o're weaker foes But know my life is not at your dispose And 't is most safe though not for your renown Instead of seeking mine to guard your own Melech This insolence my honour cannot bear Guards go and bind 'em both Moar. Stir if you dare This ground is fatal he that first comes on Sets but the race which thou at last shalt run Cover'd with wounds I will thy pow'r oppose I' th' midst and thickest number of my Foes Though fatal yet some pleasure it will be To see thy mighty God head stoop to me Let the blind Queen of Chance her Envy shew And save thy life by some succeseless blow Deny'd all help and pass'd defence withstood I 'l rip my breast and drown thee with my blood Melech ' Dsdeath go take kill him to the Guards Zelm. Hold he shall not die stopping the guards I onely must dispose his destiny But that obedience to your will be shewn to the King Of my too great requests this shall be one Souldiers retreat I have the Kings whole power And leave me to appoint his fatal hour Melech Ask Something else this Suit I cannot grant Zelm. Your bound by Oath take heed how you recant Melech My Oath what 's that go go once more take sieze Zelm. He meets his death who his command obeys turning to Moarons side Perjur'd and poor send now your forces on By heaven we 'l cut the props from your weak Throne In his defence to my last drop of blood I 'le meet thy pow'r though through a crimson flood I wade to the atcheivement to make known A faithless King 's a traitor to his crown Unless immediately you pronounce peace And cause your factious multitude to cease Melech Retire a while to Guards and Souldiers Madam you have your will But what curst Feind seduc't you to this ill Surpasses knowledge but the Prince shall live Him you dare thus protect I dare forgive Moar. Forgive your words are still so arrogant Fit answers for such Epithites I want Forgive your slaves some impious offence Such as can crowch with humble penitence And know whilst valour in my breast does live She cannot me protect nor you forgive Melech Yet though your courage with your pow'r concur You now are glad to take your life from her Moar. 'T is false my life is at my own dispose Sprung from the stalk on which my courage grows Nor would I for a slow destruction stay But boldly run and meet death half the way Honours broad path my soul so well has known That now to live or dye to me 's all one Melech The rugged path of death few men would choose Had they the licens't power to refuse Which death your ransome Sir shall now excuse Live fearless in our Court and free from ill I 'me now your friend though much against my will aside Zelm. This grant has back my good opinion gain'd He forfeits worth whom perjury does stain Honour the Souls of Monarchs best does grace Contempt and rigour onely suite the base To morrow you shall know my last request 'Till when it must be treasur'd in my breast You 'l keep your vow Melech My oath has made it good And if I fail infection seize my blood Zelm. Disperse brave Prince the cloud upon your brow To fate not onely you but all must bow Heaven does mishaps for greatest souls create The bravest men are most unfortunate Moar. Heaven then 's a cheat so are the Gods and fate If there no difference be in punishment A Traitor is as happy as a Saint And may as soon a glorious blessing share As he that spends his life in sighs and prayer Melech Your rashness voted 'gainst heavens excellence Betray more haughty passion Sir than sense Motives of sorrows raign or love impure But in our Court your grief may find a cure Amas. Spiritual affairs be the Zealots care persued by such as dote on their dispair Your worth may Sir a fitter work improve Imploy'd in Acts of honour wit or Love Moar That love must then be yours what charms are here touching her hand My beating heart much alter'd do's appear And I the marks of unknown passion bear But I must hide it Since proud fate to day In my defeat its malice did display My life I 'le cherish with design to prove My soul the ills of Fortune is above The Plagues the Gods inflict with scorn I 'le bear And I will live cause sate shall see I dare Exeunt ACT. II. SCENE I. An Alcove Discovers Moaron and Amasis Enter Psamnis Psam MY happy wishes good success have met Yonder the Amourous Lovers smiling sit How greedily their darting eye balls rove Each look displayes the extasie of Love I knew She lov'd him though a modest Pride Which still with untaught Virgins do's reside Made her conceal it but of this no more I must to Syria to renew our power The Prince did so command and I will be Though not renown'd lov'd for fidelity Exit SONG within BEgon dull fear and servile duty fly Where mischeifs hourly rove Whilst here we own no other Deity Nor Monarch know but Souls ensnaring Love Love whose refreshing Ioys such rapture brings Such life such charming power 'T would warm the sinews of enervate Kings And make 'em young once more II. Let sordid Mortals toil for Earths increase And Glory in their gains We with new charms will one another please And laugh to see the harvest of their pains In quiet let 'em share their happiness With hope and fortune great Whilst we each day each hour that Heaven possess Which they expect at last III. Then feed my flame bright Deity of Love With Lulling extasies That whilst I in this Orb of Beauty rove I in conceipt may Soar above the Skyes Reasons a term by drowzy Zealots fain'd Which rapting bliss destroys Nature do's always fiercest pleasures lend When freely sense enjoys Moar. Not all the Odours of those happy fields Where Cassia grows and the fain'd Phaenix builds Arabias treasures or the choice perfume Of India's fragrant entrals dare presume ' Ere to compare with thee thou softest fair Thy presence would extenuate despair In all the Damn'd below and make 'em live In hope Hells worst of Torments to survive Amas. If I not knowing my own power possess So large a portion of controwling bliss The greatest mandate you shall ere fulfil Shall an entreaty be to love me still But should my passion prove an injury I should not blame your will but I should dye And e're my death I 'de one kind thought implore Then rest assur'd I could deserve no more Moar. Never Oh never shalt thou see that day No sooner shall the Early Sun display His beams about the World but I will fly To visit thee the Idol of my eye Where by thy side I 'le sit for ever free And waste my life in endless extasie Thy looks my bodies hunger shall repreive For if Camelions blest by Nature
this moment for to breath An hour without her were a double death Send on your Bravo's bloud hounds that have known How to snare lives and frankly pay their own For by the Gods I will not fall alone My Sword above their slender fate shall sway Confounding heaps that so my spirit may When freed have Souls to buffet by the way Zelm. In your defence observe what I design'd to the guard Attack you first wee 'l seize on him behind Fight Moaron is inclos'd by the guards and disarm'd Moar. You basely poorly have the conquest won So shoals of flyes obscure the radiant Sun But yet you cannot glory in my overthrow Nor boast your fate against a single foe Oh spiteful Gods and Nature too unkind To join frail strength to an immortal mind Adeiw fair Saint if here we meet no more to Amasis My spirit shall to some new Region soar There search some flowry grot where we alone May meet in blest Eliziums of our own Zelm. Away with him hast fly or stay your Death Exeunt with Moaron Death My heart 's not proof against such charming breath His words raise blushes that too much proclaim My blinded passion and my growing shame You from my clemency perhaps may find to Amasis A fate too gentle and reproof too kind But let not your too easie faith believe Though now I do I always can forgive Despise the Prince and your past vows forget Goodness should die in them that would be great I am this hour to perform a deed Hell lmps may wonder at but not exceed The Murder of the King 't is that alone That Cements Romes strong Walls must build my Throne Exit Enter Saphrena Amas. How came she hither why were you so slow That e're she came you could not let me know Saph. Could I have done it and have sav'd my life I had been happy to prevent such strife But the sad story will such truth declare Will shew I wanted pow'r not will or care For in yone passage sitting in th' Alcove Reading the story of Leanders Love I heard a rushing and then listning more The Queen came guarded to the Chamber door Who seeing me in that amazement start Straight sets her dreadful weapon to my heart Swearing by Apis if a word I spoke Not all the Gods my ruine should revoke Fear charm'd my tongue alas what should I do Betray my life or els ' be false to you I could not speak so great was my surprize Till she was plac't in ambush by the spies Who since I 've heard forc't by her Jealous fear Watching the Prince observ'd him enter here Amas. Heaven has to Cruel been thus to prevent A harmless Love so true so innocent Our equal passions onely publisht this He still ador'd my vertues and I his But th' Envious Gods have mixt our bliss with cares 'Cause our Elizium was more blest then theirs Exeunt SENE II. Zelmura in state seated on a Throne Phillopater Zichmi Achmades and other Lords standing beneath guards waiting Zelm. THough to the Gods above our prayers we owe The Monarchs of the earth are Gods below Great Souls are Ideas of their heavenly might Sparks of their own ambition rage and spite And when we climb to Empires lofty ranks Engrossing Majesty we pay them thanks But on this Theam we have too long digrest You now have leave to offer your request Phillo Most mighty Empress thou resplendant Star Of Eagle Ey'd perfection Soul of War Thou glorious emblem of Divinity Bright as Apollo's beams Zelm. This pleases me This has some sound and well befits my State Phil. Remember those that groane beneath their Fate Curst in your wrath let your Diviner breath Release 'em from the Mansion of pale death Gloomy dispair their tired sense beguiles Depriv'd of th' Radiant glories of your Smiles Achm. They have no doubt with sorrow purg'd th' offence And curst their sinning 'gainst such excellence The Gods whose power you scorn to imitate By this excel in mercy as in State Zichm This were too great presumption were not we Licens't by your confirming Clemency But Heavenly minds all Mortal thoughts exceeds The Sun 's still glorious though he shine on weeds In your bright Aspect bliss and horror lyes And Heaven and Fate triumph in both your eyes Zelm. Still this I like the more they flatter me The more they publish my Authority Precedent Monarchs State too midly sought I am the first men to subjection brought They dread like thunder my controuling breath And he that slights my frown incurs his death Neglected duty fatal ruine bodes Whilst grand respect still equals us with Gods Whose boundless pow'r do's with my fate comply They can do what they will and so can I Do all your wills in this joynt suite remain Omn. 