the face you know the man so by these as by Titles you know the contents of that division It was composed by Mahomet their Prophet with the help of Abdalla a Jew Sergius a Nestorian Monk who for embracing the Heresies of Arrius Cedron Sabellinâ—s and others was banished from Constantinople and comming into Arabia fell acquainted with Mahomet whom though formerly circumcised he baptized and taught to misinterpret many places of the Scriptures out of which false glosses of theirs they coined a new Religion neither wholly Jewish or wholly Christian but rejecting in both what they disliked and this newest Religion from him was called Mahumetisme So Pomponius Laetus Joan. Baptista Egnatius c. But the Glossers of the Alcoran and their Book Azar which is a History of Mahomet authentique among the Moores as the Gospel among us Christians say that those that helped Mahomet in compiling his Alcoran were two Sword-Cutlers Christian slaves unto one of Mecca who knew much confusedly of the new Testament and out of their imperfect informations he gleaned what served his turn not looking for antecedents subsequents or coherence any where So observes Joannes Andreas Maurus who was once an Alfaqui or Bishop among the Moores of the City of Sciatinia in the Kingdom of Valentia and afterwards Circ An. 1487. a Christian Priest and probable it is that the composers of that rapsody of errours were illiterate persons because they contradict all philosophy sciences History and Reason the Alcoran being a Fardel of Blasphemies Rabinical Fables Ridiculous Discourses Impostures Bestialities Inconveniences Impossibilities and Contradictions To speak a word of the chief Author Mahomet his peâ—son he was born about the year 600 not to mention any paâ—ticular yeare I find Authors so differ about it and I want room heâ—e to reconcile them or shew reason for adâ—ering to any one some say in Itrarip a Village of Arabia others in the City of Mecca others in Medina Alnabi of obscure parentage some that name his Father call him Abdalla a Pagan pâ—rhaps mistaken him for one of his Tutors such make his Mother a Jewess and of ill repute whom they call Emina So uncertain was the beginning of this Impostor Baudier saith that his Father dying and his Mother being left very poor she not able to keep him committed him to an Uncle but he casting him off young Mahomet was a prey to Theeves who put him in chaines among other slaves and in that quality being set to sale a rich Merchant named Abdemonople bought him he dying Mahomet by marriage of his mistresse the Merchants wife not effected as was thought without Witch-craft attained to much riches whereupon leaving the exercise of Merchandize he became a Captain of certain voluntary Arabians that followed the Emperour Heraclius in his Persian Wars who falling into a mutiny for that they were denyed the military Garment and incensing the rest of their Nation with the reproachful answer given them by the Treasurer which was that they ought not to give that to Dogs which was ordained for the Roman Souldiers a paâ—t of them chose Mahomet for their Ring-leader but being disdained by the better sort for the basenesse of his birth to avoid ensuing contempt he gave it out that he attained not to that honour by military favour but by divine appointment That he was sent by God to give a new Law unto man and by force of armes to reduce the world to his obedience then wrested he every thing to a divine honour even his naturall defects calling those fits of the falling sicknesse wherewith he was troubled holy trances and that Pigeon which he had taught to feed out of his Ear on pease the holy Ghost So went he on to feign his messages from heaven by the Angel Gabriel and to composse his Alcoran A man of a most infamous life he was Bonsinus writes that he permitted adultery and Sodomy and lay himselfe with beasts and Mr. Smith in his Confutation of Mahumetism arraigns him of Blasphemy Pridâ— lyes Sodomy Blood Fraud Robbery for he was a common Thief usually robbing the Caravans of Merchants as they travelled as entitles him Heir apparent unto Lucifer no lesse then 12000. falshoods being contained in his fabulous Alcoran To particularize a little what higher blasphemy could he be guilty of then to prefer himselfe as far before Christ as he was above Moses He also denyes the divinity of our Saviour and affirms that the Holy Ghost is not distinct in peâ—son but onely an operative virtue of the God-head that inspires good motions Many other absurdities he is guilty of concerning the Trinity as not comprehending that glorious mysterie The Alcoran impugnes both the divine Law and naturall Reason at once in that assertion lib. 4. Cap. 2. viz. That at the end of the world a Trumpet shall blow and the Angels in Heaven and men on Earth shall fall downe dead and at the second sounding rise again So it makes the Angels mortal when who knows not that the Angels are Spirâ—ts having no bodies so cannot die for death is nothing but the separation of the soul from the body Adams sinne was the cause of his death and his posterity whence it followes had he not sinn'd neither he nor we had dyed And surely the good Angels being not guilty of the cause of death sin must be exempt from the effect Lucifer and the evill Angels that sinn'd with him by their Pride were deprived of the glory of heaven and cast into the bottomlesse pit for ever but not condemned to die because they were spirits And if the Devils that sinned dyed not how is it that the Alcoran saith that the Angels that sinned not shall die Another fable concerning Angels is in the first Chaper lib. 1. Sc. That God sent two Angels called Harod and Marod as Judges to do justice in the City of Babylon where in a Cave for soliciting a Ladies chastity they hang by the eye-lids and must so hang till the day of judgement and the woman was transformed into the morning star O divine Metamorphosis It 's like Mahomet might have heard somewhat of the story of Susanna and the Elders and so ignorantly shuffled it into this But to follow his Text I would ask a Moorish Astrologer whether the morning star be not more ancient then the City of Babylon how then could an inhabitant of that City be turned into that star And I would know of their Divines why if the Angels have bodies the Alcoran in many places contradicting it selfe calls them Roch Spirits if they be spirits and uncorporeal how were they capable of knowing women or hanging by the eye-lids If they be Corporeal where abouts in Babylon may one see them hanging and why doth the Alcoran confesse them to be Spirits Another ridiculous assertion of the Alcoran concerning Angels is s. 1. cap. 1. and l. 2. c. 1. c. viz. That God made man of all sorts and colours of earth and being formed for some
