Queen Catharine OR THE Ruines of Love A TRAGEDY As it is Acted at the New THEATRE in Little-Lincolns-Inn-Field BY His MAJESTY's Servants Written by Mrs. Pix LONDON Printed for William Turner at the White Horse without and Richard Basset at the Mitre within Temple-Bar MDCXCVIII To the Honourable Mrs COOK of Norfolk Madam DID not some of the brightest and best our Sex can boast of Incourage Attempts of this kind the snarling Cynicks might prevail and cry down a diversion which they themselves participate though their ill Nature makes them grumble at their Entertainment but when they shall see this Glorious name in the Front when they shall know a Lady belov'd by Heaven and Earth Mistress of all Perfections the bounteous Powers give or human nature is Capable to receive when I say they understand you protect and like Innocent Plays they must Acquiesce and be forc't to own so much goodness cannot choose amiss Queen Catharine who tasted the Vicissitudes of Fate will now forget her sufferings and under such a Noble Patroness remain fixt in lasting Glory and if my weak Pen has fail'd in the Character of that Great Princess now I 've made her an ample recompense for where cou'd I have found a Lady of a more illustrious descent or more Celebrated for her Vertues The name of Cary Graces all our English Chronicles and is adorn'd with the greatest Honours yet that Noble stock did ne'er produce a lovelier branch than your fair self and as if Heaven Correspondent to our wishes design'd you its peculiar blessings you are given to a Gentleman of whom we may venture to say he merits even you Oh! may you appear many many succeeding years the bright Examples of Conjugal Affection and shame that bare-fac'd Vice out of Countenance which breaks the Marriage Vows without a blush May you still remain blest in each other pleas'd to see your Beauties and your Vertues renewed in your Charming Race whilst the admiring World shall wonder at your happiness and reform in hopes to obtain some of those blessings May every thing contribute to your continual satisfaction and amongst your more solid Joys give me leave Madam to hope this trifle may find a vacant hour when you will deign to peruse it and be so good to forgive the Authors presumption in laying it at your feet I cou'd not without a plain Contradiction to the History punish the Instruments that mademy Lovers unhappy but I know your Ladyship will trace Richard the Third into Bosworth Field and find him there as wretched as he made Queen Catharine I dare not add more knowing how unworthy all I have said or can say is of you therefore shall only reiterate my Prayers for your lasting Happiness and beg to subscribe my self Madam The humblest of your Ladyships admirors and Most obedient Servant Mary Pix PROLOGUE Spoken by Mr. Batterton 'T IS grown so hard a Task to please the Town We scarce can tell what Prologue will go down But right or wrong a Prologue must be writ A dull one sometimes may divert the Pit Substantial dullness does as well as wit For if you laugh what matter whence the mirth Whether from plenty of the Wit or dearth A heavy English Tale to day we show As e'er was told by Hollingshead or Stow Shakespear did oft his Countries worthies chuse Nor did they by his Pen their Lustre lose Hero's revive thro' him and Hotspur's rage Doubly adorns and animates the Stage But how shall Woman after him succeed And what excuse can her presumption plead Who with enervate voice dares wake the mighty dead To please your martial men she must despair And therefore Courts the favour of the fair From huffing Hero's she hopes no relief But trusts in Catharine's Love and Isabella's grief EPILGOUE Written by Mrs. Trotter Spoken by Miss Porter WHat Epilogues are made for who can tell 'T were worth the pains to write and speak'em well If they cou'd gain your favour for bad Plays But by their merit you 'll condemn or praise 'T is but a form no matter then by whom Or what is said and therefore I am come I who no partial Voice can hope t' engage No graces of my own nor of the Stage But tho' I cannot yet expect to move Or merit either your applause or love Sure practising so young I may improve That 's all I come for what 's the Play to me And since I 'm here I think I 'll let you see What you 're to hope I may hereafter be Come a short taste of some Heroick now But do not trust me no for if you do By all the furies and the flames of Love By Love which is the hottest burning Hell I 'll set you both on fire to blaze for ever How was that done I 'll swear it pleases me And tho' I came careless of your decree If favouring or against our Tragedy Methinks I'm now grown tender of its fate Who knows but I may come to act Queen Kate. THE Actors Names Edward the Fourth Mr. Scudamore Duke of Clarence Mr. Verbruggen Duke of Gloucester Mr. Arnold Earl of Warwick Mr. Kynnaston Malavill Mr. Bayly Citizens Guards c.  