University of Virginia Library

Actus tertius.

Scena prima.

Scene, The Palace:
Enter Smerdis, Patasithes, and Captain of the Guards.
Capt.
The Guards are set, the Ambuscado laid.

Pat.
All preparations for the deed are made.

Smerd.
You know your charge in this design, go wait,
And give him entrance at the Western Gate.

[Exeunt Patasithes, and Capt.
Enter Theramnes, with a Letter.
Ther.
Great Sir, your Royal pleasure is obey'd:
Your Letter I with my own hand convey'd.
And this, I guess, her answer does declare:
For though it does no superscription bear,
From hence 'tis yours I do the more presume,
Your Titles being too large for so small room.

Smerd.
Yes, they are large—
When they beyond the name of King extend,
To that more glorious Title of your Friend.
[Embraces him.
You know your charge, Sir, in this Nights design.

Ther.
Rivals in Empire can't together shine.
This Night Cambyses dyes. Whilst Smerdis is
Crown'd for our King, he for our Sacrifice.

[Exit.
Smerd.
Now, if I find he does her Love enjoy,
[Opening the Letter.
Her kindness then her Lover shall destroy.
I know his courage, and I will take care
In this Nights cause he shall engage so far,
To meet his Death. 'Tis a small Crime, to prove
False to my Friendship, to promote my Love.
Reades the Letter.

Phedima, to Theramnes.

Proud Traitor, since your confidence has rais'd you to a pitch above fear or shame,
to dare to profane my eyes with such a scrowl of Blasphemies, in taxing Phedima

of a Contract to Theramnes; Since your guilty passion has made this your first address,
know, that you have rais'd your Love on the ruines of your Friendship; and that your
guilt may be your punishment, may you Love still, and to that height, that I may
triumph in my scorn, and make my cruelty able to give deeper wounds than my eyes:
Love, and dispair. But since your eternal Banishment can onely give a stop to all future
Crimes of this Nature, never dare to see me more.

This does dissolve my fears. These lines do shew
Smerdis is happy now, but cruel too;
To be thus jealous of so brave a Friend.
But since I did 'gainst Friendships Laws offend,
I'le Act such things as shall my fault redeem;
Kings can both Act and expiate a Crime.
And though Theramnes Friend did the offence,
Theramnes King that Crime will recompense.

[Exit.

Scena secunda.

Scene, the Camp.
Enter Darius, and Osiris.
Dar.
During this Truce we will to Susa go
To pay a debt I to my Princess owe.
Two Sovereigns, young Prince, have each their part,
The King my hand, and Phedima my Heart.
But, Sir, your Friendship shares part in my Breast:
I can't give y'all, but trust you with the rest.
This Visit too is not alone design'd
T'a Mistress, but your second self, a Friend.

Osir.
My Rival, Sir, name him, what Friend is he?

Dar.
I am unknown to him, and he to me,
Strangers to each.

Osir.
—This is a Riddle too;
A Friend, and one you never saw, nor knew.

Dar.
But, Sir, I am no stranger to his Fame:
Theramnes's Virtues do my Friendship claim.

Osir.
But whence arise this mystick sympathy?

Dar.
'Twas Phedima's fair hand that made this tye.
His worth, his deeds, his service she commends:
That 'twere unjust we should be less than Friends.
She gives him such a glorious Character,
That being his Friend, I do but second her.
And then her Letters tell me, how that she
Has giv'n him such a Character of me,
That he already is impatient grown,
Till both of us are to each other known.

Osir.
Friendship a stranger progress never made,
That by a Mediatour is convey'd,
You court Theramnes's Love, a Friend unseen;
As Kings by Proxies Court a Forreign Queen.

Enter Messenger, who delivers Darius a Letter.
Dar.
From whence?

Mess.
From Susa, Sir.

Dar.
—Then may it prove,
[Kisses the Letter:
Some kind and happy Embassy of Love.
[Opens the out-side Letter, and reads.

Auretta, to her Lord Darius.

The greatness of your generous favours, and the confidence you have been pleased
to place in me, has obliged me, having found this Letter escap'd from my Ladies
hand, to present it to yours, as a token that I am still your most faithfull confident
of your passion, and Advocate in your Love;

Auretta.

