one We by their meanes anothers loue obtaine But crueltie with which none can comport Makes th' author hated when the deede is gone Oft euen by those whom it did most support As that which alienates men from kinde And as humanitie the minde inchants So sauage soules that from the same resraine More fierce than fiercest beasts are lou'd of none With barbarous beasts one with lesse danger hants Than with the man whose mind all mercie wants Yet though the mind of man as strong and rude Be ranish'd whiles with violent desire And must if sir'd with rage be quench with blood How can this tender sex whose glorie stoode In hauing hearts iuclinde to pittie still Delight it selfe by any barbarous deede For Nature seemes in this t' haue vsde her skill In making womens mindes though weake entire That weakenesse might loue and deuotion breede To which their thoughts if pure might best aspire As aptest for th' impression of all good But from the best to worst all things do weare Since cruelties from feeble mindes proceed In breasts where courage failes spite shame and feare Make enuie hate and rigour rule to beare Our Queene Olimpias that was once so great And did such monstrous cruelties commit In plaging Philip and his Ladie of late Lo now being brought to taste the like estate Must take such entertainment as she gaue And it 's good reason that it should be so Such measure as we giue we must receiue Whilst on a throne she did superblie sit And with disdainefull eyes look'd on her foe As but being vanquish'd by her powre and wit Not mindefull of th' ineuitable fate O th' Imortalls that command aboue Of euery state in hand the rudder haue And as they lie can make vs stay or goe The griefe of others should vs greatly mooue As those that sometime may like fortune prooue But as experience with rare proofes hath showne Do looke on others we haue Linx his eyes Whilst we would haue their imperfections knowne Yet like blinde Moles can neuer marke our owne Such clouds of selfe-regarde doe dim our sight Why should we be puffde vp by a'cnemies fall Since what the day doth on another light The same the morrow may our state surprise Those that on this inconstant constant ball Do liue enuiron'd with th' all-circkling skies Haue many meanes whereby to be ore-throwne And why should dying wordlings swolne with wroth So tyrranize ouer an afflicted wight Since miseries are common vnto all Let none be prowd that drawes a doubtfull breath Good hap attends but few still till their death ACT. V. SCENE I. Aristotle Phocion LOng haue I now invr'd th' eyes of my minde On natures labors curiously to looke And of all creatures finding foorth the kinde Strange wonders read in th' vniuersall booke I marke the world hy contraries maintainde Whose harmonie doth most subsist by strife Whilst of all things within the same containde The death of one still giues another life But as all things are subiect vnto change That partners are of th' elementall powres So rould about with reuolutions strange The state of man rests constant but few howres For what doth fame more frequently report Then of our sodaine rising and our falls I thinke the world is but a tennis-court Where men are tossde by fortune as her balls Phoc. And neuer any age shewde more than this The wauering state of soule-ennobled wights That soare too high to seaze on th' ayrie blisse Whilst lowest falles attend the highest flights The matchlesse Monarch that was borne it seem'd To shew how high mortalitie attaines Hath not from death the adored flesh redeem'd But paine hath made an end of all his paines And these braue bands that furnisht fame with bâ—eath Whilst all the world their valorous deedes did spie Rest now confounded since their soueraignes death Like Poliphemus hauing lost his eye And they are like that teeth-ingendred brood That tooke their life out of a monster dead Whiles ech of them pursues for others blood Since the great Drag on s death that was their head Ari. So change all things that subiect are t' our sight Disorder order breeds and order it Next night comes darknes and next darknesse light This neuer changing change transcends our wit Thus pouertie and riches sickenesse health Both honour and dishonor life and death Do so depend on other that by stealth All goe and come as th' accidents of breath T'ech worldly state the heauens a height appoint Where when it once arriues it must descend And all perfections haue a fatall point At which excellencie it selfe must end But as all those that walke on th' earth are crossde With alterations happning oft and strange The greatest states with greatest stormes are tossde And sought of many must make many a change Nor speake I this by speculation now As gathring credit out of ancient scroules soules No I haue liu'd at court and I know how Ther 's nought on th' earth more vex'd then great mens soules Thral'd to the tirant honor whilst they mone Their plaints to subiects eares asham'd t' empart They must beare all the weight of woes alone Where others of their griefe lend friends a part Their rising vs aboue to such a height Which seems their best is worst whilst since being lords They neuer heare the truth that comes to light When franke societie speaks naked words Whilst sadnesse whiles seemes maiestie time tells How deere they buy their pompe with losse of rest Some faine three furies but in all the hells And ther 's three thousand in one great mans breast Phoc. I thinke all monarchies are like the Moone Which whiles eclipsd whiles vnder cloud whiles cleare Growes by degrees and is when full vndone Yet Aeson like renew'd doth re-appeare For so the first but smal begin to shine And when they once their spherick forme obtaine Do then begin to languish and decline Yet falne in other realmes doe rise againe Th' Assyrians once made many a nation bow Then next all powre was in the Persians hand And lo the Macedonians monarchs now Amongst themselues diuided cannot stand Arist A secret fate alternantly all things Doth in this circle circularly leade Still generation from corruption springs To th' end that some may liue some must be dead Each Element anothers strength deuours Th' ayre to the fire succumbes the fire to raine The water striues to drowne all th' earth with showres Which it by vapours vomites out againe Thus with a gordian knot together bound All things are made vn-made and made againe Whilst ruine founds perfection doth confound And norhing in one state doth long remaine But nought in th' earth more dangerously standes Than soueraigntie that 's rated at such worth Which like the stormie deities blustring bandes Doth flie from East to West from South to North. Ph. A long experience now makes this noght strange Though mightie states whose reines one onely leades Be whiles distracted and constrain'd to change As too
