University of Virginia Library

ACT. IV.

SCENE. I.

Camp at St. Clou before Paris.
Enter King, Guessle, Revol, Larchant, Commanders, Guards.
King.
Here at St. Clou we'l streiten so the Town,
'Twill either famisht be, or yielded soon.
Our forces joyn'd, we will not wait the time,
But let our fury loose to meet their crime.

Rev.
Sir, I was much amaz'd, and well might be,
To hear their insolence and treachery.

Gues.
There's nothing can more stubbornness reveal
Than foul Rebellion, varnisht o'r with zeal.

Larch.
Who'd think that Paris should be thus suborn'd
By Traytors, with your Trophies so adorn'd?

Rev.
Perhaps they will obedient prove and wise,
And take the favour, Sir, of your advice.

King.
To hope a Remedy must needs be vain,
Whilst her ill humours are kept up by Mayn.
Seditions, like great Torrents, rise and fall
According to the Brooks, they're fed withal
Enter a Commander hastily.
What news with thee? What brings thee from thy Post?

1 Com.
We're beaten from it, Sir, and all is lost.
I kept the Guard against Saint Michel's gate,
The most suspitious place to sally at:
When soon Aumale made that suspition good,
And sally'd briskly which whilst we withstood,
Du Mayns whole Army fell into our Reer,
Routs us and now puts all the Camp in fear.

Rev.
We are betray'd! The Scouts else had not fail'd.

King.
Kings should assail, but never be assail'd.

[Draws his Sword.
All draw, as going out met with Officers.
2 Com.
Fresh Squadrons compass us, and we are lost

3 Com.
A chosen Troop comes to attack this Post.

Gues.
Then we are dead!

King.
But we will bravely dye.
O that I had an equal Enemy!
My Sword then would not blush in such base Stains,
But boast the Scarlet of a Duke of Mayns.

All marching out. Grillon meets 'em with Guards.
Gril.
All dangers past. The Enemy is beat:
Who into Paris tho made his retreat.

King.
Success attends thy Sword, and all must flye
When Grillon fights.

Gril.
Death, Sir, It was not I!
O'r pow'r'd by Numbers, which I scorn'd to shun,
I vainly strove, when by a hand unknown
They routed were, and Grillon quite outdone.
I would have sooner dy'd, nay rather fled,
Then once have seem'd, as tho I stood in need.

Enter Navar with Mayns Banner and Souldiers.
Nav.
This Signal of my Service, as my due
To Majesty, I here, Sir, offer you,

King.
Brave Conqu'rour! I embrace thee; Come more nigh.
[Imbraces,
I owe my Life to thee.

Gril.
And so do I.
I would not say't, but Grillon cannot lye.

King.
Put up thy Cask, and let thy self appear.
[Puts it up.
Blest fate! It is my Brother of Navar.
[Embraces him.
You and my joyes at once from me were torn,
As now with you, I hope, they will return.
When they first gain'd that mast'ry by their art,
They banisht you the Court, themselves my Heart.

Nav.
These gracious words, Sir, all my deeds outdo,
Altho I can perform as much as you.
For their own sakes, I wish they had been free
From those offences, they impos'd on me.

King.
You heard their Plots then?

Ples.
Sir, I all declar'd
Both what I had in charge, and what I heard.

Nav.
I heard it all, Sir, and in doubts am lost.
Which was your danger, or your patience most.
So long to stay, seem'd Heav'n to tempt, or dare;
And yet if you had sooner been severe,
That had seem'd cruelty, which was but care.
But tho the Guise's fall secure the State;
I yet regret their loss and mourn their fate.
For had they grateful been, as Heav'n was kind,
And not deprav'd th' indowments of the mind;
They had deserv'd whatever they desir'd,
Altho their haughty Souls to Crowns aspir'd.

King,
Sir, their Ambition, on a false pretence,
Deluded both their reason, and their sense.
As oft' we see Heav'n's self is pleas'd to blind
Their judgements, who to ruin are design'd.
Like Conjurers deceiv'd, they stood amaz'd,
And perisht by that storm themselves had rais'd.

