difficulty,
Then a rich pendant Diamond by a Foil.
Au.
But yet a while I must be worn so,
You cannot have me naked.
Age.
I know you will not be so cruel.
Au.
If there be any, Love be my witness
My heart does harbor none but to my self.
Age.
Take heed; the witness whom you call must
As a Judg condemn you; that Deity
And Hymen both are injured, you tempt
Their power to shew a judgment on you:
But they I fear are partial, making me only feel
Their rage; no, I blaspheme, and they are just
In punishing my pride, that could believe
I merited so great a bliss.
Au.
I melt at this, yielding undoes us both.
I must not stay, dear sir good night.
Age.
An ill and everlasting one,
If thus you leave me.
Au.
What shall I do?
Enter Lady.

Madam, the King hath sent to see if yet you be at rest.

Age.
Ha!
Au.
Tell him I now am going to my chamber...
'Twas well, I had been lost else.
Age.
Is't even so? this silence speaks me miserable,
[Page 55] From what a pitch of happiness am I faln!
Au.
Sir, on my knees I beg a pardon for which soever
You condemn; never was heart then mine
More full of love and duty.
Age.
I must not doubt it, but yet—
Au.
Lay by all fears, and let your dreams assure you
Of my faith; ere long, by this, and this, reality
Shall crown your wishes. Pardon me modesty,
I in these kisses only do bestow,
Rather but pay interest for what I owe.
Exit.
Age.
There is division in me; if ever any heart
Did at an instant feel both joy and sorrow,
Sure then I do: No, it is impossible,
How near soever they appear (consider'd) there's succession.
Though this last instant I enjoy'd much bliss,
Yet now I am displeas'd for what I miss.
Exit.
Enter Cleon, Clorinda, Selina, (disguis'd.)
Cle.
Madam, the last of whom I did demand,
Assured me in two hours we might reach the City;
The Forrest is but narrow, as they say,
The way not hard to find.
Clo.
But trust me I am weary,
I can walk no further till I rest.
Cle.
You cannot find a fitter place then this,
My sister and I will watch a distance from you
Whilst you sleep.
Clo.
Indeed I find I need it; my grief and travel
Hath wasted much my spirits. Yet since for thee
Agenor, I should rejoice in't, though my pains
Were greater.
[Lies down.]
Cle.
She does begin to fall asleep,
Sister, let's walk a little further.
Sel.
[Page 56]
With you whither you please.
Ex. Cleon and Selina
Enter Cleon and Selina (agen.)
Cle.
Hear me, thou fool, with the attention
As thou wouldst do a God that should in speech
Declare his pleasure to thee.
Sel.
What means this?
Cle.
Thou know'st my love unto the Princess,
And I know thine to me hath made thee fondly
Hinder all those opportunities I had to enjoy her.
But now take heed; my passion raised by
These delays unto that height, it knows
No limits: If thou shalt speak, or call
From where I bind thee by all that can be sworn by,
Those sounds direct this dagger to thy heart.
Sel.
O you Gods, can so much cruelty
Dwell in your breast? sure Love admits no such
Companion; I was a fool that ever could
Believe it.
Cle.
I shall not greatly study to attain
Your good opinion: If by perswasion
I attain my wishes from the Princess.
Then this shall live; but if I must use force,
Then she must dye, she has a tongue.
Exit Cleon & Selina:
[Wind a Horn within: then enter Cleon.]
Cle.
There's some a hunting in the Forrest;
But by the cry, they make quite from us.
Clo
O save me, save me heaven!
Cle.
Dear Madam, what affrights you?
Clo.
I had a fearful dream;
My heart beats hard to find a passage out,
[Page 57] As if there were no safety in this miserable
Habitation.
Cle.
What Prince that lives would not receive it
Gladly, and give you his to undergo your fears?
All I dare say, being your servant, is,
Danger shall pierce my heart, before it reach to you.
Clo.
I know it shall; full well thou hast discharged
By thy unwearied care and pains, all that thy sister
Promis'd me in thy behalf.
Cle.
Madam, there's none that serve so truly
As where love is to pay the wages.
Clo.
Love! what do you mean by that?
I understand you not.
Cle.
Nor yet?—
[Discovers]
Clo.
Ha! much less by this; my wonder is in­creas'd,
Shall I believe my eyes, or ears?
Cle.
Madam, I am to claim a promise:
Behold the truest and most afflicted Lover
That ever beg'd relief, kneeling before you.
Clo.
I must confess my promise was to assist you
In your love; but then, as now, most ignorant
Who was your Mistress.
Cle.
He is not worthy to be held a Lover,
That makes his flame glair in the publike eye,
Troubles the world with complaints: Let such a one
Reap scron from her he loves, and a cheap pitty
From his hearers. If I must fall through your
Disdain, (for know you are the Saint of my devotion)
A silent grave shall be more glorious in my esteem,
If you in private shed one tear,
Then all the trophies whining Poets
Or repentant love ever adorn'd a hearse with.
Clo.
Your words alone would vanish into common air,
If not made solid by your action.
Cle.
It is some happiness to gain belief,
Add but your pitty.
Clo.
[Page 58]
My Lord, you have all that's possible for me to give,
Since I have but one heart.
Cle.
But if that heart be sent you back,
You may again dispose it: you see the Prince
Careless of your commands, hath rashly through
Ambition lost himself, but first he forfeited
His obedience to his Mistress; for you confest this day,
You did enjoin a double temperance
Unto his love, and his ambition.
Clo.
For him, as for my self, I must interpret
The irregularity of his actions
To grow from his unlimited affection:
And though I grieve the sad effects, his flight
And my pursuit, I must not love him less;
The power he aimed at, was but to make himself
More capable to serve me.
Cle.
The same end, Madam, hath directed all my actions,
Which you I hope will grant, when I have set
The Crown of Burgony upon your head,
Your right, this arm shall prove against the world.
Clarimant now, for the old King is dead,
Usurps that scepter, the Merchant whom we
Travel'd with assured me:
Clo.
All you discourses have strange wonders in them.
Cle.
Madam, why are you sad at that which should
Rejoice you? What though no subject but my self
Allow your claim? when I am known your servant
And your General, the Boy will be conten [...]ed
With the Principality of Cyrais,
Rather then venture losing all.
And certain, Madam, 'tis more glorious,
[Page 59] And should be more content to you to make a King,
Then to be made a Queen, at least to wander
Seeking one to do it, who happily
Hath found another that he more esteems.
Clo.
I can no longer bear thy falshoods,
Even thy disguises do discover thee.
Cle.
To be the faithfullest of all your servants, Lady.
Clo.
The falsest that the sun beholds; touch me not
I command thee.—Ho Selina, where art thou?
Cle.
She will not answer you, I am engaged,
I read disdain and anger in her eyes,
Perswasions will not do, I must try other means.
Clo.
I was to blame to speak so bitterly,
How much his looks are changed!— Selina!
Cle.
In vain you call: Madam, I see neither my sufferings past,
Your promise or present tender of my service,
Have power to gain your good opinion.
At least consider where you are, give me not cause
By your unkindness, back to reflect upon my own
Advantage, your happiness forgot. I tender you once more
A servant and a husband: Acceptance
Makes me equal to a God in happiness;
If you deny, 'tis in my power to take
A sweet revenge.
Clo.
Revenge, my Lord! I know not what you mean.
Cle.
Certain you do suspect, but I'll inform you fully—
Sure you forget your sex; else you would rather give
Then have me force a pleasure from you.
Clo.
How, Villain!
Offers to em­brace her.
Cle.
[Page 60]
Come Madam, you are mine; I must return kisses,
Embraces for those frowns; nor art, nor force
Can free you from me.
Clo.
Unhand me: Can you believe to scape hea­vens justice
After an act so foul?
Cle.
So foul! so fair:
Yes, often I do hope to do the same.
'Twas well attempted; but now it shall assist
The owner: Yield, or I'll pierce that
Unrelenting heart. She offers to draw his sword.
Clo.
Traitor, thou darest not. [ She spits at him.]
Cle.
'Tis true, not kill you, had you done me wrongs [...]
Above what mankind ever suffered:
You cannot move me otherwise then to
Infinity of love; yield but consent,
And be a sharer in my joy.
Clo.
Villain, think of the punishment that does attend thee
Rather, from the just Gods: yet kill me,
And I will pray to heaven for mercy on thee:
Cle.
Your beauty, and my love, both plead against you;
But you may think me cold to talk thus long,
We must remove into a thicker place.
Clo.
Help, help you Gods! murder, treason, help!
Exeunt.
Enter Agenor.
It is impossible this Bore can scape,
Having so many wounds; sure I shall track him
By his blood.
Within,
Clo.
Help, oh help! Traitor!
Age.
Ha! 'tis sure a womans voice.
Exit.
Enter Agenor, Cleon, Clorinda.
Age.
Rude slave, how canst thou injure so much sweetness?
Cle.
I must not speak, but do.
[Fights]
Clo.
O heavens, 'tis he! guard him, you powers.
Cle.
Hold, oh hold, and hear me!
Clo.
O my dear Lord, believe not ought he says.
Age.
Ha! what voice?
As Age. turns Cleo. thrusts at him.
Villain, and Traitor both!
Cle.
Oh—
[Dyes]
Clo.
Are you not hurt?
Pardon you Powers, whom I so oft blasphemed
In my despair, Deliverance! and by this hand!
O my joys, you grow too fast upon me.!
Age.
'Tis she, the too much injured Clorinda:
Why should I know her, that have so much
Forgot my self and vertue? O my shame!
Clo.
Why hang you down your head? these un­befitting clothes
Nor you nor I should blush at,
Since love did both provide and put them on.
Age.
Your love to me?
Clo.
Ha—My love to you! you cannot think
My heart is capable of other love.
Age.
I wish I could,
For then my falshood had been so much less
Clo.
Dear sir, what is it in me that offends your eys?
Age.
This face, if it have less of beauty,
Yet even that loss, since caus'd by sorrow
For your misfortunes, merits from you more love.
Age.
Nor face, nor habit, dearest Clorinda—but—
Clo.
But what? strangely unkind!
Age.
Oh here, receive this sword, rip up my breast,
And see what's written in my heart; there,
There thou shalt find the cause of this distraction:
Clo.
No jealousie, I hope, nor apprehension
That I have suffer'd rape, my person so
Become unworthy of your love: If either way
Defiled, I should not dare to approach thus near you.
Age.
[Page 62]
Then pardon me, divinest Maid, this seem­ing coldness,
That only grows from my respect to injured vertue
Clo:
How sir I [...] what are you guilty of?
Be it an offence committed against me,
Pardon your self with promise of amends,
And I will seal it on this Princely hand,
That gave so late life to my dying honor.
Age.
O do not touch that hand,
It was too active in your wrongs.
Clo.
Ha! O my fears! I dare not question more
And yet I must, my torment cannot well be greater [...]
Your hand, this hand; speak, oh speak!
Age.
What?
Clo.
This hand which you so often have approach [...]
With trembling reverence, mine; this hand
Which to your letters set, assured the free gift
Of your heart to me, hath not persumed to give it
To another sure.
Age.
O yes, this hand hath instrumentally be­queath'd
My heart unto another, with all the ceremonial
Rights of marriage.
Clo.
Married! Oh me! pain, danger, and disgrace,
Fruits of a faithful love; behold your recom­pence.
[Weeps.]
O men, false men!—Why then these tears? rather revenge:
Such wrongs cry loud, and make a feeble arm
Like mine, heavens instrument of justice.
Age.
Strike where you please; but if you will be just,
Here, this is the seat of falshood, here dwels
The traitor.
Clo.
But hear the miserable—
Offers to kill herself.
Age.
O dearest Clorinda, add not unto my breach
[Page 63] Of faith, the guilt of murder; for your sweet inno­cence
Could know no spot, but as by me infected.
Clo.
Why do you make shews of repentance,
And yet persist in injuries? You seem to grieve
For having made me wretched, yet force me
To continue miserable.
Age.
'Tis to prevent your misery and mine, that
I restrain you:
You had wont to enjoin and teach me temperance,
Remember that.
Clo.
O bid me not remember; 'tis loss of memory
Alone can ease my torments; and 'tis a study,
Since you will have me live, that I must practise:
Age.
Live, and live happily, or else I never can do so:
Live as my friend, my dearest sister.
Clo.
That is a title, had nature framed me such,
I had been happy in. Your brother now, or kinsman,
For I have lost my modesty so far,
Ever to take a womans habit; and whilst I so
Forget my sex, I likewise may forget part of my grief.
Age.
Then as my friend, I will communicate my fortunes
To you; where you will find, though nothing
Worthy of a pardon, yet somthing near a fair
Excuse, it Beauty and a Crown bear estimation.
Clo.
I know you mean your wife: O me, why did
I name her? Be not so weak, my resolution:
I shall discover who I am; so move her hate
Or scorn, and then you will repent my being
Near you.
Age.
I know I never shall.
Clo.
I am no Rival; 'tis sin with passion
[Page 64] To affect you now, since lawfully anothers right.
This temperance I shall endeavour, however
I will do no wicked office, or seek to make
Appear her vertue, or her beauty less,
Since they are your excuse, my satisfaction grows
From their excess.
Exeunt

Act. 5. Scaen. 1.

