and wanton 'tmakes men like poyson'd rats which when they 'ave swallow'd the pleasing bane rest not until they drink and can rest then much lesse until they burst with 't Al. Thy words are stil oraculous Mu. Pray then think with what an easie toil the haughty Prince a demy God by th' popular acclamations nay the world's Soveraign in the vulgar wishes had he a resolution to be wicked might snatch this diadem from your aged temples What law so holy tye of blood so mightie which for a Crown minds sanctified and religious have not presum'd to violate How much more then may the soul dazling glories of a Scepter work in his youth whose constitution 's fierie as overheated air and has to fan it into a flame the breath of love and praises blown by strong thought of his own worth and actions Al. No more of this good Mura Mu. They dare already limit your intentions demand as 't were with cunning zeal which rightly interpreted is insolence the Princes abode at home I wil not say it is but I guess 't may be their subtle purpose while we abroad fight for new kingdomes purchase depriv'd by that means of our faithful succors they may deprive you of this crown inforce upon the prince this Diadem which however he may be loth t' accept being once possessed of 't and tasted the delights of supreme greatness hee 'l be more loath to part with To prevent this not that I think it wil but that may happen 't is fit the Prince march I 'ave observed in him too of late a sullen Melancholly whence rising I 'le not conjecture only I should grieve Sir beyond a moderate sorrow traitorous practise should take that from you which with loyal blood ours and your own victorious arms have purchas'd and now I have discharg'd my honest conscience censure on 't as you please henceforth I 'me silent Al. Would thou hadst been so now thy loyal fears have made me see how miserable a King is whose rule depends on the vain people suffrage Black now and horrid as the face of storms appears al Abilqualits lovely vertues because to me they only make him dangerous and with great terror shall behold those actions which with delight before we view'd and dotage like Mariners that bless the peaceful seas which when suspected to grow up tempestuous they tremble at Though he may stil be virtuous 't is wisdome in us to him no injustice to keep a vigilant eie o're his proceedings and the wild peoples purposes Enter Abil. Al. Abilqualit come to take your leave I do conjecture Abil. Rather Sir to beg your gracious licence I may stil at home attend your dread commands and that you 'd please to nominate my hopeful brother Abrahen in lieu of me chief of your now raised Forces for th' Persian expedition Al. Dare you Sir presume to make this suit to us Abil. Why my roial Lord I hope this cannot pull your anger on your most obedient Son a true affection to the young Prince my brother did beget this my request I willingly would have his youth adorn'd with glorie of this conquest No tree bears fruit in Autumn less it blossome first in the Spring 't is fit he were acquainted in these soft years with military action that when grown perfect man he may grow up too perfect in warlike discipline Al. Hereafter we shall by your appointment guide our Counsels Why do you not intreat me to resigne my Crown that you the peoples much lov'd minion may with 't impale your glorious brow Sir henceforth or know your duty better or your pride shall meet our just wak'd anger To your Charge and march with speed or you shall know what 't is to disobey our pleasure When y' are King learn to command your Subjects I will mine Sir You know your Charge perform it Exit Alm. and Mura Abil. I have done Our hopes I see resemble much the Sun that rising and declining cast large shadows but when his beams are dress'd in 's midday brightnesse yeelds none at all when they are farthest from successe their guilt reflection does display the largest shows of events fair and prosp'rous With what a setled confidence did I promise my self my stay here Mura's wish'd departure when stead of these I finde my fathers wrath destroying mine intentions Such a fool is self-compassion soothing us to faith of what we wish should hap while vain desire of things we have not makes us quite forget those w' are possess'd of Enter Abrahen Abr. Alone the engine works beyond or hope or credit How I hug with vast delight beyond that of stoln pleasures forbidden Lovers taste my darling Mistriss my active Brain If I can be thus subtle while a young Serpent when grown up a Dragon how glorious shall I be in cunning practise My gracious brother Abil. Gentle Abrahen I am griev'd my power cannot comply my promise my Father 's so averse from granting my request concerning thee that with angrie frowns he did express rather a passionate rage then a refusall civil or accustom'd to his indulgent disposition Abr. Hee 's our Father and so the tyrant Custome doth inforce us to yeeld him that which fools call natural when wise men know 't is more then servile duty a slavish blind obedience to his pleasure be it nor just nor honourable Abil. O my Abrahen these sounds are unharmonious as unlookt for from thy unblemish'd innocence though he could put off paternal pietie 't gives no priviledg for us to wander from our filial dutie though harsh and to our natures much unwelcom be his decrees like those of Heaven we must not presume to question them Abr. Not if they concern our lives and fortunes 'T is not for my self I urge these doubts but 't is for you who are my Brother and I hope must be my Soveraigne my fears grow on me almost to distraction Our Father's age betrayes him to a dotage which may be dang'rous to your future safetie he does suspect your loyaltie Abil. How Abrahen Ab. I knew 't would start your innocence but 't is truth a sad and serious truth nay his suspicion almost arriv'd unto a setled faith that y' are ambitious Abil. 'T is impossible Ab. The glorious shine of your illustrious vertues are grown too bright and dazling for his eyes to look on as he ought with admiration and he with fear beholds them as it were through a perspective where each brave action of yours survey'd though at remotest distance appears far greater then it is In brief that love which you have purchas'd from the people that sing glad Hymns to your victorious fortunes betraies you to his hate and in this Voiage which he inforces you to undertake he has set spies upon you Abil. 'T is so afflictions do fal like hailstones one no sooner drops but a whole Showre does follow I observ'd indeeed my Abrahen that his looks and language was dress'd in unaccustom'd clouds but
