 | The Tragedie of Alaham |  |
Actus tertius
Scena prima.
ALAHAM alone.Alaham.
I march aboue the wits, and hearts of men;
Chance at my feet, and power in my hand.
Now King indeed. Obedience doth become
Men, that can strength by wisdome ouercome.
It honour was, euen worthy more than Crownes,
To passe the Basshas in aduenturing:
They were possest, I dispossest of all,
But liberty to liue, or dye a thrall.
Truth was in vaine; no peecing vp with might
For me I saw; I had too good a cause:
Counsell is slow, each minute infinite,
When resolution to her ripenesse drawes.
Chance at my feet, and power in my hand.
Now King indeed. Obedience doth become
Men, that can strength by wisdome ouercome.
It honour was, euen worthy more than Crownes,
To passe the Basshas in aduenturing:
They were possest, I dispossest of all,
But liberty to liue, or dye a thrall.
Truth was in vaine; no peecing vp with might
For me I saw; I had too good a cause:
Counsell is slow, each minute infinite,
When resolution to her ripenesse drawes.
I saw corruption was the way to rise,
And with that shot I pierc'd their tyrannies.
Their guard I did corrupt. Base seruile spirits,
(I knew) lackt wit to see, or heart to beare
Temptation: For desire is infinite
In them, that wanting honour cannot feare.
And with that shot I pierc'd their tyrannies.
Their guard I did corrupt. Base seruile spirits,
(I knew) lackt wit to see, or heart to beare
Temptation: For desire is infinite
In them, that wanting honour cannot feare.
Triall is made: The King I doe possesse:
My right is more; why should my hope be lesse?
And am I King? And doe my foes still liue?
Can wounded Greatnesse slumber in a Throne?
Or that be glory which I feele alone?
No, No: Let rigour speake, which all men heare:
Life, is the worke of Nature; death, of Kings:
Ruine it is, that reputation brings.
My right is more; why should my hope be lesse?
And am I King? And doe my foes still liue?
Can wounded Greatnesse slumber in a Throne?
Or that be glory which I feele alone?
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Life, is the worke of Nature; death, of Kings:
Ruine it is, that reputation brings.
My Guard is strong; their first imployment is
The murther of those men my father trusts;
Not all; for that were cruelty, not wit:
Some simple being, some indifferent sp'rits:
Their ends, and honours being but delights.
Others ambitious, rash, and violent,
No inward strength of nature: or of grace;
Of present power the noblest instruments.
Transforme, and vse: wit vertue doth exceed:
For it is all, or none, as men haue need.
The murther of those men my father trusts;
Not all; for that were cruelty, not wit:
Some simple being, some indifferent sp'rits:
Their ends, and honours being but delights.
Others ambitious, rash, and violent,
No inward strength of nature: or of grace;
Of present power the noblest instruments.
Transforme, and vse: wit vertue doth exceed:
For it is all, or none, as men haue need.
Only my care is how the Plot should proue,
Which for the Basshas now in ambush lies:
My wife hath art and rage, which iointly moue
Her head-strong spirits vnto cruelties.
But if her craft serue not to plucke them downe,
The sword wants not pretences for the Crowne.
Which for the Basshas now in ambush lies:
My wife hath art and rage, which iointly moue
Her head-strong spirits vnto cruelties.
But if her craft serue not to plucke them downe,
The sword wants not pretences for the Crowne.
My friends, and Mates! (You! vpon whom I lay
My life, and honour, with this State, in trust)
Be resolute; For scruple doth betray;
Since all great works haue great examples must.
Take Assem, Zeraphus, and Velladoune:
Blood asketh blood: with rauine they did spoyle
The people first; and now betray the Crowne.
Reuenge your parents, Countrey-men, and kin:
Blood here is iust, true honor, and no sinne.
My life, and honour, with this State, in trust)
Be resolute; For scruple doth betray;
Since all great works haue great examples must.
Take Assem, Zeraphus, and Velladoune:
Blood asketh blood: with rauine they did spoyle
The people first; and now betray the Crowne.
Reuenge your parents, Countrey-men, and kin:
Blood here is iust, true honor, and no sinne.
The cancred Calchas, scourge of Tyrannies,
Great master of deceipt, Artisan of spoyle,
The spie of faults, and spring of subsidies;
Naked deliuer him into the Sea,
To plague those faults it cannot wash away.
Great master of deceipt, Artisan of spoyle,
The spie of faults, and spring of subsidies;
Naked deliuer him into the Sea,
To plague those faults it cannot wash away.
