if she do you may at leisure inform her of the Truth I do Command you to lay by your further thought of this fond Journey to search for Astella is this a time to act Romances in when the whole whole World is in Combustion round us think better on it Phillocles Ordel. I hope my Brother will not throw himself on dangers without a good Argument to justifie his Actions this new Journey gives me new fears for you Phil I shall consider ere I go Ordella and at your Lodgings this night expresse my joy to see you Exeunt omnes Sel Oh! Oh! Cle Selindra weeping has the sad tale of Hungary drawn these tears from your fair Eyes Madam Sel Good my Lord spare me a while I am not sit for Courtship now Cle I cannot with Honour leave you in the power of such an Enemy as your sorrow is Sel You cannot deliver me from a greater then your self this time Cle That is not kindly said Selindra scarce Civil if you consider my long Love and my Respects Sâ—l My Lord you know I ever shun'd your Love and as much as in me lay avoided those respects you now upbraid me with Cle I do confesse you have t is therefore I now come to presse you to declare if I may ever hope to gain more favour from you my sute is present Marriage may I hope for such happinesse at last if not now Sel As I never have so I shall never give you cause to think it Cle So Fair so Innocent so Gentle and so severe I never saw before but I shall hope to find you in a better humour at some other time Selindra your Father interrupts me now Exit Cleonel Enter Periander to Selindra Sel Unhappy day that I was born and more unhappy this that I She Weeps have liv'd to hear such mischief on Oh Periander my Father and my Brothers are all Dead Murther'd by Phillocles Betray'd and Slain by Pollinesso's dead my onely comfort is for ever gone and yet I live to tell it Peri Madam the Crown of Hungary is now yours and Phillocles but the Instrument sent by the gods to punish your Parents crimes their perjury pull'd this Judgment on their own heads Sel It does not become you my Lord to tell me so nor yet to think it if you consider Lascare's covetous nature and Phillocles ambitious spirit you might with me see all this was design'd to ruine my Family and so to get the Crown unto themselves but I shall soon revenge it on dissembling Phillocles and bring such a Ruine into Greece as no time shall parallel here to Pollinesso Ghost I vow Phillocles his Life if ever I can safely reach it Peri Madam take heed least you like them do pull a second mischief on your self Phillocles you see is Noble he leaves the Crown She kneeles to you when offer'd him by all your Subjects he lov'd Pollinesso you have no Argument against Phillocles he Laments him as much as you can Sel I Periander and in sorrow seeks me too no doubt but he would gladly have me in his power to murther Per I cannot think so but Madam you should now consider where you are and in whose power in my opinion you must keep this disguise with all the Art you can and lay by your sorrow for a while not practice any thing towards revenge nor by a look discover such a thought untill I can go to Belgrade there make Orsanes and the rest know that you live that we may find some way to fetch you home with safety where you may with security prosecute your revenge Sel I shall take your advice my Lord now you comply in my revenge and study to disguise my grief till your return but can admit no thoughts but my revenge on Phillocles Pollinesso my dear Brother I will Celebrate thy Funerals in such a manner as shall speak my Love to thee and hate to him that murther'd thee No Roman Pile e're made so great a flame I 'le Sacrifice this Empire to thy Name Per Madam this passion will piscover and destroy you in spight Weeps of my Endeavours Sel I have now done my Lord indeed I have Peri I can have no Faith Madam unlesse you will now promise in presence of our gods to hide this anger and not to discover your self till my return unlesse some Eminent necessity require for you will be lost when known unto Lascares Sel I do ingage as you desire and shall Enter Ordella to them with Ladies Or In tears Selindra what cause hast thou to weep Per My present departure for Ciprus makes her thus Childish Or Will your stay there be long my Lord Per Not many dayes Madam Or Come Selindra thou shalt go with me I 'le divert these Tears by shewing thee my griefes which thou wilt be Concern'd for if thou dost love me Exeunt Omnes THE SCEENE CHANGES Re-enter Ordella and Selindra in Ordella 's Chamber Sel Madam I am very sensible of your Greif and do not approve of the Prince his journey to search for Astella Or. You must not only not approve it Selindra but with me condemn it as a rash and hazzardous undertaking besides the folly of seeking one he never saw one that he hath no ingagement to What madnesse will it be for Phillocles to put himself within her power before he knowes how she resents her Friends deaths for if there were such affection between Astella and Pollinesso as is said the sight of Phillocles must needs raise a passion in her such as may destroy my aside Brother before his innocence can appear How 's this can these Tears fall for her Fathers absence a few dayes or is it for what I utter Selindra Weeps I hope she is not so much concern'd for Phillocles Selindra I do take it ill that you thus lament your Fathers absence who runnes no hazzard above my sorrow for my Brothers dangerous Journey in search of Astella Sel Madam my tears were re-call'd by your Highnesse sighes by your trouble for the Prince his Journey your favours have been such to me that I were unworthy if I should not weep as well as smile with you aside Or 'T is handsomly put off I thank thee Selindra and do so little doubt thy Love that I do beg thy best Arguments to assist me that we together may convince my Brother and prevail with him to stay Sel Madam I shall obey your commands and observe your directions as farre as will become me but I do fear the Prince will condemn me of much rudenesse if I shall interpose my vain opinions against his purposes good Madam do not put me to do what hereafter you will blame me for Or Fear it not Selindra I love thee better then to throw away thy credit so see where my brother comes Enter Phillocles Ordella meets him kindly yet sadly too Selindra aside Sel I have a hard taske on me to complement the man I hate to death
this contempt I must try Aside her another way Madam you know the Emperours humour well and you have heard how eagerly he covets to joyne Hungary to Greece by Phillocles his match with Astella and how much he abhorres his love to you is evident The truth is Selindra you are this night by his command to be ravished by my Son Cleonel to that end sent thither which will allay the gallant Prince his appetite to marry you and remove all further feares of that matter 'T is yet in your own power Madam by obliging me to prevent Cleonels force who for undertaking so base an act ought to be dispis'd Sel Ravish'd I 'le rather dye then suffer Cleonel or yield to be your Wife the Gods will not permit such wickednesse Cec Please you to retire unto your Lodging Lady There is no He leads her in and returnes way to winne this foolish Girle I am angerd even to hate her yet cannot chuse but love her but why should I loose this opportunity I may now do what I only invented for Cleonel I shall curse my self when she is gone and when no possibility is left wish it had been so it shall be if when I have ravish'd her she can consent I 'le marry her if she will not I 'le poyson her and being dead at Sea hire the Marriners to throw her over-board I will about it while my Blood is high Venus propitious be to my designe I 'le offer Insence onely at thy Shrine THE THIRD ACT. Enter Phillocles Phill. GIven to Cecropius custody that is to Cleonels embraces I must see her is Cecropious or Cleonel within Serv They are Sir He knocks at Cecropius 's Lodgings and enter three servants with swords Philo Is Selindra yet at rest Serv Yes Sir long since Phill Is it so late I do believe you do mistake and she is not Phillocles offers to enter and they stop him what means this rudenesse Serv The Emperor has given command that neither your highnesse nor any from you should visit Selindra besides Sir all within are now at rest Phil My Fathers command this is some designe from Cleonel A noyse within are they all at rest say you whence then is this noyse I hear Serv We know not Sir This way the noyse is Phill Hark the same noyse againe 't is within stand by Villains give way or I shall force my passage through your hearts by Goes out and returnes Heaven 't is a Womans voice it is Selindra's voice she calls for help too Selin Help oh help murther murther He hearkens at the Scene Phillocles Enters breaks open a Doore within and Cecropious is seen strugling with Selindra Phillocles takes Cecropious by the Coller and as he offers to kill him Cleonel Enters and holds his Sword at Selindra 's brest Cleo By my Fathers soule I will strike with thee Phillocles Phillocles Thou darest not be so barbarously base to harme such innocence Here they look at one another in this posture a while then Phillocles throws by Cecropius and runs at Cleonel he quits Selindra and meets Phillocles while they sight the others run out raise the Court. Enter the Emperor with Train and Guard who part them Emp Phillocles I have thus long winked at your follies hoping that my mildnesse would have begot a better temper in you but I now see your sore requires a Corisive go to your Lodgings and as you value my displeasure move not from thence without my leave you of the Guard wait upon the Prince and let him not stirre out as you Exit Phillocles with the Guard will answer it to me Cecropius let all leave us but your self and now informe me of this Fray and how he came hither against my Command Exeunt omnes Cecro Mighty Sir the Prince forced my servants from the Door and found me threatning Selindra and frighting of her as if I meant a Rape which I only fain'd intending to take off Phillocles his affection that way by which he might apply his thoughts towards Astella for if the Prince should marry Selindra how can Hungary be yours this Sir is the truth Emp I wish thou hadst done what thou onely talkest of for this young man will ruine all my hopes of Hungary if we do not prevent him it must be poyson Cecropius I see no lesse will do it Selindra Cleonel peeps in must dye and that presently Cecro And shall Sir if you so direct by to morrow night it shall be done Emp Be it so then 't will be the least evil and the onely way to secure all the rest let her be poysoned Exeunt ambo Enter Cleonel Cleo Poyson her my curiosity was to good purpose at this time was ever gray haires so wicked how to prevent this mischief I know not Selindra will never credit it from me yet I will urge her hard and if I do get belief and by this means bring my designs to pass I shall finde Doores too strong for Phillocles to force Love and Venus guide me Cleonel goes out and returns Selindra flying before him with a knife drawn which she holds at her brest Sel Hold Cleonel if thou presumest to touch me this Knife shall be my rescue Cleo. Will this distance with my obedience and my humility remove He steps back and kneels your fears by Selindra's self I swear my only businesse is to save that life you threaten does my heart and my looks so ill agree that you can fear harm from me Selin Art not thou Cecropius's Son and does not his wilde blood runne in thy vaines Cleo. No Madam I am no whit allied unto Cecropius the Ravisher he was a Man when he made me and is now become a Monster such as I dread to see Selindra under his Roof Sel My Lord that posture does neither become you nor me pray He rises and comes towards her come no nearer Cleo You will pardon my approach when you shall know the cause of this unseasonable Visit I have by accident o're heard the Emperor give my Father order to poyson you and he is providing to do it this next night Selin I am glad to hear they are grown so mercifull death is lesse dreadful then his Rape but how can I credit this from you and how avoid it if I do Cleo Can Selindra believe my love could ere conceale such a mischief or that I will omit any endeavour to preserve her from it Selin Were not Cleonel a kin to the Ravisher I might believe he would detect a Poysoner Cleo If I tell you a false word may suddain plagues seize on me and if you please to make me the blest Instrument of your escape the Honour will be ample recompence for any hazzard I shall runne I have Madam a strong Castle within the Forrest about a League from hence thither I can convey you first and then whither you please Selin Pray my Lord leave me a few minutes that I may consider Exit Cleonel
