University of Virginia Library

Actus quartus.

Scena prima.

The Scene drawn, Cambyses is discover'd seated in a Chair sleeping: The Scene representing a steep Rock, from the top of which descends a large Cloud, which opening, appear various shapes of Spirits seated in form of a Councel, to whom a more glorious Spirit descends half way, seated on a Throne; at which, the former Spirits rise and Dance: In the midst of the Dance arises a Woman with a Dagger in her hand; at which the Scene shuts.
In the time of this Representation this Song is sung from within, as suppos'd, by Spirits.
Chorus.

[Cambyses rises from his Chair, as newly waking, and seems disorder'd.
Camb.
A Fatal Dagger, and a Womans hand!

Enter to him, Prexaspes.
Prex.
This Night, great Sir, your Presence does demand.
'Tis now th'appointed hour, your Forces wait
To gain admission at the Western Gate.—
Sir, you forget your self; one moments stay
Hazards your Crown, and loses you the day.

Camb.
Tell me no more of hazards, nor of Crowns.—
Cambyses threatn'd by a Woman's frowns!

Prex.
Remember, Sir, your Honour 'tis does call,
Your Empire's safety, and th'Impostor's fall.
And now's the time. What, can you tardy be
To wait on Triumph?

Camb.
—Let Triumph wait on me.
I will not go.

Prex.
—Not go! what pow'rful cause
Can force your courage to retreat, or pause!
Or can you leisure for debate afford,
When Conquest, and revenge invites your Sword?

Camb.
No, I shall meet my Fate; but thanks to Heav'n,
My Friends above have timely notice giv'n.

Prex.
Ha! meet his Fate! He dreams of Treason too:
Some superstitious god has told him so.
[Aside.
Can you fear dangers, or can dangers be
An envious Cloud 'twixt you, and Victorie?
Or is the pow'r of Heav'n so dreadful grown,
That fearing that, you can forget your own?
No, Sir, you must this glorious deed fulfill:
Let gods be gods, you are Cambyses still.
Seeing Cambyses make no answer, he proceeds.
Since you are with Prophetick thoughts possest:
What mystick fears have thus disturb'd your breast?

Camb.
My lab'ring fancy lead me to the brow
Of a steep Rock, that shaded all below.
From thence I saw a low-hung Cloud appear,
Swoln big with mists, and loaded with the Air:
Which with ingender'd Tempests seem'd to roar;
Reel'd, sunk, and stagger'd with the weight it bore.
A num'rous issue from its bowels flew;
Whilst the Cloud broke, and melted to a dew:
In which the wanton Spirits bath'd and plaid,
And greedily upon their Mother prey'd.
Then from above—
I saw the Prince of Fates his Arm display:
Lightning and Thunder usher'd in his way.
His Scepter mov'd, bow'd his Imperial head;
The lower Fates with Reverence obey'd.
Their Volumns instantly were brought, and He
Op'ning the Fatal Legend, pitcht on Me.
Then, in the Councel a dispute did grow,
Whether Cambyses mortal were, or no.
But they in vain their arguments did bring,
The Prince of Fates said, No; I was a King.
Straight in the midst I saw a Woman stand,
Grasping a bloody Dagger in her hand.
She by her looks their Sentence did condemn;
And by her posture threaten'd Me, and Them.
Then, as I wak'd, methought, I saw the dart
Snatcht from her hand, and levell'd at my heart.

Prex.
And can a dream Cambyses's spirits daunt,
Riddles as dark as are the Nights they haunt?
Your groundless jealousies unjust appear;
Thus greatest Valours smallest dangers fear,
As Lyons tremble at a spark of fire;
Shall it be said, Cambyses did retire,
Or shrink from that brave cause he should maintain?
Dreams are but th'unshap'd Monsters of the brain.
And Monster-like should onely be abhorr'd:
No more delays, you must imploy your Sword.

