late this love transforms us all Phil. I le share the Empire with him if he consent if he consent if he will not I 'le force my way He sees Cleonell Cleo. Sir The Emperour sent me to signify unto you the News from Belgrade that Astella is arriv'd there and is rejected by those you left to govern 't is his pleasure Sir that you prepare to march with all possible speed to her relief Phil. I have just now received an express from thence which informs me of a Faction there that did hope to have set up a Counterfeit Astella but those Tumults are alayed the plot being discover'd all the partakers fled the Country I therefore hold it fit to hear again from thence before I stirr but if my Father will needs have his Army march into Hungarie I shall advise him to conferr the honour of that War Cleonell on you Cle. On me Sir I am neither worthy nor capable of so great a charge your Highness does me much honour in this thought but I must not presume to accept the favour least the Emperour do think me so vain to seek it Phillo Why Cleonel thy forward youth promises great things and I know the Emperour will be pleas'd to see me joyn to heap honours on thy deserving head I will undertake it with my Father and shall not doubt to say thou wilt deserve the sole Command of all our Forces Cle. If the Emperour consent I am cozen'd Aside your Highness does o're-load me with your Favours I shall not live to express my Gratitude much less to merrit such honours Phil. I tell thee Cleonel t is in thy power to lay an Obligation on me such an Obligation Cleonel as half my Empire cannot recompence Say may I hope such kindness from thee but if it be not in thy heart do not flatter me into a hope of what I shall not find Cle. Sir as you are my Prince my duty binds me to serve you with the hazard of my life and fortunes Phill. I thank thee for thy love as I do all that will like thee say and do as much but I would have ingagements unto thee beyond the common complement of other Subjects Cle. Your many favours Sir have so much obliged me beyond all others that your Commands what ere they be shall make me happy Phil. Take heed Cleonel do not ingage too fast for I shall demand what thou hold'st dearer then thy life darest thou hear me now Cle. Speak boldly Sir I am yours and all that 's mine is so I hope he will discover his love to me Speaks aside Phil. Thou art indeed my fate or I am thine I would have thee give up to me thy interest in Selindra dissolve all ingagements between her and you my dearest friend thus thou mayest bequeath an Empire to me that I prize far above this I am born to start not at it for I will Phillocles Embraces him wear thee in my bosome thou shalt be the greaest and the richest man in Greece Cle. Without Selindra Phil. I without Selindra Cleo. What is all Greece worth without Selindra good Sir give me leave a little to consider on this matter sure he has solicited Selindra Aside for himself and receiv'd a repulse it may well be that she has express'd to him some value of me beyond what I my self can yet discern he would not else thus rashly nay thus madly tempt me 't is so Sir do I mistake or did you demand that I should give my interest in Selindra up to you Phil. Thou doest not mistake 't is onely that can make me happy Cleo. And onely that I cannot grant I can no more consent to part with the hope of such a happiness then with my interest in Heaven pray Sir find some other way to try my Faith Phil. The Gods cannot give thee a means to oblige me another way themselves cannot blesâ—… me with a gift that I can prize beyond Selindra Cleo. And you would have me debauch thiâ—… young Lady for your private pleasure Phill. By all that 's holy I would marry her Cleo. Marry her what shall then become 〈◊〉 Hungary and Astella Phill. Thou shalt have that Crown and her I 'le woe her for thee I 'le fight that Conquest o'â—… again and give it thee if she refuse Cleo. Will you get the Emperours consent 〈◊〉 this exchange Phill. Yes or I will do it without him Cleo. All this shall to the Emperour Asiâ—… but if you can do neither this inestimable jewel you would have me throw away Phill. Will it be thrown away if placed on me Cleo. I might have put my words into a Courtlier phrase I do confess but I can never mould my heart to such a form as shall consent to make my tongue betray it I swear by all that 's good I never can relinquish my interest in Selindra I do prize my weak hopes there above all the wealth and honours you can lay down to purchase it Phill. He has abus'd me all this while to get the secret out which shall now consume him since he will not consent his base treachery shall be my first step to climb unto Selindra Phillocles stands silent musing Cleo. I shall now perswade Lascares to believe that the Prince loves Selindra while he is musing I 'le steal off lest a tempest Aside do fall on me Cleonel is going out Phill. Stay Cleonel I have more to say I have considered my rash suit and cannot with Justice quarrel with thee for not parting with such a Treasure as Selindra is but I must call thee to account for thy late smiles and false fawning on me â—…nd for thy base treacherous kindness by which thou hast betray'd me to reveal a secret too great â—…o trust thee with Thus I lay by my greatness and as a private injured man I draw my sword to kill thee Cleo. But I must not lift up mine against my Prince I have been ever taught to draw my sword in your defence and shall be as glad to serve you with it as I should be proud to use it in this cause against any other man I dare scarce shew it you Sir He draws Phill. I have now made my self thy equal by my rivalship in love either defend thy self or by heaven I 'le kill thee They fight Phillocles hurts anâ—… disarms Cleonel as the Emperour comes in Phillocles throâ—… Cleonel his sword and goes out Enter the Emperour Cecropius and Attendants Lasc What insolence is this so near us Cleoâ—… this posture does not become you in this place Cleo. You will pardon it Sir when you shâ—… know I only drew to save my life not to offend tâ—… Prince who swelling with rage came like a ruiâ—… on me because I would not quit my Interest Selindra unto him to be his wife Sir Las. Is this true Cleonel Cleo. You 'l find it true Sir I could have hâ—… Astella and her Crown for my consent 't is soâ—… sure to deny
After this sad accident Phillocles was inform'd that Astella was convey'd away before the War on purpose to abuse him but where conceal'd none knew but those who were with Lascares drown'd Las But how has Phillocles despos'd the Affairs of Hungary Arman The Hungarians much amaz'd at Astellas absence did urge Phillocles to accept the Crown as by the hand of heaven thrown on him but he without delay delivered up the sole power and trust unto Orsanes and five more untill Astella might be found and then by the consent of all he did Command Antillacus in his return with the Army to take possession of Moldavia which by a double right is now again rejoyn'd unto your Empire Sir Enter Prince Phillocles and Lords in mourning with Servants he kneeles and Rises Las. Phillocles the gods are just they have blest thy undertakings which thou shouldst not grieve but thank them for they have saved me a labour too in punishing those ingratefull perjur'd Princes Phil. Had not Pollinesso fallen I had not cast away a sigh for all the rest for him my whole Life spent in sorrow is not enough He was as Noble as the others were unworthy he and I contracted such a Frindship you would have thought but one heart had given Life to both Las. Thou hast done ill Phillocles so rashly to despose so great Affairs without my Councel I hear you have given away a Kingdom in a Complement Phil. Sir what I have done will not abate my interest there I have also made a promise to search for Astella in our Neighbour Islands where t is most like she is concealed Las. That will be near as great a folly as the other to what purpose will you run such a hazzard rather meet our Army and return with it to Belgrade there let Astella find you securing her interest in her absence Phil. I cannot with my Honour do it Sir Astella may then believe I sought the Ruine of her Family to gain the Crown unto my self Las. What if she do you may at leisure inform her of the Truth I do Command you to lay by your further thought of this fond Journey to search for Astella is this a time to Act Romances in when the whole World is in Combustion round us think better on it Phillocles Or. I hope my Brother will not throw himself on dangers without a good Argument to justifie his Actions this new Journey gives me new fears for you Phil. I shall consider ere I go Ordella and at your Lodgings this night express my joyes to see you Phillocles Embraces his Sister Ordella and leads her out after Lascares Exeunt Omnes Onely Selindra stayes and sits â—…n a Chair Sel. Oh! Oh! Cleonel Returns Cle. Selindra weeping has the sad tale of Hungary drawn these tears from your faire eyes Madam Sel. Good my Lord spare me a while I am not fit for Courtship now Cle. I cannot with Honour leave you in the power of such an Enemy as your sorrow is Sel. You cannot deliver me from a greater then your self at this time Cle. That is not kindly said Selindra scarce Civil if you consider my long Love and my Respects Sel. My Lord you know I ever shun'd your Love and as much as in me lay avoided those Respects you now upbraid me with Cle. I do confess you have t is therefore I now come to presâ—… you to declare if I may ever hope to gain more favour from you my Sute is present Marriage may I hope for such happiness at last Sel. As I never have so I shall never give you cause to think it Cle So Fair so Innocent so Gentle and so Severe I never saw before But I shall hope to find you in a better humour at some other time Selindra your Father interrupts me now Exit Cleonel Enter Periander to Selindra Sel. Unhappy day that I was born and more unhappy this that I have liv'd to hear such mischief on Oh Periander my Father and my Brothers are all Dead Murther'd by Phillocles Betray'd and Slain by Pollinesso's dead my onely comfort is for ever gone and yet I live to tell it She Weepes Peri. Madam the Crown of Hungary is now yours and Phillocles but the â—…nstrument sent by the gods to punish your parents crimes their perjury pull'd this Judgment on their own heads Sel. It does not become you my Lord to tell me so nor yet to think it if you consider Lascare's covetous nature and Phillocles ambitious spirit you might with me see all this was design'd to ruine my Family and so to get the Crown unto themselves but I shall soon revenge it on dissembling Phillocles and bring such a Ruine into Greece as no time shall parrallel here to Pollinesso's Ghost She Kneeles I vow Phillocles his Life if ever I can safely reach it Peri Madam take heed least you like them do pull a second mischief on your self Phillocles you see is Noble he leaves the Crown to you when offer'd him by all your Subjects he Lov'd Pollinesso you have no Argument against Phillocles he Laments him as much as you can Sel. I Periander and in sorrow seeks me too no doubt but he would gladly have me in his power to murther Peri. I cannot think so but Madam you should now consider where you are and in whose powâ—…r in my opinion you must keep this disguise with all the Art you can and lay by your sorrow for a while not practice any thing towards revenge nor by a look discover such a thought unâ—…il I can go to Belgrade there make Orsanes and the rest know that you live that we may finde some way to fetch you home with safty where you may with security prosecute your revenge Sel. I shall take your advise my Lord now that you comply in my revenge and study to disguise my grief till your return but can admit no thoughts but my revenge on Phillocles Pollinesso my dear Brother I will Celebrate thy Funerals in such a manner as shall speak my Love to thee and hate to him that murther'd thee No Roman Pile e're made so great a flame I 'le Sacrifice this Empire to thy Name Weepes Per. Madam this passion will discover and destroy you in spight of my Endeavours Sel. I have now done my Lord indeed I have Peri. I can have no Faith Madam unless you will now promise in presence of our gods to hide this anger and not to discover your self till my return unless some Eminent necessity require for you will be lost when known unto Lascares Sel. I do ingage as you desire and shall Enter Ordella to them with Ladies Or. In tears Selindra what cause hast thou to weep Per. My present departure for Ciprus makes her thus Childish Or. Will your stay there belong my Lord Per. Not many dayes Madam Or. Come Selindra thou shalt go with me I 'le divert thy tears by shewing thee my griefes which thou wilt be Concern'd for if thou dost love me
