University of Virginia Library

Scena Quarta.

Enter Bassanes, Solus.
Bassa.
I find my self half rais'd to happiness
Already, after my so late Affliction.
The stranger Ladie's Beauties triumph here
Within my heart; My hopes are fair enough
That I shall win her to become my wife:
Then all my future daies I shall esteem
To be a lasting Festivall, and more
To be priz'd by me then are all the Fasti,
Observ'd the year through, in our Kalender.

Enter Phœbianus, and Philocles.
Phœbia.
I now have made you well acquainted with
My Person, and my History, and have to you
Reveal'd the reason why I did entreat
You to forbear Bassanes, when your Rage
Would fain have flung you on him. Now you know
The cause why I will meet him. Give me therefore
Leave (Noble Philocles) to go alone.
I fear him not at all, and shall not have
Any need of your kind Assistance. 'Tis
The will, sure, of the gods, that I should singly
Encounter him. Therefore retire (my Friend,)
Neer hereabouts you may conceal your self:
You within call may stay, I shall have quickly
Dispatch'd with him, and shall not fail then to
Hollow you back. See there he is a Walking,
And waiting my approach.

Philo.
You must command me,
The Gods be with you.

Philocles withdraws.
Phœbia.
Well met Bassanes. Ovids kins-woman,
The stranger Caralinda, hath imploid me
To you, to make Apology for her
Not meeting you according to her promise;
Why do you look so wishly on me? Do you
Know me?

Bassa.
I certainly have seen your face
Before. Some Alteration that I find
Some years of absene might have made. Resolve me
I pray you Sir, Are you not Phœbianus?
Pyrontus younger Brother, that have spent
Three, or four years abroad? If y' are not he
I never saw two Faces so alike.

Phœbia.
I Phœbianus am, and Caralinda,
Whom you so lately troubled with your Courtshipp.
Through the Providence of the Almighty Gods,
I met with thee in that disguise: And parted
From thee but to divest me of those Cloathes,
And bring my sword to our next Parly. 'Tis needless
To tell thee more; And I have too much time
Trifled away in this Discourse. Pray draw
Your sword; For one of us must dye.
Thou trayterously, and unawares did'st murther
My brave, and hopefull Brother. Though he lov'd
Clorina, he deserv'd her better farr
Then thou, never attempted violence unto her,
And (in a litle Time) might have subdu'd
His too unruly passion. Thou hast broke
Thy Innocent Lady's heart with usages
More horrid then a Scythian ever practis'd:
Therefore unless you will dye basely, draw.

Bassa.
You are a glorious Talker, fine young man:
But I shall presently allay your pride;
And the fond Confidence you seem to have
In your own valour.

Phœbia.
Let us try your skill.

Bassa:
Y'ave sought your ruine by provoking me.

They Fight.
Phœbia.
So. Have you yet enough?

Bassa.
Oh! You have slain me.
I have received so home a Thrust, I dye.
Without another word.

Bassanes die's
Enter Marullus.
Phœbia.
Marullus in an equall Duell I
Have kil'd your Friend. The gods did guide my sword,
Justice was on my side: He slew my Brother:
And I in Roman honor could do no less,
And to preserve my Reputation cleare,
Among the Getes my Country-men, then to
Fight fairly with him.

Mar.
My mind misgave me some dysastrous Fate
Would overtake him for so foule a Murther.
Though I am Griev'd at his sad death, I'am glad
You are, my Lord, return'd so safely home.

Phœbia.
You'l see his body convey'd unto his house.

Mar.
I shall not fail.

Phœbia.
The gods preserve you.

Mar.
Farewell, brave Phœbianus.

Phœbia.
Friend Philocles!

Call's aloud.
Philo.
I'm (at your service) here.

Phœbia.
Stay, and Il'e come to you.

Exit.
Mar.
Draw near you that his servants are, and bear
Enter Servants.
This sad Load to his Pallace.

Exeunt.