strike him dead before he draw his sword or call for help if he see to morrow's Sun he 'l know too much of our designes ere night for us to see it set Odmer suspects our conspiracy shrewdly and suddainly will finde the truth 2 Cap. Delay no time then Osm What 's this I hear how ere in me it is but justice to take Melcoshus life in them 't is damn'd treason which I 'le prevent nor shall they frustrate me of my revenge their hands are far too base Hal. Draw and dispatch him They sight Haly be Captains slain Osm Sink down to hell Haly thou root of treason with these thy cursed branches Mel. Osmond let me embrace thee in these wounded armes I fear to death Thou wert ordained to be the lasting pattern of love and duty Osm Forbear this kindnesse for know how e'rel did preserve you from their swords I come my selfe to kill you for Despina's sake her innocent blood cries for revenge and by those powers I am ordained to see their j•stice satisfied by taking life from him who cruelly extinguished that pure light which for a long time they intended should have been a comfort to the world and a great witnesse of their power Mel. Nay if my Osmond be a traitour but in thought once he shall not need to use his sword I would not wish to live beyond his faith for can there be a love or truth left in a subject when 't is not to be found in him Now I perceive the murder I committed was most horrid since he that lov'd me more then her she she being alive would now rob me of life to revenge her Osm Know Tyrant I lov'd thee once when thou wert worthy to be my Prince and Master more than my selfe But thou when thou hadst satisfied thy beastly lust to please the ignorant multitude thou mad'st a sacrifice of her to them to whom thou rather shouldst have made them offer sacrifice on perill of their lives Mel. Osmond thou art here more cruell in thy accusation then in thy intent to kill me For from the danger of thy sword there 's a divinity that waits upon the person of a Prince that would protect me but against the thoughts of thy unexpected treason there is no armour for thy unkindnesse so invades my soul that all that blood that should supply these nerves flies to my heart to tell it Osmond no longer does wish to have a being there if so to split it will be kindnesse Osm Me thinks I finde my resolution of revenge begin to bate its force Mel. If the consideration of your faith and love to me so far prevail above your own affection that you dispens'd with it to make me happy believe likewise from the consideration of that care a King should have over his subjects which wholly was and ever should have been whilst she did live by me neglected I rather kill'd her than that my love was ought diminished for had I lov'd her lesse she might have lived but I believing her to be so excellent could think of nothing whilst she lived but her embraces Osm And therefore would you make her suffer for your sault was that the justice of Melcoshus Your Son offended and you punished him but here you spared your selfe striking an innocent Mel. 'T is true I struck her being innocent yet did not injure her or any but my selfe I broke no Lawes of Gods nor men to prove which I ask no more of heaven but that the taper of my life which now growes dim may burn some minutes longer then shall I shew my Osmond by their light of reason that my unhappy Starrs are rather guilty of Despina's death than I she was a Captive and a Christian which by our Lawes we freely may dispose of as we please her death then had I been but a subject was no breach of them Osm She was a creature for whose sake you would have once have broken all Lawes Mel. I could break none my power being unconfin'd But interrupt me not lest I do faint ere I can make an end The Souldiers were so far from being displeased that they acknowledged her death a Jubilee Our prophet Mahomet might most rejoyce to see her breathlesse whose perfections being a Christian so far out-went all those that honour'd him that some in time might justly doubt our God to be lesse powerfull than theirs and so the reverence we now pay grow cold Osm All this I grant but for your injuries to her what art can salve them Mel. She was the advocate of all those of her faith and at my hands procured much mercy for them The perfect Christian is so proud of nought as Martyrdom and the more innocent from crime the greater joy they take in death Although Despina was not martyred for her faith I grant but by the force of her unequall'd beauty made a sacrifice to save my honour yet amongst those of her sect she cannot misse the adoration of a Saint And so I only sent her to a greater happinesse You may alledge it was a happinesse Osm Oh divine Despina Mel. She did not yet desire to dy but rather wisht to live with me she lov'd To this again I answered that I so much did doat upon her excellence that I should have forgot to rule and she must then have liv'd to see me miserably depriv'd of state and honour Yet as it now falls out my fortune then had been more favourable for then had Osmond's love been left a pattern to posterity and I should sure have found the comfort of his faith when all men else were traitours But now Osm He hath delivered this Apologie with so much griefe majesty and love that my own reason makes me know 't is truth and bids me justly turn that hatred which I hither brought against him upon my guilty selfe for I have been a heinous traitor Oh dread Sir your pardon But why should I once hope I that have stood so strictly on my faith and by a thousand obligations been fast tyed in bands of duty yet thus to break without a just cause just cause as if there could be any pretence for treason Shall injuries make men cease to be vertuous Mel. Let my soul part with joy since Osmond sees his errour thy love to me to vertue and Despina have fought so nobly that it still overcames which was most vertuous thy love made thee present her to me thy faith made thee refuse to take again what thou hadst given when she did offer it and when thou thoughtest that cruelly and most unjustly I had killed Despina thy noble anger made thee pursue revenge but now that thou dost finde that anger was unjust thy faith overthrowes it nay turns it on thy selfe since 't was my fate not I was guilty of her death which let my pardon mitigate so at my death thou shalt expresse obedience for now I feel his messenger approach nor does it grieve