enough t' applaud our deede And sooth vs vp in all that we haue done Na. To haue the time and manner then praefixt Command the Bactrians all themselues to arme And to attend till we aduertise next Prompt for all perils at the first alarme Then through the Campe a rumour we will spread That hopelesse Darius hath dispairdlie gone With violence to dwell amongst the dead And seeme therefore excessiuelie to mone The Persians we with promises must feede So to disarme him of his natiue pow'rs Then we will apprehend himselfe with speede For while that he is free nothing is ours That we may seeme to vse him with respect As to the state of such a Prince pertaines We will not this last ornament neglect He shall be bound but bound with golden chaines To Alexander after we will send And offer Darius in his hands t' appease him Then craue his fauour that he will defend Vs as his friends who haue done all to please him If his good-will we cannot thus procure And he vs with extremitie pursue With Darius death we will our states assure Then raise fresh forces and the warres renue Bos Let vs henceforth for nothing be dismaide But striue our selues courageouslie to beare This dangerous action would not be delai'd Least time worke his assurance and our feare Exeunt CHORVS TYme through Ioues iudgement iust Huge alterations brings Those are but fooles that trust In transitory things Whose tailes beare mortall stings Which in the end will wound And let none thinke it strange Though all things earthly change In this inferiour rounde What is from ruine free The elements which be At variance as we see Eache other doe confound The earth and aire make warre The fire and water are Still wrestling at debate All those through colde and heate Through drouth and moisture iar No wonder though men change and fade Who of those changing elements are made How dare vaine worldlings vaunt Of fortunes goods not lasting Euils that our wittes enchaunt Expos'd to losse and wasting Loe we to death are hasting Whilst we these things discusse All things from their beginning Vnto an end are running Heauen hath ordain'd it thus We heare how heauen doth thunder We see th' earth burst asunder And yet we neuer ponder VVhat this imports to vs. Those fearfull signes doe proue That th' angrie pow'rs aboue Are mou'd to indignation Against this wretched nation VVhich they no longer loue What are we but a puffe of breath Who liue assur'd of nothing but of death VVho was so happie yet As neuer had some crosse Though on a Throne he sit And is not vs'd with losse Yet fortune once will tosse Him when that least he would If one had all at ones Hydaspes pretious stones And yellow Tagus golde All th' Orient all treasure And euery earthly pleasure Euen in the greatest measure It should not make him bold For while he liues secure His state is most vnsure VVhen it doth least appeere Some heauie plague drawes neere Destruction to procure We may compare th' earths glory to a flowre That flourisheth and fadeth in an houre In what we most repose We finde our comfort light The thing we soonest lose That 's precious in our sight For honour riches might Our liues im paund we lay Yet all like flying shadowes Or flowers enambling medowes Euanish and decay Long time we toile to finde Those idols of the minde Which got we cannot binde T' abide with vs one day Then why should we presume On treasures that consume Difficile to obtaine Difficile to retaine A dreame a breath a fume Which vexe them most who them possesse Who starue with store and famish with excesse ACTVS QVARTVS Scen. I. DARIVS TIRIOTES Tir. AH must I poyson now my Princes eares with the worst newes that euer burthē'd fame Had I as many tongues as I haue teares All would not serue my sorrowes to proclame Dar. Great signes of greefe I in thy face discerne Spare not for to report this heauie crosse To one I feare whome it doth most concerne I st death disgrace distruction treason losse Tell on the summe of honour at the first With no ambiguous words my paine prolong 'T is comfort to a wretch to know the worst And I haue learn'd to be vnhappy long What least I speake and yet suspect too much I st some ludibrious message of my skorne Which must wound me but ah no torment such As this to them who that disgrace haue borne Tir. She was not wrong'd as you haue misconceiu'd The Gods haue had a care for to preserue her Such fauour of the victour she receiu'd As of her subiects that were bound to serue her But what a vollie doth my voice prepare Of woes to charge your eares woes full of dread Would God ere I the somme thereof declare That I might die in saying she is dead Curst caitiue was it not enough allas That I beheld her die and would haue died But that I must arm'd with sad tydings pas To wound all them that heare what I haue spied See how he fares shot with these words of mine As one become the pray of greefe and death Dar. Yet doth the Sunne on my affliction shine And sees the aire infected with my breath And can I liue and looke them in the face That haue my ignominious o're-throw seene And how I vanquish'd vanquish'd with disgrace Engag'd at once my kingdome and my Queene Heauen bruse me all to powder with thy thunder That I no more may in the world remaine The obiect of thy wrath and Fortunes wonder Spoil'd of all hope yet kept for greater paine Ah! art thou dead and doe I lieu behinde thee Thy faultie husband thinkst thou so to flie If it be thus then I know where to finde thee This onely greeues me that too late I die O Alexander what such hainous ill Haue I done thee that thou requit'st me thus Whom of thy friendes or kindred did I kill This crueltie comes vndeseru'd of vs. Think that thou hadst iust causes to make warre Yet vpon women should thy wrath be wroken This Tirrannie shall all thy Triumphe marre And euer shall to thy reproach be spoken Tir. Sir without cause you guiltie him esteeme I know her death did grieuouslie displease him A wondrous thing which few or none would deeme He tooke it so that nothing could appease him Euen as my Soueraigne now so then he smarted And when he came to ease your mothers griefe As if that his owne mother had departed He seem'd to need not for to giue reliefe Dar. If any sparkes of that respect remaine Which should with reason mooue thy minde to ruth I pray the Tiriotes now be plaine Or els strange torments shall exact the truth I loth to let this question scape my mouth Which both I blush to craue and long to know I st possible so insolent a youth Did neuer tempt the treasure which I owe Could this imperious Prince in flowre
how he had their treason tri'de And seene the Bactrians to a tumult bent Then prai'd him for his safety to prouide In going with him to his trusty tent The King grow'n carelesse and his safety shunning Refus'd this offer on affection grounded Or with some pow'rfull fate his fall fore-running Was carried headlong thus to be confounded The Greeke past thence dispairing of his safety Who thus recur elesse helpe and health refus'd Then Bessus did begin with speeches craftie To purge himselfe and errours past excus'd The King then Artabazus did command T' approch and Patrons speech at length reported He then did doubt what danger was at hand And to go with the Greeke his Grace exhorted But when he found this resolution plac'd Within his brest no peril for to flie With mutuall teares each other they embrac'd Parting like two that liuing went to die Now silent night in pitchie vapours cled Had mustred mists and march'd vnto the West A shadowie horrour ou'r the earth was spread The Santinelles were set and all at rest When a strange terrour troubled all the hoste The multitudes did murmure in all parts They did resemble ships in stormes neere lost Whilst each to th' other cause of feares imparts Those who their King appointed were to guarde All shrunke away to corners none staid there And hauing to his danger no regarde His better-fortunes Minions fled else where The desolation then was wonderous great With a few Eunuches Darius left alone Did enter deepely to reuolue his state And thus be-spake them who did for him mone Depart in peace and for your selues prouide Least yee be likewise with my ruine caught I will the issue of my fate abide They hearing this as of their wits distraught Went howling through the host