The rest to bonds, who though they want no spite,
Their frailty yet for innocence shall stand.
All else exile. Obey in euery thing:
They happy are that serue a rising King.
Their frailty yet for innocence shall stand.
All else exile. Obey in euery thing:
They happy are that serue a rising King.
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Scena secunda.
Caine, Alaham.Caine.
Plac'd in a Throne? Guarded? Ador'd? and Crownd?
What meanes this change? These signes of Maiestie?
Goodnesse gets not so soone a great Estate:
Mischiefe's foule way to Soueraignity:
This secret haste is sure: all is imbound.
What shall I do? Hold on the course I meant? Why not?
The death of Mahomet will still content.
Thy will is done; and Mahomet is slaine.
Alaham.
My minde misgaue it selfe; my thoughts did feare;
Yet knew I they of nothing guilty were.
By fate, or malice is the Bassha slaine?
Caine.
By fate I thinke: for Iustice fatall is,
As Gods bequest to them that doe amisse.
Alaham.
By suddaine death, by thunder, lightning, fire,
Or by what other anger of the skie?
I pray thee shew how Mahomet did die.
Caine.
By these hands that owe seruice to the State,
And by his blood haue made it fortunate.
Alaham.
What execration did he dying vse
Against this violence of broken faith;
Which wounds good soules more than the bodies death?
Caine.
In falling downe, these only words he spake:
“Helpe people! helpe: My death your bondage brings:
“Behold! these wounds receiue I for your sake;
“Reward of them that friend you vnder Kings.
“Vile Caine! that (like the Axe) do'st goe about,
“To cut thy selfe an helue to weare thee out.
Alaham.
Most wicked act! Could neither faith, nor law,
Reuerence of State, remorse of doing ill,
The paines of iustice, nor the hopes withdraw
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And do'st thou thinke the world can suffer this;
That thou should'st glory to haue done amisse?
Caine.
Is thy desire growne wanton in her ioy?
Or do'st thou seeme to say thy wishes nay,
More kindly in the end with them to play?
Alaham.
By fires of hell, which burne, and haue no light;
By those foule spirits which ill men only see;
I sweare thy death shall Mahomets requite.
Caine.
Vnto the world although I guilty be;
I did thy will: let me be cleare to thee.
Alaham.
In vaine I should command his death by sleights,
That placed am vpon the fathers seat,
Where power can easlier doe things, than intreat.
Caine.
The State of Kings is large; yet lacks in this,
That easie each thing, but not lawfull is.
Besides, you then a second brother were;
Nor knew I, when this plot we did deuise,
You should see clearer by your fathers eyes.
Alaham.
Rumor, complaints, and scornfull thoughts of power,
Are wayes of priuate hearts, that from below
Misiudge those higher powers, they doe not know.
But now borne vp into a Princes Throne,
Beneath I see that world of discontent,
Where error teacheth vse of punishment.
Away with him. Entreatie is in vaine:
Thy death to him is due, whom thou hast slaine.
Caine.
“Ah fearefull friendships with superior powers!
“Whose two parts, they themselues, and their Estates,
“Diuide, or ioyne like nets; and be the snare,
“Where loue, and feare to power entrapped are.
Alaham! aduow thy deed.
To constant wickednesse men honour beare,
Where truth it selfe hath iniurie by feare.
Alaham.
I say; Let him be slaine. His fault is this,
That Mahomet most trayterously he slew.
Caine.
Stay Sir! I say that he still liuing is,
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Alaham.
Traytor vnto thy selfe! and false to me!
What riddles of contempt, and wicke nesse
Are these, which of thy selfe confessed be?
If Mahomet be dead; then shalt thou die:
For murther of thy friend deserues no lesse.
If Mahomet do liue; yet shalt thou die:
For if no murther, scorne thou do'st confesse.
Away with him.
Scena tertia.
Hala. Alaham.Hala.
What tumult's this my Lord?
Alah.
The play of Chance,
Which without mischiefe nothing can aduance.
Hala.
Yet good Sir! tell me what this tumult is.
Alaham.
The fall of him whose heart hath done amisse.
Hala.
His name, and crime (sweet Lord) I long to know.
Alaham.
Report of mischiefe doth infect the heart,
And wisdome bids they should in silence goe;
For nature feeleth euery bodies smart.
Hala.
Women, belike, are still in infancy.
That must not feare, or prouocation see.
The glasse of horror is not fact, but feare:
Opinion is a Tyrant euery where.
