this great concern 't is very like that he who would have ravish'd may consent to poyson twenty such as I rather then loose his hopes of Hungary I like well to fly from this near death but I like not to trust my self to Cleonel there may be more danger at his Castle then in the death I would fly from if I discover my self unto Ordella she will solicite me for Phillocles who I must ever hate this will prove more desperate then all the rest I must trust Cleonel though She calls Cleonel he be of a fiery Spirit his honour was never yet tainted I will look gently on him and ingage him if I can to be true to me My Lord I He Enters have weighed my dangers and your councel to avoid them and I will trust my self to you so you will swear to carry me directly unto Belgrad and not to your Castle I have friends in Hungary who will protect me and there I shall have time to consider of your hazzards for me Cleo By our House-hold gods I swear to do it by this fair hand I will observe my Oath and what ever else you shall command me though it be late we must this night depart you must make ready while I take order for my Servants and my Horses Selin May I not see the Princess e're I go will not to morrow night be time enough Cleo To morrow night brings death beyond all power to hinder we should be going while we talk Let no fears disturb you Madam I can command the opening of the ports at any hour all shall be according to your wish Selin Heaven grant it Cleonel When I remember the strict vow you made It were Impiety to be afraid Exeunt severally Enter Phillocles and Guard Phil Let the Boy only stay and sing the Song I like The SONG Come come thou glorious object of my sight Oh my Ioy my Life my only Delight May this glad minute be Blest to Eternitie See how the glimmering Tapors of the Skie Do gaze and wonder at our Constancy How they crowd to behold What our armes do infold How all do envy our Feliceties And grudg the Triumphs of Selindras Eyes How Cynthia seeks to shroud Her Cressent in you Cloud Where sad Night puts her sable mantle on Thy light mistaking hasteth to be gone Her Gloomy shades give way As at the approach of day And all the Planets shrink in doubt to be Eclipsed by a brighter Deity Look Oh look How the small Lights do fall And Adore VVhat before The heavens have not show'n Nor their God-heads known Such a faith Such a Love As may move Mighty Iove From above To descend and remain Amongst Mortals again Phill Enough boy begon Enter Ordella to visit him as in her Chamber the Guard at the Doore appearing Phill Thou art welcome Ordella let us sit and talk sadly Ordel My coming is to divert this sadness which you too much indulge Phill Does not my sorrow become me Ordella canst thou wish me merry when thou considerest my Condition who is there now in Greece more scorn'd then Phillocles Ordel Who more honour'd thy Victories shine bright upon thee thy Vertues are unparallel'd thy self ador'd by thy own Subject and by other Nations coveted let not my brother provoke the gods by his ingratitude Phil Thou art mistaken my dear Sister I am not that Phillocles thou meanest not he that chased the Germanes out of Hungary I am one that Cleonel dares Rival and with a single Arme can check my force a poore contemn'd prisoner I am a man with half a soul thou seest do I not become my Goale Ordell I am sad my self to hear you talk thus but my Brother your affaires do require your present Counsel pray let us consider how Selindra may be secur'd from farther danger Phillocles starts up hastily Phill Is Selindra in danger speak Ordella what danger who dares threaten her Ordel You mistake me Brother I was about to tell you that â—n my opinion she will be safe at Ciprus and do think fit when she takes leave of me to let her know your love and resolution to marry her which will soon dash Cleonels hopes this I could not yet do by reason she was so suddainly committed to Cecropius your looks do fright me and your unquiet thoughts will ruine you Phil Thou art my only comfort thou shalt still direct and I 'le obey prithee Ordella chide me when I do amiss methinks thy looks speak good successe I do approve her absence for a while at Ciprus because you like it and I will have patience too because you say 't is fit Ordello Patience will become you best and best suit with your affaires Phil Thou Councell'st well Ordella but canst not fancy what a broken heart endures my whole soul labours under the burden of my Love and to that is added her neglects more weighty and to this double load my Fathers unjust anger falls up on me as if I were not sinking fast enough before Ordel My Fathers anger will be soon over Phil I wish it not Ordella may his fierce anger urge him on to my destruction it will be handsomer to fall so then to perish by Selindra's scorns Ordel You raise imaginary evils that are not I am confident Selindra has no thought for Cleonel nor can I doubt but she will meet your love with as bright a flame as yours is Phi Oh! that I could suffer such a hope or such a thought possesse me I would then meet my Fathers frowns and blow away his thunder did Selindra love me I would wage a second War with heaven to gain her and be more proud to fall her Martyr in so high attempt then sit next to Jove with her neglects upon me Enter Antenor Ante Madam the Emperor sent me to see if Selindra were here with you Ordel What means my Father by this Is she not a Prisoner with Cecropius Ante She was but is now missing at which Cecropius is halfe madde Enter Antillacus to them Antil Madam I come to let you know that by day-break Cleonel with Selindra past the Ports and about two hours after were met on that way that leads to his Castle Phil Let them that love me follow me Phillocles snatches Antillacus his Sword and runnes at his Guard who give way As Phillocles goes out he meets Lascares and Cecropius and wounds Cecropius in the Arme. Emp. Traytor Villain stay all I do command you stay Antillachus See the Court-Gates lock'd that none go after him Cecropius do you retire and look to your hurt he meant it at thy heart old Man may thy Sons good Sword revenge it on him if they meet and he fall under it Ordel Oh Sir Let not your curses follow my Brother he has Afflictions enough without them Emp Peace Ordella thy tendernesse doth too much nourish thy Brothers follies I would rather he should not be then be thus Eâ—â—eminate I have fought many Battles
and done great things to settle this Empire and think you it will be kept and Govern'd by a heart with a Dart in it Ordell Good Sir let not my Brothers single errour put from your memory all his great Actions if you would speak mildly to him of his Love I do believe your Arguments may move him more then all this rigour can he has a Noble Spirit such as you did like and I know he loves you Sir Emp Let me know when he returnes Exeunt Emperor Ordell Are any gone after Phillocles Enter to Ordella Armanthus Gillon Ladies Arman Yes Madam we think Antillacus is gone with Antenor Ordel But can they overtake him time enough before he reaches Cleonel Gillon No doubt they may Enter to them Antillacus and Antenor Ordell Not yet gone Antillacus Antil Madam all the Court-Gates are by the Emperors expresse command lock'd up and Guards set that no man now can passe Ordel Is it not madnesse to hazzard him alone against Cleonel and his company My Lords do you mean to give obedience to this rash command and suffer Phillocles to perish thus when my Fathers anger is allay'd hee 'l curse your modesty if not punish it in case my Brother do miscarry Antil Madam we have no way to follow the Prince unlesse your selfe command the Guards to let us passe Ordel Come then with me I will stand my Fathers anger when it goes highest rather then let my Brother fall thus neglected Exeunt omnes Enter Phlllocles Phlllo Those at the Castle do not hear of Cleonel nor expect him there sure Antillacus did mistake them or I him which way now to take I know not 'T is strange Antillacus and Antenor stay so long I must not quit this Road untill they come Hark I hear men and Horses within the Wood my businesse is to search every where Love guide me to her Rescue or my Death Exit Phillocles Enter Cleonel leading Selindra followed by four Servants Cleo How is it now Madam your Spirits seem to be return'd are you yet strong enough to ride on we have rested long Selin I hope I am 't was the blow which the bough gave my head makes me thus ill the bushes kept me from the ground so that my fall could not hurt me Cleo. The day is farre spent Madam and we shall be no sooner mist then follow'd pray let us to horse there is a place near where we may rest for one night secure Selin My head growes diszey with this little motion I fear I cannot sit upon my Horse yet methinks you might hide me here in these thick bushes untill night and when 't is dark find some better means to carry me away Cleo 'T will not be safe to stay longer so near our Enemies Enter Phillocles Phil 'T is Cleonel turne this way Traytor Cleonel holds up Selindra and sends his men to Phillocles Cleo Take the Prince without harme if you can Phil Am I not worthy thy own Sword Ravisher They Fight Phillocles runnes desperately among the men passes them and comes up to Cleonel they all incompasse him fighting Selindra runnes amongst them and parts 'um Selin I beg your patience Sir and do command thine Cleonel but here me speak I do conjure you both Phillocles brave Prince look on me with pitty and on Cleonel with justice my life being sought several wayes by Lascares and Cecropius I have endeavour'd to preserve by flight you must therefore look on Cleonel as trusted and imployed by me being ingaged by Oath to carry me to Belgrade to my Friends there Phil Thou art betray'd Selindra lost for ever this is not the way to Belgrade you are now within a mile of his Castle this way leads to no other place thou persidious Villain canst thou smile at such a treachery Cleo. Yes Phillocles and will be my own carver now I must be first serv'd here do you two carry her to Horse I 'le soon o're take you He delivers Selindra to two of his men Selin To Horse Cleonel I 'le rather dye then stir a foot that way Cleo Force her to Horse we have no time to talk Phil Force her thou cursed slave I 'le sacrifice thee ere she goes Cleonel and his two Men sight with Phillocles while the other two force off Selindra Selin The gods preserve the Prince help help murther treason treason Exeunt with Selindra Vpon her cryes enter six Travelors Pollidor the Chief Poll Let some help those that cry let others search the Wood I 'le towards the clashing Swords how 's this three to one Pollidor runs at Cleonel and diverts him just as Phillocles had kill'd one man at which instant the other man hurts Phillocles in the back and seeing this rescue he runs into the VVood Phillocles runs after him that fled believing it had been Cleonel whom he could not see because Pollidor having run Cleonel through the heart was fallen himself upon him who being by Cleonel run into the throat lay also as dead covering Cleonel Enter to them the rest of the Travelors with Selindra very weak who when they see Pollidor dead do let Selindra fall who lies on the ground while they take up Pollidor and dress his wounds Tene Curs'd be that Woman accurs'd our Fate to loose our prince They dress him as they talke Teck Now the blood issues at the wound it may prove not mortall Titi. The blood only choak'd him as he lay you see his Eyes look chearfully Kneels Tene Ye Gods if any do take care of Hungary look down on Pollinesso and restore him to us Selin What 's that he said was it Pollinesso that he named She looks up Titius The King will live thanks to heaven for his deliverance Selin They call him King too Pollinesso's name gives me Strength but that face is none of mine and yet that name makes that face lovely to me How I fool my self with vain hopes of what cannot be She lies down againe sadly Ten How is it Sir your looks are lively and your wound though it did at first seem desperate is not very dangerous Polli My tongue moves heavily and painfully losse of blood makes me faint too how shall I travell with these wounds my stay here will be very dangerous and my Journey to Belgrade too long for one so weak as I am Ten The same Gods that have preserv'd you to this day will not let you fall thus He faints and slumbers Selin They talke of Belgrade too who can this be give me way that I may gaze on this wonder She rises crowds in amongst them and stares on Pollidor Tene Away wild Woman thou Author of this mischief Selin He looks up again those Eyes are mine I know 'um now She offers to imbrace him Tene Throw her off teare her away she disturbs him sure she is madde Yhey pull her from him Selin 'T is you are mad 't is you that love him not why do you haile me thus whither will you
suffer more then you discerne Duke Suffer Silviana is it a Crime to vallue Virtue or to be gratefull to the man has sav'd my life my favours duely weighed do not yet reach his merrit Princess I undervalue not his worth Sir but grudge he should ingrosse you to himselfe Duke Your judgment by this jealousie is Eclips'd else you would with me discerne the inviting Arguments for such a friendship as I desire to fix here 't is Friendship Silviana a word so often us'd and so little understood that we loose the highest happinesse this World affords not knowing how to improve so Divine a Vertue 't is unity of Soules the Saints enjoy above and take delight to see us practise here on Earth 't is Florios Vertue I admire his rich heart I seek a Treasure of more worth then all the glittering honours I can ever heap on him Florio What answer can I make to this but blushes let my blushes Sir speak for the heart you prize so much too much Duke Come Silviana if you will smile on him for my sake he shall not rob you of my converse pray let him kisse your hand Enter Fernando in discontent the Princess goes to Florio and he kisses her hand Princess I will Sir for I have a full esteeme of his great Vertue Florio merrits much but not all your heart Sir I claime a Sisters part Florio if I can serve you here you may imploy me to my Brother boldly Florio Madam I am many times surpriz'd by the Dukes favours so much too high for me to own that I do wish 'um lesse Princess That is beyond my desire Sir I would not lessen his favour to you but would participate my Brothers love aside Fernando This is worse still the Duke sets him on to court his Sister but Florio is I hope too Noble to wrong me that trust him and yet the Princess is a high Temptation I must prevent the evill To the Duke I foresee or I am lost The Enemies approaches do come on a pace Sir wee must divert them with more frequent Sallyes or they will lodge under our Walls within few dayes Duke I intend this night my self to Sally and with all my power to fall on their last work Fern That will be too much Sir I dare undertake with a small party to destroy all they have yet done Princess Pray brother leave this Sally to your Officers and not on all occasions hazzard your own person may you not relie on Fernando for his Conduct Duke It shall now be so but you would never have me fight Silviana Fern Madam you honour me so much that I tremble at what I undertook I can encounter all the hazzards of a Warre with lesse concerne lest by an ill successe I lessen your opinion of my conduct but yet thus Arm'd with your commands it were a crime to doubt Great Sir I begge the sole command this night Duke You shall Fernando and I will rest secure when so great skill and courage meet with such a Noble soule 't is to be trusted as my self were present The Duke presents him Fern I begg the honour Sir to kiss the Princes hand for this great favour done me Duke My thanks to Silviana for this value of my friend Princess Fernando has allready shew'd he needs no additions Sir Fernan. I can have no addition beyond your Highnesse good opinion Exeunt Duke Princess and Traine My hearts ingaged by Silvianas Eyes To waste it selfe in dayly Sacrifice With smother'd sighes my doubt full state bemoane Untill the Priest and Alter make us one Exit Enter Camillo with Longino and the discontented Lords Camillo These Mushrums are grown steeple high allready to perswade the Duke against them were to advance them higher Longino I differ in opinion from you all these strangers come to fight for us and you envy those civilities the Duke affords them Camillo Is it so necessary to have a favourite Longino and he a stranger too Longino You talke as if we were Princess and our Master at our dispose he must heare see and like only what agrees with our fancies or our appetites does please and so would make the Duke the onely slave in his Dominions not allow him the freedome of a friend which is the highest humane consolation unhappy men whose malice and ill nature participate thâ— curse of Hell while you remaine on Earth never discerning or at least not relishing those Angelicall delights which vertuous hearts enjoy by loving and obliging one another in great Courts and seldome happy those Princes who permit detractors neer them Camillo You are too severe Longino wee have no Traiterous thoughts but set a true value on our Prince his favour which wee feare to loose Longino I fear you have Malitious hearts and then I am not fit for your converse that grumble at what you ought to thank Heaven for take heed that your ingratitudes do not make our Lambe put on his Lions skinne and fright you into better manners Ex Lon Corbino We must not be so free before Longino he has a graine or two of simple honesty too much for us now he is gone wee may proceede my Letter will destroy Fernando if you approve it and he gone yong Florio will want skill to order his affaires against us all I say let us down with Fernando first Borosco Let us see this Letter you so much confide in The Forged LETTER as from the Enemy FErnando wee wonder you so long delay what you so boldly undertook we know you have credit any night you please to set open the South Port next our new worke and let us in your reward is ready for you Yours L.L. Camillo This no doubt will raise a jealousie but from whom must this be sent by whom brought hither and how found Corbino I 'le say the Trumpet which came this morning to fetch a passe for a Herauld about the interview did loose it I found it read it and my selfe will shew it to the Duke who can disprove this Camillo Though I like not this shallow plott thus lay'd I will your Councells with a better ayd Exeunt Enterance Florio sitting and Pedro standing by as in Florios lodging Florio I am intangl'd Melina in such snares as I shall neer get out of Pedro. Pray Madam speak that I may understand your snares and intanglements be Riddles to me love is love and may be call'd so Florio Love Melina is there such affinity between love and hate as thou canst not distinguish them in me Pedro. I allow you to hate the old foole you fled from but methinks the Dukes favours with his so great merrit might produce affection from the same Root that affords you hate to one who has no merrit Florio Thy Argument may justifie a gratitude fit for a Vestall Virgin to profess but love as I have heard is of another nature full of fine fancies and such gay delights as will neer comply with my designe to
Dye Pedro. True Madam but if you were so happy as to finde an object fit to change your hate to love it would convert your thoughts from Death and be a good Argument to live Florio Where canst thou fancy such an object Melina fit to restore my thoughts to Joy or life Pedro. The Dukes love deserves a Multiply'd returne of kindnesse from you Florio Canst thou believe his friendship to me as a man can have any value for a woman wanderer though no degree of love have habitation in my heart my Judgment and Religion might perswade me to own so great a blessing if the Gods should send so strange deliverance so wonderful a change of Fate for my unworthynesse Pedro. I like well these Judicious thought and will hope your Mallady may in time finde a cure good natures slow with gratitude and both together fill the World with love it is or it will be Love Madam though you yet discerne it not Florio The Gods defend our Sex from such a president in me a Woman to love first would be a Prodigie Pedro All this I allow so you will love the Duke if he love you first Florio If thou dost think it possible that I can be in danger of such a slavery as love for heavens sake shew me a quick remedy For all the stories I have read present that passion worse then hate and in all Ages has produc'd examples to deterre our Sex from Love though I am yet safe the Duke is somewhat more then other men Give me an Antidote Melina that I may be strong against the Duk 's assault if he make any lest I find here a double invitation to the grave Pedro. You shall be provided Madam Florio He has a soule so full of Gallantry so rich in Vertue and so great renowne I tremble at my second thoughts of thy discourse and would not for the World ingage my freedome on the hazzard of so high contest if thou hast a remedy against Love shew it now that I may doubly Arme against so great an Enemie Pedro. I have a sure one Madam that which cured me and does cure all the World 't is the onely approv'd remedy Florio And shall I have it if I stand in need Pedro. Yes if you please to Love him that Loves you and this is a remedy that seldome failes to cure by fruition Florio Thou art wanton merry and talk'st thou carest not what to make me so can having what we wish most lessen its value Pedro. 'T is but too plaine by having our wish we come to know that our desires in love had rais'd our fancy above what we can ever finde This knowledge doth so check the wing of fancy and desire that love as a thing once past his height must naturally decline and fade such is the generall frailty of all Creatures to have the like certaine period of decay This makes some of our Sages studied in the point now teach that vertuous transparent friendship is a greater and more durable felicity then love but I believe you Madam have your wish allready to the first part of this opinion you are belov'd where you love and will in time judge of the whole argument by your own experience Florio If Love be not Friendship too 't were a sad Fate to Love but I am so farre from having what you wish me this way Melina that my dispaire is my unhappinesse can the Duke love me a Woman as now a man when he shall finde his favourite Florio such a counterfite will it not beget suspitions of my credit and all thoâ—e glorious actions I have done become my scandall Then if his doutage should passe by all these just exceptions may he not think my quality unfit to be his Wife These thoughts fill my fancy with such doubts Melina that when I consider my condition it makes me desperate Pedro. And gives me hopes of better dayes Madam when the Duke shall know you a Lady of the same blood with Princes and shall inquire the true cause of your disguise he will be more in love then now pray let me informe him and try your destiny Florio No Melina no I do conjure thee by thy first vow and now by all my interest not to discover me for if I outlive this Siege I will returne and take a holy habit on me lest my sex suffer by my folly and the World think I came co seeke a man rather then avoide one Pedro. Pray Madam Florio Hold I will here no Argument against my resolve obey me or you will destroy me Love thus I blow thee off Death is my businesse here Pedro. Though I do not approve what you think fit I know I must to your command submit Enter the Duke to them Duke Florio I observe you love to be retyr'd of late and I who seek your company can seldome have it Florio My heart has no joy like pleasing you Sir and my retirements are most imploy'd in studying how to shew my gratitude that Embraces Florio you may not repent the Honours you heap so fast on me Duke That 's kindly said I heare Florio that Camillo proffers to settle a great Fortune on his Neece the Faire Rossina if you can love her which I do wish that I may not fear to loose what I see so much delight in Florio 'T is an honour I cannot accept Sir because my heart is preingaged unto another so fix'd that nothing lesse then Death can ere dissolve it Duke 'T is a cleare answer but to me so harsh I dare not inquire further and yet I must or by my doubts shall suffer more Does the Person you love so much live here or may she be brought to dwell with us Florio The last of these is not impossible and yet there is great difficulties to effect it pray Sir leave me to my own endeavours and I may bring what you desire to passe for your favours have so farre ingag'd me that my Soule labours to contrive how I may live ever in your sight believe me Sir I know no Joyes on Earth beyond your favours to me aside Duke Thou dost revive me Florio he looks so great that I could wish his fancy were fix'd on Silviana may I yet know your quality I have some reason to inquire what may concerne your happinesse and mine Florio Your Highnesse does forget your promise not to presse what does concerne me not to reveale Duke You chide me handsomely I onely had a suddaine thought where to finde a fit match for my dear Sister Silviana Florio I can fit her Sir with such a man as all the Ladies of the Court will envy 't is Fernando whose quality I know is greater then appeares Duke Thou hast dash'd all my hopes at once I did wish you Florio would have thought my Sister worthy of your selfe Florio And much too worthy Sir I sweare by all my hopes my heart is preingag'd where onely Death can seperate Enter to
