University of Virginia Library

Act V.

Scene I.

Enter Ascoli, Altophil.
Ascol.
Whil'st we confine our motion to this darke
Division of the house, we are secure;
The Guards beneath Rangone did corrupt,
And made my entrance hither easily
Atchived: but thou hast told a piteous tale,
The latter part will give posterity
A lasting cause to mourne, for though
Galeotto suffered justly for his crimes,
And I must ever praise that victory;
Yet Amaranta's fate was most severe.

Altophil.
Alas! it is not good to name her, Sir;
We shall but spoyle our thoughts, and urge them to
A desperate beliefe.

Ascol.
Can your intelligence
Aime at no report that may declare
Your Mistresse usage with the King?

Altophil.
As passages are stopp'd, no souldiers voyce
Is louder then a whisper here, and those
Are breath'd in the darke.—

Enter Arthiopa, her haire hanging loose about her.
Ascoli.
Looke where shee comes.

Altophil.
If that be shee
That gives her sorrow so much ornament
With haire dishevell'd, and unwilling lookes,
Declin'd with sighs that well may penetrate
The spacious vault of heaven, though it were Arch'd
With Onix and hard Chrysolite;
If that be she, perswade your selfe to know
Her, Sir, for I would faine preserve her still
A stranger to my sight.

Arthiopa.
I came to seeke
Thee Altophil, but thou art found too soone.
Why should I vex a Lovers tendernesse?
My lamentations are so great, they'ld serve
T'infuse a vertue in a furious eare,
If pitie may be call'd a vertue, but
I hope it is not so, for then the world
Would much offend, that long hath wanted it.

Altophil.
What dismall story hangs upon thy tongue?
Speake it aloud, to wake the destinies,
Who sure are fast asleep, thy sufferance else
Will make us thinke they take no care of what
They can so easily create.

Arthiopa.
Fierce Heildebrand,
That tyrant King! O! that my memory
Can keepe a name should be forgot by all
The world!

Ascoli.
He finds our militarie soules are now
Growne tame, and meeke as Doves; hee'll shortly use
No Iron Scepter here, wee can be aw'd
And govern'd by a Reed.

Arthiopa.
To this perfidious King I was convey'd
By Galeotto, falser then himselfe,
Endur'd his sinfull courtship, and subdu'd
At first with threatning vowes, the furie of
His will; so that he seem'd restor'd to grace.

Altophil.
And did hee fall agen?

Arthiopa.
His pietie
Grew soone too high a blisse for him,
With tedious steps he labour'd up the hill;
Whose top being reach'd, his elevation shew'd
So strange, that it amaz'd his ignorance,
And giddily he tumbled downe in far
Lesse space then he could climbe.

Ascoli.
A swift inconstancie.

Arthiopa.
In a short moment hee was quite
Declin'd from good, ev'n to the extacie of vice:
For in the blackest and most guiltie houre
Of night, hee came and found my curtaines drawne;
But so uncomely rude were his intents,
That though I there had slept as in a Shrine,
(A place which death or holinesse did priviledge
With reverend esteeme) yet he would force
His way; you sacred powers conceive how fit
It is the rest should make mee dumbe.

Altophil.
I have begun
In blood, and must goe on; inhumane guilt
Is so disperss'd and growne so strong, that now
Revenge from every valiant hand will be
Acknowledged lawfull and Divine.

Ascoli.
Let's hasten to our furious businesse, come,
I have some strength in ambush neere the Fort;
And bold Rangone waits within t'expect
What hidden troopes I will command t'assault
My Palace which this Monster hath usurp'd.

Altophil.
That charge conferre upon my care;
Away, let's give him swift and silent death,
Like Cannons, that destroy ere they are heard:
Yet since we're sever'd in our enterprize,
Wee'll take a solemne leave for ever, Sir.
Farewell,—our usuall fortune can perswade
Us to no better confidence.

Ascoli.
Yes, noble Altophil,
Wee'll meet agen, I'll find thee, though i'th clouds.

Altophil.
I have of late been so much us'd
To weepe, that I suspect the chrystall of
Mine eyes is but a kind of Ice, which still
Each warmer change of weather straight doth thaw.

Ascoli.
The sweetest, though most injur'd of thy sex,
Farewell, and thinke such comfort yet remaines,
As must not be despis'd, though but in hope.