Rev.
Those Comets, tho they blaz'd away their flame,
Left Plagues t' infest the place from whence they came.

Gues.
Their Treason like Infection flyes about,
And where an object's fit, soon finds it out.

King.
Grillon is sad.

Gril.
And must be, till I give
A greater favour, than I did receive.
I have a Courage, that disdains to be
Conquer'd, altho it be with Courtesie.

Nav.
Dost thou my Duty and success disdain?

King.
Thy humour is ingrateful now, as vain.

Gril.
No greater joy can e're possess my mind,
Then to see you, Sir, and my Master joyn'd.
France now like ancient Rome may boast her fate,
Since Fabius and Marcellus guard her State.

King.
Slow are the English aids that we expect.

Nav.
Necessity's the cause, and not neglect.

Gues.
Th' invincible Armada makes 'em slow.

Nav.
Farewel the Navy, and the Title too.

King.
Speak what you heard.

Nav.
The very night before
I marcht, this Captain from the Governour
[Points to him,
of Calais, brought account of all was done.

King.
I long to hear't.

Nav.
Speak what to you is known.

[T'th' Captain.
Cap.
The Navy Neptunes shoulders did oppresse,
As much too bulky for those narrow Seas.
This monster vast (with hundred wings supply'd,
Whose stretcht-out Horns were more than two leagues wide.)
Sail'd to the English with a motion slow,
For its great weight opprest Old Æclus so,
He and his winds had scarcely breath to blow.
When th' English (valianter perchance than wise)
Bravely defi'd 'em scorning a surprise.
But a Defiance that their rage became;
Whose words were Bullets, and whose breath was flame.
Sev'n days thus bravely they the Spaniard dar'd;
Nothing but Lightning seen, and Thunder heard.
It seem'd the end o'th' World, for all was fire;
And in that faith the Spaniard did expire.

King.
The brav'ry of these English are so great,
It is no shame that us so oft they beat.
The Gallic brav'ry and Spanish pride
Being conquer'd, they may conquer all beside.

Nav.
That British Heroine, without controul,
Asserts the truth, no Sex in the soul.
Valiant and wise as Pallas does appear;
A Goddess arm'd with beauty and a Spear.

King.
Declare the last fate of the Spanish Fleet.

Cap.
Near to your Calais, Sir, it made retreat;
But 'scap'd not so, just in the dead of night
The Spaniards saw a strange and dreadful sight:
Eight moving Fires upon the sea did glide,
And came upon 'em both with wind and Tyde.
Some thought 'em Fire-Drakes, for one Drake they knew,
And by him guest what eight such Drakes might do.
Others suppos'd the Fates, t' attend their fall,
Had lighted Torches for their Funeral.
Tumult and fear in each ship did begin;
Great danger! Whilst the Tempest was within.
Each ship endeavouring not to stay behind,
Fled on the Wings of fear and of the Wind.
The shatter'd Fleet like moulting Eagles fled,
And lost some Feathers at each flight she made.
France, Scotland, Ireland, Flanders, Holland boasts
The sev'ral Ships surpriz'd upon their Coasts.
The Brittish Lyons glutted, took their rests,
Vouchsafing Offals to the lesser Beasts.

Nav.
Thus in a word th' effects of seven years cost,
By English valour in seven days were lost.

King.
The World shall never, nor has ever seen
A braver Nation, or a braver Queen.
Her Neighbours justly may receive her Law.
Since she rules those who keep the World in awe.
But let us leave the noise of these Alarms;
'Tis fit ev'n sometimes to repose from Arms.
Within the Walks we may releasements find.

Nav.
But where, O where, Sir, for a Captiv'd mind?

King.
If Beauty can avail, Il show you those
Shall do't.

Nav.
But they may prove more dang'rous foes.
Yet guided, Sir, by you; I Venus dare,
Tho in her threatning Beauties she appear,
Nay tho she bring along the God of War.

[Exeunt.

SCENE. II.