Owen Tudor Mr. Batterton Lord Dacres Mr. Freeman Sir James Thyrrold Mr. Thurmond WOMEN Queen Catharine Mrs. Barry Isabella her Ward Mrs. Bracegirdle Esperanza Woman to Isabella Mrs. Martin Ladies of Honour  ACT the First Scene the First Enter Edward IV. Duke of Gloucester Earl of Warwick and several Lords as rising from Council Edw. NOble are your resolves my worthy Friends Yes we will meet again this Warlike Queen Who wields her self the Sword and gives the Distaff To the Effeminate and Holy Henry My Lord of Warwick Guide and Father now Ever Unconquer'd leader of the War You saw your Eyes beheld the fall of York Made a short promise to his mounting spirit That you wou'd still assist his daring Sons The dying Hero at the assurance smil'd Pleas'd and secur'd he left this Earth to us With Warwick on our side what Foe can shock us So Guarded even Gyants to our Souls Appear like Infants and can move no terrour Shall then a Woman a rash giddy Woman Oppose the Force and Arm of Hercules O Vanity Warw. Vain are indeed these Words go Royal Edward Pour on the fairer Sex thy Oily speeches Joyn'd with thy goodly Person there they can't Fail of Success but give me trust not flattery The rule of Sacred Justice be thy word As well in virtue as in name be King And then if I forsake thee may this Arm To which I owe the Power of executing Your Noble Orders in the dusty field Be lost and all the Courage that inspires it Edw. I 'm hush'd the talking Genius now is silent List'ning to those great Oracles you utter Enter Clarence War Here comes Clarence like a Bridegroom drest My Lord of Gloucester I believe these gay Princes Think we rough Fellows were only made To tug for them for
Sacred name raises him above Our Reprehension tho' not to him of him Who can forbear to speak that has a Soul In which true honour has a Residence Has he not like the wanton Summer fly Blown upon and tainted all our Beauties Is there a Maid of Quality or Fortune Whom he has not attempted or at least Married to some Favourite fawning Minion While we the branches too of mighty York Only are neglected Clar. The Ladys Case transports you were I dispos'd To marry the King shou'd not chuse for me Glou. My Lord no choice is left is there in all the Court One of an unfullied fame whose Beauty or Whose Quality is fit for Princes Arms Clar. I 'll not dispute the matter but I think there are Glou. There are you speak as if they abounded Name me but one and I 'll recant in Veneration To such a rarity forgive the rest and touch Their fames no more Clar. What think you then of beauteous Isabella The studied Workmanship and hand of Heaven Nothing can transcend her Divine person But the unspotted Soul that dwells within Glou. What Isabella Queen Catharine's Ward Thyrrold's Isabella is' t she you thus extravagantly Describe Clar. How Gloucester now I have found thee subtle In malice all the workings of thy brain Are like the dismal Policies of Hell Which still produce a mischief But do not mention her again I charge thee do not For by the sacred blood That fills her veins the blood of Bedford and of Burgundy Both Royal Stems you shall not dare Glou. Not dare Prince Clar. No not dare Lay all your plots on me Cover me all over with detraction as with a Leprosie But touch not Isabella I will bear it Glou. Go on my Brother and when your passion 's o'er Too late consider if I 've deserv'd this usage Clar. What have I done how came her name in Question Oh! Gloucester Gloucester thou art deep and cunning I but a shallow stream and as I stand between Shall be surely forded o'er Edward and Gloucester both may take my life But of my Love there 's neither shall deprive me Glou. I knew not Isabella grew so near you 'T was common Fame occasion'd what I said That as the Queen descended to Love Tudor So Isabella had made Thyrrold hers Rumor's the Child of Error if I 've caught A Falshood why shou'd that create a Quarrel Clar. A Quarrel there is none The King and you Possess the glories you atchieve in War My happiness lies in another Sphere Farewell Exit Glou. Happiness is a Rosie path you ne'er shall tread The Hornet I have thrown into your bosom It buzzes now But it shall sting anon Dissimulation thou art mine My rage was high as his and spite much more but dear dissimulation Cover'd all the fury of my Soul and it shall be