Ther. As I do every place you’re pleas’d to bless. Heaven were not Heaven, were Gods not present there; And where you are, ‘tis Heaven every where.
Cleo. Look, Clemanthis—on yonder tuft of Trees, Near which there is a little murmuring Spring, From whence a Rivulet does take its rise, And branches forth in Channels through the Garden; —’Twas near a place like that—where first I sawClemanthis. [Sighing.
Ther. Madam, be pleas’d to add, ‘twas also thereClemanthisleft his Liberty at the Feet Of DivineCleomena; And charg’d himself with those too glorious Chains, Never to be dismist but with his Life. [She rising in anger, he kneels.
Cleo. How,Clemanthis!
Ther. Ah! Madam, if I too presumptuous grow,From your Commands, and all your Bounties to me,You should forgive the Pride you do create,And all its strange Effects;Which if I have mistaken, let me die.Only this Mercy grant me, to believe,That if our Adorations please the Gods,Mine cannot be offensive to my Princess,Since they are equally Religious.
Cleo. Stranger—before I punish thy Presumption,Inform me who it is that has offended?Who giving me no other knowledge of him,Than what his sword has done—dares raise his Eyes to me?
Ther. Madam, what you demand is just,And I had rather die than disobey you;But I am constrain’d by a Necessity(Which when you know, you certainly will pardon)For some time to conceal my Birth and Name.
Cleo. Till then you should have kept your Flame conceal’d, ’. had been less disobliging from a criminal one, Whose Quality had justify’d his Boldness.
Ther. Ah! Madam, wou’d Heaven and you wou’d find no other Difficulty Than want of Quality to merit you!
Cleo. I must confess,Clemanthis, with a Blush, That nothing of the rest displeases me.
Ther. Ah, Madam, how you bless me!And now with Confidence I dare assure you,That which should render me more worthy of you,Shall be in me found more to your Advantage,Than in those Princes who have taken on ‘emThe Glory of your Service.
Cleo. As I am very reasonable, and do actWith more Sincerity than Artifice,I’ll now desire no more.But have a care you use my Bounty well;For I am now grown kind enough to thinkThat all you say is true.
Ther. Madam, banish me your Presence, as the ManOf all the World unworthy to adore you,If I present not to you inClemanthisA Man enough considerable to hope.
Cleo. But oh! Clemanthis, I forgot my Fate,My Destiny depends upon my People;Urg’d by the Queen, they’ve made a ResolutionTo give me to that Prince who does most powerfullyAdvance the Ruin of the King ofScythia.
Ther. Madam, I am not ignorant of the ConditionsThat are impos’d on those who pretend to you;I will not only serve you in this WarWith more Success than any,But set the Crown ofScythiaon your Head.
Cleo. That’s bravely said.
Ther. Perhaps it seems extravagantly spoken,In the Condition you behold me now;But here I vow—I never will demand[Kneels.The DivineCleomenatill I have crown’d her—Yes, Madam, till I have crown’d her Queen ofScythia.—Till then—give me but hope—enough, to live—[Rises.
Cleo. That’s to your Passion due; and when I know Who ‘tis I favour—I will more allow.
Sem. Madam, the Queen is here.
EnterQueen, Honorius, Artabazes, Ismenes,Guards,Attendants, &c.
Queen. I am glad to see you all in Readiness;To morrow I intend to be i’th’ Camp,—AndCleomenais your General;Since ‘tis her Cause we fight, it is but justShe share the Danger of it with the Glory.
Arta. We all approve it, Madam, and are proudFairCleomenashall a Witness beOf what we do to serve her,And see the easy Conquest we shall makeUpon the Persons of her Enemies.
Hon. I know not, Sir, what you may do, But we have found it not so easy.
Arta. Oh, there’s no doubt, but we’ll depopulateScythia, And lead its King, with the vain Prince his Son, Loaden with Irons, to adorn your Triumphs.
Ther. Madam, I must confess your Force is great,And the Assistance of these Men considerable;Yet I advise your Majesty to prepareFor the Defeat of the great King ofScythia,As to a Business much more difficultThan they present it to you: for I knowThe Forces of that Nation are not less.[Looks with scorn on them.—Consider too, that King was never conquer’d,Though these believe to do’t with so much ease.I oft have seenThersander, that young Prince,Upon whose Sword Fortune her self depends,—And I can tell—he’s not so easily chain’d,As,Artabazes, you imagine him.
Arta. What, do you think to fright us with the PraisesYou give our Enemies?—I have heard of that King, and ofThersandertoo;But never heard of so much Terror in ‘em,Should make us apprehend an ill Success;—And you,Clemanthis, do not know us well,To think we’ll tremble for the Prince ofScythia,Though many such as you should take his part.
Ther. How, many such as I! [Gomes up to his Breast. Gods! with your selves no other Enemies To join with that young Prince; To conquer him and many such as I, Requires a Number of such Kings as you.
Ism. It is too much,Clemanthis; were you well Affected to the Service of the Queen, You would not thus commend her Enemies.
Ther. Madam, I humbly beg your Pardon,I have fail’d in the Respect I owe you,By what I’ve said in favour of your Enemies,Whom, whilst you think so easily o’ercome,You will neglect that Power should make you Victor.
Qu. ‘Tis Virtue, Sir, that makes you give what’s due,Though to the Advantage of those Men you hate——I must not have you take ought ill from him. [To theKing.But as you’ve all unanimously join’dTo assist us in this War, so all embrace,[Ther.salutes ‘em coldly.Be one and ever Friends.Brother, I leave the Conduct of this hopeful Army [ToHon.To your unquestion’d Care; and if you can,Oblige this noble Stranger for ever in our Service.
Cleo. Uncle, I’ll to the Camp with you; And you,Clemanthis, must be near me still.
[Ther.bows. All go out butTher. Hon. Lysan.
Hon. Clemanthis, you are troubled.
Ther. I was a little ruffled, but ‘tis gone.
Hon. You shou’d not blame them, Sir, for envying you, A Man so young, and such a Name in War.
Ther. That, Sir, is only your Esteem of it.
Hon. No, dearClemanthis, that I may declareTo all the World and thee, how much I prize it,Without consulting of your Quality,I’ll make you absolute Master of my Fortune.
Ther. Heav’ns! whence this Generosity? [Aside.