Camb.
Urge me no more.
Should I to Susa go, Fate has design'd
I from a Woman's hand my death should find.
Are these your stratagems? you had forgot
To keep your projects close, I'le spoil your plot.
My Pow'r has o're their policy this odds;
I'le stay at home, and disappoint the gods.
I'le baffle your Divinity. And since
They have resolv'd it, I'le my Stars convince.
Their borrow'd infl'erce common Fates may sway:
Cambyses has a greater pow'r than they.
Stars are like Galley-slaves, chain'd to a sphear,
And Subject-like onely Heav'ns Vassals are,
To move by Laws, act what th'higher pow'r decrees:
I can move where I will, act what I please.
Cambyses rules Cambyses's destiny:
Nor am I taught how to obey, or dye:
Prexaspes, see Mandana hither brought:
I'le by my Love divert this sullen thought.

Prex.
And must a Dream his Sanctuary be,
Protected by this Ridling Prophecy?
No, though his stay has my designs o'rethrown:
I'le take his Life, though I expose my own.

[Aside.]
[Exit.
Camb.
Though they have thus foretold my destiny,
Perhaps my Stars have dreamt as well as I.
[Prexaspes enters with Mandana, and Exit.
Mandana, you've my resolution heard;
The choice is easie, speak, are you prepar'd
To be my Mistress, or my Sacrifice?

Mand.
When 'tis your Royal pleasure, Sir, she dyes.

Camb.
No, no, I will a milder sentence give:
It is my Royal pleasure you should live;
And live in my embraces too.

Mand.
—In his—
In his embrace that murder'd Amasis!
And more, that bloody Tyrant that decreed
Osiris's cruel Fate; that barb'rous deed,
A deed enough t'infect the breath of Fame:
At which thy lesser treasons lose their name.

Camb.
And am I dallied with? your doom is seal'd:
Cambyses's sentence cannot be repeal'd.
Prepare to Love or dye; choose, and be free,
My speedy kindness, or my cruelty.

Mand.
Your cruelty my courage cannot bear,
Mandana then will in your kindness share.
I blush to say I offer up my heart;
But yet obedience is a Captives part.

[Passionately.
Camb.
Welcom kind Princess: All the pow'rs above
Shall envy at your kindness, and my Love.
If there be any pow'rs above my own,
For they that call 'emselves the gods, have none.
For if they had—
They had not to mankind this favour giv'n,
T'enjoy a blessing greater than their Heav'n.
We Princes to our selves our greatness owe;
They are but Kings above, we gods below.
Now you are kind.

Mand.
And why are not you so?

Camb.
Can you my kindness doubt? no, you shall find
'Tis you alone have taught me to be kind.
With the next Sun you shall your Reign begin;
To morrow you shall be proclaim'd my Queen.

Mand.
No, Sir, that is not all—

Camb.
—Oh, 'tis not all.
Our Love does for a stricter kindness call.
The night, the night, Love's chief Triumphant hour,
When blushes o're our pleasures have no pow'r:
When Lovers Revel in each others arms,
Confining to one Circle all their charms;
To an embrace. This to your Beauty's due,
First, I will crown our Loves, and then crown you.

Mand.
Oh, no, Sir, this is but a barren grant:
I still the crowning of my wishes want.
The favour I would have, is this—to dye.
Raising her voice at the two last words.
Tyrant, your Love's the greatest Cruelty.
Cambyses, no, you do mistake my part;
'Tis thus alone I'le offer up my heart;
Not to your lust, but Fury's Sacrifice.
Command my Death: then though your Sword denies,
On Earth, that Empire which my birth had giv'n;
Mandana will commence her Reign in Heav'n,
With my Osiris, in that glorious seat
Where Cruelty, and Tyrants never meet.

Camb.
How, Captive, am I scorn'd, and scorn'd by you?
To shew what injur'd Majesty can do,
Your death to this dispute an end shall bring,
I'le act no more your Lover, but your King.
Your Beauty shall no more my Arm controul,
I'le find a nobler passage to your soul.

