 | The Rivals |  |
The Second Act.
Enter Arcon, Polynices, and Provost.Arcon.
To what does all this mediation tend?
Why shou'd you intercede for Theocles.
Polyn.
Sir, Since I owe my liberty and life
To his unequall'd Generosity,
Inable me to pay him with his own.
Arcon.
That were to give him a Capacity
Of making new attempts upon our peace;
The Tyrant's Subjects animated by
The presence of a person so renown'd,
Will undertake revenge.
Polyn.
You may secure your self by Articles.
Prov.
Or set him free
Upon condition, that he shall with speed
Arcadia leave, and never more return.
Polyn.
His noble Nature will so well resent
Your Clemency, he'l easily obey,
And stifle all desires to be reveng'd
In grateful recollections of your Love.
Arcon.
But whil'st for Theocles you freedome ask,
You seem forgetful of that Solitude,
By which Philander's strict confinement will
Become to him more insupportable.
Polyn.
You may give him some hopes of Liberty.
Prov.
Upon a Ransom that may correspond
To so much worth as he is owner of.
Arcon.
Polynices, Your suit is granted. Set Theocles
Free from prison: But forbid him
E're to return to Arcadia.
So he his Liberty enjoys, and we
From Jealousies of new attempts are free.
11
Polyn.
But let him still remain in ignorance
Who 'twas procur'd it, as he rescu'd me,
Yet kept his name and quality conceal'd
Leaving me to admire, not thank my Friend.
Arcon.
But let Philander not so soon receive
The news of my resolves; I first will see
With what reluctancy he shall resent
The others loss and his Imprisonment.
Prov.
I shall obey, Sir.
[Exeunt.
Enter Heraclia, and Celania, severally.
Hera.
Welcome Celania: I must give you thanks
For your kind Visit.
Cela.
Madam, I am happy
To have the priviledge of waiting on you,
Your thanks will make me proud.
Hera.
Your company
Does merit more. How oft have I receiv'd
A respit from the pressure of those fears
Which did present me with the chance of War
And my dear Uncle's hazard, by your Talk,
Your sweet Converse? I have forgot the thoughts
Of Trumpets, and the Musick of your voice
Has charm'd me to forget all threatning sounds.
Cela.
My duty did instruct me to divert
Your troubles, Madam, by concealing mine.
I often have spoke fearless of the Warr,
When my own thoughts have been in Mutiny,
And my heart bandy'd between hope and dread'
For my dear Father.
Hera.
But Celania;
I hear there are two Pris'ners (whose repute
Fame speaks with great advantage) very lately
Committed to your Father's Custody.
Cela.
There are such, Madam.
Hera.
How do they support
Their strict confinement?
Cela.
VVith such Constancy
As if they had forgot they e're were free:
'Tis Pity that they are in prison, and pity
They shou'd be out. I over-heard their
12
A patience, that wou'd make adversity
Asham'd. The prison's proud of 'em. They turn
Their Misery to Mirth. They have all the World
Within their Chamber. Though the prison seems
To mourn for their restraint, 'tis Holyday to look on 'em.
Hera.
Are they both alike
So unconcern'd in their unhappiness,
That neither of e'm e're does yeild a sigh
To hint out some reflections upon what they have bin?
Cela.
Sometimes one of e'm perhaps
Will unawares vent a divided sigh,
Martyr'd as 'twere in the delivery,
Which strait the other does so calmly chide
And then so sweetly comforts him who sigh'd it,
That I cou'd almost Wish my self a sigh,
To be so chid; or at the least a sigher
To be so comforted.
Hera.
But what can he
Reply in vindication of himselfe?
Cela.
He strait redeems the Error of that sigh
By singing, which he does to that degree
Of ravishing that even the Prison-Wal
(Which only Eccho other's Misery)
Bear a part in's Musick; and (as if
They were in Love with whatsoe're he sings)
Repeat his Notes agen.
