[Page] PALLANTUS AND EUDORA A Tragoedie. Written by M r. HENRY KILLIGREW.
MART.
Victurus Genium debet habere liber.
LONDON. Printed for Iohn Hardesty at the Black-Spread-Eagle in Duck-lane, 1653.
The Publisher to the Reader.
WHen this Play came first abroad into the World, it found the approbation of the most Excellent Persons, and best Masters of this Kind of Writing which were in that time, if there were ever better in any time; Ben. Johnson being then alive, who gave a Testimonie of this Piece even to be Envy'd. Nor doe I know more than One Objection, that was ever made against it, Which was, The indecorum that appear'd to Some in the Part of Cleander, who being represented a Person of seventeen yeares of age, is made to speak words, that would better sute with the age of thirty. But the Answer that was given to One, that cried out upon the Monsterousnesse and Impossibilitie of this thing, the first day of the Presentation of this Play at the Black-Friers, by the Lord Viscount Faulkland, may satisfie All Others; and if the Considerablenesse of the Answer, and Answerer, be duly weigh'd, may serve no lesse for an Ornament and Patronage to the Author. The passage was thus. This Noble Person, having for some time suffered the unquiet, and impertinent Dislikes of this Auditor, when he made this last Exception, forbore him no longer, but (though he were one he knew not) told him, Sir, 'tis not altogether so Monsterous and Impossible, for One of Seventeen yeares to speak at such a Rate, when He that made him speak in that manner, and writ the whole Play, was Himself no Older. I shall say no more of the Worth, or former Opinion had of this Piece, it being in hand, to shew what it Merits, or Merits not.
A few things I have to adde, concerning my present Publication, which are these. That this Play never saw the light in its true Shape till this day: a former Impression there has been of it, but One, not onely deform'd with all the Errors of an Uncorrected Presse, but what might else proceed from a false and imperfect Transcript; the Originall Coppy being then (together with the Writer of it) in Italy. Who was so farre from consenting to the printing of his Book at that time, that he had not then Corrected those parts of it, which he was forc'd to passe over with lesse care, by reason of the hasty calling of it out of his hands, by the Entertainment for which it was desig'nd. So that (I may say) the former Impression is no better than a Corrupted Fragment, or Foul Draught, of what this Play was intended, and differing so much from what it now is, that if the Corrections, Expungings, and Additions, be consider'd, it is almost the one half otherwise. This hath made me likewise impose a New Name upon it: for it is a Creature now wholly at my Disposition, and belonging to me, not as to a Plagiarie, but a Susceptor, or Foster-father, that has taken up this Child long since Ejected by the True Parent. And my desire, is to have it shew as little Affinity and Resemblance as is possible to its Anti-type; whose Prejudices it can no way better remove from it self, than by shewing them False, and Despising them.
MART.
‘Multum crede mihi, refert, a fonte bibatur Quae fluit, an pigro quae stupet unda latu.’
The Persons of the Play
- The King a Usurper.
- Timeus his Sonne.
-
- Polyander
- Minetius
- Comastes a buffonish Lord.
-
- Coracinus
- Argestes
-
- Harpastes
- Melampus
- Cleander the true King of Crete, a Youth.
- Clearchus a stranger prince.
- Pallantus first Prince of Crete, disguis'd.
-
- Aratus
- Phronimus
- Eurylochus
- Haimantus Admirall of Clearchus Fleet.
- Acates Tutor to Cleander.
- Flamen.
- Poet.
- Waiters.
- Guard.
- Souldiers.
- Eudora Sister to Timeus.
- Rodia her Woman.
- 2. Ladies
- Hianthe Sister to Cleander.
- Melissa her Woman.
- 2. Ladies
Chorus of Priests and People.
The Scene CRETE
PALLANTUS and EUDORA A TRAGEDY.
[ACTUS, 1. SCENA, 1.]
A Banquet set out. Loud Musick. Enter the King, Comastes, Aratus, Polyander, Phronimus, Eurylochus, and Menetius.
King.
NO happiness like the Fools, Comastes?
Com.
No, none Sir. Hee's mirth it self, and the cause
Of it in others. They say, all pleasure
Is a shadow; then that which we enjoy,
Is onely the shadow of a shadow,
Hardly the Picture of what he embraces.
Our delights are faint, thwarted with fears,
Disgusted by the conscience, and after
An hour of pleasure, succeeds a week of
Repentance: in which time we live by Rule,
And not by Nature; laugh not, though the jest
Be good; nor rage, though at a just cause;
But sickly whisper out our sayings,
As if they were our last. When the Fool lusts
With his whole soul too, and sins till hee's weary;
Knows no conscience, but his Want-that-way, nor
Remorse, but Disability.
King:
Ha, ha, ha.
Com.
Nature never shew'd her liberality
More, than to those she was sparing of her
Best gifts to. She houses Wisdom in a
Body full of decayes, such as requires
Her whole strength to bear up the ruine;
Measures his legs with the Spiders, gives him
Pale, and wan looks, scarce alter'd from the earth
He was made of. Where to the Ideot, she
Bestowes a body, equal with the Bulks
Of Trees, and armes as thunder-proof, makes him
A strong, a large, and healthy Fool.
King
Ha, ha, ha.
Ara.
Fit Lectures for such a Schollar.
King
Well Comastes,
Thou shalt not want for a Coat, if that will do't.
Com.
Send me a Mind too with it, and you have not
A greater present for your Neighbour-Princes.
King
Come my Lords let's sit. And fill up our Cups,
Make them like our joyes, still full and flowing.
Thus it should be my Lords in a state that
Knows no troubles: let unhappy Princes,
Whom losles do afflict, and fears a ffright,
Make Annual-Feasts; but we whose even affairs
Do follow one another, and do keep
Their just Periods, though the Reines are loose,
[Page 2] And their Guide sleep, seeming rather so to
Have faln-out, than so caus'd: each day shall
Be a Triumph, each hour a Feast.
Ara,
We may chance to find one out for Funerals.
aside
King
A health to all, and a long peace.
Com.
You are melancholly
Aratus.
Ara.
You are rude
Comastes, and let me tell you—
Comastes strikes
Arates on the shoulder.
Poly.
O let his Lord-ship alone. He's one of those
Which say their prayers backward for the State.
Ara.
You are the Foxes that thrive by it.
Phro.
Aratus your anger is unseasonable, And the
King marks it.
King
How now
Aratus,
What's the matter? Our Table should know no frowns,
And then least, when we our self forbears 'em.
Ara.
Royal Sir, I ask your pardon. He wak'd me
Something rudely, and got a froward answer.
King
What, all dead? Fill another round, our Wine
Moves not. Here
Polyander, to thee—
What think'st thou of
Comaste's happiness?
Poly.
I think Sir, 'tis as dull, as foolish.
There cannot be a sence of pleasure, where
There is so little sence. Greatness is the Centre
Of all happiness, and felicity,
Like our Lands at first, is ty'd to the Crown.
Kings comes near unto the Gods, and are like them
Both in power and pleasure; do command all,
Enjoy all, are miserable onely in having
Of too much, and wanting what to wish for.
Theirs is the dazling happyness. 'Tis idle
Therefore to prefer Private joyes before
The Crown-pleasures. The King may throw by his
Greatness when he please, and be poorly happy;
But the Begger will nere sigh unto a Scepter.
King
Why I
Polyander, ther's some life in this,
A little heaven even in the apprehension.
Aratus art not thou of this opinion?
Ara.
Not I Sir, nor of my Lord the Fools there.
Kings are more miserable, than they seem
Happy; flatter'd by themselves and others,
Into a joy that is not, and what they feel,
They rather do imagine than find so.
Yet I grant too, a King may be happy,
But not then as a King. Felicity
Is a Purchase, and no Inheritance,
Nor has the Prerogative more than one life
In't ever, it dyes still with the Buyer.
Troubles are the good Kings profession,
In the Wars the first Dart is thrown at him,
Where oft times his happyness is in a
Glorious death; or perhaps his God-like Raies
Are pluck'd from him by some accursed hand,
And so falls less happy, being after
Vainly wish'd so by a poor revenge he
Knows not.
Com.
Very Grave, and unseasonable!
Thus your Lord-ship gets the reputation
Of Singularity, which the Vulgar
Suspect to be Wisdom.
Ara.
Sir you see
How this place and my freenes are injur'd.
King
Mirth, onely mirth
Aratus. He means
Thy speech would better have become a Councel,
[Page 3] Than a Banquet.
Timeus welcome. Nay
Keep your seats. Would thou had'st been partaker
Enter
Timeus.
Of our Mirth.
Time.
Sir, when my actions, or my age,
Shall make me worthy of your ease and pleasures,
I shall be a thankfull sharer: but till then,
Your Troubles will become me better than
Your Sports, and Cares will sit more lovely on
My Brow than Roses. Sir, those that are about you
Seek to drown your Vertues.
Ara.
Your Highnesse meanes
None here?
Time.
I name none here my Lord.
King.
Nay
Timeus,
Thou nere look'st friendly on our pleasures.
Time.
I must confesse Sir, I had rather see you
Bloudy than thus Wet; nor are my Wishes
Impious,
Polyander.
Poly.
My Lord.
Time.
How basely that Smile became thee. I had
Rather thou had'st answer'd me with a Blow
Than such a Look. I thought to have ask't thee
Something, but I see thou art unworthy
Of a brave Demand. Thy Skill lies onely
In the Curiosity of a Meal,
To say at the first touch o'th' tongue. this is
A Chian, this a Falernian Wine.
Streight by the colour of the flesh to know,
Whether the foul were cram'd, or whether fed,
Prethee
Polyander, how sat the Wind
When this Bore was slain? Were not these Apples
Pull'd the Moon Encreasing? Degenerate!
I have seen thee put thy face into a Frown,
And were't so constant in that look, as if
Thou had'st no other.
Poly,
Sir, when you shall find,
Or make a cause, I'le put them on again,
Here they'l but sour the Entertainment.
Com.
You see, my Lord, they are not drownd, they live
Still under water.
Time.
Like thine, Beast.
King
Prethee
Timeus let us enjoy our Mirth
While the Gods give it: the time will come,
That we shall wish for it, and not have it.
On my Conscience thou could'st be content
To have Enemies, onely that thou might'st cut'em off.
Time.
I am sorry, Sir, if I have offended
Against your Mirth, it was not my intent.
I came to bring you News.
King
News? What is't? Good?
Time.
'Tis as you shall esteem of't Sir: There's
A Stranger Prince ariv'd.
King
Hither?
Time.
Yes Sir.
His Visit's forc't by a Storm, as he pretends.
King.
What ere the Occasion is, he shall be
Welcome. The time's far spent.
Aratus, it
Shall be thy Employment. From us fairly
Salute the Prince, and tell him, though the Seas
Have been Unfriendly, the Land shall Court him.
Ara.
Great Sir, you highly Honour me.
Phro.
So, now we have time to speak: What think'st thou,
Exeunt all but
Aratus, Phronimus, and
Eurylochus.
Aratus of these passages?
Arat.
Well, bravely well.
Eury.
Your speech strook desperately at the King:
He will not swallow it without some touch of jealousie.
Ara.
'Tis no matter. He cannot crosse us now.
We have not tan'e so many yeares to build
A Work up, and then to have it ruin'd
With a push. No, he that will shake't, must first
Overthrow a Kingdome, a Prince, a Law, so large
The Extents are: Nere did Plot thrive like it,
It has infected with the Holy Sore
[Page 4] The greatest part o'th' Realm, and catches daily;
Like some Unheard of New Opinions
Streightned at first, and prison'd in the brests
Of two or three, gain strength by Time, and Eares,
And daily fed by curiosity,
Thrust out at last the Old, and most Receiv'd,
And grow the whole Religion of the Place.
When we have call'd our Party forth, the Work
Will seem done, the thin Numbers that are left,
Not deserving the Name of Enemies.
The Tyrant then will see himself no more
A King, but onely the Wretched Cause of Warre,
His Power being ravisht from him.
Phr.
While the fruit's thus ripe, why doe we let it grow?
Eury.
And spoil perhaps?
Arat.
We will no longer, onely
A little Ceremony detaines us
To Crown our King, that past, our actions
With our thoughts shall then contend in swiftnesse.
Phro.
How sped your visit to the young Prince?
Arat.
Most happily: O had you seen with me
The Dear Cause of this our Danger, how Cheap
Would you have thought the Greatest for his Sake,
And stood contemning Life, thinking your bloud
Ill-stored within your veines, when that his service
Call'd it? sure 'twas some such Shape and Sweetness
Which first slav'd men, and gain'd a Rule, before there was
A Kingdome.
Eury.
You forget your Message to the Prince.
Arat.
'Tis true; pray bear me Company, we may get thankes
For our Complement another day.
Exeunt Omnes.
Enter
Harpastes.
Harp.
Devill, whether wilt thou hurle me? The Ship
Sunk under so much Ill, nor can the Earth
Bear us both together: the greatest Hills
Presse not her face with half that Load; one thought
Of Goodnesse made me lighter than the Waves,
And in an instant taught me how to swim.
Enter
Melampus to him.
Melampus!
Melam.
Harpastes!
Harp.
Are we onely scap't?
Melam.
I hope so.
Harp.
Then the Storm has plaid the Hangman,
And sav'd us Innocent.
Melam.
Innocent! What's that?
It has sav'd us so much labour, and a broken head perhaps.
Harp.
The Wrack was great, and full of horror.
Melam.
How the rogues pray'd, and roar'd above the Waves.
Vow'd whole heards of Off rings for their safety.
But Neptune sav'd 'em Charges, and took the
Verier Beasts.
Harp.
We scapt miraculously.
Melam.
I hope you'l burn no Bullocks to the Sea.
Harp.
No, my Vowes were of another Nature.
I vow'd to live well, and change my bloudy purpose.
Melam.
Thou did'st not mean in Earnest?
Harp.
I did then, but I no sooner toucht the shore,
And safety, but my Old thoughts return'd.
Melam.
Come, wee'l goe claim our Hire, and swear we kill'd him
Before the storm. Our Fellowes dead-pay will
Fall to us. Wee'l demand for losses, I,
Enter
Pallantus.
And our dangers too.
Harp.
If my Eyes deceive
Me not, here comes one will deny the payment.
Melam.
'Tis he, how the Devil scapt he? Be resolute, and second me.
Pallan.
How now friends, amaz'd at what's past? Dangers
Ore-blown are Dreames, no more to be esteemed of,
Within this hour you would have given a world,
[Page 5] To stand thus had it been yours; let not smaller
Losses then afflict you. The greatest Riches
Are trifles after such Deliverance.
Our Birth-day was not half to us so happy,
As is this Minute, then we had no sence
Of Life, now we perceive and joy in't—
They assault him, and he kills 'em.
What mov'd these Villaines hatred? Sure they know
Me not: Nor did I ere see them before
This Voyage! They could not hope for Money:
There's more in't. Let me see—What's here, a beard?
Black patches? Sure 'tis their trade they are so
He searches 'em.
Furnisht. Both are of the same profession.
He finds a Letter about the last. I am glad to hear you have found Pallantus, receive this man the bearer into your Company and Counsell, and if your secret practises fail you, assault him openly, and by violence perform the Murder; let the one or the other be done speedily, my imployments here for you are many, and instant.
Your Lord and Friend, Timeus.
Art thou the Lord, my wonder then is o're!
Thy l' reachery was ever greater than thy Hate,
And that too was something more than Malice,
Above the search of Innocence, a Knot
Unto the subtil'st Traitors, a Rid de
To thy self. Were not thy Home-Cruelties
Enough, but thou must maintain thy Factors
Out for lives in Forrain Kingdomes? I have
Lain hid so long, am now so New Form'd by Art,
No friend can know me, Hate, thy Eyes are more
Percieving far than Friendships. I have not
Dared to Name my self, because with it I doe
Name my Father, and yet thou hast me perfect.
Him, with many more, that were to Good to look on
So much Ill, as thine, and thy fathers Lives,
Were made away—Some God give me temper,
Or too much Rage, instead of a Revenger,
Will turn me a Stock, a Fool. Hear me yee
Banisht Gods (for I may justly fear
If that your powers are absent any where,
'Tis from this place where Tyranny doth raign)
On this Altar I doe vow, to be your
Martyr, If not your surviving Instrument,
Nere to let fall your Vengeance, till it light
On those which slew the King, your King, the
Image of your Goodnesse. Which kill'd the Prince,
And dared to say that he was lost, lost indeed.
Which on the Princesse doe intend a Rape,
Their Marriage is no better. Which slew
My Father, and last resolv'd on me.
Had I a thousand lives I'd' gage them here,
And think your judgement yet not bought too dear
Enter
Aratus, Phronimus, and
Eurylochus
Arat.
In the name of wonder what are thou?
Pall.
Why?
What am I Sir?
Arat.
Nay, I know not,
Nor does any but an Antiquary,
Or a Conjurer, certainly, Th' art no Man,
Or if thou be'st, I am sure none of the
Last Edition
Pall.
Were your Troop absent,
I'd make you find I were without those helpes.
Tis so long since you saw a Man, a true One,
[Page 6] That you know not when you meet one. Your Lordships
Glass shewed you none this morning.
Eury.
Whence camest thou?
Ara.
I, that I'd fain know, here's no hole open
In the Earth.
Pall.
From Sea.
Ara.
From the bottom sure,
Above Water nothing floats like thee.
Phro.
Of what profession art thou? a Soldier?
Pall.
Yes.
Ara.
Thou shouldst be hang'd for thy very looks
If thou wert not, they are excusable
aside
In no Calling else.
Pall.
I know ye all, but
At this time will not be known unto you.
These are some insolent Scoffers, that breath
Their Wits on all they see weaker than themselves
Against they meet the Fool next, I wrong my self
To talk to'em.
Eury.
Dost hear?
Pall.
None of your wit yet.
Eury.
Thou bleed'st!
Pall.
Was't that made me such a wonder?
I do so.
Eury.
And much blood is spilt upon
The Ground. Know'st thou the cause?
Pall.
Yes, I was
Assaulted by two Rank Rascals, which I
Let blood, and cured.
Phro.
Hast thou not kill'd, and rob'd'em?
Pall.
Sir your thoughts are base. And you do ill thus
To insult upon my Innocency. Rob'd'em;
Money's more below my thoughts, than Earth:
My Education has been Noble, and
Though the Midwife wrapt me not in Purple,
Nor Princes Gossipt at my Birth, I have
Dared to be as Honest as the Greatest.
My Word hath commanded more, than all your
Lands and Money. Those Deeds which I have done,
Dishonesty dared not to have look'd on.
They would have frighted your Lordship, if but
Told you toward bed-time.
Phro.
I never saw
Such fierceness!
Ara.
I begin to admire this fellow!
Eury.
Where hast thou bestow'd'em?
Pall.
behind there.
If you search' em you may find more. What Money
They had, the Sea wash'd 'em clean of before their deaths.
Phro.
Why, were they cast away?
Pall.
Yes, but it seems
they search the villaines.
They had a Land-fate.
Ara.
Who's here, rogues limbs?
Their two heads a piece?
Phro.
Here's a Paper speaks 'em
Most notorious Villains.
Eury.
They were proper men.
Ara.
They were so. Did'st kill'em both, alone?
Pall.
I told you once so, and am not proud of't
To boast it o're again, and tell you how I did it.
Ara.
Trust me th'art a brave fellow.
And I admire thy stoutness. Thou look'st
As if thou hadst been Nure'd in perils.
Darest thou with us confront a Bold One?
But as Honest, as'tis Great. What say'st thou?
Canst thou like of us?
Phro.
Thou shalt not find us
As we appear'd at first.
Pall.
While ye talk thus
I can. And in your Business, if Honesty
Go yok'd with Danger, it cannot fright me then.
No, though all the Monsters of Sea and Land,
And Hell to boot, were fram'd into one Horror,
I'd face it, Charge it, and wager a life
I'd Conquer it.
Ara.
Thy words go high as thunder.
Pall.
Pardon my words, if my actions bear up
Equal.
Arat.
I believe they will,
And dare promise thou wilt do wonders.
Let meimbrace the—Th'art welcome to our
Friendship. Mine eyes did look on thee unworthily
Before, me thinks th'art Comely now, thy scarrs
Are so many Graces, not set by an
[Page 7] Effeminate, but by a manly, and
A War-like skill. Business cals us hence, thou shalt not
Part one Minute from me. Thy wounds needs help,
Come, thou shalt Heal before me.
Exeunt omnes.
Enter
Clearchus, and
Haimantus.
Cler.
Have you commanded all the Mariners
Aboard, each Captain to his charge, bid the
Souldiers fill the Decks with their full numbers,
And display their Colours, left nothing wanting
That may add to the Glory of the Navy?
Haim.
Sir, all things are in their Pride and height.
The Captains Bravery seems to lend brightness
To the day, and like the Sun, throwes raies, and light
About 'em: Nor lookstheir Gold less awful,
Than the Souldiers Steel. On the Ships appear
The Joy and Riches of a Conquest, and yet they
Keep the Order of a joyning-battel.
There wants nothing to make a War-like, Princely,
And well-commanded Navy, but your Presence Sir.
Clear.
I would not have them think us such Poor Men,
That we are drove to seek for their Relief,
To sue for Bread and Water; but rather
That we come like Noble Woers, full of
Rewards and Presents, able to return
All favours we receive, and equally
To honour Them, that honour Us, as Great
As they. It shall appear, that he that is
Master of such a Fleet, may style himself
Prince, though Lord of nothing else.
Haim.
The people
Flock upon the shore, and with one Voyce say,
You come to fetch their Princess. Sir, you have
More than their Consents already, you have
Their wishes too.
Clear.
I marry
Haimantus,
Such a Jewel would make the rest look dim!
There are two Ladies in this Isle (if fame
Say true) the wonders of the World! When Nature
Made them, she summon'd her whole God-head,
And unwearied wrought till she had done,
Form'd each limb as if she had begun there:
She seem'd to practise on the World till then,
And what like beautiful she fram'd before,
Were but Degrees to this Height, these the Ascent,
From which she now must fall! They made her Older
Than the labour of a thousand years—
Enter a Servant.
Serv.
Ther's a great train, it seems from Court, coming
To your Highness.
Clear.
Come, lets meet'em.
As
Clearchus is going out,
Arats, Phronimus, Eurylochus and
Pallantus meet him.
Ara.
Sir, the
King congratulates your safety,
And is glad of your Arrival, though the Cause
Were dangerous, You would have Oblig'd him
Much Sir, if you had been bound for
Creet.
Clear.
The
King is Royal, and chides me kindly.
He binds a Stranger ever to his Service.
Ara.
His Majesty expects you'll honour him
With your Presence this night at Court.
Clear.
My Lord;
[Page 8] I shall wait upon him. But I must fist
Entreat, you'l favour me with your Company
A ship-board. I shall not need to excuse
A Souldiers Entertainment, I doubt not,
But your Lordships knows it well; Coursnesse and
Plainnesse are the Praise of it.
Arat.
Sir you are
The Envy of your Neighbour Princes, you
So farre exceed them in a Brave Command;
I nere was happy in the like sight before.
And my Lord, they that can boast the strangest,
Have not seen one so Common, and so Rare.
Your Navy lookes, as if she wore the Spoiles
Of a whole Land, or came to purchase 'em.
Clea.
My Lord you'l make me proud. Your presence yet
Will adde unto its Glory.
Enter
Timeus, and
Coracinus
Exeunt Omner.
Time.
Found dead upon the shore!
Cor.
I my Lord,
Thrown into a Cliffe.
Time.
Were they drown'd?
Cora.
'Tis believ'd not, my Lord: for many fresh Wounds
Were found upon their bodies; and yet their Clothes
Were wet.
Time.
'Tis strange! Were there but two?
Cor.
No my Lord.
Time.
That's stranger yet. Reward the Men that found them,
And bid'm make no farther enquiry
After their Deaths, nor speak of it. Let it
Exit Coraos.
Die with you too, doe you hear? The Villaines
Have rob'd at their return, and got their deaths
That way. I nere could spare 'em worse; the State
Stands in greater need of theirs, than of the
Sword of Justice.
Rodia.
Rod.
My Lord.
He calls Rodia,
and she Entern.
Time.
Is your Lady to be spoke with?
Rod.
Alwayes,
My Lord, by you. But now she's coming forth.
Enter
Endora.
Time.
Save you sweet Sister.
End.
O y'are welcome Sir.
Time.
Sure
Eudora, Venus and the Graces
Had their hands to day about you! You look
Fairer than your self, and move in the Sphear
Of Love and Beauty;
Cupid has taken
His Stand up in your Eyes, and shootes at all
That come before him! Pray
Venus he misse me.
Eud.
When doe you grow serious?
Time.
These are the Fair Look
[...]
Must captivate the Stranger Prince in a Free Country?
And th is the Dresse that must inchant him? ha.
Eud.
There is no Charm in't certainly; it pleas'd
Me the least of Many. No, 'tis your Fair
Mistresse, that beares those Love-Nets about her:
If the Stranger'scape her, he's safe.
Time.
'Had better
Kill his Father, and then gaze upon the
Spectacle, than look upon her with the
Eyes of Love.
Eud.
Nay then you are unjust.
Would you have him stronger than your self was?
If he for that be guilty, the same Doom
Must belong to both alike.
Time.
But I have
Prevail'd so far, that he shall be free, both
From the danger of Love, and seeing.
Nor must You make up his entertainment.
Eud.
I was Commanded to be ready, and
Attend there.
Time.
But now the Commissions alter'd,
And runs in the Other Sence.
Eud.
I shall be
[Page 9] Content to obey either. May I not
Know the cause?
Time.
You may. We would not feed
The Prince here with hopes to get a Wife. This
Was the Storm that drove him in. Nor must you
Onely for this time forbear his presence,
But while he staies. He's unworthy of you.
Eud.
If you know him so, I shall then without
Excuse denie his Visits. But I think
This businuesse may be borne a Nobler Way;
Nor will the End Fail, though the Meanes be Fair.
Leave it to me: If he Sue with Honour,
He will take an Honourable Answer;
Though he gain none from me, I'le get his Love,
And send him home no lesse a Friend, than if
He were a Husband. By my Restraint, you'l
Onely procure unto your self, the markes
Of Jealousie and Rudenesse, and fouler Staines,
If that the Crime were nam'd to the desert.
Besides, it does proclaim in Me too such
A Weaknesse, as I am much asham'd of.
Had he a Face adorn'd with the Graces
Of both Sexes, Beauty, and Manlinesse,
And these (after the Custome of the Roman
Princes in their Statues) Engrafted on
On the body of some God, I could look on,
Converse, I, and neglect him too, when I
Have reason for it. Fear not me then.
Time
I doe not, I know thee strong, the Honour
Of a Kingdome may lean with safety on Thee.