vented the safest way Enter Malavill Mal. I met the Duke my master methought his Looks were full of discontent Drum beats Glou. I gave it him hark a distant Drum is the signal I order'd at the approach of Tudor what ho Captain Enter Captain Is the detachment ready Capt. My Lord it is Glou. Lead them towards the Castle there as I told you you 'll Meet with Tudor when you encounter him if his force Is stronger than you expected urge not too far at night I shall use you and those that you command Capt. With utmost care your orders shall be obey'd Exit Glou. Will Sir James Thyrrold come to the Appointed place Mala. He will and is impatient till he Knows your Grace's pleasure Glou. Clarence is even to rashness brave that Will make forget the nicer forms of Different Quality after our Conference See me again if your Lord calls and seems uneasie Cast forth doubtfull Words if Jealousie Appears feed it with oyl I 've Told the King thy merits of thy Intelligence And Honour waits to Crown thy Service Mala. Thanks noble Sir your long tasted Bounty Secures me still your Slave I 'll to my Lord And watch his every motion Exit Mala. Glou. Go thy ways Traytor that 's thy proper name Oh! there 's a vile Ingredient in our frames This Man my Brother Clarence ne'er did injure But signalized him with marks of Friendship Above the rest who did attend him Yet For a little Gold with eagerness he Seeks his ruin an itching Palm destroys his Faith Ambition conquers mine Interest tempts all and where she tempts succeeds My great designs why shou'd I blush to own There 's no Temptation greater than a Crown The End of the second Act. ACT III. SCENE Ludlow Castle Enter Tudor and a Colonel Tud Cousin how are ye Col. Right well my noble Friend Tud I did not here expect an Engagement Col. You fought as if you did your Courage And your Conduct both were shown they That gave the Onset first most shamefully Retreated Tud Colonel lead your Forces to the Camp of Henry Or Margaret I know not which to call it Before the mornings dawn I will be there Col. Oh Tudor thou noblest of mankind Remember e'er I speak that your Commands I never disobey'd Tud Nor ever will I hope my Soldier and my Friend Col. No tho' by this Ambush laid and your rash Resolve of seeing the Queen alone I read Oh dismal thought your death Tud Be it so draw off your Forces I had rather See the Queen tho' my life 's the forfeit than Be Edward or Henry or any happier King That you can think of If you out-live me Report me as a Man that Catharine smil'd on Let some kind Pen transmit the glory to Posterity and I shall hold my death a prize too small for such a stock Of fame if you Love me answer not nor offer to disswade Me but observe my orders Exit Col. bowing This is the path Oh Angel Guardian be thou Near and lead me to my heaven Exit Enter Queen Catharine Cat. I hear the doors unbar shall I not go to Meet him he comes oh trembling heart Think of thy Woes and let thy pantings now be still Enter Tudor and Isabella Tud kneels My Queen Cat. My Love my Husband rise my dearest Lord. Tud Do I behold thy face again Oh taste of joys Unatterabl Oh Banquet beyond the power of sence to bear Nor must I murmurnow If the hard conditions wherewith Seemed to article with providence is now fullfill'd For Heaven knows how often I have Wisht to see thy face and die Cat. Avert it Heaven yet we meet indeed ' midst Wars and Tumults Camps on either side Frightfull Scenes for Love Tud All all is the milky way when thou art near Oh should I but repeat the miseries I have Indured since banished from those fair Eyes you sure wou'd pity me Cat. What hast thou suffer'd thou dear Innocence Persued Tud Upon the Barren summit of a Prodigious Mountain whose height seem'd to brave a second Flood I pass'd my tedious hours Stretching my longing Eyes towards the
sting of her denial Oh! what a torment 't is to know another Enjoys that Bliss for which I sigh'd in vain But Revenge is more lasting fiercer far If not so pleasing as fond Boyish Love Glou. His approach brings the fair Queen To this Castle that lies between our Camps Suppose I glut the angry God within your Breast and find a way to kill this hated Tudor In her arms Edw. ' Twou'd charm me more than to revel in them now Glou. Mind you the pleasures that your heart is fond of And leave this business to your faithful Brother Lord Dacres and Sir James Tyrell rule the Queen Dacres is honest trusty not to be mov'd By bribes or prayers Tyrell is mine and so is Malavill Clarence's Favourite nor shall the amorous Boy Wed the beauteous Ward of Katharine Isabella Half English half French I