THE SIEGE OF RHODES …

THE SIEGE OF RHODES Made a Representation by the Art of Pro­spective in Scenes, And the Story sung in Recitative Musick.

At the Cock-Pit in DRURY Lane.

LONDON, Printed by J. M. for Henry Herringman, and are to be sold at his Shop, at the Sign of the Anchor, on the Lower-walk in the New-Exchange, 1658.

To the Reader.

I May receive disadvantage by this Address design'd for excuses; for it will too hastily put you in mind that errors are not far off when ex­cuses are at hand; this refers to our Represen­tation: and some may be willing to be led to find the blemishes of it; but would be left to their own conduct to discover the beau­ties, if there be any. Yet I may fore­warn you that the defects which I intend to excuse are chiefly such, as you cannot reform but only with your Purse; that is, by building us a larger Room; a design which we began and shall not be left for you to finish, because we have observ'd that many who are liberal of their understanding when they would issue it out towards discovery of imperfections, have not alwayes Money to expend in things necessary towards the making up of perfection.

It has been often wisht that our Scenes (we having oblig'd our selves to the variety of Five changes, according to the Ancient Dramma­tick distinctions made for time) had not been [Page] confin'd to eleven foot in height, and about fif­teen in depth, including the places of passage reserv'd for the Musick. This is so narrow an allowance for the Fleet of Solyman the Magni­cent, his Army, the Island of Rhodes, and the varieties attending the Siege of the City; that I fear you will think, we invite you to such a contracted Trifle as that of the Caesars carv'd upon a Nut.

As these Limits have hinder'd the splendor of our Scene, so we are like to give no great sa­tisfaction in the quantity of our Argument, which is in story very copious; but shrinks to a small narration here, because we could not convey it by more then seven Persons; being constrain'd to prevent the length of Recitative Musick, as well as to conserve, without incum­brance, the narrowness of the place. There­fore you cannot expect the chief Ornaments belonging to a History Drammatically digested into Turns and Counter-turns, to double Walks, and interweavings of design.

This is exprest to forbid your excess of ex­pectation; but we must take care not to deterr you from the hope of some satisfaction; for that [Page] were, not only to hang out no Bush, but like­wise to shut up our Doors. Therefore, as you have heard what kind of excellencies you should not expect: So I will in brief (I hope without vanity) give you encouragement, by telling you, there are some things at least excu­sable which you may resolve to meet.

We conceive, it will not be unacceptable to you if we recompence the narrowness of the Room, by containing in it so much as could be conveniently accomplisht by Art and Industry: which wil not be doubted in the Scenes by those who can judg that kind of Illustration & know the excellency of Mr. John Web, who design'd and order'd it. The Musick was compos'd, and both the Vocal and Instrumental is exercis'd by the most transcendent of England in that Art, & perhaps not unequal to the best masters abroad; but being Recitative, and therefore unpractis'd here; though of great reputation amongst other Nations, the very attempt of it is an obligation to our own. The Story represented (which will not require much apology because it ex­pects but little praise) is Heroical, and not withstanding the continual hurry and busie a­gitations [Page] of a hot Siege, is (I hope) intelligibly convey'd to advance the Characters of Vertue in the shapes of Valour and conjugal Love. And though the main Argument hath but a single Walk, yet perhaps the movings of it will not seem unpleasant. You may inquire, being a Reader, why in an heroick Argument my num­bers are so often diversify'd and fall into short fractions; considering that a continuation of the usual length of English verse would appear more Heroical in reading. But when you are an Au­ditor you will finde that in this, I rather deserve approbation then need excuse; for frequent alte­rations of measure (which cannot be so unplea­sant to him that reads as troublesome to him that writes) are necessary to Recitative Musick for variation of Ayres. If what I have said, be taken for excuses, I have my intent; because excuses are not always signs of Error, but are often modest explanations▪ of things that might otherwise be mistaken. But I have said so much to vindicate my self from having occasion to be excus'd for the Poem, that it brings me at last to ask pardon for the length of the Epistle.

August 17. 1656.
Will. D'avenant.

The Persons Represented.

  • Solyman The Magnificent.
  • Villerius Grand Master of Rhodes.
  • Alphonso A Cicilian Duke.
  • Admiral Of Rhodes▪
  • Pirrhus Bassa.
  • Mustapha Bassa.
  • Ianthe Wife to Alphonso.

The Scene, RHODES.

The SIEGE OF RHODES.

THe Ornament which encompass'd the Scene, consisted of several Co­lumns, of gross Rustick work; which bore up a large Freese. In the mid­dle of the Freese was a Compartiment, where­in was written RHODES. The Compar­timent was supported by divers Habiliments of War; intermix'd with the Military Ensignes of those several Nations who were famous for defence of that Island; which were the French, Germans, and Spaniards, the Italians, Avergnois, and English: The Renown of the English va­lour made the Grand Master Villerius, to select their Station to be most frequently commanded by himself. The principal enrichment of the [Page 2] Freese was a Crimson Drapery, whereon se­verall Trophies of Arms were fixt, Those on the Right hand, representing such as are chiefly in use amongst the Western Nations; together with the proper cognisance of the Order of the Rhodian Knights; and on the left, such as are most esteem'd in the Eastern Countries; and on an Antique Shield the Crescent of the Otto­mans.

The Scene before the First Entry.

THe Curtain being drawn up, a lightsome Sky appear'd, discov'ring a Maritime Coast, full of craggy Rocks, and high Cliffs, with several Verdures naturally growing upon such Scituations; and afar off, the true Prospect of the City RHODES, when it was in pro­sperous estate: with so much view of the Gar­dens and Hills about it, as the narrowness of the Room could allow the Scene. In that part [Page 3] of the Horizon, terminated by the Sea, was re­presented the Turkish Fleet making towards a Promontory some few miles distant from the Town.

The First Entry.

The ENTRY is prepared by Instrumental Musick.
Enter Admiral.
Admir.
ARm, Arm, Villerius, Arm!
Thou hast no leisure to grovv old;
Those novv must feel thy courage warm,
VVho think thy blood is cold.
Enter Villerius.
Viller.
Our Admiral from Sea?
VVhat storme transporteth thee?
Or bring'st thou stormes that can do more
Then drive an Admiral on shore?
Admir.
Arm, Arm, the Bassa's Fleet appears;
To Rhodes his Course from Chios steers;
Her shady vvings to distant sight,
Spread like the Curtains of the Night.
Each Squadron thicker and still darker grovvs;
The Fleet like many floating Forrests shovvs,
Viller.
[Page 4]
Arm, Arm! Let our Drums beat
To all our Out-Guards, a Retreat;
And to our Main Guards add
Files double lin'd from the Parade.
Send Horse to drive the Fields;
Prevent what rip'ning Summer yeilds.
To all the Foe would save
Set fire, or give a secret Grave.
Admir.
I'le to our Gallies haste,
Untackle ev'ry Mast;
Hale 'em within the Peer,
To range and chain 'em there,
And then behind S t Nic'las Cliffs
Shelter our Brigants, Land our Skiffs.
Viller.
Our Field and Bulwark-Cannon mount with haste;
Fix to their Blocks their brazen bodies fast:
Whilst to the Foe their Iron Entrails fly:
Display our Colours, raise our Standard high!
Exit Adm.
Enter Alphonso.
Alpon.
What various Noises do mines ears invade?
And have a Consort of confusion made?
The shriller Trumpet, and tempestuous Drum:
The deaf'ning clamor from the Canons wombe;
VVhich through the Air like suddain Thunder breaks,
Seems calm to Souldiers shouts and Womens shrieks.
VVhat danger (Rev'rend Lord) does this portend?
Viller.

Danger begins what must in honour end.

Alphon.

What Vizards does it wear?

Viller.
Such, gentle Prince,
As cannot fright, but yet must warn you hence.
What can to Rhodes more fatally appear
Then the bright Crescents which those Ensigns vvear?
Wise Emblems that encreasing Empire show;
Which must be still in Nonage and still grow.
All these are yet but the forerunning Van
[Page 5]Of the prodigious Gross or Solyman.
Alphon.
Pale shew those Crescents to our bloody Cross!
Sink not the Western Kingdoms in our loss?
Will not the Austrian Eagle moult her Wings,
That long hath hover'd o're the Gallick Kings?
Whose Lilies too vvill vvither when we fade;
And 'th' English Lyon shrink into a shade.
Viller.
Thou see'st not, vvhilst so young and guiltlesse too,
That Kings mean seldom vvhat their States-men do,
Who measure not the compass of a Crown
To fit the Head that vvears it but their ovvn;
Still hind'ring peace, because they Stevvards are,
Without accompt, to that vvild Spender, War.
Still Christian Wars they vvill pursue, and boast
Unjust successes gain'd, vvhilst Rhodes is lost:
Whilst vve build Monuments of Death, to shame
Those vvho forsook us in the Chase of Fame.
Alphon.
We vvill endure the Colds of Court-delays;
Honour grovvs vvarm in Airy Vests of Praise.
On Rocky Rhodes vve vvill like Rocks abide:
Viller.
Away, away, and hasten to thy Bride!
'Tis scarce a Month since from thy Nuptial Rites
Thou cam'st to honour here our Rhodian Knights
To dignifie our sacred annual Feast:
We love to Lodge, not to entombe a Guest.
Honour must yield where Reason should prevail.
A Board, A board, and hoyse up ev'ry Sail
What gathers any Wind for Cicilie!
Men lose their Virtu's Pattern losing thee.
Thy Bride doth yield her Sex no less a Light:
But, thy life gone, will set in endless Night.
Ye must like Stars shine long er'e ye expire!
Alphon.
Honour, is colder Vertue set on fire:
My honour lost, her Love would soon decay:
Here for my Tombe or Triumph I will stay.
My Sword against proud Solyman I draw,
His cursed Prophet and his sensual Law.
[Page 6] Chorus, Our Swords against proud Solyman we draw,
His cursed Prophet and his sensual Law.
Exeunt.

Chorus. By Souldiers of several Nations.

1.
Come ye termagant Turks,
If your Bassa dare Land ye,
Whilst the Wine bravely works
That was brought us from Candy.
2.
Wealth, the least of our care is,
For the Poor ne'r are undone;
A vous, Monsieur of Paris,
To the Back-Swords of London.
3.
Diego, thou, in a trice,
Shalt advance thy lean Belly.
For their Hens and their Rice
Make Pillau like a jelly.
4.
Let 'em Land fine and free;
For my Cap though an old one,
Such a Turbant shall be,
Thou wilt think it a Gold one.
5.
It is seven to one odds,
They had safer sail'd by us:
VVhilst our Wine lasts in Rhodes.
They shall water at Chios.
End of the first Entry.

The Second Entry.

The Entry is again prepar'd by Instrumental Musick.
The Scene is chang'd, and the City, Rhodes, ap­pears beleaguer'd at Sea and Land.
Enter Villerius and Admiral.
Admir.

THe blood of Rhodes grows cold! Life must expire!

Viller.

The Duke still warms it with his valours fire!

Admir.
If he has much in Honours presence done,
Has sav'd our Ensigns or has others won,
Then he but well by your Example wrought;
Who well in Honours School his Child-hood taught,
Viller.
The Foe three Moons tempestuously has spent
Where we will never yield nor he relent;
Still we, but raise what must be beaten down;
Defending Walls, yet cannot keep the Town;
Vent'ring last Stakes where we can nothing vvin;
And, shutting slaughter out, keep Famine in.
Admir.
How oft and vainly Rhodes for succour waits
From triple Diadems, and Scarlet Hats?
Rome keeps her Gold, cheaply her VVarriours pays,
At first vvith Blessings, and at last vvith praise.
Viller.
By Armies, stovv'd in Fleets, exhausted Spain
Leaves half her Land unplough'd, to plough the Main;
And still vvould more of the old World subdue,
As if unsatisfi'd vvith all the Nevv.
Admir.
[Page 8]
France strives to have her Lilies grow as fair
In others Realms as where they Native are.
Viller.
The English Lyon ever loves to change
His Walks, and in remoter Forrests range.
Chorus.
All gaining vainly from each others losse;
Whilst still the Crescent drives away the Cross.
Enter Alphonso.
Alphon.
1.
How bravely fought the fiery French.
Their Bulwark being storm'd?
The colder Almans kept their Trench,
By more then Valour warm'd.
2.
The grave Italians paus'd and fought,
The solemn Spaniards too;
Study'ng more Deaths then could be wrought
By what the rash could do.
3.
Th' Avergnian Colours high were rais'd,
Twice tane, and twice reliev'd.
Our Foes, like friends to Valour, prais'd
The mischiefs they receiv'd.
4.
The cheerfull English got renown;
Fought merrily and fast:
'lis time, they cry'd to mow them down,
Wars Harvest cannot last.
5.
If Death be rest, here let us dye,
Where weariness is all
We dayly get by Victory,
Who must by Famine fall.
6.
Great Solyman is landed now;
All Fate he seems to be;
And brings those Tempests in his Brow
Which he deserv'd at Sea.
Viller.
[Page 9]
He can at most but once prevail,
Though arm'd with Nations that were brought by more
Gross Gallies then would serve to hale
This Island to the Lycian Shore.
Adm.
Let us a pace do worthily and give
Our Story length, though long we cannot live.
Chorus.
So greatly do, that being dead,
Brave Wonders may be wrought
By such as shall our Story read
And study how we fought.
Exeunt.
Enter Solyman, Pirrhus.
Soly.
What sudden halt hath stay'd thy swift Renown;
O're-running Kingdoms, stopping at a Town?
He that will win the Prize in Honours Race
Must nearer to the Gole still mend his pace.
If Age thou feel'st, the active Camp forbear;
In sleepy Cities rest, the Caves of fear.
Thy mind was never valiant, if, when old,
Thy Courage cools because thy blood is cold.
Pirrhus.
How can ambitious Manhood be exprest
More then by marks of our disdain of rest?
VVhat less then toyls incessant can, despite
Of Canon, raise these Mounts to Castle-height?
Or less then utmost or unweary'd strength
Can draw these Lines of Batt'ry to that length?
Soly.
The toils of Ants, and Mole-hills rais'd, in scorn
Of Labour, to be levell'd with a Spurn.
These are the Pyramids that shew your pains;
But of your Armies valour, where remains
One Trophy to excuse a Bassa's boast?
Pirrh.
Valour may reckon what she bravely lost;
Not from Successes all her Count does raise:
By life well lost we gain a share of praise.
[Page 10]If we in dangers Glass all Valour see,
And Death the farthest step of danger be,
Behold our Mount of Bodies made a Grave▪
And prize our loss by what we scorn'd to save.
Soly.
Away! range all the Camp for an Assault!
Tell them, they tread in Graves who make a halt.
Fat Slaves, who have been lull'd to a Disease;
Cramm'd out of breath, and crippled by their ease!
Whose active Fathers leapt o're Walls too high
For them to climbe: Hence, from my anger fly:
Which is too worthy for thee being mine,
And must be quench'd by Rhodian blood or thine.
Exit Pirrhus, bowing.
In Honour's Orb the Christians shine;
Their light in War does still increase;
Though oft misled by mists of Wine,
Or blinder love the Crime of Peace.
Bold in Adult'ries frequent change;
And ev'ry loud expensive Vice;
Ebbing out wealth by ways as strange
As it flow'd in by a varice.
Thus vildly they dare live, and yet dare dye.
If Courage be a vertue, 'tis allow'd
But to those few on whom our Crowns rely,
And is condemn'd as madness in the Crowd.
Enter Mustapha, Ianthe veil'd.
Musta.
Great Sultan, Hail! though here at Land
Lost Fools in opposition in stand;
Yet thou at Sea dost all command.
Soly.

What is it thou wouldst shew, and yet dost shrowd?