But he will linger here too long, besot
The State with Feastings, and in this Jollity
Give Opportunity to Treacherous
Practises. He must be us'd Ill, there are
Reasons for it.
Eud.
Is there then a Policie
In Rudenesse? Why doe you not rather send
A Defiance to him? Proclaim him Enemie?
This were Nobler far, than to receive him
In your armes, and then Affront him; say Health,
And wish Poyson in the Cup. Are you so much
Below him?
Time
There are greater thoughts in hand,
Than Curious Points of Gallantry. If he send
Any Present to you, you must return it
Back with Scorn.
Eud.
Pride is ill becomming,
And hateful, even to the next Proud man does
Practise it.
Time.
Then take'em, and laugh at him.
Eud.
No, where my thankes are too much, I'll rather
Return Gifts for Gifts. I should shame to be
A gainer on such a Score, which the Meanest,
Honest Purchaser would blush at.
Time.
He'l take
Those Gifts for Favours.
Eud.
They will not prove so;
Yet He will deserve some, as he is a Stranger.
Time.
Not from You. Presents the State will send him.
You hear my Fathers Will. You must not see him
While he stayes!
Eud.
I doe, and shall eas'ly keep
That I doe not care to break.
Time.
Farewell.
Eud.
Must you be gone?
Time.
There's a little business
Calls me.
Eud.
If it be but a little, stay.
Time.
Onely the Welcome of the Stranger.
Eud.
'Tis too much to hinder.
I see a Causelesse, and a Needlesse Rage
Hid in your breast. The Prince may be Noble,
Valiant; if you receive him then with Scorn,
[Page 10] Hee'l prove a stronger Enemy, than those
Unworthy Ones you fear at home, whose own
Actions daily ruine, and whose ill-made
Knots, will loosen faster than they tie 'em.
You have prevail'd with me, I'll not be wonn
To see him now: but let it not Appear
By your Default, and that my Retirement,
Is onely in scorn to him: which will be
Made plain, if that you change not this Face you
Have put on. It becomes you at no time.
A Prince should alwaies Smile, or look indifferent.
He has no need of Frowns, as other men.
Life and Death are in his breath, and if any do
Offend, his Revenge is known, and need not
Be declar'd by Face-expressions. Where there's
Power to Punish, 'tis Tyranny to Rage.
Anger is no Attribute of Justice,
'Tis true, she is painted with a Sword, but looks
As if she held it not. Though Warbe in
Her Hand, yet Peace dwels in her Face. Learn once
Of me, and when you have no Cause of
A Distemper, express none. Now you have made
All sure, doubt not; but receive the stranger
With fearless and confident Imbraces.
Time.
I will, or at lest I'll tell thee so, when
Thou perswad'st me thus. Farewel
Eudora.
Exit Timues.
Eud.
Thy subtile Plots will ruine thee at last.
Valour and Policy do seldom meet;
Yet here they are in their Extreams in One;
But do most strangely Divide the Owner.
Make him Dread none, and yet confirm him not
Within a Guard.
Exit Eudora.
CHORUS.
What can our Wishes deprecate,
When Vice is seen, both Law, and Fate?
When for the good o'th' Commonweal,
The Councel's cal'd, to Plot a Meal.
And Beasts brought in with solemn Cry,
As Spoyles got from the Enemy?
Whose life's the Table, and the Stage,
He doth not Spend, but Lose his Age.
The Kings eyes, like his Jewels, be
Set to Adorn, not to Fore-see:
And as his Crown, he thinks each thing,
Runs round in a continued Ring.
But Sacrifices Crowned be,
And Garlands fit for destinie.
Fates thus we fear have writ this Latt,
That Wint shall lose, what Blood hath Gott.
[ACTUS 2. SCENA 1.]
Enter
Clearchus.
IS this your Royal Entertainment?
A common Host would have given one as Civil,
Have shewn his Guests their Quarter, and then left'em
To stumble out again. My Receivers are
Are all vanish'd—An undeserved Affront
Will trouble me—Neither of the Princesses
Were in the Train; they might have trusted 'em,
I could have gag'd a Kingdom for their security—
One passes by him reeling, and by and by after another. Last of all Melissa, they all make reverence to Clearchus, as they pass. Enter Comastes.
Was not that fellow drunk? Now they begin
To Muster up again. Here I stand like one
That learns to make his first Honour in a
Dauncing School—Sir by your favour. If your
Business calls you not, pray let me intreat
Your Company a while.
Com.
Troth and't like your Highness, I am in hast, in very great hast, The King has sent for me, and I know he's thirsty till I come. I would your Highness were as resolute, and as well Arm'd this way as I, He shewes a great Goblet. you'd be the welcom'st man—He loves a Royal-Drunkard to admiration; he never saw one yet, but in a Glass. Sir, have you any business with him? You need no other Orator than such as this; such a Mouth without a Tongue, will perswade any thing. Yet this is o'th least, fit onely for Physick-dayes, when he would not surfeit; a meer Toy that troubles the Wayters with often filling. But I have One, as high—Here's nothing to measure't by; but 'twas that made me so Inward with him; I alwayes use to Petition him with it; 'tis bigger than any of his own, and pleas'd him above Measure. The first time he saw it, he commended the Gallantry of my Mind, and said it was a Noble Emulation in me! He has a Daughter Sir, a beautiful Lady, my Hopes, unless some Neighbour-Prince do Reel betwixt us. Your Highness comes the right way, he hates a dry, In-land Traveller; but that you Kiss the Cup, when you should Drink; and have too much Bounce, and Down-with-him in you; which are things he surfeited of, some sixteen years since, and still the very Names turn his stomack. Besides, your Navy and Attendants are too great, he'd have esteemed more of you, had they been fewer, enough onely to lean on, when you were Overtaken; or if you had wanted those, and borrowed his unto your Chamber, it had been better: Where he finds Worth, the Pomp delights him not. Your pardon Sir.
Exit
Comastes.
Clear.
Why here's a fellow now! With what Licence
He belies his Master, or speaks Truths
Altogether as Unpardonable! Sure
He has his Patent for't! I find at my
Return from Travel, I shall want Names
For all the Monsters I have seen.
Enter
Aratus to him.
Ara.
Though your Highness be here a stranger,
I may demand of you where the King is.
Clear.
If none know more than I, my Lord, y'ave lost
Your King.
Arat.
Sure he is not well,
I hope he is not: with a safe Loyalty,
I may wish, he hath a Dangerous Cause,
Rather than none, to take him from a Prince,
The first Night of his Arival in his Court.
Clea.
[Page 12]
My Lord, I have found much Honour in you,
One that knowes to shew more Civility
To a Stranger, than he can deserve,
And y'are unhappy onely at this time
In an Unworthy Choyce: but if still you
Can continue this Noblenesse (though the
King frown) I shall gladly make some stay; at least
Till I have satisfied a Strangers Curiosity,
And may seem rather to have left the Place,
Than to have been thrust from it.
Ara.
Believe me Sir,
Both your Reception, and this Necessity,
That you are drove to seek so mean a Service
As mine, doth shame me much. 'Tis not the use
Of this Kingdome to be thus Uncivill,
Nor is't our Custome, as it hath been this day,
To Coop our Ladies up, as if the sight
Were Dangerous; their Beauties will indure
The Test, and we dare trust'm to't. 'Twas
Unkindly done, I know one Look of theirs
Would have given a Welcome to a Young Man,
Above the highest Cost.
Clea.
My Lord, you know
To speak a pleasing Language.
Ara.
We have two
Princesses Sir, Few Nations can shew such Jewels;
Yet onely one is Orientall,
The other's Artificiall, but an
Excellent Gem too; One of them, the True One,
I doubt not, but I have credit to shew
Your Highnesse; but 'tis not to be purcha'st,
That happy Opportunitie's already past,
And the New Owner Esteems it above
His Wealth, his Life, I and his Honour too.
aside.
Clea.
Yet, my Lord, blesse me with the sight. I can
Rejoyce at so much Excellence, though
Another doe possesse it. And no doubt
As much of the Owners felicity, lies in Strangers
Admiration, as in his own Possession.
Ara.
All but Jealous Men think so: and they count
Themselves Rob'd of all happinesse in their Wives,
Others receive; engrosse as Covetously
Their Beauties, as their Persons, and think themselves
Cuckolded by a Womans Commendations.
But my Lord, I'l leave you. I was going
To the Princesse before I met your Highnesse.
I know few words will gain so easie a request.
Tomorrow, and daily, I'le wait upon
Your Highnesse.
Clear.
My Lord, you have engaged me
Your Servant, beyond my hope of freedome.
Exeunt severally.
Enter
Hianthe, two Ladies, and Waiters.
Hian.
Nay, you must bear it patiently.
My Dominion extends no further than
These Roomes, and beyond them I grant nothing.
How will you endure the Strangers Delayes,
That thus hardly brook his Coming? The King
In Complement, will not permit the Winds
To serve sooner than a Moneth, were that all
His stay: but here must be Masques and Triumphs
Before he goes, and the Subject yet not known
For the One, nor Ornaments made for the Other.
Perhaps a League must be Concluded,
And then I would not live to be so Old,
[Page 13] As to see the End of't. The Meanest persons
Require a Month to fit themselves, a Prince
Cannot turn in lesse than a Season.
1.
Lady
May we not see the Garden, Madam?
Hian. No, nor the Day, but through a Window.
2.
Lady
We'l petition to him, under the title
Of distressed Damsels, that must passe the
Hour of their Age in Imprisonment,
Unlesse he'l travell to his own, or some
Other Country, to gain 'em Freedome.
Hian.
He'l think we are held by some Enchantment,
That his Absence, and not his Sword, must gain
Our Liberty. O
Melissa welcome.
Enter Melissa.
Now we shall see the Shew, though but as sick
Persons, by Relation. Say, what hast thou seen?
Mel.
The scurviest Entertainment—I did not
Think it possible, so short a Time could have
Prepar'd one so ill: 'Twas thought on before,
And paines taken to Order it so much
For the Worse. This was the first day that ere
Me thoughts the King, and my Lord
Timem,
Lookt like the Father, and the Son. The King
Had on his Old Councell Face, which all hope't
He had forgot, and this was the onely time
These many Yeares, he should not have worn it.
They both imbrac't the Stranger as coldly,
And carelesly, as I have seen our Common
Fencers doe, that are immediately
To Fight with one another after. This
Behaviour in the Great Ones, was presently
Observ'd like a New Fashion, and in
An instant the whole Court was in't, from the
Bravest, to those that follow a Fashion
Onely, when 'tis to leave off something, I mean
Our poorer Gallants that go in
Quirpo,
And look not as if they were Hot, but wanted
A Cloak. Marry their wits were not so Changeable
As their Faces, and having but One Sute
Of Complement, and that now Unfashionable,
They were fain to supplie it with Leggs, and Silence.
Hian.
How lookt the Prince at this behaviour?
Mel.
Much above it, in my Opinion, two foot
Higher than my Lord
Timem, though not
Altogether so tall. These sour Looks, were
All the Without-door Shew, which ended,
In a solemn March, they returned all into
The Palace. The Strangers seem'd, rather to
Follow with a silent Consent, than on
Invitation. There the presse shook me off,
To find this out for your Highnesse Mirth.
She shewes a Rol
[...] of paper.
And at my return, as I least expected,
I found the Prince all alone, where any body
Might have seen him for nothing. The
Grecian,
And the
Trojan Captains in the Hangings,
Were all his Company: with whom he seem'd
Well suted, had they been alive, his Looks
Were as Daring as theirs, and standing so,
Bred much Comparison.
Hian.
Know you the reason
Of this behaviour?
Mel.
No Madam, yet
If I would, I might have learnt of many:
The whole Companie were Politicians.
There was one Yeoman-Statesman inform'd most
[Page 14] About him; and his Conjectures, go for
Currant Truths next Post into the Country.
Hian.
Well, now tell us what you have got there for
Our Mirth.
Mel.
A precious piece of Poetry,
Which I have been the Patroness of from
The first Non-sense in't, that is, from the first line.
There's much mirth intended in it, and I
Doubt not by your Highness will find it.
The Author himself is an Embleme of
The first Comedies, in which One acted All,
And will make you laugh, though you saw him
Every day. I have brought him along with me,
He stayes but till his admittance be granted.
Hian.
No prethee
Melissa, 'twill be too much.
Mel.
I beseech your Highness. And do but smile
Upon his Learning.
Domine, Domine.
The Poet enters rudely, and seeing the Princess, steps back as rudely.
Look, look. I told you what you'd do. You are
So forward.
Poet.
I can presume.
Hian.
Ha, ha.
Mel.
Hold your peace with your presuming. You should
Let the Princess speak. This is the Author,
Madam.
Hian.
Lad. Ha, ha, ha.
Mel.
What think you your Play
Will do, when one Scene of your self breeds all
This Mirth?
Poet.
Hum.
Hian.
Melissa.
Mel.
Your Highness—
Hian.
Prethee discharge him, I am notable
To look so much laughter in the face, and
Contain my self, to save my Modesty.
Mel.
So, 'tis well Sir. The Princess has taken
Notice of your Worth, and commanded me
To reward you. Attend to morrow, and
You shall receive it. And pray see that her
Highness have all your Labours, as you call em.
Exit Poet.
Hian.
Oh 'tis well we dress us not. Here all take
Papers, and sit down, we'll chuse our several parts.
Enter
Clearchus and
Haimantus.
1.
Waiter.
Who were they past by?
2.
Waiter.
I know not; but certainly
They understand what they do, they went on
With so much Confidence.
Clear.
Where are we now?
Haim.
Certainly in no danger Sir.
Mel.
The Prince!
The Ladyes and the Princess rise up amazedly.
1.
Lady.
The Prince?
2.
Lad.
The Prince?
Clear.
Madam, our bold Mistake has thrust us on
Too far, to retire without Excuse, which
We shall hardly make, unless your Favour
Meet us. We are strangers that thus have err'd,
Unfortunately I must not say, that
Were a Rudeness greater than the other;
Yet we ought to esteem this your Disturbance
A Fault, though to us a blessed one, and
Hath confer'd a happyness, our best Deeds,
Could not have deserv'd.
Mel.
This Entrance was
Exeunt Clearchus and Haimanius.
Something abrupt, and beyond the Intent
Of our
Poet.
A strange accident
Hian!
Was it the Prince that spoke?
Mel.
Yes Madam; but
'Twas improper here.
Hian.
Art thou sure 'twas he?
Mel.
I am Madam. Her Highness is troubl'd,
I see a Prince is too high a Personage
For a Comedy, and spoyles the Mirth of't.
Hian.
Melissa, I have something to impart to you.
Exeunt Hian and Ladyes.
When the Company leave me at Night,
Attend me in my Chamber.
Ara.
Madam, a little of your Company,
I beseech you.
Mel.
My Lord
Aratus save you.
Ara.
A proper Salutation for so fair
A Lady, whose beauties are Destructive.
Mel.
Your Lord-ship's very Conceited. 'Tis the
First Jest, I dare say, was ever made on that
Poor saying.
Ara.
What do you look at? Do you want
She looks as she speaks of Palant. and Arat. hinder her.
A Servant?
Mel.
Bless me, my Lord! what Thing
To fright us have you there?
Ara.
Why I pray?
Because he's Black? The fitter for a Lady.
Mel.
For a Lady! I never saw such a Devils Play-fellow!
Ara.
He's white within, all Snow, and Milk.
Mel.
They are put into an Ink-bottle.
Ara.
What, you'd have one that spends more Milk bout a
His Face, than he suck'd in's Child-hood; that dresses
Himself in Gloves, as if one Part were too good
To do service to the other; and dares not
Shew his hands for shaming of his Mistresses,
Nor commend Hers, because his own are Whiter.
This'is One neglects his Outside, beyond
A common Cleanness, and bestows that Care
Upon his Mind, there wastes his four Hours
Of Dressing. And what the other do's exceed
In Spruiseness, he'll make up in Service.
Pay Respects unto his Ladyes Vertue,
Not unto her Muff. And if at any time
Danger do approach her, fearless he dares
Beat it back, or make it Welcome by his
Noble Fall. Himself in Presence guards her,
And his Memory in's Absence. Come, pray
Spoyl not his Hopes among the Ladies.
He's a young Courtier, and wants a Mistress.
Mel.
I am turn'd when I hear reason.
I beseech you my Lord, let me be she.
Ara.
I thought 'twould come to this. You make the furthest
Way about, the nighest to your Ends, Love,
By discommending. Pray let him salute
You then.
Mel.
Not unless you'll stand by me.
Ara.
Well, I warrant you. My friend.
Pall.
My Lord.
Ara.
Pray draw near, here's a fair Lady, gladly
Would salute you, Now you're at Court, you must
Lay by your War-like thoughts, and Plot how you shall
Overcome in Complement, and Conquer in Civility.
Pall.
My Lord, I should be asham'd to pretend
So much unto the Souldier, as to make
My self Unsensible of so great an
Honour, as this Lady does me by her
Fair Salutation. Though I am Unworthy,
I can be Proud to be her Servant.
Ara.
What think you?
Mel.
I know not what to think of
So much wonder! What Rarities shall
I be Mistress of, and none Envy me?
Ara.
Well, to leave you in that Rapture; may I
Speak with the Princess?
Mel.
Yes, she went hence but now.
Ara.
May I adventure to go in?
Mel.
You may,
But call my Servant along with you.
Ara.
You are longing again, but not a bit,
Exeunt Omne
[...]
'Tis Sweet-meat, not a bit.
[Page 16]
Cleander discovered sleeping.
A Song.
VVHile Morpheus
thus doth gently lay,
His pow'rfull Charge upon each part,
Making thy Spirits even obey,
The stiller Charmes of his Dull Art.
I thy Good Angel from thy side,
As Smoak doth from the Altar rise,
Making no Noyse as it doth glide,
Will leave thee in this Soft Surprize.
And from the Heavens will fetch thee down,
A lively Vision to expresse,
Thy Right unto an Earthly Crown,
" No Power can make this Kingdome lesse.
But gently, gently, least I bring,
A start in Sleep by suddain Flight,
Playing aloof, and hovering,
Till I am lost unto the sight.
This is a Motion still, and soft,
So free from Noyse and Cry,
That Jove
himself who heares a Thought,
Knowes not when we passe by.
Enter
Acates.
Aca.
There he sits, and sleep hath seised on him,
Which seldome does so when the Season calls it:
But still he takes it when it comes, not when
'Tis due; when Wearinesse, and not the Warnings
Of the Night doe prompt him to it. He sayes,
To Sleep, because the Day is gone, is to
Perform a Duty, not a Necessitie:
And to Eat at a Certain Hour, to
Satisfie the Time, and not his Hunger.
Nature is the Mistresse of his Faculties,
Which are averse, and refractory to
All Custome; will admit no Lawes, but what
Themselves Enact, nor strictly observe them
Neither. 'Tis a strange Distraction for sixteen
Yeares, a Deeper Melancholy possesses him,
Than does those, that have run the Miseries
And Sinnes of a Long Life. This desolate
Happinesse is all that he enjoyes,
And this I am Commanded to take from him.
Cleander, what ho
Cleander.
Clea.
Why are you thus Cruell in your Care? Did you
But know the Felicities you have wak'd me from,
You'd have rockt my sleep for ever: Thought it
A greater Mercy to have kill'd, than thus
To have Disturb'd me. I was wrapt into
The Companie of Men, of Gods, if compar'd
With those we here converse with. Enjoy'd the
Most Excellent things, by a Heavenly Vision,
Shew'd more Excellent and Glorifi'd.
Sa
[...] Crown'd a King ore all, and with a Trait'rous
[Page 17] Call, you have Depos'd me! Alas, how fading
Is my Happinesse, which a Small Noise, or
Motion can dissolve, and turn to nothing.
Aca.
Let that Reason make you scorn'em, and aim
At Lasting Ones.
Clean.
Were their longest life but
Three Minutes, and that time Uncertain,
They were yet to be preferr'd before those the World
Holds in highest Estimation. They are pure
And Celestiall Pleasures, to be fed on
Onely by the Phansie. I'le in, and again
Invite them with a Slumber.
Aca.
I must for bear
Exit Cleander.
My Remedies, 'tis dangerous applying
Exit Acates.
Physick in a Fit.
Enter
Polyander and
Menetius at one door, and
Comastes to them at the Other.
Com.
Polyander, Menetius. well met. Have yee
Seen the Thing yet?
Poly.
What Thing?
Com.
The Thing that haunts
The Court. It hath something like a Man, and pretends
To be One. He comes to the Ladies, like
A rough Water-Dog among a Flock of Foul,
And they flutter as fast from him, scatt'ring
Feathers as they passe, I mean their Fans, and
Such Moveables. The Guard dare not mingle
With him, he's too boyst'rous for their Company.
One Glance of him, as he past by th' other day,
Broke the Kings Draught, which a Cubit-Cup could
Nere do—See, see, here he comes, with as many
Enter Pallantus.
Patches, and such like properties, as would
Furnish a Casheerd Companie to beg with.
Sure he was Scar-Bearer to some Armie.
Let's observe it what it does: look, look, its
Pleas'd with the Hangings.
Poly.
He cannot be thus
By Nature, nor by Accident! 'has studied
To appear horrid!
Mene.
Danger is not so
Dreadfull in it self, as it shewes in him.
Com.
Well, I cannot forbear, I must enter
Parley with it. What Rare things shall I know,
If I can get it speak! I'le enquire the fortune
O'th' Kingdome for the next thousand Yeares.
That's not worth the asking. I'le enquire when
The Dissolution of the World shall be,
And where it's Treasure lies. He cannot choose
But know the very Heart o'th' Earth. If I
Can't perswade, I'le Conjure something from him.
Bo, Bull-begger, What art thou? Who let thee loose?
Where is any Gold hid? My feares were just.
Nothing but a Charm will do't.
Anaell,
Ma
[...]fo, Rachimas, Thulnear, Vemoby,
Sav
[...]an, Vernesa, Elty, Famelron
Ausculta & obtempora madatis meis.
This was not terrible enough, it must be
More powerful yet. I adjure thee by those Bootes,
Thy Velvet Eye, the Taylors work about thee—
Pall.
Peace Fool, the King will hear, and thou't be
Whipt for bawling.
Com.
Prethee good Devill, something
Exit Pallantus.
O'th' other World—
Mene.
Ha, ha, ha,
Poly.
I hope 't has
Satisfied your Curiosity
Comastes? ha, ha, ha.
Com.
Nay, I'le not leave him thus; be baffl'd by
A Goblin. I'le follow it to the place
Where it shakes the Chain, that's certain,
Exit Comastes.
[Page 18]
Men.
Ha, ha, ha Come let's see the End o'th' Conjuration.
Exaunt Omnes.
Enter
King, and
Timeus.
King.
But these are things for the following Age
Timeus, we are hedg'd in beyond all fear,
If Loyalty can prove destructive, there is
Yet some danger.
Time.
Because you see a Calm enwrap all round
About you, you conceive 'twill be as Lasting,
As 'tis Pleasing; Tempests, Sir, may contradict you,
Even while you think so. Evils are silent now,
Not done away, they Couch, and lie in-wait,
Sedition walks with Clawes bow'd in, and a Close Mouth,
Which onely she keeps for Opportunity
Of Prey. Y'are not to suppose, that all Shut Eyes
Do sleep; they are ne'er more watchful, than when thus
They counterfeit neglect; securely they
Pry into the Depth of things, by seeming
Not to observe the Face, and Out-side,
Your Ruine yet appears not, and you think
Because it Lurks, y'are Safe. Enemies
Reconcil'd, are like Wilde-Beasts brought up to hand,
Th'ave more Advantage given them to do Mischief.
King.
Can the Urnes quicken their Ashes into
Souldiers? Can the Graves and Tombs send forth a Race
Of Enemies? From those that Live we are safe,
They have no will to hurt us; and those that
Sleep in the forgotten Dust cannot. There's
Nothing remaining to our Care, but to
Give thanks; the gods are favourable, and if
We could be grateful, our Felicity
And safety were both summ'd and perfect. I tell
Thee often, thou let'st thy best dayes pass,
Without receiving of that Fruit, that should
Be crop'd from 'em. I did expect thou should'st
Have urg'd me to thy Nuptials, such Cares
Befit thee best, how the Triumphs should be
Ordered, and
Hymen's Torch well lighted.
Time.
Pray Heaven no other Flames break out,
But such as Mirth shew forth. But Sir, I must
Be bold to tell you, a few flattering Lords
Guild o'er the Defects and Ruines of your State;
They make you call a Lethargie, Security;
And that a Kingdome, which like to Childrens
Houses on the Sand, rear'd up in Sport, and
Toying, will become a Prey unto the Wave
That first approaches it. They can perhaps
Judge well of Meats and Wines, good Table-States men,
Souldiers at a Banquet, strong to overcome
A Charger, or a Goblet: but Kingdomes
Safeties, are not ow'd unto the Palat,
And the stomack: if these were State-Affairs,
Your Councel were most sound, and every Breast,
A Synod. If Musick could now raise Walls,
And Cityes as of Old, your Realm would be
Impregnable.
King.
Hast thou yet done? Not all
The Ghosts that I have made, have been thus Cruel
To me; nor at yet their Graves have threatn'd
Half these Evils. Thy Mothers Labour, was
A Conception, to the pains thou hourly
Bring'st upon me.
Time.
Sir, I am sorry. Yet
[Page 19] 'Twas my Love that so did dictate to me;
My desire that your sports might follow one
Another, and succeed so just, that they
Might seem to bring the season on, and not
The season them, that thus they might continue,
Ever; but 'twas then that they might continue,
And not fail by Treason—But Sir, I will
No more. I shall hereafter think't more Piety,
Hand in hand to fall in Perils with you,
Than my self to bring them.
King.
What would'st thou have?
The Power I have, is wholly thine. If that
I never did deny, was not thought given,
Now I do. Use all the Means thou wilt, by Lawes,
Or our Prerogative, to remove thy fears.
Time.
Sir, I thank you, humbly thus Low I thank you.
Nor will I in a Complement return
You back this Power, till I have made you safe.
I shall work like a Resolute, but skilful
Surgeon, that dares feel, and search a Wound,
And if he find Dead-flesh, dares cut it off,
Exeunt Omnes.
Or more Corruption, will not spare a Limb.
Enter
Clearchus habited like a
Flamen. Aratus, Haimantus, and
Pallantus.
Ara.
My Lord,
Cupid put his Hood-wink on you
Heuses to Aime with, and then you could not
Miss the Mark. I fear, the second View will not
Prove so Ravishing. The most Excellent Things
Scarce please twice.
Clear.
My Lord, think not so;
For were the World dark about her, or I blind
To all things else; in Her I could find
Variety enough; and so long as
Her Beauties were not Eclips'd, I could not
Envy him that were so plac't, as to behold
The World as in a Map.