in will shortly bring me to him nay be assistant whilst he ravisht me again but you would rather use it against me than him if so behold this breast sometime the subject of your praise imploy it then and take away the cause of your dishonour No give it me she offers to pul out his sword then and you shall see Cal. Hold what wouldst thou do Oz. Free my selfe from misery since you refuse to do it Cal. Ozaca I confesse I was too cold in my revenge indeed I doubted whether thou hadst yielded willingly or not but now that I do know thy vertue and am my self collected by my reason I finde indeed there was no cause of jealousie in thee at all how e're my extream love made me suspitious I shall forgive the offence I hope nay 't was none since 't was against thy will and after some small time receive thee to my bed For my revenge I have a way that without blood I 'le find my satisfaction Oz. For that Sir as you please but never will I come within your bed I am not worthy as a soyl'd garment throw me by seeing another man hath us'd me Cal Not for the world my Ozaca thou art still worthy Oz. Too worthy since Orcanes loves to be enjoyed by thee Aside Exeunt Enter Melcoshus and Osmond Mel. Oh my dear Osmond grant me but one request Osm you may command Sir Mel. Become my partner in the Empire for thou hast given me more then the whole in my most kinde Despina for shee 's no longer cruell I have enjoyed her freely by her own consent which does expresse more happinesse then all the tongues of men can utter Osm You owe me nought for this When I presented her then she was coy and cruell if by your noble usage you have won her to crown your wishes the debt was due unto your sufferings and you now are paid which I rejoyce in Mel. The joy my Osmond is so great that if I do not by communicating delay it something it will be dangerous Osm Sir I believe there is none living that sooner could conceive your happinesse than I since none doth more admire and reverence Despina For were a love from me to her as warrantable as 't is from me to you grounded on vertue I sure should equall if not exceed you in affection nay could she love again be happier for all the love that she can render you is to your merits and your fortunes due But if she that 's above me shal descend my happiness beyond yours must extend This Sir I speak only to let you know I see the way which the gods by chance had left open to my happines in Despina but knowing that it was by chaunce and that they did not intend to any subject such a beautie I forbore nay thought my selfe most happie in that they chose me for their instrument to salve the error by presenting you with what they had provided for you and which it seemes they ment to crowne your conquests with Enter Despina Haly Captains Mel. Osmond in all thy words and actions thou are perfect next her that now appears I do esteeme thee for if there be one corner in my heart that is not filld with her thou dost possesse it nay thou art mingled with each loving thought of her Oh my Despina how glorious thou appear'st the Sunne is but a cold and obscure lampe compar'd with thy two heavenly eies from whose sparkling fires all that behold except my selfe must perish but I by their more gentle influence breath-in a temperate pleasant ayre or should I be consum'd with others yet t' is permitted mee to kisse these lips which might restore me but should this more enflame me which is possible yet would those eies produce such pearly drops for their owne crueltie in haveing so consum'd their faithfullest adorer that it would quench even their owne fire and so preserve me still the happiest of men Des May I prove worthy of your favours and in my future love and service make satisfaction for the time of ignorance and disobedience that 's past my present happines best makes me see my errour Mel. No more least I do surfet had you kill'd my father nay revild our Prophet the highest crime this were too much Haly. Our Prophet should have appeard unjust if he had made Melcoshus so farre in worth above all other men not rewarded that unequall'd merit which what could so well do as this rare creature The Prince Orcanes Enter Orcanes. Mel. Now my sonne Orcanes are all things ready for our sports Orc. Sir all attend you Mel. Orcanes tell me hadst thou a beautie like to this wouldst thou go hunt and leave her tho but for an hower could all varietie of pleasures els be joynd and in one minuts time their quintessentiall part enjoy'd I would not lose her companie that minute nor wouldst thou hadst thou once tasted my delights but as it is hunt my Orcanes and in that enjoy the greatest delight of mortalls but for me I have pleasure in my divine Despina far above sense tho sense convaie it to my understanding and am immortalizd by my vast joyes Exeunt Haly. Was ever such dotage is this a man to governe us no fellow soldiers no 1 Cap. Hee must not long if we be men and have but sense to see our miseries in him and what a happie people we should be under some other Haly. Farewell most trustie friends Exit 2. Cap. We shall rule the world we that are soldiers 1. Cap. Who can tell Haly being advanc'd may grow as lazie 2. Cap. Then downe with him and choose another 1. Cap. Is that the friendship you beare him 2. Cap. My profit and my pleasure are those with whom I onely keep friendship nor have you on my knowledge any other resolution each man pursues his owne desires there 's no such thing as faith left in the world but amongst our Mufti 1. Cap. Are they there 2. Cap. Yes in their bookes and now and then upon occasion we heare on 't 1. Cap. Doe they no more we speake of vertue too and seem to showe our love too 't our present designes are to be sheltred under a pretence of love to our countrie 2. Cap. And so t is man come neere examine these things Haly hath power and will advance us with himselfe let that satisfie The Emperour and Callibeus stand close we may perhaunce heare some thing that will availe us the Emperour trusts him much Enter Melcoshus and Callibeus Mel. Now Callibeus what 's the important cause that you thus presse upon my privacies have you receav'd intelligence of any forraine Enimie or that our person here at home 's in danger say if not so you have presum'd tho we esteeme you much to rob us of Despinaes companie a minute Cal. Dread Sir your pardon then I come for justice Mel. Justice Callibeus to whom is it denied within our kingdome Cal.