Arthiop.
Sir, reason soone would ruine mine, if I
Had any left; the cleane nice Ermine not
Endures to live, when once the Hunter doth
Her whitenesse soyle, though with a little staine.

Altophil.
Arthiopa, come, we are lovers still,
Though too too much unfortunate; time ne're
Could finde in all his old records, nor will
The like succeed in's future Register.—

Exeunt omnes.
Enter Brusco, Gandolpho, Rampino, Hirco.
Brusco.
What lazie Elephants are these? huge Rogues
That cannot dig through mould as soft as dough.

Ramp.
Is not the Myne yet finish'd?

Gandolph.
Have patience Gentlemen, I'm confident
Th'ave reach'd off the Parapet,
And straight the powder will be laid.

Ramp.
But is the ambush well supply'd that should
Breake in upon the Garrison when fire is given?

Brusco.
Those follow my direction, and are all
Prepar'd to execute at their just time.

Hirco.
Then one successe is sure, for the old troopes
Have sent a private message, they'll assault
The City gates before the Sunne can rise
To shew them to the enemy.
I know th'are led by brave Pisciero the
Lievtenant to our Generall, and I
Have planted those will give them entrance, though
They tread upon their mothers and their wives.

Brusco.
It recreates my very lungs to thinke
How this luxurious stupid Heildebrand
In pleasure snorts, and little thinks
He shall be wak'd with an alarme.

Gandolpho.
You, Sir, must take important care, lest in
The streets your consultation be with throngs
Of Fiends: for busie members will be soone
Observ'd; your quarter is the Westerne bridge.

Brusco.
But first attend about the Palace, to
Expect your orders, they must be given you there.

Rampino.
Direct your selves; I am more watchfull then
A sicke Constable after his first sleepe
On a cold bench, Hirco, along with mee.—

Exeunt omnes.
Enter Heildebrand, Morello, Rangone.
Morello.
This is the Count Rangore, Sir, who was
Before your Conquest here chiefe Captaine of
The Guard unto the captive Prince.

Heildebr.
From Galeotto, Sir, is your affaire?

Rangone.
This Ring hee humbly sends a present to—
Ring
Your Majesty, it was the first rich pledge
You gave him to confirme his new integritie,
By which he would perswade your royall thoughts;
I am a messenger of trust, with hope
It may procure me privately your eare.

Heildebr.
Leave us, Morello, and attend within—
Exit Morello.
What is the cause hee can so soone neglect
The homage of his dutie here? he did
Not waite to day.

Rangone.
His daughter, Sir, is sicke.
O're whom so fondly he laments, that hee
Supplies both her Physitians Art and diligence.

Heildebr.
Proceed to his request.

Rangone.
Your wisdome, Sir, wee'll much admire.
To what a calme and easie sufferance
He hath reduc'd Arthiopa reclaim'd
Her frostie nature to such warme, such soft
And feminine desires as it is fit
Her beautie should possesse.

Heildebr.
Thou dost bewicth me with thy newes.

Rangone.
Sir, she no more retaines the seeming forwardnesse
And peevish rigour of a maid,
But wonders why the Roman Lucrece did
Complaine, because enforc'd since boldly she
Concludes it now the onely subtill way
To compasse pleasure without sinne.

Heildebr.
Wise Aracmes Philosophy, hee'd read
It to his Neece.

Rangone.
No question, Galeotto had
Good moderne Authors for his Doctrine, Sir,
Else 'twould not thrive so well: his instant suite
Unto your greatnesse is, you would prepare
To humble your occasions to this night,
As you may visit him; and you shall find
The Lady alter'd to your wish.

Heildebrand.
It lay not in the power of all his skill
And vigilance, to send me a request
I would so willingly receive: this glad
Assurance render him with my best thanks,
And then returne to be my guide.—

Exeunt.
Enter Rampino, Hirco.
Ramp.
Stay here, and watch for more supplies; the word
Is gone about, I've drawne to our confederacie
From an obscure blind lane, a race of such
Indebted wights, as have not seen the Sunne
Since the last great eclipse, when wonder more
Than businesse brought them out.

Hirco.
Have they any clothes?