like not The mixt breed Edw. That be thy labour'd care for if he matches In that abandon'd Family we lose a Brother Come to my arms and let me swear my Gloucester Thou shar'st the Heart and Crown of thy lov'd Edward Glou. I hope great Sir you 'll ne'er repent the trust You have impos'd upon your ready Servant Edw. I thank thee Gloucester and I believe thee too Who waits on Fate will find her Laws are just And patience will at length our wishes Crown I cou'd ask no more than this To mount the Throne of my ungratefull Fair And dash her back that bitter Cup despair Exeunt Enter Malavill to Gloucester Mala. My Lord are you alone Glou. I am and you are safe Haste dear Malavill Quick inform me what More of Importance since our last Conference Has reach'd thy knowledge Mala. I am afraid if discover'd I can No longer serve your Grace Glou. Therefore be quick in your Narration Mala. Fair Isabella from the Castle meets My Lord of Clarence in the adjoining Grove And there I 've learnt he means to try The utmost eloquence of Conquering Love To perswade his Mistress to fly the Kingdom Glou. Dear Malavill observe my orders you shan't want Gold But at the meeting let not a falling syllable Escape thee How stands Sir James Thyrrold Mala. Fixt to our Cause as fate fonder far Of Isabella than he is of Life to Hell He 'd plunge to sink his Reval Glou. My Lord Dacres will he leave the Queen Is Tudor's coming on confirm'd Mala. All as you cou'd wish heark a noise I dare not stay to tell you more Exit Glou. Work on my brain help every faculty And thou invention stretch till thou hast wound me Into the bottom of my Brothers Councils Then give destruction power a Crown alone Can safely shrou'd those foul deformities Those glorious rays wou'd dazle mocking Gazers Then amongst the crowd no sawcy Slave Wou'd dare in whispers to pronounce me monstrous The Ladie 's too caught with unbounded sway The Royal Purple to this uncouth trunk Gives form and vigour to this sapless Limb. By Heaven nature sent me Here in spite to plague her upright Race 'T was her design nor shall she lose her end A Real Foe and deep dissembling Friend Near the Crown but not near enough ally'd Tho Seas of Blood my Title do divide Cruel and bold I 'll wade the Kindred tide Exit ACT the Second SCENE Ludlow Castle SCENE draws discovers Queen Catharine seated attended by the Lord Dacres Sir James Tyrell c. Ladies She rises Cat. THo' Margaret Daughter only of a titled King Who for her Portion brought my wanting Henry What he wanted least expensive Pride Tho she I say ranks me with her Foes Has taken pains to est range me from the breast And fatal Counsels of her ruin'd Husband Yet so dear I hold my Son that to his aid I wou'd not spare my Officers of State alone Alas now they are few succouring him My self I 'll strip of each menial Servant But oh my Lord when I Reflect on your departure My nature by continual injuries made bold Shrinks back and all my Courage fails me Dacres The only merit I can plead is my obedience The Creature of your Commands Cat. Wisely and well did thy Great Master choose Who dying left me to thy Guardian care So perfect has my Loyal Dacres prov'd That I dare read thy very thoughts and pronounce They never swerv'd one title from my Interest Ev'n preferment that Common bait and Ruine of a Courtiers Honesty cou'd never tempt thee from me but now The sad hour 's arriv'd that calls thee forth Thy prudence and thy courage must out To save a sinking King Dac O sacred relick of the first of Heroes For what was Alexander but a Name Compar'd with our Immortal Henry It 's true the first ravag'd o'er effeminate Persia And a barbarous World but my unequall'd King Conquer'd his numerous neighbours Older much Than He and therefore thought more skill'd in Arms Fenc'd Towns nor Armed men cou'd barr his fury Which like Groves darkn'd th' expanded plain Thro' treble numbers he forc'd his way to victory Doubly blest subdueing France and being by you Subdu'd Yet in this full tide of Fortune mark The weakness of the best of humane frames Either the excess of sorrow or of Joy Cracks the strings of life and we moulder Into our first nothing when thousand pious hands Were lifting up to Heav'n for his safety Ev'n then our mighty King expir'd Cat. Well hast thou choos'd this melancholy theam It suits our parting Noble Dacres well Dac By Heav'n I cannot mention that Great Man But the vast story dwells upon my tongue But now I thought to look a little backwards And tell my beauteous Queen the many tyes That link me her faithful Slave when loe At the name of Glorious Henry my words Flow'd to