THE PHAENIX IN HER FLAMES. A TRAGEDY.
The Scene, Arabia.
The Author, Master William Lower.
LONDON, Printed by Thomas Harper, for Micha [...]l Young, 1639.
TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL, MY Most honoured Cosin, Thomas Lower Esquire, humbly; Health and Happinesse.
Sir,
IT was once disputed within me, whether to give this poore Phaenix birth or buriall, whether to commit her to the fire, and suppresse her in her ashes, or let her ascend againe in her owne nature and live; there was onely one reason to perswade the former, and that was your favourable and courteous approbation, divers considerations to urge the later, but the chiefest of all her imperfections. I have adventured notwithstanding by vertue of your patronage, to expose her to the publicke view and censure of the world, no longer now behaving my selfe as I have scene a timorous young souldier at his first entrance i'th' warre, ducke downe the head at every shot of th' enemy, but [Page] rather as a bold and experienced Martialist under your Colours, runne resolutely on up to the Canons mouth of the most carping and most malitious Critick whatsoever, needing no other fortification then your protection, which is a sufficient guard and defence against their strongest invasion. Cherish this innocent bird that flyes into your bosome for sanctuary, respect her for her rarity, though shee can plead no other merit, and in lieu of such noble favour, she hath vow'd (when she expires) to make her selfe in her flames your sacrifice, as I
Your servant, WILLIAM LOWER.
Prologue.
THis aire shall be perfum'd, and every sence
Delighted with sweet smelling frankinsence
And aromatick fumes: for please you know,
Gentle Spectators, from our Sceane doth grow
Abundance of such fragrant stuffe, you'll see
A Play that breathes Arabian spicerie,
And such a dolefull story as may take
Your minds to see a Prince and Princesse fate
Presented, and their hard adventures showne,
Yea make you weepe, and think they are your own:
Our Poet feares none but the common wits,
Who think a Sceane's not good unles it fits
Their merry humours with some apish toyes,
And peevish jeasts fancyed by girles and boyes,
Despis'd by abler judgements, who desire
A sad and solid matter, such a fire
Is kindled for you heere; we feare no blame
Shall brand our Phaenix in her Funerall flame.
Dramatis personae.
- The King of Arabia.
- Amandus Prince of Damascus.
- Consolario his Tut [...]ur.
- A Colonell of his.
- A Gentleman of his.
- Perseus Prince of Persia.
- The Embassadour of Egipt.
- Alecto Nephew to the King. 5 Theeves.
Rapinus. Captaines of the theeves. Praedarius. - Lucinda Princesse of Egipt.
- Sara her Maid.
- Phaenicia daughter to the King.
- Saba her Maid.
- Her Doctor.
- Besides Messengers and attendants.
The Phaenix in her Flames. A Tragedy.
Actus Primus, Scena Prima.
Amandus, Consolario.
Cons.
SIr, do not grieve, it is the chance of warre,
Cheer up, & triumph in despight of fortune,
What fals without the compasse of redresse
To sorrow for, argues a feeble spirit,
And it doth nothing suit your Princely minde
Too much to yeeld to passion.
Amand.
I confesse,
Morall Philosophy doth teach as much,
And you have given me precepts, read me lectures
Of fickle fortunes mutability,
How madly, and without consideration,
She doth conferre her favours, yet my sufferings
(How great you know my faithfull Consolario)
Are of that nature, as but counterpoiz'd
In equall ballance with weake humane frailty,
They would in spite of my resistance weigh me
Down, down unto she ground.
Cons.
[Page]How noble Prince,
Your passion hath unrectifi'd your minde,
And lead you into errour, did you never
Read and believe what Scipio Affricanus
Said unto some commanders of his army?
That he did shew a greater magnanimity
In mastering the affections of his minde,
Then in o'rethrowing armies, conquering kingdomes.
Apply this noble Roman, to your selfe,
Sweet Prince Amandus, what although your state
Be desperate now, your Country almost ruin'd,
Your army fled, and your chiefe City strait
Besieg'd by these Barbarians, if you can
Beare with a constant patience what the will
Of heaven doth lay on you, no doubt you shall
Purchase a greater glory to your selfe
By manly suffering what yon cannot helpe,
Than Geolon the Tartar, though the fates
Surrender faire Damascus to his hands.
Amand.
Why should the partiall fates be so unjust,
So cruell to me? had my fortune been
Good as my right, the lot of griefe had falne
Vpon another soile: and thou my Country,
My dearest Country, hadst not felt these wrongs,
These miseries of warre thou now sustainest;
The carefull husbandman had then enjoy'd
His harvest to himselfe, and reap'd the fruits
Of his owne labours, had not seene his house
Burnt to the very ground, his Vineyards spoil'd,
His fields laid waste; the wofull father then
With bleeding heart had not beheld his daughter,
His fairest daughter ravish'd in his sight,
And his chaste wife lye prostituted to
The lust of common souldiers, whilst al [...]
He stands spectator of the loathed Scene,
Whose death at last shuts up the tragedy:
These things had never hapned if my c [...]se,
Had been consider'd, nor this [...] Ci [...]y
[Page] (Whose lefty turrets wrap themselves in clouds)
Had never been begirt thus round about
By forraine foes.
Enter a Gentleman with a letter.
What newes bring you my friend?
Gent.
Sir, heavy newes, this letter will inform you
Sent from the Governour, which to bring hither
In a disguised shape, I pass'd the guards,
The trenches and the campe of Geolon,
With thousand hazards of my life, all which
I reckon not to doe my Noble Prince,
My Prince Amandus service.
Amand.
You are welcome,
And we congratulate your safe arrivall;
But in what state did poore Damascus stand
When you departed thence? how victualled?
How furnished with ammunition was it?
How long can it hold out? first I will heare
Your sad relation ere I breake the seale.
Gent.
O Sir, I'm sorry my unworthy mouth
Should be the organ to convey a sound
Vnto your Princely eares, so harsh as this,
So dolefull, so unpleasant, I would rather
Be silent in a story of such woe;
Yet since you doe command me, know my Liege
The City is distress'd for want of food:
All their provision is consum'd and spent,
And nothing left for to sustaine their lives.
These two moneths have they fed upon the flesh
Of horses, dogs, and cats, now they are driven
To such an exigent, as they begin
To eate sod leather, yea the excrement
Of men and beasts, and which is more, their flesh,
Their proper flesh: this day within Damascus,
I saw a sight which grieves me to relate,
It did appeare so horrid, 'twas a woman
[Page] With hunger pin'd▪ who had not eat a bit
In seven dayes space of any [...]ustenance,
Fore'd with her knife to cut her infants throat
That suckt upon her breast, to satisfie
With its sweet fl [...]sh her ravenous appetite:
And for the ammunition of the towne▪
As powder, bullets, match, and such materials
O [...] warre, 'tis almost spent, for three yeeres [...]ege
Cannot but empty well the magazine;
Yet notwithstanding all this misery,
(Such as the like I thinke was never heard
Or seene in any age) they are resolv'd
(So much their loyall hearts affect their Prince)
Never to yeeld the towne, so long as any
Survives to make resistance, and despise
All quarter, all reward that hath been offer'd
By Geolon the Tartar▪
Amand.
Cons [...]o,
Where are you now with your Philosophy?
You'r gone, you'r gone, will you preach patience yet
To wretched me your pupill? can you open
Your mouth to that [...]ect in such a deluge,
In such an inundation of my woes?
No, 'tis in vaine, I can receive no comfort:
Open ye watry sluces of mine eyes,
And let out teares enough to drowne my heart,
My heart that's gaul'd for poore Damascus sake,
And my deere friends within: O had the heavens
Showr'd cataracts upon me, had their plagues
Drunke up my moysture, till my shattered bones
Had crumbled into dust, had I excus'd
My country with my fall, my peacefull ashes
Had fill'd their urne in silence, whereas now
Even life is tedious.
Consol.
Sir, I am your tutor,
And I must chide you though you are my Prince,
When I perceive you erre as now you doe
Through weakenesse of your you [...] ▪ e [...]e I should show
[Page] No love nor duty, these grey haires of mine,
Which time hath turn'd into a silver hue,
Know something of the world, and my experience,
How ere you slight it, hath seene many changes
And alterations wrought in mighty states.
I have waded through the various passages
Of a long life, and therefore can instruct
Your youth in the right way, if you but lend
An eare unto my counsels: harke my sonne,
I'le tell you plainely, you degenerate
In this intemperance of your griefe,
From the brave stock of your progenitors,
Your royall predecessors; fie for shame,
Wrong not your vertue to be desperate,
O bury not in the forgetfull grave,
Nor drown in this Laethean floud your glories,
Your former glories purchas'd on your foes
By your so oft relieving of your country▪
Rowse up your drowsie spirits, and mitigate
Your swelling passions, till I finde a way,
A way to cure your sorrowes.
Amand.
Heaven reward thee
For this sweet Balsom thou hast powr'd into
My wounded heart, your words have eas'd me of
A great part of the burthen which oppress'd me,
And I referre me wholly to your wisedome,
To perfect what you have so well begun;
Now to my letter, here's sad matter sure.
Opens and reads the letter.
Sir, so miserable is the state and condition of the towne for want of food to sustaine us (as this bearer can more particularly informe you) that unlesse we have speedy reliefe, I feare Damascus will be taken in upon an assault, for our me [...] are so weake through hunger, as they are scarce able to come up and visit the breach, notwithstanding we are resolved rather to dye there, then surrender: so much we preferre your good before our own safety.
Amand.
[Page]Now Consolario, what will you advise me
To doe in this extremity of fate?
Harke how the Ordnance battereth the walles
Of yond faire City, how the Muskettiers
Discharge whole volleyes; 'tis some salley sure,
Made by the brave besieg'd; how doe I talke,
They are too weake, too feeble to attempt it,
Poore hunger-sterv'd soules; may it not be
A Mine sprung in the rampire of the towne,
And an assault made? O I feare 'tis so,
My minde presageth ill, mine armes, sa, [...]a,
I'le once againe attempt for to relieve it,
Although repulsed last.
Consolar.
Sir, 'tis in vaine,
They are too strong entrench'd for your weake power
To make an entrance, had you not experience
Too sad, last time by l [...]sse of your owne bloud,
And slaughter of your men, what folly 'twas
For to attempt impossibilities?
You may fall on, and loose your selfe and souldiers
Vnnecessarily, and to no purpose:
But this yon cannot terme true [...]ortitude,
But rather rashnes [...]e and temerity;
For 'tis a policy in warre, sometimes
For to preserve your souldiers, as it is
At other times to put them upon service:
But 'tis not proper now, stay and attend
The sequell of this businesse.
Enter a Colonell.
Colonell,
Can you informe the Prince what did occasion
The shooting that we heard now nee [...] the town:
V▪ as it a sally▪ or a triumph made
By the Tartarians for their good successe.
In conquering this Kingdom?
Colo [...]
Neither Sir,
[Page] But an assault alas upon Damascus,
A souldier that escap't, told me the manner,
And thus it was: After the enemy
Had sprung their Mine, which levelled the rampire,
And made a breach that eight might march in front:
They did assault it with their multitudes,
And furiously fell on: thrice the besieg'd,
Though hunger-sterv'd, repuls'd them, thrice they were
Enforc'd to quit the breach, some had their braines
Dash'd out with stones and beames, others with flailes
Receiv'd their deaths, and some whose limbs were rent
To pieces with granadoes, but at length,
Fresh succours from the quarters comming downe,
And Hydra-like encreasing, they prevail'd,
When all our men were slaine in the defence,
Before they entred: onely this poore souldier
Escap't whilst they were pillaging the towne,
From whom I learnt this sad intelligence.
Amand.
Now fortune doe thy worst, and if thou canst,
Make me more wretched, I'le no longer now
Fl [...]tter thy malice; since mine eyes have seene
The finall period of my Countries fate.
Come Consolario, thou and I, and these,
Will travell like poore pilgrims through the world,
For I am weary of this desolation,
And as we passe through this and to'ther Realme,
We will inquire their state, that I may finde,
If possible, a partner in my griefe.
Deere Colonell, dismisse that little Army,
That little remnant which the warres hath left me;
Bid each man seeke his safety where he can,
And tell them if Amandus ere may hope
To see a change of fortune, and enjoy
Hereafter better dayes, he will then thinke
Vpon their faithfull service, and reward them,
When all these gusts of sorrow are blowne o're,
In ample manner. Now let us obey
Our stars, and follow where they point the way.
Exeunt.
[Page] Rapinus, Praedarius.
Rapin,
Brother Praedarius, couldst thou not finde in thy heart to turne Oratour now, and bestow thy best Rhetorick in praise of our most noble profession.
Praedar.
If my education, friend Rapinus were answerable to my desire, I should write whole volumes upon that subject, so much am I taken with it.
Rapin,
How right you jump upon my humour, for when I doe reflect with judicious eyes upon the poor state and condition of our former life, and weigh it with this glorious change, I magnifie my selfe beyond measure for entertaining such brave sparks of honour and true fortitude in my breast, which hath kindled my affections to these worthy exploits.
Praeda.
And now since you bring that into our remembrance, let us consider what poor mechanick rascals we were, under what slavery we lived, how oppressed by hard and u [...]urping Land-lords, and the like?
Rapin.
All this is true, and much more we suffered, but how are these times altered since? how doe we live now my friend? nothing inferiour in command to the King of Arabia himselfe; are not all these mountaines ours? these caves and forrests ours? these desarts and wildernesses ours? are we not safe in these fortifications from the greatest powers that can possibly invade? we need not now feare the King nor his imposts, he shall now make us amends, and pay tribute of all such goods as passe this way under our jurisdiction.
Praedar.
Tribute say you? it shall be tributus t [...]alis, not a part, but all shall be confi [...]cated to our use: all travellers whatsoever, wh [...]ther Arabians, Iewes, Turkes, Persians or Egyptians, whose occasions bring them hither either as pilgrims to Maecha, or as convoyers o [...] rich merchandise over these desarts, must here be content to doe hom [...]g [...] ▪ and unload their commodities to enrich the brave montaneers.
Rapinus
How commendable therefore i [...] this course of [...] how profitable unto us, as when w [...]lth and rich boote [Page] is as it were every day offered to our possession, nothing is required from us but a little valour to make us masters of infinite treasures.
Praedar.
And what care we though they brand our foreheads with the names of robbers, theeves, out lawes, rebels, renegados, and such like, whilst we live rich and brave and enjoy our pleasures.
Rapin.
True, but wee can give our selves when wee list other attributes, taking upon us the glorious name of souldiers, which we worthily merit in exposing our lives, to purchase wealth and honour, to so many hard and dangerous enterprises.
Praedar.
Rightly spoken, for confirmation whereof witnesse so many skarres upon our bodies, so much treasure in our Caves, so many Captives in our chaines, all symboles of our mighty darings.
Rapin.
But I marvell wee have had no doings today, will there be no Market thinke yee? no travellers? no carriages? no Camels, no Dromodaries? no boote? it was not wont to be so, how comes this change in the name of Mahomet, what is the clock prethee Praedarius?
Praedar.
It cannot be lesse then six, for Apollo hath left dallying with Aurorae more then an houre agoe.
Rapin.
By Fermagant this is strange, wee were wont to be at our prey assoone as they at their play, how comes it wee heare not from our sentinels wee sent out to discover.
Praedar.
Harke I heare them comming, they should bring good newes by their joyfull acclamations.
Enter foure or five of the theeves with shouts and cryes.
Rapin.
What newes souldiers, are there any travelers stirring this morning, or Caravanes driving over the mountaines? speake quickly, wee are rusty for want of action.
1 Theefe.
Noble Captaines as wee sa [...]e to discover the plaine, from the top of yonder mountaine, wee might perceive [Page] to descend great troopes of people, but the distance of the place suffered us not to discerne whether they were travellers, pilgrimes, or marchants.
Rapin.
Which way come they, and whether doe they bend their course?
2
It should seeme they come from Alexandria, and are travelling towards Ormus, for they take that way.
Rapin.
Then they are rich witho [...]t question; courage my hearts, we shall bee all made by Mahomet; need wee animate them Praedarius with an Oration?