makes your grave Lordship in it I do beseech you But Sir mark me the kernel of the text enucleated I shall confute refute repel refel explode exterminate expunge extinguish like a rush candle this same heresie that is shot up like a pernicious Mushroom to poison true humanitie Ab. You shall stay and hear a lecture read on your disease you shal as I love virtue Sel. First the cause then from whence this flatus Hypocondriacus this glimmering of the gizard for in wild fowl 't is term'd so by Hypocrates arises is as Averroes and Avicen with Abenbucar Baruch and Aboflii and all the Arabick writers have affirm'd a meer defect that is as we interpret a want of Abil. Of what Selinthus Sel. Of wit and please your Highnesse That is the cause in gen'ral for particular and special causes they are all deriv'd from severall wants yet they must be considerd pondred perpended or premeditated Sim. My Lord y 'ad best be brief your Patient will be wearie else Sel. I cannot play the fool rightly I mean the Physician without I have licence to explacat on the disease But my good Lord more briefly I shall declare to you like a man of wisdom and no Physician who deal all in simples why men are melancholy First for your Courtier Sim. It concerns us all to be attentive Sir Sel. Your sage and serious Courtier who does walk with a State face as he had drest himself i th' Emperors glasse and had his beard turn'd up by the' irons Roial he will be as pensive as Stallion after Catum when he wants suits begging suits I mean Me thinks my Lord you are grown something solemn on the sudden since your Monopolies and Patents which made your purse swell like a wet spunge have been reduc'd to th' last gasp Troth it is far better to confesse here then in a worser place Is it not so indeed Abil. What ere he does by mine I 'me sure h 'as hit the cause from whence your grief springs Lord Simanthes Sel. No Egyptian Soothsayer has truer inspirations then your small Courtiers from causes and wants manifold as when the Emperors count'nance with propitious noise does not cry chink in pocket no repute is with Mercer nor with Tailor nay sometimes too the humor 's pregnant in him when repulse is given him by a Beautie I can speak this though from no Memphian Priest or sage Caldean from the best Mistris Gentlemen an Experience Last night I had a mind t' a comly Semstress who did refuse me and behold ere since how like an Ass I look Enter Tarifa Tar. What at your Counsels Lords the great Almanzor requires your presence Mura has decree'd the Warr for Persia You my gracious Lord Prince Abilqualet are appointed Chief And you brave spirited Abrahen an Assistant to your victorious Brother You Lord Mura destin'd Lieutenant General Abil. And must I march against the foe without thy company I relish not th' imployment Tar. Alas my Lord Tarifa's head 's grown white beneath his helmet and your good Father thought it charity to spare mine age from travel though this ease will be more irksome to me then the toil of war in a sharp winter Abr. It arrives just to our wish My gracious brother I anon shall wait on you mean time valiant Mura let us attend my Father Exeunt Ab. Mura Sim. Abil. Good Selinthus vouchsafe a while your absence I shall have imployment shortly for your trust Sel. Your Grace shall have as much power to command Selinthus as his best fanci'd Mistress I am your creature Exit Tar. Now my Lord I hope y' are cloath'd with all those resolutions that usher glorious minds to brave atchievements The happy genius on your youth attendant declares it built for Victories and Triumphs and the proud Persian Monarchie the sole emulous opposer of the Arabique Greatnesse courts like a fair Bride your Imperial Arms waiting t' invest You Soveraigne of her beauties Why are you dull my Lord Your cheerful looks should with a prosp'rous augury presage a certain Victory when you droop already as if the foe had ravish'd from your Crest the noble Palm For shame Sir be more sprightly your sad appearance should they thus behold you would half unsoul your Army Abil. 'T is no matter Such looks best sute my fortune Know Tarifa I 'm undispos'd to manage this great Voiage and must not undertake it Tar. Must not Sir Is 't possible a love-sick youth whose hopes are fixt on marriage on his bridal night should in soft slumbers languish that your Arms should rust in ease now when you hear the charge and see before you the triumphant Prize destin'd t' adorn your Valour You should rather be furnish'd with a power above these passions and being invok'd by the mighty charm of Honour flie to atchieve this war not undertake it I 'd rather you had said Tarifa ly'd then utter'd such a sound harsh and unwelcome Abil. I know thou lov'st me truly and durst I to any born of woman speak my intentions the fatal cause which does withdraw my courage from this imployment which like health I covet thou shouldst enjoy it fully But Tarifa the said discov'ry of it is not fit for me to utter much lesse