Hera.
But does he not
Sometimes let fall a Tear as well as sigh?
Cela.
Though Tears (when wept by you in time of War
For your dear Uncle's peril) seem'd to be
refreshing showres let fall upon your cheeks
To make the Roses look more faire; yet they
Wou'd seem too much Effeminate in him,
They Wou'd like Mildew, taint'his blooming Youth
And stain his Courage: Therefore still his Eyes,
Like Sunns dry up that Dew befors it falls.
Hera.
She loves him sure?—Ile try her.
You cannot tell, how long the Cittadel
Shall be their Prison?
Cela.
Madam, are they like to be remov'd?
Hera.
I left my Uncle
Together with the General and Provost
In consultation, how they shou'd dispose
13
Polynices employs his Interest
For the release of one, that he may make
Retaliation for the Liberty
He gave him, when opprest by Multitudes,
In some Incounter.
Cela.
Shall one be releas'd?
Hera.
'Tis very probable.
Cela.
Good Madam which?
Hera.
I suppose Theocles.
Cela.
That pleases me. And yet I know not why
I wish the other better, yet me thinks
I'm glad he shall a pris'ner still remain:
I willingly cou'd wish his happy state
Yet seem to hope he'l rest unfortunate.
Hera.
She likes the news, yet seems not fully pleas'd;
I'l try her further! Theocles shall be
Acquitted, but it is presum'd the other
(being too considerable to be freed)
Will—
Cela.
Do what Madam?
Hera.
Dye.
Cela.
Dye?
Hera.
Have I found you?
Dye? Yes Celania. You are naught concern'd
Whether he Dye or Live.
Cela.
Madam, 'tis true;
And yet alas I know not what I am.
I find a lively advocate within
That wou'd not have him dye: I must withdraw,
Or else I shall betray my Passion.
Hera.
Celania! You are grown thoughtful.
Cela.
Madam, I'm scarce recover'd from the fears
Begot by the late War. My Company
Will be but troublesome. Your goodness will
Pardon my too abrupt departure.
[Exit.
Hera.
She is too visibly in Love: Alas
I have deceiv'd her into too much fear:
I willingly cou'd undeceive her now.
But she'l soon find the fallacy. I'l take
A turn i'th' Garden whose kind Walks and Air,
Make the Evenings oft to me delightsome prove
She's scorch'd i'th' fiery Element of Love.
[Exeunt.
14
Phila.
Is there Record of any two that lov'd
Better then we do, Cosin?
Theo.
There cannot be.
Phil.
Our friendship is by long continuance
Become so ardent and Invincible,
And by our resolution so confirm'd
I think it is beyond the power of time
Or any Accident e're to infringe it.
Theo.
Our Love's bright fire has bin preserv'd so long,
The flame is (like the Vestals) sacred grown,
Which nothing e're can violate or quench.
Phila.
Nothing but death: And, Cosin, after death
Our spirits shall be led to those that love
Eternally. Free from allay of flesh;
Our Love shall be refin'd to that degree
Of purity, that it shall kindle us
Into one Constellation, by whose Rayes
Surviving Friendship's shall be so inflam'd,
They shall not languish, or know how to dye.
Enter Heraclia, and Cleone, in the Garden.
Theo.
Cosin, Why proceed you not?
Hera.
What flower is this?
Cleon.
'Tis call'd Narcissus, Mada.
Hera.
That was a pretty, but a foolish Boy,
To loose himself. Were there not Maids enow?
Theo.
Pray forward.
Hera.
Or were they all hard-hearted?
Cleon.
They cou'd not be to one so fair.
Hera.
Thou wou'dst not?
Cleo.
I think I shou'd not, Madam.
Theo.
Will you proceed, Cosin?
Hera.
Canst thou not work such flowers in silk, Wench?
Cleo.
Yes.
Hera.
They will shew rarely on a Valence.
Theo.
