THE DISTRACTED STATE, A Tragedy.

Written in the Yeer, 1641.

By J. T. Gent.

Seditiosi sunt Reipublicae ruina.

LONDON, Printed by W. H. for Iohn Tey, and are to be sold at his shop at the Sign of the White Lion in the Strand, neer the New Exchange, 1651.

To the truly Noble, Sir IOHN SIDLEY Baronet.

LIke to a Young Student in Negromancy, whose Itch to Rarity makes him Attempt the raising what hee wants skill to lay, I have adventured in this lit­tle Common-wealth of Poetry to beget some Distractions that cannot be recon­cil'd without your Patronage. Sir, you have the fame for Piety and Love to your Country, and have so equally bal­lanced your Actions in these distemper'd times, that you have not only Merited the title Apollo gave to Socrates, but [Page] drawn all mens eies, Loves, and admira­tion upon you. Amongst the number of which your honourers, A Stranger tenders his offering; And though it is naked of worth, Yet the Property of your acceptance will be shelter sufficient to it, and him, who, next to your par­don, shall endeavour to deserve the title of

Sir,
Your most humble and faithfull Servant, J: TATHAM.

TO My dear Friend Mr JOHN TATHAM, On his Excellent Play, The Distracted State.

I Do not write in confidence my fame
May lift you up, or hoist you to a Name:
I of my own defects too knowing am
To hope support you, While my self am lame;
And th' world so well your Merits understand,
They do not need advancement by my hand.
Nor do I labour to be thought a Wit
Because in you I do approve of it.
What makes you shine, does make me not dispair
To hope a glimmering in the self same air:
To Love I'm vow'd too; not that wayward toy
That for these thousand yeers writes himself Boy;
Who makes the Lord and Lady still to meet,
As sure as in a Country Dance wee see't.
'Tis motley, just like Cheeses where I've been,
Checkquer'd, one square of white, and one of green;
'Tis at the best imperfect, such a pair
Like Doublets in the middle joyned are;
While masculine affections, such as mine,
Like Diamonds, entire and cleerly shine.
To Womankind a while I bid adue,
And only now enamour'd am of you.
And certain, 'tis no miracle in me,
T' whom Civill War hath been a nursery,
That I in strict obedience to my fate,
Do fall in Love with your Distracted State
I. R.

To my worthy Friend Mr. IOHN TATHAM, on his Excel­lent Tragedy, The Distracted State.

GOod Wine does need no bush, nor does thy wit
Want our supporting, this thy Play is writ
With so much judgement, and so firm a hand,
It shall against the stormes of Envy stand
A Monument to thy fame: for if we may
Conclude Language and Plot do make a Play,
Here they are met, each Scene and Act so well
Follow'd, that one the other doth excell;
And their contention does so neatly end,
As though thou didst a second Rape intend
Vpon our sense, drawing our greedy eyes
To read, till they themselves do Sacrifice.
For he that loves to Feast on a good line,
Will never think he has enough of thine.
R. D.

To my most Deserving Friend I. T. Vpon his Play, The Distracted State.

VVHen I that sweet Elixar of thy lines
Tasted, and found within those golden Mines
That rare refin'd delight, in which 'tis sin
Not to be lost or catch'd in fancies gin,
I did thy worth so cleer a Victor see
The Lawrell could be due to none but thee.
I cannot offer Hecatombs of praise,
Nor Altars to thy lofty fancy raise;
This well meant Tribute I can only pay;
Wit's high Meridian glorifies thy Play.
G. LYNN.

The PERSONS.

  • Evander, The Vanquish'd King.
  • Mazares, His Brother.
  • Archias, A Noble Lord, their Kinsman.
  • Missellus, Provinciall of Vallis de Noto, friend to the King.
    • Agathocles,
    • Epecides,
    Two high-spirited Lords.
  • Planetius, Provinciall of Mona, made by Mazares.
  • The Archbishop of Monreall.
  • Cleander, A high Politician.
  • Philistus, A young Lord, Minion to Mazares.
  • Adulanter, A base fawning Lord, A Buffoon.
  • Hermocrates, Generall to Mazares.
  • Thimistius, A Colonell.
  • Antanter, A Noble Commander.
  • Philander, An Officer in War.
  • Icetis, Governour of a Castle in Palermo.
  • Hipparinus, A Magistrate of Palermo.
  • A Scotch-Mountebanck.
  • 2 Physicians.
  • Harmonia, Daughter to Cleander, and Mistris to Archias.
  • A Captain.
  • Souldiers.
  • Guard.
  • Attendants.
Scene Cicily.

THE DISTRACTED STATE.

ACTUS 1. SCENA 1.

Loud Musick.
Enter Mazares, the Archbishop of Monreall, Cleander, Agathocles, Epecides, Philistus, Adulanter, &c.
Mazares ascends the Chaire of State, the Archbishop puts the Crown on's head; then, all, but Agathocles, cry Long live Mazares lawfully King of Sicily.
AGATHOCLES.
HEaven where's thy Vengeance?
Canst thou endure this Mockery?
Agathocles kneeles with his back towards them, aside.
Maza.
We thank you all. But why Aga­thocles
Appears such trouble on thy brows, are we
Unwelcome to thy wishes?
Agath.
How Sir! Pardon me.
Who dares say you are?
You are my King,—Is it not so Gentlemen?
The Raies that from your Brothers Diadem
Gilded this Kingdom are put out, and now
From you our rising Sun, we must expect
A Vertuall fervor. Obedience is my safety.
My wishes! trifles, what may you not Command?
If you but will, my life is not my own.
One frown may Rivet me, I am design'd
To be but what you please, and when, no longer.
I am your poor Submissive.
Maza.
You Misconstre
The power of Kings, they dare not but be just.
That Crown can ne'r sit fast that takes it's rise
From others ruine.
Agath.
Out Imposture—
[aside.
Maza.
My Lords I could have wish'd
The Peoples and your Loves had spar'd this solemnity
Until another time, a time that might
Have prov'd more fit for Triumph; for though Heaven
Hath wreath'd our Brows with Victory, our thoughts
Are not at peace.
Agath.
Nor ever will be til
[aside.
By their continuall motion they have brought
All into Publike ruine.
Maza.
The Care of th' Common safety
O'rwhelms our Joy and makes it seem un­seasonable.
Repose after so long a toile of War would bee
[Page 2] Perfume unto our Senses, but we must not
Prefer our own before the Peoples quiet.
Agath.
Machivell thou art an Asse, a ve­ry Asse to him
[aside
Maza.
My Lords, you are my witnesses,
The Publike wrong, and not Ambitious hopes
Of Government, Oblieg'd me to this Quarrell
(The Peoples and not mine) against my Brother;
The Justice of which cause gave us Success.
Heaven knowes, had he not bin their Ene­my,
I should have emptied ev'ry vein I have
T'have serv'd him. Nature and Duty held
Strong Conflicts in my blood, Nature pro­moting
One while my Brothers right, untill my Duty
Unto my Country with Diviner Reason
O'reame me, and discover'd the sad Scene
Of a sinking People, and a rising Tyrant.
Agath.
Does Heaven hear this, and pu­nisheth not?
[aside
Maza.
For my part, my Lords,
Though the affection of the People Circles
My Temples with a Crown, I shall not wear it
Longer than they 'steem me worthy.
Clean.
Most singular Prince.
Agath.
Most singular Devill.—
[aside
Maza.
My Lord Arch-Bishop,
You are the Church's Vine, and we the Elm
Of th' Common-wealth, our flourishing E­states
Depend on one another; by Heaven's hand
We are Contracted, and must share all fortunes,
Or good, or bad. The Iewels of a Crown
Retain not Lustre longer than they have
Vertue from th'Church, and that she's glo­rious;
Nor can she be so longer than we are so,
Her strength and welfare doth consist in ours.
Let not this suddain change
Possesse her with a fear of her Ecclips.
Sh'as a Protector now, that will expose
His life a Sacrifice to preserve her Purity.
We shall not be remisse to satisfie
What lies on our part towards her, and what
From her belongs to us we need not inti­mate,
You have a Sense my Lord, can reach at things
And their Necessities.
Archb.
My Duty shall not be wanting, my gracious Lord.
Agath.
The Church-man will turn Pan­der to him.
[aside
Maza.
My Lords,
W'are not insensible of the Peoples burthen
By keeping up our Armies, but necessity
That makes men Act what they would not, Compels it;
We are not yet secur'd against the Malice
Of our late vanquish'd Brother, there's a faction
That waits an opportunity to befriend him,
Beside his hopes in Italy; those clouds over,
We doubt not but a fair day wil give birth
Unto the Peoples happinesse and ours.
In the mean time my Lords be it your Care
To stop the current of their Cries, and keep
Us fair in their opinion.
Agath.
As Hel's Projector.
Down, down big heart, thoul't hang me else.
[aside to Epecides.
Epeci.
My Lord,
Let Reason moderate your Passions,
They are two violent, and may prove your Enemies.
[Epec. to Agat. aside
Mazares wants not Hands.
Agath.
Nor I a Heart
To dare his worst; oh Epecides
[aside to Epe.
I have liv'd too long to see this day.
Maza.
My Lords, we know
Crowns are but glorious burthens, and the weight
Requires more heads than one to bear it up.
You are th' approved Pilots of the State,
Acquainted with all Creekes, and Rockes where danger
Hides his destroying-head, and wisely can
Steer her, should th' Malice of a Forraign Foe
Swell to a Tempest, or Malignant breaths
At home threaten her Ruine; on your faiths
Depends ours and her safety.
Clean.
Most gracious Sir,
You have out-done even Expectation? and
The Beams of Vertue that shoot from you
Out-shine the Glory of your Diadem,
[Page 3] And bind our lives unto your Fortunes.
Phili.
May we owne our lives no longer
Than they perform those offices of Duty
Your Vertues do Command them to.
Maza.
We owe much to your Loves,
And shall engrosse a time to pay the Debt
Your Merits call upon us; wee'l divide
The happinesse, if any wait upon
A Crown, amongst you.
Agath.
When hee's warm in's Seat,
They shall as little dare to claime his Pro­mise,
[aside to Epeci.
As the poor Crane his reward from the Lyon,
When hee had pull'd the Bone out of his throat.
Epeci.
Restrain your self,
Ther's little Revenge in words, but words may be
Revenged, be advis'd.
[aside to Agat.
Adulan.
May never Care breed feavors in your blood,
Nor troubles raise a Palsie in your Scepter;
May stil Successe attend your Enterprizes,
And Conquests beget Conquests, till you write
Your Self the Worlds great Monarch.
Archbi.
May Heaven's eye
Keep Sentinel while you repose, that no
Trayterous Attempts may reach your Sa­cred Person.
Agath.
Now may the Grones of dying men, the cries
[Agath. kneeles, aside
Of Widdows, Orphans, and defloured Vir­gins,
Together with his Brother's wrongs conti­nually
Keep him awake, till with distracted rage
(For want of Rest) he doth become his own
Dire executioner.
Maza.
What meanes this? Agathocles?
Agath.
I have bin at my Prayers too.
Maza.
We thank you, and shall
Endeavour to deserve so far,
You shall not have Cause to repent them.
Agath.
I beleeve no lesse.
Maza.
Lead on my Lords,
With upright Care we shall discharge our trust;
Kings are no longer Kings, than they are just.
Exeunt.
[Agathocles pulls Epecides back.
Agath.
My Lord Epecides, a word,
The King may spare us two; I may presume
We are as little needed as regarded.
If that thy looks deceive me not, thou art
Yet free from this disease, this Itch of Ho­nour,
Which so transformes us into Servile flat­tery.
Art swell'd with lofty thoughts?
Epeci.
They reach no higher
Than th' Publike good, which they devout­ly wish,
Though want a power to Compasse.
Agath.
Th'art honesty it selfe;
And to thy Bosome as my Sanctuary,
My Soul shall fly to ease it self of what
Would burst me to keep longer.
Epec.
My Lord, you may
Be confident I have a Soul as big
With Grief as you, that fain would be de­liver'd,
If Reason would turn Midwife.
Agath.
False Cleander
Hath made the Field drunk with his Coun­trey's blood,
To set up an Usurper.
Epeci.
It is pretended
The Peoples Pressures and continuall Cal­mours
Enforc'd the War.
Agath.
Kindl'd by the fire
Broke from Mazares bosome, whose Am­bitious
Desire of Rule, bred the ill humors in
The easily corrupted Multitude,
Who, led by their pernicious hopes, that he
Would bring on better daies, gave breath unto
Their Monstrous fury, and like a deluge,
Brake forth and sanke the Fortunes of E­vander:
That he poor Prince, having no other Arke
Of Preservation than his Innocence,
And faith he had in's friends, did fly to them
Whose shelter serv'd him but for a short time,
For they with him at last were overwhelm'd.
But Epecides be thou confident,
Though Hell hath further'd the Usurpers Plot,
[Page 4] And smooth'd it with successe, Vengeance will reach him.
Though heaven be slow it's punishment is sure.
Epeci.
Hear but Cleander,
Philistus, Adulanter, and the rest,
And they will tell you Providence and Justice
Sate on their Weapons points to punish Tyranny;
And that our Kingdom by Mazares wisdom,
Will flourish in a far better Estate,
Than in Evanders time.
Agath.
Ambition wants not snares
To Catch Vulgar Credulity, and carry
On their Designes cleere to the end they aime at.
They are the Canes and Truncks through which th' Usurper
Speaks to promote his purposes, and blast
All good in's Brother, and Ecclips his right.
Is not Planetius, the first bold Traytor,
Of Mona made Provinciall? Is not Cle­ander
As big with hopes and Expectation?
Does not Philistus fawn, and Court to out
Missellus the Provinciall of Vallis de Noto.
Credit such Sycophants?
Epeci.
Missellus is Noble,
And if Mazares look not well about him,
Evander may have an after Game to Play,
Missellus was his Creature.
Agath.
Where e'r he be,
Though fortune left his Party, he retaines
A Minde invincible.
Epec.
No question but
The State was much distemper'd, and E­vander
Was not without his faults.
Agath.
People dispos'd for Change,
Survey the Vices of their Prince through Opticks
That rather multiply than lessen them:
And what is in themselves but Criminall,
Is in their Prince held horrid, as the Symp­tome
To the disease of Tyranny.
Epeci.
And dare correct;
That in their Prince they would not in themselves
Have taken notice of.
Agath.
But allow there were
Some things might grieve the People; Wise Experience
Gives us to know that in th' lopping of Trees,
The skilfull hand prunes but the lower Branches,
And leaves the Top still growing to Ex­tract
Sap from the Root, as meaning to Reform,
Not to Destroy. I tell thee Epecides,
Th' Excesse of what was good in Prince E­vander,
Might Stock the barren breast' of the Usur­per.
Epeci.
Men never rate their goods so highly
As when th'are rob'd of them. It is some ease
To our afflictions, that we can thus vent
Our Griefes to one another, for we must
Despair of other remedy.
Agath.
Very true,
If we continue Children, and adore
The Rod corrects us, kisse it till we smart for't,
Enthrone base Fear in Valours royal Seat,
Let it Lord o'r our Spirits, till our blood
Forsake its heat, and become Ice: But if
We do retain the Glory of our Ancestors,
(Whose Ashes will rise up against our dulnesse;)
Shake off our Tamenesse, and give way to Courage,
We need not doubt (inspir'd with a just rage)
To break the necks of those that would yoke ours.
Epeci.
I but—
Agath.
Those Buts destroy us; are you willing
To sit in th' dark and never see the Sun;
With a besotted Patience see your goods
Rifled, and your Inheritance tane from you,
Unlesse you to secure his quiet will
Part with your own, and by compliance banish
The peace your Conscience yet is happy in?
Epeci.
You know my Spirit's not so chill
But I would know a way, prescribe you one
That's passable, I shall not onely run
[Page 5] My Fortunes with you, but make all the friends
And neerest Allies I have as ready minded
To do you service.
Agath.
To a Resolved Minde
Nothing seemes difficult—Archias has a Noble gallant Spirit.
Epeci.
What then?
Agath.
Hee ever was a friend to Vertue, and's of Mazares line too.
Epeci.
Unfold the Mystery.
Agath.
What would you say if—he's wellbelov'd and active.
[Enter a M [...]ssenger
Epeci.
Doe you suspect me?
Agath.
No, but hold here's some upon us.
Messen.
Which is the Lord Philistus or Cleander, either will serve.
Agath.
What is your businesse?
Mess.
I've Letters to the King.
Agath.
Whence came you?
Mess.
From Messina.
Epeci.
How fares the Lord Planetius?
Messe.
His Honor is in health, I'd faine be discharg'd.
Agath.
What news, what news, wee'l bring you to the King.
Mess.