received greater content the Roses and the Lillies are so finely mixt that I could stand a yeere onely to gaze on them Cal. By Mahomet he meanes the beauty of my wife which is my curse Oh that she were a Negro Speake Negro alone Orc. What 's that you say a Negro Cal. I say my Lord those flowers you like were planted by a Negro a skilfull Gardiner Orc. There are some other rarities that I would praise but that I want words to expresse them they are so excellent I wish I did possesse some such Cal. Palpable by all my feares she conceaves his meaning too and with the joy of it I see her lustfull heart leap in her bosome but hush wil 't please your highnesse enter the house Orc. The superstitious More Callibeus does not behold the rising sun with greater reverence than I his setting in a bright evening like to this who knowes when we shall have the comfort of his glorious beames againe either some envious clouds may interpose themselves betwixt us that bright planet jealous that we are not enough thankefull may withdraw his comfortable heat without which I would not wish to live Cal. 'T is true indeed the Sun gives life to all and the most witty and industrious men make great profit by him those who prepare the soyle apt it for his beames receive greatest increase Your highness I feare takes occasion by the Evenings brightness to excuse your entring under so mean a roofe but since the great Cham appointed you my guest to honour me goe Ozaca and let the diligence of Servants strive to supply every defect I le send way the Sun he meanes Or. Nay Callibeus I would not have you thinke that we misdoubted your lodging or entertainment wee 'l enter when you please there is a cloud ready to oppose it selfe betwixt the Sun and us Exit Orcanes. Cal. The Prince in his discourse makes the Sun his bawd his father I think did intend to torture me no house but mine you must be walking whoore and entertaine the Prince but by our prophet thou shalt see no Sun Exeunt Omnes Finis Actus primi Actus Secundus Enter Despina and an Eunuch Des What shall I say I finde I am a weake unconstant woman sure I have lost my selfe at least my grief how pleasure and greatnesse gaines upon our natures I who wept at first each time their Eunuchs did me reverence thinking they mockt me now take a great delight in their observance sent you for Osmond Eunuch He waits without to know your pleasure tho sildome hath been permitted by the great Cham that any should enter here but he intends not to denie you any thing Enter Osmond Des Bring him in and leave us Osm Thus low as to my Princes Mistress what was it you intended Des That which civility tied me to the offer of my lipps and not my roabe to kiss you sav'd my honour a modest kiss to you could not impaire it then Osm Should I have kist you been seen death was my sure reward nor had the purchase been too deare if so I had not been a traitor to my selfe and vertue in my disloyaltie unto my prince Des Thinke it no immodesty in me but ignorance of your strict customes a salutation amongst Christians breeds no suspition of ill Osm Did ever any under the degree of a prince receave that honor Des They have if you call that an honor Osm Then it cannot bee in me presumption to kisse your hand yet I in this too farre doe stretch my dutie Des You Tartars beare a greater reverence to your earthly Lords then Christians though you neglect him that should bee most honor'd but this is from the cause I sent for you In all that you have done or said that did concerne me if I be not an ill observer of mans passion you have exprest a love not to be equall'd withall so great a spirit that even in midst of all my griefs your merits found a passage to my heart and tho I see I shall be able to command Melcoshus and in him the world yet if you dare applie your courage to the performance of what I shall offer and that effected become a Christian I shall thinke my selfe happy to be againe wholly at your disposing as I was when you did unkindly to your selfe and mee bestow me on another Enter Melcoshus Osm The Great Cham. Exit Osmond Mel. Despina accuse thy owne excellence that makes me interrupt thy privacies rather then me for I so wholly am become thine that but to live a minute from thee is a torment Say beautie abstract shall this day be more favourable then many that are past may he who can command all yet hope to obtaine his suite Des Could you command all you would command that passion in your selfe which makes you strive to ruine my honor Mel. Can it be ruine to your honor to set you on the highest point of honor to make you the possessour and disposer of all that your imagination can propose Des How can this be when I cannot dispose of my poore unworthy self give me my libertie Mel. You should have libertie were you what you alleadge unworthy but it is your inestimable value makes you a prisoner what all Poets have fain'd sweet or lovely in other women is truth in you these doe so tie you to my heart that should I grant you libertie you would beare it a long so all the empire should be govern'd by a heartless man yet bribe me with one loving kisse and trie With how much scorne you turne awaie I wrong that power that 's given me from above it was ordain'd I should command not sue to any Woman beautious woman for more thou art not what ere my dotage makes thee thinke thy selfe consider I who may command entreate but if refus'd the violence of my affection will compell me to use force Des I know you will not you have too much prais'd Osmond for relieving me from rape your selfe now to performe it tho you now seem cruell yet doe I hope you are just for I have heard the world esteem you so Mel. The act will not be wholly mine your not to be-resisted beautie first made a rape on me inforcing me to love you that love made me desire to enjoy the happines of your embraces which you denying reason steps into right my wrong'd affection and bids me force you assuring mee that nature who does nought in vaine had never taken such paines in framing you so sweet and lovely but that shee meant some one or other should enjoy that sweetnes and shall I so farre yield to any others merit or wrong my fortune which bestow'd you on me as not to think I am the happie man appointed by wise nature to enjoy you the Gods cannot in justice after so great victories appoint Melcoshus the office of a slave to be the keeper of such daintie fruit for any other man