'T is all great Queen we covet to obtain Zelm. Heavens with what fear the Motion they relate I am transported with my glorious state Mild Majesty abreviates its bliss But what that wants of Power I possess I have consider'd on your Joynt request Your suits conjoyn to have the King releas'd Perhaps you think the conquests you obtain Are all disgrac't in a weak womans raign And weary of my Yoke think it well done To wish a King to put more fetters on Like Aesops frogs you grudge your gentle thrall Yet sue for Storks that would consume you all But know I rise not thus so soon to fall My power is yet unblemish'd Lords and know Since I am Queen I still will keep me so Therefore I have decreed it constantly That e're the Sun decline the King shall dye Omn. Yet gracious Madam Zelm. Hold I 've sworn his Death T is dang'rous to controul my fatal breath His treason and the horrour of the deed Justice would say he do's deserve to bleed But if her Zeal this act as good denyes My will shall weigh the deed and Justice lyes Zichmi in this be your allegiance shown Take this and see the execution done gives a Ticket Yet that to your great comfort you may see You have a Queen oreflows with clemency By vertue of this Ring set my Son free give a ring Haste and ere twilight see the Pris'ner dead Or for a brave neglect forfeit your head Zelm. Your will great Queen is not to be withstood For done by you the worst of Crimes is good Achma Since fate and ignorance permits us still By errours to disturbe your Godlike will Let us your grancious pardon share since we Incur'd the fault through too much Loyalty Your wise regreet perhaps some ill do's save So Gods deny mankind the things they crave Enter Ptollomy and kneels shout Zelm. Rise Sir and let your future Acts declare You my high fate as well as courage share Your past offences we will now forget But henceforth studdy things more brave and great Ptollo Madam it lyes not in the power of fate To make me Coward or degenerate To heaven for health and knowledge thanks is
innocence took care 'T was the effects of a chast Virgins pray'r Zelm. Our base Egyptians lives dishonour'd choose Whilst the fierce foe victoriously persues I only hither fled to thy defence Least you should suffer by their insolence 'T is true I think the Syrian Prince retains Of his late love to you some small remains And might be brought his forces to remove And to restore the Crown a prize to Love But deeds wherein your fame and honour lies I would do nothing without your advice Her secret thoughs will now be Straight exprest aside And by this Plot I soon shall sound her breast Amas. Let not such blest Events be then withstood My life 's too little for the Nations good Instruct me sister what I have to do To save the State I 'd fate it self persue Zelm. No action our great danger can convince By your consent again to love the Prince Amas. To Love the Prince what tides of blessings meet I love him more than Angels do their Seat An ardent passion do's my breast inspire My life is not so dear Zelm. Furies and fire aside Amas. If that blest action can extend your sway Le ts hence and see how gladly I 'le obey Zelm. Oh horrid Amas. that all doubts I may remove I long to see the Object of my Love Zelm. Behold it then drawing her Sword This is thy Lover this relucent toy The latest bliss thou ever shalt enjoy Dull fool my Jealousie was strong before But this confession has inflam'd it more I did expect that when I had remov'd Your passions cause you would forget to Love But your late words have rais'd my fears again And in my heart caus'd an unusual pain A pain so feeling that compar'd to this Tortures are Joys and Hell a Paradice Therefore prepare to die Amas. To die oh no. Zelm. Stand firmly now and bravely meet the blow Amas. I cannot oh such horrid thoughts remove I will perform your will renounce my Love I 'le hate the Prince his proffer'd Love defie Rail slight I can do any thing but die Confine me to some Dungeon wanting light Whose obscure Walls inclose perpetual night Or place me here do any thing to give Your self a choice content but let me live You in my death all cruelty surpass Alas I yet ne're knew what woman was Take pity of my Youth and spare my breath Heaven knows as yet I am unfit for death Zelm. Unfit for Death how vainly you remove My Cautious doubts were you unfit to Love I might believe your argued policy But being fit to Love you 'r fit to die Amas. Nature our hearts to passion do's bequeath Zelm. But nature always must submit to death Within few years the tyrant will grow bold Amas. Then Sister do but stay till I am old Zelm. Oh fie should lifes reprieve so tedious be Your death would be an act of charity By dying young fame Lawrels will provide And tell succeeding ages how you dy'd Amas. A fatal glory that no fame can have But in the gloomy Mansion of the grave Zelm. Besides some comfort 't is you do not die Alone lot I will keep you company When my brave sword hath sent thee to thy rest Warm with thy blood it then shall peirce my breast But should you live and fervently renew His Love that only to my merit 's due I my revenge in t'other world would boast And daily haunt thee with my restless Ghost But in your Death I rest shall find and you A happiness unthought of shall pursue shout These shouts declare the Enemy's intent I must make hast least fate the deed prevent Love guide my hand wounds Amasis Amas. Hold hold look how I bleed Let this suffice oh do not now proceed Zelm. Fond foolish Girle why dost retard thy bliss Hadst thou stood still thou hadst been dead e're this And free from danger there wounds her again Amas. will nothing do Gods must I die thus poorly basely too Assist me Heaven Runs and snatches up Zichmi's Sword and then comes to the Queen Zelm. Is your courage warm'd Amas. So now thanks fate as well as you I 'me arm'd Infernal fury come if I must die I 'le give my self a noble destiny If death to nature be a debt we owe I 'le meet it bravely come you move too slow Zelm. 'T was bravely done this act I must commend It saves your life if you can well defend Amas. 'T is gone yet in my Death my tongue shall move fight and Amasis falls Upon no theam but my unspotted Love I feel my life in lukewarm streams depart And natures palefac't tyrant gripes my heart Take Cruel Queen and by my death receive In him the Quintessence of all that 's brave Whilst I surrender heaven that life it gave Dies Zelm. Farewell to pity thee is now too late A stubborn heart best suits a wretched State And I that scorn'd the ills of destiny Will dare its worst effects and fearless die But what is death or whither do I go To heaven or some dark Region plac't below If any State or government serene Be where I am should hell encrease its spleen And strive to oppose yet I would be their Queen Stay thou bright soul of my dear sister stay And be my star to guide me on the way She 's cold as earth no greifs her Spirits seize Her pain is vanisht and she sleeps in peace And I too long delay now she is gone But my past promise straight I will make known And thus revenge her Murder by my own Stabs her helf Enter Selabdin Moaron Aldabar Ptollomy Psamnis Phillopater Achmades Saphrena And Guards Moar. entring Hold hold Oh baleful object dismal fate Snatches the dagger from her Zelm. No Sir 't is done your triumph comes too late Too late you think my glory to defame And fix a blemish on Zelmura's name Besides this hand that did but lately bear The lofty Scepter ill would fetters wear These two my Sword did late from life remove Pointing to Amasand Zichm One for his Lust t'other for too much Love Phillo Unconstant chance that could permit this deed See here great Queen your Son and subjects freed Your Cruel hand has rob'd you of your bliss For at Moarons suit you now possess Your fertil Land your Crown is back restor'd By him that won it with his conqu'ring Sword Zelm. To my lost fame they ill their bounty use To give what I for ever must refuse Moar. What envious demon did your rage incite This to eclipse your sisters glorious light Oh Cruel Queen how could you peirce her breast In whose Angellick sight mankind was blest Her excellence made heaven appear a shade And had not a frail mind her Mortal made She would have been a Goddess more divine Then e'r in Starry robes do's yonder shine Zelm. Let not your fancy faithless thoughts persue Know Sir she to your Love was heavenly true It was my pow'r made her your flame withstand Nor
THE SIEGE OF MEMPHIS OR THE Ambitious Queen A TRAGEDY Acted at the THEATER-ROYAL Written by Tho. Durfey Gent. Non fit sine Periculo facinus magnum memorabile Terent. LONDON Printed for W. Cademan at the Popes Head at the entrance in of the New Exchange in the Strand 1676. TO THE TRULY GENEROUS HENRY CHEVERS Esq SIR THe favourable aspect you were pleas'd to cast upon this Poem the first fruits of an Infant Muse together with the knowledge I have of your excellent temper and unalter'd clemency have sufficiently warranted my presumption of throwing it at your feet and by making it an humble present to a Person so far above the common Sphere secure it from the peircing Tallons of Eagle Eyed Criticks I know it is a triffle that by the meaness of the stile the want of good design and the ill representation at the Theatre being Play'd to the worst advantage has got little credit with the World and consequently is far unworthy your patronage but if you consider the credit of a young Author lyes at stake one whose design was onely to please not offend you doubtless will be induc'd to a more favourable opinion of my presumption The censures of others will the less trouble me when you protect it knowing how common 't is now to discant on Authors truely famous and worthy all applause as well as others of a far meaner knowledge and reputation 'T is my desire I confess to be free from malicious censures and that my partial Reader would be so favourable as not to be my Interpreter but content himself with the Perusal according to Martial Absit a jocorum nostrorum simplicitate malignus interpres But since the humour of this Age tends another way I must study self satisfaction and relie