Praedar.
It will not need, for you see no dulnesse in them to the businesse, too much whe [...]ting will take of the [...]dge of their courages.
3
Captaine Rapinus.
4
Captai [...]e Praedarius.
5
What d'ye meane to delay the time so long in talke, and let this rich boore in the meane time slippe out of [...]ur hand [...].
Rapin.
Tis well consider'd, and we're glad you are So forward in the action; now my friends Let's fall one bravley, thus I doe dispose you; Some 50. shall lie close in ambuscado Behind the thicket that's within the valley; Discover not your selves before you heare Their Cammels passe beyond you, then breake forth And give a sudden onset; fifty more Shall be obscurd from sight behind the mountaine That lies upon the right hand, and commanded If it stand with the liking of Praedarius By his discreet conduct; the rest with me Shall guard the passage o're the bridge, and lie Along the christall River, which so gently Glides on the left hand by the [...] foote. There is no other passage but those three, Which thus block'd up, the prey must needs be [...]; Now every man unto his charge; we aime [...] our attempts at nought [...]
E [...]unt.
[Page] Enter Rapinus and Praed, againe with their rabble of theeves, and the boote brought in in bagges.
Rapinus.
Have we not reason my masters, to adore the deity of Fortune, for still favouring our attempts, sure wee are much indebted to that goddesse for her continuall blessings, and we should be very ungratefull if wee did not acknowledge it.
Praedar.
Wee are in a double manner bound to her courtesie. First for this wealth, next for sending such a cowardly guard to convoy it, for had they behaved themselves valiantly, wee had not beene masters of our prey, but return'd home well beaten for our labours.
Rapin.
But no more of this, I am glad we have it: now we will divide it equally among our selves; your share Praedarius shall be the Iewels and Plate, the Money, Merchandize and other commodities shall be evenly distributed amongst our men, and for mine owne par [...] I desire nothing but the faire Lady.
Praedar.
Ha the faire Lady I must not condescend to that, she is my prisoner taken by my owne handes, and therefore belongs to mee as a guerdon of my valour, take you the jewels, and leave me the Lady.
Rapin.
By Termagant thou art a villaine, and shalt not live an houre for contradicting my will.
They both draw.
Give up all claime to her, or thy life Praedarius.
Praedar.
Never, thou shalt write that resignement with thy bloud, and seale it with thy heart.
Rapin.
Then have at thee—they fight.
1
Forbeare good Captaine Rapinus.
2
Captaine Praedarius what doe you meane, will you kill one another for a woman, a pox on her, let her bee common to both, peculiar to neither, enjoy her alike by turnes.
3
She will find you both imployment enough I'le warrant you.
4
[Page]She lookes like a free mettall'd beast that will not faint in a double careere.
5
When you have spur'd her sufficiently, and shee begin to grow dull for your service, turne her over to us that we may back her.
Rapinus
She shall be mine, and who dares lay claime to her besides, forfets his life.
Praedar▪
She shall bee only mine maugre the devill himselfe.
1
Asswage your furies (I beseech you) and let mee decide the businesse betweene you, since you both claime her particularly to your selves, and neither will yeeld thereunto, referre your selves to the Ladies owne choice, and bee content to stand to her election.
Rapin.
I am content—I know I am the properer man—aside.
Praedar.
I subscribe to't willingly—shee must needs chuse me for many respects, whose deserts cannot but be discerned by her affectionate eyes—aside.
Rapin.
Methinkes I am imbracing her dainety body already, whilst thou Praedarius stand'st as an envious spectator of my happinesse.
[...]raedar.
Alas poore foole how thou art deceived, thou imbracest Ixion like but a cloud in thy imagination, while the Lady Iuno the true substance is reserved for me; marke thou th'event to thy shame Rapinus.
Rapin.
I come Lucinda, thy Rapinus comes
To court thy beautie, who in spite of fate
And all the opposition of the world
With this right hand will guard thee, though a troope
Or armed Fiends stood up, grant me but Love
I'le hold thee then though rivalled by Iove.
Exit Rapi [...]us.
Praedar.
But that I know Lucinda ne're will gra [...]
When she perceives Praedarius rivals him
Her lovely guardian, I doe see her eyes
Dart amourous glaunces on mee, and her hate
To him shall be discerned in his fate
[Page] Exit Praedarius.
1 Theefe
This is good they are gone and left all the boote behind, but twill not be amisse to discover if the coast bee cleere or no. Ha, ha, ha, they are gone sheere away by this light, was it not sport camrades to see them fight one with another, what fooles were they to fall out in that manner and leave this unregarded?
2
Let them still disagree so, wee fare the better for't, if this occasion had not happened we had finger'd but a little share of this wealth, I can tell yee.
3
This bagge is mine.
4
And this is mine.
1
But where is my part then?
2
And mine, by Mahomet we will not be thus used.
1
This is good y'faith, whilst wee are talking you are taking, my masters you are best let us share with you, give me this bagge Sirrah.
2
And me this, or by.
5.
Tis in vaine to strive, you shall get nothing that way but blowes, doe you not know that possession is a main [...] point of the Law.
1
Cheate us and jeere too, Rogues our partes are your heart [...]—they fall together by the cares.
Rapinus, Praedarius.
Praedar.
How now what's the matter here, fighting about the prey, we'll have you all hang'd for this you slaves.
1 Thief.
Good Sirs bee patient, and by your good savours, let me tell you we did but follow your example, and we know tis a chiefe maxime in warre that Souldiers are bound to follow their Leaders.
2
Besides Sirs our quarrell beares a better colour with it then yours, being for gold and jewels, your's but for a prettie Wench, pardon our sawcy talkings.
Rapin.
Well for this time wee pardon you, yet because you shall learne next how to behave your selves better, and to make use of a booty when tis offered unto you, wee will case you of this burthen, come your bags, Sir your bags.
Praedar.
[Page]And yours Sir, dispatch we must have them all,
Henceforth my friends agree, and differ not
In the division of your boot, nor give
The world occasion to traduce our fame
By confirmation of this proverb old,
When theeves fall out, true men come by their gold.
Exeunt.
Finis. Actus primi.
Actus Secundus, Scena Prima.
Perseus, Embassad [...]ur of Aegypt.
Perseus
VVHat should I think my Lord of this delay,
That holds so long the Princesse of my life,
My faire Lucinda from me, doe not you
Measure the time, and wonder what should be,
Th' occasion of her stay? me thinks 'tis strange!
Embas.
I wonder not at all Prince Perseus,
Nor scarce expect her yet, for but consider
The distance of th [...]se kingdomes, and the tract
Of ground 'twixt Egypt and the Persian Realme,
And you must then conclude that this is not
A worke of three dayes journey.
Pers.
Then my hopes
And languishing desires to see my love
Erre in the computation of the time,
Fancying three dayes three yeeres, but by your leave,
Was't not reported in this Court of Persia
More then a moreth agone that she was ready
With her Egiptian traine to take her journey?
Emb.
'Tis true 'twas so reported, yet it might
Be a false rumour, grant the contrary
That truth and it concurr'd, yet many thinges
Happen you know between the cup and the lip.
The Princesse then might have been indispos'd
[Page] To health and sick and so unapt to travell,
Or else he royall Father and my king
(Which heavens defend) might be affected with
His old disease, and she loath to depart
Before he had recovered better state;
Innumerable other thinges might happen
Which now I cannot thinke of, but suppose
She had at home no let or interuption,
Yet must they passe the red sea, or be forc'd
To come about by Istmus overland,
Then travell through the desarts of Arabia,
Which is a tedious way and not so soone
To be o'recame as you suppose it is.
Perseus.
It may be so, my Lord Embassadour,
These are the reasons or such like as these,
But my Propheticall my Delphick minde
Prompts me alas unto another cause
More probable, I feare that glorious Orbe
Where my faire starre moves in (I meane your land,)
Made glorious by her lustre, and envied
By all the neighbouring kingdomes round about,
Should now grow proud, & scorn her beams should grace,
B [...]sides their owne, another Hemisphere,
What thinke you Sir of this?
Embas.
It cannot be
Your princely minde should harbour such conceit,
To thinke our land so dull, as not to see
The greatnesse of this empire, and the honour
Egypt receives to match with Persia;
But I interpret o [...]herwise your speech
Applying it unto the power of love,
Whose force is such as it will draw a man
Into Poetick raptures,
Perse.
I approve
Your iudgment in the art, when I but name
Lucinda, that bare sound strikes heavenly musick
Into my soule, and makes my thoughts harmonious,
Each sillable therein is a strong charme
[Page] To hould me in the labyrinth of love;
Fairest Lucinda why dost thou with-hould
The day so long, and suffer Perseus
To live in night wanting thy wished presence,
[...]ill thou appeare I can behould no sunne
No beame of comfort, that bright wagoner,
Who doth begin his progresse in the East
And ends it in the West, each day surrounding
The compasse of this lower world, infuses
No light into my sences, for he stayes
To borrow some of the [...]; bright starre appeare.
Embass.
Now Sir I see love hath divinely wrought
Vpon your inward faculties, that could
Beget so high a straine as you have us'd
In admiration of the lowd obeict;
Put love they say is [...]urse of poetry.
Pers.
I thinke no lesse for for ere I was in love
Before Lucindas beauty kindled had
A sacred fi [...]e in my enflamed brest,
I knew not what it was to poetize,
But now I'le cloath my lines in sable weedes,
And vent my thoughts in an Elegiack name,
I [...]le sing sad songes untill my mistresse comes
For to inspire me better; O I cannot
B [...]are with h [...]r absence, what thinke you my Lord
Is she upon her journey [...] that I may
My selfe in person with some [...]roopes of horse
Ride sorth to meete her on the way as farre
As the wild deserts of Arabia stretch
To safe conduct her hither.
Embass.
Noble Prince
I doe believe she wants no strong convoy
To guard her o're the mountaines, and more strength
Added, I thinke would be superfluous,
For [...]ure the King knowing the passage well
How danger [...]us, how long and troublesome
Would ne're consent she should goe weakly guarded,
But you may doe your pleasure.
[Page] Enter a Messenger in haste.
Pers.
Freind, what newes
Bringst thou unto the Court? what speakes thy face
Commixt with dust and sweat?
Messeng.
Redouted Prince,
It speakes in characters a story which
Will make you sad to heare, and me to speake,
Which thus I reade unto you, our faire Prin [...]esse,
The beautifull Lucinda travelling through
The Country of Arabia, for to meet
Her happinesse in Persia with a guard
Of some few horse and foot, was set upon
By souldiers, what they were I doe not know,
Their number was ten times as much as ours,
Yet we so long resisted as we could,
Vntill the most part of our men were slaine,
Then some were forc'd to save their lives by flight [...]
Some three or four, no more of which small number
I write my selfe, who tooke my journey hither
Alone to give you notice what befell us;
Let not my newes great Prince, exclude my welcome.
Embas.
But what befell the Princesse all this while,
Her Ladies and attendance?
Messen.
Taken prisoners
By two that seemed to command the rest
With all their plate and jewels.
Embas.
Know you not
In what part of that fatall soile befell
This sad disaster, or by whom 'twas done?
Was't in Arabia faelix, or desart,
Or Petrea else?
Messen.
'Faith Sir I was never
There in my life before, nor did I then
Enquire the true denomination of it,
And therefore cannot satisfie you in
The thing you doe demand [...]
Embas.
[Page]But you can tell me
The nature of the place and Country, then
I'le satisfie my selfe: was't sweet and lovely,
Perfum'd with spices and rich Frankincense,
Or was't a rocky soile, and mountainous,
Wilde, unfrequented, full of caves and dennes,
Of wood and desert, you can tell me this?
Messen.
I'm sure it was not spicy, for it had
A bitter smacke, we prov'd it to our cost,
Some never could digest it: Frankincense
There was not any, I should smell it then:
Mountaines I saw, and unfrequented pathes,
Resembling well a desart: this is all
I can informe you of by circumstance.
Perseus.
How's this? am I awake, or in a dreame?
Dead, or alive? what Apoplex was that
Ty'd all this while my tongue from breaking forth
Into wilde exclamations? O my heart!
My better part, Lucinda prisoner!
Heavens what a sound is that, no death so fatall,
So dolefull to my thoughts, Lucinda tane
By theeves and out-lawes, worse, and Perseus
Vncertaine where she is, still worse and worse.
What shall I doe, dye? that were to no purpose,
And leave her unredeemed: no, I'le first
Raise a great Army, and lay waste that soyle,
That fatall soyle which first procur'd my woe:
I'le cut off this distinction of three names,
Arabia faelix, Petraea, and Deserta,
And bring them into one, and that's the later:
Cosmographers shall ne're divide the land
Into three parts, Arithmeticians neither
Shall worke it as a fraction, but entire,
An entire [...]umber, term'd by all deserta:
The Phaenix shall no longer harbour there,
Or if she doe, we will destroy the Spice [...]
Where with she alwaies built her funerall pile
To burne her selfe to ashes▪ and the [...]by
[Page] Hinder a second birth: what will we not
Doe to revenge this wrong? the worst of ils
That can be thought of is not bad enough
For to afflict that Country which detaines
My faire Lucinda from me: I haue not
The patience to dispatch an Embassage
And to expect reply: I'le goe my selfe
And by my armies march, my cannons mouth,
My trumpets warlike sound, my beating drum,
The King shall know the businesse why I come.
Exeunt.
Amandus, Consolario, Colouell, Gentleman.
Amand.
Then you dismiss'd the army.
Colon.
As I was
Commanded by your Highnesse, so I did.
Amand.
But did you tell my loving friends & souldiers,
That in this gratefull heart of poore Amandus,
Was treasur'd up their love and faithfull service,
Never to be forgotten.
Colon.
Sir, I was not
Wanting in the least part of my commission.
Amand.
How did they take my leaving them, and this my separation.
Colon.
At the first unkindely,
Because you would not take them as a guard
To safe conduct your person, yet when I
Enforc'd your love by binding arguments,
They did submit unto your will, and stood
No longer to dispute it.
Amand.
Yet their hearts
Were griev'd I make no question, for their losse
And desperate fortunes.
Colon.
Not so much my Lord
For their owne fortunes, as for yours appear'd they
Troubled in minde, for when I drew them all
[Page] Into a Ring, and told your minde unto them,
From every common souldiers eye, gusht forth
Rivers of teares, and after from their hearts,
Brake forth these exclamations: O my Prince,
My deerest Prince, why should the partiall heavens
Deale so unjustly with thee, or their malice
Injure thy goodnesse? why wilt thou depart
So weakely guarded, and expose thy selfe
Yet longer naked to the stroke of fortune?
Why should we be excluded [...] thy pre [...]ence?
Yet since it is his pleasure, wee'l no longer
Dispute the reasons why, but yeeld unto it:
Heavens prove propitious, let his smiling stars
Shed pleasing influences o're his head,
And guide his journey, let the froward fates
See and repent the wrong they did unto him,
And recompence his losse with interest
For all his sufferings: O what cause have we
To grieve for him, for ne're in any age,
Have subjects boasted [...] a sweeter Prince.
Amand.
This makes me melt againe, and to deplore
Their miserable state and sad condition
That were so touch'd with mine; but Consolario,
What desart soile is this, that so well suit [...]
My desart minde? what solitary land
That mockes my farre more solitary heart?
What ayre doe we now breath in?
Consol.
Sir, this Country
Is term'd the desarts of Arabia
Where we now travell in.
Amand.
Not that same Country.
So famous for the Phaenix and her nest,
And for that second Phaenix, rare Phaeni [...]ia,
(Farre more to be admired then the first)
Th' Arabian Kings faire daughter.
Consolar.
No my Lord,
That's call'd Arabia [...]aelix, this deserta,
So infamous through thefts and [...]bberies
[Page] Committed on all travellers by the theeves
And out-lawes of the Country, who frequent
These Caves and Mountaines, this and th'other part
Make but one kingdome, 'twas not my advice
You came this way, you know I told you of
The danger by the robbers.
Amand.
Prethee tell me
What should they rob from me that I should shun them?
What have I left that I should feare a theefe?