[Opens the inclosed, and reads.

Theramnes, to the Constant Phedima.

The Prologue's strange—but I'le suppress my doubt;
And stay my wonder, till I've read it out.

[Reades to himself, and seems much disorder'd.
Osir.
What sudden change does in his Face appear?
Such looks Darius brow ne're us'd to wear.
It must be something more than common blasts
Of Fortune can raise storms within his breast.

Dar.

—Your most faithful, and most happy adorer,

Theramnes.

[Reads aloud.
Are these the plagues of Love? Am I betray'd?
Has she a Contract with Theramnes made?
And can Heav'n suffer it? Sir, if you dare
Out-face the worst of Treasons, reade e'm there.
[Gives the Letter to Osiris.
Try if your courage does not start to see
A more inhumane Barb'rous cruelty,
Than Heaven, or Hell,—Furies, or Fate,—or all,
[Ragingly.
But Woman can invent,—but these are small,
And petty sportive Crimes in them, to prove
False, and disloyal to their Oaths, and Love.
Is this the Man she prais'd? Is Love so blind,
I could not see my Rival in her Friend?

Osir.
She does your merits wrong. But 'tis the Fate
[Having read the Letter,
Of Lovers, Sir, to be unfortunate.

Dar.
But since Darius such hard fortune bears,
I will out-do the malice of my stars.
I'le be more cruel than my Fate, I'le make
My just revenge my injur'd cause partake.
Revenge the onely pleasure of despair:
Him from her breast, or her from his I'le tear.
I'le end my wrongs by his or my own Fate;
Losing her Love, I will deserve her hate.
His blood, or mine, my fury shall atone:
I'le cause his fall, or crush him with my own.

[Exeunt.

Scena tertia.

Scene, a private Walk:
Enter Phedima, and Orinda.
Phed.
Theramnes sure durst not commit a Fact,
Should forfeit all his Honour in one Act.
The Virtues of his breast so numerous were,
He could not in one moment raze out all;
Great Virtues, like great Empires, ruin'd are,
They by degrees must sink, before they fall.
To dare to write that which he needs must know
Was false, and I must needs resent it so.

Orind.
No more—I see Theramnes walk this way.

Phed.
Then, to resolve my doubt, Orinda stay,
And tax him of his Love, and by degrees
Search out the grounds of his late injuries;
And sound his heart, and how he does resent
My Cruelty, and his late banishment.
Exit Phedima, within the Scenes, to over-hear them:

Enter Theramnes.
Orind.
Theramnes, let me but one question move.

Ther.
Your pleasure, Madam.

Orind.
—Did you ever Love?

Ther.
(Aside.)
What does she mean! that she whom I adore
Should ask me that I ne're durst speak before.
Assist me, Courage, that I may but prove
So Valiant, as to tell her that I Love.

Orind.
What, does your answer need so great a pause?

Ther.
And can you doubt th'effect, who are the cause?
How can you think that he who sees your eyes,
Can be exempted from their Victories?
To doubt I love you your own pow'r suspect:
From such bright charms who can his heart protect?
Strangers to Love must Strangers be to you:

Orind.
(Aside ...)
See how his confidence flatters me too.
But I perceive his Art, he by this pause
Seeks to divert me from my Sisters cause,
By forcing me t'a blush on my own score,
That I may tax him in her name no more.
His guilt's so great, that he's asham'd to hear—
But shall— (... Aside)

—Sir, these expressions needless are;
[To him.
I know your Love.

Ther.
—What could my stars do more,
Then that Orinda knew my Love before?

[Aside.
Orind.
Since you your self a Captive do confess,
Theramnes, then leave it to me to guess
Your Conquerour.

Ther.
(Aside.)
How cunningly she would my passion hear,
Yet seems asham'd that I should tell it her!
Well, in such language I'le my passion dress,
She shall not blush to hear what I'le express.

Orind.
But of what date has this your passion been?

Ther.
Since the first day I had my Conqu'rour seen.
In a deep silence, and as great a fear,
In vain I spent a long and tedious year.
And like that year now it's whole course is run,
There find my self where I at first begun:

Orind.
And could your passion to this height advance,
And you not dare to give it utterance?

