 | The Prophetesse |  |
38
Actus Quartus.
Scæna Prima.
Enter Chorus.So full of matter is our Historie,
Yet mix'd, I hope with sweet varietie,
The accidents not vulgar too, but rare,
And fit to be presented, that there wants
Room in this narrow Stage, and time to expresse
In Action to the life, our Dioclesian
In his full lustre: Yet (as the Statuarie,
That by the large size of Alcides foot,
Ghess'd at his whole proportion) so wee hope,
Your apprehensive judgements will conceive
Out of the shadow we can only shew,
How fair the body was; and will be pleas'd,
Out of your wonted goodnesse, to behold
As in a silent Mirrour, what we cannot
With fit conveniencie of time, allow'd
For such Presentments, cloath in vocall sounds.
Yet with such Art the Subject is conveigh'd,
That every Scene and passage shall be cleer
Even to the grossest understander here.
Loud Musick.
Dumb Shew.
Enter (at one door) Delphia, Ambassadors, they whisper together; they take an oath upon her hand; She circles them (kneeling) with her Magick rod; They rise and draw their Swords. Enter (at the other door) Dioclesian, Charinus, Maximinian, Niger, Aurelia, Cassana, Guard; Charinus and Niger perswading Aurelia; She offers to imbrace Maximinian; Diocles draws his sword, keeps off Maximinian, turns to Aurelia, kneels to her, laies his sword at her feet, she scornfully turns away: Delphia gives a signe; the Ambassadors and Souldiers rush upon them, seise on Aurelia, Cassana, Charinus, and Maximinian; Dioclesian and others offer to rescue them; Delphia raises a Mist: Exeutt Ambassadors and Prisoners, and the rest discontented.
The skilfull Delphia finding by sure proof
The presence of Aurelia dim'd the beauty
Of her Drusilla; and in spight of Charms,
The Emperour her Brother, Great Charinus,
Still urg'd her to the love of Dioclesian,
Deals with the Persian Legats, that were bound
For the Ransom of Cassana, to remove
Aurelia, Maximinian, and Charinus
Out of the sight of Rome; but takes their oathes
(In lieu of her assistance) that they shall not
On any terms, when they were in their power,
Presume to touch their lives: This yeelded to,
They lie in ambush for 'em. Dioclesian
Still mad for fair Aurelia, that doated
As much upon Maximinian, twice had kill'd him,
But that her frown restrain'd him: He pursues her
With all humilitie; but she continues
Proud and disdainfull. The sign given by Delphia,
The Persians break thorow, and seize upon
Charinus and his Sister, with Maximinian,
And free Cassana. For their speedy rescue,
Enraged Dioclesian draws his sword,
And bids his Guard assist him: Then too weak
Had been all opposition and resistance
The Persians could have made against their fury,
If Delphia by her cunning had not rais'd
A foggie mist, which as a cloud conceal'd them,
Deceiving their Pursuers. Now be pleas'd,
That your Imaginations may help you
To think them safe in Persia, and Dioclesian
For this disastre circled round with sorrow,
Yet mindfull of the wrong. Their future fortunes
Wee will present in Action; and are bold
In that which follows, that the Most shall say,
'Twas well begun, but the End crown'd the Play.
Exit.
Scæna Secunda.
Enter Diocles, Niger, Senators, Guard.Dio.
Talk not of comfort; I have broke my faith,
and the Gods fight against me: and proud man,
how-ever magnified, is but as dust
before the raging whirlwind of their justice.
What is it to be great? ador'd on earth?
when the immortall Powers that are above us
turn all our blessings into horrid curses,
and laugh at our resistance, or prevention
of what they purpose? O the Furies that
I feel within me! whip'd on, by their angers,
for my tormentors. Could it else have been
in Nature, that a few poor fugitive Persians,
unfriended, and unarmed too, could have rob'd me
(in Rome, the worlds Metropolis, and her glory;
in Rome, where I command, inviron'd round
with such invincible Troops that know no fear,
but want of noble Enemies) of those jewels
I priz'd above my life, and I want power
to free them, if those gods I have provok'd
had not given spirit to the undertakers,
and in their deed protected 'em?
Nig.
Great Cæsar,
your safetie does confirm you are their care,
and that how-ere their practices reach others,
you stand above their malice.
1 Sen.
Rome in us
offers (as means to further your revenge)
the lives of her best Citizens,
and all they stand possess'd of.