Cosin! Cosin? How d'ye?
Phil.
Never till now was I a pris'ner.
Theo.
Why, What's the matter?
Phil.
Behold and Wonder! She is not mortal sure!
Theo.
Ha!
15
She is divine, and now the Sun draws low,
Comes to revive the drooping flowers, and make
Them (like her self) Immortal, by the beams
Proceeding from her Eyes.
Hera.
Of all the Flowers me thinks a Rose is best.
Cleon.
VVhy, Gentle Madam?
Hera.
Because it is the Emblem of a Maid,
For when she's gently by the West-Wind woo'd,
How modestly she blows, with a complexion
Made up of smiles and blushes; when the North
Comes near, impatient then, like Chastity
She locks her Beauties in her Bud agen,
And leaves him then to blow on nought but Bryars.
Cleo.
Yet good Madam,
Sometimes her Modesty will bloom so far
She falls for't: which a Maid of any Honour
Will hardly Imitate.
Hera.
Thou art grown Wanton!
Theo.
She's very fair.
Phila.
She's all the Beauty extant.
Hera.
The Sun is set. Lets walk in: Keep the flowers
To see how neer Art can resemble them.
[Ex.
Phila.
Might not a Man well lose himself and Love her?
Theo.
I cannot tell what you have done, I have;
Beshrew my eyes for't: now I feel my Bondage.
Phi.
You love her then?
Theo.
Who would not?
Phi.
I saw her first.
Theo.
What if you did? That poor pretence will prove
Too weak. There's no priority in Love:
I saw her too.
Phil.
Yes, but you must not love her.
Theo.
I will not, as you do, to Worship her
As she's divine; I love her, to enjoy her
As she's a Woman: and thus both may love.
Phila.
You shall not love at all.
Theo.
Who shall deny me?
Phila.
I that first took possession with my Eyes
Of all those Beauty's, which in her reveal
Themselves to Mortals: If thou entertain'st
A hope to blast my VVishes, Theocles,
Thou art as false as is thy Title to her;
If thou dar'st love her, I disclaim all bonds
Of Love and Friendship.
16
Sir, I must Love her,
If that can shake Philander off, adieu
I say, agen, I love; and will maintain,
I have as just a Title to her Beauty,
As any man who dares pretend a claim.
Let me deal coldly with you. Are not we
Of the same blood? Have not our Souls Combin'd
(As 'twere in Correspondence with our blood)
To twist us into one by Friendship?
Phil.
Yes.
Theo.
Am I not lyable to those affections
And passions, unto which my Friend's expos'd?
Phila.
You may be.
Theo.
Why would you so unkindly deal;
To love alone? Speak truly, Do you think me
Unworthy of her sight?
Phil.
No, but unjust, if thou pursue that sight
Theo.
Because another first sees the Enemy, shall I
Stand still and never charge?
Phila.
Yes, if he be but one.
Theo.
What if that one had rather Combat me?
Phila.
Let that one tell me so, and use thy freedom;
But otherwise thou art a Monster, black
As Guilt can make thee.
Theo.
You are Mad, Philander.
Phil.
I must be so; till thou art Worthy, Theocles?
Theo.
Fy Sir, you play the Child extremely, I must
Dare and ought to love her.
Phil.
O that now Indulgent Fortune
Wou'd vouchsafe us Swords,
And one hour's freedom, to dispute thy claim.
I'l'd make thee soon recant it. Put thy head,
Once more without this Window, and I'l nail thy life
To't.
Theo.
Alas! your fury threatens, what
You are too Impotent to act, Philander.
But put my head out! To advance your rage
I'l cast my body down into her arms,
When next I see her.
17
Cuno.
My Errant is to you, Sir.
Theo.
To me?
Cuno.
The Provost sent me for you.
Theo.
I am ready.
Phila.
But one word, Theocles.
Cuno.
