from her hand this pretious gift bestow Sprung from the tree whence grew her sacred bow On which with finest silk my Nymphs have wove The wondrous story of thy streams and love Puts on a Chaplet Areth. This grace lov'd Goddess I must ever own While Arethusa by that name is known But if I may thy Deity intreat I 'd gladly yet with my Alpheus meet Dian. Thrice beauteous Nymph thou su'st I fear in vain But for thy merit if I can obtain Or Cynthia's aid can help she shall convey His gentle current where thy stream has way Enter Thetis attended with several Sea-Nymphs Omnes For which let 's all Diana's praises sing Dian. Stay Nymphs here comes the Queen to Seas great King Thet. Chast Goddess I am come to let thee know What to thy Graces Neptunes Queen does owe And for this Nymph the honour of all floods As these with thee make sacred groves and woods For which to speak my thanks I 'd gladly tread The stately Chorus thy bright self does lead Dian. Great Thetis know no footsteps ever joyn'd With me a Chorus but bear souls refin'd For which I have deny'd some gods of late Said to have fell from their celestial state Thet. I once gave ear unto such tales like thee But prov'd it soon my vain credulity Nor on my waves did then rough Boreas blow But I my Nymphs hid in deep Cells below Since fame had told his strong arms did embrace The fair Orithia snatch't o're Seas to Thrace Dian. Nor was it Thetis truth Achilles came From great Peleus and thy own soft flame Thet. Such stories may relate as much of thee Which tell the Moons sublime Divinity Though thy chast brows her Heavenly figure wear Did for Endymions love forsake her sphear While such like Tales the guilty Poets sing To feign their Hero's from the Gods did spring Dian. Queen of the Seas my censure was too free 'T were sin to doubt truth in a Deity Nor will I think that Goddess e're did burn In such frail humane flames my chast thoughts mourn But now behold with me this mortal Throne Merits from our immortal powers renown Thet. I do embrace the motion since here 's seen A Throne as bright as each of us sate Queen May Love there find serenest calms their days Such as my Halcyons chuse that breed on Seas Areth. Or as my streams no mingl'd currents own So let their Loves be undivided known Eccho May Cupid else for ever loose his Bow Omn. And for Loves Goddess none his Mother know Thet. To honour whom thy best known Chorus lead And with the Oceans race like steps I 'le tread Dan. Then Nymphs express with mine your measures powers As when we dance on tender grass and flowers Leaving no signs our nimble footsteps show Or as on Mountains tops we tread on snow They Dance Enter Cupid Thet. Cupid art thou come hither Cup. I flew this way To meet my Mother is she amongst ye pray Dian. Away thou amorous toy dar'st thou be here Where I to honour constant Love appear Cup. I have a shaft here left within a Heart I 'd fain withdraw Dian. No more vile Boy depart Thy Mothers Arts and thine I too well know Cup. Then see I flye with an unbended Bow Ex. Cupid Dian. Thetis farewel I 'le to my Woods resort Thet. But e're I hence return to Neptunes Court Let 's yet more honour Arethusa's name Dian. This night I bathe my self in her clear stream Thet. Where I 'le attend thee with my watry race And Nymphs whose Songs shall there thy Chorus grace Areth. For which my fountains clearest springs shall flow Eccho And my best Eccho's voice pay duty too Dian. Till when farewel Seas Queen Thet. Goddess adieu Exeunt Masques Tysam. It seems a Moral Par. And meant of constancy I gave the Argument my self Tysam. Most fit To entertain thy Vertue What sight is that Enter Statyra Tox. The King seems troubl'd Bass. My heart misgives me this is she Par. How does my Love Tysam. Your leave a while Can'st thou forgive me fair Statyra Goes aside to Statyra Stat. And wish you happy in your royal choice She is a Princess far above my merit Enough that I have seen your face and dye Tysam. Thou had'st my promise first Heaven is my witness And give me but thy leave to expiate My crime in due expression of my penitence By some act unthought of if possible To win thy Loves forgiveness Stat. 'T is needless Your leave that I return I 'le not ask So much as a farewel kiss Tysam. I must oblige a while thy stay Bassanes Wait this Lady to my Garden lodgings With all observance Bass. I shall Sir Ex. Bassanes and Statyra Tysam. The ambition to possess a Crown has had too much The better of my Conscience Come Parisatis Goes to Paris Par. Your looks seem troubl'd Tysam. A trivial thought I 'm moving from my heart Par. From mine I 'm sure your love shall never part Exeunt Omnes ACT II. SCENE I. Enter Eumenes and Draxanes Eumen. IT seems the Ladies had but small success In their Petition Drax. And yet they urg'd things Home and unhappily Eumen. Women ne're want zeal feldom wit To perfect their desires but men have here So long had the Lee-ward point of love as They must be content with the Weather Gage Which casts not a few on the rocks of Wedlock Drax. For my part I could wish that Nature had Taken some other way for the procreation Of mankind since both Sexes have so much ado To agree of the means But we are Souldiers Eum. And therefore have the less reason to blame Our Countries freedom since 't is odds but we Take as much if we make a true Muster Of our Mistresses Drax. But the Queens opposing This desire seem'd to many unexpected Eum. 'T was to oblige the King no doubt and by The prerogative of her vertues live Above the Law or whatsoe're could give a fate To her enjoyment Drax. He 's now more absolute Then e're was Soveraign that reign'd But in the right of Queen His Creatures Dignify'd in Court and Camp that almost 'T is within his Will to rule alone should He be guilty of that vile ambition Eum. She has exprest in every act a kindness Most unparallel'd Drax. I wish their Loves a peaceful happiness Eum. 'T was hop'd she might have respected our General Bassanes in her choice a Prince Of Scythia's Royal blood and favour'd In this Nation with an interest equal To his birth Drax. But he it seems as much in love With Mars or paying duties to her service In the field ne're rais'd his thoughts and merit To that fair ambition Eum. We are his Creatures And have serv'd his dangers Enter Toxaris Alvanes and Araxis Tox. Save ye Gentlemen Your general thanks to his vertues has given Our Crown at once both peace and victory Drax. His conduct did deserve no less Alv. Had his return been sooner
victory thou know'st I have been a most submissive Husband Melv. You 'l soon know my conditions Andr. And if they prove but gentle I am conquer'd happily 1 Lad. You will not leave our Camp presently Clar. Not till the issue of this day be past 2 Lad. If you doubt obedience from your Husbands Command a Guard from us Fosc. By no means Ladies We acknowledge an absolute Conquest Melv. Otherwise you know our Commission Clar. Your servant fair noble Warriours Ex. Fosc. Clar. Andr. Melv. 1 Lad. The Queen Enter Mandana with Cydane and Renone Mand. You have taken those fierce Militants That did attempt to force their safeties In despight of our bold powers 2 Lad. We have most Royal Madam And in obedience to your great commands Have gratify'd two Ladies of the Enemies part By surrendring of their Husbands to their wills Mand. I am glad my victory Does give my name a Trophy in the Obligation of my Sex these men we war Have too injurious treated But where 's The Prince Bassanes their General 1 Lad. He forc'd his bold escape if not drown'd In passing of the Volga Mand. We could have Been content to have seen him made our Captive Renon And must have added Glory to your Victory Cyd. He much exprest himself your great Admirer Enter Messenger Mess. Glad tidings mighty Queen the King and all His power is now surrender'd to your General Mand. I knew the streight we had reduc'd 'em to Would soon compel 'em And where 's his fair Persian Mistress Statyra Mess. She is besides some Pris'ners of note Guarded by the valiant Moor. Mand. This Crowns our Conquest Enter Daranthe and Parisatis with Tysamnes and Statyra Araxis Toxaris and Alvanes Daranthe I must praise thy valour And all you my Women Souldiers For this glorious day Daran We are honour'd that our duties Serv'd your Greatness Mand. But thine my valiant Moor that gives Such noble emulation in thy worthy Deeds To all I know not how enough to magnifie But soon will raise thy merit to some higher Trust shall speak our great esteem both of thy Valour and fidelity Par. You oblige the humblest of your Servants Mand. The King 's a gracious person Looking on Tysam. Par. I fear too taking Mand. Now Mighty Sir Tysam. Your pleasure Madam Mand. Is it not just that I who am the Mighty Warriour in my Sexes Cause Should frown thee dead Tysam. You cannot look me out of life nor would I turn my head aside though every beam Of yours were Darts of Basilisks that dare Behold you thus Mand. You are resolute I find And would to Heaven your Queen were yet in being That she might witness my concern in her Fair Cause or from my power Ask thee her Sacrifice Since thou hast been so much her Tyrant Lover Tysam. My ingratitude to her great vertue I acknowledge though I meet all your rage In pouring of revenge for her sake on my head And since she is no more for which Heaven knows How true I grieve I would not live but for This Ladies sake Looking on Statyra Mand. Your new made Mistress Tysam. And just possessor of my heart Mand. She has strange fascination in her eyes For which Aside Stat. If you pronounce me guilty speak my death Nay I 'le intreat it at your hand as royal mercy So you 'l spare the King For whose great safety Had I many thousand lives I 'd humbly Lay them as my offering at your feet Daran This Lady has a noble soul. Par. Too much the Kings I fear Aside Mand. I have cause enough to bid thee dye But will