 | The Queene of Corinth |  |
Scæna prima.
Enter Neaneres, Sosicles, Eraton.Era.
The Generall is returned then?
Nean.
With much honour.
Sol.
And peace concluded with the Prince of Argos?
Nean.
To the Queens wishes: the conditions sign'd
So farre beyond her hopes, to the advantage
Of Corinth, and the good of all her Subjects;
That though Leonidas our brave Generall
Ever came home a faire and great example,
He never yet return'd, or with lesse losse
Or more deserved honour.
Era.
Have you not heard
The motives to this generall good?
Nean.
The maine one
Was admiration first in young Agenor,
(For by that name we know the Prince of Argos)
Of our Leonidas wisedome, and his valour,
Which though an enemy, first in him bred wonder;
That liking, Love succeeded that, which was
Followed by a desire to be a friend
Upon what termes soever to such goodnesse;
They had an enterview; and that their friendship
Might with our peace be ratified, 'twas concluded,
Agenor yeelding up all such stronge places
As he held in our Territories, should receive
(With a sufficient Dower, paid by the Queene)
The faire Merione for his wife.
Era.
But how
Approves the Queene of this? since we well know,
Nor was her Highnesse ignorant, that her Sonne
The Prince Theanor made love to this Lady,
And in the noblest way.
Nean.
Which she allowed of,
And I have heard from some familiar with
Her neerest secrets, she so deeply priz'd her
Being from an Infant train'd up in her service,
(Or to speake better, rather her owne Creature)
She once did say, That if the Prince should steale
A Marriage without her leave, or knowledge,
With this Merione, with a little suit
She should grant both their pardons: where as now
To shew her selfe forsooth a Spartan Lady,
And that 'tis in her power, now it concernes
The common good, not alone to subdue
Her owne affections, but command her Sons;
She has not onely forc'd him with rough threats
To leave his Mistris, but compell'd him when
Agenor made his entrance into Corinth
To wait upon his Rivall.
Sos.
Can it be
The Prince should sit downe with this wrong?
Nean.
I know not,
I am sure I should not.
Era.
Trust me nor I,
A Mother is a name, but put in ballance
With a yong wench 'tis nothing; where did you leave him?
Nean.
Neere Vesta's Temple, for there he dismiss'd me,
And full of troubled thoughts, calling for Crates:
He went with him, but whither or to what purpose
I am a stranger.
Enter Theanor and Crates.
Era.
They are come backe Neanthes.
The.
I like the place well.
Cra.
Well Sir? it is built
As if the Architect had been a Prophet,
And fashion'd it alone for this nights action;
The vaults so hollow, and the walls so strong,
As Dian there might suffer violence,
And with loud shrikes in vaine call Jove to helpe her;
Or should he heare, his thunder could not finde
An entrance to it.
The.
I give up my selfe
Wholly to thy direction, worthiest Crates;
And yet the desperate cure that we must practice
Is in it selfe so foule, and full of danger,
That I stand doubtfull whether 'twere more manly
To dye not seeking helpe, or that helpe being
So deadly, to pursue it.
Cra.
To those reasons
I have already urg'd, I will adde these.
For but consider Sir—
Era.
It is of weight
What ere it be, that with such vehement action,
Of eye, hand, foot, nay all his bodies motion,
Crates incites the Prince to.
Nean.
Then observe,
With what variety of passions he
Receives his reasons; now he's pale, and shakes
For feare or anger; now his naturall red
Comes backe againe, and with a pleasing smile
He seemes to entertaine it; 'tis resolv'd on
Be it what 'twill: to his ends may it prosper
Though the State sinke for't.
Cra.
Now you are a Prince
Fit to rule others, and in shaking off
The Bonds in which your Mother fetters you
Discharge your debt to nature, she's your guide,
2
The.
I am confirm'd,
Fall what may fall,
Cra.
Yet still disguise your malice
In your humility.
The.
I am instructed.
Cra.
Though in your heart there rage a thousand tempests,
All calmenesse in your lookes.
The.
I shall remember.
Cra.
And at no hand, though these are us'd as agents
Acquaint them with your purpose till the instant
That we employ them; tis not fit they have
Time to consider, when 'tis done, reward
Or feare will keep them silent: yet you may
Grace them as you passe by, 'twill make them surer,
And greedier to deserve you.
The.
Ile move onely
As you would have me: Good day gentlemen;
Nay, spare this ceremonious forme of duty
To him that brings love to you, equall love,
And is in nothing happier, then in knowing
It is return'd by you; we are as one.
Sos.
I am ore-joyd, I know not
How to reply: but—
Era.
Hang all buts; my Lord,
For this your bounteous favour—
Nean.
Let me speake,
If to feed Vultures hereafter the halter
Has done his part, or if there be a Hell
To take a swindge or two there, may deserve this.
Sos.
We are ready.
Era.
Try us any way.
Nean.
Put us to it.
The.
What jewels I have in you?
Cra.
Have these soules,
That for a good looke, and a few kinde words
Part with their essence?
The.
Since you will compell me
To put that to the tryall, which I doubt not,
Crates may be suddenly will instruct you
How, and in what to shew your loves; obey him
As you would binde me to you.
Cra.
Tis well grounded;
Leave me to reare the building.
Nean.
We will doe.
Cra.
I know it.
Era.
Any thing youl put us to.
Exeunt.
| The Queene of Corinth | |