The Roman empress a tragedy : acted at the Royal Theater, by His Majesties servants / and written by William Joyner, Gent. Joyner, William, 1622-1706. 1671 Approx. 167 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 39 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2011-04 (EEBO-TCP Phase 2). A46333 Wing J1159 ESTC R695 12305315 ocm 12305315 59228

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A46333) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 59228) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 637:12) The Roman empress a tragedy : acted at the Royal Theater, by His Majesties servants / and written by William Joyner, Gent. Joyner, William, 1622-1706. [10], 67 p. Printed by T.N. for Henry Herringman ..., [London] In the Savoy : 1671. First edition. In verse. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Supposed to be the story of Constantine the Great and his son Crispus.

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 eng Constantine -- I, -- Emperor of Rome, d. 337 -- Drama. Crispus, Flavius Julius, d. 326 -- Drama. 2020-09-21 Content of 'availability' element changed when EEBO Phase 2 texts came into the public domain 2009-06 Assigned for keying and markup 2009-07 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2009-08 Sampled and proofread 2009-08 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2009-09 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE Roman Empreſs. A TRAGEDY: Acted at the ROYAL THEATER, BY HIS MAJESTIES SERVANTS. And written by WILLIAM JOYNER, Gent.

Qui Bavium non odit, amet tua carmina Maevi; Atque inopeis rerum verſus, nugaſque canoras. Virg. Ecl. 3. Horat.

In the SAVOY, Printed by T. N. for Henry Herringman, and are to be ſold at the Sign of the Anchor in the lower Walk of the New Exchange, 1671.

TO THE HONORABLE Sr Charles Sidley. SIR,

THough this Tragedy, in ſpight of a dead Vacation, and ſome other impediments, found the applauſe & approbation of the Theater as oft as it appear'd: yet I eſteem it a ſingular fortune to have had yours in particular: and look upon it like the great advantage, which a rich jewel gives to a ring of gold. Such envious ſpirits, who thought nothing requiſite, but audacity, to become Cenſors in this Art (which perchance is the ſubtileſt of human invention) and upon this ground condemn'd the common ſuffrage: when they ſee it confirm'd by yours, will loſe the choiceſt fruits of their malice. In the government of Provinces under Nero, 'tis obſerv'd, that it was alwayes dangerous to do well; and yet not ſtill ſafe to do ill. Theſe perſons would bring the Stage to the ſame condition: for as they have ſought to condemn this Play for the regular conformity to the rules of art, and reaſon; ſo they have not deſiſted ſometimes to decry others for their unnatural incongruities, when they have been inform'd where they are. Sir I could wiſh that you, ſo far plac'd above the reach of envy, would honor the Theater with ſome productions of this nature: For there is nothing more difficult; or which requires a more elevated wit, richer fancy, or ſubtiler judgement: Which rare qualities concur in you in ſo high a perfection, that there is no free, noble ſoul which denyes you herein the juſt tribute of reſpect and preference. In the happy return, and conduct of our great Soveraign, we ſee reſtor'd to us the ſecure felicity of the times of Augustus. To which you might add the ſplendour, by affording us the noble fruits and inventions of your wit. Meſſala Corvinus, and Pollio, the Ornaments of that Court, though eminent in War, prefer'd this way to perpetuate the glory of their names: A deſire which naturally inflames Heroical breſts; and ſhould do yours: the commendation of the preſent times being a Patrimony of too contracted limits for ſo great a worth: which cannot receive deſerv'd fame and reputation, but from the bounty of ſucceeding ages: which I much wiſh, and at preſent, the continuation of a flouriſhing proſperity. I am,

SIR, Your moſt humble and obliged Servant, WILLIAM JOYNER.
The Preface.

HAving conſider'd, that of all Tragedies the old Oedipus, in the just eſtimation of the Antients and Moderns carry'd the Crown: a Story as yet untoucht by any Engliſh Pen; I thought, though defective in my art, I could not be but very fortunate in this my ſubject. Which has given me leave not only to include what is admirable in this Oedipus; but ſeveral great advantages above it for a Tragical Theater. Of which, one is the greatneſs of this Roman Emperour above ſo petty a Prince in Greece. Another is, that tis imagin'd, there was never any ſuch perſon as this Oedipus, and the Story wholy fabulous. Whereas mine is foundded in truth and reality. For, though by adviſe of friends I have diſguiſ'd the names; yet this Emperour was one of the greateſt that ever Rome boasted. He held his Adverſary ſometime reduc'd to that low condition and poſture I deſcribe. And inſtigated by this malicious calumny of his Empreſs, put to death his own Son, after the creating of him Caeſar. As it was affirm'd by the glorious Martyr Artemius in the preſence of the Emperour Julian Apostate: Who was the near Kinſman of this Florus; and very inquiſitive after the ſad end of ſo brave and illuſtrious a Perſon. Yet ſome Hiſtorians make him die accuſ'd for Treaſon: and I for both; with the moſt forcible reaſons I could produce. For intending Valentius for my Protagoniſt, 〈…〉 the moſt perfect ſubject of Tragical compaſſion in 〈…〉 of Ariſtotle, approv'd by all intelligent 〈…〉 ſtrangely to circumvent him; and make the moſt excuſable, I poſſibly could, that imprudence for which Zoſimus maliciouſly defames him. Beſides this Character of Oedipus, the true occurrents of this admirable Story afford me two others highly celebrated by all learnned Nations, in the perſons of Fulvia, and Florus, who much repreſents the old Hippolytus, unleſs it be in the horrid rudeneſs of his carriage; which I have here chang'd into a gallant bravery, ending in a diſmal Cataſtrophe, much more agreeable to the compaſſion of theſe Times. The antient Phoedra is here ſet off in a real Fulvia; and I am inform'd, ſome exceptions are taken at the wickedneſs I ſhew in her perſon: but ſure theſe people want a ſubject of diſcourſe, and trouble, who would fain concern themſelves in my not concealing the ill qualities of a Pagan woman: who for the atrocity of theſe crimes is known in Hiſtory to have had a miſerable end. This Character has been ever much extoll'd: if my art has fail'd in the writing of it, it was highly recompenc'd in the ſcenical preſentation; for it was incomparably acted. I have for the greater variety of the Stage divided this Character, conferring ſome ſhare of it on Aurelia, which, though a great, various, and difficult part, was excellently performed. In the perſon of Honorius, I have nothing of antiquity to plead for me, the Character being never thought of by any man but by ſelf: neither had I honour'd him with ſuch noble company, but by the advice of ſome friends; who perſwaded me, that his horrid opinions, by reaſon of the novelty, and the ſetting off a falſe Pagan Gallantry, would excellently ſuit with this Tragical Subject. At which no juſt exceptions can be taken, for none ſure come to Playes to learn true history, or religion; and to make profane perſons ſpeake profanely, is practiſ'd in the Tragedies of Petavius; whom I my ſelf knew as eminent for his piety, as learning.

If the language pleaſe not, I am ſorry: the fault proceeds from no want of reſpect to the Audience. For I wrote the quantity of three or four Playes upon this noble Subject; of which I conceive this the beſt extract. Such who expect to have their ears tickled with the gingling Antitheſes of Love and Honor, and ſuch like petty wares, will find themſelves deceiv'd. For the chief intent of Tragedy being to raiſe Terror and Compaſſion; I thought a more maſculine and vigorous eloquence and graces more natural, and leſs affected, were requiſite to inſpire ſuch impreſſions. For ſatisfaction of the Engliſh Stage, which delights in variety, I have ſought to entertain the Audience with the divertiſement of new accidents; not only from Act to Act, but Scene to Scene; where the Conteſts are lively, the Paſſions violent, the Deſignes extreme, and the Deliberations horrid. My endeavour has been to conform this piece to the beſt rules of Art in all the parts: Though my Oppoſers have preſum'd to condemn it cleer throughout: but eſpecially in the fifth Act, which they have concluded ſenſeleſs, and void of all art and reaſon; With which (as the head of man is with intellectual faculties) it ſhould be chiefly enricht. And ſo the Reader ſhall perceive it, if he pleaſe rather to direct himſelf by the rules of ſolid Science; then the dreams of theſe Perſons. For here he finds himſelf arriv'd at the end of ſtrangely astoniſhing diſaſters; yet confin'd within the limits of Probability; without having the leaſt reaſon to demand how he has been conducted, or by what means they have been wrought. Though in the paſſage (as I may ſay) they have been wholy ſurpriſing, and left him every where at a loſs. This rule I have obſerv'd throughout the Play, to pleaſe the judicious, who ſtill watch and expect things unexpected: And I believe will ſcarce find here one anticipated action, or event. For the Dream of Valentius, though it ſeems to give a manifeſt overture of the conſequence, yet the obſcureneſs is ſo dark, that it deceives not only Him, but the very Audience; the fatal thunderbolt falling, unſeen and unheard in the midſt of them. And here occurs in the Perſon of Valentius, what Ariſtotle admires in Oedipus, confeſſing human wit can invent in this kind nothing beyond it. For he incurs thoſe very misfortunes, which with all imaginable care he ſhun'd; condemning his Son without knowing him; and after death knowing him without all benefit: which makes him the beſt, and greatest of all Tragical Subjects. The narration I have made cleer, pathetique, and ſhort; including a ſtory curious, and therefore not taedious: To ſhun which fault I have alſo interrupted it with the doleful exclamation of Valentius in the Agnition of his Error: Which to judicious ears appears the moſt melodious part in Tragical compoſition. In the eſcape of Fulvia I have follow'd the example of Medea, which by the ſubtile and judicious Caſtelvetro is only cenſur'd for the want of preparatives: the foregoing parts having nothing contributed to this strange action. Which is here contrary; and the conveyance more rational. Which my oppoſers ſhould have remarkt. And how the great Cataſtrophes in this Play proceed from no external helps, or new faces unſeen before; but from the interweaving of the intrinſecal parts of the Subject; And how I have not defil'd the Majeſtique Grace of a Tragique Theater with the company of any vile Plebeian Perſons, though the Plot has been ſo variouſly intricated. They ſhould laſtly have taken notice, that here is nothing Epiſodical; which I have not made eſſential in the conſtruction of the Story; from whence ariſes the graceful Vnion: An obſervation to be wiſht more in faſhion. For it is this Ʋnion, which like Harmony in Muſique, gives the laſt perfection and beauty to all Subjects moral, as well as natural.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE. VAlentius, Roman Emperour. Major Mohun. Florus, whoſe other name is Veſpaſius, General of Valentius; proving at laſt to be his Son. Mr. Kynaſton. Honorius, Friend of Florus: Epicurean in his opinions. Mr. Bell. Statilius, A Military Councellor, and Favorite of Valentius. Mr. Lyddel. Macrinus, A great Perſon, vulgarly paſſing for the Father of Florus. Mr. Beeſton. Servilius, Great Courtiers, and Commanders of Legions. Mr. Harris. Carbo, Great Courtiers, and Commanders of Legions. Mr. Littlewood. Fulvia, Roman Empreſs, in love with Florus. The young Mrs. Marſhall. Antonia, Lady of Honor to Fulvia, and Wife to Servilius. Mrs. Kneap. Hoſtilius, Tyrant of Rome. Mr. Watſon. Arſenius, General of Hoſtilius, and thinking himſelf Father of Florus. Mr. Cartwright. Aurelia, Daughter of Hoſtilius, of ſingular beauty, belov'd of Florus. Mrs Boutell. Sophonia, Her Governeſs; who proves to be Palladia, firſt Wife of Valentius, ſuppoſed long before dead. Mrs Cory. Courts, Men, Women, Officers, Attendants, &c.

The SCENE of this Drama or Action is about the Banks of Tiber: where Hoſtilius and his Party are ſuppoſ'd to be in Rome, or on the Roman ſide of the River: And Valentius with his Party encampt on the other ſide in the nature of Beſiegers.
THE Roman Empreſs.
ACT. I. Hoſtilius, Courtier, and Court-Attendants. The SCENE expoſ'd of a Battle newly fought. Court. THe Enemy, Sir, is at laſt retreated Almoſt with equal loſs, after a cruel And bloody fight, excepting that young Lucius. Prince of the Roman Youth, and your brave Son, As yet appears not: your Camp-maſter below Attends to give you an exact relation. Exeunt. Hoſt. I come: in the mean ſpace ſee that my Daughter Enter Aurelia, Sophonia. Attend me here: Co. I ſhall — Madam I was Juſt coming to inform your Princely Highneſs, How his Imperial Majeſty intends To find you in this place. Au.

Depart. He ſhall

 Sophonia. Aurelia weeping. So. Madam, I ſhould eſteem the tears you ſhed At a great value, did they eaſe thoſe griefs They thus lament: but they rather increaſe them: Clear thoſe bright lights then from thoſe miſty clouds. Au. —My dear Sophonia, Whoſe milk firſt gave me bloud, whoſe boſom, life; Add this to thoſe thy other benefits, To let me thus conſume my ſelf in tears Which are ſo juſt: thou ſeeſt My Fathers power, which lately had no other Bounds, than the boundleſs Ocean, and the Heavens Contracted to the Walls of Rome, confin'd Here to the Banks of Tiber; where we ſuffer Defeats upon defeats, no funerals ſee Of Parents, Friends, Allies; which make not up Their horrid train with funerals of others. I fear the iſſue of this cruel fight, Wherein my Brother was engag'd. New horror, Beſides from ill preſages of my mind Torments my fancy. Soph. Theſe thoughts and fears unworthy are to enter The breaſt of my Aurelia, but are inmates Fit to be entertain'd by ſuch are born To the diſtaff and obedience: you the Daughter And Niece of Emperors, markt with the ſtamp Of Majeſty Imperial, and of Beauty, Are deſtin'd, when that Rome ſhall chooſe her Head, To be Commandreſs of that great Commander, Or rather by the honor of your bed To ſhew who's proper to be Romes great Head. Compoſe your ſelf, your tears and grief aſſwage By timely marriage, and ſtop this civil rage. Au. From funeral, to thoſe of nuptial rites, The paſſage will ſeem ſtrange: the heavens change not So ſuddenly, but 'twixt the day and night They interpoſe the mornings dusky light. Soph. The morning's gay and pleaſant, diſſipates▪ Nights horror; ſo let mirth begin in you A day of jollity, which may not know What ſetting is. Au. Which to me cannot happen; thou haſt known My heart, Sophonia, and what a cruel part Love there has acted; for I told thee how When I laſt paſſed to the Enemies Camp In my diſguiſe (as I muſt now again) I fell in love with Florus their brave Gen'ral, And ſo became a captive of the greateſt Oppreſſor of our Cauſe, and Family. Soph. Madam, Arſenius has inform'd you how He's more ſurpriz'd with you; ſo that two flames Love never better kindled, to extinguiſh This mortal hatred of your Families. Au. True, if the cruel nature of my Father, Who thirſts after his bloud, would not oppoſe us. But here he comes; and as my fears foretel me, To reprehend me on this very ſubject. To them Hoſtilius and Macrinus. Hoſ. Macrinus, when the Romans ſurfeited With Roman bloud, think fit to ſtop the torrent, You like a generous adverſary will Advance the publick good: Mac. 'Tis my firſt wiſh Thus to expreſs my gratitude to you. Hoſ. Farewel, and, where the laws of arms permit you, Be civil to my party. Now Sophonia, Exit Macr. Your obligations to Macrinus are Cancell'd by this his liberty, I give him; Which though you do not, I count forfeited. Sop.