not cloud the glory of this day With Womans death and wer 't not for a sacred Resolution of my soul perhaps would grant Thy Loves enjoyment but I have now decreed Tysam. If death I am ready to embrace it Stat. Oh speak some milder Accent what can Become a Womans soul like yours so much As gracious mercy Mand. My resolution 's fixt irrevocable As when by Heaven's o're-ruling will we guide Our Justice for know Tysamnes I have vow'd Thy life a glorious victim of my Conquest Nor has it been unusual in the Wars we make For such a day as this to grace our Altars With the best of Captives of which I judge None worthy like thy self Stat. You will not be divinely cruel Mand. I 'le hear no more Zeriffa take these pris'ners to thy custody Thy Complexion is most fit to serve this Trust And be sure you have a watchful eye Upon this Lady the rest perhaps Shall find our mercy Par. I joy this trust Tysam. Grieve not Statyra since I dye thy Lover Stat. And might I bleed upon the Altar with you 'T were then my Loves true Sacrifice Mand. Thus far this day propitious does appear But from the end great Acts their Crowns must wear Ex. Omnes ACT V. SCENE I. Enter Mandana and Parisatis Mand. HOw bears Tysamnes his restraint and our Declar'd resolves I know they needs Must bow his lofty heart Par. As unconcern'd as Infants sleep Or as the Man you 'd chuse the object of Your mercy ought to be nay more Mand. What means that more Par. You are a Woman Mand. But a Conquerour Par. Had I like power Mand. What then Par. I 'd bid him live at least Mand. Thou would'st not have me love him Par. No by my life Though 't were a gracious Act to Heaven if you Vouchsafe him mercy since he 's oblig'd to fair Statyra's Love you else will kill two hearts at once Mand. Away with this fond pity I have fix't my Justice Par. Your pleasure Madam Mand. Bring forth the King I 'le make him know it Par. I am all confusion Ex. Parisatis Mand. This Moor is brave and loyal my Mother once Had such a Lady near her person she Would commend above what Faith can reach Enter Parisatis with Tysamnes Zeriffa admit none to our presence Par. I shall not but by your leave Queen Will here observe Pvr. Stands aside Mand. I hear Tysamnes You contemn the vow I 've made Nor does my eye Discern other then pleasing calms upon The brow you seem to wear Tysam. Such as become a King And every vulgar man when made a Sacrifice To womans passion Mand. Take heed Sir how You entertain a Summer in your hopes Or slight the Justice I decree Tysam. What mean you Madam Alas I look'd to meet the Miter'd Priest The Altar fixt where I should bleed your Victim And if you superscribe it With my crimes of Love Which caus'd at once my Parisatis death And fair Statyra's tears I 'le call it justice And due expiation of my sins to Heaven Mand. I 'le soon my self convey you to the Altar I intend Par. What means the Queen Aside Mand. Or say I bid thee live Tysam. 'T were then a mercy greater then I crave Or merit Mand. I 'd have thee judge it more Par. 'T is love most certain Aside Mand. What think you of this
twine To make one Excellence Stat. What providence has Blest me with this Advocate Renon I have seen a face resembles that Pulls off his Beard and Patches Daran The Queen a little alters Mand. It must be he Bass. Behold then Royal Madam this face Made but my own dark copy by disguise Thus clear'd to own it 's just original Mand. Bassanes living Bass. In which I wear A mirror of my heart that does without A flattery express a Soul that highly Honours yours though it has seem'd divested Of those Charms in making this reflection On your justice which here is one most Powerful to incline To Parisatis Enter Parisatis attended by Clarina and Melvissa Mand. What is this Lady Cyd. The Queen Parisatis Madam Mand. It cannot be A meer imposture to abuse me Renon We must avow 't is she Mand. I am all wonder Stat. And I no less rejoyce to see you live I hope you 'l pardon that I claim'd an interest In your Kings affection when 't was assur'd You had no Being in the world Par. And I more humbly beg one here Nor shall it e're be told that Parisatis Walk'd in that dark Cloud though it vail'd her Actings for preservation of the life and love Of her Tysamnes to live your trust abus'd Without a pardon from your lips Daran This Woman 's brave Par. Nor shall you loose besides One fruit of victory Mand. You were the Moor then Par. The same most Royal Madam And if you are my Subjects prostrate Your selves and swords with me at these Majestick feet Kneels Mand. This is a Conquest happier then all Nor shall e're Woman boast she had the better Of Mandana's honour Madam you have Forgiveness take up your weapons worthy Souldiers To Parisatis Bass. You are highly gracious Mand. Where is the King Par. 'T was but given out he had escap'd Mand. Bassanes you 'l attend him to us Enter Tysamnes whispering Bassanes Foscaris Andr. Tox. Alv. Arax Drax. Eumenes Tysam. Do I then live to be thus happy in Your grace and pardon Mand. Your Queen has conquer'd me Tysamnes After the power of your Arms was made My valour's glory nor did the darts of Love Which I confess made some impression here Pointing to her breast Leave wounds but to be heal'd more happily I vow'd you Sir to love Par. No change I hope Aside Mand. And thus will make your offering here She is a Jewel of a Crown indeed Presents him to the Queen Tysam. I take her on my knees She is too great a blessing thus restor'd Kneels To my embrace to be with less devotion own'd From Heaven imploring as I kneel thy pardon Par. You have it Sir though not a gift where you Command a duty which when most passive In a Wife does but refine the gold of Vertue Tysam. Why didst thou take this Cloud Par. To dye unknown or serve your safety Daran A most heroick constancy Tysam. Thy vertue 's richer Then the world 's vast globe were it Converted to one purest Diamond Mand. And does as far exceed what story can relate Tysam. But I have yet a load of mercy here To beg my crime of Love to thee Statyra Which else must cloud this day of comforts And bring eternal night upon my soul. Stat. Though I have lost an expectation of My greatest bliss in your enjoyment That in warm sighs might soon dissolve A Virgins heart like mine yet I can feel No want of happiness since I behold Your Souls that have already mingl'd joys Meet thus and kiss each other Tysam. Heaven must reward thy goodness Par. And my for ever obligation Mand. This days example gives to Love Such brave repute that I who both have fought And men commanded could even yield To hold my Scepter from obedience Tysam. Here is a Prince within your eye I hope More near your heart that might deserve To rule a Throne like yours Mand. I know him noble Bass. And one most Royal Madam that owns A soul you have an interest to command E're since I first beheld the glory of your charms Pardon me I now avow it that rather To express my wonder of your vertue Should by an humble distance still admire Mand. 'T is in my power to bring you nearer Bassanes is a Prince may well become An Empress of the world 's great choice and were Mandana such she would not think her Love Or Greatness stoop'd to match with thine Bass. You make me more then happy Mand. And I that honour Arms and thy fam'd Deeds In War will call it noblest triumph To yield thy Love a victory o're mine Bass. This bounty stream's so powerful on my heart That I may fear it's guide in such a Sea Of joys you bring Mand. I am yours for ever dear Bassanes Drax. This day surpasses wonder Fosc. I knew it must conclude with some Extraordinary Love-miracle besides my own Aside Mand. Daranthe we must now no more make war I have match'd a Souldier Bass. One that will live and dye your just admirer Mand. And Women here divest Your selves of Arms with me They take off their Arms. Dar. Ren. Cyd. We all obey your Majesty Mand. And let your conquests henceforth be to love And give Men sole supremacy I hope our Kingdoms shall unite in making To Tysamnes Laws may fit each Sexes duty Tysam. I am oblig'd for Parisatis sake To make Decrees no arbitrary will Of man shall henceforth e're reject a Wife Mand. Our Crowns will have a blessed union then What pattern shall we take Tysam. Such as the world With best consent does practise Bass. Or what 's most Laudable the form of happy England Mand. It has been most approv'd Par. Now Ladies you are all well pleas'd to see This peace that smiles upon your Loves and gives Both Sexes with our Crowns such happiness Clar. A welcom joy Melv. We now can call our Husbands Ours by lawful duty Andr. I am glad to hear that word Fosc. And I to be secur'd thus I was in no small Apprehension this female victory Might have imporw'd them to part with us What a mockery of Love's Magick had I been then Mand. My Warriours you will all take Husbands now Here are men fit to match your spirits Daran Your great example must invite it Tysam. What shall this day do for thee fair Statyra The bounty of thy soul deserves a recompence Above what tongue can speak that spreads A volume of thy goodness fit only For the eye of Heaven to read Stat. And thither I 'le devote my love Though while I live no day shall pass without A contemplation of your happiness Mand. You will not soon depart Par. For Parisatis sake you must not Stat. 'T is my ambition first to fill an humble place In your bright train of triumphs Tysam. For which thou dost deserve a Chariot Of Celestial substance Mov'd by the wings of Seraphims And every Virgin of most noble soul Attending thee with Songs of Raptures The Muses as fair-Hand-maids to thy vertue Their best of Poets should inspire Stat. You too much honour my small merits Bass. This day does claim a glory from your worth And next my just devotion here my heart To Mandana Shall keep an Altar sacred to Parisatis Constant love and praise with yours Stat. And mine no less Shall speak Bassane's fame Par. I 'le be your Rival Madam there That am oblig'd unto this noble Prince To Bassanes By highest gratitude Tysam. And I above expression thine To Bassanes Mand. Tysamnes with your Queen must lead The way unto our joys And Women hence from us this pattern take Love and obedience your best conquests make Ex. Omnes Epilogue Spoken by the Queen of Amazon WE Amazons did here unconquer'd yield And nobly too when Love had gain'd the Field Against whose Darts what Woman wears ashield This War our Poet taught us by his Pen But 't was to be such Conqueresses then As you ought Ladies when you Captive Men. Nor will we doubt if you protect our fear Though gainst our Gonquest Criticks shall make War Such Foes no Amazons e're met with here Besides the stratagems you Gallants know Our Plays defeat and worse our Women too A Miss that 's fine we cannot keep for you Then Gentlemen since Love is much your way Be well advis'd how y' are unkind to day Lest we defie all such who damn our Play Our Poet needs not apprehend what right You Wits will do him or your factions spite That 's their concern who do for Money write But with the Actors you may deal far worse For if you damn this Play 't is half their Curse Considering how its charge has plagu'd their Purse Which if you do I 'le tell you what they say They 'l venture no more cost upon a Play You shill have Parce good store a cheaper way FINIS