Alaham.
If I shall tell you what you long to know,
What boots it? If you thinke it is not so.
Hala.
What leades your reason, leades my reason too,
That all your words conceiue in kindnesse doe.
Alaham.
The man that was, and is not now, is he
That neuer was the man he seem'd to be.
Caine: What need more to shew? with him are dead
His fault, and our goodwills to him mislead.
Hala.
What heare I now? O false and weake estate
Of good beleefe! Wherin shall peace be found?
Since Gods be not, and mankinde made to hate.
Of good beleefe! Wherin shall peace be found?
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Caine dead? Euen Caine, whom now we loued best,
In instants both growne wicked, and opprest?
Caine slaine by you! Hath Caine deserued this?
O God! Like strange his crime, and killing is.
Perchance not dead my Lord! how was he slaine?
In instants both growne wicked, and opprest?
Caine slaine by you! Hath Caine deserued this?
O God! Like strange his crime, and killing is.
Perchance not dead my Lord! how was he slaine?
Alaham.
By sword.
Hala.
Wounds let forth spirits, yet liue againe.
Alaham.
Nay, dead he is. These eyes did see his breath
Beare all his spirits into the world of death.
Hala.
Necessity, that from infernall night
Fatally linked art vnto the skies!
Beare thee we cannot, yet we beare thee must.
Now hopes appeare: euen now my heart resolues
Reuenge; and silence is the way to it.
Did he confesse his fault? What spake he last?
Alaham.
Ah Mahomet! whose hopes were on me plac'd.
Hala.
Hasty beleefe (my Lord) hath hasty deeds,
And with their wounds, oft truth, and wisdome bleeds.
Alaham.
When wickednesse is ripe, a minute showes
What chance the dice of Innocency throwes.
Hala.
Pardon me Lord! Good thoughts doe liue aboue;
In highest region of vnfeined loue:
Doubt and reuenge, Nature hath plac'd below
Meaning the space should make the passage slow.
Alaham.
God, meaning we should rule, and you obey,
Gaue men cleare sight, and women good affection:
In vs, not in your selues, lies your election.
Hala.
My Lord! 'Tis true: Our frayle, and weake Estate
Doth labor in excesse: A womans heart
Still in the feuer is of loue, or hate.
Hardly the loue which I did beare to Caine,
Could thinke he err'd; much lesse approue him slaine.
But now his falls approu'd by heauenly doome,
Our losse in him foretells our gaine to come.
Doth labor in excesse: A womans heart
Still in the feuer is of loue, or hate.
Hardly the loue which I did beare to Caine,
Could thinke he err'd; much lesse approue him slaine.
But now his falls approu'd by heauenly doome,
Our losse in him foretells our gaine to come.
Then Sir! Take care his death be not in vaine.
Your sillie Sire is blinde; if he were dead,
This reeling State by you might stand againe:
True ioy is onely hope put out of feare,
And honour hideth error euery where.
Your sillie Sire is blinde; if he were dead,
This reeling State by you might stand againe:
True ioy is onely hope put out of feare,
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A forme the world expects in worldly things:
Caine was a man, a Bassha, and our friend;
Sepulture, as a man; honor, to his estate;
Teares doe become a guilty friendships end:
Excesse of honour, done to them that die,
Makes liuing men see our humanity.
Caine was a man, a Bassha, and our friend;
Sepulture, as a man; honor, to his estate;
Teares doe become a guilty friendships end:
Excesse of honour, done to them that die,
Makes liuing men see our humanity.
Besides, thought-feeding rumor forth will goe,
And occupie vnquiet peoples spirits,
While in this pile for Caine you may bestow
Their blinded weaknesse, which with-hold your right.
People doe power, not persons apprehend;
Strength showes like truth; Mankinde loues policie:
Defended Kings, but not reuenged be.
And occupie vnquiet peoples spirits,
While in this pile for Caine you may bestow
Their blinded weaknesse, which with-hold your right.
People doe power, not persons apprehend;
Strength showes like truth; Mankinde loues policie:
Defended Kings, but not reuenged be.
Alaham.
Enuy will rise, and both wayes fall on vs;
Either as hauing slaine an innocent,
Or highly err'd by burying treason thus.
In penall iustice silence best contents.
Hala.
Rumor must needs be borne of doing mindes:
Enuy is but the smoke of low estate,
Ascending still against the fortunate.
Alaham.
I feare the cariage: it hath many parts.
And Hazards courses may finde ouerthwarts.