1 Gu.
Do but lead us on
with that invincible and undaunted courage
which waited bravely on you, when you appear'd
the Minion of Conquest: Married rather
39
(though all the enemies of life conspire
against our undertakings) the proud Persian
out of his strongest hold.
2. Gu.
Be but your self,
and do not talk but doe.
3 Gu.
You have hands and swords,
Limbs to make up a well proportion'd Army,
that onely want in you an Head to lead us.
Dio.
The gods reward your goodnesse; and beleeve,
how-ere (for some great sin) I am mark'd out
the object of their hate, though Jove stood ready
to dart his three-fold thunder, on this head,
it could not fright me from a fierce pursuit
of my revenge: I will redeem my friends,
and with my friends mine honour; at least fall
like to my self, a Souldier.
Nig.
Now we hear
Great Dioclesian speak.
Dio.
Draw up our Legions,
and let it be your care (my much lov'd Niger)
to hasten the remove: And fellow-souldiers,
your love to me will teach you to endure
both long and tedious marches.
1 Gu.
Die hee accurs'd
that thinks of rest or sleep, before he sets
his foot on Persian earth.
Nig.
Wee know our glory:
the dignitie of Rome, and what's above
all can be urg'd, the quiet of your mind
depends upon our hast.
Dio.
Remove to night:
five dayes shall bring me to you.
All.
Happinesse
to Cesar, and glorious victorie.
Exeunt.
Dio.
The cheerfulnesse of my Souldiers gives assurance
of good successe abroad; if first I make
my peace at home here. There is something chides me,
and sharply tels me, that my breach of faith
to Delphia and Drusilla, is the ground
of my misfortunes: And I must remember,
while I was lov'd, and in great Delphia's grace,
she was as my good angell, and bound Fortune
to prosper my designes: I must appease her:
Let others pay their knees, their vows, their prayers
to weak imagin'd Powers; shee is my All,
and thus I do invoke her. Knowing Delphia,
thou more then woman, and though thou vouchsafest
to grace the earth with thy celestiall steps,
and taste this grosser air, thy heavenly spirit
hath free accesse to all the secret counsels
which a full Senat of the gods determine
when they consider man: The brasse-leav'd book
of Fate lies open to thee, where thou read'st,
and fashionest the destinies of men
at thy wish'd pleasure: Look upon thy creature,
and as thou twice hast pleased to appear
to reprehend my falshood, now vouchsafe
to see my lowe submission.
Del.
What's thy will?
false, and unthankfull, (and in that deserving
all humane sorrowes) dar'st thou hope from me
relief or comfort?
Dio.
Penitence does appease
th'incensed Powers, and Sacrifice takes off
their heavie angers; thus I tender both:
the Master of great Rome, and in that, Lord
of all the Sun gives heat and being to,
thus sues for mercy: Be but as thou wert,
the Pilot to the Bark of my good fortunes,
and once more steer my Actions to the Port
of glorious honour, and if I fall off
hereafter from my faith to this sweet Virgin,
joyne with those Powers that punish perjury,
to make me an example, to deter
others from being false.
Dru.
Upon my soul
you may beleeve him: nor did he ere purpose
to me but nobly; hee made triall how
I could endure unkindnesse; I see Truth
triumphat in his sorrow. Deerest Aunt,
both credit him, and help him; and on assurance
that what I plead for, you cannot deny,
I raise him thus, and with this willing kisse
I seale his pardon.
Dio.
O that I ere look'd
beyond this abstract of all womans goodnesse.
Del.
I am thine again; thus I confirm our league:
I know thy wishes, and how much thou fufferst
in honour for thy friends: thou shalt repair all;
for to thy fleet I'll give a fore-right winde
to passe the Persian gulf; remove all lets
that may molest thy souldiers in their March
that passe by land: and destiny is false,
if thou prove not victorious: Yet remember,
when thou art rais'd up to the highest point
of humane happinesse, such as move beyond it
must of necessitie descend. Think on't,
and use those blessings that the gods powre on you
with moderation.
Dio.
As their Oracle
I hear you, and obey you, and will follow
your grave directions.
Del.
You will not repent it.
Exeunt.
Scæna Tertia.
Enter Niger, Geta, Guard, Souldiers, Ensignes.Nig.