Ther.
My passion, Madam, I could ne're disguise
So much, but she might reade it in my eyes.
Beauties that in our hearts nourish a fire,
Like to the gods that do those flames inspire.
Their Servants silence seldom do mistake,
But know their wishes, though they never speak.
Thus I have utter'd it.

Orind.
—And only thus?

Ther.
Perhaps some few sighs an escape have made:
But those I checkt as too ambitious,
Fearing they had my high-plac'd Love betrai'd.

Orind.
Did you ne're write to her whom you ador'd?

Ther.
My passion ne're such courage could afford.
I never did, nor durst.

Orind.
—False man, I saw
That Letter which you wrote to Phedima.
Where you so boldly did your Love defend,
And to her heart so great a right pretend,
As if you there had been so long a guest,
That nothing could remove you from her breast.

Ther.
(Aside.)
What does she mean? Unless she jealous be
I Love else-where, and tryes my constancy.
If it be so, how can I happier prove?
For where there's jealousie, there must be Love.

Orind.
Speak, did you not presume to tell her, how
You claim'd her Love by Contract, and by Vow?
Can you deny't? or think I never saw,
Theramnes to the Constant Phedima?
Did I not see't by your own hand convey'd?

Ther.
Too late I find I'm by my King betray'd.
[Aside.
'Twas from another hand that Letter came:
[To her.
I neither th'Author, nor the Subject am.

Orind.
False man, did it not bear your name, and can
Your confidence deny you are the man?

Ther.
O pardon me, if Arguments I want
To clear my self of what I'm ignorant,
As well as innocent. That I may prove
I ne're aspir'd to your fair Sisters Love:
Nor ever could, nor durst; let this suffice,
I owe my Conquest to Orinda's eyes.

Orind.
Oh, now I find—this answer merits more
Than all your rudeness on my Sisters score.
Since thus your guilt too must extend to me,
Know, I can frown, and scorn, as well as she.

[Proffers to go out.
Ther.
Stay, cruel, stay, and frown again, so fair
A Beauty charms ev'n in her frowns does wear.

Orind.
Since your Audacious folly's grown so great,
Yes, I will stay; but onely to repeat
That sentence which my Sister gave before,
Theramnes, never dare to see me more.

[Exit.
Ther.
Condemn'd never to see Orinda more!
And am I banisht on my Princes score?
To which of these two shall I faithful be,
Thus streighten'd betwixt Love and Loyaltie?
For there I to my King have silence sworn,
Performing which I gain my Mistress's scorn.
On th'other side, should I, in my defence,
Accuse my King, and prove my innocence:
Should I disclose by whom those lines were writ;
And by mine, my Kings Treachery requite:
On this side then Theramnes would but prove
Falie to his Honour, to promote his Love.
But I'le be true to both, and act such things,
As shall express that I can out-do Kings.

[Exit.
Enter Phedima, and Orinda.
Phed.
Sister, his Conquest to your eyes is due:
And Loving you he cannot Love me too.

Enter two Villains, unespied by Phedima, and Orinda.
1. Vil.
We are to seize the Princess Phedima:
And she has took a private Walk this way.

2. Vil.
And Patasithes gave us charge, that we
Should take the safest opportunity.

1. Vil.
Oh, here's the prize; let's seize 'em,

2. Vil.
—Stay, Ile go,
And see first if the Coast be clear, or no;
Lest by some sudden rescue they escape.
[Exit second Vil.

1. Vil.
They'r object's more for pity, than a rape.
Had not our Patrons bounty made us bold,
Beauty wants pow'r when we're first charm'd with gold.

Phed.
Denying that he writ it, does express
He has no hopes in't, nor expects success.
Then, Sister, the design must only be
A deed of malice in affront to me.—
But that he scorns. No, 'tis some counterfeit,
And by some other envious hand 'twas writ.

Enter again, the second Villain.
2. Vil.
I've view'd around, and I can onely spye
One man within the prospect of my eye.

1. Vil.
One single man shall not disturb our prize,
For if he chance to come this way, he dyes.

[They rush, and seize the Ladies.
Both Ladies.
Help, help. Inhumane Ravishers.