Ara.
These Habits then
My Lord, will secure your Visite. Me thinks
Your Highness becomes them Rarely well!
Y'are a Person now most Sacro-sanct,
Twice Holy, made so by your Dignity,
And Order. We'll go before Sir, and inform
The Princess of your Coming. You'll draw less
Suspicion likewise if you walk alone.
Exeunt all but Clearchus.
Clear.
The King of
Crete is a Usurper.
His Son's a Villain, by their Masters Blood
They have reach'd the Diadem, and by
The Violation of his Daughter,
Seek to support their Greatness: but this last
Evil is still i'th' Forge, not yet Compleated;
And the fair Princess looks on her Destin'd
Nuptials, as her Rape: her Lover, as her
Murtherer. Fates, I hope, have in their Blest Decrees
Writme the Rescuer of this Royal Virgin,
The VVinner, and the VVearer of this Jewel.
And neither the Error that threw me
Unawares upon her close Retirement,
Nor yet the Flame conceiv'd from Her fair Eyes,
VVere meerly Casual, but things of a Deeper
And Diviner working. Love, who art Ruler
Of the Destinies themselves, if Youth,
And Greatness powerfully do invoke thee:
If a Vertuous Mind, a Spirit bold, Affections pure,
[Page 20] And Constant Faith, are Oblations gratefull
To thy Altar, favour my Present Hopes,
All these I offer to thee. And proudly
Do exchange my peace and Quiet, for the
Troubles, and perturbations of a passion.
Crown but the End, and let all the Doubts,
The Suff'rings, and the Dangers, that ever rackt
A Lovers Soul, be made my Portion.
possesse me then with the Fulnesse of thy
Deity: let not thy Shades and Flourie Bankes
Withhold thee, make
Paphos but thy Refuge,
The Heart's thy Native Soyl, thy Mothers Lap's
A Banishment to it. But idely I invoke
The God, while favourably he beckons me
To Recieve my Vowes, and the Happinesse
I Sue for, does Attend me. The houre's already past
That Calls me to the Princesse.
Exit
Enter
Hianthe, Aratus, Mclissa, two Ladies,
Haimantus, and
Pallantus.
Hian.
May I ever hope to see such Happinesse?
Arat.
To injoy it long, Madam, and know no End
Ofit.
Hian.
Can I be no way assistant
To the Businesse?
Ara.
Onely in your Prayers.
'Tis our Task to Subdue the Men; but the Gods,
Who must with piety be conquer'd, we'l leave
Unto your Goodnesse: And yet, Madam, me thinks
The present Opportunitie prompts us
With a Meanes, to adde both Strength and Reputation
To our Affaires. This Gallant Prince (whose Visit
You expect) is not, I find, a Stranger
To the Interests of
Crete, nor lightly resents
The Tyranny it groanes under. The power
You seem to have ore him, may improve
This Compassion into a Zeal, to re-instate us
In the Libertie we have Lost.
Hian.
My Lord
I'le use my best Endeavours, if I find him fit
To be Engag'd; Leave this particular to me.
Enter Clearchus,
who puts off his Disguise with the help of Haimantus.
Ara.
Madam he's now ariv'd. That's he, in the disguise.
Hian.
So fell the Cloud from off the
Trojan Lord,
Not able to Contain the Raies it held,
But being pierc't dissolv'd at Once to Air,
Exposing to the Worlds Astonisht Eye,
A Lusture rivalling the Mid-day Sunnes.
Clear.
Sure I was Rude, and Barbarous, before
This Nobler Fire did touch my Heart, and from
The Wild Inhabitants of the Wood
Differ'd in Passion onely, and not Reason:
That without more Amaze I could behold
Such Brightnesse; and with a Readie Speech Excuse
The Fault my Error had committed.
I cannot now find out a Word to sute
With my Desires; nor does the whole Store
Afford me One, but what must prejudice
Her Excellence, and my Estimation of it.
Pardon Madam, that like the Ascendants
To the Altar, by Degrees I thus approach you,
Pausing at each Step, and bowing to that Nearnesse.
Rashnesse was my Crime before, and should I
Throw that Blot a second time upon my Actions,
Rudenesse might be justly thought my Nature,
[Page 21] And Barbaritie my best Knowledge.
Hian.
My Lord, that which you call your Crime, was the
Incivilitie of the Court, that left
A Stranger to commit an Error
So unhappy to himself. I dare not
Undertake to Patronize the Act,
Nor yet to Excuse it; I shall believe I have
Obtain'd much, If I may be thought wholy
To Disclaim it.
Clear.
Madam allow me then
To beg your Pardon, for the Presumption
With which I made this Visit; that I thought it
A Hard, Nay Injurious Treatment, to be forc'd
To Quit this Isle, before I had the Honour
To look upon you: for since I have beheld
Those Wonders of Beauty you are Mistresse of,
I find my Voyage was too Short, my Hazards
Too Slight, and Few, to be rewarded with so High
A Favour.
Hian.
My Lord, had you directed
Your Words to my Misfortunes, I should have
Acknowledg'd then, you had seen a Raritie,
One in the perfection, and Excellence
Of Misery; but I have no pretence,
No Title unto ought besides my Troubles.
Please you, my Lord, to with-draw unto a place
That admits not so publique an Accesse.
Your Visit to me is not without all Danger.
Exeunt Clearchus. Hianthe, Melissa,
and the Ladies.
Ara.
If I would set a Spectacle to the World,
It should be such a Close, Where Vertue
Ador'd Vertue, and Greatnesse bow'd to Greatnesse.
Me thinks the Heavens doe open, and the Clouds
Are spun into a Thread, to let down some God
Unto this Meeting! Let us withdraw,
The Power is now descended, and all within
Is Sacred and Mysterious, and if we prie
Into these Secrets, our Curiositie
Will be punisht.
Exeunt Omnes.
Chorms.
VVHile this Old Poppy thus doth sleep,
And doth in Vice, as Age, grow deep,
Benumming all the Plants are nigh,
Into a Drowsie Lethargie.
Behold a Nobler Branch appeares,
As farre from's Manners, as his Yeares.
O shed Thou then thy Influence,
And we'l resume fresh Beauties thence.
The Fiercer Sweetnesse of his Face,
Presents a Rigour, mixt with Grace;
And though there were a Want of Bloud,
His Worth would make his Title Good.
Vertues so Grown, in so Few Yeares,
Make Him even Such, become their Feares.
On then, and cause the Scepter bee
Thought but Reserv'd, not Snatcht from Thee.
[ACTUS 3. SCENA 1.]
Enter
Aratus, Phronimus, Eurylochus, Pallantus.
Aratus.
ARe all things ready for the Ceremony?
The Crown, and Robes?
Phro.
They are, there's nothing wanting
If the Prince were come.
Eury
He's now come.
Enter
Clearchus and
Haimantus.
Ara.
Your Highness is welcom: but I fear it may
Appear, to a strange Place, and Persons! What
Do you think my Lord? Are you not fallen,
Into the Company of so many
Traitrous and lost Men?
Clear.
Say not so Sir,
You have not Warrant, though you rank your self
Within the Number. The Place and Persons
Rather appear to me, as if some Holy Rite,
Or piece of Sacred Worship were intended.
Ara.
My Lord, you understand it right, 'tis a Piece
Of H oly Worship and Devotion that is
Intended by us. And I may truly say,
That this our private Meeting, and close Counsel,
Is more Just and Glorious, than the loudest Deed
In Court, that all our publick Acts, Edicts,
And Forms of Law, are dark and impious,
Compar'd to it. Nay, that this Time, and Place,
Made holy by our Purposes, hath the Gods
More manifest and present, than the Altars,
And the Temples, long since made Void and Empty
Of a Deity, by those which sue for
Favours, and requests for Him (who justly
Heard) deserves their Horrid'st Vengeance.
We are not met here, to Plot a general Ruin,
For a private Injury; we know and teach,
That the Greatest done by the King unto
The Subject, cannot give him Cause to throw off
His Faith; Kings are petty Gods, and may tempt us.
Nor is it Want, or desire of Innovation
That thus stirreth us; we are in the Best▪
Ill-State already. Nor Ambition,
To strike at that Lawrel, which the Thunder
Spares; no, we Reverence it, and know, that
As Men are the works of Nature, so Kings
Of Jove. But 'tis our Oath, the Sacrament
We took, which still holds us, though our Lord be dead,
Until his Successor release us from it,
By taking of a New One. We are not
Subjects, but Slaves to Him we now Obey,
And therefore as Slaves, we ought to hate our
Master: He was born less than We, and hides
The Private Man, under the Publick Gown.
The Purple which he wears, was dipt deep in
The blood of Innocents to colour't so.
But I vainly waste my self in Words, here
Are no Minds to be perswaded, nor Ears
To be instructed. The sins we are to punish
[Page 23] VVe all know, and the gods remember.
Our strength then is all we are to speak of.
VVhich is more than three parts o'th' Isle, sixteen
Years Undisturb'd Provision; so carelesly
VVas that secur'd, which was got by Blood.
There's but one Lord-ship, small in respect
Of others, the Tyrants Own Possession,
That will be Cordial for him; but they are
So besotted with their Fortunes, that their
Greatest Aid, will be but in their VVills to
Do him Service. They may offer up their Lives
Like so many Sacrifices for his sake,
But not like Souldiers, they are Unworthy
Of that Name. They may Dye, but never Conquer.
VVar was never talk'd of, but in their Banquets,
Nor dare they Fight beyond a Brawl
Phro.
And if we would count part of our Strength
In their VVeakness, we have no Opposition.
In the City where They and their Vices
Are daily seen, nothing is so Contemptible.
And in Remoter Parts, where Majesty
Is more reverenc'd, being known onely
By the Power and Lawes, and where the name of King,
Hears like the Name of God, even there, those sonns
O'th' Earth, as I may call 'em, dare menace him,
And pile hills on hills, to set their Bodyes,
Equal to their Hates.
Eury.
Here we are thee my Lord;
Can each of raise such Forces, which though
They fail'd to effect it, yet could make
The Kingdome fear a Conquest.
Pall.
Your Highness
Is a Souldier, and though but Young, perhaps
Have seen already, what others whole Lives
Have not shewn them; yet wee'l play a Game
VVe dare invite You to, though you were
Accompani'd with all the Ancient Heroes.
VVho had they leave but in their Aery shapes,
To set on a Tribunal, Spectators
Of the VVar, this their second Leaving of
The Earth, should be more grievous to them, than
Their former Deaths, and they would wish this Isle
Might be their Elizium.
Ara.
You see my Lord,
How each can bring his Forces in, and prompt
The other; Those which have none on Earth,
Can bring them down from Heaven, in stead of Men,
Bring Manly Spirits, VVords, and Looks confirming
More than Armies.
Clear.
M Lords, I must confess, with no small pleasure,
I have heard the Justice, the Strength, the Courage
Of your Cause. And for the first of which, although
I never doubted; or from the other two
(Meant ever to withdraw my Aid) however
VVeak; yet I am glad to see the Enterprize
So hopeful: For though most greedily I
Should imbrace all Hazards for two such Mistresses
As Justice, and the Excellent Princess,
Yet where their Interests are Disputed, I cannot wish to see a Danger, what
Ever weight of Glory I might purchase
By it. My Lords, the small Force I am Master of,
Either in my Person, or those Commanded by me,
Reckon on till you see us Conquer, or lye
Upon the ground.
Ara.
Our Designs are then succesful
Above our wishes.
Phronimus introduct.
[Page 24] The Priest, we are now ready for him. Though
Exit Phronimus
We need nothing to strengthen our Resolutions,
Yet we'l take an Oath: 'tis good to have the Gods
Along with us. A Sacrament is the Tie,
No lesse of Loyaltie, than of Treason.
Here let us all, before this Sacred Witnesse
Phronimus
returnes with a Plamen,
bearing in his hand an Image.
Of Faith and Perjurie, make a Holy Vow
Of Loyalty to Our Selves and Cause.
And as we draw near to so Divine an
Essence, consider that 'tis not Gold or Marble
That we touch, but a Moddle of a Sensible
And Living Power, which has Vouchsaft to be
Imbrac'd by One Hand, when the Vastnesse of
Our Thoughts could not comprehend it.
Here they all see
[...] to take an Oath, by Kissing of the Image. Exit Eurylochus.
Now we are ready for the Prince.
Eurylochus
Conduct him in. Your Grace shall see a Stronger
Perswasion, than any you have yet heard,
The lively Image of Her you so much Serve.
He Knowes not yet his Fortunes, but I dare
Warrant He'l bear them bravely. He has read
The Lives of Kings, though he never acted
Any; and you shall perceive he's Princely-Born,
Though not bred in Court.
Eurylochus
returns with Cleander.
Royall Sir, y'are welcome!
Start not at the Name, it is your Due, You
Were born to the Title: and I doubt not,
Though you never heard it thus appli'd before,
'Tis not altogether Strange unto you
There was a Spark, which in the first Womb,
After a Speciall Manner was infus'd
Into you, and is another Soul
Within you; as the One Informes your Body,
So this Informes your Soul; we may call't
The Difference of a King. That will tell you,
We are all here your Subjects, and this
No Strange Philosophie I teach. And though
This Rich Perfume hath hitherto been wrapt
In this Disguise of Learning, and defended
From the air o'th Court, 'tis not decai'd,
But grown stronger by such keeping; which when
It shall be open'd, will cast a fragrant
Smell ore all the Kingdome, and cure the Infections
Of the Former Age. To open it we
Are met, it is a Medicine we too long
Have languisht for. And Sir, though it be a short
Warning to so Great a Matter, you must
Presently resolve to be a King. We
Have no time now to instruct you in
Your Right, and how you lost it. It was Yeares
In doing, and will require Yeares to relate it.
In the mean time, let what you see perswade you,
Our Serious Lookes, Respects, and the Presence
Of these Holy Rites.
Clean.
I need not excuse
My want of Answer, there's nothing fit for me
To say: Which way so e're I shall declare
My self to this Purpose, will appear Foolish.
Whether I Refuse, or Grant, both are alike
Ridiculous. 'Tis not with Me, as with
Elder Yeares, They may refuse Offers like these,
And be admir'd for such their Moderation;
[Page 25] Or accept them, and for that Magnanimitie
Be honour'd. But should I assume an Action,
So many Yeares above my Age, I must
Expose my self a Pagent to the Beholders
Scorn and Laughter. My Lord, That which I have
To say is, onely this. My Yeares are yet in Non-Age,
My Actions not my Own, to Others Wills
I am wholly Subject. you may Command me
Even to Wear a Crown, and to submit to
Accept the Highest Honours. Set me, if
You please, on the Throne you speak of, and when
You see a time again, remove me. Yet,
My Lord, I'd have you know, I am not so Young,
But that I understand I am a Subject, and that
I have a King; that thus, though but in Sport,
To Use his Titles is a Fault, But for
Any to Acknowledge such a Spirit,
As you, my Lord, have spoken, is no lesse
A Traitor, than he which strikes the Crown from off
His Head.
Arat.
You have been heavenly taught, and shall
Be ever instructed in such Lectures.
But the Treason which is committed, is
Committed' gainst your self, your Spirit is
Usurpt, and he that holds it is your Servant,
As I am, or at least should be so. Sir,
The time presses now, and we cannot use
The Circumstances necessary to
Perswade you; but what ever appeares Strange
At this time to you, a few dayes use will
Render most familiar. Sir, please you ascend,
Yond place is provided for you—Submit
Cleander
expresses a modest unwillingnesse.
Now, and Command ever. My Lord, will you
Please to honour us with your Assistance.
Here they take off from Cleander
his black habit, and put on him a Rich Robe, Clearchus,
and the Flamen,
set the Crown upon his Head, and the rest stand before him, and salute him King.
Omnes
The Gods preserve the King.
Ara.
We have now perform'd one part of our Duty,
Which was to seat you thus, the next is,
With our Lives to keep you at this Height.
Clean.
If I may yet take confidence to speak,
And it will become me to say something of
My self. I could tell you, how this Day hath
Been familiar to me, and in a Dream
I have seen these things so often, that did
Not these Shouts confirm me, which were then still
The concluders of my Greatnesse, I could not
Yet believe, but that I have now suffer'd
Is Aiery all, and the Shape I see meerly
Phantastick.
Flamen.
It was a Good and Prosp'rous
Omen, which presag'd your Quiet here.
The Gods would not suffer you to rest in
A Wrong place.
Omnes
May it be so.
Here Aratus
presents Clearchus
to Cleander,
seeming to inform him who he is, he descends and imbraces him, the rest pay their homage by kissing his hand, in the mean time Pallantus
speakes.
Pall.
And shall I alone in such a Glorious
Action walk unseen? And as a Fault,
[Page 26] Perform my Duties in Disguise? I'll rather
Add a Trumpet, and a Flag to all my
Actions. Here fall my Mist away, Now
Thou onely barr'st me from my Joyes, to which
I am not near enough, unless I can
Imbrace. Give me leave my Lords, that as my life,
So I may throw my Body at his Feet,
I have a share in him, I though a Stranger
To you. It was my Fathers purchase,
With his Life he bought it, nor desire I
To hold it by another Patent. May
Such be the Noted End Successively
Of all our Name, No Disease, but our Masters
Cause to Dye of. Here let me Kneel, and pray
All Happyness, and the Best things may fall,
And then rise, and with my Sword, procure the
Blessing s I have praid for. Know me my Lords,
I am
Pallantus.
Phre.
Eury. Pallantus!
Ara.
Pallantus!
My dearest Friend, prov'd my nearest Kinsman!
Could I be so dull as to imagine
Such Valour could be in a shape so low
As thy Out-side promis'd? Or so common,
As to be met by Chance? That I could love
Thee so, and yet have no Interest in thee?
Where hast thou been so long Dead? Sir look vpon
This Man, that turns our joyes thus from you, your
Party is made strong by his Discovery,
'Has brought such Unexpected Aid within
Himself! Y'are to receive him Sir, not onely
As a Servant, but a Kinsman.
Clean
My Lord,
I am as yet in a New World, and know
No more, than if I now began to live,
The most Common things, are Wonders to me.
You must excuse me therefore, if I know not
How to entertain such Accidents as these,
But I shall make't my Labour ev'ry day
To understand my Duty, of the which
I think it no small part, to give the due
Value to every worth I meet.
Clear.
Sir, as a new friend let me imbrace you,
But this Alteration shall not give me leave
To forget the former Favours I am
Oblig'd to you for. What I receiv'd in
Your Disguise, I shall be ever ready
To pay unto your self.
Arat.
How it grieves me
To see thy Beauties thus blasted in thy Youth,
War hath been too rough a Mistress to thee,
And set thy Gloryes in too Eminent a place.
Had
Venns been ith' Camp, she would
Have cover'd thee with
Mars his shield, although
The God himself had wanted it. I can
Remember when the Loveliest Face compar'd
With thine, could not have taken from thee. When
In the brightest Ring of Beauties, thou appeard'dst
But well-set; and hadst thou been attir'd like
One of them, thou might'st have wonne the Prize
Of fairness from a Coure of Ladyes.
Pall.
My Lord, they are well lost: but those which were
The Causers of it, shall receive Wounds as deep,
If not so disfiguring, and afford their blood
To wash the Scars they have made.
Ara.
They shall,
And we will help to bath thee. 'Tis time that
[Page 27] We broke up our meeting, our longer stay
May prove dangerous.
Phronimus and
Eurylochus
You must post this Night to your Commands.
Your Majesty must bear'em Company.
And now without more delay shew your selves:
We will be ready here at the first Newes.
My Lord, your Navy also will require
Strict watch and guard, on our first Motion
That will be attempted.
Clear.
Haimantus, you
Shall presently away, and take the Charge
Upon your self.
Ara.
Pray do so my Lord.
All we have to do, is to mingle our selves
In the Court again. When once these troubles
Sir, are o'er, a perpetual Calm will follow.
Clean.
My Lord, I never enjoy'd safety, so pleasing as these Dangers.
Exeunt Omnes.
Enter
Timeus reading a Letter.
—By the next Post I shall send your Highness the whole Design of the Conspiracy we have so long suspected; in the mean time, know Aratus, Phronimus, and Eurylochus are the three great Diseases of the Kingdome.—
But not incurable. I know which way
To handle 'em. There must be some suddain
Remedy apply'd, that will work strongly.
This Night I'll send it. Be absent all ye
Lazie Medicines which the Law administers,
Ye are more treacherous, than the Villain
Ye examine; and where there was none, give
Time to act Mischief: Your Summons are
The Traitors Watch-word, and drive him to take
That Opportunity, which otherwise
His Fears would have let slip. My self will be
The Accuser, and the Judge. When Publick
Means are dangerous, each Prince hath the Courts
Enter Pallan.
Of justice in his Breast—What Fiend is this,
That causes such Antipathy within me?
The Mid-night Ghosts take not shapes so horrid!
I have not slept, since first he cross'd me!
Pall.
We are alone. The Gods have given this time
For my Revenge.
Time.
What does he mutter to himself?
Coracin s, Argestes—Kill that Dog.
Cora.
My Lord!
Timeus.
Kill that Dog—Cowardly Villains,
It were a justice to leave you to the Worrying.
Enter Coracinus and Argestes, they assauit Pak. but he worsts 'em till Time. assists 'em, and makes him retire, they all pursue him off of the Stage.
Within Treason, treason, save the Prince, treason.
Timeus, Coracinus, Argestes return, bloody.
Time.
He was a Devil! The Power of Hell was in
His Arme; Night threw her shades about him
To defend him! He could not thus have scap'd,
Unless he had vanish
[...]d! Is he o'er-taken yet?
Enter a Servant.
Serv.
No my Lord. But 'tis impossible he should
Pass the Court. Sure he has taken Covert
In some Lodgings there-abouts.
Time.
Let search be made,
And give Command, That when he appears again,
He that first meets him, without more Circumstance,
Do ki'l him. Promise a Reward to him
That brings his Head.
Exit Servant.
Enter
Clearchus and
Aratus to the rest with their Swords drawn.
Clear.
How do you my Lord?
Time.
Well.
Ara.
Is your Higness hurt?
Time.
[Page 28]
And may be again, if I look not warily.
Would your Lordships Sword were sheath'd.
Ara.
Sir, 'twas drawn
In your Defence: and if y'are Jealons of it,
You wrong a Ready-hand to doe you Service.
Clear.
Sir, is not the Traitor known that did it?
Time.
No doubt he is.
Clear.
My Lord, you speak
Very doubtfully. I hope you doe not think,
But I am sorry for the Accident
Time.
I know not what to think. Your Disposition's
As great a Stranger to me as your Person,
Clear.
I see, my Lord, you know to throw Injuries,
Though to conferre no Civilities on
A Stranger.
Time.
Injuries are deserv'dly plac't
On an Intruding Guest.
Clear.
Y'are Unworthy.
They both draw, and are held as under.
And though I am incompast with all the
Dangers I may Justly fear from so Barbarous
A Place, which dares doe any thing it Lusts unto,
Without regard of Lawes or Hospitalitie,
I'd tell you so. And were you from this Dunghill
That you stalk on ('tis no better) I'd pull down
That Unmanner'd Pride within you.
Time.
Let me goe,
Nothing shall priviledge him to talk thus.
Clear.
They hold you in your safety. Nor is the Distance
'Twixt your Life and Death, longer than this Space
'That parts us. If you dare, follow me,
I'le stay you out a Dayes Sail at Sea,
I Challenge you to a Princely Combate.
Where come with all your power, that I may
Destroy so many Brute-Beasts from off the Earth.
Exit Clearchus.
Time.
Shall I be tyed while I am bated?—
I'le send those tha shall o'retake you, and cut
You off, before your Shipping yet.
Argestes,
Haste unto the Port presentlie, and in
My Fathers Name, Command all speedy Power
Be rais'd to stop the Prince. Bid'em fire his
Ships i'th'Haven—
Ara.
O my Lord, consider
A little more, before you lay a Blot
Upon the Nation, which Future Ages
Cannot wipe off. No Story can parallel
Such a Fact. Your Highnesse mov'd him much,
And gave him Cause of choller.
Time.
Does he help
Your Lordship with Ships? that thus you plead his Cause.
Shall I be Tutor'd by a Traitor?
Ara.
Sir, y'are happy if you can find a Tutor,
When you thus much need one. And for your other
Language, when I understand it, I'le return you
An Answer, in the mean time, you must take it
Home to you as you gave it
Time.
'Tis well Sir,
I shall find other wayes, than Words to Answer you.
Enter the
King, Polyander, Menetius, Comastes, and a Guard.
King.
How now
Timeus! What, bloudy?
Time.
No more
Than you see, Sir. The Sword rather left it
On me, than drew it out.
King.
Who is the Traitor,
That durst commit such Outrage?
Time.
He's 'scapt unknown.
King.
Unknown? that cannot be, when he has past
Thus far i'th' Court, some must take notice of him.
Can you describe him?
Time.
He was habited
Like a Souldier; but his Lookes had more of
Devill than of Man.
King.
Upon my Life
I saw him! but 'tis two dayes since. He must
[Page 29] Be known in all this time. Enquire who brought in
Any such Man, or was seen with him.
Com.
This can be
No body but my Hob-goblin. And't please
Your Highnesse, was he not in a Buffe-Coat?
And had his Face all bedabl'd with Patches?
Time.
Yes, he had so.
Com.
Then doe I know him,
He belongs to my Lord
Aratus there.
No body durst speak to him but he,
He shew'd his teeth at every body else.
He had like to have bit me once.
King.
Aratus,
Doe you hear? They say, he, that committed
Aratus
stands in a study after his heat with Timeus,
and minds not what's said
This Villanie, belongs to you.
Ara.
To me, Sir?
He wrongs me that thinks so. I maintain none
That dare attempt such Insolence
Poly. My Lord,
I saw him with you.
Ara.
Who? pray make me know
The Man.
Poly.
A black stern Souldier that follow'd you.
Ara.
I fear I understand you now!
aside.
There is such a One that followes me; but
I never discovered any Disloyall
Spirit in him. His Out-Side, 'tis true, was
As you describe, not moulded after the
Common Frame of Men, but threaten'd more than
Any I have seen: Yet 'twas but his Out-Side
That threaten'd so. Within he was Gentle,
All a Courtier, to be wound and turn'd by
The least Civilitie. I must confesse,
When he was Injur'd, then he was High, and
Lordly, Stormes rose in's lookes, and Thunder
Was in his Voyce.
King.
And you knowing this,
How durst you turn such a Wild Beast loose into
The Court? Whom had I met, and chanc't to have
Anger'd, my fortune had been the same.
Lay hands on him. You shall find that such a Spirit
The Guard lay hold of Aratus.
