 | The usurper |  |
1
ACTUS PRIMUS
Scena prima.
Enter Demaratus, and the two other Senators.Dema.
I cannot expound the Riddle.
1. Sen.
It is a Trick, some new Device to insnare us.
2. Sen.
I cannot tell: It wants a President.
Resign his Power and Greatness, at a time,
When every Stratagem has had Success,
And all things Stoop to his Ambition.
It puzles me,
Dema.
I wish he were in earnest.
1. Sen.
If his Inclinations be for a private Life,
He shall have my Vote; and let him make
What hast he will to the other World.
2. Sen.
If it were in my power, I would lend him
A Lift to Heaven, and that's more Charity
Than he deserves, when the Accompts, are cast between us.
Enter Colonel, Strato, and a Soludier.
Soul.
What shall we do, Colonel? they say
We are like to be Disbanded too.
Str.
Is there no Hemp? Go Hang your selves.
1. Sen.
This is not the usual Dialect.
Str.
Your Servant Gentlemen.
2
Noble Colonel, you are melancholy.
Dem.
A Simptom of our Cure.
[aside.
Str.
Your Wisdoms apprehend the Cause;
If the Generals Humor holds, You three
Will not take my single Security for a thousand Crowns.
1. Sen.
You are merry now.
Str.
If you were no Senators I could tell you,
You lye now: But bewo'ye Gentlemen,
You are like to have a fine time on't.
[Exit.
Dem.
I like this well.
1. Sen.
Another discompos'd to.
Enter Alexius.
Dem.
I am acquainted with him Colonel.
Alex.
My grave Senator: Hark! you promis'd
Me a Kindness; We may be undone, if the
General hold his purpose: We shall
Be marching off shortly.
Dem.
Whither?
Alex.
To our old Trades agen.
Dem.
Why, do you believe his Excellency
Has any serious thoughts to lay down his Commands.
Alex.
You will easily Consent: Are you not all desir'd
To meet him at Timoleons Tombe?
Dem.
We are.
Alex.
Where he'l resign his Commission to the Senate.
1. Sen.
'Tis very strange.
Alex.
And which is worse in my Opinion,
It will be true, And which is worse than this,
There's little hope the Army will be continued.
The Enemies (Pox on 'em) are all quiet,
And we that fought for this peace, must Starve and Stink,
For ought I know, suddainly.
Dem.
Nay, prithee be clear with us, and tell us
Thy own thoughts of the General.
Alex.
By the Word of an Officer.
Dem.
Who'll take it?
Alex.
If you cannot take my Word, to what purpose
Should I answer your question? Why I'le tell you,
And you shall judge your selves, what will
Become of him: These two days he hath
Drunk nothing but Water, Eat nothing but Sallads,
Talk'd nothing but Religion, and now and then falls.
3
If these be not Prognosticks of a falling General,
Then would I had all my Arrears.
Dam.
Why? for your comforts, the Senate may hold fit to keep
The Army up still, and though the General lay down.—
'Tis not impossible to find another will take up.
Will it hurt you to Receive your Money?
Alex.
Nay, nay for my part, I shall be contented, so
I be paid amongst a great many more,
That shall be happy to be retain'd in your Thoughts,
As men that dare empty their best Veins to serve you.
1. Sen.
We have experience of your Valour Colonel.
2. Sen.
And shall deserve it.
Alex.
Your most humble Servant.
Exit Alexius.
Dem.
What think you now?
1. Sen.
My Faith settles apace.
Enter Cleomenes.
Dem.
'Tis he: my Lord Cleomenes, my Heart
Leaps to congratulate your safe return.
(Gentlemen of the Senate of my Principles)
Your Victories were here before your Person;
Our Enemies in Affrick are all tam'd.
Cleo.
And Dionysius marching Home in Triumph.
I shall take an Opportunity after I have seen the
General, to give you a more particular accompt.
Dem.
One Word, Sir, We have Wonders here, that
You expect not, strange Revolutions.
Cleo.
How?
Dem.
I dare not tell you aloud, and it will ask
Your stronge Faith, the General.
[Whispers aside.
1. Sen.
He is a most Noble Gentleman, and has
Preserv'd the Honor of his Family,
And still maintain'd his Current clear, not mix'd
With foul rebellious Streams.