and hee himselfe Hee Offers violence not taste it no I have lost too many houres of pleasure and will no longer suffer my selfe to bee tormented more then Tantalus for he was forc't to fast but foolishly I starve having my hands at libertie and in my power that which will satisfie beyond expression aside Des Oh Sir consider er'e you goe about a deed of so much basenes how will this ranke amongst your noble acts to be a murderer for doe not thinke I will out live my fame for your owne sake be wise then if you love mee and do not rob your selfe of the content you may hereafter finde if you take noble waies and make my heart yours then you may have a lasting pleasure Aside now the deed once done will bring repentance ever Mel. Who would not threaten rape to heare such prettie arguments against it No Despina I have no facultie which is not more obedient to thy will then to my owne each threatening word I utter'd was to my selfe a torment dry those bright eyes that never shall have use of tears againe if not for their own crueltie against Melchoshus consider but my power and thy owne beautie which would inflame old age and from thy justice my temperance must needs find some reward Des If thus you woe mee I dare not say but time and womans weaknes may make me love you and for your this daies temperance this kisse be your reward Mel. I am transported force can bring no such pleasure kisse mee againe and by our Prophet it shall seal your honors freedome by an oath my blood is fir'd one such kisse more would make me breake that promise for making which this kisse was given me Des Oh Sir Mel. But fear not base passion shall not overthrow my wise and nobler resolutions for since I love you as you are altogether excellent I must enjoy Despina not Despina's person onely that 's not halfe your selfe I will not looke on you your eies tho chaste may more encrease my lust which my minds pure love makes me now know to be a crime And hold our Prophet Mahomet unjust That made no lawes against a Princes lust Exeunt Enter Orcanes and Hosa Orc. Hosa is Callibeas gone to court Hos Hee is my Lord Orc. Is there no meanes thinkst thou to see his wife Hos It is impossible his jealousie makes him set spies in every corner Orc. I see thou art not read in tricks of love I have made use of all that art and nature hath bestowed upon me youth and beauty what woman can resist or were these wanting yet a Princes name is a powerfull advocate I never yet laid siege to any femall Fort but either by assault or policie I found a way to conquest yet am I carefull of their honors I enjoy and so dissemble my affection that each Lady thinkes I onely am her servant would my youth and beautie ever last I would not wish to change the life I lead now to enjoy the Kingdome altho my father possesse the greatest beautie of the world yet is it not by stealth securitie takes from the pleasure 't is dull so to enjoy a beautie Hos You 'l finde your present taske full of difficultie if you delight in that I do not think you 'l ever see her more Callibeus having taken notice of your love Orc. He sees but will not say he sees being my father's slave he dares not find the least fault me thinkes shee should corrupt some Eunuch that attends her or from her window drop a letter to expresse the love I am sure shee beares me Hosa How are you sure she loves you Orc. Sure she loves me as sure as if she had told me so nay surer her eyes spoak plainly which I will trust in women more then their tongue but I am so experienced I cannot well misse in either Enter Eunuch Eun. My Lady doth intreat your Highnesse not to walk before her window for if my Lord return and see you he 'l be with her offended Orc. Return and tell your Lady I shall be ready to obey any command of hers though to my own torment Eun. I shall Hos Sir it appears she loves you Callibeus above drops a Letter not by this else she would take delight to look on you Orc. This letter lay not here last turn we made before I open it to let thee see I am the Master of my Art though here 's no superscription I now tell you this Letter is to me and from Ozaca full of affection too Hos I shall another time believe you if 't be retire your selfe here out of sight and read it Orc. The Sun though clouded by jealousie The Letter will shine again not onely to warm but inflame if it have power those who seem to take comfort in his beams If a reciprocall fire be kindled expresse it not in words Here 's wit Hosa besides beauty No fair Ozaca not in word but thus I do expresse my zeal Hosa shee 's at the window but dares not open it for the Eunuch I have a plot which thou must needs assist me in and then shee 's mine spight of her husbands jealousie Enter Callibeus and Eunuch Call How in silence he wooed her and thanks was given for her Letter as he thought Was 't not a good device in me to be assured of his intentions he shall break through forty doores ere he plant here Now to Ozaca which I removed into another Chamber whilst I supplied her place Exeunt Enter Osmond with a Letter Osm It was a happy fate that brought the Emperour so to crosse my yielding how could I have resisted such a motion comming from her that I adore Let me consider become a Christian flie and marry me What a temptation 's this I gave this Beauty to Melcoshus and shall I childishly recall my gift nay basely steal the jewell of his life in whom the Kingdomes weal consists 't were unexampled treason Hence thou enticing charme whose witchcraft almost does enforce me to forsake my faith and vertue Stay become a Christian that 's but to be as she is and can the heavens be cruell to such such sweetnesse shall not their providence preserve what they have fram'd so excellent and me for serving her Say I forsake our Prophet and trust upon that Power which she adores then must I basely flie forsake Melcoshus my dread Lord and what can recompence that losse or seem a plausible excuse for such a falshood Oh yes to marry fair Despina which she offers is to be happy in so high a nature that it would stop the mouth of churlish censure all would excuse a fault that brought so great contentment to the guilty as her embraces must be Enter Melcoshus Mel. Osmond thou hast undone me in thy rich gift Os How Sir Mel. She does and may so justly glory in her own purity that she disdains to mix in love with me and yet till her denyall taught me to
