renew And it will be a misery without end To excite hatred where you love pretend I have of this a sad experience made My constancy with scorn she hath repaid And you perhaps this fatal fire would flie If you had prov'd this scorn as much as I. Agrip. That you from her can no advantage gain Adds to my joy and does relieve my pain My bitter passion has this sweetness yet I love a heart that won't to yours submit For 't is enough to keep my hopes alive That I am certain you in vain must strive Whilst she scorns you she do's my flame increase And lov'd she you my love to her would cease Mez. Horrour and hate together do combine To make her hate of you more sure than mine And a great King that is by Glory sway'd Should never be by passion so betray'd As to declare his Soul by beauty mov'd Till he be sure to be again belov'd The honour of his Crown must needs grow less When thus his love his greatness do's oppress And that by sighs which must be spent in vain His Majesty 's exposed to disdain Agrip. Instruct me not Sir what I have to do I know well what is to my glory due And cannot think the honour of my State Runs so much hazard by Lavinia's hate Few hatreds are so stubborn and severe But they grow flexible where Thrones appear And a bright Crown upon her Temples set May make her all her Lovers blood forgot Mez. Sir flatter not your self with hopes so vain The passions of her Soul too firm remain Her love to him though dead to you her hate Are both too constant and too obstinate You may as well the laws of Fate controul As think to snatch Agrippa from her Soul And you as vainly hope if you believe She ought for you but hatred can conceive Your Crown whilst with a blood so precious stain'd Will be with all its Charms by her disdain'd Even at your name her eyes with anger arm'd In fury blaze Agrip. Oh! how with this I 'm charm'd How sweet and pleasant 't is to me to find In what I love such constancy of mind Whilst such an object of my flame I have The God brings Balsom to the wound he gave Prince of a heart so faithful and so true The Conquests only to a Scepter due A Soul that is with such endowments blest May claim dominion in a lovers brest Mez. But know this heart so faithful and so true Will never be made subject Sir to you For she 'll increase her hatred with your love Agrip. Sweet Prince your error do's my pittie move The thoughts she will on me throw all her hate Do's to your flame some flattring hopes create And you presume if she in anger do Grow fierce to me she must grow mild to you But Sir this path I to my wishes know There wants no more but when I 'll have it so Such ways I have her favour to procure The hate you dream of is not half so sure That you may know how weak is your pretence My pittie hazards Sir this confidence And for that kind advice g'in me by you I thought there something in my turn was due SCENE III. Mezentius Faustus Mez. Faustus dost my misfortune comprehend And whither the Kings haughty threats may tend Faust. He has but said too much to let you know That with his love he will his power show That where he cannot by addresses gain His headstrong will do's prompt him to constrain Where prayers prevail not he will use command And force the Princess to give him her hand Thus of your Mistress he will you bereave But she comes forth 't is fit I take my leave SCENE IV. Lavinia Mezentius Lav. Sir have you been of my new Torments told To sigh for me the Tyrant's now grown bold These wretched eyes bear in my grief two parts Yet shame to please the wickedst of all hearts Mez. Nay Madam he to be your spouse pretends And flatt'ry failing to use force intends Lav. Ah barbarous Traytor but Sir if 't be true That love has g'in me any part in you Can you abandon me in this estate And leave me to the power of him I hate Mez. Though that pure flame which me your vassal made Hath ever been with hate and scorn repaid My heart unto its passion is so true I 'll fly through death it self to succour you Try my obedience then by your command Lav. It is the Tyrant's head that I demand Ha! start not If your help I cannot have I shall find ways Sir his attempts to brave To baffle all the worst of Tyranny Know that I am experienc'd how to die And 'gainst whatever Tyrants dare assail Death is a remedy can never fail Mez. No rather live to take from me and Fate That Tyrant's head exacted by your hate At least instead of his you shall have mine To be gainsaid Love's power is too divine If I did start that life to sacrifice Which dutie binds me to and nature ties The least I could to blood and dutie pay Was at the first some trouble to betray But to that passion do's my heart dispose In vain the sacredst rights themselves oppose You in my heart do bear the highest sway And Loves laws are the first I should obey Lav. Sir in this promise of his death I find Something allays the trouble of my mind Though I all service have refus'd from you This I receive with welcomes to it due Not for my dangers it may disengage I neither fear the Tyrant's love nor rage But all herein that precious seems or good Is the revenging my Agrippa's blood My vows were all accomplisht could I boast I had this Victim offered to his Ghost For midst all ills a double good 't would prove To slay a Tyrant and revenge my Love Mez. Ah Madam I perceive by this I must Be still despised for my Rivalls dust Whilst to your aid I dedicate this Arm You fear lest some weak hopes my Soul should charm Well Cruel well I 'll hazard your defence Without exacting any recompence Since in my heart your love did get this sway 'T is without hopes accustom'd to obey But you must give me leave to boast this pride That your revenge you to my love confide And that your heart once felt the tenderness To offer up some vows to my success The worst of Chances cannot then deter Whilst to your pleasure I my life prefer And should ill fortune my attempts pursue I shall be happy when I die for you I 'll go and of my friends implore the aid Lav. Take heed of trusting lest you be betray'd 'Bove all assurance in Tyrhenus have He has an interest in the death I crave I see him yonder but I being here His head he hazards if he should draw neer I 'll leave you therefore to consult the way How to make this to all a happy day SCENE V. Tyrhenus Mezentius Mez. Come see
from me thrown And neither Kindred nor Allegiance own And 't is but just that Murderer should prove The due resentments of incensed Love But who comes there Alb. Farewel It is the Prince Whose love to you I 'm sure will wish me hence SCENE II. Lavinia Mezentius Faustus Camilla Lav. You see the Fruits of all your cares for me When you approach those I delight in flee Mez. If 't were for me Albina left the place I did an object of your sorrows chace Lav. That Tyrant's Nephew causes all my grief Sure then can vainly hope to bring relief Mez. Princess you too severely make him bear The punishment had in the crime no share Had I with my own hands your Lover slain Could you have treated me with more disdain Lav. And tell me how I may be well assur'd T was not your Jealousie his death procur'd The King against him had no cause at all His Arm might borrow'd be to act his fall But I must doubt lest my Agrippa prove A Sacrifice to yours his Rivals love Mez. The King at large too often has declar'd That he the greatness of your Lover fear'd That having rais'd him to so vast a height Might make him crush the Scepter with his weight Before fit time should give him leave to do What their resemblance well might prompt him to He by removing him pull'd out those stings Which fret and gall the brests of jealous Kings For Nature had their several forms contriv'd So exactly like as cannot be believ'd My neer Allyance scarce could make me know To which of them I did Allegiance owe. Lav. 'T is certain Nature did in them forget Those different stamps she on her works do's set For she had form'd their bodies so the same As if they had been Moulded in one Frame But that Distinction which we could not find I' th' outward man was blazon'd in the mind And Nature though she had forgetful been To speak without had wrote at large within Agrippa had a Soul as great and high As is the Tyrant's full of Treachery And from that dissimilitude was found I' th' inward man my Love receiv'd his Wound Mez. Your Anger 's just and your resentment brave The King himself appears a sence to have Of 's fault to you For when we first did meet Scarce did he me with due Embraces greet But ask'd for you and I could scarcely breath Your ceaseless Sorrows for Agrippa's death But his Concern I by his paleness knew At last he said he 'd see and comfort you Lav. Oh Heav'ns That is the worst that I could fear Dares that Wild Tyrant in my sight appear And to those Horrours I conceiv'd before Bring his hand purpl'd in that precious Gore Mez. To gratify your hate in his first fight A Fatal Dart upon that hand did light By which the Destinyes did let him know What injur'd you could not unpunish'd go Lav. The Gods who still revenge the Innocent Have That an earnest of your Vengeance sent They pierc'd his hand but only made that Dart Fore-run the Thunder that must pierce his heart Even you who in his barbarous thoughts delight Whom Crimes do more to him than blood unite May fear the Gods lest they in anger do Extend their Vengeance and their Darts to you But faithless man your glory in your Ill. Mez. If I were faithless I am not so still I am convinc'd Your beautyes make me know That to Divinities we Incense owe Your powerful Charms do with such lustre shine They force belief there must be powers Divine For had I doubted all our Gods were lyes I had become a Convert from those eyes At least if all the rest I should disown Yet love in them would make his power be known Lav. You plead in vain Prince for Agrippa's slain All thoughts of Love will but increase my pain Nature in his Composure took such care She fixt all could allure or charm me there Which Love improving did create a flame To which a constant Votaress I became We once owe Love our hearts in Sacrifice And 't would be Tyranny to ask them twice Mez. Ah Princess this is too much cruelty I cannot doubt your Love to him whilst I Am that sad Object of your rigour made That from your breast I 'm banish'd by his shade Why with my Love should you increase your hate Lav. Cease then to Love Mez. 