2. Sen.
'Twas his Fortune to be abroad when
Damocles began his Faction here; and, but since his Return,
And the Kings loss engag'd with Dyonisius,—
[Aside.
Cleo.
But that I know the Wisdom and Friendship
Of good Demaratus, I should Suspect
He would abuse my Faith; It frights my Reason:
Resign his interest in the Army?
But who are those approach us with grave Ceremony?
4
Is not this Hugo de Petra?
Dem.
The same: One that may write himself
Knave General.
Hugo.
My most Noble Lord: I know not whither I should
First deliver my Message from the General, or
Bid you Wellcom home from my self?
But 'tis good manners to Obey his Excellence.
Cleo.
You preserve your ingenious Humor still.
Hug.
Sir, I was Commanded to wait your Entrance into
The City; and in the Generals name, to.
Congratulate your return.
Cleo.
He was ever gracious.
Hug.
But that's not all, By his Command I am to Salute
You by the Title of Grand Master of the great
Castle of Syracuse, which is a Signal Mark of
His Confidence I will assure you: Leave off your Wonder,
And Read there.
[Delivers him a Commission.
Cleo.
It were no manners to distrust his Act,
Or your Relations, who have always been
A friend to truth.
Hug.
Let me Kiss thy honorable Hand upon my own
Accompt; If I have a Soul? your Honor shall
Command it to your Service.
1. Sen.
If he have a Soul? he makes a doubt on't.
Cleo.
But 'tis too great an honor to Cleomenes:
His goodness thus would prompt me to a worth;
Who finding only some desires in me
To serve his just Commands, would quicken them.
To some becoming Action; but my Duty
Is not performed, till I wait upon him.
Hug.
And we shall attend you; my good Lord,
Demaratus, and Gentlemen.
[Exit Hugo and Cleom.
Dem.
This, beyond all confirmes me.
1. Sen.
A good Preface.
Dem.
Excuse me Gentlemen, if some great affair
Call me hence: I'le not fail to meet you at
Timoleons Tombe: where, if things succeed
To expectation, I shall tell you something to startle you,
And you shall thank me for't.
[Exit Demaratus.
1. Sen.
But 'tis not without my Wonder,
That Cleomenes,—
5
There's the policy: 'Its frequent,
When Princes fear a popular man, they labour
To gain him to their party by preferments:
Nor is it safe yet to Irritate the Souldier,
To whom Cleomenes stands Pretious.
1. Sen.
I know not what to think.
2. Sen.
Think no more, let the gods play their Game out;
They are wise, and Mankind is their mockery:
But we loose time; I am for Timoleous Tombe.
1. Sen.
The Scean of our whole Fate lies there.
2. Sen.
I wait upon you.
Exit.
Enter Damocles, Cleomenes, Hugo, Colonel Strato, Alexius, and Proclus.
Dam.
The Place I have confirm'd, is but an earnest
Of that great debt is owing to your Services:
You have made my Son a Souldier Cleomenes;
He cannot fail of Victory, that lives
Near the example of so much Honor.
Cleo.
I have perform'd my Duty, All above it,
Sir, is your Bounty.
Dam.
But is Timandra within his Train of Captives?
Heir to the great Numidian, King Ophella, whose unquiet
Armes kept us so much in Action.
Cleo.
But his fall procur'd you many Victories.
Dam.
A Princess of much Beauty by my Sons
Description, so much excellency of Person
And bravery, I guess there's something in't,
Beside the naked Story: He does write as
He were prompted by Affection.
Cleo.
His Deportments have been fair to her,
And like himself.
Dam.
We shall see this Wonder.
But what's the Moore he talks off?
Cleo.
A person of no mean Extraction,
That came to shew his Valour in her Cause,
Whom the impatient Courage of your Souldier
Compel'd to wait upon Timandra's Fortune,
And fills a place now in her Train.
Dam.
'Tis well Cleomenes: The present state
Of things requires you, take possession
Of the Castle, where I shall soon give you a visit:
I have trusted you with Siracuse, and my self.
6
To both I shall be faithful, Sir.—
[Exit Cleo.
Dam.
What think'st thou of him Hugo?
Hug.
You have done wisely to Secure him thus;
This will Cajole the Citizens.
Dam.
How now Gentlemen?
I thought you would have waited on Cleomenes
To his new Charge: Your looks are Sullen: Ha!
This shews like an Affront to me; as you
Meant to dispute the Justice of my Fav-vours.