perhaps ' thad Given some stay to the Queens Marriage But that 's between our selves Eum. The news surpriz'd him We must witness as one was scarce consulted In that action Alv. She was a little hasty in her choice Arax Though in her King she seems to summe such joys As if she 'd vye with Angels as she shines Espous'd on earth to his affection Tox. Nor does the face o' th Court sometimes the glass Of Princes discover ought save joys and smiles A sign to us Courtiers the Throne 's no less serene Eum. But in the midst of these methought the King Appear'd disturb'd at the presence of a Stranger Lady Arax But that soon vanish'd Eum. Time will discover more Alv. This day Mandana's Embassy is expected 't is said they are Women Arax Perhaps to complement our Queens Marriage Or make some league betwixt their Amazonian State and us Eum. But say they should provoke us To a War we must bring strange arms into The Field to have the better of this Generation That dare fight with men Drax. I could methinks ee'n wish a War To see how these she Militants would Behave themselves a home-charge with such Troops Were winning of a field indeed Gentlemen Enter Bassanes and Statyra Eum. Here comes the General and that Lady I spake of Arax She 's wondrous fair Alv. May her beams give no dazle To our Kings affection methought she mov'd Him strangely Tox. Our way lies this way to the Court Ex. Tax Alv. Arax Drax. And our's here Ex. Drax. and Eumen. Bass. Madam you highly honour me In this discovery from which I find Your name and birth illustrious as Persia knows Stat. The acquaintance Sir I was oblig'd to make you Since here my stay upon the Kings command Might else have stain'd the honour of my blood With such a character as curious eyes in Courts Are but too apt to give the least of favours That a Prince Vouchsafes a Lady Bass. You are wise And noble and give me your fair leave To ask a question my intelligence Assur'd me most undoubted Stat. If it be truth My Soul dares not deny it Bass. Then thus most noble Lady Did not the King once love you Stat. I did not think Heaven had reveal'd what I had thought a secret Aside To his heart and mine suppose he did and yet I blush to charge him with a guilty truth Bass. It was my apprehension Stat. And since 't is made your knowledge I must further say My wrongs are fit to be convey'd as far As the world has bounds or fame can stretch Her wings to bear e'm BÃ ss I fear too sadly Aside But should you own this claim to his affection now Stat. My love 's a truth too dear to smother nor Did I come but arm'd with resolutions Worthy of my Soul And 't is my highest service To his Queen whose vertues I much honour If I reveal to her my claim and thence Mark out her dangers in this man of falshood She enjoys Bass. I know you would not charge Him with this crime on purpose to create Repentance or if you did who knows What were your dangers I speak it not to Fright you Madam that here must look like some Prodigious Star on a great King made now So fully happy in the bed and glories of a Queen Which how he will resent Stat. Let it be death 't is welcom from him Bass. Heaven avert it Madam yet 't is not safe To tempt a passion past recall though I Want not a pity to your vertue Stat. I thank your goodness Bass. Or say you could attract his past affection And in each beam of yours more deeply wound His heart then ever as you have all things Summ'd at Natures dearest cost that can Inrich a Beauty were it not glory To recede from such a Conquest Stat. Your Counsel's noble I confess Bass. Besides we have a custom here that does Impower each common man to loose the very Gordian knot of love in marriage That other Countries hold inviolate What may then a King do to enjoy So bright a Mistress as your self Stat. I find the World in this degenerate Faithless age of man has yet one Worthy left Aside Know then most noble Prince your Counsel does Conspire with the honour of Statyra's heart And though I had a more superiour title To the Kings affection then the Queen can claim Though made his Consort yet I for her sake now Forgive his breach of Faith nay more if 't were Requir'd would freely give my life to see Their Loves most happy Bass. Give me the honour Of your hand to pay my humble adoration Of this vertue Stat. My stay shall not be longer here Then taking leave becomes me of the King Bass. 'T will speak your worth Enter Tysamnes The King your pardon Madam Ex. Bassanes Tysam. Statyra how dost thou like thy welcom In our Court Stat. As more then I intended to receive Tysam. Thou can'st not soon be weary Of these shades and pleasant walks where Nightingales will meet and sing New ravishments to entertain thy beauties More glad to welcom thy appearance then The morning joys or evenings splendor that Invites their rest I think thou might'st be well Content to live here still Stat. My honour is no child To be deluded with such toys though gay As Paradise when first it's sweetness bloom'd While but a thought of crime does ripen near me Tysam. Thou shal't be here as innocent as flowers That yield their smiles unto the distant Sun You 'l grant me sure so much Statyra Stat. I 'le rather welcom death then yield to stay A minute longer near your person Tysam. I know thou art not so unkind Stat. Alas I came without design of love Though once your lover Tysam. Statyra hold go not Too far in goodness lest Heaven to surprise My wonder take thee hence and place thee there A Star or make me fall I know not whither Stat. I have done Sir nor shall my presence give you More concern or further accent repetition Of your sin to Heaven and me that in despight Of all the darts of Love so late my wound Can with this smiling ease and calm of soul Bid you farewel for ever She offers to go the King stays her Tysam. You must not Shall not leave me thus Stat. You will not Sir detain me Here by force what will your Court then whisper Or the bolder world convey to both our infamies Enter Parisatis I hope I have made enough expression Of my affection Par. What do I hear Tysam. 'T is but to give thee more assurance Of my love for which I dare adventure Life and Crown Par. That word oh my heart Aside Stat. Then know who 't is you stay And thus dare frown upon your will Tysam. How 's this Stat. And what I thought this breast should have conceal'd I 'le utter with a boldness does become my honour And when you know it you 'l perhaps as soon
like Artifice on my father For securities sake yet lov'd him dearly Clar. You have given good proof in your own And for mine I believe he feels love In every fiber of his heart kneels to Adore me compares me to Stars and Vows that I am more fair then ever Oh what a kissing time shall I have on 't If he and I meet in embrace again Melv. Tantalize him well first Clar. But to say truth I long my self and would willingly be you guess Enter Foscaris Melv. He comes withdraw a while Ex. Clarina Fosc. Oh Madam you Have given me a present has had such Powerful operation on me Melv. By this time You well understand the meaning on 't I assure my self Fosc. 'T is love Madam in extremity Melv. Did I not tell you so Fosc. I thought I had hit your sense To a hair indeed while I conceiv'd you As Gentlemen should a Lady in the like case Meiv It means as good a thing I can assure you Fosc. But I am doting on my Wife again And must in spight of flesh and blood woo her ' Twice over Melv. There 't is Alas good Sir who could Have thought it in a man of your temper Fosc. That same bewitching Bracelet you gave me Which I am fain to kiss thus reverently Most minutes of the day nay sometimes pray to 't I can't blame your Husband For being such a strict Amorist he Has had his philter I suppose Melv. I never found it needful if I had Perhaps I should have endeavour'd much To preserve his love Fosc. There 's not a hair On thy head but I dare say can do more Then all the Charms of Medea Melv. Excuse me Sir Fosc. I should be loth to prove you guilty of Magick though 't is certain Melv. Proceed good Sir And accuse me because Heaven has brought Your affection back again to your Lady 'T is odds but I shall answer it Fosc. Well since 't is thus I forgive thee and as you are a Woman Speak a good word for me Enter Clarina Melv. That I assure you And perhaps have taken more care for you Then you can imagine here she comes Apply your self first Ex. Melvissa Fosc. And are we met thus Clar. If not happily you may remove me With the least breath of yours Fosc. Nay prethee stay I love strangely to look on thee O that Eye of thine Clar. And this Cheek this Lip some think not ill So often tasted by you with other amorous Passages of ours does this remembrance please you Fosc. To miracle Clar. And do you truly repent My desertion as you protested to me you did Fosc. From the very bottom of my belly sweetest Clar. Had you said your heart perhaps I had Took your word and consented to have met Your desires on honourable terms Fosc. This may be a device to bring my passion To some further mockery these she Serpents Want no wiles I 'le try whether or no I can dissemble mine though against the Power of Magick Clar. You dare trust my Love Fosc. I could find in my heart Clar. You seem'd of late To adore me so strangely that I am oblig'd To take pity of you now for fear of your wits Fosc. 