floud of teares be-dew'd his feet Then said by death expecting to be free Let us entombe great Darius like a King Then when we first his funerall honour see Death must to us a great contentment bring This oft they urg'd though he attested there That Darius was not dead as they suppos'd But liv'd with hope his ruines to repaire And in the pow'r of other Realmes repos'd Then did he urge what comfort and reliefe They might attend depending on your Grace Thus having toil'd to mitigate their griefe It seem'd they long'd to see my Soveraignes face Alex. I pitie still and not insult o're such Though once mine Enemies who are humbled so And lest weake feare oppresse their mindes too much To comfort them straight to their Tent I 'le go Exeunt Chorus OF all the passions which possesse the soule None so disturbes vaine Mortals mindes As vaine Ambition which so blindes The light of them that nothing can controll Nor curb their thoughts who will aspire This raging vehement desire Of Soveraignty no satisfaction findes But in the breasts of men doth ever roule The restlesse stone of Sisyph to torment them And as his heart who stole the heavenly fire The Vulture gnaws so doth that monster rent them Had they the world the world would not content them This race of Ixion to embrace the clouds Contemne the state wherein they stand And save themselves would all command As one desire is quench'd another buds When they have travell'd all their time Heapt bloud on bloud and crime on crime There is an higher power that guides their hand More happie he whom a poore Cottage shrouds Against the tempest of the threatning heaven He stands in feare of none none envies him His heart is upright and his ways are even Where others states are still twixt six and seven That damned wretch up with Ambition blowne Then whil'st be turnes the wheele about Throwne high and low within without In striving for the top is tumbling downe Those who delight in climbing high Oft by a precipice do dye So do the Starres skie-climbing worldlings slout But this disease is fatall to a Crowne Kings who have most would most augment their bounds And if they be not all they cannot be Which to their damage commonly redounds The weight of too great states themselves confounds The mighty toyling to enlarge their state Themselves exceedingly deceive In hazarding the thing they have For a felicity which they conceive Though their Dominions they encrease Yet their desires grow never lesse For though they conquer much yet more they crave Which fatall Fortune doth attend the great And all the outward pompe that they assume Doth but with shows disguise the Minds distresse And who to conquer all the earth presume A little earth shall them at last consume And if it fortune that they dye in peace A wonder wondrous rarely seene Who conquer first heavens finde a meane To raze their Empire and oft-times their race Who comming to the Crowne with rest And having all in peace possest Do straight forget what bloudy broyles have beene Ere first their Fathers could attaine that place As Seas do flow and ebbe States rise and fall And Princes when their actions prosper best For feare their greatnesse should oppresse the small As of some hated envied are of all We know what end the mighty Cyrus made Whom whil'st he striv'd to conquer still A woman justly griev'd did kill And in a bloudy vessell roll'd his head Then said whil'st many wondring stood Since thou didst famish for such food Now quench thy thirst of bloud with blond at will Some who succeeded him since he was dead Have raign'd a space with pompe and yet with paine Whose glory now can do to us no good And what so long they labour'd to obtaine All in an instant must be lost againe Loe Darius once so magnified by fame By one whom he contemn'd o're-come For all his bravery now made dombe With down-cast eyes must signifie his shame Who puft up with ostentive pride Thinke Fortune bound to serve their side Can never scape to be the prey of some Such spend their prosp'rous dayes as in a dreame And as it were in Fortunes bosome sleeping Then in a dull security abide And of their doubtfull state neglect the keeping Whil'st fearfull ruine comes upon them creeping Thus the vicissitude of worldly things Doth oft to us it selfe detect When heavenly pow'rs exalt deject Confirme confound erect and ruine Kings So Alexander mighty now To whom the vanquish'd world doth bow With all submission homage and respect Doth flie a borrow'd flight with Fortunes wings Nor enters he his dangerous course to ponder Yet if once Fortune bend her cloudy brow All those who at his sudden successe wonder May gaze as much to see himselfe brought under Act. 3. Scene 1. Sisigambis Statira Regina Statira virgo O Dismall day detested be thy light And would the Gods but Gods neglect our case The world were wrapt in a Cymmerian Night That no proud eye might gaze on our disgrace Why did the Heavens reserve my feeble age To make my burden more when strength grows lesse Could nothing but my harmes their wrath asswage Thus offred up on th' Altar of distresse Ah! have I spent my youth in pompe and pleasure And had my spring-time grac'd with pleasant flowres That th' Autumne which should reape the Sommers treasure Might be distempred with such stormy showres And did smooth calmes and Sunne-shines for a space Make all my voyage through the world a sport That I should fall when neere to end my race And toss'd with stormes even perish at my port Yet for all this were I expos'd alone The wretched object of Ioves thund'ring armes I should not thinke I had just cause to mone When I but wail'd mine owne not others harmes Ah me on those whom more then life I love The state-disturbing blasts of Fortune fall Yet each of them some severall losse doth move But I in anguish beare a part with all I suffred when I saw Oxatres slaine My loving Sonne and most entirely lov'd I dy'd in Darius when he try'd in vaine What Fates would do yet still their hatred prov'd The heavens to plague me more yet make me breath O rigour rare what tortures rack my breast Who feele the sowre but not the sweet of death Still cours'd not kill'd lest that should breed me rest Yet Iove if this may dis-enflame thine ire Let all thy lightning light upon my head To be consum'd with a celestiall fire Some comfort were since that I must be dead Sta. Reg. Leave mother those complaints as fit for me Who still must grieve my friends and grace my foes Whose fortune is so wretched still to be That all the world may wonder at my woes Loe that deare Lord and treasure of my thought Whose presence I my Paradise esteem'd To such a precipice is headlong brought That he from ruine cannot be redeem'd Ah! on
devoure That Lady of events though still she rave Scarce can her course to mocke my minde advance For if not trusted first none can deceive And I attend no certainty from chance Then I have learn'd to moderate my minde Still with contentment crowning my desires My garments course my food such as I finde He hath enough who to no more aspires VVhat satisfaction doth o're-flow my soule The world all weigh'd while high accounts I cast And in my memories unblotted scroule Doe match the present time with others past Those worldly mindes whose weaknesse wealth doth cloake Though others happy I them wretched thinke For whil'st that passions base all reason choake The bodies slaves their soules surcharg'd doe sinke Yet loath I not the world as loath'd by it Like those who when disdain'd pretend disdaine No no I had as Athens must admit What riches birth or reputation gaine And if that I would vaunt of mine own deeds Faire Citie where mine eyes first suck't the light I challenge might what most thy glory breeds For fame or power as due to me of right When Salamina had our yoke remov'd Witâ— follies garments wisedome to disguise What none durst else attempt I boldly mov'd And seem'd a foole to make the people wise Then having thus by policy prevail'd My Countries squadrons leading to the field Whil'st both by strength and stratagems assail'd I forc'd that I le though wall'd with waves to yeeld But when renown'd by that advent'rous deed And turn'd victorious charg'd with strangers spoiles No perfect blisse below worse did succeed The peace that was abroad bred civill broyles What with more violence doth fury leade Then mut'nous commons when they want a head The meaner sort could not their mindes conforme Those things to doe which great men did command And whil'st distracted with a dangerous storme All joyn'd to place the Rudder in my hand I re-united that divided state And with good successe manag'd matters well Which further kindled had been quench'd too late That Hydra-headed tumult did so swell VVhen I my worth by those two works had prov'd And trod the path of power as Prince a space The peoples Minion by the Nobles lov'd None could be great save such as I would grace Thus carried with the force of fortunes streame I absolutely acted what I would For the democracy was but a name The Cities raines my hand in trust did hold I might a tyrant still have rul'd in state But my cleare minde could no such clouds conceive But gladly left what others urge of late If I may rule my selfe no more I crave Yet some whose thoughts but for fraile glory car'd Said that my sprite could not aspire to raigne And that my errour could not be repair'd Since so to erre meanes come not oft againe My soule in this a more contentment findes Then if a Diadem adorn'd my brow I chayn'd th' affections of undaunted mindes Though barbarous earst which did to order bow Yet hardly could rich Citizens advise To keep the statutes which my lawes contain'd Whil'st what one prais'd another did despise Some lov'd some loath'd ev'n as they thought they gain'd At last at least in shew all rest content Ev'n those who hate me most lend their applause A worthy minde needs never to repent The suffering crosses for an honest cause Whil'st travelling now with a contented minde The memory of this my fancy feeds Though to great states their periods are assign'd Time cannot make a prey of Vertues deeds Where seven-mouth'd Nile from a concealed source Inunding ov'r the fields no bankes can binde I saw their wonders heard their wise discourse Rare sights enrich'd mine eyes rare lights my minde And if it were but this yet this delights Behold how Craesus here the Lydian King To be his guest me earnestly invites The which to some would great contentment bring But I bemoane that world-bewitched man Who makes his gold his god the earth his heaven And I will try by all the meanes I can To make his judgement with his fortune eaven Chorus VVHat can mans wandring thoughts confine Or satisfie his fancies all For whil'st he wonders doth designe Even great things then doe seeme but small What terrour can his sprite appall Whil'st taking more then it can hold He to himselfe contentment doth assigne His minde which monsters breeds Imagination feeds And with high thoughts quite headlongs rold Whil'st seeking here a perfect ease to finde Would but melt mountains and embrace the winde What wonder though the soule of man A sparke of heaven that shines below Doth labour by all meanes it can Like to it selfe it selfe to show The heavenly essence heaven would know But from this masse where bound till free With paine both spend lifes little span The better part would be above And th' earth from th' earth cannot remove How can two contraries agree Thus as the best part or the worst doth move Man of much worth or of no worth doth prove O! from what fountaine doe proceed These humours of so many kindes Each braine doth divers fancies breed As many men as many mindes And in the world a man scarce findes Another of his humour right Nor are there two so like indeed If we remarke their severall graces And lineaments of both their faces That can abide the proofe of sight If th' outward formes then differ as they doe Of force th' affections must be different too Ah! passons spoile our better part The soule is vext with their dissentions We make a God of our owne heart And worship all our vaine inventions This braine-bred mist of apprehensions The minde doth with confusion fill Whil'st reason in exile doth smart And few are free from this infection For all are slaves to some affection Which doth oppresse the judgement still Those partiall tyrants not directed right Even of the clearest mindes eclipse the light A thousand times O happy he Who doth his passions so subdue That he may with cleare reasons eye Their imperfections fountaines view That so he may himselfe renew Who to his thoughts prescribing lawes Might set his soule from bondage free And never from bright reason swerve But making passions it to serve Would weigh each thing as there were cause O greater were that Monarch of the minde Then if he might command from Thule to Inde Act 2. Scene 1. Croesus Aesope Solon WHat Prince hath been so favour'd by the fates As could like me of full contentment boast Lov'd of mine own and fear'd of forrain states My foes have faln my friends were never crost For having that which thousands seek at will My happinesse in all things hath been such Heavens favorite and fortunes Minion still I know not what to wish I have so much Mine eyes no way did ever grieve my heart With any object that their sight did draw My name applauded is in every part My word an Oracle my will a law What brest can well confine this floud of joyes Whose swelling
great Iove since they supply his place So with their charge to make their vertues even Doth give to them some supernaturall grace Vice-gods on th' earth great Lievtenants ot heaven Solon As you have shown Kings good occasion have To sound the deepes and mysteries of wit And those who so their stares from râ—iâ—e save Doe well deserve upon a Throne to sit But ah those rivers are not ever pure Through tainted channels which oft times convaid By flatteries poyson rendred are impure Oft Princes hearts are by their eares betray'd For impudent effronted persons dare Court with vaine words and detestable lyes Whil'st men of minds more pure must stand afarre The light is loath some to diseased eyes But with amazement this transports my minde Some who are wise grosse flattery can digest And though they know how all men are inclin'd Yet please the bad and do but praise the best Is' t that such men no errour can controll Nor will not crosse their appetite in ought But nothing censuring every thing extoll Where better wits would argue as they thought Or since the world of worth in all esteemes They never like a pregnant sprite to raise So to have none who but to help them seemes Or may pretend an int'rest in their praise This self-conceit is a most dangerous shelfe Where many have made shipwrack unawares He who doth trust too much unto himselfe Can never faile to fall in many snares Of all men else great Monarchs have most need To square their actions and to weigh their words And with advice in all things to proceed A faithfull Counsell oft great good affords Loe how th' inferiour spheares of force do bend As the first mover doth their courses drive The Commons customes on the Prince depend His manners are the rules by which they lives As for himselfe none onely is brought forth Kings for the use of many are ordain'd They should like Sunnes cleare Kingdomes with their worth Whose life a patterne must be kept unstain'd All vertuous Princes have a spatious field To shew their worth though even in Fortunes spight Where meane men must to their misfortune yeeld Whil'st want of power doth cloud their vertue quite As pretious stones are th' ornaments of rings The stone decores the ring the ring the hand So Countries are conforme unto their Kings The King decores the Court the Court the Land And as a crop of poyson spent alone Infected fountains doth with venome fill So mighty states may tainted be by one A vitious Prince is a contagious ill Aesope It easie is anothers faults to spie And paint in th' aire the shadows of our mindes Whil'st apprehending with the inward eye A high perfection which no practise findes Solon I grant those grounds which we imagine may Will move no charmed man much lesse a Prince To disenchant himseife and seeke some way At Reasons Court his passions to convince Ere Croesus can refraine from this his fury He must forsake himselfe as one renew'd And in the lethe of oblivion burie The vanities that have his soule subdew'd Those his prerogatives he first must bound And be a man a man to be controll'd Then all his faults as in another found An arbiter with equall eyes behold Could he cast off this vaile of fond self-love Through which each object Pride too grosly spies He would these ravenous Parasites remove Vile instruments of shame that live