University of Virginia Library

Actus Tertius

Scæna Prima.

Parisatis, Melanthe, as in the Garden. Ephestion enters at a distance.
Eph.
See where she Rests, or is't not I descry
Some dazling Constellation from the Skye!
Sure 'tis the rich Vermillion that does grace
The evening Sun sent t'adorn this place,
Or Venus self has left her Heavenly abode;
To Sleep on Earth with some immortal God—
Heark, how the Air with Gentle murmur Steals,
To catch the Odour on her Lips, that dwells,
More sweet than Breath, sent from the Couslips Bed,
Or fragrant Banks with purple Violets spread.

A Song to be Sung by Oroondates unseen in the Garden.

[Enter Lysimachus at the other door.
Lys.
A voice! To whom should this address belong!
O Gods! There's Parisatis list'ning to the Song!
Ephestion too! O my prophetique Soul!
What shall I do to keep my senses whole!

Eph.
'Tis done—this was I fear some Rivals voice.—
Lysimachus the man! Is he her choice!

Mel.
'Tis Oroondates sure, amongst the Trees;

Par.
Cease wretched Lover, cease thy sad complaint;
Whilest no kind friend thy banish'd person sees,
With mournful tunes thou dost thy sorrows paint.

Lys.
See how 'e sets his amorous looks this while!
I'le overtake, and stab him in that smile.
I'le break that case, his tempting beauties fill,
And all his precious balm of life will spill.
I shall turn mad to let my rage grow higher;—
I will be patient, and unseen retire.

Par.
I hear some coming; let's no longer stay.

[Exit. Lysimachus, Parisatis and Mel. offer to go off.
Eph.
See, she retires, and he does lead the way.
Look back, O beauteous daughter of the spring,
Whose divine presence, whiles these walks she treads
Makes chearful Birds with welcome Carrols sing,
And drooping flowers hold up their grateful heads.

Par.
What beauti's this of which Ephestion tells?
Can she augment the Joyes with which he swells,
That holds a richer, and more blest repose,
In Alexanders bosome where he grows.

Eph.
In Alexanders Lawrels I have laid
My head so long; that I forsake his shade,
To dwell in your more comfortable sight,
Whose brighter beams create a fresh delight.

Par.
I have no beauty, Sir, that I can boast,
Such as I had is all in sorrows lost,
Like forward spring, kept back by winter frost.
The Sun that guilded o're with cheerful rayes
My early morn, and promis'd happy days,
By fatal Alexander is undone,
And quite eclip'st before it reach'd to noon.

Eph.
What Miracle is this! For who is he,
That cannot grant, what you wou'd wish to be?
Where was deaf Heav'n, when you did bend to prayers!
How could the Gods, but choose to lend their ears!
One balmy sigh, and pearly tear's worth more,
Then all the incense, sacrifice of Gore,
That they have had, ten thousand years before.

Par.
You overvalue me; all will not do;
I still am wretched, and more lost than you.
The Gods are just, although they never will
Refrain, but punish Parisatis still.

[Par. sighs.
Eph.
Ah! why d'ye sigh, and waste that precious breath,
When the least word can charm the power of death.
Why draw you up, and fill your breast with groans?
Then let 'em out with all your soul at once:
Where will this Messenger of grief depart?
That bears upon his wings your gentle heart—
Ah do not stir—I tremble to come nigh,
[Par. offers to be gone.
And on your brightness gaze with such an eye
As mortals look with wonder up on high.

Par.
I am no Deity, yet will not endure
To be approach'd, but with a flame as pure.
You say you love, yet for the time you live,
Expect no more from me, than Heaven can give.

Eph.
Not to look thus; and sigh—how blest were I,
Only to gaze upon you, till I dye;
That with my Love my Soul might then expire,
And both mount upwards, like gay sparks of Fire;
Where I'le your seat amongst the Gods prepare,
And pine, and taste no Heav'n, till you come there.