Phil Why so sad my deer Sister your looks speak a sorrow through your smiles Ordel Can you aske and know your self to be the cause of it can Phillocles be in danger and Ordella not be sad can you think smiles would become my face when my heart shrinks to think of your rash journey to seek Astella you know not where I can no more put off my feares then my affection for you Phil Dearest Ordella let not a mistaken cause of fear for me beget such a trouble in you there is no danger in my purpos'd Journey I shall onely search the Grecian Isles where none dares do me harme you know I am engag'd in honour to performe what I have so publiquely declar'd and I am sure you love my Honour equall with my Person Ordel I do so and could I see the necessity you urge to search for Astella my passion should submit to your reason and that I may not flatter my own affection I shall now submit unto Selindra's opinion who has no reason to be partiall to either of our arguments I prethee good Selindra speak freely what thou thinks't of my brothers Journey Selin Truly Sir if I may judg the Princess tells you what you should better consider of then I think you yet have not that I do apprehend any dangerous hazzards in the Journey as she does nor can I finde any arguments fit to perswade you from attempting dangers when your Honour calls you to them give me leave Sir only to aske how your Honour is concerned to make this search why do you intend so great a trouble to your self from whence is this value of Astella who you never saw why does your Highness seek a Woman that has never oblidged you nor you her but by the ruine of her Family incens'd her Phil 'T is true that I have never seen nor oblig'd Astella in particular but I have by many hazards of my life endeavour'd both the Fame of her Excelling Beauty and greater Vertue begot in me a desire to serve her and her whole Family which I did faithfully in freeing Hungarie from the Germane yoak 't was an unhappy Fate befell her Parents by themselves pull'd on them not by me intended in which sad losse I beare so great a share that I have no peace within untill I have made my Innocence unto Astellas self appear that she may see that I had no design to hurt the Princes persons nor to Conquer Hungarie Selin What you have bravely done in that Warre deserves a Trophie and from Astella no lesse value when she shall be well enformed of all that past there 'till then Sir the Princess thinks it not fit for you to Visit Astella because we often see Great Princes Vertues does not answer the report Fame gives them Ordel Most true Selindra my heart presages a Ruine if you goe could I lay by my affection to you and put on Astellas cause I would undertake to confute those Arguments you so much trust in Methinks I see you kneeling and the inraged Astella deaf to all you say swelling with anger for brave Pollinesso's losse and ready to sacrifice your Life come Selindra if ever I have deserved love from thee shew it now by assisting me my own way by thy best Language do thou stand forth and as Astella receives my over-confident Brother spare him not Selindra but suppose you had a Brother as dear to you as Pollinesso She pulls Selindra to Act Astella She stands before the Chaire of State was to her and that beloved Brother by Phillocles his rash attempt sent to his untimely grave let loose some Teares to accompany those I have shed and for my sake put on a look so mixt with Majesty Grief and Anger as may present her Part thou play'st I that look will do it Sel Madam You see my ready Obedience to your Commands but will the Prince permit such boldnesse Phil Yes Selindra since nothing else will satisfie my Sister I am content for once to beare a part in this Childs play on condition Ordella that you put off your sadnesse if I prevaile Ordella I shall so you will stay at home if she do get the better of you He turnâ—s to Selindra and sees her looks angry Phil Content can Selindra frown in jest methinks she looks as if she would do it to the life Ordella Sel Yes Phillocles I can frown when I have just cause and will make thee repent this rash attempt to visit me thou hast beyond my hope put thy self into my power to punish Phil How that angry Cloud spreads Can those bright lights suffer an Eclips and not portend some fatall Ruine what if they do shall I shake at Thunder that cannot reach me be concern'd for an unjust anger no not though the gods did threat But Astella will not nourish a thought mis-be-coming her Vertue nor so much lessen her great name by a mistaken passion to harm a man whose endeavours were to serve her Selin A mistaken Passion Phillocles are not my Father and my Brothers dead though not by thy hand butchered yet by thy attempts they fell is not the glory of our name extinguish'd the honour of men fall'n all lost in Pollinesso's death Phil Astellas self is not more free then I was from intending evill to her friends they forc'd me to secure my self by which they were all lost their Plots and Perjuries pull'd this Ruine on them onely Pollinesso was not Guilty he would not comply with fierce Barzanes envious designes nor with his Fathers blacker purposes Pollinesso was a witnesse of my hazards in that Warre and did partake an equall share in them and in the Victory we often seal'd our vowes of Amity in our best blouds together which did beget so mutual a Love that our Soules moved ever one way I would rather have Dyed with Pollinesso then live thus to lament his losse by these unfained Teares I would Sel Thou speakst a Language so pleasing to my Eares that I could wish my vow to Sacrifice thee to my Brothers Ghost had never past my Lips for I can see and value all thy Noble actions and judge the guilt of my own friends that fell and can beare the losse of all but Pollinesso he you say dyed Innocent free from the other Crimes full of Honour rich in Vertue in the Blossome of his Age my onely Joy fell and you my onely hate shall dye so too your Worth your Youth and your Innocence will make my oblation acceptable to those powers I have vowed you too vain man canst thou think Pollinesso's ghost will be appeased with words or teares if thou wert ever worthy my brothers love shew it now in couragious dying to his memory for by all our gods thou dyest a guard there She is interrupted by Ordella Ordella 'T is bravely done Selindra thou madest me start and shake to see thee look and hear thee speak with such awfull majesty how is it Brother how do
you think Astellas selfe will receive you when one so unconcern'd can use you thus do you yield yet have we the better argument Philocles and Selindra stand both amazed Phil Yes you have Ordel You 'l stay then Phil I think I shall Ordel My deer deer Selindra let me kisse thee thou hast oblidged me beyond my power to gratifie beyond my expression to acknowledg the Emperor and the whole Empire shall thank thee for Phillocles his safety come my brother let us now finde my Father this change will please him Exeunt ambo Selin How near lost was I on his fresh mention of Pollinesso's death how dangerous a work did I undertake and how happily brought off by the Princess Ordellas timely interruption I thought my selfe within my strengths at Belgrade and Phillocles in my power to punish I must no more of these games 't is my disguise preserves my life and I do care only to live to be reveng'd on Phillocles the Author of all my sorrowes Oh! but the Princess Ordella sits too neer my heart to suffer that she is my friend if I destroy her beloved brother I wound her to death at lest give her the same intollerable grief for Phillocles I now suffer for Pollinesso Oh! horrid ingratitude Oh miserable Astella my Obligations to Ardella do infringe my vowes to Heaven ye gods direct me so that these differing passions may not distract me I would do what should become me best and please you most though my own life in the attempt be lost Exit Selindra THE SECOND ACT. Enter Emperor Cecropius and Cleonel Emp WHat think you Cecropious of Phillocles his Love Cecr Mighty Sir what you have said was my thought when I first heard of the Prince his stay and had been now my Councel as the best way to secure his Interest in Hungary by which Astella must submit unto the will of him that has allready woon hearts of all her people Cleon Sir you know I have long lov'd and long sought Selindra's Love and Lovers Eyes are quick to discover the like looks in others 't is my duty as well as my own Concern to tell your Majestie that I have observed Selindra's good looks to be the Orators that have put off the Prince his journey not his kinde sisters importunity and when your own observation shall informe you better your Majesty will finde this no causelesse jealousie in me Cecropious What he tells you Sir is the whisper of the Court but I look on it slightly the Prince may have a minde to a Wench and Selindra is a pretty one but Sir in my opinion you should take no notice of such youthfull passages the Prince cannot think her a fit Wife and then no matter who is his Mistress Emp Cecropious I do think it worthy my care to prevent an evill the Crown of Hungary can be no way mine but by Astella we see Selindra is rich in Beauty and more rich in Virtue if not by Birth great enough to be his Wife she is too good to be his wanton Mistress Phillocles is young and young men are apt to be in Love He is as gallant as great and if his affection should meet a repulse as 't is most like from Selindra these sparks we now see may grow to such a flame as neither we nor he can quench I will observe him and set spies on them Aside some of my own spies Cleonell may be jealous without a cause I will sift Ordella too Enter Phillocles to them in rich cloathes with Ordella Selindra Lords Ladies and train all fine Emp Daughter you have wrought a good work on your brother thy Interest I see has prevail'd beyond my intreaty or my Command I thank thee for it Ordella and am glad Phillocles to find that your Eares are open unto reason indeed the journey would not have suited with your other great actions I like well â—hy gallant spirit but I like not to hazzard a Kingdome for a Complement Phillocles Sir I do thus low beg pardon for my first disobedience She kneels to your commands and do confesse my sister wrought my consent to stay yet I must tell you Sir 't was because her Arguments complyed with your commands nor was your command her least Argument Emp Thus let me imbrace the greatest comfort of my life thou He holds their Armes under his and walks as he speaks shalt set ever next my heart give me thy hand Ordella and thine Phillocles What wealth is there beyond these what joyes beyond those I feel thus supported I am the envy of Princes may all the blessings Heaven can bestow fall on you both for this love and this obedience to your old dying Father tell me Phillocles how stands the affâ—ires of Hungary I have had late intelligence that some Commotions do appeare there if so since you have thus discreetly laid aside the search of Astella in my judgment 't will be next best that you repaire to Belgrade with your Army there by your presence to keep the people in Obedience untill Astella be found we know the Hungarians are a busie headed people Phillocles Phil. Sir I have left the Government of that State in those hands that will neglect no meanes to invite Astella home they love her Sir and do want no power to secure the Kingdome for her my presence at Belgrade would rather deterre Astella then invite her home and may be justly thought I meant to force what I yet doubt to sue for In my opinion Sir I ought to hear more from thence before I stirre that way but my opinion and my will shall submit to your Commands Emp Thou art still on thy Complements but my gray Haires are not convinc'd by such Arguments think better on what I propose though I do not command but onely wish it while I instruct your Phillocles and the rest goe off sister with my reasons that she and you may consult together He whispers with Ordella Ordel. I shall obey you Sir and weigh well what you have said I shall not be wanting in my care for Selindra nor in my love unto my Brother Emp I am satisfied Ordella and do only wonder why he will not lead the Army into Hungary where such apparent need is of his presence Ordella He will go if you will have him Sir Emp I will think further on it a day or two This while Cleonel Courts Selindra she shewes dislike to him Emp Cleonel I see loses no time in the Warre he makes ply her hard young man those knit browes do often prove the Cipher to a smiling heart and yet Cleonel I must tell you that I approve not this whining way of Wooing most Women like to be approach'd with such Alacrity as shewes the mettle men are made of where is thy heart young man Cle. Mighty Sir one frown from bright Selindras Eyes has power to shake me into Attomes to unman me quite Emp I think so and must my selfe Wooe for thee