[Proffers to draw his Sword to kill her.
Mand.
Cambyses, hold! come, I will milder be;
My kindness shall prevent your Cruelty.

[Kindly.
Camb.
Then use me thus no more, and you shall know
What Heav'n and Monarchs when they're pleas'd can do.

Mand.
Your Sword for nobler Actions is design'd:
To you then, and my self I'le now be kind.
I'le rob you of my Death—
[Draws her Dagger.
—Cambyses, no,
[Raises her voice.
Your Sword, Sir, shall not condescend so low,
To be a Womans Executioner,
My hand alone that guilty stain shall bear.
Rather then let a King that guilt contract,
Mandana her own murd'rers part will Act.
In dying thus her kindness will be shown,
She'le save your honour, and defend her own.
Now Tyrant, dare to violate her fame,
To stain her Virtue, or to force her shame;
This, this, shall guard her from your injuries,
[Pointing the Dagger to her own Breast.
For when her Honour you attempt, she dyes.

Enter Prexaspes.
Prex.
Welcome this happy opportunity,
[Aside.
Mandana, hold, you rob the World, and Me.
Runs to her, and snatches the Dagger from her hand.
And to my Gracious Sovereign I bring
This Present as a Subject's offering—
[Advancing to Cambyses, as if he design'd to present him the dagger.
Your Death, proud Tyrant—Dye, Cambyses, Dye.

[Stabs him.
Camb.
And by Prexaspes's hand!

[Proffering to resist, but sinks into his Chair.
Prex.
—Yes, Sir, 'tis I.

Mand.
Oh, Murderer! Help! Guards.

Prex.
—That will not do:
Madam, the Guards are safe, and so are you.

Camb.
Ungrateful Traytor, must my glory be
Unravell'd by so base a Slave as thee?
Did I for this my favours thus dispense,
And give thee being by my influence?

Prex.
Ay, Sir, and 'twas from you I understood
This dextrous way of letting Monarch's Blood.

Camb.
Oh, that I could but so much pow'r recall,
As but to rise, and crush thee in my fall.
[Proffering to rise, but cannot.
Or borrow so much kindness from my blood,
To swell so high to drown thee in a flood;
Oh, had I so much poison in my breath,
At once both to pronounce, and give thee death.
I would revenge my wrongs—but 'tis too late:
And Heav'n it self is a Confederate.
I do forget 'twas by your wills decreed,
I by that Dagger, and that hand should bleed.
But since, ye gods, ye did my Fate proclaim,
And ravisht from me both my Life, and Fame,
To let me tamely fall; may you pursue
That just revenge which is to murder due.
But if you fail to right my wrongs, and me,
May you want Temples, Altars, Flames, and be
From Homage and from Sacrifice debar'd,
And, that which makes you gods, be never fear'd—
My passion with my blood now milder flows:
Your dying Prince for your last pardon sues:
[To Mand. sinking his voice.
Now all your scorn and Cruelty must cease,
Death, that disarms my Love, concludes its peace.

[He dyes.
Mand.
His unjust Fate has o're my wrongs prevail'd;
Farewel, dead Prince, death has thy pardon seal'd:
Though thou wert wicked, yet thou wert a King.
But, Traitor, whence did thy black fury spring:
[To Prex.
Who in your Prince's blood your hands embrue?

Prex.
Madam, His Death must copyed be by you.
Now is the time, proud Girle, in which I'le prove,
The just Revenger of my injur'd Love.
[Holding the Dagger towards her breast.
Since you a greater Tyrant are than He,
'Tis just that you should share his destiny.

Enter Otanes, Darius, and Artaban.
Otan.
'Tis some strange cause our King thus long has staid.

Prex.
Return'd so suddenly! ha! I'm betraid.
Yet my Revenge I'le end.—

[Goes to stab Mandana.
Dar.
—Prexaspes, hold.
[Stays him.
What unshap'd fury makes your Arm thus bold?