Hon. I have a Daughter, Sir, an only Child,Whom all the World esteems a virtuous one,And for whose Love Princes have su’d in vain,I now with Joy will render you in Marriage.
Ther. I am undone! [Aside.It is a Princess, Sir, I must admire,But never durst behold her with Eyes of Love,A Maid so much above me.
Hon. I am a Man, whose martial DispositionRenders me too unartful in my Language;I cannot study Fineness in my Words,But with Sincerity declare my Heart,And do propose this Marriage withOlympia,For your Advantage and the publick Interest,Besides my own Content.
Ther. Have you consider’d, Sir, I am below her?
Hon. No more of that; go visit myOlympia, She is prepared to give you Entertainment. [Ex. Hon.
Ther. MarryOlympia!No, cou’d he with Olympia give the World,I could not love, nor marry her.—Oh, my Lysander! what evasion now?—Didst hear the noble Offer of the General?
Lys. I did, great Sir, and what will you return?
Ther. If I refuse, I must offend the ManTo whom of all the World I am most oblig’d,And one who knowing me but by my Services,Offers me whatThersandermight accept.
Lys. It’s fit you should consult the Princess, Sir, What ‘tis you ought to do.
Ther. I’ll take thy Counsel—and wait uponOlympia: —Yes, I will go visit her, though but to prove No Torment can be like dissembled Love.
[Exeunt.
_Enter Queen, Cleomena, Honorius.
Qu. Is’t possible, my Brother, you can haveSo great a Passion for the publick good,As willingly to sacrifice your Child to its Repose,And make her Arms the soft and easy ChainsTo link this gallant Stranger to our Interest?
Hon. His Virtue I prefer above a Crown.
Cleo. You shou’d love Virtue as you ought to love it; Not give it over-measure—But are you sure he will accept it?
Hon. I am not certain, being not come so far; But I propos’d it, and no doubt he lik’d it.
Cleo. This cannot be his Malice; for he was ever noble,[Hon.talks to theQueen.But false or feign’d, I can endure no more on’t:—By Heaven, this Stranger’s false! false as his Name!—Semirisfound him gazing on her Picture:—’Tis so—he lovesOlympia!And when I ask the Name of her he lov’d,I urg’d it with such softness in my Eyes,That he in Pity of me swore ‘twas I:—Now can I find how much my Soul’s possestWith Love, since ‘tis with Jealousy opprest.[Goes out.
Qu. How do you like the Trial ofOrsames, Which I intend to make?
Hon. You’ll oblige your People, and do a Mother’s Duty.
Qu. You know ‘twas not the Tyrant in my Nature, That from his Infancy has kept him ignorant Of what he was—but the Decrees of Heaven.
Hon. Madam, ‘tis true; and if the Gods be just, He must be King too, though his Reign be short: You cannot alter those Decrees of Heaven.
Qu. The Gods are Witness how these eighteen Years I have with much Regret conceal’d his Birth.
Hon. You know the last Defeat theScythiansgave us,Th’ impatient People broke the Castle-gates,And against all your Powers were ready to have crown’d him;And shou’d we now be conquer’d, nothing lessWill still the mutinous Army: try him, Madam,He may be fit for great Impressions,Had he but good Examples to dispose him.
Qu. I’ll have it done to night. Heaven, if it be thy Will, inspire my Son With Virtue fit to wear his Father’s Crown. [Exeunt.
Scene draws off, discoversThersanderseemingly courtingOlympia.EnterCleomena;sees them, starts, gazeson them, then goes out unseen. The Scene closes andchanges to her Apartment.—She enters in a Rage—
Cleo. Perfidious Man! am I abandon’d then? [Rage.Abandon’d forOlympia! my Slave—And yet I lov’d him more than I did Heaven— [Soft.And shall he quit me thus?Without being punish’d for this Infidelity?—No, let me be a shame to all my Sex then—Oh,Clemanthis! to whom I fondly gave my Liberty,When first I saw thee sleeping in the Wood.—But I grow soft, a Passion too unfitFor so much Anger as my Soul’s possess’d with;’.was but even now he lov’d me with such Ardor,And he who promis’d me the Crown ofScythia,Dar’st thou become unjust, ungrateful Stranger!Who having rais’d thy Eyes toCleomena,Would sacrifice her to another Mistress?—This Heart, which ought not to’ve been given away,But by the Services and Blood of Kings,How hast thou lost it on a false Unknown,Without being paid for it one single Sigh!—
EnterThersander;she draws a Dagger; offers to killhim, but cannot.
Traitor—hast thou the impudence to appear before me,Or dost thou come to meet thy just Reward?[Offers to stab him.—There’s something in his Looks that does preserve him,Or I’m not truly brave, and dare not kill him.—Go, treacherous Unknown, whom I’ve preferr’dBefore so many Princes, who in vainSue for this credulous Heart which thou’st betray’d.
Ther. Ah! Madam, can you be thus cruel to me, And not inform me how I have offended?
Cleo. Be gone, I say, if thou would’st save a Life, Which those that dare do evil fear to lose.
Ther. Those Eyes thus order’d are far worse than Death.End what you have so well begun,And kill me;Yet from another’s HandThe Blow would he less cruel.
Cleo. Oh, Impudence!Still he wou’d cheat my Rage, as he has abus’d my Love;But, Monster, though thou art below my Hand,I’m yet a Princess, and I can command.By Heaven, I’ll try how much Rage can invent.Semiris, callQlympiato me strait;She shall in Triumph with me stand and smile,To see thee by some Vassal bleed.
Ther. There needs no other witness of my Death.But her I have offended;To you alone I offer up my Life: for dying,I’ve something to relate may justify your Rage,Though not deserve your Pity.
Cleo. Hell!Now I’m confirm’d, he fears that she should seeHim die, lest it should cost her but a Tear;—Why should I want the Strength?—But Oh, I cannot.[Offers to present the Dagger.But canst thou live, false Man, and see me frown?
Ther. No, Madam, I can die—thus—[Offers to fall on his Sword.
Cleo. Stay—Thou shalt not so much Glory gain:No, live, and prove wretched enough to knowHow very poorly thou hast lost my Heart.[Ex. raving.[Ther.gazes after her.