Enter Theramnes.
Ther.
What sudden cry's this that invades my ears?
Ha! Ravishers! and my Orinda too!
My Sword must plead what my Love could not do.
[Draws.
Unhand 'em, Villains. Beauty never is
Ordain'd for such a rude embrace as this.
Unhand'em, or you dye.

1. Vil.
—That you shall do:
Our Swords shall act that kindnes, Sir, for you.

[Both Villains draw upon him.
[The Ladies step in between them, to part them.
Phed.
Hold, Villains, Hold.

Ther.
Give me leave.
My Title their base number does surpass;
I need no other Second, but your cause.

[Puts the Ladies by, and fights.
[Phedima and Orinda run out, crying, help.
Enter to them fighting, Darius.
Dar.
Since Honour does to th'weakest part incline,
Against such odds it makes the Quarrel mine.
Draws, and fights on Theramnes's side; the two Villains are worsted.
Give them their Lives.

1. Vil.
—We scorn a base Reprieve:
We'le either Conquer'd dye, or Conqu'rours live.

[Fights on, two Villains fall.
Ther.
'Tis your assistance has the glory won,
Your generous aid, Sir, has my Sword out-done.

Dar.
I'm happy in performing Honours Laws,
But shall be happier when I know the Cause.

Ther.
'Twas in two Ladies Quarrels that I drew
That Sword that's now made fortunate by you.
Beauties, whose pow'rful infl'ence is so great,
To guide our Swords, we could not but defeat
An Army in their Cause.

Dar.
Know you their Name?

Ther.
Strangers to that, are Strangers too to Fame.
Phedima, and Orinda.

Dar.
Ha! in their cause!

Ther.
—Fortune could ne're afford
A cause more Noble to Theramnes's Sword.

Dar.
Theramnes! O ye gods! Thanks to my Fate.
[Aside.
That at this hour has made me fortunate.

Ther.
The happiest chance that our kind stars could send,
That we their Lives and Honours should defend.

Dar.
In their defence you have your courage shown,
But you will shew it better in your own.

[Draws.
Ther.
This strange assault I cannot understand.

Dar.
My meaning's legible—here in my hand.

Ther.
That Language is too hard to b'understood.

Dar.
It will be plainer when 'tis writ in blood.
Draw, Traytor.

Ther.
—First, you'l give me leave to know
From what strange root this sudden rage does grow.

Dar.
Your parley does but my Revenge delay.

Ther.
Then take your Conquest this more humble way.
[Proffers his Sword.
For Honour holds my hand from a design
Against his Life who bravely gave me mine.

Dar.
Honour a Refuge for your fear procures.
That debt you owe my Sword, pay it with yours.

Ther.
Such a rude payment—

Dar.
—Such a weak pretence
Serves but to yield a Coward a defence.

Ther.
My patience cannot to that name submit,
I'm sorry you must have the proofs of it.

[Both fight.
[Theramnes draws off from Darius in fighting, and offers to speak.
Ther.
Sir, do but hear—

Dar.
—Must you a parley make,
Thus to take breath, when 'tis the last you'll take?

[Fights on, and gives Theramnes a mortal wound.
Enter to them fighting, Osiris, Phedima, and Orinda.
Phed.
What new assault is this?

Osir.
—Darius, hold.
Your fury 'gainst this Stranger is too bold.

Ther.
Darius!
The onely man on Earth whom I design'd
To be my Friend, my Murderer I find.

[Aside.
Phed.
Darius!
What Fatal cause enrag'd you to this strife,
To use your Sword 'gainst my Protector's Life?

Ther.
My Blood runs slow: Fate now Acts it's last part,
[Aside.
And Deaths cold hand moves faintly o're my heart.

Phed.
I'm bound in Honour for that aid you lent.

Ther.
That Bond you Cancel in th'acknowledgment.

Phed.
My freedom you releast, a gift so great,
That I must owe a Ransom, not a Debt.
[To Ther.
But, Sir, what rage arm'd you to this bold deed,
[To Dar.
Against Theramnes, whom the Fates decreed—

Dar.
Against Theramnes whom you have decreed
Should in your Love too happily succeed.