Extreme good Gentlemen, the late Tyrant after his defeat going for Ita­ly, was surpriz'd by some of Tyche, in the Province of Vall [...]s de Noto, killd, and cast into the River; a death too good for him.

Agath.
So Sir—
Epeci.
Oh forbear—But hear me friend is this newes certain?
Messe.

My Lord Planetius the Provinci­all of Mona had it so Sir, and he hath sent the same unto the King▪ I can say no more on't Sir, please you to bring me to those Gentlemen.

Agath.
Ther's enough in Court to shew you, you may walk thither Sir—
Messe.
I could have done that without all this doe Sir—
Exit Messe.
Epeci.
Passion's too much your Enemy.
Agath.
Dog! a death too good for him?
Epec.
What think you now on th'busi­nesse you were upon?
Agath.
I am beside my selfe, my Courage leaves me,
And Reason tels me now I must be tame.
The King—
Enter Mazares, Cleander, Philistus, Adulanter, &c. Messenger.
Maza.
Were not the Villaines found.
Messen.
I do not know and't please your Majesty.
The King seemes to be troubl'd at this News.
aside.
Ile change my Note—'tis like they were,
For w'heard the Provinciall of Vallis de Noto had
Appointed the death of some body.
Maza.
He did but Justice then; Oh Phi­listus
And you my honoured Lords, our Grieses want utterance;
He was our Brother, though our Countries Enemy,
And they have tane away a part of us
That sent him hence; It was a Deed (though Heavens
Just hand was in't) we cannot but Lament.
Your Pardon Supreme powers.
Phil.
Most pious Prince.
Maza.
Blame us not my Lords. We say again
He was our Brother, and We cannot stop
The Course of Nature.
[seems to weep.
Agath.
Can this he reall!
Messen.
He was a Gracious Prince, ther's the truth on't.
I could weep too for him.
Adula.
How you Villaine?
Messe.

Why the King is not offended with me I hope? alas I have Nature in me too, good, Vertuous Prince, Evand [...]r.

Adul.
Hast thou a mind to be hang'd?
Messe.

How! Is the Wind at that door. No Sir, not for e'r a dead Prince in Chri­stendome; your Majesty may spare your teares, for in truth and verity he was but so, so.

Maza.
Friend didst not say
That th' Actors were punish'd by Missellus.
Messe.
So I heard an't like your High­nesse.
Maza.
Tis strange
Planetius writes not so, but it's very likely;
Missellus has in many things been seen
[Page 6] Ready and Active for him, and no doubt
Would now—
Cleand.
Come, Come, Missellus growes too popular,
Your Majesty may think on some more faithfull.
Maza.
We guesse your meaning— Philistus,
We shall dispatch you upon some affaires,
As soon as we can shake this sadnes off,
And our Mind's fit for businesse.
Phil.
It becomes my Duty to wait your
Highnesse pleasure.
Maza.

Fellow attend our Secretary for a Confirmation of the Provinciallship of Mona to Planetius.

Come my Lords.
Exeunt.
Enter Archias and Harmonia.
Harm.
Begon so soon my Lord? y'are hardly entred
My Father house. Though th' entertainment comes
Short of your Merits, My Lord, beleev't y'are welcome
To poor Harmonia.
Archi.
Th'art rich in all that's good,
And that's a Dower Queens would be glad to boast of.
Since thy descent to love me, I'm exalted
Above a Monarch's happinesse.
Harmo.
And part so soon?
You have some other Mistris whose heaven
Depends upon your Visit.
Arch.
Pretty Jealousie,
How sweetly it becomes her; Beleeve me dearest,
By the blest hopes I have in thee, Not any
Beauty in Cicily (if there can any be
Besides thy selfe; for in thee is the full
Perfection of all Beauty met) has part
Of the least thought of mine.
Harm.
You shall not go though yet.
Enter Cleander.
Arch.
Thy Father—wilt thou now Li­cense me to go;
I'le see thee e're the Sun be six hours old­er.
[offers to go off.
Cleand.
My Lord Archias you have ho­nour'd me
Exceedingly by this your Visit. I hope my comming
Does not remove you hence.
Arch.
My good Lord,
Excuse me I beseech you, did not Businesse
Of much Concernment call me hence, I should
Account that time wel spent wherin I might
Serve you and your fair Daughter.
Clean.
Pleasure your self my Lord.
Arch.
I am your Lordships Servant—adue Sweet.
Exit.
Cleand.
Harmonia,
I guesse this Young Lord loves thee,
His often Visits promise some such business;
But I'd not have you Countenance it.
Harm.
Why I beseech you Sir?
You have bin pleas'd to lavish forth his prayses
Beyond the Common Character; I've heard you say
(With Pardon Sir) hee had much Vertue in him.
Clean.
And has so, but he cannot bring his Heart
T'affect this King, although he be his Kins­man.
Harm.
That is no Crime worthy my No­tice Sir,
Much lesse my disrespect. Pray give me leave
To use him but with that Civility
Becomes the Education of your Daughter.
Clean.
My intents
Fly higher to advance thee, if I live,
And that the King perform his Royal word,
(As that he dares not but doe) thou shalt stand
In Competition with a Queene for Great­nesse.
Mazares is too weak a Politician,
To think my vast Soul can bee hemm'd within
The Circle of a Province, when a King­dome
Will scarce contain it. No, I do but take
This as a Spot of Earth to what I aim at.
I mean to Match thee Girle unto some Prince,
By whose Assistance I'l reach the Ascen­dent,
The Royall Seat Harmonia, And then
Wee are thy Princely Father: Dos't not Noise
Rarely my Girle, the very Sound inspires
[Page 7] My Soul with flames of Majesty—Go on Cleander,
'Till Neighbouring Princes wondring at thy Fate,
With trembling Scepters dread their own Estate.
Exeunt.

ACT 2. SCE. 1.