Ther. Must I then live?—I will obey—farewel,The fairest and unkindest of thy Sex;If e’er it be thy chance to meet with oneThat loves more thanThersander, if thou canstTreat him worse than thou hast done me—For oh! how miserable is the Wretch, whose PrayerRepuls’d, like me, lives only to despair.
[Exit.
The Curtain is let down—being drawn up, discoversOrsamesseated on a Throne asleep, drest in Royal Robes, the Crown and Sctpter lying by on a Table. Geronnear the Throne. On either side of the Stage, Courtiers ready drest, and multitude of Lights. Above is discovered theQueen, Olympia,and Women, Pimante, Artabazes, Ismenes;Soft Musick plays;—whilst he wakes by degrees, and gazes round about him, and on himself with Wonder.
Ors.—Gods! what am I? —Or, is there any other God but I?
Ger. Yes, my great Lord; But you’re a King, a mighty Monarch, Sir.
Ors. I understand thee, ‘tis some God thou mean’st.
Ger. On Earth it is: your Power too is as great;Your Frowns destroy, and when you smile you bless;At every Nod the whole Creation bows,And lay their grateful Tributes at your Feet;Their Lives are yours, and when you deign to take ‘em,There’s not a Mortal dares defend himself:But that you may the more resemble Heaven,You should be merciful and bountiful.
Ors. I do believe I am the King thou speak’st of.
Ger. Behold this Crown—this sacred Thing is yours.
[Kneels and gives him the Scepter and Crown; he puts it on, and walks about.
Ors. It is a glorious Object— And fit for none but me—
Olymp. Madam, methinks the King is the finest Man That e’er I saw—shall he not still be King?
Qu. I hope he will deserve it.
Ors. So, now methinks I move like Heaven itself, All circled round with Stars, —Hah! what’s this that kneels?
[TheQueenkneels, he snatches her up.
Ger. The Queen your Mother, Sir.—
Ors. By my great self it is another Woman,Which I have burnt with a desire of seeing.—Be gone, and leave us here alone together;I’ve something to impart to this fair Thing,Must not be understood by you.
Qu. Why, Sir, what is it you can impart to me, Which those about you must not understand?
Ors. A new Philosophy inspir’d by Nature, And much above whatever Geron taught. —Come and augment my Knowledge.
Qu. Why me, Sir, more than any one about you?
Ors. Thou art all soft and sweet like springing Flowers, And gentle as the undisturbed Air.
Qu. But I am your Mother.
Ors. No matter; thou’rt a Woman, art thou not? And being so, the Mother cannot awe me.
Ger. Sir, ‘tis the Person gave you Life and Being.
Ors. That gave me Life! oh, how I love thee for’t! Come—and I’ll pay thee back such kind Returns—
Ger. Most Royal Sir, this Woman was Not made by Heaven—for you.
Ors. Away with your Philosophy; but now you said— I was a King, a mighty God on Earth, And by that Power I may do any thing.
Ger. But Kings are just as well as powerful, Sir.
Ors. I am so to my self, do not oppose me.
Ger. Sir, this one is not meant, not form’d for you.
Ors. Am I a God, and can be disobey’d?Remove that Contradiction from my sight,And let him live no longer: ha, more Women![Exit Geron.
EnterOlympiaand other Women.
Oh Nature, how thou’st furnish’d me with Store!And finer far than this—[Gazes onOlympia.—But what is that whose Eyes give Laws to all,And like the Sun, eclipse the lesser Lights?
Qu. Speak to him,Olympia.
Ors. Who tells me what she is?
Olym. Oh, how I tremble!—Sir, I am a Maid.
Ors. A Maid! and may you be approacht with Knees and Prayers [Kneels.
Olym. I am your Slave, you must not kneel to me— Takes him up.
Ors. How soon my Glory’s vanisht!Till now I did believe I was some God,And had my Power and my DivinityWithin my Will; but by this awful Fear,I find thou art the greater Deity:—Pray tell me, fairest, are you not a Woman?
Olym. I am a Woman, and a Virgin, Sir.
Ors. I did believe that thou wert something more,For I have seen a Woman, and ne’er knewSo much Disorder in my Soul before:—For every Look of thine gives me a Pain,And draws my Heart out of its wonted Seat.
Olym. Alas, Sir, have I hurt you?
Ors. Extremely hurt me, thou hast a secret Power,And canst at distance wound,Which none but Heaven and you cou’d ever do.—But ‘twas my Fault; had I not gaz’d on thee,I had been still a King, and full of Health.—Here—receive this Crown, ‘tis now unfit for me,Since thou hast greater Power—whilst it sits here—[He takes off his Crown, and puts it on her.It looks like Stars fall’n from their proper Sphere:—So, now they’re fixt again.
Qu. Pimante, speak to him to take it back.
Pim. He kills me with his Looks. —Sir, when you part with this, you’ll be despis’d; Your Glory, and your Thunder, all will vanish.
Ors. I yet have something that shall make thee fear, I’m still a King, though I must bow to her; Take him away to Death immediately—
Pim. Any where to be out of your Sight— A King, quotha? [Exit.
Ors. Come, my fair Virgin, this shall be my Altar, And I will place thee here, my Deity.
Qu. Great Sir, that Throne is only fit for you.
Ors. I say again, I’ll have it fit for two:Thou art a Woman, thank the Gods for that:—Ascend, my lovely Virgin, and adorn it;Ascend, and be immortal as my self.
Art. That Throne she was not born to.
Ors. Into the Sea with that bold Counsellor, And let him there dispute with Winds and Waves. [Art. ex.
Being seated on a Throne, enter several in Masquerades,and dance.
—Cou’d I be sensible of any Pleasure,But what I take in thee, this had surpriz’d me.
Olym. A Banquet, Sir, attends you.
Ors. Dispose me as you please, my lovely Virgin; For I’ve resign’d my Being to your Will, And have no more of what I call my own, Than Sense of Joys and Pains, which you create. [They rise, and sit down at a Banquet. He gazes on her.
Olym. Will you not please to eat?
Ors. It is too gross a Pleasure for a King.Sure, if they eat, ‘tis some celestial Food,As I do by gazing on thy Eyes—Ah, lovely Maid—
Olym. Why do you sigh, Sir?
Ors. For something which I want; yet having thee, What more can Heaven bestow to gratify My Soul and Sense withal?
