the island-princess as it is acted at the theatre royal / reviv'd with alterations by n. tate ...

s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p5, characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng syphilis -early works to 1800. 2003-04 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2003-05 apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images 2003-07 john latta sampled and proofread 2003-07 john latta text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-08 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion examen poeticum : being the third part of miscellany poems . containing variety of new translations of the ancient poets . together with many original copies , by the most eminent hands . haec potior soboles : hine coeli tempore certo , dulcia mella premes . — virgil. geor. 4. in medium quaesita reponunt . ibid. london : printed by r. e for jacob tonson , at the judges head in chancery-lane , near fleetstreet . m dc xciii . the third part of miscellany poems . to the right honourable , my lord radcliffe . my lord , these miscellany poems , are by many titles yours . the first they claim from your accepttance of my promise to present them to you ; before some of them were yet in being . the rest are deriv'd from your own merit , the exactness of your judgment in poetry , and the candour of your nature ; easie to forgive some trivial faults when they come accompanied , with countervailing beauties . but after all , though these are your equitable claims to a dedication from other poets , yet i must acknowledge a bribe in the case , which is your particular liking of my verses . 't is a vanity common to all writers , to over-value their own productions ; and 't is better for me to own this failing in my self , than the world to do it for me . for what other reason have i spent my life in so unprofitable a study ? why am i grown old , in seeking so barren a reward as fame ? the same parts and application , which have made me a poet , might have rais'd me to any honours of the gown , which are often given to men of as little learning and less honesty than mv self . no government has ever been , or ever can be , wherein time-servers and blockheads will not be uppermost . the persons are only chang'd , but the same juglings in state , the same hypocrisie in religion , the same self-interest , and mis-mannagement , will remain for ever . blood and mony will be lavish'd in all ages , only for the preferment of new faces , with old consciences . there is too often a jaundise in the eyesof great men ; they see not those whom they raise , in the same colours with other men. all whom they affect , look golden to them ; when the gilding is only in their own distemper'd sight . these considerations , have given me a kind of contempt for those who have risen by unworthy ways . i am not asham'd to be little , when i see them so infamously great . neither , do i know , why the name of poet should be dishonourable to me ; if i am truly one , as i hope i am ; for i will never do any thing , that shall dishonour it . the notions of morality are known to all men : none can pretend ignorance of those idea's which are in-born in mankind : and if i see one thing , and practise the contrary , i must be disingenuous , not to acknowledge a clear truth , and base to act against the light of my own conscience . for the reputation of my honesty , no man can question it , who has any of his own : for that of my poetry , it shall either stand by its own merit ; or sall for want of it . ill writers are usually the sharpest censors : for they ( as the best poet , and the best patron said ) , when in the full perfection of decay , turn vinegar , and come again in play. thus the corruption of a poet , is the generation of a critick : i mean of a critick in the general acceptation of this age : for formerly they were quite another species of men. they were defendors of poets , and commentators on their works : to illustrate obscure beauties ; to place some passages in a better light , to redeem others from malicious interpretations : to help out an author's modesty , who is not ostentatious of his wit ; and , in short , to shield him from the ill-nature of those fellows , who were then call'd zoili , and momi , and now take upon themselves the venerable name of censors . but neither zoilus , nor he who endeavour'd to defame virgil , were ever adopted into the name of criticks by the ancients : what their reputation was then , we know ; and their successours in this age deserve no better . are our auxiliary forces turn'd our enemies ? are they , who , at best , are but wits of the second order , and whose only credit amongst readers , is what they obtain'd by being subvervient to the fame of writers , are these become rebels of slaves , and usurpers of subjects ; or to speak in the most honourable terms of them , are them from our seconds , become principals against us ? does the ivy undermine the oke , which supports its weakness ? what labour wou'd it cost them to put in a better line , than the worst of those which they expunge in a true poet ? petronius , the greatest wit perhaps of all the romans , yet when his envy prevail'd upon his judgment , to fall on lucan , he fell himself in his attempt : he perform'd worse in his essay of the civil war , than the authour of the pharsalia : and avoiding his errours , has made greater of his own . julius scaliger , wou'd needs turn down homer , and abdicate him , after the possession of three thousand years : has he succeeded in his attempt ? he has indeed shown us some of those imperfections in him , which are incident to humane kind : but who had not rather be that homer than this scaliger ? you see the same hypercritick , when he endeavours to mend the beginning of claudian , ( a faulty poet , and living in a barbarous age ; ) yet how short he comes of him , and substitutes such verses of his own , as deserve the ferula . what a censure has he made of lucan , that he rather seems to bark than sing ? wou'd any but a dog , have made so snarling a comparison ? one wou'd have thought , he had learn'd latin , as late as they tell us he did greek . yet he came off , with a pace tuâ , by your good leave , lucan ; he call'd him not by those outrageous names , of fool , booby , and blockhead : he had somewhat more of good manners , than his successours , as he had much more knowledge . we have two sorts of those gentlemen , in our nation : some of them proceeding with a seeming moderation and pretence of respect , to the dramatick writers of the last age , only scorn and vilifie the present poets , to set up their predecessours . but this is only in appearance ; for their real design is nothing less , than to do honour to any man , besides themselves . horace took notice , of such men in his age : non ingeniis favet ille , sepultis ; nostra sed impugnat ; nos nostraque lividus odit . 't is not with an ultimate intention to pay reverence to the manes of shakespear , fletcher , and ben johnson , that they commend their writings , but to throw dirt on the writers of this age : their declaration is one thing , and their practice is another . by a seeming veneration to our fathers , they wou'd thrust out us their lawful issue , and govern us themselves , under a specious pretence of reformation . if they could compass their intent , what wou'd wit and learning get by such a change ? if we are bad poets , they are worse ; and when any of their woful pieces come abroad , the difference is so great betwixt them and good writers , that there need no criticisms on our part to decide it . when they describe the writers of this age , they draw such monstrous figures of them , as resemble none of us : our pretended pictures are so unlike , that 't is evident we never sate to them : they are all grotesque ; the products of their wild imaginations , things out of nature , so far from being copy'd from us , that they resemble nothing that ever was , or ever can be . but there is another sort of insects , more venomous than the former . those who manifestly aim at the destruction of our poetical church and state. who allow nothing to their country-men , either of this or of the former age. these attack the living by raking up the ashes of the dead . well knowing that if they can subvert their original title to the stage , we who claim under them , must fall of course . peace be to the venerable shades of shakespear , and ben johnson : none of the living will presume to have any competition with them : as they were our predecessours , so they were our masters . we trayl our plays under them : but , ( as at the funerals of a turkish emperour , ) our ensigns are furl'd , or dragg'd upon the ground , in honour to the dead ; so we may lawfully advance our own , afterwards , to show that we succeed : if less in dignity , yet on the same foot and title , which we think too , we can maintain , against the insolence of our own janizaries . if i am the man , as i have reason to believe , who am seemingly courted , and secretly undermin'd : i think i shall be able to defend my'self , when i am openly attacqu'd . and to shew besides , that the greek writers only gave us the rudiments of a stage , which they never finish'd . that many of the tragedies in the former age amongst us , were without comparison beyond those of sophocles and euripides . but at present , i have neither the leisure nor the means for such an undertaking . 't is ill going to law for an estate , with him who is in possession of it , and enjoys the present profits , to feed his cause . but the quantum mutatus may be remember'd in due time . in the mean while i leave the world to judge , who gave the provocation . this , my lord , is , i confess , a long digression , from miscellany poems to modern tragedies : but i have the ordinary excuse of an injur'd man , who will be telling his tale unseasonably to his betters . though at the same time , i am certain you are so good a friend , as to take a concern in all things which belong to one who so truly honours you . and besides , being your self a critick of the genuine sort , who have read the best authours , in their own languages , who perfectly distinguish of their several merits , and in general prefer them to the moderns , yet , i know , you judge for the english tragedies , against the greek and latin , as well as against the french , italian and spanish , of these latter ages . indeed there is a vast difference , betwixt arguing like perault , in behalf of the french poets , against homer and virgil , and betwixt giving the english poets their undoubted due , of excelling aeschylus , euripides , and sophocles . for if we or our greater fathers , have not yet brought the drama to an absolute perfection , yet at least we have carried it much farther than those ancient greeks ; who beginning from a chorus , cou'd never totally exclude it , as we have done , who find it an unprofitable incumbrance , without any necessity of entertaining it amongst us ; and without the possibility of establishing it here , unless it were supported by a publick charge . neither can we accept of those lay-bishops , as some call them , who under pretence of reforming the stage , wou'd intrude themselves upon us , as our superiours , being indeed incompetent judges of what is manners , what religion , and least of all , what is poetry and good sense . i can tell them in behalf of all my fellows , that when they come to exercise a jurisdiction over us , they shall have the stage to themselves , as they have the lawrel . as little can i grant , that the french dramatick writers , excel the english : our authours as far surpass them in genius , as our souldiers excel theirs in courage : 't is true , in conduct they surpass us either way : yet that proceeds not so much from their greaterknowledge , as from the difference of tasts in the two nations . they content themselves with a thin design , without episodes , and manag'd by few persons . our audience will not be pleas'd , but with variety of accidents , an underplot , and many actours . they follow the ancients too servilely , in the mechanick rules , and we assume too much license to our selves , in keeping them only in view , at too great a distance . but if our audience had their tasts , our poets could more easily comply with them , than the french writers cou'd come up to the sublimity of our thoughts , or to the difficult variety of our designs . however it be , i dare establish it for a rule of practice on the stage , that we are bound to please those , whom we pretend to entertain : and that at any price , religion and good manners only excepted . and i care not much , if i give this handle , to our bad illiterate poetasters , for the defence of their scriptions as they call them . there is a sort of merit in delighting the spectatours ; which is a name more proper for them , than that of auditours : or else horace is in the wrong , when he commends lucilius for it . but these common places i mean to treat at greater leisure : in the mean time , submitting that little i have said , to your lordship's approbation , or your censure , and chusing rather to entertain you this way , as you are a judge of writing , than to oppress your modesty , with other commendations , which though they are your due , yet wou'd not be equally receiv'd , in this satirical , and censorious age. that which cannot without injury be deny'd to you , is the easiness of your conversation , far from affectation or pride : not denying even to enemies , their just praises . and this , if i wou'd dwell on any theme of this nature , is no vulgar commendation to your lordship . without flattery , my lord , you have it in your nature , to be a patron and encourager of good poets , but your fortune has not yet put into your hands the opportunity of expressing it . what you will be hereafter , may be more than guess'd , by what you are at present . you maintain the character of a nobleman , without that haughtiness which generally attends too many of the nobility , and when you converse with gentlemen , you forget not that you have been of their order . you are marryed to the daughter of a king , who , amongst her other high perfections , has deriv'd from him a charming behaviour , a winning goodness , and a majestick person . the muses and the graces are the ornaments of your family . while the muse sings , the grace accompanies her voice : even the servants of the muses have sometimes had the happiness to hear her ; and to receive their inspirations from her . i will not give my self the liberty of going farther ; for'tis so sweet to wander in a pleasing way , that i shou'd never arrive at my journeys end . to keep my self from being belated in my letter , and tiring your attention , i must return to the place where i was setting out . i humbly dedicate to your lordship , my own labours in this miscellany : at the same time , not arrogating to my self the priviledge , of inscribing to you , the works of others who are join'd with me , in this undertaking ; over which i can pretend no right . your lady and you have done me the favour to hear me read my translations of ovid : and you both seem'd not to be displeas'd with them . whether it be the partiality of an old man to his youngest child , i know not : but they appear to me the best of all my endeavours in this kind . perhaps this poet , is more easie to be translated , than some others , whom i have lately attempted : perhaps too , he was more according to my genius . he is certainly more palatable to the reader , than any of the roman wits , though some of them are more lofty , some more instructive , and others more correct . he had learning enough to make him equal to the best . but as his verse came easily , he wanted the toyl of application to amend it . he is often luxuriant , both in his fancy and expressions ; and as it has lately been observ'd , not always natural . if wit be pleasantry , he has it to excess : but if it be propriety , lucretius , horace , and above all virgil are his superiours . i have said so much of him already , in my preface to his heroical epistles , that there remains little to be added in this place . for my own part , i have endeavour'd to copy his character what i cou'd in this translation , even perhaps , farther than i shou'd have done ; to his very faults . mr. chapman in his translation of homer , professes to have done it somewhat paraphrastically ; and that on set purpose ; his opinion being , that a good poet is to be translated in that manner . i remember not the reason which he gives for it : but i suppose it is , for fear of omitting any of his excellencies : sure i am , that if it be a fault , 't is much more pardonable , than that of those , who run into the other extream , of a litteral , and close translation , where the poet is confin'd so streightly to his author's words , that he wants elbow-room , to express his elegancies . he leaves him obscure ; he leaves him prose , where he sound him verse . and no better than thus has ovid been serv'd by the so much admir'd sandys . this is at least the idea which i have remaining of his translation ; for i never read him since i was a boy . they who take him upon content , from the praises which their fathers gave him ; may inform their judgment by reading him again : and see , ( if they understand the original ) what is become of ovid's poetry , in his version ; whether it be not all , or the greatest part of it evaporated . but this proceeded from the wrong judgment of the age in which he liv'd : they neither knew good verse , nor lov'd it ; they were scholars 't is true , but they were pedants . and for a just reward of their pedantick pains , all their translations want to be translated , into english. if i flatter not my self , or if my friends have not flatter'd me , i have given my author's sense , for the most part truly : for to mistake sometimes , is incident to all men : and not to follow the dutch commentatours alwaies , may be forgiven to a man , who thinks them , in the general , heavy gross-witted fellows ; fit only to gloss on their own dull poets . but i leave a farther satire on their wit , till i have a better opportunity , to shew how much i love and honour them . i have like wise attempted to restore ovid to his native sweetness , easiness , and smoothness ; and to give my poetry a kind of cadence , and , as we call it , a run of verse , as like the original , as the english can come up to the latin ; as he seldom uses any synalephas , so i have endeavour'd to avoid them , as often as i cou'd : i have likewise given him his own turns , both on the words and on the thought : which i cannot say are inimitable , because i have copyed them : and so may others , if they use the same diligence : but certainly they are wonderfully graceful in this poet. since i have nam'd the synalepha , which is the cutting off one vowel , immediately before another , i will give an example of it , from chapman's homer which lyes before me ; for the benefit of those who understand not the latine prosodia . 't is in the first line of the argument to the first iliad . apollo 's priest to th' argive fleet doth bring , &c. there we see he makes it not the argive , but th' argive , to shun the shock of the two vowels , immediately following each other . but in his second argument , in the same page , he gives a bad example of the quite contrary kind : alpha the pray'r of chryses sings : the army's plague , the strife of kings . in these word the armies , the ending with a vowel , and armies beginning with another vowel , without cutting off the first , which by it had been th' armies , there remains a most horrible ill-sounding-gap betwixt those words . i cannot say , that i have every way observ'd the rule of this synalepha , in my translation ; but wheresoever i have not , 't is a fault in sound : the french and italians have made it an inviolable precept in their versification ; thereinfollowing the severe example of the latin poets . our countrymen have not yet reform'd their poetry so far ; but content themselves with following the licentious practice of the greeks ; who though they sometimes use synalepha's , yet make no difficulty very often , to sound one vowel upon another ; as homer does , in the very first line of alpha. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 't is true , indeed , that in the second line , in these words 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , the synalepha in revenge is twice observ'd . but it becomes us , for the sake of euphony , rather musas colere severiores , with the romans ; than to give into the looseness of the grecians . i have tir'd my self , and have been summon'd by the press to send away this dedication ; otherwise i had expos'd some other faults , which are daily committed by our english poets ; which , with care and observation , might be amended . for after all , our language is both copious , significant , and majestical ; and might be reduc'd into a more harmonious sound . but for want of publick encouragement , in this iron age , we are so far from making any progress in the improvement of our tongue , that in few years , we shall speak and write as barbarously as our neighbours . notwithstanding my haste , i cannot forbear to tell your lordship , that there are two fragments of homer translated in this miscellany ; one by mr. congreve ( whom i cannot mention without the honour which is due to his excellent parts , and that entire affection which i bear him ; ) and the other by my self . both the subjects are pathetical ; and i am sure my friend has added to the tenderness which he found in the original ; and , without flattery , surpass'd his author . yet i must needs say this in reference to homer , that he is much more capable of exciting the manly passions , than those of grief and pity . to cause admiration , is indeed the proper and adequate design of an epick poem : and in that he has excell'd even virgil. yet , without presuming to arraign our master , i may venture to affirm , that he is somewhat too talkative , and more than somewhat too digressive . this is so manifest , that it cannot be deny'd , in that little parcel which i have translated , perhaps too literally : there andromache in the midst of her concernment , and fright for hector , runs off her biass , to tell him a story of her pedigree , and of the lamentable death of her father , her mother , and her seven brothers . the devil was in hector , if he knew not all this matter , as well as she who told it him ; for she had been his bed-fellow for many years together : and if he knew it , then it must be confess'd , that homer in this long digression , has rather given us his own character , than that of the fair lady whom he paints . his dear friends the commentators , who never fail him at a pinch , will needs excuse him , by making the present sorrow of andromache , to occasion the remembrance of all the past : but others think that she had enough to do with that grief which now oppress'd her , without running for assistance to her family . virgil , i am confident , wou'd have omitted such a work of supererrogation . but virgil had the gift of expressing much in little , and sometimes in silence : for though he yielded much to homer in invention , he more excell'd him in his admirable judgment . he drew the passion of dido for eneas , in the most lively and most natural colours that are imaginable : homer was ambitious enough of moving pity ; for he has attempted twice on the same subject of hector's death : first , when priam , and hecuba beheld his corps , which was drag'd after the chariot of achilles ; and then in the lamentation which was made over him , when his body was redeem'd by priam ; and the same persons again bewail his death with a chorus of others to help the cry . but if this last excite compassion in you , as i doubt not but it will , you are more oblig'd to the translatour than the poet. for homer , as i observ'd before , can move rage better than he can pity : he stirs up the irascible appetite , as our philosophers call it , he provokes to murther , and the destruction of god's images ; he forms and equips those ungodly man killers , whom we poets , when we flatter them , call heroes ; a race of men who can never enjoy quiet in themselves , 'till they have taken it from all the world. this is homer's commendation , and such as it is , the lovers of peace , or at least of more moderate heroism , will never envy him . but let homer and virgil contend for the prize of honour , betwixt themselves , i am satisfied they will never have a third concurrent . i wish mr. congreve had the leisure to translate him , and the world the good nature and justice , to encourage him in that noble design , of which he is more capable than any man i know . the earl of mulgrave , and mr. waller , two the best judges of our age , have assur'd me , that they cou'd never read over the translation of chapman , without incredible pleasure , and extreme transport . this admiration of theirs , must needs proceed from the author himself : for the translator has thrown him down as low , as harsh numbers , improper english , and a monstrous length of verse cou'd carry him . what then wou'd he appear in the harmonious version , of one of the best writers , living in a much better age than was the last ? i mean for versification , and the art of numbers ; for in the drama we have not arriv'd to the pitch of shakespear and ben johnson . but here , my lord , i am forc'd to break off abruptly , without endeavouring at a compliment in the close . this miscellany , is without dispute one of the best of the kind , which has hitherto been extant in our tongue . at least , as sir samuel tuke has said before me , a modest man may praise what 's not his own . my fellows have no need of any protection , but i humbly recommend my part of it , as much as it deserves , to your patronage and acceptance , and all the rest to your forgiveness . i am my lord , your lordship 's most obedient servant , john dryden . the bookseller to the reader . having formerly printed two parts of miscellany poems , they were so very kindly receiv'd , that i had long before now endeavour'd to obtain a third , had i not almost ever since the publishing of the second been solliciting the translating of juvenal , and persius . soon after the publishing of that book i waited upon several gentlemen to ask their opinion of a third miscellany , who encourag'd me to endeavour it , and have considerably help'd me in it . many very ingenious copies were sent to me upon my giving publick notice of this design ; but had i printed em all , the book wou'd have swell'd to too great a bulk , and i must have delay'd the publishing of it 'till next term : but those omitted , shall upon order from the authors be restored ; or if the gentlemen will be pleas'd to stay 'till next year , i shall take it as a favour to insert them in another miscellany , which i then intend , if i find by the sale that this proves as entertaining as the former . several reasons encourage me to proceed upon the endeavouring a fourth volume : as , that i had assurance of many copies from persons now out of england ; which , though not yet arriv'd , i am confident will be sent in a short time , and they come from such hands , that i can have no reason to doubt of their being very much esteem'd . i would likewise willingly try if there could be an annual miscellany , which i believe might be an useful diversion to the ingenious . by this means care would be taken to preserve ev'ry choice copy that appears ; whereas i have known several celebrated pieces so utterly lost in three or four years time after they were written , as not to be recoverable by all the search i cou'd make after ' em . i was for some years together possest of several poems of sir carr scrope's , written with his own hand , which i in vain of late strove to recover ; for as i forgot to whom i lent 'em , so i believe the person to whom they were lent does not remember where they were borrowed : but if the present possessour of them reads this , i beg their being return'd . if i should go on with the design of an annual miscellany , after i have procur'd some stock to proceed upon , i will give publick notice of it . and i hope the gentlemen who approve of this design , will promote it , by sending such copies as they judge will be acceptable . your very humble servant jacob tonson . the contents . the first book of ovid's metamorphoses translated into english verse , by mr. dryden . page x the golden-age . 8 the silver age. 10 the brazen age 11 the iron age. ibid. the gyant 's war. 13 the transformation of daphne into a lawrel . 39 the transformation of io into a heifar . 49 the eyes of argos transform'd into a peacocks train . 58 the transformation of syrinx into reeds . 60 the fable of iphis and ianthe , from the ninth book of the metamorphoses , englished by mr. dryden . 70 the fable of acis , polyphemus , and galatea , from the thirteenth book of the metamorphoses , englished by mr. dryden . 84 on mr. hobbs . by the earl of mulgrave . 99 on the death of the learned mr. john selden . 104 against immoderate grief . to a young lady weeping . an ode in imitation of casimire . by mr. yalden . 111 to the returning sun. by j. h. 114 against the fear of death . by a person of honour . 117 the dream : occasioned by the death of the most noble and vertuous lady , elizabeth seymour , mother to his grace the duke of somerset . by mr. j. talbot . 121 a hymn to the morning . in praise of light. an ode . by mr. yalden . 127 a hymn to darkness . by mr. yalden . 132 aeneas his meeting with dido in the elvsian fields . being a translation of the sixth book of virgil's aenids . by mr. wolsley . 138 out of the italian of fulvio testi , to count montecuccoli . against pride upon sudden advancement . 143 catullus . epig. 19. by the same hand as the former . 148 out of the greek of menage . by the same hand as the former . 150 invitation into the country . in imitation of the 34th epig. of catullus . by the same hand as the former . 151 on mrs. arabello hunt singing . a pindarique ode . by mr. congreve . 153 to a person of honour . upon his incomparable , incomprehensible poem . by mr. waller . 159 on the same by dr. s — 162 another on the same . by mr. mat. clifford . 164 on the same . by the ld. v. — 165 on two verses out of the same . by the duke of buckingham . 166 to the prince and princess of orange , upon their marriage . by nat. lee. 168 against sloath. when the king was at oxford . 175 what art thou love ! by mr. j. allestry . 178 verses spoken before the duke and dutchess of york , and lady anne , in oxford theatre . by the ld. s. — and mr. c. — 181 humane life , suppos'd to be spoken by an epicure , in imitation of the second chapter of the wisdom of solomon . a pindarique ode . inscribed to the lord hunsdon . by mr. yalden . 188 to mr. waller : upon the copy of verses made by himself on the last copy in his book . 197 elogy : occasion'd by the reading and transcribing mr. edmund waller's poem of divine love , since his death . by mr. j. talbot . 199 moschus : idyl . 1st . done into english by mr. j. r. 201 against enjoyment . by mr. yalden . 204 priam's . lamentation and petition to achilles , for the body of his son hector . translated from the greek of homer . by mr. congreve . 207 the lamentations of hecuba , andromache , and helen , over the dead body of hector . translated from the greek of homer . by mr. congreve . 215 paraphrase upon horace . ode 19. lib. 1. by mr. congreve . 227 horace , lib. 2. ode 14. imitated by mr. congreve . 229 an ode , in imitation of horace , ode 9. lib. 1. by mr. congreve . 234 to the dut hess , on her return from scotland , in the year 1682. by mr. dryden . 239 a song for st. cecelia's day , 1687. written by john dryden esquire , and compos'd by mr. john baptist draghi . 242 to mr. dryden : by mr. jo. addison . 247 to mr. dryden , on his translation of persius . by mr. b. higgons . 250 to sir godfrey kneller , drawing my lady hides picture . by mr. b. higgons . 253 song on a lady indispos'd . by mr. higgons . 254 song to a fair , young lady . going out of the town in the spring . by mr. dryden . 255 a song by my ld. r. — 258 a song by my ld. r. — 259 a paean . or song of triumph , on the translation and apothesis of king charles the second . by my ld. r. — 260 out of horace , by my ld. r. — 262 to a lady , who raffling for the king of france's picture , flung the highest chances on the dice . by mr. b. higgons . 264 on my lady sandwich's being stay'd in town by the immoderate rain . by mr. b. higgons . 266 ovid's love-elegies . bock 1. eleg. 7. to his mistress whom he had beaten . by henry cromwell , esq 268 ovid's love-elegies . book 1. eleg. 8. of love and war. by henry cromwell , esquire . 273 ovid's love-elegies . book 1. eleg. 10. to his mercenary mistress . by henry cromwell , esquire . 277 ovid's love-elegies . book 1. eleg. 15. of the immortality of the muses . inscrib'd to mr. dryden . by henry cromwell , esquire . 282 ovid's love-elegies . book 3. eleg. 2. to his mistress at the horse-race . by henry cromwell , esquire . 286 ovid's love-elegies . book 3. eleg. 3. of his perjur'd mistress . by henry cromwell , esq 291 to the lady castlemain , upon her incouraging his first play. by mr. dryden . 295 prologue to the university of oxford , 1681. by mr. dryden . 299 prologue by mr. dryden . 302 considerations on the eighty eighth psalm . by mr. prior. 305 veni creator spiritus , translated in paraphrase . by mr. dryden . 307 the curse of babylon . paraphras'd from the thirteenth chapter of isaia . a pindarique ode . by tho. yalden . 310 out of horace . lib. 2. ode . 3. 321 the grove . 325 love but one. 326 to the author of sardanapalus ; upon that and his other writings . 328 of my lady hide . occasion'd by the sight of her picture . by mr. george granville . 329 an imitation of the second chorus in the second act of seneca's thyestes . by mr. george granville . 331 amor omnibus idem : or the force of love in all creatures ; being a translation of some verses in virgil's third georgick , from verse 209. to verse 285. 335 to mr. congreve . an epistolary ode . occasion'd by his play. from mr. yalden . 343 on his mistress drown'd . by mr. s — 349 to the pious memory of the accomplisht young lady , mrs. anne killigrew , excellent in the two sister-arts of poesie and painting . an ode . by mr. dryden . 351 to the earl of carlisle , upon the death of his son before luxemburgh . 364 the insect . against bulk . by mr. yalden . 370 written in a lady's advice to a daughter . 373 written in a lady's waller . 375 written in the leaves of a fan 377 an incomparable ode of malherb's . written by him when the marriage was a foot between the king of france , and anne of austria . translated by a person of quality , a great admirer of the easiness of the french poetry . 378 on the dutchess of portimouth's picture . 380 a song . by the earl of rochester . 381 song for the king's birth day . 383 a song . 387 a song . 389 song . 391 song . 393 to the king. in the year 1686. by mr. george granville . 394 harry martvn's epitaph , by himself 396 to his friend captain chamberlain ; in love with a lady he had taken in an algerine prize at sea. in allusion to the 4th ode of horace . lib. 2. by mr. yalden . 397 a song . by a lady . 401 written by a lady . 403 paraphras'd out of horace , the 23d ode . of the 2d . book . by dr. pope . 405 love's antidote . 407 anachreon imitated . 409 anachreon imitated . 411 anachreon imitated . 412 from virgil's first georgick . translated into english verse , by h. sacheverill . dedicated to mr. dryden . 413 a french poem : with a paraphrase on it in english . 418 , 419 a song : by sir john eaton . 422 another song in imitation of sir john eaton's songs . by the late earl of rochester . 424 a song : by sidny godolphin , esquire , on tom killigrew , and will murrey . 425 rondelay . by mr. drvden . 429 in a letter to the honourable mr. charles montague , by mr. prior. 431 an ode . by mr. prior. 433 to a lady of quality's playing on the lute . by mr. prior. 437 an epitaph on the lady whitmore . by mr. dryden . 441 an epitaph on sir palmes fairborne's tomb in westminster-abby . by mr. dryden . 442 to the reverend dr. sherlock , dean of st. paul's , on his practical discourse concerning death . by mr. prior. 444 on exodus 3. 14. i am that i am . a pindarique ode . by mr. prior. 449 the last parting of hector and andromache . from the sixth book of homer's iliads . translated from the original by mr. dryden . 456 syphilis . ult . the first book of ovid's metamorphoses , translated into english verse by mr. dryden . the first book of ovid's metamorphoses . of bodies chang'd to various forms i sing : ye gods , from whom these miracles did spring , inspire my numbers with coelestial heat ; till i , my long laborious work compleat : and add perpetual tenour to my rhimes , deduc'd from nature's birth , to caesar's times before the seas , and this terrestrial ball , and heav'ns high canopy , that covers all , one was the face of nature ; if a face , rather a rude and indigested mass : a lifeless lump , unfashion'd , and unfram'd ; of jarring seeds ; and justly chaos nam'd . no sun was lighted up , the world to view ; no moon did yet her blunted horas renew : nor yet was earth suspended in the skye ; nor pois'd , did on her own foundations lye : nor seas about the shoars their arms had thrown ; but earth and air and water were in one . thus air was void of light , and earth unstable , and waters dark abyss unnavigable . no certain form , on any was imprest ; all were confus'd , and each disturb'd the rest . for hot and cold , were in one body fixt ; and soft with hard , and light with heavy mixt . but god or nature , while they thus contend , to these intestine discords put an end : then earth from air , and seas from earth were driv'n , and grosser air , sunk from aetherial heav'n . thus disembroil'd , they take their proper place ; the next of kin , contiguously embrace ; and foes are sunder'd , by a larger space . the force of fire ascended first on high , and took its dwelling in the vaulted skie : then air succeeds , in lightness next to fire ; whose atoms from unactive earth retire . earth sinks beneath , and draws a numerous throng of pondrous , thick , unweildy seeds along . about her coasts , unruly waters roar ; and , rising on a ridge , insult the shoar . thus when the god , what ever god was he , had form'd the whole , and made the parts agree , that no unequal portions might be found , he moulded earth into a spacious round : then with a breath , he gave the winds to blow ; and bad the congregated waters flow . he adds the running springs , and standing lakes ; and bounding banks for winding rivers makes . some part , in earth are swallow'd up , the most in ample oceans , disimbogu'd , are lost . he shades the woods , the vallies he restrains with rocky mountains , and extends the plains . and as five zones th'aetherial regions bind , five correspondent , are to earth assign'd : the sun with rays , directly darting down , fires all beneath , and fries the middle zone : the two beneath the distant poles , complain of endless winter , and perpetual rain . betwixt th'extreams , two happier climates , hold the temper that partakes of hot and cold. the feilds of liquid air , inclosing all , surround the compass of this earthly ball : the lighter parts , lye next the fires above ; the grosser near the watry surface move : thick clouds are spread , and storms engender there , and thunders voice , which wretched mortals fear , and winds that on their wings , cold winter bear . nor were those blustring brethren left at large , on seas and shoars , their fury to discharge : bound as they are , and circumscrib'd in place , they rend the world , resistless , where they pass ; and mighty marks of mischief leave behind ; such is the rage of their tempestuous kind . first eurus to the rising morn is sent , ( the regions of the balmy continent ; ) and eastern realms , where early persians run , to greet the blest appearance of the sun. westward , the wanton zephyr wings his flight ; pleas'd with the remnants of departing light : fierce boreas , with his off-spring , islues forth t' invade the frozen waggon of the north. while srowning auster , seeks the southern sphere ; and rots with endless rain , th'unwholsom year . high o're the clouds and empty realms of wind , the god a clearer space for heav'n design'd ; where fields of light , and liquid aether flow ; purg'd from the pondrous dregs of earth below . scarce had the pow'r distinguish'd these , when streight the stars , no longer overlaid with weight , exert their heads , from underneath the mass ; and upward shoot , and kindle as they pass , place . and with diffasive light , adorn their heav'nly then , every void of nature to supply , with forms of gods he fills the vacant skie : new herds of beasts , he sends the plains to share : new colonies of birds , to people air : and to their oozy beds , the finny fish repair . a creature of a more exalted kind was wanting yet , and then was man design'd : conscious of thought , of more capacious breast , for empire form'd , and fit to rule the rest : whether with particles of heav'nly fire the god of nature did his soul inspire , or earth , but new divided from the skie , and , pliant , still , retain'd the aetherial energy : which wise prometheus temper'd into paste , and mixt with living streams , the godlike image cast . thus , while the mute creation downward bend their sight , and to their earthy mother tend , man looks aloft ; and with erected eyes beholds his own hereditary skies . from such rude principles our form began ; and earth was metamorphos'd into man. the golden age. the golden age was first ; when man yet new , no rule but uncorrupted reason knew : and , with a native bent , did good pursue . un-forc'd by punishment , un-aw'd by fear , his words were simple , and his soul sincere : needless was written law , where none opprest : the law of man , was written in his breast : no suppliant crowds , before the judge appear'd , no court erected yet , nor cause was hear'd : but all was safe , for conscience was their guard. the mountain trees in distant prospect please , e're yet the pine descended to the seas : e're sails were spread , new oceans to explore : and happy mortals , unconcern'd for more , confin'd their wishes to their native shoar . no walls , were yet ; nor sence , nor mote nor mownd , nor drum was heard , nor trumpets angry sound : nor swords were forg'd ; but void of care and crime , the soft creation slept away their time . the teeming earth , yet guiltless of the plough , and unprovok'd , did fruitful stores allow : content with food , which nature freely bred , on wildings , and on strawberries they fed ; cornels and bramble-berries gave the rest , and falling acorns , furnisht out a feast . the flow'rs un-sown , in fields and meadows reign'd : and western winds , immortal spring maintain'd . in following years , the bearded corn ensu'd , from earth unask'd , nor was that earth renew'd . from veins of vallies , milk and nectar broke ; and honey sweating through the pores of oak . the silver age. but when good saturne , banish'd from above , was driv'n to hell , the world was under jove . succeeding times a silver age behold , excelling brass , but more excell'd by gold. then summer , autumn , winter , did appear : and spring was but a season of the year . the sun his annual course obliquely made , good days contracted , and enlarg'd the bad . then air with sultry heats began to glow ; the wings of winds , were clogg'd with ice and snow ; and shivering mortals , into houses driv'n , sought shelter from th'inclemency of heav'n . those houses , then , were caves , or homely sheds ; with twining oziers fenc'd ; and moss their beds . then ploughs , for seed , the fruitful furrows broke , and oxen labour'd first , beneath the yoke . the brazen age. to this came next in course , the brazen age : a warlike offspring , prompt to bloody rage , not impious yet — the iron age. — — hard steel succeeded then : and stubborn as the mettal , were the men. truth , modesty , and shame , the world forsook , fraud , avarice , and force , their places took . then sails were spread , to every wind that blew . raw were the sailors , and the depths were new : trees rudely hollow'd , did the waves sustain ; e're ships in triumph plough'd the watry plain . then land-marks , limited to each his right : for all before was common , as the light . nor was the ground alone requir'd to bear her annual income to the crooked share , but greedy mortals , rummaging her store , digg'd from her entrails first the precious oar ; which next to hell , the prudent gods had laid ; and that alluring ill , to sight displaid . thus cursed steel , and more accursed gold gave mischief birth , and made that mischief bold ; and double death , did wretched man invade by steel assaulted , and by gold betray'd . now , ( brandish'd weapons glittering in their hands , ) mankind is broken loose from moral bands ; no rights of hospitality remain : the guest by him who harbour'd him , is slain . the son in law pursues the father's life ; the wife her husband murders , he the wife . the step-dame poyson for the son prepares ; the son inquires into his father's years . faith flies , and piety in exile mourns ; and justice , here opprest , to heav'n returns . the gyants war. nor were the gods themselves more safe above ; against beleaguer'd heav'n , the gyants move : hills pii'd on hills , on mountains , mountains lie , to make their mad approaches to the skie . till jove , no longer patient , took his time t' avenge with thunder their audacious crime ; red light'ning plaid , along the firmament , and their demolish't works to pieces rent . sing'd with the flames , and with the bolts transfixt with native earth , their blood , the monsters mixt : the blood , indu'd with animating heat , did in th' impregnant earth , new sons beget : they , like the seed from which they sprung , accurst , against the gods , immortal hatred nurst . an impious , arrogant , and cruel brood : expressing their original from blood. which , when the king of gods beheld from high , ( withal revolving in his memory , what he himself had found on earth of late , lycaon's guilt , and his inhuman treate , ) he sigh'd ; nor longer with his pity strove ; but kindl'd to a wrath becoming jove : then , call'd a general council of the gods ; who summon'd , issue from their blest abodes , and fill th' assembly , with a shining train . a way there is , in heavens expanded plain , which when the skies are clear , is seen below , and mortals , by the name of milky , know . the ground-work is of stars ; through which the road lyes open to the thunderer's abode ; the gods of greater nations dwell around , and on the right and left , the palace bound ; the commons where they can , the nobler sort with winding-doors wide open , front the court , this place , as far as earth with heav'n may vie , i dare to call the loovre of the skie . when all were plac'd , in seats distinctly known , and he , their father , had assum'd the throne , upon his iv'ry sceptre first he leant , then shook his head , that shook the firmament : air , earth , and seas , obey'd th' almighty nod : and with a gen'ral fear , confess'd the god. at length with indignation , thus he broke his awful silence , and the pow'rs bespoke . i was not more concern'd in that debate of empire , when our universal state was put to hazard , and the giant race our captive skies , were ready to imbrace : for tho' the foe was fierce , the seeds of all rebellion , sprung from one original ; now , wheresoever ambient waters glide , all are corrupt , and all must be destroy'd . let me this holy protestation make , by hell , and hell 's inviolable lake , i try'd whatever in the god-head lay : but gangreen'd members , must be lopt away , before the nobler parts , are tainted to decay . there dwells below , a race of demi-gods , of nymphs in waters ; and of fawns in woods : who , tho not worthy yet , in heav'n to live , let 'em , at least , enjoy that earth we give . can these be thought securely lodg'd below , when i my self , who no superior know , i , who have heav'n and earth at my command , have been attempted by lycaon's hand ? at this a murmur , thro' the synod went , and with one voice they vote his punishment . thus , when conspiring traytors dar'd to doom the fall of caesar , and in him of rome , the nations trembled , with a pious fear ; all anxious for their earthly thunderer : nor was their care , o caesar ! less esteem'd by thee , than that of heav'n for jove was deem'd , who with his hand and voice , did first restrain their murmurs , then resum'd his speech again . the gods to silence were compos'd , and sate with reverence , due to his superior state. cancel your pious cares ; already he has paid his debt to justice , and to me . yet what his crimes , and what my judgments were , remains for me , thus briefly to declare . the clamours of this vile degenerate age , the cries of orphans , and th'oppressor's rage had reach'd the stars ; i will descend , said i , in hope to prove this loud complaint a lye. disguis'd in humane shape , i travell'd round the world , and more than what i hear'd , i found . o're moenalus i took my steepy way , by caverns infamous for beasts of prey : then cross'd cyllenè , and the piny shade more infamous , by curst lycaon made . dark night had cover'd heav'n and earth , before i enter'd his unhospitable door . just at my entrance , i display'd the sign that somewhat was approaching of divine . the prostrate people pray ; the tyrant grins ; and , adding prophanation to his sins , i 'll try , said he , and if a god appear to prove his deity , shall cost him dear . t was late ; the graceless wretch , my death prepares , when i shou'd soundly sleep , opprest with cares : this dire experiment , he chose , to prove if i were mortal , or undoubted jove : but first he had resolv'd to taste my pow'r ; not long before , but in a luckless hour some legates , sent from the molossian state , were on a peaceful errant come to treat : of these he murders one , he boils the flesh ; and lays the mangl'd morsels in a dish : some part he roasts ; then serves it up , so drest , and bids me welcome to this humane feast . mov'd with disdain , the table i o're-turn'd ; and with avenging flames , the palace burn'd . the tyrant in a fright , for shelter , gains the neighb'ring fields , and scours along the plains . howling he fled , and fain he wou'd have spoke ; but humane voice , his brutal tongue forsook . about his lips , the gather'd foam he churns , and , breathing slaughters , still with rage he burns , but on the bleating flock , his fury turns . his mantle , now his hide , with rugged hairs cleaves to his back , a famish'd face he bears . his arms descend , his shoulders sink away , to multiply his legs for chace of prey . he grows a wolf , his hoariness remains , and the same rage in other members reigns . his eyes still sparkle in a narr'wer space : his jaws retain the grin , and violence of face . this was a single ruine , but not one deserves so just a punishment alone . mankind's a monster , and th' ungodly times confed'rate into guilt , are sworn to crimes . all are alike involv'd in ill , and all must by the same relentless fury fall . thus ended he ; the greater gods assent ; by clamours urging his severe intent ; the less fill up the cry for punishment . yet still with pity , they remember man ; and mourn as much as heav'nly spirits can . they ask , when those were lost of humane birth , what he wou'd do with all this waste of earth : if his dispeopl'd world , he would resign to beasts , a mute , and more ignoble line ; neglected altars must no longer smoke , if none were left to worship and invoke . to whom the father of the gods reply'd , lay that unnecessary fear aside . mine be the care , new people to provide . i will from wondrous principles ordain a race unlike the first , and try my skill again . already had he toss'd the flaming brand ; and roll'd the tunder in his spatious hand ; preparing to discharge on seas and land : but stopt , for fear thus violently driven , the sparks should catch his axle-tree of heav'n . remembring in the fates , a time when fire shou'd to the battlements of heav'n aspire . and all his blazing worlds above shou'd burn ; and all th' inferiour globe , to cinders turn . his dire artill'ry thus dismist , he bent his thoughts to some securer punishment . concludes to pour a watry deluge down ; and what he durst not burn , resolves to drown . the northern breath , that freezes floods , he binds : with all the race of cloud-dispelling winds : the south he loos'd , who night and horror brings ; and foggs are shaken from his ●laggy wings . from his divided beard , two streams he pours , his head and rhumy eyes , distill in showers . with rain his robe and heavy mantle flow : and lazy mists , are lowring on his brow ; still as he swept along , with his clench't fist he squeez'd the clouds , th' imprison'd clouds resist : the skies from pole to pole , with peals resound ; and show'rs inlarg'd , come pouring on the ground . then , clad in colours of a various dye , junonian iris , breeds a new supply ; to feed the clouds : impetuous rain descends ; the bearded corn , beneath the burden bends : defrauded clowns , deplore their perish'd grain ; and the long labours of the year are vain . nor from his patrimonial heav'n alone is jove content to pour his vengeance down , aid from his brother of the seas he craves ; to help him with auxiliary waves . the watry tyrant calls his brooks and floods , who rowl from mossie caves ( their moist abodes ; ) and with perpetual urns his palace fill : to whom in breif , he thus imparts his will. small exhortation needs ; your pow'rs employ : and this bad world , so jove requires , destroy : let loose the reins , to all your watry store : bear down the damms , and open every door . the floods , by nature enemies to land , and proudly swelling with their new command , remove the living stones , that stopt their way , and gushing from their source , augment the sea. then , with his mace , their monarch struck the ground : with inward trembling , earth receiv'd the wound ; and rising streams a ready passage found . th' expanded waters gather on the plain : they flote the fields , and over-top the grain ; then rushing onwards , with a sweepy sway , bear flocks and folds , and lab'ring hinds away . nor safe their dwellings were , for , sap'd by floods , their houses fell upon their household gods. the solid piles , too strongly built to fall , high o're their heads , behold a watry wall : now seas and earth were in confusion lost ; a world of waters , and without a coast. one climbs a cliff ; one in his boat is born ; and ploughs above , where late he sow'd his corn. others o're chimney tops and turrets row , and drop their anchors , on the meads below : or downward driv'n , they bruise the tender vine , or tost aloft , are knock't against a pine. and where of late , the kids had cropt the grass , the monsters of the deep , now take their place . insulting nereids on the cities ride , and wondring dolphins o're the palace glide . on leaves and masts of mighty oaks they brouze ; and their broad finns , entangle in the boughs , the frighted wolf , now swims amongst the sheep ; the yellow lyon wanders in the deep : his rapid force , no longer helps the boar : the stag swims faster , than he ran before . the fowls , long beating on their wings in vain , despair of land , and drop into the main . now hills and vaies , no more distinction know ; and levell'd nature , lies oppress'd below . the most of mortals perish in the flood : the small remainder dies for want of food . a mountain of stupendous height there stands betwixt th' athenian and boeotian lands , the bound of fruitful fields , while fields they were , but then a field of waters did appear : parnassus is its name ; whose forky rise mounts through the clouds , and mates the lofty skies . high on the summet of this dubious cliff , deucalion wafting , moor'd his little skiff . he with his wife were only left behind of perish'd man ; they two , were humane kind . the mountain nymphs and themis they adore , and from her oracles relief implore . the most upright of mortal men was he ; the most sincere and holy woman , she . when jupiter , surveying earth from high , beheld it in a lake of water lie , that where so many millions lately liv'd , but two , the best of either sex surviv'd ; he loos'd the northern wind ; fierce boreas flies to puff away the clouds and purge the skies : serenely , while he blows , the vapours , driven , discover heav'n to earth , and earth to heav'n . the billows fall , while neptune lays his mace on the rough seas , and smooths its furrow'd face . already triton , at his call appears , above the waves ; a tyrian robe he wears ; and in his hand a crooked trumpet bears . the soveraign bids him peaceful sounds inspire ; and give the waves the signal to retire . his writhen shell he takes ; whose narrow vent grows by degrees into a large extent , then gives it breath ; the blast , with doubling sound , runs the wide circuit of the world around : the sun first heard it , in his early east , and met the rattling eccho's in the west . the waters , listning to the trumpets roar , obey the summons , and sorsake the shoar . a thin circumference of land appears ; and earth , but not at once , her visage rears ; and peeps upon the seas from upper grounds ; the streams , but just contain'd within their bounds , by slow degrees into their channels crawl : and earth increases , as the waters fall . in longer time the tops of trees appear ; which mud on their dishonour'd branches bear . at length the world was all restor'd to view ; but desolate , and of a sickly hue : nature beheld her self , and stood aghast , a dismal desart , and a silent waste . which when deucalion , with a piteous look beheld , he wept , and thus to pyrrha spoke : oh wife , oh sister , oh of all thy kind the best and only creature left behind , by kindred , love , and now by dangers joyn'd , of multitudes , who breath'd the common air , we two remain ; a species in a pair : the rest the seas have swallow'd ; nor have we ev'n of this wretched life a certainty . the clouds are still above ; and , while i speak , a second deluge , o're our heads may break . shou'd i be snatch'd from hence , and thou remain , without relief , or partner of thy pain , how cou'd'st thou such a wretched life sustain ? shou'd i be left , and thou be lost , the sea that bury'd her i lov'd , shou'd bury me . oh cou'd our father his old arts inspire , and make me heir of his informing fire , that so i might abolisht man retrieve , and perisht people in new souls might live . but heav'n is pleas'd , nor ought we to complain , that we , th' examples of mankind , remain . he said ; the careful couple joyn their tears ; and then invoke the gods , with pious prayers . thus , in devotion having eas'd their grief , from sacred oracles , they seek relief . and to cephysus brook , their way pursue : the stream was troubl'd , but the foord they knew ; with living waters , in the fountain bred , they sprinkle first , their garments , and their head , then took the way , which to the temple led . the roofs were all defil'd with moss , and mire , the desart altars , void of solemn fire . before the gradual , prostrate they ador'd ; the pavement kiss'd , and thus the saint implor'd . o righteous themis , if the pow'rs above by pray'rs are bent to pity , and to love , if humane miseries can move their mind ; if yet they can forgive ; and yet be kind , tell , how we may restore , by second birth , mankind , and people desolated earth . then thus the gracious goddess , nodding , said ; depart , and with your vestments veil your head : and stooping lowly down , with loosn'd zones , throw each behind your backs , your mighty mother's bones . amaz'd the pair , and mute with wonder stand , till pyrrha first refus'd the dire command . forbid it heav'n , said she , that i shou'd tear those holy reliques from the sepulchre : they ponder'd the mysterious words again , for some new sence ; and long they sought in vain : at length deucalion clear'd his cloudy brow , and said , the dark aenigma will allow . a meaning , which if well i understand , from sacriledge will free the gods command : this earth our mighty mother is , the stones in her capacious body , are her bones . these we must cast behind : with hope and fear the woman did the new solution hear : the man diffides in his own augury , and doubts the gods ; yet both resolve to try . descending from the mount , they first unbind their vests , and veil'd , they cast the stones behind : the stones ( a miracle to mortal view , but long tradition makes it pass for true ) did first the rigour of their kind expell , and , suppl'd into softness , as they fell , then swell'd , and swelling , by degrees grew warm ; and took the rudiments of humane form. imperfect shapes : in marble such are seen when the rude chizzel does the man begin ; while yet the roughness of the stone remains , without the rising muscles , and the veins . the sappy parts , and next resembling juice , were turn'd to moisture , for the bodies use : supplying humours , blood , and nourishment ; the rest , ( too solid to receive a bent ; ) converts to bones ; and what was once a vein it s former name , and nature did retain . by help of pow'r divine , in little space what the man threw , assum'd a manly face ; and what the wife , renew'd the female race . hence we derive our nature ; born to bear laborious life ; and harden'd into care . the rest of animals , from teeming earth produc'd , in various forms receiv'd their birth . the native moisture , in its close retreat , digested by the sun 's aetherial heat , as in a kindly womb , began to breed : then swell'd , and quicken'd by the vital seed . and some in less , and some in longer space , were ripen'd into form , and took a several face . thus when the nile from pharian fields is fled , and seeks with ebbing tides , his ancient bed , the sat manure , with heav'nly fire is warm'd ; and crusted creatures , as in wombs are sorm'd ; these , when they turn the glebe , the peasants find ; some rude ; and yet unfinish'd in their kind : short of their limbs , a lame imperfect birth ; one half alive ; and one of lifeless earth . for heat and moisture , when in bodies joyn'd , the temper that results from either kind conception makes ; and fighting till they mix , their mingl'd atoms in each other six . thus nature's hand , the genial bed prepares , with friendly discord , and with fruitful wars . from hence the surface of the ground , with mud and slime besmear'd , ( the faeces of the flood ) receiv'd the rays of heav'n ; and sucking in the seeds of heat , new creatures did begin : some were of sev'ral sorts produc'd before , but of new monsters , earth created more . unwillingly , but yet she brought to light thee , python too , the wondring world to fright , and the new nations , with so dire a sight : so monstrous was his bulk , so large a space did his vast body , and long train embrace . whom phoebus basking on a bank espy'd ; e're now the god his arrows had not try'd but on the trembling deer , or mountain goat ; at this new quarry ; he prepares to shoot . though every shaft took place , he spent the store of his full quiver ; and 't was long before th' expiring serpent wallow'd in his gore . then , to preserve the fame of such a deed , for python slain , he pythian games decreed . where noble youths for mastership shou'd strive , to quoit , to run , and steeds and chariots drive ; the prize was fame : in witness of renown an oaken garland did the victor crown . the lawrel was not yet for triumphs born ; but every green , alike by phoebus worn , did with promiscuous grace , his flowing locks adorn . the transformation of daphne into a lawrel . the first and fairest of his loves , was she whom not blind fortune , but the dire decree of angry cupid forc'd him to desire : daphne her name , and peneus was her sire . swell'd with the pride , that new success attends he sees the stripling , while his bow he bends and thus insults him ; thou lascivious boy , are arms like these , for children to employ ? know such atchivements are my proper claim ; due to my vigour , and unerring aim : resistless are my shafts , and python late in such a feather'd death , has found his fate . take up thy torch , ( and lay my weapons by ) with that the feeble souls of lovers fry . to whom the son of venus thus reply'd , phoebus thy shafts are sure on all beside , but mine on phoebus , mine the fame shall be of all thy conquests , when i conquer thee . he said , and soaring , swiftly wing'd his flight : nor stopt but on parnassus airy height . two diff'rent shafts , he from his quiver draws ; one to repel desire , and one to cause . one shaft is pointed with refulgent gold ; to bribe the love , and make the lover bold : one blunt , and tipt with lead , whose base allay provokes disdain , and drives desire away . the blunted bolt , against the nymph he drest : but with the sharp , transfixt apollo's breast . th' enamour'd deity , pursues the chace ; the scornful damsel shuns his loath'd embrace : in hunting beasts of prey , her youth employs ; and phoebe rivals in her rural joys . with naked neck she goes , and shoulders bare ; and with a fillet binds her flowing hair. by many suitors sought , she mocks their pains , and still her vow'd virginity maintains . impatient of a yoke , the name of bride she shuns , and hates the joys she never try'd . on wilds and woods she fixes her desire : nor knows what youth and kindly love inspire . her father chides her oft ; thou ow'st , says he , a husband to thy self , a son to me . she , like a crime , abhors the nuptial bed : she glows with blushes , and she hangs her head . then casting round his neck her tender arms , sooths him with blandishments , and filial charms : give me , my lord , she said , to live and die a spotless maid , without the marriage tye. 't is but a small request ; i beg no more than what diana's father gave before . the good old sire , was softn'd to consent ; but said her wish wou'd prove her punishment : for so much youth , and so much beauty joyn'd oppos'd the state , which her desires design'd . the god of light , aspiring to her bed hopes what he seeks , with flattering fancies fed ; and is , by his own oracles mis-led . and as in empty fields , the stubble burns , or nightly travellers , when day returns , their useless torches , on dry hedges throw , that catch the flames , and kindle all the row , so burns the god , consuming in desire , and feeding in his breast a fruitless fire : her well-turn'd neck he view'd ( her neck was bare ) and on her shoulders her dishevel'd hair , oh were it comb'd , said he , with what a grace wou'd every waving curl , become her face ! he view'd her eyes , like heavenly lamps that shone , he view'd her lips , too sweet to view alone , her taper fingers , and her panting breast ; he praises all he sees , and for the rest believes the beauties yet unseen are best : swift as the wind , the damsel fled away , nor did for these alluring speeches stay : stay nymph , he cry'd , i follow not a foe . thus from the lyon , trips the trembling doe ; thus from the wolf the frightn'd lamb removes , and , from pursuing faulcons , fearful doves , thou shunn'st a god , and shunn'st a god that loves . ah , lest some thorn shou'd pierce thy tender foot , or thou shou'd'st fall in flying my pursuit ! to sharp uneven ways thy steps decline ; abate thy speed , and i will bate of mine . yet think from whom thou dost so rashly fly ; nor basely born , nor shepherd's swain am i. perhaps thou know'st not my superior state ; and , from that ignorance , proceeds thy hate . me claros , delphos , tenedos obey , these hands the patareian scepter sway . the king of gods begot me : what shall be , or is , or ever was , in fate , i see . mine is th' invention of the charming lyre ; sweet notes , and heav'nly numbers i inspire . sure is my bow , unerring is my dart ; but ah more deadly his , who pierc'd my heart . med'cine is mine ; what herbs and simples grow in fields and forrests , all their pow'rs i know ; and am the great physician call'd , below . alas that fields and forrests can afford no remedies to heal their love-sick lord ! to cure the pains of love , no plant avails : and his own physick ; the physician fails . she heard not half ; so furiously she flies ; and on her ear , th' imperfect accent dies . fear gave her wings ; and as she fled , the wind increasing , spread her flowing hair behind : and left her legs and thighs expos'd to view ; which made the god more eager to pursue . the god was young , and was too hotly bent to lose his time in empty compliment . but led by love , and fir'd with such a sight , impetuously pursu'd his near delight . as when th'impatient greyhound slipt from far , bounds o're the glebe to course the fearful hare , she in her speed , does all her safety lay ; and he with double speed pursues the prey ; o're-runs her at the sitting turn , and licks his chaps in vain , and blows upon the flix , she scapes , and for the neighb'ring covert strives , and gaining shelter , doubts if yet she lives : if little things with great we may compare , such was the god , and such the flying fair. she urg'd by fear , her feet did swiftly move ; but he more swiftly , who was urg'd by love. he gathers ground upon her in the chace : now breaths upon her hair , with nearer pace ; and just is fast'ning on the wish'd embrace . the nymph grew pale , and in a mortal fright , spent with the labour of so long a flight : and now despairing , cast a mournful look upon the streams of her paternal brook : oh help , she cry'd , in this extreamest need , if water gods are deities indeed : gape earth , and this unhappy wretch intomb ; or change my form , whence all my sorrows come . scarce had she finish'd , when her feet she found benumm'd with cold , and fasten'd to the ground : a filmy rind about her body grows ; her hair to leaves , her arms extend to boughs : the nymph is all into a lawrel gone : the smoothness of her skin , remains alone . yet phoebus loves her still , and casting round her bole , his arms , some little warmth he found . the tree still panted in th' unfinish'd part : not wholly vegetive , and heav'd her heart . he fixt his lips upon the trembling rind ; it swerv'd aside , and his embrace declin'd . to whom the god , because thou can'st not be my mistress , i espouse thee for my tree : be thou the prize of honour and renown ; the deathless poet , and the poem crown . thou shalt the roman festivals adorn , and , after poets , be by victors worn . thou shalt returning caesar's triumph grace ; when pomps shall in a long procession pass . wreath'd on the posts before his palace wait ; and be the sacred guardian of the gate . secure from thunder , and unharm'd by jove , unfading as th' immortal pow'rs above : and as the locks of phoebus are unshorn , so shall perpetual green thy boughs adorn . the grateful tree was pleas'd with what he sed ; and shook the shady honours of her head. the transformation of io into a heyfar . an ancient forrest in thessalia grows ; which tempe's pleasing valley does inclose : through this the rapid peneus takes his course ; from pindus rowling with impetuous force : mists from the rivers mighty fall arise ; and deadly damps inclose the cloudy skies : perpetual fogs are hanging o're the wood ; and sounds of waters deaf the neighbourhood . deep , in a rocky cave , he makes abode : ( a mansion proper for a mourning god. ) here he gives audience ; issuing out decrees to rivers , his dependant deities . on this occasion hither they resort ; to pay their homage and to make their court. all doubtful , whether to congratulate his daughter's honour , or lament her fate . sperchaeus , crown'd with poplar , first appears ; then old apidanus came crown'd with years : enipeus turbulent , amphrisos tame ; and aeas , last with lagging waters came . then , of his kindred brooks , a numerous throng , condole his loss ; and bring their urns along . not one was wanting of the watry train , that fill'd his flood , or mingl'd with the main : but inachus , who in his cave , alone , wept not anothers losses , but his own . for his dear io , whether stray'd , or dead , to him uncertain , doubtful tears he shed . he sought her through the world ; but sought in vain ; and no where finding , rather fear'd her slain . her , just returning from her father's brook , jove had beheld , with a desiring look : and oh fair daughter of the flood , he sed , worthy alone of jove's imperial bed ; happy whoever shall those charms possess ; the king of gods , nor is thy lover less , invites thee to yon cooler shades ; to shun the scorching rays of the meridian sun. nor shalt thou tempt the dangers of the grove alone , without a guide ; thy guide is jove . no puny pow'r , but he whose high command is unconfin'd , who rules the seas and land ; and tempers thunder in his awful hand . oh fly not ; ( for she fled from his embrace , ) o're lerna's pastures , he pursu'd the chace : along the shades of the lyrnoean plain ; at length the god , who never asks in vain , involv'd with vapours , imitating night , both air and earth ; and then suppress'd her flight and mingling force with love enjoy'd the full delight . mean time the jealous juno , from on high , survey'd the fruitful fields of arcady : and wonder'd that the mist shou'd over-run the face of day-light , and obscure the sun. no nat'ral cause the found , from brooks , or bogs , or marshy lowlands , to produce the fogs : then round the skies she sought for jupiter ; her faithless husband ; but no jove was there : suspecting now the worst , or i , she said , am much mistaken , or am much betray'd . with fury she precipitates her flight : dispels the shadows of dissembled night ; and to the day restores his native light . th' almighty leacher , careful to prevent the consequence , foreseeing her descent , transforms his mistress in a trice ; and now in io's place appears a lovely cow. so slick her skin , so faultless was her make , ev'n juno did unwilling pleasure take to see so fair a rival of her love ; and what she was , and whence , enquir'd of jove : of what sair herd , and from what pedigree ? the god , half caught , was forc'd upon a lye : and said she sprung from earth ; she took the word , and begg'd the beauteous heyfar of her lord. what should he do , 't was equal shame to jove or to relinquish , or betray his love : yet to refuse so slight a gift , wou'd be but more t' increase his consort 's jealousie : thus fear and love , by turns his heart assail'd ; and stronger love had sure , at length prevail'd : but some faint hope remain'd , his jealous queen had not the mistress through the heyfar seen . the cautious goddess , of her gift possest , yet harbour'd anxious thoughts within her breast ; as she who knew the falshood of her jove ; and justly fear'd some new relapse of love. which to prevent , and to secure her care , to trusty argus , she commits the fair. the head of argus ( as with stars the skies ) was compass'd round , and wore an hundred eyes . but two by turns their lids in slumber steep ; the rest on duty still their station keep ; nor cou'd the total constellation sleep . thus , ever present , to his eyes and mind , his charge was still before him , tho' behind . in fields he suffer'd her to feed by day , but when the setting sun , to night gave way , the captive cow he summon'd with a call ; and drove her back , and ty'd her to the stall . on leaves of trees , and bitter herbs she fed , heav'n was her canopy , bare earth her bed : so hardly lodg'd , and to digest her food , she drank from troubl'd streams , defil'd with mud , her woesul story , fain she wou'd have told with hands upheld , but had no hands to hold . her head to her ungentle keeper bow'd , she strove to speak , she spoke not , but she low'd : affrighted with the noise , she look'd around , and seem'd t' inquire the author of the sound . once on the banks where often she had play'd , ( her father's banks ) she came , and there survey'd her alter'd visage , and her branching head ; and starting , from her self she wou'd have fled . her fellow nymphs , familiar to her eyes , beheld , but knew her not in this disguise . ev'n inachus himself was ignorant ; and in his daughter , did his daughter want . she follow'd where her fellows went , as she were still a partner of the company : they stroke her neck , the gentle heyfar stands , and her neck offers to their stroaking hands . her father gave her grass ; the grass she took ; and lick'd his palms , and cast a piteous look ; and in the language of her eyes , she spoke . she wou'd have told her name , and ask't relief , but wanting words , in tears she tells her grief . which , with her foot she makes him understand ; and prints the name of io in the sand. ah wretched me , her mournful father cry'd , she , with a sigh , to wretched me reply'd ; about her milk-white neck , his arms he threw ; and wept , and then these tender words ensue . and art thou she , whom i have sought around the world , and have at length so sadly found ? so found is worse than lost : with mutual words thou answer'st not , no voice thy tongue affords : but sighs are deeply drawn from out thy breast ; and speech deny'd , by lowing is express'd . unknowing i , prepar'd thy bridal bed ; with empty hopes of happy issue fed . but now the husband of a herd must be thy mate , and bell'wing sons thy progeny . oh , were i mortal , death might bring relief ; but now my god-head , but extends my grief : prolongs my woes , of which no end i see , and makes me curse my immortality ! more had he said , but , fearful of her stay , the starry guardian drove his charge away , to some fresh pasture ; on a hilly height he sate himself , and kept her still in sight . the eyes of argus transform'd into a peacock's train . now jove no longer cou'd her suff'rings bear ; but call'd in haste his airy messenger , the son of maya , with severe decree to kill the keeper , and to set her free . with all his harness soon the god was sped , his flying hat was fastned on his head , wings on his heels were hung , and in his hand , he holds the virtue of the snaky wand . the liquid air , his moving pinions wound , and , in a moment , shoot him on the ground , before he came in sight , the crafty god his wings dismiss'd , but still retain'd his rod : that sleep procuring wand , wise hermes took , but made it seem to sight , a shepherd's hook. with this , he did a herd of goats controul ; which by the way he met , and slily stole . clad like a country swain , he pip'd and sung ; and playing drove his jolly troop along . with pleasure , argus the musician heeds ; but wonders much at those new vocal reeds . and whosoe're thou art , my friend , said he , up hither drive thy goats , and play by me : this hill has browz for them , and shade for thee ; the god , who was with ease induc'd to climb , began discourse to pass away the time ; and still betwixt , his tuneful pipe he plyes ; and watch'd his hour , to close the keeper's eyes . with much ado , he partly kept awake ; not suff'ring all his eyes repose to take : and ask'd the stranger , who did reeds invent , and whence began so rare an instrument ? the transformation of syrinx into reeds . then hermes thus ; a nymph of late there was , whose heav'nly form , her fellows did surpass . the pride and joy of fair arcadia's plains , belov'd by deities , ador'd by swains : syrinx her name , by sylvans oft pursu'd , as oft she did the lustful gods delude : the rural , and the woodland pow'rs disdain'd ; with cynthia hunted , and her rites maintain'd : like phoebe clad , even phoebe's self she seems , so tall , so streight , such well proportion'd limbs : the nicest eye did no distinction know , but that the goddess bore a golden bow , distinguish'd thus , the sight she cheated too . descending from lycoeus , pan admires the matchless nymph , and burns with new defires . a crown of pine , upon his head he wore ; and thus began her pity to implore . but e're he thus began , she took her flight so swist , she was already out of sight . nor stay'd to hear the courtship of the god ; but bent her course to ladon's gentle flood : there by the river stopt , and tyr'd before ; relief from water nymphs her pray'rs implore . now while the lustful god , with speedy pace , just thought to strain her in a strict embrace , he fill'd his arms with reeds , new rising on the place . and while he sighs , his ill-success to find , the tender canes were shaken by the wind : and breath'd a mournful air , unhear'd before ; that much surprizing pan ; yet pleas'd him more . admiring this new musick , thou , he sed who can'st not be the partner of my bed , at least shalt be the consort of my mind : and often , often to my lips be joyn'd . he form'd the reeds , proportion'd as they are , unequal in their length , and wax'd with care , they still retain the name of his ungrateful fair. while hermes pip'd and sung , and told his tale , the keeper's winking eyes began to fail ; and drowsie slumber , on the lids to creep , 'till all the watchman was , at length , asleep . then soon the god , his voice and song supprest ; and with his pow'rful rod , confirm'd his rest : without delay his crooked faulchion , drew , and at one fatal stroak , the keeper slew . down from the rock , fell the dissever'd head , opening its eyes in death ; and falling bled : and mark'd the passage with a crimson trail ; thus argus lies in pieces cold and pale : and all his hundred eyes , with all their light , are clos'd at once , in one perpetual night . these juno takes , that they no more may fail , and spreads them in her peacock's gaudy tail . impatient to revenge her injur'd bed she wreaks her anger , on her rival's head ; with furies frights her , from her native home ; and drives her gadding , round the world to roam . nor ceas'd her madness and her flight , before she touch'd the limits of the pharian shore . at length , arriving on the banks of nile , weary'd with length of ways , and worn with toil , she laid her down ; and leaning on her knees , invok'd the cause of all her miseries : and cast her languishing regards above for help from heav'n and her ungrateful jove . she sigh'd , she wept , she low'd , 't was all she cou'd ; and with unkindness seem'd to tax the god. last , with an humble pray'r , she begg'd repose , or death at least , to finish all her woes . jove heard her vows , and with a flatt'ring look , in her behalf , to jealous juno spoke . he cast his arms about her neck , and sed , dame rest secure ; no more thy nuptial bed this nymph shall violate ; by styx i swear , and every oath that binds the thunderer . the goddess was appeas'd ; and at the word was io to her former shape restor'd . the rugged hair began to fall away ; the sweetness of her eyes did only stay ; tho' not so large ; her crooked horns decrease ; the wideness of her jaws and nostrils cease : her hoofs to hands return , in little space : the five long taper fingers take their place . and nothing of the heyfar now is seen , beside the native whiteness of the skin . erected on her feet she walks again ; and two the duty of the four sustain . she tries her tongue ; her silence softly breaks , and fears her former lowings when she speaks : a goddess now , through all th' egyptian state : and serv'd by priests , who in white linnen wait . her son was epaphus , at length believ'd the son of jove , and as a god receiv'd : with sacrifice ador'd , and publick pray'rs , he common temples with his mother shares . equal in years and rival in renown with epaphus , the youthful phaeton like honour claims ; and boasts his sire the sun. his haughty looks , and his assuming air the son of isis cou'd no longer bear : thou tak'st thy mother's word , too far , said he , and hast usurp'd thy boasted pedigree . go base pretender to a borrow'd name . thus tax'd , he blush'd with anger , and with shame ; but shame repress'd his rage : the daunted youth soon seeks his mother , and enquires the truth : mother , said he , this infamy was thrown by epaphus on you , and me your son. he spoke in publick , told it to my face ; nor durst i vindicate the dire disgrace : even i , the bold , the sensible of wrong , restrain'd by shame , was forc'd to hold my tongue . to hear an open slander is a curse ; but not to find an answer , is a worse . if i am heav'n-begot , assert your son by some sure sign : and make my father known , to right my honour , and redeem your own . he said , and saying cast his arms about her neck , and begg'd her to resolve the doubt . 't is hard to judge if climenè were mov'd more by his pray'r , whom she so dearly lov'd , or more with fury fir'd , to find her name traduc'd , and made the sport of common fame . she stretch'd her arms to heav'n , and fix'd her eyes on that fair planet , that adorns the skies ; now by those beams , said she , whose holy fires consume my breast , and kindle my desires ; by him , who sees us both , and chears our sight , by him the publick minister of light , i swear that sun begot thee ; if i lye let him his chearful influence deny : let him no more this perjur'd creature see ; and shine on all the world , but only me : if still you doubt your mother's innocence , his eastern mansion is not far from hence , with little pains , you to his levè go , and from himself , your parentage may know . with joy , th' ambitious youth , his mother heard , and eager , for the journey soon prepar'd . he longs the world beneath him to survey ; to guide the chariot ; and to give the day . from meroe's burning sands , he bends his course , nor less in india , feels his father's force : his travel urging , till he came in sight ; and saw the palace by the purple light . the end of the first book of ovid 's metamorphoses . the fable of iphis and ianthe , from the ninth book of the metamorphoses . english'd by mr. dryden . the fame of this , perhaps , through crete had flown : but crete had newer wonders of her own , in iphis chang'd : for , near the gnossian bounds , ( as loud report the miracle resounds ) at phoestus dwelt a man of honest blood : but meanly born , and not so rich as good ; esteem'd and loy'd by all the neighbourhood . who to his wife , before the time assign'd for child-birth came ; thus bluntly spoke his mind . if heav'n , said lygdus , will vouchsafe to hear ; i have but two petitions to prefer : short pains for thee ; for me a son and heir . girls cost as many throws , in bringing forth : besides when born , the titts are little worth . weak puling things , unable to sustain their share of labour , and their bread to gain . if , therefore , thou a creature shalt produce of so great charges , and so little use , ( bear witness heav'n , with what reluctancy , ) her hapless innocence i doom to dye . he said , and tears the common grief display of him who bade , and her who must obey . yet telethusa still persists to find , fit arguments to move a father's mind : t' extend his wishes to a larger scope ; and in one vessel not confine his hope . lygdus continues hard : her time drew near , and she her heavy load cou'd scarcely bear : when slumb'ring , in the latter shades of night , before th' approaches of returning light , she saw , or thought she saw , before her bed a glorious train , and isis at their head : her moony horns were on her forehead plac'd , and yellow sheaves her shining temples grac'd : a mitre , for a crown , she wore on high : the dog and dappl'd bull were waiting by ; osyris , sought along the banks of nile ; the silent god ; the sacred crocodile : and , last , a long procession moving on , with timbrels , that assist the lab'ring moon . her slumbers seem'd dispell'd , and , broad awake , she heard a voice , that thus distinctly spake . my votary , thy babe from death defend ; nor fear to save whate're the gods will send . delude with art , thy husband 's dire decree ; when danger calls , repose thy trust on me : and know thou hast not serv'd a thankless deity . this promise made ; with night the goddess fled : with joy the woman wakes , and leaves her bed : devoutly lifts her spotless hands on high ; and prays the pow'rs , their gift to ratifie . now grinding pains proceed to bearing throws , till its own weight the burden did disclose . 't was of the beauteous kind : and brought to light with secresie , to shun the father's sight . th' indulgent mother did her care employ ; and pass'd it on her husband for a boy . the nurse was conscious of the fact alone : the father paid his vows , as for a son. and call'd him iphis , by a common name which either sex , with equal right may claim . iphis , his grandsire was ; the wife was pleas'd , of half the fraud , by fortune's favour eas'd : the doubtful name was us'd without deceit , and truth was cover'd with a pious cheat. the habit shew'd a boy , the beauteous face with manly fierceness mingl'd female grace . now thirteen years of age were swiftly run , when the fond father thought the time drew on of settling in the world , his only son , ianthe was his choice ; so wondrous fair her form alone with iphis cou'd compare ; a neighbour's daughter of his own degree ; and not more blest with fortunes goods than he . they soon espous'd ; for they with ease were joyn'd , who were before contracted in the mind . their age the same , their inclinations too : and bred together , in one school they grew . thus , fatally dispos'd to mutual fires , they felt , before they knew , the same desires . equal their flame , unequal was their care ; one lov'd with hope , one languish'd in despair . the maid accus'd the ling'ring days alone : for whom she thought a man , she thought her own . but iphis bends beneath a greater grief ; as fiercely burns , but hopes for no relief . ev'n her despair , adds fuel to her fire ; a maid with madness does a maid desire . and , scarce refraining tears , alas , said she , what issue of my love remains for me ! how wild a passion works within my breast , with what prodigious flames am i possest ! cou'd i the care of providence deserve , heav'n must destroy me , if it wou'd preserve . and that 's my fate ; or sure it wou'd have sent some usual evil for my punishment : not this unkindly curse ; to rage and burn where nature shews no prospect of return . nor cows for cows consume with fruitless fire , nor mares when hot , their fellow mares desire : the father of the fold supplies his ewes ; the stag through secret woods his hind pursues : and birds for mates , the males of their own species chuse . her females nature guards from female flame , and joyns two sexes to preserve the game : wou'd i were nothing , or not what i am ! crete fam'd for monsters wanted of her store ; till my new love produc'd one monster more . the daughter of the sun a bull desir'd , and yet ev'n then , a male , a female fir'd : her passion was extravagantly new ; but mine is much the madder of the two . to things impossible she was not bent ; but found the means to compass her intent . to cheat his eyes , she took a different shape : yet still she gain'd a lover , and a leap . shou'd all the wit of all the world conspire , shou'd doedalus assist my wild desire , what art can make me able to enjoy , or what can change ianthe to a boy ? extinguish then thy passion , hopeless maid , and recollect thy reason for thy aid . know what thou art , and love as maidens ought ; and drive these golden wishes from thy thought . thou canst not hope thy fond desires to gain ; where hope is wanting , wishes are in vain . and yet no guards , against our joys conspire ; no jealous husband , hinders our desire : my parents are propitious to my wish and she her self consenting to the bliss . all things concur , to prosper our design : all things to prosper any love but mine . and yet i never can enjoy the fair : 't is past the pow'r of heav'n to grant my pray'r . heav'n has been kind , as far as heav'n can be ; our parents with our own desires agree , but nature , stronger than the gods above , refuses her assistance to my love . she sets the bar , that causes all my pain : one gift refus'd , makes all their bounty vain . and now the happy day is just at hand , to bind our hearts in hymen's holy band : our hearts , but not our bodies : thus , accurs'd , in midst of water , i complain of thirst . why com'st thou , juno , to these barren rites , to bless a bed , defrauded of delights ? or why shou'd hymen lift his torch on high , to see two brides in cold embraces lye ? thus love-sick iphis her vain passion mourns : with equal ardour fair ianthe burns : invoking hymen's name and juno's pow'r to speed the work , and haste the happy hour . she hopes , while telethusa fears the day ; and strives to interpose some new delay : now feigns a sickness , now is in a fright for this bad omen , or that boding sight . but having done whate're she cou'd devise , and empty'd all her magazine of lies , the time approach'd : the next ensuing day the fatal secret must to light betray . then telethusa had recourse to pray'r , she and her daughter with dishevell'd hair : trembling with fear , great isis they ador'd ; embrac'd her altar , and her aid implor'd . fair queen , whodost on fruitful egypt smile , who sway'st the sceptre of the pharian isle , and sev'n-fold falls of disimbogueing nile ; relieve , in this our last distress , she said , a suppliant mother , and a mournful maid . thou goddess , thou wert present to my sight ; reveal'd i saw thee , by thy own fair light : i saw thee in my dream , as now i see with all thy marks of awful majesty : the glorious train , that compass'd thee around ; and heard the hollow timbrels holy sound . thy words i noted , which i still retain ; let not thy sacred oracles be vain . that iphis lives , that i my self am free from shame and punishment , i owe to thee . on thy protection , all our hopes depend : thy counsel sav'd us , let thy pow'r defend . her tears pursu'd her words ; and while she spoke the goddess nodded , and her altar shook : the temple doors , as with a blast of wind , were heard to clap ; the lunar horns that bind the brows of isis , cast a blaze around ; the trembling timbrel , made a murm'ring sound . some hopes these happy omens did impart ; forth went the mother with a beating heart : not much in fear , nor fully satisfi'd ; but iphis follow'd with a larger stride : the whiteness of her skin forsook her face ; her looks emboldn'd , with an awful grace ; her features and her strength together grew ; and her long hair , to curling locks withdrew . her sparkling eyes , with manly vigour shone , big was her voice , audacious was her tone . the latent parts , at length reveal'd , began to shoot , and spread , and burnish into man. the maid becomes a youth ; no more delay your vows , but look , and confidently pay . their gifts , the parents to the temple bear : the votive tables , this inscription wear ; iphis the man , has to the goddess paid , the vows that iphis offer'd , when a maid . now , when the star of day had shewn his face , venus and juno with their presence grace the nuptial rites , and hymen from above descending to compleat their happy love : the gods of marriage , lend their mutual aid ; and the warm youth enjoys the lovely maid . the fable of acis , polyphemus , and galatea , from the thirteenth book of the metamorphoses , by mr. dryden . galatea relates the story . acis , the lovely youth , whose loss i mourn , from faunus and the nymph symethis born , was both his parents pleasure : but , to me was all that love cou'd make a lover be . the gods our minds in mutual bands did joyn ; i was his only joy , as he was mine . now sixteen summers the sweet youth had seen ; and doubtful down , began to shade his chin : when polyphemus first disturb'd our joy ; and lov'd me fiercely , as i lov'd the boy . ask not which passion in my soul was high'r , my last aversion , or my first desire : nor this the greater was , nor that the less : both were alike ; for both were in excess . thee , venus , thee , both heav'n and earth obey ; immense thy pow'r , and boundless is thy sway. the cyclops , who desi'd th' aetherial throne , and thought no thunder louder than his own , the terrour of the woods , and wilder far than wolves in plains , or bears in forrests are , th' inhumane host , who made his bloody feasts on mangl'd members , of his butcher'd guests , yet felt the force of love , and fierce desire , and burnt for me , with unrelenting fire . forgot his caverns , and his woolly care , assum'd the softness of a lover's air ; and comb'd , with teeth of rakes , his rugged hair . now with a crooked sythe his beard he sleeks ; and mows the stubborn stubble of his cheeks : now , in the crystal stream he looks , to try his simagres , and rowls his glaring eye . his cruelty and thirst of blood are lost ; and ships securely sail along the coast. the prophet telemus ( arriv'd by chance where aetna's summets to the seas advance , who mark'd the tracts of every bird that flew , and sure presages from their flying drew , ) foretold the cyclops , that ulysses hand in his broad eye , shou'd thrust a flaming brand. the giant , with a scornful grin reply'd , vain augur , thou hast falsely prophesi'd ; already love , his flaming brand has tost ; looking on two fair eyes , my sight i lost . thus , warn'd in vain , with stalking pace he strode , and stamp'd the margine of the briny flood , with heavy steps : and weary , sought agen , the cool retirement of his gloomy den. a promontory sharp'ning by degrees , ends in a wedge , and over-looks the seas : on either side , below , the water flows ; this airy walk , the giant lover chose . here , on the midst he sate : his flocks , unled , their shepherd follow'd , and securely fed . a pine so burly , and of length so vast , that sailing ships requir'd it for a mast , he weilded for a staff ; his steps to guide : but laid it by , his whistle while he try'd . a hundred reeds , of a prodigious growth , scarce made a pipe , proportion'd to his mouth : which , when he gave it wind , the rocks around , and watry plains , the dreadful hiss resound . i heard the ruffian-shepherd rudely blow where , in a hollow cave , i sat below ; on acis bosom i my head reclin'd : and still preserve the poem in my mind . oh lovely galatea , whiter far than falling snows , and rising lillies are ; more flowry than the meads , as crystal bright , erect as alders , and of equal height : more wanton than a kid , more sleek thy skin than orient shells , that on the shores are seen . than apples fairer , when the boughs they lade , pleasing as winter suns or summer shade : more grateful to the sight , than goodly planes ; and softer to the touch , than down of swans ; or curds new turn'd : and sweeter to the taste than swelling grapes , that to the vintage haste : more clear than ince , or running streams , that stray through garden plots , but ah more swift than they . yet , galatea , harder to be broke , than bullocks , unreclaim'd to bear the yoke , and far more stubborn , than the knotted oak : like sliding streams , impossible to hold ; like them fallacious , like their fountains cold . more warping than the willow , to decline my warm embrace , more brittle than the vine ; immoveable and fixt in thy disdain ; rough as these rocks , and of a harder grain . more violent than is the rising flood ; and the prais'd peacock is not half so proud . fierce as the fire , and sharp as thistles are , and more outragious than a mother-bear : deaf as the billows to the vows i make ; and more revengeful , than a trodden snake . in swiftness fleeter , than the flying hind ; or driven tempests , or the driving wind. all other faults , with patience i can bear ; but swiftness is the vice i only fear . yet if you knew me well , you wou'd not shun my love , but to my wish'd embraces run : wou'd languish in your turn , and court my stay ; and much repent of your unwise delay . my palace , in the living rock , is made by nature's hand ; a spacious pleasing shade : which neither heat can pierce , nor cold invade . my garden fill'd with fruits you may behold , and grapes in clusters , imitating gold ; some blushing bunches of a purple hue : and these and those , are all reserv'd for you . red strawberries , in shades , expecting stand , proud to be gather'd by so white a hand . autumnal cornels , latter fruit provide ; and plumbs to tempt you , turn their glossy side : not those of common kinds ; but such alone as in phoeacian orchards might have grown : nor chestnuts shall be wanting to your food , nor garden-fruits , nor wildings of the wood ; the laden boughs for you alone shall bear ; and yours shall be the product of the year . the flocks you see , are all my own ; beside the rest that woods , and winding vallies hide ; and those that folded in the caves abide . ask not the numbers of my growing store ; who knows how many , knows he has no more . nor will i praise my cattel , trust not me ; but judge your self , and pass your own decree : behold their swelling dugs ; the sweepy weight of ews that sink beneath the milky fraight ; in the warm folds , their tender lambkins lye ; apart from kids , that call with humane cry . new milk in nut-brown bowls , is duely serv'd for daily drink ; the rest for cheese reserv'd . nor are these house-hold dainties all my store : the fields and forrests will afford us more ; the deer , the hare , the goat , the salvage boar. all sorts of ven'son ; and of birds the best ; a pair of turtles taken from the nest. i walk'd the mountains , and two cubs i found , ( whose dam had left 'em on the naked ground , ) so like , that no distinction cou'd be seen : so pretty , they were presents for a queen ; and so they shall ; i took 'em both away ; and keep , to be companions of your play. oh raise , fair nymph , your beauteous face above the waves ; nor scorn my presents , and my love. come , galatea , come , and view my face ; i late beheld it , in the watry glass ; and found it lovelier than i fear'd it was . survey my towring stature , and my size : not jove , the jove you dream that rules the skies bears such a bulk , or is so largely spread : my locks , ( the plenteous harvest of my head ) hang o're my manly face ; and dangling down as with a shady grove , my shoulders crown . nor think , because my limbs and body bear a thick set underwood of bristling hair , my shape deform'd ; what fouler sight can be than the bald branches of a leafless tree ? foul is the steed , without a flowing main : and birds without their feathers and their train . wool decks the sheep ; and man receives a grace from bushy limbs , and from a bearded face . my forehead , with a single eye is fill'd , round as a ball , and ample as a shield . the glorious lamp of heav'n , the radiant sun is nature's eye ; and is content with one . add , that my father sways your seas , and i like you am of the watry family . i make you his , in making you my own ; you i adore ; and kneel to you alone : jove , with his fabled thunder i despise , and only fear the lightning of your eyes . frown not , fair nymph ; yet i cou'd bear to be disdain'd , if others were disdain'd with me . but to repulse the cyclops , and prefer the love of acis , ( heav'ns ) i cannot bear . but let the stripling please himself ; nay more , please you , tho' that 's the thing i most abhor , the boy shall find , if e're we cope in fight , these giant limbs , endu'd with giant might . his living bowels , from his belly torn , and scatter'd limbs , shall on the flood be born : thy flood , ungrateful nymph , and fate shall find that way for thee , and acis to be joyn'd . for oh i burn with love , and thy disdain augments at once my passion , and my pain . translated aetna flames within my heart , and thou , inhumane , wilt not ease my smart . lamenting thus in vain , he rose , and strode with furious paces to the neighb'ring wood : restless his feet , distracted was his walk ; mad were his motions , and confus'd his talk . mad as the vanquish'd bull , when forc'd to yield his lovely mistress , and forsake the field . thus far unseen i saw : when fatal chance his looks directing , with a sudden glance , acis and i , were to his sight betray'd ; where nought suspecting we securely play'd . from his wide mouth , a bellowing cry he cast i see , i see ; but this shall be your last : a roar so loud made aetna to rebound ; and all the cyclops labour'd in the sound . affrighted with his monstrous voice , i fled , and in the neighb'ring ocean , plung'd my head . poor acis turn'd his back , and help , he cry'a ; help , galatea , help , my parent gods , and take me dying , to your deep abodes . the cyclops follow'd : but he sent before a rib , which from the living rock he tore , though but an angle reach'd him of the stone , the mighty fragment was enough alone to crush all acis ; 't was too late to save , but what the fates allow'd to give , i gave : that acis to his lineage should return ; and rowl , among the river gods , his urn. straight issu'd from the stone , a stream of blood ; which lost the purple , mingling with the flood . then , like a troubl'd torrent , it appear'd : the torrent too , in little space was clear'd . the stone was cleft , and through the yawning chink , new reeds arose on the new river's brink . the rock , from out its hollow womb , disclos'd a sound like water in its course oppos'd . when , ( wondrous to behold , ) full in the flood , up starts a youth , and navel high he stood . horns from his temples rise ; and either horn thick wreaths of reeds ( his native growth ) adorn . were not his stature taller than before , his bulk augmented , and his beauty more : his colour blue , for acis he might pass : and acis chang'd into a stream he was . but mine no more ; he rowls along the plains with rapid motion , and his name retains . on mr. hobs . written by the e. of mulgrave . such is the mode of these censorious days , the art is lost of knowing how to praise ; poets are envious now , and fools alone admire at wit , because themselves have none . yet , whatsoe're is by vain criticks thought , praising is harder much , than finding fault ; in homely pieces ev'n the dutch excel , italians only can draw beauty well . as strings alike wound up , so equal prove , that one resounding makes the other move ; from a like cause satyrs have pleas'd so much , we simpathize with each ill-natur'd touch : and , as the sharp infection spreads about , the reader 's malice helps the writer out . to blame , is easie ; to commend , is bold ; yet , if the muse inspires it , who can hold ? to merit we are bound to give applause , content to suffer in so just a cause . while in dark ignorance men lay afraid of fancies , ghosts , and ev'ry empty shade ; great hobs appear'd , and by his reason's light put such fantastick forms to shameful flight : fond is their fear , who think we needs must be to vice enslav'd , if from vain terrours free ; the wise and good morality will guide , and superstition all the world beside . in other authors , tho the sense be good , 't is not sometimes so eas'ly understood , that jewel oft unpolish'd has remain'd , some words shou'd be left out , and some explain'd : so that in search of sense we either stray , or else grow weary in so rough a way : but here bright eloquence does always smile in such a choice , yet unaffected stile , as does both knowledge and delight impart , the force of reason with the flow'rs of art ; clear as a beautiful transparent skin , which never hides the blood , yet holds it in : like a delicious stream it ever ran , as smooth as woman , but as strong as man. bacon himself , whose universal wit does admiration through the world beget , not more his age's ornament is thought , nor has more credit to his country brought . while fame is young , too weak to fly away , envy pursues her , like some bird of prey ; but once on wing , then all the dangers cease , envy her self is glad to be at peace ; gives over , weary'd with so high a flight , above her reach , and scarce within her sight : he , to this happy pitch arriv'd at last , might have look'd down with pride , on dangers past . but such the frailty is of humane kind , men toil for fame , which no man lives to find ; long rip'ning under ground this china lies ; fame bears no fruit , till the vain planter dies . and nature , tir'd with his unusual length oflife , which put her to her utmost strength , so vast a soul unable to supply , to save her self , was forc'd to let him die . on the death of the learned mr. john selden . so fell the sacred sybill , when of old inspir'd with more than mortal breast cou'd hold , the gazing multitude stood doubtful by whether to call it death , or extasie : she silent lies , and now the nations find no oracles but the leaves she left behind . monarch of time and arts , who travel'd'st o're new worlds of knowledge , undescry'd before , and hast on everlasting columns writ the utmost bounds of learning and of wit. had'st thou been more like us ; or we like thee , we might add something to thy memory . now thy own tongues must speak thee , and thy praise be from those monuments thy self did'st raise ; and all those * titles thou did'st once display must yield thee titles greater far than they . time which had wings till now , and was not known to have a being but by being gone , you did arrest his motion , and have lent a way to make him fixt and permanent ; whilst by your labours ages past appear , and all at once we view a plato's year . actions and fables were retriev'd by you ; all that was done , and what was not done too . which in your breast did comprehended lye , as in the bosom of eternity ; you purg'd records and * authors from their rust , and sifted pearls out of rabinick dust . by you the † syrian gods do live and grow to be immortal , since you made them so . inscriptions , medals , ‖ statues look fresh still , taking new brass and marble from your quill ; which so unravels time , that now we do live our own age , and our forefathers too , and , thus enlarg'd , by your discoveries , can make that an ell , which nature made a span. if then we judge , that to preserve the state of things , is every moment to create , the world 's thus half your creature , whilst it stands rescu'd to memory by your learned hands . and unto you , now fearless of decay , times past owe more , than times to come can pay . how might you claim your country's just applause , when you stood square and upright as your cause in doubtful times , nor ever would forego fair truth and right , whose bounds you best did know . you in the tow'r did stand another tower , firm to your self and us , whilst jealous power your very soul imprison'd , that no thought by books might enter , nor by pen get out ; and , strip'd of all besides , left you confin'd to the one volume of your own vast mind ; there vertue and strict honour past the guard , your only friends that could not be debarr'd ; and dwelt in your retirement ; arm'd with these you stood forth more than admiral of our seas . your hands enclos'd the * watry plains , and thus was no less fence to them , than they to us ; teaching our ships to conquer , while each fight is but a comment on those books you write . no foul disgraces , nor the worst of things , made you like him ( whose anger homer sings ) slack in your country's quarrel , who adore their champion now , their martyr heretofore : still with your self contending , whether you cou'd bravelier suffer , or cou'd bravelier do . we ask not now for ancestors , nor care tho selden do nor kindred boast , nor heir , such worth best stands alone , and joys to be to th' self at once both founder and posterity . as when old nilus who with bounteous flows waters an hundred nations as he goes , scattering rich harvest keeps his sacred head amongst the clouds still undiscovered . be 't now thy oxford's pride , that having gone through east and west , no art , nor tongue unknown ; laden with spoils thou hang'st thy arms up here , but set'st thy great example every where . thus when thy monument shall it self lie dead , and thy , * own epitaph no more be read , when all thy statues shall be worn out so , that even selden should not selden know ; ages to come shall in thy vertue share : he that dies well makes all the world his heir . r. b. t. co. oxon. decemb. 19. 54. against immoderate grief . to a young lady weeping . an ode in imitation of casimire . by mr. yalden. cou'd mournful sighs , or floods of tears prevent the ills , unhappy men lament : cou'd all the anguish of my mind , remove my cares , or make but fortune kind ; soon i 'd the grateful tribute pay , and weep my troubl'd thoughts away : to wealth and pleasure every sigh prefer , and more than gems esteem each falling tear. 2. but since insulting cares are most inclin'd to triumph o're th' afflicted mind : since sighs can yield us no relief , and tears , like fruitful showers , but nourish grief ; then cease , fair mourner , to complain , nor lavish , such bright streams , in vain : but still with chearful thoughts thy cares beguile , and tempt thy better fortunes with a smile . 3. the generous mind is by its sufferings known , which no affliction tramples down : but when opprest will upward move , spurn down its clog of cares , and soar above . thus the young royal eaglet trys on the sun-beams his tender eyes : and if he shrinks not at th' offensive light , he 's then for empire fit , and takes his soaring flight . 4. tho' cares assault thy breast on every side , yet bravely stem th' impetuous tide : no tributary tears to fortune pay , nor add to any loss a nobler day . but with kind hopes support thy mind , and think thy better lot behind : amidst afflictions let thy soul be great , and show thou dar'st deserve a better state. 5. then , lovely mourner , wipe those tears away , and cares that urge thee to decay : like ravenous age thy charms they waste , wrinkle thy youthful brow , and blooming beauties blast . but keep thy looks , and mind serene , all gay without , and calm within : for fate is aw'd , and adverse fortunes fly , a chearful look , and an unconquer'd eye . to the returning sun . by j. h. welcome thou glorious spring of light , and heat , where hast thou made thy long retreat ? what lands thy warmer beams possest , whàt happy indian worlds thy fruitful presence blest ? where deep in the dark bosom of the ground , thy wondrous operation's found , even there thy beams the earth refine , and mix , and stamp thy lustre through the dazling mine . since thy retreat so far from our cold isle , she never wore a lovely smile , no joy her wither'd brow adorn'd , in dark unlovely days , and in long nights she mourn'd . the poor dejected beasts hung down their heads , and trembled on their naked beds ; no footsteps of green life remain , but dying fields , and woods , and a bare , bleaky plain . the drooping birds were silent in the groves , they quite forgot their songs and loves , their feeble mates sate sullen by , we thought the feather'd world resolv'd their kind shou'd die . but see the land revives at thy approach , she blooms and quickens at thy touch , her kindled atoms life receive , the meadows , and the groves , begin to stir and live . mixt with thy beams the southern breezes blow , and help the sproutng births below , the infant flowers in haste appear , and gratefully return perfumes to the kind air. the trees , and fields agen look fresh and gay , the birds begin their softer play , thou hast their life , nay more , their love restor'd , their late , and early hymns praise thee , their welcome lord. the spreading fire glides through the plains , and woods , it even pierces the cold floods : the duller brutes feel the soft flame , the fishes leap for joy , and wanton in their stream . against the fear of death . by a person of honour . since all must certainly to death resign , why should we make it dreadful , or repine ? how vain is fear where nothing can prevent the loss , which he , that loses , can't lament . the fear of death is by our folly brought , we fly th' acquaintance of it , in a thought ; from something into nothing is a change grown terrible , by making it so strange . we always shou'd remember , death is sure , what grows familiar most , we best endure ; for life and death succeed like night and day , and neither gives encrease , nor brings decay . no more or less by what takes birth or dies , and the same mass the teeming world supplies . from death we rose to life ; 't is but the same , through life again to pass , from whence we came . with shame we see our passions can prevail , where reason , certainty , and vertue fail . honour , that empty name , can death despise , scorn'd love to death as to a refuge flies , and sorrow waits for death with longing eyes . hope triumphs o're the thought of death , and fate cheats fools , and flatters the unfortunate . perhaps , deceiv'd by lust-supplying wealth , new enjoy'd pleasures , and a present health , we fear to lose , what a small time must waste , till life it self grows the disease at last : begging for life , we beg for more decay , and to be long a dying only pray . no just and temperate thought can tell us why , we should fear death , or grieve for them that die ; the time we leave behind , is ours no more , nor our concern , than time that was before . 't were a fond fight , if those that stay behind for the same passage , waiting for a wind to drive them to their port , sho'ud on the shore lamenting stand , for those that went before . we all must pass through death's dead sea of night to reach the haven of eternal light. the dream : occasion'd by the death of the most noble and virtuous lady , elizabeth seymour , mother to his grace the duke of somerset . by mr. j. talbot . if righteous souls in their bless'd mansions know , or what we do , or suffer here below , and any leisure from their joys can find , to visit those whom they have left behind , to view our endless griefs , our groundless fears , our hopeless sorrows , and our fruitless tears , with pity , sure , they see the kind mistake , which weeping friends at their departure make : they wonder why at their release we grieve , and mourn their death , who then begin to live. tir'd with the care and sorrow of the day , in silent night the sad mecoenas lay , his mind still lab'ring with the deadly weight of his dear parent 's much lamented fate ; till weary nature with its load opprest , compos'd the tempest of his troubled breast , and borrow'd from his grief some time for rest : when sleep ( death's image ) to his fancy brought the hourly object of his waking thought ; and lo ! his mother 's awful shade appears , not pale and ghastly , as the sullen fears of brain-sick minds their dismal phantomes paint , but bright and joyful as a new-made saint . a crown of glories shone around her head ; she smil'd , and thus the happy spirit said . hail , noble son , whom pow'rful fates design to fill the glories of thy mighty line , in whom the good is mingled with the great , as generous light unites with active heat : for thee i thought life pleasant , and for thee i after death endur'd this world to see , and leave a while the dwellings of the blest , where heav'nly minds enjoy eternal rest ; where having reach'd the universal shore , i fear the winds and billows now no more ; no more in anguish draw a painful breath , nor wrestle with that mighty tyrant , death , who cannot boast he gave the fatal blow , i conquer'd sin , from whence his pow'r did flow : the proud insulter threatn'd me in vain , for heav'n increas'd my patience with my pain , till my unfetter'd soul at last took wing , the grave its conquest lost , and death its sting . no longer then these pious sorrows shed , nor vainly think thy happy parent dead ; whose deathless mind from its weak prison free , enjoys in heav'n its native liberty : i soon distinguish'd in that blissful place thy god-like ancestors , a numerous race ; there plac'd among the stars , in them i see a glorious destiny reserv'd for thee . then weep no more ; ev'n here i still survive in thee , and in thy virtuous fair i live : i saw her happy mother shine on high , a brighter spirit ne're adorn'd the skie ; with joy she met me at the crystal gate , and much enquir'd her beauteous daughter's state , she wish'd her there ; but heav'n ordains it late , and long defers her joys , that she may be a mighty blessing to this world , and thee . long shall she live , and ages yet to come shall bless the happy burden of her womb : still shall her off-spring , with her years , increase , with both , her virtues , and thy happiness . in all thy race the wondring world shall find the noble image of each parent 's mind . thus bless'd in her and hers , thou shalt receive the richest bounties heav'n and earth can give . nor shall my care be wanting to your aid , my faithful spirit shall hover o're thy head , and round thy lovely fair alargeprotectionspread : till crown'd with years and honours here below , and ev'ry gift kind nature can bestow , you both retire to everlasting rest , and late increase the joys and number of the blest . she spoke : her fellow-angels all around with joyful smiles the happy omen own'd ; all bless'd the noble pair , and took their flight to the bright regions of unfading light. a hymn to the morning . in praise of light. an ode . by mr. yalden. 1. parent of day ! whose beauteous beams of light spring from the darksom womb of night : and midst their native horrours show , like gems adorning of the negro's brow. not heaven's fair bow can equal thee , in all its gaudy drapery : thou first essay of light , and pledge of day ! that usher'st in the sun , and still prepar'st his way . 2. rival of shade , eternal spring of light ! thou art the genuine source of it : from thy bright unexhausted womb , the beauteous race of days and seasons come . thy beauty ages cannot wrong , but spight of time thou' rt ever young : thou art alone heavens modest virgin light , whose face a veil of blushes hides from human sight . 3. like some fair bride thou risest from thy bed , and dost around thy lustre spread : around the universe dispense new life to all , and quick'ning influence . with gloomy smiles thy rival night beholds thy glorious dawn of light : not all the wealth she views in mines below , can match thy brighter beams , or equal lustre show . 4. at thy approach nature erects her head , the smiling universe is glad : the drowsie earth and seas awake , and , from thy beams , new life and vigour take . when thy more chearful rays appear , even guilt and women cease to fear : horrour , despair , and all the sons of night , retire before thy beams , and take their hasty flight . 5. to thee , the grateful east their altars raise , and sing with early hymns thy praise : thou dost their happy soil bestow , inrich the heav'ns above , and earth below . thou rifest in the fragrant east , like the fair phaenix from her balmy nest : no altar of the gods can equal thine , the air is richest incense , the whole land thy shrine . 6. but yet thy fading glories soon decay , thine's but a momentary stay : too soon thou' rt ravisht from our sight , bore down the stream of day , and overwhelm'd with light . thy beams to their own ruin haste , they 're sram'd too exquisite to last : thine is a glorious , but a short-liv'd state , pity so fair a birth should yield so soon to fate . 7. before the almighty artist fram'd the skie , or gave the earth its harmony : his first command was for thy light , he view'd the lovely birth , and blessed it . in purple swadling-bands it struggling lay , not yet maturely bright for day : old chaos then a chearful smile put on , and from thy beauteous form , did first presage its own . 8. let there be light , the great creator said , his word the active child obey'd : night did her teeming womb disclose , and then the blushing morn , its brightest off spring rose . a while the almighty wond'ring view'd , and then himself pronounc'd it good : with night , said he , divide the imperial sway , thou my first labour art , and thou shalt bless the day . a hymn to darkness . by mr. yalden. 1. darkness , thou first kind parent of us all , thou art our great original : since from thy universal womb , does all thou shad'st below , thy numerous off-spring come . 2. thy wondrous birth is even to time unknown , or like eternity thou'dst none : whilst light did its first being owe , unto that awful shade , it dares to rival now . 3. say in what distant region dost thou dwell ! to reason inaccessible : from form , and duller matter , free , thou soar'st above the reach of man's philosophy . 4. involv'd in thee , we first receive our breath , thou art our refuge too in death : great monarch of the grave and womb , where e're our souls shall go , to thee our bodies come . 5. the silent globe is struck with awful fear , when thy majestick shades appear : thou dost compose the air and sea ; and earth a sabbath keeps , sacred to rest , and thee . 6. in thy serener shades our ghosts delight , and court the umbrage of the night : in vaults , and gloomy caves , they stray , but fly the mornings beams , and sicken at the day . 7 tho' solid bodies dare exclude the light , nor will the brightest ray admit : no substance can thy force repel , thou reign'st in depths below , dost at the center dwell . 8. the sparkling gems , and oar in mines below , to thee their beauteous lustre owe : tho' form'd within the womb of night , bright as their sire they shine , with native rays of light. 9. when thou dost raise thy venerable head , and art in genuine night array'd : thy negro beauties then delight , beauties like pollish'd jeat , with their own darkness bright . 10. thou dost thy smiles impartially bestow , and know'st no difference here below : all things appear the same by thee , tho' light distinction makes , thou giv'st equality . 11. thou darkness art the lovers kind retreat , and dost the nuptial joys compleat : thou dost inspire them with thy shade , giv'st vigour to the youth , and warm'st the yielding maid . 12. calm , as the blest above , the ancorites dwell , within their peaceful gloomy cell : their minds with heav'nly joys are fill'd , the pleasures light deny , thy shades for ever yield . 13. in caves of night , the oracles of old , did all their mysteries unfold : darkness did first religion grace , gave terrours to the god , and reverence to the place . 14. when the almighty did on horeb stand , thy shades inclos'd the hallow'd land : in clouds of night , he was array'd , and venerable darkness his pavillion made . 15. when he appear'd arm'd in his power and might , he vail'd the beatifick light : when terrible with majesty , in tempests he gave laws , and clad himself in thee . 16. e're the foundation of the earth was laid , or brighter firmament was made : e're matter , time , or place were known , thou monarch darkness sway'dst these spacious realms alone . 17. but now the moon , ( tho' gay with borrow'd light ) invades thy scanty lot of night : by rebel subjects thou' rt betray'd , the anarchy of stars depose their monarch shade . 18. yet fading light its empire must resign , and nature's power submit to thine : an universal ruin shall erect thy throne , and fate confirm thy kingdom , evermore thy own . aeneas his meeting with dido in the elyzian fields . being a translation of part of the sixth book of virgil's aeneids , beginning at hic quoque durus amor , &c. by mr. wolsley . here those , who by love's cruelty have dy'd , thick myrtle groves , and dark retirements hide ; vex'd with old griefs , and pale with long despairs , death cannot free them from their lasting cares . among the trees pasiphae does appear , phedra , and procris , and evadne , here , sad eriphyle makes unpity'd moan , pointing to wounds , that still accuse her son. for her lost honour , coeneus mourns in vain , by death transform'd to her own sex again . and laodamia , with the numerous throng of hapless lovers , weeping goes along . among the rest sorsaken dido , round the desart wanders , with a gaping wound , whom soon as near the trojan hero drew , and that upbraiding injur'd ghost through glimmering shadows knew . ( as he who sees by the faint gloomy light a rising moon half hid in clouds and night ) straight into tears his penitent pity broke , and to her , in the kindest terms of love unfeign'd he spoke . the killing news that did my flight pursue i find , alas , ( unhappy queen ) is true ! your mark still fresh upon your breast i see , that bleeding wound you gave your self for me. ah , 't is too true ! i was th' unlucky cause of your hard fate ! curs'd wretched man ! i was . by all the gods , who rule above , i vow , and by that faith ( if any be ) which sacred is below , compell'd , and threaten'd , sad , and discontent , from your lov'd shore , and dear embrace , i went : that awful pow'r , whose high will to obey , even now thro' these infernal shades and dismal paths i stray ; thro' endless night , and unknown desart lands force me , delaying , by his dread commands . nor cou'd i think the loss of me wou'd touch your heart so deep ! — you valu'd me too much ! oh stay , and take not from my eyes , unkind , a face for ever present to my mind ! whom do you fly ? see him you held so dear ! his just defence and last farewel do not refuse to hear . with such soft words th' afflicted hero strove to sooth her anger , and revive her love. while rising sighs oft stopt him as he spoke , and falling tears the tender accents broke . the queen , who still resented his last flight , now turns her eyes from his unwelcome sight , and on the ground , with sad remembrance strook , she fix'd a sullen and dejected look . deaf to his vows , regardless of his tears , hard as a rock her once kind heart appears , and his vain courtship unconcern'd she hears . frowning at length , averse to all he said , into the thickest of the wood she fled ; where her first love attracts her just desires , shares all her griefs , and burns in equal fires . wounded afresh with that reproachful sight , afar the prince pursues her scornful flight , and long lamenting her unhappy fate , with fruitless sorrow pities her too late . out of the italian of fulvio testi . to count montecuccoli . against pride upon sudden advancement . ruscelletto orgoglioso , & c. 1. proud and foolish noisie stream ! who to some muddy plash thy birth dost owe , which casually a brook became , assisted by the rain , and melting snow : tho' now thou boasts thy swelling tide , august will soon be here , and end thy short-liv'd pride . 2. the thames , great king of floods ! the thames with peaceful course hastes gently to the main ; yet he upon his silent streams the tallest vessels does with ease sustain : and while one summer thee devours , his flood shall ne're decrease , not time contract his shores. 3. thou foam'st , and boil'st along the plain , the flocks , and shepherds threatning by the way ; through borrow'd waters basely vain , list'st up thy head , and do'st regardless stray , troubled , oblique , and this alone , thy noisie pride is all which thou canst call thy own . 4. i know , sir , you may well admire , to hear me reason with a deaf'ning stream , but thus the muse oft strikes the lyre , when she 'd most lofty , and majestick seem , and in mysterious numbers shrowd deep oracles , too deep , for the unthinking croud . 5. while thus i spake , there did appear , phoebus the god of every tuneful lay , a lawrel crown'd his beamy hair , which with a brighter light improv'd the day ; and thus he , what i saw , apply'd , short is th' incertain reign , and pomp of mortal pride . 6. new turns , and changes every day , are of inconstant chance the constant arts , soon she gives , soon takes away , she comes , embraces , nauseates you , and parts ; but if she stays , or if she goes , the wise man little joy , or little sorrow shows . 7. good is the pilot , who preserves his shatter'd vessel on the stormy main ; but he no leass applause deserves , who fears the flattery of the watry plain ; who never trusts the fairest gale , but dreads to be o'reset , and spreads but little sail. 8. of all the heroes known of old , i honour most agathocles's name ; who , tho' he made the sparkling gold in polish'd goblets on his table flame : to temper , and rebate its ray , he mixt his father's trade , the good old potter's clay . 9. while thus the charming god went on , and fixt in wonder , and delight i stood : behold ! the upstart stream was gone , no drop remain'd of its insulting flood : but the worst cattle of the plain , trod o're the thirsty sand , and spurn'd it with disdain . catullus . epig . 19. suffenus iste , vare , quem probè nôsti . by the same hand as the former . suffenus whom you know , the witty , the gay , the talkative , and pretty ; and , all his wonders to rehearse , the thing which makes a world of verse , i 'm certain i shou'd not bely him , to say he has several thousands by him , yet none deform'd with critick blot , or wrote on vellom to rub out . royal paper ! scarlet strings ! gilded backs ! and such fine things ! but — when you read 'em , then the witty , the gay suffenus , and the pretty : is the dullest , heaviest clown , so alter'd , he can scarce be known . this is strange ! that he who now cou'd so flatter , laugh , and bow , so much wit , such breeding show , shou'd be so ungenteel a wight , whenever he attempts to write , and yet the wretch is ne're so pleas'd , as when he 's with this madness seiz'd . faith , sir , w' are all deceiv'd alike , all labour in the same mistake , nor is the best of men so clear from every folly , but somewhere still the suffenus will appear . quickly we others errors find , but see not our own load behind . out of the greek of menage . by the same hand as the former . while here for the fair amarillis i die , she o're rocks , and o're streams from my passion does fly ; o bring her , kind venus ! bring her here back again , and the best of my heifars on thy altar lies slain : but if she 's appeas'd , if to love she incline , take all my whole herd , my little herd is all thine . invitation into the country . in imitation of the 34th epig . of catullus . by the same hand as the former . go — for i 'm impatient grown , bid him leave the noisie town . charge him he no longer stay , but with haste devour the way . tho' a thousand times he 's staid by that fond , bewitching maid : tho' she summon all her charms , kiss him , press him in her arms. let him not the syren mind , tears are water , sighs are wind. tell him how kind nature here , dresses up the youthful year , strowing on the thoughtless hours , opening buds , and new-born flow'rs ; tell him underneath this shade , innocence and mirth are laid ; not without forbidden claret , books or musick , if he 'll hear it . see the lawrel , and the vine , round about that arbour twine , so we wit , and pleasure joyn ; so horace , and anacreon meet the jolly god , within that seat. thus from noise and care set free , the snares of beauty we defie . let him them no longer stay , but with haste devour the way . on mrs. arabella hunt singing . pin daric ode , by mr. congreve . i. let all be husht , each softest motion cease , be every loud tumultuous thought at peace , and ev'ry ruder gasp of breath be calm , as in the arms of death . and thou most fickle , most uneasie part , thou restless wanderer , my heart , be still ; gently , ah gently , leave , thou busie , idle thing , to heave . stir not a pulse ; and let my blood , that turbulent , unruly flood , be softly staid : let me be all , but my attention , dead . go , rest , y'unnecessary springs of life , leave your officious toil and strife ; for i wou'd hear her voice , and try if it be possible to dye . ii. come all ye love-sick maids and wounded swains , and listen to her healing strains . a wondrous balm , between her lips she wears , of sov'reign force to soften cares ; 't is piercing as your thoughts , and melting as your tears : and this , through ev'ry ear she does impart , ( by tuneful breath diffus'd ) to ev'ry heart . swiftly the gentle charmer flies , and to the tender grief soft air applies , which , warbling mystick sounds , cements the bleeding panter's wounds . but ah ! beware of clam'rous moan : let no unpleasing murmur or harsh groan , your slighted loves declare : your very tend'rest moving sighs forbear , for even they will be too boistrous here . hither let nought but sacred silence come , and let all sawcy praise be dumb . iii. and lo ! silence himself is here ; methinks i see the midnight god appear , in all its downy pomp aray'd , behold the rev'rend shade : an ancient sigh he sits upon , whose memory of sound is long since gone , and purposely annihilated for his throne : beneath two soft transparent clouds do meet , in which he seems to sink his softer feet . a melancholy thought , condens'd to air , stol'n from a lover in despair , like a thin mantle , serves to wrap in fluid folds , his visionary shape . a wreath of darkness round his head he wears , where curling mists supply the want of hairs : while the still vapors , which from poppies rise , bedew his hoary face , and lull his eyes . iv. but hark ! the heav'nly sphere turns round , and silence now is drown'd in extasy of sound . how on a suddain the still air is charm'd , as if all harmony were just alarm'd ! and ev'ry soul with transport fill'd , alternately is thaw'd and chill'd . see how the heavenly choir come flocking , to admire , and with what speed and care , descending angels cull the thinnest air ! haste then , come all th' immortal throng , and listen to her song ; leave your lov'd mansions , in the sky , and hither , quickly hither fly ; your loss of heav'n , nor shall you need to fear , while she sings , 't is heav'n here . v. see how they crowd , see how the little cherubs skip ! while others sit around her mouth , and sip sweet hellelujahs from her lip. those lips , where in surprise of bliss they rove ; for ne're before were angels blest with such a luscious feast of musick and of love. prepare then , ye immortal choir , each sacred minstrel tune his lyre , and with her voice in chorus joyn , her voice , which next to yours is most divine . bless the glad earth with heavenly lays , and to that pitch th' eternal accents raise , which only breath inspir'd can reach , to notes , which only she can learn , and you can teach : while we , charm'd with the lov'd excess , are wrapt in sweet forgetfulness of all , of all , but of the present happiness : wishing , for ever in that state to lie , for ever to be dying so , yet never die . to a person of honour : upon his incomparable , incomprehensible poem . by mr. waller . sir . you have oblig'd the brittish nation more than all their bards cou'd ever do before : and ( at your own charge ) monuments as hard as brass , or marble , to your fame , have rear'd . for as all warlike nations take delight to hear how their brave ancestors cou'd fight , you have advanc'd to wonder their renown , and no less vertuously improv'd your own ; that 't will be doubtful , whether you do write , or they have acted , at a nobler height . you ( of your ancient princes ) have retriev'd more than the ages knew in which they liv'd ; explain'd their customs , and their rights anew , better than all their druids ever knew : unriddled those dark oracles as well as those that made 'em , cou'd themselves foretell . for as the brittains long have hop'd in vain , arthur wou'd come to govern them again : you have fulfill'd that prophesie alone , and in your poem plac'd him on his throne . such magick power has your prodigious pen , to raise the dead , and give new life to men ; make rival princes meet in arms , and love , whom distant ages did so far remove . for as eternity has neither past , nor future , ( authors say ) nor first , nor last ; but is all instant : your eternal muse all ages can to any one reduce . then why should you ( whose miracles of art can life at pleasure to the dead impart ) trouble in vain your better busi'd head , t' observe what times they liv'd in , or were dead . for , since you have such arbitrary pow'r , it were defect in judgment to go low'r ; or stoop to things so pitifully lewd , as use to take the vulgar latitude . for no man's fit to read what you have writ , that holds not some proportion with your wit. as light can no way but by light appear , he must bring sense , that understands it here . on the same . by dr. s — your book our old knight errants fame revives , writ in a stile agreeing with their lives . all rumours strength their prowess did outgo , all rumours skill your verses far outdo : to praise the welsh the world must now combine , since to their leeks you do your lawrel joyn : such lofty strains your country's story fit , whose mountains nothing equals , but your wit. bonduca , were she such , as here we see ( in brittish paint ) none cou'd more dreadful be : with naked armies she encounter'd rome , whose strength with naked nature you o'recome . nor let small criticks blame this mighty queen , that in king arthur's time she here is seen : you that can make immortal by your song , may well one life four hundred years prolong . thus virgil bravely dar'd for dido's love , the settled course of time and years to move . though him you imitate in this alone , in all things else you borrow help from none : no antick tale of greece or rome you take , their fables and examples you forsake . with true heroick glory you display a subject new , writ in the newest way . go forth , great author , for the world's delight ; teach it , what none e're taught you , how to write : they talk strange things that ancient poets did ; how trees , and stones they into buildings lead : for poems to raise cities , now , 't is hard , but yours , at least , will build half paul's church-yard . another on the same . by mr. mat. clifford . with envy , criticks , you 'l this poem read , whose author 's wit does more than man exceed ; where all 's so good alike , no man can say this may be added , or that par'd away : where all 's so new , no search can ever trace the persons mention'd , in their time , or place . great soul of nature , which dost books defie , and their weak aid in this thy history : thou art no slave to rule , or president ; where others imitate , thou dost invent . it is , we grant , all thy invention ; the language too , intirely is thy own : thou leav'st as trash , below thy great pretence , grammar to pedants ; and to plain men , sense : but as , in this thy matchless poetry , thou follow'st none , so none can follow thee . on the same . by the ld. v. wonder not , sir , that praises yet ne're due to any other , are yet heap'd on you : 't was envy robb'd you of your praise before ; men fee their faults , and envy now no more . 't is but your merit , nor can justly such , which gave too little once , now give too much . your princes do all poetry surpass as much as pen-main-maur exceeds parnass . it is so great a prodigy of wit , that art and nature both fall short of it : for leaving art , and left of nature too , your poem has no other muse than you. on these two verses . out of the same . but fame had sent forth all her nimble spies to blaze this match , and lend to fate some eyes . by the duke of buckingham . but wherefore all this pother about fame ? a man might say , says one : the very same demand might well be made , another cries , of fate ; and how it got , from fame , such eyes ? 't is well ; you 're witty persons both , say i ; yet to your wit this boldly i 'll reply : fate is the twin of chance , by which you find fate must needs see , except that chance were blind : for , among friends , 't were inequality to think one shou'd be blind , and t'other see . now tell me , criticks , do not all the wise profess that which they see , they see with eyes ? and the same figure do not i advance , when i protest , i saw a thing by chance ? since then so various things by chance we see , fate might have eyes to multiplicity ; but our mild author says , it has but some ; thus , critick vile , thus i have struck thee dumb : and thus subscribe my self , with heart , and hand , the author's friend , most humble servant , and buckingham . to the prince and princess of orange , upon their marriage . written by mr. nat. lee . hail , happy warriour ! hail ! whose arms have won the fairest jewel in the english crown . happy in famous dangers in the field , happy in courts which brightest beauties yield . oh prince ! whose soul is known so justly great , as if that heav'n took leisure to create ; first , the rich oar refin'd , then did allay , stampt thee his own , not shuffl'd thee away . with wonder thus we all thy temper prize , not but th' art bold and brave , as thou art wise . like the cool english , who approach their fate with awe , and gravely first with death debate . they kindle slowly , but when once on fire , burn on , and in the blaze of fame expire . hail princess ! hail ! thou fairest of thy kind ! thou shape of angels , with an angel's mind ! whose vertues shine , but so as to be born , clear as the sun , and gentle as the morn . whose brighter eyes like lambent glories move , and ev'ry glance wounds like a dart of love. how well , oh prince , how nobly hast thou fought , since to thy arms the fates such beauty brought ! methinks i hear thee in thy nuptial bed , when o're the royal maid thy arms were spread . enough , kind heav'n , well was my sword employ'd , since all the bliss earth holds shall be enjoy'd . pains i remember now with vast delight , well have i brav'd the thund'ring french in fight , my hazards now are gains , and if my blood in battel mix and raise the vulgar flood , her tears ( for sure she 'll be so good to mourn ) like balm shall heal the wounds when i return . but heark , 't is rumour'd that this happy pair must go , the prince for holland does declare , call'd to the business of important war. go then , if thy departure be agreed , your friends must weep , your enemies shall bleed . and if in poets minds , those vaster souls , where all at once the vast creation rouls , to whom the warriour is as much oblig'd , as to relievers towns that are besieg'd . ( for death would to their acts an end afford , did not immortal verse out-do the sword ) if ought of prophesie their souls inspire . and if their fury gives a solid fire , soft shall the waftage be , the seas and wind , calm as the prince , and as the princess kind . the world , why should not dreams of poets take , as well as prophets who but dream awake ? i saw them launch , the prince the princess bore , while the sad court stood crowding on the shore . the prince still bowing on the deck did stand , and held his weeping princess by the hand . which waving oft , she bid them all farewell , and wept as if she wou'd the ocean swell . farewel ! thou best of fathers , best of friends ! while the mov'd duke , with a heav'd sigh , commends to heav'n the care ; in tears his eyes wou'd swim , but manly vertue binds them to the brim . farewel ( she cry'd ) my sister , thou dear part , thou sweetest part , of my divided heart . to whom i all my secrets did unfold , dear casket ! who did all my treasures hold . my little love ! her sighs she did renew , once more ( oh heavens ) a long and last adieu ! part ! must i ever lose those pretty charms ? then swoons , and sinks into the prince's arms. the court beheld , and wept . streight from their griefs the pompous navy fled so fast , as if our sighs increas'd their speed . when of a sudden , from the reedy court , the trytons all with their griev'd god resort ; in troops upon the wandring waves they glide , and round their lifted lord in triumph ride . at their first call the singing mermaids come , while the crown'd dolphins lash the silver foam . thus waited , the glad prince beheld from far the belgick shore , and heard the sound of war. some hand unseen heav'ns azure curtains drew to make this mighty triumph great and new , a thousand golden heads peep'd forth to view . cries , shouts , and clapping hands , all extasie , a hundred cannons thundred to the skie . the thunder answering did my dream destroy , and wak'd me from the visionary joy. against sloth . when the king was at oxford . hocagite , ô juvines , circumspicit , & stimulat vos , materiámque sibi ducis indulgentia quoerit . 1. hence , vain attempter of the good and great ; be gone from our secure retreat , with all thy dull unweildy train that clog and curb the active brain , which else wou'd , like a metall'd steed , run o're vast nature 's yet unnumber'd store ; o're flow'ry meads , and painted fields , and all the pleasant scenes that beauteous learning yields . 2. we 're doubly arm'd against thy cheats , and thee , ( thy cheats which only find a place among the ignorant and base , ) by knowledge , and by majesty . thou , constant guest of every popish cell , which dost with monks and hermits dwell , must leave , with them , this sacred ground ; banish'd from king and court , at least , for ten miles round . 3. she 's gone ; and now , methinks , an active fire does all my willing veins inspire : my drowsie senses all anew are waken'd by his pow'rful view . the glorious ruler of the morning , so , but looks on flow'rs , and streight they grow : and when his beams their light unfold , ripens the dullest earth , and warms it into gold. what art thou , love ! written by mr. j. allestry . 1. what art thou love ! whence are those charms ! that thus thou bear'st an universal rule ! for thee the soldier quits his arms , the king turns slave , the wise man fool. 2. in vain we chase thee from the field , and with cool thoughts resist thy yoke : next tide of blood , alas ! we yield , and all those high resolves are broke . 3. can we e're hope thou shou'd'st be true , whom we have found so often base ? cozn'd , and cheated , still we view , and fawn upon the treacherous face . 4. in vain our nature we accuse ; and doat , because she says we must : this for a brute were an excuse , whose very soul and life is lust. 5. to get our likeness ! what is that ! our likeness is but misery ; why shou'd i toil to propagate another thing as vile as i ? 6. from hands divine our spirits came , and gods , that made us , did inspire something more noble in our frame , above the dregs of earthly fire . verses spoken before the duke and dutchess of york , and lady ann , in oxford theatre , may the 21st . 1683. by the ld. s — and mr. c — . ld. s — great sir , when last your royal brother blest this place , and all about did his kind beams dispense ; a joy divine was seen in ev'ry face , till faction drove our guardian angel hence . mr. c — heav'n well did know how much our frame cou'd bear ; mingling our rapture with some fit allay ; and that , for future bliss , we might prepare : wisely reserv'd the blessing of this day . to the duke . we miss a royal brother by his side ; ld. s — we long'd to see those charms which him o'recame , mr. c — to the dutchess . you , madam , was our only joy and pride , to the lady ann who represented half the stuarts name . ld. s — wou'd you then know how much you 're welcome here ? think what a joy in loyal breasts did flow , when fatal gloster all our hopes did bear , which the gods lost to shew their care of tou. when fears and jealousies ran high , and loud ; and zeal mistaken , blinded wilful eyes , heav'n shook the rod to the rebellious croud , threat'ning to snatch the gem , they cou'd not prize . mr. c — oxford ( we hope ) will not displease your view , where tork first learn'd the rudiments of war ; those early vertues here in blossom grew , which now in growth , and full perfection , are . tho' here new towers and buildings daily rise ; and arms thrown off , we wear the peaceful gown : our breasts admit no change , know no disguise ; prepar'd with swords and pens t' assert the crown . ld. s — this is the place , in which the sacred names of kings and heroes annually resound ; the triumphs , war and peace , of charles and james , from age to age , are with fresh lawrels crown'd . mr. c — as when a prince's long expected birth , glads every heart , and each muse tunes her voice : or when the captive monarchs of the earth to the lady ann. beg to be slaves , and in your chains rejoyce . ld. s — but why , in lasie numbers , do we bind our thoughts ? which shou'd in active raptures fly ; as the coelestial circles unconfin'd , and tun'd to their eternal harmony . musick 's the dialect of happy souls , when sever'd from the earth's unweildy load ; the universal language of both poles , of the vast distant natives understood . let instruments and voices both combine to celebrate the glories of this day : let art and extasies their forces joyn , and in melodious paths of errour stray . here they fate down , and musick play'd ; which being ended , they stood up again , and spoke by way of pastoral . ld. s — damon . mr. c — thyrsis . damon . ah ! thyrsis , how shall humble swains , as thou and i , perform such strains ? can we a fitting present make for us to give , or these to take ? thyrsis . the garland , chloris made , i 'll bring , when i threw strephon from the ring : though it shou'd caesar 's birth-day crown , fresh roses will for that be blown . damon . i have a lamb as white as snow , though half engag'd to pan by vow : i 'll sacrifice it here , for he pan , or some greater god must be . thyrsis . why dost thou talk of sacrifice , these seem no angry deities . wou'd cruel sylvia were here , she 'd learn to think her self less fair , and , in a noble mixture , find humility with beauty joyn'd . damon . then may it please the royal three t' accept one hearty wish from me : by all true swains be daphnis fear'd , and no whig-wolves come nigh his herd . both together . then tearly hecatombs we 'll pay , if every spring bring such a may. human life : suppos'd to be spoken by an epicure , in imitation of the second chapter of the wisdom of solomon . a pindarique ode . inscribed to the lord hunsdon . by mr. yalden. 1. then will penurious heav'n no more allow ! no more on its own darling man bestow ! is it for this he lord of all appears , and his great maker's image bears ! to toil beneath a wretched state , opprest with miseries and fate : beneath his painful burthen groan , and , in this beaten road of life , drudge on ! amidst our labours we possess no kind allays of happiness : no softning joys can call our own , to make this bitter drug go down ; whilst death an easie conquest gains , and the insatiate grave in endless triumph reigns . with throes , and pangs , into the world we come , the curse and burthen of the womb : nor wretched to our selves alone , our mothers labours introduce our own . in crys and tears our infancy we waste , those sad prophetick tears that flow , by instinct of our future woe ; and even our dawn of life with sorrow 's overcast . thus we toil out a restless age , each his laborious part must have , down from the monarch to the slave , act o're this farce of life , then drop beneath the stage . 2. from our first drawing vital breath , from our first starting from the womb , until we reach the destin'd tomb , we all are posting on , to the dark goal of death . life , like a cloud that fleets before the wind , no mark , no kind impression , leaves behind ; 't is scatter'd like the winds that blow , boisterous as them , full as inconstant too , that know not whence they come , nor where they go . here we 're detain'd a while , and then become originals again : time shall a man to his first self restore , and make him intire nothing , all he was before . no part of us , no remnant shall survive ! and yet we impudently say , we live : no! we but ebb into our selves again , and only come to be , as we had never been . 3. say , learned sage , thou that art mighty wise ! unriddle me these mysteries : what is the soul , the vital heat that our mean frame does animate ? what is our breath , the breath of man , that buoys his nature up , and does even life sustain ? is it not air , an empty fume , a fire that does it self consume ? a warmth that in a heart is bred , a lambent flame with heat and motion fed . extinguish that , the whole is gone , this boasted scene of life is done : away the phantome takes its flight , damn'd to a loathsom grave , and an eternal night . the soul , th' immortal part we boast , in one consuming minute's lost : to its first source it must repair , scatter with winds , and flow with common air. whilst the fall'n body , by a swift decay , resolves into its native clay : for dust and ashes are its second birth , and that incorporates too , with its great parent earth . 4. nor shall our names , or memories survive , alas , no part of man can live ! the empty blasts of fame shall die , and even those nothings taste mortality . in vain , to future ages , we transmit heroick acts , and monuments of wit : in vain , we dear-bought honours leave , to make our ashes gay , and furnish out a grave . ah treacherous immortality ! for thee , our stock of youth we waste , and urge on life , that ebbs too fast ; to purchase thee with blood , the valiant fly , and to survive in fame , the great and glorious die . lavish of life , they squander this estate , and for a poor reversion wait : bankrupts and misers , to themselves they grow , imbitter wretched life , with toils and woe , to hoord up endless fame , they know not where , or how . 5. ah think , my friends , how swift the minutes haste ! the present day intirely is our own , then seize the blessing e're 't is gone : to morrow , fatal sound ! since this may be our last . why do we boast of years , and sum up days ! 't is all imaginary space : to day , to day is our inheritance , 't is all penurious fate will give , posterity'll to morrow live , hence . our sons crowd on behind , our children drive us with garlands then your temples crown , and lie on beds of roses down : beds of roses we 'll prepare , roses that our emblems are . a while they flourish on the bough , and drink large draughts of heav'nly dew : like us , they smile , are young , and gay , and like us too , are tenants for a day , since with night's blasting breath , they vanish swift away . 6. bring chearful wine , and costly sweets prepare ! 't is more than frenzy now to spare : let cares and business wait a while , old age affords a thinking interval ; or if they must a longer hearing have , bid them attend below , adjourn into the grave . then gay and sprightly wine produce , wines that wit and mirth infuse : thàt feed , like oyl , th'expiring flame , revive our drooping souls , and prop this tottering frame . that when the grave our bodies has engrost , when vertues shall forgotten lie , with all their boasted piety , honours , and titles , like our selves , be lost ; then our recorded vice shall flourish on , and our immortal riots be for ever known . this , this is what we ought to do , the great design , the grand affair below ! since bounteous nature's plac'd our stuard here , then man his grandure shou'd maintain , and in excess of pleasure reign , keep up his character , and lord of all appear . to mr. waller , upon the copy of verses made by himself on the last copy in his book . 1. when shame , for all my foolish youth had writ , advis'd , 't was time the rhyming trade to quit , time to grow wise , and be no more a wit — the noble fire , that animates thy age , once more enflam'd me with poetick rage . 2. kings , heroes , nymphs , the brave , the fair , the young , have been the theme of thy immortal song ; a nobler argument , at last , thy muse , two things divine ; thee , and her self , does chuse . 3. age , whose dull weight makes vulgar spirits bend , gives wings to thine , and bids it upward tend . no more confin'd , above the starry skies , out , from the body's broken cage , it flies . 4. but oh ! vouchsafe , not wholly to retire , to joyn with , and compleat th' etherial quire ! still here remain ! still on the threshold stand ; still at this distance view the promis'd land , tho' thou may'st seem , so heav'nly is thy sense , not going thither , but new come from thence . elegy : occasion'd by the reading and transcribing mr. edmund waller's poem , of divine love , since his death . by mr. j. talbot . such were the last , the sweetest notes that hung upon our dying swan's melodious tongue : notes , whose strong charms the dullest ear might move , and melt the hardest heart in flames of love : notes , whose seraphic raptures speak a mind from human thoughts , and earthly dross refin'd ; so just their harmony , so high their flight , with joy i read them , and with wonder write . sure , happy saint , this noble song was giv'n to fit thee for th' approaching joys of heav'n : love , wondrous love , whose conquest was thy theme , has taught thy soul the airy way to climb ; love snatch'd thee , like elijah to the skie , in flames that not consume , but purifie : there with thy fellow-angels mixt , and free from the dull load of dim mortality ; thou feel'st new joys , and feed'st thy ravish'd sight with unexhausted beams of love and light : and sure , blest spirit , to compleat thy bliss , in heav'n thou sing'st this song , or one like this. moschus : idyl 1st . done into english by mr. j. r. her son not heard of , and by none descry'd , in a shrill voice thus pensive venus cry'd . he who can news of a stray cupid tell , my run-a-way , shall be rewarded well . his fee for the obliging news is this , he may come hither , and demand a kiss . but if he can the vagabond restore ; he shall have kisses , and have somewhat more . amongst a hundred you the boy may know , large are his tokens , and his marks enow . not white his body , but resembling flame ; his eyes all cruel , and his heart the same : soft are his words , where he designs no love , nor do his heart and tongue together move . sweet is his voice as honey when he 's pleas'd , but when enrag'd , how hard to be appeas'd ! he always lies : 't is a pernicious boy , fraud is his sport , and tyranny his joy. bold are his eyes , divinely curl'd his hair ; small are his hands , but oh ! they kill from far ! how great , how large is their extensive pow'r , from which great pluto's self is not secure ! close are his thoughts and soul , his body bare : swift as a bird , he strikes an amorous pair , invades the inmost fortress of the fair. small is his bow , nor are his arrows great , and yet ev'n these have reach'd the heav'nly seat. a golden quiver on his back he ties , where his artillery in dreadful order lies . all cruel , all — but oh ! the cruel boy does with his taper phoebus self annoy ; torments ev'n me , his mother , ruins all my joy. charge him from me , if seen , with an arrest ; let pity be a stranger to your breast . if you can seize him , lead the captive bound , let no compassion for his tears be found . avoid his kisses , and his amorous wiles , there 's worse than poison in his treacherous smiles . nay , shou'd he offer you his arms , beware , of arrows tipt with fire have a care . against enjoyment . by mr. yalden. we love and hate , as restless monarchs fight , who boldly dare invade another's right : yet when thro' all the dangerous toils they 've run , ignobly quit , the conquests they have won ; those charming hopes that made them valiant grow , pall'd with enjoyment , makes them cowards now . our passions only form our happiness , hopes still enlarge , as fears contract it less : hope with a gaudy prospect feeds the eye , sooths every sense , does with each wish comply ; but false enjoyment , the kind guide destroys , we lose the passion in the treacherous joys . like the gay silk-worm , when it pleases most , in that ungrateful web it spun , 't is lost . fruition only cloys the appetite , more does the conquest , than the prize delight : one victory gain'd , another fills the mind , our restless wishes cannot be confin'd . like boisterous waves , no settl'd bounds they know , fix at no point , but always ebb or flow . who most expects , enjoys the pleasure most , t is rais'd by wishes , by fruition lost : we 're charm'd with distant views of happiness , but near approaches make the prospect less . wishes , like painted landscapes , best delight , whilst distance recommends them to the sight : plac'd afar off , they beautiful appear , but show their course , and nauseous colours , near . thus the fam'd midas , when he found his store , increasing still , and wou'd admit of more : with eager arms his swelling bags he prest , and expectation only made him blest : but when a boundless treasure he enjoy'd , and every wish was with fruition cloy'd : then damn'd to heaps , and surfeited with oar , he curst that gold , he doated on before . priam's lamentation and petition to achilles , for the body of his son hector . translated from the greek of homer , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . by mr. congreve . beginning at this line , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : — argument introductory to this translation . hector 's body , ( after he was slain ) remain'd still in the possession of achilles ; for which , priam made great lamentation . jupiter had pity on him , and sent iris to comfort and direct him , after what manner he should go to achilles 's tent , and how he should there ransom the body of his son. priam accordingly orders his chariot to be got ready , and preparing rich presents for achilles , sets forward to the grecian camp , accompany'd by no body but his herald idaeus . mercury , at jupiter 's command , meets him by the way , in the figure of a young grecian , and , after bemoaning his misfortunes , undertakes to drive his chariot , unobserved , through the guards , and to the door of achilles 's tent : which having perform'd , he discover'd himself a god , and giving him a short instruction , how to move achilles to compassion , flew up to heaven . so spake the god , and heav'nward took his flight : when priam from his chariot did alight ; leaving idoeus there , alone he went with solemn pace , into achilles tent. heedless , he pass'd through various rooms of state , until approaching where the hero sate ; there at a feast , the good old priam found jove's best belov'd , with all his chiefs around : two only were t' attend his person plac'd , automedon and alcymus ; the rest at greater distance , greater state express'd . priam , unseen by these , his entrance made , and at achilles feet his aged body laid , about his knees , his trembling arms he threw , and clasp'd 'em hard , as , they together grew ; then , caught his hands , and press'd , and kiss'd 'em close , those hands , th' inhumane authors of his woes ; those hands , whose unrelenting force had cost much of his blood , ( for many sons he lost ) now bath'd in tears , he to his cheeks did lay , as if he meant to wash their guilt away . but , as a wretch who has a murder done , and seeking refuge , does from justice run ; entring some house , in haste , where he 's unknown , creates amazement in the lookers on : so did achilles gaze , surpriz'd to see the godlike priam's royal misery ; all on each other gaz'd , all in surprize and mute , yet seem'd to question with their eyes . till he at length the solemn silence broke ; and thus the venerable suppliant spoke . divine achilles , at your feet behold a prostrate king , in wretchedness grown old : think on your father , and then , look on me , his hoary age and helpless person see ; so furrow'd are his cheeks , so white his hairs , such , and so many his declining years ; cou'd you imagine ( but that cannot be ) cou'd you imagine such , his misery ! yet it may come , when , he shall be oppress'd , and neighb'ring princes lay his country waste ; nay , at this time perhaps some pow'rful foe , who will no mercy , no compassion show , ent'ring his palace , sees him feebly fly , and seek protection , where no help is nigh . in vain , he may your fatal absence mourn , and wish in vain for your delay'd return ; yet , that he hears you live , some comfort gives , and while he hopes ( tho' vainly ) he believes : it glads his soul to think , he once may see his much-lov'd son ; wou'd that were granted me ! but i , most wretched i ! of all bereft ! of all my royal sons , how few are left ! yet fifty goodly youths i had to boast , when firsts the greeks invaded ilion's coast : nineteen , the joyful issue of one teeming womb , are now , alas ! a mournful tribute to one tomb : merciless war , this devastation wrought , and their strong nerves to dissolution brought . still one was left , in whom was all my hope , my age's comfort , and his country's prop ; hector , my darling , and my last defence , whose life alone , their deaths cou'd recompence : and , to compleat my store of countless woe , him you have slain — of him bereav'd me too ! for his sake only , hither am i come ; rich gifts i bring , and wealth , an endless sum ; all to redeem that fatal prize you won , a worthless ransom for so brave a son. fear the just gods , achilles ; and on me with pity look , think you your father see ; such as i am , he is , alone in this , i can no equal have in miseries ; of all mankind , most wretched and forlorn , bow'd with such weight , as never has been born ; reduc'd to kneel and pray to you , from whom the spring and source of all my sorrows come ; with gifts , to court mine and my country's bane , and kiss those hands , which have my children slain . he spake . — now , sadness o're achilles face appears , and viewing priam , for his father fears ; that , and compassion melt him into tears . then , gently with his hand he put away old priam's face , but he , still prostrate lay , and there with tears , and sighs , afresh did moan th' untimely death , of his beloved son. but passion diff'rent ways , achilles turns , now , he patroclus , now , his father mourns : thus both with lamentations fill'd the place , till sorrow seem'd to wear one common face . the lamentations of hecuba , andromache , and helen , over the dead body of hector . translated from the greek of homer . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . by mr. congreve . beginning at this line , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . connexion of this with the former translation . priam , at last , moves achilles to compassion , and after having made him presents of great value , obtains the body of his son. mercury awakens priam early in the morning , and advises him to haste away with the body , lest agamemnon should be informed of his being in the camp : he himself helps to harness the mules and horses , and conveys him safely , and without noise , chariot and all , from among the grecian tents ; then flies up to heaven , leaving priam and idaeus to travel on with the body toward troy. now , did the saffron morn her beams display , gilding the face of universal day ; when mourning priam to the town return'd ; . slowly his chariot mov'd , as that had mourn'd ; the mules , beneath the mangled body go , as bearing ( now ) unusual weight of woe . to pergamus high top , cassandra flies , thence , she afar , the sad procession spies : her father and idoeus first appear , then hector's corps extended on a bier ; at which , her boundless grief , loud cries began , and , thus lamenting , thro the streets she ran : hither , ye wretched trojans , hither all ! behold the godlike hector's funeral ! if e're you went with joy , to see him come adorn'd with conquest and with lawrels home , assemble now , his ransom'd body see , what once was all your joy , now , all your misery ! she spake , and streight the num'rous crow'd obey'd , nor man , nor woman , in the city staid ; common consent of grief had made 'em one , with clam'rous moan to scoeas gate they run , there , the lov'd body of their hector meet , which they , with loud and fresh lamentings , greet . his rev'rend mother , and his tender wife , equal in love , in grief had equal strife : in sorrow , they no moderation knew , but wildly wailing , to the chariot flew ; there , strove the rowling wheels to hold , while each attempted first his breathless corps to reach ; aloud they beat their breasts , and tore their hair , rending around with shrieks the suff'ring air . now had the throng of people stop'd the way , who wou'd have there lamented all the day , but priam from his chariot rose , and spake , trojans enough ; truce with your sorrows make ; give way to me , and yield the chariot room , first let me bear my hector's body home , then mourn your fill . at this the crowd gave way , opening a pass , like waves of a divided sea. idoeus to the palace drove , then laid , with care , the body on a sumptuous bed , and round about were skilful singers plac'd , who wept , and sigh'd , and in sad notes express'd their moan ; all , in a chorus did agree of universal , mournful harmony . andromache alone , no notes cou'd find , no musick wild enough for her distracted mind ; her grief , long smother'd , now from silence broke , and thus ( close pressing his pale cheeks ) she spoke . andromache 's lamentation . o my lost husband ! let me ever mourn thy early fate , and too untimely urn : in the full pride of youth thy glories fade , and thou in ashes must with them be laid . why is my heart thus miserably torn ! why am i thus distress'd ! why thus forlorn ! am i that wretched thing , a widow left ? why do i live , who am of life bereft ! yet i were blest , were i alone undone ; alas , my child ! where can an infant run ? unhappy orphan ! thou in woes art nurst ; why were you born ? — i am with blessings curst ! for long e're thou shalt be to manhood grown , wide desolation will lay waste this town : who is there now , that can protection give , since he , who was her strength , no more doth live ? who , of her rev'rend matrons ; will have care ? who , save her children from the rage of war ? for he to all father and husband was , and all are orphans now , and widows by his loss . soon will the grecians , now , insulting come and bear us captives to their distant home ; i , with my child , must the same fortune share , and all alike , be pris'ners of the war ; 'mongst base-born wretches , he , his lot must have , and be to some inhuman lord , a slave . else some avenging greek , with fury fill'd , or for an only son , or father kill'd by hector's hand , on him will vent his rage , and , with his blood , his thirsty grief asswage ; for many fell by his relentless hand , biting that ground , which , with their blood was stain'd . fierce was thy father ( o my child ) in war , and never did his foe in battel spare ; thence come these suff'rings , which , so much have cost , much woe to all , but sure , to me the most . i saw him not , when in the pangs of death , nor did my lips receive his latest breath ; why held he not to me his dying hand ? and why receiv'd not i his last command ? something he wou'd have said , had i been there , which i shou'd still in sad remembrance bear ; for i cou'd never , never words forget , which , night and day , i wou'd with tearsrepeat . she spake , and wept afresh , when all around , a gen'ral sigh , diffus'd a mournful sound . then , hecuba , who long had been opprest with boiling passions , in her aged breast , mingling her words with sighs and tears , begun a lamentation for her darling son. hecuba 's lamentation . hector , my joy , and to my soul more dear than all my other num'rous issue were ; o my last comfort , and my best belov'd ! thou , at whose fall , ev'n jove himself was mov'd and sent a god his dread commands to bear , so far thou wert high heav'n's peculiar care ! from fierce achilles chains thy corps was freed ; so kind a fate was for none else decreed : for all my other sons , ta'ne by his hands , were sold like slaves , and shipt to foreign lands . thou too wert sentenc'd by his barb'rous doom , and dragg'd when dead , about patroclus tomb , his lov'd patroclus whom thy hands had slain : and yet that cruelty was us'd in vain , since all cou'd not restore his life again . now fresh and glowing , even in death thou art , and fair as he who fell by phoebus dart. here weeping hecuba her passion stay'd , and universal moan , again was made ; when helen's lamentation , hers supply'd , and thus , aloud , that fatal beauty cry'd . helen 's lamentation . o hector , thou wert rooted in my heart , no brother there had half so large a part : scarce my own lord , to whom such love i bore , that i forsook my home ; scarce he had more ! o would i ne're had seen that fatal day , would i had perish'd , when i came away . now , twenty years are past , since that sad hour , when first i landed on this ruin'd shoar . for ruin ( sure ) and i , together came ! yet all this time , from thee i ne're had blame , not one ungentle word , or look of scorn , which i too often have from others born ; when you from their reproach have set me free , and kindly have reprov'd their cruelty : if by my sisters , or the queen revil'd , ( for the good king , like you , was ever mild ) your kindness still , has all my grief beguil'd . ever in tears let me your loss bemoan , who had no friend alive , but you alone : all will reproach me now , where e're i pass , and fly with horrour from my hated face . this said ; she wept , and the vast throng was mov'd , and with a gen'ral sigh her grief approv'd . when priam ( who had heard the mourning crowd ) rose from his seat , and thus he spake aloud . cease your lamentings , trojans , for a while , and fell down trees to build a fun'ral pile ; fear not an ambush by the grecians laid , for with achilles , twelve days truce i made . he spake , and all obey'd as with one mind , chariots were brought , and mules and oxen joyn'd ; forth from the city all the people went , and nine days space was in that labour spent : the tenth , a most stupendious pile they made , and on the top the manly hector laid , then gave it fire , while all , with weeping eyes beheld the rowling flames and smoak arise . all night they wept , and all the night it burn'd , but when the rosie morn with day return'd , about the pile the thronging people came , and with black wine quencht the remaining flame . his brothers then , and friends search'd ev'ry where , and gath'ring up his snowy bones with care , wept o're 'em ; when an urn of gold was brought , wrapt in soft purple palls , and richly wrought , in which the sacred ashes were inter'd ; then o're his grave a monument they rear'd . mean time , strong guards were plac'd , and careful spies , to watch the grecians , and prevent surprize . the work once ended , all the vast resort of mourning people , went to priam's court ; there , they refresh'd their weary limbs with rest , ending the fun'ral with a solemn feast . paraphrase upon horace . ode . 19. lib. i. by mr. congreve . mater soeva cupidinum , &c. 1. the tyrant queen of soft desires , with the resistless aid of sprightly wine and wanton ease , conspires to make my heart its peace resign , and re-admit loves long rejected fires . for beauteous glycera , i burn , the flames so long repell'd with double force return : endless her charms appear , and shine more bright than polish'd marble when reflecting light ; with winning coyness , she my soul disarms , and when her looks are coldest , most she warms : her face darts forth a thousand rays , whose lustre , an unwary sight betrays , my eye-balls swim , and i grow giddy while i gaze . 2. she comes ! she comes ! she rushes in my veins ! at once all venus enters and at large she reigns ! cyprus , no more with her abode is blest , i am her palace , and her throne my breast . of savage scythian arms , no more i write , or parthian archers , who in flying fight and make rough war their sport ; such idle . themes , no more shall move , nor any thing but what 's of high import : and what 's of high import , but love ? vervain and gums , and the green turf prepare ; with wine of two years old , your cups be fill'd : after our sacrifice and pray'r , the goddess may incline her heart to yield . horace , lib. ii. ode 14. imitated by mr. congreve . eheu fugaces , posthume , posthume , labuntur anni , &c. i. ah ! no , 't is all in vain , believe me 't is ' this pious artifice . not all these prayers and alms , can buy one moment tow'rd eternity . eternity ! that boundless race , which , time himself can never run : ( swift , as he flies , with an unweari'd pace , ) which , when ten thousand , thousand years are done , is still the same , and still to be begun . fix'd are those limits , which prescribe a short extent to the most lasting breath , and though thou couldst for sacrifice , lay down millions of other lives to save thine own ; 't were fruitless all ; not all would bribe one supernumerary gasp from death . ii. in vain 's thy inexhausted store of wealth , in vain thy pow'r , thy honours , titles ; all must fail , where piety it self does nought avail . the rich , the great , the innocent and just , must all be huddl'd to the grave , with the most vile and ignominious slave , and undistinguish'd lie in dust. in vain , the fearful , flies alarms , in vain , he is secure , from wounds of arms , in vain , avoids the faithless seas , and is confin'd to home and ease , bounding his knowledg , to extend his days . in vain , are all those arts we try , all our evasions , and regret to die : from the contagion of mortality , no clime is pure , no air is free : and no retreat is so obscure , as to be hid from fate . iii. thou must , alas ! thou must my friend ; ( the very hour thou now dost spend in studying to avoid , brings on thine end , ) thou must forego the dearest joys of life ; leave the warm bosome of thy tender wife , and all the much lov'd offspring of her womb , to moulder in the cold embraces of a tomb. all must be left , and all be lost ; thy house , whose stately structure so much cost , shall not afford room for the stinking carkass of its lord. of all thy pleasant gardens , grots , and bowers , thy costly fruits , thy far-fetch'd plants and flow'rs : nought shalt thou save ; unless a sprig of rosemary thou have , to wither with thee in the grave : the rest shall live and flourish , to upbraid their transitory master dead . iv. then shall thy long-expecting heir , a joyful mourning wear : and riot in the waste of that estate which thou hast taken so much pains to get . all thy hid stories he shall unfold , and set at large thy captiv'd gold. that precious wine , condemn'd by thee to vaults and prisons , shall again be free : buried alive , tho' now it lies , again't shall rise , again its sparkling surface show , and free as element , profusely flow . with such choice food he shall set forth his feasts , that cardinals shall wish to be his guests ; and pamper'd prelates see themselves out-done in luxury . an ode , in imitation of horace , ode ix . lib. 1. by mr. congreve . vides ut alta , &c. — i. bless me , 't is cold ! how i hill the air ! how naked does the world appear ! but see ( big with the off-spring of the north ) the teeming clouds bring forth . a show'r of soft and fleecy rain , falls , to new cloath the earth again . behold the mountain-tops , around , as if with fur of ermins crown'd : and lo ! how by degrees the universal mantle hides the trees , in hoary flakes , which downward fly , as if it were the autumn of the sky , whose fall of leaf would theirs supply : trembling , the groves sustain the weight , and bow like aged limbs , which feebly go beneath a venerable head of snow . ii. diffusive cold does the whole earth invade , like a disease , through all its veins 't is spread , and each late living stream , is num'd and dead . le ts melt the frozen hours , make warm the air : let cheerful fires sol's feeble beams repair ; fill the large bowl with sparkling wine ; let 's drink , till our own faces shine , till we like suns appear , to light and warm the hemisphere . wine can dispence to all both light and heat , they are with wine ineorporate : that pow'rful juice , with which no cold dares mix , which still is fluid , and no frost can fix : let that but in abundance flow , and let it storm and thunder , hail and snow , 't is heav'ns concern ; and let it be the care of heaven still for me : these winds , which rend the oaks and plough the seas ; great jove can , if he please , with one commanding nod appease . iii. seek not to know to morrows doom ; that is not ours , which is to come . the present moment's all our store : the next , shou'd heav'n allow , then this will be no more : so all our life is but one instant now. look on each day you 've past to be a mighty treasure won : and lay each moment out in haste ; we 're sure to live too fast , and cannot live too soon . youth does a thousand pleasures bring , which from decrepit age will fly ; sweets that wanton i' th' bosome of the spring . in winter's cold embraces dye . iv. now , love , that everlasting boy , invites to revel while you may , in soft delights : now , the kind nymph yields all her charms , nor yields in vain to youthful arms. slowly she promises at night to meet , but eagerly prevents the hour with swifter feet . to gloomy groves and obscure shades she flies , there vails the bright confession of her eyes . unwillingly she stays , would more unwillingly depart , and in soft sighs conveys the whispers of her heart . still she invites and still denies , and vows she 'll leave you if y' are rude ; then from her ravisher she flies , but flies to be pursu'd : if from his sight she does her self convey , with a feign'd laugh she will her self betray , and cunningly instruct him in the way . to the dutchess , on her return from scotland , in the year 1682. by mr. dryden . when factious rage to cruel exile , drove the queen of beauty , and the court of love ; the muses droop'd , with their forsaken arts , and the sad cupids broke their useless darts . our fruitful plains to wilds and desarts turn'd , like edens face when banish'd man it mourn'd : love was no more when loyalty was gone , the great supporter of his awful throne . love cou'd no longer after beauty stay , but wander'd northward to the verge of day , as if the sun and he had lost their way . but now th' illustrious nymph return'd again , brings every grace triumphant in her train : the wondring nereids , tho' they rais'd no storm , foreslow'd her passage to behold her form : some cry'd a venus , some a thetis past : but this was not so fair , nor that so chast . far from her sight flew faction , strife and pride : and envy did but look on her , and dy'd . what e're we suffer'd from our sullen fate , her sight is purchas'd at an easie rate : three gloomy years against this day were set : but this one mighty sum has clear'd the debt . like joseph's dream , but with a better doom ; the famine past , the plenty still to come . for her the weeping heav'ns become serene , for her the ground is clad in cheerful green : for her the nightingales are taught to sing , and nature has for her delay'd the spring . the muse resumes her long-forgotten lays , and love , restor'd , his ancient realm surveys ; recalls our beauties , and revives our plays . his wast dominions peoples once again , and from her presence dates his second reign . but awful charms on her fair forehead sit , dispensing what she never will admit . pleasing , yet cold , like cynthia's silver beam , the peoples wonder , and the poet's theam . distemper'd zeal , sedition , canker'd hate , no more shall vex the church , and tear the state ; no more shall faction civil discords move , or only discords of too tender love : discord like that of musick 's various parts , discord that makes the harmony of hearts , discord that only this dispute shall bring , who best shall love the duke , and serve the king. a song for st. cecilia's day , 1687. written by john dryden , esq and compos'd by mr. john baptist draghi . 1. from harmony , from heav'nly harmony this universal frame began . when nature underneath a heap of jarring atoms lay , and cou'd not heave her head , the tuneful voice was heard from high , arise ye more than dead . then cold , and hot , and moist , and dry , in order to their stations leap , and musick' 's pow'r obey . from harmony , from heav'nly harmony this universal frame began : from harmony to harmony through all the compass of the notes it ran , the diapason closing full in man. 2. what passion cannot musick raise and quell ! when jubal struck the corded shell , his list'ning brethren stood around and wond'ring , on their faces fell to worship that celestial sound . less than a god they thought there cou'd not dwell within the hollow of that shell that spoke so sweetly and so well . what passion cannot musick raise and quell ! 3. the trumpets loud clangor excites us to arms with shrill notes of anger and mortal alarms . the double double double beat of the thundring drum cries , heark the foes come ; chare , charge , 't is too late to retreat . 4. the soft complaining flute in dying notes discovers the woes of hopeless lovers , whose dirge is whisper'd by the warbling lute . 5. sharp violins proclaim their jealous pangs , and desperation , fury , frantick indignation , depth of pains , and height of passion , for the fair , disdainful dame. 6. but oh ! what art can teach what human voice can reach the sacred organs praise ? notes inspiring holy love , notes that wing their heav'nly ways to mend the choires above . 7. orpheus cou'd lead the savage race ; and trees unrooted left their place ; sequacious of the lyre : but bright cecilia rais'd the wonder high'r ; when to her organ , vocal breath was giv'n an angel heard , and straight appear'd mistaking earth for heav'n . grand chorus as from the pow'r of sacred lays the spheres began to move , and sung the great creator's praise to all the bless'd above ; so when the last and dreadful hour this crumbling pageant shall devour , the trumpet shall be heard on high , the dead shall live , the living die , and musick shall untune the sky . to mr. dryden . by mr. jo. addison . how long , great poet , shall thy sacred lays , provoke our wonder , and transcend our praise ? can neither injuries of time , or age , damp thy poetick heat , and quench thy rage ? not so thy ovid in his exile wrote , grief chill'd his breast , and checkt his rising thought ; pensive and sad , his drooping muse betrays the roman genius in its last decays . prevailing warmth has still thy mind possest , and second youth is kindled in thy breast . thou mak'st the beauties of the romans known , and england boasts of riches not her own ; thy lines have heighten'd virgil's majesty , and horace wonders at himself in thee . thou teachest persius to inform our isle in smoother numbers , and a clearer stile ; and juvenal instructed in thy page , edges his satire , and improves his rage . thy copy casts a fairer light on all , and still out-shines the bright original . now ovid boasts th' advantage of thy song , and tells his story in the brittish tongue ; thy charming verse , and fair translations show how thy own lawrel first began to grow ; how wild lycaon chang'd by angry gods , and frighted at himself , ran howling through the woods . o may'st thou still the noble tale prolong , nor age , nor sickness interrupt thy song : then may we wondring read how human limbs , have water'd kingdoms , and dissolv'd in streams ; of those rich fruits that on the fertile mould turn'd yellow by degrees , and ripen'd into gold : how some in feathers , or a ragged hide have liv'd a second life , and different natures try'd . then will thy ovid , thus transform'd , reveal a nobler change than he himself can tell . mag. coll. oxon , june 2. 1693. to mr. dryden , on his translation of persius . by mr. b. higgons . as mariners at sea , far off descry some unknown land , and pass regardless by , their charts some eminent cape , or mountain tell , and all the rest but blanks and cyphers fill ; so we at distance gloomy persius view'd , but none approach'd , and his rough tracts pursu'd , till mighty dryden ventur'd first on shoar , and the dark unknown region did explore : drest by thy artful hand , he does appear bright and perspicuous , as he is severe : with this rich present you oblige our isle , and in his urn make persius ashes smile ; by thee preserv'd from the ignoble grave , whose reputation will his credit save . if with another's arms so keen you fight , how will your own well-pointed satire bite ? our vices , as old rome's , are not so few , and we do wait to be chastis'd by you ; to see unchain'd thy generous muse's rage , at once t' oblige , and lash an impious age : what don 't the wondring world expect from thee ? thou hast more cause , a greater persius we . nor is thy talent to our art confin'd , but universal as thy boundless mind : thy knowing muse all sorts of men does teach , philosophers instructs to live , divines to preach , states-men to govern , generals to fight , at once mankind you profit and delight . virtue so lovely drest by thee , doth shine , so bright appears in each instructing line : vast the ideas which from thee we take , while the dull pulpits no impression make . but where to love thy softer thoughts unbend , there all the graces on thy muse attend . thy charming numbers do our souls inthrall , the rigid melt , and we turn lovers all ; the cupids dance in ev'ry ladies eye , who reading love as they were acting , die . to sir godfrey kneller , drawing my lady hide 's picture . by mr. b. higgons . the cyprian queen drawn by apelles's hand , of perfect beauty did the pattern stand , but then bright nymphs from ev'ry part of greece , did all contribute to adorn the piece , from each a several charm the painter took , ( for no one mortal so divine cou'd look ) but , happier kneller , fate presents to you in one that finish'd beauty , which he drew . but oh , take heed , for vast is the design , and madness were for any hand but thine . for mocking thunder bold salmoneus dies , and 't is as rash to imitate her eyes . song on a lady indispos'd . by mr. b. higgons . flavia's eyes , like fires supprest , more fiercely flame again , nor can her beauty be decreast , nor alter'd by her pain ; those various charms which round her play , and do her face adorn , still as they ripned fall away , fresh beauties still are born : so doth it with the lovers fare , who do the dame adore , one fit of love kill'd by despair , another rages more . song to a fair , young lady , going out of the town in the spring . by mr. dryden . 1. ask not the cause , why sullen spring so long delays her flow'rs to bear ; why warbling birds forget to sing , and winter storms invert the year ? chloris is gone ; and fate provides to make it spring , where she resides . 2. chloris is gone , the cruel fair ; she cast not back a pitying eye : but left her lover in despair ; to sigh , to languish , and to die : ah , how can those fair eyes endure to give the wounds they will not cure ! 3. great god of love , why hast thou made a face that can all hearts command , that all religions can invade , and change the laws of ev'ry land ? where thou hadst plac'd such pow'r before , thou shou'dst have made her mercy more . 