Dwells in my Brest too, and when 'tis stirr'd,
Will raise tempests as great. We shall find
Other particulars beside to examine you of.
Ara.
Then the Gods send their aid, or all is lost!
aside.
Yet, Sir, hear me speak. The Jealousies you
Have of me, I shall not perhaps be able
At this present to Clear; and indeed I
Know not so much as what they are. But Sir,
To shew you in this last Accident how much
I am Innocent. I will relate unto you,
How first I met the Actor of it. 'Twas on that Day
I was imploy'd on an Honourable
Message from your Majestie to the Stranger
Prince, On the Shore I found him, having lately
'Scapt a Ship-wrack, and as great a Danger
On the Land; for he had been assaulted
By two Villaines that were in the same Voyage
With him, the cause of whose hate he could not tell,
Having no acquaintance with them, but in
The Ship; but as he had before the Waves,
So in this Tempest too, as I may call it,
He bore himself above. In the instant,
While he was yet hot in his Anger,
And their Bloud, we came upon him—
Time.
Pray Sir let me speak to you. There's a Wonder
Discovered to me by this Relation!
And under this Monster, he hath Spoke of,
A greater doth lie hid; One that you'd rather
Have in Chaines, than all the list of Traitors
[Page 30] I have nam'd. Sir, commit the Uucasing
Him to me, and suffer me to proceed
With
Aratus, as I shall see cause.
Exeunt all but Timeus, Aratus, and the Guard.
King.
Take your way, I'll leave him to you.
Time.
My Lord, with the perswasion of your
Innocence, I have procur'd your Freedom
Of my Father; and do desire in Return
Of this kindness (if it be such) to let
Me see the face of this my Enemy
Once more, if your Acquaintance (as appears
By your words) be not too late to know his
Abode. My Lord, I shall receive him otherwise
Than you expect. The Relation you have
Made of him, and what my self was witness of,
Have turn'd my Hate into Admiration
Of him, and if I can move his Love, as
I have done his Anger, I shall be happy
In his Valour. 'Tis not the first time that
The Brav'ry of Enemies, have made them Friends,
And that Wounds, have been the first Seals of Love,
I do consider how much I injur'd him,
And that on such provocation, he could not
Have done less, At the first sight I call'd him Dog,
And without more Circumstance commanded
To have him kill'd.
Ara.
Now Sir, I must kneel to you,
You have the goodness of a Prince. He shall
Submit for his Offence, or suffer for it.
And if you find not that Noble Spirit
In him, I have told you of, in the most
Dangerous Business you shall imploy him,
Let him be punish'd for this his Ill-plac'd-Valour.
Time.
My Lord, I'll take no other Surety,
But your Word; ever oblige me thus.
Exit Timeus and Guard.
Ara.
But my Lord, though I can Answer,
I cannot give Credit to your smooth Tongue.
This last Accident might have lost all. I'll
Hazard no more by my Delayes. And seeing
They know not their time to strike, I'll teach em
Both the How, and When to do it. Before
To morrow this time, I'll ring their Dull
Security such an Alarm—
Enter Haimantus disguis'd like a Saylor.
Haim.
My Lord,
Prince
Clearchus Salutes you.
Ara.
Ha! Prince
Clearchus
Said'st thou? Come nearer friend.
Haim.
Do you not know me
My Lord?
Ara.
My Lord
Haimantus! I crave your
Pardon. How fares the Prince?
Haim.
Well, and both He,
And my Lord
Pallantus (who happily made
His Escape to our Ships from his Pursuers)
Have sent me in this Disguise, to let you know,
The Block-house is privately surrender'd
To 'em: in which they now are, with three hundred
Of our Selectest Men: and undertake
With this strength to rescue the Princess
Hianthe
This Even, if the state of your other Affairs
Will suffer it. Our Navy besides rides Clear,
And disengag'd near to the Block-house,
Where they can land what greater Force they please.
Ara.
Hum. The Gallant Prince, and bold
Pallantus safe,
The Block-house surrender'd, and the Ships at hand
Both for a Reserve, and a Retreat—Why should
They not attempt it? My Lord, tell'em,
Their Design is Noble, and like Themselves,
Full of Youth, of Fire, of Bravery, of Justice:
[Page 31] That where such Spirits as theirs move in any
Action, all Designs ought to Follow, and
Not Lead; they make the Period, and the Poynts
Of Business. Say, I do not onely approve,
Of this their Purpose, but will Assist 'em
In their Retreat, and at the same time give
A Divertisement, by some hundreds of
Great shot pour'd into the City. Come my Lord
I'll direct you a way to return less
Hazardous than that you came in hither.
Exeunt Omnes.
Enter
Hianthe.
The time of their great Plot is now compleat,
The hours are finish'd. O let it not You,
Which look down, which favourablylook down
Upon this Isle, want your Power which first
Did strengthen it; let the same Hand that bid,
Disclose it too! Shame not at so Glorious
An Off-spring, when it is Heavenly, and doth
Confess the Father, when none but Gods dare
Call it theirs, nor without Blasphemy can
Own it. Ye were kind Parents at the first,
Shew your selves still so, and Rear the Child ye
Have Gotten. Where Humane strength shall fail, there
Hold it up, and make that Want, the Strongest.
Enter Mellssa.
Mel.
Madam, I now met my Lord
Ara
us,
Who intreats your Highness to keep within
Your Lodgings this Night, and to fear nothing
What euer Embroylments you hear abroad,
Or near you.
Enter
Timeus.
Time.
Madam, I come to tell you,
The Infection, which caus'd this your Retirement,
Is now clear'd up, and vanish'd, and abroad
You may safely bless us with your Presence:
The Court has for these dayes suffer'd an Eclipse,
But when it shall again shew forth its Beams,
Your Beautyes, it will look more Glorious,
By its short Obscuring.
Enter the King, Comastes, Minetius.
King.
Weil said
Timeus.
Now I like thee; here thy Cares and Services
Are bent the right way; would I could see thee
Once look pale in these. Can a young Man (when
He may have leave to breath in such a Paradise
As this) draw a common Ayre? an Ayre o'th' People?
I am loath to change thy present thoughts: but
The business I have to tell thee, will bring
Thee peace, and more leasure for them. The suspition
Thou had'st of a Treason, was not Vain; since
It hath broke out; but 'tis already supprest.
The two Chief of'em are taken in their passage,
As they went to Head their Forces. And I
Have commanded they be set so High,
As to enjoy a Large View of that Land they
Were Ambitious of, and then to strangle 'em
At that Height.
Time.
Are there but two, Sir, of Note
That you have taken? Flatter not your self,
Had they been thousands, they had left more behind.
Your Majesty counts that a Victory,
Which they scorn to account a Loss; and think
Y'are safe, when they are not indangered.
Among them? Is
Pallantus one of the two
Are taken?
King.
Pallantus! Thou dream'st of the Dead,
And the Ages past.
Time.
Sir, he's Living,
And if my Aimes deceive me not, he has
Lately Walk'd among us, and makes up the Knot
Of Traitors—Ha!
King.
What can this mean! Look out!
A vollie of Great Shot interrupts their discourse, and they stand amaz'd.
Enter
Polyander.
Poly.
Sir, arme speedily, put your self within
Your Strength, or y'are lost. The Block-house
Is revolted, Prince
Clearchus poures Men
In Swarmes upon the Shore,
Aratus has
Seiz'd both the Gate and Fort that lead unto
Great Shot still.
The Haven, and thunders, as you hear,
Upon the City.
Time.
These were the Evills
I was a Prophet of, I saw them when
They were Disguis'd. Sir, 'tis no time now to Stand,
But Doe.
King.
Madam, we intreat your Pardon,
That thus we have offended 'gainst your peace,
And made you the first partaker of our Troubles,
That ought to have Known them Last.
Hian.
Sir, your Trouble
Is too sad to be excus'd.
Mel.
How likes your
Hignesse the Serenade of this fair Evening?
Exeunt all but Hian. Meliss.
Hian.
I like it well
Melissa, but I fear;
My Solicitude and Care are too great
To admit a perfect Joy—
A Tumult and noyse of Weapons are heard at the Door.
Within.
Stand, stand.
Clea. Within.
Gentlemen stirre not, if you'l save your Lives;
We come to serve the Princesse.
Enter
Clearchus, Pallantus, and
Haimantus, with their Swords drawn.
Clear.
Madam, y'are safe, fear nothing. If you please
To put your self into our protection,
You may for ever bid a farewell to
This your Hated Prison. My Lord,
Pallantus,
Guard the Princesse, and make the Retreat with
All the Speed you can. The Honour of bringing up
The Rear in this Action, I can impart to none.
Within.
Arme, arme, arme.
The Princesse and Melissa
goe off with Clearchus
and his Party, a tumultuous Noyse of fighting continues for some time after. Then enter at another door, as in sight, Timeus
and his Party, who are beaten back by Clearchus
and his Party. Timeus
is struck to the ground by Clearchus,
but rescued by his followers; which done, Clearchus
retires Orderly, and the rest remain.
Enter
Polyander to them.
Poly.
On the ground, my Lord!
Time.
Lower and baser yet,
Viler in my Condition
Polyander,
Than this my Posture. Affronted, baffl'd, scorn'd,
Wounded by Traitors, and by Dishonour
Deeper. The Princesse in my very sight
Born from me.
Poly.
My Lord, these Wrongs dictate Revenge,
[Page 32] And not Complaints, shew your Resentments with
Your Sword And let what you Have call your thoughts
To it, and not what you have lost.
Time.
Lead on.
Exeunt Omnes.
CHORUS.
While He that should be Eye and Ear,
Through Sloth doth neither See nor Hear,
Behold like Thunder comes a Sound,
Which doth at once Amaze and Wound;
" That Dart sure hits, which Clouds did hide,
" And safely Kills,' cause Undescri'd.
" Where Dangers urge, he that is slow,
" Takes from Himself, and adds to's Foe.
Th' are come beyond a Whisper now.
And boldly dare proclaim their Vow.
" When the Prey's sure, to shew the Snare,
" Begets not Counsel, but Despair.
Like Lightning it awakes the Sence,
Onely to see, and grow Blind thence.
" 'Tis Love, not Faction, where the Good,
" Conspire to spill Usurping Blood.
[ACTUS 4. SCENA 1.]
Aratus and Pallantus are discovered sitting at a Table, with Pen, Ink, Paper, and Mathematical Instruments before them.
Aratus.
BEsides this great Work, we must have two less
On either hand of it; and which must first
Be made, no less to secure the Work in doing,
Than when 'tis done; two common Horn-Works
Will be sufficient for this purpose. Would they
Were finish'd.
Pall.
My Lord, commit the Charge of'em
To me, I'll both hasten the labour, and stand
Upon the Guard till they be done.
Enter
Clearchus and
Hianthe to them.
Hian.
Do you hear the Rumour my Lords?
Ara.
No, Madam.
What is't?—What Fatal Check can our Affairs
Hianthe answers not presently, as one troubled at what they are to utter.
Receive, that it should want a Tongue to speak it?
VVhich hitherto have been so prosperous, so sull
Of fresh successes, that our whole Councels
Have been imploy'd, but how to Entertain,
And make best Uses of'em.
Hian.
'Tis reported,
That the King's taken.
Ara.
Horror and Amazement
Seize me on the bare Relation! But such
A Prodigie cannot be! So Divine
A Person, was never thrown away so
Cheaply. Though the Gods abound in all Goodness,
They never Lightly yet Esteem'd of any;
That were not to shew their Plenty, but their
Contempt of Vertues. Excellent Lady,
Say the Particulars of this Report.
VVas there any of the Kings Age made mention of?
Hian.
No, the Account we have is this, That two Lords
[Page 32]
[...]
[Page 32]
[...]
[Page 34] That were in their passage to raise Forces,
Are taken by a Troop of Horse of the
Adverse Party. My Brother being yet
In his Disguise, and not known, is conceiv'd
To have past for one of their followers.
They stand all silent for a time as confounded with the belief of this relation, Pall.
first recovers, and speaks the following speech as to himself.
Pall.
VVhere are all our Great words now? Those
Mighty sounds which made a trembling in the Aire,
And caus'd no less a deafness with their fall,
Than if Thunder, the Voyce of Heaven were turn'd
Articulate, and spoke the Threats of
Jove
Unto the VVord? Chang'd to as great a Silence?
Such when a Tempest ceases, is the Calm
That followes, no noise is heard; as if the VVinds
VVith Blasts were Breathless grown, and the Seas
Sate down, and after so much Toyl required Ease.
But a True and Noble Spirit, ought not
To sink under Misfortune, but bear up
The stronger; and if the state be Desperate,
To attempt VVaies as Desperate to Change it.
No Action can be counted Folly,
VVhere no Counsel can be given for Any.
Rashness is Bravery, or VVisdome then, when
The Best Hope is but Destruction. I will do
Something, And where the gods have given a Will,
We ought not in their Service to sit still.
Exit Pallantus.
Hian.
I was born, and bred up in Miseries,
And the Misfortunes I have past, were not
To excuse my following Age from more,
But to prepare me onely to suffer
Greater yet, and stranger.
Clear.
My Lord,
Recollect your self. This Newes may be false, and all
The Danger the King is in, may be from your believing it.
Give not your self cause to mourn hereafter,
All perish'd on a Mistake. If that this,
The worst of Evils, be befalln, yet
It ought not to be the reason of your
Neglect, but greater Care and Vigilance.
Though much be Lost, yet that Remains, may well
Expect your best Thoughts to it. Look upon
That Lady, too much swallowed up in Grief,
Through our so low Dejection. If you have
Lost a King, consider in Her y'ave still
A Queen, and such a One, as for whose Service,
You would not think your dearest blood too precious,
Were it not frozen with your present sorrowes.
Ara.
My Lord, I thank you, and will follow your
Advise. Pardon my Amazement, and if
I seem'd dead, when the life of all my Actions
Was taken from me. Yet 'twas not a Slumber
I was lost in, but a Confusion of
Various thoughts, not knowing which to follow,
Till your Highness pointed me one forth.
We'll act something now so speedily, that
They shall not have leave to put an ill Design
In practise. Madam, revive your gentle
Spirits, happyer things attend you, than now
You know, or hope for—The Newes—
Hian.
VVhat Newes my Lord?
Ara.
Such as is not to be nam'd
Enter a Serv.
who Delivers Ara.
a letter, which he opens hastily.
VVithout a Sacrifice! O see Madam!
Though we have lost, we are not yet Undone;
There's a Check, but not a Total Ruine
[Page 35] Of our Fortunes. The
King, Paronimus, and
Eurylochu. are all safe, and never
Were in Danger; this Night they will be here
With their full Power.
Hian.
My joyes are then restor'd me,
I shall see my Brother
Clear.
My Lord, who are they
Are taken, and have given occasion for
This Mistake?
Ara.
Two that stood boldly for our Party.
More besides, their Name's there, and that they were
Honest, I cannot now instruct your Highness.
You may perceive, they, which have no such Cause
Of joy as we have, do lament them much.
We shall have a time too, I doubt not, both
To mourn and revenge their fall. In the mean time,
Let 'em rest in Peace and Honour. Such a
Farewel, were I in their Condition,
I should have expected. They have onely
Out-stript us in the payment of a Debt
We all owe unto our Master, ours is Due,
Though yet not call'd for. Come Madam, we must
Prepare to meet the King, and after that what
E'er our souls can wish for. But where's
Pallantus, absent from this happy Newes?
Ser.
He went forth my Lord a little before
The arrival of the Letters.
Ara.
We shall meet him.
Joyes of this nature will never come too late.
Exeunt Omnes.
Enter the
King and
Timeus.
Time.
Sir, though there are Troubles in your Affairs,
Let none be in your Countenance. Your Eyes,
Should like those blessed Twin-fires upon the Ship,
Display a Prosperous Flame, a light of Joy,
And Comfort round about; that they which toil
In the Rage, and Fury of this Tempest,
May from thence fore-see a Calm, and nourish
Hopes of safety. Thus you wrong your Power,
Destroying it your self, 'cause others would.
The Souldier groans, just as you groan, their pulses
Have the same Motion, and their Hearts do beat
Both Hope, and Fear, according as yours doth.
All Omen comes from you, your Passion is not
A single Sadness, 'tis the Peoples too.
When you confess a Fear, none dares be Bold,
Courage is thought a Folly, not a Vertue.
Your Mirth were now Discretion, and a Face
Chearful as at a Feast, were Policy,
'Twould be one kind of Succour.
King.
Timeus
I thank thee: But these Joyes come from Above,
And are not to be taken when we please:
No Man can pronounce, He will be happy.
Yet I will struggle with my Thoughts, and strive
To recover the Peace, that's fled from me.
But let not this thing Discomfort you,
Perhaps 'tis a course of Humours onely,
And a little Physick may remove it.
Time.
With the Comfort and hope of this, I'll leave
You Sir. And if the Genius that attends
Your Person, smile upon us, no other
Evil shall dismay us. Shall I bear any
Commands from you to the Camp?
King.
Onely my Salutations. The Charge of all
Do thou take upon thee. To morrow if
This Fit leave me, I'll visit you,
How every thing is irksome to me! Clouds
Exit Timeus.
[Page 36] And Darknesse are before my Eyes,
All things dissenting one from the other,
Yet Conspire in this, that they present Death
To my View. I have that Idle Comfort
Onely left, That he that Despaires of All,
Ought to fear Nothing. When things cannot grow worse,
All fortune then is on His Side that Suffers.
But my Injustice seconded with Murder,
Doe forbid Successe. A Kingdome rear'd in Bloud
Stands on a Slipperie Foundation.
And I have been nourish'd in Peace thus long,
That being grown Specious and Great, I may
At last fall a Sacrifice worth Slaughter.
Thoughts urge Thoughts; Suspition gets Suspition;
Horror Horror; I have not that small Settlednesse
Of Mind, as to think one thing twice. Were I
But Innocent, I would provoke Misfortune,
Call for Fate with as undaunted Courage,
As the Lord and Ruler of it doth—Hold.
An uproar at the door, Pallantus
rushes in, and wounds the King, the Guard follow on him.
I command you hold.—What a Nothing 'tis
That I have thus much Fear'd, and labour'd
To escape, when 'twas my Good! Childishly
Dreading every Thought of Cure, then most Offended,
When my Health was near. How Well I am
After this Little Wound! Quiet of Mind,
And Peace of Conscience, those Bless'd Companions,
Begin to return unto me. I see
Nothing but bloud can appease bloud in Sacrifice;
That to the Guiltie there's no Ease, but Death,
No Mercy, like the Crosse, Oh!—Hold in your Rage.
As the King shewes signes of weaknesse through his wound, the Guard make offer to kill Pallantus.
Have yee not alreadie acted Mischeifes
Enough by my Command, but yee must
Voluntarilie thrust your selves on more?
Y'are deceiv'd, though I have been hitherto
A Tyrant, now I am Mercifull, and would
Gladly behold things Just and Innocent.
Cap.
He faints. The Villain must not live.
King.
I Command you hold. My Power is yet Good.
You are the Villaines, the True Causers of
This my Miserie, and you should Lay Hands
Upon your selves. How Ridiculous is this
Your Furie? Suppose I should give way
To your Desires, what were you the Safer,
Or I the Better? You would have One Foe Lesse,
And I one Sinne more, that am alreadie
Loaden. Does not my Judgement affright you
Rather? I was not onely Guiltie, your
Hands were dipt in the same Bloud with mine, nay,
Oft perform'd such Deeds, I onely durst but Wish.
Had I given you my Commission, Obedience
Here would not have Excus'd you. Your Loyaltie
To Me was but at Best a Broken Faith
Unto another, and when Yee observ'd
It most, Yee were most Perjur'd. What can
Yee expect? Yee see when I was Guarded
By an Host, was thought Secure from what the
Power of Earth or Men could doe unto me,
One Man, as I may say, One Handfull of
That Earth, broke through all my Safeties, and with
A Single Arme has forc'd what a Million
Could not keep: and when no Humane Meanes was found,
[Page 37] Yet there was a Miracle to Conquer me.
The Guard rele
[...].
To you I turn now no more my Terror,
In Return of this Favour you have found,
Shew the like to These, and Others, that shall
Be guiltie of that Name,
Of Friends to Me.
Though You are Nothing yet, this Deed will make
You Powerfull: and You that have given them All,
May demand back so Small a Part.
Now you have been so much my Enemie,
Change something to a Friend—How Vainlie
I take Care for Lesser things, neglecting
My Chief Concernments. O my
Timeus!
O my Poor
Eudora!—Leave me not yet my Soul.
Thou can'st not mount untill the Load be taken
From thy Wing. Thou could'st inhabit here
When it was Hell, now it is Paradise,
O stay—and dwell—
He dies, and the Guard run and bear up his body.
Pall.
Though the Fall be Great, it cannot shake me,
When I know 'tis Just. The Malefactors
Penitence takes not the Justice of his
Doom away; though He be Chang'd, That remaines
Unstain'd. He may die with Pitty, but not
With Innocence. They mind me not, I'le take
This Advantage of their Sorrow for my
Escape; I will not trust their Obedience
To a Dead Command.
Cap.
Leave your sad Embraces,
Exit Pallantus.
They'l bring no Comfort to you, though you persist
In'em, till you are such as this you hold.
This ground of Sorrow will afford a perpetuall
Supply of Moisture, which your Eyes, like Sunnes,
May draw up, and pour down for ever; but
Never exhale a Satisfaction to you.
Let us to the Prince, and there unburden
Our hearts of this our grief, and if he have
A Service that commands our Lives, all hazards
Now will be welcome to us.
1.
Guard.
The Villain
That committed this Sacrilegious Act's escap't!
2.
Guard.
We were too soft to obey Dying-Speech.
Cap.
His Entrance and Escape were ordained
Both by Fate, 'twas not in Our Power to hinder Either.
Exeunt Omnes.
Enter
Timeus.
Give me a Power Mightie as my Rage,
That my Revenge may reach unto the Clouds,
And unthrone those Gods, that joyn'd hands with Men
To commit so Black a Deed. It were but
Justice they should loose their Deitie, that
So would throw it off. Oh my Father! did I
Unload thy Shoulders of the Kingdome,
That thou might'st fall under a lesse Weight?
And bereft thee of thy Jealousies, to
Ruine thee with more Assurance onely?
Where are all those Flatt'ring Tongues, that when
There was no Need, would, in a Complement,
Hourlie Suffer for Thee? Not One to die
In thy Defence? Or by his fall to make
Thine more Decent? What ho,
Charisius,
Erastus, Acmanthes, not one Voyce?
How Dismall is this Place! The Graves where Death
Inhabits are not so dreadfull! l I'le flie thee,
Though I run among the thickest of my Foes,
[Page 38] They can present no Horrors like this Lownesse;
The Cries, the Sword, the Trumpet in the Battell,
Strike not so deep Amazement!—
I walk like
He goes out, as in search of some of those that had wont to attend, and returnes again.
Aeneas among the Shades, all is Hell
About me! I see nothing but what my
Phansie frames in Horrid Shapes! O yee vain fears
Of Guiltie Men! All are Unreasonable,
But yours Ridiculous. When you have contemn'd
The greatest and most reall Dangers,
You tremble at a Ghost, a Thing lesse than a Man,
And when the Substance could not, the Shadow
Frights you. There is no way but this to set me
Above my Feares; when I am Lesse I shall
Be Equall to 'em.
Cap.
O hold, my Lord!
He prepares to fall on his Sword, and the Guard return, and save him.
Offer not up your Self a Sacrifice,
When there are so many, that gladly would
Redeem you with their Lives. Let that thought
Prevail with you, That you ought to Live for them,
That so willinglie would Die for you.
Y'are the Prop of thousands, and if you sink,
You pull a Kingdome with you. Take your Sword
By the Other End, and so holding it,
Seek to appease this Royal Ghost. If you
Cannot regain a Crown, yet win a Memorie
By the losse of it: This Object makes your Grief
A burden to your Honour. Lean on us,
My Lord, and we'l conduct you to the Camp.
Exeunt Omnes.
Enter
Polyander, Comastes, Menetius, and a
Captain, at their entrance a Shout is heard.
Poly.
What Shout is this among the Enemies?
Cap.
'Tis their Acclamations still for the Arivall
Of their Fellowes, with whom they have now joyn'd
Campes.
Poly.
I am glad of't.
I hope we shall have Command, to trie the Fortune
Of the Field to morrow. Would the Whole Knot
Of them were there, that we might make quick Work,
And like
Alexander, untie it with a Blow.
Com.
I and a Wall round about 'em to keep
Them to the Slaughter; that we may not be
Troubl'd to kill a Thousand in a Thousand
Places. I like not this pursuing, 'tis
The greatest Evill, next to the being
Pursued; the Wine nere tasts well when 'tis so
Jumbl'd. Give me a Standing-Camp, that
Flourishes like a Peacefull City, and wants
No Necessaries. Here stand your Engins,
There Victuall: on this hand a Palesado
Defends you, on the other a Barecado
Of Pork-tubs as impregnable: before
A Fose is cut of some two hundred paces,
And the Souldiers tipling in't, behind a Coop
Runs out of the same length, and the Poultrie
Tipling in their Trenches; whose bodies are
Too delicate and tender to bear travell.
Here a Man may, even among the Tents, forget
To be a Souldier.
Poly.
Ha, ha, ha, On my
Conscience
Comastes, thou art wearie
Of the Camp alreadie.
Com.
Yes faith,
As your Selves are, if you'd confesse the truth.
Poly.
[Page 39]
Why, me thinks there's no Pleasure like the Souldiers,
Who takes his Swing in all Delights, and sates
Himself with 'em, as if he were near to
Tast 'em more; and if Fortune be so kind
To grant him a second and a third Fruition,
Like Friends, which parted in the Morn two Dangerous
And Hopeless wayes of ever seeing, they Meet
With a Multiply'd, and Unexpected Joy.
His very Wounds, are Pleasures, and
Elizium
Comesfaster on him, than his Death.—
Com.
When Honour is the Prize, and wrong'd Justice
The Cause that thrust him on, he throws off One,
That he may gain a Better Life, a Life
Of Fame, which is Eternal even in Death.
That he enjoy'd before was Fading,
Sustain'd onely by the Infirmities
Of One Weak Body, now 'tis supported
By the Memories of All, the Charge of it
Is committed unto a World of Men,
Nor is't Extinguish'd before the Frame o'th'
Whole Universe. None are so surviving
As the Sons of Glorious War.
Jove gave
Life to
Hercules and
Theseus, but
Mars
Eternity; they breath'd from one, but gain'd
Heaven by the other. These were the great Thoughts,
Which when I was yet Young, and not able
To effect 'em, did dwell in me; they did
Suggest unto my soul, that I ought to raise my hand
Against the Gods, if they slept at Perjury,
And favour'd Injustice.