Camillos crime can you demand if all this be argument for so unworthy a distrust how can innocence be justifyed Pray Sir take more time to judge of this and now trust your selfe with me I have the word and can securely passe I have a bold party too who stand ready at the Port to favour our Retreate Fernando I need them not I have my freedome and have taken leave can passe whither and when I please but my Judgment on all this I cannot suddenly summe up and therefore will not goe Florio What testimony can you wish what assurance have beyond this voluntary hazzard of my life to lead you to the Princess Silviana from whom you may inquire my friendship and my Faith if this be an abuse you have then a cause to show your courage and may call me to account but if all this convince you not leave me here a Prisoner in your place and so revenge those wrongs you onely dreame of Fernando No to betray is worse then to be betray'd I scorne to act a treachery that I so much condemne in others I am now resolv'd to goe and to suspend all further thoughts of jealousy or discontent and if my passion for the Princess hath mis-led me into unworthy thoughts of you or of the Duke I shall gladly do any pennance you 'l inflict Florio Your own sence for your mistake will prove a sharper pennance then we can wish Fernando Though I have Arguments for my distrust Yet Florio and the Duke may both be just The End of the third Act. THE FOURTH ACT. Enter the Duke leaning on Florio 's shoulder follow'd by Fernando Longino Tigillo Lords and Officers Duke TO what strange hight Florio will thy daring heart aspire at what point of honour rest that I may rejoyce thy dangers past without new feares for more ensuing hazards comming on Florio The Gods directed what I did and friendship could expect no lesse Fernando would have done much more for me Sir Duke I do believ 't but yet methinks your large soule might afford some roome for me so much a friend as to be consider'd in my concerne for all the dangers you are in Florio Such a presumptuous thought in me had been a crime when great Fernando's life and fortune was at stake against a compliment Duke I yield Florio must ever conquer Be Generall Fernando and you Longino Command the Horse Tigillo take presently the Citty Keyes from young Camillo and be you Governor of URBIN he shall know that obedience to his Prince is above his duty to a Father if any can make cleare proofe of more conspirators they shall have all their lands and goods for their reward now Fernando did I apprehend with cause were not my private cautions of Camillo worthy your best Providence Fernando I could not guess at Camillos mischiefe I confess so great a mallice from a gallant man I never met before but when Envy and Revenge Ambitions twin children doe wedd their Parents cause no reason can so naturall a rage withhold nor any limits such unbridled fury bound when the high hopes that all their fancies aym'd at were cut off by those honours heap'd on us This makes me reflect with some compassion on your severity to persons of their worth who had no crimes but what grew from too much vallew of your favour Sir I wish that our successes had been lesse or your rewards not full so much Though narrow hearted Princes often blush at merits beyond their wills to recompence yet some great soules like yours too often overvallew and reward such services as ours when a kind mention with a smile would amply satisfie pardon Sir my sorrow for the losse of those two great men who fell on my account that shortly must resigne all the envyed Offices I hold and thereby shew how small an Argument their hasty Envy took for such a ruine as they design'd on me which in few dayes might have been diverted for this Siege ended I must be gone Sir as I have frequently to you and them declared in publike and now to leave so many mourneâ—s where I have deserved so well will very much eclips my memory when I am gone Duke I have no argument but their crime to justify their punishment though your clemency might have spared them a lesse severity would not become me 1 Lord. Camillo at his death confess'd his guilt and exclaim'd against his own too hasty a retreat Duke We know too much of their conspiracy Exeunt Enter the Princess with Philora and Ladies in her Chamber Princess I wonder why my brother stayes thus long from seeing me Philora He has had but little time to order his affaires Camillo and Borosco being both dead their commands are of great consequence Ent Tigil Princess I have not heard of the like villany what newes Tigillo how does my brother Tigillo Well Madam but much troubled for Camillos wickednesse against those he so much loves he sent me to excuse his visit to your Highnesse untill he have dispatch'd some great affaires that do require his presence Princess Are the two strangers well Tigillo Not both Madam Fernando has some hurts but nothing dangerous Princess Is not my brother much pleas'd to have his Florio safe return'd Tigillo He is indeed somewhat fonder then I could wish but can your Highnesse fancy a fitter subject for so high a concerne who ere beheld a Nobler object for a Prince's favour Princess I do not know so fit a man to make his favourite as Florio but to dote so much on him as to consider none of us takes from my Brothers Judgment and lessens our love to him I am glad to see him pleas'd but to see him lost in admiration of a man is not well Rossina come Let us retyre untill the Duke appeares To raise our hopes or satisfy our feares Exeunt As they are going off Enter a Servant Servant Madam there is an Officer without who desires accesse to your Highnesse he has a Paper in his hand he sayes of great concerne and must himselfe deliver it Exit servant Silviana Admit him Tigillo pray stay in the next Roome Exit Tigillo The Ladies stand off Enter Officer Officer Madam I come from the Enemy sent by the Duke of Ferrara to mingle with your Troopes which sallyed last amongst whom I got into the Towne thus in private to excuse to you alone the mischiefes by this Warre brought on your People He offers her a Letter she refuses it Silviana No 't is beyond excuse Sir but why this to me in private if from Ferrara sent why not in publique to the Duke Officer 'T is not his purpose Madam to humble himselfe unto your Hee kneels Brother though Ferrara do desire thus to lay himself at Silvianas feet to shew what love can doe his courage is too high to stoope before the greatest Prince on Earth He rises Silviana Tell your high hearted Master then my brothers interest and mine
wav'd the common way of wooing to appeare before you with such an Army as will justifie my love great as my selfe and worthy of your best favours which I feare your brother does obstruct Silviana I never heard 'till now that love and terror did inhabit in one brest fright me you may but winne me never by the desolation you have made a lover by such bloody Characters set off is what ever I shall flye from Urbin Now Sir does this shew my compulsion for a Nunnery Ferrara I see she has her lesson perfect you all comply to send me home with scornes yet I must lay before you the evills of a Towne taken by assault where fire and sword do often without limits sway which is my last argument and what I hope will invite Fernando who knowes the accidents of Warre to mediate such a Peace as will divert the desolation that may follow Fernando 'T will not become me to advise against the interest of the Prince I serve For if my intelligence be true your Citty of Ferrara is or will soon be in more danger of the Fire and Sword you mention then Urbin at present is 'twere an Infamy irreparable to suffer the Princess Silviana to be ravish'd from her brothers Arms by one she is so much averse to such force Sir can have no pretence to love to the Duke Ferrara Are you of that opinion too Sir this confirmes what I have heard and what in my Camp so freely is discours'd that your great Generall is an ambitious Lover But if Silviana can submit to so meane approaches I shall scorne the competition though in my just anger I lay this Citty Levell with the Earth Fernando The meane Generall you slight so much has never yet presum'd to look with confidence on the faire Princess Eyes so farre from daring to pretend or own that love you so boldly guesse at that my adresses are yet cloathed in the humble habit of a Servant to be Silvianas Souldier I account more honour then to be Ferraras Duke Ferrara This insolence I shall in few Houres correct Fernando You judge amiss and will in few houres finde this hand can crush Ferrara into Ayre When every drop of Blood in Urbin shed Shall be repair'd with a Ferrarians head But that I dare not do any thing that looks like ingratitude for those favours I received when I was Prisoner in your Campe though I know the freedome which you gave was on designe that my inraged Revenge might open you a way to your pretence for the Faire Princess yet benefits receiv'd must be own'd as they appeare unto the World and on that account I can forget these reproaches thrown out against you know not who and aske your pardon for my too hasty harsh reply and imbrace you as my friend I and serve you too in any way that will not prejudice my Faith ingag'd unto this Princess Ferrara This calme language is more insolent then your pretence which I scorne alike Arme you for defence lest we give Lawes to your high courages Madam I have no wish so ill for your contempt of me but I can sorrow to see you fall so low as this Souldiers love Fernando Madam Thus often urg'd I beg your leave to challenge this great Prince to a single Combat in your sight then judge by our successe whether Fate approves of my humility or of his insolent Pats off his Perriwig demands see Lodovico your Rivall is your equall and my Army now by my command is at Ferraras gates yet Iâ—le take no advantage of my power so much more then yours but with my single sword will justify my love to Silviana does transend all your pretences and yet before we fight I once more proffer you my friendship with a faithfull heart Ferrara Lorenzo Duke of Florence who we thought in France I accept the Combat and with my Sword will justify my claime against so brave an Enemy Urbin This combat I must not allow here Lodovico if you reject the Duke of Florence friendship and contemne mine you may retire in safety but if you please to storme us we are prepar'd to smile when you frown most Ferrara Those frownes you slight so may prove Fatall unto Vrbin Exit Ferrara Urbin Why have you made such hazzards in this disguise Sir Lorenzo My Fathers sudden death call'd me in hast from France where I heard of this Warre thretning you I shall informe you at more leasure how I became concern'd for Silviana which brought me in this disguise to her rescue Urbin How can I returne this obligation to a Prince so much greater then my selfe Lorenzo One smile from Silviana will be a full recompence for all my service on that foundation I shall raise high hopes that she approves my love Silviana Smiles are but slight expressions of a gratefull heart Sir but if you can build the Noble structure of true love on such uncertainties I must consider of so weighty a concerne before I smile Love is a History so many wayes describ'd I do not know a harder riddle to expound then what Love is Lorenzo Love is indeed a Mystery full of such strange varieties that all the World endeavours to fix it according to their own fancies so absolutely contradictory in most men that some think lov's Centrick happinesse will neer be found though all pretend to have it But Madam I am guided by those Rules that Heav'n directs my worship unto it my whole heart is wholly yours and my unforc'd Marriage is the undoubted Testimony of that truth all meaner passions which we in gaytye call love deserves a meaner name when I lay my life and fortune at your Feet and set my Crown upon your head I have no better arguments for Love Silviana Nor I a thought that contradicts what you have said Sir but dare not rashly answer your desires lest it suit not with the esteem you have of me Vrbin No more of this now Silviana we must prepare for an assault 't is their last hope Lorenzo whom will you appoint for General Lorenzo Who but Silvianas Souldier can pretend to that honour Sir give me your Orders as before Loren reads the Orders Urbin I obey this Paper does order every man his Post by which you see I have had thoughts of this before Lorenzo I wish Sir you would change Florios Post and give him the charge to guard the Castle where the Princess may be by him secur'd from all accidents Duke I thank you for this care it shall be so Florio How have I deserv'd this from you Sir Loren. You have enough deserv'd my care Florio and I who know the Duke would account your losse next to his Town the greatest do justify my councell to have you as safe as honour will allow Duke Lorenzo is my friend Florio But not mine give me leave then as I ought to lead my guards where your selfe fights in person Sir and I will be content to change my
purpose now oppose Though I your counsels and your friendship lose Who in debates can speak in fight command And order all that in disorder stand Can nothing alter your desire from this Ormas Not unlesse troubles be preferr'd to bliss Queen Ormasdes it shall be as you desire And freely when you please you may retire Ormas Though I a while absent my self from Court I shall be ready to lay by my Books When you do call me to put Armour on Stories tell that great men the like have done Queen Though I know no example I believe What e're Ormasdes shall make choice to do May be a president that will ingage Brave men to follow in the future Age. Ormas Your Majesty in this has given me more content Then all the favours proffer'd me before Exit Ormasdes Y. Tit Is this his humour or some fancy grown From passion for some Love to us unknown Queen No Titus he has ever been observ'd A great contemner of Amores and does True friendship more esteem then idle love Y. Tit The more like now to be so much concern'd When touch'd our mortal bodies are so frail That we may love and know not what we aile VVhy does your Majesty think friendship can VVith as much force as love transport a Man Queen Not to such frensies as wild brains Create VVhen fancy cannot change the course of Fate VVhen love to Faces with the Face decay A virtuous Friendship will for ever sway I wish you Titus when he first retires To try how farre your Friendship can prevail To get the secret from Ormasdes soul 'T is for his good that he his griefs impart True friendship will allow a little Art VVhen the design does nothing more import But bringing of Ormasdes back to Court Tit I shall be joy'd and happy if I can Bring back to Court so Excellent a Man Enter an Officer and Ormasdes Officer The Embassador attends your Majesty Queen Admit Him The Queen sits Enter Embassador and his Train Embas Madam my Master the Treconian King Salutes you in these Letters and by me Congratulates your Zelnian Victorie But does lament that he no share acquir'd In that great Conquest he so much desir'd He was ambitious Madam to command In that near Warre and not as neuter stand When strangers merits do such Triumphs claime While he to you unknown sat still with shame But since Ormasdes conduct and his skill With such high Valour has fulfill'd your will He envies not so great a Souldiers praise But would have shar'd in his Triumphant Bayes Qu If I had known Valeriana's mind He might my thanks have shar'd and not repin'd Emb. I have commission also to propose A League between your Kingdomes and your selves Such as new Conquer'd Zelnia will secure That Cithereas peace may long endure Your Beauty Madam more then Crowns invite Valerianus wishes to unite Your hearts and then your Scepters may Be double fixt when both do love obey He begs that he in person may appear To plead his love and treat this great affair Queen Valerianus friendship I approve But never shall consent to treat of Love 'T would raise my dead Lords Ashes in his Urn If I should to a second Lover turn Your great Kings proffer'd League I do imbrace With fit Affection and a chearfull face Declaring to the World how I respect His person though I must his sute reject Emb I shall acquaint my Master and beg leave I may your Majesties commands receive Without the Ceremonies that belong To a State audience in a formal throng Queen You shall have free accesse as you desire And now my Lord I must a Sutor be That your faire Sister will in Court appear Who I am told is come to visit me Emb That Madam should have been my next request That you my dearest Sister would permit To kiss your hand who does attend without Queen Will you Ormasdes please to bring her in And make my excuse who did not know She was so neer Exit Ormas If you had brought her to the Audience She should have been as welcome as you wish Emb Though all the World adore Cleandras Name On the faint notions of a Common Fame I now can testify and will declare Your virtues to your beauties equall are Queen Your compliments require not a reply You over-valew my civilitie Enter Ormasdes with Mariana Qu You do me and my Country honour more Then any Lady ever did before Mar I have done my self a favour Madam And 't is your Majesty that honours me The fame of Citherea I confesse May Princes hither bring but my address Is to Cleandras self that I might see The virtue fam'd for such Divinitie Qu Madam if you such flatteries throw out You will your welcome spoil and make me doubt You rather come to mock then to admire On such another word I shall retire Mari I can be silent Madam while I live But must speak truth when you this freedome give Qu We then will change our argument and place Lest I do chide whom I intend to grace Exeunt all but Nearcus and Cleobulus Cleob Did you observe with what forc'd modesty The Embassador supprest his anger When his Masters sute so briskly was denied Near Yes and how suddain his sad looks changed When bright Cleandra did so soon admit His private visits as if himself were struck And did no further presse his Masters sute Cle. I have other thoughts that made me believe The Lady he calls Sister is his Love Near Such things have been and Mariana may His Mistris be whose beauty in my Eye Does farre surpasse Cleandras Majesty And now you put these thoughts into my head I did observe Marianus Eyes and his Did a long practiz'd silent language shew While they by turns did entertain the Queen Cleob But I had second thoughts led me to think I did sometimes perceive Marianas Eyes On brave Ormasdâ—s fixt and seem'd to take Such a survey as Purchasers do make Near I doubt Mariana has not an estate To purchase him at great Cleandras rate Cleo Let us observe them better next and see If it be Art or their simplicitie Exeunt Enter Embassador and Mariana Emb I have undone my self Mariana For now beyond resistance I do love And find Cleandr will by her neglects Dash all my hopes and turn from my respects Mari There does not a just cause to me appear For such a doubt much lesse to raise dispair Because Cleandr runs not at first sight Into the Arms of such a wandring Knight Though your State Arguments cannot procure To Treat she may but a short Siege indure When as your self a King you do appear The Castle may be won by love or fear Emb No Mariana I have heard and seen Too much the brave Ormasdes stands between Me and my happiness his retirement Is to cloke their close Love and to prevent Pretenders or such scandal as would rise If openly in Court without disguise Such
such base Art Near Give me but time to woe and I will fear And tremble in your sight with zeal appear And the same duty I approach the Gods When my offences make me fear their Rods It is not I as your affairs do stand But high necessity makes me command That all the remnant of my life you may Triumph for my ambition 's to obey Mar Think you by force that I shall ere think fit To yield my self to such a counterfeit I am not born unto so mean a Fate As to submit unto the man I hate Nor will I be thus frighted to comply With so contemptable a destiny Near I must confesse I can by no disguise Lessen or hide the guilt of this surprize But by some greater crime more amply shew That a distracted passion may soon know To act such evills as I fear to think But do not set me in dispair thus sink Speak so as that I may some hope retain And you 'l restore me to my self again Mar Stand by vil'd man and let me passe who waits Near None within call that now can help the fates Themselves have not the power to set you free Nor can you hope for safety but from me No storm at Sea nor in it ships on Fire Creates more terrors then my wild desire Brings me here is a Tempest in this brest Above all them since raging Love possest My heart I am become a walking storm Reason and Virtue are both wrack'd no form Observ'd while this confusion bears the sway None knowes to govern but must all obey If we cannot resist then to cry no Is madnesse when we must to ruine go Mar I have no power but must my brothers will Obey I must his mind not yours fullfill Lest his great pride and anger may destroy What you 'd preserve and frustrate all your joy Near If my high birth and quality do prove Lesse then your own I will expect no love But hazzard all my hopes on his consent Let his denial sign my punishment Mar If your birth equal mine and he consent To joyn our hands I have no argument Against your hopes but must be Mistris still Of my own heart not part with my free-will Yet now Nearcus I do promise you What truth and honour dictates I will do Near Unlesse you both do ere you go comply You shall soon see that I know how to dye Mar Pray call my servants down that I may see Your truth and find my self at Liberty He calls at the Door Near Now Madam that my life 's at your dispose Your self secure I humbly do propose You will before the Gods confirm by vow What you have freely promis'd to me now Mar By all those powers I 'le keep my promise made And never fail to own what I have said Near It is enough a kiss of your fair hand Must satisfie the Man you may command Nearcus has no soul cannot be blest Untill his love with love you do invest Enter Servants and all go off together THE THIRD ACT. Enter the Embassador as at Coriola with Cleon Erillos and Train Embass THis Piazzo Cleon is Magnificent I have not seen any so Beautifull Cle It shews the Princes Treasure and their minds Are alike great who can so soon Erect So vast a City which in every part Deserves to be as much admir'd as this Embass We may walk through it ere my Sister comes Erillos You may the River side is your best view Cleon There is a Boat now coming to the shore Erillos Those who land seem to be of Quality Embass I see no Woman yet with them appear They are very brave and come towards us Do any of you know who these may be Cleon Young Titus landed first but as I think It is Ormasdes who now leads the Troop Embass If so I must expect some angry words From the offended Queen Enter Ormasdes and Y. Titus with Servants who come up close to the Embassador without any respect Embass What means this kind of rudenesse Gentlemen Ormas It speaks my businesse who am hither come To scourge that pride you so much glory in And with this hand that insolence chastise Which boldly durst indeavour to defame By base surmises great Cleandras Name Titus I beg as you love my Honour He turns to Titus If I do fall let none come in to help Sir you shall have fair play that we may see To the Embass How Insolence and Courage do agree Titus makes roome Emb I shall soon satisfie the doubt you make To his followers Stand off he dyes that stirs to my relief Or by a word let fall does make me known They fight Ormasdes hurts and disarms him Enter Mariana and servants who run in and part them Mar Ormasdes hold it is a King you wound It is Valerianus you fight with Ormas My self a Prince of Greece of the same blood With our great Emperor will justifie What I have done and to the World declare If any man do wrong me in disguise I do his Titles and himselfe despise Exit Ormasdes Titus and Train Mar Oh Gods my prophetick soul did long since Fore-see this Evil oh let not King Hold Valeriana there are no Gods Nor shall one Altar in my Kingdome stand To honour those we foolishly call Gods I will Erect new Temples unto Chance Which giddily thus governs us below Valer Take heed Sir lest you do provoke those powers You now despise to punish your contempt King I will not own those Gods those empty names Who cannot shelter us from publick shames Valer The Gods be just and you are much to blame 'T was not Ormasdes who the King ore-came It was his Virtue conquer'd your offence Your guilt gave Victory to Innosence King Will you become my Judge will you condemne My life and Honour A fit Sacrifice To your belov'd Ormasdes fatall Sword Fool from this hour I do thy blood disclaim And will forget I ever knew thy Name Erillos let my goods be sent aboard I will not stay a minute longer here Then my necessity compells me to Valer I have prevail'd with the much injur'd Queen To lay her anger by and to forgive Those rash words you spoke and have her leave To bring you to her sight again with hopes She may her inclinations change when known Your fury did proceed from Love alone King My love is vanish'd and my heart too full Of my revenge to think of my return Till I can pull Cleandra from her Throne I hope Ormasdes will take care of you Who plead his cause and are to love so true Men Sir though your wounds be slight if you remove So soon we cannot answer for your life King I 'le rather dye at Sea then live on shore Make haste good Cleon lead me to my Boat Cleon Will you leave the Princess in a strange land Thus unkindly cast her off for ever Because her Love did argue for your good King And thee that dares
that can disturb you thus Impart your griefs and I will share in them Val I dare not shew 'um with an open Face Qu And why you cannot have a guilt so great That I cannot forgive speak it freely Valer Has not my face my guilty heart betray'd Queen I understand you not Valer I am safe then and may my sorrow hide Aside Queen Madam what means this talking to your self While I stand by neglected is your trust So great that you can doubt I will be just Valer I doubt my self great Queen and fear not you Aside She 's jealous of me and my thoughts too true She loves Ormasdes and most unhappy I Am forc'd to smile on my own Tragedy I know no way to hide my broken heart Unlesse I do immediately depart Madam I beg your Pardon and your Passe I must begon lest I too late alass By my distempers here deserve your blame And raise my memory eternall shame Queen You are not well sure this distracted talk Requires Physitians to consult I 'le send Vale Oh no! there needs no more consult for this You only can restore me unto bliss Queen And can you doubt that I will not Valer I â—ear so Queen What I can do be you assur'd I will Valer What I desire may be more priz'd by you Then is the Citherean Diadem Will you know now and if not grant forgive For I am desperate on the suddain grown And am resolv'd to make my weaknesse known Queen Speak it aloud or in my bosome breath Imbraces her The troubles of thy soul let not a thought Be hid but freely shew how much you trust My love and you shall find me kind and just Valer Do not you Madam value Ormasdes Person and his service above all mens Queen Yes I do Valer You are Just and Worthy and I am Valer faints Queen Help help some help there Enter Ormasdes Titus Nearcus and Ladies who take up Valeriana Nearcus 'T is love upon my life Aside Queen Leave us again the dangers over now Ormas I beg your permission to retyre Queen My best wishes still attend Ormasdes Exit Ormasdes with the rest Valer What can I say t' excuse what I have done Queen Speak plainly your full thoughts and I 'm your friend But if you longer dally with my love You will my friendship unto anger move Valer I know you have discover'd by my words That your esteem of him you boldly own Becomes the ground of my distraction Queen You love him then that look declares it now And so do I or I would nee'r consent To give him unto you if this cure grow Within my reach Ormasdes shall be yours Valer Is not your Majesty ingag'd to him Queen Indeed I am not so in Love with him But I can second your desires and will With all my power endeavour to perswade Ormasdes that he meet with open Armes So great a blessing by the Gods design'd Though I must part with what I value most Your passion never shall by me be crost Valer Madam your kindnesse to me flowes so fast That I am now in danger to be lost By my abundant joy for this successe You give of unexpected happinesse Queen Remove these sullen clouds from thy fair Eyes And be thy self again for I will shew Ormasdes suddainly how great a bliss The Heav'ns prepare to Crown his Virtue with Valer The Gods reward you with your highest wish That you may never want what you desire My spirits fail so fast I must retire Exit Her Maids lead her off leaning on them and shewing much weakness Queen Do so what 's this I have so rashly done Thrown off Ormasdes I depended on Must I perswade him quit that interest here VVhich for my sake he purchased so dear How ill shall I repay his service past If I advise this banishment at last What a rash promise has my pitty made By thus proposing my improper Ay'd Though by the secret charms of Sympathy Her passion won my reason to comply I must on this imployment Titus use My Honour will my active part excuse But if his Arguments should not prevail And by my nicety the businesse fail If she should perish so and I repent Too late that ill which I may yet prevent I must about it then and loose no time Lest my nice complements do prove a crime My faith is past and I will now proceed Though brave Ormasdes do condemn the Deed. Exit with Train Enter Nearcus with Valeriana in her Chamber her Ladies stand off but go not out Near Madam my desperate State and high transport You may complain of though not blame me for 't Your Eyes like bright misguiding Fires betray My wandring soul and make me loose my way 'T is now too late to see that I am lost Led by those guides to this obdurate coast Where neither Rocks appear nor crossing Tides Yet this expected safety ruine hides But I must claim you by a solemn vow Made in the sight of Heav'n and am come now To prove my Birth which you will not deny Is with your own of equall Quality These are such Arguments for your consent I cannot think you dare your vowes repent Vale It cannot well be thought and much lesse said That I repent a promise never made How could such hasty words strict vowes appear Which my surprise then made me speak in fear When you to seize me stretch'd those Lions paws And threatn'd 'gainst all Hospitable Lawes Worse then Death to me what might I not do To get from such a Monstrous Beast as you Near Did my humility such danger threat Or my submission with such horror treat Were it even so as you your self have said I might my own conditions then have made Valer Did you not all my Servants first exclude And me into a lonenesse so delude As that no rescue could be had to free Me from your Trayterous Captivitie When you with humble looks strong fetters laid And words let fall which made my soul afraid And caus'd me use some little Art to gain Your trust that I my freedome might obtain Near 'T is true indeed and you reproach me well Or else you might another story tell For I confesse I did too much to prove The humble passion of a gentle Love And much too little now to justifie My high affections or my fact denie Had I with vigour my first step persu'd You might have wish'd my vows with yours renew'd Valer You talk as now I at your mercy were As if you still might threat and I must fear But I shall make you know your self and me If you proceed not with more modesty And shall soon let Cleandra understand How well you treated me on her command Near Though I do shake and tremble at your frown Cleandras anger cannot bow me down For if my suffering no compassion move Nor your past vowes make you regard my Love You shall then see how little I esteem This Life