Enter King (reading a Letter) three Princes, Lords, Austella.
Au.
To force me chuse a husband, yet bar the rights
Or marriage! But I must bear it, since my Father
And my King esteem it fit.
1 Pr.
What is the number of the Kings army, sir?
K.
Ten thousand Horse.
2 Pr.
What Foot?
K.
None that appears, but doubtless they are coming
After: Princes, you may now manifest your love
To me and to my daughter, by raising forces
To assist me in this need.
3 Pr.
You have a powerful enemy, and doubtless
By some injury highly incens'd.
K.
Rather his power far exceeds mine;
'Tis that which makes me crave assistance from you:
My daughter, although married, is yet a Virgin;
'Tis possible, in time, that she may prove a widow:
These arguments may witness to you
I mislike her choice.
1 Pr.
Indeed she looks as if she were not pleas'd.
2 Pr.
[Page 65]
But shall we credit this? Lay he not with her?
K.
Not by my honor; perhaps he never shall,
Though all were carried formally to please the people,
Who are enamour'd of him now, more then
My daughter is.
3 Pr.
Sir, though I cannot think there's likelihood
That any of us should ever enjoy your daughter,
Yet I will promise what assistance I can give.
2 Pr.
The like do I, and for that cause we'll take
Our leaves.
K.
I rather thought you would have writ for forces,
And with your personal assistance and advice
Help to secure this City.
1 Pr.
So we should lose our selves to no pur­pose:
The King will suddenly with his Troops of horse,
If his design lie hither, appear before the walls,
And close us in: where if we leave you now,
We may return hereafter to your rescue.
K.
I dare not force, although I would perswade you.
All 3.
Lady, we wish much happiness,
Till we return to serve you.
Ex Princes.
K.
Now thou fond girl, thou mayst perceive what
Thou hast done to chuse a husband of the common
Rank; these Princes might have been a bulwark
To defend against the powerful foe:
Whate'r they seem, they for thy sake
Will not prove enemies, I fear.
Au.
If you have done no wrong, sir, why should you
Fear? This King; whom you believe comes to
Invade, hath his dependance from the Gods,
And they can change or overturn all his designs▪
K.
[Page 66]
Thus thou didst ever speak with piety
And wisdom, which made me in thy choice
Expect a worthy son in law.
Enter Agenor.
But thou hast brought shame and disgrace upon me.
Exit.
Aust.
The Gods give this allay unto my joy,
Lest in possessing you, I should contemn
Their happiness.
[Weeps]
Age.
My dearest Mistress, (for by that title I must call you)
He that does give you cause to weep,
Could have no other priviledge but that of
Father, to defend his heart from shedding
Crimson drops: But since it is your will,
I must with patience hear yours, and my
Injuries:
Au.
Alas, my Lord, consider his years
Make him incapable to feel our fires
Titles and riches only please old age,
And with those favors Princes often die:
Age.
But yet his memory, methinks, might tell
Him by looking upon you, what his desires
Were when he married; and certain, Madam,
You have little of your mother in you,
That can obey so cold a precept,
Where heaven allows too, only man forbids.
Au.
But yet that man's my Father and my King.
Age.
Remember that my interest in what is just
Exceeds both these: pardon the violence of
My desires, which makes me urge this truth,
Since it arises from your beauties: but haply
You do repent your choice, won by your
Fathers threats or promises.
Au.
Although unkind, yet I must grant you
Not unjust, in this suspition. Those sparks
[Page 67] Which quickly grow a flame, do oft
As hastily extinguish; perhaps you know
This by experience, that you so quickly
Find my guilt, indeed before it had a being,
But what you may instruct me to hereafter
By your example.
Age.
No more, fair soul, I only urg'd it
To obtain that which your Father bars me from,
Your bed; we must not differ thus, being one:
And yet such gentle quarrels only divide us
So, as to behold the beauty of each others
Love, proving at last the proper cement
Of a true affection.
Au.
Upon a reconcilement, friends (they say)
Are ever kindest: What is't you can deny
Me then?
Age.
Nothing that's in my power to grant.
Au.
Tell me your name and country, my dear husband.
Age.
When I do really possess that title,
By this kiss I will.
Au.
Are we not married?
Age.
But I am ashamed to tell my name or qua­lity,
And yet my wife a maid: When I do know you
Perfectly, you shall do me.
Au.
Now you are wanton, and I do not love you:
But where's the pretty youth you promis'd me?
Age.
He will not tell you who I am, believe me.
Au.
Well, I'll not ask; pray you let me see him.
Age.
You shall; he waits without,—remember
That she knows not who I am.
Enter Clorinda.
A lovely beauty! what majesty dwels in her eye,
How earnestly she looks upon me!
He hath not sure betray'd me to her scorn.
Au.
[Page 68]
I never saw so sweet a Youth;
That blush becomes him strangely.
Age.
Mistress, I here present a Kinsman to you,
One that hath given such testimonies
Of his love to me, I never shall forget.
Au.
You cannot speak that goodness, which his looks
Not promise; however the tye that is
Betwixt you, does oblige me.
Clo.
I am betrayed, and she does know me.
Au.
Are you not well sir?
Clo.
Madam, I have a grief of a sad nature
Does oppress me.
Au.
Of body, or of mind?
Clo.
Of both▪ and if I not express it, my heart will burst.
Age.
What can this mean?
Clo.
Looking upon your beauty, and considering
Your happy fortune, ay me! The very posture
Your are now in adds to my affliction: Oh I am sick!
Age.
Fond man, what have I done?
Au.
Call for some Cordial.
Clo.
No Madam, now it needs not; the qualm begins
To pass, perhaps you wonder, Madam,
That the love betwixt you two should move
This passion.
Au.
Indeed I think it strange, unless you do believe
That he hath made a choice unworthy of him.
Clo.
By all the Gods, I never saw a Lady yet
That I could think each way so excellent;
And for your love to him, no story's known
That equals your affection:
Aust.
What might the cause then be of your distemper?
Clo.
[Page 69]
I had an only sister, which of all the world I loved,
[...]nd she was sued to by many Princes,
[...]ne above her far in birth, but more in merit,
[...]t least she thought so; such power hath vows
[...]nd shews of service. I oft have known them sit
[...]s you do now; their hands fast join'd, their eyes
[...]xt upon either, their sighs with all the eloquence
[...]f love, vowing an everlasting constancie;
[...]t O false Agenor!
Age.
Lost for ever!
Clo.
So was he call'd; he soon forsook her for another Mistress.
Au.
'Twas not the Prince of Burgonia, that loved your sister?
Clo.
Yes, he that loved, and left her and his faith for ever.
Au.
It was no wonder, he betray'd his Father;
[...]t certainly some heavy punishment attends him
[...]heresoe'r he is.
Clo.
Perhaps he wanders up and down, to make more women
[...]retched.
Au.
He's too much hated, to return back to his
Country.
Age.
Oh misery!
Clo.
Madam, I by my sister was enjoin'd to seek him
[...]hrough the world.
Age.
Now she discovers all.
Au.
Whither?
Age.
I know the story; he hath told it,
[...]nd made me strangely sad: Trust me, I am much
[...]ispleas'd that you should [...]ear it, for that cause;
[...]he King too I know will wonder where you are.
Au.
Let him, I needs must hear the rest—
[...]nd did you ever find the perjur'd Prince?
—Sit down again.
Clo.
[Page 70]
Madam, I think I shall discover him.
Age.
It were as good he did himself.
Clo.
I heard what Country he was fled to,
Who in his company.
Au.
What Country's made unhappy by so base
A burden? yet I have heard his person
Promis'd much, a handsom man.
Clo.
Madam, trust me my sister had in him
All outward arguments that might produce
A passion; only you know there was no faith
Within; yet there was written in his face
All nobleness, which I dare say you will confess,
I have his picture.
Age.
Nay then—
Au.
What mean you?
Age.
I would not see a Piece, where Nature
Is so much disgrac'd.
Clo.
Good heavens, what have I done with it?
I lookt on it this day.
Age.
O you Gods, what mercy's this she shews [...] me!
Enter Lady.
Thom.
The King calls for you.
Clo.
Sure, Madam, I have left it at my chamber.
Au.
I pray you find it, I must see it.
Clo.
Yes Madam:—Alas, you need it no [...] that have
The substance: Justice commands this should remain with me;
True shadow, real misery:
Exeunt
Enter Clarimant, Clindor, Merchant, Captain, and Soldiers.
Clar.
If that you have inform'd me be not truth▪
Expect to suffer death; for on your word
[Page 71] I have alter'd my design, given the King
Time to gather men into the City; so as if now
He will be obstinate, he may endure a siege
Some days.
Mer.
With pardon sir, there can be no great in­conveniencie
By what I did inform; the Herald you have sent
Will soon return with answer to your demand.
But for your Brothers marriage to the Princess
Austella, there were so many witnesses of that,
My testimony will ere long be useless.
Clar.
Good heavens, can it be possible? My bro­ther married,
And not unto Clorinda? False Agenor!
Clind.
She may be dead, sir.
Clar.
Ha! what sayst thou, Scriech-owl? That thought
Begets a fear that chils my heatt;
One way or other there is death sure: Leave me,
All leave me!
[Exeunt all but Clar.]
I see no way for comfort; the least of mischief
Is to have a Traitor to my brother:
But rather be Agenor false, then she be dead:
In him our sex is only stain'd; in her the joy
And excellence of both is lost for ever.
Heaven could not be so cruel: Vertue and all pure thoughts
Now by her happy influence are gathering strength▪
I know it by my self; and should she fall
Unripened for the grave, the Gods losing in her
Their brightest image, must likewise want
Much of their adoration. If she were dead,
He that so soon can love again, may, she alive,
As well forget his faith: Then she thus injured
May reflect a comfortable beam on me.
Vain and irrational hopes! his breach of faith
[Page 72] Were equal to her death; and dare I think
That she can do an act imperfect,
To admit a second love? But powerful time!—
No time can make me cease to be his brother.
Yet even beyond all these, if I remain my self
There is no hope, since her injunction was,
That I should never see, or speak to her:
And even since that upon mistakes, degrees of hatred
Are increas'd; my griefs summ'd up, my miseries
Are such, as they do leave no comfort
But in their abundance, whose weight must quickly
Press me to the grave.
These miracles do only grow from love,
That grief in their excess should comforts prove.
Exit.
Enter King.
Avarice, thou bane of man, that steal'st into
Our souls with promises of happiness,
But ever pay'st us with disturbance!
The same in its effect is Pride, that sets
A gloss upon our selves and actions,
And throws contempt on others more deserving.
Covetous to keep a treasure, made me detain
What I unjustly stood possest of:
Ambition made me use with scorn and injury
My daughters husband, even whilst he was in birth,
Although unknown, that which I wisht, a Prince;
And now when I do know his blood and value,
Fear of this storm that hovers o're my head
Must force me to deliver him up to his brother,
Although he be in birth that brothers King.
O you just Powers! thus do you make the
Breaches of your laws for our own covetous
And ambitious ends, the proper instruments
To execute your wrath by. Most noble Prince,
The injuries that I have done to you and Justice,
[Page 73] [...]mbles me thus low upon my knees
[...]o beg your pardon.
Enter Agenor, Austella, (severally.)
Au.
Ay me! This scorn exceeds all former wrongs:
Age.
Sir, what you do intend by this, I know not;
[...]ut well I know the posture cannot suit you:
[...]ou are my Father, sir, 'tis not your cruelty
Or injustice shall make me fail in duty;
[...]he sense of my first breach that way
[...]till dwells within me: Rise sir, I do beseech you.
K.
I would not till you pardon.
Au.
Alas sir, why do you mock us thus?
For all our injuries must be the same,
Howe'r you strive for to divide us:
K.
No, Austella, these tears be witness of
My real sorrow: The Gods inspired thee
When thou chose this worthy Prince.
Au.
How sir?
K.
But found me too unworthy of a beam of light
Till now; that knowledg proves my greatest curse,
Since our misfortunes are remediless:
Au.
You have too soon, sir, rob'd me of the joy
To know he is a Prince, by this expression
Of your fears for something that's to come;
But sir, in this you were indeed the faulty person.
Age.
I fear I shall be found such.
Au.
Could you conceal such joys from me?
But I must pardon you all faults,
You are a Prince, I dare not chide you.
Age.
Upon your hand let me express my thanks:
But will you freely pardon for what I have
Conceal'd?
Au.
Gladly I do.
Age.
You will not sure.
Au.
Be your doubts clear's by this.
[Kisses him]
K.
[Page 74]
Daughter, you grant what you should beg:
Let that inform you who your husband is,
[A Letter]
My injuries to him, and our misfortunes.
Au.
Still your conclusions fright me: Good sir read it your self,
Or rather in some gentler circumstantial way
Inform what it expresses.
K.
First know, this paper does contain the Kings
Demands, who with his Army hath now inclos'd
The City, which how we can deny or grant—
Au.
Pray read sir.
K. reads.
Your own injustice hath drawn me into your Country;
Yet I take so kindly the alliance you have contracted
With my brother Agenor—
Au.
Agenor!
K. reads.
That if you will deliver up the Isle of
Ceris belonging
To my Crown, and my Brother to me alive, I will quit
Your Country, well satisfied with my charge; but if in
Any part of this you fail of an exact performance,
To morrow I hope to make my own conditions.
Be advised by him, who appearing your worst enemy,
May in this councel prove your greatest friend—
Clarimant:
Au.
Oh Agenor!
Age.
Now can you pardon?
Au.
Now can I die; O fate, where have you plac'd my love?
Age.
Do you repent? I ne'r was false to you,
Nor ever can be.
Au.
Let not my Father hear; I must forgive,
You are my husband:
K.
I cannot blame your sorrow; your fortune does command
[Page 75] A plenteous showre, in which I willingly could bear a part,
If reason did not tell me councel and advice
Better becomes my quality: I mean not councel
From my self to you, but that we all advise
Since equally concern'd, what's to be done.
Age.
Methinks justice and reason both chalkt out the way
Of your proceeding.
K.
As how, dear son?
Au.
Too late, sir, from your heart you yield that attribute.
K.
Austella, thy reproof is just.
Age.
With pardon, sir, it is not; all the fault is mine,
And justice bids me bear the punishment.
Yield sir to all my brother Clarimant desires,
Since by his speedy unexpected coming
Your forces nor supplies from others can be useful.
K.
The treasure and the Isle most willingly I will surrender,
(Would it pleas'd heaven we all were there!
Gainst that no forces could prevail.)
But to deliver you, that by your death
He may secure himself, first let destruction
Seise on me, already ripen'd for the grave.
My brother, sir, did ever love me,
Perhaps so as his brother; but now you are
His King in justice, but self-respects will point you
Out the object of his fear, not of his reverence.
Age.
He cannot be so impious to kill me.
Au.
You shall not trust him.
Age.
Consider then what hazard all must run,
The lives of thousands, a Kingdoms utter ruine.
K.
Alas, 'tis true:
Age.
You may perish too, but in my hazard all
[Page 76] Are safe; 'twere madness to dispute it further.
Au.
What safety, and you lost?
Age.
No loss, if you consider truly what I merit:
You are a Virgin yet; I freely give you back
Your vows; justly you might revoke them
As not intended to a perjured person,
Such you now find I was.
Au.
But such I hope you are not now to me:
Age.
Think me such if I miscarry,
'Twill make your grief the less.
Au.
But my guilt more in that suspition:
Did I not think you loved me, yet duty
Does command me share in all that you can suffer.
But confident your heart is here, till death,
Not then, I must not leave you.
K.
The glory of the action makes you too partial
To your selves; we must dispute this further
With my Councel.
Au.
In vain you will dispute, if you intend to part
What heaven hath join'd, which rules both power
and art.
Exeunt.
Enter Philant. and Strato.
Phi.
Well, I perceive that we shall lose a noble Prince:
How happy had we been in his succession!
Stra.
Without all doubt the King his brother
Will soon by police or force destroy him;
Possession of a Crown will kill all natural
Respects of blood.
Phi.
But why then should we not resist?
Justice hath a strong arm.
Stra.
Yet in apparent dangers, fear still overcomes
Our faith and courage; but here's impossibility:
Our City, though great and populous, hath but poor walls:
[Page 77] The Kings army, now his Footmen likewise
Are come up, are not without a miracle
To be resisted.
Phi.
But was't not most dishonorable to invade us
Without proclaiming war?
Stra.
To speak to you the truth, it was but justice:
Did not our King detain a mass of treasure
To which he had no right?
Phi.
'Tis true,—but—
Stra.
But what? Come, come, all unjust actions
However they seem profitable for the present,
Involve a curse within them; which when we find,
We must not lay the blame on others:
The best way to appease the Gods
When we have done amiss, is to confess;
Then mercy follows, or our blows wound less.
Exe.
Enter Clindor and Soldiers.
1 So.
Think you they will surrender the treasure,
And yield Agenor to our King, or bide the brunt
Of war?
Clind.
I'll tell thee what I fear, and what I wish;
And if thou doest not so, thou art an ass.
1 So.
Well, speak:
Cli.
I fear they will surrender, I wish they would not:
O Lads, might we but come to one assault,
We should be Lords, we that do venture blows;
Where in these Treaties we are sure to have
The worst on't: If peace be the conclusion,
Would I had been imployed upon the Treaty.
1 So.
Why, what wouldst thou have done?
Cl.
Heard no reason, nor offer'd any: the first condi­tion
Should have been, that all the handsom young
Women and maids in the City should have come
Stark naked to have known our pleasure;
Then the rich men with their jewels and bags
Of mony; then the King with a rope about his neck.
1 So.
Stay there.
Clind.
[Page 78]
That may be your period, 'tis not mine
Then for the Prince Agenor—
1.
What of him?
Clind.
Nothing but good, I love him well,
He was a stirring youth, and bountiful,
But yet not like our King: were the people not
So base, he should (might I advise) be left Viceroy
To govern, and I to govern him.
1 So.
In my conscience should our King shew him that favour,
Thou would'st perswade him to rebell against hi [...] brother.
Clind.
By this light I think I should, I love to be in action strangely.
1 So.
That love may chance to bring you to a preferment
You have courted long, and in my conscience well deserv'd:
Others that were less worthy when Agenor fled,
I saw advanc'd.
Clind.
I understand you now, you are a bitter Rascal;
And here's my hand, if ere there be more broils,
For this thy kind remembrance I'll cut thy throat.
1 So.
I thank you sir, I'll look for't.
Exeunt.
Enter Clarimant, Captains, Attendants, Souldiers.
Clar.
See all things order'd as I gave command:
I long to see the perjur'd Traitor,
That I may do a justice
To my Fathers ghost, and injur'd Mistress.
Enter Clindor.
The King, his daughter Austella are coming,
With your brother Prince Agenor.
Clar.
[Page 79]
Traitor Agenor! It seems they mean
To bear him company in death; Attend them in—
Do all just as I did direct.
Enter Agenor, Austella, King, Lucidor.
Age.
Brother, you see the advantage of your power
Forces this visit.
Cla.
'Twill prove to you a sad one: Seise the Rebel.
Capt.
In the dead and living Kings names we do arrest you.
Age.
And I in my own name, your King
In justice, command you hold▪
Au.
O sir!
[She Kneels.]
Clar.
Rise Madam; your intercestion must not interpose
In this, alone of power to save the lives
Of many Princes.
Age.
Just heaven, he's taken!
This was the mischief I fear'd.
Cla.
No Madam; justice alone commands me to surrender
This where it is due.
The Captains put the Crown on Agenor's head.
Omnes.
Long live Agenor,
King of Burgonia.
K.
This is not real, sure.
Age.
What mockery is this?
Clar.
O brother, the Crowns of Princes
Are things to which we owe a reverence,
Not to be us'd in sport; what are their
Sacred persons then?
Au:
Let me fall down and worship
What a strange God-like race of men
These pair of Brothers are!
Clar.
[Page 80]
Madam, I must not suffer that which I am
Infinitely pleas'd with, since it expresses
Your excess of love unto my brother.
Age.
I am confounded with such unexpected
Courtesie, that I am lost in all acknowledgment
That may express the power that you
Must ever hold upon me.
Clar.
What I have done, justice commanded from me
If not, my love hath still been such to you
My brother, that had I been the Monarch
Of the earth, your power should have been equal.
K.
This action is so noble, that it does make
Us more your servants then all force could effect,
You have subdued our minds.
Clar.
You set so high a price on Justice,
That you confirm my resolution;
Though from the actions I must do,
Will seemingly arise my proper smart.
Age.
Command our fortunes, and our lives.
Clar.
The hazard of your life is that I must demand▪
Age.
As how to be imployed?
Clar.
In taking mine.
Age.
Yours! what do you mean?
Clar.
To kill you, if you cannot me:
I must not live, knowing whom you have injured.
And not endeavor to revenge.
Age.
You cannot be in earnest sure;
If so, look here.
Clar.
Could you behold the Image in my heart,
In the true splendor that it wears;
You would not bid me view another object,
Excellent I confess, if not compared.
Age.
Brother, if you thus press me,
I shall forget all you have done;
Since there's no benefit so great, but may be
Cancell'd by the doer.
Clar.
[Page 81]
I wish what I have done, had in it all
That could oblige, that I did love you more,
If Possible, that you were nearer to me
Then a brother, since all degrees of interest
Serve but like steps to raise the glory of my love
And justice higher.—
Chuse which you please—
This; the time and place?
He offers 2 swords.
Age.
Be witness heaven, which what unwillingness:
Yet since you, Honour and love engage me:
I'll offer to my Goddess (left she suspect my zeal)
A much loved Brothers blood.
Au.
O Soldiers! will you suffer thus the worlds Glories
To ecclipse themselves?
Cla.
Madam, in vain you urge;
I did before engage them by an oath,
Whatever I commanded, to obey me.
Au.
Cannot my prayers or tears? O dear my Lord!
Your brother's young, and by the glory
Of his passion, hath lost much of his reason:
Consider what a mischief even victory
Must prove to either:
Age.
Necessity enforces me to accept the combat.
All circumstance consider'd, how more then base,
Ingrate, must I appear? how dull a sense
Shall I express of your perfections,
To hear another magnified above you?
Au.
If I with that dispence, who can com­plain?
Age.
Such dispensations makes your value more,
And so adds to the justice of my cause.
[Enter Clorinda.]
Au.
To you I turn then: Will you needs end
An action so gloriously begun, in blood?
[Page 82] A brothers murder, or your own? What you have done,
Shewed you a Demy-god, ecclipsing all
That story hath recorded: but such an end
As you design, will cast you from the height
Of all your glory, and leave you to posterity
A hated name.
Cla.
If so, yet still I stand engaged: Love, and my fate
Appoint this way to shew the ardure of my flame,
Which by no common action could be witness'd.
To that you urge, add this: I know I am
Inferior to my brother in skill and strength;
Yet what to others have been bars in combats,
To me prove arguments impulsive.
In short, the Deity that I adore's prophan'd,
Contempt and scorn thrown on her:
If by a feeble arm she right herself,
It more does manifest her power;
However I shall fall, since hers, a happy
Sacrifice.
Clo.
Hold! rather a wretch prophane, and most
Injurious to that Deity, to whom thy false
And counterfeit devotion seems directed.
Clar.
O you Gods! Grant thy self mad, rather
Prove such; or by what's dearest to me,
I'll pierce thy heart.
Clo.
Do so.
Clar.
Ha!
Clo.
I shall be known.
Clar.
Have I not seen a face resembling this?
Clo.
Does the guilt with which I justly tax you,
Abate your rage? let Gods and men hear what
I urge, nay, your own conscience be a Judge;
And if I then be found injurious, kill me;
No hand is fitter to give conclusion
To my misery.
Clar.
[Page 83]
How am I lost! this is no time for talk:
Soldiers, remove him.
Clo.
Hear me!
Clar.
Away with him.
Clo.
By what you hold the dearest, I conjure you
Hear me! Deny that, and so make good
All I accuse you of.—This is some hope
He knows me not.
Clar.
If I consent, by the same power
You may command me cease the combat.
Clo.
I swear the contrary.
Clar.
Be brief then; and for this interruption,
Soldiers, I conjure you by your oath
To kill him when the combat's ended,
My innocence acquits you from his blood.
Clo.
Answer me then, you that pretend your self
So great a Votary to Love, and friend to
Justice: Is't lawful for any who is not
A Priest, to offer sacrifice?
Clar.
None may.
Clo.
What warrant for your present action then,
To sacrifice your brother, or your self?
If you alleadg, your love must know
No limits, are you not then prophane?
But grant your youth and folly this;
That love that's so irregular, pays a devotion
Sure; but where? Not to a Mistress, but vain-glory
And self-conceit. Your Mistress, sure hath no less
Power with you, you think, then that of Kings
Over their subjects: Who dare make war
Without commission from his Prince?
You cannot boast one from your Mistress;
When if she be that excellence which you pretend,
'Tis not unlike she wishes well to him
Whom you would punish as her enemy:
Sure she hath cause to hate you for presumption,
[Page 84] Hypocrise and treason: All which, if well con­sider'd
By an impartial Judge, appear to be the
Groundwork of your present action.
Clar.
'Tis she; for who could else so powerfully
Condemn me?
Clo.
What I have spoke, is in my own defence,
Who am [...]ill now unknown, a brother
To the injured person; and had there been
A wrong resented by those that were concern'd,
So far as blood might expiate, my sword
Of yours in justice had precedence.
Clar.
She would not have me know her: I must confess
Your former words have made so deep impression
In me, by sometime touching upon truth,
That here the difference with my brother ends.
But what you last urg'd concerning the
Precedence of a Brothers sword, I am so far
From granting, that if my reason
Cannot alter your opinion, my sword shall force you
To deny it, when time doth better fit.
Clo.
Most gladly.
Clar.
In how poor things does she and Fortune
Give me power to server her!
K.
Most excellent Prince! how much we all do owe
You for our present happiness!
Age.
For me, I hold my Crown, my life, nay more,
Possession of my fair Austella.
K.
Since by the mercy of the Gods, the storm
That hung over our heads threatning blood
And ruine, is thus removed; let us with joyful
Hearts haste to the Temple, and there by
[Page 85] Hecatombs of sacrifice express our thanks:
Clo.
Whilst I
That cause this joy, prepare to die:
Clar.
O thou great Deity, observe her scorn!
What I have done, was fore-design'd by thee:
Revenge! but let her punishment prove love of me.
Exeunt omnes.
FINIS.