Olym. Sir, taste this Wine; Perhaps ‘twill alter that deceiv’d Opinion, And let you know the Error of your Passion; ’.will cause at least some Alteration in you.
Ors. Why shouldst thou ask so poor a Proof of me? But yet, I will obey,—give me the Wine.
[They put something into the Bowl.
Olym. How do you like it, Sir?
Ors. Why—well; but I am still the same.Come, give it me again—’tis very pleasant—Will you not taste it too?—Methinks my Soul is grown more gay and vigorous;What I have drank, has deify’d thee more,Heightens the Pleasure which I take to gaze on thee,And sends a thousand strange uneasy Joys,That play about my Heart, and more transport me—Drink, my fair Virgin, and perhaps thy EyesMay find some Charms in me to make thee thus.
Olym. Alas, they’ve found already but too many. [Aside.
Ors. I thought I must have gaz’d on thee for ever;—But oh! my Eyes grow heavy in the Play,As if some strange Divinity about meTold me my Safety lay in their Declension.—It is not Sleep!—sure, Kings do never sleep;That were a low submission to a PowerA Monarch shou’d despise—but yet ‘tis so:Ye Gods, am I but mortal then?Or do you ever sleep? I find ye do!But I must—and lose this lovely Object:Grant, oh ye Gods, that I may find it in a Dream,Let her Idea hover about my Soul,And keep it still in this harmonious Order—And gently blow the Flame’t has kindled there.[Falls asleep.
EnterGeron, Pimante,andArates.
Pim. Are you sure he’s asleep?
Ger. How do you like him, Madam?
Qu. I fear he is a Tyrant in his Nature.
Ger. But since he can be tam’d by Love and Beauty, You should not doubt but he’ll be fit to reign.
Qu. Remove him now into his own Apartment, And still continue to impose upon him, Till you receive new Orders.
[Exeunt.
EnterCleo.with a Truncheon in her Hand, a Sword and a Quiver of Arrows by her side, withSemiris.
Sem. Madam, you are sad, As if you doubted your Success to day.
Cleo. There are some Moments wherein I do repent me The too rash Banishment of poorClemanthis. How did he take the Letter which I sent?
Sem. As Persons innocent and full of HealthReceive unlookt-for Sentences of Death;He sigh’d, and said he wou’d obey your Will:And, Madam, had you seen his silent Grief,You wou’d have thought him innocent.
Cleo. Innocent! banish that foolish Pity from your Heart,That wou’d persuade thee he is innocent.Did I not see him courting of Olympia?And can my Eyes deceive me?
Sem. Olympia, Madam! Gods, what do I hear! Till now I did not know his Fault of Banishment.
Cleo. And was’t not cause enough?
Sem. Ah, Madam, what Injustice have you done?BeforeClemanthiscame into your Cabinet,He entertain’d me for a pretty whileWith the Intentions of your generous Uncle;He told me how he offer’d himOlympia,And that he durst not seem to disesteem it,Being your Uncle, and a Man to whomHe ow’d so much; but most to hide his Passion:And then was coming to consult with you,How he should manage this Affair with him.
Cleo. And is this Truth thou tell’st me, dearSemiris?
Sem. Madam, I do not use t’abuse your Credit.
Cleo. Fly then,Semiris, and reverse his Doom.
Sem. Would I knew whither, Madam.
Cleo. Why, is he no longer then in the Camp?
Sem. Ah, Madam, is he longer in the World? For ‘tis impossible to be imagin’d He parted hence with any Thought of Life.
Cleo. Send ev’ry way to find him—hark, I’m call’d— [Trumpets sound. And he that finds him first, is made for ever. Oh Jealousy, thou Passion most ingrate! Thy Ills procure more Mischief than thy Hate. ’.is thou art Tyrant, when Love bears the blame, ’.is pity thou’rt consistent with Love’s Flame. I’ll not my Weakness nor Resentment show; A Heart like mine, should sooner break than bow. —Come, mySemiris, we too long have stay’d; That Call, till now, was never disobey’d.
[Trumpets sound. Ex.
EnterAmintas,drest fine, withUrania.
Ura. Within this Shade till the black Day be past, I will attend thy Fortune, or thy Fate.
Amin. The King has taken Horse, the Fight’s begun, And I must leave thee to the Gods and Prayer.
Ura. Why was I made a Woman? or being so,Why had I not a masculine Courage given me?That side by side I might have shar’d thy Glory,Or have expir’d together?
Amin. Thou wilt undo me with this Tenderness.Come send me kindly from thee,With Joys about my Heart that may preserve it;Here rest till my Return; farewel, my Fair.
Ura. And if I never see thee more, farewel— [Amin.exit. Here I will lay me down, and never rise, Till thou return’st with Laurel, or with Cypress. [Sits down. Now I cou’d curse the Fortune of my Prince, Who quits a Father for an Enemy, To satisfy a Flame will ruin him. [A noise of Fighting. —The Fight increases; Oh ye Gods of Battel, In midst of all your Rage preserve my Love.
EnterArtabazesover the Stage, and goes out.
Art. My Nephew kill’d! and I dismounted too! oh curst Fate!
Ura. This Noise has comfort in’t, it sounds like Victory.
[A hollowing within amongst the noise of Fighting. EnterAmintas.
—Oh Gods!Amintas! what has Fortune done?
Amin. The undauntedScythiansnever lost the Field;Yet now at first ‘twas doubtfulTo which side Fortune would incline her selfIsmeneskill’d where’er he turn’d his Sword,And quite defeated ourAgrippianForces;Yet was not satisfy’d, knowing the KingTo be the Price ofCleomena’sHeart,But sought him out on all sides,Whom ‘twas not hard to find;For he was hurrying now from Rank to Rank,Distributing a Death to all Opposers.But youngIsmeneshaving pierc’d the Squadrons,And knowing our great King by several Marks,Boldly cry’d out,—Defend the Life I claim.The King made no Reply, but at that WordPrepar’d himself to fight.
Ura. Thou kill’st me, till thou bring’st him off again.