'T is not within my Fate Rather your Indignation still proclaim Than once command me to desist my flame For though those eyes with death should wound my heart They'd yet yeild pleasure to exceed the smart To different ends we were by Fate design'd I born to Love and you to be unkind But see Alas You from me turn your eyes And weary of my sight my Sighs despise Lav. Behold the wretched Father of my Love Whose steps as wing'd with haste or wonder move SCENE III. Tyrhenus Lavinia Mezentius Faustus Camilla Tyrhenus I beg your pardon Sir if I seem rude Business of weight do's make me thus intrude I to the Princess fatal Tydings bring That instantly she must expect the King Lavinia to Mezentius Now Prince if of my griefs you have a sence Be you against this Torment my defence And by some Art endeavour to prevent That sight will prove so great a punishment Mezentius I know so well what to my Love is due That my desires are wing'd to pleasure you SCENE IV. Tyrhenus Lavinia Camilla Tyr. The Prince in vain do's his Obedience show I too well Madam do the Tyrant know His perverse Soul in its desire persists And will grow furious against what resists You by retirement better may defend You from his sight unless he do's intend A force which yet I think he dares not do He fears the People whom he knows love you Lav. But then for you Tyr. Alas what can I doubt The choycest of my blood he has lett out That which remains is scarcely worth my care And I am too unhappy now to fear I 'd let him know who 't was he did destroy But here he comes pray Madam now withdraw SCENE V. Agrippa under the Name of Tiberinus King of Alba Mezentius Faustus Lausus Atis and Tyhrenus Agrippa to Mezenzius Urge me no more the Princess I will see Mezentius retires To Lausus Go you take order all things fitted be That we may render to the Gods due Grace For having by my Cares restor'd our Peace To Atis. All else depart Let none come in before That I return How have they shut the door Tyrh. Yes Sir and 't is by my Advice 't is done Agrip. Father Tyrh. I scarcely know thee for my Son But we 're alone and may discourse at large Seek'st thou Lavinia 'gainst my express Charge Received'st thou not the Scepter from my hand That thou so soon forget'st my strict Command Or dost thou not remember that by me 'T is thou enjoy'st this Soveraign Dignity That I have thee to all this greatness brought
Agrip. I have forgot nothing of what I ought How to preserve the Frontire Towns from Wast When Tiberinus to his Camp made hast Having but Us and three more in his Train Passing the Albula then swoln with Rain Its Streams did with such fury him invade That there he perish'd maugre all our aid There you that Scepter gave which now I hold And from our neer resemblance made me bold To personate the King and did entice His Followers to joyn in our device And whilst I under his assumed Name With their Aids Master of the Camp became You hither Tydings of my Death did bring And with my Murther did accuse the King Tyrh. But when to keep this our Contrivance close I things in such good order did dispose To sum up all this strict Command I gave Your Empire your Life and mine to save That you your power should 'gainst your passion prove And study to forget Lavinia's Love And yet no sooner do you here return But I behold you with fresh Passions burn And for your Love that desperate hazard run It must the ruine of your power become For whilst you think to act a Lovers part In the Kings face you 'll show Agrippa's Heart You on the Throne should strive to quench this Flame And in your Soul should now begin to reign Be King indeed and know how to suppress Agrip. To be a King Sir must one love the less Swaying a Scepter must I sence disown Or can you think Love mounts not to the Throne That Kings unto this God do nothing owe Or that all Empires unto him don't bow Tyrh. That fondling Love and its Chimaera's are Toys fit for breasts exempt from Nobler care To supream power it too much weakness brings For greatness should be the sole love of Kings Disclaim your Error then and do my Son What Tiberinus would himself have done Agrip. He lov'd my Sister should I do so too And an incestuous Marriage-Bed pursue Tyrh. No Other Crimes I should in thee detest Only admit Ambition in your brest For Scepters good should be by Great o're-sway'd A Crown alone could make me thus perswade Agrip. Can't this Ambition with my Flame dispence Lavinia Sir has charmed all my Sence Let then my Scepter to her Love appeal What if I should the whole to her reveal Tyrh. She 's young a Woman and her talk may harm Trust you to me all else do's me alarm And just cause of Suspition I find Both from the Princess Love and your own Mind Lovers are bold and Love is indiscreet Nature's more close and for these cares more meet For though Lavinia silence knew she may When she knows you her Love to you betray And then to all the world it would appear That you her Lover not the Tyrant were Keep you your Crown then and let this suffice She sells her hatred at so vast a Price Agrip. Alas the Price in my esteem runs low You of a Scepter don't the troubles know For since in these Ambitious ways you lead And an unwilling Crown fixt on this head I have not found that true Felicity Nor those vain sweets wherewith you flattred me The Heavens dayly threaten Those that were Witnesses of his death whose name I bear And did assist me in this glorious rise In the first Fight did fall before my eyes Whose Tragedy whilst pittying yet I view'd A Dart in its own blood this hand imbru'd As if to it Heaven justly sent that pain For the stoln Scepter which it durst sustain Tyrh. Fear not the Gods they in your Favour strike For whilst to Tiberinus you 're so like The Gods propitious were in slaying those Who only could your borrowed Name disclose That wounded hand too ha's a kindness done For by your writing else you had been known Those strokes of Heaven therefore favours were By them you hold a Kingdom without fear And to your Glory Fate adds what remain'd You Victory on Victory have gain'd The War-like Rutuli with your own hand You have o'recome and forc'd a peace demand And if you think you do Mezentius wrong To whom by Birth the Scepter do's belong The same just Heav'n that seats you in the place Him from the Throne do's for his Vices chace Who blackned with a thousand Crimes do's dare Even Heaven it self nor would his own blood spare But had the sum of all Attempts contriv'd And Tiberinus of his Realm depriv'd Had not Lavinia's Beauty gain'd the Field And to his Love made his Ambition yield Reign you then so as to deserve that Crown From which by Heav'n Mezentius is thrown down And since that Kings of Gods the Image bear Let the resemblance in your Acts appear Agrip. Mezentius may change Manners in the Throne Why should we with his Crimes his right disown Sullyed with Murder Blood and Treachery He 's of AEneas Race Tyrh. And are not We That blood o' th' Gods AEneas to his Race Transmits Mezentius do's by Crimes efface Whilst in our Veins though not ally'd so neer That heavenly Blood flows in a Stream more clear He makes a Mock of Laws and Sacred right And Titan-like against the Gods do's fight Who thus incensed have made choice of you To snatch from him that Scepter was his due Then since those Powers their Vengeance to extend Have thought it fit that you your Arm should lend When they will give refuse not you a Throne But from their Justice your Advancement own Agrip. Accommodate the Scepter to my Flame Let me but love and I consent to reign Tyrh. Loving Lavinia you your Crown may loose If you must love you may some other choose Agrip. Than her I cannot one more worthy find Tyrh. A Crown would be so to a gallant mind Agrip. Whilst I my Love you your Ambition prize We cannot both Sir see with the same eyes The Scepter never did me farther please Than whilst it to my Jealousie gave ease Mezentius Rivals me and were he King I fear his power might his contentment bring Tyrh. Let him his Love do you preserve his Throne Agrip. With the Kings name let me my passion own Tyrh. Under that odious Name you 'll be despis'd Agrip. Ah! how such cruelty is to be priz'd Lavinia's Love will best to me appear Under that false name of my Murderer Her greatest rigour will allay my pain And I shall prove his faith by her disdain Whilst I my Rival and my Murderer seem I all her scorns for favours must esteem And whilst this way her kindness I improve Her hate will be the touch-stone of her Love Tyrh. Flatter your self then with so strange a Fate Mourning her Love rejoyce to have her Hate Try thus how far for you her heart is mov'd And by her anger prove how you 're belov'd I have some Secrets of more weight but here Too long discourse 'twixt us suspitious were When the Kings Body I drew from the flood Alone I laid it on the pile of wood And knew so