Exeunt Omnes Re-enter Ordella and Selindra in Ordella's Chamber Sel. Truly Madam I am very sensible of your Grief and do not approve of the Prince his journey to search for Astella Or. You must not only not approve it Selindra but with me condemn it as a rash and hazzardous undertaking besides the folly of seeking one he never saw one that he hath no ingagement to What madness will it be for Phillocles to put himself within her power before he knows how she recants her Friends deaths for if there were such affection between Astella and Pollinesso as is said the sight of Phillocles must needs raise a passion in her such as may destroy my Brother before Selindra Weepes his innocence can appear How 's this can these tears fall for her Fathers absence a few dayes or is it for what I utter I hope she Ordella speaks aside is not so much concern'd for Phillocles Selindra I do take it ill that you thus lament your Fathers absence who runs no hazzard above my sorrow for my Brothers dangerous Journey in search of Astella Sel Madam my tears were re-call'd by your Highness sighes by your trouble for the Prince his Journey your favours have been such to me that I were unworthy if I should not weep as well as smile with you Or. T is handsomly put off I thank thee Ordella aside Selindra and doe so little doubt thy Love that I do begg thy best Arguments to assist me that we together may convince my Brother and prevail with him to stay Sel. Madam I shall obey your commands and observe your directions as farr as will become me But I doe fear the Prince will condemn me of much rudenesse If I shall interpose my vain opinions against his purposes good Madam doe not put me to doe what hereafter you will blame me for Or. Fear it not Selindra I love thee better then to throw away thy credit so see where my brother comes Enter Phillocles Ordella meets him kindly yet sadly too Sel I have a hard taske on me Selindra Aside to complement the man I hate to death Phil. Why so sad my Deer Sister your looks speak a sorrow through your smiles Or. Can you aske and know your self to be the cause of it can Phillocles be in danger and Ordella not be sad can you think smiles would become my face when my heart shrinks to think of your rash journey to seek Astella you know not where I can no more put off my fears then my affection for you Phil. Dearest Ordella let not a mistaken cause of fear for me beget such a trouble in you there is no danger in my purpos'd Journey I shall onely search the Grecian Isles where none dares doe me harme you know I am engag'd in honour to perform what I have so publiquely declar'd and I am sure you love my Honour equall with my Person Or I do so and could I see the necessity you urge to search for Astella my passion should submit to your reason and that I may not flatter my own affection I shall now submit unto Selindra's opinion who has no reason to be partial to either of our arguments I prethee good Selindra speak freely what thou thinks't of my brothers Journey Sel. Truly Sir if I may judg the Princesse tells you what you should better consider of then I think you yet have not that I doe apprehend any dangerous hazzards in the Journey as she does nor can I finde any arguments fit to perswade you from attempting dangers when your Honour calls you to them give me leave Sir only to aske how your Honour is concerned to make this search why do you entend so great a trouble to your self from whence is this value of Astella who you never saw why does your Highness seek a Woman that has never oblidged you nor you her but by the ruine of her Family insenc'd her Phil. T is true that I have never seen nor obblidg'd Astella in perticular but I have by many hazards of my Life endeavour'd both the Fame of her Excelling Beauty and greater Vertue begot in me a desire to serve her and her whole Family which I did faithfully in freeing Hungarie from the Germain Yoak 't was an unhappy Fate befel her Parents by themselves pull'd on them not by me intended in which sad losse I beare so great a share that I have no peace within untill I have made my Innocence unto Astellas self appear that she may see that I had no design to hurt the Princes persons nor to Conquer Hungarie Sel. What you have bravely done in that War deserves a Trophie and from Astella no less value when she shall be well enformed of all that past there till then Sir the Princess thinks it not fit for you to Visit Astella for we often see Great Princes Vertues does not answer the Report Fame gives them Or. Most true Selindra my heart presages a Ruine if you goe could I lay by my affection to you and put on Astellas cause I would undertake to confute those Arguments you so much trust in Methinks I see you kneeling and the inraged Astella deafe to all you say swelling with anger for brave Pollinesso's loss and ready to facrifice you come Selindra if ever I have deserved Ordella weeps Love from thee shew it now by assisting me my own way by thy best Language doe thou stand forth and as Astella receives my over-confident She pulls Selindra to Act Astella She stands before the Chaire of State Brother spare him not Selindra but suppose you had a Brother as dear to you as Pollinesso was to her and that beloved Brother by Phillocles his rash attempt sent to his untimely grave let loose some tears to accompany those I have shed and for my sake put on a look so mixt with Majesty Grief and Anger as may present her Part thou play'st I that look will do it Sel. Madam You see my ready Obedience to your Commands but will the Prince permit such boldness Phil. Yes Selindra since nothing else will satisfie my Sister I am content for once to bear a part in this Childs play on condition Ordella that you put off your sadnesse if I prevaile Or. I shall so you will stay at home if she doe get the better of you Phil. Content can Selindra frown in jest He turns to Selindra and sees her looks angry methinks she looks as if she would doe it to the life Ordella Sel. Yes Phillocles I can frown when I have just cause and will make thee repent this rash attempt to visit me thou hast beyond my hope put thy self into my power to punish Phil. How that angry Cloud spreads Can those bright Lights suffer an Eclips and not portend some fatall Ruine what if they doe shall I shake at Thunder that cannot reach me be concern'd for an unjust anger no not though the gods did threat But Astella will not nourish a thought mis-be-coming her
Ladies Attending the Queen Servants to Ormasdes Doctors Guards Nearcus his servants Embassadour From Valeriana King of Treconia Mariana His sister Cleon Embassadour servants Erillos Ladies to Mariana Other servants to the Embassadour Pages Surgeons ORMASDES THE FIRST ACT. THE SCENE In the Island of Citherea Enter Menetius and Nearcus A Messenger meets them MESSENGER MY Lords the Queen sends me to let you know That she is safe and her whole Fleet secure Mene. The Queens safety is welcome News to all Though from the Castle top we saw the fight None could so clearly the success discern As to rejoyce for her security Till you are arriv'd Ne. T was bold bravely done with less numbers To Assault so great a Fleet so near home I wonder how they got Intelligence So just to know the Queens return from Greece Mess. To Assault us was far from their design They fell by chance amongst our Ships i th' night As they were passing by found us secure And unprepar'd for such an accident So we together sail'd till Day appear'd Then our great Admirall and his brave Son With their two Squadrons did begin the Fight The Queens Ship was attacqued on every side In which Ormasdes by the Gods was plac'd That by his hand Cleandra might be freed As by a Miracle her dangers such And his Achievements so beyond them all That my Relation ' would Romance appear To tell you how he acted every where Men. I hope this accident will now perswade The Queen that she no more such journies make Great Princes to such visits and not bound Where Complements do so great danger bring Near. Though Cleandras visit may not admit Of a State Argument to justifie A danger She had reason to return Some high respect unto the Grecian Court Where she so long in so great splendor liv'd Before she had this Citherean Crown Nor was it now amiss to shew the Power And Glory of so great a Fleet as Greece Ne're saw before by which our renew'd League Will be more valu'd and our Nation fear'd Mene. I have no Argument for a dispute This visit past she needs no other make But Sir how comes Ormasdes here again What great Affair occasions his return Near. How can the Grecian Empire so long spare So great a Captain and so much belov'd Messen. That happy Emperour who has no War Did give Ormasdes liberty once more To grant Cleandras sute for his return That he may now confirm what he has won Least his late Trophies in the Zelnian War Be tumbled down for we may doubt those Kings Who border Zelnia will not long indure Such loss as will Cleandras Crown secure Though her great Ancestor that Kingdom won And left it to his most unhappy Son Who all those Princes Tributaries made That in Affection call'd him to their Aide Mene. Heark Nearcus heark how the People shout As if the Queen were now come near the shore Pray Sr. cōmand the Guards advance with speed Unto the Port Nearcus I do fear The Queen may land while we are trifling here Exit Enter Cleandra Queen of Citherea Ormasdes a Prince of Greece Her General with his Arme in a Scarfe Old Titus Admiral Young Titus Lords Ladies and Train Admi. The Gods have given you a full Victory And all your Fleet will be in Port by Noon Queen I have thank'd the Gods Titus and do fee Yours and your Sons mirits in this great work But have not words that can express my thanks To brave Ormasdes for preserving me Had you seen my danger when the bold Turks With assured Victory my Labin forc't And how by his hand from that Ruine freed You would with me admire if not adore The force which Rescued with so great a Power My fear my wonder and my joy so mixt I had no time for any thought betwixt My danger and my safe deliverance Which did the Price of that great work inhance The bloody Trophies of Ormasdes sword Surpas'd what Mars to Hector did afford Ormasdes faints and leans on Young Titus weak Adm. He faints this remove to Land makes him How do you Sir Ormas My soul Titus shrunk away much asham'd To hear my service by Cleandra fam'd To much for any modest man to own That my weak Arm should rescue her alone Quee. I am amaz'd thus suddainly to find The Gods so cruel who have been so kind Thus to Eclips the joyes they freely gave Shews they repent the mercy which did save Ormasdes death will now so dismall be I cannot sacrifice for Victory Unless the Fates this mischief do divert It will our Triumphs into Tears convert Y. Tit. His wounds shew not the danger you con Madam you Prophesie so great an ill ceive The Fates themselves will tremble to fulfill Ormas I am well Madam only blush to hear That my slight wounds should be so much your If great leandra do mean Acts admire care Brave men will not to high Attemps aspire Enter to them Nearcus Cleobulus and Cithareans they Kiss Cleandras hand a noyse of joy within from the People Cleo. Madam the Publick joy for your return Does shew how much we did your absence mourn Qu. My Peoples joy brings me great happiness And your love my Lords my true value has But still I must your gratitudes direct Unto Ormasdes by whose powerfull hand Cleandra was preserv'd and now restor'd don Ormas Madam you reward my small endeavors With praise above the merrit of a man Queen I can afford Ormasdes as much Worth And Honour as the Antient Heroes had So he will me such gratitude allow As s◅tes with my great benefits receiv'd What Fleet Nearcus lies within our Port Near. 'T is from Treconia Madam here 's Arriv'd A brave Embassadour from that great King Who here has long expected your return His Equipage is Rich and with him shines A Lady he calls Sister hither come To wonder at the Glories of your Court While we do all admire their Princely Port Qu. He shall have present Audience to excuse His ◅ong attendance give him a respect Beyond the reach or thought of a neglect Do you Nearcus bring him to us now Exit Nearcus Cleobulus what news from Zelnia Cl. The frontiers have been frequently attaqu'd Since you went hence but no great damage done Ormas I beg the Honour Madam to chastise those haughty Rebells for their Insolence Q. The whole world knows Ormasdes can cōmand The fortune of a war why then should you As if your Name were yet obscure desire New dangers But you covet a Renown Beyond the value of the Zelnian Crown Else you 'd secure my People from their fear By your consent to be my Vice-Roy there Or. Such proffer'd gifts from Princes are not us'd To be molested and much less refus'd Ormas But I must not your Majesty permit To load me with an honour so unfit As will Eclips the merrit you allow When gifts shine brighter then my Actions do Qu. Is there no
