Hâ—r Mask goâ—s on In whiâ—h you are to represent your name-sake The God Sylvanus 't is time you were dress'd They 'r ready to begin Syl. Her Mask does she Triumph in Princes blood Fro. Perhaps she hopes The pleasure of a Mask will make the Prince Forget her malice and her Servants say That when the Mask's done shâ—'l divulge a Secrâ—t In which you are concern'd Syl. How is 't with Adolph Did not my Wife take him for Filamor And strike aâ— her Son's heart Fromund But miss'd her aime Miraculously for Prince Adolph had Princess Violinda's Picture which he wore In a Gold Tablet next his heart he was About to look on 't opening of his buttons And stooping comes your wife who being deceiv'd By 's Huntsman's Suit so like Prince Filamor's Stabb'd at his heart but light upon the Gold And did not pierce it only her Poniard glanc'd Upon his breast and drew some crimson drops Straight he look'd up but when she saw her hand Imbru'd in her son's blood she fled and fell Dead as we thought but she deceiv'd us all Tet. Will you please to put on the Wood-God's shape You 'l be too late what do you study on Syl. Why should the Gods reprieve that guilty woman Fro. The Gods themselves had not been innocent If they had let her die a natural death And scape the hand of Justice Tet. Sir the Mask Syl. I 'l have no Mask till Pontia's in her Grave Arrest her Fromund and when she 's condemn'd See Execution done be sure my wife Revive no more Fro. Fear no Recovery My life for her death she 's a Venimons Creature But if she were a Viper let me get Her Head and Body parted once I 'l watch 'em For ever meeting Syl. In her List for Hell When Pontia writ my Name I bound my self To punish her with death for her next Treason Tet. Sir your best time will be when her Mask's done Or else the Secret she means then to publish Will die with her Syl. God of the Woods Sylvanus Whose shape I now assume do thou inspire me Exeunt Enter Pontia wearing Diana's Cressent on her head Poâ— If the Celestial minds had been possess'd With such a bloody rage as fill'd my Breast My House had been destroy'd for my Offence But the Gods spar'd my Children's Innocence And when my Soul was frighted with her Crime Bound for Eternity they gave me Time For the recovery of Life and Fame Dearer then Life that my corrupted Name Might be with tears purifi'd and made fit To grace my Tomb when my Inscription's writ Enter Caesarina Cae. Madam Pon. I sent for you to let you know The Gladiators were not slain my Servant Tells me they fled to Barnet-Woods I ' vâ— sent To have them apprehended and they shall Be brought to Justice now let 's mind our Sport Which must disguise my trouble that I may aside Give Filamor an opportunity Diana's Cressent to a nobler end Was never worn Goddesse of Chastity Assist the God of Love shout from thy Bow His Arrow into Caesarina's Heart Dear Caesarina you are dress'd stay here And thank Prince Filamor Cae. I shall obey you But Madam I beseech you why am I Enjoyn'd to give him thanks do you suspect That I'm inclining to ingratitude Pon. No But your Gratitude at this time may Dispose him to forgive my Cruelty Which strikes into my Heart the very Poniard I aym'd at his Cae. This you 'd have him believe Pon. That Question makes me fear that you your self Believe not my Repentance 't is no more Then I am to expect from all the World But ere the Hour-glass that 's now turn'd runs out I hope to satisfie that general Doubt Enter Filamor He 's here the God of Marriage bless their Meeting Exit Pon. Fil. What Nymph's this t is not Caesarina sure Though it presents her divine form 't is she Cae. Filamor Fil. Heark she calls me Filamor But am I Filamor do I see and hear Nay do I live has not the Villain slain me And is not that bless'd Form inherent in My Soul descended with it to the Shades Cae. No Filamor lives a Sacrifice of Thanks For the Panthâ—on in which all the Gods Are worship'd whose united Pow'rs preserv'd Your Valour that redeem'd my Life and Honour An Obligation past aâ—knowledgment For which I wish you all you can desire Fil How I am ravish'd with Celestial Musique Cae. My self excepted Fil. Oh that Clause has spoil'd The fairâ—st Evidence that was ever drawn For the intitling of a Lovâ—r's Faith To his sweet â—ope Cae. Valiant Prince Filamor 〈◊〉 away that â—ffâ—minate vain Hope And â—hink of noble Objects Spoils and Triumphs Fil. Grâ—at Actions Mâ—dam are for happy men But misery designs my Arms to Rust My Glory to the Urne that holds my Dust I see you do not love me Cae. More Sir more Then you do love your self for if I might Dispose of your Succâ—sses Filamor Shoâ—lâ— like young Alexander conquer all Enter Adolph Thâ— World but Caesarina there 's your Friend Now Company comes in I take leave of you Exitura Fil. And I must biâ— adieu to Happiness Cae. Yet this my brave Preserver may believe If I 'd subâ—ect my self to any man Filamor should be Lord of Caesarina Exit Caesarina Aâ— And so thou shalt I 'l pass my word and then You may be the Insurer of my Mistress For as the great Ship towes the little Cock-boat My Sister towes thy Sister after her Fil. You 'r mighty pleasant Ad. Which presages well Now sit and let 's see if Diana's Mask Enter Tetrick and Fromund Be no worse than Apollo's What sayes th' Authour Tet. That the Mask is beginning Ad. Then â—e down Musique Diana's Mask The Scene a Hawâ—horn Tree Enter Pontia as Diana Caesarina as Flora Brianella as Progâ—e Pontia Goddess of Flowr's though you have still Narcissus in your Daffadil I fear you 'l lose him by degrees My Brother dis-inchants the Trees Birds I restore some other Powers May un-metamorphose Floweâ—s Caesarina Diana the fair Huntresse â—nowes She may my Flowr's and Me dispose Pon. Come hither Flora do you know This blushing Lady Cae. No yes no. Pon. You have â—orgot her so bad â— When lo I saw a Swallow fly O're London to my Temple-top Then to the groâ—nd she seems to drop But in her fall spreading her wings Flyes to my Altar sits and sings Her voice I know and that she mourn'd For her lost Form which I return'd The Swallow's Progne once agen Brianel And shall be happy Progne when My Sister Pâ—ilomel I see I hear her in that Hawthorn-tree The Nightingale sings in a Hawthorn Bush. Diana pitty her sweet sorrow Pon. My Grove thy Nightingale I 'l borrow She shall be now Diana's Creature I 'l joyn her Honour to her Feature A Maid the second time I 'l make her Bacâ— back my Moons and overtake her An hour before that sad dishonour Thy husband Progne forc'd