well to weep for you my Son That by my misplac'd passion overcome The Factions of the Kingdom were betray'd And me a partner in their plots have made That we may meet feign you will have my head And let me prisoner to the Fort be lead By which you all suspitions may prevent Yet learn the Name of every discontent Now let your Anger against me grow high Pronounce it me that made the Princess fly And in fierce fury charge me that I do No more approach Lavinia nor you Agrip. Must I this forfeit of my duty make Tyrh. I well can brook it when a Crown 's at stake Nay rather beg so useful a disdain 'T is my sole glory that I see you reign The End of the First ACT. ACT THE SECOND SCENE I. Albina Julia. Julia. THis Palace Madam should methinks renew Those griefs are to your brothers murder due Why visit you this object of your wo Albina It is to see the Princess that I go Julia We long have been by friendship ty'd But since my brother and her lover dy'd Griefs do unite us and our Mutual care Finds some refreshments in each others share Mezentius presence drove me hence this day But chasing me chas'd not my griefs away Which thousand Accidents now swell so high That sinking under them I run to try If our condoling can some ease procure But see 'gainst Custome they have shut the door Jul. The King it may be hearing how she mourn'd Is gone to visit her and not return'd Alb. If so I 'll stay and with a fury arm'd Too strong to be by past endearments charm'd I will reproach him with my brothers blood And in a passion not to be withstood I will but O Gods May I tell thee so Jul. What should you fear doubt you to let me know That your just hatred for your brothers fate Makes you Alb. I tremble but to think I hate Jul. And can Agrippa's murderer still find A calm reception Madam in your mind Alb. I fear it Julia and would fain to thee Disclose my doubts that thou mayst counsel me Oh! How that Tyrant once to me was dear Jul. Consider now he is a Murderer That of a brother he has you depriv'd Alb. I and of more than is by thee believ'd His Tyranny to act a double part Ravish'd at once my brother and his heart For since the date of that foul Cruelty He ha's not made the least address to me But through our race his rigour to improve He with my brother Massacred his Love Jul. Me thinks all grief 's to that brave brother due Alb. That I esteem'd him dear Heav'n knows 't is true Never in any Sisters soul did move A Purer kindness or sincerer love And that to perfect Natures self assaid When him so like to what I lov'd she made I truly priz'd him Julia and my eyes Pay to his fall a dayly Sacrifice But when in his my Lovers face appears I must confess he robs him of some tears That Tyrant in my heart bears yet such sway Though he exacts not I am forc'd to pay And with some sighs I to my duty owe Let drop some tears I from my passion flow Or would I from my soul that false one chace For tears of sorrow tears of spite take place Thus Love crept in my heart like a bold thi f With Nature and my Duty shares my grief Jul. Remember Madam to engage your hate Those Cruelties your Father do's relate Alb. In vain my Father now my hate would move Since 't was by his Command I first did love It takes from it all blemish of a Crime Since 't was his orders did my Love enjoyn And we more readily our selves dispose To Loves commands than those that Love oppose Duty and Custome blew in me that fire Which when it once flames up to a desire Julia we that soft sweetness in it find 'T is hardly banish'd the severest mind Jul. You shall not from me that complacence win To make me flatter you into a sin I should betray you should I sooth your flame Alb. I askt you counsel to oppose the same Jul. To make so Tyrannous a passion bow You must Alb. My Father comes say no more now SCENE II. Tyrhenus Albina Julia. Tyrh. Gods gainst this Tyrant have I no relief Come my Albina share thy Fathers grief Alb. Sir from what cause do's this fresh trouble spring Tyrh. A new affront received from the King But Julia see there be no spies in place Anger won't let me whisper my disgrace And when a Tyrant's minded to destroy To make just reason death he 'll find a Law The Princess did his sight with scorn reject And having met me here he do's suspect That I incens'd her to it and has swore That I shall die if ere I se here more Thy Brothers blood cannot suffice his rage But to his blooming youth he 'll add my age For to his thirst no blood of ours will bring Allay unless he drink it from the Spring There are Alas in life no charms I prize Only in weeping I employ these eyes But seeing thee so young 't is for thy sake If to preserve this life some care I take Alb. Since he the Princess sight do's only bar Vouchsafe Sir for your life to take this care Or if you see her you may yet engage Her to admit the King to calm his rage And lest his fury should on you reflect Perswade her flatter him with false respect Tyrh. Shall I oblige her then to sooth his flame Alb. His flame Sir Tyrh. Yes he now declar'd the same Hoping alone he might the Princess see Finding a stop and there perceiving me In height of rage and passion he reveal'd He had for her a secret flame conceal'd And that my Son a sacrifice did prove Not to suspected likeness but to Love That jealousie in state was made the show But jealousie in Love did reach the blow And wouldst thou have me then with my own breath Go blow that fire that gave Agrippa death Or to preserve my Life so little dear Procure his Mistriss for his Murderer Alb. That were an infamy too base for you And what I 'd sooner have you die than do No rather Sir go and incense her more Add horrour to the hate conceiv'd before Tyrh. 'T is that which now I did consult to do Alb. Her sight Sir may prove dangerous to you Secure of the Kings threats I may her see Leave if you please the care of it to me Tyrh. Albina go act urge move every hinge To raise her Soul to hatred and revenge Alb. My Answer by obedience I return Oh Julia how with rage my heart do's burn Amidst these griefs I yet have this delight To gratifie my Father and my spite If now Lavinia will but credit me See her door opes Some one comes forth 'T is she SCENE III. Lavinia Albina Camilla Julia. Lav. I was Albina coming to see you To tell you of
a grief as bold as new Fierce Tiberinus yet besmear'd in blood Would have seen me and scarce would be withstood Who all that I thought dear with 's own hand slew Would expose me to th' horrour of his view Alb. His barbarous fury Madam higher flies Than to present himself before your eyes That were but little durst he do no more Lav. What can he do Alb. He do's those eyes adore Lav. Heavens shall he dare this and be Thunder-free Alb. My Father just now Madam told it me From whom but that a strict Command has barr'd Him from your sight you might the same have heard We to his flame my Brothers Murder owe. Lav. Thy Brother's self did not my passion know For whilst he liv'd a humour too severe To let the least complacent thought appear My Love to him from all the world conceal'd Alb. To such a Rival 't would be soon reveal'd He through the perspective of passion pry'd Survey'd each look and so much Love espi'd That if my Brother be a wandring shade It was your kindness him to Fate betray'd This fatal fire which now appears to blaze Ha's stopt his breath and smother'd up his days And brave Agrippa in a flame did die Which unperceiv'd was kindled at your eye Here do's the Tyrant's cruelty appear Part in your Lovers death he 'll make you bear For offering him unto his jealous rage He do's your Love with his own crime engage Lav. You such Impressions on my Soul have laid Trembling and Horror every sence invade But bloody Tyrant thou th' effects shalt find Alb. Anger well plac'd do's grace a noble mind For hate to him can never be severe And 't is but justice to incense you here Then since his crime did from his passion spring What did the fault let the chastisement bring Whilst you disdain and scorn upon him throw You make him wretched who hath made you so Your vengeance within your own power you have And as you please may punish him your slave For one as cruel as himself he 'll find Whilst Love do's play the Tyrant in his mind Lav. My just resentments yet must higher fly These are too low Albina he must die The blood he shed requires all his own And I do only live to see it done Too long since my dear love receiv'd his doom Have I delay'd to wait upon his Tomb But I should blush to meet his happy Ghost Ere I to it a full revenge could boast Too long the Tyrant has his crime surviv'd But 't was his absence me of means deprived Now if the Gods will to my vows be good His own shall expiate Agrippa's blood This day shall terminate his wicked race What suddain paleness do's invade your face Alb. I fear the dangers into which you run Lav. Think'st thou the Tyrant then his fate can shun To Love spurr'd by Despair there 's nothing hard I 'll reach his heart i' th' midst of all his Guard Besides so many friends with me will joyn As will remove all doubt of the design Mezentius shall a party be for Fate Will make his love the servant of my hate Thou to