and my long stay was to see the Towns deliver'd to Orsanes which is done and Cecropius fooll'd by his vaine hopes Marches in the head of your Army which comes on apace only to receive your Commands Madam Selin The Gods reward you for I never can but here is Newes Periander beyond what you tell Pollinesso Lives lives here under the name of Pollidor and see where he comes Oh! my Brother we Enter Pollidor are happy above our wish this is Periander who has so much obliged me Polli I hope I shall live to thank you Sir Peri Sir I am rewarded in the good I have done if my services do prove such in your esteem Selin My Brother you must dispatch Periander back unto the Army to give Orsanes and the rest notice that you live Cecropius has rendred all the Towns and comes on demanding to have me deliver'd to his lust Poll Wee shall order him at leisure our care to informe Orsanes must indeed be speedy Periander though I cannot command I may intreat you that know our Affaires to return unto Orsanes and give him notice that I intend this night to set forth with Phillocles and will come over to him with my first opportunity bid him march fairly through the Country and take heed that Antillacus ingage him not to fight till I Arrive if you ride hard you may be back with us before we part from hence for I hear Cecropius is not far off Peri By my speed Sir judge my Zeal to serve you Poll As you passe by my Lodgings pray send all my servants to attend me in the next Room from hence we shall take Horse this Evening Now Astella methinks the Gods do smile on Hungary and Exit Periander on us if Ordella would be gracious Pollinesso were most happy How does my Love prosper Astella Selin I can make no certain Judgment on it yet Poll Canst thou not procure me one smile before we part Selin 'T will not be possible if you depart this night I could wish we had more time because I now propose some pleasure in my woeing for you methinks the storms that I have rais'd look merrily now the calm is certain and so nigh I have so light a heart that I could play with dangers if any were within my reach They sit To them Enter Phillocles and Ordella who stand unseen behind them sitting on the Couch Poll Let me Embrace and Kisse thee my Dear Dear Selindra thou art so great a Joy unto my Soul that I lament to part one minute from thee when we meet next we shall Embrace more freely Embraces Selin That you must go from me grieves me must you needs go with Phillocles may you not stay one day longer with me She weeps Poll. I dare not do not weep thus thy Tears will prove ill Omens and I become a superstitious fool to fear I know not why Selin How can I chuse but lament to part with what is dearer to me then my life pray do not go this night bestow this night on me Polli I swear thou makest me sad prethee speak more chearfully and dry thy Eyes least Phillocles perceive thy Tears and Ordella do discover us and so unmask us both before we be prepar'd Selin No matter for their jealousie are not we above the reach of malice now Phillocles drawes and offering to strike is held by Ordella Polli Not yet Selindra we may be ere-long till then 't is not good to provoke any it is by your advice to that we should be still disguis'd Selin Yes and 't is my opinion still but when Phillocles is gone who can discover us Phil The Gods who will not suffer such impiety to be longer hid let me loose Ordella and I will cut these twisted Monsters into Atomes that their united Souls may so expire together The Women part and hold them Polli Why thus inraged Sir Phil Canst thou ask false man we have heard and seen all that has past between ye Poll It may be so and yet be mistaken in all you have heard and seen too Sir if you will have a little patience you shall see your mistake and be sorry for this injurious Language when you know to whom you speak Phillocles offers to runne at him but is held by Ordella Selin Good Madam perswade the Prince to hear us and there will be no cause to fight Ordel Thou worst of Women how dares thy lips move towards me Selin For Heavens sake Madam hear us you will too late repent this rashnesse else we are both as innocent as you can wish Ordel Brother you may do well to hear them and revenge at leasure pray lay by this anger for a while and take it up again when you see cause they are in your power to punish as you please Phill I thank thee Ordella they are so I am tame and now you may say on Poll Sir if you have heard and seen what past between us I do confess you have reason for your anger and our fondnesse doth deserve blame but not death 't is true that we have negligently shew'd what we might better have conceal'd necessity therefore now compells us to discover what we yet meant not to do that our Innocency may no longer suffer Phil Your Innocence Exit Phillocles Polli Madam the Prince his absence gives me opportunity to begge your pardon for Selindra and my self who have too long hid our affections from you and our selves also for she is my Sister and will ere long appear worthy Phillocles his best thoughts and I do hope my self when I shall dare to be my self may have leave to say my life is vowed to serve you Ordel Sir you are mistaken I am not to be deceved by this slight trick you would gaine time to escape my brothers vengeance Polli No Madam you will shortly see I am above it and if Enter Phillocles with a Guard Phillo Seize on that Traytor Pollidor steps to the other Door and calls alone Poll Tenedor Periander Tecknor Treason what means this madnesse They enter and both parties stand ranged on either side Phillocles a reasonable man should hear another speak if I do not satisfie all your doubts you shall find that I dare meet your fury and shall raise stormes as high as you can wish to see Phil Pray unfold this mistery I do attend you Pollidor leads Selindra to Phillocles who steps back from her Polli Let this pledge speak for us both for I can have no other interest then to give her up into your Armes Sir send your Guards off and this riddle shall be as easie and as pleasant as it now looks harsh Phillocles steps back Phillocles will blush when he shall know from whom he slyes and by whose hand offer'd to him Phil I understand you not nor do I care hark what noyse is this Enter the Emperor with his Train and his Guard swords drawn crying Arme Arme as they enter Emp What 's
Dye Pedro. True Madam but if you were so happy as to finde an object fit to change your hate to love it would convert your thoughts from Death and be a good Argument to live Florio Where canst thou fancy such an object Melina fit to restore my thoughts to Joy or life Pedro. The Dukes love deserves a Multiply'd returne of kindnesse from you Florio Canst thou believe his friendship to me as a man can have any value for a woman wanderer though no degree of love have habitation in my heart my Judgment and Religion might perswade me to own so great a blessing if the Gods should send so strange deliverance so wonderful a change of Fate for my unworthynesse Pedro. I like well these Judicious thought and will hope your Mallady may in time finde a cure good natures slow with gratitude and both together fill the World with love it is or it will be Love Madam though you yet discerne it not Florio The Gods defend our Sex from such a president in me a Woman to love first would be a Prodigie Pedro All this I allow so you will love the Duke if he love you first Florio If thou dost think it possible that I can be in danger of such a slavery as love for heavens sake shew me a quick remedy For all the stories I have read present that passion worse then hate and in all Ages has produc'd examples to deterre our Sex from Love though I am yet safe the Duke is somewhat more then other men Give me an Antidote Melina that I may be strong against the Duk 's assault if he make any lest I find here a double invitation to the grave Pedro. You shall be provided Madam Florio He has a soule so full of Gallantry so rich in Vertue and so great renowne I tremble at my second thoughts of thy discourse and would not for the World ingage my freedome on the hazzard of so high contest if thou hast a remedy against Love shew it now that I may doubly Arme against so great an Enemie Pedro. I have a sure one Madam that which cured me and does cure all the World 't is the onely approv'd remedy Florio And shall I have it if I stand in need Pedro. Yes if you please to Love him that Loves you and this is a remedy that seldome failes to cure by fruition Florio Thou art wanton merry and talk'st thou carest not what to make me so can having what we wish most lessen its value Pedro. 'T is but too plaine by having our wish we come to know that our desires in love had rais'd our fancy above what we can ever finde This knowledge doth so check the wing of fancy and desire that love as a thing once past his height must naturally decline and fade such is the generall frailty of all Creatures to have the like certaine period of decay This makes some of our Sages studied in the point now teach that vertuous transparent friendship is a greater and more durable felicity then love but I believe you Madam have your wish allready to the first part of this opinion you are belov'd where you love and will in time judge of the whole argument by your own experience Florio If Love be not Friendship too 't were a sad Fate to Love but I am so farre from having what you wish me this way Melina that my dispaire is my unhappinesse can the Duke love me a Woman as now a man when he shall finde his favourite Florio such a counterfite will it not beget suspitions of my credit and all thoâ—e glorious actions I have done become my scandall Then if his doutage should passe by all these just exceptions may he not think my quality unfit to be his Wife These thoughts fill my fancy with such doubts Melina that when I consider my condition it makes me desperate Pedro. And gives me hopes of better dayes Madam when the Duke shall know you a Lady of the same blood with Princes and shall inquire the true cause of your disguise he will be more in love then now pray let me informe him and try your destiny Florio No Melina no I do conjure thee by thy first vow and now by all my interest not to discover me for if I outlive this Siege I will returne and take a holy habit on me lest my sex suffer by my folly and the World think I came co seeke a man rather then avoide one Pedro. Pray Madam Florio Hold I will here no Argument against my resolve obey me or you will destroy me Love thus I blow thee off Death is my businesse here Pedro. Though I do not approve what you think fit I know I must to your command submit Enter the Duke to them Duke Florio I observe you love to be retyr'd of late and I who seek your company can seldome have it Florio My heart has no joy like pleasing you Sir and my retirements are most imploy'd in studying how to shew my gratitude that Embraces Florio you may not repent the Honours you heap so fast on me Duke That 's kindly said I heare Florio that Camillo proffers to settle a great Fortune on his Neece the Faire Rossina if you can love her which I do wish that I may not fear to loose what I see so much delight in Florio 'T is an honour I cannot accept Sir because my heart is preingaged unto another so fix'd that nothing lesse then Death can ere dissolve it Duke 'T is a cleare answer but to me so harsh I dare not inquire further and yet I must or by my doubts shall suffer more Does the Person you love so much live here or may she be brought to dwell with us Florio The last of these is not impossible and yet there is great difficulties to effect it pray Sir leave me to my own endeavours and I may bring what you desire to passe for your favours have so farre ingag'd me that my Soule labours to contrive how I may live ever in your sight believe me Sir I know no Joyes on Earth beyond your favours to me aside Duke Thou dost revive me Florio he looks so great that I could wish his fancy were fix'd on Silviana may I yet know your quality I have some reason to inquire what may concerne your happinesse and mine Florio Your Highnesse does forget your promise not to presse what does concerne me not to reveale Duke You chide me handsomely I onely had a suddaine thought where to finde a fit match for my dear Sister Silviana Florio I can fit her Sir with such a man as all the Ladies of the Court will envy 't is Fernando whose quality I know is greater then appeares Duke Thou hast dash'd all my hopes at once I did wish you Florio would have thought my Sister worthy of your selfe Florio And much too worthy Sir I sweare by all my hopes my heart is preingag'd where onely Death can seperate Enter to