Can ere requite such favours But Sir I Am conscious of mine own defects for such A Province that requires the ablest man A man A God Phoebus himself to rule it A rule as glorious as his flaming Throne Abb. Thou art modest ALY-BEG He is most fit Who we dare trust and that is thee my MHOMET ABBAS MAHOMET-ALLYBEG FARRABAN Two THEEVES OFFICERS WHo have you brought into our presence Dogs And are the sons of filth and povertie Fit objects for our eye 2 Theev Mercy O mercy Far. An 't please your Majesty these two were soldiers Ran from their colours hither and turn'd Theeves They rob'd i th' Court it selfe my chamber Theev Mercy Abb. 'T were to disgrace our mercy to bestow her Vpon such vagabondâ— who besides your Theft And cowardly sulking from the Camp shall die If but for so disgracing so prophaning Our Court with such base rags and bands of vermine Compounds of Oyle and stench spawn of a Toad Are these weeds for a Court Or is our Marble To be polluted with your dust and sweat Rascalls spued out of Gaoles and Charnel houses Rotten already that bear graves about you Go Officers away with them to death 'T is plain they are Theeves they 've rob'd some of their fellowes Long since hung up in chains of those foul raggs That danc'd ith'air many a frosty night Yet that they may die neatlier then they liv'd Give them new Coats then dragg'd out of the Town Impale them high on stakes thrust through their bodies 1 Thee This may thank you could keep the dore no better 2 Thee T' may thank us both for robbing without killing They 're wise that make sure work Mah. T is true Abb. Away Mah. T is a good Prologue this to his sons Tragedy Aside Attend without there FARRABAN I 've somewhat To move the King you may be usefull in Be within call Far. I will my honoured Lord. ABBAS MAHOMET-ALLYBEG DRawes not the time on you expect the Prince in Mah. Yes How will you that he be entertain'd Abb. How entertain'd why how but with a bow-string Is 't not decreed Entice the trusty Son From his Eccliptick line he shall obey Your beck and wander from his sphear ere I From my resolves Mah. Admired Constancy Abb. Set you some spy of faith 'gainst his arrivall There let him stay him to attend my comming Then give us notice and thou and I will plant Our selves in secret to behold the justice To act which get seven Executioners Deaf dumb and dextrous to rush in upon him So all Rebellions shall be strangled in him Th'Hydra of Treason at one pluck shall lose Her numerous heads and we our fears and be For ever cured of all jealousie Mah. I le appoint FARRABAN to be his last Master of Ceremonies FARRABAN MAHOMET-ALLYBEG FARRABAN WHich is the way to rise at Court thinkst thou Far. T' obey and please Mah. Right and thou art ambitious Far. What do I here else Mah. Whither tends thy aime Give me the utmost height of thy aspiring Far. Troth there you pose me for Our thoughts still rise As our estates and power the avarice Of honour is no lesse insatiable Then that of gold But for the present I Know mine own wish and so shall you my Lord. When I walk by the Cittadell so strong So stately that claimes reverence from mine eye I think if I had but the government 0f that I should be happy enough to pitty 7 The grand Signior and envy him no more Mah. The government o th' Castle is that all Thou art too modest Far. Good my Lord do'nt scoffe me Mah. I am in earnest thou shalt have it FARRABAN The King has but one piece of Service for thee Do that and thou art Governour Far. If I Can do 't t is done Mah. Come I le instruct thee how FLORADELLA CLOE COme why staid you so long abroad this morning You 'l never leave your Gossiping till you Be double rib'd as GLAVCA was and then You may go seek a Father for 't 'bove all things Beware of a great belly there is losse Of time and losse of sport in 't besides trouble Clo. O Madam I can make sirrup of Savin My selfe and twenty tricks I have besides Here is the book EARINA promis'd you Flo. What ARETINE so famous for his postures Let 's see it Were you at ERINA's house Or sent she this Clo. I was there Madam and Had the luck too to see her fine new servant Flo. What for a creature is 't Clo. A pretty silk-worm Flo. How happy am I therein 'bove the rest That dote on sleeked limbs and finest bloud Looking but for couch comforts not aspiring The godlike ornament of a crown let them Melt in their youngsters armes I le sacrifice To hair and bristles cling to MAHOMET Or hug a coffin to arrive at honour Me thinks this Purruck leans to th'left hand somewhat Clo. No Madam 't is well set and rarely sented I would we'd more of the prepared Pomatum And powder I bought last Flo. What talk's most rife Abroad wench Clo That my Lord MAHOMET is sworn Lord Treasurer he 's now the only Sun Next to the King of greatest light Flo. He shall Ecclips him one day What do you now Clo. This fucus Is laid too thick I le mend it with my scarlet Flo. Have you got Puppy Dogs and an after burden Clo. Yes Flo. Well distill them then with care my Lord MAHOMET-ALLYBEG FLORADELLA CLOE WHy this is as it should be now my beauty Displaies her lustre throwing sweets and graces About the place her selfe being as the spring A box wherein all sweets compacted lie Flo. This spring Sir owes it selfe