The Monuments of virtue, and desert,Appear more goodly, when the gloss of ArtIs eaten off by time, than when at firstThey were set up, not censur'd at the worst.We'ave done our best, for your contents to fit,With new pains, this old monument of wit.
Philocles.Lisander.Cassander.Lisimachus.Antigonu.Arcadius.Macarius.Seleucus.Queen.Charilla.Polidora.Nestorius.Eubulus.A Bishop.Polianus.Sophia.Demetrius.Gentlemen and Gentlewomen.Servants and Attendants.
Philocles.Lisander.Cassander.Lisimachus.Antigonu.Arcadius.Macarius.Seleucus.Queen.Charilla.Polidora.Nestorius.Eubulus.A Bishop.Polianus.Sophia.Demetrius.Gentlemen and Gentlewomen.Servants and Attendants.
Since 'tis become the Title of our Play,A woman once ina[Coronation may]With pardon, speak thePrologue,give as freeA welcome to the Theatre, as heThat with a little Beard, a long black Cloak,With a starch'd face, and supple leg hath spokeBefore the Plays the twelvemonth, let me thenPresent a welcome to these Gentlemen,If you be kind, and noble, you will notThink the worse of me for my Petticote:But to the Play, the Poet bad me tellHis fears first in the Title, lesti[t]swellSome thoughts with expectation of a strain,That but once could be seen in a Kings Reign,This Coronation, he hopes you maySee often, while the genius of his Play,Doth prophesie, the Conduits may run Wine,When the days triumph's ended, and divineBrisk Nectar swell hisTemple[s]to a rage,With something of more price t' invest the Stage.There rests but to prepare you, that althoughIt be a Coronation, there doth flowNo undermirth, such as doth lard the SceneFor course delight the language here is clean.And confident, our Poet bade me say,He'll bate you but the folly of a Play.For which, although dull souls his Pen despise,Who thinks it yet too early to be wise.The nobler will thank his Muse, at leastExcuse him, cause his thought aim'd at the best,But we conclude not, it does rest in you.To censure Poet, Play, andPrologue too.But what have I omitted? is there notA blush upon my cheeks that I forgotThe Ladies, and a Femal Prologue too?Your pardon noble Gentlewomen, youWere first within my thoughts, I know you sitAs free, and high Commissioners of wit,Have clear, and active souls, nay, though the menWere lost in your eyes, they'll be found agen,You are the bright intelligences move,And make a harmony this sphere of Love,Be you propitious then, our Poet says,Our wreath from you, is worth their grove of Bayes:
EnterPhiloclesandLisander.
Phi.Make way for my Lord Protector.Lisan.Your graces servants.
EnterCassander,andLisimachus.
Cas.I like your diligent waiting, where'sLisimachus?Lisi.I wait upon you, Sir.Cas.The Queen looks pleasantThis morning, does she not?Lis.I ever foundHer gracious smiles on me.Cas.She does consultHer safety in't, for I must tell thee boy,But in the assurance of her love to thee,I should advance thy hopes another way,And use the power I have inEpire, toSettle our own, and uncontrouled greatness;But since she carries her self so fairly,I am content to expect, and by her marriageSecure thy fortune, that's all my ambitionNow, be still careful in thy applicationsTo her, I must attend other affairs,Return, and use what Art thou canst to layMore charms of love upon her.Lis.I presumeShe always speaks the language of her heart,And I can be ambitious for no moreHappiness on earth, than she encouragesMe to expect.Cas.It was an act becomingThe wisdom of her Father to engageA tye between our Families, and sheHath play'd her best discretion to allow it;But we lose time in conference, wait on her,And be what thou wert born for, King ofEpire,I must away.[Exit.Lis.Success ever attend you.Is not the Queen yet coming forth?Lisa.Your servant,You may command our duties,This is the Court Star,Philocles.Phi.The Star that we must sail by.Lisa.All must borrowA light from him, the young Queen directs allHer favours that way.Phi.He's a noble Gentleman,And worthy of his expectations:Too good to be the son of such a Father.Lisa.Peace, remember he is Lord Protector.Phil.We have more need of Heavens ProtectionI' th' mean time, I wonder the old KingDid in his life, design him for the office.Lisa.He might expect his faith, I have heard whenThe King, who was noEpirote, advanc'dHis claim,Cassander, our Protector now,Young then, oppos'd him toughly with his faction,But forc'd to yield, had fair conditions,And was declar'd by the whole State, next heir;If the King wanted issue, our hopes onlyThriv'd in this daughter.Phi.Whom but for her smilesAnd hope of marriage withLisimachus,His Father, by some cunning, had remov'dE'r this.Lisa.Take heed, the Arras may have earsI should not weep much if his grace would henceRemove to Heaven.Phi.I prethee what should he do there?Lisa.Some Offices will fall.Phi.And the Skie too, e'r I get one stair higherWhile he's in place.
EnterAntigonus.
Ant.Lisander,Philocles,How looks the day upon us? where's the Queen?Phi.In her bed-chamber.Ant.Who was with her?Lisa.None but the young LordLisimachus.Ant.'Tis no treasonIf a man wish himself a CourtierOf such a possibility: he hasThe mounting fate.Phi.I would his Father wereMounted to th' gallows.Ant.He has a path fair enough,If he survive by title of his Father.Lisa.The Queen will hasten his ascent.Phi.Would I were Queen.Ant.Thou wou'dst become rarely the petticoat,What wou'dst thou do?Phi.Why, I wou'd marryMy Gentleman usher, and trust all the strengthAnd burden of my State upon his legs,Rather than be call'd wife by any sonOf such a Father.Lisa.Come, let's leave this subject,We may find more secure discourse; when sawYou youngArcadius, LordMacarius'sNephew?Ant.There's a spark, a youth moulded for a Favourite,The Queen might do him honor.Phi.Favourite, 'tis too cheap a name, there were a matchNow for her Virgin blood.Lisa.Must every manThat has a handsome face or leg, feed suchAmbition: I confess I honor him,He has a nimble soul, and gives great hopeTo be no woman-hater, dances handsomly,Can court a Lady powerfully, but more goesTo th' making of aPrince.He's hereAnd's Uncle.
EnterArcadius, Macarius, Seleucus.