I muſt eternally record this favour.

 Hoſ. Aurelia, 'twas you, and your intreaty Exit Soph. I ſought to gratifie herein: I hope When I grant your requeſt, that you will mine, Which is at preſent, to caſt off thoughts of love, Eſpecially of Florus; an Uſurper, As in the State, ſo in thy breaſt now enterd, Where love muſt have no harbor: I ſhall find Paſſions more noble to poſſeſs thy mind. Au. Sir, if external beauty joyn'd with virtue Force love in womans heart, it is no wonder. Florus finds entrance here: Sir, let theſe tears Soften that breaſt, which the age, war, and cuſtom Seem to have armed ſo againſt compaſſion. — When you reflect On loves predominancy over all things, Can you imagin that the ſoft and tender Breaſt of a young and inexperienc'd Virgin Can reſiſt him, who under the white ſnow Of reverend gray-heads, kindles his fires, and with his flames, extinguiſhes the light Of the matureſt judgements. Hoſ. — Love exerciſes His power only where he finds conſent. An. No April tree when her green ſeaſon's paſt Shoots not forth into bloſſoms; nor no Virgin, Her Spring time come, feels not the heats of love. However O my erring ſoul, and thou My captiv'd heart, and you my thus miſplac'd Affections bear me witneſs, if I uſ'd not (To comply with my Father) all my forces To free my mind from theſe tyrannick paſſions: But O alas! the more I ſought to break Theſe fetters, I in them was more intangled. This love which in my breaſt inſenſibly It ſelf inſinuating, there grew up Without adviſe of reaſon, can't be now By reaſon either govern'd, or extinguiſht. Hoſ. — Audacious creature, were I not (what thou Seems't to deny here) an indulgent Father, Thou from theſe hands at preſent ſhouldſt receive ſhews her his ſword. Chaſtiſement proper to thy inſolence, Which now falls on thee mitigated onely Into admoniſhment; thy error is Th' error of love, which is excuſable In younger age, confined within limits Excuſable; but when a royal Princeſs Hurri'd from love to madneſs by her paſſion Diſdains the curbs of reaſon, and of honor, And yields her ſelf up to my greateſt foe, This is a crime ſeverely to be puniſht; and ſhould be, were I not aſſur'd of thy Future amendment: but in the mean time Gives her a bloody handkerchif. Wipe off thy tears, for Florus here with this. Au. What ominous gift is this? Hoſ. It is a token She ſtartles. Dipt in thy Brother Lucius bloud, with which The hands of Florus, as yet hot, and diſtilling, Muſt thee embrace. Au. Death ſhall embrace me firſt In her cold arms. What mutiny is here? One of my chiefeſt vital parts has me Depriv'd of th' other. Oh, my Brother ſlain! And by the hands of Florus, juſt when he Has ſignifi'd his flames reciprocal, And great as mine. O my accurſed fate! Why, we were twins, bedfollows in the womb, Companions e're born, together united Before with life inſpired: in his death I've loſt my better part, and can't ſurvive She falls into a ſwoun. With what is left me. Hoſ. Aurelia, nay Aurelia, Recall thy ſelf, thy Father is yet living He ſtrives to recover her. Thy loving Father, who to thee ſhall be A Brother, Mother, all things; reaſſume Thy life and courage. Au. I do, and find my ſelf She ſeems to come to her ſelf. In this ſhort tranſe ſo chang'd, that now I'm ſorry I have no pentitential moiſture left To expiate thoſe tears, againſt my duty, Caſt away on the love of Florus: but You'll pardon this defect; deſire of my Revenge ſo agitates my heart, and raiſeth Such violent motions in my troubled fancy Tranſporting all my thoughts, and faculties To her tyrannique will; like ſome vaſt flame, Which all occurring obſtacles conſuming, Transformeth them at laſt into her ſelf. Rage, choller, fury, ofsprings of hell increaſe And multiply here in this breaſt, which freely I open to you, caſting out all thoughts Of virgin ſoftneſs, or remorſe; hereafter Theſe fountains of my eyes be ever dry; My hands, and tongue audacious to commit Miſchiefs to terrifie mankind; my looks Diſſembling, treacherous, and fatal be To thoſe they pleaſe; the powers of my ſoul Let my rage rule, and nothing it controul. Hoſ. Aurelia, now thou ſhew'ſt, thou doſt inherit, As well as Mothers beauty, Fathers ſpirit. Magnanimous revenge, not love's a gueſt Fit to be harbor'd in a royal breſt. Exeunt. Sophonia. Macrinus. Soph. O dear Macrinus, haſten thy departure, Hoſtilius muſt not know thy longer ſtay, He thinks he gives, what he can take away, Thy liberty, which I have ſo endanger'd. Mac. I would expoſe my life, much more what you Call liberty, to ſerve your Majeſty. Soph. That word does but revive The memory of my unhappy fate, Macr. weeps. Which I would fain forget. I prethee weep not. Mac. Madam, I muſt, though I rejoyce to ſee Your virtue triumph o're your miſery. Soph. Thou ſeeſt Valentius finds his ſatisfaction In my ſuppoſed death. Mac. The Gods we ſee Intend your happineſs, ſince ſure by their Inſtinct he deſtines Florus for the Throne. Sop. Macrinus, thou wouldſt fain revive my falſe And treacherous hopes; but oh, I fear the heavens, Which ſee mee in my miſeries grow old, Will in them let me die: but pray lets ſee The way th' haſt found (excuſe my vanity) To ſave my reputation when I dye. Mac.

Here's the Inſcription which I have made of you.

The moſt unfortunate of women, the ſuppoſ'd Sophonia, was the true Palladia, Empreſs, and Wife of Valentius, condemn'd by him upon a falſe ſuſpicion, but ſav'd by Macrinus conſcious of her innocence and virtue, in teſtimony whereof he hath left theſe characters ingraved with his own hands. This I have cut in ſeveral plates of braſs, Which fixt in walls, and only incruſted over With a ſlight plaiſter, in ſhort time decaying, Will clear your ſtory to the abuſed world. Soph. Honeſt Macrinus, how much I fear I never ſhall this zeal of thine repay: Once more farewel, make ſpeedy haſt away. Exeunt. Florus. Servilius. Carbo. Carb. — Though Courts have ever been The chiefeſt Theaters where love delights To repreſent his cruel, ſerious follies: Yet Camps are not exempted. Serv. Yes, Sir, but The wonder is to ſee our noble Gen'ral Surpriz'd thus with the picture of a Lady. Car.

Why were you ſo?

 Flo. Yes, when the Roman Eagles Victoriouſly under my conduct flew Through Italy, reducing the Enemies power To the Precincts of Rome; in the ſurpriſal Of Sarnium, I ſaw the picture of a Lady, Drawn by the pencil of the famous Sanga, Whoſe ſhape the very Goddeſſes would take, Were they to make love here on earth again: Ah how this object in the very moment Depriv'd me of my liberty, ſo that My entrance there was ſervile, not triumphal. Car. To ſee ariſe in a great General Confuſion from a Picture, from a ſhadow, Is very ſtrange. Serv. I thought A painted fire might deceive the ſight But never raiſe a heat, or kindle flames. Flor. I grant this; did not fame Paint out th' original ſubſtance of this ſhadow Above what fancy comprehends; Eumolpus Has on this ſubject made a Song, wherein He'has toucht the proper ſtring of my affection, With commendation of his friend the Painter. Boy, lets ſee it, go now, and ſing it.
SONG. That divine form which thus deludes thy ſenſe, And holds thee gazing in a ſtrange ſuſpence, The creature only is of Sanga's art; Yet from theſe eyes love does his fires dart. To them a lively ſpeech his fav'ring hand (Which to the tongue he never would impart) Has giv'n like Sirens to betray thy heart. Ah flye then! 'tis too late; thou haſt thy wound, And there doſt panting lye upon the ground.
My ſtrange misfortune is, that I, Or rather my ill fate, have fixt my love Upon an Enemy of Valentius; So that if I purſue it, I ſhall loſe My Princes favour; and if not, I loſe My ſoul, my ſelf. Car. Why he is ſick of my diſeaſe, I love An Enemy of Valentius; to Thee Aſide. Aurelia I gave my faith before. Thy Father was declar'd his enemy. Ser.

I muſt condem this love.

 Car.

'Tis then with high injuſtice.

 Ser. —He's guilty who hates not His Princes Enemies; can you think him Then innocent, who thus adores them. Flor. —Have patience only, and Conſider if th' admirer of this object. Rather deſerves reproach, pity, or envy ſhews a picture to them. Car. —Whats this I ſee! aſide ſtartling. I have defended here my Rival; this Is my Aurelia's picture, which I left her A pledge of my eternal love at parting. Ser. This image ſo confounds my reaſon, that Th' accuſed may juſtly abſolve himſelf aſide ſurpriz'd. By virtue of his Judges crime; I muſt Think of my duty to my Wife and Prince. Flor. —I perceive ſtrange emotion In them, but would not from their weakneſs ſeek Protection for my failings. Why thus chang'd? Come in, and recollect your ſelves, I'le ſee If you are ſick of my infirmity. Exeunt. Arſenius. Honorius. Arſ. diſguiſ'd in habit of a common ſouldier. Arſ. —Behold us here arriv'd At the Tents of Valentius; that I, The General of Hoſtilius, diſguiſ'd In this vile habit of a common Souldier, Expoſe my ſelf to him my Enemy, Are ſtrange effects of love: that liberty —Which I give thee, Thou in requital ſeems't to take from me. Hon. Sir, that you have reſtor'd me to my ſelf And liberty, I muſt confeſs, but not That I thus ſeek to recompence your favour; Expreſs your meaning: theſe words offend my honor. Arſ. You have oft told me that Your General Florus was your greateſt friend; On which belief I let you know he was My only Son; and how capricious fortune Had ſeparated thoſe minds, and affections Which nature joyn'd. Hon. 'Tis true, and I acquainted You with his love of your Princeſs Aurelia; Well knowing the advantages you would Take to ſeduce him from his loyalty, With ſo fair a temptation; but know To this I then conſented, fearing, that To take from noble vertue the occaſion Of victory, was to envy her triumphing. Arſ. I hope his love of her will now extort That which the duty of a Father could not, That's his obedience; ſince love ever finds His Empire greateſt in the greateſt minds: —though hitherto The vain and empty title of being loyal Prevail'd more with him then the entreaties of A moſt indulgent and a tender father. Hon. Sir, you are too indulgent, who would thus Permit, nay more perſwade him to become A Traitor to his Prince, the common Father Of us, and of his Country; and in whoſe Obedience, though with loſs of life, and fortune, He's happy in performing thus his duty. Arſ. Of all wild beaſts, which entrance find in Courts, Malicious detractors are the worſt: Of all domeſtical, theſe flatterers, Which into Princes ears gently diſtill The poiſon of theſe maxims, as if human Nature could thus comply with ſervitude, Not foaming at the Curb; Sir, like ſea waves, Impetuouſly forc'd by ſeveral winds, We are by the tempeſtuous torrents hurri'd Of rage, ambition, choller, and revenge: Of which the latter juſtly has provokt My indignation againſt Valentius. Hon. Nothing can juſtifie theſe practiſes Againſt your Prince. Arſ. But to the ſubject, to return from which We deviate now; I have of late obtain'd Aurelia by the conſent of her Father In marriage for my Son, to whom I lately Addreſt a letter ſignifying the ſame, ſhews him a letter. Intending you the happy bearer of This grateful news, of which another Copy I to Aurelia ſent, to ſhew my pen As forward as my ſword in the procuring Hers, and her Fathers intereſt; but ſince Conſidering in deſperate diſeaſes, That extreme remedies are beſt, I've chang'd My thoughts, perſwaded that a Fathers preſence Will be more prevalent Then the mute eloquence of Paper; ſo Behold me here arrived, to procure An end to my calamities; my Sons Greateſt felicity; the ruine of The perſecutor of my life, Valentius. Hon. Give o're this raſh diſcourſe; here thou ſhouldſt die The ſacrifice of my juſt indignation, draws at him. Wer't not to envy thy brave Sons ſecure Triumphing over thy vain ſtratagems. Doſt hope through my protection to put Thy treacherous practice into execution Againſt my Prince? the ſound of this diſcourſe More odious is to me then the noiſe Of chains or fetters, which I'le rather ſuffer. Theſe abject thoughts proportionate, and proper Are to thy doating age; attribute to Thy fortune of having ſo brave a Son puts up his ſword. The life, thou receiv'ſt from theſe generous hands. Ar. Is it a generous part thus to reward My benefit with this ingratitude? Hon. A benefit conferred in the ſenſe Of intereſt, merits no recompence. Ar. My forward love miſtaken was to try To gain affection from an Enemy. Hon. Thy hopes are vain, it was thy error here With curteſie to 'abuſe a Gentleman. Ar. A Gentleman, who ſuch reſentment ſhows The man, to whom his liberty he owes? Hon. Can he be author of my liberty, Who would engage me in this treacherie? Ar. Sir, is it treacherouſly, or nobly done, To reconcile a Father to a Son? Hon. A Father, he who ſeeks to rob a Son Of his true honor, and reputation? Ar. Honor to ſpend his youth, and time, and die In ſervice of his Fathers Enemy? Hon. His reſpect to his Father muſt give way To that of his true Prince, who all muſt ſway. Ar. Mans firſt, and greateſt duty from the tye Of nature comes, not human policy. Hon. Nature muſt yield to reaſon, which thinks fit, Privat to publick int'reſt ſhould ſubmit. Ar. Go to thy Son Arſenius, and try, If he be cruel like thy Enemy. Hon. Go to thy Son Arſenius; there's his Tent: A Fathers ignominy there lament; points to the Tents of the Camp. And a Sons glory, as thy puniſhment.
ACT. II. Fulvia, Antonia. Attendants. Ful. ALl but Antonia leave the place. Exceſſive griefs, Antonia, receive No mitigation from advice of friends: And ſuch are mine; ſo that if I implore Aſſiſtance, I exaſperate them more. Ant. Madam, what cauſes this ſtrange alteration? So many nights your eyes have ſeen no ſleep, Which chang'd of late, have loſt their uſual luſtre. Your looks and ſpeech are not accompany'd With their accuſtom'd graces; as ſome ſick Perſons, in cold languiſhing all the night, With feavors burning at th' approach of light; Juſt ſo your Majeſty the Sun offends When he his courſe begins, or when he ends. Th' arrival of the night gives you no eaſe; That of the day your torments does increaſe. To me your ſervant why d'you thus affect To hide the cauſe, who tell you the effect? Ful. What ſhall I do? confeſſions of our crimes In Princes are worſe crimes then they themſelves; And which, if I ſtrive longer to conceal, aſide. This forced ſilence will at laſt reveal: —Let then my will, Which in an Empreſs ſhould be ſole Commander, The voluntary firſt eruption make. Antonia, thou ſhalt now know my diſeaſe, But let compaſſion mollifie thy heart Conformable to the grief, which I ſuffer. Who the diſtreſs'd relieve, muſt firſt reſent, And feel the torment of the Patient. Florus, that name ſo grateful to Antonia, But more to me. Florus, I ſay to thee, ſo acceptable. Ant. —Madam, 'tis true, 'twas he Who firſt to my Servilius me united. Ful. —And me has diſunited from my ſelf, My Prince, the world, and all things but himſelf. Florus more fair, more beautiful than is Morning or midnight ſtar, more lovely then The pleaſant Sun himſelf, when he ſhines through The golden Fleece of the coeleſtial Ram. —O how I am, With love tranſported. Ant. True; But 'tis, I hope, of your Valentius. Ful. No; 'tis not: yes, it is; I mean of him: Not what he is, but what he was; in Florus Me thinks I ſee Valentius reviv'd, And my old flames: Love has Retrac'd the ſame imaginations in My fancy, which kindled my firſt deſires. Nature gave the ſame features to their faces, And to their minds and bodies the ſame graces. Such ſprightlineſs was in Valentius looks, When firſt he courted me: Such was his comely geſture, when on horſeback The ſtately courſer proud was of his burden. Thus ſmil'd he, thus he frown'd, and in his anger Became more lovely from the change of paſſions. Marvel not then, that ſo great a Commander So ſoon has conquer'd, and inflam'd the breaſt, Alas! of a poor Lady. Ant.