but to your beams I wish you joy Sir of your treasurership Mah. A step that 's but a step to a greater height I 've something more to tell thee that is fit For thy ear only Flo. CLOE prethe leave us Clo. Now can't I for my soul but listen I Have such an itch of novelty Mah. Come my dear Art ready to ascend thy throne hast practised Aside she places her selfe behind the hangings to listen To Queen it with a Majesty seest thou not All creatures bow in homage to thy foot And Princes throng into thy set of servants â—lo This is fine Pageantry would it were reall O how I should be courted Flo. Jeast not jeast not How proceed you Mah. Smoothly the dreaded Prince Is on 's last journey an hour brings him hither An other sends him Elâ—zium The army kicks at BALTAZAR's command And pines for th' Prince the two Dukes fume and fret Like Lions caught in toiles or Buls in nets Where strugling but intangles them the more Since the King can't trust these men thus inrag'd Nor knowes he where to serve himselfe of others He means a league with th' Turk so falls this army And leaves him no force to oppose my rise He shew'd me his thoughts of outing ELCHEE From his vice-royship of Hircania And stout EMANGOLY
sworn thou ne'r shouldst feel death from our hand We 'l keep our Oath but leave it to our Heir A strict command that on my funerall day Thou dyest 5 the ancient death of boats Maâ— Then have I Great MITHRIDATES for my pattern Abb. Mean while Officers lead him to the publique market There let the common Hangman bore his eyes out In a Dungeon shall he sustain his life With what he gets by begging onely Mah. Nay I 'l then sustain my soul with full mouth'd curses To thee meant and the rest of my undoers Especially that open Sex whose souls are So loose they cannot keep them in their breasts But they will still swim on their lips Abb. VASCO To thee we do decree his whole Estate And our best thanks for thy discovery Vas. I humbly thank your Majestie Abb. Let Souldiers Go pull down all his Palaces and Statues And make a Jakes there where his chief house stood Ema Admired Justice Omnes Equall equall Justice Mah. Do do ball on Abb. You strumpet are the next Mah. But that I scorn to ask it might I heare Her sentence and I 'de triumph in mine own Flo. Envious villaine Abb. Away with him he shall not Give so much pleasure to his envious soul. Mah. Write on my dust DY'D All ills betide you Abb. Lead that impious wretch To th'publique Market there 6 beat her brains out i th' ancient way ordain'd for Poysoners As for the murder of her Queen STATIRA Base GIGIS dy'd then 7 burn her limbs with Cats dung Flo. Mercy great sir. Abb. Thou hast too much in dying But that we are not rigorous to thy Sex Away with her Flo. O this is a sad fall Abb. All her Estate to CLOE we confer 'T is fit she have reward t'incourage others Though she not meant to do us good she did it Clo. Indeed my Gracious Lord I ever meant it I humbly thank your Majestie Vas. See now CLOE Secret I counsell'd you for th' best Come I 'm still constant Our businesse here is over we 'l to better Abb. Take FARRABAN with the rest and strangle him Far. O mercy mercy Abb. Quick away with him Far. The Citadell cost me faire O dire ambition Abb. The Citadel we give thee ALKAHEM Alk. I hope to do you better service in it Abb. We doubt it not Now ELCHEE Ben Now now I feel the Bow-string at my throat Moz Nay sure Secret He 'l let us die like Souldiers Abb. Though we credit The good of your intention yet your life Is by your hasty error forfeited But that we give you and confine you onely To th' I le of Ormus whence on good behaviour We may recall you Elc. Thanks dread Soveraigne I hope my carriage will induce you to it My feare was never so great of your justice As griefe for the rash error I ran into And so insnar'd my friends Met. Troth I believe him Ben. Sure he 'l send us thither too MOZENDRA Are there any handsome Ladies there canst tell Moz I care not so there be a Book I 'l Secret never Converse but with the dead hereafter I. Ema This true repentance speaks him noble Abb. Yes Your two friends shall attend you Eâ—c A noble mercy Moz Long live the Gracious ABBAS Ben. More then live Met. My Lord my love to you remaines To Elchee still firm And eggs me on to prompt a way unto you How you may happily avoid exilement Secret The Kings rigour I know will not extend To th'Ladies lives yet in the fright they stand in They will do any thing may get them mercy Urge them to promise if they have their lives To give the King in gratitude those summes They ingag'd for to the Traytors then be you Their speaker to him and he can't in honour Urg'd by my meditation but receive The favour as from you and shew you grace Elc. My Lord my humble thanks I will atttempt it Abb. But MATZED for examples Elchee whispers wâ—th the Ladies sake must die Being ith'very act of Treason raising Of Arms against us You my Lord HYDASPUS Take a Brigade of our own Guards and hast Down to Hyrcania to apprehend him Strike off his head to you the Government Of that fair Province we assigne until If he deserves it we recall Duke ELCHEE Hyd. I wish he may mean while I shall be carefull Abb. EMANGOLY send you some trusty person To Shiras arm'd to seize SELEUCUS there And strike off his head too Ema My Liege I will Abb. These Ladies still expect how shall we use them Ear. Oma O my good Lord. Oly. There 's mercy in his looks Ema Sir they' are beneath your anger they can't hurt you Nor stands it with the honour of great States To take strict notice of vain womans actions Abb. Well mercy is no lesse a virtue royal Then justice and 't is fit we shew some since Heaven has shewn us so much we pardon you Ladies hereafter pray avoid state-matters Oma Ear. We will we will my Lord. Oly. Our humble thanks Omnes Long live King ABBAS long long-live the King Elc. You 'l keep your words To the Ladies Oly Ear. Oma Yes yes my Lord we will Elc. May 't please your Majestie these noble Ladies Not to say by my instinct do resent So heartily