Sel.Save you Gentlemen, who can direct meTo find my Lord Protector?Lisa.He was hereWithin this half hour, youngLisimachusHis Son is with the Queen.Sel.There let him compliment,I have other business, ha,Arcadius![Exit.Phi.Observ'd you, with what eyesArcadiusAnd he saluted, their two familiesWill hardly reconcile.Ant.SeleucuscarriesHimself too roughly; with what pride and scornHe past by 'em.Lisa.Th'other with less shewOf anger, carries pride enough in's soul,I wish 'em all at peace,MacariuslooksAre without civil war, a good old man,The old King lov'd him well,SeleucusFatherWas as dear to him, and maintain'd the characterOf an honest Lord throughEpire: that two menSo lov'd of others, should be so unwelcomeTo one another.Arc.The Queen was not wont to send for me.Mac.The reason's to her self,It will become your duty to attend her.Arc.Save you Gentlemen, what noveltyDoes the Court breathe to day?Lisa.None Sir, the newsThat took the last impression is, that youPurpose to leave the Kingdom, and those men,That honor you, take no delight to hear it.Arc.I have ambition to see the differenceOf Courts, and this may spare; the delightsAt home do surfet, and the Mistriss, whomWe all do serve, is fixt upon one object,Her beams are too much pointed, but no CountreyShall make me lose your memories.
EnterQueen, Lisimachus, Macarius, Charilla.
Qu.Arcadius.Mac.Your Lordship honor'd me,I have no blessing in his absence.Lis.'Tis done like a pious Uncle.Qu.We must notGive any licence.Arc.If your MajestyWould please.Qu.We are not pleas'd, it had become your duty,To have first acquainted us, e'r you declar'dYour resolution publick, is our CourtNot worth your stay?Arc.I humbly beg your pardon.Qu.Where'sLysimachus?Lis.Your humble servant, Madam.Qu.We shall findEmployment at home for you, do not lose us.Arc.Madam, I then write my self blest on earthWhen I may do you service.Qu.We would be private,Macarius.Mac.Madam, you have blest me,Nothing but your command could interpose toStay him.Qu.Lisimachus,You must not leave us.Lisa.Nothing butLisimachus? has she notTa'en a philter?Qu.Nay, pray be cover'd, Ceremony from you,Must be excus'd.Lisi.It will become my duty.Qu.Not your love?I know you would not have me look uponYour person as a Courtier, not as Favorite;That Title were too narrow to expressHow we esteem you.Lis.The least of allThese names from you, Madam, is grace enough.Qu.Yet here you wou'd not rest?Lis.Not if you please:To say there is a happiness beyond,And teach my ambition how to make it mine,Although the honors you already haveLet fall upon your servant, exceed allMy merit; I have a heart is studiousTo reach it with desert, and makei[f]possibleYour favor's mine by justice, with your pardon.Qu.We are confident this needs no pardon, Sir,But a reward to cherish your opinion,And that you may keep warm your passion,Know we resolve for marriage, and ifI had another gift, beside my self,Greater, in that you should discern, how muchMy heart is fixt.Lis.Let me digest my blessing.Qu.But I cannot resolve when this shall be.Lis.How Madam? do not make me dream of Heaven,And wake me into misery, if your purposeBe, to immortalize your humble servant,Your power on earth's divine, Princes are hereThe copies of Eternity, and create,When they but will our happiness.Qu.I shallBelieve you mock me in this argument,I have no power.Lis.How, no power?Qu.Not as a Queen.Lis.I understand you not.Qu.I must obey, your Father's my Protector.Lis.How?Qu.When I am absolute,Lisimachus,Our power and Titles meet, before, we are butA shadow, and to give you that were nothing.Lis.Excellent Queen,My love took no original from State,Or the desire of other greatness,Above what my birth may challenge modestly,I love your virtues; mercenary soulsAre taken with advancement, you've an EmpireWithin you, better than the worlds, to thatLooks my ambition.Qu.T'other is not, Sir,To be despis'd, Cosmography allowsEpire, a place i' th' Map, and know till IPossess what I was born to, and aloneDo grasp the Kingdoms Scepter, I accountMy self divided, he that marries meShall take an[a]bsoluteQueen to his warm bosom,My temples yet are naked, until thenOur Loves can be but compliments, and wishes,Yet very hearty ones.Lis.I apprehend.Qu.Your Father.
EnterCassanderandSeleucus.
Cas.Madam, a Gentleman has an humble suit.Qu.'Tis in your power to grant, you are Protector,I am not yet a Queen.Cas.How's this?Lis.I shall expound her meaning.Qu.Why kneel you, Sir?Sel.Madam, to reconcile two familiesThat may unite, both Counsels and their bloodTo serve your Crown.Qu.Macarius, andEubulusThat beare inveterate malice to each other.It grew, as I have heard, upon the questionWhich some of either family had madeWhich of their Fathers was the best Commander:If we believe our stories, they have bothDeserved well of our state, and yet this quarrelHas cost too many lives, a severe faction.Sel.But I'll propound a way to plant a quietAnd peace in both our houses, which are tornWith their dissentions, and lose the gloryOf their great names, my blood speaks my relationToEubulus, and I wish my veins were emptiedTo appease their war.Qu.Thou hast a noble soul,This is a charity above thy youth,And it flows bravely from thee, name the way.Sel.In such a desperate cause, a little streamOf blood might purge the foulness of their heartsIf you'll prevent a deluge.Qu.Be particular.Sel.Let but your Majesty consent that twoMay with their personal valour, undertakeThe honor of their family, and determineTheir difference.Qu.This rather will inlargeTheir hate, and be a means to call more bloodInto the stream.Sel.Not if both familiesAgree, and swear—Qu.And who shall be the Champions?Sel.I beg the honor, forEubuluscauseTo be ingag'd, if any forMacarius,Worthy to wager heart with mine, accept it,I am confident,Arcadius,For honor would direct me to his sword,Will not deny, to stake against my lifeHis own, if you vouchsafe us priviledge.Qu.You are the expectation, and top boughsOf both your houses, it would seem injustice,To allow a civil war to cut you off,And your selves the instruments, besidesYou appear a soldier;ArcadiusHath no acquaintance yet with rugged war,More fit to drill a Lady, than exposeHis body to such dangers: a small woundI'th' head, may spoil the method of his hair,Whose curiosity exacts more time,Than his devotion, and who knows but heMay lose his ribond by it in his lock,Dear as his Saint, with whom he would exchangeHis head, for her gay colours; then his bandMay[b]edisorder'd, and transform'd from LaceTo Cutwork, his rich cloaths be discomplexionedWith bloud, beside the infashionable slashes:And at the next Festival take Physick,Or put on black, and mourn for his slain breeches:His hands cas'd up in gloves all night, and sweetPomatum: the next day may be endanger'dTo blisters with a sword, how can he standUpon his guard, who hath Fidlers in his head,To which, his feet must ever be a dancing?Beside a