Prex.
The King, the King—

Dar., Otan. and Artab.
Speak, what?

Prex.
—There murder'd lyes:
Oh, Fatal blow both to our hearts, and his.

[Weeps.
Dar. and Otan.
Cambyses Murder'd!

Prex.
—Oh, inhumane deed,
For which all Persia, with our King, does bleed!
[Weeps.
See here the Fatal Dagger, and see there
Mandana's hand, Cambyses's Murderer.
[Weeps again,
Oh, horrour! Envious Heav'n!

Dar.
—Mandana's hand,
In our great Monarch's bloody Murder stain'd!

Mand.
Perfidious Lyar, must my innocence
Be thus abus'd, and made thy Crime's defence?
Ye gods!

Prex.
What does she mean!
The dismal horror of a deed so foul,
Has rais'd so black a Cloud over her soul;
That she forgets the Royal blood she spilt,
Stifled and stupify'd with her own guilt.
What fury made you this black deed pursue,
[To Mandana.
'Gainst him that had no fault,—but Loving you?
How could your hand—

[Weeps.
Mand.
How can your impudence
Accuse Mandana of your own offence?
Did not thy hand, thy hand, proud Traitor, give
That wound he from no other could receive?
None but thy hand that cursed deed durst do,
To shake all Persia at one Fatal blow.

Otan.
Ha! this strange parley, and dispute does breed
More wonder then the strangeness of the deed.
Prexaspes, let the story then be told,
That may this cruel Mystery unfold.

Prex.
Know then, my Lords, entring this fatal place,
I saw distraction painted in a Face
'Twixt guilt and horrour; as I nearer drew,
By this faint light I straight Mandana knew.
I saw her in a trembling posture stand,
Grasping this bloody Dagger in her hand.
'Twas then, 'twas then my eyes the Night abhor'd,
The Night which did her guilty shades affor'd,
To that black deed, at which our rising Sun
Must blush to see what her bold hand has done.
[Weeps.
Then from her hand I straight the Dagger snatcht,
And soon a speedy Justice had dispatcht;
But that your entrance did my Arm restrain;
And stay my zeal to my dead Sovereign.
[Weeps.
Else I'ad perform'd the second Tragick part,
Righting his wrongs upon his Murd'rers heart.

Mand.
Oh, perjur'd Slave! dare you tempt Heav'n, and know
The gods and Justice have a Pow'r below?
Thus to out-face their vengeance?—

Prex.
Ha! Was this murder then a bastard guilt,
To Father thus on me that blood she spilt?
But I forget, they who dare kill their King,
Want not the Face to dare say any thing.
Well, since I must my Loyalty dispute,
Let this, my Lords, all jealousies confute?

[Shews them the Dagger.
Dar.
Mandana's Dagger! Oh, prodigious Fate!

Otan.
The sacred Relique of th'Egyptian State,
Worn by Succession from their Kings of old:
Of which their Priests a wond'rous rise have told;
Which their Religious Legends do pretend
God Ammon did to their first Monarch send;
Which since has by his Heirs been kept, to be
A Badge of the Egyptian Majesty.

Prex.
What caus'd her rage is plainly understood;
The deep resentments of her Father's blood,
Her Slavery, and her lost Crown, and more,
The hate she to Cambyses's Passion bore.

Dar.
Mandana—
Oh, ye gods, that men should be
So much mistaken in Divinity.
Who could have thought, that she who is adorn'd
With Divine Beauty, has a soul deform'd?

Otan.
Guards, there within.
Oh, Madam, have you so ill understood
The tyes of Majesty, and your high blood?
To shed his blood, and thus prophane your own;
Remembring you were born unto a Throne.
Enter Guards.
But now forgive me, Madam, that I must
To our dead King, and to our Laws be just.
Impute my Rigour to my Loyalty,
That forces me to tell you, you must dye.