A jewell, two or three, poor paultry toyes
To loose, when I before have lost a kingdome:
You'l say they'l take my life, alas they will not
Be so compassionate to ease me of
A burthen so despised, under which
I faint, and panting breath this ayre of woe.
Consol.
Nay good my Lord, no more of this discourse,
You promis'd once a manly resolution
To tugge with fortune, will you fall againe
Into relapse of griefe, and sad remembrance?
How poore this shewes in you!
Amand.
Well, I'le forget it,
And finde some other talke: you told me now
This was a part of faire Arabia,
Termed deserta, and another part
Hight Faelix, there's another yet besides,
Or else the history is false that writes it,
How name you that?
Consol.
That Sir is Petraea,
So call'd of Petra, the chiefe City in't,
Or else because 'tis rocky.
Amand.
Which of these
Arabia faelix, Petraea or deserta
Is that sweetsoyle so much commended for
Her gummes and spices, odours, and perfumes?
I'm sure it is not this.
Consol.
No, that is Faelix,
And rightly beares it that denomination;
For 'tis a happy Country, no delight
[Page] But flowes abundant there, embroydered [...]ields,
Faire meadowes, pleasant groves, cleare cristall brooks,
Sweet lovely Cities, garden [...] diapred
All o're with Flora's richest tapestry,
Are seene there all the yeere, continuall spring
Dwels in that coast, white hoary bearded Hyems,
Ne're shakes his snowy tref [...]es, nor his frost
Nips the faire flowers that beautifie her breast,
Nor boysterous Bor [...]as with his winter blasts,
Shakes her faire fruit, but delicate Favonius
Creeps gently o're her fields with flowry breath
Creating gummes and spices; sure it is
The garden of the world; the Phaenix else
Had never chose that place above all other
To recreate her selfe in: your Damascus
Is but a desart if compar'd unto it.
Amand.
But good old man, have you forgotten that,
Before the Tartar did invade my land,
We had laid downe our travell there to see
The much admir'd Phaenicia, when the sight
Of this faire picture did captive my heart:
What motion doe I feele againe within me,
To blow the fire rak'd in forgetfull ashes,
And halfe dead in Damascus?
Enter Praedariu [...] w [...]th 5 theeves.
Praedar.
Stand, and give up your purses, or your lives, We require one or both.
Amand.
Do'st thou not see us Stand with our swords drawn, mine I thus give up into thy body,—
kils Praedarius.
3 thiefe
What shall we doe? our Capt kil'd, let's flye.
Gent.
As thou hast liv'd with him, so shalt thou dy
And serve him in the other world
kils the third thiefe.
4 thiefe.
But I
Serv'd him for feare, not love, and should be loath
To wait on him to hell [...] such a [...]ney.
Colo [...].
[Page]Villaine forsake thy master, that thou shalt not my sword shall keepe thee in thy true obedience,
Killes him, the other three escape to Rapinus.
Consolar.
Bles [...]d deliverance! we have cause to thanke
The heavenly powers for this our victory,
And preservation.
Gentle.
With what confidence
Of good successe their Captaine gave the onset?
But when the Princes conquering sword dispatch'd him
How soone his theeves were quel'd.
Consolar.
Sweet Prince I feare
More stormes for in this clouded Wildernesse
They are most frequent, and I doubt the worst
Is not blowne o're, let's therefore hast our journey
To shelter us in safety.
Amand.
I'le not be
Averse unto good counsell though I value
This life at a lowe rate; now let's direct
Our steppes towards that happy soile you spake off,
That I may see though now with humbled eyes
Phaenitia faire, the minion of the skies,—
Exeunt.
Enter Rapinus wounded, with all his rabble of theeves leading in betweene them Amandus, the Collonell and gentleman also wounded, Consolari [...] following after weeping, then enter Lucinda.
Rapinus
See faire Lucinda mine, what triumphs we
Bring to adorne thy conquests, see what captives
Are ready here to waite upon thy triumph,
See what a purple flood hath issued forth
From these two gaping wounds which I receiv'd
To bring these pretious jewels to Lucinda,
And yet she kils Rapi [...] with disdaine,
Did ere your eyes see fairer?
Lucinda
Never true lie,
And I beleeve this Kingdome yeelds none such,
[Page] They speake the owner some great personage▪
From whom did you [...] them▪
Rapin.
From that captive
Who kill'd Praeda [...]ius and thus wounded me,
And made such havocke of our men, he now
Shall lie in durance for't.
Lucinda
Heavens what a wonder,
What an Ange [...]like object strikes mine eyes,
In masculine appearance!—aside.
Were you Noble
These j [...]wels were a ransome to redeeme him,
And set his friends and him at liberty
At least to barre hard usage.
Rapin.
If it be
Your pleasure to command their free enlargement,
I seale unto it, for faire Lady know
You carry such divinity about you
As it converted hath and almost alter'd
(I speake it to my shame) my former nature,
But had I still continued as my selfe,
I had not begg'd this favour, which you know
I might command at pleasure.
Lucinda
You are angry
And all this while mistake me, [...] as little
Desire their liberty as you your selfe,
But I would have them us'd in gentler manner
Then other prisoners for these jewels sake,
Which take me more then all the wealth you ere
Presented me withall.
Rapin.
This cheeres me yet
That now at length, one of my offerings are
Accepted by my goddesse; captives kneele
And reverence her deity whose breath
Hath free'd you from a servitude more darke
Then hell it selfe; now this must bee your prison
This Cave of mine, till we determine further.
Lucind.
Would I might be his [...]ayl [...] and his surgeon,
[...] ▪ his wounds bleed— [...]
[Page] Sir you'll loose your prisoners
Vnlesse some care be taken for their wounds,
Their death can doe no service, first I'le dres [...]
Your hurts▪ and then for pities sake apply
A plaister unto their [...].
Rapin.
Do what you will
Lucinda
Your wounds are deepe Sir—dresses him.
Rapin.
I beleeve they are,
And you have one faire Lady too wants [...]en [...]ing,
I hope one day to search it and returne
Your courtesie againe in a kind nature.—aside
Lucind.
This salve will cure it.
Rap [...]n.
I bele [...]ve no lesse,
There is great ve [...]tue in 't deriv'd from you.
Lucind.
Come let the dresse you Sir.
Amand.
Me gentle Lady,
No let me bleed to death, like Seneca
Go sleeping to my grave, your paines were ill
Bestow'd on one that's weary of his life;
Shew your compassion one my friends, and then
You shall [...]blige my ashes in their urne
To blesse your bounty.
Lucind.
I'le not be deny'd,
Your friends I care for too—sure Laedas swannes
Were black compar'd to this more whiter ski [...]e,
No silke so soft—aside
Now I have done with you.
As I have beene your Surgeon be mine too,
Would he did know my wound—all aside.
Amand.
To speake my thankes
Would come to short by farre of what I thinke;
I'm sorry Madam your so pr [...]tious salve
Should wasted be on such a wretch as I,
It better were reserv'd for nobler uses.
Lucind.
Now Sir you must receive too from my hand,
This plaister and your cure.
Colon.
I kisse those hands
That daigne me such a favour—dresses him.
Lucinda.
[Page]You must feele
The vertue of my salve too.
Gentle.
As we have
The bounty of your noble disposition,
For both our humble thankes—dresses him,
Rapin.
Come have you done,
You dwell too long there and neglect a cure
Worth all the rest, Rapinus heart is sick,
And craves a plaister, wounded by your love,
A patient in your care to be preferr'd
Before a thousand captives.
Lucinda.
May be so,
But yet repent not charitable workes
Vpon the poore distress'd, if gentle nature
Move not your heart to this, yet let the thought
That they may doe good service in your warres,
(Since you your selfe have seene the valour tri'd)
Worke that effect upon you.
Rapin.
You plead strongly,
And I cannot repugne your argument;
But are all Ladies so compassionate
And pittifull as you? I thinke they are not.
Lucinda.
They are indeed, cur sex hates cruelty.
Rapin.
Then you should hate cruelty in love.
Lucinda.
That's in another nature.
Rapin.
Come sit downe,
How long have you professed surgery?
I never saw you practise it before.
Lucinda.
I learnt it from a child.
Rapin.
'Tis a fine art
And well it doth become a Ladies hand
Gentlie to touch a wound, but I forgate
To aske my prisoners what and when they were,
And to what place they travell'd, pray demand.
Lucind.
I will Sir—this suites well with my desire—aside
Faire Sir may I request to know your state,
Your name and countrey, whence you come and where
Your journey lay when this captivity
Befe [...]l you on your [...]?
Amand.
[Page]Courteous Lady,
You first demand my state, I can resolve you
In these two words; 'tis poore and miserable,
Made so by fortunes malice, and my starres.
My name I humbly crave I may conceale,
My Country is Damascus, and therein
As in a booke you may reade out my story;
Have you not heard the fall of that brave City?
Lucinda
Yes, and the same of that more braver Prince
Admir'd Amandus, I beleeve you have
Some neere relation to him.
Amand.
Yes, in fortune
I have indeed, for I suppose our sufferings
Are much alike.
Lucinda
So are your names and natures;
I make no question, if they were reveal'd,
But I have found enough.
aside.
Rapinus
He will not tell
His name it seemes
Lucind.
That matters not at all,
I gather by his words he is some Knight
Of sad Damascus, or some kinsman of
Th'unfortunate Amandus.
Rapinus
Very likely,
But we spend too much time in this discourse.
What doe I meane? I have not yet given order
To put out sentinells upon the hilles
For to discover boote; come will you walke
And take the aire a little? prisoners come
You shall receive a dram too and no more
But to prepare your stomackes 'gainst the time,
I'le weane you from it.
Amand.
Weane me from my breath
Of life, and then I'le thanke thee in my death.
Exeunt
[Page] Enter the three theeves
1 theefe
This is worse and worse by the Almanack.
2 theefe
Alkeron, foole thou wouldst say, we doe [...]ot use to sweare in that phrase.
3 theefe
Besides, there is no sence in Almanacke.
1 theefe
I say there is good sence and meaning in't, if you had the wit to conceive it.
2 theefe
As how prethee?
1 theefe
As thus, grossum caput, 'tis worse and worse by the Almanacke, that's as much to say, 'tis worse with us this yeere then 'twas the yeere before.
3 theefe
'Faith thou sayest true, thou hast opened and applyed the point too very handsomely, I commend thy wi [...] for't.
1 theefe
Besides, did I not shift an oath too very prettily [...] observe my religion in't as well as my wit.
2 theefe
I thought thou hadst sworne.
3 theefe
And so did I by the Alkeron.
1 theefe
But to our first discourse before you int [...]rrupted me: is't not worse and worse with us every day than other? we were wont to have some feeling of the gaine, as well as of the paine, and to share with our Captaines, now we must be contented to stand to his courtesie, divell share him for it.
2 theefe
We lost our best Captaine when we lost Praeda [...]ius, would Rapinus had excus'd him, we should had better dayes then.
3 theefe
What fooles were we to save his life, when hee lay at the mercy of the stranger, I repent it now most heartily,
2 theefe
And so doe I, but had we knowne he would reward us so, and give us nothing for our labours, he should have gone to hell for me, I would never have staid him.
3 theefe
And the more to torment his Ghost, we would have made his foe and conquerour Captaine in his place.
1 theefe
If he continue thus dogged, we may doe it yet by some tricke or other, let him [...] too much provoke us.
2 theefe
[Page]All his minde is upon the wench by Mahomet, all is given unto her, nothing unto us but a bastinado now and then, shall we endur't?
3 theefe
And yet for all so much treasure as he gives her, of my conscience she gives him nothing in returne thereof, no not so much as her maydenhead.
1 theefe
Her maydenhead, 'twas a question if she had that to give him.
3 theefe
Then not a vaulting turne, not one single career, not a foot in the stirrop, or terme it what you will.
2 theefe
Nay, I believe scarse a drie kisse unlesse by force.
1 theefe
Then he is a pretious coxcombe, if I were he, I trow she should give me a dry and a wet kisse too by her leave.
3 theefe
I am clean out of charity with him in good faith.
2 theefe
And so are we all for his hard dealinges.
1 theefe
But we must smother our discontent aswell as we can.
2 theefe
What shall we doe now?
3 theefe
To our old trade, to watch for others Profit.
2 theefe
Come let's away then, we shall be found tardie else, and perchance tould so much by a dumbe instrument called the cudgell.
1 theefe
Indeed he speakes oft [...]n to us in that language.
But come camrades the times may alter'd be,
When we shall speake that speech so well as he,
And make him understand us when we call,
As he doth make us now, this may befall.
Exeunt▪
Finis Actus secundi.
Actus Tertius, Scena Prima.
The King of Arabia, Alecto.
King
IN midst of stormes, and these tumultuous times
Of warre and bloud, in midst of troubled seas
Of forraigne states, how safety doe we saile
And steere our course, Alecto, in a calme:
No dusky cloud lowres on our ship of state,
No windes of adverse fortune shake our peace,
But smile and gently breathe a quiet gale:
Blest starres that raign'd at our nativity,
Kinde Planet, under whose sweet influence
We were brought forth, deere fortune that confer'd
This happinesse upon th' Arabian King.
Alecto
It cannot be deny'd Sir, but you are
As much indebted to the gods for favours,
As any mortall Prince, and in some things
Enjoy prerogatives above them all,
As in the wealth and beauty of your land:
Your subjects love, your peace with forraigne Kings
That are your neighbours. Lastly, in this point,
Which makes you more admir'd then all the rest,
In having such a daughter, who for vertue
And beauty both cannot be paralel'd
By any other Princesse, and I thinke
Hath not her equall in the world besides.
King
She is my chiefest joy I must confesse,
And the sole staffe of my declining age.
I undervalue farre my Crowne beneath her,
My gold, my jewels, yea although I were
Possess'd of the worlds vast treasury,
It were but drosse unto my darsing deere,
My deare Phaenicia, all my care and study
Is how to see her marryed as [...]comes
[Page] The daughter of a King, and the great dower
Dame nature and her fortune both will leave her▪
Alecto
This likes me not, I'le thwart it what I can,
For to advance my love and proper fortunes.—
aside.
But royall Sir, have you proposed yet
A match unto the Princesse?
King
Yes, and have
Shew'd her the portraitures of divers Princes,
Of Persia, of Tartaria, of Austria,
Of Egypt, Babylonia, and the rest,
To make her choice, but yet she likes not any.
Alecto
That's good, she likes a substance, not a shadow:—
aside.
This makes for me.
What doth she then object
An't please your royall Majesty?
King
That she's
Not yet dispos'd to marriage, pleading youth
And ignorance in what doth sute a Bride.
Alect.
That's nothing, she'l be soone instructed by
Her husband in that duty.
King
Yet I will not
Force her affection; she desires to have
Two yeeres yet added to her age, before
She would determine marriage; but you left
The clause imperfect, when you did digresse
From what we first discours'd, and fell upon
The praises of my daughter, now no more
Of this, but enter on the first againe;
What was it nephew?
Alecto
Sir, I was applauding
Your happy state and fortune, and what cause
You had to thanke the gods for benefits
You did enjoy above all other Princes,
Yet to the end you might not thinke your selfe
In earthly pleasures absolutely happy,
And so grow proud, there lyes a barre between you
And the full consummation of your blisse.
King
A barre, what is't? it shall be then remov'd,
[Page] And the way cleer'd.
A [...]ecto
There's difficulty in't▪
I meane the theeves and our lawes of your Country,
Who make your land unfree, and hold by force
The third part of Arabia, [...]
Who rob your selfe and subjects of their goods,
Vsurping privil [...]dges, and exacting
Tributes an dues of every passenger,
Stranger or other wise that trave [...] that way.
King
This takes away much from my true content,
(I must confess [...]) and troubles me the more,
Because I know not which way to redresse it.
You know we have left no way unattempted,
To drive them thence, yet fail'd in our desire,
Because of their retrait into the [...],
Which for our army is inaccessible.
Many complaints are preferr'd unto us,
Not onely by our subjects, but by others
Against these rebels [...]or their goods extorted,
Who doe demand from us all restitution,
As if those theeves were under our command:
Yea, many Kings our neighbours have dispatch [...]