A Garden, with Arbors and Walks.
Enter Chateauneuf, Bonneval.
Bon.
All mankind's false; there's none can keep a vow.
The King is full as false as Grillon now:
I am unwilling to disturb your rest—
But, Madam, he's unworthy of your breast.

Chat.
That's no news Bonneval. But whence this change?

Bon.
Dear Chateauneuf his Soul is still so strange,
He does—
Like wanton Boys after vain shadows range.

Chat.
His empty hopes of shadows will not last;
When he pursues 'em, they will flye as fast.

Bon.
But first the substance may create a fear,
And she this very hour is to be here.
Her by some chance the Duke of Guise did gain;
Wh' escap'd that fatal day, when he was slain.
Betray'd to Larchant, he the King possest
With such vain thoughts, that kept him since from rest.
This is the Beauty, that has wrong'd us so.

Chat.
Bonneval, from these walks we will not go;
Lets stay and make Discov'ries of the Foe.

[Exeunt.
Enter King, Larchant.
King.
Now, Larchant, now my thoughts have room to move:
Streiten'd with bus'ness, now I turn to Love.
Hast thou with thy great beauty so prevail'd
To come from Blois?

Lar.
I could not do't. But, Sir,
I have presum'd to send a Guard for her.

King.
Thou hast done well.

Lar.
But what does most surprize;
That Pericart (late Secretary to Guise)
Tels me the Lady, sent for now by me,
Is that rare Beauty Gabriel de Estree:
Ten times more beautiful than this we have;
And how 'tis her that Grillon did enslave.

King.
More beautiful than her thou prais'd to me.

Lar.
She's more than any Angel, if she be.

King.
Her I'le see first. Wait 'til she do appear.

Lar.
Sir, by this time I know she's very near.

[Exit.
Enter Grillon.
King.
Grillon, thy Clouds yet on thy Brows do dwell.

Gril.
I want my Sun that else would them dispel.
I wish a tempest do not threaten France,
Since clouds appear in ev'ry countenance;
Mistrustful whispers and suspitious Eyes:
So storms oft' follow husht and gloomy skys.

King.
I knew a time when court and Courtiers vy'd
With pleasant May in all her checker'd, pride.
An universal joy then fill'd each place,
And blest content did smile in ev'ry face.
Each bosome then like Chrystal did appear,
And all our very thoughts transparent were.
Friendship and love enjoy'd a happy reign;
Friends banisht doubts, as Ladies did disdain.

Gril.
But now, as they some battle would decide,
They into Parties severally divide:
A certain sign of Faction and of hate,
Those growing Cankers of a falling State.
But better things, I hope, Sir, from your fate.

King.
Let State alone, and let us talk of Love.

Gril.
I cannot Sir,

King.
Thy constancy I'le prove.
Thy Mistress, Grillon, was to Guise betray'd,
And ever since at his apartment staid.
Larchant is sent for her.

Gril.
Your pardon, Sir.
Death, I will kill him if he look at her.
She is not safe with him, nor fit to be
Under his Guard.

King.
And yet he serves for me.

Gril.
True, Sir, for Kings are arm'd with sacred awe;
Besides they are guarded by that Giant Law.
And tho you all keep Guards, yet Wisemen grant
You have 'em more for Pomp than any want.

King.
Well Grillon, go, you're in Commission joyn'd;
Conduct her whither Larchant was assign'd.
[Exit Grillon.
He waits without. How Chateauneuf!

Enter Chateauneuf, Bonneval.
Chat.
Your heart
Would be no Present if you give but part.
That little share I had, I here resign,
But ah, no part of it was ever mine!

King.
Say not so, Chateneuf, it is all thine,

Chat.
It may be so till Larchant brings his Prize,
But then it soon, Sir, to another flyes,
Like wanton Children taken with new toyes,
You have left certain for uncertain joyes.

Enter Larchant and Armida. The King to her.
King.
If I was bold because for you I sent;
Madam, I hope, you'l pardon the intent:
I was uneasie til I set you free.

Armi.
I must esteem, Sir, my Captivity,
Which has obtain'd the glory of your aid.