thy Father go and bid with speed His friends be ready 'gainst the time of need The Guards appear But the King comes Alb. Let us his sight avoid Lavinia goes in Albina stays The false one merits well to be destroy'd And yet Jul. To shun him enter at this door Alb. If I do see him 't is t' incense me more SCENE IV. Agrippa Train Albina Julia. Agrip. I must a Hecatomb to Fortune owe For this blest interview she do's bestow Madam I know I have incurr'd you hate And therefore for this favour thank my Fate Alb. You may with pleasure Sir behold my tears In them your joy of seeing me appears And in my Brothers blood may be discern'd How much your heart hath been for me concern'd Agrip. Justly this Anger you do on me throw 'T is what you to your Brothers ashes owe. But mayn't there Madam some excuse appear That our resemblance was so strangely near Lest he by errour might advantage gain Interest of State Alb. No no Sir cease to feign I know what int'rest was in you most strong It was his love not likeness did the wrong You from his Loyalty had no offence Love gave the blow the State was the pretence Your passion for Lavinia arm'd your hand Agrip. Since you think so I 'll not your thoughts withstand But knowing what to such a crime is due Believ 't a new one to pretend to you For all Love has of innocent delight In us would turn to horrour and affright Alb. I do not wonder your inhumane brest Disclaims with ease those vows to me addrest You in the fatal change a Rival find To Murther and 't is crimes best please your mind My Love had been too quiet and too free Too void of Tyrannies and Treachery No slaughters need its innocence annoy Nor had you found a Rival to destroy But to you nothing precious seems or good Save what you buy with Treason and with Blood Your wretched Soul is so to mischiefs bent You cannot let your Love be innocent Agrip. Do let my passion for Lavinia be Accus'd of Treasons Blood and Tyranny Loaden with all you can invent of blame I shall not fear to own it without shame A fault so glorious will not charge my mind With those remorses which the guilty find For howsoe're with Treacheries defil'd My Love is to my Reason reconcil'd Alb. The Criminal that senceless of remorse Do's seem in ills to have atchiev'd his course For perfect marks he of a miscreant bears Whose guilt exceeds his horrour or his fears Sure after all those crimes your Love has cost Your heart should tremble at the peace you boast Till from the Soul those inward stings are fled All hopes of goodness are not banished Even in the heart that 's blemish'd o're with stains Some little stock of Vertue still remains But those extinct farewel all innocence That ill 's past cure that once is past all sence Agrip. If 't be your Brothers loss cause all this care You having nothing lost your griefs may spare I 'll be to you what ere he could have been And for my Love will pay you my esteem Alb. Me your Esteem How can I guilty be That I should merit such an infamy Or since crimes are the pleasures of your brest What have I done you might not me detest Shall I a villain for my Brother have Agrip. Your fury heightens that esteem I gave Whate're indignities from you are thrown I shall not as reproach but kindness own Your generous duty do's herein appear I did but now for you begin to fear Methought some motion through your blood did fly Which did betray a passion in your eye And I observ'd through all your anger move Something that spoke an old remain of Love Alb. Your scorn and your advice Sir comes too late
But if my eyes have made you doubt my hate Or with your pride my blood durst take a part I do declare them Traytors to my heart That heart which once your Sacrifice became But since Agrippa's death abhors that name Your murtherous hand no sooner cut his thred But with his breath all my desires were fled Quench't in a brothers blood those fires did die And wronged Nature did the knots untie Perhaps surpriz'd at your first sight I may By my dull eyes my troubled Soul betray But know that Hatred in its turn do's move And is extravagant as well as Love That Tyrant's presence who my brother slew Might of his wounds the memory renew And blood offended will by Nature stir At the approaching of the Murtherer Agrip. I beg not that this anger you asswage Which blood Commands and dutie do's Engage And by whose Justice worthy you appear Of all that could love well or be held dear After the pittie I conceive for you Let me add something to your glory due You ought to hate me and in doing so Pay but what to your brothers dust you owe And 't would grieve me if she whom once I lov'd Were not by dutie and by nature mov'd I 'll quit you Madam lest my presence do Drive from my heart that hatred is my due Lest some alluring charm incite you to Those smiles for me will be a shame for you I know crimes do souls great like yours incense You can't forget so barbarous an offence Yet since Love has those subtile secret ways And often by the eye the heart betrays I by my absence will your fears abate And so secure the honour of your hate SCENE V. Albina Julia. Alb. To make me hate thee Tyrant take no care Thy barbarous Crimes too strong incitements are Fear not my Love but at my Vengeance start Believe that still I would possess thy heart But 't is that I by tearing it alive Might some allay to my just anger give Ah Julia how I feel my Flame expire Disdain do's in me smother all desire And my Resentment taking now its turn Do's with my Love in equal ardour burn The Tyrant favour'd me he did not find In me those Charms might grace me in his mind For now no sighs of his unless they be His last will prove acceptable to me Come Julia to his death let 's lend our Aid His punishment appears to me delay'd Where Love and Nature both receive a wrong Revenge though present seems to stay too long The End of the Second ACT. ACT THE THIRD SCENE I. Mezentius Faustus Faustus THe Army Sir are now so discontent They would almost your own desires prevent Their hardned limbs unus'd to sloathful ease Would hazard any thing to hinder Peace Besides those friends that Alba will afford Who only wait when you will give the word And having all these helps are those thoughts gone Which made you once aspire to the Throne Mez. Faustus since I to Love became a prize Scarcely for it do all my thoughts suffice That cruel passion by prevailing art Has banisht all Ambition from my heart Before this wound the Princess beautie gave I to those viler passions was a slave Scorn to obey and a desire to reign Prompted to all attempts a Crown to gain I endur'd nothing did my will controul And unto Crimes did dedicate my Soul But since her eyes gave light unto this flame Purg'd by those fires my heart more pure became And now alone upon those Charms intent Dares form no vows but what are innocent There is no happiness but in her love And could I ever hope her breast to move I would not change so blessed an Estate For all the Crowns can be bestow'd by Fate Faust. The King Sir is advancing towards this place Mez. He stops and wears some trouble in his face SCENE II. Agrippa Mezentius Faustus Atis. Mez. Sir If I may not indiscreet appear Why in your looks do you this sadness wear Things prosperous beyond your wishes are You return victor from a bloody war And bring along all that the Great can please Honours and pleasures victory and peace Whilst Fate then to your Glory is so kind What sad dull humour dares oppress your mind Or what disquiet thoughts within your brest Whilst you give peace to all disturbs your rest Agrip. All things indeed appear to flatter me And I from war return with victory By many happy Fights our peace is wrought And all are pleas'd with this repose I brought But I alone this rest cannot enjoy Crowns are confin'd to so severe a law And that blest Calm a happy victor brings Is for the Subjects quiet not the Kings Mez. Though happiest Kings are not exempt from care Fortune so studies to abate your share That waiting to prevent you wishes she Strives to forget her old inconstancie Agrip. 'T is true that Fortune so her kindness shows As if that Goddess were at my dispose But were she truly so she never can Feed all the wishes and desires of man Under two powers is our life confin'd Cruel alike as they alike are blind And seldom 't is that both do kind appear Secure of Fortune yet we Love may fear Mez. If still you love Albina I 'm surpriz'd Her Sir whose Brother you have sacrifiz'd Agrip. No 'T is another Beauty I adore Which when you hear will yet surprize you more My passion for Albina's quite supprest And 't is Lavinia rules now in my brest Mez. Lavinia Sir Agrip. Nay start not at that name I thought 't must grieve you when you knew my flame For knowing yours 't was easily discern'd You must for such a Rival be concern'd I 'm troubled that I do your griefs create But Love will be obey'd as sure as Fate Mez. Though Sir this suddain trouble may appear Too great for my perplexed Soul to bear I 'm not so vain to beg my King to be Subject unto the least constraint for me Nor whilst on my own passion I reflect Will I a forfeit make of my respect Though in this Realm I claim a high degree There 's distance 'twixt my Soveraign still and me And I must pay though of blood Royal born Homage to him by whom the Crown is worn For crowned heads by a becoming pride Are only unto Kings and Gods ally'd That blood of theirs we carry in our veins Do's only bind us in the streighter chains But Majesty do's soar so vast a flight Nature and Blood are subject to its height 'T is not then on my own behalf I 'll move You would great Sir strive to renounce this love Nor is 't for mine but for your quiet sake For your repose that I this boldness take Spare to your self the rigour of that Fate To see your sighs paid with eternal hate The Princess Lover whom your hands have slain Makes you the object of her just disdain She so much horrour has conceiv'd for you That your pretentions will its force