such deceit Valer I can yet find no argument for ground To change so great contempt as I have found Into so high esteem as he does now By your advice in charity allow That my last minutes may some pleasure have He yields to send me smiling to my grave Queen You cannot judge so ill of him you love Nor can so brave a man so worthless prove Val I do confess I should be glad to find All real that I see and his great mind The same brave Character he had maintain Through his whole life and not that glory stain But if 't be real this comes now too late His kindnesse cannot change the course of Fate Queen Think not of Death for if you will endure The Tryall I will undertake the Cure I see your sufferings do compassion move Which in most generous hearts does turne to Love Ormas Madam I know not what you do call love Nor how in that fantastick Sphear to move I cannot talk the language Lovers use When they design fair Ladies to abuse Nor can I yet by this experience guesse If Love or a distraction does possesse My heart give me but leave to watch this night That while you sleep I may my heart invite To tell me what it ails if it be Love What all the World allows I shall approve And then I 'le rather dye then e're forsake What I avow or what I undertake Queen Pray Madam give him leave to watch this night Some serious thoughts may set his fancy right He has lyen often on the frozen ground On lesse occasion and more danger found Valer I shall not rest then though you think it fit I shall condemn my self if I submit Queen 'T is somewhat more then custome does allow I must confess but how to help it now Who knows you see he is resolv'd to beat Us all if we but mention his Retreat Ormas Pray let not this my first sute be deny'd But give me leave to sit on yonder side As silent as sleep self my body shall Be fixt as is that figure on the Wall Queen Let him Valeriana pray consent 'T will prove his honour or his punishment Ormas Who can have more care who so fit as I To watch who am resolv'd with her to Dye Good rest unto your Majesty He leads off the Queen Queen He 'l turn me out if I refuse to go But why Ormasdes do you tremble so Ormas This shaking fit may to a Feaver turn And I e're day in Loves bright flames may burn Exeunt omnes THE FIFTH ACT. Valeriana is discover'd a sleep on a Couch with Doctors and Ladies all asleep about her Ormasdes rises from the ground at the Couch side Ormas ALl Eyes are shut all hearts can rest but mine I 've something here that will not let me sleep T is Love I am bewitch'd or it is Love That thus disturbs my body and distracts My mind no other passion works like this Well then if it be Love where 's the wonder The wisest bravest and the greatest men Have been in Love as much or more then I But why then was I thus long without it Why did not bright Cleandras Beauty burn Why was not this Fire kindl'd untill now How comes Valeriana by this power To wound me deeper then Cleandra did My Kind loving heart how comes this to passe Valeriana sighs and groans aloud Ormas Ha! Her spirit by that sigh informs me That doubl'd groan struck through my wavering soul Oh thou Divinest power what ere thou art I do submit Valerianas groans Are all sufficient Arguments for Love It seems my stony heart was proof against All charms but deep fetch'd sighs and dying groans By which 't is now made supple and so soft That it is ready to take any form That sick Valeriana shall direct Great God of Love forgive my past neglects And now restore this Lady to her health Then I with Insense will thy Altars load Thy Temple with those Trophies now adorn Which my whole life prepar'd for Mars and Iove Since they allow me to submit to Love Valer wakes and calls Valer Drusilla Ormas Madam your Servants do all sleep but I. Valer I would not have wak'd you Ormasdes Ormas You have not Madam I have not slept yet Pray let your Servant know what 't is you want Val I want assurance of a thing I doubt Ormas Can I give you that assurance Val Yes Ormas And will you not lay that command on me Val Do they all sleep Ormas They do Val Ormasdes I would know what I do fear You are pre-ingag'd never to tell me Ormas By your fair self I swear I 'm not ingag'd In any kind but may and will impart What ever in my knowledge you inquire Val My first doubts does still remain that the Queen Upon assurance of my suddain death Has won you thus to flatter my last hours Like glittering Sun-shine upon dying Flowers Ormas Madam by all that 's Holy she has not What shall I say what do to gain your Faith Val You have done it now I am satisfied And do believe all 's truth Ormasdes speaks But I do fear this truth appears too late Orm Why Madam have you made vowes against me Will no repentance nor no pennance serve To wash away my Sins against your Sex Will you that Universall quarrel wed And bring destruction on your servants head Val Vowes Ormasdes and those against you made Oh do not take away the Joy you gave By such a thought I never wish'd nor pray'd For blessing upon Earth beyond your Love Which you in charity so amply shew That I do doubt I dream what I injoy Ormas Madam you do now misjudge my passion To call that charity which may be love For ought I know this so late acquaintance With my new heart is short and my transports So great it must be madnesse if not love For give me leave to swear that I will know No other Joyes then yours nor thoughts admit But with design to serve and honour you Val I do now wish the Gods my life would spare And make me worthy of Ormasdes care Ormas Madam you speak a Language of respect To me who merrit nothing but neglect Your favours flow so fast they over-whelm My heart with joyes and raise my soul so high It turns amazement into extacy Val I should not talk thus if I did not see 't T is harde for you now to hide then shew 't I do not fear your passion will go lesse But doubt by death to loose what I possesse Ormas You cannot dye Madam I have no fear To find so great a curse from Heav'n sent I onely doubt I sleep and fear to wake Lest this abundant blisse should vanquish quite And so involve me in Eternal Night May I presume to beg a favour yet Which will my fancy â—ix and so confirm My doubtfull soul 't is real and no dream Val You may Ormas I
will raise his Conquest higher who gaines me from the rest The Thou art safe and mayest say any thing Silvander is thy security against all scandall though you carry it thus unconcern'd the secret spreads Lin 'T is time it should do so now we do own Our love 't is fit the secret should be known Your Highness may assist while you look on Though onely wee the active part do own The Let us retire to council then Exeunt Enter Teretia and Geta. Ter What is thy businesse honest Geta How does Lonzartes thy brave Lord Geta. My Lord is in good health of body Madam his brains are onely out of order Ter How meanest thou Geta has he got a blow on his head Geta Onely some fumes from his heart Madam makes his head addle 't is call'd the Spleen of late and much in fashion his Lordship does desire to know the Princess mind this morning what she means to do all day Ter This will be a hard question to the Princess fasting why would he know all this now Geta. Because he has some great affairs for me to mannage and cannot spare me to ask so oâ—ten as I use to do Ter Of what nature be thy particular queries Geta Geta. He would know how she slept last night in what health now by what hour she will be drest when to her devotions and then where she walks this morning and if she dine in publique then how she intends to passe her time till night else I must come twenty times for what you may at once dispatch me Ter And does Lonzartes send thee to enquire all this at once Geta. These Women are so silly they cannot reach a deep design aside No but he does every day make me trouble my self and every body that I meet to ask these questions severally which I would do at once to shew him I am a man of quick dispatch Ter Oh! is that the matter I can fit thee with one answer to all these Tell thy Lord the Princess did take cold last night and will keep her bed all day Geta. I like it well and wish her Highnesse would do so this moneth Ter. Out Traytor I 'le make thy Lord braine thee for that wish Geta Why Madam I meant no harm 't was but to save you the trouble and me the same questions to morrow and so on till Dooms-day I think Ter Well Sirra for this time I 'le not complain of you this Jest shall excuse your knavery Geta. This will be a play-day for me I like this lying a Bed well Exeunt THE THIRD ACT. Enter Lonzartes and Clearcus Clear TEll me then who Cloris is Lon Thou art so mad I dare not trust thee Clear I will know now or break all friendship Lon I have not interest enough to make a visit yet and thou wouldst have me own that I do love before I do Clear Tell me but who she is what your hopes are and what you wish that I may joyne in your designe Lon I have yet not designe nor any hope for what I wish Clear But do you think any Woman may not be what you can wish if you approach her the right way Lon Thou art so much Divell grown thou canst not discerne the Angelicall nature that is in those who are virtuous of that Sex thou hast no tincture of goodnesse left but art become a Monster of man-kind Clear All this will not fix your Herecy on me I shall never learne to flatter a few grave Matrons to be laugh'd at by all that are worth wishing for come shall I know Cloris yet this is the last time of asking Lon Ere long you shall if I do prosper in my pretence Clear Oh! is it come to a pretence then look to your self lest I discover Cloris to the World and make you wish that you had trusted me Enter to them Theodocia Pandora Lindamira Teretia and Ladies and Silvander The Where did you leave my Father Lonzartes Lon I have not seen the Prince to day Madam The I was told that you were just now walking with him Cle That may well be Madam for his brains do crow of late do ye see how he stands Lonzartes the Princess speaks to ye Lon To me does your Highness command me any thing Silvander and Lindamira entertain themselves in whisper Cle Did not I tell you Madam that his brains are turn'd he neither hears nor sees of late The Idea of his Seraffick love takes him wholly up from all converse with us mortals Lon Hold your prating or I shall be angry Pan What has made you so grave of late Lonzartes all your woâ—â—ted mirth is gone Lon No man is alwayes in good humour Madam Cle He 's in Love Madam on my knowledge o're head and eares in Love Pan In Love Lonzartes I thought you had not been at leasure to be in Love 'T is your fault Clearcus that have not councell'd your friend better Cle Thus am I chid for your follies who reject all my Councels and refuse all my approv'd Antidotes which do preserve me against that Serpent you call Love while he convers'd with me he was safe Madam Lonz Thou hast fool'd enough Clearcus the Princess and all the company are weary of it If your Highnesse allow him this fredome he will grow troublesome The Is it Love Lonzartes or is Clearcus onely merry with you Lon Your Highnesse knowes him too well to credit all he sayes this way he is at this time very angry that I have chid him for his lewd life and hath with-drawn my self from his ill company which he imâ—putes to my being in Love Cle I say he is in Love most seriously in Love shall I unmask this grave Reformado and shew you the Lady now The If Lonzartes be content I would gladly see her whom he thinks worthy of his heart Cle No matter for his consent Madam so you like it And thus I He holds them all to Lonzartes one by one begin my tryal By your good leave Lady T is not here nor is it this nor is it you Lady Lin I lament the losse of such an honour Lon Thou art become a pretty fool Clearcus dost thou not observe how all the Court do laugh at thee Cle Yes and shall make them laugh at you e're I have done if Pandora will make the next tryal Pan I am content to try what this will come to Cle Now Sir have at you T is not your good fortune neither Madam The How can you make Lonzartes an amends for all this abuse Cle I will give him present satisfaction if your Highnesse will permit me to bring him to you The To me think you Lonzartes is in love with me Cle T is a Cloris in the Clouds one much above his reach which you onely are Madam The With all my heart I shall be proud to own his conversion as a Trophie of my Honour Cle See if his guilt do not make him avoid the tryal stop him
seen sitting by a Table in a rich Night-gown a Scarfe over her head holding a Dagger in her Handkercher she puts up her Scarfe and speaks Celestina WHat noyse was that or did I dreame it seem'd my Fathers voyce to hasten me to Church The dismall thought of that sad sound frights my Soule with apprehension of approaching misery a thousand Images of strange terrors do in various shapes appeare and bring all the sad stories I ever heard of forced Marriage afresh into my memory if I consent to marry him or do at all comply the guilt of our ensuing evills will be mine My heart shrinks for fear at these Ideas of such ills to come that I will try to think my self into the other World She pulls her Scarfe over her Face and sits a while silent There is no other way no remedy but this Dagger and now the last houre for my resolve I shame to tremble thus yet cannot chuse I know one stroke will free me from an Age of misery to which compar'd the paines of death will seem delightfull I onely fear to go I know not where and childishly do dread I know not what these be the doubts create this shaking â—it which makes me fear this unsteady hand may misse my heart if I strike now and yet I must for I shall be another Man 's to morrow and then to kill my selfe will invade his Right it must be now I am now Mistris of my self and if I only harm my selfe where is the crime Who ha's the wrong Why then should selfe slaughter be a sinne When I am dead my Father may relent and teach other Parents more humanity and so free many innocents from like slavery if then so great a happinesse unto my selfe accrue and so much good to others may insue why do I doubt to Dye a few thoughts more and I am ready She pulls down her Scarfe again and sits silent Melina knocks aloud at the Doore and cryes out Melina Help Madam help for Heavens sake helpe or I am lost Celestina frighted from her thoughts runnes in haste to open the Doore and leaves the Dagger on the Table Enter Melina Celestina What frights thee thus what danger threatned thee Melina Oh Madam the Villane fled as you approached Melina takes up the Dagger Ha! What use have you for this was it for this that I was now lock'd out aside Celestina She has deceiv'd me by a trick and I must now dissemble Celestina sits again and pulls her Scarfe over her Face Melina Madam t is ominous to celebrate your Wedding Eve in sighes when the Sun sets in a darke Clowd we say the Morning will be foule Celestina True Melina but if the Sunne do set in a red Skye the same Augurs say the Morning will prove faire Melina Some bright red Evenings make us judge so but a bloody colour'd Skye often foreshewes some dismall accident at hand Celestina No more thou hast for an hower or too repriev'd me from the grave but this Handkercher will do the work as well as that Dagger Melina now I am resolv'd to dye Melina And I as fully bent to accompany your Ghost unto the other World dye when you will Celestina Thou hast no Argument for death Melina Yes Madam I cannot part with you my sence of your many favours does work the same effect in me your troubles do bring you Celestina To lay thy blood on my head Melina will be cruelty not love and so create a sinne upon my Soule I thought not of Melina 'T is in you to prevent that evill by preserving your self and me who will not live without you have we not suck'd the same Milk and ever since been bred together Celestina Did ever servant love a Mistris thus Melina Did ever Mistris love a servant as you have me more like a neer relation then your made Celestina High gratitude thy returnes are beyond my obligations But would'st thou have me live and marry that Monster I abhorre Mel. No I would have you put the Marriage off by a fained sicknâ—sse for a while and try some lesse dangerous remedy then Ilâ—e assist Celest. I have twice done so and by it more insenc'd my angry Father who now has vowed dead or alive he will to morrow carry me to Church Mel. What if he do Celest. At the Alter then I l'e sacrifice my life if not now Mel. Is there no way but Death Celest. Yes I have a way to help my self if thou will here ingage thy Faith not to reveale but to assist in my designe my hard hearted Father shall not in such hast hurry me to Church my thoughts are honâ—st and my actions shall be honourable say Melina shall I trust thee or must I die Mel I will ingage so you will vow to me not to fall by your own hand Cele I doe I do haist now my dearest friend fetch presently She imbraces Melina my Bothers two new Sutes he made long since for this solemnity they will fit us well We must be men Melina and immediatly be gone Melina Men Madam Celest I men in shew Mel And whither then Celestina Nay if you raise doubts allready my first resolve returnes Melina Will you not admit me to consult in the affaire you now think fit to trust me with Celest. Yes yes but we have no time to counsell now you have heard how Ferraras hot-headed Duke prepares an Army for a Warre with Urbin and hopes by force to get the Princess Silviana for his Wife against her Brothers and her own consent Mel. I have heard such a discourse Celest. That discourse is true Melina and we must now haste to URBIN in our disguise there as Silvianas Voluntier I 'le fight and try what my Romantick destiny will be a forraine enemy may give the death I seek which my own hands tremble at Mel But Madam Celest No butts Melina you must now obay Make haste to shift our habits and away Exeunt THE SECOND SCENE Enter Fernando Luco and Maluezzo Fern. WE have escap'd their out guards strangely they will be round about the Town this night Luco Luco Will you stay the siege Sir Fern I had not else come hither Maluezzo Have you an Argument and a concerne worthy of such hazzard Sir Fern I come led by my Fate to seek an Argument that may prove worthy of greater hazzard then I shall meet with here men who put to Sea on great designes must not shrink at every Cloud in apprehension that a storme is neer but if I find no businesse worthy my danger I can retreat at pleasure Maluezzo You will be ingag'd in honour and must not stirre Fernan If so I shall abide it cheerfully Maluezzo goe you back immediatly while the way is open and see all done at home as I directed Maluezzo I shall be carefull Sir Exit Maluezzo Fernan Luco take you a private lodging for me before it doe grow darke and in this place or on the next
serve the Duke against this insulting Enemy as I doe Florio We seek imployment Fern Have you an addresse to any in this Court Florio We have none but come to serve as Volanteers Fern My purpose is the same wee may do well to make our first visits presently to Court and shew our intents to serve the Duke if you approve it let us see our Lodgings and then goe Florio I shall be wholly guided by you Sir Fern Shew the house Luco Methinks that face has in it something more Aside Then in my Life I ever saw before Exeunt Enter Duke with Camillo Lords and Officers Duke Has the Enemy taken spade in hand Camillo Cam Yes Sir and is allready breaking ground Duke Wee 'l entertaine 'um at break of day with a sharp Sally to give them an assay of what courages they are to meet with let our Troopes be ready by day break Camillo All shall be ready Sir but methinks the night were fitter for our Sally Duke I like not Sallying in the Darke 't is subject to great mistakes and such accidents as often makes the best designes uncertaine No Camillo the Sunne shall see and shew the vigour we charge with 't will raise our Hearts to higher actions then a dull shade is worthy of Our glitring Swords and our inraged Eyes Will shew how much we do their Warre dispise And 'mongst their Souldiers such amazement sâ—ing They shall not flye the Ruine that we bring Enter the Princess to them with Rossina and Phylora at one doore At the other Enter an Officer with the foure Strangers Fernando Florio Luco and Pedro a little after Duke Take courage Silviana this Warre will not prove so terrible as your feares suggest Princess My apprehension Sir is not more then does become my Sex when Nations are at stake and my interest must be decided by the hazzards of a Warre is it not time to sigh and pray I and to tremble at the thought of such an evill though my innosence and your valour may be Crown'd with Victory it must be purchas'd by the blood of Loyall Subjects Duke Let them who force the Warre shake at the event and answer for the evills Officer These Gentlemen new come to Town desire the Honour They salute the Duke to kiss your Highnesse hand Duke You have chosen an ill time to visit URBIN Gentlemen when the Alarums and hazzards of a besiedged Town allowes no houres for entertainment or for rest Fern To hazzard wee come hither Sir honour'd Trophies gain'd in so just a Warre are glorious invitation to virtuous minds and fill our hearts with sure Predictions of a good successe Duke You Prophesie like a friend and I have Faith for what you say do these youths belong to you Fern No Sir I met them but an hour since where they sav'd my life by rescuing me from five or six Banditee they come to serve you in this Warre Duke Your looks invite me to inquire your Countrey and qualities that I may finde a fit imployment for such worthy persons who set honour at so high a rate Fern My name is Fernando and his Florio my ambition Sir is not above a Volunteere I understand not to Command but Florio I confess looks like somewhat more then he is pleas'd to own Duke My fancy does concurre with yours and I shall study to welcome both as well as this disturb'd time permits me this occasion makes us wink at such Banditee for the present who are bold on all attempts and in this Warre may be of use but I should not have judg'd this faire youth fit to mannage Arms Fern Your Highnesse will have other thoughts when you see Florio in the field the Enemy will find him man enough Duke What part of Italy is so happy as to have bred such early vertue Florio I am of Pisa Sir my businesse is to see the World and improve my knowledge by my Travels Fern Of PISA Florio know you any of note there Florio All Sir Fern Pray Sir let us two fight in the same Troope that we may emulate each others actions in your service Duke The contest will not be equall your looks will strike more terror in an Enemy then Gentle Florios Sword can doe I will prevaile with this young Souldier if I can to secure the Ladies while we Sally his courage will abate their feares who apprehend more danger then is cause for Florio Sir I shall curse my soft faint looks if they belye my heart that covets to get honour by my Sword as much as he that can frown Speaks in Anger most I will either sally this night with Fernando or quit the Town before I sleep Duke This storme which I have rais'd is more bewitching lovely then thy calme gentle looks were The Duke imbraces Florio If you have yours and I have my desire Let me again imbrace what I admire Pedro. I passe for no body all this while but if my good Sword hold aside I 'le doe I know not what Rossina The Dukes in love Madam and talks like one of us to this Adonis Princess They look great as if they would do service worthy my brothers highest complements Enter to them Camillo the Generall Camillo We are all ready for the Sally Sir I wish your Highnesse would reserve your self for the next occasion we shall have work enough of this kind the Enemie is strong Duke I will not be diverted but my selfe will lead you on here Camillo let these strangers charge in your Troop next to your self they appeare to be of quality and no doubt have courage to merrit what honours we can give ' um Camillo They shall be my care Sir Duke Call for my Armes 't is time that we make ready Retire lost your feares Silviana may Our best displease and doubting men dismay Exit Duke and Traine Princess I have a heavinesse about my heart Rossina which I cannot remove Rossina Your Highnesse too much apprehension of the Dukes danger looks like doubting those powers which protect Princes in all just causes Princess I cannot contradict you nor can I be lesse concern'd because this Warre is on my account though I be guiltlesse the prou'd Prince of Ferrara demands our Principallity in Dowre by which he shewes to have but small esteem of me the Dukedome must be intayled on me and my Brother tyed from a second Marriage thus his ambition not his love makes Warre for the inlarging his Dominions Rossina Pray Madam be pleas'd to retire into the Castle the Duke is now on sallying As they are going off they meet Mariana and Phylora comming in haste Prin Whiter so fast Mariana why so frighted my Phylora Filora We came from the Tower next to the Port Madam Princess And from thence what saw you to beget this Terror Philora We saw the Duke all in Armour riding before his Troops with so much terror and such a dust that we durst stay no longer but ranne trembling down to