Phed.
Are these the grounds? Your jealousie remove,
He's Rival to your Courage, not your Love.
His Valour 'twas that did my Honour guard,
Which your rude fury did but ill reward.
From these bold Ravishers, whose blood he spilt,
[Points to the two Villains.
Rescu'd my Life, and recompenc'd their guilt.

Ther.
My ling'ring spirits do still faintly hault;
Death sure has laid a siege, not an assault.

[Aside.
Dar.
Since you mistake his Love, you shall not err,
I'le shew you't in a plainer Character.
Have you forgot so soon since you first saw,
Theramnes to the constant Phedima?
Dare you reade this?

[Gives her the Letter.
Phed.
What is't I dare not do?
[Looks upon the Letter.
Has false Auretta then betray'd me too!
[Aside.
This pamphlet I have seen, and read, and more—
But did Theramnes ever see't before?
Know you this hand?
[Gives the Letter to Theramnes.
—And do you know this Breast?
[To Dar.
Suspitious man, dares your weak faith digest
Such base low thoughts of me, to dare to think
My Virtue can grow less, or Courage shrink?
Your Crime had been more venial, and less strange,
T'have thought my Beauty, then my soul could change?
Whatever I durst Act, I dare defend.

Ther.
Is this the kindness of my King and Friend?
[Aside.
It bears my Name, but not my Character.
[Throws away the Letter.
My passion is not written there,—but here.
[Points to his Breast.
In Phedima's fair eyes such glories shine,
As may command all hearts to yield—But mine.
But from her Charms I did my Breast defend:
And I am not your Rival, but your Friend.

Dar.
And can you your own Name deny, and see
That Letter witness of your perjurie?

Ther.
That Letter, Sir, is forg'd and counterfeit.

Dar.
By whom?

Ther.
You must not know by whom 'tis writ.

Dar.
Then will I force—.

Ther.
—You shall not, Sir, nor must
I break my promise, nor betray my trust.
Since Honour does my secrecy enjoyn,
Rather than break my Vow, I'le own it mine.

Dar.
Then will I force that breath to be your last.

Ther.
That Fatal sentence is already past.
Dispute no more of that forg'd Character:
But what your Valour, Sir, has writ, reade here.
[Points to his wounds.
Yet though your Sword has made my blood ebbe low,
My courage still to the same height does flow.
And still my breast is large enough t'afford
Room for your Friendship, as it did your Sword.
No more your groundless jealousies pursue;
My Conquest to Orinda's eyes is due.
But I want breath, not words, for my defence,
To prove Theramnes's injur'd innocence.
Yet if I win your Friendship, I can't call
This my defeat, who conquer when I fall.
[Falls.
And may Theramnes now so happy prove,
Who in his Life could not deserve your Love,
To win Orinda's pity when he dyes,
[To Orind.
In Life your Slave, in Death your Sacrifice.

[Faints away, as dead.
Phed.
Now see what your mistaken rage has done,
And Triumph at the Conquest you have won.
Look there, and tremble, if you have a sense
Of horror equal to his innocence.

Dar.
He's gone! too late thy innocence appears:
The current of my rage now turns to tears.
Osiris, run, call all the help that's near,
Whilst I my helpless griefs eccho to th'Air.
[Exit Osiris.
Yet the kind gods have not plac'd Heav'n so high,
But that our sighs and pray'rs may mount the Sky.
Was this the onely way to reach his heart,
Where he too generously gave me part?
Could I thy Innocence no sooner find?
Is cruel Jealousie, like Love, too blind?
Enter Osiris, with Attendants, who take up the Body of Theramnes.
Thy blood by my unhappy hand was spilt,
Love, like Religion, in th'excess grows guilt.
Thus Love turns Jealousie when too sublime:
As Superstition is Devotion's Crime.
Use all the Arts that may restore his breath,
Or beg, at least, one hour's reprieve of Death,
To Osiris, and the Attendants, who carry off Theramnes.
That I t'his parting soul in tears may tell
My griefs, and take my long and last farewell.
[Exeunt Osiris, and Attendants.
But hold, one debt more to his Virtue's due:
Osiris, stay—with my dead Friend I'le go—
To th'other World—thus—thus.