Theſe heats ſhould be ſuppreſt in their beginning.

 Ful. And ſo they might; did they like other fires Grow by ſucceſſion; but they maſterleſs Like lightning, found expanſion in an inſtant Through all my veins, inflaming all my ſpirits. Ant. Caſt off theſe vain ſurmiſes, and be ſure the thought you may be cur'd, is half the cure. Let not your Majeſty herein perſever, We ſafely ſin ſometimes, ſecurely never. Strangle theſe vile thoughts in their infancy. Ful. This I have oft endeavour'd, but in vain —So whilſt that I Am thus conſum'd by an internal fire, Scarce daring to let it evaporate In words, in ſighs, in tears like other lovers; The heat increaſing, multiplies within My breaſt, and will, I fear, at laſt for want Of vent deſtroy me. Ant. Madam, theſe thoughts ſhould have no vent, but find At once their birth, and burial in your mind. Ful. My vital heat, and this more vital of My love, are ſubſtances inſeparable; Nay, if the nature of my ſoul ſhall not prove Mortal, I fear that will not of my love: So that to ſave my honor if I die, I am not ſure to end my miſerie. Wilt thou not then afford me thy compaſſion? Ant. To her who voluntary caſts her ſelf In miſerie, what pity can be due? Ful. O 'tis againſt my will; love like a Tyrant has Reduc't my ſoul, and all her faculties In vaſſalage: Virtue lets fall her arms, As weak, and uſeleſs, 'againſt ſuch pow'rful charms. Ant.

Think on the violation of your faith.

 Ful. I have, and find, that conſtancy is only A force imaginary in us women: I find it by my ſelf. Ant.

But not by others.

 Ful.

Canſt ſee me periſh, and afford no ſuccour?

 Ant. Want of aſſiſtance in this kind preſerves you. My ſuccor in this caſe would make you periſh. Ful. Thy Empreſs ſubmiſſively intreats, And wilt thou not obey? Ant. learn to command, And firſt your ſelf, and then I ſhall obey. I am your ſervant, not ſlave of your vice. Ful.

Canſt thou a Lover be, and yet ſo cruel?

 Ant.

My love I keep confin'd within due limits.

 Ful. Contrivers of crimes ſecretly committed In Courts, ſecurely ſtill advance themſelves, Without the loſs of fame, or reputation. Ant. We doubly erre; if erring we procure Th' opinion, that we have conſerv'd our honor. Ful. —If we approve in Princes Actions unjuſt for private int'reſt, why not Thoſe more excuſable for private pleaſure? A hidden fault was never entire crime. Ant.

That which is voluntary, is entire.

 Ful. But not in Princes, who being publick perſons, Their vices, if not publick, are not vices; Nor private virtues eſteem'd Princely virtues. 'Tis cruelty not to aſſiſt th' afflicted. Ant.

Not when contrivers of their own misfortunes.

 Ful.

O thou art obſtinat.

 Ant.

'Tis conſtancy.

 Ful.

'Tis cruelty.

 Ant.

'Tis generoſity.

 Ful.

Ingratitude in the moſt high degree.

 Ant.

Greateſt beneficence.

 Ful.

Thy Princes hater.

 Ant.

A lover of her honor, and my own.

 Ful.

No more Antonia: ſhall I live, or die?

 Ant.

Then loſs of honor, death's leſs miſerie.

 Ful. What ſhall I do? my reaſon having loſt, Whiles fury guides me, I rove ſtrangely toſt, I know not where, but certainly aſtray, Where honor ſuffers mad love to lead the way. Exeunt. Arſenius. Honorius. Florus putting up his ſword. Flo. No, no; I can't believe it; 'tis almoſt Impoſſible, that he ſhould be my Father, Who ſeeks thus to deprive me of my honor, In forfeiting my duty to my Prince. —Acknowledge in pure gift Thy life from my unlucky ignorance Of him, who is my Father. Hon. Brave Florus, this new field maintain, Which virtue has laid open with intention To ſignalize thy valor in all kinds. Nature her ſelf thou here ſubdueſt, not words Of human art or hand; and which is moſt, None in this conqueſt, but thy ſelf can boaſt. Ar.

My Son.

 Fl.

My Enemy.

 Ar.

My only Son.

 Flor.

My greateſt Enemy.

 Ar. Thou know'ſt I ſeek Thy happineſs, and canſt thou injure me? Flo. Is this an injury, to defend my ſelf From th'undermining practice of a Traytor? Ar. Canſt thou ſubmit to ſerve a Prince, who is An enemy to him, who gave thee being. Flo. Suppoſe you did, will you on this account Rob me of my well-being, fame, and honor? Ar. Diſguiſ'd here in theſe abject weeds, for thee My grandour, and my dignity, and life To hazard I expoſe. Flo. Return; thou haſt free leave, and reaſſume Thy Generalſhip under Hoſtilius: It is my glory in the head of armies To meet me as my adverſary; but My ſhame, diſgrace, and ignominy to Reſpect thee with the reverence of a Father. Ar. Cruel Barbarian, if thou diſpiſeſt Thy Father, from whom thou enjoy'ſt this light; At leaſt make ſome account of him, who ſeeks To put thee in poſſeſſion of that Thou lov'ſt above this light, thy fair Aurelia. Flo. When my affection to Aurelia Shall be offenſive to Valentius, Ile caſt it off. Ar.

Art thou reſolv'd to refuſe me all pity?

 Flo.

I ſhall obſerve my duty to my Prince.

 Ar. Which ſhould give place to thy paternal duty, And is ingrafted in all breſts but thine; —Known long before, Private ambition, popular faction Had laid the ruines, or the foundations Of Principalities, or Commonwealths, Whence theſe names ſprang of loyalty, and honor. The cruel Thracian, barbarous Indian Acknowledging no other law, know this: So does th' inhoſpitable Scythian, Who others bloud devouring, with his own His aged fainting Sire will revive. Flo. —My cruel fortune! When thy looks faireſt are, how thou confound'ſt me? Here filial obligation, which nature Imprints not only in mens hearts, but beaſts, Challenges my obedience to a Father; Who not content to give me life, ſeeks here With hazard of his own, to make mine happy. On th' other ſide my Prince, who has prevented My age, my merit, and my expectation, With heaping on me honors upon honors, Exacts more from me then my gratitude Equaliz'd to my wiſhes could repay. O how thus ſtrangely circumvented I Far greater torment find to live then die! Hon. Florus, why thus perplext? what in a dream? Diſpel theſe cloudy miſts, follow the way, Where honor lights thee with her golden ray. Flo. Honorius, thou haſt turn'd the balance, which My trembling heart durſt neither way incline. Ar. Unfortunate Arſenius! what new hopes Canſt thou retain, when they ingrateful are, Which have ſuch benefits receiv'd from thee; The one is life, the other liberty. Hon. T'oblige the innocent, to make him guilty. Is not a benefit, but treachery. Ar. Ah Florus, ſome reſpect to theſe gray hairs, My Son, ſome duty's due to me, thy Father. Let theſe my tears mollifie that hard heart, Which ſo inflexible ſeems to my prayers. Flo. —Old man give over; Thy words, and time are loſt in this purſuit. Ar. —Raſh and inhuman creature, If thou diſpiſeſt the entreaties of a Father: —Ile make thee fear the courage, And ſtratagems of an old General Grown white under the helmot, and the rage Of an incenſed Enemy: Valentius Shall know Aurelia's thy intended Spouſe, Hoſtilius thy private Friend: ſo ſhall This artifice at once deprive thee of Thy honor, and of that unworthy being, Which I unworthily have given thee. Flo. O nature, O my honor, cruel Tyrants Of my divided ſoul, how you diſtract me! In what inextricable labyrinth Has my ill fortune caſt me? if I conquer, Or yield ſubdu'd in this unhappy conflict Of my conteſting paſſions, and affections, I'm ſure to loſe my life, or reputation; Or rather both, which my ſad thoughts preſage. Hon. Fear nothing; be not thus dejected, whilſt Here's an Honorius to give ſo ample A teſtimony of your innocence. Flo. Malicious dotard, do thy worſt, my clear Sincerity of mind, and actions ſhall Prove, thou a Traytor canſt not be my Father. Ar. Arſenius, thou ſpend'ſt thy time, thy words, And labor here in vain: come then prepare For thy revenge. The world ſhall know what I thought to conceal. Flo. —Arſenius hold: Ah ſtay, and lets compoſe this cruel ſtrife; You pretend only to have giv'n me life, Which I'le return t' you: opening thus my breſt, The paſſage will make entrance for my reſt; The bloud will be the balſom of my honor, And pay your debt, and ſave my reputation. Ar. Arſenius, O thy unhappy fortune! Which made thee Father, Souldier, or Commander! Live cruel Parricide, live, and prolong Thy odious life; I'le find ſome way to death, And my repoſe: my ſelf I cannot ſhew A cruel Father, or ſoft-natur'd Foe. Exit. Hon. Florus, why thus caſt down? 'tis ſtrange to ſee A man dejected after victory. Here nothing was requir'd but a ſpectator Of this moſt glorious paſſage of thy life, Which the propitious aſpect of the heavens Has granted thee in an Honorius. Florus farewel; congratulate thy happy Fortune to have preſerv'd a Friend, who ſeeks The preſervation of thy honor; which Thy Father, thou here loſeſt, ſought to ruine. Exit. Flo. There is no reaſon nature ſhould unite By an uſurp'd authority thoſe minds, Virtue upon juſt grounds has ſeparated. But ſee th' Empreſs comes: I'm ſorry ſhe Should find me in this conflict of my paſſions. Fulvia. Florus. Ful. Ladies retire within; I will be private. See here in finding Florus alone, a happy Occaſion is preſented by my fortune aſide. For the diſcovery of my paſſion (which As womens wits are beſt when they have leaſt Time to conſider) I have found already. I'le tell him that I hear his love aſpires To the poſſeſſion of a Royal Lady, Who meets his flames with mutual fire, commending Herein his choice; ſo by this artifice He ſhall perceive my love in a ſurprize. Florus, what is th' occaſion of this ſadneſs, VVhen th'Emperour ſo much applauds your conduct? Flo. Madam, to ſee the enemy provide Againſt us a more vigorous aſſault. Ful. 'Tis but a new occaſion for your triumph. I know the real cauſe of this diſturbance. O Florus you aſpire to great matters. Flo.