do well By seeming vertuous I have the faith corrupted of many others in the Army but these though they perceive that I aspire yet for their own ends they 'l assist my plots pretending as if A Table we believ'd each other vertuous Love to our Country moves us yes as much as it does the Crocodile that laments that creature which she means to make her prey How e're Melcoshus is careful of the souldiers good and most ambitious of their love I have so wrought upon them by flattery that he not once suspects how they distaste his easie pleasant life their bane nor shall he know 't untill the errour ruine him in all opinion and make me powerfull I will observe and flatter him in smallest things all must run smooth and eeven he shall not see at least not hear a discontented man yet underhand by injuries I 'le make the greatest so then by my instruments so work them that they shall fix their eyes on me as their sole remedy being the only man that loves his Country True the masque of vertue I put on must be worn cunningly indeed Odmer that Fox too I must ruine by his own honesty and faith unto his Prince I cannot be secure of any plot whilst he hath breath and here he comes Enter Odmer and Captains Odmer According to your desire I am come and pray Mahomet our present meeting may produce some happy issue for the good of our Soveraign Ha. Amen good Odmer sit sit most noble friends you the Pillars of the Empire upon which the huge Colossus of our Princes same was rais'd here is not at this Table I to my comfort speake it to be so honour'd a man that does not merit to lead himselfe an Army I being exempted What victory did our Melcho•hus get that some brave Arme here did not act wonders I dare not say equall to what he did yet to continue doing bravely still is fair for Souldiers for Kings sometimes slack in their worth But Ours you 'l say is gracious carefull of the State and souldiers Od. I know not what they 'l say but I must say so and withall add if you think not so too you are a flatterer for have not I heard Haly with faire words smooth o're the errours of the King small in themselves at first but by your conformation still continued not amended as not thought wrongfull actions Ha. I grant good Odmer when I have seene the Emperour inraged not to be contradicted but with danger I have applied my selfe to serve his humour for the present hoping my reason afterwards might better overthrow his errour when it should be forsaken by his passion nor fail'd I of 't but were it not madness in any that should tell him that this his dotage on Despina makes him neglect his office how all the Souldiers that have any spirit or sense of their vast wrongs talke of electing them another Emperour who better shall distinguish betwixt their honour'd scarrs and upstart Ignorants who ne're shed drop of Enemies blood or had their own spilt to advance his glory would you have me tell him this though all yet know this is truth Od. Though I know this is false how e're opinion sway the envious and ignorant yet did you think it true were you true subjects you would tell it him but he that fears his losse of life more then his loss of faith and honour thinks no reward can equall such a hazard 2. Cap. Then Odmer yo'u would seem as if your faith and love so far transport you bove your reason that you durst tell the Emperour this Ha. No Odmer t were ' follie Od. Haly to you it may appeare so but may Odmer be as cold in duty as you and find what it deserves some heavy punishment if he do not make known e're long unto his Soveraigne how he dayly loses his Souldiers love for that I grant is truth though undeserv'd from him for he hath still desir'd to give them all their dues nay bin more liberall then his Ancestors how ere false servants and corrupted ministers have deceiv'd his trust the sweetest and most plentious springs passing through noysome and straight passages may lose their comfortable qualities even you my Lord I must be plaine have wrought your selfe to such a power by the advantage of your birth and his imploying you that all depend on you more then on him all that you think will please the Souldiers you make your Act the Emperour by you induc'd to it and by you perform'd but what may give them cause of murmur or discontent that you give out that you perswade him from thus doe you rob him of his greatest wealth the Souldiers love and in the stead of it procure their hatred for him which justly you deserve But would that tyrant Love release him that he might shew himselfe againe in Armes and look about him he soon would know that Haly his most trusted councellour hath abused his trust whilst he hath bin fast lull'd asleep with pleasure Ha. Zealous Odmer what you have spoke might seeme an injurie not to be borne to those that did not know us both who would think I could suffer in my own house my loyaltie thus to be call'd in question nay condemn'd for you have spoke no lesse then what might brand me for a Traitour But know good Odmer your zeale thrice heated by your envy to see me greater then your selfe not only in my place but in the souldiers love can no way sindg my reputation or make my faith mistrusted by my Prince and since I know you cannot hurt my own power garding me but most that innocence which I have ever borne as the best shield against all slanders I am so farre from being angry that I profess I love you and will advise you for your honours sake which else might suffer since you are honest Odmer To tell the Emperour all things are amiss the greatest danger that can arise to you he being of a gentle nature will be but strangling or may be for the kind office you shall take upon you to be his tutor for it was never known that any yet counsel'd him unask'd his fauchion may be imployed that he may view your brains who would be wiser then your Lord 1. Cap. Faith Odmer tell him my Lord counsel's well Ha. First let him know my faults if you intend I should be punisht you 'l have no time when you have told him his Os Haly you speak to me in scorne but I perchance shall doe that which would fright thee even to death onely to think on 't Ha. Odmer your blood is stir'd and you are angry Os If thou hadst given me any reall cause this place nor these should not protect thee but since I know thy plotting brain to be thy only weapon thou canst not move me and so I leave you Exit 2. Cap. My Lord will you endure this Ha. Let him alone the honest fool is