Hala.
My shame is equally engag'd with yours.
Intents ill carried are that men may know;
When things are done, let rumor freely goe.
Alaham.
Great works doe oft yeeld grieuous accidents,
Which stirre vp peoples rage beyond intents.
Hala.
People are superstitious, caught with showes:
To power why doe they else their freedome giue,
But that in others pompe these shadowes liue?
Alaham.
O blessed yoke! that vnder reason drawes
The pleasant load of well-vnited loue:
Thy counsell (as mine owne) I doe approue.
Hala.
Then send the Priest. To me bequeath the rest.
For superstition hides ill meaning best.
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Scena Quarta.
Hala: Nutrix.Hala.
And is he gone? Rage then vnprisoned be!
I like thee well! While Alaham was there,
Thou then didst vse thy violence on me.
Now prey abroad; swell aboue all respect;
Feare nothing, if notorious thou wilt raigne:
Thy glories shine, when euery one complaine.
I like thee well! While Alaham was there,
Thou then didst vse thy violence on me.
Now prey abroad; swell aboue all respect;
Feare nothing, if notorious thou wilt raigne:
Thy glories shine, when euery one complaine.
What now? A child? And do'st thou idly walke
The beaten pathes of common cruelty?
A iudge, and no reuenger then am I,
If thou no more than his offences be.
While Caine did liue thou thought'st of more than this:
Shall death, desire, hope, fame, and fortunes lost
Such fading Trophies haue?
Can thankfulnesse abound? And shall offense
Not feele, Reuenge hath her magnificence?
The beaten pathes of common cruelty?
A iudge, and no reuenger then am I,
If thou no more than his offences be.
While Caine did liue thou thought'st of more than this:
Shall death, desire, hope, fame, and fortunes lost
Such fading Trophies haue?
Can thankfulnesse abound? And shall offense
Not feele, Reuenge hath her magnificence?
Rage! now thou art aboue the Orbe of doubt,
Where danger dangerlesse appeares to thee;
Diuine (I pray thee) what shall fall to me?
Must I be slaine?
Where danger dangerlesse appeares to thee;
Diuine (I pray thee) what shall fall to me?
Must I be slaine?
Nutrix.
Monstrous I know, this womans nature is.
The worst she still; her selfe she now exceeds,
That dares scarce trust her selfe with that she breeds.
Hala.
Well! now I feele thee rise, when I admire:
When hills haue clouds, let all the vallies feare.
Scorn'st thou to make examples out of him?
Hast thou found out his children? They are mine,
Proud horrour! Do'st thou chuse the innocent?
False conqueror of nature! do'st thou moue
A womans spite to spoyle a mothers loue?
Rage! shall we striue which shall giue other place?
Nutrix.
Hala! suppresse; you need not kindle Rage.
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Well! On. So that (like ruine) I may fall,
And ruine him; take children, me, and all.
Nutrix.
Hala! distract? haue senses lost their vse?
Hala.
Is there a third that traffiketh abuse?
Nutrix.
I bring you pietie, dutie, reason, loue,
Water, to quench these flames that passions moue.
Hala.
Throw on enough. No Sea can quench this flame;
And then, what cannot quench doth but inflame.
Nutrix.
For whom doe you this sumptuous storme prepare?
Hala.
For whom are wiues estates inioyn'd to care?
Nutrix.
Is malice currant where respect is due?
Hala.
Power doth what likes in her inferiors moue;
As we are sess'd, so pay we; hate, or loue.
Nutrix.
What fault in him mou'd these effects in you?
Hala.
Thoughts are too strict, much lesse can words containe;
The venome of his malice is too deepe
For any power, but Reuenge to keepe.
Nutrix.
Then Rage is lost: For there is nought in man,
That equall paine with such offenses can.
Hala.
Be that the gage. Mans senses barren were,
If they could apprehend, but what they feele.
Ills doe with place (like Numbers) multiply:
The liuing, dead, malice, affection, feare,
My wombe, and I doe his affliction beare.
Nutrix.
Will you destroy your owne?
Hala.
My owne are his.
Nutrix.
Infamous act!
Hala.
Rage doth but now begin.
Nutrix.
Canst thou doe worse?
Hala.
Else to my selfe I sinne
Life is too short; horrour exceeds not faith,
That cannot plague offences after death.
Nutrix.
Ah! Calme this storme; these vgly torrents shunne.
Of Rage, which drowne thy selfe, and all besides.
Hala.
Furies! no more irregularly runne,
But arted: Teach confusion to diuide.
