 | The Passionate Lover, First Part |  |
Act. 4.
Scæn 1.
Enter King, three Princes.1 Pr.
Sir, we are injur'd past all sufferance,
And shall return back to our Countries
The scorn of all the world.
K.
Princes, I had no power to force the affection
Of my daughter.
1 Pr.
Your daughter never durst have made a choice
So much to our dishonor, had you not been
Before acquainted with it.
2 Pr.
Or when she had, would he have given consent,
But that it was his plot?
K.
Let not my patient bearing of your slander
Make you believe I fear your angers,
Though united; yet that I may give you all
Satisfaction possible, the Gods be witness with me
I knew not her intent before, nor had I power
To hinder when the choice was made: You saw
Your selves, the people, as if inspired to his
Advantage whom my daughter chose, with strange
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3 Pr.
I wonder what they saw to be delighted with,
Some of our persons are as promising as his.
K.
They saw one like themselves, a common person chosen,
And that begot their joy and friendship.
Know Princes, though in honour I am bound to observe
Fairly my promise to content my subjects;
Not all your discontents, if join'd, make up one half
Of mine: but if you hold your selves disgrac'd
By such a Rival, am not I more, both in his present
Interest, and future expectation of my Crown?
But now to manifest in publike our discontent,
Will no ways suit the present joys attending
Hymen's rights; but you shall find your honours
Something righted by what I shall perform.
This musick speaks the Brides approach to bed,
We must be wanting in no outward ceremony
Custom commands.—Now all retire, and leave
This happy man to enjoy a pleasure
Which the Gods may envy; these Princes do, I am sure.
Enter Agenor, Austella, Sister, Ladies, Lucidor.
1 Pr.
This Gentleman deserves so much, he is above our envy.
2 Pr.
Some Prince disguis'd, without all doubt.
3 Pr.
Most mighty Monarch, we subscribe to your high birth,
Fate did ordain us humble vassals to attend your triumph.
Age.
That this divinest Lady judg'd me worthy,
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Do throw upon me; and were this time and place
Proper to right my self, the boldest of you
I would make seal with his blood, I were in worth
His equal, however I'do boast no title.
Lucid.
Well spoke; h'as cool'd the Princes blood.
Au.
I hope, sir, you'll remember he is my husband,
So your son, in that at least an equal to these Princes.
But happily their injuries take birth
From your exprest dislike: If so, let all
Your anger fall where it is only due, on me.
Yet Royal sir, remember you forc'd me chuse
A husband, and Love instructed 'twas only he
Could make me happy.
K.
Why, daughter, are your joys disturb'd?
Do you believe you and my Kingdom
Bore so small a value with these Princes,
That they could part with all their hopes
And not be moved? Their murmuring proves but
A foil to set you off with greater lustre;
So raise your husband to an extasie of joy,
Since he a private man possesses that which Princes
Grieve to miss:
1 Pr.
Madam, the King hath spoken what we had
Else alleadged in our excuse.
K.
'Tis time all should retire, and leave them
To the accomplishment of their full joys:
Remember what I injoin'd.
Exeunt all but Age. and Aust.
Age.
Were not my faith strong in your happy
Influence, a sadness now might give some little
Check to my full joys.
Au.
It reaches not so high as sadness,
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Age.
Madam, the Ladies of this Court are enemies
To Hymen's rights; else sure they would have staid
To undress you; all Brides that I have seen
Were in an instant ready for their bed,
So many busie hands about them.
Au.
Perhaps our customs in that point do differ
Yet you must grant we are no enemies to Love.
Age.
If so, you were ingrate, since that great Deity
In your fair sex, hath plac'd his glory, power,
And all his sweetness: which when you freely do
Dispence to those that honour you, you pay
To him the proper sacrifice.
Au.
I do not understand what sacrifice you mean.
Age.
I would instruct you to bed, bright Queen of Love!
All other attributes come short; the zealous ardor
Of my heart commands me stile you so.
Au.
Mine to you enjoins me study how to keep
Your flame (in which I glory) pure and high;
And I believe that our imaginations
Far exceeds the touches of our sense.
Age.
Be not deceived; if this, and this, beget delight,
Which, if you love, it must; can an increase
Diminish joy?
Au.
No more, I must not trust to demonstration,
My faith grew by discourse.
Age.
I find you had a woman to your Tutor;
But know, this Logick is the properest for Love,
Yet this is not the fittest School to teach it in.
To bed; and if you do not there confess
Our loves and joys receive increase,
For ever banish me your sight.