Amin. Disorder’d thus—theDaciantook Advantage,And charg’d with so much Vigour—we gave Ground;When on that side the single Combat was,There appear’d a Body of two thousand Horse,Led by a Man, whose Looks brought Victory,And made the conquering Foe retire again:But when he did perceive the King engag’d,With unresisted Fury he made up,And rushing in between them,Gave the young Prince a blow upon his Head,That struck him from his Horse.After this VictoryThersander’sNameDid fly from Mouth to Mouth,Inspiring everyScythianwith new Valour:He kill’dPhilemon, and forc’dArtabazesTo seek his Safety by his Horse’s Flight;—But here’s the King—retire into this Wood.[Ura.Ex.
EnterKing, Thersander,Officers, and Soldiers.
King. Let me once more embrace my dearThersander.
Amin. The Prince is wounded, Sir.
King. He is—but they look lovely on him.
Ther. They’re too slight Marks to give you of my Duty; Your Majesty has greater need of Care.
King. Thou art my best Physician, and thy sightHeals all the Wounds I have: come in with me,And let me lay thee to my panting Bosom,Thou great Preserver of my Crown and Life.
Ther. I’ll wait upon you, Sir,[Exeunt all butTher.andAmin.Now let me take thee to my Arms, my Friend;For thou art half my self, my dearAmintas:I have strange News to tell thee since we parted,And need thy Counsel in an Affair of Love—Thou know’st my business to the Dacian CourtWas to have set thee free; but oh, my Friend!In lieu of that I’ve made my self a Captive.
Amin. Your Story, Sir, I know, but heard withal, The Princess did repay your grateful Flame.
Ther. I thought she did, for so a while she seem’d;And when I thought my self the most secure,Being fortify’d with all her new-made Promises,My blooming Hopes were blasted e’er full-blown,And I receiv’d her Orders for my Banishment,Which I as soon obey’d: but by the way,I did conceive a thousand Revolutions,Sometimes to serve my Princess—then my Father;Sometimes ‘twas Nature got the upper hand,And then again ‘twas Love: in this DisputeI met the Levies of theIsadons,Who were the last of all our Cavalry,To whom I made me known, and came so luckily,As gain’d the yet-disputing Victory.
Amin. ‘Twas in an happy Moment.
Ther. Thus I comply’d with what I ow’d my Duty.But these of Love are still unsatisfy’d:Dare I, who could offend to that degree,As to deserve a Banishment from her,Approach her uninvited?
Amin. ‘Twas dangerous, Sir.
Ther. Then ‘twere the fitter for my Enterprise:—But her Displeasure—oh, myCleomena!If, for the Punishment of my Disobedience,You’d only take away that Life you threaten,How willingly I wou’d resign it up,Rather than undergo this Separation!
Amin. You’ll certainly expose your Life by going:What other Reason could she have to banish you,But from her Knowledge that you wereThersander?And, Sir, you see her Passion forClemanthisCou’d not o’ercome her Hatred for her Enemy.
Ther. No, when I call to mind her cruel Words;If chusing me before so many Kings,I find ‘twas to the Stranger, not theScythian,She killingly addrest ‘em; therefore I’ll venture on in my Design:—Give order that our Horses be made ready,Whilst I excuse our Absence to the King; our stay will not be long:Mean time it may be thoughtWe’re gone to view the Camp;Interest and Love but rarely do agree,Yet I must reconcile ‘em both to me.
[Exeunt.
EnterQueen, Cleo. Hon. Arta. Ism.Women, Attendants.
Cleo. ‘Twas strangely lost, and yet I dare affirm,The Victory had been ours but forThersander,Who like the impetuous Sea oppos’d by Land,Made Breaches, and o’erflow’d all that lay near it.
Ism. I had reveng’d you on the King ofScythia, Had his Arrival not prevented me.
Cleo. He is brave, without dispute.
Ism. And ‘tis as certain that he did surprize me,Without permitting time for my Defence,He had not else so soon dismounted me.But, Madam, I design (if you approve it)To fightThersanderin a single Combat.
Art. That Justice I may hope as well as you; He kill’d my Nephew, youngPhilemon, For which I’ll be reveng’d.
Qu. I cannot but commend that noble Ardor That carries you to those Designs of Glory; What thinks my Brother of it?
Hon. I like it, if the Victor will accept it.
Cleo. And so do I;And that we may do equal Justice to you all,We’ll writeThersander’sName,And he who draws that Name shall fight the Combat.
Hon. But are you sure he will accept the Offer?
Ism. I dare engage he will.
Cleo. I am of your Opinion; The only brave are never proud of Conquest, I’ll write his Name my self.
EnterPage.
Hon. What Shouts are these? [A Shout without.
Page. Madam,Clemanthisis arriv’d.
Qu. The News is welcome.
EnterTher.kneels, kisses theQueen’sHand; the same toCleomena—salutes all.
Ther. Madam, the great Necessity which made me leave you,When I believ’d my self unprofitable,Could not detain me when I was assur’dMy Sword could do you Service.
Qu. This Visit recompenses all our Loss, You’ve made it in a time you may redeem The Opinion your Absence almost forfeited.
Hon. Sir, I cou’d chide you too, but that your Sight Changes my Anger into kinder Welcomes.
Ther. I ought to suffer, Sir, in your Opinion, Till my Excuses may redeem my Credit.
Cleo. How great at once, and innocent he seems,And how his Eyes his past Offence redeems!Whilst all my Cruelties they seem t’ upbraid,They pardon too the Faults themselves have made.
Qu. I’m satisfy’d, and you are fitly come To share a Danger we are now disputing.
Ther. ‘Tis not the Danger, Madam, can divert me From enterprizing ought that is to serve you.
Art. Madam, consider who we are, And ought not to be rank’d with one below us.
Ther. Your Honour,Artabazes, is too nice;Would we could find in this Dispute, whate’er it be,That were the greatest Difficulty:—Madam, name your Commands.
Qu. We are drawing of a Lot To fightThersanderin a single Combat.
Ther. Hah—Thersander, Madam, is a Conqueror.
Ism. Since you’re so nice, we will excuse you, Sir.
Ther. What an unlucky accident was this! One Moment’s longer stay had made me happy, [Aside. And render’d up these Rivals to my Power.
Hon. Come, Sir, the Lots are ready. [They draw Lots. It falls toTher.
Ther. My Fears are all compleated— [Aside. The Lot is mine.