[Goes to fall upon his Sword.
Phed.
—You are too bold:
Hold your rude hands.

[Stays him.
Dar.
—And does she bid me hold?

Phed.
Yes, Sir, she does; she dares not see you dye.

Dar.
Your kindness then recalls my destiny.

[Passionately.
Phed.
Darius, live—
—For by your hasty fall,
[Changing her voice.
Your Death would be too mild, and pain too small.
Your blood would be too Prodigally spilt:
Live, only to be punisht for your guilt.
Or, if th'experiment of Death you'd trye,
'Tis fit you know your sentence, e're you dye.
Death is but half the rigour of your Fate,
Living you merit, dying, force my hate,
And fall unpity'd. Now strike, if you dare;
Try if your courage equals your despair.
Then she whose kindness did your hand recall,
Will be more kind—she'l smile—to see you fall.

Dar.
Oh, now I dare not dye. A strange reprieve,
When cruelty has pow'r to make me live.
Before, her kindness did recall the stroke,
And now her frowns my sentence do revoke.
Beauties have this prerogative alone,
Their pow'r is equal, when they smile, or frown.
My guilt deserves the greatest punishment,
Tortures can yield, or Justice can invent.
And I could willingly endure the weight
Of all that I deserve, except your hate.

[Orinda, whilst they have been speaking, having casually taken up the Letter, and viewed it, hastily brings it to her Sister.
Orind.
What Seal is this?

Phed.
The Arms of Persia!
Know you that Seal?

[Gives the Letter to Darius.
Dar.
Till now, I never saw:
It was the Signet of the King.

Phed.
—This Seal
Does then Theramnes's Innocence reveal.
For, in your absence, Sir, the Persian King
To me has made his heart an Offering.
And had I broke my Vows to you, I'de been
No longer, Sir, your Mistress, but his Queen.
When I that Royal Present would not take,
He thought 'twas for some happy Rival's sake.
Knowing th'esteem I to Theramnes bore,
He judg'd my cruelty was on his score.
From thence, like you, his jealousie he took,
Whilst he our Friendship for our Love mistook;
Then forg'd that Letter in Theramnes's Name,
To trace our passions, and disturb our flame.
Then judge, Sir, whether I inconstant prove,
Who for your sake reject a Monarch's Love:
Since you now see I am below a Throne,
And have refus'd the proffers of a Crown.

Dar.
You have too much my burden'd soul or'e-charg'd:
My guilt's too bad a theme to be enlarg'd.
But now I find my Crimes will have no end:
At once I've wrong'd my Mistress, and my Friend.
But you've so much of Heav'n, you can forgive.

[Kneels.
Phed.
Yes, Sir, I could, could but Theramnes live.

Dar.
I with my tears will wash away my Crime:
With my loud sorrows I'le reach Heav'n and Him.
I'le pay such Incense for my black offence,
Till I take whiteness from his Innocence.

Phed.
Darius, rise—His Pray'rs, and Love's too strong;
And I am too kind to be cruel long.

Dar.
Thus you repeat those Triumphs you have won,
Your mercy conquers as your eyes have done.

Phed.
But see you pay such Honours to his Grave,
As may deserve that pardon which I gave.

Dar.
Since pray'rs nor tears cannot his Fate recall,
But so much Virtue by my hand must fall;
This to his dust is but a lawful debt,
Who shin'd in glory shall in glory set.
I will erect new Trophies to his Fame,
What from his Life I took, I'le pay his Name.

Orind.
My grief with yours, as Rivals, shall contend:
[To Phed.
I have a Lover lost, you but a Friend.

[Exeunt.

Scena quarta.

Enter Prexaspes, and Mandana.
Prex.
Can you refuse Cambyses's Love, who wou'd
To purchase yours wade to new Crowns in blood?
'Tis strange that he cannot your heart subdue,
To whom the Conquest of the World is due.

Mand.
Thy soul, and his, in this were Rivals still:
You never overcome, but when you kill.