4. when chloris to the temple comes , adoring crowds before her fall ; she can restore the dead from tombs , and ev'ry life but mine recall . i only am by love design'd to be the victim for mankind . a song . by my ld. r. while in divine panthea's charming eyes , i view the naked boy , that basking lies , i grow a god ; so blest , so blest am i , with sacred rapture , and immortal joy , but absent , if she shines no more , and hides the suns that i adore ; straight , like a wretch , despairing i sigh , languish in the shade , and die . oh , i were lost in endless night , if her bright presence brought not light ! then i revive , blest as before ; the gods themselves can be no more . a song . by my ld. r. pity , fair sapho , one that dies a victim to your beauteous eyes : for while on them i dare to gaze , their dazling glories so amaze , my soul does melt with new desire , i rave , i burn with secret fire , and , blessing the dear cause , expire . a paean , or song of triumph , on the translation and apotheosis of king charles the second . by my ld. r. omuse , to whom the glory does belong , to make great men live in immortal song ! in lofty numbers , teach me how to sing , to tune the lyre , and strike the sounding string : good kings are number'd with immortal gods , when hence translated to the blest abodes ; for princes ( truly great ) can never dye , they only lay aside mortality : so charles the gracious is not dead , but to his kindred stars is fled ; there happy , and supremely blest , with mighty jove , his sire , does feast . see how with majesty divine , and dazling glory , his bright temples shine : he now an equal god , by gods is crown'd , while golden harps and trumpets sound , and to his health the nectar-bowl goes round : coelestial concerts io-poean sing , and heav'ns grand chorus makes olympus ring . out of horace . by my ld. r. he. while i was monarch of your heart , crown'd with a love , where none had part , each mortal did with envy die , no god but wish'd , that he were i. she . while you ador'd no charms but mine , and vow'd that they did all out-shine ; more celebrated was my name , than that of the bright grecian dame. he. chloe's the saint that i implore , chloe's the goddess i adore ; for whom to die the gods i pray'd , if fates wou'd spare the charming maid . she . amyntas is my lover's name , for whom i burn with mutual flame ; for whom i twice wou'd die with joy , if fates wou'd spare the charming boy . he. if i once more shou'd wear your chain , and take my lydia back again ; if banish chloe from my breast , that you may there for ever rest . she . tho he is charming as a god , serene and gay , divinely good , you rough as billows raging high , with you i chuse to live , and die , to a lady , who raffling for the king of france 's picture , flung the highest chances on the dice . by mr. b. higgons . fortune exerts her utmost pow'r for you , nor cou'd she more for her own louis do ; she thought some mighty kingdom was the stake , and did this throw for the great monarch make ; but as all princes at far distance woe , first send their image where their heart is due : so now , thrice happy nymph , wou'd you resort , where fate invites you , to the gallick court : that lucky genius which the picture gave , wou'd make the great original your slave ; he , like the piece , can only be your prize , who never yields , but to the brightest eyes . on my lady sandwich's being stay'd in town by the immoderate rain . by mr. b. higgons . the charming sandwich wou'd from cities fly , while at her feet adoring princes lie ; and all her nobler conquests wou'd forego , less glorious slaves , and peasants to subdue : thus conqu'ring monarchs who have kingdoms won , and all their neighb'ring states with arms o're-run ; for want of work , their armies to imploy , remote and salvage provinces destroy : but heav'n in pity weeps , while we complain , or else our tears exhal'd , drop down in rain . the darkn'd sun does scarce through clouds appear , and tempests rage to keep our wishes here . the floods free passage to her scorn deny , and nature disobeys her cruelty . but cou'd the waves rise equal to our flame , we'd drown the world , to stop the flying dame. ovid's love-elegies . book i. eleg . vii . to his mistress whom he had beaten . by henry cromwell , esq come , if y' are friends , and let these hands be bound , which cou'd with impious rage a mistress wound ; what more did ajax in his fury do ? when all the sacred grazing herd he slew ; or * he who spar'd not her who gave him breath ; so ill the son reveng'd his father's death ! then i had broke the most religious ties both to my parents , and the deities : i tore ( oh heavens ) her finely braided hair ; how charming then look'd the disorder'd fair ! so atalanta in her chase is drawn where the arcadian beasts her empire own : so ariadne , left upon the shore , does all alone her lost estate deplore , curses the winds and seas which perjur'd theseus bore : who would not then have rail'd and talk'd aloud ? ( which to the helpless sex might be allow'd ; ) she only did upbraid me with her eye , whose speaking tears did want of words supply , 't was but too much ( ye gods ) to make me die : o that some merciful superiour pow'r had struck me lame before that fatal hour , and not have suffer'd me to pierce my heart so deeply , in the best and tend'rest part ; to make a lady that subjection own , which is not to the meanest roman known ; 't was diomed , who first a goddess strook , i from his hand that curst example took ; but he was far less criminal than i , i was a lover , he an enemy : march like a conquerour in triumph now , with lawrel-wreaths encompassing your brow , and render to the mighty gods your vow ; so , as you pass , th' attending gazing crowd , by their applause shall speak your courage loud ; let your sad captive in the front appear with streaming cheeks , and with dishevell'd hair , through all her griefand wounds most eminently fair . such lips were form'd for kinder wounds than these , wounds made by lovers furious extasies : though like a torrent i was hurried on , a slave to passion , which i cou'd not shun ; i might have only pierc'd her tender ear with threatning language , such as virgins fear : fear having chill'd the current of her blood , pale as a parian marble statue stood the senseless frame — then shook her trembling knees , as when the winds do whistle through the trees , or softly curl the surface of the seas : so slender rushes , easily inclin'd by every blast , are ruffled by the wind ; tears , which suspence did for a while restrain , gush'd forth , and down her cheeks the deluge ran , as when the sun does by a pow'rful beam dissolve the frost , it runs into a stream : the lamentable object struck me dead , and tears of blood to quench those tears i shed : thrice at her feet the prostrate suppliant fell , and thrice did she repulse the criminal : what wou'd i not , your anger to abate , redeem your favour , — or remove your hate ? to your revenge no means or method spare ; revenge , alas ! is easie to the fair : but lest some eloquent remaining sign shou'd still reproach me with so black a crime , let no disorder in your face appear , from your bright eyes let there not 'scape a tear , and once again compose your scatter'd hair . ovid's love-elegies . book i. eleg . viii . of love and war. by henry cromwell , esquire . trust me , my atticus , in love are wars ; and cupid has his camp , as well as mars : the age that 's fit for war best suits with love , the old in both unserviceable prove , infirm in war , and impotent in love : the souldiers which a general does require are such as ladies wou'd in bed desire : who , but a souldier and a lover , can bear the night's cold in show'rs of hail and rain ? one in continual watch his station keeps , or on the earth in broken slumbers sleeps ; the other takes his still repeated round by 's mistress's house — then lodges on the ground : the souldiers long and tedious marches make : the active lover , for his mistress sake , will any toils and dangers undergo ; not rugged mountains , nor untrodden snow , rivers by floods increast , no raging sea , nor adverse winds can ever make him stay , when love commands , and beauty leads the way . souldiers and lovers , with a careful eye , observe the motions of the enemy : one to the walls makes his approach in form , pushes the siege , and takes the town by storm ; the other lays his close to celia's fort , presses his point , and gains the wish'd-for port : as souldiers , when the foe securely lies in sleep and wine dissolv'd , the camp surprise so when the jealous to their rest remove , and all is husht , — the others steal to love : uncertain is the state of love and war , the vanquish'd rally , and their loss repair , regain the ground , and rout the conquerour . you then , who think that love 's an idle fit , know , that it is the exercise of wit : in flames of love the fierce achilles burns , and quitting arms , absent briseis mourns : from the embraces of andromache went hector arm'd for war and victory : as agamemnon saw cassandra pass with hair dishevell'd , and disorder'd dress , h'admir'd the beauties of the prophetess : the god of war was caught in th' act of love ; a story known to all the court above : once did i pass my hours in sloth and ease , cool shades , and beds of down cou'd only please ; when a commanding beauty rais'd my mind , i left all little trifling thoughts behind , and to her service all my heart refign'd : since , like an active souldier , have i spent my time , in toils of war , in beauties tent ; and for so sweet a pay all dangers underwent : you see , my atticus , by what i prove , who wou'd not live in idleness , — must love . ovid's love-elegies . book i. eleg . x. to his mercenary mistress . by henry cromwell , esquire . as helen , when to troy she did escape , and greeks with fire and sword pursu'd the rape ; as leda , when the god his love trick play'd , under the figure of a swan , betray'd ; as amymone , wandring o're the plains , that rural fair , admir'd by all the swains ; so fair was you , so much in love was i , i ran to the extreams of jealousie , fear'd eagles , bulls , and every shape that jove had e're transform'd himself into , for love : now free from love or fears , my mind 's at ease , nor does that beauty any longer please : this humour , you may say , is wondrous strange , and ask the reason of this sudden change ; once , when your undesigning heart was kind , fair was your face , and perfect was your mind ; but now the slighter beauties of the skin do yield to the prevailing vice within : love is a child , who uses no deceit , nor wears he cloaths to cover any cheat , accepts no bribes ; — why for a wretched fee shou'd you then prostitute his deity ? make venus to her son serve every day , and drudge i' th' meanest offices , for pay ? they 're softly bred , and wou'd not work , but play : the whore , to whom each purchaser has right , forces for gain decaying appetite , yet there 's a bawd to whom the spoils accrue ; she fain wou'd shun what you by choice pursue : these sordid ways the very brutes reprove , who by their practice teach you how to love ; the lusty bull his female does enjoy , nor can a bribe their mutual loves destroy : woman alone rejoyces in the spoil , and makes advantages of every smile , rates at her pleasure the high-priz'd delight , and men must purchase every happy night ; yet does she meet him with as much desire , and no less fierce and raging is the fire ; since with an equal pace our passions move , why shou'd one buy , and th' other sell in love ? why , since the pleasures mutual , shou'd it be to you advantage , and a loss to me ? the way is infamous a witness takes , who of his perjury a living makes ; so for the raising of a low estate to set your body at a common rate ! can you to such mean ends as these employ the gifts by nature's bounty you enjoy ? grant but the blessing freely , and you may an everlasting obligation lay ; but where 's the mighty favour , when we pay ? forbear , ye fair , to make a trade of love , the wealth that 's got so ill can ne're improve ; justly the * vestal by their armour fell , who wou'd her honour for their bracelets sell : the rich your wishes are oblig'd to meet , and lay their frequent presents at your feet ; alcinous orchards fruit enough can spare , from the full vines the grapes in clusters tear , and ease th' o're-loaded boughs which numerous apples bear : let faith and love supply my little store , the will shall ne're be wanting to the pow'r : verse is the greatest tribute i can bring ; your charms i cou'd to future ages sing ; jewels and gold will perish , — but the fame the muses give shall ever be the same : you check my generous passion when you crave , not that i 'm loth to part with what i have , had you not ask'd me , i had freely gave . ovid's love-elegies . book i. eleg . xv. of the immortality of the muses . inscrib'd to mr. dryden . by henry cromwell , esquire . thy well known malice , fretful envy , cease , nor tax the muse and me — with a weak genius , and inglorious ease ; what — i shou'd then , whilst youth does vigour yield , pursue the dusty glories of the field : our father's praise ! or bend my utmost care to the dull noise of the litigious bar ; no! these must die ; — but the most noble prize , that which alone can man immortalize , must from the muses harmony arise : homer shall live , whilst tenedos shall stand , or ida's top survey the neighb'ring strand , whilst simois streams along the vallies glide , and in the sea discharge their rapid tide : — hesiod shall live , till corn is not in use , till the plump grape denies its wealthy juice : — the world callimachus shall ever prize , for what his fancy wants , his art supplies : — the tragedies of mighty sophocles shall in no age their just applauses miss : — so well aratus of the planets wrote , that sun and moon must fail when he 's forgot : — when crafty davus a hard father cheats to serve the son , — when easie cully treats the jilting whore and bawd , the figures shew , the comick from menander's model drew : — ennius , whose muse by nature was design'd compleat , had art with bounteous nature joyn'd ; — and tragick accius , of style sublime , and weighty words , shall stand the shock of time : — whilst jason's golden fleece shall have a name , who shall a stranger be to varro's fame ? — lucretius nature's causes did rehearse in such a lofty and commanding verse , as shall remain till that one fatal day , which must the world it self in ruines lay : — virgil , thy works divine shall patterns stand for each succeeding age's copying hand , whilst rome shall all its conquer'd world command : — whilst capid shall be arm'd with bow and dart , and flaming shafts shall pierce the lovers heart ; shall we , o sweet tibullus , love each line that comes from that soft moving pen of thine : — both east and west resound with gallus fame , gallus and his lycoris are their theme : — statues and tombs with age consume and die ; 't is verse alone has immortality : to verse must yield the greatest acts of kings ; riches and empire are but empty things , without the lasting fame a poet brings : let vulgar spirits trivial blessings chuse ; may thy castalian spring inspire my muse , o god of wit ! and myrtles wreath my hair ; then the too fearful lover may repair to what i write , to free his breast from care : as living worth detraction still attends , which after death a juster fame defends ; so i shall my last funeral flame survive , and in my better part for ever live . ovid's love-elegies . book iii. eleg . ii. to his mistress at the horse-race . by henry cromwell , esquire . not in the circus do i sit to view the running horses , but to gaze on you ; near you i chuse an advantageous place , and whilst your eyes are fixt upon the race , mine are on you — thus do we feast our sight , each alike pleas'd with objects of delight ; in softest whispers i my passion move , you of the rider talk , but i of love. when , to please you , i streight my subject quit , and change my wishes to your favourite ; oh might i ride , and be so much your care , i 'd start with courage from the barrier , and with a swift short compass brush the goal — unless the sight of you my course restrains , and makes my hands forgo the loosned reins ; as pelops gaz'd on hippodamia's face , till he had almost lost th' important race ; yet he his mistress by her favour won ; so may our prize assist us when we run . what mean these starts ? you must not , can't remove ; this kind auspicious place was fram'd for love. i fear you 're crowded , — gentlemen , forbear , pray let your arms and knees the lady spare ; madam , your gown hangs down — nay , pray let me — oh heavens ! what fine , what curious legs i see ! sure , who diana in a forrest drew , coppi'd in this , the gracefull'st part from you ; such atalant discovering as she ran , what rapt'rous wishes seiz'd minalion . i burn'd and rag'd before — what then are these , but flames on flames , and waters to the seas ? by these a thousand other charms are guest , which are so advantageously supprest . oh for some air ! this scorching heat remove , your fan wou'd do 't — but 't is the heat of love. but now the pomp appears , the sacred throng , command applauses from the heart and tongue ; first victory with expanded wings does move , be near ( o goddess ! ) to assist my love ; to mars let warriours acclamations raise , the merchants tongues resound with neptune's praise ; whilst i , whom neither seas nor arms invite , in love alone , the fruit of peace delight ; to their apollo let the prophets pray , and hunters to diana homage pay , let the mechanicks to minerva vow , rusticks to ceres and to bacchus bow ; whilst i devote my self to thee alone , kind venus , and the powerful god thy son ; o be propitious to my enterprise , inform with all thy softness these fair eyes , and to love's cause her gentle breast incline ; she grants , and has confirm'd it with a sign ; do you assure it too , you who 're to me ; ( with venus leave ) the mightier deity . by all these heav'nly witnesses , to you will i be ever faithful , ever true . now in the open cirque the game 's begun , the praetor gives the signal , now they run ; i see which way your wishes are inclin'd , to him a certain conquest is design'd , for ev'n the horses seem to know your mind . he takes too large a compass to come in , and lets his adversary get between ; recall him , romans , for a second heat , and clear the course , — now see your ground you better do maintain , this lady's favour and your fame regain ; the prize is his , — as yours successful prove , so let my wishes , which are all for love ; i 'm yet to conquer , and your heart 's the prize ; something she promis'd with her sparkling eyes , and smil'd ; — enough , did i transported cry , the rest i 'll leave to opportunity . ovid's love-elegies . book iii. eleg . iii. of his perjur'd mistress . by henry cromwell , esquire . can there be gods ? — has she not falsly swore ? yet is the beauty that she was before ! the curious tresses of her dangling hair , as long and graceful still as e're they were ; that same inimitable white and red , which o're her face was so distinctly spread , the roses and the lillies keep their place , and every feature still as justly grace , her sparkling eyes their lustre still retain , that form , that perfect shape does still remain , as if she ne're had sin'd : — and heav'n , ( 't is plain ) suff'ring the fairer sex to break their vows , to the superiour power of beauty bows . t' inforce my credit to her perjuries , oft wou'd she swear by those persuasive eyes ; as if that charm , had been too weak to move , sh 'as added mine ; — tell me , ye powers above , why all this pain ? why are these guiltless eyes , for her offence th' attoning sacrifice ? was 't not enough andromeda has dy'd , an expiation for her mother's pride ? is 't not enough that unconcern'd you see , ( vain witnesses for truth , for faith , for me , ) such an affront put on divinity ? yet no revenge the daring crime pursue , but the deceiv'd must be her victim too . either the gods are empty notions , crept into the minds of dreamers as they slept , in vain are fear'd , are but the tricks of law , to keep the foolish cred'lous world in awe ; or , if there be a god , he loves the fair , and all things at their sole disposal are . for us are all the instruments of war design'd , the sword of mars , and pallas spear , 'gainst us alone apollo's bows are bent , and at our heads jove's brandish'd thunder sent ; yet of the ladies , oh ! how fond are they ! dare not the injuries , they receive , repay , but those , who ought to fear 'em , they obey . jove to his votaries is most severe , temples nor altars does his lightning spare , obliging semele in flames expires , but those who merit , can escape the fires ; is this the justice of your powers divine ? who then will offer incense at a shrine ? why do we thus reproach the deities ? have they not hearts ? — and surely they have eyes , nay had i been a god , i had believ'd the lovely criminals , and been deceiv'd , had wav'd the judgments to their perj'ries due , and sworn my self that all they spoke was true ; since then the gods such ample gifts bestow , as make you absolute o're men below ; pray let me find some mercy in your reign ; or spare at least your lover's eyes from pain . to the lady castlemain , upon her incouraging his first play. by mr. dryden . as seamen , shipwrack'd on some happy shore , discover wealth in lands unknown before ; and , what their art had labour'd long in vain , by their misfortunes happily obtain ; so my much envy'd muse , by storms long tost , is thrown upon your hospitable coast , and finds more favour by her ill success , than she cou'd hope for by her happiness . once cato's vertue did the gods oppose ; while they the victor , he the vanquish'd chose : but you have done what cato cou'd not do , to chuse the vanquish'd , and restore him too . let others still triumph , and gain their cause by their deserts , or by the world's applause ; let merit crowns , and justice lawrels give , but let me happy by your pity live . true poets empty fame , and praise despise , fame is the trumpet , but your smile the prize : you sit above , and see vain men below contend , for what you only can bestow : but those great actions , others do by chance , are , like your beauty , your inheritance : so great a soul , such sweetness join'd in one , cou'd only spring from noble grandison : you , like the stars , not by reflection bright , are born to your own heav'n , and your own light ; like them are good , but from a nobler cause , from your own knowledge , not from nature's laws . your pow'r you never use , but for defence , to guard your own , or others innocence : your foes are such , as they , not you , have made , and vertue may repel , tho' not invade . such courage did the ancient heroes show , who , when they might prevent , wou'd wait the blow : with such assurance as they meant to say , we will o'recome , but scorn the safest way . what further fear of danger can there be , beauty , which captives all things , sets me free ? posterity will judge by my success , i had the grecian poet's happiness , who , waving plots , found out a better way , some god descended , and preserv'd the play. when first the triumphs of your sex were sung by those old poets , beauty was but young , and few admir'd the native red and white , till poets drest them up , to charm the fight ; so beauty took on trust , and did engage for sums of praises , till she came to age. but this long growing debt to poetry you justly ( madam ) have discharg'd to me , when your applause and favour did infuse new life to my condemn'd and dying muse. prologue to the university of oxford , 1681. by mr. dryden . the fam'd italian muse , whose rhymes advance orlando , and the paladins of france , records , that when our wit and sense is flown , 't is lodg'd within the circle of the moon in earthen jars , which one , who thither soar'd , set to his nose , snufft up , and was restor'd . what e're the story be , the moral 's true , the wit we lost in town , we find in you . our poets their fled parts mày draw from hence , and fill their windy heads with sober sense . when london votes with southwark's disagree , here they may find their long lost loyalty . here busie senates , to th' old cause inclin'd , may snuff the votes their fellows left behind : your country neighbours , when their grain grows dear , may come and find their last provision here : whereas we cannot much lament our loss , who neither carry'd back , nor brought one cross ; we look'd what representatives wou'd bring , but they help'd us , just as they did the king. yet we despair not , for we now lay forth the sybill's books , to those who know their worth : and tho the first was sacrific'd before , these volumes doubly will the price restore . our poet bade us hope this grace to find , to whom by long prescription you are kind . he , whose undaunted muse , with loyal rage , has never spar'd the vices of the age , here finding nothing that his spleen can raise , is forc'd to turn his satire into praise . prologue . by mr. dryden . gallants , a bashful poet bids me say he 's come to lose his maidenhead to day . be not too fierce , for he 's but green of age ; and ne're , till now , debauch'd upon the stage . he wants the suff'ring part of resolution ; and comes with blushes to his execution . e're you deflow'r his muse , he hopes the pit will make some settlement upon his wit. promise him well , before the play begin ; for he wou'd fain be cozen'd into sin. 't is not but that he knows you mean to fail ; but , if you leave him after being frail , he 'll have , at least , a fair pretence to rail ; to call you base , and swear you us'd him ill , and put you in the new deserters bill : lord , what a troop of perjur'd men we see ; enow to fill another mercury ! but this the ladies may with patience brook : their's are not the first colours you forsook ! he wou'd be loath the beauties to offend ; but , if he shou'd , he 's not too old to mend . he 's a young plant , in his first year of bearing , but his friend swears , he will be worth the reering . his gloss is still upon him : tho 't is true he 's yet unripe , yet take him for the blue . you think an apricot half green is best ; there 's sweet and sour : and one side good at least . mango's and limes , whose nourishment is little , tho' not for food , are yet preserv'd for pickle . so this green writer , may pretend , at least , to whet your stomachs for a better feast . he makes this difference in the sexes too , he sells to men , he gives himself to you . to both , he wou'd contribute some delight ; a mere poetical hermaphrodite . thus he 's equipp'd , both to be woo'd , and woo ; with arms offensive , and defensive too ; 't is hard , he thinks , if neither part will do . considerations on the eighty eighth psalm . by mr. prior . heavy , o lord , on me thy judgments lie , and curs'd i am ; for god neglects my cry . o lord , in darkness and despair i groan ; and every place is hell ; for god is gone . o lord , arise , and let thy beams controul those horrid clouds , that press my frighted soul : o rise , and save me from eternal night , thou that art the god of light. downward i hasten to my destin'd place ; there none obtain thy aid , none sing thy praise . soon i shall lie in death's deep ocean drown'd : is mercy there ; is sweet forgiveness found ? o save me yet , whilst on the brink i stand ; rebuke the storm , and set me safe to land. o make my longings and thy mercy sure , thou that art the god of power . behold the wearied prodigal is come to thee , his hope , his harbour , and his home : no father he cou'd find , no friend abroad , depriv'd of joy , and destitute of god. o let thy terrours and his anguish end ! be thou his father , and be thou his friend : receive the son thou didst so long reprove , thou that art the god of love. veni creator spiritus , translated in paraphrase . by mr. dryden . creator spirit , by whose aid the world's foundations first were laid , come visit ev'ry pious mind ; come pour thy joys on human kind : from sin , and sorrow set us free ; and make thy temples worthy thee , o , source of uncreated light , the father 's promis'd paraclite ! thrice holy fount , thrice holy fire , our hearts with heav'nly love inspire ; come , and thy sacred unction bring to sanctifie us , while we sing ! plenteous of grace , descend from high , rich in thy sev'n-fold energy ! thou strength of his almighty hand , whose pow'r does heav'n and earth command : proceeding spirit , our defence , who do'st the gift of tongues dispence , and crown'st thy gift , with eloquence ! refine and purge our earthy parts ; but , oh , inflame and fire our hearts ! our frailties help , our vice controul ; submit the senses to the soul ; and when rebellious they are grown , then , lay thy hand , and hold 'em down . chace from our minds th' infernal foe ; and peace , the fruit of love , bestow : and , lest our feet shou'd step astray , protect , and guide us in the way . make us eternal truths receive , and practise , all that we believe : give us thy self , that we may see the father and the son , by thee . immortal honour , endless fame attend th' almighty father's name : the saviour son , be glorify'd , who for lost man's redemption dy'd : and equal adoration be eternal paraclete , to thee . the curse of babylon . paraphras'd from the thirteenth chapter of isaia . a pindarique ode . by tho. yalden. 1. now let the fatal banner be display'd ! upon some lofty mountain's top , go set the dreadful standard up ! and all around the hills , the bloody signals spread . forlo , the numerous hosts of heav'n appear ! th'imbattl'd legions of the skie , with all their dread artillery , draw forth in bright array , and muster in the air. why do the mountains tremble with the noise ! and valleys eccho back their voice : the hills , tumultuous grow and loud , the hills that groan beneath the gathering multitude . wide as the poles of heav'ns extent , so far 's the dreadful summons sent : kingdoms , and nations , at his call appear , for ev'n the lord of hosts commands in person there . 2. start from thy lethargy , thou drowsie land , awake , and hear his dread command ! thy black tempestuous day comes louring on , o fatal light ! o inauspicious hour ! was ever such a day before ! so stain'd with blood , by marks of vengeance nature shall from her steady course remove , the well-fix'd earth be from its basis rent , convulsions shake the firmament , horrour seize all below , confusion reign above . the stars of heav'n shall sicken at the sight , nor shall the planets yield their light : but from the wretched object fly , and like extinguish'd tapers , quit the darkned skie . the rising sun as he was conscious too , as he the fatal bus'ness knew : a deep , a bloody red shall stain , and at his early dawn shall set in night again . 3. to the destroying sword i 've said , go forth , go fully execute my wrath ! command my hosts , my willing armies lead , for this rebellious land and all therein shall bleed . they shall not grieve me more , no more transgress , i will consume the stubborn race : yet brutes and salvages i justly spare , useless is all my vengeance there , ungrateful man 's the greater monster far . on guiltless beasts i will the land bestow , to them th' inheritance shall go , those elder brothers now , shall lord it here below . and if some poor remains escape behind , some relicts left of lost mankind : the astonish'd herds shall in their cities cry , when they behold a man , lo there 's a prodigy ! 4. the medes i call to my assistance here , a people that delight in war : a generous race of men , a nation free from vitious ease , and persian luxury . silver is despicable in their eyes , contemn'd the useless metal lies : their conqu'ring iron they prefer before the finest gold , even ophir's tempting oar. by these the land shall be subdu'd , abroad their bows shall overcome , their swords and flames destroy at home , for neither sex nor age shall be exempt from blood. the nobles , and the princes of thy state , shall on the victor's triumphs wait : and those that from the battel fled , shall be with chains opprest , in cruel bondage led . 5. i 'll visit their distress with plagues and miseries , the throws that womens labours wait , convulsive pangs , and bloody sweat , their beauty shall consume , and vital spirits seize . the ravish'd virgins shall be born away , and their dishonour'd wives be led , to the insulting victor's bed , to brutal lusts expos'd , to fury left a prey . nor shall the teeming womb afford its forming births a refuge from the sword : the sword , that shall their pangs increase , and all the throws of travel , curse with barrenness . the infants shall expire with their first breath and only live in pangs of death : live , but with early crys to curse the light , and at the dawn of life , set in eternal night . 6. even babylon adorn'd with ev'ry grace , the beauty of the universe : glory of nations ! the caldeans pride , and joy of all th' admiring world beside . thou babylon ! before whose throne the empires of the earth fall down : the prostrate nations homage pay , and vassal princes of the world obey . thou that with empire art exalted now , shalt in the dust be trampl'd low : abject and low upon the earth be laid , and deep in ruines hide thy ignominious head. thy strong amazing walls , whose impious height the clouds conceal from human sight : that proudly now their polish'd turrets rear , which bright as neighbouring stars appear , diffusing glories round th' inlightn'd air ; in flames shall downwards to their center fly , and deep within the earth as their foundations lie . 7. thy beauteous palaces ( tho' now thy pride ! ) shall be in heaps of ashes hid : in vast surprizing heaps shall lie , and even their ruines bear the pomp of majesty . no bold inhabitant shall dare , thy raz'd foundations to repair : no pitying hand exalt thy abject state ; no! to succeeding times thou must remain , an horrid exemplary scene , and lie from age to age , ruin'd and desolate . thy fall's decreed , ( amazing turn of fate ! ) low as gomorrah's wretched state : thou babylon shalt be like sodom curst , destroy'd by flames from heaven , and thy more burning lust. 8. the day 's at hand , when in thy sruitful soil , no labourer shall reap , no mower toil : his tent the wandring arab shall not spread , nor make thy cursed ground his bed ; tho' faint with travel , tho' opprest with thirst , he to his drooping herds shall cry aloud , taste not of that imbitter'd flood , taste not euphrates streams , they 're pois'nous all and curst . the shepherd to his wandring flocks shall say , when o're thy battlements they stray : when in thy palaces they graze , ah fly unhappy flocks ! fly this infectious place . whilst the sad traveller that passes on , shall ask , lo where is babylon ! and when he has thy small remainder found , shall say i 'll fly from hence , 't is sure accursed ground . 9. then shall the savages and beasts of prey , from their deserted mountains haste away ; every obscene and vulger beast , shall be to babylon a guest : her marble roofs , and every cedar rome , shall dens , and caves of state to nobler brutes become . thy courts of justice , and tribunals too , ( o irony to call them so ! ) there , where the tyrant and oppressour bore the spoils of innocence and blood before ; there shall the wolf and savage tyger meet , and griping vulture shall appear in state , there birds of prey shall rule , and ravenous beasts be great . those uncorrupted shall remain , those shall alone their genuine use retain , there violence shall thrive , rapine and fraud shall reign . then shall the melancholy satyrs groan , o're their lamented babylon ; and ghosts that glide with horrour by , to view where their unbury'd bodys lie ; with doleful crys shall fill the air , and with amazement strike the affrighted traveller . there the obscener birds of night , birds that in gloomy shades delight , shall solitude enjoy , live undisturb'd by light . all the ill omens of the air , shall scream their loud presages there . but let them all their dire predictions tell , secure in ills , and fortifi'd with woe , heaven shall in vain its future vengeance show : for thou art happily insensible , beneath the reach of miseries fell , thou need'st no desolation dread , no greater curses fear . out of horace , lib. ii. ode 3. aequam memento — i. be calm , my delius , and serene , however fortune change the scene ! in thy most dejected state , sink not underneath the weight ; nor yet , when happy days begin , and the full tide comes rowling in , let a fierce unruly joy the settled quiet of thy mind destroy : however fortune change the scene , be calm , my delius , and serene ! ii. be thy lot good , or be it ill , life ebbs out at the same rate still : whether with busie cares opprest , you wear the sullen time away ; or whether to sweet ease and rest , you sometimes give a day ; carelessly laid , underneath a friendly shade by pines , and poplars , mixt embraces made ; near a river's sliding stream , fetter'd in sleep , bless'd with a golden dream . iii. here , here , in this much envied state , let every blessing on thee wait ; bid the syrian nard be brought , bid the hidden wine be sought , and let the roses short-liv'd flower , the smiling daughter of an hour , flourish on thy brow : enjoy the very , very now ! while the good hand of life is in , while yet the fatal sisters spin . iv. a little hence my friend , and thou must into other hands resign thy gardens and thy parks , and all that now bears the pleasing name of thine ! thy meadows , by whose planted tides , silver tyber gently glides ! thy pleasant houses ; all must go , the gold that 's hoarded in 'em too ; a jolly heir shall set it free , and give th' imprison'd monarchs liberty . v. nor matters it , what figure here , thou dost among thy fellow mortals bear ; how thou wert born , or how begot ; impartial death matters it not : with what titles thou dost shine , or who was first of all thy line : life's vain amusements ! amidst which we dwell ; not weigh'd , nor understood , by the grim god of hell ! vi. in the same road ( alas ! ) all travel on ! by all alike , the same sad journy must be gon ! our blended lots together lie , mingled in one common urn ; sooner or later out they fly : the fatal boat then wafts us to the shore , whence we never shall return , never ! — never more ! the grove . see how damon's age appears , this grove declares his fading years : for this he planted once , and eat the maiden fruits of what he set . young it was then , like him ; but now , sapless , and old , is every bow. thus , my lesbia , will it be in time to come with thee , and me. come then , in love , and youthful play let 's pass the smiling hours away , before this tender amorous mark grow wide upon it's fading bark ; and show , like damon's grove , that we are old , and gray , as well as he. love but one . 1. see these two little brooks that slowly creep , in snaky writhings through the plains , i knew them once one river swift and deep , blessing and blest by poets strains . 2. then toucht with awe , we thought some god did pour those floods out of his sacred jar ; transforming every weed into a flow'r , and every flower into a star. 3. but since it broke it self , and double glides , the naked banks no dress have worn ; and yon dry barren mountain now derides these vallies , which lost glories mourn . 4. such , chloris , is thy love ; which , while it ran , confin'd within a single stream , fir'd every tuneful son of mighty pan ; and thou wert mine , and all mens theam . 5. but when imparted to one lover more , it in two streams did faintly creep ; the shepherds common muse grew low and poor , and mine , as lean as these my sheep . 6. alas ! that honour , chloris , thou hast lost , which we to thy full flood did pay ! while now , that swain , that swears he loves thee most , slakes but his thirst , and goes away ! to the author of sard an ap alus ; upon that , and his other writings . tho' teaching thy peculiar business be , learn this one lesson , schoolmaster , of me ; where good sense fails , the best description's vile ; and a rough verse the noblest thoughts will spoil . think it not genius , to know how to scan , nor great , to show a monster for a man. wound not the ear with ill-turn'd prose in rhime ; nor mistake furious fustian for sublime : believe this truth , and thy vain tumbling quit : what is not reason , never can be wit. from the boy 's hand , take horace into thine , and thy rude satires by his rules refine . see thy gross faults in boy leau 's faithful glass , and get the sense , to know thy self an ass. of my lady hyde . occasion'd by the sight of her picture . by mr. george granville . the painter with immortal skill may trace a beauteous form , or shew a heav'nly face ; the poet's art , less straitned and confin'd , can draw the virtues , and describe the mind , unlock the shrine , and to the sight unfold the secret gems , and all the inside gold. this dazling beauty is a lovely case of shining virtues , spotless as her face ; with graces that attract , but not ensnare , divinely good , as she 's divinely fair. two only patterns do the muses name , of perfect beauty , but of guilty fame ; a venus and a helen have been seen , both perjur'd wives , the goddess and the queen ; in this the third , are reconcil'd at last those jarring attributes of fair and chast ; this matchless charmer is a beam of light , without a cloud or spot , for ever bright , with beauty , nor affected , vain , nor proud , with greatness , eafie , affable , and good , the soul , and source of all that we admire , of every joy , but hope to our desire : like the chast moon , she shines to all mankind , but to endymion is her love confin'd ; what cruel destiny on beauty waits , when on one face depend so many fates ; oblig'd by honour , to relieve but one , by thousands we despair , and are undone . an imitation of the second chorus , in the second act of seneca's thyestes . by mr. george granville . at length the gods , propitious to our pray'rs , compose our tumults , and conclude our wars , the sons of inachus repent the guilt of crowns usurpt , and blood of parents spilt ; for impious greatness , vengeance is in store , short is the date of all ill-gotten pow'r . give ear , ambitious princes , and be wise , listen , and learn wherein true greatness lies ; place not your pride in roofs that shine with gems , in purple robes , nor sparkling diadems , nor in dominion , nor extent of land ; he 's only great who can himself command . whose guard is peaceful innocence , whose guide is faithful reason , who is void of pride , checking ambition , nor is idly vain of the false incense of a popular train . who without strife or envy can behold his neighbour's plenty , and his heaps of gold , nor covets other wealth , but what we find in the possessions of a virtuous mind . fearless he sees , who is with virtue crown'd , the tempest rage , and hears the thunder sound , most truly noble , who contemning fate , in midst of spears and javelins keeps his state , compos'd and firm he stands , nor shrinks to feel the piercing arrow , or the pointed steel ; disdaining chance , regardless he looks down , ever the same , whether she smile , or frown : serenely as he liv'd , resigns his breath , meets destiny half way , nor grieves at death . ye soveraign lords , who sit like gods in state , awing the world , and bustling to be great ; boast not of pow'r , nor of imperial sway , vassals your selves , who every lust obey ; the reins of empire , ill befit those hands , where passion governs , and where rage commands . what is this fame , for which our kings are slaves ? the breath of fools , and blast of flattering knaves . a peaceful conscience , and a generous breast , of all the gifts of fortune are the best . what need of arms , and instruments of war , or battering engines which destroy from far ? who lord of his own appetites can be , the greatest king and conquerour is he , blest with a pow'r , which nothing can destroy , and each is his own master to enjoy . whom worldly luxury , and pomps allure , they tread on ice , and find no footing sure ; place me , ye gods , in some obscure retreat , oh! keep me innnocent , make others great : in quiet shades , content with rural sports , give me a life , remote from guilty courts , where free from hopes or fears , in humble ease , unheard of i may live , and dye in peace . happy the man , who thus retir'd from sight , studies himself , and seeks no other light ! but most unhappy he , who sits on high , expos'd to every tongue , and every eye , whose follies blaz'd about , to all are known , and are a secret to himself alone : worse is an evil fame , much worse , than none . amor omnibus idem : or , the force of love in all creatures ; being a translation of some verses in virgil's third georgick , from verse 209 to verse 285. whether the nobler horses breed you raise , or duller herds your fertile pastures graze ; nothing will more a vigorous strength produce , than to forbid them the licentious use of love's enfeebling rites : be therefore sure , your bulls are pastur'd by themselves secure ; let some broad river , or a rising hill be interpos'd ; or let them take their fill in closer stalls : for wanton love's desire is kindled at the eyes ; whose wastful fire consumes them by degrees , and makes them slight their food , while they behold the pleasing sight . besides the fierce encounters that ensue , when rival bulls th' alluring object view : who , both inspir'd with jealousie and rage , for the fair female bloody battels wage : till with black blood their sides are cover'd o're , and their curl'd foreheads meet with hideous roar , which neighbouring groves , and distant caves rebound , and great olympus ecchos back the sound , whilst the glad victor does the spot maintain , and of his warlike hazards reaps the gain : the conquer'd foe forsakes the hostile place , with deep resentments of his past disgrace : the ignominious wounds the conquerour gave , in his griev'd mind no slight impression leave : departing he his absent love does moan , looks back with longing eyes , and many a groan on those his ancient realms , where once he rul'd alone . then with redoubled care his strength supplies , rough on the flinty ground all night he lies , and shrubs , and prickling thistles for his food suffice . then runs his horns into some solid oak , whose reeling trunk does scarce sustain the stroke . with vain assaults provokes the yielding air , and makes his flourishes before the war. then with his force and strength prepar'd , does go with headlong rage against th' unwary foe : like a white wave that is defcry'd from far rolling its vastness towards the frighted shore ; till with loud noise against the pointed beaks of solid rocks , the moving mountain breaks ; whilst the chaft billows from the bottom throw the rising sands , that on the surface flow . all creatures thus the force of love do find ; for , whether they be those of human kind , or savage beasts , or neptune's spawning fry , or wanton herds , or painted birds that fly , they all the like transporting fury try . 't is with this rage the lyoness is stung , when o're the forrest ( mindless of her young ) she sternly stalks : 't is then the shapeless bear with fierce desire does to the woods repair , and wide destruction makes : 't is then we see the savage boar's and tyger's cruelty . let then the sun-burnt traveller forbear in lybia's sandy desarts to appear . see how the winds the trembling stallions fray , when first to their sagacious nostrils they the distant female's well-known scent convey ! then no restraining curbs , nor cruel blows nor hollow caves , nor obvious rocks oppose their passage , nor the sea 's objected force , that bears the mountains down its violent course . the sabine boar does then prepare to wound , and whets his foamy tusks , and paws the ground : his sides against the rugged trees does tare , and hardens both his shoulders for the war. what does the * youth in whose enraged veins the heat of love's distemper'd fever reigns ? through stromy seas he his bold fortune tries , tho' in his face the obvioús billows rise , and dash him back to shore ; whilst from the throne of heav'n its loud artillery rattles down on his devoted head : nor can the sound of waters which against the rocks rebound recall his desperate course , nor all the tears occasion'd by his careful parents fears , nor his lov'd * nymph who soon the self-same fortune shares . 't were long to tell the spotted linx's wars , by love excited : or the furious jars of prowling wolves , or mastives head-strong rage : ev'n tim'rous stags will for their hinds engage . but most of all in mares the amorous fire appears ; whom venus did her self inspire . what time that potnian glaucus ( to improve their speed ) with-held them from the rites of love ; with rage incens'd they struck their master dead , and on his mangled limbs by piecemeal fed . o're craggy mountains love their way does guide , and spurs them through the depths of rivers wide : when spring 's soft fire their melting marrow burns ( for 't is in spring the lusty warmth returns ) they to the tops of steepest hills repair , and with wide nostrils snuff the western air , wherewith conceiving , ( wonderful to tell ) without the stallions help their bellies swell : whose frantick fury makes them scour amain o're solid rocks , and through the liquid plain , nor hills , nor streightning vales their giddy course restrain : nor do they tow'rds the suns uprising steer their head-strong way , nor towards the frozen bear , nor towards the place where tepid auster pours upon the pregnant earth his plenteous showers : till from their lustful groins at last does fall their off-spring , which the shepherds rightly call hippomanes : a slimy , poisonous juice , which muttering step-dames in inchantments use , and in the mystick cup their powerful herbs infuse . but time is lost , which never will renew , whilst ravish'd , we the pleasing theam pursue . to mr. congreve . an epistolary ode . occasion'd by his late play. from mr. yalden. i. fam'd wits and beauties , share this common fate , to stand expos'd to publick love and hate , in ev'ry breast they diff'rent passions raise , at once provoke our envy , and our praise . for when , like you , some noble youth appears , for wit and humour fam'd above his years : each emulous muse , that views the laurel won , must praise the worth so much transcends their own , and , while his fame they envy , add to his renown . but sure like you , no youth , cou'd please , nor at his first attempt boast such success : where all mankind have fail'd , you glories won : triumphaut are in this alone , in this , have all the bards of old outdone . ii. then may'st thou rule our stage in triumph long , may'st thou it's injur'd fame revive , and matchless proofs of wit , and humour , give , reforming with thy scenes , and charming with thy song . and tho' a curse ill-fated wit persues , and waits the fatal dowry of a muse : yet may thy rising fortunes be secure from all the blasts of poetry ; as thy own laurels flourishing appear , fear . unsully'd still with cares , nor clog'd with hope and as from its want's be from its vices free , from nauseous servil flattery : nor to a patron prostitute thy mind , tho'like augustus great , as fam'd moecenas kind . iii. tho' great in fame ! believe me generous youth , believe this oft experienc'd truth , from him that knows thy virtues , and admires their worth . tho' thou' rt above what vulgar poets fear , trust not the ungrateful world too far ; trust not the smiles of the inconstant town : trust not the plaudits of a theater , ( which d — fy shall , with thee , and dryden share ) nor to a stages int'rest sacrifice thy own . thy genius , that 's for nobler things design'd , may at loose hours oblige mankind : then great as is thy fame , thy fortunes raise , joyn thriving int'rest to thy barren bays , and teach the world to envy , as thou do'st to praise the world , that does like common whores embrace , injurious still to those it does caress : injurious as the tainted breath of fame , that blasts a poet's fortunes , while it sounds his name . iv. when first a muse inflames some youthful breast , like an unpractis'd virgin , still she 's kind : adorn'd with graces then , and beauties blest , she charms the ear with fame , with raptures fills the mind . then from all cares the happy youth is free , but those of love and poetry : cares , still allay'd with pleasing charms , that crown the head with bays , with beauty fill the arms. but all a woman's frailties soon she shows , too soon a stale domestick creature grows : then wedded to a muse that 's nauseous grown , we loath what we enjoy , druge when the pleasure 's gon . for tempted with imaginary bays , fed with immortal hopes , and empty praise : he fame pursues , that fair , but treacherous , bait , grows wise , when he 's undone , repents when'tis too v. small are the trophies of his boasted bays , the great man's promise , for his flattering toyl , fame in reversion , and the publick smile , all vainer than his hopes , uncertain as his praise . 't was thus in mournful numbers heretofore , neglected spencer did his fate deplore : long did his injur'd muse complain , admir'd in midst of wants , and charming still in vain long did the generous cowley mourn , and long oblig'd the age without return : deny'd what every wretch obtains of fate , an humble roof , and an obscure retreat , condemn'd to needy fame , and to be miserably great . thus did the world thy great fore-fathers use , thus all the inspir'd bards before , did their hereditary ills deplore : from tuneful chaucer's , down to thy own dryden's muse. vi. yet pleas'd with gaudy ruin youth will on , as proud by publick fame to be undone : pleas'd tho'he does the worst of labours chuse , to serve a barb'rous age , and an ungrateful muse. since dryden's self , to wit 's great empire born , whose genius and exalted name , triumph with all the spoils of wit and fame ; must midst the loud applause his barren laurels mourn . even that fam'd man whom all the world admires , whom every grace adorns , and muse inspires : like the great injur'd tasso shows , triumphant in the midst of woes ; in all his wants majestick still appears , charming the age to which he ows his cares , and cherishing that muse whose fatal curse he bears . from mag. col. oxon. on his mistress drown'd . by mr. s — sweet stream , that dost with equal pace both thy self fly , and thy self chace , forbear a while to flow , and listen to my woe , then go , and tell the sea that all its brine is fresh , compar'd to mine ; inform it that the gentler dame , who was the life of all my flame , in the glory of her bud has pass'd the fatal flood . death by this only stroak triumphs above the greatest power of love : alas , alas ! i must give o're , my sighs will let me add no more . go on , sweet stream , and henceforth rest no more than does my troubl'd breast ; and if my sad complaints have made thee stay , these tears , these tears shall mend thy way . to the pious memory of the accomplisht young lady mrs. anne killigrew . excellent in the two sister-arts of poësie , and painting . an ode . by mr. dryden . 1. thou youngest virgin-daughter of the skies , made in the last promotion of the blest ; whose palms , new pluckt from paradise , in spreading branches more sublimely rise , rich with immortal green above the rest : whether , adopted to some neighbouring star , thou rol'st above us , in thy wand'ring race , or , in procession fixt and regular , mov'd with the heavens majestick pace ; or , call'd to more superiour bliss , thou tread'st , with seraphims , the vast abyss . what ever happy region is thy place , cease thy celestial song a little space ; ( thou wilt have time enough for hymns divine , since heav'ns eternal year is thine . ) hear then a mortal muse thy praise rehearse , in no ignoble verse ; but such as thy own voice did practise here , when thy first fruits of poesie were giv'n ; to make thy self a welcome inmate there : while yet a young probationer , and candidate of heav'n . 2. if by traduction came thy mind , our wonder is the less to find a soul so charming from a stock so good ; thy father was transfus'd into thy blood : so wert thou born into the tuneful strain , ( an early , rich , and inexhausted vein . ) but if thy praeexisting soul was form'd , at first , with myriads more , it did through all the mighty poets roul , who greek or latine laurels wore . and was that sappho last , which once it was before . if so , then cease thy flight , o heav'n-born mind ! thou hast no dross to purge from thy rich ore : nor can thy soul a fairer mansion find , than was the beauteous frame she left behind : return , to fill or mend the quire , of thy celestial kind . 3. may we presume to say , that at thy birth , new joy was sprung in heav'n , as well as here on earth . for sure the milder planets did combine on thy auspicious horoscope to shine , and ev'n the most malicious were in trine . thy brother-angels at thy birth strung each his lyre , and tun'd it high , that all the people of the skie might know a poetess was born on earth . and then if ever , mortal ears had heard the musick of the spheres ! and if no clust'ring swarm of bees on thy sweet mouth distill'd their golden dew , 't was that , such vulgar miracles , heav'n had not leasure to renew : for all the blest fraternity of love solemniz'd there thy birth , and kept thy holyday above . 4. o gracious god! how far have we prophan'd thy heav'nly gift of poesy ? made prostitute and profligate the muse , debas'd to each obscene and impious use , whose harmony was first ordain'd above for tongues of angels , and for hymns of love ? o wretched we ! why were we hurry'd down this lubrique and adult'rate age , ( nay added fat pollutions of our own ) t' increase the steaming ordures of the stage ? what can we say t' excuse our second fall ? let this thy vestal , heav'n , attone for all ! her arethusian stream remains unsoil'd , unmixt with forreign filth , and undefil'd , her wit was more than man , her innocence a child ! 5. art she had none , yet wanted none : for nature did that want supply , so rich in treasures of her own , she might our boasted stores defy : such noble vigour did her verse adorn , that it seem'd borrow'd , where'twasonly born . her morals too were in her bosom bred by great examples daily fed , what in the best of books , her father's life , she read . and to be read her self she need not fear , each test , and ev'ry light , her muse will bear , though epictetus with his lamp were there . ev'n lóve ( for love sometimes her muse exprest ) was but a lambent-flame which play'd about her breast : light as the vapours of a morning dream , so cold her self , whilst she such warmth exprest , 't was cupid bathing in diana's stream . 6. born to the spacious empire of the nine , one wou'd have thought , she shou'd have been content to manage well that mighty government ; but what can young ambitious souls confine ? to the next realm she stretcht her sway , for painture near adjoyning lay , a plenteous province , and alluring prey . a chamber of dependences was fram'd , ( as conquerors will never want pretence , when arm'd , to justifie th' offence ) and the whole fief , in right of poetry she claim'd . the country open lay without defence : for poets frequent in-rodes there had made , and perfectly cou'd represent the shape , the face , with ev'ry lineament ; and all the large demains which the dumb-sister sway'd , all bow'd beneath her government , receiv'd in triumph wheresoe're she went. her pencil drew , what e're her soul design'd , and oft the happy draught surpass'd the image in her mind . the sylvan scenes of herds and flocks , and fruitful plains and barren rocks , of shallow brooks that flow'd so clear , the bottom did the top appear ; of deeper too and ampler floods , which as in mirrors , shew'd the woods ; of lofty trees , with sacred shades , and perspectives of pleasant glades , where nymphs of brightest form appear , and shaggy satyrs standing near , which them at once admire and fear . the ruines too of some majestick piece , boasting the pow'r of ancient rome or greece . whose statues , freezes , columns broken lie , and tho' defac'd , the wonder of the eye , what nature , art , bold fiction e're durst frame , her forming hand gave feature to the name . so strange a concourse ne're was seen before , but when the peopl'd ark the whole creation bore . 7. the scene then chang'd , with bold erected look our martial king the sight with reverence strook : for not content t' express his outward part , her hand call'd out the image of his heart , his warlike mind , his soul devoid of fear , his high-designing thoughts , were figur'd there , as when , by magick , ghosts are made appear . our phenix queen was portrai'd too so bright , beauty alone cou'd beauty take so right : her dress , her shape , her matchless grace , were all observ'd , as well as heav'nly face . with such a peerless majesty she stands , as in that day she took the crown from sacred hands : before a train of heroins was seen , in beauty foremost , as in rank , the queen ! thus nothing to her genius was deny'd , but like a ball of fire the further thrown , still with a greater blaze she shone , and her bright soul broke out on ev'ry side . what next she had design'd , heaven only knows , to such immod'rate growth her conquest rose , that fate alone its progress cou'd oppose . 8. now all those charms , that blooming grace , the well-proportion'd shape , and beauteous face , shall never more be seen by mortal eyes ; in earth the much lamented virgin lies ! not wit , nor piety cou'd fate prevent ; nor was the cruel destiny content to finish all the murder at a blow , to sweep at once her life , and beauty too ; but , like a hardn'd fellon , took a pride to work more mischievously slow , and plunder'd first , and then destroy'd . o double sacriledge on things divine , to rob the relique , and deface the shrine ! but thus orinda dy'd : heav'n , by the same disease , did both translate , as equal were their souls , so equal was their fate . 9. mean time her warlike brother on the seas his waving streamers to the winds displays , and vows for his return , with vain devotion , pays . ah , generous youth , that wish forbear , the winds too soon will waft thee here ! slack all thy sails , and fear to come , alas , thou know'st not , thou art wreck'd at home ! no more shalt thou behold thy sister's face , thou hast already had her last embrace . but look aloft , and if thou ken'st from far , among the pleiad's a new-kindl'd star , if any sparkles , than the rest , more bright , 't is she that shines in that propitious light. 10. when in mid-air , the golden trump shall sound , to raise the nations under ground ; when in the valley of jehosaphat , the judging god shall close the book of fate ; and there the last assizes keep , for those who wake , and those who sleep ; when ratling bones together fly , from the four corners of the skie , when sinews o're the skeletons are spread , those cloath'd with flesh , and life inspires the dead ; the sacred poets first shall hear the sound , and formost from the tomb shall bound : for they are cover'd with the lightest ground , and streight , with in born vigour , on the wing , like mounting larks , to the new morning sing . there thou , sweet saint , before the quire shalt go , as harbinger of heav'n , the way to show , the way which thou so well hast learn'd below . to the earl of carlisle , upon the death of his son before luxemburg . he 's gone , and was it then by your decree , ye envious powers , that we shou'd only see this copy of your own divinity ? or thought ye it surpassing human state , to have a blessing lasting as 't was great ? your cruel skill you better ne're had shown , since you so soon design'd him all your own . such torturing favours to the damn'd are given , when to encrease their hell , you show 'em heav'n , was it too godlike , he shou'd long inherit at once his father's , and his uncle's spirit ? yet as much beauty , and as calm a breast as the mild dame , whose teeming womb he blest . h' had all the favours providence cou'd give , except its own prerogative to live : reserv'd in pleasures , and in dangers bold , youthful in action , and in prudence old : his humble greatness , and submissive state , made his life full of wonder , as his fate . one , who to all the heights of learning bred , read books , and men , and practis'd what he read . round the wide globe searce did the busie sun with greater haste , and greater lustre run . true gallantry and grandure he descry'd from the french fopperies , and german pride . and like th' industrious bee , where e're he flew , gather'd the sweets which on sweet blossoms grew . babel's confused speeches on his tongue , with a sweet harmony and concord hung . more countries than for homer did contest , do strive who most were by his presence blest . nor did his wisdom damp his martial fire , minerva both her portions did inspire , use of the warlike bow , and peaceful lyre . so caesar doubly triumph'd when he wrote , showing like wit , as valour , when he fought . if god ( as plato taught ) example takes from his own works , and souls by patterns makes , much of himself in him he did unfold , and cast him in his darling sidney's mold , of too refin'd a substance to be old . both did alike disdain an hero's rage , shou'd , come like an inheritance by age. ambitiously did both conspire to twist bays with the ivy , which their temples kist : scorning to wait the slow advance of time , both fell like early blossoms in their prime , by blind events , and providence's crime . yet both , like codrus , o're their yielding foe obtain'd the conquest , in their overthrow ; and longer life do purchase by their death , in fame compleating what they want in breath . oh! had kind fate stretcht the contracted span , to the full glories of a perfect man ; and as he grew cou'd every rolling year a new addition to our wonder bear , h 'had paid to his illustrious line that stock of ancient honour , which from thence he took . but oh ! so hasty fruits , and too ambitious flowers , scorning the midwifery of ripening showers , in spight of frosts , spring from th' unwilling earth , but find a nip untimely as their birth . abortive issues so delude the womb. and scarce have being , e're they want a tomb. forgive ( my lord ) the muse that does aspire with a new breath to fan your raging fire ; whose each officious and unskilful sound can with fresh torture but enlarge the wound . cou'd i , with david , curse the guilty plain where one more lov'd than jonathan was slain : or cou'd i flights high as his merits raise , clear as his vertue , deathless as his praise , none who ( tho' laurels crown'd their aged head ) admir'd him living , and ador'd him dead , with more devotion shou'd enroll his name in the long consecrated list of fame . but since my artless and unhallow'd strain will the high worth , it should commend , prophane ; since i despair my humble verse shou'd prove great as your loss , or tender as your love ; my heart with sighings , and with tears mine eye , shall the defect of written grief supply . the insect . against bulk . inest sua gratia parvis . by mr. yalden. where greatness is to nature's works deny'd , in worth and beauty it is well supply'd : in a small space the more perfection's shown , and what is exquisite , in little 's done . thus beams contracted in a narrow glass , to flames convert their larger useless rays . 't is nature's smallest products please the eye , whilst greater births pass unreguarded by : her monsters seem a violence to sight , they 're form'd for terrour , insects to delight . thus when she nicely frames a piece of art , fine are her stroaks , and small in every part ; no labour can she boast more wonderful , than to inform an atom with a soul : to animate her little beauteous fly , and cloath it in her gaudy'ft drapery . thus does the little epigram delight , and charm us with its minature of wit : whilst tedious authors give the reader pain , weary his thoughts , and make him toil in vain ; whenin less volumes we more pleasure find , and what diverts , still best informs the mind . 't is the small infect looks correct and fair , and seems the product of her nicest care. when weary'd out with the stupendious weight , of forming prodigies , and brutes of state : then she the infect frames , her masterpiece , made for diversion , and design'd to please . thus archimedes , in his crystal sphere , seem'd to correct the world's artificer : whilst the large globe moves round with long delay , his beauteous orbs in nimbler circles play ; this seem'd the nobler labour of the two , great was the sphere above , but fine below . thus smallest things have a peculiar grace , the great w' admire , but 't is the little please ; then since the least so beautifully show , b' advis'd in time , my muse , and learn to know a poet's lines shou'd be correct , and few . written in a lady's advic̄e to a daughter . 't is true — in these well-polish'd lines , the author 's noble genius shines : a happy wit , a thought well weigh'd , and in a charming dress convey'd , adorn each curious page — 't is true : but what 's all this , fair maid , to you ? have lovely faces need of paint ? are manuals useful to a saint ? let careless nymphs be ply'd with rules , let wit be thrown among the fools : in both of these you boast a store , compar'd with which , our author 's poor . alas ! as he directs his pen to maids , shou'd you advise the men ; shou'd you your easie minutes vex , to make reprisals on the sex , we great pretenders then shou'd find our selves , our darling selves , out-shin'd , not more in body , than in mind : she-wit and sense wou'd mount the throne , and our lov'd salic-law be gone . written in a lady's waller . the lovely owner of this book does here on her own image look : each happy page , each finish'd line does with her matchless graces shine ; and is , with common verse compar'd , what she is among beauty's herd . the poet boasts a lofty thought , in softest numbers smoothly wrought ; has all that pleases the severe , and all that charms a list'ning ear. and such the nymph is — blest with all that we can sweet , or noble call : for never sure was any mind , of all that from heav'ns treasury came of better make , and more refin'd , or lodg'd within a fairer frame . such angels seem , when pleas'd to wear some lovely dress of colour'd air ! oh! had she liv'd , before the old bard had so many winters told ; then , when his youthful veins ran high , enflam'd with love , and poetry ; he only to this shining maid the tribute of his verse had paid : no meaner face , no lesser name had fix'd his eyes , or fed his flame ; her beauties had employ'd his tongue , and sacharissa dy'd unsung . written in the leaves of a fan . flavia the least and slightest toy can , with resistless art , employ . this fan , in meaner hands , wou'd prove an engine , of small force , in love. yet she , with graceful air and meen , ( not to be told ! or safely seen ! ) directs its wanton motions so , that it wounds more than cupid's bow : gives coolness to the matchless dame , to every other breast a flame . an incomparable ode of malherb's . written by him when the marriage was afoot between this king of france , and anne of austria . translated by a person of quality , a great admirer of the easiness of the french poetry . cette anne si belle , this anna so fair , qu'on vante sifort , so talk'd of by fame , pourquoy ne vient elle ? why don't she appear ? vrayment , elle a tort ! indeed , she 's to blame ! son loüis soûpire lewis sighs for the sake apres set appas : of her charms , as they say : que veut elle dire , what excuse can she make , que elle ne vient pas ? for not coming away ? si il ne la possêde , if he does n't possess , il s'en va mourir ; he dies with despair ; donnons y remede , let 's give him redress , allons la querir . and go find out the fair. on the dutchess of portsmouth's picture . had she but liv'd in cleopatra's age , when beauty did the earth's great lords engage , brittain , not egypt , had been glorious made ; augustus then , like julius , had obey'd : a nobler theam had been the poet's boast , that all the world for love had well been lost . a song . by the earl of rochester . insulting beauty , you mispend those frowns upon your slave ; your scorn against such rebels bend , who dare with confidence pretend , that other eyes their hearts defend , from all the charms you have . your conquering eyes so partial are , or mankind is so dull , that while i languish in despair , many proud senseless hearts declare , they find you not so killing fair , to wish you merciful . they an inglorious freedom boast ; i triumph in my chain ; nor am i unreveng'd , though lost ; nor you unpunish'd , though unjust , when i alone , who love you most , am kill'd with your disdain . song for the king's birth-day . shine forth , bright sun , and gild the day , with a more than common ray. the day that gave us more , than all the rolling years that thou hast number'd out , cou'd e're bestow , or brittain wish before . from greenness of touth , to ripeness of age , with what dangers , what troubles did caesar engage . in the field , on the flood , through the waves , and through blood , the race of bright honour he ran ! how great in distress , how calm in success ! in both , how much more than man ! chorus . where-e're his birth had been by fortune plac'd , such vertue heav'n must needs have crown'd at last . heav'n has been just , and right has prevail'd , tho' by hell's malice and forces assail'd ; rebellion and faction are sunk whence they rose , and caesar the wounds of his nation does close , rewarding his friends , and forgiving his foes . in the glory gain'd by war , vulgar hands and fortune share ; but the more noble and solid renown that arises from pardon to penitents shown , all render to caesar , 't is caesar's alone . caesar nobly does disdain over less than hearts to reign ; let tyrants force th' ignobler part , god and caesar claim the heart . hark how the nation united rejoyces in the glad consort of hearts and of voices ! what thanks they express for their plenty and peace , and the long desir'd blessings of freedom and ease . hark , the joyful song goes round , 't is the universal sound : long may heaven and caesar smile , heaven on him , and he on us ; long , long may he rule our isle , and long , long rule it thus ! as lov'd in peace , as fear'd in arms , and ever blest in gloriana's charms . a song . 1. after the fiercest pangs of hot desire , between panthoea's rising breasts , his bending breast philander rests : and vanquisht , yet unknowing to retire , close hugs the charmer , and asham'd to yield , tho' he has lost the day , yet keeps the field . 2. when , with a sigh , the fair panthoea said , what pity 't is , ye gods , that all the noblest warriours soonest fall : then with a kiss she gently rear'd his head ; arm'd him again to fight , for nobly she more lov'd the combat than the victory . 3. but more enrag'd , for being beat before , with all his strength he does prepare more fiercely to renew the war ; nor ceas'd he till the noble prize he bore : ev'n her much wondrous courage did surprise , she hugs the dart that wounded her , and dies . a song . 1. through mournful shades , and solitary groves , fann'd with the sighs of unsuccessful loves , wild with despairs , young thyrsis strays , thinks over all amyra's heav'nly charms , thinks he now sees her in another's arms ; then at some willow's root himself he lays , the loveliest , most unhappy swain ; and thus to the wild woods he does complain . 2. how art thou chang'd , o thyrsis , since the time when thou cou'dst love , and hope without a crime ; when nature's pride , and earth's delight , as through her shady evening grove she past , and a new day did all around her cast ; cou'd see , nor be offended at the sight : the melting , sighing , wishing swain , that now must never hope to wish again . 3. riches and titles ! why shou'd they prevail , where duty , love , and adoration fail ? lovely amyra , shou'dst thou prize the empty noise that a fine title makes ; or the vile trash that with the vulgar takes , before a heart that bleeds for thee , and dies : unkind ! but pity the poor swain your rigour kills , nor triumph in the slain . song . you say you love ! repeat again , repeat th' amazing sound ; repeat the ease of all my pain , the cure of ev'ry wound . what you to thousands have deny'd , to me you freely give ; whilst i in humble silence dy'd , your mercy bids me live . so on cold latmos top each night , endymion sighing lay , gaz'd on the moon 's transcendant light , despair'd , and durst not pray . but divine cynthia saw his grief , th' effect of conquering charms ; unask'd , the goddess brings relief , and falls into his arms. song . fairest of thy sex , and best , admit my humble tale ; 't will ease the torment of my breast , tho' i shall ne're prevail . no fond ambition me does move your favour to implore , i ask not for return of love , but freedom to adore . to the king. in the year 1686. by mr. george granville . heroes of old , by rapine and by spoil , in search of fame , did all the world embroil , thus to their gods each then ally'd his name , this sprang from jove , and that from titan came ; with equal valour , and with like success , dread king , might'st thou the universe oppress ; but christian rules constrain thy martial pride ; peace is thy choice , and piety thy guide : by thy example kings may learn to sway , heroes are taught to fight , and saints to pray . the grecian chiefs had vertue but in share ; nestor was wise , but ajax brave in war : their very deities were grac'd no more , mars had the courage , jove the thunder bore : but all perfections meet in james alone , and brittain's king is all the gods in one . harry marten's epitaph , by himself . here , or elsewhere ( all 's one to you , to me ) earth , air , or water gripes my ghostless dust , none knowing when brave fire shall set it free ; reader , if you an oft try'd rule will trust , you 'll gladly do and suffer what you must . to his friend captain chamberline ; in love with a lady he had taken in an algeriene prize at sea. in allusion to the 4th ode of horace , lib. the 2d . by mr. yalden. 1. 't is no disgrace ( brave youth ) to own by a fair slave you are undone : why dost thou blush to hear that name ! and stifle thus a generous flame ! did not the fair briseis heretofore with powerful charms subdue ? what tho' a captive , still she bore those eyes that freedom cou'd restore , and make her haughty lord , the proud achilles bow . 2. stern ajax , tho' renown'd in arms , did yield to bright tecmessa's charms : and all the laurels he had won , as trophies at her feet were thrown . when beautiful in tears , he view'd the mourning fair , the hero felt her power : tho' great in camps , and fierce in war , her softer looks he cou'd not bear , proud to become her slave , tho'late her conquerour . 3. when beauty in distress appears , an irresistless charm it bears : in every breast does pity move , pity the tender'st part of love. amidst his triumphs great atrides shew'd unto a weeping maid : tho' troy was by his arms subdu'd , and greece the bloody trophies view'd , yet at a captive's feet the imploring victor laid . 4. think not , thy charming maid can be of a base stock , a mean degree : her shape , her air , her every grace , a more than vulgar birth confess . yes , yes , my friend , with royal blood she 's great , sprung from some monarch's bed : now mourns her family's hard fate , her mighty fall , and abject state , and her illustrious race conceals with noble pride . 5. ah think not an ignoble house ! cou'd such a heroine produce : nor think such generous sprightly blood , cou'd flow the corrupted crowd . but view her courage , her undaunted mind , and soul with vertues crown'd : where dazling int'rest cannot blind , nor youth , nor gold admittance find , but still her honour 's fix'd , and vertue keeps its ground . 6. view well her great majestick air , and modest looks divinely fair : too bright for fancy to improve , and worthy of thy noblest love. but yet suspect not thy officious friend , all jealous thoughts remove : tho' i with youthful heat commend , for thee i all my wishes send , and if she makes thee blest , 't is all i ask of love , a song . by a lady . 1. ye virgin powers , defend my heart from am'rous looks and smiles , from sawcy love , or nicer art , which most our sex beguiles ; 2. from sighs and vows , from awful fears , that do to pity move ; from speaking silence , and from tears , those springs that water love. 3. but if through passion i grow blind , let honour be my guide ; and where frail nature seems inclin'd , there place a guard of pride . 4. an heart whose flames are seen , tho' pure , needs every vertues aid ; and she who thinks her self secure , the soonest is betray'd . written by a lady . strephon hath fashion , wit , and youth , with all things else that please ; he nothing wants but love and truth to ruin me with ease . but he is flint , and bears the art to kindle fierce desire , whose pow'r enflames another's heart , and he ne're feels the fire . o how it does my soul perplex , when i his charms recall , to think he shou'd despise our sex ; or , what 's worse , love 'em all . so that my heart , like noah's dove , in vain has sought for rest , finding no hopes to fix my love , returns into my breast . paraphras'd out of horace , the 23d ode of the 2d book . by dr. pope . the wary gods lock up in cells of night future events , and laugh at mortals here . if they to pry into 'em take delight , if they too much presume , or too much fear . o man ! for thy short time below enjoy thy self , and what the gods bestow : unequal fortunes here below are shar'd , life to a river's course may justly be compar'd : sometimes within its bed , without an angry curl or wave , from the spring head it gently glides to the ocean , its grave . then unawares , upon a sudden rain , it madly overflows the neighb'ring plain : it ploughs up beauteous ranks of trees , that shaded and adorn'd its banks ; overturns houses , bridges , rocks , drowns shepherds and their flocks : horror and death rage all the valley o're , the forrests tremble , and the mountains roar . love's antidote . when i sigh by my mistress , and gaze on those eyes where all-conquering love in garrison lies . when her nose i commend with a true roman bend , and run on in flattery world without end : on her ample high forehead , and her little soft hand , to which , if compar'd , the best ivory is tann'd : on the words which with grace from her rosie lips flow , and such harmony make , as was ne're heard below , then she bridles the pride , and swells with disdain , and slights her adorer , now fast in her chain . with scorn in her haughty looks , and in her words thunder , then drunken with love do i reel to the wonder : then with three or four glasses my languishing passes , and off slides the load , love lays on his asses . then i swear i 'le for ever keep out of the scrape , love's soveraign antidote is the blood of the grape . anacreon imitated . oft the reverend dotards cry , why so loving , daphnis , why ? love 's a thing for age alone : love 's a god , and you 're too young . let the harvest crown your brow , and adorn your head with snow : love may boldly enter then : years will countenance your flame . fruits , unripe , disgust the taste ; falling ripe they please us best . colts are skittish ; but the dam , ( once a colt ) is still and tame : reverend dotards , why so wise ? why these reverend fooleries ? who neglects to back the horse , till his years compute him worse ? generous brutes that latest die , early to enjoyment fly : vigorous nature scorns a tie . gather'd fruit are best of all ; we despise them when they fall . thus your follies show to me , what my reverend age shall be . bring the glass then , bring the fair , fill it , 't is a health to her . for experimental i will a great example be to convince such reverend fools of their own mistaken rules . anacreon imitated . oh how pleasant is't ! how sweet ! while with beauties exquisite nature paints the fragrant grove , thus to walk and talk of love. here no envious eastern gale sells us pleasure by retail . western breezes here dispence joys so full , they cloy the sense . gods ! oh gods ! how sweet a shade has that honey-suckle made , clasping round that spreading tree , clasping fast , and apeing me . me who , there with celia laid , first inform'd this lovely maid so to clasp , and so to twine . oh! how sweet a life is mine ! anacreon imitated . come fill 't up , and fill it high , the barren earth is always dry ; but we 'll steep't in kindly show'rs , it laughs in dew , and smiles in flow'rs . the jovial gods did , sure , design , by the immortal gift of wine , to drown our sighs , and ease our care , and make's content to revel here . to revel , and to reign in love , and be throughout like those above . from virgil's 1st georgick , beginning at imprimis venerare deos , &c. translated into english verse by h. sacheverill . dedicated to mr. dryden . first let thy altars smoak with sacred fire , thy earthly labours the just gods require . let ceres blessings usher in the year , to give an omen to thy future care. with sacrifice adorn her grassy shrine , with milk , with honey , and with flowing wine . then go , the mighty goddess to adore , when spring buds forth , and winter is no more . then well fed lambs thy plenteous tables load , and mellow wines give appetite to food . whilst the cool shade by small refreshing streams invite soft sleep , and gentle pleasing dreams . the rustick youth the goddess shou'd implore to bless their fruits , and to encrease their store . thrice let the sacrifice in triumph led crown the new off-spring of her fruitful bed. a joyful quire shall sing her praises round , and with unequal motions beat the ground . whilst oaken branches on their temples twine , to shew the better use of corn and wine . the goddess thus appeas'd , will bend her ear , and with a plenteous harvest will reward your care. the certain seasons of the year to know great jove has taught us , and from whence they flow , droughts , rains , and winds their certain signs forego , those messengers of fate fly to provide the way , to give the signal of a gloomy day . the moon her tokens constantly fulfils , and with her beams points out th' approaching ills. her waining orb puts on a various form to give the sign of an impending storm . when south winds rise the herdsmen justly fear , and seek a shelter when the tempest 's near . first from a gentle blast the winds arise , whose infant voice in whisp'ring murmurs flys , then with loud clamours fills the troubled skies . by small degrees advanc'd , it stronger grows , till every point each other does oppose . then through the jarring zones it frets and roars , and lifts the swelling billows to the shores. vast watry mountains rowl upon the sand , and angry surges beat the trembling land. a harsh , shrill noise the ecchoing caverns fills , and strikes the ear from the resounding hills ; whose reverend tops , with aged pine-trees crown'd , rock with the wind , and tremble with the sound . then threatning surges hardly can forbear the tatter'd vessel , while the seamen fear each rowling billow shou'd their last appear . the frightned native of the troubled waves his long accustom'd habitation leaves . now born aloft a winged army soar to seek for safety on a calmer shore . the more-hen , conscious of the tempest near , plays on the sand , and so prevents her fear . the hern forsakes his ancient marshy bed , and tow'rs to heav'n while clouds bedew his head . sometimes he 's met by a descending star , which warns the tempest rushing from afar . the headlong planet glides in fiery streams , and shoots through darkness with its radiant beams . it cuts the shadows with a train of light , and makes a medley of the day and night . a sportive whirlwind lifts the moving sand , in my stick circles dancing on the land. now wanton feathers whiten all the flood ; and sapless leaves fly o're the shaken wood , at distance black'ning in a dusky cloud . but when a new-fledg'd storm comes blust'ring forth , and quits the thund'ring regions of the north : when east and west in distant poles conspire , uniting rage , to swell the deluge higher , with rapid streams the full-charg'd chanels flow , collecting forces as they farther go . th' unruly tide no sturdy banks controul , o're unknown plains the furious torrents rowl . the reapers mourn to see the deluge bear their long expected labours of the year . la jeune iris aux cheveux gris disoit à theodate , retournons , mon cher à paris , avant que l'on combatte ; vous me donnés trop de souci , car guillaume ne raille . helas ! que feriez-vous icy ? le jour d'une bataille . il est vray que vous partirés sans lauriers & sans gloire , et que vous embarrasserés ceux qui font vôtre histoire ; mais vous devés laisser ces soins a d'espreaux & corneille ; vous ne les payeriés pas moins , quand vous feriés merveille , vous punirez une autre fois ces gens qui m'ont pillée . qu'elle honte qu'à charleroy ils m'ûssent ameneé ! quoy que je sois ainée de vous , et que je sois bien sage , jaurois passé parmy ces fous pour un rebut de page . a paraphrase on the french. in gray-hair'd celia's wither'd arms whilst mighty lewis lay , she cry'd , if i have any charms , my dearest let 's away . i tremble for you when i hear of drums the dreadful rattle : alas , sir ! what shou'd you do here in dreadful day of battle . perhaps you 'll ask what can repair the ruines of your glory : 't is fit you leave so mean a care to those who pen your story . are not d'espreaux and corneile paid for panegyrick writing ? they know how heroes may be made without the help of fighting . your foes too saucily approach , 't is best to leave them fairly : put six good horses in your coach , and carry me to marly . let bousters , to secure your fame , go take some town , or buy it ; whilst you , great sir , at nostredame , te deum sing in quiet . a song by sir john eaton . 1. tell me not i my time mispend , 't is time lost to reprove me ; persue thou thine , i have my end so chloris only love me . 2. tell me not others flocks are full , mine poor , ' let them despise me who more abound with milk and wool , ' so chloris only prize me . 3. tire others easier ears with these unappertaining stories ; he never felt the world's disease who car'd not for its glories . 4. for pity thou that wiser art , whose thoughts lie wide of mine ; let me alone with my own heart , and i 'le ne're envy thine . 5. nor blame him who e're blames my wit , that seeks no higher prize , than in unenvy'd shades to sit , and sing of chloris eyes . another song in imitation of sir john eaton's songs . by the late earl of rochester . too late , alas ! i must confess you need no arts to move me : such charms by nature you possess , 't were madness not to love you . then spare a heart you may surprise , and give my tongue the glory to boast , tho' my unfaithful eyes betray a kinder story . a song by sidny godolphin , esq on tom. killigrew and will. murrey . 1. tom and will were shepherds twain , who liv'd and lov'd together , till fair pastora crost the plain , alack , why came the thither ! pastora's fair and lovely locks set both their hearts on fire , although they did divide their flocks , they had but one desire . 2. tom came of a gentile race , by father and by mother , will was noble , but alas , he was a younger brother . neither of them no huntsman was , no fisher , nor no fowler ; tom was stil'd the prop'rer lad , but will the better bowler . 3. tom wou'd drink her health and swear , the nation cou'd not want her ; will wou'd take her by the ear , and with his voice enchant her . tom was always in her sight , and ne're forgot his duty ; will was witty , and cou'd write sweet sonnets on her beauty . 4. which of them she loved most , or whither she lov'd either ; t was thought they found it to their cost , that she indeed lov'd neither . and yet she was so sweet a she , so comly of behaviour ; that tom thought he , and will thought he , was greatest in her favour . 5. pastora was a beauteous lass , of a charming sprightly nature , divinely good and kind she was , and smil'd on ev'ry creature . of favours she was provident , but yet not over sparing , she gave no loose encouragement , yet kept men from despairing . 6. now flying fame had made report of fair pastora's beauty , that she must needs unto the court , there to perform her duty . unto the court pastora's gone , ( it were no court without her , ) the queen her self , with all her train , had none so fair about her . 7. tom hung his dog , and flung away his sheep-hook and his wallet ; will broke his pipes , and curst the day that e're he made a ballet . their nine-pins and their bowls they broke , their tunes were turn'd to tears , 't is time for me to make an end , let them go shake their ears . rondelay . by mr. dryden . 1. chloe found amyntas lying all in tears , upon the plain ; sighing to himself , and crying , wretched i , to love in vain ! kiss me , dear , before my dying ; kiss me once , and ease my pain ! 2. sighing to himself , and crying wretched i , to love in vain : ever scorning and denying to reward your faithful swain : kiss me , dear , before my dying ; kiss me once , and ease my pain ! 3. ever scorning , and denying to reward your faithful swain ; chloe , laughing at his crying , told him that he lov'd in vain : kiss me , dear , before my dying ; kiss me once , and ease my pain ! 4. chloe , laughing at his crying , told him that he lov'd in vain : but repenting , and complying , when he kiss'd , she kiss'd again : kiss'd him up , before his dying ; kiss'd him up , and eas'd his pain . in a letter to the honourable mr. charles montague . by mr. prior . 1. howe're , 't is well , that whilst mankind , through fate 's fantastic mazes errs , he can imagin'd pleasures find , to combat against real cares . 2. fancies and notions we pursue , which ne're had being but in thought ; and like the doating artist woo , the image we our selves have wrought . 3. against experience we believe , and argue against demonstration ; pleas'd that we can our selves deceive , and set our judgment by our passion . 4. the hoary fool , who , many days , has struggled with continued sorrow , renews his hope , and blindly lays the desp'rate bet upon to morrow . 5. to morrow comes , 't is noon , 't is night , this day like all the former fled ; yet on he runs to seek delight to morrow , till too night he 's dead . 6. our hopes , like tow'ring falcons , aim at objects in an airy height , but all the pleasure of the game , is afar off to view the flight . 7. the worthless prey but only shows , the joy consisted in the strife ; whate're we take , as soon we lose , in homer's riddle , and in life . 8. so whilst in fev'rish sleeps we think we taste what waking we desire , the dream is better than the drink , which only feeds the sickly fire . 9. to the minds eye things well appear , at distance through an artful glass ; bring but the flatt'ring objects near , they 're all a senseless gloomy mass. 10. seeing aright , we see our woes , then what avails it to have eyes ? from ignorance our comfort flows , the only wretched are the wise. 11. we wearied shou'd lie down in death , this cheat of life wou'd take no more ; if you thought fame but stinking breath , i , phillis but a perjur'd whore. an ode . by mr. prior 1. whilst blooming youth and gay delight in all thy looks and gestures shine ; thou hast , my dear , undoubted right to rule this destin'd heart of mine ; my reason bends to what your eyes ordain , for i was born to love , and you to reign . 2. but wou'd you meanly then rely on power , you know i must obey ; 't is but a legal tyranny to do an ill , because you may . why must i thee , as atheists heav'n adore , not see thy mercy , and but dread thy pow'r . 3. take heed , my dear , youth flies apace , time equally with love is blind ; soon must those glories of thy face the fate of vulgar beauty find . the thousand loves that arm thy potent eye , must drop their quivers , flag their wings , and die . 4. then thou wilt sigh , when in each frown a hateful wrinckle more appears ; and putting peevish humours on , seems but the sad effect of years : even kindness then too weak a charm will prove to raise the ghost of my departed love. 5. forc'd complements and formal bows will show thee just above neglect , the heat with which thy lover glows will settle into cold respect ; a talking dull platonick i shall turn , learn to be civil , when i cease to burn . 6. then shun the ill , and know , my dear , kindness and constancy will prove the only pillars fit to bear so vast a weight as that of love : if thou canst wish to make my flames endure , thine must be very fierce , and very pure . 7. haste celia , haste , whilst love invites , obey the godhead's gentle voice , fill every sense with soft delights , and give thy soul a loose to joys ; let millions of repeated blisses prove that thou art kindness all , and i all love . 8. be mine , and only mine , take care to guide your looks , your thoughts , your dreams to me alone , nor come so far , as liking any youth beside : what men e're court thee , fly 'em , and believe they 're serpents all , and thou the tempted eve. 9. so shall i court thy dearest truth when beauty ceases to engage ; and thinking on thy charming youth , i 'll love it o're again in age. so time it self our raptures shall improve , and still we 'll wake to joy , and live to love. to a lady of quality's playing on the lute . by mr. prior . what charms you have , from what high race you sprung , have been the subject of our daring song ; but when you pleas'd to show the lab'ring muse what greater theams your musick could produce ; our babling praises we repeat no more , but hear , rejoyce , stand silent , and adore . the persians thus , first gazing on the sun , admir'd how high 't was plac'd , how bright it shone ; but , as his pow'r was known , their thoughts were rais'd , and soon they worship'd , what at first they prais'd . eliza's glory lives in spencer's song , and cowley's verse keeps fair orinda young : that you in beauty , and in birth excell , the muse might dictate , and the poet tell ; your art , no other art can speak , and you , to shew how well you play , must play anew : your musick 's pow'r your musick must disclose , for what light is , 't is only light that shows . strange force of harmony that thus controuls our inmost thoughts , and sanctifies our souls : whilst with its utmost art your sex could move our wonder only , or at'best our love. you far beyond both these your god did place , that your high power might worldly thoughts destroy , that with your numbers you our zeal might raise , and , like himself , communicate your joy. when to your native heaven you shall repair , and with your presence crown the blessings there your lute may wind its strings but little higher , to tune their notes to that immortal quire. your art is perfect here , your numbers do , more than our books , make the rude atheist know that there 's a heaven , by what he heàrs below . as in some piece , whilst luke his skill exprest , a cunning angel came and drew the rest : so , whilst you play , some godhead does impart harmonious aid , divinity helps art ; some cherub finishes what you begun , and to a miracle improves a tune . to burning rome when frantick nero play'd , viewing your face , no more he had survey'd the reigning flames , but struck with strange surprize , confess 'em less than those of anna's eyes . but , had he heard thy lute , he soon had found his rage eluded , and his crime atton'd ; thine , like amphion's hand had rais'd the stone , and from destruction call'd a fairer town ; malice to musick had been forc'd to yield , nor could he burn so fast , as thou couldst build . an epitaph on the lady whitmore . by mr. dryden . fair , kind , and true , a treasure each alone ; a wife , a mistress , and a friend in one ; rest in this tomb , rais'd at thy husband 's cost , here sadly summing , what he had , and lost . come virgins , e're in equal bands you join , come first and offer at her sacred shrine ; pray but for half the vertues of this wife , compound for all the rest , with longer life , and wish your vows , like hers may be return'd , so lov'd when living , and when dead so mourn'd . an epitaph , on sir palmes fairborne's tomb in westminster abby . by mr. dryden . sacred to the immortal memory of sir palmes fairborne , knight , governor of tangier ; in execution of which command he was mortally wounded by a shot from the moors , then besieging the town , in the 46th . year of his age. october 24th . 1680. ye sacred relicks which your marble keep , here undisturb'd by wars in quiet sleep : discharge the trust which when it was below fairborne's undaunted soul did undergo , and be the towns palladium from the foe . alive and dead these walls he will defend , great actions great examples must attend . the candian siege his early valour knew , where turkish blood did his young hands imbrew . from thence returning with deserv'd applause , against the moors his well-flesh'd sword be draws ; the same the courage , and the same the cause . his youth and age , his life and death combine , as in some great and regular design , all of a piece throughout , and all divine . still nearer heaven his vertues shone more bright , like rising flames expanding in their height , the martyr's glory crown'd the soldiers fight . more bravely brittish general never fell , nor general 's death was e're reveng'd so well , which his pleas'd eyes beheld before their close , follow'd by thousand victims of his foes . to his lamented loss for time to come , his pious widow consecrates this tomb. to the reverend dr. sherlock , dean of st. paul's ; on his practical discourse concerning death . by mr. prior . forgive the muse , who in unhallow'd strains the saint one moment from his god detains : for sure , what e're you do , where e're you are , 't is all but one good work , one constant pray'r . forgive her : and intreat that god , to whom thy favour'd vows with kind acceptance come , to raise her numbers to that blest degree that suits a song of piety and thee . wondrous good man ! whose labours may repel the force of sin , may stop the rage of hell : who , like the baptist , from thy god wert sent to be the voice , and bid the world repent : thee , youth shall study ; and no more engage his flatt'ring wishes for uncertain age ; no more , with fruitless care , and cheated strife , chace fleeting pleasure through this maze of life ; finding the wretched all he here can have but present food , and but a future grave ; each , great as philip's son , shall sit and view this sordid world , and , weeping , ask a new. decrepit age shall read thee , and consess thy labours can asswage , where medcine 's cease : shall bless thy words , their wounded souls relief the drops that sweeten their last dregs of life ; shall look to heav'n , and laugh at all beneath , own riches gather'd trouble ; fame , a breath ; and life an ill , whose only cure is death . thy even thoughts with so much plainness flow , their sense untutor'd infancy may know , yet to that height is all that plainness wrought , wit may admire , and letter'd pride be taught : easie in words thy style , in sense sublime , on its blest steps each age and sex may rise , 't is like the ladder in the patriarch's dream , its foot on earth , its height beyond the skies . diffus'd its vertue , boundless is its pow'r , 't is publick health , and universal cure : of heav'nly manna 't is a second feast , a nation 's food , and all to every taste . to its last height mad brittain's guilt was rear'd , and various deaths for various crimes she fear'd ; with your kind works her drooping hopes revive , you bid her read , repent , adore , and live . you wrest the bolt from heav'ns avenging hand , stop ready death , and save a sinking land. o save us still ! still bless us with thy stay ! o want thy heav'n , till we have learnt the way ! refuse to leave thy destin'd charge too soon , and for the church's good , defer thy own ! o live ! and let thy works urge our belief ! live to explain thy doctrine by thy life ; till future infancy , baptiz'd by thee , grow ripe in years , and old in piety , till christians , yet unborn , be taught to die ; then in full age , and hoary holiness retire , great teacher , to thy promis'd bliss : untoucht thy tomb , uninjur'd be thy dust , as thy own fame amongst the future just , till in last sounds the dreaded trumpet speaks , till judgment calls , and quickned nature wakes , till through the utmost earth , and deepest sea our scatter'd atoms find their hidden way , in haste to cloath their kindred souls again , perfect our state , and build immortal man : then fearless , thou , who well sustain'dst the fight , to paths of joy , and worlds of endless light , lead up all those who heard thee , and believ'd ; ' midst thy own flock , great shepherd , be receiv'd , and glad all heav'n with millions thou hast sav'd . on exodus 3. 14. i am that i am . a pindarique ode . by mr. prior . man ! foolish man ! scarce know'st thou how thy self began , scarce hast thou thought enough to prove thou art , yet steel'd with study'd boldness , thou dar'st try to send thy doubting reason's dazled eye through the mysterious gulph of vast immensity . much thou canst there discern , and much impart , vain wretch ! suppress thy knowing pride , mortifie thy learned lust ; vain are thy thoughts , whilst thou thy self art dust. wisdom her oars , and wit her sails may lend , the helm let politick experience guide , yet cease to hope , thy short-liv'd bark shall ride down spreading fate 's unnavigable tide . what tho' still it farther tend ? still 't is further from its end , and in the bosom of that boundless sea loses it self , and its increasing way . 2. with daring pride and insolent delight you boast your doubts resolv'd , your labours crown'd , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 your god , forsooth , is found incomprehensible and infinite . but is he therefore found ? vain searcher ! no : let your imperfect definition show that nothing less than nothing you the weak definer know . 3. say why shou'd the collected main it self within it self contain ? why to its caverns shou'd it sometimes creep , and with delighted silence sleep on the lov'd bosom of its parent deep ? why shou'd its numerous waters stay in comely discipline , and fair array , prepar'd to meet its high commands , and with diffus'd obedience spread their op'ning ranks o're earth's submissive head : and march through different paths to different lands ? why shou'd the constant sun with measur'd steps his radiant journeys run ? why does he order the diurnal hours to leave earth's other part , and rise in ours ? why does he wake the correspondent moon , and , filling her willing lamp with liquid light , commanding her with delegated power to beautifie the world , and bless the night ? why shou'd each animated star love the just limits of its proper sphere ? why shou'd each consenting sign with prudent harmony combine to keep in order , and gird up the regulated year ? 4. man does with dangerous curiosity these unfathom'd wonders try , with fancy'd rules and arbitrary laws , matter and motion he restrains , and studied lines and fictious circles draws ; then with imagin'd sov'raignty lord of his new hypothesis he reigns . he reigns : how long ? till some usurper rise , and he too , mighty thoughtful , mighty wise , studies new lines , new circles feigns , on t'other's ruine rears his throne , and shewing his mistakes , maintains his own . well then ! from this new toil what knowledge flows ! just as much , perhaps , as shows that former searchers were but bookish fools , their choice remarks , their darling rules , but canting error all , and jargon of the schools . 5. through the aerial seas , and watry skies , mountainous heaps of wonders rise ; whose tow'ring strength will ne're submit to reason's batteries , or the mines of wit. yet still enquiring , still mistaking man , each hour repuls'd , each hour dare onward press , and levelling at god his wandring guess , ( that feeble engine of his reasoning war , which guides his doubts , and combats his despair , ) laws to his maker the learn'd wretch can give , can bound that nature , and prescribe that will , whose pregnant word did either ocean fill , and tell us how all beings are , and how they move and live . vain man ! that pregnant word sent forth again , through either ocean , might to a world extend each atom there ; and for each drop call forth a sea , a heav'n for every star. 6. let cunning earth her fruitful wonders hide , and only lift thy staggering reason up to trembling calvary's astonish'd top ; the mock thy knowledge , and confound thy pride , by telling thee , perfection suffer'd pain , an eternal essence dy'd ; death's vanquisher by vanquish'd death was slain , the promis'd earth prophan'd with deicide . then down with all thy boasted volumes down , only reserve the sacred one ; low , reverently low , make thy stubborn knowledge bow ; weep out thy reason's , and thy body's eyes , deject thy self , that thou may'st rise ; and to see heaven be blind to all below . then faith , for reason's glimmering light , shall give her immortal perspective ; and grace's presence nature's loss retrieve : then thy enliv'ned soul shall know that all the volumes of philosophy , with all their comments , never cou'd invent so politick an instrument , so fit , as jacob's ladder was to scale the distant skie . the last parting of hector and andromache . from the sixth book of homer's iliads . translated from the original by mr. dryden . argument . hector , returning from the field of battel , to visit helen his sister-in-law , and his brother paris , who had fought unsuccessfully hand to hand , with menelaus , from thence goes to his own palace to see his wife andromache , and his infant son astyanax . the description of that interview , is the subject of this translation . thus having said , brave hector went to see his virtuous wife , the fair andromache . he found her not at home ; for she was gone ( attended by her maid and infant son , ) to climb the steepy tow'r of ilion . from whence with heavy heart she might survey the bloody business of the dreadful day . her mournful eyes she cast around the plain , and sought the lord of her desires in vain . but he , who thought his peopled palace bare , when she , his only comfort , was not there ; stood in the gate , and ask'd of ev'ry one , which way she took , and whither she was gone : if to the court , or with his mother's train , in long procession to minerva's fane ? the servants answer'd , neither to the court where priam's sons and daughters did resort , nor to the temple was she gone , to move with prayers the blew-ey'd progeny of jove ; but , more solicitous for him alone , than all their safety , to the tow'r was gone , there to survey the labours of the field ; where the greeks conquer , and the trojans yield . swiftly she pass'd , with fear and fury wild , the nurse went lagging after with the child . this heard , the noble hector made no stay ; th' admiring throng divide , to give him way : he pass'd through every street , by which he came , and at the gate he met the mournful dame. his wife beheld him , and with eager pace , flew to his arms , to meet a dear embrace : his wife , who brought in dow'r cilicia's crown ; and , in her self , a greater dow'r alone : aëtion's heyr , who on the woody plain of hippoplacus did in thebe reign . breathless she flew , with joy and passion wild , the nurse came lagging after with her child . the royal babe upon her breast was laid ; who , like the morning star , his beams display'd . scamandrius was his name which hector gave , from that fair flood which ilion's wall did lave : but him astyanax the trojans call , from his great father who defends the wall. hector beheld him with a silent smile , his tender wife stood weeping by , the while : prest in her own , his warlike hand she took , then sigh'd , and thus prophetically spoke . thy dauntless heart ( which i foresee too late , ) too daring man , will urge thee to thy fate : nor dost thou pity , with a parent 's mind , this helpless orphan whom thou leav'st behind ; nor me , th' unhappy partner of thy bed ; who must in triumph by the greeks be led : they seek thy life ; and in unequal fight , with many will oppress thy single might : better it were for miserable me to die before the fate which i foresee . for ah what comfort can the world bequeath to hector's widow , after hector's death ! eternal sorrow and perpetual tears began my youth , and will conclude my years : i have no parents , friends , nor brothers left ; by stern achilles all of life bereft . then when the walls of thebes he o'rethrew , his fatal hand my royal father slew ; he slew action , but despoil'd him not ; nor in his hate the funeral rites forgot ; arm'd as he was he sent him whole below ; and reverenc'd thus the manes of his foe : a tomb he rais'd ; the mountain nymphs around , enclos'd with planted elms the holy ground . my sev'n brave brothers in one fatal day to death's dark mansions took the mournful way : slain by the same achilles , while they keep the bellowing oxen and the bleating sheep . my mother , who the royal scepter sway'd , was captive to the cruel victor made : and hither led : but hence redeem'd with gold , her native country did again behold . and but beheld : for soon diana's dart in an unhappy chace transfix'd her heart . but thou , my hector , art thy self alone , my parents , brothers , and my lord in one : o kill not all my kindred o're again , nor tempt the dangers of the dusty plain ; but in this tow'r , for our defence , remain . thy wife and son are in thy ruin lost : this is a husband 's and a father's post. the scoean gate commands the plains below ; here marshal all thy souldiers as they go ; and hence , with other hands , repel the foe . by yon wild fig-tree lies their chief ascent , and thither all their pow'rs are daily bent : the two ajaces have i often seen , and the wrong'd husband of the spartan queen : with him his greater brother ; and with these fierce diomede and bold meriones : uncertain if by augury , or chance , but by this easie rise they all advance ; guard well that pass , secure of all beside . to whom the noble hector thus reply'd . that and the rest are in my daily care ; but shou'd i shun the dangers of the war , with scorn the trojans wou'd reward my pains , and their proud ladies with their sweeping trains . the grecian swords and lances i can bear : but loss of honour is my only fear . shall hector , born to war , his birth-right yield , belie his courage and forsake the field ? early in rugged arms i took delight ; and still have been the foremost in the fight : with dangers dearly have i bought renown , and am the champion of my father's crown . and yet my mind forebodes , with sure presage , that troy shall perish by the grecian rage . the fatal day draws on , when i must fall ; and universal ruine cover all . not troy it self , tho' built by hands divine , nor priam , nor his people , nor his line , my mother , nor my brothers of renown , whose valour yet defends th' unhappy town , not these , nor all their fates which i foresee , are half of that concern i have for thee . i see , i see thee in that fatal hour , subjected to the victor's cruel pow'r : led hence a slave to some insulting sword : forlorn and trembling at a foreign lord. a spectacle in argos , at the loom , gracing with trojan fights , a grecian room ; or from deep wells , the living stream to take , and on thy weary shoulders bring it back . while , groaning under this laborious life , they insolently call thee hector's wife . upbraid thy bondage with thy husband's name ; and from my glory propagate thy shame . this when they say , thy sorrows will encrease with anxious thoughts of former happiness ; that he is dead who cou'd thy wrongs redress . but i opprest with iron sleep before , shall hear thy unavailing cries no more . he said . then , holding forth his arms , he took his boy , ( the pledge of love , and other hope of troy ; ) the fearful infant turn'd his head away ; and on his nurse's neck reclining lay , his unknown father shunning with affright , and looking back on so uncouth a fight . daunted to see a face with steel o're-spread , and his high plume , that nodded o're his head. his sire and mother-smil'd with silent joy ; and hector hasten'd to relieve his boy ; dismiss'd his burnish'd helm , that shone afar , ( the pride of warriours , and the pomp of war : ) th' illustrious babe , thus reconcil'd , he took : hugg'd in his arms , and kiss'd , and thus he spoke . parent of gods , and men , propitious jove , and you bright synod of the pow'rs above ; on this my son your gracious gifts bestow ; grant him to live , and great in arms to grow : to reign in troy ; to govern with renown : to shield the people , and assert the crown : that , when hereafter he from war shall come , and bring his trojans peace and triumph home , some aged man , who lives this act to see , and who in former times remember'd me , may say the son in fortitude and fame out-goes the mark ; and drowns his father's name : that at these words his mother may rejoyce : and add her suffrage to the publick voice . thus having said , he first with suppliant hands the gods ador'd : then to the mother's arms the child restor'd : with tears and smiles she took her son , and press'd th' illustrious infant to her fragrant breast . he wiping her fair eyes , indulg'd her grief , and eas'd her sorrows with this last relief . my wife and mistress , drive thy fears away ; nor give so bad an omen to the day : think not it lies in any grecian's pow'r , to take my life before the fatal hour . when that arrives , nor good nor bad can fly th' irrevocable doom of destiny . return , and to divert thy thoughts at home , there task thy maids , and exercise the loom , employ'd in works that womankind become . the toils of war , and feats of chivalry belong to men , and most of all to me . at this , for new replies he did not stay , but lac'd his crested helm , and strode away : his lovely consort to her house return'd : and looking often back in silence mourn'd : home when she came , her secret woe she vents , and fills the palace with her loud laments : those loud laments her ecchoing maids restore , and hector , yet alive , as dead deplore . syphilis . written ( in latin ) by that famous poet and physician fracastorius . english'd by mr. tate . the translator to dr. tho. hobbs . accept , great son of art , this faint effect of a most active , and unfeign'd respect : numbers that yield ( alas ! ) too just survey of physick's growth and poetry's decay . that shew a generous muse impair'd by me , as much as th' author's skill's out-done by thee . this indian conqu'rer's fatal march he sung , to the same lyre his own apollo strung ; whose notes yet fail'd the monster to asswage , revenging here , invading spaniard's rage . dear was the conquest of a new found world , whose plague e're since through all the old is hurl'd . had fracastorius , who in numbers told ( numbers more rich than those new lands of gold ) this great destroyer's progress , seen this age and thy success against the tyrant's rage , bembus , had then been no immortal name , thou and thy art had challeng'd all his flame ! thou driv'st th' usurper to his last retreats , repairing as thou go'st the ruin'd seats : thus while the foe is by thy art remov'd , the holds are strengthen'd , and the soil improv'd . thy happy conquest do's at once expell th' invader's force , and inbred factions quell . thy patients and augusta's fate 's the same , to rise more fair and lasting for the flame : while meaner artists this bold task essay , i' th' little world of man they lose their way . thou know'st the secret passes to each part , and , skill'd in nature , can'st not fail in art. the life of fracastorius . fracastorius was descended from the fracastorian family of great antiquity in verona . he seemed not only to rival the fame of catullus and pliny , who had long before made that city renown'd , but to have very far exceeded all his contemporaries , for learning and poetry . his parents were paulo-philippus fracastorius , and camilla mascarellia , both of great reputation . he was so well educated by his father , that he gave early proofs of a great genius , so that in his childhood all men conceived hopes of an extraordinary man. nor was providence wanting to give him a signal testimony , forasmuch as when he was an infant in the arms of his mother , a sudden tempest arising , in which the mother was struck dead by lightning , the child received no harm . he was sent for literature while very young to padua , where even in that age with indefatigable labour , he opened his way to that height of glory which he afterwards attained : after the initiatory arts he applied himself to the secrets of distinct sciences , but infinitely delighted with the mathematicks , in all , assisted by a memory equal to his ingenuity . after several years spent in philosophical studies under the tutorship of peter pomponatius of mantua ; he devoted himself by the dictates of his genius to physick , with such resolution and success , that in the school disputations , not only his fellow students , but most experienc'd doctors , were sensible that he was designed by providence for great undertakings . accordingly they then gave him the honour of the pulpit , which had never before been permitted to any person till they had perfected their studies , and were arrived to the years of manhood . this school being dissolv'd by the breaking out of the war , while he had thoughts of returning to his countrey ( his father being then dead ) he was on honourable conditions invited by livianus , general of the venetian forces , and a noble patron of wit , to the college forojuliensis , &c. — and lodged in the same apartment of andrea naugerus and johannes cottac , two excellent poets . he had not long resided here before he published verses on every extraordinary occasion that happened , which were received with such general applause throughout italy , that their fame has to this day stifled the performances of his companions . having afterwards accompanied livianus through many wars , the general being at last overthrown and taken prisoner by the french at abdua ; he returned late into his native countrey , where in the general devastation he found his patrimony almost utterly destroyed . he marry'd , but was soon unhappy in the loss of two sons , whose untimely death he bewailed in a most passionate elegy . he was low of stature , but of good bulk , his shoulders broad , his hair black and long , his face round , his eyes black , his nose short and turning upwards by his continual contemplation of the stars , a lively air was spread over his countenance , that displayed the serenity and ingenuity of his mind . he affected a quiet and private life , as being a man free from abmitious desires ; contenting himself with a moderate fortune , and placing his happiness in improvement of his knowledge . he was cheerful though frugal at his table , having a constant regard to his health ; his wit being always the best part of his banquet . he was notwithstanding sparing in his speech , and affecting no vanity in his dress : he was never censorious of other mens performances , but always glad of an occasion to commend ; for which he was deservedly celebrated by johannes baptista in a noble epigram . he spent his time in curing the diseased , a divine power seeming always to attend his endeavours , above the sordid desire of gain , and thought himself best rewarded in the health of his patient . by these means he contracted many friendships , and had ( deservedly ) no enemy . he was not only esteemed for his skill in his own countrey , but was sought to by foreign princes in desperate sickness , for which though vast rewards were offered , he brought nothing home beside their friendship . in his leisure he diverted himself with reading history , at which time polybius , or plutarch were never out of his hands . he sometimes relieved his studies with mathematicks and musick , and made no ●mall performances in cosmography . he was much alone , yet always employed ; and though by reason of his backwardness to discourse , he seemed of a saturnine temper , yet none were more chearful and pleasant when entred into coversation . he performed wonders by his exact knowledge of herbs and simples , by searching the best books of the ancients . that most excellent antidote called diascordium , was of his preparing ; we are likewise beholding to his judgment for specifying many useful herbs , of which the ancients had left uncertain description . the age in which he lived saw nothing equal to his learning , but his honesty . in his retreat from the city , while the pestilence raged , he found leisure to compose the following poem , a work of such elegance , that sanazarius freely acknowledged it to excell his own , de partu virginis , that had cost him above twenty years labour and correction . his treatises in prose and efforts of poetry are too numerous to be recited on this occasion . in all which he affected so little vanity , that he never preserv'd a copy ; and we are beholding for what are extant , to the industry of his friends that collected them after his death . he was above 70 years old when he dyed , which was by an apoplexy that seiz'd him while he was at dinner at his countrey seat . he was sensible of his malady , though speechless , often putting his hand upon the top of his head , by which sign he would have had his servants administer a cupping-glass to the part affected , by which he had formerly cured a nun in verona , labouring under the same distemper . but his domesticks , not conceiving his meaning , apply'd first one thing and then another , till in the evening he gently expired . he was interr'd at verona : his statue , together with that of andrea naugerus , delicately cast in brass , was erected in the school of padua by johannes baptista rhamnusius . his fellow citizens of verona , not to be behind rhamnusius in respect ( two years after the erecting the brazen statue in padua ) set up his image in marble at verona , in imitation of their ancestours , who had performed the same honour to their catullus and pliny ; with laurel round their heads . to his friend , the writer of the ensuing translation . well has thy fate directed thee to chuse an author , worthy of the noblest muse : his learned pen has , what was long unknown , in roman language , like a roman shown . and thine as sweet , in british numbers taught the labours of his vast poetick thought . of earth , of seas , of putrid air he sung , to search from whence that dire contagion sprung , which now does worse than fellest plagues deface the beauteous form of god's resembling race . from the malignant influence of the skies , 't is sure the seeds of most diseases rise . but if this merciless , consuming flame , from vapours , or infectious planets came ; why rag'd it not much more in ancient times , from exhalations of impurer climes ? besides ; no settled consequence can spring from whatsoe're contingent causes bring . the raging pestilence , that long lays wast the spotted prey , devours it self at last . and sure had this been ne're so strong entail'd , the vile succession must e're now bave fail'd . blame not the stars ; 't is plain it neither fell from the distemper'd heavens , nor rose from hell. nor need we to the distant indies rome ; the curst originals are nearer home . whence should that foul infectious torment flow , but from the baneful source of all our wo ? that wheedling , charming sex , that draws us in to ev'ry punishment and ev'ry sin . while man , by heav'ns command , and nature led , through this vast globe his maker's image spread ; the godlike figure form'd in ev'ry womb prolifick stems , for ages yet to come . uncurst , because he did not vainly toil , on barren mountains , or impregnant soil ; healthful and vigorous , he , o're the face of the wide earth , dispers'd the sacred race . but now , that tribe , who all our rights invade , pervert the wise decrees which nature made . prompt to all ill , insatiately they fire at ev'ry pamper'd brutes untam'd desire : and while they prostitute themselves to more than eastern kings had concubines before ; the foul promiscuous coition breeds , like jarring elements , those pois'nous seeds , which all the dreadful host of symptoms bring ; and with one curst disease a legion spring . were the decay'd , degen'rate race of man , untainted now , as when it first began ; and there were no such tort'ring plague on earth , the first inconstant wretch wou'd give it birth . shun her , as you wou'd fly from splitting rocks ; not wolves so fatal are to tender flocks : though round the world the dire contagion flew , she 'll poison more , than e're pandora slew . a poetical history of the french disease . through what adventures this unknown disease so lately did astonisht europe seize , through asian coasts and libyan cities ran , and from what seeds the malady began , our song shall tell : to naples first it came from france , and justly took from france his name , companion of the war — the methods next of cure we shall express , the wondrous wit of mortals in distress : but when their skill too faint resistence made , we 'll shew the gods descending to their aid . to reach the secret causes we must rise above the clouds , and travell o'er the skies . the daring subject let us then pursue , transported with an argument so new , while springing groves and tunefuli birds invite , and muses that in wondrous theams delight . o bembus , ornament of italy , if yet from cares of state thou canst be free , if leo's councils yet can spare thy skill , and let the business of the world stand still ; o steal a visit to those cool retreats , the muses dearest most frequented seats ; and , gentle bembus , do not there disdain a member of the esculapian train , attempting physicks practice to rehearse , and clothing low experiments in verse . a god instructs , these mysteries of old by great apollo's self in equal streins were told . the smallest objects oft attract our eyes , but here , beneath a small appearance , lies a source , that greatest wonder will create , of nature much and very much of fate . but thou , urania , who alone canst trace first causes , measure out the starry space ; that know'st the planets number , force and use , and what effects the vari'd orbs produce : so may the sphears thy heavenly course admire , the stars with envy at thy beams retire ; as thou a while shalt condescend to dwell , with me on earth , and make this grove thy cell ; while zephyrus , can my head , with myrtle bound , and imitating rocks my song resound . say , goddess , to what cause we shall at last assign this plague , unknown to ages past ; if from the western climes 't was wafted o'er , when daring spaniards left their native shore ; resolv'd beyond th' atlantick to descry , conjectur'd worlds , or in the search to dye . for fame reports this grief perpetual there , from skies infected and polluted air : from whence 't is grown so epidemical , whole cities victims to its fury fall ; few scape , for what relief where vital breath , the gate of life , is made the road of death ? if then by traffick thence this plague was brought , how dearly dearly was that traffick bought ! this prodigy of sickness , weak at first , ( like infant tyrants and in secret nurst ) when once confirm'd , with sudden rage breaks forth and scatters dessolation through the earth . so while the shepherd travelling through the dark strikes his dim torch , some unsuspected spark falls in the stubble , where it smothers long but by degrees becomes at last so strong , that now it spreads o'er all the neighbouring soil , devours at once the plowmans hope and toil ; the sacred grove next sacrifice must be , nor jove can save his dedicated tree ; the grove foments its rage from whence it flies in curling flames and seems to fire the skies . yet observation rightly taken draws this new distemper from some newer cause ; nor reason can allow that this disease , came first by comerce from beyond the seas ; since instances in divers lands are shown , to whom all indian traffick is unknown : nor could th' infection from the western clime seize distant nations at the self same time ; and in remoter parts begin its reign , as fierce and early as it did in spain . what slaughter in our italy was made where tiber's tribute to the oceans paid ; where poe does through a hundred cities glide , and pours as many streams into the tide . all at one season , all without relief , receiv'd and languisht with the common grief . nor can th' infection first be charg'd on spain , that sought new worlds beyond the western main . since from pyrene's foot , to italy , it shed its bane on france , while spain was free . as soon the fertile rhine its fury found , and regions with eternal winter bound : nor yet did southern climes its vengeance shun , but felt a flame more scorching than the sun. the palms of ida now neglected stood , and egypt languisht while her nile o'erflow'd ; from whence 't is plain this pest must be assign'd to some more pow'rfull cause and hard to find . in all productions of wise nature's hand , whether conceiv'd in air on sea or land ; no constant method does direct her way , but various beings various laws obey ; such things as from few principles arise , in every place and season meet our eyes ; but what are fram'd of principles abstruce , such places onely and such times produce . effects of yet a more stupendious birth , and such as nature must with pangs bring forth , where violent and various seeds unite , break slowly from the bosome of the night ; long in the womb of fate the embryo's worn , whole ages pass before the monster 's born . diseases thus which various seeds compound , as various in their birth and date are found . some always seen , some long in darkness hurld , that break their chains at last to scourge the world. to which black list this plague must be assign'd , nights foulest birth and terrour of mankind . nor must we yet think this escape the first , since former ages with the like were curst . long since he scatter'd his infernal flame , and always being had , though not a name , at least what name it bore is now unfound : both names and things in times abyss lye drown'd , how vainly then do we project to keep our names remembred when our bodies sleep ? since late succession searching their descent , shall neither find our dust nor monument . yet where the western ocean finds its bound ( the world so lately by the spaniards found ) beneath this pest the wretched natives groan in every nation there and always known , such dire effects depend upon a clime , on varying skies and long revolving time : the temper of their air this plague brought forth , the soil it self dispos'd for such a birth . all things conspir'd to raise the tyrant there , but time alone cou'd fix his conquest here . if therefore more distinctly we would know each source from whence this deadly bane did flow , his progress in the earth we must survey how many cities groan beneath his sway . and when his great advancement we have trac'd , we must allow his principles as vast . that earth nor sea th' ingredients cou'd prepare and wholly must ascribe it to the air , the tyrant's seat , his magazine is there . the air that do's both earth and sea surround , as easily can earth and sea confound ; what fence for bodies when at every pore the soft invader has an open door ? what fence , where poyson's drawn with vitall breath , and father air the authour proves of death ? of subtile substance that with ease receives infection , which as easily it gives . now by what means this dire contagion first , was form'd aloft , by what ingredients nurst , our song shall tell ; and in this wondrous course , revolving times and varying planets force . first then the sun with all his train of stars , amongst our elements raise endless wars ; and when the planets from their stations range , our orb is influenc'd , and feels the change. the chiefest instance is the suns retreat , no sooner he withdraws his vital heat , but fruitless fields with snow are cover'd o'er , the pretty fountains run and talk no more . yet when his chariot to the crab returns , the air , the earth , the very ocean burns . the queen of night can boast no less a sway , at least all humid things her power obey . malignant saturn's star as much can claim , with friendly jove's , bright mars , and venus flame , and all the host of lights without a name . our elements beneath their influence lye , slaves to the very rabble of the sky . but most when many meet in one abode , or when some planet enters a new road , far distant from the course he us'd to run , some mighty work of fate is to be done . long tracts of time indeed must first be spent , before completion of the vast event ; but when the revolution once is made what mischiefs earth and sea at once invade ! poor mortals then shall all extremes sustain while heav'n dissolves in deluges of rain ; which from the mountains with impetuous course , and headlong rage , trees , rocks and towns shall force , o'er swelling ganges then shall sweep the plain , and peacefull poe outroar the stormy main . in other parts the springs as low shall lye , and nymphs with tears , exhausted streams supply . where neither drought nor deluges destroy , the winds their utmost fury shall employ ; whlie hurricans whole cities shall o'erthrow , or earthquakes gorge them in the depths below . perhaps the season shall arrive ( if fate and nature once agree upon the date ) when this most cultivated earth shall be unpeopled quite , or drench'd beneath the sea ; when ev'n the sun another course shall steer , and other seasons constitute the year : the wondring north shall see the springing vine , and moors admire at snow beneath the line . new species then of creatures shall arise a new creation nature's self surprise . then youth shall lend fresh vigour to the earth , and give a second breed of gyants birth . by whom a new assault shall be perform'd , hills heap'd on hills , and heaven once more be storm'd . since nature's then so lyable to change , why should we think this late contagion strange ; or that the planets where such mischiefs grow , should shed their poyson on the earth below ? two hundred rowling years are past away , since mars and saturn in conjunction lay . when through the east an unknown fever rag'd , of strange effects and by no arts asswag'd ; from suffocated lungs with pain they drew their breath , and bloud for spittle did ensue ; four days the wretches with this plague were griev'd , ( oh dismal sight ) and then by death reliev'd . from thence to persia the contagion came , of whom th' assyrians catch'd the spreading flame . euphrates next and tigris did complain , arabia too stil'd happy now in vain ; then phrygia mourn'd , from whence it crost the sea ( too small to quench its flame ) to italy . then from this lower orb with me remove to view the starry palaces above , through all the roads of wandring planets rove . to search in what position they have stood , and what conjectures were from them made good . to find what signs did former times direct , and what the present age is to expect : from hence perhaps we shall with ease descry the source of this stupendious malady . behold how cancer with portentous harms before heav'ns gate unfolds his threatning armes ; prodigious ills must needs from thence ensue , in which one house we may distinctly view a numerous cabal of stars conspire , to hurl at once on air their bainsull fire . all this the rev'rend artist did descry who nightly watch'd the motions of the sky , ye gods ( he cry'd ) what does your rage prepare , what unknown plague engenders in the air ? besides , i see dire wars on europe shed , ausonian fields with native gore o'erspread . thus sung the sage , and to prevent debate , in writing left the story of our fate . when any certain course of years is run e'er the next revolution be begun , heavens method is , for jove in all his state , to weigh events and to determine fate ; to search the book of destiny and show what change shall rise in heav'n or earth below . behold him then in awfull robes array'd , and calling his known counsel to his aid ; saturn and mars the thundring summons call , the crab's portentous armes unlock the hall , mark with what various meen the gods repair , first mars with sparkling eyes and flaming hair , so furious and addicted to alarms , he dreams of battels , though in venus armes . but see with what august and peacefull brow ( of gold his chariot if the fates allow ) great jove appears , who do's to all extend impartial justice , heav'n and nature's friend . old saturn last with heavy pace comes on , loath to obey the summons of his son ; oft going stopt , oft pender'd in his mind heaven's empire lost , oft to return inclin'd ; thus , much distracted , and arriving late , sits grudging down beside the chair of state. jove now unfolds what fate 's dark laws contain , which jove alone has wisedom to explain : sees ripning mischiefs ready to be hurl'd , and much condoles the suffrings of the world : unfolded views deaths adamantine gates , war , slaughters , factions and subverted states . but most astonish'd at a new disease , that must forthwith on helpless mortals seize , these secrets he unfolds , and shakes the skies : the gods condole and from the council rise . hell's agent thus no sooner quits his cage , but on the starting spheres he hurles his rage : the purer orbs disdain th' infernal foe , and shake the taint upon the air below . the grosser air receives the banefull seeds , converting to the poison which it feeds : whether the sun from earth this vapour drew , in late conjunction with his fiery crew ; or from fermenting seas by neptune sent in envy to the higher element , is hard to say ; or if more powers combin'd , sent forth this prodigy to fright mankind . the offices of nature to define , and to each cause a true effect assign , must be a task both hard and doubtfull too , since various consequences oft ensue : nor nature always to her self is true . some principles shall on the instant work , whilst others shall for tedious ages lurk : besides the power of chance shall oft prevail , on natures force , and cause events to fail . nor is the influence of maladies less various than the seeds from whence they rise . sometimes th' infected air hurts trees alone , to grass and tender flowers pernicious known . the blast sometimes destroys the furrow'd soil , with mildew'd ears not worth the reapers toil . or if some dale with grain seems more enrich'd , it moulds and rots before the sheaves are pitchd . when earth yields store , yet oft some strange disease shall fall and onely on poor cattel seize . here it shall sweep the stock , while there it sheds its fury onely on devoted heads . my own remembrance to this hour retains , an autumn drown'd with never ceasing rains : yet this malignant luxury the breed of goats alone did rue , the rest were freed . see how at break of day their number 's told , see how the keeper drives them from the fold : behold him next beneath a hanging rock , and chearing with his reed the browzing flock , while them he charms nor is himself less pleas'd , with a sharp sudden cough some darling kid is seiz'd the cough his knell , for with a giddy round he whirls , and streight falls dead upon the ground . this fever thus to goats and kids severe while autumn held , confined his vengeance there ; next spring , both lowing herd and bleating flock at once it seiz'd , spar'd none but swept the stock : with such uncertainty from tainted skies in bodies plac't on earth effects arise . since then by dear experiment we find diseases various in their rise and kind : of this contagion let us take a view , more terrible for being strange and new , that with the proudest son of slaughter vies , and claims no lower kindred than the skies ; and as he did aloft conceive his flame , the proud destroyer seeks no common game , he scorns the well finn'd sporters of the flood , he scorns the well plum'd singers of the wood ; disdains the wanton browzers of the rock , disdains the lowing herd and bleating flock ; with wolf or bear , despizes to engage , nor can the generous horse provoke his rage : the lords of nature onely he annoys , and humane frame , heav'ns images , destroys . the bloud 's black viscous parts he seizes first , by whose malignant aliments he 's nurst ; and e'er he can the fierce assault begin , factions of humours take his part within ; the strongest holds of nature thus he gains , quar'tring his cruel troops throughout the veins , while some more noble seat the tyrant's throne contains . such principles brought this distemper forth , such aliments maintain'd the dreadfull birth . his certain signs and symptoms to rehearse , is the next taske of our instructing verse . o , may it prove of such a lasting date , to conquer time , and triumph over fate . apollo's self inspires the usefull song , and all that to apollo do's belong , like him , should ever , live and be for ever young . how shall posterity admire our skill , taught by our muse to know the lurking ill , and when his dreadfull visage they behold , cry , this is the disease whose signs of old th'inspir'd physician in bright numbers told . for thô th' infernal pest should quit the earth , absconding in the hell , that gave it birth ; yet after lazy revolutions past the unsuspected prodigy at last , shall from the womb of night once more be hurl'd , t' infect the skies , and to amaze the world. what therefore seems most wondrous in his course is that he should so long conceal his force ; for when the foe his secret way has made , and in our intrails strong detachments laid ; yet oft the moon four monthly rounds shall steer before convincing symptoms shall appear ; so long the malady shall lurk within , and grow confirm'd before the danger 's seen ; yet with disturbance to the wretch diseas'd , who with unwonted heaviness is seiz'd , with drooping spirits , his affairs persues , and all his limbs their offices refuse , the chearfull glories of his eyes decay , and from his cheeks the roses fade away , a leaden hue o'er all his face is spread , and greater weights depress his drooping head ; till by degrees the secret parts shall show , by open proofs the undermining foe ; who now his dreadfull ensigns shall display , devour , and harass in the sight of day . again , when chearfull light has left the skies , and night's ungratefull shades and vapors rise ; when nature to our spirits sounds retreat , and to the vitals calls her stragling heat ; when th'out works are no more of warmth possest , bloudless , and with a load of humours prest ; when ev'ry kind relief's retir'd within , 't is then the execrable pains begin ; armes , shoulders , legs , with restless arches vext , and with convulsions ev'ry nerve perplext ; for when through all our veins th' infection 's spread , and by what e'er should feed the body fed ; when nature strives the vitals to defend , and all destructive humours outward send : these being viscous , gross and loath to start , in its dull march shall torture ev'ry part ; whence to the bloudless nerves dire pains ensue , at once contracted , and extended too ; the thinner parts will yet not stick so fast , but to the surface of the skin are cast , which in foul botches o'er the body spread , prophane the bosome , and deform the head : here puscles in the form of achorns swell'd , in form alone , for these with stench are fill'd , whose ripness is corruption , that in time , disdain confinement , and discharge the slime ; yet oft the foe would turn his forces back , the brawn and inmost muscles to attack , and pierce so deep , that the bare bones have been betwixt the dreadfull fleshy breaches seen ; when on the vocal parts his rage was spent , imperfect sounds , for tunefull speech was sent . as on a springing plant , you have beheld the juice that through the tender bark has swell'd , that from the sap's more viscous part did come , till by the sun condens'd into a gumm : so when this bane is once receiv'd within , with such eruptions he shall force the skin ; and when the humour for a time has flow'd , grow fixt at last , and harden to a node . hence some young swain , as on the rocks he stood , to view his picture in the crystal flood , and finding there his lovely cheeks deform'd , against the stars , against the gods he storm'd : mean while the sable wings of night are spread , and balmy sleep on ev'ry creature shed . these wretches onely no repose could take , by this tormenting fiend still kept awake ; impatient till the morn restor'd the light , then curst her beams , and wish'd again for night . ceres in vain her blessings did afford , in vain the flowing goblet crown'd the board ; no comfort they in large possessions had , of farms , or towns , but e'en in banquets sad : in vain the streams , and meads they did frequent , the dismal thought persu'd wheree'er they went ; and when for prospect they would climb the hill , the dire remembrance hagg'd their fancy still : in vain the gods themselves they did invoke , adorn'd their shrines , and made their altars smoak : they brib'd and pray'd , yet still reliefless lay , their offer'd gumms consum'd less fast than they . shall i relate what i my self beheld , where ollius stream with gentle plenty swell'd ? in those fair meads where ollius cuts his way , a youth of godlike form i did survey , by all the world besides unparallel'd , and ev'n in italy by none excell'd ; first signs of manhood on his cheeks were shown , a tender harvest , and but thinly sown , besides those charms that did his person grace , descended from a rich and noble race : what transport in spectatours did he breed , mounted , and managing the fiery steed , what joy at once , and terrour did we feel , when he prepar'd for field , and shone in steel ? of equal strength and skill for exercise , all conflicts try'd , but never lost a prize ; oft in the chase his courser he 'd forgo , trust his own feet , and turn the swiftest roe . for him each nymph , for him each goddess strove , of hill , of plain , of meadow , stream and grove ; nor can we doubt that in this numerous train , some one ( neglected ) did to heaven complain who though in vain she lov'd , yet did not curse in vain ; for whilst the youth did to his strength confide , and nerves in ev'ry task of hardship try'd . this finish'd piece , this celebrated frame , the mansion of a loath'd disease became : but of such banefull , and malignant kind , as ages past ne'er knew , and future ne'er shall find . now might you see his spring of youth decay , the verdure dye , the blossoms fall away ; the foul infection o'er his body spread , prophanes his bosome , and deforms his head ; his wretched limbs with filth and stench o'er flow , while flesh divides , and shews the bones below . dire ulcers ( can the gods permit them ) prey on his fair eye-balls , and devour their day , whilst the neat pyramid below , falls moulding quite away . him neighbouring alps bewail'd with constant dew ollius ; no more his wonted passage knew , hills , valleys , rocks , streams , groves , his fate bemoan'd , sebinus lake from deepest caverns groan'd . from hence malitious saturn's force is known , from whose malignantorbthisplague was thrown , to whom more cruel mars assistence lent , and club'd his influence to the dire event : nor could the malice of the stars suffice , to make such execrable mischief rise ; for certainly e'er this disease began , through hells dark courts the cursing furies ran , where to astonisht ghosts they did relate , in dreadfull songs , the burthen of our fate ; the stygian pool did to the bottome rake , and from its dregs the curst ingredients take , which scatter'd since through europe wide and far , bred pestilence , and more consuming war. ye deities who once our guardians were , who made th' ausonian fields your special care , and thou o saturn , father of our breed , from whence do's this unwonted rage proceed against thy ancient seats ? has fate 's dark store a plague yet left , which we have not sustain'd ev'n to extremity ? first let parthenope her griefs declare , her kings destroy'd her temples sack't in war. who can the slaughter of that day recite , when hand to hand we joyn'd the gauls in fight , when tarrus brook was so o'er-swell'd with bloud men , horses , arms , rowl'd down th' impetuous flood ? eridanus in wandring banks receives the purple stream , and for our fate with brother tarrus grieves . to what estate , o wretched italy has civil strife reduc'd , and mouldr'd thee ! where now are all thy ancient glories hurl'd ? where is thy boasted empire of the world ? what nook in thee from barb'rous rage is freed , and has not seen her captive children bleed ? that was not first to savage arms a prey , and do's not yet more savage laws obey ? answer ye hills where peacefull clusters grew , and never till this hour disturbance knew , calm as the flood which at your feet ye view ; calm as erethenus who on each side , beholds your vines , and ravisht with their pride , moves slowly with his tribute to the tide . o italy , our ancient happy seat , glory of nations , and the gods retreat , whose fruitfull fields for peopled towns provide , where athesis , and smooth benacus glide , what words have force , thy sufferings to relate , thy servile yoke , and ignominious fate . now dive , benacus , thy fam'd course give o'er and lead thy streams through laurel-banks no more . yet , when our mis'ries thus were at their height , as if our sorrows still had wanted weight , as if our former plagues had been too small , we saw our hope , minerva's darling fall , thy funeral , marcus , we did then survey snatcht from the muses armes before thy day , benacus banks at thy interment groan'd , and neighbouring athesis thy fate bemoan'd ; where by the moon 's pale beams , catullus came , and nightly still was heard to sound thy name , his songs once more his native seats inspire , the groves were charm'd , and knew their master's lyre . ' i was now the galls began their fierce alarms , and crusht liguria with victorious arms , while other provinces as fast expire by caesar's sword , and more destructive fire ; no latian seat was free from slaughter found , but all alike with tears and bloud were drown'd . now for our second task , and what relief our age has found against this raging grief , the methods now of cure we will express , the wondrous wit of mortals in distress . astonisht long they lay , no remedy at first they knew , nor courage had to try , but learnt by slow experience to appease , to check , and last to vanquish the disease . yet after all our study we must own some secrets were by revelation known : for though the stars in dark cabals combin'd , and for our ruine with the furies join'd , yet were we not to last destruction left , nor of the gods protection quite berest . if strange and dreadfull maladies have reign'd , if wars , dire massacres we have sustain'd , if flames have laid our fields and cities waste , our temples too in common rubbish cast ; if swelling streams no more in banks were kept , but men , herds , houses with theflood were swept ; if few surviv'd these plagues , and famine slew , the greater part of that surviving few . yet of such great adventures we are proud , as fate had to no former age allow'd . for , what no mortals ever dar'd before , we have the ocean stemm'd from sight of shore ; nor was 't enough , by atlas farthest bound , that we the fair hesperian gardens found , that we t' arabia a new passage sought , while ships for camels the rich lading brought : to th' outmost east , we since a voiage made , and in the rising sun our sails display'd , beyond the ind large tracts of land did find , and left the world's reputed bounds behind , to pass the world 's reputed bounds was small performances , of greater glory call our fam'd adventures on the western shore , discovering stars , and worlds unknown before ; but waving these , our age has yet beheld an inspir'd poet , and by none excell'd , parthenope extoll'd the songs he made , sebethe's god , and virgil's sacred shade , from gardens to the stars his muse would rise , and made the earth acquainted with the skies . his name might well the ages pride sustain , but many more exalted souls remain ; who , when expir'd , and envy with them dead to equal the best ancients shall be said : but , bembus , while this list we do unfold , in which heav'ns blessings on the age are told , leo , the most illustrious place do's claim , the great restorer of the roman name ; by whose mild aspects , and auspicious fire , malignant planets to their cells retire . jove's friendly star once more is seen to rise and scatters healing lustre through the skies , he , onely he , our losses could repair , and call the muses to their native air , restore the ancient laws of right and just , polish religion , from barbarian rust. for heav'n , and rome engag'd in fierce alarms , with pious vengeance , and with sacred arms , whose terrour to euphrates banks was spread , while nile retir'd t' his undiscover'd head , and frighted doris div'd into hisoozy bed. while some more able muse shall fing his name , in numbers equal to his deeds and fame . while bembus thou shalt this great theme rehearse , and weave his praises in eternal verse , let me , in what i have propos'd , proceed with subject suted to my slender reed . first , then your patient's constitution learn , and well the temper of his bloud discern , if that be pure , with so much greater ease you will engage , and vanquish the disease , whose venome , where black choler choaks the veins , takes firmer hold , and will exact more pains more violent assaults you there must make , and on the batter'd frame no pity take . who e'er can soon discern the lurking grief , with far less labour may expect relief ; but when the foe has deeper inroads made , and gain'd the factious humours to his aid , what toil , what conflicts must be first sustain'd before he 's dispossest , and health regain'd ; therefore with care his first approaches find , and hoard these usefull precepts in thy mind . from noxious winds preserve your self with care , and such are all that from the south repair of fens and lakes , avoid th'unwholsome air. to open fields and sunny mountains fly where zephyr fans , and boreas sweeps the sky : nor must you there indulge repose , but stray , and in continu'd actions spend the day ; with ev'ry beast of prey loud warproclaim , and make the grizly boar your constant game , nor yet amongst these great attempts disdain , to rouse the stag , and force him to the plain . some i have known to th'chase so much inclin'd , that in the woods they left their grief behind , nor yet think fcorn the sordid plow to guide , or with the pondrous rake the clods divide , with heavy ax , and many weary blow , the towring pine , and spreading oak o'erthrow ; the very house yields exercise , the hall has room for fencing , and the bounding ball. rouze , rouze , shake off your fond desire of ease , for sleep foments and feeds the foul disease , 't is then th'invader do's the vitals seize . but chiefly from thy thoughts all sorrows drive . nor with minerva's knotty precepts strive , with lighter labours of the muses sport , and seek the plains where swains and nymphs resort . abstain however from the act of love , for nothing can so much destructive prove : bright venus hates polluted mysteries , and ev'ry nymph from foul embraces flies . dire practice ! poison with delight to bring , and with the lovers dart , the serpent's sting . a proper diet you must next prepare , than which there 's nothing more requires your care ; all food that from the fens is brought resuse , whate'er the standing lakes or seas produce , nor must long custome pass for an excuse ; therefore from fish in general i dissuade , all these are of a washy substance made , which though the luscious palate they content , convert to humours more than nourishment ; ev'n giltheads , though most tempting to the sight , and sharp-fin'd perch that in the rocks delight . all sorts of fowl that on the water prey , by the same rule i 'd have remov'd away , forbear the drake , and leave rome's ancient friend the capitol and city to defend . no less the bustard's luscious flesh decline , forbear the back and entrails of the swine , nor with the hunted boar thy hunger stay , enjoy the sport , but still forbear the prey . i hold nor cucumber nor mushroms good , and artichoke is too salacious food : nor yet the use of milk would i enjoin , much less of vinegar or eager wine , such as from rhaetia comes , and from the rhine ; the sabine vintage is of safer use , which mellow and well-water'd fields produce : but if your banquets with the gods you 'd make of herbs and roots the unbought dainties take ; be fure that mint and endive still abound , and sowthistle , with leaves in winter crown'd . and sian by clear fountains always found ; to these add calamint , and savery burrage and balm , whose mingled sweets agree , rochet and sorrel i as much approve : the climbing hop grows wild in ev'ry grove , take thence the infant buds , and with them join the curling tendrells of the springing vine , whose armes have yet no friendly shade allow'd , nor with the weight of juicy clusters bow'd . particulars were endless to rehearse , and weightier subjects now demand our verse . we 'll draw the muses from aonian hills , to natures garden , groves and humble rills , where if no laurels spring , or if i find that those are all for conquerours design'd ; with oaken leaves at least i 'll bind my brow , for millions sav'd you must that grace allow . at first approach of spring , i would advise , or ev'n in autumn months if strength suffice , to bleed your patient in the regal vein , and by degrees th' infected current drein : but in all seasons fail not to expell , and purge the noxious humours from their cell ; but fit ingredients you must first collect , and then their different qualities respect , make firm the liquid and the gross dissect . take , therefore , care to gather , in their prime , the sweet corycian and pamphilian tyme , these you must boil , together with the rest in this ensuing catalogue exprest ; fennell and hop that close embraces weaves , parsley and fumitory's bitter leaves ; wild fern on ev'ry down and heath you 'll meet with leaves resembling polypus's shagg'd feet , and mayden-hair , of virtue strange , but true for dipt in fountains , it reteins no dew : hart's-tongue and citarch must be added too . the greater part , and with success more sure , by mercury perform the happy cure ; a wondrous virtue in that mineral lies , whether by force of various qualities of cold and heat , it flies into the veins , and with a fiercer fire their flame restrains , conqu'ring the raging humours in their seat , as glowing steel exceeds the forge's heat , or whether his keen particles ( combin'd with strange connexion ) when th' are once disjoin'd , disperse , all quarters of the foe to seize , and burn the very seeds of the disease ; or whether 't is with some more hidden force endow'd by nature to perform its course , is hard to say , but though the gods conceal the virtual cause , they did its use reveal . now by what means 't was found our song shall shew , nor may we let heav'ns gifts in silence go . in syrian vales where groves of osier grow , and where callirrhoe's sacred fountains flow . ilceus the huntsman , who with zeal ador'd the rural gods , with gifts their altars stor'd ; was yet afflicted with this restless grief , and , if tradition may obtain belief , as he was watering there each spicy bed , thus to entreat the sylvan pow'rs , is said . you deities by me ador'd , and thou , callirrhoe , who do'st relief allow 'gainst all diseases , as i slew for . thee the stag , and fix'd his head upon a tree ; a tree that do's with lesser branches spread , than those that join to that most horrid head : you sacred pow'rs if you 'll remove away this plague that racks my frame all night and day , i , all the mingled glories of the spring , lilies and violets to your seats will bring , with daffadills first budding roses weave , and on your shrines the fragrant garland leave . he said , and down upon the herbage lay , tir'd with the raging pain , and raging day . callirrhoe ( bathing in the neighbouring well , with musk that grew in plenty round the cell ) heard the youth's pray'r and streight in soft repose , th'indulgent nymph his heavy eyes did close , then to his fancy , from her sacred streams , appear'd and charm'd him with prophetick dreams . ilceus ( said she ) my servant , and my care , the gods at last have hearken'd to thy pray'r ; yet , on the earth , as far as sol can spy , for thy disease remains no remedy . cynthia and phoebus too at her request , into thy tortur'd veins have sent this pest , the stag to her was sacred which you slew , and this the punishment that did ensue , for which the earth , as far as sol can see , the spacious earth , affords no remedy : then since her surface no relief canlend , to her dark entrails for thy cure descend ; a cave there is its self an awfull shade , but by jove's spreading tree more dreadfull made , where mingling cedars wanton with the air , thither at first approach of day repair ; a jet-black ram before the entrance slay , and cry , these rites great ops to thee i pay . the lesser pow'rs , pale ghosts and nymphs of night , the smoak of yew and cypress shall invite ; these nymphs shall at the outmost entrance stay , and through the dark retreats conduct thy way . rise , rise , nor think all this an idle dream , for know i am the goddess of this stream . this for thy pious homage to my cell — so spake the nymph , and div'd into the well . the youth starts up astonish'd , but restor'd , with gratefull pray'rs th'obliging nymph ador'd : thy voice , bright goddess , i 'll with speed obey , o still assist and bless me on my way . with the next dawn the sacred cave he found , with spreading oaks and towring cedars crown'd ; a jet-black ram did at the entrance slay , and cry'd these rites , great ops , to thee i pay : the lesser pow'rs , pale ghosts and nymphs of night , the smoak of yew and cypress did invite . his voice resounding through the hollow seats , disturb'd the nymphs within their deep retreats . those nymphs that toil in metals underground , gave o'er their work at th' unexpected sound ; some quicksilver and sulphur others brought , from which calcin'd , the golden oar was wrought ; of pure aetherial light a hundred beams , of subterranean fire a hundred streams , with various seeds of earth and sea they joyn'd , for humane eyes too subtle and refin'd . but lipare who forms the richer oar , and to the furnace brings the sulph'rous store , to ilceus through the dark recesses broke , and in these words the trembling youth bespoke . ilceus ( for i have heard your name and grief ) callirrhoe sends you hither for relief ; nor has the goddess counsell'd you in vain , these cells afford a med'cine for your pain ; take courage therefore , and the charge obey , she said , and through the cavern leads the way he follows wondring at the dark aboads , the spacious voids and subterranean roads ; astonisht there to see those rivers move , which he observ'd to lose themselves above : each cave , cry'd lipare , some pow'r contains , i' th lowest mansion proserpine remains ; the middle regions pluto's treasure hold , and nymphs that work in silver , brass and gold , of which rich train am i , whose veins extend , and to callirrhoe's stream the smoaking sulphur send . thus through the realms of night they took their way , and heard from far the forge and furnace play . these ( said the nymph ) the beds of metals are , that give you wretched mortals so much care. by thousand nymphs of earth and night enjoy'd , who yet in various tasks are all employ'd . some turn the current , some the seeds dissect of earth and sea , which some again collect , that , mixt with lightning , make the golden oar , while others quench in streams the shining store . not far from hence the cyclop's cave is found , see how it glows , hark how their anvils sound . but here turn off , and take the right-hand way , this path do's to that sacred stream convey , in which thy onely hope remains : she said , and under golden roofs her patient led , hard by , the lakes of liquid silver slow'd , which to the wondring youth the goddess show'd ; thrice washt in these ( said she ) thy pains shall end , and all the stench into the stream descend . thrice with her virgin hands the goddess threw on all his suffering limbs the healing dew : he , at the falling filth admiring stood , and scarce believ'd for joy , the virtue of the flood . when therefore you return to open day , with sacrifice diana's rage allay , and homage to the fountain's goddess pay . thus spake the nymph , and through the realms of night , restor'd the gratefull youth to open light. this strange invention soon obtain'd belief , and flying fame divulg'd the sure relief . but first experiments did onely joyn , and for a vehicle use lard of swine : larch-gum and turpentine were added next , that wrought more safe and less the patient vext ; horse-grease and bears with them they did compound , bdellium and gum of cedar usefull found ; then myrrh , and frankincense were us'd by some , with living sulphur and arabian gum ; but if black helebore be added too , with rain-bow flowers your method i allow ; benzoin and galbanum i next require , lint-oil , and sulphur's e'er it feels the fire . with these ingredients mix'd , you must not fear your suffering limbs and body to besmear , nor let the foulness of the course displease , obscene indeed , but less than your disease : yet when you do anoint , take special care that both your head and tender breast you spare this done , wrapt close and swath'd , repair to bed , and there let such thick cov'rings be o'e-rspred , till streams of sweat from ev'ry pore you force : for twice five days you must repeat this course ; severe indeed but you your fate must bear , and signs of coming health will streight appear . the mass of humours now dissolv'd within , to purge themselves by spittle shall begin , till you with wonder at your feet shall see , a tide of filth , and bless the remedy . for ulcers that shall then the mouth offend , boil flowers that privet and pomgranets send . now , onely now , i would forbid the use of generous wine that noble soils produce ; all sorts without distinction you must fly , the sparkling bowl with all its charms deny . rise , now victorious , health is now at hand , one labour more is all i shall command , easie and pleasant ; you must last prepare your bath , with rosemary and lavander , vervain and yarrow too must both be there ; 'mongst these your steeping body you must lay , to chear you , and to wash all dreggs away . but now the verdant blessings that belong to new discover'd worlds demand our song . beyond herculean bounds the ocean roars with loud applause to those far distant shoars . the sacred tree must next our muse employ , that onely could this raging plague destroy ; just praise ( urania ) to this plant allow , and with its happy leaves upon thy brow , through all our latian cities take thy way , and to admiring croud the healing boughs display ; e'en i may self shall prize my streins the more , for blessings never seen nor sung before . perhaps some more exalted poet ( warm'd , for martial streins ) with this new subject charm'd shall quit the noble business of the field , bequeath to rust the sword and polisht shield , leave wrangling heroes that o'ercome or dye , both shrouded in the same obscurity ; pass o'er the harast soil and bloudy stream , to prosecute this more delightfull theme ; to tell how first auspicious navies made more bold attempts , and th' ocean's bounds essay'd ; to sing vast tracts of land beyond the main , by former ages guess'd , and wisht in vain , strange regions , floods and cities to rehearse , and with true prodigies adorn their verse ; new lands , new seas , and still new lands to spy , another heaven , and other stars descry . when this is done resume their martial strein , and crown our conquests in each savage plain , that ev'n from vanquishment advantage draws , enrich'd with european arts and laws , shall sing ( what future ages will confound ) how earth and sea one vessel did surround . thrice happy to bard whom indulgent heav'n , a soul capacious of this work has giv'n . my weaker muse shall think her office done , of all these wonders to record but one : one single plant which these glad lands produce to specifie and shew it's sov'reign use , by what adventures found , and wasted o'er from unknown worlds to europe's wondring shore . far westward hence where th' ocean seems to boil beneath fierce cancer , lies a spacious isle , descry'd by spaniards roving on the main , and justly honour'd with the name of spain . fertile in gold but far more blest to be , the garden of this consecrated tree : its trunk erect , but on his top is seen , a spreading grove with branches ever green ; upon his boughs a little nut is found , but poignant and with leaves encompass'd round ; the stubborn substance toothless makes the saw , and scarcely from the axe receives a flaw ; dissected , various colours meet your view , the outward bark is of the laurel hue ; the next like box , the parts more inwards set , of dusky grain but not so dark as jet ; if to these mixtures you will add the red , all colours of the gaudy bow are spread . this plant the natives conscious of its use adore , and with religious care produce ; on ev'ry hill , in ev'ry vale 't is found , and held the greatest blessing of the ground against this pest that always rages there , from skies infected and polluted air : the outward bark as useless they refuse , but with their utmost force the timber bruise , or break in splinters , which they steep a while in fountains , and when soak'd , in vessels boil , regardless how too fierce a fire may make the juice run o'er , whose healing froth they take , with which they bath their limbs where pustles breed , and heal the breaches where dire ulcers feed . half boil'd away the remnant they retain , and adding hony boil the chips again : to use no other liquor when they dine , their countries law , and greater priest enjoyn : the first decoction with the rising light they drink , and once again at fall of night ; this course they strictly hold when once begun , till cynthia has her monthly progress run , hous'd all the while where no offensive wind , nor the least breath of air can entrance find . but who will yield us credit to proceed , and tell how wondrous slenderly they feed ; just so much food as can bare life preserve , and to its joint connect each seeble nerve : yet let not this strange abstinence deter , and make you think the method too severe . this drink it self will wasted strength repair , for nectar and ambrosia too are there ; all offices of nature it maintains , the heart refreshes , and recruits the veins . when the draught's tane , for two hours and no more the patient on his couch is cover'd o'er ; for by this means the liquor with more ease , expells in streams of sweat the foul disease . all parts ( o prodigy ! ) grow found within , nor any filth remains upon the skin ; fresh youth in ev'ry limb , fresh vigour's found , and now the moon has run her monthly round . what god did first the wondrous use display , of this blest plant , what chance did first convey our european fleet to that rich shore , that for their toil so rich a traffique bore , our song shall now unfold ; a navy bound for no known port nor yet discover'd ground , resolv'd the secrets of the main to find , and now they leave their native shore behind , clap on more sail and skudd before the wind. thus on the spreading ocean they did stray , for many weeks uncertain of their way : the thronging sea-nymphs wondring at the pride , of each tall ship appear above the tide , and with proportion'd speed around them glide , charm'd with each painted stern and golden prow , with each gay streamer , striving as they go to catch their pictures in the flood below . 't was night , but cynthia did such beams display . so strong as more than half restor'd the day . when the bold leader of this roving train , ( the bravest youth that ever stemm'd the main ; ) as on the decks he lay with anxious care , and watchfull o'er his charge , conceiv'd this pray'r ; bright goddess of the night ( said he ) whose sway , all humid things and these vast seas obey ; twice have we seen thy infant crescents spring , and twice united in a glorious ring , since first this fleet commenc'd her restless toil , nor yet have gain'd the sight of any soil . o virgin star , of nightly planets chief , vouchsafe your weary wanderers relief ; let some fair continent at last arise , or some less distant isle salute our eyes ; at least some rock with one small rill and port , for these o'er-labour'd boats and youths support . the goddess heard not this address in vain , but leaves to her nocturnal steeds the rein , and like a sea-nymph floats upon the main : so well disguis'd that clotho's self might be deceiv'd , and take her for cymothoe ; with such a meen she cut the yielding tide , and in these words bespoke the wandring guide ; take courage , for the next approaching day , shall see these ships safe riding in the bay ; but stay not long where first your anchors fall , the fates to yet more distant regions call ; find ophyre high-seated in the main ; those seats for you the destinies ordain . she said , and pusht the keel ; a brisker gale forthwith descends and pregnates ev'ry sail : now from the east the sun invites their eyes , as fast they westward see the mountains rise like clouds at first , but as they nearer drew , rocks , groves and springs were open'd to their view ; high on the decks the joyfull sailers stand , and thrice with shouts salute th' expected land. then safely anchor'd in the promis'd bay , first to the gods their just devotion pay . four days , no more , are spent upon this soil , to fit their shatter'd ships for farther toil , each hand once more is to his charge assign'd , all take advantage of the friendly wind ; a swift and steddy course they now maintain , and leave anthylia floating on the main : with hagia's coast , and tall ammeria's isle , the cannibals most execrable soil , o'er all the deep they now see turrets rise , and islands without number meet their eyes ; 'mongst these they singled one from whence they hear'd streams fall , while spreading groves aloft appear'd , charm'd with these objects there they put to shore , where first the islands genius they adore , then spread their banquet on the verdant ground , whilst bowls of sparkling wine go nimbly round ; refresht , they separate , someto descry the country , others more o'er-joy'd to spye beneath the flood pure gold lye mixt with sand , and seize the shining oar with greedy hand . at length a flock of painted birds they view , with azure plumes and beaks of coral-hue , which fearless through the glades did seem to rove , and percht securely in their native grove ; the youths to temper'd engins have recourse that imitate the thunders dreadfull force , vulcan's invention while with wondrous art , he did to men the arms of jove impart ; each takes his stand and singles out his mark , the dire ingredients with a sudden spark enflam'd , discharge with rage the whizzing ball , the unsuspecting birds by hundreds fall ; the air with smoak and fire is cover'd round , the groves and rocks astonisht with the sound , and shaking sands beneath the seas rebound . the remnant of the flock with terrour fly to rocks whose turrets seem'd to pierce the sky ; from whence with humane voice ( o dire portent ! ) one of this feather'd tribe these numbers sent . you who have sacrilegioufly assay'd , the sun'slov'd birds , and impious slaughter made , hear what th' enrag'd avenging god prepares , and in prophetick sounds by me declares . know , you at last have reacht your promis'd soil , for this is ophyre's long expected isle , but destin'd empire shall not yet obtain of provinces beyond the western main , the natives of long liberty deprive , found cities , and a new religion give , till toils by earth and sea are undergone , and many dreadfull battels lost and won ; for , most shall leave your trunks on foreign land , few shatter'd ships shall reach your native sand ; in vain shall some sail back again to find , their wretched comrades whom they left behind ; whose bones of flesh devested shall be found , for cyclops too in these dire coasts abound : your foes o'er-come , your fleet in civil rage shall disagree , and ship with ship engage . nor end your sufferings here , a strange disease , and most obscene shall on your bodies seize ; in this distress your errour you shall mourn , and to these injur'd groves for cure return ; this dreadfull doom the feather'd prophet spoke , and sculkt within the covert of the rock . astonisht with the unexpected sound , th' offending men fell prostrate on the ground ; forgiveness from the sacred flock to gain , but chiefly phoebus pardon to obtain . the guardians of the grove to reconcile , and once more hail the fair ophyrian isle . these rites perform'd , returning on their way , a race with humane shape they did survey , but black as jet , who sally'd from the wood , and made the vale more dark in which they stood ; no garment o'er their breasts or shoulders spread , and wreaths of peacefull olive on their head ; unarm'd , yet more with wonder struck than fear , they view'd the strangers , and approach'd more near ; astonisht at their glittering arms , but more at each proud vessel lodg'd upon the shore , the flags and streamers sporting with the wind , and thought their owners more than humane kind , some gods or heroes to the gods ally'd , and more than mortal reverence apply'd ; but to our chief their first respect they paid , and cheap , but yet most royal presents made , rich golden oar , of use and worth unknown , and onely priz'd by them because it shone , with which the blessings of their fields were born , ripe blushing fruits and pondrous ears of corn ; unpolisht but capacious vessels fill'd with hony from each fragrant tree distill'd , which did from heaven in nightly dew arrive , without the tedious labours of the hive . with them our garments like reception found , and now the tribes sate mingled on the ground , with indian food and spanish vintage crown'd : who can express the savages delight , as if the gods some mortal shou'd invite to heavenly courts , and with the nectar-bowl into a deity exalt his ravisht soul. by chance the solemn day was drawing near , the greatest festival of all the year ; and to the sun their greatest god belong'd , to which from ev'ry part the natives throng'd , with whom their neighbours of hesperia met ; and now within the sacred vale were set each sex , and all degrees of age were seen , but plac'd without distinction on the green ; yet from the infant to the grizled head , a cloud of grief o'er ev'ry face was spread , all languish'd with the same obscene disease , and years , not strength distinguisht the degrees ; dire flames upon their vitals fed within , while sores and crusted filth prophan'd their skin . at last the priest in snowy robes array'd , the boughs of healing guiacum display'd , which ( dipt in living streams ) he shook around to purge , for holy rites the tainted ground . an heifer then before the altar slew , a swain stood near on whom the bloud he threw ; then to the sun began his mystick song , and streight was seconded by all the throng . both swine and heifers now by thousands bleed , and natives on their roasted entrails feed . our train with wonder saw these rites , but more astonisht at the plague unseen before : mean while our leader in his carefull breast , form'd sad conjectures of this dreadfull pest , this , this said he ( the gods avert our fate ) is that dire curse which phoebus did relate ; the birds prodigious song i now recall , the strange disease that on our troops shou'd fall . as therefore from the altar they retir'd , our gen'ral of the native prince enquir'd , to what dread power these off'rings did belong ? what meant that languishing infected throng ? and why the shepherd by the altar stood ? and wherefore sprinkled with the gushing bloud ? to which the island monarch , noble guest , with annual zeal these off'rings are addrest , to phoebus enrag'd deity assign'd , and by our ancestours of old enjoin'd ; but if a foreign nations toils to learn , and less refin'd be worth your least concern , if you have any sense of strangers fate , from its first source the story i 'll relate : perhaps you may have heard of atlas name , from whom in long descent great nations came ; from him we sprang , and once a happy race , belov'd of heav'n while piety had place , while to the gods our ancestours did pray , and gratefull off'rings on their altars lay . but when the powers to be despis'd began , when to leud luxury our nation ran ; who can express the mis'ries that ensu'd , and plagues with each returning day renew'd ? then fair atlantia once an isle of fame ; ( that from the mighty atlas took its name , who there had govern'd long with upright sway ) was gorg'd intire , and swallowed by the sea. with which our flocks and herds were wholly drown'd , not one preserv'd or ever after found . since when outlandish cattle here are slain , and bulls of foreign breed our altars stain ; in that dire season this disease was bred , that thus o'er all our tortur'd limbs is spread : most universal from it birth it grew , and none have since escap'd or very few ; sent from above to scourge that vicious age , and chiefly by incens'd apollo's rage , for which these annual rites were first ordain'd , whereof this firm tradition is retain'd . a shepherd once ( distrust not ancient fame ) possest these downs , and syphilus his name . a thousand heifers in these vales he fed , a thousand ews to those fair rivers led : for king alcithous he rais'd this stock , and shaded in the covert of a rock , for now 't was solstice , and the syrian star increast the heat and shot his beams afar ; the fields were burnt to ashes , and the swain repair'd for shade to thickest woods in vain , no wind to fan the scorching air was found , no nightly dew refresht the thirsty ground : this drought our syphilus beheld with pain , nor could the suff'rings of his flock sustain , but to the noon-day sun with up-cast eyes , in rage threw these reproaching blasphemies , is it for this o sol , that thou art styl'd our god and parent ? how are we beguil'd dull bigots to pay hom'age to thy name ? and with rich spices feed thy altar's flame : why do we yearly rites for thee prepare , who tak'st of our affairs so little care ? at least thou might'st between the rabble kine distinguish , and these royal herds of mine . these to the great alcithous belong , nor ought to perish with the vulgar throng . or shall i rather think your deity with envious eyes our thriving stock did see ? i grant you had sufficient cause indeed , a thousand heifers of the snowy breed , a thousand ews of mine these downs didfeed ; whilst one etherial bull was all your stock , one ram , and to preserve this mighty flock , you must forsooth your syrian dog maintain , why do i worship then a pow'r so vain ? henceforth i to alcithous will bring my off'rings and adore my greater king , who do's such spacious tracts of land possess , and whose vast pow'r the conquer'd seas confess . him i 'll invoke my suff'rings to redress . hee 'll streight command the cooling winds to blow , refreshing show'rs on trees and herbs bestow , nor suffer thirst , both flock and swain to kill : he said , and forth with on a neighbouring hill erects an altar to his monarch's name , the swains from far bring incense to the flame ; at length to greater victims they proceed , till swine and heifers too by hundreds bleed , on whose half roasted flesh the impious wretches feed . all quarters soon were fill'd with the report , that ceas'd not till it reacht the monarch's court ; th' aspiring prince with godlike rites o'er joy'd , commands all altars else to be destroy'd , proclaims himself in earth's low sphere to be the onely and sufficient deity ; that heav'nly pow'rs liv'd too remote and high , and had enough to do to rule the sky . th' all-seeing sun no longer could sustain these practices , but with enrag'd disdain darts forth such pestilent malignant beams , as shed infection on air , earth and streams ; from whence this malady its birth receiv'd , and first th' offending syphilus was griev'd , who rais'd forbidden altars on the hill , and victims bloud with impious hands did spill ; he first wore buboes dreadfull to the sight , first felt strange pains and sleepless past the night ; from him the malady receiv'd its name , the neighbouring shepherds catcht the spreading flame : at last in city and in court 't was known , and seiz'd th' ambitious monarch on his throne ; in this distress the wretched tribes repair to ammerice the gods interpreter , chief priestess of the consecrated wood , in whose retreats the awfull tripod stood , from whence the gods responsal she exprest ; the crowd enquire what cause produc'd this pest , what god enrag'd ? and how to be appeas'd , and last what cure remain'd for the diseas'd ? to whom the nymph reply'd — the sun incens'd , with just revenge these torments has commenc'd . what man can with immortal pow'rs compare ? fly , wretches , fly , his altars soon repair , load them with incense , him with pray'rs invade , his anger will not easily be laid ; your doom is past , black styx has heard him swear , this plague should never be extinguisht here , since then your soil must ne'er be wholly free , beg heav'n at least to yield some remedy : a milkwhite cow on juno's altar lay , to mother earth a jet-black heifer slay ; one from above the happy seeds shall shed , the other rear the grove and make it spread , that onely for your grief a cure shall yield . she said : the croud return'd to th' open'd field , rais'd altars to the sun without delay , to mother earth , and juno victims slay . 't will seem most strange what now i shall declare . but by our gods and ancestours i swear , 't is sacred truth — these groves that spread so wide and look so green within this isle , till then , were never seen , but now before their eyes the plants were found to spring , and in an instant shade the ground , the priest forthwith bids sacrifice be done , and justice paid to the offended sun ; some destin'd head t' attone the crimes of all , on syphilus the dreadfull lot did fall , who now was plac'd before the altar bound , his head with sacrificial garlands crown'd , his throat laid open to the lifted knife , but interceding juno spar'd his life , commands them in his stead a heifer slay , for phoebus rage was now remov'd away . this made our gratefull ancestours enjoin , when first these annual rites they did assign , that to the altar bound a swine each time should sland , to witness syphilus his crime . all this infected throng whom you behold , smart for their ancestours offence of old : to heal their plague this sacrifice is done , and reconcile them to th' offended sun. the rites perform'd , the hallow'd boughs they seize , the speedy certain cure for their disease . with such discourse the chiefs their cares deceive , whose tribes of different worlds united live , till now the ships sent back to europes shore , return and bring prodigious tidings o'er . that this disease did now through europe rage , nor any med'cine found that cou'd assuage , that in their ships no slender number mourn'd , with boils without and inward ulcers burn'd . then call'd to mind the bird 's prophetick sound , that in those groves relief was to be found . then each with solemn vows the sun entreats , and gentle nymphs the gardians of those seats . with lusty strokes the grove they next invade , whose weighty boughs are on their shoulders laid , which with the natives methods they prepare , and with the healing draughts their health repair , but not forgetfull of their country's good , they fraight their largest ships with this rich wood , to try if in our climate it would be of equal use , for the same malady : the years mild season seconds their desire , and western winds their willing sails inspire . iberian coasts you first were happy made with this rich plant , and wonder'd at its aid ; known now to france and neighbouring germany cold seythian coasts and temp'rate italy , to europe's bounds all bless the vital tree . hail heav'n-born plant whose rival ne'er was seen , whose virtues like thy leaves are ever green ; hope of mankind and comfort of their eyes , of new discover'd worlds the richest prize . too happy would indulgent gods allow , thy groves in europe's nobler clime to grow : yet if my streins have any force , thy name shall flourish here , and europe sing thy fame . if not remoter lands with winter bound , eternal snow , nor libya's scorching ground ; yet latium and benacus cool retreats , shall thee resound , with athesis fair seats . too , blest if bembus live thy growth to see , and on the banks of tyber gather thee , if he thy matchless virtues once rehearse , and crown thy praises with eternal verse . finis . errata . page 5. line 12 for newer reade never , p. 35 l. 3. for wandring r. wondring , p. 58 l. 5. for , to bard r. bard to . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a36624-e25400 * * titles of honour . * * edmerus , fleta . † † de diis syris . ‖ ‖ marmora arundeliana . * * mare clausum . * * his epitaph made by himself in the temple chappel . notes for div a36624-e55630 * * orestes . notes for div a36624-e57240 * * tarpeia . notes for div a36624-e68920 * * leander . * * hero. notes for div a36624-e78030 note . the translator propos'd to turn this ode with all imaginable exactness ; and he hopes he has been pretty just to malherb , only in the sixth line he has made a small addition of these three words — as they say — which he thinks is excusable , if we consider that the french poet there talks a little too familiarly of the king's passion , as if the king himself had owned it to him . the translator thinks it more mannerly and respectful in malherb to preterd to have the account of it only by hear-say . the island-princess as it is acted at the theatre royal / reviv'd with alterations by n. tate ... tate, nahum, 1652-1715. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a62964 of text r32747 in the english short title catalog (wing t192). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.this text has not been fully proofread approx. 123 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 33 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo 2017 a62964 wing t192 estc r32747 12752810 ocm 12752810 93341