Ramp.
Why, dost thou thinke they goe to play a Prize?
Is't of necessity they must appeare
In scarlet Breeches, and cleane lac'd shirts?
Swords they have all, although their scabbards are
A little torne about the Chape, they'll serve
To poke; lesse men are squeamish, and won't let'em
Enter their bodies, because they are rustie.

Hirco.
I would not be a Serjeant in their way.

Ramp.
Straight when the hurry shall begin to rise,
Beware my Gossip Goldsmiths shop; there be
Among us that will drinke our mornings draughts
In plate, without asking how much an ounce—

Enter Friskin.
Hirco.
Looke there, you must weare an invisible Ring.

Enter Heildebrand, Rangone.
Rangone.
He said I should receive the Lady here;
'Tis strange he failes: if Sir, it will become
Your greatnesse to expect a while, I'll seeke
Galeotto out, and sent her hither.

Heildebr.
The object may deserve my patience, but take care
Y'are swift in your returne.

Rangone.
If wishes can
Conduce prosperity to the designe,
Thou shalt not want them, Altophil, I'll guard
The gates below to hinder all impediments.—

Exit, strange musicke is heard above.
Heildebr.
This sure is some preparative, although
The sound's not very amorous.

The Song to a horrid tune.

Enter Altophil.
Heildeb.
My senses are growne sicke! speake! what art thou?

Altophil.
Men call mee Altophil.

Heildebr.
Hee I encounter'd in a battell on
The banks of Sibaris? I'll rather meet
Thee in that river, stemming against
The tide, then thus wall'd in where horror dwells.
I am betray'd!—

Altophil.
Stirre not, you are confin'd,
And cannot scape me now; for such events.
As are prescrib'd us in the secret booke
Above, here wee shall both receive.

Heildebr.
I feare not mine, my single valour is
Enough, if thou art all mine enemies.

Altophil.
You come to visit Galeotto, Sir:—
Drawes the hangings.
See where he rudely sits ill manner'd Lord,
That will not rise to welcome such a Potentate.

Heildebr.
Sleeping in death! such nodding likes me not.

Altophil.
Survey him well; he was your Traytor, Sir,
Goe hug him now; cherish the falshood that
Could ruine States, and draw a Nation to
Captivity; open his head, where all
His plots and policies are treasur'd up,
And take them out, it is not fit such wealth
Should lie conceal'd i'th grave.

Heildebr.
Is there no more
Remaining of those sweating toyles, danger,
And studious wit that helps ambition to
Ascend, then such a pale complexion and
a cold dumb mockery of what we were?

Altophil.
Now, Sir, to entertaine your pretious time
With new variety (although I knew
You are in haste) see Amaranta here.—

Drawes the hangings further.
Heildebr.
She so alter'd and growne silent too?

Altophil.
This was a noble beauty once; repleat
With all that gentle ornament Lovers
In their kind passion, or Poets in
Diviner fury could advance with praise.
And this so sanctifi'd a thing, you did
Endeavour to corrupt, pray court her now,
And thrid her teares like orientall Pearle,
Take Rubies from her lips to darken all
The Jewells in your Crowne, y've undertooke
So much in counterfeit Hyperbole's,
Blast her faire hand with your false sighs; and sweare
'Tis no Idolatry, you may; for looke
How like a Goddesse a dead Lady shewes.

Heildebr.
I'll see no more; if they are fit for monuments,
Why were they not interr'd before I came?

Altophil.
Yes, you must needs behold all that is gay
And pleasing here; 'twill make your welcome seeme
More absolute: come forth Arthiopa.—

Enter Arthiopa, her haire dishevell'd as before.
Heildebr.
This living spectacle disturbs, and frights
My senses more then all that's dismall 'bout
The dead; no traytor like to that within,
My courage failes me now, which till this houre
I trusted most.

Altophil.
Looke on the ruines you
Have made of such a building; Cherubims
Would strive to dwell in it, but that they knew
They must dispossesse a soule as good
as they; see how it droops!

Heildebr.
The period of
My vex'd injurious life drawes on apace.

Atophil.
Prepare your valour and your sword, for love
Unto the sacred title which you beare.
You shall not die surpriz'd, without defence,
But try what usefull strength is left you, now
Your vertue's gone.—

Both draw.
Heildebr.
Stay then, I'll call to my remembrance all
The noble deeds of my heroicke youth,
Whilst growing mighty with thoughts, I may
Behave my selfe as if I had no guilt.