Servilius or my Father has betray'd me.

aſide. Ful. Nay I commend your courſe, 'twas virtue which Diſtinguiſht, and made Princes-firſt; beſides Love's a great leveller like death, and where He finds not an equality, will make it. Flo. —I ſhall be of the Court Now, and the Camp the laughing-ſtock and ſport. aſide. Ful. If you deſir'd ſuch ſecreſie, you ſhould not Make one the object of your love, ſo near In bloud to me allied. Flor. Aurelia is her Niece; 'tis very true: aſide. If I perſiſt, this ſilence will convince me. Let not your ſacred Majeſty be thus Abuſ'd by falſe reports; my Princes favor And yours (as ever happens in great Courts) Have raiſ'd me private enemies, which ſeek My ruin from theſe falſe ſuggeſtions. Ful. No, no; here's no place for the leaſt ſuſpicion Againſt the teſtimony of this truth, Which from the Ladies lips proceeds, who loves you; Which here this Medal better will declare gives him a Medal. Then words, which through reſpect of you, and of My ſelf I cannot utter. Confront this with th' orignal, and ſee If ſhe be well expreſt, who thus affects you. Exit. Plo. Let's ſee if the Inſcription ſhew the ſame Perſon, the picture ſeems to repreſent. turns about the Medal. Fulvia Empreſs, ſecond Wife of Valentius, &c. Is this ſome real paſſage, or illuſion? Perchance I dream, and now ſome lively viſions Play the Impoſtors on my deluded fancy. I wiſh it were ſo; but that ſcarce can be; For though in dreams we think our ſelves awake, Yet really awake we know we dream not. No, I am the loſt miſerable Florus; And this the cruel Fulvia, who deſtroys me; And which is ſtrange, with love; a ſtronger engine Erected for my ruine, then her hatred. Who can eſteem me innocent? whilſt I Am flexible thought to ſo foul a crime. Blaſt me ye heavens, or elſe at leaſt theſe looks, Which pleaſe the Empreſs: if my heart be chaſt, They are laſcivious, and my honor ſtain: And this ſufficient is to make me guilty. Was ever caſe like mine! If I declare My ſelf a lover then I loſe my friends; And if I am belov'd, my Prince I injure In higheſt point of honor, and what's ſtrange, Th'offendor is in both wayes innocent. Exit. Antonia. 'Tis ſtrange my Huſbands love ſhould fade ſo ſoon, Which I have ſought to cultivate with all Art, duty, offices which can become A ſubtle woman, or complacent wife. Perchance I am deceiv'd, and with ſome falſe Surmiſe create within my ſelf true torment. O Geloſie; o thou quickſighted daughter Of thy blind father Love, of whom at laſt Thou prov'ſt the murd'rer: thou of all things only Deteſted, loathed, hated by thy ſelf; Ingenious only in the ſearching after That, which thou wiſheſt could not be found out; Or being found, leaves thee in greater torment. Since in ſo ſhort a time thy venom has Spread through my veins, and poiſon'd all my thoughts; Return to thy infernal manſion, where Hatred begot thee, though perchance ſome ſhare Love in thy generation might have, To make thy birth double, and ſo more monſtrous: There be a torment to thy ſelf, and ſince Suſpicions are thy choiceſt nouriſhment. Vex thy ſelf with new fears; never ſecure, As well with thoſe which doubtful are, as ſure. To her Servilius. Ser. Here comes my poor Antonia, methinks, The ſad reproach of my inconſtancy. Ant. What cauſe have I giv'n you of late to be So much diſguſted with my company? Ser. None, but ſome other flames have in my breſt Extinguiſht thine, and rob me of my reſt. Ant. What can theſe ſtrange looks, or this language mean? I hope Sir, you intend no breach of faith. Ser. No, I am forc'd to it againſt my intention. Againſt my former vows, and my own wiſhes. Ant. We all confeſs, Sir, this unqueſtion'd truth, Mans will cannot be forc't, though it rebel, By any power on earth, in heaven, or hell. Ser. If here's an error, Florus ſhould be rather Accuſ'd then I: he, who firſt joyn'd our loves. Has been the occaſion of diſſolving them, In ſhewing me a face of late in beauty So far tranſcending thine, That 'twere impiety not to adore it. Ant. —Falſe and diſloyal man; Florus and thou ſhalt ſink under the force Of my revenge, provok't to ſuch a height, It ſhall pluck on you both untimely fate. Ser. Antonia, divert the torrent of This furious rage ſome other way; accuſe Nature, who has to my exceſſive torment This beauty form'd, ſo far excelling thine, As the moon does the leſſer ſtars out-ſhine. Ant. Traytor accuſe thy one perfidiouſneſs, Which makes thee change thy promiſe, and thy cuſtoms. Ser.

I have chang'd the object only, not my cuſtom.

 Ant. Th' haſt broke thy faith; this makes thee infamous. I hope in her thou followſt, thou wilt ſee An hatred equal to my love of thee. Ser. Antonia examining thy glaſs Accuſe that vulgar beauty, and thy face, Which on my free-born ſoul has had no charms More pow'rful, and ſuch early fading colours. Exit. Ant. —Go; go; Go, if my beauty be of untimely fate, In my revenge ſo ſhall not be my hate; To perfect which, I heaven, and hel will move: 'Tis th' only recompence, of injur'd love. Nature, and Fortune cruel Stepmothers Are to us women: in our tender years Our Fathers Palaces to us are Priſons, Where nor our perſons, nor ſcarce our looks are free: And afterward, when our maturity Should change this bondage into liberty; We only of all creatures are who buy With a vaſt dowry our own ſlavery: Thus only changing a new Maſter, whom We purchaſe to rule o'r our ſouls and bodies, And caſt us off thus when he pleaſe. Man is A bold inſolent creature; grand uſurper Upon the rights of nature; not by his wit (For in our age of folly we enſlave him) But by his force, and number. He makes lawes Partial t' himſelf, rigid to us: his vows He breaks, ours muſt be kept; his vices Paſs only for his gallantries; ours are Branded with foul and horrid names t' affright us. Ambition in us, in him is honor; And our irregular appetites in him Paſs for the noble paſſions of his love; Not only to be excuſ'd, but commended. Who made theſe laws and cuſtoms? did our Sex Ever give up their voice, and ſuffrages? No: there's no right, or obligation then We ſhould obey theſe orders made by men, So partial Judges: th' Empreſs and I will ſee To vindicate our ſexes libertie. Exit.
ACT. III. Florus. Servilius. Carbo. Car. That which you tell us, is a ſecret of Importance, that Arſenius ſhould be Your Father, and converſe here in our Camp. Flo. 'Tis True; but I am now relating to you Th' occaſion which has brought Aurelia hither. The wild luſt of her Father, not content To violate the chaſtity of Virgins, The faith of Matrons, Widows vows; at laſt Laſciviouſly incroached on his Daughter: The horror of which thought ſo frighted her (Such was her vertuous innocence) ſhe ſought Her refuge from her enemies, and fled From him her Father, as her greateſt foe. So by this means fortune affords my arms Th' happy occaſion of protecting virtue, I think her ſelf in a corporeal ſhape. Ser. This paſſion of your love ſtrangely deceives you. Virtue needs no external form, or beauty Seldom puts any on; and yet more ſeldom 'Tis that they can agree. Chiefly in Courts, like jarring Elements, Where one proves the confuſion of the other; Beauty at leaſt to Virtue ever fatal. Car. He tells you true, the outward ſhape of your Aurelia ſhews no internal goodneſs. Flo. —Sure correſpondent to Th' external ſplendor muſt be lodg'd in her A ſoul deſerving ſuch an habitation; As greater luſtre of ſome ſparkling jewels Denotes in them no leſs intrinſique virtue. Car. I can compare Aurelia's eyes to ſtars As bright as you, but of ill influence, And look on her arrival to the Camp, Like the approach of ſome ill threatning Comet. Th' heavens preſerve our General, and us. Flo. What raiſes theſe ſtrange Omens of my love, Which ſome will envy, but the moſt approve. Ser. Moſt will condemn, others oppoſe; think not Aurelia's beauty will not raiſe you Rivals, To bring the Prize in conteſtation. Flo. Theſe motives of vain fear I ſcorn; farewel, I'le ſeek ſome other friends to gratulate The happineſs of my triumphing fate. Exit. Car. I am amaz'd to think Arſenius, Great Captain General of our enemy, Should be his Father; and here in diſguiſe Converſe within our Camp. Ser.

'Tis a ſtrange ſecret.

 Car. To me it ſeems improbable, that he Who was ſurpriz'd with the meer ſhadow of His Miſtreſs, ſhould remain inflexible To the tears and entreaties of a Father: What's your opinion? Ser. That we play the fool Egregiouſly; remember we are Souldiers As well as Courtiers; lets caſt off this diſſembling. Car. Since you advance, I'le meet you: Sir I hear Of your intention of divorce, to make Room for Aurelia's entrance in your bed; Whoſe love I ſeek with as great fervency As you; we both forfeit our hopes, if this Rival be not remov'd; th'effecting which His open folly has made eaſie. Ser. True; As Scholars prove ill Souldiers, ſo theſe Souldiers Prove the worſt Courtiers; their franc and gen'rous natures Make them as unfit for the air of Courts, As birds are for the Element of water. Who but a General bred up in Camps Like Florus, ſuch a ſecret would reveal, On which divulg'd, his ruin does depend, To us, who ſhall raiſe our ſelves from his fall. Car. In Court it would a Soloeciſm appear, So groſs an error ſhould unpuniſht go: There is no reaſon for't, he muſt give way, Though both of us can't have this glorious prey: And conſequently in our Gen'rals fall, The one of us muſt find his Funeral. Exeunt. Valentius, Statilius, Honorius, with Court-Attendants, &c. Val. Statilius, the Gods are equally Willing to make us great, as afterwards They are averſe long to conſerve that greatneſs. We often ſee our fall, or miſerie Bring up the rear of our proſperitie. Sta. Your Majeſty knows well that our condition Admits not of a ſincere happineſs, Without the mixture of ſome diſcontent. Val. Whilſt Italy and the Provinces applaud. My victories, and happineſs, I fear, And yet perceive no true cauſe of my fear. Hon. 'Tis generouſly to be rejected then, As being grounded upon no foundation. Val. Thence it takes deeper root. Old Mariners Expect a horrid tempeſt, when the ſea Rouls boyſtrous waves, and yet no winds are ſtirring. Laſt night, or rather 'twixt the confines of The day and night, the lively, but the diſmal Impreſſions of a dream have ſo tormented My ſpirit, I ſhall have no quiet till I ſee the menacing effects blown over. Hon. Theſe are deceptions of the fancy, not Deſerving the attention of a Prince. Val. So often verifi'd in all reports, Who can aſſure us theſe are fallacies? Hon. The rare, divine, admired Epicurus, Who with the light of reaſon has diſpel'd Theſe golden fears, theſe terrifiers of The vulgar ſpirits; did you but imagine Th' innumerable multitude of ſuch Who either will deceive, or be deceiv'd: Nothing ſo beneficial you'l ſee As a judicious incredulitie. Sta. 'Tis a ſigne of a poor and mollifi'd Spirit to fear all events of this nature; And to fear nothing a ſtupiditie. Hon. A virtue Sir, if once opinion can Remove us from our ſolid ſtation, We never after ſhall firm footing find. An underſtanding muſt be, to ſee clear, Purg'd from all ſuperſtition and fear. Val. It is an happineſs to be reſolute In our opinions, though erroneous. O that I could like thee, Honorius, Believe theſe terrors follies: my dream was, That my dear Wife, and eldeſt Son; O horror! Before we ſee the Sun once more aſcend To his meridian altitude, ſhould fall At my feet murder'd by me in furious rage. Sta. The vanity herein appears, that in The ſhort extent of one dayes compaſs ſo Horrid a fact muſt be accompliſht, which Requireth years for the maturing of it. The innocence and virtue of the Empreſs, And Prince are yet unblemiſht, inſuſpected. Val. 'Tis true; but if the fates will make Valentius Unhappy, they will make him firſt imprudent. Hon. The happineſs of great Valentius Depends upon the will of great Valentius: Not upon, fortune, or deſtiny. Theſe are but idle names of idle Writers, —Unhappily invented, To terrifie mankind, and ſow the ſeeds Of error, folly, ſuperſtition in us: Who ſhould rely on our own proper virtues; For man is only on himſelf dependant; Not fate, nor fortune, nor his ſtars Aſcendant. Val. Thinkſt thou not ſome celeſtial pow'rs above Direct the courſe of our affairs? Hon. No Sir They reſt ſecure, happy not thinking on them, Nor us, ſuch little crawlers here on earth. Nor is it human wit, but rather human Folly, which now ſeems the diſpoſer of them. Obſerve but with what vermin the age ſwarms, And how the world is ſtrangely people with Armies of murderers in ambitious wars; Or elſe the inſtruments of our luxury. Val. I am told by my Philoſophers at Court, Confuſ'd, and interrupted dreams are not To be regarded; but when that order is In them which was in mine, they are adviſes From heaven ſent to tell us what ſhall happen. Hon. —In the diſtracted Chaos There never was greater confuſion, Then is in them, and in their mad opinions; Which no more credit ſhould find in us, then Poetique fancies, or fanatique dreams. Sta. —For my part; Ere ſince I firſt open'd my eyes to make Inſpection into the darkneſs of Human affairs, and nature, I ſtreight ſaw Nothing was ſuited to our capacities; But ever thought Philoſophers, and ſuch Who give themſelves up to their contemplations. Moſt ignorant, and uſeleſs of all men. Hon. —They firſt corrupt our natural wit, And judgement with an artificial folly, And then our genuine cuſtoms with learn'd vices. Sta.

Rome, as ſhe grew more learned, grew leſs valiant.

 Hon. Theſe ſtudies in her Senators deſtroy'd That bravery in them, which ſubdu'd the world. Sta. Science, and vice like twins at the ſame time Found birth in her, and grew up to perfection. Hon. She ow'd her ruin to no other cauſe, Then when ſhe chang'd from Martial to be learn'd. Sta. O let it not be ſaid that this diſeaſe, In the corrupting of the judgement of The great Valentius, twice ſhould fatal be Thus to the Roman Name, and Majeſtie. Val. I am of no ſuch accidents afraid, Where prudence or my will can give me aid. Hon. We boldly ſhould contemn, not fear thoſe ils, Which cannot be oppoſed by our wills. Val. To foſter hopes is a meer vanitie When we foreſee certain our miſerie. Sta. A Prince who thus thinks that his State impairs A fruitleſs ſubject gives himſelf of cares. Val. He rightly thinks of fortune, who ſuſpects Her various in the perſons ſhe affects. Hon. The change of fortune rather ſhould erect The ſpirit of an Emperour, then deject. Val. Unhappy ſtate of Princes! whom her favours Sometimes betray, more then her frowns; for they Corrupt us, and our natures mollifie: We gain our honor in adverſitie. Exeunt. Fulvia. What ſhall I do? ſuſtain the gravitie, And perſon of imperial Majeſtie? Or loſe the hopes elſe of an ardent lover. Rebellious paſſions of my diſtracted ſoul, Fear, love, deſire, envy: why d'ye thus Torment my mind with ſeparated factions? Though thou art here a moſt unjuſt Uſurper, Love, I'le my ſelf rather ſubmit to thee: Divided power is greater tyranny. Speak then, and hope; happy ſucceſs may make Our impious actions paſs for honorable, Much more the faults of love, which in all breſts Find their Apologies; for no man ſhall, Seeing Florus, not abſolve the Criminal: And Ladies, which have known him, cannot chuſe, But ſay the cauſe brings with it the excuſe. To her Florus. —O here he comes As I expected! Florus, I hope you have Confronted the Original with the Pourtraict I gave you, and are pleaſ'd with both. Flo. Your Majeſty was not deceiv'd, I ſhall Declare my ſelf an enemie to thoſe, Who ſhall their treacherie practiſe on that beauty. Ful. Now I am happy, I perceive he loves me. aſide. Let no ſuſpicious geloſie torment you; You only then need fear a Rival, when Another Florus ſhould be like your ſelf. Flo. In breſts where love has no admiſſion found, Geloſie can find none; he need not fear A Rival, who no lover is. Ful. Not you A lover; can I be ſo much deceiv'd? Flo.