this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a62964) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 93341) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 1537:30) the island-princess as it is acted at the theatre royal / reviv'd with alterations by n. tate ... tate, nahum, 1652-1715. fletcher, john, 1579-1625. [8], 56 p. printed by r.h. for w. canning, at his shop ..., london : 1687. caption title: the island princess, or, generous portugals. an adaptation by nahum tate of john fletcher's work of the same name--cf. cambridge hist. eng. lit., viii, 120. imperfect: pages 55-56 torn with slight loss of print. reproduction of original in the harvard university library. eng shcnothe island princesstate, nahum1687193906000003.09b the rate of 3.09 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2002-02tcp assigned for keying and markup 2002-02apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images 2002-03tcp staff (michigan) sampled and proofread 2002-03john latta text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-04pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion

the island-princess : as it is acted at the theatre royal , reviv'd with alterations .

by n. tate . gent.

london : printed by r. h. for w. canning , at his shop in vine-court middle-temple . 1687.

to the right honourable henry ld. walgrave , baron of chewton , comptroller of his majesty's houshold . my lord ,

vvhen i consider'd that the design of my authors in this poem , was to shew transcendent vertue , piety and constancy successful ; i was directed by duty , as well as inclination , to present it to your lordship's protection . the same pious affections and habits of mind , were no less your lordship's choice than education . nor is our armusia more happy than your lordship in a beauteous and royal recompence , whose perfections are but faintly shadowed in the character of quisara : no single merit obtain'd your lordship so great a blessing , but those universal endowments and eminent qualifications of mind , by which you have charm'd the affections of all good men , and which will adorn your lordship's name as long as learning , piety and loyalty , shall preserve a reputation in the world. amongst the present ornaments of our court , whose accomplishments have rendred them happy objects of their prince's favour , your lordship is allow'd to have no inferiour claim . for as in the natural body , our animal spirits are supply'd by our most refin'd and vital blood , such noble and ancient families , as your lordship's , are the proper supplements to a declining nobility . many are your advantages , both of birth and fortune . but not contented with descended glories , your lordship has imbellished those honours with no less noble and acquir'd endowments . to you , my lord , our foreign ministers may resort , to inform themselves of the manners and languages of their own courts . your lordship with the experience and prudence of ulysses has seen both men and countries , from which you have inrich'd your self with all that was good , and left all their vices and vanities behind . but these , my lord , your excellent qualifications are fitter to adorn our annals , than a private dedication . all my present ambition is to beg your lordship's favourable censure on this following essay . it had been presumptuous in me without some obligation ( which i could not well de cline ) to attempt an alteration in any composure of beaumont and fletcher . those defects in manners , that were too palpable through the work , must be imputed to the age in which they wrote ; but still there are so many and transcending beauties in all their writings , that i iudg'd it safest to rob their treasure for a tribute to your lordship . the metal is still the same , but whether it has gain'd or lost by the new stamp , must be submitted to your lordship , by him , that is only ambitious to be allow'd

your lordship's most humble servant and admirer , n. tate .

the persons . islanders . king of tedore mr. kynaston . quisara mrs. cook. panura mrs. momford . governour mr. gillo . bakam mr. powel . syana mr. harris . portuguese's . ruidias mr. griffin . armusia mr. smith . sforza mr. norris . emanuel mr. powel junior . pymero mr. momford . chrystophero pedro guards , townsmen , attendants .

scene tedore .

the island princess : or , generous portugals .

act i. scene i. the entrance to the temple in the palace . pymero , chrystopheso , pedro. pym. you're early pedro. ped. not so early , sir , but i 've already seen our watch reliev'd , and bid our guards be careful of their charge , the fort being all our strength . chryst. our common safety requires strict eyes upon these islanders : believe me , sirs , they 're false and desperate people , and cruel as they 're crafty , when they find the least advantage of surprize . ped. 't is plain : their late attempt is yet too fresh amongst us , in which against all arms and honesty the governour of ternata seiz'd by stealth this islands monarch , our confederate king , while for diversion coasting in his barge . chryst. his royal sister , the fair quisara , has shew'd a noble mind , and tendrest love to her afflicted brother , and the nobler , because his ruin stiles her absolute , the heiress and possessour of his throne . ped. such charms and vertue with just admiration have robb'd the neighbouring courts , and fill'd her palace with royal suiters . pym. good. chryst. you smile pymero. pym. yet â�� ped. what ? pym. if fame has left her old trick of lying , our countryman and general , brave riudias is in amongst 'em too , and has the start or my she-oracle deceives me . chryst. i have observ'd him oft , how privately he has stoln from us , and how readily feigned business too , yea bid the fort farewel : sure there is something in 't . pym. yet this grave uncle has read me lectures . ped. yet you car'd not for 't . pym. i' faith not much , i ventur'd on still easily , and took my chance , danger 's a souldiers honour . chryst. might he succeed â�� pym. fear not , our family ne'er fail'd . chryst. but have you , pedro , seen the young armusia ? the handsome portuguese arrived here lately ? 't is odds , pymero , but he marrs your game . ped. a youth of noble promise , goodly , courteous , without reservedness , grave , and doubtless valiant ; for he that dares come hither , dares fight any where . chryst. remember w' are i' th' palace of the island , not our own fort : d' ye mark those preparations ? those doors give entrance to the princess shrine , the seat of her devotion , where this morning she summons all her suiters to assemble ; but for what purpose in such solemn state , and that most awful place , we are yet to learn. pym. work for her myrmedons . ped. but who are chief ? chryst. there 's first your king of bakam , that speaks louder in his own commendations than a cannon ; yet he 's struck dumb with her . ped. syana's prince too , a sprightly lover , wise , and temperate : the chief sport , or rather wonder , is ; the haughty governour , her mortal enemy , he that surpriz'd her brother , is struck too ; and under formal hostages arriv'd . but see the noble stranger we describ'd . enter armusia , and his companions . pym. you're welcome sir : know there is nothing in our power to serve you , but you may freely challenge . arm. sir , we thank you , and rest your servants . chryst. brave armusia , you never saw this court before . arm. no sir , and therefore least in wonder and delight such government â�� chryst. you shall see more anon , that which will make you start ; but hark , the signal 's giv'n , and see the pageants enter . enter bakam , syana , and governour with their respective attendants . arm. these sure are islanders . chryst. and princes . arm. they are goodly persons : what might hebe , seignior , that bears so proud a port ? pym. the king of bakam , a fellow that looks so highly , as if he had been begot on the top of a steeple . chryst. this is syana , a braver temper'd fellow , and more valiant . sfor. what rugged face is that ? chryst. the governour ; he that surpriz'd the king , and keeps him captive . pym. see , their eyes lighten ; ware thunder , gentlemen . ba. away ye trifles , am i in competition with such toys ? sy. you speak loud , sir. ba. young man , i will speak louder ; can any man but i deserve her favour ? ye petty princes ! pym. he 'll put 'em all in 's pocket . sy. thou proud vain thing , whom nature â�� ba. i contemn thee , and that fort-keeping fellow . pym. how the dog looks ! the bandog governour , gov. ha! ba. keep thy rank , thing , with thy own petty peers : call out the princess . gov. dost thou know me , bladder ? art thou acquainted with my nature ? what canst thou merit ? ba. merit ! i 'm above it . honour 's my servant , fortune is my slave ; i slight ye insects : had not the vain people bestow'd some titles on ye , i should forget your names . ped. mercy on me what a blown fool has self-affection made ! chryst. his mother long'd for bellows sure and bag-pipes . pym. swallow'd a drum , and was deliver'd of an alarm . sy. sir , talk a little handfomer ; talk softlier , that we may be able tohold pace with you ; we are princes , but those are petty things with you : talk wiser , as 't will become your mightiness : talk less , that men may think you can do more . gov. talk truth , that men may think y' are honest , and believe you . ba. why , i can talk and do . i 'll tell you , only i deserve the princess , and make good only i ; if you dare , you , or you , syana's prince . sy. here lies my proof . gov. i 'll be short with you , for those long arguments i was never good at . pym. how white the boaster looks . [ the temple opens . enter ruidias ; quisara , in state with her attendants . ru. for shame forbearye princes , rule your anger 's ; you violate the freedom of this place , the state and royalty â�� gov. he 's well content i see , so i have done . arm. is this she seignior ? pym. this is the princess , sir. arm. an admirable form : they had cause to justle . quis. you wrong me and my court , contentious princes : comes your love drest in violence to seek us ? is 't fit our palace ; this most sacred shrine should be polluted with your bloody rage ? my very altar's frighted with your swords . he that loves me , loves my commands ; be temperate , or be no more what you profess , my servants . omn. we are calm as peace . arm. heav'n ! what command she carries , and what a sparkling majesty flies from her . qui. since you 're for action , i shall find you danger ; but not this way : 't is not this mean contention amongst your selves , nor courtship to my face : who best can love , or who can flatter most , shall guide my choice ; he that will hope my favour must winn me with his worth. omn. propose the way . quis. i shall , and then shew you a will to tread that way , i 'll say you 're worthy . pym. what task now will she turn them to ? these hot youths i fear will find a cooling card. quis. first i shall call our country gods to witness with highest adorations , what i promise . [ goes up to the altar , kneels and kisses it . now give me hearing : 't is well known to you i had a royal brother , now most wretched , and prisoner to this man : were i ambitious , or coveted these glories not born mine , his miseries should bear a lasting date ; or were i covetous ; had my heart set on riches , or on pleasures uncontroul'd , there he should die ; his death would give me these , for then stood i up absolute . yet all theseflattering shews of dignity , these golden dreams of greatness cannot force me to forget nature and a king's distress . pym. now uncle play the marks-man . quick , watch her word , and shoot on the wing . quis. thereforethe man that would be known my lover , must first be known my brothers faim'd redeemer : bring him alive or dead to my embraces , ( for even his bones must scorn such slavery ) or seek another mistress . arm. divine creature ! chryst. how they stand gaping all ! quis. i grant ye princes 't will be hard to do this , wondrous hard , a great adventure : but finish't , the reward is worthy of it . you hear your task . pym. tell her 't is done , sir ; you 'll ride upon a whirlwind , and bring him home on lightning . arm. ruidias , cold ? not fly like fire into 't . perhaps you doubt me , princes , he that shall do this is my husband ; by that most bright and sacred shrine i swear , before these holy men i here proclaim it . no stirring yet . [ looks on ruidias . rui. if , madam , to attempt this royal rescue , through all forms of danger , might crown our hope , i had not lost this minute ; but here , where conduct must keep pace with courage , the starting fiery will is rein'd with torment to judgment 's flower march. quis. take your own method . ba. madam , believe him here : i 'll raise an army , shall bring him to your island , fort and all , and fix it here . gov. how long will this be doing ? you should have begun this in your grandsire's days . sy. what may be , madam , and what my power can promise , i engage : my will i 'm fure stands fair . gov. ha! ha ! madam , their power and arts are all too weak , 't is only in my will to give your wishes . the king your brother is my prisoner ; then thus the bargains finish'd , take your prisoner , and make me yours , close prisonerto these arms : say but the word , your brother shall be rendred . quick as your wish . quis. know base ravisher , i hate both you , your country , and your love : heav'n knows how dear i prize his liberty , but ' ere i would so basely buy his freedom , i 'd study to forget he was my brother . by force you took him ; he that would possess me , must fetch him back by force , or ne'er succeed . arm. noble spirit . pym. now could i love her , though she 's vertuous . quis. by force , and make you glad to let him go . gov. you may look nobler on me . quis. i say by force , and suddenly ; he lies there till he rots else : so return , sir , and glad we have kept faith for your safe passage , rather than take him as thy courtesy ; though no condition were propos'd , i 'd see him far sunk in earth , and there forget him . gov. how 's this ? pym. your hopes are great , good governour . gov. am i then made a property ? i 'll check this pride , i 'll quench this bravery , and turn your glorious scorn to tears and howling ; i will , proud princess : this neglect of me shall make your brother king most miserable ; for as till now i 've us'd him like a king , and seen all royal offices perform'd , he now shall lie a sad lâ��aâ��â��â�� dungeon , loaden with chains and fetters , cold and hunger , darkness and lingring death for his companions : and let me see who dares attempt his rescue ; what desperate fool look towards it : farewel : and when you find him thus lament your scorn . nay , i shall make you kneel to take my offer . once more farewell ; and put your trust in puppits . [ ex. quis. if none dare undertake 't , i 'll live a mourner . now ruidias . [ ex. with her train . rui. cousin we must resolve and speedily . walk with me , gentlemen . [ exeunt . manent armus . sforza , emanuel . em. now , sir , you stand as you were charm'd . arm. o sforza and emanuel ! sfor. what now ? arm. this captive king ! sfor. i see your drift , and fear'd the consequence . consult your safety , sir , we know your worth , and must not see you perish ; you are my charge . arm. what an action would this be to put forward , sirs ? what glory ? em. and what an everlasting wealth to crown it ? arm. to step into 't while they are thinking . sfor. sir , 't is impossible , the fort 's impregnable without a guard. arm. by heav'n i 'll rule in this . sfor. if it must be ! arm. stay not for second thoughts â�� o she 's an angel ! at least we can attempt , our very fate will sometimes be the theam of her discourse , and i would die ten thousand thousand deaths to have her talk of me . away . [ exeunt .

scene iii. a prison . enter keeper and two or three moors . keep. i have kept many men , and many great , but must confess i never saw till now a person of such sufferance ; he lies now where i would not have laid my enemies dog , where neither light nor comfort can approach him , nor air nor earth that 's wholesome . 1 moor. 't is most strange , load him with irons , oppress him with contempts , such are our governours orders ; give him nothing to feed life , or so small 't is next to nothing , it moves not him , he smiles upon his miseries , and bears 'em with such strength , as if his nature had been nurst-up , and foster'd with calamities . keep. he gives no ill words , curses not , repines not , blames nothing , hopes in nothing . 2. moor. and in the midst of all these frights , fears nothing . keep. he fears not , even when i my self shake for him , as many times my pity will constrain me ; when other souls that bear not half his burden , shrink in their powers , and burst with their oppression , then will he sing ; wooe his afflictions , and court them in sad airs , as he wou'd wed'em . [ open that vault and give him breath [ king appears in chains , his head and arms only above the dungeon . 1. moor. what stubborn weight of chains ? 2. moor. yet he looks temperately . no wildness , no distemper'd touch upon him ; how constantly he smiles , and how undaunted . keep. mark with what majesty he heaves his head up . hark now . [ musick and song . 1. moor. o charming grief ! keep. do not disturb him â�� [ goes forward with the provisions . sir , your allowance from the governour ; wou'd 't were more , or in my pow'r to make it handsomer . king. do not transgress thy charge , i take his bounty ; fate hurts not him that bears a mind contented , and hangs not on vain hopes , that may corrupt him . enter governour . keep. the governour himself . gov. what , at your banquet ? and in such state , and with such change of service ? king. nature 's no glutton , sir ; a little serves her . gov. this diet 's wholesom then . king. i beg no better . gov. give him less next , these full meals will oppress his health ; his grace is of a tender constitution . king. mock on , it moves not me , sir. i cast your mirth and malice both behind me . gov. you carry 't handsomly but tell me , patience , do you not curse the brave and royal lady , your gracious sister ? do you not dam her pity ? dam twenty times a day ? dam seriously ? coud'st thou not wish her a bastard , whore , or that thou had'st no sister ? blaspheming heav'n for making such a mischief ; for giving pow'r to pride , and will to women ? king. no , tyrant , no , i love and bless her for 't ; and though her scorn of thee should heap upon me as many plagues as air corrupted breeds ; as many mischiefs , as the hours have minutes ; as many forms of death , as doubt can frame , i still should love her more ; more honour her . all thou can'st lay upon me , cannot bend me , not even the stroak of death , that i despise too . so let quisara always scorn thy love ; as i for ever shall despise thy cruelty . cou'd fear possess me thou shouldest ever win her : and that she is not mistress of this temper , she is no kin to me , and i contemn her . gov. you are valiant , sir. king. yes sir , and fortunate ; for he that holds my constancy , still conquers . gov. you will relent for all this talk , i fear not . king. you are cozen'd ; or if i were so weak , to be wrought to it , i still should curse her heart , if she consented . gov. you shall write , and entreat , or â�� king. do thy outmost . i' th' mid'st of all thy tortures , i 'll laugh at thee ; and think thee not more valiant , but more villain : nothing thou hast done brave , but like a thief atchiev'd by craft , and kept by cruelty . gov. down with him lower yet , there let him murmur , and see his diet be so spare , and little , he grow not thus high-hearted on 't â�� i 'll cool ye . give him no liberty , let his bands be doubled ; let him not sleep , nothing that 's dear to nature let him enjoy â�� yet take heed he dies not ; keep him as near death , as wishing for 't , as possible : but let him not arrive to 't . i 'll humble him , [ they sink the king down . and her proud heart , that stands on such defiance ; and let me see her champions , that dare venture ; her high and blustering suiters â�� keep close guard , and as you prize your lives , be diligent , and what i charge , observe . omn. we shall be dutiful . [ exeunt .

act ii. scene i. a vault under the castle . armusia , sforza , emanuel , with powder barrels , and light matches . arm. our prosperous voyage , was a lucky omen ; a lucky , and fair omen . sfor. may it prove so . arm. the sea and wind strove which shou'd most befriend us . where lies our boat ? sfor. safe lodg'd within the reeds behind the castle ; where no eye can perceive , or thought suspect . arm. these merchants habits too have done us service ; unquestion'd thus i 've travell'd through the town ; view'd all the tyrants magazines ; got knowledge ev'n of the prison , and the pow'r that guards it where the king 's dungeon'd . sfor. you attempt strong work . arm. courage is strong , beside a monarchs fate 's in 't ; yet loose or win , there 's no retiring now . sfor. i see 't ; your valiour , sir , has seal'd your fate ; yet must confess your ruin will be glorious . arm. thus far our game holds fair , as merchants we have hired this vault , and stow'd those mettled wares that soon will vent themselves without a chap-man . em. the trains are all laid , sir. arm. come nearer then , that no false ear may reach us , o'er this vault the castle stands , where this proud governour has stor'd his arms and treasure , next to that the prison where the injur'd king is kept . sfor. what of all this ? arm. you 're dull , if ye perceive not : these friends which we have here bestowed , will soon speak out for us . sfor. too loud ! arm. the fire i here brought with me shall break into material flames , and bright ones ; that all the island shall stand wondering at an hour hence ; noble friends , look for the fury , the fire to light us to our honour'd purpose . sfor. our funeral . arm. sforza , i have seen thee braver . sfor. hell catch my soul , if for my self i fear ; but with what eyes , can i behold your fate , your sinews stretch'd on the revenging rack . ( less cannot be expected ) that dear breast , torn piece-meal , and that noble heart lie panting . the castle 's ribbed with rock , the prison warded . arm. i say we have a chance for 't , when the towns full of fright , the governour out of his wits , to see th' imperious flames : the people there imploy'd to stop the ruins , and few regarding any private office : then fly we to the prison instantly , and push for the king's rescue . em. fortune speed us . arm. let us be worthy of it by our courage , and so take leave , but keep still within sight , till the flames rise , then meet to do or die : fail not dear fire , and powder , hold thy nature [ ex. sfor. my heart bodes with thy fate brave youth ; but we will sell thee dearly . [ exeunt severally . enter governour and captain . gov. no , captain , for those troops , we need them not , the town is strong enough to stand their furies ; i wou'd see 'em come and offer to do something , they are high in words . cap. 't is safer , sir , than doing . gov. do'st thou think they dare attempt . cap. may be , by treaty , but sure , by force , they will not prove so forward . gov. no faith , i warrant thee , they know me well enough , and know they have no child in hand to play with : they know my naturetoo i have bit some of them , and to the bones ; they havereason to remember me . it makes me laugh to think how glorious the fools are in their promise , and how pregnant their wits and power are to bring things to pass ; am not i grown lean with loss of sleep , and care to prevent these threatnings , captain ? cap. you look well , sir : upon my conscience , you are not like to sicken upon any such conceit . gov. i hope i shall not : well , wou'd i had this wench , for i must have her , she must be mine ; and there 's another charge , captain ; what betwixt love and brawling , i got nothing : all goes in maintenance â�� heark , what 's that , [ the train takes . that noise there , it went with a violence . cap. some old wall , belike , sir , that hath no neighbour-help to hold it up , is fallen suddenly . gov. i must discard these rascals , that are not able to maintain their buildings , they blur the beauty of the town . [ within . fire , fire . gov. i hear another tune , good captain ; it comes on fresher still , 't is loud and fearful : look up into the town , how bright the air shews ; upon my life some sudden fire . [ ex. capt. the bell too ? [ bell rings . i hear the noise more clear . enter citizen . cit. fire , fire . gov. where ? where ? cit. suddenly taken in a merchants vault , sir , fearful and high it blazes ; help , good people . gov. pox o' their paper houses , how they smother ; they light , like candles ; how the roar still rises ? enter captain . cap. your magazin's a fire , sir , help , help suddenly , all will be lost , get the people presently ; and all that are your guard , and all help , all hands , sir , your wealth , your stength is burnt else , the town perish'd , the castle now begins to flame . gov. my soul shakes . cap. a merchant's house next joyning ? shame light on him , that ever such a neighbour , such a villain â�� gov. go raise all the garrison , and bring them up . enter other citizens . and beat the people forward â�� oh i have lost all in one house , all my hopes , good worthy citizens , follow me all , and all your powers give to me ; i will reward you all . oh cursed fortune â�� the flames more , arise still , help , help , citizens , freedom and wealth to him that helps ; follow , oh follow , fling wine , or any thing , i 'll see it recompenc'd . buckets , more buckets , fire , fire , fire . [ ex. omnes . then enter armusia and his company breaking open a door . arm. so , thou art open , keep the way clear behind still , now for the place . sould. 't is here , sir. arm. sure , this is it , force open the door â�� a miserable creature , yet , by his manly face â�� [ the king discovered . king. why stare ye on me ? you cannot put on faces to fright me : in death , i am a king still , and contemn ye : where is that governour ? methinks his manhood should be well pleas'd to see my tragedy , and come to bath his stern eyes in my sorrows ; i dare him to the sight , bring his scorn with him , and all his rugged threats , here 's a throat , souldiers , come see who can strike deepest . em. break the chain there . king. what does this mean ? arm. come , talk of no more governours , he has other business ; sir , put your legs forward , and gather up your courage , like a man , we are friends , and come to give your sorrows ease . sfor. on bravely ; delays may lose all agen . enter guard. arm. the guard. sfor. upon ' em . arm. make speedy and sure work . em. they fly . arm. up with them , & to the boat stand , fast , now be speedy , when this heat 's past , we 'll sing our history away like thought . sfor. now sacred chance be ours . em. pray when we have done , sir. [ exeunt bearing off the king. enter four townsmen . 1.

what , is the fire out ? or past the worst yet ?

't is out neighbour , i can tell you , but whether past the worst , or no , i know not . i never wrought so stoutly since i was a man ; i have been burnt at both ends like a squib , â�� i liv'd two long hours in the fire : the flame at last got down my throat , and broke out again at my north-door . if they had not clap'd in a dozen buckets upon me as they did , i had flam'd up , and been one of the seven stars by this time .

he wou'd have made a rare flambeau .

well said wax-chandler ; thou art in thy element .

now you talk of elements , 'pray' neighbours how many elements are there ?

why , there 's but one , fool , where the sun and moon dwell , and all their little prentices .

well said shopkeeper : thou art in thy element too . dost call 'em prentices , i have known 'em these threescore years , and sure they are out of their time by this , or they do not serve by our charter . i tell ye there are four elements ; water and malt , are two of 'em ; and fire and brimstone t'other . they have past through me a little too late , i thank ' em .

my wife took leave of me a hundred times after i was burnt to a cinder , yet i bore up still , and tost the buckets , boys .

i' th' latter end o' th' hurry , me thought i heard a voice cry , treason .

murder you might , by timbers falling , but for my part as a house fell , i still stept into th' chimney .

ay , neighbour , if ev'ry man had wrought as you did .

why ? i stole nothing neighbour .

how many rogues were there pretending to help remove goods , and ran away with them ?

and your damn'd , suburb cart-rogues : an i were governour , i would not leave a carter unhang'd for twenty miles round . this honesty is my ruin , neighbours ; i could have born my poverty , had fortune not made me honest ; or honesty , if she had not made me poor , but both together â�� the devil himself were not able to live on 't .

right neighbour , my conscience whisper'd me to steal in the fire , but my honesty would not suffer it . o for some drink ; get me a whole tun of drink , whole cisterns , for i have four dozen of fire-brands in my belly , and smoak enough in my throat , to bloat a shoal of herrings .

we 'll lay you under the tap , and let the tub run through you .

and , neighbour , you shall lie at my bung again , to take 't at second-hand .

well , since we have no plunder our selves , let 's set our selves to drink , and rail at them that have .

look , yonder comes our governour , a worse plague than the fire ; he has beams enough yet standing to hang all for helping him . away .

[ exeunt .

scene changes to the isle of tedore . enter ruidias and sailers : rui. make ready all , we 'll sail with the next flood . 't is fit i should be foremost in the attempt , as in her favour , i stand first â�� let 's see . [ shouts of triumph at distance . my self , my cousin , and my garrison ; with our confederate neighbours o' th' out-isles . i trust we cannot fail . â�� what means that shout ? enter pymero. pym. where are you , sir ? rui. not yet aboard , pymero ? pym. alas we are topt , sir : turn'd all to shotten herrings , the king , sir : the king 's come home agen . rui. the devil â�� pym. nay , sure he came o'gods name . rui. who shou'd attempt him : the princes are all here . pym. 't is done , sir , and most bravely . rui. it cannot be ! done ! who dares do it ? pym. an honest fellow , who it seems has ended his market , ' ere you were up . shout again . enter quisara , panura , and her train . quis. can it be possible , a stranger , that i have not known nor seen ; a man i never grac'd : o captain , captain ! [ to ruidias . what shall we do ? i am betray'd by fortune : it cannot , shall not be . rui. 't was witch-craft did it : no mortal means cou'd take effect so soon . quis. must i then be given to a man i never saw , nor spoke withal , and know not of what nation ? â�� o ruidias , this might have your lot â�� [ shout again . the general joy comes on , and i must meet it : but with what comfort â�� enter as in triumph , the king , armusia , sforza , emanuel , and crowds of people : the princes with their train meet them from the other side . king. rise my sister ! i am not welcome yet , till you embrace me . quis. my dear , and royal brother ! joy o'er pow'rs me , to see you safe again , your self and mighty . rui. a general gladness , sir , spreads through the city , and mirth possesses all for your redemption , 't was a brave venture , whosoever put for it ; a high and noble one , worthy much honour ; yet had it mist , my project had not fail'd , andin short time â�� king. i thank you noble , sir ; i know you love me . ba. i have an army , sir , that wou'd have scowr'd your tyrant , and his confines , and rung him such a peal . pym. yes , backward , to make a dog howl . sya. i have done nothing , sir , and therefore think 't convenient to say little what i purpos'd , and what my love design'd . king. i like your modesty . my royal friends , i thank ye all : i know it griev'd ye to hear my misery â�� but this man , princes , i must thank heartily indeed ; for this man saw me in it , and redeem'd me ; he look't upon me sinking , and plundg'd for me : this wondrous man , even from the grave of sorrow , has new begot my name , and once more made me : o sister , if there may be thanks for this , or any thing near recompence , invent it . arm. you are too noble , sir ; there is reward , reward above my action too , by millions ; a recompence so rich and glorious , i durst not dream it mine â�� but that it was promis'd , but that it was propounded , sworn and seal'd before the face of heav'n . for nothing in the life of man or merit , ( it is so truly great ) cou'd else embrace it . king. o speak it , speak it , bless my ear to hear it ; make me a happy man to know 't may be ; for still methinks i am a prisoner , and feel no liberty , till i find that . arm. it is â�� but first to heav'n , and you i bend , if either can forgive the high demand ; it is your sister , royal sir ; she 's mine : i claim her , by her own word , and her honour : it was her open promise to the man , that durst redeem you â�� beauty set me on , and fortune crowns me fair , if she receive me . king. receive you , sir , â�� why sister â�� ha â�� turn from him ? stand as you knew not me , nor what he has ventur'd , my dearest sister ? arm. good , sir , your pardon : there is a blushing modesty about her that holds her back ; virgins are nice to love ; i wou'd not have her forc'd ; give her fair liberty : creatures of such soft nature , if compell'd , turn into fears , and fly from their own wishes . king. look on him princess , is there such another ? oh! all ye pow'rs so excellent in nature ; in honour , so abundant ! quis. i confess , my word is pass'd , and he by that has purchas'd ; but , good sir , give me leave to think some time to be acquainted with his worth â�� we are strangers . for love like power , must pass through ceremonies , ' ere he can fix in virgin hearts . king. be sudden , you will respect your word , i know you will ; i 'll be your pledge , my hero , come my sister , let 's see what welcome you can give a prisoner , and what fair looks , a friend â�� thus in my arms , once more . arm. you make me blush , sir. king. lead on , this day shall see our whole court crown'd with pleasure . quis. o ruidias .

act iii. scene i. the palace . armusia , sforza , emanuel . em. why are you sad , sir ? what can grieve or vex you ? that have the pleasures ofthe of the world , the profits , the honours , and the loves at your dispose ? arm. i want what beggars are allow'd i mean content . i want the grace i have merited , the favour , the due respect . sfor. does not the king allow it ? arm. yes , and all honours else that i can ask , or he has power to give : but oh! his sister , that scornsul cruelty ; forgive me , beauty , that i transgress from her , that shou'd look on me ; that shou'd a little smile upon my service , and fosten my deserts , for her own faith's sake : that shou'd at least acknowledge me , speak to me . em. and you go sighing up and down for this ; lamenting and disputing of your grievances ? arm. what wou'd you have me do ? do what a man wou'd in this case , a wise man , an understanding man , that knows the sex. go to her . sfor. that 's the way . em. and talk as you fought for her boldly ; both what you are , and what you have deserv'd . arm. it makes me smile . em. now you look handsomely ; had i so fair a prize to win , i wou'd so flatter . sfor. pray take our counsel . arm. i shall do something , but not your way , it seems too boisterous , for my affections are as fair , and gentle , as her i serve . friends leave me to my thoughts an hour or two , anon you shall command me . em. i hate this thinking , it marrs all business . sfor. we shall look for you , sir. [ ex. sforza , emanuel . arm. what shall i do to make her know my misery , to make her sensible â�� this is her woman . enter panura . i have a toy come to me suddenly , that may work for the best , she can but scorn me , lower i cannot fall â�� i try my fate : may i presume , fair one â�� pan. 't is the brave stranger . now by my ladies hand , a handsome gentleman . how happy shall she be in such a husband : wou'd i were so provided . arm. can you have so much charity for a stranger ; to let him pass this evening in your company , and what must be a charity indeed ( in one whose youth and beauty dart such charms ) to think my meaning fair . pan. i dare believe you ; or if it were not , that 's no great matter , what have we vertue for , but to be exercis'd ; besides we take mens promises â�� wou'd you speak with me , sir ? arm. that you wou'd favour me with your acquaintance ; i wou'd say friendship , for my grief requires it . you are the princess confident , and wait upon her near ? pan. i understand you . arm. with one kind office , you may bind a gentleman hereafter to be yours . such beauteous faces shou'd have courteous minds , and ready faculties . pan. tell me your business ; yet if it be to her , i think your self , sir , wou'd do much better : the princess must be pleased with your addresses ; i 'm sure i shou'd . arm. i want assurance , and yet am but a stranger , wou'd fain speak with her pan. 't is growing late , and on her hour of sleep . arm. pray wear this , and believe my meaning civil . my business of that fair respect and carriage . pan. i must do 't now , an'i were to be hang'd : nay , and i will do 't ; for another so good , and from a gentleman so handsom , i shou'd even venture upon high treasure . arm. i wou'd speak to her , and privately . pan. so you shall , sir. my service were not else worth thanks : you must make hast , sir. arm. this minute . pan. and i must leave you in my chamber , sir : where you must lock your self , that none may see you : 't is next to hers â�� you cannot miss the entrance , when she comes down to bed. arm. once more i thank ye , lady . pan. thank me but thus . [ exeunt .

scene ii. enter king , governour , like a moor priest. king. so far and truly you have discovered to me the former currents of my life and fortunes , that i am bold to acknowledge you most holy , and certainly to credit your predictions , of what are yet to come . gov. i am no lyer , 't is strange i should , and live so near a neighbour ; but these are not my ends . king. i pray you sit , good father , certain a reverend man , and most religious . gov. i ; that belief 's well now , and let me work then , i 'll make ye curse religion before i leave ye ; i have liv'da long time , son , a mew'd up man , seauestred by the special hand of heaven , from the world's vanity , all to find out knowledge , which i have now attained to , thanks to heaven , all for my countries good too , and many a vision , many a mystick vision , have i seen son. and many a sight from heaven , which has been terrible , wherein the goods and evils of these islands , were lively shadowed ; many a charge have i had too . still as the time grew ripe , to reveal these , to travel and discover , now i am come , son , the hour is now appointed , and now i speak . king. do holy man , i 'll hear ye . gov. beware these portugals , i say , beware'em , these smooth-fac'd strangers , have an eye on 'em , the cause is now the gods ; hear and believe , king. king. â�� i do hear , but before i give rash credit , or hang too-light on belief , which is a sin , father ; know i have found 'em gentle , faithful , valiant , and am in my particular bound to 'em , i mean to some for my most strange deliverance . gov. o son , the future aims of men ! observe me , above their present actions , and their glory , are to be looked at , the stars show many turnings if you could see , mark but with my eye , pupil ; these men came hither , as my vision tells me , poor , weather-beaten , almost starved , feebled , their vessels like themselves , most miserable , made a long sute for trafique , and for comfort , to vend their childrens toys , cure their diseases : they had their sute , they landed and to the rate , grew rich and powerful , suck'd the fat and freedom of thy most noble isle , taught her to tremble , witness the castle here , the citadel , they have clapt up the neek of your tidore , this happy town , till that she knew these strangers ; to check her , when she is jolly . king. they have so , indeed father . gov. take heed , take heed , i find your fair delivery , though you be pleased to glorifie that fortune , and think these strangers goods , take heed , i say , i find it but a handsome preparation , a fair fac'd prologue to future mischief : mark but the end , good king , the pin he shoots at , that was the man delivered ye ; the mirrour . your sister is his due , what 's she , your heir , sir ? and what 's he a kin then to the kingdom ? but heirs are not ambitious , who then suffers ? what reverence shall the gods have ? and what justice ? the miserable people , what shall they do ? king. he points at truth directly . gov. think of these , son : the person , nor the manner i dislike not of your preserver , nor the whole man together , were he but season'd in the faith we are , or our devotions learned . king. you say right , father . gov. to change our worships now , and our religion ; to be traytor to our god. king. you have well advis'd me , and i will seriously consider , father , in the mean time you shall have your fair access unto my sister , advise her to your purpose , and let me still know how the gods determine . gov. i will , but my main end is to advise the destruction of you all , a general ruine , and when i am reveng'd , let the gods whistle . [ exeunt .

scene iii. quisara laid melancholy . panura waiting . soft musick and song . quis. make me unready , i slept but ill last night . pan. you 'll sleep the better to night i hope , madam . quis. a little rest contents me â�� fetch my book . pan. i 'm glad of that . [ aside . quis. i 'll read awhile before i sleep . and if ruidias meet you , and be importunate , he may come in . pan. i have better fare for you . aside . now least in sight play i. exit panura . quisara alone . quis. ye gods how happy is that shepherdess , who through love is to the plains confined , and ne're aspires above the shepherds tribe ; yet still she 's free to take the swain she loves , while royal virgins hearts are publick pawns to serve the needs of state ; barter'd and sold : nor can i only blame my birth or fortune ; virtue and honour have alike betrayed me . the kings restor'd , but i a prisoner made . by promise his restorer's sacrifice . oh fortune ! fatal virtue ! oh ruidas ! enter armusia , who locks the door after him . shield me ye powers ! what 's here ? sure 't is the phantasm of the man i dread ; form'd by my fears : who are you ; and whence come you ? arm. you sure may know me : i bring no such amazement . quis. who waits there ? rude intruder speak ? what means this treachery ? who let you in ? arm. my restless love that serves you . quis. this is an impudence unparallell'd , a rudeness that becomesa thief or ruffian . nor shall my brother's love protect this boldness ; my rooms are sanctuaries , and shall be approach'd with reverence equal to the temples of our gods. arm. mine are not less . quis. i am mistress of my self , and will not be thus visited , spight of boasted service . arm. most royal. â�� [ approaches her respectfully . quis. stand off , i see dishonour in your eyes . [ draws a poniard . arm. there 's none . by all that beauty they are innocent ; 'pray' tremble not , you have no cause . quis. so base a violation of my privacy ? arm. if there be in you any female pity , and that your fears have not proclaimed me monstrous , look on me and believe me ; is this violence ? the griefs and sorrows that grow here , impudence ? is it to fall thus prostrate to your beauty , a ruffian's boldness ? is humility rudeness ? far be it from my heart to fright your quiet , and heaviest curse fall on me , when i intend it . quis. may i believe ? arm. had i been mischievous , as then i must be mad , or were a monster , if any such base thoughts had harbour'd here , or violence becoming not a man , you have a thousand bulwarks to assure you , the holy powers bear shields for chastity . if you misdoubt me still , or yet retain a fear i am not honest , or come with impure thoughts to these blest mansions , take this and sheath it here ; be your own safety : make hast to rid fears , and let me perish . how willing shall i sleep to satisfie you ! quis. what came you then for ? arm. to complain , my angel , but modestly . quis. of what ? arm. your cruelty . for though i die i will not blame the doer . to instance what i have done to obtain you , if any thing that love commands , may reach you , to have remember'd you â�� but i 'm unworthy , and to that misery falls all my fortune , that oh i fear to claim what you have promised ! ( so much more easy was the task proposed , than to demand the recompence ) to have told you , that as my love is honest 't is confirm'd . beyond the power even of your dread commands , to change or make it less ; beyond your scorn : for though despairing i have sworn to marry you or your memory â�� 'pray' be not angry . quis. then you would have me pass a fair opinion of this untimely entrance ; that it meant no violation to my peace or honour , and but the rash effects of love's excess ? arm. no more by heaven . quis. and that you are hereafter devoted to my service . arm. life and fortune . quis. i 'll try then your obedience . arm. i am ready , without demanding what . quis.

then from this hour expect no farther favour , nor once remember services you have done , nor dangers past , nor the rewards due to them .

arm. is this my doom , and is there no redress ? quis. but one , which you must wholly to my favour owe ; for i must blush to tell your cure â�� i love â�� my heart was all dispos'd before you claim'd it ; fancy had got the start of your deserts , which yet i prize so high , that for your ease , i force my modesty on this confession , to disengage your hopes : nor let the man , that has so highly serv'd , depend on fruitless air. arm. this is indeed court mercy , to let the suitor know his doom betimes . but , madam , was . â�� quis. i 've said and must enjoyn you , to quit this place immediately . arm. i obey you . as he is going out he justles with ruidias entring . rui. ha! who is this ? arm. who art thou ? rui. a gentleman . arm. thou art no more i am sure . â�� oh'tis ruidias , and i perceive her favour'd lover . rui. is there not door enough , you takesuch elbow room ? arm. what i take i 'll carry . rui. do's this become you princess ? arm. jealousalas of mee ! how blind is man. go , freely go , i give thee leave . rui. your leave ? rui. the place and you are privileged ; therefore go . [ exit armusia . quis. what a pure soul inhabits in this youth ? courage and temper ; such transcending worth , as cannot fail to make impress of love in heart not pre-engaged : my choice is past ! rui. am i then made your property ? are these , madam , the banquets that you bid me to ? the trust i build my goodly hopes on ? quis. be more temperate ; your love stands yet upon my courtesie ; i never gave you promise , bare permission , to tell your love was all i 've yet allow'd , and if you do abuse your privilege â�� rui. armusia here , and in the dead of night ? may i not , madam , take the leave to ask , how he came hither ; pressing , or invited ? quis. you are too bold . rui. what , at these private hours ? quis. you are to rash to tax me with an error . know what i am , and my prerogative , i never taught you too dispose my freedom . how durst you touch my honour , blot my meaning , and name an action and of mine , but noble ! are those the gratitudes you bring , ruidias , the thanks , the services ? how have i grac'd thee ? and dost thou in return upbraid my vertue ? rui. i was to blame . quis. armusia wou'd not pass so rash a censure , and justice tells me i should punish thee : but 't was a fault of love â�� yet learn henceforth less jealousie , nay i had almost said , more gallantry .. rui. more gallantry ! she cannot doubt my courage , this isle has found it â�� but armusia 's lawrels bear fresher date â�� yet still i hold her heart , and must with him dispute the point of fame , and when i have o'ercome him the field , his ruin'd glories mine shall firmer build .

act iv. scene i. enter pymero. pym.

my uncle haunts me up and down , looks melancholy , wondrous proof-melancholy , sometimes swears , then whistles , starts , cries , groans , as he had got the botts : i think he has little better . and wou'd sain speak to me ; bids me good-morrow at midnight , and good-night when it is noon : has something hovers about his brains , that 's loath to out .

[ enter ruidias .

still he follows me . how he looks still , and how he beats about like an old dog at a dead scent â�� i marry therewas a sigh to set a ship a sailing â�� these winds of love and honour blow at all ends â�� now speak an 't be thy will ? good-morrow uncle .

rui. good morrow , sir. pym. this is a new salute . sure h 'as forgot me : this pur-blind cupid . rui. my nephew . pym. yes , sir , if i am not chang'd . rui. i wou'd fain speak with you . pym. i wou'd fain have you , sir. rui. you know i love you : next to my self , you stand in all employments , your counsels , cares , assignments with me equal ; so is my study still to plant your person , o my pymero ! pym. sir , what hangs upon you ? what heavy weight oppresses you ? y 'ave lost an opportunity to gain a mistress , time will cure that . rui. but oh the reputation ! to have another get the start in glory , what time cures that ? pym. your fame already has enough to live on ; it may be you fear her too , doubt your mistress may fall away , or be forced from you . rui. o she is true , but i undone for ever . oh that armusia , that new thing , that stranger , that flagg stuck up to rob me of my honour , that murdering chain shot at me from my country , that goodly plague , that i must court to kill me ! pym. has he not done a brave thing ? rui. i confess it , nephew , must allow it , but that brave thing has undone me , has sunk me , has trod me like a name in sand , to nothing ; hangs betwixt hopes and me and threats my ruine : if he thus rise and blaze , farewel my fortune . pym. in complaisance t' ye uncle , a pox-on-him , and pox-a-me for saying so , he 's brave , and like enough to hold â�� rui. then i must perish : had he set up at any rest but this , done any thing but what concern'd my fame , the everlasting losing of my worth â�� pym. which yet you must retrive , i know your drift . rui. my sword is in my hand , my cause upon 't , and man to man , one valour to another , my hope to his . pym. why , this is like ruidias . rui. the difference of our state flung by , forgotten , the full opinion , each was won in service , laid handsomly aside , only our fortunes , our single manhoods . pym. i conceive you , sir. rui. you guess what this means . pym. yes , a portion of scripture , that has puzled many an interpreter . rui. as soon as you can find him â�� pym. that won't be long , uncle , and o' my conscience , he 'll be ready as quickly . rui. be sure you carry 't so , that we may fight . pym. assure your self â�� rui. pray' hear me , in some such place , where 't may be possible the princess may behold us . pym. i conceive you : upon the sands behind the castle , sir ; a place remote enough , and there are windows out of her lodging too , or i 'm mistaken . rui. you 're in the right â�� if you can work this handsomly . pym. let me alone , i pray you be prepar'd some three hours hence . if you have a few light prayers that may befriend you â�� run 'em over quickly . rui. farewel , nephew , â�� and when we meet again â�� [ exit . pym. i shall dispatch , sir , â�� i have seen this uncle curry a fellows carcase handsomly , and in the head of a troop , stand as he had been rooted there , dealing large doles of death â�� success be with him â�� what a rascal was that , did not not see his will drawn . [ exit .

scene ii. enter governour , quisara , and panura . gov. bless you my royal daughter , and in you bless this island , heav'n . quis. panura , what thinkest thou of this man ? pan. sure he 's a wise man , and a religious ; he tells us things have happen'd so many years ago almost forgotten , as readily as if they were come this hour . quis. do's he not meet with your sharp tongue ? pan. he tells me , madam , marriage and mouldy cheese will make me tamer . gov. lady , i would talk with you . quis. do , reverend sir. gov. and for your good , for that , that must concern you , and give ear wisely to me . quis. i shall , father . gov. you are a princess of that excellence , sweetness and grace , that angel-like fair feature : nay , do not blush , i do not flatter you , nor do i dote in telling this ; i am amazed , lady , and as i think the gods bestowed these on ye , the gods that love ye . quis. i confess their bounty . gov. apply it then to their use , to their honour , to them and to their service give this sweetness , they have an instant great use of your goodness ; you are a saint esteemed here for your beauty ; and many a longing heart â�� quis. i seek no fealty , nor will i blemish that heaven hath seal'd on me , i know my worth . indeed the portugals i have at those commands , and their last services ; nay , even their lives ; so much i think my power , that what i shall enjoyn â�� gov. use it disereetly , for i perceive ye understand me rightly , for here the gods regard your help , and suddenly ; the portugals , like sharp thorns ( mark me , lady , ) stick in our sides like razors , wound religion , draw deep , they wound till the life-blood follows , our gods they spurn at , and their worships scorn , a mighty hand they bear upon our government , these are the men your miracle must work on , your heavenly form either to root them out , which as you may endeavour , will be easie , remember whose great cause you have to exceute , to nip their memory , that may not spring more , or fairly bring 'em home to our devotions , which will be blessed , and for which you sainted , but cannot be , and they go , let me buzzle . quis. go up with me , where we 'll converse more privately ; i 'll shew you shortly , how i hold their temper , and in what chain their souls . gov. keep fast that , hold still , and either bring that chain , and those bound in it , and link it to our gods , and their fair worships , or daughter , pinch their hearts a pieces with it , i 'll wait upon your grace . quis. come , reverend father , wait you below . [ ex. quis. and gov. pan. if this prophet were a young thing , i should suspect him now , he cleaves so close to her , these holy coats are long , and hide iniquities . quis. away , away fool ; a poor wretch . pan. these poor ones , warm but their stomach once â�� quis. come in , thou art foolish . [ ex. quis. and pan. enter armusia , emanuel , and pymero. arm. i am sorry , sir , my fortune is so stubborn , to court my sword against my country-man ; i love my nation well , and where i find a portugal of noble name and virtue , i am his humble servant , signiour pymero , your person , nor your uncle , am iangry with , you are both fair gentlemen , in my opinion , and i protest i had rather use my sword in your defences , than against your safeties ; 't is methinks , a strange dearth of enemies , when we seek foes amongst our selves . em. you are injured , and ye must make the best on 't now , and readiest â�� arm. you see i am ready in the place , and arm'd to his desire that call'd me . pym. ye speak worthily , and i could wish ye had met on terms more friendly , but it cannot now be so . [ enter ruidias . em. turn , sir , and see . pym. i have kept my word with ye , uncle , the gentleman 's ready . enter governour and quisara above . arm. ye are welcome . rui. bid those fools welcome that affect your courtesie , i come not to use complements , ye have wrong'd me , and ye shall feel , proud man , ' ere i part from ye , the effects of that , if fortune do not fool me , thy life is mine , and no hope shall redeem it . arm. that 's a proud word , more than your faith can justifie . quis. sure they will fight . rui. she 's there , i am happy . gov. let 'em alone , let 'em kill one another , these are the main posts , if they fall , the buildings will tumble quickly . quis. how temperate , armusia ? no more , be quiet yet . [ gov. offers to speak , arm. i am not bloody , nor do feel such mortal malice in me , but since we cannot both enjoy the princess , i am resolved to fight . rui. fight home , armusia , for if thou faint'st or fail'st â�� arm. do you make all advantages ? rui. all ways unto thy life , i will not spare thee , nor look not for thy mercy . arm. i am arm'd then . rui. stand still i charge ye , nephew , as ye honour me . arm. and good emanuel â�� not â�� . pym. ye speak fitly , for we had not stood idle else . gov. i am sorry for 't . em. but since you will have it so â�� rui. come , sir. arm. i wait ye . pym. i marry , this looks handsomly , this is warm work . gov. both fall , an 't be thy will. [ ruidias fall's . pym. my uncle dead ? em. stand still , my sword in â�� arm. now brave ruidias , now where 's your confidence , your prayers ? quickly , your own spite has condemned ye . quis. hold ! armusta . arm. most happy lady . quis. hold , and let him rise , spare him for me . arm. a long life may he enjoy , lady . gov. what have you done ? 't is better they had all perish'd . quis. peace , father , i work for thebest ; armusia , meet me in the temple , an hour hence . [ ex. quis. and gov. arm. i shall , madam . pym now as i live , a gentleman , at all inches , so brave a mingled temper , saw i never . arm. why are you sad , sir ? how would this have griev'd ye , if you had fallen under a profest enemy ? under one had taken vantage of your shame too ? pray you be at peace , i am so far from wronging , or glorying in the pride of such victory , that i desire to serve you ; 'pray' be cheerful . pym. d' ye hear this , sir ? why do you hold your head down ? 't is no high treason , i take it to be equall'd : to have a slip i' the field no mortal sin. arm. it may be , you think my tongue may be your enemy , and though restrain'd sometimes out of a bravery , may take a privilege to dishonour you . believe me , sir , so much i hate that freedom , that in a strangers mouth , 't will prove an injury , and i shall right you in 't [ exit . rui. let me curse fortune yet â�� nephew , your arm. [ exeunt .

scene iii. enter king and governour . gov. sir , sir , you must do something suddainly , to stop his pride , so great and high he shoots , upon his person too , your state sinks else . you must not stand now on terms of gratitude , and let a simple tenderness besot you ; i 'll bring you instantly , where you shall see him , attempting your fair sister privately : mark but his high behaviour then . king. i will , father . gov. and with what scorn , i fear contempt too , against our deities . king. i hope not . gov. i say , attempting to corrupt her soul , the worst debauchery â�� i will not name lust ; it may be that also . a little force must be apply'd upon him , now , now , apply a little force to humble him ; these kind caresses do but make him wanton . king. take heed you wrong him not . gov. take you heed to your safety , the freedom of your people ; to the gods : i but forewarn you , king ; if you misdoubt me , or think i come unsent â�� king. no , i 'll go with you . [ exeunt ,

scene iv. the temple . quisara , armusia . arm. madam , you see there 's nothing i can reach , either in my obedience , or my service , that can deserve your love , but i pursue it ; take pleasure in your will ; even in your anger , i study new humility to please you ; and take a kind of joy in my afflictions , because they come from you . quis. i know you have deserv'd , and know that in the rigour of strict justice , i should endeavour to requite your service , i know you love. arm. if ever love was mortal , and dwelt in man , so fix'd i find it here , respect of such a greatness as allows what i have done already , weak performance , and unproportion'd to the vast reward . it is but just , that who aspires to heav'n , shou'd win it by his worth , and not sleep to it . enter king and governour above . gov. now , sir , stand close , to hear , and as you find him , believe me right or let religion suffer . quis. i dare believe your worth , without additions : you had my summons to attend me here , on some commands of weight arm. i am prepar'd : but point to me the course , you 'd have me steer , and if i shrink â�� quis. i know you are no coward ; then take the outmost tryal of your duty ; you hold there 's nothing dear that may oblige me , doubted or dangerous . arm. nothing , madam . let me but know , that i may fly into 't . quis. i 'll tell you then â�� change your religion , and be of one belief with me . arm. how ! quis. mark me , worship our gods , renounce the faith you were bred in . arm. ha! i 'll die first . quis. offer as we do . arm. to the devil ? gov. o blasphemy ! king. peace . arm. offer to him , i hate ! offer to dogs and cats ! to them you offer , to ev'ry bird that flies , to every worm : is this the tryal ? quis. i will reason with you ; are not our powers eternal , and their comforts as great and full of hopes , as yours ? arm. they are shadows . gov. now mark him , sir , observe him nearly . arm. their comforts , like themselves , meer fictions : you make 'em sick , as we are , peevish , mad , subject to age , and how can they cure us , that are not able to refine themselves ? quis. the sun and moon we worship ; they are heavenly . arm. but i the maker of that sun and moon , that gave those bodies light , and influence , that pointed out their paths , and taught their motions : excuse me , princess , if my zeal for truth extort a generous freedom of my tongue ; what ' ere restraints my private griefs have born , yet for heav'ns cause i must proclaim aloud . take privilege even to oppose your will , and call for justice to th' eternal due : i hop'd you wou'd have said , make me a christian ; work that great cure , for 't is a great one , princess . to mortify the sense , subdue the will , refining earth to immortality . i hop'd your royal brother , in return of providence , that by my arm retriev'd him , wou'd have e're this , before the face of heaven , destroy'd those idol gods you here adore , beat down their altars , ruin'd these false temples . gov. now sir. â�� king. i 'll hear no more â�� [ king and governor descend . quis. thus far in charity i was obliged to rectifie the errors of your thought , nor can the blame be mine to want success , 't was by these pow'ers that i was sworn to wed the kings deliverer ; these you blaspheme , them and their pow'r you frankly have renounced , and thereby free me from all obligation . arm. you are too just to make this slight evasion , and with religious subtlety destroy . quis. you shall both find me just , sincere and plain , therefore resolve to quit your faith or me . arm. my life and love forever must be your's , butmy religion heav'ns . quis. you heard you task . arm. name any task but that ; extreamest danger , and certain death , to gratifie your will ; i dare do any thing but injure heaven , and stab th' almighty's image in my soul. can i renounce the power , the whole creation , which every plant and element confess , that gave this very breath , with which i plead ? shall i abjure the author of that form ? a temple fit for angels to inhabit , when once the mist of error is withdrawn . quis. acknowledge our belief , and instantly ; for if you let this happy minute pass , no recantation shall prevail hereafter . arm. call you this charity ? quis. nay then . â�� arm. you must not go . what have i done to merit this hard sentence ? to have my very soul rack't , forc't to quit my heaven above , or paradise on earth ? how well i love , how much i do prefer your charms to all that 's good beneath the stars , truth must declare ; but to th' eternal being can never be apostate â�� heart or soul must perish on this sea â�� ; then sink my heart , to save th' immortal treasure , thus i quit your love 's rich claim , tho while i so resign no martyrdom sure ever equall'd mine . quis. noble armusia , i am now confirmed , in quiting you have gain'd me : i resolv'd to make the outmost tryal of your faith , and in your faith of you : i know your doctrine is heavenly all , and you have prov'd the practice . while her you love you cou'd for heaven resign , the faith that rules your breast must be divine , that faith and you for ever now are mine . arm. is 't possible ! o unexpected bliss ! look down ye sacred quires and share my joy. enter king , governour and guards . king. nay , start not , take my confirmation too , you had my promise , sir , of recompence , for your high service : 't was my free consent , t o let quisara's hand in nuptial tye , be joyn'd with yours : this sir was my engagement ; which in the presence of this holy man i ratifie . [ the kings joyns their hands . gov. the devil ! [ aside . what can this mean ? king. but as the holy powers that here reside , have seen me just to your deserts and you ; to their own altars they must see me just , and to those laws , with which no claim of friendship or interest can dispense â�� . guards seize your prisoner . gov. that 's well retriev'd ; be sure ye bind him fast . quis. bind your restorer , prince ? arm. are these the nuptials you promised my free service ? quis. 't is an office , that only can become a tyrant fiend , such as ternusa's governour . gov. that 's right . [ aside . quis. such vile returns as these , must stagger nature ; and banish virtue from the world. king. o sister ! heavens knows what sense of gratitude i bear , and to his friendship how sublime regard : had he offended me i had forgiven , though to th'attempting of my life and crown : i own them both his gift , but to our gods , our sacred powers the injury is done , basphemed , reviled . gov. and think you they will bear it ? i see ripe vengeance teeming from the heavens , if you dispense with this , on you and me , and all tedore , whose marble ribs shall rend and sink beneath the main : spare us kind powers , forgive our impious clemency , that yet the proud blaspemer lives . king. most holy father , urge not the vengeance ofthe of the gods too far : must he needs dye ? gov. 't is next to blasphemy to make a doubt on 't . king. true ! our most dear affections must yield to sacred laws . arm. use all your violence , i ask no mercy nor recant my words . quis. his virtue serves a power will give him strength to scorn your idol-gods . king. how 's this , quisara ! quis. know king that if your laws require his blood , they challenge mine ; our love and faith are one. king. quisara too ! o sister wound not thus my tortured heart ? good father , your assistance . what means this frenzy ? gov. these are tokens , sir , the gods displeasure is gone out ; be quick , and e'er it fall , do something to appease them . king. quisara own his faith ! what must be done , gov. they must die both , in sacrifiâ��e , and instantly ; to those dread powers they have blasphemed : it makes me weep to urge their punishment . king. most gracious and compassionate soul. gov. yet if you mitigate or defer their doom , i then must curse you from the gods ; call up their vengeance from the flaming lake , and hurl it on your land ; i have charge for it ! king. bear them to justice , for i dare not trust my nature with the parly : your hand father . our gods exact their blood and they must die ; yet shall their obsequies this comfort have , their judge shall be their mourner â�� o support me . gov. my heart akes too . [ exit king and governour . manent armusia , quisara , guards . arm. such cruel piety was never known . princess , i have betrayedyou , but to eternal rest . quis. our souls shall meet , and celebrate in paradise their nuptials . arm. seraphick maid ? thy name shall stand recorded with virgin-saints , the first in vertue 's roll , through many years experience they arriv'd . consumate piety , with matchless speed , you take you progress on the sacred way , a convert and a martyr in a day . exeunt guarded .

act v. scene i. a grove . an idol , and altar of thor , at distance . enter king and governour . king. i am ungrateful , and a wretch , ( persuade me not ) forgetful of the mercy he shew'd me , the timely noble pity . why shou'd i , why should i make him die , who set me free ? why shou'd it come from me ? why , i command it ? will not all tongues , and truths call me ungrateful ? gov. had the offencebeen aim'd at you , 't is certain it had been in you power , and your discretion , to have turn'd it into mercy , and forgiven it ; it then had shew'd a vertuous point of gratitude . timely and nobly paid ; but since the cause concerns the honour of the gods , their title , 't is in their wills , their mercies , or revenges : and these revolts in you show plain rebellion . king. they are mild and pitiful . gov. to those repent . king. their natures soft , and tender . gov. to true hearts , that feel compunction for their trespasses : this pair defies 'em still , threaten destruction and demolition to their arms and worship ; therefore take heed , sir , that you be not found , and mark'd a favourer of their dishonour : they use no common justice . king. you say right . but see ; behold the pomp of death comes on ! what shall i do to merit of this man. i 'll once more try if i can fairly win ' em . solemn mufick . enter a procession of priests , as to the sacrifice . [ armusia and quisara wreath'd , and bound . guards . croud following . the king goes up to armusia , and speaks . king. once more , armusia , because i love you tenderly and dearly , and wou'd be glad to win you mine ; i wish you , ev'n from my heart , i wish and wooe you â�� arm. what , sir ? take heed how you persuade me falsly , then you hate me ; take heed how you intrap me . king. i advise you , and tenderly and truly i advise you , both for your souls health and your safety . arm. stay , and name my soul no more ; she is too precious , too glorious for your flatteries ; too secure too . gov. consider the reward , sir , and the honour that is prepar'd , the glory you shall grow to . arm. they are not to be considered in these cases , not to be nam'd when souls are question'd ; they are vain and flying vapours : touch my life , 't is ready for you , put it to what test it shall please you , i am patient ; but for the rest â�� gov. we must use tortures then . arm. your worst , and painfull'st i am joyful to accept . gov. you must our sharpest ; for such has been your hate against our deities , deliver'd openly ; your threats , and scornings ; and either your repentance must be mighty , which is your free conversion to our customs , or equal punishment , which is your life , sir. arm. i am glad i have it for you ; take it , priest , and all the misery that shall attend it : let the gods glut themselves with christian blood , it will be ask'd again , and so far follow'd , so far reveng'd , and with such holy justice , your gods of gold shall melt and sink before it ; your altars and your temples shake to nothing , and you , false worshippers , blind fools of ceremonies , shall seek for holes to hide your heads and fears in ; for seas to swallow you from this destruction ; darkness to dwell about you and conceal you . gov. make the fires ready , and bring the several tortures out . quis. stand fast , sir , and fear'em not ; you that have stept so nobly into this pious tryal , start not now : keep on your way , a virgin will assist you , a virgin , won by your fair constancy , and glorying that she is won , so will die with you . arm. let me begin my triumph ; come , clap your terrors on . quis. all your fell tortures ; for there is nothing he shall suffer , brother , i swear by my new faith , which is most sacred , and i will keep it so , but i will follow in , and follow to a scruple of affliction . in spite of all your gods , without prevention . gov. s'death , she amazes me ! king. what shall be done now ? gov. they must die both , and suddenly , they will corrupt all else . go you in , sir , i 'll see the execution . king. 't is cruel ; you injur'd powers , that i permit you justice ; but for the sight â�� gov. you are excus'd for that , i 'll bear that torture for you ; good sir , in ; you see all 's ready , sir , and we must strike before your eyes else . king. well , what must be as the king is going off , and the priests address to their work , the whole company is alarmed by the noise of great guns . enter a messenger . mess. arms , arms , sir ; seek for defence , the castle plays , and thunders , our town rocks , and our houses fly in air , the people die for fear ; general ruidias has sent t' inform us , he 'll not leave a stone , no , not the memory there has stood a city , unless armusia be deliver'd fairly . king. father , what can our gods do for us now ? gov. ruidias do this ! what , to free armusia , his rival ? 't is impossible . mess. this was his summons , which still you hear him thunder from the fort. gov. wou'd i were safe at home again . [ aside . come , sir , leave me to see the execution done , while you return and fortifie the palace : nothing but mischief , till th' incensed powers are satisfied with these blasphemers blood ; earthquakes and hurricanes will seize us next : dispatch , dispatch there . king. by heaven i 'll rule in this : they shall not die , till i have seen this furious storm allay'd , bear back the prisoners to the palace , guards ; all to your charge , how desperately they thunder ! [ ex. arm. brave ruidias , this is like a souldier , a portuguese and christian , to do favours without the form of promise . quis. 't is but a debt of honour nobly paid . gov. plague on your bellowing . [ exeunt . enter four towns-men . 1.

blessus , what a thundring is here ! what fire-spitting ! we can't drink but the cans are maul'd out of our hands .

i wou'd they wou'd maul our scores too . a shame of their guns , how devilishy they bounce ! and how the bullets borrow the side of a house here , and there another , and mend those up again with another ward !

i had the roof of my house taken off with a chain-shot , and half an hour after , i found another standing in the room on 't .

we shall make a wonderful siege on 't , if we talk at this rate .

you think he lyesnow : why , i have seen a steeple taken off , and another clapt i'th-place , with twenty men ringing the bells in 't .

thou boy !

why then , we shall not know our own streets again .

nor where to pay our duties . i hope i shou'd love chain-shot the better as long as i live , for that good turn , i'faith : i know not , it may fall out so ; for these guns make strange work . here flies a powdring tub ; and there the soldiers go together by the ears , for the meat in 't : there flies the roast-meat , spit and all : here a barrel pisses vinegar .

a vengeance fire 'em all .

they fire fast enough ; they need no help .

are these the portugal bulls ? how loud they bellow ?

their horns are wonderful strong , they push down palaces ; they toss our little habitations like whelps , like trundle-tails , with their hells upwards : all the windows in the town dance trenchmore ; 't is like to prove a blessed age for glasiers ; i met a hand and a hand and a letter in 't , in great hast ; and by and by , a leg running after it , as if the hand had forgot part of its errand .

heads fly like foot-balls every where : what shall we do ?

i care not , my shop 's cancell'd , and all the pots and pipkins vanished ; there was a single bullet and they , together by the ears , you would have thought tom tumbler , and all his troop of devils had been there .

well , for my part , i 'll to the templeand pray for you all : i tell you neighbours , i trouble heaven so seldom , that sure i may be heard , when i come . for i begin to like this portugals kerson religion : what can these worm-eaten gods of ours do for us ?

worm-eaten gods ! i tell you , neighbour , you do our gods wrong , and me wrong : i made 'em of the best season'd timber the island wou'd afford .

but do the cannon bullets think there is no law ?

no , nor gospel neither ; law , prithee run to a granado , when it comes piping hot out of a mortar-piece into the town , and tell it there 's law ; 't will seratch they face for thee , worse than e'er thy wife did . law ! i do but think , what lanes a chain-shot wou'd make in the law ! and how like an ass a judge wou'd sit upon the bench , with his head shot off .

let 's to the king , and get this gentleman deliver'd handsomely , by this hand there 's no walking above ground else .

by this leg , ( let me swear nimbly by it , for i know not how long ) if i were out o'th'town , if i came in again to fetch my breakfast , i 'd give 'em leave to cram me with a portugal pudding . but come neighbours , our best way will be to go to the insurance-office and compound : i am a fencer ; i 'll give 'em one arm , to secure t'other . thou art a dancing-master ; thou shalt give thy head to secure thy heels .

why my head ?

because that 's of least use to thee , of any thing about thee : so every man shall give awâ��y the rest of his body , to insure the limbs that are of most use in his calling .

enter pymero , and panura . pym. art ' sure it was the blind priest ? pan. yes , most certain , he has provok'd all this : the king is merciful , and wondrous loving , but he fires him on still , and when he cools inrages him ; i know it : threatens new vengeance , and the gods fierce justice , when he but looks with fair eyes on armufia ; will lend him no time to relent ; my royal mistress , she has entertain'd a christian hope . pym. speak truly . pan. nay 't is most true ; but lord , how he lies at her , and threatens her , and flatters her , and damns her ; and i fear , if not speedily prevented ; if she continues stout , both shall be executed . pym. i 'll kiss thee for this news : nay , poor panura , if thou wilt give me leave , i 'll get thee with christian ; the best way to convert thee . pan. make me believe so . pym. i will i'faith : but which way cam'st thou hither ? the palace is close guarded and barricado'd . pan. i camethrough a private vault , which few there know of , it rises in a temple not far hence , close by the castle here . pym. how â�� to what end ? pan. a good one , to give you knowledge of my new born mistress , and in what doubt armusia stands : think any present means , or hope , to stop 'em from their fell ends . the princes are come in too , and they are hard'ned also . pym. the damn'd priest. â�� pan. sure he 's a cruel man ? methinks religion shou'd teach more temperate lessons . pym. he , the firebrand ! he dare to touch at such fair lives as theirs are ! well , prophet , i prophecy i shall catch you , when all your prophesies will not redeem you : wilt thou do one thing bravely ? pan. any good i am able . pym. and by thy own white hand , swear thou art vertuous , and a brave wench , durst thou but guide me presently through the same vault thou cam'st into the palace , and those i shall appoint , such as i shall think fit . pan. yes , i will do it , and suddenly and truly . pym. i would fain behold this prophet . pan. now i have you . and i shall bring you where you shall behold him , alone too , and unfurnish'd of defences : that shall be my care ; but you must not betray me . pym. dost think we are so base ? such slavish rogues ? pan. i do not , and you shall see how fairly i 'll work for you . pym. i must needs steal that priest , steal him , and hang him . pan. do any thing to remove his mischiefs , strangle him . pym. come , prithee . pan. you 'll offer me no foul play. the vault is dark . pym. 't was well remembred . pan. and you may â�� . but i hold you honest . pym. honest enough , i 'll warrant thee . pan. i am but a poor weak wench ; and what with the place , and your perswasion sir , â�� but i hope you will not . you know we are often cozen'd . pym. if thou dost fear me , why dost thou put me in mind ? pan. to let you know , sir , though it be in your power , and things sitting to it , yet a true gentleman â�� pym. i know what he 'll do ? come , and remember me , and i 'll answer thee ; i 'll answer to the full : wee 'll call at the castle , and then , my good guide , do thy will , ' shalt find me a very tractable man. pan. i hope i shall , sir. exeunt . enter bakam , syana , and soldiers . bak. let my men guard the gates . sya. and mine the temple , for fear the honour of our gods shou'd suffer ; and on your lives be watchful . bak. and be valiant , and le ts see if these portugals dare enter , what their high hearts dare do ; let 's see how readily the great ruidias will redeem his countryman : he speaks proud words and threatens . sya. he is approv'd , sir , and will put fair for what he promises : i cou'd wish friendlier terms ; yet for our liberties , and for our gods , we are bound in our best services , even in the hazard of our lives . enter the king above . king. come up , princes , and give your counsels , and your helps ; the fort still plays fearfully upon us , beats our buildings , and turns our people wild with fears . bak. send for the prisoner , and give us leave to argue . [ ex. bakam and syana . enter ruidias , emanuel , christophero , pedro with soldiers . rui. come on nobly , and let the fort play still : we are strong enough to look upon 'em , and return at pleasure ; it may be on our view they will return him . eman. how the people stare ! and some cry , some pray , and some curse heartily ; but it is the king â�� â�� enter syana , bakam , quisara , armusia , with soldiers above . i cannot blame their wisdom . they are all above , armusia chain'd and bound too ! o , these are thankful squires . bak. hear ruidias : command thy cannon instantly to cease , no more to trouble the afficted people , or suddenly armusia's head goes off , as suddenly as said : stay and be temperate . arm. do nothing that 's dishonourable , brave ruidias ; let not the care of me restrain your valour ; pursue 'em still , they are base malicious people . king. be not thus desperate . arm : i scorn your courtesies , strike when you dare , a fair aim guide the gunner , and may he still let fly with fortune . friend , do me the honour of a souldiers funeral , the last fair christian rites , see me i'th'ground ; then make these idol temples burn , on their scorn'd gods erect my monument ; touch not the princess , as you are a souldier . quis. your fate , sir , must be mine ; one life , one death . king. be wise , and beg for truce yet . rui. let our cannon answer . shoot again . king. so resolute ! draw all our forces out , and make the general assault . as the guards sallv , they are met by pymero and his party , who bring the governour . pym. no , no , go on ; look here 's your god and prophet . king. heaven , i 'm amaz'd ! how came he taken ? pym. i conjur'd for him , king ; i 'm a sure cur at an old blind prophet , i 'll hunt you such a false knave admirably , a terrier i ; i earth'd him , and then snapt him . em. by your good favour , sir , we stole him , ev'n from the next chamber to you . king. i am amaz'd at these mens courage , guards , rescue our prophet first , then storm the fort. pym. come , come , begin , king , begin this bloody contest , when you please , your minion first shall go to th' dogs : and yet i soorn my sword should touch the rascal . we 'll tear him piece-meal thus before you â�� ha! [ pulls of the governours false hair and beard . king. how 's this ? art thou a prophet ? what a dangerous mist have i been wrapt in ! noble ruidias , our strife is at an end ; i was abus'd , my dear armusia , o my injur'd sister , what shall i urge in my defence ? ruidias , descend in peace , and meet me , on a kings word . king and his company , ruidias and his , come down upon the stage . pym. this isa precious prophet ! why , don govenour , what makes you here ? how long have you taken orders ? king. i can't speak for wonder . gov. i had paid you all , but fortune plaid the jade . king. generous souls ! y'have half persuaded me to be a christian. once more , armusia , let me do you justice . rui. which i , sir , needs must own , tho' once your rival . arm. brave ruidias , you have in honour started now beyond me , 't was my ambition but to quit the score . rui. and fortune made me blest with the occasion . king. to prison with that wretch , there let him howlâ�� and , if he can repent , sigh out his villanies : his island we shall seize into our hands , his father and himself have both usurpt it , and kept it by oppression ; the town and castle ( in which i lay my self most miserably , till my most honourable friend redeem'd me ) signior pymero , i bestow on you ; the rest of next command upon these gentlemen , and on you all , my love. arm. i am o'er-prest with fortune , past my merit . king. our court and island , sir , shall share your joy ; our interests are one ; let mirth and triumph , and universal gladness freely flow . what ever false and subtile men dare cast , just heav'n on vertue show'rs rewards at last .

advertisement .

that famous powder , called arcanum magnum , formerly prepared by the learned riverius physician regent to the french king , and approved by most persons of quality in christendom , for preserving and beautifying the face , even to old age ; it cures red faces , it takes away all heat , pimples , sun-burn , and morphew ; it prevents , and takes away superfluous hair , growing on the face ; in short , it adds more lustre and beauty , than any powder or wash known , as many persons of quality can testifie , who daily use it , with the greatest approbation : it is prepared only by i. h. doctor in phyfick in great knight-rider-street , nigh doctors-commons gate , a blew ball being over the door , where it may be had for 23. 6. d. the paper with diractions for the use .

la montre : or the lavers-watch , a paraphrase from the french , likewise the last new comedy , called the lucky chance , or â��n aldermans bargain , both written by mrs. a. behn , sold by w. â��anning , at his shop in the temple-cloysters .

finis .

cuckolds-haven, or, an alderman no conjurer a farce acted at the queen's theatre in dorset garden / by n. tate. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a62863 of text r38279 in the english short title catalog (wing t180). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.this text has not been fully proofread approx. 137 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 30 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo 2017 a62863 wing t180 estc r38279 17287004 ocm 17287004 106311

early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a62863) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 106311) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 1103:27) cuckolds-haven, or, an alderman no conjurer a farce acted at the queen's theatre in dorset garden / by n. tate. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. [11], 45, [2] p. printed for j.h. and are to be sold by edward poole ..., london : 1685. "licensed, august 14. 1685. ro. l'estrange"--opposite t.p. imperfect: stained. reproduction of original in the huntington library. eng shcnocuckolds haven, or an alderman no conjurertate, nahum1685231760000000athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. 2002-02tcp assigned for keying and markup 2002-02apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images 2002-03tcp staff (oxford) sampled and proofread 2002-03judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-04pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion

licensed ,

august 14. 1685. ro. l'estrange .

cuckolds-haven : or , an alderman no conjurer . a farce . acted at the queen's theatre in dorset garden .

by n. tate .

london , printed for j. h. and are to be sold by edward poole , next door to the fleece tavern in cornhill . 1685.

to the honourable colonel edmund ashton . sir ,

as you will find the following scenes drawn from the stores of that great master ben , i hope you will think the contrivance no ill imitation : that they had no better success on the stage , was for this reason : the principal part ( on which the diversion depended ) was , by accident , disappointed of mr. nokes's performance , for whom it was design'd , and only proper ; which caus'd a retrenchment of whole scenes in the action , that are in this copy inserted . as it here lies together , if the plot be not too regular for farce , and ought not rather to have been call'd comedy , i dare trust the reader for the rest . notwithstanding all the disadvantages in its appearance on the stage , you were pleased , sir , to discover some beauties through the cloud . however , i am not so much concern'd for a work of this nature , as to impose the protection of it upon you . my ambition in this address , is , to owne my good fortune in your acquaintance , and advantages from thence , as to nobler species of poetry . i speak not with relation to any essays of my own , but for improvement of my skill in the best latin poets . when ben johnson was inform'd , that a certain person had done him injury , he cry'd out with indignation , i made the ingrateful man understand horace . obligations of this kind , indeed , are unvaluable . i presume ( sir ) i could before pretend to a grammarians , or commentators knowledge ; but this was understanding like a dutchman :

from whom , the author 's more obscure become , the fogs of holland cloud the wit of rome ; while these the vehicle of words essay , the subtle spirit flies unseen away .

they understood the words , but you the poet. your judgment does not terminate in what is express'd , but takes in the whole scope of fancy , and feels the flame of the poet , while he labour'd with inspiration . in short ( sir ) you make their very spirit visible ; and with piercing sight discover those beauties , which their art threw off to such distance , that they were not discern'd by vulgar eyes . the world must allow me to pay this acknowledgment : it is what i heard own'd ( while a stranger to you ) by a * first-rate judge , as well as poet ; he that was at once the horace and mecaenas of our age. know , sir , you will pardon me , if on mention of that noble person , i stain this paper with a tear.

multis ille bonis flebilis occidit , nulli flebilior quam tibi -------

of many obligations that endear his memory to me , the opportunity of your acquaintance was not the least ; while i have heard you discant together on your beloved authours , time seem'd to me to be revolv'd , and i thought my self in the court of augustus . i think the nation is duly grateful for what he has transplanted from their language , though sparing of those favours . we likewise know , sir , that you have not fate down with the bare knowledge of those ancient roman treasures , without giving some parts of them the english stamp . and to hoard them in secresy , is injury to your country . it was always thought the perfection of an honourable person , to be an accomplisht courtier , souldier , and scholar . all which capacities are ( sir ) without complement , ascrib'd to you. nor may we omit , that justice , courtesie , and condescention , which ( in relation to inferiours ) compleat the character of a gentleman . as a just respect on these worthy accounts is rendred to you by all persons , it is by none more sincerely paid , than by ,

sir , your most humble servant , and admirer , n. tate .

prologue . we own , nor to confess it are asham'd , ( fram'd . that from tough ben's remains , this piece was but if embellishments of vanity and vice , are here improv'd to a degree beyond the characters that master drew , we must the ladies thank for that , and you , so far above what johnson's age e'er knew . our scene 's compact , and if it be not witty , you must consider , sirs , 't is laid i' th' city . where yet we shall present one sparkish citt , who drinks , whores , dresses , which i think is wit ; or , mercy on three parts of this good pit. lewdness and dress must , by the criticks pardon , be wit , or ' gad ye ruine covent-garden . but sense , or nonsense , is to us all one , our trinculo and trapp'lin were undone , when lime's more farcy monarchy begun . oh! were this frantick nations woes too few , but we must have both dam and devil too ? first , with the old serpent plagu'd of associations , and since , with viler spawn of declarations : whose poyson such distraction cou'd create , that scyth-men listed to mow down the state. but now the monster has her final rout , the very dregs of treason's tap are out : this triumph then , with just applause be given to caesar's conduct , and assisting heaven . sense now shall flourish , discord be no more , for wit and peace are caesar's to restore .

the persons . alderman touchstone , intended for mr. nokes , by mr. percivall . golding , his sober servant , mr. baker . quick-silver , his debauch'd servant , mr. jevon . security , a bawd and usurer , mr. lee. sir petronell flash , mr. williams . captain seagull , mr. gillow . mr. bramble , a lawyer , mr. hains . mrs. touchstã²ne , mrs. corye . girtred , her daughter , an affected cittess , married and cozen'd by sir petr. flash . mrs. percivall . mildred , the sober daughter , mrs. twiford . security's wife , mrs. price . syndefie , punk to quicksilver . servants and sailers . scene london .

a new farce , call'd cuckolds-haven . act i. scene i. touchstone's shop at the farther end ; golding walking short turns before it . touchstone with accounts in his hand . touch.

upon mortgage of his whole estate remains due to his lordship 300 l. this comes of prodigality , of his lordships stewards towards a purchace for himself 5000. there 's the fruits of industry â�� at interest for mrs. procure-well 1200. there 's industry again â�� lent , receiv'd , receipts , receipts , disbursements , bonds , bonds , judgments , &c. well , we marry'd citizens had need of strong heads to support what is put upon 'em ; our greatest care is , to look after them that should take the care off our hands . i must in and settle these accounts before â��

[ as he is going in , quick-silver enters upon him and drives him backward . quick.

alack ! alack , sir ! sincerely , i did not think of your worship .

touch.

thou insolent varlet ! what ? stumble upon the very face of authority ? do' it thou behold no terrour in this overture ? is this natural type of reverence , and this emblem of the cities honour , but cyphers with you ? ha !

quick.

peradventure , sir â��

touch.

i will not be peradventured , sir ; answer me directly . what loose action are you now bound for ? what comrades are you to meet ? who gives the supper ? and where 's the rendezvouz ? i will have an account of all these in a breath , in a sentence , in one word , sir.

quick.

indeed , and in very good sober truth , sir â��

touch.

indeed , and in very good sober truth , sir ! â�� behind my back thou wilt swear faster than a french foot-boy , and talk more baudy than a midwife . â�� i tell thee , sirrah , i am thy natural lord and master , william touchstone , goldsmith and alderman of london , an alderman , sirrah , alderman ; i will likewise make thee understand that thou art my indented servant , francis quick-silver . â�� work upon that now .

quick.

surely i am your bounden and most faithful â��

touch.

without preamble , i will know what diversion you are now a running to .

quick.

surely one may use his recreation with his master's profit .

touch.

servants recreations are seldom with their master's profit : --- work upon that now â��

quick.

surely i was but going to a funeral sermon , sir , â�� of a dear friend , sir.

[ crying . touch.

say'st thou so â�� i protest i was to blame for chiding thee â�� dear francis , i ask thy pardon and am sorry for thy friend with all my heart â�� but , sirrah , seeing is believing , shew me your sermon-book , produce your shorthand-book , quickly i say .

quick.

here , sir.

touch.

let me see 't .

quick.

sincerely , i shall come too late , sir.

touch.

let me see 't i say â�� what is here ? sol , la ! me , fa ! sol , sol , --- what has this to do here ? â�� with a stone at the gate , and a handsom young wench to rub my bald pate . â�� why , thou pagan rogue : thou hast more tricks with thee than an irish run-a-way with seven years improvement in the west-indies . i will see further what rigging you have about ; off with that cloak of iniquity , where are you ?

[ quick-silver dodges about him , at last touchstone pulls off his cloak and discovers flutes , swords , pumps , racks , dancing shoes , &c. girded round him .

hey-day , hey-day ! what a composition is here ! thou hast more trangams about thee than a hocus pocus , or the wonderful fish that came arm'd against turk and pope .

quick.

work upon that now .

touch.

thou shameless varlet , do'st thou deride me too ? do'st thou laugh at thy lawful master , contrary to thy indentures ? i will make thee , sirrah , at noon-day for pennance , to walk in this equipage from leaden-hall to ludgate .

quick.

i will as soon serve a prenticeship to every cuckold betwixt leaden-hall and ludgate , by this light. what a plague , sir , i am a gentleman , tho a younger brother , and your worships servant .

touch.

do'st thou swear , rake-hell ? thy father was an honest tradesman .

quick.

but my mother was a gentlewoman , and with your favour , sir , i will swear by the mothers side . is it not for your worships advantage that i keep company ? i am entertain'd amongst gallants , they call me cousin frank ; right . i lend them money ; good . they spend it ; very well . and when 't is gon , must they not strive to get more ? must not their land fly ? and to whom ? shall not your worship have the refusal ? how could tradesmen thrive if gentlemen were not unthrifts ? how could gentlemen be unthrifts without supplies for their debauchery ? well , the city ought to consider me . i am now going to a gaming-house ; the sparks fall to play ; i carry light gold with me ; cousin frank , say they , some gold for silver ; i change gain by it : they lose the gold and cry , cousin frank , lend me some silver ; by which means â��

touch.

nay , the rogue has wit , that 's certain ; the rogue has wit â�� i cannot help loving the dog â�� but , sirrah , did i gain my wealth by ordinaries ? no. by exchanging of gold ? no. by keeping gallants company ? no. i hired me a little shop , sought low , kept no debt-book , garnish'd my shelves for want of plate with good wholsom thrifty sentences ; as , touchstone keep thy shop , and thy shop will keep thee ; light gains , make heavy purses ; be merry , and wise . and when i was wiv'd having somthing to stick to , i had ever the horn of security before my eyes ; you all know the device of the horn , where the young fellow slips in at the butt , and comes squeez'd out at the buckall . yet i grew up to this dignity that you see here , and bear my brows as high as my neighbours ; but thou â�� well , look to accounts , your father's bond lyes for you , seven hundred art thou run out of cash .

quick.

i have proper gentlemens words for 't , and well drest ! shall i deny a gentleman that calls me cousin frank ?

enter a page . page .

which is mr. touchstone's shop ?

gold.

here , sir. what lack you , sir ? what d' ye buy , sir ?

touch.

look you there now ! there 's your fellow servant , do's he spark it ? well , if he outlast not an hundred such crackling bavins as thou art , heav'n and men neglect industry â�� with me boy ?

page .

my master , sir petronell flash , presents his service to you , and intends instantly to visit you .

touch.

i understand you boy : to consummate marriage with my eldest daughter , my wive's dilling , whom she longs to call madam â�� your master shall find me most unwillingly ready , boy .

[ ex. page .

there 's another affliction too ; my eldest daughter is as prodigal as my youngest servant . she must be ladify'd forfooth , take all her dress from the court , take quality-rambles , and keep quality-hours . well , a piece of land she has , her grandmothers gift , let her sir petronell flash out that : but as for my substance , she that scorns me , as i am a citizen and alderman , shall never be the better for that ; nor shall that be the worse for her â�� however â�� golding , come hither , golding â�� no , no , you quick-silver â�� i , i , golding , golding my outmost care is for thee , and my only trust is in thee , look to the shop â�� mr. quick-silver , look on the brodigals hog-trough in the hangings within , i say , consider them : think upon husks : husks â�� work upon that now .

[ exit . quick.

husks in your wittal's weazon ; and a million of milstones to the bargain . here 's authority with a horse pox.

gold

for shame how you talk.

quick.

and who shall say me nay ? i will both talk and swear , i am a gentleman , and may swear by my pedigree . golding thou art yet ---- but i 'll improve thee into a man and a good fellow , i will shew thee company with souls in them , drink thee into good blood.

good store of brisk claret supplies ev'ry thing , and the man that is drunk is as great as a king. gold.

away with your ribaldry play-house morals .

quick.

i tell thee we will redeem , redeem the city's honour , and shew there may be 'prentices that are no coxcombs . shall our free spirits be held in bonds of calf-skin , and subjected to a formal beard and chain ?

gold.

what would you have me do ?

quick.

do nothing , turn gentleman and be idle ; the curse of man is labour . wilt thou walk here from sun to sun between two pissing posts , or stand with a bare pate , driveling nose , and arms a-cross under a rotten pent-house ?

gold.

away , you prodigal fool.

quick.

that word again and thou art immortal .

gold.

thou shuttle-cock ; thou gull of lew'd companions ; i see thee already in the temple rounds with half a hat , thy crevat the reversion of a barber's apron â�� soft , soft , unsheath that iron , and i will make thee swallow it .

quick.

as i am a gentleman , i 'll get drunk incontinently , incontinently , grow valiant , and beat thee .

[ exit .

scene ii. security's house . wynifred security's wife , and clogg giving her a letter . clogg .

from your admirer madam , sir petronell flash .

wyn.

and are you certain my old security did not see you take it in ?

clogg .

pray think i understand my office better .

wyn.

what an impudent knight is this to continue addressing to me , and send me word the same time that he 's going to be marry'd , but for my sake and to prevent suspicion : 't is a scurvy sure way , and i could have studdy'd better . i 'll hear no further from him .

clogg .

by your beauties leave , madam , i must presume to say you are not altogether so wise as true politick wife would be ; who being marry'd to such a nicumpoop ( i speak it with my master's peace ) whose face confesses him what you ought to make him ) , that you will out of conscientious scruple , defraud a poor old gentleman of what he longs for , and makes it his whole studdy to compass only a modish title ; could he but write cuckold he has his ends ; for look you â��

wyn.

what means the varlet ? why thou know'st the golden fruit was never watcht so , as my old dragon watches me .

clogg .

why , there you find his worshipful ambition , the top of it , the very forked top. why should he keep you thus mur'd up in a back room , allow you ne'er a casement to the streets , for fear of ingendring by the eyes , forbid you paper , pen and ink like rats-bane , search your half pint of sack , least a letter should be sunk in it ? why all this confinement but to make men covet you the more ?

wyn.

i grant it indeed the only method that cou'd seduce me , and bring upon his head what most he fears .

clogg .

will you make benefit of time and truth ? i am set over you , employ'd to watch your steps , your looks , your very breathings , and report them to him , now if you will be a modish right sweet mistress , we 'll make a cokes of this wise master , an absolute fine cokes , quite disappoint the care and industry of such a solemn and effectual ass , an ass to such good purpose as we 'll make him .

wyn.

i understand you not .

clogg .

i am , 't is true , my master's man , but my mistresses slave , the servant of her pleasures and sweet turns , and know all points that will conduce to them . i will contrive it so that you shall go to park , to plays , to feasts and masquerades , take care you shall have such rigging sails , and trim as handsome vessels shou'd put forth with , i 'll choose you confidents , and lovers , convey your letters , fetch you answers , with all other offices requisite to youthful blood and beauty .

wyn.

this is most strange .

clogg .

and for variety , at times ( though i am not of symmetry and complexion to boast a soveraignty over ladies hearts , like some of my sphere ) yet i can do , my sweet madam .

wyn.

how 's this ?

clogg .

dear , delicate madam , i am your little paraquit , your sparrow , your shock , your pugg , your squirrel .

wyn.

impudent slave ! what can the varlet mean by this presumption ? ----- oh , i havã© found it out , and was most dull not to conceive it before ; my jealous husband put him on this practice â�� where are you , sir ? for i know you hear me ; come from your peeping corner ; spare your self a little from your watch to applaud your groom here , that so well follows your instructions .

enter security . sec.

where is my little bunting ? why how now , bird ? what , in a pett ? i prithee what 's the matter ?

wyn.

very well , you are a stranger to the plot , i warrant you ? did not set your vassal here to tempt your innocent wife with most uncivil language and action ?

clogg .

i sweat , i sweat .

sec.

i understand thee not , my goldfinch .

clogg .

sir , the essex squire has been thrice here since you went out , he 'll mortgage to his uncle , unless you find him instantly .

sec.

that must not be â�� what were you saying , chick ?

wyn.

durst he presume to mention love to me without directions from you ?

sec.

to mention love to thee , bunting ? conspire against my honour ? â�� what wert thou saying , clogg ? is there any danger of our missing of the mortgage â�� the varlet durst not do 't , my lark . what ? mention lewdness to thee ? any thing that pointed towards cuckolds row ?

wyn.

as if you were not planted on the stairs , or behind the hangings â�� i am sure 't was your direction .

sec.

thou shalt see , bird , how i directed him ,

[ puts off his cloak ,

o thou most manifest villain ! thou fiend apparent ! thou declar'd hell-hound !

[ beats him . clogg .

sir , sir , sir.

sec.

knave , rascal , traitor , have i found you ? what , upon your first point of trust and charge ? the very week of your probation ?

clogg .

some moderation , good sir.

sec.

have i for this conferr'd all offices upon thee , made thee my clerk , wardrobe man , caterer , cook , butler , steward , and what transcends all these , my wife-watcher ?

clogg .

good sir.

wyn.

but tell me , cue ; where were you all the while ?

sec.

at councel bramble's , bird , drawing up of a judgment . â�� there is one blow more for exercise â�� you see , my lark , how i directed him .

clogg .

would you had done , sir.

sec.

o bird , what blessings follow industry , no less than three forfeitures this morning . â�� one more to put you in mind of the last ? you are pamper'd with your whole pitchard a day , i shall reduce you to a sprat , rogue . are you tentiginous ? ha !

clogg .

i shall expire --- dear sir.

sec.

and what'is all this care and toil of mine for , but to enrich thee , bird ? six flanders mares to your coach , that 's your proportion . i do hunger and thirst to do the good , bird.

wyn.

why am i then confin'd to one dark room ?

sec.

for thy good still , bird , and beside , to please thee thou shalt have thy cage new painted . there 's conceit for thee . turn me loose to the wittiest of 'em , and to the wisest too . what trade like mine of usury ? all others complain of inconvenience . the merchant says , traffick is subject to incertainty and loss ; let them keep their goods on dry land with a vengeance . besides , their gains are unconscionable , two for one , or so ; whereas i in my lending of money am content with moderate profit , 30 or 40 in the 100 , so i may have it with quietness , and no hazzard .

wyn.

thy godfathers were in the right ; cue , thou deserv'st thy name .

sec.

one prays for a westwardly wind to carry his ship out , another for an eastwardly to bring his home ; and at every shaking of a leaf he falls into an ague . the farmer is ever at odds with the weather , sometimes the clouds are barren , their harvests are too thin ; sometimes the season is too fruitful , and corn will bear no price ; whereas we that trade only in money , are pleas'd with all weathers ; so the sun and moon stand not still , but make up days , months , and years .

enter mrs. syndefie . syn.

o sir , mr. francis quick-silver's below .

sec.

bring him up , dear charge , i do hunger and thirst to do him good . ---- to thy chamber , my dear turtle .

wyn.

let it be the street room this time , cue .

sec.

it shall be the back room , i have sworn it in the violence of my affection to thee .

wyn.

one pair of stairs then .

sec.

two , bird , two. thou seest my love in keeping thee so close , it shews thou art my jewel â�� in my sight still ?

re-enter syndefie with quick-silver . quick.

and how fares my old dad ? does he digest iniquity well still ? and has he seen my running gelding drest to day ? o , my dear syndefie , that time were half so fleet , my wisht enfranchisement would soon arrive .

syn.

ah frank , you wish you know not what ! your master's wealth and trust supports you now , but when that term's expir'd â��

quick.

why then i 'll conjure money to my pockets , tho she were fled and dead , i 'd raise her with aqua vitae out of old hogsheads ; while there are lees of wine or dregs of beer , i 'll never want her ; coyn her out of cobwebs ; raise wool upon eggshels , make grass grow upon marrow-bones , but i will make her come .

syn.

come , you may yet provide a stock for traffick against your time expires .

quick.

thou art a fool syn. traffick ! shall i , who am the flower of city wits , turn paltry merchant , and trust my estate to a hogs-trough ? what are ships but tennis balls for the winds to play withal ? footra for dull preferments of the city . i will to court syn.

syn.

what winds or seas have hazard like â��

re-enter security . quick.

ah pox ! and who taught you this morality ?

sec.

long of this witty age , mr. francis , and your mercurial conversation .

quick.

well said old dad , thou father of destruction . i am bringing more widgeons into thy usurious nets . claw me , claw thee , runs through court and countrey .

sec.

right , my subtle quick. i do therefore hunger and thirst to do thee good . ----- but what new game hast thousprung , my nimble francis ; for i do hunger and thirst to do thee good ?

quick.

a certain knight of my acquaintance â��

sec.

i hunger and thirst to do him good .

quick.

has present occasion for twelve hundred guinneys : sir petronell flash by name .

sec.

how ? that bankrupt prodigal , i renonnce him and his wants .

quick.

that is betwixt you and i , dad : but this day he marries my master's eldest daughter , and â��

sec.

bring me to him instantly , i hunger and thirst to do him good , come bring me to him â�� you were tentiginous , rogue , were you ?