Par.
Still noble Youth, you cannot reach your bliss,
With Love, as Heav'nly as your person is.
There's nothing to deceive you, I wou'd hide;
Another ha's surpris'd my dearest thought,
I am his Pris'ner, and by honour ty'd;
With richest gratitude my Love is bought;
I have no room for such another guest—

Eph.
The Gods forbid!—I dare not hear the rest—
May not my hopes a fairer prospect view?
Yet curst am I, and what you say is true.
That fatal Oracle has sent me home,
For ever damn'd, to undergo your doom.
What shall I do? To whom shall I complain?
To Alexander? That were too, in vain.
You, and Statira, both contrive his end,
She stabs him in his person, you in's Friend.

Par.
Admire no more in what you call my charms,
Shun 'em young Prince, their all but painted harms.
Be happi'r then, and give your Love elsewhere,
None that can Love will be to you severe:
I boast not of the Chains I make you were.

Eph.
Ah do not think my stedfast Love can shakes
You can as well the Vowes you made forsake;
Your banish'd Man all his life long shall wait,
Let others seem to Love, and stop at hate,
I Love not you at such an easie rate.
If e're you call me home, there will be found,
Fix'd on my breast, your sad immortal wound.

Par.
I dare not hear—you wound my tender breast.

[offers to go off.
Eph.
You shall be pitiful, and hear the rest—
See I conjure—My tears begin to flow,
Thus fix'd, while I shed all my moisture so,
Like Nyobe, I could a Statue grow.
I guess my Rival, that your thoughts endure—
But let me doubt still, rather than be sure.

Par.
What tempted by the Object, you repeat,
Your heart in time of absence may forget—
I haste for pity, to remove the cause.

[offers to be gone.
Eph.
Pity forbids, but this my ruin drawes.
If once a day, you don't your presence give,
I have consider'd, and I cannot live;
Let me for ever then be doom'd to burn,
Seeing your kindness to my Rival turn,
And whiles the Ocean of your Love he bears,
I thirst in vain, and quench it with my tears;

Par.
If it be so, then think no more of me;
How can you choose but hate this cruel she?

Eph.
No, I'le retire into the shades below,
Drest with a Willow Garland of despair;
Where all are blest, I'le live in solemn wo,
And with kind wishes Crown each happy pair.
Oft as a spirit I'le return on Earth,
But take no horrid form that shall affright,
But soft as evening Air or mornings Birth,
In beauteous Dreams I'le study your delight:
Then in the morning, watching while you wake,
Before your Eyes like gleams of light I'le run;
With breath of Amber I perfumes will make,
And dart in Glories with the rising Sun.

Par.
If you say more I must in pity drown.
[Exit Parisatis attended.

Eph.
So the quick Sun; soon as his light is shewn,
Leaving the World in darkness does go down.
Go my divided Soul—

Enter Lysimachus, and calls back Ephestion, who was going out at the other door.
Lys.
Ephestion stay—
You have commands from Alexander to obey.

Eph.
Why do you hinder me, and bid me stand?
I know it was not by my Kings Command—
I fear Lysimachus, you envious are.

Lys.
'Tis kindness bids Ephestion to beware;
And as a Friend, I wish you to retreat,
And see your danger e're it be too late;—
You tread a maze of a beauty to your fate.
This passage leads to death's eternal bands!
Preventless run at your entrance stands.

Eph.
What fate is this, you threaten with your breath,
Nothing so fair as she can lead to death,
There is no fear, no horror where she comes;
Like Heav'nly light, she scatters Hell bred fumes:
Still where she goes, all deadly Forms she ties,
And melting dangers drop before her eyes.

Lys.
You are too young, I see, and cannot find
The vast intreigue, of fatal women kind.
Deceitful beauty, drest in golden smiles
Like flatt'ring lightning, quick, and silent burns,
As poyson pleasant to the taste beguiles;
So soon as drank, to deadly ruin turns.

Eph.
You speak indeed; as if you felt it so,
But she ha's been to me the softest Foe.
Her soul appears all glorious as her face,
A shining Jewel in a Chrystal case.

Lys.
'Tis a false Light, that shewes like Heav'nly Fire.
Leading misguided youth, so far astray,
That straight in horrid darkness 't does retire;
And leaves him then where dangers fill the way.
A false disease, no cunning Herb can cure;
A treacherous plague, worse then a Callenture,
That to the Sea-men seems delightful meads,
Or tempting walks, bestrow'd with curious Flowers,
Then head long him into the Ocean leads,
Where the next wave his giddy life devours.