them The Princess and Ladies Duke You come Silviana aptly to decide a difference between me and Florio I was inviteing him to offer up his heart to you but he preferres your happynesse so much above his own that he recommends Fernando before himself Florio I Madam and do assure your Highnesse that Fernandos Birth does equall his great actions and will be worthy your best thoughts Duke Why thus conceald then Florio He is resolv'd by services to lay some obligations on you Sir before he do reveale himselfe as also to let the Princess see what for her sake he ventures ere he speak of Love Enter to them Corbino Borosco who gave the Duke an open Letter Carbino I found this letter at the Port Sir as it dropt from the Enemies trumpet Duke To Fernando give it him Corbino Pray read it first Duke Why should I read his letter 't is not handsome Borosco Such Ceremony in a besiedg'd Towne may prove Prejuditiall pray Sir read it Duke Who open'd it Corbino I did Sir when I saw an Enemy loose it 't was my duty to see the inside Duke reads it Duke This is the Enemies designe and was lost on purpose to be found to make us jealous of so brave a man that he may beat them no more Burne it and say nothing Fernando has given testimony of his Truth beyond the reach of scandall Florio Does any dare to question Fernandos truth Sir Corbino Pray Sir let Florio give his judgment on the letter then burne it Florio reads and smiles Florio This is easy to discipher this comes not from the Campe I suspect a neerer plot Fernando and my selfe are much envyed for your favour Sir Borosco Does your Lordship reflect on me for such a guilt Florio If I did you should soon know it Corbino Pray Sir let not sine words deceive you but consider Aside to the Duke well all circumstances and then judge if Fernando may not probably be sent hither by the Enemy wee know not who he is nor whence he comes have no caution for his Faith why may not he at the next Sally doe what that Letter does invite 't is my duty Sir to advise you to send him out of the Towne before the evill be too great to remedy Duke Your Zeale unto your Country Corbino makes you too bold to charge a seeming guilt upon a Person of his Worth grounded onely from a letter let fall'n on purpose to abuse us suppose they should Write the like to you I shall think how to finde this mischiefe out and if within our own Walls so base an Act be prov'd it shall be severely punish'd Enter Fernando to them Duke Fernando you shall this night Sally with what force you please Florio Not 'till he has clear'd himself Sir read this Fernando He reads it Fernando This is a â—light trick Sir the Enemy that Writ this is within our Walls my name is not Fernando Corbino If a disguis'd person there is more cause of jealousy then I saw before Florio Then raise a double Jealousy for my Name is not Florio when strangers would be conceal'd we change our Names not to be hid from you wee dwell with but from those at home who may pursue Fernando and I are a like guilty Sir Duke I am not apt for Jealousies nor can I see so foule a guilt â—in Fernandos face Sir though Prudence might justify your restraint I am above feare this way be still free and command in chiefe this night the Sally shall be wholly as you order it Offers to goe out Fernando This considence would make a Traitor honest but Sir to secure your great Lords fear of me I will retire till I can Write an answer to the Enemy such as will soone assure my Innosence but yet on second thoughts I have a better way you will trust me Sir you say Duke I doe Fernando Then will I this night by my Sally give them such an answer as that letter does deserve and if the guilt be within your own Walls I shall make them blush at my returne for aspersing of my innosence Florio I will be Hostage Sir till his returne and suffer Death if Fernando do prove false Duke Fernando cannot by this Sally more Confirme me then I am assur'd before Exeunt THIRD ACT. A cry within the Courts on Fire Then Enter some of the Guard 1 Guard Where is this Fire 2 Guard 'T is in Lord Corbinos Lodgings 3 Guard Knock knock lowder Enter Servants and Mariana at the Window Mariana Fire fire come up and help 't is in my Fathers closet the Fire breaks out there A noise within Enter Duke Princess Rossina Florio and Traine under the Window Duke From whence is the Mischiefe Borosco 'T is in Corbinos lodging Sir I have sent after him Mariana above with men and maids throwing goods out of the Window Mariana The great danger is now over Sir Duke Pull down the next wall that it passe no further Mariana My Lord Borosco pray set some to guard our goods She throwes down Baggs of Money he heapes them up Borosco Have not our Enemies at home done this to divert us in the time of sally what newes from Fernando Duke He is but now sallyed hark the Alarum is begun Borosco And the Court on Fire at the same time 't were good to double all the guards there may be more danger in this Fire then yet appeares Duke The guards are strong enough send more hands to quench the Fire Enter Florio Florio They have master'd the great slame Sir but not yet quench'd the Fire Mariana throwes down Baggs and Boxes one Box opens and out fails Papers Duke Looke to his Papers put them in againe What 's here The Duke takes up a Paper a direction to Fernando see Florio Florio 'T is a soul coppy of the forg'd Letter from the Enemy 't is the same hand Sir now you see our jealousies are just Duke I shame to see so great a villany While they compare the Hana Enter Corbino in haste Corbino My Closet burnt and all my goods distroy'd Oh unhappy man Duke It had been well thou hadst thy self been burnt in it look here vile wretch what this fire has brought to our hands thou may'st well tremble at such a crime for I will make thee an example to terrify this Nation from like villany you of the Guard devide all this Treasure among your selves for your paines in quenching of the Fire and Florio see this wretch a close Prisoner that Fernando may behold what punishment such treachery shall find from me Corbino Pardon great Sir losse of your wonted favour begot this envy in me I beg your mercy Sir Duke Such mercy as so base a crime deserves expect while Fernando sheds his Blood for us you stamp a brand of Treason on so cleare a merit So great a mischiefe with so base intent No villaine but Corbino could invent away with him Enter Officer Duke What newes from the Port
Camillos crime can you demand if all this be argument for so unworthy a distrust how can innocence be justifyed Pray Sir take more time to judge of this and now trust your selfe with me I have the word and can securely passe I have a bold party too who stand ready at the Port to favour our Retreate Fernando I need them not I have my freedome and have taken leave can passe whither and when I please but my Judgment on all this I cannot suddenly summe up and therefore will not goe Florio What testimony can you wish what assurance have beyond this voluntary hazzard of my life to lead you to the Princess Silviana from whom you may inquire my friendship and my Faith if this be an abuse you have then a cause to show your courage and may call me to account but if all this convince you not leave me here a Prisoner in your place and so revenge those wrongs you onely dreame of Fernando No to betray is worse then to be betray'd I scorne to act a treachery that I so much condemne in others I am now resolv'd to goe and to suspend all further thoughts of jealousy or discontent and if my passion for the Princess hath mis-led me into unworthy thoughts of you or of the Duke I shall gladly do any pennance you 'l inflict Florio Your own sence for your mistake will prove a sharper pennance then we can wish Fernando Though I have Arguments for my distrust Yet Florio and the Duke may both be just The End of the third Act. THE FOURTH ACT. Enter the Duke leaning on Florio 's shoulder follow'd by Fernando Longino Tigillo Lords and Officers Duke TO what strange hight Florio will thy daring heart aspire at what point of honour rest that I may rejoyce thy dangers past without new feares for more ensuing hazards comming on Florio The Gods directed what I did and friendship could expect no lesse Fernando would have done much more for me Sir Duke I do believ 't but yet methinks your large soule might afford some roome for me so much a friend as to be consider'd in my concerne for all the dangers you are in Florio Such a presumptuous thought in me had been a crime when great Fernando's life and fortune was at stake against a compliment Duke I yield Florio must ever conquer Be Generall Fernando and you Longino Command the Horse Tigillo take presently the Citty Keyes from young Camillo and be you Governor of URBIN he shall know that obedience to his Prince is above his duty to a Father if any can make cleare proofe of more conspirators they shall have all their lands and goods for their reward now Fernando did I apprehend with cause were not my private cautions of Camillo worthy your best Providence Fernando I could not guess at Camillos mischiefe I confess so great a mallice from a gallant man I never met before but when Envy and Revenge Ambitions twin children doe wedd their Parents cause no reason can so naturall a rage withhold nor any limits such unbridled fury bound when the high hopes that all their fancies aym'd at were cut off by those honours heap'd on us This makes me reflect with some compassion on your severity to persons of their worth who had no crimes but what grew from too much vallew of your favour Sir I wish that our successes had been lesse or your rewards not full so much Though narrow hearted Princes often blush at merits beyond their wills to recompence yet some great soules like yours too often overvallew and reward such services as ours when a kind mention with a smile would amply satisfie pardon Sir my sorrow for the losse of those two great men who fell on my account that shortly must resigne all the envyed Offices I hold and thereby shew how small an Argument their hasty Envy took for such a ruine as they design'd on me which in few dayes might have been diverted for this Siege ended I must be gone Sir as I have frequently to you and them declared in publike and now to leave so many mourneâ—s where I have deserved so well will very much eclips my memory when I am gone Duke I have no argument but their crime to justify their punishment though your clemency might have spared them a lesse severity would not become me 1 Lord. Camillo at his death confess'd his guilt and exclaim'd against his own too hasty a retreat Duke We know too much of their conspiracy Exeunt Enter the Princess with Philora and Ladies in her Chamber Princess I wonder why my brother stayes thus long from seeing me Philora He has had but little time to order his affaires Camillo and Borosco being both dead their commands are of great consequence Ent Tigil Princess I have not heard of the like villany what newes Tigillo how does my brother Tigillo Well Madam but much troubled for Camillos wickednesse against those he so much loves he sent me to excuse his visit to your Highnesse untill he have dispatch'd some great affaires that do require his presence Princess Are the two strangers well Tigillo Not both Madam Fernando has some hurts but nothing dangerous Princess Is not my brother much pleas'd to have his Florio safe return'd Tigillo He is indeed somewhat fonder then I could wish but can your Highnesse fancy a fitter subject for so high a concerne who ere beheld a Nobler object for a Prince's favour Princess I do not know so fit a man to make his favourite as Florio but to dote so much on him as to consider none of us takes from my Brothers Judgment and lessens our love to him I am glad to see him pleas'd but to see him lost in admiration of a man is not well Rossina come Let us retyre untill the Duke appeares To raise our hopes or satisfy our feares Exeunt As they are going off Enter a Servant Servant Madam there is an Officer without who desires accesse to your Highnesse he has a Paper in his hand he sayes of great concerne and must himselfe deliver it Exit servant Silviana Admit him Tigillo pray stay in the next Roome Exit Tigillo The Ladies stand off Enter Officer Officer Madam I come from the Enemy sent by the Duke of Ferrara to mingle with your Troopes which sallyed last amongst whom I got into the Towne thus in private to excuse to you alone the mischiefes by this Warre brought on your People He offers her a Letter she refuses it Silviana No 't is beyond excuse Sir but why this to me in private if from Ferrara sent why not in publique to the Duke Officer 'T is not his purpose Madam to humble himselfe unto your Hee kneels Brother though Ferrara do desire thus to lay himself at Silvianas feet to shew what love can doe his courage is too high to stoope before the greatest Prince on Earth He rises Silviana Tell your high hearted Master then my brothers interest and mine