Embassadours about it to our Courts
Whose Caravans and treasures have been rob'd,
Passing the desarts by these mountaineers,
Demanding for their losse, full satisfaction,
Who have departed hence much discontented:
This in the end I doubt will raise a warre
Between us, and disturbe our setled peace.
Enter a Lord attendant.
What newes with you?
Lord
Sir, there's a Gentleman
Lately return'd from travell, now arriv'd
Vnto the Court, who humbly craues to have
[...] about affaires of great impo [...]
[Page] Which doe concern [...] your royall Majesty.
King.
Admit him straight, we'll heare the businesse.
Enter the Gentleman.
We understand you're late return'd from travell,
From what parts came you now?
Gent.
From Persia Sir.
King.
What have you to deliver?
Gent.
That the Persian
Is marching hither with a mighty army
To fall upon your Kingdome, from the Court
I did accompany the Campe, untill
I learnt the certainty of their designe,
Then in the night I left them, and with speed
Rode poast to warne you, that you might provide
Against a strong invasion.
King.
But where did you
Part from the Persian Army?
Gentle.
In the confines
Of Babylonia nere faire Euphrates.
King.
How strong are they?
Gentle.
Their Army doth amount
Vnto a hundred thousand foote, their horse
Equals that number bravely equipag'd
And furnish'd for the warre.
King.
Who doth command
As Generall?
Gentle.
Prince Perseus himselfe.
Alecto
Could you not understand upon what grounds
They built their discontent and rash proceeding?
Gent.
I can in forme you nothing of the cause,
But so much of th'effect, I can assure you,
Is it too too true.
King.
This makes me not a little
To wonder at the strangenesse of the thing;
Who ever heard of any Prince that was
Invaded by his foe, before he knew
[Page] What his pretence was, and the cause that mov'd him
To enter into warre; I cannot guesse
The reason why the Persi [...]n should receive
Distast, and therefore am incredulous
Almost of your report.
Gentle.
Sir I [...]
(So much I doe preferre my King and Countrey
Before my life) I might be prov'd a lyar,
Although I s [...]ffer'd for it, rather then
Behold the devastation of a soile
So sweet as faire Arabia; but alas
Your royall selfe, and we your loyall subjects
I feare too soone will have experience of
The truth of my relation, and perchance
Repent too late your incredulity,
Grounded upon too much security.
What should it ought advantage me to lie?
King.
Vrge it no more, we do beleeve what you
Have told us is a truth, and will provide
Against the enemies approaching force;
Sure tis some wronges hath caus'd this by the theeves,
And the mad hare brain'd Prince hath not the patience
(It seemes) for to acquainte me but by warre,
And violent eruption into Armes;
It must be so, else can I not imagine
The least occasion why, well we will stand
Vpon our strongest guard to keepe our land.
Exeunt.
[Page] Rapinus, L [...]cinda.
Rapin.
In troth sweet Lady you are much to blame
Thus to deferre my pleasures, and delude
My longing hopes with trifling vaine delaies,
I suffer most extremely.
Lucinda.
I could laugh
To heare you talke thus; are you so impatient,
You that are borne to such a course of life,—
(And so low fortune) as you cannot stay
A moneth or two to waite the love and pleasure
Of a Kings daughter, for the which great Princes
Have su'd, and serv'd a yeare for.
Rapin.
Are you then
Of the blood royall, well we'll mix our bloods
Together, so shall mine be royall too;
But wherefore did you tell me that you were
But an Aegyptian Lady?
Lucinda.
And in that
I did not li [...], scarce use equivocation
For Madam is a title that's apply'd
To Queenes sometimes as unto common Ladies.
Rapin.
Why did you keepe me in this ignorance
So long, and now at last reveale your selfe?
Lucinda.
To awe your boldnesse when I saw it grow
To such a height as now; Sir keepe your distance.
Rapin.
High words indeed seeming to have a kind
Of reference to Majestie; but tell me
What King begat you?
Lucinda.
Not to satisfie
Thy proud demand, but make thee know thy selfe
And the base wrong thou dost me, do I answer
Vnto thy question: understand I am
The mighty Souldans daughter and his heire
Sent by my Father to be married to
The Prince of Persia, when thy barbarous troope
And lawlesse selfe enforc'd a Rape upon me,
[Page] For which thou shalt repent, unlesse thou doe
Make speedy restitution of myselfe
Vnspotted in my honour.
Rapin.
Not such haste
To part, faire Princesse, in a fit of choler;
You know not yet my humour nor I yours,
We must participate each others nature
Before we can resolve in coulder bloud▪
Lucind.
Vncivill groome dost thou thinke to enjoy me?
I'le rather prostitute my body to
The lust of a deformed Incubus,
Or ugly Satire, then retaine one thought
Of thy lewd loath'd embrace [...]
Rapin.
That's because
You're told they're active in the art of vaulting,
But you shal [...] find me Madame so dexterious,
As not inferiour to them in that kind;
Try my performance.
Lucinda.
Thou lascivious man
Thou bestiall Goate, how darst thou tainte chast eares
With thy infectious breath? know tis in vaine
Further to urge thy lust, for I'm resolv'd
To runne the hazard of a thousand deaths
Rather then to yeeld unto it.
Rapin.
Foolish woman
Thy rage or'e comes thy wit, think'st thou this way
To worke upon me? dost thou not perceive
Thou art my prisoneer▪ and what now thou hast
Is all my gift, thy life, thy repu [...]ation;
Thy wealth and jewels? dost not see when I
Please to command thee to give up those things
Thou hast not power to hold them feare a minu [...]e▪
And yet art thou so inconsiderate?
Dreame not, nor feed this foolish fantasie
Within your minde to thinke your Father can
Rescue you hence, or your betroathed Lord
The Persian Prince redeeme you from my cave,
[...]lthough they came with grea [...] forces far
Here in this unfrequented wildernesse,
Thus barracadoed round with hils and mountaines,
Then they in all their strong fortifications,
Their Forts and Castles.
Lucind.
I perceive my errour,
And therefore must a little temporize
To prevent outrage.—astde.
Sir, you mov'd your lust,
But not your love and woo'd me in a phrase
That fitter were to be apply'd unto,
A common whore or strumpet, then a Lady,
Much lesse a Princesse, this I must confesse
Enflam'd my anger, and enforc'd me to
Forget my selfe a little.
Rapin.
I confesse
My errour too, and crave your pardon Lady,
See how one gentle word hath mollifid
My disposition, and cleane turn'd the str [...]ame
Of my full bent desire to be possess'd
By force of what I now resolved am
To crave by faire intreaty in the way
Of honest marriage.
Lucinda.
Now your stile is good,
And tasteth something of civility,
Yet I desire some respi [...]e to give answer
Vnto your sute for two considerations:
First, that I may have time to make my prayers
Vnto the shrine of holy Mahomet,
To grant a dispensation of my vow
Made to the Persian Prince, to be his wife:
Next that I be not perjur'd to my selfe,
To loose my Virgin girdle, ere my age
Hath numbred twenty springs to reinvest
Our naked mother earth in robes of greene▪
Rapin.
Why did you make, pray, such a foolish vow
To stay a Maid so long?
Lucind.
I did indeed.
Rapin.
[Page]What wants now of the time?
Lucind.
But a bare moneth,
That is not long you know.
Rapin.
Well, I'm content,
Though my desires are apt to climbe the tree
Iust at this very instant, and to taste
Your dainty maiden fruit, but love is sweeter
If freely granted, then if tane by force,
Therefore I'le stay the time prefixt, and not
Beyond the same a minute, see you doe not
Longer abuse my patience, if you doe,
What love cannot, force shall constraine you to:
Come, will you goe?—
Exit Rapinus.
Lucind.
I must stay here a little.
I'le wait on you soon; heavens in what narrow straights
Wretched Lucinda have thy fates confin'd thee?
In what amazed labyr [...]nth of love
Am I enclos'd, and cannot find a clue
To guide me forth, no light, no [...]all [...]port?
I love my fellow prisoner, but [...] hate
The theefe Rapinus, how I shall enjoy
The one, and handsomely avoyd the other.
A womans wit alas cannot contrive:
How soone I have forgot the Persian Prince?
How soone my selfe? my eye but glanced on
The beauty o [...] this stranger, but his looke,
His high commanding looke, which darted forth
Majesticke sparkes, captiv'd my yeelding heart:
He is though shadowed, that [...]arre fam'd Amandus,
Damascus Prince, I reade the characters
Of majesty deepe stamped in his brow;
I'le vent my thoughts unto him, and this cave
Shall helpe me to his love, or to my grave.
[Page] Enter Sara her Mayd.
Sara
what wilt thou counsell me to doe in the thing you wot of?
Sara
I have told you my opinion already.
Lucinda
But can a woman with any modesty make love to a man?
Sara
Puh, why not in a case of extremity, when the woman is hot, and the man is cold in the businesse?
Lucind.
But if I should commit through extreme passion such a folly, should I not be wondred at, and hated amongst women for giving an ill example to the world?
Sara
Nothing lesse, but on the contrary, be assur'd you shall reape from them infinite love and thankes for laying them down [...]uch a president of boldnesse, but if you dispute pro & con, thus, and make such objections, you shall never obtaine your desires while you live, I will warrant you.
Lucinda
But dost thou thinke there is any hope of speeding in my [...]uit, upon notice given him of my love▪
Sara
No question, Madame, he cannot but most willingly embrace it, and blesse his fortune for so high a favour.
Lucind.
Aye me Sara, I feare I am not so happy, my stars [...]oretell not so prosperous an Omen: though I have by signs and dumb shewes, by sighes and amorous glances told him my affection, yet seems he not to understand that language, but as insensible of my paine, suffers mee to languish in my torment.
Sara
I would faine aske your Ladiship one question, if I might be so bold, and thereby not incurre your displeasure.
Lucind.
Speake thy minde freely, thou shalt give me no offence at all.
Sara
Taking your word for my warrant then, I desire to know if you be in earnest or in jest, for I cannot beleeve you should so soone forget the great Prince of Persia, and doat so extremely on this stranger, whose ranke and quality you know not, but by conjecture.
Lucind.
Such is the commanding power of love thou [Page] [...]eest, which is able to doe more impossible matters then these; I meane sincerely;
Neither have I reason to repent the chance.
Saera
No, suppose he be that poore exiled Prince of Damascus, is he to be compared, or in your good opinion to be preferred before the puis [...]ant Persian, one of the greatest Monarchs of the world?
Lucind.
How foolishly thou talkest, dost thou not know that comparisons are odious, especially in love matters? counsell me better what to doe, or keep thy thoughts in thine owne bosome.
Sara
Madame, my help and furtherance shall not be wanting in any thing wherein I can doe you service: let your wit contrive the way according to your desire, and let me alone to put it in execution.
Lucind.
Then what if I sent thee to him with a letter stuff'd full of affection, would not that be a pretty way to cover my blushes, and yet discover my love? sure it would, what thinkest thou Sara?
Sara
I cannot but approve your plot exceedingly Madame, for if there be then any fault escaped, or any small breach of maiden modesty made, it shall be imputed to the inke and paper, which is of too pale a colour to blush.
Lucind.
It shall be so then, get me pen, inke, and paper presently, but soft, he comes to save me that labour, I am arm'd with boldnesse for the encounter, assist me, Cupid, I beseech thee.
Amandus, Consolario, Colonell, Gentleman.
Amand.
Faire Princesse, here behold before your eyes;
Those whom your courtesie hath made your slaves:
I meane my friends and me, whose thanks, yea lives
We come to tender to you, but alas,
The debt we owe is greater, and the summe
Not to be answer'd so, yet we beseech you
Take this in part of payment, which we offer
With zealous hearts, and no less [...] strong devotion,
[Page] And though we cannot cancell your great bill,
Impute that to our want, not to our will.
Lucind.
Most courteous Sir, if through my means you have
Enjoy'd the benefit of any thing,
I thanke my fate [...] that made me an instrument
Of doing so much good: you shall oblige me
To tell me, since I cannot tell my selfe
What thing Lucinda did, that could produce
So strong an obligation.
Amand.
You impose
Too great a taske upon me, for weake words
Cannot expresse it full; Madame, we owe you
First for our lives, then for our liberties,
For cu [...]ing of our wounds with your faire hand,
And many other favours great besides,
All which we treasure up here in our hearts,
As in a trusty Cabinet.
Lucinda
Sure the man
Seemes of so gentle nature, that he would not
Be so unkinde, as to repell the suit
Of a poore love-sicke Lady—aside.
Will you grant me
One boone in lieu thereof, and you shall make me
A ten-fold satisfaction.
Amand.
For your good
We will expose our lives unto all hazards,
For we account them yours, and not our owne,
Since by your meanes we live, and doe enjoy them:
What's your command?
Lucinda
Sir, since you doe acknowledge
You owe to me your life and liberty,
Your cure, and other court [...]ies besides,
I am endanger'd now as you were then.
'Tis now my turne, and I am like to suffer
In all these things, unlesse your gentle nature
And pitty doe relieve me.
Amand.
How sweet Lady
I doe beseech you comes it? doth the theefe
[Page] Rapinus dare to offer violence
Vnto your chastity, or threat your death
Vnlesse you yeeld unto him? I will soone
(So much I'm oblig'd unto your goodnesse)
Finde out a way to send that fiend to hell,
Although I suffer for it twenty deaths,
If this procure your feare.
Lucinda
This is the least,
(Although I know not well how to avoid him)
Of what I suffer.
Amand.
Let me know it then:
Your life and liberty endangered?
In need too of a cure, and not that way?
Strange mystery, unfold it I beseech you,
That if it lye in my poore power, I may
Make knowne how much I love and honour you.
Lucinda
Sir, 'tis a secret, and requires to be
Spoken to you in private all alone.
Should I not be unmannerly to crave
Your friends retirement for a little space?
Consol.
Madame, there needs no ceremony in
Your Ladiships commands to us your vassals.
Exeunt.
Lucind.
Now you can help me by an easie way
Without your hurt, for know I am your Patient,
But am asham'd to lay to you ope my wound:
Imagine in what nature 'tis by these
My teares, my blushes, my abrupted fighes,
My broken speeches, my dejected eyes,
My strange unwonted passions: more, I am
Your prisoner too by the commanding power
Of all subduing love, now 'tis in you
To cure me, 'tis in you to give me life
And liberty at once: O be not cruell
Faire Prince, but help a poor distressed Lady,
Who craves but love, and in that [...]uit your best
Construction: take it not in the worst sence,
Nor thinke me ought immodest, though I have
Open'd my sore which was procu [...] by
[Page] Your most majesticke carriage.
Amand.
Heavens defend
So great a Princesse, and so beautifull,
Of such imperiall fortunes, should descend
So low in thought, to looke on such a wretch
As I am, being the map of misery,
Griefes Embleme, yea the tennis ball of fortune,
Toss'd by her angry Racket evermore
Beneath the line, into a thousand hazards—
For her desport, I love you better Lady
Then so, to worke your downefall, and should ill
Requite your favours that way: you that may
For beauty, birth, or fortune, match with any
The greatest Prince of the terrestriall orbe.
'Twere sinne in me not to be pardoned,
To wrong you with my love in way of marriage,
Who can assure you nothing for a dower
But sorrow and affliction,
Lucind.
Sure you cannot,
Although you would, conceale your selfe from me,
Whose love discerning eyes have found you out
To be admir'd Amandus, and survey'd
Each lineament a part, with such regard
As Painters use in limming of a piece,
You'r drawne within my heart, from head to foot.
Amand.
I grant it Madam, that I was that Prince
You pleas'd to name, but now have nothing left me
But the bare title, but that a [...]ery name,
Poore eccho of Damascus, would I might
Loose that and life, the shadow with the substance,
Then I were happy, but my fa [...]e [...] alas
I feare reserve me for more misery.
If possible, then I have tasted yet:
Therefore let all avoid me as the plague,
Lest they should be infected with my griefe.
Lucind.