Ponâ—ia Caesarina and Brianella walk over the Stage There 's the confoundress of thy Master's musique Pluto could not have rak'd him ouâ— of hell Such a Step-Mother she reigns o're his Father Fro. But the date of her Sovereign pow'r iâ— out By this time the old Prince is in our hands We have him in the Woods Tet. And long you 'l keep him His very first reflexion on the fury Or slatâ—ery of 's Wife posts him to Court He 'l leave you Fro. 'T is expected therefore Tetrick My Master has sent me to ingage you If th' old Prince change his mind you can perswade him He believes all you say Tet. I believe nothing You say or do your Plot 's a scurvy Plot. Fro. But you can mold it into a better form Tet. Nay since you can begin your plots without me End e'm without me Fro. And shall I return The Prince this answer Tet. Every syllable Fro. Shall I return his Princely Present too Tet. That is to be consider'd of let 's fee't Fro. Alas 'T is only a poor Table-Book The cover is but Gold and set with Rubies Not worth your looking on Tet. This needed not Without fee I 'd have been o' th' Prince's Counsel And the Cause shall go with him never fear 't But they say the Step-mother's inquiring For Witches thâ—y'l discover all we do Tâ—o That she may seek no further I have told Her Favorite my Mistriss Brianella That yesternight there came into the Woods A Bard that 's a Witch-maker Tet. Your Witch-maker By any means must be attended by A Conjuâ—er and a Witch to learn their Trades Fro. I 'l be the Witch I think my face will serve Tet. And Schollars make rare Conjurers I 'l play my part Come bring me now to kisse your Masters hand Exeuâ—t Enter Pontia Caesarina and Brianella Pontia Stir Caesarina only exercise Can prevent th' undermining of thy Colour By the Green Sickness that long gravel walk Did alwayes please thee Caesarina When I was in breath But I 'm grown too short-winded for a walk Of this length Madam I shall ne'r hold out Pon. One quarter of an hour and I 'l release thee Exit Caesarina But Brianella art thou sure thou saw'st Filamor in the Arbor Brianella At this Lute With him a Flamen and a winged Boy That should be Cupid perhaps Priest and God Will in some Dialogue present themselves To Princesse Caesarina the Prince said They should sing the Description of a Triumph Pon. Then I shall now see whether Filamor Continue still his Love to Caesarina And how she looks on him after his Travails Le ts to the close walk my Son Adolph's there Exit Pon. and Bri. Filamor discover'd in an Arbor with a Lute in his hand on either side the Arbor on two pedestals Cupid stands and the Flamen kneels as Caesarina walks by they sing Flamen Why unarm'd poor Cupid pr'y thee Tell a Mortal how t is with thee Cupid To one Mortal what another Has committed may be told I am plunder'd so 's my Mother Fla. What frail Man durst be so bold Cup. No to make us more inglorious T is a Woman that 's Victorious Fla. Caesarina Cup. They who saw her Say she rides in Triumph here That my Mother's white Doves draw her In their Chariot Fla. Look she 's there Cup. How knowest thou Fla. By a sure Token Thy Torch quench'd and thy Bow broken Makes her Trophie Captives follow Cup. One Slave Sorrow's Livery wears His Eyes sink his Cheeks fall hollow In his Face his fate appears Fla. That Slaves Filamon no Lover Caesarina triumphs over Suffers in Love's Cause so sadly Cupid help Cup I cannot do Him a favour I would gladly But I am her Captive too Chorus The World 's grown so stupid That now 't is in fashion To pray to God Cupid If a Man have a passion He that hopes for a Cure Must get it of Beauty Or else do his Duty That 's Dye or Indure Enter above Pontia Caesarina Adolph Brianella Adolph Has Filamor been so long out of Britain To forget Caesarina is your Daughter Court her without your leave Pon. Or thy consent Ad. That 's more then you know by your favour Madam Pon. He kneels see aside Ad. Hear him Fil. Heav'n is in your Eyes Disorder not that beauty with a frown On your Adorer if my love displease Be not offended with my gratitude I name you in my Hymnes as shipwrack't men Sing to the Deities which have preserv'd them By virtue of that sacred word your Name I have out-liv'd the pains of death in absence At my return to you dearer then life Friends Father or our common Mother Britain Will you for want of one poor smile destroy me Cae. Make not your self a Supplicant to me Prince Filamor kneel where you owe a Duty Kneel to the Gods to grant you Understanding That you may see I cannot love and then To one that can love you apply your self You have my counsel and resolve Fil. For pity Leave me not to despair though all my sighs Breath'd on the aire of Italy were lost At such a distance now we 'r met again May not pray'rs alter your severity Cae. Can prayers alter a Decree of Fate Fil. Pray'rs joyn'd with services if Verulam Open too narrow a Prospect for your eye I 'l draw my sword and merit from my Country Th'inlargement of our bounds Pon. He works upon The humours of Ambition I 'm afraid The Milk she suckt from my Breast will betray her Cae. To be the first on Mountains in poor hovells Rather then t' have the second place in Rome Was Caesar's wish but 't is not Caesarina's Your Cottages cannot make me a Court I 'm not like Ladies newly come to London Who from the vast height of Diana's Temple Look down and please their eyes with little people Obâ—ects that are not magnify'd I sâ—orn The Prince that would disâ—over his Dominions Let him turn the Prospective Glass to me At the right End great Subjects I must fee. Pon. She yields Al. For my friends sake would she did yield Fil. Great Subjects all our British Lords shall kneel To Caesarina I have form'd it thus You know the Kentish-men have took up arms Against the Trinobants the Londâ—â—ers Whilst Scots and Borderers with their deadly feuds Ingage the Northern parts in Civil Warr No sooner from the Roman Slavery This Iland's free but we like mad-men arm'd Die our white-feather'd shafts in our own blood Against these Enemies to the Publick Peace I 'l make a League and fight my Country's battails Till I fix Britain in a Settlement Then as the best means to keep Peace thus Purchas'd By me I may with confidence presume The Wisedome of the Nation for their King Will chuse their General who shall lay down At Caesarina's feet his British Crown Cae. Filamor you have had a pleasing Dream And I was loath to wake you till I found My self concern'd Britain