I may wrong Selindra by it and trouble you without a cause when I am certainly informed you shall be so till then pray do not urge me farther Phil I am so weak a man in thy esteem thou darest not trust me with my self Ordella thy discourse will disturb me much unless thou lettest me know the whole matter Ordel My unwillingnesse to tell you is now become the onely cause I feare to do it for I was questioning Selindra onely about her frequent visits to Pollidor which it seems I put into such Language as made her weep this on my credit is the truth are you now satisfied Phil I am satisfied that we have the same thoughts your judgement on this matter confirms my Observations which till now took no hold on me If she prove false thus I can blow her off But Pollidor shall pay deare for his Treachery Enter to them Pollidor very weak in Rich Cloaths a staff in his hand Polli Madam 't is fit that I visit you before the Temple and pay my first vowes at your shrine offering up a Life devoted to your Service Ordel You owe your health Sir next to the Gods unto Selindra's care such a gratitude I have not seen before nor such a zeale as hers to serve you Polli My obligations to Selindra I must rank after the Honours I have received from you Madam Pray Sir how does the Emperor He turns to Phillocles and Cecropius take this fained love between Selindra and me how does it work with them Phill Since Selindra dwelt with you the whole Court believes it is a mutuall Love onely my Sister and my self have other thoughts Polli Those last words came coldly out I must remove this jealousie I am glad Sir that you are secur'd by it and I am joy'd to have a hand in any thing that shall conduce to serve you I do professe my Medicines have not so much wrought my cure as the joy I have to see such unparalleld Virtues and Affections meet as is yours and the good Selindra's day day she tires her tongue in praising Phillocles and stiil growes fresh by talking of you Sir I cannot wish you greater happinesse on Earth then you will have with her may it last while you last and may Eternall Curses light on those that wish it less Phil I thank you Sir and will hope to prosper as you pray for me and next to Selindra and my Sister place you by my heart Polli You Honour me too much and will make me proud I must take my leave Sir my strength is not yet enough confirm'd to stay long abroad Exit Pollidor Phil The Gods go with thee thou Man of Honour Ordel What think you Brother of this Complement Phil I think him really what he seems Ordel I wish I could do so too but when I call to mind that Selindra unto me did talk just thus of Pollidor as he now discours'd to you of her methinks it looks like a designe Phil Does Pollidor presume to pretend to you Ordel So Selindra would have me think which indeed was the main cause of my anger and her Tears Phill I am not willing to be jealous nor yet so fond as not to be sensible when there is just cause Ordella let us smooth our browes and observe them farther such a guilt cannot be long hid and untill we be confirm'd by some better proof 't is unworthy in us to suspect them on our surmises only since what they do is by our direction Ordel 'T is not my nature to judg ill of any and I hope Selindra will deserve better I am converted and now we are thus secure why may not you go to the Army and leave Selindra with me Pollidor in your absence may Court her in publick which will confirm my Father in his mistake when he sees me dislike it Phill I like it well Ordella what will you do this Evening Ordel I have some businesse for a while Selindra after supper will meet me in the Garden pray come to us there Phil Bid your Boy attend us with his Lute then it may so happen that I must take leave this night for I hear that the Hungarian Army comes on apace Enter Antenor to them Ante The Emperor sends you word Sir that Cecropius has deliver'd all the Frontier Towns to the Hungarians and himself advances in the head of that Army towards us Phil Dispatch a Post unto Antillacus bid him advance towards the Traytor I will this night set forth and by day break shall reach him Ante Sir Antillacus retreats before the Enemy his men fewer in Number are so disheartned by Cecropius's revolt they dare not look on the Hungarians Phil Let the Page call Pollidor to my Sisters Chamber presently we will take leave there and depart immediatly Come Ordella this is somewhat quicker work then I expected bid my servants make what hast they can to meet me here at my return Exit omnes Enter Periander with a Lady as in Ordella 's Chamber Lady My Lord since you went hence the Court has been in daily Tumults about Phillocles his Love unto your Daughter Perian Is Selindra so much in favour with the Gods as to be look'd on by Prince Phillocles Lady The Prince seeks no other Heaven but her and as the World thinks she neglects him and Loves one Pollidor Perian Madam I cannot raise my Faith to what you say nor can I joy in such a blessing untill I know the Emperor does approve it pray Madam where may I find Selindra Lady She is now with the Princess in the Garden I shall let her know your Lordship is return'd Exit Lady Perian You obliege me Madam though I have been long absent I have not been Idle nor could I well have made more haste hither cousidering how many great Affairs I have dispatch'd since I went hence Enter Selindra to him Selin Oh Sir you are welcome I have with some trouble and some fear expected your Returne Peri Madam I stay'd the longer by reason of those Tumults I found at Belgrade a false Astella was set up by Euticus and his faction but so soon as I made known that you liv'd both sides laid down their Arguments though not their Armes which I advis'd as the best means to bring you home in safety Selin But why does our Army enter Greece Perian That 's the riddle Madam the old Fox Cecropius gave notice to the Hungarians that the Emperor purpos'd in his own person to invade them since Phillocles had refus'd it and would by a conquest joyn that Crown to his Empire he insinuates also that if the Hungarians would assist him in his design he would make the Emperor unable to harme them by delivering up all the Frontier Towns into their hands Selin And what is his design Perian Onely by their power to force the Emperor to deliver you and one Pollidor up to him This I perswaded Orsanes and the rest to hearken too
Crime Cleobulus I am sorry for my rash opinion Since it offends your Majesty so much Queen It is the bane of Courts when we permit Those near us to asperse the Innocent If our strict Lawes for petty theft gives Death How much a greater punishment is due For robbing a good name a sin so vil'd And so unknown no punishment was made By way of Prophesie for crimes to come If I did think this malice from your heart I would for ever banish you my Court. Cleob Your Majesty does raise your anger now Above my guilt which had no mischief in 't Queen I am no farther angry with you now But take occasion to declare my sence Against all such as defame Innocence 'T is a Prince his chief businesse to be Just The Gods impose on us no higher Trust We have no petty faults to answer for Universal Justice is our great work And those who shall divert it to destroy The Fame or Fortune of an Enemy Deserves to be thrown off with Infamy Exit Queen and Ladies Remains the Admiral and Cleobulus Adm I have not seen the Queen in such a heat You have offended her some other way Cleob Not that I know of in this kind ever Adm What Devil made you talk thus to her now You knowing that she is so good her self She makes a doubt that any of her Sex Can do amisse and 't is great Noblenesse Cleo There is a kind of pixe Divel dwells In many Courts that haunts our idle heads And prompts us when we know not what to say To entertain great Princes with reports Of others so to please and passe the time This foolish spirit I think entred me Adm You gave Cleandra cause for your reproof For how can Princes judge Malice from Mirth When cunningly thrown out with specious shewes Of probabilities when those aspers'd Are never call'd to answer for themselves The Queen did excellently well to chide You whom she Loves that none may ere presume The like hereafter for if Princes be Born Credulous Malicious persons may Defame a Nation if they please this way Cleob I know I was to blame but from this day I 'le hold my peace 'till I know what to say Exeunt Enter Nearcus with Mariana and Servants at his House in their way to Coriola Mari Where are we now my Lord this house stands well Near It is my poor habitation Madam Here I must treat you by the Queens command 'T is the mid-way unto Coriola Mar 'T is a Noble and a most pleasant Seat Has it no Mistris Sir Are you single Nearcus I am only that way happy Madam Mariana You have a Mistris then or do you call It happinesse that you as yet have none Near Will you please Madam to view the garden The rest of the Traine stay looking on the Pictures and see them not go out Exit Nearcus with Mariana 1. Lady That piece methinks does look as if it liv'd 2 Lady I do preferre that smiling Figure first Whose hand is it my Lord Lord. I have not skill enough to know the hands Though I love Pictures pray observe the next Is not this sleeping Venus rarely done See how that Cupid in the Tree stands off 2 Lady 'T is rare indeed that Satyr and the rest Of the whole piece is excellently good 1 Lady Let us look into the next Room my Lord. Lord. This way they went and this way must return They go out and returne hastily Lord The Doors are lock'd and we can passe no way 1 Lady Is this by accident or on command Lord. Let us attend a while and we shall see From the next Chamber window where they be Exeunt Enter Nearcus with Mariana in the Garden Mar I have no Argument for further talk And now am weary grown with this long walk Where is the beauty you so much admire Your praises have in me rais'd some desire To see this wonder of our Sex that I May judge your skill and with your choice comply Nearcus locks the Doore and kneels Near She is here already oh she is here A brighter beauty never can appear Mar Why d' ye lock the Door my Lord why kneel To me you make my heart some tremblings feel By this surprise and I do doubtfull stand What of kind Treachery you have in hand It looks yet like a Lionness betray'd Into the Toyles I scorn to be afraid Near I have no Argument for either now But a distracted heart that knowes not how T' excuse what I have done 't is love has brought Me to this Precipice and too late taught That I from hence shall head-long tumble down If you disdain to save oh do not frown Rather take this and while you may prevent Offers his Sword Your own near ruine and my rash intent That angry look and those enraged Eyes Pierce like quick Lightning from the stormy skies They melt my heart and make me trembling stand To beg what Love and Nature may command Mariana Love do the Cithereans by such Arts Such force and treachery winne Ladies hearts Fie fie Nearcus this does not agree With Love nor with Cleandras trust to thee I shame to find such ills and blush to chide Repent and I thy infamy will hide Oh! 't is the basest of all crimes to be Justly condemn'd for infidelity And with a treachery my trust beguile Beyond the story of the Crocodile Near What dares not love attempt when it goes high Like mine your ships are ready oh too nigh The wind is fair and I no time but this To woe no other means to reach my bliss The Queens command and my desires here meet To throw my life and fortune at your feet That by this desperate course you now may see Your love or scorn I make my destinie Mar Nearcus how would you prevaile my dreams Instruct me not to answer such extreams Near I would have you Mistris of me and mine Before we part made so by vowes Divine Mar 'T is a short warning to a work so great Is this Cleandras Love and this your Treat To strangers do you think my lips my heart Does hold so loose as at first sight to part With it to you what do you find in me So slight that looks like so much levitie Near If you 'l afford more time I will proceed With caution and respect and shall take heed How I offend if you 'l resolve to stay Or to comply my passion will obey If not I must this desperate course persue And trust my ruine or successe to you Who does in desperate attempts ingage Can seldome at first sight th' event presage Love led me on and reason comes too late Now to retreat this Fortune is my Fate Mar Your language and your looks do rather threat Then woe which does in me such scorn beget As to an Enemy that does invade That Innocence you have bereft of aid And boldly dare impose on a free heart What should be won by Love not