Doe not suppose your pleading poverty,
Or ought you can alledge, to wrong your selfe,
Hath power to turne the streame of my affection
[Page] Another way then now it holds its course,
Or to repell my argument of love:
No, no, the plea is stronger, though you were
Poo [...]er then Irui (I invoke as witnes [...]e
Of this my vow the power that made me yours)
Yet would I rather be conjoyn'd to you
In nuptiall ba [...]ds, then be the w [...]dded wife
Of any other Prince, although he were
Richer then Craesus, and heaven knowes I could
Content me better in this prison here,
(So you could love me, and I might enjoy you)
Then in the Persian Palace, if I lye,
Let Cupid shoot you with a lea [...]en dart,
And with disdaine kill poore Lucinda's heart.
Amandus
O deerest Princesse, take deliberation,
And enter into thought of what you are,
Of what I am, and what the Persian is.
Then you wi [...]l soone call home these wandring thoughts,
And place them where they shall be worth your love:
In me alas they cannot, for although
I had not lost my Country, though my kingdome
Had still beene mine, and though I now enjoy'd
My former rega [...]l dignities and state,
Yet should I count my selfe too meane by farre,
To match with you the mighty Souldans heire,
And onely daughter, now I scarce deserve
To wait on you in nature of your servant.
Lucinda This shall not serve your turne, these vain excuses
And wrongfull reasons urg'd against your selfe,
Shall not prevaile at all: the more you strive
To stop the current of my swelling passions,
The more they rage within this breast of mine,
And in the end will overflow and breake
My heart if you prove cruell, and put off
My hopes with such weake shif [...]s and poor delayes.
Come, grant me love, and seale it with a kisse
As an assurance.
[Page] Enter Rapinus listning before at the dore.
Rapinus.
What is this I heare
Spake by Lucinda to this caftive slave,
Come grant me love, and seale with a kisse
As an assurance? well I'le be reveng'd
By all the Pagan gods; ignoble strumpet
How dar'st thou wrong me thus, and in my Cave
To court my prisoner? was't for this thou did'st
Deny my suite, and still from time to time
Delude me with delay, that thou might'st act
Thy shame, and make me pander to thy lust?
Base Whore was this thy drift? for this abuse
I'le presently enioy thee, if thou yeeld
Without constraint, I'le keepe thee to my selfe,
But if thou strive, or make the least resistance
To crosse my will, when I have satisfi'd
My lust at full, I'le put the o're to be
Vs'd and abus'd by every common souldier;
Come huswife I must teach you true obedience.
Offers to ravish her.
Lucinda.
Helpe▪ helpe.
Amand.
Base villaine offer her no wrong,
But turne thee upon me, although unarm'd
I dare thy utmost power.
Rapin.
Then thou shalt feele
The fury of my rage, have at thee slave.
Drawes his sword and assaults him, Amand. defends
himselfe with a stoole, and at last closing with him,
hath him at this mercy.
Amand.
Now I will dye thy sword in thy own bloud,
Which thou didst think to make deepe drunke in mine.
Rapin.
O stay thy hand for faire Lucindas sake.
Ama.
That hastes thy death, & puts me in remembrance
Thou wouldst have ravi [...]h'd her.
Lucinda.
Sir let him dy,
Never a better time then now to doe it.
Amand.
Then it is done, take that, and breath thy last,
killes him.
Lucinda.
Heroicke Prince now shew thy pitty on me,
And as thou hast releas'd me from this theefe,
And from the violence of loathed lust,
So free me from the violence of love
By taking me unto thy wedded wife:
I will refuse no danger, nay no death
To beare thee company, live here or travell
Throughout the world, I'le Lacquey it a foot
With sweet Amandus; can you be so hard
And cruell to me? sure when Ladies woo [...]
Hard are the shi [...]tes love doth constraine them too.
Amand.
No more of this sweet Lady till we have
O [...]der'd the businesse that now fals upon us:
The theeves we need not feare, for I have them
Firmely at my devotion through distast
And discontent they did receive against
Rapinus in his life, they will not stir [...]e
(I know) one foot in his revenge, but rather
Render me thankes for acting of his death;
Come let us goe, to better our poore state
We must confirme these men yet in their hate.
Exeunt.
Enter the three th [...]eves.
1▪
But my masters shall wee be still ridden thus, and undergoe the but then patiently, without seeking remedy or revenge?
2
No we'll suffer it no longer, if we do wee shall deserve Mydas eares y'saith.
3
And Acteons hornes too for our future fortune.
1
Then wee are all resolv'd to doe our best to dispatch him, are we not?
[...]
All the shame of the world befall him that is a [...]inst it.
3
[Page]And al the bastinadoes that do grow in the deserts light upon him▪ lets devi [...]e a way now to worke our revenge, will you study the plot?
1
Since you referre it to me, I will not be long about it, lets release the stranger, give him armes, make him our Captaine, and cut Rapinus throat; how like you this?
2
Excellent well, it cannot chuse but advantage us greatly, for the stranger is wonderfull valiant, you know wee had costly experience of it, and he seemes of a generours disposition besides, that would not forget such a courtesie.
3
This wil I beleeve, so oblige his gentle nature as whatsoever boote we take, he will not trouble himselfe with it, but divide it freely among us; will not this be excellent my hearts?
1
But who lies here all this while weltring in his owne bloud and we not see him? our Captaine Rapinus, tis hee, come here and congratulate his death,
2
Blessed accident!
3
This befell according to our wishes, and hath sav'd us the labour to put our designe in excution.
1
Ha Captaine do you lie there y'faith, remember how often you gave me the bastinado, I could now be reveng'd upon your dead carkasse, but I will now only satisfie my selfe with laughing over thy body, ha, ha, ha.
2
To whom are we bound for this courtesie, I marvell, I cannot imagine to whose courage to impute it unlesse to the strangers.
3
Tis he, it can be no other, he shall be our new Captaine for the deed, do you cons [...]nt to it?
1
By all meanes we approve it, he shall have his act presently.
2
Come let us find him out, and know how the businesse pass'd betweene Rapinus and him.
1
Agreed, and offer him our service and recive his commands.
How apt a Souldiers mind is still to range,
And doth desire his offic [...]rs to change,
2
[Page]But stay let us not leave Rapinus body lie here unburied, lend me your hand for charities sake.
3
That's well remembred—exeunt with the body.
Finis Actus tertij.
Actus Quartus.
The King, Alecto.
King.
VVEheare ill newes, Alecto, Perseus
Hath pass'd his Armie over Euphrates
And marches through our Country, all the spoile
That can be us'd in warre his Souldiers practise,
All the hostility that can be thought off,
As burning houses, robbing Villages,
Committing Sacriledge, deflowring Maids,
Ravishing Women, murthering the Men,
And diverse other outrages besides:
Come let us march, I make you Generall
Of one part of my Army, t'other part
I will command my selfe, our subjects cries
Are come already home unto our Court;
Beat Drummes, sound Trumpets.
Enter a Lord attendant.
Lord.
Royall Sir there is
A Herauld now arrivi'd unto the Court
Sent from the Generall of the Persian armie,
Who craves he may deliver what in charge
Was given him by the Prince.
King.
He shall [...]e heard,
Admit him to the presence.
[Page] Enter Herauld.
Speake your businesse.
Herauld
The [...] this it is my soveraigne Lord and Prince,
Demands surrender of the [...]aire Lucinda
Th' Egyptian Princesse his betrothed love,
Vpon whose person in your Kingdome here,
There was a rape committed; if she be not
Return'd unspotted in her reputation,
And all her goods, her gold and pretious jewels
Restor'd, and a full satisfaction made
Vnto the utmost doit, he vowes by heaven
To lay Arabia wast, untill it be
Reduc'd unto a wildern [...]sse, and made
A habitation [...]or the forlorne Owle,
The Bat, and other birds of dismall night,
That shun and hate th'appearance of the light.
King
Tell Perseus we doe not doubt his power,
But dare his utmost malice, and because
We would not have him live in ignorance,
Give him to understand that we know nothing
Of what befell the Princesse, and this is
The first time that we heard it; for the wrong
He doth us in invading of our land,
Without just cause, he shall be answerable:
So much informe thy master.
Exit Herauld.
Herauld
'Tis my duty.
King
This is strange newes, Alecto is it no [...]?
The Souldans daughter rap'd, and we not know it
Till now, and yet done in our kingdome too?
How should it be? let us consider of it;
I now have found it, and 'tis probable,
How thinke you? may it not be by the theeves
That live among the desarts? so it is
Vpon my life, for that way she must passe
To travell into Persia, and we know
Their strength too well: these villaines in this warre
[Page] Will more annoy us then the Persian army:
Heaven looke upon us, for we stand in danger,
Between a forra [...]gne and domesticke soe:
We saile between the rockes, the shelves, the shores
Of Scylla and Charibdis, yet we may
Escape those dangers, if th' immortall Gods
Commit the ballance to Astrea's hands,
To weigh our causes; let our fortune be
According to our right, and we agree.
Exeunt.
Amandus, two of the theeves.
Amand.
Now fellow souldiers, since you have committed
This place of Captaine to me, and submitted
Your selues to my command, I must reduce you
Into another way, another forme,
Another course of life more honourable,
And make you worthy of that glorious title
And attribute of souldier, which as yet
You but usurpe and wrongfully apply
Vnto your selves: I doe assure you this,
You shall not have occasion to complaine,
Or to repent the change.
1
Sir, you shall mould us
Into what forme or fashion you please.
2
Our mindes shall be as soft and tractable
To your commands, as Virgin waxe unto
Th'impression of the seale.
Amaand▪
Then I will give you documents of warre,
And rudiments of martiall discipline.
But first you must shake off unworthy thoughts,
And sticke to vertuous actions, [...]re you can
Rightly attaine this knowledge, you must not
Seeke by unlawfull meanes to gather wealth,
Or to extort by violence and wrong,
What doth not rightly appertaine to you.
You must not rob poore passengers, nor take
Them prisoners on their way, you [...]ust forget
[Page] Your out-rages, your murthers, rapes, and the [...]s,
And put on other habits which may suit
This our profession.
1
But then how shall we
Subsist and live?
Amand.
I'le tell you how you shall
More rich then ever, and yet honestly
And honourably too.
Enter Col. and Gentleman.
What newes my friends?
Colon.
Strange unexpected newes we have receiv'd,
The Persian army is at hand and ready
To enter in the desarts, and are marching
In hostile manner to th' Arabian Court,
Burning and spoyling all the land before them.
Amand.
But can you understand what mov'd the Persian
To enter into warre against the King,
And to invade his Country?
Gentle.
'Tis because
He was inform'd, though falsly, that the rape
On faire Lucinda was committed by
The Kings command, and she detain'd at Court.
Amand.
How came you Sirs by this intelligence?
Gent.
We had it from a prisoner, which our men
Tooke of the Persians, who it seemes, is one
Of the fore-riders of the camp.
Amand.
Here's worke,
And brave employment for you, here you can
Get wealth and honour too▪ and doe your King
And Country service: here's boot enough,
Winne it and weare it; now courage my hearts.
Enter the third theefe.
3
Sir, from the top of yonder lofty mountaine,
The sentinell discovers dust to rise
[Page] From up the champain country, and doth heare
Drums beating of a march, and trumpets sounding,
Which makes us doubt an army.
Amand.
Let them come,
Wee'l stand upon our guard for to receive them,
Yet wee'l doe things discreetly too, and not
Give battell rashly, for the Persian army
Is rich and mighty, not for us to deale with
But upon great advantages: attend
My words, we'll lye close in our ambuscadoes
Vntill we heare the vantguard of their army,
And battell is march'd by, then on the reare
We will fall on, and fercely give the charge
Vpon the narrow passage, so before
The vanguard and the battell can assist,
We shall cut of their baggage, and retire
With all our wealth into the Caves and Mountaines
Safe from the strongest forces of the world;
I'le bring you on and off with honour Sirs.
All 3
Goe one brave Captaine with successe, and we
In all thy bould attempts will second thee.
Exeunt
After a flourishing charge, enter againe with much wealth.
Amand.
Now fellow souldiers is not this more honorable,
And profitable too? [...]o beate an army,
Then to oppresse poore pilgrimes, and the like,
Who travell for devotions sake unto
The tombe of famed Mahomet at Maecha?
Sure you must needs confesse it.
1
We extoll
And magnifie this change of discipline.
2
and will conforme our selves to any thing
You shall command us.
3
Yea so much we love,
And honour your brave spirit and resolution,
As these your fathfull friendes [...]ll not more close
[Page] Stick to your side in fortunes doubtfull chance
Then we, whom you have honour'd with the name
Of your poore souldiers.
Amand.
My kinde thankes to all:
Now for this wealth which we have purchased
With glory to our selves, I will distribute
And equally divide it 'mongst you all:
As for my part, I will not take one denier,
But freely give it you in recompence
Of your good service.
All 3
Wee'l not yeeld to this,
All shall be yours, our lives too at your service,
And we beseech you take it.
They offer him the wealth, he refuseth it.
Amand.
'Tis a meed
Due to your valours, therefore I command you
Enjoy it freely: now I must acquaint you
Further with my intentions, which shall be
To raise your fortunes, and procure your good.
In briefe, I doe resolve forthwith to send
A messenger unto th' Arabian King,
Your native Lord, to offer in his ayd
All our assistance 'gainst the Persian Prince,
And to come over to him with proviso,
That he shall pardon, and no more remember
The trespasses you did commit against him:
Which he will willingly embrace, I know,
And more besides, bestow preferments on you,
Endeer'd the more unto us by affection
For this our service, which serves as a prologue
To usher in our welcome: condescend you
To this I doe propose?
1
With willing hearts.
2
And count it a religious piece of service
To helpe our King and Country.
Amand.
I am glad
[Page] You are so alter'd in your inclination
And rudenesse of your nature: but where is
The faire Lucinda, and old Consolario?
Enter Lucinda and Consolario.
Faire Lady, welcome, you have made this place
Poore by your absence.
Lucind.
But you have enricht it
With your faire presence Sir.
Amand.
I'm sorry Lady
That we must part so [...]o [...]ne: the Prince of Persia
Is come to fetch you with a mighty army,
Who claimes you as his wife, therefore in justice
And conscience too, we cannot hold you from him:
You shall have all that is your owne, and more,
Wee'l wait upon you as becomes the state
Of such a mighty Princesse, with a guard
To safe conduct you to the Persian campe.
How is your minde dispos'd?
Lucind.
Vnkinde Amandus,
More cruell farre then proud Narcissus was
Vnto the constant Nymph that lov'd him so,
More salvage hearted then the boy Adonis,
That scorn'd the love of Venus, these were never
Halfe so belov'd as you, yet will you leave me
To dye in your disdaine, and put me over
To him I cannot love? unkinde Amandus!
Amand.
Sweet Lady, thinke I doe preferre your good
Before mine owne, misconstrue not my words,
For I doe speake this for your great advantage,
If you conceive me rightly, but we will not
Force you to any thing against your will:
I'm sorry that you will participate
Our evill fortunes, and refuse to live
The Persian Empresse, 'twas for this I did
Perswade you unto what I did.
Lucind.
O let [...].
[Page] Goe with you Sir, and if you cannot love me
In nature of your wife, yet I beseech you
Respect me as your handmaid, who's still ready
To waite on your command.
Amand.
You do confound me
And make me blush to heare so great a Princesse
To speak to me in such an humble key,
Who do confesse my selfe your lowly vassaile;
And since you're bent so much to wrong your selfe
And to forget your state, my life shall stand
'Tweene you and danger; Madam you have heard
Our resolution to assist and helpe
T [...]' Arabian King against the Prince of Persia;
Will you goe over with us?
Lucind.
Where you goe
There doe I bend my journey.
Amand.
Consolario
I must dispatch you to the Arabian King
About this businesse, wherein I'le instruct you]
Particularly more before you goe.
Consol.
My faith and care shall not be wanting in
The trust you shall commit unto my Charge;
How I may doe you service is my study.
Amand.
So then al's done but this, to crave you hand
And lead you wheresoec'r you shall command.
exeunt.
Enter the Persian and the Embassadonr of Aegypt.
Perseus
So let this most inhospitable Land
Suffer our wrath, so let the whippe of warre
Inflicted on this countrey by our hand
Lash them severely that have violated
The lawes of Nations, and therein committed
What even the base Barbarians hate to thinke off;
Now let the speedy messenger of death
The king of weapons, call'd the sword unsheath him.