with dolorous cries This made the King as dead to be bewaild And in the armie did a rumour rise That he had kild himselfe when all hope fail'd The Persians greeu'd while these things did occurre Did first encourage all their countrie bands To helpe their Prince but yet they durst not sturre For feare of falling in the Bactrians hands Ev'n in the time when this confusion was The traitours to deferre the fact no more Did to their soueraignes owne Pavilion passe And rooke and bound him whome they seru'd before He who in golden coach superbelie rode Was cast in one for bassest carriage vs'd And who of late was honoured like a God By seruants as a bond slaue was abus'd Those royall hands to beare a scepter borne Were bouÌ„d with chains this also much did grieue him That fortune his aduersitie would scorne With golden bands that seru'd not to releeue him Then Alexander hauing heard in end That Darius came not forward to affront him To finde him out did all his forces bend Not doubting but he eftsoones would surmount him But being at the last at length inform'd How he was made a Captiue to his owne At this indignitie he highlie storm'd And swore he would avenge it by his crowne Out of his hoste he did select a fewe Who were best hors'd whose equipage was light With whom his foes he did so fast pursue That ere they could suspect he came in sight The traitours troubled with this he had done Came to the Cart wherein the King was carried And bad him mount on horse back and flee soone Least that his foe should take him if he tarried He look'd aloft and cry'd aloud this day Th' eternall Iusticer sees through the starres I will not with such periur'd rebelles stay And flie from him who moou's but honest warres Then those in whom impietie aboundes Throw'd darts at him whoÌ„ they should haue defended And hurte the horses with an hundreth woundes While they perform'd the Parricide intended Their hands were feeble as their harts vntrue For when their foes began them once to comber The traitours first then all the traiterous crue Fled them who were inferiour farre in number But to the confines of deathes kingdome brought The King retir'd out from the way aside More wounded with ingratitude then ought Did flie the world whose follies he had tri'de Scarce was the lasting last diuorcement made Twixt soule and body whilst that th' eyes grew dim When Alexander came and found him dead Who long had labour'd for t' haue ruin'd him Yet with the vesture which himselfe then wore He couered the dead corps and not eschew'd it But eu'n with teares his coffin did decore To the great wonder of all them that view'd it And hauing waild his death aboue all measure For t' haue his funerals made in Princely wise He bids you spare no coste but vse his treasure And them as best becommes to solemnise He hath his body hither sent by me That the last honours you to him may do He thinkes they so shall best accomplish'd be And who him bare shall see him buried to Cho. Behold how griefe hath her of sense berest And choak'd her breath with super-abounding grones No will or power to liue is to her left Since all her weale evanish'd is at ones Sis Ah shall I see no let me first be blinde That body breath-lesse which I brought to light Where would my soule a force sufficient finde T' endure the dolour of that deadly sight O flintie hardned hart that wilt not breake With the remembrance of so many woes Why part'st thou not faint sprit that whil'st I speake In opening of my lips mine eyes might close This heritage of death this withered stock Is but a receptacle of dispaires A torture to it selfe a stumbling block Whose aged furrowes fertile are in cares What helpes it now to haue bene made the mother Of one who to such dignitie did clim More miserable now then any other I liue to waile my death who di'd in him Aye me malitious Fates haue done me wrong Who came first to the world should first depart It not becommes the olde t' ou'r-liue the yong This dealing is praeposterous and ou'r-thwart Ah why should death so indiscreet be found To saue a caitiue and confound a Prince My halfe-dead body weigh'd downe to the ground Through griefe is grow'n ripe for the graue long since CHORVS WHat makes vaine worldlings so to swell with pride Who came of earth and to the earth returne So hellish furies with their fire brands burne Proude and ambitious men as they deuiâ—e Them from themselues and so turmoile their mindes That all their time they studie still How to content a bound-lesse will Which neuer yet a full contentment findes Who so this flame within his bosome smothers Doth many fantasies contriue And euen forgets himselfe a-liue To be remembred after death by others Thus while he is his paines are neuer ended That while he is not he may be commended What can this helpe the happinesse of Kings So to subdue their neighbours as they doe And make strange nations tributaries to The greater state the greater trouble brings Their pompes and triumphes stands them in
Of all my labours loe this was the hire Those must haue store of toiles that toyle for strife And I remember that amidst my ioyes Euen whilst the chase of armies was my sport There wanted not a portion of annoyes To counterpoise my pleasures in some sort Of those in th' earth most happy that remaine As ag'd experience constantly records The pleasures farre exceeded are by paine Life greater greife then comfort still affords What rage and sorrow seaz'd vpon my soule Whilst big with hopes a battell bent to proue That sudden sicknesse did my course controule Which Cidnus cold imbracings chanc'd to moue From the Phisition then though deem'd for ill I tooke his drinke and gaue th' inuectiue lines Then whilst he red did drinke yet eyd him stil And by accusing lookes search'd guilty signes Not that suspitious feares could make me sad This was the ground whence did proceed my paine Lest death that victorie preuented had Which I was sure if present once t' obtaine But when that I extended had my state From learned Athens to the barbarous Indes Still my tumultuous troupes my pride did hate As monstrous mutinies vnmask'd their mindes I so my name more wonderful to make Of Hercules and Bacchus past the bounds And whilst that Memnons sun burnt bands did quake Did write my worth in many a Monarchs wounds Kings were my subiects and my subiects kings Yet my contentment further did require For I imagind still more mighty things And to a greater greatnesle did aspire The compasse of the carriere of the sunne By many a famous victory I wan Yet wept that there were no more worlds to win As all had beene to little for one man Was I not honord as a God by some Whilst what I interprizd it still preuaild Whom I assaild I alwayes did ore-come No project of my fancies euer faild This made me thought immortalizd to be Which in all mindes amazement yet contracts For I led Fortune Fortune followed me As forc'd t' attend the greatnesse of my acts Yet I haue found it a more easie thing To conquer all the mansions of the winde Then mine owne selfe and of my passions king To order the disorders of my minde What comfort iustly could my soule receiue Of all my conquests past if that euen then Whilst I triumph'd to wrath and wine as slaue I scap'd not scandall more then other men Ah seazing without right on euery state I but my selfe too great a Monarch made Since all men gapt to get the golden bate Which by my death seemd easie to be had Whilst from humanitie too much deuorc'd My deeds all hearts with feare and horror fild I whom the force of foes yet neuer forc'd