'T is certain she mocks me Aside I confess I felt a kind flame or so But I did not intend to keep a perpetual Etna in my bosom or such a Fevour Of Love that will only admit of one Julip Clar. Melvissa's Arts do fail I fear Fosc. Besides you Women are such nice things To handle and as the world runs now Have such superlative devices Clar. I can forgive you truly by this Points to his Picture by her side Image which ne're can hang too near my heart Fosc. My Picture still there better and better Aside As sure as I live she 's charm'd too Melvissa I remember told me that she had done Something extraordinary for me I may Dissemble safely and if need were make her Long as much for me now what a rare turn Of Love would that be Clar. You then continue cruel still Fosc. Alas my pretty fondling I know thou Wer't ever kind and tender but to say truth I did but counterfeit my passion a little To comply with thine and gave out I had Receiv'd I know not what charms of Venus Supposing thou had'st more wit then to believe Such wonders Clar. Is 't possible Fosc. Alas what Could'st thou expect from a man of my complexion Clar. I 'le try my own Art a little then Aside Oh my Foscaris behold I dye to shew Thee thy ingratitude She makes as if she swounded Enter Melvissa Fosc. Help help help my dearest thing of life I love thee most outragiously Clar. Are you in earnest Fosc. Alas I could even eat thee to express it Clar. May I confide Fosc. Besides I 'le tell thee more I am charm'd to that purpose Behold this Bracelet there 's ten thousand Spirits of Cupid in it Clar. May I be certain ha ha ha Fosc. I 'le swear it by a thousand Stars Clar. Ha ha ha Fosc. By this good light she jeers me Melv. And acts her part unto my wish Clar. Some other time you and I will dispute terms Ex. Clar. Fosc. Oh my folly Melv. If you want an Advocate Yet command me in the mean time I hope You 'l make much of your favour and so adieu Ex. Melv. Enter Andrages Fosc. If I am not put in a Ballad or Lampoon'd By some Scurrilous Poet before to morrow This time there is no mischief in being a Subject of ridiculous wonder Andr. What 's the matter Fosc. Ask me no questions Andr. But I could tell thee Such a story of my Rancounters Fosc. But pronounce not the name of Wife Andr. I 'le tell thee news then 't is said we shall have Wars with our Amazon neighbours Fosc. Let it come I have quarrel enough to the whole Sex For the sake of one Andr. But if they have many Such Pentheselea's amongst 'em as my Wife We are beaten into corners Fosc. I am for any thing that 's desperate And if I do not cut as many of 'em Off at the waste to be reveng'd of this Evil Genius of mine let me dye By their Bodkins Exeunt Enter Tysamnes Alvanes Araxis Draxanes Eumenes and others Tysam. Call in the Embassadresses Ex. Eum. Drax. Enter Bassanes with Renone and Cydane Here are our Letters to your Queen We hear her Army Is advanc'd near upon our Confines Renon But first by us denounces War Who scorns to gain a foot of earth but what Her Sword shall fairly win Tysam. We 'll soon prepare to meet her Cydan And thus we take our leaves King whispers Alv. Arax Bassanes to the Embassadresses aside I hope your Queen whose most Illustrious Person I admire will grant me pardon Aside If in my Countries Cause I serve a Souldier Renon She honours worth in all amongst whom Your vertues have no small effects Acknowledg'd by the world A worthy
with a brisk assault Tysam. Be it thy command Foscaris Andrages Draxanes and Eumenes be you assisting In this enterprise with such Troops you lead Omn. To our utmost Royal Sir Bass. And hope I shall soon give your Majesty A good account of this attempt Madam I have your happy wish Stat. And more my Prayers for your safety Tysam. The other wing my worthy Chiefs I 'le lead To assist your valours Omn. We all are ready with our Duties Tysam. And if our Swords cannot yet subdue these Women Warriours let them triumph And tell Dame Nature 'T was her fond erroneous act Entituled Man Superiour Stat. Consider Sir For my sake as you love Statyra's being That have no small concern in every danger Threatens you Tysam. 'T is for thy sake I 'de only live To crown this day with victory Stat. 'T were too much hazard for my Love Tysam. Thou would'st not have me tamely gaze upon These Foes and see thee pine for food Or yield our selves to this imperious womans will That may perhaps give Laws unwelcom to Our Loves or take thy Beauty Captive for Her slavish Handmaid whom but to circle thus Is joy to me above the world and conquest Stat. Admit I intercede for some fair peace She is a Woman fam'd of Royal worth And cannot be so cruel you express Tysam. I know thou would'st not save my life by Womans mercy besides 't would fright thy gentle Person to behold thy Sex in Armour And their breasts while thine 's Loves tender sphere Inclos'd in Ribs of Steel with one cut off More furiously to wield their Martial Bows With other Warlike horrors to afflict thy eyes Stat. I fear no danger so I serve but yours Tysam. Admit I leave thee in my Tent Attended with my best reserves of Force Enter an Officer What news Officer Your Army Sir is in outragious Mutiny For Bread Alvan I look'd for this Tox. I fear as much the Consequence Tysam. A sign they are sons of Cowardise That cannot take it from their Women-foes Or make them knead us more Officer Your presence Sir may possibly allay Their fierce disorder Tysam. We 'le see who dares not fight Or starve if we command it or else We 'le look e'm dead your hand my dearest This Mutiny we 'le soon compose Exeunt He leads Statyra to his Tent exit with the rest Enter Foscaris Andrages Eumenes and Draxanes disarm'd and led Prisoners by three Amazon Ladies and other Women holding their Spears at ' em Fosc. Nay good Lady Errants some mercy Eum. As we are Souldiers 1 Lady 'T is below our Amazon honour to afford it To such Knights of Chivalry as you are Andr. As we are Gentlemen of good Nature to your Sex Drax. Or as you have had kindness to man Fosc. Or for Loves sake of which I have store at your Service 2 Lady You are Spirits indeed of Cupid Fosc. I am more than an ordinary man that way And have Venus about me in abundance Enter Daranthe 1 Lady Here comes our General 2 Lady We must not further act without her Daran You have done bravely valiant Ladies But where 's their General Bassanes who Forc'd your Squadrons the Queen would have been glad To have led in triumph such a famous Chief 1 Lady He fought his way with many wounds unto the Volga in whose rough streams we judge him drown'd Daran The Queen will give his loss some pity For you Gentlemen who have not been Injurious to our Sex in practising Your Scythian custom the Queen proclaims She 'l think of mercy and for such pris'ners Who have Wives Fosc. What will be our Fate Aside Daran It is her Royal Pleasure They be surrender'd to their wills I must attend and give her notice Of your brave success Ex. Daranthe Fosc. 'T were best to be afore-hand with this Act Of Grace I humbly lay hold on your Queens mercy And. And I Madam Eum. And I. Drax. And I. Enter Melvissa and Clarina 2 Lad. Have none of you Wives in being Gentlemen What say you Sir Fosc. Who I Madam I would not be so unfortunate For a world and would you But espouse us to some of your Masculine Generation we 'd get your Queen such Heroines Melv. Dost hear how abominably these Creatures Of our Loves dissemble To Clar. aside Clar. They are oblig'd it seems to Change the complexion of their hearts Melv. Let it be for life's sake or love's I 'le have My due acknowledgments Andr. Do not own us dear Wives We beseech you Aside Melv. How not own our just proprieties Fosc. As you are Women and have mercy We are coming off and on the fairest terms Heart can wish withdraw awhile And we 'll be with you in a trice and Handle things kindly as men and wives should do Melv. You shall excuse us we 'll reprieve you Our own way now Clar. And for you Sir whose Conversion I hop'd my better stars had wrought Fosc. Alas my sweetest I love thee with a flame As warm as thou can'st wish but was forc'd to Dissemble for some motives of danger Which I know thou l't pardon 1 Lad. 'T is fit we understand Your business Ladies 2 Lad. You are not Spies Melv. By your fair leaves We come to claim a pair of Husbands By vertue of your Queens Proclamation Clar. Of which one of them had the good manners To part with his Wife witness my self Omn. How 's this Andr. What will become of us Fosc. Or me that have provok'd Fate and Woman together Andr. I am like to suffer under both that must again Endure the insupportable and endless Civil war of wedlock Fosc. O the star of Venus has had a strange influence In our Horoscopes there 's no resisting destiny And she the Ascendant Andr. Might I chuse I had rather once more charge the Amazonian Battel and all the Viragoes Of woman-kind together The Ladies compass them in holding their Spears at them Both Lad. Shall we kill e'm to revenge your injuries Clar. By no means we beg their lives Melv. And having thus cull'd out our Cocks I doubt not but we shall manage the game Advantagiously enough 1 Lad. You have e'm at your mercy Clar. Thanks to your Queens Melv. She has mine likewise in abundance Ladies But for you Husbands Fosc. Nay prethee we 'll compose differences as you Drax. Now for our Capitulations Drax. and Eâ—â— Eum. If we do not make fair ones for our selves With such Victors as these We may curse our Nativities Fosc. What terms of composition good sweet Wife Thou know'st I love thee above imagination Clar. Perhaps I may give you fair quarter Fosc. Let it be but in thine and I will dye Upon the spot e're part with thee again I am thine now without a charm Clar. I promise nothing though you see I have took Some pains for your safety Andr. What says my Spouse Melv. 'T is odds she 'll proceed as occasion serves Andr. Be not proud of thy