Yes; when my reaſon ſhall direct the paſſion.

 Ful. —Love joyn'd with reaſon Is a monſter, and not that noble gheſt, Which ſhould command all in a Princes breſt; Fear, counſel, reaſon either chaſing thence, Or elſe reducing to his obedience. Flo.

My honor then muſt regulate my actions.

 Ful. Which never ſhould inſpire a noble heart With cruelty, but rather with compaſſion Of a diſtreſſed Lady. Florus, you Knew that to be Fulvia's Picture, I gave you. Flo. 'Tis true, and as I think by ſome miſtake Unluckily convey'd into theſe hands. Ful. No Sir, be not deceiv'd, the preſent was Made by mature election. Flo. I reverence it as your gift, and as The Pourtrait of my Soveraign adore it. Ful. The name of Soveraign is unſuitable To my affection, or my preſent ſtate: Call me your ſervant; that familiar tearm. Becoms him, who predominats o're all The powers of my ſoul. Diſdain not one, who ever hath preſerv'd Her reputation unſtain'd, her faith Inviolated, and to you alone Commits them both; one action of my life Should not reproach me with inconſtancie. Compaſſionate an Empreſs, who entreateth That uſed to command: O Florus, put A period to my life, or to my torment. Flo. —O ye immortal Gods, aſide. Can you ſee this offence, and ſuffer it? I hope your Majeſtie will harbor thoughts Which more become your royal dignitie; And of your own diſhonor, and my ſhame, In hearing mention'd this licentious flame. Ful. If it be lawleſs, 'twill the more aſpire; Reſiſtance will prove vain to my deſire. Flo. O Madam, let reaſon triumph above This paſſion, and honor over your love; Think how I am the Subject of Valentius. Ful. Sufficient curb to this repulſe ſhould be The thought how a great Empreſs loves you; and Loves you alone; and the Commandreſs of The world ſubmits her ſelf to your commands. Flo. I can't conceive your Majeſtie as Empreſs, But at that time Wife alſo of my Soveraign. Ful. If you deſire happineſs, think only Of my Imperial dignitie and power. Flo. Who by their paſſions thus enſlav'd have loſt Their libertie, cannot of power boaſt. Ful. If thou deſpiſeſt an obſequious lover, Thou ſhalt the rage fear of an incenſt Lady. Flo. I apprehend more danger from the love, Then anger of her who deſpiſes honor. Ful. If thy audacious inſolence contemns My threatnings, their effects ſhall make thee tremble. Flo. No violence, no hidden treacherie Can affright him, who never fear'd to die. Ful. —If that which I intend An ignominious death cannot thee move, Thou haſt leſs ſenſe of honor, then of love. Flo. Which cannot be, when the occaſion only, Springs from the hatred of an immodeſt woman. Ful.

Thou ſhalt feel miſerie.

 Flo.

I can conquer it.

 Ful.

Thou ſhalt repent.

 Flo.

No, I am ever conſtant.

 Ful.

Ile be reveng'd.

 Flo.

I can defend my ſelf.

 Ful.

To ſlight a Lady never was unpuniſht.

 Flo.

Offence of honor can't be tollerated.

 Ful.

My hatred now ſhall equalize my love.

 Flo.

And my contempt my former reverence.

 Ful. O thou unhappy Fulvia! what does it Avail thee to be Empreſs of the world, And canſt not make thy ſelf belov'd or fear'd. Flo. O miſerable Florus, to what purpoſe Can ſerve thy innocence, if thou becom'ſt The odious object of anothers crime. Exit. Ful. Ah cruel creature! he is gone: if ever Any had cauſe to murmur againſt nature, 'Tis I, in giving him, ſo like Valentius, A form and ſhape fatal to my repoſe. I cheriſht the firſt heat, enter'd my breſt Inſenſibly as an acquainted gheſt: But ſeeking after how it did aſpire, I found my nuptial torch lighted this fire: So that I can't reproach my ſelf with ſhame, My firſt and lawful love kindling this flame: Then all the fault's in him, who thus rejects me. O thou diſdain, the conquerour of love, Which conquers all things elſe, enter my breſt; There, till revenge expel thee, take no reſt: Incenſt by thee, let all my ſpirits aſpire, Mixing in combat with this tyrannique fire For victorie. A Princeſs thus incenſt With love, and rage thus, more is to be fear'd, Then cruel fires, fierce plagues, devouring ſeas, Or what moſt terrifies our human nature. To her Aurelia. Au. You Majeſtie is much perplext, that paſſion Is alwaies great, which can't contain it ſelf. Ful. I muſt conceal to her th' unlucky motive aſide. Of my diſturbance. Alas! Aurelia, My miſeries are ever fruitful in Producing others: ſcarce my tears are dry'd For the late loſſes of our Family; But I muſt new ſupplies find, to lament The freſh diſgrace now falling on my iſſue. Au. Who can be ſo unjuſt to injure you? Or who can be ſo arrogant t'offend That pow'r, which is ſo armed for revenge? Ful. Valentius; enemie of his own children, Becauſe I think they're mine, or elſe becauſe They'are Nephews of Hoſtilius your Father, Intends that Florus ſhall be now advanc't To the Imperial dignitie, to their And my perpetual reproach, that Florus, Th'oppreſſor of my Father, and who ſeeks The ruin now of yours. Au. A happy occaſion Opens a field to the triumphant paſſage Of my revenge; I can my ſelf diſcloſe Now to ſo great an enemie of Florus. aſide. O let that beauteous ſerenitie, Madam, return, which uſ'd t'adorn your looks. —Y'have open'd your diſeaſe To the Phyſitian, who alone can cure you. Ful. Who you? become of late an enemie To your own father, intereſſed in The quarrel of Valentius againſt him. Au. Your Majeſtie's deceiv'd, I only act A counterfeited part; I have defam'd —My Father as attemptor Upon my virgin modeſtie, that I The better might ſecure his tott'ring power. I fain my ſelf in love with Florus; and My flight here to Valentius, as my refuge, That I more ſafely may procure their ruin. Ful. Aurelia, we are then in the ſame int'reſt, Will, and affection more conjoin'd, then bloud. Au. Arſenius has let me know Of late a ſecret, which will raiſe your wonder; How Florus is his Son, and how he is In love with me, ſeeking a mutual love; Which underſtanding, with notice of my Father I fill'd the old mans head with hopes, and joy Of my affection for his Son, to whom he has ſhews her a letter. A letter writ here on that very ſubject, Apt either to make him deſert his Prince, In hope of gaining me; or elſe t'accuſe him Of treaſon in his correſpondence with Arſenius enemie of Valentius; Who thus abuſ'd ſhall ſee himſelf depriv'd Of this his Gen'ral, our great Adverſary. Ful. My Brothers preſent danger, and my Sons Diſgrace, whoſe fame Florus eclipſes, makes Him ſubject of my hatred; and the mem'ry Of my poor Father, murderd by Valentius, Makes him alike. Au. Madam, then let us ſtrive To be reveng'd of both; And with an emulation, who ſhall put Her malice into ſpeedieſt execution; Not doubting of ſucceſs: 'Tis great aſſurance To thoſe, who ſeek revenge, to have ſo faithful Companions in the ſtratagems, as you have. Ful. 'Tis true my dear Aurelia, let me embrace thee For this thy brav'ry; though I envy it, So far advancing thy unriper years. Au. This day ſhall ſhew here what the furious rage Of an ambitious Lady can produce; And the intereſt and geloſie of State, And emulation, Madam, of your glory. Ful. Expect from me all, that can be expected From a contriving ſubtle wit, and cunning Hypocriſie joyn'd with a perfect malice. Au. Let Florus, let Valentius perceive Th' entrance of Aurelia in their Camp. Let fear and modeſty, companions of Our ſex, ſo much enclin'd to virtue, be Now caſt off by the thoughts of our revenge. Ful. My paſſion ſhall eſteem no ſin unliſenc'd. In me let one crime ſtill beget another; And let it not be thought a crime, which does Not multiply it ſelf in many others; And ever with increaſe, the latter greateſt. Au. Madam miſtake not; and let nothing paſs With us for criminal, but what is virtuous. Ful. 'Tis the delightful fruit of vice to think, That no vice, which is cauſ'd by intereſt. Au. True of our ſelves, better then that of ſtate; Which no great Prince values at any rate, Ful. They never elſe in Court or Camp would find, With all their pomp, tranquility of mind. Au. 'Tis on this ground that I'le prepare to act Thoſe things I cannot think, unleſs enrag'd. Poſteritie ſhall ever curſe, though ſcarce Believe that, which I'le put in execution. Ful. Compar'd with me thou ſhalt as innocent Appear, and did the ſtate but know how high The provocation is of my diſdain, It would with trembling fear the conſequence. Au. Who injur'd me the favor ſhall not have To die, unleſs that I accompanie That death with an eternal infamie. Ful. That merits not the title of revenge, When we deſtroy and enemie, and give Leave to his reputation ſtill to live. Exeunt. Valentius. Florus. Statilius. Honorus, with Court-Attendants. Val. Since not as yet poſſeſt of Rome, we cannot Expreſs our joy with uſual feſtivals, For this adoption of Florus in the Empire; Lets ſee what ſports, and what divertiſements Our Camp affords us in our ſlaves and captives. Here very conveniently may be brought in ſome divertiſements of the Stage. Val. I never lik't the fancie of Auguſtus; Nor of ſome other Princes, who have from The vices, imperfections of ſucceſſors (Sometimes their Sons, Brothers, neareſt Allies) Sought to illuſtrate to poſteritie Their ſhameful glory, ſo injurious to them, And to the preſent age: A ſolid virtue Needs no ſuch foyl, or ſhadow to ſet off Her beauteous luſtre; and this is the reaſon, Why I omitting my own iſſue joyn'd To me in bloud, not virtue, Florus, have Deſtin'd thee for my ſucceſſor; and to morrow Companion, and Collegue in my great Empire. Sta. Your Majeſty declares in this Election, No paſſion has an influence o're your judgement. Val. Since 'tis not in my power to create him Heir of my bloud, I'le make him of my glorie. But Florus why amaz'd? thy merit ſhould Prevent thy marvel at thy high advancement: Honor ſhould ne'r ſurprize a noble breſt, But enter as a long expected gheſt. Flo. My ſilence was th' effect of grief, and wonder; The laſt occaſion'd thus to ſee a Father Deveſt himſelf of natural affections, To repreſent a Prince more abſolute: My ſorrow from the ſenſe of envy ſprings, Which will purſue ſo great proſperitie. Val. Your grief were juſter, if your exploits had not Deſerved envy; and your wonder, if Your merit had not forced this Election. Hon. he need not envie fear, who by his actions Worthy of envie has ſecur'd himſelf In a ſafe ſtation, above the reach of envie. Flo. The title of Caeſarean Majeſtie Is too illuſtrious for my extraction, The charge too weighty for theſe ſhoulders; which I fear will faint under their glorious burden. Sta. Who firſt knows how to rule himſelf, like you, Seems deſtin'd by the providence of heavens For the command of Scepters, and of Empires. Val. Fear nothing Florus; chearfully aſſume This greatneſs, as thy valors recompence; A purchaſe, which with loſs of bloud, life, honor So often is ſought after by ambition: For the proud man finds that the boiſtrous floud, Which rowls him to this Port, ſtill runs in bloud. Exeunt.
ACT. IV. Valentius. Carbo. Antonia. Val. NOw I perceive, as thou haſt told me, that This my erroneous purſuing of The cuſtoms of Princes my Anceſtors, (Which makes me as I write and ſpeak with pens, And Tongues of other men; juſt ſo I hear My informations with the ears of others) Has led me in a labyrinth of errors, Where truth could never find me out, had you Not been her truſty guides. For thou O Carbo Muſt be content to have this noble Lady Companion in thy glory. Car.

I am proud of it.

 Val. 'Twas ſhe who firſt made known to me, from whence Aroſe the clouds, which have of late eclipſt The mirth, and beautie of my deareſt Conſort: I ſay 'twas ſhe; prepare thy faith to hear Far greater wonders, than thou haſt related. This Traytor Florus in the preſence of This noble Lady has ſolicited My Empreſs, O horror! to betray My honor; nay ſtartle not; that's my part, Whom the world falſely calls the great Valentius. Car. I was ſurpriz'd; but thinking how the greateſt Of vices is ingratitude; there's none Of which I think he cannot be found guilty. Val. This I confeſs: but alaſs! here his utmoſt Cruelty ſhould have ſpar'd his Prince: I am The ſoul diffuſ'd through the vaſt body of The Empire, thus expoſ'd in all parts to His wounds, and injuries; at leaſt herein He ſhould have had compaſſion of his friend His Benefactor, Father by adoption; Which merits more then if I were by nature. Car. Sir, he has told me, he eſteem'd all things Lawful to gain an Empire, or a Miſtreſs: And in a ſcorning manner oft would ſay; In other things let juſtice be obſerv'd. Val. O ye immortal Gods! why has your care Given us a touchſtone to diſtinguiſh our Adulterate gold, and no mark to diſcern The treacherous hearts of falſe perfidious men. — If this be true; Confound him with your ſharpeſt thunderbolt: But 'tis too true; and if I further ſtay To queſtion it; I fear I ſhall become Procurour of thoſe dire events upon me, Portended in my laſt nights dreams to happen Within ſo ſhort a time. Antonia retire: I'le have a care To vindicate my honor: his proud Laurels, Which from Joves thunder are ſecure, I'le blaſt. But let this ſecret make no further progreſs. Ant, My prudent care ſhall not fail to correct This fault, to which our ſex is incident. Val. A Prince, who tolerates a known diſgrace, Becomes the ſubject of the vulgar ſcorn. Ant. Honor, once ſought to be betray'd, is never Secure, ſo long as the Offendor lives. Val. Geloſie entred in a Prince, no other Aſſiſtant needs, to haſten his revenge. Ant. Which, when it is of a ſlow pace, we find 'Tis ſigne of weakneſs in a Princes mind. Let him th' effects Sir of your anger prove, Who thus hath undervalued your love; In prudent Monarques, like your ſelf, t'appear Not to be fear'd, ſhould be your only fear. Exit. Car.

You Majeſty's perplext.