How do you like your entrance to the Warre?
when the whole Body of the Army moves,
shews it not gloriously?
Get.
'Tis a fine May-game:
but eating and drinking I think are forbad in't,
(I mean, with leasure) wee walk on, and feed
like hungry boyes that haste to School; or as
we carried fish to the City, dare stay no where,
for fear our ware should stink.
1. Gu.
That's the necessitie
of our speedy March.
Get.
Sir, I doe love my ease,
and though I hate all Seats of Judicature,
I mean in the Citie, for conveniencie,
I still will be a Justice in the War,
and ride upon my foot-cloth. I hope a Captain
(and a gown'd-Captain too) may be dispens'd with.
I tell you, and do not mock me, when I was poor,
I could endure like others, cold and hunger:
but since I grew rich, let but my finger ake,
or feel but the least pain in my great toe,
unlesse I have a Doctor, mine own Doctor,
40
Nig.
Come, fear not;
you shall want nothing.
1. Gu.
We will make you fight
as you were mad.
Get.
Not too much of fighting, Friend:
it is thy trade, that art a common souldier:
We Officers, by our place, may share the spoile,
and never sweat for't.
2. Gu.
You shall kil for practice
but your dozen or two a day.
Get.
Thou talkst as if
thou wert lowsing thy self: but yet I will make danger.
If I prove one of the Worthies, so: However,
I'll have the fear of the gods before my eyes,
and doe no hurt, I warrant you.
Nig.
Come, March on,
and humour him for our mirth.
1. Gu.
'Tis a fine peak-goose.
Nig.
But one that fools to the Emperor, and in that,
a wise man and a Souldier.
1. Gu.
True moralitie.
Exeunt.
Scæna quarta.
Enter Cosroe, Cassana, Persians; and Charinus, Maximinian, Aurelia (bound) with Souldiers.Cos.
Now by the Persian gods, most truly welcom,
encompass'd thus with tributary kings,
I entertain you. Lend your helping hands
to seat her by me: and thus rais'd, bow all,
to do her honour: O, my best Cassana,
Sister, and partner of my life and Empire,
wee'll teach thee to forget with present pleasures
thy late captivitie: and this proud Roman,
that us'd thee as a slave, and did disdain
a Princely Ransom, shall (if she repine)
be forc'd by various Tortures, to adore
what she of late contemn'd.
Cas.
All greatnesse ever
attend Cosroe: though Persia be stil'd
the nurse of pomp and pride; wee'll leave to Rome
her native crueltie. For know Aurelia,
a Roman Princesse, and a Cesars Sister,
though now, like thee captiv'd, I can forget.
thy barbarous usage: and though thou to me
(when I was in thy power) didst shew thy self
a most insulting Tyrannesse, I to thee
may prove a gentle Mistris.
Aur.
O my Stars,
a Mistris? can I love and owe that name
to flesh and bloud? I was borne to command,
train'd up in Soveraigntie; and I, in death
can quit the name of slave: She that scorns life,
may mock captivitie.
Char.
Rome will be Rome
when we are nothing: and her powr's the same
which you once quak'd at.
Max.
Dioclesian lives;
hear it, and tremble: Lives (thou King of Persia)
the Master of his fortune, and his honour:
and though by divelish Arts wee were surpriz'd,
and made the prey of Magick and of Theft,
and not won nobly, we shall be redeem'd,
and by a Roman war; and every wrong
we suffer here, with interest, be return'd
on the insulting doer.
1 Per.
Sure these Romanes
are more then men.
2 Per.
Their great hearts will not yeeld,
they cannot bend to any adverse Fate,
such is their confidence.
Cosr.
They then shall break.
Why, you rebellious wretches, dare you still
contend, when the least breath, or nod of mine
marks you out for the fire? or to be made
the prey of wolfs or vultures? The vain name
of Roman Legions, I slight thus, and scorn:
and for that boasted bug-bear, Dioclesian
(which you presume on) would he were the Master
but of the spirit, to meet me in the field,
hee soon should find, that our immortall Squadrons,
that with full numbers ever are supyli'd,
(could it be possible they should decay)
dare front his boldest Troops, and scatter 'em,
as an high towring Falcon on her Stretches,
severs the fearfull fowl. And by the Sun,
the Moon, the Winds, the nourishers of life,
and by this Sword, the instrument of death,
since that you fly not humbly to our Mercy,
but yet dare hope your libertie by force;
if Dioclesian dare not attempt
to free you with his sword, all slavery
that crueltie can find out to make you wretched,
falls heavie on you.
