 | The Royall Slave |  |
Sce. 1.
5t h Appearance, A Castle.Atossa, Mandane, Ariene, with divers other women in warlike habits, discover'd on the Castle walls, with Cratander fully seated in the midst.
Crat.
Most vertuous Queen, you make me search my self,
To find the worth which you do so far prize;
As thus to hazard for one man, whose life
Is under value, that which others would not
For a whole Kingdome, Reputation.
Atos.
Where Goodness is to suffer, I would willingly
Become the Sacrifice my selfe to free it.
Crat.
Had great Arsamnes beene in danger, had
Your whole Line beene in jeopardy of ruine,
You could have done no more; Your pity hath
Thrust you into Heroick Actions, farre
Beyond the eager Valour of try'd Captaines;
Which I can never worthily admire,
When I consider your reward will only
Be, to be rank'd in story with a Slave.
Atos.
I do't not to the Man, but to the Vertue.
The deed's reward enough unto it selfe.
Crat.
'Twould be a peece of exemplary Ingratitude,
To bring you into any danger hence:
You're safe as in your Court; your Subjects shall not
Run any doubtfull hazard, in the Chance
Of an uncertaine Battle: their first step
Shall be Victorious: and when your Eloquence,
Guarded with Beauty, shall procure the freedome
Of our Enthralled City, the Ephesians
And you depose our magnify'd Diana;
Having Shrines in every Breast out-shining hers.
As for my selfe, I shall live still in those
Good benefits my Country shall receive.
This day instating me in Immortality:
While raising thus our City by my fall,
I shall goe downe a welcome shade, and dwell
Among the Ancient Fathers of my Country.
Atos.
Leave the Conditions to me: but peace;
Expect me quietly a while, they come.
| The Royall Slave | |