Arthiopa.
O hold my Lord! why should you hazard thus
The treasure of your life? impoverishing
the needy remnant of the vertuous world
In my revenge, leave it to th'holy powers.

Heildebr.
Wilt thou be courteous to her, and desist?

Altophil.
Move but a little backe, Arthiopa,
Couldst thou believe me worthy of thy love,
Yet doubt my fortitude t'encounter him,
Whose crimes have left him no assistant but
What came from Hell; all that is good forsooke
Him when hee injur'd thee.—

Arthiopa.
'Tis wearisome to beg your safety now.

Altophil.
By all the fervour of our mutuall vowes,
I charge thee give me liberty to try
What anger can performe when it is just.

Arthiop.
I cannot disobey, though when I see
Your dangers I can die.—

Heildebr.
I am resolv'd for thy assault, yet stay,
That Ladies suffrings hang so heavie on
My soule, that it foretells a longer sleepe
Then I would willingly begin; I wish
Thou couldst prepare me with a little wound,
That might let out my lustfull blood, and leave
The rest to strengthen me for this dire cause.—

Altophil.
I'm good at opening of a veine; there Sir,—

They fight, Heildebrand falls.
Heild.
Had that afflicted terror in her face
Bin hid, 'th'adst found more trouble in this victory.—
I feele desires of blisse, and those I hope
May prosper, though presented very late.—

hee dies.
Altophil.
Depart, forgotten and forgiven.—

Arthiopa.
Why dost thou shrinke? speake Altophil: why dost
Thou bow like tyr'd undweeldie age?

Altophil.
His sword has bin too busie here, just here
About the heart.—

Arthiopa.
The Region of thy love,
I finde thou hast a wound by perfect sympathie,
For mine growes sicke, and doth desire to bleed.

Altophil.
How fares my Mistresse? sweet Arthiopa?

Arthiopa.
Your pulse must give account of all my health.

Altophil.
Take't not unkindly I shall leave thee now,
My eyes grow dimme, and I would furnish them
With everlasting light.

Arthiopa.
O my deare Lord!
Let me not thinke that voyce was yours.

Altophil.
Alas! that in a loyall Lover death
Must argue some inconstancie, since 'tis
The first occasion to forsake what wee
May ne're enjoy agen
I shall not be forsaken; for I feele
I can decay apace, and keepe you company
In this long journey to our last abode.—

Altophil.
First let's seeke our vowes upon our lips,
They were so strictly kept, that wee shall find
Them warme, as if but newly breath'd.—
They kisse.
These are the funerall rites of love.—

Arthiopa.
Breake heart.
It is the way to shew that thou wert true—

They both die.
Within.
Victory! the Fort is taken, victory!—

Enter Ascoli, Rangone, Gandolpho, Rampino, Brusco, Hirco, and the Guard.
Ascoli.
Your brother dy'd, Gandolpho, in the first
Retreat; you and the souldiers still shall share
My best affection and felicity.

Omnes.; Rangone.
Long live your Highnesse.
O Sir, the splendor of our triumphs are
Eclips'd, wee came too late; behold,
The Tyrant is not onely slaine, but here
The valiant Generall lies, his Mistresse too,
Imbracing, though insensible of love.

Ascoli.
Friendship and love are dead; I find
My sorrowes are too mighty for my tongue.

Rangone.
The King thus sever'd from them it appeares
He first was kill'd by Altophil, who straight
Fell after on a lingring hurt, Arthiopa
(This seene) could need no other wound than griefe.

Brusco.
The pride and comfort of the war is gone.

Ramp.
A Generall fit to leade the world against
The force of Hell.

Hirco.
But now wee may hang up
Our armes, and yeeld to ev'ry enemy.

Rangone.
Sir, though 'tis fit you mourne, yet take some care
So to proceed, as that your Subjects may
Be perfectly assur'd of our victory.

Ascoli.
Beare hence these wofull objects of our first
True Elegie; thy statue, Altophil,
Shall in my Palace stand, with sad Arthiopa
Lamenting still; and Amaranta fix'd
On th'other side, hiding her eyes, that found
Too much of beauty in her Rivall's face;
In lasting gold, by old Ephesian Art
Design'd, this triple—Figure I'll aduance,
Though it will little credit adde to Fate,
That made such Lovers so unfortunate.—

Exeunt omnes.