Enter Mazares, Philistus, Adulanter, and Attendants.
Maz.
PHilistus sir,
Sit Adulanter—who waites there?
[sit at Table.
Guard.
We an't like your Grace.
Maza.
Bring us Wine,
Wee are dispos'd to drown our Brothers Memory,
And its appendent Sorrowes in a full
Bowl of rich Wine.
Phili.
Done like your Princely self.
Maza.
What should we
Contract our Youth to Cares for, waste the heat
Beats in our agile veines, and draw upon
Our head a Snowy-Perrywig before
Age claims it? We are resolv'd to make
Our blooming Yeers no Prey for Melan­choly.
Phili.
You are our Sun, and we the In­fant Plants
That take life from you; when your Brow is Clowded
We droop and Pine, as wanting heat; your Highnesse
Now shews your self in Glory; and our heads
That lately were prest down with discon­tent
Look up to blesse the Change.
Adul.
Your Highnesse put
Us all in fear you would Convert your Court
Into a Monastery.
Maza.
Ha, ha, ha, into a Mouse-trap ra­ther.
Philistus to thee.—Fellow let not any
[drinks.
Enter the Presence if thou regard'st thy safety.
'Tis hop'd our Subjects, will allow us a time
Of Mirth after our toil for them.
Phili.
Whether they will or not, your Majesty has power to take it.
Maza.
How e'r we seem'd to take our Brothers death,
'Thas brought on our security, for such
As durst before speak loud and big, now dare not
Be seen to Whisper 'gainst us.
Phili.
Tis a point of Policy,
High as your Highnes safety to keep them
At such an Awfull distance; ther's Epe­cides —
Maza.
A Close and cunning Sophister, he carries
A fire within him scarce to be discern'd.
Phili.
Agathocles comes not much short of him.
Maza.
He has a daring Soul, and does attract
The lewd Licentious People, as the fire
That draws ill Vapours to't, but w'are re­solv'd
He and the rest of's Insolent Crew shall meet
Our Justice if they Submit not.
Phili.
Your Majestie's brow
Is too serene, something of Wrath there seated
Would seem far better.
Maza.
Wher's our Secretary.
Adul.
Call the Kings Secretary
Enter Secretary.
Maza.
Hast done the Patent we gave Order for?
Secret.
'Tis ready for your Majesties Signing.
Maza.
Give us Ink,—so—Philistus,
We have Iust cause to doubt Missellus faith too,
And therefore will remove him, and on thee
Confer the honour. He is seated like
A Thorn in th'Heart of Cicily, and must be
Cut off lest he spread farther, and do gore us.
[gives him the Patent.
Take this as earnest of our Love to thee,
Whose Loyalty we are assur'd of.
Phil.
Fame
Shall spread your Royall Bounty through the World,
[Page 8] And may leave to Be when I forget
To be your Highnesse Servant.
Maza.
Cleander had
Our promise for't, but We do know him one
Of an unconstant Spirit, full of Spleen;
A Mind high and unbounded, and to drive
On his own ends, will enter into League
With Turke or Devill; therefore tis not safe
For us to lay a trust of so high consequence
On such a frail foundation, One whose faith
Complies with every Winde, and strikes his Sailes
With every Tide and Change. But
You drink slowly.—Come to thy
Good Journey.
[Cleander knocks.
Guard.
The King is private.
Clean.
I must speak with him.
Maza.
Who's that so loud there?
Guard.
The Lord Cleander.
Maza.
Tell him 'tis not our pleasure to be spoke with.
Guard.
My Lord you hear the King.
[Cleander strives and rusheth in.
Clean.
My Businesse is of Concernment,
I will enter—How's this? surrounded
With his Flatterers; tis like to be
A State well govern'd.
Maza.
Sir, you are Uncivill.
Clean.
What mean you Royall Sir?
Maza.
Y'are sawcy, We say again y'are sawcy.
Clean.
How?
Mazares.
How durst you bee so inso­lent?
Clean.
I have deserv'd Sir better lan­guage from you.
My anger is too strong for my Obedience,
And will have th' upper hand. I come
To claim your Royall word—I am Clean­der Sir,
Whose hand did seat the Crown upon your head Sir.
Maza.
Provoke us not.
Phili.
Good my Lord for your owne safety.
You see the King is mov'd.
Clean.
Mov'd! By heaven i'l move him worse, tell me I'm Insolent.
Maza.
And we shall punish it, if you go not the sooner.
Clean.
I will not hence, and you shall hear me.
Maza.
Go, y'are impudent.
Clean.
Am I so Sir?
You did not tell me so, when I did waste
Whole Nights, and spent my Spirits, to se­duce
The People t [...] your Party, and lost my blood
To serve you. I was not then—
Maza.
Stir not in me
An Anger that will shake thee.
Clean.
Whose head, whose heart, whose hand appear'd till mine,
To make you what you are?
Maza.
If we be King, Sir you shall feel there is
A power belonging to't. Wher's our Guard?
Take him away.
Phili.
I beseech your Majesty.
Clean.
Effeminate Lord, I scorn to own a life
At thy Petitioning. Tyrant do thy worst.
Is this the reward for all my services—
Sit with your crew of Vaulters, and Con­trive
To turn your Cittadels to dauncing schools
Or Stews fit for your purpose, till the Souldiery
Like to a sudden Tempest scour your fol­lies,
And whip you to Repentance.
Maza.
Away with him.
Guard.
Come my Lord.
Clean.
Yes I shall go—Ungratefull Prince,
May all thy Brothers—
[drag him off
Maza.
Stop's mouth—away with him.
So we are rid of th' Screech Owle, did you e'r hear
Spleen better vented; All the Physicians of Palermo could not discover his disease bet­ter than he has don't himself.
Phil.
And were I as your Majesty, I'd cure him
By th'head for't.
Maza.
'Tis not safe yet, but if this
Tame him not,
[Page 9] We shall fly higher,
Phili.
The Serpent spet at me too.
Maza.
Wee'l have the venom from him or his life for't.
Adul.
Hee has a Daughter of that Beau­ty, would thaw a Stoick's bosome,
She carries the Quintessence of Youth a­bout her.
Maza.
Art thou acquainted with her?
Adul.
Though I am not, I want not Con­fidence,
If that may serve your Majesty.
Maza.
Is she compos'd for Mirth?
Adul.
She bears a fame for Vertue.
Maza.
What should we do with her then? she is no Match for us.
Adul.
If your Majesty have a Minde to her
I'l batter all her Vertues with your Glo­ries;
And 'less an Hoast of Angels come to Guard her,
She shall not pass my purchase.
Phili.
When you Storm her let not a Re­pulse or two
Make you draw off your Siege, the third Assault
Constrains her to Surrender.
Adul.
I am not my Lord
To learn the Art of Courtship, I have more
Designes than one upon her.
Maza.
We do like
The Law Lycurgus made, and will Ordain
The like amongst us; why should Youth be Curtail'd
Of that delight Nature intended it?
Mens Wives shall have the liberty to choose
A friend to play the Husbands part some­times.
Phili.
Does your Majesty intend to Marry?
Maza.
Marriage is but a Church Di­vise, that would
Prefer sobriety amongst the Vertues,
A stale unsavoury thing; when as Vari­ety
Gives life to every Sense, and doth beget
An Appetite, when tother smothers it.
Adulanter try thy Skill, We shall reward it.
Adul.
I warrant she's your Majesties.
Maza.
Come Philistus,
Wee'l bring thee on thy way, and lest Missellus
Should prove stiffe Neck'd, and not yield his Obedience
To our Commands, our Generall shal send
With thee 5000. men to force Admittance.
Leontium, Tyche and Neapolis
Stand fast to us, and will assist you if
The Siracusians should stand out.
Phili.
Your Majesty does enrich me with your Bounty.
Maza.
Adulanter, We shall finde imploy­ment worthy
Thy liking in Palermo; We will have
Thee neer us.
Adul.
Your Highness Vassall.
Maza.
'Tis fit,
Royality should maintain them which up­hold it.
Exeunt.
Enter Agathocles and Epecides.
Agath.
He is my Kiug, his Brother's death hath made
His Title good, and I must bring my heart
Down to Obedience.
Epeci.
Then you begin to cool.
Agath.
I'm not Convinc'd in Consci­ence that 'tis lawfull
T'oppose the power now o'r us, since the hand
Of Heaven is in't, whose high Decrees we ought not
To question or dispute.
Enter Archias.
Epeci.
A happy Morning
Toth' Noble Lord Archias.
Archi.
The like to your Honours.
You heard the news?
Epec.
What is't my Lord?
Arch.
Philistus is made Provinciall of Vallis de Noto.
Epec.
How likes Cleander it?
Archi.
He's otherwise Provided for, Committed
Upon displeasure Mazares has ta'ne against him.
Epec.
[Page 10]
That's news indeed.
Agat.
What Cleander, the Magazine of Policy,
Is he blown up? Mazar [...]s only Atlas
That shoulder'd him into the Throne.
Epec.
This is some State Gin, some trick Politick.
Archi.
Beleev't 'tis true.
Epe.
How can Mazares be without him?
Archi.
Oh my Lord,
Mazares us'd Cleander as the Lame
Do their supporting Crutches, that's no longer
Than as they need 'em; when that they are able
To walk alore, they cast 'em from 'em.
Agath.
Ha, ha, ha, I'm glad on't with all my heart.
Mazares never Acted a thing as yet
So neer Commendable justice, Fair Astrea
May give it a just Plaudit.
Arch.
But Consider,
If such who have ventur'd their part of Heaven
To do him service, are not free from's Ty­ranny,
Where rests our safety?
Epe.
It is high injustice
So to reward him.
Agath.
In the survey of Politickes,
Dost find a Traytor otherwise rewarded?
Stands it with thy Discretion, to let loose
A Tyger, when th'ast mov'd him into An­ger?
No, 'tis a way both safe and full of Justice
To Chain such Danger up; had he done otherwise,
He had bin fitter rather to have rul'd
A Sheephook than a Scepter.
Arc.
Come you are too bitter,
Think on Cleander's Age, and lend your aid.
Agath.
He should have known more ver­tue in his Youth,
And then his Age had now bin Tempest proof.
Arch.
For my sake good my Lord, and for his Daughters.
Agath.
I, now my Lord you speak, you are concern'd in't.
Arch.
Your own, and all our freedoms are concern'd in't.
Shall we pay Duty and Obedience
To him, who does instruct us to Rebell
By his own President? are we to learn
How he Obtain'd the Scepter? or want we Sense
