University of Virginia Library

Actus quintus.

Scena prima.

The Scene drawn, Otanes, Darius, and Artaban appear bound and Chain'd in a dark Prison.
Otan.
Prexaspes ! Oh, tame easie Faiths, that we
Could trust that salvage Scythian's Loyalty;
A Monster worse than Africk ever bred:
Whose Breast, like Deserts, is inhabited
By nought but Poysons.

Dar.
Your mistake does seem
Rather a gallant Virtue, than a Crime.
For in great Minds this gen'rous instinct Rules:
They by their own Copy all others souls;
Acting like those diseases, where the eye
In its own colours does all objects dye.

Enter Prexaspes.
Prex.
My Lords, the King is gracious, and hath sent
To try how you can brook Imprisonment.

Otan.
Imprisonment we think our greatest bliss:
There we can see neither thy Crimes, nor His.

Prex.
Am I by those that wear my Chains contemn'd?
I thank ye, Sirs, ye have your selves condemn'd.
Guards, there within.

Dar.
—Yes, Traytor, thou shalt see
That we despise our Deaths as much as thee.

Enter Guards, and Executioner.
Otan.
Must we not know the cause for which we fall?

Prex.
The cause! ha ha—Yes, Sir, you shall.
It is Prexaspes's pleasure you should dye.

Dar.
Is this the Justice of your Cruelty?

Prex.
Justice! Justice is but the breath of pow'r,
When ev'ry rising King, and Conquerour
Does make that Justice, which his Pow'r makes Laws:
My Pow'r proclaims the Justice of my Cause.
And in your deaths my pleasure I fulfill;
'Tis just you dye—to satisfie my will.

Otan.
Is then your thirst of blood the onely cause?

Prex.
These idle interruptions make a pause
Onely to give you breath: for dye you must:
And it is just you dye—because 'tis just.

Artab.
And is this all?

Prex.
—I can some reasons show.
You're Traytors to your King and Countrey too.
You, Sir, have twice attempted to set fire
On Susa. You, Darius, did conspire
To seize the Palace and the Treasury.
You, Otanes, have sworn Confed'racy
With Persia's Enemy the Scythian King.
All these, and other Treasons I could bring—
But you shall dye; then to the World they all
Shall publisht be to justifie your fall.

Otan.
Blasphemous Lyar!

Artab.
Is not our Murders which you have decreed
Sufficient, but our honours too must bleed?

Prex.
Your Lives and Honours must no longer shine:
But be extinguisht to make way for mine.
Smerdis must be depos'd by me alone,
And then Prexaspes steps into his Throne.
That my ambition may arrive to this,
First, I'le take off your Heads: then strike at His.

Otan.
Though Smerdis be he whom I most do hate;
Could I but beg one dayes reprieve of Fate,
I'de be the first should thy designs betray.

Prex.
Ay, Sir, so in the other World you may.
These will be pretty stories for the dead:
And for that end you first shall lose your Head.
Strike him.
[The Executioner bows down his Scymitar in sign of denial.
What, disobey'd? Or is it blood you fear?
[To the Executioner.
Since my design wants an Interpreter,
And your tame soul can't construe my intent,
Slave, thou shalt dye, to trye th'experiment.
To you, my Lords, this Honour I'le afford,
To fall by me, and this Almighty Sword.
[Draws his Scymitar.
Stand fair.—Stay, one thing I forgot; I'm told
You leagues of Friendship with Theramnes hold.
[Darius hearing Theramnes's Name, sighs.
A sigh I know to such a Friend is due:
But be not troubled, he shall follow you.
Friends must not part. I'de thoughts t'have had him here,
And for your sakes and mine, I wish he were,
That he might see this Arm.

Advances to strike off Otanes's head, at which the Executioner undisguises himself, and appears to be Theramnes; at which the Guards seize Prexaspes, & disarm him, and unbind Otanes, Darius, and Artaban, and restore their Swords, and bind Prexaspes.
Ther.
Thou hast thy wish.
He sees that Arm, and so shalt thou feel his.