[ exeunt .

scene iii. touchstone's house . girfred , mildred , poldavie with a french mantoa under his arm , girfred's maid . gir.

for the passion of patience , look if sir petronell approach ; that sweet , that fine , that alamode , that â�� for loves sake tell me if he come â�� o sister mill , tho my father be a paltry tradesman , yet i must be a lady , and i will be a lady , and i thank my stars , my mother must call me madam â�� does he come , off with this scandalous gown for shame , let not my knight take in this vile city cut at any rate â�� does he come ? â�� tear it , pox on 't , tear 't off â�� thus while she sleeps , i sorrow for her sake â�� what a dull english animal art thou to keep me an age in torment ? tear it off , i say .

mild.

lord , sister , with what disdain do you put off your city tire ? what pains you take to make your self ridiculous .

gir.

lord , sister mill , that you will be pretending to gallantry and dress with that mechanick soul of yours ! how often have i told you that you have no genius for these things ? how should you understand mien or bon grace , the brillian and negligence of a court carriage , the belle conceit of a fan , and the esprit of a fontnage ? i have studdy'd these , things , and have fancy to reach the meridian of them .

mild.

to reach the meridian of folly , you mean , sister .

gir.

your ambition , sister , aspires no higher than to marry a common-council-man , and a crape gown with a filthy english cut may serve your turn : but i must be a lady . i like the humour of some city dames well , to eat cherries at an angel a pound pretty well : to die scarlet black tolerable : to line their coachã¨s with velvet indifferent ; but for a thousand other niceties they have no fancy : they are my aversion as i hope to be a lady ----- is he not come yet ? lord , what a long knight ' t is ? and ever she cry'd shoot home , shoot home ---- yet i have known ã longer ----

mild.

well , birds that scorn their nest before their plumes are grown ----

gir.

still at your reprimands ? thou art more dull and troublesome than bow-bell . when i am a lady , i 'll pray for thy conversion to sense ; nay , i 'll vouchsafe to call thee sister mill ; for though thou art not like to be a lady , yet 't is possible thou may'st be sav'd as soon as i ---- not come yet ? ---- and ever and anon , she doubled in her song ----- liberty , liberty . now monsieur poldavie for your reputation ; come , fit it on .

pold.

me sal please you madam assurement ,

gir.

there 's mettle for you ! well , there 's more soul in one french taylor , than in a whole company of our train'd-bands . page , let me have the french song , it will help off this fatigue of dressing .

song . she. the wise believe that i love none , and some that i love all ; while none can call my heart his own , each portion is so small . he. some say , i for olinda dye ; my breast so fierce a passion warms ; most think my hour is not so nigh , but ah ! they little know her charms . she. my heart 's the weather-cock of love , which ev'ry sigh can turn ; and ev'ry am'rous breath can move , but nothing make it burn . he. my heart is love's meer tennis-ball , here tost , there bandy'd up and down ; but in good hands , if once it fall , 't is lodg'd , 't is then for ever gon . [ poldavie the mean time fits on her mantoa , and her woman puts on her head-tire .

and is this alamode upon your honour , monsieur ?

pold.

ver fine , madam ; here it be close , here it be stiff , here it be capacity , and will keep your tighs so cool . here vas de faut in your body , madam ; but mee have rectify dat defect with de effect of my steel instrument ; my steel instrument , madam , have one eye , but can ver well see to rectify de imperfections in de ladies proportions , madam .

gir.

and how must i bear my hands now ? light .

pold.

ouy , madam , now you be de court fashoon , you must all ting light , tread light , and fall light â�� bon amy ! dat be de court ambla .

mil.

has the court never a trott , monsieur ?

pold.

no trotta , no troì�tt , but de false gallopa , madam .

gir.

an' thou hadst been an english tire-woman , i should have beaten thee ; for i could learn another story of fontanges .

enter servant . serv.

the knight is come , madam .

gir.

is my knight come ? where 's my fan now ? sister , do my cheeks look well ? give me a little box o' th' ear , to fetch the colour into them . so , so ---- o dearest dear ! how does my errant knight ?

mil.

for shame , with more modesty .

gir.

modesty ! why ? i am no citizen now : modesty ! am not i to be marry'd ? you had best keep me modest when i am a lady ; the way of ---- is a la negligence , is 't not my hero ?

pet.

assurance there is necessary , madam .

gir.

but why came you no sooner , knight ?

pet.

a most important â��

gir.

and who were you with ?

pet.

a true â��

gir.

and was your wine good ?

pet.

if you â��

gir.

and were your company mad enough ? for i must have you very lewd ; 't is alamode and great . well , there is nothing can spoil our happiness , but your being too fond of me ; fondness in a husband is a mechanick thing . i hope therefore you 'll prove wild , to justifie your quality .

pet.

i shall endeavour on my part , madam .

enter mrs. touchstone . mrs. t.

welcom , my honorable guest ; and when must this marriage affair be dispatcht ?

pet.

i come now , madam , to consummate it ; if mr. alderman pleases , you may this morning call a poor knight son-in-law .

mrs. t.

and my daughter madam ; what an air is there ! how well her dress and quality becomes her !

enter touchstone .

look here , master touchstone , and weep your eyes blind for joy ; would you imagine this to be your daughter ? for my part , i scarce can . what , no respect to her ladiship ?

touch.

sir knight , you are welcom to her body ; as for the rest , i am not unwilling to forego it ; because it is not in my power to keep it from you . there i think i am civil to you . seven hundred pound purchase of land her grandmother left her , is yours ; her self ( as her mother's gift ) is yours ; but if you expect any thing from me , know , that my hand eyes open together ; i do not give blindly ---- work upon that now .

pet.

sir , you mistrust my means ; i hope , i am a knight .

touch.

sir , what i do not know , i must be bold to say i am ignorant of .

mrs. t.

nay , i can answer for his being a knight ; i know where he had the money to pay his fees. and so might you have been a knight , an' you had not been an afs ; had i thought you wou'd not have been knighted , i would have dub'd you my self â�� but as for your daughter â��

gir.

i mother , i must be a lady anon , and by your leave , mother , ( i speak it not without my duty , but only in right of my husband ) i must take place of you , mother .

mrs. t.

that you shall , lady-daughter ; and have a coach too , as well as i.

gir.

and , by your leave , mother , ( i speak it not without my duty , but only in right of my husband ) my coach-horses must take the wall of your coach-horses .

touch.

come , come , the day wears apace ; i love to have a scurvy business soon over â�� there i think i was civil again â�� d' ye hear , sir , how you will use this daughter of mine , i know not ; and how she will deserve to be us'd , i know less than t'other : but i must tell you , sir , that for your sake she has refus'd known honest men , well money'd , better traded , best reputed ---- work upon that now .

gir.

citizens , ma soy , beastly citizen , sweet knight , as soon as ever we are marry'd , take me to thy mercy out of this miserable city , from the scent of sea-coal , and the hearing of bow-bell ; let us but marry a little , and then down with me , down with me immediately .

[ exeunt all .

the end of the first act.

act ii. scene i. a chair , coat , perewigg , and band. after a confused manner , the waits , drums , trumpets , saluting the bridegroom ; enter touchstone , in his night gown and cap. touch.

here 's a noise with a vengeance , as if a pope were roasting with cats in his belly . why , my house has been made a tavern this night ; but my comfort is , the reckoning falls to my . wife's charge . our bellies have stow'd more sorts of provision than noah's ark : 't is our city's fault , which , because we do it but seldom , we do it the more sinfully . â�� hey ! quick-silver â�� here 's no being heard without a speaking trumpet â�� quick-silver , i say , mr. francis quick-silver .

enter quick-silver . quick.

here , sir. uck !

touch.

most worshipful sir , will your important affairs give you leave to dress me ?

quick.

i should leave any business to serve you , sir ; though i were fast asleep . uck !

[ he puts on his coat wrong , and buttons it behind . touch.

foh , sirrah ! how you stink of wine .

quick.

would you desire a better smell , sir ? uck ! uck !

touch.

the drunken hiccough too , upon my honour .

quick.

't is but the coldness of my stomach , sir.

touch.

what , have you the cause natural for it ? the wedding night could not moisten your throat sufficiently , but the morning too must rain her dews upon you .

quick.

an' please you , sir , we did but drink to the coming off of the knightly bridegroom .

touch.

to the coming off on him ?

quick.

i , sir , we drank to his coming on when we went to bed , and now we are up , we must drink to his coming off ; that 's the chief honour of a souldier , sir ; and therefore we must drink so much the more to it . uck !

touch.

a very capital reason . i believe your logick must be forc't anon to make three silver tankards out of two .

quick.

the knight's men are still on their knees at it ; and because 't is for your credit , sir , i would be ioth to flinch .

touch.

i beseech you , sir , to 'em again : you are one of the separated crew , one of my wife's faction .

quick.

of the sure side , sir.

touch.

and of my young ladies , with whom , and her great match , i will have nothing to do .

quick.

so , sir , now i will go keep my credit with 'em , an' please you , sir.

touch.

by any means , sir , i beseech you , lay one cup of sack more upon your cold stomach ---- but have a care , sirrah , your head will be turn'd presently , i can tell you .

quick.

your worship's head is turn'd already , sir.

[ exit . touch.

what 's that , rogue ? ha ! drunk for my credit , quoth-a ? 't is a sprightly knave this . i have two daughters just like my two servants ; one has grace , and no wit ; the other wit , and no grace ; there 's my wife has neither . well , mr. alderman , thy preferment is thy comfort ; and in that consideration â��

[ looks in the glass , and sees himself wrong drest .

what 's here now ? what a prophane varlet is this , not to know the right side of an alderman ? â�� he said my head was turn'd indeed . golding , golding .

enter golding . gold.

here , sir ; what does your worship want ?

touch.

come , dress me , golding .

gold.

undress you , sir , you mean ?

touch.

there 's a piece of conceit too : well , every thing must have a beginning ---- how now mil ?

enter mildred . mil.

how fare you , sir , this morning ? has not the noise disturb'd you ? it was my mother's humour .

touch.

so now , here 's all the sober parcel my family can shew ; the rest of my house are giddy , the very stairs and walls stagger ---- thy mother , mil , has us'd me to noise , i thank her . let me see now , let me survey your two physiognomies ; some resemblance upon my honour : golding , i can tell thee for thy comfort , thou wilt come to be an alderman ; i see by that thriving sheeps-face of thine .

gold.

your worship thinks too favourably of me .

touch.

come hither , mil ; what think'st thou of thy sister ?

mil.

as a sister , sir ; i hope well .

touch.

i wou'd not give a button for thy hopes of her , nor my own neither ; but tell me what thou think'st of her ?

mil.

i am loth to think ill , sir ; and sorry that i cannot speak well .

touch.

very good : and , golding , how likest thou the knight , sir flash ? does not the elephant look big ? they say , he has a castle in the country .

gold.

pray heav'n the elephant carry not his castle on his back , sir ; the best i can say of him is , that i know him not .

touch.

golding , i commend thee , i approve thee , and i will make it appear that my affection is strong to thee ---- my wife has had her humour , and i will have mine . dost thou see my daughter there ? she is not fair , not very fair , somewhat favourable like me ---- her face , i must tell thee , has a great blessing with it ; that it will give thee no reason to suspect her ---- look you , thou art towardly , she is modest ; thou art provident , she is careful ---- she 's now mine , give me thy hand ---- she is now thine ; work upon that now .

gold.

sir , i had too much honour in your service ;

but to make me your son â��

touch.

is to get me a grandson , i take it . come , ye modest fools , i must have you better acquainted : lip her , slave , lip her ; what ? dost thou pauze upon the matter ? why , there 's thy fellow-servant francis , would have come over for the king with half this encouragement .

gold.

i scarcely , sir , durst trust my happiness .

touch.

nay , i was never forward to meddle with any thing that i durst not , truth of it ; let me see , thou hast a kind of a serious leering look too ; a little too much modesty at present ; but when thou art marry'd i warrant thou wilt â�� ha ! â�� thou wilt â�� what was i a going to say now â�� go , get you gone , you little tynie rogues ; get you gone together .

[ exeunt gold. and mild. enter quick-silver disorder'd . quick.

halloa , you pamper'd jades of asia .

touch.

why , how now , sirrah ? what vein is this ? ha !

quick.

who cries on murder ? lady , was it you ?

touch.

so , sirrah , you are past your drunker hiccough now , i see .

quick.

and what 's that to you , blind bitch ? will you mount the trojan horse , and drive the pigmies like geese before you ?

touch.

drunk , upon my honour ; stark drunk .

quick.

't is for my master's honour , strumpet .

touch.

i am told too , you keep a whore in town .

quick.

't is for my master's credit â�� kiss me baud â�� i will salute thy precious person ; i will salute thy nether lip.

touch.

the knave is loving in his drink . ----- nay , fie ; pish , fie ; i do protest i will cry out a rape .

quick.

do'st thou hear , doxie ? old touchstone is a cuckold .

touch.

mercy on me ! an alderman a cuckold ----- past grace , that 's certain . i must proceed to execution ----- there 's ense rescidendum for you , sirrah ; there 's your indentures ; all your apparel that i know of is upon your back ; and so my heart and doors henceforth are shut upon thee .

quick.

am i free then ? old satan , i will tell thee

touch.

what now , sirrah ?

quick.

when this eternal substance of my soul â��

touch.

what then , sir ?

quick.

i was a courtier in the spanish court , and don andrea was my name .

touch.

good master , don andrea , will you march ?

quick.

i will piss upon thy threshold , and throw rotten eggs against thy sign-post â�� ha ! dost thou shake thy goary locks at me ? â�� avaunt , i say .

touch.

help ! murder , murder .

[ exeunt severally .

scene ii. security's house . security and his wife playing at putt , syndefie by them . sec.

there 's up , wynny , there 's up ; come give me my winnings .

[ kisses her :

look you there now ; is not this better than to throw away guinneys at heathenish bassett , and comett ? there is no game , for invention , like putt and one and thirty : my sow has pigg'd too , is a notable piece of skill .

enter clogg . sec.

now , sirrah , where have you been loitering all this while ? let me see , thou hast been a whole half hour , five minutes , and three crochets compleatly .

clogg .

master quick-silver , sir , is drown'd at present in the bride-bowl .

sec.

and hast thou been at mr. bramble's chamber in the temple ?

clogg .

yes , sir , ' has dispatcht his client , and only stays for a fee on the other side too , before he waits upon you .

sec.

fees on both sides may make a reasonable livelihood ----- come nearer , sirrah ; and breathe upon me â�� wine , wine upon my conscience ; would you think it , mrs. syn ? this rogue has tasted wine ; swallow'd it .

syn.

o , most unconscionable hound !

clogg .

a single pint , sir , between a friend and i.

sec.

and you treated ? sixpence at a sitting , rogue ?

clogg .

once in seven years , sir.

sec.

once in seven years , varlet ? dost thou know what that amounts to ? thou art a lusty young knave , and scaping tyburn , may'st live this seventy years yet . i will demonstrate to thee sixpence once in every seven years , use upon use , will in that time arise to twenty four pound twelve shillings . what a fortune art thou fal'n from â�� thou hast seen this mr. bramble , wynny , an unconscionable old rogue , that keeps his wife lockt up .

wyn.

why then do you use me so ?

sec.

i do it out of love , my bunting ; that knave does it out of jealousie .

wyn.

as if you were not jealous .

sec.

not jealous in the least ; i am only afraid thou should'st make me a cuckold .

wyn.

come , cue ; you promis'd i shou'd go abroad the next fair day , to the musick-house in the fields .

sec.

it is not worth thy pains , my goldfinch ; look you , i can make you ten times better musick .

the froe she wan an excise , &c. wyn.

ay , but there is a pretty play in moor-fields .

sec.

why , i will act thee a better play my self . what wilt thou have ? the knight of the burning pestle ? or , the doleful comedy of piramus and thisbe ? that 's my master-piece ; when piramus comes to be dead , i can act a dead man rarely , the rageing rocks , and shivering shocks , shall break the locks of prison gates ; and phoebus carr , shall shine from far , to make and marr the foolish fates . â�� was not that lofty , now ? then there 's the lion , wall and moonshine , three heroick parts ; i play'd 'em all at school . i roar'd out the lion so terribly , that the company call'd out to me to roar again .

wyn.

i , cue ; but there is the italian piece , at charing-cross .

sec.

you mean punch , my intimate friend and acquaintance ? i knew old punch his grandfather ----- you shall see .

[ he acts punch . syn.

clogg , get me a squib to compleat the sport.

[ syndesie lays the squib under his chair , and blows him up . quick-silver enters upon them . quick.

why , how now dad ? what merry pranks are these ?

sec.

nothing , nothing , francis ; a little conjugal conceit for my wife's diversion ---- ah lard , that my gravity should be so apprehended ----- come up , wynny , ---- come to thy chamber .

[ leads her out . quick.

now , my dear syn , i am free as elemental air ; the indented sheep-skin's burnt , in which i was wrapt ; like sampson , i have broke philistian bonds , and in thy arms , my lovely dalilah ----- come , let my trunks shoot forth their silks conceal'd , and deck me like a bridegroom .

[ she brings forth his periwigg , crevat , sword , &c. and puts them on him . syn.

but alas , frank , how will this bravery be maintain'd now ? your place maintain'd it before .

quick.

why ? and i maintain'd my place .

syn.

there is no standing without leggs , nor flying without wings , frank ; there 's none but must have trades to live withal .

quick.

away with your mouldy proverbs , trades to live withal ? no , i say , still let him that has wit , live by his wit ; and he that has none , let him be a tradesman .

enter security . sec.

witty , master francis ! indeed 't is pity any trade should dull that quick brain of yours â�� well , do but bring knight petronell into my parchment toyls , and you shall never need to drudge in any trade â�� o' my credit , you shall not ; i do hunger and thirst to do thee good â�� do'st thou know his wife's land ? do'st thou ?

quick.

even to a foot , sir ; i have been often there . a very fine seat , good land , all intire within it self .

sec.

well wooded , frank ? well wooded ?

quick.

seven hundred pounds worth ready to fell , and a fine sweet house that stands just in the midst of it , like a point in the middle of a circle .

sec.

excellent master francis ! how i long to do the good ! i even die , that thou may'st inherit my possessions â�� for , on my religion , master francis , i meddle in this affair to do the knight a pleasure ; and so 'pray tell him .

quick.

get him the money ready then , dad ; for inter nos , all that he was able of himself to raise , is laid out on a ship now bound for virginia ; the manner of which voyage is so closely laid , that neither his lady-bride , nor any of her friends know of it . therefore as soon as her hand is gotten to the sale of the inheritance , and you have furnish'd him with the money , he will instantly hoist sail and away .

sec.

and a frank gale go with him , master frank ---- alas , we have too few such knights adventurers ; let his wife seal to day , he shall have the money to day .

quick.

this very morning she intends for the countrey to work , to which action , with more engines , i purpose presently to prefer my sweet syn here to her , for her gentlewoman ; whom you , for better credit , shall present as your kinswoman , newly come up to learn fashions .

sec.

on my religion , a most pithy project ; as good she spoil the lady , as the lady spoil her ----- syn , you are bound to master francis.

quick.

look you , here is the knight come already .

enter sir petronell with a writing . pet.

i 'll leave this fulsome town immediately , here 's no diversion stirring ; wit is at low ebb , and wickedness at a stand ; i will away immediately .

quick.

you would do well to take some guinneys in your pocket , knight , or your eastward castle will smoak but miserably .

pet.

my castle ? why , thou know'st , frank , that all my castles are in the air.

quick.

why ? whither is your lady going then ?

pet.

i'faith to seek her fortune ; i think i told her i had a castle eastward , and eastward she will go ; her coach , and the coach of the sun must meet full butt .

quick.

but how will you pacifie her , knight , when her enchanted house becomes invisible .

pet.

i warrant you , 't is but telling her she mistook my directions , and that i will shortly down with her my self ; in the mean time , 't is but clapping a new gown upon her crupper â��

sec.

right , sir.

quick.

well said , old dad ; â�� a mongst friends , knight , where have you made your choice ? the king's-bench , or which of the two compters ? for my part , i like neither of them .

pet.

there is no jesting , frank , with my necessity . thou know'st , that if i raise not present money for my voyage , all 's lost with me .

quick.

why , that 's the very point , sir ; get but your lady to set her hand to the sale of her inheritance , and my old blood-hound here , shall smell out ready money instantly .

pet.

there spoke my angel. i have brought her to it , and feigning my self most extreamly amorous , have urg'd excuses for my stay behind . child was never so impatient to ride a cock-horse , than she is to hansel her new coach with a journey .

quick.

she would long for every thing , when she was a maid . i 'll lay my life she will have four children every year ; what charge and humour must you endure that while ? and how will she hold you to your tackle , till she is with child ?

sec.

nay , there is no turn-spit dog bound to his wheel more servilely , than you will be to hers ; for as the dog never climbs to the top of his wheel , but when the wheel comes under him ; so â�� you understand me , sir.

quick.

well said , old dad , again ; nay , hark you , sir ; what nurses , what midwives , what fools , what physicians , what cunning-women and cronies , to tell her tales , talk bawdy to her , make her laugh , let her blood â��

pet.

prethee no more : what a death is my life bound face to face unto ? the best on 't is , that a large time-fitted conscience is bound to nothing . this indian voyage will set all to rights â�� but see she comes to seek me out , and take her leave of me .

sec.

and mr. bramble in the very nick too ; get her to seal immediately ; for i do hunger and thirst to do you good , sir.

enter mrs. touchstone , girtred , bramble , syndefie : girtred in a chair , with page and attendants . gir.

further , ye dull english blockheads , further . if i were but lady mayoress , you must have brought me past the portico â�� your servant , gentlemen .

all.

your ladiships most humble servants .

gir.

what a bloom am i in all over ? give me my fan ; i protest i am in general damp.

mrs. t.

here is your ladiships handkerchief , madam .

gir.

thank you , mrs. touchstone â�� well , my dear knight , i 'll take notice of you in company now , because it is within our month ; but hereafter , as i am a lady , you must not expect it ; it is not alamode for persons of our quality .

pet.

we will be careful to neglect each other , madam .

sec.

i have a humble suit to your ladiship .

gir.

you are welcom â�� but hold , you must not put on your hat yet ; master francis quick-silver , â�� as i am a lady , i did not know him : he makes me blush so , that my eyes stand with water ; would i were unmarry'd again .

quick.

i hope your ladiship has no reason to repent â��

gir.

no ; but you know the first sight of a bride puts strange thoughts â�� what were you saying , sir ?

sec.

that your ladiship would please to accept my kinswoman here , to your service ; she 's newly come up out of the countrey .

gir.

is she a gentlewoman ?

sec.

she is , madam ; and one that her father has a mind to bestow in some honorable lady's service too â��

gir.

to learn breeding .

mrs. t.

and surely you have a discreet choice in preferring her to her ladiship .

gir.

we suppos'd that , mrs. touchstone : these city gentlewomen are so forward --- and can you do any work that belongs to a lady's chamber ?

syn.

what i cannot do , i shall be glad to learn , madam .

gir.

and d' ye hear â�� old gentleman , you may put on your hat now , i do not look on you â�� i must have you of my faction , not of my knight's , to draw all the servants to my bow , to tell me tales , put me riddles , read aristotle while i am dressing , to laugh extreamly at the countrey gentlewomen when they have made me visits , to take no care what is spent in the house , for it is all mine ; and in any case to be still a maid whatever you do , and whatever any man can do to you .

syn.

i am your creature , madam .

gir.

very well , you shall ride down in my coach with me immediately â�� is it not come yet ? upon my quality , i think i am with child already , i long so for my coach. can i be with child so soon , mrs. touchstone ?

pet.

but will your ladiship be gone before i can possibly wait on you ?

gir.

let me , dear knight : i d' so long to dress up thy castle before thou com'st .

mrs. t.

but must this little man , madam , run all the way a foot ?

gir.

i warrant him ; he gives no other milk , as yet .

mrs. t.

methinks 't is pity : good madam , buy him a hobby-horse ; let the poor knave have something .

gir.

you are impertinent , mrs. touchstone .

page .

your coach is come , madam .

gir.

is my coach come ? why , that 's well said : methinks i am up to the knees in preferment : farewel , knight .

pet.

will not your ladiship be pleas'd first to sign a slight paper here ?

gir.

what is it ?

pet.

a deed of sale of your countrey seat : mine is more large , and stands more pleasantly , only the arras being something faded , must now be chang'd to wainscot ; and now for a lady's bed-chamber alcoves are all the fashion .

gir.

i will have it all laid out upon my castle ; give me the pen.

[ she signs the paper . mrs. t.

what is your ladiship a doing ?

gir.

interrogating again , mrs. touchstone ?

mrs. t.

i will wait on your ladiship to your coach : i shall never sleep till i hear your ladiship is safe in your castle , madam , and that you live safe there too .

gir.

fear it not , mrs. touchstone : there were gyants in it formerly , but my knight has kill'd 'em all .

mrs. t.

and therefore he was knighted , i presume .

gir.

upon my honour the day wears apace ; come chairmen carry me to my coach â�� adieu , knight â�� upon my quality you shall not stir one step .

servants .

heav'n bless your ladiship .

gir.

thankyou , good people , thank you .

[ she is carry'd round the stage and so off bowing to the company from each side of her chair . quick.

was there ever such an adventure ?

pet.

why this , i hope , is not the first false journey that a lady has taken in her coach.

sec.

but when her knight is upon a real voyage . â��

enter a sailor . sail.

sir petronell , where are you ? captain seagult stays for you on board ; it will be flood within this two hours .

pet.

we shall be time enough to reach black-wall , where our ship lies , against tide .

[ exit sailor .

master security , you see the urgency of my affair ; meet me an hour hence at the swan tavern by billingsgate , with your money ; and these shall there be made over to you : and , mr. bramble , we must desire your presence at the delivery .

bramble .

you have no further service for me , gossip ?

sec.

nothing at present , gossip .

[ exit bramble .

did you observe that peaching petti-fogger , gentlemen ? a jealous old hunks , that locks up his wife .

[ wynifred looks from above . wyn.

cue , where is my cue , there ?

sec.

here bunting .

wyn.

won't you come putt with me above stairs , cue ?

sec.

i am busy , bunting .

wyn.

but oneword , cue .

sec.

gentlemen , i will along with you immediately .

[ exit . [ as he is going up , she calls to sir petr. throws him down a letter , and retires . petr.

there is the remora to my voyage , frank , â�� how shall i sail and leave my heart behind ? â�� see here . [ reads .

i have over-heard your voyage , and would share your adventure ; deliver me from this enchanted castle , as you are a true knight errant .

now frank , my subtle mercury , instruct me ;

this were of a master-piece of rare invention ,

could i but get this helen once aboard ,

not paris past the seas with half such pride .

quick.

i have a suddain lucky thought .

pet.

it is impossible , our time 's so short ; the husband's watch is so shy upon her while he is within , and when he goes forth , he comes directly to us . rust choak him , he 's here again .

quick.

leave me to work him .

sec.

come gentlemen , shall we dispatch ? to the tavern i know our noble knight will pay his way : we 'll take up the money as we go ; i am impatient till i do him good .

quick.

the knight will treat most freely . but first , dad , we have a weighty secret to impart to you in which we must have your wise assistance . this gentleman , my friend , has enjoy'd a gentlewoman whom you well know â��

sec.

how 's that ? a gentlewoman whom i well know ?

quick.

the woman is your learned councel's wife , mr. bramble , that was here e'en now .

sec.

why ? he deserves it , frank ; for keeping her lockt up . i could contribute to my learn'd councel's cuckoldom ; but you say , the gentleman has enjoy'd her already ; wherein then can i assist him further ?

quick.

he wants to take the dear farewel ; and therefore , dad , if you will but take pains to bring out mr. councel , your gossip , to the tavern where we are to meet â��

sec.

nay , i would have him present at the delivery of the deed.

quick.

i will watch his coming out , and bring his wife disguis'd into our company ; think but what sport 't will be to gull his circumspection .

sec.

on my religion , a most pithy project ! who would not strain a point of friendship for such a neat device ? ha ! ha ! ha ! and the sport will be to hear me bob and cut upon him .

pet.

was there ever such an old villain ? it works rarely .

sec.

to over-reach that head that over-reaches all heads , will be a plot rampant ; well , i hope this harvest to pitch carts with lawyers , their heads shall be so fork'd .

pet.

but how shall we disguise her on the suddain ?

quick.

a sailor's gown and cap , and player's beard .

pet.

but how shall she make bare her head , when thou present'st her to our company ? i think it best not to have her appear .

sec.

not for the world , i must have her coram ; the very soul o' th' mirth is lost else â�� i have hit it ; you shall see , gentlemen , what an old brain can do ; i 'll fetch you a disguise .

[ goes out , and immediately re-enters .

look , gentlemen , here is my wife's best gown , which you may put upon the lawyer 's wife ; and for her face it shall be masqu'd .

pet.

most excellent .

sec.

and for doing this , i have two politick reasons . one is , that mr. bramble may thereby have some suspicion that it is my wife ; and thereupon gird me with his lawyer 's wit. the other reason is , that i shall be sure of my own wife 's staying at home the while ; for she will never go abroad undress'd ; d' ye mark me .

pet.

with admiration .

sec.

is it not rare ? was i not born to furnish gentlemen ? come hither , clogg .

clogg .

here , sir.

sec.

take this key , and let your mistress down into this room for air , till i come home again .

[ gives him the key . quick.

do you hear that , knight , he 'll leave her freedom of the house till he returns ; so that as soon as he goes out to the lawyers , i will slip in hither again with these cloths of his wife 's , dress her up in them , and bring her masqu'd to the tavern , while he shall suppose her the lawyer 's .

sec.

gentlemen , i will but send to mr. cash to have our money ready against i come from my gossips .

[ exit . quick.

you see , knight , we have shamm'd my dad here , with a pretence on his gossip's wife ; what will you say if i make earnest of it , and deliver that lady from her enchanted castle too ?

pet.

and so to go aboard with us ? that were a master-piece .

quick.

we have been private acquaintance too : i have sent a pretended attorney with a sham sub-poena for her to be witness in a cause this afternoon , at the same time that mr. councel is to be with us at the swan with your deed ; and rather than have her forfeit for non-appearance he will let her come abroad ; by which means she will have opportunity of meeting me by the water-side .

pet.

most admirable ! what a history shall we leave behind us , frank ?

re-enter security . sec.

come , gentlemen , shall we be stirring ?

quick.

how impatient he is , as 't were the devil going to fetch the lawyer .

pet.

and devil he shall be , if horns can make him .

[ exeunt .

scene iii. a tavern . captain seagull , with other sailors . c. sea.

come , drawer , pierce your neatest hogsheads , and let us have entertainment fit for our noble colonel : he 'll be here instantly .

draw.

you shall have all things to your wish , sir : wil 't please ye to have more wine ?

c. sea.

without measure , slave ; whether we drink it or no , spill it and draw more .

1 sail.

well spoken , noble captain .

c. sea.

fill all your pots and bottles ; rank 'em like souldiers , and though we do not presently employ 'em , we 'll keep 'em in pay till we do .

draw.

you shall have all you will command , sir.

[ ex. drawer . c. sea.

come boys , this indian cantlet longs till we have it's maiden-head .

2 sail.

but is there such treasure there , as we are told ?

c. sea.

vast endless mines : for so much red copper as i carry thither , i will have thrice the weight in gold. they hinge their doors with it , and barr their windows .

1 sail.

but do you meet no clipticks nor tropiques by the way ? i pray what sort of things are they ?

c. sea.

why , monstrous creatures ; not much unlike your elephant ; but there is your calenture is more inclining to a dragon .

2 sail.

and is it a pleasant countrey captain ?

c. sea.

as ever the sun shin'd on ; you have autumn , vvinter , spring . summer there , all without any change of seasons , and that you 'd wonder at .

1. sail.

and what government , good captain ?

c. sea.

you shall live free there without sergeants , lawyers , or intelligencers ; you may be an alderman , without being a scavinger ; attain any office , without ' prenticeship ; you may come to preferment , without being a pimp ; to riches and fortune enough and have never the more villany nor the less wit. in a word , you will have no more law than conscience , and not too much of either .

2 sail.

and how far thither , captain ?

c. sea.

some six weeks sail with an indifferent wind , and if i get to the coast of africa , i 'll sail with any wind ; or if we make the cape finister , we have a fore-right wind till we come thither â�� but see our noble colonel !

enter sir petronell . pet.

well met , good captain seagull , and my noble gentlemen ; now our sweet hour of freedom is at hand : come drawer , fill us our bumpers , to raise us for the mirth that will be occasion'd presently â�� here will be a pretty wench , gentlemen , that will bear us company all our voyage .

c. sea.

to her health , noble colonel , with cap and knee .

pet.

thank you , good captain , she 's one whom i love dearly ; but must not have her known till we are aboard ; and so , gentlemen , here 's to her health .

amb.

let it come , worthy colonel , we do both thirst and hunger for it .

pet.

right , sirs , you hit the very phrase of him that is my pimp and cuckold too ; though both unwittingly . about with it .

enter security , bramble , and wax . sec.

see there , gossip bramble , their voyage needs must prosper ; they are on their knees for success to it â�� save my brave colonel , and his tall captains : see , sir , my learn'd gossip councel bramble , is come to take his leave of you .

pet.

a health to my learn'd councel .

sec.

you must bend too gossip .

c. sea.

by your leave , sir , he must not pledge his own health .

sec.

no , master captain ;

enter quick-silver , with wynifred disguis'd .

then here is one sitly come to do him that honour .

quick.

here is the gentlewoman your cousin , sir , whom with much entreaty , i have brought to take her leave of you in a tavern ; and for that reason the company must excuse her that she puts not off her masque .

pet.

pardon me , dear cousin , my hurry and hast of business at my going , forc'd me to give you this trouble .

wyn.

thanks to your good contrivance , my dear cousin .

[ puts off her mask to him aside , and puts it on again . bramb .

come hither , wax , â�� here , take the key of your mistresses chamber , 't is high time for her to attend the court ; i must not have her forfeit : be sure you stir not from her : and as soon as she has done witnessing , see her home again ; lock her up in her chamber again , and bring me the key to my gossip security's .

sec.

how 's that , mr. francis ? have you honour'd the company with the presence of a fair gentlewoman ?

fran.

pray sir , take you no notice of her ; for i can assure you , she will not be known to you .

sec.

good ; but my learn'd gossip councel bramble here , i hope may know her ? ha ! ha ! ha !

fran.

no more than you at present , his learning must pardon her .

sec.

heav'n pardon her , and for my part , i do .

wyn.

i am glad to hear that .

sec.

and so , mr. francis , here 's to all this good company that goes eastward , presently towards cuckold'-haven â�� not forgetting my learn'd gossip bramble .

fran.

has it gone round , gentlemen ?

pet.

it has , dear frank ; and terminates in thee .

fran.

then --- here is eastward , gentlemen , and so to cuckold's-haven .

sec.

ha! ha ! ha !

bramb .

what can this mean ? that word strikes terror through me .

pet.

prethee , couz , weep no more â�� master security .

sec.

what says my dear knight ?

pet.

our friend , mrs. bramble here , is so dissolv'd in tears , that she drowns the whole mirth of our meeting ; i do beseech you speak to her .

sec.

't is shame and pity , mrs bramble ; what weep in presence of your love ? what 's the cause , lady ? is it because your husband is so near ?

wyn.

yes .

sec.

and your heart earns that you have a little abus'd him ?

wyn.

indeed .

sec.

alas , the offence is too common to be regarded .

wyn.

that 's true .

sec.

you are to blame to heed a jealous dotard .

wyn.

right .

sec.

to steal to a young lover .

wyn.

certainly .

sec.

ha! ha ! ha ! once more to cuckolds'-haven , gentlemen , â�� you 'll pledge me , gossip ? let 's have a frisk of footing too : come , have you pledg'd cuckold's-haven , gossip ?

fran.

strike up there .

[ here they all dance , and compass wynifred in . sec.

sir petronell , your cousin here is still in tears ; pray take her aside a little and comfort her .

pet.

with your fair leave , mr. security .

sec.

most heartily .

[ he locks in sir petr. and his wife together .

come sirs , anothã©r round ; he that refuses to be drunk to night , let him be never sober .

[ while the rest drink , he goes hearkning to the door .

about with it , 't is to sir petronell , and all his captains â�� you want it , gossip . this cuckold's-haven runs so in my mind .

bramb .

but heark you , gossip , is not that gentlewoman your wife , that 's gone in with the knight ?

sec.

why should you think so , gossip ?

bramb .

because the shape and dress are very like .

sec.

cucullus non facit monachum , my learned councel ; all are not cuckolds that seem so , nor do all seem so that are so â�� oh , i break my ribs !

sir petronell and wynifred re-enter .

so , now colonel and captains , a good voyage to you , adieu : i know you do not go my way to night , gossip â�� this cuckold's-haven runs so in my head.

[ exit security . bramb .

there is some mystery in this ; i must needs after him to be satisfy'd . adieu , gentlemen .

[ exit . drawer .

sir petronell , here is one of your watermen come to tell you it is flood , and that it will be dangerous going against tide ; for the skies are over-cast , and there was a porpiece seen just now below the bridge .

pet.

no matter , we can reach black-wall against tide , and in spight of tempests . come , one round more , gentlemen , while i discharge the house .

all.

about with it .

pet.

enough : now charge a boat. come , my fair helen .

all.

a boat , a boat , a boat.

[ exeunt . scene changes to security's house . enter security and clogg . sec.

come , clogg , help on with my gown and cap â�� so , very well ;

[ shuts him out .

what a notable device was this ? well , what with the conceit of it , and my wine together , methinks i am somewhat exhilarated , and feel as it were an inclination to conjugal performance : my bunting will be surpriz'd extreamly â�� do'st hear , lark , linnet , goldfinch â�� this is ever her way , always at her devotion in my absence ; i must disturb her .

[ opens the closet door .

no-body here ? â�� clogg , rogue , vermin .

enter clogg . clogg .

what is your worship's pleasure ?

sec.

where is your mistress , varlet ?

clogg .

abroad sir.

sec.

abroad without my leave ? then i am certainly a cuckold . what , go abroad in her night dress ?

clogg .

in her best cloths , sir.

sec.

how 's that ? how came she by ' em ?

clogg .

your friend , sir , master quick-silver brought 'em in hither , stay'd till she put 'em on , and then took coach with her , i heard 'em bid the coachman drive to the tavern at the bridge foot .

sec.

monstrum horrendum : my gossip was in the right : what a trap have i laid for my self ? why , then she is not only whor'd ; but for ought i know , spirited away to the indies .

clogg .

she cry'd , indeed , farewel for ever , cage .

sec.

i 'll plow up rocks steep as the alps in dust ,

and lave the tyrrhene waters into clouds ,

but i will reach them .

enter bramble . bramb .

the matter gossip ? what transports you so ?

sec.

undone for ever , gossip ; 't was my wife ; on my religion i thought she was yours . call me ten coaches , and as many constables , i will to this wicked place again , and seize the traytors .

bramb .

they are all upon the thames e're now , and if that lady was your wife , she 's in the boat with ' em .

sec.

i 'll take boat after 'em , and fire their ship.

bramb .

take boat in this tempestuous night ? heark , how it rains and thunders .

sec.

i care not for the weather , i will row after to black-wall .

bramb .

and pray touch in at cuekold's-haven , gossip .

sec.

furies and fate â�� but hold , i must see first if she ha' taken any of my rich pawns along with her .

[ exit . bramb .

well for my gossip , to intend my wife , and get himself cornuted ! ha , ha , ha . â�� how now , wax ?

enter wax . wax .

oh! where is my master bramble ? my poor master , bramble ?

bramb .

what now , sirrah ? hast thou neither eyes nor ears ?

wax .

sir , i have no senses left ! oh , sir , your wife , my mistress !

bramb .

why , sirrah , did not i give you the key to lock her up at home , as soon as she had witness'd ?

wax .

o , sir , there was no witnessing ; her sub-poena was all sham , instead of going to westminster , she drove to pater-noster-row , where she took up silks in your name by whole pieces , and so on to the goldsmiths in cheap-siae , and goldsmiths in lumbard-street , where she took up rings and jewels , all in your name still ; from thence she went to the swan at bridge-foot , where mr. quick-silver met her , took her to the water , and instead of coming back westward by coach , she 's gone eastward by boat ; oh! ho ! ho !

bramb .

dar'st thou live to tell me this , rogue ? thy name is wax , thou should'st have stuck to her .

wax .

i did , sir , till they push'd me off with their oars , and sows'd me in the mudd .

bramb .

i 'll plow up rocks steep as the alps in dust ,

and lave the tyrrhene waters into clouds ;

but i will reach 'em .

re-enter security .

o , whore unconscionable ! what ? silks , rings , and jewels , to such a quantity , along with her .

sec.

even so , gossip , she has taken all with her .

bramb .

mock me not , gossip , i mean my wife .

sec.

my wife , that 's run away by water .

bramb .

mine's run away by water too .

sec.

your's gone too !

bramb .

call me ten boats , i 'll after'em , and fire their ship.

sec.

what in this tempstuous night ? heark , how it rains and thunders .

bramb .

i do defie all weathers ; i 'll after to black-wall .

sec.

and pray call in at cuckold's-haven , gossip .

bramb .

furies and fate ! â�� a boat ! a boat ! a boat !

sec.

a boat ! a boat ! a boat !

[ exeunt severally .

the end of the second act.

song . how great are the blessings of government made , by the excellent rule of our prince ? who , while trouble and cares do his pleasures invade , to his people all joy does dispense : and while he for us is still carking and thinking , we have nothing to mind , but our shops and our trade , and then to divert us with drinking . from him we derive all our pleasure and wealth : then fill me a glass , nay , fill it up higher , my soul is a thirst for his majesty's health , and an ocean of drink can't quench my desire : since all we enjoy , to his bounty we owe , 't is fit all our bumpers like that shou'd o'erflow .

act iii. scene i. cuckold's point . enter a butcher's man with a pair of oxe horns . butch .

hail , thou fair haven of marry'd men ; for my part , i presume not to arrive here , but only in right of my master , who sent me thus early to put up these necessary ensigns of his homage .

[ he climbs the tree .

stand fast , good timber , or i shall be blown into the thames : i think the devils be abroad in a storm to rob me of my horns . the thames roars like any ocean-sea . mercy on all honest passengers . so , i think i have made it look the right way , it fronts the city directly . how now , tom ?

enter another loaden with hides . tom.

no vent'ring by water yet : here has been most bloody work to night .

butch .

as how , prithee ?

tom.

why , several people drown'd .

butch .

what did none ' scape ?

tom.

not one of them that were drown'd , for all that i can yet hear : just by the fisher's hutt below yonder , there was a boat over-turn'd , three men passengers and a gentlewoman . you may see 'em all shifted into the old fisherman's wardrobe ; but the woman wisely went to bed.

butch .

heark ! what cry is that ?

tom.

a poor old man in gown and night-cap , just crawl'd out of the river .

enter security . sec.

misfortune upon misfortune , i have a hundred drums in my head ; and half the thames in my belly â�� let me see , where am i cast ashoar , that i may go home a righter way by land ? where is there any sea-mark , that i am acquainted withal ?

butch .

look up , father , are you acquainted with this ensign ?

sec.

what am i landed at cuckold's point ? i cannot bear it : i will run back and drown my self .

tom.

let it be in some warmer liquor , father : come , we 'll lead you to the next house .

sec.

i will enter into no house , and look no mortal in the face ; they are all cuckold-makers .

butch .

how his wits are benum'd with wet and cold , throw a hide over him , tom , and help lead him along .

[ exeunt leading him . enter sir petronell , quick-silver , and sea-gull , in fisherman's cloths and nets wrapt about them . pet.

a very fair voyage we have made on 't , my masters ; if our throats had not been too full of claret to take in one drop of water , we had lodg'd with the flounders till our calls had burst : well , 't is but imagining we are arriv'd at some outlandish place , and these the habits of the countrey .

capt. sea.

i tell ye , sirs , for all this we are gotten to the coast of normandy , i know it by the elevation of the pole , and the altitude of the climate ; this is nothing with us sailors : i have been drown'd forty times in my life , before now .

quick.

one dry hanging had done us better service , captain : how much weight of gold can you get for red copper in this countrey , captain ?

pet.

why , we have just as much copper as gold left , frank ; the unmerciful thames has swallow'd all. our boat turn'd oft'ner than a juggler's bag , and rowl'd like any porpice . now if my lady wife has had as good a land passage on 't , as we have had by water .

enter bayliffs . 1 bay.

these must be the persons ; seize 'em : you have been sows'd in the thames , gentlemen , and a particular friend of yours has sent us to take you out of the cold air.

pet.

a pox of your charity ; what damn'd luck had we that could not drown .

quick.

at whose arrest , scoundrels ?

2 bay.

only alderman touchstone desires to take his leave of you before you sail to the indies ; will you march along , gentlemen .

quick.

this must be the coast of normandy , captain ; you know it by the elevation of the pole.

enter more officers , with security in the oxe hide . 1 bay.

see , yonder comes our mates with old mammon .

pet.

why , there 's some comfort yet .

2 bay.

come , brothers , let us home with the whole covey together .

sec.

rogues , turks , tartars , i will not drive one step further . this is cuckold's-haven , and i will die on my own territories .

1 bay.

away with them .

[ exeunt leading them off .

scene ii. touchstone's house . enter touchstone . touch.

ha! ha ! thinks my knight adventurer that we ken no point of our compass ? have we never heard of the speranza , the cavillaria , nor the calinoria ? well , my errant flash , and runnegate quick-silver , you may hurl a dozen caps to your bon voyage ; but if you reach any point but cuckolds , with this tide , i'il give you leave to make a gravesend-toast of me . i have sent your pinnace a remora , and that from this sconce of mine , without powder or shot â�� work upon that now . here 's land intelligence too , from my lady daughter , and her ladiship 's luck is as good as the rest ; she 'll come to her castle , and they to the indies , much about a time .

enter mrs. touchstone . mrs. t.

what , no news yet from her ladiship ? but we must allow persons of quality their own time for things .

touch.

yes , here is a small pacquet from her ladiship ; she has been seeking her castle in the air ; in what region i know not .

mrs. t.

i hope your mechanick worship will have the manners to stay her ladiship 's leisure ; no matter for her castle , what account does her ladiship send of that fair tenement of her body ?

touch.

why , the fair tenement of her body , and her maids body were benighted on the common with their coach ; rob'd , stript and fairly thrown into a ditch , like two snails in a shell , with the coachman a top on 'em .

mrs. t.

o , profane accident , her ladiship tumbled into a ditch !

touch.

from whence she is return'd to town by waggon , and at present sojourning in a blind tap-house in pudding-lane .

mrs. t.

and is this all your concern for the matter ? how if her ladiship shou'd miscarry upon it ?

touch.

it were not the first time , sure ; she has the blessing to take after her mother ; thou hast been my cross these thirty years , and now i will keep thee to fright away spirits .

mrs. t.

o , insensible monster ! give me the directions , i will , fly upon the wings of motherly affection , and wait upon her ladiship incontinently .

[ exit . touch.

i wonder i hear nothing from my son golding yet ; he was sent for betimes this morning to the guild-hall , and i am astonish'd at the matter : if i had not laid up some comfort in him , i should e'en grow desperate â�� he comes in my thoughts â�� how now , son ? what news at the court of aldermen ?

enter golding . gold.

in troth , sir , an accident somewhat strange , else it has nothing worth reporting .

touch.

it is not borrowing of money , then ?

gold.

no , sir : it has pleas'd the commoners of the city to make me one of our ward , to elect me one of their common-council-men .

touch.

how !

gold.

and the alderman of our ward to appoint me his deputy ; in which office i had an oath ministred unto me accordingly .

touch.

let me kiss thy new worship , my dear son ! â�� what a fortune was it , or rather judgment , for me to see that merit in him , which the whole city conspires to second ? taken into the livery of his company the first week of his freedom ! chosen common-council-man , and made an alderman's deputy all in a day ! the wonder of our times ! well , i will honour mr. alderman for this , and think the better of the common-councils wisdom while i live , for thus meeting , or rather coming after me in the opinion of his desert : forward , my sufficient son ; and as this was the first , so think it the least step of thy promotion .

gold.

sir , as i was not ambitious of this ; so i seek no higher .

touch.

excellently spoken again ! this modest answer of thine blushes , as if it said , thou shalt wear scarlet shortly ; i must tell thee , i hope to see thee the other monument of our city , reckon'd among our worthies , and remembred on the same day with gresham and my lady ramsey : when whittington and his puss shall be forgotten , and thy own deeds play'd in thy own time , by the best company of moor-fields .

gold.

you are too prodigal of your praise , sir.

touch.

well , i have a little news for thee too : our lewd crew are all in the officers clutches e're now ; and thou shalt exercise authority by way of justice on ' em .

gold.

your pleasure , sir , shall guide me .

touch.

see , the officers are at the door without ; how miraculously it falls out that thou should'st have the place of a justicer upon 'em : i am glad of the injury they have done me , that thou may'st punish it : disgrace 'em all thou can'st , be severe upon them , like a new officer of the first quarter .

[ exeunt . enter sir petronell , quick-silver , seagull , brought . pet.

how implacably this devil of ill fortune pursues us ?

touch.

take your chair , mr. justicer ; i say , appear terrible to 'em ; let 'em know the melancholy of a magistrate , and taste the fury of a citizen in office.

gold.

sir , i can do nothing with them , unless your worship charge them with somewhat .

touch.

fear not that , i will charge 'em and re-charge 'em rather than authority shall want matter to work upon ' em .

gold.

will your worship please to sit ?

touch.

by no means , son , it is your office.

quick.

must golding sit upon us ?

fang .

plain golding , to mr. deputy's worship ?

gold.

vvhat persons have ye there , mr. officer ?

fang .

the same , an' please your vvorship , that were specify'd in our vvarrant . this , sir , is the counterfeit knight ; this , his lewd companion . â��

gold.

what ? a knight and his companion thus accoutred ? where are their hats and feathers , their cloaks and perriwiggs ?

fang .

truly , sir , they had cast their feathers before we seiz'd ' em . here 's all the furniture we found amongst ' em .

gold.

their names , i say ?

touch.

o this is most excellent : he should not take knowledge of 'em in his place , indeed .

fang .

why , this , sir , is sir petronell flash .

gold.

how !

fang .

and this , master quick-silver .

touch.

is it possible ? i thought they had been gone to virginia e're now with this noble captain . you have made a quick return it seems , and doubtless a good voyage â�� nay , pray sirs , be cover'd ; how did your bisket hold out , i beseech you ? â�� sure i have seen this outlandish gentleman before . good master quick-silver , how one degree to the southward has alter'd you .

gold.

do you know these persons , mr. alderman ? â�� forbear your offers a little , you shall be heard anon .

touch.

yes , mr. deputy , i had a small venture aboard with them : officers , you may let 'em stand ; i 'll pass my word they will not run away : a brace of honest gentlemen . one of 'em was my 'prentice , that kept his whore and hunting-nagg ; would play you his hundred guinneys off at basset most familiarly ; and all on my purse . in fine , there was no remedy but we must part ; for i shall be very concise , mr. deputy . since which time ( for , as i said , i intend to be very concise with your worship ) since when , i say , he has gather'd up some small parcels of mine amongst my customers , to the value of seven hundred pound more towards furnishing this indian voyage , wherein this knight was chief , sir flash here , one that marry'd a daughter of mine , ladify'd her , turn'd two thousand pound of good land of hers into cash , sent her a progress to his invisible castle , while he prepar'd for sea , with a certain usurers wife , an' please you , master deputy . now to pronounce your honourable pleasure .

gold.

if my worshipful father have ended .

touch.

i have an' please you , master deputy .

gold.

why then under correction .

touch.

hold a little , son , â�� now come over 'em with some fine gird , as thus , â�� knight , you shall be encountred ; that is to say , had to the compter ; and quick-silver , i will put you into a crucible , or so , â�� ha ! ha ! he !

gold.

then as the honourable laws direct in these cases .

touch.

hold yet a little , mr. deputy , that your worship may not be over-burden'd , i will officiate a little .

[ he takes the chair .

sir petronell flash , i am sorry to see such flashes as these come from you : for my own part d' ye see ( because i will be concise with you ) i cou'd wish i cou'd say , i cou'd say , i cou'd wish , that i cou'd say , i cou'd not see 'em ; but such is the misery of magistrates , and men in place , that we must not wink at offenders : fiat justicia , ruat coelum .

quick.

and then your worship may catch larks .

touch.

without your worship's net , sir , â�� that i think was wormwood , i love bobbing in a magistrate extreamly .

gold.

will your worship proceed ?

touch.

master francis quick-silver , would thou had'st turn'd quacksalver : thou art a proper young man ; of an honest and clean face , somewhat near a good one ; but thou hast been too proud of it . thou hast prodigally consum'd thy master's wealth on light housewifes : and being by him gently admonisht at several times , thou hast return'd thy self haughty , rebellious in thine answers , thundering out uncivil comparisons , requiting all his kindness with coarse behaviour : i must tell thee , francis , these are most manifest signs of an obstinate ill nature â�� so much for authority , now by way of evidence .

[ he places golding again in the chair . gold.

your worship has acquitted your self most judiciously .

touch.

your worship do's me too much honour â��

quick.

this mockery is the worst of tortures .

touch.

hold thy peace , impudent varlet ! with what forehead can'st thou speak , having run such a course of riot ? does not this worshipful person 's temper and fortune confound thee ? thy younger fellow in service yet , now come to have the place of a judge upon thee ? which of all thy gallants and gamsters , thy swearers and swaggerers , will once condole thee till thou com'st up holborn in triumph ? for by the clew of thy knavery , and thy chain of concupiscence , thou hast most certainly brought thy self to the cart of calamity .

quick.

worshipful master .

touch.

offer not to speak , crocodile ; i will not hear a sound from thee : thou hast learn'd to cry at the play-house : will it please you , master deputy , to commit 'em all three to safe custody ?

pet.

will you not take security , sir ?

touch.

take security ? why , i have him already ; mr. fang , carry my usurer and tarpoulin here , both to the compter , without examination : i will lodge my land-shark and vvater-shark in sowce together .

gold.

vvhat remains then , but to dispose of these there too , till mr. alderman shall be pleas'd to charge them farther : take 'em away .

quick.

this is flat tyranny .

pet.

no more respect to quality ?

touch.

nay , nay ; on , on , on : you see here the issue of sloth ; of sloth comes pleasure , of pleasure comes riot , of riot comes vvhoring , of vvhoring comes spending your money , whereof comes theft , whereof comes judgment , whereof comes hanging , and so my quick-silver is fixt .

[ exeunt .

scene iii. a chamber in an ale-house . girtred and syndefie in fantastical old cloths . gir.

ah , syn , did'st thou ever read in the chronicle , of any lady and her gentlewoman driven to that extremity that we areì� , syn ?

syn.

not i truly , madam ; or , if i had , it were but cold comfort that would come out of books .

gir.

vvhy ? good faith now , i could dine upon a lamentable old story ; do'st thou know never a one , syn ?

syn.

none but my own , madam , to be stol'n from my honest friends by a prentice in the habit of a gentleman ; upon promise of marriage brought to london here , and now likely to be forsaken ; for he is in election to be hang'd , an' please your ladiship .

gir.

nay , weep not , good syn , for my pett is in as fair election to be hang'd as he : thy miseries are nothing to mine ; i was more promis'd marriage , syn ; i was marry'd , and had it , syn ; made a lady by a knight , who is now as good as no knight , syn ; and instead of land in the countrey , all his living lies in the compter ; there is his castle now , syn.

syn.

from which he cannot be forc'd out .

gir.

hunger , they say , will break stone vvalls : but he is e'en well enough serv'd , who , as soon as he had got my hand to the sale of the inheritance ran away from my ladiship , as if i had been his punk , god bless us . vvould the knight of the sun , or palmerin of england have used their ladies so , syn ? or sir lancelot ? or sir tristram ?

syn.

i know not , madam .

gir.

then thou know'st nothing , syn : the knights now a-days are nothing to the knights formerly . they rid on horse-back , ours go on foot ; they went buckled in their armour , ours muffled in their cloaks ; they travelled vvildernesses , ours dare scarcely walk the streets ; they were still engaging their honour , ours are ready to pawn their cloths : they would spur up at sight of a monster , ours run away from a serjeant ; they would help poor ladies , ours make poor ladies .

syn.

it is most true , madam .

gir.

but let 'em vanish , syn ; yet the thieves were most unconscionable to take not only our money , but our cloths too .

syn.

a timely consideration , madam ; for our landlady , prophane woman , as she is , has sworn by bread and salt not to trust us another meal .

gir.

let it stink in her hands then ? she does not know the honour she enjoys in having a lady under her roof â�� but thy best apparel is gone too , poor syn.

syn.

i grieve for your ladiship 's sake , madam .

gir.

alack ! that there are no fairies now a-days , to do miracles , and bring poor ladies money : i 'll sweep the hearth at night ; or , why may not we too rise early in the morning , and find a jewel in the streets worth a hundred pound , syn ? may not some court lady as she comes at midnight from a hot-water shop , look out of her coach , and lose such a jewel , syn ?

syn.

these are pretty dreams , madam .

gir.

well , i protest , syn , if i had as much money as an alderman , i would scatter some of it in the streets for poor ladies to find .

enter mrs. touchstone . syn.

see , madam , your mother is coming up stairs to us .

gir.

what , without sending first up to our ladiship ? upon my honour 't is unsufferable .

mrs. t.

where is this unfortunate emblem of quality ? where is your ladiship ? â�� o the father ! what a transmigration is here ? i will have my eyes put out incontinently , that i may not see this absurd spectacle . what , will not your ladiship vouchsafe to know me in this overture of fortune ?

gir.

not if you presume upon my bad luck , mrs. touchstone ; you were best lay the blame upon me now : it was you that shou'd have lok'd to 't ; i did but my kind , to desire to be marry'd , it was my kind , as a citizen's daughter , and to be made a lady , my kind still : he was a knight , and i was fit to be a lady ; 't is not lack of liking , but lack of living that severs us .

syn.

o good madam , do not take up your mother so .

mrs. t.

nay , nay , let her alone ; let her ladiship grieve me still with her bitter taunts : i have not dole enough to see her in this miserable case , without her silks , point , jewel , fontanges of seven stories : without a a little dog , a page , or gentleman-usher , or any thing that is fit for a lady .

syn.

except her tongue .

mrs. t.

and i not able to relieve her neither , being kept down so as i am by my husband : alas ! when he was young , i could have come at any think that he had ; but now i can come at nothing .

gir.

marry , out on him , for a fousty mechanick ; by this light , i think he is not my legitimate father . i hope , mrs touchstone , you have not debas'd my quality so much as to ask relief from him â�� yet when i see â�� yet when i view this habit in the glass , it makes the noble tears gush out â��

[ she cries . mrs. t.

nay , sigh not so , sweet lady-bird , dear madam , child weep not ! i shall die , if you cry and marr your complexion thus . my old touchstone may be a flint for his obdurateness ; but i will try my outmost power to mollifie him .

gir.

give him seasonable advice , mrs. touchstone ; if he humbles himself , in time i may be reconcil'd to him , and accept of a supply from him .

mrs. t.

your ladiship was always good natur'd , i must needs say ; he is presently going to the compter , where your knight and mr. francis are in durance together : i hear he intends to insult over 'em with his gold end son in law ; but by a letter that i intercepted , i have found an intrigue of his , to mortifie him with all : nolens volens he shall dress you , coach you , and set you up again , lady-child .

gir.

ay , will he set my knight up too ? so my knight were up , it were no matter though i were down .

mrs. t.

but your ladiship must follow me to the compter , then your joint presences will strike an awe into him : i will hasten before , and send your ladiship a coach ; your ladiships most humble servant .

[ exit . gir.

come syn , we 'll take the disconsolate lady of the next room along with us ; i long to hear the story out of her water adventure , and get out of her , who were the parties concern'd : her fisher-womans straw-bed , and our ditch , were lodgings much alike . come along , syn.

[ exeunt .

scene iv. the compter prison . enter sir petronell and quick-silver , dragging in security by the horns , wolf master of the prison . quick.

come , dad , away with these penitentials : old touchstone has us all in the wind , and resolves to make holborn martyrs of us .

sec.

ah franck , 't was ungraciously done of thee , to seduce my natural wife , and of you , sir knight , to abuse your particular friend !

pet.

that hunger'd and thirsted to do me good ; your own free gift , dad , and you had good land for it .

sec.

an' my gossip bramble , had not known of it , i could have had mortal patience .

wolf.

gentlemen , you had best resolve on some method for your safety . i can assure you mr. touchstene will make a sessions business of it ; and is coming hither in person to tell you so .

quick.

you are under the same condemnation , dad , unless you bribe mr. wolf here , and make one in our plot ; you must make one at tyburn , for i shall peach , dad.

sec.

by no means franck : i 'll do any thing : what plot ?

quick.

master touchstone has always had great belief in witchcraft , and is so terrified about it , that he dares never be in the dark : i will counterfeit being bewitch'd , and you shall lay it to his charge : he 'll do any thing to get quit of us .

sec.

very well ; france my province : i can enact any manner of thing , i was us'd to do it for my wife's diversion , â�� it was ungratefully done of you , sir knight , â�� why , 't is but rouling my eyes and foaming at mouth , ( a little castle-soap rub'd upon my lips will do it ) and then a nut-shell with tow and touch-wood in it , makes me spit fire like any dragon . i hunger and thirst to be about it .

[ noise here . wolf.

hark , he is at the gates already ; retire , and prepare for the operation .

quick.

but first , mr. wolf , give him these letters and try how far they will work .

[ exeunt all but wolf. enter touchstone , golding , and bramble . touch.

you say , mr. bramble , the deed of sale was of your drawing up , and that you can find flaws in it .

bramb .

i warrant you , sir : now shall i be reveng'd on my gossip for his kind intentions towards me .

touch.

how now , mr. wolf , will you produce your rats before us ?

wolf.

will your worship be pleas'd to peruse these letters of submission from them ?

touch.

sir , i do look for no submission ; i will bear my self in this affair like blind justice : work upon that now . â�� moreover , i do much wonder , mr. wolf , that you should travel in this business so contrary to your kind : that you , who are master of a prison , should endeavour the release of your prisoners .

wolf.

o sir , i was never so mortify'd with any mens discourse or behaviour in prison : yet i have had men of all nations and religions .

gold.

and which religion lik'd you best ?

wolf.

troth , mr. deputy , they that paid their fees best .

gold.

and these are letters of humility ?

bramb .

accept of no humility , mr. alderman , you are a happy man , and i 'll be bound to recover thousands for you from my gossip ; but then you must be obstinate .

touch.

i warrant you , mr. bramble : i am deaf , and will not hear , have stop'd my ears with shooe-makers wax , drunk lethe and mandragora .

wolf.

sir , you cannot imagine what a change is wrought in them ; the knight will be in the knight's ward , do what we can : and quick-silver will be in the hole , if we wou'd let him . i never saw prisoners so penitent and devout : they sate up all night singing the sinners complaint , and edifying the whole prison . only security goes a note too high sometimes , because he lies in the two-penny ward , a great way off , and cannot take his tune . the neighbours are not able to rest for 'em , but come to ask what godly prisoners we have got there .

touch.

which of 'em is so devout ?

wolf.

both sir , mr. quick-silver especially : he has cut his hair , reads the young man's advice , and has gotten the sick man's salve without book .

touch.

't is strange he should have no grace , i am sure he was brought up where it grew .

wolf.

he has converted one snapp a bayliff too ; a fellow that could neither write nor read : he was call'd the bandog of the compter .

touch.

mr. bramble , i have one scruple of conscience ; shall i not lose all if i prosecute and hang ' em ?

bramb .

i tell you , sir , as to my gossip security's case ; though he should be condemn'd to be carted for a bawd , or so ; yet i will lay an execution upon him of two thousand pound , let him acknowledge a judgement , he shall do it in half an hour ; you shall not fetch him out till you have paid the execution : this , if i think fit , i can do , sir , unless you otherwise engage me .

touch.

you shall have double fees , mr. bramble : mr. wolf , set them all coram .

enter petronell , and quick-silver : they kneel . pet.

father !

touch.

away syrens . i will immure my self against your cries .

sec.

who would have thought your worship were a conjurer ?

touch.

what mean the varlets : i tremble at the name .

wolf.

it will appear so , sir. mr. quick-silver vomits nails , and crooked pins , and in his fits repeats your name incessantly .

enter mrs. touchstone . a letter . mrs. t.

good mr. alderman , be not so stiff : i have seen such a spectacle of sorrow yonder .

touch.

mr. bramble , golding ; do i look like a witch , an alderman a witch ! i abominated the black art from my cradle .

[ petronell and quick-silver whisper aside with mrs. touchstone . mrs. t.

nay , for my part , i have long suspected him for necromancy .

bramb .

better and better , master alderman , here is matter of scandal for you to proceed against them withal in the doctors-commons : this will bear vast damages .

wolf.

let both your eyes and ears be witnesses .

security brought in , and set upon a chair . mrs. t.

o the father ! how he stares ! this is plain witchcrast ; and see , he is falling into a fit as soon as he comes into his presence .

pet.

you will perceive more anon .

sec.

my wife is a whore , i 'll touch her no more : for why ? she rides on a switch with touchstone the witch . â�� where is he ?

touch.

how the profane fiend , within , calls upon my name ; but , i say still , i will stop my ears with mandragora .

mrs. t.

did you hear that , gentleman ? that very word 's enough to raise a spirit .

pet.

see how he foams !

mrs. t.

and swells :

wolf.

these proofs are undeniable .

bramb .

be not concern'd , sir , we 'll prove it forgery , and recover upon it .

gold.

most palpable ! a meer conspiracy .

touch.

nay , gentlemen , the person is bewitch'd , that is most certain ; but by no skill of mine , as i hope to be lord mayor .

sec.

buz , buz , buz.

wolf.

i pray observe him .

quick.

oh! oh! oh!

sec.

she comes with a needle , and puts it in ,

he pulls it out , and puts in a pin. â�� oh! oh !

mrs. t.

o barbarous wretch ! how the poor creature 's tortured ? come , hold a candle to the wizard's fingers ends , and that will give him ease .

touch.

i will clear my conscience before a magistrate .

quick.

you do not tumble enough .

wolf.

alas , how he is vexed !

mrs. t.

't is past all contradiction .

touch.

what does he now ?

sec.

he shews the taking of tabaco , with which the fiend is so delighted .

pet.

now he fancies himself cast away , and swimming for his life .

mrs. t.

how the devil can act !

touch.

o terrible ! what swelling is that upon his belly ?

mrs. t.

any rising upon his belly ? keep it down , keep it down .

bramb .

't is meer confederacy , you shall recover from mr. wolf too abundantly .

gold.

meer jugling .

touch.

i tell you , sirs , i am astonish'd : there must be a witch amongst us .

sec.

oi moi kakodemon , kai tris kakodemon , kai pentakis , kai mariakis .

touch.

now he curses me in greek : mr. bramble , i would i were fairly off this business .

mrs. t.

what paper is that flown out of his throat .

[ reads .

to alderman touchstone , from shoreditch . this is the third time i am with child by you ; yet to be forgetful to supply your disconsolate servant ,

dorothy jerk . touch.

this must be the devil , i shall be undone .

mrs. t.

how , mr. alderman , witch and whore-master too ?

gold.

now , sir , the cheat appears most plainly ; i 'll take it on my oath , i saw your wife give him that paper .

touch.

and you saw it too , mr. bramble .

bramb .

not distinctly , sir.

touch.

but you can swear it .

bramb .

for half costs . 't is most apparent , i will swear to it .

quick.

your gossip will see you double , to come over to us .

bramb .

enough . these proofs are pregnant , â�� mr. alderman , you are the witch , â�� you ratify ?

sec.

mum.

bramb .

i will manage the poor lunatick's cause , though i do it gratis : we will make your worship an example .

touch.

oh hypocrite ! dost thou forsake me too ?

gold.

my life for yours , sir , stand to 't .

touch.

and so i will ; i am convinc'd now , 't is all roguery : davie , go call mr. justice snappal hither presently . my indignation is kindled , and i will prosecute them to the death .

quick.

this will not do : i will try the experiment more .

[ exit . touch.

but how if a jury should give this business against , and get condemn'd for a wizard ? i would this concern were well off , and all friends again .

quick-silver re-enters with the hide upon him . mrs. touchstone shrieks out . security rises frighted , quick-silver and he run over one another . sec.

mischief on your cowards heart ; all 's spoil'd .

quick.

why gave you me no warning ?

gold.

now , sir , i hope you are satisfy'd , you see the implements , here is his mouse , and here his bellows and false belly ; ha ! ha ! ha ! we thank you , gentlemen .

bramb .

i told you , sir , 't was all a cheat ; we will recover swingingly from ' em .

touch.

i defie you , mr. bramble . i am o'er-joy'd to find my honour safe : well , it was a witty practice , and i forgive them all .

mrs. t.

why , that 's well said , they were resolv'd to make you merry .

enter girfred , mildred , wynnifred , syndefie , and mrs. bramble .

come , sir , your pity must descend here too ; you see they have all done penance : come , lady-child , you must ask your father blessing .

gir.

not unless he desires it , mrs. touchstone .

touch.

she has spirit for an empress : tell her , wife , i desire her , to desire my pardon . â�� come , son golding , i must desire you too , to intercede to me , on the offenders behalf .

mild.

i 'll undertake for that , sir.

gir.

o my mad run-away , to forsake me in the first month ! but it was like a man of the times .

sec.

ah wynny ! bunting , gold-fineh , to break from your cage , and leave your constant cue .

touch.

then , as i take it , here is my lawyer that has been busie on all sides , is fairly bauk'd on all sides ; and my usurer-bawd prov'd a cuckold .

sec.

even my learned gossip , here , is in the same premunire .

pet.

we therefore beg of your worship , and mr. deputy here , to see these two ladies peaceably re-settled with their owners .

sec.

how will you advise in this point , my learn'd councel ?

bramb .

we have a precedent for 't in the wise cato .

wyn.

but on condition of christian liberty ; and that we be lockt up no more .

mrs. t.

all reason in the world for it ; and besides , gentlemen , it is your interest ; for as you came to be cuckolds by locking your wives up : for ought i know , you may be uncuckolded by giving them their freedom .

touch.

that 's very well said too . â�� come , sirs , we must all sup together , and be friends . run afore davie , and buy up the whole market . â�� mr. wolf , you must be our guest too : we 'll summon the city musick to us , with a consort of the whole neighbourhood .

to joyn their voices in the highest pitch ,

and sing loud thanks ---- that i am found no witch .

epilogue . we have shewn an alderman no conjurer . ( were ? ' nouns , crys pit-bully , who e'er thought there have patience , sirs , next bout we 'll shew , if luck hold , what 's strange indeed , ----- an alderman no cuckold : a privilege for serious play too great , but farce has privilege , farce , our last retreat : for as kept misses , when their keepers tire , with some new slight , revive the pall'd desire ; so poets banking th' old roads of the stage , bring farce to tickle up th' enervate age : poets , and whores , you equally shou'd dread ; a-like infections , where their venom 's spread . what 's poetry , but ã��â��ã�� clap i' th' head ? yet clapt gallant sometimes gets sound agen , no cure for gonorrhoea of the pen the parallel holds further , as i guess , there 's whores for need , and whores for wantonness ; so there 's sale poetry , poetry of lord , worth just as much , as his sweet lordships word . one word more from the authour , i must say , he once hit farce , whate'er he has done to day . he then had strength , you should have charg'd him then ; but criticks are a sort of country-men , their valour of the true militia-strein ; who from the fighting foe , like lightning fled , but come like thunder back , to maul the dead . finis .

notes, typically marginal, from the original text

notes for div a62863-e190 * e. of roscommon .

the ingratitude of a common-wealth, or, the fall of laius martius coriolanus as it is acted at the theatre-royal / by n. tate. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a62946 of text r3412 in the english short title catalog (wing t190). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.this text has not been fully proofread approx. 157 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 37 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo 2017 a62946 wing t190 estc r3412 13073380 ocm 13073380 97177

early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a62946) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 97177) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 401:3) the ingratitude of a common-wealth, or, the fall of laius martius coriolanus as it is acted at the theatre-royal / by n. tate. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. shakespeare, william, 1564-1616. coriolanus. [8], 64 p. printed by t.m. for joseph hindmarsh ..., london : 1682. alteration of: coriolanus / william shakespeare. first ed. of this alteration. cf. dnb. originally planned to be included in the variorum coriolanus ... this ed. is limited to twenty-five copies. reproduction of original in huntington library. eng shcnothe ingratitude of a commonwealth, or the fall of caius martius coriolanustate, nahum1682251526000002.39b the rate of 2.39 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2002-03tcp assigned for keying and markup 2002-03apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images 2002-04tcp staff (michigan) sampled and proofread 2002-04kirk davis text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-05pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion

the ingratitude of a common-wealth : or , the fall of laius martius loriolanus .

as it is acted at the theatre - royal. by n. tate .

— honoratum si forte reponis achillem , impiger , iracundus , inexorabilis , acer , jura neget sibi nata , nihil non arroget armis . hor.

london , printed by l. m. for joseph hindmarsh , at the black-bull in cornhill . 1682.

to the right honourable charl's lord herbert , eldest son to the marquess of worcester , &c.

my lord ,

your lordship's favour for learning in general , has encourag'd me to begg your patronage of the following sheets , which contain a remarkable piece of roman history , though form'd into play. i have yet another plea for pardon , since i impose not on your lordship's protection a work meerly of my own compiling ; having in this adventure launcht out in shakespear's bottom . much of what is offered here , is fruit that grew in the richness of his soil ; and what ever the superstructure prove , it was my good fortune to build upon a rock . upon a clofe view of this story , there appear'd in some passages , no small resemblance with the busie faction of our own time . and i confess , i chose rather to set the parallel nearer to sight , than to throw it off at further distance . yet there are none that can apply any part ( as satyr ) on themselves , whose designs and practises are not of the same cast. what offence to any good subject in stygmatizing on the stage , those troublers of the state , that out of private interest or mallice , seduce the multitude to ingratitude , against persons that are not only plac't in rightful power above them ; but also the heroes and defenders of their country .

where is the harm of le●ting the people see what miseries common wealths have been involv'd in , by a blind compliance with their popular misleaders : nor may it be altogether amiss , to give these projecters themselves , examples how wretched their dependence is on the uncertain crowd . faction is a monster that often makes the slaughter 't was designed for ; and as often turns its fury on those that hatcht it . the moral therefore of these scenes being to recommend submission and adherence to establisht lawful power , which in a word , is loyalty ; they have so far a natural claim to your lordship's acceptance : this virtue seeming inheritance in your lordship , and deriv'd from your ancestours with your blood. we cannot cast an eye on the sufferings of his late majesty , but we find in broad letters , the allegiance and services of your lordship's most honourable grand-father , who stopt at no expence of blood or fortunes on his behalf ; nor was providence wanting to crown his singular worth with a signal glory .

when civil discord thro' the realm had reign'd , and english swords with english blood were stain'd , when out of zeal religion was expell'd , and men for conscience 'gainst their prince rebell'd , the best of princes — when the pow'r divine , ( on purposes too deep for reason's line ) gave rebell-arms success , and seem'd to bring distress at once upon our saint and king. not jesse's son seem'd better form'd to reign , nor were his worthies of a nobler strein ! but what relief can bravest valour lend , when heroes , not with foes , but fate contend ? the age's crimes for no less curse did call , and 't is decreed the royal cause must fall ! of conquest thus by destiny bereft , our blasted war has yet one garland left. alone the foes united strength to fight , and strike the last fam'd blow for royal right . this honour to the noble worcester fell , who , alwayes brave , himself did now excel , his friends , his troops , his † house , his cittadel ! here , tho' reduc'd to last extreams he lies , his cheerful cannon still the foe defies ; the more distres't , the more his virtue shines , his courage rising as his strength declines : oft from unequal force he guards his walls , oft in fierce sallyes on the leaguer falls . thus while expir'd the other members lye , worc'ster stirs last the heart of loyalty .

pardon my lord this start , for the subject is scarce to be thought on without transport . nor has the same fidelity to the crown been wanting to compleat the character of the present marquess of worcester ; whose eminent virtues have rendred him an ornament both of our court and age. what expectations then the world conceives of your lordship is easily imagin'd , and what instances of noblest qualifications your lordship has already given , the world needs no information : besides the goodness of your lordship's temper , and the justice of your principles ; your acquaintance with books , and judgment in affairs , so far transcend your years , as would secure me from flattery , though i should launch into a panegyrick . but i come to beg protection , not to give praise ; my greatest ambition being to subscribe my self ,

your lordships most obedient humble servant , n. tate .

prologue written by sir george raynsford . our author do's with modesty submit , to all the loyal criticks of the pit ; not to the wit-dissenters of the age , who in a civil war do still engage , the antient fundamental laws o' th' stage : such who have common places got , by stealth , from the sedition of wits common-wealth . from kings presented , they may well detract , who will not suffer kings themselves to act. yet he presumes we may be safe to day , since shakespear gave foundation to the play : 't is alter'd — and his sacred ghost appeas'd ; i wish you all as easily were pleas'd : he only ventures to make gold from oar , and turn to money , what lay dead before . but now i spy tyrannick judges here ; what pitty 't is so fair , and so severe ! fine lady criticks — on whose fragrant breath , depends the plays long life , or sudden death . from them the poet must receive his doom , just as affairs succeed with them at home : we hope the paraquit and squirrel's well , else we are damn'd to th' very pit of hell. sir john is kind — and nothing goes amiss , else we shall have a scurvy night of this ! if we shou'd here present a husband , cross , and the revenge neglected by his spouse , 't were death in us — nay some of 'em wou'd rage , because he 's not made cuckold on the stage : but who shall be that happy undertaker , since each wou'd strive to be that cuckold-maker ?

the persons . aius martius coriolanus , cominius , [ consul . menenius , a blunt old souldier , and friend to coriolanus . brutus , sicinius , two tribunes of the people , factious , and enemies to coriolanus . tullus ausidius , [ general of the volsces . nigridius , a villain ; discarded by caius martius , and receiv'd by ausidius . volumnia , [ mother to caius martius . virgilia , [ his wife . young martius , [ his child . ●aleria , an affected , talkative , fantastical lady . citizens , senators , souldiers , messengers , servants .

scene , the citties of rome and corioles .

the ingratitude of a common-wealth .

act the first .

scene , the city rome . enter a company of mutinous citizens , with slaves , clubs , and other weapons . 1 cit. before we proceed any further , hear me speak . all. speak , speak . 1 cit.

let me hear silence then : and shall i speak all your minds before you take the trouble to think what you would have ?

all. speak , speak . 1 cit. you are all resolv'd rather to dye than starve . all. resolv'd , resolv'd . 1 cit.

first you know caius martius is chief enemy to the people .

all. we know 't , we know 't . 1 cit. let us kill him , and we 'll have corn at our own price . is 't a verdict ? all. he 's dead , he 's dead . 2 cit. one word good citizens . 1 cit.

good citizens ; we are accounted poor citizens , the patricians good : what surfeits them , wou'd relieve us : let 'um feel our swords , that take away the use of our knives ; not that i mean any harm neighbours ; for the gods know i speak this in hunger for bread , and not in thirst for revenge .

2 cit. wou'd we proceed only against cains martins ? 1 cit. against him only , together with all the rest. 2 cit. consider what services he has done for his country . 1 cit.

we have paid him with our thanks for 't ; but he is proud , and hates the commonalty ; we 'll pay him for that shout here too : you say he did famously to please his country ; i say he did it to please his mother , as great a hector as himself . what shouts are these ? why ? there now is the blessing of good example . the other side o' th' city is risen too : come , let 's make hast , or they 'l run away with the capitol before we overtake ' em .

all. away , away , away . enter menenius . 1 cit.

soft , who comes here ? oh! 't is menenius agrippa , one that loves the people , and alwayes imploy'd me to work for him .

2 cit. well , he 's indifferent honest. men.

what work 's in hand my country men ? where go you with those staves and clubs ? the matter , speak i beseech you ?

1 cit.

our business is not unknown to the senate , they might have smelt us this fortnight ; they say , poor suiters have strong breaths , they shall find we have strong arms too .

men. why masters , my good friends , my honest neighbours , will you undo your selves ? 1 cit. nay , if that be all , we are undone already . men. i tell you friends , the good patricians have for all your wants , most charitable care : but for this dearth , the gods ( not they ) have made it : you are transported by your misery , to slander those that care for you like fathers . 1 cit.

care for us ? yes , by shutting up the store-houses , and suffering us to famish : if the wars eat us not up , they will ; and there 's the care they bear for us .

men. now must you , or confess your selves malicious ; or be accus'd of folly : shall i tell you a pretty tale ? it may be , you have heard it , but since it serves the present purpose — 1 cit.

well , we 'll hear it sir ; but think not to fob us off with a tale : but an 't please you deliver .

men. there was a time — 2 cit.

good , there was a time ; a very good beginning : all your good stories begin with , there was a time.

men. when all the body's members rebell'd against the belly , and accus'd it for being unactive , idle , never bearing like labour with the rest , whilst th' other parts did see , and hear , devise , instruct , walk , feel , yet this dull gulph gorg'd all the food ; to which the belly answer'd — 1 cit. well , what said the belly ? men. why sir ? i tell you with a kind of smile : for look you , i may make the belly smile , as well as speak : it tauntingly reply'd to the discontented members , the mutinous parts . 1 cit. well , what was its answer ? 2. cit. he had best see to 't , that it be a good one. men. patience good friends , your most grave belly was deliberate , not rash like his accusers : and thus answer'd , true is it my incorporate friends ( quoth he ) that i do first receive the general food you live upon , and 't is most fit ; because i am the store-house and the shop of the whole body : but if you do remember , i send it through the rivers of your blood , ev'n to the heart , and every nerve and vein , from me receive their strength ; though all at once ; pray mark me sirs — all. well sir , we do . men. though all at once ( sayes he ) cannot see what i do deliver out to each ; yet i can make up my account , that all do back from me , receive the flower of all , and leave me but the bran : what say you to 't ? all. nay sir , what say you to 't ? come . men. the senator's of rome are this good belly , and you the factious parts ; digest things rightly , touching the common-weal , and you shall find , no publick benefit which you receive , but it proceeds from them , not from your felves : what do you think of this ? and what think you ? you the great toe of this assembly ? 1 cit. i the great toe ! why the great toe ? men. for that being one o' th' lowest , basest , poorest ; of this most wise rebellion thou goest fore-most : thou rascal , that art worst in blood , the ring-leader : but make you ready your stiff bats and clubs . rome , and her rats are at the point of battle . hail noble martius . enter caius martius . mart. what is the matter you dissentious rogues , you scabs , bred from the itch of your own opinion ? 1 cit. i , wee had ever your good word . mart. he that will give good words to thee will flatter beneath a bawd ; what would you have you curs ? that like not peace nor war ; the one affrights you , the other makes you factious : he that trusts you ; where he shou'd find you lions , finds you hares ; you are vertues contrary ; who deserves greatness , deserves your hate ; and your affections are a sick-mans appetite , which desires that most , that wou'd increase his evil ; who depends upon your favours , swims with finns of lead : with ev'ry minute you do change a mind , and call him noble , that was now your hate ; him vile , that was your garland : what 's the matter , that in these several places of the city , you cry against the noble senate , who under the gods keep you in awe ; who else like beasts of prey , wou'd feed on one another . what 's their seeking ? men. for corn at their own rates , with which they say , the city is well stor'd . mart. they say ! hang 'em ; they 'll sit by th' fire , and take on 'em to know what 's done i' th' capitol : they say there 's grain enough ; wou'd the nobility lay aside their patience , and let me use my sword , i 'd make a quarry with thousands of these quarter'd slaves , as high as their own capitol . men. nay , these are almost throughly perswaded ; for though abundantly they lack discretion , yet they are passing cowardly ; but i pray you , what sayes the other troop ? mart. burn 'em , the herd are scatter'd ; they said they were a hungry , sigh'd forth proverbs , that hunger broke stone-walls , that dogs must eat , that meat was made for mouths , that the gods sent not corn for the rich men only ; with these shreds they vented their complaints ; which being answered , and a petition granted them , a strange one to break the heart of pow'r : they threw their caps up ; as they wou'd hang 'em on the horns o' th' moon . men. what 's granted ' em ? mart. four tribunes ( to defend their vulgar wisdomes ) of their own choosing ; brutus , cornicius , sicinius , bethellsus : the rabble shou'd have first unrooft the city , ' ere so prevail'd with me ; it will in time confound the senate : get you home you fragments . enter decius . dec. most noble martius , the senate makes you here next substitute to our general comminius , in the place of lartius , for the present wars against the volsces . men. a charge that you have sigh'd for ; yet still you seem disturb'd . mart. my task is with their city , whilst cominius engages their field-forces . men. what of that ? mart. tullus aufidius , there is to be found , my rival once , still most inveterate foe : were half to half the world engag'd , and he upon my party , i 'd revolt , to make my wars only with him : he is a lyon that i am proud to hunt : menenius , thou shalt see me once more strike at tullus face . what , art thou stiff ? stand'st out ? men. no caius martius , i 'll lean upon one crutch , and fight with to'ther , ' ere lag behind this business . mart. one word my fellow-citizens . 1 cit. no good i warrant it . mart. you shall have corn enough , on martius word you shall . 1 cit. why ? look you there now , i alwayes said we were mistaken in this man. all. a martius , a martius , &c. 1 cit. as how , most noble martius ? mart. lartius is dead , and i 'm employ'd by the senate to storm the volsces citty ; there is store of richest grain : follow me , all is yours . [ here the citizens steal away severally . see now , if these vile rats dare go to knaw the enemies garners : here comes two of their tribunes . let us bequeath 'em this infected ground . come , let 's to horse . men. will you not home first , and take short leave of your dear wife , and honour'd mother ? mart. my charge is speedy , womens farewel's tedious : stay thou menenius to perform for me that office ; i 'll away upon the spur , and reach my troops'ere the sun wash his steeds . [ exit . men. the gods preserve you . as they go off , the tribunes , scicinius , and brutus meet them , they pass by ( disdaining ) each other . sic. was ever man so proud as is this martius ? bru. he has no equal . sic. when we were chosen tribunes for the people , what indignation sparkled from his eyes ? bru. success i' th' present wars , will swell his spirits , above his mothers haughtiness , which he retains , as she had nurs'd him with her blood. sic. hark , hark ! the peoples murmurs are not ceast , tho much they build on their new tribunes pow'r . come , let us hasten to apply our selves , and work upon their fury e're it cools . [ exeunt .

scene ii. a palace . enter volumnia and virginia . vol. prethee vergilia spare those feeble tears , which i must blame in any that belongs to caius martius , tho his tender babe , that had no other language ; learn of me that blest the absence , gave my lord his honour , more than the calm peace , that gave me his love. this martius , this thy lov'd , lamented husband , when of my widdow'd years , the only son ; when tender-body'd , and so fresh a bloom adorn'd his cheek , as drew and sixt all eyes , when at a kings entreaty , the fond mother , not half an hour wou'd sell him from her sight ; i weighing then , how honour wou'd become so promising an excellence , dismist him , to seek out danger , where he might find fame . to a cruel war i sent him , where he flesht his youthful sword ; and to my arms return'd , laden with bloody bays : i tell thee daughter , i sprung not with more joy , to find my pains , had to the world restor'd his father's image : then first to find him , march his fathers fame . virg. but had he dy'd in the adventure ? vol. then — his glory shou'd have been my darling son : now by minerva , had the indulgent gods blest me with twenty sons , as much belov'd as my brave martius ; i had rather lose them all in chase of glory , and their country's cause , than one , i' th' surfeit of voluptuous peace . virg. excuse my tenderness , that wishes still for peace and martius : what 's this monster country , that must be fed with my dear martius blood ? if this unnatural mother still must prey on her own off-spring , let her take her rabble ; the vermin-crowd my martius so abhors . * enter a servant . serv. madam , the lady valeria is come to visit you . virg. let me retire from her impertinence ; a heavier burden than the grief i bear . vol. not now virginia , she 'll divert you : oh! methinks i hither hear thy husbands drum ; see him dismount aufidius ; all the volsces wide shunning him , as children from a tyger : methinks i see him frown , and hear him call , come on ye cowards ; you were got in fear , tho you were born in rome : his bloody brow — virg. his bloody brow ? the gods defend ! — no blood. vol. away fond girl ; it more becomes a man , then gold his arms ; the breasts of hecula , when she gave suck to hector , look't not lovelier , than hectors forehead , when besmear'd with blood. go , bring valeria in . virg. heavens bless my lord from fierce aufidius . vol. no more such folly , he 'll strike aufidius head below his knee , and tread upon his neck . enter valeria , gawdtly and fantastically drest , follow'd by six or seven pages . val. morrow ladies , good morrow . vol. i am glad to see your ladyship . val.

your ladyships most eternal — well , you are the most manifest house-keepers ! come , you do your beauties wrong , the suburra wrong , the forum wrong , the cirque , the whole youth of rome .

vol. we leave that triumph madam to your sovereign charms . val.

and do i look sovereignly madam ? indeed i think my enemies will grant me that ; but i bear not upon 't : i am ambitious only of the graces of the mind , the intellectuals , and despise those vain allurements of dress and face — but do i look sovereignly madam ?

vol. most irresistably ! val. and what my dear , eternally in tears ? [ to virgilia .

come , i must have you read philosophy ; better live in apathy , as the stoicks say , then have such tender sense of things : — pray madam , what do's your ladyship think of the stoicks .

[ to vol. vol. as of the noblest sect. val.

come , i must have you forth with me : i have some nineteen visits to make , and all of 'em old debts upon my honour : well , i 'll swear there 's an intollerable deal of patience requir'd to common civility : because an impertinent lady comes and teazes me three hours at my house to day , therefore i must go to be teazed three more at her house to morrow ; i swear 't is most unreasonable . how i wish my self at athens again ! we had no such doings at athens ; no idle chat of tires and fans , but of secrets in nature , and stiff points of philosophy — but rome at rome ; come , come away .

virg. by no means madam , i 'll not out of doors . val.

o you confine your self most unreasonably ; your thoughts now are with your lord at corioles ; trouble not your self , i shall give you intelligence of his affairs ; i have it always an hour before the senate : well , intelligence is a fine thing ! it costs me the gods know what in forreign correspondence from sicily , sardinia , rhetia , aquitain , crete , cyprus , lydia , ephesus , dalmatia , thrace , pontus ; the hetrusci make no motion , but by my advice : nay , our own general cominius , is glad to keep touch with me : not an officer of note in the camp , but sends me news or love. come hither page — look madam , pray madam observe , this is my last days post , and the lightest pacquet has come this two months ; fye , fye , up with 'em , i am asham'd on 't .

vol. but do's your ladyship answer all these ? val.

some of 'em i never peruse , and those are your gallantry epistles : i know all those hands with half an eye ; there 's titus decius , cajus proculus , marcus flavius , publius cotta ; albinus , sesinna , graculus , phocus , linus , tucca , rufus , faesula ; with a legion more , that are all unseal'd in the fire ! i swear i am a cruel creature ! but 't is my way madam .

virg. eternal torturer ! — by your leave madam . val.

nay , i am just upon the wing too ; my chair there , what ? no attendance in this world ? well , of all things in nature , i love dispatch ; and yet i swear i cou'd stay with your ladyships eternally — but your ladyships will excuse me upon business ; not but that i 'd leave any thing for your ladyships company — your ladyships will pardon my hast , for i swear i am in hast most inordinately .

[ exit .

scene iii. coriolanus and decius before the walls of corioles . mart. how far off lye these armies ? dec. scarce half a league . mart. then we shall hear their larum , and they ours . now fire-ey'd mars make us but quick in work , that we with reeking swords may march from hence to help our fielded friends ; come blow the blast . a parley , the senators appear on the walls . tullus aufidius , is he within the walls ? sen. no , nor a man that fears you less than he . hark how our drums call forth our youths ; our gates with yet seem shut , we have but pinn'd with rushes ; they 'l open of themselves : heark , to the field , there is aufidius ; list what work he makes amongst your broken army . mart. oh they are at it ! their noise be our instruction ; ladders hoe ! they fear us not , but issue from their city . now plant your shields before your hearts , and fight with hearts more proof than shields . advance brave decius , they disdain us much beyond our thoughts , which makes me sweat with rage : come on my fellows , he that retires , i 'll take him for a volsce , and he shall feel my sword. alarum ; the romans beat back to their trenches , re-enter martius cursing . all the contagion of the south light on you , you shames of rome , now botches , boyls , and plagues crust you all o're , that you may be abhor'd , further than seen ; you souls of daws and geese , that bear the shapes of men ; how have you run from slaves , that apes wou'd beat , pluto and hell ? all hurt behind , backs red , and faces pale , mend , and charge home , or by the fires of heav'n , i 'll leave the foe , and make my wars on you ; look to 't ; come on . [ alarum agen . so , now the gates are open , now prove good seconds , 't is for the followers fortune , not the flyers : mark me , and do the like . [ martius , with a few follows them to the gates , and is shut in . 1 sol. fool hardiness ? not i. 2 sol. nor i. 1 sol. see , they , they have shut 'em in . all. to th' pot , i warrant ' em . alarum continues , re-enter martius with his party , as having forc't their way through the citty ; his followers with spoils . 1 rom. this will i carry to rome . 2 rom. and i this. 3 rom. a murrain on 't , i took this for silver . mart. see here these pismires , that do prize their labours at a crack'd drachma , cush'ons , leaden spoons ; old scraps of iron , doublets , that hangmen wou'd bury with those that wore 'em ; these vile slaves , e're yet the fight be done , pack up ; down with them , and heark what noise the general makes ; let 's to him , there is the man of my souls hate , aufidius peircing our romans ; valiant decius , take convenient numbers to make good the citty , whilst i with those that have the spirit , will hast to help comminius . dec. you bleed apace my lord ; your exercise has been too violent , for a second course of fight . mart. sir , praise me not ; my work has yet not warm'd me ; fare you well : the blood i drop , is rather physical , than dangerous to me : to aufidius thus will i appear , and dare him to my sword. [ exit . severally .

scene changes to a camp or field , an alarum . cominius and aufidius , are seen engaging each other , with their parties : cominius is beaten off ; martius with his souldiers enters hastily on the other side . mart. turn , turn aufidius , this way lies your game : i 'll fight with none but thee ; for i do hate thee worse , than a promise breaker . auf. no hate lost ; not africk breeds a serpent i abhor , more than thy fame and thee : here fix thy foot. mart. let the first starter dye the other's slave , and the gods toom him after . auf. if i fly martius , holloo me like a hare . mart. within these three hours tullus , i fought within the walls of your corioles , and made what work i pleas'd ; 't is not my blood , thou see'st me smear'd with , 't is thy dearest kindred's . take that to work thy fury to the height ; for i wou'd have thee warm . auf. vvert thou the hector that was the vvhip of thy feign'd progeny , thou shou'dst not pass this munite . alarum : they fight off ; after which , a retreat sounded : re-enter martius and cominius , at several doors . com. come to my arms most noble martius , if i shou'd tell thee o're this thy days vvork , thou 'lt not believe thy deeds ; but i 'll report 'em , vvhere senators shall mingle smiles with tears ; vvhere ladies shall express a fearful joy : vvhere the dull tribunes that do hate thy honours , shall cry against their hearts , we thank the gods , that rome has such a souldier . mart. beseech ye sir no more : my mother that has priviledge to extol her blood ; when she do's praise me , grieves me . com. you shall not be the grave of your deserts ; for rome must know the value of her own : 't were a concealment worse than sacriledge . therefore , before our army you must hear me . mart. i have some vvounds upon me , and they smart , to hear themselves remembred . com. of all the fiery steeds , and goodliest treasure , vve have taken from the citty and the field , vve offer you the tenth , to be tane forth , before the common distribution ; choose for thy self . mart. i thank my general , but cannot make my heart consent , to take a bribe to pay my sword ; i do refuse it , and stand upon my common share , with those that joyn'd with me in fight . a flowrish , all wave their swords , and cry martius , martius . may these same instruments which you profane , never sound more ; when drums and trumpets shall i' th' field turn flatterers , then let courts be honest : no more i say . com. you are unjust to your own merits martius , and we must see 'em righted ; be it therefore known to all the world , that caius martius wears this war's garland ; and in token of it , my warlike steed ( known to the camp ) i give him , with all his golden trappings ; and henceforth , for what he did before corioles , call him , with all th' applause of our victorious camp , caius martius coriolanus . trumpets , drums , and shouts again . mart i will go wash , and then you shall perceive , whether i blush or no. com. so to our tent , where ' ere we do repose us , we will write to rome of our success ; you attalus must to corioles back with our commands . mart. the gods begin to mock me , i that now refus'd most princely gifts , am bound to beg of my lord general . com. speak and take . mart. i sometime lay here in corioles . at a poor old mans house , he us'd me kindly ; i' th' fight i saw him pris'ner , he cry'd to me : but then ausidius was within my view , and rage o're came my pitty : i beseech you to give my poor ost freedom . com. noble still : were he the butcher of my son , he shou'd be free , as is the wind. cor. i 'll find him out . now let us sacrifice to th' gods , and pray for many rival days , to this on rome ; then yield our pious rites , to our slain friends ; that done , to gen'ral mirth our legions sound , our labour'd brows with bays , and myrtle crown'd , and make with genial wine , our empty'd veins abound . [ exeunt .

act the second .

flourish . enter coriolanus in triumph , met by the nobility and commons of rome . cor. no more of this , it does offend my ears ; no more i pray . com. look sir , your wife and honoured mother . enter volumnia , and virgilia . cor. oh madam ! by the event i know you have petition'd all the gods on my behalf ; and next the gods , i pay you thus my duty . vol. nay my good souldier rise , my valiant caius , worthy coriolanus ; not thee this pomp , but thou adorn'st thy tryumph : what now virgilia ? cor. oh my tender dove ! my gentle silence hail ; what means this dew ? wou'dst thou have laugh'd , had i come coffin'd home , that weep'st to see me tryumph : ah! my love , such eyes the widdows in corioles wear , and mothers that lack sons . virg. ah my dear lord , what means that dismal scarf ? my joy lies folded there ! vol. i know not where to turn ; oh! wellcome general , most wellcome all : now from this starry seat , quirinus smiles . men. ten thousand wellcomes ; wellcome all : a curse begin at very roots on 's heart , that is not glad to see you ; yet have we some base repiners at this joy ; no matter , we call a nettle but a nettle , and the faults of fools but folly. cor. the same menenius ever . com. blunt and honest , lead . cor. your hand and yours : yet ' ere in our own house , i shade my head , the good patricians must be waited on ; i had rather be their servant in my way , than rule with them in theirs . com. on to the capitol . [ exeunt . manent tribunes . bru. all tongues speak of him , and the feeble sights are spectacled to see him : pratling nurses , into a rupture let their infants cry , chatting of him ; the dowdy maukin pins her lockrum on , and clambers walls to view him : stalls , gall'ries , windows , all are smother'd up , leads fill'd , and ridges hors'd : the reverend falmens amongst the crowd , press for a vulgar station , as at the approach of some descended god , he cannot temperat'ly bear his honours ; but will himself destroy what he has vvon . sic. there rests our hope , doubt not the commoners , for whom we stand , upon their antient malice will forget , on the least cause , his most applauded service . bru. i heard him swear , were he to stand for consul , he never wou'd appear i' th' market place , in the vile garment of humility ; and shewing ( as the custom is ) his vvounds to th' people , nor wou'd beg their stinking breaths . sic. it was his word : i wish no better , than to have him hold that purpose . bru. we must suggest to th' people , in what hatred he still has held 'em : that to his pow'r , he wou'd have made 'em mules , and silenc't us , their pleaders ; that he esteems no better of 'em , than as cammels of the war , that have their provender for bearing burdens , blows for sinking under ' em . sic. this ( as you say ) suggested at some time , when his soaring insolence shall fret the people , which will surely happen , if he be put upon 't ; and that 's as easy , as to set dogs at sheep ; he bears the fire to kindle their dry stubble , and the blaze shall darken him for ever . bru. his pow'r , or ours , must sleep : away to the capitol . [ exeunt . scene opening , shews the senate sitting in the capitol ; coriolanus in a white robe , as candidate for the consulship . 1 sen. sit coriolanus , never blush to hear what you have nobly done . cor. your honours pardon , i had rather have my wounds to heal again , than hear say , how i got ' em . bru. i hope my lord , my words have not displac't you . cor. no sir ; yet oft , when blows have made me stay , i have fled from words : you did not flatter me ; therefore cou'd not displease me ; but your people , i love 'em as they weigh — [ exit . com. the deeds of coriolanus , honour'd fathers , shou'd not be feebly spoke ; and breath wou'd fail me to tell the half : if valour be with romans , the chiefest virtue , martius has no equal : when tarquin first made head ; at sixteen years , he fought for rome's dear freedom , and bestri'd an'ore prest roman , in the consul's sight ; slew three opposers , tarquin's self encounter'd , and struck him on his knee ; in that days toil , when he might act a woman in the scene , he prov'd best man o' th' field ; and for his service , was crown'd before the camp : grown up to strength , the matchless youth , prov'd yet more wondrous man ; and in the brunt of seventeen battels since monopoliz'd the garland ; for this last , before , and in , corioles : i cannot speak him home ; he stopt the flyers , and by his rare example made the coward , turn terrour into sport ; his sword , death's stamp , where it did fall , it took from face to foot : he was a thing of blood ; almost alone he forc't corioles , came aidless off , and leading , waiting death , from town to camp : he gave no respight to his panting brest , till we cou'd call both field and citty ours . 1 sen. we yield him worthy of the consulship : summon him in . com. be pleas'd to hear what yet exceeds all this ; our spoils he slighted , and look't on the seiz'd treasures , as they were the common muck o' th' world ; he covets less , than misery it self wou'd give , rewards his deeds with doing 'em , accounts 'em only as pledges of more services to come . 1 sen. summon him in . enter coriolanus men. the senate coriolanus are well pleas'd to make thee consul . cor. i owe 'em still my life and services . men. it now remains , that you bespeak the people . cor. i do beseech your honours let me o're-leap that custom , for i cannot put on the gown , stand publick , and entreat 'em for my wounds sake , to give their suffrages ; please you that i may pass this ceremony . bru. the custom may in no wise be infring'd . sic. the peoples liberties depend upon 't , and no particular must be dispenc't with . men. we do solicit from your spleens no favour , put 'em not to 't , my lord , but stoop to th' custom , and take t' you , as your predecessors have , this dear-bought honour , with the usual forms . cor. it is a part , that i shall blush in acting ; methinks the people well might spare this method ; better constrain'd to do it . sic. mark you that ? cor. to brag to 'em , that i did thus and thus , shew 'em unaking scars , which i shou'd hide , as if i had receiv'd 'em for the hire of their vile breath ! men. pray do not stand upon 't . 1 sen. tribunes by you , we recommend to the people , our noble choice , and to our worthy consul , we wish all joy and honour . call the lictors , and bid the fasces move . [ exeunt . sic. you see how he intends to treat the commons . bru. may they perceive's intent ; he 'll beg of 'em , as if he did contemn , what he requested , and scorn the givers . sic. we 'll inform 'em so ; let 's hasten to the forum , where i know , they wait us with impatience . [ exeunt .

scene the street . enter the citizens in vast number . 1 cit.

well neighbours , for once ( if he require our voices ) we ought not to deny him .

2 cit. we may sir , if we will. 1 cit.

i grant you , we have a pow'r in our selves to do it ; but it is such a power , as we have no power to do : for if he shew us his wounds , we are likewise to shew our feeling of those wounds ; so if he tells us his noble deeds , we must also tell him our noble acceptance of 'em : ingratitude is monstrous , and for the multitude to be ingrateful , were to make a monster of the multitude , of which , we being members , shou'd bring our selves to be monstrous members .

2 cit.

right ; so , when we stood up once about the corn , he himself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude .

1 cit.

we have been call'd so of many . well , we are all resolv'd ( the greater part of us ) to give him our voices . if he lov'd the people , there never was a worthier man ; therefore , he shall have your voices ?

all. all , all , all , 1 cit. but look you , to my knowledge he hates the people , and therefore you all deny him your voices ? all. all , all , all , &c. enter coriolanus , in the robe of humility , menenius with him . 1 cit.

look , here he comes in the robe of humility : mark his behaviour ; observe me neighbours , we are not to advance altogether ; but to come to him where he stands , by one's , by two's , and by three 's ; then is he to make his request by particulars , wherein every one of us has a single honour , in giving him our own voices , with our own tongues ; therefore follow me , and i 'll shew you the trick on 't .

all. content , content . men. oh! sir , you are not right in this , you know the worthyest men have don 't . cor. what must i say ? i pray sir ? plague upon 't , i cannot bring my tongue to such tune : look sir , my wounds i got 'em in my countrys service , when some certain of your brethren roar'd , and ran from the noise of our own drums . men. o gods ! you must not speak of this , you must desire 'em sir , to think upon you . cor. think on me ? hang 'em , i wou'd they wou'd forget me , like their pray'rs . men. you will marr all ; i 'll leave you ; beseech you speak to 'em in the mildest manner . cor. hell ! bid 'em wash their faces , and keep their teeth clean : so , here comes a brace ; you know the cause sir of my standing here . 1 cit.

we do sir ; therefore desire you tell us what brought you hither .

cor. my own desert . 2 cit. your own desert ! cor. but not my own desire . 3 cit. how ! not your own desire . cor. no sir , it never yet was my desire to trouble the poor with begging . 1 cit. you must think sir , if we give you any thing , it is in hope to gain by you . cor. well , then your price o' th' consulship ? 1 cit. the price is , to ask it kindly . cor. then kind sir , let me have it , i have wounds to shew , which shall be yours in private : your good voice sir , what say you ? 2 cit. you have it worthy sir. cor. a match sir ; so , there 's in all , two worthy voices begg'd ; i have your alms , adieu . enter two more . cor. pray now , if it may stand with the tune of your good voices , that i may be consul ? i have here the customary gown . 3 cit.

you have deserv'd nobly of your country , and you have not deserv'd nobly .

cor. your enigma ? 3 cit.

you have been a scourge to her enemies , and a rod to her friends : you hate the people .

cor. you shou'd account me the more virtuous for 't , that i have not been common in my love. therefore let me be consul . 4 cit.

well , we hope to find you our friend yet ; and therefore give you our voices .

cor. agreed sir , better 't is to dye , to starve , than beg the hire , for which we first did serve : this imposition is by custom laid ; must custom then in all things be obey'd ? the dust on antique time , wou'd lye unswept , and mountains errour , be too highly heapt for truth t' ore-peer ; rather than fool it so , let the high office , and the honour go to one cou'd bear this — yet am i half through . here come more judges . two more come forward . your voices ; for your voices have i fought ; watch't for your voices ; for your voices bear , of wounds two dozen odd : have for your voices done many things , some more , some less ; your voices then : indeed i wou'd be consul . 5 cit.

the truth is , you have behav'd your self , as i shou'd have done in the same place ; and therefore you shall have my voice , as i wou'd expect it my self .

6 cit. heav'n bless our noble consul . [ exeunt . cor. precious voters . enter menenius , with brutus and sicinius . men. you have stood your limitation , and the tribunes endue you with the peoples choice . it now remains , that in robes of honour , you wait upon the senate . cor. is this done ? sic. the custom of request you have discharg'd ; the people do admit you , and are summon'd to meet anon upon your approbation . cor. where ? at the senate house . bru. there coriolanus . cor. then i may shift these garments ? sic. you may sir. cor. good , then i 'll know my self again , and hast to the capitol . men. i 'll bear you company ; will you along . sic. we stay here to dismiss the people . [ ex. cor. men. he has it now , and by his looks , methinks 't is warm at 's heart . bru. with a proud heart , he wore his humble weeds : will you dismiss the crow'd . enter the plebeians . sic. how now my masters , have you chose this man. 1 cit. he has our voices sir. bru. we pray the gods he may deserve your kindness . 1 cit. the gods , and we , are agreed about that matter already : you say he 's proud. i say he call'd me sir , and carry'd himself like a most civil gentleman . 2 cit. to my thinking , he flouted us down-right . 1 cit.

it is his kind of speech , he has a scurvy handsome way with him , that 's the truth on 't .

sic. he shew'd you too , his marks of merit , wounds receiv'd for 's country . 1 cit. he did so ; i remember all , as well as the wart on my nose . 2 all. no , no , no man saw ' em . 1 cit.

right , now i remember better , i saw never a one of 'em : the gods send he have any , i say : he said he wounds for us , i think some eight or ten douzen ; and waving his hand thus in scorn , i wou'd be consul , sayes he , and custom will not let me , but by your voices ; i have need at present of your voices ; therefore let me have your voices : which when we granted , i thank you for 'em ( quoth he ) and now you have left your voices , i have no further with you . and he 's the dullest rogue in rome , that cou'd not find this to be meer mockery .

bru. why then were you so stupid not to see 't ; or seeing it , so senseless to approve him ? sic. cou'd you not have told him , as we had taught you ; that when he had no pow'r , but was a petty servant to the state : he was your enemy , and ever spoke against the liberties and charters , that you bear i' th' common-wealth ; and being now arriv'd to a place of pow'r and sway , if he shou'd still maligna'ntly remain your foe ; your voices wou'd be curses to your selves . 1 cit. i , so i told 'em , but their hearts were as hard as their forehead . bru. thus to have said , as you were fore-instructed , had touch't his spirit , and try'd his inclination : had either forc't from him a gracious promise , which you might afterwards have held him to , or else it wou'd have gall'd his surly nature : and to such angry mood enrag'd him , that you might have took advantage of his passion , and pass'd him unelected . 1 cit. i told 'em that too . well , he 's not confirm'd , and we may deny him yet . 2 cit. and will deny him : i have five hundred voters of that sound . 1 cit. i , twice five hundred , with their friends to back'em . bru. get you hence instantly , and tell those friends , they have chose a consul that will take from 'em their liberties ; make 'em of no more voice than dogs , that often are for barking beaten , yet only kept to bark . sic. assemble therefore on a safer judgement , and all revoke your ignorant election ; enforce his pride to shew his hate ; forget not with what contempt he wore the custom'd robe : and lastly , lay the fault on us your tribunes . bru. i , spare us not , say any thing whereby you may revoke your suddain choice ; and then , as soon as you have drawn your number , repair to the capitol . all. we will so . 1 cit. and rather then fail , we 'll swear every man of us , we never gave him our consent . away , away . [ exeunt . bru. let 'em go on ; this mutiny were better put in hazzard , than run a greater , and more certain mischief : if ( as he surely will ) he fall in rage with their refusal , we 'll be close at hand , to watch th' advantage his blind fury yeilds ; and from his own spleen , work a snare to hold him . [ exeunt .

act the third . coriolanus in the consuls robes , cominius , menenius , with the nobles ; met by the tribunes , sicinius , and brutus , and the plebeians . sic. back , pass no further . cor. ha! what 's that ? bru. it will be dangerous to go on ; no further. cor. what makes this change ? com. has he not past the nobles , and the commons ? bru. cominius , no. cor. have i had childrens voices ? men. tribunes give way . sic. the people are incens'd against him . cor. are these your herd ? must these have voices ? that can yield 'em now , and straight disclaim their tongues ! what are your offices ? you are their mouths , why rule you not their teeth ? have you not set 'em on ? men. be calm , be calm . cor. it is a purpos'd business , a meer plot to curb the pow'r of the nobility : bear it , and live with such as cannot rule , and never will be rul'd . bru. call 't not a plot ; the people say you mock't 'em , and of late , when corn was giv'n 'em gratis , you repin'd . cor. was not this known before . sic. not to 'em all. cor. have you inform'd 'em since ? fire ! plagues ! this practice becomes not rome , nor has coriolanus deserv'd this usage ; i must tell you friends , in suff'ring this , we nourish 'gainst the senate sedition and rebellion ; thus they are thank't for what they have , giv'n to beggars . sic. you speak o' th people , as you were a god to punish , not a man of their infirmity . bru. it were most fit we let the people know 't . men. what , what ? 't is but his choller . cor. choller . were i as patient as the midnight sleep , by jove 't wou'd be my mind . sic. it is a mind that shall retain it's venome , not poyson any further. cor. shall retain ; hear you this triton of the minews , mark you his absolute shall ? com. well ; on to th' market-place . cor. whoever gave that councel , to give out the corn o' th' store-house gratis , fed sedition , and the state 's ruin. bru. why shou'd the people give one that speaks thus their voice . cor. i 'll give my reasons , more worthy than their voices : prest to th' war , they wou'd not pass their gates ; this kind of service did not deserve corn gratis ; being i' th' war , their only valour was in mutiny , in faction only bold ; nobles pluck out at once , the multitudinous tongue , nor let 'em lick the sweet that is their poyson . sic. he has said enough . bru. he has spoken like a traytor , and shall answer as traytors do . cor. misereant , despight o'rewhelm thee ; what shou'd the people do with these bald tribunes , that make 'em fail their duty to the bench ? let what is fit take place , and throw their pow'r to th' dust. bru. manifest treason ! the ediles hoa ! let him be apprehended . cor. away old goat . all. we 'll be his surety . cor. hence rotten thing , or i shall shake thy bones out of thy garments . sic. help citizens . men. on both sides more respect . bru. here 's he wou'd take away your liberties . all. down with him , down with him . cor. hark how the whole kennel eccho to the cry of this old brace of curs ! a poaching pair of vermine , fed by the prey , that others toil for ; spawn of sedition , and the spawners of it . bru. whom means the lunatick ? cor. you , faction-mongers , that wear your formal beards , and plotting heads , by the valour of the men you persecute ; canting caballers , that in smoaky cells , amongst crop-ear'd mechanicks , wast the night in villanous harrangues against the state. there may your worship's pride be seen t' embrace a smutty tinker , and in extasy of treason , shake a cobler be th' wax't thumb . sic. or let us stand to our authority , or let us lose it ; we do here pronounce upon the peoples pow'r , this martius worthy of present death . bru. therefore lay hold on him , bear him to th' tarpeian rock , from whence , into destruction cast him : ediles seize him . cor. no , i 'll dye here ; there 's some among you have beheld me fight : come , try upon your selves . all. down with him . [ the nobles draw their swords . men. help martius , help . the tribunes , the ediles , and people , are beat off . com. stand fast , we have as many friends as enemies . cor. oh! wou'd 't were put to that ! men. the god's forbid ; beseech you noble sir , home to your house , leave us to cure this breach . com. come sir , i will along with you . cor. on fair ground , i wou'd beat a legion of ' em . com. but now 't is odds beyond arithmetick ; will you from hence before the tags return ? men. pray you be gone ; i ll try whether my old wit be in request , with those that have but little . com. nay , come away . [ exit . coriolanus , and cominius . men. oh! he has mar'd his fortune ; he wou'd not flatter neptune for his trident , nor jove for his pow'r to thunder . sen. i wou'd they were a bed. [ shout of the citizens within . men. i wou'd they were i' th' tiber. re-enter sicinius , and brutus , with the rabble . sic. where is this viper ? that wou'd depopulate the city , and be every man himself ? bru. he has resisted law , and therefore law shall scorn him further tryal . 1 cit.

we 'll give him to understand , that our noble tribunes , are the peoples mouths , and we their hands .

men. sir , sir , — sic. menenius , you have help't to make this rescue . men. hear me speak , as i do know the consuls worthyness , so i can name his faults . bru. what consul ? men. the consul coriolanus . all. no , no , no , he 's no consul . men. if by the tribunes leave , and yours good citizens , i may be heard — sic. speak briefly then , for know , we have decreed his certain death , he dies to night . men. now the good gods forbid . bru. he 's a disease that must be cut away . men. o! he 's a limb that has but a disease , mortal to cut it off , to cure it easy : what has he done to rome , that 's worthy death ; most of his blood is for his country shed , and what is left , to lose it by his country — sic. wide from the business : when he did love his country , it honour'd him. bru. therefore we 'll hear no more : pursue him to his house , and pluck him thence , lest his infection being of catching nature , spread further . men. yet one word more : beseech ye proceed by process , lest parties ( as he is belov'd ) break out , and sack great rome with romans . sic. if it were so ? — bru. what do you talk , have we not had a tast of his obedience ; our ediles struck , our selves resisted ? come — men. consider sirs , he has been bred in wars since he could draw a sword , and is ill-school'd in soothing language ; meal and bran together , he throws without distinction ; give me leave , i 'll go to him , and bring him t' you in peace , where he shall answer by a lawful form upon his utmost peril . senat. noble tribunes , it is the worthier way , the other course will prove too bloody , and the end of it , unknown to the beginning . bru. menenius , then be you the peoples officer . masters lay down your weapons . sic. go not home . bru. meet at the forum , we 'll attend you there , where , if you bring not martius , we 'll proceed in our first way . [ exit . tribunes and people . men. i 'll ' gage my life upon 't , let me desire your company , we must bring him , or worse will follow . [ exit . enter volumnia , met by valeria , passing by in a chair . val.

hold , hold , set me down — i swear madam , i had almost overseen my good fortune , and past by your ladyship .

vol. your ladyships most humble servant . val.

and upon my honour , madam , my hast is so violent , and affairs so important , that nothing , but the sight of your ladyship , shou'd have stop me : well , i hear my lord coriolanus continues obstinate ; i love an obstinate man most inordinately ! do's your ladyship know , madam , that i am the greatest rabble-hater of my sex ? i think 'em the common nuisance of the world ; there 's no thought , no science , no eloquence , no breeding amongst 'em ; and therefore your ladyship must know , they are my aversion : for , as to all these particulars , and to every one of 'em , the envy of the world must grant — and your ladyship knows , the world is most malicious — i say , the envy of the world must grant — o jupiter ! what was , i saying , madam ?

vol. i beg your ladyships pardon , that — val.

then madam , there 's such mistery in my dress ! the wits see poetry in it , the souldiers spirit and courage , the mathematicians describe the spheres in 't , and your geographers , the terra incognita : ●●d yet your ladyship sees 't is as plain as nature ; no trim , no ornament : there 's my lady galatea , such a fantastical , fulsome figure , all curls and feathers ! and besides madam , she 's such an eternal talker ! her tongue 's the perpetual motion , and she affects such hard words , such an obdurate phrase , that she exposes her self a publick ludibry to the universe .

vol. nay , now valeria — [ here one of the pages whisper valeria . val.

how 's that ? titus decius , cajus proculus , marcus flavius , publius cotta ; all to wait on me since i came forth ? are they not all banish't men ? have i not refus'd , incontinently , to see 'em these three days together ; nay , though they came upon state affairs : o the impudence of man-kind ! i swear , a lady had need look to her circumstances ! well , i 'll to athens agen , incontinently ! boy , tell 'em i shall return at six precisely — i swear , madam , this love 's my aversion of all things in the world ; and yet for the speculative part , i presume , i understand it most unmeasurably : trust me , i cou'd write the art of love.

vol. think you so madam ? val.

as thus ; sometimes to seem , inordinately , jealous of them ; sometimes to make them , inordinately , jealous of mee : to seem merry when i am sad ; sad when i am merry ; to rail at the dress that becomes me best , and swear i put it on in contradiction to them.

vol. indeed madam ? val.

o jupiter ! how insensibly the time runs , whilst your ladyship is discoursing ; i cou'd hear your ladyship discourse all day — but this business is the most uncivil thing — but your ladyship , and i , shall take a time : your ladyship will excuse my hast ; for i swear , i am in hast most inordinately .

[ exit . enter to volumnia , coriolanus , menenius , cominius , with the rest of the nobles . cor. let 'em pull all upon my head , present me death on the wheel , or at wild horses heels ; or pile ten hills on the tarpejan rock : thus will i bear my self , nor bate a grain of my firm temper . vol. come , be milder . cor. from whence this change ? for madam , you were wont to call the slaves , things made to sit bare-headed in the assembly , and to yawn and wonder , when any one of my high rank stood up to speak of peace or war. why do you wish me milder ? wou'd you have me false to my nature ; rather say , i play the man i am . vol. o coriolanus ! i wou'd have had you put your pow'r well on , ' ere you had worn it out . men. come , you have been too rough ; you must return and mend it : there 's no remedy , unless you 'll see the city laid in ashes . cor. what must i do ? men. return to the tribunes . cor. well , what then ? what then ? men. repent what you have spoke . cor. to them ? i cannot do it to the gods. vol. you are too absolute , if it be honour in your wars , to seem the thing you are not , for your countreys good : why is it less in peace , when the whole state is set at equal hazzard ? this feign'd compliance no more dishonours you , than to take in a town with gentle words , that sets you else at chance , and is at best the price of blood ; i wou'd dissemble with my nature , where my fortunes , and my friends were both at stake ; i speak the voice of all , and am in this , your wife , your son , the senators , and nobles ; and in a word , the life , and fate of rome . men. o most divinely urg'd . vol. i pray go to 'em with mild behaviour ; for in such a business , action is eloquence ; and the eyes o' th' vulgar , more learned than their ears : or say to 'em , thou art their souldier , and being bred in battles , have not the soft way , which you do confess , were fit for thee to use , as them to claim . men. this but perform'd , i' th' manner , she has spoke , their hearts are yours ; nay , you shall have their knees . enter cominius . com. i 've been i' th' market place , and sir 't is necessary you make strong party to defend your self , or with fair language calm 'em ; all 's on fire . vol. he must , and will. cor. well , i comply , yet were there but this single frame to lose ; this mould of martius , they to dust shou'd grind it , and throw 't against the wind , to th' market-place . you have put me to a part , that i shall ne're discharge to the life . com. come , come , we 'll prompt you. cor. away my disposition , and possess me , some ev'nuchs spirit ; and the virgin voice , that lulls the babe asleep ; — i will not do 't , lest i desist to honour my own truth ; and by my bodies action , teach my mind , a most inherent baseness . vol. at thy choice then : to beg of thee , is more below my honour , than thou of them : i stand prepar'd for death , with heart as fix as thine : destruction come , and let rome's founder , and the groaning spirits of all her guardians dead , affright the elements to see their citty , with her own hands let all her vital's blood : the care of heav'n , and fate expire in flames , whilst with a dreadful joy her foes look on ; and with insulting smiles aufidius cries , corioles ruins sped him with one name , rome give him now another . cor. oh my mother ! forgive my stubborn frame ! look , i am going ; chide me no more : oh! you shall see me play the very mountebank ; return belov'd of all the trades in rome : i 'll return conful , or never trust to what my tongue can do i' th' way of flattery further . vol. do your will. [ exit . com. the tribunes do attend you , arm your self to answer mildly ; for they are prepar'd with grievous accusations . see , they are come to seek us out . cor. let 'em accuse me by invention , i will answer in my honour . men. i , but mildly . cor. well , mildly be it then , mildly . enter tribunes and rabble . sic. draw near my fellow citizens . edile . list to your tribunes : peace . cor. first hear me speak . both trib. well , say — peace hoa ! cor. shall i be charg'd no further , than this present ? must all determine here ? bru. you must submit to the peoples voices , allow their officers , be content to suffer such lawful censure for your faults , as shall be prov'd upon you . cor. i am content . men. lo , citizens , he sayes he is content . cor. what is the matter , that being past for consul with full voice , i am so dishonour'd , that the very hour you take it off agen ? sic. answer to us . cor. say then , 't is true , i ought so . sic. we charge you , that you have contriv'd to take from rome , all office , strove to wind your self into a pow'r tyrannical ; for which , you are a traytor to the people . cor. how ? traytor ! men. nay , patiently : your promise . cor. the fires i' th' lowest hell , fold in their people , call me their traytor : thou injurious tribune , were legions by thee , i wou'd say , thou ly'st , with voice as free as i do pray the gods. bru. mark you this ; people . all. to the rock , to the rock with him . sic. we need not put new matter to his charge ; what you have seen him do , and heard him speak ; beating your officers , cursing your selves , opposing law with blows ; and last , defying the pow'r that was to try him : this deserves the extreamest death . bru. but since he has serv'd well for rome — cor. what , do you talk of service ? bru. i speak of it that know it . cor. you ? men. is this the promise that you made ? cor. vex me no more : let 'em pronounce the steep tarpeian death , vagabond exile , fleaing ; doom'd to linger : but with a grain a day , i wou'd not buy their mercy at the price of one fair word . sic. i say , his service to the state being weigh'd , with hostile practices committed since : ●th ' name o' th' people , and the tribunes pow'r , we banish him for ever from our citty ; in pain of death from the tarpeian rock , no more to enter through the gates of rome : i' th peoples name , i say , it shall be so . all.

it shall be so , it shall be so ; away with him , he 's a banish'd man , out with him .

com. hear me my masters , and my common friends . sic. he 's sentenc'd ; no more hearing . he is banish't , as enemy to the people , and his country . all. 't is so , 't is so ; it shall be so , &c. cor. you common cry of curs , whose breath i hate , more than the rotten fens , whose love i prize , as the dead carkasses of unburied men , that do corrupt my air. i banish you : remain you here with curst uncertainty ; let every feeble rumour shake your hearts , have still the pow'r to banish your defenders , till you are left a prey to some vile nation , that won you without blows ; poyson each other ; devour each other ; commerce cease amongst you ; rob one another : nothing you can steal , but thieves do lose it : whirlwinds sack your town , and citizens , and citty , make one rubbish . thus with the gods , i turn my back upon you ; and swift confusion swallow you . [ exit . with his friends . sic. there went the peoples enemy . they all shout , and throw up their caps . go see him out at gates , and follow him , as he has follow'd you ; with all despight , give him diserv'd vexation : let a guard attend vs through the citty . all.

ay , ay , let 's see him out at gates : the gods preserve our noble tribunes ; away , away .

[ exit . coriolanus , volumnia , virgilia , menenius , cominius , with the nobility of rome . cor. come , leave your fears , a brief farewell , and part : the beast with many heads butts me away : nay mother , where is now your wonted courage ? you have been us'd to say , extremities were the distinguishers of noble spirits ; that common changes , common men cou'd bear ; that when the sea was calm , the slightest boats , cou'd with the proudest , cut the smooth fac't floud ; that strength and management was for the storm : thus you were wont to arm me , with such precepts , as made invincible the heart that learn't ' em . vol. the spotted pestilence strike every street , and purple slaughter triumph through the citty ; death block up every door , and graves be wanting ; the noisy trades be husht , and traffick cease ; assemblies be no more : owls , ravens , vultures , with nests obscene , their desolate buildings fill , and beasts of prey their antient seats regain . cor. no more , the life of rome's not worth this mourning ; i shall be lov'd , when i am lack't — nay mother , resume that spirit , when you were wont to say , if you had been the wife of hercules , six of his labours you 'd have born , and sav'd your husband so much sweat. vol. my first-born son , i call the gods to witness for my temper , that hitherto thy dangers were my joy , whilst for the service of thy country born ; but now thou hast no country to defend , i feel the womans tenderness return ; the mothers fondness , and her panting fears . virg. my injur'd lord , what course wilt thou persue , expos'd to more distress , and threatning dangers , than ever yet befel a banish't man : from her confederate , citties , rome excludes thee ; and in rome's service , thou hast made all others , thy foes implacable ? cor. the gods that warn me from these seats , choose for me . where is my little life ? pray let me see him , leave him a hasty blessing , and away . young martius brought in ; coriolanus take him in his arms. oh! how i grutch ingrateful rome this treasure ! make much of him virgilia , i shall live to train him up in war , and he shall choose some country to defend , and make his own : my absence in some part he shall supply ; and with his innocent pratling , chide thy sights , when thou shalt wake , and miss me from thy bed. boy , sir , shall not i go with you ? my grand-mother has promis'd me a sword. cor. my pretty life , i 'll visit thee again ; take , take him hence , he raises in my breast a tenderness that 's most unseasonable : and loathness to depart — take him away . boy , then in truly sir , i 'll learn to ride , and come to you . cor. away , the little thief has stole my temper , and fill'd my eye lids with unmanly dew : once more farewell to all. men. permit us sir , to wait you to the citty gates , so far the cruelty o' th' people do's allow . cor. by jove , and fire-ey'd mars , not one step further : this race of pilgrimage is all my own . i know not what presage has struck my breast ; but oh! methinks i see destruction teem , and waiting for my absence , to discharge the battering storm on this perfidious citty : so when the murmering wind , from out his nest , jove's royal bird to the open region calls ; aloft he mounts , and then the tempest falls . [ exit . the end of the third act.

act the fourth .

scene , the city of corioles . enter coriolanus , disguis'd in mean habit. cor. a goodly citty this corioles ! citty , 't was i that did transform thy joyful wives , to mourning widdows ; many a darling heir of these fair palaces , have i cut off i' th' wretched parents sight ; then know me not . here is aufidious court , i 'll enter in ; perhaps he kills me ; then he does fair justice ; but if he give me scope , i 'll do his country service . [ exit . the inside of the palace ; musick plays ; servants pass hastily over the stage . 1 serv. wine , wine , wine ! no ears amongst us ? i think our fellows are all asleep . 2 serv. cotus , where 's cotus ? my master calls for him , cotus . [ exit . re-enter coriolanus . cor.

a sumptuous house ! the feast smells well ; but i appear not like a guest .

1 serv.

how now ! what have we here ? what wou'd you have friend ? whence come you ? here 's no place for you : pray find the way to the door .

cor. i have deserv'd no better entertainment from this corioles . enter the second servant . 2 serv.

whence come you sir ? what , has the porter no eyes in his head ? to let such companions in : pray get you out .

cor. away . 2 serv. away ? get you away . cor. thou art troublesome . [ trips him up . 2 serv. are you so brisk ? well , i 'll have you order'd anon . [ exit . enter aufidius with servants . auf. where is this follow ? 2 serv.

here my lord , i had cudgell'd him like a dog , but for disturbing the lords within .

auf. whence com'st thou ? what wou'dst have ? thy name , why speak'st thou not ? thy name i say ? cor. a name unmusical to volscian ears , and tullus harsh to thine . auf. speak , who thou art ? thou hast a grim appearance , and thy face bears a command in 't ; though they tackle's torn , thou shew'st a noble vessel : speak thy name . cor. prepare thy brow to frown ; know'st thou me yet ? auf. i know the not ; speak . cor. my name is caius martius , who have done to all the volsces ; thee particularly , most rueful mischief ; take , to witness this , my sir-name coriolanus : all my dangers , my painful service , and expence of blood , shed for my thankless country , are requited but with that sir-name , only that remains ; the peoples envy has devour'd the rest : who with insulting breath , and infamous shouts , have chas't me from their citty ; now this extremity has brought me to thy court ; not out of hope , ( mistake me not ) to save my life ; for if i had fear'd death ; of all men in the world , i had avoided thee : but in meer rage , to be reveng'd of those my banishers : for i will fight against ingrateful rome , with all the spleen of the remorsless fiends : this i avow , believe me if thou wilt ; if not ; know tullus , i am of life most weary , and present my throat to thee , and to thy antient malice ; which not to cut , wou'd shew thee but a fool ; since i have ever born thee , feellest hatred , drawn tuns of blood from thy dear countrys breast ; and cannot live , but to thy shame , unless it be to do thee service . auf. oh martius , martius ! each word thou hast spoke , has weeded from my heart , a root of antient envy : oh! if jupiter , from you curl'd clouds , shou'd thunder forth this story , i 'd not believe him more , than noble martius . let me embrace that body , against which , my pointed lance a hundred times has splinter'd : thus do i clasp the anvile of my sword , and here contest as hotly with thy love , as e're i did in battle with thy valour . cor. why this is somewhat . auf. son of mars i tell thee , we have a pow'r on foot , and i had purpose , once more to hew thy target to thy glove , or lose this arm for 't ; thou hast beat me out twelve several times , and i have might'ly since , dreamt of encounters 'twixt my self and thee ; we have been down together in my sleep , unbuckling helms , grasping each others throats , and walk'd half dead with nothing : worthy martius , had we no quarrel else to rome , but that thou thence art banish't , me wou'd muster all , from twelve to seventy years , and pouring war into the bowels of thy ingrateful citty , like a swoln flood wast all : come , enter with me , and take our wondring senators by th' hands , assembled here to take their leaves of me , who stand prepar'd against your teritories ; though not for rome it self . cor. you bless me gods. auf. you here are absolute ; if you will have the leading of your own revenges ; take the half of my commission , and resolve whether to beat against the gates of rome , or first afflict 'em in remoter parts : but come , let me present you to our nobles , that will confirm my words : a thousand welcomes , and more a friend , than e're an enemy : yet martius that was much. [ exeunt . 1 serv. here 's a strange alteration ! 2 serv.

by this hand i thought to have cudgell'd him , and yet my mind gave me , his cloaths bely'd him .

1 serv.

what an arm he has ? why , he turn'd me about between a finger and a thumb , as a man wou'd set up a top.

2 serv.

nay , i knew by his face there was something in him ; he had sir , a kind of face methought — i cannot tell how to term it .

1 serv.

he had so ; such a looking , as it were — that , that you call your — what ' de ye call 't — well , wou'd i were hang'd but i thought there was more in him than i cou'd think : he is , simply , the rarest man i' th' world.

enter a third servant . 3 serv.

o lads ! slaves ! well , i wou'd not be a roman of all nations , i had as live be a condemned man.

1 serv. the matter ? 3 serv.

why , here 's he that was wont to thwack our general — caius martius .

2 serv. how ? thwack our general . 3 serv.

no , i do not directly say thwack him , but he was always enough for him .

1 serv.

come , we are fellows and friends , he was ever too hard for him , i have heard him say so himself .

2 serv.

he was too hard for him , indefinitely , the last engagement ; he scotcht and notcht him like any carbanado .

3 serv.

why , he 's so made on yonder within , as if he was son and heir to mars ; set at the upper end of the table ; no question askt him by any of our senators , but they stand bald before him : my lord himself makes a very mistress of him . the short of the business is , our general is cut i' th' middle ; but the one half of what he was yesterday ; for the other has half his commission by the grant of the whole table ; which by the way , has something sowr'd our master's countenance : the upshot of all is , that this strange guest has sworn to stub the gates of rome , and mow all down before him .

1 serv.

and he 's as like to do 't as any man ; for look you sir , he has as many friends as enemies ; which friends sir , as it were , durst not ( look you sir ) shew themselves ( as we say ) his friends whilst he was in derectitude .

2 serv. derectitude , what 's that ? 1 serv.

why ? that is ( d' ye conceive me sir ) directitude but when they shall see his crest up again , and the man in blood , they will out of their burroughs like conies after rain .

2 serv. but when goes this forward ? 3 serv.

why to morrow , to day , this minute , you shall hear the drum struck up this afternoon ; 't is as it were , a part of their feast , and to be executed before they wipe their lips.

2 serv. why then we shall have a stirring world agen . 3 serv.

right ; i hate this mouldy peace ; 't is good for nothing but to rust iron , and increase taylors ; 't is a getter of more bastard children , than war 's a destroyer of ' em .

2 serv. away , here comes our general with a frown in his forehead , and our termegent controller , nigridius with him . 3 serv.

he is ever the harbinger to mischief ; his former command was under caius martius , who entrusted him with the custody of corioles , which he fairly gives up to aufidius ; at a close revenge he never fails ; yet he that lives to see him hang'd , may dye before the year 's out : and there 's prophecy without conjuring .