by lyes The onely meanes to make such people part That he might judge more freely of his state Were to cast out the Idoll of his heart Which when o're-thrown he must disclaime too late For forraine flatterers could finde no accesse If not that weighing his owne worth too much He first concludes to sooth himselfe inclin'd That all their praises should of right be such And when those hireling Sycophants have found A Prince whom too secure opinion makes His noblest part they by smooth weapons wound All spoyle by pleasing them whom flattery takes Ore rulers rule when such a person beares Of vertuous men the rising to prevent From wholsome counsell they close up his eares To crosse the better sort in all things bent Aesope If you at Court to credit would arise You must not seek by truth to gaine renowne But sometime must applaud what you despise And smile in show whil'st in effect you frowne Solon From hence in haste I will my selfe retyre I hate Courts slavery it my freenesse scornes Nor am I one whom Croesus doth desire Since I detest what him he thinks adornes O how light Fortune doth his folly flout While as he glories in this flying show With greedy harpies hedg'd in round about Which gape to be made rich by his o're-throw Not all the wealth that his great kingdome shows Can make me from my resolution shrinke Nor can the terrour of a Tyrants blows Enforce my tongue to speake more then I thinke Nothing so much as doubts doth vex the minde Whil'st anxious thoughts to fix nowhere can come Yet every one the way to rest may finde A resolution all things doth o're-come And since my thoughts in Innocency rest No outward warre can inward peace surprise What can imagi'd be to brave a brest That both doth death and povertie despise Exeunt Chorus OF all the Creatures bred below We must call Man most miserable Who all his time is never able To purchase any true repose His very birth may well disclose What miseries his blisse o're-throw For first when borne he cannot know Who to his state is friend or foe Nor how at first he may stand stable But even with cryes and teares doth show What dangers do his life enclose Whose griefes are sure whose joyes a fable Thus still his dayes in dolour so He to huge perils must expose And with vexation lives and dyes with woe Not knowing whence he came nor where to go Then whil'st he holds this lowest place O! how uncertaine is his state The subject of a constant fate To figure forth inconstancy Which ever changing as we see Is still a stranger unto peace For if man prosper but a space With each good successe fondly bold And puft up in his owne conceit He but abuses Fortunes grace And when that with adversity His pleasures treasures end their date And with disasters are controll'd Straight he begins for griefe to dye And still the top of some extreame doth hold Not suffering Summers heat nor Winters cold His state doth in most danger stand Who most abounds in worldly things And scares too high with Fortunes wings Which carry up aspiring mindes To be the object of all windes The course of such when rightly scan'd Whiâ—st they cannot themselves command Transported with aâ— empty name Oft unexpected ruine brings There were examples in this Land How worldly blisse the senses blindes From which at last oft trouble springs He who presumes upon the same Hidde poyson in his pleasure findes And sayling rashly with the windes of fame Doth
torment Now in his age unwisely stout To fight with Cyrus but no doubt The heavens are griev'd thus to heare told Long ere the time their darke intent Let such of Tantalus the state behold Who dare the secrets of great Iove unfold Act 5. Scene 1. Cyrus Harpagus LEt us triumph o're them though proud of late Whose glory now doth with their greatnesse faile Since with their fortune forfeiting their state No warre 's approv'd unlesse that it prevaile The world that whil'st we fought did doubtfull stand As for the one ordain'd to be a prey Saw how the heavens plac'd lightning in my hand Those thund'ring downe who would not us obey Goe pay our vowes ere enterprising more The Gods detest a minde that is ingrate And who delight their Deities to adore Are alwaies bent to stablish their estate Cause burden Altars smoke each sacred place With Bullockes Incense Odours of all kindes But none can give the Gods still great in grace A sacrifice more sweet than thankefull mindes Harp Though all who partners are of th' earth and ayre Still whil'st tapestred with this azure pale If for nought else yet for those gifts least rare To serve th' all-pow'rfull pow'rs should never faile Yet there are some whom successe hath design'd Whose names are written in respected scroules WHom benefits not ordinary binde To love them more then life yea then their soules Of those that you are one your deeds declare Of whom amid'st innumerable broiles Even from your cradle they have had a care And led you safe through many dangerous toiles Though of the troubles of your youth I see You have not heard the wonderfull discourse I them remember who did chance to be An actor in your Tragicke-Comicke course Cyrus The accidents which in our nonage chance A ripened age not to remembrance brings Like fabulous dreames which darkenesse doth advance That are by day disdain'd as frivolous things For our conceptions are not then so strong That they can leave impressions long behinde Yet mixe deare friend old griefes new joyes among And call afflicted infancy to minde Harp Who would not wonder at thy wondrous fate Whom even or borne destruction did attend Whil'st ere thou could'st offend pursu'd by hate Even then to end what now shall never end Your mother first her fathers minde did sting Whil'st once he dream'd which yet his soule confounds That of a tree which from her wombe did spring Th' umbragious branches darkened Asias bounds Then to the Magies straight he gave in charge To try what this strange vision did presage VVho having studied their darke Art at large Gave this response with a propheticke rage That once his daughter should a sonne bring forth Who should by valour gaining great renowne Make vanquish'd Asia witnesse of his worth But from his grand-father first reave the Crowne This to Astyages a terrour bred Who vainely bent to scorne the heavens decree His daughter out of policy would wed To some weake stranger of no great degree And to Cambyses who of her made choice He for his Country then contemn'd gave eare Whom by your birth the Princesse did rejoyce And gave her father further cause of feare Thus tyranny their brood whose courage failes Doth force the Parents in despaire to fall To fight a dastard proud when it prevailes But yet as fear'd of all doth still feare all And tyrants no security can finde For every shadow frights a guilty minde This Monarch then who could not dreame of harmes Whose guards did glance all still with steele array'd Then whil'st he liv'd secure from forraigne Armes A babe scarce borne and his did make afraid And whil'st Lucina the last helpe did make As if some ugly monster had beene borne A Minotaure a Centaure or a Snake The peoples terrour and the Mothers scorne The Grand-childes birth which justly should impart To grand-fathers the greatest cause of joyes Did long ere wounded making him to smart Involve him in a maze of sad annoyes And to prevent what did him fondly fright By giving cause of a deserved hate He sought by robbing you the new-found light To make your birth and buriall of one date Soone after this he sent for me in haste Whom at that time and not in vaine he lov'd And told the summe of all things that were past By which his marble-minde seem'd nothing mov'd Yet in the same as he would let me know Though pitty none some horrour did remaine Whil'st damn'd in substance to seeme cleere in show Your bloud his heart but not his hand should staine Thus having lull'd asleepe their judgement still The wicked would extenuate their crimes Not knowing those who but allow of ill As actors guilty differ but in times With his vile fault he would have burden'd me Whom straight he charg'd an Innocent to slay I promis'd to performe his rash decree Well weighing whom not what I should obey When I had parted from his Highnesse face And carried you then swadled with me too Whil'st horrour did congeale my bloud a space I stood perplex'd not knowing what to doe And as to purge my part even shedding teares By troupes of passions griefe my soule assail'd Thus when distress'd for easing others feares Th' intended death of you your murd'rers wail'd For him I sent a servant of mine owne VVho for the time was heards-man to the King To whom I made all my Commission knowne But as enjoyn'd to him shew'd every thing Delivering you with an unwilling breath WHom of pure gold a glistring robe array'd I threatned him with many a cruell death If that your death were any way delay'd Straight then to execute the Tyrants doome He from my sight did all astonish'd goe Too great a charge for such a simple Groome The shew of Majestie amaz'd him so What man not wondring can by deeds behold The providence of all-commanding Iove Whose brazen edicts cannot be contrould Firme are the Statutes of the States above That mortall whom a Deities favour shields No worldly force is able to confound He may securely walke through dangers fields Times and occasions are to serve him bound For loe before the heards-man was come home His wife had chanc'd a breath-lesse childe to beare Who wondred so to see her husband come While by his conscience crush'd he quak'd for feare And straight she curious grew to know the forme How he a babe so beautifull obtain'd Who her of all did suddenly informe And to what cruelty he was constrain'd She quickly then th' occasion to embrace No doubt inspir'd by some celestiall pow'r Pray'd that her infant might supply your place Yet where no beasts his body might devoâ—re So shall we have saith she a double gaine Since our owne childe shall get a stately tombe And we a Princely brood which may remaine Still nurst with us as th' issue of my wombe The husband lik't so well his wives designe That he perform'd all what she did require And when I had directed one of mine
his charge confine Dar. Wretch travell'st thou thy Soveraign to betray Such treason dar'st thou to our eares impart Such treason under trust stay traitour stay My sword shall search what lurkes within thy heart Art Sir reyne your rage this but new trouble breeds And weigh well what they are what is the time It may be this from ignorance proceeds In thought and not in word consists a crime Since that against your enemies you goe Be not severe in cens'ring Subjects parts But tolerate your owne to grieve your foe Now must we strive to gaine not lose mens hearts It by all meanes shall be exactly try'd How first his braine such fancies did embrace And if but simply not puft up with pride He must be pardon'd and restor'd to grace Dar. And of my Subjects I would rather have Then one to punish them to guerdon all Nar. If I have err'd no pardon Sir I crave First heare and if I faile then let me fall I call the Gods to testifie my part Who can commenting thoughts cleare truth afford If ever treason harbour'd in my heart Straight let me dye not pittied but abhorr'd I counsell gave according to my skill It was my upright minde that made me bold And though my wit not answer'd to my will Still zeale what it conceives must needs unfold We should be loth to speake in great affaires Where words are damn'd or ballanc'd by th' event For if things faile the fault is still thought theirs Who gave advice though of a good intent Great Prince forget this not well grounded grudge Who dare be free if thus for words rejected At least examine first before you judge I rather dye absolv'd then live suspected Dar. Your fond opinion justly might be fear'd Which seem'd indeed sinistrously inclind For at the first your speech to me appear'd The poyson'd birth of some malitious minde But your purgation now hath taken place And of your faith I will no further doubt But hold you in the same degree of grace That you enjoy'd before those words chanc'd our I thinke that Patron lookes with speaking eyes As if his minde were mightily perplex'd Come Patron tell what in thy bosome lyes By which thou seem'st so wonderfully vex'd Pa. Sir I would speake in private if I could That which affection fir'd with zeale affords Let silence seale what friends with feare unfold Take you my thoughts none else shall have my words Though onely bound by voluntary choice We follow you all other hopes quite lost Your bodies shadowes th' Ecchoes of your voyce As faithfull now as when you flourish'd most For where you are we must remaine with you Since both our lots are in one vessell throwne I wish our Tent were made your lodging now For we will save your life or lose our owne We have abandon'd Greece our native soile And our retreat no Bactria now attends But those who us would of your person spoile Spoile us of all whose all on you depends Would God all yours were bent to doe their due Fame big by feare doth bring forth rumours rife I grant it grosse if that his owne were true To trust a strange with a Monarches life Dar. What sudden danger doth of late dismay you Such inconveniences that you fore-cast Pa. Sir Bessus and Narbazanes betray you This day to you or them will be the last They faine repentance onely for the forme Till every thing be for the fact prepar'd The clouds are gathering which doe boast a storme And they ere night minde to invade your guard Dar. I trust thy words but yet I cannot wrong Those who by nature love to me should beare Shall I leave them who follow'd me so long Then they may thinke I merit what I feare I will await on what the heavens will send For who can stand when fates his fall conspire And with mine owne at least least griev'd will end I live too long if they my death desire Bes Take heed in time Sir to this subtile Greeke The Grecian faith to all the world is knowne I am enform'd he by all meanes doth seeke To gratifie your foe as borne his owne And marvell not though mercenary men Who sell themselves sell all this is not strange They have no God but gold nor house how then Can they be constant who doe live by change Though this vaine man pre-occupy you thus And such as would themselves abuse your grace Faith shall be found untainted still in us When our accuser dare not shew his face Dar. Of Alexander those who hope for gaine By trait'rous meanes do but themselves deceive Since none in earth doth Traitors more disdaine Nor treason can in greater horrour have Bes Well Sir you shall know shortly what we are I will go see your Ensignes all displai'd Dar. It better is since things are gone so farre Then seeme but to mistrust to be betray'd Loe Artabazus I have acted here My part of greatnesse and my glasse is runne Now Patrons speech doth evident appeare I see my end yet can their course not shunne Art The Bactrians onely have imbark'd in this Go to the Greeks which if with courage done When once your danger manifested is The Persians all will follow after soone Dar. And what if I were gone to Patrons Tent And had the Greeks for guard as you desire He h th but thousands foure which are well bent Tâ—â—y thirty thousand who my fall conspire And doing this I should their deed excuse In giving them a cause who have most might They may indeed my lenity abuse But by my deed they shall pretend no right Art O Prince to be bemoan'd who can but weep To â—ee thee thus involv'd in such a state Dar. Retyre you all and seek your selves to keep â—â—ere attend the issue of my fate Yâ—â—onâ—â—â— that a wretch yet breathing stands â—o whom the heavens no comfort can impart Fâ—â—â—e shall not make me fall by mine owne hands No let another sinne though I must smart None of you all have falsifi'd your truth But loyall still unto the end abide Now I you all disburthen of your oath Leave me alone and for your selves provide Act. 4 Scene 3. Darius O Stormy state of Kings vaine Mortalls choice The glorious height whence greatnesse grones to fall Ah! we who courting fame do hunt each voyce To seeme but Soveraigne must be slaves to all Yet blowne like bladders with Ambitions winde On envy'd Scepters weakly we relye And whil'st swoln fancies do betray the minde Not onely th' earth but heavens themselves defie Whil'st lostie thoughts tumultuous mindes do tosse Which are past up with popular applause A state extended by our Neighbours losse For further trouble but procures a cause If Fortunes dark ecclipse cloud glories light Then what avails that pomp which pride doth claim A meere illusion made to mock the sight Whose best was but the shadow of a dreame Of glassie Scepters let fraile greatnesse vaunt Not Scepters no but reeds which rais'd