Prex.
Traytors, unhand me; slaves, what, do you know
Who 'tis you should obey?

Ther.
—Yes, Sir, they do.
And so shall you know too.
Your Guards are mine,
And your life, Traytor.

Prex.
Curse on your design.
And curst be all the Stars that rul'd this day;
That could, or durst Prexaspes's life betray.
Am I at once of all my hopes depriv'd?

Ther.
Your greatness grew too fast to be long-liv'd.

Dar.
Theramnes living! and preserv'd to be
The Author of our Lives and Liberty!
What sudden change does all my thoughts surprize?
Or dare I trust the witness of my eyes?
How stiff I am, and undispos'd to move,
These pleasant charms unwilling to disprove.
Like him who Heav'n in a soft dream enjoys:
To stir and wake his Paradise destroys.

Otan.
As Ship-wrackt men who on some shoar are cast,
Look back upon the dangers they have past.
Their horror so much of the wrack retains,
They scarcely know their safety, nor the means.
This miracle of Honour done by you,
Kind Sir, obliges, and confounds us too.
The explication we from you must know.

Ther.
To Love and Friendship you your safeties owe.
Theramnes could not see him fall—nor I
[Points to Darius.
Could live to see Orinda's Father dye.
Hearing that you in Prison were detain'd,
By my Usurper, by Prexaspes's Hand:
His black intentions rouz'd my soul, alarm'd
My sleeping spirits, and my courage arm'd.
I was resolv'd in spight of Fortunes hate,
Either to follow, or prevent your Fate.
But being from all other means debarr'd,
My onely means was left to win the Guard.
Which their old General with ease did sway:
They had not quite forgot whom to obey.
'Twas by their help I am so happy grown,
To save your Lives, on which depends my own.

Dar.
The greatest wrack my wond'ring soul endures,
Is how you have preserv'd your Life, not ours.

Ther.
Know then, when you did of my Life despair,
And left me to brave Megabyses's care;
That fam'd Physitian, whose great skill can prop
Mens sinking Frames, and Humane ruines stop;
His Art the pow'r of Destiny controuls,
Gives Laws to Nature, and Reprieves to souls.
When he had by his subtle knowledge found,
My parting Life still struggled in my wound:
Then what strange skill, what unknown Arts he us'd,
What pow'rful balms he to my wounds infus'd;
(Great Miracles are still great Mysteries)
That were too hard to tell; let it suffice,
He forc'd my flying soul to a retreat:
And re-inforc'd my senses in their seat.
But then hearing your dangers, I prevail'd,
T'have my death publisht, and my Cure conceal'd.
Till in your Service I a proof could give,
I had done something to deserve to live.

Dar.
You do too much my burden'd soul o'recharge,
For to bear this I must my soul enlarge.
My joys are but too weighty for my heart.

Artab.
To make 'em lighter let us bear a part.

Dar.
No, Sir, this is so great a happiness,
Dividing of it cannot make it less.
Brave Friend.

[Embraces Theramnes.
Otan.
But now I have a cause affords
A Nobler Subject for all Loyal Swords.

Ther.
Name it; for what cannot Theramnes do,
When he's imploy'd for Loyalty, and You?

Otan.
'Tis, the deposing Smerdis.

Ther.
—How, betray
Him who the Scepter, and my Sword does sway!

Otan.
What, an Impostor?

Ther.
—Hold, this must not be,
Can you forget what's due to Majesty.
Were't not from you—Do not abuse your Friend:
He is my King, and him I must defend.

Dar.
He whom you serve that borrow'd Title wears,
Shame to a Throne and to the Name he bears.
Alas, that Traytor the true Smerdis slew.

[Points to Prex.
Prex.
Ay, and intended the same Fate for you.

Ther.
And, what is an Impostor then maintain'd
To wear a Crown, and by my guilty hand?
A base low Traytor too: and could my Sword
A Sanctuary to his Crimes afford?
But, Sir, can you forgive me this offence?

Otan.
Your Sword can your Sword's errours recompense.