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Neither my love nor duty can admit that,
Since you are my husband
Age.
Not going to bed, both point to it.
Au.
You willingly mistake; I mean, both do forbid
Our separation.
Age.
Then sure they do conclude the contrary:
Come dearest, make me no longer languish;
You are an excellence so great,
You can no more receive addition by difficulty,
Then a rich pendant Diamond by a Foil.
Au.
But yet a while I must be worn so,
You cannot have me naked.
Age.
I know you will not be so cruel.
Au.
If there be any, Love be my witness
My heart does harbor none but to my self.
Age.
Take heed; the witness whom you call must
As a Judg condemn you; that Deity
And Hymen both are injured, you tempt
Their power to shew a judgment on you:
But they I fear are partial, making me only feel
Their rage; no, I blaspheme, and they are just
In punishing my pride, that could believe
I merited so great a bliss.
Au.
I melt at this, yielding undoes us both.
I must not stay, dear sir good night.
Age.
An ill and everlasting one,
If thus you leave me.
Au.
What shall I do?
Enter Lady.
Madam, the King hath sent to see if yet you be at rest.
Age.
Ha!
Au:
Tell him I now am going to my chamber
'Twas well, I had been lost else.
Age.
Is't even so? this silence speaks me miserable,
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Au.
Sir, on my knees I beg a pardon for which soever
You condemn; never was heart then mine
More full of love and duty.
Age.
I must not doubt it, but yet—
Au.
Lay by all fears, and let your dreams assure you
Of my faith; ere long, by this, and this, reality
Shall crown your wishes. Pardon me modesty,
I in these kisses only do bestow,
Rather but pay interest for what I owe.
Exit.
Age.
There is division in me; if ever any heart
Did at an instant feel both joy and sorrow,
Sure then I do: No, it is impossible,
How near soever they appear (consider'd) there's succession.
Though this last instant I enjoy'd much bliss,
Yet now I am displeas'd for what I miss.
Exit.
Enter Cleon, Clorinda, Selina, (disguis'd.)
Cle.
Madam, the last of whom I did demand,
Assured me in two hours we might reach the City;
The Forrest is but narrow, as they say,
The way not hard to find.
Clo.
But trust me I am weary,
I can walk no further till I rest.
Cle.
You cannot find a fitter place then this,
My sister and I will watch a distance from you
Whilst you sleep.
Clo.
Indeed I find I need it; my grief and travel
Hath wasted much my spirits. Yet since for thee
Agenor, I should rejoice in't, though my pains
Were greater.
[Lies down.]
Cle.
She does begin to fall asleep,
Sister, let's walk a little further.
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With you whither you please.
Ex. Cleon and Selina
Enter Cleon and Selina (agen.)
Cle.
Hear me, thou fool, with that attention
As thou wouldst do a God that should in speech
Declare his pleasure to thee.
Sel.
What means this?
Cle.
Thou know'st my love unto the Princess,
And I know thine to me hath made thee fondly
Hinder all those opportunities I had to enjoy her.
But now take heed; my passion raised by
These delays unto that height, it knows
No limits: If thou shalt speak, or call
From where I bind thee by all that can be sworn by,
Those sounds direct this dagger to thy heart
Sel.
O you Gods, can so much cruelty
Dwell in your breast? sure Love admits no such
Companion; I was a fool that ever could
Believe it.
Cle.
I shall not greatly study to attain
Your good opinion: If by perswasion
I attain my wishes from the Princess,
Then this shall live; but if I must use force,
Then she must dye, she has a tongue.
Exit Cleon & Selina.
[Wind a Horn within; then enter Cleon.]
Cle.
There's some a hunting in the Forrest;
But by the cry, they make quite from us.
Clo.
O save me, save me heaven!
Cle.
Dear Madam, what affrights you?
Clo.
I had a fearful dream;
My heart beats hard to find a passage out,
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Habitation.
Cle.
What Prince that lives would not receive it
Gladly, and give you his to undergo your fears?
All I dare say, being your servant, is,
Danger shall pierce my heart, before it reach to you.
Clo.
I know it shall; full well thou hast discharged
By thy unwearied care and pains, all that thy sister
Promis'd me in thy behalf.
Cle.
Madam, there's none that serve so truly
As where love is to pay the wages.
Clo.
Love! what do you mean by that?
I understand you not.
Cle.
Nor yet?—
[Discovers]
Clo.
Ha! much less by this; my wonder is increas'd,
Shall I believe my eyes, or ears?