for thy vertue to be acquainted with Tar. Why my Lord my loyaltie can merit no suspicion from you of falshood whatsoere the cause be or good or wicked 't meets a trustie silence and my best care and honest counsel shall indeavour to reclaim or to assist you if it be good if ill from your bad purpose Abil. Why that I know Tarifa 'T is the love thou bear'st to honour renders thee unapt to be partaker of those resolutions that by compulsion keep me from this Voiage For they with such inevitable sweetnesse invade my sense that though in their performance my Fame and Vertue even to death do languish I must attempt and bring them unto act or perish i' th' pursuance Tar. Heaven avert a mischief so prodigious Though I would not with over-sawcie boldnesse presse your counsels yet pardon Sir my Loialtie which timorous of your lov'd welfare must intreat beseech you with ardent love and reverence to disclose the hidden cause that can estrange your courage from its own Mars with-hold you from this Action so much ally'd to honour Pray reveal it By all your hopes of what you hold most precious I do implore it for my faith in breeding your youth in warrs great rudiments relieve Tarifa's fears that wander into strange unwelcome doubts left some ambitious frenzy 'gainst your imperial fathers dignitie has late seduc'd your goodness Abr. No Tarifa I ne're durst aim at that unholy height in viperous wickednesse a sinlesse harmlesse i ft can be truly term'd one 't is my soul labours even to dispaire with t' faine would out did not my blushes interdict my language 't is unchast love Tarifa nay tak 't all and when thou hast it pity my misfortunes to fair
about it Exit Abr. Farewel gracious Brother This haps above my hopes 'Las good dull fool I see through thy intents clear as thy soul were as transparent as thin air or Cristal He would have me remov'd march with the Armie that he mean time might make a sure defeat on our aged fathers life and Empire 't must be certain as the light Why should not this with equall heat be like my thoughts ambitious Be they as harmless as the prai'rs of Virgins I 'll work his ruine out of his intentions He like a thick cloud stands 'twixt me and Greatnesse Greatnesse the wise mans true felicity Honour 's direct inheritance My youth wil quit suspicion of my subtil practice then have I surly Mura and Simanthes my allyes by my dead Mothers bloud my assistants his Eunuch too Mesithes at my service Simanthes shall inform the King the people desire Prince Abilqualit's stay and Mura whose blunt demeanour renders him oraculous make a shrewd inference out of it He is my half Brother th' other 's my Father names meer airie titles Soveraigntie 's onely sacred Greatnesse goodnesse true self-affection Justice every thing righteous that 's helpfull to create a King Enter Mura Simanthes Abr. My trustie friends y' are welcome our fate 's above our wishes Abilqualit by whatso'ere pow'r mov'd to his own ruine would fain inforce his charge of General on me and stay at home Sim. Why how can this conduce t' advance our purpose Abr. T is the mainest engine could ever move to ruine him Simanthes you shall inform our Father t is the people out of their tender love desires his stay You Mura shall infer my Brothers greatnesse with people out of it how nice it is and dangerous The air is open here come wee 'll discourse with more secure privacie our purpose Nothing 's unjust unsacred tends to advance us to a Kingdom that 's the height of chance ACTUS SECUNDUS Scena I. Enter Almanzor Mura and Simanthes Al. HOw not go Simanthes Sim. My dread Soveraign I speak but what the well affected people out of their loyal care and pious duty injoyn'd me utter they do look upon him as on your eldest Son and next Successor and would be loth the Persian War should rob their eies of light their souls of joy and comfort this flourishing Empire leave as it were widow'd of its lov'd Spouse They humbly do beseech your Majesty would therefore destine some more fitting General whose loss as heaven avert such a misfortune should it happen might lesse concern the State Al. 'T is not the least among the blessings Heaven has showr'd upon us that we are happie in such loving Subjects to govern whom when we in peace are ashes we leave them a Successor whom they truly reverence A loving people and a loving Soveraign makes Kingdoms truly fortunate and flourishing But I beleeve Simanthes their intents though we confirm them will scarce take effect My Abilqualit like a Princely Lion in view of 's prey wil scarcely be orecom to leave the honour of the Persian War in 's hopes already vanquish'd by his valour and rest in lazy quiet while that Triumph is ravish'd by another Sim. With the pardon of your most sacred Majestie 't is fit then your great commands forbid the Princes Voyage boldnesse inforces youth to hard atchievements before their time makes them run forth like Lapwings from their warm nest part of the shel yet sticking unto their downie heads Sir good successe is oft more fatal far then bad one winning â—â—st from a flatt'ring Die tempting a Gamester to hazard his whole fortunes Mur. This is dull fruitless Philosophy he that falls nobly winns as much honour by his loss as conquest Sim. This rule may hold wel among common men but not 'mong Princes Such a prince as ours is who knows as wel to conquer mens affections as he does enemies should not be expos'd to every new cause honourable danger Prince Abilqualit's fair and winning carriage has stolne possession of the peoples hearts they doate on him since his late Spanish conquest as new made brides on their much coveted husbands and they would pine like melancholy turtles should they so soone lose the unvalued object both of their love and reverence Howsoe're what ere your awful wil Sir shall