Sir, take another hour: I have other business,
Then to waste time, in minding your discourse.
[Ex Cunopes, and Theocles.
Phila.
Why, Was the Message sent to him alone?
Am I so undeserving to be thought,
Less Worthy of the Provost's Conference?
This is the Palace-Garden, and I've heard
The Princess us'd to bless it with her presence,
This sure was she. O blessed Garden and more blessed flowers,
That Blossom at the Sun-shine of her Eyes!
I wish I were that blooming Apricock,
I would expatiate my Wanton arms,
And be a bold Intruder at her Window
And bring her fruit which should endeare me to her;
Enter Cunopes.
Fruit that might tempt the palats of the Gods.
Now Keeper, where's Theocles?
Cunop.
Set free,
The General has begg'd his Liberty
Upon condition never to set foot
Within Arcadia: But as for you
We shall be troubl'd somewhat longer with you,
I am afraid.
Phil.
O Theocles, my rage
Converts to envy. Thou hast Liberty
To make some brave attempts, and reinforce
The dissipated Army. Were I free
I wou'd do things of such Immensity,
This blushing Virgin shou'd take Manhood to her,
And seek to ravish me.
Cunop.
You are tedious, Sir
I wou'd desire less of your Tongue, good Sir,
And more of your Ears. I have a charge to you.
18
Hast any orders for my death?
Cuno.
Not yet Sir,
But I'm in hopes of having it ere long,
I find it troublesome attending you.
My present orders reach no further, Sir
Than to remove you from these Windows: th'are too open,
Phil.
'Curse upon their Envy, prethee do me
The Courtesie to kill me.
Cuno.
Yes, and hang for't afterwards. I hope e're long
To have Authority for doing it.
You shall not find me backwards, Sir, to serve you
In any kindness of that Nature.
Phila.
Troth, had I a Sword I wou'd kill thee.
Cunop.
I thank you.
Phila.
Thou bringest such scurvy newes, I will not go.
Cunop.
Sir, I shall call those who shall try the Mastery.
You should give better answers till you are free.
Phil.
May I see the Garden?
Cunop.
No.
Phil.
Then I'm resolv'd I will not go.
Cunop.
When I clap Shackles on you, You'l obey
More readily.
Phila.
Good Keeper, do it;
I'l knock thy brains out with them: or at least I'l
Shake 'em so, the house shall never sleep.
I'l make you a new Morrice, Must I go?
Cunop.
Yes, You must go!
Phil.
Farewel kind Window,
May rude Wind never hurt thee. O my Lady,
If ever thou hast known what Sorrows are,
Let dreams my Sorrows to thy breast declare.
[Ex.
Enter Celania.
Celan.
Why shou'd I love this Gentleman? 'Tis odds,
Hee'l never find a feature in my face;
To tempt so much as a kind look from him.
But who can love and give a reason for't?
At the first sight lik'd him, lov'd him, infinitely lov'd him.
And yet he had a Cosin fair as he too;
Yet in my heart Philander is; and there,
Lord, What a coyle he keeps? But he must dy.
Philander, thou must dye. For Theocles,
Is by my Father set at Liberty,
19
We shall not need to strew thy Grave with flowers,
From such a root they cannot chuse but grow;
Thy body shall not into dust dissolve,
But into Spices to perfume those Flowers.
Enter Leucippe, hastily.
Leuc.
Madam, here's a Comedy at hand
Will make you dye with Laughter. Cunopes
Is grown inamour'd on you.
Cela.
Ay me, there is no hope!
Leuc.
I know that Madam, but he's resolv'd
To prosecute his love, and I have given him
Encouragement: he'l presently be here.
Cela,
Alas, he's gone.
Leuc.
Madam, I say, he's here, just upon entrance.
Cela.
He must dye, he is
Too good to live on Earth; for wheresoe're
He does reside, he makes it fair Heav'n there.
Leuc.