Col. Str.
We know Cleomenes is a Noble Gentleman,
And think your Excellence hath not been sparing
In your Reward: We hope you do remember,
We have fought for you too; In all your Fortunes
Shew'd both our Love and Courage.
Dam.
Now I see, and pity your Envies; y'are not wise:
Can you remember this, and think I can
Forget my Veteranes, to whose constant Valour
I owe my Growth, my Glories, and my Self?
Yon cannot loose mein a Wilderness:
Though you should make no pursuit after me,
It would become my Care to finde you out,
To honour and reward you; and in confidence
That you are still the same Men that dare Execute
When I command; This day I have determin'd
The Harvest of your Fortunes.
Col. Alex.
We dare Execute whatever you Command.
Dam.
Hugo, the List; acquaint 'em with my purpose;
Thou art fit to be a Minister of State.
I will peruse their Faces.
Hug.
Can you read Colonels?
Col. Alex.
Dost make a question?
Hug.
I cannot tell, 'tis not in your Commissions.
You must be acquainted with these Names: They'r Men
That must (Where sits the winde?) be knock'd o'th' Head,
And your work's done; all but examining,
What Baggs, Plate, Jewels, and such Trifles, they
Have at Home. I cut out this work for you.
Proc.
Excellent witty Hugo, thy designs oblige us all.
Hug.
When you have done, I look for my Reward.
Sir, the Officers are very Reasonable, and will do any thing
You shall command—For their own good.
[to Damocles.
Dam.
Their Smiles assure my Happiness, and their own;
Which shall grow uplike Twinns.
Hug.
If any will go off civilly and Compound—
7
What shall's do with 'em?
Dam.
Give 'em Wings, to fly to any Region
Of the Air, or Earth, so we be rid of 'em.
This day I lay all down, and like the Sun
Set in my Evening Cloud: But yet may Rise.
Hug.
Or my Astrology fails.—
Poroc.
More bright and glorious.—
Dam.
That to the gods and you.—
[Exit Damoc.
Hug.
You must not be drunk till the work be done.
But hark you Gentlemen: You are to Act great things,
Where's your Commission to Secure you?
Str.
That's true.
Hug.
When you have done this dangerous Service; Where's
Your Order to defend you from the Gallows!
Str.
My thoughts were so taken up with the Hope
Of Plunder, I minded no Security.
Hug.
I must provide for you all: 'Tis here then
Under the General's hand: This is your Commission
Peremptory, d'ee mark? This you must do,
And more you may do: For many things
Are left to your own discretions.
Colonel.
As how?
Hug.
If in that Company, or as you March, you see
Any man, whose Look, Fashion, or Beard, you
Like not; 'Tis enough to make him a Delinquent,
And qualifie him for a Composition.
Colonel.
Most ingenious Hugo: We are all bound to thee.
Hug.
I shall see that by my Share in your Plunder.
[Exeunt omnes.
Enter Demaratus and Calanthe.
Cal.
You tell me wonders, Sir.
Dem.
Let me Repeat 'em Madam.
This day will Damocles deliver up
His guilty Greatness, and lay by his Sword,
Hath been so fatal to your Family,
I am transported with my Hopes, and Prophecy;
The hour approaches Madam, when you may,
Like a bright Star (too long Eclips'd) Advance
Your glorious Head, and wear upon your Brow,
Those Beams, that best become your Name and Birth;
Daughter and Sister to a King.
Cal.
Alas! both those Relations cease; my Father's dead,
And my dear Brother drown'd.
8
Yet still you are Calanthe,
Next of Blood, for whom the Stars
Have finish'd their Consult to make you happy.
Cal.
By Damocle's Resign? call home your Reason
My Lord, you gave me a preservation,
When my misfortune knew not how to find,
Or parallel in Story, a more sad Image,
Than mine did Represent. Do not undo
That goodness you have wrought by wishing me:
Believe, there can be truth or hope in Damocles
At this time, when Success Courts him abroad,
And not a breath at home so bold, to murmur
At his Ambition, now lay down his Power?
He will sooner part with his right Arm.
Dem.
When I remember, Madam, who you are,
And what your Royal Brother suffer'd; 'tis
A fair excuse, if you admit not this
To your belief. We all knew him a Villain:
But what's all this, if heaven have now decreed
He shall be a Convert?