Metamorphosis In those three Poplars grow thy Sisters That Laurell Cloisters my coy Misâ—ris We two will untransâ—orm them now Phaë Aâ—-pow'rfull Father shew me how Apo. My sacred Tree That Conquerors and Poets browes Crown'st with thy immortall boughs From thunder free With Musique shaken cleave asunder The Laurell opens and in it appears Daphne Daph. Ay me a suddain clap of thunder Could not strike Daphne's heart so dead As does that Voice from which I fled To this Tree that whea th' Earth deny'd me Open'd and shut again to hide me False Laurell wer 't thou kind so long At last to sell me for a Song What hope that Strangers will be just When our old Friends betray their trust Cruell Apollo dost thou give Life to a Maid who fears to live Some gentler God take Daphne's part And close my Tree or break my Heart Apo. Sweet Nymph thy Panick Fear dismiss Apollo will not force a kiss Daph. Why then for Daphne do you call Apo. This is the Huntsman's Festivall We 'l only dance together Daph. Then Daphne may With honour say Apollo's welcome hither Phae. Dear Sisters that when I was drown'd Wept your selves into Poplar-Trees Now my Platonick Year's come round Enjoy the Light which Phaeton sees Phaethusa Phaeth I am here Phae. Lampethusa re-appear Lamp I come I come Phae. Lampetie live Lam. Thy Breath is my Restorative Chorus On the Huntsman's Feast Like Pris'ners releas'd Let 's dance and sing Till the Birds admire What new happy Quire Make the Woods ring And drawes the Sphears nigher No Pleasure transcends The Meeting of Friends Filamor Walks up to Caesarina Fil. Not Filamor but Cephalus begs the honour Of a Corant Caesari Cephalus'es Suit is granted Pontia Come my bold Sword-men now you 'l have imployment Exit Pontia Serg. and Gracchus Fil. May I presume to kiss the Princely hand To which I owe this honour Cae. Does my bounty Incourage begging you shall be content VVith the next favour you receive from me Exit Caesarina and Brianella Fil. So does the covetous Fav'rite lose his place By offering to impose upon free Grace Adolph My Sister 's too high-heaâ—ted to be govâ—rn'd Proud Minds like billowes in a storm are toss'd At their own rate but if you steer y' are lost Fil. What a dull fool was I to lose her thus Enter Brianella I hope not here comes one who can resolve me Dear friend leave me alone with my Gooâ— Angel Adol VVhat means he is the Devil his Good Angel My Mother's Messenger I 'l hear Adolph stands and listens her newes Fil. Now Brianella speak is 't life or death Briaâ—ella Life life Sir Princess Caesarina walks To gather Violets in the Lawne from thence She strikes up to the Lime-tree Grove come thither But keep your masking habit on she said If so by chance you met her in that Grove You might have better Audience as a Huntsman Then ever yet she gave you as a Prince Ad. How 's that my Mother has a Plot upon hiâ— This cannot be a Message from my Sister Fil. This Embassage shall put about thy neck A string of Pearl Bri. A string of hemp were fitter aside I am sure I deserve 't If you knew all Excuse me if my Lady call she may Suspect my absence Exit Brianella Adolph Filamor no haste You shall not go Fil. Then you shall kill me Adolph For if I live I 'l go Ad. You are not mad Do you know who invites you Brianella My Mother's Confident the Agent for Thy cruel Step-Mother who seeks thy blood Do you know what she said Is 't probable My Sister who scorn'd th' offer of a Crown VVill love a Masking Suit Fil. Was 't probable Your Sister would have danc'd with me yet she would And Brianella praeacquainted me With her intention non ore words I 'l go Exit Filamor Ad. A happy voyage I 'l be there before yoâ— She told him Caesarina's in the Lawne If he go thither 't is upon the Bow I know the String the strait path to the Grove And whosoever is to meet him there Shall find me on the place to answer for him Exit Adolph Enter Pontia Gracchus and Sergius Sergius Our Trade is to kill men we never yet Shed Woman's blood Gracchus But Madam for your service Pontia And my Reward you shall be so rewarded You 'l wish I had more Princess Violinda's For you to kill Grac. May we not have the honour Of murdering her brother Pon. That 's reserv'd For my hand none shall revenge Pontia But Pontia Serg. If the Prince your husband wants An Officer to cut his Throat Pon. For him I 'l provide meaner Instruments there 's Gold Jewels too You are Strangers and the Natives After this fact if thâ—y can take you will Tear you to pieces To prevent your danger You see my Groom waits for you with good horses Fly though for me you have lost Italy And must lose Briâ—ain wheresoe're you land You 'l make your selves a Country with that Treasure Romans farewell Grac. Our saddest losse is such A bounteous Mistrâ—sse Serg. And it wounds us deeper Then we can wound the Princess when our Swords Shall weep her blood Pon. But Gentlemen pray skill My Daughter-in-Law with as little fright To my own Daughter as is possible If you bind Caesarina bind her gently Exit Pontia Serg. As gently as these arms can bind a Lady To kill her Step-Daughter she gives me a stock Will keep me like a man on any Ground But before I leave Britain I'â— be bold To ravish her own Daughter I have had A Stomaâ—k â—o her long Grac. Meat for your Master Thou ravish her I 'l ravish her my self Room for your betters from the Gracchi I am Descended Serg. No degenerated Raskal When we play'd Prizes on the Stage at Rome Then wert not thou my Mimick did not I With this short Faucheon round about the Stage Chase thee in that high crown'd Hat with Gold-labells Grac. And what did I the while Ser. Why at my Head Helmet and all in which I wore this Fish Thou flungst a Casting-Net and crydst fear nothing I catch not you Sir I catch but your Fish Gracchus draws Grac. Upbraided with my Calling Ganlick-Rogue You Country-low did not I hear thee Beg Like a cow'd Slave the People's suff'rages To give thee leave to take up that white wand The Rudies which discharges Sword-Players From fâ—ar of playing Prizes by Command And wilt thou play a new Prize for a Princesse Come on Serg. Take notice of this Thumb reverst Sergius draws and bends his Thumb back The sign of death to Fencers Grac. Hold you puppy What Roman against Roman le ts draw Cuts Serg. Then I bend down my Thumb live to be hang'd The long cut carries her They draw cuts Gâ—ac Fortune 's a Slut To give the prop'rer man the shorter Cut No remedy I must content my self With Prinâ—ess Violinda Enter Caesarina and Violinda The Fencers seize them Seg.