Poly.
Holloe
Comastes!
What Rapture's this?
Com.
To shew you how easie
A thing it is, to talk like a Souldier,
And be as brave a fellow as either of you.
Omnes.
Ha, ha, ha.
Mene.
Thou wouldst make an excellent
Run-away-Souldier. Such a speech on the High-way,
Were greater Violence, than Bidding-stand,
A long staff would not get an Almes so soon.
Poly.
What saist thou now
Comastes, to a jovial Round
Or two, beyond the Court-Healths? Those at the Kings
Own Table?
Com.
I believe I shall say more
Than you at this, as well as at the Other.
Poly.
Captain, command 'em to bring some VVine in.
Exit Captain.
Come, in the mean time lets sit.
Enter to 'em one of the Guard that was present at the Kings Death.
Guard.
My Lords, stand upon your Guard. The King's slain!
Omnes.
The King!
They all start up upon the Newes, and draw their Swords.
Poly.
Thou look'st distractedly, speak it again!
Guard.
He's slain! My self was present at his Death.
Poly.
By what accursed Hand?
Guard.
That Devil, that
Awhile since wounded the Prince, has Murder'd him.
But my Lords, I lose the time, and Betray you
In it. The Prince is come into the Camp,
And commands you strait to repair to him.
He finds the Army wavering in their Faith,
The City Bands are already Revolted,
And others begin to draw off. The Kings death,
And a Declaration from the Enemy,
Pretending that a Son of the former King's
Preserv'd by
Aratus, heads their Forces;
Has almost gain'd them a Victory. without
[Page 40] A drop of Bloud.
Poly.
Away, we stay too long,
Lead us where you left the Prince.
Exeunt Omnes.
Enter
Aratus.
Never did Justice shew her self so Eminent:
This was a Deed, as if her own Hand
Had wrought it! Who can complain the want of
Providence? Or say, the Guiltie and the
Innocent make one Heap in Judgement, when
This is told? A Tyrant in the Midd'st of
All his Strengths, guarded with Friends and Armes,
What ever Power or Policie could make him
Safe with, by a Single Hand strengthen'd with
Justice, was snatcht from the midd'st of all!
The Ligt'ning melts not the enclos'd Gold
With half that wonder, leaving that Containes it!
Nor doth the Plague, in a Multitude of Men,
Make a Choice so Curious.
Enter to him
Cleander and
Clearchus.
Clean.
My Lord, we may Sheath our Swords.
This Gallant Act of the Heroick and
The brave
Pallantus, has not onely
Remov'd a Tyrant, but, I may say,
Dissolv'd an Armie, and Reduc'd a Kingdome.
The Pretor, in the Cities Name, offers
Allegiance. And divers Bodies, both of Horse
And Foot, have left th' Enemies Camp, and are
Come over to us. What can we attribute
To this Noble Deed, that in any measure
May reach the Greatnesse of it? We ought to
Acknowledge it the Compendium of all
Our Future Fortunes; and what over High
And Happy shall succeed to us, to be
The Consequents alone of this. A Benesit
Of that Universall Nature, that like
The Sunnes Influence, our Enemies feel
The Good of it as well as we.
Ara.
Sir, you weigh
This Action as you ought. And while you can look
Thus Nobly on the Services are done you,
You'l make this Isle a Land of
Heroes,
The Princes Eyes breed Vertues when they shine
Upon 'em; and what ever has been found
To be his Temper, quickly growes to be
The Genious of the People.
Clear.
What thinkes your Lordship,
If we drew out, and fac'd the Body of
The Enemy, that yet holds together?
And with Fear, or Forces, sought to dissolve'em?
Ara.
My Lord, what can we return you for this
Gallant Forwardnesse? But the Force that now
Stands against us, will not be worth your Highnesse
Hazard, nor yet paines to face 'eur. A little
Shame, and Obligation to their Late Master,
Is all the Bond that holds 'em. And a few
Dayes, if not Houres, will scatter 'em, without
Our Swords. But this Message from the City,
Will require your Majesties attendance
To it. Please you to hear what their Demands
Are to you.
Exeunt Omnes.
Drums, and other noyses of an Assault.
Pall. Within.
Spare no Opposition.
Bréak the Gates, add fire unto your Force.
Enter
Rodia, and another Lady frighted in,
Endora after them.
Rodia.
O Madam, they break in upon us!
Eud.
O my Father, when thou art slain I cannot
Fear what after does befall me! The same
That was their Crueltie to Thee, will to Me
be Pittie.
A noyse as if the doores were forc'd, Pallantus
and other Souldiers break in.
Pall.
Stand. No man advance to touch a Life,
Or doe a further Violence. My Rage
Has blindly lead me on to Violate
A place no lesse Sacred than the Temples,
And rudelie ere I lookt about, hath thrust me
On the Deitie! So those that are led
To see some Glorious Sight, eager and longing,
Ask still as they passe, which is the way? and
How near? till they are engag'd within its
Splendour, which opening suddainly upon them,
Makes 'em retire as fast again with Reverence!
Eud.
What stayes thee Monster? And makes thee pant thus
Ore the Prey? Here I stand ready, and doe
Invite thy Furie; Come, and save my hand
A labour: if thou art Surfeited, I'le
Whet thy Appetite. Th' art a Murderer,
A Villain; these Name thee not; They are but
Diseases of the State, Thou the Death. The Law
Comprehends them within her Verge, thy Giant
Faults doe so much O're-top Her, that Justice
Cannot reach thee, and if there were no Gods.
Thou then wert Innocent, and would'st stand Safe,
Because thou art so Wicked. Thou hast Kill'd
Thy King. O no, thou had'st no share in him!
He was a King of Men, thou a Beast, the
Foulest, and the bloudiest that ever preyd
On Innocence.
Pall.
My Revenge, how false
Thy Beautie was.
Eud.
How Monstrous thou appear'st!
Thou represents unto me all Ill,
I ever heard of!
Pall.
And thou all that
I ever heard of Good!
Eud.
Thou mov'st like so many
Living-Mischiefes! had the Priests beheld thee,
They might have Divin'd, all these Future Evills
So exactlie in thy Form, that what they told,
Would rather have seem'd a Story, than
A Prophesie, and have sav'd us from thee.
Nature was never Guiltie of such a Work,
Some Hellish-Power hath given thee Birth, and Spirit,
And sent thee on the Earth to destroy all
That's Fair and Holy.
Cap.
Sir, raise your Spirits.
Can you endure such words as these? Souldiers on,
And make Her feel those Evils She hath utter'd.
Pall.
Hold, hold, Thou Worse than she hath Named! darest thou
Command, or move to such a Sacriledge?
If thy Sinnes were told thee from the Heavens,
[Page 42] Thou'dst blaspheme the Voice that spoke to thee
Withdraw, thy Rage is too Unhollow'd for
This Place. Provoke me not with another
Offer. I shall not swollow your Bitterness,
Though guilded in the Name of Friendship.
Exeunt Captain and Souldiers.
Eudo.
What next intend'st thou? What Master-piece
Of wickedness wilt thou glory in alone?
Know, thou canst not Force me; here within thy
Reach I am as safe, as if an Army,
All resolute to death, divided us.
She shewes a Dagger:
This Hand, something weaker than a Womans,
Can resist all thy strength, were it as great
In Mischief, as in Will.
Pall.
Though I seem all
That you have Named, and Fouler yet, this is
A sin I dare not do. O think me not
Worse than you have said already, and then
I may again wash off my Stains. The Beasts
Are Noble, meek to Chastity, and humbly
Lick the feet of Majesty. Judge me not
By shew, our Eyes deceive us, and as oft
Perswade us to the Wrong, as do the Blind-
Mans feet; falsely do prompt us, All that is
VVhite, is Innocent, and all that's Black, is
Sinful without exception. Should those
That look on you, be led so by the sense,
They must kneel down before you, and adore you
As some Deity, not being able
To phansie so much God, as they do see
In you! Such Formes their Powers have given you,
That you may become a Rival in their VVorships.
Eudo.
VVhy talk'st thou thus? Thy Tongue hath no more power
Than hath thy Hands.
Pall.
Neither intend Violence
VVould you could entertain of me one thought
Of Goodness, as hopeless as you think me,
I'd undertake to make it good, and Better't
Daily.
Eud.
Why delay'st thou? VVhat would'st thou have
Pall.
Forgiveness, Love, I dare not say.
Eudo.
Love!
Thy Thoughts are more Mishapen, than thy self.
In thy very Hopes thou art Cruel. This Base
Imagination hath wrong'd me more,
Than all thy Actions: In those thou onely
Sought'st the Ruine of Greatness, in this
The Ruine of my Name. A Rape were a Glory
To thy Affection, and though it had Lost,
It would have Got me Fame, the Honour of
A Ravish'd Virgin. Did'st thou Woe me with the
Highest Services, as thou com'st in my
Fathers Blood, I could Reward thee, but could
Never yeeld thee Love. I was too long
A Princess, and lost the name too Late,
To entertain so low a thought.
Pall.
The World
Of Causes that part me, and Happyness!
Eud.
Love is soft, and full of Curtesie,
A greater Opposite to Lust, than Hate.
The Flames thou feel'st, are more preposterous,
Than those which burn the Brests of
Satyrs, or
Of Beasts; which kill the Young, and in that blood
Enjoy the Dam. Think'st thou that any is
So bold in Lust, to imbrance the Fears thy Love
Brings with it?
Pall.
My Youth, and Comliness how
Are you obscur'd!
Eudo.
My Miseries have put
A new Nature in me, chang'd that Calmness
[Page 43] I had wont enjoy, into the Looks, and
Language of a Fury. How ill does Rage
Become a Virgins brest? I will suppress it.
And if it must break forth, dissolve it into
Tears. An Age worn out in thought, cannot present
One Comfort to me, I am so Wretched.
Oh! My soul's more Earthy than my body,
This War that is within me, I hope will
Gain a Victory o'er my Life at last.
Pall.
Accursed that I was to be the Authour
Of so much Miserie. Is there no way to restore
That Peace which you have lost? If there be any,
Despair not of it, though it be held within
The jawes of Death, I'll snatch it for you:
Though it were lost in the Darkest Mass of things,
My Love would distinguish't in a
Chaos:
If it have no Being, but what your Thought
Gives Life to, I'll Wish it for you, so strong
My Phansie is to serve you Let it be
Any thing to be done, I'll do it. Can I,
The wretched Cause removed; bring ease unto
You Sufferings? Here on my Knee I yeeld my Life,
Unto your taking: or if you had rather,
I'll offer't up my self.
Eudo.
No, and yet
There is a way, and thou may'st do it.
Pall.
Is there a way? O my joyes! The Gods are
Merciful! Name it, name it to me.
Eudo.
If thou wilt vow to do it presently.
Pall.
Need I an Oath to confirm I would be
Happy? 'Tis my own Happyness, I thus
Eagerly pursue in yours. Ev'ry sigh
You give, doth make me breathless; and ev'ry
Tear which you let fall, doth bow me nearer
To the Earth, than all the years and Wounds that
I have suffer'd. Yet I will swear, By all things
Holy, all that I fear and reverence,
To refuse no Labours, Death, to gain your Ease,
And restore joy unto your Life again.
Eudo.
Now thou can'st not, thy last words have render'd
Thee Unable. The Ease was Death, which yet
I beg from thee.
Pall.
From what a Heaven of happyness
Am I fallen?
Eud.
Assist me all my strength.
Ye Gods this way ye have ordained I should
Come to you: pardon that Fate then, which your selves
Did give me.
She makes an offer to stab her self.
Rod.
O my Lady!
Pall.
Stay, O stay that hand!
Let that Goodness in you, which would spare Things
Fair and Holy, preserve the Fairest, and
The Holiest! The Angells would be proud to take
Such Shape upon them when they Visit Earth,
'Tis such as Your self ought to look with Reverence on.
Eudor.
Ther's a Weapon hid within my Heart, which
None can take away: it wounds deeply now.
Death thou art a Lover, and dost Court me mildly.
Ladies O my Lady: help, help. O my Lady!
She faints.
Rod.
Give her more air.
Pall.
She's gone, my time's no longer.
Our Lives were woven on the same Web, the
Destinies condemn' me to see her Death,
And then to follow.
He prepares to fall upon his Sword.
Rod.
She breaths, stand off.
Eud.
My Brother, O my Father!
Rod.
How doe you Madam?
Eud.
Too well, my strength returnes to fast unto me.
Pall.
Were my Soul fled, that Voyce would call it back
Again, it self would return, and choose this
[Page 44] Paradise on Earth. I'le not disturbe her
With my Longer stay. Fair One, if your Lady
Shall need any thing, you may have it with
A thought; No lesse respect shall wait on her,
Than if her Father still Rul'd all. The Guard
Shall be at your Command, and attend onely
For your Quiet, and your Safety.
Rod.
Souldier
Th'art Noble. The Gods reward thy goodnesse.
Exit Pallantus
at one door, and Eudora
led off by the Ladies at the other.
CHORUS.
HE who Unjustly sway'd the State,
Lives no where now but in their Hate,
There's Nothing left of him but Shame,
Which both Preserves and Clouds his Name.
When Civill-Beasts fall, let it be
Call'd Slaughter, and not Victory.
When that He dyes, that lived a Shade,
His Sleep's Continu'd then, not Made.
Arise thou Starre of Honour here,
And in his Stead shine round our Sphear.
Grace thou the Throne, and let us see,
Thy Father once more Raign in thee.
We'l now in nought but Love Conspire,
And no brest burn but with True Fire.
While that such manners rule the Throne,
Live all by his, he by his Own.
[ACTUS 5. SCENA 1.]
Enter
Eudora and
Rodia.
Eud.
THis Quiet we enjoy, does strike Amazement
In me! Sure they have Slain the Body with
The Head, which makes this Generall Calm.
Rod.
Madam,
'Tis much more Innocent. And though that part
Of it we find, by particular Command
Be Order'd so; yet 'tis but an Image
Of the Universall Peace that Blesses
All the Isle. No Noise of Armes, Rapine of
Souldiers, Tumults, Slaughters, are seen in any
Place, but Securitie and Joy doe reign,
As in a long and Setl'd Peace. The Conspirators
Having brought about their Great Design,
Desire to have it seen to all the World.
They Sought a Change, but not a Desolation.
Eud.
Their Moderation is too Late; nor will
It satisfie the Gods, when they have spilt
So much Bloud, that they will Spill no more.
Rod.
O Madam, how farre you wander, and are lost
In Error! and to all your other Miseries
Is added this, your Mistaking of the Ground
On which you Suffer: and whether with my Duty
It will stand, to inform you of the Right,
I know not: Yet while there is a Charitie
In the Rudenesse, I shall be bold to tell you,
This Last Alteration the State has suffer d,
This wresting of the Scepter from your Name,
Together with your Fathers Life; has not
Befallen through the Impious and black
[Page 45] Contrivance of a few bloudie and ambitious
Lords, greedie to assume the Royall Ensignes
To themselves: but in the Name of Justice,
And the Owner, they have made this Seizure.
And there stands up a King, to Countenance,
And Justifie the Fact; a King not known
Unto the Latter Age, a Son of Him
From whom, with the like violence, but more
Injustice (pardon what I say) your Father
Formerlie did tear the Diadem.
O Madam! Your Innocence, or Pietie,
Or both, though you stood for many Yeares,
So Great a Person in the State, Kept you
From looking in this Mysterie. And if
You doubt the truth of what I have said,
Or can suspect your Enemies Cause is pleaded
By me: ask of the most Zealous to your House
And Name, and you will find, I have not onely
Declar'd a Veritie, but restrain'd by Manners
And by Duty, conceal'd a Storie of the horrid'st
Crueltie, that any Age or time can Parallel.
Eud.
If this be true, our Sinnes are mightier
Than our Suff'rings; and had we a greater Debt
Than Life, we ought to pay it. My Miseries
Are due to me, I was a Partie, and
Enjoy'd my Fathers Violence and Treason.
Rod.
You are as Innocent, as at that Time
Your Age was; and onely doe offend, in these
Your Teares, and too much Sorrow, which on this
Occasion shew'd excessively, is not
To Grieve, but to Repine. The King was Old,
And taking his Latest Leave, and 'tis hard
To say, whether he were First opprest with Yeares,
Or Vengeance. My Lord
Time us, 'tis true,
Was Young; but waigeing so seaslesse and perverse
A Warre, 'gainst Vertue, and 'gainst Justice,
What wonder if at last he sunk in such
A Quarrell?
Eud.
How ill these Words become thee
To speak, and me to hear'em? Think'st thou, the Shame
And Vices of our House, can bring a Comfort
To me?
Rod.
I think their Shame and Vices, Madam,
Ought not to oppresse your Innocence.
Eud.
As the Glories, so the Dishonours of
A Familie reflect upon the Rest
Of Kin.
Rod.
'Tis the Error of the Blind
Mistaking World, that placeth either, where
They are not deserv'd.
Eud.
Can any shift off,
With Honour, from themselves the Sad Calamitie
That O're-whelmes their House?
Rod.
If that Calamitie
Be the punishment of Particular Crimes,
To dote on the Calamitie is to Allow
The Crimes.
Eud.
None can be suspected to allow
A Crime, that punish even their Innocence,
For their Alliance to the Vitious.
Rod,
Nor none can be admired for Justice more;
That punish Innocence on any Score.
Enter Lady to 'em.
Lady.
There's one of the Adverse party, that seems
Of Note, desires admittance to your Highnesse.
Eud.
See
Rodia who it is.
Rodia
goes out as to see, and returnes again.
Who is it?
Rod.
[Page 46]
Madam, I Know not! nor did I e'er see
Any like him! His Grace and Forme admit
No Paralell! He speaks like the Souldier
That first broke in upon us, but him
It cannot be, He was the Terror, This the Delight,
And Wonder of those that look upon him!
Eud.
Whether will thy Unseemly Admiration
Carry thee? In Men Beauty's the Least Part.
Rod.
Madam, it appears so in him! Yet where
Such Excellence of Form is seen, the Beauties
Of the Mind are seldome Common. He craves
Admittance to your Highnesse, and will not
Take it, before that it be granted.
Eud.
Admit him. It will not become our State,
To deny Commands, much lesse when they Intreat.
Rodia
goes out, and returns again with Pallantus
richly habited.
Pal.
The Kingdome owes a Sacrifice for your Life;
All will joy to hear of it: which had it falid,
Would have pul'd more Guilt upon us, then the Sinns
Of a whole Age.
Eud.
It is my shame you tell me of,
And a great Share of my Grief that thus I stay
To Grieve.
Pal.
My Offensive Tongue can utter
Nothing pleasing to you; so great are your
Misfortuues, and your Honour so tender
To you: Yet if my Bloud could Cure the Wounds
I have given you, I would not stick to make
A Balsome with it.
Eud.
Thou art not He
Which gave'em me.
Pal.
If my Repentance can make
Me Clear, I am not. Otherwise twas I
Who blinded with the beauty of a Rash
Revenge, tore from you all your Joyes, and with it,
Lost my Owne.
Eud.
Th'art strangly Alterd
If thou bee'st he!
Pal.
Nothing so strangely
As my Hopes are. Which first appeared to me
In a shape most Heavenly, and told me
All should be as Blessed as their Form!
That if I would strike one Noble Blow,
I should remove the Numerous Wrongs and Evils
Of a Nation. But treacherously hid it
From my sight, that with the same stroke, I should
Produce One Evill, out-weighing all the rest
That I had Remedied.
Eud.
Why dost thou Colour thus
Thy Cruelty with Outward shew of Justice
And Compassion? Thou hadst no Cause for that
Which thou hast done, The Wrongs were General
Thou Urgest so; and of a Publique Nature,
And came not in the Compasse of thy Private
Vengance; but that thou hadst a Hand was ever prest
And ready to act a Cruelty.
Pal.
Yet I had
A Cause, pardon me that I say so, and being
That I saw not You before I did it,
A Just One. I lost a Soveraigne, as near
To me in Bloud, as Love. And if this Cause
Seeme Remote, I had a Father Murdered,
Whose Death it became me to Right with Vengeance,
As it becomes you to mourn ore yours with Teares.
My self the First Prince of all this Isle,
Was drove a Fugitive to other Countrys,
My Wrongs and Innocence were my onely Guilt.
Nor did my Persecutors here give ore,
[Page 47] They thought too Much was Left me in my Life;
So Poore at that time, so Orewhelmd with Miseries,
Twas hardly from a Death to be distinguish't.
Their Injuries put a New One in me,
And blew the Sparke unto a Flame, Consumd'em.
Look on this—It may bring you Comfort,
He gives her the Letter he found at the beginning in the Villaines pocket that should have kil'd him.
With making you Out-of-love with the Subject
Of your Grief.
Eud.
Pallantus! are you
Pallantus.
Pal.
This is the first Day, I have dared to be so
Eud.
And to all the Treason and Injustice named,
Here's signd,
Timeus! Couldst thou be so Cruell,
So foully Impious? Degenerate Brother!
This hath made a Mercy of all that hath
Befallen thee: Nay thou dost deserve
To have thy Punishments out-Live thee;
To have this Blasting Character engraved upon
Thy Tombe to all Posterity.
Here lies
The Bloudy, Treacherous, and (to make thee
Monstrous, to have thy Age joynd to it)
The Young Timeus; that was subtle in
His Youth. What remaines for me? That Happinesse
The most Wretched do enjoy, is taken
From me, A Worthy Cause of Sorrow. Now
I can neither Live or Dye without a Staine.
Pal.
Can you find yet a Resemblance but of Justice
Inmy Actions?
Eud.
I Know not how to Answer you.
The Tongue that can defend such Impious Deeds,
Must be as Wicked as the Will that did
Commit'em. Had Equity poynted all
Your Actions out, given you Rules to work by,
Told you how much, how farre you must have gon,
You could not have done more Justly. There wants
Not any thing to Crown your Judgment, but
My Death, the onely Surviving Issue
Of that Sinful Race: I have a long time
Loathd my Life, and now I loath My Self too,
I find, I know not how, a Guiltinesse
Possesse me; my Fathers Crimes, flow like his Bloud
Within me.
Pal.
O say not so! Forbeare at length
To prophane the Divine Goodnesse that dwels
In you! It is a Sin, though You Your self
Commit it. Shall Self-Slaughter be held a Sin,
A Self-Slander not be Noted as a
Greater Crime? If the first be Murder,
So much the Soul's more Excellent than the Body,
That the Last must be held a Sacriledge; a kind of
Blaspheming of the Deity dwels in us.
Take heed, while you would rather Dye, than bear
A Staine, you pull not the Greatest on you
By avoiding it.
Eud.
They that will preserve
A pure and Spotlesse Soul; must punish even
The least Affinity in themselves to Sin.
Pal.
Be yet advised. They that too Nicely Create
Sin where tis not, Condemn their Innocence
When their Judgment's Faulty.
Eud.
Why do you thus
Reward me Good for Evill? VVhy would you
VVith-hold me from Perishing Justly,
That sought to sink you in all your Innocence?
Could my Imprecations have drove you
To Destruction, I had had but the End
I aimd at.
Pal.
Y'are still a Judge too Cruell
To your Self. All those Imprecations
[Page 48] I deserv'd, as I then shew'd to you.
But doe you Ask, Why I would save you from
Destruction? O you have set too High a Prize
Happinesse in That your Question, unlesse
Your Bountie too would shew the Way, that we
Might Hope to Effect it! How should I despise
The proudest Honours that attend the Sword,
In which Robbers and Ruffians may be Sharers
With me, to win a Glory so perfectlie
Illustrious? And could I bestow
So Matchlesse and Divine a Benefit,
As Your Preservation, on the World,
People would stile me God! And though from the Earth
I took my Being, with the Noblest of
The Ancient
Heroes they'd fix my Name in Heaven,
Invest me with Diadem of Starres,
And Robe of Immortallitie! And what is it,
That Obstructs this Blessing to the World and Me?
If I look upon your Innocence,
I read a Book, in which, not onely a Few
Finite Yeares are writ, but see an Age
Drawn out to all Eternitie. If on your
Losse of State; no Injurie of the World,
No Shock of Fortune can diminish
A True Greatnesse, That which was your Own,
Is still On you; and sets you forth th' Example
And Adoration, both of the Present
And the Future World. Is it then last,
Your Losse of Friends, or all these joyn'd together,
That withholds this Blessing we would so Dearly
Purchase? What is there in your Condition,
That is not to be paralleld in Others?
Look upon my Misfortunes, and you shall find
A perfect Sceme of all your Saddest Evils.
I lost, as you have done, a Father, a King,
The Second Hopes unto a Crown, the Joyes
And Glory which doe wait on these: Nay more,
By you I lost them. Remember what your
Righ Hand, your Father, and your Brother, did
Take from me, what your Left, their Ministers,
And Servants. Learn then a Strength of me (that
Is the Worst Name for it) to bear a Change
Of Fortune: And pardon a Fathers Death;
Let the Innocence of Mine excuse my
Violence to yours. We are the Wretched'st Two
Alive, made so by Our Selves, and can be
Onely Happy in Our Selves—No Beam of Joy yet?
No breaking of a Raie of Comfort,
From these Clouds of Sadnesse? No Dancing
After this Long Night of Sorrow? Madam,
Yet look up! Though hitherto my Comforts
Have been Air, and unable to remove
The weight of Grief oppresses you, yet here's
One remaining, I dare pronounce, will prove Successfull.
Vouchsafe to cast an Eye upon this Paper,
That beares the Characters of your Living
Brother, and other Friends.
He gives Her a Paper.
Eud.
It is not so!
It cannot, it must not be! Your Safeties
Will not Suffer this; if the Sword of Warre
Have spar'd him, That of Policie hath Cut him off.
Forbear to Mock me thus, such Delusions
Drive my Sorrowes to Distraction.
Pall.
Madam,
[Page 49] He lives, and with him all the Rest, whose Names
Are there Subscrib'd; nor is there more than One
(Could you but pardon that) of any Note
Has lost a Life by these Late Troubles. Think not
I have mock'd you with a Deceitfull Shew.
I know, to have given you Happinesse,
As you imagine, had been Twice onely
To have Snatch'd it from you. I shall say no more
To you, But Live as you find the Hopes true
I have promist you. And believe when I
Spoken this: my Life, my Honour, all that
I possesse, and all that can be added
To me, are a Gage Short to that I have given you.
And till I present your Brother in Safetie
To you, I'le never presse to enjoy again
The Heaven of Looking on you.
Rod.
Madam, clear
Exit Pallantus.
Your Spirits yet at last from these Clouds
Of Discontent. Many Noble Comforts
Court you on ev'ry Side; make a Truce
With Your Sorrowes, but till you see the Issue
Of'em.
Eud.
I shall at least so far, as till
I have prov'd this One that's promist me.
