 | The Tragedy of King Saul |  |
ACT III.
The Scene discovers a Tent, with a Throne in it; Saul alone: on the Right hand Jonathan and Azuba, on the left hand Michol. Enter at one door Trumpets and four Youths with Torches, then Adriel with Attendants: at the other door Wind Instruments and other Musick, after them four Virgins veyl'd with Torches, then Merab led by Abner: She fits by Michol, and Adriel between Abner and Eliab at Saul's feet.
The Trumpets sound and then a Youth sings.
SONG.
O the Joys and Delights of the Marry'd pair!
How lasting they are!
When Virtue does prove
The cheif object of Love;
It kindles a fire
That will never expire.
Chorus.
And lays a Foundation which none can remove.
SONG.
O the Joys and Delights of the Marry'd pair!
How lasting they are!
When Virtue does prove
The cheif object of Love;
It kindles a fire
That will never expire.
Chorus.
And lays a Foundation which none can remove.
Then the Musick plays, after which a Virgin sings—
SONG.
The Flames which from Riches or Beauty proceed
Will quickly be dead:
When Beauty decays
Love no longer will blaze;
If Riches do wast
Love lessens as fast.
Chorus.
But Virtue makes Love like itself alway last.
Youth
Sings.
Look up, Look up, brave Youth and see,
Which among all these is She,
In whose Love thou wou'dst happy be.
Adriel rises and goes to Merab, (the Trumpets sounding) and presents her a large Writing, then a Virgin Sings.
If you to favour him incline,
Then declare it by this sign,
Unveil and on him clearly shine.
Merab and all the Virgins Unveil; she takes tho Writing from him; the Musick playing this while.
The Priest enters follow'd by 2 other Priests; he gives a Cup to Saul, then Joyns the Couple, to whom Saul drinks, while the Chorus of all sings.
Chorus.
Let Blessings be joyn'd to the Bridegroom and Bride
As firmly as they to each other are ty'd.
Then the Youths and Virgins dance. Which being ended they go out: the
Musick and Trumpets first, next the Youths and Virgins, then the Priests,
then Adriel leading Merab follow'd by Saul, Jonathan, Abner, Azuba,
Michol and the rest.
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The Flames which from Riches or Beauty proceed
Will quickly be dead:
When Beauty decays
Love no longer will blaze;
If Riches do wast
Love lessens as fast.
Chorus.
But Virtue makes Love like itself alway last.
Youth
Sings.
Look up, Look up, brave Youth and see,
Which among all these is She,
In whose Love thou wou'dst happy be.
Adriel rises and goes to Merab, (the Trumpets sounding) and presents her a large Writing, then a Virgin Sings.
If you to favour him incline,
Then declare it by this sign,
Unveil and on him clearly shine.
Merab and all the Virgins Unveil; she takes tho Writing from him; the Musick playing this while.
The Priest enters follow'd by 2 other Priests; he gives a Cup to Saul, then Joyns the Couple, to whom Saul drinks, while the Chorus of all sings.
Chorus.
Let Blessings be joyn'd to the Bridegroom and Bride
As firmly as they to each other are ty'd.
31
Eliab alone.
Eli.
Our House no longer shall the meanest be,
My Brother has advanc't our Family:
For rising Fav'rites as they higher go
Raise by degrees their own Dependants so.
For all who soar to Honour's lofty flight,
Require Supporters to maintain their height.
But see Abishai—
[Enter Abishai.
He went with David to procure the Dow'r,
Which he must pay for Michol and for Pow'r.
Cozen this quick return confounds my Guess,
If you have fail'd, or met your wish'd success.
Abi.
Have you not, to be sure of Conquest learn'd,
When your Victorious Brother is concern'd?
Can you, who saw the great Goliah slain,
Believe his Sword cou'd e're be drawn in vain?
The Truth you doubt too well our Enemies know:
He who dares all things, can effect them too.
Two Hundred Heads do on his Triumph wait,
With these he tow'rds the Tent is March'd in State,
Where Saul do's Merab's Nuptials Celebrate.
Eli.
But say whence did their quick dispatch proceed?
The hast you made, is wond'rous, as the Deed.
Abi.
As on our March from hence to Gath we were
Some stragling Troops did on the Hills appear,
But since their number far exceeded ours:
(Number, which oft true Fortitude o'repowers.)
Your Brother, as the best and safest way,
Did, to surprize them, a close Ambush lay.