your royal favour to them As to their powers to attempt gratitude Whereas their error late involv'd them in A promise of considerable summes To'advance what they thought duty but proves treason As testimonies of their thankfulnesse For pardoning them that fault they humbly pray Your sacred Majestie to accept those sums Towards the raising of your force again T is 'mong them all an hundred thousand Crowns Em. A brave amends Alk. A noble gratitude Abb. Ladies we thank your loves Oly. And we your mercy Abb. METHICULI'S Treasurer Oly. My Lord we will Attend you anon at the Exchequer Met. Now They do deserve their Pardon and I 'd almost Said ELCHEE merits his too for procuring These donatives it proves his loyalty Ben. Hark! hark Abb. ELCHEE for improving thus Your interest with the Ladies to our service We do revoke your sentence of exilement Elc. My best thanks and indeavours still shall serve you Met. These two offended sir but on his score They 're his dependents Abb. Them we pardon too Ben. Our humble thanks Moz We 'l labour to deserve it Elc. My Lord I am your Creature for To Methiculi your hint Met. I joy my love could prove behooffull to you Moz A fair escape Ben. A Resurrection I 'le Ne'r hazzard more so high a member as My neck VENUS is my star Abb. This were a happy day were SOFFIE found Ema And the brave Prince restor'd Abb. That he shall be Ema Then SOFFI's safe sir Abb. Thou wert born t' oblige me Where my good Genius Ema In METHICVâ—'s care And mine and now forth comming at your service Abb. Go METHICULI bring him to th' Castle Wee 'l meet thee
ruine Base ALLYBEG and impious FLORADELLA And all the rest of their dire Complices This day fell sacrifices to thy wrath SOFFIE is found too and doth here attend thee Mâ—r. Turn then your love to him to him requite My wrongs and from him too expect my duty Now shall I die with much a lighter heart Since I have liv'd to hear those Traytors fall Nym. O this I ever hop'd for from heavens Justice And grieve the more that thou despairedst of it Mir. I come sweet FATYMA-Father farewell Use SOFFIE like a Son Abb. O that Heaven would Let me excuse thee Mir. SOFFIE Farewel Obey thy Grandfire as thou wouldst do me Forget my wrongs and eschew Tyranny Sof Ah! that I could forget sense and turn stone Mir. Adieu sweet Spouse Nym. O! Mir. From thee I hardliest go But thy grief will not suffer thee I know To be long from me Nym. O my wretched ears Do you heare this and will you ever hear Any thing after it O woefull eyes Why at this wailfull sight drop you not out Or frighted recoile deep into you holes O stubborn heart can't all this shiver thee Am I turn'd Rock too Mâ—r. Friends adieu make ore To my young Son the love to me you bore Ema O that I could not hear Met. Or I could help Mir. Yet love my memory Bel. O Grief Alk. O Anger That griefe is all we can Mir. Thou DORIDO Art to attend me to the shades below Pag. Yes my dear Lord. Iff. O that he 'd gone before Mâ—r. I shall again live and on some sad Stage Be mourn'd Great wrongs reach further then one Age. O O. Dâ—es Abb. He 's gone he 's gone break heart and follow Omnes O Heavens Nym. Stay winged spirit stay and take Me with thee at least 8 let me suck thy last breath Bel. Madam forbear you will infect your self Nym. O Gods what have been my deserts to be Thus punished or if such be my deserts Why am I yet not punish'd more with death Yet that were to give end unto my woes To joyne me with him were to make me happy That happiness I shortly will obtain In spight of fate if not from thy kind hand O ATROPOS from mine own grief at least Mean while lie soft O loved Corps and thou Adored soul if love to earthly creatures Remain in death think of me in thy shade And oft Petition Fate to send me to thee Sof Unhappy DORIDO how hast thou wrong'd All Ages Alk. And shalt still be curs'd by all Pag. Is 't not too late to say forgive pass'd errors I hâ—st to follow him to his shade I 'l there Wait on him too and try to be more happy They that behold the Sun must see his shaddow And who remembers my brave Lord must cast A thought on me and may they say thus of me I was his faithfull servant waited still On him in life and death good state and ill So used to obey his each command I did it though it to his hurt did tend If any fault of mine be known to time Service mistaken was my onely crime O O. Dyes Iff. He dyes Ema Would 't were our greatest losse Abb. Our losse alasse is above words to ease And we must more then mourn it Do thou see METHICULI all rites of pomp and sorrow Perform'd to that brave body This vile trunk Of DORIDO'S for giving his Lord poyson We will have burnt upon his Tomb. Met. Sad office Nym. Ah sadder sight that 't were Methiculi and Alkahem carry out the Princes body and the Servants the Pages my last Abb. SOFFIE Thou now art our and the Empire 's hope EMANGOLY be thou his Governour And breed him such as you intend to serve Ema My care shall labour to requite the honour Sof And mine t' improve your honour by my profit Abb. Daughter your losses we can ne'r requite Yet as we can let us attempt amends But that must come from you look ore your wishes And be the Mistress of your own desires Nym. ' Las sir what is there left for me to wish But a short term of wretched life mean while Some humble Country seat shall be my Cell Free from the trouble of all tongues and eyes I being unworthy either waiting their Kind deaths cold hand to lead me to my Lord. Abb. If that be your desire you must enjoy it But we could wish we could deserve you still Nym. Wilt thou partake of my retirement IFFIDA Iff. Madam it would seem hard to me to spend My years which my youth promise will be many In solitude I 'm an ill comforter And then my fortunes arâ— before me too Nym. Be happy in them Ema Poor ingratitude Nym. Farewell great sir if ever you remember You had a Daughter-in-law deserv'd your love Pay it to my poor Son at least forget not You had a Son that did deserve it well Abb. To him we 'l pay the love we ow'd his