falsify may spoil his cringe,Or making of a leg, in which consistsMuch of his Court-perfection.Sel.Is this CharacterBestow'd on him?Qu.It something may concern the Gentleman,Whom if you please to challengeTo Dance, play on the Lute, or Sing.Sel.Some[catch]?Qu.He shall not want those will maintain himFor any sum.Sel.You are my Sovereign,I dare not think, yet I must speak somewhat,I shall burst else, I have no skill in Jiggs,Nor Tumbling.Qu.How Sir?Sel.Nor was I born a Minstrel, and in this you haveSo infinitely disgrac'dArcadius.But that I have heard another Character,And with your royal Licence do believe it,I should not think him worth my killing.Qu.Your killing?Sel.Does she not jeer me;I shall talk treason presently, I find itAt my tongues end already, this is anAffront, I'll leave her.Qu.Come back, do you knowArcadius?Sel.I ha' chang'd but little breath with him; our personsAdmit no familiarity; we wereBorn to live both at distance, yet I ha' seen himFight, and fight bravely.Qu.When the spirit of WineMade his brain valiant, he fought bravely.Sel.Although he be my enemy, should anyOf the gay flies that buzze about the Court,Sit to catch trouts i'th' summer, tell me so,I durst in any presence but your own.Qu.What?Sel.Tell him he were not honest.Qu.I seeSele[u]cus, thou art resolute,And I but wrong'dArcadius, your firstRequest is granted, you shall fight, and heThat conquers be rewarded, to confirmFirst place and honor to his Family:Is it not this you plead for?Sel.You are gracious.Qu.Lisimachus.Lis.Madam.Cas.She has granted then?Sel.With much ado.Cas.I wish thy sword may openHis wanton veins,Macariusis too popular,And has taught him to insinuate.Qu.It shallBut haste the confirmation of our loves,And ripen the delights of marriage,Seleucus.[Exit cumSel.Lis.As I guest,It cannot be too soon.Cas.To morrow then we crown her, and investMy Son with Majesty, 'tis to my wishes,Beget a race of Princes, myLisimachus.Lis.First, let us marry, Sir.Cas.Thy brow was madeTo wear a golden circle, I'm transported,Thou shalt rule her, and I will govern thee.Lis.Although you be my Father, that will notConcern my obedience, as I take it.
EnterPhilocles, Lisander,andAntigonus.
Gentlemen,Prepare your selves for a solemnityWill turn the Kingdom into triumph,EpireLook fresh to morrow, 'twill become your dutiesIn all your glory, to attend the QueenAt her Coronation, she is pleased to makeThe next day happy in our Calendar,My office doth expire, and my old bloodRenews with thought on't.Phi.How's this?Ant.Crown'd to morrow.Lisa.And he so joyful to resign his Regency,There's some trick in't, I do not like these hastyProceedings, and whirls of state, they havecommonl[y]As strange and violent effects; well, heaven save the Queen.Phi.Heaven save the Queen, say I, and send her a sprightlyBed-fellow, for the Protector, let him pray forHimself, he is like to have no benefit of my devotion.Cas.But this doth quicken my old heart,Lisimachus,There is not any step into her throne,But is the same degree of thy own state;Come Gentlemen.Lisa.We attend your grace.Cas.Lisimachus.Lisi.What heretofore could happen to mankindWas with much pain to climb to heaven, but inSophiasmarriage of all Queens the best,Heaven will come down to earth, to make me blest.[Exe.
EnterArcadiusandPolydora.
Pol.Indeed you shall not go.Arc.Whither?Pol.To travel,I know you see me, but to take your leave,But I must never yield to such an absence.Arc.I prethee leave thy fears, I am commandedTo th' contrary, I wonot leave thee now.Pol.Commanded? by whom?Arc.The Queen.Pol.I am very glad, for trust me, I could thinkOf thy departure with no comfort, thouArt all the joy I have, half of my soul,But I must thank the Queen now for thy company,I prethee, what could make thee so desirousTo be abroad?Arc.Only to get an appetiteTo theePolidora.Pol.Then you must provoke it.Arc.Nay, prethee do not so mistake thy servant.Pol.Perhaps you surfeit with my Love.Arc.Thy love?Pol.Although I have no beauty to compareWith the best faces, I have a heart aboveAll competition.Arc.Thou art jealous now,Come let me take the kiss I gave thee last,I am so confident of thee, no LipHas ravisht it from thine; I prethee comeTo Court.Pol.For what?Arc.There is the throne for beauty.Pol.'Tis safer dwelling here.Arc.There's none will hurt,Or dare but think an ill toPolydora,The greatest will be proud to honor thee.Thy luster wants the admiration here:There thou wot shine indeed, and strike a reverenceInto the gazer.Pol.You can flatter too.Arc.No praise of thee can be thought so, thy virtueWill deserve all, I must confess, we CourtiersDo oftentimes commend to shew our Art,There is necessity sometimes to say,This Madam breathsArabianGumms,Amber and Cassia; though while we are praising,We wish we had no nostrils to take inTh' offensive steam of her corrupted Lungs.Nay, some will swear they love their Mistriss,Would hazard lives and fortunes, to preserveOne of her hairs brighter thanBerinices;Or youngApollo's, and yet after this,A favour from another toy would tempt himTo laugh, while the officious hangman whipsHer head off.Pol.Fine men.Arc.I am none of these,Nay, there are womenPolidora, tooThat can do pretty well at flatteries;Make men believe they dote, will languish for 'em,Can kiss a Jewel out of one, and dallyA carcanet of Diamonds from another,Weep into th' bosome, of a third, and makeHim drop as many Pearls; they count it nothingTo talk a reasonable heir within ten daysOut of his whole Estate, and make him madHe has no more wealth to consume.Pol.You'll teach meTo think I may be flattered in your promises,Since you live where this Art is most profest.Arc.I dare not be so wickedPolidora,The Infant errors of the Court I mayBe guilty of, but never to abuseSo rare a goodness, nor indeed did everConverse with any of those shames of Court,To practise for base ends; be confidentMy heart is full of thine, and I so deeplyCarry the figure of myPolydora,It is not in the power of time or distanceTo cancel it, by all that's blest I love thee:Love thee above all women, dare invokeA curse when I forsake thee.Pol.Let it be someGentle one.Arc.Teach me an oath I prethee,One strong enough to bind, if thou dost findAny suspition of my faith, or elseDirect me in some horrid imprecation:When I forsake thee for the love of otherWomen, may heaven reward my apostacyTo blast my greatest happiness on earth,And make all joys abortive.Pol.Revoke these hasty syllables, they carryToo great a penalty for breach of LoveTo me, I am not worth thy suffering,You do not know, what beauty may inviteYour change, what happiness may tempt your eyeAnd heart together.Arc.Should all the graces of your sex conspireIn one, and she shouldcourt [me], withaDowry,Able to buy a Kingdom, when I giveMy heart fromPolidora.Pol.I suspect not,And to requite thy constancy, I swear.Arc.'Twere sin to let thee waste thy breathI have assurance of thy noble thoughts.