Exeunt Omnes.
Enter
Cleander, Hianthe, Clearchus, Aratus, Haimantus, Phronimus, and
Eurilochus; Shouts of the People as they Enter.
People.
Jove, Neptune, Apollo, all the Powers
That favour
Crete, preserve and blesse the King.
Clean.
Through the Happinesse of my People. May
I know no other Joy or Blisse, but what
First passes you, the Middle-Way of Blessings
Between the Gods and Me.
People.
The Gods preserve
Your Majestie.
Enter Pallantus,
and Kneeles and kisses the Kings Hand,
Pall.
Sir, I humbly crave your Pardon,
That thus tardily, after the People,
And your Enemies, I present my Dutie
To you, and wish you Happinesse.
King.
I cannot
Be deceiv'd, thou must be, th'Inimitable,
Matchlesse, not to be Counterfeited, or
Resembl'd, Great
Pallantus! Whom as none;
Can Reach to in a Noble Action, so none
Can Equall in a Gallant Presence! Nor
Doe I wonder to see the Change wrought in thee,
Thy Deed hath thus Transform'd thee, It sits upon
Thy Brow, and casts a Glorie round about
Thy Face!
Ara.
Me thinks till this Day, the Times had
Likewise a Vizor on, a Look'd not with
A True Face before. Sir, you shall hourly see
New Graces, and New Glories break forth from him!
Pall.
My Lord, you promise too Highlie for me.
Ara.
Thou look'st sadlie after all thy Honours.
King.
So my-thoughts! What can be the Cause? Can He
That has given a Nation Happinesse, want it
Himself? Speak thy Discontent. If it lie not
In my own Power to Remedie, I'le Sacrifice
In thy behalf.
Pall.
Sir, low as the Earth I bow
To you. But that which is my Grief, will be
No longer mine alone, than while I doe
Conceal it; 'tis a Disease, that all Good Men
[Page 50] Will catch with the first Fancie, and Conceit.
Justice could never yet, with all her Care,
So carve out her Punishment, but that the Innocent
Were Wounded with the Stroke, and felt the Judgement
Of anothers Sin. While with her Sword,
She Cuts off the Offending Parent, the Child
Is made an Orphan in the Cradle, and mourns
In after daies, the Crime he nere Committed.
Clean.
Whither does this Sad beginning tend?
Pal.
To this Sir. As we have slain (with all Religion)
A bloudy Tyrant and Usurper; one
That was Greater in his Sins, than in the
Kingdome he purchas't by them: So too we have
Unjustly slain the Father of a Lady,
That knew not so much Guilt, as to satisfie her,
Why she lost him. And for want of his Life,
She now Contemns her Own, a Jewell
Of Jnestimable Valew to all the World,
But to her self. Sir you cannot call Her
An Enemy, though her Goodnesse stood against You
So Many Years, and preserv'd her Father,
In despite of all his Sinns. It became her
To withstand the greatest Piety what ere,
If it were an Enemy to her Owne.
Hian.
Her Cause of Grief is Mighty, and if Care
Be not taken, as their Faults have done the Rest,
Her Goodnesse will destroy her. We that beheld
The past Deformities, can bear Witnesse
Of her Vertues. She was the onely Mine
Of Honour, and when we had been wearied
In seeking one Grain else where, in Her
We could find a Treasure. Nor was this a Beauty
In her, set off onely with the Blemishes
Of Others, And Foyl'd by Generall Vices;
But twas a Reall, and a Native Excellence,
Which as it could not be obscur'd by Thickest
Darknesse, so neither could it be out-shined
By the most Radiant Brightnesse.
King.
Her Grief
Concerns us all, and ought to be provided for
Before our Feasts and Triumphs. Returne.
In our Name to Her, and tell Her, be the Advantages
Nere so Eminent we have receiv'd by 'em,
We truly Mourn, for whatever Losses, may be Called Hers,
Say too, in Person we had come to Comfort her,
But that we thought a Visit, in the Freshnesse
Of her Sufferings, too much Violence.
VVhat ever there remaines, that can bring a Joy
To Her, shall carefully be sought out,
And offered to her. Her Brother with many
Of her Friends are fled into the Fort,
And are there shut up—VVould I could give'em Life—
VVhat say you my Lord? May I do this?
VVill not Mercy in this place, be Madnesse?
Ara.
Sir t'will be so in no place. You may do this,
Or any thing you have a mind too.
Even in your Suddain'st, Uncousidered Thoughts,
There is a Secret Counsell, and Depth of VVisdome;
And seeing all your Actions, Nay, all your Pleasures
Are in some Exercise of Vertue; we
VVill not crosse you in'em, but make't
Our greater Care, to see you no time Suffer
By your Goodnesse, or that your Mercy prove
[Page 51] A Cruelty to Your self.
Clean.
You have given me
Resolution. Haste then in the first place
Unto the Fort ('Twas their desire this Morning,
To have Conference with one of Note)
And if you finde'em fit for Mercy,
Or to be made fit, offer't to'em
Exeunt Omnes.
Enter at one doore Polyander, Menetius, Comastes,
and the Captain
of the Guard; Timeus
to them at the other.
Time.
No Answer yet return'd?
Poly.
Not yet Sir.
Time.
One look out again.
Polyander,
I remember,
Exit Captain.
I heard thee once say, when I condemnd thee
For thy smiles, That if there were a Cause, thou
Couldst Frown, VVhy look'st thou Sadly at this Time then?
Our Fortunes ought rather to stir our Indignation
Than our Grief.
Poly.
Sir were they my Own Misfortunes
I were under, and not yours, the Heaviest
Pressures should not move a Passion in me,
Unlesse it were some Glory, but when I look
On you a Fellow-Sufferer with me,
Remember the State from which y'are fallen,
Though in my Own Miseries I had a Heart
Of Flint and Rock, In yours I could desolv't
Into a Stream of Teares.
Cap.
Sir ther's now one arriv'd.
Enter Captain.
Has certainly brought an Answer.
Time.
Letus
Seat our selves before he Enters, that he
They all sit down about a Table that has a Cup of poyson on it.
May see on what strength our Demands are made.
Every Man put on a Face of Mirth and
Resolution; and fancie to himself
He's at a Banquet, that will refresh him,
After all his Toyle—VVho's this? Do any
Enter Paliantus
Of you Know him?
Poly.
Not I my Lord!
Men.
Nor I!
Time.
Sir, Y'are VVelcome But we Invite you onely
To look on. The Liquor this Goblet holds,
Though it be Brisk, and of a Lu
[...]ty Operation,
VVe cannot Commend so much for Purity,
Or help to Good Digestion. The Gods
Give not Life more Certain, than this gives Death,
Do you think you can behold the Drinking
Of it? VVould
Aratus himself were here,
That once he might be Glutted with
A Spectacle of Death! You look Pale on tis
Already. Fly Sir, while you may; for certainly
Your Enemys have a Plot upon you,
And sent you hither to take your Death in
By your Eyes. Had they none to send us,
To behold our Resolutions, but such a Trifle?
Pal.
What Shape can I put on, and thou not Injure
Me in't? I never yet appeard to thee
In any Form, but Either I found thy Scorn
Or Hatred in it! At first I was thy Fear,
As all that were Innocent did Fright thee.
And because Thou wert Guilty, I was Banisht.
Not to remove me neither, but my Death.
VVhich standing firme 'gainst any Stroke of Law,
By Treachery thou would'st have reach't it.
Am when by Miracle I scapt thy Plotted
Mischiefs, by Chance thou would'st have slain me
A Stranger, and Unknown to thee: My Disguise
VVrongd thee not, nor couldest thou pretend a Quarrel
To it, more than to him that in the remotest
[Page 52]
India drawes his breath—
Timeus
starts from the Table, and draws his Sword, the rest doe the like.
Time.
I know thee now!
Thou need'st not further declare thy self!
And thou art Come past all my Wishes
To Satisfie my Regenge.
Pallantus
Knocks, and a Guard rushes in.
Pall.
Hold, I came
To bring Peace, and not Destruction. Doe you
Perceive yet how vain is all your Malice?
Time.
If thou art that man thou would'st seem to be,
And Equallie with Me do'st honour a Dead
Father; yet setting by these Seconds,
Let us Singlie trie our Hatred. The Grant
Of This will please me more, then a Consession
Of all the Articles proposed by me.
I had rather see thee Dead, or by this Meanes,
Not see thee Live, then again be Master
Of the Fortunes I have Lost. I am unfit
For Life, And shall but curse the Givers of it.
Pall.
If I thought so, I'd grant to your Request,
And Kill you; I could doe it, I have Strength
And Justice enough to make me Able.
But you are not so Bad as you suppose.
These are Despairing, not Malitious Thoughts.
Yet ere I gooe (rest assured) one way or other
I'le give you Satisfaction, I came
For that Intent. Shew me your Articles—
Here one gives him the Articles, which he seems to run over with his Eye, and reads the last aloud.
And last,
That thus attended we may depart
The Isle, How poor are these Conditions!
Without more Commission I dare grant you
Better. Why these are demands within the Compasse
Of a Subjects Asking. Be not Deceiv'd,
You were not so Safe in your Own Raign,
As in your Enemies. The State is not
Translated from one Tyrannie to another;
But a Prince governes now, which is a Name
Of Mercy as well as Power; which He truly Knowes,
And in his first Deeds desires to shew on you.
He does not think he's then like
Jove, when he can
Thunder, but when he can shoure down Blessings
On a Nation: Not when he is the Voyce
Of Death, but when he sits Harmlesse with the Power
Of Death about him. Revenge, Torments,
Executions, are not the Attributes
Of a King, but a Destruction. He Rivals not
The Immortall Powers in Temples, Statues,
Adoration; but in Transcendent Vertues,
Divine Performances; the Saving, Helping
Qualities, not the Stern, and Awefull,
Are the Steps, by which he Climbes above the Heads
O'th' people, and appeares a God on Earth.
Time.
Why should I be a Stranger to these Vertues
More then this man? I was not born for Lesse Things
Then He! Certainlie, when Nature made this Frame
She intended it for the Noblest purposes!
Pall.
What doe you yet Resolve, or Demand further?
He mindes not what Pallantus
sayes, but continues his meditation.
Time.
How my Soul's Acquainted with these Excellent
Precepts, though it have been ever Kept
A Stranger to 'em! how it approves, consents,
Takes part with 'em at first hearing; even winding
And twisting with 'em, as if its Highest Good
[Page 53] Were in their Fellowship!
Pall.
If you have no more
To Ask, or Hope for, hear what is Freely
Offer'd to you. Your Lives in the first place
Are granted you; In the next your Fortunes,
Honours (in a word) whatever with Justice
You can call yours. Why look you Wildlie at this Gift
Of Grace? It is no Wonder to the Giver
Of it, nor them which live about him, though
The Consequence may seem Dangerous.
'I were not worthie the High Name of his Vertue,
If either the Perill or Offence were Lesse.
And 'tis but a Mean Expression of his
Goodnesse, to say, His Enemies were Courted
To Live by him. But presentlie you'l think,
This Offer'd Mercie is not to Save you,
But to Deferre your Death. A Vain Thought.
When can it be done more Justlie? Or more
Safely? Y'are as farre from those to Pittie you,
As to Help you: None but Himself has any Care
Of you. 'Tis true, there is a Lady that had
A share in you, but Injuriously
You threw her off; nor can you claim an Interest,
When you have Neglected Her in all her Miseries:
Not in your Flight, your Articles, no not
In your Thoughts provided for Her. And had
She not fallen into the Hands of Enemies,
That were Servants too to Honour, You had
Thrown away a Jewel that had a First Esteem
Even among the Gods.
Time.
O Sir, you have undermin'd
My pride, and remov'd me from that Advantage-Ground
I stood on, to my Own Low Pitch. These your
Last Words come Near unto me, and make me,
With Reverence, believe all that you have spoken.
Your Vertues before did onely stir my Hate
And Envie; but this Deed has taught me Admire you.
Nor can I doubt, there is a want of any Honour,
When you have shewn such Noble Care, in preserving
A Distressed Virgin, whom I durst not think of,
Least I should think too of Dishonour.
Pall.
Sir, keep your Transportation to your self.
We doe not think Our Selves such High Deservers,
In doing that which Barbarous People
Would have done. They which would have burnt the Temples,
Would have Knelt to Her; and what Duties their
Want of Faith deni'd unto the Altars,
So Visible an Image of the Deitie
Would have call'd from 'em! Think you, we could desire
To save such Enemies as you, and not
Adore an Enemie of Her Vertues?
Time.
Give me not Scorn, and Honour in the same breath.
You cannot so Nicelie, so Abstractedlie,
Conferre a Benefit on the Unfortunate
Eudora, but it will Reflect on me.
Your Words besides, with a kind of God-like
Power, have remov'd, not onely my Despaires
And troubles; but like Heavens Lightning, shot into
My Soul, has torn me from my self; burnt and
Consum'd all that was Vitious and Corrupt
Within me. Be not then Unlike the Powers
You have yet resembl'd, to scorn the Person
That your Grace Converted.
Pall.
All Vertues, crown'd
With Happinesse, flourish in
Timeus.
[Page 54] I meet you to the fullest of your Wishes.
And believe, as my Bodie is now One
They imbrace.
With yours, my Soul is no lesse joyn'd.
I perfectlie Forgive, whatever you
Have done to me: Forget, what I have done
To You. Next, believe with This, I throw away
All Danger that does threaten you. In the last place,
He casts away the poyson. Exeunt all but Comastes.
Follow me whether I shall Lead you.
Com.
I breath, am warm, alive all over; feel, smell, hear (but when I look on He points to the Cup that had the poyson. Thee, I thank God) I taste not. I see too, and more particularlie, that 'tis not Death, but a Dream of Death onely that hangs on me; Some ill Vapours of the Spleen, bred from Noise of Warre, hearing of Murders, Varietie of Danger, and no Feasting. The King, my bountifull and loving Master, was kill'd suddainlie; his Son deserted by the Armie and the whole Kingdome, on the Newes, scap't hardiie with his Life, a few friends and followers to this Fort: where, with as much adoe, we shut our Selves in, and our Enemies out; But Honour, a subtiler and more pernicious Adversarie than all the rest, shuffled it self into the Hold with us, and has never ceas'd one minute since, in its Own Name, and the Name of Honestie, of the Condition we have Lost, and the Disgraces we were to expect, to present us with Halters, Daggers, Poyson, any thing that might give us (as she term'd it) a Noble End. I must confesse, I am not for these Melanchollie Things, my Ends have still lain otherwise. 'Tis true, I bear on me the Dignitie of a Lord. But how? As a Pedler does his pack, upon my Shoulders, not in my Heart. And what is Honour at the best? But a bare Name onely; and not alwayes so much to me: the Title was never given me Seriouslie, but by Rascals; with my Fellow Peeres (if I pleas'd 'em in the Feast) I was my Lord Comastes, If not, Comastes-with-my-face-full-of-Sauce, and my Locks of Liquour, my hair and beard dropping like a Wine-presse, as if my being there were not to Drink the Wine, but Make it. But again, I have a Lordship in Land to loose, as well as Title. What then? shall I sell my Life for Dirt? My Soul for a few Acres? I'le batter the World too for a Grave, and maintain't I make as Wise a Bargain. But say this Land be taken from me, pray how came I by it? Was it the Inheritance of my Noble Father, or the Purchase of my own Wit? Good Yeoman-of-the-Bottles Sleep in peace; your Sonnes Being was from you, but his Well-Being, and his Dignities, from his proper Vertues. Which as the Philosopher wisely observes, in no fortune leave the Owner. And while the Sciences of Eating, Drinking, Fooling, and the like, are held in Estimation, I cannot want a Lordship. Farewell therefore all Dreames and Meditations of the Other World, my Making was for this; your Elizium with Sweet Shades, and purling Streames, does not one whit entice me, for when they have said all they can, 'tis still to be Dead, to be there. And having happilie broken from the Companie of my Noble Associates, I'le yoak no more with 'em, till I see what becomes of their Magnanimities: but thus as I am, alone, with warie steps I'le march unto the New Court; and doe not Despair, though the King and State be Chang'd, to continue still the same Man.
Exit Comastes.
Enter
Pallantus, Timeus, Polyander, and
Menetius.
Pall.
My Lord, I beseech you attend here
Till I give notice of your Coming.
Pallantus
goes out, and returnes presently again, and holds up the Hanging for Eudora,
who with transportation meets her Brother, after whose first Encounter Pallantus
withdrawes.
Eud.
Oh! Is it Reall, that my Armes imbrace?
Or do they Idlie thus infould a Shaddow?
Liv'st thou
Timeus? Or are we Dead together?
And on the
Elizeum Banks enjoy this
Meeting. Say, and confirm me. For so lost
In Miserie, so weaken'd and perturbed
With Grief are my best Faculties, that what
I doe, and what I see, I Know not.
Time.
[Page 55]
Dearest
Eudora, I excuse thy Weaknesse;
Nor is't a Wonder, if thy Softer Nature
Feel these Impressions of a Potent Sorrow;
When the like Passion disorders even
The Strongest of my Powers, and leaves me broken
With as great Distemper. O my
Eudora,
Well may we rave of Shades below, and
An Hereafter-Being, when we have latelie
Suffer'd such a Change, as to a Death
May well be Equall'd. Turn, and cast thy Eye
Upon these Miserable Reliques of our
Former Fortunes.
Eud.
Yet we doe Live, my Lords,
She turnes to these that came with Timeus.
If they doe Live, that have a Doubtfull Death
Still hanging o're 'em. But my
Timeus,
I am o'rewhelm'd with Griefes, th'are parted to me
By an Unequall Hand: my Share of Common Losses
Is the same with Yours; and then my Private Troubles
Are no lesse than they. No sooner were the
Transports o're I ow'd your Safetie, but Like
The Pangs of Death these seized on my Soul.
Time.
What can thy Goodnesse suffer, that's set beyond
The reach of all I can Imagine?
End.
Which way shall I begin? I dare not speak
My Troubles; the beholding of thy present Evils,
Forbids the Office of my Tongue. O my
Timeus, thy Misfortunes are so great,
That they render thee something Sacred
To my Thoughts. And as with Religion
We Impale that Oak, which by
Joves Thunder
Has been struck, to keep't hereafter from a
Prophaner Wrong: So Thou, by thy Misfortunes
Struck from Heaven, seem'st Consecrated and Exempted
From all Violation of a Mortall Tongue.
Yet look on This, and read thy Self, those Thoughts
I dare not utter. And though it shew but One
Small Line of that Vast Sceme of Crueltie,
Design'd or Acted by thee, it may serve
To bring the Rest into thy Mind. This Paper
Was found in the Villaines Bosome, that should
Have done the horrid Act, by Him that should
Have suffer'd it.
Time.
Eudora, though on a
Mind of Bloud and Guilt, this Paper, and thy Words
Attending it, might rush with no lesse Horror,
Than that Thunder thou now spok'st of: Yet on me,
These Bolts and Flashes are like those Brute
And Idle Ones, which dash 'gainst Rocks and Mountains
Without harm. Know, that before these Wakenings
Came from Thee, all Heavens Artillerie has been
Empti'd on my Soul; and those Celestiall Fires
Have wholly purg'd, nay calcin'd, and burnt up
The Old
Timeus. And what is seen remaining
Of his Substance, is of a Holier
And Diviner Nature; such as admits
No Commerce with a Sin, unlesse it be,
Like the Religious Magistrate, to Hate,
And Punish it. Such as dares look on all
His Vices past, nay, bear 'em purtrai'd, and
Blazen'd in his Banner, as the Enemies,
And Monsters, 'gainst which he is to wage
A Trucelesse-Warre for ever.
Eud.
And when
Timeus
Shall begin his Race of Vertue, who is there
To be found, that can Out-strip him, or bear up
[Page 56] A Pace that's Equall! O let me imbrace
You again, my Brother! Twice Saved, twice Restor'd
Unto me; and much Dearer in the Last
Than First Gift of you. Before my Armes
Infolded but my Comfort, but now they
Contain, and hold their Wonder! And know
Timeus,
These Vertues Heaven has sent thee, are in no Idle
Uselesse Season given thee, but bestow'd
With as much Providence as Bountie; when
An Occasion Great and High Calls on 'em.
Say then, my Brave and Vertuous Brother,
Say, From thy New and Changed Soul within thee,
That Radiant, and yet Sparkling Vertue,
From Heaven so Late descended, What Course
Does Honour point forth unto our present
Fortunes. What does its Sacred Lawes exact
And Command from us. Take thus from me the State
Ofour Condition. On the One Side, Our Lives
Are granted by our Enemies, and not
Onely so, but we are Highly Courted
To accept 'em, have all the Flatteries
And Temptations, can make us Love them,
Even Obtruded on us. On the Other,
We have lost a Father, nay more, a Crown,
They say, Usurpt. This Mysterie you better know
Than I. Yet still Consider (for 'twill no lesse
Concern our Honoure to weigh this thing)
Whether a False and Usurpt Power (being still
The Soveraign and Highest) doe not Create
Something of a True and Reall Greatnesse
In the Persons that have borne it, which forbids'em
To Act a Second, and a Lower Part, on this
Worlds Stage. And if in this Scrutinie, the Verdict
Be cast against our Lives, Know 'tis not
In Our Enemies powers to give us that,
Which Dutie, our Higher Master, Commands us
To throw from us; but either thou art Oblig'd
To shew me the Way to Death; or 'tis expected,
That thou Learn it from me.
Time.
O
Eudora,
Thou Wonder of Vertue, thou Miracle
Of Honour! How sordid Low, how despicablie
Poor is all the World beside thee! What Noble
Heights thy Soul does mount to, no lesse above
The Following, than President of others!
And shall I presume to Judge those Daz'ling-Flights,
Which no Eye lesse Heavenlie than thine Own
Can reach to? Shall
Timeus? A Trewant?
A Novice in the School of Vertue?
A Proficient but of Yesterday? No.
Eudora, pronounce boldlie what thy Soul
Shall dictate, as to an Oracle I will submit,
But never teach thy Vertue. If the Question
Thou hast put be Hard, I dare not speak in't,
'Tis
Eudoras Life: if it be Easie,
'Twas yet her finding, and poorlie I will not
Rob her of the Glory.
Eud.
Alas, alas,
How farre I am mistaken! Thou giv'st me Glory,
And I need thy Pittie. Thus Children have a Sword
Put in their Hand, when both their Hand and Sword
Need holding by another. If I had
Vanitie to take unto my Self the Powers
Thou speak'st of; yet at this time,
[Page 57] Like a Phisitian that's himself Distemper'd,
My Learning and Experience serve me Nothing.
No
Timeus, my Reason's darken'd,
The Clouds of Discontent obscure my soul,
And in the Mazes of a troubled Mind
I wander without a Cleu to guide me.
Death with his Horrors, and Dismay laid-by,
Drest in a Form bewitching, and Uncommon,
And waited on by Crowds of Sweets, and Pleasures,
(As if with Love again he had chang'd his Arrows)
Most powerfully Charmes and calls me to Him!
One while presents before me, the Famed Examples
Of the
Romane Fortitude, th' exalted
Glories of those Ancient Worthies, that preferr'd
A Noble Death, before a Life of Pleasure,
And of Shame. And then pursues this Theam
Of Shame, though all those steps of low Contempt;
And Scorn, I open'd to you at the first,
Or the Worlds Censure can be thought to blast
The Gallant by. Life on the Other side,
With a Deportment Sad, and Face Austere,
Without all dress, or shew of Blandishment,
But with a kind of Aweful, and Divine
Authority, forbids me hear th' Allurements
Sung by Death; tells me, though the Notes be Sweet,
Th'are most Pernicious, and that a
Syrene
Sings 'em; that the VVorlds Opinions, as her
Pleasures, are False and Impious, and by
The Vertuous both should be contemn'd, Opinions
In Truth, and not in Number, take their VVeight.
Now well I understand, when Both have Pleaded thus,
'Tis neither Life, nor Death, the Noble should
Desire, but Duty. The One, and Other,
Ought to be held Indifferent: and this Third
Alone with Passion be pursu'd. But now
In which of these two Our Present Duty lies,
There stands the Scruple I am troubled with,
There stands the Doubt I would have Solv'd. For when
I dare meet Death in any Form, I would not
Have it said
Eudora forfeited the Belief,
Of having a Diviner soul, while through Fear,
Like a Plant or Vegetable, she clove
To a Being on this Earth. Nor yet, when
I have Greatnesse enough to look on Life,
In the most Frowning and Unpleasing Aspect,
That unequall to my Miseries, Out-fac'd
With Troubles, I poorly fled my Station
In this World, and Crept into the Calm of Death
To seek my Peace. Like Boasters thus playing
The Coward under a Masque of Vallour.
Time.
Eudora, this part of your Philosophy,
That Life and Death ought neither to be Consider'd,
But as they may Conduce unto our Vertue,
None more firmly does imbrace than I.
Nor in the Dayes my Soul was tainted with
The Blackest Crimes, was an Unmanly Fear,
Ere part of that my Guilt. And yet
Eudora,
I must say, I see no reason, more than
The Scruple, the Ruputation of thy Question
Put into me, why the Prolonging of
Our Lives should be Dishonourable to
Either of Us. And if it be Duty that calls us
[Page 58] To our Death, it will not be hard to shew
Where that Duty is set down. If the Worlds
Opinion onely, what that Opinion is,
Thou hast already spoken. Thy words import
Beside, that the Discontented, Passionate,
Vain-glorious, obtain not, by their Contempt
Of Life, the Honours of a Noble Death:
But Those alone, who have no Other Way,
To save their Vertue. So that, 'twas not
Rome'
[...]
Cato, or her
Portia which deserv'd this Crown;
But her
Curtius,, her
Regulus, her
Decius.
And if any do Object, that the first
Of these, were also Highly Vertuous,
I readily confess it: but all that
The Vertuous do, is not alwaies Vertuous.
This is an Immunity of the Gods,
And not of Good-Men. And though One Comm on
Glory belong'd unto the Lives of Both
Of these, the Glory of their Deaths was farre
Unequal. The One sought Themselves, the Other
Sought their Duty To bring all this home to Thee
Eudora, Remember that thy Vertue's
Courted, thy Honour's safe, no way Assaulted.
But ador'd. And then for Thee to think of Death,
Is Idle, Vain, or Scrupulous; Error,
And not Vertue; Superstition, and not
Enter Pallantus.
Duty, nay worse, 'tis Dire and Impious;
Something that might Sute perhaps, with the Foul Deeds
Of
Timeus former Life, but not with
The Fairer Actions of
Eudora.
Pall.
How like a Skie troubled with Clouds and Meteors,
That Heavenly face appears! The most Propicious
Aspects from on High, shine on their present
Councels. I fear some Deadly Maxime governs,
And guides their Consultation.