Il'd rather think he makes it hell, because
He looks so like the Devil—but she sure
Misunderstands me. She is taken up
With her affection to Philander—ha—
She's in a Trance. Cunopes, Madam,—ha.
Cela.
Ha?
Leuc.
Is entring to make Love to me.
Cela,
Make Love?
Leuc.
Yes truly; he's grown the very farse,
He layes aside his surly lookes, and falls
To fawning with a screw'd and Mimick face,
As if he had been tutor'd by an Ape.
He sings, and makes legs to the looking-glass:
Is pleas'd with's face, because he smiles agen.
Cela.
In Love with thee?—It shall be so—Leucippe,
Thou mayst procure Philander's Liberty;
Use him with kindness, Wench; perhaps the man
May be induc'd to be officious
In freeing him Love, or may resign
The Keys into thy Custody.
Leuc.
I'l try him, Madam.
20
Cuno.
Madam, I'm glad to understand—
Cela.
It seems your understanding is improv'
Cuno.
Madam, I say I'm glad to understand
Your Lady-ship approves of my affection
To Mistress Leucippe.
Cela.
There will be use of him; he must be sooth'd.
She cannot sure refuse a handsom, You have a face
Me-thinks might tempt a Stone.
Leuc.
To break his head.
[Aside.
Cela.
The pressure of my fears forbid my
Mirth. Leucippe, what think you? can you deny him?
Leuc.
I scarce shou'd er'e be angry at his smiles.
Cunop.
I thank you Madam; 'tis for your sake
[He snears.
If her looks keep me alive.
Celan.
Ile venture it—but yet perhaps he'l scarce
Resign the key's Leucippe in my presence.
I will with-draw a while. Cunopes, I'l leave you
To your Courtship, wishing you success.
[Ex. Celania.
Cuno.
I humbly thank your Ladyship.
Leuc.
You cannot surely be in love with me,
Though your deportment seems to say you are.
Cunop.
If deportment had said otherwise,
I wou'd have made him eat his words.
Leuc.
Wherein
Can you convince me that your love is true?
I wou'd lose a smile upon a love
Consisting in pretence.
Cuno.
Make tryal, Mistress, In what command you please.
Leuc.
True Lovers will
Adventure through the frowns of all the World,
To gain a smile from those whom they affect.
Cuno.
So would Cunopes; if you wou'd but try him:
If you'l but smile, let me see who dare frown.
Leuc.
You shall be try'd—I know you prize those keys
And wou'd resign their Custody to none but one
You Lov'd: Now if your Love be true
Entrust me with their keeping but till to morrow.
Cunop.
The keys? Mistress, you know I have a pris'ner.
Leuc.
I knew how real your affection was,
When you'r brought to the Test, you run for shelter
Under Excuses.
[offers.
21
Pray stay a while!
Are you in Earnest to make this Tryal of my Love?
Leuc.
Yes, and do you try me with them if you dare.
Cuno.
Dare? there take e'm.
Leuc.
This shew's you'r hearty. Early in the morning
I will restore e'm, and be satisfy'd
With this Experiment of your affection,
Since I cou'd have no other.
Cuno.
But have a care o'th pris'ner. I'l'd be loth
To have those looks your Lady did commend,
Be turn'd into an ugly face at last under the Gallows.
Leuc.
You begin to repent you.
Cuno.
I never repent till I am half hang'd.
Leuc.
Well, as the last mark of your love be gone and trust me.
Madam, I have e'm.
[Ex. Cunop.
Enter Celania.
Celan.
Thanks, dear Leucippe.
Philander, now Ile manifest my Love
In thy Release: Thy glory's are too bright
To set in Clouds exhal'd from thy own blood.
Ile free thee from th'Eclipse of these sad Walls,
And like a shadow ever by thee Run,
There's still a shadow where there is a Sun.
[Ex. Celania.
Enter Theocles as at Liberty.
Theo.