Eph.
You shall not rail on Beauty I adore;
'Tis an offence, and I will hear no more.

Lys.
You shall in ignorance no longer rove;
Know then 'tis Parisatis that I Love.

Eph.
I see your kindness now; she is the shelf,
You bid me shun, on which you'd spilt your self:
Now I perceive, when Alexander chose
You out before the rest, to go for Thrace,
Why you rejoyc'd, and triumph'd at the cause;
Only to be first happy in my place.
'Twas Parisatis then that made you fly
With wings of Love, and not of loyalty.

Lys.
'Twas in defence of Love: can he be blam'd,
That sues for aid, when there is War proclaim'd;
When you and Alexander lots did cast
For all my hopes, 'twas time for me to haste.

Eph.
Y'are come too late, and you resist in vain,
What Heav'n, and Alexander both ordain.

Lys.
I first this Jewel in my heart did wear;
You ne're had seen't, but spi'd it shining there;
Then when you knew, that I did Love before,
You have unjustly robb'd me of my store:
I hid her like a Treasure in the ground,
Which you unkindly have dug up, and found;
Like one who all his life had toil'd for wealth,
Spoil'd in a moment; and undone by stealth.

Eph.
Because you were born first, and first had sight,
Must I in darkness live, and ne're see light,
Must he that miss'd, and saw the Sun not rise,
Never hereafter see it in the Skyes?
You may come short, unless you mend your pace;
Who last sets out, may soonest win the race,

Lys.
Take heed; ill fate persues thee in the Chase:
I, in the midst of thy Carreer, will stay,
And stand like a Colossus in thy way.
Though you with charms of youth, and beauty see
This glorious Sun shall be too quick for thee.
Or if it been't; I like a storm will rise,
And in Eclipse convey it from thy Eyes.

Eph.
What then, you think, that I can be afraid?—
I fear you not, though you my youth upbraid;
Though you with ods of years, and strength assail,
Young as I am, I can, and will prevail;
Full of the Deity, I am above
Thy reach, and walk inchanted by my Love;
Safe in his Magick Circle round my heart;
Who bears Loves wounds, can fear no other smart.

Lys.
No more, when next thou seest her, thou shalt dy,
Although that minute, you for refuge flye
To Alexanders arms for Sanctuary.

Eph.
Thinkest thou, whom Alexander loves, to fright?
No, then, to let you see, that I dare fight?—
I Love her dearly; by the Gods I do;
I Love her—Yes, and will, in spight of you.
Now I'le go to her, and if I must dye,
It shall be there, in death of extasie;
Upon her breast, as in a trance I'le roll,
Drowning in sweets, that fill the precious bowl.
And on her Lips, leave my departing Soul.

[offers to go out.
Lys.
Come back again—What shall I do?—I will—
But thou presumest on Alexander still.
I'le to my self this satisfaction give.
Though after thee, I know I must not live.

As they begin to fight, enter Oroondates, and Araxis, at distance, which makes Lysimachus and Ephestion go out, and defer fighting.
Lys.
Draw Sir—

Eph.
Behold, we cannot end our strife.—

Lys.
Curst chance! This but prolongs thy sickly life.

[Exeunt Lys. and Eph. Manent Oroon. and Araxis.
Oroon.
Ha! Lets retire; we cannot be alone,

Arax.
One is Lysimachus—See, they are gone.

Oroon.
Of all the Grecian Captains, I've been told,
That he excells in Virtue, and is bold.
Whoes the other?—

Arax.
I know not what he's call'd;
Both gracious with the King; but I admire
They seem'd surpris'd, and did from us retire.

Oroon.
This is the place, and this the blessed hour.—
Leave me a while upon the long'd for shore;—
Leave me.—

Arax.
See Sir, as when a storm is o're—
Now y'are arriv'd, it scatters, and it clears,
And she like Venus on the sand appears.
[Exit. Araxis

Enter to them Statira, Parisatis, Melanthe, and attendants.
Oroon.
Now is the light just fallen from the Skyes.
And blushes like the morn adorn those eyes.

Sta.
Ah Oroondates, grasp me not not so hard,

Oroon.
Deny me not this innocent reward,
[kisses her Hand.
As the kind Sun does to a frozen boat,
Unbridle the poor Bark into a float
Then gently bathing o're it's melting sides,
It lists it self above the swelling tides!
All those thick Joyes that lay conjeal'd below,
Swell o're the brink, and their large bounds o're flow.

