University of Virginia Library

Scena Secunda.

The Scene open'd, appears Smerdis seated on a Throne, attended by Guards, and other Attendants.
Enter again, Theramnes, and Phedima.
Ther.
He to their tryal will th'Offenders bring—
Look there, and see your Judge, the Persian King.

Phed.
Sure you mistake the Throne, or I the Prince.

Ther.
His Majesty that error will convince.

[Exit.
Smerd.
Fair Excellence,
[Steps from the Throne.
'Tis true, the name of Prince I changed have
For that more glorious Title of your Slave.—
But I recall that breath—I should transgress
Against your Beauty, were my greatness less.
He must be more than Prince, and Monarch too,
That so great Beauty dares adore as you.
Hence 'tis your Royal Lover, Persia's King
Presumes to make his heart your Offering.
The Noblest Present that his Love can make,
And yet the lowest you can stoop to take.

Phed.
(Aside ...)
The Persian Monarch's Love! Now I'le proclaim
My Constancy to my Darius's flame.
My courage in this cause shall act such things,
I'le prove my Faith by my disdain of Kings.
I'le treat him so, that Fame shall witness be,
None ever Lov'd, or ever scorn'd like me. (... Aside)

Are you the Judge to prosecute the Laws
Of Justice in those bold Offenders cause?
Why then, kind Judge, do you forsake your Throne,
E're you've the Tryal heard, or Justice done?

Smerd.
Your bold Offender does repent his Fact,
And I but ill his Judge's part could Act.
To beg his pardon I resign my seat,
From being his Judge to be his Advocate.

Phed.
But lest his Crime should want a just Revenge,
As you change yours, I will my Office change,
From his Accuser to his Judge; whilst I,
To Act your Justice, will your seat supply.
[Steps into the Throne.
Enter Patasithes, unseen.
For since he Loves, I'le use a Mistress's pow'r,
With all the rigour of a Conquerour.

Pat.
Ha! what strange Interlude must here be shown?
A Woman seated on the Persian Throne!

[Aside.
Phed.
This diff'rence Kings with common Captives have;
Onely the Title of a Royal Slave.
And how can Beauty rule a Nobler way,
Then to command thus—whilst their Slaves obey.

Pat.
'Tis she; I'le stop—But stay, I'le use no force.
I'le check her pride by a more subtle course.

[Aside.
Phed.
Although you Monarchs are exempt from Laws,
As wanting higher Pow'rs to Judge your cause:
Yet that you, Smerdis, may have Justice done,
Since you want Laws, I'le Judge you by my own.
Smerdis, what can you say in the defence
Of your late rude, and salvage violence;
When, Ravisher, your guilt so high was grown,
T'attempt my Virtue, and to blast your own?

Smerd.
You know I was not Author of that Fact:
Honour nor Love durst ne're such stains contract.
For they Heav'ns favour would but ill implore,
Who first prophane the Deity they adore.

Phed.
Honour and Love are but respective things;
Greater or less in Subjects or in Kings.
In which if Kings transgress, the more sublime
Their greatness is, the greater is their Crime.
And though you're now transform'd into a Prince,
That Title does but heighten your offence.

Smerd.
Such Beauty does so well become the Throne,
Be pleas'd, fair Judge, t'accept it as your own.
Where you shall Reign in glory, and give Law
To him that wears the Crown of Persia.

Phed.
I scorn your Throne, and him that proffers it:
My pow'rs too great, an equal to admit.
[Descends from the Throne.
No, Smerdis, Phedimais not so low
As to descend unto a Throne, and You.
Two lights together cannot equal shine,
Mine will Eclipse your glory, or yours mine.
And 'twould a lesser Honour be, to have
A King my Equal, than a King my Slave.

[Exit, and after her, Smerdis.
Pat.
Is Love an object for his mind which shou'd
Be now imploy'd with thoughts of War, and Blood.
Cambyses now may his revenge pursue,
And eas'ly conquer, where Love can subdue.
Love does debase all Courage, and he is,
Like tame Beasts, onely fit for Sacrifice.
But I'le invent a Cure.
[Studies.
—Well, I'le remove
Her safe enough both from his pow'r, and Love.
Love is a Passion for luxurious peace,
When idleness indulges the disease,
But not for Active souls. I've found the way
To turn that current which I cannot stay.

[Exit.