how in your griefs a part I bear And for their ease a remedy prepare Tyrh. How Sir can you restore my son to breath Mez. I cannot but we may revenge his death There 's nothing should a greater trouble give To you than that you see his murderer live But now that mine do with your wishes meet They 'll bring you all that in revenge is sweet Tyrh. Can you think this Sir gainst your Soveraign Mez. To circumvent you you may think I feign But you 'll recant your errour when you hear He 'd snatch from me all that my Soul holds dear And when Love in our hearts has gain'd command We abhor all do's its carrier withstand Tyrh. Your unjust Rival I with you condemn 'T is fit that flame should fatal prove to him And yet his blood which through your veins does move Might stifle this extravagance of love Mez. Those flames within our brests must needs be cold Where Nature do's with Love proportion hold Love do's all fetters but it's own disdain Kindred and blood against it strive in vain When first the Princess me her Champion made Some little tremblings did my Soul invade But thinking he to her was sacrifiz'd They vanish'd and all duties I despis'd My heart that knew it did depend on her Soon those did to all other chains prefer When what we love craves to be understood In vain we listen to the cries of blood The object lov'd rules in the Lover's brest And by its laws all others are supprest Tyrh. The danger Sir of such an enterprize The fear of a discovery or surprize The Kings revenge who never will forgive May yet to your resolves some trouble give Mez. Think not my Soul can be betray'd by fear Love having got such vast dominion there In vain those Chills my flames strive to asswage I think what object do's my Arm engage And how should fear gain place within my Soul When that God rules there do's all Gods controul Tyrh. You Sir may judge in the assault you make What thoughts I ought to have what part to take But since Kings do Gods Image bear and he Who them assails fights with the Deity Sure that strict awe which to the Heavens we owe May stop your hand ready to give the blow Though earthly Terrours you as Bugbears prize You can't the Thunder of the Gods despise Which do's the great'st of Criminals appall Mez. The guilty do not still by Lightning fall When Gods with Thunder would the Earth affright The Bolt alas do's on th' unhappy light For when it rends the skies and roars from thence Chance oftner is its guide than Providence But for the Crime if a revenge to take Th' incensed heavens o're my head should shake If all the Gods against me should conspire And anger make them arm their hands with fire Yet whilst a beauty that has so much charm Inspires my blood and do's my courage warm Even all those Gods themselves would Bugbears be And shaking heaven it self should not shake me Only do you the part due to you take And show what you dare do for a sons sake Tyrh. Oh Sir this interest touches me most neer Knew you but how weeps Mez. It do's too well appear Knowing how tender your concernments were I thought it just that you should have a share In this revenge and did resolve to owe To your advice the guidance of my blow Tyrh. I to your trust do this assurance give Your confidence has made my hopes revive And I had sure despair'd had you to me Deny'd a part in this conspiracie Mez. I 'll leave the choice of time and place to you My friends are ready powerful and true Who on my orders would the world lay wast Tyrh. 'Bove all take heed of making too much hast The King Sir hath his Army hither call'd The Fort is guarded and the City wall'd So that on failor or discovery There can for us no hopes of safety be These dangers 'mongst our friends may doubts create And one mans fear expose us all to fate This hindrance cannot last for many days For more than ten the Army hardly stays And our Conspirators who then will know Themselves the stronger will the bolder grow In great designs fit choice of time must sway Mez. I do with you consent to the delay And always shall think your advice the best Rul'd by experience and by interest In the mean time let us our friends prepare I 'll send you mine and judge you what they are It is your care that I rely upon Tyrh. What e're a Father can do for a son You may be sure of and if Fate prove true I shall do things not thought of yet by you The End of the Third ACT. ACT THE FOURTH SCENE I. Lavinia Mezentius Lav. SIr what unhappy News is this you tell Tyrhenus made a prisoner Mez. It may well Surprize you Madam as it has done me For with him all our hopes imprisoned be In his restraint our chief relyance dies He many friends experienc'd has and wise He my close partners in the plot has seen And by his Counsels so gain'd their esteem That as if Courage from his breath distill'd He all their brests hath with fresh boldness fill'd But parting from us Atis as 't is said Met him and to the Fort him prisoner led Lav. How do's one crime another still engage My Lovers blood whetted the Tyrants rage Which from that time so sharp and keen remains He 'll wreak the rest on 't in his fathers veins A swift assistance now our hopes must stead Go let the Tyrant's death secure that head And by your blows preventing his design Save him the horrour of so foul a crime He has liv'd but too long a Tyrants fate As always wisht for always seems too late Run then and since your friends wait but your word Do not to them a time of doubt afford These great attempts do too much hazard run When we allow space for reflexion Think but what fears Tyrhenus death may raise Danger and doubt the greatest heart allays Mez. Madam I 'll fly your pleasure to obey Nor will I now dispute for a delay But slighting reasons might this hast withstand Think it enough that it is your command Whilst the King pays his vows to Victory He shall himself to you a Victim be And by your eyes those sacred lights I swear To bring his head here or to leave mine there But here he comes The Guards appear Lav. I 'll fly Mez. Constrain your hate Now he 's so nigh your flight will be too late And thus in your revenge you gain a share To stop him here whilst I his death prepare SCENE II. Agrippa Lavinia Atis Train Agrip. Do I then Princess yet those beauties see Alas that my joy should your torment be That all my faithful love and all my pain Dare only hope for hatred and disdain And yet my flame is grown so bright and high In vain
I strive to keep it from your eye Small ills we may dissemble and conceal But that love's weak do's not it self reveal I know this rash attempt must draw on me Hatred contempt disdain and crueltie That all your anger you will on me heap Yet at that price my love will still be cheap Summon your fury then But is it true That I see charming Tears distil from you My Soul is at this tenderness agast May I believ 't Lav. Yes cruel one thou may'st My heart do's with its firm resolves dispence I thought thy presence would my Soul incense And make my brest with horrour overflow Yet seeing thee my thoughts do tender grow As though all hatred from my mind were fled Agrip. Can then Agrippa thence be banished And with your favour can you make me blest Lav. Thinkst thou such crimes dare harbour in my brest Treason like thine my love and faith must sway When I that generous Heroe so betray That to his spotless ashes I prefer The stain'd addresses of his Murderer But lest thou think my Tears from thence did flow I to my love this explanation owe My Lover did so much resemble thee Thy presence do's renew his memory Bringing those smiles were once to me so sweet Thou did'st my Tears instead of anger meet That Image did this tenderness create Stifled my rage and did suspend my hate My heart that to those Charms engag'd would be In favour of him almost favour'd thee And in those features first surpriz'd my mind I that assault did from my passion find Hatred nor Fury could not gain a part But Love alone was ruler in my heart But now that love which all my Soul possest Stirs up both hate and fury in my brest Which justly blushing to have staid so long Are by that short suspension grown more strong Thou soon shalt find an anger so severe It s great concernment shall in it appear And know that fury cannot be withstood Which is inspired by a Lover's blood My eyes shall dart such vengeance upon you Agrip. Madam I know this to my crime is due But though your eyes with all your hate you arm In all their anger I shall find a Charm Accuse me scorn me I will not complain But love you without hopes of love again Whilst you impute Agrippa's death to me I cannot murmur at your cruelty Nor press your heart that passion to remove Which as it heightens do's increase my love Lav. Did not my Tears then to my Griefs suffice But thou must yet find Charms in these sad eyes Must they behold a Tyrant's Soul inclin'd To that bright flame once grac'd a Heroe's mind But ah how cruel do's thy love appear Cruel to him that was to me so dear Whilst his