To feel how he imploies it? was it not
His own insinuating Tenet to
The People, ('gainst his Brother,) That the Vertue
And Justice of the Prince were th' onely Bonds
That bound the People to him, and when he
Should violate either, they were ty'd no longer?
Are we not Freemen then?
Epeci.
Highly requisite.
Arch.
Where is the Common Right?
Our Just Inheritance? bought with the blood
Of our Indulgent Ancestors? whose Va­lour
Bounded the Royall Power so, it durst not
Spread beyond th' Acts of Piety and Ju­stice.
[Enter Archbishop.
Agath.
See what Love, and Women can do!
Archi.
My Lord Archbishop you are hap­pily come
To Contribute your advice.
Archb.
My honour'd Lords,
The safety of your Persons frees my Soul
That lately was a Slave to fear, and Jea­lousie.
Agath.
I Churchman, 'twas your Feares, and Jealousies,
Heav'd first at our foundation. Cicily had bin
Cleer from infection, had not your hot lungs
Spet the Contagion. It was you gave Reines
To the Licentious People, that Like Ne­groes
Shot their envenom'd Darts at th' Raies of Majesty,
Whose carefull heat did warm e'm.
Archb.
[Page 11]
You mistake,
Wee aim'd at no such thing, but to dis­charge
Our Duties to our Country.
Agath.
And y'ave prov'd
The most undutifull'st of all her Chil­dren.
And finding now the ends of your Ambiti­on
Of being Cardinall is cleer laid open,
By which your Pride is like to be Obscur'd,
You do begin to belch forth fresh Sedi­tion,
And Create new Distempers, 'cause Ma­zares
Will not do what you'd have him.
Archb.
I come not Sir
To bandy words, the World knowes what I did
Was in Relation to the Churches Peace,
How e'r you term it; But so full of Poy­son
I find the Gilded Pils of his Professions,
That plainly I must tell you without fear,
I heartily do wish those hands that were
Imploy'd to Seat him o'r us, had bin us'd
To put him in his Grave.
Arc.
Or bin lop'd off
Before they had Contracted such an ill
Upon our Countrey:
Epe.
Ther's no time too late
To lanch the Ulcer and give ease unto
The groaning People, if my Lord Agathe­cles
Will call to Mind his death, that whets the Instrument,
Whose Precious Memory will give life to all
Our undertakings.
Archi.
Come, my Lord, I'l have
The Bishop and you reconcil'd. Wee'l to
Cleanders house, where the poor Lady Mourns
Her Fathers Absence, there we will Con­sult
On some way to Obtain his and our Free­doms.
Agath.
Let not the Church-man be in it, and then
Doubt not but we shal make all right agen.
Exeunt.
Enter Adulanter and 3. or 4. Souldiers.
Adul.
This is her walk, I hope you doe not faint
At the Design, now 'tis so neer attempting
1 Sould.
Yes I warrant you, as though she were the first Wench we have had Oc­casion to make use of.
2. Soul.
Why what do you take us to be? Milksops, I tel you Sir, we are Gentlemen in the first place, Souldiers in the second, and men in the last place.
Adulan.
Good reason the last should take place of the first then; but stay,
Yonders the Bird for which we wait, I'l try
[Enter Harmonia.
If she will come to hand, if not, your Net
Shall noose her into Tameness—stand close.
Hail Madam, Heaven's Epitome, on whose
Blest smiles the happinesse of Kings de­pend,
Pleasure and health attend you.
Harm.
I thank you Sir,
But here it is unseasonable where sorrow
Has it's Predominance.
Adul.
I bring you Comfort,
If you but please to honour the Address
With kind Acceptance.
Harm.
Has my Ruthlesse fortune
More Miseries to heap on me, that she
Presents me with such shadows of her fa­vour?
Adula.
The King, to whom your Father's life is forfeit,
Throws both it, and his own into your lap
If you will be so wise as to receive 'em.
Harm.
Could I express a thankfulness beyond
The Duty that I owe 'n my Prayers for him,
It should fly to him, pray be pleas'd to teach me
The way to it.
Adul.
Fame has bin busie
In giving to the King an Estimat
Of your Perfections, whose high Value fils
Th' Exchequor of his Breast, and 'tis your Love
[Page 12] Must free the Heart your Bounty has sub­du'd.
H [...]m.
I'm ignorant of your meaning.
Adul.
To be his Mistres.
Harm.
Or in plainer Terms, which shews the truth on't,
To be his Whore.
Adul.
Fy; that is too Common;
Consider Madam, he that Courts you is
Your King, who may Compell where he intreats,
And you will forfeit your Allegiance if
You should deny him.
Har.
To the Gods I should,
Durst I presume to Grant it; if my Fa­ther
Must not enjoy his life, but on the Terms
Of my dishonour, th'duty that I ow
To Heaven and Goodness will Implead a­gainst
The Bonds of Nature, which can Challenge but
The life it gave, and that I'l offer up
To Ransome his.
Adulan.
That will not serve the turn,
You must to Court.
Harm.
I'l first go to my grave.
Adu.
Nay then adue Complement, and to your businesse fellows.
Har.
What mean you?
Adu.
To hide your Blushes Madam.
Har.
Help, help, help.
They throw a silk bag over her, shee strives with them, they stop her mouth with a Glove, and bind her hands and feet.
Adul.
Stop her mouth.
Enter Agathocles, Archias, Epecides, and Archbishop.
Agath.
I am o'rcome in Reason, and do Crave
Your Lordships pardon.
Archb.
My Lord you have my Heart
At your disposing.
Archi.
This Reconcilement's handsome.
Adu.
So, the field's our own, take up your Bag and Baggage, March fair and soft­ly,
When wee come to Court wee'l share the Booty.
As they are carrying her away they meet the Lords, they cast her down and run back.
A Plague upon't, down with your load, and make an Honourable Retreat.
Exeunt.
Arch.
'Twas Adulanter—what's this, It moves,
Ʋnbinds her, takes the Glove out of her mouth.
Your help my Lords,—Ah! 'tis Harmo­nia.
Archb.
What Monstrous Stratagem had they upon her?
Harmo.
Air is a Blessing, oh, let me have more on't.
Arch.
Dear Madam speak your wrongs, and wee will right you,
If the best blood in Cicily can do't.
Harm.
My life, and Honour, (far more precious) were
Design'd for Slaughter.
Agath.
How Madam! by whom?
Harm.
By him who, should protect the Innocent,
The Lawless King; whose Causeless wrath upon
My Father, nothing could appease unless.
I made sale of my Vertue, and my Youth
To satisfie his Lust,
Arch.
Whose fire wee'l quench
With his own blood; be confident Harmo­nia
Thy Father shall outlive his Power and Cruelty.
Agath.
If we take not this edge off, We shall have
Our Wives and Daughters made the Sub­jects of
Our scorn and shame, and be squeek'd out in Ballads
For honourable Cuckolds, Princely Pan­ders.
Whose Soul is so besotted to his fear
He can contract it to a Minutes Patience?
Archbi.
Not I.
Epec.
Nor I; sure he does think the Gods
Are all asleep, or have forgot to punish.
Arc.
Hence Patience, thou Fools vertue;
I'l shake off
[Page 13] Thy Coldness, with the Witchcraft of Obe­dience,
Who have so long kept me in Cels of Sla­very
I could not see the Glory of my Freedom.
Agath.
Wee'l kindle all our Vigour [...]t thy flame,
And teach our knees to Pay their homage to
No Power but thine; My Lords if that wee be
All of one Minde, cry, long live Archias.
Arch.
I wait not for that Dignity beleeve me,
All my Ambition is to free this Lady
From th' gastly feares that haunt her, and give liberty
Unto her happiness, by her Fathers Free­dome.
Archb.
Which to Atchieve (my Lord) re­ceive the Power
Heaven and We offer you; Monreall is
Your own already.
Agath.
And the Agrigentines
Proclame you in my Voice their lawfull King.
Epeci.
And all the Citizens in Palermo speak
The like in me—Long live Archias.
Omnes.
Long live Archias.
Arch.
My Lords forbear, Mazares lives.
Archb.
Abhorred of the Gods, and 'tis but Justice
To take him off.
Arch.
Heaven fit me for the trust
You a throw on me, and now Harmonia,
Sweet Empress of my Soul, receive thy Archias,
Who must not know a Joy but what thou shar'st of;
Cleander free'd, Wee shall request your hand,
To joyn our hearts, My Lord.
Archb.
Where Vertue keeps
Her Court, the Gods are Guests; your
Choice is Heavenly.
Harm.
I was ev'n now the wretched'st of all living,
And now am lifted to a happiness
That Queens would kneel to purchase—
My Dear Lord.
Archi.
My Heaven on Earth.
Agath.
Think on your Bus'ness Sir,
The perfecting of that gives length unto
Your Amorous Daies.
Epeci.
Whose flourishing we wish.
Arch.
My Lords, my thanks, with your advice I move,
No Engine is so pow'rfull as your love.
Exeunt.
Enter Mazares, Adulanter.
Adul.
The finest coming'st Lady that your Highness
Could wish to meet withall, and rarely handsome.
Maza.
And did accept our proffer?
Adul.
As Greedily
As Bees suck sweetness from the fragrant Stock
Of Flora's Early bounty.
Maza.
I'm all flame,
By Heaven not one of them shall scape my fury.
Adul.
Nay, I think I had like to have
Maul'd two of them,
Had not the Church man with his Club­law Precepts
Beat down my Resolutions.
Maza.
Damb his Daubing,
Hee is that Knack, Religous-Mounte­banck,
A Box of frenzied-zeal which he applies
On all Occasions, to all sorts of sores,
And wracks the Patient with more fear and Torment
Than Hell it self can put him to.
Adul.
A Coat
He weares that has bin turn'd seven times.
Maza.
Which wee will turn o'r's Eares, and then turn them
Oppose our Pleasure; Hee, and all the rest
Of his Confederates shall know we wear
Our Crown not for a Cipher, and our Scep­ter
Shall prove a scourge to them; they have awak'd
A fury that no Prayers can allay.
[Page 14] Haste to the Governour Icelis, tell him
It is our will Cleander's Spirit leave
The World with speed and privacy. Pro­clame
Our Cockbrain'd Cousen, and the Piebal'd Church-man,
Agathocles and Epecides Trayters;
And such as shall take them five thousand Talents.
So violent I grow in my desire,
I must enjoy it or set all on fire.
Exeunt.