Ther.
Once more the Executioner's my part:
My Sword shall now do Justice on his heart.
To right my wrongs I in your cause will joyn.

Otan.
We cannot fail in such a brave design.

Dar.
But for this Action we must be prepar'd
To strike like Thunder, e're the blow be heard.

Otan.
But e're I go, I must his sentence give:
Traytor, thy punishment shall be to live.
[To Prex.
Thou in this Prison, and these Chains shalt lye;
I love you not so well, to let you dye.

[Exeunt all but Prexaspes.
Prex.
Curses pursue Theramnes. All is gone.
I'm faln into a Prison from a Throne.
And, what's the worst of miseries, I still
Keep the desire, though not the pow'r to kill.
I should not wish my ruine to recall,
Had I but sunk an Empire in my fall:
And made all Persia in my ruine share:
That when Posterity my deeds should hear,
It should such horror from my name contract,
Trembling to hear what I made sport to Act.
But now must calmly dye. Had I but first
Like Earthquakes through the trembling World disperst,
Shook Natures frames, and all Mankind o'rethrown,
I then could dye—not to survive alone.
But now must tamely perish.—Well, I see
The gods themselves act by State-policy.
They therefore spightfully my Fate decreed:
'Cause if my rising glories did proceed,
They knew my pow'r to that vast height would sway,
Prexaspes would have grown more fear'd, than they.

[The Scene shuts upon him.

Scena Secunda.

Scene, the Palace.
Enter Smerdis, leading Phedima.
Smerd.
My Faith's confounded by my happiness:
'Tis the height makes the object seem the less.
Have you this blessing really design'd?—
Not, Madam, that I doubt you can be kind:
But he—
Whose happy doom an Oracle has giv'n,
May doubt th'intent, though not the pow'r of Heav'n.

Phed.
You urge too much what I've too plain exprest:
And force my blushes to make out the rest.

Smerd.
Pardon my doubt. 'Twas my excess of joy
That did my sence of happiness destroy.
This day, fair Excellence, prepare to be
Possessor made, both of my Throne, and Me.
All glories do to Love inferiour prove;
As glory waits on Crowns, so Crowns on Love.

[Proffers to lead her out.
Phed.
But, Sir, to Heav'n I solemnly have vow'd,
That till the gods have their consents allow'd,
I ne're would yield my Love. Whom they design,
Must take his Title from their Voice, not mine.
Permit me then to execute my Vow,
First, pay my debts to Heav'n, and then to You.

Smerd.
To th'Temple then we instantly will haste,
And there I'le hear my happy sentence past.
To their consents I will the gods conjure;
What common charms can't do, yours will procure.
And Heav'n that does all lesser Victims prize,
Can't but accept a Lovers Sacrifice.

[Exeunt.

Scena Ultima.

The Scene open'd, appears a Temple of the Sun, uncover'd according to the Antient Custome, with an Altar in the middle, bearing two large burning Tapers; and on each side a Priest standing.
Enter to them, Smerdis, leading Phedima.
1. Priest.
Hail, King of Kings, third of that Royal Name,
Heir to great Cyrus's Empire, and his Fame.

2. Priest.
Hail, Mighty Monarch, whose high Race begun
From the World's Conqu'rour, and our god the Sun.

Smerd.
Summon your god-heads. I demand from Heav'n,
In one Petition more than e're was giv'n.
I ask not Crowns, those I esteem less dear:
Crowns I can give,—for I bestow one here.

[Bowing to Phedima.
1. Priest.
Sir, since your greatness, and her Beauty is
So near alli'd to their Divinities,
You by such tyes do the gods Friendship bind,
Heav'n were unnatural, were it unkind.

Smerd.
I then would know whether the gods approve
That I should be made happy in that Love
Which they themselves inspir'd. If by their Voice
They will consent to this our Royal Choice;
I'le store their Altars, and I'le make 'em shine
With the most glorious of all flames,—but mine.
All this, and greater things than this I'le do,
With such Magnificence, that Heav'n shall know
Who 'tis it has oblig'd.