on the Patronage of a Person whose worth I am so well acquainted with that the criticisms of pretenders will appear as ridiculous as they can endeavour to make this Poem if they durst write themselves SIR Your obliged humble Servant Tho. Durfey PROLOGUE JUdges of Wit you whose diserning Eyes Know the right path and nearest to be wise That never damn'd a Play as a despite To us but always thought your selves i' th' right Our Rhymer swears it never shall corode Upon his mind since 't is grown Al-a-mode Since great and pow'rful Sons of Poesie Have felt your pointed censures why not he The Age is alter'd now he that has Wit Ne're uses it abroad but in the Pit There spreads it all and e're one Scene does know Calls friend aside Cryes Dammy Iack le ts go Not a Wench here that 's worth the speaking to Others that want Wit hither come to glean Seem to find fault and cavil at a Scene Because they understand it not yet will Dislike because 't is Modish and Gentile Thus both ways we our Enemy's inclose The Wise and Fools are equally our foes 'T is true some tender hearted Females come That want divertisement and trade at home But little 's to be got by them alas They bring good faces but their moneys brass Madam we cry 't is naught she peeps through hood Cryes truth my Lord did give it me for good Still this makes ill for us such as doe pay Bring naughty money such as do not stay Your Criticism's greater then your sins are And yet you 'd laugh to hear Old Cole of Windsor A bawdy Ballad though with non sence cram'd Will please ye when a serious Play is damn'd But do your worst for we resolve to try A proof now of the Ladies Clemency If they but favour us you must obey Their frowns hurt you more then you 'l hurt our Play But should they hiss and our designs condemn It were an 〈…〉 them You are such Devils and so far exceed From you 't were worse then to be damn'd indeed But in their heav'nly breasts no rancour lyes Their censures must be glorious as their eyes And he that hears and follows not their rule Is impotent I 'me sure if not a Fool. Persons Represented Egyptians MElechadel King of Egypt Ptollomy his Son Phillopater Caliph and General two Peers Achmades Halem Zichmi Brother to Halem and a Commander under Phillopater Zelmura Queen of Egypt Amasis Sister to Zelmura Saphrena Amasis Confident Messenges Souldiers Guards and Attendants Men and Women Selabdin Sultan of Syria Moaron his Son Psamnis Friend to Moaron Aldabar Captain in Selabdins Army Souldiers Guards and Attendants The Scene Memphis besieged THE SIEGE OF MENPHIS OR THE Ambitious Queen ACT. I. SCENE I. The Curtain being drawn an Alarm of Drums and Trumpets are heard the Scene representing a Turret besieged by Moaron Psamnis and Syrians Zelmura Phillopater Ziehmi and Egyptians appearing on the Walls defending a skirmish of Darts which done the Scene changes to Melechadels Pallace Enter Melechadel Ptolomy and Achmades Mch. PErish the World e're I forsake my Throne Or leave that City which my Birth did own The Sun shall freeze and Nights pale Goddess burn The Solid Globe to its first Chaos turn E're Melechadel fears Draw up our Moors By Heaven I 'l dare the utmost of their pow'rs Kings are like Gods when dauntless they appear But worse than Peasants if their Fate they fear Achm. Great Apis Priests foretel our overthrow And Death comes wing'd like light'ning from the Foe I speak Great Sir not as I fear to die For death 's a bliss in wars extreamity My loyal care mean doubts do far exceed Ill fare true Subjects heads when Princes bleed Ptollo Famine i th' City now 'gins to prevail And from without Destruction storms like hail The tired Souldier with weak glowing eyes Looks down upon the Foe then falls and dies As if like Basilisks they gave us death Not with their dreadful weapons but their breath What can we hope for wheresuch horrour is Melech Think on my Conquests past then hope for this The Gods that made me Monarch did creat My Kingly Soul to have a Kingly fate Have I not conquer'd the insulting Moors Buffled the Indian and Tartarian Pow'rs When with my Troops I Legions have withstood Of Daring Souldiers whose warm Seas of Blood O'reflow'd the Plains with Waves of crimson dye And fogs obscur'd the surface of the sky Have I not often with the Morning dawn Mounted my Chariot by fam'd Princes drawn Through Memphis whilst amazements charm'd the throng To see my glorious Triumph pass along And shall we now our fortune fear to try He deserves Conquest best who best dares die Bring up our Infantry to the assault And see 'em straight conveyed through the dark vault Under our Palace Fly Achmades flie Fate points us out this way to Victory Embrace occasion e're it be too late We 'l snatch our Conquest from the Gripes of Fate How now What news Exit Achmates Enter Zichmi Zichm The Fence grows thin my Liege And the remainder hardly brook the siege Such numbers with their dreadful darts are kill'd The Trenches with their
yield Achm. Yourself a Captive conquer'd in the field Moar. You have no conquest won till I am dead Unless you dare to lie and say I fled 'T is but ill Fate when heartless Vassals run And till I 'm slain think you have nothing won Phillo We have won all Fate now rewards our toyls Our wearied Mules are laden with your spoils Whilst the pale Souldier flying from afar Looks back to see the dismal Scene of War Your too proud Courage does your judgement wrong Grief and distraction sits upon your tongue Zelm. Fortune to you no succour dares aford What can your hopes depend on then Moar. My Sword Achm. Your Sword Moar. Yes this brave badge of Chivalry Fate and the Gods are trivial things to me Zelm. Since then the Deities you so despise Bow down and yield to me the Victors prize Moar. Wert thou a God as sure thou art not so I should rejoice I had so great a foe For they and I have strifes in all affairs They keep their blessings back and I my prayers But since thou art no Deity relate What great extraction does thy pride creat Zel. I am Zelmura Queen of these and thee Bright wreaths of Conquest grace my dignity The Gods Vicegerent to dispose their Will I have their power to save alive or kill My smile 's a charm fierce death attends my frown Fortune enslav'd stands fetter'd to my Crown The Frozen Islands of the North have seen And felt the power of Egypts potent Queen Whose furr'd Inhabitants with fear and shame Heard the resounding Ecchoes of my fame By me the Trees and Plants do spring and grow My breath can check our Nilus ebb or flow Put present period to thy destiny Do all things like a God this Sir am I. Mear These daring boasts betray what weakness blinds The sense and swayes insulting womens minds Zelm. He bears a noble Soul Aside this insolence Suits not your Fate nor can I brook it Prince Moar. Fate Queen Why what has Fate to do with me I am controuler of my Destiny Let such as fear to die call chance unkind My Fate is as immortal as my mind Zel. In vain Disputes too long the time we waste Yield or this present moment is your last Think my advice Sir was a favour meant Submission yet may hinder the Event Psamn Submission's onely for base Cowards fit Dull sordid Souls fram'd onely to submit Rather than so honour my counsel draws That by the sword we still protect our cause Who knows but Heaven our forces may unite And give us back the Conquest through mear spite Zelm. I 'l hear no more this prolong'd breath grow bold And I have been too tame offers to fight Phillo Hold Madam hold interposes It is my task should you oppose in this All Nations would condemn our cowardise And say that I did in presence the stand When Syria's Prince fell by a Womans hand Zel. A Womans hand is that Sir such a shame That I must be upbraided with the name Let my brave Actions that mean stile controul For though a Woman I 've a manly Soul Nor will I Honour for a word resign I say it is my right Phillo 't is mine Halem or mine Zelm. 'T is neithers Your base arrogance recal Claim it again by Heaven I dare ye all Frown not nor mutter I bear too much sway Know 't is a Subjects duty to obey Resign on your allegiance or expect A certain death to follow such neglect Phillo By duty forc't I to your will agree bowing But what my honour stains I must not see Exit Halem Live then a wretch that durst his fame resign I am resolv'd by this to cherish mine offers to fight Zelm. So valourous young Sir mild mercy hence Take there reward for disobedience Stabs him So now I 'me sure thou 'lt not usurpe my right Come Sir defend your self to Moaron Moar. I will not fight Zichm My Brother slain the Gods have shewn their spite aside but I 'le revenge Zelm. Can words such fear impart Heavens can a Prince retain a Peasants heart Whence Springs thy fear what envious destiny Dares thus controul thy Courage Moar. thoughts of thee Wer 't thou a man hadst thou Achilles charm Of being Sword proof Strong and free from harm Yet should my pointed vengeance conquest win Maugre the pow'r of thy inchanted Skin But as thou art a woman I am Crost And all the hopes of my revenge is lost For to that Sex my honour makes me bend Not fight against but with my blood defend Zelm. Something so noble in his soul I find Has quite supprest the tempest in my mind But my kind thoughts within my breast I 'le croud aside Least my too good opinion makes him proud Bear hence the body of the Justly slain Halem And such reward may all such traitors gain Exeunt guards with Zichm Traitor so tyrants call their best of friends Down thoughts and looks cloud what my Soul intends Exit Enter at another door Melechadel Amasis Ptollomy and guards Melech Mirrour of women Star of bright renown Protectress of my life and Egypts Crown What shall I render loudly to proclaim New terms of Honour equal to thy same Thou life of all my power 't is to thee I owe my thanks for this dayes victory The Gods were drowsie and their Actions slow T was thy brave Sword made Fate her duty know For which least I ingratitude should want Ask any thing and take my speedy Grant In two requests thy busied thoughts extend And to perform my total power I bend Zelm. Your noble vote Great Sir I must extol It shews a glorious President to all Directs rightly how to act and when And difference shews 'twixt Kings and moral Men. A little respite for my sute I crave Melech Thou can'st not ask the thing thou can'st not have In his defeat pointing to Moaron The fame o' th' Deities thou hast made small And shewn a God-like power above 'em all Zelm. My deeds deserve not half this vast applause You owe your Royal thanks to your brave cause Melech The Cause being tri'd and conquest our reward What means your Slave to stand thus on his guard Moar. Her Slave by Heaven 't is false thou art her Slave Her soaring fortune did thy Empire save By all the Gods proud King I am as free As Heav'n made Man at first or Fortune thee Slavery some abject punishment should own But thanks to this I am oblig'd to none My sword has more of freedome than thy Throne Melech Thy Sword is useless now Fool thou shalt die Nor can the Gods dispose thy chance but I. I sit supream and smile upon thy fate Whilst thy scorn'd Life proves Vassal to my State Thou shalt imprison'd till my triumph be And then releas'd from enthrawl'd misery Thy death shall be my Scene of jollity Moar. You take large licence to pronounce my death But think not what attends that fatal breath Fearless you may insuit