Cleo. Clemanthis, I’m so sensible of the Danger [Aside to him.Whereto you must expose your self for me,I cannot think with Pleasure on the VictoryYou possibly may gain.
Ther. Encourag’d thus, I cannot fail of Conquest; [Bows to her, and speaks low. But, Madam, ifThersanderbe as nice [Turns to the Queen. As these two Princes are, it will be hard To get him to accept a Challenge from me.
_Cleo. Clemanthis’. Deeds has rais’d his Fame too highTo be esteem’d unworthy of that Justice;Nor can we find theScythianPrince a FoeMore equal to his Youth and Valour too.
Ther. If Fortune bless me with Success to Day, I’ll owe it to your Cause and not my Sword.
Qu. May’st thou be ever Victor. [They lead him out.ManentArta. Ism.
Art. My Art shall fail me then.
Ism. You are displeas’d, Sir.
Art. Is that a Wonder?Who can be tame, and see an unknown Youth,Who brings no Forces but his single Arm,Ravish the Hope and Spoil of Victory from us.And rival us in Love as well as Glory,Whilst both our Claims toCleomena’sHeartMust be neglected since we want Success?
Ism. We could pretend to her no other way.
Art. Have you, or I, less Virtue thanClemanthis?
Ism. Yes, if we envy at his Merits.
Art. Pursue your virtuous Road, and in the endSee whether you or I reach first the Goal.I’ll take Revenge.[Art. exit.
Ism. I Honour will pursue,A Path which never led me to Repentance.—Clemanthis, if thy Life I basely sought,Like him, I’d save the Hazard of my own;But as thou’rt brave, so thou shalt bravely fallBeforeThersanderrob me of thy Life,Or thou the Fortune hast to vanquish him—And if in this Encounter I expire,I do but fall a Victim to an hopeless Fire.
[Exit.
DiscoversTher.andAmin.among the Trees, changingClothes; after which they come forth.
Ther. So, now thou dost appear so likeClemanthis, That not aDacianbut will be mistaken in thee.
Amin. My Lord, I know not how I may appear, But I am ignorant how I am to act.
Ther. Remain within the Covert of this Wood,Until the Sign be given for the Combat,And then appear upon the Place appointed,Where I will meet and fight with thee;But so I’ll order all the Blows I give,They shall not wound nor hurt thee,For still remember I must be the Victor.
Amin. I will endeavour to perform it so, [Noise. That none shall know the Fallacy.
Ther. Be gone, I hear a Noise; farewel, dearAmintas, Remember that you act Clemanthis well. [Ex. Ther.
Enter some Fellows in Clokes.
1Fel. That’s he that goes into the Wood, I know him by his Plume; are ye all ready?
2Fel. Yes, for a greater Murder than the killing of one single Man; and here’s a Place as fit as we could wish; shall we set upon him altogether?
1Fel. Ay, ay, Neatness in this Affair is not required: kill him, andArtabazesdesires no more.
[The Fellows go behind the Trees, they fight, Amintas falls.
EnterIsmenes.
Ism. Into this Wood he went, as if he knew my Business, Here we unseen may end the Difference— [Noise within. —Hark—what Noise of fighting’s that? Perhaps my Aid’s requir’d. [Exit.
Ism.goes in, Scene draws open, discoversAmintaslying as dead all bloody, Pimantepeeping; Ism.re-enters.
Ism. It isClemanthis, and this barbarous Deed Is done byArtabazes. [Exit.
EnterPimante.
Pim. Had ever Cavalier such damn’d Luck? I have heard it disputed, that this same Danger was to be courted by the Brave and Bold; but I, who took the best Care I could whilst the Fight lasted to secure my self by this Retreat, find my self even here surrounded with it; and poor Clemanthis, who, I’ll warrant, came too with my Design, has met here what he endeavour’d to shun: Yonder’s Ismenes too—well, we are all but Men.
Ism. Here’s yet some Breath remaining; oh,Pimante, lend thy Assistance. —Clemanthis, if thou yet hast so much Sense, Inform us how thou cam’st thus wounded?
Amin. Know, Sir,Thersander—Prince ofScythia—Thersander— Prince ofScythia. [Faints.
Pim. Alas, he’s dead, Sir, trouble him no further.
Ism. The Prince ofScythiado this!
Pim. Ay, ay, this mighty Prince fearing to encounter a single Man, has set a dozen to kill him; Mercy upon us, ‘twas a bloody Fight: but, Sir, what shall we do with the Body?
Ism. If I could command thee any thing it should be Silence, Till I have metThersanderin his Room. [Ism.exit.
Pim. You should command me, though I was never good at Secrets.
EnterCleomena, Semiris.
Cleo. Let the Coach wait at the Entrance of the Wood: I find I am a perfect Woman now, And have my Fears, and fits of Cowardice.
Sem. Madam, will you not see the Combat then?
Cleo. I dare not, something here assures meClemanthiswill be conquer’d.
Pim. Ha! the Princess here? on my Conscience there was never Mischief but a Woman was at one end o’nt.
Sem. How now,Pimante, why do you look so scurvily?
Pim. Ah, Madam, such a Sight so dismal and bloody!
Cleo. What says he?
Pim. Clemanthis, Madam—
Cleo. Clemanthis! Oh, what of him? Why, my prophetick Heart, dost thou betray me?
Sem. For Heaven’s sake, Madam, reassume your Courage.
Cleo. Yes—I will hear—the fatal Story—out.
Pim. Truth is, Madam, to retire from the Noise and Fury of the Battle, I came into this Wood; and when I thought all Danger past, I heard even here the Noise of Swords and Fighting; which endeavouring to avoid, I fell almost into the Danger of them.
Sem. Leave out the History of your own Fears, and come to the Business.
Pim. But ah, Madam, unseen I saw: who did I see—Ah, who should I see butClemanthis, Madam,Fixt with his Back against yon Cypress-tree,Defending himself against a dozen Murderers.I was, alas, too weak to take the weaker side,And therefore came not forth to his Assistance.PrinceIsmeneswould have taken his Part, but came too late too;But e’er he died we begg’d to know his Murderers,And he could answer nothing but—Thersander.
Cleo. Remove me to the Body of my Love—
[They lead her toAmin.who lies wounded; she gazes on him a while, his Face being all bloody.