 Val. But why ſhould I So low thoughts of my ſelf have; and ſo high Of his bold inſolent temeritie. Good Carbo have the patience to repeat Thy ſtory over; though in it ev'ry paſſage Creates new wounds, and ulcers in my ſoul. Thou ſaidſt, the Maſter of my light Cavalrie, Macrinus, was not Father of this Florus; But that Arſenius, the ſworn enemy of My perſon, and my dignitie has made The world the preſent of this diſſembling Monſter: Can this be ſo? Car. Your Majeſtie may reſt Can this be ſo? Car. Your Majeſtie may reſt Aſſur'd I heard it from his own relation; And how beſides he has in a diſguiſe Converſt here with him in our Camp; where he Aſſur'd him of the conſent of Hoſtilius For his obtaining of the fair Aurelia, The Idol of his ſoul; With the rich dowrie of the Roman Empire. Val. Which his pernicious hopes ſecurely ſtreight Devour'd, with conſentment to my ruine. Car. Yes; and with invitation to my ſelf, Joyning with him, to take part with Hoſtilius. See where the Empreſs comes: I take my leave. Exit, Valentius. Fulvia. Antonia. Ful. Now if, Antonia, as thy promiſe was, aſide. Thou haſt diſtill'd the poiſon in his ears; I ſhall perceive ſtreight by the operation. Val. My deareſt Fulvia, ſince all griefs and ſorrows Divided are betwixt the Wife and Huſband, Th' occaſions alſo ſhould be ſo; if then Antonia's care without your intimation Has let me know the cauſe of your diſtemper, I muſt obtain her pardon; let then thy Former ſerenity of looks diſpel Thoſe clouds of ſorrow from that brow to mine; Where they hang thick already; but I'le have Them waſht away in bloud of the offendors. Ful. With whoſe let mine be joyn'd; Sir 'tis the only Favor I beg here on my knees; by all kneels. The former merits, with which the conſtant duty Of an obedient Wife has e're been able T'oblige a Huſband; by the riſing hopes Of young Valentius; and the other pledges And fruits of our ſo conſtant loves, till now By this accurſed accident diſturb'd. Val. They are not: riſe then; O let me not ſee takes her up. My idol thus bow, and encline to me. Ful. Sure you look on me with falſe eyes, or elſe You ſee me chang'd into a loathſome creature: Suſpicion of guilt in an Empreſs makes her Seem foul, and guiltie to her felf and others. So I am in effect: a Viper though He caſts no poiſon forth; his very touches Are venemous: th'offring to embrace me In Florus has methinks with leproſie Infected all my parts. Good Sir have mercie kneels again. On your poor Fulvia here; and let me die; When life is now my greateſt miſerie. Val. His bloud ſhall rather ſatisfie th' offence, Who treſpaſt on thy ſpotleſs innocence: And though he ſeemeth at too cheap a rate By ſingle death his crime to expiate; 'Tis recompenc't at once to ſee him die, And live in a perpetual infamie; Whilſt thou the beſt of women; glorie of embraces her. The preſent age, and honor of thy ſex, Shalt like a ſtar of the firſt magnitude, Shine glorious in the firmament of honor. However yet, my deareſt Fulvia, The heavens in their happineſs delay: Thy preſence, though ſo much deſired there, T'inſtruct the age is neceſſary here. Ful. My noble Lord, my dutie, So hitherto obſequious to your will, Shall ſtrive then to obey your laſt commands. Val. O now thou ſpeakſt like Fulvia, and thy ſelf: Thy paſſions can never long transforme thee: Come let us go to my Pavilion, and Conſult upon the manner, how to put In ſpeedy execution our revenge: The juſt effects of which ſhall never ceaſe, Till in the Traitors bloud I find my peace Exeunt. Florus. Honorius. Flo. 'Tis ſtrange methinks, Honorius, that you, An Epicurean by Sect ſhould be An enemy of love; the greateſt pleaſure, When once obtain'd, in the enjoyment of What we call perfect beauty; a happineſs So frequently deſir'd, ſo ſeldom found. Hon. The nature of true pleaſure can't conſiſt In the delights of love, which leave the ſoul Not ſatisfi'd, when the moſt ſatiated; Whilſt in her interchangeably there fight Reſtleſs diſguſt, and reſtleſs appetite. True pleaſures no remorſe, but leave behind Them ſtill a grateful odor in the mind. Flo.

They ill diſcourſe of love, who are no lovers.

 Hon. It troubles me to ſee the royal fort Of noble Florus heart thus yielded up. Flo. 'Tis given up to him, who conquers all things; And will in time the brave Honorius breſt, Where virtue keeps ſo ſtrong a garriſon. Hon. It muſt be weak, if ſo contemptible An Adverſary can his entrance force. Flo.

Neglect of the Enemy deſtroys the valiant:

 Hon.

The fear of him dejecteth noble ſpirits.

 Flo. Who apprehends his Adverſary may Preſerve his honor, though he loſe the day. Hon.

Eſteem of him is diſtruſt in our ſelves.

 Flo.

A prudent fear companion is of valor.

 Hon.

'Tis rather of an irreſolved mind.

 To them Aurelia. Flo. But ſtay, behold: here breaks the beauteous light, Which will theſe difficulties cleer. Honorius ſtand firm; what means this change? Honorius ſurpriz'd at her beauty. Let not thy actions contradict thy words. Hon. My hearts unmov'd: but the external ſenſe In ſuch ſurpriſals has no ſure defence. exit. Au. Yonder he comes; his eyes are fixt on mine; Thoſe falſe lights, which will lead him to his ruine. Love and Diſdain, two raging firebrands, Are of the mind; their common reſidence Is in the heart; but raiſe a general Diſturbance in the ſoul, confounding all Her faculties. They are of equal force, Contending for the prize with emulation; But in effect and nature contrary; The one producing hatred, and the other Gentle affection: when theſe fierce Combatants In duel are; the heart too narrow a field For two ſuch Foes groans languiſhing in torment, Till one the victor ſhall ſubdue the other; As here Diſdain has Love in me, by force Compelling me to act a damned part Againſt my nature, conſcience, and my heart. My honor does depend upon his death; aſide. And yet perchance my life depends on his. But I am now engag'd paſt all retreat. Flo. O my Aurelia (pardon this preſumption) If I am bold to call you ſo upon So new acquaintance; my love's of longer date. Au. And ſo is mine; however that love's poor, Which time requires to grow up to perfection. Mine of another nature was; at once Finding conception, and maturity; Both at firſt ſight of you. Flo. But what was ſtranger; I found my heart enflamed from the ſhadow, And picture of you only: from dead colours Love firſt found life in me: I ſelt the heat, Before I ſaw the light: wonder not then If I ſtand trembling in the preſence of My Goddeſs, when the luſtre of her only Image I could not with theſe eyes ſuſtain; Which from that time is ever in my thoughts. Au. 'Tis long, amongſt your very enemies, That fame has painted your illuſtrious perſon, Heroique actions (though perchance with colours Defective from the life) and your great merit: Wonder not then, that I forgetting my Imperial dignity, and virgin bluſhes; And other ceremonious reſtraints, So ſuddenly am thus become your captive. Flo. Can this be true, Aurelia? can the heavens So prodigally pour on me their bleſſings. Au. To ſee you; and to fall in love with you, Sir, things are different; but by thoſe heavens You mentioned, happened to me in one moment. Flo. Why ſhould we fear, that time ſhould then deſtroy, What time did not produce; that's our affection. Au. 'Tis true; but violent flames, like ours, we ſee Conſume their nouriſhing fuels, and themſelves; And we think happier thoſe, whom love inſpires With moderate heats, with moderate deſires: Which keep themſelves alive like glowing fires. Flo. My life, my ſoul, my dear Aurelia, Make here no mention of ſiniſter ſurmiſes. My breſt not comprehending well the greatneſs Of my felicitie, gives place too faſt Already to my fears. I cannot think My fortune unforeſeen will conſtant prove. Au. Sir you may fix her, if youl execute What the ſenſe of this Letter will perſwade you. Gives him a Letter, which. he reads as follows. Flo.

Florus, I have, through my affection, to you, reſtored to liberty your friend, and my priſoner of war Honorius; who has diſcover'd to me your ſecret love of our Princeſs Aurelia; from whom I have obtain'd a correſpondent affection for you, by the conſent of her Father: who much deſires to adopt ſuch a Son for his Succeſſor in the Empire. The affection, and intereſt you have in the Army, miniſters a fair occaſion of revenging your ſelf of a cruel adverſary of your Father, by diſarming Valentius of his chiefeſt forces. I expect your ſodain anſwer, and concurrence to your own happineſs.

Arſenius. What's this I ſee? new treacheries againſt me? This Letter is writ by Arſenius. How comes Aurelia to preſent it, who aſide. Declares her ſelf enemy of Hoſtilius. Can ſhe diſſemble? a perſon of ſuch honor? Au. —What ſtrange ſuſpenſion is this which I ſee, Sir, in your thoughts, and looks ſuddenly chang'd? Be reſolute; the queſtion's only here, Whether you will concur in the procuring Your Father's happineſs, your own, and mine. Flo. I can no amorous correſpondence purchaſe At ſuch a rate, thus forfeiting my honor. Au. Sir 'twas plebeian folly Which firſt raiſ'd Idols; and then worſhipt them; And amongſt others this of honor; but I hope your thoughts fly higher, not confind Within the limits of law, cuſtom, juſtice; Shackles for Common people, not for Princes; Great Ravagers of ſea, and land like you. Flo. Unhappy Florus! what a coeleſtial ſhape A Fury here has taken to betray thee. —Vile woman take thy Letter; throws back the Letter. Inveigle ſome leſs cautious with theſe arts. I lov'd thee, whil'ſt I thought thee lover of Thy honor; but do now as much deteſt thee, As I do thy moſt deteſtable crime. I could now kill thee; for though little honor half draws. VVould in't appear; the action commendable Would be to purge the world of ſo infectious A Peſtilence: yet live; thou wilt reſent puts up. Thus, I believe, the greater puniſhment. Au. Aurelia; now 'tis time to come to action; Repentance is too late: crimes of this nature, If once begun, are ne'r ſecure till finiſht. Friends, Officers, Commanders, haſten To the defence of a diſtreſſed Lady, cries out near the Tents. An innocent Virgin, an unhappy Princeſs. To them Valentius, Statilius, Fulvia, &c. as out of the Praetorian Tents. Val.

VVaſt you Aurelia, who made this outcry?

 Au. Yes, great Valentius, twas I; 'twas I; The moſt unfortunate Aurelia, To whom no place I ſee will afford refuge: For what ſecurity can I my ſelf Promiſe from your protection, when your Gen'ral, My Fathers private friend, threatens by force To bring me back to his Camp, perſwaded by This Letter, which he has caſt into my hands, gives the Letter to Valentius. That I fondly in love muſt yield my felf His prey, to ſatisfie my Fathers pleaſure, My preſent enemie; who perſecutes, My honor, dearer to me then my life. His rage has been ſo violent on my Refuſal, that he drew his ſword upon me; A poor diſtreſſed woman! Deny this Villain if thou canſt; ſee there His ſword yet ſcarcely ſheath'd. Flo.

Sir hear me ſpeak.

 Val.

Perfidious Traitor, interrupt her not.

 Au. —Sir I hope You'l as a Prince your patronage afford kneels. To the diſtreſt, and as a Judge condemn So foul a criminal. Look on me not as Daughter of a Tyrant, And of your Enemie; but as the Niece Of Fulvia, your pious virtuous Empreſs. riſes. If I cannot obtain revenge, I'le rather Chuſe gloriouſly to die by my own hands, Then afford matter to anothers crime; Here, I ſwear by thoſe Gods, who ſee me injur'd. Flo.

Your Majeſty will let me ſpeak.

 Val. I will not. O ye coeleſtinl powers, in what ſtrange darkneſs Are our human affairs involv'd: from you We know not what to ask, or what to fear. So off our wiſhes prove our fatal ruin: So oft by what we feard, we are preſerv'd. I never ſought your favours with ſuch fervent Prayers for my ſelf, as for this monſter; whom Mov'd with a falſe inſpired love, I have From his green years here foſter'd in my boſom; Preſerv'd his beauteous youth from all abuſe, And afterward, before his age admitted, Heap't honors on him to afford him matter, In all the three parts of the world, of Triumph; Where I have made his name glorious and fear'd, That at the laſt I might fear him my ſelf. Ful. —Sir I could wiſh you'd read. His Fathers private Letter; but alas! I fear 'twill turn your paſſion into rage. Val.

I will; to diſarm him of all excuſe.

 He is reading the letter at ſome diſtance. Ful. Now I triumph to ſee thy boaſting fate Bow, and ſubmit it ſelf to Fulvia's hate. Au, And from this moment I eſteem my ſelf To Florus apart. Happy; now I have made thee miſerable. Flo.

O cruel creatures, leave me to my ſelf.

 Au. No; I'le torment thee here; when thou art dead, My Brothers ghoſt ſhall act that part; whom thou Inhumanly didſt murder in cold bloud. Flo.

'Twas only by the chance of war he fell.

 Au. Know once, thou wert the only object of My love, as now of hatred; which when any Remorſe of conſcience would extinguiſh in me, Plucks forth the bloudy handkerchef. See here; thus with that bloud I wip't away. Ful.

O my revenge, ſweeter then life, or love.

 Au.

O how my joy increaſes with his torment.

 Val. How much I was deceiv'd; he ſhall ſtreight die. In reading the letter Val. often ſtamps and cries Traitor. Shews the letter. My deareſt Fulvia, what's the matter with him? Ful.

He rages only to ſee himſelf diſcover'd.

 Flo.

Sir, will your Majeſty be pleaſ'd to hear me.

 Val. Speak arrogant Traitor then; only in anſwer To what I ask: is this the writing of Arſenius? confeſs; is he thy Father? Flo. Should I deny Arſenius, Sir, to be My Father, I ſhould be ingrateful to him Who gave me being; which the Gods defend. Val. It was thy choice then rather to expreſs Thy gratitude to him, a publick Rebel, And Traitor to his Country, then to me, The common Father of her; thy peculiar, And ſo great benefactor. See, Statilius, To have Honorius found out; as I Believe confederate in this treaſon; and Macrinus, who, perſwading us he was The Father of him, has conceal'd his true Extraction. Sta.

I ſhall obey.

 Exit. Val. Thy crimes ſo horrid are, that with the greateſt I can't reproche thee; neither ſtands it with The reputation of a man of honor, Much leſs a Princes dignity to ſpeak them. To them Honorius. Arſenius. —Oh here opportunely comes another Conſpirator: Tell me, vile man, the reaſon To Honorius, Of purchaſing thy dear-bought libertie With proſtitution of thy honor; 'twas Thou, who diſcoverdſt to Arſenius, how Florus was ready to betray me, when He ſhould obtain Aurelia for his bed. Therfore thou ſhalt fall with him: it were pity That cruel death ſhould ſeparate that pair, Which treacherous friendſhip has ſo faſt united. Ar. Unlucky ſon! thus betray'd by thy ſelf; aſide. And I become a miſerable Father, In only ſeeking a Sons happineſs. Val.