ACT 3. SCE. 1.

Enter Evander, Missellus.
Evan.
PUrsu'd by my bad Fate, whose Cruelty
I knew would not admit of any Mean
Should it once seize on me, I struck my self
Into Disguise, by whose Obscurity
I came to Tyche, there, gave out my hand
Had kill'd Evander, at which, some that were
My Enemies gave tokens of their Sorrow;
Others, who thought their Rising not se­cure
'Less by my Irrecoverable fall,
Highly applauded me. At last a Rem­nant
Of my poor friends, Resolv'd to pay their last
Service unto my Memory, though with
The loss of their Estates and lives, did lay
Plots to destroy me as the horrid Murthe­rer,
And I, not daring to open my self
To them, for fear I should let in the fury
Of my stern Adversaries, did steal away
With the Nights silence.
Misse.
Though the beginning of
This Story melts my Soul, Yet Provi­dence
Is seen in th' winding up, which did di­rect
Your Highness hither, where y'are as se­cure
From danger as your thoughts are in your Bosome.
Evan.
We doubt it not.
Misse.
You dead, what can Mazares
Pretend to keep his Armies up? this, I'l
Possess the People with, and stir them to
Propose their streight disbanding, which if Granted,
The Course of Fate is turn'd, and he left Naked,
And shelterless from any Storm may hap­pen.
On tother side if he denies it, then
Th'incensed People like a sudden Earth­quake
Removes him, were his Pride more Moun­tanous
Than are his Vices Monstrous; thus on all sides
I'l hem him in, so he shall know no way
To scape your Vengeance; be but pleas'd to suffer
Under this Clowd awhile, and you'l ap­pear
More glorious to your Peoples eyes and hearts,
When time presents a fitness for discove­ry.
Evan.
Thou art our faithfull Counsel­lor, and We
Next to the Gods do ow our Self to thee.
Exeunt.
Enter Philistus, Thimistius, Philander, Souldiers.
Phili.
We are not far from Syracuse, this Passage
Is the direct line to't, as the Map speaks.
Thimi.
My Lord, I hope your Honor will not shew
Your self so much a Stranger to Designes
Of War, as to give them th' advantage of
A Parley, but rush suddenly upon them,
And like a Torrent wee'l bear all before us,
Ther's Souldier in't.
Phili.
It is too rash advice
And must be slighted; Missellus is a Per­son
That Roughness will not work upon.
Thim.
[Page 15]
My Lord,
He is no Coward, and his Honor's link'd
Unto his life, he that will seek the one,
Must venture for the other, or lose both.
Phili.
If my desires effect but what they aim at,
I care not when, or how, 'tis purchased.
Haste you with the Kings Letter to Missel­lus,
Tell him 'tis my desire to keep the League
Of friendship 'twixt us, and without a bus­sle,
Which may let forth some blood, have him Surrender;
Tell him, 'tis no displeasure that the King
Has tane against him, that occasions his,
But to give ease unto his Age, and draw
Him neerer him at Court, where he shall find
The service of his Youth, in's latter daies
Crown'd with a peacefull Lawrel, and con­tent
Ad length unto his yeers.
Phila.
I go my Lord.
Exit Philander.
Phili.
Thimistius, March fair and softly, we shall be
Too soon upon e'm els; this cannot but
Insinuate a faith into him, to
Give way to my Admittance, since the of­fer
Carries so full a sense of fairness in't.
Thim.
My Lord, hee's not to learn this Principle,
Where Princes call back Honors done, the life
Is the next thing in Question.
Phili.
Let the Fates
Contrive their worst against it, if Antan­ter
Bring us supplies from the Provinciall
Of Mona, we will fire it but wee'l have it.
Thimst.
Well, my Lord, the Craft's in th' Catching.
Exeunt.
Enter Missellus, Philander, and Attendants.
Misse.
Dost come to dare me Fellow?
Phila.
I conceive
With favour of your Excellence, the Terms
Are very Civill, and no danger in e'm.
Misse.
I shall reward his Subtle Mode­sty
If I but get him here, as I will you
The worthy Messenger, take's head off.
Phila.
You dare not?
Misse.
Thou art mistaken friend; away with him.
Oh that I could with as much ease de­stroy
All th'barbarous Enemies of my wronged Soveraign.
Make strong the Gates and Walls, and let the Fort
Hexapile be stoutly Mann'd, wee'l be
Prepar'd to whip the Boy and's Company.
Exeunt.
Enter Philistus, Thimistius, and Souldiers.
Phili.
The Gates are shut against us.
Thim.
What think you now on't?
Phili.
Beat a Parley.
The head of Philander is thrown over the Wall.
How's this? Philanders head?
Thimi.
Which you might have preserv'd upon his shoulders,
Had you given but regard unto my Coun­sell.
But you are Lordly-wise, and cause you can
Batter a Ladies fort with your fine Rheto­rick,
You think the Town's your own, and men are bound
To bend unto your Complement, or trust
The Glass of your deceipt.
Phil.
'Tis fine, affronted
By Greasie Buffe and Bisket.
Thim.
Some strong Water
To keep the thing from fainting, poor Young Man,
How pule he looks upon't.
Phili.
Take thy reward.
[Pistols him.
Sould.
Our Colonell slain.
Enter Antanter.
Phili.
Were there more living of his sawcy Nature
[Page 16] I'd send them after him; Antanter what
Saies the Provinciall?
Anta.
Hee'l do nothing Sir
Without a Warrant from the King, hee saies
He does beleeve there will bee no such need,
Missellus will resign upon fair Terms.
Phili.
But you see how it is?
Antanter looks on Thimi. body.
Ant.
I do indeed,
And sorrow that I see't—How came Thimistius
By this his death?
Sould.
That Lord's hand did it.
Anta.
How?
Phili.
Come, we will venture with the Men we have
To scale the walls.
Ant.
We will not scale Sir.
Philist.
So,
You will not, very good; do you see this head Sir?
Anta.
And that body too Sir.
Phil.
Let me have better Language or by Heaven
I'l make you as tame as these.
Ant.
You cannot Sir.
Phili.
How?
Anta.
'Tis not all
The strength you have in Feather or Per­fume
Can fright me Sir; Your Amber Brace­lets carry
Not half the Terror of Chain'd shot, nor is
Your Title Lord a Bulwark to defend you.
Phili.
Y'are a Rascall.
Come Souldiers March with me.
Anta.
Not a Man stir,
Ther's satisfaction to be given for
The life of that brave Man, which I will have
Or pay my own.
Soula.
Gallant Major.
Phi.
I shall not spare to give you Sir your due.
[strikes him.
Anta.
I'le not be backward in rewarding it.
[returns it, and draws.
Phil.
You are Pot-valiant (Sir) it seems.
Anta,
'Tis past the Art of Man to make you so;
I am a Souldier Sir.
[draws, fights.
Phili.
And must be beat
Into Civility, I'l make you know
There is a difference 'twixt us.
Anta.
True indeed,
You can out-talke me.
How do you Sir?
[Phil. wounded.
Phil.
You shall know by and by Sir—
I am lost.
[dies.
Anta.
Farewell thou Tyrant over Wo­mans flesh.
Take up Thimistius body, it shall have
An honourable buriall, as for his
Let it remain a sport for th'Siracusians.
The King I know will run besides him­self
To hear on's Minions loss, but you I hope,
My friends and fellow Souldiers, will wade with me
Through all the Lakes of danger.
Sould.
Wee'l never leave you.
Anta.
Bravely resolv'd, and I will die with you.
Exeunt.
Enter Missellus and Souldiers.
Misse.
Th'are march'd away; what's here Philistus body,
Our late Competitor? Why here's revenge
Strangely effected! See the fate of Tray­tors!
How wonderfully Heaven does bring a­bout
Their Punishment! that like to Caniballs
The one doth eat the other; bring it in;
My hate ends with his Life, and now my Charity,
Though he deserv'd it not, will give him buriall.
Exeunt.
Archias, Agathocles, Epecides Cleander, Icetis, pass over the Stage. The People follow, cry­ing an Archias, an Archias, an Archias.
Enter Mazares, Adulanter, and Attendants.
Adul.
Their Envy is Invincible, and the People
Time's Shittle-cocks) do bring unto your Gates
The hidious Shape of danger.
Maza.
My deceipt
Shall Rock that Monster into sleep, had it
More eyes than Argos.
Adul.
'Tis impossible,
The Agrigentines have thrown off Obe­dience;
Monreall is revolted; All your Castles
And strongs holds in Palermo are deliver'd
Into their hands; the Magistrates joyn with them.
Maza.
Go use thy best Endeavours Adu­lanter
T' appease the People, turn right Courtier, promise,
And wee'l perform at Leasure.
Adul.
Your Highness
I hope is not in Earnest; I go amongst 'em!
Have you a Mind to have my Braines beat out?
I am your Pimp they say, (Sir,) am so ha­ted,
The very Boys throw Turap tops at me.
Maza.
Alas poor Adulanter, we wi'l blow
This Storme away ne'r fear it, Let our Guard
Be doubled, till we can send t' Her mocra­tes
To bring his Forces hither: If the Tray­tors
Come not too suddenly upon us, We
Will turn the poyson'd Darts they'd throw at us
'Gainst their own Bosomes, They do play with fire
Till it Consume 'em.
Adul.
They like Moales have work'd
In darkness all this while, to set the King­dome
In such a flame that might both Perish you
And all your friends.
Maza.
Fire sooner may dissolve
The Adamant, the Parched Negroes strike
Through th' Battlements of Heaven. Wee are above
The reach of Malice, Fortune is Oblieg'd
To wait upon our Merit, and our Influ­ence
Can in a breath dispierce their proud De­signes,
As Winds divest the Trees of Leaves. Let fear
Dwell among Fooles 't shall have no Har­bour here.
Exeunt.
Enter Archias, Archbishop, Agathocles, Epecides, Souldiers.
Archi.
Leave it to me, I'l do the business Gentlemen.
Archb.
'Tis not discretion to expose your Person
So unconcern'd in this; 'tis we, the Peo­ple,
Whose wrongs infer the Cause.
Arch.
Which I must manage.
Y'ave made me your Protector, and Re­venger,
Which I'l perform, did Gloomy Magick Guard him;
Or were he wrapt in Air, or hid in some
Dark Cavern of the Earth, my Heart grown big
Like Dire Revenging Thunder would make through
The bodies of them both to find him out.
Agathoc.
Our lives shall wait on yours through dangers mouth.
Sould.
An Archias, an Archias.
Exeunt.
Enter Mazares and Adulanter.
Adul.
They have surpriz'd the Guards, and are upon us.
Maza.
Haste to the Winner, leave us to our Fortune,
Provide for thy own safety, We are arm'd
With Resolution to o'rcome the worst
The Fates can throw upon us; leave us, leaev us.
Adul.
[Page 18]
They'l hang me Sir, and I've no
Mind at this time
To such a death.
Maza.
Trifle not away
The time, they will not; go, leave us.
Adul.
Well, If I chance to swing, pray
Heaven I may
Have Heart enough to bear it.
Maza.
Injurious Fate, for all the pride thou tak'st
In my destruction thus I will imbrace thee.
Takes the sword off the Table, kisses it.
Mischiefes like waves tumble o'r one ano­ther,
To beat themselves upon me, and th'are welcome;
This passes me through all. Poor ignorant soules
That start at Death, and think him terri­ble!
His shape appears to me worthy the Cour­ting;
And like my Friend I kisse him; on this Point
[kisses the sword,
He shewes himself most lovely, deck'd with all
The Ornaments of honour Fame can give him.
Thus I salute thee, thus again I greet thee,
Opens his doublet.
And thus I offer up a heart unto thee:
A heart, thy Terror cannot tame, 'tis Love
Of thy sweet fellowship o'rcomes me, not
A fear to meet thee, that, my Soul dis­daines.
Mazares dwell not on delaies, be high
In thy Resolves, as thou hast liv'd so die.
[Throws himself upon his sword.
Oh, I have prevented you.
[fals.
A great shout within.
Enter Archias, Archbishop, Agathocles, Epecides, Souldiers.
Archi.
And I
Envy thy death in that I lose
The glory of saving of thy life.
Maza.
Which must have lasted
But Pageant-like two daies upon your Tri­umphs,
And my shame bin perpetuall.
Archb.
Do you find
Any remorse within you? does the wrongs
Y'ave offer'd to the Gods in pulling down
Their Temples and their Altars work up­on you
Any shew of repentance?
Maza.
Thou Church-Glow-worm,
Who dost pretend a heat of Zeal, yet art
Colder than th'Alpes in Charity, if prov'd,
My Enmity to thee gives strength unto me,
And I could—but ô I fail, this my death
Shall prove a Monument to my Glory—Farewell.
Enter a Souldier with Adulanter.
Sould.
Here is another of the crew.
Arch.
Hang him up.
Adul.

Who me Sir? I ne'r dreamt of ill against you, have pray'd as heartily for you as for any Man living; for I may speak a proud word, I never prayed in my life. I hope my mother brought me up better than so, to be hang'd.

Cleand.
Let me beseech your pardon for him, alas
He is not worth your Justice, and may prove
Usefull hereafter—to me
[aside.
Arch.
Noble Father,
For so wee must bee taught to call you, you
Have greater power upon us than this Grant;
'Tis yours as soon as ask'd.
Adula.
Heaven bless the King.
Arch.
Take up Mazares body, his rites over,
The next thing wee shall doe, is to per­form
Our Vowes made to the Gods, and take Harmonia
Your Daughter to our Bed.
Cleand.
And the next thing
[aside.
That followes is thy death, I must be King.
Exeunt.

ACT 4. SCE. 1.