more then wonder In their soft kind they are refin'd as our Ladies Of the best converse and as modishly witty As any she Platonick living Arax If Venus make no Captives in this shape Of Mars may her Son ne're more wear Quiver Enter Eumenes Eum. Never men enfranchis'd on such terms As we are for which this great and fair Warriour deserves a Jubilee Tox. She 's highly gracious Eum. And like the Sun diffusive in her beams I have been so Caress'd by our fair Conquerours Under several Titles and Commands as if they 'd Invite us shortly to match by Regiments And so at last joyn Armies what a day Of Hymen would that be Alv. Could but our King be freed On royal terms 't would adde yet Glory to this Queens great Acts. Eum. Some did interpret Favourably when she late vow'd him To a sad destiny Arax As how Eum. As men should construe in like case a Womans vow Tox. I am yet to learn there 's nothing but Riddle in the whole Sex Eum. 'T is said that Love 's the Oedipus And has resolv'd it to whose soft Altars She has given the King some beams of invitation Alv. But that may adde unto his greater peril Being so much devoted to Statyra That his heart is Ice to other flame Arax Heaven guide things for the best Tox. Where did you leave Draxanes He shares of this Grace I hope Eum. Yes and is advanc'd to no small favour Tox. Not with the Queen Eum. No but what 's a step to 't He is deep in the Moors I left him in close Conference with her Alv. That Moor carries the stream indeed of Grace Our King committed to her trust with his beauteous Mistriss Arax But what to judge her Eum. She bears a Soul of brightest temperament As if that providence had found a place Elsewhere for her Nativity or as she wore An Ethiops Cloudy Veil from Art not Nature Enter Foscaris leading Clarina and Andrages Melvissa Tox. Foscaris and Andrages come off thus With their Wives this must conclude A strange day of Womans Victory Fosc. I have paid my Arrears Of Love I hope to purpose we are Reconcil'd and have embrac'd and so forth Gentlemen Clar. You have so Fosc. And can bill like Doves now Clar. Not too much I beseech you lest you fall Into a surfeit of Love again too much Of the honey of Wedlock is not good For your palate Eum. We joy your Loves Fosc. If any be unkind henceforth to his Spouse May he suffer my penance there 's some Mystery behind which you shall all know At leisure in the Interim I acknowledge My happiness from you Lady Melv. I am glad it was in my power to serve Your felicity in Clarina's Andr. And I rejoyce a kind Wife too Gentlemen Melv. But take heed you don't presume You know my power when I please Tox. These Women Conquerours are strangely noble Clar. We own our Husbands from their mercy Andr. And we our freedoms Fosc. Souldiers in every vein Gentlemen And can drink a smart health or two as they Discourse of Arms and would they yield Reasonable obedience to mankind I 'd wish You all to match amongst them they 'd spirit Flesh and blood indeed Alv. I long to be doing Arax And I as much Tox. Could but the King come off nobly Fosc. He must if the Queen do not once more Change her vow Alv. No news yet of the General Bassanes Eum. He vanish'd in a storm of darts but what His fate is Heaven knows Enter Draxanes Drax. A word in private Whispers to Eumenes who deliver it to one another Eum. Is 't possible Drax. Rely your faiths on mine Tox. We are confirm'd Melv. You may admit us to Council Wives should partake their Husbands secrets Andr. You shall you shall Fosc. And know we have wondrous things in hand Clar. If honourable I 'le venture all that 's dear To serve it Melv. And I as far engage Fosc. Such as must fill your bosoms full of joy Within more of particulars Ex. Omnes Enter Mandana Daranthe Cydane Renone and others attending Mand. We have given our mercy to the King Daran 'T was gracious like your self Mand. Nor will I blush to own His Graces merit an esteem from us Cyd. The Queen is surely smitten with her great Captive Renon Beyond a doubt Mand. Bring forth the King Cydane Ex. Cydane We 'll treat him nobler yet and make him joy This day of Womens conquest Enter Cydane Cyd. Madam the King 's withdrawn Mand. How Cyd. Or else escap'd Mand. Blister'd be thy tongue That brings such tidings to my heart Where is the Moor Cyd. Not to be found Enter Statyra Mand. Her black Soul shall take a gloomy flight To the other world for this Stat. I answer for her trust Mand. Thy life shall bear hers company Stat. I am glad To yield it up a Victim to your wrath Since that must raise a Trophy to my Love Where every Virgin of a faith like mine Will drop a tear to give my memory A name shall blast the glory of your Conquest Mand. Away with this fond woman it is an Ague To my blood to hear her reason thus As they offer to carry her off Enter Bassanes disguis'd with Foscaris Andrages Drax. Eum. Tox. Alv. Arax and others arm'd Bass. Hold and hear me first Mand. How men in Arms before our presence Have we no Guard there Bass. None but what I have plac'd And were your Women chang'd to Sons of Mars Nay Cadmus fiercer issue joyn'd to them When ripen'd first to horror of mankind As the earth trembling did contain their roots This Sword of mine should mow 'em down To smooth the path I lead Mand. A combination of these humane things So late our Arms reduc'd Methinks they should convert to nothing From a look of mine or I lose Majesty Daran This surprisal was beyond the reach of thought Renon 'T is most ignoble Mand. And thou that seem'st an object Fit to guide such base ingratitude What shall I call thee Traytor Bass. A name that had an honour for your Soul That fill'd no less the world with wonders And lest your Womens frailty should stain The brightness of your noble Deeds I thought it justice to resist your will Though I met Seas of danger in the act Mand. Bold and Impudent Bass. I must be plainer Do you not love the King Mand. Suppose it granted Bass. Heaven does not And think not Madam that my blood Though it bears fire of honour in each vein But 't is as cold to treachery nor does the Cause That I maintain less then command without An arm of force This Lady in her own fair right methinks Should move you To Statyra Stat. May Heaven reward thy vertue Mand. She is the Kings belov'd but I have won Him mine by Arms. Bass. And therefore nobler conquest To subdue your self The Bays you wear In triumph else must wither on your brow Where Majesty and Beauties lustre
even inflict upon the greatest Tox. It seem'd below her Soul and Love to make That caution some wise amongst us wish Bass. Tysamnes marry'd to the Queen if I Aside Forget not I had Advertisement upon his first Arrival at her Court and from a Persian hand Of trust that he there lov'd a Lady nay more Was thought to have assur'd himself to her Eum. The General 's a little discompos'd Drax. Perhaps some discontent relating to the Queens marriage Bass. If this prove true Heaven too soon may frown On all these joys what are these Ladies Enter Melvissa Clarina and four other Ladies each with a Paper in her hands Tox. They are come to wait upon the King and Queen This day of State on some concern of their Sex Bass. T is well Enter Araxis Arax The King and Queen are ready to come forth Alv. We must attend your Lordships pardon Bass. I have some orders to dispatch unto The Camp and then I 'le wait their Majesties Exit Bassanes c. Tox. Alv. Arax another way manent Mel. Clar. and four Ladies Melv. It behoves us now Ladies to weigh the force And effect of those Arguments we have prepar'd To assail so formidable an enemy as Men and Husbands fortify'd With that so invincible Champion Custom I hope you are all well provided 1 Lady Doubt it not Madam women seldom want wit To serve their desires and occasions Melv. Well said pretty one young and forward And for Illustrations and Metaphors of This hainous usage and tyranny of our Matrimonial Lords and Masters such were to be wish'd Are most pathetical and perswasive 1 Lady I have taken mine Madam from The example of Socrates that most grave Philosopher who not only endur'd the ill Humour but the supremacy of his Wife As worthy of imitation Melv. A famous president 2 Lady And I mine Ladies from that most dreadful Story of Andromeda chain'd to a Rock Is it not so my dear Tysamnes Tysam. Thou art above my wishes excellent Arax The Queen exprest her self most nobly Tox. If not too confiding in her choice Clar. We must submit 1 Lady Since there 's no remedy Melv. I 'le serve thee yet Clarina it shall go hard else Enter Bassanes Eumenes and Draxanes Par. Welcom as I can express Bassanes Thy Victories were early here on Rumors wing Which made the grim-look'd Tartars beg a peace From us and next my joys of love completed here To Tys. I must rejoyce thy safe return thou pillar Of thy Country and glory of my Crown To call thee both my Subject and Alliance Bass. My duty is best paid in the performance Of your services which I shall ever study Tysam. Let me embrace thee worthy man The title which I have to thy brave merit In my enjoyment of this beauteous Queen Obliges me to hold thy vertues dear That bring'st me Triumph home before I scarce Have warm'd this Throne Arax Our new King does caress him highly Tox. His interest is great Par. I understand You saw Mandana's Court our neighbour Queen on your return Bass. I did Madam Par. There Women govern all Bass. To wonder Madam Make War lead Armies with all transactions Of the highest Magnitude in State To whom the men are held subordinate Par. Their Queen 's a Lady Fame reports Wise Magnanimous and no less Beautiful Bass. I think all these may well be said to meet In her Par. But the manner of her rule seems strange To me Bass. If compar'd with ours here but they Lay claim to that prerogative from the Antient Amazons whence they derive descent Par. 