Eud.
Timeus,
This is the Time allow'd us to work out
To Our selves, an Everlasting Honour.
If we let-slip the Opportunity,
W'are lost unto a Noble Name for ever.
Time.
Eudora, there's little danger of an Error,
Or Omission there, where neither Will,
Nor want of Care betray'd the Business held
In Consultation.
Eud.
For should we think
To Reassume again hereafter, our
Councell's now laid-by; Our Neglect at present,
Would not be look'd on as an Error, but
A most Wretched Poorness; and our best Pretences
Be judg'd a pittiful afflicted Folly.
Time.
There is but one Particular I know
Can hinder, in
Eudora, the Choyce of Life,
From being just, and truly Honourable.
Eud.
There spoke my Noble Brother! That, that particular
Timeus! That Particular is Undoubtedly
The thing we have so long been searching for,
And never found till now.
Time.
'Tis this
Eudorn,
That thou be well perswaded and assur'd,
Of what thou put'st in Act: for the most Just
And Lawful Action perform'd with Doubting,
Becomes Unlawful.
Eud.
Timeus, I thank you,
For your Reproof; I shall believe it seasonably
Given me. It has awak'd me, and no longer
Will I hover in a Doubtful Mind; 'Tis true,
[Page 59] This sence you have delivered, coming to me
From another Hand, I held suspected;
Thought it not safe, too hastily to Credit it,
From you: But seeing you do not onely Affirm,
But Abide and stand in this your Sentence:
I likewise as an Undoubted Truth, will
Accept, and rest upon it.—Say now
Timeus,
Do you know yond Person, that did Conduct you
To this place?
Time.
Know him,
Eudora! Yes,
When he wander'd in Remotest Nations,
My Fears held Intelligence on his Motions;
When first he set his Foot within this Land,
My Spirit, by a kind of Antipathy,
Did feel it. In his Disguise I knew him.
There is no Place, or Shape he can be Hid in,
But my Soul would find him. He was the Meteor first,
That hung with Direful Threats ore my Impiety.
But since the Auspicious Star, that lead me,
Both to Honour, and to Life. 'Tis the Valiant,
Vertuous, and Heroick Prince
Pallantus!
Eud.
My Obligations are no less to him,
Than yours. Too long we do neglect him,
And having once resolv'd to accept of Life,
We ought to acknowledge it to Him that
Gave it us. Let us joyn our Thanks together.
Here they both go to Pallantus,
who sees them not, till Eudora
begins to speak, but then as one surprized he turns to them.
Eud.
My Lord—we come to acknowledge our Lives,
To have been your Gift, and in no Common way
Bestow'd upon us. Mercy must be allow'd
A share i'th' Act; but had not your Honour,
And Prudence, wrought more Effectually,
The Other Vertue had been Useless to us.
As you are thé Greatest, Bravest, most Glorious
Person of this your Age; may you be likewise seen,
The most Fortunate, and most Happy.
Pall.
Eudora, like the Gods, when she Sayes happiness,
She Gives it. But what thanks shall I, and all
The World with me, return for the Unvaluable
Benefit, she acknowledges Received,
Enter Rodia.
But is indeed Conferr'd on us, The Conservation
Of her Life?
Rod.
Madam, the
King's hard by,
Coming, as 'tis said, with an intent
To visit you.
Eud.
The
King!
Pall.
Tis true Madam.
I had it in command from him, to say,
He was a Suter to you, to admit
A Visit from him;
Eud.
What will you do,
Timeus,
With your self!
Time.
Not willingly meet him
At this time.
Pall.
My Lord, you need not, you may
Withdraw. I believe too, a fitter time
Exeunt Timeus, Poly. Menetius.
May be found to present you to him.
Enter
Cleander, Clearchus, leading
Hianthe, Melissa, Aratus, Haimantus, Phronimus, and
Eurylochus.
Clean.
Madam, fall not so low; too much already
Euroda offers to kneel.
We have Dejected you, and gladly would
Descend our selves, to raise you Higher.
Yet look on that Majesty the Gods have
Enthron'd in you, your Matchless Vertues,
[Page 60] And Divine Perfections, and you will see
Not onely there's none Above you, but none
Can be found your Peers. Our Visit, is in wish
To Comfort you; and we hope, while our Highest
Vowes are such, you will not scorn the Offer,
Though from your Enemies; your Enemies,
By Fate, and Fortune Madam; by Design,
And Will, your vow'd and perfect Servants.
Eud.
O Sir,.
Permit me to throw my self before your Feet!
It is not fit I stand an equal Height,
With Majesty and Vertue, so much Above me.
What hateful Name, and by the World abhorr'd,
Is due to me, when you have call'd to Your self
An Enemy? If you are One, 'tis to
Your own security, in preferring thus
Your Mercy, before your Peace. Y'ave given me,
And my Brother Life, to bring your own in danger,
And Remov'd our Grief, which may hereafter
Cause it to your self. Sir, think me Unworthy,
But not a Scorner, of these Favours. I know
To weigh both my Losses, and Obligations
To you.
Clean.
If you will make us happy,
To partake hereafter our Joyes with us,
With you we will observe your Dayes of Mourning.
Count all your losses Ours; with most Obsequious Rites
Adorn the Dead; remember, and lament him,
As a common Parent.
Hian.
None, Madam,
With so high a Confidence, can wish you
Comfort, as my self; who in so long, and sad
A Night of sorrow, knew none, but what you gave me.
Be Favourable still to me, and grant me
A time to pay 'em back; be favourable
To the Age in the same Grant; your Name will bless
Its Annals, while it has leave to boast,
Not onely its own Vertues, but all the former Years
Could justly Glory in.
Clear.
Fame, thou spok'st loudly
Of these Ladies, and yet thy Voyce was narrow
In their praise.
Enter Comastes creeping behind the backs of the Company, who severally make their Addresses to Eudora.
Com.
I have Past hitherto,
And perceive no great Alteration.
I thought the subversion of a State,
Would have chang'd the form o'th' Houses, and the Streets.
It has not shifted a sute of Hangings here.
Yonder's our princess too; I am among Friends.
Now Fortune direct me, which is the
King—
The Least-Change that e,er I saw. Nay, then
I perceive, I may e'en do what I list.
Ara.
My Lord
Comastes! Faith this was kindly done,
To make the King a Visit.
Com.
Your servant
My Lord. I hope you have forgot the little
Unkindness, which past betwixt Your Lordship,
And my self, and will speak a Noble Word
In my behalf unto the King.
Ara.
Ha, ha, ha,
Would'st thou be Fool again?
Com.
No my Lord,
You know I was never call'd so in the Last Raign.
Ara.
Ha, ha, ha, Why I tell thee, the
King's too serious.
He never Laughs, nor Smiles, but very seldom,
And then 'tis still in Approbation,
[Page 61] Of something Excellent. He hates a Jest. Look,
Twice h'as cast his Eye upon thee, and yet
Keeps his Countenance: Despair of ever Pleasing him,
There's no Buffoonrie can come from thee,
So Ridiculous, as thy present Misery.
Clean.
My Lord—Who's that?
Ara.
One Sir that was Master
Of the Dead
King's Mirth, he never laught without
His Allowance. Twas in's Power to have jested
The best Head off in the Kingdome: Yet I think
He was guilty of no worse Crime, than
Lunary.
Clean.
What does he expect?
Ara.
To hold the same place
Under you.
Clear.
Sir, we understand you,
And your Desires. Go, leave the Court; be not
Seen in't after this day, upon your Life.
And look warily to your Actions,
If you shall deserve the Lightest Punishment,
The Heaviest shall fall on you.
Ara.
Stay my Lord—
Sir, you have Doom'd him, as if you had been Witness
Of his Follies, and were there not hopes he might
Redeem the Life he has so ill spent,
A weightier judgement were deserv'd by him.
Sir, I beseech you let me intreat for him,
He's yet Young, and if he have Leave, may be
Vertuous Continue Sir, as you have begun,
To Change the Men, and not Destroy 'em.
He thrust himself with confidence on your Mercy,'
Let it not be said, that that was a Snare to any.
Besides, Sir, you have made this Place a Sanctuary,
To All that can claim an Interest
In that Excellent Lady.
Clean.
My Lord, I would
Be ever taught thus by you. Sir, I recal
What I have said, and wish to see those Vertues,
We hope in you,
Com.
I'll not despair Sir,
To be Master of 'em, 'Twas the desire
Of Favour with my King, that made me what
I was before, and shame now to Remember.
But seeing I am to please another way,
And make Vertue my Endeavour, Unwearied
In those Rougher Waies I'll toyl to gain your Smiles.
He kisses the Kings hand:
Clean.
My Lord, having weighed the Necessity
Of your Voyage, I shall not with unseasonable
Complements importune your stay, but rather
Give my best Assistance both to make it
Prosperous, and your Return more speedy.
We have ordered a Fleet, my Lord, to attend
On your Designs, not so much inferior
In Number of Men and Vessels to your own.
Clear
Sir, too profusely you bestow these large
Benefits upon me, without naming all
Conditions, or share of Venture with me.
Clean.
Conditions, my Lord? Hereafter Ages,
That have forgot our Obligations,
May make Articles between our Nations,
But ours must ne'er know any; we cannot
Be Losers by you, from whom we have received
All that we possess.
Pall.
My Lord, I am
An humble Sutor (if I may obtain
His Majesties leave) to be allow'd a place
In this your Voyage. The Kingdom sends forth none
More useless to it, than my self; none that
With more reason seeks the Tumults of a War,
To cure the Troubles of an unquiet Mind.
Clean.
[Page 62]
My Lord, you hold the palm out to me,
In this offer of your Company. Victory,
I know, will follow, which way so e'er you
Turn you. I shall be proud to serve my self
Under so Brave a Conduct.
Clean.
This Accession
Likewise, my Lord, I shall be willing to grant
Unto your Voyage; but still that your Return
May be more Speedie. Yet I hope we have
A Gage in this Lady more powerfull than
All Others, One that will put an Edge unto
Your Sword, and Sailes unto you Vessels.
Clear.
Sir, in Her Name alone I doe pursue
This Voyage, and in Her Name alone,
Shall hope a prosperous and speedie Issue.
Pall.
Madam, though a Hard Fate, or Fortune no lesse
Cruell, has set me for ever at a Hated
Distance to you. Yet another power,
No whit Inferior to the Former, Commands me,
To direct all my Actions to your Service.
And however Unaccepted, nay Unknown,
To you, I pay these Devotions, yet
Constantlie to pay them still. In Obedience
To this Power I have engag'd my self unto
This present Voyage; an Undertaking
To me, without Design, without all Fruit:
But either, as I hope, by some Fam'd Action
To adde a Glory more unto your Name,
Or by my Seasonable Destruction,
For ever to remove a Hated Object
From your Sight.
Eud.
My Lord, while you strive to conferre
More Glory on me than I dare Assume,
You take some from me, which I may justly Claim;
And Blast my Honour, while you seek to Raise it.
Wrongfullie you Charge both my Innocence
And Clearnesse, when you say, I Hate you,
Or can be pleas'd with your Destruction.
I have alreadie Acknowledg'd the Highest
Benefits receiv'd from you, offer'd my Vowes to Heaven
In your behalf: and though, when these are once paid,
They doe not there take End: Yet to repeat them
Oft unto Your Self, would ill become
Eudoras tongue, and lesse the greatnesse of
Pallantus Eares. But if what's alredie past
Be too little to assure you, your Ruine's
No Part of my desires, by this Double Sute
I shall seek to confirm you further. First,
That you will be pleas'd to take my Brother
This Voyage with you. And let this perswade you,
I seek not your Destruction. Next, that you will
Obtain me leave to retire from Court, to pay
That Debt ofteares in quiet, I have so long
Ow'd unto the Dead. And this no lesse ought
To assure you, I cannot Hate that person,
By whom I seek so farre to be Dispos'd of.
Pall.
Madam, you have given me a Happinesse,
Which neither Envie, Malice, nor the worst
Of Fortune can take from me.
You have set me the Onely man above
The Stroak of Fate. Whatever you desire,
After your Own manner, and in your own Time,
Will be permitted to you; and you may command
Not onely for your self, but in the behalf
[Page 63] Of Others. And may, I hope, after these Dayes
Of Mourning are expir'd, to see again
That Joy return into your Face, which I
Was never yet so bless'd as to behold?
And shall in that Day a Servants Humblest Sute
Take place; which now his High Respects forbid him,
Even to Name to you?
Eud.
Now first, My Lord,
I have seen a Weaknesse in you; but yet
I shall thus farre Remember you. That the
Gallant Ask not their Fortunes, but they Make 'em.
A more Direct Answer I must not give you.
And if it appear hard to you, that I refuse
To Prophesie in that, I may seem so well
To Know my Resolutions; ask the same Question
Of those that have been held the most Allowable,
And wise Diviners in your present Case,
Your Vertue, Honour, Obligations to me;
And hear what they will say. Perhaps they'l Doubt,
Or Hide their Skill; if they doe, Excuse a Virgins
Silence, when such bolder Oracles make no Reply.
Pall.
Madam, let me kisse your hand—I beg your pardon.
No further shall I provoke you with my
Disorder'd Passion, though I know, nothing
But my Wonder can be encreas'd by your
Replies. Your Wisdome, Honour, Beauty,
All Incomparable, shall be the Incitements
Of my Actions unto Glory, in hope
They may hereafter prove their Crown and Ornament.
In the mean time I shall seek to know no other thing
But this, How most Worthilie I may approve
My Self your Servant.
Clean.
And Madam
Cleander
when he speaks, takes Eudora
in one hand, and Pallantus
in the other.
If favourablie you shall admit him
In that qualitie, we All will glory
To wear the same Title. And think not, that
A Single Person Courts you, but in a
Single Person, th' Interest of the Kingdome.
Even thus Divided I acknowledge Yee Both
To be the Chiefest Glory of your Country,
But when Yee shall be joyn'd Yee'l adde yet more
Unto her Happinesse, and be no lesse
Her Peace, and her Securitie. But I
Anticipate the Blessings of another Day,
When my Dutie commands me to give thankes
For those I have receiv'd on this. And hitherto
Our Kingdome, hath been like the Kingdome of
The Gods, Felicitie has succeeded
To Felicitie, and Joyes have Crowned Joyes.
And should this Day Conclude what it hath Begun,
I have yet reign'd a Perfect Reign; having
Beheld in Few Houres, the Strange and Various
Changes of an Age.
Exeunt Omnes.
This Play being Design'd for an etertainment of the King and Queen at
York-House, at the Nuptials of the Ladie
Mary Villers, and the Lord
Charles Herbert, had Scenes fitted to evety Passage of it throughout, and the last in this place was a Funerall Pile, bearing on the top the body of the Dead Tyrant, and set out with all the Pomp the Ancients us'd in those Ceremonies. This Seene consisted onely of Musick and shew; on the one side of the Pile stands a Consort of Musitians, representing the Priests of the Land, and on the other side of it another, representing the People.
[Page 64]
People.
Sacred Peans to Mars
sing,
Notes of Triumph, not of Woe,
Hence your Ewe and Cipresse fling,
Who adornes a Trophy so?
These are the Spoyles of our Great Enemy,
Hang Garlands on them of the Lawrell Tree.
1. Priest.
Hence impure and bloudy Voyce,
Far be from our Mysteries,
Bidentals are Joves
proper Choyce,
Holier than the Sacrifice,
Each Unskilfull Hand and Rude,
At his Alter dares obtrude.
Here all the Principall Persons of the Play enter in Mourning.
2. Priest.
Touch not then with Lips prophane,
What Heav'ns Fire hath purified,
Teares have washt away his Stain,
His Black Deeds his Bloud hath died.
He for his Sinnes hath paid, with Death and Sorrow,
His Credit's more that Payes, than doth not Borrow.
Chor.
He for his Sinnes hath paid, with Death and Sorrow.
His Credit's more, &c.
People.
Yet still you must allow a Fault.
And that by Death his Body ought
To Expiate Offences Higher,
Then purge if Sulphur, Salt, and Fire.
Least your too partiall Favour this way bent,
Excuse the Ill, and Blame the Innocent.
Chor.
Least your too partiall Favour this way bent,
Excuse the Ill, &c.
About the middle of the last Stanzo, Timeus puts a lighted Torch to the bottome of the Pile which gives fire to some Perfumes laid there on purpose; the which wraps the Pile in smoak, and smells ore all the Roome. At the End of the Song the Curtain falls, and shuts both the Scene and Actors from the Beholders Sight.
FINIS.
[...]
Mid-night and Daily THOUGHTS
To a careless Sinner.
THou dost not, sure, believe that thou shalt die,
Or never think'st upon it seriously;
Because thou liv'st as if thou didst disdain,
After this life, ever to rise again:
Else thou wouldst set a higher price upon
The Glories of thy Resurrection:
For 'tis not possible a Man of sense
Can always hold so ill intelligence
With Heaven, as not to wish, or not to fear,
He never may, or never would come there.
Some Caveats.
WHen petty Pleasures are procur'd with Gold,
When youth is gone, and we decrpeid old,
There's no more
Gusto than a Tale twice told.
The greatest Monarchs, while they flourished,
Were honour'd and ador'd; but being dead,
Were soon forgot, and only pitied.
So that whatever Marble Tombs pretend,
All their gay glories never can defend
Their pamper'd bodies from the Beggar's end.
Caesar and
Alexander both became
The highest splendor of a glorious Name;
And yet in some things both deserved blame.
So that when Men have all the World subdu'd,
They may themselves, and all their Fame delude,
Unless they do in Piety conclude.
Those mighty Hero's car'd not to be good,
(But brave) because they never understood
The sacred Sanction of our Saviour's Blood.
But those who saw the Miracles he did,
And heard how boldly he their Crimes forbid,
Are justly scourg'd, instead of being chid.
What's our due then, who do believe, yet run
The course which that accursed Crew begun,
To slight God, and re-crucifie his Son?
Which shews Men want some Caveats to restrain
The idle Fancies of a busie Brain,
That frequent losses bring, instead of gain.
These serious Thoughts are Caveats to despise
Such Crimes, as from our idle hours may rise,
And captivate our Senses in disguise.
Till by a power divine we can obtain
Such bright, serener joys, as will sustain
Our Souls, and to eternity remain.
For we are born to learn, and to express,
By daily actions, what we do profess
To purchase everlasting happiness.
On Poverty.
PUre honest Poverty in former times,
Was no disgrace; but now our latter Crimes
Have introduc'd new kinds of punishments,
To expiate our sins, for old Contempts
In luxury, and such profuse expence,
That we are now chastiz'd for that offence,
With Penury, to make us own our shame,
And free all present accidents from blame:
Which from God's mercy now to us is sent,
To make our most obdurate hearts repent.
And yet there may such poverty proceed
From wicked Men, whose malice have decreed
Our ruine, to get wealth for their support,
In spight of right, or their damnation for't.
And such absurd, base scandals do invent,
That no man's innocence can e'er prevent.
From such Devils, good Lord, deliver me,
As hate all those, who truly worship thee;
And with profound repentance do submit
To all the judgments that our God thinks fit;
And make the poverty I now endure,
For all excesses past a perfect cure.
On Pride.
OF all the Vanities I know, 'tis Pride,
Which all the World most justly may deride,
That like an Ass, with golden Trappings dress'd,
Thinks himself 'bove all other Beasts the best;
And when he brays, does all that hear him fright,
Mistaking their amazement for delight;
Like gilded Fools, that only learn of late
To strut, and make loud noise when they do prate;
For Pride did ne'er the greatest man adorn,
Nor free him from God's hate, and wise Men's scorn.
Satan for Pride, and for Ambition fell,
With his accursed Crew, from Heav'n to Hell.
On Pride's Kindred.
PRide's next of kin, are such as do despise
Their Neighbours, for the Motes in their dark Eyes;
Who first their own Beams should remove, then learn:
That Rule, by which they may such Motes discern,
And by this caution constantly prevent
Such rash Censures, that do raise discontent
Between good Friends, who seldom will endure
A blind Man's Precepts, till himself he cure.
Septemb. 3. 1693. On this Day's Sacrament received.
LORD,
I Did believe, but not such joy conceive
As since I did thy Sacrament receive,
To ratifie thy mercy, and my zeal,
By adding of thy Holy Spirit's Seal
Upon my heart, to manifest thy love,
And all my doubts and fears by faith remove,
Which made me shrink from death; but now my voice
Shall Hallelujah's sing, and Soul rejoice,
To celebrate this Victory obtain'd
O'er all my sins, by thy bless'd Conduct gain'd.
How great then is my Obligation grown,
If thou wilt this day my Election own,
By adding joys on joys, and grace on grace,
Till I in glory come to see thy face!
And now adore and worship thy great Name,
With warm addresses from this sacred flame.
On Adoption.
I Have read, that he who lives in a constant, uniform Obedience to the Gospel, and performs the Conditions required in it, departs sincerely from iniquity, and shuts up the ways that lead him into temptation, may give himself as strong and comfortable an assurance, that he is an adopted Child of God, as if a voice from the Clouds should tell him so; and is a good argument for frequent Meditations.
How to know when our Sins are forgiven.
IT has been asked, How a Soul may know when her Sins are forgiven? and answered thus: When she finds the same affection to God, with his that said, I hate iniquity, and all false ways I utterly abhorr. Yet David, who said so, did die, and so must we. Tho' our Souls may, by the same grace, become of the same temper with his, and our sins be forgiven too; yet we may consider how few Men do slip out of this World into eternity, with a joyful hearty delight to be with God (through divine Love) which is the highest perfection of an holy life; and is our greatest assurance to manifest our sins forgiven, when our Souls are by faith so fixed on God, as to know no joy so great as such spiritual Comforts do raise, when we desire to be in Heaven; which taught David to hate iniquity, and to abhorr all false ways; and so reduced him from all his sins, to become a man after God's own Heart.
On Reconciliation before we die.
IF we fully consider our manifold sins, and the horrid Punishment due unto us for them, if not forgiven before we die, 'twill make us tremble at the approach of Death. But if we do believe in Christ's plenteous Redemption, with GOD's immense Mercy to deliver us from Hell's eternal Torments, and exalt us unto Heaven's eternal Joy and Glory; it may be justly said, Happy is that Man who can obtain such a Reconciliation with GOD before he die (as daily to delight in the Meditation of a sudden Death, with inward assurance of his eternal Bliss the moment he expires) which is the highest Exaltation of Joy on Earth, and will be the greatest Comfort at the hour of Death; and ought to be the chief Business of all Men to live and die so, who do march every moment, from our Cradles, dying, towards our Graves.
On Heavenly Joy.
WHate'er we do on Earth, we all pretend
Heaven is our Home, Heaven is our Journey's end.
That's true Seraphick Joy, when we do find
Such elevated Bliss, as fills the Mind
With high transports of God's celestial Throne,
And all our meaner Objects we disown:
Yet sometimes spoil our bless'd angelick rest,
To rowl on Roses, when on Thorns is best,
Vainly thinking some diviner Grace
May smooth afflictions with a smiling face;
When sighs and tears (if they come not too late)
More surely can our heavenly Joys create.
When God observes our Zeal to do our best
To please, we shall assuredly be bless'd;
And may expect to find more Penitents
Encircling of God's Throne, than Innocents:
Which shews sincere Repentance surely can,
With a fix'd Faith, restore relapsed Man.
Thus may our high-rais'd, warm addresses prove
Bright Ecstasies of the divinest Love.
Then will our Souls from dross be clean refin'd,
And by our sacred Chymist be calcin'd,
Fit for a Choir of Angels to attend
Such Saints, and sing them to their Journey's end.
On taking heed of all our Ways.
WHen God reduces Sinners, to take heed
Of all their ways, in thought, in word and deed,
Repentance then will be of little use,
When all our actions will need no excuse:
We shall the World subdue, and stoutly stand
In full obedience unto God's Command.
And then will Death in glorious Robes descend
To guide, not fright us, at our Journey's end.
So that if we take heed in all our ways,
We shall the Devil defeat, and wear the Bays.
To a Friend.
My dear Friend,
I Have read in a divine Author, That if God be with us, he will make us see that he is with us; and will not depart from our sight, until he has brought us never to depart out of his. Which is a Lesson of high concern to Men in this World; for Thus to enjoy God here, is to be in Heaven before we die. When our Souls are thus transported with a continual divine Conversation with Almighty God, we may taste and relish his celestial Joys to some degree, so as to envite us to value his spiritual Comforts above all carnal Fruitions. So that our great Business is to improve this Blessing to the highest reach of humane Fancy, by a daily practice of holy Meditations, to contemplate and observe how God doth infuse this joyful enjoying of Him into our Souls, by the secret working of the Holy Ghost; when we set our selves with zealous integrity to find him there, to converse with us on this great lesson of his immense Mercy, with our humble prayers to be enlightned from above, to participate of such angelical Delights, as far as our frail Nature will admit of; which by frequent use, will bring us to such an habit of holy living, that God will manifest his presence ever with us, by an inward Felicity of divine Comforts, to such an assurance of our Election unto eternal Bliss, as is ineffable to be described: So that when we raise our Thoughts with a divine Desire, to know as much of God as we can know, and of his being with us, he will add of his Grace to enlarge our Capacities to [Page 80] such heavenly Trances in Devotion, that we shall be with him, and he with us, as we do wish, with such a joy as will dread all diverting Occasions that shall obstruct those Emanations of his holy Spirit working in us.
And thus if we do entertain our selves by such frequent addresses to find God, he will daily meet, and ever dwell with us, if we unfelgnedly desire to dwell with him; and will give us such a glimpse of his eternal Bliss, as may fix our hearts on Heaven, and make us live every moment in a joyful Expectation of Death's quickest Summons thither; and by this frequent entertainment of thy Soul with God, Thou, my Friend, wilt find such a communication with God on Earth, to be the highest Perfection of Piety, and a felicity much more delightful than all other Diversions, which can never reach such Seraphick Joys, as I wish to thee my Friend.
On the Fear of Death.