upon her Bâ—i He was a Villain yet that shape Violinda as Philomel appears in the Hawthorn sings Might tempt a God to act a Rape Philomel's Song Violinda How my Rape was brought about And how my Tongue cut out I need not tâ—ll 'T is known as well As my woful name of Philomel Which though my speech did fail My Soul did so bewail That it throbb'd into a Nightingale Then I poor Bird Had Tongue but not a Word I sung but câ—uld not speak As if my heart would break Warbled I. But no more Revenge I cry Now the Ravisher's acquitted For Diana's mighty pow'r Calls back this the happy'st Hour The Hour before the Crime committed As Philomel comes down from the Hawthorn Tree a Satyr leaps out of a Bush and catches the hem of her Vest. Satyr Twice a Maid And both times betray'd Your Virginity's private Graâ—t Must be sung With your new tongue To inveigle â— young Gallant Philo. What art thou Sat. A lustfull Satyr Phil. Out foul Goat Sat. I can assure you Goats are ravishers by Nature But I love let that secure you Phil. What dost thou love Sat. To dance that 's Sweet Phil. Satyr our Inclinations meet Let 's dance Sat. No I 'm too much below you My antique tricks I dare not show you Diana so affects Sobriety Enter Sylvanâ—s as the God Sylvanuâ— afâ—â—r him 3. other Wood-Gods Th' old Wood-God dances with her Deity For you three God Sylvanus brings Gods of the Copses Groves and Springs But though you are above my levell Yet through a Bush I 'l see you revell Chorus The Wood puts down The Field and the Town Men labour there As Ants toil here But we still please our fancies Nature sets us no task Our whole Life 's a Mask Compos'd of Songs and Dances â—he four Gods dance with the four Ladies Sâ—l The Sâ—tyr acts the Roman To Tetrick Tet. Yes I made aside Princesâ— Violinda Philomel to mind Th' old Prince of 's wife's barbarity to 's daughter Bâ—i By the Princessse The Compaâ—y's desir'd to stay and hear What she 'l discover for the Publick Good Syl. The Publick Good Fro. Perhaps she may build Temples Now that she 's in the habit of a Goddesse Tet. Wâ—en she does any Good Publick or Private Let none think that I 'm vers'd in both the Globes If th' Earth does not rise up or the Skie fall Pon. Justice and Truth compel me to reveal A Secret which Discretion would conceal But I 'l reveal it to no private Ear All are concen'd and therefore all shall hear If any think it stange that I express My serious thoughts in such a fained Dress Know since by his sad fate your Prince was curs't To marry me this Habit is the first In which I 've done no mischief Treason stains My Prinâ—ely Robes and if my Hand retains The native whiteness t is not that I 'm Good But that I could not take the dye of Blood So foul as I never had Woman been Had but my Pow'r been equal to my Spleen My Husband 's life I did to Hell devote Maâ—ice which Hell it self would not promote But the just wrath of Heav'n turn'd my Design Laid against him and his on me and mine To murder Violinda Rogues I hir'd To ravish Caesarina they Conspir'd And whâ—n I thought a Daggâ—r to have struck In Filamor at Adolph's Heart I stuck Who would be wicked when the very Crime Conceiv'd torments our Souls and at the time When 't is deliver'd like an Engin broke Dâ—stroys us with the force of our own stroke Forgive me all that bear a Prince's Name The glorious Title which sets off my shame And you dear Pledges of my Lord's first Bed With merâ—y look upon the tears I shed Now that you see my traitors Offence Wash'd in these streams of Publick Penitence In one Orb let us near Relations move Forget my Hatred and embrace my Love She rises up Syl. The Devil out of all his Languages Could not pick words more moving Tet. Yet they work not The Prince sits still Syl. Though she stands up to Court him Tet. If any man believes the secret of The Princess's Repentance let him speak Syl. Their very silence has pronounc'd her door Pon. The hope of comfort adds but to my grief For I see all I say finds no belief But when in Charge against my self I bring Facts out of which your fears and dangers spring You 'l answer what security affords The soft contexture of a few good words I grant they rather may your Fears increase And therefore I 'l give Hostages of Peace My Adolph bound in Love's eternal Bands I 'l â—ender into Violinda's Hands And Filamor by sacred Hymen's leave Shall Caesarina from my hand receive Pontia rises and goes to joyn their hanas Come Caesarina give the Prince your self Caesarina From me what is not due to Filamor Who with his life in 's hand rescu'd my Honour Adolph Did not I prophesy dear Filamor Cae. The Prince in lieu of his may claim my Life But not my Slavery I 'l be no man's Wife Violinda She speaks my resolution Filamor Do ye hear Adolph Now who 's the Prophet Ad. Thou art the blind Prophet I am the Seer they are ours as sure As we are theirs Sylvanus sits down iâ— the Chair of State Pon. I 'l try another Speech Ha! who presumes to take my place what 's he Tet. A Judge bound by his oath when he hears Treasoâ— Câ—nfess'd to doom the Parricide to death Pon. No Judge shall doom me but the Prince my Husband Sylvanus Discovers himself Syl. Behold the Husband to whom you appeal A Judge bound by the honour of my word When you first sought my life that if you ever Committed a new Treason you should die There needs no form of Law from your own mouth A clowd of Witnesses have prov'd your Treason Nor will we torture you with hearing it Repeated nor with your accursed blood Will we prophane Diana's sacred Grove Be it decreed That in the Lawne the place Where by thy Gladiators Violinda Should have been murder'd thou shalt lose thy head A guard away with her but give her time So it exceed not half an hour to pray Pon. Vengeance is slow but certain I have vext This World too long dispatch me to the next Fil. Doubt nothing Adolph I 'l secure her life Tetrick you have too far ingag'd my Father 'T was never my intention she should die Tet. 'T is your own business you may do 't your way And save hâ—r life that she may ruine you Fil. Nay I would have her out of hope to live That she may really repent but then Dear Tetrick thou command'st the Guards reprieve her Do 't at my perill Tet. I am like to do it At my own peril too but I 'l obey you Fil. Come friend and as we go tell Caesarina To Adolph How careful I am to preserve your Mother Exeunt all but Fromund