live Onely by Air Air then shall be my food A diet fit for our o'reflowing blood Refresht with smiles my heart shall baffle death And surfet on warm gusts of Rosie breath Amas. Oh no for though great Love our hearts controuls 'T is a repast fit only for our Souls A natural food our bodies it must supply And we refuting that shall surely dye And then the Gods too mindful of our fates Against our souls approach will shut heavens gates Moar. The Gods perhaps their wrath will shew on me But when they shall thy brighter spirit see They 'r ill weigh'd rage they will conceive a sin And from their Thrones hast to conduct thee in Then leading thee through the Coelestial Signs Whilst at thy sight each envious Goddess pines They 'l seat thee there in State whilst I shall be Seeing thee cherisht by each Deity In Heaven opprest with Earthly Jealousie Amas. In vain your fears do such disasters bode Were I a Goddesse you should be a God I would create new Laws in heaven for thee And never blush at the Impiety So great my love so strong my constancy Moar. Blest in each others arms we would despise The troops of the Inferiour Deities But let us now with soaring thoughts dispence And prove on earth loves precious influence Bear witness heaven that now our Actions veiw How Little life I prize compard with you You whose perfections can such blessings give That for your sake I onely with to live Amas. And I your vertues though I blush to tell Confess my Soul I love not halfe so well Moar. When to our blisse a pleasant Race we run How swift the minuits are how quickly gone The time seems envious of our happinesse And strives to put a period to our bliss By an unlookt for hast but let 'em fly Each project of curst Fortune I defie And glorying in your heavenly presence prove Noblessing e're can match the charms of Love Exeunt SCENE II. Zelmura Sola Zelm. IT shall be done it must nor can there be A pow'r but heaven to alter my decree And that I may have int'rest in heavens Love For a short time I will religious prove Kneel to the Gods adore their pow'r and state Be just and pious meerly to be great I'm Egypts Queen my pow'r like a huge stream O'reflows small shrubs yet I am not supream My will is limited my orders stand But as the Copies of the King command Who in security now tramples on Those wreaths which I in war with danger won Coheirs in Empire shines but dimly bright Whilst eithers lustre darkens t'others light But I like Titan fixt alone would shine And dare all other Beams to equal mine Nature begone thou faint soft hearted thing What though he be my husband and my King Ambition is my Soul and die he must And 't is sufficient that I think it just Had Providence ordain'd I should have been A theam of Pity a kind vertuous Queen I had submitted to that harmless name And followed Piety But as I am The Child of War all Courage and all Fire My deeds above the sense of good aspire Die then dull King for since no way is known But by thy death for me to mount thy throne I am Resolv'd all thoughts of good to quell And raign first here though I raign next in hell The cause of your unmanner'd hast declare Enter Ptolomy hastily Ptol. My news exacts your courage and your care The King has had some close intelligence How Psamnis sent to Syria by the Prince To raise new Powers and get his Ransome paid Intends again our Nation to invade Knowledge of which hath so provok't his wrath He swore a no less Rash then mighty Oath Before the mornings dawn t' exault a flood And drown all Danger in the Princes blood Zelm. That breath has damn'd him hell has not endued The Fiends with half so much ingratitude He shall not no his doom I will recall By all the Gods if they permit his fall I will destroy the World kill and disrobe Nature of her perfections shake the Globe To its first Chaos and by actions prove Nothing can match a Womans hate or love Enter Amasis Amas. Ah! Sister can you thus your steps retard The noble Prince drag'd rudely by the guard Stands in the Presence bound Zelm. bound hell and death Here me you pow'rs above and shades beneath You that on Thrones of Day abhor the Night And you whom horrours of cold death delight Hear and assist my haughty enterprize For since controwling fate wears a disguise Since Nature takes a Pride Mortality To mould in Plots and Jugling villany I am resolv'd my influence to shew And fright the World with Natures overthrow Like some great conflagration I 'le appear And first with smoky flateries charm his ear Till I my hearts desire have obtain'd His his whole power by his promise gain'd That done from cloudy thickness I 'le aspire And Scorch opposers like consuming fire Exeunt SCENE III. Melechadel Zichmi Achmades Moaron held by Guards Melech AM I to be out brav'd Gods has my fate Made me as oft victorious as great Seated my Throne upon the conquer'd heads Of those that seek the paths ambition treads And shall I now stand tame when threatned by A weak low Object of my Clemency Wars vassal no my rage shall tempests grow And the fierce pow'r of inrag'd Monarchs show Lead to the Scaffold by my Crown I 'le try If thus inspir'd you can submit to dye If in the Book of fate my doom appear To be the next I 'le meet death void of fear And smile to think thou art my harbinger Moar. Tyrant not all thy tortures nor the Hell Fixt in thy Conscience shall my Courage quell My Spirit shall contemne thy basest deed And spite of torments dare thee to proceed The Bright all-seeing Sun when I shall dye From Reeking Mists will draw my soul up high Where on a Star I shall with Glory shine And in infernal Caverns see thee Pine Melech Dream on dream on of visionary joyes Your fancy quickens with these pleasing toyes Lead him away alas he weary growes These dull delayes but hinder his repose His power would conquer Crowns beyoad the Sun Did he not want a head to set 'em on Zichm Pardon dread Sir I If presume so far To tell your Majesty the chance of war Is incident to all men Kings have been The subjects of disasters not foreseen Blur not the trophies then of victory With the black stain of so much infamy Kings are like Gods when vertue they obey But that once lost they are but common Clay Melech Your Moral Phrase I cannot understand Vertue do's it not ly in my command What I decree is just although exprest A Miracle to an inferiour breast Vent your dull sentences where publick wrongs Lye brooding to be judg'd by publick tongues My will the power of factious souls shall awe A Monarchs mandate is his Subject
state she is at present in She thinks herself too excellent to sin Amas. 'T is well her Government so short appears How fares the King Saph. I dare not tell my fears 'T is whisper'd he 's to morrow to be try'd For treason to her Person Amas. Headlong Pride Debas'd an Angel and will prove her due My Nephew too imprison'd Saph. 'T is too true Amas. How do the Nobles brook her Tyranny Saph. As men in tempests when the winds blow high Fearing by each proud wave to be destroy'd With patience suffer what they can't avoid So they that willingly would peace inherit With choice respect feed her ambitious Spirit As if she were the Daughter of some God And not a Fabrick built of flesh and blood Amas. Has she the Prince yet licens't to depart Saph. I cannot tell the motions of her heart But by her cloudy looks it might be guest Her will did not approve of his request The blood in her pale cheeks strove to oppose Whilst like the tide her colour comes and goes Doubtful to speak she his return delaid Pretending all his Ransome was not paid Amas. 'T is strange such frailty should her breast inspire His going yesterday was her desire How look'd the Prince at his hopes overthrow Saph. Like raging Neptune with a stormy brow Frowning he heard her words his shaking head Foretold his wrath whilst rosie colour'd red Flash'd in his cheeks with daring look reply'd 'T was 'gainst the Law of Arms she him deny'd Which she should find This answer raising doubt He shook his head and sullenly went out Amas. I know she loves him but her Cupids are Mixt with soft passion and the frowns of War She loves and scorns though she in Secret own Affection she disdains to have it known But in my breast passions more dreadful move And Death sits coutch't on my despairing love Saphr Let such suspitions meaner Souls convince You are above all fear But see the Prince Enter Moaron Moar. Madam as some poor heartless Mariner By factious States imprest to wander far Hastes to salute the Friends he holds most dear With a kind farewel and a parting tear So I my hasty steps thus rudely move To bid adieu to her I only love The ambitious Queen her promise hath deny'd And my departure stopt through faithless pride 'T is true my life I to her kindness owe. But honour wrong'd no gratitude can shew Therefore thus aided by the obscure night I mean to slight her will and take my flight Amas. Ungrateful Queen and more ungrateful they That want entreaties to prolong your stay Your suit deny'd her passion did express She would have granted had she lov'd you less Moar. Her love is then as dreadful as her hate And both to me as Messengers of Fate Besides the word from her sounds monstrous too Love has its beams and glorious dress from you Amas. Rather from you my Lord whose worth has shown An excellence that Nature dare not own An Action in How oft have I beheld Your noble Person charging through the Field When the ambitious Sun have strove to grace Your argent Arms with his refulgent face As proud to be an Ornament How oft When flying Fame shouting applauses brought To my glad ears my heart with joy did flow To hear you conquer'd though my Countries Foe Moar. Were you not lovely most excelling fair Sweeter than Balmy Gusts of western Air. Had you not vertue to that large extent