University of Virginia Library

SCÆNA VIII.

To them Menalippe, Marthesia, like Amazons.
Men.
—Pray which is the King?

Neand.
He, Lady, in the purple scarfe.

Men.
Our Queene,
The famed Hippolyta, having atchiev'd
Her conquest on the Scythians, and returning
Home, with Antiope, her sister, to offer
Their Lawrels up to those Assisting Gods
Which cast them on their Victories, as she sayl'd
Along your Coasts, hearing you are ingag'd
In a Warre something like the Trojan, where
She lost an Ancestour, offers her selfe,
And whole Fleete to your service. Her reward,
She sayes will be th'Acceptance, nor expects
More thankes, then to be Knowne to your brave Selfe,
And the faire Cause you fight for.

Mar.
She addes farther,
That she desires (Because she will not, Sir,
Unshippe her Forces, without your consent,
Which might raise terrour in your people, And
Appeare no Visit, but Invasion)
You'l send a Conduct to meet her on the way
Now towards your Camp; So, to secure the passage
Of these few Ladies she brings with her.

Arch.
Ladies,
Pray tell your Queene, she hath by your brave Message,
Purchast one Lawrell more; And added Mee,
And my whole Kingdome to her other Conquests.
The honour she vouchsafes mee is so great,
That I'le my selfe be of her conduct.

Men.
Sir,
She's proud to be your soldier.

Call.
Ladies?

Men.
Sir?

Call.
You have no Message from the other Ladies,
To us Three, have you?

Men.
How d'you meane?

Call,
If
Your Queene come here to propogate; or if
You, and your sister Warriours bring a purpose
To carry home Bithynian Issue, pray tell em
We are their Servants.

Men.
We shall Sir,

Call.
And so
Diana speed you, Ladies.

Arch:
You two prepare
Ex: Men: Marth:
Campe Entertainment for her. You three put
Your Troupes in order to attend us.

Neand:
We shall Sir:
'Twill be the strangest sight to see naked men
March before Armed Women.

Art:
Gentlemen,
Ex. Arch. Theag, Mel.
What think you of this Embassy?

Nea.
Why that
The Revolutions come, In which we shall,
Be conquer'd of our Maidenheads.

Art:
Methinks
I see my selfe already a Father to
A fine, smart Amazon; I looke she should
Come into th'World with Bow and Arrowes, And
Be borne with a short sword.

Call:
If our fights prove
Night Skirmishes, I'le sacrifice to Love.

Exeunt.