pure flame did by thy crime become A fatal Torch to light him to his Tomb. May yet revenging Heaven make thy love At least as fatal as Agrippa's prove May all the Furies new inventions try To punish thee and may the aiding Sky Mischiefs like rain upon thy head distil Till thou become the Quintessence of ill I will implore those Gods thy Crimes abuse Agrip. Press not the Gods for what they will refuse They know our good and of us take such care Believe me Madam you your vows may spare Though I with you that generous Faith approve Appears in this remembrance of your love Yet grief perhaps has to your heart deny'd The thoughts what glories do in Thrones reside Come you have mourn'd too much Try to believe Those comforts which an offered Crown may give Scepters are Charms unto the greatest grief And from the Throne all evils seek relief Lav. Disdain'd I not a Scepter in thy hand Agrippa's shade do's so my Soul command I should with more contentment choose to be His Spouse in death than set on Thrones with thee Agrip. Am I that object of your hatred made That you slight so much glory for a shade Rare president which no Example hath To that which is not you extend your faith What heart e're was to grief so given o're But it forgot a love that was no more Cease must the fiercest fire that ever burn'd When that which feeds it is to ashes turn'd Lav. Learn then from me what glory do's inspire Brests once inflamed with a just desire My Loves cold ashes in their frosty urn With it's first ardor make my heart still burn Forcing my sighs nights silence to invade And 'mongst the Ghosts pay tribute to his shade Nothing can a well-kindled flame remove Who can desist sure never well did love But Tyrant know my Soul the power hath To loose it's Lover yet preserve it's Faith In worthy minds where death an Empire gains In vain death strives to break it's firmer chains Would Heaven Agrippa had but known what now I do with Tears and Sighs to thee avow But ah the force of an imperious pride Made me this love too obstinately hide Whilst my heart burnt I studied to disdain And knew so well my passion to constrain That at his death he did not understand He o're my Soul had gain'd the least command Why did you not you Gods this truth unfold Make him foresee these tears Agrip. Ah Princess hold So sweet a Charm do's set my Soul on fire Bring here Tyrhenus Atis you retire Atis and the whole Train withdraw No longer now can I my self constrain For love will speak that knows not how to feign Charg'd with such loads this secret do's appear Too weighty for my feeble heart to bear Cease then of love and faith thou sole delight To seek Agrippa in eternal night 'T was Tiberinus who alone was drown'd And you in me that happy love have found Lav. In you oh Heavens how can this be true Who can assure it me Agrip. I see you do Suspect me of Imposture and you may Have cause to do 't from my too long delay Th' advice is justly too suspitious grown To have you credit it from me alone My Father shall the truth of all unfold You may give faith to what by him is told I will oblige him now to let you know I this disguise to his injunctions owe. Justice will urge him to it when he finds Fate cannot part two love-contracted minds In the mean time to know me well you may Search your own heart Lav. I fear 't will me betray Too weakly do's it this surprizal bear To trust to it Agrip. My Father do's appear From whom what I am will be better known Lav. If you would please me strive to be his Son SCENE III. Agrippa Lavinia Tyrhenus Agrip. The Princess Sir knows now of my disguise Having first made a sign to Atis to retire This action I expect should you surprise But you foretold my love would make me known The secret for my heart too strong was grown Her powerful Charms have on my dutie won I have told all Tyrh. What Sir Agrip. That I 'm your Son Tyrh. You Sir my
Son you 're to your self unjust My Son is dead do not disturb his dust Alas 't was by your hand Agrip. Your cares are vain A Secret told can't be recall'd again Acknowledge then that in the rapid wave Unhappy Tiberinus found a grave That favour'd by our likeness I grew bold T' assume the Regal power now I hold That the Kings body from the floods you drew And paid the tears to a Sons ashes due In fine that to avoid suspect and learn Such enterprizes as might do me harm You with my Murder did the King accuse Tyrh. I know the forfeit Sir if I refuse This base acknowledgment and ready stand To offer up my head at your command Betray my Sons blood for his Murderers sake Agrip. How Sir Tyrh. Your anger sha'not make me shake You know me ill in thinking I can be Guilty of such inhumane Infamy The small remain of blood runs in these veins Shall ne're be purchas'd with such barbarous stains Agrip. Why should you cruelly with cunning strive This good and faithful Princess to deceive Have not her eyes of tears the current made Yet to your Son sufficient tribute paid Tyrh. Too well your sence herein to me appears You would not let him honour him with tears Nor suffer that a heart so generous send Sighs to the Tomb of her unhappy friend Is 't not enough y 'ave rob'd him of his breath But that you must pursue him after death Cannot his ashes from your hate be free Nor Urns protect him from your cruelty Forbear great Sir an envy so unjust And having had his blood spare to his dust This honour that a heart do it bemoan Which Love has destin'd to those sighs alone Agrip. Let then that generous heart be disabus'd Which I possess while 't is to me refus'd That heart preserves for me so pure a flame It disdains Scepters for my only name That heart in which do's all my bliss consist Loves gift but that my Father do's resist My Father for whose Son I can't be known Tyrh. Why should I for my Son his Murderer own His death alas Heaven knows to be as true As that he did receive that death from you I Sir a witness was you know it well When stab'd by you into these arms he fell His bubling blood upon his Father flew But Madam hear a proof of 's love to you Grieving to loose a Son so dear I su'd That but one spark of life might be renew'd But I in vain unto the Fates had pray'd Till naming you his wandring Spirits stay'd And though his eyes clos'd for eternal night Did seem to take their last adieu of light Yet at the sound of that adored name Love broke deaths vail and opened them again His blood and life already slipt away Return'd and to his flame the Fates gave way And now afresh for you his spirit burn'd And 't was for you if his own death he mourn'd Until the King at these last gasps incens'd With all the laws of Piety dispens'd And 'mongst the waves his panting body threw Ah Princess pardon tears that are so due I can no more my heart with grief opprest Only with sighs and sobs must tell the rest My mov'd blood passage to my voice denies But silencing my tongue speaks by my eyes Lav. Vouchsafe thou then dear shade to let me bear In this thy Fathers grief a Lovers share And if thou in those shady walks approve Of these last tributes both of blood and love Pardon dear Ghost those troubles which my mind Did in th' addresses of thy Murderer find Those sweet transports those thoughts I did conceive When likeness made me him for thee receive For now that from thy Fathers mouth I know To whom my love to whom my hate I owe My reviv'd rage such vengeance shall create My errour and thy blood to expiate That hellish Furies shall amazed stand For not the Gods alone shall lend their hand But that my hatred may more full appear Looking on Agrippa Alas but Sir if still your Son he were Tyrh. Disclaim that Errour which would you betray Agrip. Ah Madam rather hear what Love would say Why should the faith of such a Witness be Suspected only when he speaks for me Whilst yet his voice finds favour in your heart Tyrh. Doubt still a Witness that has so much art Agrip. Will you such cruel Maximes then pursue And not believe Lav. Alas what shall I do Tyrh. Why can you yet be doubtful in your choice When you have heard so much from Nature's voice Cannot my troubled Soul your Sences touch Have I too little said Lav. Y 'ave said too much Your passion do's too certainly deprive Me of that sweetness hope and doubt would give Your Son 's too surely dead in vain I raise These flattring doubts against what Nature says Yet are these doubts so sweet my Love would try And if it durst to Nature give the ly Tyrh. Whate're the King says be you well assur'd Lav. Alas his presence cannot be endur'd Looking on Agrippa It so resembles that which charm'd my Soul It do's my anger and my hate controul And though this you on my belief have won That he is an Impostor not your Son Yet when I cast my eyes on his and there The Charms of my Agrippa do appear Spite of my self you and his treach'rous wrong That aspect is for all belief too strong Tyrh. Fly then and if your reason be too weak Agrip. Ah Madam stay and do but hear me speak Lav. Whoe're thou art 't is cruel thus to strive To all my sorrows an increase to give Agrip. Will you not hear me then Lav. I dare not stay Lest to my eyes my heart should yield the day Agrip. I will not leave you till I make you know SCENE IV. Tyrhenus Agrippa Tyrh. Stay and remember the respect you owe. If you 're my Son your dutie pay to me Agrip. And yet you will not Sir my Father be Tyrh. There too much danger did in it appear Not to be so was to be Father here And since kind heavens took the care that none Can Witness your disguise but me alone The Obligation they have on us laid Is that we be not by our selves betray'd 'T is then much better I my Son disown Than knowing him hazard his Life and Throne And I would wish to banish all our fear That as to all chang'd to your self you were Then for a Crown so fearlesly enjoy'd My heart could leap and its device applaud Think where your weakness did us now reduce You to the Princess should more caution use And not your life to so much hazard throw You promis'd it Agrip. In vain you tell me so Who can the passion of his Soul conceal When th' object lov'd do's mutual love reveal Flattring my self I thought I could abide That she her love under her hate should hide But I in that mistaken hate did find Charms yet conceal'd from the experienc'd mind There