Was by my friends most fraudulently kill'd But now I see the troublous time drawes neere When they shall keepe my obsequies with blood No wonder too though such a warriours biere At last do swim amids a scarlet flood For as my life did breed huge broyles ouer all My death must be th' occasion of great cumbers And it doth best become a strong mans fall To be renown'd by ruining of numbers The snaky-tressed sisters shal not neede T' vse fatall firebrands lothsome Plutoes pestes Or poisonous inspirations so to bred A thirst of murder in transported brests Yet my ambitious ashes once may shine T' enflame my Minions minds with strange desires If of their spirits each keepe a sparke of mine To waste the world their brests may furnish fires The beauties once of th' earth shall all looke red Whilst my lieuetenants through that pride of theirs With vnkind armes huge streames of blood do shed By murthering of mine heires to be mine heires Is this the gaine of greatnesses did I pine To be made eminent to be ouerthrowne To ruine first my selfe then roote out mine As conquering others but to lose mine owne O happy I but happier far my race If with my fathers conquests still content I manag'd had th' Aemathian power in peace Which was made lawfull by a long discent Then farre sequestred from Bellonaes rage I had the true delites of nature tryed And ag'd with honor honor'd in my age Had left my scepter to my sonne and dyed And he succeeded had t' a quiet state Which then because lesse great had bin more sure And not exposd to enuy nor to hate That do against the greatest States coniure But since they minde t' enearth mine earthly part Which now no badge of maiestie reraines To roaring Phlegeton I must depart Farre from the lightsome bounds of th' ayrie Plaines And must I there that did the world surmount Arrested by the Monarke of the Ghosts To Radamanthus render an account Of all the deedes done by my rauenous hostes Ther whilst with Minos Aeacus sits downe A rigorous Iudge in Hells most horride court Though farre before his Nephew in renowne He will not with one of his race comport O what pale troops of ghosts are gathered heere That were of bodies spoild by my decree And first the wrong'd Parmenio doth compeere From whom I nought but who did much from me At the tribunall of Tartarian powres He aggrauates a ingratitude too great And whilst th' infernall tyrant foming lowres All whom I wrong'd for vengeance stand t' intreat Yet guiltie thoughts torment me most of all No sprite can be by plaging Furies pind Though charg'd without with snakes within with gall As by the slings of a remording minde If it be true that drowsie Laethes streams Drowne in obliuions deepes all things at last There let me burie farre from Phoebus beames The loath'd remembrance of my Labours past Exit Chorus What strange aduentures now Distract distressed mindes With such most monstrous stormes When silence seemes t' allow The peace that Nature findes And that tumultuous windes Doe not disturbe with stormes An vniuer sall rest When Morpheus hath represt Th' impetuous course of cares And with a soft skepe bâ—ndes Those tyrants of the breast That would spread foorth most dangerous snares T' inuo'ue th' afflicted in dispaires Huge horrours then arise Which th' elements doe marre With most disastrous signes Arm'd sqúadorns in the Skies With Launces throwne from farre Doe make a monstrous warre Whilst Furie nought confines The Dragons vomite fire And make the starres retire Out of their orbes for feare Some of those warriors are To satifie their ire That th' azure buildings not forbeare But seeme the cristall Towres to teare Amidst the aire fierce blasts Doe boast with blustring sounds T' vndoe this mightie frame Which whilst the tempest lasts Doth rent the stately roundes To signifie what woundes Strait t' all her of-springs shame Shall burst th' earths veines with blood And this all-circkling flood As t' were the heauens to drowne Doth passe th' appointed bounds And all the scalie broode Reare roaring Neptunes foamie crowne Whilst th' earth for feare seemes to sincke downe Those that th' earth chargde what horrour Theyr ashie lodgings leaue To re-enioy the light
Or else some panicke terror Our iudgement doth bereaue Whilst first we misconceiue And so preiudge the sight Or in the bodies steade The genius of the dead Turnes backe from Stix againe Which Dis will not receaue Till it a while engendring dread Giue whilst it doth on th' earth remaine To others feare and to 't selfe paine These fearefull signes foreshow The doubtfull world t' appall What plagues are to succeede When death had layd him low That first had made vs thrall We heard that strait his fall Our libertie would breede But this prooues no reliefe For many O what griefe The place of one supplie And we must suffer all Thus was our comfort briefe For rarelie doth th' vsurper die But others will his fortune trie ACT. II. SCENE I. Perdiccas Meleager Ptolomie Antigonus Eumenes WHateie not big with teares can view this host Which hath in one ah as the end doth proue A King a Captaine and a Brother lost Crown'd follow'd tride by right for worth in loue I thinke amongst vs all there is not one Whom diuerse fauours do not iustly binde T' appease that Heroes ghost though from vs gone With all th' oblations of a thankfull minde Ah had the Fates beene subiect to my will Such clowdes of sorrow had not darkened life But we had had great Alexander still And he those kingdomes that procure this strife Yet heauens decrees can neuer be recalld And thoughts of harmes past help breede double paine Though being to griefe a space by passions thralld The liuing must embrace the world againe As one whose interest in his life was chiefe I of his death haue cause to curse th' effects But will not frustrate so the generall griefe To waile apart particular respects Though th' aire be plenish'd yet with plaintiue sounds Of widdow'd hopes that wedded haue despaires Yet Time must cicatrize our inward wounds And to the publike weale drawe priuate cares Let vs giue physicke to the sickened state That at this present in great danger stands Whilst grudging subiects that our greatnes hate Would enfranchize their violated lands Those that are thralld by force to be made free Praecipitate themselues in dangers still And this th' instinct of Nature seemes to bee What realme not scornes t' attend a strangers will From forc'd obedience nought but hate proceedes The moe we haue subdude the moe our foes A soueraigne head this states huge body needes That might make vs securely to repose And who more meete t' enioy that great mans place Wh'of those whose states he tooke receiu'd the hearts Then one descended from th' illustrous race Whose birth both worth and right to raigne impartes If heau'n enrich Roxana with a sonne That long'd-for birth a lawfull soueraigne brings And till that course of doubtfull hopes be done Let some appointed be to rule all things Eum. Though Macedonians tuned mindes not scorne That t' Alexander strangers should succeede Can men obey a babe a babe not borne What fancies strange would this confusion breed This could not well become our graue foresight A doubtfull birth t' attend so long in vaine That may b' abortiue and though brought to light Through Natures error made not apt to raigne But if affection carrie vs so farre That of that race we must be rul'd by some Though neither being practiz'd in peace nor warre As those that haue indeede by kinde o'recome Then haue we Hercules the eldest sonne That t' our great Prince