and Brianella Fro. What a strange Monster your great Mistress is That neither her son nor her daughter open Their lipps for her Bri. But do you think she 'l die Fro. Unless she has like Nile more Heads then one One head 's condemn'd I 'l see 't cut off your servant Bri. But heark you Fromund I took you to be An honest man Fro. Do y' find the contrary Bri. Troth 't is no sign of exc'lent honesty To profess love to me and in a time Of danger leave me to my Fortune Fro. Why Are you in any danger Bri. Then you know not I was my Lady's Coy-duck to bring in Prince Filamor Fro. Pish a poor little Treason They 'l never mind you now they 've got the Princess Bri. This all the care yoâ— take for her that loves you Fro. I understand not loving will you marry Bri. Who Fro. Me. Bri. Do you call marrying loving Fro. Yes Bri. Then I will love you Fro. Then I 'l secure you But will you not break promise when you 'r safe Bri. No I hate baseness I have lov'd you long But I 'm so bashful I should scarce have own'd it If this unlucky occasion had not offer'd It self Fro. Well Madam I have caught you now Bri. I hope you 'l keep me Fro. Safe Enter Tetrick running Tet. Undone undone Fro. Who 's undone Tet. Every good man you 'r undone Bri. Must I be hang'd Tet. No drown you you 'l scape th'halter That falls to our shares but no matter what Becomes of us Sylvanus Fro. What of him Tet. Lost all 's lost Pontia rescu'd we are now Her Slaves Fro. How 's this possible Tet. Hâ—ar and wonder We came into the Lawne and though 't was meant Pontia should live she knew 't not but compos'd Her self to die so mildly that it struck Into astonishment all the beholders Such a dead stilnesse was upon the place 'T was like a Sea becalm'd when in an instant The Storm breaks forth thund'ring came Pontia's Horse And in the head of them her Gen'rall Crispus Our Guards amaz'd before now as if they Had seen in th'Enâ—mies shields the Gorgon's head Which had the petrifying quality Turn'd Statues stood still whilst the Maldenerâ— Bound them and Crispus like young Perseuâ— Releas'd the condemn'd Princesse seiz'd the Prince And Principality of Verulam They took me Pris'nâ—r but the General When he was told my Name â—emembering He had râ—ad my Book of Fortification Freed me Fro. Then we may live to free our Masters Nay we may speak Treason before this Lady 〈◊〉 has promis'd me marriage Bri. Sincâ— when pray I 'l be judg'd by this learned Gentleman You said that marâ—ying was loving I Answâ—r'd that I would love you but I hope I did not say that I would marry you Alas poor Fool O brave brave General Fro. The General 's the Man and I 'm the Fool aside You will not have me Bri. First I 'l see you hang'd Fro. But though in point of Love you have deceived me Upon th' account of Gratitude I hope You 'l beg my life Bri. That 's all you have to beg Y' have neither Lands nor Goods but I 'm too rich To be a Bâ—ggar upon any score Fro. To save your Life I would have ventur'd mine Bri. But your simplicity's no rule for me In sober sadness I will never marry You nor espouse your Danger So adieu Kind younger Brother do what you were born to Shift for your self O brave brave General Tet. Come Fromund follow me I know the Woods I 'l lead thee to a place of sweet recesse Where we 'l enjoy our selves and never think Of Women more Bri. But rise up Bard and Driud Exeunt Tetrick and Fro. Farewel Philosophers and welcome General Enter Pontia Crispus and Souldiers Pontia Command in our Name upon pain of death That none presume to pillage or take Pris'ner Any of my Subjects of Verulam Unless that Subject desperately rebel And put his Country in Blood Brianella O Heav'n And have I liv'd to see my Princely Mistresse Soveraign of Verulam Pon. My Soveraignty And Life I owe to â—y Lord General Bri. What Virgin would not love so brave a man Madam Râ—member now your gracious Promise And move the General for me Pon. Your best time Will be when business of the War is over For Marriages are businesses of Peace Bri. O Madam when your Highness was concern'd I put not you off to a better time Pon. If you 'l not take advise then take your Fortune My Lord you know this Lady Crispus Brianella Pon. You know her quality Cris. That she 's the richest In all your Principality of Malden In all your Court of Verulam the greatest For she 's your Fav'rite Pon. She would be your wife I have ingag'd to use my pow'r with you Cris. Not to make her my wife y' are not in earnest Pon. In earnest Bri. So am I. Cris. And so am I Never to marry a Property Bri. Property Cris. A Property for Murder was not she Us'd for the intrapping of Prince Filamor Madam to me you made another Promise By which you are oblig'd to banish her Pon. My word 's past so 's her greatness Brianella If to our Court thou com'st after this day Thou dy'st Bri. But I may see your Husband dye Before I go then I hope you 'l perform Your other Promise to the General For it seems you have promis'd him your self Give you Joy of my Curses I 've one day aside Yet left to curse you â—ang me if I pray Exit Brian Pon. My Fav'rite's banish'd now Sir do you think That I 'l perform my Promise Cris. If you were A real Convert of your own accord You would have banish'd all such Instruments Pon. I have been so long wicked that no man Will credit my Repentance but distrust From Crispus wounds me Cris. Why then I beseech you Do y' keep your Husband and his Children Pris'ners Pon. Why are you so presumptious as to ask Who made you our Examiner your duty Is to attend till we declare our self Enter Brianella and a Footman Bri. Bid the Groom bring my Horses to the Gate Pon. Stay Brianella Bri. Sure you 'l let me go Pon. Believe't I 'l sooner part with my new Conquest After you were commanded to withdraw My Promise being debated 't was resolv'd Upon the Question that you should be still My Favorite Cris. Great hope of her amendment aside Pon. Sir you shall now have proof of our Repentance Call in the Pris'ners Exit Crispus Bri. To restore me to Your favour was tâ—e General consenting Pon. He hates thee as I hate him mortally Bri. Shall he live Pon. Poorly thou shalt see him crush'd To his first Nothing Bri. Mighty General 'T will elevate my Soul to see thy Fall There is a Pleasure in Revenge above The expectation or the joyes of Love And to revenge my selve on thee is just But the betraying of Prince Filamor aside Who never injur'd me