Restore that anger to his crime is due For so his presence did affect my mind Your words were blown away with their own wind Tyrh. Madam I all this trouble did foresee Therefore no sooner gain'd I liberty But fearless of the Tyrants threats I came To disabuse and rid you of this pain Who sees what sorrow on my soul has don Cannot misdoubt the murder of my Son Such piercing anguish cannot be constrain'd Nor such o'repressing grief be only feign'd Contented Nature did he live and reign Could not from the discovery refrain For blood like love will those transports obey Which through all checks must sometime force their way But to convince you there do's yet remain An Argument than this more sure and plain That ardour wherewith I his death pursue Which before him I durst not urge to you Mezentius may a witness be who knows How I did the Conspirators dispose Their brests with hate and emnity inspire And made their thoughts take fuel from my fire Your self can tell what ways I did invent To gain the heart of every discontent Joyn'd in their plots made my self chief of all And offer'd vows he by this hand might fall And can you Madam when all this is done Fondly sermise that he is still my Son He whom I have design'd a sacrifice Lav. No Sir this to my quiet do's suffice T' asswage my passion and release my pain With joy I this assurance entertain And from my Soul and from my sence I drive Whate're to it can opposition give My heart no more shall listen to deceit No more shall love its flatt'ring charms repeat For in a Fathers word less cause I find Of fear or doubt than in my Love that 's blind Natures consent do's so my thoughts confirm The Tyrant seems to live too long a term And 't would my highest satisfaction be To take his life has taken all from me That bloody barbarous assassinate Tyrh. Would to God Madam 't were thought fit by fate Propitious to a Fathers vows that now We were prepared to have 'gin the blow I by such active speed allay should find To all those torments that afflict my mind But haste in such designs too dangerous were The Fort 's well guarded and the Army near We yet must languish we must yet delay Lav. Be comforted I have made this the day Tyrh. How without farther thoughts Lav. In fear for you I did command they should the plot pursue And you unto this happy day will owe All those delights that vengeance can bestow Tyrh. Let 's yet the danger of this haste prevent Lav. In vain to stay it I already sent SCENE III. Faustus Lavinia Tyrhenus Lavinia to Faustus Did you in time unto the Prince arrive Faust. To your commands I did obedience give But Madam you are so oblig'd to Fate That 't was my happiness to come too late Tyrh. Ye Gods what do I hear Lav. Oh noble deed Relate each circumstance Faust. There was no need I shou'd to th' Temple go that sacred ground They had already quitted and I found The Tyrant nigh unto the fatal place Which forth ' assault before designed was Charg'd by the Prince hopeless and out of breath But though despairing yet outfacing death Till coming to Tyrhenus Palace near Spite of our force he threw himself in there And whilst we by his small but valiant train Were stopt till o're their Corps we made a lane Fearful what dangers popular rage might bring The gates were strongly barr'd upon the King And he alone Tyrh. How scap'd Faust. We all like you At that sad instant pale and fearful grew Doubtful both of the Army and the Fort But speed we knew must be our sole support And therefore forcing now our entrance were When on the top Albina did appear Her countenance did some affright betray But with her hand she seem'd to bid us stay We soon did to her kind request agree Respectful of her Sex and her degree While to Mezentius she made this address I hope this great revenge won't seem the less Nor can I think the Princess judge it so 'Cause she a part of it to me do's owe. Her generous temper rather will approve Nature should have a share as well as Love Whilst here the King thought to prevent his fate He only did his fall precipitate For by my orders he receiv'd his doom And to my brothers Ghost is now become A sacrifice 'T is done and he no more Tyrh. Oh Gods Faust. At this an universal roar Of strangely-mixed and tumultuous cryes Did with loud Eccho's pierce the yielding Skyes All do admire Albina and the Prince Stay 's but to bring the Tyrants head from thence You ask't it of him and he thinks it meet That he alone should lay it at your feet Mean while he thought convenient to employ Me to prepare your heart for so much joy Lav. So now those Gods to whom so oft addrest Our vows have been have granted our request This day revenges all our former harms And in the Tyrants blood we taste those charms But what strange trouble do's your looks invade Where rather grief then joy do's sit display'd Tyrh. Alas my fainting spirits are quite gon Lav. For the Kings death Tyrh. No Madam 't was my Son Lav. Your Son Sir Tyrh. Yes too sure I find it here The cryes of blood make it too well appear Nature forbids more fictions to create She speaks her self Lav. Why do's she speak so late Is it then true I 've lost the thing I love And must my self th' unhappy agent prove Crimes which I would pursue become my guilt And blood I would revenge my self have spilt So oft I urg'd so oft his death implor'd Till heav'n did with my ardent vows accord Until the wearied Gods in anger sent My own desires for my own punishment Ah! how are their denyals useful oft And they too cruel when they are too soft Their dearest interest mortals thus insnare By tiring Heaven with too tedious prayer But if my Lover thus hath murdered bin To Tyrhenus To you alone I must impute the sin 'T was his imposed name did me deceive Loving him dead I hated him alive And did that life so dearly lov'd pursue But treacherous Father all proceeds from you Of all these wrongs you me an Agent made And on the faith of blood was love betray'd By your assurance I thus blind became You poisoned all the ardour of my flame And cruelly for an unknown design Turn'd purest love into a baneful crime What have you wretched Polititian won By this ambition has destroy'd your Son Did not my love to him my Soul command I 'd carve on you my vengeance with this hand But cruel man go render the thanks due To your Sons blood which I respect in you Tyrh. When thus a Father has destroy'd his Son He has enough affliction of his own And needs not your reproach Agrippa slain There wants no torment to increase my
pain Alas poor Son whate're I did contrive With hopes to save is turn'd against thy life And my paternal love by zeal betray'd Is of thy murder the Abettor made Forcing thy Sister and thy Love to be Partners at once in the same crime with me But be it fault or fortune thou art gon Offers to kill himself Lavinia stops him It only rests I follow thee my Son Lav. Stay let us yet this satisfaction have To draw Mezentius with us to the grave He will deserve his fate for having bin The instrument of my mistaken Sin Tyrh. Since cruel Fate spar'd not my hapless boy I wish I could with him the world destroy 'Bove all my daughter may my anger fear SCENE IV. Albina Tyrhenus Lavinia Camilla Julia. Tyrh. Unhappy wretch how dar'st thou here appear Alb. I come to throw my self Sir at your feet To beg your anger and your fury meet Remorse of Conscience will not let me fly Tyrh. Know'st thou th' effects then of thy cruelty How that by thee we are all wretched made Lav. Know'st thou that thou a brother hast betray'd Alb. Brother and duty both I know have bin Betray'd by th' too great fondness of my sin His conquering Murderer but he comes here Tyrh. Against him let us all our fury bear SCENE V. Agrippa Tyrhenus Lavinia Albinia Camilla Julia Train Agrip. I small advantage shall by conquest gain If you Sir and the Princess still remain My enemies Tyrh. Do's my Agrippa live From what blest deity do we receive This happy grace Lav. What God can be so good As to restore my love Agrip. Instinct of blood The Guardian-Angel was that did inspire My Sisters brest and blew loves secret fire Alb. Are you my brother then Sir Tyrh. Yes blest Child And whilst thou thought thou wer 't by love beguil'd Thou art by that which thou a crime dost call Become the instrument to save us all Lav. But yet I cannot banish all my fear Until I do the whole relation hear His double death has such impressions made That still I do believe my Love a shade Tyrh. He will himself that satisfaction give Which may your hopes from their dark cell reprieve Agrippa to Lavinia Since 't was your orders arm'd the Princess hand And the assault was made by your command I with some trouble Madam did