SELEUCUS his greatest Captaines CASSANDER his greatest Captaines THE ALEXANDRAEAN TRAGEDIE Act 1. The Ghost of ALEXANDER the Great BAck from th' umbragious caves still rob'd of rest Must I returne where Phoebus guilds the fields A Ghost not worthy to be Pluto's Guest Since one to whom the world no buriall yeelds O what a great disgrace is this to me Whose Trophees Fame in many a kingdom keeps That I contemn'd cannot transported be A passenger for the Sulphurean deeps Dare churlish Charon though not us'd to bow The raging torrent of my wrath gain-stand Must I succumbe amidst hels dungeons now Though all the world accustom'd to command But it may be that this hath wrought me harme What bloud-lesse Ghosts do stray on Stygian banks Whose falls made famous by my fatall arme Gave terrour oft to many martiall ranks Yet for a prey expos'd to ravenous beasts Could never have the honour of a Tombe But though for such rude guests too pretious feasts Were basely buried in a brutish wombe Thus as it seemes the horrour of such deeds With like indignity attends my sprite What stormy breast this thirst of vengeance breeds To plague for that which valour did acquite Ah! might Alcmena's sonne as sonne of Iove Once force the driery forts of endlesse night To match sterne Dis in the Tartarian grove And draw forth foaming Cerberus to light Then leading Theseus through the dungeons darke A second rape aym'd for their ravish'd Queene Durst he hels terrour force the fatall Barke By squadrons pale an envi'd victor seene And in my rage may I not tosse this Round Till roaring Earth-quakes all the world affright Heaven stain'd hell clear'd earth torne all to confound Enlightning darknesse or else darkning light What though I from terrestriall Regions swerve Whom in this state it may be some mistake May not the voyce of Alexander serve To make th' earth tremble and the depths to shake Or straight return'd shall I my fortune trust And th' Earth dispeople slaughtring scatt'red hosts Then Pluto plague all charg'd with bloud and dust When men are kill'd to be a King of Ghosts O how I burst to thinke how some above Who for their glory did my steps attend My off-springs title proudly do disprove And to my Chaire by violence ascend Ingratitude doth grieve a generous sprite VVould God therefore that with a body stor'd I might returne these Traitors to acquite My back with Armes my hand charg'd with a sword As when I entred in a populous Towne To warre alone with thousands in my wrath Whil'st prizing honour dearer then my Crowne Each of my blows gave wounds each wound gave death Then thundring vengeance on rebellious bands I would make them redeeme my grace with grones Where now my Ghost empall'd with horror stands Lesse grac'd then those whom I commanded once And yet the glory by those Captaines had Whom first my Ensignes did acquaint with fame Doth make my soule whil'st hating them more sad Then all the suffrings that the hells can claime O now I see what all my Minions blindes To grace my funerals that they take no paine My state betraying me distracts their mindes Who have forgot all love save love to raigne But Ptolomie doth yet by time intend To Alexandria to transport me once Not mov'd by love no for another end In hope my Fortune will attend my bones And must I then so great a trouble have To whom the Earth did all belong before For some few foots of Earth to be a grave VVhich meane men get and great men get no more Though many thousand at my signe did bow Is this the end of all my Conquests then To be thus barr'd that little circuit now A benefit even common unto men But of those kingdomes which were thrall to me Lest that a little part my body bound Th' earth arch'd with heaven my fatall bed should be Still unconfin'd and even when dead yet crown'd O blinde ambition great mindes viprous brood The scourge of mankinde and the foe to rest Thou guilty art of many millions bloud And whil'st I raign'd didst raigne within my brest This to my soule but small contentment brings That I some Cities rear'd and others raz'd And made Kings captives captives to be Kings Then whil'st the wond'ring world did stand amaz'd All that doth now but torture after death Which rais'd my Fame on pillars more then rare O costly conquest of a little breath Whose flattring sounds both go and come with th' aire Can I be he who thought it a disgrace To be but weigh'd with other mortals even Who would be held of an immortall race The off-spring of great Iove the heire of heaven By many meanes I all mens mindes did move For Altars as a God with off'rings stor'd Till of his glory Iove did jealous prove All kings should reverenc'd be but not ador'd Ah! whil'st transported with a prosp'rous state I toil'd to raise my Throne above the Starres The thund'rer straight who still doth pride abate Did wound my fame with most infamous warres Made I not grave Calistenes to smart Who did disdaine a mortall to adore What knowne unknowing bent by foolish art Though but a man to be imagin'd more All fear'd the danger of my roaring wrath Like Lyons when asleep which none durst wake My fury was the Messenger of death Which when enflam'd made flaming squadrons quake Ambition did so farre my thoughts engage That I could not abide my Fathers praise But though my friend kill'd Clitus in a rage Who Philips Fami durst in my presence raise Thus though that I mine Enemies did abate I made my greatest friends become my foes Who did my insolence as barbarous hate And for the like afraid wail'd others woes Those tyrannies which thousands chanc'd to see As inhumane a multitude admir'd And my familiars strangers growne with me As from a Tyrant for distrust retyr'd Yea there were many too who did conspire By base ambushments to have snar'd my life Of all my labours loe this was the hire Those must have store of toils who toile for stâ—â—â—e And I remember that amid'st my joyes Even whil'st the chase of Armies was my sport There wanted not a number of annoyes To counter-poise my pleasures in some sort Of those on th' earth most happy that remaine As ag'd Experience constantly records The pleasures farre exceeded are by paine Life greater griefe then comfort still affords What griefe no rather rage did feaze my soule Whil'st bigge with hopes a battell bent to prove That sudden sicknesse did my course controull Which cold when kinde embracing flouds did move From the Physician then though deem'd for ill I took his potion gave him scandalous lines Then whil'st he red did drinke yet ey'd him still And by accusing looks sought guilty signes Not that suspitious feares could make me sad This was the ground whence did proceed my paine Lest death my victory prevented had For I was sure still where I fought to gaine
some some something to entreate Not onely did the Gods by divers signes Give Caesar warning of his threatned harmes But did of foes disturbe the rash designes And to their troubled thoughts gave strange alarmes A Senator who by some words we find To the conspirators though none of theirs Had showne himselfe familiar with their minde Then chanc'd to deale with Caesar in affaires That sight their soules did with confusion fill For thinking that he told their purpos'd deeds They straight themselves or Caesar thought to kill A guiltie conscience no accuser needs But marking that he us'd when taking leave A suters gesture when affording thankes They of their course did greater hopes conceave And rang'd them seven according to their rankes Then Caesar march'd forth to the fatall place Neere Pompeys Theater where the Senate was Where when he had remain'd a litle space All the confederats flock'd about Calph. Alas Nun. First for the forme Metellus Cimber crav'd To have his Brother from exile restor'd Yet with the rest a rude repulse receiv'd Whilst it they all too earnestly implor'd Bold Cimber who in strife with him did stand Did strive to cover with his Gowne his head Then was the first blow given by Casca's hand Which on his necke a litle wound but made And Caesar starting whilst the stroke he spi'd By strength from further striking Casca stai'd Whilst both the two burst out at once and cry'd He Traitour Casca and he Brother aide Then all the rest against him did arise Like desp'rat men whose furie force affords That Caesar on no side could set his eyes But every looke encountred with some Swords Yet as a lyon when by nets surpriz'd Stands strugling still so long as he hath strength So Caesar as he had their pow'r despis'd Did with great rage resist till at the length He thus cri'd out when spying Brutus come And thou my Sonne then griefe did back rebound Nought but unkindnesse Caesar could o'recome That of all things doth give the deepest wound Cho. Ah! when unkindnesse is where love was thought A tender passion breakes the strongest heart For of all those who give offence in ought Men others hate but for unkinde men smart Nun. Ah! taking then no more delight in light As who disdainfullie the world disclaim'd Or if from Brutus blow to hold his sight As of so great ingratitude asham'd He with his Gowne when cover'd first o're all As one who neither sought nor wish'd reliefe Not wronging majestie in state did fall No sigh consenting to betray his griefe Yet if by chance or force I cannot tell Even at the place where Pompey's statue stood As if to crave him pardon Caesar fell That in revenge it might exhaust his blood But when his corpes abandon'd quite by breath Did fortunes frailties monument remaine That all might have like int'rest in his death And by the same looke for like praise or paine Then Cassius Brutus and the rest began With that great Emperours blood to die their hands What beast in th' earth more cruell is then man When o're his reason passion once commands Cal. Whilst brutish Brutus and proud Cassius thus Romes greatest Captaine under trust deceiv'd Where was Antonius since a friend to us That he not lost himselfe or Caesar sav'd Nun. The whole conspiratours remain'd in doubt Had he and Caesar joyn'd to be undone And so caus'd one to talke with him without Who fain'd a conference till the fact was done Then knowing well in such tumultuous broiles That the first danger alwayes is the worst He fled in hast disguis'd with borrow'd spoiles For rage and for disdaine even like to burst Cal. The Senatours which were assembled there When they beheld that great man brought to end What was their part to what inclin'd their care I fear affliction could not finde a friend Nun. Of those who in the Senate-house did sit So sad an object sorrie to behold Or fearing what bould hands might more commit Each to his house a severall way did hold This act with horrour did confound their sight And unawares their judgement did surprise When any hastie harmes un-lookt-for light The resolution hath not time to rise That man on whom the world did once rely By all long reverenc'd and ador'd by some None to attend him had but two and I. Cho. To what an ebbe may fortunes flowing come Why should men following on the smoake of priâ—e Leave certaine case to seeke a dream'd delight Which when they have by many dangers tri'd They neither can with safety keepe nor quite The people who by force subdu'd remaine May pitty those by whom opprest they rest They but one Tyrant have whereas there raigne A Thousand Tyrants in one Tyrants brest VVhat though great Caesar once commanded Kings VVhose onely name whole Nations did appall Yet now let no man trust in worldly things A little earth holds him who held it all Cal. Ah! had he but beleev'd my faithfull cares His State to stablish who have alwayes striv'd Then scaping this conspiracie of theirs He honour'd still and I had happy liv'd Did I not spend of supplications store That he within his house this day would waste As I by dreames advertis'd was before VVhich shew'd what was to come and now is past VVhil'st the Sooth-sayers sacrific'd did finde A beast without a heart their Altars staine By that presage my soule might have divin'd That I without my heart would soone remaine But all those terrours could no terrour give To that great minde whose thoughts too high still aym'd He by his fortune confident did live As if the heavens for him had all things fram'd Yet though he ended have his fatall race To bragge for this let not his Murtherers strive For O! I hope to see within short space Him dead ador'd and them abhorrâ—d alive Though now his name the multitude respects Since murdering one who him had helâ— so deare VVhil'st inward thoughts each outward thing reflects Some monstrous shape to Brutus must appeare Iust Nemesis must plague proud Cassius soone And make him kill himselfe from hopes estrang'd Once all the wrongs by foes to Caesar done May by themselves be on themselves reveng'd Cho. Some Soveraigne of the earth would fortune prove As if confus'dly Gods did men advance Nought comes to men below but from above By providence not by a staggering chance Though to the cause that last forgoes the end Some attribute the course of every thing That cause on other causes doth depend Which chain'd 'twixt heaven and earth due ends forth bring Of those decrees the heavens for us appoint Who ever them approves or doth disprove No mortall man can disappoint a point But as they please here moves or doth remove We when once come the worlds vaine pompe to try Led by the fates to end our journey haste For when first borne we straight begin to dye Life 's first day is a step unto the last And is there ought more swift
current doth o'reflow my minde VVhich never dream'd that which the soule annoyes But did in all a satisfaction finde I scorne vaine shadowes of conceited feares As one whose state is built on marble grounds In all my horoscope no cloud appeares My blisse abounds my pleasures passe all bounds Aesope That Grecian Sir is at the Court arriv'd VVhole wisedome fame through all the world records Croe. And to extoll my state have you not striv'd VVhil'st bent to sooth his eares with courteous words Aesope In all the parts where he hath chanc'd to be In forrain bounds or where he first saw light He never did such stately wonders see As since this Court enriched hath his sight VVhen regall shewes had ravish'd first his eye As mountains nurslings little simple swaines VVho us'd with infant flouds them never spy Sport portative like Serpents through the Plaines When one of them first comes to view the vailes And wanton water-Nymphs there wondring sees The rarenesse of the sight so much prevailes That rillets rivers seeme the rivers Seas So all the guards that garnisht Solons way Did to his minde a great amazement bring The gallants golden statues made him stay Each Groome a Prince each Esquire seem'd a King And now he comes to gaine your long'd-for sight Whom in his minde no doubt he doth adore He gaz'd on those who held of you their light Sunne of this soile he must admire you more Now he o're all will spread your praises forth A famous witnesse of your glorious raigne The record of one wise man is more worth Then what a world of others would maintaine Solon Great Prince doe not the loving zeale reject VVhich a meane man yet a good minde affords And who perchance doth more your good affect Then those who paint their love with fairer words Croe. Thy love sage Grecian gratefull is to us Whom fame long since acquainted with thy worth So that we long long'd for thy presence thus To spy the Spring which sent such treasures forth Would God that many such would here resort Whose vertues beames would shine in every brest VVhose count'nance grave would grace so great a Court And like a Lampe give light unto the rest Solon Spare courteous King that undeserved praise I am but one who doe the world despise And would my thoughts to some perfection raise A wisedome-lover willing to be wise Yet all that I have learn'd huge toyles now past By long experience and in famous Schooles Is but to know my ignorance at last Who think themselves most wise are greatest fooles Croe. This is the nature of a noble minde It rather would be good then be so thought As if it had no ayme but fame to finde Such as the shadow not the substance sought Yet forc'd to give that which thou wilt not take The world what thou hold'st down doth raise more high That which thy face thus shunnes shines on thy back Praise followes them who what they merit flye And how I thinke on th' earth no creature lives Who better can instruct what I would learne Then thou to whom franke Nature largely gives A minde to see a judgement to discerne Solon To satisfie your suit my dutious care Shall it or then my ignorance disâ—lose Croe. Loe you have seene my pomp my treasures rare And all the strength on which my thoughts repose Solon Those be but dreams of blisse which fortune brings To