Mand.
To shew how gladly I accept that breath,
I'le rob you of the Sentence of my Death.
Guards, I'm your Prisoner. Conduct me straight,
There where Mandana may embrace her Fate:
Death is the only happiness I court.

Prex.
The plot was well then, since she likes the sport.

[Aside.
Mand.
Osiris, now Fate has this favour giv'n,
To let me dye, to visit thee, and Heav'n.
Yet though the name of Death has made me proud,
When I am dead may Heav'n remove the Cloud:
And may my better Stars restore my Fame
To its first whiteness, that my injur'd Name
May grow unsullied, as my Innocence.

Dar.
And may kind Heav'n forgive you your offence.
The mildness, Madam, of your Death shall show
What pity we to such perfections owe.
Conduct her safely there where she may be
[To the Guards.
Debarr'd from nothing else but Liberty;
Untill her Death your Office shall discharge.

Mand.
Untill her Death shall her freed soul enlarge.
I come, Osiris, and may some kind Star,
That smiles on Lovers, guide me to thy sphear.
There our divided souls shall meet, and be
A part of the Cœlestial Harmony.

[Exit, lead out by Guards.
Dar.
The Fates are still malignant to the great:
They rise in glory, but in blood they set.

Exeunt Artaban and Guards, bearing out Cambyses.
Otan.
The ashes of a King's no common dust:
Nor is it fit their memories should rust.
It is not just Cambyses's wrongs should be
Idly recorded to Posterity.
Since the World needs his injuries must hear,
They shall be utter'd in the voice of War.
His Empire's freedom, and th'Impostor's fall,
Summons our courage, and to Arms does call.
But since his Brother by your hand did bleed;
[To Prex.
Before we further in this cause proceed,
'Tis just we first from you more fully know
When 'twas, and where you gave that Fatal blow.
Surpriz'd!

[Prexaspes starts.
Prex.
It needs my wonder must create,
Never to know, and yet to Act his Fate.

Otan.
Did you not hear it from our Kings own breath,
And yet are ignorant of Smerdis's death?

Prex.
By all that's true, no more to me is known,
Then that he lives, and wears the Persian Crown.

Dar.
Can we believe Cambyses would disclaim
His only Heir, that should preserve his Name?
Besides, it against Natures Laws would be
T'accuse himself of a false Cruelty.

Prex.
The Laws of Nature, and the tyes of blood,
Are things Cambyses never understood.
No, 'twas his Brother that he would destroy;
He envied him that Crown he did enjoy.
He then would have you that revenge pursue,
Which now Death will not give him leave to do.
Smerdis still lives—but you a War must bring,
And out of Loyalty depose your King.
Take heed—

Otan.
We know too well, Cambyses's breast
Was sway'd by passion, and false Interest.
But could he before you and us declare,
You were his Brother Smerdis's Murderer?
If it were false, he could not but suspect,
To clear your self, you would his guilt detect.

Prex.
Then, to convince you, I with shame confess
My Loyalty was great, and Virtue less.
To quench his thirst I blood too oft have spilt,
The Confident and Actor of his guilt.
And he might think who blood for him had shed,
Would not refuse, barely to say, I did.
Thus he t'assure you of his Brothers death,
Took this advantage to confirm your faith.
He knew—
Rather than any stain his fame should touch,
I would say any thing, who had done so much.

Otan.
We are convinc'd—

Dar.
Long may thy Brother live, and live to be
Heir to thy Conquests, but not Cruelty.

Prex.
Prexaspos, well, by Treasons thou didst grow,
They made thee great, and shall preserve thee so.

[Aside.]
[Exeunt.

Scena secunda.

Scene, the Palace.
Enter Smerdis, and Patasithes..
Smerd.
Cambyses dead!
The Heav'ns themselves two Suns at once can't beat:
Nor Earth below, two Monarchs in one Sphear.
Persia's too narrow both for him and me,
His glorie's shrunk, to give mine Liberty.