King.
Kings may be proud to serve so fair a Maid.
Did you meet Grillon, Larchant?

Lar.
Sir not we,
I wonder what's the cause he seeks for me.
H' inquires of every one that passes by,
Hast's in his steps, and fury in his Eye.

Enter Grillon speaking.
Gril.
What e're I seek of late I cannot find.
I or my Fortune, one o' th' two is blind.
Death was there no man to affront but I?
[to Larchant.
I will not kill thee tho, whilst he is by.
[Points at the King.
How like you, Sir, my choice? you'l take my Word
to the King.
Henceforth about a Face, as 'bout a Sword.

King.
Grillon, she looks as tho she knew you not.

Gril.
Pray mind, Madam, is Grillon then forgot?

[to Armida.
Armi.
What mean you Sir?

Gril.
Death, Madam, who are you?
You are a Stranger.

Armi.
So are you, Sir, too.
You'r all mistaken in the Duke of Guise;
I was not aim'd at 'twas a Nobler Prize.
Sir, if you please, the Secret I'le impart,
To the King. They aside.
And tell you where that Duke bestow'd his heart.

Bon.
Madam, the clouds from both our hearts are clear'd

Chat.
The Foe's not half so dreadful as we fear'd.

Bon.
You need no more be jealous, than the Sun
When some pert Star intrudes its self at Noon.

King leaves Armida and sends Larchant to her they discourse.
King.
Madam I neither have, nor will give proof
Here Gril. also & Bon. aside, he soon leaves.
Of jealousie to Beauteous Chateauneuf.

Chat.
Great beauties only Jealousie should raise,
Such beauties as our very Sex must praise.
But when false Lovers to inferiours fly;
Disdain's more proper far than Jealousie.

Gril.
Larchant thy hand again, thou hast my heart.
'Twas a mistake made my resentments tart.
[they shake hands.
With the revengeful World in this I'm even,
I seldome Pardons ask, as they are given.

King.
Grillon since in this Lady you declare
You've no concern at all, Pray leave us here.
Larchant with speed let me my mind obtain.
Exeunt Grillon and Larchant.
For I'l stay here, until you come again.
Madam, this Lady merits her advance
Shows Chateauneuf to Armida.
To my esteem as unto those of France.

Armid.
She both deserves.

Chat.
Madam, if that be true,
I here more justly own them as your due.

Ling.
Dear Chateneuf, may I a Song obtain.
It is a favour that I beg to gain.

Chat.
You may command, and best of all can tell,
That I sing true, altho I sing not well.
SONG.

Enter Larchant handing in Gabriel.
Larch.
Behold, Sir, more than all your France can boast.

King.
A Beauty wherein Nature spar'd no cost.
No Mortal sure!

Gab.
Sir, your poor subject born.

King.
Fair, sweet and fresher than a Summers morn.
[Salutes her.
Has France such treasures in't? Let haughty Spain
Ne'r boast her Quarries, nor her Mines again.

Gab.
Great Princes, Sir, sometimes low subjects raise;
As you are pleas'd to lift me up with praise.
It speaks your pow'r, and humours your great mind,
To show what you can do, when you're inclin'd.

King.
Let not my sudden Love make it seem less,
Because the greatest things have their increase.
Perfection, Madam (and that's only you)
Can fit a heart at first, and keep it true.

Gab.
Loves at first sight, like inflam'd Gellies are;
Seem like to Stars i'th' Sky, but fix not there.

King.
If in this cruelty you still proceed,
You'l make my Love a Meteor then indeed:
They threaten misery to all beneath,
And seldome blaze, but 'gainst a Prince's death.
O Chateauneuf, thy goodness I must try;
I either must inconstant prove, or dy.

Chat.
Your change instead of blame has my applause,
Since now inconstant for so good a Cause.
Your pardon, Sir, I am inconstant too,
And now will change my Love, as well as you.
Heav'n is my choice, who would for Lovers care,
When Kings inconstant, or else mortal are?
Come, Bonneval, associate of my Vow.

Bon.
Madam, I never thought of this 'till now.
I'l wait upon you tho, till I be fit;
When that will be, Heav'n knows, but 'tis not yet.