'T was said Mandana did intend an Embassy Unto our Court in some short time Bass. She gave me so to understand Tysam. A beauteous one no doubt Bass. They are Women Sir Tysam. We 'll treat'm then as fairly Par. But credit me I should not like my reign So well were my Sex here alike in power Since nature and the worlds best Laws Have dignify'd the man superiour Tysam. Spoke like my Parisatis methinks we Are not chearful I have joys enough to raise A man above the world had he made forfeit Of his bliss You told me of a masque My Soul does want a little clearing up Aside Par. I did appoint one Tysam. By any means we 'll have it Musick plays a while after which the Masque begins the Scene a Grove in which Diana is beheld sleeping having at one of the sides next the Stage a Rock from which Enters Arethusa habited like a Water-Nymph Areth. Eccho if thou dost visit this fair Grove Where thou hast often mourn'd Narcissus love At Arethusa's call appear Eccho Appear Areth. Once more 't is Arethusa calls thee here Eccho within Here Areth. That 's but thy voice thy person I would see Once known a Nymph of highest dignity Enter Eccho as out of t'other side of the Grove Eccho Behold bright Arethusa I resume My long lost Figure since Heavens fatal doom Depriv'd me of my dear Narcissus flames Areth. I bear as great a grief confin'd to streams Could never yet with lov'd Alpheus join Think if thy loss can greater be then mine Eccho Fair Nymph with yours I 'le not compare my woe Since with thy tears thy chrystal fountains flow And by a wondrous constancy do glide Through veins of earth unmixt with other tide Which Thetis for thy glory did decree And great Diana Honours Constancy Areth. I wait to see her bathe in my cool floods Having a long chase follow'd in these Woods Eccho She in this Grove with her fair Nymphs does sleep While with my wakeful voice her watch I keep Lest Mortals here Actaeon like should pry And ravish blushes from her Deity Behold she wakes She wakes The Song in the Masque 1 Nym. See see our Goddess wakes Whilst we harmonious notes prepare Such as bright Phoebus makes When to salute Aurora 's car The Musick of his sphere he takes Diana rises and enters with her Nymphs 2 Nym. Or as before her Curtains drawn We welcom in the grey-ey'd dawn When for the Chase Diana bends her matchless bow And gives her self the first hollow 1 Nym. Then through Plains Lawns and Woods Over Mountains and Floods Nymphs tripit Nymphs trip it apaâ—e 2 Nym. Whilst the Hart Deer or Roe They swiftly pursue Their Goddess best pleaseth to chase 1 Nym. See she appears More bright then Hesperus does rise Whose beams Stars borrow for their eyes Dian. Belov'd of Nymphs whose chaste and constant stream Shall give thy Love an everlasting name More dear to me then Zanthus floods so bright Or my own Cynthia's beams that guild the night Art thou to tread a Chorus come with me As once a Nymph of my society Areth. Bless'd Goddess know from Thetis I am sent To wait thee first with her great Complement Who if not too much Neptunes Billows rave Will soon pass hither in a Chrystal wave Dian. She shall be welcom But first Nymph on thee Diana to renown thy constancy Does
Cherish a Tygress near your bosom Know Sir I came with full intent to kill you Mark me well to kill you for your faithless promise But that the vertues of your Queen with-held me In whom I wish you ever bless'd the whiteness Of whose Soul I thought it sin to cloud From act of mine with sorrow Par. Forgive me Heaven This Woman is some Angel sure I can No longer hold but pay my reverence Par. goes towards Stat. Tysam. We are interrupted my Guard there Enter Captain of the Guard Convey that Lady from my sight and see Her safe consin'd within her lodgings Par. Let me beg for her freedom though I do it On my knees Tysam. I must not grant it she came To ruine my content perhaps in thee A Treason too she has confest against my life Stat. Let me deserve your fair opinion Madam Though I dye Tysam. Away with her how does my Parisatis Ex. Statyra with the Captain of the Guard Par. Never better this dissipates my fear Aside Enter Bassanes Bass. Embassadresses from The Queen Mandana are arriv'd Tysam. See their reception want no state our Court Can give they shall have Audience speedily Some thoughts require me to my Closet first Ex. Tysamnes Par. Bassanes never so happy as this minute In which I prov'd the fix'd assurance of My Kings affection The Persian beauty Who but so late gave apprehensions to My love is now no more my fear Bass. She is a noble Lady And gave me confirmation of her honour Par. 'T is most unquestion'd Bass. She does intend suddenly To return back to Persia. Par. Alas the King To my great grief in much displeasure Has restrain'd her Bass. I hope she 'l soon have liberty Par. It shall not want my intercession Bass. Pray Heav'n this be no Artifice Par. True love is soon confirm'd but in that Brest Aside Suspicion storms it ne're can anchor'd rest Exeunt Enter Clarina and Melvissa Clar. Our Petition had but small success Melv. No matter as to thy case did not I Promise to serve thee Clar. But where 's the faith Believes it possible Melv. If it be next a Miracle And do the feat thou 'lt welcom the effect Clar. However my obligement's great to your endeavours Melv. What if a smile or look of thine or a toy As inconsiderate as the least lock of thy hair Produce his Loves return as I apply it Hast thou not reason to thank the means Clar. 'T is granted Melv. Therefore believe well rememb'ring that We are told a dram of faith can do Far greater wonders Clar. You shall confirm me But I hope it is no Charm or Magick I am strangely fearful of the Devil Melv. Rather a means from Heaven my Mother Left it as a Legacy to me Clar. A Recipe most Wives may wish for here Melv. I thought to have given it to the Queen But that perhaps 't were death to own And this our custom unrevok'd Clar. I hope her vertues ne're will want affection Melv. As it effects I 'le tell thee more Enter Foscaris Here comes thy Husband and I am prepar'd For him to purpose thou must withdraw Till I give thee notice to appear Ex. Clarina Fosc. Madam your most humble servant Melv. And I perhaps ten times more yours Fosc. This sounds briskly Melv. Not that I intend to instance You have parted with a deserving Lady And so press a reconciliation from The doctrine and uses of Love as some Matrons Amongst us might perhaps ring in your ears In the like case Fosc. Far be it from me to Think it Madam I know you are well bred And must therefore understand what better Belongs to our Mode and a Gentleman then so Melv. Well said Gallant but I hope you 'l not teach My Husband to follow your example And like such a Buck as your self break Through the toyl and bonds of Marriage Though some of you allow it no more then A State device to catch fools Fosc. This is a Witty Rogue a Wife that understand The intrigues of a Mistress Melv. Then say my husbands wife Should think you a fine Gentleman Fosc. I understand you Madam Melv. And were willing to bestow some affection On your worth Fosc. Go on Lady go on you are Coming to a point indeed Melv. There it is you have it to a hair Gives him a Bracelet inclos'd in a Paper I hope you will keep Counsel Fosc. O Madam 't were sin to doubt it Melv. And wear it carefully for the owners sake I mean and so farewel kind Foscaris If this fail thou' rt proof above Mortal Aside Now to be near and act further as occasion serves Ex. Melv. Fosc. What have I here I 'le open it carefully And first taste it by the smell it scents Most Lady-like and amorous methinks It moves too I know not how Oh these Women Are rare contrivers in these Scenes of Love Now for the enclos'd Opens it Ha ha ha a Bracelet of a lock of Hair In colour much resembling my Wives but Such a trick on me were to little purpose I 'le tangle no more there but now I think on 't I have found the knack as sure as I am made Of flesh and blood 't is Melvissa courts me For her self for which purpose she handles Andrages her husband at that rate 'T is a witty-gay female as most within Our Kingdom and it seems the Rascal's Willing to graft his fore-head and be beholding To his Friend for the Horn. In the mean time I 'le pleasure her desire and wear her favour Puts it on his arm The Devil on 't it warms the vein that leads To the Heart strangely and 't is love I feel In abundance I must vent it somewhere Or I shall burn to ashes 't is most certain I am Charm'd to purpose and 't is odds but some evil spirit Waits at my elbow Melv. within None but thy better Genius Speaks altering of her voice Fos. Ha! a voice too then there is a Devil in the Case 't is manifest what art thou and from whence Melv. I am a Spirit belonging to the element of fire Fosc. Thou hast some possession of me already then Who am flame all over what is thy business Melv. Love kindest Love Fosc. The same is mine and Since thou art a kind Familiar I dare ask Thee a question Art thou a Genius of Love at large According to our Gallantizing Mode or art thou for A more peculiar Courtship Melv. I incite Honourable and Matrimonial Love Fosc. A most Heroick Devil indeed But take a care how thou dost otherwise appear to me Lest my sword make bold with one of thy limbs And it prove afterwards to belong to some Sorcerer or Witch Melv. You need not fear that Fosc. Prethee avoid me then I would not willingly be haunted By a Matrimonial Genius of all other Melv. Your desire is granted While only I 'le thy heart incite To love thy fair deserted Wife For whose sake I am oblig'd thy