Pat.
No doubt, 'tis to Prexaspes that you owe
Your Empire's safety in this happy blow.

Smerd.
To him the deed, but to my self the cause:
State-interest binds stronger than State-laws.
With such high proffers I've oblig'd his trust,
As can do more than make a Statesman just.
You know I've promis'd him the Median Crown:
I give him Honours to secure my own.
We Monarchs to our selves our Fortunes owe:
Our Agents Act but what we bribe 'em to.
Poor Mortals thus may the Gods honour raise,
By building Temples to exalt their praise.
But 'tis the gods themselves that do afford
Those Mortals breath, by which they are ador'd.
Enter to them, Prexaspes.
My best of Friends.

[Embraces Prex.
Prex.
—Next to Cambyses. He
Leaves you his Empire for a Legacy.
Knowing how weighty Crowns and Scepters are,
I've been so kind to ease him of that care.
But, Sir, he did before his death convince
His Nobles, that you were not the true Prince.
But by such Art I did their Storm asswage,
That for the present I have calm'd their Rage.
And in your cause such Arguments did bring,
That they believe you Brother to our King.
But, Sir, you know that Statesmens jealousie
Does onely sleep, then when it seems to dye.
At each distast, and ev'ry small mistake,
Their Jealousie when 'tis disturb'd, will wake;
And then their fury will break forth to deeds:
You are not safe then whilst they wear their Heads.

Smerd.
'Tis not consistent with my Empire's good,
To stain my name with the chief Persian blood.

Pat.
He by mild deeds must represent the King,
Subtle as Serpents, but without their sting.

Smerd.
That Act would seem too cruel; the same Arts
That won 'em, must preserve my Subjects hearts.

Prex.
To save your Honour then that deed I'le do.

Smerd.
Name it, my safety shall depend on you.

Prex.
Theramnes's late concealment gives you just
Suspition of his Loyalty, and trust.
If then your pleasure would confer that grace,
To constitute me Gen'ral in his place;
I will invite 'em to my Tent; and they
For th'entertainment all their Heads shall pay.
Then to suppress all future Mutinies
That may from this Tyrannick Act arise,
Their Deaths I'le publish, and the cause proclaim,
Forging such hainous Treasons in their Name,
Persia shall do no less than think it just;
And to my Justice, as their Guardian, trust.

Smerd.
But grant the Persians should not think it so;
But th'Act condemn.

Prex.
—Do you condemn it too.
And if your Subjects murmur, or Rebell,
'Cause by my hand the Persian Princes fell;
Then instantly, to satisfie their rage,
And shew you did not in my guilt engage,
Degrade me from my Office, and inflict
All punishments that may seem just and strict.
And I'le submit to th'Sentence, thus you'll seem
As far from the consent, as from the Crime.

Smerd.
Well, your Commission shall be forthwith sign'd,
My Army's conduct to your charge resign'd.

Prex.
May Heav'n success to Persia's Crown afford
Whilst you the Scepter bear—

Smerd.
—And you the Sword.

[Exeunt.

Scena tertia.

Scene changes to the Garden.
Enter Phedima, and Orinda.
Phed.
Sister, you now can by Experience prove
What lately you defy'd, the Pow'r of Love.
'Tis strange the dead Theramnes should obtain
That Conquest, whom alive you did disdain.
What rash Infection does your soul invade,
That you, who scorn'd him living, court his shade!
A Love like yours was never heard before:
T'embrace his Memory, and Name adore.