Musta.
I bring the Morning pictur'd in a Cloud;
A Wealth more worth then all the Sea does hide;
Or Courts display in their triumphant pride.
Soly.
[Page 11]
Thou seem'st to bring the Daughter of the Night;
And giv'st her many Stars to make her bright.
Dispatch my wonder and relate her Story.
Musta.
'Tis full of Fate, and yet ha's much of Glory.
A Squadron of our Gallies that did ply,
West from this Coast, met two of Cicily;
Both fraught to furnish Rhodes, we gave 'em chace;
And had, but for our Number, met disgrace.
For, grapling, they maintain'd a bloody Fight,
Which did begin with Day and end with Night.
And though this bashful Lady then did wear
Her Face still vail'd, her valour did appear:
She urg'd their courage when they boldly Fought;
And many shun'd the dangers, which she sought.
Soly.
Where are the limits thou wouldst set for praise?
Or to what height wilt thou my wonder raise?
Must.
This is Ianthe, the Cicilian Flower,
Sweeter then Buds unfolded in a shower,
Bride to Alphonso, who in Rhodes so long
The Theam has been of each Heroick Song;
And she for his relief those Gallies fraught;
Both stow'd with what her Dow'r and Jewels bought.
Soly.
O wond'rous vertue of a Christian Wife!
Adven'tring lifes support and then her Life
To save her ruin'd Lord! Bid her unvail!
Ianthe steps back.
Ianthe.
It were more honour, Sultan, to assail
A publique strength against thy forces bent
Then to unwall this private Tenement;
To which no Monarch but my Lord has right;
Nor will it yield to Treaty or to Might:
Where Heaven's great Law defends him from surprise:
This Curtain onely opens to his eyes.
Soly.
If Beauty vail'd so vertuous be,
'Tis more then Christian Husbands know;
VVhose Ladies wear their faces free;
Which they to more then Husband show.
Ianthe.
Your Bassa swore, and by his dreadful Law,
[Page 12]None but my Lords dear hand this Vail should draw;
And that to Rhodes I should conducted be
To take my share of all his destiny:
Else I had quickly found
Sure means to get some vvound,
VVhich vvould in Deaths cold Arms
My honour instant safety give
From all those rude Alarms
VVhich keep it vvaking vvhilst I live.
Soly.
Hast thou ingag'd our Prophets plight
To keep her Beauty from my sight;
And to conduct her Person free
To harbour with mine Enemy?
Musta.
Vertue constrain'd the privildge I gave:
Shall I for sacred Vertue pardon crave?
Soly.
I envy not the conquests of thy Sword:
Thrive still in wicked VVar;
But, Slave, how did'st thou dare,
In vertuous Love, thus to transcend thy Lord?
Thou did'st thy utmost vertue show:
Yet somewhat more does rest,
Not yet by thee exprest;
Which vertue left for me to do.
Thou great example of a Christian VVife,
Enjoy thy Lord and give him happy Life.
Thy Gallies with their fraight,
For which the Hungry wait,
Shall strait to Rhodes conducted be;
And as thy passage to him shall be free,
So both my safe return to Cicilie.
Ianthe.
May Solyman be ever far
From impious honours of the VVar;
Since worthy to receive renown
From things repair'd not overthrown.
And when in peace his vertue thrives,
Let all the race of Loyal VVives
Sing this his bounty to his Glory
And teach their Princes by his story:
[Page 13]Of which, if any Victors be,
Let them, because he conquer'd me,
Strip cheerfully each others Brow,
And at his feet their Laurel throw.
Soly.
Strait to the Port her Gallies steer;
Then hale the Sentry at the Peer.
And though our Flags ne'r use to bow,
They shall do Vertue homage now.
Give Fire still as she passes by,
And let our Streamers lower fly.
Exeunt several waies▪

Chorus of Women.

1.
LEt us live, live! for being dead,
The pretty Spots,
Ribbands and Knots,
And the fine French dress for the Head;
No Lady wears upon her
In the cold, cold, bed of Honour.
Beat down our Grottoes, and hew down our Bow'rs,
Dig up our Arbours, and root up our Flowers.
Our Gardens are Bulwarks▪ and Bastions become;
Then hang up our Lutes, we must sing to the Drum.
2.
Our Patches and our Curles
(So exact in each Station)
Our Powders and our Purls
Are now out of Fashion.
Hence with our Needles, and give us your Spades;
We, that were Ladies, grow course as our Maids.
Our Coaches have drove us to Balls at the Court;
We now must drive Barrovvs to earth up the Port,
The End of the second Entry.

The Third Entry.

The ENTRY is again prepar'd by Instru­mental Musick.
The further part of the Scene is open'd, and a Royal Pavilion appears display'd; repre­senting Solimans Imperial Throne; and a­bout it are discern'd the Quarters of his Bas­sa's, and Inferiour Officers.
Enter Soliman, Pirrhus, Mustapha.
Solym.
PIrrhus, Draw up our Army wide!
Then from the Gross two strong Reserves divide;
And spread the wings;
As if we were to fight,
In the lost Rhodians sight,
With all the Western Kings!
Each wing with Janizaries line;
The Right and Left to Hally's Sons assigne;
The Gross to Zangiban▪
The Main Artillery
With Mustapha shall be:
Bring thou the Rear, We lead the Van.
Pirrhus.
[Page 15]
It shall be done as early as the Dawn;
As if the Figure by thy hand were drawn.
Mustap.
We wish that we, to ease thee, could prevent
All thy Commands, by guessing thy intent.
Soly.
These Rhodians, who of Honour boast,
A loss excuse, when bravely lost:
Now they may bravely lose their Rhodes,
Which never play'd against such odds.
To morrow let them see our strength, and weep
Whilst they their want of losing blame;
Their valiant folly strives too long to keep
What might be render'd without shame.
Pirrhus.
'Tis well our valiant Prophet did
In us not only loss forbid,
But has enjoyn'd us still to get.
Empire must move a pace,
When she begins the Race,
And apter is for wings then feet.
Mustap.
They vainly interrupt our speed.
And civil Reason lack,
To know they should go back
When we determine to proceed.
Pirrhus.
When to all Rhodes our Army does appear
Shall we then make a sudden halt,
And give a general Assault?
Soly.
Pirrhus not yet, Ianthe being there▪
Let them our Valour, by our Mercy prize.
The respit of this day
To vertuous Love shall pay
A debt long due for all my Victories.
Must.
If vertuous Beauty can attain such grace
Whilst she a Captive was, and hid,
What wisdom can his Love forbid
When Vertue's free and Beauty shews her Face?
Soly.
Dispatch a Trumpet to the Town;
Summon Ianthe to be gone
[Page 16]Safe with her Lord. When both are free
And in their Course to Cicily,
Then Rhodes shall for that valour mourn
VVhich stops the haste of our return.
Pirrhus.
Those that in Grecian Quarries wrought,
And Pioners from Lycia brought,
VVho like a Nation in a throng appear,
So great their number is, are landed here:
VVhere shall they work?
Soly.
Upon Philermus Hill.
There, ere this Moon her Circle fills with days,
They shall, by punishe sloth and cherish'd skill,
A spacious Palace in a Castle raise:
A Neighbourhood within the Rhodians view;
VVhere, if my anger cannot them subdue.
My patience shall out-wait them, whilst they long
Attend to see weak Princes make them strong:
There I'le grow old, and dye too, if they have
The secret art to Fast me to my Grave.
Exeunt.
The Scene is chang'd to that of the Town Besieg'd.
Enter Villerius, Admiral, Alphonso, Ianthe.
Vill.
WHen we, Ianthe, would this act commend,
We know no more how to begin
Then we should do, if we were in,
How, suddenly, to make an end.
Adm.
[Page 17]
VVhat love was yours which these strong bars of Fate
VVere all too weak to separate?
VVhich Seas & Storms could not divide
Nor all the dreadful Turkish pride?
VVhich pass'd secure though not unseen
Even double Guards of Death that lay between.
Vill.
VVhat more could Honour for fair Vertue do?
VVhat could Alphonso venture more for you?
Adm.
VVith wonder & with shame we must confess,
All we our selves can do for Rhodes, is less.
Vill.
Nor did your love and courage act alone,
Your bounty too has no less wonders done.
And for our Guard you have brought wisely down
A Troop of Vertues to defend the Town:
The onely Troop that can a Town defend;
VVhich Heav'n before for ruine did intend.
Adm.
Look here ye VVestern Monarchs, look with shame,
VVho fear not a remote, though common Foe;
The Cabinet of one illustrious Dame
Does more then your Exchequers joyn'd did do.
Alphon.
Indeed I think, Ianthe, few
So young and flourishing as you,
VVhose Beauties might so well adorn
The Jewels which by them are worn,
Did ever Musquets for them take,
Nor of their Pearls did Bullets make.
Ianthe.
VVhen you my Lord are shut up here
Expence of treasure must appear
So far from bounty, that, alas,
It covetous advantage was:
For with small cost I sought to save
Even all the Treasure that I have.
VVho would not all her trifling Jewels give,
Which but from Number can their worth derive,
If she could purchase or redeem with them
One great inestimable Gem?
Adam.
[Page 18]

Oh ripe perfection in a Brest so young

Vill.

Vertue has tun'd her heart, and Wit her tongue

Adm.
Though Rhodes no pleasure can allow,
I dare secure the safety of it now;
All will so labour to save you
As that will save the City too.
Ianthe.
Alas, the utmost I have done
More then a just reward has won,
If by my Lord and you it be but thought
I had the care, to serve him as I ought.
Vill.
Brave Duke farewell, the Scouts for Orders wait,
And the Parade does fill.
Alphon.
Great Master, I'll attend your pleasure strait,
And strive to serve your will.
Exeunt, Vill. Adm.
Ianthe after all this praise
W ch, Fame so fully to you pays,
For that w ch all the world beside
Admires you, I alone must chide.
Are you that kinde and vertuous VVife,
VVho thus expose your Husbands Life?
The hazards, both at Land and Sea,
Through which so boldly thou hast run,
Did more assault and threaten me
Then all the Sultan could have done.
Thy dangers, could, I them have seen,
VVould not to me have dangers been,
But certain death: Now thou are here
A danger worse then death I fear.
Thou hast, Ianthe, honour won,
But mine, alas, will be undone:
For as thou valiant wer't for me,
I shall a Coward grow for thee.
Ianthe.
Take heed Alphonso, for this care of me,
VVil to my Fame injurious be;
Your love will brighter by it shine,
But it eclipses mine.
[Page 19]Since I would here before, or with you fall,
Death needs but becken when he means to call.
Alphon.
Ianthe, even in this you shall command.
And this my strongest passion guide;
Your vertue will not be deny'd:
It could even Solyman himself withstand;
To whom it did so beauteous show
It seem'd to civilize a barb'rous Foe.
Of this your strange escape, Ianthe say,
Briefly the motive and the way.
Ianthe.
Did I not tell you how we fought,
How I was taken, and how brought
Before great Solyman? but there
I think we interrupted were.
Alpho.
Yes, but we will not be so here,
Should Solyman himself appear.
Ianthe.
It seems that what the Bassa of me said,
Had some respect and admiration bred
In Solyman; and this to me increast
The jealousies which Honour did suggest.
All that of Turks and Tyrants I had heard,
But that I fear'd not Death, I should have fear'd.
I, to excuse my Voyage, urg'd my Love
To your high worth; which did such pity move
That straight his usage did reclaim my fear;
He seem'd in civil France, and Monarch there:
For soon my Person, Gallies, Fraight, were free
By his command.
Alphon.

O wondrous Enemy!

Ianthe.

These are the smallest Gifts his bounty knew.

Alp.

VVhat could he give you more?

Ianthe.
He gave me you;
And you may homewards now securely go
Through all his Fleet.
Alph.

But Honour says not so.

Ianthe.
If that forbid it you shall never see
[Page 20]That I and that will disagree:
Honour will speak the same to me.
Alph.
This Christian Turk amazes me, my Dear!
How long Ianthe stay'd you there?
Ianthe.

Two days with Mustapha.

Alph.
How do you say?
Two days, and two whole nights? alas▪
Ianth.
That it, my Lord, no longer was,
Is such a mercy, as too long I stay,
E're at the Altar thanks to Heav'n I pay.
Alph.

To Heav'n, Confession should prepare the way.

Exit Ianthe.
She is all Harmony and fair as light
But brings me discord and the Clouds of night.
And Solyman does think Heav'ns joys to be
In Women not so fair as she.
'Tis strange! Dismiss so fair an Enemy?
She was his own by right of War,
We are his Dogs, and such as she, his Angels are.
O wondrous Turkish chastity!
Her Gallies, fraight, and those to send
Into a Town which he would take!
Are we besieg'd then by a friend?
Could Honour such a Present make,
Then when his Honour is at stake?
Against it self, does Honour booty play?
VVe have the liberty to go away!
Strange above miracle! But who can say
If in his hands we once should be
VVhat would become of her? For what of me
Though Love is blind, ev'n Love may see.
Come back my thoughts, you must not rove!
For sure Ianthe does Alphonso love.
Oh Solyman this mistique act of thine,
Does all my quiet undermine:
But on thy Troops, if not on Thee,
This Sword my cure and my revenge shall be.
Exit.

Chorus. Of Men and Women.

Men.
YE wives all that are, and wives that would be,
Unlearn all ye learnt here, of one another.
And all ye have learnt of an Aunt or a Mother,
Then strait hither come, a New Pattern to see:
VVhich in a good humour kinde Fortune did send;
A Glass for your mindes as well as your faces;
Make haste then, and break your own Looking-glasses:
If you see but your selves, you'l never amend.
Women. You, that would teach us what your wives ought to do,
Take heed; there's a pattern in Town too for you.
Be you but Alphonsos, and we
Perhaps Ianthes will be.
Men.
Be you but Ianthes, and we
Alphonsos a while will be.
Both.
Let both sides begin then, rather then neither;
Let's both joyn our hands, and both mend together.
End of the third Entry.

The Fourth Entry.

The Entry is again prepar'd by Instrumental Musick.
The Scene is vary'd to the Prospect of Mount Philermus: Artificers appearing at work a­bout that Castle which was there, with won­derful expedition, erected by Solyman. His great Army is discovered in the Plain below, drawn up in Battalia; as if it were prepar'd for a general Assault.
Enter Solyman, Pirrhus, Mustapha.
Solyman.
REfuse my Pass-port, and resolve to dye?
Onely for fashions sake, for company?
Oh costly scruples! But Ile try to be,
Thou stubborn Honour, obstinate as Thee.
My Pow'r thou shalt not vanquish by thy will;
I will enforce to live whom thou would'st kill.
Pirrhus.
They in to morrows storm will change their minde;
Then, though too late instructed, they shall finde.
[Page 23]That those who your protection dare reject
No humane Power dares venture to protect.
They are not Foes, but Rebels, who withstand
The pow'r that does their Fate command.
Soly.
Oh Mustapha, our strength we measure ill;
VVe want the half of what we think we have;
For we enjoy the Beast-like pow'r to kill,
But not the God-like pow'r to save.
VVho laughs at death, laughs at our highest pow'r;
The valiant man is his own Emperour.
Musta.
Your pow'r to save, you have to them made known,
VVho scorn'd it with ingrateful pride;
Now, how you can destroy, must next be shown;
And that the Christian world has try'd.
Soly.
'Tis such a single pair
As onely equal are
Unto themselves; but many steps above
All others who attempt to make up Love.
Their Lives will noble History afford,
And must adorn my Scepter, not my Sword.
My strength in vain has with their vertue strove;
In vain their hate would overcome my love.
My favours Ile compel them to receive.
Go Mustapha, and strictest Orders give,
Through all the Camp, that in Assault they spare
(And in the Sack of this presumptuous Town)
The lives of these two strangers, with a care
Above the preservation of their own.
Alphonso has so oft his courage shown,
That he to all but Cowards must be known.
Ianthe is so fair, that none can be
Mistaken, amongst thousands, which is she.
Exeunt▪
[Page 24]The Scene returns to that of the Town Besieg'd.
Enter Alphonso, Ianthe.
Ianthe.
Alphonso, Now the danger grovvs so near,
Give her, that loves you, leave to fear.
Nor do I blush this passion to confess,
Since it for object has no less
Then even your liberty, or life;
I fear not as a woman but a vvife.
We vvere too proud no use to make
Of Solymans obliging proffer;
For vvhy should Honour scorn to take
What Honour's self does to it offer.
Alph.
To be o'recome by his victorious Svvord,
Will comfort to our fall afford:
Our strength may yeild to his; but 'tis not fit
Our vertue should to his submit;
In that, Ianthe, I must be
Advanc'd, and greater far then he.
Ianthe.
Fighting vvith him vvho strives to be your friend,
You not vvith Vertue but vvith Povv'r contend.
Alph.
Forbid it Heav'n our friends should think that vve
Did merit friendship from an Enemy.
Ianthe.

He is a Foe to Rhodes, and not to you.

Alph.

In Rhodes besieg'd vve must be Rhodians too.

Ianthe.

'Tvvas Fortune that engag'd you in this War.

Alph.

'Tvvas Providence! Heaven's Pris'ners here vve are.

Ianthe.
That Providence our freedom does restore;
The hand that shut, novv opens us the Door.
Alph.
Had Heav'n that Pass-port for our freedom sent
It vvould have chose some better Instrument
Then faithless Solyman.
Ianthe.
[Page 25]
O say not so!
To strike and wound the vertue of your Foe
Is cruelty, which war does not allow:
Sure he has better words deserv'd from you.
Alphon.
From me Ianthe, No;
What he deserves from you, you best must know.
Ianthe.

What means my Lord?

Alphon.
For I confess, I must
The poyson'd bounties of a Foe mistrust:
And when upon the Bait I look,
Though all seem fair, suspect the Hook.
Ianthe.
He, though a Foe, is generous and true:
What he hath done declares what he will do.
Alphon.
He in two Days your high esteem has won:
What he would do I know; who knows what he has done?
Done? Wicked Tongue what hast thou said?
Aside.
What horrid falshood from thee fled?
Oh Jealousie (if Jealousie it be)
Would I had here an Asp instead of Thee.
Ianthe.
Sure you are sick, your words, alas,
Gestures, and looks distempers shew.
Alphon.
Ianthe, you may safely pass;
The Pass, no doubt, was meant to you.
Ianthe.
He's jealous sure; Oh vertue can it be?
Have I for this serv'd Vertue faithfully?
Alphonso—
Alphon.

Speak, Ianthe, and be free.

Ianthe.

Have I deserv'd this change?