Prex.
But, Madam, what I reade in those fair eyes—
Has poyson in't. There's something in that Form
[Aside.
Disturbs my soul, and does my courage storm.—
Madam, your Beauty.—Oh, turn it away.
Should I on that bright Object longer stay,
Lead by my wand'ring fires, I should my senses quit;
And lose my self by gazing after it.—
Madam—

[Continuing with his eyes fixt upon her.
Mand.
Is not your Message yet exprest?

Prex.
Your eyes won't give me leave to tell the rest.

Mand.
I must confess his Love I would not hear:
Death's frowns I can, his smiles I cannot bear.
Prexaspes, name no more Cambyses's flame.

Prex.
Then, Madam, I may tell him, in your name,—
I am his Rival.—
[Aside.
Her subtle Darts have made my heart their Prize,
That sure my soul's transparent, as my eyes,
To let her Image in.—
But tell me, can your Breast so cruel prove,
To banish from your heart all thoughts of Love?

Mand.
Now, my Osiris, I remember thee.

[Aside.]
[Sighs.
Prex.
(Aside ...)
Her alter'd Visage wears a Mystery.
A broken sigh, joyn'd with a fainting look!
Just so my Love its sudden birth first took.
Her Actions copy mine: sure my disease
Infectious is, and does new Subjects seize.
For the same signs argue the same desires:
Perhaps she feels my pains, and meets my fires. (... Aside)

If so; Thanks to my Stars. Since nobly you
My heart have won, so nobly use it too.
What, start? You think it is Cambyses.

Mand.
—No.
Both thee, and thy inhumane deeds I know.
Could I but think, that Love could be a guest
To thy black soul, and harbour in thy breast;
The very name of Love 'twould odious make.

Prex.
You must seem cruel for your honour's sake.
No more of this—

[Advancing up to her.
Mand.
—Stand off. Your aim you miss.
What, stoop to him that Murder'd Amasis?

Prex.
That was Cambyses's fault.

Mand.
—No, Slave, thy hand,
Thy hand did Act what he did but command.

Prex.
But his command did to your Life extend,
Which I did from his cruelty defend;
And 'twas my favour that you did not dye.

Mand.
No, Barb'rous Villain, 'twas thy cruelty.
Yee sacred Pow'rs above what was my guilt,
That with my Fathers blood mine was not spilt?
My Death Heav'ns Fatal kindness did prevent;
Reserving me for greater punishment.

Prex.
What, can it be a punishment to rest
In the Protection of a Prexaspes's Breast?
It cannot be, Mandana. Come, I see
You've learnt the Female slights of Modesty.
[Advances up to her, and proffers to kiss her hand, at which she steps from him.
What, a retreat?
As 'tis in Natures Laws, so 'tis in Love;
Th'effect's the same if th'Earth or Sun do move.
And so our Love the same effect procures,
If your heart move tow'rds mine, or mine tow'rds yours.
Come then—

[Rudely stepping to her.
Mand.
This Language, Sir, I cannot hear:
I can my Death, not thy addresses bear.
To thee Mandana's Breast thus kind can prove,
To entertain thy Sword, but not thy Love.
What, art thou slow, and dost thou sluggish stand,
When belov'd Murder does invite thy hand?

Prex.
Captive, take heed lest you provoke my hate.
'Tis but ill policy to tempt your Fate.
You trust my Love, and therefore you presume—
But, Madam, know your scorn has chang'd your doom.
Nought but your Love your ruine shall recall:
For they who once from my high favour fall,
Never leave sinking, till they reach their Graves.

Mand.
'Twixt Love and Rage, like meeting Tides, he raves.
[Aside.
That Death he threatens gladly I'de obey:
That Life I owe to Amasis, I'de pay.
Yet Amasis—
Do but this fault (if it be one) forgive,
If for Osiris I could wish to live.

Enter Cambyses, who meets Prexaspes going off.
Camb.
Prexaspes, is Mandana yet more kind?

Prex.
I cannot meet her in so good a mind.

Camb.
Since my late frowns and threatnings could not move
Your Breast, I'le treat you with a milder Love.

[To Mand.
Prex.
(Aside.)
She thinks
I'm some tame Lover of the common sort,
Whom they use cruelly to make 'em sport:
No, she shall find my Love does higher flye:
I'le either teach her how to Love, or dye.