Orind.
Sister, since I have all assaults withstood,
He by no common force my heart subdu'd.
Such glorious pains my Captive soul endures:
My Love's beyond such abject thoughts as yours.
Your humble passions court each fond desire,
And your Breasts tamely of themselves take fire.
You make your hearts too mean a Sacrifice,
Taking infection from your Lovers eyes.
He did more Nobly to my heart aspire:
He gave me fuel e're he gave me fire.
His Wounds, his Death, his Glory, and his Fame,
They mov'd my pity, and that rais'd my Flame.
Nay, of his Love he Nobler proofs has give'n:
When his late wounds had made him ripe for Heav'n,
His dying breath, before his soul retir'd,
Bequeath'd his Love to me, and then expir'd.
His dying breath his passion did proclaim:
Thus, Phœnix-like, expiring in a Flame.
Then 'tis but just that I should faithfull be,
Thus to preserve so brave a Legacy.

Phed.
But your affection is from hopes debarr'd:
When you can Love, and not expect reward.
Love's kindnesses are lent, not giv'n; for when
There is no hopes to be repaid agen,
It should expire. Dead Lovers bankrupt prove,
Death does exempt 'em from all debts of Love.

Orind.
No, Love is seated in their souls, and they
With them their passions to the Skyes convey.
For when kind Heav'n does entertain their souls,
And to the sacred list of Stars enrowls,
In Heav'n they pay those debts on Earth they owe:
They shine and smile on us that stay below.
They still their Loves and favours do dispense,
Acting their kindness in their Influence.
And when in Heav'n we both together meet;
There we our tyes for ever shall unite.
No objects then my passion remove,
Till it grows up to an Immortal Love.

Phed.
Sister, till now I thought there could not be
A Love like mine, but you out-rival me.—
But stay, my Father's here; let us retire,
And there hear out that passion I admire.

[Exeunt.

Scena quarta.

Scene continues:
Enter Otanes, Darius, and Artaban, Attended.
Otan.
'Tis strange! our entrance to the King deny'd!

Dar.
Now my Prophetick fears our doubts decide!
He durst not give us entrance, since he knows
He to his being unseen his safety owes.

Otan.
Then must we to his pow'r obedience yield,
As men to unknown gods do Temples build?
Let dull and credulous ignorance advance
Faith and Religion, not Allegiance.
Must we be onely govern'd by a Name?

Enter to them, Prexaspes with Guards, the Guards stand off at a distance, unseen by Otanes and Darius.
Prex.
Prexaspes must Prexaspes's Crimes proclaim.
And now, my Lords, I do confess my guilt,
The blood of Smerdis by my hand was spilt.
And 'tis th'Impostor that Usurps the Throne:

Otan.
And dare Prexaspes his bold Treasons own?

Prex.
Yes, Sir, he dares; and thank Heav'n too, that thus
Has by my Treasons made me glorious.
Though my late fear did make my duty fail,
And from your knowledge Smerdis's Death conceal:
Now I'm above the fear of punishment:
I dare my guilt confess, and crimes repent.
Smerdis by me was murder'd.

Dar.
—And by you
Smerdis th'Impostor is protected too.

Prex.
My Lord, he is: and I so high am grown,
To be advanc'd and rais'd next to his Throne.
View here what large extent my pow'r affords:
[Shews his Commission.
Their Arms are mine, and all the Persian Swords.
Be not surpriz'd at this, I ne're before
Till now, my Lords, the Sword of Justice bore.
Points to his Guards, at which the Lords start.
Thus I proclaim that Justice I design,
'Tis your command shall rule their Swords, and mine.

Otan.
Your gen'rous proffer does surprize us more,
Than the strange news of your large pow'r before.

Prex.
But you shall wonder more at what I'le do,
When I am lead by Loyalty, and you.

Dar.
But by what Arts have you th'Impostor won?

Prex.
By the same Arts I'le pluck him from his Throne.
Since my guilt did from Smerdis's blood arise,
I'le make his Rival's blood his Sacrifice.
The Noblest Valour from Allegiance springs:
Who was the fall, will be the rise of Kings.

Otan.
Justice and Glory in this Act will joyn:
And as your Seconds in this brave design,
Our Lives and Fortunes shall assistant be,
To th'height of Courage, and of Loyalty.

