University of Virginia Library

[Scene III.]

The Scene changes [to a Palace Chamber.]
Cyane is discovered laying on a couch with a book in her hand. Two tapers burning by her.
A terrible Clap of thunder is heard. Severall streams of fire cross ye stage, and ye Heavens open, from which a spirit descends, and sings.
Song.

Hee flys up singing. Soft Musick is heard all ye time, and ye Heavens close again with thunder.
Cyane rises from her Couch.
Cy.
Hah! drops of bloud! my end does now draw nigh,
And I perceive by this, that I must dye.
Welcome then fate, but know thou can'st not fright,
With all thy spirits and with masqued Night,
My soul, when she is cloth'd with glorious light.
Enter ye King Zoroastres with a Bowl.
Come, Tyrant, come. What makes you soe delay?
You have your wish. There's nere a sun today.

Zor.
Madam, I come your Answer now to take,
Which will mee happy or you wretched make.
Cru'lty and Blood I hate, but must them use
If you my offers doe again refuse.
But come! I know by this you 'ave chang'd your mind;
I'me sure you are too wise to bee unkind.

Cy.
Ah, cruell Tyrant! doe you think wee can
Bee ever kind to a hard hearted man?
'Tis lust predominates thy deformed will,
For Love, I'me sure, is more courteous still.

Zor.
'Tis you that makes mee such hard measures take,
And I am only cruell for your sake.
Nothing shall bee more calm if you'le but love;
Try mee and see how gentle I will prove.
Come, Madam, come. Bee not I gentle now?
What is it more that you would have mee doe?

Cy.
Ah, Sir, I'me sorry that it is too late,
For I am now resolved on my fate.
Yes, Sir, I am resolv'd.

Zor.
To love?

Cy.
To dye.
I shall obleige you, Sir, to Cruellty,
Your dear Attribute. Come!

Zor.
Then take thy fate,
Mix't with th'ingredients of a lovers hate.
[Gives her ye Bowl. She drinks.
'Tis ye first thing I e're to you did give,
And am proud, Madam, that you'le it receive.
Will you accept too, Madam, of my Heart?
I'me mighty liberall before wee part.

Cy.
Soe—now I shall bee free from all thy rage,
From all ye dull, insipid thoughts of age,
But stay—I have not yet of Heaven thought.
It will not kill mee yet, I hope.
B' you sure 'tis death what here to mee you've brought?

Zor.
Not fate herself can kill more sure than I;
Therefore prepare, and bee resolv'd to dye.
But yet, lest death should seem serene and kind,
Remember what dear things you've left behind:
Mother! Sister! the world itself, nay all
That you excessive or could happy call.
Remember these, and then if you dare, dye.

Cy.
My soul above such thoughts as these must fly.
But goe, that I may have this hour alone
And all ye crimes of my past life bemoan.
Oh!—now it gripes!

Zor.
Then I see 'twas good
And was not cheated in't.

Cy.
Heavens! I feel it raging in my blood.
Tyrant! Curst Devill! goe, I hate your sight.

Zor.
Soe! these are good dying prayers.

Cy.
What harm did ever I yet doe to you,
That your revenge you should with death pursue?
Know this—
If e're a star I should in Heaven bee,
Thou too shall'st dye by th'influence of mee.

Zor.
Thy crimes will hinder thee from coming there,
Nor doe I thy poysoning influence fear.
Thou can'st not kill, thy beauty now is gone;
Noe eyes will dazell at a setting sun.

Cy.
Upbraiding King! unworthy of thy crown,
How long is't since thou tremblest at my frown?
Soe great and ill thy crimes have been to mee
That at my death they can't forgiven bee.
But oh! I come. I can noe longer stay.
[Sinks on her Couch.
Time calls mee on and hastens mee away.
I goe, I goe, but whither I don't know,
Whether 'tis above, or whether 'tis below. [Dyes.


Zor.
Soe now my quiet, sure, I shall possess.
There's none can now disturb my Happiness.
The Conquering Princes too for fear shall bee
At their return imprisoned by mee.
Hah! allready I hear their trumpets sound
And neighing horses trampling on ye ground.
But oh ingratitude! forgive mee now,
'Tis for my interest to have it soe.
A troubl'd mind this action cannot bring;
'Tmust bee a stout conscience concerns a King. [Exit.