breake by bending foolish mortalls mindes I saw but sencelesse heapes of melting things A waving wealth expos'd to many windes This but the body serving to decore As foolish owners it it th' owners spends Where mindes more circumspect seek better store Of wealth from danger free that never ends Croe. I wot not what you meane whil'st thus in love With fain'd Ideas of imagin'd blisse By fancies drawn such portraits doe but move Sicke braines to dreame that which indeed they misse But more I have then their conceits can show Whose rich conjectures breed but poore effects And I beseech you did you ever know A man more blest then I in all respects Solon I Tellus knew a man whom Athens lov'd Who to doe good at no occasion fail'd And in my judgement hath most happy prov'd Since while he liv'd belov'd whil'st dead bewail'd And last that he might reape all fruits of blisse His Countries beaten bands neere put to flight By him encourag'd scorn'd to be submisse Who dy'd victorious in two Armies sight More glorious now then when he was alive As he in heaven on earth his happy rest To trace his steps who led by Vertue strive Heires of his worth and honour'd by the best Croe. Since this first place a private person gaines Whose fortunes treasure in short time was told Now next in ranke who registred remaines Whose happinesse you most accomplish'd hold Solon Of Cleobis and Bitons vertuous way The prosp'rous course doth to my thoughts approch Their mother wanting on a solemne day The horses which were us'd to draw her Coach Them to supply the place love kindely rais'd Who drew her to that place of publike mirth Whil'st both of them abundantly were prais'd They for their piety she for her birth This charitable worke when brought to end Both dy'd whil'st offering incenie to the Gods Who favour'd so to draw them did intend From further danger of afflictions rods O happy mother who with true delight Of labours past such pleasant fruits enjoy'd And happy children who did thus acquite The mothers paine and dyed whil'st well imploy'd Ah ah our lives are fraile doe what we can And like the brittle glasse breake whil'st they glance Then oft the heavens to curbe the pride of man Doe inter-sowre our sweets with some sad chance Croe. Is there no place appointed then for me Or is my state so abject in thine eyes That thou do'st thinke me blest in no degree As one whose best in fortunes ballance lyes Or think'st thou me of judgement too remisse A wretch expos'd to want to scorne or paines The bastard childe of fortune barr'd from blisse VVhom heavens doe hate and all the world disdaines Are those poore creatures then to be compar'd With one who may consume such in his wrath Who as I please doe punish or reward Whose words nay ev'n whose lookes give life or death Solon Let not your judgement thus from reason shrinke To glose on that which simply comes from me They who doe freely speake no treason thinke One cannot both your friend and flatterer be To us who Grecians are the Gods doe grant A moderate measure of an humble wit So that our Country yet did never want Some whom the world for wise men did admit And yet amongst us all the greatest number Whil'st living looke not for a perfect rest Though Fortunes minions in her bosome slumber And seeme to some whom this world blindes most blest Yet ov'r all mortall states change so prevailes We alterations daily doe attend And hold this for a
Yet such disasters past we must omit At least no more immoderately lament And as for those which are but comming yet Use ordinary meanes them to prevent Adrast No wonder Sir though by all means you strive From dangerous actions Atis to restraine Croe. I will unto his youth attendance give Which in my age may guerdon'd be againe If it be possible for mortall states To strive against the Starres and be more strong I Fortune must unarme and crosse the fates By barring both all meanes to do me wrong I have commanded under paine of death That no such weapon be within my walls As I suppos'd extinguish might his breath To scape a storme which oft by Fortune falls He to frequent the field must oft deferre And without guards his lodging never leave Loe where with Countrey-men he doth conferre We will go try what they of him would have Act. 3. Scene 2. Chorus of Countreymen Croesus Atis Adrastus Coelia LEnd Sir a willing eare to humble words Let not our basenesse barre us from your grace Which still it selfe alike to all affords Who blesse their sight with that Majesticke face For simple subjects Monarchs must take care Though this our state be thought but abject now You are our head and we your members are And you must care for us we care for you Our poverty to us is no reproach Which innocent integrity adornes On others states we never do encoach But live by labours prickt with many thornes And ever busied for the Countries good We have no time to must of vaine conceits But earning with continuall toile our food Must entertaine the pompe of prouder states And Sir though plaine thinke not our meaning ill Who thus dare speake so freely as we do Whil'st Mediatours do dilate our will They wrest it as they will and spoile us too To count'nance such as us you need not shunne A great man too well grac'd may do more harme And it stains not the glory of the Sunne Though oft his beams an abject object warme Croe. Be not discourag'd by your base estate Ye are my people and I le heare your plaint A King must care for all both small and great And to do good like God should never faint The Scepter such as those should chiefly shroud Not Cotages but Castles spoile the Land To spare the humble and to plague the proud A vertue is that doth make Kings to stand Cho. Sir our estate some hastie help requires In Misia neare the celebarted rounds Of great Olympus which the world admires There haunts a Boare the horrour of these bounds His body bigge and hideous is his forme Whose foamie jaw with tusks like javelins strikes And in deformity all parts conforme His backe hath bristles like to iron pikes This Natures Monster wondred at by men The forrests Tyrant and the Countries terrour Doth murder all and draws them to his denne Who chance to crosse his way by fatall errour In teares whil'st melting tender mothers waile The goared infants tumbling in their bloud This beast to be abhorr'd doth them assaile And in his bowels buries both for food Then when we flie the field where he doth haunt To have his hunger or his rage allay'd He all our labours quickly doth supplant And poore mens hopes are strangely thus betray'd Ere this of true repose we were the types And pasturing on each plaine our fleecie flocks Did make a consort of our warbling pypes With moving Crystals playing on the rocks And oft to ease our toils all rang'd in bands With garlands guarded from Apollo's beames We gaz'd upon Pactolus golden sands Glass'd bath'd and quench'd our thirst with his pure streames Whil'st we preferr'd the river seem'd amaz'd Even to his golden bed his grassie banke And lay and look'd whereas our cattell graz'd Farre from all envy of a greater ranke That to represse oppression you take care Though we were dumbe the publick rest may speake Your Laws like Spiders webs are not a snare For little flyes that them the bigge may breake Meane men by them from great mens pride are sav'd The heavens continue long your prosp'rous raigne And let us not by such a beast be brav'd Which by our ruine would your Scepter staine Croe. What would you then that should be done by me That may repay your losse repaire this wrong Cho. We crave none of your wealth but wish to see This Boare be-bloud the staffe of the most strong Let valorous Atis worth ily your Sonne With Lydian youth incapable of feares Go to the fields before the rising Sunne To quench his thirst have drunk Sunne To quench his thirst have drunk the mornings teares And we shall leade them crown'd with lawrell forth Where in strict bounds yet a theatre large For men to make a triall of their worth They with advantage may this Monster charge So shall we reape repose and they delight Whil'st that prodigious body justly smarts Though fearfull once then made a pleasant sight When like a wood it planted is with darts Croe. I may not spare my Sonne for a respect Which is not needfull now to be made knowne But others shall be sent for that effect That this out-ragious beast may be o're-thrown The stately gallants who attend our grace That by the world their valour may be view'd This enterprise will willingly embrace And not returne till with his blood imbru'd I sweare this monster shall when he is dead A memorable monument remaine IN Phebes church men shall admire his head As Pythons spoiles when by her brother slaine Atis. Ah! wherein Father did I thus offend Or what vile signe of a degener'd minde Have you but mark'd in me whose course may tend To the reproach of our imperiall kinde And abiect dastard who for nought availes Whose worth the world must trust but never trieâ— As one whose strength or then his Courage failes Must I in vile repose inglorious lie Lie like a wanton by vaine thoughts bewicth'd Who spoild of force effeminately lives A Peacok poore with painted pennes enrich'd Yet bare of every thing that glory gives What glory give those titles unto me Which by succession fall not by desert Should but my fame with borrow'd feathers flie For come of kings a kingdome is my part Who honour as hereditary claimes Like bastards base doth but his birth-right blote I scorne to beg my worth from dead mens names Or to gaine credite onely by my Coate What comfort 's this to have the highest seate And all the blisse that Majestie imparts If those whom onely we exceed in State Be our Superiours in farre better parts More then a Crowne true worth should be esteem'd Th' one fortunes gift the other is our own By which the minde from anguish is redeem'd When fortunes goods are by her selfe o'rethrown Croe. I see what brave desires boile in thy soule And make thee thus magnanimous to be This high-bent courage nothing can controule All Lydia is not large enough for thee Goe
seeke an Empire equall with thy minde Of which a Crowne is due to every thought But Glories love whilst courting in this kinde I feare by thine our ruine may be wrought And pardon me deare Sonne great is the love Which makes me watch so warily thy wayes A Fathers care what kind of thing can move Whom such a danger not in time dismayes The Heaven of late advertis'd me by dreames That some sad fortune threatned thee too soone Each day some ominous signe attendance claimes Which out of time are mark'd when all is done This was the cause that hastned us so much To have thee bound to Hymens sacred law This was the cause that all our care was such Out of our sight all weapons to withdraw Scorne not those Comets which amazement notes The starres to mortall states a bounds designe And doe not thinke t' is but my love that dotes For if thou fall my fate depends on thine Atis. Would God I had some meanes once ere my death To satisfie that infinite desert Which I shall hold so long as I have breath Deepe registred with reverence in my heart Yet sir we see this is a naturall thing That too excessive loue engenders feares A sport like this can no great perill bring Where either all delights the eyes or th' eares If from my former deedes I now should shrinke As voide of vertue to soft pleasure thrall Of your two Sonnes what might your Subjects thinke Th' one wanting but one sense the other all What fancies might my late spous'd love possesse To see her husband hatefull in mens sights And honours bounds thus basely to transgresse As womaniz'd still wallowing in delights Though women would have men at their devotion They hate base mindes that hatch no noble notion Croe. Well well my Sonne I see thou must prevaile Goe follow forth the chase use thine owne forme Yet stay or let my words this much availe Walke with more care to scape this threatned storme Thy hawtie sprite to tempt all hazards bent I feare transports thee to a fatall strife I wish to erre yet the event prevent Lest that thy courage but betray thy life And deare Adrastus I must let him know What benefits I have bestow'd on thee Not to upbraid thee no but so to show How I may trust thee best thus bound to mee When thou from Phrygia cam'st defil'd with blood And a fraternall violated love When desp'rate quite thou as distracted stood Fled from thy Fathers face curst from above Thou foundst me friendly and my Court thy rest A Sanctuary which thy life did save And dangers scap't when one hath beene distress'd A wary wisdome by experience leave Yet all that favour past was but a signe Of generous greatenesse which would gratious prove But in thy hands my soule I 'le now consigne And give the greatest pledge that can binde love Behold how Atis of our age the shield Whose harme as you have heard I fear'd ere now Is for his pastime to goe range the field And with his custodie I will trust you I must my friend even fervently exhort Waite on my Sonne remember of my dreame This dangerously delectable sport Doth make mee feare the griefe exceeds the game Adrast I never shall those courtesies neglect It grieves me not to thinke nor heare the same For whilst this sprite those members doth direct All shall concurre to celebrate your fame Yet were you pleas'd I would not hence depart Who doe all things that mirth may move abhorre But with my passions here retir'd a part Woe past would waile and shunne all cause of more If to converse where not one crosse annoies I feare my fellowship infect with woe Those who themselves would recreate with Ioyes Still strange mishaps attend me where I goe But since you will commit this charge to mee Your Majestie I 'le studie to content At least my faith shall from defects be free And all my paines shall as you please be spent Atis. Now bent to see this monsters ougly shape With an inflam'd desire my thought doe burne And Father feare not dreame of no mishap I hope with speed victorious to returne Coelia Returne from whence deare love O deadly word That doth import thy parting from my sight I heard the name mishap Ah! my deare Lord Should such strict limites bound so large delight O cruell to thy selfe unkinde to me And can'st thou condescend to leave me soe If ere in doubt abandon'd thus I be It may deferre but not defraud my woe This might indeed to thee yeeld some reliefe To have thy eares not wounded by my mone But would wound me with a continuall griefe To feare all things where I should feare but one Desist in time from this intended strife A course too rash and not approv'd by me Remember I have int'rest in thy life Which thus to venter I doe not agree Hast thou not given a proofe in thy greene prime That may content the most ambitious heapes Whilst Atis was his own then was it time To follow fancies unconfined Scopes Thy selfe then onely camp'd in fortunes bounds Thou do'st endanger Coelia likewise now You sigh her breath she suffers in your wounds You live in her and she must die in you Atis. Life of my soule how doe such broken speaches From troubled passions thus abruptly rise I know my love thy love my minde o're-reaches Affection Schoold with feares is too too wise I goe alongst the fields for sport to range Thy sighes doe but my soule with sorrow fill And pardon deare I finde this wond'rous strange That thou beginst now to resist my will If I trespasse in ought against my dutie Which makes thee thus my constancy mistrust Mistrust not yet the Chains of thine own beauty Which binde all my desires and so they must Are wee not now made one such feares o'recome Though I would flie my selfe my selfe doe fetter And if that I would flie from whom to whom I can love none so well none loves me better Have pitty of those pearles sweet eyes soules pleasures Least they presage what thou would'st not have done The Heavens had not give me those pretious treasures Of such perfections to be spoil'd so soone Chorus THose who command above High presidents of Heaven By whom all things doe move As they have order given What worldling can arise Against them to repine Whilst castell'd in the skies With providence divine They force this peopled round Their judgements to confesse And in their wrath confound Proud mortalls who transgresse The bounds to them assign'd By Nature in their mind Base brood of th' earth vaine man Why brag'st thou of thy might The Heavens thy courses scan Thou walk'st still in their sight Ere thou wast borne thy deedes Their registers dilate And thinke that none exceedes The bounds ordain'd by fate What Heavens would have thee to Though they thy Wayes abhorre That thou of force must doe And thou canst doe no more This