Father Adieu sweet Princesse BELTAZAR attend her Nym. I thank your Grace Farewell my dearest Boy But that thou still wilt dwell in my best thoughts I would I could forget I ere was happy Be thou so ever Sof Madam if you please not To stay still with us you 'l I hope admit Me in your solitude to do my duty Nym. Things of more weight will take thee up be happy And so shall I when sighs have spent this breath A mortalls happinesse begins in death Abb. Comâ— SOFFIE and leaâ—n to be a Prince But 9 when thy hand shall close mine aged eyes And on thy head my Diadem shall shine Learn by my harms to eschew Tyranny It was thy dying Fathers Legacy And shall be mine too and I leave thee more In that then in my splendid wreath of Oare For cruell Acts in them their torment have Guilt on our souls blots on our names they leave THE END ANNOTATIONS READER IF by perusing the former pages thou deservest that name Thou hast in them perhaps met with divers historicall matters which unexplained may defraud thee of the content I wish thee therefore I here offer thee a Key for every Lock ANNOTATIONS which if thou shalt find usefull I am glad I inserted them if superfluous they cost thee nothing for they are so few theâ— have not swell'd the Play to a much greater rate I will not trouble thee with tedious digressions upon the Poetick Names and â—â—gments strew'd up and down the Poem those if thou beest Learned thou knowst already if not a Dictionary may inform thee and spare my paines I only touch and that lightly upon such historicall concernments and customary rites of the Persians essentiall to our Scene as every Scholar is not bound to know for to such chiefly I wrote this Tragedy ANNOTATIONS UPON THE FIRST ACT. 1. THE Murder of our Sire This King Abbas being a younger Son was onely King of Heri near Tartaria by birth but aiming at the Persian Empire he to make his way to it privily
a more honourable attribute then this to ascribe to the Queen of Gods the Cow of all beasts having the fairest eye fullest of spirits and of their true colour too black which hue they ever preferr'd in womens eyes and hair Anaceron bids the Painâ—er draw his Mistresse so Ode 38. 39. with hair black and shining dark arched eye browes circular and almost meeting and Eyes black and sprightly And Ovid Loves chief Priest his judgement is Est etiam in fusco grata colore Venus Amor. l. 2. Eleg. 4. The Nut-brown beauties ever taking were And again Leda fuit nigra conspicienda coma ibid. Leda was lovely shaddow'd with black hair The Turkish and Persian Ladies dresse themselves still as after these patterns they put between the eye-lids and the Eye a certain black Powder with a fine long pensil made of a minerall brought from the Kingdom of Fez and called Alcohole which by the not disgracefully staining of the lids doth better set forth the whitenesse of the eye and though it troubles for a time yet it comforteth the sight and repelleth ill humours Into the same hue but likely they naturally are so do they die their eyebreis and eyebrowes the latter by Art made high half circular and to meet if naturallly they do not so do they the hair of their heads as a foyl that maketh the white seem whiter and more becoming their other perfections So Mr. Sandys Tra. l. 1. 10 An Iron Cage c. Bajazet fourth King of the Turkes having possessed himself of the greatest paâ—t of Thrace subdued much of Greece with the Country of Phocis and twice though in vain besieged Constantinople An. Dom. 1397. having an Army of 500000. men encountred with Tamberlanâ— whose force consisted of 800000. Tartarians or as some write more viz. 400000. horse and 600000. foot near unto Mount Stella in Bythinia a place destined for Conquest to strangers Pompey having there vanquished Mithridates Bajazet with the losse of 200000. of his People was overthrown and being brought before Tamberlane was by him asked what he would have done with him if it had been his fortune to have faln into his hands He answered he would have inclosed him in a Cage of Iron and so in Triumph have carried him up and down his Kingdom Tamberlane commanded the same to be done to him professing that he used not that rigour against him as a Prince but rather to punish him as a proud ambitious Tyrant polluted with the blood of his own Brother Jacup Bajazet late one of the greatest of Princes now the scorn of Fortune and a by-word to the world shackled in fetter and chains of gold and as some dangerous wild beast coop'd up in an Iron Cage made open like a grate that he might be seen on every side and so carried up and down through Asia to be of his own Subjects scorned and derided and to his further disgrace being upon festivall daies used by his gâ—eatest â—nâ—my as a footstool to tread upon when he mounted his Horse and at other times scornfully fed like a dog with câ—uâ—s fallen from his Table having for two years with gâ—eat impatience lingeâ—d out this most miserable thâ—aldom finding no better means to end his loathed life he did violently beat out his bâ—ains against the barrs of the Grate wherein he was inclosed An. 1399. Yet of his death are divers other reports some say that he dyed of an ague proceeding of sorrow and grief others that he poisoned hâ—mself The Turks affirm that he was set at Liberty by Tamberlane being by him beforehand poysoned whereof he dyed three daies after his inlaâ—gement but the fiâ—st is the most generally received opinion concerâ—ing his death His dead body at the request of his Son Mahomet was by Tamberlane sent to Asprapolis from whence it was afterwards conveyed to Prusa and there lieth buried in a Chappell near unto the great Mahometan Tâ—mple without the City Eastward by his beloved wife Despina and his eldest Son Erthogrul and haâ—d by in a little Chappell lieth his crime his brother Jacup whom he in the beginning of his reign murdered Turc Hist. c. 11 My treachery to the English it alledges That helpt me to take Oâ—mus c. Ormus is an I le within the Gulfe of Persia about twelve