are so mingled that neither his force nor subtlest Art can ere devide us tell him I despise his Love who with an Iron rodd does wooe his former Menaces became him better then this flattery I le heare no more Offers to goe out Officer Then give Judgment Madam ere you go on the guilty person you despise for if my love cannot prevaile to excuse what I have done Let me by your doome fall Ferrara is at your mercy Discovers himselfe Silviana Sir Your excuse is bolder then your Crime thus to surprize me in disguise is as offensive as your Warre and works the same effect in me who see through all your designes but can discerne no love 't is our Dukedome you expect and so much labour for not me Ferrara This Warre and my disguise are both the effects of Love Madam and at worst can be look'd on but as tryalls whether by your brothers or your own aversion I have been rejected I ledde my Army hither to remove his constraint on you as I suppose and now freely offer up my selfe a sacrifice to your dislike if by that I fall neglected such is the power of Love it makes the greatest dangers most delightfull Silviana Such Romances take not me your first approaches and all your Treaties were accompanied with such unreasonable demands and such Rude threats as shew'd you were a man of Blood no Characters of gentle love appear'd I remember also the Succession was your maine Article that must be setled or you would not have me by which you bound my Brother from a second Marriage and would take me as an appendix to the Crowne and through all this I must now discerne your unvisible love no Sir though the Principallity must be my beauties foyle to raise esteem in you I can set a value on my selfâ— above the Dukedome you ayme at Ferrara Madam Though I come hither lifted high on the delightfull wings of hope dispaire must now be my Reserve for my Retreate yet thus by your scornes arm'd for your Revenge I shall rather smile then shrinke at your Brothers malice after this repulse from you and shall glory here to fall Lov 's Martyr at your feet Silviana You shall be safe from all harmes here Sir I will secure your safe returne though I answer not your hope you shall not suffer Enter Tigil by this rash visit Tigillo pray see this Officer safe convey'd to his Campe. Ferrara No Madam now I have put off that clowd which did secure my passage hither by which my undertaking is perform'd to put it on againe may looke like feare as if I valued safety at a higher rate then Honour I will therefore with an open face Now I have kneel'd at Silvianas feet Pass on through all the dangers I can meet Silviana My endeavours and my wishes do concurre for your security but if you suffer ought by your own rash choice I shall take care that you have no pretence to lay a blemish on my innocence Tigillo waite on the Duke as I direct I will answer it to my Brother Exit Princess and Ladies Tigillo I shall not doubt to do what you command Madam Ferrara I am sad to think Tigillo on those evills which Silviana compells me in honour now to Act. For since no submission can make her relent VVe are oblig'd to fight though we repent Exeunt Enter Florio as in his Chamber sitting sadly Pedro by Pedro. Madam What want you will you think your selfe into the other World Florio I wish I were so happy no Melina I am doom'd to more disasters here Pedro. Pray impart the trouble of your minde that I may argue on your griefes a little to divert you Florio Thou wilt raise my distemper higher by thy discourse but yet I 'le try I was thinking Melina how much better it had been to have stay'd at home and sufferd all my Fathers anger still saying no to his unjust commands I might so have shew'd a much more becomming courage by such sufferings then thus by â—lying them for had he forc'd me to the Church so often threatned he could not there compell me to comply I might at worst have dyed on that account with honour as now with infamy Pedro. If you pursue these thoughts they will distract you 't is childish to look back when you must pursue the Fortune your first thoughts have led you to does not the Dukes love grow higher and higher still why then do you create evills in your fancy beyond what can happen Florio Oh Melina had I not better dye then ever own my selfe a Woman when the Duke shall finde the favourite he dotes on to be a transform'd wanderer how will he hate himselfe and me for placing such a scorne on his great Name for ever I love and honour him so much I dare not seek the happinesse I wish but must undiscover'd dye to save my reputation and his Fame Pedro. These are waking dreames Madam Florio And then if Fernando should discover me how will his honour be concern'd what vengeance will his just anger finde out for me there is but one way Melina besides Death Pedro. May I be trusted with it you have made me Sadder then I look'd for Florio The Siege ended I le returne and take a Cloyster where I will wash away my shame in Penetentiall Teares and if I dye before I do conjure thee Melina to conceale my sex I have adventur'd what I can to get an honourable death and 't will not be which makes me apprehend some sadder Fortune does attend me Pedro. Madam I have thus farre against my judgment and my interest been wholly govern'd by you but now I see you will destroy your selfe I am resolv'd to let Fernando or the Duke know your condition to prevent a greater evill Florio How Melina wilt thou betray my trust and prove a Traytor at the last thou dar'st not do so great a villany Pedro. Rather then see you ruin'd I will do any thing what crymes what guilt frights you into this dispaire I will no longer be accessary to your destruction now I can bring you off with honour She offers to goe off Florio rises and steps between Melina and the Dore and drawes Florio Stay Melina so now 't is my fault if you discover me by all my hopes ' le kâ—ll thee instantly unlesse thou dost now sweare not to reveale me speak quickly for when thou art dead I will by my own hand dye by thee offers at her Pedro. Hold and I will by this I swear as you desire But that I do a greater mischiefe feare Your threatned death should not have made me sweare Enter the Duke who drawes and offers at Pedro. Florio steps in Duke False villaine to lift thy hand against thy Lord Florio steps between Florio I did assault him Sir in my unjust fury Duke Florio has no unjust fury Pedro must be faulty Florio By truths selfe I sweare he is not the fault was
Not that I remember or did ever know Florio Nor shall do now on second thoughts your unknown Enemy calls for Death Sir I have wrong'd you much and my selfe much more Florio opens his Armes Fernando No thou hast charm'd me by some Magick spell I dare not touch thee who art thou Florio You should never know if by any hand but yours I could by death have been conceal'd can you not yet call to minde your unfortunate Cousin Celestina in this face have my crimes alter'd me so much Fernando Celestina as a man do all the wonders I have seen can it be Florio Too true Sir pray let your Sword now do what I have Shâ— kneels so often sought from the Enemye I would dye Sir 't was my businesse here and 't is high time that I were dead this place this hour is fit for such a sacrifice to wrong'd Innocence for I have defam'd Innosence rais'd a scandall on the name of Vertue the honour of your grear Family is concern'd in my disguise if I survive this scandall I have rais'd your Lenity will be condemn'd as if you had comply'd and so the great Name of Florence will be howted at but when I am dead you may conceale my Name and not participate my shame who do now appeare so strange a Monster to my selfe that I shall blush to death if your Sword prevent me not He Imbraces and Raises her Fernando Is lovely Celestina then my envyed Rivall for the faire Silviana Florio You have no Rivall Sir the Princess sent me now to bring you to her on a private visit do you believe me yet Fernando As an Angell sent from Heaven I believe thee but thy good newes cannot stay these Teares for thy selfe now shed poore Celestina I have heard thy sadd story and thy ill natur'd Fathers Tyranny thou fled'st from all thy friends have mourn'd for thee as dead or so lost as never to be found againe Florio I am not so happy Sir Fernando Nor I so miserable to loose so great a friend how shall I devide my heart between Silviana and Celestina to thee I owe my life twice sav'd and all my interest in Silviana by thy helpe gain'd all that I have my being and my bliss I must derive from thee my deer deer Celestina Celestina This kindnesse is more comfort then I did ever hope to finde on Earth I wish that I coiuld die thus happy before the Duke does finde his Florio is a counterfeite I feare His honour will ingage him to dispise A wandring Woman in so strange disguise Fernando Lay by thy feares and put on such a hope as will become thy Vertue and thy Birth this Romance will end well the fond Dukes friendship will soon turne to love when he shall see a possibility that Florio may be his dost thou love him Florio I have not dar'd to entertaine a thought that might lead me to hopes of such a happinesse on Earth Fernando Let that hope take its first rise now from my Endeavours for when I see my time to unmaske us both I 'le do it for thy advantage Celestina but why did you thus long conceale your selfe from me Florio Feare to offend you Sir which was my quarrel with Melina who thretn'd to discover me to you when the Duke found our Swords drawne Fernando Is Pedro Melina too where get you such manly hearts and vigour to act such wonders Florio Alas Sir I did but draw my Sword and wave it 'bout my head my weak blowes were only in search of death but it seemes the powers above propitious to my innocence have turn'd the rugged Fate I sought into glorious Trophies I deserve not discontent at first then dispaire threw me into all the dangers I could finde but this discovery has reduc'd me to a Woman I can now tremble at my own shadow my courage is quite gone and I now shake to thinke what I have done Fernando You must hold up your Character till I see time to owne you and to declare my selfe which shall be suddenly my deare Celestina thou shall 't be my good Angell still wee 'l visit the Princess and first reveale our selves to her trust me to mannage your interest with the Duke as you have mine with Silviania wee must now prepare for the great Interview which the Enemie so much desires take courage Celestina Where Beauties force with vertue does combine They cannot fayle to prosper a designe Exeunt THE FIFTH ACT. Enter Clara and Pedro severally in great hast Clara. DEare Pedro take care of me they say we shall be storm'd and sack'd pray what is sack'd Pedro. All the Mayds above fifteen years old by the Enemy found in Towne must be put in Sacks and thrown into the River Clara. This is a short warning to provide against so great an Evill but I hope you may finde favour to preserve me sweet Pedro take me to thy care Pedro. I shall do my best for thee if I fall not in the Assault a good Day pretty one Offers to go she holds him Clara. Why in such haste Pedro. I am commmanded to attend the Interview and must be gone Clara. I understand not what that is Pedro. Why 't is a Committee of Inspection on the Princess Silviana Clara. You confound me Pedro with hard words is it any thing about the Sacks and the River I am so afraid I know not what to doe Pedro. Take courage Clara I will preserve you as my friend I shall be missed if I stay longer now Clara. Thank ye deare Pedro but I will hide my selfe how ever This young white liver'd Boy may courage lack To keep me from the River and the Sack Exeunt severally An Interview Enter At one Doore the Duke of URBIN with Fernando Florio Lords Officers and Guards who range on that side Enter The Duke of Ferrara with Lords and Officers who range on the other side Enter The Princess Silviana with all the Ladies who stand under the SCENE between the Rowes of Men. Urbin What be your demands Lodovico what is the Argument of this Parlye you have desir'd Ferrara Silviana is my Argument whom you detaine more like a Prisoner then a Sister you ought to love and honour by matching with some Prince fitter for her Birth and Beauty then a Nunnery which your thrifty kindnesse would perswade her to Urbin And you bring us this Warre with your advise to teach us better purposes Ferrara I do lest my councels prevaile not I have at a distance profess'd love and treated long in vaine which brings me now in Person to demand Silviana from captivity Urbin Is it her Person or my Dukedome you expect which invites you to this insolent way of Wooeing Ferrara 'T is both and what both our Parents did designe when we were Children in case you left no issue Male. Urbin Silviana is now of Age to please her selfe and if she desire it I may treat farther on fit Termes Ferrara Madam I have
if she do you may at leisure inform her of the Truth I do Command you to lay by your further thought of this fond Journey to search for Astella is this a time to act Romances in when the whole whole World is in Combustion round us think better on it Phillocles Ordel. I hope my Brother will not throw himself on dangers without a good Argument to justifie his Actions this new Journey gives me new fears for you Phil I shall consider ere I go Ordella and at your Lodgings this night expresse my joy to see you Exeunt omnes Sel Oh! Oh! Cle Selindra weeping has the sad tale of Hungary drawn these tears from your fair Eyes Madam Sel Good my Lord spare me a while I am not sit for Courtship now Cle I cannot with Honour leave you in the power of such an Enemy as your sorrow is Sel You cannot deliver me from a greater then your self this time Cle That is not kindly said Selindra scarce Civil if you consider my long Love and my Respects Sâ—l My Lord you know I ever shun'd your Love and as much as in me lay avoided those respects you now upbraid me with Cle I do confesse you have t is therefore I now come to presse you to declare if I may ever hope to gain more favour from you my sute is present Marriage may I hope for such happinesse at last if not now Sel As I never have so I shall never give you cause to think it Cle So Fair so Innocent so Gentle and so severe I never saw before but I shall hope to find you in a better humour at some other time Selindra your Father interrupts me now Exit Cleonel Enter Periander to Selindra Sel Unhappy day that I was born and more unhappy this that I She Weeps have liv'd to hear such mischief on Oh Periander my Father and my Brothers are all Dead Murther'd by Phillocles Betray'd and Slain by Pollinesso's dead my onely comfort is for ever gone and yet I live to tell it Peri Madam the Crown of Hungary is now yours and Phillocles but the Instrument sent by the gods to punish your Parents crimes their perjury pull'd this Judgment on their own heads Sel It does not become you my Lord to tell me so nor yet to think it if you consider Lascare's covetous nature and Phillocles ambitious spirit you might with me see all this was design'd to ruine my Family and so to get the Crown unto themselves but I shall soon revenge it on dissembling Phillocles and bring such a Ruine into Greece as no time shall parallel here to Pollinesso Ghost I vow Phillocles his Life if ever I can safely reach it Peri Madam take heed least you like them do pull a second mischief on your self Phillocles you see is Noble he leaves the Crown She kneeles to you when offer'd him by all your Subjects he lov'd Pollinesso you have no Argument against Phillocles he Laments him as much as you can Sel I Periander and in sorrow seeks me too no doubt but he would gladly have me in his power to murther Per I cannot think so but Madam you should now consider where you are and in whose power in my opinion you must keep this disguise with all the Art you can and lay by your sorrow for a while not practice any thing towards revenge nor by a look discover such a thought untill I can go to Belgrade there make Orsanes and the rest know that you live that we may find some way to fetch you home with safety where you may with security prosecute your revenge Sel I shall take your advice my Lord now you comply in my revenge and study to disguise my grief till your return but can admit no thoughts but my revenge on Phillocles Pollinesso my dear Brother I will Celebrate thy Funerals in such a manner as shall speak my Love to thee and hate to him that murther'd thee No Roman Pile e're made so great a flame I 'le Sacrifice this Empire to thy Name Per Madam this passion will piscover and destroy you in spight Weeps of my Endeavours Sel I have now done my Lord indeed I have Peri I can have no Faith Madam unlesse you will now promise in presence of our gods to hide this anger and not to discover your self till my return unlesse some Eminent necessity require for you will be lost when known unto Lascares Sel I do ingage as you desire and shall Enter Ordella to them with Ladies Or In tears Selindra what cause hast thou to weep Per My present departure for Ciprus makes her thus Childish Or Will your stay there be long my Lord Per Not many dayes Madam Or Come Selindra thou shalt go with me I 'le divert these Tears by shewing thee my griefes which thou wilt be Concern'd for if thou dost love me Exeunt Omnes THE SCEENE CHANGES Re-enter Ordella and Selindra in Ordella 's Chamber Sel Madam I am very sensible of your Greif and do not approve of the Prince his journey to search for Astella Or. You must not only not approve it Selindra but with me condemn it as a rash and hazzardous undertaking besides the folly of seeking one he never saw one that he hath no ingagement to What madnesse will it be for Phillocles to put himself within her power before he knowes how she resents her Friends deaths for if there were such affection between Astella and Pollinesso as is said the sight of Phillocles must needs raise a passion in her such as may destroy my aside Brother before his innocence can appear How 's this can these Tears fall for her Fathers absence a few dayes or is it for what I utter Selindra Weeps I hope she is not so much concern'd for Phillocles Selindra I do take it ill that you thus lament your Fathers absence who runnes no hazzard above my sorrow for my Brothers dangerous Journey in search of Astella Sel Madam my tears were re-call'd by your Highnesse sighes by your trouble for the Prince his Journey your favours have been such to me that I were unworthy if I should not weep as well as smile with you aside Or 'T is handsomly put off I thank thee Selindra and do so little doubt thy Love that I do beg thy best Arguments to assist me that we together may convince my Brother and prevail with him to stay Sel Madam I shall obey your commands and observe your directions as farre as will become me but I do fear the Prince will condemn me of much rudenesse if I shall interpose my vain opinions against his purposes good Madam do not put me to do what hereafter you will blame me for Or Fear it not Selindra I love thee better then to throw away thy credit so see where my brother comes Enter Phillocles Ordella meets him kindly yet sadly too Selindra aside Sel I have a hard taske on me to complement the man I hate to death
Phil Why so sad my deer Sister your looks speak a sorrow through your smiles Ordel Can you aske and know your self to be the cause of it can Phillocles be in danger and Ordella not be sad can you think smiles would become my face when my heart shrinks to think of your rash journey to seek Astella you know not where I can no more put off my feares then my affection for you Phil Dearest Ordella let not a mistaken cause of fear for me beget such a trouble in you there is no danger in my purpos'd Journey I shall onely search the Grecian Isles where none dares do me harme you know I am engag'd in honour to performe what I have so publiquely declar'd and I am sure you love my Honour equall with my Person Ordel I do so and could I see the necessity you urge to search for Astella my passion should submit to your reason and that I may not flatter my own affection I shall now submit unto Selindra's opinion who has no reason to be partiall to either of our arguments I prethee good Selindra speak freely what thou thinks't of my brothers Journey Selin Truly Sir if I may judg the Princess tells you what you should better consider of then I think you yet have not that I do apprehend any dangerous hazzards in the Journey as she does nor can I finde any arguments fit to perswade you from attempting dangers when your Honour calls you to them give me leave Sir only to aske how your Honour is concerned to make this search why do you intend so great a trouble to your self from whence is this value of Astella who you never saw why does your Highness seek a Woman that has never oblidged you nor you her but by the ruine of her Family incens'd her Phil 'T is true that I have never seen nor oblig'd Astella in particular but I have by many hazards of my life endeavour'd both the Fame of her Excelling Beauty and greater Vertue begot in me a desire to serve her and her whole Family which I did faithfully in freeing Hungarie from the Germane yoak 't was an unhappy Fate befell her Parents by themselves pull'd on them not by me intended in which sad losse I beare so great a share that I have no peace within untill I have made my Innocence unto Astellas self appear that she may see that I had no design to hurt the Princes persons nor to Conquer Hungarie Selin What you have bravely done in that Warre deserves a Trophie and from Astella no lesse value when she shall be well enformed of all that past there 'till then Sir the Princess thinks it not fit for you to Visit Astella because we often see Great Princes Vertues does not answer the report Fame gives them Ordel Most true Selindra my heart presages a Ruine if you goe could I lay by my affection to you and put on Astellas cause I would undertake to confute those Arguments you so much trust in Methinks I see you kneeling and the inraged Astella deaf to all you say swelling with anger for brave Pollinesso's losse and ready to sacrifice your Life come Selindra if ever I have deserved love from thee shew it now by assisting me my own way by thy best Language do thou stand forth and as Astella receives my over-confident Brother spare him not Selindra but suppose you had a Brother as dear to you as Pollinesso She pulls Selindra to Act Astella She stands before the Chaire of State was to her and that beloved Brother by Phillocles his rash attempt sent to his untimely grave let loose some Teares to accompany those I have shed and for my sake put on a look so mixt with Majesty Grief and Anger as may present her Part thou play'st I that look will do it Sel Madam You see my ready Obedience to your Commands but will the Prince permit such boldnesse Phil Yes Selindra since nothing else will satisfie my Sister I am content for once to beare a part in this Childs play on condition Ordella that you put off your sadnesse if I prevaile Ordella I shall so you will stay at home if she do get the better of you He turnâ—s to Selindra and sees her looks angry Phil Content can Selindra frown in jest methinks she looks as if she would do it to the life Ordella Sel Yes Phillocles I can frown when I have just cause and will make thee repent this rash attempt to visit me thou hast beyond my hope put thy self into my power to punish Phil How that angry Cloud spreads Can those bright lights suffer an Eclips and not portend some fatall Ruine what if they do shall I shake at Thunder that cannot reach me be concern'd for an unjust anger no not though the gods did threat But Astella will not nourish a thought mis-be-coming her Vertue nor so much lessen her great name by a mistaken passion to harm a man whose endeavours were to serve her Selin A mistaken Passion Phillocles are not my Father and my Brothers dead though not by thy hand butchered yet by thy attempts they fell is not the glory of our name extinguish'd the honour of men fall'n all lost in Pollinesso's death Phil Astellas self is not more free then I was from intending evill to her friends they forc'd me to secure my self by which they were all lost their Plots and Perjuries pull'd this Ruine on them onely Pollinesso was not Guilty he would not comply with fierce Barzanes envious designes nor with his Fathers blacker purposes Pollinesso was a witnesse of my hazards in that Warre and did partake an equall share in them and in the Victory we often seal'd our vowes of Amity in our best blouds together which did beget so mutual a Love that our Soules moved ever one way I would rather have Dyed with Pollinesso then live thus to lament his losse by these unfained Teares I would Sel Thou speakst a Language so pleasing to my Eares that I could wish my vow to Sacrifice thee to my Brothers Ghost had never past my Lips for I can see and value all thy Noble actions and judge the guilt of my own friends that fell and can beare the losse of all but Pollinesso he you say dyed Innocent free from the other Crimes full of Honour rich in Vertue in the Blossome of his Age my onely Joy fell and you my onely hate shall dye so too your Worth your Youth and your Innocence will make my oblation acceptable to those powers I have vowed you too vain man canst thou think Pollinesso's ghost will be appeased with words or teares if thou wert ever worthy my brothers love shew it now in couragious dying to his memory for by all our gods thou dyest a guard there She is interrupted by Ordella Ordella 'T is bravely done Selindra thou madest me start and shake to see thee look and hear thee speak with such awfull majesty how is it Brother how do