determine as heaven is by their strict obedience held sacred and religious Al. Good Simanthes let them receive our thanks for their true care of our dear Abilqualit Wee 'l consider of their request say Sim. Your highnesse humblest creature Exit Mu. I do not like this Al. Like what Valiant Mura we know thy counsels so supremely wise and thy true heart so excellently faithful that whatsoere displeases thy sage Judgment Almanzor's wisdome must account distastful What is 't dislikes thee Mu. Your Majestie knows me a downright Souldier I affect not words but to be brief I relish not your son should as if you were in your tomb already ingross so much the giddie peoples favours 'T is neither fit for him nor safe for you to suffer it Al. Why how can they Mura Give a more serious testimony of reverence to me then by conferring their affections their pious wishes zealous contemplations on him that sits the nearest to my heart my Abilqualit in whose hopeful virtues my age more glorious then in all my conquests Mu. May you prove fortunate in your pious care of the Prince Abilqualit But my Lord Mura is not so prone to idle language the Parasits best ornament to utter oâ—ght but what if you 'l please to give him audience hee 'l show you a blunt reason for Al. Come I see into thy thoughts good Mura too much care of us informs thy loyal soul with fears the Princes too much popularity may breed our danger banish those suspicions neither dare they who under my long raign have been triumphant in so many blessings have the least thought may tend to disobedience or if they had my Abilqualit's goodnesse would ne're consent with them to become impious Mu. 'T is too secure a confidence betrays minds valiant to irreparable dangers Not that I dare invade with a foule thought the noble Princes loyalty but my Lord when this same many headed beast the people violent and so not constant in affections subject to love of novelty the sicknesse proper t' all humane specially light natures do magnifie with too immoderate praises the Princes actions doate upon his presence nay chaine their souls to th' shadow of his foot-steps as all excesses ought to be held dangerous especially when they do aim at Scepters their too much dotage speaks you in their wishes are dead alreadie that their darling hope the Prince might have the Throne once Al. 'T is confess'd all this a serious truth Mu. Their mad applauses o th' noble Prince though he be truly virtuous may force ambition into him a mischief Seasing the soul with too much craft and sweetness as pride or lust do's minds unstay'd
heavy than he can borrow from his natural coldness on this good sword I 'le wear my causes justice till he do fall its sacrifice Abr. But be sure you do 't with cunning secresie perhaps should he have notice of your just intentions he would repair to th' Army from which safegard our best force could not pluck him without danger to the whole Empire Mu. Doubt not but I 'le manage with a discreet severity my vengeance invoke Almanzors equity with sudden and private haste Abr. Mean time I will go put a new design in practice that may be much conducing to our purpose Like clocks one wheele another on must drive affairs by diligent labor only thrive Exeunt Scena Secunda Enter Selinthus Gaselles Osman and Souldiers Sel No quarrelling good Couzens lest it be with the glass 'cause 't is not of size sufficient to give you a magnificent draught You will have â—â—ighting work enoughâ— when you 're i' th' wars do not fall out among your selves Os. Not pledg my peerlesse Mistresse health Souldier thou' rt mortall if thou refuse it Gas Come come he shall pledg it and 't were a Tun Why w' are all as dull as dormise in our liquor Here 's a health to the Prince Abilqualit Soul Let go round I 'ld drink 't were it an Ocean of warm bloud flowing from th' enemie Pray good my Lord what news is stirring Sel. It should seem Souldier thou canst not read otherwise the learn'd Pamphlets that flie about the streets would satisfie thy curiositie with news they 'r true ones full of discreet intelligence Os. Cosens shal 's have a Song here is a Souldier in 's time hath sung a dirge unto the foe oft in the field Soul Captain I have a new one the Souldiers Joy 't is call'd Sel. That is an harlot Preethee be musicall and let us taste the sweetnesse of thy voice A Song Gas Whist give attention Soul How does your Lordship like it Sel. Very well And so here 's to thee There 's no drum beats yet and 't is cleer day some hour hence 't will be Enter Abr. Mes. time to break up the Watch Ha! young Lord Abrahen and trim Mesithes with him what the divel does he make up so early He has been a bat-fowling all night after those Birds those Ladie-birds term'd wagtails what strange business can he have here tro Abr. 'T was wel done Mesithes and trust me I shal find an apt reward both for thy care and cunning Prethee hast to Lord Simanthes and deliver this note to him with best diligence my dear Eunuch thou' rt halfe the soul of Abrahen Mes. I was borne to be intituled your most humble vassal I 'll hast to the Lord Simanthes Exit Sel. How he cringes These youths that want the instruments of Manhood are very supple in the hams Abr. Good-morrow to noble Lord Selinthus what companions have you got here thus early Sel. Blades of metal tall men of war and 't please your Grace of my own blood and family men who gather'd a sallad on the enemies ground and eaten it in bold defiance of him and not a Souldier here but 's an Achylles valiant as stoutest Mirmidon Abr. And they never had juster cause to show their valor the Prince my dearest brother their Lord General 's became a forfeit to the stern laws rigour and 't is imagin'd our impartial father wil sentence him to lose his eyes Gas Marry heaven defend for what and 't like your Grace Abr. For a fact which the severe law punishes with loss of natures precious lights my tears wil scarce permit me utter 't for a rape committed on the fair wife of Mura Os. Was it for nothing else and please your Grace ere he shal lose an eie for such a trifle or have a haire diminish'd we wil lofe our heads what hoodwink men like sullen hawks for doing deeds of nature I 'me asham'd the law is such an Ass Sel. Some Eunuch Judg that could not be acquainted with the sweets due to concupiscencial parts invented this law I 'll be hang'd else 's Life a Prince and such a hopeful one to lose his eyes for satisfying the hunger of the stomack beneath the wast is crueltie prodigious not to be suffer'd in a common-wealth of ought but geldings Abr. 