was by Barsines borne Who foureteene yeares of age hath else begunne His princely birth by vertues rare t' adorne Ptol. Might not the Macedonians all b' asham'd If rendred vassalles thus t' a barbarous brood What should we beare the yoke that we haue framd To buy disgrace haue we bestowde our blood Our auncestours whose glory wee obscur'd Would get some vantage of their Nephues thus They warrd that peoples wracke to haue procurd And haue we ward to make them Lords o're vs Ah bury this as a'xecrable thing And let this purpose be no more pursude For though they were begotten by our king Yet were they borne of those that we subdude Obraue Leonides I like thy strife That with so few perforrnd so glorious things And death preferrd before th' infamous life That bondage still from a Barbarian brings Those loth'd t' accept a stranger for their Lord And with their blood gaue flame t'an vnknowne feild Yet we would honour them that they abhorrd And though being victors to the vanquish'd yeild For where-to tended that renownd attempt Which makes the Persians yet abase their brow But euen t' our countreys scorne in a contempt To take by force that which we offer now Was this the scope of all our conquersts then Of our owne captiues to be made the prey No let vs still command like valerous men And rule our Empire by some other way May we not vse this policie a space Till better wits some better meanes deuise Lest dangerous discords do disturbe our peace Still when we would of serious things aduice Let a maiesticke Senat gathered be And them amongst the Imperiall chare of state That of th' authoritie all signes may see Then whilst we compasse that respected seate There those that were in credite with the king Whose merits in mens minds haue reuerence bred Shall in their iudgements ballance euery thing How kingdomes should be ruld how Armies led And what the greatest part hath once approu'd To that the rest must oblig'd be t' incline All th' armie by this harmony being mou'd Will execute what euer we designe This concord would proue happy for vs all Since it each state in greatest suretie renders And by this meanes our Macedony shall In place of one haue many Alexanders Eum. Though silence I confesse becomes me best That am a stranger and the lesse beleeu'd Yet since a partner of your toyles I rest I must vnfold my mind a minde that 's greeeu'd And thinke you that a babe repaires our losse How are the deep est iudgements thus beguild This in all Countryes hath bin thought a crosse Wo to that soyle whose soueraigne is a child Nor would these great men as is thought agree They be too many bodies for one minde Ah pardon Ptolomie it can not be This vnion would all disunite I finde Thus would all th' armie from good order swarue When many might forgiue all would offend As thinking well though they did death deserue Ther 's none so bad but some man will defend And when so many kings were in one court One court would then haue many humors too Which fostring factions for each light report Would make them iarre as neighbouring princes doe No let this strange opinion be suppressd Whilst equals all all would vnequall be So that their mindes by iealousie possessd From pale suspition neuer could be free But ah what needs contention at this time T' obscure a matter that was made so cleere And doye now account it for no crime T' impugne his
wil that once was held so deere When that great Monark march'd t' encounter death Whist all his captaines were assembled there And did demand whilst he might vse his breath Whom he himselfe adopted for his heire Then that such doubtfull questions should not need As louing valour more then his owne race He that t' a braue man braue men might succeed Said let the worthiest haue the worthiest place Nor did he speake this in a secret part With Sphinx his phrase a greater doubt t' haue moou'd As breathing thoughts in each ambitious hart To haue his worth in Vulcans furnace proou'd For whilst ye hedg'd the fatall bed about With an vnpartiall care distracted long Then he amongst you all did chuse one out That for so great a burthen seem'd most strong He to Perdiccas did present the ring That vs'd to seale the secrets of the state By which it seemd that he design'd him king Ad so would seize him of the highest seate Thus made this worthy man a worthy choice That no new troubles might the state deforme And all the world now iustly may reioyce That thus preuented was a'mpetuous storme For if this had not been his latest will Ye Mars his Minions should haue liu'd at iarre Whilst emulation amongst equals still Had made the trumpet sound t'intestine warres What huge disorders threatned to burst forth If that our soueraigne had no prince designd That oft hath been a witnesse of our worth And can weigh vertue in a vertuous mind I see consenting signes applaud my speach Rise do Perdicas that which they decree Whilst modestie doth maiestie impeach Though thou crau'st not this crowne this crowne craues thee Meleag. I wonder not though thus Perdicas shrinke T' accept so mighty a charge amidst th' alarmes The Sunne must make Nictimine to winke This Scepter weighes too much for so weake armes The Gods will neuer grant nor men agree That such a one should domineer ouer vs. Though vulgar minds might yeeld his thrales to be Those that his betters are scorne to how thus He prayes vs all Roxanaes birth t' attend Which though it came to passe as some expect He can exchange or cause be brought t'â—n end As bent t' allow all meanes when one effect Thus would he temporize though t' our great scorne Till time assist t' accomplish his designes No kings Perdicas likes but babes vnborne He labours well in vndiscouered mines I need not now insist to tell at large What braue men be amids this martiall band That better do deserue so great a charge Both for their skill and courage to command Yet are the best not worthy to succeede To that rare man that neuer can be match'd Whose memorie must make our mindes to bleed Whose aduersar's for this advantage watch'd But if that great man did consent so soone That our obedience should be thus abus'd Of all that euer he desird t' haue done I thinke this onely ought to be refusd Th' vndanted band whose worth the worlde oft prou'd Then whilst their glorie shin'd through siluer shields By all that monarches merits not being mou'd As conquer'd would haue left the conquer'd fields And if that they contemn'd a princes throne To whom his auncestors their scepter brought What reuerence would they beare to such a one That all this time was as their equall thought To those that ouer their equalles raise their state Aduancement enuie breeds and enuie hate If such with all would rest familiar still This in contempt th' authoritie it brings And if they second not their subiects will Men cannot beare with them as with borne kings Our loftie bands some lofty minde must tame Whose princely birth doth procreate regard Whose countrie may confound each sland'rous claime As one with whom none els can be compar'd Ther 's Alexanders brother Philips sonne That alwayes was a partner of our paine Can there be any else below the sunne Ouer Macedonians that deserues to raigne And I must wonder what so strange offence Hath forfeited his title maim'd his right That any now with a disguis'd pretence Dare wrong him thus euen in his peoples sight Ptol. None needs to wonder much thogh we negle One whose election might procure our shame His mothers basenes Iustice might obiect Whom bastardie secludes from such a claime But yet had nature purg'd the