vanish'd like to lightning flashes Then death could me not have of life depriv'd Whilst such a Phoenix had reviv'd my ashes San. Let not those woes ecclipse your vertues light Croe. Ah! Rage and griefe must once be at a height San. Strive of your sorrowes Sir to stop the source Croe. These salt eye-floods must flow and have their course San. That is not kingly Croe. And yet it 's kindly â—here passions domineere they governe blindly San Such woefull plaints cannot repaire your state Croe. Vnhappie soules at least may waile their faâ—e The meanest comfort that you can returne Is in calamity a leave to mourne San. what Stoicke strange who most precise appeares Could that youths death with tearelesse eyes behold In all perfections ripe though greene in yeares A hoarie judgement under lockes of gold No no man lives but must lament to see The worlds chiefe hope even in the blossome choak'd But men cannot controll the Heavens decree And what is done can never be revok'd Let not this losse with griefe torment you more Of which a part with you your Country beares If wailing could your ruin'd state restore Soules charg'd with griefe should saile in Seas of teares Lest all our comfort dash against one shelfe And his untimely death but hasten yours Have pitty of your people spare your selfe If not to your own use yet unto ours Croe. When Sandanis I first thy faith did finde Thou div'd so deepely in my bosome then That since thou still entrusted with my minde Didst know what I conceal'd from other men Behold I goe to open up to you Chiefe treasurer of all my secrets still What high designe my Thoughts are hatching now A physicke in some sort to ease my ill This may unto my soule yeeld some reliefe And for displeasures past may much content Or else must purchase partners in my griefe If not for me yet with me to lament San. This benefit must binde me with the rest To serve your Majestie and hold you deere And I 'le be free with you yet I protest That what I friendly speake you freely heare Croe. Since that it hath not pleas'd the heavenly pow'rs That of my off-spring I might comfort claime Yet lest the ravenous course of flying how'rs Should make a prey of my respected name I would engender such a generous broode That the un-borne might know how I have liv'd And this no doubt would doe my Ghost great good By famous victories to be reviv'd I hope to soare with fames Immortall wings Vnlesse my high-bent thoughts themselves deceave That having acted admirable things I death may scorne triumphing o're the grave Yet have I not so setled my conceipt That all opinions are to be despis'd A good advice can never come too late This is the purpose that I have devis'd Some Scythian Shepheards in a high disdaine As trusted fame yet constantly relates To plague some Medes with horrour and with paine Did entertaine them with prodigious meates And to content their more then Tigrish wishes They with the Infants flesh the Parents fed Who not suspecting such polluted dishes Did in their bowels bury whom they bred Then after this abhominable crime They fled with hasted unto my fathers Court And first informers courting trust in time Did as they pleas'd of what was past report Whil'st they save what them help'd all things suppress'd Milde pitty pleading for afflictions part His generaous minde still tend'ring the distress'd Was wonne to them by this deceiving Art San. Oft men of Iudges thence have parties gone Where both their eares were patent but to one Croe. Then Cyaxare Monarch of the Medes To prosecute those fugitives to death In indignation of my fathers deeds Did bragge them both with all the words of wrath My father thinking that his Court should be A Sanctuary supplicants to save Did levie men to make the world then see In spite of pow'r that weakenesse help should have Thus mortall warres on every side proclaim'd With mutuall trouble did continue long Till both the Armies by Bellona â—aaâ—'d Did irke to venge or to maintaine a wrong It chanc'd whil'st peace was at the highest dearth That all their forces did with fury fight A sudden darknesse curtain'd up the earth And did by violence displace the light I thinke the Sunne for Phaeton look't sad Else blush'd reflecting bloud like them he saw For as when wrong'd of old with griefe gone mad He from the world his chariot did with-draw Yet Ignorance which doth confusion breed By wresting natures course found cause of feares Which errour did so happily succeed That it a concord wrought and truce from teares Then straight there was a perfect peace begunne And that it might more constantly indure Astyages the King of Media's sonne To be his Queene my sister did procure San. A deadly rancor reconcil'd againe With consanguinity would seal'd remaine Croe. He since his fathers age-worne course expir'd Hath rul'd his people free from bloud or strife Till now a Viper hath his death conspir'd Who from his loynes extracted had his life I meane this Cyrus base Cambyses brood Who by a Bitch nurst with the Country swaines No signe observ'd importing Princely bloud The doggish nature of his Nurse retaines He came against his Grand-father to field And unexpected with a mighty pow'r His forces forc'd did force himselfe to yeeld Who captive kept now waites for death each houre That you may marke how great my in t ' rest is This ruthfull story I did largely touch Those circumstances shew that shame of his Doth from our glory derogate too much Dare any Prince presume to trouble thus One whom our kingdomes favour should defend In strict affinity combin'd with us Yet not regarded for so great a friend This with some joy doth smooth my stormy minde Whil'st I for Medes against the Persians goe I hope that both by brave effects shall finde How kinde a friend I prove how fierce a foe San. Though natures law you car'd not to transgresse Nor this your wrong'd ally would not repaire Yet the regard to Monarchs in distresse Should move the mighty with a mutuall care Those terrours too which thunder in your eare I thinke the Lydians will not well allow For when the Cedar falles the Oake may feare That which o'rethrowes the Medes may trouble you And when a neighbours house they burning view Then their owne dangers men may apprehend It better is with others to pursue Then be when but alone forc'd to defend Ah! this is but the out-side of your course A dangerous ambush which ambition plants There may come Rivers raging from this source To drown your state whil'st such high thoughts nought daunts I know those new-borne monsters of vour minde Have arm'd your ravish'd heart with faire conceits Yet may those wonders which you have divin'd Prove traiterous projects painted for deceits And pardon Sir it is not good to be Too rashly stout nor curiously wise Lest that you leave that which
TRAGEDY OF DARIVS Act 1. Darius WHat thund'ring pow'r grown jealous of my state Which having daunted th' earth perchance heaven fears Thus arm'd with lightning breathing flames of hate Big with disdaine high indignation beares Long smooth'd of all whilst I pale cares despis'd In fortunes lap asleep of greatnesse dream'd Even in that calme my state a storme surpris'd And ere I wak't my ruine was proclam'd Thus I whose onely name did terrour give As Idoll of the world ador'd over all With crosses compass'd such a wretch doe live That who admir'd my might admire my fall Ah then indeed I fell when gallants stood And Phoenix like renew'd their lives by death Who having seal'd their force and faith with bloud Would rather dye then draw a borrowed breath Yet I not I did view not venge though neare Those monstrous mountaines of my Subjects slaine Though even my enemies must my courage cleare Which flames of fury lightned forth in vaine Through greatest dangers death I did pursue Till heapes of slaughtred bodies barr'd my way And chang'd my Chariot to a scarlet hue Ere wounded honour could be drawne away O how I envy yet their happy Ghosts Who dy'd whilst hope of victory remain'd And in the presence of two famous hosts To praise their valour even their foes constrain'd Shall I survive that memorable shame Which Persia's glory with disgrace confin'd No rather let me dye and let my name As vaine quite vanish raz'd from every minde Starre-boasting Babylon all Asia's Queene Blush to behold thy King in such a state That by the gazing world he now is seene A scorned futer humbly to entreate But not turn'd vassall as by pow'r appall'd Though all my Empire to a period come Yet none shall vaunt that ever I was thrall'd Hearts holding courage are not quite o're-come Should I whose Soveraignty so oft was sworne Be seene submisse to scape a minutes paines No let them bow who but to bow were borne For Darius this indignity disdaines Since I was once judg'd worthy to command Shall I descend a Subjects state to try No whilst a sword yeelds homage to this hand I scorne to grant a greater man then I. Brave sprites who now possesse the pleasant bow'rs And glorious Gardens of th' Elysian Plaines For if deserts may move th' infernall pow'rs That happy shade your shadowes now containes Those fatall fields where I did leade you forth Your bodies bury but enlarge your fames Men shall adore the relickes of your worth And Trophees reare to your immortall names I 'le sacrifice as Incense to your soules His dying sighes and sorrowing Parents teares Who now whilst none his prospering pride controules Our conquer'd Ensignes in his triumph beares For it may ease your Ghosts to heare his grones Whilst burden'd earth rebounding backe doth send A wailing eccho rais'd from woods and stones With wounded words to shew that Armies end Why spend I speeches to disturbe your rest As but with words an idle speaker pleas'd A mighty fury hath enflam'd my brest And I will rage till by revenge appeas'd Did I that strong Cadusian first afront Who durst advance himselfe to brave our bands Then turn'd applauded and in high account Charg'd with his spoiles the honour of my hands What could I then all kinde of doubt remov'd Alone adventure to an Armies shame And should I now that ancient praise disprov'd With squadrons compass'd lose that glorious name Blinde fortune O! thy stratagems are strange Which spoile my pow'r and staine my honour too And having made my state the stage of change Hast acted all was in thy power to doe Loe I who late of swarming troups did boast Neere left alone have fortunes fraud disclos'd And those made captives whom I fancy most To vaunting Victors are by fates expos'd O torment but to thinke death to beleeve That any may my dearest part annoy And I wretch'd I not able to releeve Mine eyes chiefe jewell and my hearts chiefe joy Deare object of my thoughts my life my love Sweet Spring of my delights my one my all Bright image of th'excellencies above What do'st thou breath and com'st not when I call And can I be and not be where thou art Hath heaven the force me from thy face to barre Or are my hands growne traitours to my heart That they should shrinke from doing what it dare O! could my minde but distribute a space Those emulating thoughts which tosse my brest To pointlesse ciphers who but spend a place Then I alone might animate the rest Since in this great disgrace I chanc'd to fall Now nothing rests to raise my fame forlorne But by some desperate course to hazard all I 'le live with praise or by my death flye scorne Some prosp'rous issue afterward may purge This crime which fortune hath impos'd on me This crime that carryes with it selfe a scourge No greater torment then the want of thee But fortunes course what mortall can restraine Who Diadems through dust for sport doth roule A stranger now o're my delights doth raigne And may extort the treasures of my soule Now not till now I apprehend my harmes When I imagine how my best belov'd Must entertaine mine enemy in her armes And I so farre from offering ay de remov'd A host of furies in my brest I finde Which doe my soule with dreadfull horrours fill Whilst Melancholy musters in my minde Strange apprehensions that affright me still And this surmiz'd disgrace grown throughly strong Reades hourely in mine eares a hatefull scroule Of an imagin'd yet a helpelesse wrong Such poison'd thoughts like Serpents sting my soule Blinde love beguiles me not sharpe sighted feares With reason fed doe make suspition live Would God that I had neither eyes nor eares Which to the heart intelligence might give This aggravates the weight of my despaire When doubt objects to breake loves last defence How he is yong and fierce she yong and faire He to offend she subject to offence From wronging me both cannot long abstaine Her beauty is sufficient to allure His bravery is sufficient to obtaine Captaines will force and Captives must endure O Alexander tender my renowne Though thus thou travell to usurpe my throne I rage to have a rivall in my Crowne But in my love I can comport with none That boundlesse flame which in thy bosome boyles If quench'd with ought save bloud as base I blame My fortunes take but spare her honours spoiles Which not thy glory yet must breed our shame But pardon deare that which griev'd thoughts burst â—orth More bright thy fame that darkened is my state By many meanes men may approve their worth A woman onely with a wretched mate Chast mindes still pure doe then most firmely stand When fortifi'd with wedlockes sacred band Yet let me doubt or let me leave to love To feare the worst it is affections part I doubt not of thy truth yet it may prove Thy face betray thy faith thy hap thy heart But on thy
the strong For Victors rage when as the vanquish'd bosts I will entreat him too not for my selfe Age bows my body to embrace pale death But that you yet may shunne this wrackfull shelfe Whose youth and beauty worthy are of breath Act. 3. Scene 2. Alexander Sisigambis Statira Regina Hephestion RIse Mother rise and calme those needlesse cares I come to cure not to procure your woe The duty which I owe those silver haires Doth grieve my minde to see you humbled so Sis Most gracious Prince forgive me if I err'd In taking him for you who stands you by Alex. I finde no fault to see my friend preferr'd Even to my selfe this is another I. Sis My sorrows so confounded have my minde That scarce I know my selfe another lesse My soule in such an agony I finde As words nor teares nor grones cannot expresse Alex. I pray you mother set those plaints apart They vex me more then sterne Bellona's broils Sis This tender name of Mother wounds my heart Whil'st nam'd by him who of that name me spoils I was woe that I was a Mother late Of two faire Sonnes faire Sunnes lights of my life But one is dead and in a worse estate The other lives involv'd in woe and strife Like to the trunke of some disbranched tree Which Aeolus hath to confusion brought Since spoil'd of those brave Impes which sprung from me Unprofitable stock I serve for nought Stat. Reg. I serve for nought since serving him no more Who onely may my blasted hopes revive Loe quite confounded farre from what before Who him of me me of my selfe deprive I live without my halfe without my whole Prodigious Monster whom the world admires I want the point the pilot and the pole Which drew addrest and bounded my desires Toss'd by sad sighs in flouds of bitter teares I save from ruine look for no reliefe By what I feele still plagu'd but worse with feares All comfort loath'd my glory is my griefe My soule feemes to presage disastrous chances And warring with it selfe hath never peace My heart surcharg'd doth faint in deadly trances My eyes must grace the ground of my disgrace Hell hath assembled all her horrours here Ah! in the dungeons of this desp'rate brest As in the dark Tartarian groves appeare A thousand shadows to bereave my rest Alex. Faire Princesse spare those passionate complaints Which may augment but not amend your harmes This voice which with your woe the world acquaints Doth move me more then all the Persians Armes Take courage Madam be afraid of none That you may hope what help I can afford I sweare by Ioves inviolable Throne And do protest by my Imperiall word Though for a while barr'd from your royall seat You compass'd here with troups of strangers stand Yet shall you still be us'd as fits your state And may as earst in your owne Court command Stat. Reg. Ah! how can I command whil'st I am thrall What can I have who wanting one want all Alex. Though brave it seeme in some proud victors sight To plague their captives and triumph in ill The larger grow the limits of my might The more I labour to rest raine my will What can be fear'd by them whom I defend Foes have not pow'r and who with me remaine They dare not wrong nor offer to offend The least in ranke who doth attend your traine If any would impugne what I appoint Or would in ambush for your honour lye Or discontent you but in