such base Art Near Give me but time to woe and I will fear And tremble in your sight with zeal appear And the same duty I approach the Gods When my offences make me fear their Rods It is not I as your affairs do stand But high necessity makes me command That all the remnant of my life you may Triumph for my ambition 's to obey Mar Think you by force that I shall ere think fit To yield my self to such a counterfeit I am not born unto so mean a Fate As to submit unto the man I hate Nor will I be thus frighted to comply With so contemptable a destiny Near I must confesse I can by no disguise Lessen or hide the guilt of this surprize But by some greater crime more amply shew That a distracted passion may soon know To act such evills as I fear to think But do not set me in dispair thus sink Speak so as that I may some hope retain And you 'l restore me to my self again Mar Stand by vil'd man and let me passe who waits Near None within call that now can help the fates Themselves have not the power to set you free Nor can you hope for safety but from me No storm at Sea nor in it ships on Fire Creates more terrors then my wild desire Brings me here is a Tempest in this brest Above all them since raging Love possest My heart I am become a walking storm Reason and Virtue are both wrack'd no form Observ'd while this confusion bears the sway None knowes to govern but must all obey If we cannot resist then to cry no Is madnesse when we must to ruine go Mar I have no power but must my brothers will Obey I must his mind not yours fullfill Lest his great pride and anger may destroy What you 'd preserve and frustrate all your joy Near If my high birth and quality do prove Lesse then your own I will expect no love But hazzard all my hopes on his consent Let his denial sign my punishment Mar If your birth equal mine and he consent To joyn our hands I have no argument Against your hopes but must be Mistris still Of my own heart not part with my free-will Yet now Nearcus I do promise you What truth and honour dictates I will do Near Unlesse you both do ere you go comply You shall soon see that I know how to dye Mar Pray call my servants down that I may see Your truth and find my self at Liberty He calls at the Door Near Now Madam that my life 's at your dispose Your self secure I humbly do propose You will before the Gods confirm by vow What you have freely promis'd to me now Mar By all those powers I 'le keep my promise made And never fail to own what I have said Near It is enough a kiss of your fair hand Must satisfie the Man you may command Nearcus has no soul cannot be blest Untill his love with love you do invest Enter Servants and all go off together THE THIRD ACT. Enter the Embassador as at Coriola with Cleon Erillos and Train Embass THis Piazzo Cleon is Magnificent I have not seen any so Beautifull Cle It shews the Princes Treasure and their minds Are alike great who can so soon Erect So vast a City which in every part Deserves to be as much admir'd as this Embass We may walk through it ere my Sister comes Erillos You may the River side is your best view Cleon There is a Boat now coming to the shore Erillos Those who land seem to be of Quality Embass I see no Woman yet with them appear They are very brave and come towards us Do any of you know who these may be Cleon Young Titus landed first but as I think It is Ormasdes who now leads the Troop Embass If so I must expect some angry words From the offended Queen Enter Ormasdes and Y. Titus with Servants who come up close to the Embassador without any respect Embass What means this kind of rudenesse Gentlemen Ormas It speaks my businesse who am hither come To scourge that pride you so much glory in And with this hand that insolence chastise Which boldly durst indeavour to defame By base surmises great Cleandras Name Titus I beg as you love my Honour He turns to Titus If I do fall let none come in to help Sir you shall have fair play that we may see To the Embass How Insolence and Courage do agree Titus makes roome Emb I shall soon satisfie the doubt you make To his followers Stand off he dyes that stirs to my relief Or by a word let fall does make me known They fight Ormasdes hurts and disarms him Enter Mariana and servants who run in and part them Mar Ormasdes hold it is a King you wound It is Valerianus you fight with Ormas My self a Prince of Greece of the same blood With our great Emperor will justifie What I have done and to the World declare If any man do wrong me in disguise I do his Titles and himselfe despise Exit Ormasdes Titus and Train Mar Oh Gods my prophetick soul did long since Fore-see this Evil oh let not King Hold Valeriana there are no Gods Nor shall one Altar in my Kingdome stand To honour those we foolishly call Gods I will Erect new Temples unto Chance Which giddily thus governs us below Valer Take heed Sir lest you do provoke those powers You now despise to punish your contempt King I will not own those Gods those empty names Who cannot shelter us from publick shames Valer The Gods be just and you are much to blame 'T was not Ormasdes who the King ore-came It was his Virtue conquer'd your offence Your guilt gave Victory to Innosence King Will you become my Judge will you condemne My life and Honour A fit Sacrifice To your belov'd Ormasdes fatall Sword Fool from this hour I do thy blood disclaim And will forget I ever knew thy Name Erillos let my goods be sent aboard I will not stay a minute longer here Then my necessity compells me to Valer I have prevail'd with the much injur'd Queen To lay her anger by and to forgive Those rash words you spoke and have her leave To bring you to her sight again with hopes She may her inclinations change when known Your fury did proceed from Love alone King My love is vanish'd and my heart too full Of my revenge to think of my return Till I can pull Cleandra from her Throne I hope Ormasdes will take care of you Who plead his cause and are to love so true Men Sir though your wounds be slight if you remove So soon we cannot answer for your life King I 'le rather dye at Sea then live on shore Make haste good Cleon lead me to my Boat Cleon Will you leave the Princess in a strange land Thus unkindly cast her off for ever Because her Love did argue for your good King And thee that dares
said This Parragon of all our Sex now dyes Because Ormasdes does her Love despise Ormas No Madam I do suffer more then she Does for her self hers is my miserie I dare not virtue with vain hopes abuse I cannot love and therefore do refuse To dally with so bright a Saint whose Shrine Compels all hearts to bow before 't but mine I am not capable of Love not blest That way my heart 's with other flames possest Queen All flames you feel would vanish did you see Valeriana in such misery As she endures now fetching her last breath Enquiring your health neglecting her own death Thus my compassion has her sorrowes learn'd I weep her Tears while you stand unconcern'd Ormas Madam your passion does my pitty move Though my dull heart cannot consent to Love My resolution is now fixt I 'le try My self to vanquish or her Martyr Dye I swear I did not hear that she was ill And now it does my soul with horror fill For her concern no danger is so great But I will rather dye in 't then retreat Queen 'T is bravely said but dare you try the effect Of one short visit after such neglect Ormas Thus provok'd if your Majesty stands by I will not such a visit now deny Queen You speak and look as if you meant to fright Much rather then revive her by your sight Ormas Madam to Complement I have no skill Nor can be pleas'd if lov'd against my will Yet sensible and civil I can be Though it do prove unfortunate to me Queen When shall I bring this comfort to revive Her fainting soul if she be still alive Ormas Is she really so weak so soon grown Thus ill I have no skill in this unknown Mystery of love but will boldly try What I can do for her recovery Queen High passions do weak bodies sooner bring To the Graves mouth then any other thing Her despairs are of a much longer date Though suddain sicknesse do break out thus late When I your humour did a first reherse And shew'd how your whole life had been averse To Love she sigh'd and presently grew pale Despair that minute made her spirits fail And so transported by her fancy fell As if my doubts had rung her passing bell Orm Though I cannot speak nor do yet know how To look I 'm ready to attend you now Queen I fear so suddain and so great a joy As your approach may equally destroy Let me her heart prepare that by degrees She may but hope retain before she see The comfort that your visit brings and then Ormasdes may ere long prove best of Men. Ormas Madam I do my self to you submit Pray order me in all as you think fit Queen You shall then stand unseen while I do tell This welcome story which will make her well And then by what you 'l see you may observe How my true friendship will from both deserve Who have no wish beyond Ormasdes good When time shall make me rightly understood Ormas Madam I have now no more to say But that I will your Majesty obey Queen You shall not stirre Ormasdes till I send Exit Queen and Traine Enter to him Nearous Ormas Did you not meet Cleandra going out Near Yes but I have businesse of importance Pray let us withdraw and be more private Ormas Come this way then They go out and Re-entey Ormas Why have you drawn me to this inner Room Is the secret of so piercing quality That fewer Walls then these cannot contain't Near It is my Lord of a high nature grown I must impart it to your self alone You and I must kill one another now Ormas May not I live though you are pleas'd to dye Near No Sir since 't is decreed that I must die I am resolv'd to have you Company There 's a Sword the same with mine defend you Ormas Hold a while May not I know the cause of this hatred Near I have no hatred yet endeavour must That we together may revert to dust Though you by chance have rob'd me of my right I 'de not out-live Ormasdes if I might Ormas From whence does this strange kindnesse to me grow Say for I will not fight untill I know Near This then will teach you to defend your self Runs at him he puts his Sword by and holds him Ormas I shall call my Servants unlesse you now show The cause of this distracted fury Near I will Lets him go Valeriana's my Quarrel She throwes neglects on me and dotes on you Ormas You are mistaken sure and much abus'd It is not possible She dotes on me Who never courted Lady in my life Near By all that 's good she told me so her self Ormas This must be some design beyond my reach But if true from whence does my guilt arise Who never heard of your pretence 'till now Nor have a serious thought for hers to me If such a folly do her heart possesse Am I to answer for her guiltinesse Near I do accuse you of no guilt at all But joy to think if by my hand you fall It will Create in her such miserie As will adorn my death with Victorie Ormas If such revenge and malice you intend Where is the Love that you so much pretend Near Wee 'l talk of that as our two souls expire She flatter'd me with hopes that blew my Fire She threw out vowes to marry me and now In hope of you disowns that holy vow Ormas Made vowes to marry you and yet love me Pray shew me how this story does agree I swear I never had a thought of Love To Lady in my life and will now quit The interest you pretend rather then fight For such imaginary Dreams as this Near You must Fight Nearcus offers at him he rings a Bell. Enter Servants Ormas No disarm him so now leave us alone Exeunt Nearcus I have lov'd you and shall still If you 'l permit what does this story mean Near By Hea Valeriana did ingage To marry me if my Birth equal'd hers But now repents in hope to marry you Ormas This story growes stranger and stranger still Does your Birth equal hers on which you ground Your Title and on which her vow was made Near It does Ormasdes and did hers exceed When I first urg'd that sacred Vow she made She but a Subject unto me appear'd Ormas And are you other now Near Yes have you not heard that Prince Orontes Brother to our late King had a young Son Call'd Leonatus who by sad mishap Fencing with the Prince hurt him in the Eye Of which hurt he dyed and the King inrag'd Made vowes to Sacrifice the Murtherer As if the mischief purposely were done In order to his own Succession After Cleandra who was then married To a young Prince in Greece and setl'd there Orm I 'ave often heard the Queen with sighs lament Her Brothers losse by that sad accident And say she pittied Leonatus death As innocent