was base Some power That as I do pities that noble Prince Put it into her Heart to spare his life One hour and I 'l make use of her new Favour To expiate my Crime I 'l now Charm Her And free him from his cruel Step-Mother Enter Adolph Caesarina Crispus Sylvanus Filamor Violinda and the Guard Pontia sits Pon. Old man who hast outliv'd Humanity From me what can'st expect Syl. What thou deserv'st Death death to which my Justice sentenc'd thee I do expect now from thy Cruelty And I 'l meet th'Axe with such a Resolution As shall if thou dar'st be a looker on Shake thy weak Soul into another Swound Though I liv'd under thy Reign like a Waman Yet I 'l die like a Man Pon. Since you 'r so brave I 'l not take pattern by your former baseness For Sir when I was to have lost my head No state was thought upon no Princes order'd To follow me You shall have Filamor And Violinda to bear up your train Between your Sentence and my Execution Your wither'd narrow heart could afford me But half an hour I 'l give you a whole hour Syl. Bountiful wife you are extream obliging Bri. My Pray'r is heard I 'l now serve Filamor aside Vio. Filamor what is Death Fil. Better than Life 'T is Nature's greater bounty for we may Improve it to an immortality Of Fame by dying nobly Vio. I have liv'd By Caesarina's rule by yours I 'l dye Cae. Oh name not dying though my Mother has Condemn'd you yet Heav'n cannot be so cruell Pon. Capito take you charge of the old man And my Lord Gen'rall to your Custody We do commit his Children Exit Pon. Capito and Sylvanus Cris. Here 's Reward For all my Services I am preferr'd To th' Office of a Marshall Ad. May we two With your permission my Lord Generall Speak with your Pris'ners Cris. At your pleasure Sir For as to that I am not limited And I 'l put no Râ—straint upon my self Cae. You ever were a Person of great honour Cris. Therefore in this base Charge â—y Shame 's the more To serve my Prince I never blush'd before Exeunt Actus Quintus Pontia sitting and writing the Superscription of a Letter Brianella standing by her on the Table lyes a Parchment Bri. FOr taking of the Pris'ners from the Generall That Letter to Priâ—ce Adolph I procur'd Which shews there is a justice in my nature I hope 't will save the life of Filamor Whom I wrong'd and I 'm sure 't will take away The last remainder of his Trust from Crispus Enter Capito Who wrong'd me my Lord Generall Capito The Princesse call'd for you he minds uot me I have no fortune to these Generalls Capito kisses Pontia's hâ—â—d Pontia My Lord you 'r rais'd to the command in chiâ—f Over our Forces by obeying us Capito Madam my Will is vassal to your Pleasure You are my Gen'rall not to be ask'd Why But What you please and that I 'l do or die Pon. First show to Crispus your Commission And vacate his then take you charge of th' Army Which we design'd you two hours since when he Gave rules to us but I was forc'd to use him Till to this height he rais'd my Soveraignty Now Verulam is ours the Building 's finish'd And we 'l take down the Scaffolds Bri. Such a fall aside May all the proud Men have who scorn kind Women Pon. In the last place double your Guards that wâ— May prevent suddain tumults and attempts In favour of the condemn'd Princes they I doubt have Parties in our Camp and Court But were it in our own veins thâ—y should bleed Cap. Without distinction whos'â—re lifts his hand Against your pow'r shall feel the weight of mine Please to dismiss me that I be not straiten'd In point of time Pon. Go and be fortunate Cap. Fortune my Goddess is great Pontia's hand-maid Pon. I forgot one particular I 'l send This Lady to you when she comes do you Return and bring Crispus to us Cap. I shall Exit Capito Pontia gives the Letter to Brianella Pon. There Brianella I have writ to Adolph As you desir'd I can deny you nothing But yâ—t to trust my Son with custody Of Violinda and Filamor the Prince Being my Son's Friend the Princâ—ss his Mistris Should Love against his Interest byass him May be of dangerous consequence Bri. Prince Adolph To preserve them will not lose Verulam Pon. I see Brianella is for Filamor aside Well I will venture 't upon your account Though Adolph may dâ—câ—ive me Bâ—i I hope he will aside Pon. Give him that Letter in which is inclos'd A discharge of our latest trust to Crispuâ— Bâ—i Then Crispus whether bound for Heav'n or Helâ— She whom you scorn'd shall toul your passing Bell. Pon. Away leave me to perfect my own story I 'l add to my two Crowns a third of Glory Exeunt severally Enter Adolph Filamor and Caesarina Filamor We have out-walk'd the General and my Sister Let 's tarry for them Adolph By no means least Fate Should overtake you th' Executioner Is setting up your Scaffold Filamor Sâ—ands now upon the Verge of Life and Death Here is a Grave and there 's a Sanctuary Behind that Hedge I 've laid for you a Horse A Fleeter's not in Britain mount him fly Caesarina As for your noble Sister and your Father When onâ—e my Mother knows that you 'r escap'd She will not dare to touch them fly Fil. How fly You heard the General take my Parol And would my Friends have me to save my Life Lose th' end for which Man lives Honour Cae. O Sir Under the notion of a private man Consider not your self on you depend Thousands of Subjects Lives Ad. And a whole race Of unborn Princes Fil. To preserve Mankind I 'd not break my Ingagement though till now I never valu'd life yet when 't is offâ—r'd By those I prize above life I am bound In honour to refuse it Ad. 'T is too late Enter Crispus and Violinda To pass now here 's your Keeper but I 'l make Way through him with my sword I 'l fight with Crispus Violinda I hope you 'l not fight with the Generall That uses us with such Civility 'T is Pontia not Crispuâ— that condemn'd us And we had rather suffer death than you Should resâ—ue us with hazard of your life Cae. First let me move him My Lord Generall Fame gives you such a noble Character That I can't think you a willing Instrument In the injustice done to these two Princes Crispus Madam to shew how my Obedience Has been constrain'd to act against my Will If an exchange of Lives may be admitted I 'l die to excuse them Cae. That you may do And not die only wink at their Escape Cris. No then my Honour dyes Cae. Honour and Fortune Shall recompence that Piety Cris. More Titles Than Caesar claimes and all the sparkling Gold Into the Sea with ebbing Tagus roll'd Cannot buy me out of