Sta.
Ah Oroondates, I have newes to tell
Will sink your Soul, and chain the Powers of Hell.

Oroon.
Think not Statira, that my breast can own
A passion for the losing of my Throne,
Thou brighter Jewel than the Scythian Crown.
Be thou but constant, as thou now art kind,
I shall a lasting Throne of greatness find,
More Riches, then in all the World there shines,
In Diamond quarries, or in Golden mines:
There is no wealth, but what abounds in thee,
Thou sweetest Soul, thou true Felicity.

Arax.
I haste, and yet I fear I come too slow;
Like a huge Torrent that does overflow;
The King is here, and ha's surpris'd you now.

Sta.
What shall we do?—

Oroon.
Heedless Araxis thou—

Par.
Go you, leave Oroondates here with me.

Oroon.
There is no shape that virtue fears to see:—
Here I will stand in thy defence O Love,
Like Jove, himself, and dare this Son of Jove.

Sta.
Go, go, you put my soul upon the wrack!—
Fly this unhappy ground—

Enter to them Alexander, Cassander, Phillip, Bagistanes, and Attendants. Guards.
Alex.
Stay Sir; come back.—
What art, that darest such saucy Courtship shew?
And bend to th'shrine, where I presume to bow.

Sta.
Retire Sir from the King; I'le undertake.—

Alex.
By all the Gods, he stirs not for your sake.

Oroon.
Do not for me to the least doubt resign;
Nought, but your fears can shake a heart like mine.

Alex.
Tell me great Jove, who cou'd suspect to see
So false a soul, in such a shape as she?
Where sacred Virtue wilt thou shew thy face,
When such as she lookes with deceitful grace,
Methoughts I saw her high Illustrious mind
Sate only with severity inshrin'd,
And thought her like a stream, whose modest tyde
Does in Meanders from the Mountains glide;
Yet every where the bottom is so cleer,
Through all its Christal golden sands appear—
Convey away this upstart of my heart.—
Yet I will know thee first—Say, what thou art?

Oroo.
I turn to tell thee, that it was not fear;
When you have known me, you'l confess I dare.
I ne're was question'd, and deny'd my name,—
Do you not know me then, nor who I am?

Sta.
Y'are mad, and wou'd your self in vain disclose:
For Alexander none, but Princes knowes.

Alex.
You urge the more; I'le know him e're 'e goes

Oroo.
Behold; have you not seen this face in War?

Alex.
I think I might, then tell me who you are.

Sta.
I'le tell you who he is, let him be gone;
His person cannot merit to be known.

Oroo.
Tis Oroondates that you see again.

Alex.
What Oroondates, that we heard was slain!

Oroo.
Yes Alexander, that unhappy Man,
Whose Crown, and Empire to your fortunes ran,
With base submission, which your Armes nere won, nor can.

Alex.
If you so much your single valour prize,
How came you hither, in a tame disguise?
And shun my presence, like the Bird of Night,
Which us'd to darkness dare's not see the light.
Dealing unlike a Prince, in dark designes,
And like a Coward, workes and undermines.

Oroo.
Thus I wou'd shew, didst thou not hide my face.
Stand from before me in this blessed place.
Then bate the ods thy Mistress fortune gain'd
And this fair Queen in judgment of us stand,
Though like a flaming Beacon thou doest fright
Tame Nations, Id'e look up, and shine as bright.

Alex.
Then you can boast of what she me deny'd
And shew'd her scorne, I took for noble pride.

Sta.
If thou art gallant, Alexander, know,
That I so much to Oroondates owe,
Your self wou'd think I cannot less bestow.
If more than Freind, Darius life he save,
The hazard of his Crown, and fortune gave,
And this is all the pity I have shewn;
A mean reward for losing of a Crown,
Tygers, and Monsters wou'd forsake their kind,
And melt, where so much gratitude they find.