miles from the Continent in old time known by the name of Geru before that Ogiris some say from the famous Theban of that name It s circuit is but small about fifteen miles neither doth it procreate any thing note-worthy salt excepted of which the Rocks are participant and the silver shining sands promise sulphur but however barâ—en it s much famed for a safe haâ—bour and for that it standeth conveniently for the traffick of India Persia and Arabia so that the customes onely afford the King thereof who is a Mahometâ—n no lesse then 140000 Xeraffes yearly a Xeraffis is as much as a French Crown or 6. s. sterling Some will have appertaining to the Crown of it a part of Arabia foelix and all that part of Persia that is environed with the Rivers of Tabo Tissindo and Druto together with the Iland of Bolsaria not far fom it and divers other Iles in the Gulf. An. 1506. it became tributary to the Portugals still permitting the King but as their Liege-man who first fortified it and built a City of the name of the Iland about the bignesse of Exeter with some Monasteries and a fair Market-place though now little but the Castle retains that former beauty which gave occasion to that universall saying of the Arabians Si terrarum orbis quaqua patet annulus esset Illius Ormusium gemma decusque foret If quaint Art could into a Ring compile The world the Diamond should be Ormus I le Abbas King of Persia finding himself bearded by the Portugall commanded Emangoly Duke of Shiras to assault the I le who with 15000. men wan it sackt and depopulated the City but not without the help of some English Merchants ships commanded by the Captains serving the East India company Captain Weddal Blyth and Woodcock Their Articles with the Persian Duke were to have the lives of the Christans therein at their dispose some Cannons and half the spoil and accordingly when the City was enter'd after a brave and tedious resistance forced to yield by Plague Fluxes and Famine every house of quality Magazen and Monastery was sealed up with the signers of the Duke and Merchants By which good oâ—der the Company might have been enrichâ—d with 2000000. l. sterling though but their share had it not been prevented by a base Saylers covetousnesse who regardlesse of the danger of his life or the Christians credit stole into a sealed Monastery committed sacriledge upon the Silver Lampes Chalices Church-stuffe Crucifixes c. and came forth laden with so big a pack as discovered his theft whâ—ch being led to the Duke he confess'd and was right handsomly corrected but the greatest redounded hereby to the
Treason as is generally believed by his next Brother Abbas who had formerly but in vain conspired to have betraid him to the Turkish General Turk Hist. Herbert c. ANNOTATIONS UPON THE FIFTH ACT. 1 IF we cannot recover him give out he is baptiz'd and so incapable 'T is no new way in India ASAPH did it Duke Asaph chief Favorite and Brother in Law to Shaw Selyn or Jangheer the Mogul he having married for his laâ— wife Normal Asaphs Sister and his Son Sultan Curroon who afterwards because by that name he was proclaimed Traytor by his Father changed his name to Shaw Iehan or King Iohn having married Asaphs Daughter he sent his Powers to set the Crown upon his Son in Law Curroons head but the old Mogul Selym made the Nobles swear not to accept Curroon because he muâ—dered his elder Brother but Bloche the young son and lawfull heir of that murdered Prince Selym being dead not without suspition of poyson given him by Asaph Blockee is set up The Queen Normal pretends for her Son Seriare youngest Son to Selym Her brother Asaph for his Son in Law Curroon and two Sons of the old Kings elder Brothers Morad or Amurath for themselves The other two young Princes Asaph found meanes to murder outright but these two last by circumstance causing them against their wills by some Portugals to be baptized into the faith of Christ so making them utterly uncapable of the Crown or Kingdom for the Alcoran forbids a Christian to wear a Crown where Mahomet is worshipped though afterwards for his further security he destroy'd them at Lahore and without further difficulty set up his Son in Law Curroon Herbert 2 The Injury c. See the eighth note upon the 3d. Act. 3 ABBA'S Thirty Kingdoms King Abbas his title over 30. Kingdoms runs thus The most high most mighty most invincible Emperor Abbas King of Persia Farthia Media Bactria Chorazon Candahor Heri of the Ouzbeg Tartar Hircania Draconia Evergeta Parmenia Hydaspia Sogdiana Aria Paropaniza Drawginna Arachosia Mergiana Carmania as far as stately Indus Ormus Larr Arabia Sufiana Chaldea Mesopotamia Georgia Armenia Sarcâ—hia and Van. Lord of the imperious Mountains of Ararat Taurâ—s Caucasus and Periardo commander of all Creatures from the Sea of Chorazen to the Gulfe of Persia. Of true descent from Mortys-dly Prince of the four Rivers Euphrates Tygris Araxis and Indis Governour of all Sultans Emperor of Mussulmen Bud of Honour Mirrour of Vertue and Rose of delight Though the Râ—â—der may know that among these he claims some Kingdoms which he enjoyes not as the Turk and others of his neighbours do sone others of these in his Possâ—ssion An usuall thing with all Princes Herbert Lodovic De Wellen de Reg. Pers. c. 4 Delights as far fetch 't as dear bought It was an antien nicitie among the Persian Monarchs still continued that nâ— wine could please their palate but the Chalydonian in Syria â—or no bread but what grew at Assos in Phrygia no salt but what was brought from Aegypt though Ormus nearer hand by much afforded much better nor no water but that of the River Copaâ—paes the same which Pliny calls Euleus and Daniel cap. â— Vlai it waters Shushan now called Valdack in Susiana and at length imbowells her selfe into the Persian Gulfe not far from Balsâ—ra one stream of it runs 'twixt Shiras and old Persaepolis over which there is a well-built bridge called Fullychawn Herbert c. 5 The antient death of Boats Mithridates vainly boasting in