Enter Archias, Harmonis, Archbishop, Agathocles, Cleander, Epecides, Adulanter.
Arch.
VVEE'l have the Temples of the Gods repair'd,
And their neglected Altars smoak with S [...]crifices.
Archb.
A glorious Piece of Piety.
Arch.
The Citizens
Who for their Duty to Evander were
Banish'd by the late Tyrant, straight call'd home;
And to Hermocrates with his Complices
Who did assist Mazares, a free Pardon.
Agath.
A blest beginning.
Archi.
We will have the burthen
The Kingdome now groanes under by the Souldierly
Be taken off.
Archb.
The Gods will dwell amongst us.
Archi.
My Lords I shall endeavour to reduce
This rude and discomposed Soile into
A Tempe of Delight, where sweet Harmonia
Shall be the onely Queen.
Harm.
It will become me
To be but then your Servant.
Archi.
Sweet thou knowst
I am beneath thy Courtship, and the inte­rest
I have in thee is holy.
Archb.
May you flourish
Together like the Plants the Sun gives life to.
Clean.
Will your Highness
Think on Antanter?
Arch.
Oh his Modesty
Works much upon us, we could chide our self
In that we have abus'd it, by neglect
Of his so just and reasonable a sute.
As for the other, his Competitor,
A black Cloud of Debauchness and leud Vices
Ecclips his Valour, and gives us Occasion
To looke upon Antanter as more worthy
Of such a Charge, whose Virtue is our Warrant.
Kings in bestowing Favours should bee nice,
And rather punish than Encourage Vice.
Exeunt.
Enter Cleander, Adulanter.
Clean.
Adulanter.
Adul.
My Lord.
Clean.
Wilt tell me one thing, and bee just.
Adula.
Rip up my heart my Lord, if I dissemble.
Clean.
How stands thy affection to this King?
Adul.
As clear as—
Cleand.
Mine is not, be free, I love thee,
And thou hast found I do.
Adul.
I have indeed,
I ow my life unto you, you may take it,
For that's the thing you aim at.
Clean.
Th'art deceiv'd,
'Twill benefit me nothing; come, I know
Thou canst not love him, thou hast lost a Master
As far beyond him, as pure Substance is
Beyond Corruptible; and though he did
Me some ill offices, his Memory is
Still dear unto me.
Adul.
Oh my Lord, my Lord.
Clean.
By all the Gods I lie not, and to be
More plain with thee, I could wish Archias
Were ready for the Earth.
Adul.
If that your Lordship
Be reall, I would it were no worse.
Clean.
If he were dead, my Daughter I would Govern,
And thou shouldst govern me.
Adul.
Oh fie, my Lord.
Clean.
I do protest wee would divide the Kingdome
Betwixt us, she (poor thing) would think it happiness
Enough for her to eat, sit, and be quiet:
Whereas the Mannaging of high affairs
[Page 20] Should passe through us, through us Adu­lanter.
Adul.
Hum, hum.
Clean.
Whose knee dares own a stiffeness? whose Obeysance
To Adulanter dare be wanting? when
Thou Frown'st, who dares but trembble?
Adul.
When such a thing shall come to pass quoth a—
Cleand.
Do'st make a question on't, when now it lies
Within thy power to Compass.
Adul.
How, in mine?
Clean.
Art thou not my by meanes rais'd neer his Person?
One of the Bed-chamber? how easie 'tis
To cut is throat.
Adul.
The sight of my own blood,
Has ever bin a Terror to me.
Clean.
True,
That's Naturall, and yet no Courage wan­ting
To draw a Sea of blood from any other;
The Colour is most precious for the sight,
And sweetly Cordiall to the Man that tasts it.
Adul.
Nay I confess I'd rather see of th' two
Anothers blood than mine.
Clean.
'Tis justly spoken.
Would'st thou be King alone?
Adul.
Hum—I care not much.
Clean.
Thou shalt be so, be but thy self, and shew
Thy Courage in this Enterprise: I'l Mar­ry
Thee to my Daughter.
Adul.
Shee's a pretty thing,
By Heaven I shall be damn'd for her.
Clean.
I'd rather
Thou should'st possess her than the Fool that has her;
And I, thy fellow servant once, will then
Become thy humblest servant, truly faith­full.
Adul.
You puffe me up Sir, tell me how I shall
Contain my self.
Clean.
Not within any limit
Less than a Kingdom.
Adul.
How shall I obtain it?
Clean.
Why, as you'd kiss your hand, to kill the King;
It is but making the Guard Drunk, or so.
Adul.
And I'm as good at that as any li­ving;
My Lord I will be drunk too boot, for then
I have most Courage.
Clea.
Back'd with Night and silence
You cannot want it; when you have done the Deed
Strike towards the Back stairs, there I will wait you,
And Shelter you a while, 'till the bright Morn
Salutes your happiness.
Adul.
My Lord, 'tis done;
I am as Mad as a March hare upon't,
Methinks I have him here, and there all­ready,
You will hear more to morrow.
Exit.
Clean.
Silly Ass,
That only art imploid to carry me
Unto my bliss, thy self unto destruction;
Hee's held an Animall has no Deceit
In these times to make his own Fortunes Great.
Exit.
Enter Archias, Harmonia, Archbishop, and Attendants.
Archbi.
Heaven and good Angels guard you both.
Exit Archbi.
Arc.
Good rest
To you my Lord.
Exeunt Archias, Harmonia.
1 Guard.
Lights for the Lord Archbishop.
Enter Adulanter.
Adul.
Did the King call for me?
2 Guard.
Not in our hearing.
Adul.

Come, prais'd be Heaven there is no danger lurking, what need we wait? 'tis better for the state of our bodies to fall down into the Wine seller, and there bid defiance to the Devill and all's works.

Guard.
A Match, a match.
Exeunt.
Enter Agathocles, Epecides, and Attendants.
Epeci.
The Mask did keep the King up longer than
His usuall time.
Agath.
It was a handsome thing,
And well perform'd, all happiness wait on you.
Exit.
Epec.
Peace keep with your thoughts my Lord, Good night.
Attend.
Lights there.
Exeunt.
Enter Adulanter.
Adula.
I have encountred with most of the Wines
In the Kings Seller to beget me Cou­rage,
Yet I'm as Cold to't as a Cowcumer
I was not made for fighting, one loud snort
Destroyes me and my Enterprise: 'Tis Dark
As is the Act I go about; were't light
I should not have the heart to kill a Pig.
I must turn on my left hand (when 'tis done)
To the back stairs, where there is a Trap-door
That will receive me. I do not like
These backward doings, pray Heaven I be not
Transported so with fear I do mistake
My right hand for my left, and so be trapt.
[pulls by the hangings
I cannot say in sober sadness—but with your leave Sir;
Hee's fast, yet dreams not on't, now! that one blow
May do't! I dare not stand the second—
Kiss Harmonia, and runs to the Trap door where he fals and breaks his neck.
Harm.
Oh, oh, oh.
Arch.
What disturbs thee sweet, speak to me,
Oh, her breasts are cold as snow-balls,
She grows stiffe. Lights there—wher's our Guard?
No Attendants, not one Man—
Enter Agathocles, Epecides, in their Night-gowns, and Lights.
Hear me, are you all—
[Arch. rises.
Agath.
The King's disturb'd.
Epeci.
How fares your Highness?
Arch.
Bring your lights this way—Ah!
The Bed swims in a Sea of Blood—Har­monia.
Enter Cleander.
Epeci.
The Queen is Murther'd.
Clean.
The King Murther'd! how!
Arch.
Look here Cleander, her's a sight—my Senses
Wander I know not whither.
Clean,
How! my Daughter
Harmonia the Essence of my life.
[Servant.
Agath.
Can no man find the Murth'rer, wher's the Guard?
Serv.
Dead drunk in th' Wine-seller.
Clean.
This is the Murtherer, then seek no farther;
I will have justice, oh my cursed Fate.
[Exit Tearing his hair.
Epcci.
How's Griefe transports him.
Agath.
Can you blame him?
H'has lost a Daughter this Age cannot Parallel.
Epeci.
The Murtherer not found yet?
[Enter with the body of Adulanter.
1.
This does appear like such a Mon­ster.
2.
His hire is paid, his Neck is broke.
Agath.
'Tis Adulanter, where found you him?
1.

The Trap door neer the back stairs we found open, which has not bin these ten yeers before, and we suspecting search'd the place and found him.

Archi.
And is he found? let him be Car­bonadod,
To Breakfast his Confederate the Devill.
Or Pickle him in boyling Lead to get
The Fiend a stomach; Oh you Gods, you Devils,
Heaven, Hell, I will call all of you to que­stion.
Exit
Aga.
Let's follow him with Circumspe­ctive care,
This is the first step to the Hill, Dispair.
Exeunt.
Enter Cleander.
Clean.
Thou shalt no longer insult o'r my faculties
Unprofitable Griefe; I'm not Design'd
To end my daies with thee, but must un­load
My self of thy dull burthen; were the whole
Stock of Woman lost in my Harmonia,
'T should not exact or draw a tear from me.
Shall I retreat now, that have Charg'd so fairely
At th'bosome of a King? no, on Cleander,
Perfect thy work, dis-seat him, make thy self
Lord of his fortunes, by thy Glorious Con­quest.
My Resolution's fixt as is the Center,
Which Fate cannot remove; King thou must down,
Two heads cannot be impal'd within one Crown.
Enter Agathocles, Epecides.
But to my former shape; these are Court­spies,
I must not trust e'm. Good health to your Lordships,
You now do shew the sweetness of your na­tures,
In time of heaviness, ther's vertue in A Visit.
Epeci.
Would ours might bring you Comfort.
Agath.
The King is so infected with his sorrow,
Advice is lost to cure him. All his Studdy
Is to preserve the Memory of your Daugh­ter,
Which 'cause he will not lose, he makes her shadow
His Idoll, to the which he offers up
His Morn and Night Oblations.
Clean.
How should I
Behave my selfe then? my Griefe should as far
Exceed his, as my loss transcended his.
Epec.
Your loss was great.
Clean.
Great do you tell me! Great!
Agath.
I cannot think the ill was meant to her,
Rather unto the King.
Epec.
The Guard
Upon Examination said that Adulanter
Was drunk when he left them, but what—
Clea.
Pray tell me no more on't, 'tis not pleasing, I may be quiet
In my own house I hope.
Epec.
We came not Sir
With an intent to raise your Anger, but
'To allay your sorrow with our best advice.
Clean.
You may go home and advise up­on't; tell me of comfort, and advice?
Agath.

Nay good my Lord you may take pet and hang your self if you please, 'tis all one to us

Clea.
Teach me to tame a Tyger when his fierceness
Ranges for Prey, and forbids Opposition;
Empty the Ocean and fill it again;
[raves.
To breath life into Clay—Tell me of Comfort?
Epec.
Come let's leave him, alas 'tis his Torment
To hear her nam'd—We take our leaves my Lord.
Exeunt.
Clean.
Why farewell you—so, they are gone,
I had no better way than to Rave them hence.
[Enter a Scotch Apothecary.
Oh, are you come Sir, why so long first?
Apoth.

Goud faith, gif I had rid the Deel and spult the weamb othe wund, I cud a mead na mare heast. Kym away Sir, what's your Wull an pleas your Honor?

Clean.
They say you have great skill.
Apoth.
Very Muckle Sir; I ha not ben a Poles-Screamer this twenty yeers far naught.
Clea.
I do not love the King.
Apoth.
Reight weel Sir, nor I by my saw what wud you toll him Sir?
Clean.
I would be rid of him.
Apoth.
Woll your Honor be a Hearse or a Meare?
Clean.
Away, I'd be quit of him.
Apoth.

Aw Sir, your honor wud be quite au him! be me saw, ye fall, but whilke way me Loord an plase yoor honor?

Clea.
I'd have him poyson'd.
Apoth.
Peyson'd! be me saw I kan dew [Page 23] that brawly, I leard it fra Bough-wha-nan Sir.
Clea.
And hee was an excellent King-killer.
He has a Picture of my murther'd Daugh­ter,
On which he paies his early and late kisses,
Not for the Love hee bears her Memory,
But to deceive Revenge.
Apoth.
Aw Sir! she fall buss him deede a me saw,—woll
puls him by the sleeve.
Yee shaw me toll her Sir.
Clea.
I'm glad to see the spirit of a Scot
So resolute, it stars not at the Murthering
Of the Fools Idoll, King.
Apot.

Aw King Mon! dee'l aw me saw bet I, au me Countramen ha peyson'd thra better Kingdoms as this, au gif I sud noow for aw King the Deel au me faw lugg's.