any point As Alexander lives that wretch shall dye Stat. Reg. O what an host of evils where ere I go Are still encroaching to o're-throw my state Ah! must I be beholding to my foe And owe him love to whom my love owes hate Should he help me who still his ruine plyes Heavens curse my heart if stain'd with treason thus Let death in darknesse first entombe mine eyes Ere such a sight accepted be by us I Lord am thine and thine I will remaine Thy love was planted in a fertile field Which gratefull now thee to reward againe From flourish'd faith chast flames for fruits doth yeeld Yet doth misfortune this good fortune bring My constancy shall now be clearly knowne Another might have lov'd an happie King But I will love thee though thou be o're-throwne Alex. I labour much to comfort in some measure This grieved Queene that was a Monarch's choice Whose woe doth make my victory no pleasure For whil'st she mournes I cannot well rejoyce Sis Most mighty King thou dost deserve indeed That as for Darius we should pray for thee Who do'st so much in clemency exceed That thou bewail'st our losse no lesse then he Not onely thou surmount'st all other Kings In glory rising from thy labours gone And for those benefits which Fortune brings But in all vertues worthy of a Throne Thou do'st vouchsafe on me more then I crave The title of a Queene and Mother still But I confesse my selfe thy humble slave Whose life hath now no limits but thy will The dreamed good that Greatnesse gave forgot My count'nance shall be free from clouds of cares And I 'le allow of this my present lot As one who for my fate my force prepares Yea if this wofull woman here were free Who hath no heaven except her husbands face I could content my selfe great Prince to be The meanest hand-mayd that attends your Grace Alex. As if your Sonnes command all that is mine And I will seek to second your desire Sis Heavens recompense this courtesie of thine Which in all ages thousands shall admire Alex. Those captiv'd Princesses have pierc'd my soul Which even amid'st our heaven have found a hell Hep. His passions so what Stoick could controull Whom now to weep their teares would not compell What age could earst such stately beauties show Which of perfection hold the highest place And borne to bring though now they be brought low Do Beauty beautifie give Griefe a grace Sir such a victory hath not beene seene As you have gain'd since conquering as appeares The largest kingdome and the fairest Queene That Asia vaunted of these many yeares Durst Leda's or Agenors brood compare With that sweet Queene the honour of her kinde But as she is above all others faire As farre her daughters make her go behinde It seem'd at first that sorrow had beene sleeping Then whil'st those Virgins in their Grand-dames bosome With weeping beauty and with beauteous weeping Did with a haile of pearle blast Beauties blossome So large a pow'r no Prince on Earth can have As hath Loves Empire in their face confin'd Alex. What what Hephestion what doth thee deceive Dare folly seeke to bragge so brave a minde Dare Cupid enter in an armed Camp And them who Mars have match'd for sport appall Must his soft seale even through hard metall stamp And make who conquer men to women thrall Hep. We dare resist whil'st many a thousand dyes The steely tempests of a world of men But if from
But Alexander having heard our cryes Sent one to learne the cause that mov'd our woe Who finding whence our errour did arise Gave full assurance that it was not so Then he himselfe did to our Tent resort And with the mildest words he could conceive Your Mother Wife and Children did exhort Such terrours vaine since but surmiz'd to leave And he protested that they should expect No harme of him their courage to appall Then all things did with great regard direct That no man might endammage them at all Thus when they were against all dangers arm'd I thinke for feare for who would not have fear'd Lest such rare graces might his minde have charm'd He never more before her face appear'd Else generous vertue jealous of each thing Which tempting reason senses might allure What rare restraint in a victorious King He fled what fault or scandall could procure He doth his fame above all things preferre And will not be where it may blemish finde Nor give his eyes commodity to erre Lest thoughts impure might strive to staine his minde He whil'st that she was sicke did loath delight And gravely griey'd all pompe and pleasure left Dar. O hatefull heaven that with such hellish spight The worlds chiefe treasure Natures glory reft Tir. When he beheld deaths triumph in that face Which had triumph'd o're such a Monarchs heart With witness'd woe even passionate a space The lookers on did much commend his part And when some time his dolour had o're-come Her funerall rites solemnly to decore He us'd such honour as might well become The Persian pompe in prosp'rous times before Dar. O pow'r supreame that of great states disposest And ratifi'st thy will with fearefull thunder Who as thou pleasest placest and deposest Vncertaine worldlings now above now under I pray thy Deitie in my soules distresse If that th' inhabitants of heaven can heare The plaints of them who this low point possesse Or that th' immortals can give mortals care This favour last I onely doe require Establish first the Scepter in my hand But if through my desert or thy desire The race of Cyrus must no more command Since angry heaven so high a hate contracts That I must needs my Diadem forgoe Let him succeed who proves in all his acts So milde a Victor and so just a foe Act 4. Scene 2. Darius Artabazus Nabarzanes Patron Bessus IF joyn'd by fates with men of dastard mindes Who to a noble death base life preferr'd I should not waste my words amongst the windes But labour would that time might be deferr'd Though still resolv'd your course confirmes me much Whom no disaster could divorce from me What man can doubt whom heavens doe backe by such When bragg'd with bondage fighting to be free My courage swels to see you marching forth Whose force and faith which all the world doth sing Oft clear'd by proofe though fortune envy worth Might serve to make farre more to keepe a King He gives our rebels Townes not mov'd by love Each Prince though using them all traitours hates But that their course to take this might you move His turne once serv'd so forfeiting your states Ye to my fortune have not had regard As of my peace so partners of my warres Which though that I might not Iove would reward And all the world extoll you to the starres How long shall I a vagabond remaine And flye a stranger who my right would reave Since by one battell we may re-obtaine All that we lost or lose all that we have Like some vile traitors whom I will arraigne To hold me up shall I goe cast me downe Must Darius onely by entreaty raigne No none hath pow'r to give or take my Crowne I shall not my authority survive Nor will I proffer a submissive breath My hand shall hold a Scepter while I live My hand shall beare a Diadem till death If those franke thoughts which doe possesse my soule Such flames of courage kindled have in you A Macedonian shall not us controule Nor with disdainefull smiles brag whil'st we bow My state may testifie fraile fortunes change May she not him o're-whelme as well as mee At least our hands beare death if not revenge Brave mindes when no more rests may still dye free Now call your valorous ancestors to minde Whom from the Grecians tribute still requir'd And of whose deeds rare monuments we finde Whose merits make their memories admir'd Shall of your deeds posterity be dumbe Which doth your fathers names though dead adore I am resolv'd my triumph or my tombe A Laurell or a Cypresse shall decore Art What doubtfull silence thus your thoughts detaines We need advise with nought but with our swords He who the Persians wonted worth retaines Will answer now with deeds and not with words Let us accompany our King in Armes Through bloudy squadrons to this fatall strife No profit can be had without some harmes By slaughter onely we must looke for life And when our host as I hope doth prevaile Our Country shall have peace we praise of right And if our fortune not our courage faile We dye with honour in our Soveraignes sight Let us if vanquish'd scorne base breath to buy A noble death may greater glory give Doe to o're-come and yet not feare to dye 'T is needfull that we fight not that we live Nar. My words will first your Majestie displease Yet duty makes me speake where silence spilles The best Physitian cures a sharpe disease With some sowre potion that corruption killes And skilfull Pilots when they feare a storme To save the ship will cast out pretious things You in some sort may imitate their forme For else a tempest totall ruine brings Since bent against the Gods how can we speed To all our actions fortune is oppos'd We must of force some other way proceed So have the heavens of our affaires dispos'd Give Sir the state at least your titles place On some more happy man not in effect But with your shadow cloath him for a space Till he your Realmes from ruine may protect This storme once calm'd that now disturbes your state And Asia free from any forraigne hoste He shall with haste resigne the Soveraigne seat These Kingdoms gain'd againe which you have lost All Bactria yet abides at your command The Indians loe would dye to doe you good Yea many thousand thousands armed stand Bent for your State to offer up their bloud What should we rush like beasts to needlesse strife Be well prepar'd and then your fortune try Brave mindes should death despise not loathing life For feare of danger cowards crave to dye But vertue first all hopes accounts doth cast And of each meane to helpe maturely thinkes Then when all else is done death is the last The which to meet true courage never shrinkes Now for the time let Bactria be our seate To Bessus for the forme your Crowne resigne Who when he once hath re-advanc'd your state Shâ—ll with your foes o'rethrow
They him to strike the strength he gave have bent Soe as he now may rue although too late That slie Camelions changing thus their hue To servants were preferr'd who still were true But though those Traitours for a space doe speed No doubt the Heavens once vengeance will exact The very horrour of this hainous deed Doth make the hearts of honest men to bleed Yea even the wicked hate this barbarous act The Heavens no higher choler can contract Then for the forcing of a sacred king Whose state if rage doe not their mindes distract Must feare and reverence in inferiours breed To whom from him all what is theirs doth spring But though on th' earth men should neglect this wrong Heavens will those Traitours plague ere it be long Act 5. Scene 1. Hephestion Alexander Polystratus WHAT Story or what fable can record Of such a numb'rous troupe so strangely lost I know they quak'd to know it was my lord Whose name alone is worth anothers hoste It scarse can trusted be in many parts But Traitours feare though all the world them backe They were but bodies destitute of hearts Moe prisoners they were then men to take Who would believe so few durst strive to meete So great an Army and the Army shrinkes But Glories flattery and fames sounds are sweet True valour dare attempt all that it thinkes Alex. In this encounter to have had the best It would content more then a common minde But since we want the chiefe what of the rest I must in all a satisfaction finde Those Traitours thought to finish thus the warre By giving me their Lord whom they have bound But I who march with confidence so farre Doe scorne to build upon so base a ground To venge my wrongs dare others then designe Since Darius was ordain'd my prey to be How durst they but have aim'd at ought of mine His o'rethrowes glory did belong to mee Whilst in himselfe he onely did confide I by all meanes did strive to make him bow But since his hard estate abates that pride My fury turn'd is to compassion now Though he contemn'd me oft and did me wrong Yet am I griev'd that he was thus deceav'd If but acknowledg'd once to be more strong I not his blood nor yet his kingdome crav'd And if those Traytours have not kill'd him straight Yet his delivery shall my name renowne I would not lose a Subject of such weight By which my clemency might be made knowne Po. Sir now your comming cannot doe him good Alex. What all are fled none have my force withstood Po. Yet can not Darius be redeem'd againe Alex. Why have they set him free or is he slaine Po. Now he enjoyes a libertie at last But ransom'd is by offering up his breath Alex. Then is all Asia's expectation past Tell on at length the manner of his death Po. The boiling ardor of the rising Sunne All moisture gone did breede so great a drouth That from the way I had a little runne To finde some fountaine to refresh my mouth There by the borders of a rysing brooke Which shadow'd was from Titans rysing beames From liquid crystalls I a tribute tooke Which seem'd to murmure that I forc'd their streames When loe I saw a lamentable sight Two wounded horses draw a bloody Coach Which clad with skinnes shew horrour at the height And it to spie when as I did approach One was within who could not long time scape The fatall passage of th' infernall gates Yet Majestie triumphing o're mishap Hee seem'd to bragge both fortune and the fates And to so base a state as first not borne Then whilst his bloode aboundantly did fall He bursted forth those words in fortunes scorne As one whose courage nothing could appall You gaze to see and have good cause wherefore A man no man a king no king what change Now lesse then nought who once was both and more This would seeme wond'rous but no state is strange And yet a midst my evils I must rejoyce That this last comfort doth forgoe my end I speake to one who can conceave my voice And not in vaine my dying speeches spend I am but how in name and not in pow'r That wretched Darius which I should suppresse Once happie as was thought but at this hower A lively patterne of extreame distresse Then having paus'd he said my griefe is great Tell Alexander as the world may spie That though of me he never had but hate Yet am I forc'd farre in his debt to die The favour past extended to my Queene And that poore remnant my surviving rest When weighing well what I to him have beene I wish continu'd but can scarse request They to his foe belong and yet he strives To have them honour'd now as in times past But those who held of me both states and lives Of state and life have me depriv'd at last Entreat him too that unreveng'd below I wander not as haplesse in all things Let men his justice and their treason know This as a common cause doth touch all kings Beside the honour which he shall acquire In plaguing them who have betrai'd my trust His magnanimity men shall admire And feare to grieve him whom they finde so just As watrie rounds which rise and reele in raine Do swell and flote yet when they breake though bright Last leave when fall'n no token save a stayne Pompe quickly thus both courts and scornes the sight And since my glasse is runne my glory gone I dead unto the world the world to me I wish save his that th' earth adore no throne For from his raigne what subject would be free Then drowping downe faint bloodlesse and halfe dead He prai'd me for some water that ranne by A small request by such a monarch made Which when that he had got yet eare I die This crosse must come said he to kill me quite Though Nations once to mee as Soveraigne sought I have not now the pow'r but to requite This little benefit that thou hast brought But Alexander shall reward thee well And him the Heavens still yeelding his desires Since that his foes though envie burst must tell That courtesie which all the world admires Now none hath pow'r his pleasure to controule But if he use them well whom he retaines It will procure contentment to my soule And make him famous whilst the world remaines When breath abandon'd hath this brittle clay Then cause some friend defray my funerall cost That churlish Charon force me not to stray Where darkenesse dwells an unregarded Ghost Last give my corpes to her who brought it forth Who may it with my Ancestours entombe And since she lov'd me much though little worth May waile this burden which once grac'd her wombe And to that Prince whose state I wish to stand In signe of love which all my thoughts doe send My soule gives him my heart it thee my hand Thus though I liv'd his foe I die his friend I had but held