Cle.
Madam, I am to claim a promise:
Behold the truest and most afflicted Lover
That ever beg'd relife, kneeling before you.
Clo.
I must confess my promise was to assist you
In your love; but then, as now, most ignorant
Who was your Mistress.
Cle.
He is not worthy to be held a Lover,
That makes his flame glair in the publike eye,
Troubles the world with complaints: Let such a one
Reap scorn from her he loves, and a cheap pitty
From his hearers. If I must fall through your
Disdain, (for know you are the Saint of my devotion)
A silent grave shall be more glorious in my esteem,
If you in private shed one tear,
Then all the trophies whining Poets
Or repentant love ever adorn'd a hearse with.
Clo.
Your words alone would vanish into common air,
If not made solid by your action.
Cle.
It is some happiness to gain belief,
Add but your pitty.
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My Lord, you have all that's possible for me to give,
Since I have but one heart.
Cle.
But if that heart be sent you back,
You may again dispose it: You see the Prince
Careless of your commands, hath rashly through
Ambition lost himself, but first he forfeited
His obedience to his Mistress; for you confest this day,
You did enjoin a double temperance
Unto his love, and his ambition.
Clo.
For him, as for my self, I must interpret
The irregularity of his actions
To grow from his unlimited affection:
And though I grieve the sad effects, his flight
And my pursuit, I must not love him less;
The power he aimed at, was but to make himself
More capable to serve me.
Cle.
The same end, Madam, hath directed all my actions,
Which you I hope will grant, when I have set
The Crown of Burgony upon your head,
Your right, this arm shall prove against the world.
Clarimant now, for the old King is dead,
Usurps that scepter, the Merchant whom we
Travel'd with assured me.
Clo.
All your discourses have strange wonders in them.
Cle.
Madam, why are you sad at that which should
Rejoice you? What though no subject but my self
Allow your claim? when I am known your servant
And your General, the Boy will be contented
With the Principality of Cyrais,
Rather then venture losing all.
And certain, Madam, 'tis more glorious,
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Then to be made a Queen, at least to wander
Seeking one to do it, who happily
Hath found another that he more esteems:
Clo:
I can no longer bear thy falshoods,
Even thy disguises do discover thee.
Cle.
To be the faithfullest of all your servants, Lady.
Clo.
The falsest that the the sun beholds; touch me not
I command thee.—Ho Selina, where art thou?
Cle.
She will not answer you, I am engaged,
I read disdain and anger in her eyes,
Perswasions will not do, I must try other means.
Clo.
I was to blame to speak so bitterly,
How much his looks are changed!—Selina!
Cle.
In vain you call: Madam, I see neither my sufferings past,
Your promise, or present tender of my service,
Have power to gain your good opinion.
At least consider where you are, give me not cause
By your unkindness, back to reflect upon my own
Advantage, your happiness forgot. I tender you once more
A servant and a husband: Acceptance
Makes me equal to a God in happiness;
If you deny, 'tis in my power to take
A sweet revenge.
Clo.
Revenge, my Lord! I know not what you mean.
Cle.
Certain you do suspect, but I'll inform you fully—
Sure you forget your sex; else you would rather give
Then have me force a pleasure from you.
Clo.
How, Villain!
Offers to embrace her.
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Come Madam, you are mine; I must return kisses,
Embraces for those frowns; nor art, nor force
Can free you from me.
Clo.
Unhand me: Can you believe to scape heavens justice
After an act so foul?
Cle.
So foul! so fair:
Yes, often I do hope to do the same.
She offers to draw his sword.
'Twas well attempted; but now it shall assist
The owner: Yield, or I'll pierce that
Unrelenting heart.
Clo.
Traitor, thou darest not.
[She spits at him.]
Cle.
'Tis true, not kill you, had you done me wrongs
Above what mankind ever suffered:
You cannot move me otherwise then to
Infinity of love; yield but consent,
And be a sharer in my joy.
Clo.
Villain, think of the punishment that does attend thee
Rather, from the just Gods: yet kill me,
And I will pray to heaven for mercy on thee:
Cle.
Your beauty, and my love, both plead against you;
But you may think me cold to talk thus long,
We must remove into a thicker place.
Clo.
Help, help you Gods! murder, treason, help!
Exeunt.
Enter Agenor.
It is impossible this Bore can scape,
Having so many wounds; sure I shall track him
By his blood.
Within, Clo.
Help, oh help! Traitor!
Age.
Ha! 'tis sure a womans voice.