—I will not now deplore as Women use,But call up all my Vengeance to my Aid.Expect not so much Imbecillity—From her whose Love nor Courage was made knownSufficiently to thee. Oh, myClemanthis!I wou’d not now survive thee,Were it not weak and cowardly to die,And leave thee unreveng’d.—Be calm, my Eyes, and let my Soul supply ye;A silent broken Heart must be his Sacrifice:Ev’ry indifferent Sorrow claims our Tears,Mine do require Blood, and ‘tis with thatThese must be washt away—[Rises, wipes her Eyes.Whatever I design to execute,Pimante, and Semiris, I conjure ye,Go not about to hinder, but be silent,Or I will send my Dagger to this Heart.Remove this Body further into the Wood,And strip it of these glittering Ornaments,And let me personate this dear dead Prince.Obey, and dress me strait without reply.There is not far from hence a Druid’s Cell,A Man for Piety and Knowledge famous:Thither convey the breathless sacred Corps,Laid gently in my Chariot,There to be kept conceal’d till further Orders.
Sem. Ah, Madam, what is’t you intend to do?
Cleo. What shou’d I do but die—ah! do not weep, But haste to do as I command ye: Haste, haste, the Time and my Revenge require it.
Sem. For Heaven’s sake, Madam, for your royal self, Do not pursue this cruel fatal Enterprize; Pity the Queen, your Servants, and all Mankind.
Cleo. Away, thou feeble thing, that never knew’st thereal Joys of Love,Or ever heard of any Grief like mine;If thou wou’dst give me Proofs of thy Esteem,Forget all Words, all Language, but Revenge.Let me not see so much of Woman in theeTo shed one Tear, but dress thy Eyes with fierceness,And send me forth to meet my Love, as gay,As if intended for my nuptial Day.That Soul that sighs in pity of my Fate,Shall meet returns of my extremes! Hate:Pity with my Revenge must find no room;I’ll bury all but Rage within thy Tomb.
[Exeunt.
EnterCleomenadrest inClemanthis’sClothes, Semirisbearing the Cap and Feather, Pimantethe Sword.
Cleo. Come, mySemiris, you must assist a little, And you,Pimante, buckle on my Sword.
Pim. I never parted with a Sword so unwillingly in my Life.
Cleo. So—How dost thou like me now? Might I not pass, thus habited, forClemanthis?
Pim. Yes, Madam, till you come to the fighting part.
Cleo. Now go, and do as I have ordered you.
Sem. Ah, Madam, though I must not wait on you to fight, I will in Death, ‘tis my first Act, and last of Disobedience. [Weeps.
Cleo. Do not disturb me with thy Grief,Semiris:Go leave me to my self, and Thoughts of Vengeance:And thou, base Traitor-Prince, shalt buy thy LifeAt such a Rate shall ruin thee for ever;And if I fall—as I believe I shall—The very Shame to know I am a Woman,Shall make thee curse thy Fortune and thy Arms,If thou hast any Sense of Manhood left,After the barbarous Murder thou hast done:But if my better Fortune guide my Arm,This Arm (whom Love direct) to meet thy Heart,Then I shall die with real Satisfaction.The time draws on when I should try my Fate;Assist me, mighty Love, in my Design,That I may prove no Passion equals mine.
Sem. Madam, consider whom you must encounter.
Cleo. Consider thou who’s dead, the braveClemanthis! [Weeps. Oh, ‘tis a Shame to weep, being thus attir’d; Let me once more survey my self— And yet I need not borrow Resolution:Clemanthis, thou art murder’d, that’s the Word, ’.is that creates me Man, and valiant too, And all incensed Love can prompt me to. Hark—hark—the joyful Summons to my Death. [Trumpets sound. Go, leave me to approach it solemnly— Come, my dear Sword, from thee I must expect That Service which my Arm may fail to affect; And if thou ever did’st thy Master love, Be sure each Stroke thou mak’st may mortal prove.
[Exeunt severally.
After a Noise of Trumpets at some distance and fighting, the Scene draws, and discoversCleomenaandThersanderfighting: Lysander.On one side stands theKing of Scythiawith his Party: on the other, theQueen of Dacia, Hon. Artabazes,and her Party: Vallentio.
Ther. What mak’st thou to fight as if indeed thou wertClemanthis? But since thou art not him thou represent’st, Whoe’er thou be’st, ‘twas indiscreetly done, To draw me from an order might have sav’d thee; —Whois’t that dares assume _Clemanthis’. shape? [They fight.
Cleo. UnworthyScythian, whose reported Valour Unjustly was admir’d, cou’dst thou believe the covert of the Wood [Cleo.falls, he stoops to look on her. Cou’d hide thy Treason—Treason which thou durst own too? [A cry of Joy on theScythian’sside.
Ther. Ah!Cleomena, is it you? What have I done that could so far transport you? _Clemanthis’. Boldness has incur’d your Hate, But he has been severely punisht for’t; And here in lieu of that unhappy Stranger, ReceiveThersanderwith his equal Passions, But not his equal Crimes.
Cleo. Oh, Villain, since thou’st punish’dClemanthis, Punish the unhappyCleomenatoo, And take her Life who came to have taken thine.
Qu. ‘Tis notClemanthis, but myCleomena— With whomThersanderfights—ah, cruel Child; [They carry her off.
Ther. Oh, whither, whither do you bear my Goddess?Return, and here resign your sacred Load,That whilst’t has Life it may behold the SacrificeThat I will make of this wild wretched ManThat has so much offended—Disobey’d!—My Arms, my Arms, Lysander, mount me strait,And let me force the disobedient Troops;Those Coward-Slaves that could behold her bleed,And not revenge her on the Murderer:Quickly my Arms, kill, burn, and scatter all;Whilst ‘midst the Ruins of the World I fall.
[TheScythianGuards carry him off by force.EnterIsmeneswith his Sword. They all descend.
Ism. Still thus defeated and outstript by Fate,Resolv’d betimes, but sallied out too late;Fortune and Love are equally unkind:—Who can resist those mighty Powers combin’d?
[Exeunt.
EnterOrsames, Geron.
Ger. May I not know what ‘tis afflicts you so? You were not wont to hide your Soul from me.