Would make a Goddess leave the firmament And pine with Envy doubts my heart would move To think you flatter where you cannot love But as you are your phrases do but shew How much you merit and how much I owe And I unable yet to quit the score Am like poor Bankrupts forc't to borrow more Amas. How far your words do from Loves rules digress He needs not borrow that does all possess Though Misers bounty Obligation needs A bare Receipt in Love all Law exceeds Moar. When Love rests happy free and unconfin'd Led by the servent passions of the mind To a safe Harbour I confess the pow'r Is charming blest and the possession more But we alas a pair of restless hearts Fixt marks where Fortune shoots her envious darts Fed with warm sighs must here unpitied live Deny'd what Nature does to Peasants give Amas. My love Surmounts all for when you are gone In silent groves I 'l waste my hours alone There court sweet Philomel to feast my sense With the sad Theam of Tragick insolence I 'le seek some widdow'd Turtle and debate By that sad object my own hapless fate But when a thought of you my heart do's bless In flattering dreams of what I can't possess Though from the fading vision flow dispairs I 'le sleep in bliss although I wake in tears Moar. Bright Angels will from heaven their aid dispence With Joy to guard such charming excellence But should the pow'rs above deny thee aid And Fortune with disasters thee invade To desart Mountains I 'de each Morn repair And catch the news from gusts of fluid air Then as a Cloud 's dread issue breaking through With pannick terrours charms Mankind below So danger and yourself I 'de soar between And like fierce light'ning scorch to death unseen But see the early star with glimmering light Foretels the quick departure of the night This kiss bright Empress of my heart and then Farewel till the blest hour we meet agen Amas. Till this sad minute I no grief could tell Moar. And till this fatal night I ne're knew Hell Going to part severally are opposed at each door by the Queen and Guards Moaron seeing the Queen starts Moar. The Queen Amas. Betraid Oh Heavens Zelm. Yes Sir 'T is I The jealous Queen from whom you meant to flie Do you not wonder at these Guards and me You see the strong effects of jealousie But want the leasure to mind others harms In the safe harbour of my Sisters arms And though her beauties snares your soul entwine You may no doubt in secret vaunt of mine And vainly say nay perhaps strive to prove Saving your life was my chief act of Love But know dull fool my acts reputed ill Sprung not from Love but to content my will My will that now debars your liberty And when my will insites me you shall dye Her punishment shall be some other time And such as suits the greatness of her crime Moar. A crime to Love injurious Queen you give An end to Nature 't were a crime to live So gross an errour past I must reprove Souls are not Damn'd if they have grace to Love But blest with charms are fixt on Thrones above Zelm. Since then for her you so much passion own I 'le seat you where to vent your Love alone Her sight as fatal men in feavors must Be most deni'd what most provokes their thirst Therefore your wonted temper to restore I am resolv'd you ne're shall see her more Moar. Nay then I 'le die
my suit Phil. Long my prophettick heart has fear'd this ill Melech Heaven thou hast done thy worst thy Lawless Will Proud of an unmatcht pow'r has made me wrong A potent Nation with a lavish tongue Madam your Souls intentions have out done My duller prudence but like Phaaeton Your fledg'd ambition will I fear too late Reap the advice that might prevent his fate Be wise in time Zelm. let wisdome Zealots save My Heaven is to be fortunate and brave I am resolv'd Melech Mount the Egyptian Throne My breath shall faster tye what cannot be undone To my past fatal promise I 'le be just And will perform my Oath because I must Affairs i' th' State determine and maintain For three days space I thus confirm your raign Seats her in the Throne In your free votes be your allegiance seen Omnes Long live Zelmura Egypts mighty Queen Melech I have but done what others did before Ambitious deputies more Crowns have wore Then all the Caesars cloy'd with Conquests bore 'T is a disport for Kings sometimes to free Their tyred necks from Regal Monarchy The rapting joyes of Heaven too cheap would grow Should we continual pleasures reap below But triffling thus my cheif affairs I wrong And by delayes his life preserve too long pointing to Maoron Away with him his death my breast will clear And rid my anxious soul from doubts and and fear Moar. Can heaven permit thy insolence to act This obcsene crime this base infernal fact Curst Tyrant traitor Traitor that 's too good The plagues of Stix lie reeking in thy blood If as a Monarch you decreed before My death your will was ballanc'd then by Power But since with Pow'r the Queen you have endow'd You are now but one of the insipped croud Whose slender fate to servile acts should bow I am a God to what thy state is now Melech Must I stand tame and hearthis insolence Attack you first seize and then force him hence To Zichmi and guards Zelm. He meets his Death that stirs interposing Slaves know ye me Place your attendance here and set him free Give up his Sword do it without reply To Zichmi My pleasure frees him and he shall not dye By whose authority officious Lord They unbind Moaron Did you thus saucily your aid afford Ha whose decree Zich Reason an answer brings To that demand Madam it was the Kings Zelm. Kings Slave what Kings where do's that Traitor live That dares encroach on my pretogative What soveraign power in Egypt is there seen But I Sure you forget I am the Queen Phillo The Storm begins already Achm. Though this feed The growing flame I 'me glad the Prince is freed Phillo The King seems thunderstrook Melech Unbound and freed What rash dull fearless fool has done this deed Am I not Monarch he that dares deny Damns his presuming Soul who dares speak Zelm. I. Melech Art thou a God Zelm. No but my soaring Fate Assumes a Godhead o're thy humble state Melech Thou art a Woman and thou canst not be Equal with men much less a Deity Zelm. Mankind my Vassals are and Kings alone The secure props on which I build my throne Thou as an humble shrub art happy made By the cool umbrage of my Cedars shade And 't is a clemency above thy fate That I thus long do suffer thee to prate Melech Unheard of insolence though now I grace Your fate there 's reverence due to what I was And the vast power I am to bear again Sure you forget the shortness of your reign Zelm. 'T is short indeed and sets my thoughts at strife I would reign longer then for term of life Melech See how your high flown pride your reason swayes All know your power extends but for three dayes Zelm. No more in that then see my Modesty Yet Fate can stretch it to Eternity Let not large hopes too much your Judgement wrong For Sir perhaps you may not live so long Phillo Mark that Melech How not so long Zelm. Perhaps I say Heavens power is great you may not live to day Achm. 'T was clouded well thus pollicy invents Apart And under fair words cover foul intents Melech I can no longer brook this insolence My honour must with my past Oath dispence Her haughty pride all Monarchy would shame But I betimes will quench this raging flame Your loyalty above my Oath prefer Be a Kings friend and seize both him and her to the Guards Zelm. Stir not you know my power Melech Hah not obey'd Can you be by a Womans threats dismaid A Traiteresse Zelm. Let my breath your duties wing Guards I command you straight to seize the King The King How I his abject fortune grace Go straight and seize the King I mean that was Melech Inhumane Tigress Guards seize Melech Zelm. By my fame I 'le try Who bears the greatest power you or I All thoughts of what thou wert I blow to Air Thy humble Fate is now below my care For since all things subject to chance we know In humane life then why not Monarchs too His insolence declares himself to be A Traitor to the State the Gods and me Ptollo Yet gracious Queen Zelm. Who speaks in his defence Incurs my lasting hate Guards bear him hence Ptollo I cannot hold Madam if you proceed The Powers above will curse you for this deed The World Zelm. Stop his mouth must I grow wise By the dull coldness of a boys advise A way with both it is my fixt decree He for presumption and for treason he Make no replies Melech I have no breath to spare Unless to curse thee May rank Poys'nous Air Infect thy blood and blast thee every where May all the Plagues of Hell Zelm. Seize thee What 's worse ' Dsdeath go must I allow him time to curse Melech May all Diseases Plagues Pains Tortures dwell Within thy bosome Zelm. Drag him to his Cell Exeunt Guards with Melech and Ptollomy So looks a Gloud whose sable Curtains drawn Includes the glorious Monarch of the Dawn But when displaid to thin and purer Air The radiant eye of Heaven looks bright and fair Many there are that large dominions owe Yet onely make a Pageant dazling shew But I the rights of Empire will maintain And greatness shew to him that next shall reign Unactive Spirits from ambition free Live but to shame the joyes of Monarchy I must see bended knees to State most due And such my Lords I shall expect from you Erring presumption has distruction bred But few prove Tyrants if by all obey'd I will contemn my future dubious fate Creating pleasure in my present state In spite of Traitors that my fall presage I 'l make my three dayes Reign extend an Age. Exeunt ACT. III. SCENE I. Amasis and Saphrena Amas. DO's my affection then her anger move Saph. She has had notice Madam of your love And on your deeds through a false glass looks down But fearless seems to wink on all her own Charm'd with the