how is it faire He speaks to Selindra one that you neglect such honour and such Wealth as Cleonel brings with him he is a man in my Eye worthy the greatest subject of my Empire Or is it the nice Lovers part you thus do act in Publique while your united hearts delight in private say Selindra when shall our Court flourish in triumphs for your Wedding while Ordella provides Ornaments for you it shall be my care to set forth Cleonel like himselfe and fit for such a Mistresse tell me when Selindra when shall this jolly time be come I must presse you for my Friend Selin I am very sensible of this Honour you now do me Sir yet cannot chuse but wonder why your Majesty thinks fit to presse me to a publique Answer Emp You have delayed it long enough 't is a good time to declare now Selin I obey Sir and do confesse that I have ever had a true value of Cleonels worth I have also observed your favour to hm and do believe that he may make the best of Women happy but yet I think not fit to entertain his Love I have more Noble thoughts then to incourage him with hopes of what I never can afford him such a returne as his merit may justly expect from one more worthy then my self I must declare that my purpose is not to marry but to attend the Princess so long as that honour may be permitted and her Highnesse favour shall continue to me Emp May all thy wishes be ever on thee happy will that man be that gets such a Treasure as this fair Cabinet containes I am vanquish'd Cleonel and I advise thee to teare this Serpent from thy heart before it be too big for thee to graspe observe you this Ordella Phillocles are thy thoughts yet for Belgrade Phillo They shall be Sir if you Command it Exeunt Lascares Cecropius and Cleonel Phillo Ordella can you guess why my Father does now urge my absence that so late inforc'd my stay Ordel Does not the Affaires of Hungary require you there Phillo No Ordella I should not then wonder at his pressing me to goe Enter Messenger Messen Madam the Emperor calls for you Ordel I 'le o're take him presently I have much to say to you Brother pray stay my returne good Selindra entertaine him in my Chamber with Cleonels last Melancholly Song I like so well Phillocles and Selindra sit within the Scene THE SONG Cloris we see the offended Gods At first do shew and shake their Rodds That they may rather threat then strike So we foregoe what they dislike These faulty streams shall flow no more Above their banks as heretofore Nor swelling tempest from my breast Henceforth thy Virgin cares molest All shall be fashion'd to thy will So thou wilt let me Love thee still My Lips shall not a word let go That may offend to tell thee so But to dissemble or deny That I do Love thee were a lye Would staine my soule 't will prove a spot To look as if I Lov'd thee not Philo. This charity becomes you Madam and Cleonels lines I see are smiled on though himself be not but why did you with such severity in publique disclaime his interest and seem to reject a man so worthy when the Emperor himself woed for him Selin 'T is the Princess Ordellas pleasure that I should learn his Song Sir and not my fancy to the maker of it though his love and respects may challenge a greater complement from me for I shall ever acknowledg obligations to Cleonel yet not think fit to treat a Marriage in my Fathers absence by whom I shall be wholly rul'd in that matter if he think fit to make that choice for me I must submit Philo. Give me leave Madam so farre to interest my selfe in your Affaires as to aske if your thoughts for Cleonel be such that you will Phillocles takes her Hand she shewes dislike not admit the like profession from another For though my Father cannot match him in his Dominions I believe that I can find you a Servant as faithfull and as full of Love one every way as worthy your favours one that will outâ—bid Cleonel to gaine Selindra do but He offers to kiss her Hand Selin I beg your Highnesse pardon for some time Exit Seli Phil Thus to leave me while I was speaking to her is a scorne I look'd not for Selindra was not wont to be so rude nor I so foolish sure my looks and Language rendred me Ridiculous so slight that she blush'd for me which to hide she thus withdrew leaving me to wonder at my self that am of late become what I want a Name for If this be Love and this the effects of Love I 'le teare the Monster from my heart and be my self againe before it grow too mighty for me my hands cannot reach it no force can touch it 't is a subtile foe not to be compell'd 't is reason onely must prevaile Selindra loves and dissembles her affection to Cleonel neglecting me how unworthy then am I that seek to separate united hearts how fond to Covet what another does enjoy how much am I now fall'n below my self by this passion He throwes himself on the Couch sadly Enter Ordella and Selindra Ordel When went my brother hence Selindra Selin He sits there Madam Ordel My Father I fear has too much cause for what he said Prethee leave us a while Selindra and let none disturb us Ordella goes to Phillocles he starts at her approach Phillo Oh Selindra Ordella She is not here why do you stare thus on me are you not well Phillo Onely a little dull for want of sleep Ordella but why sent the Emperor for you in such haste Ordel To tell me that Phillocles does love Selindra and to enquire my thoughts of it I answered boldly that you were too Noble to dishonour Selindra and too wise to neglect Astella and a Crown for such an idle fancy I have confirm'd him that you have not such a thought because I saw him troubled at it but what is this that thus distracts you Phil Ha! what sayes my dearest Sister Ordel Ye Gods defend that I be not mistaken Brother what have you done with your self since I went hence Phillo My head is full of the Affaires of Hungary I was contriving how I should secure Astella in her Throne and thinking of a thousand other things but why did my Father send for thee Ordel This is very strange I told you why and you regard me not it was about Selindra Phillo About Selindra prethee Ordella let us talke of something else thou weepest Ordel. How can I chuse but weepe to see you thus distracted and all my hopes of future joyes dying in me Phillocles has left to love me he dares not trust me with his heart he Loves and by dissembling seeks to hide his love from me that can dye for him Phillo I am guilty Ordella thy charms o'recome me and I
do submit to thy severest judgment I do love Selindra and would do more then thou canst fancy to gaine her Love now my heart lyes open thou wilt find the wound is deep Ordella touch it gently my dear Sister Ordel 'T will not be cured then Phillocles I must launce it to the quick and you must indure to hear that Cleonel and she have been long contracted and onely do disguise their Loves because Cecropius seeks Selindra for himself 't is only untill her Fathers return they thus dissemble it Phil Contracted Ordella thou hast blasted all my hopes destroy'd me in the twinckling of an Eye the Gods have not a greater curse in store to throw upon me is this thy cure I shall sink under the burthen of this remedy fare-well Ordella fare-well for ever for I am undone for ever Phillocles going out in haste turns back Orde Stay Phillocles I can cure thee yet I 'le stroke thy wound and try how that will work they are not contracted that I ever heard it was my pure affection that thus abus'd your Ears by my Fathers command I was in the bud to crush your love which by their pretended Contract I thought best to do can my Brother pardon my Zeale to serve him this way and yet trust my love Phil I can do both Ordella now thou hast restored me to life againe come let us sit that I may at large declare my purpose concerning Selindra do you remember Ordella that day you made Selindra act Astella how I was then convinc'd and overcome by her how she spake then and with what Majesty she appear'd Methought then if Selindra were not borne a Queen yet she was design'd to be one from the hour I lov'd her and you the occasion of my love I have since observed her strictly and well weighed all her perfections and considered Cleonels hopelesse suit to gain her if she can afford me love Ordella I would wade deep in blood it would look like vanity to tell thee how great things I would do to win a value from her Ordel When I consider Selindra's Beauty and her worth I cannot blame your admiration of her truly Brother I do wish your desires upon you but know not how I can comply or how to serve you this way Phil I have weighed all kinds of Arguments Ordella and do allow them to be good worldly thoughts fit for Princes that have no other heaven on Earth then their Wealth and their Dominions I tell thee Ordella to be Emperour of all the World is poverthy without Selindra if thou lovest me thou wilt use thy interest to perswade her to cast off all thoughts for Cleonel and receive me who she yet shuns now my Sister speak comfort to my soule that must languish untill you ingage for me Ordella sits silent a while and he staring on her Ordel I have been thus long silent Phillocles to consider how I might comply with your desires and not break my Fathers trust do but shew me an honourable way and I will serve you with the same Zeal you wish it but if I should consent how can you avoid Cleonel or how disguise your love from my Father Phill Wee 'l think of twenty wayes to blinde the old mans eyes and as for Cleonel I will so overload him with Wealth and Honours that he shall gladly give up his interest in Selindra if he have any but if he refuse I will become his Rivall publiquely I will either carrâ— the faire prize or loose my self Ordella say now will you strain a Coâ—â—plement with my Fathers trust to save thy brothers life and honour Ordella Pardon me heaven if I offend by varying from my 〈◊〉 ther 's trust to save my Brothers life and Honour Phillocles now I am yours imploy me like a Sister that you love put me not to use artifices unworthy of that value the World now holds me at Phil By all our Gods I 'le rather perish then permit thee to act any thing unworthily Dearest Ordella loose no time to make known my affection to Selindra while I seek Cleonel to make him mine Ord Since no argument can prevaile against your passion I am content to be directed by you Phill Thou wilt make me happy then Ordella beyond all the State arguments The greatest Polititian can invent Or brightest messenger from Heaven's sent Leads her off Enter Cleonel Cleo. This falls out well for my designes upon Selindra the Prince his absence will give me opportunity to effect what his presence might prevent for 't is now most evident that Selindra slights my Professions in hope of Phillocles who is become my Rival by subtilties I must therefore compasse what my power and credit cannot reach the Prince is too mighty for me to contest with but this new Enter Phillocles Warre will do my work see where he comes how full of thoughts he is of late this love transformes us all Phil I 'le share the Empire with him if he consent if he will not I 'le force my way He sees Cleonel Cleo Sir The Emperour sent me to signify unto you the Newes from Belgrade that Astella is arriv'd there and is rejected by those you left to govern 't is his pleasure Sir that you prepare to march with all possible speed to her reliefe Phil I have just now received an express from thence which inform me of a Faction there that did hope to have set up a Counterfeit Astella but those Tumults are allayed the plot being discover'd all the partakers fled the Country I therefore hold it fit to hear again from thence before I stirre but if my Father will needs have his Army march into Hungary I shall advise him to conferre the honour of that Warre Cleonell on you Cle. On me Sir I am neither worthy nor capable of so great a charge your Highnesse does me much honour in this thought but I must not presume to accept the favour lest the Emperor do think me so vaine to seek it Phillo Why Cleonel thy forward youth promises great things and I know the Emperor will be pleas'd to see me joyn to heap honours on thy deserving head I will undertake it with my Father and shall not doubt to say thou wilt deserve the sole Command of all our Forces Aside Cleon If the Emperor consent I am cozen'd your Highnesse does 〈◊〉 load me with your Favours I shall not live to expresse my Gratitude much less to merrit such honours Phill I tell thee Cleonel 't is in thy power to lay an Obligation on me such an Obligation Cleonel as half my Empire cannot recompence Say may I hope such kindnesse from thee but if it be not in thy heart do not flatter me into a hope of what I shall not find Cle Sir as you are my Prince my duty binds me to serve you with the hazzard of my life and fortunes Phil I thank thee for thy Love as I do all that will like thee say and
do as much but I would have ingagements unto thee beyond the common complement of other Subjects Cle Your many favours Sir have so much obliged me beyond all others that your commands what ere they be shall make me happy Phil Take heed Cleonel do not ingage too fast for I shall demand what thou hold'st dearer then thy life darest thou hear me now Cle Speak boldly Sir I am yours and all that 's mine is so I hope speaks aside he will discover his love to me Phil Thou art indeed my fate or I am thine I would have thee give up to me thy interest in Selindra dissolve all ingagements between her and you my dearest friend thus thou mayest bequeath Phillocles Embraces him an Empire to me that I prize farre above this I am born to start not at it for I will wear thee in my bosome thou shalt be the greatest and the richest man in Greece Cleon Without Selindra Phil I without Selindra Cleo What is all Greece worth without Selindra good Sir give me leave a little to consider on this matter sure he has solicited Aside Selindra for himself and receiv'd a repulse it may well be that she has express'd to him some value of me beyond what I my self can yet discern he would not else thus rashly nay thus madly tempt me 't is so Sir do I mistake or you did demand that I should give my interest in Selindra up to you Phil. Thou doest not mistake 't is only that can make me happy Cleo And onely that I cannot grant I can no more consent to part with the hope of such a happinesse then with my interest in Heaven pray Sir finde some other way to try my Faith Phil The Gods cannot give thee a means to oblige me another way themselves cannot blesse me with a gift that I can prize beyond Selindra Cleo And you would have me debauch this young Lady for your private pleasure Phil By all that 's Holy I would marry her Cleo Marry her what shall then become of Hungary and Astella Phill Thou shalt have that Crown and her I 'le woe her for thee I 'le fight that Conquest o're again and give it thee if she refuse Cleo Will you get the Emperors coment to this exchange Phill Yes or I will do it without him Cleo All this shall to the Emperor but if you can do neither this Aside inestinable jewel you would have me throw away Phill Will it be thrown away if placed on me Cleo I might have put my words into a Courtlier phrase I do confesse but I can never mould my heart to such a forme as shall consent to make my tongue bettay it I swear by all that 's good I never can relinquish my interest in Selindra I do prize my weak hopes there above all the Wealth and Honours you can lay down to purchase it Phil He has abus'd me all this while to get the secret out which shall now consume him since he will not consent this base treachery shall be my first step to climb unto Selindra Phillocles stands silent musing Cleo I shall now perswade Lascares to believe that the Prince loves Selindra while he is musing I 'le steale off lest a tempest do fall Aside on me Cleonel is goeing out Phil Stay Cleonel I have more to say I have considered my rash suit and cannot with Justice quarrel with thee for not parting with such a Treasure as Selindra is but I must call thee to account for thy late smiles and false fawning on me and for thy base treacherous kindnesse by which thou hast betray'd me to reveale a secret too great to trust thee with Thus I lay by my greatnesse and as a private injured man I draw my Sword to kill thee Cleo But I must not lift up mine against my Prince I have been ever taught to draw my Sword in your defence and shall be as glad to serve you with it as I should be proud to use it in this cause against any other man I dare scarce shew it you Sir He drawes Phil I have now made my self thy equal by my rivalship in love either defend thy self or by heaven I 'le kill thee They fight Phillocles hurts and disarms Cleonel as the Emperor comes in Phillocles throwes Cleonel his sword and goes out Enter the Emperor Cecropius and Attendants Emp What insolence is this so near us Cleonel this posture does not become you in this place Cleo You will pardon it Sir when you shall know I only drew to save my life not to offend the Prince who swelling with rage came like a ruine on me because I would not quit my interest in Selindra unto him to be his wife Sir Emp. Is this true Cleonel Cleo You 'l find it true Sir I could have had Astella and her Crown for my consent 't is some pleasure to deny another what I cannot get my self Emp He has not hurt thee Cleo Not much Sir you came in just as he fell on me Emp This must be timely cared for Cecropius send presently and fetch Selindra to your Lodgings this night she shall be your charge to morrow let her be sent back to Ciprus to her Father and be you sure Cecropius that Phillocles do neither see her nor send to her this night Enter Ordella Selindra with Ladies Cecro She is here Sir with the Princess Ordel Where is my Brother Sir Emp He is gone hence hurt Ordella I wish he were else fighting forsooth for Love you now see what mischiefe your fondnesse to Selindra has produc'd your Brothers life endangered and the Empire tottering Cecropius take Selindra to your care as I commanded let her be sent home attended as befits her quality Ordella come you with me All goes off but Cecropius Cleonel and Selindra Exit Cleonel and harkens at the Scene Cecro Leave us a while Cleonel Madam you now see the evils I foretold are come to passe these young fiery spirits will never submit to suffer either to enjoy you do but consider how happy you may be by being mine though I am not so young yet many men of my years have made young Ladies happy of my love you have had long tryal my Power my Honours and my Wealth will prove as pleasant as the smooth chin of Cleonel Phillocles his Wife you cannot be his Mistriss I hope you scorne to be much may be said Lady on this argument but the time allowes it not to morrow early you must to Sea unlesse you will blesse me by being mine Cleo Is it even so my good Father I shall shew you a trick for He peeps in your trick if my skill faile not Selin My Lord I must now give you the same answer I have ever done that I can never have affection for you Cecro No matter few old mens wives have any Sel My Lord I do submit unto the Emperours commands pray let me be sent away Cecro 'T is my humble love begets
your life I shall not trust you in the Army now Sir Here all intercede Ordel Pray Sir re-call this severe command my Brother has no danger in him you saw he did not avoid death when your hand offer'd it Emp Antenor I will be obeyed by Heaven he dyes that dares dispute my Will Spaks aside Phill If I go to Prison Selindra dyes there is none can help her He kneels and then I shall have time hereafter to lament her sad fate Sir I aske your pardon for the harsh words I utter'd I did believe those truths might touch you and move compassion towards those you threaten so much rigour too but I now see your anger has decreed them dead and that you have the same thought for me my last sute is that since we may not live we may dye together I shall submit to any kind of Death Sir But I have vowed to be no more confin'd Emp You of the Guard seize on him As the Guard comes toward him he draws Phil Against Imprisonment I shall endeavour what I can command my death Sir and I will welcome it Opens his Armes Emp Kill him Kill the Traytor dares none stirre to do it Is my breath grown so weak I le try my own strength then The Emperor snatches a Partizan from one of the Guard and wounds Phillocles in the breast slightly Phillocles holding down his Sword opens his arms and receives the wound they search his wound set him in a Chair while the Emperor stands amaz'd at what he had done Ordell Oh my Brother 's slain how cruel and unnaturall a deed is this Enter Cecropius Cecro The Surgeons say the Chiefe prisoner will not Live till Morning I beg Sir that the sentence may passe on the rest The Emperor gives Cecropius no answer only points to Phillocles le ts fall the Partizan till then in his hand and Exit with Cecropius Antil 'T was well the Emperors age did not permit his force to act his will the wound has not past the bone Madam 't is but a slight cut in the flesh Arman 'T is time that you hasten to the Army for while Cecropius holds his power you cannot be safe here Ordell He advises well Brother untill my Father be dispossest of this evill spirit that reignes in him I wish you away too Phil I think it must be so the Souldiers I hope have not forgot their love to me My Dear Sister pray will you ore-take my Father lest in this sit he slay all our Friends say that Selindra did sly willingly with Cleonel and that she regards not my Love say any thing to gaine a little time untill I may do something to relieve them Ordel I shall do my best Ordella at the Door meets the Emperor with Selindra in his hand and Pollidor led in he delivers Selindra to Ordella and points to them to set Pollidor by Phillocles then goes out with Cecropius and Servants Ordell What means my Father by this dumb shew Polli Where are we now Tenedor Tene Truly Sir I know not but I see Friends here Polli Who are they Tene Those that brought you in were the Emperor and Cecropius you know Prince Phillocles that whispers with Selindra that other sure is the Princess Ordella Polli Is that the Princess Ordella Phill Your presence Madam gives me strength and your kind looks give life unto my drooping spirits Selin How miserable am I Sir that am the occasion of all these evils Phil Your own sufferings are the onely evills to be lamented I could curse my self that brings such troubles on you but Madam we forget to comfort this Gallant man by whose Sword we enjoy our Lives Sir can you pardon me that undertook so much and can so little serve you Polli It was an injury Sir to think I would receive my life ransom'd by your death Phill By my wound Pollidor I have appeas'd my Fathers Rage by thy wounds Selindra Lives and through all these Clouds I see the Tempest ceasing cannot Selindra speak to him Selin I have a heart as full of Gratitude as yours Sir but not yet any means to shew it I shall make it my businesse to serve him Phill. Has my Dear Sister no complement for Pollidor by whose valour she enjoyes Selindra and me Ordel Yes Phillocles I am studying how to expresse it for you two have left nothing for me to say Sir I can only thank you o're again for my Brothers and my Friends preservation by which you have obliged me and the whole Empire and do deserve some publique Honour and high Recompence Polli What honour or what recompence can outweigh this you now heap on me Madam if what I have done be a service that you will own I have no wish beyond it I shall ever on this day keep a solemn Feast unto the Gods that did direct my course that way and gave me power to become as happy here as in Elizium Phill Let those Lodgings next to mime be made ready for Pollidor I will not trust him farther from me Antillacus go you with as little noyse as may be to the Army and let the Souldiers know that I will suddainly be with them some lead out Pollidor Exeunt Omnes Enter the Emperor and Cecropius Cecro 'T was not revenge for Cleonel made me presse your Majesty to do Justice on his Murtherers but to cut off Selindra by which Phillocles might have no hindrance to gain Astella But Sir since you have freed the Prisoners and are content the Prince shall marry Selindra I have done if you Sir can lay by all thoughts of Astella and that Crown I shall soon forget a private losse Emp I must laugh Cecropius to see how thou art abus'd by my feigned shew of kindnesse which I only did to heal the wound I gave had I another Son by whom I might gaine Hungary Phillocles had found my Force answerable to my Anger but I confesse I did relent upon a suddain thought which made me strike so feebly at him for now to loose Phillocles were to throw Hungary away and to destroy Selindra were by another kind of stroak to destroy Phillocles Cecro What other way have you Sir that I cannot yet fancy Emp A sure one Cecropius away that cannot faile I will give loose reins to my Sons Love let him run on and Joy in his beloved Selindra whose sweets once had and his young appetite allayed as most violent passions soonest are then 't will be best to take away Selindra by a Poyson then it may be done without suspition while I urge on the Marriage joyne in all the Nuptiall Jollities and put on such pleasing looks as shall make thee doubt my purpose though thou knowest my heart Cecro I see not yet how this can get Astella or that Crown Emp Thou art grown so dull of late that thou seest nothing while this joy lasts Astella may be found and then Selindra dying what can hinder
I may wrong Selindra by it and trouble you without a cause when I am certainly informed you shall be so till then pray do not urge me farther Phil I am so weak a man in thy esteem thou darest not trust me with my self Ordella thy discourse will disturb me much unless thou lettest me know the whole matter Ordel My unwillingnesse to tell you is now become the onely cause I feare to do it for I was questioning Selindra onely about her frequent visits to Pollidor which it seems I put into such Language as made her weep this on my credit is the truth are you now satisfied Phil I am satisfied that we have the same thoughts your judgement on this matter confirms my Observations which till now took no hold on me If she prove false thus I can blow her off But Pollidor shall pay deare for his Treachery Enter to them Pollidor very weak in Rich Cloaths a staff in his hand Polli Madam 't is fit that I visit you before the Temple and pay my first vowes at your shrine offering up a Life devoted to your Service Ordel You owe your health Sir next to the Gods unto Selindra's care such a gratitude I have not seen before nor such a zeale as hers to serve you Polli My obligations to Selindra I must rank after the Honours I have received from you Madam Pray Sir how does the Emperor He turns to Phillocles and Cecropius take this fained love between Selindra and me how does it work with them Phill Since Selindra dwelt with you the whole Court believes it is a mutuall Love onely my Sister and my self have other thoughts Polli Those last words came coldly out I must remove this jealousie I am glad Sir that you are secur'd by it and I am joy'd to have a hand in any thing that shall conduce to serve you I do professe my Medicines have not so much wrought my cure as the joy I have to see such unparalleld Virtues and Affections meet as is yours and the good Selindra's day day she tires her tongue in praising Phillocles and stiil growes fresh by talking of you Sir I cannot wish you greater happinesse on Earth then you will have with her may it last while you last and may Eternall Curses light on those that wish it less Phil I thank you Sir and will hope to prosper as you pray for me and next to Selindra and my Sister place you by my heart Polli You Honour me too much and will make me proud I must take my leave Sir my strength is not yet enough confirm'd to stay long abroad Exit Pollidor Phil The Gods go with thee thou Man of Honour Ordel What think you Brother of this Complement Phil I think him really what he seems Ordel I wish I could do so too but when I call to mind that Selindra unto me did talk just thus of Pollidor as he now discours'd to you of her methinks it looks like a designe Phil Does Pollidor presume to pretend to you Ordel So Selindra would have me think which indeed was the main cause of my anger and her Tears Phill I am not willing to be jealous nor yet so fond as not to be sensible when there is just cause Ordella let us smooth our browes and observe them farther such a guilt cannot be long hid and untill we be confirm'd by some better proof 't is unworthy in us to suspect them on our surmises only since what they do is by our direction Ordel 'T is not my nature to judg ill of any and I hope Selindra will deserve better I am converted and now we are thus secure why may not you go to the Army and leave Selindra with me Pollidor in your absence may Court her in publick which will confirm my Father in his mistake when he sees me dislike it Phill I like it well Ordella what will you do this Evening Ordel I have some businesse for a while Selindra after supper will meet me in the Garden pray come to us there Phil Bid your Boy attend us with his Lute then it may so happen that I must take leave this night for I hear that the Hungarian Army comes on apace Enter Antenor to them Ante The Emperor sends you word Sir that Cecropius has deliver'd all the Frontier Towns to the Hungarians and himself advances in the head of that Army towards us Phil Dispatch a Post unto Antillacus bid him advance towards the Traytor I will this night set forth and by day break shall reach him Ante Sir Antillacus retreats before the Enemy his men fewer in Number are so disheartned by Cecropius's revolt they dare not look on the Hungarians Phil Let the Page call Pollidor to my Sisters Chamber presently we will take leave there and depart immediatly Come Ordella this is somewhat quicker work then I expected bid my servants make what hast they can to meet me here at my return Exit omnes Enter Periander with a Lady as in Ordella 's Chamber Lady My Lord since you went hence the Court has been in daily Tumults about Phillocles his Love unto your Daughter Perian Is Selindra so much in favour with the Gods as to be look'd on by Prince Phillocles Lady The Prince seeks no other Heaven but her and as the World thinks she neglects him and Loves one Pollidor Perian Madam I cannot raise my Faith to what you say nor can I joy in such a blessing untill I know the Emperor does approve it pray Madam where may I find Selindra Lady She is now with the Princess in the Garden I shall let her know your Lordship is return'd Exit Lady Perian You obliege me Madam though I have been long absent I have not been Idle nor could I well have made more haste hither cousidering how many great Affairs I have dispatch'd since I went hence Enter Selindra to him Selin Oh Sir you are welcome I have with some trouble and some fear expected your Returne Peri Madam I stay'd the longer by reason of those Tumults I found at Belgrade a false Astella was set up by Euticus and his faction but so soon as I made known that you liv'd both sides laid down their Arguments though not their Armes which I advis'd as the best means to bring you home in safety Selin But why does our Army enter Greece Perian That 's the riddle Madam the old Fox Cecropius gave notice to the Hungarians that the Emperor purpos'd in his own person to invade them since Phillocles had refus'd it and would by a conquest joyn that Crown to his Empire he insinuates also that if the Hungarians would assist him in his design he would make the Emperor unable to harme them by delivering up all the Frontier Towns into their hands Selin And what is his design Perian Onely by their power to force the Emperor to deliver you and one Pollidor up to him This I perswaded Orsanes and the rest to hearken too