Enter a Servant.
Serv.My Lord, your Uncle hath been every whereI' th' Court inquiring for you, his looks speakSome earnest cause.Arc.I am more acquainted withThy virtue, than to imagine thou wilt notExcuse me now, one kiss dismisses himWhose heart shall wait onPolidorapretheeLet me not wish for thy return too often,My Father.
EnterNestorius,and a servant.
Nes.I metArcadiusin strange haste, he told meHe had been with thee.Pol.Some affair too soonRavish'd him hence, his Uncle sent for himYou came now from Court: how looks the QueenThis golden morning?Nes.Like a Bride, her soulIs all on mirth, her eyes have quick'ning fires,Able to strike a spring into the earth,In winter.Pol.ThenLisimachuscan haveNo frost in's blood, that lives so near her beams.Nes.His politick Father the Protector smiles too,Resolve to see the ceremony of the Queen'Twill be a day of state.Pol.I am not well.Nes.How! not well? retire then, I must returnMy attendance is expected,Polidora,Be careful of thy health.Pol.It will concern me.[Exit.
EnterArcadius,andMacarius.
Arc.You amaze me, Sir.Mac.Dear Nephew, if thou respect thy safetyMy honor, or my age, remove thy self,Thy life's in danger.Arc.Mine? who's my enemy?Mac.Take horse, and instantly forsake the City,Or else within some unsuspected dwelling,Obscure thy self, stay not to know the reason.Arc.Sir, I beseech your pardon, which i' th' numberOf my offences unto any, shouldProvoke this dishonourable flight?Mac.I would, when I petition'd for thy stay,I had pleaded for thy banishment, thou knowst notWhat threatens thee.Arc.I would desire to know it,I am in no conspiracy of treason,Have ravish'd no mans Mistriss, not so muchAsgiventhe lye to any, what should meanYour strange and violent fears, I will[n]otstirUntil you make me sensible I have lostMy innocence.Mac.I must not live to seeThy body full of wounds, it were less sinTo rip thy Fathers Marble, and fetch fromThe reverend vault, his ashes, and disperse themBy some rude winds, where none should ever findThe sacred dust: it was his Legacy,The breath he mingled with his prayers to HeavenI[sh]ouldpreserveArcadius, whose fateHe prophesied in death, would need protection,Thou wot disturb his ghost, and call it toAffright my dreams, if thou refuse to obey me.Arc.You more inflame me, to enquire the causeOf your distraction, and you'll arm me betterThan any coward flight by acquainting meWhose malice aims to kill me, good Sir tell me.Mac.Then prayers and tears assist me.Arc.Sir.Mac.Arcadius,Thou art a rash young man, witness the spiritOf him that trusted me so much, I bleed,Till I prevent this mischief.[Exit.
EnterPhilocles, Lisander.
Arc.Ha, keep off.Phi.What mean you, Sir?Lis.We are your friends.Arc.I know your faces, butAm not secure, I would not be betraid.Lis.You wrong our hearts, who truly honor you.Arc.They say I must be kill'd.Phi.By whom?Arc.I know not, nor wou'd I part with life so tamely.Phi.We dare engage ours in your quarrel, hideYour sword, it may beget suspition,It's enough to question you.Arc.I am confident;Pray pardon me, come, I despise all danger:Yet a dear friend of mine, my Uncle told meHe would not see my body full of wounds.Lis.Your Uncle, this is strange.Arc.Yes, my honest Uncle,If my unlucky Stars have pointed meSo dire a fate.Phi.There is some strange mistake in't.
EnterAntigonus.
Ant.Arcadius, the Queen would speak with you,You must make haste.Ar[c].Though to my death, I flieUpon her summons I give up my breathThen willingly, if she command it from me.Phi.This does a little trouble me.Lis.I know notWhat to imagine, something is the groundOf this perplexity, but I hope there is notAny such danger as he apprehends.
EnterQueen, Lisimachus, Macarius, Eubulus, Seleucus, Arcadius,Ladies, Attendants and Gent.
