University of Virginia Library

Sce. 1.

[Flourish]
Enter Claudius a Roman Generall with Captains and Souldiers.
Claudius.
The pride of Egypt, and the noyse of warre
in Babilon, rouzeth our Roman troups
to call these princes to a strict account
of all their vsurpations. Is not Rome
Empresse of all this orbe? doe not her Eagles
hatch conquest in their flight, and with theyr wings
Compasse all Europ, affricke, Asia?
What's Egypt, but a handmaid to great Rome;
her very vassall, yet she dares vsurp
on Nicomedia, Antioch, and Damasco.
Yea, Alexandrian drum̄s affright the walls
of ancient Babilon, without our leaue.
A while we sate, and gaue each neighbour prince
leaue to clip short his prouder fellows wing
that all might bee the better aw'd by vs,
But now the Souldan gets such haughtie head,
that (if not soone restrayn'd) hee'l suddainly
cast of our yoake, and raise his monarchy.
Therfore haue wee gather'd our warlike pow'[e]rs
to checke his pride, and keep him humbly ours.
A drum̄ far off.
what sound of warre is that? scout, and descrie it.

Captaine.
A pow'r not great, but skillfully led on;
seeming to teach, that multitudes may fayle
when a few well trayn'd souldiers shall prevaile.
Their leader is but young, yet seemes full ripe;
for ancient souldiers serve him, and his lookes
at once promise and threaten, like a prince
that is both wise and valiant.

Claudius.
Y'haue display'd
their glories colours for them gallantly.
This way they come; wee'l stand them sure, and [try] know
whether to vs they menace warre or no.
Enter Clitophon with Captains and Souldiers.
whom doe yee souldiers seeke?

Clitophon.
ffor Claudius the Roman generall.

Claudius.
Then haue you found him, I'm that Claudius.

Clitophon.
Then thus wee vayle, and bow to Rome and thee,
as to the supreame head of maiestie.

Claudius.
Wellcom, and now relate the vrgent cause
that brings you thus vpon vs.

Clitophon.
Romans know
I am the Califfs sonne of Babilon,
whose forlorn countrey groanes to beare the weight
of armed enimies. Egyptian troups
flow like an inundation ore [the] our land
as Nilus oreflows Egypt: but where Nile
makes Egypt fruitfull, these make Syria barren.

Claudius.
Are you that Clitophon, whose valiant arme
tooke the proud Souldan prisoner?

Clitophon.
Sir I am:
and in a discontent freed him againe
vpon condition, that againe he should
set vpon Babilon; which hee performes;
I left it to his rage: but looking backe
vpon the bitter fruits of passion,
pitty my countrey and repent my furie.
And now am come to woo the strength of Rome
to help to plucke this sharp Egyptian thorne
out of the weeping eie of Babilon.

Claudius.
Stout prince you haue but met vs in the way:
for like a forward bride ere you could wooe
we weare præpar'[e]d to bring you your desires.

Clitophon.
Our Babilon is bound to honour Rome
for euer for this kindenesse. Noble Claudius,
march then, my hand full shall attend your troups.

Claudius.
Tyme sh[all]ould be pretious to vs, let vs on:
Claudius is proud to ioyne with Clitophon.

Exeunt.