Chat.
Come, Bonneval, let's from the Court retire,
Where satisfaction never meets desire;
Where raging Passions all our Souls disease,
Searching for pleasures that can never please;
Where one of those great Torments always move,
Either to be belov'd, or else to Love.

[Exeunt. Chat. and Bon.
Gab.
Your pardon, Sir, have I my freedome here?

King.
Free as your thoughts.

Gab.
Then, Sir, I must declare—
My Love is tender conscienc'd, as I am,
And ne'r will enter on anothers claim.
Whilst there are Free-Estates enow to buy,
I'l ne'r a controverted Title try;
Nor build on others ruines.

King.
yet 'tis known,—
Rome (that the Empire of the World did own)
From others less Estates its own did raise.

Gab.
But must success legitimate our praise?
Then Cæsar, Sir, may be accounted just,
Wh' inslav'd that Rome to Tyranny and Lust.

King.
Madam, that way my Love shall ne'r proceed:
Rather than raise your blush, my heart shall bleed.

Gab.
I see my safety through your vertue shine;
Your honour is security for mine.

King.
Madam, to gain the honour of your Love,
By services and Pray'rs I'l only move:
And those obtain all blessings from above.
[Exeunt. King, Larchant.

Gab.
My better half! I have not thee imbrac'd.

[Imbraces.
Arm.
Our miseries, I hope, are well near pass'd.
Thoughts of your fate (methinks) a doubt does bring,
Whether your Stars or beauty gain'd the King.

Gab.
You have forgot. He must my State advance,
Who is not now, but shall be King of France.
But this crown'd Man, or that shall never move
My faithful Passion, from my unknown Love.
He has left one here so lawfully possest,
Will grant admittance to no other Guest.
I'm all inflam'd and scorch'd so with desire,
I have not fuel for another fire.

Arm.
Madam, some happy turn you now must have;
For when Heav'n did you from that Ruine save,
It vouch'd a future blessing: Thus when night
Is past, we may expect the morning light.

Gab.
Come, let us walk, and some close Arbour find
And thou shalt hear some workings of my mind;
A Song I made, for my sad fate design'd.

[Exeunt.
Enter Navar.
Nav.
Thy Conquest, Love, how far wilt thou pursue?
What wilt thou triumph o'r my ruines too;
Is't not enough to storm and take the Town,
Nay plunder too, but thou wilt burn it down?
Cupid before ne'r show'd such pow'rful charms,
To fix his Trophies in the midst of Arms.
Courage and Glory claim'd in me a part,
Yet He out-rival'd both and won my heart.
'Midst Swords and Death he at his Prey did fly,
And seiz'd on't in the face of Victory.
But tho I may be of my Conqu'rour proud,
Yet I, Ixion like, still court a Cloud.
Enter Grillon, Navar not seeing him.
I Love I know not whom; my Love is blind,
And seeks about for one it cannot find.

Gril.
We'r both betwitch'd then, for 'tis my fate too;
And I am, Sir, as much to seek as you.

Nav.
I'th' Wood at Blois, where thou didst take my part,
I got the Victory, but lost my heart

Gril.
Death, Sir, and so did I.

Nav.
Her I adore
Deserv'd all admiration.

Gril.
Mine did more.

Nav.
Her beauty did above all others shine;
She was some Angel.

Gril.
So I doubt was mine.
For she is flown from Earth.

Nav.
So is mine too.—
Let's make strict search.—

Gril.
Sir, I will wait on you.
'Twould be a plaguy Spite tho, when all's known,
If both these beauties, Sir, should prove but one.

They hear the tuning of a voice, and Essays at a Tune. Navar steals out towards the Arbour. Gril. steps and lissens to this—
SONG by Gabril unseen.

Gril.
My Ears are now bewitch'd as were my Eyes;
And I must love that beauty, and this voice.
Suppose they should be parted! I'd be loath
To have but one of them; Faith, I'l have both.