And drinke his fill in bloud, let every souldier
Freely enjoy his pleasure, make his pillage
[Page] And do the greatest outrage that he can;
We will no longer now suppresse our fury
But let it burne unto full height, the cries
Of ravish'd Maids and Virgins shall no more
Enter our eares, the humble supplications
Of undone Orphants shall not move my pitty,
So much I am incens'd against the King.
Embassad.
I would divert you from this cruelty
Great Prince if you would heare me, and alleage
Some reasons too to fortibie my speech,
First, tis a beauteous country, and the world
I thinke not parralels it, next you do
Intend it for a conquest, will you spoile
So sweet a habitation, and lay waste
A seate will make you proud to be enthorn'd in?
If this be not sufficient to induce you
To spare the rodde of vengeance, let respect
Vnto your Princely same with-hold your hand;
What sordid blot, what foule aspersion can
More taint the candid honour of a Prince
Then tyranny upon poore seely wretches:
You know as much my Lord, and histories
Show many soule examples of such tyrants
Whose names live in reproach to these our times:
But Sir have you receiv'd the newes? my mind
W as bigge to bring it forth, before your speech
Hindered the birth.
Perseus.
Newes I heare none but that
The fearefull King dares not fight a battle,
We must enforce him to it, or pursue him
As greedy grey-hounds do the heartlesse Hares,
Till we have tane his Crowne and Life away;
Now what is that you heare?
Embassa.
Quite contrary
To what you last diliver'd [...]or they say
He is prepar'd to fight, and with his army
Meanes speedily to seeke you, all the theevee
That in your passage through the de [...]s did
[Page] So damnifie your army, have submitted
Vnto their King, and serve him in this war;
His force is much augmented, and you're like
To to have a speedy triall of your fortune.
Perseus.
And after that a speedy strong possession
Of all this Kingdome, I am confident
That with our breathes we shall destroy them all
Powr'd forth in anger, our great multitudes
Will scater them as Wolves a flock of Sheepe,
Suppose his army doth amount unto
Some fifty thousand men, which is the most
His strength can raise, our army doth exceed it
By halfe the number put away our horse,
Whose gallantry is spoaken of by all
The Nations of the World, and held to be
The best for service in the universe:
Can he resist our Force? or the Arabian
Stand up against the Persian in a battle?
Speake your opinion.
Embassa.
Sir you know the chance
Of warre is doubtfull, and plum'd victory
Doth oftentimes deceive great expectations,
Besides dame fortune is a fickle Lady
We know not how to trust her, but if things
Be justly carryed with an equall hand,
If iugling be not us'd amongst the fates,
Tis evident your army must o'recome,
But judge we cannot till we see th'event.
Perseus.
We doubt not nor despaire of the successe
But from this talke, I have beene oftentimes
Resolv'd to aske you, but till now forgate
What might be gather'd hence that faire Lucinda
Your Princesse, in this time of her restraint
Sollicites nothing for her liberty
Nor writes a word unto us of her state,
We heare she lives at the Arabian Court.
Embassa.
I heareso too, and worthily entreated
According to her bith and high degree [...]
Perseus.
[Page]This makes me to admire, nay to suspect
The streame of her affection is diverted
Another way, and holds no constant course,
It must be so, else being so entertain'd
And high respected in all points of honour
Would any man conjecture, that the King
Would hold her 'gainst her will, if she desir'd
To come unto us, now she hath forgate us,
And may be too, her honor and good name,
Then we are grosse abus'd, fool'd with a match
And must be full reveng'd; I have no patience,
My Lord Embassadour doth your opinion
Goe hand in hand with mine?
Embassa.
Then I should be
A traytor to my King; dare I presume
To thinke the Princesse should destaine her honour?
Farre be it from my thoughts, Sir I must tell you
You are too rash in passing such a censure,
And your too unadvised tongue exceeded
The decent bounds prescrib'd him not to touch
A Princesse reputation.
Perseus.
Thou durst as well
Have eaten fire, as utter'd these bold words,
If twere not for the lawes that are observ'd
Betweene all Nations, that Embassadours
Be well intreated, this great priviledge
Hath brought forth this presumption; know your selfe
And how farre you may goe, else I shall be
Though loath, a breaker of the antient custome.
Embassa.
Sir, I'm commanded not to be in place
Where I shall heare my King, or any branch
Sprung from that royall stock traduc'd in fame,
But to make answer roughly, not to stand
A silent auditour, or a dumbe statue,
Without or sence or motion.
Perseus.
I commend thee
Old man, and love thee for it, we will be
Soone reconcil'd, and will lay the [...]ult
[Page] Of our contention to the heate of youth
And choler of old age; now our affaires
Call us to fight a batell, all my thoughts
Must be imploy'd in this, whereby I shall
With glory rise, if not with honor fall.
Exeunt.
The King, Lueinda, Phaenicia.
King.
Now whilst the trumpets sound, drums beat alarm▪
The cannons roare, the armyes joyne and charge,
(Which sometimes were the musicke we delighted)
Must old Arabia lay his armes aside,
And sit at home with Ladyes by command
Of natures law although his life and crowne,
Lye at the doubtfull hazard of the day:
Heaven blesse ou [...] [...] we that cannot fight
Will send our prayers up to the Gods for aide,
And wake there sleeping justice with our cries:
Great Princesse you are sad to see us so
And of your silken disposition seeme
To have a fellow feeling of our sorrow,
Cheere up, we doe bes [...]ech you, and deere daughter
Be joyfull too, we shall have good successe
My better Genius tells me.
Lucinda.
Who commands
Great King your army 'gainst the enemie?
King.
The valiant Prince Amandus, whom at length
We did perswade to take that charge upon him.
Lucind.
Then be assur'd the victory is yours,
For all thinges prosper under his conduct.
Phaenic.
Madam you doe reviv [...] our dying spirits
With wordes of comfort, happy time that made us
Enjoy your conversation, blest occasion
That brought the noble Prince unto our ayd
Whom heavens defend from danger and returne
Home safe conquerour cround with victory.
[Page] Enter a Lord with newes.
King.
Here comes a Lord with newes, what tidings bring you?
To wether side doth victory encline,
And bend her flight?
Lord.
t'is doubtfull yet my Lord
Where she will [...]ight, she hovers in the aire
Vncertaine where to rest her, sometimes ready
To light upon the prince his wh [...] parilion,
Sometimes upon the Persian [...]; had we no [...]
Fought at such disadvantage as we doe,
The glory of the day had not so long
Betweene us beene disputed: never was
An army better order'd for a battell,
Then ours is by the Prince, [...]
Doth wonders in the field [...] their troops,
And strong battalions, [...]
Wisely retraits with honour: hard's the fight
That is between them, and the issue stands
Yet in suspence.
King.
We must attend more new [...]s [...]
Another Lord intelligence [...] comes.
Enter another Lord.
How speeds the battell?
Lord
Sir, it was endanger'd
On our side when, I left it for the mighty
And strong brigadoes of the enemy:
Brake the battalion of the Duke Al [...]cto,
And charg'd quite through the body of that [...]
Where he himselfe commanded if he be
Alive or dead, escap'd or taken priso [...]
I have no certaine knowledge.
King
Then our army
Is halfe defeated, for Alecto doth
Command as great a part as Prince Amandus:
But let me not despaire, untill we heare
The utmost tryall.
Enter a third Lord.
Lord
Long live mighty King.
[Page] I bring you joyfull newes of victory,
The Prince hath wonne the field, redeem'd the Duke
Out of the hands of death, and when the battell
In all mens judgement was snpposed lost,
He by his valour, and his wisedome both,
By none but by the mour taneers assisted,
Recover'd it againe, and tooke the prey
Out of the Persians jawes, routed their troops,
Brake their battalions, and reduc'd their order
Into confusion, fighting hand to hand,
He brought the Persian Prince unto his mercy.
And tooke him prisoner, then the Persians fled,
And we pursu'd them; great the slaughter is,
And infinite the riches that is tane
In costly plate and jewels, gold and silver
Was never a more braver overthrow.
Each common souldier now is like a Captaine,
With scarlet hose, buffe coat, and tossing feather,
There's no distinction in their habits seene.
King
Thanks to the gods for this our victory,
Next, to their instrument Damascus Prince,
Three times a day wee'l smoake your sacred altars
With sweet perfumes, and come with adoration
To offer to your shrines, three times a night.
The Priest shall sprinckle o're with bloud of beasts
Your sacred places, and with zeale performe
The ceremonie of your sacrifices.
Enter the first Lord againe.
Lord
The Prince Amandus, and the Duke Alect [...].
Are come in triumph wi [...]h their prisoners,
And wait your royall pleasure.
King
Pray them from us
They would be pleas'd to enter.
[Page] Enter Amand, leading Perseus prisoner, Alecto hurt,
Colonel, the Ambassadour of Egypt, the Gent. all in triumph.
Amand.
Vnto you [...]
The Prince of Persia [...] the chance
Of warre hath made me master of: I freely
Give unto your possession, all the wealth
Is gotten in this Persia [...] [...]
And I am glad my [...]
Occasion to me, whereby I have shown
Vnto your Maj [...]sty my love and [...]vice.
King
Victorious Princ [...], sen [...] to us from the gods,
(Whom we may terme the [...] of our Country)
Thy same reward thee fully, for we cannot,
Let the shrill trum [...]et of thy vertues blaze thee
Throughout the world, [...] be rais'd
And trophies built to speake they living praise.
Let every piece and picture [...]
Be gaz'd upon by [...] eyes,
And this thy conquest crown'd Lawrell boughs.
Prince Perseus welcome, we receive you now
I know a most unwilling guest, you shall not
Be entertain [...] your royall state,
Although our [...]
Please you salute these Ladies, one of them
I doubt not but you know.
Perseus.
The [...]
salues her
But who's the other [...]
As diamonds glasse.
aside. salutes Phaenic [...]a.
That lovely touch hath fill'd
My veynes with a new fire, and quite put out
The former flame within me.
also aside.
Embas.
Madame, I crave the honour for to kisse
Your Highnesse Princely hands.
Lucind.
My fathers servant.
And trusty subject, se [...] i [...] his affa [...]s
[Page] To forraigne Princes, I am glad to see you,
We shall have private time to talke at large
Of our affaires.
King
My royall guests I feare
We keepe you from your rests, whose wearied bodies
Would faine enjoy the benefit of sleep,
Toil'd with the sweating labour of the day:
Please you to walke, wee'l shew you to your lodgings.
Exit King, then Perseus leading Lucinda, Amand [...] Phaenicia
Phaenicia
You grace me Sir.
Amand.
Madame, I under stand
No honour like to this, to kisse your hand.
Exeunt.
Amandus at one doore, Phaenicia at another, they meet.
Amand.
Most faire and beauteous Princesse,
My thoughts did tell me as I lay abed,
There was a wonder to be seene this morne,
A Sunne whose glorious beames eclips'd Apollos
As much as he doth Cinthias, she the starres.
I finde they were no lyar [...], for behold
I see it verifi'd, my gazing eyes
Are come to blesse, and to adore your rise,
Phaenicia.
Faire Prince, it was some fal [...]e suggesting dream
Abus'd your sleep, and wrong'd your expectation.
You finde not what was promis'd, though your wit
Would faine excuse the leaving of your bed
So soone for nothing: doe you use to stirre
So early in a morning?
Amand.
Seldome Madame.
But if such Nymphs attend Auroras traine,
I'le hate to be a fl [...]ggard, and more often
Frequent this place, the garden of delight.
Phaenic.
You are not like another time to jeere me
For early rising.
Amand.
Nay, faire Princesse leave not
This good and wholesome exercise, the graces
Will dye for sorrow then, the mounting Larke
Will not reade o're his mattens, nor the Thrush
Warble forth ditties with delightfull throat:
[Page] Faire Philomela shall no more be heard
To chant and charme the hearers of her songs;
And all the other winged choristers
Will hang the head, and weep in silent teares,
If faire Phaenicia grant no audience:
Harke how they doe salute you, every one
Striving to paste, and to excell the other
In sweet harmonions notes to please your e [...]re [...]:
O what a consort's this! if you but marke it,
There is a certaine mutuall emulation
Amongst these pretty birds, whose musick's sweetest,
Hath attracted most your kinde attention,
Proud to be overheard by beauties Queen.
Phaen.
Sir, you have learn'd a pretty art indeed,
To understand the languages of birds,
And tell their meanings: I have read of some
Could well interpret that way, but beleeve not:
You use it row in a poeticke sence,
And so I take it, I should make another
Construction of their singing that they chide me,
And say I am not modest to adventure
Alone without my Maids into the garden.
The wronged Philomela most of all
Vrgeth her griefe, and bids me take example
Of her too much credulity of man:
I was to blame to come so weakely guarded
I must confesse, nor would I change a word
With any other man besides your selfe
Alone in such an houre, so much I trust
Your vertue noble Prince, and worthy tho [...]ght [...].
Amandus
My humblest thankee for this high priviledg [...]
Bright goddesse that you daign me, let my lips
Pay dutious tribute to your lilly hands
I doe bes [...]ech you
Kisses her hand.
Phaenc.
Sir I now leave you,
For feare I should be miss'd, and so f [...]ll [...]der
The censure of black to [...]nges, which take delight
To spot the reputation of a maide;
[Page] I should be loath to give the world occasion
Even of the least suspition, yet I must
Dispence with my returne a little longer
To doe one friendly office in behalfe
Of a distressed Princesse, you may guesse
The scope of my intent in these few words.
Amand.
Who doe you meane, the faire Lucinda Madam?
Whose angry stars made so unfortunate,
As to bestow her love on me unworthy,
Whose state is such, as that I cannot make
Reciprocall returne of her affection.
Phaenic.
I must impute that to your cruell nature,
(Pardon me Sir) and to no other cause,
Else what should make the Princess [...] so contemn'd?
Is beauty wanting? no, the envious't wretch
That breathes this ayre, must be inforc'd to say,
Her portion's large that way, the curious't eye
Can see no blemish in her beanteous face.
Is youth decay'd then? no, 'twere sinne to thinke it,
For flowers and Roses spring up in her cheeks,
Halfe white, halfe red, most purely intermixt.
Is vertue banish'd? O me thinks my tongue
Profaned is for asking such a question
So much improbable! will you alledge
She is not great enough in birth or fortune?
That will not stand in [...]w, for 'twill be prov'd
She is the greatest Princesse of the world;
If beauty, youth, vertue, and high descent
Accompany her greatnesse: what is more
To be required in a princely Bride?
Amand.
I grant it Madam, that she comes not short
Of what you speake her, but abounds in all
Perfections of the body and the minde,
But yet this cannot binde me to become
Disloyall to the Saint, whose temple was
Long since erected in this heart of mine,
Before I saw Lucinda, I'le adore
No other goddesse in my thoughts but she,
[Page] To whom I sacrifice my heart and soule;
I know your vertue's such, as not to urge
(My reasons thus reveal'd) a thing unlawfull:
O no, you hate to further such a suit,
Faire Princesse, so unjust.
Phaenic.
Would I were she
He loves with such devotion, but alas
I doe despaire my fortune.
aside.
I have done.
Farre be it from my thoughts to make a breach
Of love and loyalty between two hearts,
Vnited in themselves; but since I have
Made this discovery, I beseech to know,
(Pardon a womans curiosity)
The Mistresse of your thoughts, I must not be
The second time deny'd.
Amand.
You doe impose
Such a command upon me, as I know not
If I shall more offend to disobey
Your will in saying nothing, or in uttering
What you will have me speake; if it displease you,
The fault is yours, not mine, for I had beene
Content to smother up my woe [...] in silence;
Know then, sweet Princesse, that I lov'd as soone
As fourteene yeeres crept on upon my age,
A beauteous picture, such as rare Apelles
Durst ne're presume for feare, to imitate,
Lest he should come farre short, and shame himselfe:
I serv'd this shadow with a z [...]alous heart,
Sixe yeers, but yet the heavenly substance knowes not
How much I suffer'd for her love so long,
I dare proceed no further.
Phaenic.