unproportion'd love should ere be known Which shewes they dare not their affections own Mar What need such dissembling to hide that love Which all the Cithereans do approve And publickly do pray his great Renown Might be rewarded with Cleandra's Crown To publick fame I therefore credit give They not in love but in true friendship live Emb Such friendship between man and woman may 'Mongst silly people make a holy-day No Callenders of mine shall ere admit Of a Red Letter for a counterfet Mar The Gods defend Brother Emb Why Mariana what is your concern To blush because we do their crimes discern Can you believe that a Platonick flame Has power to Canonize Cleandras Name Mar I blush for you who now so boldly dare Against the person that you love declare Emb Your words and looks do not at all agree But shame for your Ormasdes infamie He is the man in Marianas Eye Whose blushes would his vices justifie Mari Though I his virtues honour and admire The glorious Actions of his life my heart Is not in any danger to be lost Emb When a heart is so well lost Mariana 'T will soon be found I did believe my own As fast fixt as yours yet at first sight Of the fair Queen 't was from its center forc'd Mari I Brother your businesse was to lose it Emb But the blind Deity considers not Our purposes he wounds at randome still I wish thou wouldst ingeniously confesse If in thy thoughts Ormasdes be not grown The handsomest and gallantest of men Whose famous actions in our western World May well excuse thy wonder and thy Love I wish thy beauties could his heart ingage That I might have no Rival for the Queen Mari To oblige my dear brother I will try What may be done for your security Emb Thy whole life never can oblige me more Ormasdes is a great Prince in Greece And I for thee will make him greater yet By my additions in Treconia If you can think him worthy of your Love Our forces joyn'd may double conquest gain When sever'd both indeavours may prove vain Mar While you talk thus I had as good confesse What you so much believe and do allow I gladly would obtain if I knew how Emb That was well said let us to Councel then Suppose â— Court the Queen in my own shape Mar I think 't is best that you do first inquire How farre the subtle Queen does stand ingaged Unto Ormasdes that you may not kneel To her if she unto another bow Emb It will not be amisse that I inquire Of some great man in power who I may bribe Such as Cleandra's trust does most admit To plead my Masters cause and argue it What if I first Ormasdes self do try 'T will search his love and his fidelity Mari I am not fit to judge nor can advise But will with prayers assist your enterprize Emb I 'le visit him and if he guilty be I shall confound his great securitie Mari I fear you sooner will your self destroy Then by your furious passions him anoy Emb Will you go with me to Ormasdes Lodge Lest I disturb his solitary Soul And with my rude breath harm the man you love Mari I 'de rather be the subject of your mirth Then great Ormasdes should such rage discern As from your Arguments will soon arise Emb No I 'le approach him with my gentle looks As calme and smooth as virgins when they smile Such as our tender yielding hearts beguile But if Ormasdes do a lover prove He will my hopes and fears to anger move Soone quench these Flames or make them brighter burne Do you attend the Queen 'till my return Exeunt severally Enter Ormasdes a Book in his hand as talking to Young Titus Orma I never liv'd till now you think me dead Does my dear friend believe what I have said Y. Titus Sir if the friendship you allow be more Then an Airie name you will now permit That I as freely speak as I do love Orm Titus friendship would have honored Cato And now my self am prouder of advise From Titus then for all my victories Tit Thus then Cleandra thinks and so do I This lonenesse will your sorrowes multiply Passions conceal'd do nourish discontent But if reveal'd much mischief may prevent 'T is my ambition to obtain this trust If great Ormasdes thinks I dare be just Ormas By all our I know no discontent Nor has my quiet brest a passion in 't Titus Hold Ormasdes hear me out who now come To let you know that I and many more Who love you do believe that you repine Because Cleandra is so much reserv'd And dare not own the passion that you have If this be your trouble trust it to me And you shall soon perceive what I can do In satisfaction to your highest wish I do so farre incourage and assure What I have mentioned Is the Nations hope Who pray that great Cleandra may comply In all that will Ormasdes satisfie Thus my affection has my heart exprest And I expect an answer I may trust Ormas What you have uttered Titus I believe And scorn to think such friendship can deceive By the same sacred tye I you conjure To credit me who seriously do vow I only chose this solitary life To ease my body and repose my mind I have no passion nor do grief sustain Nor have a wish beyond Cleandras smile And Titus friendship which I 'le near beguile Titus Sir I am bound to credit what you say And shall no more endeavour by discourse To alter such well grounded purposes But must we never hope for your return To Court where you with the same freedome may Enjoy what private houres you can desire And not thus put the World so wholly off Which surely was with all its glories made For use of man and its felicities To be by us injoyed without a crime Ormas Yes Titus but we vain men mistake And from our fickle Infancy propose Glittering felicities we never find For as we grow up to the injoyments Of what riper years bring with them we see That our desires do daily higher grow And our fruitions but foundations lay T' entertain our busie brains a new way So that we seldome contentation have In what we do possess but forward look And only find some pleasure in the way Towards the end we aime at which obtain'd Brings not those real joyes we did expect Only affords some relâ—sh which invites Our Idle fancies to seek new delights How unhappy then is our best happinesse When no fruitions can our fond hearts bless Still subject to unsatisfied desires That from quench'd Ashes does beget new Fires Thus all our Appetites do make us slaves And from our Cradles lead us to our graves Y. Titus Have the Gods only given us active souls And no objects fit for them to fix on Orma To think on those Gods will afford our hearts A full variety of lasting joyes With which our earthly fancies
cannot mix When on Coelestial happinesse we fix Titus I shall e're long this argument revive And shew how you are buried alive Where is that valour and that virtue gone Whither that courage fled I doated on Though you can passion and desire sustain You must not quit the Court as if disdain Of all the glories that a Court can give Could not perswade you there again to live I must now leave you to attend the Queen Exit Titus Ormas A clearer virtue I have never seen Exeunt omnes severally Enter the Queen Embassador Mariana Old Titus and Traine Emb Madam shall I return without a hope No gratious answer to my Masters sute Queen Mr Lord I fully have declar'd that way Embass Never to marry Madam Queen 'T is my opinion now Emb. Will you permit my Master to appear Whose person may bring Arguments to prove It necessary to allow his Love Queen By no means my Lord I shall not admit His visit if he come on that affair But must against his coming now declare Emb How can you Madam thus declare against A person and a passion you see not Or prejudge what you will think hereafter His presence may change this severity Queen I have consider'd all that can be said Urge it no more The Embassador stands concern'd Exit Queen and Train Mar Brother Sir what do you ail what strange looks Do you put on you will be discovered Emba I Mariana 't is now my businesse To try if this Scene changing may not change Cleandra's stubborn heart when she shall see This borrow'd habit thrown away if then She scorn my Love I will break off the League And in my own Right will a Warre declare For her so lately conquer'd Zelnian Crown And there will try if her conceal'd Gallant The great Ormasdes may once more be drawn From Sanctuary to defend her Right From my just rage I will now visit him Mari This humour is not fit for complement Emb Fear not Mariana I 'le not wrangle now My businesse is to bribe that mighty man And make him plead my cause to the fair Queen But if I find him rotten at the heart I shall unmask him spite of all his Art Mari That is what I fear Exeunt THE SECOND ACT. Enter the Embassador with Ormasdes who holds a Book in his hand they sit on Chairs by a Table Ormas YOur Lordship by this visit honours me Emb My visit brings you businesse of the State You must not take it for a Complement Ormas What is your businesse then Emb I have observed Ormasdes the Queens sence Is yours in her Affairs of Consequence She moves by you this brings me to consult My Masters Marriage for a full result For I conceive Valerianus Name Of so great Credit and so high a Fame That our two Nations by our Princes joyn'd Though our surrounding neighbors were combind Our Territories would be safe and we Should thank the Gods for such Tranquilitie But when a Lady Rules they may presume And their Rebellious Principles assume If great Ormasdes shall be call'd away And fair Cleandra left alone to sway Ormas I know Sir that Cleandra does esteem The stout Treconians friendship as she ought And I know she honours your brave young King Whose martial Acts have gain'd him through the World A character so noble and so great That she with joy this proffer'd League does treat Onely dislikes the Marriage you propose On good State Arguments as I suppose In judgment and affection to her Son She will not raise a Rival to his Crown And for her angry Neighbors she believes The Zelnian Warre has so much wisdome taught They will not suddainly unurg'd provoke A Queen so powerfull and so fortunate Emb Suppose Valcrianus take offence And look on this neglect as an affront Because he onely did propose this League To introduce his sute which he conceives Will both our Nations equally advance But if laid by with scorn I suppose he then Do joyn with your old Enemies and claim His Fathers Title to the Zelnian Crown What may the hazzards and the issue be If a new warre dispute your Victorie Ormas I will not Prophecy the sad event That so unjust a Warre may justly bring Upon so Gallant and so wise a King Emb Suppose then that I have his Commission To lay by the Treaty of this new League Untill the Marriage be agreed unto And if deny'd I must Proclaim his Right To Zelnia and your late Conquest bring To a new question with a Powerfull King Ormas If Valerianus be so fixt we must No hazards fear in Warrs that are so just Emb. Your great successes have high thoughts begot Above your Conquest which I value not But wish such evils as we now foresee May be avoided by our industry For 't will become your Wisdome and your Trust T' advise Cleandra to this happy Match Wherein if you prevail I have full power Now to conferre on you the first and best Of our Treconian Principalities Ormas You do me wrong and are in this unjust To think that I will break Cleandra's trust Which I do value 'bove your Masters Crown And therefore boldly will advise the Queen Not to admit it his suit on Arguments Which must an evil consequence produce To her Sons Right if she Comply And by it lessen her own Dignity Emb If my imployment anger did allow And my own Honour would permit to strike A Book-man this rude language I 'de correct Orm If the Queens honour were not more concern'd In a respect to your imployment due You soon should find how little I do value you The Book-man would not from your Master take This Insolence but for Cleandras sake I do forbear pray visit me no more Emb Fear it not when Valerianas knowes How little worth Cleandras honour is He will this League and her Alliance scorn Who puts Ormasdes into this Disguise To hide her Lover from her Peoples Eyes Ormas This is beyond sufferance Ormasdes grapples with the Embassador Enter the Queen Y. Titus and Train who part them Queen Hold Ormasdes I heard his Insolence Sir you have leave to go aboard your Fleet Where you only can be safe begon then Without reply be gone for if 't be known What you have said my People may revenge My wrong before your Master do me right Exit Emb in anger Ormasdes you must in this my will obey Your wonted judgment must your passion sway While I by a quick Warre with Fire and Sword Require such Justice as he must afford Ormas Madam the Conduct of that Warre I beg Queen If you this passion will lay by till then You shall But no more of this anger now I came to take the Ayre this Afternoon But will deferre it 'till another day Pray be pacifi'd you shall not stir out I do intreat and do command you stay Titus stay you 'till this heat be over Exit Queen and Train Ormas Titus my friend
so boldly her excuse Who does my honour and her own abuse The Princess sounds Cleon Look Sir she dyes your unkindnesse kills her King She cannot do her self and me more right Then to dye now but she cannot depart While great Ormasdes Triumphs in her heart See how his Name her fainting soul revives She recovers Lead on or I shall laugh to see her dye That can raise Trophies for my infamy Exit King and Train Valer What cruelty is this to leave me here Who love him better then he loves himself You 'l be all ruin'd if you stay with me Cleon What we have said has ruin'd us enough If his unruly rage can reach so farre Mene. I think 't were best that you return to Court And do Cleandra's proffer'd friendship try I have all your Brothers Jewels here Which will defray your charges while you stay Valeriana 'T is a plentifull provision for us But where is young Nearcus all this while Cleon He has not yet appear'd since we Arriv'd Enter to them Ormasdes Young Titus Nearcus and Servants Ormasdes stands off Near Madam can you forgive what I have done And own the Author of so great a crime Who saw not then a Princess in disguise But was captiv'd by Mariana's Eyes Valer My Lord I do forgive and shall forget So you repent and I will serve you too With all my power and interest in the Queen Near If that be all would I had guilty been Of greater crimes then my good natur'd sin Y. Titus Madam we hear your Brother is unkind But by Cleandra's favours you may find Some means to reconcile you unto him Valer I am most happy in Cleandra's love Y. Titus Will you permit Ormasdes in your Boat Or shall he seek some other passage home Mar I could have wish'd Ormasdes lesse concern'd Or that his courage had not been so great But cannot quarrel him on this account He was oblig'd to right Cleandra's wrongs And must in Justice be applauded for 't Ormas Madam I thank the Gods for my successe And now with the same breath can humbly beg That you 'l forgive what they so late approv'd Val Sir it will not become me his Sister Now to congratulate your Victory Who have just cause to mourn my Brothers Fate From whence my own misfortunes have their date Ormas Madam shall we attend you to your Boat Valer Let Titus order all as he thinks fit I am ready now for my remove Exeunt Titus leads off Valeriana the rest follow Enter Cleobulus and Chyron Chy The Queen is troubled and her Guards are sent With speed Ormasdes Quarrel to prevent Cleob She must secure th' Embassadors return Lest all our Neighbour Nations do complain And say we give occasion for a Warre Which the Treconians claim cannot pretend Nor the rejected Marriage justifie Chyron Valerianus has an antient claim To Zelnia which may beget a Warre If the Treconians do a quarrel seek There wants no title to a Prince provok'd Cleob Ormasdes will rejoyce to see that day Chy He is our Nations Darling and deserves Cleandras favour but methinks he looks As if his heart were higher then his head Cleo I have been lately chid for jugling looks And dare not say what I believe I see Enter to them Cleandra Old Titus and Ladies Queen You tell such wonders from Coriola That I want faith for them how comes this Newes Adm Madam a Messenger but not Arriv'd Saw the Combate done and heard Nearcus say They would attend Valerianas back Unto your Majesty whereas the wonder Princes have been in forreign Courts disguis'd Qu But have you ever such strange humours found A Prince where Vice and Virtue is so mixt Adm No I have not nor such a president As now Ormasdes gives us to correct Such impudence as near before was known Queen If I were not concern'd I should approve What he has done though now I must not own Adm For publique thanks on his behalf I move Why should we thus our honest thoughts disguise When Virtuous Actions Virtue justifies Queen Had not Ormasdes stir'd by Armes I might Compel his Master to have done me right Adm By Warre thousands of guiltlesse persons might Have suffer'd for one mans over-sight Queen You have reason Titus and I shall Judge Ormasdes Act as he deserves from me Who with my Nation am so much oblig'd I must approve whatever he will own Let the young Princess lodgings be prepar'd Fit for my Friend and Sister to a King Enter to them Valeriana Y. Titus Nearcus and Servants Queen You are welcome Madam and I am glad To have you on these termes do not weep To part with what your virtue could not keep Val I am happy by my unhappinesse For by your favour Madam I may find Some remedy for my afflicted mind Queen Be sure what Citherea can afford Is yours and all Cleandra does command With me rejoyce to see you safe return'd But where is Ormasdes I must chide him Near He is retir'd Madam to avoid your sight Y. Titus Ormasdes thinks it duty and respect Not to appear at Court till you direct Queen Pray fetch him hither now I hope you can Exit Tit With me forgive so Excellent a man Whose passion never does his reason sway But followes on when virtue leads the way Valer I have no anger to Ormasdes since Young Titus did my Brothers crime relate I hope this letting blood will do him good When this affront at home is understood Queen Your Justice and your Charity is great And I do see no reason but you may Admit Ormasdes in my company I am inform'd he has a slight hurt too Valeriana My furious Brother will be glad indeed That brave Ormasdes by his hand does bleed This accident if you 'l be pleas'd to call My Brother back may reconcile us all Queen I never shall consent to his desires Though I my anger and revenge remove In complement to you whom I do love Enter to them Ormasdes and Young Titus Ormas Madam if doing Justice have displeas'd I do repent and now your pardon beg Queen Since his great insolence and your revenge No Age can parallel both must submit To such a censure as the World thinks fit Ormas Your pardon Madam is not all my sute I beg your interest to obtain like grace From this sad Lady my wole Soul is vext To see such innocence so much perplext Queen I can now secure you there Ormasdes She does discreetly Judge what you have done Was what a man of honour could not shun Is not this truth Valeriana speak Valer stands surpris'd Val Yes Madam I do think I did say so She sighes and weeps Qu What suddain change is this can your soft heart Conceal a thought of ill towards the man You have excus'd and seem'd to smile upon Near She does love Ormasdes and I am lost Valer weeps Qu Pray leave us all with-draw to the next Room Exeunt What have I said
said This Parragon of all our Sex now dyes Because Ormasdes does her Love despise Ormas No Madam I do suffer more then she Does for her self hers is my miserie I dare not virtue with vain hopes abuse I cannot love and therefore do refuse To dally with so bright a Saint whose Shrine Compels all hearts to bow before 't but mine I am not capable of Love not blest That way my heart 's with other flames possest Queen All flames you feel would vanish did you see Valeriana in such misery As she endures now fetching her last breath Enquiring your health neglecting her own death Thus my compassion has her sorrowes learn'd I weep her Tears while you stand unconcern'd Ormas Madam your passion does my pitty move Though my dull heart cannot consent to Love My resolution is now fixt I 'le try My self to vanquish or her Martyr Dye I swear I did not hear that she was ill And now it does my soul with horror fill For her concern no danger is so great But I will rather dye in 't then retreat Queen 'T is bravely said but dare you try the effect Of one short visit after such neglect Ormas Thus provok'd if your Majesty stands by I will not such a visit now deny Queen You speak and look as if you meant to fright Much rather then revive her by your sight Ormas Madam to Complement I have no skill Nor can be pleas'd if lov'd against my will Yet sensible and civil I can be Though it do prove unfortunate to me Queen When shall I bring this comfort to revive Her fainting soul if she be still alive Ormas Is she really so weak so soon grown Thus ill I have no skill in this unknown Mystery of love but will boldly try What I can do for her recovery Queen High passions do weak bodies sooner bring To the Graves mouth then any other thing Her despairs are of a much longer date Though suddain sicknesse do break out thus late When I your humour did a first reherse And shew'd how your whole life had been averse To Love she sigh'd and presently grew pale Despair that minute made her spirits fail And so transported by her fancy fell As if my doubts had rung her passing bell Orm Though I cannot speak nor do yet know how To look I 'm ready to attend you now Queen I fear so suddain and so great a joy As your approach may equally destroy Let me her heart prepare that by degrees She may but hope retain before she see The comfort that your visit brings and then Ormasdes may ere long prove best of Men. Ormas Madam I do my self to you submit Pray order me in all as you think fit Queen You shall then stand unseen while I do tell This welcome story which will make her well And then by what you 'l see you may observe How my true friendship will from both deserve Who have no wish beyond Ormasdes good When time shall make me rightly understood Ormas Madam I have now no more to say But that I will your Majesty obey Queen You shall not stirre Ormasdes till I send Exit Queen and Traine Enter to him Nearous Ormas Did you not meet Cleandra going out Near Yes but I have businesse of importance Pray let us withdraw and be more private Ormas Come this way then They go out and Re-entey Ormas Why have you drawn me to this inner Room Is the secret of so piercing quality That fewer Walls then these cannot contain't Near It is my Lord of a high nature grown I must impart it to your self alone You and I must kill one another now Ormas May not I live though you are pleas'd to dye Near No Sir since 't is decreed that I must die I am resolv'd to have you Company There 's a Sword the same with mine defend you Ormas Hold a while May not I know the cause of this hatred Near I have no hatred yet endeavour must That we together may revert to dust Though you by chance have rob'd me of my right I 'de not out-live Ormasdes if I might Ormas From whence does this strange kindnesse to me grow Say for I will not fight untill I know Near This then will teach you to defend your self Runs at him he puts his Sword by and holds him Ormas I shall call my Servants unlesse you now show The cause of this distracted fury Near I will Lets him go Valeriana's my Quarrel She throwes neglects on me and dotes on you Ormas You are mistaken sure and much abus'd It is not possible She dotes on me Who never courted Lady in my life Near By all that 's good she told me so her self Ormas This must be some design beyond my reach But if true from whence does my guilt arise Who never heard of your pretence 'till now Nor have a serious thought for hers to me If such a folly do her heart possesse Am I to answer for her guiltinesse Near I do accuse you of no guilt at all But joy to think if by my hand you fall It will Create in her such miserie As will adorn my death with Victorie Ormas If such revenge and malice you intend Where is the Love that you so much pretend Near Wee 'l talk of that as our two souls expire She flatter'd me with hopes that blew my Fire She threw out vowes to marry me and now In hope of you disowns that holy vow Ormas Made vowes to marry you and yet love me Pray shew me how this story does agree I swear I never had a thought of Love To Lady in my life and will now quit The interest you pretend rather then fight For such imaginary Dreams as this Near You must Fight Nearcus offers at him he rings a Bell. Enter Servants Ormas No disarm him so now leave us alone Exeunt Nearcus I have lov'd you and shall still If you 'l permit what does this story mean Near By Hea Valeriana did ingage To marry me if my Birth equal'd hers But now repents in hope to marry you Ormas This story growes stranger and stranger still Does your Birth equal hers on which you ground Your Title and on which her vow was made Near It does Ormasdes and did hers exceed When I first urg'd that sacred Vow she made She but a Subject unto me appear'd Ormas And are you other now Near Yes have you not heard that Prince Orontes Brother to our late King had a young Son Call'd Leonatus who by sad mishap Fencing with the Prince hurt him in the Eye Of which hurt he dyed and the King inrag'd Made vowes to Sacrifice the Murtherer As if the mischief purposely were done In order to his own Succession After Cleandra who was then married To a young Prince in Greece and setl'd there Orm I 'ave often heard the Queen with sighs lament Her Brothers losse by that sad accident And say she pittied Leonatus death As innocent