possess but forward look And only find some pleasure in the way Towards the end we aime at which obtain'd Brings not those real joyes we did expect Only affords some relish which invites Our idle fancies to seek new delights How unhappy then is our best happiness When no fruitions can our fond hearts bless Still subject to unsatisfied desires That from quench'd Ashes does beget new Fires Thus all our Appetites do make us slaves And from our cradles lead us to our graves Young Titus Has the Gods only given us active souls And no objects fit for them to fix on Orma To think on those Gods will afford our hearts A full variety of lasting joyes VVith which our earthly fancies cannot mix VVhen on Coelestial happiness we fix Titus I shall e're long this argument revive And shew how you are buried alive Where is that valor and that virtue gon Whither that courage fled I doated on Though you can passion and desire sustain You must not quit the Court as if disdain Of all the glories that a Court can give Could not perswade you there again to live I must now leave you to attend the Queen Exit Titus Ormas A clearer virtue I have never seen Exit omnes severally Enter the Queen Embassador Mariana Old Titus and Train Embassador Madam shall I return without a hope No gratious answer to my Masters sute Queen My Lord I fully have declar'd that way Embassador Never to marry Madam Queen T is my opinion now Embassador Will you permit my Master to appear Whose person may bring Arguments to prove It necessary to allow his Love Queen By no means my Lord I shall not admit His visit if he come on that affair But must against his coming now declare Embass. How can you Madam thus declare against A person and a passion you see not Or prejudge what you will think hereafter His presence may change this severity Queen I have consider'd all that can be said Urge it no more The Embassador stands concern'd Exit Queen and Train Ma. Brother Sir what do you ail what strange looks Do you put on you will be discovered Emba I Mariana t is now my business To try if this Scene changing may not change Cleandras stubborn heart when she shall see This borrow'd habit thrown away if then She scorn my Love I will break off the League And in my own Right will a VVar declare For her so lately conquer'd Zelnian Crown And there will try if her conceal'd Gallant The great Ormasdes may once more be drawn From Sanctuary to defend her Right From my just rage I will now visit him Mari. This humour is not fit for complement Emb. Fear not Mariana I 'le not wrangle now My business is to bribe that mighty man And make him plead my cause to the fair Queen But if I find him rotten at the heart I shall unmask him spite of all his Art Mari. That is what I fear Exeunt THE SECOND ACT. Enter the Embassadour with Ormasdes who holds a Book in his hand they sit on Chairs by a Table ORMASDES YOur Lordship by this visit honours me Emb My visit brings you business of the State You must not take it for a Complement Ormas What is your business then Emb. I have observed Ormasdes the Queens sence Is yours in her Affairs of Consequence She moves by you this brings me to consult My Masters Marriage for a full result For I conceive Valerianus Name Of so great Credit and so high a Fame That our two Nations by our Princes joyn'd Though our surrounding neighbors were cōbind Our Territories would be safe and we Should thank the Gods for such Tranquilitie But when a Lady Rules they may presume And their Rebellious Principles assume If great Ormasdes shall be call'd away And fair Cleandra left alone to sway Ormasdes I know Sir that Cleandra does esteem The stout Treconians friendship as she ought And I know she honours your brave young King Whose martial acts have gain'd him through the A character so noble and so great world That she with joy this proffer'd League does treat Onely dislikes the Marriage you propose On good State Arguments as I suppose In judgement and affection to her Son She will not raise a Rival to his Crown And for her angry Neighbours she believes The late Zelnian war has such wisdome taught They will not suddainly unurg'd provoke A Queen so powerfull and so fortunate Embassador Suppose Valerianus take offence And look on this neglect as an affront Because he only did propose this League To introduce his sute which he conceives VVill both our Nations equally advance But if laid by with scorn suppose he then Do joyn with your old Enemies and claim His Fathers Title to the Zelnian Crown VVhat may the hazzards and the issue be If a new war dispute your Victory Ormasdes I will not Prophecy the sad event That so unjust a war may justly bring Upon so Gallant and so wise a King Embass. Suppose then that I have his Commission To ◅ay by the Treaty of this new League Untill the Marriage be agreed unto And if deni'd I must Proclaim his Right To Zelnia and your late Conquest bring To a new question with a Powerfull King Ormas If Valerianus be so fixt we must No h◅zzards fear in wars that are so just Embass. Your great success have high thoughts begot Above your Conquest which I value not But wish such evils as we now foresee May be avoided by our industry For 't will become your Wisdom and your Trust T' advise Cleandra to this happy Match Wherein if you prevail I have full power Now to confer on you the first and best Of our Treconian Principalities Ormas You do me wrong and are in this unjust To think that I will break Cleandras trust Which I do value 'bove your Masters Crown And therefore boldly will advise the Queen Not to admit his sute on Arguments Which must an evil consequence produce To her Sons Right if she Comply And by it lessen her own Dignity Embass. If my imployment anger did allow And my own Honour would permit to strike A-Book-man this rude language I 'de correct Orm. If the Queens honour were not more concern'd In a respect to your imployment due You soon should find how little I do value you The Book-man would not from your Master take This Insolence but for Cleandras sake I do forbear pray visit me no more Embassador Fear it not when Valerianus knows How little worth Cleandras honour is He will this League and her Alliance scorn Who puts Ormasdes into this Disguise To hide her Lover from her Peoples Eyes Ormasdes This is beyond sufferance Ormasdes Grapples with the Embassador Enter The Queen Young Titus and Train who part them Queen Hold Ormasdes I heard his Insolence Sir you have leave to go aboard your Fleet Where you only can be safe begon then Without reply be gone for if 't be
I do command you to suppress this thing I am asham'd a Cithereans heart Should entertain a thought of such a crime We bring our own Worth in question then When we asperse the Worth of other men Cle. They were but thoughts as rashly then tain up As now thrown out with no design to wrong The Innocent I wish her virtue may Our thoughts convince and she be justified Queen Keep firm there my Lord for all those who live Near Princes Eares should weigh how they let fall A word that may a Womans Honour blast If I were apt to credit your report And on your groundless jealousie affront Such virtue what a sin were it in you To make me guilty of so great a Crime Cleobulus I am sorry for my rash opinion Since it offends your Majesty so much Queen It is the baine of Courts when we permit Those near us to asperse the Innocent If our strict Laws for petty theft gives Death How much a greater punishment is due For Robbing a good name a sin so vil'd And so unknown no punishment was made By way of Prophesie for crimes to come If I did think this malice from your heart I would for ever banish you my Court. Cleobulus Your Majesty does raise your anger now Above my guilt which had no mischief in 't Queen I am no farther angry with you now But take occasion to declare my sence Against all such as defame Innocence 'T is a Prince his chief business to be Just The Gods impose on us no higher Trust We have no petty faults to answer for Universal Justice is our great work And those who shall divert it to destroy The Fame or Fortune of an Enemy Deserves to be thrown off with Infamy Exit Queen and Ladies Remains the Admiral and Cleobulus Admiral I have not seen the Queen in such a heat You have offended her some other way Cleobulus Not that I know of in this kind ever Admi. What Devil made you talk thus to her now You knowing that she is so good herself She makes a doubt that any of her Sex Can do amiss and t is great Nobleness Cleo. There is a kind of piâ—…e Devil dwells In many Courts that haunts our idle heads And prompts us when we know not what to say To Entertain great Princes with reports Of others so to please and pass the time This foolish spirit I think entred me Admiral You gave Cleandra cause for your reproof For how can Princes judge Malice for Mirth When cunningly thrown out with specious shews Of probabilities when those aspers'd Are never call'd to ansâ—… for themselves The Queen did Excellently well to chide You whom she loves that none may ere presume The like hereafter for if Princes be Born Credulous Malitious persons may Defame a Nation if they please this way Cleobulus I know I was to blame but from this day I 'le hold my peace till I know what to say Exeunt Enter Nearcus with Mariana and Servants at his House Mari. well Where are we now my Lord this house stands Nearcus It is my poor habitation Madam Here I must treat you by the Queens command 'T is the mid-way unto Coriola Mariana 'T is a Noble and a most pleasant Seat Has it no Mistris Sir Are you fingle Nearcus I am only that way happy Madam Mariana You have a Mistris then or do you call It happiness that you as yet have none Nearcus Will you please Madam to view the garden The rest of the Train stay looking on the Pictures and see them not go out Exit Nearcus with Mariana 1. Lady That piece methinks does look as if it liv'd 2. Lady I do prefer that smiling Figure first Whose hand is it my Lord Lord. I have not skill enough to know the hands Though I love Pictures pray observe the next Is â—…ot this sleeping â—…us rarely done See how that Cupid 〈◊〉 the Tree stands off 2. Lady T is rare indeed that Satyr and the rest Of the whole piece is excellently good 1. Lady Let us look into the next room my Lord Lord. This way they