[Exit.
Camb.
I of my frowns a Nobler use should make,
To awe the trembling World, make Empires quake,
And check Heav'ns Thunder. 'Tis not fit my brow,
The terrour of the World, should threaten you.
No, you shall find Cambyses, for your sake,
As mild and calm as Loves soft charms can make.

Mand.
Cambyses, no; rage, and be cruel still:
Tyrants are only kind, then when they kill.
My Death's the only kindness you can do:
My life I hate, since 'tis preserv'd by you.

Camb.
Hold: You're ungrateful. Though you've cruel bin,
Thus, thus Cambyses will your favour win.
You shall enjoy Osiris—Do not start:
'Tis he alone that lodges in your heart.
To win your favour this brave deed I'le do;
Be cruel to my self, and kind to you.
Fame shall no longer to the World impart
That I want pow'r to win a Ladies heart:
For since all other means succesless prove,
To gain your kindness I'le resign my Love.
I to my Rival will with Honour yield;
As the retreating Parthians win the field.
Osiris, Madam, is for you decreed,
He is—I, and the gods have so agreed.

Mand.
Oh, now I fear—

Camb.
Now for his Arms prepare.
Draw back that Curtain.
Take your Lover—there.
The Scene opens, and on a Table appears the Body of Osiris, beheaded; & an Executioner with the suppos'd head in a vessel of blood.
Since you all lesser offerings despise,
Take there, take there your Beauty's sacrifice.

Mand.
Osiris murder'd! And can Heaven be
An idle gazer on his destiny?
Gods, can you suffer this; and yet lay claim
To this low'r World? Or, is your Thunder tame,
To let the Tyrant live? Are not y'afraid,
Who here below all Virtue has betray'd,
When there's none left on Earth he may pursue,
The next blow he intends will be at you?
Oh, no, this stroke by your consent was given,
To rob the World, to add new Stars to Heav'n.
[Weeps.
O Tyrant—Tyrant is a name too good
For him whose soul's so deeply stain'd in blood.
Inhumane Murd'rer, had you learnt the sence
Of Virtue from Osiris's Innocence;
Or borrow'd so much blushes from his blood,
You had not rob'd the World of all that's good.
But, Sir, I hope you don't this Virtue want,
[Sinking her voice.
But what you're pleas'd to promise you will grant.
You promis'd that Mandana should this day
Enjoy Osiris.

Camb.
—Ay, and so you may.

Mand.
Tyrant, why then does not Mandana fall,
To mix her blood with his?

Camb.
—Madam, you shall.
Unless you instantly resolve to prove
More just to the great Persian Monarch's Love.

Mand.
I will do more than Love, let but your breath
Pronounce my Fate, I'le thank you for my death:
And I'le embrace it too as your kind gift,
And th'onely happiness on Earth,—that's left.
[Weeps.
Come, in my Death let me your favour find—
What, must Mandana court you to be kind?
[Raising her Voice.
I do conjure you strike, by all your guilt,
Your cruelties, the blood your Rage has spilt;
By all that sacred debt of Love I owe
Osiris, nay, and more, my Hate to you.
What, are the furies vanisht from your soul?
What sudden tameness does your arm controul?
Or is your fierceness calm'd, your rage subdu'd,
Stifled with Murders, and or'e-cloy'd with blood?
My Virtues are not ripe enough t'afford
A Subject for a bloody Tyrant's Sword.

[Weeps.
Camb.
Since Death would such a signal favour be,
You shall wait longer for your destiny.
Monarchs should not their favours rashly place,
But—
Consider e're they pass their Acts of Grace.
No, you shall live, and live till you have known
The infl'ence of an angry Monarch's frown.
Your tears shall otherwise b'imploy'd, to mourn,
That your Pride durst Cambyses's favour scorn.

[Exit.
Mand.
I dare not look (my soul's so much amaz'd)
Where I before for ever could have gaz'd.
Oh, that I could but weep away my sight,
To share with Thee in an eternal Night.
Or, that I could but melt in tears away;
That when our rising Sun proclaims the day,
With Morning dew I by his Rays might be
Exhal'd, and snatcht up to his Heav'n, and Thee.

[Exit.