Alphon.
Thou do'st deserve
So much, that Emperours are proud to serve
The fair Ianthe; and not dare
To hurt a Land whilst she is there.
Return (Renown'd Ianthe) safely home;
And force thy passage with thine Eyes;
To conquer Rhodes will be a prize
Less glorious then by thee to be or'ecome.
[Page 26]But since he longs (it seems) so much to see,
And be possest of me,
Tell him, I shall not fly beyond his reach:
Would he could dare to meet me in the Breach.
Exit.
Ianthe.
Tell him! tell him? Oh no, Alphonso, no
Let never man thy weakness know;
Thy suddain fall will be a shame
To Man's and Vertue's Name.
Alphonso's false! for what can falser be
Then to suspect that falshood dwels in me?
Could Solyman both Life and Honour give?
And can Alphonso me of both deprive?
Of both Alphonso; for believe
Ianthe vvill disdain to live
So long as to let others see
Thy true, and her imputed infamy.
No more let Lovers think they can possess
More then a Month of happiness.
We thought our Hold of it was strong,
We thought our Lease of it was long:
But now, that all may ever happy prove,
Let never any love.
And yet these troubles of my love to me
Shall shorter then the pleasures be.
I'le till to morrow last; then the Assault
Shall finish my misfortune and his fault.
I to my Enemies shall doubly owe,
For saving me before, for killing now.
Exit.
Enter Villerius, Admiral.
Adm.
From out the Camp a valiant Christian Slave
Escap'd, and to our Knights assurance gave
That at the break of day
Their Mine will play.
Vill.
[Page 27]
Oft Martiningus struck and try'd the ground,
And Counter-digg'd, and has the hollows found:
We shall prevent
Their dire intent.
Where is the Duke, whose valour strives to keep
Rhodes still awake, which else would dully sleep?
Adm.

His Courage and his Reason is o'rethrown.

Vill.

Thou sing'st the sad destruction of our Town.

Adm.
I met him wild as all the winds,
When in the Ocean they contest:
And diligent Suspition finds
He is with jealousie possest.
Vill.
That Arrow, once misdrawn, must ever rove.
O weakness sprung from mightiness of love!
O pitty'd Crime!
Alphonso will be overthrown
Unless we take this Ladder down,
Where, though the Rounds are broke,
He does himself provoke
Too hastily to Climbe.
Adm.
Invisibly, as dreams, Fame's wings
Fly every where;
Hov'ring all Day o're Palaces of Kings;
At Night she lodges in the people's eare:
Already they perceive Alphonso wild,
And the belov'd Ianthe griev'd.
Vill.
Let us no more by Honour be beguil'd;
This Town can never be reliev'd;
Alphonso and Ianthe being lost,
Rhodes, thou dost cherish life with too much cost!
Chorus. Away, unchain the streets, unearth the Ports.
Pull down each Barracade
Which womens fears have made,
And bravely fally out from all the Forts!
Drive back the Crescents, and advance the Cross,
Or sink all humane Empires in our loss!

Chorus of Wives.

1.
1. THis cursed Jealousie, what is't?
2. 'Tis Love that has lost it self in a Mist.
3. 'Tis Love being frighted out of his wits.
4. 'Tis Love that has a Fever got;
Love that is violently hot;
But troubled with cold and trembling fits.
'Tis yet a more unnatural evil:
'Tis the God of Love, 'tis the God of Love, possest with a Divel.
Chorus.
2.
1. 'This rich corrupted wine of Love;
Which sharpest vinegar does prove.
2. From all the sweet Flowers which might Honey make,
It does a deadly poyson bring.
3. Strange Serpent which it self does sting!
4. It never can sleep, and dreams still awake.
5. It stuffs up the Marriage-bed with thorns!
It gores it selfe, it gores it self, with imagin'd horns.
Chorus.
The End of the Fourth Entry.

The Fifth Entry

The ENTRY is again prepar'd by Instru­mental Musick.
The Scene is chang'd into a Representation of a general Assault given to the Town; the greatest fury of the Army being dis­cern'd at the English Station.
Enter Pirrhus.
Pirrhus.
TRaverse the Canon! mount the Batrys higher!
More Gabions, and renew the Blinds!
Like dust they powder spend,
And to our faces send
The heat of all the Element of fire;
And to their Backs have all the winds.
Enter Mustapha.
Musta.
More Ladders, and reliefs to scale!
The Fire-crooks are too short! Help, help to hale!
That Battlement is loose, and strait will down!
Point well the Canon, and play fast!
Their fury is too hot to last.
That Rampire shakes, they fly into the Town.
Pirrh.
March up with those Reserves to that Redout!
Faint slaves! the Janizaries reel!
They bend, they bend! and seem to feel
The terrours of a Rout.
Musta.

Old Zanger halts, and re-inforcment lacks!

Pirrh.

March on!

Musta.

Advance those Pikes, and charge their Backs!

[Page 30] Enter Solyman.
Solym.
Those Platforms are too low to reach!
Haste, haste! call Haly to the Breach!
Can my domestique Janizaries flye!
And not adventure life for victory!
Whose child-hood with my Palace-milk I fed;
Their youth, as if I were their Parent, bred.
What is this Monster Death, that our poor Slaves,
Still vext with toyl, are loth to rest in Graves?
Musta.
If life so pretious be, why do not they,
Who in War's trade can onely live by prey,
Their own afflicted lives expose
To take the happier from their foes?
Pirrh.
Our Troops renew the Fight!
And those that sally'd out
To give the Rout,
Are now return'd in flight!
Solym.
Follow, follow, follow! make good the Line!
In, Pirrhus, in! Look, we have sprung the Mine!
Exit Pirrhus.
Musta.
Those desp'rate English n'er will fly!
Their firmness still does hinder others flight,
As if their Mistresses were by
To see and praise them whilst they fight.
Solym.
That flame of valour in Alphonso's eyes
Outshines the light of all my victories!
Those who were slain when they his Bulwark storm'd,
Contented fell,
As vanquish'd well;
Those who were left alive may now,
Because their valour is by his reform'd,
Hope to make others bow.
Musta.
E're while I in the English station saw
Beauty, that did my wonder forward draw,
[Page 31]Whose valour did my Forces back disperse;
Fairer than Woman, and then Man more fierce▪
It shew'd such courage as disdain'd to yield,
And yet seem'd willing to be kill'd.
Solym.
This Vision did to me appear;
Which mov'd my pitty and my fear:
It had a Dress much like the Imag'rie
For Heroes drawn, and may Ianthe be.
Enter Pirrhus.
Pirrh.
Fall on! the English stoop when they give fire!
They seem to furl their Colours and retire!
Solym.
Advance! I onely would the honour have
To conquer two, whom I by force would save.
Enter Alphonso with his Sword drawn.
Alph.
My reason by my Courage is misled!
Why chase I those who would from dying fly,
Enforcing them to sleep amongst the dead,
Yet keep my self unslain that fain would die?
Do not the Pris'ners whom we take declare
How Solyman proclaim'd through all his Host,
That they Ianthe's life and mine should spare?
Life ill preserv'd is worse then basely lost.
Mine by dispatch of War he will not take,
But means to leave it lingring on the Rack;
That in his Palace I might live, and know
Her shame, and be afraid to call it so.
Tyrants and Divels think all pleasures vain,
But what are still deriv'd from others pain.
[Page 32]Enter Admirall.
Adm.
Renown'd Alphonso, thou hast fought to day,
As if all Asia were thy valour's prey.
But now thou must do more
Then thou hast done before;
Else the important life of Rhodes is gone.
Alph.
VVhy from the peacefull grave
Should I still strive to save
The lives of others, that would lose mine own?
Adm.
The Souldiers call, Alphonso! thou hast taught
The way to all the wonders they have wrought;
Who now refuse to fight
But in thy valour's sight.
Alphon.
I would to none example be to fly;
But fain would teach all human kind to die.
Adm.
Haste, haste! Ianthe in disguise
At th'English Bulwark wounded lies;
And in the French, our old great Master strives
From many hands to rescue many lives.
Alphon.
Ianthe wounded? where, alas,
Has mourning Pitty hid her face?
Let Pitty fly, fly far from the opprest,
Since she removes her Lodging from my Brest!
Adm.
You have but too great Cruelties to chuse
By staying here; you must Ianthe lose
Who ventur'd life and fame for you;
Or your great Master quite forsake.
Who to your childhood first did shew
The wayes you did to Honour take.
Alphon.
Ianthe cannot be
In safer company:
For what will not the valiant English do
When Beauty is distress'd and Vertue too.
Adm.
[Page 33]
Dispatch your choice, if you will either save
Occasion bids you run;
You must redeem the one
And I the other from a common Grave.
Alphonso, haste!
Alphon.
Thou urgest me too fast.
This riddle is too sad and intricate;
The hardest that was e're propos'd by Fate.
Honour and pitty have
Of both too short a time to choose:
Honour, the one would save,
Pitty, would not the other loose.
Adm.
Away, brave Duke, away!
Both perish by our stay.
Alphon.
I to my Noble Master owe
All that my Youth did Nobly do▪
He in War's Schoole my Master was,
The Ruler of my life;
She my lov'd Mistris; but, alas,
My now suspected Wife.
Adm.
By this delay we both of them forsake!
Which of their rescues wilt thou undertake?
Alph.
Hence Admirall, and to my Master hy!
I will as swiftly to my Mistris fly;
Through Ambush, Fire, and all impediments
The witty cruelty of War invents:
For there does yet some taste of kindness last,
Still relishing the vertue that is past.
But how, Ianthe, can my sword successfull prove,
Where honour stops, and onely pitty leads my love?
Exeunt, severall waies.
Enter Pirrhus.
Pirrhus.
O suddain change! repulst in all the heat
Of Victory, and forc'd to lose retreat!
[Page 34]Seven Crescents, fixt on their Redouts, are gone!
Horse, horse! we fly
From Victory!
Wheel, wheel from their Reserves, and charge our own!
Divide that Wing!
More succours bring!
Rally the Fled,
And quit our Dead!
Rescue that Ensigne and that Drum!
Bold slaves? they to our Trenches come:
Though still our Army does in posture stay
Drawn up, to judge, not act the business of the day;
As Rome in Theaters saw Fencers play.
Enter Mustapha.
Musta.
Who can be loud enough to give command?
Stand, Haly, make a stand!
Those Horses to that Carriage span! Drive, drive!
Zanger is shot agen, yet still alive!
C [...]yns for the Culv'rin, then give fire
To cleer the Turn-Pikes, and let Zanger in!
Look, Pirrhus, look, they all begin
To alter their bold Count'nance, and retire!
The Scene returns to that of the Castle on the Mount Philermus.
Enter Solyman.
Soly.
How cowardly my num'rous Slaves fall back?
Slow to Assault, but dext'rous when they sack.
[Page 35]Wilde Wolves in times of peace they are;
Tame sheep, and harmless in the War.
Crowds fit to stop up Breaches; and prevail
But so as shoals of Herrings choak a Whale.
This Dragon-Duke so nimbly fought to day,
As if he wings had got to stoop at Prey.
Ianthe is triumphant, but not gone;
And sees Rhodes still beleaguer'd, though not won.
Audacious Town! thou keep'st thy staion still;
And so my Castle tarries on that Hill;
Where I will dwell till Famine enter Thee;
And prove more fatal then my Sword could be.
Nor shall Ianthe from my favours run,
But stay to meet and praise what she did shun.
The Scene is chang'd to that of the Town besieg'd.
Enter Villerius, Admiral, Ianthe.
She in a Night-Gown and a Chair is brought in.
Viller.
FAir Vertue, we have found
No danger in your Wound.
Securely live,
And credit give
To us, and to the Surgeons Art.
Ianthe.
Alas, my wound is in the Heart;
Or else, where e're it be,
Imprison'd life it comes to free,
By seconding a worser wound that hid doth lie.
What practice can assure
That Patient of a Cure,
Whose kind of grief still makes her doubt the remedy?
Adm.
[Page 36]
The wounded that would soon be eas'd
Should keep their spirits tun'd and pleas'd;
No discord should their mind subdue:
And who in such distress
As this, ought to express
More joyfull harmony than you?
'Tis not alone that we assure
Your certain cure;
But pray remember that your blood's expence
Was in defence
Of Rhodes, which gain'd to day a most important Victory:
For our success, repelling this Assault,
Has taught the Ottomans to halt;
Who may, wasting their heavy Body, learn to fly.
Adm.
Not onely this should hasten your content;
But you shall joy to know the Instrument
That wrought the triumph of this day;
Alphonso did the Sally sway;
To whom our Rhodes all that she is does owe,
And all that from her Root of Hope can grow.
Ianthe.
Has he so greatly done?
Indeed he us'd to run
As swift in Honour's Race as any He
Who thinks he merits Wreaths for Victory.
This is to all a comfort, and should be,
If he were kind, the greatest joy to me.
Where is my alter'd Lord? I cannot tell
If I may ask, if he be safe and well?
For whilst all strangers may his actions boast,
Who in their Songs repeat
The Triumphs he does get,
I onely must lament his favours lost.
Vill.
Some wounds he has; none dangerous but yours;
Ianthe cur'd, his own he quickly cures.
Ianthe.
If his be little, mine will soon grow less.
[Page 37]Ay me! What Sword
Durst give my Lord
Those wounds, which now Ianthe cannot dress?
Adm.
Ianthe will rejoyce when she did hear
How greater then himself he does appear
In rescue of her life, all acts were slight,
And cold, even in our hottest Fight
Compar'd to what he did,
When with Death's Vizard she her beauty hid.
Vill.
Love urg'd his anger, till it made such haste
And rusht so swiftly in,
That scarce he did begin
Ere we could say, the mighty work was past.
Ianthe.
All this for me? something he did for you:
But when his Svvord begun
Much more it vvould have done
If he, alas, had thought Ianthe true.
Adm.
Be kind, Ianthe, and be vvell!
It is too pittifull to tell
What vvay of dying he exprest
When he that Letter read
You vvrote before your vvounds vvere drest;
When you and vve dispair'd you could recover;
Then he vvas more than dead:
And much out-vvept a Husband and a Lover.
Enter Alphonso wounded, led in by two Mutes.
Alphon:
Tear up my vvounds! I had a passion, coorse,
And rude enough to strengthen Jealousie;
But vvant that more refin'd and quicker force
Which does out-vvrestle Nature vvhen vvedye.
Turn to a Tempest all my invvard strife:
[Page 38]Let it not last,
But in a blast
Spend this infectious vapour, Life!
Ianthe.
It is my Lord! Enough of strength I feel
To bear me to him, or but let me kneel.
He bled for me when he atchiev'd for you
This daye's success; and much from me is due.
Let me but bless him for his Victory,
And hasten to forgive him e're I dye.
Alphon.
Keep back Ianthe, for my strength will fail
If on thy Cheeks I see thy Roses pale.
Draw all the Curtains and then lead her in;
Let me in darkness mourn away my sin.
Exeunt.

Chorus of Souldiers:

1.
WIth a fine merry Gale,
Fit to fill ev'ry sayl,
They did cut the smooth Sea
That our Skins they might flea:
Still as they landed, we firkt them with Sallys;
We did bang their silk Shashes,
Through Sands and through Plashes,
Till amain they did run to their Gallies.
2.
They first were so mad
As they Jealousies had
That our Isle durst not stay,
But would float strait away;
For they landed still faster and faster:
And their old Bassa Pirrhus
Did think he could fear us;
But himself sooner fear'd our Grand-Master.
3.
Then the hug'ous great Turk,
Came to make us more work;
With enow men to eat
All he meant to defeat;
Whose wonderfull worship did confirm us
In the fear he would bide here
So long till he dy'd here,
By the Castle he built on Philermus.
4.
You began the Assault
With a very long Hault;
And, as haulting ye came,
So ye went off as lame;
And have left our Alphonso to scoff ye.
To himself, as a Daintie,
He keeps his Ianthe;
Whilst we drink good Wine, and you drink but Coffy.
The Curtain is let fall.
The End of the Fifth ENTRY.
FINIS.
THE SIEGE OF RHODES: …

THE SIEGE OF RHODES:

The Second Part,

As it was lately Represented at His Highness the Duke of YORK'S Theatre In Lincoln's-Inn Fields.

LONDON, Printed for Henry Herringman, and are to be sold at his Shop, at the Sign of the Anchor, on the Lower-walk in the New-Exchange. 1663.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE the EARL of CLARENDON Lord High Chancellor of England, &c.

MY LORD,

THough Poems have lost much of their Antient value, yet I will presume to make this a Present to your Lordship; and the ra­ther, because Poems (if they have any thing precious in them) do, like Jewels, attract a greater esteem when they come into the possession of great Persons, than when they are in ordinary hands.

The excuse which men have had for dedi­cation of Books, has been to protect them from the malice of Readers: but a defence of of this nature was fitter for your forces when you were early known to Learned men (and had no other occasion for your abilities, but to vindicate Authors) than at this Season [Page] when you are of extraordinary use to the whole Nation.

Yet when I consider how many & how vio­lent they are who persecute Dramatick Poetry, I will then rather call this a Dedica­tion than a Present; as not intending by it to pass any kind of obligation, but to receive a great benefit; since I cannot be safe unless I am shelter'd behind your Lordship.

Your name is so eminent in the Justice which yon convey through all the different Members of this great Empire, that my Rho­dians seem to enjoy a better Harbour in the Pacifique Thames, than they had on the Me­diterranean; and I have brought Solyman to be arraign'd at your Tribunal, where you are the Censor of his civility & magnificence.