Valeriana Exeunt omnes Enter Nearcus Near 'T is strange I hear not of Ormasdes yet If he oblige me really I 'm his If not I shall resume my first resolves This his delay begets more jealousies Then my impatient burning heart can bear Enter Ormasdes Near Now Sir how have I prosper'd in your hands Ormas As you deserve Near How is that Ormas With much scorn rejected Near Is that my merrit in your opinion Ormas In mine as in Cleandras and in all Who have heard the ground of your false claim Which the fair Princess and her Servants tell A Treachery so base an act so foul That all do think Nearcus has no soul. Near This you dare justifie Ormas I had not dar'd to tell it else me thinks My looks might shew my businesse was to find You out and now to let you know I must Defend the Princess in a cause so just Before I knew Valerianas heart Or was at all acquainted with my own I judg'd your cause against her innocence But now inform'd the right from all I find No argument in Justice to compell Such a forc'd promise to Nearcus made Should now to Leonatus be perform'd Your jugling Arts and your disguised Name With your unworthy force ore throws your claim Near You are become a subtle Orator Since you convers'd with Ladies but I shall Your great Eloquence with this steel convince I am not to be frighted by big words We now must try the temper of our Swords Ormas We must indeed though I lament my hand Should harm a man unto the Queen aly'd Near Shall that scruple and this good Sword once more Teach you to call for help as heretofore Ormas I may change your opinion with my own Near Come then They Fight Ormasdes runs him through Disarms him Ormas Get Surgeons for Nearcus presently My hurt is slight Exit Ormasdes Enter Surgeons or Servants who carry off Nearcus Enter the Queen in Valerianas Chamber with her and attended by Old Titus Old Nearcus Lords and Ladies a full Train Queen 'T is by your good nature Valeriana That this mans evil spirit threatens us Had you reveal'd Nearcus treachery His punishment had suted with his crime Val Madam I do confesse my lenity May have imbolden'd him to higher ills Which my just complaint might have prevented But then how hard a censure should I gain By ruining so Eminent a man Who from his principles of honour fell Through love to me though I contemn'd his hopes His passion made me pitty his distresse So far as his first error to forgive In hope he might in better order live Queen You argue well and ought to justifie Your gentle disposition to forgive Mercy does a young Princess much adorn But I am bound to vindicate my self My Nation suffers if I be not just To punish crimes like this I break my trust He is the first that ever daâ—'d asperse The Citherean Name by such a fact As no past Chronicle can parallel I shake to think how great your danger was And how much greater might have been my shame To trust a man who values not his fame Val Let not his faults your anger higher raise The punishment he feels by ill successe Is a just doom for his unworthinesse Queen His sentence must to after times appear Lest my story be blemish'd with a thought That I did wink at such a crime as this My people will exclaim the Gods will frown If such a wickednesse unpunisht passe He must dye Valeriana his house Be burnt the ashes scatter'd in the Ayre With prayers t' appease our Citherian Gods We cannot offer a lesse Sacrifice Val For my sake let his doom be banishment If I have any favour in your Eyes Make not me guilty by that Sacrifice She kneels Queen Rise Madam you shall govern as you please Enter to them Ormasdes and Young Titus Queen Ormasdes are you hurt by that vil'd man Ormas It is too little to be call'd a wound I come now to beg Nearcus pardon 'T was I that did inforce him to this fight Val And I most wrong'd who freely do forgive Queen The wrong was done to me Valeriana I put you in his power my trust he broke My honour for your safety was ingag'd Our Nation suffers by his Villany The Citherean honour calls for Justice Against so barbarous a breach of Faith Nor was it you provok'd but were compell'd By him to fight for innocence aspers'd Ormas Madam though I shall never justifie Nearcus actions his misfortune may Admit excuse Because humane nature Is subject to passions which the best men Can never mannage as they ought how then May Valeriana's beauty guilty be That did excite Nearcus love and led Him into this distraction past his power To mannage his own heart as we think best If so 't is she has turn'd him to a Beast But when your Majesty shall call to mind The gallant service by this Mad-man done You will then pitty his Distraction Enter to them Nearcus brought in a Chair Queen What means this boldnesse Near Madam I come not to beg your pardon But to justifie my actions and my self Against Ormasdes who does now with-hold Valeriana my betroathed Wife Confirm'd by vows in presence of the Gods Queen Now Ormasdes is he fit for pardon Ormas Yes Madam as a distracted person Near Why do you wrong my person and my cause To call my just Title a distraction Do me Justice Cleandra or give me Death Queen You may have both your wishes in good time Cleobulus guard him to the Castle Val Pray Madam let his doom be banishment Because his Crime went not beyond intent Queen Madam he must thank you for his life then Cleobulus see him a close prisoner Untill his wounds permit his Banishment Near I do your proffer'd mercies all refuse And either Death or Valeriana chuse Queen Lead him to banishment make him obey Near Hold a little Cleandra look this way T is Leonatus calls he who at foyles The young Prince your Brother slew And fled your Fathers rage untill his death Then shelter'd by this borrow'd Name return'd And in Nearcus Family secur'd By this disguise liv'd as his only Son Who dyed as I return'd is it death yet Queen No this insolence shall not change your doom Nor your confest disguise long known to me Force a punishment beyond the merrit Of that sad mishap which I believe Was fatall accident no purpos'd crime Though my Father look'd on his onely Son By your hand slain with such revenging rage As might his losse become and him ingage To throw out vowes that Justice should persue So great a Traytor as he then thought you For your succession after me became His fancies object which encreas'd your blame But I who have exactly been inform'd Of my dead Brothers love and yours now must For that sad accident to you be just Near I 'le rather quit my innocence then own Your mercy when you Justice do
to see thee but converse a Moneth or two with persons of Honour which I believe would reclaime thee and fix those virtues now lost in a Chaos of wild actions Cle I marry if you could shew me a Woman that would not be wonne I would fancy some delight to passe away an hour to two at idle times but all that I do meet with are mine before I wish it so that I am alwaies forc'd to stand upon my guard amongst ' um Lon That 's no wonder amongst those women you converse with shall I chuse you a Mistris and if you get her let the reproach be mine Cle Shall she be worth my pains if so I will think on 't when I have time to throw away come will you go with me yet Lon I 'le stay here a while Cle I 'le go before then and make ready for you Exit Lon What pitty 't is such parts should be so drown'd Though I resolve to quit I 'me guilty still If longer I do countenance his ill Enter to him as in the Garden the Princess Theodocia Pandora Lindamira Teretia and Ladies and Silvander Theod Lonzartes I have been laughing at Lindamiras relation of Clearcus humour she sayes she has abus'd him his own way in the behalf of honest Women whom he declares against Lon The encounter indeed was pleasant but the successe is beyond her guesse for she thinks that her neglects have dash'd his hopes by which he is grown confident that her seeming scornes were onely to dazle our Eyes while he doubts not to gain an interest Lin I wish him joy my Lord of his quick Victory the next encounter will decide this difference of Opinions Pan But how dare you Lindamira enter the lists of Wit with young Clearcus who has the sharpest tongue in Syracusa Lin There is no contest so easie his whole discourse to Women is ever of love or something like it and does believe that all our souls delight in nothing else which makes me interrupt him still as he begins and never hear him out Sil Is that civil to a person of his Quality The Is he not angry when you slight him so Lin No Madam I am his mirth and he is mine Lonz If Pandora would permit I do fancy his conversion might be wrought by her and his Eclips'd virtues made to shine brighter then his vices do Sil 'T will be a Noble undertaking Madam Lin I wish he were within my cure Pan Wee 'l joyne our forces Lindamira for I shall easily consent unto so good a work as may reclaim so great a person as Clearcus a man so near allied unto the Duke but how must this Charitable work be done Lonz If you Madam will admit his visits for a Moneth or two the cure of course will follow for he who never yet convers'd with civill Woman will surely be concern'd when he shall see the harmlesse mirth that virtue does allow to persons of your Quality Pan So I be obliged no further then to civil visits his birth does require that for him which I deny to no man Lin Leave the rest to me The How happy are you Cousin that may dispose of your self as you please I must speak and look and move as my Father and the State directs me Pan Great Princes indeed are bound to some strict Rules most subjects understand not Lin Your Highnesse complains without a cause we hear the Duke will leave you to your own choise only he will recommend The When Parents recommend 't is so like command it frights me to think whom it may be Pan Now you are safe from the Corinthian have no fear untill you see occasion for it The I wish my dear Cousin you would marry too I should then like it better I now dread to put on that yoak by all the World so much desired Pan Will my being in the pound get your Highnesse out of it why would you have me runne the hazzard to loose that happinesse I now am sure of by a single life If men did ever appear in their own likenesse we might chuse some one amongst many worth the having but in our sights they are allwayes disguis'd in such shapes and humours as they believe we like best and so cozen us and themselves too for if they make us unhappy it seldome failes but we make them so Lin No Oracle ever spoke truer I am of your Sect Madam as to matters of Faith yet I would gladly have a Husband though it be dangerous to put my heart into anothers keeping And as my learn'd Author sayes to give my freedome up unto I know not whom nor ever can do till I have him this were a sad condition Madam if we had not the same Arts to cosen them that think to cosen us The Would I could get a merry heart like yours Lindamira Lin I 'le present your Highnesse with a piece of mine I have enough for both Enter Messenger Mess Madam the Prince calls for you The I attend him pray Cousin go with me to my Father Exeunt Ladies Lon A few such excellent Women would make this World a Paradice how have I walk'd in the dark 'till now how strongly been misled by my affection to Clearcus that have approv'd and acted in all his ills begun upon designe and led on till custome has allmost chang'd my nature but will no more now Enter Clearcus to him Cle How now Lonzartes walking alone take heed the Devil find thee not at leasure Lon A greater then thy self can hardly find me Cle Very gravely replyed if I mistake not you are whimpering after some great Lady and now practizing to play the fool wisely to spend your time adoring you know not who nor why Lon Thou art still i th' wrong Cle Let us meet then at the old place to night Lon That 's a freedome I shall never take more you have converted me beyond all the Homilies I ever read you have made me ashamed of my self for being so long like you Cle Oh Hypocrite what new piece have you got that I must not be trusted with come tell me and I 'le cry up your Austere purpose and rail at your conversion as if I did believe it Lon When you see me next in ill company Lam then that Hypocrite you mention Cle Out upon these tender Consciences they spoyl more mirth then they are worth let old folks hear Homilies while we enjoy the time we have and not whine away our youth on dreams of virtue which signifie we know not what Lon Peace Clearcus thou are not half so ill as thou appearest but dost glory in talking worse then thou canst be Cle. What should we talk of more then what we most delight in Lon Of nothing lesse because we often do delight in what we ought not own Is 't not enough to offend the Gods through frailty which perverse nature does invite us to but we must provoke Heaven beyond sence and appetite by our discourse