Its good effect, Sir, you already know;
Policy wrought what Arms cou'd never do.
The wise thus fear what Mischiefs may be done,
And by their Caution do those Mischiefs shun:
While fools regardless what they venture at,
By blind Attempts run headlong on their Fate.
32
These shouts of Joy the King's return import,
[Shouts.
Let us make hast and meet him in the Court.
Since we do first my Brother's Honours share,
We shou'd not last our Joy for them declare.
[Exeunt.
Saul, Jonathan, Michol, David, A Room of State.
Sa.
'Tis an unpleasant Offering he does make,
[Aside.
Which tho' I ask'd I never wish'd to take.
Curse on his good Success, which makes me be
His greatest Friend of his worst Enemy.
But I too plainly my displeasure show.—
Curse on his good Success, which makes me be
His greatest Friend of his worst Enemy.
But I too plainly my displeasure show.—
Pardon if my acceptance seems too slow:
[to David.
Your Deed do's so my Admiration raise,
That I was lost in thinking how to praise.
But to declare how I your worth regard,
Receive your wish'd and merited reward.
[gives Michol.
That I was lost in thinking how to praise.
But to declare how I your worth regard,
Receive your wish'd and merited reward.
We must, when time the Course prescrib'd has run;
Perform for you, what was for Merab done.
Perform for you, what was for Merab done.
[Exit.
Da.
Post on the Hours and use a Lovers hast,
Yet spite of all too long that time will last.
Yet spite of all too long that time will last.
Tho', Madam, my best Deeds were mean and low,
Yet I no longer must believe them so.
They to Desert have gain'd a large Pretence,
Since you are made their Noble recompence.
Yet I no longer must believe them so.
They to Desert have gain'd a large Pretence,
Since you are made their Noble recompence.
Mic.
Nothing can raise your Glory to a height,
To which it has not took before its flight:
Yet mean Rewards may make it lower seem,
And suit its Merit to their own esteem.
As when vain Men with blind Devotion,
Offer up Incense to their God the Sun:
Its Gloomy smoak do's his bright beams invest
And clouds that light to which it was addrest.
Jon.
You are unjust to tast your bliss alone,
Exempting him who makes your Joys his own.
Methinks you might impart some little share,
But you too Covetous have none to spare.
Da.
Our Happiness, if not enjoy'd by you
Loses its Name, and ceases to be so.
33
Than he whose bounty do's encrease our store?
[Exeunt.
Saul, in his Chamber of State.
Sa.
In vain my Plots to ruine him were laid,
All my Revenge do's to his Greatness add:
What I design'd to cloud him, gives him Light;
As Gloworms take their Lustre from the Night.
He makes my Envy and my Hate his Joy,
And both to his advantage does employ.
And when his Sword in Dangers I Engage,
At once he tries, and triumphs o're, my Rage.
Nor can my Fury longer be conceal'd;
The Flame by its own Light will be reveal'd.
I with his Fall must trust no other hand,
But act, my self, the Mischiefs I Command.
All sweet Revenge to scrup'lous Fools is lost,
Who blush to take the thing they covet most
[Exit.
Jonathan enters; and seeing Saul go out angrily says—
Jon.
My Father's looks are alter'd, and I fear
It do's portend some sudden Tempest near:
Nor can I thro' the gathering Cloud descry
Those blacker Mischiefs which behind it lye.
I see the Thunder ready to break out,
But at whose Head it's level'd still must doubt,
Yet (grant Just Heav'n it may no Omen prove)
I most am mov'd for him whom most I Love.
It do's portend some sudden Tempest near:
Nor can I thro' the gathering Cloud descry
Those blacker Mischiefs which behind it lye.
I see the Thunder ready to break out,
But at whose Head it's level'd still must doubt,
Yet (grant Just Heav'n it may no Omen prove)
I most am mov'd for him whom most I Love.
But how can he incur my Father's Hate?
Unless his Merits do appear too Great.
Saul owes his Valour more than he can pay;
And wou'd he quit his Score this wicked way?
Thus Favours are on the Ungrateful lost,
Who worst reward those who oblige them most.
Yet why shou'd Jonathan suspicious grow,
And Frame a Doubt whose Cause he do's not know?
He is my Father, and he cannot be
The Author of a Deed abhorr'd by me.
But see my Friend—
[Enter David.
Unless his Merits do appear too Great.
Saul owes his Valour more than he can pay;
And wou'd he quit his Score this wicked way?