1. Priest.
[Waves his wand round.

A Glorious Spirit descends behind the Altar, and speaks.
Spir.
To shew how Heav'n does your desires approve,
Th'immortal gods in kindness to your Love,
Have for your wounded heart this Fate in store,
After this happy day to bleed no more.
For Persia's glory their high pow'rs design
Your Love shall like these sacred Tapers shine.
Points to the Tapers on the Altar.
And to compleat what Heav'n intended has,
Your Love and hopes shall end in an embrace.
And to your Beauty the just gods ordein
[To Phed.
You onely for the Persian Monarch's Queen.
Your Merits have from Heav'n this favour found,
Your Love and You shall both this day be Crown'd.
But what my Message has not full exprest,
Your Fortunes and success shall speak the rest.

[Ascends again.
Smerd.
Let Heav'n and Fortune keep the rest in store,
Till my soul's large enough to wish for more.
Now, Madam, I with boldness dare declare
When Heav'n is kind, that I presume you are.

Phed.
If 'tis my Fate, that cannot be repeal'd
Which Heav'n has granted, and the gods have seal'd.

Smerd.
That our advancing joys may ne're retreat,
Now let our Nuptial tyes our Loves compleat.
As Smerdis advances, leading Phedima towards the Altar, a soft Musick is heard, suppos'd, in the Air.
What pleasant Musick's this that charms my ears?

1. Priest.
Some Aiery Consort from the lower Sphears.
A sacred Tribute which the gods do pay,
To add a glory to your Nuptial day.

The Song ended, the Musick turns into an Alarm, at which a bloody Cloud interposes between the Audience and the Spirits; and being immediately remov'd, the Ghosts of Cambyses, and the true Smerdis appear in the seats of the former Spirits.
Smerd.
Ha! Smerdis, and Cambyses! whom the one
I of his Title rob'd, to'ther his Throne.
But sure the gods mistake 'emselves, to think
That Smerdis's courage can at shadows shrink.
Are these the Tragick Masquers of the Sky,
Whose Aiery nothing onely cheats the eye?
Let wandring fires and meteors make them stray
Who do not know their Guider, nor their way:
But such weak trifles cannot Smerdis fright:
Your gods too late my envy'd greatness spight.
I have out-done the utmost they dare do:
Mock on—Smerdis defies your gods, and you.
I am above your threats; such empty things
Borrow the form, but I the pow'r of Kings.
No, keep your thin and feigned shapes; but know
It was my Treason that transform'd you so.
And for this Masque the gods may thank me for't;
'Twas I gave 'em the Subject for their sport.
Here the Alarm renews, and some flashes of fire flye cross the Stage, and the bloody Cloud interposes again, and stays; the two Tapers on the Altar flash, and expire; and [Treason] is heard from within, and a noise of Swords.
What do I hear?

Enter Patasithes, amaz'd.
Pat.
Treason. We are betray'd.

Smerd.
And Heav'n it self too has the Traitor plaid.
Shall my Love thus like to these Tapers shine?
Their light's gone out, and so I fear will mine.
Curse on their Riddles.

[Treason cryed again.
Pat.
Ha! the noise comes near.
My fears increase.

Smerd.
No, 'tis too late to fear.
But oh, that Smerdis could his Fate recall,
And Reign but one day longer er'e he fall,
To be reveng'd of Heav'n before he dyes:
Id'e turn their Temples to one Sacrifice.
Thus by our gods betray'd!
Can there be Treason harbour'd in that Name!
They're all Impostors, greater than I am.

Enter Theramnes, Otanes, Darius, and Artaban, with their Swords drawn: Theramnes making a pass at Smerdis, they each missing their pass, close; whilst they struggle, Patasithes engages with Otanes; and whilst Darius and Artaban offer to thrust through Smerdis, in Theramnes's Arms, Theramnes speaks.
Ther.
Thrust through us both, rather than miss his heart.