great Crowd But howsoever when you go to find Another World I would not stay behind Ad. Do y' pitty her sweet youth and are y'unmov'd With her mind's bravery how easily Will you leave us he takes Caesarina by the hand Fil. As the soul leaves the body Forc'd to it by fatall necessity For a memorial of my love I make you My Heirs between you divide Verulam Ad. Let a Sea-breach to quench thy Funeral Fire Swallow up Verulam and Malden first But whence comes this fatall necessity You think to fly is base who ever stood More upon honour then th' old Romans yâ—t After his Cimbrian Triumph Marius fled And begg'd near conquer'd Carthage you shall live Like a Prince still Fil. I must not live at all And bettâ—r die by the hand of Injustice Then by my own hand in a word I 'm barr'd From my love and I 'l not accept my life Aâ— Do y'hear this Caesarina now you know Your resolution is the cause of his He will not live because you will not love him Though Filamor might live long if my Sister Were not more barbarous to him than my Mother For she 's his enemy death from her must be Expected You his friend may get him off And yet you leave him to his enemy's mercy Cae. Farwell brave Filamor a point is started Which makes me take my leave Vio. You shall not go Though for my own life I was not concerâ—'d Yet Caesarina for my brother's safety I must petition you Cae. Move not a Suit I cannot grant Vio. Can you not grant one Suit To save two Lives Ad. Nay Sisteâ— you may go But yet remember he you leave to die Resâ—u'd your honour Cae. 'T is impossible I can preserve his life without destroying My own contentment therefore Filamor Your interest hâ—s the preference I am yours Fâ—l I am I know not what my Joy's so vast It puts an Army's strength into my nerves To horse to horse I 'l bear this Prize away Through Groves of Pikes Ad. Stay stay till I be ready I 'l not fight till Violinda gives the word Madam you know I had your gracious promise When she was his Wife that you would be mine Vio. Well Adolph by her copy I 'm your wife But Sir if she had not been forc'd to render I would have held out till I had been older And wiser for I understand not Love Ad. Dear Madam I 'l instruct you now lâ—t's â—harge Enter Tetrick Fromund and Brianella Tetrick Your Mistresses this Coupling-time's the death Of more Wild-fowl then all the Year besides Look here 's another pair of Widgeons catch'd And I am in the Net for company Th' Army has hâ—dg'd about the Grove onâ— Passe Is only open at which we came in Fil. No matter Hannibal wrought through the Rock Ad. Our Swords are sharper then his Vinegar Tet. Yet my young Hannibals pray view your danger Fil. That 's requisite come dear Ad. Come He offers to kiss Violinda Vio. What would you do Ad. I 'd only kiss my heart into more courage Vio. Speak softly Sir for fear your Mother hear you And then you will be chid abominably Exeunt Enter Pontia Capito Crispus and Officers of the Army Pontia Crispus you see your Greatness like our Coin Ev'n when 't was Yours was Ours wee 've call'd it in As a base Mettal that dishonours us Crispus I 'm what you please but only Pon. No Proviso's Yet will you own the Justice of my Cause And act in the reducing of the Pris'ners And th' Army for their Generall shall own you Cris. First do like Xerxes cut me into halves Then lay me where the moving Army may March through their Generall Pon. Make him close Pris'ner Capito Take Crispus to your Custody admit None to speak with him Exit Crispus guarded Pon. Yet your Emissaries May be deceiv'd Capi. One in a tree close by them Saw them joyn hands Pon. It seems thâ—y'r marry'd then Yet since Adolph's ingag'd I 'd have them taken Without a drop of blood Capi. That cannot be Unless we send out more Spyes to discover Before the Princes come to fight what place They leave the Ladies in If thâ—y be taken Adolph and Filamor will lay down their arms As I shall work it Pon. Go dispatch your Spyes Exeunt Enter Filamor Caesarina Adolph Violinda Fromund Brianella and Tetrick Tetrick None believes my Predictions but your Mother You 'r in a Pound now get out as you may Filamor The Passâ— at which you came is slightest guarded Let 's break out there Adolph Where shall the Ladies be Fro. In the Bard's Cave for there they will be safe Tet. Your Mother has a reverence for the place She 'l violate a Temple e're she 'l take e'm Out of that Cave Fil. The Counsell is not ill To the Bard's Cave we 'l wait upon our Loves If we break through we 'l send for you at night But if the Army comes in to Prince Adolph We 'l see you presently Ad. And if we fall Nay weep not Dear we will have company Into the Stars if the rogues go not downward Vio. 