Thus Favours are on the Ungrateful lost,
Who worst reward those who oblige them most.
Yet why shou'd Jonathan suspicious grow,
And Frame a Doubt whose Cause he do's not know?
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The Author of a Deed abhorr'd by me.
But see my Friend—
Your hast, and your disorder'd looks, declare
Something as ill as I have Power to Fear.
Something as ill as I have Power to Fear.
Da.
Pardon, my Lord, this unrespectful hast,
This Crime and Visit may be both my last.
Jon.
Your last! how! why? O speak—yet Sir forbear—
But you may speak—and yet I shou'd not hear.
Da.
Then Sir, I take my leave—
[Offers to go.
Jon.
—Hold, David, no;—
First kill me with your News—
And then I shall not miss you when you go.
Da.
The King—
Jon.
—Alas! that Name renews my pain.
Da.
Then let me go—
Jon.
No, I can hear again.
Da.
The King with Business and with Care opprest,
To gain some Respire to his troubled Breast,
Commanded me some Charming Ayre to play,
To drive those Robbers of his Ease away.
Scarce had I touch'd my Lutes delightful Strings,
And Saul scarce heard their soft sweet Murmurings;
When, lo! beginning from his Seat to rise,
On me he cast his wild and threatning Eyes:
That done, with both his Hands he grasp't his Crown,
And strove and strove to press it further down.
At each deep Note he sigh'd and bent his Brow,
At each brisk Sound did light and pleasant grow.
Yet still as he did quiet or disturb'd appear,
Those different Looks begot alike my Fear.
To gain some Respire to his troubled Breast,
Commanded me some Charming Ayre to play,
To drive those Robbers of his Ease away.
Scarce had I touch'd my Lutes delightful Strings,
And Saul scarce heard their soft sweet Murmurings;
When, lo! beginning from his Seat to rise,
On me he cast his wild and threatning Eyes:
That done, with both his Hands he grasp't his Crown,
And strove and strove to press it further down.
At each deep Note he sigh'd and bent his Brow,
At each brisk Sound did light and pleasant grow.
Yet still as he did quiet or disturb'd appear,
Those different Looks begot alike my Fear.
So that these Actions made me but too sure,
My self had caus'd the Pains I came to cure.
While this I thought he seiz'd his Jav'lin strait,
And threw it at the Couch whereon I sate.
And, but my foresight sav'd me from the Blow,
I had not given you the Relation now.
My self had caus'd the Pains I came to cure.
While this I thought he seiz'd his Jav'lin strait,
And threw it at the Couch whereon I sate.
And, but my foresight sav'd me from the Blow,
I had not given you the Relation now.
Jon.
O my Prophetick Fear! too well I find,
Where all the Rage I dreaded was design'd.
35
But the Ripe product of long working thought.
To shew Saul's hate you must avoid his sight,
He still will envy, while he sees your Light.
That dazles his weak Eyes; but if not seen
Will give him leave to see things right again.
Da.
Yet I the utmost Saul can do will stand,
Till I have kiss't your Beauteous Sister's hand.
For, less your Father's Cruelty I Fear,
Than shunning that, to be depriv'd of her.
Jon.
Come, let us go, your Danger urges hast,
You from his Fury cannot fly too fast.
For, since he let his Envy once appear,
'Twere vain to hope he wou'd restrain it there.
He must in his first violence proceed,
So to maintain the Justice of the Deed.
[Exeunt.
Saul Guards.
Sa.
His Flight betrays his Guilt, for he is gone,
This do's confirm my just suspicion:
For, when to clear a Doubt his Carriage rais'd,
I both his Courage and his Conduct prais'd,
And, with a look half pleas'd and angry, said,
The Crown I wore wou'd better fit his Head:
He blusht and guessing his designs were known,
He took no Leave but swift as Thought was gone:
This do's confirm my just suspicion:
For, when to clear a Doubt his Carriage rais'd,
I both his Courage and his Conduct prais'd,
And, with a look half pleas'd and angry, said,
The Crown I wore wou'd better fit his Head:
He blusht and guessing his designs were known,
He took no Leave but swift as Thought was gone:
But we lose time; pursue the Traitor strait,
He is scarce gone beyond the Palace Gate.—
Search Michol's Lodgings, those I most suspect,
And bring his Head—
Or you shall forfeit yours for the Neglect.
He is scarce gone beyond the Palace Gate.—
Search Michol's Lodgings, those I most suspect,
And bring his Head—
Or you shall forfeit yours for the Neglect.