running to his ruine 1. Cap. As how what danger Hal. Danger enough Melcoshus frown for he 'l inform him what he hath promised 1. Cap. By Mahomet he dares not Ha. He will I know his humour best or if you please to call it simple honesty you may which I have wrought upon by opposing so shall his faith serve my aspiring ends Odmer once sacrificed for truth who 'l be Melcoshus's friends Exeunt Enter Orcanes and Callibeus Or. 'T is strange my Father should so doat I thought in time the force of his affection would have abated but on the contrary his love increases never was such a change What poor things are we when our lust hath once overthrown our reason that any man of spirit should so far yield to passion as to become his captives captive and all this coyle onely for obtaining that which in the enjoying does not yield a minutes pleasure How happy am I that have no such desires Enter Hosa Cal. Oh hypocrite Orc. Have you done what I bad you Hos Yes you shall see the effects on 't immediately Orc. The truth is our Lawes gives us too great a liberty that way how much better were it might every man onely enjoy one woman for lust doth both corrupt the bodies and the souls of men Cal. What means this seeming sanctity it does indeed my Lord it is a most ugly vice though to the great ones tolerated Orc. I do protest my Father's errour doth so much lessen him from what he was that I 'le forswear the very company of women bewitching Syrens that confounds our judgments Fire fire fire within Cal. What noise is that ha fire Enter Orc. Hosa Orc. My Lord I 'le to the Court this morning Finis Actus secundi Exeunt omnes Actus tertius Enter Orcanes and Ozaca Oz. SIr I beseech you think not meanly of me for having won me thus thus without parly I freely must confesse the force you used did not displease me whatsoe're I seem'd for I did something love you before mine eyes were blest with viewing your perfections yet modesty or fear to be contemned would have for ever closed my lips Orc. Why fair Ozaca did not you by a Letter dropt from your window one day make me know my happinesse in your requitall of affection in the same phrase to that I spoke at first in to let you know I was your servant though your husband then were present I doubting a second opportunity Oz. Alas my Lord I did not know your meaning if you spoke to that effect but it may be my husband prompted by a just fear did understand you for you are made up of sweetnesse that might tempt an angell Orc. My behaviour gave him no cause of suspicion sure Oz. His jealousie proceeding from his excesse of love to me made him believe it seemes I was an object worthy of your eye when indeed the god of love pittying my silent languishing did rather wound you to shew his power than that my beauty could command affection from one so far in all respects above me And if you did receive any Letter to that effect he writ it as from me none else durst have presumed Orc. 'T is certain and he himselfe hath been the unhappy happy instrument to make me now enjoy the miracle of nature for had I not been so encourag'd by that Letter I should not have thus ventured on this rash attempt of firing the house Oz. Sweet Prince I fear some jealous pang may take my husband and he return before the fire be quenched and finde you at least the Eunuch may Orc. Shall I then so soon leave you Oz. Oh yes you must yet do not except you every day could set a Garden-house on fire for without some such extraordinary means we hardly shall again enjoy each others company which how sweet it is to me let this kisse witnesse being more then ever yet I offered to my husband Orc. Let us not part what danger can be equall to this happinesse By Mahomet I ne're till now did find content with any woman Why should a subject be thus blest Let this make all my other conquests be forgotten over other women for I am now what I have often seem'd but never was in earnest in Love nay taken after the enjoying knock within Oz. Oh me we are undone one knocks I fear my husband's Confusion on them Cal. Ho Ozaca Ho Ozaca Oz. 'T is he what will become of me Orc. Spare those tears or rather let them fall to save your honour by seeming as if I had used violence To say that I at all have not injur'd you were to no purpose he 'l ne're believe it Put your selfe in such a posture as may beget beliefe My birth shall save me from all danger or should I perish so I save your honour it matters not Enter Callibeus Cal. What asleep Ozaca and such a fire I 'le use my private key The Prince now all the furies had the house been burnt ay all the house nay all that 's in 't my selfe I had been far lesse miserable For ever let all comfort cease Ozaca is a strumpet I am dishonour'd the boyes will hoot at me as I passe the street Sensibly I feel my selfe transformed from man to beast Orc. Thou' rt too much honour'd slave that I should take so much pains and onely once enjoy that which thou maist possesse at ease and often For her she is so far from being a strumpet that shee 's chaster in thought then thou couldst wish her how e're her person suffered violence Behold an object if any thing could move me to repent so soon of that wherein I lately took such pleasure those lovely cheeks bath'd in her tears my friends it seemes who by their quantity would wash from off her face those bloody stains the witnesses of my rude act Oz. Hence from me Serpent Cal. Oh leave my house lest I forget you are Melcoshus son but for thee strumpet Orc. Build not on my ill laid foundation make not the rape I have committed the cause of any future injuries to her for so you shall on me lay greater weights of sin which I 'le revenge on thee And Lady though I know I do appear to you a devill nay worse yet when you shall consider your own beauty you 'l excuse me something What spit at me spits at him being your Prince nay then I know my crime was hainous your eyes too that may give life to others like to the Basilisks do strike me dead Remember Callibeus Exit Cal. Abus'd and threatned I am too tame I 'le after him rather revenge me on this whore that did allure him Oz. Do you cannot add unto my misery I am already made unworthy of your bed dishonour'd ravish'd and you that should revenge the wrong are cold in taking vengeance though in hot blood You that could let him part having a sword so neer your hand and such a cause to use it