went this way must return They go out and return hastily Lord. The doors are lock'd and we can pass no way 1. Lady Is this by accident or on command Lord. Let us attend a while and we shall see From the next Chamber window where they be Exeunt Enter Nearcus with Mariana in the Garden Mariana I have no Argument for further talk And now am weary grown with this long walk Where is the beauty you so much admire Your praises have in me rais'd some desire To see this wonder of our Sex that I May judge your skill and with your choice coÌ„ply Nearcus locks the door and kneeles Nearcus She is here already oh she is here A brighter beauty never can appear Mari. Why d' ye lock the door my Lord why kneele To me you make my heart some tremblings feele By this surprise and I do doubtfull stand What of kind Treachery you have in hand It looks yet like a Lioâ—…ness betray'd Into the Toyles I scorn to be afraid Nearcus I have no Argument for either now But a distracted heart that knows not how T' excuse what I have done t is love has brought Me to this Precipis and too late taught That I from hence shall head-long tumble down If you disdain to save oh do not frown Offers his Sword Rather take this and while you may prevent Your own near ruine and my rash intent That angry look and those enraged Eyes Pierce like quick Lightning from the stormy skies They melt my heart make me â—…mbling stand To beg what Love and Nature may Command Mariana Love do the Cithereans by such Arts Such force and treachery win Ladies hearts Fie â—…e Nearcus this does not agree With Love nor with Cleandras trust to thee I shame to find such ills and blush to chide Repent and I thy Infamy will hide Oh! t is the basest of all crimes to be Justly condemn'd for infidelity And with a treachery my trust beguile Beyond the story of the Crocadile Ne. What dares not love attempt when it goes high Like mine your ships are ready oh to nigh The wind is fair and I no time but this To woe no other means to reach my bliss The Queens command and my desires here meet To throw my life and fortune at your feet That by this desperate course you now may see Your love or scorn I make my destenie Mari Nearcus how would you prevail my dreams Instruct me not to answer such extreams Nearcus I would have you Mistris of me and mine Before we part made so by vowes Divine Mariana T is a short warning to a work so great Is this Cleandras Love and this your Treat To strangers do you think my lips my heart Does hold so loose as at first sight to part With it to you what do you find in me So slight that looks like so much
leave To bring you to her sight again with hopes She may her inclinations change when known Your fury did proceed from Love alone King My Love is vanish'd and my heart too full Of my revenge to think of my return Till I can pull Cleandra from her Throne I hope Ormasdes will take care of you Who plead his cause and are to love so true Men. Sir though your wounds be slight if you remove So soon we cannot answer for your life King I 'le rather dye at Sea then live on shore Make hast good Cleon lead me to my Boat Cleon. Will you leave the Princess in a strange land Thus unkindly cast her off for ever Because her Love did argue for your good King And thee that dares so boldly her excuse Who does my honour and her own abuse The Princess sound Cleon. Look Sir she dyes your unkindness kills her King She cannot do her self and me more right Then to dye now but she cannot depart While great Ormasdes Triumphs in her heart She Recovers See how his Name her fainting soul Revives Lead on or I shall laugh to see her dye That can raise Trophies for my infamy Exit King and Train Valeriana What cruelty is this to leave me here Who love him better then he loves himself You 'l be all ruin'd if you stay with me Cleon. What we have said has ruin'd us enough If his unruly rage can reach so far Mene. I think 't were best that you return to Court And do Cleandras proffer'd friendship try I have all your Brothers Jewells here Which will defray your charges while you stay Valeriana T is a plentifull provision for us But where is young Nearcus all this while Cleon. He has not yet appear'd since we Arriv'd Enter to them Ormasdes young Titus Nearcus and Servants Ormasdes stands off Nearcus Madam can you forgive what I have done And own the Author of so great a crime Who saw not then a Princess in disguise But was captiv'd by Marianas eyes Valeriana My Lord I do forgive and shall forget So you repent and I will serve you to With all my power and interest in the Queen Nearcus If that be all would I had guilty been Of greater crimes then my good natur'd sin Young Titus Madam we hear your Brother is unkind But by Cleandras favours you may find Some means to reconcile you unto him Valeriana I am most happy in Cleandras love Yo. Tit. Will you permit Ormasdes in your Boat Or shall he seek some other passage home Maria. I could have wish'd Ormasdes less concern'd Or that his courage had not been so great But cannot quarrel him on this account He was oblig'd to right Cleandras wrongs And must in Justice be applauded for 't Ormas Madam I thank the Gods for my success And now with the same breath can humbly beg That you 'l forgive what they so late approv'd Valeriana Sir it will not become me his Sister Now to congratulate your Victory Who have just cause to mourn my Brothers Fate From whence my own misfortunes have their date Ormas Madam shall we attend you to your Boat Valeri Let Titus order all as he thinks fit I am ready now for my remove Exeunt Titus leads off Valeriana the rest follow Enter Cleobulus and Chyron Chy. The Queen is troubled and her Guards are sent With speed Ormasdes Quarrel to prevent Cleob. She must secure th' Embassadors return Lest all our Neighbour-Nations do complain And say we give occasion for a War Which the Treconians claim cannot pretend Nor the rejected Marriage Justifie Chyron Valerianus has an antient claim To Zelnia which may beget a War If the Treconians do a quarrel seek There wants no Title to a Prince provok'd Cleob Ormasdes will rejoyce to see that day Chy He is our Nations Darling and deserves Cleandras favour but methinks he 〈◊〉 As if his heart were higher then his head Cleo I have been lately chid for juggling looks And dare not say what I believe I see Enter to them Cleandra Old Titus and Ladies Queen You tell such wonders from Coriola That I want faith for it how comes this Newes Admiral Madam a Messenger but now Arriv'd Saw the Combate done and heard Nearcus say They would attend Valeriana back Unto your Majesty whereas the wonder Princes have been in forreign Courts disguis'd Que. But have you ever such strange humors found A Prince where Vice and Virtue is so mixt Admi. No I have not nor such a president As now Ormasdes gives us to correct Such impudence as near before was known Queen If I were not concern'd I should approve What he has done though now I must not own Admi. For publique thanks on his behalf I move Why should we thus our honest thoughts disguise When Virtuous Actions Virtue Justifies Queen Had not Ormasdes stird by Armes I might Compell his Master to have done me right Admi. By war thousands of guiltless persons might Have suffer'd for one mans over-sight Queen You have reason Titus and I shall Judge Ormasdes Act as he deserves from me Who with my Nation am so much oblig'd I must approve whatever he will own Let the young Princess lodgings be prepar'd Fit for my Friend and Sister to a King Enter to them Valeriana Young Titus Nearcus and Servants Queen You are welcome Madam and I am glad To have you on these terms do not weep To part with what your virtue could not keep Valerian I am happy by my unhappiness For by your favour Madam I may find Some remedy for my afflicted mind Queen Be sure what Citherea can afford Is yours and all Cleandra does command With me rejoyce to see you safe return'd But where is Ormasdes I must chide him Nearc He is retir'd Madam to avoid your sight Titus Ormasdes thinks it duty and respect Not to appear at Court till you direct Queen Pray fetch him hither now I hope you can Exit Titus With me forgive so Excellent a man Whose passion never does his reason sway But follows on when virtue leads the way Valeriana I have no anger to Ormasdes since Young Titus did my Brothers crime relate I hope this letting blood will do him good When this affront at home is understood Queen Your Justice and your Charity is great And I do see no reason but you may Admit Ormasdes in my company I am inform'd he has a slght hurt to Valeriana My furious Brother will be glad indeed That brave Ormasdes by his hand does bleed This accident if you 'l be pleas'd to call My Brother back may reconcile us all Queen I never shall consent to his desires Though I my anger and revenge remove In complement to you whom I do love Enter to them Ormasdes and Young Titus Ormas Madam if doing Justice have displeas'd I do repent and now your pardon beg Queen Since his great insolence and your revenge No Age can parallel both must submit To such a censure as the
World thinks fit Ormas Your pardon Madam is not all my sute I beg your interest to obtain like grace From this sad Lady my whole Soul is vext To see such innocence so much perplext Queen I can now secure you there Ormasdes She does discreetly Judge what you have done Was what a man of honour could not shun Is not this truth Valeriana speak Valeriana stands surpris'd Valeri Yes Madam I do think I did say so She sighs and weeps Q What suddain change is this can your soft heart Conceal a thought of ill towards the man You have excus'd and seem'd to smile upon Nearcus She does love Ormasdes and I am lost Aside Valeriana weeps Qu. Pray leave us all with-draw to the next room Exeunt What have I said that can disturb you thus Impart your griefs and I will share in them Valeriana I dare not shew 'um with an open face Queen And why you cannot have a guilt so great That I cannot forgive speak it freely Vale. Has not my face my guilty heart betray'd Queen I understand you not Vale. I am safe then and may my sorrow hide Aside Queen Madam what means this talking to your self While I stand by neglected is your trust So great that you can doubt I will be just Vale. I doubt my self great Queen and fears not you Aside She 's jealous of me and my thoughts too true She loves Ormasdes and most unhappy I Am forc'd to smile on my own Tragedy I know no way to hide my broken heart Unless I do immediately depart Madam I beg your Pardon and your Pass I must begon least I too late alass By my distempers here deserve your blame And raise my memory eternal shame Queen You are not well sure this distracted talk Requires Physitians to consult I 'le send Vale. Oh no! there needs no more consult for this You only can restore me unto bliss Queen And can you doubt that I will not Vale. I fear so Queen What I can do be you assur'd I will Vale. What I desire may be more priz'd by you Then is the Citherean Diadem Will you know now and if not grant forgive For I am desperate on the suddain grown And am resolv'd to make my weakness known Queen Speak it aloud or in my bosome breath Imbraces her The troubles of thy soul let not a thought Be hid but freely shew how much you trust My love and you shall find me kind and just Vale Do not you Madam value Ormasdes Person and his service above all mens Queen Yes I do Valeri You are Just and Worthy and I am Valeriana faints Queen Help help some help there Enter Ormasdes Titus Nearcus and Ladies who take up Valeriana Nearcus T is love upon my life Aside Queen Leave us again the dangers over now Ormas I beg your permission to retyre Queen My best wishes still attend Ormasdes Exit Ormasdes with the rest Valeria What can I say t' excuse what I have done Qu. Speak plainly your full thoughts I 'm your friend But if you longer dally with my love You will my friendship unto anger move Valeri I know you have discover'd by my words That your Esteem of him you boldly own Becomes the ground of my distraction