for that unhappy youth She heard was drown'd endeavouring to escape Her Fathers Vengeance he unjustly vow'd Near She was mis-inform'd my Lord he yet lives 'T was by this fatall hand her brother fell And I accurs'd that have thus long surviv'd To fall a mis-becoming Sacrifice To Love by a disdainfull Ladies Eyes After so long concealment and so safe By Old Nearcus put in this disguise Bred as his Son but now I life despise And call to have that Justice on me done Which I have us'd much industry to shun Ormas You tell me wonders of a different kind Of which I shall enquire and if I find Valeriana stands ingag'd to you And all this story of your self prove True I will my best endeavors soon imploy This grosse mistake of me to rectifie Near If my addresse do find no good successe The businesse of my life shall be to dye And whether by your hand or by command From our great Queen it is the same to me The Princess must my life or death decree Ormas I shall conceal your Name untill I see I may reveal it with securitie And in few hours if my desires succeed You shall from all your doubts and fears be freed Near You will oblige me ever if you do Exit Near Ormas My hour is come to wait upon the Queen Unto Valeriana where this Newes I hope will bring me off from the first Rock By Valeriana to be thus lov'd And by Cleandra for another woo'd And by Nearcus kill'd I know not why To me is a new kind of Misterie Exit Enter Valeriana brought in very weak lying on a Couch with Physitians and Servants She speaks very faintly Valer Is not the Queen return'd to Court yet Lady No Madam Valer I wish she were my heart dissolves so fast That I do find I shall few minutes last She faints Doctor Your fancy does your weaknesse much increase This passion is the worst of your disease Enter Queen and Ormasdes she sets him to stand unseen Doctor Oh Madam you are much wish'd for here Queen Let all withdraw I must be private now Onely do you Ormasdes stand unseen How is it with my friend Val I 'm glad that you are come to close my Eyes My spirits waste so fast that I must dye Queen I hope not yet Valeriana Val A lasse Madam I had not liv'd till now But for the joy my broken heart conceives In hopes to hear Ormasdes is grown well Before I leave this World Queen 'T was the distemper of an Ague fit And he is now so farre from being sick That he without begs leave to visit you Val Me did you say to visit me Madam Will Ormasdes visit me is it so Queen Yes he 's without and does by me desire You will admit him Why are you silent Now my endeavours prosper to your wish Val Does wise Cleandra think it will be sit That I in such a passion leave this World As I shall do if I see Ormasdes I shame to think that he should see me dye Yet cannot chuse but wish it hartily Queen Shall I call him in then why do you doubt Val. Oh Madam I dare not see him must not You have said something to bring him hither Makes me fear to see him it must not be Queen Pray see him and let this great crime be mine His presence may your troubl'd heart revive Val He cannot Madam for 't is now too late I do feel here the heavy hand of Death Is crushing me to Ayre She faints in the Queens Arms. Queen Ormasdes your help she dies she dies He drawes and proffers to kill himself Ormas By all our Gods I will dye with her then Queen She lives again Ormasdes your help now He flings away his Sword and helps So let her head lye a little from us He kneels and holds her hand Ormas For Heav'n sake Madam tell what I must say Or what now must do is she not dead still Queen Does not her hand inform you that she lives Is it not warme Ormas Oh yes 't is warm but I who never dar'd Thus boldly touch a Ladies hand till now Understand not how to use it as I ought He kisses her Hand Queen There needs no other kindnesse then you shew How is it now Valeriana Val Well Madam too well I fear to last so I dare not look that way because I blush To think how I have scandaliz'd my Sex And how Ormasdes now is justified In his contempt of Women for my sake I have no power to take away my hand Yet dare not own to leave it with him longer Ormas Oh why what has Ormasdes ever done Justly to merrit this dissertion Val Pray Madam say something in my behalf Either to hide or to excuse my shame Queen Turn this way then and let your Eyes excuse That guilt which will Ormasdes disabuse They turn her Ormas She looks desperately ill Queen 'T is only weaknesse and no danger in 't Pray call her Servants and let us retire Ormas Retire you have engag'd me now so farre That I must see the Battle wonne or lost Before I can consent to a Retreat Queen 'T is late and she must sleep Ormas Why Madam so she may though I be by I 'le sit as silent as the God of sleep And here attend while her tir'd servants rest Queen You will not watch all night Ormasdes Ormas Oh but I will Madam watch night by night Till she recover This is my fixt Post Appointed by the Gods not your command Nor any force has power to take me hence While this good Sword will hold for my defence Takes up his sword Queen Why so fierce and violent Ormasdes I am much joy'd to see you thus concern'd And on this quarrel am not like to fight With such a man at Arms by Candle-light Ormas For Heav'n sake Madam pardon my rash words And disrespect unto your Majesty For I do scarce know what I say or do I am become a stranger to my self So suddainly transform'd that I would hide Me from your sight if I durst stir from hence Queen I will forgive so you 'l let me direct Your future actions I 'le your Love protect Ormas If you 'l command I gladly will obey Queen You must submit to what she does appoint Ormas Most willingly Valer sighs aloud and weeps Queen Does our discourse these sighs and tears produce Val You have said nothing that will need excuse These Tears slow from joy and gratitude To you great Queen who by this act include More pious pitty then past stories tell To make Ormasdes counterfeit so well This thought rais'd those unruly sighs you heard And Madam now it makes my soul afraid To see so great a courage thus submit To flatter me because you think it fit At your command to put on this disguise In kindnesse unto one he does despise Queen Do you then think his kindnesse counterfeit Can his great soul consent to
Valeriana Exeunt omnes Enter Nearcus Near 'T is strange I hear not of Ormasdes yet If he oblige me really I 'm his If not I shall resume my first resolves This his delay begets more jealousies Then my impatient burning heart can bear Enter Ormasdes Near Now Sir how have I prosper'd in your hands Ormas As you deserve Near How is that Ormas With much scorn rejected Near Is that my merrit in your opinion Ormas In mine as in Cleandras and in all Who have heard the ground of your false claim Which the fair Princess and her Servants tell A Treachery so base an act so foul That all do think Nearcus has no soul. Near This you dare justifie Ormas I had not dar'd to tell it else me thinks My looks might shew my businesse was to find You out and now to let you know I must Defend the Princess in a cause so just Before I knew Valerianas heart Or was at all acquainted with my own I judg'd your cause against her innocence But now inform'd the right from all I find No argument in Justice to compell Such a forc'd promise to Nearcus made Should now to Leonatus be perform'd Your jugling Arts and your disguised Name With your unworthy force ore throws your claim Near You are become a subtle Orator Since you convers'd with Ladies but I shall Your great Eloquence with this steel convince I am not to be frighted by big words We now must try the temper of our Swords Ormas We must indeed though I lament my hand Should harm a man unto the Queen aly'd Near Shall that scruple and this good Sword once more Teach you to call for help as heretofore Ormas I may change your opinion with my own Near Come then They Fight Ormasdes runs him through Disarms him Ormas Get Surgeons for Nearcus presently My hurt is slight Exit Ormasdes Enter Surgeons or Servants who carry off Nearcus Enter the Queen in Valerianas Chamber with her and attended by Old Titus Old Nearcus Lords and Ladies a full Train Queen 'T is by your good nature Valeriana That this mans evil spirit threatens us Had you reveal'd Nearcus treachery His punishment had suted with his crime Val Madam I do confesse my lenity May have imbolden'd him to higher ills Which my just complaint might have prevented But then how hard a censure should I gain By ruining so Eminent a man Who from his principles of honour fell Through love to me though I contemn'd his hopes His passion made me pitty his distresse So far as his first error to forgive In hope he might in better order live Queen You argue well and ought to justifie Your gentle disposition to forgive Mercy does a young Princess much adorn But I am bound to vindicate my self My Nation suffers if I be not just To punish crimes like this I break my trust He is the first that ever daâ—'d asperse The Citherean Name by such a fact As no past Chronicle can parallel I shake to think how great your danger was And how much greater might have been my shame To trust a man who values not his fame Val Let not his faults your anger higher raise The punishment he feels by ill successe Is a just doom for his unworthinesse Queen His sentence must to after times appear Lest my story be blemish'd with a thought That I did wink at such a crime as this My people will exclaim the Gods will frown If such a wickednesse unpunisht passe He must dye Valeriana his house Be burnt the ashes scatter'd in the Ayre With prayers t' appease our Citherian Gods We cannot offer a lesse Sacrifice Val For my sake let his doom be banishment If I have any favour in your Eyes Make not me guilty by that Sacrifice She kneels Queen Rise Madam you shall govern as you please Enter to them Ormasdes and Young Titus Queen Ormasdes are you hurt by that vil'd man Ormas It is too little to be call'd a wound I come now to beg Nearcus pardon 'T was I that did inforce him to this fight Val And I most wrong'd who freely do forgive Queen The wrong was done to me Valeriana I put you in his power my trust he broke My honour for your safety was ingag'd Our Nation suffers by his Villany The Citherean honour calls for Justice Against so barbarous a breach of Faith Nor was it you provok'd but were compell'd By him to fight for innocence aspers'd Ormas Madam though I shall never justifie Nearcus actions his misfortune may Admit excuse Because humane nature Is subject to passions which the best men Can never mannage as they ought how then May Valeriana's beauty guilty be That did excite Nearcus love and led Him into this distraction past his power To mannage his own heart as we think best If so 't is she has turn'd him to a Beast But when your Majesty shall call to mind The gallant service by this Mad-man done You will then pitty his Distraction Enter to them Nearcus brought in a Chair Queen What means this boldnesse Near Madam I come not to beg your pardon But to justifie my actions and my self Against Ormasdes who does now with-hold Valeriana my betroathed Wife Confirm'd by vows in presence of the Gods Queen Now Ormasdes is he fit for pardon Ormas Yes Madam as a distracted person Near Why do you wrong my person and my cause To call my just Title a distraction Do me Justice Cleandra or give me Death Queen You may have both your wishes in good time Cleobulus guard him to the Castle Val Pray Madam let his doom be banishment Because his Crime went not beyond intent Queen Madam he must thank you for his life then Cleobulus see him a close prisoner Untill his wounds permit his Banishment Near I do your proffer'd mercies all refuse And either Death or Valeriana chuse Queen Lead him to banishment make him obey Near Hold a little Cleandra look this way T is Leonatus calls he who at foyles The young Prince your Brother slew And fled your Fathers rage untill his death Then shelter'd by this borrow'd Name return'd And in Nearcus Family secur'd By this disguise liv'd as his only Son Who dyed as I return'd is it death yet Queen No this insolence shall not change your doom Nor your confest disguise long known to me Force a punishment beyond the merrit Of that sad mishap which I believe Was fatall accident no purpos'd crime Though my Father look'd on his onely Son By your hand slain with such revenging rage As might his losse become and him ingage To throw out vowes that Justice should persue So great a Traytor as he then thought you For your succession after me became His fancies object which encreas'd your blame But I who have exactly been inform'd Of my dead Brothers love and yours now must For that sad accident to you be just Near I 'le rather quit my innocence then own Your mercy when you Justice do
Exeunt omnes Enter Lonzartes and Clearcus in a Garden Cle Why this grave face to me Lonzartes Lonz Thou art so wild that I have lost my credit by conversing with thee which I must redeem by keeping better company hereafter Cle Wisely resolved and in good time declared I have indeed observ'd that you of late converse with Ladies and delight in rich lac'd Sattin and in Silver Petticoates as if you meant to turn Apostate from the freedome we have had and now seek your game in secret my Lonzartes Lonz If I should pray which is most Honourable and most suitable to my Quality The dayly terrour of getting such diseases as inhabit your dark houses has frighted me into better purposes Cle Your Quality I wish your Prince-ship had all the Ladies you desire so I might have like freedome with their Maids Lonz I shall not spoyle your Market but leave you those cheap Cattel at your own price Cle See the difference now between your Pride and my Humility you have studied learn'd discourses too such as must justifie your conversion as you call it but have never weighed the difference of our crimes such thoughts Lonzartes do move my tender Conscience to take what I can find for ready money which I freely enjoy without those frights you daily feel Lon Thou dost mistake me and exclaimest against crimes I never understood Cle. You can counterfeit I know and may cozen all the World but me I will not give my freedome up to such follies as you serve to be Master of all your wishes Lon I shall not labour to convert you but will take leave to dispise your mean wayes while you envy mine Cle Envy by Violinus Eyes I do dispise you and your wayes and will wager any thing you dare that I enjoy this night a beauty more exact then any cloath of Gold-Dame you treat with I envy you no I pitty you Lonzartes that after such experience at your years you should be fool'd so confesse now seriously if you have ever met a better shape a softer or a whiter skin or any more sweet or more bewitching faire and lovely then my Angelina Lonz If I have not what then Cle Why she shall be Fine and rich arraid when I so please I can call her Sultaness too and by my fancy raise her above those the World allowes of Lon I do believe thee and thy fancy alike extravagant Cle But why so serious on the suddain and so dull you shall have good Chear and good Company to night at the old place Lonz I shall get an ill Conscience by it Cle That sauce agrees not with the Dainties we must feed on pray lay by your Conscience untill morning Lonz I wish I were well rid of thee all thy Rhetorich shall never ingage me to meet such company again Cle Why pray how can you spend your time better Lonz I do begin to hate my self and will love thee no longer Cle Very good Are not you the most debauch'd man in Syracusa except my self how come you by this impudence to blush for going to a merry meeting Is not your own Lodging beyond a Scandal are not all the Wenches in that Street your Pentioners not love me I will study to scorne you and your love for ever I dispise a man that does forsake his Principles Lonz I begin to hate thy over-much lewdnesse and to see my own Deformities Cle Not love me Lon Come I do love thee too well I love thee shall we go home and put off this meeting Cle Lonzartes though I do love your Friendship I do hate this Humour in you that thus would lay a blemish on me Enter to them Lindamira and Teretia not at first seen by them Ter See Lindamira the two wild Princes are in our way how shall we get by ' um Linz Put on a confidence beyond theirs and 't will amaze them Ter Can that be Lin I 'le be your Forlorne Hope do but second me and I 'le secure your pass this time You 'l see them start shoot aside as from a Basaliske the honest Woman Ter Barbarous I have heard indeed they shun all virtuous Women Lin They alwaies look over us as if they saw us not but where they have an interest or hope to gain it they can like subtil Serpents humbly creep to flatter and betray He now sees the Ladies Cle A prize a prize Lonzartes each of us one let us reconcile for this booty and dispute at leasure yon close walk invites which will you assault Lin Neither they are both virtuous Cle Who knowes that have they done sucking Lin Dost thou think there be none virtuous beyond their infancy Cle Yes much too many but I hope better of these give me the Woman and keep her virtue to your selfe I 'le charge 'um both there may be a Criticall minute for me fair Ladies To them Lin Hold my Lord you are out at first one of us is very brown I assure you Cle You do not think your self so or if you do you think brown the best Madam Lin I do indeed think my Beauty such as may prejudice your Lordship if you dwell on it which gave me boldnesse to interrupt your set Speech lest you engage past retreating our businesse is to find the Princess Cle And ours to entertain those who have nothing else to do Lin How would you entertain us my Lord Cle As young Gallants use to treat Fair Ladies with love and our best service Lin I have no imployment for so great a Servant as your Lordship and for love I understand it not Cle That you may do is my ambition Lin Nay if you be come to ambition already I guesse your love will grow to such a Monster in a moment that I dread the thought on 't Cle You cut me off so short you cannot apprehend what I would say Lin Therefore I do it because I do not care to hear Cle What have I done Madam to merrit this neglect from you Lin In the behalf of all our sex I am the chosen Champion against all men who do believe all Women do admire ' um Cle When shall I have leave to speak that I may informe you better Lin When I have done Cle When will that be Lin When I am gone Cle How can you be inform'd in absence Lin As much as I desire to know I know already my good wishes shall attend your Lordship come Teretia we may find the Princess in the other walks Exeunt Lon Now Sir how do you like this Ladies mettle Cle Why well I like her and her humour very well Lon You thought her a sure prize Cle I did but hope so at the first now I am sure of her she is my own if ever we do meet alone by this severity she has cozen'd Teretia and you and confirm'd me Lon I must laugh to think how thou art mistaken in this innocent freedome virtuous women use and would give a good summe
Lonzartes is going out there Lonzartes the Princess calls you Lon I le cut thy Throat He holds Lonzartes to the Princess Cle He threatens me guilty I 'le warant now Madam do you see no alteration in his face no change yet speak all you aâ—e all assistants in this judgment Lonzartes throwes him off in anger Lon It will disturb a Saint to be thus subject to the fancies of a foole The Be not disturb'd Lonzartes you take this in earnest which we look on as a jest only to passe the time Clearcus has more wit then to be in earnest Lon I hope your Highnesse will not preferre his follies before my professions who disclaim such a presumption The If you turn this jest to earnest Lonzartes I shall believe Clearcus I take it now as Ralliery I wonder Lindamira you get not hold of some young Lovers heart Lin I have twenty in store Madam more then I know what to do with Pan Then you allow as many Lovers as you can get and mean to chuse the best Lin I think t is credit for Women to be admir'd and honour'd by worthy men it shewes a value to move so many to a generall esteem and must be the Womans fault if she deserve a censure The You are in the right Lindamira men may designe but Women may destroy faster then they can build my thanks unto Clearcus for our mirth Cle Mirth ought to be our business Madam The angry Gods affords cross Fates to give Us griefes enough and troubles while we live Exeunt Lonzartes and Clearcus severally Enter the Prince and Lords who meet the Ladies going off Prince We were now discoursing of your Gallant Pandora have you hopes to work this miracle Pan This Lady and I have ventred our credits on his conversion Sir Prince To reclaim him were a good work bnt suppose he fall in Love with either of you Pan At his peril that let Lindamira look to her self I am safe Lin I have a sure retreat Sir 't is but seeming to comply and hee 'l give ore for he can love none that he can conquer and I am resolv'd rather to be vanquish'd then not to be rid of him when I see my time Sil Could all her Beauty with my love expire Her flowing Wit would still create new Fire Aside Enter to them Clearcus and Lonzartes Prince You two I know come now from exercising of your Troops Cle No Sir we went hence just now I wish my Troop here to guard me Prince Have you an Enemy in view Clearcus Cle I have many Sir that have rob'd me of my peace I cannot sleep of late but have a thousand fancies which do set my brains on fire Prince Take heed it prove not love Cle That is the danger Sir for if Pandora do keep her resolve for single life I may be in love for I do feel strange alterations that I know not what to make of Lin Have you no affection left for me my Lord can you so soon forget your last nights professions Cle Now Sir you see how I am assaulted I shall be pull'd in pieces presently Prince Silvander and I will secure you from Lindamira Cle If I were assured you could Sir I should like her wit and humour well but I fear if I should be in earnest she would be so too Lin You see his inclination is for me Madam so that what ever he shall say to you hereafter is meant to me Cle Nor so nor so sweet Lady I do respect Pandora above all her Sex you throw out hooks to catch young Gallans she neglects those are laid for her that 's my danger Prince What riddle is this Clearcus dost thou desire that thy desires may not be answered Cle Yes Sir from some persons for if my love be return'd all ends in the fruition as most Examples shew But if Pandora keep her resolve for single life then I can raise my fancy while I live to Adoration of her Beauty and that Virtue with a continual delight which will last while I last so she do never yeild The You are then my Lord the happiest lover living for you will find my Cousin just as you wish Pan Pray Madam answer not too fast for me for if I find Clearcus a person of such Noble Nature beyond what I did ever hope to meeâ— in man I may change my Opinion of men for his sake and therefore 't is best to find some other sport lest we destroy each other He starts Cle Look you now I am Treypand â—he Start not Clearcus she but mocks you you are both ingaged for â—his Moneth to entertain us and your selves no going off now Pan I shall not break Covenants Cle Nor I Madam though I do sometimes reminde you of your resolve against Marriage whereon depends my bliss secure me but of that and I am ever yours Pan I shall endeavour what I can to give you that satisfaction Cle I kiss your fair hand on that word which has given new life to my doubtfull heart and now I do defie Lonzartes gravity to put his heart in a more loving dress then mine shall be hereafter Prince If Lonzartes can love too my wonder ceases The He is my servant Sir and has a chief part in the Comedy Prince I like your pastime well but me thinks Lonzartes looks as if he were compell'd unto his part and will do it scurvily Lin That 's the sport Sir and will afford the more variety Lon I shall be glad Sir if I might be excus'd The By no means Servant what an affront is this that I must beg your favour in the face of the whole Court to own me Prince You must not be so grave Lonzartes all is for our mirth Cle Now Sir have not I done your work for you Lon Would thou wert hang'd hold thy peace Cle Give me better words or I 'le talk aloud Lon Was ever man thus hamper'd between jest and earnest Lin They are comparing Notes in private there 's Trechery in their Faces I 'le play no more Prince When begins the love Clearcus this is only talking of it Cle It is begun already Sir if I had not valued this excellent Lady above the World I had not taine this care to secure my interest to a perpetuity Lin Madam you are not to believe a word of this for he has with the same grave Face sworn the same to me but yesterday Cle That was in jest Madam but now every action of my life shall justifie each syllable I utter unto you Pan I shall endeavour to believe it my Lordâ— and yet allow you the same Christian liberty with Lindamira and the rest as you had before Cle Madam you speak as though you did not value my respects now my whole soul is set to serve and honour you alone Pan I must confess I cannot change my faith so fast as you do your discourse And then as I remember my lesson is to keep my distance
lest I loose my lover Cle True Madam as to comply but you are to see and credit my ambitious love and to admit it with the same esteem I serve you Pan How can I do that and not return you love for love and then you will dispise me pray my Lord at your next visit bring my part in Writing that I may not erre in it Prince She is in the right Clearcus you now seem to seek such contradictions as all the Court will laugh at consult with Lonzartes against your next visit Exit Prince and Train Lon If he will follow my advise he may do well Sir now we are alone tell me what crotchets next prethee make me understand what thou wouldest have Pandora do Cle I think you were best release me the residue of my Month that I may go seek my wits where I last left them must I see none of my old friends untill this Month be over Lon If you consider your promise not see one of them Cle Then shall I be lost if those preservatives be all forbid me I do find already love will be Predominant Lonz The better for you if it be let us now talke seriously suppose Pandora may be won can you fancy a happiness on Earth beyond having her Cle Yes I do fancy that having twenty is better then any one in Christendome Lon Thou dost not love then else that one belov'd has more variety then a thousand Cle Make but that good I 'le marry her to morrow Lon You think then she is already at your dispose Cle When she once sees that I am in earnest she will be who will have her and the truth is Lonzartes I do like her best of all I ever talk'd with and have great fear that I shall be like other men who never value what they have which makes me covet what I cannot get Lon Suppose some other do obtaine her while you are thus long resolving Cle Nay I am resolv'd no other shall ever have her Lon And you resolve for her too Cle Yes she cannot in honour ingage to any while I pretend Lon Art thou turn'd fool to think thus be more serious or thou wilt be dispis'd Cle Why do you not allow me some reliefe then to live a whole Moneth honest will put my blood into a flame I have tempted all I meet and all within these Walls prove honest Lon By your own experience then you will find that Courts are Nurseries of virtue and are onely scandaliz'd by such vild persons as would have the clearest innocence aspers'd that their own guilts might be no wonder you find few virtuous persons amongst Censurers Cle That 's true but take heed Lonzartes you do not lead me into snares that will destroy me for I allready find some inclination towards Pandora which I am asham'd to own lest I be laugh'd at Lon. You have reason for there can none of us believe thee Cle You have made me a fine Gentleman in a few dayes if Pandora be of your mind adiew to your Philosophicall Love Lon I hope thou art too fast to free thy self Thou playest with flames which undiscover'd burn Untill they do thy heart to Ashes turn Exit Lon Cle Did ever man betray himself as I have done by putting Fetters on in jest which already are become so fixt I cannot shake 'um off but must humbly beg to be allow'd to worshâ—p that Divine Nature I so much dispis'd in virtuous Women and must now confess If I do neither Faith nor Favour find The God of Love is just though he be blind Exit Note that all the Play through when Silvander and Lindamira speaks not thâ—y are to whisper 〈◊〉 in privaâ—e discourse Enter Theodocia and Lindamira Lin If your Highness do consider Lonzartes's Worth and his great Birth as it deserves whose Ancestor was not many Ages since by yours but by this Dukedome on a nice point as I have heard so that to me Lonzartes's love looks like a Divine direction to his Restauration The I am of Pandora's mind for single life and have as small a value for that idle passion you call love as she Lin Your Highnesse may as well judge what they do in China as guesse at our Felicities that Love I can kiss the ground that my Silvander treads on with more relish then all other joyes can bring me The You have high fancies that lead you on to hopes which you may never find Lin Those hopes are more delightfull then an Age of dull life without them if your Highness did converse as much with me as with Pandora I should convert you The Why do you not then change her severity against men Lin I had not the honour to be known to her before her heart was set another way but yet Iâ—le try what I can do The I wish Silvander may answer your expectation Lindamira but if such honour and such bliss accompany your loves why thus long carried on i th' dark and why not yet avow'd Lin. 'T is now avow'd unto the Duke though I took time to know my Gallant before I did admit his Love and on long tryal found his silent looks did speak more truth then such loud noyses as most passions make we whisper our hearts to one another with a sincerity beyond the reach of lowd professions The You praise Silvander as if you meant to sell him Lin He is no Prince Madam and is therefore safe from you The The lesse safe if I so pleas'd do you believe his virtue and his love so great that I could not win him from you for a Friend of mine Lin I do and shall not think him a losse who can be won from me by the greatest Princess in the World The If I could once see such a man I might change my opinion Lin Why don't you try Lonzartes The He is too much concern'd to be play'd with you dare not venture your fine man then Lin I dare and do desire it withall my heart and do voluntarily ingage not to work against your Highnesse The And I am resolv'd to try his faith to you it may cure Lonzartes to see himself neglected when anothers chosen though but in jest for I can pitty though I do not love him Lin And 't is my desire to have Silvanders faithfull love made Eminent by this temptation Enter Lonzartes and Silvander to them The In what humour left you Clearcus my Lords Lon In such as does become his greatnesse Madam The Most brave men are often puffed up with vain glory that does Eclipse those virtues which themselves do over-value Lin Your Highnesse is severe to men but all are not so vain The Most are when we do value them too much yet I confess I am well pleased when I find men worthy my esteem Lin How does that appear when your Highnesse does dispise mankind by your resolves against them The To shew how much you are mistaken help me to unpin this Jewel wear