Dar.
In order that we may this deed fulfill,
We first will execute th'Impostor's Will,
Cambyses's solemn Exequies: whilst all
Our Army waits upon his Funeral;
And all the Persian Subject's wand'ring eyes
Are idly fixt on our Solemnities;
Then to the height we our design will bring;
Proclaiming you the Persian Heir, and King;
[To Otan.
And Smerdis the Usurper; then surprize
The Royal Palace, the Impostor seize;
The City Gates, the Tow'r, the Forts secure:
All that may strengthen or enlarge our pow'r.
And in one moment all their Force suppress
That shall oppose our glory, and success:
And by this brave design we in one day
Shall Conquer, and redeem all Persia.

Dar.
'Tis bravely spoken, now you're worthy grown,
To be proclaim'd Protectour of a Crown.

Prex.
But one thing, Sirs, must not escape your ears:
You are the onely men that Smerdis fears.
But I, to carry on our just design,
And that we might without suspition joyn,
Assur'd him that your Faiths I did convince,
That you believ'd him the true Persian Prince;
I told him you were Loyal, and you wou'd
In his defence venture your States, and blood.
Pretending then 'twill with his glory stand,
T'unite both Armies under one command;
It is his pleasure that you should resign
Both your Commissions, and subscribe to mine.

Otan.
Still we expected this; 'tis his pretence
To force us to a blind obedience.

Prex.
I therefore in compliance think it fit
You to the Tyrant's pleasure should submit,
Lest he suspect your Loyalty, and mine:
And by that means we frustrate our design.
Not that I'de have you think that 'tis my aim
To rob your glories to enlarge my fame.
No, all that I aspire to, is, to be
The Author of an Empire's Liberty.

Otan.
We yield, and hope, resigning our command
We do but place it in a Nobler hand.

[Both giue him their Commissions.
Prex.
And with your Arms I will your Trophies raise:
The Conquest shall be mine, the Triumph yours.
As men build Temples not for their own praise,
But dedicate them to some higher pow'rs.

Dar.
Go instantly to our chief Officers,
[To his own Train.
Tell them that 'tis the Persian Kings design,
Consulting both his interest and theirs,
Both Armies should under one conduct joyn.
And bid them, in our Prince's name, and ours,
Proclaim Prexaspes Gen'ral of our pow'rs.

Exeunt all the Trains of Otanes and Darius.
Prex.
Now to assure you that this high command
Is not plac'd idly in Prexaspes's hand,
Ile give you this first trial of my pow'r.
Guards, seize those Traitors—
[Guards seize Otanes, Darius, and Artaban.
—'Tis your Fatal hour;
Your Stars will have it so.

Otan. Dar. and Artab.
Hold your rude hands.

[To the Guards.
Prex.
You do forget resigning your Commands;
You must obey.

Dar.
—Inhumane Treachery!

Otan.
False Traitor to the Persian blood, and me.

All.
Unhand us, Villains.

Prex.
—Sirs, it is too late:
You have no time to dally with your Fate.
Your Heads must off, and I must see it done;
My Lords, you all shall set before our Sun.
On my command let your obedience wait:
[To the Guards.
Conduct them to th'appointed Scene of Fate.
I'le add this honour to your destiny,
[To them.
Prexaspes will in Person see you dye.

Otan.
Are we your pastime?

Dar.
Bold Traitor, how can you so salvage be,
To Act, and then to smile at Cruelty?

Prex.
No more, be serious, I've no time for sport:
Consider that your dates of Life are short.

Otan.
Perfidious Murderer, and may just Heav'n—

Prex.
Be gone, perform that charge which I have giv'n.
[Exeunt Otanes, Darius, and Artaban, forced out by the Guards.
Since both Commissions now are in my hand,
And I do all the Persian Arms command;
Those Swords which are committed to my trust,
Prexaspes will take care they shall not rust.

[Exit.