due But haughty Courage from your blood I drew Zelm. My will unquestion'd power shall express Hell shall not daunt nor heaven make it less What fools think pride my Judgement calls divine A Soaring essence that like Jems does shine In the Ambitiou's souls of such as love Abliss from nature glean'd not from above We should not differ from the common Crowd Were not our greatness lycens't to be proud Though adoration to mortallity Be counted vain by dull hypocrisie I think it reason if adrest to me My state as worthy is of Sacrifice As Ioves with all his troops of deities Phillo On what prodigious pride her Spirit soars That thus she dars blaspheme the heavenly powers aside Ptoll. Since then your Clemency is pleas'd to place Me once more in the Sun beams of your grace Let me not too too insolent apear In tendring a petition to your ear Whose grant my grateful heart with thanks will store And what I now admire I shall adore Zelm. Haste to declare your Suit I will not say 'Ts your unknown but yet I think it may Ptoll. In your attention I am far more blest Than in that vote by which I was releas't But can I in your favour basking lye Lul'd with delight and see my Father die Unatural unkind and Cruel too Therefore thus low most mighty Queen I sue To your reviving breath for a reprieve Though he be still confin'd yet let him live Think what a horrid Crime it is to shed Queen Starts His blood who is the part'ner of your bed Kind nature cannot but dispute his Cause Plead his desert Religion and the Laws Besides his fortune may his Crime defend His Soul was great and knew not how to bend Brave minds like Palmes do most themselves advance When most deprest by the strong hand of Chance And his uncurb'd Soul till that moment free Soon felt the shame in losse of Majesty The nations love will flow if your forbear But if persist they 'l onely love for fear Cheer then their drooping hearts and save the King Zelm. Away thou daring fool base fordid thing Gods can strong prison walls men vertue teach The Boy 's grown Zealous and has learn't to preach And with grave Morals that all sense disown Thinks from my lofty head to charm the Crown Did I this frozen Snake from bondage bring Warm'd by my grace so soon to shew his sting Have I oft nourisht him with my one blood To leave the track of glory and grow good Degenerate wretch what blisse could'st thou divine From his raign that thou mayst not reap in mine What though he shar'd my bed without controul His Rival brave Ambition shares my Soul And when brave spirits glory to be great Religion's uselesse and the Law a cheat The blessings others Covet I despise The Gods and nature equally I prize Had I with patience liv'd so long alone Till providence had help't me to this Throne In spite of all its pow'r I might I see Have mourn'd the loss of royal dignity But by ambition rais'd my pow'r I know And from my Throne dare laugh at all below Therefore recal that breath pronounc't before And here a Pardon instantly implore Or never stir from the cold Pavement more Ptoll. Prostrate beneath your foot I bend thus low kneels It is a Posture I in duty owe But to repent and my past suit recal Were abject base and most unnatural Nor can I quell my soaring thoughts so soon Let it suffice it was a fruitless boon Zelm. Though your denial insolent appear It shews you share my blood despising fear Live and your hearts ambition to regain I give you leave to wish nay hope to reign Ptol. Unconstant hope and full of flattery You are immortal sure you cannot dye Zelm. Though Death proves vassal to my soaring fate My pow'r is boundless and I may create I in your reign may disspate my fears My youth being past and some few hundred years But could your tongue request the Kings reprieve Knowing I must not reign if he should live By his decease succession I dare own And by your nonage can command the Throne But had he liv'd fate had my power beguil'd Ill fare those Realms where Monarchs are too mild My will shall now the charms of greatness prove Respect and fear best shews a subjects love And womens courage by ambition warm'd Dares laugh at danger though all Hell stood arm'd Exeunt ACT. IV. SCENE I. Zelmura Sola Zelm. HE 's dead and thus far my designs are blest Since of the Throne I solely am possest The name of Goddess bright divinely fair Has charm'd me so methinks I am all air The Gods why have not I more pow'r then they Men dare not me but most them disobey This head that never wanted a design To satisfie ambition shall divine Into the peoples hearts when factious grown And wrest out their intentions with a frown But whilst my mind in these affairs I move I play the tyrant with my Smoother'd Love My heart with Passion for the Prince it warm'd And he is with my Sisters beauty charm'd But thrive my Plots that bud with tender growth And what he now admires he then shall loath Mileta Milet. Maddam Zelm. Set Amasis free Exit Melet. And bid her wait me in the Gallery Shall theams of Vertue make Zelmura pine All ills of womens frailty I resign I bear a Spirit brave and masculine My pleasures are my Gods and passions birth Uncurb'd and lawless is my Heaven on Earth Exit SCENE II. Enter Ptollomy Phillopater Achmades Ptol. The injur'd peoples murmurs now grow loud And many into Private factions croud So look't the sick and fester'd state of Rome By mighty Iulius Tyranny o'recome Phillo Their fate though bad was better far then ours Caesar and Pompey though their fame and powers Were mighty and divided ye both stood As potent Champions for the Publick good But in Zelmura's actions 't is made known She vallues no disasters but her own Achm. Unvallued Sumes of Gold she hourly heaps And by oppressing taxes treasure reaps Whilst helpless Age in holes unpittied lye Forc't by the dearth of food to starve and dye Enter Zelmura and Amasis See where she comes Zelm. Fate has decreed it so And I in vain should a resistance shew Phillo I read a storm in her reverted Eyes aside Zelm. How dare you interrupt my pryvacies to them Have we no passage free this insolence Merits the worst of my displeasure Hence Phillo What throngs of Demons her ambition sway aside Zelm. What 's that your murmur Phillo Nothing but obey Exeunt Zelm. That I do Love him is as certain true As that he Loves and is belov'd by you And as the pow'r is boundless that is due To my high state so is my passion too Your glimmering Love do's in small embers shine But a consuming Aetna flames in mine Forget him then since mildly at you hand I beg what I have power to command
Amas. A barb'rous Pow'r that can so cruel prove To fright a Virgin from a vertuous Love A Love with mutual vows so firmly bought That Death lyes coutcht in a dispairing thought Zelm. Dispair no that sad guest I will remove I give you leave to hope but not to Love A look methinks might satiate one so young Your growing Passion cannot yet be strong And though affection he on me bestowes And Loves not you yet you may hope he does Amas. He cannot be unjust his purity Ne're lent attention to inconstancy Our Passions like our vertues equal were Though not too fierce as much as we could bear Zelm My nature do's a swifter pleasure prove She hates dull vertue that does firmly Love Besides your pulse so temperate and slow Inspires me to believe your Love is so Amas. A temperate Love with modest passion grac't Excell a feircer and will longer last A chast heart to itself 's a Paradice But Love if wanting modesty is vice Zelm. Are these Stale Morals theams for you and me These Musty relicks of dull Piety Know fool that Vertue and Religion now Is not embrac't for practice but for shew To sooth the vulgar errours of these times And set a shining Gloss upon our crimes If I were poor I might have zealous been But Moral vertue is below a Queen And modesty with passions that aspire Agrees like water when comixt with fire Amas. Oh impious Age that licenses such crimes Zelm. Thou art a fool I know 'em prudent times Few waste their breath in Pray'r but th' ignorant Piety suits not us but such as want For to be Potent rich and zealous too I think is more then flesh and blood can do Ams. Of that I had but learning to dispute And the gross errours of your words confute But from the theam you wildly have digrest Come to the Point and tell me your request Zelm. 'T is this that you 'd suppress your extasie And prudently resign the Prince to me Perform it well and you my heart have won T is somewhat strange but yet it must be done Amas. Resign ' my Love a horrid Cruelty Yet though I cannot doe it I can die Zelm. Die then offers to stab her and by thy Speedy death remove The onely fatal Rival of my Love Amas. Oh hold for though with death I am not scar'd Forbear a little I 'm not yet prepar'd Zelm. My rage brooks no delay do it or bleed Amas. Hold oh for pity speak declare the deed What must I doe Zelm Visit the Prince with me And there renounce your former constancy Though Love he still endeavour to explain Meet all his favours with a Coy disdain Shrouding your eyes in frowns speak void of fear For I 'le be plac't where I can see and hear Be haughty that no plot he may descry But if you fail that moment you shall die Amas. Such tiranny was never yet exprest Zelm. Of too great Evils you may choose the least Amas. Let me consider yes it shall be done pawse The pow'r of fate may alter what 's begun His hate to her may Jealousie remove aside And prove a means still to preserve our Love I will perform your suit but in the deed to the Queen I give my self a wound will ever bleed As dying Pellicans their blood resign So to procure your blisse I ruin mine Zelm. Le ts thither streight if thou perform'st it well Thou bringst me heaven Amas. but my self a Hell Exeunt SCENE III. Enter Ptolomy Phillopater Achmades Ptol WHo at the Tilt last night most honour won Phillo The noble Caliph Micerenus Son Obtain'd the Ruby he five Warriours forc't To leave the field and twice five more unhorst Himself unhurt still prancing round the place Manag'd his foamy Steed with ample grace When brave Cephrenes hoping victory Charg'd him whose fight I could not stay to see Enter Zichmi Your haste does some unlook'd for news declare Zich To arms to arms we are surpriz'd I fear For standing on the Eastern Tow'r whose height Makes the Skies frown and Earth shake with its weight I saw the Beacons near the shore on fire Which to the Skies did in small sparks aspire And the next object which my eyes did grace Were armed Troops that mov'd towards this place The City trembles at these new alarms And in the Streets the stubborn faction swarms For by a Post new come report is spread They 'r Syrian Troops and by the Sultan led Ptol. Unlook'd for mischief oh my boding fears Achm. Has the Qeen heard the news Zichm There 's no one dares Possess her with it Ptol. Ha not dares yes I Were death the sequal would th' adventure try Let base and sordid spirits nourish fears My courage shall supply my want of years Streight raise what pow'rs you can to Zichmi be it your care to Phillo To calm the Commons and prepare for War Great Gods permit not Egypt thus to fall Revenge not private Crimes in general The blot in future Ages will remain And on your Godhead fix a lasting stain But e'er our necks endure captivity Like Romans our own swords shall set us free Exeunt SCENE IV. A Prison Moaron reading Moar. COntent is Pilot to a happy State And 't is a