Dramatick Poetry meets with the same persecution now, from such who esteem themselves the most refin'd and civil, as it ever did from the Barbarous. And yet whilst those vertuous Enemies deny heroique Plays to the Gentry, they entertain the People with a Seditious Farce of their own coun­terfeit Gravity. But I hope you will not be unwilling to receive (in this Poetical [Page] dress) neither the Besieg'd nor the Besiegers, since they come without their vices: for as others have purg'd the Stage from corrupti­ons of the Art of the Drama, so I have en­deavour'd to cleanse it from the corruption of manners; nor have I wanted care to ren­der the Ideas of Greatness and Vertue plea­sing and familiar.

In old Rome the Magistrates did not only protect but exhibit Plaies; and, not long since, the two wise Cardinals did kindly en­tertain the great Images represented in Tra­gedy by Monsieur Corneille. My Lord, it proceeds from the same mind not to be pleas'd with Princes on the Stage, and not to affect them in the Throne; for those are ever most inclin'd to break the Mirrour who are unwilling to see the Images of such as have just authority over their guilt.

In this Poem I have reviv'd the remem­brance of that fatal desolation which was per­mitted by Christian Princes when they fa­vour'd the ambition of such as defended the diversity of Religions (begot by the factions of Learning) in Germany; whilst those who would never admit Learning into their Em­pire [Page] (lest it should meddle with Religion and intangle it with Controversy) did make Rhodes defenceless; which was the only fortify'd Academy in Christendome where Divinity and Arms were equally profess'd. I have likewise, for variety, softened the Martial encounters between Solyman and the Rhodians, with intermingling the conjugal vertues of Alphonso and Ianthe.

If I should proceed, and tell your Lordship of what use Theatres have antiently been, and may be now, by heightening the Cha­racters of Valour, Temperance, Natural Just­stice, and complacency to Government, I should fall into the ill manners and indiscre­tion of ordinary Dedicators, who go about to instruct those from whose abilities they expect protection. The apprehension of this error makes me hasten to crave pardon for what has been already said by

MY LORD,
Your Lordships most humble and most odedient Servant WILL. D'AVENANT.

The Persons represented.

  • Solyman The Magnificent.
  • Pirrhus Vizier Bassa.
  • Mustapha Bassa.
  • Rustan Bassa.
  • Haly Eunuch Bassa.
  • Villerius Grand Master of Rhodes.
  • Alphonso A Cicilian Duke.
  • Admiral Of Rhodes.
  • High Marshal Of Rhodes.
  • Roxolana Wife to Solyman.
  • Ianthe Wife to Alphonso.
  • Women Attendants to Roxolana.
  • Women Attendants to Ianthe.
  • Four Pages Attendants to Roxolana.

The Scene, RHODES.

Prologue.

WHat if we serve you now a Trick? and do
Like him who posted Bills that he would show
So many active feats, and those so high,
That Court and City came to see him fly?
But he, good man, carefull to empty still
The Money-Boxes, as the House did fill,
Of all his Tricks, had time to shew but one:
He lin'd his Purse, and, Presto! he was gone! —
Many were then as fond, as you are now,
Of seeing stranger things than Art can show.
We may perform as much as he did doe;
We have your Money, and a Back-Door too.
Go, and be couzen'd thus, rather than stay
And wait to be worse couzen'd with our Play.
For you shall hear such course complaints of Love,
Such silly sighing, as no more will move
Your Passion then Dutch Madrigals can doe,
When Skippers, with wit Beards, at Wapping wooe.
Hope little from our Poets wither'd Witt;
From Infant-Players, scarce grown Puppets yet.
Hope from our Women less, whose bashfull fear,
Wondred to see me dare to enter here:
Each took her leave, and wisht my danger past;
And though I come back safe, and undisgrac'd,
Yet when they spye the WITS here then I doubt
No Amazon can make 'em venture out.
Though I advis'd 'em not to fear you much;
For I presume not half of you are such.
But many Trav'lers here as Judges come;
From Paris, Florence, Venice, and from Rome:
[Page]Who will describe, when any Scene we draw,
By each of ours, all that they ever Saw.
Those praising, for extensive breadth and height;
And inward distance to deceive the sight.
When greater Objects, moving in broad Space,
You rank with lesser, in this narrow Place,
Then we like Chess-men, on a Chess-board are,
And seem to play like Pawns the Rhodian Warr.
Oh Money! Money! if the WITTS would dress,
With Ornaments, the present face of Peace;
And to our Poet half that Treasure spare,
Which Faction gets from Fools to nourish Warr;
Then his contracted Scenes should wider be,
And move by greater Engines, till you see
(Whilst you Securely sit) fierce Armies meet,
And raging Seas disperse a fighting Fleet.
Thus much he bad me say; and I confess
I think he would, if rich, mean nothing less;
But, leaving you your selves to entertain,
Like an old Rat retire to Parmazan.

THE SIEGE OF RHODES. The Second Part,

Act the First,
Scene the First.

The SCENE is a Prospect of Rhodes beleaguer'd at Sea and Land by the Fleet and Army of SOLYMAN.
Enter Alphonso, Admiral, Marshal of Rhodes.
Alph.
WHen shall we scape from the delays of Rome?
And when, slow Venice, will thy Succours come?
Mar.
How often too have we in vain
Sought ayd from long consulting Spain?
Adm.
The German Eagle does no more
About our barren Island Sore.
Thy Region, famisht Rhodes, she does forsake;
And cruelly at home her Quarrie make.
Alph.

The furious French, and fiercer English fail.

Adm.
[Page 2]
We watch from Steeples and the Peer
What Flaggs remoter Vessels bear;
But no glad Voice cries out, a Sail! a Sail!
Mar.
Brave Duke! I find we are to blame
In playing slowly Honour's Game,
Whilst lingring Famine wasts our strength,
And tires afflicted Life with length.
Alph.
The Council does it rashness call
When we propose to hazard all
The parcells we have left in one bold Cast:
But their Discretion makes our Torments last.
Adm.
When less'ning Hope flyes from our Ken,
And still Despair shews great and near,
Discretion seems to Valour then
A formal shape to cover fear.
Alph.
Courage, when it at once adventures all,
And dares with human aids dispence,
Resembles that high confidence
Which Priests may Faith and Heav'nly-Valour call.
Adm.
Those who in latter dangers of fierce Warr
To distant hope and long consults are given,
Depend too proudly on their own wise care;
And seem to trust themselves much more than Heav'n.
Alph.
Let then the Elder of our Rhodian Knights
Discourse of slow designs in antient Fights;
Let them sit long in Council to contrive
How they may longest keep lean Fools alive:
Whilst ( Marshal) thou, the Admiral, and I
(Grown weary of this tedious strife
Which but prolongs imprison'd Life)
Since we are freely Born will freely Dye.
Adm.
From sev'ral Ports wee'l Sally out
With all the bolder Youth our Seas have bred.
Mar.
And we at Land through storms of Warr have led,
Then meet at Mustapha's Redoubt.
Alph.
And this last Race of Honour being run,
Wee'l meet agen, farr, farr, above the Sun.
Adm.
[Page 3]
Already Fame her Trumpet sounds:
Which more provokes and warms
Our Courage than the smart of Wounds▪
Away! to Arms! to Arms! —
Enter Villerius.
Vill.
What from the Camp, when no Assault is near,
Fierce Duke does thee to Slaughter call?
Or what bold Fleet does now at Sea appear,
To hale and boord our Admiral?
Adm.
We give, Great Master, this alarm
Not to forwarn your Chiefs of harm:
To whom assaults from Land or Sea
Would now but too much welcome be.
Alph.
We want great dangers, and of mischiefs know
No greater ill but that they come too slow.
Adm.
Why should we thus, with Arts great care
Of Empire, against Nature Warr?
Nature, with sleep and food, would make Life last;
But artfull Empire makes us watch and fast.
Alph.
If Valour virtue be, why should we lack
The means to make it move?
Which progress would improve;
But cannot march when Famine keeps it back.
Adm.
When gen'ral Dearth
Afflicts the Earth,
Then even our loudest Warriours calmly pine.
High courage (though with Sourness still
It yields to Yoaks of human will)
Yet gracefully does bow to Pow'r Divine.
Alph.
But when but mortal Foes
Imperiously impose
A Martial Lent
Where strength is spent;
That Famine, doubly horrid, wears the face
[Page 4]Both of a Lingring death, and of disgrace.
Mar.
For those, whose Valour makes them quickly Dye,
Prevent the Fast to shun the infamy.
Vill.
Whom have I heard? 'Tis time all Pow'r should cease
When men high born, and higher bred
(Who have out-done what most have read,)
Grow like the Gowd, impatient of distress.
Is there no room for Hope in any Breast?
Adm.
Not, since she does appear
Boldly a dweller where
She first was intertain'd but as a Guest.
Alph.
She may in Sieges be receiv'd
Be courted too, and much believ'd;
And thus continue after wants begin;
But is thrust out when Famine enters in.
Vill.
You have been tir'd in vain with passiveness;
But where; when active, can you meet Success?
Alph.
With all the strength of all our Forts
Wee'l sally out from all the Ports;
And with a hot and hot alarm
Still keep the Turkish Tents so warm
That Solyman shall in a Feaver lye:
Mar.
His Bassas, marking what we do,
Shall find that we were taught by you
To manage Life, and teach them how to Dye.
Vill.
Valour's designs are many heights above
All pleasures fancy'd in the dreams of Love.
But whilst, voluptuously, you thus devise
Delightfull ways to end those miseries
Which over-charge your own impatient mind▪
Where shall the softer Sex their safety find?
When you with num'rous Foes lye dead,
(I mean asleep in Honour's Bed)
They then may subject be
To all the wild and fouler force
Of rudest Victory;
Where noise shall Deafen all remorse.
Alph.
[Page 5]
If still concern'd to watch and arm
That we may keep from harm
All who defenceless are
And seldome safe in Warr,
When, Admiral, shall we
From weariness be free?
Vill.
The Rhodians by your gen'ral Sally may
Get high renown;
Though you at last must bravely lose the Day,
And they their Town.
Then when by anger'd Solyman 'tis sway'd,
On whom shall climbing Infants smile for aid?
Or who shall lift and rescue falling Age,
When it can only frown at Turkish rage?
The living thus advise you to esteem
And keep your Life that it may succour them:
But though you are inclin'd to hear Death plead
As strongly to invite you to the Dead,
Whilst glory does beyond compassion move,
Yet stay till your Ianthe speaks for Love!
Alph.
Ianthe's name is such a double charm,
As strait does arm me, and as soon unarm.
Valour as farr as ever Valour went,
Dares go, not stopping at the Sultans Tent,
To free Ianthe when to Rhodes confin'd:
But halts, when it considers I
Amidst ten Thousand Turks may Dye,
Yet leave her then to many more behind.
Adm.

Since life is to be kept, what must be done?

Vill.
All those attempts of Valour we must shun
Which may the Sultan vex; And, since bereft
Of food, there is no help but Treaty left.
Adm.
Rhodes, when the World shall thy submission know,
Honour, thy antient friend, will court thy Foe.
Mar.
Honour begins to blush, and hide his face:
For those who Treat sheath all their Swords,
To try by length of fencing words
[Page 6]How farr they may consent to meet Disgrace.
Alph.
As noble minds with shame their wants confess;
So Rhodes will bashfully declare distress.
A Shout within, and a Noise of forcing of Doors.
Vill.
Our guards will turn confed'rates with the crowd,
Whose mis'ries now insult and make them loud.
Their leaders strive with praises to appease,
And soften the mis-led with promises.
[ Exit Admiral.
Alph.
These us'd with awe to wait
Far from your Palace gate;
But, like lean Birds in Frosts, their hunger now
Makes them approach us and familiar grow.
Vill.
They have so long been Dying that 'tis fit
They Deaths great privilege should have;
Which does in all a parity admit:
No rooms of State are in the Grave.
Enter Admiral.
Adm.
The Peoples various minds
(Which are like sudden winds,
Such as from Hilly-coasts still changing blow)
Were lately as a secret kept
In many whispers of so soft a breath,
And in a calm so deeply low,
As if all Life had soundly slept;
But now, as if they meant to waken Death,
They rashly rise, and loud in Tumults grow.
Mar.
They see our strength is hourly less,
Whilst Solyman's does still increase.
Adm.
Thus, being to their last expectance driven,
Ianthe, now they cry!
Whose name they raise so high
And often that it fills the vault of Heaven.
Alph.
If Solyman does much her Looks esteem,
[Page 7]Looks captive him, and may enfranchise them.
Adm.
By many pris'ners, since our Siege began,
They have been told, how Potent Solyman,
In all assaults, severely did command
That you and she
Should still be free
From all attempts of every Turkish hand.
Alph.
It rudeness were in me, not to confess
That Solyman has civil been,
And did much Christian honour winn
When he Ianthe rescu'd from distress.
Adm.
They were from many more advertis'd too,
That he hath Passports sent for her and you:
Which makes them hope the Pow'r divine
Does by some blessed cause design
Ianthe to procure their Liberty:
Or if by Heaven 'tis not intirely me'nt
That powerfull Beauties force should set them free,
Yet they would have her strait in Treaty sent
To gain some rest for those,
Who of their restless foes
Continual wounds and fasts are weary grown.
Mar.
Whose mighty hearts conceiv'd before,
That they were built to suffer more
Assaults and Battries than our Rocky Town.
Vill.
Those who, with Gyant-stature, shocks receiv'd,
Now down to Dwarfish size and weakness fall.
Mar.
Who once no more of harm from shot believ'd
Than that an arrow hurts a wounded Wall.
Alph.
She Treat? What pleasant, but what frantick dreams,
Rise from the Peoples feaver of extremes?
I will allay their Rage, or try
How farr Ianthe will comply.
[Exit.
[Page 8]Enter Ianthe and her two Women at the other Door.
Iant.
Why wise Villerius, had you power to sway
That Rhodian Valour, which did yours obey?
Was not that pow'r deriv'd from awfull Heav'n
Which to your Valour hath your Wisdome given?
And that directs you to the Seasons meet
For deeds of Warr, and when 'tis fit to treat.
Vill.
Ere we to Solyman can sue,
Ianthe, we must treat with you.
The people find that they have no defence
But in your Beauty and your Eloquence.
Mar.

To your requests Great Solyman may yield.

Iant.

Can hope on such a weak Foundation build?

Mar.

In you the famish't peoples hopes are fed.

Iant.
Can your discerning eyes
(Which may inform the wise)
Be by vain hope, their blind Conductor, led?
Vill.
When winds in Tempests rise
Pilots may shut their eyes.
Mar.
And, though their practice knows their way,
Must be content a while to stray.
Iant.
Though Solyman should softer grow;
And to my tears compassion show;
What shape of comfort can appear to me,
When all your outward Warr shall cease,
If then my Lord renew his jealousie
And strait destroy my inward peace?
Vill.
The Rhodian Knights shall all in Council sit;
And with perswasions, by the publick Voice,
Your Lord shall woo till you to that submit
Which is the Peoples will, and not your Choice.
[Page 9]No arguments, by forms of Senate made,
Can Magisterial Jealousie perswade;
It takes no Counsel, nor will be in awe
Of Reasons force, necessity, or Law.
[Exit with the Marshal and her women.
Vill.
Call thy experience back,
Which safely coasted every shore;
And let thy reason lack
No wings to make it higher soar;
For all those aids will much too weak appear,
With all that gath'ring fancy can supply,
When she hath travell'd round about the Sphere,
To give us strength to govern Jealousie.
Adm.
Will you believe that Fair Ianthe can
Consent to go, and treat with Solyman,
Vainly in hope to move him to remorse?
Vill.
'Twill not be said by me
That she consents, when she
Does yield to what the People would inforce.
Their strength they now will in our weakness find,
Whom in their plenty we can sway,
But in their wants must them obey,
And wink when they the Cords of pow'r unbind.
Adm.

'Tis likely then that she must yield, to go.

Vill.

Who can resist, if they will have it so?

Adm.

Where 'ere she moves she will last innocent.

Vill.

Heav'ns spotless Lights are not by motion spent.

Adm.
Alphonso's Love cannot so sickly be
As to express relapse of Jealousie.
Vill.
Examine Jealousie and it will prove
To be the carefull tenderness of Love.
It can no sooner than Celestial fire
Be either quench't, or of it self expire.
Adm.
No signs are seen of Embers that remain
For windy passion to provoke.
Vill.
Talk not of signs; Celestial fires contain
No matter which appears in smoak.
[Page 10]Be heedfull Admiral; The private peace
Of Lovers so Renown'd requires your care:
Their League, renew'd of late, will if it cease
As much perplex us as the Rhodian Warr.
[Exit.
Adm.
How vainly must I keep mine eyes awake,
Who now, Alphonso, am enjoyn'd to take,
For publick good, a private care of thee;
When I shall rather heed thy care of me?
Love, in Ianthe's shape, pass't through my eyes
And tarries in my breast. But if the wise
Villerius does high Jealousie approve
As Virtue, and because it springs from Love:
My Love, I hope, will so much Virtue be
As shall, at least, take place of Jealousie.
For all will more respect
The cause than the effect.
What I discern of Love, seems virtue yet,
And whilst that Face appears I'le cherish it.
Exit.