Epilogue, to the King.

IF what hath been presented to your sense
You do approve, thank your own influence;
Which moving in the story that you told,
Infus'd new heat into a brain grown cold.
Thus far our hopes: But now just fears begin,
For much that is left out, for more brought in;
But since all change was to the better meant,
Although we fail, yet pardon for th' intent.
Such sweet indulgence from good natures fall,
But the strict Critick will for censure call.
We would please both; and since we want the art,
[Kneels]
Sir, stay the sentence till the second Part:
Such favour oft your piety lets fall
Vpon delinquents no less criminal.
Stay! even in policie your grant is fit;
Hope quickens, what despair makes dull, the wit:
Nay, could our Author some new arts display,
Yet this condemn'd, you'l slight the second Play.

PROLOGUE.

HIgh labour'd lines you may expect from those,
Whose pleasure is their studies: Most here knows
This Author hunts, and hawks, and feeds his Deer,
Not some, but most fair days throughout the yeer.
Such rude dull heavy Scenes expect you then,
As after suppers vapours from his pen.
Would you not ask, Why then does he write Plays,
Since now great Wits strive for Dramatick bays?
Pardon what's past: That way now counted wit,
Although enjoin'd, he'l deal no more in it:
Since dying to the Stage, his last request
Is, that you would not like the worst Scenes best.
If this desire injurious seem to some,
I wonder not: Divers to Plays do come,
Not to be pleas'd, unless the Play be bad;
So what th' ingenious like, doth make them sad:
We tax not here their judgment or their wit,
But that so much ill nature's join'd with it.
Others there be, which like the Austrian race,
Wits empire tyes alone to those they grace:
Nay, so opinion'd of themselves they be,
They'l praise things most absurd; and when they see
Those whose simplicity admires their wit,
To do the same, they laugh at them and it.
'Tis not these Bugbears that do haunt the Stage,
Should fright an Author; since 'tis plain, this Age
Hath more clear Judgments then was ever known:
But most Apollo's beams break from the throne,
And with a double sweetness doth invite
All that have gifts in Verse or Prose, to write.
Which he would still, but that his period's past;
For sure you'l find this Play worse then the last.

THE Passionate Lover, SECOND PART. Act. 1. Scaen. 1.

Enter Cleon and Selina.
Sel.

MY Lord, be confident, thus chang'd, there's none can know you.

Cle.

But dare I hope thou hast for­given me?

Sel.
The mercy that you shewed in unbinding me,
May well assure you; nor am I ignorant
How far our passions may transport, aided by hope
To attain our ends.
Cle.
[Page 90]
But now the current of my love runs in the proper
Channel, and shall ever center here, a tribute justly due
Unto the ocean of thy love: Why did I fondly dream
There was a happiness exceeding this?
[Kisses her]
Sel.
Your Kindness was so great, so unexpected,
That I am now more yours then ever: I never must
Forget the pains you took in coming to unbind me,
Creeping upon your hands, all smear'd in blood,
'Twas well you scap'd with life.
Cle. aside.
Thanks to my privy coat; had I expir'd
In such a pious action, yet so I scarcely had
Deserv'd forgivenes, much less this sweet continuance
Of your love, sure to be valued far above Clorinda's hate,
Whose interest to a Crown made her
In my ambitious eye appear more beautiful;
But now, reason commands her yield to thee
Precedence in my heart.
Sel.
How easily we give belief to what we wish!
Cle.
Though the Gods know how all my love is cacell'd,
Justly turn'd hate to her; yet love and gratitude to thee
Commands me to attempt the Crown of Burgonia,
Offer'd into my hands.
Sel.
As how offer'd?
Cle.
I count it offer'd, when it appears in reason
Within the reach of our endeavours: Of ours, I say,
Mark me, my Queen, in thee it lies to rule me
And a scepter.
Sel.
It is fit the honor of your love should render me
Conformable to your desires: Name me the way
To this your happiness, so mine.
Cle.
The seeming pious Druid here our Host,
I have discover'd to have been a Mountebank
[Page 91] Physitian; yet now disguis'd, esteem'd by all
This Country a holy and most sacred person,
With whom the Gods are conversant here in this solitary
Melancholy Grove. By him with gold corrupted,
I doubt not to effect revenge against Agenor
For this wound most basely given me:
Dispatch his brother Clarimant; nay even Clorinda
(As witness of my love to thee) shall likewise bleed.
This done, and this is in thy power to effect,
Is not the Kingdom of Burgonia mine
By right of blood?
Sel.
'Tis certain, they remov'd, you are the next.
Cle.
Consider then, my dear Selina, what 'tis to be a Queen.
Sel.
A Queen!
Cle.
Take but these thoughts into thy soul,
And there's no action difficult or dangerous:
But we have only shadows to encounter with,
The issue real pleasures.
Sel.
I must yield; dispose me, sir, which way you please.
Cle.
That resolution does already crown thee.
Sel.
I would not have you think it is my ambition,
But my love engages me; but yet I fear.
Cle.
What can you doubt?
Sel.
Swear sir by the immortal Gods,
To make me privy to all your actions;
And when you have attain'd the Crown, to marry me,
So to remove some jealousies.
Cle.
I do by all that's sacred; nothing but death
Shall part us; this kiss be farther witness—
[Enter Druid.]
O sir, you are welcome! what news?
Dru.
I have no leisure now to tell you:
I must disguise to entertain some curious
And devout people.
Exit Dru.
Cle.
[Page 92]
He every day goes to the City
In a several shape, so to enable himself
To appear more knowing here: I wonder much
None of the Court are so zealous to visit him,
At least to know their fortunes,
For he delivers oracles as from the Gods.
Sel.
No doubt there are; but now the present time
Affords so much discourse of other peoples
Fortunes, that they neglect the knowledg
Of their own.
Cle.
To know the fate of others,
Does often give a light to ours:
At least let us be diligent, whose industry
Can only make us happy: Perform but carefully
That which I shall impart,
And thou shalt have a Crown to crown thy art.
Exeunt.
Enter King, Prince, and Attendants.
K.
Most noble Prince! though you may well believe
The forces you have brought unto my aid
I shall not use, yet I must ever be ambitious
To requite that love which caus'd your diligence;
Nay, I shall think my happiness defective,
Although great, till fortune point some way
Wherein I may express my gratitude to you.
Pr.
Most royal Sir! fortune hath been to me
Auspicious, more then had I proved Austela's
Choice; and this expression you have made,
Imboldens me to let you know wherein.
K.
Sir, I beseech you name it.
Pr.
Know sir, not my ambition to enjoy your Kingdom,
Could so far blind my judgment, but that I ever
Found your younger daughter Olinda, in herself,
[Page 93] The more deserving love, especially from me.
I would not, sir, say more, lest I should seem
To boast a happiness which merit never can attain
But by infinity of service, and much suffering.
K.
Indeed I did observe, whilst you were in my Court,
You much more did converse with her then with Austela,
Who ever was reserved. If Olinda's affability
Have gain'd your good opinion, your courtship hers,
It is a happiness beyond which I dare not expect.
If it be less then this, and that by the freedom
Of her humor you believe your interest greater
Then indeed it is; yet there will only be
Better occasion for my love to shew it self.
Pr.
My actions shall ever witness for me
How I prize your royal favour.
Exeunt.
Enter Clindor and 1.
1.
Did you not lately murmure against peace,
Cryed up war as the only blessing?
Clind.
Yes, I did so.
1.
I scarce remember your sword did ever purchase
Such gay Caparisons.
Clind.
I see thou art a very simple Fellow:
This is the harvest of the war; the King
Whom we did terrifie, made Presents unto us
Commanders. If thou canst shew me where Soldiers
Are made much of in cold blood, then I will
Magnifie thy mouldy mistress, Peace:
Till then, Bellona, thou art my Patroness.
1.
Thou talkest as if thou hadst done some mighty
Matters; and yet I fear thou art a Coward.
Clind.
I love you, sir, too well to let you suffer
Such a grief as fear, for me: Draw.
1.
Draw! are you mad? or is your wit so great To spoil
Your memory? were not two shot to death that were
Seen fighting?
Clind.
[Page 94]
Very pretty, you grow valiant to abuse me,
Because their valor found a punishment.
The Prince! Justice, sir, I beseech you.
Enter Clarimant and Attendants.
Clar.