Que. You love him then that look declares it now And so do I or I would ne're consent To give him unto you if this cure grow Within my reach Ormasdes shall be yours Valeri Is not your Majesty ingag'd to him Queen Indeed I am not so in love with him But I can second your desires and will With all my power endeavor to perswade Ormasdes that he meet with open armes So great a blessing by the Gods defign'd Though I must part with what I value most Your passion never shall by me be crost Valeri Madam your kindness to me flows so fast That I am now in danger to be lost By my abundant joy for this success You give of unexpected happiness Que. Remove these sullen clouds from thy fair Eyes And be thy self again for I will shew Ormasdes suddainly how great a bliss The Heav'ns prepare to Crown his Virtue with Valer. The Gods reward you with your highest wish That you may never want what you desire My spirits fail so fast I must retire Exit Her Maids lead her off leaning on them and shewing much weakness Queen Do so what 's this I have so rashly done Thrown off Ormasdes I depend on Must I perswade him quit that Interest here Which for my sake he purchased so deare How ill shall I repay his service past If I advise this banishment at last What a rash promise has my pitty made By thus proposing my improper Ay'd Though by the secret charms of sympathy Her passion won my reason to comply I must on this imployment Titus use My Honour will my active part excuse But if his Arguments should not prevail And by my nicety the business fail If she should perish so and I repent To late that ill which I may yet prevent I must about it then and loose no time Lest my nice complements do prove a crime My faith is past and I will now proceed Though bâ—…e Ormasdes do condemn the Deed Exit with Train Enter Nearcus with Valeriana in her Chamber her Ladies stand off but go not out Nea. Madam my desperate State and high transport You may complain of though not blame me for 't Your eyes like bright misguiding fires betray My wandring soul and make me lose my way T is now too late to see that I am lost â—…ed by those guides to this obdurate coast Where neither Rocks appear nor crossing Tides Yet this expected safety ruine hides But I must claim you by a solemn vow Made in the sight of Heav'n and am come now To prove my Birth which you will not deny Is with your own of equall Quality These are such Arguments for your consent I cannot think you dare your vowes repent Vale. It cannot well be thought and much less said That I repent a promise never made How could such hasty words strict vowes appear Which my surprise then made me speak in fear When you to seize me stretch'd those Lions paws And threatn'd 'gainst all Hospitable Laws Worse then Death to me what might I not do To get from such a Monstrous Beast as you Near. Did my humility such danger threat Or my submission with such horror treat Were it even so as you your self have said I might my own conditions then have made Vale. Did you not all my Servants first exclude And me into a loneness so delude As that no rescue could be had to free Me from your Trayterous Captivity When you with humble looks strong fetters laid And words let fall which made my soul afraid And caus'd me use some little Art to gain Your trust that I my freedom might obtain Near. T is true indeed and you reproach me well Or else you might another story tell For I
To me who merrit nothing but neglect Your favours flow so fast they over-whelm My heart with joys and raise my soul so high It turns amazement into extacy Vale. I should not talk thus if I did not see 't T is harder for you now to hide then shew 't I do not fear your passion will go less But doubt by death to lose what I possess Ormas You cannot dye Madam I have no fear To find so great a curse from Heav'n sent I onely doubt I sleep and fear to wake Least this abundant bliss should vanquish quite And so involve me in Eternal Night May I'presume to beg a favour yet Which will my fancy fix and so confirm My doubtfull soul t is real and no dream Vale. You may Ormas I beg that Ring you wear but if of price Too great for me pardon my Avarice Vale. T is a trifle ask something of more worth Ormas Sure nothing can of greater value be If you repent what you now promis'd me Vale. You ask what is not in my power to give My dying Mother with this Ring bequeath'd Her curse if ever I did part with it But to the man I meant to make my Lord. Ormas T is a charm not to be dissolv'd by me Who dare not touch it on the terms you name I was ambitious to wear it Madam But onely as your servant not your Lord. Vale. It never can be had on easier termes Ormasdes you must have this and me together Alive or dead you must have both or neither Ormas All my Limbs do tremble at what I hear I dare not understand the words you speak Least my mistakes do give you an offence Beyond a pardon for such impudence Vale. You do not mistake me nor can you err If you 'l avow this kindness that you shew Ormas By all our Gods I think my flame is Love I know no other name for what I feel But if you doubt propose a way to try And as it proves declare my destiny Vale. I will consider on some way to try But must submit unto this drowsinesse For a minutes time t will take me from you Pray Sir command the musick now to play He steps to the Door then Musick playes awhile Ormas She has talk'd her self into a Repose Now I will try to get alittle Rest. That my tir'd fancy may at last be fixt Valeriana Counterfeits to sleep Ormasdes lyes on the ground by her Couch and while he sleeps she puts the Ring on his finger then the Musick ends Vale. So when he calls to mind what I have said He can expect no more then I now give Great goddess of pure hearts protect my fame And this rash act forgive which frights me now To such repentance with such suddain pain I am resolv'd to take it off again She offers to take it off and cannot His hand is so fast clos'd I cannot do 't And to wake him in the attempt is worse Such boldness may a double censure get I blush to think how rashly I begun And now repent the folly I have done His hand opens And now t is mine again Oh blest accident She takes off the Ring Musick playes she sleeps in earnest while the Musick is Enter the Queen and Train Queen Wake them not has Ormasdes walk'd to night From that corner hither in his sleep Did any of you hear them talk i th' night Doctor Not I Madam First Lady Nor I. Second Lady I heard none stir Madam Ormasdes wakes and stirs up Ormas The Queen is it so late Queen You have had a hard Lodging my Lord. Ormas I have had the happiest night Madam And am Richer far then both the Indies Ormasdes starts and looks distractedly for something lost Ha! I am undone undone for ever Qu. What look you for my Lord what have you lost Ormas I had it now just now on this finger I look for Treasure Madam worth the World He Searches 'T was no dream it must be here abouts I beg your pardon Madam for this search Which does concern my life and honour too Queen This is the strangest passion I ere saw Has your great loss no name to know it by Ormas Yes I have lost Valerianas Ring Queen You did but dream see t is on her finger Ormas How t is so indeed do I not dream now Or do the Gods us men with shadows mock When we do seek such great felicities As they allow us not to have below What a strange height of bliss am I fall'n from Q Has this one night such mutual friendship gain'd That the prophetick Ring could be obtain'd Ormas I know not what to say nor what to think I know not when I sleep or when I wake Yet must believe that Ring was mine this night And I have lost that Treasure Childishly Some kind friend strike me hard that I may feel I now am waking your pardon Madam For my disaster makes me almost mad Valeriana wakes Queen How have you slept Valeriana Vale Very well Madam for one so weak Ormas Did you not wake about mid-night Madam Vale. Not that I remember Ormas Was ever man so much abus'd in 's sleep Vale. Ormasdes what means your disorder'd looks Queen He finds his waking fancies are much less Delightfull then his sleeping happiness Orm. I dream't Madam that Ring you prize so much Was this night by you put on my finger When a thousand thousand joyes fell on me Which now waking I have no name for Vale. My Ring Ormasdes and on your finger And by me put on t was a dream indeed I hope you do not waking think it fit That I should waking do so bold an act Ormas Madam it does not become me to say I wish what you do not allow nor dare I tell so great a lye as to deny The joy I dream'd of when I thought I saw And did believe I felt it once was mine Vale. T is far from my serious thoughts Ormasdes After such high passion as I have shew'd Now to raise any discontent in you But do not lessen your esteem of me By the acquisition of such favours As you your self in others would condemn Have we not both at first sight done enough To justifie what we professe I fear Too much on my part did not Cleandra Own all that she has done on my behalf Ormas I submit and will wish and think and do What the wise Queen and you advise me to Queen Ormasdes has not lost his time I see Nor my design for your recovery Fall'n short the gods in their good time will bring You to give and him to accept the Ring May your new friendship never know decay But freely both command and both obey I must now leave you for an hour or two Ormasdes leads the Queen to the Door and returns Ormas Madam is this a fit time to enquire Nearcus Story may I now desire You to unriddle the bold claim he makes
Who dyed as I return'd is it death yet Qu No this insolence shall not change your doom Nor your confeâ—…t disguise long known to me Force a punishment beyond the merrit Of that sad mishap which I believe Was fatall accident no purpos'd crime Though my Father look'd on his onely Son By your hand slain with such revenging rage As might his loss become and him ingage To throw out yows that Justice should persue So great a Traytor as he then thought you For your succession after me became His fancies object which encreas'd your blame But I who have exactly been inform'd Of my dead Brothers love and yours now must For that sad accident to you be just Near. I 'le rather quit my innocence then own Your mercy when you Justice do deny Give me the fair Princess or give me death Queen I cannot with Justice give you either How can I a free Princes will compell Or how Ormasdes true pretence deâ—…y Or how afford you death for that offence Which your unluckie hand did act by chance Near. Wou'd I had dyed the day of my return Since great Cleandra dares not do me Right But suffers false Ormasdes to possess What is my due Tall your mercy scorn And will the worst of Tyranny enduâ—…e Queen I have imploy'd you as my Brothers friend Thus long not at his Murtherer conniv'd And untill now by force compell'd my face To frequent smiles in favor of your worth While my heart ak'd to think what you had done But you of late unworthy our great Name Have scandaliz'd the Citherean Fame Boldly to own a Crime so great as may insence The world to question your first innocense Which clearly shews you are for mischief built That dar'd to entertain so base aguilt My mercy may prove sin unless betimes My Justice do prevent your farther crimes Near. Must I be held and baited thus to death Be torn and tortur'd by a womans breath Queen See my Command obey'd Cleobulus I shall take order for an Equipage Fit for your great birth and shall now confine You to an Island near from whence you may Return if you out-live me and mine Remove him hence Ne. Hold a while curse on curse light on you all For this unjustice which you mercy calâ—… Tyrants cruel Tyrants your juggling Art Lay by and strike a Dagger through my heart If Ormasdes any honour have in store He 'l fight another bout upon the Shore As I take ship and if I chance to Dye My soul shall then applaud thy Victory And sing thy praise to the infernal Ghosts That they may chuse thee Captain of their Hosts When thou