The Second Act.

The same Scene continues.
A great Noise is heard of the People within.
Enter Villerius, Admiral, Marshal.
Adm.
THeir murmurs with their hunger will increase:
Their noises are effects of emptiness.
Murmurs, like Winds, will louder prove
When they with larger freedome move.
Vill.
Winds which in hollow Caverns dwell,
Do first their force in murmurs waste;
Then soon, in many a sighing blast,
Get out, and up in Tempests swell.
Adm.
Your practis'd strength no publique burden fears;
Nor stoops when it the weight of Empire bears.
Vill.
Pow'r is an Arch which ev'ry common hand
Does help to raise to a magnifique height;
And it requites their aid when it does stand
With firmer strength beneath increasing weight.
Adm.
'Tis noble to endure and not resent
The bruises of Afflictions heavy hand.
But can we not this Embassy prevent?
Vill.
Ianthe needs must go. Those who withstand
The Tide of Flood, which is the Peoples will,
Fall back when they in vain would onward row:
We strength and way preserve by lying still.
And sure, since Tides ebb longer than they flow,
[Page 12]Patience, which waits their Ebbs, regains
Lost time, and does prevent our pains.
Adm.
Can we of saving and of gaining boast
In that by which Ianthe may be lost?
She wholly Honour is; and, when bereft.
Of any part of that, has nothing left.
For Honour is the Soul, which by the Art
Of Schools, is all contain'd in ev'ry part.
Vill.
The Guiltless cannot Honour lose, and she
Can never more than Virtue guilty be.
Adm.

The talking World may persecute her name.

Vill.
Her Honour bleeds not when they wound her Fame.
Honour's the Soul which nought but Guilt can wound;
Fame is the Trumpet which the People sound.
Mar.
The Trumpet where still variously they blow,
And seeking Ecchos, sound both high and low.
Adm.

Can no expedient stop their will?

Vill.
The practice grows above our skill.
Last Night, in secret, I a Pris'ner sent
To Mustapha, with deep acknowledgment.
For fair Ianthes former Libertie,
And Passports, offer'd since, to set her free.
My Letters have no ill acceptance met;
But his reply forbids all means to treat,
Unless Ianthe, who has oft refus'd
That Pass, which Honour might have safely us'd,
Appear before Great Solyman, and sue
To save those Lives which Famine must subdue.
Adm.
Sad Fate! Were all those drowsie Sirrups here
[Aside▪
Which Art prescribes to madness, or to fear,
To Jealousie, or carefull Statesmens Eyes,
To waking Tyrants, or their watchfull Spies,
They could not make me sleep when she is sent
To lie Love's Lieger in the Sultans Tent.
[A great shout within.
Mar.
What sodain pleasure makes the Crowd rejoyce?
What comfort can thus raise the publique Voice?
Vill.
'Tis fit that with the Peoples insolence,
[Page 13]When in their sorrows rude, we should dispence;
Since they are seldome civil in their joys:
Their gladness is but an uncivil Noise.
Adm.
They seldome are in tune; and their tunes last
But like their Loves rash Sparkles struck in haste.
Vill.

Still brief, as the concordance of a Shout.

Adm.

What is so short as Musick of the Rout?

Vill.

Though short, yet 'tis as hearty as 'tis loud.

Adm.

Dissembling is an Art above the Crowd.

Vill.

Whom do they dignifie with this applause?

Enter Alphonso, Ianthe.
Alph.
Of this, grave Prince, Ianthe is the cause.
I from the Temple led her now:
Where she for Rhodes pay'd many a Vow;
And did for ev'ry Rhodian mourn
With sorrows gracefully devout:
But they pay'd back at our return
More vows to her than she laid out.
Vill.
If they such gratitude express
For your kind Pray'rs in their distress,
Ianthe, think, what the Besieg'd will do
When the Besieger is or'ecome by you?
Though Rhodes by Kings has quite forsaken bin
Without, whilst all forsake their Chiefs within;
Yet who can tell but Heav'n has now design'd
Your shining beauty and your brighter mind
To lead us from the darkness of this Warr,
Where the Besieg'd, forgotten Pris'ners are:
Where glorious minds have been so much obscur'd
That Fame has hardly known
What they have boldly done,
And with a greater boldness have endur'd.
Alph.
If Heav'n of Innocence unmindfull were,
Ianthe then might many dangers fear.
[Page 14]Your hazards, and what Rhodes does hazard too,
Are less than mine when I adventure you;
Who doubtfull perills run
That we may try to shun
Such certain loss as nought can else prevent.
Adm.

Revolted Jealousie! can he consent?

[Aside.
Iant.
If Rhodes were not concern'd at all
In what I am desir'd to undertake
I should it less than Duty call
To seek the Sultan for Alphonso's sake.
Alph.
The Sultan has with forward haste
Climb'd to the top of high Renown;
And sure, he cannot now as fast,
By breaking trust, run backward down.
Iant.
We should not any with Suspition wound
Whom none detect, much less believe that those
In whom by trial we much virtue found
Can quickly all their stock of virtue lose.
Adm.
How sweetly she, like Infant-Innocence,
[Aside.
Runs harmlessly to harm?
High Honour will unarm
It self to furnish others with defence.
Mar.
Her mind, ascending still o're human heights,
Has all the Valour of our Rhodian Knights.
Vil.
What more remains but Pray'rs to recommend
Your safety to the Heav'nly Pow'rs,
You being theirs much more than ours.
I'l to the Sultan for your Passport send.
Iant.
That may disgrace the trust which we should give,
And lessen the effects we should receive.
Let such use forms so low
As not by trial know
How high the Honour is of Solyman:
Who never will descend
Till he in Valleys end
That race which he on lofty Hills began.
His pow'r does every day increase,
[Page 15]And can his honour then grow less?
Bright power does like the Sun
Tow'rds chief perfection run,
When it does high and higher rise.
From both the best effects proceed,
When they from heights their glories spread,
And when they Dazzle gazing eyes.
Alph.
How far, Ianthe, will these thoughts extend?
Vain question, Honour has no Journeys end!
Adm.
Her honor's such, as he who limits it
Must draw a Line to bound an infinite.
Vill.
Since Fate has long resolv'd that you must go,
And you a pass decline, what can we do?
Iant.
The great Example which the Sultan gave
Of virtue, when he did my honour save,
And yours, Alphonso, too in me,
When I was then his Enemy,
Shall bring me now a Suppliant to his Tent;
Without his plighted Word or Passport sent.
So great a test of our entire belief
Of Clemency, in so Renown'd a Chief,
Is now the greatest present we can make:
His Passport is the least that we can take.
Alph.
Ianthe, I am learning not to prize
Those dangers, which your virtue can despise.
Adm.
My Love is better taught;
For with the pangs of thought,
I must that safety much suspect,
Which she too nobly does neglect.
[A shout within.
Vill.

You hear them Admiral!

Adm.
Agen the people call.
Our hast provoking by a shout.
Vill.
Go hang a Flag of Treaty out,
High on Saint Nich'las Fort!
Then clear the Western port
To make renown'd Ianthe way!
[Shout agen.
Adm.
Heark! they grow loud!
[Page 16]That tide, the Crowd,
Will not for Lovers leisure stay.
Mar.
That storm by suddenness prevails,
And makes us lower all our Sails.
Vill.
To Mustapha I'l strait a Herald send,
That Solyman may melt when he shall know
How much we on his mighty mind depend
By trusting more than Rhodes to such a Foe.
[ Exeunt Villerius, Admiral, Marshal.
Alph.
How long Ianthe should I grieve
If I perceiv'd you could believe
That I the Rhodians can so much esteem,
As to adventure you to rescue them?
Yet I for Rhodes would frankly hazard all
That I could mine, and not Ianthes call.
But now I yield to let you go
A pledge of Treaty to the foe,
In hope that saving Rhodes you may
Prepare to Cicily your way.
Were Rhodes subdu'd, Ianthe being there,
Ianthe should the only loss appear.
Iant.
Much from us both is to the Rhodians due,
But when I sue for Rhodes, it is for you.
Alph.
Ianthe, we must part! you shall rely
On hope, whilst I in parting learn to Dye.
Iant.
Take back that hope! your dealing is not fair
To give me hope, and leave your self despair.
Alph.
I will but dream of Death, and then
As virtuously as Dying men
Let me to scape from future punishment
Come to a clear confession, and repent.
Iant.
I cannot any story fear
Which of Alphonso I shall hear,
Unless his Foes in malice tell it wrong.
Alph.
Ianthe, my confession is not long,
For since it tells what folly did commit
Against your honour, shame will shorten it.
Iant.
[Page 17]
Lend me a little of that shame;
For I perceive I grow too blame
In practising to guess what it can be.
Alph.
It is my late ignoble Jealousie.
Though parting now seems Death, yet but forgive
That crime, and after parting I may Live.
And as I now again great sorrow show,
Though I repented well for it before;
So let your pardon with my sorrows grow;
You much forgave me, but forgive me more.
Iant.
Away! Away! How soon will this augment
The troubled peoples fears,
When they shall see me by Alphonso sent
To treat for Rhodes in tears?
Alph.
What in your absence shall I do
Worthy of Fame, though not of you?
Iant.
By patience, not by action now,
Your virtue must successfull grow.
[A shout within.
Alph.
In throngs the longing people wait
Your comming at the Palace gate.
Let me attend you to the Peer.
Iant.
But we must leave our sorrows here.
Let not a Rhodian witness be
Of any grief in you or me;
For Rhodes, by seeing us at parting mourn,
Will look for weeping Clouds at my return.
[Exeunt.
[Page 18]The Scene is Chang'd to the Camp of Solyman, the Tents and Guards seem near, and part of Rhodes at a distance.
Enter Solyman, Pirrhus, Rustan.
Pirrh.
NOne (Glorious Sultan) can your Conquest doubt
When Rhodes has hung a Flagg of Treaty out.
Soly.
Thy courage, haughty Rhodes,
(When I account the Odds
Thou hast oppos'd, by long and vain defence)
Is but a braver kind of Impudence.
Thou knew'st my strength, but thou didst better know▪
How much I priz'd the brav'ry's of a Foe.
Pirrh.

Their Sallies were by stealth, and faint of late.

Soly.

Can flowing Valour stay at standing flood?

Pirrh.

No, it will quickly from the mark abate.

Rust.

And then soon shew the Dead low Ebb of Blood.

Soly.
When those who did such mighty Deeds before,
Shall less, but by a little, do,
It shews to me and you,
Old Pirrhus, that they mean to do no more.
By Treaty they but boldly begg a Peace.
Pirrh

Shall I command that all our Battries cease?

Soly.

You may, then draw our our-Guards to the Line.

Pirrh.

And I'l prevent the springing of the Mine.

[Exit.
[Page 19]Enter Mustapha.
Must.
Villerius sends his Homage to your feet:
And, to declare how low
The pride of Rhodes can bow,
Ianthe will be here to Kneel and Treat.
Rust.
What more can fortune in your favour do?
Beauty, which Conquers Victors, yields to you.
Solym.
What wandring Star does lead her forth? Can she
Who scorn'd a Passport for her Liberty,
Vouchsafe to come, and Treat without it now?
The first did Glory, this respect may show.
Pow'rs best Religion she,
Perhaps does civilly believe
To be establish'd, and reform'd in me,
Which counsels Monarchs to forgive.
Enter Pirrhus.
Pirrh.
A second Morn begins to break from Rhodes;
And now that threatning Skie grows clear,
Which was o're cast with smoke of Cannon-Clouds,
The fair Ianthe does appear.
Soly.
Pirrhus, our Forces from the Trenches lead,
And open as our Flying Ensigns spread.
And, Mustapha, let her Reception be
As great as is the Faith she has in me.
I keep high Int'rest hid in this command;
Which you with safety may
Implicitly obey,
But not without your Danger understand.
Your try'd obedience I shall much engage,
Joyn'd to the prudence of your practis'd age.
Must.
[Page 20]
We are content with age, because we live
So long beneath your sway.
Pirrh.
Age makes us fit t' obey
Commands which none but Solyman can give.
[ Exeunt Pirrhus, Mustapha, Rustan.
Soly.
Of spacious Empire, what can I enjoy?
Gaining at last but what I first Destroy.
Tis fatal ( Rhodes) to thee,
And troublesome to me
That I was born to govern swarms
Of Vassals boldly bred to arms:
For whose accurs'd diversion, I must still
Provide new Towns to Sack, new Foes to Kill.
Excuse that Pow'r, which by my Slaves is aw'd:
For I shall find my peace
Destroy'd at home, unless
I seek for them destructive Warr abroad.
[Exit.
Enter Roxolana, Haly, Pirrhus, Mustapha, Rustan, Pages, VVomen.
Roxol.

Th' Ambassadors of Persia, are they come?

Haly.

They seek your Favour and attend their Doom.

Roxol.

The Vizier Bashaw, did you bid him wait?

Haly.

Sultana, he does here expect his Fate.

Roxol.
You take up all our Sultans bosome now;
Have we no place, but that which you allow?
Rust.
Your Beautious greatness does your ear incline
To Rumors of those crimes which are not mine.
My Foes are prosp'rous in their diligence,
And turn ev'n my submission to offence.
Roxol.
Rustan, your Glories rise, and swell too fast.
[Page 21]You must shrink back, and shall repent your haste.
Must.
Th' Egyptian presents, which you pleas'd t' assign
As a Reward to th' Eunuch Salladine,
Are part of those allotments Haly had.
Roxol.

Let a Division be to Haly made.

Pirrh.
Th' Armenian Cities have their Tribute paid,
And all the Georgian Princes sue for ay'd.
Roxol.
Those Cities, Mustapha, deserve our care.
Pirrhus, send succours to the Georgian Warr.
Must.
Th' Embassador which did the Jewels bring
From the Hungarian Queen, does Audience crave.
Roxol.
Pirrhus, be tender of her Infant King.
Who dares Destory that Throne which I would save?
Rust.
Sultana, humbly at your feet I fall,
Do not your Sultan's will, my Counsel call.
Roxol.
Rustan! Go mourn! But you may long repent▪
My busie Pow'r wants leisure to relent.
Rust.
Think me not wicked, till I doubt to find
Some small compassion in so great a mind.
Roxol.
These are Court-Monsters, Corm'rants of the Crown:
They feed on Favour till th' are over-grown;
Then sawcily believe, we Monarchs Wives
Were made but to be Dress't
For a Continu'd Feast;
To hear soft Sounds, and play away our Lives.
They think our Fullness is to wain so soon
As if our Sexes Governess, the Moon,
Had plac'd us, but for Sport on Fortunes lapp;
They with bold Pencils, by the changing shape
Of our frail Beauty, have our Fortune drawn;
And judge our Breasts transparent as our Lawn;
Our hearts as loose, and soft, and slight
As are our Summer vests of Silk;
Our brains, like to our Feathers light;
Our blood, as sweet as is our Milk:
And think, when Fav'rites rise, we are to fall
Meekly as Doves, whose Livers have no Gall.
[Page 22]But they shall find, I'm no European Queen,
Who in a Throne does sit but to be seen;
And Lives in Peace with such State-Thieves as these
Who Robb us of our business for our ease.
Exeunt omnes.

The Third Act.

The Scene continues.
Enter Solyman, Mustapha, Pirrhus, Rustan.
Must.
MAjestick Sultan! at your feet we fall:
Our Duty 'tis and just
To say, you have encompass'd us with all
That we can private trust
Or publique Honours call.
Pirrh.
In Fields our weak retiring Age you grace
With forward action; and in Court,
Where all your mighty Chiefs resort,
Even they to us, as Kings to them, give place.
Rust.

The Cords by which we are oblig'd are strong.

Soly.
You all have Loyal been, and Loyal long.
To shew I this retain in full belief,
I'le doubly trust you, with my shame, and grief.
A grief which takes up all my Breast:
Yet finds the Room so narrow too
[Page 23]That being straightned there it takes no rest,
But must get out to trouble you.
That grief begets a shame which would disgrace
My pow'r if it were publisht in my face.
Must.
Your outward calm does well
Your inward storm disguise.
Rust.
But long dead calms fore-tell
That tempests are to rise.
Soly.
My Roxolana, by ambitious strife,
To get unjust Succession for her Son,
Has put in doubt
Or blotted out
All the Heroique story of my Life;
And will lose back the Battails▪ I have wonn.
Pirrh.
E're ill advice shall lead her far shee'l skorn
Her Guide, and, faster than she went, return.
Must.
Those who advis'd her ill, in that did do
Much more than we dare hear except from you.
Soly.
O Mustapha! is it too much for me
To think, I justly may possessor be
Of one soft Bosom, where releas'd from care,
I should securely rest from toils of Warr?
But now, when daily tir'd with watchfull Life,
(With various turns in doubtfull Fight,
And length of talking Councils) I at night
In vain seek Sleep with a tempestuous Wife.
Wink at my shame, that I, whose Banners brave
The world, should thus to Beauty be a Slave.
Pirrh.
This Cloud will quickly pass
From Roxolana's face.
Must.

The weather then will change from foul to fair.

Rust.

Tempests are short, and serve to clear the Air.