Alex.
Women when pleas'd their eager loves to show,
Swift with the stream of inclination go,
But if against that Tyde, they move but slow.
Y'are over just, where fancy shewes the way,
But leave your debts of honour still to pay.
Who can resist the Torrent of your wills,
That run more fierce, and cross than Fortunes wheels?
Wretched is he whose love maintaines your pride,
More then the slave that to the Galli's ty'd,
Who sweates, and labours, all for stripes and scorne.

Sta.
Your mind is toss'd; o're Seas of passion borne.
Know that my soul, scorning the Pompe of life,
Made me refuse to be the greatest wife,
And mount that Throne, my Fathers ruine built,
Making me guilty of the blood you spilt.
My vertue aim'd and shot the mark more high,
Holding me here when I might safely flye;
And rather chose your Chaines, then let my soul
By flight be stain'd with a reproach so foul.

Oroo.
Your cruel vertue, so severe inclin'd,
Hath been to me and to your self unkind.

Alex.
Flatter thy self, but thou shalt never find
One Jealous coward thought defame my mind,
My fortune like the Ocean that indures
Contrary windes, and all less streams devours,
Can ne're be Jealous, or afraid of yours.

Oroo.
That fortune ne're had gain'd the Scythian State,
Had Oroondates but suspected fate;
Kings by false subjects are at first ador'd,
As fickle Nations court the rising Sun,
Blest with the sweet delight it does afford,
Till it has gain'd i'ts highest State at noon,
Then they forsake; and from its warmth they run.

Alex.
I did from conquest of your Crown retreat,
Too little, to make Alexander great;
Scar'd with the height, to which my name did swell,
And stunn'd with noise of all my Arms, it fell.
I court no fawning Kingdomes to obtain;
The world it self does to my Fortune chain,
That sayes I shall a stand of greatness be,
Where Nations flow, as Channels to the Sea.
Nobler Ambition does my fancy move;
I like the gallant Eagle soar above,
And stoop to nothing, but the lure of love.
You do my Rival then your self create.

Oroo.
Witness ye Gods, I glory more in that,
Than all the world can give, or th'smiles of fate.
I will not change the bliss that name can bring,
To be as great as thou, to be in heaven a King.
Nor quit the hopes my lingering love shall gain,
That like a Saint indures with zealous pain,
Till heav'n he gets through stormes of sighs and tears like rain.

Alex.
That heav'n which you with such fair hopes persue,
You may behold, but ne're to be injoy'd by you:
Yet, though my Rival, I will ease your grief,
And to the worst of pains will give releif;—
I'le part your sight, which else must needs destroy,
Seeing that heav'n; which you can ne're enjoy.—
Go where thou wilt, but never see her more.

Sta.
Go Oroondates, whom, the Gods restore.

Oroo.
Go Oroondates!—Gods can you consent,
That I shou'd dye for you in Banishment!
I do not fear thee, and I will not stir;
No, wert thou more then death a Conquerour;
I in the worlds behalf will stand alone,
And pull back all the spoils that deck thy Throne—
Tear me to Atomes pull my Eyes out quite,
Thou may'st as well part water and divide the light,
As think my soul can live out of her sight.

Alex.
Thou shalt, and live to see me only blest,
Crown'd with her Love, inthron'd within her Breast.—
Our joyes shall so Majestickly appear,
That thou shalt tremble, and not dare come near,
But hide thy face, for envy, and for fear.

Oroo.
Not dare come near!—Beware that fatal time,
When I shall surely snatch thee in thy prime:
This Cloud thou fearest, shall then disolve in Rain,
And pour upon thee like a Hurry-Cane.—
I tell thee, King, that I durst reach thy heart,
Big with the horrid world, as now thou art:
Had'st thou the plague before, and Hell behind,
I in the midst wou'd thy dread Carkasse find;
Nay were it mortal, where thou send'st thy breath,
My furious haste shou'd blunt thy threatning death.

Alex.
Livest thou to threaten whom the Gods defend?—
Convey him straight to his eternal end—
Death shall reward the valour you pretend.

Sta.
Hold Alexander hold,—He shall not go;
I ne're did beg of you, nor will I now;
Yet I dare boldly say, he shall not dy,
Unless his life with loss of mine you buy.
The life I brought in danger to be slain,
I am oblig'd in honour to maintain.