Clean.
Thou art a brave fellow, and 'tis pitty such
Desert should suffer; come along with me.
When thou hast done, I'l make an end of thee.
[aside. Exeunt.
Enter Agathocles, and Antanter.
Antan.
I thought it then high time to o­vertake
His Mounting-pride, and Levell 't with the Earth;
And not to let him grow more fruitfull in
His sin, and overtopping Insolency.
Agath.
It was a Deed Antanter that de­serves
To live in th' Mouth of Fame, that after A­ges
From thence may learn not to fear bug­bear-greatness.
Anta.

Thimistius body I gave buriall, and Left tothers to Miselluses disposall.

Agath.
'Twas no small sport to him, but it was strange
Planetius should deny Assistance to him.
Anta.
I do beleeve Missellus and he held
A Correspondency, but for what end I cannot reach.
Agath.
He is not to be trusted;
If this distemper once would leave the King
Thou would'st not think't a Miracle to see
Enter Epecides.
Me in Planetius Seate. Now Epecides
How fares the King?
Epec.
Oh Gentlemen, our hopes
That promised a Growing-happiness
From his indulgent Beames, One Mi­nute has
Destroi'd for ever.
Agath.
How do you mean my Lord?
Epec.
The King is poyson'd.
Antan.
How Poyson'd! Poyson'd?
Agath.
There is a secret Devill lurks a­mong us,
Who holds Intelligence with Hell to blast
Our Kingdomes Peace and Comfort; see, they come.
Enter Archias in a Bed, Archbishop, Clean­der, Phisicians, and Attendants.
Arch.
The Flames of Aetna are not fierce to mine,
Each facultie conspires my Torment; oh
I burn, I burn.
Phisi.
Great Sir, be not an Enemy
Unto your Being, take this as—
Arch.
Away,
You may as well give Phisick to the dead,
As to his Heart whose agony exceeds
The sense of Ease; I am resolv'd to take
No more of your vain helps; leave me I pray.
Cleander.
Clean.
My most Gracious Souveraign,
I have a heart too weak to bear the burthen
Of so much Wo, your sufferings bear me down
Beneath the hope of Comfort.
Arch.
Spare thy Griefe;
Harmonia treads the Milkie way, and I
Must through this fire, be purifi'd to meet
Her and the Joyes she brings me.
Agath.
Does none hear
By whom, or how these Miseries should come?
Archi.
Trouble not your self (my Lord)
I freely Pardon
And will reward the Doer, so declare it▪
For he has taken paines to send me to
The Place I so much long'd for; I do charge you
(If my last words may win Obedience from you)
Straight to Proclaim this; fain I would sa­lute
[Page 24] Him e'r I die, that was so kind unto me.
Archbi.
Unheard of Charity.
Arch.
My Lord from ou
I have conceiv'd in Specie the joyes
I must receive hereafter; those sweet O­dours
Perfume my Spirituall sense, and strength­then that,
Although my Temporall decay and perish.
Enter Servant with the Scotch Apothecary.
Serv.
Here is a Scotch Apothecary that confesses—
Clean.
Art thou the Villain?
[Cleander kils him.
Apoth.

Au the mickle Deul—god gin the King wud gi me bet een hauf ooer toll live bet I cud speak—aw—Deeth thau limmer loone—aw, aw—

[dies.
Agath.
My Lord 'twas rashly done, wee might have found
Where the ill vapour rests begets these mis­chiefes,
And who set him on work.
Clea,
The Devill, who els?
And he has paid him's wages.
Arch.
Cleander.
Archb.
The King calls Sir▪
Archi.
I feel my vitals fail me, Oh Cle­ander
I shall see my Harmonie, thy blest Daugh­ter,
E'r fourty Minutes pass, I must bequeath thee
A Legacy of Care, this drooping King­dom.
My Lords I hope the love you ever bore me
(Though Heaven denies me time to Merit it)
Will now express it selfe in the approving
Him I present to you, a dying Man
Who has no ends upon you, nor the King­dom,
Farther than your perpetuall flourishing.
Clea.
I beseech your Grace,—alas—
Arch.
You hear me Lords.
Archb.
We do Sir, and accept the choice
Y'ave made,
With more than willingness.
Agath.
You have not spoke for me.
Exit
Epeci.
Nor me.
Exit.
Archi.
I am at rest, farewell.
[dies.
Archb.
Hee's dead.
Clean.
And I
His weeping Monument remains till Fate
Translates my better part t' a better State.
Exeunt.
Antan.
These are fine turning times, I wonder when
'Twill come to my turn to be King, I have
A Heart as fit, and large, and dare as far
Adventure for't as any, But the Fates
Of Souldiers serve to Promote others ends,
Which done, they do forget we e'r were friends.
Exit.
Enter Agathocles, Epecides, Hippari­nus, Icetis.
Hippa.
Your words sound like the Ora­cle's, as full
Of truth, and plainer to the Intellect.
Agath.
How sweet and freely Rome en­joy'd her self,
'Till she submitted to the Power and pride
Of one mans Rule? Tell me what good did ever
Kings bring unto our Country, that wee might not
Have purchased without e'm? Ills they have
Almost incredible; Our Coffers emptied,
To fill their Treasury, and maintain their Riot.
Epe.
And wedded to perpetuall Slavery.
For when one Tyrant falls another Rises
From his Corrupted Loynes, that proves far worse
Perhaps than did the former, So that wee
Must never hope for better, but be Arm'd
With Patience to endure the worst.
Agath.
Suppose
We would allow of Kingly Power, where is
The Man discended from that Race? Clean­der
He was but one of us the other day;
And sure we are not of so tame a brood,
But to think We deserv't as well as he.
Why should not you Icetis, or Hipparinus
Rule, or thou, Epecides, or my self?
W'are of as good a Mould, and have as much
[Page 25] T'elate us, as his Worship.
Epeci.
Very right.
And have as great an Interest in the Peo­ple
And Common-wealth; this of Necessity
Must breed Con [...]usion 'mongst us, this Ex­ample
Kindles in every Man desire of Rule,
Which to Archieve, how perilous so e'r
Th' Attempt may prove, they'l leave no means unsought,
Till their irregular Sense, spurning at Or­der,
Turns all into a Chaos.
Agath.
Who can tell
But this Intruder was th' efficient Cause
Of his own Daughters ruin, and the Kings.
Epec.
It was a notable peece of Policy
To kill the Apothecary and prevent Con­fession.
Icet.
What's your advice?
Agath.
To joyn with us,
And take th' Peoples Yoke off from the Ty­ranny
Of Kings hereafter.
Epec.
And to have our Countrey
Govern'd by three or ten, as did the Ro­mans.
Agat.
Who shall continue but a Yeer in Power,
And then successive Pat [...]iots be chosen,
Who shall have Power to punish in their time
T [...]e Crimes their Predecessors did commit
During their time of Rule.
Epec.
So shall the People
Not be to seek for Justice, but find ease
Unto their grievances, and the vile Minds
Of Avaritious and Ambitious Men
Be either punished, or els Rebated.
Icet.
It cannot but content the People highly,
'Tis Coppied from so fair a President.
Hippa.
And with you, and for you, and them, wee'l spend
Our lives and fortunes.
Agath.
We will do the like
With you, and for you, and thus link'd to­gether,
[imbrace.
We dare Contemn Cleander's Power.
Epeci.
And blow
His Glorious hopes into the Air.
Agath.
Be sudden,
And we may take the Serpent in his Cell;
But our delaies may give the Monster time
Of comming forth, and strength to over­come us.
Hippa.
We will possess the People with the Glory
Of their long hidden liberties, with pro­mise
Or Restauration, if it lies within
The power of friends, Money, or life to Compass.
Agat.
He that's besotted to his fear, or Ease,
Will make his Patience prove his worst di­sease.
Exeunt.
Enter Planetius and a Captain.
Plan.
Return m [...] Obedience to the King Evander.
And this unto Missellus, tell him I
[gives him a Paper.
With all the force that Mona can afford me
Will wait upon his H [...]ghness and himself At Erix.
Capt.
I shall my Lord.
[Exit Captain▪
Plan.
How am I
Bound to the Gods for their superlative goodness,
That here an offering of Mercy meets me
By their Dictation; I whose Treachery
Unto my King Merits severest Justice,
Am punished with a Revengless Pardon,
Which is indeed my Torment, that I should
Ever have bin so wicked 'gainst a Prince
Deserves so much good from me, but my Soul
Henceforth shall cleave fast to this Prin­ciple,
"The longer growth Diseases do indure,
"The more the Griefe, more famous is the Cure.
Exit.
Enter Hipparinus, Icetis, and the People casting up their Caps, crying Liberty, Liberty.
Exeunt.

ACT 5. SCE. 1.