For what, or against whom?

Cli.

He told me, sir, he thought I was a Coward.

Clar.

Perhaps you have given him cause to think so.

Clind.

Better and better! But sir, may men speak all they think?

Clar.

Why not? I do so, and never will again Dissemble.

Clind.

But may I, sir?

Clar.

Yes, so it be not blasphemy or treason.

Clind.

How, sir, do you distinguish treason?

Clar.

Look what the Law says,

Clind.

Pox on the Law!

Clar.

How?

Clind.
I cry your Highness mercy; I had forgot the Law was so
Near kin to you: This scurvy fellow has made me mad.
Clar.
You would not live without law.
Clind.
No, I beseech your Highness grant me the Law.
Clar.
Most willingly.
Clind.
The law of Arms, sir, and let him prove me a Coward
[He draws]
Before your Highness, and see how I will defend my self.
Clar.

I know not how in justice I can pardon this Unless I do pronounce you mad.

Clind.

I do beseech your Highness do so.

Clar.
[Page 95]
Sure you are mad.
Clind.
Then I may kill this Rascal, and your law cannot
[...]ang me.
[Offers to strike]
Clar.
Bind him, to prevent mischief.
Clind.
Any thing to save my honor; let me not have my hands
[...]ose; wear a sword, and be call'd Coward!
Clar.
He did but think so.
Cli.
Let him not think aloud then in my hearing.
Clar.
Come, I will end the difference; I do pronounce
[...]ou are no Coward, and him a fool for thinking so.
[...]e friends.
Clind.
Not with a fool; you shall excuse me sir▪
Ex. Cli. &c.
Clar.
Be gone, and leave me.
Why do I give this intermission to my sorrows?
[...]lorinda's Pleas'd I should be miserable:
[...]nce in no other way, in that I will content her.
[...]ut this obedience yields a satisfaction;
[...]nd satisfaction fits not perfect sufferings▪
Which she the perfectest of creatures feels.
[...] can no more admit to be less miserable
[...]hen my Mistress, then I could be content to be
More happy; is there no way to change my fate
With hers? O no, her torment rises from the
[...]alshood of her Lover, where she had plac'd her joys:
Mine, in the not attaining of a Love
Where I dare not pretend to merit:
[...] am a happy man, if by comparison I judge:
Enter Agenor, Austella.
Age.
Still alone, dear brother!
Au.
Most noble sir, why do you thus retire your self
[Page 96] From those who know no satisfaction
Greater then your company? I must pretend
The interest of a sister now; you shall not
Hide your passion, nor the cause from me,
I know 'tis Love.
Clar.
Madam, it is confest: But since despair
Is, and must ever be the only issue of my love,
I would not have those I esteem
Engaged with me in misery.
Au.
Can you be so unjust to your own merits
To despair?
Clar.
So just to her perfections.
Au.
If not a Judge of this, at least make me
Your Advocate: yet all my eloquence
Will rest in shewing her the happiness
That she refuses.
Clar.
Madam, she is not capable of any increase,
She's dead to me and all mankind.
Au.
How mean you? by a figure, or dead indeed?
Age.
I'll take her off from this discourse,
Lest she discover Clorinda in disguise.
Dear Austella, in vain you strive to comfort him,
That can know none, his Mistress dead.
Au.
Rather in vain I strive to know what both
Resolve to hide from me: It was not curiosity, sir▪
But a desire to serve you: That belief
Will speak my pardon.
Exit▪
Age.
I fear she is displeas'd.
Clar.
Reason hath too much power over her fou [...]
To be displeas'd without a cause: I hold her
Every way so perfect, that I durst make
A full discovery, crave her assistance;
But then Clorinda would more justly hate.
Age.
O brother, speak no more of hate; it is im­possible,
If ever she did love me. You have my Intrust,
[Page 97] But much more prevailing must your unequal'd merit
Prove.
Clar.
Merit! dear brother, it is impossible:
Since what I have done, or shall ever do,
Grows from her influence upon me.
Age.
I see that I am yet to learn what it is
To be a perfect Lover.
Clar.
Rather you have not practis'd what you know.
Age.
Brother, I must confess it is my shame,
Though not my grief, since my inconstancie
Hath made me but more happy.
Clar.
How!
Age.
Frown not: I mean more happy,
As my inconstancie leaves you Clorinda free;
And if she prove averse to your desires,
Her constancie to me admits of a just censure,
Not applause.
Clar.
If you believe you have a power in her
After your breach of faith, such as may aid me
In my love; she is not that perfection
That I adore, and by such yielding
Could not make me happy.
Age.
Then you propose a love without a possi­bility
Of satisfaction.
Clar.
Yes, if it suit not with her excellence:
The Gods sometimes appoint us such sad fates,
That 'tis our duty to pursue and glory in our misery.
Age.
I see a miracle must make you happy:
Be not displeas'd that I invoke the Deity
In your behalf; and Brother, know that those
Who would be held the most devout,
Esteem things just and worthy, because they do
Proceed from a divine power; not that they are
Agreeing to our faith, or understanding.
Clar.
[Page 98]
Brother, what you would undertake in my behalf
Becomes your love to offer, but not mine to accept.
A person truly humbled by sense of his unworthiness,
Sure dares not hope: And to admit an Advocate,
Supposes that; nay merit in himself, or in the
Intercessor; or which is worse, an easiness
To be overcome with words. Any of this
Is such impiety my love cannot be guilty of:
Her being his perfection, all things great or good,
Clorinda nam'd, in that is understood.
Exeunt.
Enter Prince, and Olinda.
Pr.
Dear Lady, let me know how I have lost
Your favour.
Ol.
First let me know why you believe you
Ever had it?
Pr.
When I was here a suitor to your sister,
You did not then look with such scorn upon me.
Ol.
Be so again to any other, and I will give you cause
To think me every whit as kind.
Here you discourse of Love; express a sense
Of what you do prosess to suffer by way of
Martyrdom, perhaps accompanied with a sad sigh
Or two.
Pr.
And can you yet be crueller? when you your self
Have caus'd a nobler passion then what I made
But shew of to Austela.
Ol.
It seems then you can counterfeit.
Pr.
I must confess; but yet—
Ol.
Nay spare excuses: As I live, I like you the better
For it; and if you love me now, know this to com­fort you,
[Page 99] We only can agree in being dissemblers.
Offers to go.
Enter Clorinda and Selina, (as in discourse.)
Olind.
Most noble sir! methinks my Genius
Should have inform'd me the happiness of your ap­proach;
And yet 'tis fit I leave you now,
But there does stay my best of wishes.
Exit.
Sel.
She had like to have said, her heart:
Alas poor Lady, how love does fool thee!
Pr.
It must be so; this stranger is the cause
Of her neglect to me: With what unwillingness
She parted from him! I will not, cannot suffer
This second affront; I shall become the scorn
Of all men.
Exit, and justles Clorinda.
Clo.
What means this!
But why, Selina, when I call'd,
Came you not to help me?
Sel.
Alas, Madam, I was fast.
Clo.
Could you so quickly be so sound asleep?
Sel.
Weary with travel. But, Madam, what said Agenor,
(The King I now must call him) when he perceived
It was Lord Cleon, his trusted friend,
That he had slain?
Clo.
He does not know it yet, nor ever shall:
For since his passion to me procured his death,
His faults be buried with him: Besides, I know
It would have been no little torment to Agenor
To find such falshood.
Sel.
Is it possible that you can yet consider him,
Otherwise then to revenge his falshood?
Clo.
If thou hadst ever truly loved,
Thou couldst not ask me such a question: Clarimant!
I must not stay.
Enter Clarimant.
Clar.
Sir, though you have hitherto found means to avoid me,
Yet having now the opportunity,
I needs must press you to a short discourse,
And such a one as will require the absence
Of your servant.
Clo.
I must obey necessity: Leave me.
Sel.
Is it possible he does not know her?
Exit Sel.
Clar.
I see you wear a sword, and make no question
But you know, or think you do, how to maintain
With it the assertions of your tongue.
Clo.
In what?
Clar.
Is it possible that you can ask? yet since I must,
I wil refresh your memory, and whet my own revenge
By repetition. You, as a brother, did pretend
You had more interest to right Clorinda's wrongs,
Then I her servant.
Clo.
And proved it, did I not?
Clar.
In part the oratory of your tongue prevail'd,
And I condemn'd my self; but honor forc'd me
Make appeal unto my sword, and there you must
Orecom me too, before I quit so dear a cause.
[draws]
Clo.
Truth told me then, and bids me still maintain
That I am most concern'd in what Clorinda suffers:
[Draws too]
Clar.
Your resolution pleases above expression:
Which forces me an enemy to beg the favour
To kiss that hand, though it may prove to me
An instrument of death.
Clo.
Keep off; I dare not trust a reconciled foe,
Much less an enemy profest. Imploy your sword,
Whose force I fear less then the impoison'd flattery
Of your tongue.
Clar.
Then guard your self, your breast lies open.
Clo.
You shall not find it so, if you dare strike.
Clar.
Alas it is too true; you have a guard which I
Can never force; and since invisible, it is fit I yield;
Here to confess my self orecome, is to triumph.
But if you hold your victory your shame, which much I fear,
Then purge that stain with my heart-blood,
A sacrifice most justly due to your disdain.
Clo.
A Cowards blood can have no vertue in it.
[Offers to go]
Clar.
Stay.
Clo.
Imploy your sword then, and nobly take revenge
Upon your enemy: I swear, that act
Will with me raise you to the highest estimation.
Clar.
O Clorinda! that word pronounc'd,
Think what you do enjoin me.
Clo.
I fear'd before you knew me,
But thought it fitter to practise the masculine part
I am to play, with you, then with another:
Perhaps with some I have to do, where my
Discovery is my ruine. Thus much, confident
Of your esteem, I dare discover.
Clar.
What musick's in these words!
Clo.
Trust me, Prince Clarimant, I am much pleas'd
To see you.
Clar.
Madam, assure me that I do not dream.
Clo.
Believe me every sense is free,
Only your joy is too much rais'd.
Clar.
Too much! when you speak to me, and not in anger.
Clo.
Contain your self; for know 'tis in your Power
To make me happy.
Clar.
In mine! witness you God [...]
There is no bar betwixt you and your wish.
Clo.
None but your will.
Clar.
[Page 102]
My will! That, and my other faculties
Were ever yours.
Clo.
Swear it.
Clar.
By all that's sacred, it is and ever shall be so;
For you can will nothing but what is just
And noble.
Clo.
My will then is, to which yours must assent,
That you do kill me.
Clar.
How!
Clo.
A miserable life consider'd, death is the hap­piness
Opposed: That you must give me, or be perjur'd.
Clar.
That Clarimant should kill Clorinda!
Self-murder is esteem'd the highest guilt,
And yet this doubles it: I am deluded
By some spirit; for what proportion
Bears this imposition to your excellent sweetness?
Clo:
It bears proportion to my sorrows.
Clar.
Could death be granted as your only re­medy,
Yet that my hand should give it!
Clo.
Those servants are esteem'd the truest,
That do the last and greatest offices of duty.
Having no love to pay your vows of service,
My gratitude proposed this as your recompence.
Clar.
O heavens! was ever gratitude so cruel!
Clo.
Will you not then obey me, nor your oath?
Is this the fruit of all your protestations?
Clar.
Is not my will the same with yours?
You would not live, nor I then.
Clo.
Kill me, and then do what you please.
Clar.
The same say I; kill me, and then do what you please:
Clo.
Your vow was not to eccho my desire,
But to obey what I enjoind.
Clar.
It is true, in what was just and noble.
Clo.
Is it not so to relieve a friend distrest?
Your oath past too?
Clar.
[Page 103]
No friend will ask, for shame,
The help does refuse to give.
Clo.
The guilt remains with the first breach, and that was yours.
Clar.
Alas, you press what no example yet came near,
To kill that person that I value more
Then all the world.
Clo.
No doubt brave Brutus servant lov'd his Master;
Yet kill'd him, being commanded.
Clar.
Perhaps he was his slave, and gain'd his
Freedom by it.
Clo.
And shall not you do so? A freedom from the bonds
Of Love, the Tyrant-master that I flie. But did not
Herod
Doom to death in one his Wife and Mistress,
Lest any other should enjoy her?
And this caused from excess of Love.
Clar.
Unto himself, as I dare never hope
To be so happy to have his interest,
So I shall never fear his punishment.
[Kneels]
This is that posture which my former vows
Best suit withall: Nor am I humbled thus,
To beg for pitty to my self but you,
Divine Clorinda! who ought to be
As far from thought of punishment,
As you are free from guilt.
Clo.
False perjur'd man! I can be free from neither,
Whilst I stay here.
Clar.
O misery! was ever man so wretched!
In the performing what she should command,
I still have plac'd my only hopes of merit.
Sure fate did never yet to any Lover
[Page 104] Put so hard a part,
To disobey, or pierce his Mistress heart.
Exit.

Act. 2. Scaen. 1.