Max.
If the Sun keeps his course,
and the earth can bear his souldiers march, I fear not.
Aur.
Or libertie, or revenge.
Char.
On that I build too.
A Trumpet.
Aur.
A Roman Trumpet!
Max.
'Tis: Comes it not like
a pardon to a man condemn'd?
Cosr.
Admit him.
Enter Niger.
The purpose of thy coming?
Nig.
My great Master,
the Lord of Rome, (in that all Power is spoken)
hoping that thou wilt prove a noble Enemie,
and (in thy bold resistance) worth his conquest,
defies thee, Cosroe.
Max.
There is fire in this.
Nig.
And to encourage thy laborious powers
to tug for Empire, dares thee to the Field,
with this assurance, If thy sword can win him,
or force his Legions with thy barbed horse,
but to forsake their ground, that not alone
wing'd Victory shall take stand on thy Tent,
but all the Provinces, and Kingdomes held
by the Roman Garrisons in this Eastern world,
shall be delivered up, and hee himself
acknowledge thee his Soveraign. In return
of this large offer, he asks onely this,
That till the doubtfull Dye of War determine
who has most power, and should command the other,
thou wouldst intreat thy Prisoners like their births,
and not their present Fortune: and to bring 'em
(guarded) into thy Tent, with thy best Strengths,
thy ablest men of war, and thou thy self
sworn to make good the place. And if he fail
(maugre all opposition can be made)
in his own person to compell his way,
41
and hee (like these) thy prisoner.
Cosr.
Though I receive this
but as a Roman brave, I doe imbrace it,
and love the sender. Tell him, I will bring
my Prisoners to the field, and without ods,
against his single force, alone defend 'em;
or else with equall numbers. Courage, noble Princes,
and let Posteritie record, that we
this memorable day restor'd to Persia,
that Empire of the world, great Philips son
ravish'd from us, and Greece gave up to Rome.
This our strong comfort, that we cannot fall
ingloriously, since we contend for all.
Exeunt.
Flourish, Alarms.
Scæna quinta.
Enter Geta, Guard, Souldiers.Get.
I'll swear the peace against 'em, I am hurt,
run for a Surgeon, or I faint.
1. Gu.
Bear up man,
'tis but a scratch.
Get.
Scoring a man ore the coxcomb
is but a scratch with you:—o' your occupation,
your scurvie scuffling trade: I was told before
my face was bad enough; but now I look
like bloody bone, and raw head, to fright children;
I am for no use else.
2. Gu.
Thou shalt fright men.
1. Gu.
You look so terrible now: but see your face
in the pummell of my sword.
Get.
I die, I am gone.
Oh my sweet physiognomy.
Enter 3 Persians.
2. Gu.
They come.
Now fight, or die indeed.
Get.
I will scape this way:
I cannot hold my sword; What would you have
of a maim'd man?
1. Gu.
Nay, then I have a goad
to prick you forward, Oxe.
2. Gu.
Fight like a man,
or die lie a dog.
Get.
Shall I, like Cesar fall
among my friends? no mercy? Et tu Brute?
You shall not have the honour of my death,
I'll fall by the Enemie first.
1. Gu.
O brave, brave Geta;
Persians driven off.
he plaies the divell now.
Enter Niger.
Nig.
Make up for honour,
the Persians shrink. The passage is laid open,
great Dioclesian, like a second Mars,
his strong arm govern'd by the fierce Bellona,
performs more then a man: His shield struck full
of Persian darts, which now are his defence
against the Enemies swords, still leads the way.
Of all the Persian Forces, one strong Squadron,
Alarm's continued.
in which Cosroe in his own person fights,
stands firm, and yet unrouted: Break thorow that,
the day, and all is ours.
Retreat.
All.
Victory, Victory.
Exeunt.
Flourish.
Scæna Sexta.
Enter (in Triumph with Roman Ensignes) Guard, Dioclesian, Charinus, Aurelia, Maximinian, Niger, Geta, Cosroe, Cassana, Persians (as Prisoners): Delphia, Drusilla, privately.Dio.
I am rewarded in the Act: your freedome
to me's ten thousand Triumphs: You Sir, share
in all my Glories. And unkind Aurelia,
from being a Captive, still command the Victor.