Nutrix.
If kinde be disinherited in thee,
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Hala.
That is the worke, which men shall wonder at:
For while his ruin'd are, yet mine shall raigne;
His heires, but yet true issue vnto Caine.
Nutrix.
These works on Princes ruines must be built.
Hala.
For my reuenge no baser blood is spilt.
Nutrix.
What force can Princes forces ouer-beare?
Hala.
That force, which makes their pride it cannot feare.
Nutrix.
How enters malice where there is mistrust?
Hala.
With tribute into State: to Kings with lust.
Nutrix.
What way to these?
Hala.
Prosperity, successe.
Nutrix.
These adde more power:
Hala.
So much suspect the lesse.
Nutrix.
What can you adde?
Hala.
Presents, obedience, praise:
They need not knocke to enter in that please.
Nutrix.
Flatteries are plaine.
Hala.
To Kings that see their ill.
Nut.
Kings iealous are.
Hala.
Of truth, not of their will.
Nutrix.
Vsurpers feare.
Hala.
Worth, not humilitie.
Kings errors are our Agents in their hearts;
Their priuate passions wound their publike States;
Time hath her arguments, and place her Arts.
Kings errors are our Agents in their hearts;
Their priuate passions wound their publike States;
Time hath her arguments, and place her Arts.
This day he doth consummate all his ioy:
Glory now at the Full is not suspitious;
And what addes to his pompe shall him destroy.
A Crowne, and Mantle of most curious worke
I haue prepar'd, euen with Egyptian skill;
And poyson him in pleasing him I will.
Glory now at the Full is not suspitious;
And what addes to his pompe shall him destroy.
A Crowne, and Mantle of most curious worke
I haue prepar'd, euen with Egyptian skill;
And poyson him in pleasing him I will.
Nutrix.
My spirits fayle.
Hala.
Till Alahams ills doe tremble,
Horrour is faint; Rage doth but Rage resemble.
Depart; keep secret, and be not dismayd:
Vnperfect works cannot their glories show;
This goodly World did from a Chaos grow.
Exit. Nutrix.
Horrour is faint; Rage doth but Rage resemble.
Depart; keep secret, and be not dismayd:
Vnperfect works cannot their glories show;
This goodly World did from a Chaos grow.
Now Caine! For whose reuenge I only liue,
Inspire thy ghost, to multiply in me
More sense, to make my senses more enrag'd;
More loue, to make loues losses more in thee;
Double my wit beyond my strength engag'd;
Open all lights of possibility;
Let griefe, which yet keepes companie with death,
Breake forth, and poyson all things with her breath.
Inspire thy ghost, to multiply in me
More sense, to make my senses more enrag'd;
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Double my wit beyond my strength engag'd;
Open all lights of possibility;
Let griefe, which yet keepes companie with death,
Breake forth, and poyson all things with her breath.
Scena quinta.
Priest. Hala.Priest.
Madame! whom men obey, and God doth heare:
What zeale, remorse, or charity doth moue
Your heart? The King leaues all things to your loue.
Hala.
Caine, who of late did liue to both vs deare,
'Tis true, did fayle; and for his fault is slaine:
Our hearts are eas'd, as hauing lost their feare,
The rites of humane duties yet remaine:
A Kings belou'd he was; sometimes our friend;
Which must appeare in honour of his end.
'Tis true, did fayle; and for his fault is slaine:
Our hearts are eas'd, as hauing lost their feare,
The rites of humane duties yet remaine:
A Kings belou'd he was; sometimes our friend;
Which must appeare in honour of his end.
Such royall Piles, as for the Princely race
Are made a sacrifice vnto the skie,
In honor of that God, which gaue them place:
Such sumptuous Piles make: But more cost bestow;
Because both iust Reuenge, and Loue they show.
Are made a sacrifice vnto the skie,
In honor of that God, which gaue them place:
Such sumptuous Piles make: But more cost bestow;
Because both iust Reuenge, and Loue they show.
Summon the Mufti, and Soothsayers all,
The Persian Magi, Christian Starre-Diuines,
The first, to sing alike his faith, and fall;
The last, to tell how higher power inclines.
In short; Reuenge, and Loue shine in those fires;
Powre on all pompe that magnifies desires:
As if at once by crosse mortality,
The Prince, and Princely line were dead in one;
Let mourning and deuotion to the skie
Be offred vp in pompe, and publike mone.
Magnificence is Princely mystery;
All great Estates by great expence are knowne.