Enter Austela, Clorinda.
Au.
COme sir, you must not be so sad:
Sure there is some strange sympathie betwixt
Prince Clarimant and you.
Clo.
No sympathie at all, if he have any cause
Of grief; mine's meerly natural.
Au.
I find you dissemble with me:
Your griefs have such resemblance, that knowing his
Is Love, I am assured yours is the same.
Clo.
Love! I honour all the sex, yet never knew
That passion for a woman.
Au.
I must confess that you have in your self
So much of beauty, that looking in your glass,
It is not like you should be taken with anothers form:
But yet take heed, the Gods may punish pride.
Clo.
To be such, is a punishment so great,
The Gods can add no more.
Au.
The interest you have in the King, hath made me
Study your content: I find my sister loves you;
And what her blushes will not let her speak,
I must.
Clo.
If she herself should tell me so, it were fit for me
To think she said it to make sport, knowing
My own unworthiness.
Au.
[Page 105]
How slow soever you are of belief,
must make known a Ladies passion to you
Every way your equal.
Clo.
I have not seen that person, sure.
Au.
What do you think of me?
Clo.
You! as of the soul of all perfection,
And only worthy him you do enjoy.
Au.
I must not think my beauty worth esteem:
For, gaining him, there is a conquest, which obtain'd,
Deserves a triumph. That blush shews you conceive me.
Clo.
Madam, it is impossible I should understand
A speech so disagreeing to that character
I had received.
Au.
It will be unjust to value me the less
For my esteem of you.
Clo:
Of me!
Enter Agenor.
Au.
Know, gentle Youth, not all the tyes of duty
Have power to bar me the expressions of love,
That grows from such perfections as the world
Never knew: Hide not that lovely face,
Which even the King beholding, must excuse me.
Age.
Thou lyest, false woman.
Clo.
O Agenor! I never wisht thee half so mi­serable.
Au.
Why do you turn away? What, weep! Is my love
Such an injury? Or if some word have past my lips,
That mov'd this passion, my lips shall satisfie
By taking off these tears.
Age.
I can endure no more:
Just heavens, how my inconstancie is punisht!
Exit.
Au.
[Page 106]
Clear up those Suns, and let them gently shine upon me,
Or I am lost for ever! Not moved with all my
Courtship,
Continue thus unkind, insensible of a Queens love,
And I shall think you are no man.
Clor.
The weakness of my passion hath discover'd me:
Madam, such an excess of happiness
To be thus favour'd by you, produc'd this passion;
Tears are as well the effect of joy as sorrow.
Au.
A woman, I am confident! Now I can read it
In her face, sir. I accept of your excuse,
But then you must forgo this sadness.
Clo.
Madam, all other thoughts but the consi­deration
Of your favour, are henceforth banisht.
Au.
I yet am something doubtful of your pro­fessions,
You may confirm me.
Clo.
As how?
Au.
Sure you have a Mistress, some in the Court
That you do love.
Clo.
None, trust me.
Au.
Then you do love the King so much, that you hate me
For my inconstancie, you may forgive it, I know he will;
He thinks it is no vice, rather a vertue,
To have choice of Mistresses.—Why do you sigh?
This touches; nay, now you break your promise.
Clo.
Madam, I am not well.
Au.
Will you rest your self upon my bed?
I'll call the King, then you will be well,
It is he must cure you, Lady.
Clo.
[Page 107]
Lady! O my heart—
[Swoons]
Au.
What have I done? ho, some Cordial quickly!
Help—
Enter two Women.
Madam, he recovers.
Au.
Lay him upon my bed, gently for heavens sake!
Exit woman and Clor.
In this discovery I my end obtain,
But make provision for my future pain.
Such fruit our jealousie produces still:
Better not know, then know the worst of ill.
Exit.
Enter Clindor and a Gentleman.
Clind.
Pray you sir, shall I make bold to ask a question?
Gent.
A dozen, if you please.
Clind.
You are courteous. Why was the King sent for by the
Queen in such haste?
Gent.
I must not tell you that.
Clind.
Perhaps you cannot.
Gent.
I cannot, sir, be ignorant.
Clind.
O, wondrous easie; perhaps the King knew not
The cause himself.
Gent.
It may be so; Kings know not all things.
Clind.
You do, it seems.
Gent.
Seem, sir!
Clind.
Nay, be not angry; you promis'd largely.
Gent.
I promis'd nothing.
Clind.
'Tis true; and nothing I expect. So fare you well.
Gent.
Remember, sir, I only gave you leave to ask.
Clind.
'Tis true, I cry you mercy:
Then I May ask one question more.
Gent.
[Page 108]
You may ask any thing.
Clind.
Do you not think I had ill luck
To find a man so overwise for my Informer.
Gent.
Troth sir—
Clind.
You need not answer, I am already
Satisfied.
Gent.
I see you know not me,
You are a shallow fellow.
Clind.
And you so deep a puddle,
No plummet can find the bottom;
You have no ground, sir: So fare you well,
My cautious Monsieur.
Exeunt▪
Enter Agenor and Clorinda.
Age.
O dear Clorinda! how powerfully thy beauties
Now present themselves, and minute gather strength
By these thy sufferings! What cause hast thou and I
To curse my base inconstancie?
Clo.
How sir! are you so ingrate to heaven,
That for your sake favour'd that vice so far,
To give it the reward of vertue, happiness?
And that so great in your Austela,
That all men else are poor compared.
Enter Austela.
Age.
My Austela!
Au:
It is well I am denied then▪
Age.
Did she not court you as a man?
The heart she took from me, through you could not
Receive, your sex denying Entertain,
Is yet so tainted in the tender of it,
That I for ever must repent the change
I made: O Clorinda! would this hand
When it was join'd in hers, had rotted off.
Clo.
[Page 109]
Do you believe to cure inconstancie
And breach of faith, by new inconstancie?
I see it was a vice dwelt in your blood.
Age.
It is no inconstancie, to cast an eye back
On your vertue, too late instructed
By present misery.
Clo.
It is enough; this does express how miserable
You might have been: But know your happiness is perfect.
The Queen prompted by jealousie, the fruit of
Ardent love, suspected me a woman,
And your former Mistress, and took this way of courting me
To be assured.
Age▪
Your vertue bids you make this fair con­struction.
[Ent. Austel.]
Clo.
She comes! her sight begets new trouble;
Would I had chang'd this habit for my winding-sheet.
Au.
Sir, I am glad to find my chamber can afford you
So good company.
Clo.
Absence at any rate! I must be gone:
Your Majesties pardon.
Exit.
Au.
It seems you have cured him.
Age▪
You made him sick; had I not reason?
It is fit I remedy your errors.
Au.
You have so many of your own,
It will take your time up.
Age.
But there's one especially that troubles me.
Au.
You would change a wife, would you not?
Age.
Do your thoughts prompt you to that questi­on?
Au.
It is time when you deny me.
Age.
There was a time I might.
Au.
Had your hand rotted off, the present trouble
Had been saved: You are an unconstant man;
Which granted, both are miserable.
Age.
[Page 110]
Both are no less in being jealous,
Which you must grant you are.
Au.
Having such cause, love could not be with­out it.
Age.
But having certainty that vertue is gone,
Love ceasing▪ ends that trouble.
Au.
The object of our guilt, shall be our Judge.
Age.
I doe not understand your riddle: who do you mean?
Au.
One, that to me cannot be partiall▪ your Mistress.
Age.
Your servant.
Au.
Yes, Clorinda.
Age.
But doe you think that you stand clear in honor.
Au.
You cannot hope it sure; but there's the more
For me to pardon: Come, all your passages of love
Are plain; yours, and your brother Clarimants.
Perswade Clorinda that I think her still a man,
Lest modesty make her forsake the Court,
And both use means to make her love your brother.
These little quarrels, where the hearts are good,
The body of our Love keeps firm, like letting blood.
Enter Clindor, and 1.
1.
Come. thou shalt lend me ten Crowns;
As I am an honest man, Ile pay thee.
Clind.
Gain that opinion with me first:
You see the Money's ready.
1.
Why, thou hast known me long,
Did I ever deceive thee.
Clind.
No, for I ever took thee for a Shark:
A Fellow too, that would abuse me
In my poverty, in words.
1.
It was but in Merriment; I swear I ever
Loved thee truly.
Clind.
[Page 111]
Yes, and I wil requite it; I know that mony
Would but dull your Wit, spoil Industry:
I finde it by my self, that care keeps close
My Purse.
1.
Refuse a Comrade little Coyn:
[...]Iis poor.
Clind
But yet the custome of the Rich, and things
Must be proportion'd to our Fortune.
1.
'Tis well Fortune and you are friends;
That makes you proud.
Clind.
I have a sense of her great benefits, I were a Fool else.
1.
Well! I may live to repay this scorn.
Clind.
Yes, sooner then the Money you would borrow;
Which makes me ask no Bond.
1.
Come, prethee supply me, and leave fooling.
Clind.
Spare your own pains, Sir, you have done enough.
1:
As I am clad, I am not fit for any honest com­pany.
Clind.
Nor cloath'd in Scarlet trust me.
1.
You are a base Fellow: the Tide may turn.
Clind.
O admirable fruit of poverty! Valour in­fus'd I vow:
Yet remember, Friend, quarrels are dangerous.
1.
Tell me of danger—
Clind.
I cry you mercy, Sir; I had forgot you were poor.
Nay, if you be outragious, I must leave you.
1.
We shall meet agen.
Exit.
Clind.
Yes, no doubt on't; how calm and tem­perate
Will Money make one: a man might almost pull me
By the Nose, yet I not angry; such admirable sa­tisfactions
[Page 112] Here.—
[Enter Selina
This Youth I have seen oft, had a strange
Mind to talk to him; yet still the brat avoids me.
Stay my pretty knave, shall I borrow a word or two
Sel.
On good security you will ask no more.
Clind.
Why is your Mistress staying for you i [...] the Lobby?
Sel.
If she were, what would you give to suppl [...] my room?
Clind.
I do believe what ever it were, she would repay the sum.
Sel.
O fie! you look not like an Amorist; tha [...] face would fright her.
Clind.
A martial one: Adonis was not alwaye [...] favourite,
Mars had his turn.
Sel.
Were you that Deity? your reign is out.
Clind.
But I can prove a Jupiter, and court your
Mistress in a shower
Of gold; and that, I take it, in all times is powerful
More then your face.
Sel.
Descend, descend, and shew yourself a simple Mortal▪
Else I shall leave you.
Clind.
Tell me first what Country you are of;
My mind gives me I have seen that face.
Sel.
You have a foolish mind that does abuse you,
So fare you well.
Clind.
And so have you a foolish tongue that does betray you;
A certain coy disdainful look too, that stiles you [...] woman.
Sel.
How sir! you shall find me masculine; take that.
[Strikes him]
Clind.
This cannot hide you; confess your sex and name,
[Page 113] Or by this light I will untruss your points,
And then you know what follows.
Sel.
Sir, you in this restraint preserve my modesty,
It was my desire that you should know me:
I dare not say you are the cause of this disguise,
Yet you may think your pleasure.
Clind.
Now by this light have I mind to beat thee
As a man, for all the scorns thou hast put upon me:
For as a woman I am sure thou wilt abuse me,
Especially if thou pretend'st to love me.
Sel.
Your scorn's so just, that I must suffer it:
[Seems to weep]
Clind.
How! let's see; no moisture! spare, spare your
Linen, good Selina.
Sel.
Oh whither shall I flie to hide my shame!
Clind.
Ev'n to your mask and petticoat: Carry your bum
A little out, you will need no Fardingale a while.
Sel.
Alas sir you mistake, I have no other burden
But my sorrows; from those you only can deliver me.
Clind.
Bar marriage, and I will be your midwife:
Where lie you?
Sel.
As you have honour in you, do not discover me,
Hereafter you shall know.
Exit Clindor.
Enter Clorinda (with a paper) and Olinda.
Clo.
Madam, having received such testimonies
Of your favor, I could not leave the Court
Even in civility, till I had kist your fair hand.
Olind.
What sad things do you utter! It is not possible,
You do but fright me sure.
Clo.
Necessity enforces; for I shall leave behind
That which I value far above my self.
Olin.
[Page 114]
Does the King and Queen know what you do intend?
Clo.
They must not.
Olin
Your resolution is full of cruelty;
That though you do oblige me by imparting it,
Yet I must fail your trust, and give them notice.
Clo.
For your own sake you must not: this paper,
I being gone, will let you know a secret
That concerns your happiness, and by my stay
You will be miserable.
Olin.
Alas, that is impossible:
To have your company, includes all joys.
Clo.
Since you esteem it so, if I live I will return.
Olin.
How soon?
Clo.
In a short time; but if you read this paper
Yet this two days, when I come back you have my curse.
Weep not dear Lady, yield me the honor
Of your hand.
[Enter Prince]
Ol.
O me most wretched! you shall not go,
I die if you thus leave me.
Clo.
Alas I must.
Pr.
Madam, I cannot chuse but wonder
To see you court a Boy thus.
Ol.
My wonder is greater at your arrogance
And ignorance, to tutor me, and slight a person
Then your self more worthy.
Pr.
What's this?
Clo.
From him I may receive that death I seek:
Defend your self.
Ol.
Ah me! help, help! oh help Prince Clarimant,
The gentle Youth is hurt.
Enter Clarimant.
Clar.
Hurt!
O heavens, grant me a little space.
Clar. fights with the Prince, beats him off, returns wounded, and kneels to Clorinda.
Clo.
[Page 115]
Why this to me?
Clar.
To ask your pardon, that he lives
That drew that precious blood.
Clo.
I grieve your hurt, yet thank you not for interposing.
Enter Agenor and Attendants.
My Brother wounded! speak, by whom? A sur­geon, quick.
Sel.
The Prince of Aquitain.
Age.
Make after, seise him:
Dear Clarimant, how is it with you?
Clar.
Well; happy to die for such a cause.
Au.
You Gods extend your pitty: O dear Clo­rinda!
[...]our some balm into his wounds.
Age.
One word from you may clear his fainting spirits.
Clo
Heaven knows I wish his life more then mine own.
Age.
We must do more then wish.
Clar.
Although my reason tels me that I owe my thanks
To your despair, yet the sound comforts me:
O there bestow your cure! my cure lies there.
Au.
Thou soul of Lovers, in thee dwels such truth,
Well may thy merit save our faithless Youth.
Exeunt.

Act. 3. Scaen. I.