Come, you must
Vnfold this d [...]rke Aenigma, I doe long
To bea [...]e your story to the end; but if
You be so modest, let me see the picture,
And [...]le disp [...]nc [...] the trouble of your speech.
Amand.
Madame 'tis yours, [...] doth the blushing morne
[Page] Cast a most pure vermilion on her cheekes
When Phaebus doth salute her, wonder not
Admired Godesse that I am so bould,
To court a beauty doth deserve the stile
Of more then mortall, love compell'd me to
This high presumption, and confirm'd me in it
By telling that his mother lov'd a mortall,
Iuno and Pallas did the like, he swore,
Yea chast Diana though she were so coy,
Cupid wil be depos'd upon the booke
Would sport in private, upon Latmus top,
With faire Endimion once a shepheards boy;
Descend a little from your heavenly state,
And looke upon a wretch, who layes his life
Now at your mercy; can you grant me love
And life, divine Phaenicia.
Phaenic.
Noble Prince,
My tounge can now not sound the negative,
Although I faine would, for my heart commands
That instrument of speech who in this thinge
Is all affirmative; I never could
Dissemble what I thought, and therefore tell you
I'm yours, if you be mine, so firme united
Vnto your love as death shall not di [...]love
The gordian knot is ty'd betweene us two:
But Sir we doe forget our selves to stay
So long together here, suspitious eyes
Will overlooke our actions, and I feare
Alectos malice and his jealousie,
See where he passes by, we are discover'd,
Come let's away, next meeting shall conclude,
If fates doe say amen, loves interlude.
Exeunt.
The Prince of Persia, Lucinda, the Embassadour.
Perse.
Madam we heare you're fallen of from us
In your affection, and preferre Amandus
In your best thoughts before the Persian Prince,
[Page] How can you answere this, and save your honour?
Lucind.
I'le lay the fault (if any be) on Love,
Chide him not me; I was obliged to
The valour of Amandus for my life
And honour, when they both endangered were
By fierce Rapinus, was not this a tye
To make me love him?
Perse.
Yes but not so much
To doate upon him as I heare you doe,
Your reputation I must tell you Lady
Suff [...]rs reproac [...] & scandall, and herein
You undergoe, the censure of bad tongues
Which will not cease to blaze you.
Lucind.
Sir you are
A most unworthy Prince to tax my fame,
I never thought you other, though I were
Enforc'd to entertaine your love embassage,
My heart ne're condescended to my journey,
For fame had told me what you were though rich
In the externall fortunes of the world,
Yet poore in the internall faculties
And vertues of the mind, which do adorne
A Prince more then his greatnesse; I disclaime
All interest you can or may alleage
In my affection, for I scorne the man
Shall ques [...]ion my good name.
Perse.
This doth confirme
Your foule disloyalty, your owne tongue almost
Tels me you have beene false, I do believe it,
Else would you not have broake your plighted faith,
Nor staid with poore. Amandus when you might
Come over unto me without disturbance;
Is he to be put in scale with me?
An exile banish'd from his native home,
A poore distr [...]ss' d Pilgrime? what although
He were sometimes Damascus petty Prince,
He now is but a begger, and at best,
When most he flourish'd in his [...] and fortune,
[Page] Was then but worthy to attend my traine,
And could you be so prodigall of love
And fav [...]urs on this man, as to adventure
The shipwrack of your honour and your oath,
The high displeasure of the King your Father,
And your perpetuall ruir [...] I am glad
The match is broaken off, and by your meanes,
I am not guilty of the breach of faith.
Were you endow'd with both the Indies wealth
And were the daughter of great Alexander,
Were you ten times more faire then you are,
By al the gods we worship and adore,
I would not marry you to weare a Crowne
Acteon should lay claime too; Perseus bed
I trow, deserves to have a Maiden-head.
Offers to goe out the Embassadour staies him.
Embassa.
Stay, in the mighty Souldans Name my King
I do defie thee unto mortall warre
For this base wrong, and foule contagious spot
Thy leprous mouth hath vomited against
The Princesse reputation, looke to be
Call'd to a strict accompt for this abuse.
Perse.
I do not feare thy King, but fleight his force
As weake and feeble to incounter mine
He durst not looke our country in the face
In angry armes, we are more apt and likely
To enter on his confines with an army.
Lucinda.
And be taken prisoner, valiant Prince,
As in this Country with so small a force;
You'ave reason sure to boast your mighty power
Tis so redoubted by your wit and valour,
Experience showes it.
Perse [...]
Lady of lost honour
Your jeering cannot patch your broaken credit,
I will divulge you, and your Fathers Kingdome
Shall pay the wrong you did me,
so farewell.
exit Perseus.
Lucind.
[Page]Iust heavens beare witnesse of mine innocence,
And cleare me of this foule aspersion which
This villaine casts upon me undeserved,
If I have plaid salse, let the greatest plagues
You can inflict fall on mee, let the earth
Gape and devoure me, let your thunderbolts
Light on my head, and strike me to the center,
But if I'm guitl [...]sse (as you know I am)
Returne your plagues on him that is the authour
Of those my wrongs, and let him justly suffer
The utmost of your rage, that by his fate
The world may know his scandall was but hate.
Exeunt.
The King, Alecto, with attendant [...].
King.
Nephew we understand how intimate
And deare you are unto the Persian Prince,
How much he honoureth your society
Above all oth [...]rs, you can well informe us
What entertainment he doth give his fortune,
And how a prisoner suites his lofty mind.
Alecto.
At first he storm'd and curs'd his angry stars,
Revil'd the fates, and rail'd against the gods,
Refu [...]'d to eate or drinke, banish'd all sleepe
From entring in his eyes, lock'd up himselfe
Within his private study all alone,
Comm [...]nding none upon his high displeasure
Should offer to disturbe his meditation:
His high swolne heart, was big with angry passion
Vntill another farre more powerfull wrought
A contrary effect, and that was love,
For gazing on the Princesse peerelesse beauty
With surfetting delight, a sudden shaft
Sent from the curious circlet of her eye
Stroake him unto the heart, and there withall
Cupid.
The winged archer, sprung up from his standAnd tooke him prisoner, now [...] languisheth,
[Page] But pleasingly doth take this second chance,
Submits with patience to the will and pleasure
Of faire Phaenicia Lady conqueresse,
And glories to be manacled by her
Whose prison he esteemes, and doth preferre
Before the Palace of the greatest Kings.
King.
This thing is motion'd to us; how think you
Can I bestow her better, or [...]ind out
A marriage greater or more honourable?
Ale.
You cannot though you sought the spacious world
From one end to the other—I must turne
My thoughts unto as many severall shapes.
As Proteus usd—
aside.
Have you propos'd this thing unto the Princesse?
King.
Not yet but now we do intend to do it:
Goe bid Phaenicia hither to repaire
Vnto our presence, we must speake with her.
exit attendant.
How will she entertaine the motion thinke you?
She cannot sure dislike or disapprove it,
What's your opinion Nephew?
Alecto.
I should thinke so,
But for one barre that lyeth in the way
Were that tane off al scruple were remov'd.
Enter Phaenicia.
Phaenici.
Did you command me hither to repaire
Vnto your presence Sir?
King.
I did Phaenicia,
And thi's the businesse, daughter you perceive
My care and study of your future good,
And Fatherly affection: I am old
And cannot live long by the course of nature,
If I might see thee marryed as becomes
Thy state and fortune ere I left the world,
And settled well my Crowne for [...]y possession,
I then should welcome death, come when it would,
And these gray haires descend into my grave
[Page] Without disturbance, there is off [...]ed now
A marriage, shall advance thy regall state
Above the clouds, and make thee overtop
The greatest Queenes and Empresses that are.
Phaenic.
Vnlesse it be Amandus I shall be
The most unhappiest Princesse of the earth
—aside.
Please you my royall Father to acquaint me,
Who is the party meant?
The Persian Prince,
He loves and serves you with a strong devotion,
Yea doth even jdolize you in his heart
His saint and goddesse; he hath se'd unto me
My liking might procure you to his wife,
And I have granted what he did demand;
I know your vertue's such and your obedience
As not to stand against our will and pleasure,
Especially when it presents you nothing
But what is for your honour and high fortune.
Phaenic.
Please you to heare me, this you do propose
Is most unlawfull, and my conscience tels me
It were a sinne to thinke off: for you know
The Prince of Persia is betroathed to
The beautifull L [...]cinda, and shall I
Be guilty of the breach of faith betweene them?
Farre be it from me; I beleeve he is
Inconstant in his love, and apt to change
From one unto another, his large titles
Shall never winne me to his wavering humour,
I rather would content me with a match
Inferiour farre so I might marry vertue,
In him indeed I cannot, for not only
F [...]me but experience manifests his vices.
King.
Come, c [...]me, you are a foolish girle to make
These vaine excuses to put off your good,
You [...]o presume [...]oo much up [...]n our love
And tender nature, we have beene [...]oo [...]nd
And given you too much of your will; unlesse
You do conforme your selfe to our command,
[Page] We shall be are o're you a severer hand:
Get out my sight, and thinke upon your duty.
Exit Phaenicia.
Is this not strange Alecto, that my daughter
Is so averse unto her good? you tould me
Iust as she entred that there was a barre
Lay in the way might chance to stop the match,
What is it prethee that we may remove it?
Alecto.
She loves Amandus Sir, and he loves her,
I over heard their cour [...]ship in the garden,
Their amourous discourse, and protestations
Of love and service, such affection showne
In action, gesture, speech, as greater was not
Express'd betweene faire Hero and Leander:
Their eyes stood fixt upon each others face,
Their tongues were sometimes mute and could not utter
Th' abundance of their hearts, then would their sighes
Supply that silence, till they had recover'd
The instrument of speech to make it move,
I never saw more passion us'd in love.
King.
This makes me wonder much that her ambition
Beares such an humble wing, we must not suffer
This businesse to runne on, what though we are
Bound to Amandus in a high degree,
Yet not so much his benefits oblige us
As to conferre our Daughter and our Crowne
Vpon his merits, whose poore state is such
As he can give her nothing for a Dower:
This must nor shall not be, our full inde [...]vour
Shall be imploy'd this love to breake and sever.
Exeunt
[Page] Perseus Alecto, Perseus musing.
Alecto.
Why how now noble Prince, within a dump?
How come you so dejected in your thoughts
I do beseech you? hath your love sped ill
Vnto the faire Phaenicia, or some other
Ill accident befall you, that you are
So melancholy Sir?
Perseus
My dearest friend,
Welcome; the mistresse of my thoughts hath slain me
With too much cruelty alas, for when
I marched with my army led by love,
And came before the fortresse of her beauty,
To lay my siege there, how she playd upon me
From all her batteries, but when I began
To make approach. then from her angry eyes
Flew balles of wilde-fire, and granadoes follow'd,
Which scorch't and rent my heart, but last of all,
The cannon of her mouth so thundred on
My poore besieging thoughts, as I was faine
To raise my siege in haste, and get me gone,
This is the poore successe of my designe.
Alecto
D'ye know Sir what's the cause you speed so ill?
Perse.
I have been thinking on't, but cannot lay
The blame on any thing but fortunes malice,
Can you informe me better?
Alecto
Would I could not.
I have found out Amandus hath her heart,
By what smooth guile, or Syren oratorie
He wonne her to himselfe; I am not able
To give you satisfaction, or to gu [...]sse it:
This ancient enemy of yours and mine,
(For who stands ill affected unto you,
Shall ne're affected be by me your friend)
Hath now the second time deceiv'd your match.
[Page] Wrong of all wrongs! disgrace ef all disgrace!
So to be cheated of two princely brides:
Sir, you must be reveng'd, deeply reveng'd,
Or else your Princely name will be reproach'd
With foulest infamy that can be spoke.
Blinde men and boyes will sing you in the streets
In Ballads, and at length 'twill grow a proverb,
So patient as the Prince of Persia,
If you sustaine those injuries which lye
So heavy on your Princely reputation.
Perseus
I am even burst with rage and jealousie,
That villaine, vagabond, that enegado,
Borne to be author of my sufferings,
Shall not out-live one day; I am incens'd
Beyond all measure, and I cannot longer
Containe my selfe, I'le finde that begger out.
Alecto
Stay Sir, be patient, and doe things discreetly,
I'le joyne with you, and have a hand as deep
Or deeper as your selfe in your revenge,
For the great love I beare you: by the gods
I am as much touch'd with your wrongs, and am
As zealous in your cause, as you your selfe.
And now to worke to bring our ends to passe,
I have a dainty powder here that was
Ordain'd for such a pu [...]pose, which will worke
Effect unto ou [...] wish i [...] it bu [...] fall
Into his cup, or light upon his hai [...]e,
'Twill soone di [...]p [...]tch him [...] po [...]der hence,
Such vertue is ther [...]in: we sh [...] [...]rupt
His B [...]rber by rich [...] or by some other
Vnthought of way yet, [...] the same
To be imploy'd and [...] upon the Patient
This physicke is ordain'd for [...] you this,
Or shall we yet devise some [...]?
Perseus
These figges are too too common, and besides,
It doth not sute the honour of a Prince
By such a way of [...]
Destruction to his foe; although Amandus
[Page] Deserve from me an ignominious death,
Yet 'cause he is a Prince, and bred in warre,
I [...]ine would have him, like a souldier dye
Nobly, by sword or pistoll.
Alecto
He shall fall then
According to your will and in this manner
If you approve it Sir, what if you send
A challenge to him for to meet you single,
A foot or horsebacke, in the field to answer
These shamefull wrongs he did you? I will be
Ready to rescue you when I perceive
You need my help with certain friends of mine,
Who will lye close the while, and undiscover'd,
Vntill we see you have the worst, then forth
Wee'l breake, and soon dispatch that traytor Princ [...].
Perseus
This, noble Duke, is daintily devis'd,
I shall be gratefull ever to your love,
And shew it in a large and ample manner,
Well I'le dispatch my challenge instantly.
I build upon your ayd, you will not faile me
In time of my extremity.
Alecto
The flouds
Shall faile to pay their tribute to the sea,
Before I breake with noble Perseus.
Perseus
I'm confident of thee my dearest friend,
Adue, untill we meet, our worke to end.
Exit Perseus.
Alecto
This now begins to work as I would wish;
The shallow witted Persian thinkes my aymes
Doe beare a wing with his, and my ambition
Is bounded by his love: I fish'd to take
His good opinion with mine angle wit,
Not to advance his ends, but worke mine owne.
Alas poore Prince, he thinks I am his friend,
And on that plat-forme grounds his resolution:
He is deceiv'd, I'm friend unto my selfe,
And enemy to him as to Amand [...].
I hate them both, as being both [...]y rivals:
[Page] Rivals unto my love, and to my kingdome:
Neither must live, neither survive the other.
I'le let them sight till one of them be kill'd,
The Persian shall in vaine expect reliefe,
Although distress'd: the conquerour shall dye
By me and my associates: these remov [...]d
The way unto my Crowne, lyes smooth and easie;
The Princesse sure will breake her heart for griefe.
The King I'le poyson, then Alecto raigne
King of Arabia, crowned by thy braine.
Exit.
Amandus solus.
Amand.
A furious challenge, and it speakes the man
All in a fire that sent it, but extreames
Are seldome permanent, I doubt 'twill prove
But like a sudden flash that's soone burnt out:
This is the time and place, but how comes it
The Persian is so tardy? this proud paper
Stuft full with ostentation, made me thinke
He would not be the last man in the field.
What, is his courage cold, or doth he now
Begin to take advis'd deliberation
Vpon the matter, that he stayes so long?
I should not thinke so neither, for a Prince
Cannot so much forget his reputation,
No sure, he'l come, some businesse of import,
I doe beleeve, detaines him; I'le attend
His leisure here with patienc [...], if my thoughts
Would but descend a little from their height,
I would consider too what should beget
This fierce challenge, but he comes, I must
Prepare to entertaine him.
Perseus
Here before me?
This honour I could hardly spare you Sir,
You came before the houre appointed, else
I could not be prevented.
Amand.