[Exit.
Enter Gabriel and Armida. Navar follows and stops Gabriel.
Nav.
O! Madam, I upon my knees implore,
That you would let me look a little more;
I ne'r to any purpose look'd before

Enter Grillon.
Gab.
Your Eyes were ill imploy'd then.

Gril.
Death, 'tis true;
This is the Voice, and this the Beauty too.
Where have those Eys been hid, or where have mine;
That all this time I could not see 'em shine?

Armi.
You love her voice, you lov'd her Eys before.

Gril.
I love her voice, her Eyes, I love all o'r.
Was not my Judgment right, Sir, this is she!

Nav.
I, Grillon, nay the world must rival thee.
Madam I've seen you.

Gab.
Bless me! who are you.
She faints in Armid. 's arms.
I am not wel—Methinks I've seen you too.

Nav.
O for some Cordials! Grillon, run, nay fly.

Gril.
You're younger, Sir, and nimbler far than I:
I'm slow; and e'r I come, Sir, she may dy.

Nav.
Madam look up, a King upon his knee
Kneels on one side of her.
Begs you would live.

Gril.
But Madam live for me.

[He on the other.
Gab.
Your Pardon, Sir, this Posture does surprize.

comes to her self.
Nav.
Are you well Madam?

Gab.
Yes, Sir, if you rise

[She takes him up, he holds her hand.
Gril.
Your pardon, Sir: tho I did freedome give
Whilst she was dead, I must not if she live.

[he takes th' other.
Nav.
Forfeit not my respects; for, Grillon, know
There is some difference 'twixt me and you.

Gril.
Although I want a Crown that glittering thing,
Yet I can love as much as can a King.

Gab.
A King! I am amaz'd at what I hear!
Who are you, Sir?

Nav.
Madam, I am Navar.

Gab.
Both you and I should greater rev'rence bring.

[to Gril.
Gril.
Death! 'tis not my fault that I am no King.

Nav.
But 'tis your fault that one no more you know.

Gab.
And, Grillon, one that may be King o'r you.

Gril.
When that time comes, I'l give him what is due.
I'l keep up mine, and yet respect his height;
And not be baffl'd tho I must not sight.

Nav.
There are enow your Valour, Sir, to try:
Du Mayn's a fitter match for you, than I.
Honour and duty should your Actions move;
Your duty is to fight, but not to love.

Gril.
How Int'rest differs? yours does this way move,
Grillon must fight, but Grillon must not love;
For ought you know now, mine may differ quite;
If Grillon may not love, he will not fight.
Yet greater pow'rs than Kings, do both allow;
Venus and Mars (they say) have joyn'd e'r now.
I'l humour then my courage and in spite
Of King I'l love, and spite of love I'l fight.

Enter Revol.
Rev.
The King, Sir, wants you, your Instructions stay.
You must to Paris.

Gril.
I'l not stir to day.

Rev.
Your Equipage is fit; and you must go

Gril.
—Must.—
Thrice happy those who no obedience know!

Gab.
Displease not, Sir, the King with your delay;
Unless you could please others with your stay.

Gril.
How! slighted, Woman! wouldst thou have me go?
I will forsake thee and avenge me so.
[Offers it.
Thou hast lost more, than e're thy Sex yet gain'd;
My self I value, now I am disdain'd.
I leave thee first, doing my Spirit right,
Which makes me scorn, where e're I find a slight.

[Exit. Gril. and Rev.
Nav.
His bossom with a stubborn heart is fill'd,
Which neither can to love, or beauty yield.
Your Pardon for this question I implore,
Madam, did you ne'r see Navar before?

Gab.
Yes, in the Wood. To you my life I owe.

Nav.
O be so kind now, to requite me so.
Welcome blest hour! for which so long I pray'd;
And for which only, here my Soul has staid.
Blest minute! How I needed thy relief?
My soul was shrunk, and I was ag'd with grief.
O, Madam! Since you vanisht from my Eyes,
I've breath'd away my soul in amorous sighs.
E're Since your fair Idæa, like a Ghost,
Haunted my sleeps, my dreams it haunted most.
Madam, in Dreams I've seen and spoke to you;
And oh! Sometimes methought I kist you too!