dispose My self at first those orders to oppose Even in these broils of death my heart did still Prompt me to a submission to your will But when I thought upon your love and knew That 't was mistake made you my life pursue Respect to you determin'd soon the strife And for my love I sought to save my life And being to my Fathers Palace near I for a refuge cast my self in there When fearing dangers that on Tumults wait To stop the flood the servants shut the gate And made me theirs My Sister who in me Believ'd she did her faithless lover see Advanc'd as first I thought in rage to do Whate're her errour might incline her to But Love appearing spite of her mistake Did sleeping Nature in my favour wake She thought 't was Love but Nature did not shame To act for me under Loves bolder name And after having a short Combat try'd Blushing and with a trembling voice she cry'd Go faithless man go save thy â—â—â—f and be Only so kind to own this 〈…〉 me Tyrh. Blest be thy 〈…〉 Child whether it did move By the impulse of 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 Agrip. Without 〈…〉 first words obey And through the 〈…〉 effort made way Where without opposition I arriv'd And quick assistance from the Guards receiv'd To these the Army their choice Cohorts led And now with numbers strengthned I made head Where the Conspirators still fearless stay'd Secur'd by th' promise which Albina made Whom my approach did so much terrify That having neither power to fight nor fly Their Chiefs I seiz'd and let the others know They did their lives to my compassion owe. Lav. What in this conflict was Mezentius fate Agrip. He and he only did prove obstinate For having heard how I had 'gin command None should offend him but disarm his hand Scorning to be where you ordain'd the strife Indebted to a Rival for his life That of his vow he might acquitted be He gave himself those wounds design'd for me Princess I die for you was all he said I ran to stay him but I found him dead Yet in that death express'd such love to you In spite of joy I almost jealous grew Lav. I could lament him if that grief could find Possessing you a place within my mind Tyrhenus presenting the Crown to Lavinia Tyrh. This by Mezentius death becomes your due Lav. That I have right to it I know 't is true But all to it or to my right I owe Is that 't is in my power to bestow Thus then let all the world my faith approve And see your Son crown'd here by Me and Love FINIS EPILOGUE To the Lord LIEUTENANT OUr Poet was e'n going the old way And had contriv'd how to excuse the Play Though well he knew the Criticks were so keen That a submission would but wiâ—â— their spleen But in the Action Sir he chanc'd to spy Something of smile and favour in your eye This chang'd him quite and in a rage he tore That Epilogue which he had wrote before Bidding me only say he would not woo Others to like what had not displeas'd you FINIS
I that sweetness found so rare and new To be assur'd of love from one so true So true that death cannot her heart remove But to the grave she do's extend her love Tyrh. This was a bliss that might your thoughts content Agrip. Whilst she enjoy'd no share 't was punishment For when a beauteous object charms a heart Can that be bliss in which it bears no part Could I behold my Princess troubled mind And in her sufferings contentment find This were to brand my love with crueltie No Lovers joys must ever mutual be Tyrh. I cannot but lament so fair a flame Yet for some time you must constrain the same For both your safety and my own require That you should put a check to your desire Mezentius is conspiring to deprive You of your Crown the Princess and your life To make then this constraint the easier seem By it your Crown Mistriss and life redeem With him are joyn'd Seranus Corineus Volcens Antenor and young Hioneus All discontents among the people lov'd By several motives to your mine mov'd Thanks to the credit my feign'd grief has got Mezentius makes me Master of the plot He without doubt will speak to you for me Dispute not but to his request agree I for six days have the design deferr'd In which let all defences be prepar'd To the Conspirators give such employs May send them hence with honour and no noise Feign some advice to make the Army stay And make them sure by giving them their pay But treat Mezentius with a high respect That your esteem may banish his suspect At last let him with silence be confin'd And in some strong place what disturbs your mind Agrip. This practice Sir a kind of trouble brings Tyrh. Trouble should be below the thoughts of Kings It is your death Mezentius do's design Though he mistakes it lessens not his crime For if we judge by what he understands In sacred blood he would imbrue his hands The heavens do you his punisher ordain And think it fit you in his stead should reign Let no vain scruples then your Soul affright Dive not into their secrets nor your right If seated in this high degree you find Some doubtful crimes perplex your troubled mind Sit steddie in the Throne and do not fear But that the best of Advocates is there Howe're we come to mount to this high place The rise is just to fall is the disgrace No King is faulty but by base discent Who always reigns is always innocent Reign then ah Son did you but understand The glorious State to be above Command Agrip. Ah Sir did you but know the sweets of love Tyrh. I hear the steps of some that this way move SCENE V. Tyrhenus Agrippa Lausus Atis Train Tyrh. Well Sir with all my blood content your hate Lausus to Agrippa All 's ready in the Temple the Priests wait Only your Highness presence Agrippa to Atis. Go then see Your Prisoner back and in safe custody Tyrh. Out Barb'rous Tyrant Atis. Oh Sir don 't you fear Lest he should these reproaches over-hear Tyrh. Fear cannot gain a place within that brest That is intirely by despair possest The End of the Fourth ACT. ACT THE FIFTH SCENE I. Faustus Lavinia Camilla Faust. WHat terrour Madam do's your heart surprize Just in the height of all our enterprize The Prince do's with amazement understand He 's summon'd here by your express command Lav. Faustus I sent for him and 't was to pray That he would yet the fatal stroke delay I have weigh'd all the dangers that attend On rash attempts and therefore now did send To scape the hazard in this hast appears Faust. Madam the Prince was doubtful of your fears But being in the Temple with the King By his command I this assurance bring That to advance and make your vengeance sweet The Heavens with your intentions seem to meet Never had great design a nobler face The Prince has brought his followers to the place With them Tyrhenus partizans are join'd And all those friends in your revenge combin'd Who with an eagerness of zeal aspire By th' Tyrants death t' accomplish your desire Nor can he 'gainst their force find a support 'T is true we both the Army and the Fort Might justly fear but Tiberinus dead Mezentius is of both those powers the head The Citizens are to our party sure Which do's confirm our enterprize secure For e're the Camp or Fort advice can gain The Tyrant overpower'd will be slain And he once gone the Prince assumes the sway Whose right the Chieftains trembling will obey All smiles on us and when the King has done Our bloodyer Sacrifice will be begun The streets along are with our forces lin'd But at Tyrhenus Palace 't is design'd To give the blow that all may know he falls A Victim to Agrippa's Funerals Who e're observe the freedom which he shows Would say he gives himself up to our blows Such high respect he shows the Prince that he No sooner askt Tyrhenus liberty But with a gracious smile the King reply'd What he requested could not be deny'd Lav. Tyrhenus being free we better may Till we consult him the Assault delay All things affright me now and I can find Nothing but death in my presaging mind Ah! if to satisfie my cruel rage Go let the Prince's love his stay engage Make hast Faust. Madam at your command I go But fear the greatest hast will be too slow All 's ready now and at the Temple-gate The Ministers of your revenge do wait That death so justly merited to give Lav. Run yet and for some time his life reprieve Cam. What strange disorder in your mind appears Whence come these troubled interrupted fears What can we think of them unless the King By some sweet charm Lav. You may think any thing But go and to your thoughts that trouble save I with Tyrhenus must some conference have SCENE II. Lavinia Tyrhenus Lav Come Sir and if you can disperse that cloud Of grief and anguish do's my sences shroud A secret voice within my breast I find That strives to stifle my vindictive mind My heart at once raging and calm appears And all my thoughts are become Mutineers When first 't was told me that the King did love Hate and disdain in every vein did move And thus I arm'd my self resolv'd to be Shews a Dagger Mistriss of his or my own destiny But at his sight an over-powring charm Suppress'd my rage and did withhold my arm That very object did my hate controul And all my rage flew trembling from my soul. My heart respected in that Tyrants face Those features did my lov'd Agrippa grace A Fathers grief had surely else prevail'd And check'd that tenderness my brest assail'd But all that you could act or urge in spite Of reason vanish'd at that charming sight Now let his absence that advantage give If he be not your Son my hate revive And if he has no interest in you