Encomiums and left my worthless self forgot Cat. It needs not Sir O could I but reward As I remember all thy Services How woud'st thou shine bedeck'd with Royal Favours Now thy advice and then farewell do you think The Garrison drawn off and then my Guard remov'd I 'm safe not that I 'm mention'd in the War But I wou'd not be expos'd to that power that has No Justice for its rule Dac Madam this Castle was built by Vortigern See but the Keys of the Avenues in Trusty hands Edward may wast his Army here E're give you any cause for a disturbance Sir James Thyrrold to your charge I leave My Queen if thou shou'dst prove a Traytor ah How came these words upon my tongue without A moments thought Tyr. Without a cause you shou'd have said what have I done to be mistrusted Cat. Thyrrold hold it was his care for me If yours is equal then you must excuse it Adieu Commend me to Henry and the Queen Tell them my endeavours and my Prayers shall still Attend them Dac O thou forgiving Virtue Everlasting Charmer Whose sight alone gave thy dying Lord Transports too great for mortal life to bear Here let me six my parting duty and
expected Joys Isa Malavill 't is a dangerous path we tread and much Precaution must be used if amongst those few Your master trusts but one shou'd prove a Traytor Inevitable ruin seizes all Mala. I dare affirm the care the Duke has took in what So nearly does concern him equals his Love which nothing Can exceed the rest are managed well I only know The bottom of the design and shou'd I Be thought unfaithfull I soon wou'd give a fatal Proof of my Fidelity and die at hearing I was Once mistrusted Isa No be assured thou art not if thou wert by Isabella I 'd stand the lash of Furies have Uninvented torments practised on this tender Body excelling all the old e'er groan the secret Out this night On Dacres absence I know the Queen Will walk her self the rounds see every door and Brazen gate fast barr'd and lock'd and every Key Brought to the Royal Chamber this only passage Left to trusted me and therefore unexamined shall I then dare Oh horror every limb and every Trembling vein forbids it Mal. What not for the Duke of Clarence not for him Who wou'd rush thro' thousand pointed Swords For you Isa Take it take the important Key The Queens own words But fly this moment fly be gone I say least I Repent and yield no more Mala. With all my heart Aside At twelve Isa I will Exit Ma. Hear thou All-seeing eye of Providence listen to kneeling A distressed Virgins Prayer if ought that 's ill insues For much my heart forbodes as mine the guilt be mine the punishment If there must be wrath heap it all on me But let the guiltless Queen be safe and free Exeunt SCENE the Camp Enter Duke of Clarence followed by the Earl of Warwick Warw. Hold Duke of Clarence stop thus have I Followed thee heyond our utmost Guards Thus beheld thee observ'd thy folded arms And down cast eyes thy silent steps I 've traced Which seem'd to measure out thy graves Length so sad they were come dear youth Lean upon my bosom and tell thy griefs if thou Art wronged Warwick stands forth to do thee Iustice I serve the King thy Brother Edward But dare Proclaim before his face I love thee More Clar. Burden me not with kindness To noble natures 'T is the hardest task favours receiving without Hopes of a return Edward and Gloucester the darlings Both of Fate to them apply and court not him Who shuns the World War Dost thou push me from thee young Prince Boy I was a going to have said you will repent It there 's something labours in thy brain Remember you were offered Warwick's aid which You despis'd Farewell Exit War Clar. He 's gone and I dare not call him back or tell My weakness he never will consent his Souls wound Up to steady Glory past the Convulsive fit of Loves dear Calenture what he terms sadness Is the expected Joy which fills my Soul with transports My thoughts are full of thee dear Isabella And my eyes disdain to view an object that may Divert the pleasing Image where art thou Malavill lazy Embassador for Love hast to bring Me the glad tidings all goes well Enter a Page Pag. Sir Sir Clar. What 's the matter boy Pag. A grim looked fellow gave me this and charged Me instantly to seek ye nor wou'd he leave me Till he saw I 'd found your Grace I knew my Gallant Master wou'd have been angry if I Had trembled else indeed he frighted me Clar. Poor innocence ha lift up thy Torch sure the Moon gives me a sickly light and make me Read a miss Reads Duke of Clarence YOur Family is given to invade another's right You a younger branch follow the Example Witness your designs on Isabella