Cal.
Till the Earth witness it,
For whom 'tis partly meant, let us not throw
Nature and Reason off, the greatest Argument
You can assign, is, that he has advanc'd
Cleomenes to so great a Place of Trust.
A person of much Honour, and by fate
Employ'd at Carthage, when the Flames broke out
At home, in whose black Clouds my Brother Vanish'd.
A man of the best Race of the Nobility,
Whose Valour hath endear'd him to the Souldiers,
And rather of the Generals Fear than Choice,
Call'd to the Power, which he can soon take off.
Dem.
You are too full of Jealousie.
Cal.
My Lord, you must not to Timoleons Tombe;
My soul presages, it will prove the Scean
Of some black Tragedy.
Dem.
Hear me, Madam.
Cal.
I know 'tis your Affection joyn'd with Duty
(That flatters you with Hope to see me prosper)
Invites you from me: But i'le not consent
To loose you so; my Father, Brother, all
My cruel Stars have left me.
Dem.
I could chide your busie fears: To wave my
Resolves now, were to be false to you and to my Country:
9
To expect the Glories that your Blood doth challenge.
Which I shall timely urge, when Damocles
Lays down his Interest in the State and Army,
And when your Name is mention'd.—
Cal.
Still I fear.
Dem.
Prepare for news Madam, to cure the tremblings
Of your affrighted Heart. They stay for me;
permit me to Kiss your Hand.
Cal.
Since there's no Remedy.—
Dem.
You are gracious to dispence.
[Exit. Dem.
Cal.
Farewell my honest Lord; my soul divines
We have had our last meeting in this world:
'Tis time to call a Counsel of my thoughts,
I am lost else.—
(Exit. Cal.
Enter Officers solemnly, one after another, carrying a Sword, and other Armes of the General's Commission upon a rich Cushion, a Page before Damocles, attended by Hugo and others.
Dam.
Hugo, How dost like this Ceremony?
Do not I look now like a walking Hearse?
Hug.
Most rarely; but 'twere fit you made a halt,
You will arrive too soon, before the Knaves
Be all met at the Tombe: A thin Convention
Will spoil the sport, I always lov'd to see
Full Audience in the Theatre; 'tis the credit
And glory of an Action, and I must
Applaud your Brain for this Design, who might
Have done your business without half this trouble.
Dam.
There's the Delight, the mischief is my Luxury:
To Raise 'em high, then Crush 'em in their Swelling.
I do not wish my self Born to the Inheritance
Of this great Island: Hang long Pedegrees,
Titles of Blood, and empty Fables of
Our Ancestors: A Ladder by which Fools
And Changlings may ascend to greatest Empires,
I will create a Claim to every Kingdom
Within my Reach: It speaks the greater Power;
And frights a Nation, which should be us'd
To terror, lest their saucy pride and ease
Make cheap the Person of their Soveraign.
10
How every thing becomes you? We arrive
Timely: Do you not hear a Noise and Outcry
I'th' Temple; Sir, the Gates are spread: So, so,
The Souldiers have been at it.
The Scean Timoleons Tombe, where things appear in some confusion, the Souldiers knocking down Senators, and some are carried off wounded.
Dam.
Whether most Reverend Fathers?
Hug.
Sir, the press of People is so great expecting
Your Excellency, that these venerable Gentlemen
Did faint for want of Air; and are
Now led forth to Breath.—their Last.
[Aside.
Dam.
Alas! Convey 'em gently to a Refreshing.
2. Sen.
Impudence! 'Tis thy Treachery: Expect
A black Reward.
1. Sen.
Dost thou not fear a Thunder-bolt?
Officers.
March, March on.
Exeunt Senat.
Hug.
Those that remain are your own Creatures Sir,
And most of 'em my Cuckolds, their Wives,
Shall bear me witness.
[Aside.
Dam.
They Represent a Counsel of the Gods.
Hug.
Had they all Provinces in Heaven, they would
Resign 'em to you, and be damn'd to serve you.
Dam.