IF we fully consider our manifold Sins, and the horrid Judgment due unto us for them, it may well be said, Happy is that Man who can obtain such a Reconciliation with God before he die, as daily to delight in the meditation of a sudden death, with inward assurance of his eternal Bliss the moment that he expires. Because all our Ideas of the divine Felicities above, do seldom invite Men to welcome Death with cheerful Hearts: Our fears are so much stronger than our Faith, that too many Men do rather think, than find they do believe that Christ's plenteous Redemption will cancel all their Crimes, and bring them into Heaven; and therefore dare not really rejoyce to look on death; but start back from such angelick Happiness, as he brings good Men to participate of, in God's eternal Glory; which natural infirmity of doubting, can only, by an illustrious Faith, be removed; and that Faith, by frequent Prayers, be obtained. Then, thus to live, and so to die, will make us live and die in great tranquility, though not to reach St. Stephen's Faith, who saw Heaven open to him; yet to so great a degree of divine Raptures in Devotion, as to be filled with elevations of an inward assurance of our Election, which must come from God, when the Soul is in such a blessed Trance of celestial Delight, that is ineffable to be described. How near such joy is to the joy we read of in Paradise; when fervent Zeal is by a lively Faith so raised, and sixed in God by frequent Meditations, it is a wonder that such Men can fear to die, or doubt togo to God with cheerful Hearts, when thus invited, and thus led by his holy Spirit, with such bright illuminations of surprizing joys, while those divine Flames last, [Page 82] as cannot be related. When Men's hearts are warmed with such Seraphick high Transports of Love and Mercy from Almighty God, to give true Penitents some taste of their eternal Glory; that being thus enlightned, they may not fear to die; but rather welcome death, who comes to carry them to Heaven, which is the highest Exaltation of the Soul's joy, so to delight in God, that the expectation of Heaven may be more pleasant, than all the momentary Fruitions of this World are, compared unto a blessed incomprehensible Eternity,
Which neither Wit nor Fancy can express,
When multiplying numbers make it less;
When neither first nor last can e'er be known
Points so far distant, yet so join'd in one,
That the eternal Circle shews us none,
But is a secret known to God alone.
'Tis such a sacred Riddle, so
[...] profound,
That humane Wisdom never can expound;
But leaves us still to wonder and adore,
What will be after, and what was before.
On the Power of Faith.
THough Men by Nature born to fear, and to avoid what may seem hurtful, yet that fear by Grace and Faith may be converted into divine Valour of the highest kind, as is evident by the Three Children in the fiery Furnace, and by Daniel in the Lion's Den; which with other the like Examples, should invite such Men as trust in God, not to fear what he only can prevent, if he thinks fit; and though a fearful Man cannot remove a Mole-hill for want of Faith, much less Mountains; how little Faith then have we, when the noise only of Ill News does affright our unsetled Souls [Page 83] with dismal apprehensions of what may never happen more than the ill event brings with it, if it do, unto such pious men as live prepar'd to bear afflictions for few moments here, with faithful, joyful Thoughts of their eternal Happiness in Heaven. So that we see the Power of Faith will remove the greatest terrour, and work Miracles, when Men dare trust in God.
Lord, give me grace to live, as I do write,
And as thy holy Spirit shall indite,
To manifest thy mighty Mercy shown
To such a Reprobate as must own.
Christ's Doctrine to suffer.
CHrist's Doctrine is with patience to inure
Our selves to suffer, what he did endure
On Earth; from that malicious, cursed Crew,
Who scorn'd his Miracles, and boldly slew
Their bless'd
Messiah, who did then submit
To die, because his Father did think fit,
That we, redeemed by his precious Blood,
Might trust in him, who dy'd to do us good;
And now may sighing sing, and weeping pray
Our death may prove our highest Holy-day,
When we with Christ in Paradise appear,
And shine amongst those blessed Angels there.
On the Power of Love to God.
TO love and fear God, is what every good Christian doth own, and what most Men think they do; but very few, I fear, do understand what it is to love and fear Him as we ought, with all our Heart, Soul, and Mind, above all other Objects whatever; which is a Lesson of great use to bring Men to Heaven; who know that we are dying every [Page 84] moment that we live, and cannot wish more pleasure here, than we shall find by serving God thus: For those who can love him with all their Heart, and Mind, will worship, and adore him with the same Zeal, and will obey, praise, thank, pray, and trust in him with the like fervent affection, in all their divine addresses, with their utmost endeavours to be with him in Heaven; which God never will reject; nor can eternal Bliss be purchased at a lower rate of Love.
Thus God exposes
Heaven, to entice
Good Men, to purchase at the Market-price;
When Love, with all its Perquisites, comply,
To six a blessed Immortality
On such exalted Souls, as take delight
To mediate on his beatick sight.
When their enlightned Faith does bring them there,
(Enrich'd with love) they'll bid adieu to fear,
And leave no arguments to justifie
Such timorous Men, as dare not think to die;
Though their eternal joy will then be such,
That none will have too little, or too much.
And those who truly love, will surely find
Their happiness by God is predesign'd,
Who sees the heart and thoughts of every Man,
That loves and serves him to the best they can.
On Faith.
WHen Faith grows strong, our Fancies will soar high,
To search the secrets of Eternity;
Which to our Souls are of so near concern,
That no man can a greater Lesson Learn,
Nor have a more serene, celestial Bliss,
Than he'll enjoy, by practising of this
[Page 85] Great step, which by degrees will lead him on
To the sacred Seat of his
Adoption,
Where Faith 'bove all the Gifts of Grace will shine,
With Love in Bliss, and Glory most divine.
On God's Mercy.
OUr
God from us his Glory keeps conceal'd,
Because it would destroy us, if reveal'd:
His Essence we can never understand;
'Tis well if we obey his just Command;
For God to mortal Man will never teach
Such great Secrets; because what we can reach,
By Nature cloys, as soon as had or known:
He therefore lets us live by Faith alone;
Still subject to so many hopes and fears,
That our prime Joys are damp'd by frequent tears,
Which daily do our sorrows multiply,
Until death comes, to tell us we must die;
The only remedy ordain'd to cure
All sorts of evils that we here endure.
Yet God in mercy makes amends at last,
To free us from all miseries are past,
By raising them to bliss, who do their best
To gain a share in his eternal rest;
Which belt in God's esteem is to do all
Was done by bless'd St.
Stephen and St.
Paul.
On true Valour.
HAppy are they, who in these latter days,
Are fill'd with love, with gratitude and praise
To God, whose joyful Souls do ever fly
With highest thoughts of their Eternity;
And by the actions of their lives declare,
That Faith in Christ, has conquer'd their despair,
For all past Crimes; and now with Death has made
Strict Friendship, never more to be afraid
[Page 86] Of his most sick alarms, in disguise,
Nor of his quickest Summons by surprize.
And thus the greatest Cowards in the Land,
For Valour may in competition stand,
With any Hero's of the former age,
Or those who now in a just cause engage,
When Courage is a Vertue to be brave,
And sets a Crown on such a Soldier's grave.
On Relapsed Man in Paradise.
WHen Youth with strength, wealth, and beauty flourish,
Some short joys our wanton hearts may nourish;
But when old age is much decrepid grown,
We ought with sighs and tears great Sorrows own,
For idle hours that we have vainly spent,
Without the sense of shame or punishment;
And if we die in that unhappy state,
All hopes of mercy then will come too late;
So that if age revive, and propagate
Past sins, till they do greater Crimes create,
'Twill turn old
Age's Blessings into hate.
Then let no mortal man presume to think
He cannot see, when he is pleas'd to wink;
For no Man yet was ever such a Sot,
That
Age his former Crimes had so forgot,
That on his Crutches thinks 'tis boldly brave,
Loaden with Crimes to creep into the Grave.
Much worse than Youth, when cross'd in his desire,
In a mad fit, dares leap into the fire:
Which shows, that all our
Ages here, ne'er can
Retrieve the Curses of relapsed Man;
Till faith in Christ create a brighter flame,
Impow'ring men to have a surer claim
[Page 87] To Heaven, at our blessed Saviour's cost,
Than that, which
Adam's disobedience lost.
By which, we the intrinsick Treasure find
Of future joys, in a Seraphick mind.
On the Power of Faith.
IF all Men did our Christian Graces understand, That like good Heraulds we might rank them according to their antiquity and merit, Faith may claim the highest dignity and place, as of just right, to be the most fixed foundation on the blessed Rock of our Salvation, which will, unmov'd, withstand the greatest Storms, when lofty Structures built on Sand, are, with Wind and Rain, soon tumbled down. And if we mind those mighty Miracles of the first Ages, they all relate unto Faith. Our blessed Saviour also used to say, Whosoever believeth in me, shall never die: (Do you believe that I can do this? and then, Be it done according to your Faith) Thy Faith has made thee whole. The Woman with the bloody Issue, had no other application for her Cure but Faith.
Without
Faith, what signifies our Creed?
And to what purpose did our Saviour bleed!
If we all Doubting could from Faith divide,
Pure Faith would then in greatest triumph ride.
God grant all those the Power of Faith, that die
In joyful Hopes of bless'd eternity;
When their departing Souls will gladly own,
By faith they rise from Dunghills to a Throne.
How to delight in GOD.
THe Text says, Delight in the Lord, and he will give thee thy hearts desire: And no doubt but if we delight in him, with the highest faculty of our Souls (above all carnal appetites) with contemplation of his glorious Essence and Attributes, in frequent fervent Prayers, with continual Gratitude for his daily Mercies. To adore him as we might, we should find such a rejoycing in God, to be the most voluptuous felicity that the heart of Man is capable of. But we mock our selves too often with a belief of this Felicity, by a careless searching short in our own Hearts, for a clear proof of the divine Perfection of this delighting in God; which every Man must find in himself; for no Man can correct the unseen Errours of his Neighbour's heart. So that it must be every Man's concern to examine his own Conscience, how much he rejoyces in God, more than in all worldly Fruitions; and according to his proportion in excelling therein, his peace of Conscience will prove the more exalted joyful Feast, and will create in him the greatest hope of his heart's promised desire, and is the surest way to remove our natural Fear of Death, who only can lead us to glory; which all Men ought to think on, more than all other affairs in this World: For if we delight in God as we ought,
We should the clear intrinsick value find,
When Grace enriches a delighted Mind,
That trusts in God; and by such bless'd converse,
Excells all pleasures of the Universe,
Which no Man's Faith nor Fancy can conceive,
Till that delightful practice gives him leave:
[Page 89] Then Souls enlightned by that holy fire,
Will pass to Paradise when they expire;
An higher Bliss can no Man's heart desire
Though worldly joys may all our Senses please,
The Soul's joy makes them all but a disease.
But when God's glory in our Souls doth shine,
It shews those holy Raptures are divine.
Yet we ought not to think, that every petty pleasing Object that assaults our Senses, doth deserve the Name of a Delight, more than little Children have for every new Baby they do see. But when the Soul's supreme delight is so fixed on God, that every address brings men as near to him as Souls can come while they are involved in Clay; yet by a flaming Zeal, and such high mounting Faith, as doth believe that God is every-where, and Heaven with him, and them, are altogether at that time there. Where such joys may grow up to such a divine Delight in God, as will come nearest unto his beatick sight (tho' few Men seek it by such practice as we might) and therefore cannot fansie such transcending Bliss on Earth, as those her metick Livers have, who daily do converse in Heaven, with great delight, in expectation of a quick Summons thither; and such Piety may be truly called, Delighting in God.
'Tis said my Book does need apology,
To beg a Pardon for tautology;
Which is a Crime I never understood,
If the repeated matter be all good;
David's Example, as my Pattern, may
Excuse that Errour, and for pardon pray.
On the Power of Divine Meditation.
DAvid says God requires no Sacrifice,
But Penitence and Faith; he does despise
The Blood of Beasts; We are to thank and praise
His holy Name, and honour him always.
And if we trust him as we ought, Mankind
Will be, by frequent Comforts, so refin'd,
That we on Earth shall have a daily taste
Of his eternal Peace, and joys at last.
If
David's Rules authentick be, That God
Had rather use his Mercy than his Rod,
And proffers Heaven at so cheap a rate,
T'invite us to become regenerate.
What labour less can mortal Men invent,
To gain God's favour, and 'scape his punishment!
If thus our Duty may his Favour claim,
All Men will trust and honour his great Name.
Such Ecstasies in Meditation will
Men's heads with glorious heavenly Visions fill;
And by degrees our Souls with joys advance,
To think that we are there in such a trance;
And find that such enlightning Zeal as this,
Is emanation for our future Bliss.
A Dream of Heaven.
THough Sleep Death's Image be, I have been now,
I know not where, convey'd I know not how!
Where something did appear so dazling bright,
I could not see its Glory, for the Light.
My Soul supriz'd with Wonder; and amaze,
Methought I pray'd, and did forbear to gaze:
Frighted and pleased at what I lik'd, and fear'd,
I found it was a Dream of Heaven appear'd;
[Page 91] Which waking fled; but did my Fancy fill
With blessed
Ideas, which abide there still
With such transporting joy, that I can weep
To think of what I had, and could not keep.
On a Dream of Hell.
STart not, my Soul, 'tis but a Dream, to show
The dismal Terrors of eternal Woe,
Which unrepenting Sinners feel below:
Where Satan with his cursed Crue do dwell,
For their Ambition tumbled down to Hell;
While we rejoice on the Divine Presence
Of our exalted Bliss, by Penitence.
Those fiery Streams, we seem to see,
May give us joy to find that we are free
From that sad Doom, where Torments never cease,
But rather to Eternity increase:
While our Conversion doth aloud proclaim,
What mighty Honour due to God's great Name;
Who will, in Mercy, save a Reprobate,
If his Repentance do not come too late?
On Death.
'TIs very strange the World should still comply,
To think that Death is sent to make us dye,
By leading us to Immortality:
And the same moment does our sonls convoy
From worldly slavery to eternal joy.
So that we ought to find some other Name
For God's great Messenger, that bears our blame
Alone, tho' Life and Death are both the same
Moment our eternal Lot, to end this strife,
We may treat Death as our first step to Life:
No terror find by our remove from hence,
When all our Happiness proceeds from thence.
The POSTSCRIPT.
IF Heaven be what we read, or hear and see, or do believe to be the glorious Habitation of the more glorious Trinity, that we pretend to love, to obey, to trust, worship and adore, as one united God, who has created Heaven and Earth, the Sea, and all therein; and from whom we do expect eternal happiness, when our Souls expire. How can we justifie this Creed, if in our actions we daily do transgress what we so daily do profess, as if our present moments did afford us more concern, to pamper fading Flesh for being Worms meat in the Grave, above the nourishing of our Souls with heavenly Manna, to endure unto eternity.
If this be Gospel-Truth (as I think it is) I cannot chuse but wish and pray, that my Retirement may produce the like Effects in others, by reading what I write, to obtain the high Felicity I privately enjoy, transcending all the glistring Vanities that I have seen, and too largely sharedin; but now know no Felicity in this World, to be compar'd unto the Joy of living ever ready to go out of it, which is not so easily done, as said, though we endeavour all we can.
Now, Reader, I have nothing else to say;
But wish thee Grace to meditate and pray,
Which will high joys create, and teach thee why
True Piety will never fear to dye,
When arm'd with such Divine Philosophy.
FINIS.
ADDENDA.
On our cold desire to go to Heaven.
WE seem to prize the other World 'bove this;
But fear to go to that undoubted Bliss.
We find few Men, who would with
Enoch fly,
From hence to Heaven, (that dare soar so high!)
Or with
Elijah, would take like delight,
To mount his Fiery Chariot, in his flight.
Our Faith, for such Celestial Joy, comes short
Of our Fruitions here; where our Support
Is what we see, and what we understand;
Which we preferr, before God's best command.
Tho' Reason, and Religion, both agree
To bring us to a Bless'd Eternity;
In the same moment, we are rais'd from hence,
Through Faith, by God's Divinest Influence:
Which only can Immortal Life Create
By Death, destroying this our Mortal Fate.
So that, till we with God's Decree comply,
We do not truly Live, until we Dye.
To a Friend in a fit of the Gout.
WElcome thy pain, my Friend; this Gout is sent
In Mercy to fore-warn, and to prevent
Thy Gluttonies, and Epicurean Crimes,
Which were unpractis'd in our Fathers times.
This is the effect of strong Falernian Wine,
And pride, to wash thy Feet in Muscadine;
By eating Mushrooms stew'd with Ambergreece,
And the fat Livers of the
Jews fed Geese,
With Peacocks Eggs in gravy, to support
Thy Luxuries, and now thou'rt punish'd for't.
On the Fear of Death.
'TIS strange, that all Mankind should be afraid
To Die! nor any arguments perswade
Wise Men, from the terror of a Name;
Death is God's Messenger, and we to blame,
To antedate his Arrant, with such fear,
As doubts to go with Him, we know not where
Tho' Death's power, only can our Souls convey
To Heaven; if we God's Holy Laws Obey.
But we still struggle with undaunted strife
To keep our dying Bodies, from true Life.
For want of Faith, lest Death should by mistake
Lead our sad Souls to the Infernal Lake;
When such gross misdoubting Grace, only can
Force Death to fright a misbelieving Man:
Which shews the Glory of our future State,
Is left to our own Option; not to Fate.
On true Devotion.
WHen true Devotion is our chief delight,
We may presume, 'tis pleasing in God's sight,
And to our Souls; will sacred Bliss reveal,
To fix and to eternalize our Zeal;
And while we live, our blessed thoughts direct,
To the Seraphick Joys of God's Elect.
And will by our Adoption when we dye,
Declare the glory of that dignity.
On God's wondrous Works.
WHen we consider God's Word and Deed,
And see the products of the smallest Seed,
It doth our wonder greatly antedate
With joy, and in our hearts fixt Faith create,
It doth all doubtful thoughts, with truth confute,
When fancy guides our Fingers on the Lute.
But yet these petty arguments of sence,
Must all submit to God's Omnipotence,
In wonders of a higher nature shown!
Which all the Christian World admires, and own.
But know not how the boystrous Sea or Land
Do steady stand; (by God's Supreme Command.)
Who has the Sun and Moon so firmly set,
With Stars, in their fixt Spheres, that no Man yet,
Can by his Industry or Art declare,
How high or what circumference they are,
And yet the Seat of God's Celestial Bliss,
Is still to be admir'd! above all this
Where God himself, Inthron'd is pleas'd to dwell,
Which must in Glory, all the rest excell.
Tho' these be wonders of a large extent,
There be some of much more wonderment!
That God should all Offences here forgive,
And grant us daily comforts while we live.
By our Souls washing in the Crimson Flood,
Of our Bless'd Saviours Sacramental Blood,
By which he does our Claim to Heaven advance,
When we approach in a Seraphick Trance;
And own his Mercies with intire delight,
To glory in his bright Beatick sight.
The more we think, the more we wonder! and
The less of Miracles we understand;
Why the same Earth, should ev'ry year produce
Such various Fruits and Herbs, for humane use;
If Faith and Gratitude did not combine,
To think such Meditations are Divine.
When God with secret Bliss, such joys imparts
As does create true Zeal in pious hearts;
And doth their Souls, with flaming Love invite
To Paradise; ineffable to write;
Unless his Holy Spirit should indite.
To my Old Sick Friend.
MY good Old Friend, why so sad? does thy Age decline so fast? that the Idea of thy Grave frights thee with fear to die. Are we not all dying? and none knows who shall go next, nor how soon be gone; if this occasion thy dismay, I will teach thee an Antidote that will dispell the Poyson of that Serpent's bite, and turn that universal curse of Death, into a State of Bliss; if thou can'st raise thy dejected Spirit to a quick sense of snaring the Eternal Joys of Heaven, with those departed [Page 97] Saints, who by Faith, Prayer, and Penitence, are now exalted thither.
Let thy melancholy Meditations and Preparations for the Grave, be changed from a Gaol delivery; into a constant, chearful, zealous Conversation, in thy Divine Retirements, with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; by a total Resignation of thy Soul, and all thy concerns unto them; and think with pleasure how near thou art arrived to thy Journeys end, to be with them in Paradise. Then such Celestial Thoughts will be thy most pleasant entertainment, and surely meet with surprising joy from Faith in Christ's plenteous Redemption; which will beget a hearty, speedy welcome unto Death's arrival, who comes to conduct thee to Eternal Bliss; and thou wilt also find, that every devout step towards this felicity of thy approaching Salvation; will make thy heart dance with a Saint-like delight, to baffle the terrors of the Grave; with a serene prospect of thy Eternal Happiness at hand; and so make thy last hours full of Angelical transporting joy to be with God, the moment thy Soul expires; fix thy heart thus, and all sad Thoughts will vanish, when a sincere Faith becomes predominant.
Thy Heart by practice, will delight in this Divine Elixir of Eternal Bliss.
On vain Projectors.
NO mortal Man can limit or restrain,
The boundless fansies of another's brain;
But may such Fetters on his own Thoughts lay,
As will keep them from wandring much astray;
But naturally, Men add wings to try,
How high their vain ambitious Hearts can fly,
Until like
Icarus, their waxen wings
Do melt, and all their hopes to ruin brings.
But when our Souls do with Angellick Love
Soar high; they will Celest'al joys improve
To flaming Zeal, and raise our hearts so high;
As will discern our Immortality.
To my Rich Friend become Poor.
TEll me, Old Friend, and speak the truth,
If twenty Dishes in thy Youth,
Did then more please, and gratifie
Thy Stomach with that Gluttony,
Which did Diseases daily breed;
Till now thou dost on one Dish feed.
Tell me if now thy constant health
Gives not more joys than thy lost Wealth
Afforded; by thy vast excess,
In frequent Treats and Wantonness;
Which made a noise, more than content,
For all thy charge and time mispent.
When to the Poor, half that expence,
Would have procur'd God's Providence;
And sav'd the loss of thy Estate,
Which thou hast thought upon too late;
[Page 99] Tho' now thou dost aloud profess,
Thy Poverty proves Blessedness.
On Injustice.
IF Charity to Men, be God's Command?
Justice, must in much higher favor stand;
If neither can in wicked Men find place;
They slight God's Anger, and despise his Grace.
But these are petty Crimes, when Avarice
Doth harden hearts for gold; and Souls intice,
To sell Salvation at so cheap a Rate;
Such villanous intentions aggravate.
When a design'd premeditated cheat,
With a bold-fac'd fraud, shall just Right defeat,
And a false Cause by power shall justifie;
Hell only can reward such Infamy;
For God with indignation does declare,
He will Poor Men's Oppressors never spare.
Against Momentary Joys.
NOW let my Friend, from sighs and sorrow cease,
For Crimes repented; let thy joy increase,
For thy serene assurance, lately gain'd,
Of pardon, by thy Saviour's Blood obtain'd;
Let thoughts of thy Eternal Glory rise,
And scorn all Earthly Bawbles that surprise
Unsteady Souls, with present fading Toyes
That cloud the brighter Beams of Heav'nly joys.
And boldly do those glist'ring bubbles try,
In hope they'll last unto Eternity.
Who raise their idle fancies, by their wit,
To practise Atheism, rather than submit
[Page 100] To part with present Moments of delight,
To purchase Heav'n, with God's Beatick sight;
Who with his known Decrees, will not comply,
But think to live, till they are pleas'd to dye.
Tho of such Men, it may be truly said,
They are that moment, both alive and dead.
The Terror of Death, by Death is cured.
IF Death were not for Sin from Heaven sent;
It could not be esteem'd a punishment;
To be deliver'd from our daily woe,
While'twixt our Roses, Thorns, and Thistles grow,
So that our care should be, to weed our hearts
From foul excrescents, by such holy Arts,
As will that fatal sting of Sin destroy,
And so convert our sorrows into joy;
When we the Pangs of such a Death endure,
As doth produce both Punishment, and Cure.
To my Old Friend on his Birth-day.
MY Friend, thou dost well to celebrate thy Birth-day, as a vow'd Sacrifice to God; because he did reserve the first born to himself of Living Creatures, and thou art one; But let not thy Altar be adorn'd with a superfluous Treat, with too many flagons of rich Wine, and Tables throng'd with Wealthy Guests, as if it were a Bacchanalian Feast: But such a moderate Meal for thy own Servants, with some Poor Neighbours, that may soberly rejoyce to see a New Year begin, with a propitious prospect of thy insuing happiness; and [Page 101] pray thy Piety and charity may Shine round about thy Habitation here on Earth, until thou art advanc'd to Heaven.
Death is the Beggars highest Holiday.
TIS but a faint Felicity, that any Man can have in all the Honours, Treasures, and Pleasures of this World, without a joyful inward assurance of his Salvation; when the next moment, an angry Neighbour, or a Tyrant Prince, can end his days: Or Sickness by tormenting pains turn all his joy into sorrow while he lives; with despairing terrors worse than all, at the approach of Death; when a poor pious Beggar, will die transported full of Celestial Joys for his highest Holiday, and be as welcome into Heaven, as the greatest Monarch.
And therefore may be well and truly said,
Both Souls are of the same fine Substance made.
To my merry Friend.
WHY now so joyful my good Friend? has thy Princes smiles this Morning added new feathers to thy Heart? that makes it fly so high. His frowns to morrow may turn those gay feathers into Lead; tho' thou deserve not such a change: Consider now such frequent sad Fates, as do befal the craftiest Men, that only trust in mortal accidents for their support in Princes favours; and raise thy Souls delight in Service of the King of Kings, whose favours will endure unto Eternity, [Page 102] above the reach of Earthly Storms; and then thy Prince's favours will have a sure foundation to subsist on, with higher joys than any Sycophants black Arts, by Malice or by Envy can disturb thy Peace, or Pleasures; when a good Conscience is so center'd, and so fix'd on God. For no Man can imagine, the constant felicity, of a strict pious Life, in all conditions; but he that is so reconciled with a lively Faith to God, as chearfully to part with all the glist'ring Bubbles of this World, to enjoy everlasting Bliss in Heaven, which ought to be the supreme hope of our best endeavours.
On the fear of Death.
THO Men by nature Born to fear, to Die
May still account it a great misery,
When Piety and Prayer can't prevail,
To change the pow'r of that severe Intail;
Tho' all our Hearts, and Souls do still agree,
To frame our Minds to God's most bless'd Decree;
Because no other means, (like that the best)
To bring Mankind to his Eternal Rest.
Yet our weak Faith cannot the credit gain,
By Heavenly joys, and glory to obtain,
Such Courage and a Valour so Divine,
Rather to Die with joy, than to repine
To part with fading pleasures; that no Age
Can for one moments certain time engage,
They shall abide; nor can find any cure,
That Men on Earth, for ever shall endure.
How great a shame and folly then, that we
Should fear to go, where we desire to be
And so preferr our miseries on Earth,
Before a bless'd and glorious chearful Death;
[Page 103] That will in gratitude the surest way,
Our Souls to God in Paradise convey;
When Faith, with such a Zeal shall so comply,
'Twill shew a Godly Gallantry to Die.
On the Art of Meditation.
WHO will the Art of meditation learn,
Must make each Paragraph his chief concern▪
For some few moments to consider on,
Lest reading more create confusion;
And unavoidably disturb the Brain,
With more at once, than what it can retain;
When Piety by Art is thus refin'd,
It will rejoyce the heart, inrich the mind
With sacred Thoughts; beyond all Earthly care;
Till flesh be turn'd into Angelick Air.
All Men should live as ever in God's sight,
And make Devotion their supreme delight.
And then observe, how God does Grace return,
To make Seraphick Joy the brighter burn.
FINIS.