com'st down Let not a Ladies word Dâ—…stroy by piercing deeper then thy sword Will you not answer cruel and unjust Ye gods why put you Scepters into womens trust Who crushes me to raise a Cowards Name Whom I will in the Elizium fields Defame No honor'd Ghost of Troy shall there own thee The Grecian and the Roman Souls with me Will trample on thy Cowards neck with scorn Poor shadow of a gallant man only born To lye in Ladies laps perfum'd and curl'd I 'le Post thee â—…oward in the other World They force him away on the Queen beck with heâ—… hand Admi. T is strange that none of us should know him Young Titus The general opinion he was drown'd Made us not see through his disguise Admir But his strange passion does amaze me most Ormasdes wedding will his frenzy cure When love does see no possibility Desires and hopes will vanish by degrees You. Titus We see dispairs work often other wayes Queen He has disturb'd me but I 'le forget him Valeriana come let us consult The Ceremony of your Wedding day Ormasdes joys and yours will blow away The farther thought of Leonatus crimes Vale. Our Wedding Madam I see no reason For so great a hast now we are secure Or. Madam since you have rais'd my hopes so high It were a sin to doubt my destiny Yet say when shall my thoughts so fixt remain That I may never think I dream again Vale. Ormasdes not too fast we must proceed With much discretion to so great a deed The eyes of all this Nation do behold Our actions and may think my part too bold If I again shall do what I repent It would deserve a double punishment My over-hasty Love was once my crime I must redeem that fault by taking time To finish what so violent begun Least into greater errours I do run A year or two's delay will add much grace To our young Love which Time cannot deface Orma Why have you led me forth with gentle gales Into this dangerous deep why fill'd my sailes With such propitious winds as would convey Me safe to my wish'd Port the nearest way Why do you now abstruct this happy course As if you wish'd for storms or somthing worse Why thus foâ—… sake the Light to sail i th' dark As if you sought out hazzards for this Bark In which you are the onely fraight that I Can fear to lose by my mortality Oh! do not then my Joyes to time betray Least you do ruine all by your delay Queen How Valeriana must this Scene of Love Fall from its height and now no farther move Does your quick conquest of Ormasdes make Him less worthy when we such pris'ners take As might our selves command if they will serve We cannot give them more then they deserve Consider well least you your self destroy If thus you do defer Ormasdes joy Vale. Madam you and the world too well do know My Love to him can now no higher grow I onely thus stand off least he despise A conquest gain'd without an enterprize And that my injur'd Sex hereafter may Judge of my innocence by this delay Honour forbids that we in hast ingage Rash actions often ill events presage Though I like a tall ship that spreads her sails When she is carried on with prosperous gales To her wish'd Port do sigh to be delay'd And blame the Remora by which I 'm staid Ormas Honour and Fancy at great distance stand You have no argument for this command But your own nice unnecessary thought By which your virtue may become a fault T is true that my neglects to woman kind May urge that I should now no favour find Till my whole life be spent to gain a bliss To crown my latests hours with joyes like this I do confess such judgement were my due From all the women in the world but you Who have no argument nor a pretence Why you should prove the Rod for my offence Vale. Ormasdes true I only now would prove By some short time the temper of your Love And shew the world that mine was not in hast Though its first motion mov'd so fierce and fast It makes me blush to think that this great Queen And her whole Nation have such weakness seen As all commanding Love forc'd me to show Oh! t is a bold attempt when
women wooe Ormas What ere the vulgar think great Princes may The dictates of their greater souls obey T is a self-doubting sin when you alone Dare not avow what gods and men do own Queen These cautious wayes are only fit for such As have suspected virtues you are much Above the reach of Censures t was I That woo'd him first mine be the infamy Who boast the active part with the successe And would not for the world it had been lesse It does become me now to see your hands United as your hearts If my commands Be slighted and my self not understood When I require what 's for your mutuall good I shall repent the kindness I have shown And wish you never had Ormasdes known Vale. Madam when you command I must submit But will Ormasdes waking think it fit Now to accept this Ring and safer keep What he desires then when h' last did sleep I had some pleasure and no little pain To put it on and steal it off again But now since gods and you do all agree Receive this bond of my Captivity Ormas I kiss the hand that freely gives it now May Thunder strike me dead when I do bow To other Earthly Power or wish a bliss That Heaven can give the Gods allowing this Ormasdes heart shall into insence turn And in bright flames before this Altar burn So long as my fair Saint does not despise To look upon so mean a Sacrifice To you great Queen I know not what to say How to express a gratitude that may Declare the glory of your life to be A perfect pattern for Posterity Qu. Brave Lord your Triumphs your Trophies still Increase our wonder and our Nation fill With such Esteem as all my people may With Honour keep your Wedding Holy-Day And in our Story after Ages show Friendship and Virtue did together grow FINIS Imprimatur May the 3d. 1664. Roger L' Strange PANDORA A Comedy LONDON Printed by T. Mabb For John Pleyfere at the White Bear in the Upper-Walk of the New-Exchange And Thomas Hors-man next Door to the Signe of the Three Kings in the Strand 1664. The Names of the Actors The Prince of Syracusa Theodocia his Daughter Pandora a great Lady of the Prince his Family Lindamira a Lady of Quality Lonzartes Right Heire to the Principality Clearcus a Lord of the Prince his Kindred Silvander a Young Lord of the Court. Aristonicus Three Councellours Clothero Ormuseus Teretia Ladies Attending the Princess Philora Three more Attending Ladies For Pandora And Lindamira Men-Dancers Women-Dancers Sanga and Lacquies Geta. An Old-Woman THE Prologue LOvers to You I come without a Bribe From one that boasts himself of your own Tribe And therefore hopes that your good Natures may On his behalf above your Judgements sway What you 'le see here is naturall all pretence He disavowes to Wit or Eloquence With Friendship he presents you and with love Such as are wont in his free breast to move Such passions as he feels our Author writes And humours such as he observes indites From Conversation bringing to the Stage What he does think will please the present Age. And if you do not grudge your time here spent He will accept it for a Complement PANDORA THE Scene in Syracutia FIRST ACT. Enter Lonzartes and Clearchus in long Grey Cloakes over their Rich Cloaths with Sanga and Geta two Lacques carrying Lanthorns the two Lords Enter a private House the two Servants stay San. COme Geta our Lords have no more use of us we may go sleep Geta. T is a fair time indeed to sleep when day begins to break this is a lew'd life that our Lords do lead San. Why man the Night was made for labourers to rest and for great Lords to Revel in come away Geta My Lord is not half so ill as thine Sanga What 's that to thee or me come away we 'l go to Beggars Hall and be as merry as our Lords Geta. No no I will no more sully my credit in thy company I converse with our tall Dary-Maid who affords me Honours thou canst not guess at Sanga Oh the great Felicities that do belong to chast imbraces San. I like Imbraces well Geta I mean by Wed-lock man San A Cox-comb thou art and a Cuckold thou wilt be adiew Fool. Geta. Adiew Rogue Exeunt severally A noyse within Re-enter Clearcus and Lonzartes in the Dark Clearcus Botts on thy slippery heeles we are undone Lonzartes Let us draw and stand upon guard I hear some call within Cle. What was that strange noyse you made Lon. At the bottom of the stairs I fell which gave the Alarum to the doggs and they wak'd all the Family Enter Old Woman Woman Oh my Lord what have you done all the House are up pray stand close a while are you alone Cle. Yes yes Exeunt Old Woman Lonzartes Thou art a very Villain Clearcus thus to betray a poor Wench that loves thee and to force me accept a Favour I abhor to think on Cle. Be the blame mine I have no joy in any thing unless my Friend Participate if I have any skill in Woman you will thank me for this favour and say you never had the like of Angelica Lon. Suppose she will not consent must I ravish her you say she knows not of my coming Cle. I swear she does not Lon. Would I were out again these Romances please not me pray how must I proceed Cle. Thus she is in Bed the Room is dark I 'le entertain her with discourse while you undress then I 'le retyre and soon return with Light to let her see my friend and I must be as one man to her Lon. I wonder all women do not hate thee thou dost abuse all them that trust thee Cle. You are deceiv'd Lonzartes such silly girles do take it for a complement to recommend them to a Noble Friend Lon. Well I must now be subject to thy will and do submit to do what I detest me thinks this is a kind of Rape I undertake thou art too wild for my Converse Clearcus Clear Hold your peace Enter Old Woman Woman Hist hist my Lord Cle. Here here Wom. Give me your hand softly softly follow me Exeunt Woman leading them off holding hands Enter the Old Prince of Syracusa with Silvander Aristonicus Clothero Ormuseus and â—…rain Prince How does Lonzartes bear his Suppression Aristonicus now he is full-man grown Ari. Like a wise man Sâ—…r that will not seem to see what he cannot remedy Pri. I have better thoughts for him then he has for himself if Clearcus spoyle him not Ari. When more years have overcome some evils incident to youth I hope he will be worthy your highest favours Sir Pri Some of you should advise him to a little more sobriety then Clearcus will allow of I apprehend Silvander that the Corinthian will quarrel for my refusing to treat his Marriage with Theodosia whom I design another way she has aâ—…ersion to him Sil The