The We have indeed been all too serious of late come Lindamira let us find some entertainment to refresh us on the Sea this Evening Lonzartes you and Clearcus may go with us if you please Exeunt all but Lonzartes Lon Your Highnesse does honour us what these various fancies tend to is above my understanding As Nature has fram'd Women of a more refined matter then us men so she has given to some Souls so much above ours Excellent that their Intrincique purity dazles our Judgments more then their brightest Beauty does our Eyes Theodocia is certainly without blemish yet may have some notions of my love which she thinks not fit to cherish because she likes not me And yet may have a virtuous concern for my Birth and sufferings such as her good Nature is unwilling to destroy 'T is Theodocia's Excellencies makes me thus humbly seek my Right as her Gift else my Sword should make my way to ascend this Throne which is my own but no more of that yet For if I can be rightly understood My Love may save the expence of so much blood Exit THE FOURTH ACT. Pandora with Lindamira are seen sitting on a Couch Enter Clearcus to them they rise Cle. MAdam 'T is a felicity to love you though neglected by what Name then shall I call my Joy Now you allow my Love to what height raise my thoughts Shall I dare to enter upon such a state of bliss To be thus snatch'd into so much Light from the long Chaos I have liv'd in may prove more ruinous to me then that Hell I came from Pan My Lord you speak a new Language I understand not Cle Alas Madam I have this night seen Visions and do find my passion growing much above my own command For when I look on your Eyes I forget that there are Gods and shall do such Idolatry to you as will provoke them to make me more miserable then you can wish me happy Bnt when I consider how vast a Chasme your resolves have made between us I sink into such an abyss of misery that I can nee'r get out of Pan I understand you lesse and lesse The more you say the more you do confound my judgment Lin All this Madam is onely to let us see how he could talk if any Woman were worthy of his real love pray my Lord proceed I shall take Notes and edifie Pulls out a Table-Book Cle Your mirth Madam is now out of season when every word I utter flowes from my wounded heart Lin Why do you not speak to me then who can change my mind as often as your self I was made for you this Lady is impregnable Cle I yield Lindamira let not your wit destroy a man that does submit to mercy I beg quarter Lin Oh! do you so Pan 'T is enough Lindamira that he does confesse himself o'recome let it be Registred amongst our Victories And now my Lord what is your next desire Cle My next Madam I have scarce begun with this you do mistake all I say for mirth Does not my looks and Language shew an Alteration All those Chymeras that did possess my idle head are vanished and I become a serious man Your Miracle is already wrought and I now see the onely way to my Felicitie is to gain what I so much contemn'd Lin Excellently well Acted this might cozen twenty that did not know him Pan You shall do well my Lord to pursue this new path untill you do obtain a general opinion of your virtue But I hope you would not have us credit it at first sight Cle Though my love cannot yet gain credit in your esteem do not deny me the joy to think that you see how much I love and honour you Pan This is too serious for our Comedy my Lord. Cle Nothing can be too serious Madam to expresse my love by which the Gods are pleas'd to bring me to them thus by forbidding what might intice me to slight Paradice by having had you here 'T is fit then that I submit and raise a joy from what I am now too apt to repine at for 't is a blessing to be so fixt as Antidates my Elizium here on Earth this Souls joy will endure like its own nature unto Eternity Pan What think you of this Lindamira Lind I think he is in love he talkes such nonsence Pan You are cured then Clearcus and will unto the Prince confess your conversion if we call you to it Cle Propose a way for my acknowledgment and try Lin Let us take time Madam to consider of it lest we loose half the Entertainment by our haste and so spoil the jest Cle Madam let not this Ladies mirth prevaile with your good nature to afflict a man who can live only by your smiles Pan I must confesse I have some pain to hold in my smiles thus long for this serious way of fooling I expected not from you my Lord. Cle Why Madam do you take all this for jest still Pan Yes indeed do I. Cle By all the powers above I do Adore you next to them I Worship Lin That 's no Oath Madam for he Worships none Pan I have the same thoughts Lindamira and am safe Cle What a Monster am I grown give me credit Madam or give me death If I do not love you let Iove strike me with suddain thunder or I will gladly seal what I have said with my best blood if nothing less will satisfie Pan Hold Clearcus He drawes Lin Oh! let him alone hee 'l not hurt himself he only hopes to fright us Pan My Lord you fright me now and since you think fit to turne our Commick Scene into a Tragedy I shall quit my part in it and from this time admit no farther visits from you Let us retire Lindamira his converse growes dangerous Exeunt Ladies Cle This had been my fate had I ingaged a little farther and this the fruit of chast virtuous love What a folly 't is to give our freedomes up unto the will of Women so humbly to obey those we are Created to command But I am safe yet and will now play with 'um at their own game and through a seeming sorrow for my rejection laugh at them who think to laugh at me Enter Lonzartes Lon A good day unto my Friend Cle You speak too late Lonzartes this is a fatal day and I am studying how I may make it more Eminent by Death then by my sufferings Lon Why what 's the matter man have you visited the Ladies before they are drest and made 'um froward Cle Thy love Lonzartes has ruin'd me yet I thank thee for my conversion I shall now dye a sober man Lon Thy looks speak some disaster tell me the worst that I may joyn to find a Remedy Cle In a word then I do love Pandora as she deserves and did so to the life expresse my love that in spight of Lindamiras mirth she did believe it and has forbid my farther visits
Theodocia and Ladies to them The I am sorry Lonzartes that Pandora has cast off Clearcus which has occasioned his relapse when a little patience would have setled him in the way of virtue Lon 'T is every way what I expected not his love was as strange as his rejection and his relapse in the old humour beyond all the rest I know not what to think of him Lin Let us bring them once more together and I 'le undertake to guesse at both their hearts it may be govern ' um Lon I Madam but how shall they be brought together when both would rather see a Basaliske then one another Lin You may be mistaken my Lord who judge by what you see when 't is our businesse and our virtue not to shew our hearts 'till a full tryal that men are worthy of them then you forget that Clearcus conversion must be by one he cannot conquer The But if he will neither conquer nor be subdued how can his conversion follow Lin If your Highnesse can contrive an interview I have a fancy in my head that may reconcile them and effect what we all wish The I will send presently for Pandora and intreat my Father to pretend some businesse to call Clearcus hither Lon He will suspect Lin Let him come no matter what he suspects The Do you Lonzartes once more see what humour he is in We must endeavour and not fear to try But trust the Event unto their destiny Exeunt severally Enter Duke with Silvander and Lords Duke I ever thought Clearcus did but mock and laugh at their designes his Brain is not yet ripe for serious Love But how does Theodocia look on Lonzartes Sil With much neglect Sir Duke That is not well have you Silvander instructed Lindamira that she may inform Theodocia of Lonzartes Title to this Dukedome and how much better then a Forraine Prince her Marrying him will be applauded by our people who are not ignorant of his pretence Sil I have Sir and the Princess gives a serious ear to it though she yet makes no reply a little of your Councel and Authority I believe may incline her to a better value of him Duke That shall not be wanting Lonzartes is all that I can wish in a Successor and his love looks so without design that I will cherish it and try to win my Daughter to comply Sil Your Highness will gain a double interest in all your Subjects hearts by this honour to Lonzartes who has merrits proportionable to your favour and his birth all which his love gives Lustre to Duke I see it Silvander and will recompence his Faith and his Humility with my advice to Theodocia who yet knowes not his story Sil The Princess must needs hear what every body talks and all do wish Duke I shall now inform her fully of Lonzartes Right too long held from him bid him meet me at my Daughters Chamber I will no longer hide my purpose for him His Birth and Virtue with his constant Love Declares he never can unworthy prove Exeunt THE FIFTH ACT. Enter Lonzartes and Clearcus Cle NO I 'le never see her more Lon Do you not love at all Cle Nor ever will methinks Love is like a smooth Water that invites men to Bath and tumble in it with delight untill they be destroyed by Serpents which in the bottom undiscover'd lie Lon What means this similie Cle This Serpents bite has Metamorphized you into a whining lover into the shaddow of a man of late become a shape without a Soul why must I busie my head with such Chymeras's when I can please my self to my hearts wish my own way Prethee sweet suppress'd Prince do not forsake me thus for specious shewes of happinesse or vaner hopes of better dayes then you will ever find in Court You are now safe but when you grow wise and serious it will in the Dukes head great jealousies create to let him see your Virtue may be dangerous and your pretence appear worthy of his fear Lon That hazzard is better then what I now suffer in the opinion of my best Friends who believe this wildnesse is my Nature or such as may beget a habit in me which I can nee'r put off and thus my security in this disguise may become my ruine I wish I could perswad you Clearcus to shew forth that Virtue all the World would wonder at Cle To what end I pray if the good Duke would give me imployment fit for his Kinsman and worthy of my Sword I could soon be my self But now I have nothing else to do and therefore play away my time in folly and 't is a hard question which is best for we know that too much wisdome does undoe more men then it advances or else begets Eternal slavery to State Affairs where the wisest ever walk on needles points I have weighed these things and do believe 't is better to maintain the peace and the security I now live in unregarded then to be advanc'd according to my birth Lon But you will loose the Dukes favour and become contemptable to the whole Court if you continue thus extravagant what designe can I have by my desire to see you great and glorious Cle. Have I not tryed and been misled yielded to your wise Maximes against my own better judgment and been rejected in the height of my endeavours to be as you call it great and glorious is not this true does not Pandora with the whole Court scorne me but for seeming wise Lon Yes in part 'cause they believe it not Cle I will no more of your advice 'till you can cure your self Lon I have an Honourable Argument for my love Cle Who has not untill he be dispis'd Lon Was it not your own desire to be neglected did you not declare against all Women that you could conquer you left Pandora no way for Victory but by rejecting you so that I can conclude a good suâ—csess from what you raise dispair Cle Ha! think you Pandora did reject me in compliance with my humour only Lonzar What else can she be angry with you for loving her too much Cle You do surprize me with a discourse I look'd not for but I will be no more abus'd I will not see her Lonzar How can you be reconcil'd then shall she make love to you Cle No I abhorre that thought beyond her anger a woman Wooe that were preposterous Lon Will you treat by Embassadours and Wed by Proxie Clear Nor so that 's only fit for Princes who cannot meet to treat Lon Will you have her if she declares she would have you Cle I shall never like her change of mind Lon Can ' you tell whether you would have her or not Cle That 's a harder question then the other Lon Will you have her by compulsion Cle. That were a Tyranny would make her hate me ever Lon Shall the Duke by his Prerogative power in spight of both your teeth compel you both to
compliance Cle Let me think on this a little at first sight this looks likely to agree us if two impossibilities can make one possible this might do our businesse Lon Well what do you resolve Cle Nothing why do you tempt me to farther evils I know not what to resolve nor what to say but will no more of love my heart shakes at the thought of my last tryal I blush to think how much lesse then man I was and hovv much more then Woman I created her in those fevv houres I lov'd Enter a Messenger Messen The Duke calls for Lonzartes Lon I 'le attend his Highnesse presently Cle I take you for my Friend Lonzartes do not discourse me into a Ruine you will share in Lon I have no Rule for friendship above my desire to see you happy Cle I believe it Sir and beg your pardon for my distracted language I must attend the Duke too Lon And I. Exeunt Enter Pandora and Lindamira Pan You tire me Lindamira and chide me for a fault I cannot own I had no other way to free my self Lin You might have check'd his approaches with somewhat lesse severity your rigour may beget despair in him Pan Dispair of what my undertaking was only on the Dukes command to afford him civil visits which I have done in hope of his conversion Lin You did give o're before the work was perfected Pan You speak as if the design to set him free were to inslave me to the humour of a mad man Lin The wildest young men do often prove the soberest at the last and the truth is Madam we do all desire to see you and Clearcus convert one another so to beget that unity of hearts which the World seeks most Pan Do you believe that I who have a prejudice against the best of men can e're esteem the worst Lin If Clearcus were under that notion I should have other thoughts but when I consider such men reclaim'd do often make good Husbands I have hopes of him Pan If his wildnesse were his only fault time and experience might reclaim him Lin If these be your only Exceptions Madam I wish you would trust me to mannage this affair Pan You must not talk me into an Intreque which I avoid I do not love him Lin You will do when you have him I know many have done so after Marriage who did not before Pan That is too bold a venture for me who have no faith in men and those Examples you mention so rarely to be found my courage dares not undertake it pray no more of this Lin The Princess desires your company at Court this Evening Pan I did intend to wait on her Enter Duke Theodocia and Lonzartes Duke I have given you Arguments enough on his behalf which his dejected looks you see declare Your favours Theodocia should not be restrain'd because his adoration is so great he dares not beg 'um come near Lonzartes The Lonzartes's Worth is understood beyond the weak Rhetorick of flattering words he cannot wish to be more valued then he is by me Lon Nor will I ever sue for favours beyond these you now afford me Madam may I confirm my hopes by understanding what you say my own way The You may for since my Father does so much advise for Marriage I may alter my opinion when I find just cause to value men above my resolves against them Lon For Heavens sake Madam say no more my breast cannot contain these spreading joyes you give me my hopes increase too fast for my dispairing heart to comprehend these honours you allow without an Extacy Duke Theodocia I shall nee'r revoke the freedome I have given to make your own choice though I direct you to Lonzartes to whom our Ancestors have done wrong The This your indulgence Sir makes me more cautious how I proceed Marriage is a concern so great I dare not at once resolve it and the same day chuse the man I can yet only say that I have alter'd my opinion in favour of Lonzartes Lon My Amazement and my concern are too great to answer Madam my felicity is above the reach of a reply Duke Theodocia I have given you my best Councel and my full consent to please your self The I thank you Sir and I will endeavour to regulate my heart to your advise and to Lonzartes wish give me but time to examine and approve what I am willing to submit to Enter Pandora and Lindamira to them with Silvander Duke How is it Madam that you quit the field before your undertaking be perform'd Pan I have done my part Sir which was on your command to allow him civil visits and to entertain the Princess I complyed with Lindamira to try how our Raleary would work on him which did produce so unlook'd for an effect that I was forc'd to quit my part to save my self Duke Were you in danger to be lost then I did not think Clearcus had prevail'd so farre but if he be reclaim'd he will be worthy your esteem Pan Your Highnesse did mistake me I was in no danger to be lost through love nor at all concern'd for a man who does declare against all worth in Women where he can get an interest pray Sir make me understand what you would have me do Duke We would have you marry Clearcus Pan Whether he will or no if I consent can you prevail with him Duke Do you comply wee 'l try what we can do Pan I would not be Treypand into a Marriage I am so much averse to in confidence of his old humour think my self secure and be so lost Lin You may venture safely Madam you see he is so great a Coward that he only dares pursue them that fly him do but charge and he will runne away Pan If I were sure of that I would seem any thing to be freed from farther trouble Lon Trust me Madam he is now worse then ever Duke Lonzartes pray use your interest to bring him to us now Exit Lonzartes The Do you think Cousin we have a design to harm you Pan No but your Highnesse disputes me into a condition your self does not approve pray shew me the way to this felicity that I may credit what you say by what you do The Will you then ingage to marry Clearcus the same day I marry Pan Shall I chuse your man as you would mine The Suppose I have already chosen Pan I thought your Highnesse had been of my opinion But if provided I give you joy The Now you runne too fast the other way I am only towards marriage Pan That journey seldome proves long Madam when we look towards it Lin That was said like a sage Sibell the quintessence of truth in few words 't is but a willing mind and then Pan Prethee Lindamira help me to be rid of this uncertain man Lin I know no better councel then to be in love with him or to seem so for if he should take you at your
word and marry that may do your work for I once knew a Lady who chose to marry an importunate Sutor that she might be rid of him and was so for soon after marriage they parted and never met more Pan You are allwayes in jest I would have serious councell now Lin You have had my story twice over to no purpose Duke By all my observations I cannot judge whether Clearcus or you Pandora be most extravagant Lin Your Highnesse may do well to put them into the Colledge of half mad Folks where they will either cure one another or become quite mad together when their disease is known some remedy may be found 't is now past judgment what either of them ayle The Lindamira saies well 't is very strange you will not declare so farre as to let us see how we may serve you Pan Do but leave me to my self and I am well Madam The Many sick people are of that opinion when in most danger and must therefore by their friends be govern'd Pan As many healthy people think themselves sick when they are not and by seeking Remedies for nothing do create evils they never can finde cure for such high passions as Lindamira's do never let us rest in peace but do create perpetuall storms Lin You argue well Madam if a dull calme were the onely happinesse appointed us on Earth then one degree from being a sleep would prove our greatest bliss sure no age did e're produce two such Icy-hearted Ladies as the Princess and you Enter to them Lonzartes and Clearcus Lin Here comes a Homely and a Jigg hand in hand now for the second part to the same tune Of love me and love me not Duke Clearcus it troubles me to see you delight in a retired darknesse or else to walk in such clouds as we cannot see through I would perswade you to regain Pandora's good opinion Cle Is the mistery of love to be discuss'd in publique Sir Duke With us who are so near alli'd unto you both I think it may because we all know what you both profess in private and now desire to hear what you will face to face avow and we intreat you Pandora first to shew why you threw off Clearcus Pan You do amaze me Sir to examine me as a Criminal Duke You have no cause for this displeasure Pandora but mis-judge our love and our respects we know your worth and would to the World Illustrate that virtue you design to smother by a single life I allow your purpose did become your younger dayes and did expresse an Angelicall innocence but I question whether now on mature judgment you may not do better for your self and us to reclaim Clearcus Pan You demand impossibilities from me for if I should change my mind he will change his too Pray shew me a rule to reclaim him by before you do condemn me Duke We onely desire you will afford him the same civility as did first induce him to adore that Virtue he dispised before Pan I have done this The You did begin but you gave o're too soon Lin And all her kindness but in jest too Madam which he discern'd Duke How do you answer this Lindamira was of your Councel Pan I undertook him but in jest and was by him injoyn'd to such severity as I perform'd and 't was then thought the onely way to vindicate our Sex and to work his conversion which he at first did counterfeit so well as to deceive and fright me from his farther visits Lin Was his love so terrible Pan To me it was who thought him uncapable of ever having noble thoughts for any of our Sex Duke But when you found him growing worthy why did you not cherish that virtue as your own Creation Lin Because she fear'd her Virgin vow might be defil'd by owning such a Manâ—child of her own begetting for he began to aske her blessing 'till she laugh'd him into so great anger that one day he proffer'd to kill himself which gave end unto our Comedy Pan If his cure had lain within the reach of Raleary I had gloried in my part but never shall consent to inslave my self unto the humours of a man who cannot be a minute in one mind his imaginations are beyond the Moon and would have he knowes not what Duke Clearcus you have heard your charge Guilty or not Guilty Lin Guilty Sir Cle I shall never want your good word Madam Lindamira tells you true Sir I am guilty Duke Of what Cle Of all the crimes that offended Lady does object pray Sir pronounce my doom and put me out of pain Duke Will you submit then and obey it Cle If it can put me out of pain I will Duke I doubt it not my sentence is that you revive that love you shew'd unto Pandora lately Cle Oh Sir the very name of Love puts me into a shaking fit for Heavens sake give me Halters Poysons Daggers any means to let out life rather then renew those torments which I felt that hour I lov'd Lin Pray Sir give me leave to put him some Interrogatories Duke Do so Lin Your Lordship has confest that you have lov'd one hour and must have some reason why you lov'd no longer shew us that reason or for ever hold your peace and submit to judgment The How Clearcus nonplust by a Judge in Petticoates Clearcus stands mute Lin Why Madam many of our Sex have puzled the wisest men give him leave to think a little but if what I have said has struck your Lordship dumb hold up your Finger 't is enough He has He hold it up nothing to say for himself but submits unto the mercy of the Court I understand him Sir and have now found a remedy for both their evils If you will trust me with your hand my Lord I will not harm it and if I have credit enough Madam to be trusted with your hand Clearcus gives his hand too pray lay it without fear on mine that I may try a charm I have to conjure out the evil Spirits that possesse you both you may at your own pleasure take back your hands only let me hold 'um while I pronounce my charm within Pandora turns away Duk. Pandora I intreat you to try Lindamira's charm give her your hand she deals not with the Divel Pandora gives her hand Lin The Divel I work by Sir is truth drest in her rich Robe of Innocence if truth do not convince both these Delinquents my charm will have no power on them My Lord you have in this great Assembly often said that you could never value any Woman you could win if now you have found this Lady as impregnable as you can wish she is your fate hold Sir remember you are dumb 'till I He proffers to speak have done Now Madam I must speak serious sence to you who stand here the expectation and the wish of all the Court yet I know you must not consent to give your hand to