my plighted Wife Ha my blood runs cold but I will yet proceed Since you have chose the Murderers hour as that perjur'd false one has confessed be that the place and time if you dare to meet the Injured Thyrrold If I dare where am I can this be true or is it all A plot too deep for me to fathom Isabella false I 'll Not believe it sure 't is all delusion Enter Malavill Oh art thou come let me rush upon thee as I Would seize my Love thou art arriv'd the very Minute when I was plunging down I know not where You must awake me from a dreadfull dream For sure it is no more Mal. My Lord Clar. Shrink not from my embrace nor turn thy eyes Away I cannot bear another apprehension if thou Bringst not comfort Hell all hell is here Mal. What shou'd I say Clar. Why hast thou nothing then to say did I not Send thee Mal. You did my Lord. Clar. Why are thy answers cold and looks distracted Did I not send thee to Isabella for the Confirmation Of her promise and the Key Mal. You did but oh Clar. What speak I charge thee speak Mal. After long waiting and repeated signs the Necessary thing her Woman appear'd and with A scornfull smile said we were all defeated Sir James Thyrrold had discover'd our design and Isabella in a careless tone she added was concern'd But advised your Grace to think of her no more Clar. By hell 't is false she is betrayed as well as I Her Soul is written in her looks and does not Know deceit Mal. Take my life if you suspect me go the Appointed place I 'll wait upon you Affronted and vexed like you Clar. Forgive me dear Malavill what no Key No word from her Mal. None as I hope for everlasting happiness Clar. Then she is hold my breath shall not proclaim Her nor will I curse her nor wish her half The racks that she has given me follow to My Tent I have yet an Assignation left which Shall be this night in Blood performed Oh Isabella Who wou'd have thought when Heaven had took Such pains without Hell had been employed So deep within Fool fool too soon believing I 'm undone Nor has the Trayt'ress by deceiving won For whom soe'er false Saint bows to thee There 's not a Worshiper will dote like me Exit Enter Duke of Gloucester Glou. Ha ha ha this will do him good whet his Spleen and make a perfect Soldier of him Had The Man been married he had been spoiled Mal. Your Grace is pleased but shou'd my Lord and Isabella meet or the King incline to the match I of necessity must be crusht as an atonement For the reconciliation Glou. Hitherto thou hast acted well doubting will Undo thee No Clarence and Isabella meet no more Like Lovers on the word of Gloucester be directed And search no further tread the way that I show Thee which shall lead to thy advancement Mal. Too far I 've ventured now to think of a return Glou. Where 's the Key that to the Castle gives the Wish'd admittance Mal. There 't is had you but seen with what fear What trembling 't was given heard the prayers The piercing words the frighted Virgin
to see a wretched Court The very Epitome of sorrow and the lovely Queen Chief Mourner who for her Tudor slain In destraction raves away the hours she hates And from her kneeling Servants refuses either Counsel or Support the fair Isabella too Is forc'd we know not where or to what Fate Dac 'T is from examples like to these we ought To learn there 's no stability below For if these who did command vast Empires Whose eyes cou'd see no limits to their Extended sway yet when the mouldring earth Was theirs cou'd not secure a lasting happiness What Emet what Mole but Man wou'd heave And work on in darkness still living on fates decoy Deluding hope yet never reach the expected day That brings us Joy Sincere Show me this Royal sadness The torrent of whose griefs I 'll strive to calm Tho' 't is impossible to dry the source Curtain rising discovers Queen Catharine sitting on a Couch with Herbs and Flowers by her attended Cat. Here give me more more of the Cypress and That grave shading yew let the Carnutions lose their colour And display the blooming Rose in some black die Till I 've made my Garland Dark as my Woes and Dismal as my Despair Dac Ha! ' is worse than I expected Oh Henry it Is not given sure for those above to view their Friends beneath if 't were this sight wou'd interrupt Thy Peace and turn thee a Sympathizing mourner ' Midst the blest Cat. Who 's there my Lord Dacres Dac Your ready Servant who weeps to see the Majesty of France and England thus employ'd Cat. You think me mad alas Sir I am not so happy Indeed I'm trying ' fast as e'er I can to obtain The blessing but yet I remember that Tudor Was that he was faithfull lovely good