Qu.We have already granted toSeleucusAnd they shall try their valour, ifArcadiusHave spirit in him to accept the challenge,Our Royal word is past.Phi.This is strange.Eub.Madam, my son knew not what he ask'd,And you were cruel to consent so soon.Mac.Wherein have I offended, to be rob'dAt once, of all the wealth I have,ArcadiusIs part of me.Eub.Seleucus'slife and mineAre twisted on one thred, both stand or fallTogether, hath the service for my CountreyDeserved but this reward, to be sent weepingTo my eternal home? Was't not enoughWhen I was young, to lose my bloud in wars,But the poor remnant that is scarcely warmAnd faintly creeping through my wither'd veinsMust be let out to make you sport.Mac.How canWe, that shall this morn see the sacred oyl,Fall on your Virgin tresses, hope for anyProtection hereafter, when this dayYou sacrifice the blood of them that pray for you.Arcadius, I prethee speak thy self,It is for thee I plead.Eub.Seleucus, kneelAnd say thou hast repented thy rash suit;If e'er I see thee fight, I be thus wounded,How will the least drop forc'd from thy veins,Afflict my heart.Mac.Why, that's good;Arcadius, speak to her; hear him Madam.Arc.If you call back this honor you have done meI shall repent I live, doe not perswade me:Seleucus, thou art a noble enemy,And I will love thy soul, though I despairOur bodies friendly conversation:I would we were to tugg upon some cliffe,Or like two prodigies i'th' air, our conflictMight generally be gaz'd at, and our bloudAppease our grandsires ashes.Mac.I am undone.Sel.Madam, my father says I have offended,If so, I beg your pardon, but beseech youFor your own glory, call not back your word.Eub.They are both mad.Qu.No more, we have resolv'd,And since their courage is so nobly flam'd,This morning we'll behold the ChampionsWithin the List, be not afraid, their strifeWill stretch so far as death, so soon as weAre Crown'd, prepare your selves,Seleucus.[Kisses her hand.Sel.I have receiv'd another life in this high favour,And may lose what nature gave me.Qu.Arcadius, to encourage thy young valour,We give thee our Fathers sword.Command it from our Armory;Lisimachus,To our Coronation.[Exeunt.Sel.I'll forfeitMy head for a rebellion, than suffer it.[Exit.Arc.I am circled with confusions, I'll do somewhatMy brains and friends assist me.[Exit.Phi.But do you think they'll fight indeed?Lis.PerhapsHer Majesty will see a bout or two.And yet 'tis wondrous strange, such spectaclesAre rare i'th' Court, and they were to skirmish nakedBefore her, then there might be some excuse.There is gimcracks in't, the Queen is wiseAbove her years.Phi.Macariusis perplex'd.
EnterEubulus.
Lis.I cannot blame him, but my LordEubulusReturns, they are both troubled, 'las good men,But our duties are expected, we forget.[Ex.Phil. Lis.Eub.I must resolve, and yet things are not ripe,My brains upon the torture.Mac.This may quitThe hazard of his person, whose least dropOf blood, is worth more than our families.My LordEubulus, I have thought a wayTo stay the young mens desperate proceedings,It is our cause they fight, let us beseechThe Queen, to grant us two the priviledgeOf Duel, rather than expose their livesTo eithers fury; it were pity theyShould run upon so black a destiny,We are both old, and may be spar'd, a pairOf fruitless trees, mossie, and wither'd trunks,That fill up too much room.Eub.Most willingly,And I will praise her charity to allow it;I have not yetforg[o]tto use a sword,Let's lose no time, by this act, she will licenceOur souls to leave our bodies but a day,Perhaps an hour the sooner; they may liveTo do her better service, and be friendsWhen we are dead, and yet I have no hopeThis will be granted, curse upon our faction.Mac.If she deny us—Eub.What?Mac.I wou'd do somewhat—Eub.There's something o' th' suddain struck uponMy imagination that may secure us.Mac.Name it, if no dishonor wait upon'tTo preserve them, I'll accept any danger.Eub.There is no other way, and yet my heartWould be excus'd, but 'tis to save his life.Mac.Speak itEubulus.Eub.In your ear I shall,It sha'not make a noise if you refuse it.Mac.Hum? though it stir my bloud, I'll meetArcadius,If this preserve thee not, I must unsealAnother mistery.[Exit.
Enter Queen, Lisimachus, Cassander, Charilla, Lisander, Philocles, Antigonus.
Qu.We owe to all your loves, and will deserveAt least by our endeavours, that none mayThis day repent their prayers, my Lord Protector.Cas.Madam, I have noSuch Title now, and am blest to loseThat name so happily: I was but trustedWith a glorious burden.Qu.You have prov'dYour self our faithful Counsellor, and must stillProtect our growing state: a Kingdoms ScepterWeighs down a womans arm, this Crown sits heavyUpon my brow already, and we knowThere's something more than mettal in this wreath,Of shining glory, but your faith, and counsel,That are familiar with mysteries,And depths of state, have power to make us fitFor such a bearing, in which both you shallDoe loyal service, and reward your Duties.Cas.Heaven preserve your Highness.Qu.But yet my Lords and Gentlemen, let noneMistake me, that because I urge your wisdoms,I shall grow careless, and impose on youThe managing of this great Province, no,We will be active too, and as we areIn dignity above your persons, so,The greatest portion of the difficultiesWe call to us, you in your several placesRelieving us with your experience,Observing in your best directionsAll modesty, and distance; for althoughWe are but young, no action shall forfeitOur royal priviledge, or encourage anyToo unreverent boldness; as it will becomeOur honor to consult, e'r we determineOf the most necessary things of state,So we are sensible of a check,But in a brow, that saucily controulsOur action, presuming on our yearsAs few, or frailty of our sex; that headIs not secure, that dares our power or justice.Phi.She has a brave spirit, look how the ProtectorGrows pale already.Qu.But I speak to youAre perfect in obedience, and may spareThis Theme, yet 'twas noimmat[eriall]Part of our character, since I desireAll should take notice, I have studiedThe knowledge of my self, by which I shallBetter distinguish of your worth and personsIn your relations to us.Lis.This languageIs but a threatening to some body.Qu.But we miss some, that use not to absentTheir duties from us, where'sMacarius?Cas.Retir'd to grieve, your Majesty hath givenConsent,Arcadiusshould entertheListTo day with youngSeleucus.Qu.Wepurpose
Enter Gentleman.
They shall proceed, what's he?Phil.A Gentleman belonging toSeleucusthat gives noticeHe is prepar'd, and waits your royal pleasure.Qu.He was compos'd for action, give noticeToArcadius, and admit the challenger:Let other Princes boast their gaudy tilting,And mockery of battles, but our triumphIs celebrated with true noble valour.
EnterSeleucus, Arcadius,at several doors, their Pages before them, bearing their Targets.
Two young men spirited enough to haveTwo kingdoms staked upon their swords,LisimachusDo not they excellently become their arms?'Twere pity but they should do something moreThen wave their plumes.[A shout within.What noise is that?
EnterMacarius,andEubulus.