'T is vain to sooth our hopes with these delusions he wil suffer less he be reskued I would have you therfore if you ow any service to the Prince my much lamented brother to attend without least tumult 'bout the Court and if there be necessity of your ayd I 'le give you notice when to imploy it Sel. Sweet Prince wee 'l swim in blood to do thee or thy brother service Each man provide their weapons Abr. You will win my brothers love for ever nay my father though hee 'l seem angry to behold his justice deluded afterwards when his rage is past will thank you for your loyalties Pray be there with all speed possible by this my brothers commanded 'fore my father I 'le go learn the truth and give you notice pray be secret and firm to your resolves Exit Sel. For him that flinches in such a cause I 'le have no more mercy on him Here 's Tarifa Enter Tarifa and Mura the Princes sometimes Tutor Mura with him a walking towards the Court let 's take no notice of them lest they discover our intentions by our grim looks March fair and softly Couzens wee 'l be at Court before them Tar. You will not do this Mura Mu. How Tarifa will you defend him in an act so impious Is 't fit the drum should cease his surly language when the bold Souldiers marches or that I should passe o're this affront in quiet silence which Gods and men invoke to speedy vengeance which I will have or manhood shall be tame as Cowardice Tar. It was a deed so barbarous that truth it self blushes as well as justice to hear it mention'd but consider Mura he is our Prince the Empires hope and pillar of great Almanzors age How far a publick regard should be prefer'd before your private desire of vengeance which if you do purchace from our impartial Emperors equity his loss of sight and so of the succession will not restore Caropia to the honor he ravish't from her But so foule the cause is I rather should lament the Princes folly than plead in his behalf Mur. 'T is but vain there is your warrant as you are high Marshal to summon him to make his speedy appearance 'fore the Tribunall of Almanzor so pray you execute your office Exit Tar. How one vice can like a small cloud when 't breaks forth in showers black the whole heaven of vertues O my Lord Enter Abilqualit Muts whispring seem to make protestations Exeunt that face of yours which once with Angell brightnesse cheer'd my faint sight like a grim apparition frights it with ghastly terror you have done a deed that startles vertue till it shakes as it
got a palsie I 'me commanded to summon you before your father and hope you 'l obey his mandate Abil. Willingly what 's my offence Tarifa Tar. Would you knew not I did presage your too unruly passions would hurry you to some disast'rous act but ne're imagin'd you 'd have been so lost to masculine honor to commit a rape on that unhappy object of your love whom now y 'ave made the spoil of your foul lust the much wrong'd wife of Mura Abil. Why do's Mura charge me with his Caropia's rape Tar. This warrant sent by your angry father testifies he means to appeach you of it Abil. 'T is my fortune all natural motions when they approach their end hast to draw to 't with accustom'd swiftnesse Rivers with greedier speed run neere their out-falls than at their springs But I 'me resolv'd let what happen that will I 'le stand it and defend Carpoia's honor though mine own I ruin Who dares not dye to justifie his love deserves not to enjoy her Come Tarifa what e're befall I 'me resolute He dies glorious that falls loves innocent sacrifice Exeunt ACTUS QUARTUS Scena I. Enter Almanzor Abilqualit Tarifa and Mura Al. NO more Tarifa you 'l provoke our anger if you appear in this cause so solicitous the act is too apparent nor shal you need injur'd Mura to implore our justice which with impartial doome shall fal on him more rigorously then on a strange offender O Abilqualit for the name of Son when thou forsookst thy native virtue left thee Were all thy blood thy youth and fortunes glories of no more value then to be expos'd to ruine for one vice at whose name only the furies start and bashful fronted justice hides her amaz'd head But it is now bootless to shew a fathers pitie in my grief for thy amiss As I 'me to be thy Judg be resolute I 'll take as little notice thou art my off-spring as the wandring clouds do of the showers which when they 've bred to ripenesse they straight disperse through the vast earth forgotten Abil. I 'me sorrie Sir that my unhappie chance should draw your anger on me my long silence declares I have on that excelling sweetnesse that unexampled pattern of chast goodnesse Caropia acted violence I confess I lov'd the Ladie and when no perswasions serv'd to prevail on her too stubborn incenss'd by force I sought my purpose and obtain'd it nor do I yet so much I prize the sweetnesse of that unvalued purchase find repentance in any abject thought what ere fals on me from your sterne rigor in a cause so precious wil be a pleasing punishment Al. Yon are grown a glorious malefactor that dare brave thus the awful rod of