Alex.
Gods. Did I ever yet resolve in vain!
Where be thy Conquests now that fill'd the world,
That by a woman here, thy resolution's hurld?
It shall be said that Alexander once was lost,
And in a labouring Sea of love was tost;
I will submit to be thy slave, O Love,
To please my self, as did my Father Jove—
Cassander,—I will but his doom inlarge—
Le Oroondates be your strictest Charge.

Oroo.
Gods. How I hate this life you wou'd retore,
That nor my freedome's justly in your power;
Thy honour cannot let me be betray'd,
I was thy Prisoner once, and ransome paid.

Alex.
If thou wert so, 'twas when thou wert unknown;
Th'art Oroondates now, and claim'st a Crown.—
Convey him hence—It is my last decree.

Oroo.
They dare not do't, no, not thy Guards, nor thee.

Sta.
Bear Oroondates, what the Gods ordain;
If you resist, you'l merit my disdain.
Both heav'n, and Love will for our safeties joyn:—
Are Chains so grevious in the sight of mine?

Alex.
Sure such a spirit did from heav'n descend.
So great and true, we know not where 'twill bend.

Exeunt Statira in anger, and Alexander attended, follows her. Manent Oroondates, Cassander, Araxis, Guards.
Cass.
Methinks your looks such gallant rage do shew
As sits upon an angry Lyons brow:
Your lofty mind above the world is born,
And payes its Idle rage with noble scorn.
Retire,—and till I call, approach not neer—
[to the Guard
Let me be heard, Sir, with your private ear.

[to Oroondates
Oroo.
His presence Sir with mine you may indure:
[meaning Araxis
For all my secrets, in his Breast are sure.

Cass.
Fortune has set a man upon her wheel,
That never sees, how it goes downward still.
More then Prometheus plagues from Hell 'e brings,
And heaps and layes them on the Necks of Kings.
Look up thou more than Man and all divine,
Bearing the honour of th'Arscacean Line
Upon thy highest top, spred like a Lofty Pine:
With all thy Scythian Glories dart upon,
And shrink the world again to Macedon.

Oroo.
Wherefore this great Civillity to me?—
Your words have meaning too I cannot see.

Cass.
Look up, and never do the Cause inquire,
But quench this Flame that sets the world on Fire;
To rid the Earth of Alexanders life,
To ease Mankind of universal strife,
Your Crown restore, and bless you with a wife.

Oroo.
Were I releas'd and from his Fetters freed,
And had the possibility of such a deed;
Though to be more then he by such an Act,
I'd fly the horrour of so base a fact;
I'd kill him, but I wou'd not by surprise;
It shou'd be then when most secure 'e lies,
When all his Guards are watching of his Eyes,
Ith' Face of Jove and in the clearest day;
When heav'n that faw't, shou'd nothing have to say.

Cass.
In rules of virtue you are too sublime,
Why shou'd it be to kill him such a Crime?
Wou'd you not crush that viper if you cou'd,
That threatens with his sting your dearest blood;
That fatal Man that stabbs your soul in her;
I'th' discipline of virtue, I'd go far;
But fair Statira's Love I wou'd prefer.

Oroo.
Convey me straight into the darkest hole;
Let me live ever like a dungeon Mole,
Rather than see the light with such a soul;
But thou that showest me this ignoble way,
Art sent by him that wou'd my life betray.

Cass.
No by the Gods, from him it was not meant:
I've try'd, and found you hard to honour bent:
I see your soul, and nothing else design'd,
But my true breast a harbour for your mind,
Where you might rest your heart serene, and free
From tempests and your self in safety see,
Your Godlike mind at such a prize I rate,
That, though I pity, and deplore your Fate,
I cannot but admire, and imitate.
Accept the freedome that your soul does wear,
And I the fault of your escape will bear.

Oroo.
Thou tryest my mind, and yet doest think I fear.
Go on; let me the ruggedst usage feel;
Thou hast one us'd to such misfortune still,
That alwayes holds the Vessel that they fill
With patient steddy hands, that never spill—
Sir when I can, your kindness I'le restore.

[Exit Oroo. with Guards
Cass.
My words are thrown, like dust upon the shore.
This Treason then my self will bear alone
Under whose mighty weight the Fates do grone
Sweating in clouds of horrour the evening Sun
Shall see the greatest deed that e're was done.
[Exit Cassander.