Mac.The peoples joy to know us reconcil'd,Is added to the jubile of the day,We have no more a faction but one heart,Peace flow in every bosom.Eub.Throw awayThese instruments of death, and like two friendsEmbrace by our example.Qu.This unfein'd?Mac.By our duties to your self, dear MadamCommand them not advance, our houses fromThis minute are incorporated; happy dayOur eyes at which before revenge look'd forth,May clear suspition, oh myArcadius!Eub.We have found a nearer way to friendship, Madam,Than by exposing them to fight for us.Qu.If this be faithful, our desires are blest.We had no thought to waste, but reconcileYour bloud this way, and we did prophesieThis happy chance, spring into eithers bosom,ArcadiusandSeleucus, what can nowBe added to this days felicity?Yes, there is something, is there not my Lord?While we are Virgin Queen.Cas.Ha, that stringDoth promise Musick.Qu.I am yet my LordsYour single joy, and when I look upon,What I have took, to manage the great careOf this most flourishing kingdom, I inclineTo think I shall do justice to my self,If I choose one, whose strength and virtue mayAssist my undertaking, think you Lords,A Husband would not help?Lis.No question, Madam,And hethat [you purpose to make] soblestMust needs be worthy of our humblest duty,It is the general vote.Qu.We will not thenTrouble Ambassadors to treat with anyPrinces abroad, within our own dominion,Fruitful in honor, we shall make our choice;And that we may not keep you over longInth[e]imagination, from this circle, weHave purpose to elect; one, whom I shallSalute a King and Husband.Lisa.Now my LordLisimachus.Que.Nor shall we in this action be accus'dOf rashness, since the man we shall declareDeserving our affection, hath been earlyIn our opinion, which had reason firstTo guide it, and his known nobilityLong marry'd to our thoughts, will justifieOur fair election.Phi.Lisimachusblushes.Cas.Direct our duties, Madam, to pray for him.Que.Arcadius, you see from whence we come,Pray lead us back, you may ascend.[She comes from the State.Cas.How's this? o're-reach'd?Arc.Madam, be charitable to your humblest creature,Doe not reward the heart, that falls in dutyBeneath your feet, with making me the burdenOf the Court-mirth, a mockery for Pages,'Twere Treason in me but to think you meane thus.Que.Arcadius, you must refuse my love,Or shame this Kingdom.Phi.Is the wind in that corner?Cas.I shall run madLisimachus.Lisi.Sir, contain your self.Sel.Is this to be believ'd?Mac.What dream is this?Phi.He kisses her, now by this day I am glad on't.Lisa.Mark the Protector.Ant.Let him fret his heart-strings.Que.Is the day cloudy on the sudden?Arc.Gentlemen,It was not my ambition, I durst neverAspire so high in thought, but since her MajestyHath pleas'd to call me to this honor, IWill study to be worthy of her grace,By whom I live.Que.The Church to morrow shallConfirme our marriage, nobleLisimachus;We'll find out other wayes to recompenceYour love to us, set forward, comeArcadius.Mac.It must be so, and yet let me consider.Cas.He insults already, policy assistme,To break his neck.Lisi.Who would trust Woman?Lost in a pair of minutes, lost, how brightA morning rose, but now,[and now]'tis night?[Exeunt.
EnterPolidora,and a Servant.
Pol.Oh where shall Virgins look for faith hereafter?If he prove false, after so many vowes?And yet if I consider, he was temptedAbove the strength of a young Lover, twoSuch glorious courting his acceptance, wereAble to make disloyalty no sin,At least not seem a fault, a Lady first,Whose very looks would thaw a man more frozenThan theAlps, quicken a soul more dead than Winter,Add to her beauty and perfection,That she's a Queen, and brings with her a KingdomAble to make a great mind forfeit Heaven.What could the frailty ofArcadiusSuggest, to unspirit him so much, as notTo fly to her embraces, you were presentWhen she declar'd her self.Ser.Yes Madam.Pol.Tell me,Did not he make a pause, when the fair QueenA full temptation stood him?Ser.Very littleMy judgment could distinguish, she did no soonerPropound, but he accepted.Pol.That was ill,He might with honor stand one or two minutes,Me thinks it should have startled him a little,To have rememberd me, I have deserv'dAt least a cold thought, well, pray give it him.Ser.I shall.Pol.When?Ser.Instantly.Pol.Not so,But take a time when his joy swels him most,When his delights are high and ravishing,When you perceive his Soul dance in his eyes,When she that must be his hath drest her beauty,With all her pride, and sends a thousandCupidsTo call him to the tasting of her lip;Then give him this, and tell him, while I live,I'll pray for him.Ser.I shall.[Exeunt.
EnterCassander,andLisimachus.
Cas.There is no way but death.Lisi.That's black, and horrid,Consider, Sir, it was her sin, not his;I cannot accuse him, what man could carryA heart so frozen, not to melt at suchA glorious flame? Who could not fly to suchA happiness?Cas.Have you ambitionTo be a tame fool? see so vast an injuryAnd not revenge it? make me not suspectThy Mother for this sufferance, my Son.Lis.Pray hear me, Sir.Cas.Hear a patient gull,A property, thou hast no blood of mine,If this affront provoke thee not, how canstBe charitable to thy self, and let him liveTo glory in thy shame? Nor is he innocent;He had before crept slily into her bosome,And practised thy dishonor.Lisi.You begin to stir me, Sir.Cas.How else could she be guiltyOf such contempt of thee? and in the eyeOf all the Kingdom, they conspir'd this stain,When they had cunning meetings, shall thy loveAnd blooming hopes be scatter'd thus, andLisimachusStand idle gazer?Lisi.What, Sir, will his deathAdvantage us, if she be false to me?So irreligious, and to touch her person—Pause, we may be observed.
EnterPhilocles,andLisander.
Lisa.'Tis the ProtectorAnd his son.Phi.Alas, poor Gentleman, I pittyHis neglect, but am not sorry for his Father.['Tis]a strange turne.Lisa.The whirligigs of Women.Phi.Your Graces servant.Cas.I am yours Gentlemen,And should be happy to deserve your loves.Phi.Now he can flatter.Lisa.In't Sir, to inlarge your sufferings, I haveA heart doth wishTheQ[u]eenhad known better to rewardYour love and merit.[Lisi.]If you would expressYour love to me, pray do not mention it,I must obey my fate.Phi.She will be marriedTo t'other Gentleman for certain then?Cas.I hope you'll wish 'em joy.Phi.Indeed I will, Sir.Lisa.Your Graces servant.[Exit.Cas.We are grownRidiculous, the pastime of the Court:Here comes another.