and Murder'd for all that yes at my feet he fell Come all ye Bedlam wretches shake your horrid Chains grin and scream around me 'till my Brains are quite o'erturn'd let me feel all your Stripes and wants and straw so I am rid of the Racks my mind indures the Trumpets when They sounded Edward's Victorious entrance here Were such Musick yet that will not do Dac What shall I say words but augment the wounds They cannot cure to tell this Royal fair that She once had temper that she bore my great Masters loss with Saint-like patience to urge That now alass is vain Cat. True Dacres for that was the work of Heaven And Heaven gave me patience but this is Hell All Hell and 't is from thence I rave Dac Fain I wou'd injoyn you hear me I dare not Give my self so bold a name as Friend Cat. Friends I 've none if thou pretend ' st to ought Be gone and leave me Leave me to earth and Deep despair death and destruction are the Only Friends I chuse Here will I fall strow me With herbs and flowers then weep About me as if I were dead perhaps I may Grow senseless Dac Oh deep excess of mourning to which I have But one Argument in answer come forth ye Charming little ones and raise your drooping Mother He leads in the Queens Children in Mourning Cat. rising Ha! Dac Kneel sweet Images of lovely Catharine kneel Speak not but heave your little hands for Mercy 't is the Queen alone can save you whilst She lives France is potent and must be fear'd If violence is offer'd but your Protectress gone You may be swallowed in the Whirpool of Ambition and the crime forgot See how their Infant eyes are wet with tears they are frighted Tho' they do not know for what Cat. Oh Dacres Dacres why hast thou done this Now I do remember Tudor's words his last Desire that I shou'd live for them raise 'em From Earth their tender knees will ake no Let 'em kneel on they are born slaves and Must perhaps be much longer compell'd to Do their duty Dac Now by the Soul of my great master by Royal Henry I read in these small lines Majestick glory Methinks I am inspir'd to say from these branches Shall come a noble stock of Princes which must Bless And Wed and intermixing heal the distracted Land Behold the Queen and Tudor's blooming grace Nature her self can scarce make such another face Cat. Oh bring 'em near me thou Oracle thou soul Of goodness do what thou won't with me and them Dac Upon the banks of Silver Thames there is a Monastery which seems as built for retiring Princes so Quiet and so neatly form'd near the Metropolis it Stands there you may live in peace my self will quit All further thoughts of Business or of State and if I Once inquire into the World it shall be only for Your safety and the good of these Cat. I thank thee Dacres and I thank Heaven I am Compos'd Enter Esperanza Esp Oh horror accumulated sorrows like rowling Billows heap upon us still Dac Peace the Queen but now is calm disturb her With no new affliction Cat. I stand prepar'd there 's nothing now can shock Me Speak Esp The lovely Isabella is brought dead the bearers Say her last request was your Forgiveness that She might be laid at your Royal feet and your Majesty wou'd pardon her unwilling fault Cat. Oh Esperanza too late you told me of her Intended flight Love was her only crime yet she proved Fates cruel Instrument of my undoing why This was why so ordained is beyond mortal inquiry And I shou'd submit Where is the poor unhappy Maid alas But she is past it all and Now finds rest for if soft Innocence can reach The bright Aethereal seats she 's surely there Give order for our instant March let her Corps Precede the dismal journey and let us follow as Those sad Friends their best beloved to the last Stage the Grave My Dacres that 's the sure reception of us all But they sleep best who do with honour fall Exeunt Omnes Enter Edward Duke of Gloucester and Officers Edw She 's gone and with her go all that ever Discompos'd my Soul now to Glory and his Country's Good Edward wholly will devote himself let us towards London take our triumphant way That City in whose favour we are blest Glou. You I suppose have heard that Clarence Proclaims his wrongs a loud that Warwick owns his Cause and with a Guard has sent him to his Castle Edw. Towards that rash Prince my Lords we doubt Not to approve our self a Friend and Brother if Warwick sides with him tho' he stands high In our esteem yet we wo'n't fear the Warrior Nor call the work of Heaven his alone Kingdoms are given by the powers above And the chief blessing is our peoples love Whilst we are just they ought and must be kind No Cement does so fast as Justice bind FINIS