Excellence Enter Bassanes with Renone and Cydane the Embassadresses Now Ladies your Queens pleasure Renone Who does by us most Royal Sir congratulate Your great accession to this Throne and more your joys In this your fair and vertuous Queen who scarce Has equal in her Sex to which if possible Her wishes do yet adde more happiness Tysam. This is but usual form of State proceed Cyd. 'T is what our Queen expects you 'l welcom Who waves dispute of Territories The usual great concerns of Thrones And has but one demand instead of all To make your Greatness whence may spring A lasting league betwixt her mighty Crown And yours Tysam. Speak it then Par. I hope 't will find reception Cyd. Then know our Mighty Mistress does demand By us an Abrogation of that most Rigid usage here from which the Husbands will Is too much Lord of love Tysam. Sure you mistake your Embassy Ren. Nor can she reign without a blush must stain Her glories should she not if deny'd Compel by arms her Sexes fair relief Clar. Nobly urg'd Melv. Methinks I could fight in this Cause my self Arax The King is mov'd Aside Alv. Observe the Queen Tysam. Your Queen 's too bold with us in this demand But she 's a Woman Cyd. And soon you 'l find she 'l slight All dangers in this Cause nor is the world Unknowing that her arms though guided By the conduct of our Sex has oft gave Wars rough Laws to men Par. Let me then intercede my Royal Husband I would not have a quarrel in this Cause Although I doubt not from your love security The world I know would say you but defend A most unkind prerogative and since 't is thus Bestow it as a bounty on the Sex for my sake Tysam. Can this proceed from Parisatis Par. As truly as I wish your peace and love Tysam. Thou dost mistake in both Par. Besides what honour wer 't in such a Cause To be a Conquerour or on your Warlike Trophee to Inscribe you did subdue the force of Women Led by a neighbour Queen whose bravery Of soul deserves esteem and wonder I know you 'l condescend Tysam. Away thou dost abuse thy Love and me Par. Is 't possible Tysam. Or else endeavour'st by compliance with This Embassy to betray the honour of This Crown and People take which you like And know thou hast forfeited thy Being In my soul. Par. Heaven defend Tysam. And tell your Queen I 'le reign To the Embassadresses A King of men in spight of all her power Of Spinsters whose honour by this grant would be The mock of Women Nor do I doubt their hearts And swords will join with mine to assert this Nations right Tox. The King is much incens'd Aside Alv. I hope 't will not reflect upon the Queen Tysam. And by my Act to assure the world how much I 'le own my Subjects priviledge behold my Queen Cyd. A Lady full of Grace and Vertue Par. Oh my fears Tysam. Who with no more concern I 'le cast away Then Indians do a Pearl that ne're did know It's value and from this hour no more my Wife Par. Must it be so Bass. Consider Sir this Act May prove a rash one Tysam. My resolution 's fixt nor do I fear What Law can act though hence I reign not jointly With this Queen while by the power I possess I can create a right above it Par. Nor shall I plead a word Against your Will though it severely fall Upon my Love or mention what should be Your gratitude to me that gave you both My self and Crown and yet will give my life If your concern require it You 'l give me time convenient to withdraw Tysam. Thou shalt to any place retire within My Crowns Dominion where thou shalt live In state and greatness of a Queen And so farewel Par. Adieu my dearest Alv. This action of the King was unexpected Aside Arax Such as must breed some strange distemper here Tox. I wish our Almanacks were all burnt else Tysam. To morrow you shall have our Letters to your Queen Renone And as becomes her she 'l resent this Act. Tysaem Bassanes Ex. Tysamnes and Bassanes Cydan Madam you have our pity Ex. Embassadresses Clar. The Queen deserves a sorrow From all Hearts Melv. She has deeply mine Par. Though life has many ways to lose it's comforts Few hinder the distressed means of death And let my sad example teach my Sex That when they love embarque with men 't is like A vessel that with guilded streamers sails On dangerous Seas and in each calm must think This smooth-fac'd Ocean may their Barques soon sink Exeunt ACT III. SCENE I. Enter Parisatis in a Mourning Vail led by Bassanes Bass. I Want no sense of your afflictions Madam Par. 'T is like your worth Bass. And dare express it more Then entertaining of your griefs by naked Accents That were too low and common for Bassanes heart Each vulgar ear that hears from rumours breath Will do as much and glory in the hope Of making stubborn Heaven bend to hear Your sufferings Par. You are a Prince ally'd unto my Crown Nor can I doubt but every vein of yours Ha's many streams of honour Bass. Know Madam Since you are pleas'd to call me worthy of Your great Alliance I want no heart to tell The King your Husband though sitting on the Throne His ingratitude Par. I wish I had been truly charg'd with any crime That might have given his Act in my desertion Some vizard to out-face the world I dare believe The Law that first here gave this liberty to man Did tacitely imply the Husband should Not be a lawless Tyrant to the Wife Bass. The injustice is too palpable and Fitter 't were this Law had no more being Or the Sex of women against Natures Made supreme then thus to be imbitter'd 'Gainst your vertue Though smooth'd and guilded over with pretexts He calls State Policy and Marriage Interest But simply Artifice to bring another To his Throne and Bed Par. I fear 't is too much a truth Bass. Statyra is no doubt design'd to shine In this Meridian by your fair remove But think not Madam that your Eclipse of Glory can pass without your Subjects due Remorse and vindication he is a King here But as you made him so in giving him Your self a Queen and from your love has only Title to your Subjects hearts Par. And had the world Been mine in Kingdoms with as many Hearts My affection had dispos'd 'em all to him Bass. You have given proof above parallel Par. But this ingratitude does combate with my soul Bass. Permit I serve your Royal Vertue Par. I know thou dar'st revenge my wrong and hast An interest in thy blood and merits that Can guide this Nations Arms and raise a stream Of vulgar force enough to sink Tysamnes Even to the depth of ruine though fortify'd with All the power he now enjoys Bass. I will imploy my utmost in your
service Par. I have I see a Subject great brave and faithful In spight of all adversity Bassanes Thou wilt obey me strictly Bass. Be danger what it will Nor need you question but the arm I shall apply Is strong enough to right or else revenge Your injuries nor want I means prepar'd Even at this minute that shall soon perform The least breath of your commands Par. Then know I do enjoin you all obedience To the King Bass. How Madam Par. I mean Tysamnes Who has thrown me from his heart and that far More strict if possible then had he met My Love with equal constancy I would Not live and underact the part of virtue Bass. You oblige me now to be your enemy Who knows how soon you may be taken from The world by him that thus has cast you from His bosom Par. 'T is not inglorious if I die Or split on any rock This storm shall throw me on If Innocence be my harbour Bass. The Worm that 's trod on bows in some displeasure When it 's griev'd what should then do your Greatness Par. But vertue 's yet more gentle whose value's Most refin'd by suffering I know You will obey me Bass. Since 't is your pleasure Par. And be sure give out 't was Act of State Or Crime in me or any thing thou can'st devise Most plausible to assure the people To Tysamnes And more that 't is my strict Enter Eumenes and Draxanes Eum. The Queen Sir is withdrawn Tysam. How 's that Drax. Remov'd Sir none knows whither Tysam. I fear she has taken some precipitate resolve Bass. The joys this news will bring Must soon cause her appearance Where e're she is retir'd Tysam. Make strict and speedy search He wants no wealth brings happy tidings first Eum. Drax. We 'll use all diligence Ex. Eum. Drax. Tysam. Bring forth Statyra Bass. I 'le wait her to you Sir Ex. Bassanes Tysam. 'T is fit she know How much I have offended for her sake Enter Bassanes and Statyra Statyra I must beg a pardon of thy vertue Stat. Sir you have prov'd I can forgive Tysam. Thy goodness I have injur'd next my Queens And I am making of my peace with Heaven And her Stat. 