[Darius stabs Smerdis, and Otanes kills Patasithes.
Dar.
Fortune to guide my Sword took Friendships part.

Smerd.
Was this th'Embrace in which the gods intend
My Love and Life should with my Empire end?
T'has reacht my heart. This Fate Heav'n had in store,
That thus my Wounded Heart should bleed no more.

[Dyes.
Otan.
Now, Daughter, you have for your Countries good,
Done what becomes your Duty, and your blood.

[To Phed.
Phed.
What I have done, was in a Crown's defence,
And 'twas an Act of my Obedience.

Dar.
But I this deed an Act of Love must call,
When you're an Actor in my Rival's fall.
[To Phed.
There's wanting yet to th'Triumphs of this day,
[To Otan.
That you accept the Crown of Persia.

Otan.
My Age, and Youth, with different passions move,
I am above the charms of Pow'r, or Love.
My thoughts flye higher than t'inherit Thrones:
Not to wear Diadems, but dispose of Crowns.
But since my Birth makes me an Empires Heir,
Thus I accept the Crown,—to place it here.

[To Darius.
Dar.
Should I accept your birth's and merits due,
I should both injure Persia, and You.
No, my Ambition, Sir, shall never climb
Where the acceptance of a Throne's a Crime.

Otan.
Since you so nobly do refuse a Crown,
I will this Title of a Monarch own:
I, as your King, this second proffer make,
On your Allegiance, wear it for my sake.

Dar.
No, Sir, my Honour pleads in my defence,
I should be guilty in Obedience.

Otan.
Since you at this command refuse a Throne,
Thus I command you—Take it as my Son.

[Gives him Phed.
Enter Orinda, and Ladies.
Dar.
In this, my Lord, you do new charms infuse,
Love makes me take what Honour did excuse.
In this you give more than a Crown, I dare
Accept an Empire, to divide it here.

[Bows to Phed.
Omnes.
Long live Darius, King of Persia.

[Here the two Tapers on the Altar light again by two flashes of fire, which descend and kindle them.
2. Priest.
This omen Heav'n does to your Empire shew,
That light expir'd with him revives with you.
Thus gloriously the sacred Tapers shone,
That day when Cyrus did ascend the Throne.

1. Priest.
But e're we Crown you King, 'tis just you knew
Our Laws are sacred next our gods, and you;
Laws, which by Monarchs too must be obey'd,
And in their right I now am bound to plead.
'Tis written, Sir, in Persia's strict Decrees,
If any Persian King by Treason dyes,
That day his Heir does his high seat supply,
His Predecessors Murderer must dye.
You therefore in Cambyses's cause are bound
To Act his Justice first, and then be Crown'd.

Dar.
Ye gods, that do to Kings this charge entrust,
You make us cruel when you make us just.
Bring in the Captive Princess.

Phed.
—What new Scene
Is this that must your Justice entertain?

Dar.
An object, that had but her soul conform'd
To that perfection which her eyes adorn'd;
Her Virtues glorious as her Beauty shown,
Madam, she, like your self, deserv'd a Throne.
But since Cambyses's blood by her was spilt,
She by her own must expiate her guilt.
Justice and War in this alike partake,
The bloodiest spoyls the greatest Triumphs make.
Enter the suppos'd Mandana, in a Mourning Habit, with a black Veil over her Face, attended by Guards and Executioner.
Had we not ow'd that blood unto your hand,
Which does my Sentence, and your Death demand,
You should not thus, but a more noble way
Have made a part i'th'Triumphs of this Day:
I then a milder Justice would have shown,
Not took your Life, but have restor'd your Crown.
I'm sorry then I'm so ill taught by you,
By your Example to be cruel too.
Yet, pardon me, that Sentence I must give,
Which I want pow'r, not pity, to reprieve:

1. Priest.
Her Sentence, Sir, is but too long deferr'd.

Dar.
Then Executioner—

Phed.
—Hold, till I'm heard.
Darius, I my duty should betray,
Not to shew pity where so much you pay.
Know then, I am your Rival, and dare own
A share in this as well as in your Throne.
Princess, your Birth and Fortune merits more
[To Mand.
Than ev'ry common pity can deplore.
Heav'n to the great this cruel Fortune gives:
The gods have made you prodigal of your Lives
To rob Mankind.