The person against whom I must complaine Sir is exempted from all punishment excepting that which your selfe shall lay upon him Mel. Name him Cal. The act Sir is so foule that I dare name him it is your son Orcanes whom I accuse as a guiltie person I beseech you look on him and do me justice my wife by him is ravish'd dishonor'd the lawes of hospitalitie were of no other then onely to performe his wickednes oh Sir consider that you lodg'd him in my house and if you punish not you shall appeare an accessarie Mel. What proofe of this Cal. Oh Sir too much I tooke him all most in the violent act besides he glories in it too Mel. Degenerate bastard for could a sonne of mine commit so base an act had I usd force where had my joyes in Despina bin but yet I must not seeme as if did intend to punish for the injurer is my sonne the injur'd but my slave Cal. Oh justice Sir Mel. Why Callibeus art not thou my slave and if my son have forc'd thy wife is shee not more my slave whom thou commandest t was disobedience either in h•r or thee that did not offer what hee was pleas'd to like he too much honor'd thee and like a common guest fed of the same dish with thee go be gone and hold thy self happie that I do not inflict a punishment upon thee both for the evill thou wisht upon my sonne and for thy present troubling Exit Ca•li. You Gods is this Melcoshus justice for which he hath bin so renowned but his fond love hath ruin'd all his vertue farewell all faith and dutie which hitherto hath bin by me inviolately kept 1. Cap. Lose not this opportunitie hee 's discontented let 's strive to make him ours my Lord by accident we overheard your injuries and grieve so much that we will assist you to redresse them you know wee still have honor'd you Calli. I know you are my friends t is true that I am injurd past sufferance 1. Cap. We will give you ease Exeunt omnes Finis Actûs Tertü Actus Quartus Enter Osmond Osm I Was too scrupulous my dutie did not bind me to give that to another without the which I could not live my selfe 't was against reason I was drunk with zeale els I had never done it I with the danger of my life did purchase her and heaven did ratifie it seem'd the conquest since they made her love equallie shee is not wanting in affection yet for ought I know shee now sent for me to tell me although her person be the Emperours yet her heart is mine nay both by stealth this this corrupt flesh blood would basely have me thinke but vertue honor which must rule my soul tells me these are ignoble thoughts and ill befit the faith of Osmond who allwaies hath applied himselfe to vertue how ever weake in his performances nay something noble bids me arme my selfe so strongly in my vertue that tho she should become a suiter yet not to grant and by our Prophet if my flesh against my faith rebell and shee consent He free my nobler soul and send this trunck to hell but all these feares are needles for so much goodnes shines in her face that sure her heart is far from being emptie rather a magazine from whose aboundance all that do want might be supplied could they be sensible of their povertie According to your command behold your slave Enter Despina Des Osmond how ere the Emperour in my command ore him makes all the empire subject to my will yet if you kneele I must not be exempt for well you know I love you Osm I feare Des Yet not so as heretofore t is now a sisterlie affection Osm Thanks heaven Des Which that I may witnes more then in words accept this from me not as they in themselves are rich but as they are made so to you in being my gift and let them tell you when you look on them that there is nothing in Despinas power her faith kept sacred to Melcoshus whom now I in my soul adore but that you may command as freely as you might a sister that entirely loves you Osm Vertue I see is ne're without reward how far I am exalted in this joy above what sin could have produc'd your pardon madam though my thanks come slow yet they are sure I am overjoyed and want words to expresse my selfe not in the riches of what you have given but in your protestation that you love me so as my owne soul desir'd Des The emperour knowes I love you more then any and is pleas'd it should be so nor need you keep that distance that all others doe but freely visit me I have a suit concerning the releasing some poore prisoners for which you from the Emperour must receave order who strait will visit me Osm I am too happie to continue long so Exeunt Enter Melcoshus and Odmer Od. Did not my love unto your sacred selfe make me preferr dutie before danger I should as others do in silence onely mourn the ruines of your state and murderd honor Mel. Ha. Odm. But though I know that he which thus undermines you hath power to give me death with studied torments by turning that which loyaltie makes me utter to rash presumption in your acceptation yet I 'le become a zealous priest and sacrifice my selfe to shew your danger what though your passion will not let you reade a faithfull warning writ in my bloody intralls and so you 'l thinke the sacrificer mad I from the Gods shall finde a recompence having discharged a faithfull Subjects part to heaven and you th' end of my creation Mel. Odmer thou still hast found beleefe nor have thy feares at any time bin idle name what thou mean'st Od. First draw your sword then promise you will heare me out ere you make use of it for I shall move you highly the sore I come to launch is too much festerd to be cur'd with flatterie Mel. Ti 's strange I promise thee how is my honour tainted or my state in danger Od. I should not neede to let you see the perill and dishonor that attends your too much Love I dare not call it dotage on Despina if your owne judgment were at libertie that better could informe you Mel. Traitor thou canst not speake eternally then I shall be reveng'd for blasphemie and breake no oath Can love to her be dotage Od. Consider Sir what you have lost by loving her oh could you see but you are hood winck'd by your lust from what a pitch of honour you are faln you would finde that word too little to expresse it consider what you were at taking of the city to you accurst though gotten by a glorious victory all neighbour Princes fear'd you so as does the lesser hawke the Kingly Eagle when he takes his flight no one durst keep the skies to search a prey but glad to flag their fearfull wings