Prepare excesse: Let no cost be forgot;
It makes men wonder, though they honour not.
Musicke to fix the wandring spirits race,
And sweeten Enuies thoughts in vnity;
That sorrow and deuotion may haue place,
Remorse and pittie flow, and multiply.
Lights of all kindes the light of day shut out;
For darknesse so enammeld is deuout.
The Persian Magi, Christian Starre-Diuines,
The first, to sing alike his faith, and fall;
The last, to tell how higher power inclines.
In short; Reuenge, and Loue shine in those fires;
Powre on all pompe that magnifies desires:
As if at once by crosse mortality,
The Prince, and Princely line were dead in one;
Let mourning and deuotion to the skie
Be offred vp in pompe, and publike mone.
Magnificence is Princely mystery;
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Prepare excesse: Let no cost be forgot;
It makes men wonder, though they honour not.
Musicke to fix the wandring spirits race,
And sweeten Enuies thoughts in vnity;
That sorrow and deuotion may haue place,
Remorse and pittie flow, and multiply.
Lights of all kindes the light of day shut out;
For darknesse so enammeld is deuout.
Exit.
Priest.
Vnhappy state of Priesthood here below,
Who haue to doe with curious Atheisme,
With sinne in flesh, and in the Church with schisme.
Our office is an holy mystery,
To teach Kings, God; and euery Subiect, King;
How one obedience doth another bring.
But what boots truth to flesh, or lawes to might?
Beleefe a wonder is, Obedience woe.
And shall we Priests, that vnder Princes liue,
Striue in our selues with vice, abroad with might?
And like the hands which winnow rich mens gaine,
Grow poore in all, but only woe, and paine?
Who haue to doe with curious Atheisme,
With sinne in flesh, and in the Church with schisme.
Our office is an holy mystery,
To teach Kings, God; and euery Subiect, King;
How one obedience doth another bring.
But what boots truth to flesh, or lawes to might?
Beleefe a wonder is, Obedience woe.
And shall we Priests, that vnder Princes liue,
Striue in our selues with vice, abroad with might?
And like the hands which winnow rich mens gaine,
Grow poore in all, but only woe, and paine?
No, No: The eyes of Priests looke euer low,
To finde the key of power, that is aboue;
When that is found, all faults beneath we know;
But Maiesty hides faults, as well as loue.
To finde the key of power, that is aboue;
When that is found, all faults beneath we know;
But Maiesty hides faults, as well as loue.
And though these rites of Princely funerall,
By lawes diuine, should not prophaned be,
With lesse, than with descents of Maiesty;
Yet Caine! more Princely, by thy Princes grace,
Shall be thy tombe, than euer Princes was.
By lawes diuine, should not prophaned be,
With lesse, than with descents of Maiesty;
Yet Caine! more Princely, by thy Princes grace,
Shall be thy tombe, than euer Princes was.
CHORVS TERTIVS; A Dialogue; of Good, and Euill Spirits.
The Good.
What is your scope vaine Ghosts? would you o'rebuild the skie?
Were not mens Many tongues, and minds their Babel-destinie?
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But disproportion, which is still the fairest marke of fate?
The Ill.
Are you afrayd poore Soules? Else why doe you descend
To question, or conferre with vs, to whom you are no friends?
Who feare their owne Estates doe commonly first speake,
As they againe put goodnesse on, who find their party weake.
We doe but what we did, which is increase our might;
And as on earth, so in the ayre; cry downe your borrowed light.
The Good.
What can you winne of vs, that must be as we were?
Whereas you, exiles out of heauen, can hope for nothing there.
The Ill.
We, that were as you are, know well what you can be;
Where you, that neuer were like vs, what can you in vs see?
The Good.
That you haue first destroyed your selues, and are ordain'd
To scourge, curse, and corrupt that earth, which you boast to haue gain'd.
The Ill.
Why did not you defend that which was once your owne?
Betweene vs two, the odds of worth, by odds of power is knowne.
Besides, Mappe clearly out your infinite extent,
Euen in the infancy of time, when much was innocent;
Could this world then yeeld ought to enuie, or desire,
Where pride of courage made men fall, and basenesse rais'd them higher?
Where they that would be great, to be so, must be least?
And where to beare, and suffer wrong, was vertues natiue crest?
Mans skinne, was then his silke; the worlds wild fruit, his food;
His wisdome, poore simplicity; his Trophies inward good.
No Maiesty, for power; nor glories, for mans worth;
Nor any end, but (as the plants) to bring each other forth.