Enter King, Agenor.
Age.
IS there no news? what is become of this rude Prince?
K.
You need not seek for him; his wounds and his disgrace
Are punishment enough.
Age.
My reason now does tell me so; but had my brothers
Wounds prov'd mortal, no corner of the earth
Should hide him from my revenge.
K.
I cannot chuse but grieve the sad accident;
Yet know I am oblig'd in honor, he coming
To my rescue with such a powerful Fleet,
To look with less severity upon his fault:
Besides, which happily you know not,
I gave him leave to be a suiter to my daughter.
Age.
His punishment would be so great to see Clorinda,
As herself whom he would then have wounded
As his rival, that I confess I wish him here.
Besides, those of his Fleet, or he scaping to
That, may do some sudden mischief.
K.
He cannot be so base, your fears are needless.
Exeunt:
Enter Clorinda and Austela.
Clo.
Madam, in modesty I could no longer
Wear the habit of a man, once known a woman:
But humbly I beseech you on my knees,
[Page 117] [...] you respect the honor of our sex,
When you return, to licence my departure
From the Court; since misery and discontent
[...]wels here, though I were circled in
With all those honors you or the King can grant.
Aust.
I must confess I am made happy by your misery,
And therefore hold my self oblig'd to study always
For your satisfaction. But know, besides this tye,
[...] have so great opinion of your merit,
Hold it so far to exceed mine, that I am confident
The Gods reserve for you a greater blessing then Agenor,
A person tainted in his faith.
Clo.
Although your own, I must not suffer
Such an undervalue of the King, whose worth is such,
So far exceeding all, that it admits of an allay.
Here it was not so, rather addition;
A change produc'd by such perfection,
Is not to be esteem'd inconstancie, but wisdom:
Au.
It is not now, rather hereafter that I shall return
This argument upon your self: Now let us go do
What charity enjoins.
Clo.
That and my duty forces me to attend you.
Exeunt.
Enter Clarimant and Clindor.
Clind.
How is it with your Highness?
Clar.
O too well, Clindor: my outward wounds
Heal much too fast, since these within do fester.
Clind.
Well sir, you little know what service I may do you.
Clar.
I know thou hast and wilt be careful of my health.
Cli.
But sir, I mean that I can serve you in your love.
Clar.
[Page 118]
O Clindor; speak no more; thou troublest me.
Clind.
Will it trouble you to let you know Clo­rinda's here?
Clar.
Here! where?
Clind.
Not in this room, but in this Country, nay in this Court.
Clar.
Alas I know it, and so by this does all men.
Clind.
But do they know Selina's here in habit of a man?
Clar.
Yes, yes.
Clind.
But yet they do not know she is in love with me,
Most desperately too.
Enter two Surgeons.
Clar.
Nor dost thou know it, fool,
she does abuse thee.
Clind.
She dares not; by this light I will beat her.—
The Surgeons, sir, are come to dress you.
Clar.
Must I be drest?
Enter Austela, Clorinda, and Olinda.
Clind.
The Queen your sister! Clorinda, as I live, sir.
Clar.
O fool, thou lyest; it is impossible— Can it be she?
Au.
Brother, how is with you now?
Clar.
So well, that I could kiss that sword that made these
Wounds; for I by them receive a benefit
Which I durst never hope.
Au.
Come, I must dress your wounds; no com­mon hand
Is fit to touch you. I know this Lady will apply
One plaister, since for her sake you did receive
These wounds.
Clo.
[Page 119]
Led by your example, I am compell'd to follow.
Clar.
You Gods, what happiness is this! may they be long
A healing, if still this application will continue.
Au.
Pray not against your self, heaven is offended,
Granting your request, I fear; for if I not mistake,
They bleed afresh. Fair Clorinda,
These drops express his passion, and your power.
Clo.
I grieve for both, and know no remedy so good
As a perpetual absence.
Clar.
Know dear Clorinda, it was a thankful heart
That sent those few drops forth to kiss your hand
For so great favours: your cruel resolution
Sends them back, their errand scarce perform'd:
For see, I bleed no more; but know withall
'Tis the destruction of the fountain; the coldness
Of despair must quickly freeze all motion:
Au.
I owe a reverence to that blood upon this hand;
O let me kiss it as a most sacred relique
Of the truest Lover the sex did ever boast.
Offers to weep.
That spot, Clorinda, you may wipe away,
But never shall the memory of him
Whom you thus cruelly do murder
By disdain.
Clo.
Madam, free from that guilt, I cannot appre­hend
A punishment. The Gods are just; they be my wit­ness
If I had happiness to give, I should prefer
This Prince before my self; But I am such a peece
Of earth, so sunk beneath all joys,
That should I yield what he can ask,
Yet I must lie like lead upon his heart.
Au.
Yet for the present, sure,
[Page 120] It is fit you speak comfort to him.
Clo.
Comfort from me! 'tis contradiction
To my being, who am made up of misery.
Au.
Pray come near, and speak to him.
Clo.
I am so careful, that I would not hurt him.
Au.
Brother, be confident her rigor cannot last,
I shall perswade her to relent.
Clar.
O Madam, you mistake; she only hath the beauties,
And not the weaknesses usually depending on her sex:
Her resolutions have their ground from reason ever,
And know no change till it command.
How can she then esteem the less deserving brother
Worthy her love, when he that most deserved
Foully betraid her? Life could only prove
No curse, if I might be assur'd she would
Forgive the injury she suffers by the trouble
Of my love; to hope her pitty of my torments,
Is much above my faith.
Clo.
Madam, too long we have disturb'd the Prince;
Our absence would be more conducing to his health.
Au.
There is a care his merits methinks should command
Over your gratitude: which that you not apply,
Too late you may repent.
Clo.
I so much wish his health and happiness,
That I will ever pray that he may never find
Disquiet thought, and to my prayers likewise add
My latest counsel: Forget Clorinda, and make her happy.
Clar.
Forget Clorinda, and make her happy!
How can I understand this cruel sentence?
Au.
Waste not your spirits, sir; I think I under­stand her,
And it shall not be long ere I procure her
To explain herself.
Clar.
[Page 121]
You are the comfort of my love, and life.
Exeunt.
Enter Prince Cleon.
Pr.
What do I owe my stars that did direct me
To this place, where I find safety for my person,
Cure for my wounds, and such a friend who chalks me
Out a way to all I can desire on earth!
Cle.
Follow my counsel, and be constant in it,
You are the master of your wish▪
Pr.
Constant! can there be other ends propos'd
Powerful to change me? Revenge for my disgrace;
And the possession of that Kingdom I aim'd at
In Austela, now to prove mine with one I more esteem,
The fair Olinda. But how when this is done,
I ever can requite your pains?
Cle.
It pays it self; and to secure you more
Of my intention and performance,
Know I am not the man I have appeared,
But one whom both revenge and love does likewise
Animate.—
[Enter Druid.]
My Instrument returns:
When we have heard what's his intelligence,
I will lay my self more fully open,
And we'll conclude how to pursue what we design.
What is thy news, good?
Druid.
As you could wish.
Cle.
We'll hear't within.
Exeunt.
Enter Clorinda and Selina▪
Clo.
A man so holy and so knowing, sayst thou,
That can give com [...]orts to all griefs,
Call back the peace that is fled from any mind?
Sel.
Certainly, Madam, the spirit of the Gods
Dwels in him, or rather he is a God descended
To the earth to comfort the distressed world:
I am confident, had you but once discours'd with him,
You would not be thus sad.
Clo.
O fool! the Gods themselves have not a cure for me
But death: If he their substitute would give me that,
Then I would visit him most gladly. Prethee leave me.
Sel.
Well Madam, I grieve you have not faith
To trust my words. My words! nay, all the City
Speaks him Wonderful for sanctity and knowledg.
Clo▪
Well, perhaps I will see him: Prethee now leave me.
Sel.
Alas Madam, I cannot, whilst you are thus sad.
Clo.
I am not so, thou but deceivest thy self;
Or if I be, company makes me worse.
Sel.
Madam, since I must, yet still my duty
Presses you to receive this comfort.
Clo.
Well, be gone, I will think on it.
Ex. Selina.
Why do I trifle time out thus, when every hour
I feel a torment more then death can be?
Besides, if I were gone; from the impossibility
To enjoy me, Prince Clarimants affection
Might abate; and yet when I consider,
His love appears none of those sickly passions
Which time can triumph over, since I believe it such,
Where is my gratitude to see him languish?
Nay, to see him die? die of those wounds
[Page 123] That he for me received? I never can forget
His blood fresh streaming from his wounds
At my approach; that faithful witness of his joy,
More worthy of belief, then if a thousand tongues
Or pens should be imployed: I find my self
More wretched now then ever, fitter to die;
For if I live, I to my own shall add
His sufferings too: And yet methinks that should be
Pleasing: To grieve for him, is to discharge
Part of that debt I owe; I would not be ungrateful:
Live then Clorinda, till thou find'st some way
To make him happy. No, it is impossible,
Since I cannot [...]e so; yet I may seem content,
And by that seeming give him real blessing:
And see, fortune presents an object that confirms my hopes
It may be done, at least I will endeavour.
Enter Olinda.
Olind.
Dearest Clorinda! not less dear, because a woman;
For such perfections in a man I solely could not
Have possest, my own defects barring that happiness:
But as a woman sure, none can pretend
With greater merit to your favour;
All my wants supplied by my firm love,
Which cannot know another object then your fair self.
Clo.
I must esteem my self most happy
In the continuance of your love,
Rather your friendship; for all affection
Is from us proper to the better sex.
Olind.
Which sure is ours, you being a woman.
Clo.
Your sister will not grant you that,
Whose example you ought to follow, in acknowledg­ing
[Page 124] Love and superiority due to the men,
Especially such men as the King Agenor
And his more worthy brother Clarimant.
Olind.
These words of Clarimant, if heard,
Would cause a general joy through all the Court:
But he himself must know his happiness by degrees,
Lest the excess again disturb his health;
Since your last visit he is miraculously recover'd.
Clo.
You attribute to me what is more justly due
Unto the King and Queen's, nay your sweet con­versation.
Methinks you four would be most aptly join'd;
Two brothers and two sisters, whose perfections
All the world cannot equal.
Olind.
Dear Clorinda, I must not understand you;
Or if I do, you have a mean opinion
Of my Judgment, less of my Constancie,
Which did but now profess my heart for ever only yours:
Clo.
I take for granted that your heart is mine,
Which I express in that I would dispose it,
And so I would do my own, if I had any:
But know that what I once do give I never reassume;
Or if I had a heart, could that be worthy Clarimant
Another had despised?
Olind.
What now you speak to me, expresses your respect to him,
And so must not displease; for I confess
His merits are so great, that in his happiness
All that love vertue must be sharers:
But I beseech you do not entertain a thought
That you can breed a change in him or me.
Dear Clorinda, your vertue and your beauty
Is the object of our Loves; such a conformity
As may arise from that, betwixt Prince Clarimant
And me, is only fit.
Clo.
[Page 125]
I for my part do ask no more, but that your lines
Of love do meet in me: But reason in him,
Friendship in you may give me power in time
To tie a happy knot; this hope the Gods inspire me with.
Olind.
Take heed, they needs must be offended with you
For a hope that is so unjust.
Clo.
Dare you refer your self unto their sentence?
Olind.
I dare do any thing that you think fit;
But this I know you cannot.
Clo.
Heaven knows that I desire it.
Olind.
But do not hope it, when two wills oppose you.
Clo.
Yet when the Gods shall give their sentence,
Your will and Clarimant's, it all your vows be true,
Must then submit to mine.
Olind.
Should we grant our obedience, how have the Gods,
Or can they unto us declare their will?
Clo.
That great Deity that did infuse
A reasonable soul into us mortals,
Inthron'd that Reason as a King to govern
All our actions. But beyond this I am inform'd,
Nor is it possible but you must know it,
That here without the City in a sacred Grove,
There lives a man so pious, and so knowing
The will of heaven, that all men in distress
Or doubt repair to him, and find a happy issue
Of their troubles.
Olind.
It is most true, his fame is great:
If curiosity do move you to go visit him,
I gladly will attend you; but since I have resisted
What you commanded, dear Clorinda,
No mortal man must change me.
Clo.
I love this firmness in you; the fitter you
Will prove hereafter for Clarimants affection.
[Page 126] In hearts of wax, Love easily impressions make,
But those of diamonds hardly new forms take.
Exeunt.
Enter Agenor and Clindor.
Age.
Clindor, I make no doubt your joy is not the least
To see your Master thus recover'd of his wounds.
Clind.
Faith sir, his outward wounds are pretty well;
But there's a foolish shaft sticks in his heart.
The little Archer should be whipt for shooting Sol­diers,
What has he to do with us?
Age.
He aims still at the noblest marks.
Clind.
But those, sir, that are wise, wear privy coats,
And then his darts prove but burbolts, and drop down
At our feet: And is not that, sir, better then by our whining
Or in verse or prose, make these she-gossips think themselves
Our Deities, who by creation rather are our slaves.
Age.
I see thou art an enemy to Love.
Clind.
Just as to Idleness: why are we not in arms?
Methinks there is now a brave occasion.
Age.
How? we have no enemies▪
Clind.
Let's make some then: But sir, you have a cause
Of just revenge against that base Prince which hurt your Brother:
Let's fall upon his Country, they say a rich one,
And he no doubt lies here obscured to do some mis­chief:
[Page 127] At least let us seise upon his ships here in the road.
Age.
It were dishonorable:
He came to the assistance of the King my father,
And for his sake I rather do desire his friendship,
However he appears not to receive it.
Clind.
That shews his hatred; he may be in his Country
Raising forces to invade your Kingdom in your ab­sence:
Prevent him sir, and seise on his; it is a shame, sir,
To lie here hugging a wife, wasting your best of youth
On poor delights.
Age.
Thou knowst not what it is to be rich in pleasure.
Clind.
Yes▪ to have mony purchas'd by my sword.
Age.
Is it not as well to have it without blows?
Clind.
Not by the half: If your Majesty should give me now
A thousand crowns, in the mind I am in,
I swear I scarce would give you thanks for it.
Age.
Well Clindor, I had such an intention; but since I see
It will be no more acceptable, it shall be reserv'd for some other.
Clind.
Your Majesty, if you please, may lend me such a sum:
At the first City taken by assault, I shall pay it.
Age.
The war is so distant from my thoughts,
So long I cannot spare it.
Clind.
Nay, as you please sir, I am full.
Age.
Able to lend me, are you not? I am a stranger here,
And may need gold.
Clind.
Make haste, sir, back to Burgonia, your credit's good there:
[Page 128] And to say truth, I wonder why you stay so long;
Your subjects will believe you have forgot them,
Your fathers death, sir, left things much unsetled.
Age.
Clindor, I thank you for your care; 'tis worth my thought,
And shall be worth to you the thousand crowns we spake of,
Nor shall you pay so much as thanks to me:
Only be careful of my brother; he is full of melan­choly,
For which I know no better cure then your com­pany.
Clind.
He shall not stir a foot without me:
But this same foolish Love does trouble us; A little
Bout, sir,
In the field, War, war would cure us all.
Exeunt.
Enter Clarimant and Clorinda.
Clar.
Divine Clorinda! how quickly is my joy
To see you here, lost by the cruelty of your com­mands!
All your neglect was just; but now to bid me
Cease to love you, nay to impose a new affection,
It is such a studied tyrannie, that I in this particular
To Gods and men may justifie my disobedience
To Clorinda.
Clo.
I must not hope that any argument
That I have used can be of equal force
With her perfections; if they want power,
'Tis vain to plead it further: but henceforth
Be assured I never shall impose any command
Upon you, nor will I ever see you more,
If with convenience I may avoid you.
Clar.
Stay, you cannot think it is possible
I should obey you.
Clo.
[Page 129]
I think you will not rather; so fare you well.
Clar.
O stay! was ever man so wretched?
May I not be allowed some time to try
If I can be unconstant?
Clo.
Yes.
Clar.
How long?
Clo.
Two or three days.
Clar.
Oh! years, years will not do it, sure not an age,
I cannot suffer such a thought: To pierce my heart
Is much more easie; O give me leave to do that
Rather; then you shall see your character
So deeply printed there, that not Clorinda's self
Can ere deface it, not by this injury,
Although the greatest that ever yet was offer'd
To a faithful love.
Clo.
Tears from those manly eyes! it is not fit I urge it more:
But know withall it is impiety in you
To hope I ever can be yours:
For though no contract past betwixt me
And the King your brother, I hold my self
Unfit to be anothers wife; my vows of being
Ever his, are sure in heaven recorded.
Think seriously of this; but withall be assured
That person does not live to whom I hold
My self so much obliged as to Prince Clarimant:
The Gods grant you much peace,
Nay greater happiness then they permit me to be­stow.
Exit Clo.
Clar.
Thunder and musick in one voice; despair and joy!
[...]et reason bids me hope from her last word:
The heart that pitties once, may love afford.
Exit.
Enter Clorinda, Selina.
Clo.
Selina, I am now resolved to see this
Holy man; and if he be what you relate,
Hereafter I shall credit you. Prince Clarimant
And fair Olinda too will go along:
Let it be order'd so, if possible,
That none take notice of our going.
Sel.
That may with much ease be effected: Some houres
As in the morning he wholly dedicates
To his devotions, and does admit of none to visit him:
But persons of your quality are not obliged to any rule.
Clo.
It fals out happily; be ready then to guide us.
Sel.
Madam, I shall not fail; and if you find him not above
What you expect, for ever banish me your favor.
Exeunt.
Enter King, Austela.
K.
Austela, I much wonder why this
Unhappy Prince appears not.
Au.
Doubtless, sir, he is shipt; the sense of his disgrace
Will hinder him for ever appearing in this Court.
K.
Why sho [...]ld you think so? his action was not such
As you would make it; although Clorinda
Were a woman, he knew it not, but as a rival
In your sisters love did wound her.
Au.
That is true, sir; it is not that which I alleadg [...]
In his disgrace, but that he with such odds
Could not defend himself from Clarimant.
K.
It was his misfortune, and not want of courage,
[Page 131] Nor can I think that he consented
To that assistance which his servants gave:
However I must value him a friend,
For such he shewed himself in my distress;
Nor shall he suffer in my Kingdom, if it lie
In my power to serve him.
Au.
I am not, sir, to counsel you: but for my part
The little knowledg I had of him, does make me wish
Never to see my sister married to him;
And I am confident, if not inforc'd,
She never will receive him for a husband.
K.
It is not come to that: I rather fear
His wounds were mortal; and should he thus be lost
And no accompt given of his life or death,
It might be prejudicial to my honor,
All neighbour Princes would avoid my Court for ever.
Au.
It were no loss, if they were all like him.
K.
Daughter, I find you are so partial for your
Husbands brother, that you forget my interest quite:
Au.
I cannot be so severed by a husband,
As to forget a loving father: My sisters good
Obliges to speak thus much, for whom
I must believe Prince Clarimant would prove
A nobler husband then this Prince
You so much seem to favour.
K.
It is true; but his affection's setled on Clo­rinda sure,
Never to be altered.
Au.
You know not, sir, what time may do;
Clorinda's self labours to make Prince Clarimant
Change his affection to my sister: For her,
She vows never to marry, as having lost Agenor
Whom she loved. This I both gather by mine
Own observance, and likewise know it from my sister,
To whom Clorinda hath in part exprest as much.
K.
[Page 132]
Things standing so, I must confess, if honor
And my word engag'd permit, I quickly should con­sent.
Au.
You would have reason. I know Agenor
So much loves his brother, that he might be per­swaded
After your death to live here, and leave the govern­ment
Of Burgonia to Clarimant.
K.
It were a high point of state, could it be so,
And we should aptly pay the care we owe
Unto this Kingdom. That State is much more happy
Where the Prince himself remains,
Then howsoever govern'd by a Substitute.
Au.
Add to this, what happiness it were for me
To live here in that Kingdom, which I
By your favour brought my husband.
K.
My dear Austela, I rejoice in thy instruction:
My daughter and my Tutor, to thy cleer
Judgment I leave the managing of this affair.
Exeunt
Enter Cleon and Druid.
Dru.
Will you not let them see my art?
Cle.
No, no, it were loss of time.
Pr.
On peril of your lives keep close, till you be call'd.
Enter Prince and Sailors.
Cle.
Speak not of calling;
As soon as you perceive them once entred
This thicket, break forth and seise them:
If any men come in their company,
Unless they yield, kill them; whilst we convey
Away the Ladies to the ship. Where lies the Boat?
Who guides to that?
Sail.
Fast by here in a Creek.
Pr.
But why should not we rather let them come
[Page 133] Unto his Cell? then we might better seise them.
Cle.
Oh by no means! he must remain here still
In the same reputation, untill by poison
Or some other way the King Agenor be dispatcht;
And then come to receive a D [...]kedom
For thy recompence,—or else a halter.
Dru.
Doubt not, I will deserve it.
Pr.
My mind misgives me that they will not come.
Cle.
Oh fear it not; both love and curiosity
Advance their steps, either of which
Hath power to make young people run:
The boy that brings them, hath his interest too:
I judge it near the time.
[Ent. Sailor]
I see them coming.
Cle.
Stand close.
Enter Selina, Clorinda, Clarimant, Olinda, Clindor.
Sel.
Madam, it is but a little farther
Within the Wood.
Clind.
Whilst they enquire for Oracles,
I'll talk with you: It is a notable witty rogue—
The place methinks invites:
[Ent. Sailors]
Clar.
Traitors!
Clo.
Help, help, you Gods!
Pr.
Make good 'gainst them.
Cle.
Lose no time.
[Ex. Pr. Cle. Clor. Olind.]
Enter Clarimant and Clindor.
Clar.
O Clindor, that we had wings!
In the fight Sail­ors are kill'd.
Exeunt.