[ exeunt . enter aufidius and nigridius . nigr. what circe sir , has wrought you to this change : by hell i rather shou'd have thought to have seen , serpents with doves embract , than this agreement ; call but to mind your mornings wiser thoughts : where is that fiery resolution vanisht ? have you , my lord , forgot your mornings vow ? it seem'd the voice of fate . auf. nigridius , no , the accents still are fresh upon my mind ; i swore , and call'd the elements to witness , if i , and caius martius met once more , that teeming hour , corioles or rome , i● him or me shou'd perish . nigr. such a sound , and utter'd , with so stern a brow , shot terror , and to our view , confest a flaming mars ; but now ( forgive me sir ) you seem reduc'd to less , than man , the shaddow of your self : what witchcraft drew your mind to this alliance with him , whose only genius of the world , had pow'r to vie with yours ? auf. he bears himself more proudly , ev'n to my person , than i thought he wou'd , when late i did embrace him ; but his nature in that 's no changeling , and i must excuse what cannot be amended . nigr. yet i wish you had not took this joynt commission with him ; but either born the action all your self , or left it whole to him . auf. i understand thee — but spare to fret a lyon in the toil. nigr. the palsy senate lay their fears aside , and rest on his protection as a gods : your souldiers use him as their grace 'fore meat ; their talk at table , and their thanks when done : what estimation shall your foes take for you , when you are lost , and darkn'd to your own : heark in what notes the very rabble greet him . [ shout here . auf. death ! hell ! this infamy enflames my brest , makes emulation higher boyl than ever ; i 'll sink corioles , but i 'll yet break with him ; and wreck the state , rather than want a quarrel . [ exeunt . brutus at one door , menenius at the other . bru. we stood to 't in good time — here comes menenius ; o! he is grown of late most courteous : hail sir , your coriolanus is not much mist you see , but with his friends ; the common-wealth stands still , and so wou'd do , were he more angry at it . men. come , all is well , and might have been much better — bru where is he , hear you ? men. nay , i hear nothing . bru. he was a worthy officer i' th' war ; but insolent , ambitious , and affecting a single sway. men. i think not so . enter scicinius hastily , with the rabble , crying , gods save our noble tribunes , &c. bru. the matter brother : whom bring you there ? sic. this slave , whom i am sending to correction , reports , the volsces , with two several pow'rs , are entred on the roman territories ; and wast with sword and fire , what lies before . this he reports , set on by envious parties , to fright the peoples quiet . 1 cit. ay , i 'll be sworn he has set me in terrible twittering , my heart beats still . men. 't is fierce aufidius , who hearing of our martius banishment , thrusts forth his horns agen , that were shut in , whilst martius stood for rome . bru. go see the villain whipt . men. first reason with him . sic. let him be lasht before the peoples eyes . 1 cit.

i , i , whip him ; such another fright upon me , wou'd make my wife miscarry .

enter another messenger . mes. hast , hast my lords , you are sent for to the senate , a fearful army led by caius martius , assisted by aufidius , spoyls our territories , consumes with arms and fire , what lies before ' em . 1 cit.

how ! caius martius comming ; all dead men , dead ! dead ! dead !

men. o you have made good work : what news my lord ? enter senator . mes. cominius , on the spur , is gone to meet , and pacify the raging martius . men. 't will be impossible . mes. the senate thinks so ; he leads the volsces like their god , a being made by some other deity than nature , that forms man better . men. you have made precious work ; you , and your apron men , that stood so much upon the voice of occupation , and the breath of garlick eaters . all cit. ay , we shall be occupy'd with a vengeance . men. he 'll shake your rome about your ears , as hercules did shake down mellow fruit. both trib. but is this true sir ? sen. you 'l dissolve to gelly , before you find it otherwise ; the citties that were ally'd to rome , revolt each minute . 1 cit. undone , undone , we are all undone , unless the noble man have mercy . sen. and who shall ask it ? the tribunes cannot do 't for shame , and you deserve such pitty of him , as the woolf do's from the sheapherd : for his friends , if they shou'd say , be good to rome , he 'll censure 'em as enemies to him . men. true , were he putting to my house , the brand that shou'd consume it ; i cou'd not say cease . your curs here from the citty hooted him : but oh! i fear you 'll roar him in agen . enter all the rest of the citizens with a confus'd cry , and lamentation . sen. look , here comes the whole kennel : you are they that made the air unwholsome , with the casting up your greasy caps , and hooting at coriolanus banishment : now he 's comming to pay you for your bellowing ; 't is no matter if he cou'd burn us all into one coal ; we have deserv'd it . all. the gods be gracious to us , we hear fearful news . 1 cit.

for my own part , when i said banish him , i said 't was pitty .

2 cit.

and so did i ; and to say truth , so did all of us : well , we did , that we did , for the best ; and though we willingly consented to his banishment , yet it was against our wills.

1 cit. i , i , i ever said we were in the wrong . all. i , and so did we all. enter cominius . 2 cit.

let me see what his face says to us : alack ! alack , dead , dead , dead ! all dead men.

sen. welcome my lord , what influence had your intercession with enrag'd coriolanus . com. nothing : he wou'd not seem to know me . men. hear you that ? com. yet once he call'd me by my name ; i urg'd our old acquaintance , and the drops that we have bled together , but in vain : coriolanus he wou'd not answer to ; forbad all names ; he was a kind of nothing ; titleless , till he had forg'd him a name o' th' fire , in burning rome . all cit. alack ! alack ! &c. com. i minded him how royal 't was to pardon , when it was least expected ; he reply'd , it was a forc't submission of a state , to one they had abus'd , and still wou'd do so . men. very well , com. i try'd at last to waken his regard , for his own private friends his answer was , he cou'd not stay to cull 'em in a pile of noysome musty chaff . 1 cit.

how ? chaff ? what , do's he make no more of us but chaff ? and will he burn his mother and wife , rather than not make tinder of us ? the gods be gracious to us .

bru. now good menenius , if you love your country , or pitty her distress , become her pleader ; your pow'rful tongue may be of force to stop him , more than the instant army we can raise . men. no , i 'll not meddle . sic. pray go to him . men. what shou'd i do ? bru. only make tryal what your love can work for rome , with martius . all cit. kneeling beseech you most noble menenius . men. well , i will under-take't , and think he 'll hear me , though much discourag'd with cominius treatment ; yet i will prove him with my ablest speed. 1 cit.

the gods preserve you sir , commend my hearty affections to him ; and if it stand with his good liking , we 'll hang up our tribunes , and send him them for a token .

com. he 'll never hear him ; i tell you , he sits thron'd in gold , his eye all red , as 't wou'd burn rome ; his injury the jayler to his pitty ; i kneel'd to him , 't was very faintly he said rise ; dismist me thus with his speechless hand ; what he resolv'd , he sent in writing after me , and that most fatal . therefore curse your crime , and perish . [ exit . 1 cit.

some comfort yet , that we have these vipers to carbinado ; come neighbours , we 'll see them smoak before us . away , away with ' em .

exeunt . haling and dragging off the tribunes . scene opening , shews coriolanus seated in state , in a rich pavilion , his guards and souldiers with lighted torches , as ready to set fire on rome ; petitioners as from the citty offer him papers , which he scornfully throws by : at length menenius comes forward , and speaks to him : aufidius with nigridius , making remarks on ' em . men. now may the gods in hourly councel sit , for thy prosperity , and love thee , as thy old father menenius do's : o son ! my son , what fury sways thy breast ? thou art preparing fire for us ; look here , here 's water for the flames : most hardly was i wrought to come to thee ; but being assur'd none but my self cou'd move thee ; i come , blown out from rome with gales of sighs . cor. away . men. how ? cor. no words friend : mother , wife , or child , i know not ; i 'm not my own , but servanted to others ; mine was the injury , but the remission lies not with me , but in the voisces breast ; and rome must stand to them for their account . that we were friends , forgetfulness must blot , e're lawless pitty move : therefore be gone , my ears against your pray'rs are stronger , than your gates against my arms : yet 'cause i lov'd thee , take this with thee ; i writ it for thy sake , and meant t' have sent it : another word , menenius , i must not hear thee speak : this man , aufidius , was my best lov'd in rome ; yet thou beholdst — auf. you bear a constant temper . cor. his love to me , was much beyond the kindness of a father ; and i return'd him more than filial duty ; their latest refuge was to send him to me . auf. you are two rigorous . nigr. fasten but that upon him , and you gain the point we wish . cor. now plant our fires against the gates of rome : bid all trumpets sound ; they shall have musick to their flaming citty . as they advance with their lights , enter from the other side , volumnia , virgilia , and young martius , with the rest of the roman ladies all in mourning . cor. look there , my mother , wife , and little darling , are come to meet our triumph on its way , and be spectators of our keen revenge , on this ingrateful town . virg. my dearest lord ! vol. my first-born only son. cor. life of my life , fly to me ? o a kiss , long as my exile , sweet as my revenge ; and thou my turtle , nest thee in my heart : ( to the boy ) forgive me gods , that any dearest transport , shou'd make my charm'd sense , unsaluted , leave the noblest mother — sink my knee in earth , of deepest duty more impression shew , than that of common sons . nigr. observe you this ? cor. what means this silence ? what , these sable weeds ? this troop of stars beset with darkest night : o mother , wife ! two deeply you have took my banishment , and i must chide your sorrow . this sadness for my absence , shew'd dispair of injur'd martius virtue , call'd in question , the justice of the gods for my revenge ; virgilia speak , speak mother ; at your feet behold a kneeling conqueror : answer to me . vol. rise martius , up , coriolanus rise ; whilst with no softer cushion than these flints ; i kneel to thee , and with this new submission , shew duty as mistaken all this while , between the son and parent . cor. what 's this ? your knees to me ? then let the pibbles of the hungry beach , change station with the stars ; the mutinous winds , snatch mountain-oaks , and hurl 'em at the sun ; let all impossibilities have being , and nature fall as giddy with the round . vol. my fire-ey'd warrior , do you know this lady ? cor. the noble sister of publicola , the moon of rome , chast as the frozen snow , that hangs on diana's temple . vol. and this divine epitome of yours ; this little martius whom full time shall ripen into your perfect self . cor. the god of battles , with the consent of fav'ring jove inspire thy thoughts with nobleness ; that thou mayst prove , the wars proud standard fixt in tides of blood ; like a tall sea-mark o're the dashing waves , and saving those that view thee . vol. your knee sirrah , ev'n he , your wife , these ladies , and my self , are humble suitors — cor. oh my boding heart ! vol. this liv'ry was not for your absence worn ; so dear we knew your safety to the gods : but now put on as funeral robes , and mourning for our expiring rome . o spare thy country , and do not murder nature . cor. witness for me you conqu'ring host , and thou my valiant partner ; what tenderness and duty i have shewn these ladies , whilst they did converse with me as wife and mother : but since they exceed the bounds of kindred , and encroach upon affairs of state , i as the volsces general , support their dignity , and take my pomp ; [ ascends his throne . yet nature shall to any suit , unlock our yielding ear , that do's not tend to save the roman state , and barring our revenge ; in that particular , i shall forget all enter-course of blood ; standing as man were author of himself , and knew no other kin. vol. no more , no more ; you have said you will not grant us any thing , for we have nothing else to ask , but that which you deny already — yet we 'll speak . cor. aufidius , and you volsces , mark , for we hear nought from rome in private — your request : what seeks that lovely tempter , whose dove's eyes cou'd make the gods forsworn — but shake not me ? virg. think with your self my once indulgent lord , how more unhappy than all living women , are we come hither , since thy sight , that shou'd make our eyes flow with joy , strikes terrour through us ; forcing the mother , wife , and child , to see the son , the husband , and the father , tearing his countries bowels with unnatural rage , whilst frighted destiny disowns the deed , and hell is struck with horrour . vol. thou debarr'st us ev'n of our prayr's to th' gods , and to this hour , no wretchedness was e're deny'd that help : how shall we ask the death of rome , or thee , oppos'd in fatal war ; and one must fall ? most wretched martius , thou bleed'st ev'ry way ; for know 't is sworn betwixt thy wife and me , in that curst hour that thou despoilst our citty , thou tread'st upon thy mother's earth . virg. and mine ; and this sweet smiling flow'r . boy . he shall not tread on me , i 'll run away till i am bigger : but then i 'll fight . cor. not to be struck with woman's tenderness , requires , nor child's , nor woman's face to see . i have sate too long . [ descends . ] virg. nay , go not from us thus : if it were so , that our request did tend to save the romans , thereby to destroy the volsces , whom you serve , you might condemn us , as poys'ners of your honour : no , our suit is but to reconcile 'em , that the volsces may say , this mercy we have shewn the romans ; this we receiv'd , whilst either party gives the praise to thee , and bless thy memory , for making this dear peace . vol. thou know'st my son , th' event of war 's uncertain ; but 't is certain , that if thou conquer rome , the benefit that thou shalt reap from thence , is such a name , as always shall be mention'd with a curse : thy chronicle writ thus ; the man was noble , but with his last performance stain'd his glory , and left his rowl of fame , but one foul blot . pause , and reply to this . cor. why chills my blood ? like a dull actor now have i forgot my part , and stop even to a full disgrace : away affection ; break ye bonds of nature ; in me 't is virtuous to be obstinate : bid our drums strike . vol. speak daughter ; boy , speak thou ; perhaps thy childishness may move him more , than all our reasons : never was there man , so much to an indulgent mother bound , yet all neglected . here he sees me begging ; say my request 's unjust , and spurn me back : but if it be not so — he turns away . down ladies , let us shame him with our knees ; he bears more service for his countrys foes , than pitty for our prayers : down , and finish ; this is our last ; so will we back to rome , and dye i' th' common slaughter — nay , behold this boy , that cannot tell what he wou'd have ; yet kneels , and with up lifted hands , becomes a pleader for his country too : remorsless still — then give us our dispatch ; we 'll speak no more , till rome be all on fire . then joyning curses with the crowd , expire . cor. o mother-goddess , dread volumnia , turn : what have you done ? behold the heav'ns divide , and gods look down on this amazing scene ! o mother goddess , heav'n-born advocate ; a happy victory you 've gain'd for rome , though dang'rous for your son. but let it come aufidius , though we press not on the war , we 'll frame convenient peace . now tell me warriours , if you were in my stand , wou'd you have heard a mother less , or granted less , aufidius ? auf. i was mov'd too . cor. i dare be sworn you were : what peace you 'l make , advise me ; for my part , i 'll not to rome , but back with you . lead on , sound all our trumpets — ladies you deserve to have a temple built you : all romes legions , with their confed'rate arms , cou'd ne're have stood my sworn revenge , and turn'd this tide of blood.

the end of the fourth act.

act the fifth .

scene rome . enter cominius , and the nobles leading volumnia , virgilia , and young martius , with the rest of the ladies and attendants , the citizens shouting . com. this honour ladies , might make juno proud , to vol. & virg. to think whilst you receive th' applause of rome , your martius triumphs at corioles : corioles , that once has had the honour to make rome tremble . enter valeria . val.

servant ladies , your servant ; your ladiships are most happily return'd : what misfortune had i to be indispos'd at such a season : 't was the most uncivil sickness ! i swear i had rather ha' dy'd at another time ! o the arguments that i cou'd have us'd upon this occasion with my lord coriolanus ! i cou'd have urg'd the most invincible arguments : i wou'd have talk't greek to him rather than fail ; nay , i wou'd have taxt his breeding in the business ; flatly telling him , he was an uncivil person to refuse me ; and had never seen athens .

vol. indeed our conquest was most difficult . val.

why madam , don't i know him ? he 's the dearest obstinate man ! which i confess in a vulgar person , were most inordinately , unsufferable ; but in him it looks so grand , heroick , and august , that no aera , catalogue , chronicle , register , or annals of time can ever — save me juno ; what , my little souldier here too !

[ runs to young martius . vol. he was a silent pleader in our cause . val.

i warrant , he loves a drum better than his lesson ; his father 's own son : i swear madam , i lookt on him on wednesday last — right , 't was wednesday precisely , ( the same time that madam pontia told the most egregious story of a certain senators daughter , which we all swore seoresy to : pray madam put me in mind to tell it presently ) i say , i lookt at him a whole hour together ; he has such a fixt , confirm'd , severe , austere , countenance , i warrant — i saw him run after a gilded butterfly ; and when he had catch't it , he let it go agen ; then after it agen , and over and over he comes ; and whether his fall enrang'd him or no , or how 't was , he did so set his teeth , and tear it ! o jupiter , how he mammockt it !

virg. one of his father's moods . val.

and i swear madam , 't is the greatest comfort in nature to have 'em take after their ancestors ; for when they degenerate , they do as it were recede , decline , imminnish ; which your ladiship knows in effect amounts to a — my lord cominius ! your lordships most humble servant , i beg your lordships pardon most inordinately .

com. madam your ladiship makes — val.

i grant you my lord , your friendship with him went far in the business ; pretty madam flavia and i , were both of that opinion .

com. your ladiship too highly — val.

i hold with you there too my lord , she 's the wittiest creature when she 's dispos'd to talk ; but she has too much of my failing , always silent in company , which gives occasion , most inordinately , to the censorious world ; insomuch , that a modest person must incontinently , and to the outmost — though your forward ladies by reason of a particular — oh jupiter ! what was i saying my lord ?

com. ev'n what — val.

your lordship 's right again ; want of exercising my tongue , oft-times confounds my notion —

[ page whispers her . page .

your rival servants madam , flavius and proculus , wait for your ladyships return .

[ enter a messenger with letters to virgilia . val.

soft — six senators , sayst thou , staying for me at my house ! some urgent affair ; better i swear be ignorant of state-matters than suffer this eternal trouble : this 't is to learn'd and travell'd ! i say 't is the most insipid thing not to be learn'd and travell'd ! i wou'd not for the world but be disturb'd at all hours upon affairs : my chair there ; o jupiter , no attendance in this world — your lordship will excuse me on consideration — and your ladyships : your lordships most humble servant ; your servant ladies ; your most humble servant .

exit . verg. o my boding fear ! [ shewing the letter . amidst this general joy begins our sorrow ; this mourning we put on for rome , must now become the dress of our own private sorrow . com. what mean those doleful accents ? virg. false nigridius , ( disbanded for his villany by martius ) is busy for revenge ; and hourly plots against his precious life : the industry of good menenius sends this information ; whilst martius , confident in innocence , is obstinately blind to all his dangers ; though in the walls of an offended citty , whose streets yet mourn the slaughter he has made . vol. the gods provide us then more noble work , to give our virtues , yet a brighter ray : come my virgilia ; with our ablest speed , we will betake us to corioles . com. consider madam , what th' event may be ; your aid uncertain , but your danger sure . virg. needful suspition , necessary caution , he reckons only better terms for fear ; his life is therefore any villains prize : and he that dares not face a waking env'nuch , may kill a sleeping gyant . boy .

shall not i go too ? my father promis'd to teach me to fight : i wou'd fain learn ; and if any body hurts him , i 'll kill their boys now ; and them , when i am bigger .

vol. hear'st thou virgilia ? all thy martius fire lies shrouded in this little frame , and shall with time , break forth into as full a blaze : o we delay our enterprize too long , and seem ingrateful to the indulgent pow'rs , that have decreed our names , the immortal glory , to save rome first , and then coriolanus . com. the gods , whose temples you preserv'd , protect you . exeunt . enter aufidius , and nigridius . nigr. compose this fury , and recall your reason . auf. preach patience to the winds , bid tempests sleep . the golden opportunity is lost , and i cou'd curse my self as heartily as ever i did martius : o nigridius , i am a lazy trifler , and unworthy to be possest o' th' beauty that i love , or be reveng'd upon the man i hate : why forc't i not my passage to his heart ? then pamper'd in the banquet of his blood , flown hot , as flame born pluto , to the rape ; and quench't the fevour in virgilia's arms. nigr. give o're this frenzy . auf. now each minute wrecks me , with the remembrance of my former pangs , which war had almost hush't , and blood wash't out her dove-like sorrow , when she begg'd for rome , ( with eyes tear-charg'd , yet sparkling through the dew , whilst charming pitty dimpled each soft cheek ) call'd back the scene of my expecting youth when with vain promises of joys to come , i wak'd the night , and watch't the stars away ; so was i wrapt anew i' th dazling dream ; believ'd her yet unwed ; believ'd my self the happy youth design'd to reap her sweets ; to lock the tender beauty in my arms ; blushing , yet granting ; trembling , and yet embracing . i shall go mad with the imagination . nigr. wake , wake my lord from this fantastick maze , return her scorn upon your rival's head , and make at least a mistress of revenge : ev'n now he makes his entrance at our gates ; presuming with a smooth and specious tale , to acquit himself before the credulous people . enter an officer of aufidious party . off. our lords o' th' citty , noble tullus , are met in councel at your pallace , where they crave your presence , having summon'd thither your partner caius martius , to give in th' account of his proceedings in this war ; and t' answer at his peril all miscarriage . auf. go , tell 'em i 'll attend 'em instantly ; deliver 'em this paper , the contents of what i have to charge on martius , and shall make good to his face . [ ex. officer . nigr. now sir , how fares it with you ? auf. as with a man by his own alms empoyson'd . nigr. you hold your last resolve . auf. i cannot tell ; we must proceed in 't , as we find the people . nigr. the people will remain uncertain , whilst you stand competitors ; but eithers fall , leaves th' other heir to all. auf. i rais'd him , pawn'd my honour for his truth , whilst the sly flatterer seduc'd my friends , softning his nature , never known before : so base a grain of cynick obstinacy : banish't from rome , i furnish't him with pow'r ; made him joynt partner with me , gave him way in all his own desires ; nay , took some pride to do my self this wrong , till at the last , i seem'd his follower , not his patron . nigr. true , our army wonder'd at it , and at last , when he had carry'd rome , and that we look't for no less spoil , than glory — auf. o there 's it ! for which my sinews shall be stretch't upon him . nigr. your native-town you enter'd like a pilgrim , and had no welcome home ; whilst he return'd , tortring the air with noise ; and patient fools , whose children he had slaughter'd ; tore their throats , with shouting his applause . auf. wreck me no more , his tryumphs sleep this day ; then shalt thou see , thy tullus glories bloom a second spring : i shall be yet the wonder of the crowd , when this controller of my fate is gone : 't is odds our senate doom him ; but if not , i 'll have my party planted near — thy news . enter the officer . off. my lord , the councel have perus'd your paper , and summon your appearance instantly . what will surprize you more : i met ev'n now volumnia with virgilia , and young martius , just enter'd our corioles , and hastily enquiring for your palace ; menenius at that instant passing by . auf. thou tell'st me wonders , but i know thy truth . nigridius , help me now to play this game , and draw at once our net o're the whole covey : they have not yet seen martius . off. no , — menenius off'ring to conduct 'em to him , they grew divided in their resolutions ; virgilia held it best to seek out you , presuming on her former pow'r with you ; but what they did determine on — auf. no more . nigridius , take our guard along with you , whilst i attend the councel ; seize 'em all , before they can attain to speak with martius ; dispose 'em privately within our palace ; virgilia by her self ; you know my drift : for soon as i 've secur'd my rivals life , all stain'd i' th' husbands blood , i 'll force the wife . [ exeunt .

scene , a palace . the lords of corioles , as set in councel . 1 lord. let justice , lords , reward his services , far as his conduct shall be worthy found : 't is not unknown what deeds he has perform'd , since first he had the leading of our pow'rs ; molesting hourly romes confed'rate citties ; restoring our lost fields made rich with blood ; our burden'd souldiers groan'd beneath the spoil : yet — there to make a hault in 's action , where most his resolution was requir'd ; to flinch our service at the gates of rome , and make a treaty where he shou'd have storm'd ; admits of no excuse , and i propose it to your impartial censures — see he comes . enter coriolanus ; aufidius on the other side . cor. hail lords , i am return'd your souldier ; no more infected with my countries love , than when i parted hence : be pleas'd to know , that prosperously i have attempted , and with bloody passage led your war , ev'n to the gates of rome ; our spoils brought home , ten times o're pay the charges of the action : the peace which with the romans we have made , brings no less honour to corioles , than shame to rome . behold their consul's hand , with the patricians , and the seal o' th' senate to composition , such as ne're was gain'd by proudest conquerour from the pettyest state : peruse it , and approve my services . auf. ha! that again : lords , heard you what he said ? cor. i say , i 'll have my services approv'd . auf. wrong not so much your patience lords , to read that fabulous commentary , but forthwith give sentence on his most apparent — cor. ha! may i believe my sense ? down swelling heart , thou wert my partner , tullus ; but take heed , no more i say , and thank me for this warning . auf. o vanity ! cor. i say let me be calm . auf. out blast — read not the paper , lords , but tell the traytor — cor. traytor ! auf. that , martius . cor. martius ? auf. i , martius , caius martius , dost thou think , i 'll grace thee with thy robbery , thy stoln name — coriolanus in corioles . most awful lords o' th' state , perfidiously he has betray'd your business , and giv'n up , ( for certain drops of dew ) your citty rome ; i say your citty to his wife and mother , breaking his oath of service ; call'd no councel of war on this ; but at his nurses tears , he whin'd and roar'd away your victory : for a few tears , sold all our blood and labour , whilst pages blush't at him , and men of heart , look't wond'ring at each other . cor. hear'st thou mars ! auf. name not the fiery god , thou boy of tears . cor. scorpions and basilisks ! all lords . silence on your lives . cor. measureless lyar , thou hast made my heart , too big for what contains it : boy ? oh slave ! carrion-breed , creeping infect : lords your pardon ; 't is the first time i e're was forc't to brawl , but your grave judgment will consent with me , to give this fiend the lye : nay , his own brawn , that wears my stripes , his vassal body , that must bear my beatings with it to the grave — cut me to pieces volsces , pound , calcine me , and throw my dust to the wind ; yet when yo 've done ; if you have writ your annals true , 't is there , there registred to all posterity , that , as an eagle in a dove-coat , so was martius slaught'ring in corioles . auf. dye insolent . stamps with his foot , the conspirators enter , and help him to wound martius , who kills some , and hurts aufidius . the lords rise , and come forward . 1 lord. guards , guards , secure 'em both . tread not upon him ; off : o tullus , thou hast done a deed , at which , valour will weep . auf. pray give me hearing , [ a confus'd noise heard from abroad . 2 lord. heark what confusion storms without . enter nigridius hastily . nigr. hast , hast my lords , disperse to every quarter , our city 's up in arms , aufidius legions oppos'd by those were led by caius martius . prepare for dreadful battle in our streets , unless your speedy presence quell their fury . 1 lord. disperse my lords , each to a several quarter , with your best skill , to quench these threatning flames . [ exeunt lords severally . nigr. curst chance ! why bought you your revenge so dear ? auf. there 's blood upon thee . nigr. blood long thirsted for . [ the noise continues ' cor. 't is just you gods , to give my death this pomp ; 't is fit , that when coriolanus dies , corioles shall fall their sacrifice ; ev'n thou my bond-slave follow'st in the tryumph ; hast then , and wait me to the nether world. auf. no , i have yet a pleasant scene to act ; my bliss ; but fiend , thy hell ; bring in virgilia . cor. virgilia ? auf. yes , she 's here , here in the palace ; out of her roman virtue come to seek you , and spy those dangers out , which you were blind to ; thou 'lt not believe thy foe , but heark , she comes ; i charge thee dye not yet , till thou hast seen our scene of pleasures ; to thy face i 'll force her ; glut my last minuits with a double ryot ; and in revenges sweets and loves , expire . virgilia brought in wounded . in blood ? nigridius look ! behold a sight , wou'd turn the gorgon-snakes — my rage is gone , and i am touch't with sorrow — my faint nerves refuse my weight , and hasty death invades at ev'ry pore — oh dark ! dark ! o , o. [ dies . virg. betray me not thou sluggish blood , stream faster , i , now the stubborn heart resigns , and takes the proud destroyer to her inmost courts . cor. o heav'n ! virg. 't is near , for that was martius voice ; my eyes are dim ; but that dear sound agen ; o where , my dear lord ? speak ! cor. if i do wake , and that bright dismal object be virgilia , tell me what sacrilegious hand has stain'd , the whitest innocence that heav'n e're form'd : what rage cou'd hurt a gentleness like thine , whose tender soul cou'd weep o're dying roses , and at blossoms fall ? tell me thou turtle , ruffled in a storm ; what chance seduc'd thee to these caves of slaughter ? what means that purple dew upon thy breast ? virg. my noble martius , 't is a roman wound , giv'n by virgilia's hand , that rather chose to sink this vessel in a sea of blood , than suffer its chast treasure , to become th' unhallowed pyrates prize ; but oh the gods , the indulgent gods have lodg'd it in thy bosoms ! the port , and harbour of eternal calms : o seal with thy dear hand these dying eyes ; to these cold cheeks lay thine ; and to thy breast take my unspotted soul , in this last sigh . [ dyes . cor. make way ye stars , a nobler brightness comes : ariadne shall to thee resign her crown ; yet my virgilia mount not to thy merit , but grace the orb thy martius shall attain : my grief talks idlely — cold my love ? she 's gone ; and on her cheeks a scatter'd purple smiles , like streaks of sun-shine from a setting day : but oh my heart ! my fears expire not here ! volumnia , and my little darling boy ; where are they ? some kind god descend t' inform me . nigr. trouble not heav'n for your intelligence . cor. nigridius here ? then heav'n indeed is distant ! nigr. with silent transport , martius , i have stood to see thy pangs ; to have hasten'd on thy death , had been too poor revenge ; remember martius , the stripes , and foul disgrace thou laid'st upon me , when once i bear commission under thee : thou mad'st me pass the fork before my souldiers , discarded , branded , hooted from the camp. cor. i do remember thy unequall'd villany : had exemplary punishment . nigr. that day thou drew'st this blood from thy own vitals , martius : 't is thy young boys , whom i this hour have mangled , gash't , rack't , distorted . cor. o this tale of horrour , wou'd rouse the sleeping father from his grave ! yet strength forsakes me for the dear revenge . well , cerberus , how then didst thou dispose him ? didst eat him ? nigr. having kill'd your old menenius , off'ring his feeble vengeance , streight i threw the tortur'd brat , with limbs all broke ( yet living in quickest sense of pain ) i say , i threw him into volumnia's arms , who still retain'd her roman temper ; till with bitter language , and most insulting , added to her suff'rings ; i rous'd her silent grief , to loud disorder ; then left her to the tempest of her fury , to act my part , and be her own tormenter . cor. convultions ! feavers ! blewest pestilence ! sleep on virgilia , wake not to a story , whose horrour wou'd exceed the force of death , and turn thee into stone . enter volumnia distracted , with young martius under her arm. vol. soft , soft ; steal but the watch word whilst they sleep , and we pass free. cor. furies ! the fiend spoke truth . o my poor boy ! most wretched mother , oh! vol. strike , strike your torches , bid the stars descend ! we wander in the dark . heark ! boreas musters up his roaring crew ; my wings , and i 'll among 'em ; wreath my head with flaming meteors ; load my arm with thunder ; which as i nimbly cut my cloudy way , i 'll hurl on the ingrateful earth , and laugh to hear the mortals yelling . nigr. mark you this ? vol. i , there 's th' hesperian dragon , i must pass him , before i reach the golden bough ; there cerberus , ' gorge thy curst maw with that , and cease thy barking ; 't is a delicious morsel . cor. earth and heav'n ! . is this volumnia ? martius awful mother , and romes minerva . boy . dear sir speak to my grand mother , perhaps she 'll answer you . vol. ha! what a merry world is this elizium ! see how the youthful sheepherds trip to the pipe , and fat silenus waddles in the round . beware thy horns , pan , cupid's with their bow-strings have ty'd 'em fast to th' tree ! ah , ha ! ha ! ha ! what 's that ? — a summons to me from the gods ? back mercury , and tell 'em i 'll appear . all heav'n shall know how much i have been wrong'd : they tore my little martius from my arms ; broke all his innocent limbs before my face . indeed i never did deserve this usage ; for i was always kind and charitable ; for virtue fam'd ; and as i do remember , 't was i sav'd rome , preserv'd ten thousand infants , from being massacred like my poor boy ! how ? juno dead ! the thunderer then is mine , and i 'll have more than juno's priviledge : see how the aether smoaks , the christaline falls clatt'ring down ! this giddy phaeton will set the world on fire ! down with him jove : wilt thou not bolt him ? — then i 'll act thy part , force from thy slothful hand the flaming dart ; and thus i strike my thunder through his heart . snatches a partizan from the foremost of the guards , and strikes nigridius through , as she runs off . cor. there struck the gods. boy . look where my mother sleeps , pray wake her sir ; i have heard my nurse speak of a dying child , and fancy it is now just so with me ; i fain wou'd hear my mother bless me first . cor. my pretty innocence , she do's not sleep . boy . perhaps then i have done some fault , makes her not speak to me . cor. o gods ! may this be born ! boy . i fain wou'd clasp you too ; but when i try to lift my arms up to your neck , there 's something holds ' em . cor. thy torturers my boy have crippled 'em , and gash't thy pretty cheeks . boy . i know you lov'd 'em ; but truly 't was no fault of mine ; they did it because i wou'd not cry ; and i have heard my grand-mother say , a roman general 's son : shou'd never cry . cor. o nature ! a true breed ! boy . 't is grown all dark o' th sudden , and we sink i know not whether ; good sir hold me fast . [ dies . cor. fast as the arms of death : now come my pangs , the chilling damp prevails upon my heart . thus , as th' inhabitant of some sack't town , the flames grown near , and foe hard pressing on , in hast lays hold on his most precious store : then to some peaceful country takes his flight : so , grasping in each arm my treasure , i pleas'd with the prize , to deaths calm region fly. [ dies .

finis .

epilogue

spoken by valeria .

what ? no attendance in this world ? — make way : where are our noisy bussying criticks ? they that heard no scene , and yet damn all the play ! run down by masques ; to their old shift they flee , and rail at us , for want of repertee ! well gentlemen , how e're you doom to night , methinks this company 's a blessed sight , and shews the realm's disorder coming right . as we thrive , with the publick it do's pass : the play-house is the nation 's weather-glass ; where like to th' quick-silver the audience , still as the state goes , is found to ebb or fill. shall i inform you one thing gallants ? we in our vocation with the saints agree : for as their holders-forth , their flock enchant , so we our audience charm with noise and rant : 't is thus we please ; and i dare take my oath , that decency and sence , wou'd break us both.

notes, typically marginal, from the original text

notes for div a62946-e140 † ragland castle ( the ma● quess of worcester's seat the last garrison held out for the king .

brutus of alba, or, the enchanted lovers a tragedy acted at the duke's theatre / written by n. tate. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a62851 of text r16 in the english short title catalog (wing t177). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.this text has not been fully proofread approx. 138 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 34 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo 2017 a62851 wing t177 estc r16 11940645 ocm 11940645 51261

early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a62851) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 51261) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 516:17) brutus of alba, or, the enchanted lovers a tragedy acted at the duke's theatre / written by n. tate. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. virgil. aeneis liber 4. [8], 56, [2] p. printed by e.f. for jacob tonson ..., london : 1678. first edition. the plan of the play is taken from the fourth book of virgils aeneid. reproduction of original in huntington library. eng shcnobrutus of alba, or the enchanted loverstate, nahum1678207562000000.96b the rate of 0.96 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2002-02tcp assigned for keying and markup 2002-03spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images 2002-04tcp staff (oxford) sampled and proofread 2002-04emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-05pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion

brutus of alba : or , the enchanted lovers . a tragedy . acted at the duke's theatre . written by n. tate .

— neque ut te miretur turba , labores . hor.

licensed iuly 15. 1678. roger l'estrange . london , printed by e. f. for iacob tonson , at the sign of the iudge's head in chancery-lane , near fleet-street . 1678.

to the right honourable charles earl of dorset and middlesex , and one of the gentlemen of his majestie 's bed-chamber . my lord ,

that i am permitted to lay this tragedy at your lordship's feet , transports me more then the greatest success on the stage could have done . i confess the scenes are very imperfect , yet as first-fruits i hope they may prove a gratefull offering . 't is by your influence that poetry flourishes in our age ; and therefore no wonder if poets throng to make you their acknowledgements , and dedicate their labours at your shrine . by the excellencies of your lordships mind they form their best heroes , and oblige the world with characters of men both great and courteous .

whilst other judges ( like usurpers in fame ) are jealous of every new pretender to the bays , and labour to crush 'em in their first appearance ; your lordship as the lawfull monarch of wit , sits secure in your native right , assur'd that where-ever they gather their lawrels , those on your lordships brow are sacred and inviolable . such is the accuracy of your judgment in poetry , so correct your performances when you condescend to write , that the most perfect authors must be gratefull for your approbation : yet so vast is your candour , as to afford protection to the essays of even my weak fancy . but though i am the least of those that are blest with your lordships favour , yet i am above 'em all happy in this , that i stand the greatest instance of your goodnesse .

your lordships devoted humble servant , n. tate .

preface .

i wou'd not have the reader surpriz'd to find this tragedy bear some resemblance with the passages of the fourth book of the aeneids , for i had begun and finisht it under the names of dido and aeneas ; but was wrought by advice of some friends , to transform it to the dress it now wears . they told me it wou'd appear arrogant to attempt any characters that had been written by the incomparable virgil ; and therefore ( though sensible enough of what i should lose by the change ) i chose to suffer any inconvenience rather then be guilty of a breach of modesty . the man of wit is seldome a friend to a young writer ; but no such mortal foe to a new authour as your man of noise : who is still the more to be fear'd the less he is able to judge : as 't is observ'd when a criminal falls into the hands of the rabble , those are the most forward to worry him that least understand his offence . our loudest critiques are generally pleas'd or displeas'd with what is least material in a play , or perhaps not so much as a part of it ; for sometimes five good acts have not been able to make amends for one ill dance . if the sense of the lines prove too close and weighty for their tender intellects , they hold themselves affronted , and the poet must answer it at his peril : but if he commit the capital crime of inserting learning into his play , it were convenient that his will were made , and some brother of the faculty immediately set to work on his epitaph . sir formal got rid of the silk-weavers with much contusion , and cinna in julius caesar , scap't with some rubbs , and being hoist on a cowl-staff ; but to be 〈◊〉 witted is the least that an authour in the'foresaid case can expect . — invenias disjecti membra poetae . this one would think sufficient to reclaim 'em , but experience shews us that poetry is such a stubborn sort of fanaticism , as is never to be rooted out by persecution .

prologue . y 'ave met us in defiance of the weather : how has our magick conjur'd ye together ? 't was a new play , there doubtless lay the charm that drew to our forsaken hive this swarm . to sooth your humour more what could we doe ? the play to night is new , the poet too . he , though an early trespasser in rhime , ne'r climb'd the stage before , and judg'd this time for his first venture safest , when the road was clear , the pirate wits disperst abroad : he hop't whilst you to th' countrey were withdrawn , t' have found an easie iury of the town ; but is surpriz'd to see an awefull pit met to arraign him by the laws of wit ; laws ne'r perform'd by mortal writer yet . witches and spells the former age believ'd , and as authentick on the stage receiv'd : our poet fears they 'l hardly pass with you , who no charms but in beauty will allow ! yet since such lovers , knaves , and fools , have been shewn on the stage , as elsewhere ne'r were seen , why shou'd his hagg's forc't characters appear ? 'cause your nice reason doubts if witches are ! he with a trembling hand their jargons wrote the entertainment of his mid-night thought : meanwhile his fancy , like a tender bride , with th' exercise lay pleas'd and terrifi'd . with ease his beldames tempests raise and lay , but cou'd contrive no spell to save the play. their art keeps fiends in awe , and makes 'em civil , but critiques spight of fate will play the devil .

the persons . brutus , prince of the dardan forces . locrinus , his son , a youth . asaracus , favourite to the prince . soziman , a designing lord , a syracusian . women . queen of syracuse . amarante , her confident . ragusa , a sorceress . four women , her attendants . two ambassadours . officers and sailers . messengers . captain of the queen's guards .

scene syracuse .

brutus of alba. a tragedy .

act the first . the curtain drawn , discovers the queen , amarante , brutus , soziman , and attendants . bru. wee 'l sacrifice to the obliging storm that lodg'd us on this hospitable coast ; o realm belov'd of heaven , glory of nations , whose vertue vies with mortals of first ages , e're lust of power in open discord flam'd , and wak'd the slumbring world into alarms . qu. whilst suffering worth and exil'd vertue find reception here , what do we more then pay a debt by nature's law from nations due ? but prince , you bring more then a common claim , fame , worthy of your noble ancestors — there 's magick in his language , looks and meen ! aside . how has my hospitality betray'd me ! permit me not just powers to perish by the goodness you enjoyn — the impetuous passion storms at my heart — but i shall stand the shock . bru. since the untimely fate of my eudemia , grief so congeal'd my breast i thought no glance aside . cou'd thaw me , but i melt before those eyes . qu. his griefs like mists rise silent from his breast , and settle in a cloud upon his brow. confide sir in the pow'rs that favour vertue , the remnant of your fleet may yet be safe . bru. i 'm scap't to shore , but my best treasure 's lost , my friend , the sharer of my heart and toyls ! when prest by rav'nous death , devouring dangers , to him as to an altar i repair'd for refuge as t'an oracle for counsel : his worth 's large story wou'd consume the day , oh he engrost the vertues of mankind , pious as flamens , and for martial deeds a greater strove not on the phrygian plains . oft watchfull in his tent he past the night , projecting th' enemies slaughter , while they slept dreaming perhaps of vict'ry . none better knew the well-rang'd files to force , and clear a breach for rout and general ruine : or if with too unequal pow'r opprest , how would he manage his reserves o' th' war ; his rallying troops in firm battalion fix , and shield the gasping battle to the last ! his grov'ling squadrons stiff with cooling gore his voice cou'd quicken , to renew the fray , forcing the greedy fates to wait , till they had snatcht a conquest — but my zeal i find grows talkative and rude — your pardon madam . qu. proceed brave prince , there 's musick i' th' relation . your friend lives fam'd whilest you survive t' avouch his wondrous worth in more surprizing streins . bru. by your indulgence i 'le resume the theam , in which my fond soul is with pleasure lost . in child-hood years with lisping tongue i swore with this asaracus eternal friendship , as my prophetick mind presag'd how much my future toyls would such a partner need ; for when youth 's down first flowr'd upon my cheek ( whilst practising i' th' chace the stubborn bow ) i shot at rovers , and by fatal chance my royal father slew , an exile then to greece with my asaracus i fled , where having found remains o' th' dardan race by grecian tyranny opprest , we rag'd , became their chiefs , and led the ill-treated tribe to th' desart hills , where sought by pandrasus forth from our mount'nous holds we sallied down and chas'd his scattered legion to the cliffs , where plunging in the deep they shun'd our fury . this my asaracus perform'd . next morn ' the tyrant terms of peace propos'd , free passage from his coasts , with all our pow'rs in squadrons cull'd from the eubaean fleet ; with the first winde we sail'd , but having past the sound — forgive an interrupting tear , my dear eudemia sickened — dyed qu. i 'm lost ! aside . vain as i was to tempt such charming sorrow . bru. at delos first we toucht , where with due rites we approach't the orac'lous shrine , whilst from the cave ( in sounds that shook the fane ) the god pronounc'd to albion , brutus , bend thy naval course , fate gives that seat of empire ; mighty toils attend thy way , and thou shalt be divorc't from what thou hold'st most dear — that last dire clause boded the loss of my asaracus . thus niggard destiny by halves oblig'd me , gave me dull empire while it snatcht my friend . enter an attendant and speaks . attend. madam , the ambassadors demand your audience , imperious and impatient of delay . qu. admit ' em . soz. these warlikes guests at length may prove our lords , aside . if no resenting syracusian frame some timely project to supplant their pow'r ; each hour assaults me with a fresh temptation to take th'important task in hand , sure time must usher my designs from their dark cell well form'd , and fair as nature from the chaos . enter the ambassadors . 1. amb. from the agrigentine court we are arriv'd ; our charge is short , but bears a weighty sense , our king by us demands your love or war. 2. amb. the seasons both of peace and arms alike conduce to swell his glory , for he wears with equal grace his olive wreaths and lawrel . 1. amb. 't is in your choice to rule him or obey , to mount or follow his triumphant carr , to wear his bands of conquest or of love , to ensure your own and share a greater crown , or fall from empire tender'd and possest . qu. your servile flatteries have sure pufft up your monarch to a self-reputed god , he courts like iove , with thunder in his hand : but let him draw our just war on his head , 't is odds wee 'l undeceive the flatter'd mortal : let him approach like mars in ruffled dress , his grisly curls deform'd with dust and gore , or like the idean youth with locks perfum'd , fragrant and chearfull as the rising day , we bid defiance to his threats and charms ; i weigh not of a grain his love and rage , my leisure theams of laughter and disdain . 1. amb. think how your infant town defenceless lies , an easie plunder for the next invader . qu. your storming threats are calm'd into advice ; your caution ( though impertinent ) was kind ; but to the gods and her own citizens leave syracuse , she like the world's first worthies wars naked , as alcides in his cradle , when the infant-god disarm'd the hissing foes , and chain'd the captive snakes in their own folds . 2. amb. your passion has had scope , and now we wait your more considerate and final answer . qu. to your imperious prince bear this reply , bid him despair both of my heart and crown , be th' god of war the cupid , which he brings , yet shall not conquest his designs secure ; for should the chance of war leave me the loser i 'de fly to fate to shun his loath'd embrace , and in death's brazen holds make safe retreat . 1. amb. then for the last extreams of war prepare , despair not to enjoy that death you covet . exeunt ambassad . soz. i knew their embassie brought love or war ; with their hot master i 'le divide the queen ; her person be his prize , her sceptre mine , his lust of beauty and my lust of pow'r at once shall ryot on their several quarries . enter some of the guards bringing in locrinus . locr. keep distance slaves , who offers at my sword grasps certain death , your vile hands shall not soil it , i will resign it , but the noblest way , and yield it with my life an offering here . kneels , and lays it at the queens feet . qu. what means this bloudy steel laid at my feet ? guard. young hylax son to this old lord , lies slain i' th' cloysters by this princes hand . soz. my hylax slain ! and his bold murderer come reeking in his gore to dare the law ? but i with more assurance could not move the gods for justice , then the queen i serve ! i 'le use no rhetorick , no invectives seek kneels . to aggravate my wrongs ; all , all i crave is that the queen would view that bloud , these tears ! bru. true , he 's my son , the fruit of my first love , joy of eudemia's life , her dying care , our countries hopes , and sole heir of my war , yet for his breach of hospitality i yield him up to law. qu. disastrous chance ! speak prince , how kill'd you hylax ? locr. with my sword . qu. the occasion of the fray ? locr. warm in debate he struck me , then before i cou'd return the blow , he drew , i drew , he thrust , i thrust , and like a trojan pass'd him through the heart . qu. to his own rashness then impute his fate . to doom the princes death for self-defence wou'd be to murder with the sword of justice . but to convince you of the strong regard to soziman . which our deserving subjects find with us , we to your care our cittadel commit , full successor to our late general 's honours . soz. i blush and bow beneath the mighty grace ! now my designs take life , i 'm now empow'rd aside . to do my self that justice she refus'd . to my ambition too 't will give pretence , make it approv'd , as gen'rous brave revenge that else had been detested treason stil'd . thus specious forms give foulest crimes applause . exit . enter asaracus attended by sailers . bru. asaracus — my griefs convert to rapture ! support me or the ecstasie will kill me . asar . your squadron's safe arriv'd the shore , and i to my lords sacred breast . bru. there shalt thou grow , nor will i more be wrackt with fears to lose thee ; go kneel unto this hospitable queen , and take her blessing thankfully as heavens . presents him to the queen , and then speaks aside . a secret fear springs up to damp my joy , and checks my transport for my friends arrival . the cause too obvious is , i love this queen ; and the soft cupid at his presence shrinks : he never will be won t'endulge my passion ! yet — why shou'd he be judge of what i suffer ? he 's stern , and never felt a pang of love , can gaze unhurt on beautie 's fullest blaze , that blinds my weaker sight and makes me stray ! but these are dreams , i 'le rowze and shake 'em off . lucr. o tutor great in arms , the gods can tell to asar . how oft your martial precepts i revolv'd , how punctual to each mornings exercise ; but oh ! when i conceiv'd you lost , it dampt the glory i presag'd i' th' albian war to think you liv'd not witness of my fame , to see me copy out your rules in bloud , when i no more should hear you tell of battels , nor take new flames from your applause , nor in your arms be claspt , and call'd your royal charge . bru. once more let my embraces lock thee fast , and chain my dearest blessing to my heart . teach me to make thy merit some return , i wou'd not die ungratefull — take my glories , the scepter from my hand , or lawrel from my brow. asa. that were a sacriledge ! as soon i 'le wrest the thund'rers lifted bolts , your souldier knows no greater blessing then laid prostrate thus , to kiss those feet that with sure speed have trod the loftiest tracks of glory . bru. rise my friend , and briefly tell the accidents befell thee , since we were scatter'd on the ionian floud . asa. when by the tempest from the squadrons snatcht , we pass'd the harpyan strophades to gain zacynthus port , where having come t' a road the surges topt us , and a northern gust from th' head lands faln to leeward drove us out ; thus without sun twelve times twelve hours we hull'd , till the ledaean twins in lambent flames pearcht on our shrowds , whilst we the omen blest , and with warm entrails ( their lov'd sacrifice ) appeas'd the fretted waves ; with the next light pachynus promontories we descry'd , where landing near the point , we kneel'd and jointly hail'd th'auspicious shore . thence coasting the vast cliffs , elorus bay we gain'd , where certified of your arrival , our clamours shook the rocky theatre . rouz'd tritons from the floud breast high appear'd , gaz'd wondring round , and to the deep retir'd . bru. our self will thither instantly repair , to cheer the dear companions of our voyage , and bless the gods as loud as the storm rag'd . exit brutus , asaracus , cum suis. qu. all but my amarante be withdrawn — come near ; this distance is unkind , we are not queen and subject now , but friend and friend . thou hast my heart and ne'er deceiv'st my ear ; tell me the present rumours of the state , and how our syracusians stand affected to our reception of this royal stranger ? am. content smiles on each syracusian's brow , who for the safety of our widdow'd realm wait your espousals with your royal guest , to wed your persons and your states together ; for this the suppliant crowd to th' altars throng , where with religious violence and joint prayers they storm and press the heavens into compliance . qu. their prayers are impious and their zeal rebellion ; but thou more impious to approve their wishes ; thou to seduce me to a second love , thou that art conscious to my midnight vows of constancy to my departed lord , whose genius i with nightly worship meet , crown his dear urn , and at his tomb keep state , whilst hallow'd nymphs successively attend , and through the cell eternal tapers shine . am. i told ( at your command ) your peoples wishes , but were my private choice approv'd , the queen should hold her syracusian state intire , not blend it with the strangers broken fortunes , but banish from the court the dangerous guests to seek their promis'd empire through the main . qu. this is a worse extream ! rather then cruel be false , 't is in our tender sex a crime more natural — yet were thy nature savage , my soft example might at least have wrought some change , a tame bred tygress will forget her fierceness , and domestick mildness take . am. yet whilst you charge me with a tygress heart , grant me at least — to have a woman's eyes ! qu. ha weepst thou tender maid ! this gentle show'r has laid the storm that would have wreckt my quiet . excuse the ravings of my feav'rish mind , if i am difficult and wayward grown , impute my frowardness to my disease ! support me dear companion on thy breast , those pillows yield me ease in every pain . the restless secret in my bosome strives , but when 't is toil'd with beating in the cage , it will grow tame and sleep . am. for what offence am i abridg'd the dear and wonted freedom to share your cares ? to fav'rites more esteem'd your smiles and happier hours you may dispense , but to your griefs i claim the first access ; my friendship early sought that priviledge , obtain'd the grace and nought beyond aspir'd . qu. oh amarante guardian of my breast , heaven so indulge my hopes as well i know thy truth , thy wondrous truth , and prize it dear ! so oft ( beyond the suff'rance even of friendship ) i 've pierc't thee with complaints of my hard fate , wounded thy tender soul with tales of sorrow , as none but amarante wou'd bear with me ; yet ( now i should discharge thee from thy toil ) impose a new and heavier task of grief , to mourn with my unhappiness of folly , i am grown frail — and love — ama. what you are pleas'd thus darkly to deliver , were in me presumption to expound . qu. ah kind dissembler , rather then chide , thou wilt not seem to know my frailty , but thy troubled blushes give that just reproof this partial tongue withholds ! i know thou wouldst be shockt with the relation , but now i 've told my grief i am at ease . i wanted but thy aid to check my fears , and crush the danger e're 'thas strength to wound . this tender cupid in his cradle dies , nor shall he move me with his smiles or cries : from 's infant hand i 'le wrest the poison'd dart , and stab the little tyrant to the heart . exeunt . finis actus primi .

act ii. scene the palace . enter soziman with the ambassadors . soz. my lords , presume not of an easy conquest , corrupted states lull'd in security , when with alarms into confusion rouz'd , are sackt with ease in their disorder'd fright ; not so our syracuse that nightly watches and ever wakes to danger . 1. amb. let her wake . when we assault wee 'd find her on her guard. soz. beside , the prince's pow'rs assist her now , troops fed by rapine , and whose trade is war. masters of arms th' uncertain fray decline , and foil by stratagem a pow'rfull foe . suppose i point your prince a bloudless path to his designs , and without danger , lodge th' impatient youth in this coy queen's embrace ? 2. amb. think not old syracusian that we doat like thee , to credit a protesting foe . soz. my lords , to give you a resistless proof that i am serious , know , 't is interest . self-interest and revenge are the sure springs that drive my wheel , and give my projects motion : i am abus'd into disloyalty , and like a torrent from my channel forc't where peacefully i roll'd , will now bear down and lay all waste where my diverted current falls . 1. amb. say then what method will you chuse t' effect your glorious crime ? soz. a method safe and speedy , the cittadel is in my pow'r , and that commands the town below ; if then your prince conspire with my design , let him convey a trusty legion hither , which by night i will admit into the palace , where the queen may be surpriz'd . 2. amb. 't is well design'd , and we stand sureties for our king. soz. but stay , our terms of compact be agreed on first ; none are unjust or just but for reward : i 'll sell my vertue , but i 'll rate it dear , i will possess the crown which i betray , when i renounce my loyalty i 'le reign . 1. amb. yours be the sceptre then , provided you submit to hold it of our king. soz. agreed . thus kneel we then t' invoke the conscious pow'rs , and with our clashing swords the contract bind . now that keen steel be sheath'd i' th' owners breast that starts from his giv'n promise . both amb. we have sworn . ex. the ambassadors . soz. thus far i drive not but am driven , and glide on a smooth current into glorious ills. the court are bound to morrow for the chase , old as i am i will be first in field , there to consult the sorc'ress at her cave , to my dark plots her darker counsels join . the rig'rous amarante may receive my suit , when in imperial robes i woo . fortune sets me at once love and a crown , and boldly i resolve to throw at both . exit . enter asaracus musing . asa. she 's fair ! all beauteous — but what 's that to me ? nature seems curious to have made her charms excell ; but why should that disturb my quiet ? 't is mean ! i 'le not endure 't ! my warlike heart become at last a wanton cupid's toy ! he curls about me , but i 'le tear his hold , i 'le bear the soft enchanter to the camp , and scare him with alarms : hee 'l quit me then . enter amarante . the charming foe appears ; i 'le bear up roughly , and make a bold reprizal of my heart — stay madam , i have business of importance , a secret to impart . ama. to me sir ? asa. yes . 't is a discovery i have lately made , ( a truth that ne'er cou'd gain with me till now ) that — lovers hearts will ake ! ama. and call you this discovery ? asa. a most surprizing one to me , i thought their smart and pangs were meer imaginations , they sigh'd , and wept , and swore , and rav'd of wounds invisible ; i prais'd the mimick craft , with wonder saw the pale youth's trembling visit : the tend'rest , gentlest creatures nature frames ! but i am now seiz'd with the frenzy too ; and charge you with my suff'rings ; you have wrong'd me , possest me with a fond and foolish pain which i despise ; — yet trust me , 't is uneasie ! ama. how various are his forms ! this protean love sighs with the silent , with the frolick smiles , weeps with the soft , and in the souldier storms . the wrongs you accuse me of , i nor design'd nor knew , if you are serious , charge not me with what i cou'd not help . asa. by mars nor i. but if my folly shou'd grow troublesome , as you are mercifull indulge it not , it will divert me from pursuit of glory ; whate're my fawning passion may pretend believe it not , for i was never form'd for love , but bred i' th' camp , rockt in a shield , and cannot take the softness beauty craves ; want all the little arts to please the fair. ama. i am at once provokt to smile and rage . asa. i do not think i shall again offend you with talk of my rough-cast unpolisht love , but if i shou'd — oh to my fame be just , disdain my suit and frown me into silence . ama. despair not of so cheap a charity . you 'l find me sir , reserv'd as you cou'd wish . asa. i thank thee — now i grow my self again ; the peevish pain has rag'd it self asleep to wake no more : 't was a tormenting fit. ama. his surly passion bears so odd a grace , it charms me more then all the smiling loves ; but i am sworn impartial foe to all . exit . enter brutus with soziman . soz. my lord , the queen invites you to the chase i' th' morn ' . bru. wee 'l wait her majesty to the field . exit soziman . asa. to th' chase ? i like it not ; i have seen nothing that shakes my temper more then that old lord ; mischief and destiny low'r on his brow. bru. o my asaracus , how much i fear'd on what the delian god presag'd , that i shou'd be divorc't from what i held most dear , the hasty fates had cruelly perform'd in snatching thee — ye pow'rs secure my friend , and from your promis'd empire be absolv'd . asa. perish a legion nobler lives then mine , e're brutus be from th' albian isle diverted ; your rich loins hold an endless race of kings , fair albion of their reign th' eternal seat , albion , that in the flouds erects her cliffs sits queen o' th' seas , whilst the aw'd nations round at distance wait , and in their mutual jarrs from this great arbitress take law ; their states she poizes , and to each deals equal power . bru. thou speak'st my friend as thou wert still at delos one of th' orac'lous tribe , whilst hallow'd wine had steept thy breast for the inspiring god. asa. alcander in the late storm was embarqu't with me , you know him by descent inclin'd to prophecie , and like his sire inspir'd : o' th' suddain i observ'd him knit his brow , look wild , start , laugh , and grow compos'd again . then prostrate fall'n lay breathless , till anon the rapture flusht him , and his dancing bloud glow'd through his veins : thus wrapt , in wond'rous stile the fates of future ages he divin'd , prodigious glories that i' th' albian isle wait noble brutus and his progeny : the conscious storm with rev'rend silence heard the prophet speak , and then resum'd its fury . bru. thou fir'st my soul , mak'st glory dart upon me so fierce , i must have respite or expire . at leisure i will hear of this at large , the queen approaches now , this passage leads t' argaces cell , where nightly she repairs , there to devotion she converts her love , and treats her dead lords genius like a god , with fragrant flow'rs and gumms then flow'rs more sweet perfumes his vault , believes him there invisible and pleas'd with her officious piety . asa. it shews her strange regard to the diseas'd . bru. regard ! asaracus , call 't not regard , 't is superstition , fondness , zeal misguided , and pity 't is but she were undeceiv'd . asa. but why my lord shou'd her mistake offend your quiet ? bru. ha! whilst i accuse her weakness aside . how has my foolish heart betray'd its own ! 't is true , it was in me a wild concern . no more — good rest my friend . asa. permit me wait you in . bru. i wou'd be private . ex. severally . the scene opening discovers argaces tomb deckt with armory and wreaths of lawrel ; a priestess clad in white , at each corner , they round the tomb scattering flowers and singing the following stanza's . the queen kneels at some distance . i. sleep ye great manes of the dead , whilst our solemn round we tread , whilst at our cell as at a shrine , we nightly wait with rites divine ; whilst to adorn the tomb we bring the earliest glories of the spring , and sweetest softest anthems sing ; the floor with hallow'd drops bedewing , and all around fresh roses strewing . ii. ye guardian powers that here resort , for ever make this cell your court ; if devoutest pray'rs invite ye , or sabaean gumms delight ye , then make this sacred vrn your care , and nightly to this cell repair , to feast on frankincense and pray'r . around we goe the floor bedewing , violets , pinks , and roses strewing . after the song all retire but the queen . qu. hail , ever hail , ye sacred dear remains of my argaces ! hail my first last lord ! accept thy widow'd queen's religious sorrow ; her restless love pursues thee to thy grave , nor glow'd more vig'rous in the genial bed. rises after a pause . what sudden damp congeals my streaming language ? my stubborn tongue refuses to perform its practis'd task ! my rebell eyes withhold their wonted tribute — this new flame , this feav'rish flame has drunk up all my tears ! whilst my argaces genius i invoke , his rival's image on my thought intrudes , and from his seat the rightfull owner drives . enter brutus . prince brutus ? or argaces in his shape to tempt my constancy ? heav'n ! 't is the prince ! as at th' appearance of an angel , i am terrifi'd and pleas'd ! — my lord , this visit ( not to impeach you of a rudeness ) is unseas'nable at best and indiscreet . bru. my indiscretion justly you impeach , but who was e're a lover and discreet ? give me my ease again , my settled mind , and i 'le again grow formally discreet . speak fair tormenter , when will you remit my burning pain ? not one cheap sigh or tear to cool or quench me ? qu. wave this wild discourse , it strikes like blasphemy a terrour through me . why heaves my heart ? i know my vertue 's strong , yet dare not trust the magick of his tongue ; 't is sweet , but fatal as a syren's song . bru. or if you are resolv'd on my destruction , temper at least reluctance with your justice , and seem not to take pleasure in my ruine . i wou'd not die with an accusing thought of you , but bless you while you give me death ! qu. ah! how the soft temptation steals upon me ! aside . but i 'le not dally with the smiling danger , nor sport with fire — retire my lord as you regard a queen's unspotted honour . bru. i , like a miser's ghost , all the day long confin'd to flames , and having made by stealth a mid-night visit to my treasure , am from the dear wealth untimely summon'd off to howl disconsolate in flames again . qu. yet have the wretched comfort of the damn'd , companions of your woe . bru. has then a spark of love toucht that dear breast ? ah lest the snow that 's there starve the weak kindling fire . qu. i rave , i rave ! and in my phrensie had almost disclos'd the dearest secret of my soul — be gone or by that sacred tomb — bru. i goe , and for a parting lover make wondrous haste , howe're you think me slow ! oh wing'd with hope i enter'd , but return stript of my plumes , and cumber'd with despair . qu. replying still ? — ingratefull prince farewell . bru. stay queen ! whirlwind and thunder snatch me hence e're i commit so dire a crime as t' interrupt your pious rites ; yet think not my approach rude or prophane , ev'n at the shrines of gods we are allow'd to tell our griefs , and i design no more ! i crave no more then piety may grant , one tender look , a pitying parting sigh ! 't is all my banisht soul has to sustain her 'till i 'm restor'd to those dear eyes again ! qu. what can i give , when charity to you is perjury to my deceas'd argaces ? who never will remit the right i gave , but hoards my vows like treasure in his tomb. bru. vows to the dead are cancel'd when they 're giv'n , and with the breath that form'd 'em blown away . my vows to my eudemia equal yours , nor will her peacefull happy shade reproach me , that i from you seek bliss she cannot give ! ghost of agaces rises on the one side of the tomb , ghost of eudemia on the other . qu. defend me prince ! bru. eudemia whom i nam'd ! qu. and my argaces image ! bru. argaces ghost ? a rival from the dead ? journeys ill destiny this way to night , and thou its harbinger ? speak awefull shade ! what magick bringst thou from the nether world , to chill my boyling bloud and freeze my spirits ? injurious spectre , when did i invade thy world that thou should'st come to forrage here ? avaunt , descend , and to the greeks below boast if thou wilt that thou made'st brutus shake. ghosts descend . qu. warn'd from the fates let us converse no more , nor run with open eyes upon our ruine ! alas , how fatal must our hymen be , when the dead rise our nuptials to forbid ? exit . bru. falsly your fears interpret their design ! the ghosts appear'd to give us their consent ! what false illusions am i forc't to frame ! what will not love-rackt minds pretend , to gain a minutes respite from their tort'ring pain ! exit . finis actus secundi .

act iii. scene a desart . at some distance a fountain with the statue of diana . enter soziman solus . soz. this is the dreadfull sorceresse's cave , where sullen fiends , hell's male-contents conspire , whilst at the ghastly board the hag presides , weighs their debates and sways the dark cabal . ho ragusa ! dread prophetess appear : assist an heart that labours with vast mischief , and with thy spells secure the fatal birth . enter ragusa . rag. who interrupts when i 'm at work for hell ? whos'e'rethou art , i hate the light and thee . ha! soziman ? thou art a hopefull son , a working head , industrious for perdition . soz. instruct this feeble arm to shake a throne , and snatch a crown . rag. let it be steept in bloud ! 't was my initiating ceremony to my dire art , i was install'd with slaughter , nor cou'd i raise me to my airy rounds , 'till i had bath'd my limbs in infants gore . a horn winded at distance . soz. heark , the game 's rouz'd . rag. so merry ! — well , 't is odds i marr your sport . by contract , son , i hate all humane kind , but envy most the prosperous and great ; thou art devoted to the queen's destruction , and so am i ; this day begins her ruine . take that . gives him a little viol. soz. th' intent ? rag. 't is the queen's bane . thou know'st the custome when the sports are done the court repairs to the diana fountain , to worship there the goddess of the woods , and drink of the cool stream ; the queen drinks first , mark me , prince brutus and the queen drink first , into their bowl see thou convey that philtre , it fires the chastest breasts with loose desires . soz. speak on , for now thy voice grows full of fate . rag. when they have drunk , an entertainment follows , then when the philtre has for dalliance flush't 'em , i will by magick pour a tempest down , hail , rain and fire , th' ingredients of the storm ; scatt'ring the company to th' caves for shelter . at the same cell the prince and queen shall hide , where she forgetfull shall resign her honour . soz. ha! ha ! i shall be doubly mischievous , at once a traitour to her crown and vertue . but i to vertue am a foe profest , and sworn to storm her in her strongest holds . rag. since mischief is ingrafted to thy nature , i 'le teach thee all the arts of doing ill ; the surest spells to work distorting pains , t'enfeeble loves , and breed eternal jarrs , to blast the hopes of the laborious swain , and sink returning sailers in the bay , to poison flouds , infect the air , lay waste whole empires : this i 'le teach thee , and to thee i will bequeath my goblins when i die . exit . soz. farewell , methinks my road to greatness now is grown so plain , i may discharge my guide . this for the queen ; and may the dose prove strong . i shou'd have learnt from her the readiest way to hasten the removal of this prince from syracuse , his pow'rs may check my plot with the ambassadours — i have bethought me ; his friend asaracus is bent on conquests and crowns in albion whither they are bound ; i 'le serve my ends of his rough martial vertue . he comes this way , as i presume , forsaking the chase in discontent , if he discharge his followers , i 'le attaque him . enter asaracus followed by two officers of the prince's . 1. off. nay , good my lord withdraw not from the chase , you 'l disoblige the queen and court. asa. away . 't is a divertisement i ne're affected , my youth sought rougher labours , and was taught to lay a stratagem , not set a ginn . 2. off. some deep resentment grudges in his breast . asa. that e're our nations glory shou'd have reacht these distant lands , and we our selves arrive to contradict the story of our fame ! unworthy of our noble ancestors , unworthy of our former selves . 1. off. my lord , some respite to our labours must be given . asa. dull restive soul ! 't is this degenerate sloth holds our faln state in its sad ruins still ; had we been active , follow'd leading fate , our standards in mid albion we had fixt , founded th' eternal monarchy e're now . but i divert ye from your exercise . return , goe sirs , and help to fill the cry : i have affairs of weight to think upon , and seek advantage from this solitude . ex. officers . soz. o he is just i' th' tune i wish't to find him . asa. not all my labours of the seas and field brought half the terrour of my present task ! to tempt the fury of my prince and friend , to rowze him from his ecstasie of love , is the severest trial of my duty ; but i must trace my loyalty through all its roughest paths — ha! lord soziman ! what has withdrawn your lordship from the chase ? soz. 't is long since i of pastimes lost the relish , the publick care preys hourly on my breast ; more anxious fears sting not fond parents hearts at mid-night musing on the various chances may snatch their off-spring , then ag'd statesmen feel for states which their indulgent care has nurst , how much they dread lest mischiefs from abroad , shou'd crush 'em in their helpless tender years , and when grown up to strength lest riot drown ' em . asa. your publick trust is large , and this concern is worthy of your dignity and years . soz. 't was rude to press upon your privacy , but needfull 't was for me to find you private ; i have proposals of much weight to offer , the blest result of my long lab'ring thought . asa. to honest motions i ne're shut my ear. soz. know then the circumstances of our state and yours , seem to invite a speedy union , for both lie now expos'd to foreign pow'rs , but join'd , can frame a realm invincible , of strength to awe the neighb'ring nations round , to th'outmost isles and distant poles give law. asa. at last his hov'ring policy is pitch't , aside . and come about to th' perch where it design'd to fix , though to beguile me it flew wide . soz. the nuptials of your prince and our fair queen will finish this design , you may perceive your gen'rous master of himself inclin'd , and will with secret transport be advis'd ( by you who rule his breast ) to prosecute i' th' publick name , what is his private choice . asa. nay then 't is time to rowze him from his dream aside . they 've found his weakness and wou'd practise on 't , but they shall find he had a friend that wak't to guard his glory when 't was slumber-charm'd — sly lord , how is your wisedom now o'reseen ? you know me rash , and shou'd believe me honest , and yet have dar'd t' engage me in a task that 's neither feazible nor just ; think on your pious queen's vow'd constancy to her departed lord , and then be mute . soz. the rudeness were too gross and past all pardon t' engage you in unfeazible designs , but to encourage your endeavours , know that ' midst her pious vows she languishes with a resistless passion for the prince , of which perhaps he is not ignorant . asa. hell ! if he once discover her affection he 's lost for ever — but i 'le force him hence e're the soft charm prevail too far upon him . dull politician , thou hast spun thy snare too gross to catch ev'n cred'lous honesty ! yes , i will use my int'rest with the prince . perswade , prevail , but counter to your projects . exit . soz. rash warrier goe , and in mistake perform this poor dull politician's work : ha ! ha ! all pufft with fond conceit of a discov'ry , he 's gone off pleas'd ! just such a stock of brain as heroes need , meer engines of the state in times of danger by skilfull artists play'd : but when war's flame is quench't , again laid by . exit . enter ragusa with four women , attendants , a horn sounded at a distance . rag. heark , the stagg's faln , and now the court comes on to th' fountain to perform the sylvan rites ; 't is time we were preparing for the storm . heed me ye daughters of the mystick art , look that it be no common hurricane , but such as rend the caspian cliffs , and from th' hyrcanian hills sweep cedars , roots , and all . speak , goes all right ? or have ye ought observ'd odd and ill-boding ? for last night me thought the moon chang'd colour , and her horns grew blunt : boötes wain o'return'd and lost a wheel , the pummel-star fell from orion's sword . speak lamiae ! all wo. uh , uh , uh , uh ! rag. d' ye start ? i 'le charm ye marble but i 'le fix ye . pronounce , and while ye speak , breath blasts and mildews . 1. wo. the cricket leaves our cave , and chirps no more . 2. wo. i stuck a ram but cou'd not stain my steel . 3. wo. his fat consum'd i' th' fire and never smoak't . 4. wo. i found this morn ' upon our furnace wall mysterious words wrought by a slimy snail , whose night-walk fate had guided in that form ; th' imperfect syllables our ruine speak . rag. call up my spirit daran to expound . 1. wo. daran's in hold , poor daran's pris'ner ta'ne , in scylla's rock ten fathom deep he groans , with such dire magick bound , such potent spells , i fear he 'l never be at large again . rag. beshrew the beldame ! this was magra's mischief , i 'll rive the rock to th' roots to set him free , and then on lightning ride to fire her cell . by all the dismal secrets of my cave i will not leave her pow'r for pettiest mischiefs ; no not so much as to breed must in fodder , and make the stall'd oxe pine at the full crib , not to raise blanes on tongues that flout and curse her , or silence in her night-walks barking currs . 2. wo. thou' rt queen of mysteries , great ragusa , how hast thou stemm'd th' abyss of our black science ? trac't dodging nature through her blind scape-roads , in her dark mansions seis'd her , stript her veil , and brought her nak'd and trembling to the light ? rag. now to our task , and for encouragement , remember that the tempest we now raise will be attended with a mighty ruine , the queen's perdition , think on that , my gorgons : from this malignant hour her better stars their influence shall withhold , her guardian genius neglect and leave her a devoted prey . 2. wo. fate so decrees , i search't th' eternal scrowl , read smiling the contents of her black doom . rag. stand off , and crouching mystick postures make , gnawing your rivell'd knuckles 'till they bleed , whilst i fall prostrate to consult my art , and mutter sounds too sacred for your ear. falls flat on her face , as she lies two deformed spirits descend , and whisper in each ear. the storm 's on wing , comes poud'ring from the nore , rising . 'thas past the alps already , and whirls forward to th' appenine , whose rifled snow is swept to th' vales beneath , while cotts and folds lie buried . once more come round me and attend my counsel . when we have serv'd our ends of soziman ( who by our aid pursues the queen's destruction ) wee 'l ruine him . 3. wo. be that my task . rag. it shall . thou myrza tak'st to night an airy march to th' pontick shore for druggs , and for more speed on my own maple crutch thou shalt be mounted , which bridled , turns to a steed so manageable that thou may'st rein him with a spider's thread . 4. wo. and how if i o're-take a barque i' th' way ? rag. then if aloft thou go'st , to tinder scorch the fanns ; but if thou tak'st a lower cutt , then snatch the whip-staff from the steers-man's hand , and sowce him in the foam . 4. wo. he shall be drench't . but see the court are ' lighted from their coursers , and walk this way . rag. scudd burrough in your caves . all vanish . enter brutus , queen and the rest , as from the chase. bru. 't was such a holding chase as did almost convert the sport to toil . asa. 't was desperate service . bru. what means asaracus ? his looks and language are of late grown dark . qu. we are late , and must dispatch the fountain rites with shortest ceremony . soz. queen , glut thy passion , feast on poison'd sweets ; aside . enjoy , and perish , soziman wou'd plot thy pleasure on no other score . all kneel before the fountain but soziman , who presents the queen and prince with each a bowl , having first infus'd the philtre . bru. this to diana's immortality . drinks . qu. to great diana's immortality . all. this to the triple goddess . bru. it thunders in the wind , 't will be a storm , the north sky low'rs . soz. 't is but a flying show'r , and shou'd it drive this way , the caves are near to yield us shelter . — let the masquers enter . a dance of masquers , during which a dark storm gathers . lightning and thunder . asa. in all our sea-disasters i ne'r knew so swift a change of weather . bru. all shift for shelter . exeunt all confusedly , brutus and the queen together . ragusa appears in the storm . rag. i , this is musick ! now me thinks i hear the shrieks of sinking sailers , tackle rent , rudders unhing'd , whilst the sea-rav'ne●s swift scour through the dark floud for the diving corpses . ha! art thou there my melancholy sister ? an owl cries . thou think'st thy napp was short , and art surpriz'd to find night faln already . more turf to th' fire 'till the black mesh ferment ; burn th' oyl of basilisk to fret the storm . that was a merry clap ! i know that cloud was of my fricker's rending , fricker rent it : o 't is an active spirit ! but beshrew him , 't was he seduc'd me first to hellish arts , he found me pensive in a desart glin , near a lone oak forlorn and thunder-cleft , where discontented i abjur'd the gods , and bann'd the cruel creditor that seiz'd my mullees , sole subsistence of my life : he promis'd me full twelve years abs'lute reign to banquet all my senses , but he li'd , for vipers flesh is now my only food , my drink of springs that stream from sulph'rous mines ; beside , with mid-night cramps and scalding sweats i am almost inur'd for hell's worst tortures . i hear the wood-nymphs cry , by that i know my charm has took , the tempter has prevail'd , 't was a sure philtre — but the day clears up , and heav'nly light wounds my infectious eyes . enter again the four women . 1. wo. now sullen dame , do'st thou approve our works ? rag. 't was a brave wreck , oh you have well perform'd . 2. wo. myrza and i bestrid a cloud , and soar'd to lash the storm , which we pursu'd to th' city , where in my flight i snatcht the golden globe that high on saturn's pillar blaz'd i' th' air. 3. wo. i fir'd the turret of minerva's fane . 4. wo. i stay'd i' th' cell to set the spell a work , the lamps burnt ghastly blue , the furnace shook , the salamander felt the heat redoubled and friskt about ; so well i pli'd the fire . rag. now as i hate bright day and love moon-shine , you shall be all my sisters in the art : i will instruct ye in each mystery , make ye all ragusa's . all wo. ho , ho , ho ! rag. around me , and i 'll deal to each her dole . there 's an elf-lock , tooth of hermaphrodite , a brace of mandrakes digg'd in fairy ground , a lampray's chain , snakes eggs , dead sparks of thunder quencht in its passage through the cold mid air , a mermaids fin , a cockatrice's comb , wrapt i' th' dri'd cawl of a brat still-born : burn 'em — in whispers take the rest , which nam'd aloud would fright the day , and force another storm . all wo. ho , ho , ho , ho ! exeunt . finis actus tertii .

act iv. scene the walks behind the palace . enter queen and amarante . qu. from shades to court , from court to shades i fly , but bear my torment with me where i goe , thought-rackt and restless as a murd'rers soul ! ama. unload your burden'd heart into my breast , my active love may find your grief a cure. qu. why art thou curious for a sight of hell ? a vision that wou'd fright thee to distraction ! ama. if yet my duty be not throughly tri'd , command me take a scorpion to my bosome : if i refuse , neglected let me live defam'd , forlorn , disown'd of heaven and you . qu. thou' rt brave , and fit to share a queen's afflictions ! sit then and hear the story of my shame , but let the sun , as from my crime he hid his sacred light , withdraw while i relate . — thy queen for constancy to her first love long fam'd , and long deserving to be fam'd , is now , ah torture ! a forsworn adultress ! — my trembling limbs dissolve at the dire sound ! rising . believe me not , for i bely my self ! think'st thou the gods cou'd e're permit such guilt ? they cou'd , and the infernals know 't is true ! ama. nay , now i must commit a force upon you , my violence is just and charitable . qu. thou' rt wild as i to grapple with my passion , that like a tempest sweeps with lawless rage , 'till spent it sighs it self into a calm . from honour's heights which i with toil had clim'd , how am i in a moment faln and plung'd in infamy ! th' almighty pow'rs beheld , and yet created no prodigy to awe me from the danger . my stupid vertue slept , my guardian genius slept , the planets idlely gaz'd , and all the starry host sat unconcern'd spectators of my fate ! my struggling on the rack but tortures me the more ; i 'm stabb'd with thousand deaths , but cannot die ! ama. ingratefull prince that cou'd so ill requite a gen'rous queen that hid thy impious head from heav'ns pursuing vengeance ! qu. oh , he 's too foul to be a victim made to heav'n , no he shall bleed my sacrifice : shews a dagger . my wrong'd argaces waits for his descent , to seize th' adulterer at th' elysian bounds and sink him yelling to th' abyss of fire ! enter brutus . bru. weeping ? those eyes rich nature's choicest gems shou'd sparkle , not dissolve . qu. ah hypocrite ! hell rages in his breast and heav'n smiles on his brow. bru. your sorrow racks me , from those eyes i feel a cold damp shot into my conscious heart , suppress those sighs and call to heav'n for thunder . qu. why chills my rage ? that soft deluding tongue sooth'd me out of my innocence before , and oh i fear 't will sooth my justice now ! delay slacks my resolves ! with open eyes i cannot wound him but i 'll wink and strike . bru. oh madam you to tyranny pursue your conquest , and a yielding heart oppress ! kill me and cease to grieve , let my life's bloud compound to save that rich expence of tears . qu. oh fate ! i have his leave to give him death , but now my eager rage has seiz'd its quarry , pants o're the prey , and wants the strength to kill . bru. my eyes distill ! like wounded duellists i strive in vain to hide the pressing stream ; madam , you see my frailty , how i melt t'effeminate tears , your sorrow triumphs o're me , and boasts the pow'r to have made a warriour weep ! qu. at such complaint a tygress wou'd relent , the furies cast their tort'ring engines by . throws away her dagger . thus then injurious prince to my revenge another course i steer ; to heav'n i make this solemn vow — kneels . bru. hold , hold ! by all that 's good let me conjure you stifle that rash voice ! i know not what you were prepar'd to swear , but fear'd ( divert in heav'n ) a violence on your dear life . qu. 't was a rash breath indeed , all killing as a northern blast ; but now 't is veer'd about into a southern gale , with soft show'rs waited — weeps . i consent to live . rise , i forgive you . bru. let me then kneel still ! rich fountain of delight , embodi'd rapture ! joy gleams from thee unwasted , while i press this hand , i know not how , the subtle touch shoots through each vein , and tingles at my heart . qu. i pardon'd you , and what was harder much , promis'd to live , but on condition both , which once transgrest makes th' obligation void , resigns me back to death , and you to my displeasure : as therefore you regard my life and favour be punctual to perform — bru. i will remember though i should drink dull lethe dry , let seas forget to ebb and flow , the spheres their tunes , the sun his roads , the elements their duties , of you forgotten , let me perish , when i 'm guilty of a first neglect ! qu. till then , my gratefull heart for you shall entertain the kindest thoughts that women's love suggests ; each day 's state-task shall give me one soft hour , my own intirely , which i will devote to solitude and tender thoughts of you . bru. i sink , i sink ! intoxicate with joy ! like inspir'd priests i reel with ecstasie ! qu. all i exact for this i will sum up in one command , which must not be disputed , that to retrieve my honour you 'd remove , and take this hour a last eternal leave . bru. ha! said you last , last and eternal leave ? you kindle me into transport , and then to death you chill me in the heat of rapture ! 't is barb'rous , queen , to sport with wounded hearts , and spread a toil for harmless cred'lous love : 't were woman's fraud t' have ruin'd with your smiles , but to betray with tears , the crocodile's . th' injunction seem'd impossible , but now i shall obey ! — you have your wish , for i shall ne'r intrude into your presence more . faints . qu. help amarante ! gen'rous prince return . bru. what mean you by this cruel charity ? you stretch me on the rack , and when i faint , my drooping spirits with cordials you restore , revive , but oh ! to hold me still in pain . qu. and cou'd you then believe my rigour , ha ? blind pitty leads my piety astray ! — 't was cruel to tax me with cruelty : if you must needs accuse , charge fate — i wou'd if destiny — 't is false , i never will — tormenter hence — with no reply but sighs he yields to th' harsh command — that mournfull glance darts to my soul his grief ; i cannot bear 't , stay prince , my love ! — i rave , haste amarante , shield me from ruine , snatch me , bear me , fly ! exit confusedly , amarante follows . bru. thus in loves winding mazes we are toil'd , mourn our hard fate , yet still we keep the round ; we rave of wounds , yet still indulge the pain ; and whilst we curse our bondage , hug the chain , exit . enter soziman with the captain of the guards . soz. to agrigent my trusty officer with these dispatches to th' ambassadors ; tell 'em their last advices were most welcome ; that nightly i expect their promis'd forces , which wee 'l receive to th' cittadel . dispatch . ex. capt. thus far with prosp'rous gales my course i 've steer'd , and now the port's in view . come no cross gust ! my fears grow with th' approaching land , for still the waves beat roughest near the shore . turning spies ragusa entring . i 'm shockt to meet thee here , my sorc'ress ? or some emissary daemon in her shape ? speak briefly the contents of thy dark errand . rag. soft , my projecting son , by subtlest magick invisibly i hither am arriv'd . think not that to my cell i am confin'd , but range the streets unseen , frequent assemblies , and in the sultry halls infection breathe : nay sometimes busie at the sacred shrines , with prodigies t' amuse the zealous crowd , with anxious jealousies enrage their minds , 'till in wild uproar the whole state 's embroil'd . soz. but on what mischief bound arriv'st thou now ? rag. anon there will be bloud-shed in this place , a deed will much conduce to thy designs : i' th' air i 'll hang unseen to gorge the steams , and suck the vapours from the vital gore . soz. thou led'st me into treason , bear me through , in pensive moods i 'm tempted to undoe what i have done , to tack and seek the safe point whence i sail'd . rag. no 't is impossible , thou' rt launcht too far , and must resolve to brave the billows now . soz. i fear the throne which i with bloud must stain will prove a slipp'ry seat , for what shou'd let but villany resolv'd and bold as mine , may take the path which i to greatness forc't , 'till by usurpers the usurper fall ? rag. therefore soon as thou art possest o' th' pow'r see thy confed'rates bleed , that none survive t' upbraid thy greatness with their treach'rous aids , and claim like pirates each his share of spoil . soz. i 'll sacrifice 'em to the murm'ring crowd , with publick justice my ambition gild , show'r gifts among the crowd , make riot flow , 'till they have drown'd their discontents in wine . rag. but that without controll thou maist possess the tyranny , my drudges i 'll employ to frame with their best arts a bracelet for thee , which whilst thou wear'st it lock't on thy left arm , treason shall ne'r annoy thee , sword and poison in vain attempt ; nature alone have pow'r thy substance to dissolve , nor she her self 'till many a winter shock has broke thy temper . soz. medea for her iason less perform'd ! my greatning soul aspires to range like thee , in unknown worlds , to search the reign of night . admitted to thy dreadfull mysteries , i shou'd be more then mortal . rag. ne'r my cell , ( 'mongst circl'ing rocks in form a theatre ) lies a snug vale. soz. with horrour i have view'd it , 't is blasted all and bare as th' ocean beach , and seems a round for elves to revel in . rag. with my attendants there each waining moon my dreadfull court i hold , and sit in state . and when the dire transactions are dispatcht , our zany spirits ascend to make us mirth with gambals , dances , masks , and rev'ling songs 'till our mad din strike terrour through the wast , spreads fair and wide to th' cliffs that bank the main , and scarce is lost in the wide ocean's roar. soz. thou sooth'st my black bloud with a horrid pleasure , that through my dark thoughts darts a gloomy joy. rag. here seated by me thou shalt view the sports , whilst daemons kiss thy foot and swear thee homage . but hush ! — our male-content with lowring brow draws near , resolv'd on the dire generous deed ' away ; the mischief now is grown so ripe 't will work it self t'an head without our aid . vanishes . soz. farewell , remember the enchanted bracelet ! not more the crown i covet then that chain . enter asaracus . that gloomy lowring brow presages well . his discontent at th' amorous princes stay is grown too troublesome for his blunt soul to bear conceal'd — the prince himself draws near , i 'll leave them and expect the wish'd event . exit . asa. why should i stifle my resentment longer ? i can at worst but give him bloudy proof of my sincerity , if he impeach the freedome i assume , of rage or rudeness , if to perswade , friendship and reason fail , i 'll bleed , and with my dying breath prevail . enter brutus . my lord — bru. what would my friend ? asa. you lov'd me once . bru. religion has no greater truth , and when i love thee not , perish my life and honour . asa. bold in your friendship then i warn you sir to summon all your temper to receive what he that loves you best fears to deliver . bru. thou labour'st with my fate , for what pale tidings am i thus cautiously prepared ? asa. i come sir to accuse to you your self , to inform you how your dearest fame lies sick , your foes insulting while your subjects murmur . excuse sir your plain dealing friend — bru. proceed — asa. our last dear stake lies in your hand to play , which managed wisely may recover yet . all we have lost to fate , and raise our sleeping glory from the grave . bru. gently my friend , i feel each wakening pulse start and beat nimbly at the name of glory . asa. ripe glory waits us in proud albion's plains , and withers whilst the season we neglect , and give our harvest suns to slumber . bru. ha! asa. each gentle breeze that o're your navy breaths , sighs as it flies , and murmurs at our stay . bru. 't is too severe ! cruel asaracus has my firm soul but one weak tender part , and your keen censures level'd all at that ? why are these arms that oft have swept the files , return'd with standards fill'd , and bloudy bays , deny'd the transport of a short embrace ? asa. his tender passion starts at my approach ; it bleeds , but i must pierce it deeper yet : boldly the needfull caution i will utter , as in a treacherous labyrinth you stray , lost in delight , and pleasantly destroy'd , whilst lull'd asleep in your false circe's charms in vain fames trumpet sounds you to the field . bru. die kindling rage ! like thunder struggle , yet i 'll stifle thee , and choak thy lab'ring fire . 't is dead — draw near asaracus , and give a heedfull ear to what thy prince delivers ; embracing him . if any dark disaster or mistake tempt thee hereafter to suspect my friendship , call to remembrance this eternal proof — thou didst revile the queen , her brutus heard and yet forgave the blasphemy , at once the best of friends and most ingratefull lover . asa. my heart dissolves — but nature sink e're i aside . indulge his frailty and permit his ruine . enter locrinus . but though your dear-bought lawrels you permit to fade , slight courting honours , yet consider this noble spirit defrauded by your stay presenting locrinus . of empire , though by nature form'd to reign . locr. dread sir 't is in my bloud and i must reign , can brook your sacred self alone above me : hourly i 'll thrive in fame , increase in glory , to fill your throne when you remove to th' gods. asa. excuse this heat , a spark of your own fire that once glow'd bright , though now in embers hid , but fann'd with such breath needs must blaze again . locr. ev'n when a child and under womens care , whilst through the casements i beheld our youth by prince cleanthus muster'd near the palace , i view'd 'em o're , gaz'd on their dazling crests , their wond'rous scarfs and javelins tip't with gold , then sigh'd and swell'd methought as big as they ! but when their squadrons join'd in sportive fight i flam'd , and turning , in the arras spi'd a glaring panther wrought to th' life , then drew my iv'ry sword , and tilted at his breast . bru. this growing gallantry with pride i view , but must conceal my joy — retire locrinus . exit locr. friend , press no more thy lost advices , for i 'm sworn to live the queen's and can't desert her . asa. ha! so resolv'd ! then to my last reserve . sir , be not so enamour'd on perdition , your stock of fame is large , but judg'd declining ; the purchase cost you dear , the bloud of heroes is sold too cheaply for a woman's smiles . bru. and have i then through flouds and fire sought glory , follow'd the glitt'ring guide through death's dark passes , to be at last charg'd with declining valour ? and too , the black reproach shot from a tongue that has sworn friendship to me — i am wrapt in phrenzy , help asaracus ! the storm grows mad , nor can i ruleth ' undsteady helm ! asa. to your excess of passion for the queen we wou'd impute the fault you make in glory , not that you fear the arms of albion . bru. are these then the surmizes of my slaves ? whose vile necks from the grecian yoke i freed , and is asaracus o' th' faction too ? i 'm pleas'd that their allegeance they 've abjur'd , giv'n me pretence to shake off their vile empire ; i 'll condescend to rule this herd no more , nor with such refuse tempt the albion war , by great iulus's soul i will not . asa. then by great iulus's soul you must confess more then a woman's weakness . bru. that again ! hell ! said you weakness ? — and meant cowardise ? villain , be mean , recall that inf'mous breath , recant , forswear 't , lie for thy life or perish ! asa. it works , and the more swelling now his rage , aside . he will retreat t' a lower ebb of pity . bru. this stubborn silence is a plain confession ! base as thou art i spare to spill thy bloud 'cause thou wert once the sharer of my breast , and my too cred'lous soul believ'd thee brave . with much content my self i flatter'd long , thought my breast rich , possest of a true friend , but oh 't was fairy wealth , a dream of treasure , that waking leaves me destitute and poor . traytour , the meaning of that threat'ning steel ? here , strike the breast thou hast so long deceiv'd . asa. yes prince i 'll strike — your heart — that heart of yours that 's in my bosome lodg'd . stabs himself . bru. rash souldier hold . wrests the dagger from him . and e're thou fall'st unriddle this dark action . asa. in vain you wou'd prevent a second wound ; this arm in brutus's service never struck and fail'd to kill . bru. who wait ? physicians hither , fly . asa. draw near my lord and let me bath your feet in the remains of bloud spent in your service ! we have e're now waded in gore together . can you forgive my bold presuming language ? i shou'd not have indulg'd my tongue that freedome had i design'd the rudeness to survive . since nothing cou'd divorce you from the queen pardon your souldier's zeal , that cou'd not live to see your tide of glory at a stand. bru. insult not o're thy wretched master's guilt , my shame 's so monstrous that to shun th' opprobrious spectacle , my friend withdraws disdaining to eternal night . enter physicians . now emp'ricks muster your best arts to save a life more precious then the world 's great soul ; know slaves you have no middle path to take , restore or wait my heroe to the dead . asa. vex not dear friends my wound in vain , 't is mortal , my heart works slowly and my pulses sleep . your hand my lord — with this cold kiss i seal it . may 't prove resistless as the thund'rers , snatch crowns from europe's monarchs , grasp their scepters , knit in one empire the divided world. bru. live my asaracus to see me vanquish my conqu'rer love , i 'll rage and break the toil. asa. speak , how shall i report of our affairs to your departed heroes where i goe ? bru. bear not to th' other world my black disgrace ; wee 'l force our way from this enchanted coast , wee 'l sail to night . asa. our countrey 's gods protect you . your fleet 's refitted , by my care prepar'd , the wind presents , the full moon gives a day , and swells her tides to waft you from the sound . farewell my gen'rous lord ! my friends farewell ! thus far your toils i have accompani'd , fate part us here . dies . bru. spare him ye deities for one hour more ! and then t' eternity he 's yours ! one tender word more my asaracus , do not so tamely yield ! grapple with death and break from fate to your lost friend's relief ! oh let me breathe my soul into that wound , and quicken thy cold clay ! i 'll tear my heart to fill the fatal breach ! oh , oh , oh ! withdraw and leave me to compose my thoughts . ex. physicians and attendants . give notice to the fleet we sail to night . said i to night ! forsake the queen to night ! forsake ! oh fate ! the queen ! to night forsake her ! my word is past , 't is giv'n , and those pale lips with silent oratory plead my promise . enter the queen . she 's here ! i never shunn'd those eyes before . qu. d' ye fly me prince ? — but 't is not strange to see the happy shun the wretched — but unhappy as i am you made me so , and may dispense to view the griefs you gave . bru. you call him happy whom the damn'd wou'd pity ; despairing ghosts that yell in lightless flames , wou'd stand agast to hear my suff'rings told , reflect , and grow more patient of damnation . qu. can you have any cares conceal'd from me ? repeat to me the story of your grief● , and i 'll recite the tragick tale of mine . thus wee 'l beguile the time with mutual plaints , together mourn as once we smil'd together . bru. my pain is but prolong'd whilst i dissemble the struggling secret , for it must have birth ! in my wan look the fatal message reade , whose horrour like a spell ties up my tongue : madam , our destiny 's implacable , we must — oh 't is impossible ! and yet we must — qu. what ? bru. — die , like our ancestours . qu. your pardon prince , this might have been exprest with less formality . bru. is 't nothing then to be reduc't to earth , to sleep in dust without one dream of love ? — it will out . qu. these broken sounds have meanings of importance . for , like a pensive ghost you labour with some secret which you seem prepar'd to tell , but when my expectation 's rais'd withdraw . bru. it shall have passage though it rend my breast ! rackt to confess , fate 's summons i pronounce , a sound more terrible then death , divorce , for we must part to night and meet no more . qu. ah! prince this mirth was cruel and ill-tim'd , the sportive fright too deeply might have pierc't my tim'rous tender breast ; it was not prudent , suppose i had believ'd you — and expir'd . bru. now fate confess , was ever man of woes distrest like me ? forc't to accuse my self of broken faith to her whom i deceive . oh! madam , 't was a fatal truth i utter'd , see where my gen'rous friend self-slaughter'd lies 'cause i had quitted my pursuit of arms , which he conjur'd me with expiring breath to re-assume , then to the gods convey'd my vows irrevocable . qu. ah! faithless ! swoons . bru. convey her gently to the bed of state. confusion ! furies ! how am i opprest ! one kind pang more , kills me and gives me rest. finis actus quarti .

act v. enter soziman and the ambassadours disguized . soz. my lords , you are arriv'd though unexpected most seasonably : fortune her self conspires in our design , and fate is of our plot. 1. amb. our king conceiv'd new flames at our return , his slighted love converted to revenge , for having work't him into thirst of bloud we told the circumstances of our project , how you on just resentment had engag'd to render us the cittadel by night . soz. and he approv'd of the conspiracy ? 2. amb. by all the memphian deities he swore 't was such an exquisite design , that e're these calends pass we should effect it , or forfeit our projecting heads . soz. no more . wee 'l do 't e're cold boötes fetch his round ; the day-star shall rise wondring at the change this night creates i' th' syracusian state. the conscious moon smiles on our enterprize , and guilds our dark design with her best rays : beside , the prince is from the queen divorc't , and with his pow'rs sails off at the next floud . speak lords , where have you lodg'd your ambuscade 1. amb. i' th' desart . soz. your number ? 1. amb. a compleat brigade . beside three manipli cull'd from our libyan squadrons . soz. pass'd ye the fenns secure ? 2. amb. we took the upper marches by the cliffs . soz. unseen by the scouts on our frontiers ? 1. amb. our last was a night march. soz. at the third watch lead up your forces to saturn's gate on the north side , which wide with drawn percullis shall receive you . be punctual . both amb. as meeting lovers . exeunt ambassadors . soz. my thoughtfull head is with projecting pain'd , but when i 've bound my temples with a crown , i shall have ease : i' th' registers of fate i am writ king already , but i 've yet a stream of bloud to ford e're i assume th' imperial robe ; — be that then the distinction 'twixt soziman and vulgar potentates , to wear his ermyns of a scarlet dye . exit . enter queen in rage held by amarante and others . qu. off — loose me or i 'll scatter ye to air ! must i be fetter'd ? stop an earthquake's shock , not typhon's load shall press my fury down ; i 'll toss the burning mount inverted up , and with ascending thunder fright the spheres . ama. o check this rage or 't will ferment to madness . qu. where dwells despair ? shew me the way to fate , the readiest road ! o for a precipice whose hanging brow o'relooks the foaming floud , there , deckt in robes of state , scepter'd and crown'd i 'll plunge , and bury in th' unfathom'd deep each glittering badge of wretched majesty . ama. where will this passion drive ? hear me dread queen for syracuse's sake , your own , the gods , temper this violence , and shun distraction ! qu. prov'd false ? 't is slander and can never be ! no , he has sworn and wept , and wept and sworn , the list of deities was for his oaths too scant , the years , days , hours , and minutes , all were number'd out in vows ! if false , he 's perjur'd by the whole creation . ama. yet hear — qu. and he is false , as iason false , forsworn , teach me medea's arts ! for my revenge the globe shall wreck , and nature be in pangs . he sails ! see , where the fugitives proud barque cleaves the curl'd wave , steddy afore the wind , they scudd , and leave the dolphin's leagues behind . but there are gods ! there are ! — the surges rise , and boreas posts to th' fray , they toss , they toss , erynnis fires the stern ! now floud or flame ! they burn , ha , ha , how looks th' adulterer now ? ama. thus with my groveling limbs i 'll stop your way , indulge your passion , give your fury scope , but tread me first to death , then glutt of grief , and rave without controul . qu. o amarante ! thy love pursues me , though forsook of heav'n . forgive my rage , too slight for my distress . oh heavens ! no intermission of my pain ? i can sustain no more , oh my sick soul ! ama. stop , as you prize your amarante's life . she dies , if you relapse again to rage — drawing a ponyard . qu. ah! spare that breast and i 'll compose my griefs , give me a moments space to hush the storm . look , now i 'm tame , calm as frozen floud ! nay i can smile — and yet a tear will steal . let 's talk my girl , for now i can discourse ; begin — or wou'dst thou that i give a theam ? then descant on the perjuries of men . ama. i wou'd prescribe a cure , not feed your sorrow . forgive my busy love that has contriv'd without your knowledge to redress your griefs . qu. redress my grief ? 't was busy love indeed ! call back the darted cane , restore the forc't spark to its flint , unite again the gather'd rose to its stock and make it grow . ama. i 've sent for the fam'd prophetess , that keeps her dark abode in the diana vale : with her i will advise of your distress ; aw'd nature truckles to her mystick arts , her spells controul the winds , rebuke the spheres , her tyranny to th' inmost soul extends , she sways our passions , and to love or loath is in her gift — but see she has surpriz'd us . enter ragusa with her women , they whisper at their entrance . qu. our houshold deities be first atton'd with pray'rs and incense , then wee 'l prove her art. to the distress'd one refuge still remains , none are extreamly wretched that dare dye ! exit queen , and amarante . ragusa with her women comes forward . rag. with halting pace at length we are arriv'd , nor wou'd have been at pains , but t' introduce confusion , famine , drought , infection , war ; the blasted grass will shew where we have journey'd , and point destruction out the readiest road. 1. wo. the batts before us in the twy-light play'd , and wanton meteors tumbled o're the lawns . 2. wo. a stately pile ! — megera's torch set fire to 't . rag. to work , to work , our sorcerie's master-piece . now quit ye well , or ne're ply furnace more . 3. wo. our first task is to desecrate the place , and drive the tut'lar genius from his charge , that nought defeat our charms . 4. wo. as through the portico we pass'd , with scorpion's bloud the lares i defil'd , and on their necks hung chains invisible . 1. wo. i fixt a cross spell at the palace gate , and conscious of its force the statues fell . rag. to east and west , north and south points disperse , and puff th' enchanted powders from your flasks , whilst here i' th' center i reside , and from my hollow breast pour mystick rhimes that wake the slumbring daemons into yells . the four women disperse to each corner of the stage blowing black powders from boxes , ragusa in the middle . 2. wo. the ground 's unhallow'd , and our art works free , but ha ! why droops the mistress of our spells ? to rag. thou' rt sad and clouded with a suddain gloom . rag. daran long since forewarn'd me to expect an end of my dark reign , when i should meet two snowy kids milking a jet black damm , which fatal omen i beheld this morn ' . beside , our caldron where our drugs we steep , at mid-night fell to boyling without fire ; our cell of late has oft been hung with dew , and seem'd to weep at our approaching fate . 3. wo. they 're vain portents , our magick still holds good . 4. wo. last night a village shrew in labour fell , with a slight charm i check't the hastning birth , in vain lucina was invok't , till i dissolv'd my spell , and then the blouze was laid . 1. wo. a wood-man as i gather'd herbs , revil'd me ; but i observ'd him while he fixt a ginn of steel indented to intrap the wolf , at first cock-crow i drew him from his bed , i' th' engine lock't him fast and left him yelling . 2. wo. as from elorus cliffs i view'd the floud , two rival tritons rose with lances arm'd , and fiercely at each other ran a tilt ; they bled , and with their gore the sea-weed stain'd , which at low ebb i gather'd , a choice drugg , whose vertue future practice must discover . 3. wo. whilst pensive near a pathless vale i sate , a sportive vapour rowl'd along the glin , it s wild capriches caus'd me to suspect some frolick daemon acting in the mist , which summon'd by my art t' appear , came forth , taught me new spells , and hid i' th' fog again . rag. proceed we then to finish our black projects . view here , till from your green distilling eyes the poys'nous glances center on this bracelet , a fatal gift for our projecting son ; seven hours odd minutes has it steept i' th' gall of a vile moor swine-rooted from his grave . now to your bloated lips apply it round , and with th' infectious dew of your black breaths compleat its balefull force . all wo. uh , uh , uh . kissing the bracelet . rag. now to your several charges each repair , e're second crow expect me at the cell ; but look you charm the desart as ye pass : for if wolf howl , fox bark , or badger yelp , you shall be tenter-stretcht and hung i' th' sun. all wo. uh , uh , uh , exeunt . enter soziman . soz. o expectation ! torture of the mind ! two hours , no more , divide me from my wishes . but oh , how many minutes make those hours ? time's sand falls grain by grain to him that waits for empire — i 'm inform'd the queen has summon'd the sorc'ress to consult — she 's here . rag. there son. gives him the bracelet . the king of shades no richer present drew from his dark store t' appease his ravish't bride : it makes thee for seven lustres more immortal . soz. i am confus'd with joy , but when i wake from th' ecstasy — rag. wave thy vain thanks , and heed the charge i give ; to night at the third watch a pow'rfull constellation reigns , till then forbear to fix it to thy longing arm. away , the queen returns . exit soziman . 't were a mean mischief and below my art , to ruine him till in close view of empire , but to prevent him in the nick , just shooting with the last stretch on his hard hunted prey , is worthy of my skill , and can almost provoke me 'gainst my contract to a smile . enter queen and amarante , with censors , as from sacrifice . qu. in vain we ply the gods with slighted incense ! some prodigy lurks in each nook to fright me ; ev'n now the altar shook as i approacht , as from the lavar to bedew the floor i heav'd a bowl , the crystal element converted in my hand to putrid gore . turns towards ragusa . o prophetess powerfull in mystick rites , be kind , and with thy sacred art assist a suppliant queen , and thou shalt be my goddess . rag. how , lady venus , is your mars prov'd false ? drought on my pois'nous drugs if ought i doe t' oblige thee queen , but for the dear delight of mischief , i 'll assist thee , teach thee how to mould his form in wax by art prepar'd of viper's fat , and gumm of stygian pines , which on a slow fire with due rites dissolv'd shall waste his entrails , melt his reins t' a gelly , for magick uses sovereign ingredient . ama. incarnate devil ! rag. or if this method like thee not , i 'll teach thee with bloud of dragons to inscribe his name , and stabb each letter with envenom'd needles . that shall t' his thinking wound his body o're with hornet's stings , there 's sport , ho , ho. qu. i seek not thee to enforce his love , but quench my own . and therefore i entreat thee set a spell to keep him port-bound , till i shall have wean'd my froward passion . rag. port-bound shall he be ! i 'll lash the coasts with such fierce gusts from sea , 't is odds i wreck his navy in the bay : nor without hope by th' by to endanger too the towers of syracuse , that guild the clouds ; but to my charm — thus circ'ling on my staff. daran be'est thou far or near , approach , i summon thee t' appear . a tune of horrour play'd , after which a dwarf spirit rises . ha! what art thou ? a spirit of earth or air ? for size thou shoud'st be one of oberon's train , a fairy elf ; but i remember not t' have seen thee in the ring on rev'ling eves , nor at the general banquet in the vale by moonlight ; dwarfin speak thy name , and why thou dost usurp the office of my spirit . spi. i 'm sent t' inform thee that the pow'rs below demand thee , for thy reign expires to night . rag. poysons and boiling sulphur ! heark the spirit , the season's drawing on , permit me live to blast one harvest more . spi. it is deni'd . rag. to force at least an earthquake when i sink to lay this stately cittadel in heaps . spi. you may not , but this night it shall become a scene of treason , rapes , and massacres . rag. i shall not perish singly then . spi. i 've done . and to my charge return : at the third watch expect me . descends . rag. queen glorious tidings ! bless the lucky hour ! qu. what says thy art ? rag. this night compleats thy ruine — keep the secret. qu. pernicious hagg ! a guard here , seize the witch . guard entring , ragusa vanishes . vanisht ? each minute of this dreadfull night teems with some miracle ; where-e're i turn fate looks me in the face . ama. madam , the prince . enter brutus , locrinus , brutus in a sea habit , speaks to saylers at his entrance . bru. to your posts sirs , and make ready to weigh off with the young floud , expect me soon aboard — i 've sworn , but dare not venture to her presence till with repeated vows i 'm arm'd a new . moves up to the queen , they sit gazing a while . madam — qu. why in this garb my lord ? bru. agues and feavers ! she seems ignorant to put me on the torture of repeating what with more pain i have already told , then raving sibylls utter oracles — think it not rudeness that i seize this hand . queen gives her hand . how i adore this goodness — yet i wish i had not — qu. had not ? bru. o there 's magick in 't . qu. then i 'll withdraw't . bru. no , for you snatch my life too with it . qu. why do you then complain ? bru. it fires my bloud ! revives the dear remembrance of those joys , that never ! never — oh my heart breaks . rising in a start . qu. you are discompos'd my lord , please you retire and rest ? bru. 't was a light swimming in my head , and to divert it i was forc't to move . your pardon madam . both sit again . qu. but my demand my lord , why in this garb ? bru. excuse and pity me the drudge of fate , fate wantonly our alban state o'rethrew , and then with the vast ruines cumbred me ; seven tedious years have i the weight sustain'd , and must sustain till on proud albion's shore i pour the load and shake the burd'ned soil . qu. my swelling passions crowd each other's way , aside . and pressing all for utterance , all are mute . bru. empire cou'd ne'r have drawn me from your feet were i the sole adventurer i' th' war , but thousands run the fortune of my play , and giving up the game i break them all . qu. when will the striving thunder break and roar ? aside . bru. long have i stray'd from the rough tracks of honour to revel in the looser vales of love , caress't like soft endymion by a goddess , but now my glorious toils i reassume ; once more in arms , new listed under fame , and with as many oaths stand re-ingag'd as heav'n has pow'rs — for i invok't 'em all . qu. goe then ingratefull , false , inhumane , goe , rising in rage . seek , search your fairy kingdoms through the flouds ; trust the false winds as i have trusted thee , and perish by 'em as by thee i perish . bru. if like the rocks relentless i must stand . aside . make me , indulgent gods , as deaf as they ! qu. curse on my ill-tim'd hospitality , i should have join'd with th' angry gods , and fir'd his pirate fleet , when storm-driv'n on my coast , and massacred his legions in a night . bru. now heav'ns your aid to fix my wav'ring heart — aside . qu. yet perjur'd prince at least i will detain this living copy of your dear false self seizing locrinus . to sooth my sorrows with the sad remembrance of fatal pleasures past . locr. your pardon madam , i cannot lose my share i' th' albian war ; th' inhabitants are all of monstrous size , like those huge sons of earth that storm'd the heav'ns , i long t' engage a foe above my reach , and dart my rapier at a giants heart . qu. your father's wrongs will end me soon , and then my crown shall fall on you . locr. i cannot wait . let dull heirs watch th' uncertain fall of pow'r ; i 'de force my fortune , win the crown i wear . qu. think'st thou the gods , if thus i am deserted , will wink at such ingratitude ? locr. dread queen , we take no final farewell ; when we have fixt our reign in albion , wee 'l invade the gauls , then scowr th' hesperian borders to this isle , till conqu'ring back we visit you again — steals off . qu. lost queen ! both gods and men to thy requests are deaf — once more i will attempt this rock . turns to brutus . the neighb'ring princes for your sake rejected on my forsaken realm will pour their war , and 'mongst their trophees lumber drag me chain'd , with whose bright presence once they coveted to grace their thrones , and honour at my feet their crowns — but let 'em come , for to preserve my dignity i 'll die immur'd with fire , these golden roofs shall burn my funeral pile ; then as you sail in dead of night , survey from your tall stern our flaming syracuse relentless , make advantage of our fate , and by our blazing temples steer your course . bru. away thou foolish utensil of war , throws away his truncheon . i 'll give my scatter'd lawrels to the wind , nor dy me more in slaughter — fame can boast no charms like these , nor with such bliss reward . qu. the gratefull brutus meant not to desert his hospitable queen in her distress ; my conscious heart told me 't was but pretence yet — trust me prince , 't was cruel to pretend ! a mournfull voice from behind the scene . whence that sad cry ? ama. from your argaces cell ; thrice has his discontented genius groan'd . qu. 't was to reprove and summon us to part . ah prince , in vain our loves with fate contend ; let 's tack and stemm the stormy tide no more . improve this season to oppose your passion , and bank against it now whilst 't is i' th' ebb. bru. i' th' ebb ? witness the o'reflowings of my heart , witness the labour of each panting nerve , my glowing art'ries and fermenting bloud , my dreams all night , and musings all the day th' innumerable deaths of ev'ry hour — qu. no more ! i am convinc't you love — too well ! yet want the pow'r t' enjoin you love me less . bru. o rapture ! killing sweets and bleeding joy : it thunders . qu. more prodigies ! then destiny 's resolv'd on our divorce — and i at last resolve it too ! i 'll take the courage which this minute gives , and while my heart will serve me , say — farewell ! bru. stay queen , oh turn ! love's farewell cannot pass so smoothly off ! a thousand thousand sighs shou'd interrupt and break the killing sound , kisses should stifle it , tears drown it , oh , oh ! — think not when banisht from your sight , i 'll toil for empire , no , to the utmost north i 'll roam , where no kind sun shall thaw the congeal'd brook to humour with soft murmurs my complaints ; stretcht on its bank i 'll knit to th' ground i press , by the neglected locks frost-bound to earth ! qu. you must not leave me with such dire resolves , you must my brutus promise to part hence , and live remov'd from your afflicted queen , yet promise to live happy too , you must , 't is all i shall enjoin you for my sake in your eternal absence . bru. bloud and fire ! i am distracted — such another sound and then your wretched brutus is no more . ghost of asaracus rises . qu. shield me ye pow'rs , turn prince and view your friend , threat'ning and pointing to his blushing wound . bru. asaracus ! — that e're that form should fright me ! pronounce , what means this visit from the grave ? was then our friendship of so strong a tye that death could not divorce ? approach cold shade , and in my bosom's warmth i 'll cherish thee . ghost descends . dissolv'd , withdrawn disdaining from my sight e're fates important message was deliver'd ! qu. his speaking frowns his embassy exprest , and the sad summons i 've sworn t' obey . bru. ha , sworn ? recall inhumane queen , recall the wing'd oath , e're it reach the gods. qu. 't is fled . bru. must then a rash vow interpose 'twixt me and life ? love spreads a feast , but you fix harpy vows to drive me from the dainties ! qu. now sacred pow'rs if e're you will assist aside . poor lab'ring vertue , my resolves secure ! bru. permit at least your slave the priviledge to breathe his last groans here ! nor shall the dolefull cry offend you long , for groveling at your feet his griefs and he will rage themselves into eternal sleep . qu. never was such a spectacle of woe ! time's self must stand surpriz'd at our distress , and stop his course to gaze on us as wonders ! rise prince , for we must yield to destiny , scatter'd and driv'n by an head-sea of fate ; again i swear , that sun shall be my last that next beholds your navy in the bay , take a quick leave , or you resolve my death . bru. oh love ! qu. o death ! bru. with what regret i leave these hills of pleasure ! leaning on the queen's breasts . mysterious worlds where all the seasons meet , the warmth of summers , and the winter's snow . qu. enough ! dismiss me from the rack — adieu ! bru. one dear last tast of bliss . qu. take , snatch it and away . bru. yet one more everlasting last . qu. i dare not for my soul — farewell . bru. kind , cruel queen eternally farewell . exit . qu. racks , daggers , poyson , — lead me amarante . ama. compose this passion : whither ? qu. any whither . to a desart , death , eternal shades , oh torture ! exeunt . enter soziman . soz. this is my dawn of pow'r , th' approaching glory dazles and wraps me into ecstasy . the lucky minute 's come , now for my bracelet , which whilst i wear it lockt to my left arm treason shall ne'r annoy me , thus i bind puts it on . my safety to me — my ambassadors shou'd now arrive — enter the captain of the guards . thy hasty looks prevent thy speech , and tell me they are come . capt. they wait with all their troops at the north gate , where i have plac't thin guard , and those made privy to our design ; the rest will be surpriz'd and yield to unequal pow'r . soz. haste and admit them . conduct 'em to the cell , where they may seize their royal prize . i 'll meet ye there . exit capt. o' th' gua. now comes my transport ! ha , what suddain cramp distorts my nerves ? i burn ! my heart bodes death ! hell , am i then mock't with a dream of empire , a pageant prince ? the monarch of an hour ? pernicious beldame ! 't is the bracelet ! oh i 'm poyson'd ! wrapt with hissing snakes about , stung in each pore — furies and threat'ning fiends around me glare — the stars shoot madly down , it thunders , the o're-charg'd clouds break , break and hurl a show'r of sulphur on my head ! fire , fire ! exit tearing his hair. scene drawing discovers the cell , queen and amarante come forward . qu. room , room , or i shall burst , my breast will rend and scatter wild-fires ! ha , who nam'd the prince ? spight of our inauspicious stars he 's brave , warlike and soft — i cannot breathe without him . fly amarante e're he reach the port , and die to hang the heavier on his feet . bid him return , the queen has given him leave — rash maid come back ! is amarante grown so base as to officiate in my shame ? o raging misery ! when shall i have rest ? my sorrows sleep ? they 'l never , never sleep ; why this unkind delay ? did i not charge you fetch back the prince ? ama. yes , and he shall return . rather then sail , his fleet shall burn i' th' bay. qu. stay , i conjure you stay — what cruel zeal prompts you to stab afresh my bleeding honour ? convey me to some distant desart shade , where i may rove through th'unfrequented gloom , and fright the list'ning satyrs with my cries . ama. soft musick , and complaining songs may calm this rage , i 've known it a successfull charm. song . written by mr. wright . bid the sad forsaken grove to sigh for ever , sigh as much as i. bid the dew fall , and the skie weep apace , weep like the queen of love : it cannot be more show'ry then her face . ah hapless deity , and still more wretched 'cause she may not die. can there be further joy in the celestial store , now my best heav'n adonis is no more , he is no more , no more ! hark , methinks i hear each tree murmur in parts as sighing breezes rise and make ( whilst time their nodding branches keep ) a mournfull symphony . the skies too find a thousand eyes to weep . ah you deceitfull skies , when my adonis fell where were those eyes ? can there be further joy in the celestial store , since the sweet youth adonis is no more , he is no more , &c. an alarm . enter a souldier of the guard. sold. treason , treason ! the cittadel's betray'd , our guards by th' agrigentines are surpriz'd , part are corrupted and assist the foe , the rest in vain resist and loyal die . ama. your cheek's rich purple fades , your sick'ning eyes threat'n a fatal change ! heav'n save the queen ! qu. my malady at last has prov'd my cure , my griefs at last have swell'd to that degree to break my o're-charg'd heart and give me ease . death thou hast shun'd me long , long fail'd my hopes , but now i 've seiz'd thee , and i 'll hold thee fast ! dies . ama. still pale — ha , speechless too ? cold ! dead ! ah queen unkindly hast thou stoln from life and me ! but i 'll pursue thee ev'n to th' other world , stabs her self . and if fate 's malice can extend so far partake thy miseries there . dies . alarm again . enter the ambassadors with guards and attendants . 1. am. let slaughter cease , all sheath your conqu'ring swords . 2. amb. prostrate ? expir'd ? then let the conqu'rers blush ! whilst we so busily engag'd i' th' fight , death snatcht the spoil and bore the prize away . 1. amb. o costly pomp of horrour ! none stand forth t' interpret this dumb scene ? enter soziman with his cloaths disorder'd stabbing himself with a dagger in each hand . soz. here ! here it heaves , but thus i give it vent ; ha! how the poyson trickles ! — what a crack was there ? again ? the icy region breaks , falls clatt'ring down , the frozen ruines tumble , and dash the seas to heav'n . sev'n suns dart through me with their scorching rays ! my sinews crack ! my bones in splinters break ! mists , sulph'rous mists confound and choak the day ! comets and fiery spectres — the earth yields , we sink , plunge head-long to eternal deeps . falls dead . 2. amb. prodigious ! 1. amb. in confusion i am lost . for their enterments we will first provide , then back to our expecting court with mourning trumpets in slow marches move , sad cypress for triumphant lawrels wear . and fun'ral flags for conqu'ring ensigns bear ! finis .

epilogue . by ragusa rising from under the stage . ho , ho ! once more to th' hated light i come to visit ye , and learn the poet's doom ; e're i cou'd see the fortune of his play , he broke my charms and hurri'd me away . the critiques think i have usurpt their right , and all the mischief i have wrought to night encroachment on their proper province , spight . i know you do by long prescription claim a priviledge to censure , rail and dam ; you pay for railing , on your charges flout , and 't is but just you take your pen'orths out . hard fate of poets ! — but ( to make 't appear witches then critiques more obliging are , ) ill teach 'em the sure way to libertie — let 'em henceforth each others vouchers be ; for they are now so large a party grown as cou'd with number bear the critiques down . then on our stage , th' adventurers in wit shall trade secure , and triumph o're the hogons of the pit.

books printed for , or sold by , iacob tonson , at the iudge's head in chancery-lane , near fleet-street . the heroin musquetier , or the female warriour ; in two parts : containing many true and delightfull adventures of a french lady , in the late campagnes of 1676. and 1677. the third and fourth parts concluding the work , are in the press . sir patient fancy a comedy , acted at the duke's theatre , and written by the authour of the rover. friendship in fashion , a comedy ; written by tho. otway : acted at the duke's theatre . mr. rimer's examination of the plays of rollo , duke of normandy , the king and no king , and the maids tragedy ; in a letter to fleetwood sheppard , esq the art of making love , or a guide for ladies and gentlemen in the affairs of love. price 1 s. pleas of the crown . written by sir matthew hales , late chief iustice of the court of king's-bench . an historical discourse of parliaments in their original before the conquest , and continuance since : together with the original growth , and continuance of these courts following . ( viz. ) the high court of chancery , king's-bench , common pleas , exchequer , dutchy , and other inferiour courts . price 1 s.

the history of king richard the second acted at the theatre royal under the name of the sicilian usurper : with a prefatory epistle in vindication of the author, occasion'd by the prohibition of this play on the stage / by n. tate. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a59496 of text r15526 in the english short title catalog (wing s2921). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.this text has not been fully proofread approx. 144 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 35 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo 2017 a59496 wing s2921 estc r15526 12431167 ocm 12431167 61959

early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a59496) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 61959) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 297:25) the history of king richard the second acted at the theatre royal under the name of the sicilian usurper : with a prefatory epistle in vindication of the author, occasion'd by the prohibition of this play on the stage / by n. tate. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. shakespeare, william, 1564-1616. king richard ii. [12], 51 [i.e. 55], [1] p. printed for richard tonson and jacob tonson ..., london : 1681. adaptation of shakespeare's richard ii. published in 1691 as: the sicilian usurper. eng shcnorichard iitate, nahum1681235644000001.7b the rate of 1.7 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2002-02tcp assigned for keying and markup 2002-03aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images 2002-04tcp staff (michigan) sampled and proofread 2002-04john latta text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-05pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion

king richard ii. the first alteration of this play was by tate , intitled , " the sicilian usurper . " it was prohibited from being performed , on which account it was published by the author in 16●1 , with a preface , in which he protests against such prohibition . in 1720 , an alteration of it was published by theobald . it was performed at the lincoln's . inn-field's theatre , with tolerable success .

the history of king richard the second acted at the theatre royal , under the name of the sicilian usurper .

with a prefatory epistle in vindication of the author .

occasion'd by the prohibition of this play on the stage .

by n. tate .

inultus ut flebo puer ? hor.

london , printed for richard tonson , and iacob tonson , at grays-inn gate , and at the judges-head in chancery-lane near fleet-street , 1681

to my esteemed friend george raynsford , esq sir ,

i wou'd not have you surpriz'd with this address , though i gave you no warning of it . the buisiness of this epistle is more vindication than complement ; and when we are to tell our grievances 't is most natural to betake our selves to a friend . 't was thought perhaps that this unfortunate off-spring having been stifled on the stage , shou'd have been buried in oblivion ; and so it might have happened had it drawn its being from me alone , but it still retains the immortal spirit of its first-father , and will survive in print , though forbid to tread the stage . they that have not seen it acted , by its being silenc't , must suspect me to have compil'd a disloyal or reflecting play. but how far distant this was from my design and conduct in the story will appear to him that reads with half an eye . to form any resemblance between the times here written of , and the present , had been unpardonable presumption in me. if the prohibiters conceive any such notion i am not accountable for that . i fell upon the new-modelling of this tragedy , ( as i had just before done on the history of king lear ) charm'd with the many beauties i discover'd in it , which i knew wou'd become the stage ; with as little design of satyr on present transactions , as shakespear himself that wrote this story before this age began . i am not ignorant of the posture of affairs in king richard the second's reign , how dissolute then the age , and how corrupt the court ; a season that beheld ignorance and infamy preferr'd to office and pow'r , exercis'd in oppressing , learning and merit ; but why a history of those times shou'd be supprest as a libel upon ours , is past my vnderstanding . 't is sure the worst complement that ever was made to a prince .

o rem ridiculam , cato , & jocasam , dignámque auribus , & tuo cachinno . ride , quicquid amas , cato , catullum res est ridicula , &c.

our shakespear in this tragedy , bated none of his characters an ace of the chronicle : be took care to shew 'em no worse men than they were , but represents them never a jot better . his duke of york after all his buisy pretended loyalty , is found false to his kinsman and sovereign , and joyn'd with the conspirators . his king richard himself is painted in the worst colours of history . dissolute , vnadviseable , devoted to ease and luxury . you find old gaunt speaking of him in this language — then there are found lascivious meeters , to whose venom found the open ear of youth do's always listen . where doth the world thrust forth a vanity , ( so it be new , there 's no respect how vile ) that is not quickly buzz'd into his ear ? that all too late comes counsel to be heard . without the least palliating of his miscarriages , which i have done in the new draft , with such words as these . your sycophants bred from your child-hood with you , have such advantage had to work upon you , that scarce your failings can be call'd your faults . his reply in shakespear to the blunt honest adviser runs thus . and thou a lunatick lean-witted-fool , &c. now by my seat's right royal majesty , wer 't thou not brother to great edward's son. the tongue that runs thus roundly in thy head shou'd run thy head from the unreverent shoulders . on the contrary ( though i have made him express some resentment ) yet he is neither enrag'd with the good advice , nor deaf to it . he answers thus —

— gentle unkle ; excuse the sally's of my youthfull blood. we shall not be unmindfull to redress ( however difficult ) our states corruptions , and purge the vanities that crowd our court.

i have every where given him the language of an active , prudent prince . preferring the good of his subjects to his own private pleasure . on his irish expedition , you find him thus bespeak his queen — though never vacant swain in silent bow'rs cou'd boast a passion so sincere as mine , yet where the int'rest of the subject calls we wave the dearest transports of our love , flying from beauties arms to rugged war , &c. nor cou'd it suffice me to make him speak like a king ( who as mr. rhymer says in his tragedies of the last age considered , are always in poëtry presum'd heroes ) but to act so too , viz. with resolution and justice . resolute enough our shakespear ( copying the history ) has made him , for concerning his seizing old gaunt's revennues , he tells the wise diswaders , say what ye will , we seize into our hands his plate , his goods , his money and his lands . but where was the iustice of this action ? this passage i confess was so material a part of the chronicle ( being the very basis of bullingbrook's vsurpation ) that i cou'd not in this new model so far transgress truth as to make no mention of it ; yet for the honour of my heroe i suppose the foresaid revennues to be borrow'd onely for the present exigence , not extorted .

be heav'n our judge , we mean him fair , and shortly will with interest restore the loan our suddain streights make necessary .

my design was to engage the pitty of the audience for him in his distresses , which i cou'd never have compass'd had i not before shewn him a wise , active and iust prince . detracting language ( if any where ) had been excusable in the mouths of the conspirators : part of whose dialogue runs thus in shakespear ; north. now afore heav'n 't is shame such wrongs are born in him a royal prince and many more of noble blood in this declining land : the king is not himself , but basely led by flatterers , &c. ross. the commons he has pil'd with grievous taxes and lost their hearts , &c. will. and daily new exactions are devis'd as blanks , benevolences , and i wot not what ; but what o' gods name doth become of this ? north. war hath not wasted it , for warr'd he has not ; but basely yielded upon comprimize . that which his ancestours atchiev'd with blows more has he spent in peace than they in war , &c. with much more villifying talk ; but i wou'd not allow even traytors and conspirators thus to bespatter the person whom i design'd to place in the love and compassion of the audience . ev'n this very scene ( as i have manag'd it ) though it shew the confederates to be villains , yet it flings no aspersion on my prince .

further , to vindicate ev'n his magnanimity in regard of his resigning the crown , i have on purpose inserted an intirely new scene between him and his queen , wherein his conduct is sufficiently excus'd by the malignancy of his fortune , which argues indeed extremity of distress , but nothing of weakness .

after this account it will be askt why this play shou'd be supprest , first in its own name , and after in disguise ? all that i can answer to this , is , that it was silenc'd on the third day . i confess , i expected it wou'd have found protection from whence it receiv'd prohibition ; and so questionless it wou'd , cou'd i have obtain'd my petition to have it perus'd and dealt with according as the contents deserv'd , but a positive doom of suppression without examination was all that i cou'd procure .

the arbitrary courtiers of the reign here written , scarcely did more violence to the subjects of their time , then i have done to truth , in disguising their foul practices . take ev'n the richard of shakespear and history , you will find him dissolute , careless , and vnadvisable : peruse my picture of him and you will say , as aeneas did of hector , ( though the figure there was alter'd for the worse and here for the better ) quantum mutatus ab illo ! and likewise for his chief ministers of state , i have laid vertues to their charge of which they were not guilty . every scene is full of respect to majesty and the dignity of courts , not one alter'd page but what breaths loyalty , yet had this play the hard fortune to receive its prohibition from court.

for the two days in which it was acted , the change of the scene , names of persons , &c. was a great disadvantage : many things were by this means render'd obscure and incoherent that in their native dress had appear'd not only proper but gracefull . i call'd my persons sicilians but might as well have made 'em inhabitants of the isle of pines , or , world in the moon , for whom an audience are like to have small concern . yet i took care from the beginning to adorn my prince with such heroick vertues , as afterwards made his distrest scenes of force to draw tears from the spectators ; which , how much more touching they would have been had the scene been laid at home , let the reader judge . the additional comedy i judg'd necessary to help off the heaviness of the tale , which design , sir , you will not only pardon , but approve . i have heard you commend this method in stage writing , though less agreeable to stricktness of rule ; and i find your choice confirm'd by our laureat's last piece , who confesses himself to have broken a rule for the pleasure of variety . * the audience ( says he ) are grown weary of melancholly scenes , and i dare prophesie that few tragedies ( except those in verse ) shall succeed in this age if they are not lightned with a course of mirth .

and now , sir , i fear i have transgrest too far on your patience . distress was always talkative : be pleas'd to call to mind your beloved virgil's nightingall when rob'd of her young . qualis populeâ moerens philomela sub umbrâ , amissos queritur foetus , quos durus arator observans , nido implumes detraxit ; at illa flet noctem , ramoque sedens , miserabile carmen integrat , & moest is late looa questibus implet . this simile you know , sir , is occasion'd by orpheus his lamenting the loss of euridice , which the mythologists expound the fruit of his labours . you find virgil himself elsewhere condoling his oppression by arrius . s●ch are the complaints of our spencer defrauded by cecill . with these , the melancholly cowley joyns his note ; and , as mr. flatman says , 't is the language of the whole tribe . i heard 'em curse their stars in ponderous rhymes , and in grave numbers grumble at the times . poetry and learning , ev'n in petronius his time , was a barren province , when villany of any sort was a thriving trade . qui pelago credit magno , se foenore tollit , qui pugnat & castra petit praecingitur auro ; vilis adulator picto jacet ebrius ostro ; et qui sollicitat nuptas , ad praemia peccat : sola pruinosis horret facundia pannis . or to go a step higher in antiquity — quid est , catulle , quod moraris emori ? sellâ in curuli struma nonius sedet , quid est , catulle , quod moraris emori ? aristotle himself confesses poetry a better school of vertue than philosophy . our own sir philip sidney's learn'd defence of it , is demonstration what rewards are due , and our late incomparable author of hudibras , is no less demonstration what returns are made to the best masters of it . not greece or rome can boast a genius like his ; yet after all , his poverty was a greater satyr on the age than his writings .

once more , sir , i beg your pardon for digressing , and dismiss you to the following poem , in which you will find some master touches of our shakespear , that will vie with the best roman poets , that have so deservedly your veneration . if it yield you any diversion i have my desire , who covet all opportunities of shewing my self gratefull for your friendship to me , which i am proud of , and amongst the many whom your ingenious and obliging temper had devoted to you , there is none that more prizes your conversation , than

your obliged friend and humble servant , n. tate .

prologue . to what a wretched state are poets born , split on the rocks of envy or of scorn ? ev'n to the best the promis'd wreath's deny'd , and just contempt attends on all beside . this one wou'd think shou'd lessen the temptation , but they are poëts by predestination . the fatal bait undaunted they persue ; and claim the laurel as their labour 's due . but where 's the vse of merit , or of laws , when ingnorance and malice judge the cause ? 'twixt these , like aesop's husband , poëts fare , this pulls the black and that the silver hair , till they have left the poëm bald and bare . behold the dreadfull spot they ought to fear , whole loads of poët-bane are scattered here . where e'er it lights the sad effects we find , tho' on the tender hearts of woman-kind . the men ( whose talents they themselves mistake , or misapply , for contradiction sake . ) spight of their stars must needs be critiques still , nay , tho' prohibited by th' irish bill . blest age ! when all our actions seem design'd to prove a war 'twixt reason and mankind ! here an affected cocquet perks and prunes , tho' she 's below the level of lampoons , venting her fly-blown charms till her own squire is grown too nice and dainty to admire . there a pretending fop ( a man of note more for his thread-bare iest than gawdy coat ) sees every coxcomb's mirth , yet wants the sense to know 't is caus'd by his impertinence . nor rests the mighty grievance here alone ; for not content with follys of our own , we plunder the fair sex of what we can , who seldom miss their dear revenge on man. their property of falshood we invade , whilst they usurp our mid-night scouring trade .

song for the third act. i. love's delights were past expressing cou'd our happy visions last , pity 't is they fly so fast ; pity 't is so short a blessing , love's delights were past expressing cou'd our happy visions last ; tide 's of pleasure in possessing sweetly flow , but soon are past . love's delights , &c. ii. calms in love are fleeting treasure , only visit and away ; hasty blessing we enjoy , tedious hours of grief we measure : calms in love are fleeting treasure , only visit and away , sighs and tears fore-run the pleasure , iealous rage succeeds the ioy. calms in love , &c.

song for the prison scene in the last act. i. retir'd from any mortals sight the pensive damon lay , he blest the discontented night , and curst the smiling day . the tender sharers of his pain , his flocks no longer graze , but sadly fixt around the swain , like silent mourners gaze . 2. he heard the musick of the wood , and with a sigh reply'd , he saw the fish sport in the flood , and wept a deeper tyde . in vain the summers bloom came on , for still the drooping swain , like autumn winds was heard to groan , out-wept the winters rain . 3. some ease ( said he ) some respite give ! why , mighty powrs , ah why am i too much distrest to live , and yet forbid to dye ? such accents from the shepherd flew whilst on the ground he lay ; at last so deep a sigh he drew , as bore his life away .

the persons names , together with those under which the play was acted . king richard , oswald . gaunt , alcidore . york , cleon. bullingbrook , vortiger . northumberland . ●●rmogenes . piercie . ross. willoughby . carlile . aumarl . exton . queen , aribell . dutchess of york . ladies , gardiners , souldiers , messengers , guards , attendants .

books newly printed for r. tonson and j. tonson .

the spanish fryer , or the double discovery . written by mr. dryden .

lucius iunius brutus , father of his country . a tragedy , written by mr. lee.

the art of making love , or rules for the conduct of ladies and gallants in their amours , price of each 1 s.

the history of king richard the ii d.

act i.

scene a chamber of state. king richard , john of gaunt , northumberland , piercie , ross , willoughby , with other nobles and attendants . king old iohn of gaunt time honour'd lancaster ; hast thou according to thy oath and bond brought hither harry herford thy bold son , here to make good th'impeachment lately charg'd against the duke of norfolk thomas mowbray ? gaunt . i have my liege . king. hast thou moreover sifted him to find if he impeach the duke on private malice ; or worthily as a good subject shou'd . gaunt . as far as i can sound him in the business on some apparent danger from the duke aim'd at your highness , no inveterate malice ! king. then set 'em in our presence face to face ; and frowning , brow to brow , our self will hear th' accuser and the accus'd both freely speak ; high-stomacht are they both and in their rage deaf as the storming sea , hasty as fire . bulling-brook and mowbray from several entrances . bull. now many years of happy day's befal my gracious soveraign my most honour'd liege . mow. each day exceeding th' others happiness till heav'n in jealousie to earth's success add an immortal title to your crown . king. cousin of herford what dost thou object against the duke of norfolk thomas mowbray ? bull. first then be heav'n the record to my speech . , that in devotion to a subjects love ( not on suggestions of a private hatred ) come i appealant to this princely presence . — now thomas mowbray do i turn to thee , and mark my greeting well ; for what i speak my body shall make good upon this earth , or my divine soul answer it in heav'n : thou art a trayter to the king and state , a foul excrescence of a noble stem ; to heav'n i speak it , and by heav'n 't is true , that thou art treason spotted , false as hell , and wish ( so please my soveraign ) ere we move , what my tongue speaks , my right drawn sword may prove . mow. let not the coldness of my language draw my sov'reign liege your censure on my zeal , 't is not the tryal of a womans war , the senseless clamour of contending tongues can arbitrate the diffrence 'twixt us two , the blood is hot that must be cool'd for this : the reverence of this presence curbs my speech , that else had shot like lightning and return'd this charge of treason , to the sland'rers throat : set but aside his high blood 's royalty , and let him be no kins-man to the king. allow me this , and bulling-brook's a villain ; which to maintain i will allow him odds , pursue him bare-foot to the farthest north , whose chastisement i tamely now forbear , bull. white-liver'd coward there i throw my gage , disclaiming my relation to the king , which fear , not reverence make thee to object ; if guilty dread has left thee so much strength , stoop and take up forthwith my honour's pawn ; by that and all the rights of knight-hood else i will make good against thee arm to arm what i have said , and seal it with thy soul. mow. i seize it herford as i wou'd seize thee , and by the sword that laid my knight-hood on me i 'll answer thee in any knightly tryal as hot in combate as thou art in brawl . king. what do's our cousen lay to norfolk's charge ? bull. first then i say ( my sword shall prove it true ) that mow-bray has receiv'd eight thousand nobles in name of lendings for your highness service , all which for lew'd employments he detains like a false traytor and injurious villain ; besides i say and will in combate prove , that all the treasons , plots , conspiracies hatcht for these eighteen years within this realm , fetcht from false mowbray their first spring and head : farther i say , and on his heart will prove it , that he did plot the duke of gloster's death , whose martial ghost to me for vengeance cryes , and by the glorious worth of my descent this arm shall give it , or this blood be spent . king. how high a pitch his resolution soars . thomas of norfolk what say'st thou to this ? mow. o let my sov'raign turn away his face and bid his ear a little while be deaf , till i have told this slander of his blood , how heav'n and good men hate so foul a lyar. king. now by our sceptres awe i tell thee mowbray , were he my brother , nay my kingdoms heir , our blood shou'd nothing priviledge him , nor bend our upright soul from justice . mow. then bulling-brook as low as to thy heart thou ly'st ; three parts of my receits for callice i have disburst amongst his highness souldiers ; the rest i by the king's consent reserv'd upon remainder of a dear account , since last i went to fetch the queen from france . first swallow down that lye — for gloster's death i slew him not , but rather to my fault neglected my sworn duty in that case , compassion being here all my offence . and for the rest of thy perfidious charge , it issues from the rancour of a villain , the flowing gall of a degenerate traytor , in proof of which i summon thee to combate , beseeching of his majesty the grace to my wrong'd fame t' appoint our tryal-day where herford's blood shall for his slanders pay , and wash the poyson of his tongue away . king. rash men , thus long we have giv'n you the hearing , now let the pleasure of your king be heard ; and know our wisdom shall prescribe a way to purge this choller without letting blood , forget , forgive , conclude and be agreed , gaunt , see this difference end where it begun , wee 'l calm the duke of norfolk , you your son. gaunt . to be a peace-maker becomes my age throw down my son the duke of norfolk's gage . king. and norfolk throw down his . gaunt . when harry when ? obedience bids , i shou'd not bid again . king. will norfolk when the king commands be slow ? mow. my self dread sov'raign at your feet i throw ; my life you may command , but not my shame , i cannot give , nor will you ask my fame ; i am impeacht , disgrac't before my king , pierc't to the soul with slanders venom'd sting , incurable but by the traytor 's blood that breath'd the poyson . king. rage must be withstood ; give me his gage , lyons make leopards tame . mow. yes , but not change their spots , take but my shame , and i resign my gage ; my dear dread lord , the purest treasure mortal times afford is spotless honour ; take but that away men are but guilded loam and painted clay . king. cousin , throw down his gage , do you begin , bull. just heav'n defend me from so foul a sin . condemn not sir your blood to such disgrace ! shall i seem brav'd before my father's face ? no , royal sir , ere my blaspheaming tongue shall do my loyalty so foul a wrong , or sound so base a parle , by th' roots i 'le tear the slavish herrald of so vile a fear , and spit it bleeding where the worst disgrace , and slanders harbour , ev'n in mowbray's face . king. now by my scepter you have wak't my spleen , and since we sue in vain to make ye friends , prepare to meet before us in the lists , you shall , and he that bauk's the combat , dies . behold me give your head-long fury scope , each to chastise the others guilty pride . what council cannot , let the sword decide . exeunt .

scene the second . enter dutchess of glocester in mourning . dutch. how slow alas the hours of sorrow fly , whose wings are dampt with tears ! my dear , dear gloster , i have more than a widdows loss to mourn , she but laments a death ; but i a murder . enter gaunt . gaunt . when sister will you find the way to comfort ? dutch. when gaunt has found the way to vengeance , comfort before that hour were guilty . edwards seven sons ( whereof thy self art one ) where as seven viols of his sacred blood , or seven fair branches springing from one stock ; some of those streams by natures course are dry'd , some of those branches by the destinies cut ; but thomas , my dear lord , my life , my gloster , one flourishing branch of that most royal stem , is hew'd and all his verdant leaves disperst , by envies hand and murders bloody axe . gaunt . sister , the part i have in gloster's blood , do's more sollicite me than your exclaims , to stir against the butchers of his life ; but since revenge is heav'ns prerogative , put we our quarrel to the will of heav'n . enter york . york .

save ye sister — very hot ! oh ! hot weather and hot work : come brother , the lists are ready ; the fight will be worth the while : besides your concern there is somewhat more than ordinary . i' faith now i cou'd be content to have harry scape ; but for all that i wou'd have the traytor die .

gaunt . cou'd my impartial eye but find him such , fell mow-bray's sword should come to late . dutch. where shall my sorrows make their last complaint , if york deny me too ? york .

what wou'd our sister ?

dutch.

revenge , and speedy for my glosters death .

york .

why there 't is — revenge , ho ! a fine morsel for a lady fasting , gloster was my brother , true — but gloster was a traytor and that 's true too — i hate a traytor more than i love a brother .

dutch.

a traytor york ?

york .

