University of Virginia Library

[Scene V.

A Chamber in the King's Palace.]
Enter King and Gesippus.
Ges.
I left her, Sir, in my appartment now,
And came to knowe what further I must doe.

King.
Though to thy freindshipp I my Crowne must owne,
This service yett transcends all thou hast done.
Life, Empire, and all blessings else must prove
Below the vast importance of my Love.
Waite on her hither straight, whilst I reflect
What raptures Love will bring, what greifes neglect.
[Exitt Gesippus.
This heart the feare of death could ne're invade,
Now trembles to behold that Conquering Maid.
But yet 'twere sinne that trembling to bemoane,
Since my Love by it is the cleerer showne.
What e're my passion does discover most
Ought not to make my sorrow but my boast.

Enter Gesippus, Altemera, and Candaces.
Alt.
Oh, Sir, I'me told, since I came to this place,
That Clorimun is soe in your disgrace,
That hee is like (such your resentments be)
To loose his life for what hee did for mee.
Since 'twas my teares made him his fault committ,
I'le strive by them to make you pardon itt.
Therefore upon my knees I humbly crave
[Kneeles.
That you at least his pretious Life will save.

King.
Faire Altemera, rise; this shou'd not bee.
'Tis I should kneel to you, not you to mee.
Could you have found noe other way beside,
But this, my deepe obedience to have try'd?
Command mee to subdue Rome by a Warr,
And I'le doe that rather than this by farr.

Alt.
To Conquer Empires is what force may doe,
But 'tis your virtue must yourselfe subdue.
If you deny my first and only suite,
My knees shall never rise, but here take roote.

King.
I cannot Altemera's teares withstand.
His Life I give, Madame, to your Command.

Alt.
'Tis nobler much to spare than to shedd bloud.
[Rises.
Noe title sounds soe great as that of good.

King.
Since to Shun mercy you esteeme a fault,
Doe not decline that virtue you have taught,
And since I sav'd a Rebell at your prayer,
Let not your King, adoring you, dispaire.
His person I must for a while confine.
'Tis for my Rivalls safety as for myne.

Alt.
His freedome I will hope for in due time.
Now to begg more you might esteeme a Cryme.

King.
'Twere a Cryme, Madame, in mee, I know,
To keepe you longer from your Lodgings now.
I have a high important bussinesse there,
Fit only to be Whisper'd in your Eare.

[Exeunt.