Enter Mandana, lead in by Guards, and Attendants.
Mand.
—At your command I come
T'attend your Sentence, and embrace my doom.

1. Guards.
I was by that Impostor brib'd, but loath
[Points to the other.
To violate my trust, I brought 'em both.

Dar.
Your Fate is in such Mysteries involv'd,
That Riddle, e're you dye, must be resolv'd.

[Points to the other.
Mand.
What Friend, or Ravisher robs me of my doom,
Borrowing my likeness to Usurp my Tomb;
To save my Life, and Sacrifice their own?
Though Love may Rivals have, sure Death has none.
Death has no charms, or onely charms to me;
'Cause dying, I shall visit Heav'n, and Thee,
My dear Osiris.

Osir.
No, he waits you here.
[Undisguising himself, and flinging off the Veil.
Osiris, Madam, has not left your sphear.

Mand.
Osiris's soul, and come to wait on mine!
Heav'n to our Loves this kindness does design.
Oh, my dear Saint, stay but till I am dead,
And from these Earthly Chains of Nature freed;
And then my soul shall go along with thine,
Whilst we in Aiery soft embraces twine.
We'le like a mounting whirlwind upward move;
We'le flye in Circles in the Arms of Love.
There the kind gods shall to our breasts inspire
Such sparks of Heav'n, such new and glorious fire,
That to that height we will our Loves repair,
Till our kind flames shall kindle to a Star.
Now, Executioner.

Osir.
—Hold, you mistake,
Osiris lives; and had Heav'n for his sake
And yours been kind, he'd liv'd t'have dyed for you.

Mand.
Osiris lives! Oh, then, might I live too.

Osir.
Know then, that when you saw me last, when I
Was by Cambyses's rage condemn'd to dye:
It was the Tyrant's Fortune, to prefer
Lord Artaban to be my Murderer.
But he—
Pitying my Youth, and something which he read
Did in my looks for his compassion plead,
In a compliance to the Tyrant's breath,
Disguis'd me in a borrow'd Mask of Death:
And thence till now my Person did secure
To free me from the Tyrant's eye, and pow'r.

Mand.
Which does the greater wonder seem, to see
Osiris live, or come to dye for me?

Osir.
You need not wonder, since you know the cause,
Love has a pow'r above all Nature's Laws.
Dying for you I should so happy prove,
T'have done a deed worthy my self, and Love.
To shew your Friendship, let my Princess live.

[To Darius.
Dar.
Oh, now you ask, what I want pow'r to give.

1. Priest.
The Persian Laws, like to their god, the Sun,
In one unalterable course must run.
And she must dye, nor must you favour show,
Because our gods, and Laws will have it so.

Osir.
If Heav'n delights in humane Sacrifice,
May not my Death those cruel gods suffice?
To save her Life, on me that Grace confer,
To fall a Sacrifice to Heav'n, and Her.

Mand.
Hold, Sir, your zeal your rashness does declare;
Lovers in all things but in Death may share.
Know then, kind Rival, that 'tis only I
Mandana in Mandana's cause must dye.

Ther.
Mandana!
[Runs to her.
To see you, Madam, I must bless my eyes:
But I must curse 'em when I see she dyes.

[Aside
Mand.
Prince Intaphernes, what strange Stars have sent
You here to see that Fate you can't prevent?

Ther.
I do conjure you spare this Princess's blood,
[Kneels to Dar.
By all that's Friendship, all that's great, and good.

Dar.
Theramnes, rise.—New wonders you create.

Ther.
'Tis Nature's tyes make me her Advocate.