Soly.
Since I have told my Sickness, it is fit
You hear what Cure I have prescrib'd to it.
Those Lovers Knots I cannot strait untwine,
Which, sure, were made to last
Since they were once ry'd fast
[Page 24]With strings of Roxolana's heart and mine.
Must.
How can she vast Possession more improve?
Has she not all in having all your Love?
Soly.
I have design'd a way to check her Pride.
It is not yet forgot,
That even the Gordian Knot
At last was cut, which could not be unty'd.
Does not the fair Ianthe wait
Without, in hope to mitigate,
By soft'ning Looks, the Rhodians fate?
Let that new Moon appear,
And try her Infiuence here.
Exit Mustapha.
Pirrh.
What Lab'rynth does our Sultan mean to tread?
Shall straying Love the Worlds great Leader lead?
Enter Mustapha, Ianthe.
Soly.
When warlick Cities (fair Embassadress)
Begin to treat, they cover their distress.
In shewing you, the Artfull Rhodians know
They hide distress and all their triumphs show.
From with'ring Rhodes you fresher Beauty bring,
And sweeter than the bosom of the Spring.
Iant.
Cities (propitious Sultan) when they treat,
Conceal their wanrs, and strength may counterfeit:
But sure the Rhodians would not get esteem,
By ought pretended in my self or them.
If I could any Beauty wear
Where Roxolana fills the Sphear,
Yet I bring griefs to cloud it here.
Soly.

Your Rhodes has hung a Flagg of Treaty out.

Iant.
You can as little then my sorrows doubt
As I can fear that any humble grief
May sue to Solyman and want relief.
Soly.
You oft the proffer'd Freedome did refuse,
Which now you seek, and would have others use.
Iant.
[Page 25]
I then did make my want of merit known;
And thought that gift too much for me alone;
And as 'twas fit
To reckon it
More favour than Ianthe should receive;
So it did then appear
That single favours were
Too little for great Solyman to give.
Soly.
Much is to every Beauty due:
Then how much more to all
Those divers forms we Beauty call;
And all are reconcil'd in you?
But those who here for Peace by Treaty look
Must meet with that which Beauty least can brook;
Delay of Court, which makes the Blood so cold
That youngest Agents here look Pale and Old.
Here you must tedious forms of Pow'r obey.—
Your bus'ness will all Night require your stay.
Iant.
Bus'ness, abroad at Night? sure bus'ness then
Only becomes the confidence of Men.
Those who the greatest Wand'rers are,
Wild Birds, that in the day
Frequent no certain way,
And know no limits in the Air,
Will still at Night discreetly come
And take their civil rest at home.
Soly.
Is the protection of my pow'r so slight,
That in my Camp you are affraid of Night?
Iant.
Stay in the Camp at Night, and Rhodes so near,
Honour my guide, and griev'd Alphonso there?
Soly.
Treaties are long, my Bassas old and slow:
With whom you must debate before you go.
Let not your cause by any absence fail.
Your beautious presence may on Age prevail.
Iant.
Alas, I came not to capitulate,
And shew a love of Speech by long debate:
She kneels.
But to implore from Solymon what he
[Page 26]To Rhodes may quickly grant,
And never feel a want
Of that which by dispatch would doubled be.
Soly.
Ianthe rise! your grief may pitty move;
But gracefull grief,
Whilst it does seek relief
May pitty lead to dang'rous ways of Love.
Iant.
Why Heav'n, was I mistaken when I thought
That I the coursest shape had brought
And the most wither'd too that sorrow wears?
Soly.
If you would wither'd seem restrain your Tears.
The morning Dew makes Roses blow
And sweter smell and fresher show.
Take heed, Ianthe, you may be too blame.
Did you not trust me when you hither came?
Will you my honour now too late suspect,
When only that can yours protect?
Iant.
If of your virtue my extreme belief
May virtuous favour gain,
My tears I will restrain.
It is my faith shall save me not my grief.
Soly.
Conduct her strait to Roxolana's Tent:
And tell my haughty Empress I have sent
Such a mysterious Present as will prove
A Riddle both to Honour and to Love.
[Exeunt sev'ral ways.
The Scene returns to that of the Town Besieg'd.
Enter Admiral.
Adm.
Dwells not Alphonso in Ianthes Breast▪
As Prince of that fair Palace, not a Guest?
[Page 27]Can it be virtue in a Rhodian Knight
To seek possession of anothers right?
Yet how can I his Title there destroy
By loving that which he may still enjoy?
My passion will no less than virtue prove
Whilst it does much Ianthes virtue love.
If in her absence I her safety fear,
Tis virtuous kindness then to wish her here.
But of her dangers I in vain
Shall with my watchfull fears complain
Till he grow fearfull too, whose fears must be
Rais'd to the Husbands virtue, Jealousie.—
Enter Villerius, Marshal.
Vill.
Does he not seem
As if in Dream,
His course by strom were on the Ocean lost?
Mar.

He now draws Cards to shun a rocky Coast.

Adm.
The foolish world does Jealousie mistake:
'Tis civil care, which kindness does improve.
Perhaps the Jealous are too much awake;
But others dully sleep o're those they love.
He must be jealous made, for that kind fear,
When known, will quickly bring and stay her here.
Vill.
What can thy silence now portend,
When the assembled People send
Their thankfullness to Heav'n in one loud Voice?
The hungry, wounded, and the sick rejoyce.
Mar.
Our Quires in long procession sing,
The Bells of all our Temples ring,
Our Enemies
Begin to rise,
And from our Walls are to their Camp retir'd
To see Ianthe there in triumph shown.
[Page 28]Their Canon in a loud Salute are fir'd,
And eccho'd too by louder of our own.
Who is so dully bred,
Or rather who so dead
Whom fair Ianthes triumph cannot move?
From th' Oceans bosom it will call,
A sinking Admiral
Who flies to stormy Seas from storms of Love.
Enter Alphonso.
Alph.
Our Foes (great Master) wear the looks of friends.
A Zanjack from the Camp attends
Behind the out-let of the Peer;
And he demands your private ear.
[ Exit Villerius.
Adm.

Would you had met Ianthe there.

Alph.
Since well receiv'd, you wish her here too soon.
The morning led her out
And we may doubt
How her dispatch could bring her back e're Noon.
Adm.
Her high reception was but justly due;
Who with such noble confidence,
Could with her Sexes fears dispence,
And trusting Solyman could part from you.
Alph.
By that we may discern her rising mind
O're all the Pinnacles of Female kind.
Adm.
Strangely she shun'd what Custom does afford,
The pledges of his Pass and plighted word.
Alph.
Not knowing guilt, she knows no fear,
And still must strange in all appear,
As well as singular in this;
The Crowd of Common gazers fill
Their eyes with objects low and ill,
But she a high and good Example is.
[Page 29] Enter Villerius, Marshal.
Mar.

Ianthes Lawrels hourly will increase!

Vill.
I have receiv'd some secret signs of peace
From Mustapha, whose trusted Messenger
Has brought me counsel how to counsel her.
She must a while make such appliances
As may the haughty Roxolana please,
To whom she now by Solyman is sent,
And does remain our Lieger in her Tent.
Adm.
In Turkish Dialect, that word, remain,
May many summs of tedious hours contain:
And in a Rhodian Lovers swift accompt,
To what a Debt will that sad reck'ning mount?
Vill.
To night, Alphonso, you must sleep alone.
But Time is swift, a night is quickly gone.
For Lovers nights are like their slumbers, short.—
I must dispatch this Zanjack to the Court.
Alph.
The quiet Bed of Lovers is the Grave;
Exeunt Ville­rius, Marshal.
For we in Death, no sence of absence have.
Adm.
Rhodes in her view, her Tent within your sight!
And yet to be divided a whole Night!
Alph.
A single night would many ages seem,
Were I not sure that we shall meet in Dream.
Adm.
She must no more such dang'rous Visits make,
Me-thinks I grow malicious for your sake,
And rather wish Rhodes should of freedome fail,
Than that Ianthes power should now prevail.
Alph.

Your words mysterious grow.

Adm.
Alphonso, no.
For if whilst thus you for her absence mourn▪
Her pow'r should much appear,
She'l want excuse,
Unless she use
[Page 30]A little of that power, for her Return
To day, and nightly resting here.
Alph.
The hardned Steel of Solyman is such,
As with the Edge does all the World command,
And yet that Edge is softned with the touch
Of Roxolana's gentle hand.
And as his hardness yields, when she is near,
So may Ianthes softness govern her.
Adm.
The day sufficient seems for all address,
And is at Court the season of access;
Deprive not Roxolana of her right;
Let th' Empress lye with Solyman at night.
And as that privilege to her is due,
So should Ianthe sleep at Rhodes with you.
Alph.
I'le write! The Zanjack for my Letter stays;
Love walks his round, and leads me in a Maze.
Exit.
Adm.
Love does Alphonso in a Circle lead;
And none can trace the wayes which I must tread.
Lovers, in searching Loves Records, will find
But very few like me,
That still would Virtuous be,
Whilst to anothers Wife I still am kind.
And whilst that Wife I like a Lover woo,
I use all art
That from her Husband she may never part,
And yet even then would make him Jealous too.
Exit.
The Scene returns to that of the Camp.
Enter Roxolana, Haly.
Roxol.
Think, Haly, think, what I should swiftly do?
A Rhodian Lady, and a Beauty too,
[Page 31]In my Pavilion lodg'd? It serves to prove
His setled hatred and his wandring Love.
Who did he send to plant this Canker here?
Haly.

Old Bassa Mustapha.

Roxol.
Bid him appear.
Exit Haly.
Hope, thou grow'st weak, and thou hast been too strong.
Like Night, thou com'st too soon, and stay'st too long.
Hence! smiling Hope! with growing Infants play:
If I dismiss thee not, I know
Thou of thy self wilt go,
And canst no longer than my Beauty stay.
I'le open all the Doors to let thee out:
And then call in thy next Successor, Doubt.
Come Doubt, and bring thy lean Companion, Care.
And, when you both are lodg'd, bring in Despair.
Enter Mustapha, Haly.
Must.
Our op'ning Buds, and falling Blossoms, all
That we can fresh and fragrant call,
That Spring can promise, and the Summer pay,
Be strew'd in Roxolana's way.
On Natures fairest Carpets let her tread;
And there, through Calms of peace, long may she lead
That Pow'r which we have follow'd farr,
And painfully, through storms of Warr.
Roxol.
Blessings are cheap, and those you can afford:
Yet you are kinder than your frowning Lord.
I dare accuse him; but it is too late. —
Weeps.
What means that pretty property of State,
Which is from Rhodes for Midnight Treaties sent?
Private Caballs of Lovers in my Tent?
Your Valour, Mustapha, serv'd to convay
Loves fresh supplies. You Souldiers can make way.
Was it not greatly done to bring her here?
Must.
Duty in that did over-rule my fear.
[Page 32]It was the Mighty Solymans command.
Roxol.
Thou fatal Fool! how canst thou think
To find a Basis where thou firm mayest stand
On those rough Waters where I sink?
Must.
If Roxolana were not rank'd above
Mankind, she strait would fall
Before that Pow'r which all
The valiant follow, and the virtuous love.
Roxol.
I grow immortal; for I Life disdain:
Which ill with thy dislike of Dying suits.
Yet thou, for safety, fear'st great pow'r in vain;
Who here, art but a Subject to my Mutes. —
Mastapha Draws a Parchment.
Must.
Peruse the dreaded Will of anger'd Pow'r;
Toucht with the Signet of the Emperour:
It does enjoyn Ianthes safety here:
She must be sought with Love, and serv'd with Fear.
This disobey'd; your Mutes, who still make haste
To cruelty, may rest for want of breath.
Tis order'd they shall suddenly be past
Their making signs, and shall be dumb with Death.
This dreadfull Doom from Solyman I give.
But if his will, which is our Law,
Be met with an obedient awe,
The Empress then may long in triumph Live.
She weeps.
Roxol.
Begon! thy Duty is officious fear.
If I am soft enough to grieve,
It is to see the Sultan leave
The Warring World, and end his Conquests here. —
Crawl to my Sultan still, officious grow!
Ebb with his love, and with his anger flow.
Exit Mustapha.
Haly.
Preserve with temper your Imperial mind;
And, till you can express
[Page 33]Your wrath with good success,
By angring others to your self be kind. —
Roxol.
If thou canst weep, thou canst endure to bleed:
Men who Compassion feel have Valour too:
I shall thy Courage more than Pitty need:
Dar'st thou contrive as much as I dare do?
Haly.

I'le on, as far as weary Life can go.

Roxol.
Then I shall want no aid to my design:
Wee'l digg below them, and blow up their Mine.
Exeunt.

The Fourth Act.

The Scene returns to that of the Town Beleaguer'd.
Enter Solyman, Mustapha, Rustan.
Soly.

CAn Roxolana such a Rival bear?

Must.
She has her fits of courage and of fear.
As she does high against your anger grow,
So, trusting strait your Love, she stoops as low.
Soly.
Her Chamber-Tempests I have known too well:
She quickly can with winds of passion swell;
And then as quickly has the Womans pow'r
Of laying Tempests with a weeping showr.
What looks does the detain'd Ianthe shew?
Must.

She still is calm in all her fears,

Rust.
[Page 34]
And seems so Lovely in her Tears
As when the Mornings face is washt in Dew.
Enter Pirrhus.
Pirrh.
The world salutes you Sultan! Ev'ry Pow'r
Does shrink before your Throne; and ev'ry how'r
A flying Packet or an Agent brings
From Asia, Afrique, and European Kings. —
Soly.
With Packets to old Zanger go;
Who, free'd from action, can with sleep dispence;
And having little now to do,
May read dull Volumes of Intelligence.
These Writing-Princes covet to seem wise
In Packets, and by formal Embassies:
They would with Symphonies of civil words
(Sweet sounds of Court) charm rudeness from our Swords:
Teach us to lay our Gauntlets by,
That they unarm'd, and harmlessly,
From farthest Realms, by Proxy, might shake hands;
And, off'ring useless friendship, save their Lands.
Exeunt.
Enter Villerius, Alphonso, Admiral, Marshal.
Adm.
He came disguis'd, who brought your Letter here,
And sought such privacy as argu'd fear.
Mar.
But (Sov'raign Master) yours did seem to be
Convey'd by one less pain'd with Secresie;
Who does for answer stay.
Vill.
Mine came from Mustapha.
It would import a promising increase
Of our Conditions by approaching peace.
[Page 35]But does request us to consent
That fair Ianthe may yet longer stay
In pow'rfull Roxolana's Tent;
And that request we understand
As a command
Which, though we would not grant, we must obey.
Alph.
Mine by a Christian Slave was brought;
Who from the E'unuch Bassa, Haly, came;
And was by Roxolana wrote:
See the Sultana's Signet and her Name.
She writes—but oh! why have I breath
To tell, how much 'tis worse than Death
Not to be Dead
Ere I agen this Letter read?
Adm.

Oh my prophetick fear!

Alph.
She writes, that if I hold my honour dear;
Or if Ianthe does that honour prize,
I should with all the art
Of love, confirm her heart,
And strait from Solyman divert her Eyes.
Adm.

Who knows what end this dire beginning bodes?

Alph.
And here she likewise says,
He to Ianthe lays
A closer Siege than ere he did to Rhodes.
Adm.
Ianthe, I will still my Love pursue;
Aside.
Be kind to thee, and to Alphonso true:
But Loves small policies Great Honour now
Will hardly to my Rival-ship allow:
Those little Arts, bold Duke, I must lay by
And urge thy Courage more than Jealousie.
Vill.

Where is thy honour now, fam'd Eastern Lord?

Adm.

Why sought we not his Passport or his Word?

Alph.
How durst Ianthe have so little fear
As to believe
That in the Camp she could receive
Freedome from him who did besiege her here?
Adm.
Whilst in her own dispose she here remain'd
[Page 36]I of the brav'ry of her trust complain'd:
Her gen'rous faith too meanly was deceiv'd,
And must not be upbraided but reliev'd.
Vill.
To rescue Rhodes she did her self forsake;
And Rhodes shall nobly pay that virtue back.
Alph.
Great Master! what shall poor Alphonso do?
Since all he has Ianthe's is;
And now in this
Must owe Ianthe and her fame to you.
Vill.

If any virtue can in Valour be:

Adm.

Or any Valour in a Rhodian Knight:

Alph.

Or any Lover can have Loyalty.

Vill.

Or any Warriour can in Love delight.

Mar.

If absence makes not mighty Love grow less.

Adm.

Or gentle Lovers can compassion feel.

Alph.
If Loyal Beauty, when in deep distress,
Can melt our hearts, and harden all our Steel.
Vill.
Then let us here in sacred Vows combine.
My Vow is seal'd—
They joyn their Swords.
Adm.

And mine. —

Mar.

And mine. —

Alph.