But when that I extended had my state From learned Athens to the barbarous Iâ—des Still my tumultuous troups my pride did hate As monstrous mutinies unmask'd their mindes I so my name more wonderfull to make Of Hercules and Bacchus past the bounds And whil'st that Memnons Sunne-burnt bands did quâ—ke Did write my worth in many a Monarchs wounds Kings were my Subjects and my servants Kings Yet my contentment further did require For I imagin'd still more mighty things And to a greater greatnesse did aspire The spatious carriere of the speedy Sunne All quickly thrall'd like lightning I o're-ran Yet wept and wish'd more worlds t' have been wonne As this had wanted roome to ease one man No wonder I was thought a God by some Since all my aymes though high as heaven prevail'd And what man save my selfe did still o're-come Of all my fancies never project fail'd This made me thought immortaliz'd to be Which in all mindes amazement yet contracts I led blinde Fortune and she courted me As glad to grace the greatnesse of my acts Yet I have found it a more easie thing To conquer all whereon the Sunne ere shin'd Then mine owne selfe and of my passions King To calme the tumults of a stormy minde What comfort justly could my soule receive Of all my Conquests past if that even then Whil'st I triumph'd to wrath and wine a slave I scap'd not scandall more then other men Ah! seazing without right on every state I but my selte too great a Monarch made Since all men gap'd to get the golden bait Which by my death seem'd easie to be had Whil'st from humanity too much divorc'd My deeds all hearts with feare and horrour fill'd I who by foes could never have beene forc'd By friends did fall yet not over-com'd but kill'd But now I see the troublous time draws neare When they shall keep my obsequies with blond No wonder too though such a warriours beere At last doth swimme amidst a scarlet floud For as my life did breed huge broils o're all My death must be the cause of monstrous cumbers And it doth best become a strong mans fall To be renown'd by ruining of numbers The Snake-tress'd Sisters now shall never need Their fatall fire-brands loathsome Pluto's pests Nor inspirations strange whose rage doth breed A thirst of murther in transported brests Ambitions flames may from my ashes shine To burne my Minions mindes with high desires Each of their sprits that hath a spark of mine To ruine all the world may furnish fires The Beauties of the Earth shall all look red Whil'st my Lievtenants through that pride of theirs With Armes unkinde huge streames of bloud do shed By murthering of my heires to be my heires Is this that Greatnesse which I did designe By being eminent to be o're-throwne To ruine first my selfe then root out mine As conquering others but to lose mine owne O happie I more happie farre my race If pleas'd with that which was our ancient rent I manag'd had th' Aemaethian pow'r in peace Which was made lawfull by a long discent Then farre sequestred from Bellona's rage I had the true delights of Nature tri'd And ag'd with honour honour'd in my age Had left my Sonne secure before I dy'd And he inheriting a quiet state Which then because lesse great had beene more sure Had free from envy not beene harm'd by hate Which of most States the ruine doth procure But since they will en-earth my earthly part Which now no badge of majestie retaines To roaring Phlegeton I must depart Farre from the lightsome bounds of th'aiery plainâ—â— And must I there who did the world surmount Arrested by the Monarch of the Ghosts To Rhadamanthus render an account Of all the deeds done by my ravenous hosts There whil'st with Minos Aeacus sits downe A rigorous Iudge in hels most horrid Court With me who passe his Nephew in renowne Though of his race he no way will comport O what pale Ghosts are here together brought Which were of bodies spoil'd by my Decree And first Parmenio without whom I nought But who did many great things without me At the tribunall of Tartarian pow'rs He aggravates ingratitude too great And whil'st the raging Tyrant foaming lowres All whom I wrong'd for vengeance do entreat Yet guilty thoughts torment me most of all No sprit can be by plaguing furies pin'd Though charg'd without with snakes within with gall As by the stings of a remording minde If it be true that drowsie Lethes streames In darke oblivion drowne all things at last There let me bury farre from Phoebus beames The loath'd remembrance of my labours past Exit Chorus VVHat strange adventures now Distract distressed mindes With such most monstrous formes When silence doth allow The peace that Nature findes And that tumultuous windes Do not disturbe with stormes An universall rest When Morpheus hath represt Th' impetuous waves of cares And with a soft sleepe bindes Those Tyrants of the brest Which would spread forth most dangerous snares To sink affliction in despaires Huge horrours then arise The Elements to marre With most disastrous signes Arm'd Squadrons in the skies With lances throwne from farre Do make a monstrous warre Whil'st furie nought confines The Dragons vomit fire And make the Starres retire Cut of their Orbes for feare To satisfie their ire Which heavens high buildings not forbear But seem the Crystall Towres to teare Amidst the ayre fierce blasts Doe boast with blustring sounds To crush this mighty frame Which whilst the tempest lasts Doth rent the stately rounds To signifie what wounds To all her off-springs shame Shall burst th' earths veynes with bloud And this all-circling floud As it the heavens would drowne Doth passe the bounding bounds And all the scalie brood Reare roaring Neptunes foamie Crowne Whilst th' earth for feare seems to sinke downe Those whom it hid with horrour Their ashy lodgings leave To re-enjoy the light Or else some Panicke terrour Our judgement doth bereave Whilst first we misconceive And so prejudge the sight Or in the bodies stead The genius of the dead Turnes backe from Styx againe Which Dis will not receive Till it a time engendring dread Plague whilst it doth on th' earth remaine All else with feare it selfe with paine These fearefull signes fore-show All nations to appall What plagues are to succeed Since death hath layd him low Who first had made us thrall We heard that straight his fall Our liberty would breed But this proves no reliefe For many O what griefe The place of one supply And we must suffer all Thus was our comfort briefe O! rarely doe usurpers dye But others will their fortune try Act 2. Scene 1. Perdiccas Meleager Ptolomie Antigonus Eumenes WHat eye not big with teares can view this host Which hath in one ah as the end doth prove A King a Captaine and a brother lost Crown'd follow'd try'd by right for worth in love I thinke amongst us all there is not one Whom divers
favours doe not justly binde To please that Heroes Ghost though from us gone With all the off'rings of a thankefull minde Ah had the fates beene subject to my will So great a losse should not have crost our life But we had kept great Alexander still And he those kingdomes which procure this strife Yet heavens decrees can never be recall'd And thoughts of harme past helpe breed double paine Though once to griefe a space by passions thrall'd The living must embrace the world againe As one whose intrest in that Prince was chiefe A sorrow singular my soule affects But I will not defraud the generall griefe To waile a-part particular respects Though all the ayre still Ecchoâ—s plaintive sounds Of widow'd hopes now wedded to despaires Yet time must cicatrize our inward wounds And to the publike good draw private cares Let us give physicke to the sickned state Which at this present in great danger stands VVhilst grudging Subjests that our greatnesse hate By bloud would venge their violated lands Those who by force are thrall'd to be made free Precipitate themselves in dangers still And this of Nature seemes a rule to be What Realme not scornes to serve a strangers will From forc'd obedience nought but hate proceeds The more we have subduâ—d the more our foes A soveraigne head this States huge body needs That might make us securely to repose And who more meet to have that great mans place Of those whose states he tooke who gain'd the hearts Then one descended from that Regall race Whose birth both worth and right to raigne imparts If heavens enrich Roxane with a Sonne That long'd-for birth a lawfull Soveraigne brings And â—ill that course of doubtfull hopes be runne Let some be nam'd who manage may all things Anti. The Macedonians swolne with wrath would scorne That to their King a stranger should succeed Can men obey a Babe a Babe not borne What fancies strange would this confusion breed This could not well become our grave fore-sight A doubtfull birth so long t'â—â—tend in vaine Which may abortive be and brought to light Through natures errour made not apt to raigne But if affection carry us so farre That of that race we must be rul'd by some Though neither train'd by time in peace nor warre As those who must indeed by kinde o're-come Then have we Hercules the eldest sonne To our great Prince by faire Barâ—ines borne Who fourteene yeares of age hath now begun His Princely birth by vertue to adorne Ptol. To thinke of this it makes my soule asham'd That we should serve a base Barbarians brood What should we beare the yoke that have fram'd To buy disgrace have we bestow'd our bloud Our ancestors whose glory we obscur'd Would get some vantage of their off-spring thus That peoples bondage they would have procur'd And have we warr'd to make them Lords o're us Ah bury this as a most odious thing Which may bring danger and must breed our scorne Though in effect descended from our King They come of Captives are 〈◊〉 basely borne O! brave Leonides I like thy strife Who with so few perform'd so glorious things And death preferrâ—d before th' infamous life Which bondage still from a Barbarian brings Those loath to take a stranger for their Lord Did with their bloud renowne a forraigne field And shall we honour them whom they abhorr'd And even though victors to the vanquish'd yeeld To what did tend that eminent attempt Which makes the Persians yet abase their brow But to our countries scorne in a contempt To take by force that which we offer now Was this the scope of all our conquests then Of abject Captives to be made the prey No let us still command like valorous men And rule our Empire by some other way May we not use this policy a space Till Time afford or we a course devise Least dangerous discord doe disturbe our peace Still when we would of serious things adviâ—e With Majestie let us assembled be A sacred Senate with a chayre of state That of the Soveraigne pow'r all signes may see Then whilst we compasse that respected seate There those who were in credit with the King Whose merits in mens mindes have reverence bred Shall weigh'd by judgement ballance every thing How kingdomes should be rul'd how armies led And what the greatest part hath once approv'd To that the rest will willingly incline By such a harmony the Army mov'd Will execute what ever we designe This concord would prove happy for us all Which each mans state free from all danger renders And by this meanes our Macedonie shall In place of one have many Alexanders Eum. Though silence I confesse becomes me best Who am a stranger and the lesse beleev'd Yet of your toyles since I a partner rest I must unfold my minde a minde much griev'd And thinke you that a Babe repaires our losse How can good wits so grosly be beguil'd This in all Countries hath been thought a crosse Woe to that soile whose Soveraigne is a childe Nor would these great men as is thought agree They be too many bodies for one minde Ah pardon Ptolomie it cannot be This union would disjoyne us all I finde Thus would the Army from good order swerve If many might forgive all would offend As thinking well though they did death deserve No man so bad but some will him befriend And when so many Kings were in one Court One Court would then have many humours too Which fostring factions for each light report Would make them jarre as neighbouring Princes doe No let this strange designe be quite supprest Whilst equall all all would unequall be So that their mindes by jealousie possest From pale suspition never could be free But ah what needs contention at this time To cloud a matter that was made so cleare And doe you now account it not a crime To damne his will who once was held so deare When that great Monarch march'd to match with death Whilst all his Captaines were assembled there And did demand whilst he dispos'd of breath Whom he himselfe adopted for his heire Then that none might such doubtfull questions breed As loving valour more then his owne race He that a brave man brave men might succeed Said let the worthiest have the worthiest place Nor did he speake this in a secret part With double words which might more doubt have mov'd As breathing thoughts in each ambitious heart To have his worth in Vulcans fornace prov'd For whil'st ye hedg'd the fatall bed about With an unpartiall care distracted long Then he amongst you all did chuse one out Who for so great a charge did seeme most strong He to Perdiccas did present the Ring That us'd to seale the secrets of the State By which it seem'd that he design'd him King And so would seaze him of the regall seat Thus made this worthy man a worthy choice That further strife might not the state deforme And all the world now justly may
both lye downe to rest and rise in peace Then if they strive they strive who should love best What though thou have not as the mighty ones Thy neck surcharg'd with chains ah chains indeed Nor eares weigh'd down with orientall stones Nor Robes whose worth may admiration breed So want'st thou that which we have ever had Sad mis-contentments jealousie and spite And though thy back be not with purple clad Thy thoughts are deck't with Innocencies white As birds whose cage of gold the sight deceives Do seeme to sing whil'st they but waile their state So with the mighty match'd made glorious slaves We happy seeme whil'st we but curse our fate That blisse whose shew in us vaine eyes doth please Makes thee indeed with pleasures spend thy breath Who liv'st while yong in mirth whil'st ag'd in ease And know'st not what it is to dye till death Ah! since I liv'd I alwayes did but dye When seeming happy then most wretched still Whil'st dazeling with vaine pompe each vulgar eye What strange mishaps did me with anguish fill The fates with fortune from my birth conspir'd To make my life a patterne of their might For both my parents from the world retir'd When I had scarcely look'd upon the light The world may judge how I was justly griev'd Whil'st angry Philip sought for my disgrace A thing which once I scarce could have beleev'd And unto Cleopatra gave my place Then though I long as desp'rate of reliefe For his offence afflicted had my minde Yet did his sudden death augment my griefe He was my husband though he was unkinde And when my Sonnes rare deeds which fame doth sound The world with wonder ravish'd me with joy Those as himselfe who would all his confound To compasse me did spite and power imploy Yet stood my courage when my Fortune fell And still I toil'd to persecute his foes That some might fall downe who too much did swell Their bloud in Marble registring my woes That which I purpos'd long so prosp'red too That some of them did try by torments strange All what a womans just disdaine could do Whil'st spurr'd by jealousie spite and revenge But this Arch-traitour Ruler of the rest Who thirsts to drinke the bloud of all our Race Even then with us when all succeeded best Did compasse me with ruine and disgrace Such was the tenor of my Fortune past Whose least mishap had made another burst First orphan'd widow'd and unchilded last A daughter wife and mother all accurst Heavens plague Cassander let that base wretch try That Iove his judgement but a while deferres And let his wife bewaile as well as I I murdred for my Sonne and she by hers Even as th' incestuous Thebans monstrous brood So may thy Sonnes contend with mutuall wounds And never let thy house be free from bloud Till banish'd quite from this usurped bounds Thus notwithstanding of my wonted pow'r To me save wishes nothing doth remaine But though condemn'd to dye yet at this houre Should I begin to curse and to complaine No no that custome best becomes poore soules Whose resolution cannot climbe more high But I whose courage that base course controuls Must triumph still what ever State I try Death is the port where all may refuge finde The end of labour entry unto rest Death hath the bounds of misery confin'd Whose Sanctuary shrowds affliction best To suffer oft with a couragious heart It doth deserve more praise then deeds most knowne For in our actions Fortune hath some part But in our suffrings all things are our owne Loe now I loath the world and worldly things Of which I both have prov'd