What he's aſtoniſht to be thus found out.

 Hon. No: 'tis to have my faith ſuſpected only, Who with expence of bloud ſo oft have purchaſt The reputation of my Prince. Ar. Infortunate Arſenius! conſtrain'd Here to accuſe thy ſelf of guilt and die aſide. Diſhonor'd, to expreſs a loving Father To him; who ſcarce vouchſaf'd to be thy Son. Val. When once thy actions have deceiv'd me, I Should too incautious be, to be ſurpriz'd With the fair language of diſcover'd traitors. Ar. Ah, cruel Prince! if there be treacherie, tis mine; 'Tis mine alone; Florus is guilty of No other crime, but diſobeying of A Father in obedience to thee; Which has alike Honorius made ingrateful To me, the author of his libertie. I am Arſenius: and though I was Plucks off his diſguiſe. Injuriouſly upon a falſe ſuſpicion Baniſh'd the Empire; I'le confeſs my ſelf A criminal, to ſave the innocent. O ſpare a Son; become an enemy To his own Father, to obey his Prince. O ſpare a Friend; whoſe gallant braverie So nobly ſcorn'd my treacherous curteſie. Let me fall; with my bloud theſe gray hairs ſtain, Who thus alone have my own ruine wrought; The fitteſt ſacrifice for thy revenge. Val.

Arſenius! Arſenius here! why this clears all my doubts.

Says this in amaze. Flo. Unhappy Father; this is to reproach A weakneſs in me, not to think this heart Sufficiently couragious to ſuſtain The injuſt indignation of one man. Let not your Majeſty deceive your ſelf; Had I not been incautious in my love, My Father had not incur'd this ſuſpiſition Of treacherie; not cauſ'd by malice, but Compaſſion of raſh folly in a Son. Hon. Florus, this language is offenſive to Thy virtue, and our friendſhip, in ſuppoſing Your ſelf the leaſt way guilty; in your life If you to envy ſubject were, in death Be not to infamy. Let glory triumph Over thy nature; let thy Father periſh, Thy Friend, thy ſelf; but let thy honor live. Ar. My only Son, let me fall by thy hands: Compaſſion 'tis, not cruelty to take My life in my old age, and ſave my honor. Flo. Take rather, Sir, that life, which you have giv'n To me now for my miſerie; already I for my glory have liv'd long enough. Ho. Cheer up friends; 'tis for us, who gloriouſly Have known the way to live ſo many years, Eaſie to die like Romans in a moment. Ful.

Why thus amuſ'd?

 Au.

What do you ruminate?

To Valentius. Ant. Sir, as the caſe ſtands now, your only counſel Is to take none. Au.

But think of execution.

 Val. As a ſhip ſeeming with her ful-blown ſails To make a high and rapid courſe, ſometimes Is checkt, and drawn back by an unknown current: So I methinks now ardently purſuing Revenge; thus inſtigated by my reaſon, And paſſion feel within me ſecret motives, Which would retard my will. But I muſt break Through theſe impediments. They all ſhall die And from thee, Fulvia, ſhall receive their ſentence. Thou for thy anſwering my great benefits With an unparallel'd ingratitude. To Flous. Thou, who preferd'ſt before thy loyaltie A friendſhip ſo diſhonorable, ſhalt, Now ſee the fruits of thy unlucky choice. To. Honorius. And thou inur'd to treaſon, who at laſt Betrayd'ſt thy ſelf, ſhalt ſee how the juſt heavens Convert thy crimes into thy puniſhment. To Arſenius. Thus Treaſon is diſcover'd in the birth: The Gods of heaven protect the Gods of earth. Ex. Val. &c. Florus. Honorius. Arſenius. manent. Ar. Come let our minds be cheerful: now they ſhall No longer priſ'ners be; we are juſt ſailing Out of the narrow channel of this life Into the Port, or rather boundleſs Ocean Of everlaſting, unreſtrained freedom. Ful. 'Tis true; we are now on the confines of That vaſt, immenſe, inconfin'd libertie, Which men call Death. Honorius, if I lov'd thee So much here; I ſhall more hereafter. Hon. No; Now comes the period of our friendſhip; and Of what concerns, us but our memory. There's nothing after death; and death it ſelf is nothing, At leaſt in all reſpects to us; for whilſt We are, death is not; and when death is, We are no more; and therefore nothing more Can us concern, or humane nature, when Our groſs and airy parts are ſeparated. Ful. —But the immortal ſoul Of the renown'd Honorius ſhall embelliſh The heavens; where it ſhall give, and receive New light and luſtre, and the juſt reward Of his ſo gloriouſly tranſacted life. Hon. I ne'r indulg'd my ſelf the libertie Of any vice, as odious in its nature. I ever honor'd virtue for her ſelf; And payd the tribute of my worſhip to Th' immortal Gods, as due to thoſe high powers; Not for reward, or puniſhment; me thoughts That was, like Merchants, to conditionate Irreverently with thoſe celeſtial powers. So I preſerv'd my conſtancy of mind, Dejected never by ſuperſtitious fears, Nor puſt up, and exalted by falſe hopes; But ſtill in even balance. To them Fulvia and Aurelia. Ar. —How importunly here Theſe women enter, to diſturb us in Our paſſage to eternal happineſs, Th' Inheritance of noble ſouls. Ful. Aurelia, Theſe men, deſerted of their former valor, Have now recourſe to falſe opinions of Philoſophers, and Pedants; and would fain Perſwade themſelves, that death's no miſerie; But know it is of all the laſt, and greateſt; Horrid, and terrible in her own nature; As contrary to the enjoyment of This pleaſant light; of which He now deprive you. Hon. —Impure creatures be gone. The earth doth many monſters generate; So does the ſea; yet nothing can produce So miſchievous in nature, as a woman, Purſuing her revenge, and ſcorning honor. Mankind ſhould have been propagated from Some other origine, and not from this; The fatal ſource, the occaſion, and cauſe Of all his miſeries, and ſervitude. Au. Thou baſe reviler of that ſex, which gave Thee life with hazard of her own, haſt here Extinguiſht quite all ſenſe of that compaſſion, Which I, methoughts, felt moving in my breſt. Ful. Aurelia, what pleaſure 'tis to ſee Them thus tormented in their rage: if there Were any peace in death, 'twill make their death Leſs peaceable; But you great Generals, Deep Polititians, and prime leaders in Affairs of War and State; who fill'd the world With ſo much noiſe, tumult, and bloud, with what Thoughts can you now reflect upon your ſelves? Arm'd yeſterday with numerous legions; now Thus circumvented by the ſtratagem Of us poor ſilly, ſimple, virtuous women. Flo. It is my glory, not a reproach to me To have ſuch impious creatures ſeek my death. Ful. Which thou wilt undergo with high regret; I know thy ſoul enamour'd on thy body (Th 'object once of my love, as now of hatred) Cannot but with great indignation quit Her lovely, pleaſant, and delightful manſion. Flo. Not when ſhe ſees the neighborhood infeſted With ſuch infectious peſtilent diſeaſes. Ful. She muſt when ſhe no benefit can find In death, accompany'd with infamy; Which if ſhe have a being, will torment her; If not; then nothing will remain of thee Hereafter, but an odious memory. Hon.

Let us, as it becomes us, go, and die.

 Flo.

Death's our admiſſion into liberty.

 Ful. Th' entrance into confuſion, and darkneſs, Out of which no man ever found his way. Ar.

The eaſe of troubled minds.

 Ful.

Their only horror.

 Flo.

The ſafe port of the virtuous.

 Ful. Th' only rock, Which human nature ever apprehends. Flo. None but ſuch impious creatures, as thou art; Who nor in life, nor death can have repoſe. Hon.

Come let us die th' examples of true virtue.

 Ful.

The ſacrifices of my furious rage.

 Ar.

We'll freely meet our death.

 Ful. Your execution, Where you ſhall fall the trophies of my triumph. Flo. The types of honor; how happier 'tis to die So, then like you, to live in infamie. Ful. All after death incertain is: in life No ſuch felicity as our revenge.
ACT. V. Aurelia diſguiſ'd. Aur. O Thou bright glorious morning; Thou oriental ſpring-time of the day, Who with thy mixt vermillion colors painteſt The Skies, theſe Hils, and Plains: thou doſt return In thy accuſtom'd manner; but with thee Shall ne'r return my wonted happineſs. Here thou reduceſt back with thee, the early Light, and the golden Planet of the day, To revive, and illuſtrate with his preſence The troubled world: thou chaſing noiſome darkneſs, And clouds of diſcontent, illuminat'ſt All hearts with joy and chearfulneſs but mine. From thy approche all things receive below New face, and reſtoration: The uſurping Seas, which devour the innocent, become Calm in their channels; the rebellious winds, Publick diſturbers of the peace of nature, Find and give reſt to the other elements. All beaſts of rapin, Lions, Wolves, and Tygers, Have their repoſe: Only a guilty mind No cure, no peace, no reſt ſhall ever find. Here in my breſt, as in her loathed cell, Eternal horror will for ever dwell. To her Sophonia diſguiſ'd like an Eunuch. An. —O Sophonia, Since laſt night parting, we our habits chang'd In this diſguiſe, theſe eyes have known no ſleep. Soph. Nor will not, Madam, if you keep them open Thus to your tears: mine are long ſince dried up; Unleſs they'r ſuch, which have ſo many years Continually diſtill'd within my heart. Au. —O I ſhall ne'r ſleep more: The cleer ſun-ſhine of my ſerener dayes, In a ſhort moment vaniſhing, is here Succeeded by a fearful night of horror, Which will ne'r know a ſetting, but in death. Soph. Thy tender years, Aurelia, know not The nature yet of death; it is ſo lately From me thou learnſt to live. Au. And have not the Curſt fruits of this laſt paſſage of my life Moſt rarely anſwer'd the bloſſoms of thy hopes Of me? e're that my virgin honor Were loſt, thus to contaminate my ſelf With ſo deteſtable a parricide. Soph.

Deſire of revenge tranſported you.

 Au. —Which the immortal Gods Permit us never to execute our ſelves. O what infernal torments equal mine! Hating to live; I am afraid to die; Yet ne'r can hope eaſe to my miſerie. Now ſince, I hear, my Brother Lucius fell Only by the unlucky chance of war. O the moſt cruel nature of my Father! Thus to abuſe my credulous ignorance. Soph.

Madam, did he inform you otherwiſe?

 Ar. Yes; and perſwaded me that Florus kill'd him With his own hands in cold bloud after battel; And thus deluded, gave me the curſt employment Of cutting of this General in his Camp; The only perſon which I lov'd, of whom I had the fortune to be lov'd again. Soph.

It was unjuſtly done, thus to deceive you.

 Au. 'Twas his inſatiate thirſt of human bloud; Which, ſince I find increaſing with his age, I have thought of the effuſion of ſome, Which if not ſatisfying, will delight Perchance his ſtrange capricious appetite. Soph. I ſcarce know what this language ſignifies; I hope you think not by ſome greater ſin To waſh away the leſſer; Madam, Your virgin tears will beſt perform this office. Au. No; my offence is of a deeper ſtain, And muſt be waſht in bloud: I have alreayd Thought of the way, and fixt my reſolution. In this diſguiſ'd habit I'le tel my Father, That I the fatal executioner Have been of his Aurelia, on pretence Valentius had diſcover'd my deſigne: Now ſtreight I know his rage will prompt him to Kill me with his own hands; ſo that I ſhall Immediately the proper trophy fall Of the moſt injur'd Florus funeral. And, if the bloud of an uſurping Tyrant Be ever the moſt grateful ſacrifice To the immortal Gods, as certainly It is, I hope that mine deriv'd from him Will prove an acceptable offering. The man whom I lov'd beſt, he made me kill. Her bloud whom he loves beſt, I'le make him ſpill. Ye Gods, look down then with propitious eyes On him the Prieſt, and me the Sacrifice. Soph. I am at preſent in an ill condition To give, or take advice, having reſolv'd Not to outlive the ſetting of this Sun. Au. Sophonia, it is not fit that you Perform the pennance of anothers crime. Is mine ſo great? or are the Gods ſo cruel; That nor my tears, nor bloud can waſht away. Soph. No, you more white will after this offence Riſe and appear, then in your innocence. Au.

O my Sophonia; muſt we now depart?

 Soph.

Yes never more to meet again.

 Au. I am not So ſorry to forſake the light, as thee. Soph. 'Tis long ſince thou the only light haſt been Of theſe mine eyes. Au. And thou ev'n of my ſoul: Which never felt eclipſe, but in thy abſence. Farewel. Soph.

Farewel.

 Au. Farewel my dear Sophonia: Shall I once more, and this the laſt time joyn Theſe treacherous and perfidious lips to thine? Exeunt. Hoſtilius. I wonder I have no intelligence From my Aurelia: my too forward fears. Would fain perſwade me that ſhe has miſcarri'd In my laſt enterpriſe: I muſt confeſs, Th' employment was of a ſtrange nature, to Make her conſpire, and act againſt the perſon, Whom above all mankind ſhe lov'd thee moſt. To him a Meſſenger, and Aurelia diſguiſ'd. Meſſ. Sir, here's a perſon from the enemy's Camp Deſires ſpeedy admittance. Hoſ. Let him enter. Some happy news, I hope now, from my daughter. Sir, your buſineſs. Au. It is of ſuch importance, That 'twill require privacie to hear it. Hoſ.

Leave us alone; firſt tell me who you are.

 Au. My name is Oppius, and I am the Son Of a Captain of the Praetorian Cohorts: My Meſſage to your Majeſty is concerning Aurelia the Princeſs. Hoſ. O let me Embrace thee; not a meſſenger from heaven Could be ſo welcome. Au. But I fear my news Will not be ſo: In ſhort the horrid plot, Which you deſign'd againſt our General Has been diſcover'd; and Aurelia, Not like a lawful enemy, but like A Traitor has receiv'd her puniſhment. Hoſ.

How! pray tell me then what is become of her.