't is somewhat a course name for a kinsman , but yet to my thinking , to raise an army , execute subjects , threaten the king himself , and reduce him to answer particulars , has a very strong smatch with it — go too , you are in fault , your complaints are guilty ; your very tears are treason . no remedy but patience .

dutch. call it not patience , york , 't is cold despair , in suffering thus your brother to be slaughter'd , you shew the naked path to your own lives ; ah! had his fate been yours my gloster wou'd have set a nobler prince upon your lives . york . this air grows infectious : will you go brother . dutch. but one word more , grief ever was a talker , but i will teach him silence ; of you both i take eternal leave . comforts wait on you when i am laid in earth : to some dark cell will i betake me , where this weary life shall with the taper waste : there shall i greet , no visitant but death — adieu ! my lords ! if this farewell your patience has abus'd , think 't was my last , and let it be excus'd . exeunt .

scene the third . a pavilion of state before the lists . marshal and aumerle from several entrances . marsh. my lord aumerle is harry herford arm'd ? aum. yes , at all points and longs to enter in , marsh. the duke of norfolk sprightfully and bold waits but the summons of the appealants trumpet , but see , the king. flourish , enter king , queen attended , gaunt , york , pierce , northumberland , &c. who place themselves to view the combat . mowbray brought in by a herald . king. marshal demand of yonder combatant , why he comes here , and orderly proceed to swear him in the justice of his cause . marsh. in the kings name say who thou art and what 's thy quarrel ? speak truly on thy knighthood and thy oath , so heav'n defend thee and thy valour . mow. hither is mowbray come upon his oath , to justifie his loyalty and truth , against false bullingbrook that has appeal'd me , and as i truly fight defend me heav'n . trumpet again . bullingbrook and herald . king. demand of yonder knight why he comes here , and formally according to our law , depose him in the justice of his cause . marsh. thy name , and wherefore thou art hither come before king richard in his royal lists , speak like a true knight : so defend thee heav'n , bull. harry of herford , lancaster and derby , stands here in arms to prove on thomas mowbray , that he 's a traytor to the king and state , and as i truly fight defend me heav'n . but first lord marshal i entreat the grace to kiss my soveraigns hand and do him homage , for mowbray and my self are like to men that vow along and weary pilgrimage , therefore shou'd take a ceremonious leave and tender farewel of our several friends . marsh. th'appealant in all duly greets your highness , craving to kiss your hand and take his leave . king. we will descend and fould him in our arms ; now cousin , as thy cause is just , so be thy fortune in this royal fight ; farewel my blood , which if thou chance to shed , lament we may , but not revenge the dead . bull. no noble eye be seen to loose a tear on me if i be foil'd by mowbrays arm ; as confident as is the faulcon's flight at tim'rous birds do i with mowbray fight . o thou the gen'rous author of my blood , [ to gaunt . whose youthful spirit enflames and lifts me up to reach at victory above my head , add proof to this my armour with thy pray'rs , and with thy blessings point my vengeful sword to furbish new th' illustrious name of gaunt . mow. however heaven or fortune cast my lot , there lives or dies a just and loyal man : never did wretched captive greet the hour of freedom with more welcome or delight than my transported soul do's celebrate this feast of battle — blessings on my king , and peace on all . king. farewell my lord , virtue and valour guard thee : marshal finish . marsh. harry of herford , lancaster and derby , receive thy sword and heav'n defend thy right , fear this to mowbray . mow. curse on your tedious ceremonies , more to us tormenting then t'expecting bridegrooms . the signal for heav'ns sake . marsh. sound trumpets , and set forward combatants . stay , stay , the king has thrown his warder down . king. command the knights once more back to their posts , and let the trumpets sound a second charge , whilst with our lords we briefly do advise . another flourish after which the king speaks . command 'em to resigne their arms , and listen to what we with our council have decreed , for that our eyes detest the spectacle of civil wounds , from whence the dire infection of general war may spring , we bar your combat , suppress those arms that from our coast wou'd fright fair peace , and make us wade in kinsmen's blood : and lest your neighbour-hood cause after-broils , we banish you our realms to different climes , you bullingbrook on pain of death , till twice five summers have enircht our fields . bull. and must this be your pleasure ? well ! your pleasure stand , 't will be my comfort still , the sun that warms you here , shall shine on me and guild my banishment . king. mowbray for thee remains a heavier doom , the slow succeeding hours shall not determine the dateless limit of thy dear exile , the hopeless word of never to return , breath we against thee upon pain of death . mow. a heavy sentence my most sov'raign lord , the language i have learnt these forty years , my native english must i now forgo ? i am too old to fawn upon a nurse , and learn the prattle of a forraign tongue . what is thy sentence then , but speechless death ? you take the cruelst way to rob my breath . king. complaint comes all too late where we decree . mow. then thus i turn me from my countries light , pleas'd with my doom because it pleas'd the king , farewell my lord , now mowbray cannot stray , let me shun england , all the worlds my way . king. return again and take an oath with thee . lay on our royal sword your banisht hands , swear by the duty that you owe to heav'n nere to embrace each others love in banishment , nor ever meet , nor write to reconcile this lowring tempest of your home-bred hate , nor plot to turn the edge of your revenge , on us , our state , our subjects and our land. bull. i swear . mow. and i to keep all this ! bull. by this time mowbray , had the king permitted , one of our souls had wandered in the air , as now our flesh is doomd on earth to wander , confess thy treason ere thou fly the land ; since thou hast far to go , bear not along th'incumbring burden of a guilty soul. mow. no bullingbrook , if ever i were false , let heav'n renounce me as my country has ; but what thou art , heav'n , thou and i do know , and all ( my heart forbodes ) too soon shall rue . my absence then shall yet this comfort bring , not to behold the troubles of my king. [ exit . king. uncle within thy tear-charg'd eyes i read thy hearts fell sorrow , and that troubled look , has from the number of his banisht years pluckt four away ; six frozen winters spent , return with welcome from thy banishment . gaunt . i thank my liege , that in regard to me , he cuts off four years from my sons exile , but small advantage shall i reap thereby , for ere those slow six years can change their moons , my inch of taper will be spent and done , nor gaunt have life to welcom home his son. king. despair not uncle , you have long to live . gaunt . but not a minute king that thou canst give . king. thy son was banisht upon advice , to which thy tongue a party — verdict gave , gaunt . my interest i submitted to your will , you urg'd me like a judge , and i forgot a father's name , and like a strict judge doom'd him. alas i look'd when some of you should say , i was too strict to make my own away ! but all gave leave to my unwilling tongue , to do my ag'd heart this unnatural wrong . king. now for the rebels that hold out in ireland , and turn our mild forbearance to contempt , fresh forces must be levi'd with best speed , ere farther leisure yield them further strength , we will our self in person to this war , and quench this flame before it spread too far . ex. with attendants . gaunt . o to what purpose dost thou hoard thy words , when thou shouldst breath dear farewels to thy friends that round thee , all like silent mourners gaze . bull. they will not censure me whose scanty time and breath 's too little to take leave of you . my dear companions you have known my heart too long , to doubt it on a silent grief — ha! by my swelling blood my father 's pale ! how fare's your honour ? good my lords your hands . gaunt . i feel a heaviness like death , and hope it is no counterfeit — all shall be well . bull. by heav'n it shall — i feel my veins work high , and conscious glory kindling in my brest , inspires a thought to vast to be exprest ; where this disgrace will end the heav'ns can tell , and herford's soul divines , that 't will be well ! a beam of royal splendor strikes my eye , before my charm'd sight , crowns and scepters fly ; the minutes big with fate , too slowly run , but hasty bullingbrook shall push 'em on . [ ex.

the end of the first act.

act ii.

a chamber . gaunt sick , to him york . york .

now brother , what cheer ?

gaunt .

why well , 't is with me as old gaunt cou'd wish .

york .

what , harry sticks with you still ; well i hear he 's safe in france and very busie .

gaunt .

my blood were never idle .

york .

i fear too busie ; come , he 's a parlous boy , i smell a confed'racy betwixt him and his companions here , mischief will come on 't , cut him off i say ; let him be kites-meat — i would hang a son , to kill a traytor .

gaunt .

go sleep good york and wake with better thoughts .

york .

heav'n grant we sleep not all 'till alarums wake us . i tell you brother i lik'd not the manner of his departure , 't was the very smooth smiling face of infant rebellion ; with what familiar courtesie did he caress the rabble ?

what reverence did he throw away on slaves ? off goes his bonnet to an oysterwench , a brace of dray-men bid god speed him well and had the tribute of his supple knee , then shakes a shoo-maker by the waxt thumbs , with thanks my country-men , my friends , my brothers , then comes a peal of sighs wou'd knock a church down , roguery , mechanick roguery ! rank treason , gaunt .

my sickness grows upon me , set me higher .

york .

villany takes its time , all goes worse and worse in ireland , rebellion is there on the wing , and here in the egg ; yet still the court dances after the french pipe , eternal apes of vanity : mutiny stirring , discipline asleep , knaves in office , all 's wrong ; make much of your sickness brother : if it be mortal , 't is worth a duke-dome .

gaunt . how happy heav'n were my approaching death cou'd my last words prevail upon the king , whose easie gentle nature has expos'd his unexperienc'd youth to flatterers frauds ; yet at this hour , i hope to bend his ear to councel , for the tongues of dying men enforce attention like deep harmony : where words are scarce , th' are seldom spent in vain , for they breath truth , that breath their words in pain . enter king , queen , northumberland , ross , willoughby , piercye , &c. with guards and attendants . queen . how fares our noble uncle lancaster ? king. how is 't with aged gaunt ? gaunt . ag'd as your highness says , and gaunt indeed . gaunt , as a grave whose womb holds nought but bones , king. can sick men play so nicely with their names ? gaunt . since thou dost seek to kill my name in me , i mock my name great king to flatter thee . king. should dying men then , flatter those that live ? gaunt . no , no , men living flatter those that dye . king. thou now a dying sayst , thou flatter'st me . gaunt . oh! no , thou dyest though i the sicker am , king. i am in health breath , free but see thee ill gaunt . now he that made me knows i see thee ill . thy death-bed is no less than the whole land , whereon thou ly'st in reputation sick . yet hurri'd on by a malignant fate commit'st thy annoynted body to the cure of those physitians that first poyson'd thee ! upon thy youth a swarm of flatterers hang and with their fulsome weight are daily found to bend thy yielding glories to the ground . king. judge heav'n how poor a thing is majesty , be thou thy self the judge , when thou sick wight presuming on an agues priviledge dar'st with thy frozen admonition , make pale our cheek , but i excuse thy weakness . gaunt . think not the ryot of your court can last , tho fed with the dear life blood of your realms ; for vanity at last preys of it self . this earth of majesty , this seat of mars , this fortress built by nature in the floods , whose rocky shores beat back the foaming sedge , this england conqu'rour of the neighbring lands , makes now a shameful conquest on it self . york . now will i stake ( my liege ) my soul upon 't ; old gaunt is hearty in his wishes for you , and what he speaks , is out of honest zeal , and tho thy anger prove to me as mortal , as is to him this sickness , yet blunt york must eccho to his words and cry , thou art abus'd and flatter'd . king. gentle uncle , excuse the sallies of my youthful blood , i know y' are loyal both and mean us well , nor shall we be unmindful to redress , ( however difficult ) our states corruption , and purge the vanities that crown'd our court. gaunt . my gracious liege your pardon , this bold duty , was all that stood betwixt my grave and me , your sycophants bred from your child-hood with you , have such advantage had to work upon you , that scarce your failings can be call'd your faults ; now to heav'ns care and your own piety , i leave my sacred lord , and may you have in life that peace that waits me in the grave . king. thanks my good uncle , bear him to his bed , [ exit gaunt . attend him well , and if a princes prayers have more than common interest with heav'n , our realm shall yet enjoy his honest councel . and now my souldiers for our irish wars , we must suppress these rough prevailing kerns , that live like venom , where no venom else but only they have priviledg to live . but first our uncle gaunt being indispos'd , we do create his brother both in blood and loyalty our uncle york , lord governour of england , in our absence observe me lords , and pay him that respect you give our royal presence . [ enter northumberland . north. my liege old gaunt commends him to your highness . king. what says our uncle ? north. nothing ; all is said . his tongue is now a stringless instrument , but call'd on your lov'd name and blest you dying . king. the ripest fruit falls first and so doe's he , his course is done , our pilgrimage to come , so much for that ; return we to our war and cause our coffers with too great a court and liberal largess , are grown somewhat light : prest with this exigence , we for a time do seize on our dead uncles large revenues in herford's absence . york .

o my liege pardon me if you please , if not , i please not to be pardon'd , spare to seize the royalties and rights of banisht herford , i fear already he 's too apt t' engage against your power , and these proceedings will give countenance and growth to his designs , forbear to draw such dangers on your head.

king. be heav'n our judge we mean him nothing fowl but shortly will with interest restore the loan our sudden streights make necessary . — weep not my love nor drown with boding tears , our springing conquest , bear our absence well , nor think that i have joy to part with thee , tho never vacant swain in silent bowers , cou'd boast a passion so sincere as mine , yet where the int'rest of the subject calls , we wave the dearest transports of our love flying from beauty ' arms to rugged war ; conscience our first , and thou our second care. [ exeunt . manent , morthumberland , piercy , ross , willoughby . north. well lords , the duke of lancaster is dead . will. and living too if justice had her right , for herford then were more than a bare name , who now succeeds departed gaunt in nothing , but in his mind 's rich virtues , the kings pleas'd to have occasion for his temporal wealth ! o my heart swells , but let it burst with silence , ere it be disburden'd with a liberal tongue . perc. now rot the tongue that scants a subjects freedom , loosers at least are priviledgd to talk , and who accounts not herfords looss his own deserves not the esteem of herford's friend . there 's none of us here present but did weep at parting , and if there be any one whose tears are not converted now to fire he is a crocadile . north. the fate of bullingbrook will soon be ours , we hear the tempest sing yet seek no shelter , we see our wreck and yet securely perish , a sure , but willful fate — for had ye spirits but worthy to receive it , i cou'd say how near the tidings of our comfort is . pierc . give us thy thoughts and rate 'em as thou wilt , here 's blood for 'em , but point us to the veins that hold the richest , we will empty those , to purchase ' em . north. hold generous youth . this gallantry unlocks my inmost brest , seizing a secret dearer than my heart . attend me lords , i have from port le blanc this very day receiv'd intelligence , that our wrong'd herford with lord rainold cobham , sir thomas arpingham , bold sir iohn rainston , sir robert waterton , quaint , norbery , with eight tall ships , three thousand men in arms , design with speed to touch our northern shore , if then you have a spark of british glory , to imp our drooping countries broken wing , joyn hands with me and post to ravenspurg . ross. now business stirs and life is worth our while . will. nature her self of late hath broke her order , then why should we continue our dull round ? rivers themselves refuse their wonted course , start wide or turn on their own fountain heads ; our lawrels all are blasted , rambling meteors affright the fixst inhabitants of heav'n . the pale fac't moon looks bloody on the earth , and lean-lookt prophets whisper dreadful change . pierc . away , let 's post to th' north , and see for once a sun rise there ; the glorious bulling-brook . for our return will not pass a thought , for if our courtiers passage be withstood , we 'll make our selves a sea and sail in blood. [ exeunt . enter queen attended . lady . despair not madam . queen . who shall hinder me ? i will despair and be at enmity , with flattering hope , he is a couzener , a parasite , a keeper back of death , that wou'd dissolve at once our pain and life , which lingring hope holds long upon the rack ; yet murders at the last the cruel'st way . lady . here comes the duke . [ enter york and servants . queen . with signs of war about his aged neck , and full of careful business are his looks . york .

death and confusion ! oh ! — set my corsleet right , fetch my commanding sword : scour up the brown bills , arm , arm , arm.

queen .

now uncle for heav'ns sake speak comfort .

york .

comforts in heav'n , and we are on the earth , nothing but crosses on this side of the moon ; my heart stews in choller , i shall dissolve to a gelly . that your husband shou'd have no more wit than to go a knight erranting whilst rogues seize all at home , and that i shou'd have no more wit than to be his deputy at such a proper time : to undertake to support a crazy government , that can scarce carry my own fat : well sirrah , have you given my son orders to strengthen his forces ? if he prove a flincher too . —

gent. my lord i know not how he stands affected , not well , i fear , because at my arrival he was withdrawn , at least pretended so so that i cou'd not give him your commands . york .

why so ? go all which way it will , the nobles are all fled , and hide themselves like my ungracious rascal , or else strike in with the rebels ; the commons find our exchequer empty and revolt too , and a blessed bargain i have on 't .

queen . alass my bank and jewels are dispos'd off for the kings wants already , and to wait till fresh recruits come from our fathers court , i fear will lose our cause . york . get thee to plashy to my sister gloster , her coffers i am sure are strongly lin'd , bid her send me presently 50000. nobles . hold — take my ring , fly if thou lov'st thy head. gent. my lord i had forgot to tell you that to day passing by there i was inform'd — but i shall grieve you to report the rest . york . what is 't knave ? gent. an hour before i came the dutches dy'd , her son your nephew ere her blood was cold , makes all secure and flies to bullingbrook . york .

death what a tide of woes break upon us at once . perverse woman to take this time to die in , and the varlet her son too to take this time to play the villain in : wou'd to heav'n the king had cut off my head as he did my brothers , come sister — couzen i would say , pray pardon me , if i know how to order these perplext affairs , i am a sturgeon . gentlemen go muster up your men , and meet me at barkley castle . i should to plashie too , but time will not suffer ; the wind 's cross too , and will let us hear nothing from ireland , nor boots it much , if they have no better news for us , than we have for them . all 's wrong , oh! fie , hot ! hot !

[ exeunt .

scene the third . the field , flourish enter . bullingbrook , northumberland , piercy , and the rest with their powers . bull. and thus like seamen , scatter'd in a storm meet we to revel on the safer shore ; accept my worthy friends , my dearest thanks , for yet my infant fortunes can present returns no richer but when these are ripe , — north. your presence was the happiness we sigh'd for , and now made rich in that we seek no more . enter ross , and willoughby . bull. my lords , y' are well return'd , what news from wales , we hear that salisbury has levi'd there full 40000 on the kings behalf . ross. my lord , that cloud 's disperst , the welshmen hearing that all the north here had resign'd to you , disperst themselves and part are hither fled . will. fortune so labours to confirm your pow'r that all attempts go cross on the enemies side . enter york and servants . bull. but see our uncle york , come as i guess to treat with us , being doubtful of his strength , his hot and testie humour else wou'd nere salute us but with blows ; be ready guards when i shall give command — my noble uncle . york . shew me thy humble heart and not thy knee , whose duty 's feign'd and false . bull. my gracious uncle . york . tut , tut , grace me no grace , and uncle me no uncle , i am no traytors uncle , i renounce thee , why have these banisht and forbidden feet dar'd once to touch a dust of english ground , but more then why , why have they dar'd to march so many miles upon her peaceful bosom , frighting her pale-fac't villages with war ? com'st thou because th' annointed king is hence , why graceless boy the king is left behind and in my loyal bosom lies the power : were i but now the lord of such hot youth , as when brave gaunt thy father and my self rescu'd the black prince , that young mars of men , o then how quickly should this arm of mine , ( now pris'ner to the palsie ) chastise thee , and this raw crew of hot-braind youth about thee ? your boys should have correction , much correction . bull. why reverend uncle , let me know my fault on what condition stands it and wherein ? york . even in condition of the worst degree , in gross rebellion and detested treason , thou art a banisht man and here art come , before the expiration of thy time , in braving arms against thy sovereign . bull. as i was banisht , i was banisht herford , but as i come i come for lancaster , look on my wrongs with an indifferent eye , you are my father , for methinks in you , i see old gaunt alive : o then my father will you permit that i shall stand condemnd a wandring vagabond , my rights and royalties snatcht from my hand perforce and giv'n away to up-start unthrifts ? wherefore was i born ? if that my cousen king , be king of england , it must be granted i am duke of lancaster , york . thy words are all as false as thy intents , the king but for the service of the state , has borrow'd thy revenue for a time , and pawn'd to me his honour to repay it , which i as gaunt executour allow'd . bull.

then uncle i am sorry you have drawn the guilt on your own head , and that of course justice must fall there too ; we must commit you to our guards custody .

york . perfidious villain , now he that has a soul give me a sword ! and since my followers are too few to engage , give but this villain here and me a ring , and if you do not see a traytor cudgell'd , as a vile traytor should , i 'll give ye leave to hang my brawn i' th' sun. north. the duke has sworn he comes but for his own , and in that claim we all resolve to assist him . york . what says northumberland ? thou rev'rend rebel , think what a figure makes thy beard amongst this callow crew ; allow that he were wrong'd , as on the kings faith and mine he is not , yet in this kind to come with threatning arms , to compass right with wrong , it may not be ; and you that do abet him in this sort from the hoar'd head to the raw beardless chin , cherish rebellion , and are rebels all . bull. we have not leisure to debate ; strike drums . york .

now the villains curse light on thee , and if thou dost seize the crown , mayst thou be more plagu'd with being king , than i am with being deputy .

scene the fourth . enter rabble ] a shoomaker , farrier , weaver , tanner , mercer , brewer , butcher , barber , and infinite others with a confused noise .

1. silence hea ! i revelation stitch command silence .

all.

peace hoa !

1. am i not nobly descended and honourably born ?

2. right , the field is honourable , and there was he born under a hedge .

1. have i not born commission with watt tyler ( witness our luminary lost in that service ) and was i not president at iack straw's councel , to kill all the nobility and clergy ; but the fryers mendicant , that in our reign wou'd soon have starv'd out o' th' way ?

all.

hum ! hum ! hem !

1. what place then do our guifts desere at such a season , where the temporal king is absent and usurpers invade ?

2. why , it behoveth thee to take unto thee a good conscience , and make thy felf king.

1. simon shuttle , i never lik't thy politicks , our meanest brethren pretend to the spirit of governing , our talent is to govern the governour ; therefore as bullingbrook shall approve himself to our liking , we will fix him upon the last of the government , or cast him out amongst the shreds and shavings of the common-wealth .

4. but pray neighbour , what is this same common-wealth ?

3. you may see it at smithfield all the fair-time , 't is the butt end of the nation .

5. peace hea ! hear master revelation expound it .

1. why the common-wealth is a-kin to your-a-republick , like man and wife , the very same thing , only the common-wealth is the common-wealth and the republick is the republick .

2. what an excellent spirit of knowledge is here ?

3. wee 'l have no more bills nor bonds , but all shall be reduc't to the score and tally .

4. no physick , but what shall be administer'd in a horn.

5. we 'l have priviledges taken off , and all sorts compell'd to pay their debts .

7. i except against that , i would rather break , than have gentlemen out of my debt ; it gives us priviledg of being sawcy : how are we fain to cringe 'till we have got them into our books ? and then i warrant we can cock up with the best of ' em . i hate mortally to be paid off , it makes a man such a sneaking rascal .

1. we will have strict and wholsom laws —

6. laws , strict laws , so will there be no mischief done , and our profession starve . i 'll ha' no laws .

others , no laws , no laws , no laws .

others , laws , laws , laws .

they scuffle .

1. hark , bullingbrook approaches , put your selves in posture , and sow-gelder , wind me a strong blast to return their complement .

flourish here . ] enter bullingbrook with his army . north. behold my lord an object strange and suddain , the rabble up in arms to mock your pow'rs , as once the indian apes are said to have done to alexander's army . pierc . death my lord. permit me play for once the scavinger , and sweep this dirt out of your way . bull. gently my valiant piercy . rage is the proper weapon of these bruits , with which 't is odds , they foil us , rainston go to 'em , bespeak 'em fair , and know what caus'd this tumult .

1. oh an envoy ! know of him his quality .

4. 't is sir iohn rainston , i have wrought for him .

1. down on thy knee ; now ( because we will observe decorums of state ) rise up sir iohn drench and treat with him .

bull. hold rainston , we will treat with 'em in person , for in their looks i read a sober judgment , all carefull to preserve the publick weal , chiefly this awful man , to whose grave censure we do refer the justice of our arms.

2. goodly ! what a gracious person he is .

bull. i weep for joy , to see so brave a spirit , so jealous of your liberty and rights . trust me my countrymen , my friends , my brothers , 't is worthy of the fame the world affords you , and that curst limb that stirs against your priviledges , why , let it rot , tho' it were this right hand . all. a bullingbrook ! a bullingbrook ! &c. bull. mistake not my dear countrymen our purpose , you think perhaps cause we are now arriv'd , with formal arms , in absence of the king , that we take this occasion to usurp , alas we harbour no such foul design .

1. how 's that ? not usurp ? hear ye that neighbours ? he refuses to usurp .

others , fall on then , he is not for our turn , down with him .

1. sir , we shall give you to understand that we want a usurper , and if you refuse to usurp you are a traytor , and so we put our selves in battail array .

bull. yet hear me — what you mean by usurpation , i may mistake , and beg to be informd . if it be only to ascend the throne , to see that justice has a liberal course , in needful wars to lead you forth to conquest , and then dismiss you laden home with spoils ; if you mean this , i am at your disposal , and for your profit am content to take the burden of the state upon my hands . all , a bullingbrook , a bullingbrook , &c.

1. one word of caution friend , be not chicken-hearted , but pluck up a spirit for the work before thee ; it was revealed to me that now there should arise a son of thunder , a second tyler — and i am resolv'd the vision shall not lie ; therefore i say again pluck up a spirit ; otherwise i shall discharge my conscience and usurp my self .

bull. friends think me not made of such easie phlegm , that i can timely pocket wrongs ; if so why come i thus in arms to seek my right ? no sirs , to give you proof that bullingbrook can do bold justice , here stands one example : this bold presumer that dares call in question , the courage of the man you choose for king , shall die for his offence , guards hang him up .

1. why neighbours will ye thus give up your light ? who shall reveal to ye , to save you from the poyson of the whore and the horns of the beast .

2. he had no vision to foretel this , therefore deserves hanging for being a false prophet .

bull. thus as a ruler , justice bids me doom , but for my private part i weep to think that blood shou'd be the prologue to my reign .

4. good prince he weeps for him ! neighbour revelation depart in peace . for thy honour it will be recorded that bullingbrook was crown'd and thou hang'd all on a day .

1. what a spirit of delusion has seiz'd ye ? why thus will this rav'nous storck devour ye all ? do , do , deliver me to the gibbet , and let the next turn be yours , thus shall these nobility rascals hold you in slavery , seize your houses over your heads , hang your sons and ravish your daughters .

all , say ye so ? they must excuse us for that : fall on neighbors . a rescue , a rescue , &c. bull. hold gentlemen , if i have done ye wrong , the fault is mine and let me suffer for 't ; but be not thus injurious to your selves , to fling your naked breasts on our swords points . alas it will not be within my pow'r , to save ye , when my troops are once enrag'd . therefore give up this vile incendiary , who as you see , to save his miscreant life , seeks to expose all yours — trust me i weep to think that i must loose a member — but let justice have its course . all , ay , ay , let justice have it's course , hang , hang him up . a bullingbrook , a bullingbrook , a bullingbrook , &c , exeunt .

act the third .

scene the first . enter king richard , aumerle , carlile , &c. souldiers . king. barklay-castle , call you this at hand ? aum. the same my lord , how brooks your grace the air , after long tossing on the breaking seas . king. needs must i like it , well , i weep for joy to stand upon my kingdom once again , dear earth i do salute thee with my hand , tho' rebells wound thee with their horses hoofs ; feed not thy sov'raigns foes my gentle earth , nor with thy fragrant sweets refresh their sense , with thorns and brambles choak their treacherous way ; and when they stoop to rob thee of a flow'r , guard it i pray thee with a lurking adder ! serpents with serpents fitly will engage — mock not my senseless conjuration lords , this earth shall have a feeling , and these stones rise souldiers arm'd before their native king , shall falter under foul rebellious arms. carlile . doubt not my lord , the conduct and the courage with which you have supprest one rebel crew , will crown your temples with fresh lawrells here ; how have we else employ'd our absent time but practising the way to victory . aum. i fear my lord that we are too remiss whilst bullingbrook through our security , strengthens himself in substance and in friends . king. desponding cousin dost thou not consider that when the searching eye of heav'n is hid , then thieves and robbers do securely range , alarm with cryes of murther starting sleep , and fill with out-rages the guilty shades , but when the day 's discov'ring rays return , firing the proud tops of the eastern pines , and dart their lightnings through each guilty nook then murders , treasons , and detested crimes , dismantled from the cloak of night , stand bare , and tremble at their own deformity ! so , when this thief night-rev'ling bullingbrook shall see our beams of majesty return'd , his treasons shall sit blushing on his face , not able to endure the sight of day . carl. not all the waters of th'unfathom'd sea can wash the balm from an annointed king. king. move we secure then in our royal right , to th' traytors executions , not to fight . [ exeunt .

scene the second . a garden . queen dutches of york , and other ladies . queen . our uncle york's delay brings fresh suspition , that we are pris'ners in a larger chain ; besides i fear that our intelligence is smooth'd and tamper'd ere it reach our ear. dutch. our servants wear a doubtful countenance , struck with a gen'ral fear whilst they observe fresh prodigies start forth with ev'ry hour . the frighted springs retreat to earth agen , the seasons change their courses , as the year had found some months asleep and leapt them over . qu. here come the gardiners ; let us step aside , they 'l talk of state , for every one do's so before a change , and dullest animals have oft the earliest sense of alterations . enter gardiner and servant . gard. support those vines , and bind those peaches up , then like an executioner cut off the heads of sprigs that grow too fast , and look too lofty in our commonwealth , all must be even in our government . but now we speak of execution ,

2. are bushie green and th' earl of wiltshire dead ?

serv. by bullingbrook's command they have lost their heads ; the king is landed , but it seems too late to head the forces rais'd by salisbury who had disperst themselves ere he arriv'd . qu. then all our fears are true , we are betray'd . dutch. patience dear madam , we may get hear further . serv. think you the king will be depos'd ? gard. deprest he is already , and 't is fear'd his fortune will decline from bad to worse , do what we can , you see our lawrels wither , our sun-flowers all are blasted , streams run backward , these prodigies forbode some dreadful change , 't is thought at last the king will be depos'd . queen . i 'm prest to death with silence — boding peazant , more senseless then the plants or earth thou tend'st , darst thou divine the downfall of a king ? old adams likeness set to dress this garden , what eve , what serpent has seduc'd thy soul , to prophesie this second fall of man ? gard. pardon me madam , little joy have i to breath this news , but fear you 'll find 'em true . queen . come ladies , let us post to meet the king , this scretch-owl yet amongst his bodingcries , has sung the glad news of the kings arrival ! which otherwise we were forbid to know ; thou fear'st lest york shou'd meet with bushies fate , suspend thy tears , the heavy time may come , that thou wilt blush to see thy york alive ; if richard fall , 't is treason to survive . exeunt

scene the third . a heath . king , aumerle , carlile , souldiers . king. command a hault , we will a while refresh , our sultry march , a cool breez fanns this air — the last expresses we receiv'd from wales , spoke of full 20000 fighting men , did it not lords ? aum. and some odd troops besides . king. nor will our uncle york be negligent , to muster up what force he can , sure we shall blush my lords , at our own strength , heaping such numbers for so just a cause . aum. sir , doubt not but the active foe will find business enough t' employ our outmost numbers . enter salisbury . i fear me we shall more want hands than work. king. see cousen who comes here , i' th ' very minute to clear thy doubts , our trusty salisbury . welcome my lord , how far off lies your power ? sal. my gracious lord , no farther off nor nearer then this weak arm , discomfort guides my tongue , and bids me speak of nothing but despair . i fear my noble lord one day too late , has clouded all your happy days on earth ! o call back yesterday , bid time return , thou shalt have 20000 fightingmen , to day to day ! one luckless day too late , o'rethrows thy friends , thy fortune and thy state ; our welchmen miss-inform'd that you were dead , are gone to bullingbrook disperst and fled . aum. comfort my liege , why looks your grace so pale ? king. but now the blood of 20000 men , did triumph in my face and they are fled , have i not reason think you to look pale ? my fortune like a wife that has arriv'd the hardness to have once prov'd open false , will set no limits to her treach'rys now : but turn to every upstart that will court her , now all that will be safe fly from my side , for time has set a blast upon my pride . aum. my liege remember who you are . king. i had forgot my self , am i not king ? awake thou sluggard majesty thou sleep'st ! is not the kings name 40000 names , arm , arm my name ! a puny subject strikes at thy great glory ! look not to the ground ye favourites of a king ; see salisbury , our hasty scroop brings balm to salve the wound thy piercing tidings gave . [ enter scroop . come on thou trusty souldier ; oh draw near ! thou never shew'dst thy self more seasonably , not when the flying battle thou hast turn'd , and from the hands of conquest forc't the day . scroop . more health and happiness befall my liege , then my care burden'd tongue has to deliver . king. how 's that ? i charge thee on thy soul speak comfort . ha! wilt thou not speak comfort ? then speak truth . my ear is open and my heart prepar'd , the worst thou canst unfold is worldly loss , say , is my kingdom lost ? why 't was my care ; and what loss is it to be rid of care ? strives bullingbrook to be as great as we ? if heav'n approve his hopes , why let 'em thrive ! revolt our subjects ? that we cannot mend , to heav'n they first were false and then to us ! then give thy heavy heart as heavy speech , cry woe , destruction , ruin , loss , decay , the worst is death , and death will have his day . scroop . i 'm glad to find your highness so prepar'd , like a fierce sudden storm that swells the floods , as if the world were all dissolv'd to tears , so rages bullingbrook above his bounds , cov'ring the fearful land with clashing arms ; old sires have bound their hairless scalps in steel , boys leave their sports and tune their tender pipes to the big voice of war , and strut in armour ; the very beadsmen learn to bend their bows , the very women throw their infants by , snatch rusty bills and flock to the mad war , and all goes worse than i have power to tell . king. too well , alas , thou tell'sta tale so ill ! where is the earl of wiltshire , bushie , bagot ? that they have let these mischiefs spread so far , if we prevail their heads shall answer for 't ! i warrant they have made peace with bullingbrook . scroop . peace have they made with him indeed . king. oh villains vipers , damn'd without redemption ! dogs , quickly won to fawn on any comer , snakes in my heartsblood warm'd to sting my heart , wou'd they make peace ? eternal hell make war upon their spotted souls for this offence . scroop . again uncurse their souls , their peace is made with heads and not with hands , those whom you curse are butcher'd in your cause , beheaded all and with their last breath wisht your arms success . aum. where is the duke my father with his forces ? king. no matter where ; of comfort no man speak ; let 's talk of graves , of worms and epitaphs , make dust our paper , and with rainy eyes write sorrow on the bosom of the earth ! for heav'ns sake let 's sit upon the ground , and tell sad stories of the death of kings , how some have been depos'd , some slain in war , some poyson'd by their wives , some sleeping kill'd ; all murther'd : for within the hollow crown that rounds the mortal temples of a king , keeps death his court , and there the antique sits , scoffing his state , and grinning at his pomp ! allowing him a short fictitious scene , to play the prince , be fear'd , and kill with looks , 'till swell'd with vain conceit the flatter'd thing believes himself immortal as a god ; then to the train fate's engineer sets fire , blows up his pageant pride and farewell king. cover your heads and mock not flesh and blood , with solemn reverence , throw away respect , obeysance , form and ceremonious duty , for you have but mistook me all this while , i live with bread like you , feel wants , tast grief , therefore am i no king , or a king nothing . aum. give to the foe my lord , this cold despair , no worse can come of fight , of death much better . my fathers troops are firm let 's joyn with them , and manage wisely that last stake o' th' war , want's craft can make a body of a limb . king. you chide me well , proud bullingbrook i come , [ rises . to change blows with thee for our day of doom , this ague-fit of fear is overblown , an easie task it is to win our own ; say , scroop , where lies our uncle with his pow'r ? my fir'd heart now longs for the fatal hour . scroop . men by the skies complexion judge the day , so may you by my dull and heavy eye , find that my tongue brings yet a heavier tale , i play the torturer by small and small ! your uncle york treating with bullingbrook , was seiz'd by him , and 's still kept close confin'd , so that the strength which he was must'ring up , is quast and come to nought . king. thou hast said enough , beshrew thee cousin that didst lead me forth of that sweet i was in to despair ! what say ye now ? what comfort have ye now ? by heav'n i 'll hate him everlastingly , that bids me be of comfort any more ! enter queen , dutchess , ladies and attendants . now by despair my queen and her fair train ! come to congratulate our victory , and claim the triumph we at parting promis'd ; go tell 'em lords , what feats you have perform'd , and if ye please tell my adventures too , you know i was no idler in the war. oh! torture , now i feel my miseries sting , and this appearance strikes me dead with shame queen . welcome my lord , this minute is our own , and i 'll devote it all to extasie , the realm receives her king , and i my lover , — thou dost turn away ! nor are they tears of joy which thou dost shed , i give thee welcome , thou reply'st with sighs ! king. what language shall my bankrupt fortunes find , to greet such heavenly excellence as thine ? i promiss'd thee success and bring thee tears ! o couldst thou but devorce me from thy heart ! but oh ! i know thy virtue will undoe thee , thou wilt be still a faithful constant wife , feel all my wrongs and suffer in my fall ? there is the sting and venom of my fate , when i shall think that i have ruin'd thee . queen . i ask no more my lord , at fortunes hands then priviledge to suffer for your sake ! who wou'd not share your grief to share your love ? this kingdom yet , which once you did prefer to the worlds sway , this beauty and this heart is richards still , millions of loyal thoughts are always waiting there to pay you homage . that glorious empire yields to you alone , no bullingbrook can chase you from that throne . king. we 'll march no farther , lead to th' castle here . [ exeunt .

scene the fourth . a castle . flourish . enter bullingbrook , york , northumberland , piercy , willoughby , &c. north. the news is very fair and good my lord , richard within this fort has hid his head . york . it would become the lord northumberland to say king richard , that so good a king should be compell'd to hide a sacred head , and thou have leave to shew a villains face ! bull. mistake not uncle farther then you shou'd . york . talk not thou traytor farther then thou shoud'st . [ enter ross. bull. what say'st thou ross ? will not this castle yield ? ross. my lord the castle royally is man'd against your entrance , for the king and queen but newly are arriv'd and enter'd there , with them the lord aumerle , lord salisbury , sir stephen scroop , besides a clergy-man of holy rev'rence , whom i cannot learn. north. i know him , 't is the bishop of carlile . bull. go northumberland , through the ribs of this castle , with brazen trumpets sound the breath of parle , say thus — that bullingbrook upon his knees kisses king richards hands with true allegiance , and that with thoughts of peace he 's hither come . ev'n at his feet to lay his arms and pow'r , provided his revenues be restor'd , his banishment repeal'd ; let this be granted or else he 'l use th' advantage of his power , and lay the summers dust with show'rs of blood : — enter king above aumerle , carlile , &c. but see where on the walls he do's appear , as do's the blushing discontented sun , when envious clouds combine to shade his glory . york . o my dear liege , heav'n guard your majesty , 'fore heav'n , my old heart leaps at sight of you , think not that falsly i gave up your pow'r , if any villain of 'em dares to say it , i 'le call that villain lyar to his teeth , he is a rogue , tho' it be bullingbrook ! lo , here i kneel , and pay thee homage as a true subject shou'd before the rebels faces . king. rise york , i know thy truth , and pity thee . we are amaz'd , and thus long have we stood to watch the fearful bending of his knee ; because we thought our self his lawful king. tell bullingbrook , for yond' methinks is he , that every stride he makes upon our land is dangerous treason : he is come t' unfold the purple testament of bleeding war : but e're the crown he seeks shall bind his brow , a thousand orphan'd widowed mothers tears shall wash from earth their sons and husbands blood. north. heaven forbid our lord the king shou'd thus with civil arms be rusht upon ; lord bullingbrook does humbly kiss your hand , and swears his coming hither has no other scope then to demand his royalties , and beg enfrancisement from exile ; grant but this , his glitt'ring arms he will commend to rust. king. northumberland say thus , — the king complies with his demands ; and so commend us to him . we do debase our self cousin , do we not , to look so peaceful and to speak so fair ? shall we call back northumberland , and send defiance to the traytor 's heart , and die. aum. no , good my lord , let 's fight with gentle words , till time lend friends , and friends their conquering swords . king. that ere this power-chang'd tongue that laid the sentence of dread banishment on yond proud man , shou'd take it off agen . o that i were as great as is my grief , or lesser than my name ! that i could quite forget what i have been , or not remember what i must be now . aum. northumberland comes back from bullingbrook . king. what must the king do now ? must he forgo the name of king ? o'god's name let it pass , i 'll give my jewels for a set of beads , my gilded palace for a hermitage , my robes of empire for an alms-man's gown , my figur'd goblets for a dish of wood , my scepter for an humble palmers staff , my subjects for a pair of poor carv'd saints , and my large kingdom for a little grave , a little , very little obscure grave ! aumarle , thou weep'st ; my tender hearted cousin , wee 'l joyn our royal with thy loyal tears , our sighs and they shall lodge the summer corn and make a dearth in this revolting land. north. my lord he thanks your highness and begs leave to speak with you , sir please you to come down : hee 'll wait your majesty i th' court below . king. down , down , i come like blazing phaeton , wanting the menage of unruly steeds ; down pomp , down swelling stubborn heart , down king , for night-owls shrick where mounting larks should sing . [ exeunt from above . re-enter bullingbrook , and his company in the court. bul , northumberland to london , with all speed , summon a parliament i' th' commons name , in order to the kings appearance there ; [ enter king attended . ] but see — his highness comes , stand all apart and shew sair duty to his majesty . york runs over to the king , kneels and kisses his hand . york . now left the rebels seize me if they can , for here i 'll perish by my sovereign's side . king. fy cousin , you debase your princely knee and make our earth too proud with kissing it ; methinks my heart had rather feel your love , then thus in eye behold the courtesie : up cousen , up — your heart is up , i know . bul. my gracious lord i come but for my own . king. and to that title who must set the bounds ? bul. nor even to that do i lay farther claim , than my true service shall deserve your love. king. well you deserve , they best deserve to have , that know the strongest surest way to get ; but heav'n rules all — good uncle dry your tears — cousin i am to young to be your father tho' you are old enuff to be my heir ! methinks one person 's wanting yet to this fair presence , our old loyal gaunt , he was thy father herford , was he not ? excuse me cousin , tears but ill become a king , at least when friends and kinsmen meet , and yet i cannot chuse but weep to think , that whilst you press and i permit this scorn ; what plagues we heap on children yet unborn . [ exeunt .

act iv.

enter york , aumarle in their parliament robes , two messengers from bullingbrook . york .

tut , tut , tut , tell not me of patience , 't is a load a burden that knaves will never cease to lay on whilst asses will carry it ! nothing but villany in this versal world , and nothing plagues me but that i can't turn villain too , to be reveng'd .

aum. persidious bullingbrook to bow the knee , and do obeysance to our royal master ; to treat of peace and tend him all the way with duteous ceremony humblest service , yet basely to confine him after all , to call a senate in king richard's name against king richard , to depose king richard , is such a monster to curst usurpation , as nere was practis'd in the barb'rous climes , where subject her'd and courts themselves are savage . york , out on this sultry robe ! o spleen ! spleen ! — fat and vexation will be the death of me , — behold this brace of raizor-nos'd rascals , you 'd swear that a split groat made both their faces ; lean pimps , that cou'd scarce stop a cranny in a door : why ? they are sorsooth no less than rogues of state. mess.

my lord , this is no answer to our message .

york .

i , the message ! i had rather you had brought me — poyson ; for certain 't was sent to be the death of me : thou know'st boy , on what account we are going this morning . won'd you think it , this traytor bullingbrook has sent for me ; for me , i say , sent by these rogues for me , to confer with him in private before the house sits .

aum.

that was indeed provoking .

york .

nay , let honest men judge if murder was not in his heart , and that he thought the message wou'd make me die with choller . — now should i clap this pair of arrows to a bow-string and shoot 'em back to the usurper . — go tell the knave your master , he 's a fool to send for me , i renounce him : speak with him in private before the house sits . why ? i wou'd not meet him there but to shew my self for richard , and then tell him he 'l see one that that hates a traytor , be bullingbrook what he will.

[ exit . enter dutchess of york . dutch. aumarle , come back , by all the charms of duty , i do conjure you temper your rash father , his zeal can do th' abandoned king no good ; but will provoke th' usurper to our ruin . aum. already , i have prest beyond his patience , what can our poor endeavours help the king when he himself comply's with his hard fortune ; he comes this morning to resign the crown . dutch. where then is that amazing resolution , that in his non-age fir'd his youthful brest : to face rebellion and strike dead the monster , when tyler's deluge cover'd all the land ? or where the fury that supprest the kerns ; whilst numbers perisht by his royal arm ? aum. with such malignant fortune he is prest , as renders bravest resolution vain ; by force and fraud reduc't to that distress , that ev'n i th' best opinion of his friends he is advis'd to yield his scepter up , this poor reserve being all , to make that seem as voluntary , which perforce must be ; but how resents the queen this strange oppression ? dutch. as yet the worst has been dissembled to her , a slumber now has seiz'd her wakeful lids : but heere she comes , i must attend , away . [ ex. aum. enter queen supported by ladies . qu. convey me to my lord , or bring him hither , fate labours in my brest and frights my dreams ; no sooner sleep can seize my weeping eyes , but boding images of death and horrour affright the infant slumber into cries , a thousand forms of ruin strike my thoughts ; a thousand various scenes of fate are shewn , which in their sad catastrophe agree , the moral still concludes in richard's fall . dutch. how shall we now dare to inform her grief of the sad scene the king must act to day ? qu. ev'n now amidst a chaos of distraction , a towring eagle wing'd his cloudy way , pursu'd by rav'nous kites , and clamorous daws , that stript th' imperial bird of all his plumes , and with their numbers sunk him to the ground : but as i nearer drew , the figure chang'd , my richard there lay weltring in his gore ! so dreamt calphurnia , and so fell caesar. enter a lady . lad. madam , the king is coming . qu. thou bring'st a welcom hearing , and already i feel his powerful influence chase my fears , for grief it self must smile when richard's by . enter king in mourning . oh heav'n is this ? is this my promis'd joy ! not all the terrours of my sleep presented a spectacle like this ! o speak , my lord ! the blood starts back to my cold heart ; o speak ! what means this dark and mournful pageantry , this pomp of death ? king. command your waiters forth , my space is short , and i have much to say . qu. are these the robes of state ? th' imperial garb , in which the king should go to meet his senate ? was i not made to hope this day shou'd be your second coronation , second birth of empire , when our civil broils shou'd sleep , for ever husht in deep oblivion's grave ? king. o isabel ! this pageantry suits best with the black day 's more black solemnity ; but 't is not worth a tear , for , say what part of life's vain fable can deserve a tear , a real sorrow for a feign'd distress ! my coronation was ( methinks ) a dream , think then my resignation is no more . qu. what resignation ? mean you of the crown ? will richard then against himself conspire ? th' usurper will have more excuse than he : no , richard , never tamely yield your honours , yield me ; yield if you must your precious life , but seize the crown , and grasp your scepter dying . king. why dost thou fret a lyon in the toil to rage , that only makes his hunters sport ? permit me briefly to recount the steps , by which my fortune grew to this distress . then tell me , what cou'd alexander do against a fate so obstinate as mine . qu. oh heav'n ! is awful majesty no more ? king. first , had i not bin absent when th' invader set footing here ; or if being then in ireland , the cross winds not forbad the news to reach me ; or when the shocking tidings were arriv'd , had not the veering winds agen obstructed my passage back , till rumour of my death disperst the forces rais'd by salisbury ; or when these hopes were perisht , had not baggot , bushie , and green , by bullingbrook been murder'd , old york himself ( our last reserve ) surpriz'd , there were some scope for resolution left . but what curst accident i' th' power of chance , that did not then befall to cross my wishes ; and what strange hit could bullingbrook , desire , that fell not out to push his forttnes on ; whatever outmost fate cou'd do to blast my hopes was done ; what outmost fate cou'd do t' advance proud bullingbrooks as sure befell . now which of these misfortunes was my fault ? or what cou'd i against resisting heav'n ! qu. oh my dear lord , think not i meant t' upbraid [ weeps over hims ] your misery — death seize my youth , when any other passion for injur'd richard in my brests finds room , but tendrest love and pity of his woes . king. that i resign the crown with seeming will , is now the best my friends can counsel me , th' usurping house decrees it must be done , and therefore best that it seem voluntary . qu. has loyalty so quite renoune't the world , that none will yet strike for an injur'd king ? king. alas ! my sinking barque shall wreck no more my gen'rous friends , let crowns and scepters go before i swim to 'em in subjects blood . the king in pity to his subjects quits his right , that have no pity for their king ! let me be blest with cool retreat and thee , thou world of beauty , and thou heav'n of love , to bullingbrook i yield the toils of state : and may the crown sit lighter on his head than e're it did on richard's . qu. destiny is tyrant over king's ; heav'n guard my lord. king. weep not my love , each tear thou shedst is theft , for know , thou robb'st the great ones of their due ; of pomp divested we shou'd now put off , it 's dull companion grief — farewel my love : thy richard shall return to thee again , the king no more . qu. in spight of me , my sorrow in sad prophetic language do's reply nor richard , nor the king. [ exeunt severally .

scene the parliament . bullingbrook , northumb. piercie , york , aumarle , carlile , with other nobles and officers making a full house . north. great duke of lancaster , i come to thee from richard , who with free and willing soul adopts thee heir , and his high scepter yields to the possession of thy royal hand ; ascend his throne descending now from him , and long live henry of that name the fourth . bull. richard consents , and lords i have your voices , in heav'ns name therefore i ascend the throne . carl. no , hasty bullingbrook , in heav'ns name stay , tho' meanest of this presence , yet i 'll speak a truth that do's beseem me best to speak , and wou'd to god , the noblest of this presence were enuff noble to be richard's judge : what subject can give sentence on his king ! and who sits here that is not richard's subject ? theeves are not judg'd , but they are by to hear , th' indictment read , and answer to their charge , and shall the figure of heav'ns majesty , his captain , steward , deputy , elect , anointed , crown'd and planted many years , be judg'd by subject and inferiour breath , and he not present ! o' forbid it god! that in a christian climate souls refin'd , shou'd plot so heinous black obscene a deed ; i speak to subjects , and a subject speaks , stir'd up by heaven thus boldly for his king. york . now by my life , i thank thee honest prelate , my lords what say ye to the bishops doctrine , is 't not heavenly true ? you know it is ; nor can ev'n graceless herford's self gain say 't . carl. my lord of hereford here whom you call king , is a foul traytor to proud herford's king , and if you crown him , let me prophesie , the blood of english shall manure the land , and future ages groan for this foul deed : and if you rear this house against its self , it will the wofullest division prove that ever yet befell this guilty earth . prevent , resist it , stop this breach in time lest childrens children , curse you for this crime . north. well have you argu'd , sir , and for your pains of capital treason we arrest you here ; my lord of westminster , be it your care to keep him safely till his day of tryal . wil 't please you lords to grant the common's suit ? york . first let me move and yield some knave a seat. bull. bring hither richard , that in open view he may surrender so shall we proceed without suspition . king richard brought in . king. alack why am i sent for to the king , before i have shook off the regal thoughts with which i reign'd — as yet i have not learnt t' insinuate , flatter , bow , and bend the knee , give sorrow leave a while to tutor me to this submission — yet i well remember the favours these men ! were they not mine ? to do what service am i sent for hither ? north. to do that office of your own good will , which weary'd majesty did prompt thee to the resignation of thy crown and state to henry bullingbrook . king. my own good will ? yes , heav'n and you know with what sort of will ! you say it is my will : why be it so , give me the crown — come cousin seize the crown upon this side my hand , on that side thine . now is this crown a well wherein two vessels that in successive motion rise and fall , the emptier ever dancing in the air , th' opprest one down , unseen and sunk , that vessel dejected , prest and full of tears am i , drinking my griefs whilst herford mounts on high . bull. i thought you had been willing to resign . king. my crown i am , but still my griefs are mine . bull. are you contented to resign or no ? king. yes — no — yet let it pass , from off my head i give this heavy weight , and this unwieldy scepter from my hand ; so with my tears i wash my balm away , with my own breath release all duteous oaths , my pomp and majesty for ever quit , my mannors , rents , revenues i forego , my acts , decrees and statutes i repeal , heav'n pardon all oaths that are broke to me ; heav'n keep unbroke all vows are made to thee make me that nothing have , to covet nought , and thee possest of all that all hast sought : what more remains ? north. no more , but that you read this bill of accusations charg'd upon your crimes . king. distraction ! made my own accuser too to read a bead-roll of my own defaults , read it my self ? by piece-meal to unrauel my weav'd-up follies ? why , northumberland , if thy offences were upon record , wou'd it not shame thee in so full a presence to read a lecture of ' em ? if thou shou'dst , there wou'dst thou find one heynous article , containing the deposing of a king : and cracking the strong warrant of an oath , markt with a blot damn'd in the book of heav'n , nay all of you that stand and look upon me , waiting to see my misery bait it self ; like pilates have betray'd me to my cross , and water cannot wash away your sin . north. my lord dispatch , read ore the articles . king. my eyes are full of tears ! i cannot see . north. my lord — king. no lord of thine thou false insulting man , nor no man's lord — i have no name , no title ; let me command a mirrour hither streight , that it may shew me what a face i have since stript and bankrupt of it's majesty . bul. fetch him a glass . north. in the mean time read o're this paper . king. hell ! — for a charm to lay this foul tormenting fiend . bul. urge it no more northumberland . nor. the commons sir will not be satisfi'd , unless he read , confess , and sign it too . king. they shall be satisfi'd , i 'le read enuff when i shall see the very book indeed where all my faults are writ , and that 's my self , give me that mirrour — [ views himself in the glass . no deeper wrinkles yet ? has sorrow struck so many many blows upon these cheeks and made no deeper wounds ? — o' flattring instrument , like to my followers in prosperity , so shall just fate dash them as i dash thee : [ breaks it . so pomp and fals-hood ends — i 'll beg one boon , then take my leave and trouble you no more , shall i obtain it ? bul. name it fair cousin . king. fair cousin ? — i am greater than a king ! for when i was a king my flatterers were then but subjects , being now a subject i have a king here for my flaterer . 't is onely leave to go . bul. whether ? king. why , from your sight and then no matter where bul. convey him to the tower. king. ha! ha ! my fortune's malice now is grown so strange that 't is become my sport ; convey , convey , conveighers are you all that rise thus nimbly on your monarchs fall . bul. lords , i shall study to requite your favours : on wednesday next we solemnly set down our coronation , so prepare your selves . all , long live king bullingbrook , henry the fourth . york . well , my allegiance follows still the crown , true to the king i shall be , and thereon i kiss his hand ; 't is equally as true that i shall always love and guard the king , as that i always shall hate bullingbrook . the king 's sacred , be herford what he will yet 't is no treason sure to pity richard. bul. break up the assembly , so wee 'll pass in state to greet the loves of our expecting subjects , lead there and bid our trumpets speak . ex. bullingbrook attended ; shouts without . york . peace hell-hounds or your own breath poyson ye . king. good uncle give 'em way , all monsters act to their own kind , so do the multitude . shout again . carl. why impious hardned wretches , brands for hell ? forbear this barb'rous out-rage , tears of blood can never wash this monstrous guilt away . king. what must i then preach patience to my priest ? let no man's wrongs complain whilst mine are silent , how think ye my good friends , will not succeeding ages call this day to witness what changes sway the world ; your king must pass a spectacle of scorn through crouded streets , that at the same time view th' usurpers triumph ; heav'n shut thy eye till this dire scene be past , the light that sees it , sure will be the last . ex. guarded .

act v.

enter dutchess and aumarle . dutch. at that sad passage tears broke off your story , where rude misgovern'd hands from windows threw rank weeds and rubbish on king richard's head. aum. then as i said , the haughty bullingbrook mounted upon an hot and fiery steed , which his aspiring rider seem'd to know , with slow but stately pace kept on his course ; whilst all tongues cry'd , god save king bullingbrook ! you wou'd have thought the very windows spoke , so many greedy looks of young and old , through casements darted their desiring eyes : you wou'd have thought the very walls themselves , with all their painted imag'ry , had cry'd , hail to the king , all hail to bullingbrook ! whilst bending lower than his coursers neck , the rabble he saluted on each side ; thus praising and thus prais'd he past along . dutch. alas , poor richard ! where rides he the while ? aum. as in the theatre the eyes of men , after a well-grac't actor leaves the stage , are idly bent on him that enters next , with such contempt they turn'd their eyes from richard , no joyful tongue gave him his welcome home ; but dust was thrown upon his sacred head , which with such gentle sorrow he shook off , his face still combating with smiles and fears , ( the badges of his grief and patience ) that had not heav'n for some strange purpose steel'd the hearts of men , they must of force relented , and cruelty it self have pity'd him . enter york . york .

what , in tears still ? well , heav'ns will must be — mark me boy , i cannot blame thy grieving for richard , because i do it my self ; neither can i blame thee for not loving bullingbrook , because i cannot do it my self : but to be true to him ( or rather to our oath , being now his sworn subjects ) i conjure thee . this i speak , because the king suspects thee , and made me even now pledge for thy truth and fealty : bear you well therefore in this new spring of government , lest you be cropt before your time — well , what news from oxford , boy ? hold th' intended triumphs there ? 't is said our new king will grace them with his presence .

aum. they hold , my lord , for certain — and as certain this upstart king shall die if he comes there . york .

ha! come nearer , what seal is that which hangs out from thy bosom ? ha! lookst thou pale ? let me see the writing .

aum. i do beseech your grace to pardon me ; it is a matter of small consequence , which for some reasons i wou'd not have seen . york . which for some reasons ! sir , i mean to see , [ snatches it . just as i fear'd , treason , foul treason , villain traytor . dutch. what 's the matter my lord , good york inform me . york . away fond woman , give me my boots , saddle my horse . dutch. the matter , son. aum. good madam , be content . it is no more than my poor life must answer . dutch. thy life ! [ servant enters . hence villain , strike him aumarle . york . my boots i say , i will away to th' king. dutch. why york , what wilt thou do ? wilt thou not hide the trespass of thine own ? york . peace woman , or i will impeach thee too ; wou'dst thou conceal this dark conspiracy ? a dozen of 'em here have tane the sacrament , and interchangeably set down their hands to kill the king at oxford . dutch. he shall be none ; we 'll keep him here , then what 's that to him ? york .

tho' i love not bullingbrook , yet i hate treason , and will impeach the villain .

dutch. our son , our only son , our ages comfort ; is he not thine own ? york .

wife , i believe it , therefore i impeach him ; were he none of mine , let his own father look to him ; but since he is my villain , i 'll see the villain orderd : my horse , i say .

dutch. hadst thou groan'd for him , york , as i have done — york . and art e'en like to groan for him again . away . [ exit . dutch. haste thee aumarle , mount thee upon his horse ; spur post , and get before him to the king , and beg thy pardon e're he come t' accuse thee : born on the wings of mother's love i 'll fly , and doubt not to prevent thy father's speed ; on thy behalf i 'll with the king prevail , or root into the ground whereon i kneel . [ exeunt .

scene the second . enter queen in mourning attended . qu. this way the king will come ; this is the way to iulius caesar's ill erected tow'r , to whose flint bosom my dear injur'd lord is deem'd a pris'ner by proud bullingbrook ! here let us rest , if this rebellious earth have any resting for her true king's queen . [ sits down . this garb no less befits our present state , than richest tissue did our bridal day ; thus dead in honour , my lord and i officiate at our own sad funeral . enter king richard guarded , seeing the queen , starts , she at the sight of him , after a pause he speaks . king. give grief a tongue , art thou not isabel , the faithful wife of the unfortunate richard ? qu. o! can i speak and live ? yet silence gives more tort'ring death ! o thou king richard's tomb , and not king richard ! — on thy sacred face i see the shameful marks of fowlest usage ; thy royal cheeks soil'd and besmear'd with dust , foul rubbish lodg'd in thy anointed locks ; o thou dishonour'd flower of majesty ! lean on my brest whilst i dissolve to dew , and wash thee fair agen with tears of love. king. join not with grief fair innocence to make my end more wretched , learn dear saint to think our former state a happy dream , from which we wake into this true distress ! thou most distrest , most virtuous of thy sex , go cloyster thee in some religious house , this vicious world and i can nere deserve thee ! for shrines and altars keep keep those precious tears , nor shed that heav'nly dew on land accurst . lad. never did sorrow triumph thus before . king. convey thee hence to france , think i am dead , and that ev'n now thou tak'st as from my death-bed the last living leave . in winters tedious nights sit by the fire , with good old matrons , let them tell thee tales of woful ages long ago betide , and ere thou bid good night , to quit their griefs , tell thou the lamentable fall of me ! and send the hearers weeping to their beds . qu. rob not my virtue of its dearest triumph ! love like the dolphin shews it self in storms : this is the season for my truth to prove , that i was worthy to be richard's wife ! and wou'd you now command me from your presence , who then shall lull your raging griefs asleep , and wing the hours of dull imprisonment ? king : o my afflicted heart ! qu. no , with my lord i 'll be a pris'ner too , where my officious love shall serve him with such ready care , that he shall think he has his num'rous train of waiters round him still ; with wond'rous story 's wee 'll beguile the day , despise the world and triumph over fortune , laugh at fantastic life and die together . king. now heaven i thank thee , all my griefs are paid ! i 've lost a single frail uncertain crown , and found a virtue richer than the world : yes , bird of paradise , wee 'll pearch together , sing in our cage , and make our cell a grove . enter northumberland , guards . north. my lord , king bullingbrook has chang'd his orders , you must to pomfrett castle , not to th' tower ; and for you , madam , he has given command that you be instantly convey'd to france . king. must i to pomfrett , and my queen to france ? patience is stale , and i am weary ont't , blood , fire , rank leprosies and blewest plagues — qu. but this was wanting to compleat our woe . king. northumberland thou ladder by whose aid the mounting bullingbrook ascends my throne , the time shall come when foul sin gath'ring head shall break in to corruption , thou shalt think , thô he divide the realm and give thee half , it is too little , helping him to all : he too shall think that thou which knewst the way to plant unrightful kings , wilt know agen to cast him from the throne he has usurpt : the love of wicked friends converts to fear , that fear to hate , that still concludes in death . north. my guilt be on my head , so to our business . take leave and part . king. doubly divorc't ! soul fiends ye violate a two-fold marriage , 'twixt my crown and me , and then betwixt me and my tender wife ; oh isabel , oh my unfortunate fair , let me unkiss the oath that bound our loves , and yet not so , for with a kiss 't was made . part us northumberland , me towards the north where shiv'ring cold and sickness pines the clime ; my queen to france , from whence set forth in pomp she hither came , deckt like the blooming may , sent back like weeping winter stript and bare . qu. for ever will i clasp these sacred knees , tear up my brest and bind them to my heart ! northumberland allow me one short minute to yield my life and woes in one embrace , one minute will suffice . north. force her away . king. permit yet once our death cold lips to joyn , permit a kiss that must divorce for ever , i 'll ravish yet one more , farewell my love ! my royal constant dear farewell for ever ! give sorrow speech , and let thy farewell come , mine speaks the voice of death , but thine is dumb. ex. guarded several ways .

scene the third . bull. can no man tell of my ungracious son , my young misgovern'd and licentious harry ? if any plague hang over us 't is he ! enquire amongst the taverns where he haunts with loose companions , such as beat our watch and rob our passengers , which he rash boy mistakes for feats of gallantry and honour . pierc . my lord , some two days since i saw the prince , and told him of those turnaments at oxford . bull. and what said the gallant ? pierc . his answer was , he wou'd to a brothell and from the common'st creature snatch a glove , to wear it as a mistress favour , and with that unhorse the lustiest challenger . bull. as dissolute as desperate . enter aumarl . aum. where 's the king ? bull. what means our cousin that he looks so wildly ? aum.

my lord , i humbly beg the favour of a word in private with your majesty .

king. withdraw my lords ; now cousin to your business . aum. for ever may my knees root to this earth , and let eternal silence bind my tongue , unless you pardon e're i rise or speak . bull. intended or committed was this fault ? if but the first , how heynous e're it be , to win thy future love i pardon thee . aum. then sir , permit me to make fast the door , that no man enter e're my tale be done . bull. have they desire . york within . york . beware my liege , look to thy life , thou hast a traytor in thy presence . bull. ha! villain i 'll secure thee . aum. stay thy revengeful hand , thou hast no cause to fear . york . open the door , or i will force my passage . bull. the matter , uncle , speak , recover breath . york . peruse this writing and read there my bus'ness . aum. remember as thou read'st thy promise past , i do repent me , read not my name there , my heart is not confederate with my hand . york . 't was villain when thy hand did set it down , i tore it from the traytors bosom , king , pardon the villain , do , and in return be murder'd . bull. o heynous black conspiracy ! why uncle can this kindness come from thee ? let me embrace thee . york . embrace not me , it was no kindness , i owe thee no kindness , it was my love to truth , and hate to murder . bull. give it what name thou wilt , it shall excuse this deadly blott in thy transgressing son. york . so shall my virtue be his vices bawd : thou kill'st me if he live , sparing his life the traytor scapes , the true man 's put to death . dutchess within . dutch. what hoa my liege , for heav'ns sake let me in . speak with me , pity me , open the door . bull. my dang'rous cousin let your mother in , i know she 's come to entreat for you . york . if thou dost pardon whosoever prays , thy mercy makes thee traytor to thy self . dutch. o king believe not this hard-hearted man. york . thou frantick woman what makes thee here ? wilt thou once more a traytor nourish ? dutch. dear york be patient , hear me gentle liege . bull. rise up good aunt . dutch. no , never more i 'll rise , 'till thou uncharm me from the ground with sounds of pardon to my poor transgressing son : aum. and to my pray'rs , i bend my knee . york . against 'em both my old stiff joynts i bend . dutch. pleads he in earnest , see , his eyes are dry . his pray'rs come from his mouth , ours from the heart ; he beggs but faintly , and wou'd be deny'd . his weary joynts wou'd gladly rise i know , our knees shall bend , till to the earth they grow ; deny him , king , he kneels in pain to crave a boon , that wou'd dismiss him to the grave : granting his suit , the suer you destroy , but yielding ours , you give your beggar 's joy. bull. good madam rise up . dutch. nay do not say rise up , but pardon first , and then we rise indeed . the word is short , but endless comfort brings , pardon , the language both of heav'n and kings . bull. i pardon him as heav'n shall pardon me . dutch. aum. thanks gracious liege , a god on earth thou art . york .

so much for that , — one word at parting king , let me tell thee king , 't was none of these politicks that made thee king , and so farewell to court.

[ exit . bull. but for the rest of this consorted crew , our justice shall o're-take 'em — injur'd richard , thy wrongs already are too deep reveng'd , as yet the crown 's scarce settled to my brow , when royal cares are rooted in my heart . have i no friend , my lords , in this fair train ? no friend that to his monarch's peace will clear the way , and ridd me of this living fear ? [ exit .

scene , a prison . king richard , solus . rich. i have bin studying how to compare this lonesom prison to the populous world , the paradox seems hard ; but thus i 'll prove it , i 'll call my b●ain the female to my soul ; my soul the father , and these two beget a generation of succeeding thoughts , th' inhabitants that stock this little world in humours like the people of the world , no thought contented : for , the better sort as thoughts of things divine , are mixt with doubts that set the faith it self against the faith , thoughts tending to ambition , they are plotting unlikely wonders , how these poor weak hands may force a passage through these stubborn flints ; and cause they cannot , die in their own pride , thoughts tending to content are whispring to me , that i am not the first of fortunes slaves , and shall not be the last ; poor flatt'ring comfort , thus i and every other son of earth with nothing shall be pleas'd , till we be eas'd with being nothing . a table and provisions shewn . what mean my goalers by that plenteous board ? for three days past i 've fed upon my sighs , and drunk my tears ; rest craving nature , rest , i 'll humour thy dire need and tast this food , that only serves to make misfortune live. [ going to sit , the table sinks down . thus tantalus they say is us'd below ; but tantalus his guilt is then his torture . i smile at this fantastick cruelty . ha , musick too ! — ev'n what my torturers please . [ song and soft musick , after which a messenger enters . mess. hail royal sir , with dang'rous difficulty gives him letters . i 've enter'd here to bear these to your hand ; o killing spectacle ! rich. from whom ? — my queen , my isabell , my royal wretched wife ? o sacred character , oh heav'n-born saint ! why ! here are words wou'd charm the raging sea , cure lunaticks , dissolve the wizzard's spell , check baleful planets , and make winter bloom . how fares my angel , say , what air 's made rich with her arrival , for she breathes the spring . what land is by her presence priviledged from heavn's ripe vengeance ? o my lab'ring heart ! inn , hide thee , and prepare in short to answer to th'infinite enquiries that my love shall make of this dear darling of my soul. whilst undisturb'd i seize the present minute to answer the contents of this blest paper . [ ex. mess. sits down to write , enter exton and servants . furies ! what means this pageantry of death ? speak thou the foremost murderer , thy own hand is arm'd with th' instrument of thy own slaughter , go thou and fill a room in hell , kills 4 of them . another thou . exton here strikes him down . that hand shall burn in never quenching fire , that staggers thus my person , cruel exton , the blackest fiend shall see thee lodg'd beneath him . the damn'd will shun the villain whose curst hand has with the king's blood stain'd the king's own land. [ dies . ext. hast and convey his body to our master before the very rumour reach his ear. as full of valour as of royal blood , both have i spilt , o that the deed were good. despair already seizes on my soul ; through my dark brest eternal horrours roul : ev'n that false fiend that told me i did well , cry's now , this deed is register'd in hell. [ ex.

scene a palace . bullingbrook , lords and attendants . bull. our last expresses speak the rebels high , who have consum'd with fire our town of gloster . enter northumberland and pierce . welcome northumberland , what news ? north. health to my liege , i have to london sent the heads of spencer , blunt and salsbury . pierc . broccas and seelye too are headless trunks , the dang'rous chiefs of that consorted crew that sought your life at oxford . ross. our abbot griev'd to see his plott defeated , has yielded up his body to the grave . but here 's carlile yet living to receive your royal doom . bull. carlile i must confess , thô thou hast ever bin my enemy , such sparks of honour always shin'd in thee , as priviledg thee from our justice now ; choose out some secret place , some reverend cell , there live in peace , and we shall not disturb the quiet of thy death — what suddain damp congeals my blood — ha exton ? then comes mischief . enter exton and servants bearing in a coffin . ext. great sir , within this coffin i present thy bury'd fear , possess the crown secure , which breathless richard never more will claim . bull. exton i thank thee not ; for thou hast wrought a deed of slaughter fatal for my peace , which thou and i , and all the land shall rue . ext. from your own mouth , my lord , did i this deed. bull. they love not poyson that have need of poyson , nor do i thee , i hate his murderer . tho' i did wish him dead : hell thank thee for it , and guilt of royal blood be thy reward ; cursing and curst go wander through the world , branded like cain for all mankind to shun thee . wake richard , wake , give me my peace agen , and i will give thee back thy ravisht crown . come lords prepare to pay your last respects to this great hearse , and help a king to mourn a king 's untimely fall : o tort'ring guilt ! in vain i wish the happy change cou'd be , that i slept there , and richard mourn'd for me.

epilogue , spoken by m ris . cook. now we expect to hear our rare blades say dam ' me , i see no sense in this dull play ; thô much of it our abler iudges know , was famous sense 'bove forty years ago . sometimes we fail to please for want of witt i th' play — but more for want on 't in the pitt ; for many a ruin'd poëts work 't wou'd save , had you but half the sense you think you have . poets on your fore-fathers pam'd dull plays , and shrewdly you revenge it in our days in troth we fare by 't as your tradesmen do , for whilst they raise estates by cheating you : into acquaintance with their wives you fall , and get 'em graceless sons to spend it all. 't is plain th' are yours , cause all our arts miscarry , for just like you , they 'll damn before they 'll . marry . of honest terms i now almost despair , vnless retriev'd by some rich yeoman's heir , in grannam's ribbans and his own streight hair ! what comforts such a lover will afford , ioynture , dear ioynture , o the heavenly word ! but — e're of you my sparks my leave i take , for your vnkindness past these pray'rs i make — so very constant may your misses be , 'till you grow cloid for want of iealousie ! into such dullness may your poëts tire , 'till they shall write such plays as you admire : may you , instead of gaming , whoring , drinking , be doom'd to your aversion — books and thinking : and for a last wish — what i 'm sure you 'l call the curse of curses — marriage take ye all. finis .

notes, typically marginal, from the original text

notes for div a59496-e220 * epst. ded. to the span. fryar .

the loyal general a tragedy : acted at the duke's theatre / written by n. tate. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a62967 of text r20668 in the english short title catalog (wing t193). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.this text has not been fully proofread approx. 151 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 37 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo 2017 a62967 wing t193 estc r20668 12734950 ocm 12734950 92991

early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a62967) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 92991) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 370:3) the loyal general a tragedy : acted at the duke's theatre / written by n. tate. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. dryden, john, 1631-1700. [12], 59, [1] p. printed for henry bonwicke ..., london : 1680. prologue written by john dryden. reproduction of original in huntington library. eng shcnothe loyal generaltate, nahum1680234736000002.56b the rate of 2.56 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2002-02tcp assigned for keying and markup 2002-02apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images 2002-03tcp staff (michigan) sampled and proofread 2002-03john latta text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-04pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion

the loyal general , a tragedy .

acted at the duke's theatre

written by n. tate .

london , printed for henry bonwicke , at the red lion in st. paul's church-yard . m. dc . lxxx .

to edward tayler esq

that i interrupt your retirement with such a trifling present ( for even your retirement is busie ) wou'd need an appology with a friend of more ceremony and less good humour . your judgment will set a value on poetry from any hand , and your kindness dispense with the imperfect essays of a friend . the general hard censure of poetry , and its professors , has sometimes been the subject of our discourse , where amongst other reflections , we have with some surprize , observ'd that none hold this art in less esteem than your gravest pretenders to learning ; but tax it on such an account , as they , of all men , should least insist upon . it s insignificancy to the world , what can be easier than to recriminate in this case ? will not impartial censure prefer the author of chevee-chase to the nicest distinguisher in metaphysicks ? what difference ( as to publick benefit , between idle speculations and the slightest madrigalls , excepting that the former is a more creditable impertinence , and the folly made reverend with a gown and title ,

in the mean time 't is forgotten what aristotle himself ( even against his own profession ) has declared in behalf of the muses ? that poetry ( tragedy in particular ) is more effectual to instruct mankind than philosophy . and ev'n tully is poetical in pleading for this faculty : haec studia adolescentiam alant , senectutem oblectant , secundas res ornant , adversis per sugium ac solatium praebent ; delectant domi , non impediunt foris : pernoctunt nobiscum , perigrinantur , rusticantur . and a little after , caeterarum rerum studia , & doctrinã¢ & praeceptis , & arte constare , poetam naturã¢ ipsã valere , mentis viribus excitari , & quasi divinoquodam spiritu asflari .

't is an error as groundless as vulgar , to think that there goes no more to the furnishing a poet , than a wind-mill in the head , a stream of tattle , and convenient confidence ; whereas no exercise of the soul requires a more compos'd thought , more sparingness of words , more modesty and caution in the undertaker . to make an accomplisht poet , nature , in the first place must do her best ; she must give him the faculties of soul in perfection , a copious invention , a comprehensive memory , a nimble wit to repair to this store-house for materials on all occasions , a strict discerning judgment to censure this choice , to give it just expression , and in short , to square and finish what was wrought off in the heat of fancy . nor is even this enough to constitute a poet. nature will not do his business , he must have the addition of arts and learning , be familiar with the sciences , acquainted with the intrigues of courts , the customs and constitutions of nations , vers'd in their languages , and read in the histories of all ages . his knowledge must reach to the policies of state , and descend even to mechachanism ; have insight into the meanest mysteries and trades , because 't is uncertain whither his subject will lead him ; and he is to speak properly on all occasions : nor are these accomplishments above humane capacity , for they are every where conspicuous in the iliad and the aeneid .

i am apt to think , that expression of your beloved horace , the potestas quidlibet audendi , which he allows to poets and painters , was rather a proverb of his time than a notion of his own ; for he immediately lays this restraint upon 't ,

sed non ut placidis coeant immitia , non ut serpentes avibus geminentur , tigribus agni .

there are some beauties common to poems of all sorts , and there are besides select graces peculiar to every species of poesie ; and these so distinct among themselves , that 't is a question whether there ever was an universal poet. many believe there can be no such , the various temperament and passion of the poems ( which must be as different in the mind of the writer ) being inconsistent . virgil may be urg'd on this occasion , there being nothing softer than his ecclogues , his tytirus , his alexis , his gallus ; nothing loftier than his aeneid : yet even in these pastorals you will find the heroick turn of his verse , and the air of a muse , too majestick to be diguis'd amongst the nymphs of the plain .

â�� illa pharetram fert humero , gradiensque deas supereminet omnes .

the greatest labour of the muses is by some thought a task of ease , whereas there is no poem of the lowest degree , that is perfect in kind , but must have such a symetry in the whole , and so many proprieties beside , which the author must have regard to ; the lucidus , ordo , series & junctura , and the felix operis summa , exacted by horace , that the undertaker will find even a good eligy or epigram , a work of weight . what more difficult than to steer amongst such shelves , where the avoiding an error is a ready way to commit one .

in vitium ducit culpae fuga .

this great poet and critique will have even the debentia dici , sometimes omitted , to secure the justness of the poem ; and yet he will tell ye that

non satis est pulchra esse poemata , dulcia sunto .

where by pulchra i suppose he means exact , and by dulcia , diverting and aery . as in good painting , where the colours must be neither dead nor gawdy .

for distinction of characters he has given us rule and examples in the same verses , and drawn in little , what can never be more fully exprest in large .

intererit multum , davusne loquatur , an eros maturusne senex , an adhuc florente juventa fervidus , an matrona potens , an sedula nutrix .

where every single epithite distinguishes the person and makes it a character .

you have sometimes ask'd my opinion to what sort of poetry i would give the preheminence ? and will possibly expect some account at this time . i suppose the question can be only betwixt the epic and tragedy . the end that is pursu'd by both , i conceive to be the same ( for the later designs the instruction even of princes , as well as the former ; ( and no monarch was ever too great to be represented on the stage ) but i will not take upon me to determine which is most effectual for that end . if you will have my imperfect thoughts , i conceive 'em too nearly related to make different species ; and find our learned laureat content to have one of his * sprightliest tragedies , call'd an epic poem .

i cannot forget the strong desire i have heard you express to see the common places of our shakespear , compar'd with the most famous of the ancients . this indeed were a task worthy the greatest critique . our learned hales was wont to assert , that since the time of orpheus and the oldest poets , no common place has been touch'd upon , where our author has not perform'd as well . our laureat has thrown in his testimony , and declar'd , * that shakespear was a man that of all men had the largest and most comprehensive soul.

what i have already asserted concerning the necessity of learning to make a compleat poet , may seem inconsistent with my reverence for our shakespear .

â�� cujus amor semper mihi crescit in horas .

i confess i cou'd never yet get a true account of his learning , and am apt to think it more than common report allows him . i am sure he never touches on a roman story , but the persons , the passages , the manners , the circumstances , the ceremonies , all are roman . and what relishes yet of a more exact knowledge , you do not only see a roman in his heroe , but the particular genius of the man , without the least mistake of his character , given him by their best historians . you find his anthony in all the defects and excellencies of his mind , a souldier , a reveller , amorous , sometimes rash , sometimes considerate , with all thevarious emotions of his mind . his brutus agen has all the constancy , gravity , morality , generosity , imaginable , without the least mixture of private interest or irregular passion . he is true to him , even in the imitation of his oratory , the famous speech which he makes him deliver , being exactly agreeable to his manner of expressing himself ; of which we have this account , facultas ejus erat militaris & bellicis accommodata tumultubus .

but however it far'd with our author for book-learning , 't is evident that no man was better studied in men and things , the most useful knowledge for a dramatic writer . he was a most diligent spie upon nature , trac'd her through her darkest recesses , pictur'd her in her just proportion and colours ; in which variety 't is impossible that all shou'd be equally pleasant , 't is sufficient that all be proper .

of his absolute command of the passions , and mastery in distinguishing of characters , you have a perfect account in that most excellent criticism before , troylus and cressida : if any man be a lover of shakespear and covet his picture , there you have him drawn to the life ; but for the eternal plenty of his wit on the same theam , i will only detain you with a few instances of his reflections on the person , and cruel practices of richard the third . first of all henry the sixth bespeaks him in these words :

the owl shriekt at thy birth , an evil sign , dogs howl'd and hideous tempests shook down trees , the raven rookt her on the chymneys topp , and chatt'ring pies in dismal discords sung ; thy mother felt more than a mothers pain , and yet brought forth less than a mothers hope ; an indigested lump , &c.

richard afterwards makes as bold with himself , where this is part of his soliloque .

cheated of fevture by dissembling nature , deform'd , unfinish'd , sent before my time into this breathing world , scarce half made up , and that so lamely and unfashionable , that dogs bark at me as i halt by them . i that in this weak piping time of peace , have no delight to pass away the time , unless to view my shadow in the sun , and descant on my own deformity .

queen margaret cannot hear him mention'd without a new stream of satyr .

a hell-hound that doth hunt us all to death , that dog that had his teeth before his eyes , to worry lambs and lap their gentle blood , &c.

and never meets him but she presents him with his picture ;

hells black intelligencer , their factour to buy souls and send 'em thither .

and again ,

thon elfish markt abortive monster , thou that wast seal'd in thy nativity , the slave of nature and the son of hell. thou slander of thy heavy mothers womb.

with very many other taunts to the same purpose .

it cannot be deny'd but he is often insipid where he is careless , many things he wrote in hurry ; but for his more elaborate scenes , what cicero spoke of the writings of archias , will hold good . quae verã² accuratã¨ cogitatã©que scripsisset , ad veterum scriptorrm laudem pervenerunt .

prologue written by mr. dryden . if yet there be a few that take delight in that which reasonable men should write ; to them alone we dedicate this night . the rest may satisfie their curious . itch with city gazets or some factious speech , or what-ere libel for the publick good , stirs up the shrove-tide crew to fire and blood ! remove your benches you apostate pit , and take above , twelve penny-worth of wit ; go back to your dear dancing on the rope , or see what 's worse the devil and the pope ! the plays that take on our corrupted stage , methinks resemble the distracted age ; noise , madness , all unreasonable things , that strike at sense as rebels do at kings ! the stile of forty one our poets write , and you are grown to judge like forty eight . such censures our mistaking audience make , that 't is almost grown scandalous to take ! they talk of feavours that infect the brains , but non-sence is the new disease that reigns . weak stomacks with a long disease opprest , cannot the cordials of strong wit digest : therfore thin nourishment of farce ye choose , decoctions of a barly-water muse : a meal of tragedy wou'd make ye sick , unless it were a very tender chick . some scenes in sippets wou'd be worth our time , those wou'd go down ; some love that 's poach'd in rime ; if these shou'd fail â�� we must lie down , and after all our cost , keep holy-day , like water-men in frost , whil'st you turn players on the worlds great stage , and act your selves the farce of your own age.

the persons . king mr. harris . theocrin mr. betterton . theron mr. norris . diphilus mr. gillo . escalus mr. jevan . pisander mr. bowman . abardanes mr. jo. williams . sossacles mr. williams . queen mrs. currer . arviola mrs. lee. edraste mrs. price . myrrhoe

messengers , priests , &c.

scene greece .

the loyal general , a tragedy .

act. i. scene the palace . escalus and pisander . pis. t is certain then the armies joyn'd this morn . esc. there 's no intelligence from either camp , but by the joynt report of cottagers , that from the mountains viewed the distant fray. the rebels have the royal troops in chase , whose broken squadrons make a flying ight , and much disdaining to the woods retr eat . pis. they were the kings last stake . esc. this is the day that crowns the hopes of our designing queen , or sinks her projects ever ; for if now the rebels prove the masters of the field , conqu'ring argaleon strait usurps the throne , and weds edraste partner of his pow'r . pis. the slaughter of the field will scarce suffice , or effect an enterprize so great and dangerous ; to finish it , the princes too must bleed . esc. edraste through their blood to empire sails , and we the pilots hir'd to steer her thither . the queen to serve her high designs preferr'd us to the dignity we hold , and dearly made our loyalty the price of our preferment . pis. when with bright honours to her plots she drew me , i snatcht at the rich wages , and ne'r weigh'd the dangerous task ; â�� but i rec ã��â�¦ã�� te , i 'm sold to her commands , and ã��â��ã�� perform . esc. soft , theron comes , enter theron . ther. unhappy greece ! escalus , pisander ! esc. there 's terror in that voice ; how fares the king ? pis. how brooks he the suppos'd defeat ? the. so various are the transports of his rage , that with each minute his resolves are chang'd : sometimes desies aloud the rebel pow'rs , threatning swift vengeance ; then despairs agen , and cries all 's lost , the fates are factious too ! thus tost with doubts , and starting from his chair he grasps his scepter , cries i have thee still ; nor shall the furies wrest thee : then o' th' sudden disdaining casts it from him ; thou' rt a serpent , away infectious rod , thou fir'st my hand . esc. the kings last hopes depend on your sage councils , say , what will you advise in these extreams ? the. the growing ill past cure he neglected , and now blames his physicians want of skill ; because we cannot from the dead restore . i 'll haste , and with dissembled hopes support his drooping spirits , and prevent despair , which yet in my own breast i cannot quell . [ exit ] esc. how temperate is this politician grown ! the publique troubles seem t' afflict him now , though most industrious once t' embroil a state in civil jars ; till ages winter chill'd his factious blood , congealed his working brain ; and now the dotard's loyal for his ease . enter the queen with letters . qu. see , lords ; th' intelligence of conquerors , like victory comes wing'd : the king as yet has no particulars o' th' fight . whil'st from argaleon's camp i am inform'd that in the general rout and hot pursuit o' th' royal forces , both the princes fell : now then arviola alone remains the obstacle of my edraste's glory . esc. we are your creatures , madam , by your favour possess the height of dignity we hold . pis. and shou'd be proud to perish in your service . qu. experience , escalus , has prov'd your truth ; and for pisander , my new servant ( in his sparkling eyes , his active zeal i read ) i dare pronounce him resolute and bold , by nature form'd t' engage in glorious ills , t' embarque in a rough sea of court-designs , and share the fortunes of a plotting queen . esc. new servant ; hell ! new favourite , she meant . ah myrrhoc , thy conjecture's true , i am supplanted by this partner of my projects ; dull that i was , not to suspect before : 't was not to serve her pride but lust , she drew this new confed'rate in ; and judg'd his years more sit t' advise of such affairs than mine . qu. conqu'ring argaleon now will soon advance with all his pow'r , and close besiege these walls ; the fort is in your hand â�� [ to esc. ] enter edraste . come near edraste ; i travel with thy fate in greater pangs than when my womb unwillingly resign'd the treasure of thy beauties to the light. edr. the life you gave , i offer at your feet . by my dear fathers shade 't is nobler far to die forlorn , than by your guilt to reign . your life , which i , of all things hold most dear , you prodigally stake to win for me a crown , which i of all things least esteem . my private cares alass ! have too much weight for my weak mind to bear ; how can i then sustain the troubles that infest a throne . qu. cou'd i give being to a thing so tame ! rouse , rouse , thy self , edraste , nor permit my active blood to freeze within thy veins ; if thou want'st heat , come , to my bosom fly , for i have yet enough of warmth to spare . edr. the rightful crown at best uneasie sits , but sinks the crusht usurper to the ground . qu. these thoughts wou'd more befit the cell than court . edr. to me there is no palace like a cell . qu. what serves the cloyster for , but last retreats to such as have without success aspir'd ; where having fail'd of glorious action , they hush froward age with the dull joys of ease . edr. heav'n has been pleas'd t'indulge my humble thoughts , giv'n heirs to th' crown , which you wou'd wrest for me ; and i must hold it in two princes wrongs , both grac'd with royal gifts and form'd to reign . qu. suppose these lets remov'd , the princes dead ? edr. arviola , their sister then succeds . arviola , to whom i have sworn friendship . arviola , that loves me as you do . qu. fond girl , 't was to your loss you did contract that friendship , and must conceal it or perish . edr. i but comply'd , in this , with your commands , you charg'd me love her . qu. to dissemble love , as i pretend affection to the king ; and counterfeit so well , 't is real thought . edr. o heav'n ! qu. arviola comes , prepare , and practise artfully . [ ex. queen , esc. pis. ] edr. instruct my vertue heav'n in these extreams , i must unnat'ral or disloyal prove ! dissemble friendship ! o ye pow'rs ! dissemble with the open-hearted true arviola , that has not for her foe one thought of guil ; hard mother ! cruel fate ! most cruel love , to watch the hour of my distress , and then to wound a heart so much opprest before ! enter arviola , myrrhoe . arv. dispise not myrrhoe , my threat'ning dream , the scene presented both my brothers slain ; i saw their royal blood mixt with the stream of common gore ; then as my theocrin rusht on to death ; i started from my sleep and lost th' unfinisht vision â�� dear edraste . edr. dearest arviola ! arv. i sought thee to redress my griefs , and find theo as much opprest as i ; 't is some new grief that now usurps thy breast , and i suspects more tyranous than ever rag'd before . edr. ah princess ! in this tempest of affairs , nothing remains untroubled but our friendship ; all other things are from their channel stray'd . arv. yet since our breasts are open to each other , let the storm drive , we have one harbour sure ; heav'n so be-friend me as i love edraste . edr. and were arviola my happy rival , i cou'd ( i think ) still prize her as i do heav'n knows i flatter not , she is my rival ; yet then my dearest hopes more dear ! [ aside . ] arv. let 's stop a while the current of our tears , and piously dissembling our dispair , divert the pensive king ; that fate shou'd heap upon his feeble age such weighty ills as youth cou'd not sustain . myr. th' event's uncertain ; yet , the sudden storm as soon may scatter , and the clouded king , set glorious as the rose . arv. ah! myrrhoe , thy love wou'd flatter us , as ours impose on him . [ ex. arv. adraste . ] enter escalus . esc. stay myrrhoe . myr. now brother you are sad . esc. your late suspicion of the queen proves true . i cease to please , and her regard to me grows hourly cold , whil'st all her kindness on pisander streams . myr. despond not brother , there are joys in pow'r to charm dull age , when beauty fails to please : if love deserts you , bend henceforth your thoughts to nobler cares ; convert that cunning now ( that hitherto has so successful prov'd , i' th queens designs ) to your own int'rest . esc. good ! wee 'll watch the fate of this tempestuous realm , and make our fortunes of the gen'ral wreck . [ exeunt . ] [ scene drawn , discovers the king sitting discontented ; theron , diphilus on each side of the chair . king. why was my life stretcht out to this black day ? death might have come long since , and sound me ripe with all my honours flourishing round my head : but now to winter blasts i 'm left expos'd , stript of my leaves , and with'ring on the bough . argaleon come , and press thy conquest home . this is our last retreat , besiege us here , sack , burn , destroy , and finish my disgrace . ther. your suffering , royal sir , this glory brings , that from your goodness , your distresses sprang . for having conquer'd i' th pitcht field ( ensnar'd by your own vertue ; which refus'd to spill your subjects blood ) you treated with the rebels , who su'd for peace to keep your forces husht , till with recruited pow'r they might oppress you . diph. argaleon rais'd by your too liberal favour , seem'd ev'n to cope with you on even ground ; and wanted but the crown to match your height . were you as quick to punish a delinquent as to reward the smallest worth , your throne had still been fixt , and proud argaleon's blood. king. hold preaching fool , too late your tedious lectures you begin : where slept your counsels whil'st these mischiefs grew and might be ravisht by the tender root ; then you indulg'd my ease , beheld my state float loose , whil'st i in soft retirement slept ; now rak'd me to the helm , till the storm fell . enter arv. edraste . arv and edr. live royal sir. king. look , i have homage paid me ! theron , diphilus . behold , two princesses kneel at my feet : ha! ha ! speak sirs , am i not yet a king ? ther. and diph. most sacred sir â�� king. 't is false , ye sycophants , i was a king , a prosperous majesty ; but now my empire shakes , opprest with its own weight . th' unwieldy state falls on the founders head. [ enter the queen . ] the queen ! must she be conscious too of my disgrace ! o aribell , how is my fate relaps'd since first we met ? those lawrels now are blasted which in my myrile wreath i did â��â��â��sert . when i espoused thee , triumphs grac'd our hymen , and captive princes at our nuptials serv'd . qu. nay sir , be just still , tho' unfortunate ; nor think the transitory charms of pow'r endear'd you to this breast ; this is a season to excuse such active love as mine , that like the dolphin shews it self in storms . king. what trumpet 's that ? [ trumpet sounds . ] ther. att. a souldier from the camp. enter messenger . king. i read thy message in thy drooping brow , thou bend'st beneath my fate , hurl it on me , and crush me with the burden ; thou hast wounds , and may'st with honour speak of vanquishment . mess. fly , royal sir , all 's lost , o fly and save our empires dearer half , your sacred life : nor think these walls secure against the shock of rebels , with infernal rage possest : your strongest fence , your loyal old battalions , taught by your self to conquer , in pitcht field are by these troops of furies driv'n and scatter'd ; and what i fear will shake your temper most , your royal sons , by whom our wings were led , turn'd in the chase t' oppose th' unequal foe till spent ; on heaps of slaughter'd files they fell . king. my sons both slain , my legions too o'rthrown ; my sons , my flourishing branches both lopt off , and i the useless trunk left standing yet for passengers to descant on my shame : rend me consuming lightnings earth divide , till thy unfathom'd centre be my grave ; nature her self should shake when princes fall. ther. dread sir , restrain this transport , and resume your reason now in your extreamest need. mess. lord theocrin , who in the fight perform'd what the beholders scarce believed ( and must despair of credit when they shall relate ) gather'd our scattered stray , a poor remain , that scarce a limb of the old body seem ; which in the clifts he posted , where they hold spight of the foe , that scale the rock in vain . king. 't was well perform'd , we 'll march to their relief ; get me new forces rais'd , a sudden host , like that which sprung from the dire serpents teeth : arm'd with necessity and steel'd with wrongs , we 'll rush at once on these fierce savages , and ravish from their mouths the panting prey . diph. forgive me , sacred sir , that i disswade your fury from unfeazable designs . you must create the forces you wou'd levy . your loyal cities , your thin fields to fill , long since were glean'd , the rigid press scarce spar'd decrepid age , and weeping infancy . king. peace dotard , hast thou worn thy sable locks , to wither'd gray , and even that gray to baldness . and art thou still contriving to inch out insipid life ? the gen'ral fright shou'd cure your agues , and ferment your freezing bloods : hast and proclaim our will , lest all our males , from lisping infancy , to bed-rid age. set free th' imprison'd , bid the sick discharge their maladies ; the storm comes thundring on , and in our sinking state all hands must work . qu. the good old man , that like an infant slept till now , at last wakes froward ; let him brawl , he 'll quickly rage himself asleep agen . king. be it further publisht , to enstame our youth , that yet survive from the consuming war. if any dare so far tempt glorious danger , to force the enemies ward , and bear away th' arch rebels head by our last hopes i swear ; my crown , and fair arviola are his : empire and beauty , valour 's noblest prize . our self in person will command and dazle the factious host with full-beam'd majesty : thus your ag'd monarch draws his vengeful sword. our flame shall snatch the foe that thinks us cold , there 's none destroys like time , and none so old. [ exeunt . ]

act. ii. scene , a pleasant grotto . pisander brought in by an attendant . att. hither the queen injoyn'd me to conduct you , and you must wait her here : pis. on what concern ? att. my charge was only to admit you hither , where none approach without her special orders ; and we , th' attendants on her private hours , are sworn to strictest secrecy . [ exit . ] pis. sure i am charm'n into an extasie , and this a scene by fancy's cunning form'd ; pictures of nature drawn beyond the life . remove from hence , and the declining year looks sickly and deform'd ; the wither'd leaves in search of the retreated sap fall down , and from the root seek what the bough deny'd : but here the summer blooms , in all its pride , the sun darts in with kindlier warmth , the winds breath softer , and the brook complains less loud . hail blest retreat of nature happy shade ; soft musick . [ bower opening discovers the queen splendid and youthfully altir'd . ] my senses fail , this is some sacred grove : and that the bright divinity o' th' place ! where are the cupids that shou'd hover round , i feel'um here ! th' are div'd into my brest ! forgive me goddess â�� qu. you mistake , pisander . pis. the queen ! forgive my dazled eyes their error ! i come by your command to know your pleasure , and trust you judge so truly of my zeal , to ' think me worth some enterprize of danger . qu yes , you shall find how i esteem your zeal , by the important service i enjoyn , indeed 't is an affair of so much weight , i know not how to word it â�� you must guess . pis. instruct me what i am to undertake , and if i fail t' attempt â�� qu. alas ! so bold t' engage , and slow to apprehend ? how like conspirators at their first . meeting , with caution we gaze silent on each other , expecting who shall start the business first ! since then i must speak first in the design , draw near and on my hand swear secrecy . [ pisander bows and kisses her hand ] repeat your vow â�� oh love ! the quickning touch , [ aside . ] through my pleas'd veins , runs tingling to my heart . pis. my warmth is fled , i 've sworn my life away ! my soul cleaves to that hand â�� qu. how soft is youth ! how soon dissolv'd into an extasie ! pisander rise â�� now sure you well can guess , for what i summon'd you to this retirement ? pis. i know it ; you 'd engage me to perform a dangerous task , to blast the kings succession , and settle your edraste in the throne ; i 'll do 't . qu. still you are wide of my design , i 'll plot at leisure hours for my ambition , but love's my great affair , th' important business . come , speak boldly youth , thy free conjecture of these private bowers , where i so oft retire , while all is husht , silent and close , as ceres's awful fane ? pis. t is said , that for devotion you repair from the court 's crow'd to these secluded shades , where you consume successive nights and days , in abstinence and penitential tears . qu. ha! ha ! the world retains its old perversness still , to scandalize the vertuous , and to saint the libertine ; but 't is no fault of mine , if rumour will lay vertue to my charge ! what , mar these eyes with penitential tears , fond youth ? they have too much of fire to weep . their glances cou'd create a day in cells , and kindle freezing hermites into dalliance . why this reserv'dness sir ? has majesty so little charmes ? or do's its splendour dazle ? then i 'll divest me of my royalty , and love upon the square . still fixt and senseless ? pis. think not i have no sense of such full bliss , but like young prophets from thei : visions waking ; i fear to stir and loose the charming dream . [ shouts and trumpets from without . ] qu. what means those shouts ? pis. th' are sounds of triumph not of terrot . enter attendant hastily . att. lord escalus in haste desires admittance . qu. he comes unseasonably , but let him enter . pisander hide a while within that bower . enter escalus . esc. forgive me madam , that with so much haste , i bring unwelcome newe , our plot 's defeated . the subtle web which with such toil we wrought , is quite unravell'd to the very loom . qu. dispatch , cut short the story of my fate . esc. argaleon's faction which with so much cost and secrecy , you nourisht to that growth . that they cou'd grap le with the kings whole forces , ev'n they , so late the masters of the field , are now in shameful rout disperst and broken , and their bold leader , on whose daring vertue , our hope 's depended , shares the vulgar fate , and headless bleeds amongst the common slain . qu. 't is false and shall not be . esc. 't is past already , the gods have your resolves fore-stall'd . qu. did they from heav'n war with my officer ? the loyal forces were cut off intire , except a despicable remnant posted i' th' clifts by theocrin . esc. from thence broke forth the flame that thus laid waste argaleon's trenches . for theocrin by night forsook the clifts , with his small train , and coasting wide attaqu'd argaleon's camp , with shouts as of full legions , and num'rous trumpets to increase the terror , which so prevail'd on the surprized host , ( confus'd , twixt wine and slumber ) that at last half-arm'd they took themselves to general flight , and more opprest by their own numbers fell than the pursuers swords . qu. enough , enough , 't is but an army and a project lost . and wee 'll contrive anew , anon expect my orders to await me . [ exit . esc. so unconcern'd , so fill'd with her new love , t'exclude the darling of her brest ambition ? methought pisander glanc'd by as i enter'd ; for his delight she 's decâ��t as she was wont , when loose she wanton'd with my vig'rous years ; on her young paramour she shows her favour , whil'st a sapless trunk neglected fades ! but age that lessens me in her esteem , has taught me cunning timely to provide , and seek elsewhere the favour she denies . [ exit . ] [ scene changes to the palace . ] [ shouts again . ] enter king attended with theron , diphilus , arviola , edraste , myrrhoe , &c. king. the gods , the gods at last , have own'd the cause , of injur'd majesty ; we have o'recome ! summon the priests to speedy sacrifice , crown every altar , heap the spicy piles , till the vast fanes be hid in smoaking gums ; no pensive look prosane the gen'ral joy , not orphan'd matrons be allow'd to mourn : nor virgins widdow'd on their brldal day ! the. when young in the rang'd field you first appear'd , you charm'd success , nor had she now forsook you , but , like a mistress with discretion kind , withdrew a while till absence made her priz'd ; then with surprizing kindness met your passion . enter theocrin , with argaleon's head , chief officers of the army following . [ shout again . ] the. hail best of kings ! fall ev'ry traytors head , like this , and flourish all crown'd brows like yours . [ kneels and lays the head at the kings feet . ] the savage that so long had lawless rang'd , that slew our youth , and laid our vineyards waste , lies bloodless , now by this successful hand . king. rise theocrin , cast not to ground , those limbs , that cou'd support a sinking monarchy . now i am king indeed , my shaken throne again takes root , and my decaying scepter buds in my hand anew . arviola , edraste , both draw near ; and pay him with your own the publick thanks . arv. my dearest theocrin , how greedily do's my impatient love snatch this occasion t'unlaid it self unseen into your brest ! the. o my arviola , i 'm lost in joy ! i am too blest ! indulgent pow'rs rest rain the flowing bliss , or i shall die of rapture ! king. arviola was proclaim'd the prize o' th valour that brought argaleon's head : 't is theocrin's , brave youth , my crown is hers , and she is thine ; thou merrit'st both : though not from kings descended , thou art by vertue to the gods ally'd ! the. your goodness , royal sir , o're rates my service ; what i perform'd , was but a subjects , duty . but oh! i feel a warmth t' attempt such things , as shall ( is merrit sound not too prophane ) deserve a princess , and oblige a king. king. by all the powers that sped thee in the fight , thou art our son , and this thy nuptial day . lo there thy royal bride , and too compleat thy happy fortunes , thou shalt tryumph too . bellona once shall be with myrtle crown'd , and war 's loud voice in rev'ling musique drown'd . [ excunt all but edraste . ] edr. fortunate princess , happy arviola , forgive me if i envy now ev'n thee ! how long have i been tost in storms of fate , and still the tempest darkens round my head. the restless queen's ambition still projects to load my temples with a hated crown . and to effect her plot , aviola must bleed , and theocrin be lost ; to him my seoret love long since i have devoted . to her long since my open friendship sworn : something i will perform in their behalf , worthy the chastest love and noblest friendship ; for from the court i 'll wander in disguise , no matter where ; for one distrest like me , can no where loose her way : when i 'm remov'd , the queen's designs will rest , and theocrin possets arviola , and the crown in peace : and i my self have all the sad relief that my forlorn condition will admit ; to mourn retir'd in caves and glut of sorrow . enter myrrhoe . myrh madam the princess beggs your presence : edr. no. my griefs will make me rude , and check her mirth : thou myrrhoe ever lov'dst me , now like a dying miser i 'll reveal a secret , the dear treasure of my soul ! i love this theocrin ev'n to distraction : and for his quiet , and more private reasons , i wiâ��l for ever hide me from the court : myr. oh heav'n th' eternal powers ! edr. make no reply , but treasure still this secret in thy brest : for by th' eternal pow'rs you meant t' invoke , i am resolv'd , and if prevented , swear to act a speedy violence on my life . myr. your dire resolve alas ! has charm'd my tongue ; but my swoln eyes will take their liberty . [ weept ( gives her letters . ] edr. when i am gone , give these to theocrin , the short sad accents of my dying passion . he may afford my memory a tear : nor ev'n arviola her self repine . and so fare-well to hope and thee for ever . [ exeunt . [ warlike musique , theocrin in triumph , argaleon's head born before him on a spear . the. enough my dear companions of the war ; nor think these honors all addrest to me : but hold your selves large sharers in these tryumphs . my courage was more fortunate then vours , not greater : trust me then i triumph most , when i the honour had to lead such worthies to reap an host , not now i head this pomp. [ soft musique . arviola in her nuptial dress , with a train of ladies splendidly attir'd . arv. myrrhoe . myr. madam , arv. edraste was unkind not to accompany our nuptial rites . the. behold the silver moon shot from her sphere , with all her starry train ! divine arviola , not victory her self can charm like thee . arv. ah! theocrin , my old griefs still pursue and haunt me , even upon my nuptial day ! a sumptuous feast of joy is spread before us , but i suspect it as a poyson'd treat , and fear to taste ; i see you , hear you talk , clasp fast your hand ; and yet methinks w' are still as far divided as the distant poles , and shall unite as soon . theoc. our joy's a feast of the gods own preparing ; permit not then imaginary fears to poyson your delights ; suspect no storm in such a halcyon skie , our tender love long nourisht covertly , till grown to an head , is now expos'd to th' air , and dares the weather , enter king attended , escalus speaking to him . esc. dread sir , the queen desires you to excuse her absence from the pomp ; she 's indispos'd . king. it was a rude distemper to intrude at such a season â�� bid the masque begin ; come to your monarchs arms , ye happy pair , supporters of my age : thus let me joyn you ; this knot i have begun , the priest shall finish . look down ye spirits of my slaughter'd sons ; behold the avenger of your royal blood ; behold our gen'ral mirth ; then summon all your brother stars and revel in your spheros . [ king , arv. theoc. take their seats ; a martial dance , after which a priest in his habits enters . priest. the flamen waits , and the preparing rites are finishe ; thrice has hymen been invok'd , and iuno's altar thrice perfum'd . king. we come . move on , lead to the temple . enter a messenger hastily . mess. to arms , to arms ! a forreign fleet invades our frighted coast , and brings a floating war : they spread their streamers as secure of conquest ; with shouts and louder trumpets rend the air , and seem to triumphe'r the fight begin . king. a forreign navv ! what new turn of fate ? must then our dear-bought peace so soon be ravisht , and wars green wounds be launc'd and bleed anew ? theoc. i thank ye gods , i have not yet deserv'd this charming princess , am too poor in fame , and kindly you provide for my renown . permit me , royal sir , forthwith to head your troops , whil'st their last lawrels still are green , t' engage breast-deep this bold invading foe : our blood shall snatch their legions , nor permit their corosea once to touch our threatn'd soil . king. fly swift as light'ning , and destroy more sure . theoc. weep not arviola , but bade me conquest ; i go to bring thee honours from the flood , richer than all the gems the deep contains ; from conquest late we mov'd to triumph , now from triumph to new conquest , to return triumphant , in an endless round of glory . [ ex. with his officers . arv. 't is so ! our halcyon day is overcast , and all the smiling prospect snatch'd already : my troubled heart presag'd its own distress : and gave dark symptoms of the rising storm , that parts , i fear , my theocrin and me , to meet no more but on the coast of souls . king. canst thou inform us nothing more particular ? mess. a barge before the fleet arriv'd the bay , as i presume , with speedy embassie and full intelligence . att. a herauld sir , sent from the newly arriv'd fleet. king. admit him . [ herauld enters . ] her. health to the sacred majesty of greece ; prince abardanes from the thracian coast , by free commission from his royal father , with seven arm'd legions , and full fifty sail now anchors in your port , t' assist your cause , and quell the rebels that imbroil your state : partly our old alliance to this crown , oblig'd our king t' engage in your relief ; but most t' uphold the rights of majesty , whose dignity 's the common cause of kings . king. our cause already has restor'd itself ; bear to your gen'rous prince a monarchs thanks : and in our name invite him to our court ; our self will meet our royal guest half way , doubling our pomp with his illustrious train , whil'st spight of blazing noon , the waken'd stars start from their cells , our triumphs to survey , and joyn their glories to this wond'rous day .

act. iii. scene , the palace . myrrhoe with letters . myr. reads .

iam now on my pilgrimage , when the nuptial ceremonies are over , at your leisure give the inclosed to theocrin , from yours edraste .

these letters speak this princess ignorant o' th' sudden turn in theocrin's affairs : a queint device was forming in my thought and these come seas'nably t' assist the project . lord theocrin your pardon â�� ( opens and reads ) â�� 't is right . penn'd to my wish ; a hopeful policy , but time must ripen it . edraste drew not from me her ruin , nor am i unjust to play the game which she gave o'r for lost , and sweep the stakes . enter escalus . brother you'r-are well return'd , and as i wisht with busie brow ; how went the salutation ? esc. the king and prince , like old familiars , met , and having thrice in close imbraces joyn'd , admitted to their hand each others nobles . th' officious flamen at our western gate , perform'd short sacrifice ; mean while the king and abardanes joyn'd in solemn league of friendship , and before their entrance hail'd the genius of the place . myr. on what design shou'd abardanes with such costly forces arrive our shore ? esc. t' assist the king to o'rthrow the rebels , was the plausible pretence . a slight disguise â�� but hark ! they come . [ king arviola , abardanes , with their courtiers and attendance , pass over the stage . myr. the pomp seems clouded with a sullen gloom , the king looks sad , arviola's cheek's are flusht with such disdainful rage ; her flashing eyes struck bold argaleon at the treaty dumb . esc. dissention , wrecking discord is broken loose , and we must cast our net i' th' troubled tide ; it must succeed â�� myr. speak , feast my greedy ear , that wou'd devour at once the charming tale. esc. this prince with passion has beheld arviola , which yet his haughty mind seem'd to disdain , and with a lions fury shook the toil : at last to th' king , his grief he did unfold , and with a haughty meen ( befitting more a conqueror than suiter ) mustring up his titles , he demanded her in marriage : the king reply'd , 't was an affair of weight , and in regard of theocrin's just claim of fatal consequence . myrr . and this reply th' impatient prince took for consent . esca . his pride resented it as flat denial , and scarce contain'd its swellings within bounds . and now near hella's grove , lord theocrin , attended with light horseman , met the pomp , forward we mov'd , when in a sudden feud ; the fiery rivals drew ; but first the prince : both mad as winds contesting for the main , and scarce the thund'ring king their fury quell'd . myrr . a promising disaster ! what ensu'd ? and why return'd not theocrin ? esc. scarce was the fray compos'd , when there arriv'd intelligence that the disperst remains o' th' rebel troops , had gather'd since the rout , and garison'd within eipercte's towers : the king seiz'd this occasion to dismiss chaft theocrin to th' army , with strict charge to block eipercte's walls with speedy siege : an exquisite device of state , at once to keep the fiery rivals at just distance , and compass leisure for the best resolves . myr. soft , he returns with pensive diphilus and thoughtful theocrin . esc. my design 's a-float ! pisander in the queens esteem supplants me ; what then remains but that i shift my sails , and seek some richer port : the king's esteem , and wind and tide conspire to waft me in ! the tempest is on wing , sink theocrin , 't is on thy ruins i must build my hopes , and mounted on thy ship-wrack make to shore . [ exeunt . ] re-enter king , theron , diph. king. now lords as you do prize your countreys peace , your ages ease , your wives and childrens safety ; ply your best skill and bank against the deluge ! methinks i see our greece again embroil'd and slaughter's bloody sluces drawn anew ; our laws disarm'd , and holiest rites profan'd , our streets alarm'd with tumults , rapes and fire , and all the terrors of argaleon's war. ther. whence can you fear , dread sir , events so fatal ? not from the prince , he is your friend in league . king. my friend in league ! friendship 's the priviledge of private men , for wretched greatness knows no blessing so substantial . diph. sacred sir ; i see not why your maiesty shou'd take an anxious thought ! what can the scruple be ? what better can secure the peace of greece , then that prince abardanes wed arviola ? king. and my late vows to theocrin be revokâ��â��â�� ther. your int'rest , and the present exigence of your affairs require it . king. then blush hell ! for earth's more false , and fiends to men are angels ; o hard estate of empire ! wretched kings ; how are we snar'd in errors not our own , and hood-winkled to th' crimes we most wou'd shun ? hence 't is our names stand black in chronicle , when impious councellors betray our reason ; with eloquence and sophistry ensnare us , and make injustice necessary ! diph. prince abardanes aws us from the bay , threatens to pour his legions on our coast , if fair arviola refuse his love. his rival theocrin's grown popular , and heads our army ; what if he resent his disappointment , seek by force his claim ? shall we permit him take by arms his right , and to a subjects tyranny submit ? or call the princes forces to our aid , and trust the courtesie of forreign pow'rs ? king. the siege will hold him for a while employ'd ; the prince and he , fierce as they are , may yet burn harmless as dire planets do ; whil'st distant : but meeting hurl swist ruin on our state. enter escalus . esc. my business royal sir , will justifie my bold intrusion ; give me leave t' impeach your favourite of guilt , which true as 't is , will scarce meet your belief ; of treason . king. ha! esc. lord theocrin , he courts the popular fame , and forms designs against your life and empire . king. say , speak'st thou this on thy own knowledge or conjecture ? if no more , on what presumption ? esc. the cause , his jealousie of abardanes , and your deferring his expected nuptials : with blood shot eyes i view'd him in the pomp , whil'st diving low from his triumphant chair , the rabble at each hault he did salute , then eagerly inclin'd his lawrell'd head , to catch the buzzing praises of the crow'd ; whil'st on his youth ( his active youth they call'd it ) and ( as they term'd it ) your neglectful age they descanted , wounding each loyal ear ! king. i must have evidence more positive , till then suspend my judgment , make it clear , and know that on the proof depends thy life . esc. good gods , that i were earth ! forgotten dust ; th'oblit'rate marble mouldring o'r my ashes , and this black charge a slander : heaven ! my life ! your empire 's life depends on your belief . [ exit king , theron , diph. ] so now i 'm plung'd , and must dash through or perish : three factious stout repiners at the state ( of bank'rupt fortunes ) i have brib'd already . to swear this charge , a circumstance or two , neatly devis'd and plausibly alledg'd , will make th' impeachment pass . now to my she consed'rate to confer of my designs : she 's a projecter too , lur'd on by interests resistless charms ; the vig'rous spring that sets all plots adrist , from womens projects to th' intrigues of state. [ exit . ] enter arviola , myrrhoe . myr. ha! visit you disguis'd , too night ? arv. he comes : my theocrin , i but ev'n now discharg'd the welcome messenger he sent to inform me . no tidings of my dear edraste yet ? 't was sure no small resentment that cou'd move her temp'rate breast to such a rash resolve ! my fate in all its past severities , allow'd me that dear partner of my cares ; but now the charmer of my griess is gone . myr. your sorrow never shall complain alone , whil'st i have breath to eccho to your sighs . arv. myrrhoe , thy truth deserves a better fate , then waits thy wretched princess ! o my heart â�� my theorcrin ! â�� but that 's too harsh a string and i forbear to touch â�� say myrrhoe , how does the queen resent edraste's absence ? myrr . her women fear'd t' inform her of the truth , and forg'd a formal tale â�� enter a lady with a ring . lady . a stranger , madam , desires admittance ; when i crav'd his business , he enjoyn'd me to deliver you this ring . ar. see myrrhoe . [ gives her the ring . ] myrr . lord theocrin's signet madam . arv. conduct him privately to my apartment . [ ex. the lady . ] you myrrhoe wait here , and on your life , permit none t' approach us . [ exit . ] enter escalus . esc. i 'm wing'd with transport , and i tread on air , ha myrrhoe , what 's thero ? lord theocrin in 's seal ? a prize by mercury ! the luckiest hit . ev'n fortune's self is my confedrate now , and aids me in my jugling : sister stay , this ring must do me present service , but i 'll instantly restore it . myrr . stay escalus . esc. my business is most pressing . myrr . so is mine . did not the queen too night send to invite you to banquet with her in the grotto . esc. yes , pisander too is summon'd thither ; some new adventure that requires our counsel . myr. know then you are invited to your death , the banquet 's poysoned . escalus ha! myr. the queen perceives you are jealous of pisander , and to prevent your just revenge , conspires with her young paramour to take your life . esc. whence your intelligence ? myr. from bromian , attendant on the queen in her retirement , who persecutes me with his whining passion , and to oblige me made this dear discovery . esc. ev'n this shall give a lift to my designs , for fencer like i 'll ward and strike together . the queen and i too night draw stakes for life ; the lots are hid , now for a flight of hand , to pick the prize and shift the â��lank to her. [ exeunt severally . ] scene draws , arviola and theocrin . theo. so hasty were my orders for the siege , that i was forc'd disguis'd to make this visit arviola ! arv. my lord. theo. the last days sun was to have seen our nuptials celebrated : the busie priests for us prepar'd their temple ; nor cou'd attend the morning sacrifice ! the pompous streets with bays and palm were strew'd , and legions blest us as we past along , hail conqu'ring bridegroom , royal bride all hail , enrich our empire with a glorious race . die ag'd and happy ! thus our loves were greeted : and now we meet , we meet ( oh gods ! ) by stealth ! arv. dear theocrin , believe me still your bride , for souls can wed without the formal priest : why are our loves , that prosper'd when conceal'd , like faiery-wealth , curst since they came to light ? ah! had you ne'r aspir'd at fatal glory , we might at least have given the night to love , tho we , like glow-worms , hid by day our fires . theo. divinest of thy sex , ' its past the powr of thought to rate my love ! â�� arviola ! arv. what wou'd my theocrin ? theo. dismiss me to my grave , whilst thou art kind ; and hurry from the world this useless life , which if prolong'd , must prove to thee most fatal . arv. alas , my lord , your griefs talk wildly now . theo. the haughty prince his rival once remov'd , will prove more mild , nor longer threaten war ; with thousand more conveniences of thine ! the king will ne'r chide with you for my sake , nor trembling mothers curse your constancy ! fate wills , and 't is expedient that i die ! enter myrrhoe with a ring . myr. prince abardanes , madam , waits your leisure ; my lord , your signet . [ gives him the ring . ] theo. the prince demand admittance ? , sure he is well improv'd in his acquaintance to seek admittance here ! â�� go myrrhoe inform the stranger better . he mistakes , these are the apartments of arviola the princess ; privacy . haste , tell him so . myrr . my lord 't is , with the princess he wou'd speak ; he comes to visit â�� theo. visit ? myr. good : he 's jealous . [ aside . ] the furies send the princess half so apt to take th' infection and my project 's made . arv. retire my theocrin . theo. how my arviola ? retire ? â�� by love i will not understand thee , nor wou'dst thou sure be understood â�� and yet that angry brow recalls my charity ! is 't possible ? bid theocrin retire ? remove , and give a new pretender room ? arv. thank your distresses that disarm my rage , or my resenting honour shou'd chastise this jealousie ; it shou'd rash man : but now ( since fortune treats you ill ) i am content to weigh your griefs and wink at your offence . once more i do entreat you to with draw , and humour the perversness of our fate ; a little patience will restore our wishes . theo. i find my error , and am dash'd with shame ! excuse the ravings of a feav'rish mind ; nor rate by common rules immod'rate love. ah princess , could'st thou dive into my heart , and see how absolute thy form reigns there , how much i prize the treasure of thy love , thou would'st at least forgive my wakeful care ; that miser-like i wear a watchful eye , and weigh each grain of the hard purchast store . arv. now by a virgins truth , i swear ( stand still ye flying minutes , and attend my vow ; ) whil'st nature holds her course and time runs on , vvhil'st night and day the night and day succeed , vvhil'st rivers pay their tribute to the sea : and seas with fresh recruits the streams supply , whil'st winter strews hoar-frost and summer dew ; i 'm theocrin's â�� so theocrin prove true. theo. what pittying god , toucht with the sad estate of fall'n mankind , sent from their bright abodes , this vertue to reform the savage world ! bright excellence , imperial maid , farwel ; i go to glean the last remains o' th' war ; and like argaleon let me fall accurst , if once these weary lids be clos'd in sleep ; or these devoted limbs uncas'd from steell , till i 've compleated well my task of honour , and brought thee conquest perfect as my love. [ exit . enter abardanes , sossacles at distance . ab. a lover's visit if it fail to meet the best reception , most unwelcome proves : but madam , if my passion 's troublesome , accuse the fatal power of your own charms ; unwillingly i put your fetters on . arv. with what an arrogance his passion sues . [ aside . ab. i know i court on disadvantages , and my rough passion can have little charms ; but love dissolves and moulds me o'r anew : my temper gives beneath each glance you dart . arv. none sure can be to your vast merits blind , but prince your court-ship's to a bride addrest , and brides in heav'ns account are wed already . ab. it was my rivall's fortune , not desert , t' have first beheld your charms ; which having seen , he lov'd of necessary consequence : chance laid the dazzling treasure in his way , too vast to be by any subject held ; and into royal hands must be resign'd . arv. now prince you press too far your priviledge , allow his worth , as i dispute not yours ; which weigh'd , perhaps wou'd make the lighter scale . ab. i 'm pleas'd to find his merit swell so high ! your praise has made him worthy of my sword : if wanting royal bloud , it prove his fate to enrich himself with mine , you are his prize : but first we 'll try the forune of the field . arv. ah me ! he is rash , and theocrin all fire ; what ruin must attend such meeting hames . my lord , the prince , return â�� cou'd you pretend to love , and in neglectful rage withdraw ? permit my grief to reason calmly with you , for you are generous and will be just ! this love that has surpriz'd your noble mind , is but a vicious and irregular heat â�� which your severer prudence will correct . you 'll be advis'd my lord , i know you will ; you ought not , must not â�� and you will not love. ab. o my divided soul ! her painted grief darts through my stubborn bosom to my heart . arv. what triumph is there in a virgins tears ? what conquest to pursue her to her grave ? i 'm sworn to be lord theocrin's or die ; and if from his embrace i am divorc'd ; who courts me after , is my murderer . ab. rise princess , witness these prodigious tears , how much i 'm touch'd with your distress ; how much my lab'ring heart resists the pow'rful charm. arv. so may you speed in war and thrive in glory , nor of your crowns and trophies know the tale ; and if agen you condescend to love , with all the soft returns of kindness meet , which tender maids , that pine with secret flame , wish , when retir'd , they tell the groves their pain ! ab. i yield ! you have prevail'd against your self , your tears have quencht the fire your glances gave ; i 'll force a conquest on my heart , i will. arv. then blessings crown â�� ab. o take your charms away , i cannot look and with such treasure part , but when remov'd , i 'll try to represent your form less glorious , and resign you then . this pang , and i 'm at ease ! â�� o sossacles , i have o'rcome ! â�� 't is false , i 'm still her slave , i long , and 't is methinks an age already since i beheld her ! how shall i sustain [ exit arviola . eternal absence ? it can never be , my fancy forms her fairer now than ever ; as colours take in christal brighter die. soss . your highness better knows to war than love ; presume not sir to force a victory by furious onset here , as in the field ; 't is , patience and a formal siege must win , the fort which you in vain attempt to storm : bribes must corrupt , where force and valour fail . ab. speak plain , my oracle , thy conduct here may speed my love , as it has done my arms. soss . the princess heart 's already taken up with theocrin , and if you press for entrance , must sink all three : plot first to dispossess your rival . ab. 't is a task for hercules . soss . i 'll work the self-same engine to dislodge your rival , and to fix you in his room . ab. 't is past the pow'r of wit ; but i can trust thy cunning for impossibilities . [ exeunt . enter king , escalus , theron , diph. king. the queen confed'rate too with theocrin ? esc. your queen , your pensive , solitary queen , conspires with theocrin against your life ; her cell , her sacred grotto , is the nest to hatch their treason ; haste and trust your eyes , ev'n now th' are brooding there together . king. on and force our entrance . [ exeunt . scene drawing , discovers the grotto . queen and pisander amorously seated in a bowr . song . 1. tell my strephon that i die , let th' ecchoes to each other tell , till the mournful accent fly to strephon's ear and all is well . 2. but gently break the fatal truth , sweeten ev'ry sadder sound ; for strephon's such a tender youth , the gentlest words too deep will wound . 3. no! fountains , eccho's , all be dumb ; for shou'd i cost my swain a tear , i shou'd repent me in the tomb , and grieve t' have bought my rest so dear . after which enter king , esc. the. diph. king. my eyes have surfeited upon their shame ; guards seize 'em both : dissembling aribell ! false theocrin ! why that 's pisander . esc. ha! pisander ? â�� gods ! then there 's a new discov'ry â�� who 'd ha' thought pisander were a villain . pis. perjur'd slave ! esc. i blush for thee pisander ! cou'd even weep to see such hopeful vertue fall'n away . pis. i know vour majesty decrees my death ; and with my latest breath i will pronounce that escalus a traytor . qu. treach'rous fiend ! i 'll perish , and involve thee in my ruin ! my lord , the king , i own foul practices against your crown , but was in all seduc'd by that arch-devil . esc. hear me sacred sir ? to clear my loyalty , i but demand your majesty compel 'em taste these bowls . [ a goblet is given to pisander ] king. drink slave or perish . qu. hell 't is drink and perish . [ aside pisander's dead ] king. unfold this riddle . esc. know my royal master the queen her self broke with me of this plot ; but having found me firm of loyalty , resolv'd to silence me with death for ever . on that design invited me too night , to banquet with her here i' th grotto , where these poyson'd goblets were to have giv'n me welcome . king. guards , bear the empress to the cittadel , till we resolve the manner of her death . qu. death , doting monarch , must that witherd brow give sentence on this bloom , this spring of beauty , that has preserv'd thy friezing bloud in motion , cous'ning the grave of her long due ; the grave that rivall'd me , and for thy lumber waited , when i received it to my youthful bed. have i sustain'd thy sinking royalty , and stufft thy hollow robes to fill the throne ; and talk'st thou of my death . king. away with her , let darkest mansions hide her from the day , that sickens at her insolence . qu. be 't so . i 'll make those mansions fairer that those bow'rs , and in a scene of thought repeat these joys , so oft within these rev'ling shades possest . see there thy rival , king , how lovelier far in death than thou art breathing ? fear him still , be jealous of his memory , and live till ev'ry subject scorns thee as i do , and vermine like o'r-leap their wooden king. state , tempests , shake thee into dust â�� fates catch my curse , and stamp it in their brazen volumns . [ exit queen guarded esc. this jumps not with my wish , tame , suff'ring king ! king. but theocrin â�� esc. is to his charge return'd , too late we enter'd to surprize him here ; these letters i intended t' have produc'd , and charg'd him with his treason to his face . king. to the rebels ? and with theocrin's signet seal'd ? see theron , diphilus . ther. with what contents . king. he taxes me with breach of faith , repents his service , and solicites them t'espouse his cause , and ioyn their out-law'd troops with his ; which will secure at once their forfeit heads ; and vindicate his claim t' arviola . my lords your speedy and most safe resolves . diph. 't were safest to discover no distrust , but summon him to court with speed , as to some sudden council , then surprize and sentence him to present death . [ ex. king , ther. diph. esc. mid'st all my busie zeal , this stupid king , as yet no mention of reward has made ! and rates my service as a subjects duty : had i imploy'd but half the expence of wit to serve the prince , my pains had past for merit : he claims no soveraign right in my endeavours , and will with honours crown my industry . the time presents , his agent sossacles with myrrhoe has been tamp'ring ; i 'll strike in and share in the design ; 't were plausible , and of good credit , to perswade this prince , that for his interest i have undermin'd lord theocron , his dangerous rival . good ! thus tacking oft to catch the veering winds , the skilful pilot works into the bay. [ exit .

