University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Prusias, Nichomede, and Araspes.
Pru.
Prince, what affairs could bring you from the Field?

Nicho.
My duty did to just Ambition yield.
First, for the Honor Sir, to tell you here,
That you have yet another Crown to wear,
Then to receive your kind Embrace, and be
A Witness, you approve my Victory.
Sir Cappadocia's yours, Arsaces Throne,
Your Orders by my Arm, has made your own.
And I Sir, thought it was but just to bring
Thanks due unto my Father, and my King,
For the great Glory you vouchsaf'd this Hand,
To make it Minister of your Command.

Prusi.
You might have staid Sir, till I sent for you,
And by your Letters, paid me the thanks due;
Nor ought you to have sully'd with a Crime,
That which your Victory adds to your Esteem.
To leave a Camp in any's Cappital,
But above all Sir, in a General,
Be sure, who e're but you, had thus come home,
Had changd his Lawrel, for a Cypress Crown.

Nicho.
Sir, I confess my easie thoughts gave way,
To those desires which my heart do sway.
I've err'd, but Love to you caus'd the Offence,
That Passion with my duty did dispence.
My guilt alone from my affection grew,
Else I had faultless been, but not seen you,
A Happiness to me Sir, so sublime,
That if for it, I'm fallen into a crime.
I hope 'twill finde not strict severity,
If Love judge in you what it did in me.

Prusi.
With a Sons Name a slight excuse will serve,
Him in his Fathers kindness to preserve.
I look upon you, as my sole Support,
Receive this day the Honor of my Court.
The Roman Legate who does audience crave,
Shall see what confidence in you I have:
You Prince, this great Ambassadour shall hear,
And answer him, for you're indeed King here,
I'm but the shadow; my age craves no more
But Titles, for the Toiles I took before.
Which I e're long must likewise yield to Fate,
But yours is now the Interest of State.
Upon your self, then a true value set,
But midst your Greatness don't your Fault forget.
Which having made a Breach on Soveraign Power,
I to repair't, confine you to an hour.
After to morrow dare not to stay here,
Your Love by your obedience will appear;
And by example you will best maintain
Your power inviolate, when you shall Reign.
Go then, and by it to the people show,
Our greatest Subjects best know what they owe.

Nicho.
Sir, I'le obey, though the Command be hard,
Yet give me leave to ask this small Reward;
Since my late Armes have open'd a fair way,
That now with safety we may her convay,
And all Armenia for their Queen does wait,
Please to let me conduct her to that State.

Prusi.
The Conduct of a Queen so great and fair,
Becomes your Due, as you are Bithinia's Heir;
But e're that I can send her to her Right,
You know some Ceremony's requisite.
Whilst for her Voyage I things fit prepare,
Go to the Frontiers, and attend her there.

Nicho.
She without greater Equipage would go.

Prusi.
That Wrong to Majesty I'le never do;
But see, th'Ambassadour of Rome comes here,
Answer him first, and then we'l think of her.