'T is only Multitudes that I 'm afraid of Cae. When Filamor fights I can fear no odds His Cause is Honour's Love's and all the Gods Exeunt Enter Pontia Capito and Souldiers Pontia Your Spyes are not come in Capito They 've had no time Capito pulls out a Letter and two Purses For a discovery yet do y' know these Madam Pon. The Jewells which I gave the Gladiators Cap. One would think you sprung from that fortunate King Whose Jewells lost at Sea came to his Table Serv'd up i' th belly of a Fish Pon. Where are The Villains Capi. This account the Letter gives Barnet Woods were laid for them by your Order Our Souldiers follow'd and came up so close The rogues for their last refuge were constrain'd To imitate Merchants in a storm who save Themselves by casting over-board their Treasure So emptying into their hands these purses They sew'd th'unplough'd Earth with your Gold and Jewells And whil'st our covetous men gather'd them up The Gladiators fled and here 's your Own Pon. And they have their reward a fearful Judgmâ—nt Their Lives are sav'd but their Livelihood's lost And that 's more horrid then the death thâ—y fear'd For in this Isle they dare not stay nor dare they Go to the Continent lest their Countrymen Who command there should hang them they must starve Enter a Spie and whispers Capito You look as if we had our wish what news Cap. How infinitely fortunate are you The Ladies in the Bard's Cave are secur'd Pon. For Us not for Themselves Capi. My men have orders The Princesses shall be brought in to face The Princes there they come I will amuze them Till the work 's done Pon. They shall not see me yet Pontia goes aside Enter Filamor Adolph Tetrick and Fromund with their Swords drawn Capi. Princes what means this fury that you brave With a
few hands the strength of a whole Army Pray tell me what do you rely upon Your selves or others do y' look for Assistance It must come down from heav'n and there dwells none That will assist a Son against a Mother He points to Filamor Nor will heav'n own a Cause it has deserted With Adolph Nature's angry and the Gods With Filamor If to your selves you trust Reason will tell you four before four thousand Must fall to th' Earth's cold arms from whence they sprung So that you only can expect to have From Heav'n a Thunderbolt from th' Earth a Grave Fil. Our Answer 's in our hands Capi. Hold Filamor Capito gives the sign to the Centree and then Sylvanus is brought in by an Executioner If you have no compassion for your self Look on the snow that lyes uponthat head Which must be taken off at the first blow You strike Syl. Filamor if thou pitty'st me Strike quickly and let me die any death So I may be rid of my wife I care not Capi. Poor Prince the Grief to see his Son so wilful Distracts him Syl. If he will not hold his prating Cut his throat Filamor charge them that my Soul May have her liberty a thousand blessings Upon the hand that fighting moves this Engine To strike my head off and divorce me from My brutish wife Fil. We shall obey you Sir As the Princes are coming on the Princesses are discovered under a Guard in the Bard's Cave Capi. Hold once more Princes take heed what y do How showes this Object Pontia shewes her self Fil. Caesarina taken Pontia Yes Filamor she that was once my child Is now my pris'ner when she marry'd thee I disclaiâ—'d her I look upon her now As on a Rebell yet her life I 'l pardon If you lay down your Arms. Fil. Immediately A Roman would not pause in such a Câ—se He turns his Sword on his own Breast Pon. If you but offer at your life she dyes Ad. Friend there 's no struggling against Fate give me Thy Sword There Capito with my own I render Prince Filamor's Arms he shall not kill himself Let 's Enemy do that office I 'l wait on him Pon. So now I 'm all that I can wish to be O 't is the Queen of all Felicities To have full pow'r to reward and revenge Bring the late General Crispâ—â— that I may Crispus guarded At one time cut off all my Enemies First Filamor to you I give my Daughter To your Sister my Son and to my Son I give my Principality of Malden For I 'l depend only upon my husband For whose pardon and love thus low I bâ—g Syl. Rely on me and you 'l be a good Wife Then I shall study to forget your Evill And love you for your Goodness Fil. With my thanks For this inestimable Guift I crave Your pardon for my incredulity When you return'd to Virtue Pon. That distrust Was universall for which all have suffer'd And yet thus far I would not have pursued Th' advantage fortune put into my hands But that I knew nothing could bring my Daughter To Love's obedience but the hope to save His life who sav'd her honour To give her That opportunity I committed you Both Pris'ners to your Friend Cae. I am bound to you For my convâ—rsion to Love's Deity Pon. Adolph for thee I have a second Guift But greater then the first into thy service And nearer yet into thy bosome take This man of honour thoroughly I've She presents Crispus to Adolph him He 's perfect use him and he 'l make thee Great Let him be Captain Generall of thy Army And give the Second Place to Capito Whose strict Obedience and prudent Conduct Makes him inferiour to none but Crispuâ— Cris. Now Pontia like the Planet of the Night Breaks from her clowd and shews us her pure light Cap. Though one Prince limits my Obedience Two Sovâ—reigns my bosome does contain For in my heart Adolph and Pontia reign Ad. Me and my love you 've crown'd and added these Two rich Crown-jewels He embraces Crispus and Capito Vio. I 'm oblig'd to you Both for my interest in the Crown and Prince Pon. Fromund I joy you and I 'l move my husband To add a Title of Honour to youâ— Fortune Fro. Your Servant Madam Bri. Well you are a Witch You told me I should be Right Honourable Pon. Tetrick to make you a Fortune take this gold And Jewells Tet. Nay since Fortune smiles upon me I 'l not be testy now I humbly thank you Poâ— Let us all thank Providence that directs Bad Causes to produce such good Effects Exeunt THE EPILOGUE To the HOUSE Spoken by The STEP-MOTHER THe Ancient Britains I have pleas'd and now I come to their Descendents to know how You 'l censure me my Doom I fain would hear Yet like you Lovers what I hope I fear But fear arrives too late the time is past No going lesse when once the Dice are cast Whether I fairly passe or have thrown out You are to judge pray put me out of doubt THE EPILOGUE TO THE KING HAppy were those who English Playes first writ They flourish'd in the golden times of Wit Ripe Harvests then from Old and Modern Scenes Th' Industrious Poet reap'd but now he gleans In that kind Age every one prais'd all Playes No mercy's in the Criticâ—s of our dayes The Authour knew these Disadvantages Yet ventur'd hoping his desire to please May Royall Pitty move You represent That Pow'r which for the act accepts th' intent FINIS