bliss to be unfortunate A rigid Text yet Seneca was wise He taught men how disasters to despise To purge their lives from ill and learn to die By occult Reasons in Philosophy But had he lov'd like me he had confest No Hell like to a confin'd Lovers breast The branded wretch that tugs the slavish Oar Spent with dispairs and wants controuling pow'r Yet still contented lives in hopes to see Once more the long wisht hour of Liberty But I contemning my unhappy Stars Still waste my life in Labyrinths of Cares Enter Zelmura and Amasis at the door Zelm. Yonder he sits now boldly enter here And from this place your words can reach my ear Exit behind Amas. Hold now my heart Moar. Hath heavens what 's this I see Can prison walls shrowd such divinity Amas. D' you know me Sir Moar. Not yet for Joyes extream Perswades my fancy that I do but dream Amas. Awake then and beleive Moar. Such was her hand kising her hand And such the sweetnesse that did first command And fetter my rough heart my doubts are gone But tell me Sweet how came you thus alone How could you scape the guards and not beseen By cruel Spyes from the more cruel Queen Or did the Gods Compassionating Love To yield me comfort drop you from above Amas. My coming was not at so strange a rate But from the entrance of the Castle gate Through all the guards I had a passage free Who void of doubts gave me this liberty Moar. Unlookt for happinesse Amas. hold Sir you shew Too much of Joy till you my businesse know Moar. What businesse can you have but to remove Doubts that molest us and renew our Love Amas. Grief ties my tongue how shall
'le do more And therefore Sir your liberty restore Lead on your troops brave Prince nay all thanks spare Meet me i' th' Army's head and thank me there You cannot braver gratitude afford Then nobly there to thank me with your Sword Charm me Belona with thy chiefest good And to meet fame I 'le swim o're Seas of blood Contemn black danger with a threatning breath And Grasp at honour in the jaws of Death Exeunt Queen and Ptollomy Moar. Gods what a soul do's that weak fabrick hold Such courage ill befits so frail a mould Her Spirit a whole Legion would inspire And turn cold cowardize to Glowing fire I envy her methinks a heart so brave A mind so haughty none but I should have If man be the more brave and noble name Why should weak woman rob us of our fame I 'le to our troops and try if I can prove A kinder fate then I receav'd from Love If not the doom of Heaven I will reverse And my own bosome with my own hand peirce Exit Zichmi returns Zichm Her sister to my guard resign'd blest fate That to revenge givest so secure a state My too long smoother'd hate I now will shew And to my aid invoke the Fiends below Dull Queen couldst thou believe I faith e're knew For her whose barb'rous hands my Brother slew No Murdress to his soul I did bequeath Thy tainted blood and then decreed thy death But now thy sisters rape shall first begin The tragick scene and broach a greater sin Then in thy blood my bliss I will obtain Revenge is sweetest then when most obscean Exit SCENE V. Enter Selabdin Aldabar Psamnis and Syrian Soldiers Selab THus far our enterprize proves fortunate Favour'd by heaven and propitious fate Our happy forces with a noble hast High rocks and barren Mountains have o'repast Of this parcht climate desolate and waste Proud Queen success thou didst but ill divine When thou my Son ignobly didst confine Or that his fate e're long might turn to thine But by my deeds thy pride shall quickly see A Father's Courage Love and Piety Psamn The King late murder'd by her Tyranny Methinks should pluck down vengeance from the skie And to requite the worst of torture 's due Death will oblige her if receiv'd from you Adab Heroes alone by Monarchs hands should die Trophies most fit for sacred Majesty Which in this war your power might persue Were the brave Prince but here to second you But till his sword we in our troops have seen 'T is vain to think to captivate the Queen But we are tardy let us hence to night And charge their drowzy guards e're mornings light Selab Brave soul yet stay such hast our power may wrong Our men are tir'd and the Journey 's long Let therefore all our troops to night be drawn In order to be ready with the Dawn A mornings march will bring our army down To fix our tents in prospect of the town Amidst your bounty Gods grant but this one Give but my age pow'r to revenge my Son My incense smoke shall dim your azure skies And feast you with continual sacrifice shout What means this shout Enter a Messenger Messen. May heaven great Sir your Enemy's destroy As it do's now procure the general Joy The Prince Selab Hah what of him Mess. Thus low by me In humblest duty greets your Majesty Selab Thou darest not mock me Mess. Not and hope to live But him you cannot hope for there receive Enter Moaron and kneels Selab This Scene of Joy do's my past griefs asswage Welcome thou prop of my declining age Honour forget my weakness this blest day If nature makes my eyes some tribute pay By say what more then God did set thee free Or was it some transcendant Deity Whose pow'r we know not and must therefore pay A reverence fitting so supream a sway Moar. No Sir the Gods I have not found so just 'T was on a Cause much more miraculous No troops of daring Soldiers did I see Forcing their way through death to set me free Heaven for my succour no such aid decreed 'T was the brave Queen her self perform'd this deed Selab The Queen unheard of Nobleness Moar. 'T was she That scorning fate pronounc't my liberty Selab Wonder invades my breast but say what cause From her proud soul this generous action draws Honour or did her fear take safer course To render what my pow'r e're long might force Moar. Her haughty courage only fame persues Contemning fortunes ills for when the news Of your arrival came no signs of fear Or dull mistrust did in her face appear But with a look that did her heart express She heard the story of your good success Then rising from her seat and seeing where Her Nobles looks betray'd their doubtful fear With an undaunted voice She strove t' inspire Their freezing Courages with her own fire Her brave Oration past she turn'd to me And with a dauntless generosity Voting my liberty spoke thus Lead on your troops and there your thanks afford Where the rough Language of the reeking Sword Disputes in honours cause and only deeds Not words for grateful actions intercedes This said she from my Presence did retire And left me there to envy and admire Selab For this brave act all grateful thanks is due She do's at once slight and oblige me too Good Heaven direct my actions how to pay Her generous heart the best and noblest way And since the Gods decree no war in vain May the sublimest cause the Lawrel gain Moar. He that i' th' Battle dares to second me Reaps from my heart a Brothers amity A Cowards soul destructive fears surround Whilst the brave Soldier smiles upon his wound With brandisht Sword he cuts his way before Not fearing numbers or mistrusting pow'r Steel me thou daring God of Martial souls Whose blest unbounded influence controuls O're death despising Hero's make my arm Strong like my will to do and suffer harm That doing what a Nat'ral pow'r exceeds Proud death may gaze and wonder at the deeds His rigour could not equal but at last If through continued wounds my spirits haste To leave their Mansions Grant me this kind fate Within this arm fresh vigour to create Till from my heap of victims gushing blood Make on the barren Earth a swelling flood That like a Conquerour I may when dead Swim to Elizium through the blood I shed Selab Such vertue Heaven must guard or cease to be What Mortals think the seat of Piety If in this enterprize the Gods ordain A fate that puts a Period to my reign My happy Age shall yet this honour have To lie with victims pil'd upon my grave Exeunt ACT. V. SCENE I. Zelmura Phillopater Achmades Ptollomy and Egyptian Souldiers Zelm COmmand our Moors the onset first to give And bring the Caliphs troops to their relief If you would purchase to your heirs a name Ever adherent to the Parents fame Unsheath your willing Swords and
follow me To fetch the glorious palm of victory Death 's but a triffle unto those that dare Pain only seizes such as basely fear Slain in your Countries cause you shall possess The quintessence of heavenly happiness In green cool shady Grottoes you shall dwell And from your heaven see the Syrians hell That vext with tortures shall in caverns pine For aiming at a fate so high as mine Ptoll. Let your free votes your willing minds relate Omn. Long live Zelmura Goddess of our fate Enter a Souldier Souldier The foe great Queen is Marching within sight All resolute and ready for the fight The Souldiers only for your orders stay To try the happy fortune of this day Zelm. Now they are brave since Jointly they proclaim Their lives as vassals to immortal fame There is no bliss like honour 't is the Star That guides the noble Hero's from a far Draws him from earth where fear and horrour swims To dwell with Gods and radiant cherubims Whilst the poor soulless slave that do's possess Nothing but earth to frame a happiness Pines here below for dross and hourly dies For what bright honour makes my soul despise Beat an alarm raize our Banners high In such a Cause it is a bliss to die Exeunt SCENE II. Zichmi Amasis Zichmi MAdam in slighting thus my proffer'd Love You slight your bliss and happiness remove The Queen to me your person did assign With a strict charge to keep you still confin'd But your desert such cruelty withstands And makes me slight her arrogant commands If Gentle Fair my Joyes you would enthrone And grace my servent passion with your own Amas. Can Heaven such insolence unpunisht bear If by the Queens command Sir you appear My rude controuler and my Jailor here Perform your Duty with a careful breast But dare not thus my privacy's molest Least to my sister I declare at large How ill her Argus did perform his Charge Zichm These threats are vain the Queens whole pow'r I slight She is preparing for the dreadful fight Involv'd in blood and horrour but I mean In Love to prove a more delightful Scene 'T is true I am not lifted to that heigth To be a King and so reputed great Yet love makes me a Monarch in conceipt And in your arms I shall be nobler far Then Romans in their greatest triumphs were Amas. My arms was e're such arrogance yet seen D' you know me Sir I 'm sister to the Queen A Princess whose high fate you should admire And not molest with your abas'd desire Zichm I know your high