Act. 4. Scaen. 1.

Enter King, Agenor, Austela, and Attendants.
K.
'TIs strange that they should be so long re­turning,
It is not a mile without the City.
Age.
It seems they find a pleasing entertainment.
Enter Clindor (wounded)
Au.
O my heart! what object's this!
Age.
Clindor, what mean these wounds?
Clind.
To kill me, sir, I think; and if they do,
It matters not, life hath with me no value:
Your Brother's lost.
Age.
How lost?
Clind.
Surpris'd by the base Prince of Aquitain,
As they were going to see the holy Druid.
Au.
O heavens! and whither carried?
Clind.
To his Fleet that lies here in the Road.
Prince Clarimant and I, when we had kill'd
Those that opposed us, pursued to overtake them,
But came just as they put their Barge from shore:
The Prince not considering his wounds,
Transported by his passion, leaps into the sea,
And swam after the Boat; but you may think
In vain, although he could have reacht it.
Age.
And so was drown'd!
Clind.
Not drown'd, but perhaps worse:
Whether moved by the Ladies prayers, or that they [...] might not
[Page 135] Lose the profit of his ransom, or with more cruelty
To make an end of him, I know not which;
I saw them take him up into the Boat,
Having disarm'd him first.
Age.
He's lost, he's lost!
Just Gods grant me revenge upon the Traitor,
And after punish me which way you please for all my ills.
Clind.
The hope of that revenge is my excuse to outlive
My master: Think what you are to do.
Age.
Thou counsell'st well.
O sir, your help! what is to be done?
K.
I am so distracted with the accident—
Age.
Lend me your power.
K.
Most willingly.
Age.
Furnish such ships with all speed possible
As are not so; such as be ready, clap men aboard
Them strait: For me, were there but one,
By all the Gods, with that I will attempt their rescue.
Au.
Then I must go along.
Age:
You!
Au.
Yes, I.
Age.
Let some watch on the shore, and see if the Admiral
Hoise sail, what course he holds.
I.
That shall be my imployment; but be assured sir,
Whilst the wind keeps where it is,
They cannot pass into the Main.
K. Age.
Continue good heaven, and grant your aid!
Exeunt.
Enter Cleon:
Fortune! thou enemy to wit and industry,
How I could curse thy deity, and this same giddy Prince,
[Page 136] That by his new affection gives thee power
To ruine my well-laid plots! But I unjustly
Do complain of both: Clorinda's beauty
Is my fate, all my disasters take from her
Their being; I will forget her, tear her from my
heart:
But then I overthrow the groundwork
Of my great design; no Kingdom,
Nor no happiness without Clorinda.
Enter Selina.
Sel.
How! no happiness without Clorinda!
Cle.
No happiness without Clorinda dye,
You know her title to the Crown of Burgonia
Takes place of mine.
Sel.
And why then does she live?
Cle.
It is a question I may better ask,
I gave you poison to dispatch her.
Sel.
Rather a Cordial to comfort her,—see,
I dare take the rest.
Cle.
Hold, dear Selina!
Sel.
Dear Selina! False perjur'd man, have I from love
To thee, attempted wickedness so great,
That horror strikes my soul to think upon it;
And after all cast off like a scorn'd property,
Your work perform'd?
Cle.
This jealousie does set a greater value on thee:
Come, I will open to thee all my heart;
To make my title strong, I must be married
To Clorinda.
Sel.
You must [...]!
Cle.
Hear me with patience,
I mean in policie it were fit:
[Page 137] But to secure your fears, before that pass,
The Priest shall secretly joyn us together,
Which disanuls a second marriage.
Sel.
If this be real that you speak,
Perform it now betwixt our selves,
And call the Gods to witness.
Cle.
Our hearts already have consented,
What needs there more?
Sel.
Is it even so; I left nothing undone
To the last circumstance, that you desired;
Gave Clarimant, Clorinda, and the Princess
Olinda into your hands. But I perceive
Where your heart's fixt, and I was strangely fool'd,
That ever could believe again.
Cle.
I like not this, dear Selina,
If you consider well, you have no ground
For jealousie from me. The Prince, within whose power
We for the present are, neglects his former Mistress,
Makes all addresses, in my judgment, to Clorinda.
Sel.
In this you more confirm me, that you still
Do love Clorinda: since jealousie makes you
Imagine that for which there is no ground;
Or if this Prince like you should prove unfaithful,
Can it be thought Clorinda can be moved
To love again, that had no sense of all
Prince Clarimant hath done or suffer'd for he [...] sake?
Cle.
But she is within his power; and what time
Or force may work! nay, if you will observe,
You'll find she shews no great aversion to him.
Sel.
Lend me your eyes, I cannot see it else:
Cle.
No more; be confident, Selina, I am what I was:
Sel:
Yes, I am confident,
False as the Fiends, too late I find it.
Enter Prince, Clorinda, Olinda, Attendants.
Pr.
Most noble Cleon!
Clo.
Ha! Cleon?
Pr.
Lend me your help, to let these Ladies know
Nothing but service is intended.
Cle.
What mean you sir? she must not know me.
Clo.
Cleon: Did you not call him Cleon?
Pr.
No, Madam.
Clo.
Sure you did.
Pr.
Then I mistook.
Cle.
Cleander is my name, a servant to your beauty
Lady, and this fair Princess; whose merits
Are so great, that by your selves consider'd,
May well assure of all observance,
Especially from this noble Prince your servant.
Clo.
I must confess sir, I believe him every way
So worthy, that I much grieve fortune allotted
Him no other way then force to gain
Possession of his Mistress. Come, Madam, be not sad;
A noble husband makes a large amends
For loss of friends or country; nor are they lost
But for the present.
Olind.
I know not how ( Clorinda) you may value him;
But I must tell him plainly, his actions
Speak him base and treacherous.
Pr.
Madam, I shall not so much grieve to find you
Cruel; since this fair Lady not condemns me.
Clo:
You shall in nothing, sir, oblige me more,
Then by your using Clarimant with courtesie:
Although your enemy, he is my friend;
A nearer interest tho' he most deservingly
Hath sought, my inclination never could allow him.
Pr.
[Page 139]
I shall forget my wounds receiv'd from him;
Neglect all opportunity to take revenge,
If it may be to you a satisfaction.
Clo.
Your noble usage of him whilst he is your prisoner,
At last may turn to your advantage:
Your peace will be the easier made with both the Kings;
Nay, without doubt this fair Princess
Would easily be granted to you
In exchange for him.
Olind.
Me in exchange! first I will be wedded to my grave.
Pr.
Lady, I shall not press you much:
Your pride and scorn darkens your beauty,
Whilst courtesie sets off what in this Lady
Needs no foil.
Cle.
It is so.
Clo.
I see you are a Courtier, sir, and know how
To oblige those who have power to assist your wishes:
Your favorable opinion of me, engages my
Best performance with my dearest friend
To make her yours; this coyness shall not last,
Leave me to win her for you.
Pr.
If you be pleas'd to hold me worthy, I shall not
Study to maintain a meaner happiness.
Cle.
He is taken past recovery.
Pr.
Ladies, we dare not longer bar you
The happiness to enjoy your selves.
Dispose of all things freely in this ship,
Were it the Empire of the world, most
Excellent Clorinda, your power were still the same:
Clo.
I know you borrow but my name,
The power intended here; and so she [...]ust
Conceive it.
Pr.
[Page 140]
Sir, let me crave some conference with you:
Cle.
Command that boy straight from them,
As you respect your happiness:
I'll give you reason for it.
[Ex Princes, Cleon]
Sel.
O Madam!
Whispers
I.
Sir, you must go with me.
Sel.
What mean you?
Exeunt.
I.
The Prince would speak with you.
Enter Clarimant.
Can I yet live, and know Clorinda prisoner,
Subject to all the injuries of power,
And I incapable to serve her? I am not so;
My hands are free, only my heart is slaved
Under misfortune. Were my love such as justly
Might arise from so miraculous a cause,
The ardor of my flame would prompt my heart
And hand to find some way to set her free,
And take revenge upon the treacherous Prince▪
But I do find the cause of all this deadness:
My thoughts are active, but there wants
Her favorable influence upon me.
O me! what do my fears suggest!
My eyes and ears, those traitors to my peace,
I will not trust your base intelligence;
You are but the servants of my fear, and not my reason:
Can injuries or importunity prevail
To make her love this Prince; where love and service
On my part procured but frowns? O yes,
It may be so; there is a cruelty in Love,
By which that Deity does magnifie it self:
Reason or merit must pretend no share
In the free bounties of a heart that Love inclines.
Enter Clorinda.
Prince Clarimant!
Clar.
Ha!
Clo.
Why are you so amazed?
Clar.
What light breaks from that cloud,
And with the sudden brightness dazles my sense!
My happiness is such, O speak agen,
That by two witnesses my joys may be confirmed▪
Clo.
Why are you thus disturb'd? you oft have seen me.
Clar.
But never thus, never thus unexpectedly,
When I despair'd the happiness.
Clo.
Had fortune been so envious to deny an opportunity,
As I confess this hardly was attain'd,
To give you thanks for the last testimony of your love;
Yet reason, and the estimation you do hold of me,
Might well assure you I could not but resent it
Highly.
Clar.
O heavens!
Clo.
You are sad; does this acknowledgment offend you?
Clar.
Offend me, dear Clorinda! 'tis such a joy
As justly might transport me from my self:
But when I do consider all my merit was but intention
And that I can do nothing real in your service,
The sense of my misfortune sinks me down low as despair.
Clo.
The Gods themselves in what we owe to them,
Do not require above what they inable us
To act: much less is due to me,
Who rather am your debtor; which to acquit in part
I chiefly came to clear any suspition
You might have conceived from my kind usage
Of this traitor Prince; yet know if you believed me
Guilty, it was a crime I can as hardly pardon
As your too much love.
Clar.
[Page 142]
The last is such a guilt as every minute mul­tiplies;
And though you cruelly condemn it, such is yet
The riches or my soul.
Clo.
But if you wish, as you profess, my happiness
And satisfaction, temper it so, that I may pay the like;
The affection of a brother to a sister I will allow you.
Clar.
In this you do so far exceed my hopes or merit,
That it were ingratitude not to acknowledge
A bounty infinitely great: But since that
Sisterly affection does not debar you
From conferring a greater happiness upon some other,
A happiness which I must burst with envy to behold:
Nay, curse whom you so bless, you do but raise me high,
To throw me down with greater violence.
Clo.
To cure this fear, the Gods be witness,
No others interest ever shall exceed Prince Clari­mant's.
Clar:
Nor shall their happiness then, by this fair hand.
Clo.
But if beyond this you but hope, you in­jure me
And vertue.—So peace dwell with you.
Clar.
Alas, already you forget your promise;
You wish peace, and remove it from me,
Would any sister do so to a brother?
Clo.
Yes, to preserve herself and him:
Were we discover'd, you were lost.
The Prince which my unhappy beauty hath surprized
Neglects Olinda, and certainly does fix his thoughts
On me: With him, as far as honor would permit,
I have dissembled, entertain'd his flame
With no dislike; by which you are preserv'd as yet▪
[Page 143] And not ill used: But this stolne visit
Would to him express more kindness
Then he must think I have for you—
I hear some entring the Cabin—
Enter Prince, Cleon, and Sailors.
Heaven! it is the Prince:
Who have we here? Death seise him,
And throw him overboard.
[They seise him]
Clo.
O heavens! what art can save him?
Clar.
O for a sword!
Clo.
Dare you presume to speak of love to me,
And do an act so base? The meer intent,
Were you not rooted here, would cancel all your interest.
Pr.
My interest!
Clo.
But if you value my respect so little,
And your own promise for his noble usage,
Yet wisdom bids you not forget the advantage
That his life may bring more then his death.
Cle.
She tels you true; remember why we did at first
Preserve him to make our peace, should not our plot
Take on Agenor.
Pr.
Take him away and bind him.
Clo.
Why sure he cannot flie: To leap into the sea,
Were to perform himself that which you threaten.
Pr.
Remove him hence however.
Clar.
Fortune! that gives this man this power.
Pr.
I look upon him as a hated Rival, away with him.
Exit with Clar.
Clo.
Come, I forgive this passion, the cause
That it proceeds from being love to me,
The error too that you are in is punishment enough.
Pr.
Though I suspect all for dissembled,
Yet I am pleas'd to hear her; what was my error?
Clo.
A gross mistake of this stolne visit,
And yet love was my grand errand.
Pr.
[Page 144]
Where's my mistake then?
Clo.
Patience, and hear me: You thought Olinda
Once did love you, and you were not mistaken;
She did so till she knew the Prince:
You found her alter'd; and of me mistaking
The true cause, were jealous. Now by the Gods,
If I have truth, she loves the Prince.
Pr.
And so I fear do you.
Clo.
By way of gratitude; but for affection,
Heaven witness with me I loved another:
Yet where I find distrust and disrespect,
Such as you have exprest, I am no longer bound.
Cle.
Infinite cunning!
Clo.
But to proceed: Finding this Ladies passions
Strong to Clarimant, my obligations great,
By way of gratitude, I thought my self obliged
To make him happy in Olinda's love,
And doubt not to effect it, though I must blush to say so.
I found some arguments besides that prest me
To this undertaking; for were their hearts so fixt
On other, your peace with both the Kings were quickly made,
And you stood free to make a new election:
Yet were all women of my mind,
You should stay long enough without a wife, you are so passionate.
Pr.
Most excellent Clorinda, pardon the rashness of your servant,
Who henceforth yields himself for ever to be dispos'd
Of by you.
Clo.
Well, if I find so, I never was ungrateful.
Ex Prince & Clor.
Cle.
How with a twin'd thred does she ride the Ass,
And turns him how she please! but when I consider,
[Page 145] It is no wonder, she hath a depth of policie
Which all my art could never fathom: True,
Blinded by my love, I could not reach her aims:
But stood I free, she wanting the advantage
Of loves power upon me, how poor and shallow
Were the arts of all the sex? But as it is,
Fortune hath given this silly Prince
The power to crush me into nothing;
Breaks his contract with me touching Clorinda,
Which was the soul of all my undertaking.
Is there no way to right my self? yes,
This could revenge my wrongs on him,
But then I perish in the act, and leave Clorinda
To be enjoy'd by Clarimant: that must not be,
No, ere my Rival shall so happy prove,
I to my hate will sacrifice my love.
Exit.