And trebly mine. —

Vill.
Behold us, Fame, then stay thy flight,
And hover o're our Towers to Night.
Fresh wings together with the Morning take;
As early as afflicted Lovers wake.
Then Tell the World that we have joyn'd our Swords;
But 'tis for griev'd Ianthe, not for Rhodes.
Alph.
Now we shall prosper, who were weary grown
In Rhodes, and never could successfull prove
When Empire led us forth to seek Renown,
For honour should no Leader have but Love.
Exeunt omnes.
[Page 37]The Scene is Chang'd.
Being wholly fill'd with Roxolana's Rich Pavilion, Wherein is discern'd at di­stance, Ianthe sleeping on a Couch; Roxolana at one End of it, and Haly at the other; Guards of Eunuchs are Discover'd at the wings of the Pavi­lion; Roxolana having a Turkish Em­broidered Handkerchief in her left hand, And a naked Ponyard in her right.
Roxol.
THou dost from beauty Solyman,
As much refrain as nature can;
Who, making Beauty, meant it should be lov'd.
But how can I my Station keep
Till thou, Ianthe, art by Death remov'd?
To Dye, when thou art young,
Is but too soon to fall asleep
And lye asleep too long.
Haly.
Your Dreadfull will what power can here Command
But pitty? Oh let pitty stay your hand! —
Roxol.
Sultan, I will not weep, because my tears
Cannot suffice to Quench thy loves false flame:
Nor will I to a paleness bleed,
To show my loves true fears,
Because I rather need
More blood to help to blush away thy shame.
Haly.
[Page 38]
How far are all his former Virtues gone?
Turn back the progress of forgetfull Time:
The many Favours by your Sultan done
Should now excuse him for one purpos'd crime.
Roxol.
Haly, Consult! Can I do ill
If many foul adult'ries I prevent,
When I but one Fair Mistress kill?
Haly.
Be not too early here with Punishment.
Your Sultan now
Does only show
The grudgings of a Lovers feavrish fit.
You find his inclinations strange,
But, being new, they soon may change;
And they have reacht but to intention yet.
Roxol.
Long before deeds Heav'n calls intention sin.
Tis good to end what he would ill begin.
Haly.
Do not relinquish yet your first design.
Before you darken all her Light
Examine, by your judging Sight,
If in your Sphear she can unblemisht shine.
You ment to prove her Virtue and first try
How well she here could as a Rival live,
E're as a judg'd Adultress she should Dye:
In pard'ning her you Solyman forgive.
And can you add to your lov'd greatness more
When able to forgive the greatest pow'r?
Roxol.
Tell me agen Alphonso's short reply
When I by letter wak'd his Jealousie;
And counsel'd him to write and to advise
His wife to lock her Breast, and shut her Eyes?
Haly.
With silence first he did his sorrows bear;
Then anger rais'd him, till he fell with fear:
At last, said she was now past Counsel grown;
Or else could take no better than her own.
Roxol.
His thoughts a double Vizard wear,
And only lead me to suspence,
It seems he does her dangers fear,
[Page 39]And fain would trust her innocence.
Wake her! I will pursue my first design. —
Haly.
I go to draw the Curtain of a shrine. —
Awake! Behold the pow'rfull Empress here.
Ianthe rises and walks at distance from Roxolana.
Iant.
Heav'n has the greatest pow'r;
Heav'n seeks our love, and kindly comforts fear.
This is my fatal how'r.
Roxol.
Though beautious when she slept
Yet now would I had kept
Her safely sleeping still.
She, waking, turns my Envy into shame;
And does it so reclaim
That I am Conquer'd who came here to kill.
Iant.
What dangers should I fear?
Her brow grows smooth and clear:
Yet so much greatness cannot want disguise.
The Great live all within;
And are but seldome seen
Looking abroad through Casements of their Eyes.
Roxol.

Have courage fair Sicilian, and come near. —

Iant.

My distance shews my Duty more than fear.

Roxol.
I have a Present for you, and 'tis such
As comes from one who does believe
It is for you too little to receive;
And I, perhaps, may think it is too much.
Iant.
Who dares be bountifull to low distress?
Who to Ianthe can a Present make
When Rhodes besieg'd has all she would possess;
And all the world does ruin'd Rhodes forsake?
Roxol.
The Present will not make the Giver poor;
And, though 'tis single now, it quickly can
Be multipli'd; you shall have many more.
It is this kiss—It comes from Solyman.
Iant.
You did your Creature courage give;
And made me hope that I had leave to live
[Page 40]When you from dutious distance call'd me near:
But now I soon shall courage lack:
I am amaz'd, and must go back:
Amazement is the uggli'st shape of fear.
Roxol.

Are Christian Ladies so reserv'd and shy?

Iant.
Our sacred Law does give
Them precepts how to live,
And Nature tells them they must Dye.
Roxol.
Tis well they to their Husbands are so true.
But speak, Ianthe, are they all like you?
Iant.
I hope they are, and better too,
Or, if they are not, will be so.
Roxol.
They have been strangely injur'd then.
But Rumour does mistake.
Some say they visits make;
And they are visited by Men.
Iant.
What custom does avow
Our Laws in Time allow;
And those who never guilty be
Suspect not others liberty.
Roxol.
This would in Asia wonderfull appear:
But Time may introduce that Fashion here.
Come nearer! Is your Husband kind and true?
Iant.
If good to good I may compare
(Excepting Greatness) I would dare
To say, he is as Solyman to you.
Roxol.
As he to me? How strong is innocence?
Prevailing till tis free to give offence.
Indeed, Alphonso, has a large renown;
Which does so daily spread
As it the world may lead;
And should not be contracted in a Town.
Iant.
As we in all agree
So he will prove like me
A lowly servant to your rising Fame.
Roxol.
But is he kind to you, and free from blame?
Civil by day, and loyal too at Night?
Iant.
[Page 41]
By Nature not by skill
He is as cheerfull still
And as unblemisht as unshaded light.
Roxol.
These Christian-Turtles live too happily.
I wish, for breed, they would to Asia fly. —
You must not at such distance stand;
Draw near, and give me your fair hand. —
I have another Present for you now;
And such a Present as I know
You will much better than the first allow;
Though Solyman will not esteem it so.
Tis from my self—of friendship such a Seal—
[Kisses her.
As you to Solyman must ne'r reveal. —
And that I may be more assur'd,
By this agen you are conjur'd. —
Iant.
Presents so good and great as these
I should receive upon my knees.
Roxol.
I will not, lest I may revive your fear,
Relate the cause of your confinement here.
But know, I must
Your virtue trust;
Which, proving loyal, you are safe in mine.
Iant.

The light of Angels still about you shine!

Haly.
The dang'rous secrets of th' Imperial Bed
Haly takes Ianthe aside.
Are darker than the riddles of the Throne.
The Glass, in which their Characters are read
We Eunuchs grin'd, and tis but seldome shown.
Iant.
I shall with close and wary Eyes
Retire from all your Mysteries.
And when occasion shall my honour trust,
You'l find I have some courage, and am just.
Roxol.
Perhaps, Ianthe, you may shortly hear
Of Clouds, which threatning me, may urge your fear.
Be virtuous still! tis true my Sultan frowns, —
[She weeps.
But, let him winn more Battails, take more Towns;
And be all day the fore-most in the Fight;
Yet he shall find that I will rule at Night.
[ Haly looks in.
Haly.
[Page 42]
The Guards increase, and many Mutes appear,
Lifting their Lights, to shew the Sultan near.
Roxol.
My new seal'd friendship I must now lay by
A while, and seem your jealous Enemy.
Be to your self, and to Alphonso true.
Iant.

As he to me, and virtue is to you.

[ Ianthe steps at distance.
Enter Solyman.
Soly.
Has Night lost all her dark dominion here?
High hopes disturb your sleep;
But I suspect you keep
Ianthe waking not with hope but fear.
Roxol.
Too well, and much too soon I know
Whom you are pleas'd to grace:
However, since it must be so,
You'l find I can give place.
Soly.
You had a place, too near me, and too high.
If but a little you remove
From place of Empire or of love
You soon become but as a stander-by.
One step descending from a shining Throne,
You to the darkest depth fall swiftly down.
Roxol.
If I sat nearer to you than 'twas fit
For Empires Heraulds to admit,
(I being born below, and you above)
Pray call in Death, and I'le, even then, bring Love.
To these all places equal be;
For Love and Death know no degree.
Soly.

I cannot Passions riddles understand.

Roxol.
You still have present Death at your Command;
But former Love you have laid by:
Which, being gone, you know that I can Dye. —
[Weeps.
Soly.
I better know that you have cause to weep.
[Turns to Ianthe.
Ianthe, all is calm within your Breast,
[Page 43]Retire into the quiet shade of sleep,
And let not watchfull fear divert your rest.
Let all the Nations of my Camp suffice,
As Guards, to keep you from my Enemies;
(For of your own
You can have none)
Whilst I but as Loves Sent'nel on you wait,
Arm'd with his Bow, at your Pavilion Gate.
Iant.
Heav'n put it in your mighty mind
Quickly to be,
More than to me,
To all the Valiant Rhodians kind.
And may you grieve to think how many mourn
Till you shall end their griefs at my return.
Soly.
You shall not Languish with delay.
But this is bus'ness for the day.
Tis now so late at Night that all Loves spies,
Parents, and Husbands too,
The watchfull, and the Watcht seal up their Eyes;
And Lovers cease to woo.
[Exeunt Haly, Ianthe.
Roxol.
You alter ev'ry year the Worlds known face;
Whilst Cities you remove, and Nations chace.
These great mutations (which, with shril
And ceaseless sounds, Fame's Trumpet fill,
And shall seem wonders in her brazen Books)
Much les [...] amaze me than your alter'd looks;
Where I can read your Loves more fatal change.
Soly.

You make my frowns, yet seem to think them strange.

Roxol.

You seek a Stranger, and abandon me.

Soly.

Strange Coasts are welcome after Storms at Sea.

Roxol.
That various mind will wander very farr,
Which, more than home, a forein Land preferrs.
Soly.
The wise, for quietness, when civil Warr
Does rage at home, turn private Travailers.
Roxol.

Your loves long frost has made my bosom cold.

Soly.

Let not the cause be in your Story told.

Roxol.
A colder heart Death's hand has never felt:
[Page 44]But tis such Ice as you may break, or melt. —
[She weeps.
Soly.
I never shall complain
When you are wet with Rain,
Which softer passion, does thus gently powr.
What more in Season is than such a showr?
You still, through little Clouds, would lovely show,
Were all your April-weather calm as now.
But March resembles more your haughty Mind;
Froward and loud oftner than calmly kind.
Weather which may not inconvenient prove
To Country Lovers, born but to make love:
Who grieve not when they mutual kindness doubt,
But with indiff'rence meet a frown or smile;
As having frequent leisure to fall out,
And their divided breasts to reconcile.
Roxol.
The world had less sad bus'ness known, if you
Had been ordain'd for so much leisure too.
Soly.
Monarchs, who onward still with Conquest move
Can only for their short diversion love.
When a black Cloud in Beauties sky appears,
They cannot wait till Time the Tempest clears.
Whilst they, to save a sullen Mistress, stay,
The worlds Dominion may be cast away.
Roxol.
Why is Dominion priz'd above
Wise Natures great concernment, Love?
Soly.
Of Heav'n what have we found, which we do more
And sooner, than exceeding Pow'r adore?
The wond'rous things which that Chief Pow'r has done,
Are to those early Spies, our Senses, shown:
And must at length to Reason be assur'd:
Yet how, or what, Heav'n loves is much obscur'd,
And our uncertain love
(Perhaps not bred above,
But in low Regions, like the wand'ring winds)
Shews diff'rent Sexes more than equal Minds.
Roxol.
Your love, indeed, is prone to change,
And like the wandring Wind does range.
[Page 45]The gale a while tow'rds Cyprus blew;
It turn'd to Creet, and stronger grew;
Then, on the Lycian shore, it favour'd me:
But now, Ianthe seeks in Sicily.
Soly.
In progresses of Warr and Love
Victors with equal haste must move:
And in attempts of either make no stay:
They can but Visit, Conquer, and away.
Roxol.
Love's most Victorious and most cruel Foe!
Forsake me, and to meaner Conquests go▪
To Warrs, where you may Sack and Over run,
Till your Success has all the World undone.
Advance those Trophies which you ought to hide;
For wherefore are they rais'd
But to have slaughter prais'd,
And courage, which is but applauded pride?
Soly.
In so much Rain I knew a Gust would come:
I'le shun the rising Storm and give it room.
Roxol.
Loves Foes are ever hasty in Retreat;
You can march off; but 'tis for fear
Lest you should hear
Those Mournings which your cruelties beget.
Soly.
The fear is wise which you upbray'd;
For, whilst thus terrible you grow,
I must confess, I am affraid,
And not asham'd of being so.
Roxol.
Go where you cover greater fear
Than that which you dissemble here:
Where you breed ill your mis-begotten Fame,
When charging Armies and assaulting Towns,
You ravish Nations with as little shame
As now you shew in your injurious frowns.
Soly.
If we grow fearfull at the face of Warr,
You, justly, may our terrour blame,
Since, by your darings, we might learn to dare.
Would you as well could teach us shame.
Roxol.
Your fears appear, even in your darings, great;
[Page 46]You would not else sound cheerfull Trumpets when
The charge begins, whilst Drumms with Clamour beat,
To raise the courage of your mighty Men.
With Warrs loud Musick showts are mingled too;
Which boastingly such cruel deeds proclaim
As Beasts, through thickest Furrs, would blush to do.
Your wives may breed up Wolves to teach you shame.
Soly.
Tis not still dang'rous when you angry grow:
For, Roxolana, you can anger show
To those whom you, perhaps, can never hate.
This passion is; but you have crimes of State.
Roxol.

Call Nature to be Judge! what have I done?

Soly.

You have a Husband lost to save a Son.

Roxol.

Sultan, that Son is yours as much mine.

Soly.
He has some lustre got in Fight;
But yet, beyond the dawning light
Of his new glory, Mustapha does shine;
Who is the Pledge of my Circasian Wife;
And from my blood as great a share of life
May challenge as your Son. Has he not worn
A Victors Wreath? He is my Eldest born.
Roxol.
Because her Son the Empire shall enjoy,
Must therefore strangling Mutes my Sons destroy?
Since Eldest born you may him Empire give:
But mine, as well as he were born to Live.
They may, as yours, though by a second Wife,
Inherit that which Nature gave them, Life.
Soly.
Whilst any Life I shew by any breath,
Who dares approach them in the shape of Death?
Roxol.
When you to Heav [...]ns high Palace shall remove,
To meet much more compassion there
Than you have ever felt, and far more love
Than ere your heart required here;
Will not your Bassas then presume to do
What custom warrants and our Priesthood too?
Soly.
Those are the secret Nerves of Empires force.
Empire grows often high.
[Page 47]By rules of cruelty,
But seldome prospers when it feels remorse.
Roxol.
Accursed Empire! got and bred by Art!
Let Nature govern, or at least
Divide our Mutual interest:
Yield yours to Death, and keep alive my part.
Soly.
Beauty retire! Thou dost my pitty move!
Believe my pitty, and then trust my love! —
[ Exit Roxolana.
At first I thought her by our Prophet sent
As a reward for Valours toils;
More worth than all my Fathers spoils:
And now, she is become my punishment.
But thou art just, O Pow'r Divine!
With new and painfull Arts
Of study'd Warr I break the Hearts
Of half the World, and she breaks mine.
[Exit.

The Fifth Act.

The Scene is chang'd to a Prospect of Rhodes by night, and the Grand Masters Palace on Fire.
Enter Solyman, Pirrhus, Rustan.
Soly.
LOok Pirrhus, Look! what means that sudden light,
Which casts a paleness o're the face of Night?
The Flame shews dreadfull, and ascends still higher?
Pirrh.

The Rhodian Masters Palace is on Fire!

Rust.

A greater from Saint Georges Tower does shine!

Soly.

Chance it would seem, but does import design!

Enter Mustapha.
Must.

Their Flagg of Treaty they have taken in!

Soly.

Dare they this ending Warr again begin?

Pirrh.

They feed their flames to light their forces out!

Rust.

And now, seem sallying from the French Redoubt!

Must.

Old Orcan takes already the Alarm!

Soly.

Need they make fires to keep their Courage warm?

Pirrh.

The English now advance!

Soly.
Let them proceed!
Their Cross is bloody, and they come to bleed.
Set all the Turn-pikes open, let them in!
Those Island Gamesters may,
[Page 49](Who Desperately for honour play)
Behold fair stakes, and try what they can winn.
[Exeunt omnes.
Enter Villerius, Alphonso, Admiral, Marshal.
Vill.
Burn, Palace, burn! Thy flame more beautious grows
Whilst higher it ascends.
That now must serve to light us to our Foes
Which long has lodg'd our Friends.
Alph.
It serves not only as a light
To guide us in so black a Night;
But to our Enemies will terrour give.
Mar.
Who (seeing we so much destroy,
What we in triumph did enjoy,
That now we know not where to Live)
Will strait conclude that boldly we dare Dye.
Vill.
And those, who to themselves lov'd life deny,
Want seldome Pow'r to aid their will
When they would others kill.
Adm.
Speak both of killing and of saving too.
The utmost that our Valour now can do
Is when, by many Bassas, Pris'ners ta'ne,
We freedome for distrest Ianthe gain.
Alph.
A Jewel too sufficient to redeem
Great Solyman were he in Chains with them.
Vill.
Here spread our Front! Our Rear is all come forth.
We lead Two Thousand Rhodian Knights;
All skill'd in various Fights:
Fame's Role contains no names of higher worth.
In whispers give command
To make a stand!
Adm.