estate and therefore move My suite thus humbly to request your Love I will not say I merit your high birth That were to set a price upon your worth But passion keeps my senses from dispair In Love and Death all mortals equal are Amas. By that ill rule you half mankind deprave And make a Monarch equal with a slave Since both may Love but canst thou hope to be Rais'd by unruly Love equal to me Recant dull fool before it be too late And draw not on your self a certain fate Zichm Fate afright those that fear some mighty power All firm allegiance I renounce this hour I hate the Queen and dare declare it too Thus boldly in my lawless Love to you My late observ'd fidelity was shewn Not for the Nations profit but my own Amas. And can you hope to live when this is known Zichm My thoughts reach not so far controuling Love Usurps my heart and do's all doubts remove I shroud a fire that surpasses Hell Amas. Cannot the thought of death your passion quel Zichm Death no let such base fears weak souls annoy I love you and your beauty's will enjoy But I 'me too tame some women I have known Love to be forc't and perhaps you are one goes to seize on her Amas. Stand off what Demon do's thy breast inspire To use a Princess thus Zichm Love and desire Why do you look like one that is amaz'd takes hold of her To see a fury you your self hath rais'd Amas. Guard me good heavens have you no remorce to him Think you I ever can be won by force mildly Good Gods what flinty natures men possess Cruel as Tigers in the Wilderness And hungry Lyons thirsting after prey Though void of sense more pity have than they Can you e're think if mildness you remove Your threatnings ever can increase my Love Love a soft peircing motion should bequeath Known by the pulse an eye or short quick breath But you the utmost bounds of Passion shew And treat a Virgin as you treat a foe Zichm Forgive me then and think I did express Letting her go My late rash words but through my love excess I now too late repent the insolence And beg thus low a pardon for the offence Fair Lovely Kind I would be milder yet Can you my past unmanly Crime forget In other Acts our reason rules above But proves a vassal to our haughty Love Remember Madam fates controuling Laws And let your charming beauty plead my cause Amas. This yet is something better noble minds Humility not stubborn roughness binds Their uncurb'd souls forc't down still upward tends Like unwrought steel that breaks before it bends Oh cruel fate that thus can force my tongue Against my heart t' extenuate a wrong aside Forcing my nature driven to dispair To cherish Vipers that infect the air Exit Zichm So she begins to yeild when women pawse A little Courtship the agreement draws I 've long desir'd enjoyment of her Love But ne're till now durst my petition move Wanting occasion to perform my will And daring boldness for an act so ill Not that I own much passion but my spleen This way revenges me upon the Queen The Queen to whom I mortal hatred bear A hate deserv'd unbounded and severe Nor can a Petty Jar an abject strife In the depriving of her single life Abate the plague of my revengeful breath Her sisters rape must usher in her death That action will not only horrid be But fix a stain on her Posterity T is now the army 's are engag'd if fate Permits her once more to be fortunate And gain the conquest this shall launch her breast shewes a dagger But if the foe is with the palm possest I to her face this impious Act will own And to the Syrian King betray the town Till night I 'le leave her to consult but when Black misty Clouds shuts up the day from men If by disdain she slights a milder Course Deny'd like Roman Tarquin I will force Exit SCENE III. Alarm Both Army 's ingag'd Egyptians and Syrians after a skirmish the Assyrians beat the Egyptians over the Stage Enter Zelmura her Sword drawn Zelm. SHame and confusion sieze 'em how they run Their slow feet now outstrips the Postern Sun Oh Coward nature that with fear controuls Over the better half of humane souls Your Sex be ever branded for this deed A Sex that only
can in vice exceed Were I a man and consequently blest With that excelling vigor they possess My Arm with Trophies should this realm have stor'd Of Monarchs that paid tribute to my Sword But henceforth let the title only frame A lasting blot to mens eternal shame For if a womans Courage can convince 'T is fit the Sex should bear preheminence With smiles I 'le meet with death but first set free My Captiv'd soul from Griping Jealousie My Sisters death my fears shall soon remove I cannot dye and leave her here to Love And the brave Prince I know will soon consent But what I fear I will with haste prevent Exit SCENE A Tent Royal. Selabdin Aldabar and Souldiers Phillopater Ptollomy Achmades Prisoners Selab Sound a retreat to our remaining Pow'rs Since fate now plainly shews the conquest ours I 'e it your charge to keep the Pris'ners Close to Aldabar Till at my leasure I their fate dispose But see the Author of our happiness And brave disposer of our good success Enter Moaron Psamnis and Souldiers Moaron kneels to Selabdin This lowly Posture do's some suit express T is thine what e're it be thou canst not want A Boon that lyes within my pow'r to grant Moar. Encourag'd then by awful Majesty I boldly ask these pris'ners liberty And though this Land we have by conquest gaind From hostile acts I beg you to refrain And still permit the noble Queen to reign In this a Fathers kindness will be seen This gives me pow'r to gratifie the Queen Who Goddess like while I incompast round With troops of Horse when reeling on the ground Dispairing of all aid my Sword I held Up brandisht thus to give a last farewel With an unmatcht command their rage appeas'd And from a swift destruction me releas'd If then dread Sir my merits claim a Place In th' unvallued blessings of your grace Give back her Kingdome set these pris'ners free And by one act of generosity Perfected let your glorious deeds relate You excel all in honour as in fate Selab To render back a Nation bravely won Honour sole Ransome and to please a Son In stubborn hearts perhaps regret might move Where proud ambition swayes paternal Love But I so well thy mind and vertue know In a less act my Love I cannot shew Thy suit is granted do what likes thee best Either to sign a Peace or still molest This act shall shew to forraign Enemies How much I honour above profit prize Moar. This noble grant all heaven do's out do The drowsie Gods can Monarchy bestow But to such fame their title is not good They give no Kingdoms won with loss of blood They Sit on easie Thrones and take delight Being far themselves from hurt to see us fight But were they flesh and frail Mortallity As timerous and as prone as we to die They'd soon confess a dear bought Nation given Would quite surpass the bounty of their heaven Phillo To souls so fraught with Honours Dignity 's Vnbinds the Pris'ners The Gods do justly bestow victory 's Ptollo This act 's so great it were too much to do For any Son of Glory less than you Achm. Since fate decrees our future Dignity Should the brave off-spring of your bounty be Wee 'l to the Queen this joyful news declare And from the peoples hearts vanish dispair Selab No tumult let on pain of Death be shown When we shall enter with our pow'r the town And see that none my present deeds dispute This act of honour shall be absolute Moar. In this brave grant you doubly bless your Son Selab 'T is fit you should dispose a Crown you won My age Fame's Lawrels ne're can better know Than when they nobly flourish on thy brow For when the Winter of my blood shall seize My heart and chillness usher a disease Thy fame resounding load from every tongue Shall thaw my veins and once more make me young Exeunt SCENA Vltima Zichmi Amasis Zich THese dull delayes do only bliss remove Coucht in the essence of united Love Madam you too much time in thought have spent Dull thought a friend to passion ne're was meant Dispeirce those frowns that fatal storms presage And by consenting make this hour an age Amas. Consider Sir what torments will succeed The Curst persuance of so foul a deed Zichm I have consider'd on my certain fate I know my death this crime must expiate But e're I dye in Heav'ns bright Sphere I 'le rove And reach an immortallity by Love Each minuit will our bliss make more sublime And put new Sands into the Glass of time Amas. I cannot Love you thus this rudeness bears So strange a shape it do's increase my fears Calm your fierce passion let the Love you own To my desert in your respect be shewn Be milder Sir soft kindness may proclame My free consent to what I dare not name But your impatience do's my passion charm And 'gainst your hateful suit my fancy arm No succour yet approaching no blest aid Ye Heav'nly pow'rs releive an injur'd Maid aside Hem'd in with horrour and past help distrest Zichm In this your sexes frailty is exprest Thus you with glossing Phrases hope to blind And then deceive with falshood half mankind But this gross pill must then be swallow'd by One that dotes more upon your face than I 'T is true I Love you but my grosser flame Burns not so clear and has a Courser name Then that which dotards Court you with a fire Sprung from hot blood and nourisht with desire And therefore I that am not blinded yet Can look through the thin vail of your deceipt And find that you my passion have delay'd In expectation of some posting aid Perhaps because you do mislike my hair I am not as you wish me fat or fair For 't is not vertue or dull modesty That makes your stubborn tongue my suit deny No sense of ruin'd Honour is embrac't But only grief the pleasure will not last Since then I know your Sex prone to be kind Since your denials plainly shews your mind I am resolv'd thus the effects to prove And make revenge my cheifest act of Love goes to seize her Amas. Help help oh help Enter Zelmura Zelm. Hah our high blood defam'd Sink Impious slave to Hell perjur'd and damn'd Rushes in and e're he can get his Sword that leys on the Table wounds him mortally Zichm 'T is done thy bloody Sword has forc't its way Hell and curst fate still traitors thus repay Oh that I could but lift my arm so high To strike one stroke though I were doom'd to lye Ever in flames and in Hells Sulphure fry I would thy soul through thy life blood persue And to revenge my Brother stab that too But 't is too late I 'me gone dies Zelm. Hast then and die A horrid Scene of lasting infamy Amas. Oh let me kiss the Sword that did the deed And my dear honour from that traitour freed Heaven of my injur'd