Lon 'T is not possible that she can be so fool'd she forbad thee in jest come let us go to her now Cle I 'le swear she did forbid me and in great anger turn'd from me I dare not go Lon This is pretty wouldst thou have me believe thou lovest Cle Lonzartes I am not in humour to be play'd with Lon Nor I in humour to be fool'd what would'st thou have me say when thou talk'st thus to me thou in love Ha ha Cle What shall I say what do to beget faith in thee Pandora's resolution against Marriage which I so much rejoyc'd at is fatally become my scourge and I must dye or have her Lon That 's the onely way to obtain belief do but hang thy self and then a Printed Ballad The Dary-Maids greatest Faith will make them swear thou dyedst for love Cle Do my looks agree with so much jest does not my Face declare my heart does love Lon No nor ever can do to me wouldst thou have me belye my self that thou mayest laugh at me these shallow Plots are lost on me Exit Lonzartes Cle This is right had I been fool'd into the Platonick pound I might have knock'd my head against the Walls and never been believed Thus I blow away those bubbles â—hose ayrie Lectures of chast love which lead silly mortals into slavery Ha Sanga Enter Sanga Sanga Your pleasure Sir Cle Go presently and summon all that merry Crew who danc'd the other day to sup with me this Night and bid the Musick come Exit Sanga Sanga I go Sir Cle I will retreat while I am safe and be Arm'd against my Wise Virtuous Chast Friends with their Cobweb Netts so subtilly laid to catch me Thus I throw all their Inchantments off And now like the Grand Seignor after some great Victory atcheiv'd I will retire to my Seraglio Exit Enter the Duke with Theodocia Pandora Lindamira Teretia and Train and Silvander Duke You tell me a story beyond belief Theodocia Clearâ—us playes with you all this while he love The If Pandora be mistaken he will triumph over Women-kind for ever Pan I wish it were no worse Sir 't is I who now am to be pittied who for the common sport and for his good have brought an evill on my self I cannot bear Duke Why Pandora he is descended of our own Blood and his Estate proportionable to his Birth so that if you can raise his Virtues above his vices you 'l have no cause to murmur at his love Pan True Sir if I were nor ingag'd to a single life much might be said to set Clearcus's merrits above mine Lin Is there no dispensation for such resolves Madam when it may be disputed whether the gods approve them They give us Lawes enough we need none of our own making Pan My heart will nee'r consent to alter my resolves Lin We shall have enough to do then The. Let us all agree to laugh him out of it Lin You will find little cause for mirth when you see Clearcus next Madam The Can so few hours alter a man of his temper so much Lin He is asham'd of his first Principles and is angry at that shame He hates himself for loving and loves so much he dares not wish it less This mixture of passions does beget such a confusion of thoughts that makes him look as if he had fed on nought but sighes and tears this twelve Mounth and I fear we shall have cause to turn our laughter into sorrow for him Duke I 'le give him Commands that shall divert him come with me Theodocia Ezeunt Duke and Theodociâ— Lin 'T is great pitty so brave a man should be so lost Pan 'T is so Lindamira but how can it be help'd must I become mad because he is so 'T was not a rash word by chance let fall but on debate and mature judgment because I saw none so happy after Marriage as before Why may not I then live and dye as free as I was borne Lin You see why because the Gods do not allow so great felicity on Earth as might keep us from ever wishing to be with them pray who ever heard of a pair of true Lovers that desir'd to be in Heaven if they might stay here till Doomsday 'T is therefore for our good that such united hearts are so rarely to be found on Earth take heed Pandora that you bring not more evils on your head then you fore-see Pan I must now bear my Fortune as I may Lin Though you have not met with many happy Marriages I have heard of some who all their lives have had a constant Spring of Love their passions so high and joyes so great each striving to raise the others happinesse above their own this I believe and hope for Methinks till I am married I am a thing laid by as if forgotten by the Gods Pan 'T is not high passions nor great joyes I doubt to find but their continuance suppose the Gallant Lovers to the Warres be sent what terrours will possess their frighted Ladies 'till their return and if miscarry what will their whole lives have to joy at after Lin Those who stay at home may have equall dangers these are anticipated dreams of evils that may never happen then you conceive not the joy those dangers bring when they are over this World affords us nothing to relish our delights by but such accidents as love which some fears and dangers bring 'T is sharps make sweet the sweeter Pan But if I am satisfied with less ioyes without those pains you find so usefull why must I try to gaine more happiness then I do wish for when I have joyes enough allready Lin Joyes enough Madam there is no such thing in Nature as enough of what we love Pan I am weary of this idle talk Lin And I know no better Entertainment Enter to them Lonzartes and Silvander Pan How think you Silvander is Clearcus what he seems Sil Lonzartes knows him best Madam Lon I do believe he loves though I seem not to credit him and am now resolv'd to play with his passion as he has done with mine 't will entertain the Princess rarely to see how I shall anger him Sil Is he enough fix't to be so abus'd for if neither Men nor Women have any faith in his budding love he may fly off for ever Lon I am now going to see what humour he is in Sil I 'le wait on you Pan Pray do and let me know how I must behave my self that would not hurt him Lin I can direct you best if you 'l trust your self to me Pan I shall trust you as farre as any in this affaire let us consult within Exeunt Enter Clearcus and Sanga with Men and Women Dancers Cle Welcome my dear Friends I will be no more seduc'd by grave Lonzartes fooleries this night shall re-unite us while we live Is the Musique come San Not yet Sir Cle I have broke through their Nets and now the day
word and marry that may do your work for I once knew a Lady who chose to marry an importunate Sutor that she might be rid of him and was so for soon after marriage they parted and never met more Pan You are allwayes in jest I would have serious councell now Lin You have had my story twice over to no purpose Duke By all my observations I cannot judge whether Clearcus or you Pandora be most extravagant Lin Your Highnesse may do well to put them into the Colledge of half mad Folks where they will either cure one another or become quite mad together when their disease is known some remedy may be found 't is now past judgment what either of them ayle The Lindamira saies well 't is very strange you will not declare so farre as to let us see how we may serve you Pan Do but leave me to my self and I am well Madam The Many sick people are of that opinion when in most danger and must therefore by their friends be govern'd Pan As many healthy people think themselves sick when they are not and by seeking Remedies for nothing do create evils they never can finde cure for such high passions as Lindamira's do never let us rest in peace but do create perpetuall storms Lin You argue well Madam if a dull calme were the onely happinesse appointed us on Earth then one degree from being a sleep would prove our greatest bliss sure no age did e're produce two such Icy-hearted Ladies as the Princess and you Enter to them Lonzartes and Clearcus Lin Here comes a Homely and a Jigg hand in hand now for the second part to the same tune Of love me and love me not Duke Clearcus it troubles me to see you delight in a retired darknesse or else to walk in such clouds as we cannot see through I would perswade you to regain Pandora's good opinion Cle Is the mistery of love to be discuss'd in publique Sir Duke With us who are so near alli'd unto you both I think it may because we all know what you both profess in private and now desire to hear what you will face to face avow and we intreat you Pandora first to shew why you threw off Clearcus Pan You do amaze me Sir to examine me as a Criminal Duke You have no cause for this displeasure Pandora but mis-judge our love and our respects we know your worth and would to the World Illustrate that virtue you design to smother by a single life I allow your purpose did become your younger dayes and did expresse an Angelicall innocence but I question whether now on mature judgment you may not do better for your self and us to reclaim Clearcus Pan You demand impossibilities from me for if I should change my mind he will change his too Pray shew me a rule to reclaim him by before you do condemn me Duke We onely desire you will afford him the same civility as did first induce him to adore that Virtue he dispised before Pan I have done this The You did begin but you gave o're too soon Lin And all her kindness but in jest too Madam which he discern'd Duke How do you answer this Lindamira was of your Councel Pan I undertook him but in jest and was by him injoyn'd to such severity as I perform'd and 't was then thought the onely way to vindicate our Sex and to work his conversion which he at first did counterfeit so well as to deceive and fright me from his farther visits Lin Was his love so terrible Pan To me it was who thought him uncapable of ever having noble thoughts for any of our Sex Duke But when you found him growing worthy why did you not cherish that virtue as your own Creation Lin Because she fear'd her Virgin vow might be defil'd by owning such a Manâ—child of her own begetting for he began to aske her blessing 'till she laugh'd him into so great anger that one day he proffer'd to kill himself which gave end unto our Comedy Pan If his cure had lain within the reach of Raleary I had gloried in my part but never shall consent to inslave my self unto the humours of a man who cannot be a minute in one mind his imaginations are beyond the Moon and would have he knowes not what Duke Clearcus you have heard your charge Guilty or not Guilty Lin Guilty Sir Cle I shall never want your good word Madam Lindamira tells you true Sir I am guilty Duke Of what Cle Of all the crimes that offended Lady does object pray Sir pronounce my doom and put me out of pain Duke Will you submit then and obey it Cle If it can put me out of pain I will Duke I doubt it not my sentence is that you revive that love you shew'd unto Pandora lately Cle Oh Sir the very name of Love puts me into a shaking fit for Heavens sake give me Halters Poysons Daggers any means to let out life rather then renew those torments which I felt that hour I lov'd Lin Pray Sir give me leave to put him some Interrogatories Duke Do so Lin Your Lordship has confest that you have lov'd one hour and must have some reason why you lov'd no longer shew us that reason or for ever hold your peace and submit to judgment The How Clearcus nonplust by a Judge in Petticoates Clearcus stands mute Lin Why Madam many of our Sex have puzled the wisest men give him leave to think a little but if what I have said has struck your Lordship dumb hold up your Finger 't is enough He has He hold it up nothing to say for himself but submits unto the mercy of the Court I understand him Sir and have now found a remedy for both their evils If you will trust me with your hand my Lord I will not harm it and if I have credit enough Madam to be trusted with your hand Clearcus gives his hand too pray lay it without fear on mine that I may try a charm I have to conjure out the evil Spirits that possesse you both you may at your own pleasure take back your hands only let me hold 'um while I pronounce my charm within Pandora turns away Duk. Pandora I intreat you to try Lindamira's charm give her your hand she deals not with the Divel Pandora gives her hand Lin The Divel I work by Sir is truth drest in her rich Robe of Innocence if truth do not convince both these Delinquents my charm will have no power on them My Lord you have in this great Assembly often said that you could never value any Woman you could win if now you have found this Lady as impregnable as you can wish she is your fate hold Sir remember you are dumb 'till I He proffers to speak have done Now Madam I must speak serious sence to you who stand here the expectation and the wish of all the Court yet I know you must not consent to give your hand to