EnterSeleucus.
Sel.Where's your Son, my Lord?Cas.Like a neglected servant of his Mistress.Sel.I would ask him a question.Cas.What?Sel.Whether the Queen,As 'tis reported, lov'd him, he can tellWhether she promis'd what they talke of, marriage.Cas.I can resolve you that, Sir.Sel.She did promise?Cas.Yes.Sel.Then shee's a Woman, and your Son;Cas.What?Sel.Not worthy his blood, and expectation,If he be calme.Cas.There's no opposing destiny.Sel.I would cut the Throat.Cas.Whose throat?Sel.The destinies, that's all, your pardon, Sir,I amSeleucusstill, a poor shadowOth' World, a walking picture, it concernsNot me, I am forgotten by my stars.Cas.The Queen, with more discretion, might ha chosenThee.Sel.Whom?Cas.Thee,Seleucus.Sel.Me? I cannot dance, and frisk with due activity,My body is lead, I have too much phlegme, what shouldI do with a Kingdome? no,ArcadiusBecomes the cushion, and can please, yet settingAside the trick that Ladies of Blood look at,Another Man might make a shift to weareRich Clothes, sit in the chair of state, and nod,Dare venture on discourse, that does not trenchOn compliment, and think the study of ArmesAnd Arts, more commendable in a Gentleman,Than any Galliard.Cas.Arcadius,And you, were reconcil'd.Sel.We? yes, oh yes,But 'tis not manners now to say we are friends,At our equality there had been reason,But now subjection is the word.Cas.They are notYet married.Sel.I'll make no Oath upon't,My LordLisimachus,A word, you'll not be angry if I love you,May not a Batchellor be made a Cuckold?Lisi.How, Sir?Cas.Lisimachus, this GentlemanIs worth our embrace, hee's spirited,And may be useful.Sel.Hark you, can you tellWhere's the best Dancing-master? and you meanTo rise at Court, practise to caper, farewelThe noble science, that makes work for cutlers,It will be out of fashion to weare swords,Masques, and devices welcome, I salute you,Is it not pitty any divisionShould be heard out of Musick? Oh 'twill beAn excellent age of crotchets; and of Canters.Buy Captains, that like fools will spend your bloodOut of your Country, you will be of lessUse than your feathers, if you return unman'dYou shall be beaten soon to a new march,When you shall think it a discretionTo sell your glorious buffes to buy fine pumps,And pantables, this is I hope no treason.
EnterArcadiusleading theQueen, Charia, Eubulus, Lisander, Philocles, Polidora,servant.
Cas.Wot stayLisimachus?Lisi.Yes, Sir,And shew a patience above her injury.Arc.This honor is too much, Madam, assumeYour place, and letArcadiuswaite still:'Tis happiness enough to be your servant.Cas.Now he dissembles.Que.Sir, you must sit.Arc.I am obedient.Que.This is not MusickSprightly enough, it feeds the soul with melancholy.How sayesArcadius?Arc.Give me leave to thinkThere is no harmony but in your voice,And not an accent of your heavenly tongue,But strikes me into rapture, I inclineTo think, the tale ofOrpheusno fable,'Tis possible he might inchant the Rocks,And charme the Forrest, soften hell, hell it self,With his commanding Lute, it is no miracleTo what you work, whose very breath conveyesThe hearer into Heaven, how at your lips,Day-winds gather Perfumes, proudly glide away,To disperse sweetness round about the world.Sel.Fine stuff.Que.You cannot flatter.Arc.Not, if I should say,Nature had plac'd you here the creatures wonder,And her own spring, from which all excellenceOn Earth's deriv'd, and copyed forth, and whenThe character of fair, and good in othersIs quite worne out, and lost, looking on youIt is supply'd, and you alone made mortalTo feed, and keep alive all beauty.Sel.Ha, ha, Can you indure it Gentlemen?Lisa.What do you meane?Sel.Nay, ask him what he meanes, mine is a downRight laugh.Que.Well, Sir, proceed.Arc.At such bright eyes the stars do light themselves,At such a forehead Swans renew their white,From such a lip the morning gathers blushes.Sel.The morning is more modest than thy praises,What a thing does he make her?Arc.And when you flie to Heaven and leave this worldNo longer maintenance of goodness from you:Then Poetry shall lose all use with us,And be no more, since nothing in your absenceIs left, that can be worthy of a Verse.Sel.Ha, ha.Que.Whose that?Sel.'Twas I, Madam.Arc.Seleucus?Cas.Ha?Sel.Yes, Sir, 'twas I that laugh'd.Arc.At what?Sel.At nothing.Lisa.Contain your self,Seleucus.Eub.Are you mad?Que.Have you ambition to be punish'd, Sir?Sel.I need not, 'twas punishmentEnough to hear him make an Idol of you, he leftOut the commendation of your patience, I was a littleMov'd in my nature, to hear his Rodomontados, andMake a monster of his Mistress, which I pitty'd first,But seeing him proceed, I guest he brought youMirth with his inventions, and so made bold to laugh at it.Que.You are sawcy,We'll place you where you sha'not be so merry,Take him away.Lisa.Submit your self.Arc.Let me plead for his pardon.Sel.I wo'd not owe my life so poorly, beg thy own,When you are King you cannot bribe your destiny.Eub.Good Madam hear me, I fear he is distracted,Brave boy, thou should'st be Master of a soulLike his: thy honors more concern'd.Sel.'Tis charity,A way wo' mee, 'boy Madam?Cas.He has a daring spirit.[Ex.Sel. Eub. Cas.Arc.These, and a thousand more affronts I mustExpect: your favors draw them all upon me;In my first state I had no enemies,I was secure, while I did grow beneathThis expectation, humble valleys thrive withTheir bosomes full of flowers, when the Hills meltWith lightning, and rough anger of the clouds,Let me retire.Que.And canArcadiusAt such a breath be mov'd, I had opinionYour courage durst have stood a tempest forOur love, can you for this incline to leaveWhat other Princes should in vain have sued for?How many Lovers are inEpirenowWould throw themselves on danger, not expectOne enemy, but empty their own veins,And think the loss of all their blood rewarded,To have one smile of us when they are dying?And shall this murmur shake you?Arc.Not dear Madam,My life is such a poor despised thing,In value your least graces, thatTo lose it were to make my self a victory,It is not for my self, I fear: the envyOf others cannot fasten wound in meGreater, than that your goodness should be check'dSo daringly.Que.Let not those thoughts afflict thee,While we have power to correct the offences,Arcadiusbe mine, this shall confirm it.Arc.I shall forget,And lose my way to heaven, that touch had beenEnough to have restor'd me, and infus'dA spirit of a more celestial nature,After the tedious absence of my soul,Oh bless me not too much, one smile a dayWould stretch my life to mortality;Poets that wrap divinity in tales,Look here, and give your coppies forth of angels,What blessing can remain?Que.Our Marriage.Arc.Place then some horrors in the wayFor me, not you, to pass, the journeys endHolds out such glories to me, I should thinkHell but a poor degree of suffering for it,What's that, some petition? a Letter to me.You had a Polidora, ha, that's all.Ith'minu[t]ewhen my vessels new lanch'd forth,With all my pride, and silken wings about meI strike upon a Rock: What power can save me?You had aPolidora; there's a nameKill'd with grief, I can so soon forget her.Ser.She did impose on me this service, Sir,And while she lives she sayes, shee'll pray for you.Arc.She lives,That's well, and yet 'twere better, for my fame,And honor, she were dead; What fate hath plac'd meUpon this fearful precipice?Ser.He's troubled.Arc.I must resolve, my faith is violatedAlready, yet poor lovingPolidoraWill pray for me, she sayes, to think she canRender me hated to my self, and everyThought's a tormentor, let me then be just.Que.Arcadius.Arc.That voice prevailes agen, ohPolidora,Thou must forgiveArcadius, I dare notTurn rebel to a Princess, I shall loveThy vertue, but a Kingdom has a charmeTo excuse ourf[r]ailty, dearest Madam.Que.Now set forward.Arc.To perfect all our joyes.