2. Priest.
You need no Arguments to plead her cause,
For she must dye, to satisfie our Laws.

Ther.
If then your Laws such cruelty exact,
To save her Life, I'le justifie the Fact.
[To the Priests:
Oh, Sir, you must her Life reprieve; you know
[To Dar.
That to her Hand you do your Scepter owe,

Dar.
I from Cambyses's Death my Crown derive:
Not from her guilt that did his Death contrive.
Come then, Theramnes, plead her cause no more,
I want not Friendship, but I want the pow'r
To save her Life, though for Theramnes's sake;
Yet 'tis our Laws, not I, that life will take.
Our Laws which do this cruelty enjoyn,
I cannot save her Life for him who gave me mine.
Now, Executioner.—But hold—I see
No Kings of Persia from her pow'r are free.
She Murder'd him, and now she conquers me.
My pity tells me that she must not dye.

Mand.
Sir, your delays are but your cruelty.
And since my Death is by your Laws design'd,
A speedy Justice, Sir, is onely kind.

Osir.
Hold, Sir, I'le interpose 'twixt her, and Death:
And in my Breast the Fatal weapon sheath.

Mand.
'Tis I must dye. You do your Princess wrong:
Live, though I dye,—But do not live too long.
For, dying, I to Heav'n a Stranger go,
Wand'ring alone, whilst you stay here below.
And wanting your kind presence, I shall be
A Pilgrim in that vast Eternity.
But that my Soul may not mistake her way,
I'le track your steps, and in your shadow play,
When I'm resolv'd to Air, a subtle guest
I'le hov'ring flye, and steal into your Breast.
And in my Aiery Pilgrimage I'le make
Mandana's soul part of that breath you take.
I'le keep my Image in your brest entire,
Inspiring you with chast and jambent fire.
Sometimes I will with gentle whispers flow,
Sometimes I will a stormy murmur blow.
And in this Language my addresses make,
Breathing that Love which I want words to speak.

Osir.
O cruel Princess, now you are unkind,
To think, when you are dead, I'le stay behind.
For when Osiris sees Mandana dye,
Sorrow will Act that which their hands deny.

Mand.
My thoughts were fixt on Heav'n: But, for your sake,
Something, I know not what, does pluck 'em back,
And I could wish to live.

1. Priest.
—Our Laws you wrong,
In the deferring of her Death thus long.

Dar.
Since Lives, and Laws depend upon my breath,
He meets his own, that does but name her Death.

1. Priest.
Great Sir, you do forget that Crown you wear.

Dar.
'Tis true, I do: And Scepters sacred are.
Act you my part: whilst I avert my eyes;
My pity shall pay homage when she dyes,
And since she suffers for my Empire's sake,
A Monarch's tears
Part of that Royal Sacrifice shall make.

1. Priest.
Now, Executioner—

Enter Prexaspes, lead in by Guards.
Prex.
—Hold, Sir, till I
Will give you leave to strike, and her to dye.

1. Guard.
He from the Prison an escape has wrought,
But we surpriz'd him in his flight, and brought
Him here before you.

Prex.
Think you a Prison could my pow'r controul,
When Empire was too narrow for my soul?
I from your Chains, Sir, have my self set free,
To tell you, You ascend your Throne by Me.
But be not proud, nor think Prexaspes has
On you alone confer'd his Acts of grace.
To shew the World that I am complaisant,
Her Life I as my gracious favour grant.
[Points to Mand.
For it shall ne're be said, a Woman's Name
Usurpt Prexaspes's Treasons, or his Fame.
A Woman shall not my great Rival be;
The Fate of Kings onely belongs to Me.
Cambyses, Amasis, and Smerdis, all
Those Pageant Princes by my hand did fall.
And had not Fortune my Ambition crost,
You had your Lives too with your Empire lost.
'Tis true, your Laws require my blood, but know
I'le rob you of the Honour of that blow.
High spirits have this Refuge, Sir, and I,
My greatness and my pow'r expir'd, can dye.
But he who did the Fate of Kings command,
Does scorn to fall by any common Hand.
Since my Life was unactive, Fame shall tell
Not how Prexaspes liv'd, but how he fell.
[Draws his Dagger.
Thus he your greatness, and your pow'r defies:
And thus Prexaspes by Prexaspes dyes.