Nephew, remember by whose gift you are free:
You I afford my pitie; baser minds
insult on the afflicted, You shall know,
Vertue and Courage is admir'd and lov'd
in Enemies: but more of that hereafter.
Thanks to your valour; to your swords I owe
this wreath triumphant. Nor be thou forgot
my first poor bondman, Geta, I am glad
thou art turn'd a fighter.
Get.
'Twas against my will:
but now I am content with't.
Char.
But imagine
what honours can be done to you beyond these,
transcending all example; 'tis in you
to will, in us to serve it.
Nig.
Wee will have
his Statue of pure gold set in the Capitol,
and he that bows not to it as a god,
makes forfeit of his head.
Max.
I burst with envie;
and yet these honours, which conferr'd on me,
would make me pace on air, seem not to move him.
Dio.
Suppose this done, or were it possible
I could rise higher still, I am a man,
and all these Glories, Empires heap'd upon me,
confirm'd by constant friends, and faithfull Guards,
cannot defend me from a shaking feaver,
or bribe the uncorrupted dart of death
to spare me one short minute. Thus adorn'd
in these triumphant Robes, my body yeelds not
a greater shadow then it did when I
liv'd both poor, and obscure; a swords sharp point
enters my flesh as far; dreams break my sleep
as when I was a private man; my Passions
are stronger tyrants on me; nor is Greatnesse
a saving Antidote to keep me from,
a traitors poyson. Shall I praise my fortune,
or raise the building of my happinesse
on her uncertain favour? or presume
she is my owne, and sure, that yet was never
constant to any? should my reason fail me
(as flattery oft corrupts it) here's an example,
to speak how far her smiles are to be trusted;
The rising Sun, this morning, saw this man
the Persian Monarch, and those Subjects proud
that had the honour but to kisse his feet;
and yet ere his diurnall progresse ends,
hee is the scorn of Fortune: But you'll say,
that shee forsook him for his want of courage,
but never leaves the bold. Now by my hopes
of peace and quiet here, I never met
a braver Enemie: and to make it good,
42
and ransomlesse return.
Cosr.
To see this vertue
is more to me then Empire; and to be
orecome by you, a glorious victorie.
Max.
What a divell means he next?
Dio.
I know that Glory
is like Alcides shirt, if it stay on us
till pride hath mix'd it with our blood; nor can we
part with it at pleasure: when wee would uncase,
it brings along with it both flesh and sinews,
and leaves us living monsters.
Max.
Would it were come
to my turn to put it on: I'ld run the hazzard.
Dio.
No, I will not be pluck'd out by the ears
out of this glorious castle; uncompell'd
I will surrender rather: Let it suffice,
I have touch'd the height of humane happinesse,
and here I fix Nil ultra. Hitherto
I have liv'd a servant to ambitious thoughts,
and fading glories: what remains of life,
I dedicate to Vertue; and to keep
my faith untainted, farewell Pride and Pomp,
and circumstance of glorious Majestie,
farewell for ever. Nephew, I have noted,
that you have long with sore eyes look'd upon
my flourishing Fortune; you shall have possession
of my felicitie: I deliver up
my Empire, and this Jem I priz'd above it,
and all things else that made me worth your envie,
freely unto you. Gentle Sir, your suffrage,
to strengthen this: the souldiers love I doubt not;
his valour (Gentlemen) will deserve your favours,
which let my prayers further. All is yours.
But I have been too liberall, and giv'n that
I must beg back again.
Max.
What am I falne from?
Dio.
Nay, start not: It is only the poor Grange,
the Patrimony which my Father left me,
I would be Tenant to.
Max.
Sir, I am yours:
I will attend you there.
Dio.
No, keep the Court:
seek you in Rome for honour: I will labour
to finde content elswhere. Disswade me not,
by—, I am resolv'd. And now Drusilla,
being as poor as when I vow'd to make thee
my wife: if thy love since hath felt no change,
I am ready to perform it.
Dru.
I still lov'd
your Person, not your Fortunes: in a cottage,
being yours, I am an Empresse.
Del.
And I'll make
the change most happy.
Dio.
Do me then the honour,
to see my vow perform'd. You but attend
my Glories to the urn; where be it ashes,
welcome my mean estate: and as a due,
Wish Rest to me, I Honour unto you.
Exeunt.
| The Prophetesse | |