'T is worthy of your Soul But you 'l consider Sir Tysam. I do that 't was my sin of love to thee Which did induce this Act to whom I first Dispos'd my heart and would to Heaven I had Two souls that I might give one to thy vertue And make thee twin in my affection with my Queen Excepting whom the world and womankind Are but trifles to my heart Stat. Mine is as truly yours And let this blush excuse my boldness If I claim you now my own Tysam. How 's this Statyra Stat. You are made free by Law If such a one this Country owns and can That less then plead for my enjoyment now So much your Lover Bass. I did not look for this Aside Tysam. Tempt me not fair Statyra lest I fall Below the sin of the Apostate Angels And call thy love my second crime Stat. I did but mention mine to prove your constancy May you for ever live most happy in Your Queen and for your sake I 'le beg of Heaven That she may late be taken thither Tysam. Thou art a pattern of perfection Stat. And since you now have made me free I 'le crave Your leave to respite my return till I Congratulate your happy meeting with Your Queen and so to Persia where I 'le Spread your joys Bass. This centers with my wish Aside Tysam. Each syllable of thine does give my soul new wonder Since not alone thou can'st my Crime forgive But yield I may anothers Lover live Ex. Tysamnes leading Statyra Bassanes Enter Melvissa with two Courtiers Melv. You are pleas'd to like my entertainment Gentlemen and I am apt enough to be Proud of your good opinion 1 Court You are all diversion Madam our Court Has not such another Lady 2 Court I hope you 'l Give me leave to spend some hours with your converse Melv. You may be welcom as I please Jointly and severally Both. We understand you Madam Melv. But methinks you are a little dull though Courtly bred since you speak praises of my Wit But have little to say for my Beauty 1 Court Oh Madam that 's granted the Court has no such Star bating the Queen 2 Court Besides your Ladyship Cannot so far mistake our inclinations As to suppose we pay adorations To the ugly though ne're so witty They are only fit to eat with provided They keep good Tables Melv. Now I perceive you 1 Court But for you Madam so perfectly taking The day is too short to admire you and The night to enjoy you Melv. You aim well and 't is odds But I guess the mark you 'd hit pray sit a while I can afford you some minutes They sit by her 2 Court There 's no time Long enough we are not in haste 1 Court 'T is fit we wait your leisure Enter Andrages Melv. I keep my lodgings free enough for entertainment And live without the fear of Prying Watchers or the Jealous Husbands eye Andr. Oh my torment she dares me to be jealous too Aside 2 Court I suppose Madam you allow the Gentleman His times of hawking and hunting in order To your more private Recreations 1 Court Let me be so happy I beseech you As to have notice when he is absent 2 Court Or I Madam I should endeavour to serve you Andr. I 'le try whether I have so much courage Left as to mark these things made up of perfumes And Perriwigs in the fore-head with a Draws his Sword Jealous token of mine e're I am convicted I wear a horn there my self now Gentlemen 1 Court Your Husband Madam we are in haste Melv. You need not make so much 2 Court Your Humble Servant Sir 1 Court The King expects me Madam Melv. You shall not part with any apprehension Hence how now Sir Hot Spur I must curb you I faith if you offer to take such Careers as these Andr. You may command me Madam a Lark is not So dar'd as I am by this Hobby of mine Aside Melv. Put up your Tool and remove your appearance Was more unseasonable then I look'd for Andr. Each word she speaks is a Charm I have not So much valour in me as to oppose her tongue What e're I have done or dare do otherwise Ex. Andrages Melv. You may now withdraw Gentlemen the King expects you Both. Your Servant Lady Melv. There is no need of the expression I did but act a little of the most to show my prerogative I hope you 'l say there 's one Woman amongst us Has wit enough to rule her Husband In spight of Law Both. We 'll witness it to wonder Madam Exeunt Enter Clarina hastily Clar. Oh Madam your experiment has done Wonders my Husband Melv. Loves thee now to purpose Clar. Beyond expression Melv. My mother prov'd Such a
Captain Bass. Your Servant Ladies Ex. Embassadresses Enter Fosearis and Andrages Tysam. You shall have all Commands become your valours I know as men you stand oblig'd to serve this Cause Fosc. To a man Sir Andr. And I excepting one Woman Dare act as much against the Sex but she I must confess Sir has the better on me In all Incounters Tysam. Your Wife I guess I am glad to hear I have a Subject who Is so kind a Husband No news yet of our Queen Bass. Not any as the best of my Intelligence can learn Tysam. My soul is on the torture Enter Toxaris Tox. I hope Sir I have brought you happy tidings in this Letter Tysam. 'T is Parisatis hand Tox. 'T was given me From an unknown person who would not stay To satisfie my further Queries Tysam. reads Let this assure you from Parisatis That she is remov'd from this Life before It meets your hand The means I have Resolv'd on for my end I will not give you the Grief to hear or charge you guilty of my death And to confirm you this preoedes my last being I have sent you this Jewel you must witness I vow'd should be kept to the death of Parisatis Oh Heavens my Parisatis dead read Here Bassanes Bassanes reads Bass. My tears are slow but credit me The death of Armies and the groans of War When made from gasping Friends just drowning Of their souls in streams of blood ne're shook My heart like this Tysam. Thy griefs are truly mine Bass. But hope that providence whose paths are Labyrinths may yet Enter Statyra Tysam. She 's dead she 's dead too certain Stat. The King 's disturb'd Tysam. Beyond expression Parisatis my Queen Stat. I hop'd was now return'd to your embrace Tysam. The other world contains her vertues she 's dead Stat. My eyes can ne're want streams to pour With yours for such a loss Tysam. Mine are too guilty to partake With thine and had I more then Niobe E're shed to drown my soul in or turn'd To Marble at this news like her 't were but Too gentle to express my crime or grief Stat. This passion 's glorious Tysam. What death can I devise or torments Give my soul enough that have at once To answer breach of faith to thee and death of her Stat. Your stain is deep in both though far more vile As you are a Prince who did unworthily Possess the love and glories Of so excellent a Queen that no pretence Of Power or Law can expiate But since by Heavens decree she 's thus remov'd To Stars for which did I but know her Urn I 'de visit it and pay my tears as an Oblation to her memory Yet now 't is fit you live for my sake Tysam. Thou hast some justice to my life But wilt not now oblige it Stat. I do and Claim it as the greatest blessing of my own Tysam. There 's nothing left me but in thee that can Invite a minutes breath Stat. You had my first love Sir So far you have an interest still Tysam. And for thy sake I will admit to live Nay more I 'le talk to thee of Love and with What penitence thou shalt require acknowledge My past vows to thee besides the guilt of my Ingratitude unto my Parisatis Stat. Heaven must absolve your crime to both For this your noble sorrow Tysam. Thy words are comforts to my soul But this is such an hour the Stars must mourn Or find new trepidations in their orbs To fright the earth with some calamity Besides an Enemy does threaten now to invade Our Kingdom Bassanes you shall command As General Bass. With my best duty Sir and 't was Your Queens command I should continue still your Faithful Subject Tysam. I have no other title here to reign but from her love Admit I leave thee fair Statyra in some place Of best security Stat. I am oblig'd to be companion in your dangers Tysam. That were an endless peril though thy vertue Be above what fate can injure Stat. My heart were else not worth the owning yours Tox. A brave and gracious Lady Alv. The King 't is sure affects her Aside Tysam. I feel a cloud upon my soul I know not when Or how 't will vanish Come Statyra my Love and thine must wait The calmer hours of time and kinder fate Ex. Omnes ACT IV. SCENE I. Enter Mandana Daranthe Cydane Renone and other Women Mand. THE King may soon repent he gave our Treaty Such neglect Cyd. We doubt it not most royal Madam Mand. And for his Queen whose fair desertion Has the first place in our quarrel would she Were now alive that we might with our arms Impose her on his Love Daran 'T were to be wish'd Mand. The proof we have now given by taking This strong City of Daxata on the River Volga must make 'em know their force Must yield unto our Sexes power We lead what thinks our chief Commandress Daran I judge that victory will soon Make offerings at your feet Mand. This Pass we have Secur'd must prove considerable since it Impedes all their recruits that way Daran And what 's more Hinders provision might else arrive Unto their Camp nor can they forrage here Much longer environ'd on each side with Mountains where by your mighty conduct All the passages stand seiz'd by us Mand. I think They dare not hope to force their passage Daran Our Womens hearts must fail 'em strangely then And make your greatness wear a blush To see them this day prove degenerate Who from your conduct glory many Victories Mand. Spoke like the blood of Amazons Renon Nor do we doubt the issue of this day Will make your Prowess far more fam'd Then brave Thalestris stories tell was from Great Alexander the Prince of Captains Held in highest admiration Mand. I see You are all resolv'd as does become This Cause I fight by which we 'll force even Nature To confess she was a partial Mother To our Sex when she made man First heir of Glory Daran Royal Madam Mand. Enough they serve Our drudgeries our pleasures or embraces To create us Souldiers that scorn their uses But for our heroick ends Daran Did but the Women Of this world besides hear this they 'd be asham'd To think they had not broke the yoke of men And such a fair and great Protectress in your self Mand. An entertainment for our Greatness there That this haughty Prince Tysamnes who dares Make War against our Sex may know that we In this strong City forc'd from his bold powers Keep our triumphant joys Ren. Some Prisoners of War desire to present Your Majesty with a Dance after the Manner of their Country Man We admit them Musick and a Dance Enter Messenger Mess. A Moorish Lady desires admittance To your presence Man She has our leave Enter Parisatis disguis'd like a Moor. Man Your business Lady Par. 'T is such most Royal Madam must beg A pardon for my craving this access Who have journy'd