University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

SCENE Holy-rood Palace.
Sevez and Frion.
Sevez.
Frion , we all were on the Brink of Fate;
A Nobleman who knew him, when a Child,
Avow'd him an Impostor, born at Tournay;
The Son of one John Osbec;—not the Heir
Of England's King—audaciously assumed.
This stagger'd many of the Court, who warmly
Opposed his Audience; I at length stood up,
And in full Council strait produced our Letters
From Charles of France, his Holiness the Pope,
And Maximilian of Bohemia;
And as they all recognize his royal Birth,
The Objection vanish'd; and the King resolved,
To give him instant Audience and support,
Befitting regal State, oppress'd and wrong'd.

Frion.
Most reverend Sir, your Industry and Zeal,
So warmly active in this pious Cause,
Will ever make you dear to France and Rome.

Sevez.
Frion, with religious Joy we will revenge
The irreverent Contempts, lately offer'd
To our holy Church, by unholy England,
My Functions, secular and religious,
Shall to their utmost, stretch, to fix this Perkin
On England's Throne. Henry hath refused
Our King, by my Contrivance, his Daughter
Margaret; which affront hath sown the Seeds
Of Hate too deep within his youthful Mind
Ever to be weeded out. His Soul's on fire,
And burns with Eagerness to pour Invasion
Into their haughty Land; to loose at once
His unremitting Grudge, on a proud Neighbour,
And a dreaded Rival. But, Frion, tho' we
Abound in Scottish Blood, ready to be drain'd
Against England's Peace, yet Treasure is War's
Strongest Sinew; and without that quick'ning Aid,
The devouring Body wastes to needy Peace.
That must be had.

Frion.
Holy, Sir, 'tis ready.
For Years large Collections have been making
In England, Spain, and ever-helping France;
These Sums for the present are lodged with me;
But now a special Order from his Holiness
Divests me of the Charge, and to your Care
Commits the Trust.

Sevez.
Our unerring Father's Confidence
Does Honour to my Zeal; I will bestow
The Treasure as his Holiness directs
And the religious Cause demands. But how
Stands Ireland? What Hopes from thence?

Trion.
None.
‘Th'Apostate Slaves are fallen off from Rome,
‘And firmly fixt in the Usurper's Cause;
‘Kildare, Clanrikard, with many others
‘On whom we built absolute Assurance,
‘Have, at their own Charge, arm'd their Friends and Followers,
‘And join'd the English General, Poinings;
‘For which may divine Vengeance taint their Air,
‘And visit them to late Posterity.

Sevez.
How are the Engish affected towards us?

Frion.
As our Hearts could wish;
Sir Robert Clifford, and many others,
All of high Rank, and eminent Esteem,
In Discontent, at present, with their King,
By Gold and Promises have I firmly fixt.
Yet more, the Usurper's Bosom-Friend, the Man
Nearest his Heart, cross'd in ambitious Views,
Has secretly vow'd Revenge, and is ours
By Oath and Heart; so that England's Measures
Are betray'd as soon as form'd.

Sevez.
So far then Probability attends us,
And gives almost Assurance of Success.
But one Thing more.—Is Perkin well prepar'd?
Can he affect the Blush of Innocence?
‘Hath he the steadfast Eye that looks against
‘Enquiry? Can he stand the Shock of gazing
‘Numbers? And tell his Tale without Confusion?
‘Is he Master of the false Tear and feigned Sigh?
‘For to a crowded Presence he must speak.

Frion.
‘He is not to be taught his Lesson now:
‘The blended Care of Nature and of Art
‘Have stamp'd him perfect; a majestic Mein,
‘A Countenance, where Sweetness and Command
‘Smile awfully together; a Deportment,
‘Courtly, but not effeminate; a Skill,
‘That calls him Master of most Languages;
‘But chiefly English; with a soothing Carriage
‘Which beggars the Persuasion of his Tongue.
‘His suppos'd Aunt, Margaret of Burgundy,
‘Has form'd his Education; she has made him
‘A living History of England's Factions;
‘The various Interests, Battles, Revolutions,
‘The Friends, the Enemies of either House,
‘This of Plantagenet, or that of Lancaster.
‘He is Master of many Languages;
‘But chiefly English; to ingratiate him
‘With the People, and stamp him native.

Sevez.
‘The King is soft and warm, susceptible of Pity,
‘Prompt to receive th'Impression of Humanity;
‘If Perkin do but tell his Tale with Skill,
‘Th'unwary Youth will sympathize in Sorrow
‘And take and keep what Form his Art bestows.

Frion.
Doubt not his Art, my Lord, he is compleat;
And often has rehears'd his kingly Part
In France, in Flanders, and in Italy;
Where admiring Crowds have wonder'd forth his Praise.
And given natural Marks of Majesty;
In Look, Tone, Gesture, Gate, and Voice:
And credulous tale-believing Women,
To whom Appearances are sacred Truths,
Have, at his well-told Tale dissolved in Tears.
Thus, my Lord, like a graceful, well-skill'd Actor,
He steals, where e'er he plays his princely Part,
Or popular Applause, or melting Pity.

Sevez.
‘Frion, some subtle Means must be contriv'd
‘To fling Division's Fire-brands 'mongst the English,
‘For should they join their Hearts and Resolutions,
‘The united Pow'r of Europe, nay, the World
‘Could not prevail against them.

Frion.
‘Care is taken.
‘On every Side, our Emissaries ply,
‘And blacken the Usurper; Gold and Prayer
‘Alternately are us'd, and with Success,
‘To bribe his Council and to win his Subjects.
‘Richard's divine, hereditary Right,
‘A Right Infallibility confirms,
‘And which that Power makes indefeasible,
‘Is preach'd amongst them; strengthen'd by the Terror
‘Of Bulls, Anathemas, and Hell eternal
‘To those who disbelieve, or disobey.

Sevez.
'Tis well. But we must haste; the King expects us.
I'll conduct the Youth. Is he ready?

Frion.
He is, my Lord.

Sevez.
Frion, in your publick Manifestos
Be sure you promise free Power of Worship,
To the Lollards, and all Separatists.
Men fight by Halves, with a kind of bastard
Courage on Rebellion's Side, without Religion.
But when that's hook'd in, why then, Biggotry,
Flaming Biggotry, tunes Rebellion's Discord
Into pious Loyalty; and makes Men fight
With hot, enthusiastic Vigour,
And forget the Name of Rebel. For then
The Cause and Quarrel are no longer earthly
But derived of Heaven!

Exeunt.