 Au. Sir, I by order of Valentius Have been her Executioner; and here Behold the fatal Inſtrument; as yet Remaining ſtain'd with her moſt guilty bloud. Hoſ. Stay, let me ſee't; take this reward, for thy So civil meſſage, civilly deliver'd. Stabs her Au. Enought; enough Hoſtilius; I have What I expected: I am thy Aurelia. Hoſ. Aurelia! ah my Aurelia; what has made thee draw This puniſhment upon thy ſelf, and me. Au. Sir, I methoughts had left no other way To waſh away your horrid guilt, and mine In the effuſion of the bloud of Florus. O thou his noble ſoul, which hover'ſt here About me, though inviſible, and canſt not Repair to thy celeſtial origine So ſoon; not being by thy fate, but my Perfidious treacherie divorced from Thy lovely body, look down on my complaint; See how thy injury is vindicated. Why cannot my ſoul follow thee? ſhe ſhall, And mounted on the wings of love ſhall flie To that part of the pure celeſtial ſkie, Where thou ſhalt—O Florus, Florus, Florus— dies. Hoſ. Ah how I have at once wounded two breſts, And in thy death depriv'd my ſelf of life. That bloud of thine is mine; the torments which Afflict thy body, I feel in my ſoul. Who waits there. To him ſome Attendants. Though this young Gentleman I have diſcover'd My enemy, and as a Spie diſpatcht him; Yet ſince he was of high Patritian bloud, See that his body privately you burn, And cloſe the aſhes in a marble Urn. Exeunt. Valentius. Statilius. Sta. Sir, the Camp is full of the news already; Who ſay their General was ſacrific'd To ſatisfie ſome factions of the Court. Val.

Were not all teſtimonies cleer againſt him?

 Sta. No Sir, 'tis thought you were uxoriouſly Subject to the ill government of women, Whoſe practiſes ſhould ever be ſuſpected. Their vows, nor oathes; their frowns, nor pleaſant looks; Their ſmiles, nor tears ſhould conclude nothing in us. Mans heart is ſeldom known; a womans never. Val. O good Statilius compaſſionate Me, and my years, ſo far diſtant from dotage; Which otherwiſe might plead in my behalf. Sta. It neither can become your Majeſty, Nor my condition longer to delude you With idle entertainments of falſe hopes. You are betray'd; Aurelia is retir'd Into her Fathers Court; whom Fulvia follow'd. Servilius has deliver'd up the Bridge Committed to his cuſtodie; where he, And Carbo with their legions have paſt To fight under the colors of Hoſtilius. Sir, theſe the fruits are of the entercourſe Betwixt the Empreſs, and her beauteous Niece. Val. How long have I this viper in my boſom, Never ſuſpected for a poiſonous creature. O the vain hopes of my approaching triumph In the air vaniſht! O my reputation Betrayd by thoſe, in whoſe hands 'twas committed, As in the ſafeſt cuſtodie. Exeunt. Sophonia diſguiſ'd. Soph. So now methinks the ſtormie weathers paſt Of my tempeſtuous life; and if a fair Ev'ning will crown the day, ſure I ſhall ſet Now red and gloriouſly here in my bloud, Which with theſe daring hands I'le now let forth, To vindicate my honor and my worth. To her Valentius, as it were ſpeaking to ſome in the Tents. Soph. But ſee; yonder he comes, the cruel author Of all thy miſeries; the murderer Of thy fair reputation; and thy Son; And as he thought of thee. Valentius, Here thou ſhalt ſee in this Paper the motives Gives him a Paper. Of thy repentance; the defence of ſuch Whom moſt injuſtly thou haſt put to death. Raſh man in thy ſuſpicion; cruel in Thy execution; from this very moment Begin to be unhappy: yeſterday Thou loſt thy Son; and now thy Wife, the true Empreſs here fals before thee. Stabs her ſelf. Val. Come in, and take this body forth. What ſtrange Phantaſms are theſe? which ſcorn my power; and Torment my ſight with diſmal objects; and My ſoul with theſe reproaches. O Statilius. To him Statilius. The friend, and the Companion of thy Prince, Thou opportunely comſt to my aſſiſtance; If there were any: in this memorial, By her preſented, who is now a Carkaſe, Included is the ful malignity Of my misfortune. Yeſterday, ſhe ſaid, I loſt my Son, and now my Wife; but how Can that be, if the Empreſs Palladia, So many years are paſt, dy'd without iſſue. Sta. This is ſome perſon, who at the approach, And horror of her death, diſtracted ſpoke She knew not what. Val.

Ah how I fear this was the true Palladia.

Sta. How can that be? that from the dead one ſhould Ariſe, is more then a Poetique fiction. Val.

If this were falſe, I could not be ſo troubled.

 Sta. Sir recollect your former mind, too much Dejected with a falſifi'd appearance. Val. Sure 'twas the head divided from her body, Which by Macrinus was expoſ'd before Theſe eyes: yet I ſuſpect their faith unleſs Where they, as here, ſhall make me miſerable. Sta. Sir, if you doubt your own, truſt mine; who ſaw And had her head within theſe hands: you know To me alone you did impart this ſecret. Val. 'Tis true; but why deferre I thus to read This ſhort memorial, which may pacifie Perchance theſe thoughts, and troubles in my mind. Sta.

—Securely read it

 Val. My hand ſhakes, and my heart trembles at The opening of it; and a ſuddain horror Congeals within me all my vital ſpirits. What horrid ſpectacle is this! My eyes deceive me, when they ſhould preſerve My honor; not when they ſhould make me happy. Theſe are Palladia's true Characters. Sta.

Sir you'l find the conceptions different.

 Valentius reads, Val.

Valentius, Thy inclination to cruelty has made thee guilty of two ſtrange errors; the firſt in the injuſt condemnation of Palladia, upon a falſe ſuſpicion: who yet eſcap't the execution of thy barbarous deſigne: the laſt not only in the miſtake of the crime, but the criminal. The true name of Florus was Veſpaſius, whoſe Father was Valentius; and not Arſenius, or Macrinus. Palladia was his Mother; whoſe loſs not being able to ſuſtain (for he was falſely accuſ'd) ſhe made choice of a violent death. If thou deſir'ſt in thy ſelf a fruitleſs remorſe; Macrinus will give thee an account of her inviolate integrity; and of other occurrents ſufficient to make thee miſerable.

Sta. What can a ſoul believe? when thus deluded By ſenſes; which are thought her true informers. Val. O my ſuſpicions equally fatal to me When they are juſt, or falſe! O my ſad viſions So fear'd and apprehended without profit: And verified in me with my ruine. Uſeleſs adviſes of the heavens; that They only might reproach me with imprudence. When I ſecurely thought them vain, or paſt; I found my ignorance expoſer of them. O thou black diſmal day; ariſing only To ſee my honor blaſted with thy light, And confound me in an eternal night. Sta. Let not your Majeſtie's misfortunes triumph In the dejecting your high noble ſpirit. Perchance your complaints are not rational. Why ſhould you credit to your ſenſes give Only, when they would make you miſerable, Refuſing when they ſatisfie your wiſhes. But ſee here happily Macrinus comes; To diſſipate the clouds, which here involve us. To them Macrinus. Val. O thou Protector of mine enemies; And Traitor of the honor of my Empreſs; And of my Son; why haſt thou thus abuſ'd me? Mac. Sir, if it is to be compaſſionate An error; I cannot excuſe my ſelf. Val. No Traitor; all circumſtances accuſe thee. Thy very ſilence ſpeaks aloud againſt thee; Th' accurſed ſilence, which has thus ruin'd me. If Florus was my Son; or if Palladia Were innocent; why didſt thou not tell me? Was I So great a hater of religious truth. Mac. In Princes with new Wives, and their Attendants Surrounded; and with paſſions prepoſſeſt, Truth finds her entrance doubly barricadoed. This, rather then to juſtifie with hazard, Made me chuſe to ſecure the innocent. Val. Tell me how can Palladia be abſolv'd From her laſciviouſneſs; when I ſaw my ſelf Her Lovers Letter, where in amorous language He promiſes to temperate thoſe heats▪ Which ſo conſum'd him, in his abſence from her. Can any thing appear more evident? Mac. Not in a form ſo near reſembling truth; Which I unveil'd will expoſe to your view. Calantha a Pannonian Lady, Couſin Of th'Empreſs; loving a Roman Knight, Call'd Plancus, then of her domeſtique Train; Procur'd her conſent, that in Pages habit She might repair to Court; and ſo diſcover The ardency of her affection to him. She changing then her perſon, and her name Into Lucrinus, writ that Letter, which ſo Subſcrib'd, th' occaſion was of your miſtake, And geloſie. Sta. Sir, which was grounded on Such probabilities; which will exempt you From being cenſur'd raſh. Val. Ah let him proceed To tell me how he ſav'd Palladia from My furious rage. Mac. When that you had enjoyn'd me The private execution of her, in My village; where Calantha waited on her; And where we all lamented our ill fortunes; Secure of each ones innocencie; but Could find no remedie; at laſt Calantha Having ſome reſpite with her tears, comes to me, Affirming that ſhe had found out the way, To lead us out of this dark labyrinth: She bid me only find her in her Cloſet, Within two hours; where I ſhould in writing See her deſigne; and, as ſhe knew, approve it. The time arriv'd, I went to ſee her; whom I newly found expired, with a bloudy▪ Dagger in her right hand, and in the left This Paper, which will clear part of the ſtory. Val.

Statilius, read it.

 Sta.

Macrinus, thy only reſpect of vertue, and innocence, has made thee inform us of thy odious commiſſion, to make a preſent this night of my Couſin Palladia's head to the Emperor: In whoſe ſtead I beſeech thee to take mine, divided from my body. 'Tis the only, and laſt requeſt, which I dying, intreat of thee. Our age, complexions, and features, were ſo alike, that they will remain undiſtinguiſht in death. With this happy deluſion thou wilt incur no ſuſpicion of neglecting the Emperour's ſevere Commands. And the life of the Empreſs will be hereby preſerv'd: Together with my reputation, in thus declaring I have not betray'd ſo incomparable a Princeſs.

Calantha, or the Counterfeit Lucrinus. Sta. O memorable act! where ſhall we find Roman, or Grecian Pens to celebrate Sufficiently the worth of this brave woman. Val. How ſtrangely fortune has induſtrious been In this my ruine. What became of Palladia? Mac. Having perform'd what this Letter deſir'd, From her with difficultie I obtain'd Patience to live, concealed in my Village; Till ſhe brrought forth a Son infortunate No leſs in birth, then death, named Veſpaſius; Who yeſterday expir'd (you know the manner) Under the name of Florus. After that I plac't her in the family of Hoſtilius; Where ſhe was Nurſe, and Governeſs of his Aurelia; and her great vertues, the Delight, and admiration of his Court; Till now impatient for the loſs of her Veſpaſius, ſhe uſ'd violence on her ſelf. Th' unhappy Mother of an unhappy Son. Sta. Theſe are events t'aſtoniſh minds at once With grief, and wonder; horror, and amazement. Val. O ye Gods! was there ſo much artifice Required to make one man miſerable? With what contrivance you have wrought my ruin! O my Palladia! equally to me Infortunate in the ſuſpicion of Thy loyaltie; and clearing of thy fame! Unhappy Son! diſcover'd now my Son; When I unworthy am to be thy Father! Ah Florus! now thy innocence is prov'd; When I, thy Father, am guiltie of thy murder. Sta. Great perſons, when they're injur'd in their honor, Purſue th' offence with death; you thought you were ſo. Val. O interrupt us not: thou haſt not yet Related, how thou didſt deceive the world, Making Veſpaſius appear for thy Son; Nor by what error, poor Arſenius thought Him his; which falſe belief coſt him his life. Ev'ry one ſought the glory to be his Father; but I the Monſter who begot him. Mac. Some few dayes after this your Son ſaw light, Arſenius had a Son nam'd Florus; whom (When he was baniſht the whole Roman Empire) He to my care committed; but he prov'd Of ſmall ſurvivance; which I conceal'd from him, Making Veſpaſius paſs for his Son Florus: Not willing to add to th' affliction of His exile this new loſs. In the mean ſpace (Whilſt Arſenius commanded Perſian Armies) Teſpaſius growing up in years, and hopes, I told him he was Son of this great Gen'ral; Though the world thought him mine: which troubled him To think he ſhould his firſt relation have Sir, to your greateſt enemie; and whom, Hoſtilius raiſing tumults in the Empire, Reſtor'd, and made his General to oppoſe you. What for their benefit I contriv'd, in th' end Has prov'd the fatal ruine of them both. Val. O the convulſions of my diſtracted ſoul, Deſiring, though not yet deſerving death. O my eyes, giv'n me only for my torment; What will ye firſt lament? the deſperation Of a Wife; or the murder of a Son; Or my loſt honor: And I yet alive? Am I ſtill call'd a Prince, or Emperor? Are theſe my eyes thought worthy of the light? Yes; and perchance 'tis to betray me with More fatal errors, then my former were. Is there no curteous hand will arm it ſelf Againſt me? but with what? with that Ponyard, So cruelly ſtain'd in the bowels of My Son: or elſe that which is infamous, And wreaking yet diſtills with the chaſt bloud Of my ſo injur'd Empreſs. Have I left No friend, nor enemie? But why demand I Goes to ſtab himſelf. That aid, which I can give my ſelf? Sta. Nay; hold Sir, You may die with Statilius, not without him. Here they hold him. Mac. Sir, 'tis the greateſt of miſeries, to think Your heart not capable of enduring greater. Val.

Then let me die, to free me of this torment.

 Sta. Sir, a great Prince like you, though life he hate, Should ſtand in oppoſition to his fate. Mac. And being as fearleſs to live, as die; He ſhould at once both life and death defie. Val. From ſlaves we life take: not the power of dying: Muſt my condition then be worſe then theirs? For heavens ſake let me die, Statilius. Sta. O Sir preſerve that life, on which depends The happineſs of all your Friends, and Subjects. Val. 'Tis vain to teach him pitie, who has been So cruel to his Son, and Wife, and thee, The brave Honorius, glory of the age. Mac. Your Majeſtie ſhall live, as long as I Have force t'oppoſe your death. Val. Ah Traitor, haſt thou not Confer'd ſufficient miſeries upon me, Unleſs thou doſt prolong them? Here this dagger Shall be the inſtrument of my revenge on thee. Sta.

I cannot hold him: O Macrinus flie.

 Here he gets out of their hands, and purſues Macrinus, who kills himſelf. Mac.

No: like a Roman, by theſe hands I'le die.

 Val. He has eſcapt me. However I will not eſcape my ſelf. So; now I ſhall die. Oh; But not my name, or laſting memorie. Stabs himſelf. Of my raſh and inhumane crueltie Statilius, — Thy Prince bids thee farewel, and goes to know, Since here is none, if there be reſt below. dyes. Sta. Valentius, thy brave ſoul is fled, that ſoul Which did not only animate thy body, But the whole fabrick of the Roman Empire, Which now lyes bury'd in thy Funeral; Such is the ſequel of ſo great a fall.
FINIS.