spot she made We with his birth the better might comport Whilst father-like in all affaires he had Giuen proofe of parts that might the state support He falsifies his race of wit so weake That all his inward wants are soone perceiud All of his iudgement in derision speake By which great things can hardly be conceiud And though his body might from paines be sparde Whose constitution is not very strong But with infirmities so farre impairde That it aline cannot continue long Yet since in state he neuer hath bin schoold His ignorance would racke him still with feares Whiles he that rulde still needing to be rulde Spake but with others tongues heard with their eares A inconstant king great confusion makes Whom all mistrust and most amidst a Campe Whilst soft like waxe he each impression takes And doth for friuolous things still change the stampe Ah should our liues depend vpon his breath That of himselfe cannot discerne a crime But doomes by informations men to death Then barren pittie yeilds when out of time Thus whilst some alwayes must his iudgement sway That still doth harbour in anothers head Of Sicophants this prince may be the prey That where they list thauthoritie will leade And being but base that they may be the best Such still will toyle that we may be ore-throwne And some-time may the credulous king suggest To taint our fame lest it obscure their owne What griefe were this tvs whilst such as those Might make their vantage of th all-powrefull breath And that our actions ballancd by our foes Were guerdond with disdaine or else with death Me. Since priuat hopes your iudgement do bewitch I le leaue this counsell where no good can please Come follow me all those that would be rich Few haue regarde poore souldiers of your ease Perd. That shall prooue best which first I went about Thogh some wold wrest my words from what I thought The malice of Meleager now bursts out Like flaming fires that burne themselues to nought Thus naughtie minds that neuer dreame but ill Do conster euery thing t' a crooked sence What I proposde t' aduance our countrey still He would interpret it as an offence And this vnreuerent parting hence of his Hath t'a1l his former wrongs yet added one By his seditious words incens'd ere this The souldiers arc to sacke the treasures gone Ant. Then let vs all of one accord conclude That Alexanders hop'd for race must raigne So shall w'establish still th' annointed blood Whose gouernement both glorie gaue and gaine And let vs now before we part appoynt Who gouerne shall till that the Babe be borne And circumspectly put
were common'd Whose partiall grudge occasion'd their exile Lest th 'others restitution should haue prou'd A meanes t' haue brought their state t' a lower stile And th' indignation that they had conceiu'd Did burst out in rebellion for a time The which the king deepe in his minde engrau'd And thought by Athens spoyles t' avenge that cryme But since that death ministred them reliefe Grown bold to prosecute their prowde attempt To Athenians and the Aetolians were the chiefe That brought Antipater first in contempt And being by them constrain'd to quit the field He in a little towne enclos'd at last Was once reduc'd in dangers neere to yield And staine the glory of his actions past But yet by accident as whiles it falles It 's better to be fortunate then wise An vnsuspected shaft throwne from the walles Th' Athenian captaine happened to surprise Then did Antipater his courage reare That had almost his staggering hopes betraid And yet not altogether free'd from feare He sent to Leonatus seeking aid And he that seem'd his friendship much t' affect Did carefull of his countrie-men appeare But if he had preuail'd some do suspect Antipater had bought his succours deere Yet by th' effect his purpose bent to shew What euer that he was he seem'd a friend But when th' Athenians did his comming know T' encounter him they did directly tend And though their thoughts in depths of doubts did fleete They whilst alone to match him thought it best Then whilst they march'd aduentrous troupes to meete Hard was the welcome of th' vnwelcome guest For when both th' armies were t' a battle brought And all the fruits of valour did afford Rash Leonatus like a Lyon fought Bent to proue worthy of his wonted Lord. But whist he brauely did his charge acquite He lost himselfe that others came to saue And by their Captaines fall discourag'd quite His scatred troupes great domage did receiue Yet when the newes to Antipater were told Of their mishap that come for his releife He not one signe of sorrow did vnfold A little gaine doth mitigate great griefe For he did know though then his foes preuail'd That this great fight infeebled had their hoste And then he tooke to him which much auai'ld Those beaten bandes that had their Captaine lost Yet that in which he did most comfort finde Was his deliuerie from a secret foe Which did with ielousie torment his minde Though outwardly not seeming to be so Perd. Thus we that vnderneath one ensigne warrd Slept in one tent and all one fortune prou'd And with a friendship then that neuer iarrd As Pilades and mad Orestes lou'd Since wanting now a Lord. that all be Lords We loe renounce all kind of kindnesse now And secret rancor budding in discords Euen euery one doth th 'others ruine vow Such is the sacred famine of a crowne That it to satisfie before we faile What stands within our way all must go downe And bands of blood or friendship nought auaile These glory-rauish'd soules that would be great Will pretermit no meanes although vniust 〈…〉 of copartners in the state 〈…〉 there can be no trust 〈…〉 Well I perceiue Antipater doth tend 〈…〉 powre t' attaine that sacred prey 〈…〉 of late augmented now in th' end Through euery danger once may make a way And Alexander sometimes spake at large Then whilst Antipater with Agis striu'd That he without the limits of his charge More like a king than a Lieutenant liu'd Antiâ—onus and Ptholomie in armes Are ioy'nd in one our ruine bent to breed I feare that friendship procreate our harmes Vnlesse their spight preuented be with speed Perd. I le lodge you now Eumenes in my brest And let you see the ground of my designes Since that we both alike must toyle or rest As those whose course one planet now confines Since at his death I by our dying Lord Was in his place appointed to succeed And that my fortune doth a meanes afford How that I compasse may what he decreed To leaue that place I cannot well agree As if I wanted courage to command I le take that which the fates do throw on me For if without a throne I cannot stand And those that would performe difficult things Must not regard what way so they preuaile Of sleight then force a greater furtherance brings The Fox must helpe if that the Lyon faile So for Antipater a snare t' haue layd His daughter I in marriage did require That so the time might but haue bin delayd Till that I had accomplisht my desire For with the shadow of pretended loue And hope of that affinitie to come I from his bounds was minded to remoue A warrelike troupe wherewith himselfe t' orecome But to deceiue deceiuers t' is most hard He quickly did mistrust th' intended wrong And from my messengers his eares he barr'd As did Vlisses from the Sirens song Eum. This to your state I think might much import If to your selfe you chose a vertuous mate Whose beauty pleasure birth might bring support And both concurre in one to blesse your state If you to make your high designes more sure By Hymens meanes with some your selfe alie Thus of some Prince you