Temples, and vessells fit for outward sacrifice,
As they came in, so go they out, with that which you count Vice.
Betweene vs two, the odds of worth, by odds of power is knowne.
Besides, Mappe clearly out your infinite extent,
Euen in the infancy of time, when much was innocent;
Could this world then yeeld ought to enuie, or desire,
Where pride of courage made men fall, and basenesse rais'd them higher?
Where they that would be great, to be so, must be least?
And where to beare, and suffer wrong, was vertues natiue crest?
Mans skinne, was then his silke; the worlds wild fruit, his food;
His wisdome, poore simplicity; his Trophies inward good.
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Nor any end, but (as the plants) to bring each other forth.
Temples, and vessells fit for outward sacrifice,
As they came in, so go they out, with that which you count Vice.
The Priesthood few, and poore; No Throne, but open ayre:
For that which you call good, allowes of nothing that is faire.
No Pyramis rais'd vp aboue the force of Thunder,
Nor Babel-walles by Greatnesse built, for Littlenesse a wonder.
No Conquest testifying wit, with courage mixt;
As wheeles whereon the world must runne, and neuer can be fixt.
No Arts, or Characters to read the great God in;
Nor stories of acts done; for these all entred with the sinne.
A lasy calme, wherein each foole a pilot is:
The glory of the skilfull shines, where men may go amisse.
For that which you call good, allowes of nothing that is faire.
No Pyramis rais'd vp aboue the force of Thunder,
Nor Babel-walles by Greatnesse built, for Littlenesse a wonder.
No Conquest testifying wit, with courage mixt;
As wheeles whereon the world must runne, and neuer can be fixt.
No Arts, or Characters to read the great God in;
Nor stories of acts done; for these all entred with the sinne.
A lasy calme, wherein each foole a pilot is:
The glory of the skilfull shines, where men may go amisse.
Till we came in, there was no triall of your might,
And since we were; in men, your selues presume of little right.
Then cease to blast the earth with your abstracted dreames
And striue no more to carry men against affections streames.
Nay rather tempt, and proue, if long life make them wise,
That must, to haue their beauties seene, put out all fleshly eyes.
Or when they be no more, Eternall then to be,
Neglect the ioy, and glorious vse of times felicity.
Cast out these thinne-weau'd lines, and catch some little flyes;
The greater spirits, which are ours, feele not these nimble tyes.
And since we were; in men, your selues presume of little right.
Then cease to blast the earth with your abstracted dreames
And striue no more to carry men against affections streames.
Nay rather tempt, and proue, if long life make them wise,
That must, to haue their beauties seene, put out all fleshly eyes.
Or when they be no more, Eternall then to be,
Neglect the ioy, and glorious vse of times felicity.
Cast out these thinne-weau'd lines, and catch some little flyes;
The greater spirits, which are ours, feele not these nimble tyes.
In Alaham for instance, plead your power, or right;
Entise him from a mortall Crowne, with your Crowne infinite.
Proue if he will forbeare vnnaturall Parricide,
To see who in the sea of humors shall the Scepter guide.
Trie if proud Hala will forget the death of Caine,
And reconcil'd, in dutie, with her owne Lord liue, and raigne.
Moue Celica, that spirit reputed for your owne,
To see if she, to saue her life, would haue her fame vnknowne.
Worke Zophi (that poore soule) though blinde, to leaue his breath:
We only make things cheape, or deare, as Lords of life, and death.
Lastly, perswade the King to liue, and saue his Crowne;
And all the world shall see we rayse, and wee pull Princes downe.
So that your beings here are but a tincture cast
(Like crests vpon the Egypt Pharos) to disguise, not last.
Entise him from a mortall Crowne, with your Crowne infinite.
Proue if he will forbeare vnnaturall Parricide,
To see who in the sea of humors shall the Scepter guide.
Trie if proud Hala will forget the death of Caine,
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Moue Celica, that spirit reputed for your owne,
To see if she, to saue her life, would haue her fame vnknowne.
Worke Zophi (that poore soule) though blinde, to leaue his breath:
We only make things cheape, or deare, as Lords of life, and death.
Lastly, perswade the King to liue, and saue his Crowne;
And all the world shall see we rayse, and wee pull Princes downe.
So that your beings here are but a tincture cast
(Like crests vpon the Egypt Pharos) to disguise, not last.
Besides; take from the world that which you reckon Sinne;
And she must be, as at the first, for euer to beginne.