his drink that it was he that had slain Cyrus whom indeed he wounded in his rebellious competition with his elder Brother Artaxerxes the second surnamed Mnemon of great Memory for the Crown of Persia was accused to the King who was desirous of the honour to have it believed that it was hee himself that slew him wherefore esteeming himself touched in his credit by Mithridates his report he condemned him to the antient death of boats usuall among the Persians for hainous offendors the manner this They took two boats made of purpose so even that the one exceeded not the other neither in length nor in breadth then laid they the offendor in one of them upon his back and covered him with the other then did they fasten both boats together so that the Malefactors feet hands and head came out at holes made purposely for him the rest of his body being all hidden within They gave him meat as much as he would eat which if he refused they forced him to take by thrusting aules into his eyes having eaten they gave him to drink honey mingled with milk which they did not onely pour into his mouth but also all his face over turning him full against the Sun to tempt the flies and waspes to his face and of his excrements in the bottom of the boat engendred worms that fed upon his body so that being dead they found his flesh consum'd with them even to the entrals Seaventeen daies together did Mithridates languish in these torments and then died for his folly in not contenting himself with ornaments and gifts which the King had given him for wounding of his rebellious Brother but he must rob him of the honour of his death which he knew he most desired so procuâ—ing his own Crimine laesae Majestatis Plutarch in vit Artaxerx 6 Beat her brains out i th' antient way ordain'd for poysoners c. Parysatis the mother of Ataxarxes King of Persia took a grudge against his wife because she thought she exaspented him too much against his Rebellious Brother Cyrus insomâ—ch as in her revengfull mind she plotted the death of her daughâ—er in Law the beautious Statira the wicked determination was executed by poyson by the help saith Dinon of Gigis one of the women of her Chamber The King was so favourable to hiâ— Mother as he onely confined her according to her own Petition to Babylon swearing that whilst she lived he would never see Babylon but Gigis he condemned to suffer the paines of Death ordained by the Persians for poysoners in this manner They lay the head of the Malefactor upon a large plain stone and with another stone they presse and strike it so long til they have dashed the brains out so died Gigis Plutarch in vit Artax 7 Then burn her limbs with Cats dung This may seem a ridiculous kind of Punishment but 't is very antient and frequent all over Asia sometimes but by favour it is performed with Dogs dung So Mr. Herbert tells us that when it was told King Abbas that Nogdibeg his quondam Embassadour into England had poisoned himself wilfully for four daies feeding onely upon Opium not daring to see his Master or justifie himself against his adversary Sir Robert Sherley then on his journey to the Court to purge his honour before the King of the staines which the aspersions of Nogdibeg had thrown upon him the King said it was well he had poysoned himself for had he come to Court his body should have been cut in 365. pieces and burnt in the open market place with dogs dung but for the greater terror and shame its usually performed with cats dung the Cat being the baser beast as only used to destroy vermine 8 Let me suck thy last breath 9 When thy hand shall close mine aged eyes Theâ—e two concluding notes I put together because they reâ—ate to customes about the same subject viz. the parting office of friends to friends observed by the antient Romanes and others and still retained by the Persians and Grecians when any one was dying the next of the Kin used to receiue the last gaspe of breath from the sick person into his mouth as it were by kissing hiâ— to shew thereby how unwillingly and with what regret tâ—ey parted with their friend and closed his eyes being deceased Virgil makes Anna say of her Sister Dido newly dead Vulnera lymphis Aâ—luam extremus si quis super halitus errat ore legam Aen. 4. Some water I the wound may bath And if yet wanders any of her breath My lipps shall gather it And Ovid makes Penelope wishing that her Son Telemachus might outlive her self and his Father write thus to her husband Di ' precor hoc jubeant vt euntibus ordine fatis Ille meos oculos comprimat ille tuos Aepist 1. This may Heaven grant whilst fate in order goes That his hand mine eyes and thine too may close Statius hath both the customes together Sociosque amplectitur artus Herentemque animam non tristis in ora mariti Transtulit charae pressit sua lumina dextra Stat. Silv. l. 5. She him imbrac't delivering in glad wise Between his lips her cleaving soul and dies With his dear 〈◊〉 closing her sinking eyes FINIS Errata PAg 13. l. 14. for any r. and. p. 24. l. 24. for whose r. who p. 47. l. 14. for Son r. Sun p. 67. l. 3. dele not l 30. for for r. fore p. 93. l. 24. for do r to p. 97. l. 29. for mind r. mine p. 98. l. 9. r. besprinkled p. 112. l. 1. dele good p. 119. l. 23. after me add as p. 123. l. 31. for pleasant r. peasant p. 137. l. 2. add not p. 144 l. ult r. in p. 152. read in the beginning these two lines And fear is contrary to noble Courage The passive valour is the greatest still pag. 99.100.101 102 103 104. (*) Five hundred years (*) Haeliopolis in Aegypt