justice Lost young man for thou' rt no child of mine dost not consider to what a state of desperate destruction thy wild lust has betrai'd thee What rich blessings that I may make thee sensible of thy sins by showing thee thy suffering hast thou lost by thy irregular folly First my love which never more must meet thee scarce in pitie the glorie flowing from thy former actions stopt up for ever and those lustful eies by whose deprival thou' rt depriv'd of being capable of this Empire to the law which wil exact them forfeited Cal in there a Surgeon and our Mutts to execute this act Enter Surg. Muts of justice on the unworthie traitor upon whom my just wak'd wrath shall have no more compassion then the incens'd flames have on perishing wretches that wilfully leap into them Tar. O my Lord that which on others would be fitting justice on him your hopeful though offending son wil be exemplar crueltie his youth Sir that hath abounded with so many vertues is an excuse sufficient for one vice he is not yours only hee 's your Empires destin'd by nature and successions priviledg when you in peace are shrowded in your marble to weild this Scepter after you O do not by putting out his eies deprive your Subjects of light and leave them to dul mournful darknesse Al. 'T is but in vain I am inexorable If those on which his eyes hang were my heart strings I 'de cut them out rather then wound my Justice nor dos't befit thy vertue intercede for him in this cause horrid and prodigious the crime 'gainst me was acted 't was a rape upon my honour more then on her whitenesse his was from mine derivative as each stream is from its spring so that he has polluted by his foul fact my fame my truth my goodnesse strucken through my dignitie by his violence nay started in their peaceful urnes the ashes of all my glorious Ancestors defil'd the memorie of their stil descendent vertues nay with a killing frost nipt the fair blossomes that did presage such goodly fruit arising from his own hopeful youth Mur. I ask but justice those eyes that led him to unlawful objects t is fit should suffer for 't a lasting blindnesse the Sun himself when he darts rayes lascivious such as ingender by too piercing fervence intemperate and infectious heats straight wears obscuritie from the clouds his own beams raises I have been your Souldier Sir and fought your battails for all my services I beg but justice which is the Subjects best prerogative the Princes greatest attribute and for a fact then which none can be held more black and hideous which has betrai'd to an eclipse the brightest star in th' heaven of vertues the just law does for 't ordain a punishment which I hope you the laws righteous guider wil according to equitie see executed Tar. Why that law was only made for common malefactors but has no force to extend unto the Prince to whom the law it self must become subject This hopeful Prince look on him great Almanzor and in his eyes those volumes of all graces which you like erring Meteors would extinguish read your own lively figure the best storie of your youths noblest vigor let not wrath Sir o'recome your pietie nay your humane pity 'T is in your brest my Lord yet to shew mercie that precious attribute of heavens true goodnesse even to your self your son me thinks that name should have a power to interdict your Justice in its too rigorous progress Abil. Dear Tarifa I 'me more afflicted at the intercessions then at the view of my approaching torments which I wil meet with fortitude and boldness too base to shake now at one personal danger when I 've incountred thousand perils fearless Nor do I blame my gracious fathers Justice though it precede his nature I 'ld not have him for my sake forfeit that for which hee 's famous his uncorrupted equitie nor repine I at my destinie my eies have had delights sufficient in Caropia's beauties to serve my thoughtâ— for after contemplations nor can I ever covet a new object since they can ne're hope to incounter any of equal worth and sweetness Yet hark Tarifa to thy secresie I wil impart my dearest inmost counsels if I
outcrie 's this our royal father dead The handkercher has wrought I see Tar. Yes his big heart vanquish'd with sorrow that in 's violent rage he doom'd his much lov'd son to timeless death could not endure longer on its weak strings but crack'd with weight of sorrow Their two spirits by this are met in their delightful passage to the blest shades we in our tears are bound to cal you our dread Soveraign Omnes Long live Abrahen Great Caliph of Arabia Abr. 'T is a title we cannot covet Lords it comes attended with so great cares and troubles that our youth start at the thought of them even in our sorrows which are so mightie on us our weak spirits are readie to relinquish the possession they 've of mortalitie and take swift flight after our roial friends Simanthes be it your charge to see all fitting preparation provided for the funerals Enter Selinthus Sel. Where 's great Almanzor Abr. O Selinthus this day is the hour of funerals grief for his crueltie to my brother has translated him to immortalitie Sel. Hee 'll have attendants to wait on him to our great prophets paradise ere he be readie for his grave The Souldiers all mad with rage for the Princes slaughter have vow'd by all oaths Souldiers can invent and that 's no smal store with death and destruction to pursue sullen Mura Abr. Tarifa use your authoritie to keep their violence in due obedience We 're so fraught with grief we have no room for any other passion in our distracted bosome Take these roial bodies and place them on that couch here where they fell they shal be imbalm'd Yet put them out of our sight their views draw fresh drops from our heart Anon we 'l shew our selves to chear the afflicted Subject a Shoâ—t Omnes Long live Abrahen great Caliph of Arabia Exeunt Abr. And who can say now Abrahen is a villain I am saluted King with acclamations that deaf the Heavens to hear with as much joy as if I had atchiev'd this Scepter by means fair and vertuous 'T was this handkercher that did to death Almanzor so infected it s least insensible vapour has full power apply'd to th' eye or any other Organ can drink its poyson in to vanquish Nature though nere so strong and youthful 'T was Simanthes devis'd it for my brother and my cunning transferr'd it to Almanzor 't is no matter my worst impiety is held now religious 'Twixt Kings and their inferiors there 's this ods These are meer men we men yeâ— earthly gods Exit Abil. 