Punctually
[Page] I did observe the time, but to what purpose
Are we come hither? to discourse and talke,
And nothing [...]lse? I doe expect some doings,
Some wonders too by you performed upon me,
If I may credit this your salutation.
Is the [...]ume vanish'd?
Perseus
Thou shalt finde it burne
Asresh to fierc [...] flames, it was my goodnesse
That rak't it up in ashes, lest it should
Consume thee, and thou die in ignorance,
Before thou knew'st th'occasion, now I'le tell thee.
Lucindas wrongs and mine c [...]ll on my sword
To doe the office of revenge upon▪
Thy treacherous head, thou didst dissolve the knot
Was ty'd between us two, and alienatest
Her heart from me, thou robst her of her honour,
And strumpettedst her fame, and not contented
With this abuse, thou dost proceed yet further
To doe me mischiefe with false filed tongue,
To wrest the faire Phaenicia from my love:
These are gresse inj [...]ries, a [...]d such as cannot
Be undergone with patience, yet if thou
Wilt urge thy suit no further to this Lady,
But give up all thy right in her to me:
I will forget thy former injuries,
And count thee for my friend.
Amandus
Coward, villaine,
Art thou my rivall in Phaenicias love?
And doe I suffer thee to breathe a minute
To utter these [...]old words, these defamations,
These lyes and slanders; know Phaenicia hates
Thy sight as a pernitious Basiliske;
Here farther, reade my minde.
they draw and fight. Perseus receives a hurt.
Perseus
Thou seest my breath
Failes, if thou art a Prince, and nobly minded,
Thou wilt a little intermit the fig [...]t.
Amand.
Breath then a [...]ittle lo [...]ger, though I might
[Page] [...]ustly deny it, since we are not tyed
To any such conditions in a duell:
But wherefore doe you cast your sight about?
I doubt some treachery, come, I'le delay
The time no longer, there have at thee Prince.
they fight againe.
[...]uard well thy life, it is endangered.
Perseus
This may endanger thine if it hap right.
Perseus fals.
I faint and dye, hell light upon Alecto,
And all the suriesrend his soule in pieces;
False perjar'd villaine.
dyes.
Amand.
I doe sm [...]ll a plot
Layd for my life, his words betoken something.
Enter Alecto and his assoeiates.
Alecto
How's this [...] the noble Prince of Persia slaine,
And his bold murtherer triumphing o're
His slaughtered body? come, my noble friend
Shall not dye unreveng'd.
they fall all upon him, he defends himself, and kils two.
Amand.
If there be any
Princely or royall bloud within thy veynes,
Distaine it not or shame by such a fact,
To fight at such foule disadvantage with
A wounded wearied man, y [...]t in this state,
Though faint with losse of bloud, dismisse these men,
And I will try my fortune out with thee,
And if I fall, I'le say th' art noble too.
Alecto
No, if thou liv'st, my fortunes then must dye:
I ayme, man, for the kingdome, and to gaine
The love of faire Phaenicia, thou art a barre
That hinders both, there [...]ore must be remov'd:
This plot I did contrive, not with intent
To worke thy end alone, but Perseus too;
Now it is finish'd, make an easie passage
[Page] For life to issue forth me deare associates,
There's one gap more, a floud-gate large enough.
they all thrust at him, he fals.
Amand.
Most impious wretch, think'st thou the gods above
Will favour thy so damnable attempt?
Think'st thou to scape the justice of the heavens,
And to hood-wink the gods? no, though thou hast
Proceeded thus farre in thy villanies:
Though thou hast slaine me by thy base treachery,
My minde foretels thou shalt be soone cut off,
And all thy hopes destroyd.
Consolario, Colonell, Gentleman, Mountaueers.
Consol.
Where is my Prince?
Where is he? torment to my wounded heart?
Weltring in his owne bloud.
Colon.
How? heavens defend,
What impious hand hath done so f [...]ule an act?
Speake Noble Prince, speake quickly.
Amand.
Worthy friends,
You're fitly come here to revenge my death,
There stands the villaine, and his treacherous crue
Who did procure it.
Gent.
We will sacrifice
Their lives with speed, to pacifie your spirit;
But that's a poore requitall for our losse:
Villaines, our swords must send you hence to hell,
Goe, and the furies give you entertainment.
they kill Alecto and all his friends.
Consol.
Deare Sir, how doe you? speake to Consolario,
Speake to your tutor, ope these lovely eyes,
And look with pity on the aged face
Of him that dyes for sorrow of your wounds.
Deare sonne, speake comfort to thy fathers heart,
(For so you bid me stile you to my death)
I faint, yet let one word come from you month,
To tell me that you he [...]e my g [...]vous moane.
[Page] And I shall die in peace.
Amand.
Deare Consolarie
Thy orie [...] have wak'd me from a pleasing sleepe,
I love thee still in death and after death.
Consol.
But I'le die first, so, so my heart strings breake.
Falles downe dead by Amandus.
Amand.
Helpe, helpe, my Fathers fallen in a [...]wound.
Colon
He's dead sweet Prince and pass'd recovery.
Amand.
I'le soone be with him, for I must not loose
His lov'd society; have you reveng'd
My death, upon Alecto and the rest?
Gent.
Tis done, deare Sir, see where the viliaines ly.
Amand.
Thankes dearest friends, one thing before I dy
I shall request you if my failing breath
Will give me leave to utter it, tis this,
Tell faire Ph [...]nicia my beloved Princesse
The story of my death, tell how I love her,
And grieve to leave her comfortlesse alone.
I cannot fully speake my mind unto you,
For death stops up the passage of my speach;
Adieu deare friends, adieu, Phaenicia
I dye thy servant, sweet Phaenicia.
dies.
Colon.
Farewell brave Prince, we thy unworthy subjects
Can but lament thy losse, and curse the fates
For their unjust decrees; O could they not
Have spar'd the chiefe of Princes to give lustre
Vnto the world? could not they see his beauty
And vertue shining in their glorious Orbes?
His youth faire blooming? cruell destinies!
Come now your shoulders honour with his Coarse
Sweeter then all the perfumes of the Realme,
Some to bring Consolarios body off;
We'll see this fatall Land Arabia shall
Provide them both a royall Funerall,
Exeunt,
[Page] Phaenicia, Saba her maid.
Phaeni.
Do I yet breath and live when he that was
The comfort of my life lies dead and breathlesse?
Can I behold another Sunne but that
Which shin'd from his maiestick countenance,
Eclipsed now by death, procur'd by treason:
O heavens grant freedome to my troubled spirit
To breake this prison of mortality,
And so get loose with wings of swift desire
To meete my lover in the Elizian fields.
O how I languish here! harke blessed spirit
Of my departed friend (for I believe
Thou dost refine this aire) harke to my woes;
Do not condemne Phaeuicia that she staies
So long behind thee, for thou know'st her soule
Desires to take her flight into thy bosome,
Nor shall she meete a stop (I am resolv'd)
Amandus have a little patience yet,
And then I come, tis but a minut [...] longer
Vntill I do contrive an easie way
For life to sally forth: my trusty maid
My faithfull Saba, now assist thy Mistresse
In this kind office that I shall command,
Wherein thy love shall more appeare then ever:
I loath this life thou see'st, goe fetch my Doctor
I must take his advise; thou wilt be secret,
I am [...]ssur'd, I have so often had
Exp [...]rience of thy faith; wilt thou dispatch,
And bring him to me with all expedition?
Saba.
What you command my duty wils me do
Without dispute, I'le instantly returne
And bring the Doctor—
Exit Saba.
Phaeni.
Do so trusty servant
And thy reward shall follow; I must worke
This Doctor to my will by faire intreaties,
And if that faile, by large rewards and gifts,
I'le leave no way u [...]t [...]i'd, nor una [...]empted,
[Page] Vntill I do prevaile.—
Enter Doctor with Saba.
Phaeni.
My worthy Friend
And hitherto preserver of my health,
I have a businesse now wherein I shall
Make triall of your utmost love and trust,
In which you must not faile me.
Doctor.
Gracious Princesse
My life shall be imploy'd in any service
You shall have need to use it.
Phaeni.
These are words
Of ceremonious complement, you shall not
Adventure so for me, tis but a trifle
I would imploy you in.
Doct.
What ist, I do beseech
Your Grace to tell me, and tis done with speed.
Phaen.
But I must have you sweare to execute
The thing intended, and be secret too,
Else I shall thinke you never were my friend.
Doct.
Tis some great matter that you bind me thus,
But Ladies wils must not be disobey'd,
Since tis your pleasure that I take my oath,
I here protest before the gods above
To do the utmost of my power therein.
Phae.
Well then, you know my love, you know my losse▪
You know the vertues of that noble Prince
Whose death exhausts teares from forth mine eies
And drops of bloud from my poore wounded heart;
I am resolv'd to die and now no longer
To carry such a heavy load about me
Of griefe and sorrow, which doth overweigh
By much the weaknesse of a womans nature;
Kind friend you must be the instrument to send me
Vnto the Prince Amandus, whose sweet spirit
Shall come with mine, and hover o're your house,
Vntill the whistling aire sound both our thankes:
Come do this friendly office, you are ti'd
Vnto it by your oath, you must not start,
Or fall back from your former resolution.
Doctor.
[Page]You do but try me, Madame, if I will
Prove such a villaine, sure you cannot meane
Sincerely what you speake, or if you did,
This is a thing unlawfull, there was nothing
You could command me but this only thing
That I would not performe, but pardon me
I must dispence with oath and all things el [...]e
To leave this deed undone.
Phaen.
And perjur'd prove
Vnto the gods, and false unto thy Mistresse
O cruell man! seest thou the paine I suffer
And wil't not lend thy hand to [...]ase my torment?
Are all my favours out of thy remembrance?
Could they not bind thee to this courtesie?
Take pitty on mee yet, and here is gold
Enough to purchase thee a Lordship faire,
What say'st thou to me?
Doct.
I am doub [...]f [...]ll whether,
To grant or to deny, but yet you have not
Declar'd your mind at full; what must I doe?
Phaen.
Devise an easie way for me to die,
Not in a common ordinary roade,
Which many use by cutting of a vaine
Or such like, to get passage to their blisse;
I saw the Phaeni [...] burning in her flames
The other day, and was inamour'd off
So sweet a death, I faine would die so too
Your art can helpe me in the imitation.
Doct.
Tis true I can compose variety
Of gummes, of drugges and spices mixt together,
And make a perfume not unlike unto
The Phaenix Funerall fire, whereby you may,
Be sweetly smother'd lying in your bed,
As she is in her nest, but I would rather
You would de [...] from this your resolvtion,
And make a tryall of my love and service
I [...] any other thing.
Phaen.
[Page]It is more easie
To stopp the current of a swelling river,
Or to remove a mountaine from his place,
Then to divert my minde from this, whereupon
It doth so firmly fixe, therefore kinde Sir
Send me forthwith by this my maide (for now
The time fits right) this excellent receit.
Doctor.
Your will shall be obey'd, mine shall give place.
Come maiden will you goe?
Exit Doctor and Maide.
Phaen.
Dispatch her to me
With all the hast you can, in the meane time
I'le rest me on my bed, and never rise
Vntill I see Amandus with mine eyes
She lyes downe.
This short, or rather this longe time I have
To breath the aire of woe (for life is tedious
To those that take no pleasure but in death)
Shall be imploy'd wholy in meditation,
How sweetly I shall passe unto my friend,
And come unto him as in sacrifice,
Mine altar smoaking incense and perfume.
Doctor and Maide againe.
Doct.
Madame, I'm come my selfe to doe the deed,
Doubting the maide should faile in my directions.
Phaen.
Most welcome, sacred priest, for that's the title
Your office now requires, because you are
To sacrifice me to Amandus shrine
A spotlesse Virgin; nay delay no time,
But presently about it, light the fire
Whilst I attend the sweet asending flame
Here in my bed with longing expectation
To wrap my body round, dispatch I pray.
Saba.
T'is kindled, Madam, and a cloud o [...]ume
Shroudes you from sight.
Ph [...].
I smell a heavenly vapour
[Page] Assaulting my weake breath, now Prince I come,
Beloved Prince thy deare Phaenicia comes,
Be ready to rec [...]ive her, for her spirit
Ascends up in this smoaky sacrifice.
Saba
She's dead Sir, for the sweetnesse of the fume
Hath smothered her sences.
Doct.
'Twas her pleasure
She would not be disswaded from her purpose.
I must be gone, here is no safe abiding.
Saba.
I dare not stay here neither, though her l [...]tter
Be a sufficient warrant for our lives;
I'le leave it on the bed, because the King
May finde it if he chance to enter in.
Exeunt Doctor and Saba.
Enter the King with attendance.
King
How sweet my daughter sleeps and how her breath
Perfumes the chamber o're like Arabs gummes,
I'le wake my darling with a fathers kisse,
She sleeps too long; [...]ow's this? her lips are cold,
Her cheeks are pale, aye me, I feare she's sicke,
I cannot feele her pulse, nor yet perceive
The passage of her breath; O heavens, she's dead.
A Doctor there with speed, my daughter deare,
Speake to thy aged father: O shee's gone.
Doctor, Lucinda, Emb. Cobon. Gentleman.
What say you master Doctor? is there hope
To call backe life againe?
Doct.
My gracious Soveraigne,
'Tis too farre fled to be revok't, the art
O [...] Aesculapius could doe nothing in't,
Nor all the power of physicke, nor the force
Of medicine can helpe.
King
O then I am
The wretchedst man alive, why was I borne
To see this wofull houre? but what is this?
My daughters will and tes [...]ament [...] may be
[Page] 'Twill give me satisfaction of her death:
'Tis her owne hand and seale, these the contents.
My royall father, please you understand,
Despaire and sorrow for Amandus death,
(Whom heavens ordaind the owner of my heart)
Made me loath life, and seeke this way to dye
In perfume like the Phaenix, none is guilty
Vnto my death but I my selfe: deare Sir,
I humbly crave you would be pleasd to lay
My ashes in Amandus urne with his,
That so my spirit may rest in quietnesse.
King
Thy will shall be perform'd, lye there gray hayres
And aged head, think now no more to weare
A regall Crowne, nor feeble hands to weild
A scepter, thinke of nothing but a grave:
I'm comming daughter, and I will surprise thee
Before thou art aware, beloved corps!
Help, bring it hence unto our bed chamber,
That I may breake my heart, whilst I embrace
The body 'tween my armes.
Exit King, and the body of Phaenicia.
Embas.
What tragicke Scenes
This fatall land presents? come Madame, let us
Return to Egypt, to the King your father,
And make relation of these sad disasters
That have befaln in this our pilgrimage.
Lucind.
Let it be so since things have [...]alne ou [...] thus,
When I come to my native Land, my thoughts
Shall shunne all pleasures, banish all delights,
And live Dianas Votary I will,
Till death shut up the remnant of my dayes.
What course sirs will you take?
Colon.
Faire Princesse, we
Intend to travell backe unto Damascus,
Where we first breath'd, there to surrender up
Our breath againe unto the Land that gave it.
The Tartars swords, we hope will cut it off.
Lucinda
Nay rather goe with us, & live in pleasure
[Page] At the Egyptian Court, for I'le assure you
High honours and preferments for the favours
You shew'd me once in my captivity,
And for his sake, whom yet in death I love,
But I shall not participate in joy.
Gent.
Alas, deare Madame, we abhorre delights
As much as you, since our delight is gone;
We thanke your noble courtesie, but cannot
Accept it, for despaire and sorrow doth
Pos [...]esse our very soules, come, let us goe
And leave this Land so much repleat with woe.
Exeunt omnes.
The Epilogue.
ANovelty is hapned since the Play
Was ended, and it came to passe this way,
A scrowle was found within the spicy bed
Of that rare Phaenix, faire Phaenicïa dead,
Seal'd up, and superscrib'd thus, to all such
Whom mine and Prince Amandus fate doth tou [...]h
With any sorrow: these were the contents,
We thanke you all for your kinde audience.
Come, and be welcome still, and let your friends,
Who have not seene as yet our tragicke end,
Come here and weepe with you, untill together,
You make up this a full press'd theater:
Then it shall please our ghosts to thinke the age
Pitties our wrongs presented on the Stage.
FINIS.