other beauties and when you have beheld her outward forme know that her mind as farr exceeds that as the soul is more worthy then the body which does indeed admit of no comparison Haly. She is more excellent then can be spoke and all that should but taxe you if you should even adore her deserve death for their grosse ignorance 1. Cap. Haly hath spoke what all confesse and we have too unjustly murmur'd at your pleasures 2 Cap. No man could go abroad to War that might enjoy such happiness in peace Haly. Who would not for her sake neglect even heaven it selfe Mel. Unto her excellence add the consideration of the difficulty I had in obtaining her which ties mans nature faster to the object 1 Cap. We all acknowledge that your joyes are infinite in her and that it lyes not in the power of man to quit such happiness Mel. To make you know the difference then twixt you and me and that I value the good of you my subjects and my honour far above fading pleasures be this my witness thus cut I from my selfe such a content that Mortals nere enjoy'd Des Oh me my fault lay in my blood let that expiate my sin against heaven mercy mercy Om. Oh crueltie Od. An act noble above example yet it moves my pitty this was no end of mine heaven knowes Mel. Now by this act judge whether your Emperour be able to governe his passions or no when they oppose themselves against his honour and that you may know that pleasure hath not chang'd my nature prepare for war and what the neighbour Princes whilest we slept by stealth obtain'd By force which interest back shall be regain'd See the body noblie intumb'd I dare not view it Exit Od. Now Haly was not this unlook'd for Exit Haly. Yes Odmer on the first opportunity we are lost else Exit 1 Cap. It must be so this act will gaine the people 2 Cap. It must be so Enter Osmond Osm What meant the Emperour to send me from this meeting on such a sleevless errand ha what bloody object is this I hope I dreame if not may I be blind for ever 't is she which of the gods fearing to be transplanted by her greater excellence hath done this no mortall man durst or could have the heart to execute such mischief lay down the sacred load and let me know the bloody villaine art thou gon say whose hand was it that let out her pure soul at these grim wounds and in the bloody act parted more excellence then ere shall meet again 1. Sol. One that dares justifie it Osm Villaine thou liest hee dares not though thou and all thy generation should assist him who wast 1. Sol. I am a soldier take your lie againe for know it was Melcoshus Osm Slave dost thou mock my griefes 2. Sol. Hold noble Osmond and know we manifest our love unto your virtues in forbearing to cut you all in peices for daring to offer this violence for by the honor of soldiers he tells you truth the Emperour with his owne hands here perform'd it before all chiefe commanders with an intent I thinke to get againe the soldiers love which he had lost by her Os I do confesse my rashnes let my cause of rage excuse it the Emperour do it say you it is impossible now by Mahomet you are all traitours and by some bloody statesmen are subornd to do this wickednes and being found to save your guilty selves from justice you lay it on the Emperour you might as well make me beleeve that he had pull'd his eies out or his heart for shee was far more deere and therefore He deferre revenge no longer Enter a Captaine 2. Sold. Wound him not onely defend your selves hee s mad with passion Cap. Hold noble friend what meanes this Osm These villaines here have kill'd the Emperours Mistris and would escape by laying it on him when he when he shall know it once will wish no longer life Capt. Pacifie your rage and heare mee by Mahomet what you have heard is truth and never was there act gain'd more applause amongst the old souldiers whose loss of blood hath quite extinguished the desire of women but for my part me thought though it be brave in the consideration yet it was a horrid spectacle to see Osm I st even so then had he tane a surfet by being too happie Capt. No sure he lov'd her when he kill'd her Osm Shall I die with thee my deer sister for so it was thy will I should esteeme thee oh looke upon this face and tell me if there remain'd the least spark of humanity in him that could but once have said that shee should thus be murderd what was he then that could himselfe perform it horrid horrid deed shee in whose armes he slept the night before and had no doubt more joyes then tounges can utter but if there be those Gods which punish villainies he may hereafter pay for 't Capt. Osmond this ill becomes your dutie which hitherto hath led the way even to the forwardest in zeale Osm Why friend I speake not of Melcoshus he could not do it some furie enterd him Capt. Sir I love you so well that I dare not stay to heare you beare off the body Exit Osm Oh stay good souldiers let me take my last leave what shall I say shee cannot answer it may be her faire Soul hovers about to see how they will use her deere Companion if so oh let it heare my vow by Mahomet and all the powers of heaven I swear with speed to be reveng'd upon thy cruell murderer all his brave former acts are by thy innocent blood washt from my remembrance for his love to me and paiment of my dutie they in it are cancelld I was not more his slave then he was thine confirm'd with many thousand oathes and most unjustly he hath not onely broke those bands but with thy deere blood died his villainie in grain so that they cannot change their horrid colour in my memorie till I take equall vengeance but I must needes come short both that I am by his example taught and that I shall but kill a murderer when thou diedst innocent 1. Sol. Wee in this stay hazzard our lives Osm I have done now let me after death do that which love and duty to Melcoshus whilst shee liv'd would never suffer me these pale cold lips have yet the power to make me burne in revenge and these deere eies sometimes the maister peece of nature can yet command me to extinguish their extinguisher Now soldiers take her hence and I will beare you company to see her buried the passion I have shewed you may excuse since all know I did first present her to Melcoshus for which of you that had but given a horse or dog excellent in their kinde and seeing it at first as it deserv'd lov'd and cherisht by him that did receave it and after thus us'd without a