Sent back to my own Country? 'tis a gift
Out-speaks my gratitude; but then for-bid
Th'Arcadian ground, and, in that prohibition
The Vision of Heraclia, for whom
I dy? O! 'tis a study'd punishment.
I'm ever lost by having Liberty,
By kindness kill'd, undone by Curtesie.
Philander, thou hast now the start; she still
Shall bless thy Eye-sight with her Evening Walks.
Who know's but thou maist come to speak with her?
And then she will be thine: Thou hast a Tongue
Fit to allure a Tyger from his prey,
So charming that 'twould make a Tempest tame.
But let me recollect my self a little: Ere long
The Birth-dayes of the Princess and the Prince
By the Arcadians will be solemniz'd
22
Take Sanctuary in another shape?
I could, not long since, wrastle well, and run
As swift as the Wind upon a field of Corn.
Ile venture in some poor disguise; who knows
Whether my brows may not a Garland Wear,
And happiness preferr me to a place,
Where I may see the Vision of her face.
[Ex. Theocles.
Enter Celania with the prison keys and Philander.
Phila.
Madam, from whence can you derive your Courtesie?
Cela.
Were I less Courteous, Nature would not own me,
Call't my humanity to save your life. Good Sir,
Begone—These keys shall make your way
Y'are sav'd by flight, but ruin'd if you stay.
Phil.
I'd rather Nobly dye, then thus be free,
And give my life than steal my Liberty.
Cela.
You'l not be innocent if so you dye,
He kills himself who stayes when he may fly.
Phila.
So clandestine and cowardly a flight
Wou'd gather so much blackness from the Night
As soon wou'd blot the Glories I have Won
By Valour, in the prospect of the Sun.
Cela.
The Sun you speak of, has with-drawn his light
To give the more advantage to your flight.
He seem'd to say (whilst setting in a Smile)
Philander fly, and I will wink the While.
Phil.
You are an ill Interpreter: for he
Onely with-drew as 'twere asham'd to see
A Souldier start at Death, and basely fly:
Thus to survive were to deserve to die.
Cela.
He's an ill Souldier, that when danger's great,
Loses the day for want of fair Retreat.
Good Sir, consent.
Phil.
Suppose I shou'd, when I
Am miss'd, your Father must my place supply;
By giving me a life, you leave him none,
And he that gave you yours must loose his own.
Cela.
That makes me weak, but does successless prove,
My Duty has resign'd all place to love.
If they should shorten his decaying breath
'Twill but a little antedate his death.
23
Men Court the rising, not the setting Sun.
Phil.
But when he's dead, his blood will still remain
'Pon my fame an everlasting stain.
Cela.
If it a stain to any eye appears,
My eyes shall quickly wash it off with Tears.
His death, in saving you, wou'd merit more
Than all his fighting life had done before.
Come Sir, I'm sure he will a pardon find,
The Prince to his late Valour will be kind.
His slaughter'd foes, may save him from the grave;
And those he slew may plead for one I save.
Phil.
Her last Conjecture slackens my resolves;
[aside.
The Prince may pardon him: he cannot be
Severe to him who has deserv'd so well:
But then alas what will become of her?
Cela.
My loss is gain,
If you secure from loss of life remain.
Phil.
Why shou'd I refuse
To accept her kindness? I may here reside
Under the shelter of some mean disguise
And (if th'are doom'd to death) prevent that fate
By off'ring up my life, I can but dy
At last: I will accept her Courtesie.
Cela.
I pray let's go; I shall Sir, if you stay,
Weep out those Eyes that shou'd direct your way.
'Pray follow me: I'l bring you to the door,
And tell you where to stay, whilst I provide
Some habit more convenient for your flight.
Phil.
This gen'rous act is stretch'd to an Extent
Beyond the prospect of all president.
Lead on, what makes her thus obliging prove
I hope 'tis pity, but I fear 'tis Love.
[Exeunt.
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