Exit.
Enter Agenor, Cleon, Clorinda.
Age.
Rude slave, how canst thou injure so much sweetness?
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I must not speak, but do.
[Fights]
Clo.
O heavens, 'tis he! guard him, you powers.
Cle.
Hold, oh hold, and hear me!
Clo.
O my dear Lord, believe not ought he says.
Age.
Ha! what voice?
As Age. turns, Cleo. thrusts at him.
Villain, and Traitor both!
Cle.
Oh—
[Dyes]
Clo.
Are you not hurt?
Pardon you Powers, whom I so oft blasphemed
In my despair. Deliverance! and by this hand!
O my joys, you grow too fast upon me.
Age.
'Tis she, the too much injured Clorinda:
Why should I know her, that have so much
Forgot my self and vertue? O my shame!
Clo.
Why hang you down your head? these unbefitting clothes
Nor you nor I should blush at,
Since love did both provide and put them on.
Age.
Your love to me?
Clo.
Ha—My love to you! you cannot think
My heart is capable of other love.
Age.
I wish I could,
For then my falshood had been so much less
Clo.
Dear sir, what is it in me that offends your eys?
Age.
This face, if it have less of beauty,
Yet even that loss, since caus'd by sorrow
For your misfortunes, merits from you more love.
Age.
Nor face, nor habit, dearest Clorinda—but—
Clo.
But what? strangely unkind!
Age.
Oh here, receive this sword, rip up my breast,
And see what's written in my heart; there,
There thou shalt find the cause of this distraction:
Clo.
No jealousie, I hope, nor apprehension
That I have suffer'd rape, my person so
Become unworthy of your love: If either way
Defiled, I should not dare to approach thus near you.
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Then pardon me, divinest Maid, this seeming coldness,
That only grows from my respect to injured vertue
Clo:
How sir! what are you guilty of?
Be it an offence committed against me,
Pardon your self with promise of amends,
And I will seal it on this Princely hand,
That gave so late life to my dying honor.
Age.
O do not touch that hand,
It was too active in your wrongs.
Clo.
Ha! O my fears! I dare not question more
And yet I must, my torment cannot well be greater;
Your hand, this hand; speak, oh speak!
Age.
What?
Clo.
This hand which you so often have approacht
With trembling reverence, mine; this hand
Which to your letters set, assured the free gift
Of your heart to me, hath not presumed to give it
To another sure.
Age.
O yes, this hand hath instrumentally bequeath'd
My heart unto another, with all the ceremonial
Rights of marriage.
Clo.
Married! Oh me! pain, danger, and disgrace,
Fruits of a faithful love; behold your recompence.
[Weeps.]
O men, false men!—Why then these tears? rather revenge:
Such wrongs cry loud, and make a feeble arm
Like mine, heavens instrument of justice.
Age.
Strike where you please; but if you will be just,
Here, this is the seat of falshood, here dwels
The traitor.
Clo.
But hear the miserable—
Offers to kill herself.
Age.
O dearest Clorinda, add not unto my breach
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Could know no spot, but as by me infected.
Clo.
Why do you make shews of repentance,
And yet persist in injuries? You seem to grieve
For having made me wretched, yet force me
To continue miserable.
Age.
'Tis to prevent your misery and mine, that I restrain you:
You had wont to enjoin and teach me temperance,
Remember that.
Clo.
O bid me not remember; 'tis loss of memory
Alone can ease my torments; and 'tis a study,
Since you will have me live, that I must practise:
Age.
Live, and live happily, or else I never can do so:
Live as my friend, my dearest sister.
Clo.
That is a title, had nature framed me such,
I had been happy in. Your brother now, or kinsman,
For I have lost my modesty so far,
Ever to take a womans habit; and whilst I so
Forget my sex, I likewise may forget part of my grief.
Age.
Then as my friend, I will communicate my fortunes
To you; where you will find, though nothing
Worthy of a pardon, yet somthing near a fair
Excuse, if Beauty and a Crown bear estimation.
Clo.
I know you mean your wife: O me, why did
I name her? Be not so weak, my resolution:
I shall discover who I am; so move her hate
Or scorn, and then you will repent my being
Near you.
Age.
I know I never shall.
Clo.
I am no Rival; 'tis sin with passion
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This temperance I shall endeavour, however
I will do no wicked office, or seek to make
Appear her vertue, or her beauty less,
Since they are your excuse, my satisfaction grows
From their excess.
Exeunt
| The Passionate Lover, First Part | |