may the powre procure That wil conioynd with you one fortune trie What griefe were this if you haue hap t' attaine That faire Idea which your fancies frame If after you of yours none doe remaine That may enioy your conquests and your name Kings liue most sure that of their owne haue heires Whose sacred persons none dare seeke to wound Since though they die yet there rest some of theirs That are t' auenge their death by nature bound Pe. Noght rests vntride that might inlarge my might I minde to match my selfe with such a one That if she haue my powre to proue her right May be thought worthy of th' Aemathian throne I with Olympias haue deuisde a thing That may assure her state and make mine strong The which I hope shall prooue a prosprous spring From whence may flow great things ere it belong By Cleopatra may a meanes be catch'd That our designes t' a glorious end may bring I meane she whom hir father Philip match'd With Alexander of th' Epirots King He hauing heard great Alexanders fame In emulation of that monarkes praise Went with his troupes th' Etrurians bent to tame Which enterprise did but abridge his dayes In marriage with that widdow'd Queene combinde If that her mother thus our course assist Whilst I effect that which I haue design'd Who dare presume my purpose to resist For whilst this friendship doth my name renowne It may my thoughts from further feare seclude Since hauing thus a title to the Crowne As one engraffde within the royall blood Eum. I feare that this your purpose to preuent A number now take armes all in one forme As those that haue discouerd your intent And by the lowring cloudes foreknow a storme For loe how many else together runne That for our ruine
forcde the fortresse to resigne Then pride vnto necessitie gaue place Her lofty courage was constraind to bow So that she rests depending on our grace To be disposde as it shall please vs now Lisim This chance the world to wonder may invite Lo there a Queene that had though now distressde The rarest fortune and the greatest spirite That euer anie of her sex possessd The widow'd Empresse that first warrde with th' Indes Nor stout Tomiris though most gallant seene Nor all th' Amazons borne with martiall mindes Had neuer stouter stomakes then this Queene Her liues first progresse did but prooue too sweet Whom all th' earths treasures once concurr'd to blesse But now sad soule trod vnder fortunes feete Her miserie no creature can expresse Cass Those were but fortunes gifts that made her great All was without her-selfe that made her praisde Her imperfections did but staine the state To which anothers merits had her raisde For when she first with famous Philip match'd Then her behauior was not free from blame But euen though she with Argos eyes was watch'd As t' was supposde she forfeited her fame At least her husband fear'd for some disgrace From her himselfe had publikly deuorc'd And entertain'd another in her place Which for the time to suffer she was forc'd Yet this in th' end did his distruction breede For which her spightfull thoughts had labour'd long She was acquainted with Pausanias deede And spurr'd him to performe th' intended wrong She sought that by such meanes t'ambitious will Her husbands murder might enlarge the raines Whilst with authoritie she did all th' ill Of which too late th' afflicted realme complaines Long suffred for the greatnesse of her sonne She plaid the tirant safely as she pleasde But by the course that I haue else begunne I hope those whom she plagu'd shall now b' appeasde Lisim Yet of Olimpias though abasde by you The sight her sonne and husband wil reuiue And so may make the Macedonians now For her reliefe strange courses to contriue Of those whose greatnesse doth regard extort Th' afflictions must entender euerie minde And still th' affections of the vulgar sort Are head-long led too cruell or too kind Cass O but I can precipitate her fall Euen by the meanes that might support her most For pittie shall spoile pittie whilst they all Sigh for their friends that through her pride was lost Lisim As those to whom all other things are free Must haue their life and raigne both of one date So priuate men that passe their owne degree Can hardly turne to take their former state Thus you commit your fortune to the fates None can retire that enters in such things For those that ought attempt against great states Must die as traitors or else liue as kings And though you would but some disorders stay You deale with those that borne not to be thrall As torrents beare away what stoppes their way And either must do nothing or doe all No keepe not such to sigh when they are gone That scorne to take the thing that they should giue For all must die that dare but touch a throne Those that might take their life they must not liue Cas Since in this course that I can once but erre I shall be sure ere she herselfe withdraw Lis And yet what suretie can you haue of her Can Lawes binde them that are aboue the Law It 's hard t' establish concord twixt the two Where th' one must hate and th' other alwayes feare Cas O but I minde to vse the matter so That both from hence shall further strife forbeare Lis What can hir freedome and your peace procure Cas Death both can make hir free and make me sure Lis And would you do such euill to shed her blood Cas I t'others euill so that it do me good Lis The Macedonians will abhorre this wrong Cas And yet obey me if be most strong Lis But who shal haue the realme amidst those broils Cas Who euer winnes the field must keep the spoils Lis So to possesse the realme you haue no right Cas But I haue more so long as I haue might Lis This state doth to it selfe an heire afford Cas All kingdomes rights are pleaded by the sword Lis The people all will grudge against your state Cas But dare not stirre whilst feare exceeds their hate Lis And in their hearts they will detest you too Cas Think what they wil that haue not powre to do Lis What though Olympias in a little space May lose her powre together with her breath Yet there remaines another of her race That is by nature bound t' auenge her death Cas Th' impetuous streames of a tempestuous flood That drownes all th' olde not yeeldes the yong reliefe What foole that of his foes victorious stoode Would spoyle an armie and yet spare the chiefe No since I must my selfe with murder staine I le by the rootes raze all the royall race So that no powre shall spring from thence againe T' oregrow my greatnesse and my plants displace The strength hath left great Alexanders arme Whose mothers fatall threed is now neere spunne And I haue meanes to keepe my selfe from harme Both of Roxane and her tender sonne But since this course may serue our states t' aduance By which a ground for great designes is lay de I must intreate you now what euer chance To lend your approbation though not ayde Lis I le be your friend yet wish you would refraine From doing this but ere you be vndone Since that I by your guiltinesse may gaine I le suffer that which I would not haue done Exeunt Olimpias alone CAn I be she whom all the world admirde As being the happiest Queene that raignd below Whom all the planets haue to plague conspirde Of fickle fortunes course th' effects to show No t' is not I nought could my course controule Nor force me thus t' attend anothers will Since I despise this prison of my soule Where it disdains t' abide in bondage still Ah whilst I did on th' outward pomp rely My state the powre of higher powres did tempt My state that once bred reuerence and enuie Though now it breede but pittie and contempt Olimpias once high as Olimpius stoode The wife of Philip Alexanders mother That matcht Alcides and Achilles blood T' ingender one more worth than both together Am I the woman whose maiestike state Seemde once so happy to deceiu'd conceits I I am she and neuer yet more great Than at this present in despight of Fates A double bondage long did burden me I to my selfe my selfe to fortune thrall But now captiuitie hath set me free That could not rise till first I had a fall The sprite that 's with prosperitie benum'd Scarse like it selfe can to the world appeare When Vertue hath Aduersitie ore'com'd Then shines true greatnes in her highest spheare Our glory now I see consists no more Without our-selues in eie-betraying showes But in the breasts