MAHOMET-ALLYBEG ELCHEE MOZENDRA EARINA OLYMPA OMAY CLOE Officers Souldiers Guard FIrst my EMANGOLY and you my Lords METHICULI HYDASPUS ALKAHEM We here revoke our sentence against you Of Banishment and impower you to sit With us in judgment on these dire Delinquents Ema We thank your Majesty and glory more In that we are capable of serving you Then in the honour which you grace us with Oly. They 'l complement our lives away at last Ben. Then we are judg'd already wel th' other day I studied speeches for the Ladies now secret I want one to the People but lets see The common place is to avoid ill company A curse on these state matters Abb. Next we here Degrade that Viper ALLY-BEG from all Those places or of publique trust or Honour To which too rashly we advanced him Those which he held of yours EMANGOLY We do to you restore Ema Your Grace shall find Me faithfull as at first Abb. The Treasurer-ship We do conferr on you METHICULI Met. My service as i 'm able shall requite it Mah. May they requite you as I would have done Alk. Bold Traytor cannot armed justice awe thee Abb. Now BELTAZAR produce your proofs against These criminals Bel. They 're guilty all of Treason CLOE accuses that impostum'd monster MAHOMET to have forg'd the whole conspiracy But not without the help of FLORADELLA Flo. A curse on that loose Gossip Mah. And you too Abb. Give them no name but Traytors Bel. First they meant To shift away the Prince dissolve the Army That no force might oppose the Traytors rising You Majestie the horror of it choaks My utterance your sacred Majestie Mah. So try again Bel. This viperous woman should Have poysoned Mah. So now 't is out would she had Bel. And FARRABAN SOFFIE then held the Castle At the devotion of this monstrous man Who aim'd to set the Crown on his own head Having already gotten a strong Guard Towards which that strumpet did disburse a Mass Of ready Treasure making still her Purse As common to him as her wicked body Flo. You might preserve the modesty of the Court Bel. To this end be their Levies afoot too In Larr SELEUCUS MATZED in Hyrcania Are raising Forces so that this lewd woman And FARRABAN and sly SELEUCUS were Chiefe complices that knew his utmost aime The other we believe drawn in as onely Crediting his pretence to free the Prince And MATZED'S Levies are on ELCHEE'S score Eâ—c Urge that my Lord. Oly. Oma Ear. Yes yes sir urge that home Abb. Monster what say you knew the rest yoâ— meant Your selfe their King Mah. They knew as much as I did Oly. 'T is false Moz That thou wert worthy but to bear A Sword that I might claim the combat 'gainst thee I 'd write it on thy heart in stabbes thou lyest Mah. A brave Rodomantado Hyd. This vile man Given up to Treason late and now despaire Accuses these but to have company In 's fall Ben. True my good Lord. Come you and I Were Comrades once Ema This I indeed believe Mah. The more the merrier Moz Hear my gracious Lord He intimates as much before your Grace Elc. What if I say I levyed in Hyrcania To Mozendra With an intent to help the King and ballance MAHOMETS strength having the greater hopes For doing him service so unexpected Moz 'T will gaine no faith and then Secret 't was Treason too To list without Commission know your doom first If you fall urge it some will credit you 'T will beget pitty to your memory I'â—h ' vulgar who are still fond of the wretchâ—d Alk. These persons could not be so lost to sence Being noble as t' advance so vile a thing Over themselves Oâ—y We scorn him for our Groom Hyd. His envy and his rage will peal us too Anon I think Met. How strong is malice in thee Pernicious wretch thou car'dst not how foul Thy Treasons were on earth nor weighst thou now How great thy plagues for them shall be in hell Bel. Disburden yet thy soul of so much guilt And speak these innocent in what they are so Mah. Your selfe's not innocent good Rhetorician Hyd. I thought so slit his impudent throat some body Mah. You did as much as I exasperate The King against his Son Bel. If this be true I here beseech your Grace command me stand Among the Traytors Come come Officers bind My hands I am accused here of treason Abb. You more then feignedly did act his friend And O that I had heard your pregnant reasons So urg'd to save him with an equall eare Bel. Heaven knows I urg'd them strongly as I durst Mah. The Tyrant's selfe 's not innocent Alk. Bold head Mah. He 's guilty of his Sonnes blood and FATYMA'S too I was but 's instrument Met. O extasie Abb. Varlet the guilt is thine though the grief mine That I gave faith unto thy forgeries Proceed Lord BELTAZAR Bel. Sir hoping these May yet be worthy of your timely mercy What have I but t'inveigh against those other Look up fair Mother Persia and see Thy selfe redeem'd put off the horrid fright Thy plotted ruine late amaz'd thee with Now shall not thy fair breast be stained with Thy best Sons blood but freed of thy worst Had this gone on th'hadst been but thine own prey Th'hadst seen thy Prince that toyl'd so oft for thee Groaning his soul out into empty air The hopeful blossom nipt as soon as blown Thy aged King swell'd up with deadly poyson And burning as in Aetna till he 'd burst And impious MAHOMET upon thy Throne Unworthy of thy Gallies and this strumpet His fine loose Queen Mah. That yet I never meant Flo. The more wretch thou so oft to swear it to me Mah. The more fool thou though ever to believe me Bel. Thy noblest Sons torn some to cruell death And some to servile misery worse then that This was the sight prepared for thine eyes Mah. And it had been a brave one Abb. Cursed monster No sence of guilt no teares can no remorse Touch thy scar'd Conscience Mah. Yes I see my guilt Guilty of folly I am to trust a woman To keep for me what for her self she cannot A secret tears I could profusedly shed Tears of just wrath and for each one that drops Afford a curse too that I sped no better I 'de spend my soul in sighs could they but scald thee To be so near a Crown and reach it not O Hell and Furies Abb. In thy soul they 're all Ema Proceed to judgement sir. Mah. Tyrant remember â—n me thou judgest thy own Cause I meant No more to thee then thou didst to thy Father And brother too and that for the same reason Ema Prodigious boldnesse sir regard him not Abb. Monster since thou hast toyl'd to be ungrateful And with thy Treasons to out-vie my favours To let thee die were too much pitty to thee Nor is there a death equall to thy guilt Besides we having so much honoured thee And