[Exeunt.
Jonathan, David, Michol, in her Chamber.
Mi.
Since by this Tempest you are driv'n away,
My Love forbids me to perswade your stay:
Yet I can only with your want dispence,
To shun a greater Inconvenience.
36
The Storm that drives me hence may quickly cease,
And the wild Rage of Jealous Saul decrease:
But if I do not to some shelter hast,
I may be wrackt by the Pursuing blast.
Jon.
Till that is over and its Fury spent,
Your flight to Nob must its pursuit prevent.
There from its Violence you secure may be,
As Ships at Anchor in their Harbour lye.
[Enter Orpha.
Orp.
For Heav'ns sake, Sir, delay your fight no more,
You are betray'd, Saul's Gaurds are at the Door.
Hither by his Command they follow'd you:
But the Respect they to the Princess owe,
Forbids their Entrance, till they gain her leave,
To execute the Orders Saul did give.
Mi.
The Garden Avenues are yet left free,
Haste Sir that way, and leave the rest to me.
I with fair Speeches will the Guards beguile,
And gain some leisure for your Flight the while.
[She and Orp. go out.
Da.
I hate that Life which Robs me thus of you,
For thus preserving, you destroy me too.
[Looking after her.
So a Sick Miser views his Idol-wealth,
Which he must part with to procure his Health;
Abhors the Ease he must so dearly buy,
Chusing the Pain before the Remedy.
Jon.
Love has so fill'd your breast with greater Care,
There is no room for thoughts of Danger there.
But you no longer must your fight delay,
I will conduct you to the Garden-way:
Nor wou'd I leave you there—
But I shall more oblige you by my stay.
Here I will Sound my Jealous Father's mind,
And still inform you how he is inclin'd;
For what he do's against your Life design,
Shall still be frustrate till he first take mine.
[Exeunt.
Saul.
Sa.
Now Saul compose and calm thy troubled Breast;
David no longer shall disturb thy rest:
37
The Fear he caus'd must be with him remov'd.
No longer anxious Cares and Watchful Nights,
Shall interpose to hinder my Delights;
Nor shall the Crown which was a Blessing meant,
The Joys it uses to bestow, prevent.
For, that sweet Pow'r which Monarch's covet most,
Ev'n in the fear of losing it is lost.
Unhappy they whose troubles never sleep,
But drive away what 'tis their work to keep.
[Enter Guards.
So, have you brought me back the Traitors Head?
Off.
The Traitor, Sir, beyond our reach was fled.
Sa.
How! let him scape! O horrid Treachery!
You are Confederates and as bad as he.
This slight excuse shall not my Rage appease.
You shall all dye for his Accomplices.
Off.
We to the Princess Michol's Lodging went,
As we were thither by your Order sent:
But when we enter'd, we cou'd find no more,
Than, that disguis'd, he fled but just before.
Sa.
What? did that Amorous Girl assist my Foe?
Dares my own Blood like him Rebellious grow?
I'le try since she my Vengeance did prevent,
If she do's love so well to bear his punishment.
Begone—make strait enquiry thro' the Town,
He may be still within the Gates unknown.
Let him and those who entertain him die;
The Rebels hopes must be cut off, or I.
I must be swift, or he will quickly be
[Exeunt Guards.
Dares my own Blood like him Rebellious grow?
I'le try since she my Vengeance did prevent,
If she do's love so well to bear his punishment.
Begone—make strait enquiry thro' the Town,
He may be still within the Gates unknown.
Let him and those who entertain him die;
The Rebels hopes must be cut off, or I.
I must be swift, or he will quickly be
Above the reach of my Revenge and me.
But see the Villan I more hate, my Son.
[Enter Jonathan.
Now, have you help'd off your Companion?
You were unkind to let him go alone.
You were unkind to let him go alone.
Hence from my sight to thy Confederate go,
[Stamps.
Thou worse and greater Rebel of the two.
Jon.
That Name is Welcome, Sir, when given by you.
But use not, Sir, your other Friends like me,
You do your self too great an Injury.
38
When greatest Merits with most hate are paid.
Sa.
All his Deserts I largely did reward,
Yet he my Bounty did but ill regard:
For after that had made him high and great,
Glutted with Pow'r, but not contented yet;
Led by unruly blind Ambition,
As if too low, he did affect my Throne:
And all the Debts I to his Sword did owe
By this Design are fully cancell'd now.
Jon.