EnterMacarius,and aBishop, Casander.
Mac.I'll fright their glories.Cas.By what means?Mac.Observe.Arc.Our good Unckle, welcome.Que.My LordMacarius, we did want your person,There's something in our joyes wherein you share.Mac.This you intend your highness wedding day.Que.We are going.Mac.Save you laborI have brought a Priest to meet you.Arc.Reverend Father.Que.Meet us, Why?Mac.To tell you, that you must not Marry.Cas.Didst thou hear that,Lisimachus?Lisi.And wonder what will follow.Que.We must not marry.Bish.Madam, 'tis a ruleFirst made in heaven, and I must needs declareYou andArcadiusmust tie no knotOf Man and Wife.Arc.Is my Unckle mad?Que.Joy has transported him,Or age has made him dote,MacariusProvoke us not too much, you will presumeAbove our mercy.Mac.I'll discharge my duty,Could your frown strike me dead, my Lord, you knowWhose character this is.Cas.It isTheodosius,Your graces Father.Bis.I am subscribed a witness.Phi.Upon my life 'tis his.Mac.Fear not, I'll cross this Match.Cas.I'll bless thee for't.Arc.Unckle, d'ee know what you do, or what we areGoing to finish? you will not break the neck of my gloriousFortune, now my foots ith' stirrup, and mounting,Throw me over the saddle? I hope you'll let oneBe a King, Madam, 'tis as you say,My Unckle is something craz'd,there'sa wormIn's brain, but I beseech you pardon him, he isNot the first of your counsel, that has talk'dIdly, d'ee hear my Lord Bishop, I hopeYou have more Religion than to joyn with himTo undoe me.Bis.Not I Sir, but I am commanded by oath,And conscience to speak truth.Arc.If your truth should do me any harm, I shall neverBe in charity with a Croziers staffe, look too't.Que.My youngest Brother.Cas.Worse and worse, my brains.[Exit.Mac.Deliver['d]to me an Infant with this writing,To which this reverend Father is a witness.Lisa.This he whom we so long thought dead, a childe?Que.But what should make my Father to trust himTo your concealment? give abroad his death, and buryAn empty coffin?Mac.A jealousie he hadUponCassander, whose ambitious brainHe fear'd would make no conscience to deposeHis son, to makeLisimachusKing ofEpire.Que.He made no scruple to expose me thenTo any danger?Mac.He secur'd you, Madam,By an early Engagement of your affectionToLisimachus, exempt this testimony,Had he beenArcadius, and my Nephew,I needed not obtrude him on the state,Your love and marriage had made him KingWithout my trouble, and sav'd that ambition,There was necessity to open nowHis birth, and title.Phi.Demetriusalive.Arc.What riddles are these, Whom do they talk of?Omn.Congratulate your return to life, and honor,And as becomes us, with one voice salute you,DemetriusKing ofEpire.Mac.I am no Uncle, Sir, this is your Sister,I should have suffer'd incest to have kept youLonger ith' dark: love, and be happy both,My trust is now discharg'd.Lisa.And we rejoyce.Arc.But do not mock me, Gentlemen,May I be bold upon your words to sayI am PrinceTheodosiusSon?Mac.The King.Arc.You'll justifie it?Sister, I am very glad to see you.Sop.I am to find a brother, and resign my glory,My triumph is my shame.[Exit.
EnterCassander.
Cas.Thine earLisimachus.Arc.Gentlemen I oweUnto your loves, as large acknowledgmentAs to my birth, for this great honor, andMy study shall be equal to be thoughtWorthy of both.Cas.Thou art turn'd Marble.Lisi.There will be the less charge for my Monument.Cas.This must not be, sit fast young King.[Exit.Lisi.Your sister, Sir, is gone.Arc.My sister should have been my Bride, that namePuts me in mind ofPolidora, ha?Lisander, Philocles, Gentlemen,If you will have me think your hearts allow meTheodosiusson, oh quickly snatch some wings,Express it in your haste toPolidora,Tell her what title is new dropt from heavenTo make her rich; onely created for me:Give her the ceremony of my Queen,With all the state that may become our Bride,Attend her to this throne; Are you not there?Yet stay, 'tis too much pride to send for her,Wee'll go our self, no honor is enoughForPolidora, to redeem our fault,Salute her gently from me, and, uponYour knee, present her with this Diadem,'Tis our first gift, tell herDemetriusfollowsTo be her guest, and give himself a servantTo her chast bosome, bid her stretch her heartTo meet me, I am lost in joy and wonder.[Exeunt Omnes.