Act. 5. Scaen. 1.

Enter Cleon, Clorinda, Prince (following.)
Clo.
SIr, pardon this disturbance of your thoughts.
Cle.
Your presence rather, fairest Lady,
May rectifie any disorder,
Since you are all a harmony of sweetness.
Clo.
Sir, I perceive your power great with this noble Prince,
And I believe so much a friend to him,
That he would hearken to your councel:
If you would join with reason, and so perswade him
To set Prince Clarimant and the Princess at liberty,
I think it were an act would shew much friendship
To him, and for your self gain what reward
You would desire from both the Kings.
Cle.
[Page 146]
I have observed, most beautiful Clorinda,
Such an excess of nobleness in you,
I scarcely dare express what I would undertake
To serve you: but then you really
Must let me know all your desires.
Clo.
It is Cleon.
Cle.
Lady, dare you adventure to speak your wishes?
Clo.
I have done so.
Cle.
That Clarimant and the Princess should be
Delivered, I do believe is your desire:
But is that all? are you pleas'd to be here?
Clo.
Why should I not? am I not nobly used?
Cle:
I know those who are wicked fear not
To break an oath; but such whose heart
Is fill'd with vertue, as, I am sure yours is,
Would not be perjur'd for the world.
Clo.
To what tends this?
Cle.
That you do swear not to discover
What I shall propose touching your service.
Clo.
You need not doubt, if it do suit
With what I have exprest is my desire.
Cle.
My end shall be the same, their liberty and yours,
Though happily our ways to that may differ.
Clo.
My liberty!
Cle.
Yes, yours the most desired:
Swear, and then hear what I propose.
Clo.
I do, so far as vertue binds.
Cle.
That tye all men have on you.
Clo.
If your intents be fair, why will you ask
A stronger obligation then?
Cle.
I dare not speak my thoughts without an oath.
Clo.
What can he mean?—I swear never to speak
Of that you shall propound; nor need I,
Since the Prince does overhear.
Cle.
[Page 147]
Then know, I am not ignorant how you dissemble
With this treacherous Prince, whom you
And all the world must hate.
Clo.
This will undo me; I hate the Prince!
Cle.
Yes, Lady, deadly; yet less then I.
Pr.
'Tis well.
Cle.
All for your sake; and for that noble Prince,
If you consent, this hand, if Clarimant's
Be not more able to effect it,
Shall take revenge, and right our general wrongs.
Clo:
I do complain of none;
If I did, how could this be effected?
Cle.
With ease; nay more, it is not impossible,
The deed done, to escape to shore in the ship-boat,
Into which the Prince and you, the night assisting,
May get before.
Enter Prince.
It is impossible; you are deceiv'd—
A Guard there!
[Ent. Guard and Sailors]
Seise the Villain.
Cle.
How? what mean you sir? All that I spoke
Was but to let you see how she abused you,
And this the plot that Clarimant and she had laid:
You know, upon your life depends my happiness.
Pr.
Mine in thy death:
This cunning cannot save you, Cleon.
Cle.
Nor do I wish it should,
If you indeed believe me guilty.
Pr.
Bind him, I will have thee tortur'd limb from limb,
Till thou confess all truth.
Clo.
Let me intreat, sir, for his life,
However I am by him accused.
Pr.
For hating me; which I have too much reason
To believe is truth.
Clo.
[Page 148]
How can you think so?
Did I not place you to overhear him?
Pr.
But knew not what he would deliver.
See Clarimant fast bound; and (Madam)
My cabin this night shall be your chamber.
Clo.
Perhaps my death-bed; Lost for ever!
Exeunt:
Enter Selina (bound.)
O you just Gods! how all my treasons
Against my sweet and innocent Mistress are return'd
Upon my head! Prince Clarimant, I am thy mur­dress,
To the fair Olinda, by my means betraid:
O horror! what will my torments be for this
Hereafter in the other world? All this
For love of thee false Cleon have I done,
Thy cursed brain gave birth to all my plots:
Is this the Crown thou mad'st me fondly hope for?
And shall I die without revenge? revenge!
My hands fast bound, there's nothing left that I can
Reach thee with but curses, fruitless curses.
He shall live happy, gain a Kingdom and Clorinda,
By her a Kingdom: why should I pitty her then?
It is she that is the ground of all my misery,
His love to her makes me thus wretched:
For Clarimant, he may hereafter marry with Olinda,
All but my self may yet be happy:
Must I alone die wretched, contemn'd and scorn'd?
Why do I longer live, my guilt and miseries so great?
You Gods, or Fiends, remove me from this miserable
Earth, and let me feel new punishments,
If punishments there be hereafter,
These they cannot exceed: how sweet were yet
Revenge! O for revenge, that Cleon's heart
Were in my hand! false Cleon's!—no way.
Exit.
[Page 149]
Enter Clorinda, Olinda.
Clo.
O dearest Olinda, what are the miseries
That we are faln into! Thinking to rid my self
Of a false Vilain, I have brought ruine
On us all; no art can help us now.
Oh the hard choice! to marry with this traitor
Prince; or Clarimant must die.
Olind.
It were better you consent to marry with the Prince,
Then that Prince Clarimant should suffer;
Let not him die however.
Clo.
I know your love to Clarimant
Makes you perswade me thus: and I would quickly yield,
Did not my oath to Clarimant forbid;
But would kill my self ere go to bed.
Olind.
I must confess I love the Prince,
Be not offended that I say so;
It was your perswasion first: since, I have seen
Such noble actions, as raises him so far
Above all other men, that they appear
Not worthy of a thought: And yet my love
And estimation of your vertue's such,
I gladly would submit, nay much rejoice
To see such merits join'd.
Enter Prince, Clarimant (bound) and Guard.
Pr.
Clarimant, behold your Judge: for know, Clorinda,
This minute you must give consent to marry me,
And go to bed; or else immediately his head
Goes off.
Clo.
A cruel choice!
Olind.
Base man! canst thou expect to scape the hand
Of justice, after such cruelty?
Pr.
[Page 150]
It is not from you, Madam, that I expect
An answer: Speak Clorinda, give your sentence;
For by the Gods there is no way but one of these.
Clo.
O Clarimant!
Clar.
Heavens, can you suffer
What you have made so excellent, to be thus
Miserable?
Pr.
These lamentations boot not:
Speak Lady, I can admit of no delay.
Clo.
What can I say?
Pr.
No! strike off his head then.
Clo.
Oh hold!
Pr.
Speak, are you mine?
Clo.
Say, Clarimant.
Clar.
Madam, to me death will be ease,
Since I have liv'd to see you injured thus,
And have not power for to revenge it.
Pr.
Are you resolved?
Clar.
To suffer what thy barbarous nature can inflict.
O help! fire, fire!
[Within]
Pr.
What cry is that?
Quench, quench the fire.
[Within]
Enter 1.
O sir, we are all undone! the fire hath taken
Amongst the Cabins, past all hope of extinguishing.
Enter 2:
Flie, flie! the ship, the cordage is a fire:
For all the water we can bring, it still increases.
Pr.
What, burn in the sea! slaves, quench the flames.
2.
The Sailors, sir, descend into the Boat:
[Page 151] Make sure of that, and reach your other ships,
The only means of safety.
Pr.
Hell and confusion!
2.
There's none obey command; but each man looks
To his own safety.
Clar.
O heavens! must then Clorinda perish!
Pr.
Make sure of the Long-boat for me: Some one kill Cleon,
Or rather let him perish in the flames.
My wounds receiv'd from Clarimant, I Will revenge
My self. [ Offers to kill]
Clo.
O sir, if you have hope in me!
Pr.
It is true; he shall not die yet,
But the Gods hereafter shall not save him,
Though they thus crost my wishes now: Come Lady,
I will take care of you.
Clo.
We must not part.
Pr.
I mean it not; there may be use of her,
Nay for your sake bring Clarimant along.
Clar.
'Tis for thine own, false Prince.
Pr.
But look well to him.
Clar.
You Gods!
Your powerful justice in these flames is shown,
Preserve Clorinda, and your mercy's known.
Exeunt.
Enter Sailor (with a casket.)
Gramercy fire! the element of water never yet
Afforded me so much: this I can swim to shore
With; yet the wind blows high; but to the
Shoreward I may escape; if not, why so
Whoever finds my body, shall give me thanks.
Enter Selina (her hands bound.)
Sel.
O gentle Sailor, untie my hands!
Sail.
A pretty boy; come,—It will not do,
My knife: so, canst swim?
Sel.
Oh no.
Sail.
Then get some board or pack: I fear I shall be
Drown'd, I am so well natur'd on the sudden.
No use of this—
Exit.
Enter Cleon (hands bound.)
Cle.
Just heavens!
Sel.
True, Cleon; never so manifest,
Cle.
Gentle Selina, unbind my hands:
Sel.
I were ingrate else, Cleon: you did as much for me.
Cle.
And would do more; any thing; unbind me, Sweet,
I'll swim with thee upon my back to shore.
Sel.
You cannot swim, I am sure you shall not.
Cle.
No creature living better; I oft have swam two leagues
For pleasure: O delay not, the fire approaches.
Sel.
But will you marry me, and make good all your promises?
Cle.
By the Gods I will.
Sel.
Sure you will agen deceive me.
Cle.
Never, by my hopes.
Sel.
The only time you ever yet spoke truth—
You shall not: yet still thy heart is false:
Cle.
It is not; quick unbind me, gentle Selina.
Sel.
Well, for once I'll try what your heart holds.
Cle.
Blest Selina! O cruel! yet spare me
She wounds him.
Dear Selina.
Sel.
Yes, when I see your heart, or blood come from it.
Cle.
O witch, devil▪
Sel.
[Page 153]
I am to thee so: What policie can now defend?
Know to thy greater torment, I set the ship
On fire, only to be reveng'd on thee,
Not hoping such a happiness as this,
With these to behold thy false heart blood.
Cle.
O that my eyes could look thee dead!
Sel.
I will see them closed, my dearest husband,
It is my duty.
Cle.
First we'll to sea together.
Sel.
Since we must—
Exeunt, fall as into the sea▪
Enter Prince, Clarimant, Clorinda, Olinda, Sailors.
1 Sail.
It were best to enter further within the wood:
A Boat made after us when we forsook the ship:
2 Sail.
Some Fisherman, that to avoid the storm,
Put to the shore.
Pr.
Let the winds blow and split, since we are
Here: Fire, air, and water have oppos'd my wishes;
Kind mother Earth grant what they have denied.
But why should I intreat, that may command
All my desires? Once more, Clorinda,
I propose the choice; say, shall he die,
Or will you make me happy who loves you
More then he?
Clar.
Traitor thou lyest: He that truly loves Clorinda,
Would give some noble testimony: Unbinde my hands,
And by my death, as a worthy Rival,
Win her from me: I ask no sword,
Only the freedom of my hands; but if thy coward heart
Think that too much, take all these to assist:
Pr.
You need not pull death faster on you
By injurious words; it is ready,
Speak Clorinda, or he dies.
Clo.
[Page 154]
Hold, and give me leave to speak a few sad words.
Dear Clarimant, I know to save your life,
And yield my self anothers, were such a choice
You never could allow, since to the miserable
Life is a burden: Could my death
Make you happy, the Gods be witness
I would lay it down with joy,
Our fates I find are one; the merit of your love
And sufferings for my sake is such,
That I should hold my self ingrate,
Did I not grant you any thing
That I might think might comfort you in death.
Clar.
But shall I dare to speak wy wishes?
Clo.
More then dare; I do enjoin it.
Clar.
There is a happiness would make my death
My triumph.
Clo.
I understand you. Here! alas that I should give
My hand to Clarimant, and he not able
To receive it 1 Our hearts may yet be join'd
For ever, and only by these miseries
They could have been.
Pr.
Is this the fruit of my delay.
To hear my Rival courted?
Offers to kill Clar. Clo. steps between, and O [...]. hinders it.
Clo.
Know tyrant, 'tis the same,
One stroke dispatches both.
Clar.
Strike here then, vilain.
Olind.
Devil, dost thou believe there are no Gods?
Enter Agenor, Clindor.
Age:
Clindor, this way I saw them enter.
Clind.
I am out of breath, sir.
Pr.
Ha, who are these?
Clind.
See sir, the traitor Prince.
Clar.
[Page 155]
Unbind me, dear Clorinda.
( Agenor and Clindor fight with the Prince, then drive off the Sailors and follow them: Clar. kills the Prince. Then)
Enter Agenor (wounded) and Clindor.
Clar.
O dearest brother, how is it with you?
Age.
Well, Clarimant, never so well.
Clo.
By all that's good, you never in my eye Lookt half so lovely as now: yet till this day
I never could have said I lov'd another better
Then your Majesty.
Age.
If it be Clarimant, my joys are then com­pleat.
Olind.
It is he, sir; who could else deserve it?
Age.
How favourable are the Gods unto the vertuous!
How just to wicked men! How glad will my Au­stela be
Of this, who with the King will straight be here?
They from the shore beheld your ship, when it
Took fire, saw you put off from it,
And watcht your landing certainly.
Clar.
Know you what Bark it was
That follow'd us at sea?
Age.
I was in that, and Clindor,
Some twenty with me to watch the ship,
Till other Vessels were prepared:
So swift she was of sail, that all the Fleet
Could not have hurt us.—See, the King!
Enter King, Austela, Attendants.
Au.
What happiness? all safe?
K.
Welcom again, my dearest.
Age:
[Page 156]
Let's lose no time; delay were now ingra­titude:
See, a Temple close by prompts us
To the performance of two duties:
The burial of this unhappy Prince;
But chiefly to render thanks unto the Gods.
Deliverance so great, alacrity commands
In giving thanks: that done, we'll join your hands.
Clo.
It were folly now to deny the ceremonial,
The real part already past.
Clar.
O dear Clorinda!
'Twere vain to think words could my joys express,
Rais'd from despair to such a happiness.
Exeunt.
FINIS.

Epilogue.

FIrst, Ladies, unto you I am addrest;
As those who judge of Lovers actions best:
If Clarimant your suffrages hath gain'd,
Our Author hath his chiefest end obtain'd:
Now Sirs to you—
Sure here's no Lover will Clorinda blame
For gratitude, since you must hope the same:
Perhaps you rather think she was too nice,
That such a flame no sooner thaw'd her ice:
Our Author hopes she did but her just part;
He nobly woo'd, she timely gave her heart:
To both the sexes we prefer this sute;
Ere you give sentence, with your selves dispute:
If then condemn'd, to whom should we appeal,
But to that Prince that pardons faults of zeal?
If then condemn'd, 'twere pride to make appeal,
Yet there remains a pardon in our zeal:

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