But, Sir, what Grounds do's your suspition find?
Sa.
I in his Looks and Actions read his Mind.
Besides, his flight confirms it to be true,
He guess'd, it seems, that I his Treason knew.
Jon.
His Guilt you shou'd not from his flight conclude,
Ev'n Innocence might fly when so pursu'd.
Sa.
Curse of my Age! dost thou excuse his Crime,
Since thou darst plead, do thou too die, for him.
Saul throws a Jav'ling at him. He'scapes it and goes out; Saul follows him.
Enter Michol, A Chamber.
Mi.
My Lovers danger and the search are past,
Yet still the fright they rais'd in me do's last:
Some Passenger thus newly come ashore,
Scar'd with a Raging Tempest just before,
Tho' past the Fury of the angry Main,
Do's all his apprehension still retain:
Fancies the Ground still rowling as the Ship,
And giddy, at each step he takes do's slip.
[Enter Merab.
Yet still the fright they rais'd in me do's last:
Some Passenger thus newly come ashore,
Scar'd with a Raging Tempest just before,
Tho' past the Fury of the angry Main,
Do's all his apprehension still retain:
Fancies the Ground still rowling as the Ship,
And giddy, at each step he takes do's slip.
Ha! Merab! She like Comets do's appear,
Which only shine to threaten Mischief near.
Sister—
Which only shine to threaten Mischief near.
Sister—
Me.
—You may invent some other Name;
Know, I am Sprung from Saul whom you disclaim:
Nor can she be a Sister or a Friend,
Who do's my Father's greatest Foe defend.
39
Your Action has not cheated so his Eyes.
The guilty deed too publickly is known,
But you may Live to wish it still undone.
Mi.
I had not done it if the deed were ill;
But it is good and I applaud it still.
I wrong my Merit if I should repent
Saving a Lover and an Innocent.
Me.
While blindly you your Kindness do misplace
On that mean Man, you our high Stock debase.
Mi.
Merab, more blindly you misplace your scorn,
He is not mean whom Virtue do's adorn.
Without this great and lasting Treasure, Kings
Are poor, inferiour, despicable things.
Pow'r creeps below, while Virtue soars above;
Virtue, the object of a Generous Love.
Base minds are sway'd by Interest, or Design,
But this alone shall guide and govern mine.
Me.
Virtue with you then seems a Nobler thing
Than Duty to a Father and a King!
Mi.
When either do unjust Commands impose,
We sin in our Obedience shown to those.
Shou'd I run headlong to commit an ill,
To satisfy a King's or Father's Will?
Or, if they hate the Goodness which they see,
Must complaisance contract the Guilt on me?
If Saul Commands I shou'd recal my Love,
Let him the Virtue whence it springs, remove:
But to attempt it were a vain design,
For that exceeds his Pow'r, as this do's mine.
Me.
Love on, and hug the Traitor in thy Breast,
But know, fond Girl, he ne're shall be possest.
My Father's rage swift as his fear shall be,
And if it misses him, shall light on thee.
[Exit.
Mi.
The Kindness which his worth has purchas'd here,
Fair words shall not diswade, nor threats deter,
I still will Love him, tho' I still despair.
[Exit.
40
Jon.
It is not safe within this Court to stay;
You stand too much in his wild fury's way.
Be warn'd by David's unexpected Fate,
And fly to shelter e're it be too late.
Eli.
To harbour that Opinion of my King,
Justly I shou'd my Faith in Question bring:
I cannot such a great Injustice dread.
Jon.
All Justice, Sir, is with your Brother fled,
And you, unless you chuse to stay and die,
Must to your Country and your Father fly.
And you, unless you chuse to stay and die,
Must to your Country and your Father fly.
You shall to Nob this Night and there attend
[to Abishai.
With my Commands your Cosin and my Friend.
Tell him that Saul do's still his hate improve,
Yet that grows not so fast as Michol's Love:
Tell him—
That tho' he do's an alteration find
In his own fate, he shall not in my Mind.
Tell him that Saul do's still his hate improve,
Yet that grows not so fast as Michol's Love:
Tell him—
That tho' he do's an alteration find
In his own fate, he shall not in my Mind.
Abi.
I will, my Lord, all your Commands obey.
[bowing.
Jon.
Farewel, my Friend's, you must no time delay.
[Embra. them.
A strange infection thro' this Court do's run,
Which Wise Men see and seek in time to shun.
[Exeunt.
| The Tragedy of King Saul | |