careful to give him no incouragement for thoughts of that nature my undertaking is not beyond a common civillity as to all others of his Rank Lin. That will do it if I mistake not and catch you both I hope here he comes Enter Lonzartes and Clearcus Lon. Madam I have brought my Friend to kiss your hand Cle. Thus far Madam in order to my ingagement I have given you the trouble of the first visit I ever made against my will Pan. Your Lordship does me honour came you now from Court Cle. Yes Madam and left the Princess Theodocia in great complements with her kind Father who has now declared against the proud Corinthian and given Theodocia her free choice where she please Pan. You tell me News beyond my hopes this will raise the Princess drooping Spirits again I wonder she is not here by this time Lon. The Duke and she are not yet parted Madam how now Lindamira are you tongue-tyed no welcome for my Friend to encourage him to like of civil company You look as if you feared to loose your Gallant Cle. No no she knows she has too fast hold of my heart to part so easily Lin. T is Honour enough for me to be in the number of your Martyrs Sir She Sighes Pan. How long have you two been acquainted Lin. Ever since last night Madam She Sighes Pan. And dost thou sigh already Lin. 'T is onely to give you warning by my harmes Pan. I thank your care but I am arm'd against the World Cle. That 's good News Lonzartes there is some hope she has made firm resolves against Wedlock that I may assault her with security Aside Lon. You may you may Cle Madam You speak as if you held mankind at a defiance Pan. By way of Marriage I do but I can value all men that I see worthy Cle. He must be a bold man who does designe beyond the favours you allow but have you made vowes against marriage Madam Pan. No vowes but such resolves as are unchangable Lon. You are severe to men Lin. If all Women were of your opinion Madam how should the World be Peopled Cle. I marry Madam that was well urg'd Pan. I thought Lindamira you would have been on my side Lin. So I am when you are in the right this is our common cause Suppose you bring these two Lords and they bring twenty more to be of your judgement and this Heresie should spread what will become of us who think of nothing else but Marriage Lon. She tells you true Madam when her own concern is at stake you may excuse her Pan. I do and will make good my argument alone Cle. Never to Marry Madam Pan. Never my Lord is my full resolve Cle. You are the happiest and the wisest Lady living and I the joyfullest man if you 'l permit me to adore you at this distance for I am of your own opinion Madam Lin. Two Fannaticks well met Pan So long as your respects be free from love my house is open to you Cle. You are all witnesses that this Lady does adopt me her avow'd Gallant on the conditions before mentioned you give me leave Madam to talk of love and to carry up this jest as high as he who really does love Pan. I do so it be ever in Publick all private visits and all whisperings are excepted Cle. 'T is enough Madam This is a pretty kind of Entertainment I never thought of Lonzartes thou art in the right this will be sport beyond my hope Lon. But how does Lindamira like to see her new Gallant thus taken from her Cle. 'T is her own fault she might have fix'd me another way if she had been wise Pan Indeed Lindamira I thought not of your concern and did conclude too rashly but I will use my interest on your behalf Lin 'T will not be needfull Madam I know all his professions to you are meant to me Cle Very prettily contrived This is a new kind of wit I never heard of so then you are to love me in spite of your teeth and I you in spite of mine what will this come to at last Lon. Mirth man all the year a constant mirth Is not this better then spending your time in a smoaky house with your old Acquaintance Silvander and Lindamira do converse while the others talk Cle. I cannot tell you that till I have tryed this as long as I have the other Lin. Pray my Lord do not perswade your Friend all this earnest is a jest I allow you as much mirth as you please so the conclusion be serious Pan. We leave the success unto the Fates Clearcus may in time have pitty on you Lindamira he does not yet believe you are in earnest Cle. Nor ever shall do Madam till I see her heart break and then 't will be too late Lin. He dissembles well for so young a Schollar Madam Lon. We have done all well me thinks and now t is time that we retire Cle. How soon may I make my next visit to you Madam Pan. As often as you please my Lord at publique hours Exeunt Silvander and two Lords Lin. How did I perform my part Madam Pan. You fell too soon into your humour he sees you mock him Lin. That 's all I ayme at he has too much wit to be abused my onely business is to let him see that he cannot cozen me I believe you will see this Scene changed at his next visit if I have any skill you will be troubled with him Pan I am arm'd at all points against all men and him most Enter Theodocia and Ladies The. Oh Cousin I am freed from all my fears and come to rejoyce with you Pan. I have rejoyced already Madam and have begun a Scene of mirth will hold us long Had your Highness come a little sooner you had found the late Convert Lonzartes and his Friend Clearcus here who is become my avowed Gallant and looks as if he liked our company already The. Then you have hopes to cure him Pray order it so as I may come to your next meeting my heart is now so light that I could play with any thing Can I have no part in your Comedy Lin. For two reasons your Highness can onely be a looker on t is petty Treason to make love to you though in jest and then your beauty is too dangerous to be dallied with these be edge-tools too sharp for us to play with The. Why may not Princes participate in such innocent mirth we make stricter Rules then need true virtue will shine through such thin clouds without a prejudice and be above the reach of vile tongues Pan. I Madam if you could shew a rule to distinguish between Innocence and Guilt But we often see that Angelical virtues are aspersed by malicious tongues and no quality exempt from rude censures Lin. I differ in opinion Princes may enjoy harmless mirth as freely as we to be too much reserved does look like disguise
command you to stand near us within hearing I will not run the hazzard of any Censure by this tryal to satisfie my curiosity concerning lovers such high Romantick lovers who soar above the reach of all temptations Lin. I shall obey you Madam though I desire it not Exeunt Ladies The Men stand amazed Sil. Can you guess Lonzartes what this tends to Lon. 'T is a Riddle far beyond my understanding Exit Lonzartes Lindamira Re-enters to Silvander Lin. Wake wake Silvander the Sun shines bright upon thee Theodocia dotes on thy virtues and will advance thy youth much faster then thy own wishes can propose Sil. How Lindamira have you so mean thoughts of me Lin. So high thoughts why may not the Princess neglect the Corinthian for you such things have been in story Sil. You speak as if you wish'd it Lin. Can I wish you well and not applaud it Sil. You cannot fancy me a greater curse unless your own heart be turn'd against me Lin The Princess desires your Company in the next Room I can stay no longer Exit Lindamira Sil. I have so much to think on that I know not what to say the Princess unexpected favours with Lindamira's no concern begets such wonder as does amaze me I will not go and yet I must or make my self Ridiculous by judging what I cannot guess at Exit Enter Lonzartes Lon. Have I thus long ador'd the Princess and still approach'd her with the same trembling I draw near the Altar for this scorn at last before my face to court a man she knows ingaged unto another a man of so much lower quality then I this I confess does make my Faith stagger Silvander was as much surpriz'd as I Lindamira too was out of Tune If Theodocia can go less this change will be more my admiration then her virtue was Enter Lindamira passing in as by him Lon. Now Madam whither so fast Lin. To see which way the wind blows pray my Lord where is your heart now Lon. In the Princess lodgings with yours or can you tell me better where your own is Lin. I change my mind so often that I know not where I left my heart last Lon. Are you no more concerned Suppose Silvander change his opinion Princess have mighty power to overcome mens hearts Lin. Why then his opinion will be chang'd I cannot value him that leaves to value me methinks my Lord the Princess favour to Silvanâ—…r should a bate your passion for her Lon. My desires go no higher then to look and â—…onder at her perfections my Esteem cannot be â—…ll'd love beyond what Duty and Obedience â—…oes allow but how does Silvander receive â—…his great Honour Lin. They are now in private you may judge â—…y his exalted looks when you see him next â—…am glad your Lordship is no more concern'd Lon. This is a forc'd discourse Lindamira pray do not mock me who have a true value of your â—…orth Lin. The truth is the Princess often angred at â—…y confidence in Silvanders love onely now 〈◊〉 if she can shake his faith by higher proposiâ—…ions and my hope is that his virtue may â—…eget in her some better thoughts for men â—…hich will do your business and confirm mine â—…or Silvander is above temptation and I think Lonzartes does deserve what he desires Lon. You oblige me to say your confidence â—…oes merrit the greatest faith from man but is Silvander of your Plot Lin No 't would then be none nor I no tryall have of his sincerity Lon. These are dangerous sports and we too â—…ate may find them so the Princess and you â—…re both too bold and do too much rely on your own beauties Lin. If Silvander can be won I can smile at such a loss Lon. 'T is easie to say so when you fear it not but I have seen stout hearts fall to pieces by such a blow you have setled my heart again and I advise you from these dangerous sports least they blow up your joyes when you are most secure we know our present minds but cannot fore-see what we shall like tomorrow Our Nature with such frailty is indow'd 'T is well if present moments be allow'd Exeunt Severally Enter Theodocia and Silvander two Ladies at a distance Lindamira is seen near observing them The. Is your heart my Lord so fixt on Lindamira that no Person nor any Argument can e're prevail with you to change Sil Our Souls Madam are so united that I hope death can onely make that separation The Can no Fortune nor any Quality invite you to Honours and Happiness beyond what you can ever hope from Lindamira Nor a greater beauty dis-iâ—…gage your heart from her Sil. None can ever move me to a thought of change Madam The. What if she have chosen higher and gives way for your preferment also Sil. I can smile at all this when your Highness is so merry Lindamira and I Madam do understand a happiness can never be dissolv'd we are above temptation The. Suppose my Father be her choice will you pretend to love and hinder her advancement by your claim Suppose my Dear Cousin Pandora have like affection unto you and puts on this severity to others in design onely to gaine you will you let such a beauty of so high virtue and extraction dye for you Sil. Your Highness sure does fancy what is impossible but if all this were so I could dye in gratitude to serve Pandora but do prefer Lindamira's love and virtue above the brightest beauty or greatest Empire this World has The. Can there be such worth in men how have I been mis-informed Princes who do not converse know not the World they live in but take all on trust from Aside others You believe that I am now in jest Silvander and do not deal so freely as I expect Sil. By all thats I am fixt past â—…ltering if your Highness knew the joyes which do accompany united hearts you would sooner undertake to pull down Stars from Heaven then hope a separation where true love Triumphs The. I am fully satisfyed that Lindamira has what she deserves a worthy Lover appear now Lindamira and call in Lonzartes with the â—…st I am converted Enter Lindamira with Lonzartes and Ladies The. Here Madam you are coupled by the gods Silvander does deserve your confidence Now wear that Jewel I before gave you in jest Sir as a mark of my Favour for your approv'd virtue Lin Has your Highness any better thoughts for Marriage then you had The. I have found an honest worthy man beyond my Expectation Lonzartes you look sad Lon My heart is not so full of feathers as it was but is of late become a lump of lead The. We have indeed been all too serious of late come Lindamira let us find some Entertainment to refresh us on the Sea this Evening Lonzartes you and Clearcus may go with us if you please Exeunt all but Lonzartes Lon. Your Highness does honour us what these various fancies tend to