Grave, honour'd Gentlemen,
True Patriots and Preservers of your Country,
VVhose Bosome was late panting, and her Check
Pale with the loss of Blood, the Punick Sword
Had Ravish'd from her: I come not to shake you
VVith Terrors of new War, nor to ask Pay
For your bold Souldiers, by whose Valour you
Enjoy your Shade: Sleep quietly, and Foes
Abroad calm as the Dust that covers 'em:
At home no Relick of the publick Enemy
That fil'd your Streets with blood. Young Cleander
Is out of Capacity to give You
Alarum in this World, unless he can,
After so long a sleep i'th' Waves, break from
His gloomy habitation, and his Sister
(In her self inconsiderable were she alive)
Hath to my knowledg been long since a Tenant
To her cold Grave in this Conjuncture of
Affairs; your weary General
11
That power to Act you gave him.
1. Sen.
How's this?
2. Sen.
It must not be Sir.
[The Senators rise.
Hug.
So, so; they are perfect I see, and he dissembles
To my own Heart: The Devil cannot match him.
[Aside.
Dam.
It remains only that I humbly beg
(Grave Fathers) your consent, that I may now
(There being no further use of me, already
Tyr'd with the careful conduct of your Arms,
Retreat into a private life, and spend
My rest of days in Prayer, that you may live
A flourishing State.
3. Sen.
Will you desert us then;
Dam.
Good Heaven avert so foul a Thought: I shall
Be near you still, and after refreshment,
If danger dare approach, at your first call
Take up my Sword again, and in your Cause
Give up my Life, your Safety, or your Sacrifice.
1. Sen.
However your great soul will not allow
A sense of danger, Sir we are not safe,
If you will not resume your Sword and Power,
I speak the General Vote.
2. Sen.
You doe not Sir
(VVith pardon of your Gravity) Reach
VVhat we most desire: In justice Sir
To your great prudence of so eminent Valour
To which we owe our Lives, our Liberties,
And what else we enjoy. We humbly pray
You would exchange the Title of our General,
And take from us the offer of a Kingdom.
The Crown cannot be plac'd upon a Head
So much deserves it.
Hug.
Thou Boy!
3. Sen.
As it were,
Ingratitude in us to Court your Virtue
VVith any less Oblation; So it will be
The great Unhappiness within our Fate
If you refuse it. Sir, in mine, you hear
The Breach of all.
Omn.
All, All.
Hug.
Now must he Cant a little.
[Aside.
Dam.
I doe not understand you Gentlemen,
Pray speak agen.
12
He cannot hear't too often.
3. Sen.
Here we divest our selves of Power and Name
Of useless Senators, and all Bow to you
As humble Subjects.
2. Sen.
All ready with our persons to attend,
And declare it to the People.
Dam.
You amaze me Gentlemen; Collect your Wisdoms,
I am consum'd already with less Cares,
Too feeble to sustain a Crown (I think,
VVith pardon you did Name the Word.) My sleeps
Under that little Province I enjoy'd
Before were thin; and those poor slumbers full
Of Trouble and Destraction: 'Twill be justice,
That under such a Weight I never sleep;
So much will the Concernment of my Cares,
For you oblige me to perpetual waking?
I dare not Gentlemen give Entertainment
To such ambicious Thoughts, Among your selves
How many worthier men to sit at Helme,
Not one in all this Circle but is qualified,
To Guide a Nation: I have no Name,
No Birth, no Images: Nothing in Annalls
To speak the Glory of one Predecessor:
Sen.
This is your modesty, which cannot be
Greater then the Necessity upon us
To live under a Royal shade: You have
An influence upon him: pray Sir speak:
Hug.
You hear what Necessity there is:
You'l break their hearts if you deny'm.
Dam.
Gentlemen, Vouchsafe me.
But some few Hours to Consider.
Hug.
Hours? They will be dead within this half hour
If you refuse it. Pity the Venerable Gentlemen:
Observe they Weep, and I doe melt to see'em.
Dam.
I cannot stand the storm of this Affection,
Doe with me what you please: Although you make
Me King, I hope I may take leave to Call
My self your Servant in my Heart, and study
By all the duties of a Prince—
1. Sen.
Wee are all satisfied.
2. Sen.
Sir we all wait on you,
And think our Happiness Incompleat, till
VVe hear the Voyce of all the Citizens,
Out noise the Trumpets at your Coronation
13
Dam.
The works done.
[A shout within.
Hug.
Heark the noise is Catching.
Dam,
He that Aspires, must know no Conscience.
I see 'tis easier to be great then good:
Some Trees thrives best whose Roots are warm'd in Blood.
Exeunt omnes.
| The usurper | |