Stand!

Within.

1 Stand! 2 Stand! 3 Stand!

Vill.
[Page 50]

Divide our Knights, and all their Martial Train!

Alph.

Let me by Storm the Sultan's Quarter gain.

Adm.

My Lot directs my Wing to Mustapha.

Mar.

To Pirrhus, o're his Trench, I'le force my way.

Vill.
Our honour bids us give a brave defeat;
Whilst Prudence [...]aves Reserves for a Retreat.
All Lovers are concern'd in what we do.
Loves Crown depends on you, on you, and you.
Love's Bow is not so fatal as my Sword.
Alph.

As mine.

Adm.

And mine.

Together.

Ianthe is the Word.

[Exeunt.
A Symphony expressing a Battail is play'd awhile.
Enter Solyman.
Soly.
MOre Horse! more Horse, to shake their Ranks!
Bid Orchan haste to gaul their Flanks.
Few Rhodian Knights, making their several stands,
Out-strike Assemblies of our many Hands.
Enter Mustapha, Rustan.
Must.

Morat, and Valiant Zangiban are slain.

Rust.

But Orcan does their yielded ground regain.

Soly.
Our Crescents shine not in the shade of Night.
But now the Crescent of the Sky appears;
Our valour rises with her lucky light;
And all our Fighters blush away their fears.
[Page 51]Enter Pirrhus.
Pirrh.
More Pikes! and pass the French! fall in! fall in!
That we may gain the day e're day begin.
Soly.
Advance with all our Guards! This doubtfull strife
Less grieves me than our odds
Of number against Rhodes;
By which we honour lose to rescue Life.
[Exeunt.
A Symphany sounds a Battail again.
The Scene Returns to the Town Besieg'd.
Enter Villerius, Marshal.
Vill.
SEnd back! send back! to quench our fatal fire!
E're Morning does advance we must retire;
Justly asham'd to let the days great Light
Shew what a little we have done to Night.
Enter Admiral.
Adm.
We have been Shipwrackt in a Midnight storm;
Who hither came (Great Master) to perform
Such deeds as might have given us cause to boast.
Mar.
We found the Night too black,
And now no use can make
Of Day but to discern that we are lost.
Vill.
[Page 52]
Can thy great Courage mention our defeat
Whilst any Life is left to make retreat?
Adm.

It is a just rebuke.

Vill.

Where is the Duke?

Adm.
Long tir'd with Valour's toils, and in his Breast
O're charg'd with Lovers griefs, he sought for rest.
To Fames eternal Temple he is gone.
And I may fear
Is enter'd there,
Where Death does keep the narrow Gate,
And lets in none
But those whom painfull Honour brings,
Many, without, in vain for entrance wait,
With warrants seal'd by mighty Kings.
Vill.
Villerius never yet by Turkish Swords
Was cut so deep as by thy wounding words.
Is that great Youth, the Prince of Lovers, slain?
Adm.
Who knows how much of Life he does retain?
Twice I reliev'd him from the double force
Of Zangibans old foot, and Orcan's Horse.
My strength was over-pow'rd; and he still bent
To follow Honour to the Sultans Tent.
Mar.
Alphonso's Story has this sodain end:
Ianthe may a longer fate attend.
Vill.
Of Lifes chief hope we are bereft.
Go rally all whom Death has left.
Let our remaining Knights make good the Peer.
Our hearts will serve to beat,
Unheard, a stoln Retreat.
Adm.

But shall we leave Ianthe Captive here?

Vill.
I'le to our Temple force our way;
And there for her redemption pray:
Her freedome now depends on our return.
In Temples we shall nothing gain
From Heav'n, whilst we of loss complain:
Wee'l for our Crimes, not for our Losses, mourn.
[Exeunt.
[Page 53] Enter Solyman, Pirrhus.
Soly.
Let us no more the Rhodians flight pursue;
Who since below our anger, need our care.
Compassion is to vanquisht Valour due
Which was not cruel in successfull Warr.
Pirrh.
Our Sultan does his pow'r from Heav'n derive,
'Tis rais'd above the reach of human force:
It could not else with soft compassion thrive:
For few are gain'd or mended by remorse.
The world is wicked grown, and wicked men
(Since jealous still of those whom they have harm'd)
Are but enabled to offend agen
When they are pardon'd and left arm'd.
Enter Mustapha, Rustan.
Must.
The Rhodians will no more in Arms appear:
They now are lost before they lose their Town.
Rust.
They may their Standards hide and Ensigns tear:
For what's the Body when the Soul is gone?
Must.
The Pris'ner whom in doubtfull fight we took
(Who long maintain'd the strife,
For freedome more than life)
Is young Alphonso, the Sicilian Duke.
Soly.
Fortune could never find, if she had Eyes,
A Present for me which I more would prize.
[ Enter Haly.
Haly.
Your Bosom-slave (the Creature which your pow'r
Has made in all the world the greatest Wife)
Did all this dang'rous Night kneel and implore
That Heav'n would give you length of happy life,
In measure to your breadth of spreading Fame,
And to the heighth of Ottamans high name.
Soly.
[Page 54]
Tell Roxolana I esteem her love
So much that I her anger fear;
And whilst with passion I the one approve
The other I with temper bear.
Haly.
She charg'd me not to undertake t' express
With how much grief her Eyes did melt
When she this Night your dangers felt;
Nor how much joy she shew'd at your Success.
She hears that you have Pris'ner took
The bold Sicilian Duke:
And begs he may be strait at her dispose;
That you may try how she can use your Foes.
Soly.
This furious Rhodian Sally could not be
Provokt but by his Jealousie of me.
Must.

He wanted honour who could yours suspect.

Pirrh.

The rash, by Jealousie, themselves detect.

Soly.
His jealousie shall meet with punishment.
Convay him strait to Roxolana's Tent.
Exit Pirrhus.
But, Haly, know, the fair Ianthe must
Be safe, and free, who did my honour trust.
You want no Mutes, nor can they want good skill
To torture or dispatch those whom they Kill.
But since this Duke's renown did spread and rise
(Who in attempt at Night
Has often scap'd my sight)
Take care that I may see him e're he Dyes.
Exeunt several ways.
[Page 55]The Scene returns to Roxolana's Pavilion.
Enter Ianthe in her Night Dress.
Iant.
IN this Pavilion all have been alarm'd.
The Eunuchs, Mutes, and very Dwarfs were arm'd.
The Rhodians have a fatal Sally made;
And many now, to shun
The griefs of Love, are run
Through nights dark walks to Death's detested shade.
An Eunuch lately cry'd, Alphonso's slain;
Now others change my grief,
And give some small relief,
By new report that he's but Pris'ner ta'ne.
Where, my afflicted Lord,
Is thy victorions Sword?
For now (though 'twas too weak to rescue thee)
It might successfull grow
If thy triumphant Foe
Would make an end of Love by ending me.
Enter Roxolana.
Roxol.

How fares my Rival, the Sicilian Flow'r?

Iant.

As wet with Tears as Roses in a show'r.

Roxol.

I brought you Presents when I saw you last.

Iant.
Presents? If you have more,
Like those you brought before,
They come too late, unless they make great haste.
Roxol.

Are you departing without taking leave?

Iant.

I would not you, nor can your Guards deceive.

Roxol.
[Page 56]

You'l pay a farewell to a civil Court?

Iant.

Souls make their parting Ceremonies short.

Roxol.
The Present which the Sultan sent before
(Who means to vex your bashfulness no more)
Was to your Lips, and that you did refuse:
But this is to your Ear. I bring you news.
Iant.

I hear, my Lord and Rhodes have been too blame.

Roxol.
It seems you keep intelligence with Fame:
Or with some frighted Eunuch, her swift Post;
Who often has from Camps to Cities brought
The dreadfull News of Battails lost
Before the Field was fought.
Iant.
Then I may hope this is a false alarm;
And Rhodes has neither done nor taken harm.
Roxol.

You may believe Alphonso is not slain.

Iant.

Blest Angel, speak! Nor is he Pris'ner ta'ne?

Roxol.

He is a Pris'ner, and is given to me.

Iant.

Angels are kind, I know you'l set him free.

Roxol.

He has some Wounds, plac'd nobly in his Breast.

Iant.

You soon take back the comfort you have given.

Roxol.

They are not deep, and are securely drest.

Iant.

Now you are good agen! O heal them Heav'n!

Roxol.
In Heav'n, Ianthe, he may mercy find,
He must go thither, and leave you behind.
Iant.
I hope I shall discern your looks less strange;
And your expressions not so full of change.—
Roxol.
Weep'st thou for him, whose sawcy Jealousie
Durst think the Sultan could be false to me?
Iant.
Though his offence makes him unfit to live,
I hope it is no crime in me to grieve.
Roxol.
Soft Fool! bred up in narrow Western Courts;
Which are by Subjects storm'd like Paper-Forts:
Italian Courts, fair Inns for forein Posts;
Where little Princes are but civil Hosts.
Think'st thou that she, who does wide Empire sway,
Can breed such storms as Lovers show'rs allay?
Can half the World be govern'd by a Mind
[Page 57]That shews Domestick pity, and grows kind?
Iant.

Where are those virtuous Vows you lately seal'd?

Roxol.

I did enjoyn they should not be reveal'd.

Iant.

But could you mean they should be broken too?

Roxol.
Those Seals were counterfeit, and pass
For nothing, since my Sealing was
But to a Christian when I seal'd to you.
Iant.
Seal'd by your pretious Lipps? What is so sure
As that which makes the Sultan's heart secure?
You to Religion many Temples rere;
Justice may find one Lodging in your breast.
Roxol.
Religion is but publique fashion here;
And Justice is but private interest.
Nature our Sex does to revenge incite;
And int'rest counsels us to keep our own.
Were you not sent to rule with me at Night?
Love is as shy of Partners as the Throne.
Haly, prepare the Pris'ner; he must Dye.
Enter Haly.
Iant.
If any has offended, it is I.—
O think! think upward on the Thrones above.
Disdain not mercy, since they mercy love.
If mercy were not mingled with their pow'r,
This wretched world could not subsist an how'r.
Excuse his innocence; and seize my life!
Can you mistake the Husband for the Wife?
Roxol.
Are Christian Wives, so true, and wondrous kind?
Ianthe, you can never change my Mind:
For I did ever mean to keep my Vow:
Which I renew, and seal it faster now.—
Kisses her.
The Sultan franckly gave thy Lord to me;
And I as freely render him to thee.
Iant.
To all the world be all your virtues known
More than the Triumphs of your Sultans Throne.
Roxol.

Send in her Lord, to calm her troubled Breast.

Exeunt Roxolana, Haly, several ways.
Iant.
Now his departing life may stay;
[Page 58]But he has Wounds. Yet she did say
They were not deep, and are securely Drest.
Enter Haly, Alphonso, his Arms bound.
Haly.
Fate holds your Dice; and here expect the Cast.
Your chance, if it be bad, will soon be past.
[Exit.
Alph.
My doom contains not much diversity.
To live, to dye, to be a slave, or free?
Death summs up all! by Dying we remove
From all the frowns of Pow'r, and griefs of Love.
Ianthe, are you here?
I will dismiss my fear.
Deaths dreaded Journey I
Have ended e're I Dye.
Death does to Heav'n the virtuous lead;
Which I enjoy ere I am Dead.
For it is Heav'n to me where e're thou art,
And those who meet in Heav'n shall never part.
Iant.
Stay, stay, Alphonso! you proceed too fast;
For I am chang'd since you beheld me last.
In Rhodes I wholly did my self resign
To serve your pow'r, but you are now in mine.
And that you may perceive how soon I can
Melt the Obdurate heart of Solyman;
Let this confirm your restless Jealousie:
You came in bound, and thus I make you free.—
[Unbinds him.
Alph.
By this, Ianthe, you express no more
Dominion o're me than you had before.
In Rhodes I was a Subject to your will:
Your smiles preserv'd me, and your frowns did Kill.
Iant.
I know your Tongue too well; which should deceive,
One who had Study'd all the Art
Of Love rather than her whose heart
[Page 59]Too simply would your very looks believe.
But now you know, that though you are unbound,
Yet still your walk is on the Sultans ground.
Alph.
Ianthe, you are chang'd indeed
If, cruelly, you thus proceed.
Iant.
In tracing human Story we shall find
The cruel more successfull than the kind.
Whilst you are here submitted to my sway,
It safe discretion were to make you pay
For all those Sighs and Tears my Heart and Eyes
Have lost to make you lose your Jealousies.
But I was bred in Natures simple School;
And am but Loves great Fool,
With whom you rudely play,
And strike me hard, then stroke the pain away.—
How are your Wounds? I hope you find them slight?
Alph.
They scarce will need the rip'ning of a Night:
Unless, severe Ianthe, you
By chiding me, their pains renew.
Iant.

Was it not Jealousie which brought you here?

Alph.
It was my love, conducted by my fear.
Fear of your safety, not of virtue, made
The Rhodians, by surprize, this Camp invade.
In hope, by bringing home great Pris'ners, we
Might set the Rhodians greater Mistress free.
Iant.
The safety of Ianthe was not worth
That courage which mis-led the Rhodians forth.
The worlds Contagion, Vice, could ne'r infect
The Sultans heart: but when you did suspect
His favours were too great for me to take,
You then, Alphonso, did unkindly make
My merit small; as if you knew
There was to that but little due.
Or if he wicked were,
What danger could you fear?
Since Virtues force all vicious pow'r controles.
Lucrece a Ponyard found, and Porcia Coals.
Alph.
[Page 60]

How low to your high virtue shall I fall?

Iant.
What chance attended in this fatal Night
The Master, Marshal, and the Admiral?
Alph.
I lost them in the thickest Mist of Fight.
Yet did from Haly this short comfort get
That they to Rhodes have made a brave Retreat.
As Love's great Champions we must them adore.
Iant.

Be well, Alphonso, I will chide no more.

Enter Solyman, Roxolana, Mustapha, Pirrhus, Haly, Rustan.
Soly.
Haly, I did declare that I would see
The jealous Pris'ner e're he Dy'd.
Roxol.
Look there! you are obey'd. Yet pardon me
Who, e're you pardon'd him, did make him free.
Soly.
In this I have your virtue try'd.
If Roxolana thus revengeless proves
To him whom such a beautious Rival loves,
It does denote she Rivals can endure,
Yet think she still is of my heart secure.
Duke, this Example of her trust may be
A cure for your distrustfull thoughts of me,
You may imbark for the Sicilian Coast;
And there possess your Wife when Rhodes is lost.
Alph.
Since freedome, which is more than Life, you give
To him, who durst not ask you leave to Live;
I cannot doubt your bounty when I crave
That, granting freedome, you will Honour save.
My honour I shall lose, unless I share
In Rhodes, the Rhodians worst effects of Warr.
To Sicily let chaste Ianthe steer;
And sing long Stories of your virtue there:
Whilst, by your mercy sent, to Rhodes I go,
To be in Rhodes your Suppliant, not your Foe.
Iant.
[Page 61]
Alphonso, I have honour too;
Which calls me back to Rhodes with you.
Were this, through tenderness, by you deny'd
For soft concerns of Life,
Yet gracious Solyman will ne'r divide
The Husband from the Wife.
Soly.
Both may to Rhodes return: But it is just
That you, who nobly did my honour trust,
(Without my Pass, or plighted Word)
Should more by your advent'rous visit get
Than Empires int'rest would afford,
Or you expected when you came to Treat.
Go back Ianthe; make your own
Conditions boldly for the Town.
I am content it should recorded be,
That, when I vanquisht Rhodes, you Conquer'd me.
Iant.
Not Fames free Voice, nor lasting Numbers can
Disperse, or keep, enough of Solyman.
Soly.
From Lovers Beds, and Thrones of Monarchs, fly
Thou ever waking Madness, Jealousie.
And still, to Natures Darling, Love
(That all the World may happy prove)
Let Giant-Virtue be the watchfull Guard,
Honour, the cautious Guide, and sure reward:
Honour, adorn'd in such a Poets Song
As may prescribe to Fame
What loyal Lovers name
Shall farr be spread, and shall continue long.
Exeunt omnes.

EPILOGUE.

THough, bashfully, we fear to give offence;
Yet, pray allow our Poet confidence.
He has the priv'lege of old Servants got;
Who are conniv'd at, and have leave to Doat;
To boast past service, and be chol'rique too,
Till they believe at last that all they do
Does far above their Masters Judgments grow:
Much like to theirs, is his presumption now.
For free, assur'd, and bold his Brow appears,
Because, he serv'd your Fathers many years.
He says he pleas'd them too, but he may find,
You Wits; not of your Duller-Fathers mind.
Which, well consider'd Mistress Muse will then
Wish for her old Gallants at Fri'rs agen;
[Page]Rather than be by those neglected here,
Whose Fathers civilly did Court her there.
But as old Mistresses, who meet disdain,
Forbear through Pride, or Prudence, to complain;
And satisfie their hearts, when they are sad,
With thoughts of former Lovers they have had:
Even so poor Madam-Muse this night must bear,
With equal pulse, the fits of hope and fear;
And never will against your Passion strive:
But, being old, and therefore Narrative,
Comfort her self with telling Tales, too long,
Of many Plaudits had when she was young.
FINIS.

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