'T was well the Muts prov'd faithful otherwise I 'd lost my breath with as much speed and silence as those who do expire in dreams their health seeming no whit abated But 't was wisely consider'd of me to prepare those sure instruments of destruction The suspicion I had by Abrahen of my fathers fears of my unthought ambition did instruct me by making them mine to secure my safety Would the inhumane Surgeon had tane these blessed lights from me that I had liv'd for ever doom'd to perpetual darkness rather then Tarifa's fears had so appeach'd her honour Well villain Brother I have found that by my seeming death which by my lives best arts I ne're should have had knowledg of Dear Father though thou to me wert pitilesse my heart weeps tears of blood to see thy age thus like a lofty pine fall eaten through by th' gin from its own Stock descending He has agents in his ungracious wickednesse Simanthes he has discover'd Were they multitudes as numerous as collected sands and mighty in force as mischief they should from my Justice meet their due punishment Abrahen by this is proclaim'd Caliph yet my undoubted right when 't shall appear I 'me living wil reduce the people to my part the armie 's mine whither I must withdraw unseen the night wil best secure me What a strange Chimera of thought possesses my dul brain Caropia thou hast a share in them Fate to thy mercie I do commit my self who scapes the snare once has a certain caution to beware Exit Scen. 2. Enter Caropia and Perilinda Car. Your Lord is not returned yet Per. No good Madam pray do not thus torment your self the Prince I warrant you wil have no injurie by saving of your honour do you think his father wil be so extreme outragious for such a trifle as to force a woman with her good liking Car. My ill boding soul beats with presages ominous Would heaven I 'd stood the hazard of my incens'd Lords furie rather then he had run this imminent danger Could you ne're learn which of the slaves it was betray'd our close loves to loath'd Mura's notice Per. No indeed could I not but here 's my Lord pray Madam do not grieve so Enter Mura Mu. My Caropia dress up thy looks in their accustom'd beauties cal back the constant spring into thy cheeks that droope like lovely Violets o're charg'd with too much mornings dew shoot from thy eies a thousand flames of joy The lustful Prince that like a foul thief rob'd thee of thy honour by his ungracious violence has met his roial fathers Justice Car. Now my fears carry too sure an augury you would fain sooth me my Lord out of my floud of sorrows what reparation can that make my honour though he have tasted punishment Mu. His life is faln the off-spring of thy chastitie which his hot lust polluted nay Caropia to save himself when he but felt the torment applied to his lascivious eies although at first he did with impudence acknowledg thy rape he did invade thy spotless virtue protested only 't was to save thy honor he took on him thy rape when with consent and not constrain'd thou yeildedst to the loosness of his wild vicious flames Car. Could he be so unjust my Lord Mu. He was and he has paid for 't the malicious Souldier while he was a losing his eies made violent head to bring him reskue which pul'd his ruine on him But no more of such a prodigie may his black memorie perish even with his ashes My Caropia the flourishing trees widow'd by winters violence of their fair ornaments when 't is expir'd once put forth again with new and virgin freshness their bushie beauties it should be thy emblem Display agen those chast immaculate glories which the harsh winter of his lust had wither'd and I 'll agen be wedded to thy vertues with as much joy as when thou first inrich'd me with their pure maiden beauties Thou art dul and dost not gratulate with happie welcome the triumphs of thy vengeance Car. Are you sure my Lord the Prince is dead Mu. Pish I beheld him breathlesse Take comfort best Caropia thy disgrace did with his loath'd breath vanish Car. I could wish though that he had falne by your particular vengance rather then by th' laws rigor you 're a Souldier of glorie great in war for brave performance me thinks 't had been far nobler had
an awful Majesty resembles it the Powers above the inhabitants of that Superior world are not more subject to them then these to us they can but tremble when they do speak in thunder at our frowns these shake like Lambs at light'ning Can it be impiety by any means to purchase this earthly Deity Soveraignty I did sleep this night with as secure and calme a peace as in my former innocence Conscience thou' rt but a terror first devis'd by th' fears of Cowardise a sad and fond remembrance which men should shun as Elephants clear springs lest they behold their own deformities Enter Mesithes and start at their grim shadowes Ha Mesithes Mes. My Royal Lord Abr. Call me thy Friend Mesithes thou equally dost share our heart best Eunuch there is not in the stock of earthly blessings another I could wish to make my state completely fortunate but one and to atcheive possession of that bliss thy diligence must be the fortunate