Ors. Nor wou’d I now, knew I but how to tell thee;Oh,Geron, thou hast hitherto so frighted meWith thoughts of Death, by Stories which thou tell’stOf future Punishment i’th’ other World,That now I find thou’st brought me to endureThose Ills from Heaven thou say’st our Sins procure.There’s not a little God of all the NumberThat does not exercise his Arts on me,And practise Power, which by my sufferingHe grows more mighty in—I’ll not endure it.
Ger. Why not, as well as I?
Ors. Thou may’st do what thou wilt; but there’s a Difference(As vast as ‘twixt the Sun and lesser Lights)Between thy Soul and mine;Thou canst contented sit whole Days together,And entertain thy Lute, that dull Companion,Till duller Sleep does silence it and thee:But I, whose active Soul despise that drousy God,Can ever dare him in his height of Power:Then when he ties thee to thy lazy Couch,Where thou’rt so far from Sense, thou’st lost thy Soul;Even then, my Geron, my divertive FancyPossesses me, beyond thy waking Thought—But,Geron, all was but an airy Dream;I wak’d, and found my self a thing like thee.
Ger. What was your Dream?
Ors. Why, I will try to tell it thee—Methought I saw the Firmament divide,And all the Clouds, like Curtains, draw aside;The Sun in all his Glories, ne’er put onSo bright a Ray, nor Heaven with more Lustre shon!The Face of Heaven too bright for mortal EyeAppear’d, and none durst gaze upon’t but I;In Jove’s illustrious Throne I only sat,Whilst all the lesser Gods did round me wait;My Habit, such as cannot be exprest;Iris in all her various Colours drest,The Morning-Sun, nor Sun-declining Sky,Was half so beautiful, so gay, as I.The brightest Stars in all Heaven’s CanopyWere chosen out to make a Crown for me;With which methought they glorify’d my Brow,And in my Hand they plac’d the Thunder too;The World was mine, and thousands such as thou,Still as I moved, low to the Earth did bow;Like thronging Curls upon the wanton Sea,They strove, and were as numerous as they:Thither I soon descended in a Cloud;But in the midst of the adoring Croud,Almighty Woman at my Feet did bow,Adorn’d with Beauties more than Heaven can show:But one among the rest (for there were store)Whilst all did me, I did that one adore;She did unking me, and her wondrous EyesDid all my Power and Thunder too despise;Her Smiles could calm me, and her Looks were Law;And when she frown’d, she kept my Soul in awe.Oh,Geron, while I strive to tell the rest,I feel so strange a Passion in my Breast,That though I only do relate a Dream,My Torments here would make it real seem.
Ger. ‘Tis lucky that he takes it for a Dream. [Aside. —Pray do not form Ideas in your Fancy, And suffer them to discompose your Thoughts.
Ors. In spite of your Philosophy, they make A strange Impression on me.
Ger. That’s perfect Madness, Sir.
Ors. Geron, I will no longer be impos’d upon,But follow all the Dictates of my Reason.—Come tell me, for thou hast not done so yet,How Nature made us; by what strange Devices.Tell me where ‘twas you lighted on me first;And how I came into thy dull Possession?Thou say’st we are not born immortal,And I remember thou wert still as now,When I could hardly call upon thy Name,But as thou wouldst instruct my lisping Tongue;And when I ask’d thee who instructed thee,Thoud’st sigh, and say a Man out-worn by Age,And now laid in the Earth—but tell me, Geron,When time has wasted thee, for thou’rt decaying,Where shall I find some new-made Work of Nature,To teach those Precepts to, I’ve learnt of thee?—Why art thou silent now?
Ger. You ought not, Sir, to pry into the hidden Secrets of the Gods.
Ors. Come, tell not me of Secrets, nor of Gods— What is’t thou studiest for, more new Devices? Out with ‘em—this Sulleness betrays thee; And I have been too long impos’d upon. I find my self enlightened on a sudden, And ev’ry thing I see instructs my Reason; ’. has been enslav’d by thee—come, out without it.
Ger. I dare not, Sir.
Ors. Who is’t thou fear’st?
Ger. The Anger of the Gods, Who will not have their high Decrees reveal’d, Till they themselves unfold ‘em in their Oracles.
Ors. What are those Oracles?
Ger. Heavenly Voices, Sir, that expound what’s writ In the Eternal Book of Destiny.
Ors. I’ll know what’s writ in that eternal Book, Or let thee know what it contains of thee.
Ger. What will you do?
Ors. Throw thee into the Sea; by Jupiter, I will. [Offers to take him up.
Ger. Stay,Orsames— ’.is true, I have Commands fromCleomena, But yet the Time is hardly ripe for the Design. [Aside.
Ors. Begin your Story—or, by Heaven—
Ger. I shall—When you consider who I am,With how much Care and Toil I’ve brought you up;How I have made my aged Arms your Cradle,And in my Bosom lull’d you to your rest;How when you wept, my Tears kept time with yours,And how your Smiles would dry again those Showers;You will believe ‘tis my Concern for you,And not your Threats, makes me declare a Truth.
Ors. Forward, my dearestGeron,Whilst I as silent as a healthy Sleep,As growth of Flowers, or motion of the Air,Attend each long’d-for Syllable thou breath’st.
Ger. Be pleas’d to walk into the Garden, Sir, And there I’ll tell you Wonders to ensue; But first, great Sir, your Pardon for the past. [Kneels.
Ors. I give it thee—Gods, this is fine indeed! Thy Language and thy Mien are altered. Oh, how my Soul’s inlarg’d already! go, lead the way.
[Exeunt.
EnterThersander, Lysander.
Ther. Leave me, I will be calm,[ExitLysander.For this same change ofCleomena’sHabitHas but increas’d my Love—and all my Softness—’.was in that Habit that I leftAmintas.Gods! has he betray’d me then?No, I must not have so mean a Thought of him;’.is certain that she knows I amThersander—But if the boldClemanthisbeThersander,Son to the Enemy ofCleomena;Yet still ‘tis thatClemanthisthat ador’d her,And whom she once made happy with her Love.But I have wounded her, and here remain [Draws his Sword.The Marks of my Dishonour in her Blood.Oh cruel Instrument of my shameful Crime!Must the first Service thou hast render’d meProve to my Soul so fatal? That Sword I leftAmintas,Wou’d have deny’d Obedience to this Hand,This sacrilegious Hand drew it against her.
EnterKing.