Enter Agathocles, Epecides, Hipparinus, Icetis, Antanter, and the People haw­ling Cleander.
Clean.
TRaytors, hands off, 'tis Sacri­lege to use
The Person of your King with such Irreve­rence.
Omnes.
Our King—ha ha ha.
People.
Wee'l make you sing another Song.
Clea.
Have I deserv'd so ill, that none wil give
A Death more honourable to me?
Agath.
Thou hast liv'd
Base, and must basely die.
Clean.
Forgive me Heaven,
And you bright Stars whose Lustre I Ec­clipse
Here, to shine brighter there, Plead not a­gainst me,
But be as Mercifull as you are Innocent.
Agath.
Wert thou the death of Archias and thy Daughter?
Clea.
Ambition was, to which I gave con­sent.
Agath.
And now you see the Pinacle from which
You must be tumbled down, away with him.
Clean.
Yet hear me.
People.
Confession's ti'd to Destiny, you shall with us.
[People drag him in.
Agat.
You see the desperate effects that wait
On this thing called Monarchy, because
It carries a continuance, and all
Men Naturally have an Ambition to
Make great their line, and families by suc­cession;
When ours doth blunt the Edge of such Re­solves;
And no Man, were it not for th' Common good,
Would entertain the Office, being rather
A Place of care than Profit, in the which
Men must so square their Actions, they may be
Able to stand the Peoples questioning,
When as their time of Government's ex­pir'd.
Epec.
It is not so with Monarchy, Kings may
Commit what Outrages they please up­on
The People, and none dare so much as think
They have done ill.
Enter a Fellow.
Fell.
If you please to walk that way
You may see Cleander swinging for his life.
Hipp.
Oh by all meanes let's go.
Antan.
It may be he may confess some­thing more.
Exeunt.
Enter, Evander, Missellus, and Souldiers.
Evan.
My Peoples troubles do afflict me more
Than all the wrongs and injuries they've done me:
Miss.
The Gods had lost their Attribute of Just,
Had they not punish'd them with these Convulsions,
Whose fits direct their Sense unto the ru­ine
They've brought upon themselves now at their doors.
Evan.
Good Heaven divert it, I shall be more Chary
In spilling of their blood than of my own;
And I shall thinke it greater honour to me
(In purchasing my own) to have my Tem­ples
Surrounded with a peacefull Garland than
Obtain it by the Victory and Slaughter
Of my poor Subjects.
Missell.
'Tis your mercy Sir,
Enter Planetius and Souldiers, Planetius kneels.
With which you overflow—here is Plane­tius.
Plan.
[Page 27]
I offer at your Highness feet a life
That has long since bin forfeited.
Evan.
The which
I give thee back; live to deserve my favour.
Plan.
I would I could recover so much time,
As I have lost, to ad unto the daies
I'm yet to spend, to serve you, this your Mercy
Does come so neer the temper of the Gods,
Fame cannot but record it.
Evan.
Has our Subjects
The knowledge that we live?
Pla.
I did dispierce it
Through all the parts of Mona:
Evan.
And how took they it?
Pla.
Miraculously; but so, I might dis­cover
Their Joy was unexpressible.
Evan.
Wee'l have
Our Pardon (as we March) Proclam'd to all
Will come in to us; Clemency not force
Befits a King, Rigour makes People worse.
Sould.
Heaven bless the King▪ March Gentlemen.
Exeunt.
Enter Antanter, and Souldiers pass over the Stage, then, Enter Agathocles.
Agath.
'Tis brave to be a King, his spi­rit's low
And base as Earth, that knows not how to use
The Power the Fates have put into his hands▪
And will accept of less; damn 'annuall Rule,
Shall I who dare do more than kill a thou­sand,
Be Subject to the questioning of ten?
The People have put me in power, and I
Will make my best advantage on't; it is
But Justice to break faith with faithless Men.
Give me the Nod that strikes a trembling in
The stiffe-neck'd People, and does make 'em keep
A distance and a duty; ther's no Glory
Like being Singular, hence idle honesty
That sleep'st thy time away, and art ador'd
By none but empty Sculls and tatter'd Jer­kins;
There's no such thing as vertue in thy Rags.
That, we prize to be vertuous and good
Merits its Estimation. Welcome Greatness,
Vertue resides with thee. My hopes by this
[a shout within.
Are by Antanter perfected, hee's here;
Enter Antanter and Souldiers▪
Now my best Genius tell me how much
I stand indebted to thee, is it done?
Antan.
Done to a hair Sir, We surpriz'd 'm suddenly,
Truss'd up the Magistrates to whom y'ad promis'd
Such glorious freedome, who did curse and swear
At Death and Destiny. The Forts and Ca­stles
Are all our own, and now we safely may,
Cry with one voice, long live Agathocles.
[Souldiers cry long live Agathocles.
Agat.
How shall I make requitall for this Project
Which thou hast more than form'd, per­form'd so bravely?
I will Create thee Arch-Duke of Palermo,
And when I die, will leave the Kingdom to thee.
Anta.
But give me leave I pray Sir—
In whose Power
Lies it to make me Duke?
Agat.
In mine, whose else?
Am I not thy King.
Anta.
Pray who made you so?
Agath.
The Gods.
Anta.
Pray which of them? Have I bin Idle.
Agath.
No, Dear Antanter no; It was thy hand
Directed by the Gods that made me King.
Antan.
Then 'twas my hand directed by the Gods
That made you King.
Agath.
Right, right Antanter.
Anta.
And now my hand directed by the Gods,
[Page 28] Will you un [...]King?—take him [...]nto your Charge.
Agath.
How?
Anta.
Very right Sir, Charity begins
At home, and I'm not such an Ass to stand
To your reward, when I can pay my self.
Agat.
What dost thou mean?
Ant.
To be what you would be,
That is, a King,
Agat.
A King? of what?
Anta.
Of better men than thou art—'tis a wrong
Unto our Honour to hold Parley with thee.
Off with his Head; It is a Death more No­ble
Than you bestow'd upon Cleander Sir,
Or Order'd for Icetis, or the Magistrate.
Agat.
But do you hear Sir King.
Ant.
Obey our Will—
And Sir, say y'are well dealt with▪
Agat.
Hell take you
And your dealing too; Heaven is thus just
With such as fal from Vertue to their Lust.
Exeunt with Agathocles.
Anta.
So, he is gone, fallen in the Trap he laid
For th'Magistrates, whom I have but se­cur'd,
Till they allow my Power, or dye by it.
The Title King's indifferent to me,
Give me th' essentiall part, and let the shadow
Vanish, and be forgot. What had this Lord
More in him of a man, to draw Obedience
Than I, except his Title? and that had not
Vertue enough to save him from my wrath.
It is not birth, or blood, but thou dear In­strument,
[to his sword.
That can defend, offend, raise or dis-seate
High Potentates, and mak a Beggar great.
Be thou auspicious Armed Mars to me,
And I'l adore no other Gods but thee.
Enter a Captain.
Capt.
The Generall hearing of these di­stractions,
Has dr [...]wn his Army this way, and puts in
For title to the Kingdom.
Ant.
Though he was
My Generall once, I'l scourge him into du­ty,
And make him know his distance, we will meet him.
Leave what force you can possibly allow
Here, to secure the People and the Garri­sons
Now in our Custody, lest they Revolt,
Or become Mutineers, Hermocrates
Shall finde as tuffe a bus'ness on't, as e'r
The Wars afforded him; Give double pay
To such as will come in to us, and leave
His Party, since, that I am in, I'l through,
Though th' Kingdoms treasury bleed for't, and lean famin
Feed on the People, 'till there scarce are left
The Image of a Man alive; 'twere base
Now to Retreat; fear gives a Coward place.
Exeunt.
Enter Hermocrates, Captain, and Souldiers.
Hermo.
Is't possible Antanter dares do this.
Capt.
Agathocles is beheaded, Hipparinus
With th'rest of th' Magistrates of Palermo and
The Governour Icetis are secur'd.
The Forts and Castles all are in his Power,
And has surpriz'd the Treasury.
Herm.
A brave fellow:
How long thinks he to keep this? I do won­der
Missellus or Planetius stir not 'bout it:
But they indeed are such known enemies
To one another, neither of them dare
Peep forth, lest tother be upon his back.
Capt.
I know your Excellency will be the Man
Must make the Souldier flourish and be happy.
Herm.
I and Atanter are the only Men
I see must go to Cudgels for't.
Capt.
Alas,
Our force will scatter his, as Northerne winds
Disperse the leaves in Autumn.
Herm.
But he has
Th' advantage by the Treasury, and Mo­ny
Will purchase Men, and friendship.
Capt.
[Page 29]
Victory
Will draw them all to us, I hope there is not
A Man amongst us so in love with's life,
But he will sacrifice it for your Excellence;
What say you Gentlemen?
Sould.
Our lives are his.
Hermoc.
I thank you fellow Souldiers;
Arm'd with you,
I dare Oppose the Destinies. He down,
The Guerdon of our Conquest is a Crown.
Exeunt.
Enter Evander, Missellus, Planetius, Souldiers.
Evan.
How poor and bare's this Pro­vince made? we scarce
Can get Provision for our Men and H [...]rse.
Plan.
But we are neer the City of Mon­reall,
An that was wont t' abound with all Pro­vision.
Evan.
Have you inform'd th' Archbi­shop and the Magistrates
That we are drawing towards them,
Misse.
We have
By by your Express, and wonder that wee hear
No sooner from them.
Enter Archbishop, Epecides, Magistrates.
Archb.
Disobedient Guilt
Throwes me thus low for Mercy.
Evan.
Here, rise up
[lends his hand.
Archb.
Distracted shame so overcomes me Sir,
I cannot look your Highness in the face.
Evan.
Return unto your Vertue, and we shall
Be happy in your friendship. Epecides
How dost thou relish us?
Epeci.
As I would Sir,
The Author of my Being, Peace, and hap­piness.
My Soul has wander'd all this while, and now,
With you, it is return'd to its first Stati­on.
Evan.
But what has brought thee to Monreall? tell me.
Epeci.
After Cleander's death, my friend Agathocles,
Whose brest I thought had bin so Mann'd with Vertue
Ambition could not batter it, compli'd
With th' Souldiery, of which Antanter was
The Chiefe, to put the Magistrates to death.
No sooner that Antanter had secur'd
The Forts and Castles, and made all his own,
But he begins to fall off from his Bargain
With the new King, and to himself does give
A Law to take his head off, and indeed
No Man could promise to himself a safety,
Unless he did submit unto his Power,
To which I knew I could not bend my Heart,
And therefore for self-Preservation made
Bold with my Lord Archbishop.
Evan.
What is that
Antanter, whose Audaciousness is so
Destructive to our Peace?
Plane.
He was an Officer
Under Hermocrates Mazares Generall.
Archb.
And now they both are tugging to undo
The Kingdom, and from eithers Ruine to
Raise to the Victor Glory.
Evan.
Ah poor Cicily,
How hast thou been beaten and banded to
Promote the ends of turbulent Spirited Men?
My Lords while they are striving for the Mastery,
What if we fell upon them?
Misse.
Very requisite.
Evan.
Let us bee private in't and do it suddenly,
But first wee'l have a Baiting at your house.
Archb.
You Highness will enrich me with the favour.
Exeunt.
Drums, Trumpets, &c.
Enter the Party of Hermocrates driving An­tanters Party before them, then Antanter enters and rescues his Party, beats the others off; Hermocrates enters with fresh supplies and beats them in: Then enter at one door Hermocrates, at the other Antanter.
Her.
[Page 30]
Have I singl'd thee?
Antan.
Sir know y'are Sawcy,
We use to keep at distance with such fel­lowes.
H [...]rmo.
'Tis likely; to come neer us may prove dangerous.
Anta.
Fellow th'ast greater honour done thee now
Than e' [...] the Wars bestow'd on thee, thou grappl'st
With no less than a King.
Herm.
Of Kitchin-stuffe.
Anta.
I'l make thee do thy duty.
[fight,
Her.
That's to beat you.
[wounds him.
What will you take Sir for your Kingdom, now?
Anta.
Your Head and Quarters Sir to fix on th' Gates.
Her.
And this next touch to boot.
[wounds him again.
Anta.
'sDeath, I think
've fool'd away my Courage;
How do you now Sir?
[Hermocrates wounded.
Herm.
As well as e'r I did Sir—have I reach'd you?
[Antan. wounded.
Anta.
Your Arm's to short, and your
Aim worse;
By Heaven,
Had'st thou Indented with the Fates to live
But for a Minute longer, thus I'd cancel it
[wounds him.
Herm.
And thus I meet thy Resolution.
Fall both on one another, being down they strive with one another A great shout within.
Enter Evander, Missellus, Archbishop, Pla­netius, Epecides, and Souldiers.
Evan.
Give Order for the Magistrates
Enlargement.
Hermo.
Ah, how my Fate afflicts me with fresh Torments?
Evander living?
Anta.
Whose Injuries lie heavy
Upon our Soules; most gracious Sir how e'r
Our lives have been disturbance to your Kingdom,
In Death with you and it we sue for Peace;
Forgiveness Royall Sir.
Evan.
We come not to
Possess our own with thoughts to bee Re­veng'd▪
Or if we did, you have escap'd it, Heaven▪
Forgive you as we do.
Herm.
May never Forraign
Or home-bred Jars wither your Peacefull Lawrel.
Anta.
And thus our Enmity does end; thy hand.
[kisses it.
Herm.
Thy cheek—farewell.
[dies.
Antan.
Plenty and Peace perpetually dwell among you—
[dies.
Planeti.
Two as brave Spirits
As e'r Cicily bred.
Enter Icetis, Hipparinus, Magistrates.
Epeci.
The Magistrates are here Sir.
Icet.
Hipp. At your feet, Royall Sir we fall.
Evan.
Rise in our favour.
Icet.
Your Mercy has no President.
Eva.
Heaven make you stronger in your faith and duties.
Hereafter to us, what is past We Pardon.
Hipp.
All th' lowring Aspects of Malig­nant Stars,
That lately threatn'd ruin to this Kingdom,
Are at your Glorious Presence sunk be­neath▪
Their primitive Conceptions.
Evan.
Take up those bodies.
My Lords, with your assistance we must do
A cure upon the Kingdom, in the seating
Its dislocated joynts; we shall not take
Notice hereafter who amongst you have
Had hands in her impairing, out receive you
With no less favour than the rest, not doubting
But that the smart you have felt by these Changes,
Will draw you home to Constancy, and the Wooll
That has so violently been taken from
Your Sheep, for want of an Indulgent Shepherd,
[To the Archbishop.
Make you prize one the better.
Arc. Epe. Hip. Icet.
May Heaven transform our shapes when our hearts change
Evan.
Then are we strong enough to Combate Fate,
And Cure the wounds thus made upon the State.
Exeunt.
FINIS.

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