Messenger Messen. The Duke calls for Lonzartes Lon. I 'le attend his Highness presently Cle. I take you for my Friend Lonzartes do not discourse me into a Ruine you will share in Lon. I have no Rule for friendship above my desire to see you happy Cle. I believe it Sir and beg your pardon for my distracted language I must attend the Duke to Lon. And I. Exeunt Enter Pandora and Lindamira Pan. You tire me Lindamira and chide me for a fault I cannot own I had no other way to free my self Lin. You might have check'd his approaches with somewhat less severity your rigour may beget dispair in him Pan. Dispair of what my undertaking was only on the Dukes command to afford him civil visits which I have done in hope of his conversion Lin. You did give o're before the work was perfected Pan. You speak as if the design to set him free were to inslave me to the humour of a mad man Lin. The wildest young men do often prove the soberest at the last and the truth is Madam we do all desire to see you and Clearcus convert one another so to beget that unity of hearts which the World seeks most Pan. Do you believe that I who have a prejudice against the best of men can e're esteem the worst Lin. If Clearcus were under that notion I should have other thoughts but when I consider such men reclaim'd do often make good Husbands I have hopes of him Pan. If his wildness were his only fault time and experience might reclaim him Lin. If these be your only Exceptions Madam I wish you would trust me to mannage this affair Pan. You must not talk me into an Intreque which I avoid I do not love him Lin You will do when you have him I know many have done so after Marriage who did not before Pan. That is too bold a venture for me who have no faith in men and those Examples you mention so rarely to be found my courage dares not undertake it pray no more of this Lin. The Princess desires your company at Court this Evening I did intend to wait on her Enter Duke Theodocia and Lonzartes Duke I have given you Arguments enough on his behalf which his dejected looks you see declare Your favours Theodocia should not be restrain'd because his adoration is so great he dares not beg 'um come near Lonzartes The. Lonzarte's Worth is understood beyond the weak Rhetorick of flattering words he cannot wish to be more valued then he is by me Lon. Nor will I ever Sue for favours beyond these you now afford me Madam may I confirm my hopes by understanding what you say my own way The. You may for since my Father does so much advise for Marriage I may alter my opinion when I find just cause to value men above my resolves against them Lon. For Heavens sake Madam say no more my breast cannot contain these spreading joyes you give me my hopes increase too fast for my dispairing heart to comprehend these honours you allow without an Extacy Duke Theodocia I shall ne're revoke the freedom I have given to make your own choice though I direct you to Lonzartes to whom our Ancestors have done wrong The. This your indulgence Sir makes me more cautious how I proceed Marriage is a concern so great I dare not at once resolve it and the same day chuse the man I can yet only say that I have alter'd my opinion in favour of Lonzartes Lon. My Amazement and my concern are too great to answer Madam my felicity is above the reach of a reply Duke Theodocia I have given you my best councel and my full consent to please your self The. I thank you Sir and will endeavour to Regulate my heart to your advise and to Lonzartes wish give me but time to examine and approve what I am willing to submit to Enter Pandora and Lindamira to them with Silvander Duke How is it Madam that you quit the field before your undertaking be perform'd Pan. I have done my part Sir which was on your command to allow him civil visits and to entertain the Princess I complyed with Lindamira to try how our Raleary would work on him which did produce so unlook'd for an effect that I was forc'd to quit my part to save my self Duke Were you in danger to be lost then I did not think Clearcus had prevail'd so far but if he be reclaim'd he will be worthy your esteem Pan. Your Highness did mistake me I was in no danger to be lost through love nor at all concern'd for a man who does declare against all worth in women where he can get an interest pray Sir make me understand what you would have me do Duke We would have you marry Clearcus Pan. Whether he will or no If I consent can you prevail with him Duke Do you comply we 'l try what we can do Pan. I would not be Treypand into a Marriage I am so much a verse to in confidence of his old humour think my self secure and be so lost Lin. You may ventute safely Madam you see he is so great a Coward that he only dares persue them that fly him do but charge and he will run away Pan. If I were sure of that I would seem any thing to be freed from farther trouble Lon. Trust me Madam he is now worse then ever Duke Lonzartes pray use your interest to bring him to us now Exit Lonzartes The. Do you think Cousin we have a design to harm you Pan. No but your Highness disputes me into a condition your self does not approve pray shew me the way to this felicity that I may credit what you say by what you do The. Will you then ingage to marry Clearcus the same day I marry Pan. Shall I chuse your man as you would mine The. Suppose I have already chosen Pan. I thought your Highness had been of my opinion But if provided I give you joy The. Now you run too fast the other way I am onely towards marriage Pan. That journey seldome proves long Madam when we look towards it Lin. That was said like a sage Sibell the quintessence of truth in few words tis'but a willing mind and then Pan Prethee Lindamira help me to be rid of this uncertain man Lin. I know no better councel then to be in love with him or to seem so for if he should take you at your word and marry that may do your work for I once knew a Lady who chose to marry an importunate Sutor that she might be rid of him and was so for soon after marriage they parted and never met more Pan. You are alwaies in jest I would have serious councell now Lin. You have had my store twice over to no purpose Duke By all my observations I cannot judge whether Clearcus or you Pandora be most extravagant Lin Your Highness may do well to put them into the Colledge of half mad Folks where they
way Ormasdes to remove These niceties must I for ever own Your benefits and make you no return How little do I seem to your great Eye Who scorn I should your service gratifie Ormas I have in Greece all my relations left To serve you Madam and am hither come With a fixt zeal to wish and to obey What ever you command and only fear My inclinations may my tongue direct To beg what you 'l deny though I affect Qu. Though I your sute dislike I will consent And from your happiness raise my content Or. With your permission Madam I would beg Leave to retire unto the little Lodge Within the Forrest half a League from hence Where after all my Travells I may find Ease for my body and refresh my mind With the soft solace of a private life Free from Affairs and Courts Eternal strife Qu. This is far beyond my fears Ormasdes T is no wonder you my favours slight When you do our society dislike But I will not your purpose now oppose Though I your councils your frindship lose Who in debates can speak in fight command And order all that in disorder stand Can nothing alter your desire from this Ormas Not unless troubles be prefer'd to bliss Queen Ormasdes it shall be as you desire And freely when you please you may retire Or. Though I a while absent my self from Court I shall be ready to lay by my Books When you do call me to put Armour on Stories tell that great men the like have don Qu. Though I know no example I believe What e're Ormasdes shall make choice to do May be a president that will ingage Brave men to follow in the future age content Ormas Your Majesty in this has given me more Then all the favours proffer'd me before Exit Ormasdes Y. Tit. Is this his humour or some fancy grown From passion for some Love to us unknown Qu. No Titus he has ever been observ'd A great contemner of Amores and does True friendship more esteem then idle Love Ti. The more like now to be so much concern'd When touch'd our mortal bodies are so frail That we may love and know not what we ail Why does your Majesty think friendship can With as much force as love transport a man Qu. Not to such frensies as wild brains Create When fancy cannot change the course of Fate When love to faces with the face decay A virtuous friendship will for ever sway I wish you Titus when he first retires To try how far your friendship can prevail To get the secret from Ormasdes soul T is for his good that he his griefs impart True friendship will allow a little Art When the design does nothing more import But bringing of Ormasdes back to Court Tit. I shall be joy'd and happy if I can Bring back to Court so Excellent a Man Enter An Officer and Ormasdes Officer The Embassadour attends your Majesty The Queen sits Queen Admit Him Enter Embassadour and his Train Embas. Madam my Master the Treconian King Salutes you in these Letters and by me Congratulates your Zelnian Victory But does lament that he no share acquir'd In that great Conquest he so much desir'd He was ambitious Madam to command In that near War and not as neuter stand When strangers merits do such Triumphs claim While he to you unknown sat still with shame But since Ormasdes conduct and his skill With such high Valour has fulfill'd your will He envies not so great a Souldiers praise But would have shar'd in his Triumphant rayes Qu. If I had known Valerianus mind He might my thanks have shar'd and not repin'd Emb. I have commission also to propose A League between your Kingdoms your selves Such as new Conquer'd Zelnia will secure That Cithereas peace may long endure Your beauty Madam more then Crowns invite Valerians wishes to unite Your hearts and then your Scepters may Be doubly fixt when both do love obey He begs that he in person may appear To plead his love and treat this great affair Qu. Valerianus friendship I approve But never shall consent to treat of love 'T would raise my dead Lords Ashes in his Urn If I should to a second Lover turn Your great Kings proffer'd League I do imbrace With fit Affection and a chearful face Declairing to the World how I respect His person though I must his sute reject Emb. I shall acquaint my Master and beg leave I may your Majesties commands receive Without the Ceremonies that belong To a State audience in a formal throng Qu. You shall have free access as you desire And now my Lord I must a Sutor be That fair Mariana will appear Who I am told is come to visit me quest Emb. That Madam should have been my next re That you my dearest Sister would permit To kiss your hand who does attend without Qu. Will you Ormasdes please to bring her in Exit Ormasdes If I had known that she had been so near She had been better treated for your sake Emb. You oblige me Madam Enter Ormasdes with Mariana and her Ladies the Queen Salutes Her Qu. You do me and my Country honour more Then any Lady ever did before Mari. I have done my self a favour Madam And t is your Majesty that honours me The fame of Citherea I confess May Princes hither bring but my address Is â—…o Cleandras self that I might see The virtue fam'd for such Divinitie Qu. Madam if you such flatteries throw out You will your welcome spoil and make me doubt You rather come to mock then to admire On such another word I shall retire Mari. I can be silent Madam while I live But mâ—…st speak truth when you this freedom give Qu. We then will change our argument place Least I do chide whom I intend to grace Exeunt all but Nearcus and Cleobulus Cleob. Did you observe with what forc'd modesty The Embassadour supprest his anger When his Masters sute so briskly was denied Nea. Yes and how suddain his sad looks change When bright Cleandra did so soon admit His private visits as if himself were struck And did no further press his Masters Sute Cle. I have other thoughts that made me believe The Lady he calls Sister is his Love Near. Such things have been and Mariana may His Mistris be whose beauty in my Eye Does far surpass Cleandras Majesty And now you put these thoughts into my head I did observe Marianus eyes and his Did a long practiz'd silent language shew While they by turns did entertain the Queen Cleob. But I had second thoughts led me to think I did sometimes perceive Marianas eyes On brave Ormasdes fixt and seem'd to take Such a survey as Purchasers do make Near. I doubt Mariana has not an estate To purchasâ—… him at great Cleandras rate Cleo. Let us observe them better next and see If it be Art or their simplicitie Exeunt Enter Embassadour and Mariana Emb. I have undone my self Mariana For