Gab.
But Lovers dreams you know are seldom true.

[Smiles.
Nav.
Nothing, ah, nothing can my joyes secure,
Unless you say my happiness is sure.

Gab.
If, Sir, I could of such a thing admit;
Our young Acquaintance is not ripe for't yet.
Love (I have heard) like Wisdome is convey'd;
And by long tryals of successions made.

Nav.
O Madam, leave such Arguments as these;
That cannot be true Love, which can increase.
Love like perfection 's always at a stay;
For that which can increase, must needs decay.

Gab.
Love Preaching is like other Preaching grown;
Manag'd by art, more than Devotion.

Nav.
Preaching I know helps little our affairs;
We rather should betake us to our prayers.
And if you cannot think I'l faithful be,
A King begs your belief upon his knee.

[Kneels.
Gab.
Rise, Sir, oh rise! Confound me not with shame.

[Takes him up.
Nav.
O that your blush sprung from an inward flame!

Gab.
A grateful flame Heav'n kindles in my breast;
Which shines quite through my Cheeks—
Sir, I can speak no more, I'l blush the rest.

Nav.
I ne'r can merit this, nor dare beg more;
Only this thing, Dear Madam, I implore:
Before you give me trust, be pleas'd to try
My Services, and tempt my Constancy.
Then when my Crown of Truth does brighter shine
Than that of Gold, I beg you would be mine.

[Exeunt.

SCENE III.

The Royal Bed-Chamber.
The Scene opens and shows the King asleep on's Couch; Murder (personated) rises from the stage, with three Furies on one side and three Fiends on the other, all of 'em menacing him: at last Murder steps towards him and speaks.
Mur.
I was in fashion once, and bore more sway
I'th' Reigns of Nero and Caligula.
As th' Christian Faith increas'd, I took my flight;
My blood-shot Eyes being dazled at it's light.
In the old World I little had to do,
Until kind Spain imploy'd me in the New.
There did I triumph over millions slain;
Murder was then the Cath'lick Soveraign!
I for sometime there made my Empire good,
'Till almost famisht thence for want of blood.
In France I then did new imployment gain;
A brave imployment in thy Brother's Reign!
When forty thousand in one night were slain.
Fool'd by Repentance now thou layest me by!
—But know—
Furies and Fiends will not be fool'd, as I.

Then the Furies and Fiends dance about the King in menacing postures; but suddenly shew a fear at the appearance of his Guardian-Angel, that flyes down with a flaming Sword, and interposes 'twixt the King and them.
Angel.
I come fro'th' Fountain of Eternal light,
Whose gloomy'st ray is something more than bright.
Order'd by Fate (which is the will of Heaven)
This Royal-charge here, to my care is given
[Points at th' King.
I am his Sentinel; yet truely boast
My self a Leader in the Starry Hoast.
For willingly we leave our blest abodes,
To yield attendance on these earthly Gods.
Avaunt you Sons of Night! Down to your Hell,
[They descend.
Where onely fit Companions for you dwell,
Such aëry Phantoms, that possess with fear
The souls of common dreamers, come not here.
Those thin Inhabitants o'th' brain must fly
Before the peircing vertue of mine Eye.
Thus will I guard him from all kinds of fear—
[Waving his Sword o'r him.
Yet tremble now my self at what comes there

Vengeance (personated) descends in a bright Cloud; his Arm stript, holding a bloody Sword. Looking fiercely, about his Lip bloody, steps to the King and interposes his Sword, the Angel offers defence..
Veng.
In vain thou striv'st to hinder my design;
For my Commission is more large than thine.
To that great Pow'r I my obedience owe,
At whose command Stars fall and Angels bow.
Thy Guard was helpful once, but now too late:
[Puts th' Angel by.
In vain! in vain! There is no fence for fate
Legions of Angels cannot bring him aid;
My Name is Vengeance and I must be paid.

[Strikes the King with his Sword.
The Angel first flies up, then Vengeance ascends in the Chariot, and the Scene closes.