A glorious, spacious wombe fram'd to containe but one;
Since he, that in it will be yours, is sure to be alone.
Keepe therefore where you are; descend not, but ascend:
For, vnderneath the Sun, be sure no braue State is your friend.
And she must be, as at the first, for euer to beginne.
A glorious, spacious wombe fram'd to containe but one;
Since he, that in it will be yours, is sure to be alone.
Keepe therefore where you are; descend not, but ascend:
For, vnderneath the Sun, be sure no braue State is your friend.
The Good.
What haue you wonne by this, but that curst vnder Sinne,
You make, and marre; throw downe, and raise; as euer to beginne?
Like Meteors in the ayre, you blaze but to burne out,
And change your shapes (like Phantom'd clouds) to leaue weake eyes in doubt.
Not truth, but truth-like grounds is that you worke vpon,
Varying in all but this, that you can neuer long be one,
Then play here with your art; false miracles deuise;
Deceiue, and be deceiued still; be foolish, and seeme wise,
In peace erect your Thrones; your delicacie spread,
The flowers of time corrupt soone spring, and are as quickly dead.
Let warre, which (tempest-like) all with it selfe o're-throwes,
Make of this diuerse world a stage for blood-enammeld showes.
Successiuely both these yet this fate follow will,
That all their glories be no more than change from ill, to ill.
So as with peace, or warre, if you adorne one realme,
In both, through other Climes againe, you runne with barren streame.
Rest no where therefore, but still wander, as you doe,
And restlesse be they, as you are, that shall receiue you too.
Giue Alaham more scope to multiply his error,
With parents blood adorne his Throne; more guilt still adds more terrour.
Let Hala's wicked heart (for all ill births a wombe)
By violence of passion, make for many vices roome.
Let ill example in to staine the Christian Nation;
The same excesse destroyes at last, which first gaue reputation.
Conspire against the truth, you haue an easie foe:
For in the world all that are hers can neuer currant goe.
Vnder the next good, shaddow your deform'd excesse;
Yet shall your masked arts, and hornes, your clouen feet expresse.
Wherby your beauties be so priz'd among your owne;
As they will blush for yours, by name, or nature to be knowne.
You make, and marre; throw downe, and raise; as euer to beginne?
Like Meteors in the ayre, you blaze but to burne out,
And change your shapes (like Phantom'd clouds) to leaue weake eyes in doubt.
Not truth, but truth-like grounds is that you worke vpon,
Varying in all but this, that you can neuer long be one,
Then play here with your art; false miracles deuise;
Deceiue, and be deceiued still; be foolish, and seeme wise,
In peace erect your Thrones; your delicacie spread,
The flowers of time corrupt soone spring, and are as quickly dead.
Let warre, which (tempest-like) all with it selfe o're-throwes,
Make of this diuerse world a stage for blood-enammeld showes.
Successiuely both these yet this fate follow will,
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So as with peace, or warre, if you adorne one realme,
In both, through other Climes againe, you runne with barren streame.
Rest no where therefore, but still wander, as you doe,
And restlesse be they, as you are, that shall receiue you too.
Giue Alaham more scope to multiply his error,
With parents blood adorne his Throne; more guilt still adds more terrour.
Let Hala's wicked heart (for all ill births a wombe)
By violence of passion, make for many vices roome.
Let ill example in to staine the Christian Nation;
The same excesse destroyes at last, which first gaue reputation.
Conspire against the truth, you haue an easie foe:
For in the world all that are hers can neuer currant goe.
Vnder the next good, shaddow your deform'd excesse;
Yet shall your masked arts, and hornes, your clouen feet expresse.
Wherby your beauties be so priz'd among your owne;
As they will blush for yours, by name, or nature to be knowne.
Againe, take all the world, if it one soule content;
Then freely let Mankinde beleeue you are omnipotent.
But if your Legions here doe in their glories raue,
Tormented while they liue on earth, and much more in the graue;
If to be nothing be the best that could befall;
Your subtile Orbes, to reall beings, then must needs be thrall.
And so proue to the good but like those showres of raine,
Which, while they wet the husbandman, yet multiply his gaine.
Then freely let Mankinde beleeue you are omnipotent.
But if your Legions here doe in their glories raue,
Tormented while they liue on earth, and much more in the graue;
If to be nothing be the best that could befall;
Your subtile Orbes, to reall beings, then must needs be thrall.
And so proue to the good but like those showres of raine,
Which, while they wet the husbandman, yet multiply his gaine.
| The Tragedie of Alaham | |