Instrument Mes. Be it dangerous as the affrights Sea men do fain in Tempests I 'll undertake it for my gracious Soveraign and perish but effect it Abr. No there is not the least shew of peril in 't 't is the want of fair Caropia's long coveted beauties that doth afflict thy Abrahen Love Mesithes is a most stubborn Malady in a Lady not cur'd with that felicity that are other passions and creeps upon us by those ambushes that we perceive our selves sooner in love then we can think upon the way of loving The old flames break more brightly from th' ashes where they have long layn hid like the young Phenix that from her spiâ—le pile revives more glorious Nor can I now extinguish't it has pass'd the limits of my reason and intend my wil where like a fixt Star 't settles never to be removed thence Mes. Cease your fears I that could win her for your brother who could not boast half your masculine Perfections for you will vanquish her Enter Simanthes Sim. My Lord the widow of slaughtered Mura fair Caropia does humbly intreat access to your dread presence Shall we permit her entrance Abr. With all freedom and best regard Mesithes this arrives beyond our wish I 'll trie my eloquence in my own cause and if I fail thou then shalt be my Advocate Mes. Your humblest vassal Abr. With-draw and leave us and give strict order none approach our presence till we do call It is not fit her sorrows Enter Car. should be survey'd by common eie Caropia welcom and would we could as easily give thee comfort as we allow thee more then mod'rate pitie In tears those eyes cast forth a greater lustre then sparkling rocks of Diamonds inclos'd in swelling seas of Pearl Car. Your Majestie is pleas'd to wanton with my miseries which truly you if you have nature in you ought to bear equall part in your deer brothers untimely losse occasion'd by my falshood and your improvident counsel 'T is that calls these hearty sorrows up I am his Murdresse Abr. 'T was his own destinie not our bad intentions took him away from earth he was too heavenly fit only for th' societie of Angels 'mongst whom he sings glad hymns to thy perfections celebrating with such eloquence thy beauties that those immortal essences forget to love each other by intelligence and doat on the Idea of thy Sweetnesse Car. These gentle blandishments and his innocent carriage had I as much of malice as a Tigresse rob'd of her young would melt me into meeknesse But I 'll not be a woman Abr. Sing out Angel and charm the world were it at mortal diff'rence to peace with thine inchantments What soft murmurs are those that steal through those pure rosie organs like aromatick west-winds when they flie through fruitful mists of fragrant mornings dew to get the Spring with child of flowers and spices Disperse these clouds that like the vail of night with unbecoming darknesse shade thy beauties and strike a new day from those orient eies to gild the world with brightnesse Car. Sir these flatteries neitheir befit the ears of my true sorrows nor yet the utt'rance of that reall sadnesse should dwel in you Are these the fun'ral rites you pay the memorie of your roiall Father and much lamented Brother Abr. They were mortall and to lament them were to shew I envi'd th' immortal joyes of that true happinesse their glorious souls disfranchis'd from their flesh possess to perpetuitie and fulnesse Besides Caropia I have other griefs more neer my heart that circle 't with a sicknesse will shortly number me among their fellowship if speedier remedie be not apply'd to my most desp'rate maladie Car. I shall if my hand fail not my determin'd courage send you to their societie far sooner then you expect or covet Why great Sir what grief unlesse your sorrow for their losse is 't can afflict you that command all blessings men wittie in ambition of excesse can wish to please their fancies Abr. The want only of that which I 've so long desird thy love thy love Caropia without which my Empire and all the pleasures flowing from its greatnesse wil be but burdens soul-tormenting troubles There 's not a beam shot from those grief drown'd Comets but like the Sun's when they break forth of showers dart flames more hot and piercing Had I never doated before on thy divine perfections viewing thy beautie thus adorn'd by sadnesse my heart though marble actuated to softnesse would burn like sacred incense it self being the Altar Priest and Sacrifice Car. This is as unexpected as unwelcome Sir Howere you 're pleas'd to mock me and my griefs with these impertinent unmeant discourses I cannot have so prodigal a faith to give them the least credit and it is unkindly done thus to deride my sorrows the virgin Turtles hate to joyn their pureness with widow'd mates my Lord you are a Prince and such as much detest to utter falshoods as Saints do perjuries why should you strive then to lay a bait to captivate my affections when your greatnesse conjoin'd with your youths masculine beauties are to a womans frailtie strong temptations You know the storie too of my misfortunes that your dead brother did with vicious loosenesse corrupt the chast streams of my spotlesse vertues and left me soiled like a long pluck'd rose whose leaves dissever'd have forgon their sweetnesse Abr. Thou hast not my Caropia thou to me art for thy sent stil fragrant and as precious as the prime virgins of the Spring the violets when they do first display their early beauties til all the winds in love do grow contentious which from their lips should ravish the first kisses Caropia thinkst thou I should fear the Nuptials of this great Empire 'cause it was my brothers As I succeeded him in all his glories 't is fit I do succeed him in his love 'T is true I know thy fame fel by his practise which had he liv'd hee 'd have restored by marriage by it repair'd thy