act. iv. scene , the palace . king , escalus , theron , diph. king. t is odds , but he 'll suspect the sudden summons ( as guilt is ever jealous ) and decline our orders . esc. doubt not , sir , but he 'll appear , and with as bold a meen as ever . king. thus forward spirits , howe'r by heav'n design'd for state-defenders , prove their countries bane ; for when their active courage has redrest the publique wrongs ; the proud restorer's self next tyrant proves , and for reward usurps to them abardanes and sossacles . now prince to your desires i can be just ; your rival has by treason forseited his right to arviola and our favour , and naught remains that can resist your claim . ab. not ev'n arviola's divinest charms are more desirable , than to be stil'd your son , not glory cou'd have charm'd me more ; glory that drew me forth to share your war. king. free i receiv'd this crown from heav'n , and leave arviola her freedom to confer the fortune of her greece , where she bestows her love ; and abardanes is secure of our best aid t' endear him to her breast . [ ex. king , esc. ther. diph. ab. come near , my sossacles , thou art surpriz'd to find this cheek turn'd pale , and see this breast heav'd with unwonted sighs ; i know 't is mean , and blush at this disorder , but bear with me , thou only conscious art to my complaint , and even to thee i tell but half my pain . soss . to me you gave the conduct of your love , and with successful industry i 've won ( what most i doubted ) myrrhoe to our side ) the princess's confident . ab. is 't possible ? 't was by her art that theocrin prevail'd , and work'd into arviola's esteem . soss . the fittest engine therefore to dislodge and work him out agen : she knew t' extol and dazzle the young princess with his praise ; and doubtless can with equal art accuse . ab. by what strange wiles , my subtle mercury , could'st thou prevail on this demure deceiver ? soss . with well couch'd flattery , and pretended love ; besides with gemms and gold i brib'd her favour , yet with such difficulty , that t' have viewed the winding scene , had prov'd no small diversion . ab. methinks i see my engineer at work . soss . at first , with such disdain , as wou'd ha' past for real , with the unskill'd in womens wiles , the present she refus'd ; in passion told me that she had much projected for your sake , and by degrees intended to encline the princess to accept of your address , but was prevented by those hated gifts , that rendered her free service mercinary . ab. then flung away ? soss . no! paus'd , and with a sigh confest , though you had justly disoblig'd her , yet since it was the princess interest t'slight fall'n theocrin , and approve your suit , she 'd still proceed to serve you , and engag'd ( by whaì�t device i know not ) instantly to render her averse to theocrin , and then of course you seize her vacant breast . ab. thou shalt have altars rais'd thee . soss . see , she comes . enter myrrhoe . myr. my lord , i come to check your lavish bounty , that leaves no place , for gen'rous and free service , but turns my best endeavours into hire . ab. think not those trivial presents were design'd for more than earnests of rewards to come ; 't is in your pow'r to enrich me with a treasure , beyond the wealth of my expected empire ; arviola's love. myr. know my designs on that account were ripe , before you shar'd your bounty : a few hours is all i crave to perfect your request . arviola comes , with-draw sir , and expect my promise . [ ex. abard . soss . now edraste's letter to theocrin , comes in play ; now all the fraud that injur d lovers charge upon our sex inspire me ; tears , oaths , swoonings , changing blood ; and all the seeming pangs of wildest rage , assist my cous'nage . enter arviola . [ myrhoe falls prostrate , as going to stab her self . arv. ha! the gods forbid ! stop thy rash arm , or turn thy steel on me , distracted myrrhoe ; speak what means this fury . myr. where am i ? what unkind hand has disarm'd me ! o my asslicted heart ! arviola ? fly princess , for i have resolved on death , and shall depart in pain if you are by . arv. speak , i conjure thee , and unfold thy grief ; or by our dearest friendship i 'll bleed first . myr. as you regard your peace , permit me die in silence , nor reveal a fatal truth , which you of all the world shou'd last discover . arv. thy tender bosom takes too quick a sense of my distresses ; but of me learn temper , that can survive at once edraste's absence and theocrin's disgrace . myr. i theocrin ! was it not i that kindled first your breast with love of theocrin , and fann'd the flame with hourly praise ? unfortunate zeal . arv. thou did'st , and i adore thee for 't . myr. i did , and with that ponyard meant to act a justice on my self for doing it ; tho to the expecting fates i will appeal i was abus'd , and more deceiv'd than you ! arv. wreck me no longer with tormenting doubt ; if my full griefs can yet be capable of fresh disasters , let me know the worst . myr. swear then to bear it as a princess shou'd . arv. perish my dearest hopes , but i will do as shall become my sex and royal blood. myr. peruse that letter then . arv. to theocrin ? and in edrastes hand ? her nã me subscrib'd ? most strange contents ! â�� yet she concludes more strangely ! [ reads . ] â�� forgive my griefs this trespass ; they shall never offend you more ; for i have not the heart to complain of you , tho the author of my ruin. edraste . the author of her ruin ! theocrin the author of edraste's ruin ! speak ! confess , or dear as 't is , i will rip up that reverend breast , and tear the secret forth . myr. take then the fatal story ( sighs be husht and give me breath ) â�� th' unfortunate edraste ( as i have ever been her confident ) inform'd me of the cause why she with-drew ; you thought her absence unaccountable ; so little you surmis'd that she retir'd to hide her growing shame ! arv. her growing shame ! myr. with cheeks now pale , now blushing , she confest she had resign'd her sacred virgins treasure , and in close dalliance wanton'd , till at last , her amorous theft no longer wou'd be hid , but forc'd her to retire . arv. i 'll mourn for thee edraste , and lament in thy offence , the fall of womankind ! â�� but â�� myrhoe â�� thou seem'st not yet discharg'd of half thy tragick tale â�� thou fear'st to say with whom she did offend ; and i to enquire ! why art thou rackt my heart with fond mistrust ; for 't is impossible that theocrin shou'd prove so false â�� and as impossible that any other tempter shou'd prevail ! i dare not â�� will not â�� yet i must suspect myr. now princess call to mind your solemn vow , you swore to act as honour shou'd advise , and honour will inspire you with disdain , for this ingrateful , most forsworn of men. arv. sink me to death ! plunge me in streaming fire , heap mountains on my head , and bury my disgrace , abus'd arviola . ! deluded , credulous maid ! â�� oh perjury ! myr. rise princess and compose this dang'rous passion . arv. no! to this earth i 'll grow , out-rave the winter sea , out-rage the northern wind , and with my loud complaints alarm the gods , till they resent the wrongs of flatter'd virgins , and confound mankind . myr. then curse thy self rash tongue for thy discovery ! perish these idle hands , that had not first sheath'd this preventing ponyard in my heart ; but 't is not yet too late â�� arv. hold myrrhoe ! thou art more rash than i ; think , think how much i lov'd ! how much i was abus'd ! and thou wilt say i have a turtles tameness ! false ! perjur'd theocrin ! i can almost excuse thee lost edraste , when i recall the smooth deceivers charms ; he 'd sigh his passion in such soft complaints ; courted with such a winning modesty , even in his silence reloquent , his words so artfully disorde'd , as might move , devoted vestals to a living grave ! myr. your anger do's him too much grace ; forget him , arv. where then is my revenge ? i hear he 's charg'd with treason too , and i believe him guilty ; for false in love , and false in ev'ry trust : yet once agen i will repeat my vow , and heav'n and earth refuse me if i fail to execute the strictest laws of honour . i 'll meet him in spight of my relenting heart , ( for inwardly i fear i shall relent ) yet i will meet him with a scornful brow , and to his face disdain him , though i die . [ exit . enter escalus . esc. hist. sister . myr. now , what fresh discovery , whence those letters , and of what concern ? esc. from our imprison'd , discontented queen ; here she solicites me to close afresh with her design ; already she has urg'd her brother of epirus to revenge th' affront of her confinement on the king. these are t' oblige me to betray the fort into his hand , when he by night arrives , and my reward the crown . myr. be not too credulous , nor trust offended majesty too far . esc. with caution i 'll resolve , in the mean time seem to comply ; i 'll shun no path to greatness , but wou'd seek it in the jaws of death . [ exit severally . scene draws . theocrin with four or five officers from the siege . ther. leave me my friends , and of your jealousies take leave ; the gen'rous king has no dishon'rable design upon me : some sudden council of the state requires me . 1. off. there is no trust in states-men , and in courts 't is dang'rous to excell allow our fears , we know your worth , and wou'd not see you fall . theo. meet i the death of cowards , the renown of my fam'd ancestors expire in me , e'r i grow vain , and trumpet my own deeds ; yet must this king confess , that what i have for him perform'd , within the sylvan courts of savage moors , at least wou'd have procur'd me my lifes safety : i 've seen a lion from the toil set free , yet famisht , as he was , spare his deliverer . 2. off. shou'd the ungrateful senate dare to call your worth in question ; we that know how deep your merit 's rooted in your armies hearts , shall soon reform the abuses of the bench , and teach the ermin'd doatards justice . theo. ha! degen'rate damocles , how art thou fall'n , that breath has blasted all thy early glories ! beware , brave youth , the least disloyal thought , that like a canker will destroy thy lawrel . 3. off. be not betray'd by your credulity ; your midnight summons brings no small suspicion ! the prince makes open love to arviola ; you know his fleet rides still within our bay , and on his least resentment can pour forth their legions on our shore ; consider then how this may work on the defenceless king , to sacrifice you to your rivals rage . theo. my safety 's grounded on the eternal truth of my arviola ; may she desert me , when once i prove so mean to fear she will ; she 's constant as the diamonds standing light : once more , my friends , i beg you wou'd retire , and will not be deny'd . 4. off. we go , but shall be near to watch your danger . [ ex. the officers . theo. spight of my forc'd neglect , a sullen fear intrudes it's terror on me ; first it seiz'd my slumber , since pursues my waking thoughts ; a mourning venus stript my verdant bayes , and on my temples dropt a cypress wreath , whil'st weeping cupids lean'd on slacken'd bows , shrouding their faces in their sable wings . dreams i regard not , but this vision leaves me gloomy and dull , as sated ravishers . theron , diphilus , passover the stage . these lords once knew me , fawn'd and kiss'd my knees , when from argaleon's conquest i return'd , and now the doatards pass neglectfully by ! but change in states-men is most natural : th' are weather-cocks of time , and face about to ev'ry veering wind ! but here comes myrrhoe , and her i 'll seize . enter myrrhoc . tell me kind patroness of all my hopes , thou that hast known my passions secret growth , brought'st kindly warmth , and hatcht it with thy beams â§ . how fares my bright arviola ? how mindful of her pining theocrin ? how many sighs has scapt her balmy lipp ? ( for myrrhoe i will know particulars . ) how many tears ? â�� reserv'd , and silent ha! what means that wrinkled brow ? dishonour blast me , but thou hast struck a chilness to my heart , a death-like cold. myr. your pardon lord , i am in haste , on business to the prince . theo. the prince ! confusion ! business to the prince ? what business bear'st thou to the prince ? whose business ? i know thou wilt not say arviola's . thou wilt not let me know that killing secret , tho it were true . myr. my lord ; i 'm no dissembler , when i inform'd you that the princess lov'd you , 't was true ! â�� she did â�� at present i affirm she thinks of you no more . theo. and that true too ! wer 't thou an oracle to tell me this , id slight it as a black malicious lie , tho thunder struck me for the misbelief . myr. your lordship 's discompos'd , i take my leave . [ exit theo. go then , and like a sorc'ress blast thy walk , how have i prun'd my fortunes till they bleed , to fill this mercenary's coffers : but this rich prince's weightier gold , i find has turn'd the scale against me ; be it so , i 'll give the world the lie , e'r i supect : none but arviola her self shall e'r perswade me that arviola is chang'd : here comes this pageant prince ! down swelling blood , i must speak to him , and wou'd do 't in temper . enter abardanes , sossacles . prince , by your favour , turn ; a souldier calls . ab. ha ; who art , that with so bold a freedom retards my haste ? theo. i am one whom thou hast wrong'd , demand'st thou further ? â�� one whom thou must right ; forbear that frown , i wou'd not move thy passion , and wou'd much less that thou should'st wake my rage : as therefore calmly i my grievance tell , do thou as calmly promise to redress : thou seek'st to rob me of my valour 's prize , my right by chance of war and royal grant , my mistress â�� more â�� my bride arviola . ab. ha! theocrin ? stand forth , let me survey thee ; dar'st thou , poor sprout of obscure growth , presume to be ingrafted to the royal stock , and stain with peazant blood the race of kings ? theo. thus far i bear with thee thou barbarous prince , less disciplin'd then those rough winter-gusts , that scourge thy barren clime . this is the palace , the mansion of the king ; the place protects thee , thou art too vile a sacrifice to fall on sacred ground . ab. unhand me sossacles ; now thank the gods that thou art rankt beneath a prince's vengeance ; i forbear thy life , and will not stoop to take the worthless forfeit : thou art hedg'd in with double infamy ; for as a subject i disdain thee much , but as a traytor more . theo. blasphemer die . [ draws . enter king , with guard. king. this insolence within our palace walls ? guards seize the tyger . theo. o my lord the king , to heav'n and you i will appeal . king. be dumb , i 'll hear thee nothing till the bench is sate , and then thy practices shall have fair tryal . guards he 's your charge . [ ex. king and abard . theo. are these then the rewards of loyalty ? to bind these arms ã��â��ã�� set their countrey free ? my vertue shot too ã��â��ã�� , and shaded all the bramble courtiers ; therefore i must fall as one that rob'd 'em of the royal beams ! but winter storms will fall again , and then they 'll wish their shelter standing â�� o my heart ! those beauties must belong to arviola ! arviola ! hast thou forgot me too . enter arviola reading . arv. nor am to blame , y' are so much alter'd now from what you were ; an angel fall'n cou'd take no change so fowl . theo. yes â�� i am fall'n indeed ! most strangely alter'd ! a few days since i triumpht , was proclaim'd the states deliverer ; virgins wreath'd in flowr's , sung hymns of conquest , insants lisp'd my praise ; the king , the king , smil'd on me , fortune smil'd , arviola smil'd â�� where 's now the dazling pomp ? the bright scene 's chang'd , the heav'nly dream with-drawn ; my flags disperst , and all my streamers drown'd . arv. dispense with me thou nice and rig'rous honour , [ aside . this penance is too much for flesh to bear ! false as he is , i cannot see his pain , ! yet am condemned to be his torturer ! theo. fickle maid , like venus thou wer't wont to scatter joys ; but now those eyes have lost their healing pow'r , shoot pains , and like malignant planets strike ! arv. take on your self the blame , if i disturb you ; i wou'd have past in silence by . theo. thou woudl'st not ! i 'll justifie thee , ev'n against thy self ! arv. to prove what i affirm , i 'll leave you now . theo. then fickle maid , thy love was all a mock ! arv. the gods will be my witnesses , how much i priz'd the brave , the valiant theocrin ; the conscious gods will be my witnesses , how much the traytor theocrin i scorn . theo. forbear , my fame , rash beauty ! o take heed how thou revild'st a souldiers loyalty ! least light'nings fall and singe thee black as moors . arv. this conference is our last , and our discourse has shot too far already â�� i have done . theo. what mute ? this silence tortures me beyond the sting of slander ; speak , though it be to curse me , arviola ! arviola ! arviola ! o deaf as storms , to sinking mariners ! speak , i conjure thee by the spotless joys of our stol'n visits ! by the friendly bow'r , whose shade was conscious to our mid-night meeting . whil'st from the jess'mine roof the dew distill'd , and trickling from thy brow perfum'd thy tears ! whil'st to correct the vapours of the night , officious loves celestial perfumes breath'd , and fann'd the moon-beams , with more shining wings : by all those nights ! and that most friendly night , when to my ravisht ear you first confest your love , and shot me through with trembling joy ! the stars flam'd brighter , and the flow'rs breath'd forth a warmer fragrancy ; the gloomy grove approv'd our vows , and at our contract smill'd . arv. oh! o! o! theo. relentless still ? what shall i say ? what sad complaint assume t'extort thy pity ? this posture can re-call the offended gods ! hear cruel princess ; 't is not yet too late ! one balmy tear and i am whole ! â�� with-drawing ? - can it be ? ha! wilt thou , can'st thou part and leave me thus grov'ling in agony ! - turn , turn , at least to view my dying pangs , and glut thy sight with the last pantings of a broken heart . [ here arviola seems much discompos'd , but stiffling her disorder . ev'n yet thou art not quite with-drawn ! turn yet , and leave with bleeding love , the charity [ ex. arviola ] of one relenting sigh ! - she 's gone ! retir'd , vanisht for ever from these closing eves . come chaos now ! resume thy horrid reign ; blend earth with heav'n , the elements confound , and quench in seas the fall'n etherial fires ! when vertu 's dead , 't is time that nature die ; wake theocrin ! forsaken as thou art of all ; thy innocence stays with thee still ! guards , to your office , wreath me o'r in chains , and in the gloomiest dungeon shroud me fast ; when this is done , if my escape you fear , the grave 's the safest prison , lodge me there . enter abardanes , myrrhoe . ab. scarce can i credit what i 've heard and seen ; approach thou subtl'st of the subtle sex : say , what return , what off'ring shall i make to thy immortal wit â�� sossacles . enter sossacles with aribert . the change is wrought , a change more wonderful than of black chaos into smiling day . soss . your servant aribert , from thrace arriv'd with letters of importance . ab. souldier welcome ! [ opens the letter and reads . fly myrrhoe , foment the princess rage , that no relenting thought for theocrin surprize her breast , and mar the noble project . [ ex. myrrh . confusion ! torture ! all my hopes are dash'd . read sossacles , my royal father's sick , and i am summon'd home to thrace with speed : aspiring sythrax waits the kings last hour , to seize the vacant throne ; and they inform me our speediest return can scarce prevent him : what shall i do ? soss . your danger sir instructs you ; your fleet 's in readiness , we 'll sail to night . ab. and leave arviola ? â�� enter escalus . now escalus , if thou hast policy produce it now , and make a prince thy friend ; my father dies and warns me hence , my brother sythrax takes advantage of my absence to usurp , shall i secure my crown or love ? esc. both sir. ab. how my apollo ? o my panting heart ! esc. the means are obvious ; bear arviola by force aboard your fleet , then sail for thrace : the season gives you opportunity , too morrow she attends the sacred rites , and sacrifices at diana's grove . the princess early with her virgin train , sets forth to finish the preparing ceremonics , before the court arives ; then you may seize her , for myrrhoe shall seduce her through the groves , where you shall plant your servants to surprize her . ab. most exquisite contrivance ! we 'll send immediate notice to our fleet. [ ex. ab. and soss . enter myrrhoe hastily . esc. where thus confusedly sister ? myrr . where 's the prince ? esc. what new disaster ? myr. theocrin's escap'd . esc. escap'd ! myr. rescu'd from the guards , and born with violence from the town . esc. by whom ? myr. 't is guest by the offiers , that from the camp attended him to the court , for all were masqu'd , nor trusted to the evenings dusk . esc. perdition ; this happens ill ; but fortune do thy worst , my ripe designs are past the blasting now ; sister one day , one busie morrow more crowns out desires : retire , and i 'll inform you . i toil for empire , now at scepters fly , resolv'd to force'em or expire ; and tho i perish in th' attempt , even in the grave , my pomp , my court i 'll keep , and dream of crowns in deaths eternal sleep . [ ex.

act. v.

scene , a desart . thunder . enter theocrin in the tempest . theo. the storm is husht , the winds breath out their last ; the thunders too in feebler volleys die ; all night they humour'd my complaints ; but now the day intrudes , the dear confusion's vanisht , and all the ruffled elements return to their dull order . shroud thy hated light , thou rising sun , nor summon with such speed , th' o'rlabour'd world to th' toils of a new day ! why flatter'd mortals , will ye wake to cares , when sleep in kind delusion may divert your pensive minds with pleasing images . a dream sets free the captive , can restore lost fields to souldiers , and wreckt merchants wealth ; in dreams the exile visits his dear home , and o'r the sparkling bowl relates at large his past distresses to his wond'ring friends ! the lover too the sad forsaken lover , may dream and feign the falsest mistriss true . o for a gentle slumber , that wou'd thus delude my griefs , and shew my perjur'd fair constant as once i thought her â�� oh i rave , for sleep no more must seal these lids ; this sun may set and rise agen to his dull round , but see me tread life's giddy maze no more ; perform thy work thou deadly juice â�� 't is off . [ drinks a viol of poison . that death ( by nature so abhor'd ) shou'd be as easily into our vitals drawn , as th' air by which we live . enter four or five of the officers . 1. off. i fear his discontent has made him stay , regardless of the storm that rag'd too night . 2 off. we left him near these clifts . 3. off. 't was rash to trust him with his griefs alone . 4. off. it was his own resolve , which we obey'd with much reluctance â�� o ye gods ! see where he prostrate lies in the cold dew , with his bare head expos'd to th' troubled air. theo. tyrant of nature , i wou'd view thee near , thou chief of terrots , death ! a form so horrid , as even the wretched shun : this brittle glass contain'd that awful thing ; the fatal juice , that turns my working organs into clay ; i' cou'd even now have dasht it on the ground ; but let that pass . 1. off. rise noble general ; we cometo seek you in the armies name . theo. nay , now my friends you are too officious ! 2. off. o my dear lord , i grieve to have found now ! why wou'd you dare the terrors of this night ? such lightnings , wind and rain â�� theo. ha damocles . was 't not a merry night , thou know'st i shou'd have been a bridgroom now , and therefore 't was the rev'ling storm struck up to make me musick ; the lightnings danc'd to entertaine me â�� true , the bride was absent , and the bed was cold ! but 't was of natures making , honest rock , o'r-spread with moss . 3. off. his griefs i fear distract him . theo. hark damocles , a secret , o my boy , when i am earth , remember thou wert warn'd to trust no woman when she smiles , and when she weeps believe her less , least when she swears ; but if she swear thee love â�� oh wracks and pangs ! why sirs d'ye gaze so wildly on me ? â�� ha! the poison i perceive has touch'd my brain ! come damocles , let 's talk no more of women ; arms be our theam , bright arms â�� arviola ! tell me of arms , my boy â�� arviola ! of battles , tatter'd ensigns , bloody bayes ; trophies and triumphs â�� oh arviola ! 4. off. we must divert this frensie . theo. still they gaze ! my senses then are going , let e'm go . o that my working thoughts were once at rest , still as fall'n stars , or streams bound up in frost . 1. off. your griefs shall be redrest ; the army waits for your return , resolv'd to force your right , and place you in the imperial bed and throne . theo. then you have weighed my wrongs . 1. off. we have , my lord , and must resent your suffring as our own . theo. swear then to work the army to my will. 1. off. we swear . theo. 't is well ; know then 't will most conduce to my content , that you forget my abuses from the court , and spight of all my wrongs be loyal still ! nay sirs , seem not dissatisfi'd , you 've sworn , perform my last request , for 't is my last ; i 've taken poison . 3. off. horror ! theo. infamy ! what souldiers tears , a few hours will reduce this shaken frame to its first elements ; part we like soldiers without ceremony : i must devote my short remains of life to private thoughts , and you must leave me all . 1. off. at least permit us wait you to the grave . to sling our pining lawrels on your earth , and give the warriour's volley o'r your tomb. theo. i have my self to took care for my enterment . the hermite's cave is near , where i 'll unload me of this dull earth ; they 'll decently bestow this lumber in some vault by nature fram'd ; wrapt in no sables , but of deepest night ; no pageantry , or more superfluous trains of such as mourn for hire , no funeral dirge , but what the widdow'd turtle shall afford me . the pomp that i despis'd in life , in death i hold most vain ; nor care to rot in state. farewel , commend me to our valiant troops , and as ye wish my ashes rest , be loyal . [ ex. severally .

scene , the hermites cell . a tomb discovered , the hermite's consecrating it . edraste in youths apparel . 1. herm. enough , the tomb is hallow'd ; all retire to your respective tasks , your chosen toil ; behold my son this rude unpolisht marble , ( to edraste . the common receptacle of our dust , when fate shall summon our obedient spirits . what follows death , the dead alone can tell ; but to our life of rule and discipline . we owe at least , this certain priviledge , calmly to wait the change , nor fear to die . edr. o peaceful solituds ! here all things smile , and in sweet consort joyn . all but my thoughts , that still are out of tune , and break , like jarring strings , the harmony . why , cruel theocrin , do'st thou pursue me to these retreats ? for still thy image wounds . enter theocrin . my panting breast , and robs me of repose , tho lodg'd on poppies by the murmuring stream . ha! is't the raving of my feaverish thought or theocrin's appears ! defend my heart , some kinder pow'r , or undeceive my eyes . theo. i feel the trusty person by degrees , spread through my yielding veins , my circling blood , at length , will bear the cordial to my heart ; as nearer to eternity i coast , the prospect grows more lovely â�� here 's the cave , and i descry the hermites working near ; the neighb'ring vale shall be my walk , till the prevailing poison summon me to turn and yield this earth to their disposal . [ exit . edr. 't is he ! the royal bridegroom wand'ring here alone , bare-headed , and with sorrowful brow ; fortune , i fear , has wrought some dreadful change ! i 'll trust to my disguise , and follow him ; my heart is on the rack till i 'm inform'd . [ exit .

wood scene agen . arviola , myrrhoe : arviola drest as for the sacrifice . arv. where myrrhoe , wilt thou and sorrow lead me ? this shade is dark , and silent to my wish , here let me sit and breath my last complaints ! he was the falsest of the treach'rous sex ; the falsest , and as such , my just revenge disdain'd his pangs , when groveling at my feet . myr. his love was feign'd , and so was his remorse . where are these ravishers , this was the time design'd for the adventure , this the place . [ aside . enter two priests in habits . arv. rise , we are summoned to attend the altar ; speak , have ye sung your mattins , hail'd the grove , and with the victim trod the sacred round ? why stand ye thus fixt on each others look , as ye had some dire message to deliver , whil'st each declines th' ungrateful tale ; speak forth . 1. priest. a better fate attend our greece , then what the omens of this morning rites presage ; which of us , has with guilty hands approach'd the awful ceremonies , is unknown ; but our dread goddess is displeas'd , and thwarts our work with boding prodigies . myrr . 't is but the old mans fear , the hallow'd wine has touch'd his feeble brain , and makes him rave . shall we retire , yet farther , madam ? 1. priest. the virgin taper thrice i did apply , before the flame wou'd taste the melting gums , nor then blaz'd prosperously , erect to heav'n , but scatt'ring , turn'd his conscious folds to earth , and rol'd his smoaky globes along the ground . myr. these wizzards will mar all ; to lose her thus , [ aside . when i 've decoy'd her to the very ginn . 2. priest. the destin'd bull in garlands wreath'd , stood bound , and turn'd his lowring eyes upon the attendants ; nor sooner had the blushing wine distain'd his snowy brow , but rearing high in air , he shook the yielding cords from his curl'd front , o'r-threw the altar , tost the golden pile , and forcing through the scatter'd priests his way , ran with high nostrils , bellowing through the grove . arv. return , and consecrate the place anew , with mournful cypress bind your pensive brows , and prostrate falling on the sacred ground , each vow his innocence before the altar ; then cast the lots to find the osfender out . [ ex. priest. o virgin goddess , if this breast indulge one secret guilt , turn all thy rage on me , and let thy priestess bleed thy sacrifice ! else let me live with fall'n edraste's shame ; my sond heart , be agen seduc'd to love. deceiv'd agen â�� assassins , treason ! help . enter escalus masqu'd , with others . esc. seize her , confederates , seize your royal prize . arv. help heav'n , rocks , groves , diana help ! esc. soft , madam , we are friends , design no wrong , but come to bear you to a lover's arms. arv. off traytor ! light'ning blast thy sacrilegious hands . esc. quick sirs , convey her to the prince's chariot , that waits without the grove , thence to the fleet ; and in the court of thrace expect her thanks . enter from the other side theocrin's officers . 4. off. the cry came this way â�� see! the princess seiz'd by ravishers , ev'n in her sacred robes . [ fight . whil'st they are engag'd , arv. myrrh . run off , myrrh . wounded ; the officers beat the others off . 2. off. the fiends are vanisht ; where's the princess ? 3. off. fled off in fight . 2. off. disperse we strait ; you damocles return to the general , and inform him what has happened ; you phorbus to the king , the rest search for the princess : [ ex. re-enter escalus unmasqu'd . esc. curse on the coward slaves , they fought like women ; not wolves more tamely wou'd resign their prey to lion : how shall i excuse this soul defeat , to the expecting prince ? the prince ? hell ! that 's the least difficulty : how shall i answer to the king this treason ? hard-hunted , as i am , i 've one shift yet , and that a sure one : i 'll with speed inform the king , of this design to seize arviola : charge all the guilt upon the prince , pretend the plot was frustrated by my contrivance ; then when the intelligence comes , the king shall thank me for my villany , perhaps reward me too ; thus cautious sailers quit the sinking ship , and rowing off to shore , enrich themselves with the wreck'd merchants wealth . [ exit theocrin and edraste . theo. leave me fond youth , why wilt thou follow me ? i 'm savage as a sylvan , and unfit for thy soft conversation ; prethee leave me ! edr. forgive a strangers rudeness , sir , excuse a charitable crime ; say you are happy , and for some pleasing contemplation seek this solitude ; convince me with a smile and i 'll retire . theo. believe me happy then and leave me . edr. wherefore then that troubled sigh ? theo. pretty impertinence , no more inquiries ; but since thy curiosity is such , know i am wretched to that sad degree , that fiends might pitty me , and therefore leave me . edr. 't is therefore i woud follow . theo. thou are young , and grief 's infectious ; get thee to court , and revel out thy youth ; sorrow will come unsought , and poyson thy delights too soon . besides , thou' rt beautiful and form'd for dalliance , therefore to court , there practice ev'ry wile to charm the fair ; none scape thy flattery ; but youth take heed that it be flattery . for should'st thou be sincere in thy addresses , give up thy heart , and trust thy happiness to a woman's mercy , thou' rt lost for ever . edr. then all all my fears are just , and destiny [ aside . has play'd most fowl ; arviola is chang'd , or he abus'd . theo. thou weep'd ! what mean those tears , i did but speak . of disappointed love , and thou art touch'd ! is 't possible that thy soft innocence , so early , shou'd be martyr'd by the scorn of any cruel she ! then i am still to learn in woman's falshood ; and my fair cous'ner yet may be a saint , compar'd to the rest of her deluded sex. yes , false arviola , when i descend , and to the lower world report my love , i 'll do thy fame the right , to say , there was one more inhumane maid than thou ! enter damocles . dam. your pardon , my best lord , that i trangress your last commands , the occasion is surprizing ; your fair arviola , with her maiden train , this morning came to attend the annual rites of great diana's altar in the grove : on our return we found the princess seiz'd by rusfians , whom we soon o'rcome , but lost her in the hurry of the fight â�� behold , my lord , three of their scatter'd crew flying this way . theo. false , tho she be , yet some revenge is due to injur'd beauty and a princess name . stand traytors . [ fight . the assassins are slain , edraste wounded . how fares my gentle boy . edr. the friendly steel has pierc'd my aking heart , and giv'n me ease . theo. ha! wounded ! we have bought the villains lives too dear ; help damocles yo bear him to the cell . [ ex. enter king attended , esc. ther. diph. priests brought in by the guards . king. disperse and search each thicket of the forrest ; and as your for feit heads shall answer for 't , return not to our presence till y 'ave found her . [ ex. attend , stand forth , ye reverend hypocrites , confess when , where , for what you barter'd , to betray your monarch's daughter ? hell ! i am too cold ! produce her traytors , set her in my sight , restore her to my arms this minute , or your pamper'd flesh shall on the rack be torn , and scatter'd piece-meal on this hallow'd ground . esc. this is the musick that i long'd to hear ; [ aside . king , y' are too tame , rage louder yet ; ha! ha! how vain a creature were the plotting knave , but for the credulous fool ? king. slaves , must i twice command , e'r i am answer'd ? 2. priest. by all the pow'rs , by great diana's self , and your own sacred head , we are innocent . king. they sport with my revenge , quick , drag 'em hence to present death ; nor shall th' ingrateful prince our vengeance shun : he comes , make ready guards to seize him , he shall bleed . ther. dread sir , consider . enter abardanes , speaking to his attendants . ab. o'r-powr'd ? excuse it not , 't was cowardise ; retire , i must to the king , least he suspect . king. disarm him . ab. i am betray'd , basely you have surpriz'd us ; give me room , slaves know the prince , nor with your vassal hands profane my royalty â�� what! servile chains ! i 'll not endur 't . esc. now the chast lion foams . ab. i charge thee king release me , by thy sceptre , thy head , thy empire , which my thracian troops shall drown in blood , and waste with vengeful fire . king. we dare thy worst , ingrateful , barb'rous prince , that could'st abuse our hospitality , and plot a rape upon a royal maid . ab. why then did she not love ? what i design'd was gen'rous all ; and thou should'st thank me , king , that of thy dignity i took such care , fo force thy daughter to my princely arms , that on a vassal else , a subject slave , had lost her crown and beauty ; and corrupted th' untainted blood of monarchs ! king. bear him off ; come to my heart , thou faithful escaellus ; with what return shall i reward thy vertue ! our army we commit to thy command , be thou our gen'ral in false theocrin's stead , and meet the shock of war , this prince has threaten'd . whom bring ye there ? diph. att. dread sir , a forrester , that says , he saw but now a lady fly in fright to the hermite's cave . king. 't was my arviola , lead thither . [ ex. all.

the cave . theocrin and damocles bearing in edraste . theo. now damocles fly and call the hermites in , their art will bring relief ; take heart , my boy . edr. i die , my lord , and with my latest breath will speak of wonders ; now my stars are kind , and for my past griefs make too large amends , since in your dear embrace i do expire ; i am edraste . theo. this indeed is wond'rous . edr. deaths paleness will forbid my blushes now ; if i confess that i have lov'd you long , but with a flame as chaste as vestal fire ; or may no pious garland crown my tomb , but virgins shun it as unhallow'd ground . enter arviola in fright . arv. where shall i hide ? o for an earthquake now to sink me from these ravishers â�� whos 's there ? theo. speak my edraste , end thy charming tale , for i wou'd die convinc'd , there can be truth in woman's love. arv. edraste in disguise with theocrin , in close embraces joyn'd ! my eyes too long are guilty , but the sacred ponyard thus shall expiate the offence ; eternal night remove the hated object from my view . [ stabs her self . theo. she 's gone , and in her cheeks a scatter'd purple smi'es , like streaks of sun-shine from a setting day : my fate comes next , the sure-slow poison now preys on my vitals - ha! what heavenly form sits there ? bright vision turn â�� arviola ! arv. o gods , those ruffled locks , and that wan look , against my honour plead in his behalf ; but 't is a woman's weakness , and i 'll crush it . theo. it cannot be ! not woman's cruelty can swell to that excess , to persecute her poor forsaken lover to his cave ; to tear his closing wounds , and wake his slumb'ring griefs into a fresh despair . is this the tenderness of beauty , this the weeping sexe's mercy ? oh! arviola ! arv. with what divided passions am i torn ! stream faster sluggish blood and give me ease ! theo. that so contemn'd a thing as i , shou'd e'r create your highness trouble , were unjust ; but princess you 'll excuse me : that i lov'd you , i do confess , but wore my flames conceal'd and silent , as the lamps that burn in tombs , sigh'd only to my self and to the winds , gaz'd on your beauties with the distant crowd : your self at last perceiv'd my drooping care , and forc'd the trembling secret from my breast , which with my life i render'd at your feet : then â�� i remember â�� oh! the panting minute â�� arv. that panting minute i remember too ! [ aside . theo. you rais'd me by the bloodless hand from ground , with such obliging tenderness , secur'd my trembling hopes , that next i sunk with joy ! but ( oh the torture ! ) this transporting scene was but a gawdy dream , and wak'd with storms , here on cold earth the flatter'd dreamer lies . arv. tempt not the gods too far , those gods that know the falseness of your love : yet o thrice happy , if here your crimes had fixt , but to corrupt a royal maid â�� the fowl thought strikes me dumb , i leave your guilt t' interpret â�� oh edraste ! theo. take heed , licencious fair ! thy perjur'd love was but thy sexe's sin , a crime of nature , but to blaspheme the vertue of the dead , will wrest from the forbearing gods their thunder . arv. ha! dead ! each minute draws fresh wonders on . enter myrrhoc bloody . myr. the princess must perceive that i betray'd her , perhaps this cave will hide me from the search . theo. hast thou too brought thy raven's note t' afflict me ? myr. gods ! theocrin pale ! arviola bloody , and edraste dead ; then furies lash me with your scorpion whips ; give me the torments of th' etornal damn'd , prometheus , vulture , and ixion's wheel . arv. alas , what mean those dreadful execrations ? myr. my breath grows short , but shall suffice t' unfold such treasons , as will fright the dephts of hell , for whil'st the plotting escalus accus'd this gen'rous lord of treason to the king , as falsely i abus'd his love to you ; taxt him of wanton dalliance with edraste , who from the court retreated , to divert th' ambitious queens designs on both your lives : thus were you wrought to treat him with disdain , at his return from field . theo. the truth , the truth as thou shalt meet the gods. arv. for thy souls sake , the truth and i forgive thee . myr. at fast , brib d by the prince , i undertook to tempt you through the groves , till the assassins might seize and bear you to the thracian fleet ; but ( unexpectedly engag'd ) i' th' fight i met th' unluckly wound that gives me death , by the dar pow'rs that wait for my descent . this is most true , as true as i was false , or let my pains , through circling ages last , nor time expiring , see my torments done . [ dies . theo. and arv. attempt to rise , but ( wanting strength ) on their hands and knees , get to each other . theo. o bounteous pow'rs ! o balmy healing joy ! pride of thy sex , imperial excellence , my still beloved , still loving , true arviola . arv. can you forgive my lord my rash disdain ? you must , for i was punish'd in the crime , ev'n then ( cou'd you have seen my heart ) you wou'd confess that your arviola was ne'r so passionate kind . theo. let me in haste â�� devour those sweets , and load me with thy bloom , a stock to feed on in eternity . arv. o that some pittying god wou'd six us thus ( to solid marble turn'd ) eternal statues , whil'st pious lovers flock from farthest lands , to hear the wond'rous chances of our loves , and thence be taught whate'r disasters fall , ne'r to despair of passion that is true . theo. my feeling fails , but ah what purple dew distains this hand that prest thy panting heart ? arv. thank the good gods , 't is my life-blood , my lord , i saint ; my theocrin , but one thing more tell me , if we shall love i' th' other world ? theo. 't will be our business , 't is the land of love. arv. and without jealousie . theo. their paradise knows no such poisonous weed ; their loves are as their streams , full , calm , and clear ! secure and free they pass their harmless hours , gay as the birds that revel in the groves , and sing the morning up . arv. farewel . theo. she 's gone ! and charms me after . [ dies both. enter theron , diphilus , guards , attendants , hermite , king and escalus , in the middle of train . ther. confusion ! diphilus see the princess slain in theocrin's arms , more bloodless corpses too , to fill the ghastly scene â�� dread sir , retire ; such horror fills this cave , as will congeal your aged blood , and blast your royal sight . king. why do your knees prevent me ; sink in earth and give passage : where 's the goblin now that should appall me ? ha! my arviola dead . and in the traytor 's arms ! fate thou hast struck me home , but struck thy last . here fell my only comfort , only care. haste , set the prince at large . esc. 't was my sole fear , least myrrhoe should discover , and death has ty'd her tongue ; there 's that breach stopt . king. rob'd of my heirs ; be all my witnesses how timely for my empire i provide ; behold this man of worth , and know him all for our adopted son and heir of greece ; bow all to earth and do him present homage . [ presenting escalus . esc. thus , gracious sir , thus prostrate at your feet , your vassal begs you to revoke your favour ; i am th' unworthiest â�� king. rise , our pleasure 's sixt , slaves is our will disputed . all. hail heir of greece , hail royal escalus . [ enter messenger with letters . diph. way there , a message to the king. king. what bring'st thou ? mess. great sir , your queen disdaining her confinement , took poison , but enjoyn'd me e'r she dy'd , to bear these papers to your royal hand . king. o dephs of villany ! guards seize that fiend . [ pointing to esc. esc. what means my gracious lord. king. see here , my lords , what will amaze you too ! our empress , by that escalus detected , liv'd but to take revenge on the discoverer ; and to effect it , made pretence of forces , rais'd by her brother to invade this empire , which this designing lord was to command , and these his letters in return ; where he accepts her terms ! to death with the impostor . esc. that breath that doom'd me be thy last , weak monarch ; but king , know thou , and these ( but now ) my slaves , that for that minutes pride , that single taste of royal pow'r , for that one hail , i 'd meet the worst of deaths thy feeble rage can form . [ ex. born off by the guards . king. my lord , i trust your care to see just rites perform'd to these dead bodies ; my next charge ( and that my last ) is , that you summon streight our senate , and by fair election crown our successor ; for my own private part i have determin'd what the gods inspire : reach me a hermite's habit. ther. now i find his rash resolve , but durst not interpose . [ king kneeling , takes a hermites vestment in his hand kisses , then shifting his robes of state , puts it on . king. how light sits this ! and thus have i put off , with the imperial robes , imperial cares . thus after all my storms of court , i make my last retreat to the gods and poverty . here as the sanctions of this cell , shall bind by turns , i 'll wait , and in my course be king. here lust wants fewel , and ambition starves , my temper'd appetites shall here be taught , t' ask council of my reason e'r they crave : here just but temperate meals , short sleeps and sound , shall cheer me for the labours of the day : thus life's well manag'd remant will i spend , and when the gods shall lease , resign my breath calmly , as infants sleep , and smile on death .

finis .

epilogue , spoken by mrs. currer . your humble servant gentlemen â�� how d' ye , i' faith i 've broke my prison walls to see ye ; must i he cloyster'd up ? dull poet stay , i hate consinement tho' but in a play. doom me to a nun's life ? â�� a nun ! oh heart ! the name 's so dreadful , that it makes me start ! no! tell the scribbling fool i 'm just as sit to make a nun as he to make a wit. what ? a-la-mort messieurs ? nay then i 'll sit ye adieu ! i' faith no epilogue for betty ! and yet , shame on my foolish womans heart , i fain wou'd see ye smile before we part . you know how oft , like preaching sisters , we have from the stage lectur'd your vanity ; yet like those sisters , out o' th' preaching mood , you have surpriz'd and found us flesh and blood ! well , if your stubborn hearts will not dissolve , prepare to hear our fatal last resolve ; since sense has broke us , henceforth shall be shown the feats of robbin hood and little john , with the thrice fam'd exploits of whittington ! ã��â��ã�� vergers then in your lewd steads shall sit , a ã��â��ã�� and scarlet audience crowd our pit. ã��â��ã�� like your misses , we are forc'd to quit ye , and make our last dependance on the city .

notes, typically marginal, from the original text

notes for div a62967-e110 * praef. to the conqu . of granada . * essay on dram. poe.

the history of king lear acted at the duke's theatre / reviv'd with alterations by n. tate. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a59493 of text r20622 in the english short title catalog (wing s2918). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.this text has not been fully proofread approx. 156 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 39 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo 2017 a59493 wing s2918 estc r20622 12176489 ocm 12176489 55542

early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a59493) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 55542) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 77:6) the history of king lear acted at the duke's theatre / reviv'd with alterations by n. tate. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. shakespeare, william, 1564-1616. king lear. [8], 67, [1] p. printed for e. flesher, and are to be sold by r. bentley, and m. magnes ..., london : 1681. an alteration of shakespeare's king lear. reproduction of original in university of michigan libraries. eng shcnoking leartate, nahum1681246172000000.81b the rate of 0.81 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2002-02tcp assigned for keying and markup 2002-02apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images 2002-03tcp staff (oxford) sampled and proofread 2002-03judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-04pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion

the history of king lear . acted at the duke's theatre .

reviv'd with alterations . by n. tate .

london , printed for e. flesher , and are to be sold by r. bentley , and m. magnes in russel-street near covent-garden , 1681.

to my esteemed friend thomas boteler , esq sir ,

you have a natural right to this piece , since , by your advice , i attempted the revival of it with alterations . nothing but the power of your perswasion , and my zeal for all the remains of shakespear , cou'd have wrought me to so bold an undertaking . i found that the new-modelling of this story , wou'd force me sometimes on the difficult task of making the chiefest persons speak something like their character , on matter whereof i had no ground in my author . lear's real , and edgar's pretended madness have so much of extravagant nature ( i know not how else to express it ) as cou'd never have started but from our shakespear's creating fancy . the images and language are so odd and surprizing , and yet so agreeable and proper , that whilst we grant that none but shakespear cou'd have form'd such conceptions , yet we are satisfied that they were the only things in the world that ought to be said on those occasions . i found the whole to answer your account of it , a heap of jewels , unstrung and unpolisht ; yet so dazling in their disorder , that i soon perceiv'd i had seiz'd a treasure . 't was my good fortune to light on one expedient to rectifie what was wanting in the regularity and probability of the tale , which was to run through the whole a love betwixt edgar and cordelia , that never chang'd word with each other in the original . this renders cordelia's indifference and her father's passion in the first scene probable . it likewise gives countenance to edgar's disguise , making that a generous design that was before a poor shift to save his life . the distress of the story is evidently heightned by it ; and it particularly gave occasion of a new scene or two , of more success ( perhaps ) than merit . this method necessarily threw me on making the tale conclude in a success to the innocent distrest persons : otherwise i must have incumbred the stage with dead bodies , which conduct makes many tragedies conclude with unseasonable jests . yet was i rackt with no small fears for so bold a change , till i found it well receiv'd by my audience ; and if this will not satisfie the reader , i can produce an authority that questionless will. neither is it of so trivial an undertaking to make a tragedy end happily , for 't is more difficult to save than 't is to kill : the dagger and cup of poyson are alwaies in readiness ; but to bring the action to the last extremity , and then by probable means to recover all , will require the art and judgment of a writer , and cost him many a pang in the performance .

i have one thing more to apologize for , which is , that i have us'd less quaintness of expression even in the newest parts of this play. i confess 't was design in me , partly to comply with my author's style to make the scenes of a piece , and partly to give it some resemblance of the time and persons here represented . this , sir , i submit wholly to you , who are both a judge and master of style . nature had exempted you before you went abroad from the morose saturnine humour of our country , and you brought home the refinedness of travel without the affectation . many faults i see in the following pages , and question not but you will discover more ; yet i will presume so far on your friendship , as to make the whole a present to you , and subscribe my self

your obliged friend and humble servant , n. tate .

prologue . since by mistakes your best delights are made , ( for ev'n your wives can please in masquerade ) 't were worth our while t' have drawn you in this day by a new name to our old honest play ; but he that did this evenings treat prepare bluntly resolv'd before-hand to declare your entertainment should be most old fare . yet hopes , since in rich shakespear's soil it grew , 't will relish yet with those whose tasts are true , and his ambition is to please a few . if then this heap of flow'rs shall chance to wear fresh beauty in the order they now bear , ev'n this shakespear's praise ; each rustick knows 'mongst plenteous flow'rs a garland to compose , which strung by his course hand may fairer show , but 't was a pow'r : divine first made 'em grow . why shou'd these scenes lie hid , in which we find what may at once divert and teach the mind ? morals were alwaies proper for the stage , but are ev'n necessary in this age. poets must take the churches teaching trade , since priests their province of intrigue invade ; but we the worst in this exchange have got , in vain our poets preach , whilst church-men plot.

the persons . king lear , mr. betterton . gloster , mr. gillo . kent , mr. wiltshire . edgar , mr. smith . bastard , mr. jo. williams . cornwall , mr. norris . albany , mr. bowman . gentleman-usher , mr. jevon . gonerill , mrs. shadwell . regan , lady slingsby . cordelia , mrs. barry . guards , officers , messengers , attendants .

king lear . a tragedy . act i. enter bastard solus . bast. thou nature art my goddess , to thy law my services are bound , why am i then depriv'd of a son 's right because i came not in the dull road that custom has prescrib'd ? why bastard , wherefore base , when i can boast a mind as gen'rous and a shape as true as honest madam's issue ? why are we held base , who in the lusty stealth of nature take fiercer qualities than what compound the scanted births of the stale marriage-bed ? well then , legitimate edgar , to thy right of law i will oppose a bastard's cunning. our father's love is to the bastard edmund as to legitimate edgar : with success i 've practis'd yet on both their easie natures : here comes the old man chaf't with th' information which last i forg'd against my brother edgar , a tale so plausible , so boldly utter'd and heightned by such lucky accidents , that now the slightest circumstance confirms him , and base-born edmund spight of law inherits . enter kent and gloster . glost. nay , good my lord , your charity o'reshoots it self to plead in his behalf ; you are your self a father , and may feel the sting of disobedience from a son first-born and best belov'd : oh villain edgar ! kent . be not too rash , all may be forgery , and time yet clear the duty of your son. glost. plead with the seas , and reason down the winds , yet shalt thou ne're convince me , i have seen his foul designs through all a father's fondness : but be this light and thou my witnesses that i discard him here from my possessions , divorce him from my heart , my blood and name . bast. it works as i cou'd wish ; i 'll shew my self . glost. ha edmund ! welcome boy ; o kent see here inverted nature , gloster's shame and glory , this by-born , the wild sally of my youth , pursues me with all filial offices , whilst edgar , begg'd of heaven and born in honour , draws plagues on my white head that urge me still to curse in age the pleasure of my youth . nay weep not , edmund , for thy brother's crimes ; o gen'rous boy , thou shar'st but half his blood , yet lov'st beyond the kindness of a brother . but i 'll reward thy vertue . follow me . my lord , you wait the king who comes resolv'd to quit the toils of empire , and divide his realms amongst his daughters , heaven succeed it , but much i fear the change. kent . i grieve to see him with such wild starts of passion hourly seiz'd , as renders majesty beneath it self . glost. alas ! 't is the infirmity of his age , yet has his temper ever been unfixt , chol'rick and suddain ; hark , they approach . [ exeunt gloster and bast. flourish . enter lear , cornwall , albany , burgundy , edgar , goneril , regan , cordelia , edgar speaking to cordelia at entrance . edgar . cordelia , royal fair , turn yet once more , and e're successfull burgundy receive the treasure of thy beauties from the king , e're happy burgundy for ever fold thee , cast back one pitying look on wretched edgar . cord. alas what wou'd the wretched edgar with the more unfortunate cordelia ; who in obedience to a father's will flys from her edgar's arms to burgundy's ? lear. attend my lords of albany and cornwall with princely burgundy . alb. we do , my liege . lear. give me the mapp â�� know , lords , we have divided in three our kingdom , having now resolved to disengage from our long toil of state , conferring all upon your younger years ; you , burgundy , cornwall and albany long in our court have made your amorous sojourn and now are to be answer'd â�� tell me my daughters which of you loves us most , that we may place our largest bounty with the largest merit . gonerill , our eldest-born , speak first . gon. sir , i do love you more than words can utter , beyond what can be valu'd , rich or rare , nor liberty , nor sight , health , fame , or beauty are half so dear , my life for you were vile , as much as child can love the best of fathers . lear. of all these bounds , ev'n from this line to this with shady forests and wide-skirted meads , we make thee lady , to thine and albany's issue be this perpetual â�� what says our second daughter ? reg. my sister , sir , in part exprest my love , for such as hers , is mine , though more extended ; sense has no other joy that i can relish , i have my all in my dear lieges love ! lear. therefore to thee and thine hereditary remain this ample third of our fair kingdom . cord. now comes my trial , how am i distrest , that must with cold speech tempt the chol'rick king rather to leave me dowerless , than condemn me to loath'd embraces ! lear. speak now our last , not least in our dear love , so ends my task of state , â�� cordelia speak , what canst thou say to win a richer third than what thy sisters gain'd ? cord. now must my love in words fall short of theirs as much as it exceeds in truth â�� nothing my lord. lear. nothing can come of nothing , speak agen . cord. unhappy am i that i can't dissemble , sir , as i ought , i love your majesty , no more nor less . lear. take heed cordelia , thy fortunes are at stake , think better on 't and mend thy speech a little . cord. o my liege , you gave me being , bred me , dearly love me , and i return my duty as i ought , obey you , love you , and most honour you ! why have my sisters husbands , if they love you all ? happ'ly when i shall wed , the lord whose hand shall take my plight , will carry half my love , for i shall never marry , like my sisters , to love my father all. lear. and goes thy heart with this ? 't is said that i am chol'rick , judge me gods , is there not cause ? now minion i perceive the truth of what has been suggested to us , thy fondness for the rebel son of gloster , false to his father , as thou art to my hopes : and oh take heed , rash girl , lest we comply with thy fond wishes , which thou wilt too late repent , for know our nature cannot brook a child so young and so ungentle . cord. so young my lord and true. lear. thy truth then be thy dow'r , for by the sacred sun and solemn night i here disclaim all my paternal care , and from this minute hold thee as a stranger both to my blood and favour . kent . this is frenzy . consider , good my liege â�� lear. peace kent . come not between a dragon and his rage . i lov'd her most , and in her tender trust design'd to have bestow'd my age at ease ! so be my grave my peace as here i give my heart from her , and with it all my wealth : my lords of cornwall and of albany , i do invest you jointly with full right in this fair third , cordelia's forfeit dow'r . mark me , my lords , observe our last resolve , our self attended with an hundred knights will make aboad with you in monthly course , the name alone of king remain with me , yours be the execution and revenues , this is our final will , and to confirm it this coronet part between you . kent . royal lear , whom i have ever honour'd as my king , lov'd as my father , as my master follow'd , and as my patron thought on in my pray'rs â�� lear. away , the bow is bent , make from the shaft . kent . no , let it fall and drench within my heart , be kent unmannerly when lear is mad : thy youngest daughter â�� lear. on thy life no more . kent . what wilt thou doe , old man ? lear. out of my sight ! kent . see better first . lear. now by the gods â�� kent . now by the gods , rash king , thou swear'st in vain . lear. ha traytour â�� kent . do , kill thy physician , lear , strike through my throat , yet with my latest breath i 'll thunder in thine ear my just complaint , and tell thee to thy face that thou dost ill . lear. hear me rash man , on thy allegiance hear me ; since thou hast striv'n to make us break our vow and prest between our sentence and our pow'r , which nor our nature nor our place can bear , we banish thee for ever from our sight and kingdom ; if when three days are expir'd thy hated trunk be found in our dominions that moment is thy death ; away . kent . why fare thee well , king , since thou art resolv'd , i take thee at thy word , and will not stay to see thy fall : the gods protect the maid that truly thinks , and has most justly said . thus to new climates my old truth i bear , friendship lives hence , and banishment is here. [ exit . lear. now burgundy , you see her price is faln , yet if the fondness of your passion still affects her as she stands , dow'rless , and lost in our esteem , she 's yours , take her or leave her . burg. pardon me , royal lear , i but demand the dow'r your self propos'd , and here i take cordelia by the hand dutchess of burgundy . lear. then leave her sir , for by a father's rage i tell you all her wealth . away . burg. then sir be pleas'd to charge the breach of our alliance on your own will not my inconstancy . [ exeunt . manent edgar and cordelia . edg. has heaven then weigh'd the merit of my love , or is 't the raving of my sickly thought ? cou'd burgundy forgoe so rich a prize and leave her to despairing edgar's arms ? have i thy hand cordelia , do i clasp it , the hand that was this minute to have join'd my hated rivals ? do i kneel before thee and offer at thy feet my panting heart ? smile , princess , and convince me , for as yet i doubt , and dare not trust the dazling joy. cord. some comfort yet that 't was no vicious blot that has depriv'd me of a father's grace , but meerly want of that that makes me rich in wanting it , a smooth professing tongue : o sisters , i am loth to call your fault as it deserves ; but use our father well , and wrong'd cordelia never shall repine . edg. o heav'nly maid that art thy self thy dow'r , richer in vertue than the stars in light , if edgar's humble fortunes may be grac't with thy acceptance , at thy feet he lays ' em . ha my cordelia ! dost thou turn away ? what have i done t' offend thee ? cord. talk't of love. edg. then i 've offended oft , cordelia too has oft permitted me so to offend . cord. when , edgar , i permitted your addresses , i was the darling daughter of a king , nor can i now forget my royal birth , and live dependent on my lover's fortune . i cannot to so low a fate submit , and therefore study to forget your passion , and trouble me upon this theam no more . edg. thus majesty takes most state in distress ! how are we tost on fortune's fickle flood ! the wave that with surprising kindness brought the dear wreck to my arms , has snatcht it back , and left me mourning on the barren shore . [ aside . cord. this baseness of th' ignoble burgundy draws just suspicion on the race of men , his love was int'rest , so may edgar's be and he but with more complement dissemble ; if so , i shall oblige him by denying : but if his love be fixt , such constant flame as warms our breasts , if such i find his passion , my heart as gratefull to his truth shall be , and cold cordelia prove as kind as he. [ exit . enter bastard hastily . bast. brother , i 've found you in a lucky minute , fly and be safe , some villain has incens'd our father against your life . edg. distrest cordelia ! but oh ! more cruel ! bast. hear me sir , your life , your life 's in danger . edg. a resolve so sudden and of such black importance ! bast. 't was not sudden , some villain has of long time laid the train . edg. and yet perhaps 't was but pretended coldness , to try how far my passion would pursue . bast. he hears me not ; wake , wake sir. edg. say ye brother ? â�� no tears good edmund , if thou bringst me tidings to strike me dead , for charity delay not , that present will befit so kind a hand . bast. your danger sir comes on so fast that i want time t' inform you , but retire whilst i take care to turn the pressing stream . o gods ! for heav'ns sake sir. edg. pardon me sir , a serious thought had seiz'd me , but i think you talkt of danger and wisht me to retire ; must all our vows end thus ! â�� friend i obey you â�� o cordelia ! [ exit . bast. ha! ha ! fond man , such credulous honesty lessens the glory of my artifice , his nature is so far from doing wrongs that he suspects none : if this letter speed and pass for edgar's , as himself wou'd own the counterfeit but for the foul contents , then my designs are perfect â�� here comes gloster . [ enter gloster . glost. stay edmund , turn , what paper were you reading ? bast. a trifle sir. glost. what needed then that terrible dispatch of it into your pocket , come produce it sir. bast. a letter from my brother sir , i had just broke the seal but knew not the contents , yet fearing they might prove to blame endeavour'd to conceal it from your sight . glost. 't is edgar's character . [ reads .

this policy of fathers is intollerable that keeps our fortunes from us till age will not suffer us to enjoy 'em ; i am weary of the tyranny : come to me that of this i may speak more : if our father would sleep till i wak't him , you shou'd enjoy half his possessions , and live beloved of your brother

edgar . slept till i wake him , you shou'd enjoy half his possessions â�� edgar to write this 'gainst his indulgent father ! death and hell ! fly , edmund , seek him out , wind me into him that i may bite the traytor 's heart , and fold his bleeding entrals on my vengefull arm. bast. perhaps 't was writ , my lord , to prove my vertue . glost. these late eclipses of the sun and moon can bode no less ; love cools , and friendship fails , in cities mutiny , in countrys discord , the bond of nature crack't 'twixt son and father : find out the villain , do it carefully and it shall lose thee nothing . [ exit . bast. so , now my project 's firm , but to make sure i 'll throw in one proof more and that a bold one ; i 'll place old gloster where he shall o're-hear us confer of this design , whilst to his thinking , deluded edgar shall accuse himself . be honesty my int'rest and i can be honest too , and what saint so divine that will successfull villany decline ! [ exit . enter kent disguis'd . kent . now banisht kent , if thou canst pay thy duty in this disguise where thou dost stand condemn'd , thy master lear shall find thee full of labours . enter lear attended . lear. in there , and tell our daughter we are here now ; what art thou ? kent . a man , sir. lear. what dost thou profess , or wou'dst with us ? kent .

i do profess to be no less then i seem , to serve him truly that puts me in trust , to love him that 's honest , to converse with him that 's wise and speaks little , to fight when i can't choose ; and to eat no fish.

lear. i say , what art thou ? kent . a very honest-hearted fellow , and as poor as the king. lear. then art thou poor indeed â�� what can'st thou do ? kent .

i can keep honest counsel , marr a curious tale in the telling , deliver a plain message bluntly , that which ordinary men are fit for i am qualify'd in , and the best of me is diligence .

lear. follow me , thou shalt serve me . enter one of gonerill's gentlemen . now sir ? gent. sir â�� [ exit ; kent runs after him . lear. what says the fellow ? call the clatpole back . att.

my lord , i know not , but methinks your highness is entertain'd with slender ceremony .

servant . he says , my lord , your daughter is not well . lear. why came not the slave back when i call'd him ? serv. my lord , he answer'd me i' th' surliest manner , that he wou'd not . re-enter gentleman brought in by kent . lear. i hope our daughter did not so instruct him : now , who am i sir ? gent. my ladies father . lear. my lord's knave â�� [ strikes him . [ gonerill at the entrance . gent. i 'll not be struck my lord. kent . nor tript neither , thou vile civet-box . strikes up his heels . gon. by day and night this is insufferable , i will not bear it . lear. now , daughter , why that frontlet on ? speak , do's that frown become our presence ? gon. sir , this licentious insolence of your servants is most unseemly , hourly they break out in quarrels bred by their unbounded riots , i had fair hope by making this known to you t' have had a quick redress , but find too late that you protect and countenance their out-rage ; and therefore , sir , i take this freedom , which necessity makes discreet . lear. are you our daughter ? gon. come , sir , let me entreat you to make use of your discretion , and put off betimes this disposition that of late transforms you from what you rightly are . lear. do's any here know me ? why this is not lear. do's lear walk thus ? speak thus ? where are his eyes ? who is it that can tell me who i am ? gon. come , sir , this admiration's much o' th' savour of other your new humours , i beseech you to understand my purposes aright ; as you are old , you shou'd be staid and wise , here do you keep an hundred knights and squires , men so debaucht and bold that this our palace shews like a riotous inn , a tavern , brothel ; be then advised by her that else will take the she beggs , to lessen your attendance , take half a way , and see that the remainder be such as may befit your age , and know themselves and you . lear. darkness and devils ! saddle my horses , call my train together , degenerate viper , i 'll not stay with thee ; i yet have left a daughter â�� serpent , monster , lessen my train , and call 'em riotous ? all men approv'd of choice and rarest parts , that each particular of duty know â�� how small , cordelia , was thy fault ? o lear , beat at this gate that let thy folly in , and thy dear judgment out ; go , go , my people . [ going off meets albany entring . ingratefull duke , was this your will ? alb. what sir ? lear. death ! fifty of my followers at a clap ! alb. the matter madam ? gon. never afflict your self to know the cause , but give his dotage way . lear. blasts upon thee , th' untented woundings of a father's curse pierce ev'ry sense about thee ; old fond eyes lament this cause again , i 'll pluck ye out and cast ye with the waters that ye lose to temper clay â�� no , gorgon , thou shalt find that i 'll resume the shape which thou dost think i have cast off for ever . gon. mark ye that . lear. hear nature ! dear goddess hear , and if thou dost intend to make that creature fruitfull , change thy purpose ; pronounce upon her womb the barren curse , that from her blasted body never spring a babe to honour her â�� but if she must bring forth , defeat her joy with some distorted birth , or monstrous form , the prodigy o' th' time , and so perverse of spirit , that it may live her torment as 't was born , to fret her cheeks with constant tears , and wrinkle her young brow. turn all her mother's pains to shame and scorn , that she may curse her crime too late , and feel how sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child ! away , away . [ exit cum suis. gon. presuming thus upon his numerous train he thinks to play the tyrant here , and hold our lives at will. alb. well , you may bear too far . [ ex. end of the first act.

act ii. scene , gloster's house . enter bastard . bast. the duke comes here to night , i 'll take advantage of his arrival to compleat my project , brother a word , come forth , 't is i your friend , [ enter edgar . my father watches for you , fly this place , intelligence is giv'n where you are hid , take the advantage of the night , bethink ye have not spoke against the duke of cornwall something might shew you a favourer of duke albany's party ? edg. nothing , why ask you ? bast. because he 's coming here to night in haste and regan with him â�� heark ! the guards , away . ed. let 'em come on , i 'll stay and clear my self . bast. your innocence at leisure may be heard , but gloster's storming rage as yet is deaf , and you may perish e're allow'd the hearing . [ ex. edgar . gloster comes yonder : now to my feign'd scuffle â�� yield , come before my father ! lights here , lights ! some blood drawn on me wou'd beget opinion [ stabs his arm. of our more fierce encounter â�� i have seen drunkards do more than this in sport . glost. now , edmund , where 's the traytour ? enter gloster and servants . bast. that name , sir , strikes horrour through me , but my brother , sir , stood here i' th' dark . glost. thou bleed'st , pursue the villain and bring him piece-meal to me . bast. sir , he 's fled . glost. let him fly far , this kingdom shall not hide him : the noble duke , my patron , comes to night , by his authority i will proclaim rewards for him that brings him to the stake , and death for the concealer . then of my lands , loyal and natural boy , i 'll work the means to make thee capable . exeunt . enter kent ( disguis'd still ) and goneril's gentleman , severally . gent. good morrow friend , belong'st thou to this house ? kent . ask them will answer thee . gent. where may we set our horses ? kent . i' th' mire . gent. i am in haste , prethee an' thou lovâ��st me , tell me . kent . i love thee not . gent. why then i care not for thee . kent . an' i had thee in lipsbury pinfold , i 'd make thee care for me . gent. what dost thou mean ? i know thee not . kent . but , minion , i know thee . gent. what dost thou know me for ? kent .

for a base , proud , beggarly , white-liver'd , glass-gazing , superserviceable finical rogue ; one that wou'd be a pimp in way of good service , and art nothing but a composition of knave , beggar , coward , pandar â��

gent.

what a monstrous fellow art thou to rail at one that is neither known of thee nor knows thee ?

kent .

impudent slave , not know me , who but two days since tript up thy heels before the king : draw , miscreant , or i 'll make the moon shine through thee .

gent. what means the fellow ? â�� why prethee , prethee ; i tell thee i have nothing to do with thee . kent .

i know your rogueship's office , you come with letters against the king , taking my young lady vanity's part against her royal father ; draw rascal .

gent. murther , murther , help ho! kent . dost thou scream peacock , strike puppet , stand dappar slave . gent. help hea ' ! murther , help . [ exit . kent after him . flourish . enter duke of cornwal , regan , attended , gloster , bastard . glost. all welcome to your graces , you do me honour . duke . gloster w 'ave heard with sorrow that your life has been attempted by your impious son , but edmund here has paid you strictest duty . glost. he did betray his practice , and receiv'd the hurt you see , striving to apprehend him . duke . is he pursu'd ? glost. he is , my lord. reg. use our authority to apprehend the traytour and do justice on his head ; for you , edmund , that have so signaliz'd your vertue , you from henceforth shall be ours ; natures of such firm trust we much shall need . a charming youth and worth my further thought . aside . duke . lay comforts , noble gloster , to your breast , as we to ours , this night be spent in revels , we choose you , gloster , for our host to night , a troublesome expression of our love. on , to the sports before us â�� who are these ? enter the gentleman pursu'd by kent . glost. now , what 's the matter ? duke . keep peace upon your lives , he dies that strikes . whence and what are ye ? att. sir , they are messengers , the one from your sister , the other from the king. duke . your difference ? speak . gent. i 'm scarce in breath , my lord. kent . no marvel , you have so bestirr'd your valour , nature disclaims the dastard , a taylor made him . duke . speak yet , how grew your quarrel ? gent. sir this old ruffian here , whose life i spar'd in pity to his beard â�� kent . thou essence bottle ! in pity to my beard ? â�� your leave , my lord , and i will tread the muss-cat into mortar . duke . know'st thou our presence ? kent . yes , sir , but anger has a privilege . duke . why art thou angry ? kent . that such a slave as this shou'd wear a sword and have no courage , office and no honesty . not frost and fire hold more antipathy than i and such a knave . glost. why dost thou call him knave ? kent . his countenance likes me not . duke . no more perhaps does mine , nor his or hers. kent . plain-dealing is my trade , and to be plain , sir , i have seen better faces in my time than stands on any shoulders now before me . reg. this is some fellow that having once been prais'd , for bluntness , since affects a sawcy rudeness , but i have known one of these surly knaves that in his plainness harbour'd more design than twenty cringing complementing minions . duke . what 's the offence you gave him ? gent. never any , sir. it pleas'd the king his master lately to strike me on a slender misconstruction , whilst watching his advantage this old lurcher tript me behind , for which the king extold him ; and , flusht with th' honour of this bold exploit , drew on me here agen . duke . bring forth the stocks , we 'll teach you . kent . sir i 'm too old to learn ; call not the stocks for me , i serve the king , on whose employment i was sent to you , you 'll shew too small respect , and too bold malice against the person of my royal master , stocking his messenger . duke . bring forth the stocks , as i have life and honour , there shall he sit till noon . reg. till noon , my lord ? till night , and all night too . kent . why , madam , if i were your father's dog you wou'd not use me so . reg. sir , being his knave i will. glost. let me beseech your graces to forbear him , his fault is much , and the good king his master will check him for 't , but needs must take it ill to be thus slighted in his messenger . duke . wee 'l answer that ; our sister may receive it worse to have her gentleman assaulted : to our business lead . [ exit . glost. i am sorry for thee , friend , 't is the duke's pleasure whose disposition will not be controll'd , but i 'll entreat for thee . kent . pray do not , sir â�� i have watcht and travell'd hard , some time i shall sleep out , the rest i 'll whistle : [ ex. glost. fare-well t' ye , sir. all weary and o're-watcht , i feel the drowzy guest steal on me ; take advantage heavy eyes of this kind slumber , not to behold this vile and shamefull lodging [ sleeps . enter edgar . edg. i heard my self proclaim'd , and by the friendly hollow of a tree escapt the hunt , no port is free , no place where guards and most unusual vigilance do not attend to take me â�� how easie now 't were to defeat the malice of my trale , and leave my griefs on my sword 's reeking point ; but love detains me from death's peacefull cell , still whispering me cordelia's in distress ; unkinde as she is i cannot see her wretched , but must be neer to wait upon her fortune . who knows but the white minute yet may come when edgar may do service to cordelia , that charming hope still ties me to the oar of painfull life , and makes me too , submit to th' humblest shifts to keep that life a foot ; my face i will besmear and knit my locks , the country gives me proof and president of bedlam beggars , who with roaring voices strike in their numm'd and mortify'd bare arms pins , iron-spikes , thorns , sprigs of rosemary , and thus from sheep-coats villages and mills , sometimes with prayers , sometimes with lunatick banns enforce their charity , poor tyrligod , poor tom that 's something yet , edgar i am no more . [ exit kent in the stocks still ; enter lear attended . lear. 't is strange that they shou'd so depart from home and not send back our messenger . kent . hail , noble master . lear. how ? mak'st thou this shame thy pastime ? what 's he that has so much mistook thy place to set thee here ? kent . it is both he and she , sir , your son and daughter . lear. no. kent : yes : lear : no i say . kent : i say yea : lear. by jupiter i swear no. kent . by juno i swear , i swear i. lear. they durst not do 't they cou'd not , wou'd not do 't , 't is worse then murder to doe upon respect such violent out-rage . resolve me with all modest haste which way thou mayst deserve , or they impose this usage ? kent . my lord , when at their home i did commend your highness letters to them , e'er i was ris'n , arriv'd another post steer'd in his haste , breathless and panting forth from gonerill his mistress salutations , whose message being deliver'd , they took horse , commanding me to follow and attend the leisure of their answer ; which i did , but meeting that other messenger whose welcome i perceiv'd had poison'd mine , being the very fellow that of late had shew'n such rudeness to your highness , i having more man than wit about me , drew , on which he rais'd the house with coward cries : this was the trespass which your son and daughter thought worth the shame you see it suffer here . lear. oh! how this spleen swells upward to my heart and heaves for passage â�� down thou climing rage thy element's below ; where is this daughter ? kent . within , sir , at a masque . enter gloster . lear. now gloster ? â�� ha ! deny to speak with me ? th' are sick , th' are weary , they have travell'd hard to night â�� meer fetches ; bring me a better answer . glost. my dear lord , you know the fiery quality of the duke â�� lear. vengeance ! death , plague , confusion , fiery ? what quality â�� why gloster , gloster , i 'd speak with the duke of cornwal and his wife . glost. i have inform'd 'em so . lear. inform'd ' em ! dost thou understand me , man , i tell thee gloster â�� glost. i , my good lord. lear. the king wou'd speak with cornwal , the dear father wou'd with his daughter speak , commands her service . are they inform'd of this ? my breath and blood ! fiery ! the fiery duke ! tell the hot duke â�� no , but not yet , may be he is not well : infirmity do's still neglect all office ; i beg his pardon , and i 'll chide my rashness that took the indispos'd and sickly fit for the sound man â�� but wherefore sits he there ? death on my state , this act convinces me that this retiredness of the duke and her is plain contempt ; give me my servant forth , go tell the duke and 's wife i 'd speak with ' em . now , instantly , bid 'em come forth and hear me , or at their chamber door i 'll beat the drum till it cry sleep to death â�� enter cornwall and regan . oh! are ye come ? duke . health to the king. reg. i am glad to see your highness . lear. regan , i think you are , i know what cause i have to think so ; shoud'st thou not be glad i wou'd divorce me from thy mother's tomb ? beloved regan , thou wilt shake to hear what i shall utter : thou coud'st ne'r ha' thought it , kent here set at liberty . thy sister 's naught , o regan , she has ty'd ingratitude like a keen vulture here , i scarce can speak to thee . reg. i pray you , sir , take patience ; i have hope that you know less to value her desert , then she to slack her duty . lear. ha! how 's that ? reg. i cannot think my sister in the least would fail in her respects , but if perchance she has restrain'd the riots of your followers 't is on such grounds , and to such wholsome ends as clears her from all blame . lear. my curses on her . reg. o sir , you are old and shou'd content you to be rul'd and led by some discretion that discerns your state better than you yourself , therefore sir , return to our sister , and say you have wrong'd her . lear. ha! ask her forgiveness ? no , no , 't was my mistake thou didst not mean so , dear daughter , i confess that i am old ; age is unnecessary , but thou art good , and wilt dispense with my infirmity . reg. good sir , no more of these unsightly passions , return back to our sister . lear. never , regan , she has abated me of half of my train , lookt black upon me , stabb'd me with her tongue ; all the stor'd vengeances of heav'n fall on her ingratefull head ; strike her young bones ye taking ayrs with lameness . reg. o the blest gods ! thus will you wish on me when the rash mood â�� lear. no , regan , thou shalt never have my curse , thy tender nature cannot give thee o're to such impiety ; thou better know'st the offices of nature , bond of child-hood , and dues of gratitude : thou bear'st in mind the halfo'th ' kingdom which our love conferr'd on thee and thine . reg. good sir , toth ' purpose . lear. who put my man i' th' stocks ? duke . what trumpet 's that ? reg. i know 't , my sister 's , this confirms her letters . sir , is your lady come ? enter gonerill's gentleman . lear. more torture still ? this is a slave whose easie borrow'd pride dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows ; a fashion-fop that spends the day in dressing , and all to bear his ladie 's flatt'ring message , that can deliver with a grace her lie , and with as bold a face bring back a greater . out varlet from my sight . duke . what means your grace ? lear. who stockt my servant ? regan , i have hope thou didst not know it . enter gonerill . who comes here ! oh heavens ! if you do love old men , if your sweet sway allow obedience ; if your selves are old , make it your cause , send down and take my part ; why , gorgon , dost thou come to haunt me here ? art not asham'd to look upon this beard ? darkness upon my eyes they play me false , o regan , wilt thou take her by the hand ? gon. why not by th' hand , sir , how have i offended ? all 's not offence that indiscretion finds , and dotage terms so . lear. heart thou art too tough . reg. i pray you , sir , being old confessyou are so , if till the expiration of your month you will return and sojourn with your sister , dismissing half your train , come then to me , i am now from home , and out of that provision that shall be needfull for your entertainment . lear. return with her and fifty knights dismist ? no , rather i 'll forswear all roofs , and chuse to be companion to the midnight wolf , my naked head expos'd to th' merciless air then have my smallest wants suppli'd by her . gon. at your choice , sir. lear. now i prithee daughter do not make me mad ; i will not trouble thee , my child , farewell , wee 'l meet no more , no more see one another ; let shame come when it will , i do not call it , i do not bid the thunder-bearer strike , nor tell tales of thee to avenging heav'n ; mend when thou canst , be better at thy leisure , i can be patient , i can stay with regan , i , and my hundred knights . reg. your pardon , sir. i lookt not for you yet , nor am provided for your fit welcome . lear. is this well spoken now ? reg. my sister treats you fair ; what fifty followers is it not well ? what shou'd you need of more ? gon. why might not you , my lord , receive attendance from those whom she calls servants , or from mine ? reg. why not , my lord ? if then they chance to slack you we cou'd controll'em â�� if you come to me , for now isee the danger , i entreat you to bring but five and twenty ; to no more will i give place . lear. hold now my temper , stand this bolt unmov'd and i am thunder-proof ; the wicked when compar'd with the more wicked seem beautifull , and not to be the worst , stands in some rank of praise ; now , gonerill , thou art innocent agen , i 'll go with thee ; thy fifty yet , do's double five and twenty , and thou art twice her love. gon. hear me , my lord , what need you five and twenty , ten , or five , to follow in a house where twice so many have a command t' attend you ? reg. what need one ? lear. blood , fire ! hear â�� leaprosies and bluest plague room , room for hell to belch her horrors up and drench the circes in a stream of fire ; heark how th' infernals eccho to my rage their whips and snakes â�� reg. how lewd a thing is passion ! gon. so old and stomachfull . lightning and thunder . lear. heav'ns drop your patience down ; you see me here , ye gods , a poor old man as full of griefs as age , wretched in both â�� i 'll bear no more : no , you unnatural haggs , i will have such revenges on you both , that all the world shall â�� i will do such things what they are yet i know not , but they shall be the terrors of the earth ; you think i 'll weep , thunder again . this heart shall break into a thousand pieces before i 'll weep â�� o gods ! i shall go mad . [ exit . duke . 't is a wild night , come out o' th' storm . [ exeunt . end of the second act.

act iii. scene , a desert heath . enter lear and kent in the storm . lear. blow winds and burst your cheeks , rage louderyet , fantastick lightning singe , singe my white head ; spout cataracts , and hurricanos fall till you have drown'd the towns and palaces of proud ingratefull man. kent . not all my best intreaties can perswade him into some needfull shelter , or to bide this poor slight cov'ring on his aged head expos'd to this wild war of earth and heav'n . lear. rumble thy fill , fight whirlwind , rain and fire : not fire , wind , rain or thunder are my daughters : i tax not you ye elements with unkindness ; i never gave you kingdoms , call'd you children , you owe me no obedience , then let fall your horrible pleasure , here i stand your slave , a poor , infirm , weak and despis'd old man ; yet i will call you servile ministers , that have with two pernicious daughters join'd their high-engendred battle against a head so old and white as mine , oh! oh ! 't is foul. kent . hard by , sir , is a hovel that will lend some shelter from this tempest . lear. i will forget my nature , what ? so kind a father , i , there 's the point . kent . consider , good my liege , things that love night love not such nights as this ; these wrathfull skies frighten the very wanderers o' th' dark , and make 'em keep their caves ; such drenching rain , such sheets of fire , such claps of horrid thunder , such groans of roaring winds have ne're been known . lear. let the great gods , that keep this dreadfull pudder o're our heads find out their enemies now , tremble thou wretch that hast within thee undiscover'd crimes . hide , thou bloody hand , thou perjur'd villain , holy , holy hypocrite , that drinkst the widows tears , sigh now and cry these dreadfull summoners grace , i am a man more sin'd against than sinning . kent . good sir , to th' hovell . lear. my wit begins to burn , come on my boy , how dost my boy ? art cold ? i 'm cold my self ; shew me this straw , my fellow , the art of our necessity is strange , and can make vile things precious ; my poor knave , [ lond. storm . cold as i am at heart , i 've one place there [ exit . that 's sorry yet for thee . gloster's palace . enter bastard . bast. the storm is in our louder rev'lings drown'd . thus wou'd i reign cou'd i but mount a throne . the riots of these proud imperial sisters already have impos'd the galling yoke of taxes , and hard impositions on the drudging peasants neck , who bellow out . their loud complaints in vain â�� triumphant queens ! with what assurance do they tread the crowd . o for a tast of such majestick beauty , which none but my hot veins are fit t' engage ; nor are my wishes desp'rate , for ev'n now during the banquet i observed their glances shot thick at me , and as they left the room each cast by stealth a kind inviting smile , the happy earnest â�� ha ! two servants from several entrances deliver him each a letter , and ex. where merit is so transparent , not to behold it [ reads . were blindness , and not to reward it ingratitude . gonerill . enough ! blind , and ingratefull should i be not to obey the summons ofthis oracle . now for a second letter . [ opens the other . if modesty be not your enemy , doubt not to find me your friend . regan . excellent sybill ! o my glowing blood ! i am already sick of expectation , and pant for the possession â�� here gloster comes with bus'ness on his brow ; be husht my joys . glost.

i come to seek thee , edmund , to impart a business of importance ; i knew thy loyal heart is toucht to see the cruelty of these ingratefull daughters against our royal master .

bast. most savage and unnatural . glost.

this change in the state sits uneasie . the commons repine aloud at their female tyrants , already they cry out for the re-installment of their good old king , whose injuries i fear will inflame 'em into mutiny .

bast. 't is to be hopt , not fear'd . glost. thou hast it boy , 't is to be hopt indeed , on me they cast their eyes , and hourly court me to lead 'em on , and whilst this head is mine i am theirs , a little covert craft , my boy , and then for open action , 't will be employment worthy such honest daring souls as thine . thou , edmund , art my trusty emissary , haste on the spur at the first break of day with these dispatches to the duke of combray ; gives him letters . you know what mortal feuds have alwaies flam'd between this duke of cornwall's family , and his full twenty thousand mountaners th invetrate prince will send to our assistance . dispatch ; commend us to his grace , and prosper . bast. yes , credulous old man , [ aside . i will commend you to his grace , his grace the duke of cornwall â�� instantly to shew him these contents in thy own character , and seal'd with thy own signet ; then forthwith the chol'rick duke gives sentence on thy life ; and to my hand thy vast revenues fall to glut my pleasure that till now has starv'd . gloster going off is met by cordelia entring , bastard observing at a distance . cord. turn , gloster , turn , by all the sacred pow'rs i do conjure you give my griefs a hearing , you must , you shall , nay i am sure you will , for you were always stil'd the just and good. glost. what wou'dst thou , princess ? rise and speak thy griefs . cord. nay , you shall promise to redress 'em too , or here i 'll kneel for ever ; i intreat thy succour for a father and a king , an injur'd father and an injur'd king. bast. o charming sorrow ! how her tears adorn her like dew on flow'rs , but she is virtuous , and i must quench this hopeless fire i' th' kindling . glost. consider , princess , for whom thou begg'st , 't is for the king that wrong'd thee . cord. o name not that ; he did not , cou'd not wrong me . nay muse not , gloster , for it is too likely this injur'd king e're this is past your aid , and gone distracted , with his savage wrongs . bast. i 'll gaze no more â�� and yet my eyes are charm'd . cord. or what if it be worse ? can there be worse ? as 't is too probable this furious night has pierc'd his tender body , the bleak winds and cold rain chill'd , or lightning struck him dead ; if it be so your promise is discharg'd , and i have only one poor boon to beg , that you 'd convey me to his breathless trunk , with my torn robes to wrap his hoary head , with my torn hair to bind his hands and feet , then with a shew'r of tears to wash his clay-smear'd cheeks , and die beside him . glost , rise , fair cordelia , thou hast piety enough t' attone for both thy sisters crimes . i have already plotted to restore my injur'd master , and thy vertue tells me we shall succeed , and suddenly . [ exit . cord. dispatch , arante , provide me a disguise , we 'll instantly go seek the king , and bring him some relief . ar. how , madam ? are you ignorant of what your impious sisters have decreed ? immediate death for any that relieve him . cord. i cannot dread the furies in this case . ar. in such a night as this ? consider , madam , for many miles about there 's scarce a bush to shelter in . cord. therefore no shelter for the king , and more our charity to find him out : what have not women dar'd for vicious love , and we 'll be shining proofs that they can dare for piety as much ; blow winds , and lightnings fall , bold in my virgin innocence , i 'll flie my royal father to relieve , or die. [ exit . bast. provide me a disguise , we 'll instantly go seek the king : â�� ha ! ha ! a lucky change , that vertue which i fear'd would be my hindrance has prov'd the bond to my design ; i 'll bribe two ruffians that shall at a distance follow , and seise 'em in some desert place , and there whilst one retains her t' other shall return t' inform me where she 's lodg'd ; i 'll be disguis'd too . whilst they are poching for me i 'll to the duke with these dispatches , then to th'field where like the vig'rous jove i will enjoy this semele in a storm , 't will deaf her cries like drums in battle , lest her groans shou'd pierce my pittying ear , and make the amorous fight less fierce . [ exit . storm still . the field scene . enter lear and kent . kent . here is the place , my lord ; good my lord enter ; the tyranny of this open night 's too rough for nature to endure . lear. let me alone . kent . good my lord , enter . lear. wilt break my heart ? kent . beseech you , sir. lear. thou think'st 't is much that this contentious storm invades us to the skin so , 't is to thee but where the greater malady is fixt the lesser is scarce felt : the tempest in my mind do's from my senses take all feeling else save what beats there . filial ingratitude ! is it not as this mouth shou'd tear this hand for lifting food to 't ? â�� but i 'll punish home . no , i will weep no more ; in such a night to shut me out â�� pour on , i will endure in such a night as this : o regan , gonerill , your old kind father whose frank heart gave all , o that way madness lies , let me shun that , no more of that . kent . see , my lord , here 's the entrance . lear. well , i 'll go in and pass it all , i 'll pray and then i 'll sleep : poor naked wretches wheresoe're you are , that ' bide the pelting of this pittiless storm , how shall your houseless heads and unfed sides sustain this shock ? your raggedness defend you from seasons such as these . o i have ta'ne too little care of this , take physick , pomp , expose thy self to feel what wretches feel , that thou may'st cast the superflux to them , and shew the heav'ns more just. edgar in the hovell . five fathom and a half , poor tom. kent . what art thou that dost grumble there i' th' straw ? come forth . edg.

away ! the foul fiend follows me â�� through the sharp haw-thorn blows the cold wind â�� mum , go to thy bed and warm thee . â�� ha ! what do i see ? by all my griefs the poor old king beheaded ,

[ aside . and drencht in this fow storm , professing syren , are all your protestations come to this ? lear.

tell me , fellow , dist thou give all to thy daughters ?

edg.

who gives any thing to poor tom , whom the foul fiend has led through fire and through flame , through bushes and boggs , that has laid knives under his pillow , and halters in his pue , that has made him proud of heart to ride on a baytrotting horse over four inch'd bridges , to course his own shadow for a traytor . â�� bless thy five wits , tom's a cold [ shivers . ] bless thee from whirlwinds , star-blasting and taking : do poor tom some charity , whom the foul fiend vexes â�� sa , sa , there i could have him now , and there , and there agen .

lear. have his daughters brought him to this pass ? cou'dst thou save nothing ? didst thou give 'em all ? kent he has no daughters , sir. lear. death , traytor , nothing cou'd have subdu'd nature to such a lowness but his unkind daughters . edg. pillicock sat upon pillicock hill ; hallo , hallo , hallo . lear. is it the fashion that discarded fathers should have such little mercy on their flesh ? iudicious punishment , 't was this flesh begot those pelican daughters . edg.

take heed of the fow fiend , obey thy parents , keep thy word justly , swear not , commit not with man's sworn spouse , set not thy sweet heart on proud array : tom's a cold.

lear. what hast thou been ? edg.

a serving-man proud of heart , that curl'd my hair , us'd perfume and washes , that serv'd the lust of my mistresses heart , and did the act of darkness with her . swore as many oaths as i spoke words , and broke 'em all in the sweet face of heaven : let not the paint , nor the patch , nor the rushing of silks betray thy poor heart to woman , keep thy foot out of brothels , thy hand out of plackets , thy pen from creditors books , and defie the foul fiend â�� still through the hawthorn blows the cold wind â�� sess , suum , mun , nonny , dolphin my boy â�� hist ! the boy , sesey ! soft let him trot by .

lear.

death , thou wert better in thy grave , than thus to answer with thy uncover'd body this extremity of the sky . and yet consider him well , and man's no more than this ; thou art indebted to the worm for no silk , to the beast for no hide , to the cat for no perfume â�� ha ! here 's two of us are sophisticated ; thou art the thing it self , unaccommated man is no more than such a poor bare forkt animal as thou art .

off , off , ye vain disguises , empty lendings , i 'll be my original self , quick , quick , uncase me . kent . defend his wits , good heaven ! lear. one point i had forgot ; what 's your name ? edg.

poor tom that eats the swimming frog , the wall-nut , and the water-nut ; that in the fury of his heart when the foul fiend rages eats cow-dung for sallets , swallows the old rat and the ditch-dog , that drinks the green mantle of the standing pool that 's whipt from tithing to tithing ; that has three suits to his back , six shirts to his body , horse to ride , and weapon to wear , but rats and mice , and such small deer have been tom's food for seven long year . beware , my follower ; peace , smulkin ; peace , thou foul fiend .

lear.

one word more , but be sure true councel ; tell me , is a madman a gentleman , or a yeoman ?

kent . i fear'd 't wou'd come to this , his wits are gone . edg.

fraterreto calls me , and tells me , nero is an angler in the lake of darkness . pray , innocent , and beware the foul fiend .

lear.

right , ha ! ha ! was it not pleasant to have a thousand with red hot spits come hizzing in upon ' em ?

edg. my tears begin to take his part so much they marr my counterfeiting . lear.

the little dogs and all , trey , blanch and sweet-heart , see they bark at me .

edg. tom will throw his head at 'em ; avaunt ye curs . be thy mouth or black or white , tooth that poysons if it bite , mastiff , grey-hound , mungrill , grim , hound or spanniel , brach or hym , bob-tail , tight , or trundle-tail , tom will make 'em weep and wail , for with throwing thus my head dogs leap the hatch , and all are fled .

ud , de , de , de . se , se , se. come march to wakes , and fairs , and market-towns , â�� poor tom , thy horn is dry .

lear.

you sir , i entertain you for one of my hundred , only i do not like the fashion of your garments , you 'll say they 're persian , but no matter , let 'em be chang'd .

enter gloster . edg.

this is the foul flibertigibet , he begins at curfew and walks at first cock , he gives the web and the pin , knits the elflock , squints the eye , and makes the hair-lip , mildews the white wheat , and hurts the poor creature of the earth ; swithin footed thrice the cold , he met the night-mare and her nine-fold , 't was there he did appoint her ; he bid her alight and her troth plight , and arroynt the witch arroynt her .

glost. what , has your grace no better company ? edg.

the prince of darkness is a gentleman ; modo he is call'd , and mahu .

glost. go with me , sir , hard by i have a tenant .

my duty cannot suffer me to obey in all your daughters hard commands , who have enjoyn'd me to make fast my doors , and let this tyrannous night take hold upon you . yet have i ventur'd to come seek you out , and bring you where both fire and food is ready .

kent . good my lord , take his offer . lear. first let me talk with this philosopher , say , stagirite , what is the cause of thunder . glost. beseech you , sir , go with me . lear. i 'll talk a word with this same learned theban . what is your study ? edg. how to prevent the fiend , and to kill vermin . lear. let me ask you a word in private . kent .

his wits are quite unsetled ; good sir , let 's force him hence .

glost.

canst blame him ? his daughters seek his death ; this bedlam but disturbs him the more . fellow , be gone .

edg. child rowland to the dark tow'r came , his word was still fie , fo , and fum , i smell the bloud of a british man. â�� oh torture ! [ exit . glost.

now , i prethee friend , let 's take him in our arms , and carry him where he shall meet both welcome , and protection .

good sir , along with us . lear.

you say right , let 'em anatomize regan , see what breeds about her heart ; is there any cause in nature for these hard hearts ?

kent . beseech your grace . lear.

hist ! â�� make no noise , make no noise â�� so so ; we 'll to supper i' th' morning .

[ exeunt . enter cordelia and arante . ar. dear madam , rest ye here , our search is vain , look here 's a shed , beseech ye , enter here . cord. prethee go in thy self , seek thy own ease , where the mind 's free , the body's delicate : this tempest but diverts me from the thought of what wou'd hurt me more . enter two ruffians . 1 ruff. we have dog'd 'em far enough , this place is private , i 'll keep 'em prisoners here within this hovell , whilst you return and bring lord edmund hither ; but help me first to house ' em . 2 ruff. nothing but this dear devil [ shows gold. shou'd have drawn me through all this tempest ; but to our work. [ they seize cordelia and arante , who shriek out . soft , madam , we are friends , dispatch , i say . cord. help , murder , help ! gods ! some kind thunderbolt to strike me dead . enter edgar . edg. what cry was that ? â�� ha , women seiz'd by ruffians ? is this a place and time for villany ? avaunt ye bloud-hounds . [ drives'em with his quarter-staff . both. the devil , the devil ! [ run off . edg. o speak , what are ye that appear to be o' th' tender sex , and yet unguarded wander through the dead mazes of this dreadfull night , where ( tho' at full ) the clouded moon scarce darts imperfect glimmerings . cord. first say what art thou our guardian angel , that wer 't pleas'd t' assume that horrid shape to fright the ravishers ? we 'll kneel to thee . edg. o my tumultuous bloud ! by all my trembling veins cordelia's voice ! 't is she her self ! â�� my senses sure conform to my wild garb , and i am mad indeed . cord. whate're thou art , befriend a wretched virgin , and if thou canst direct our weary search . edg.

who relieves poor tom , that sleeps on the nettle , with the hedge-pig for his pillow .

whilst smug ply'd the bellows she truckt with her fellows , the freckle-fac't mab was a blouze and a drab , yet swithin made oberon jealous â�� oh! torture . ar. alack , madam , a poor wandring lunatick . cord. and yet his language seem'd but now well temper'd . speak , friend , to one more wretched than thy self , and if thou hast one interval of sense , inform us if thou canst where we may find a poor old man , who through this heath has stray'd the tedious night â�� speak , sawest thou such a one ? edg. the king , her father , whom she's come to seek [ aside . through all the terrors of this night . o gods ! that such amazing piety , such tenderness shou'd yet to me be cruel â�� yes , fair one , such a one was lately here , and is convey'd by some that came to seek him , t' a neighb'ring cottage ; but distinctly where , i know not . cord. blessings on 'em , let 's find him out , arante , for thou seest we are in heavens protection . [ going off . edg. o cordelia ! cord. ha! â�� thou knowst my name . edg. as you did once know edgar's . cord. edgar ! edg. the poor remains of edgar , what your scorn has left him . cord. do we wake , arante ? edg. my father seeks my life , which i preserv'd in hopes of some blest minute to oblidge distrest cordelia , and the gods have giv'n it ; that thought alone prevail'd with me to take this frantick dress , to make the earth my bed , with these bare limbs all change ofseasons bide , noons scorching heat , and midnights piercing cold , to feed on offals , and to drink with herds , to combat with the winds , and be the sport of clowns , or what 's more wretched yet , their pity . ar. was ever tale so full ofmisery ! edg. but such a fall as this i grant was due to my aspiring love , for 't was presumptuous , though not presumptuously persu'd ; for well you know i wore my flames conceal'd , and silent as the lamps that burn in tombs , 'till you perceiv'd my grief , with modest grace drew forth the secret , and then seal'd my pardon . cord. you had your pardon , nor can you challenge more . edg. what do i. challenge more ? such vanity agrees not with these rags ; when in my prosp'rous state rich gloster's heir , you silenc'd my pretences , and enjoyn'd me to trouble you upon that theam no more ; then what reception must love's language find from these bare limbs and beggers humble weeds ? cord. such as the voice of pardon to a wretch condemn'd ; such as the shouts of succ'ring forces to a town besieg'd . edg. ah! what new method now of cruelty ? cord. come to my arms , thou dearest , best of men , and take the kindest vows that e're were spoke by a protesting maid . edg. is 't possible ? cord. by the dear vital stream that baths my heart , these hallow'd rags ofthine , and naked vertue , these abject tassels , these fantastick shreds , ( ridiculous ev'n to the meanest clown ) to me are dearer than the richest pomp of purple monarchs . edg. generous charming maid , the gods alone that made , can rate thy worth ! this most amazing excellence shall be fame's triumph , in succeeding ages , when thy bright example shall adorn the scene , and teach the world perfection . cord. cold and weary , we 'll rest a while , arante , on that straw , then forward to find out the poor old king. edg. look i have flint and steel , the implements of wandring lunaticks , i 'll strike a light , and make a fire beneath this shed , to dry thy storm-drencht garments , e're thou lie to rest thee ; then fierce and wakefull as th' hesperian dragon , i 'll watch beside thee to protect thy sleep ; mean while , the stars shall dart their kindest beams , and angels visit my cordelia's dreams [ exeunt . scene , the palace . enter cornwall , regan , bastard , servants . cornwall with gloster's letters . duke . i will have my revenge e're i depart his house . regan , see here , a plot upon our state , 't is gloster's character , that has betray'd his double trust of subject , and ofost . reg. then double be our vengeance , this confirms th' intelligence that we now now receiv'd , that he has been this night to seek the king ; but who , sir , was the kind discoverer ? duke . our eagle , quick to spy , and fierce to seize , our trusty edmund . reg. 't was a noble service ; o cornwall , take him to thy deepest trust , and wear him as a jewel at thy heart . bast. think , sir , how hard a fortune i sustain , that makes me thus repent of serving you ! [ weeps . o that this treason had not been , or i not the discoverer . duke . edmund , thou shalt find a father in our love , and from this minute we call thee earl of gloster ; but there yet remains another justice to be done , and that 's to punish this discarded traytor ; but least thy tender nature shou'd relent at his just sufferings , nor brooke the sight , we wish thee to withdraw . reg. the grotto , sir , within the lower grove , to edmund aside . has privacy to suit a mourner's thought . bast. and there i may expect a comforter , ha , madam ? reg. what may happen , sir , i know not , but 't was a friends advice . [ ex. bastard . duke . bring in the traytour . gloster brought in . bind fast his arms. glost. what mean your graces ? you are my guests , pray do me no foul play. duke . bind him , i say , hard , harder yet . reg. now , traytor , thou shalt find â�� duke . speak , rebel , where hast thou sent the king ? whom spight of our decree thou saw'st last night . glost. i 'm tide to th'stake , and i must stand the course . reg. say where , and why thou hast conceeal'd him . glost. because i wou'd not see thy cruel hands tear out his poor old eyes , nor thy fierce sister carve his anointed flesh ; but i shall see the swift wing'd vengeance overtake such childrer . duke . see 't shalt thou never , slaves perform your work , out with those treacherous eyes , dispatch , i say , if thou seest vengeance â�� glost. he that will think to live 'till he be old , give me some help â�� o cruel ! oh ! ye gods. they put out his eyes . serv. hold , hold , my lord , i bar your cruelty , i cannot love your safety and give way to such a barbarous practise . duke . ha , my villain . serv. i have been your servant from my infancy , but better service have i never done you then with this boldness â�� duke . take thy death , slave . serv. nay , then revenge whilst yet my bloud is warm . [ fight . reg. help here â�� are you not hurt , my lord ? glost. edmund , enkindle all the sparks of nature to quit this horrid act. reg. out , treacherous villain , thou call'st on him that hates thee , it was he that broacht thy treason , shew'd us thy dispatches ; there â�� read , and save the cambrian prince a labour , if thy eyes fail thee call for spectacles . glost. o my folly ! then edgar was abus'd , kind gods forgive me that . reg. how is 't , my lord ? duke . turn out that eye-less villain , let him smell his way to cambray , throw this slave upon a dunghill . regan , i bleed apace , give me your arm. [ exeunt . glost. all dark and comfortless ! where are those various objects that but now employ'd my busie eyes ? where those eyes ? dead are their piercing rays that lately shot o're flowry vales to distant sunny hills , and drew with joy the vast horizon in . these groping hands are now my only guids , and feeling all my sight . o misery ! what words can sound my grief ? shut from the living whilst among the living ; dark as the grave amidst the bustling world. at once from business and from pleasure bar'd ; no more to view the beauty of the spring , nor see the face of kindred , or of friend . yet still one way th' extreamest fate affords , and ev'n the blind can find the way to death . must i then tamely die , and unreveng'd ? so lear may fall : no , with these bleeding rings i will present me to the pittying crowd , and with the rhetorick of these dropping veins enflame 'em to revenge their king and me ; then when the glorious mischief is on wing , this lumber from some precipice i 'll throw , and dash it on the ragged flint below ; whence my freed soul to her bright sphear shall fly , through boundless orbs , eternal regions spy , and like the sun , be all one glorious eye . [ ex. end of the third act.

act iv. a grotto . edmund and regan amorously seated , listning to musick . bast. why were those beauties made another's right which none can prize like me ? charming queen take all my blooming youth , for ever fold me in those soft arms , lull me in endless sleep that i may dream of pleasures too transporting for life to bear . reg. live , live , my gloster , and feel no death but that of swooning joy , i yield thee blisses on no harder terms than that thou continue to be happy . bast. this jealousie is yet more kind , is 't possible that i should wander from a paradise to feed on sickly weeds ? such sweets live here that constancy will be no vertue in me , and yet must i forth with go meet her sister , [ aside . to whom i must protest as much â�� suppose it be the same ; why best of all , and i have then my lesson ready conn'd . reg. wear this remembrance of me â�� i dare now [ gives him a ring . absent my self no longer from the duke whose wound grows dangerous â�� i hope mortal . bast. and let this happy image of your gloster , [ pulling out a picture drops a note . lodge in that breast where all his treasure lies . [ exit . reg. to this brave youth a womans blooming beauties are due : my fool usurps my bed â�� what 's here ? confusion on my eyes . [ reads .

where merit is so transparent , not to behold it were blindness , and not to reward it , ingratitude .

gonerill .

vexatious accident ! yet fortunate too , my jealousie 's confirm'd , and i am taught to cast for my defence â�� [ enter an officer . now , what mean those shouts ? and what thy hasty entrance ? off. a most surprizing and a sudden change , the peasants are all up in mutiny , and only want a chief to lead 'em on to storm your palace . reg. on what provocation ? off. at last day's publick festival , to which the yeomen from all quarters had repair'd , old gloster , whom you late depriv'd of sight , ( his veins yet streaming fresh ) presents himself , proclaims your cruelty , and their oppression , with the king's injuries ; which so errag'd 'em , that now that mutiny which long had crept takes wing , and threatens your best pow'rs . reg. white-liver'd slave ! our forces rais'd and led by valiant edmund , shall drive this monster of rebellion back to her dark cell ; young gloster's arm allays the storm , his father 's feeble breath did raise . [ exit . the field scene , enter edgar . edg. the lowest and most abject thing of fortune stands still in hope , and is secure from fear , the lamentable change is from the best , the worst returns to better â�� who comes here [ enter gloster , led by an old man. my father poorly led ? depriv'd of sight , the precious stones torn from their bleeding rings ! some-thing i heard of this inhumane deed but disbeliev'd it , as an act too horrid for the hot hell of a curst woman's fury , when will the measure of my woes be full ? glost. revenge , thou art afoot , success attend thee . well have i sold my eyes , if the event prove happy for the injur'd king. old m.

o , my good lord , i have been your tenant , and your father's tenant these fourscore years .

glost. away , get thee away , good friend , be gone , thy comforts can do me no good at all , thee they may hurt . old m. you cannot see your way . glost. i have no way , and therefore want no eyes , i stumbled when i saw : o dear son edgar , the food of thy abused father's wrath , might i but live to see thee in my touch i 'd say , i had eyes agen . edg. alas , he 's sensible that i was wrong'd , and shou'd i own my self , his tender heart would break betwixt th' extreams of grief and joy. old m. how now , who 's there ? edg.

a charity for poor tom. play fair , and defie the foul fiend .

o gods ! and must i still persue this trade , [ aside . trifling beneath such loads ofmisery ? old m. 't is poor mad tom. glost. in the late storm i such a fellow saw , which made me think a man a worm , where is the lunatick ? old m. here , my lord. glost. get thee now away , if for my sake thou wilt o're-take us hence a mile or two i' th' way tow'rd dover , do 't for ancient love , and bring some cov'ring for this naked wretch whom i 'll intreat to lead me . old m. alack , my lord , he 's mad. glost. 't is the time's plague when mad-men lead the blind . do as i bid thee . old m. i 'll bring him the best ' parrel that i have come on 't what will. [ exit . glost. sirrah , naked fellow . edg. poor tom's a cold ; â�� i cannot fool it longer , and yet i must â�� bless thy sweet eyes they bleed , believe 't poor tom ev'n weeps his blind to see ' em . glost. know'st thou the way to dover ? edg.

both stile and gate , horse-way and foot-path , poor tom has been scar'd out of his good wits ; bless every true man's son from the foul fiend .

glost. here , take this purse , that i am wretched makes thee the happier , heav'n deal so still . thus let the griping userers hoard be scatter'd , so distribution shall undo excess , and each man have enough . dost thou know dover ? edg. i , master . glost. there is a cliff , whose high and bending head looks dreadfully down on the roaring deep . bring me but to the very brink of it , and i 'll repair the poverty thou bearst with something rich about me , from that place i shall no leading need . edg. give me thy arm : poor tom shall guid thee . glost. soft , for i hear the tread ofpassengers . enter kent and cordelia . cord. ah me ! your fear 's too true , it was the king ; i spoke but now with some that met him as mad as the vext sea , singing aloud , crown'd with rank femiter and furrow weeds , with berries , burdocks , violets , dazies , poppies , and all the idle flow'rs that grow in our sustaining corn , conduct me to him to prove my last endeavours to restore him , and heav'n so prosper thee . kent . i will , good lady . ha , gloster here ! â�� turn , poor dark man , and hear a friend's condolement , who at sight of thine forgets his own distress , thy old true kent . glost. how , kent ? from whence return'd ? kent . i have not since my banishment been absent , but in disguise follow'd the abandon'd king ; 't was me thou saw'st with him in the late storm . glost. let me embrace thee , had i eyes i now should weep for joy , but let this trickling blood suffice instead of tears . cord. o misery ! to whom shall i complain , or in what language ? forgive , o wretched man , the piety that brought thee to this pass , 't was i that caus'd it , i cast me at thy feet , and beg of thee to crush these weeping eyes to equal darkness , if that will give thee any recompence . edg. was ever season so distrest as this ? [ aside . glost. i think cordelia's voice ! rise , pious princess , and take a dark man's blessing . cord. o , my edgar , my vertue 's now grown guilty , works the bane of those that do befriend me , heav'n forsakes me , and when you look that way , it is but just that you shou'd hate me too . edg. o wave this cutting speech , and spare to wound a heart that 's on the rack . glost. no longer cloud thee , kent , in that disguise , there 's business for thee and of noblest weight ; our injur'd country is at length in arms , urg'd by the king 's inhumane wrongs and mine , and only want a chief to lead 'em on . that task be thine . edg. brave britains then there 's life in 't yet . [ aside . kent . then have we one cast for our fortune yet . come , princess , i 'll bestow you with the king , then on the spur to head these forces . farewell , good gloster , to our conduct trust . glost. and be your cause as prosp'rous as t is just. [ exeunt . gonerill's palace . enter gonerill , attendants . gon. it was great ignorance gloster's eyes being out to let him live , where he arrives he moves all hearts against us , edmund i think is gone in pity to his misery to dispatch him . gent. no , madam , he 's return'd on speedy summons back to your sister . gon. ha! i like not that , such speed must have the wings of love ; where 's albany . gent. madam , within , but never man so chang'd ; i told him of the uproar of the peasants , he smil'd at it , when i inform'd him of gloster's treason â�� gon. trouble him no further , it is his coward spirit , back to our sister , hasten her musters , and let her know i have giv'n the distaff into my husband's hands . that done , with special care deliver these dispatches in private to young gloster . enter a messenger . mess. o madam , most unseasonable news , the duke of cornwall's dead of his late wound , whose loss your sister has in part supply'd , making brave edmund general of her forces . gon. one way i like this well ; but being widow and my gloster with her may blast the promis'd harvest of our love. a word more , sir , â�� add speed to your journey , and if you chance to meet with that blind traytor , preferment falls on him that cuts him off . [ exeunt . field scene . gloster and edgar . glost. when shall we come to th' top of that same hill ? edg. we climb it now , mark how we labour . glost. methinks the ground is even . edg. horrible steep ; heark , do you hear the sea ? glost. no truly . edg. why then your other senses grow imperfect , by your eyes anguish . glost. so may it be indeed . methinks thy voice is alter'd , and thou speak'st in better phrase and matter than thou did'st . edg. you are much deceiv'd , in nothing am i alter'd but in my garments . glost. methinks y' are better spoken . edg. come on , sir , here 's the place , how fearfull and dizy 't is to cast one's eyes so low. the crows and choughs that wing the mid-way air shew scarce so big as beetles , half way down hangs one that gathers sampire , dreadfull trade ! the fisher-men that walk upon the beach appear like mice , and yon tall anch'ring barque seems lessen'd to her cock , her cock a buoy almost too small for sight ; the murmuring surge cannot be heard so high , i 'll look no more lest my brain turn , and the disorder make me tumble down head-long . glost. set me where you stand . edg. you are now within a foot of th' extream verge . for all beneath the moon i wou'd not now leap forward . glost. let go my hand , here , friend , is another purse , in it a jewel well worth a poor man's taking ; get thee further , bid me farewell , and let me hear thee going . edg. fare you well , sir , â�� that i do trifle thus with this his despair is with design to cure it . glost. thus , mighty gods , this world i do renounce , and in your sight shake my afflictions off ; if i cou'd bear 'em longer and not fall to quarrel with your great opposeless wills , my snuff and feebler part ofnature shou'd burn it self out ; if edgar live , o bless him . now , fellow , fare thee well . edg. gone , sir ! farewell . and yet i know not how conceit may rob the treasury oflife , had he been where he thought , by this had thought been past â�� alive , or dead ? hoa sir , friend ; hear you , sir , speak â�� thus might he pass indeed â�� yet he revives . what are you , sir ? glost. away , and let me die. edg. hadst thou been ought but gosmore , feathers , air , falling so many fathom down thou hadst shiver'd like an egg ; but thou dost breath hast heavy substance , bleedst not , speak'st , art sound ; thy live's a miracle . glost. but have i faln or no ? edg. from the dread summet of this chalky bourn : look up an height , the shrill-tun'd lark so high cannot be seen , or heard ; do but look up . glost. alack , i have no eyes . is wretchedness depriv'd that benefit to end it self by death ? edg. give me your arm. up , so , how is 't ? feel you your legs ? you stand . glost. too well , too well . edg. upon the crow o' th' cliff , what thing was that which parted from you ? glost. a poor unfortunate begger . edg. as i stood here below , me-thought his eyes were two full moons , wide nostrils breathing fire . it was some fiend , therefore thou happy father , think that th'all-powerfull gods who make them honours of mens impossibilities have preserv'd thee . glost. 't is wonderfull ; henceforth i 'll bear affliction till it expire ; the goblin which you speak of , i took it for a man : oft-times 't would say , the fiend , the fiend : he led me to that place . edg. bear free and patient thoughts : but who comes here ? enter lear , a coronet of flowers on his head. wreaths and garlands about him . lear.

no , no , they cannot touch me for coyning , i am the king himself .

edg. o piercing sight . lear.

nature's above art in that respect ; there 's your press-money : that fellow handles his bow like a cow-keeper , â�� draw me a clothier's yard . a mouse , a mouse ; peace hoa : there 's my gauntlet , i 'll prove it on a giant : bring up the brown bills : o well flown bird ; i' th white , i' th' white â�� hewgh ! give the word .

edg. sweet marjorum . lear. pass . glost. i know that voice . lear.

ha! gonerill with a white beard ! they flatter'd me like a dog , and told me i had white hairs on my chin , before the black ones were there ; to say i and no to every thing that i said , i and no too was no good divinity . when the rain came once to wet me , and the winds to make me chatter ; when the thunder wou'd not peace at my bidding . there i found'em , there i smelt'em out ; go too , they are not men of their words , they told me i was a king , 't is a lie , i am not ague proof .

glost. that voice i well remember , is 't not the king's ? lear. i , every inch a king , when i do stare see how the subject quakes . i pardon that man's life , what was the cause ? adultery ? thou shalt not die. die for adultery ! the wren goes to 't , and the small gilded flie engenders in my sight : let copulation thrive , for gloster's bastard son was kinder to his father than were my daughters got i' th' lawfull bed. to 't luxury , pell mell , for i lack souldiers . glost. not all my sorrows past so deep have toucht me , as the sad accents : sight were now a torment â�� lear. behold that simp'ring lady , she that starts at pleasure's name , and thinks her ear profan'd with the least wanton word , wou'd you believe it , the fitcher nor the pamper'd steed goes to 't

with such a riotous appetite : down from the wast they are centaurs , tho women all above ; but to the girdle do the gods inherit , beneath is all the fiends ; there 's hell , there 's darkness , the sulphurous unfathom'd â�� fie ! fie ! pah ! â�� an ounce of civet , good apothecary , to sweeten my imagination â�� there 's money for thee .

glost. let me kiss that hand . lear. let we wipe it first ; it smells of mortality . glost. speak , sir ; do you know me ? lear.

i remember thy eyes well enough : nay , do thy worst , blind cupid , i 'll not love â�� read me this challenge , mark but the penning of it .

glost. were all the letters suns i cou'd not see . edg. i wou'd not take this from report : wretched cordelia , what will thy vertue do when thou shalt find this fresh affliction added to the tale of thy unparrallel'd griefs . lear. read. glost. what with this case of eyes ? lear.

o ho ! are you there with me ? no eyes in your head , and no money in your purse ? yet you see how this world goes .

glost. i see it feelingly . lear.

what ? art mad ? a man may see how this world goes with no eyes . look with thy ears , see how yon justice rails on that simple thief ; shake'em together , and the first that drops , be it thief or justice , is a villain . â�� thou hast seen a farmer 's dog bark at a beggar .

glost. i , sir. lear.

and the man ran from the curr ; there thou mightst behold the great image of authority , a dog 's obey'd in office. thou rascal , beadle , hold thy bloody hand , why dost thou lash that strumpet ? thou hotly lust'st to enjoy her in that kind for which thou whipst her , do , do , the judge that sentenc'd herhas been before-hand with thee .

glost. how stiff is my vile sense that yields not yet ? lear.

i tell thee the usurer hangs the couz'ner , through tatter'd robes small vices do appear , robes and fur-gowns hide all : place sins with gold , why there 't is for thee , my friend , make much of it , it has the pow'r to seal the accuser's lips. get thee glass eyes , and like a scurvy politician , seem to see the things thou dost not . pull , pull off my boots , hard , harder , so , so .

glost. o matter and impertinency mixt reason in madness . lear. if thou wilt weep my fortunes take my eyes , i know thee well enough , thy name is gloster . thou must be patient , we came crying hither thou knowst , the first time that we tast the air we wail and cry â�� i 'll preach to thee , mark. edg. break lab'ring heart . lear. when we are born we cry that we are come to this great stage of fools . â�� enter two or three gentlemen . gent. o here he is , lay hand upon him , sir , your dearest daughter sends â�� lear.

no rescue ? what , a prisoner ? i am even the natural fool of fortune : use me well , you shall have ransome â�� let me have surgeons , oh i am cut to th' brains .

gent. you shall have any thing . lear.

no second's ? all my self ? i will die bravely like a smug bridegroom , flusht and pamper'd as a priest's whore. i am a king , my masters , know ye that ?

gent. you are a royal one , and we obey you . lear.

it were an excellent stratagem to shoe a troop of horse with felt , i 'll put in proof â�� no noise , no noise â�� now will we steal upon these sons in law , and then â�� kill , kill , kill , kill !

[ ex. running . glost. a sight most moving in the meanest wretch , past speaking in a king. now , good sir , what are you ? edg. a most poor man made tame to fortune's strokes , and prone to pity by experienc'd sorrows ; give me your hand . glost. you ever gentle gods take my breath from me , and let not my ill genius tempt me more to die before you please . enter gonerill's gentleman usher . gent. a proclaim'd prize , o most happily met , that eye-less head of thine was first fram'd flesh to raise my fortunes ; thou old unhappy traytor , the sword is out that must destroy thee . glost. now let thy friendly hand put strength enough to 't . gent. wherefore , bold peasant , darst thou support a publisht traytor , hence , lest i destroy thee too . let go his arm. edg. ' i hill not let go zir , without vurther ' casion . gent. let go slave , or thou dyest . edg.

good gentleman go your gate , and let poor volk pass , and'chu'd ha' bin zwagger'd out of my life it wou'd not a bin zo long as 't is by a vort-night â�� nay , an' thou com'st near th' old man , i'ce try whether your costard or my ballow be th' harder .

gent. out , dunghill . edg. ' i hill pick your teeth , zir ; come , no matter vor your voines . gent. slave , thou hast slain me ; oh untimely death . edg. i know thee well , a serviceable villain , as duteous to the vices of thy mistress as lust cou'd wish . glost. what , is he dead ? edg. sit you , sir , and rest you . this is a letter carrier , and may have some papers of intelligence that may stand our party in good stead , to know â�� what 's here ? [ takes a letter out of his pocket , opens , and reads . to edmund earl of glester .

let our mutual loves be remembred , you have many opportu nities to cut him off , if he return the conqueror then i am still a prisoner , and his bed my goal , from the loath'd warmth of which deliver me , and supply the place for your labour .

gonerill .

a plot upon her husband's life , and the exchange my brother â�� here i' th' sands . i 'll rake thee up thou messenger oflust , griev'd only that thou hadst no other deaths-man . in time and place convenient i 'll produce these letters to the sight of th' injur'd duke as best shall serve our purpose ; come , your hand . far off methinks i hear the beaten drum , come , sir , i will bestow you with a friend . [ exeunt . a chamber . lear a sleep on a couch ; cordelia , and attendants standing by him . cord. his sleep is sound , and may have good effect to cure his jarring senses , and repair this breach of nature . phys. we have employ'd the utmost pow'r of art , and this deep rest will perfect our design . cord. o regan , gonerill , inhumane sisters , had he not been your father , these white hairs had challeng'd sure some pity , was this a face to be expos'd against the jarring winds ? my enemy's dog though he had bit me shou'd

have stood that night against my fire â�� he wakes , speak to him .

gent. madam , do you , 't is fittest . cord. how do's my royal lord ? how fares your majesty ? lear. you do me wrong to take me out o' th' grave . ha! is this too a world of cruelty ? i know my priviledge , think not that i will be us'd still like a wretched mortal , no , no more of that . cord. speak to me , sir , who am i ? lear. you are a soul in bliss , but i am bound upon a wheel of fire , which my own tears do scald like molten lead . cord. sir , do you know me ? lear. you are a spirit , i know , where did you die ? cord. still , still , far wide . phys.

madam , he 's scarce awake ; he 'll soon grow more compos'd .

lear. where have i been ? where am i ? fair day-light ! i am mightily abus'd , i shou'd ev'n die with pity to see another thus . i will not swear these are my hands . cord. o look upon me , sir , and hold your hands in blessing o're me , nay , you must not kneel . lear. pray do not mock me . i am a very foolish fond old man , fourscore and upward , and to deal plainly with you , i fear i am not in my perfect mind . cord. nay , then farewell to patience ; witness for me ye mighty pow'rs , i ne're complain'd till now ! lear. methinks i shou'd know you , and know this man , yet i am doubtfull , for i am mainly ignorant what place this is , and all the skill i have remembers not these garments , nor do i know where i did sleep last night â�� pray do not mock me â�� for , as i am a man , i think that lady to be my child cordelia . cord. o my dear , dear father ! lear. be your tears wet ? yes faith ; pray do not weep , i know i have giv'n thee cause , and am so humbled with crosses since , that i cou'd ask forgiveness of thee were it possible that thou cou'dst grant it , but i 'm well assur'd thou canst not ; therefore i do stand thy justice , if thou hast poyson for me i will drink it , bless thee and die. cord. o pity , sir , a bleeding heart , and cease this killing language . lear. tell me , friends , where am i ? gent. in your own kingdom , sir. lear. do not abuse me . gent. be comforted , good madam , for the violence of his distemper's past ; we 'll lead him in nor trouble him , till he is better setled . wilt please you , sir , walk into freer air. lear. you must bear with me , i am old and foolish . [ they lead him off : cord. the gods restore you â�� heark , i hear afar the beaten drum , old kent's a man of 's word . o for an arm like the fierce thunderer's , when th' earth-born sons storm'd heav'n , to fight this injur'd father's battle . that i cou'd shift my sex , and die me deep in his opposer's blood , but as i may with womens weapons , piety and pray'rs , i 'll aid his cause â�� you never-erring gods fight on his side , and thunder on his foes such tempest as his poor ag'd head sustain'd ; your image suffers when a monarch bleeds . 't is your own cause , for that your succours bring , revenge your selves , and right an injur'd king. end of the fourth act.

act v. scene , a camp. enter gonerill and attendants . gon. our sisters pow'rs already are arriv'd , and she her self has promis'd to prevent the night with her approach : have you provided the banquet i bespoke for her reception at my tent ? att. so , please your grace , we have . gon. but thou , my poysner , must prepare the bowl that crowns this banquet , when our mirth is high , the trumpets sounding and the flutes replying , then is the time to give this fatal draught to this imperious sister ; if then our arms succeed , edmund more dear than victory is mine . but if defeat or death it self attend me , 't will charm my ghost to think i 've left behind me [ trumpet . no happy rival : heark , she comes . [ exeunt . enter bastard in his tent. bast. to both these sisters have i sworn my love , each jealous of the other , as the stung are of the adder ; neither can be held if both remain alive ; where shall i fix ? cornwall is dead , and regan's empty bed seems cast by fortune for me , but already i have enjoy'd her , and bright gonerill with equal charms brings dear variety , and yet untasted beauty : i will use her husband's countenance for the battail , then usurp at once his bed and throne . [ enter officers . my trusty scouts y' are well return'd , have ye descry'd the strength and posture of the enemy ? off. we have , and were surpriz'd to find the banisht kent return'd , and at their head ; your brother edgar on the rear ; old gloster ( a moving spectacle ) led through their ranks , whose pow'rfull tongue , and more prevailing wrongs , have so enrag'd their rustick spirits , that with th' approaching dawn we must expect their battle . bast. you bring a welcome hearing ; each to his charge . line well your ranks and stand on your award , to night repose you , and i' th' morn we 'll give the sun a sight that shall be worth his rising . [ exeunt . scene , a valley near the camp. enter edgar and gloster . edg. here , sir , take you the shadow of this tree for your good host , pray that the right may thrive : if ever i return to you again i 'll bring you comfort . [ exit . glost. thanks ; friendly sir ; the fortune your good cause deserves betide you . an alarum , after which gloster speaks . the fight grows hot ; the whole war 's now at work , and the goar'd battle bleeds in every vein , whilst drums and trumpets drown loud slaughter's roar : where 's gloster now that us'd to head the fray , and scour the ranks where deadliest danger lay ? here like a shepherd in a lonely shade , idle , unarm'd , and listning to the fight . yet the disabled courser , maim'd and blind , when to his stall he hears the ratling war , foaming with rage tears up the batter'd ground , and tugs for liberty . no more of shelter , thou blind worm , but forth to th' open field ; the war may come this way and crush thee into rest. â�� here lay thee down and tear the earth , that work befits a mole . o dark despair ! when , edgar , wilt thou come to pardon and dismiss me to the grave ! [ a retreat sounded . heark ! a retreat , the king has lost or won . re-enter edgar , bloody . edg. away , old man , give me your hand , away ! king lear has loft , he and his daughter tane , and this , ye gods , is all that i can save of this most precious wreck : give me your hand . glost. no farther , sir , a man may rot even here . edg. what ? in ill thoughts again ? men must endure their going hence ev'n as their coming hither . glost. and that 's true too . [ exeunt . flourish . enter in conquest , albany , gonerill , regan , bastard . â�� lear , kent , cordelia prisoners . alb. it is enough to have conquer'd , cruelty shou'd ne're survive the fight , captain o' th' guards treat well your royal prisoners till you have our further orders , as you hold our pleasure . gon. heark , sir , not as you hold our husbands pleasure [ to the captain aside . but as you hold your life , dispatch your pris'ners . our empire can have no sure settlement but in their death , the earth that covers them binds fast our throne . let me hear they are dead . capt. i shall obey your orders . bast. sir , i approve it safest to pronounce sentence of death upon this wretched king , whose age has charms in it , his title more , to draw the commons once more to his side , 't were best prevent â�� alb. sir , by your favour , i hold you but a subject of this war , not as a brother . reg. that 's as we list to grace him . have you forgot that he did lead our pow'rs ? bore the commission , of our place and person ? and that authority may well stand up and call it self your brother . gon. not so hot , in his own merits he exalts himself more than in your addition . enter edgar , disguised . alb. what art thou ? edg. pardon me , sir , that i presume to stop a prince and conquerour , yet e'er you triumph , give ear to what a stranger can deliver of what concerns you more than triumph can . i do impeach your general there of treason , lord edmund , that usurps the name of gloster , of fowlest practice 'gainst your life and honour ; this charge is true , and wretched though i seem i can produce a champion that will prove in single combat what i do avouch ; if edmund dares but trust his cause and sword. bast. what will not edmund dare , my lord , i beg the favour that you 'd instantly appoint the place where i may meet this challenger , whom i will sacrifice to my wrong'd fame , remember , sir , that injur'd honour 's nice and cannot brook delay . alb. anon , before our tent , i' th' army's view , there let the herald cry . edg. i thank your highness in my champion's name , he 'll wait your trumpet 's call . alb. lead . [ exeunt . manent , lear , kent , cordelia , guarded . lear. o kent , cordelia ! you are the onely pair that i e'er wrong'd , and the just gods have made you witnesses of my disgrace , the very shame of fortune , to see me chain'd and shackled at these years ! yet were you but spectatours of my woes , not fellow-sufferers , all were well ! cord. this language , sir , adds yet to our affliction . lear. thou , kent , didst head the troops that fought my battel , expos'd thy life and fortunes for a master that had ( as i remember ) banisht thee . kent . pardon me , sir , that once i broke your orders , banisht by you , i kept me here disguis'd to watch your fortunes , and protect your person , you know you entertain'd a rough blunt fellow , one cajus , and you thought he did you service . lear. my trusty cajus , i have lost him too ! [ weeps . 't was a rough honesty . kent . i was that cajus , disguis'd in that course dress to follow you . lear. my cajus too ! wer 't thou my trusty cajus , enough , enough â�� cord. ah me , he faints ! his blood forsakes his cheek , help , kent â�� lear. no , no , they shall not see us weep , we 'll see them rot first , â�� guards lead away to prison , come , kent , cordelia come , we two will sit alone , like birds i' th' cage , when thou dost ask me blessing , i 'll kneel down and ask of thee forgiveness ; thus we 'll live , and pray , and sing , and tell old tales , and laugh at gilded butter-flies , hear sycophants . talk of court news , and we 'll talk with them too , who loses , and who wins , who 's in , who 's out , and take upon us the mystery of things as if we were heav'ns spies . cord. upon such sacrifices the gods themselves throw incense . lear. have i caught ye ? he that parts us must bring a brand from heav'n . together we 'll out-toil the spight of hell , and die the wonders of the world ; a way . [ exeunt , guarded . flourish : enter before the tents , albany , gonerill , regan , guards and attendants ; gonerill speaking apart to the captain of the guards entring . gon. here 's gold for thee , thou knowst our late command upon your pris'ners lives , about it streight , and at our ev'ning banquet let it raise our mirth to hear that they are dead . capt. i shall not fail your orders . [ ex. albany , gon. reg. take their seats . alb. now , gloster , trust to thy single vertue , for thy souldiers , all levied in my name , have in my name took their discharge ; now let our trumpets speak , and herald read out this. [ herald reads .

if any man of quality , within the lists of the army , will maintain upon edmund , suppos'd earl of gloster , that he is a manifold traytour , let him appear by the third sound of the trumpet ; he is bold in his defence . â�� agen , agen.

[ trumpet answers from within . enter edgar , arm'd . alb. lord edgar ! bast. ha! my brother ! this is the onely combatant that i cou'd fear ; for in my breast guilt duels on his side , but , conscience , what have i to do with thee ? awe thou thy dull legitimate slaves , but i was born a libertine , and so i keep me . edg. my noble prince , a word â�� e'er we engage into your highness's hands i give this paper , it will the truth of my impeachment prove whatever be my fortune in the fight . alb. we shall peruse it . edg. now , edmund , draw thy sword , that if my speech has wrong'd a noble heart , thy arm may doe thee justice : here i' th' presence of this high prince , these queens , and this crown'd list , i brand thee with the spotted name of traytour , false to thy gods , thy father and thy brother , and what is more , thy friend ; false to this prince : if then thou shar'st a spark of gloster's vertue , acquit thy self , or if thou shar'st his courage , meet this defiance bravely . bast. and dares edgar , the beaten routed edgar , brave his conquerour ? from all thy troops and thee , i forc't the field , thou hast lost the gen'ral stake , and art thou now come with thy petty single stock to play this after-game ? edg. half-blooded man , thy father's sin first , then his punishment , the dark and vicious place where he begot thee cost him his eyes : from thy licentious mother thou draw'st thy villany ; but for thy part of gloster's blood , i hold thee worth my sword. bast. thou bear'st thee on thy mother's piety , which i despise ; thy mother being chaste thou art assur'd thou art but gloster's son , but mine , disdaining constancy , leaves me to hope that i am sprung from nobler blood , and possibly a king might be my sire : but be my birth 's uncertain chance as 't will , who 't was that had the hit to father me i know not ; 't is enough that i am i : of this one thing i 'm certain â�� that i have a daring soul , and so have at thy heart sound trumpet . [ fight , bastard falls . gon. and reg. save him , save him . gon. this was practice , gloster , thou won'st the field , and wast not bound to fight a vanquisht enemy , thou art not conquer'd but couz'ned and betray'd . alb. shut your mouth , lady , or with this paper i shall stop it â�� hold , sir , thou worse than any name , reade thy own evil , no tearing , lady , i perceive you know it . gon. say if i do , who shall arraign me for 't ? the laws are mine , not thine . alb. most monstrous ! ha , thou know'st it too . bast. ask me not what i know , i have not breath to answer idle questions . alb. i have resolv'd â�� your right , brave sir , has conquer'd , [ to edgar . along with me , i must consult your father . [ ex. albany and edgar . reg. help every hand to save a noble life ; my half o' th' kingdom for a man of skill to stop this precious stream . bast. away ye empericks , torment me not with your vain offices : the sword has pierc't too far ; legitimacy at last has got it . reg. the pride of nature dies . gon. away , the minutes are too precious , disturb us not with thy impertinent sorrow . reg. art thou my rival then profest ? gon. why , was our love a secret ? cou'd there be beauty like mine , and gallantry like his and not a mutual love ? just nature then had err'd : behold that copy of perfection , that youth whose story will have no foul page but where it says he stoopt to regan's arms : which yet was but compliance , not affection ; a charity to begging , ruin'd beauty ! reg. who begg'd when gonerill writ that ? expose it [ throws her a letter . and let it be your army's mirth , as 't was this charming youth 's and mine , when in the bow'r he breath'd the warmest ecstasies of love , then panting on my breast , cry'd matchless regan that gonerill and thou shou'd e'er be kin ! gon. die , circe , for thy charms are at an end , expire before my face , and let me see how well that boasted beauty will become congealing blood and death's convulsive pangs . die and be husht , for at my tent last night thou drank'st thy bane , amidst thy rev'ling bowls : ha! dost thou smile ? is then thy death thy sport or has the trusty potion made thee mad ? reg. thou com'st as short of me in thy revenge as in my gloster's love , my jealousie inspir'd me to prevent thy feeble malice and poison thee at thy own banquet . gon. ha! bast. no more , my queens , of this untimely strife , you both deserv'd my love and both possest it . come , souldiers , bear me in ; and let your royal presence grace my last minutes : now , edgar , thy proud conquest i forgive ; who wou'd not choose , like me , to yield his breath t' have rival queens contend for him in death ? [ exeunt . scene , a prison . lear asleep , with his head on cordelia's lap. cord. what toils , thou wretched king , hast thou endur'd to make thee draw , in chains , a sleep so sound ? thy better angel charm thy ravisht mind with fancy'd freedom ; peace is us'd to lodge on cottage straw , thou hast the begger 's bed , therefore shou'dst have the begger 's careless thought . and now , my edgar , i remember thee , what fate has seiz'd thee in this general wreck i know not , but i know thou must be wretched because cordelia holds thee dear . o gods ! a suddain gloom o'er-whelms me , and the image of death o'er-spreads the place . â�� ha ! who are these ? enter captain and officers with cords . capt. now , sirs , dispatch , already you are paid in part , the best of your reward 's to come . lear.

charge , charge upon their flank , their last wing haults ;

push , push the battel , and the day 's our own . their ranks are broke , down , down with albany . who holds my hands ? â�� o thou deceiving sleep , i was this very minute on the chace ; and now a prisoner here â�� what mean the slaves ? you will not murder me ? cord. help earth and heaven ! for your souls sake's , dear sirs , and for the gods. offic.

no tears , good lady , no pleading against gold and preferment ;

come , sirs , make ready your câ��â��ds . cord. you , sir , i 'll seize , you have a humane form , and if no pray'rs can touch your soul to spare a poor king's life , if there be any thing that you hold dear , by that i beg you to dispatch me first . capt. comply with her request , dispatch her first . lear. off hell-hounds , by the gods i charge you spare her ; 't is my cordelia , my true pious daughter : no pity ? â�� nay then take an old man's vengeance . snatches a partizan , and strikes down two of them ; the rest quit cordelia , and turn upon him . enter edgar and albany . edg. death ! hell ! ye vultures hold your impious hands , or take a speedier death than you wou'd give . capt. by whose command ? edg. behold the duke your lord. alb. guards , seize those instruments of cruelty . cord. my edgar , oh! edg. my dear cordelia , lucky was the minute of our approach , the gods have weigh'd our suffrings ; w' are past the fire , and now must shine to ages . gent. look here , my lord , see where the generous king has slain two of 'em . lear. did i not , fellow ? i 've seen the day , with my good biting faulchion i cou'd have made 'em skip ; i am old now , and these vile crosses spoil me ; out of breath ! fie , oh! quite out of breath and spent . alb. bring in old kent , and , edgar , guide you hither your father , whom you said was near , [ ex. edgar . he may be an ear-witness at the least of our proceedings . [ kent brought in here . lear. who are you ? my eyes are none o'th'best , i 'll tell you streight ; oh albany ! . well , sir , we are your captives , and you are come to see death pass upon us . why this delay ? â�� or is't your highness pleasure to give us first the torture ? say ye so ? why here 's old kent and i , as tough a pair as e'er bore tyrant's stroke : â�� but my cordelia , my poor cordelia here , o pitty ! â�� alb. take off their chains â�� thou injur'd majesty , the wheel of fortune now has made her circle , and blessings yet stand 'twixt thy grave and thee . lear. com'st thou , inhumane lord , to sooth us back to a fool 's paradise of hope , to make our doom more wretched ? go too , we are too well acquainted with misfortune to be gull'd with lying hope ; no , we will hope no more . alb. i have a tale t' unfold so full of wonder as cannot meet an easy faith ; but by that royal injur'd head 't is true. kent . what wou'd your highness ? alb. know the noble edgar impeacht lord edmund since the fight , of treason , and dar'd him for the proof to single combat , in which the gods confirm'd his charge by conquest ; i left ev'n now the traytor wounded mortally . lear. and whither tends this story ? alb. e'er they fought lord edgar gave into my hands this paper , a blacker scrowl of treason , and of lust than can be found in the records of hell ; there , sacred sir , behold the character of gonerill the worst of daughters , but more vicious wife . cord. cou'd there be yet addition to their guilt ? what will not they that wrong a father doe ? alb. since then my injuries , lear , fall in with thine : i have resolv'd the same redress for both. kent . what says my lord ? cord. speak , for me thought i heard the charming voice of a descending god. alb. the troops by edmnnd rais'd , i have disbanded ; those that remain are under my command . what comfort may be brought to cheer your age and heal your savage wrongs , shall be apply'd ; for to your majesty we do refign your kingdom , save what part your self conferr'd on us in marriage . kent . hear you that , my liege ? cord. then there are gods , and vertue is their care. lear. is 't possible ? let the spheres stop their course , the sun make hault , the winds be husht , the seas and fountains rest ; all nature pause , and listen to the change. where is my kent , my cajus ? kent . here , my liege . lear. why i have news that will recall thy youth ; ha! didst thou hear 't , or did th' inspiring gods whisper to me alone ? old lear shall be a king again . kent . the prince , that like a god has pow'r , has said it . lear. cordelia then shall be a queen , mark that : cordelia shall be queen ; winds catch the sound and bear it on your rosie wings to heav'n . cordelia is a queen . re-enter edgar with gloster . alb. look , sir , where pious edgar comes leading his eye-less father : o my liege ! his wondrous story will deserve your leisure : what he has done and suffer'd for your sake , what for the fair cordelia's . glost.

where is my liege ? conduct me to his knees to hail

his second birth of empire ; my dear edgar has , with himself , reveal'd the king's blest restauration . lear. my poor dark gloster ; glost. o let me kiss that once more sceptred hand ! lear. hold , thou mistak'st the majesty , kneel here ; cordelia has our pow'r , cordelia's queen . speak , is not that the noble suffring edgar ? glost. my pious son , more dear than my lost eyes . lear. i wrong'd him too , but here 's the fair amends . edg. your leave , my liege , for an unwelcome message . edmund ( but that 's a triflle ) is expir'd ; what more will touch you , your imperious daughters gonerill and haughty regan , both are dead , each by the other poison'd at a banquet ; this , dying , they confest . cord. o fatal period of ill-govern'd life ! lear. ingratefull as they were , my heart feels yet a pang of nature for their wretched fall ; â�� but , edgar , i defer thy joys too long : thou serv'dst distrest cordelia ; take her crown'd : th' imperial grace fresh blooming on her brow ; nay , gloster , thou hast here a father's right ; thv helping hand t'heap blessings on their head. kent . old kent throws in his hearty wishes too . edg. the gods and you too largely recompence what i have done ; the gift strikes merit dumb. cord. nor do i blush to own my self o'er paid for all my suffrings past . glost. now , gentle gods , give gloster his discharge . lear. no , gloster , thou hast business yet for life ; thou , kent and i , retir'd to some cool cell will gently pass our short reserves of time in calm reflections on our fortunes past , cheer'd with relation of the prosperous reign of this celestial pair ; thus our remains shall in an even course of thought be past , enjoy the present hour , nor fear the last . edg. our drooping country now erects her head , peace spreads her balmy wings , and plenty blooms . divine cordelia , all the gods can witness how much thy love to empire i prefer ! thy bright example shall convince the world ( whatever storms of fortune are decreed ) that truth and vertue shall at last succeed . [ ex. omnes . finis .

epilogue , spoken by mrs. barry . inconstancy , the reigning sin o' th' age , will scarce endure true lovers on the stage ; you hardly ev'n in plays with such dispense , and poã«ts kill 'em in their own defence . yet one bold proof i was resolv'd to give , that i cou'd three hours constancy out-live . you fear , perhaps , whilst on the stage w' are made such saints , we shall indeed take up the trade ; sometimes we threaten â�� but our vertue may for truth i fear with your pit-valour weigh : for ( not to flatter either ) i much doubt when we are off the stage , and you are out , we are not quite so coy , nor you so stout . we talk of nunn'ries â�� but to be sincere whoever lives to see us cloyster'd there , may hope to meet our critiques at tangier . for shame give over this inglorious trade of worrying poã«ts , and go maule th' alcade . well â�� since y' are all for blustring in the pit , this play 's reviver humbly do's admit your abs'lute pow'r to damn his part of it ; but still so many master-touches shine of that vast hand that first laid this design , that in great shakespear's right , he 's bold to say if you like nothing you have seen to day the play your judgment damns , not you the play.

notes, typically marginal, from the original text

notes for div a59493-e110 mr. dryd . pref. to the span. fryar .

the mistakes, or, the false report a tragi-comedy, acted by their majesties servants / written by mr. jos. harris ; the prologue written by mr. dryden ; the epilogue by mr. tate. harris, joseph, ca. 1650-ca. 1715. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a45651 of text r4488 in the english short title catalog (wing h865). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.this text has not been fully proofread approx. 215 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 44 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo 2017 a45651 wing h865 estc r4488 12315731 ocm 12315731 59394

early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a45651) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 59394) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 632:11) the mistakes, or, the false report a tragi-comedy, acted by their majesties servants / written by mr. jos. harris ; the prologue written by mr. dryden ; the epilogue by mr. tate. harris, joseph, ca. 1650-ca. 1715. mountfort, william, 1664?-1692. dryden, john, 1631-1700. tate, nahum, 1652-1715. [8], 78, [1] p. printed for jo. hindmarsh ..., london : 1691. in verse. epilogue with dramatis personae on verso is bound at end, instead of after prologue as catch word indicates. altered by harris from a manuscript given him; mountfort wrote a scene for the fifth act. cf. preface; giles jacob's english poets; bm. reproduction of original in bodleian library. eng shcnothe mistakes, or the false reportharris, joseph1691363852760000075.86d the rate of 75.86 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the d category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2002-07tcp assigned for keying and markup 2002-09aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images 2002-10emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread 2003-02aptara rekeyed and resubmitted 2003-03emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread 2003-03emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-04pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion

the mistakes , or , the false report : a tragi-comedy . acted by their majesties servants . written by mr. ios. harris . the prologue written by mr. dryden , the epilogue by mr. tate .

haec si placuisse erint mihi praemia . mart.

licensed according to order .

london , printed for io. hindmarsh at the golden-ball over against the royal-exchange . 1691.

to god●rey kneller esquire .

it is common with many poets to varnish o're the defects of their poems either by a little a●●ected satyr in the preface and prologue , or by the nobility of the patron ; but for an under-graduate , the fittist sanctuary to receive and protect his first fruits , shou'd be the elder choire of poets , for there the subiect may more aptly improve his thoughts , and there ( if any genius glimmers through the clowds ) the gold is entertain'd , and the dross either refin'd or forgot . i speak not this to excuse the many errors of this indigested , trifle ( for indeed such confusion and uncertainty attended it , both at it's conception , and birth , that they became unavoidable , ) but to render my boldness more lawfull , at least more pardonable , in committing all together to your patronage . but yet to intitle you to poetry , were too mean an acknowledgment , who have engrost all that can be call'd a description of nature . poets at best but give a distant view of her to our purblinde imaginatio●s , which often doubles , or falsifies the object , confounds chimera's with the most simple beings , and so rather represent her in her infant ch●os , than her present perfection . but you sir , draw the veil and expose her bare-face to our senses , the most proper and adaequate judges of it . here we see art tryumphing over her , and waiting cupids pouring all their mothers charms into your pencill ; here we may behold more divinity in one draught , then in that peice for which apelles ransack't all the beauties of the earth and his own fertile imagination to c●ll out a veuus . of this you have given a sufficient evidence , in adorning the court with so many stars , which shall shine thro' your colours , when time has faded , and the grave immured their own . for painting being at such a noble height as you sir have rais'd it to , carries more prevailing influence , than all the languid efforts of our enervate pens . but it were as vain to attempt a particular encomium of what i understand not , as to deny it's excellency , which the greatest stupidity must confess with silence , and the greatest malice with a forc'd admiration .

pardon me sir , if in dwelling upon so pleasing a subject , i have forgot that i am arguing for what is beyond the verge of dispute , and kept you long in the portall , that i have reason to fear you may be tir'd before you survey the whole building ; but if it affords you any diversion , i shall not complain of any reception it has already , or may meet with in it 's more publick dress , but content my self that it gives me this oppertunity to testify how much i am

your most devoted humble servant , jos. harris .

the preface .

i might here ( as it is very very customary ) beg leave to tell the world the many inconveniences this hasty ▪ peice has been expos'd to ; as the season of the being so near christimas &c. and charge all it's failings upon them ; but i am sufficiently satisfyed with it's reception : and what other casualties have obstructed it's wellcome , have been exceedingly made up by mr. montfort , quem semper honoratum , &c. ' twou'd be tautology to mention his extraordinary favours , which are already sufficiently known , and need not my suffrage : but he that will sc●n thoroughly the series of his goodness to me , will find an unbyass'd kindness , and generous pitty in every step . nor shou'd i be backward in acknowledging ( i dare not call it the impartiall ) favours of the pardoning audience . what can express a solid judgment , and sincere good nature , more then to wink at faults , and applaud the least glimmering of wit. i have only one thing now to desire , which is , that upon reading this , they who have seen the more publick representation , will not wonder to find the plot more thick , and severall scenes which were entirely omitted in the action , to modell it into the ordinary bulk of a play. and here 's a fresh occasion for my gratitude to mr. montfort , who in the fith act has not only corrected the tediousness by cutting out a whole scene , but to make the plot more clear , has put in one of his own , which heightens his own character , and was very pleasing to the audience . but in mentioning the brevity of the play , i shall slip into prolixity in the preface , and therefore leave the former to entertain you .

prologue . writ by mr. dryden . enter mr. bright .

gentlemen , we must beg your pardon ; here 's no prologue to be had to day ; our new play is like to come on● without a frontispiece ; as bald as one of you young beaux , without your perriwig . i left our young poet , sniveling and sobbing behind the scenes , and cur●ing some body that has deceiv'd him .

enter mr. bowen ▪

hold your prating to the audience : here 's honest mr. williams , just come in , half mellow , from the rose-tavern . he swears he is inspir'd with claret , and will come on , and that extempore too , either with a prologue of his own or something like one : o here he comes to his tryal , ●t all adventures ; for my part i wi●h him a good deliverance .

exeunt mr. bright , and mr. bowen . enter mr. williams . save ye sirs , save ye ! i am in a hopefull way . i shou'd speak something , in rhyme , now , for the play : but the duce take me , if i know what to say . 〈◊〉 stick to my friend the authour , that i can tell ye , to the last drop of glaret , in my belly . so far i 'me sure 't is rhyme — that needs no granting : and , if my verses feet stumble — you see my own are wanting . our young ▪ poet , has brought a piece of work , 〈◊〉 which , though much of art there does not lurk , it may hold out three days — and that 's as long as cork . but , for this play — ( which till i h●ve done , we show not , ) what may be its fortune — by the lord — i know not . this i dare swear , no malice ●ere is writ : 't is innocent of all things — ev'n of wit. he 's no high flyer — he makes no sky rockets , his squi●●s are only levell'd at your pockets . and if his crackers light among your pelf you are blown-up : if not , then he 's blown-up himslef . by this time , i 'me something recover'd of my flust●r'd madness : and , now , a word or two in sober sadness . ours is a common●play : and you pay down a common harlots price — just half a crown . you 'le say , i play the pimp , on my friends score ; but since 't is for a friend your gibes give o're : for many a mother has done that before . how 's this , you cry ? an actor write ? — we know it ; but skakspear was an actor , and a poet. has not great johnsons learning , often fail'd ? but shakspear's greater genius , still prevail'd . have not some writing actors , in this age deserv'd and found success upon the stage ? to tell the truth , when our old wits are tir'd , not one of us , but means to be inspir'd . let your kind presence grace our homely cheer ; peace and the butt , it all our bus'ness here : so much for that ; — and the devil take small beer .

epilogue ▪ writ by mr. n. tate . spoken by mrs. bulter in mans cloaths . as malefactors brought to execution , have leave t' harrangue before their dissolution : such favour your poor criminall beseeches , something to say to justify her breeches . to strut with feather , tilter , lace and blue , i have as good pretence as most of you . 't was time to take this warlike dress in vogue , to guard my dang'rous post of epilogue ; where lurching wits like rapperees appear : and coward critique still attack's our rear . i stand your shot — to storm this little fort , let 's see who dares — i've that shall find you sport . damn your french way of shooting on the stretch , give me the man bears up and mounts the breach . entrench'd i' th' pit you sit securely rageing , you know who 'le have the odds in close engaging . but this is all exceeding my commission , to swagger while our poet makes submission : i told the tim'rous fool 't was not the way , a worse mistake then any in his play , but he has writ just as you fight — for ●ay . like you he justifies his cause — for life , for fame , for liberty , for bratts , and wife : he writes , but 't is not for the sake of writing ; when you your bilbo scarf and plume are dighting , for heaven's sake tell me — is't for love of fighting ? money 's his plea ; that makes the lawyer trudge , the priest preach counter , and corrupts the iudge . meer want our youn●●●ers to write plays impowers , playing will neither do their work — nor ours . then since you are so kind to their deserts , give , next , vs women leave to show our parts : let us perceive but the kind humour seize ye , we 'le ●ry our skill , and do our best to please ye .

dramatis personae . don juan de mendoza vice-roy of naples . mr. hodgsdon . alberto , a nobleman in love with miranda . mr. powell . antonio , his friend , in love with astella ▪ mr. alexander . ricardo , the vice-roy 's favourite . a villain and in love with miranda . mr. montford . lopez , alberto 's men mr. bowen . bernardo , ricardo's man mr. trefusis ▪ don sylvio . fabio . gentlemen to the vice-roy . three soldiers . three neighbours , a iaylor . messengers . officers , guards , and att●ndants . women . miranda . the vice-roys daughter , in love with alberto . mrs. bracegirdle . astella , sister to alberto , in love with antonio . mrs. butler . maria. miranda's confident . mrs. richardson . the scene naples .

act i.

scene . i. the street . enter alberto reading a challenge , follow'd by his man lopez . alb. this from antonio ? forbid it freindship ! he tells me that miranda's false and loves me not ; if he be then that happy rivall , why shou'd he desire to take that life her scorn can look away ? lop. goes it there — i have the business now [ aside but will prevent your designs my noble valiant don. alb. this note 's ten thousand daggers to my breast , cleaves to my heart like hercules poyson'd shirt , and tares my soul in piecemeal . shall i go on ? my friendship bars the way ; but mighty love and honour chide my stay : yes , i will go ; i 'le meet this treacherous man , and stab her image in his faithless breast , or fall my self a sacrifice to both : lop. that i must prevent , my good furious master . [ aside . alb. by heaven he shan't enjoy her . i 'le sluce my veins , let out a deluge of my bloud to drown 'em , and follow 'em tho' rocks high as olimpus , oppose and stop my way : leap aetna's hideous va●lt , then catch 'em on the brink and plunge 'em in , but i will have revenge , and such revenge as traytors , may the damn'd themselves yet never knew : and i 'le about it strait . — [ exit lo.

so , now is he going to take horse and ride post to the devill . a plague on these female succ●bu●'s , who o' my conscience are good for nothing else but to breed and beget quarrells . — well faith i 'le not lose a good master so .

enter ricardo , and his man bernardo following . lop.

i 'le get some friends and neighbours to assist me , then go with 'em to all the slaughtering fields about town and finde them out , and so prevent their duelling .

ric.

how 's this ! friends and neighbours to assist his master , that must not be : bernardo , do you follow lopez when he goes from hence , and leave him not till night : i can away with your dilligence till to the morrow .

ber.

till to morrow sir ?

ric.

yes , till to morrow : business of importance obl●ges me to attend the vice-roy : be gone .