the best and worst The apprehended death great comfort brings And hath no crosse but that it should be forc'd O heare me now deare Sonne if that thy Ghost May leave th' Elysian fields to look on me Of all things else this doth content me most That from this time I may remaine with thee And blush not now to see thy Mothers end My death in glory with thy life shall strive It as a captive Fortune shall attend That as thy fellow follow'd thee alive Chorus AH ah though man the image of great Iove And th' onely creature that gives Reason place With reverence due unto the powres above His heavenly progeny should seeke to prove By still resembling the Immortall kinde Yet makes the world our better part so blinde That we the clouds of vanity imbrace And from our first excellency decline This doth distinguish that celestiall grace Which should make soules to burne with Vertues love Whose fancies vice luxuriously now feasts Vice is the Circe that enchants the minde And doth transforme her followers all in Swine Whiâ—st poyson'd pleasures so corrupt our tastes That of halfe-gods we make our selves whole-beasts And yet of ruthlesse Pluto's raging host The vâ—ce which doth transport presumptuous hearts And makes men from the Gods to differ most Is cruelty that to the sufferers cost And actors both is often-times appeas'd The gods delight to give and to forgive By pardoning and not by plagueing pleas'd And why should men excogitate strange Arts To shew their tyranny as those who strive To feed on mischiefe though the Author smarts Oft for the deed of which himselfe did boast Whil'st whence the blow first came the griefe doth turne For that by which the minde at first was eas'd May it in th' end the greatest burden give Oft those whose cruelty makes many mourne Do by the fires which they first kindled burne Of other tyrants which oppresse the minde With pleasure some delight it in such sort That first the hony then the gall we finde And others though from Honors Court declin'd Somâ— comfort yeeld but base by hope of gaine And though some make us to be loath'd of one We by their meanes anothers love obtaine But cruelty with which none can comport Makes th'authors hated when the deed is done Oft even by those whom it did most support As that which altenates men from their kinde And as humanity the minde enchaunts So barbarous soules which from the same refraine More fierce than lavage beasts are lov'd of none Since with such beasts one with lesse danger haunts Then with the man whose minde all mercy wants Yet though the minde of man as strong and rude Be ravish'd oft with violent desire And must if fir'd with rage be quench'd with bloud How can this tender sexe whose glory stood In having hearts inclin'd to pity still It selfe delight in any barbarous deed For Nature seemes in this to use her skill In making womens mindes though weake entire That weaknesse might love and devotion breed To which their thoughts if pure might best aspire As aptest for th'impressions of all good But from the best to worst all things do weare Since cruelties from feeble mindes proceed In breasts where courage failes spite shame and feare Make envy hate and rigour rule to beare Our Queene Olympias who was once so
of civility doe vaunt Since Greekes growne barbarous basely are inclin'd All vertue vanish'd is all good forgot O carelesse Heavens wretch'd Earth Cho. what loads thy minde Nun. A multitude of murders Cho. what Nun. what not Cho. We know that since our Soveraigne lost his breath Th' earth hath beene bath'd with many a crimson flood Perdiccas did procure Meleagers death And his owne Souldiers drown'd his breath with blood Th'Athenians prey Leonatus did remaine And by Eumenes subtiltie dismai'd Neoptolemus and Craterus were slâ—ine Then by his owne Eumenes was betrai'd Phil. Man with his skill against his knowledge strives Where death his way attends that way he tends And t' Atropos the fatall razor gives To cut the threed on which his life depends When Asia's victor after all his warres Great Babylon to view had bent his mind Both I and others studious of the Starres Did shew that there his ruine was design'd And to his successors we oft have showne The meanes by which their fate might be controul'd Yet was our skill contemn'd and they o'rethrowne As we fore-told and as they now have told Nun. They have told much and yet I must tell more Their newes were evill yet were they not the worst Cho. And have the Heaven reserv'd more plagues in store As if we yet were not enough accurst Nun. As th' earth in pride the Heavens in plagues abounds Our highest hopes have perish'd but of late Cho. Then wound our eares by hearing others wounds That pittie now may tread the steps of hate Nun. Our Queene Olympias raging with revenge All Macedonie did with murders fill Which from her part the people did estrange Whilst rigor onely limited her will So that when fierce Cassander sought her wreake She did mistrust the Macedonians mindes And for the time the nearest strength did take There till the storme was past to waite faire winds But soone Cassander did the Towne enclose And as she held him out did hold her in That like a Captive guarded by her foes She knew not by what way a way to winne And when lives scant provision did decay Then did bare walles but small refuge afford She Scylla scap'd to be Charybdis prey Who fell on famine flying from the sword Straight like pale Ghosts faint Souldiers did remaine Whose bowels hunger like a Harpie teares And with couragious words the Queene in vaine Did raise their sprite the belly hath no eares All languishing did then begin to fade As if too weake to beare themselves about Legges fail'd the body and the necke the head Then whilst the flesh fell in bones bursted out And when that meates which common are were spent Then Horses Dogs Cats Rats all serv'd for food Of which no horrour th'eaters did torment For what not poyson was all then seem'd good Some mouthes accustom'd once with dainty meates Wish'd what they oft had loath'd vile crums soule flouds And Ladies which had liv'd in pompous states Fed as brought up with wolves amidst the woods Yea must by those whom they themselves had nurst Oft by the off-springs death the Parent liv'd And which was worst whilst brests were like to burst None could give comfort all themselves were griev'd Such was their state no friend be wail'd his friend No wife her husband no nor Syre his sonne For apprehending their approaching end All with compassion of themselves were wonne The dead mens smell empoyson'd them who liv'd Whilst first made faint by a defrauded wombe Heapes were of breath and but all both depriv'd That all the towne in end was but a tombe Cho. Life is the subject of distresse and griefe That still affords us matter to be mone And we by death can onely have reliefe To live and to be wretch'd are both but one Yet foolish worldlings toss'd with endlesse care Though at too deare a rate would still buy breath And following feathers wavering through the ayre Love life though wretch'd more then a happy death Nun. When thus the world Olympias plagu'd did spy All sought Cassander though for severall ends Cho. All as a pest them who are wretch'd doe flye Ecclipsed fortune threatens losse of friends Nun. And she considering that she could not long Hold out the siege since victuals were grown scant Did send as weake for peace vnto the strong Cho. Thus time and travell all things once may daunt Nun. Then did Cassander know that need constraind Her so to bow as every way diseas'd And though he her request not quite disdain'd Yet the appointment was such as he pleas'd For all the favour that she could procure Was leave to live a private person still And yet of that she could not be made sure Which did depend upon the Victors will Then whilst Cassander sought his enemies ends Huge numbers with him alwaies did abide Cho. Yet might have many followers and few friends Friends by the touch-stone of distresse are try'd Nun. But though the Queen was rendred in this sort A promise given that life should be preserv'd The tyrant with her sprite could not comport But from his faith for her confusion swerv'd The Macedonians were together brought There to consult what did concerne their Queene Of whom when as a number deepely thought Both what she was and what she once had beene Even as Cassander had suborn'd them all Their parents came whom she had damn'd to death And did her rigour to remembrance call By which the multitude was mov'd to wrath Whilst from their brests all pitty quite was barr'd They did conclude their Queene behov'd to dye Cho. Durst Subjects damne their Soveraign and not heard So still may clouds obscure the worlds bright eye Nun. Yet did Cassander put false every way A maske of pitty on a cruell minde And offred her a ship to flye away As if to death against his will assign'd Nor was this course for her delivery fram'd But onely as by chance that she might drowne So for her death that he might not be blam'd But onely Neptune who had drunke her downe Yet she a Princesse of a mighty spright Whose lofty courage nothing could o're-come Said ere she scap'd by such a shamefull flight That she would heare the Macedonians doome But when Cassanders counsell was contemn'd Lest that the multitude had chang'd their minde When they remembred whom they had condemn'd And did the fulnesse of his purpose finde To rid her soone from paine and him from feare He sent some bands from pitty most estrang'd Yet she ' against fortune did a banner beare And not her heart no not her count'nance chang'd She constant still though mon'd would never mone Whose stately gesture brav'd their bold attempt And did unite her vertues all in one To grace disgrace and glorifie contempt She on two Ladies shoulders lean'd her armes And with a Majestie did march to death Like Alexander once amid'st th' altarmes As if in triumph to abandon breath The height of vertue admiration brings At this great magnanimity amaz'd
Pluto in th' umbragious Caves There since he will be first made first in hell What with that Tyrant I will straight be even And send his soule to the Tartarian grove Though Iove will not be jealous of his heaven Yet Iuno must be jealous of her Iove And though none in the heavens would do him ill I 'le raise up some in th' earth to haste his death Yea thoâ—â—â— both heaven and earth neglect my will Hâ—ll 〈◊〉 me Ministers of wrath I 'le croâ—◠〈◊〉 and the smoaking lakes To borrow â—â—encâ—â—â—y brothers damned bands The furies arm'd with fire-barands and with Snakes Shall plant their hell where Rome so stately stands Whil'st Furies furious by my fury made Do spare the dead to have the living pin'd O! with what joy will I that Army leade Nought then revenge more calmes a wronged minde I must make this a memorable age By this high vengeance which I have conceiv'd But what though thousands dye t' appease my rage ' So Caesar perish let no soule be sav'd Exeunt Chorus VVE should be loath to grieve the gods Who hold us in a ballance still And as they will May weigh us up or downe Those who by folly foster pride And do deride The terrour of the Thunderers rods In seas of sinne their soules do drowne And others them abhorre as most unjust Who want Religion do deserve no trust How dare fraile flesh presume to rise Whil'st it deserves heavens wrath to prove On th' earth to move Lest that it opening straight Give death and buriall both at once How dare such ones Look up unto the skies For feare to feele the Thunderers weight All th' Elements their Makers will attend As prompt to plague as men are to offend All must be plagu'd who God displease Then whil'st he Bacchus rites did scorne Was Pentheus torne The Delians high disdaine Made Niobe though turn'd a stone With teares still mone And Pallas to appease Arachne weaves loath'd webbes in vaine Heaven hath prepar'd ere ever they begin A fall for pride a punishment for sinne Loe Iuno yet doth still retaine That indignation once conceiv'd For wrong receiv'd From Paris as we finde And for his cause bent to disgrace The Trojan race Doth hold a high disdaine Long layd up in a loftie minde We should abstaine from irritating those Whose thoughts if wrong'd not till reveng'd repose Thus thus for Paris fond desire Who of his pleasures had no part For them must smart Such be the fruits of lust Can heavenly breasts so long time lodge A secret grudge Like Mortals thrall to yre Till justice sometime seemes unjust Of all the furies which afflict the soule Lust and revenge are hardest to controullâ— The Gods give them but rarely rest Who do against their will contend And plagues do spend That fortunate in nought Their sprits quite parted from repose May still expose The stormy troubled brest A prey to each tyrannicke thought All selfe-accusing soules no rest can finde What greater torment then a trouble minde Let us adore th' immortall powers On whose decree of all that ends The state depends That farre from barbarous broiles We of our life this little space May spend in peace Free from afflictions showres Or at the least from guilty toyles Let us of rest the treasure strive to gaine Whithout the which nought can be had but paine Act. 2. Scene 1. Iulius Caesar Marcus Antonius NOw have my hopes attain'd the long'd for heaven In spight of partiall Envies poysnous blasts My Fortune with my courage hath prov'd even No Monument of miscontentment lasts Those who corrival'd me by me o're-throwne Did by their falls give feathers to my flight I in some corner rather live unknowne Then shine in glory and not shine most bright What common is to two rests no more rare In all the world no Phoenix is save one That of my deeds none challenge might a share Would God that I had acted all alone And yet at last I need to mourne no more For envy of the Macedonians praise Since I have equall'd all that went before My deeds in number do exceed my dayes Some earst whose deeds rest registred by Fame Did from their Conquests glorious titles bring But Greatnesse to be great must have my name To be a Caesar is above a King Ant. Those warre-like Nations which did Nations spoile Are by thy Legions to our laws made thrall What can brave mindes not do by time and toyle True magnanimity triumphs o're all Caes Th'out-ragious Gauls who in most monstrous swarmes Went wasting Asia thundering downe all things And Macedony quaking at their Armes Did insolently make and un-make Kings Those Gauls who having the worlds Conquerours foil'd As if the world might not have match'd them then Would sacrilegiously have Delphos spoil'd And warr'd against the Gods contemning men Yea those whose Ancestors our City burn'd The onely people whom the Romanes fear'd By me Romes nursling match'd and o're-match'd mourn'd So what they first eclips'd againe they clear'd Then as to Subjects having given degrees The Gauls no more presuming of their might I wounding Neptunes bosome with wing'd trees Did with the world-divided Britains fight The Germans from their birth inur'd to warre Whose martiall mindes still haughtie thoughts have bred Whil'st neither men nor walls my course could barre Mask'd with my banners saw their Rhene runne red The Easterne Realmes when conqu'ring now of late My comming and o're-comming was but one With little paine ear'st Pompey was call'd great Who fought soft bands whose glorious dayes were gone But what though thousands set ones praises forth For fields which shadows and not swords obtain'd The rate too easie vilifies the worth Save by great paines no glory can be gain'd From dangers past my comfort now proceeds Since all who durst gaine-stand I did o're-come And in few words to comprehend my deeds Rome conquer'd all the world and Caesar Rome Ant. Loe those who striv'd your vertue to suppresse As whose great actions made them jealous still Whil'st labouring but too much to make you lesse Have made you to grow great against your will Great Pompeys pompe is past his glory gone And rigorous Cato by himselfe lyes kill'd Then dastard Cicero more youâ— honours none Thus all your foes are with confusion fill'd The Senatours who could not be asswag'd Long to your prejudice their pow'r abus'd Till at their great ingratitude enrag'd I swore our swords would grant what they refus'd When having scap'd endanger'd and despis'd Brave Curio and I did to your Camp resort In old bare gownes like some base slaves disguis'd All sigh'd to see us wrong'd in such a sort Caes The highest in the heaven who knows all hearts Do know my thoughts as pure as are their Starres And that constrain'd I came from forraine parts To seeme uncivill in the civill warres I mov'd that warre which all the world bemoanes Whil'st urg'd by force to free my selfe from feares Still when my hand gave wounds