oft by tragicke grones The memory but not the iudgement makes Th' impression thus of passions in the braine For what the soule most suffers when it wakes With it asleepe it doth turmoyld remaine From superstitious feares this care proceedes Which stil would watch o're that which thou dost loue And in thy minde melancholy thus breedes Which doth those strange imaginations moue Cal. Ah in so light account leaue off to hold Those fatall warnings that the heauens haue made Which by all meanes most manifest vnfold What dangers huge do hing aboue thy head He with the sacred garlands that diuines By th' entrailes of the consecrated beast Sees in the sacrifice sinistrous signes And I intreate thee do not hence make haste Caes When I in Spaine against yong Pompey went Thus the diuiner threatned me before Yet did I prosecute my first intent Which with new laurells did my browes decore Cal. And yet you hardly there as whiles I heare From dangers farre engagde redeemd your life But now more monstrous tokens do appeare And I suspect farre worse than open strife Caes Lest I too much seeme wedded to my will As one that others counsels scornes t' alow With iealous eyes I le search about me still And euen mistrust my selfe to trust thee now Yet if I stay the Senators deceiu'd May my beginning straight begin to hate So might I perish seeking to be sau'd By flying many fall vpon their fate But heere one comes that can resolue me much With whom I vse t' aduise affaires of weight Whence comst thou Decius that thy haste is such Is ought occurr'd that craues our knowledge straight Decius I come to tell you how the Senate staies Till your exspected presence blesse their sight And the conclusion yet of all delayes Till that your approbation make it right T' accomplish your contentment they intend And all their thoughts seeme at one obiect bent Saue that they doe amongst themselues contend Who you to please shall strangest wayes inuent Caes Than that no treasure to my soule more deere Which straight t' enioy from hence I long to part But yet I know not what arrests me heere And makes my feet rebellious to my heart From thee deare friend I neuer do conceale The waightiest secrets that concerne me most And at this time I likewise will reueale How heauens by signes me with destruction bost To superstition though not being inclinde My wife by dreames doth now presage my fall It a Sooth-sayer likewise hath diuin'd The sacrifice prodigious seemes t 'vs all So that till this disastrous day be gone All companie I purpose to disuse And to the Senators I le send some one To paint my absence with a faire excuse D. Brut. Do not repose on superstitious signes You to suspect the people thus to bring Whilst soueraigne-like you limit their designes Seeme not a tyrant seeking to be king How can we satisfie the worlds conceit Whose tongues still in all eares your praise proclames O! shal we bid them leaue to deale in state Till that Calphurnia first haue better dreames If that this day you priuate would remayne The Senate to dissolue your selfe must goe And then incontinent come backe againe When you haue showne towards it some reuerence so Caes With thy aduise as powrefull I agree The Senators shall haue no cause to grudge A little space all part apart from mee And I le be shortly ready to dislodge Caesar alone WHence come this huge and admirable change That in my brest hath vncouth thoghts infus'd Doth th' earth then erst yield terrors now more strange Or but my minde lesse courage then it vsde What spitefull fate against my state contends That I must now t'vnlook'd for plagues giue place By foes not mou'd yet fear'd amongst my friends By warre secure endanger'd but by peace T' encounter me when strongest troups did come Then did my heart the highest hopes conceiue I warr'd with many many to ouercome The greatest battels greatest glory gaue As th' enemies number still my courage grew Oft haue I through the depths of dangers past Yet neuer did those boundlesse labors rue To haue none greater first none equall last When as the Gaules fear'd by their neighbours falles Had from the fields no from my furie fled And hid themselues with armes their armes with walles Whilst I my troupes t' inclose Alexia led Then though there swarm'd foorth from the bounds about Huge hostes to compasse me enflam'd with wrath That the besieger being besieg'd about Seem'd drawne with danger in the nets of death Yet I that could not with the pride comport That those Barbarians by vaine bosts bewrayd Did reassault th' assaulters in such sort That words by wounds wounds were by death repayd Of those within the towne t' asswage their toyles Till being ore-com'd their comming was not knowne Who straight vpbrayded by the barbarous spoiles Did yeeld themselues with th 'others as ore-throwne Then whilst with liquid legions tumid bosts The trident-bearer striu'd my spoyles to beare Though threatned thrise amidst his humid hosts I alwayes scorn'd t' acquaint my selfe with feare I vsde those Pirats that had me surpriz'd Still as my seruants thundring threatnings forth And gaue them money more than they deuisde Greeu'd to be rated at too little worth Yet gathering ships I sign'd not long the shore But trac'd their printles steps through th' vnpau'd way And taking them as I had vow'd before By nought but death their ransome would defray Then when without th' aduise of others minds Iventred through the hoarie waues by night Whilst in a little barke against great winds That euen the Pilote look'd not for the 〈◊〉 The roaring waues themselues seem'd to diuide That in their grauell I might chuse a graue And in a christall arch aboue me bide That I of me a tombe might worthy haue Whilst dangers seem'd to merite Caesars death As Neptune raisde his head raisde my heart And shewing what I was with constant breath T'amazde Amiclas courage did impart Was I not once amidst large Nilus flot Whilst me to wound a wood of darts did flie Yet swim'd so carelesse of my enemies shot That in my hand I held some papers drie With open dangers thus in euery place I whilst being compass'd both by sea and land Did vndismaid looke horror in the face As borne for nought but onely to commaund But since a world of victories haue fill'd With Trophees Temples Theaters with my praise That bath'd with balme from th' oyle of glory still'd With friends in peace I look'd to spend my daies The chambers musicke now affrights me more Then once the trumpets sound amids the field And gownes though signes of peace worse then before The pompous splendour of a flaming shield Those thoughts of late that had disdain'd to doubt Though I alone had march'd amongst my foes Lo whilst amongst my friends I 'm back'd about Doe greater dangers now then th' eies disclose If ought t' assemble any number brings