[ bernardo waits at the door . lop.

what a pox has antonio to do with his mistriss ? or can't he share her with his friend , i warrant she 'le give 'em both enough , in as hot a skirmish as this is like to be .

ric.

i must prevent his purpose and design . — lopez .

lop.

bless me ! what will become of me now , if this ill-natur'd courtier has or'e-heard me ?

ric.

i 've heard from you your masters rash design , of fighting with antonio , and must your faith●●llness and care commend .

lop.

i 'd rather you 'd heard the last trumpet summoning you to hell. sir you may commend it , but i can hardly believe that you 'l reward it .

ric. why lopez , thy master is my dearest friend ; our hatred's fled to 'th air from whence it sprung , the date is out , and all the bonds are cancell'd : canst thou then think , ●'de tamely see him fall , and crack those strings which hold ricardo's heart ? friendship 's a dearer name to me then honour , and i 'le expose the one to save the other . lop. as how sir ? ric. i will prevent their ●ighting lopez ; or if that fail , i will assist thy master : but if his nicety refuse me that , i 'le stake the utmost cast i have to loose , and run upon antonio's sword ; then hold it close ●nto my throbbing heart untill my dearest blood cool on the point , and blunt the stroak of death to save alberto . lop ▪

well sir , since you are so resolv'd to serve my master , i 'le trust his safety for once with you , and humbly retire .

ber. hist , hist , lopez . [ lopez run to bernardo : [ both go off together . ric. his safety , dull buffoon , trust me for that : thou coud'st not chuse a better guardian out , tho' thou hadst ransackt all the worlds below , to cull a villain of the blackest dye . one thing i want to finish forth a hero but 't is the meanest virtue — brutall courage , mallice i have enough , and witty mallice : these greater qualities may infuse the less , and then ricardo has a titans soul — alberto's death makes way for my pretentions , unto the coy miranda's heart ; i will about it strait : itali●n spite assist me at this push , or bl●st ricardo , or his rivall crush . [ exit .

scene the pallace . enter miranda , and astella . mir. oh my astella ! what a tide of joy streams in to crown my yet imperfect love ! 't is rapture but to think he shall be mine . to morrows dawn shall light our loves for ever : to thee i 'le own my fr●end without a blush the vestall fire which guards his image here . ast. my brother 's too much blest , in your kind love , nor cou'd his utmost wish desire more , tho' it were boundless as are your merits . mir. why d' you prophane the dearest of his sex ; s●re nought that 's mortall 's worthy of his love : were i made up of yet untasted charms , such as wou'd pose the painters noblest skill , and dash his feeble fancy in it's flight , yet ' t' were too mean a present for alberto . oh! why are you so slow you tedious hours ? blow fair my hopes , glide with a gentle gale , to wa●t alberto to his mistriss arms. ast. with what strange extasies of joy he 'le wellcome this so happy news from his miranda's mouth : but let me beg you share with me my sister , le●t double passion burst my crowded breast : my noble brother has at last consented , to consummate antonio's happiness , and chain their friendships with another link , soon as your father blesses him with you . mir. soon as my father gives me heav'n in him : why comes he not to hear the charming news sounds as inchanting as the theban lire , or all the musick of the spheres at once : o love ! forgive the extravagance of my desires , which have no bounds short of the noblest heart , that ever yet your golden arrows peirc'd . enter maria. mar. my lord alberto , madam , is without , desires to know if he may have admittance : mir. fly and conduct him in : — now help me sister , [ exit . maria ▪ to unlade my frait of joys into his breast . ast ▪ 't were sin to bar the freedom of your loves : and therefore beg leave humbly to retire . [ exit enter alberto , stands at a distance , and bows . mir. wellcome my dear alberto , for ever wellcome here ; but doubly wellcome now . alb. to hear my ruine ! [ aside mir. now i can charm your sences into wonders , make your chill blood dance to the tune to love , and sing your soul into elysian raptures . alb. o' fatall beauty , and oh my cruell stars ! [ sighs . why was i born to love , and be despis'd ? mir. ha! why this distance , and that heavy sigh ! why play not thousand cupids in your eyes in expectation of ' th approaching bliss ? but i forget , 't is i must charm your soul. my father now has warranted our loves , which shall be doubly ratifyed to morrow : still senceless ! — alb. oh triumphant perjury ! down , down the anger of my swelling breast fix me kind heaven , and clear my reason , lest [ aside . my hand shou'd antidate your vengeance on her , and cut this beauteous weed of nature down . [ aside . madam — hell and confusion ! i know not what to say : i wish you joy. mir. ha! wish me joy , yet mention hell alberto , the greatest blessing twisted with a curse ; oh all ye powers ! yet why my lord , oh why that wish ? how can you doubt my joy , when you 're the author , my heaven , my paradice , my all i have ? alb. oh syren , syren ! [ aside mir. yes , my lov'd lord , you are my souls desire , nor do i blush to speak a noble truth . but stay : mine did i say , my lov'd lord ? o no! it was a fond mistake , he 's mine no more , but false to all his oathes and plighted vows , false to miranda , that unhappy maid . [ weeps alb. furies and death ! 't is downright mockery . but madam , know tho' i appear to you so still , so calm , so like a suffering saint , yet know ( i say ) there is a storm lies brooding here , will like a furious whirlwind blow to dust that bane to love and friendship , false antonio . mir. antonio ! unfold this fatall riddle . abl. upon his heart i will. mir. by heaven ! by all that 's sacred — alb. hold , hold , thou lovely perjur'd beauty ! so well i love thee still , thou sha't not damn thy self to give alberto satisfaction , for that antonio's life must give , not you . mir. hear me alberto , or i dye with grief ; hear me before your rashness makes it quite too late to hear : 't is death to think you may be slain for me , ( for my heart bodes some strange eruption of discontent and passion which tends to ruine ; ) and surely i shou'd grieve antonio's loss since innocent . alb. i know thou woud'st . mir. will you be still unjust ? oh torture ! see he fears to let me know the truth , and cause of this disorder , this strange mistake . [ weeps . alb. ha! does she weep ! o treacherous crocodile ! but i 'le be calm : just heaven , why have you lodg'd such lu●king fiends , in this so fair a mansion ? why wink not all the stars , and hide their heads since this bright cinthia's fall'n from her sphere ? can those tears be true ? sure 't is impossible ! but then if guilty , why shou'd she complain ? oh! 't is the nature of that co●s'ning sex , to weep , and smile , and yet be false , and fair : thus bigot love mistakes the genuine pearl deluded with a gaudy , glittering nothing . mir. since then you 'l not believe my vows or tears , clear with your sword my injur'd innocence , and with my blood wash all my stains away . alb. still weeping ! too well i know the cursed cause , those tears yo● shed to your absent lover and only make a show of sorrow , to surprize me more . ah cruell maid , thou poyson to our loves and friendship , the only prop which dying virtue leans on , in one unhappy hour thou hast quite destroy'd , and broke the sacred chain which link't our souls . mir. will you condemn me , e're you hear me speak ? what has antonio do●e , to move your hate ? or how have i deserv'd this jealousy ? is not antonio — alb. ha! that name again ! by hell she doats and feeds upon the sound : antonio ! oh that word , that names a charm , a charm indeed which has bewich'd miranda , and raz'd heavens stamp from out her fickle soul : o i could rave and curse my cruell stars which have depriv'd me of my joys and her : but love usurps the throne and still 's my rage . madam , i go for ever from your sight , to meet a death from your antonio's hands , or offer up my self a victim to appease his angry ghost , and glut revenge and you . mir. stay , stay alberto , hear me but speak . alb. it cannot be , bid raging seas to listen when the winds heave the billows into clouds . mir. stay , stay , but to see miranda dye . alb. away — mock not my reall griefs with thy false tears . mir. false tears ! nay then i can endure no more . [ faints . alb. ha! does she faint ! return my fair apostate , return , and hear the story of your falshood ; here i 'le produce the clearest evidence will prove you false , and trouble you no more . mir. convinc'd i 'me false , yet give no more , o horror ! yes , i wou'd rip my heart out of this breast , and give 't a prey for vultures to devour , sooner then wrong my plighted faith in ought . alb. no more , but read , read there your crimes , [ gives her a letter . there markt in characters too plain and foul . farewell for ever madam , for i dare not stay , to see your blushes blab my destiny , but must in silence part and calmly dye . [ exit . miranda sola . mir. false to alberto , this the evidence ; is this the gorgon turns his heart to flint ? i dare not see this narrow vault of death , ( not that i fear my death , for that were wellcome ) but yet i dread there lies some putrid earth couch'd in the dark abode , lest these black letters with every turn shou'd curl into a snake , will wind and twist about my dearest honour , and taint my ●potless truth with infamy . thus i secure it then — nor will i trouble [ tears the letter . my conscious innocence with false alarms , but banish all encroaching passions , ( but love and grief , ) from out this troubl'd breast , and leave th' unerring gods to judge the rest . [ exit . enter vice-roy , ricardo , and attendants . v. r. i care not , 't is resolv'd . ric. pardon me sir , i have no other int'rest but your peace , which to preserve , i 'de shipwrack all my own . v. r. how is my peace endanger'd in alberto ? ric. i 'm hush'● sir ; he 's my friend : only this — beware ▪ v. r. ricardo your words hang ill together : disjoynted words speak a disjoynted meaning . you talk as if there were some mistery 't were fit i knew , and yet you 're loath to tell . is he not loyall ? ric. loyall , he may be sir , for ought i know , i never fear'd the sharpness of his sword , or to defend his country , or di●turb it : 't is true in peace , 't will hardly rust within ▪ the sheath , for ●avern brawls and quarrells in the stews ; nor think i there , 't will rust with too much blood : therefore your daughter — v. r. speak , what of my daughter ? ric. there must he wound you sir , there ●ound the ▪ vein ▪ you think he loves her sir , perhaps he may , who wou'd not love to be the vice-roys son , courted , esteem'd , nay more , admir'd by all , and held the favorite both of heaven and earth ? but if ( avert it heaven ) experience tells you he courted more tha● title then your daughter — vi. r. i know your meaning , but no more of that : what i 've decreed stands firm , sixt as a rock , not to be shaken w●th your blust'ring reason . prudence in rulers is the helm of state , which lost , the wandring bark's a prey to fate , spl●ts on the rocks and sinks into the sand ; reason that ma●n'd her , cannot then command : the ribs are burst , the helm in pi●●●s torn , the rudder lost , the bark is surely go●e ▪ either you argue i 've renounc'd that prudence in taking him into my heart and house , ( after ▪ long wading into his inmost thoughts , and sounding all the shallows of his soul ; ) or there 's some hidden cause for this aversion . ric. pardon my lord , the hasty zeal i 've shown ; some brandisht bolt be levell'd at my head , and rivet me to earth , if i have ought to move me thus but duty — and my love. [ aside . enter miranda . but see your daughter , sir. mir. i had forgot , t' was rashly done to tear the letter , then leave it here ; for which forgive me credulo●s alberto . ha! my father here ! [ starts . vi. r. miranda . mir. my lord. v. r. why does a father's presence thus surprize you ? but that 's a trifle , to those greater wonders which amaze me more : why child this strange disorder ? what mean those swol'n eyes , and falling tears ? is this the picture of triumphant love , drest in the visage of a black despair ? are shours the prologue to the rising sun , or harbingers of an ensuing storm ? ric. my plot has took ; thanks to my witty stars . [ aside . v. r. i cannot guess the meaning , sure alberto must know the cause , speak , was he here to day ? mir. he was my lord , — oh fatall interview ! v. r. fatall , to what ? be quick and give me ease : is it your speedy nuptials that are fatall ? by heaven if such a thought were starting in you , after all your pleadings , and my conquer'd pride , you should be married in the other world. mir. alas ! that heavy curse comes now too late since love has made me wretched beyond all hopes of ever being blest or happy more . he came my lord , but with a face so alter'd , he rather seem'd the ghost of my alberto ; then ey'd me as i were a basilisk : revenge and love jarr'd in his eyes a while , but strait the fiercer passion gain'd the conquest : to all the endearments of my joyfull love , he answer'd only with a gloomy silence : but soon as i discover'd your consent , he storm'd and rav'd aloud , then wisht me joy , talk't of antonio , falshood and revenge , whilst all my tears inflam'd him but the more . v. r. i understand you not — ha! ricardo ! ric. you see my eye was piercing to discern . v. r. speak once again , but speak it to the dead , for they 'le solve such a riddle soon as i. ric. i am no oedipus , yet can construe this : he 's false , or thinks her so , which is as bad , if not worse . v. r. oh! give me patience heaven for this affront , which thus reflects upon my masters honour , and wipes the sacred oyl from off his head . there 's ne're a proud italian of you all shall dare to ro●ze my fiery jealous rage and scape it's fury . — guards go seize the traytor . mir. hold , hold kind sir , and hear your daughter speak . vi. r. shame to my blood , woud'st thou excuse the villain ? breath but a word for him that dares abuse thy fathers condescention and thy love , and i 'le proclaim thee bastard , and not mine . mir. i must speak , for love like mine 's invincible , and like the palm suppress'd , does higher rise : i wou'd excuse him too , but impossible ! perhaps some busy ●iend has been at work to interrupt the calm which we enjoy'd , and shipwrack all our hopes with one dire blast . what virtue 's proof against the assaults of malice ? vi. r. that ●iend is lodg'd within his treacherous breast , there lies the snake which stings my honour thus : i● vain you 'd bribe my justice with your tears the ballance must fall down and crush alberto . mir. since you 're resolv'd , oh hear me on my knees , i beg of you this last , this only favour , load me with all the chains , his crimes deserve , and let my death glut your mistaken rage . vi. r. fond , love-sick fool , then woud'st thou dye for him ? mir. with as much joy , as martyrs for their faith. dye to preserve him for anothers arms , and bless the stroke which gives alberto life . vi. r. i finde my resolution staggers here and thou hast tam'd the lion in my soul ; [ rise . ric. 't is well ; and fortune hitherto's my friend , did he secure him , there wou'd be a search [ aside deep in the bottom of my close design and all my industry were countermin'd . if that my loyallty were not ill manner'd i wou'd advise you sir , to curb your rage , till proof imprint the stamp of justice on 't : and if your highness shall think me worthy i 'le be the argus to your peace and honour . vi. r. thanks my good friend : and to convince you that your service is not thrown away on me , i accept of your advice ; alberto's free . now daughter let us in , and sound the depth of all these wonders . — ricardo wa●t me here . [ exit vice-roy , miranda and attendants ricardo solus . ric. what lucky planet rul'd when i was born ▪ and mark'd me out a second machiavell ? he plotted but to gorge his vast ambition , but i , to satisfie revenge and love , the darling passions of the powers above . what 's this , a torn note , expos'd to view ? i●e joyn the broken remnants close , and may [ puts it together and starts . from every pei●● sprout up a hydra's head , to wound and quite destroy the man i hate . ha! confusion to my eyes ! what 's this i see ? the very basis of my plot o'rethrown ; the pin pluck'd out which mov'd my study'd engine : my counterfitted challenge here , and torn . what shou'd this mean ? — let me see ! [ muses . no — yes — nay it shall be so : i 'le counterplot the coward , and like the toad suck poyson from each verdant her● and spit it in alberto's face . enter the vice-roy unattended . v. r. is there no friend , will ease me of my doubts ? none to redeem me from this maze of thoughts in which i 'm lost ? ricardo thou seem'st honest , and can'st not without trouble see me thus : give me some means to rid me of this torture , tho' ne're so harsh , tho 't be a fatall cord or twist of roapy venom for a clue . ric. the fair miranda has been at work for me , and moulded him , as if she 'd gag'd my wishes ; [ aside credit me sir , your grief distracts my soul , and all my friendship must give way to duty . my weak imagination can't present a surer way to fathom his intents , and punish 'em , then quite to cast him down from that bright heaven he once aspir'd to , and bar all future claims unto your daughter . v. r. friendship still softly pleads within thy breast ; has not the villain baulk't that punishment , in leaving her , and plagu'd me with his falshood ? this mildness in my friend 's almost a crime when titius's vulture ▪ or the rowling stone are nothing to the torments he deserves . were but my fears confirm'd by certain proof , what patron god shou'd guard him from my vengeance ? tho' thunder back't with lightning fenc'd him in , and charms as great as circe's did protect him . nay — tho' bury'd from my rage as deep as hell , yet wou'd i force the lemnian bulworks ; scale the flaming wall 's , then ransack all the world below to find him out , and having found the traytor , tear out his false , disloyall , treacherous heart , and grind it into dust , to heal my wounded honour . ric. this rage surprizes me : i thought your daughter had fully satisfied and cured your jealousy , and nothing now remain'd but to revenge his crimes . v. r. by all that 's good she has heighten'd it ricardo , her tameness has but wounded me the more : tho' i had offer'd all the world to bribe her , she wou'd but tell me , there was some mistake and speak the rest in tears . ric. 't is wondrous strange , that duty urg'd her not ; when other women can speak enough unbrib'd , or uncommanded . but i have happily found out a way t' untie this gordian knot . vi. r. speak to the purpose . ric. t' was fate alone , who pitti'd your concern , and therefore in compassion found a cure. when you were gone , i found this torn note which put together spells a challenge — read it with this back-blow i wound 'em both at once . [ aside . vi. r. reads . ] altho' the fair miranda loves you not , yet i 'le not bear a rivall tho' unhappy : either renounce all title to her love , or meet me single in the parade at six this evening , where i 'le expect you with your sword to do me right , and satisfy the honour of th' enrag'd . antonio . ha! what shou'd this mean ? my wonder but encreases still the more by this misterious challenge : how cou'd alberto but in honour go , when such a dangerous invitation call'd him ? ric. pardon me sir , my courage wou'd not blush to wave that duell , which my love forbids , and more your highness orders put a bar to . but here 's such treason , hell ne're hatch'd a greater , so black a crime , my virtue shrinks to name . v. r. it must be monstrous then , if fear'd to name ric. monstrous indeed ! alas ! you take this for antonio's hand ▪ v. r. antonio's , yes , why is it not ? ric. by heaven and earth 't is mine as much as his . v. r. then there 's some horrid plot conceal'd in this : tell me the meaning good ricardo , and [ gives ricardo the letter . construe these damn'd infernal characters . ric. i think the words need no interpretation , the meaning 's writ in plain downright italian , ( it seems he has not politicks enough for a dissembling , false , and treacherous villain ) sir , this is but a counterfeit of his , with a pretence of fair miranda●s falshood● to varnish or'e his own ingratitude . v. r. 't is so , 't is plain ; ye powers , and must i live to see my honours death ? to feel my blood thus trampl'd on by an abandon'd slave ? ric. it works as i cou'd wish . [ aside . v. r. sure there must be in young antonio some grounds for this , some glimmering , flas●es of a growing flame ; by all the gods i 'le crown his utmost wishes , and date his nuptialls from alberto's death . o where has all my i●jur'd greatness slept ? in what dull lethe has my pride been drown'd ? rouze up my slugger'd fury , wake my rage , act such revenge shall fright the wondring age ; be like a torre●t on alberto hurl'd , and like the deluge to the infant world . [ exit . ricardo solus . ric. thanks my kinde stars , ye bawds unto my plot . this rage will countenance alberto's murder , and make it seem an act of loyallty . but first i must expose this to the flames ; then on to build the fabrick i de●ign mount pelion upon ossa ; bravely done , thus to ascend the region of the sun , and see my glorious web , by second causes spun . finis actus primi .

act ii.

scene . i. the parade . enter ricardo with soldiers . ric.

come on gentlemen you have your instructions and your reward , twenty florins a man.

1. soul.

we have , and 't is enough for this same small piece of villany : why sir , we souldiers , for half so much wou'd kill our fathers and brothers , and after that ravish our mothers and sisters .

2. soul.

ay , ay sir , ravishing's nothing with us , 't is our dayly practise .

1. soul.

why i 'le you sir , an● o' my conscience 't is true —

2. soul.

conscience fellow souldier , zounds what hast tho● to do with conscience ?

1 ▪ soul.

who i ? why nothing ; the devill i think was in me for having such an unlucky thought . how a plague came i to think o● conscience , that never had any such thing in all my life ?

2. soul.

zounds how i shou'd know , that know not what it means .

1. soul.

well ; certainly i am the unfortunate'●t dog in the world — but sir , as i was saying ,

ric.

ay sir , pray go on .

1. soul.

for twenty more , we wou'd cut your honours throat , tho' we are so much oblig'd to you for your bounty already .

r●c .

how !

1. sol.

if your honour shou'd hire us , and pay us well for our pains .

ric.

very likely , that i 'de hire you to cut my own throat .

2. sol.

an you did , you 'd not be the first by twenty , that have done it .

ric.

come no more fooling .

1. sol.

fooling ! why i tell you sir , 't is our trade , we cannot live but by murder and cutting of throats : for look you sir , the blood we drink , and it makes us fat ; the hearts we broil , and eat with salt and vinegar , and 't is wholesome food , sir : as for the rest o' th body , if it be young and tender we make venison of it , and present it to our friends and benefactoas , such as your worship , but if tuff and old we give it to dogs , 't is not worth our care or preservation .

ric.

you say true but now to our business : when he comes , retire if you can , so as to o'rehear us ; but if not , i hope those same unknown things call'd consciences , that can digest murder so well , as without making wry faces at it , won't baulk a little perjury , especially when there 's twenty good hard round pieces of gold to help it down .

2. sol.

never fear it sir , 't is another limb of our trade ; alass we shou'd halt without it : why sir we every day practice it for widdows , who out of tender care for their children will sequester some of their mannors to themselves , lest too much plenty shou'd dabauch ' em .

3. sol.

and for such grave statesmen as your worships honour , when they have a suit in law depending , or any friend at court whom they wou'd give a good character of to the goverment .

ric. these are fit instruments , as hell cou'd send me , and tho' he tamely yeilds him self a prisoner yet shall these hell-hounds still outswear him , and baffle justice with their impudence : nor will the vice-roy now be backward to believe 'em , since rage has blinded him beyond his reason . 1. sol. sir , sir , i hear some body coming , i believe 't is our prey : now is my appetite as sharp as my sword to be at him . ric. retire then and observe the instructions i gave you . 1. sol. we 'le divide the spoil boys , shan't we ? omnes . ay , ay , agreed : but come let 's go . [ exeunt . ric. now nemesis assist your votary . [ stands at a distance . enter alberto . alb. the hour is past , and yet he is not come , as 〈◊〉 in justice he allow'd me time to think and steel my sword for vengeance : yet why ye cruel powers ! why have you doom'd me to revenge , the quarrell of my love upon my friend ? was 't not enough to hear miranda false , ( to find a spot in that meridian sun , that silver-swan , who once like leda's twins brusht the smooth surface of the azurd sky and glid along in gaudy majesty , above the common glory of the starrs : ) to see her quencht , quencht in an asphalites , and sprout up to the world an ethiop ? ( oh 't is a thought that grates upon my heart , and screws the jarring string untill they crack . but that my friend , my friend should plunge her in , and be the tempter of this fall'n angell , 't is hell , damnation , and eternal horror ! ric. what a rare poyson is this jealousy ? ' that 's workt , and almost scorch'd him into tinder apt to be fir'd with the least spark of passion . alb. durst any other snatch her from my arms ? how wou'd i hug the stinging viper , till i crusht out his poyson with his life , and smile to see his panting soul dance on my bloudy point its way to hell . ric. now is the time — my lord ! [ comes forward . alb. ha! what makes this court-worm here , this parasite , volume of words , and shadow of a man ? [ aside . perhaps he has heard me ●ighing out my griefs . ric. i have my lord , and they concern me much ; and urge me to declare it to your face , antonio and you must never fight . alb. must never fight ? who dares oppose our fighting ? as well they might resist an angry wind , or stop the current of an impetuous tide : not all the roaring of carybdi● gulf shall hush the clamour of my loud revenge ; nor mists engender'd by the queen of love , shall hide her darling hero from my sword. ric. to what excess of bravery you 're rais'd , and spurn your absent fo● like worthless dirt ▪ but once more i must tell you angry lord , antonio and you must ne're engage . alb. 't is false ; dally no longer with my fury , le●t it burst out , and blow thee into air. where is the man dares combat with my anger ? ric. what if the vice-roys orders shou'd controul it ? alb. i laugh at ' em . — what has state-interest to do with me , when both my love and honour are at stake ? ric. what if the fair miranda should command it ? alb. the fair miranda ! o thou hast hit the vein , but call not back the charmer to my mind . whom i've in vain attempted to forget . ric. then still you love her ? alb. witness all ye powers ! how much i love that dear abandon'd saint ! and with what joy i 'de dye to give her ●ase ; but cannot yield antonio to her arms : still the tough mettal of my heart holds out , and braves the weak efforts of my ambiguous will. ric. now then 's the time to throw off all disguise . know then , i dare , and will prevent your fighting . alb. no more , be gone , wake not my sleeping rage , to tread so poor an insect into clay . ric. that insect dares your rage proud love-●ick lord. alb. thou art not worth my anger : but mark me statesman , if thy tongue breath a syllable of this , or dares prophan● the business of my love i 'le rivet it for ever to its roof : by heaven i 'le bath my vengeance in thy bloud , and send thee herauld of this horrid news to ope the crackling gates of pluto's realm and wait antonio's coming . ric. insolent ! know'st tho● what i am ? alb. a statesman , and by consequence a villain ; a common prostitute to every bribe , who traffiques justice for all damning gold. ric. i 've blood as pure as thine runs through my veins : nay more , i am a lover , and thy rivall . alb. my rivall ! can any generous passion enter there , that impregnable garrison of vice ? or drast thou think to violate my love , and offer up thy spurious flames with mine ? as for antonio , he indeed is worthy of her , fair as the day , and the first dawn of light , before polluted with the shades of night , and till this cursed day a pylades to me . ric. your praise of him inflames but me the more : 't is i alone deserve her best , and will wear her : i will possess her , rif●le all her sweets , whilst you gaze on , despair , and cursing , dye . alb. ha! sayst thou ? but this arm shall bar thy way and send to keep company with ghosts : there may'st thou revell with some proserpine , but never think of fair miranda more : draw , if thy trembling hand can hold thy sword : [ draws . ric. it can , and fix it in thy heart alberto — [ draws . alb. come no more words , but prove it by thy deeds , that side o' th field is more convenient , shaded with trees , and undisturb'd with noise , thither let 's repair , but make haste ricardo , le●t thou recover from this fit of valour by delay . ric. on then , and let the conquerour boast , i think i am secure . [ exeunt . [ aside . enter soldiers . 1. sol.

hark ye comrades , why the devill shou'd we betray this gallant man ( who is our fellow soldier , ) for the pleasure of a cowardly statesman , who is of a profession , that is our greatest enemy , and still plotting for peace , and to hinder our glorious rapines abroad , that they may have the spoil of all at home .

3. sol.

alas poor pedro , and art thou troubled with a qualm of conscience ?

1. sol.

no faith boy , i 'de have you to know that i am a soldier , and scorn any such baseness ; but why shou'd not we commit this small peice of perjury for a brave fellow that loves us , rather then for a coward that hates us ?

2. sol.

ay! but pedro we have his money , and it wou'd be ingratitude .

3. sol.

ingratitude ! what 's that ?

1. sol.

why a sort of current coin at court boys , that runs like quick-silver from one to another : for look ye , don't we dayly see what a crowd of cringers press there every day , gaping like so many jack-daws for preferment , and commonly such as have spent three parts of their patrimony in presenting , treating , and bribing this lord or that squire , this coxcomb or t'other fool , and at last for amends , get only a large sum of bare promises and shallow hopes ( quite as shallow as his lordships little-witty quilted noddle : ) therefore i 'le have nothing to do with it , but leave you all to the devill to be advis'd .

3. sol.

by saint iago he speaks sense in that ; and i scorn to be backward in any virtuous act , therefore i declare for the soldier .

2. sol.

i am half converted and of thy opinion too : but my safety sticks with me , for this same lord alberto is on the other hand too virtuous , and overcharg'd virtue , you know , is as ugly as when she has nothing but skin and bones on her back .

3. sol.

right : and therefore he 'd thank us for saving of him , but hang us for betraying the other .

1. sol.

hum ! and i'gad that may be : for faith tho' i love him very well , yet i love my self better ; therefore to conclude let us kill 'em both , and then we shall shake hands and part with a merry heart , and a good conscience .

2. sol ,

no , no , the best way is to seize and apprehend 'em both for duelling , then shall we enjoy our prize by law , & perhaps be rewarded by the government for our great care and circumspection for settling and securing the affairs of the nation .

3. sol.

well! thou hast a rare head-piece , a rare head-peice i'faith : i shall live to see thee one of th●se days on the very pinicle of preferment , for ahy policy .

1. sol.

what dost mean , the gallows ?

3. sol.

witty dog , the gallows ! why faith as thou sayst , the gallows is a pinacle from whence many a weather-cock has been whirl'd off , and with as handsome a farewell as your protesting courtier gives his humble servant , that is never to see him more ▪

2. sol.

well , well , i 've policy enough for a souldier ▪ and i care for no more .

1. sol.

ay , ay , and so we have all : but see they 're met , and coming this way .

2. sol.

the soldier drives the cowardly statesman lightning before him .

enter ricardo driven in by alberto . 1. sol.

o' miracle ! a courtier and loose blood in ●ight : but let 's to our work .

[ they seize and disarm ' em . alb.

ha! betray'd ! unband me slaves .

1. sol.

slave us no slaves , sir , we 've sav'd your life , , and you must get your liberty as well as you can .

ric. come , since he 's seiz'd return my sword again , that i may drein from out his heart his dearest blood to fill my ebbing veins : come let me go . 2. sol.

ha! ha ! ha ! what can the roaring lion do when he has lost his claws and teeh , but roar ? good noble squire of the court you must hire soldiers to murder a soldier , and see what comes on 't , i thank you we 've earn'd our money cheaper a great deal .

ric.

what mean the treacherous dogs ?

3. sol.

mean , why we mean to secure you both : you for bribing us to murder , and him for not bribing us .

alb. thus heaven can save the innocent , 'gainst all assaults , and make the worst of men the instrument of good . but false antonio , false man , thus to conspire against my life , when thou hast rob'd me of my love , else how shou'd he have known it and prepar'd the means for execution : come gentlemen , lead the way , the way to death , the end of all my greifs . 1. sol.

our business is to lead you back to prison , since we have given you a reprieve and are taking you from the place of execution .

alb. wou'd you wou'd lead me to some labrinth , where i might loose my piercing woes for ever , and wander from my self , [ exit alberto with two soldiers . ric. ten thousand plagues go with thee . did blood affright you slaves , your dayly food in peace and war ? but come , unhand me now . 2. sol.

ha , ha , ha ! you think we 're in jest , no faith sir , you 'l not find it so : indeed i cou'd be jocose enough sometimes , with such a friend as you are , but that there lags behind ( in such a case ) hanging in good earnest .

ric. hell and furies ! they deride me too : o' that i were a basilisk for their sakes ! yet think ungratefull villains of the gold. 3. sol.

prithee talk not to us of gold , when our lives are in danger : the law runs thus , he that sees a duell , and does not call for help , or seize the combatants , is equally guilty of the breach of the law , and under the same penalty , as he that actually engages .

ric.

does not your conscience sting you for your ingratitude ?

2. sol.

conscience ! we 've got some court opium of you to lull that asleep .

ric. impudent slaves ! gods must i then behold my great designs , unravell'd by so base and common hands ? but this defeat shall heighten my revenge : i 'le call each fiend to harbour in my breast , and prompt me to the wittyest acts of horror : nay , i 'le pursue him dead , and haunt his ghost ; and tho' i'm sunk ten thousand fathoms deep , yet i 'le be aetna still , and spout up flames , shall set the heavens on fire about his ears , and with the mighty ruin ease my cares . [ exeunt omnes

scene the court. enter vice-roy , antonio , guards and attendants . v. r. antonio , saw you your friend to day alberto ? ant. my lord i did not , and it much concerns me , that he should absent himself so long . v. r. nor did you meet my friend honest ricardo ? ant. honest ricardo , and but plain alberto ! sir , you surprize me . vi. r. i shall surprize you , sir , to tell you , he that is your friend , must cease to be your friend , or i commence your enemy . ant. forbid it heaven ! v. r. grant it propitious heaven , thou shoud'st have said . woud'st thou defile the e●mine of thy sou● , and mix with such a canker'd poisonous beast ? even birds of prey peck at their dearest mates , when false to them , and common with another . ant. oh hold ! my blood chills at these injurious words and cools the warmth which circles round my heart ▪ my friend corrupted ! no it cannot be , alberto's white , purer then driven snow ; the very emblem of man's infant nature ; and clear as opening heaven . v. r. and yet as black as hell : ●alse to his king , his country , and to me ; but what is more , false to love and thee . ant. impossible ! it cannot be ! v. r. you 'l not believe me then ? ant. pardon me sir , if that i say i cannot ; for sure my friend can never prove disloyall , ●alse to his king , his country , or to love : when gods cease to be gods , and heaven is heaven no more , then will i cease to adore those gods for ever ; but oh they 're still immortall and unchang'd , so is our friendship kindled by their influence ; promethean heat did light it from above , and none but heaven can e're put out the fire . but sir , your words imply the knowledge of something which for alberto's sake i 'de beg to share in . v. r. no ripping up of circumstances , sir , 't is most unseasonable to our purpose now : dispell those clowds , which thus hang o're your brow , and now prepare to meet your coming joy : to morrows light shall give your long'd for bride unto your arms , and tye you fast for ever : you muse , i did not expect this from a lover ! ant. my love and friendship are so near akin that one being hurt , the other feels the smart , and eccho's to it's grief — just like a well-tun'd lute 's harmonious strings , one being broke , makes all the rest to jarr . v. r. 't is a fond eccho of a troubl'd brain and false as wandring meteors in the night ; if for your friendship you 'l be false to love , your guilt will equal to alberto's prove ; he but a lower friendship does decline , but you 'd almighty love for him resig●e . ant. how can i hope to have my love secure , when it 's twin-brother friendship wants a cure : besides my happiness depends on his , since his consent must consummate my bliss . v. r. let his consent give place unto my will she 's in my power and i will keep her still . ant. this sir , wou'd too severe appear in you , to hold by force what is anothers due . v. r. alberto's due you mean ; young man 't is thine thy due , nor is it his consent but mine m●st rule my daughter . ant. ha! your daughter sir ! v. r. my daughter ? yes ; i know you think it strange , and wonder at this unexpected change , but i have found that you deserve her best and 't is antoni● she must now possess ; i 'le fetch her to you strait . [ exit vice-roy . ant. guard me ye powers ! did he not say , or did i dream he said ? that my friends mistriss shou'd be mine ? oh horror ! weep heart at such a horid thought , weep blood , and drown the demon in the crimson flood ; watch friendship , guard the fortress of my soul , and all this crowding heap of ill 's controul : fly fond ambition to thy stormy cell , or rather sink into thy native hell. avaunt ye mushroom glories of the earth , whose fading is as sudden as your birth : leave me t' injoy my mistriss and my friend , and let me never , never these offend . enter vice-roy and miranda . mir. by all your hopes , great sir , by my dear mothers ghost , i do conjure you , revoke this cruell sentence . v. r. come no more : there 's fate in every sillable i speak , and if you prize alberto's life , receive him as one who shortly must comma●d you . ant. stand firm my friendship 'gainst the mighty shock . [ aside mir. i k●ow you do but try my constancy , you 'd curse me from your blood were i disloyall , and false to him , tho' he 's unkind to me . how did you trembling stand , all struck with horror , to think he shou'd forget his vows to me , and shou'd i coppy him ? v. r. you plead in vain , his doom stands fixt , unless you repeal it ; i have no time to argue , think , and resolve : here 's the reward of your long smother'd flames , and fortune gives you an hour unask'd , what you scarce dar'd to wish for untill now . i leave her here , to clear the rest . [ exit with guards & attendants . ant. what mean these prodigies ? but see she weeps ; perhaps she thinks to thaw my nature by h●r tears , and wash away my virtue with the dew [ aside . mir. assist me all ye powers that favour love. my noble lord. [ aside . ant. o strike me with some leprosy kind heaven , blot even natures genuine image out , that i may be a monster to her eyes . mir. this musing gives a vent unto my hopes , perhaps his friendship struggles still for life , and with some aid may yet recover breath . [ aside that you are generous , the world can witness , your bravery the haughty french do mourn , and naples sav'd , proclaims antonio's valour . ant. oh tempting charmer ! mir. but there are virtues , which be●it a court , and sound much softer then the rugged stile of war. love , the prerogative of heaven and gods , the polisher of yet unfinish'd nature , which separates and refines the dross of man , and brings the golden age upon th● soul : and friendship bears such sympathy with love , you cannot have the one without the other : once you did own a friend , and love him too ; once your twin-souls did kindly mix together , you hearts beat time , and measur'd every thought ; you squar'd your actions to each other's will , and each desire did center in his friend . ant. we did , we do , and hope we ever shall : there is divinity in all you say ? but yet there still remains a harsh conclusion , why wou'd you then seek to destroy that friendship to cancell all the sacred bonds , and stain your virgin-beauties with so foul a crime ? mir. ha! what does he mean ? ant. think madam , oh think : think of alberto's worth , his constant love , how ill he merits from miranda this : but if you 've cruelly resolv'd his death , let not antonio be his murderer : how wou'd the damn'd in hell be ague-struck , and double all their pains by contraries ? how wou'd they hate the abhor'd light , and think the dismall shades the happier place where all such monstrous villany they shun , but still repent for what on earth they 've done ? mir. be witness heaven how innocent am i , and oh reflect antonio on your guilt . you 've argu'd justly in your own defence , why shou'd you then betray so brave a friend , and draw such vengeance on your guilty head ? but oh too late , as well i might call back times fleeting sand , or bid the labouring sun turn retrogade in its diurnall course ; for he is gone , for ever lost to me . yet think not that i 'le quench thy impurer flames , i 'le sooner seek a satyr of the woods , embrace a leopard , mix with ravenous wolves , for they 're more clear , and more relenting far : but oh ! d●ath is the wellcom'st guest to me , to embrace a shrowd , and kiss the weeping marble , till we 're incorporate , both cold alike , so turn like niobe into a stone . ant. instruct me heaven what means this show of rage : madam you load me with a crime unknown , and still forestall what i wou'd say to you ; but let these fruitless accusations cease , and tell me how i have betray'd alberto . mir. hast thou not ? — ant. what ? speak — mir. but here i 'me lost again , my father charg'd me not to clear the truth and tyrant duty compells me to obey . enter maria. what means that ghastly look ; maria speak : dost thou bring ought of comfort or despair ? mar. i 'le speak the truth , howe're it fatall prove : just now arriv'd some soldiers to your father , who say , they 've seiz'd alberto and ricardo for duelling . mir. what , and imprison'd too ? mar. worse madam , your enrag'd father swears his life is forfeit , and it shall be paid , yet now has sent to bring ricardo to him . mir. oh tyrant father ! greater tyrant thou , [ to ant. who triumphs thus , over two bleeding hearts , which both expire by thy treachery . ant. i 'me at a loss for words to express my wonder ; madam , i 'me hush● , and will accuse no more since i 'me confirm'd you love alberto still , but still unkindly you maintain your charge 'gainst me , fill me with blackest ideas of a crime i loath to name . but i must tell you , madam , the fair astella's image is rooted here , and not to be defac'd by all your charms , nor think your fathers grant , or vain ambition can ever blast my love , and make me change . mir. too late this forc'd repentance comes from yo● since death 's his doom , and not to be repeal'd . ant. i will make reparation , tho' not guilty ; such reparation madam , will convince you , that friendship's dea●er to this breast , then life . mir. what can'st thou do to counterveil his death ? ant. i 'le save him tho' i perish in th' attempt : i 'le ransome from him his unjust confinement , or leave my life to appease your jealousy . mir. this will be noble , and may clear my doubts , go , and success attend your brave endeavours . away , and give me life or death ; since my weak thread depends on his , and drops when he 's cut off . [ exit . mir. & mar. ant. alberto thus confin'd ? it shall not be ; i 'le snatch him from the very jaws of death , and shield him from the stroke of angry fate . [ going . enter astella . ast. turn thee antonio , turn ambitious youth . ant. my dear astella here ? o my fair saint this is a day of wonders , mighty wonders , such as must separate a while my soul , and force me to thy brother , and my friend . ast. wonders indeed , that such a votary as you shou'd turn apostate unto love , and pay your vows unto another saint . ant. ha my astella ! this is still more strange , in what perplexity am i involv'd ? i think the planets tread in mistick rounds , and all the stars are hatching fatall riddles . ast. in vain you 'd seek a shroud to hide your guilt , loves jealous eyes with ease can pierce your soul , and mak 't transparent as a cristall mirror . ant. what a gross fat● has heaven allotted me , to make me ignorantly thus a villain , a villain to my mistriss and my friend , yet cannot learn my crime to either ? ast. yet my antonio , why shou'd you prefer the barren and uncertain joys ambition yields , before loves calmer and more solid sweets ? how have you call'd yo● shining orbs to witness the purer flame which circl'd in your breast , and swore the fixed stars shou'd change their sphere , e're you forgot astella for another . ant. was ever love in such a maze as mine , that all her softness cannot melt my nature ? the rugged figure of alberto's prison [ aside . has rac'd out for a while the impressions of my love . credit me madam , i can never change : then speak not words so fatall to my peace , nor from this sullen temper fondly gather , i love no more , but ange● clouds my love. ast. heaven knows and you what cloud eclipses it , but i 'le repine no longer at your choice , nor think i 'm wretched , whilest antonio's happy . but let me beg you to defer your joys till i am wither'd by a milder grief , and languish by a gentle death from you . ant. this kindness from her , wounds me but the deeper , since i want power to make a fit return : by heaven my heart is yours , as it was ever but i must pay a duty to my friend , which done i will return , and doubly blest , whilst he shall give your hand , but yo● the rest . [ exit . ast. this ill-tun'd joy's but a forc'd harmony , these words are all but mandrakes notes to me : yes my antonio , thou art false , inconstant , as the leaf that 's blown with every winde : i read it in his eyes , yet cannot chide , it were not rigor shou'd i blame the false one , and vent the sorrows of an injur'd love but oh i cannot be so much a woman ! ye powers that form'd this peice of misery why made ye me so soft , and him so cruell ? yet er'e i will proceed some means i 'le try , which if they fail , there still remains to dye . thus i 'le r●deem the credit of my sex , for when my fatall story shall be told , succeeding times shall change their harsh decree , and with united voices all agree , that man 's the emblem of inconstancy . [ exit .

act iii.

scene . i. a prison . enter jaylor , with purses . iay.

be true to thy profit still say i stephano . ricardo has given me fifty checquins to release him , and says he 'le save my throat , and be my friend at court ; when at the same time , her● are some come with orders from the vice-roy to free him , which he knows not of . again here 's within young antonio , who has given me a hundred more for his friend , the lord alberto : now 't is a sin to refuse iove descending in a golden shower into my lap , and a greater sin to be hang'd : well stephano lay thy wits together , and for once outwit a statesman , and out-promise a courtier . — who 's there ?

enter officers with two or three more . offi. is my lord ricardo ready yet ? iay.

sir , he 's a little busy at present , and desires no noise near him ; but if you 'l be pleas'd to retire and wait at the door facing st. iaques's , i 'le conduct him to you strait .

offi.

well make hast honest jaylor :

[ exeunt iay.

i think i nick't it , just i' th nick : wit and pollicy together , that 's too much for once ; but now to my business [ goes and unlocks a door . ] my lord you may come out , if you please .

enter alberto . alb.

what means this mercy from my jaylor ?

iay.

o my lord , no complements : but stay a little and i 'le fetch you your sword .

[ exit alb. let fate interpret this misterious dealing , for i 'me invelop'd still in double night ; the light o' th sun i yet may chance to see ; but oh miranda ! miranda's set , for ever set to me . enter jaylor . iay.

here 's your accoutrements sir ; and he●e's a key which opens the back-door leading to porto sancto , make hast , lest you be discover'd and i suspected .

alb ▪

fate niggard gives me happiness by halves , since i 'me unable to requite this goodness . but here 's to reward thee .

[ gives him money . iay.

i am sufficiently rewarded , my lord , in my own conscience , and your lordships innocency —

[ and in antonio's money . alb. be silent still the night , and wink ye stars , guide me where i may find this faithless friend , and all my sorrows shall for ever end . [ exit . iay.

so much for him : but now go on and prosper still say i ; i shall oblige 'em all three , and cheat 'em all three .

enter antonio . ant. jaylor ! iay. who 's there ? ant ▪ a friend : is my lord alberto drest yes ? iay. i 'le go see , and if he be ready , i 'le bring him to you . [ ex ▪ ant. now shall we solve this sophistry of hell , and kill the hydra that invented it . enter jaylor leading ricardo . iay. he fee'd me to free alberto , from which i study'd your escape , and keep the other still in durance . ric. excellent engine , i 'le improve his fee. but how shall i escape undiscover'd ? iay.

why sir , you may traverse your ground here in the dark , and go out without speaking to him , and at the door , i 've plac'd some friends , that will conduct you to the vice-roy , since you say you 're sure of being wellcome to him .

your friend sir , will come out immediately :

[ to antonio .

now i 've got a hundred and fifty pieces , i 'le fairly run away , and if i 'me catch'd , 't is better to be hang'd with satisfaction , then to go to the gal●ows with a craving stomach ,

for a full belly will weigh down the rope , but p●nury must ne're a pardon hope . [ exit . ant. i hear some tread ; my dear ▪ alberto , friend , where are you ? ric.

you shall be with your friend , ne're fear it : so farewell if i can hit the door .

[ goes upon antonio . ant. wellcome my dear alberto , to these arms , wellcome to life , to friendship , and to love . [ ric. stabs anto. ric. i hope i 've sign'd our friendship sir in bloud . ant. wounded ! oh heavens ! and by alberto's hand ! ungratefull traytor ! yet i 'le know the cause . [ draws . ric. you shan't , if i can possibly avoid it : this is rare mischief , thus with a randome blow to ●ow such serpents teeth , which when they spring in hisses will each others requiem sing . [ exit . ant. o power of destiny to change a breast , which virtue seem'd to challenge as her own : that he shou'd fear the presence of his friend , and seek to give him death , who sav'd his life ; horror choaks up my words , and damps my heart , i feel his hand , and not his dagger smart . [ exit .

scene the pallace . enter vice-roy and miranda . v. r. slighted again ? what do the slaves conspire ▪ to make a mock of naples second monarch ? by all my wrongs i will endur 't no longer , but they shall feel the weight of injur'd greatness : where is antonio ? guards go fetch him strait ; hurl him through hells of torture to my hands , that i may heighten all his misery , and double all the wounds which he gives me . mir. o sir , what villain has inspir'd this rage , or is it i that have inflam'd you thus ? know royall sir , 't was i that breath'd the calm repentance in him , and call'd his wandring love to it's first flame , then fix'd his friendship to alberto's name . v. r. friendship ! i 'le hew that title from between 'em ; eternall mi●ts shall seperate 'em for ever . friends ; so were bloody cassius and brutus , when they conspir'd great caesars overthrow , and all the world did mourn the fatall blow . but traitress thou that durst oppose my will shall be immur'd for ever from the day , in some dark cloister , sigh thy wearied life out ; there may'st thou tire the saints with orisons , and each return a curse upon thy head . mir. be deaf ye powers , and hear not his request : till these last words you were an oracle . oh! if alberto's doom be not revers'd let me be the companion of his death ; then i 'le enjoy him with a purer flame , then hand in hand we 'le tread the milky way , whilst all the stars shall wonder at our loves . v. r. whilst all the stars shall ●icken at the ●ight : enjoy him ! no , by hell you never shall i 'le summon all that magick art can do , to ●●og th● soul in it's swift flight away tha● pois'd equally t'wixt heaven and hell , thy body here may rot on earth , thy soul grow to one horrid mass of black despair , and hang a threatning storm amidst the air . weep on , weep poyson to infect the world , and plague mankind , as thou 'st tormented me . [ enter ricardo . but here 's a friend will countervail my griefs here let me ease my soul into thy breast , [ embraces him . here find a subject , and a child in thee : ric. how fares it with my royal lord ? v. r. as with the indigested embrio of the world , when infant nature labour'd with a chaos , wanting as yet the kind almighty fiat , to midwife the rude birth into an order : my soul like the seeds of being in their first mixture is grown a peice with grief and madness . ric. trust me i weep for joy , and grief at once , i grieve your sorows , and i mourn your wrongs , but pardon me if that i joy to see you thus , and find my honest nature constru'd right . but , ha ! the fair miranda here in tears ! v. r. mind 'em not friend , they 're all but bastard-seed , the muddy offspring of a froward mind . begone thou child of night , but mine no more , avaunt i say thou poyson to my eyes : leave me , for ever leave me ; and may thy breast , feel torments great as mine , but never rest . [ exit miran . ric. but never rest , this to your daughter , sir ? v. r. be thou my daughter , and enjoy my heart , for all run counter to my will , but thee : but speak what fortune has detain'd thee thus ? ric. i fear to speak , since it sums up a charge 'gainst two , whom till this night i most respected : i fought alberto in my masters cause , whom he had injur'd by a proud disdain , when strait some souldiers seeing us engag'd , disarm'd and led us both to prison : but my jaylors kindness free'd me , or his cruelty : for strait i met antonio in the dark , who with his rapier made a fruitless pas● , glancing o're my shoulder : i clos'd with the ass●sinate , and with my dagger wounding him i broke loose . thus sir i purchas'd my escape to you . v. r. what , do they mean t' usurp my power then , by cutting off it's sure●t prop that 's left ? or do they think i am my masters log , a passive thing for them to tread upon ? ric. now all my plots are ripe ; my golden hopes [ aside . are ready for projection . — perhaps my lord miranda was the occasion of this mallice . v. r. what sayst thou ? ric. alas ! what have i said indeed ? per●aps — [ what shall i say ? ] — miranda sir — v. r. miranda sir , why sticks your story there , as if it ended in miranda's name ? ric. nothing , but sir , another thought disturb'd me . v. r. another ? no sir , 't is that thought disturbs you ; you eccho'd to miranda with a sigh : i 'le have it out , be quick and do not urge me . ric. oh do not force me sir to such a crime ! v. r. a crime ! i 'me amaz'd . ric. you will be sir amaz'd when i shall tell it ; but spare my life , and grant me a reprieve . v. r. your life ricardo ! ric. yes sir my life , which if i speak is forfeited , and i must disobey if silent : yet 't is resolv'd , i 'le dye a thousand deaths , rather then brand my loyalty ; but oh ! my words will strike it dead , and silence blasts it , they blow away my fame so dearly priz'd , and all for one rash error of my tongue . v. r. i 'me all dissolv'd in wonder ! ric. yet i will speak you 've forc'd it from my breast , and pull'd my heart-strings with it — [ kneels ] sir — i love her ▪ now tread th' aspiring worm to its element , now gather in your breath , rally the wand'ring attoms to curse this proud ambitious traytor dead : yet why am i thus my own accuser , when i shou'd blame my fate , and not my will ? forgive my heedless stars forgetfullness , and o permit the monster to retire to the chaos whence it sprung , and where it ever had buried laid , and in perpetuall darkness , but that you sir , by a diviner influence , with one command like a prevailing charm struck life into the confused heap of matter , and usher'd to the light the unwilling birth . v. r. ricardo rise — i find my spirits sink , trembling to mix my nobler blood with his ; yet thus i 'de cut alberto to the heart — tying this knot , i untwine his thread of life , and cheaply gain to rule his fate and him : 't is done , my anger has ore'come my pride ; and rage has conquer'd , what de●ert cou'd never . ricardo . — ric. my royall lord. v. r. have you consider'd what you 've said , or has my goodness thus embolden'd you ? ric. i 've weigh'd ( great sir ) your goodness , and your high descent ; on the other side , my weak and empty merits : your favour was the air , in which i breath'd , but soon as justice had near gain'd the cause , love , tyrant love , that arbitrary boy kick'● up the ballance , broke the sacred scales ; and like divinity without respect is equally obey'd by king and peasant . v. r. ricardo , justice has obtain'd the cause : [ embraces . ] my son — but take that title without her ; for when i think of her , the thought 's a curse . ric. ha! do i dream , or did you say , my son ! let me for ever thus embrace your knees , for words wou'd be allay unto my gratitude . v. r. rise my best friend ; and since it must be so , to morrow she is yours ric. but sir — v. r. yes ▪ spite of her resistance my ricardo , she 's yours , or heavens . but now no more : th' approaching midnight warns us unto rest , sleep but this night my son , secure from harms , the next you anchor in miranda's arms . [ exit . ric. thus like an eagle , when he soars above , and cuts the yielding air to seize his quarry , basks in the clouds , and glances tow'rds the earth , then seems to drive his flight another way , but all is to delude his easy prey : so i , like the new marriners o' th court by different points steer to my wish●t for port ; by being ●animede , i cozen iove , but since i 'me favour'd by the powers above ; be still the rest , and be triumphant love ; [ exit .

the scene changes to a yard behind the prison . enter lopez with a party of rabble . lop.

come my brave friends let us attack these sawcy walls that dare con●ine my master , treacherously betray'd into the nooze by a cowardly courtier .

1st rab.

what courtier honest lopez , i 'le spit him upon the point of a needle , unless he be a friend to our society , a modish , foppish one .

lop.

nay , then i have him fast ▪ [ aside . ] 't is he that has kept all this coil about fashions , who to please the vice-roy wou'd metamorphose us all into spaniards , that is , wou'd cut your trade shorter by the sleeves .

1st . rab.

oh how my blood boils against the villain ! what turn us all into children with hanging-sleeves ? and clip our profit with the shears of his ambition and avarice ? my blood 's as hot , as if there were a 100. fleas stimulating my courage .

2d . rab.

what 's his name , that we may go on ? men never commenc'd heroes by talk but action . ( now i think on 't these walls are tame things enough , they 'le suffer a blow without returning it , nor are there any port-holes to kill a man unawares ; if they within will be civill , we 'le deal most manfully with the o●t-guards . )

lop.

pray give me leave — 't is he who wou'd banish long toledo , and wou'd bring in a new kind of a harmless rapier of a foot and a half long to prevent duells — nay , he motion'd once , that gentlemen shou'd wear wooden blades , so that we shou'd not have had a murder in a whole week .

3d. rab.

o' the villain , there 's my occupation defunct ; but who is it all this while ?

lop.

no matter : now to our business , know you for what you came here ?

1st . rab.

yes , to free your master .

lop.

do you know how he came to prison ?

2d . rab.

upon his legs ; our business is to take him from it , and not to examine how he came to 't .

lop.

then where 's the justice of your cause ?

3d. rab.

in our swords , where shou'd it be ? cause q●otha ! why lawyers deal with causes , and they●re no fighting men .

lop.

very wittily argu'd , but — soft , who●s here ? are they friends or enemies ? hark●ye my lads ▪ if these prove foes , stand ●our ground stoutly ; while i valiantly qui● mine .

[ aside . enter on the other side bernardo with another party of rabble . ber.

now heroes , since we are embark't so far on this honourable expedition , let us consider further , what we have to do . this is all the contrivance of that damn●d rascall lopez .

lop.

hum ! 't is bernardo , come upon the same design with me , but i 'le send him away — come on friends , this is the servant to that courtier i told you of , come to release his master , and hinder our design : he has but two or three softheads with him ; say , shall we let him ?

omn.

no , no , knock him down , knock him down .

ber.

hold , hold , i beg your pardon seignior lopez , what i said of you was but a complement in masquerade .

lop.

you have it for that ●ine expression ; but now i must chastise you for something else .

ber.

hold friend , i came not here to fight , nor am i at present in case to command my army ; for i am as impotent as an eunuch , or a nobleman of fourscore , as hungry as a besieg'd city , and as dry as a dutch commentator .

lop.

you 'l be the easier conquer'd : come we 'l rid you of all your wants .

ber.

how ?

1st . rab.

by death sawcy upstart ; how dare you ask us questions ?

ber.

death ! a pox on 't , i care for 't the least of any thing in the world : 't is the very bane of greatness ; a monster that devours more of all sorts at a meal , then taylors halfpenny loaves and pickl'd cucumbers , or usurers decay'd gentlemen in a whole year . — gentlemen , i thank you for your love ▪ but i had rather continue my distemper than take such an antidote .

1st . rab.

o rascall ! he abuses our calling : my honour 's concern'd now , and if you put it up —

lop.

then am not i fit to command an army of brave citizens . come to your ranks ; are you all ready ? i begin to grow hoarse with this command , hum , hum ! what a thirsty thing this valour is ?

ber.

what do you mean , will you force your remedies upon me ?

2d . rab.

yes , if you won't take them civilly , or defend your self against them .

lop.

come , will you chuse to dye in the bed of honour , or be buried alive in the grave of infamy ?

ber.

i must think of some means to escape these valiant dogs : oh i have it now ! [ aside . ] generall lopez , to save the innocent blood , let us decide our differences by single combat , and engage upon our military honours , that our men shall not strike a stroke , till one of us falls .

lop.

agreed , retire brave soldiers [ aside to 'em ] and d' ye hear when his party●s gone , come you forward and rescue your magnanimous generall — come bernardo

let you and i , the battle try ▪ 1st . rab.

with all our hearts , for 't is cruelty not valour to fight when there 's no need :

ber.

but how shall i trust you ?

lop.

upon my honour .

1st . rab.

by all my pedigree , by the first founder of our occupation .

ber.

a long oath mr. taylor , stretch'd from the beginning of the world , 't will hold — and now lopez , since we are engag'd to make our men idle spectators , let 's to our combat — but it must be the next time we meet , and so farewell , ha , ha , ha ! [ exit .

lop.

cowardly dog ! but 't is the same thing : let 's mind what we came for , and now how shall we contrive to release my master ?

2d . rab.

nay , look you to that :

lop.

why i do look , and may look long enough for ought i see , before i finde any way : you shou'd have consider'd of that before-hand mr. thimble .

1st . rab.

i am not such a fool to make my self mad .

lop.

why then i think the war 's done , so let every man retire to his quarters — but then i loose the hope of a reward and may starve too — stay friends — yet i had better grow tall and strait by famine , than monstrous crooked by hanging : besides there is a great deal of pleasure in dying in a whole skin , and in this adventure i may be carbonado'd — go get you home — but then my honour — a pox of honour , 't is the most uncivill thing , it never consults a mans safety — upon mature deliberation , 't is our will and pleasure that you either go or stay , and if you disobey in our last command , look to 't . [ exit .

1st . rab.

well this is a fortunate business , we shall be accounted heroes , and be no more affronted by the officers ; nay , they 'l tremble to appear before us ; and cease to make assignations with our wives to our fa●es ; again , alberto will be ours for ever if he escape , and if not we are safe ; and all without bringing our valour to the test , or once confronting the enemy . come neighbours 't is a rare adventure , ha , ha , ha !

omn.

ay faith neighbour so it is ; ha , ha , ha !

[ exeunt omnes .

scene the pallace-yard . enter alberto in the dark . alb. thus like a ghost i wander in the night , with discontent to seek my murderer , to thunder in his ears his breach of friendship , and be the herauld of divine revenge ; then silently retire to shades again : but oh they 're passable and light as air , whilst i 've a mine of lead ●its heavy here , presses my heart , and sinks me to despair . enter lopez . lop.

well i 've dismist my popular subjects , since there 's no good to be done : my master must weather to'ther night out , and perhaps he may sleep better there , for he 'le not have the cruelty to wish his mistress with him ; when in the palace , he 'le tire the moon with his sighs and hei-hoes , devour a bed-post with embraces , and antidate all the reall pleasure by forehand wishes and imagination .

alb. what voice is this and in the dead of night that talks of wishes and imagination ? perhaps it is some rivall in my misery , that comes to weep his story to the stars : but sure they 're bankrupts now , since they have spent all their malignant influence on me . but i 'le listen . lop.

i 've been considering of a remedy , if my master will apply it ; can't he make use of my blew-ey'd bianca , my delicate brown angelica , or my sweet short-nos'd ●ortia , and think that he has his mistriss in his arms. i have heard ●ome great philosophers say , that all the pleasure of women is but fancy , and can't he then as well fancy one woman for another , as fancy that to be a pleasure which is none . but whilst i think of him , i forget my self : i am very sleepy , and must take up with the large canopy of heaven for once : well in the name of satan , i 'le lock up my doors , and converse with my self for a while :

[ lies down and covers himself with a cloak . alb. it is my servant lopez opportunely come , for i shall have occasion now to use him : lopez ! lop.

ha! who 's that ? now if this shou'd be the devill come to take me before my time , what a pickle shou'd i be in : well i 'le cheat the grand cheater for once , for i 'le lye as if i was dead , that he may go back to hell , and see for my soul , and in the mean time i 'le escape .

alb. lopez , where●art thou ? lop. ah , good mr. devill he 's gone , quite congeal'd to a jelly . alb. rise , sirrah , here 's no devill . [ kicks him . lop. oh , oh , i feel his cloven hoof scorch me thro' my breeches . alb. get up , 't is i , is the fool mad ? lop. 't is my masters voice , it must be so ; he has been murder'd in prison ; and the devill is come in his shape to barter with me . i 'de fain speak if i durst ▪ alb. do so , and leave fooling . lop. good mr. voice and foot , what are you , to whom do you belong ? alb. i think the slave 's distracted ; i am thy master , alberto . lop. my master ! oh no! yet i must be bold and speak . [ rises . alb. go on . lop.

first master devill , i must own you to be a demon of quality , by your good manners , that you come in a shape so familiar to me , and that you don't bring hell with you in your eyes : but as for being my master , you know i have serv'd him faithfully in this world , and 't is too hard to serve him in both , at least till i am dead , and as pure a spirit as he , and it is not fair , that an honest devill , as i hope you are , shou'd stretch my service beyond the limits of matrimony .

alb. this is frenzy beyond all patience ! did ever madness run to such a height ? lop.

prithee , ●e not so impatient , but hear me out , an hungry judge , or guardian usurer wou'd be more conscientious than you : if you be come to punish me for my telling of the challenge , i answer , that truly i did designe to prevent your fighting , but was or'eheard a plotting , by your friend ricardo .

alb.

ha! ricardo ?

lop.

ay sir , for he swore h●'d blunt your adversaries sword with his blood ; so i trusting your safety to him , retir'd . this is the sum of what i have to say in my own defence , and i refer my cause to a jury of spirits , but let 'em appear invisibly , and if they finde me guilty , condemn me to the gallies of acheron , if not , resign your black habeas corpus , and sign my acquittance by immediate vanishing .

alb. this might divert another , but not me . this simple story carries wonders with it , for lopez did not know the place appointed , yet was ricardo ready with his murderers . oh 't is too plain ! 't was my false friends design ; but that 's but small , for i was slain before a moving lump of clay without a soul. lop. now is this archidiabolo giving instructions to the invisible jury . alb. lopez , throw off this fond affected fear : feel me , i 'm flesh and blood ▪ a man as thou art , and not the demon of the murder'd master . lop. whose demon are you then seignior ? alb. the slave perverts my words to serve his folly ; i am alive , escapt from prison ; lop. that is as much as to say , from hell ; did you leap the walls , or shoot the gulf ? alb. sure i 'me mistaken all this while ; art thou lopez ? lop. as sure as you 'r the devill . but who the devill sent you to me ? alb. ridiculous ! approach me and feel thou infidell , and then believe thy senses . lop.

well , so i wou'd , if i were so stout — but i 'le make up that with policy — upon these conditions , i 'le approach ; first , that you do not breath upon me , and infect me with the air of hell ; 2 dly . that when i 'm close to you , you don't contract your self into a mouthfull of air , then leap down my throat , and by inspiration get me with child of a young belzebub .

alb. will this mad humour never leave him ? try me ; lop.

well , i 'le take your word for once : — his worships well drest flesh and blood upon my life — but are you sure you are alive , sir ?

alb. if ever thou didst know me so , i am . lop.

hum — your pardon seignior , a wiser man than i might mistake , finding you here at this time of night , and so expert as to break thro' your prison walls .

alb. that misterie's too deep for thee to dive in : but now retire and sleep , for i perceive thou want'st it , and when the morning dawns i will awake you . lop. i thank you , sir. [ exit . enter antonio . alb. hark! something i hear again tread near this place ; who shou'd it be ? antonio ? no! he lies secure within miranda's arms , enjoys , and rifles all my hoarded sweets , then tir'd with bliss , and the excess of joy leans on her panting breasts , and falls asleep . oh my poor heart ! [ sighs ant. how have i chang'd my state of happiness , and fall'n from all my hopes in one black day ? like oedipus i 'me innocent , yet guilty , but feel a punishment as great as his , my freind and mistress fled away at once ; astella ! oh my love ! alb. by hell , and all it's horrors 't is he : oh my swoln heart , why dost thou tremble thus ? thou that has fac'd grim death in all it's pageant-greatness : when here 's a greater foe before thee , the serpent rob'd thee of thy paradice . ant. it is albert●'s voice : instruct me heaven what 's due unto my honour and my friendship . alb. antonio ! — ant. yes alberto . alb. he that was my friend , i think . ant. the same . alb. 't is false , thou never wert my friend ▪ ant. 't is well , proceed alberto . alb. yes traytor , i will proceed , untill thy bloated face proclaim thy guilt and bursting , spit thy venom out . see●t thou not revenge triumphant on my sword , ( which maugre darkness shines like the meridian sun ) longing to quench its thirsty wishes in thy blood , and glimmering in the scarlet sky to set ? be quick and satisfy it . ant. not for the world , or purchase an eternity of bliss , wou'd i encounter on so light a cause , just like two rushing winds , driven by chance , fight one another by a blind impulse . give me to know your sorrows and my crime , or find some other means for satisfaction , i will not thus . alb i 'le tell thee when my sword 's imbru'd and reeking in thy gore , but now to speak wou'd pall the appetite of my great revenge . why dost thou thus delay ? ant. here take thy wishes then . [ offers alb. his sword. since thou art false , deliberately false my life 's a burden to me . alb. then throw it off ; i 'le ease thee of that burden . ant. i did resign it , when i resign'd my sword : now strike alberto , strike through my heart and to assure the stroke , think on thy wrongs ; but to lift up my arm against thee were sacrileg● , in every wound i should behold astella wrong'd , and shame my cruelty unto her brother . but thou delay'st too long , i am prepar'd ! alb. thou art a fool , i tell thee that wou'd blunt the edge of justice : what cut thee down , as the laborious hind mows off the grass ▪ which by inclining seems to beg a crop ? antonio , no , you shall not dye so cheap ; i 've begg'd of heaven to make thee as strong as atlas , to brave my fury , like a well-grown oak , that i might wound and kill untill i fainted , and my desires were baffl'd by my weakness . ant. 't is well ye powers thus to refuse me death ▪ when life was odious to me — cursed fate ! how shall i work him to so brave a deed ? rather let me fight , without the violation of my love. then ever think — alb. damn thy dull thoughts , is this a time for love ? equivocating slave ! ant. ha! slave ? alb. yes , traytor , villain , coward . ant. coward ! that stings home , and wounds my honour : alb. honour ! thou hast none : that roab of glory thou hast quite thrown off , for thou art false and base , therefore a traytor , villain , and a coward . ant. thy sisters love secures thee still , she calms the storm which swells within my breast , and stills the rage of anger and despair . alb. my sister , no devil no , she never charm'd your soul ; you idoliz'd another saint , as false as she was fond : but she is gone for ever , lost to my remembrance . ant. ha! gone , whither ? alb. she 's dead and damn'd for loving thee . i 've sign'd her pasport for another world , and wait to send thee to her . ant. o give me patience heaven ! astella dead ? alb. yes , slain by me monster . ant. stay fainting spirits , move not away so fast , one short recruit before i leave the world ; i come astella , i 'le be with thee strait . friendship away ; thus let me blow thee from me , 't is gone with that last sigh for ever fled . [ weeps . now i can meet thee upon equall terms , and like a hungry lion , loos'd from my chains , ( friendship and honour which had ty'd my hands ) rush on my prey , and bear thee to destruction . why sink thy arms as if thy rage did cool ? alb. if this be true , then what a wretch am i ; it is astella's cause that steels his sword , whilst false miranda is the subject of my rage . [ aside . antonio , since one of us , or both may chance to dye , when dead , 't will be too late to clear mistakes , therefore by all that 's good i do conjure you , resolve me one thing . ant. be quick , perhaps i may . alb. hast thou not betray'd my love and me , and treacherously won miranda's heart ? ant. if this continue , i shall survive my love ; i have , therefore now revenge it . alb. yet stay : why were you then concern'd when i told you — ant. i know your meaning ; i did it to deceive you : therefore fight , or i will kill thee at all advantages . alb. i will antonio . be quick as lightning to revenge my wrongs , or as the thought that executes . ant. thou seest me ready — now for thy heart . [ they fight . enter lopez . lop. ha! what noise is this that interrupts my rest ? hark , i think i hear clashing of swords : ant. i think thou hast it there : alb. nothing sir , come on . [ fight again . lop.

't is my masters voice ; what do you mean ? if you are not the devill , i think the devil 's in you : now i 'le be hang'd if this be not some smock-quarrell ; a pox upon all women , but whores i say ! murder , help , help , murder , murder !

enter miranda in her night-gown , gentlemen and attendants with lights ; the gentlemen part them . mir. what screech-owl voice is that , that crys out murder ? lop. 't is i forsooth , madam . mir. ha! alberto and antonio ! oh heavens what do i see ? crackt not my eye-strings , when i view'd this sight ? is nature quite dissolv'd and at an end ? sure such an act as this must needs presage it . alberto's wounded too ; oh horrid night ! alb. o spare this cruell show of pitty , madam ; you shou'd have search'd your champion first . ant. i am not wounded . alb. no matter , 't is a complement stretch'd too high , thus to prefer her manners to her love. mir. still jealous ! but your wounds are dangerous else i wou'd clear the banefull source of all . mir. go on , dear madam . mir. know then alberto that your friend is noble , if this last action does not prove him base . alb. that word from you does brand him for a villain . mir. 't was he releas'd you . alb. by heaven 't is false , all false as hell . ant. 't is false indeed , for he releas'd himself , paid me the bloudy fees at his departure , and like a coward shrunk and stole away . alb. by heaven a general plot upon my virtue ! mir. oh cease your wonder sir , and hear me out ; declare the meaning of that note you left , for there 's the fatall spring of all this mischief . alb. i gave it you to read . mir. 't is true you did , but i tore it . alb. 't was from antonio , he knows it well . ant. by all that 's good i writ it not , nor know i what he means ! alb. o were that but true which now thou sayst — ant. how shall i prove the truth ? alb. i know not since it is torn and lost . lop.

sir , i 've b●en guilty , and i cry peccavi , and i hope i shall before i 've done , make you cry so , to this fair lady , and that gentleman . ricardo's man gave me a note which he said dropt out of his masters pocket ; i read it and found it a challenge from antonio to you : now suspecting that to be the occasion of your quarrell , i kept it up , and here 't is for you ; the rest i 'le tell you anon .

[ gives alb. the letter . alb. i thank thee with all my soul , for thou' rt my better genius . now read it antonio , but read it to thy self [ gives ant. the letter . lest the contagion should infect the air , and blast my understanding with the horrid sound . ant. oh credulous man , how hast thou been mistaken ? [ read● this is not writ by me . alb. canst thou deny it ? ant. by all that 's sacred i do swear , 't is not my hand . alb. then i am happy , and yet wretched too , happy to find my friend and mistriss true : but , oh i have profain'd her spotless virtue , and plaid the tyrant , where i should adore . thus let me implore your pardon , madam , [ kneels that goodness which cou'd love me when unman'd plead for me now , since i 'me restor'd . mir. you cannot ask my lord what i 'de deny . alb. thus then i seal my pardon tho' unworthy : [ kisses her hand . now let me pay my duty to my friend . [ going to embrace ant. ant. that name is fled with my astella's life , then i forsook it , when you renounc'd humanity . alb. is that the wound ? know then astella lives . ant. lives ! oh my joy ! alb. how cou'd you think i 'de be so barbarous to kill my sister , and doubly wound my friend ; i only did it to excite your rage . ant. then i forgive the rest , since i perceive 't was fury workt you to that height to wound m● when i releas'd you from your prison . alb. ha! then here 's another riddle to be solv'd ; i saw , nor spoke to no one but my jaylor , who guided me by a back-way from prison . ant. then 't was ricardo , whom i met i' th dark , and who 's the cursed authour of all these ills , now i can hold thee without fear of stinging , no viper hid in this close embrace . [ embrace alb. oh my brother , let me for ever thus enfold thee in my arms ; and you madam , that could pitty my distress , let me for ever thus embrace and kiss your feet ; thus like the ivy twine about your knees , and live to all eternity thus over-blest with joy . mir. oh rise my best , my only dearest lord ; rise , and be for ever happy in my arms. alb. oh 't is too much , too much for me my soul , thou only mirror of all thy god-like sex , sure thou wert form'd in heaven by hands divine , whilst quires of angels hover'd round the shrine , and smil'd to see a saint so good and fair born , to enrich the world and be its heir . mir. my dear alberto you forget your wound : alb. 't is but small , and will but serve to punish me for all my crimes , and breach of friendship . ant. come , no more , we have been all too blame , thus fondly to believe what was not so ; but now the dire mistakes are known and plain , and we will never be deceiv'd again . lop.

now sir , pray hear me , when you were gone , i was studying to prevent your duell , but ricardo ( how led there to hear me , the devil and he best knows ) came sneaking behind me , and o're-heard me talking to my self , then told me that he understood your design of fighting with antonio , which he said he wou'd prevent , so desir'd me to entrust him with your safety , s●●●ring ( enough to damn him , if false ) that you were his dearest friend , and that when your twatling-strings broke , his heart-strings wou'd crack , the rest you know better then i.

mir. 't is plain , ricardo is t●e engeneer , who has been buzzing in my fathers ears , to undermine our peace and comfort . lop.

if i was not afraid of being hang'd for my policy i wou'd contrive to countermine this fellow .

ant.

we are thine for ever lopez if thou dost .

lop.

why then sir , lend me that suit of cloaths which you have on , with which i 'le personate you for a while ( i hope you 're not offended at the comparison ) then i 'le seek out bernardo , his servant , whom i will so pump and wire-draw , that you may see through his master , but leave me ●o manage the rest .

ant.

it has a face indeed .

alb. to morrow thou shalt have it lopez , and i will ever acknowledge thy kind service . lop. i humbly thank your lordship . alb. in what a storm this strange mistake had cast me , tost on the gloomy billows of despair , which heav'd by winds of jealousy and rage , had almost rack'd my harrass'd soul to ruine : but since we 're now in view of distant land , once more i 'le beg thee of thy angry father and drive away those clouds oppress'd his goodness : grant heaven a happy issue to our troubles ; give me but once to touch the promis'd shore , and i 'le embark on this rough surge no more ▪ exeunt omnes . the end of the third act.

the fourth act.

scene i. the pallace . enter vice-roy , and ricardo . v. r. the mornings chearfull ray , now guilds ●he world ▪ and darts a joyfull omen to my breast : the early lark , tunes his shrill notes to hymen , whilst every bird does warble out the chorus , and deafen all the murmurings of my grief . ric. 't is true , great sir , but yet this glittering form may be a painted cloud that ushers in a storm . v. r. can you suspect your masters word ricardo that thus you mutter out your brooding fears ? is that a posture for a happy bridegroom clad in that gloomy visage , and with eyes fixt on the earth , whilst mounting to the skies ? ric. has not last nights uproar , yet reach'd your ears which so allarm'd your loyall subjects fears ? v. r. it has not yet . ric. then i must be the informer ; ( wou'd heaven , my duty , wou'd excuse my ●ilence ; ) whether their plots have all turn'd head upon 'em , and so compell'd 'em to this act , i know not ; but once more they have combin'd sir , to deceive you , hoodwink your reason , and ecclipse your judgment , and make your ignorance patronize their crime● ▪ v. r. as how ? ric. just as the pallace clock struck one , i am inform'd there was a busteling noise , like the first puffing of an angry wind , which swells and bursts at last into a storm : strait clashing swords disturb'd the slumbring night which ( eccho'd by a dreadfull voice of murder ) chas'd gentle morpheus from the princes eyes , ( for by design 't was done near her apartment ) she rose , urg'd by her pitty to their danger , and with a few attendants , strait descended : but ( heavens ! ) what was her wonder when she saw the two disloyal friends engag'd in fight ? v. r. alberto , and antonio ! ric. the same , my lord. v. r. what should the meaning of their quarrell be ? ric. you 'le please to judge sir , when you hear the rest : to countenance her pitty , alberto receiv'd a wound , which when she mourn'd for and enquir'd the cause he with a whining scorn accus'd her cruelty , and bid her help antonio , whom she lov'd ; he seem'd amaz'd at the new jealousy ▪ and ask't the grounds : the note was then examin'd , which he ( as well he might ) deny'd to be his hand ; next comes a daubing scene of flattering joy , alberto kneels , and weeping , begs her pardon as all had been a mistery to him : nay more ( oh heavens what impudence is this ? ) they lay the crime , the spring of all to me , and have design'd this morning to accuse me , when he shall beg miranda sir , of you . v. r. beg her of me , sure 't is impossible ! that they should dare to look me in the face ; as well they might behold an angry iove when grim revenge sits furrow'd on his brow , ready to scatter ruine on th' assailers , all lemnos brandisht in his hands at once . ric. but they 've a mist to lay before your eyes , will damp the force of your avenging thunder , and melt your rage , to a refreshing dew . v. r. 't is moulded proof , against their weak attempts ; but to begin , i promis'd you my daughter and with her take my heart for ever . [ embraces him . go call the princess here . [ going out . attend. great sir , she has prevented me , she 's here . v. r. hell and confusion ! what 's this i see or my sense fails , or 't is alberto with her . enter alberto leading miranda . by all my wrongs 't is he ! oh my salt bloud burst , burst your channels , over-flow your banks , and let my veins be fill'd with liquid fire , quite to devour this gorgon , that unmans me , thus let all villains dye . [ offers to kill alb. ric. interposes . ric. hold sacred sir. v. r. ricardo off , for 't is in vain to stop me . ric. my life sir be the forfeit for th' offence , consider sir who 't is , that does oppose you , 't is i your faithfull slave , who wou'd rather dye then see your honour blemish'd by this rashness : how wou'd the censuring world condemn you sir , if in your rage you shou'd sentence one untry'd , and be your self the executioner ; not but i wish his death , cause he deserves it , but to dye thus wou'd make him innocent and ●ame secure , he 's punisht but by halves . alb. why this contention for a wretched life ? villain i know it is the game you hunt for : [ to ric. but yet you think 't is not toil'd enough for death : you wou'd have me linger out a hell on earth see you possest of all miranda's charms : bu● traytor know , i have a sword can reach thee , and spite of loyallty , respect , or duty , rip out the heart that violates my love and cool the warmth which nourishes thy flame . ric. he has guest my wishes . [ aside mir. yes , hellish monster , know , there 's yet a greater bar to oppose thy way , a rock of adamant , and so impenetrable that thou villain with legions like thy self , no , nor the hell thou carry'st in thy breast , can ever melt , or force away . v. r. insolent pair ! but now they 've doom'd themselves , and by my masters soul , they both shall dye . alb. pardon , great sir , those unbecoming words forc'd by a just resentment of my wrongs ; i mean't not to defend that life which you had proscrib'd , thus i surrender it unto your justice . [ kneels & lays his sword at the v. r. fee● ▪ ric. we 'l take the forfeit sir , you need not doubt . [ ric. takes it up . alb. but to dye silent were a guilt too great , to leave you in a wilde of treachery lost to your honour , govern'd by an abject slave , and fair miranda subject to his treason : that i confess does make my tongue unruly , oh sir , forgive that beauteous innocence , and leave her will as heaven has made it , free : and here i swear by you bright sun that shines , and by th' eternal mover of the spheres , to hush this rising tempest in my breast , and fall a willing victim to her peace ; mir. oh my alberto , your zeal is too unkinde , think not your death can give miranda ease , for here i swear , by all the powers above , your life and mine shall have an equall date . v. r. damn his hypocrisy , and thy foolish fondness , by heaven the spaniard is not in thee girl , but i delay : guards seize that impious traitor . [ guards seize alerbto alb. yet hear me sir , before you throw away that precious gem upon a thing so vile , and smear that diamonds lustre with so foul a soil . v. r. silence that croaking voice , perfidious monster ! he is my son , and each affront is mine : but to inhance thy mighty sum of woes live to behold thy iuno snatch'd away thy soul rack'd in a dungeon by delay , a cloud of darkness for the suns bright ray. but yet in pitty , she shall stay a while and all thy sorrows with her tears beguile . pitty ? yes italian pitty ! may her eyes each attome of thee , make their sacrifice ; be , like two basilisks , which may devour at each remembrance of their cruell power , then flash thee dead , and kill thee every hour . [ exit with attendants . ric. why this is generous to spare his life : nay , let him talk long as he might be heard , it is not i 'me unjust then , but his fate . [ manent guards . well , i 'le away to young antonio , tell him — what ? — let me see ! — his mistriss's dead , slain by alberto : — this will work him up , and of his friendship , make an useless cypher , which i 'le fill up with horrid black revenge . then in compassion , i 'le release alberto ( whom i 'le infect with some new found chym●ra ) and grant 'em both an enterview ; by this i make sure my game on either hand , for both will seek to excuse me to the vice-roy : thus like the hidden hand of fate i work , kill and destroy whilst none can see the blow , and friend and mistriss be each others foe . [ exit . alb. oh my miranda , 't was a harsh decree that i must never , never see thee more ne're ( blest with love , and surfeiting with joy ) lean on the rising pillows of thy breast , and there in gentler raptures dream the rest : credit me madam , but 't is wondrous sad . mir. do not despair alberto , my best , and only love , for fortunes cruelty , is as inconstant as her favour . but let her vent her malice , still there 's hope ; time's but a rowling tide , which flows a while , stays not , but strait with murmuring joy does ebb , into the ocean of eternity : thither we 'le launch ; there landed on the shore above the reach of fate , or cruell fathers , we 'le spend an immortality of love. alb. oh my soul ! my blest angell speak again , thy charming words and sight can cure despair , they ●ull my griefs asleep , and make me tame and i am all joy , all extasy again . but oh , i never must behold thee more an angry demon hurries me away and drags me from the heaven i now possess ; that thought renews my grief , and galls my heart ; there i confess my courage shrinks and dyes , more than when death was in my view in war , my crowded breast teem'd with a thousand joys , which in an instant are all made abortive , but yet a single plague's too small for me , for heaven has doom'd miranda to a villain . that beauteous casket to be rif●'d by a slave . mir. can you then still suspect my faith alberto ? but ●ince ( oh torture ! ) 't is the last proof which i can give , hear me ye powers , and you alberto hear me , if ever i consent to be ricardo's tho' all the tortures hell can e're invent combine to force my will , oh may i never — alb. forbear , oh forbear that cruel sentence on thy self , i have been impious , but forgive me heaven ; and oh miranda live , altho' ricardo's ; what hast thou done , that heaven shou'd punish thee ? or how hast thou deserv'd to share my griefs ? mir. can love then be so bad a councellour , or can alberto wish me so unhappy ? perhaps you doubt the frailty of my sex , and think that death can shake my female valour ; but know , when danger runs in a carreer , love takes the wing , and soars above all fear . alb by heaven i doubt thee not ; but do not rob the world , by taking all that 's good away : mir. when you are gone , what 's left that 's worth my stay ? attend. my lord , your time is past , you must to prison : alb. i will ; but one look more and then i 've done : here must i take a long farewell to love. [ kisses her hand . oh my miranda , when the fates allow , that false ricardo must possess thy heart , when he shall reap the harvest of my joys , give but one sigh , one tear , to poor departed me , and it will crown my wandring shade with peace . mir. think not of dying . alb. yes , i must miranda ; for death 's the only blessing i have left : yet must i blame the malice of my stars . then when i 'de wandred thro' the coasts of night , to seek some comfortable streak of light ; then when my eye had paradice in view , thus to ecclipse my rising sun anew : or as a vulture when he ●●ies the round , to seize some spotless dove , which havi●g found , with greedy joy he mounts up to the skies , whilst he does revell on his lovely prize , and with a scornfull gl●nce the world despise ; when strait some well-arm'd eagle stops his flight , forces the trembling quarry from his sight , and hurles him head-long to the shades of night . so , when i had reach'd thee thro' a dreadful maze , and after all my doubts , my soul found ease ; midst of my triumphs fo● my glorious prey , the tyrant power does snatch thee quite away . [ exeunt severally ▪

scene a garden . enter antonio , and astella in man's cloaths . ast. my country sir , i 've told you is sicily ; whence banisht by my wants , i 'me hither come to find relief ; my name is florimo . ant. what 's this to me ? i prithee leave me boy . ast. alas i cannot sir : i 've heard so much of your renown and generosity , that i must stay , and win your favour . besides i 've heard you are a lover sir , and such a one i wou'd desire to serve : sure this will sound him . [ aside ant. i was indeed a happy lover once ! [ sighs . ast. ha! once did he say ? oh heavens , then 't is too true : [ aside . ant. but now my love is gone i know not whither : my dear astella , if thou' rt fled to heaven , oh let me know●t , that i may follow thee ; if still on earth , i 'le pray the whispering winds that they 'de conduct me to thy dark abode , i 'le beg the trees to bow their leafy heads and point me out the mansion of my love. what shall i think ? for to suspect thy truth , or doubt alberto's words , were sure a crime . ast. i know not what this musing does portend , but i will try him once again . my noble lord , cast not a wretched youth to the wide world , who cannot live a moment absent from you . why are you sad ? give me to know the cause [ kneels . i 'le sit and sing and charm your griefs asleep , lye at your feet like weeping philomell , and hush your sorrows with my pleasing airs : and when the morning dawns , i 'le be your lark , to wellcome with my joyfull notes the coming day , thus we 'le perform , and pass the time away ; thus spend the melancholy hours , making grief a pleasure , and scorning all the follies of the laughing world . ant. such pleasing softness did i never hear ; and still the more i look , the more i still desire ; in every feature methinks i read astella ; the very air that bears the charming sounds , ecchoes astella to my wondring ears . r●se gentle youth , so sweet an advocate must needs obtain the cause tho' ne're so hard : if then ( kind florimo ) you 'd share in a disorder'd heart , and be the sad companion of my woes — but do not , for they 'l blast thy tender form , and wither all thy blooming hopes to death . ast. alas 't is all the blessing i wou'd wish to share your woes , since i 'me already more unfortunate and wretched then you er'e can be . ant. oh 't is impossible ! but tell me how thou art wretched . ast. by love that soft disturber of my peace , and by my friend . ant. grant heaven it be not so with me . [ aside . ast. doubt not your mistriss safety , nor your friend , if conscious innocence says you love her still . ant. love her ! thy silly question stabs my very soul ; none can behold astella and not love her : not orpheus when he charm'd the fiery gates of hell , and gain'd an entry to the vast abiss had half that love for his euridice ; nor when he rescu'd from the god of night his beauteous prize , and the same hour lost her , felt half my hell of torture and despair . ast. oh charming words ! which like promethean fire , kindles the embers of expiring life and love ; and like the arabian chimist can extract a ph●nix from the ashes of her sire ! my joy's too great to be contain'd : here let me breath my soul out at your feet [ kneeling . and fly an angell to the other world , refin'd by so divine a good as yours . ant. what means the youth ? rise , and resolve my doubts , why does my declaration thus affect you ? ast. tune to his voice , ye musick of the spheres , to finde such virtue 'mongst corrupted man , is sure a subject for fames golden trumpet ; to find your love like vestall fire guarded , ( when every foe does lend a breath against it ) safe and un●ully'd in that hollow'd shrine . ant. so nice a sence of virtue from a boy is strange , and must proceed from ●omething stranger . ast i swore to wander thro' the spacious world ( till death wou'd put an end to all my woes ) to finde some lover of so clear a truth , the same when slighted , or his mistriss dead ; and now i 've found the noblest of our sex i 'le be your servant , or your sacrifice , and never part , till parted from my self . ant. i am amaz'd at such surprizing words , but 't is a pleasing wonder : come my boy , i 'le crown thy wishes , thou' rt mine for ever , [ embraces him . instruct my virtue , that seeing thee i may read lectures of astella every day ; but yet i want to know the story of thy life , the many wrongs thou hast sustain'd and pass'd and all the pretty murmurings of thy grief . ast. by a long siege i storm'd my mistriss heart , and took the guarded fortress of her love ; next when i 'de got my only friends consent , the brother of my destin'd bride lestella , no isthmus seem'd to bar me from my joys : when on the fatall dawn before our marriage , urg'd by i know not what mistake , my friend went to his mistriss , call'd her false and perjur'd ; said , he or i , that night must leave the world ; at night i heard of his imprisonment , attended with a thundering peal of curses , from the fair mistriss of my friend : at length i by my vows to free him had appeas'd her . madded with rage i did mind my own who with a charming grief reproach'd my falshood ; i had not time to answer her complaints , but flung away in hast unto my friend whom i releas'd , but he escap'd my sight strait i receiv'd from him a dreadfull note , which stab'd me with the news of my lestilla's death , who fell a victim to his jealousy . despairing , i abandon'd sicily , and careless of my fate , am hither come , to wander like a banish'd criminal quite forlorn . this sure will try him since my other fails . [ aside ant. what words are these , or is it but a dream ? a vision of astella , thus adorn'd , [ aside who comes to try the truth of her suspicions ? if that my wonder ( gentle youth ) wou'd give me leave i 'de say thou hast sav'd me the unwellcome trouble of telling thee the story of my life , since thou hast so truly weav'd it with thy own . ast. not so i hope sir , is your mistriss dead ? ant. there sticks my sate , and leaves me in a maze : if dead , what then remains , but strait to follow her ? ast. you speak , my lord , in riddles ; if she be dead , you wou'd dye to follow her , and at the same time own you love her not . ant. thou dost not understand me right my boy ▪ be witness all ye powers that knew our hearts , how much i lov'd that dear departed saint ? ast. departed ! whither ? ant. oh that i cou'd resolve thee ! my friend enrag'd told me he had slain her , but soon recanted , and i as soon believ'd , yet now some strange suggestions press my heart anew , and fix my wandring fancy to her image . ast. i hope he 'le not repent of this kind grant : [ aside . shall i my lord , to sooth your sorrows , sing ? ant. do my boy , whilst i repose me on this bank and bear a part with thee . both sing . after the song she speaks ▪ ast. rise ; rise my lord , i see one coming hither , with a grave pace , as big with some design . ant. it is ricardo ; florimo away and wait me in the next walk . [ exit astella ▪ enter ricardo musing . this is the cause i fear of all our dire mistakes , now studying some new plot : i 'le observe him . ric. thus virtue 's ever clouded with disgrace , a princes favour cannot dart a beam , but on a barren or infectious land , and always must be partiall in his choice . ant. he mutters state-affairs : but let him on . ric. therefore the two young heroes of the court , envy my honour , and sicken at my greatness , as if my rise must be upon their necks but still my virtue shall out brave their little malice : i will convince the unbelieving world , there is a man that can be great and good at once , and then retire to solitude for ever . ant. why this is strange ! ric. but oh that cannot be — there lyes some mistery in the womb of night , which loyalty commands me to unravell , besides to leave antonio's virtue toil'd , deluded by his friends hypocrisy — but that 's a plot , and i 'me a base informer there 's my reward — but virtue pays it self . ant. each word does swell my wonder ! ric. alberto's actions must have some design , but let heaven be judge of that , not i. this fresh account of horrour i 've receiv'd antonio must know — yes 't is resolv'd , tho' for i● he call me undermining traytor , yet i 'le respect my conscience , not his words . ant. each words a thunderbolt , and strikes me dead , no double-meaning can be hid in this . ric. who 's that ? my lord antonio ? ant. the same . ric. how does your lordship ? ant. why well i think ricardo ; ric long may you be so : ant. i thank you sir ▪ but good ricardo , if i may be so bold , what were your thoughts employ'd about ? ric. 't is an imp●rtant bus'ness which i think of , how virtue does decay in every age , and in particular that cordiall friendship how pylades's examples are quite forgot , and how the sign of gemini above , 〈◊〉 ●opied ill by mortalls here below . ant. the consequence . ric. therefore my lord , beware how you permit a seeming friend to creep too close , le●t in the bottom there shou'd lurk an adder . ant. be plainer in your counsell . ric. yes , too plain ; too plain i fear for your repose ! ant. ha! my repose ! ric. yes , so i said : your friend alberto ( mark me well ) is false the wounds he gave , but seemingly he heal'd , for they still rankle , fester , and eat the deeper , and may in time destroy you . ant. oh take heed you come not with your false deluding beacons to warn my easy nature from the sands that you may split my friendship on a rock ; for if thou dost , death , hell , and ruine , and all their black attendants shall not save thee : you have had the mask on long enough , therefore now unveil thy self ricardo , and show the villain in his native dye : ric. this i expected ; and therefore take my leave , an honest man is never safe at court ; sir , you may find flatterers enough to tell you what you wou'd believe , not what you ought to know ▪ who 'l varni●h all your losses with a smile ; nay , make you think the sun shines in a storm , when thickest clouds do interpose their shade , and when the heavens are all in mutiny , rain fire rain blood upon your better part , your second self : but he 's a fool , who to convince another ( whose looks speak hatred , and his words proclaim it ) will hazard both his person , and his fame : such bigotted honour shall have no prosolite of me . [ going . ant. stay sir , for to secure that fame you prize so much it will concern you to inform me more . ric. not when i know , i shall not be believ'd . ant. now by my sword , i 'le force it from your tongue , and if thou prov'st not every word thou utterest , i 'le hurl a heavier load of misery upon thee than that which atlas with his weighty globe does groan beneath . ric. how fond is man , and easy to beleive , when words are daub'd with flattery , and mask'd with love , but truth in its plain habit will not pass : my lord , to shew how i despise your threats i 'le ease my conscience of the mighty secret , but arm your self against the fierce assault for horror dwells with every fatall word . ant. why dost thou kill me with such cruell doubts ? ric. i will no more : — the fair astella , sir — ant. astella , speak ; the very name 's a charm. ric , it must be sir the name ; that 's all that 's left . ant. ha! what of her ? ric. why she is murder'd , base and barbarously murder'd . ant. hell and confusion ! ric. by her own brother's orders , murder'd . ant. patience ye gods , oh give me patience heaven ! one moments patience , and i 'le beg no more . by all things sacred , in those fatall words , or one , or both of us are doom'd to dye ; if they be false , there 's something worse then death , nay ( if possible ) then damnation shall sure attend thee , if true , then i 'me the victim . ric. hear the rest : a rough hewn fellow , servant to alberto , thus with a penitential look , accosted me : sir , by my masters threats , i 've been compell'd to act a little piece of villany , but my ill-natur'd conscience flying in my face , i thought to ease it by confession , i slew a lady whom ●e order'd me veil'd in a wood ; but that was nothing sir , till i discover'd it to be astella , my old dead masters only daughter . ant. furries and devils tear the barbarous villain oh i am all a burning aetna her● within ! but if thou prov'st it , i am satisfied . ric. let the revenge confirm it which i took impatient virtue forc'd me to the deed , i slew him strait , without as much as asking where the untimely sacrifice was laid . ant. enough , i am confirm'd she 's gone . oh tyrant-friend , was she a subject for your rage , cou'd not those glorious rays from her fair eyes melt down thy icy temper to compassion ? but i forget , 't is i 'me her murderer , and therefore thus will pay the cruell debt . [ offers to kill himself ▪ ric. hold , hold my lord ! [ ric. hinders him . ant. wilt thou again give edge to my suspitions , by hindring me of my desir'd bliss ? death doubly is my due . the morning wheels to gloomy night again , to give directions where i shou'd reside ; the sun seems like a faint and beamless fire to warn the expiring taper of my life , and all but you conspire to work my joy. ric. by all that 's good , i will not oppose it , but yet you are not ripe enough for death , ant. not when despair does call me hence ? ric. why no. are you italian born , or some hot frenchman , who when capricious fortune frowns upon him strait punishes her crime upon himself ; at least since she does sit above our reach , let us revenge it on her instruments . ant. touch not that string , for it inflames my heart , and kindles wild-fire in my troubl'd breast ; i wou'd not think upon the villain more , and therefore i wou'd cease to think at all . ric. 't is wonderous well ! how will the censuring world say naples is a den of caniballs , where paricide and murder is a sport and go unpunish't by the better sort ? by mars your tameness does unspirit me but i 'le away , and take revenge my self , since such a cause shou'd arm the world against him . enter astella . ant. stay , for i feel a glowing heat within me eat up my friendship , and i am all on fire . ast. what shou'd this mean ? ric. cherish the noble flame and let your wrongs heighten the generous rage : if alexander for a fav'rites loss ( who peri●●t by a natural enemy ) made all the eastern world his funeral pile , and glutted death with crowded hecatombs ? what shou'd you do , who see a mistriss slain , slain by a man , who call'd himself your friend ? death , hell , and vengeance will you suffer it ? methinks my arm does tremble to my sword , and by instinct commands me to unsheath it . ant. no , no , the brave revenge belongs to me : bloud , talk of bloud ; i will have bloud ricardo , but there 's a prison bars him from my fury , away impediments , you shall not hinder , for tho' he speeds away to hell , i 'le after ; shoot like a flaming vulture thro' the dark abyss , till i might fix my beak in his false heart : nay tho' the christal gates of heaven were ope and waiting to receive my soul to joy , in hell i 'de linger an eternity , that i might double all alberto's plagues , and make it hotter with the flames i bear . ast. alas that villain has infected him , but i 've an antidote will expell the poyson . ric. why this my lord becomes your injuries : since you 'r resolv'd i 'le further your revenge ; wait in this garden at the approach of night , and i 'le take care to send alberto to you . ant. o kind ricardo , in this obligation you 've reach'd the utmost bounds of my desire : wheel on the never-tir'd post of heaven , fly swiftly to thy wanton goddess arms that i may fly to my revenge : farewell , when next we meet , expect to see me chang'd , roab'd like the setting sun in bloudy red , or pale as sickning stars , and as spent meteors dead . [ exit . ast. i 'le after him , and learn the mistery . [ exit ric. fly to thy ruine , fond believing fool , thou know'st not what it is to take revenge , for nemesis delights in woods , not cities , in dark cabals , and not in open war : yes my new friend i 'le send alberto to you , and reconcile your differing constitutions , both shall breath nought but sulphur and destruction ; therefore some new chimaera i will study which his friend alberto must be sent to kill . enter lopez , drest like alberto . lop.

well , now i have gotten these cloaths on , methinks i 'me as grea● a person as my master , and for ought i know , 't is the comely person within makes the gentleman , according to the proverb , fine birds make fine feathers : let me see —

[ surveighs himself . ric. if i shou'd tell him that his mistress's false ; ric walks off as in the garden . but stay that topick's grown too obsolete . lop.

clean limbs , handsome gait , noble appearance ! pitty these qualifications shou'd be thrown away upon a serving-man : well , if my face answers these , 't will grieve me to retire to my primitive rascallity , and that this bulk of nobility shou'd dwindle to a valet . [ pulls out a glass . heavens defend me ! seignior lopez i shou'd as soon think it were an angel : now will i exercise my parts upon my self , for such an object must needs inspire oratory , tho' i am brim-full of it already . seignior , if iupiter had borrow'd one of your eyes for a dark lanthorn , he might have fought his enemies with a double advantage : ( answers ) o dear sir , a little clear and sharp indeed i must confess ; i make use of 'em sometimes for my diversion to wound and kill poor silly ladies , but for the rest — nay good sweet seignior , you ravish me with the excellency of your gestures : every part of you dances , as it were , to the musique of the spheres , and swims like the lambent fires above in a caelestial motion . o seignior —

enter ricardo .

ha! interrupted ? what malicious star envi'd me the happiness of hearing my self prais'd by so accomplisht a person of honour as — seignior lopez .

ric. confusion ! what , alberto here , and free ? or does my wandring sense deceive me ? that it is he , 't is plain ; but how escap'd , or if escap'd , how venturing to stay here , i must confess amazes me to think ! lop. i 'le vex this saucy fellow for disturbing me . [ walks caresly by ricardo . ric. i 'me on a r●ck , till i can learn the meaning : with what a haughty negligence he bears himself ? lop.

i have a good mind to tell him to his face , he 's a very uncivil person , and to make good what i said , if he threatens to beat me , i 'le beg his pardon . but then he 'de discover who i am : no , no , that must not be .

ric. there 's no way left to sound this mistery , but to begin the harrangue which i 've prepar'd . my lord i have a secret of importance — still the same port , that scornfull gay behaviour ! in what a mist of errour have i been ? a sacrifice here staulks in state before me and sleeping vice , still dreads to give the blow . the place is silent , and the aiding trees , with bended branches cover the offence ; besides antonio's rage will cloak the deed and they 'l condemn him for the murderer : it shall be so● ; the next turns his last : so — [ runs at lopez , and lopez falls . end thus thy pride and love together . lop. ha betray'd ! my honour wounded ? help , murder , help : i am kill'd , i 'me dead ! oh ! ric. his life is fled away with that last groan : now fly ricardo , manage well this game , and future ages shall extoll thy fame . [ exit . lop.

so , is he gone ? pox of his kindness : what 's here ! my voice has alarm'd some of the counrtiers , but i 'le send 'em away like fools as they come , i warrant ' em .

[ lies down . enter 3 or 4 gentlemen . fabio and don silvio . 1. gent. this way the d●●adfull voice directed us . 2. gent. and here 's the occasion ; heavens ! 't is alberto ! 1. gent. what horrid mistery is this ! how came he free ? 2. gent. and murder'd too ? a riddle by my soul. let 's to the vice-roy , who walks i' th' garden , for 't is too deep for us to dive into . [ exeunt . lop.

so , i find i shall have now the whole court about me : but i 'le prepare my self to receive 'em : i may thank my self for letting the sword run betwixt my arms ▪ i had been spoil'd else ; i think i defended my self as if i had eyes behind . well now for my glass ; i fear this bus'ness has disorded me — pox o' your ill-breeding to spoil a good face , and tumble ones perriwig and crevat : i must not be seen in this pickle , therefore i 'le go home and new vamp my ●elf . a plague of this nobility , if for a fine coat one must be continually in danger of having his throat cut , or spitted thro' the loins like a spar-rib of pork . i 'de rather be hang'd than dye an untimely death , there 's no satisfaction in 't ; but see they are coming , 't were best for me to be gone , lest i be taken , and put in the bakers pulpit for counterfeiting .

[ exit . enter vice-roy with attendants . v. r. impossible ! it cannot be alberto . 1. gent. let your own eyes convince you sir ▪ [ looks about . ha! where's is the dead man , fled away ? some hungry devill sure has seiz'd on him . v. r. am i a subject of your follies slaves ? 2. gent. pray sir believe us : alberto did lye here ▪ but whither it was done designedly , to colour his escape from prison , and co●sen us with his pretended death that you might cease pursuit , i know not . 1. gent. or else perhaps the murderers fearing his corps being ●ound , ( a narrow search shou'd be about it ) convey'd it hence and buried it : but these two gentlemen can witness , that they too saw him dead . 3d. & 4th . my lord we did . v. r. 't is strange , but yet i will believe it ; death he deserv'd for his ingratitude : but tho' my passion boil'd a while , i 'me glad he met it from another hand , not mine : for now with safety i bestow my daughter , and crown desert with what it long has sought . perhaps it may remove miranda's scruples , and death may set her heart at liberty : thus providence is always heavens avenger , and weilds the sword of justice 'gainst th' unjust . how'ere the great resolve , and wise debate , she rules alone , our happiness or fate . [ exeunt omnes .

act v.

scene i. enter alberto and lopez . alb.

lopez have you perform'd , what you engag'd to do ? for in that riddle is my fate entangl'd .

lop.

i have sir.

alb.

thou hast ! that word is musick to my soul.

lop.

but first sir , as a reward , satisfy my inquisitiveness , and inform me what trick you 've got to break thro' prisons , and shake off your fetters thus ?

alb. know then a wedge of gold has knock'd 'em off , a golden key has charm'd the prison doors ; my jaylor too , whom i assur'd of safety ( to help my escape ) has lent me this disguise . for tho' my stars have frown'd so long upon me , i doubt not but they 'le smile , and look serene again , and my innocence shine in its proper sphere whilst treachery is drag'd unto the center , and sink into the hell from whence it sprung . lop.

well sir , i have unlockt bernardo's tongue too , but without a fee ; in short , he has laid all his masters damn'd villany as open to me , as if he had been ricardo , and i his ghostly father ; he has confirm'd your suspitions of the note , and moreover his masters hiring some hackny bloud-hounds ; ( whose game is death , and reward damnation ) to murder you ▪

alb. what niggard mixture of felicity the angry gods allow me ; twice have they snatch'd me from the jaws of death , twice have they freed me from a loathsome dungeon , that no corporeal pain might e're obstruct my relishing the torment of despairing love ; but now a comfortable dawn of hope reflects the promise of a coming day . where is bernardo , that kind engeneer who has blow'd the villain up with his own hellish train ? lop.

where is he sir ? why i have done with him as spunging courtiers do with their clients , squeez'd all the honey out , and then thrown away the useless comb , and the drone that made it :

alb. why dost thou serve they master still by halves ? run and conduct him to me , fly quickly : lop. as quick as lightning ; sir. [ exit . enter antonio , florimo following . ant. let these effeminate sluces be dam'd up , it is a grief too light to solemnize murder'd astella's funeral exequies : a silent tear shall trickle from my heart , at each remembrance of her bloudy fate , but if in spite of me you 'l play the woman , be like the marble , when the conquering flames dilate its well-knit pores , and drein its moisture , spring from an inward stimulating heat , scorching as is the sweat of heaven , when the air is rent asunder , by the warring clouds . alb. antonio here ! good heavens how kind you are , to crown my wishes at their very birth ! [ approaching him ast. take heed sir , here●s some bold ruffian in disguise : ant. fear not my boy , my stars are not so kind . alb. sir , i wou'd entreat a word with you in private . alb. takes him apart & discovers himself . ant. ha! do i dream , or is the villain here ? away my boy . ast. i cannot leave you here . ant. away you must , you shall , deny me not . [ exit ast. alb. 't was my desire too that he should leave the place , for now i've time to tell thee all my fortune , the various winding of my restless fate . ant. what means the traitor ? [ aside alb. besides i must enquire , and you can give me best intelligence ; why does my sister thus absent from court , and dim its lustre by her close retirement ? ant. hear heavens this matchless impudence , and blush , does not that name like a loud night alarm spread a chill horrour thro' thy trembling veins , and chase thy bloud from out the desert channels ? alb. good gods this tune again ! ant. damnation seize thee : dost thou not see the monster that pursues thee ? look how it yawns like a devouring whirl-pool , as if it meant to swallow thee alive : his eyes are burning glasses , whence proceed such sulphurous flames , whose stench will blast thy senses ; what noisome mists are belcht from his gaping mouth ? his tongue spits floods of venome , and his reaching tail sweeps down whole mountains : on his cristed back so many massy spheres arise , that you wou'd swear whole armies came to your destruction . alb i can see nought . ant. it comes invisible , draw and prepare to meet it's fury . [ draws alb. i fear you rave ; what must i fight with shadows ? ant. then to be plain , it lodges here alberto , here is the den of the infernal beast , which gnaws upon my bowells , till it finds its destin'd prey ; its name's revenge . alb. revenge from you indeed does seem a monster . ant. curse on your cowardly delays , wilt thou draw ? alb. not till i know the cause of this strange fury . ant. i scarce have so much patience as to tell thee : thou hadst a sister , i a mistriss once . alb. and hope i have one yet , why what of her ? ant. ha! has that name no horrour in it yet ; canst thou remember her without a blush ? alb. yes my antonio , when i think of her i have less guilt than i expected ; for if my wronging her's my only fault , heavens knows i am innocent . [ enter astella . ant. hell is then divine less tyranny and horrour harbours there : if for to kill a sister be a virtue let me be vicious heaven . ast. what means this passion ? alb. ha! is she dead then ? oh my misconstruing soul ! by what untimely fate ? ant. confusion ! i shall grow mad : give me some temper gods ! no , no , it cannot be — her murder'd ghost lashes me with her bloudy dabled tresses and prompts me to revenge ; thus i will take it . ast. o stay your barbarous hand from this black deed , which but to speak of wou'd canker the mouth of fame , and make your memory infectious . ant. away , or thro' thy heart i 'le force a passage . ast. thro' it then sir , rip every artery , how willingly i 'de part with all my blood , to quench this raging fire in your breast ; by all the powers we serve , you shall not pass untill you tell the cause that moves you thus . ant. insolent feeble thing stand not the blast , which dire revenge is pouring on its prey . [ pressing to go : ast. holds him alb. no , let him come , for i 'me prepar'd to meet him , nor will i stir , unless discharg'd by death , [ draws untill i learn the story of my sisters fate . ast. his sisters fate ! what means my brother ? [ aside my noble lord , give me to know his crime , and with this arm i 'le further your revenge . ant. oh florimo ! thou dost renew my grief : is 't not a crime my boy to kill a sister so beauteous , so divine ? ( oh my sad soul ! ) that heaven has lost the mould it form'd her in , and grieving at the matchless work it made in envy cropt her in her early bloom . ast. and is 't for this , you 've griev'd since first i saw you ? was 't for her you shed so many tears , and follow now those showers with a storm ? ant. is there not cause my boy ? ast. oh my charm'd soul ? keep still that love , unless you 'de have me dye . but follow not this false deluding fire , which draws you to the ruine of your friend : your mistriss is alive , your words have rais'd her , and look how in my habit she appears . ant. by heaven 't is she ! oh to my arms my love , [ embraces her yet closer ; in this circle let me grow ▪ speak once again , speak thou charmer of my soul , whilst all the ravish'd spheres shall cease their noise , and listen unto thee : forgive me heaven , who dar'd to call your bounteous care in question . but speak ; dear saint , say what relenting god has sav'd thee from those sacrilegious hands which sought to ruine so divine a fabrick . ast. o forbear thus to reproach your friend , some villain has betray'd you to this rage : i thought you false when so reserv'd to me , and in this habit came to try my fate ; but since i 've found the error of my jealousy let me cement your seperated friendship , and gain my pardon , by restoring him . ant. thy pardon ! oh that word 's a dagger to me , and makes me see the foulness of my crime , a crime for which my expiating tears , can never merrit pardon from alberto ; how shall i dare to look on so much goodness , which i 've prophan'd with my unjust suspitions ? alb. your constancy in love has cancell'd all . ant. is such divinity then left on earth , shall these unhallow'd arms have leave t' embrace thee ? alb. thus let us quite forget our dire mistakes . [ embrace . ant. we will ; but i must ne're forgive these credulous ears , which listen'd to ricardo's painted tale ; oh! such a dismall scheme of horrour he had drawn as stifl'd all consideration in me : so that when e're a start of reason bar'd me , the black idea flew before my fancy and drove the murmuring vanquisht from my breast . alb ▪ but now my friend , since the dire vision 's fled , let us away , and court the vice-roys favour ; for by that happy instrument , my man , i 've gain'd a spell to charm his spanish rage . ant. i will : but thou my love retire , and appear no more my servant , but the mistriss of my soul. ast. this habit has befriended me so much , that 't were ingratitude to throw it off , untill my joys compleat . enter bernardo and lopez . ber.

this was a treacherous trick lopez , but i 'le forgive you , if you 'l make good your promise . — sir since it must be so , i here stand ready to witness all that i have said .

lop.

ay sir , the devill and your gold will help him out , [ to alb. ne're fear it ; tho' every word were false :

alb. 't is well : but yet to gain the vice-roys credit , 't is requisite the soldiers shou'd be there : art thou acquainted with them bernardo ? ber. as well as they are with their trade of murder sir ▪ alb. go find 'em out , and bring 'em to the pallace . now friend and sister let us hast to court , and with enflam'd desires let 's all entreat the guardian powers of innocence above , to punish villany and smile on love. [ exeunt alb. ant. ast. at one door : lop. and ber. at the other . enter vice-roy , ricardo , and atendants . scene , the pallace . ric. i beg you sir , dismiss these needless fears . v. r. o' thou 'st undone me with they loyalty , thou like a blasting-winde did'st rove about to seek a breath of pestilentiall air , which having found thou drov'st it not away , but enviously scatter'd the death around , and blew the dire contagion into me . mendoza's ▪ family is quite extinct , the only branch that 's left is withering , and leaves the sapless oak to mourn its loss . ric. not so my lord , a virgins tears flow easy and naturall as tydes ; and like to them they 've all their ebbs . tho' she may mourn awhile , time and the grave will banish dea● alberto , and give admittance to another lover . v. r. but time and she will not be long ally'd , a winding-sheet must be the geniall bed , a funerall-dirge the hymeneall song and greedy worms the only joyfull guests . had'st thou but seen , how when i did approach her with rowling eyes she wander'd o're my visage , and learn't the story e're i was aware , but when my foolish tongue explain'd my looks , she stood all pale and motionless , as is a marble statue , and with a silent glance reproacht my joy , strait starting as she were upon the wing , she snatch'd a dagger offering at her breast , which when our hasty zeal disarm'd her of , then came the storm : her golden tresses torn , two different elements warr'd in her cheeks the air that swell'd 'em , and the fire enflam'd 'em , whilst the obstinate strings above , congeal'd and wanting ven● , ●efus'd a drop to quench the eager flame : her breath too , which before was calm and spicy , as is arabia's gentle eastern breeze , which fanns and opens all the balmy sweets , now sends out nought but rage 'gainst the heavens , mingl'd with curses of her cruell father , strait like the dying portia she exclaim'd , altho' this fails , there are a thousand ways to dye , kind death will lend a dart to them that seek it , nor will his arrow suffer a repulse , how'er vain man thinks he is arm'd against it . ric. oh! how he stings me with his eloquence , his rage the hinge on which my fortune hangs , will be quite melted by this foolish mourning . aside my lord , you 'l give me leave to wonder , that so mild a temper shou'd be thus enrag'd . v. r. o' thou' rt a stranger to that fatall passion : does not the gentlest stream when 't is oppos'd , break out into a rappid inundation ? ric. but when the cause is spent it fed upon 't is hush't ; so may your daughters sorrow too . go to her , and try her sir ; duty will plead in my behalf , and since alberto's dead , urge her to accept the man whom you propose . v. r. ha! this to me again ? o'ye good gods ! is thy ambition swell'd to such a height , that thou woud'st have my daughter spite of death ? is this thy love ? lust by my soul ! damn'd burning lust ! but since your saucy haste has thus provok'd me , i 'le to that drooping flower and there enquire , what anger did refuse to hear before , and if i finde what i suspect ricardo i 'le heap such loads of misery upon thee , shall crush thy soul , and sink thee into hell , italian spite , and spanish jealosy shall twine their snakes , to lash and torture thee . [ exit . ricardo solus . ric. nay then , i 'me ruind , and for ever lost . how sweet is hope to man's aspiring thoughts , which makes 'em like camelions live on air , and hug their slender plots ? but when that 's fled , then comes the dismall sad catastrophe . those threats were vain , for i 've a fury here begins to lash and sting my guilty soul , conscience that blood-hound , which tracks falling greatness ▪ had but my shafts hit right to my desire , i wou'd have laugh'd even in the face of heaven ; and rais'd in raptures equall to the gods , brav'd all the force of hell , made envy gnas● , to see me mounted above its reach ▪ but now alberto's death beats an alarm unto my guilty conscience : my affrighted blood retires and leaves my trembling arms , shaking like tender willows at the northern wind : my feet the feeble basis of this tottering pyramide , cleave close unto the earth , whilst my erected hair ( stiffer then bristles on a shooting porcupine ) stares in the very face of angry iove , as i were thunder-stoork . enter alberto , antonio , astella . ha! the ill stomack't earth , vomits her dead to torture me ! am i inviron'd round with ghosts ? hide me ye powers from their amazing looks , spread an eternall darkness o're the world that they may wander still in ignorance , and never finde me out : alb. what horrid sounds are these ? — and from ricardo ? he takes me for a ghost ; away my friend , attone the vice-roys anger , whilst i , here humour this villains mistaken penitence . ant. we will , and may success attend you . [ exeunt ant. ast. ric. will nothing then conceal me ? alb. heaven cannot hide you from my just revenge , without the forfeiture of goodness ▪ murder that crying sin , has like a powerfull spell summon'd my scarce cold corps from out its urn to force an accusation of thy conscience . ric. mount , mount my soul , and with the swiftest winds fly to some unknown land , where the affrighted sun ner'e yet durst enter , nor the astonish'd heavens think on a place so horrid : where death surfeits his fatall arrow , and each funerall knell yel'd by a dying mandrake proves still the dirge of an ensuing frailty . o' my sick conscience ! is there no cure ? no sanctuary for my poor relenting soul ? let me then sink , sink to the center , release those captive gyants that now groan under the heavy weight of mighty mountains , and hurl 'em all , all one me , to press me down beyond the reach of register : let me not suffer even in their annalls , but let a sad mortality of remembrance seize succeeding times , that i may fall forgotten by all the world ▪ alb. is this the way to expiate thy crime ? are prophane wishes thy repentance ? oh take heed ! do not precipitate thy inclining ruine ; pull not that hovering justice on thy head , lest it shou'd fall no less than fatall on thee . ric. pardon blest form my rash devotion ! [ kneels . entomb revenge among those sacred reliques , and let thy incens'd ghost sleep in its peacefull urn : draw hence those looks fill'd with such killing horrour , and every day shall add new trophys to thy mercy . alb. think'st thou my patient ghost can rest secure , whilst thy majestick cruelty does trample or'e the ruines of my love and honour ? and shall no pious envy seek to abate thy triumph ? shall wrong'd innocence lye unreveng'd ? ric. is their no expiation for my offence ? withdraw thy anger , and i 'le renounce my love , and yield my title to the fair miranda ; she shall embalm you with her daily tears and offer sighs like incense at your tomb ▪ alb. i dare not trust you . ric. hear me ye powers above : when next i name my sacrilegious love , [ kneels . may i be haunted by thy murmuring ghost , may all the plagues which crimes like mine deserve , ( arm'd with a double force ) light on my head : but hast and signe the warrant of my peace . enter vice-roy , antonio , astella . guards and attendants . v. r. oh to my arms , thou noble generous youth , and look a kind forgiveness to thy father , else i shall faint beneath my load of guilt : what floods of penitential tears can e're wash off the stains are printed on my brow , and drown the memory of thy mighty wrongs ? alb. oh let me pay my humbler duty thus . [ kneels by heaven my loyal heart does bow within me , and i must sink beneath the grave to adore you , unless you 'l raise me by some kinder words . v. r. wilt thou then rob thee of thy virtues due ? thus i will pay it on my trembling knees , spite of thy obstinate humility . [ kneeling alb. if you will kneel , kneel to those guardian powers who 've freed you from the toils and treacherous snares of that false man. v. r. o rise , and since thy goodness can forgive me , let me put on the lion once again , and fix my justice on that horrid slave . ric. then he is living , and i am deceiv'd , wheedled to ruine by a trick of conscience : i thank ye gods for your little honesty ! v. r. where are my guards ; go take that traytor hence , 't is justice now , not tyranny commands you . ric. stay till i make my peace with this most wrong'd , most innocent , gallant , brave young man. [ to alb. here let me beg a pardon for my crimes , if gods have power such injuries to forgive ; by all your wrongs i mourn my black designs , [ kneels . 't is worse than hell to think i did attempt to murder you — and yet to miss my aim — [ offers a pistol at alberto . ant. per●idious dog ! [ ant. prevents him . v. r. away with him , or he will say my presence shades his guilt . ric. 't was basely done : for he is brave and noble , and i a villain thus to abuse his goodness , and fool to bar that love which heaven cements ; love is a pure and immateriall being , which graspt by such polluted hands as mine does vanish and leaves an empty cloud : why shou'd i then oppose the stream ? no , let me to some private cell resort , learn to forget the pleasures of the court , my guilt and folly be my grief and sport . [ exit with guards . v. r. impious traytor , who with the self-same breath , vows penitence to heaven , revenge to hell . enter maria. mar. your daughter royall sir , desires your company about some business of importance relating to your peace and hers . alberto here ! alive ! nay then it will not be a barren plot . [ aside . v. r. we will attend her instantly . alb. maria , how fares my angell ; how does my life , my soul ? mar. you 'l know too soon . [ aside . alb. ha! not look upon me ? o' my misgiving heart ! v. r. fear not my son , only some clouds are gather'd by your death , but soon your presence will dry up her tears and clear her brow : lead on , no longer i 'le defer your joys . [ exeunt v. r. alb. ant. mar. o' how i tremble at the dreadfull scene ! [ ast. and guards . but since a beam of light does warm her hopes and hath dispell'd the vice-roys jealous storm , fain'd death shall grasp 'em in a pleasing form . [ exit . the scene draws , and discovers miranda leaning on a table ; a cup by her . she rises . mir. what 's death , that silly mortals thus shou'd fear it ? only a passage to a better life , when the imprison'd soul throws off its fetters , and flys into immortall liberty : then wellcome death to love so pure as mine , which shall imprint an angells stamp upon it , and free my soul to meet alberto in the air . i come my love , the thoughts of thee so charm me that yet methinks i feel no pain at all ; the fatall potion tasted to my pallat like the rich nectar that preserves the gods , and i 'me methinks in health : only a pleasing faintness glides thro' my fancy with a cold alarm . here will i sit , till i can see my father , to tell him , fate has granted me a pasport ; then take the wing and fly to endless bliss . [ song within . enter vice-roy , alberto , antonio and astella : guards and attendants . scene the last . v. r. weeping miranda ! eternall horror seize me , if she does not smile too : so the sun shines amidst the fiercest showers . but why my daughter ? speak , for it racks my fancy ! rise and speak . mir. o' i must never rise , till i mount up an angell into heaven . alb. to heaven ! o' my fears ! wrap me eternall night : are these my promi'st joys ? v. r. o' rise my child : i know it well thou mourn'st alberto's loss , but here is magick in this face to cure thee . [ presents alb. to her . mir. alberto ! o' ye powers , then does he live ? alb. he lives , my fair one : but oh that life 's a curse , unless you 'l raise that beauteous map of heaven , and say , why dost thou grieve , that he 's alive ? mir. have i not cause to grieve and curse my stars , since we must part , for ever part alberto . alb. for ever part — thou kill'st me with the sound : art thou then false ? the very thought 's a crime . thro' all this mist , i see thy constant flames dart their kind beams into my tortur'd breast : v. r. why dost thou talk of parting , when thy father stands here to heal the wounds of injur'd love ? here take alberto , take him to thy arms . [ presents alb. to her . mir. o stop that breath of kindness , 't is infectious , and tortures me more then the working poyson . alb. the poyson , ha ! v. r. what says my childe ? mir. the fatall deed will out i thought him dead , and therefore i contriv'd to drink a poys'nous draught , which working up thro' all the pores of life , shou'd drive the soul , and send it panting to the other world. forgive me love — that 's all i ask — oh heavens ! alb. i 'le ●ear no more — where 's providence and all those sacred powers that secure innocence , are they all asleep ? or is the frame of nature quite dissolv'd ? i 've heard how at her latest pangs , the world will strait roll up into the endless heap : the sun be extinguisht like a lamp that 's spent : the moon withdraw its crescent into night ; the stars like pointed meteors shoot to chaos ▪ the elements shall run to meet each other , and blindly mix their jarring principles , and when this beauteous harmony must dye , shall not one attom of it cease to move ? yes i 'le begin the fatall sacrifice , [ is going to the cup. the v. r. stays him . and tell the world what 's due to so much beauty . v. r. hold , or you heap new loads of guilt upon me : what must you suffer for my impious rashness ? no let me dye , ( the cursed source of all ) the gods themselves are pleas'd when great men fall . mir. forbear , or you will hurry me away in a tempestuous grief . why father , why alberto , why shou'd you dye ? i charge ye live , or you will torture my departed ghost , which swift as light'ning shall avoid your presence . by heaven you 've rais'd a strugling in my breast , and peacefull death 's become a spectere to me . alb. o do not plead against thy self miranda : why art thou poison'd but to follow me ? mir. because my father wou'd have forc'd my will , but now relenting nature yields to love , and he has given you all that 's left of me . enter maria. mar. i see it works . [ aside . v. r. that makes not me less guilty ; death , hell , and vengeance why was i good too late ? so the fall'n angells saw their wretched state , repented , but alas ! their heaven was fled , and left 'em for reward despair and hell : then shall i , o black ingratitude ! shall i , for all the smarting wounds which i have made return him nought , but cold m●●anda's corse ? a precious salve to cure a bleeding heart ! mar. my plots are ripe , and i will give 'em birth : [ aside . great sir , upon my knees ● beg you 'l hear me ; if heaven restores , your dying poison'd daughter , will you continue in this resolution , and give her ( as sure you ought ) to brave alberto ? v. r. why dost thou ask that strange untimely question ? cou'd she be sav'd — but 't is impossible ; altho' the sighs of injur'd love ascend like incense , yet my loud crimes will drown their softer murmures . by all their wrongs i 'de drein my dearst blood to quench the raging venome in her breast ; then with my latest breath bequeath her to alberto . mar. o' sir ! these generous words [ pointing to miranda . like charms shall have the power to raise the dead . ant. what a successive change of wonder 's here ! mar. thus i 'le apply their virtue — rise madam . mir. what folly 's this ? mar. i beg you madam rise : think that alberto may , or will be yours , and strait your pulse will beat as brisk as ever , the blood shall dance and flourish in your cheeks , except what too much grief has d●ein'd away . v. r. ha! does she live ? speak but that word maria , i 'le give thee all my treasure : alb. i , the world. mar. she lives my lord. v. r. o' 't is enough maria ! alb. it is too much : — thus let me kneel my saint , and look and gaze unto eternity . v. r. not all the transports of your eager love must rob me of the duty of a father . alb. i was too blame — here let us kneel miranda , as to a pardoning god , and wait our doom ▪ v. r. you take me for the cruell father still ; o' rise , and do not cloud this scene of joy ▪ come to my arms miranda — still thou fear'st , but thus i 'le crown your happiness , and my peace : [ gives her to alberto . alb. which thus i seal . — but kind maria , say , how hast thou wrought this cure ? or do we dream , rais'd by a false imaginary joy ? mar. her fancy'd pain indeed is but a dream , but thus i clear your f●ars and doubts , my lord , i griev'd , great sir , your kindness for ricardo must sacrifice the affections of a daughter , and promist to prepare the potion for her ( when urg'd by grief to that extremity : ) but hoping you 'de revoke the cruell sentence , when fearing the effects by such a loss , i workt her fancy to believe that poyson which only dull'd the vigour of the spirits . mir. i was mistaken , but yet so kindly i d'e wish for ever to be so deceiv'd . v. r. antonio , pardon all the wrongs you 've born , and take my friendship as return in part . [ embraces him ant. great sir , this grace has more than cancell'd all : but let me beg your highnesses consent , to make me happy in this fair ladies love. v. r. this lady ? alb. astella sir , my sister . v. r. you have it sir ; but why in this disguise ? ant. plung'd in the same mistake that threatn'd all , she came on some designe to try my love. mir. sister ( for so i must for ever call you ) pardon my forc'd neglect of you unknown . ast. your own misfortunes are a sufficient plea. [ salute . clashing of swords within : enter fabio with his sword drawn . fab. great sir , ricardo breaking from his prison , comes like a torrent spite of opposition ; and forcing all the guards , that bar'd his way , with a drawn sword wrested from their hands ●s entring here . — but see he comes . enter ricardo with a sword. v. r. infernall monster ! was ever sight like this , that villany shou'd make a coward valiant ? can hell breath virtue ? — yes , a brutall one ! but thus i 'le meet and crush the monstrous birth ▪ ric. here sir , wreak all your fury on this villain , think not i 'de offer at your sacred life , [ throws his sword to the v. r. death i am come to seek , but since your guards have fail'd , and i 've the noblest from your hand , strike sir , for i 'me prepar'd . v. r. prepar'd ? 't is false : when thousand crimes like weights press'd down thy soul ; yes thou art ready slave , for hell thou' rt ripe : lust and ambition have rac'd out the man , and being a devil thou long'st to be at home . ric. 't is true , i 'me worse then you can paint me sir , therefore to ask a pardon were to arraign heaven●s justice and make its mercy pandar to my sins . why are you slow then to be heavens avenger ? v. r. i will avenge it , but another way , guards seize him once again , and mark me all your lives are forfeit for the next escape : in chains he shall behold alberto's nuptials , that he may swell with envy till he burst . ric. by heaven , not all your armies here should seize me : pardon me sacred sir , i say they shou'd not , not that i dread to see the happy nuptials , for every binding word wou'd ease my soul ; yes sir , i joy more for their happiness , than i can grieve for my own sordid baseness ▪ but to lye lingri●g in a lazy prison , wou'd rob expecting justice of its prey , therefore to satisfy the hovering sword , thus i 'me ricardo's executioner . [ offers to stabs himself . alb. interposes , and takes it from him . alb. hold , and may heaven forgive what 's past as i do now . o sacred sir , or if the name of father can plead more strongly , pitty this penitent , i read a deep contrition in his eyes ; let him not fall a victim to despair , when one kind breath can blow away his crimes , and cause the horrid leprosy to vanish . ric. this goodness from you , noble , generous youth , sinks me the deeper ; o restore the dagger , for since all hope of pardon 's fled away , nothing can torture me like this delay . v. r. to recompence the wrongs which you 've sustain'd , what is 't i wou'd not do ? but son beware , take heed how you believe these new-coin'd looks , and these false sighs , lest they shou'd prove infectious ; for proteus-like he can take every shape scrue himself up into an humble saint ▪ to serve his black designs , and if that miss strut like a peacock in his gaudy trim , and shew all lucifer ; nay , he can make even contradictions meet to gain his ends . ric. therefore kind sir , kill me lest i work more mischief . alb. but now that borrow'd habit 's quite thrown off , stript by the vulture conscience of his plumes . kneel , kneel ricardo , for methinks i see , a calm of pitty gently chase the tempest , and smooth the furrows of his angry brow . [ both kneel . think of the power of love great sir ; what heart is proof , what virtue is so strong and adamantine which the resistless heat of his attacques cannot melt to vice ? v. r. rise both ; ricardo rise ; for sure such generosity must awe thee , and force each start of envy to retire ; therefore i pardon you your life , but for your crimes banish you for ever from our court. ric. ha! pardon did you say ? name it again , for yet i cannot trust my credulous ears . v. r. you may : ric. o sir let me devour your feet , gr●w to the earth in prostrate adoration , and end my life in this so happy transport ▪ hence to some gloomy desert i 'le retreat , black as my crimes and my deserved fate where no kind cell , or neighbouring lodge is found but wild campain , and bare unhospitable ground ; there from my breast vollies of sighs shall rise shall thaw th' avenging justice of the skies to mercy ; while the pittying gods shall dain : to give me back my i●nocence again : there my last stake in penitential tears , in rigid pennance , fasts , and midnight prayers● , i 'le spend , till heaven and you i can attone , and merit this forgiveness you have shown . [ exit guarded . enter lopez , bernardo and soldiers . 1. sol. may it please your highness — v. r. what means your insolence ? 1. sol. this importunate fellow , because he help'd me to save that lords life , pretends i owe him something ; now i make your highness my judge ; v. r. i understand you ; therefore let each man have twenty crowns : alb. lopez , i shall reward you for your care . ant. and you bernardo may remain with me . ber. i thank you sir , for i was terribly afraid of my master . v. r. but all their services had been in vain , had not maria brought this last reprieve , which i shall study how to recompence . alb. now my miranda , since the fates are kind , we may reflect upon our dangers past : ( as a befriended traveller returns , and when his country 's grown familiar with him , his fancy roves o're all the dismall scene , the roling seas , the fearfull beasts of prey , and all the terrours that beset his way , whilst every horrour swells his trembling joy , and still renews those pleasures which wou'd ●●oy : ) then for a monument we 'le erect this rule , and fix it on the portall of loves school ; few lovers can be always in the right , mistakes and quarrells heighten their delight . finis .

epilogue . spoken by mr. montfort . stay gentlemen , and give your suffrages ; for on your votes depends ricardo's pe●ce : doom'd to be exil'd , as i past along the poet singl'd me from out the throng ; frowning , he charg'd me er'e i went away , to come and beg excuse for his dull play : which if i gain'd he promis'd to repeal the hasty doom of his poetick zeal . but by my hast my message i 've forgot ; i must say something , yet i know not what : but only this , 't is to both sexes sent , and to the one but a rough complement . the men he fears not , for he says he writ so dull to please , and he is sure t' will hit , where ten dull fops are for one man of wit ; who , if the writer stumbles on a thought , dam it they cry , the b●ttle brought that out : but if insipid , they cry one and all , oh 't is unaffected , strange and naturall : like mahomet , who whoredome does allow , because a crime which nature prompts us to ▪ but from the ladies on a double score , i wou'd a favourable glance implore ; you like an adamant the m●n attract ; what e're gains your assent , they make an act : see how the criticall committee wait , from your fair brows the poets doubtfull fate : do not for once then blast the infant bud , which by your sunshine may in time grow ripe and good ▪ but if no favour you design t' impart , but rather with his numerous foes take part ; he swears he cares not for your cruelty , but says , he 'l go on pilgrimage with me , and the whole ●rain of fops and beaux defy ▪