[Stabs himself, and falls.
Dar.
Thus may all Traytors fall.

Prex.
—Ye gods, I come;
For since the World could not afford me room:
Since all the barren Fates could not supply
My hand with blood, I'le mount into the Sky,
And hang a blazing Comet in the Air:
That thus the World Me when I'm dead may fear.
Whilst o're the Earth new horrours I contract,
Still threatning, what I cannot live to act.

[Dyes.
Dar.
This mighty work of Fate we must admire,
Thus the gods guard those Virtues they inspire.
His blood thus spilt has this kind Justice done,
It saves your Life, and punishes his own.
[To Mand.
Thus bruised Scorpions this Virtue have,
They yield a Cure to the same wounds they gave.
But whence, Sir, does your strange Alliance spring?

Ther.
Sir, I was Son to the late Syrian King;
Brother to the brave Amasis. My Name
Is Intaphernes.

Dar.
—I have heard his Fame.
What cause, Sir, was it; and what happy chance,
That made you to the Persian Court advance?

Int.
It was, great Sir, Revenge and Honours Charms:
My ill success against Cambyses's Arms
I'th'Syrian Wars, where my dear Father's blood
Was spilt, and mixt among the common flood.
My Army vanquisht, and his Empire lost,
And all the hopes of my succession crost,
I saw Cambyses with my Lawrels Crown'd.
No other means for my Revenge being found,
I came to Persia in a borrow'd Name,
To Right my wrongs, and to repair my Fame.
By Acts of Chivalry, and Martial sport,
I found acquaintance in the Persian Court;
With Patasithes I Alliance gain'd,
Who had the Persian Government obtain'd,
During Cambyses's Travels. Him I won
To place Cambyses's Brother in the Throne.
For he descending from the Median blood,
(Which Empire Cyrus had so late subdu'd,
Took the Infection, the design embrac'd,
But in the Throne he his own Kinsman plac'd.
Who in that borrow'd Name to th'Empire climbs,
Making my Sword a Patron to his Crimes.
And by that cheat abus'd the World, and me,
Deluding both our Faiths and Loyalty.

Dar.
Since Laws of Monarchy so rigid are,
That in my Throne my Friend's forbid to share:
Accept an Empire in my Breast—and here;
[Gives him Orinda.
And may our Royal Sister in your Love,
As happy as I in your Friendship prove.

Otan.
Your worth, brave Intaphernes, makes her yours.

Int.
Madam—

Orind.
Obedience my consent procures.
Yet though a Father, and a Brother too,
Have both bestow'd me as a gift on You;
I in that gift must grant the Nobler part;
They give Orinda, I Orinda's heart.

Int.
Yours in a Crown, in Love's my happiness;
Mine may be lower, Sir, than yours, not less.

[To Darius.
Dar.
The Syrian Lawrels now shall fade no more:
Your Merits do your Ravisht Crown restore.
[To Int.
And for—
Those wrongs Cambyses has to Egypt done,
I give 'em back more than his Arms e're won.
Your self I to your Throne restore. Thus Fate
[To Mand.
Ordains that glory should on Beauty wait.

Osir.
Do you remember now your Vows, and Love?

Mand.
Love, of all Crimes, cannot forgetful prove.
Since thus my calmer Fates restore my Crown,
Now the gods smile, Mandana cannot frown.
Honour and Love now both perform their part,
I give an Empire where I give a heart.

Otan.
Though for your sake I do a Throne disdain,
Yet my Posterity with yours shall Reign.
[To Darius.
And in your Heirs your blood shall mix with mine:
As divers Fountains in one Current joyn.
This to my Fame the only glory brings,
Not to wear Crowns, but have a Race of Kings:

Dar.
And this my onely glory I must own,
Adopted to your blood, and to a Throne.
All that I am, your Beauty rais'd me to:
I to a Crown aspire to merit you.
[To Phed.
Thus to a Throne no common wayes I move,
Others rise by Ambition, I by Love.