University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Nichomede and Laodice.
Laod.
My Joys Sir, must exceed, to finde that you,
To whom so many glorious Wreaths are due,
My Chains, to all these Laurels can prefer,
And be my Captive, though a Conqueror,
That all those Actions which the World dismay,
To such low Merits should their Homage pay;
And yet amidst this height of Joy, I finde
A secret Passion which afflicts my minde.
With fear I see you fear that springs from Love,
Doubtful this Court to you may fatal prove.
You have a subtile Step-Dame, Sir, whose wit
Has made your Father to her Charms submit,
And she does manage him with so much Skill,
He's but the Property to act her Will;
What She enjoyns more force than Law does bear,
And then what Safety can you hope for here?
Besides her Hate, which was enough before,
Is from our mutual Love, encreas'd to more,
And now her Son, your Borther's return'd too,

Nicho.
I know it, Madam, and that he courts you.
The Romans did him home from Hostage send,
Not out of kindness, but a weightier end.
I too well find what 'twas did him recall,
He was Flaminia's price for Hannibal.
That mighty Man was for his Ransome paid,
And by the King had been to Rome betraid,
Had not his Courage taught him how to free
Himself by Poyson, from that Slavery,
Which gazing Romans exercise on those
Who were their Terror, whilst they stood their Foes.
'Twas not till after my last happy Fight
Which Cappadocia's Kingdom did unite
To our Bithinia, I this News did hear
Which made me weep for him, and for you fear:
That Fear begat an Anger would break forth,
So to Theagenes, whose steddy worth
I knew, I of the Army gave command,
And hither slew, these Troubles to withstand,
Hoping my presence would my Queen oblige,
For still Flaminius does the King besiege,
And if that Hannibal this Errand were,
He, being dead, why staies he longer here?
Unless it be, which I believe too true,
To aid my Brothers weak pretence to you.

Laodice.
I doubt not, but this Roman vertue may
Strive to oblige the Queen in her own way;
That bloody Sacrifice she paid to him,
Must have engag'd him to the utmost crime:
But, be it so, yet why should you complain,
Why should you fear the worst he can obtain?
My love o're you a weak Ascendant hath,
If 'tis your Presence, must secure its faith.
That Spirit must be mean, which does prefer
Poor Attalus, to Asia's Conquerour.
Att'lus, of whom the most that can be se'd,
Is that he was a Roman Hostage bred,
And at full height of Courage will appear
To shake at Eagles, and an Adile fear.

Nicho.
Death, Madam, Death, shall here an Empire gain,
E're I such jealous thoughts do entertain:
I Force from them, not weakness fear in you,
For what if Rome appear against us too—

Laodice.
Sir, I'm a Queen, and bear that Noble Soul,
Which Rome, nor your Kings Thund'rings can't controul.
Though he my Guardian be, he cannot have
More power o're me than what my Father gave.
Whose Will having design'd me yours, there's none
Can choose elsewhere for me, but I alone.
By my own choice, and by my Fathers care
I'm destin'd Spouse to the Bithinian Heir.
And this great Heart of mine will never bend
To let a Subjects Right o're it pretend.
Banish your doubts.

Nicho.
Ah Madam, let me fear
Whilst I behold you thus exposed are
Unto a Fury, who both hath the Will,
And Power to act, all she conceives of ill.
Who, but to place a Crown on her Sons Brow,
Would Justice, Law, and Nature overthrow,
And greedily the sacredst Rights invade:
She may force you, who Hannibal betraid.
Nor can there Faith from those expected be
Who break the Laws of Hospitality.

Laod.
As little Natures Laws will you protect
From those who to such Rights show no respect.
Your being here advances her Design,
And does expose both your own Life and mine.
Coming without leave, some suspition wears,
And she will buzz it in your Fathers Ears.
Who by her Charms too soon will be enclin'd
To sacrifice you to his jealous Mind.
Then I, who stood so firm before, become
A Victim to the Mother and the Son.

Nich.
'Twas fear of you that made me take this course

Laodice
Whilst you were in the Camp I fear'd no force:
This, this Sir, you for my support should do,
Order things so that they may still fear you.
Back to your Army, then protect me there,
They are secure to act whilst you are here.
But Armies Rules to Politicians teach,
And you may boldly do it out of reach.
Valour, though high, to numbers still must yield,
You're but one here, they none, when you're ith'Field.
And though the noise of Victory sound high,
'Tis seldom Fame has quell'd an Enemy.
Sir, were you both the Worlds Delight and Dread,
Entring the Court, you tamely yield your Head.
Once more I say return, by that Renown
You there have gain'd, you here will best be known:
Return, and with your own, secure my Fate,
You banish mine, when you theire Fears create.

Nicho.
Ah! To the Camp perswade me not to go,
There the Queens Hate, her Murderers do sow
Secret and thick: Two I have brought along,
By their Confessions to make known my Wrong,
And disabuse the King, who though he be
Husband to her, is Father still to me.
And though she Nature should to silence charm,
Yet three great Kingdoms added by this Arm
Unto his Crown, will loudly let him know,
That he does something to my Valour ow.
Or if that by the Rigor of my Fate,
I must become the Victim of her Hate.
If both the Camp and Court my Life pursue,
Will you deny me then to dye by you?

Laodice
My past Advice I trembling now recall,
If we must die, let us together fall.
Courage, brave Prince, they may perhaps ensnare
Themselves, in those Traps they for us prepare.
The People love you, and abhor their Arts,
And he Reigns safest who does Reign o're Hearts.
But here's your Brother—

Nicho.
Since he does not know
Who I am, keep me undiscover'd now.