University of Virginia Library

Sce. 7.

7t h Appearance, the Temple again discover'd an Altar, and one busie placing fire thereon.
Enter Molops bearing the Sagar, then the 4 Slaves, 2 by 2; next the 4 Lords, then 4 Priests; after them Cratander alone, then the King and Queene, next Mandane and Ariene, last the Masquers: they all solemnely goe round the Stage, and having placed themselves, Cratander standing by the Altar, a Priest singes the first song.
1. Priest.
Thou ô bright Sun who seest all,
Looke downe upon our Captives fall.
Never was purer Sacrifice:
'Tis not a Man, but Vertue dyes.

Cho.
While thus we pay our thankes, propitious be;
And grant us either Peace or Victory.

After the Song, Molops delivers the Sagar to Arsamnes, and Cratander kneeles downe at the Altar; then another Priest sings the second Song.
2. Priest.
But thou ô Sun mayst set, and then
In brightnesse rise next morne agen.
He, when he shall once leave this light,
Will make and have eternall night.

Cho.
Good deedes may passe for Sacrifice, ô than
Accept the Vertues, and give backe the Man.

8t h Appearance, the Sun eclipsed, and a showre of raine dashing out the fire.
Whiles the last Chorus is singing, the Sunne appeares eclipsed, &c. After the Song Arsamnes prepares to give the stroke, but is interrupted by the Priest.
2. Priest.
Hold, hold Arsamnes;
Heav'n is not pleased with your Sacrifice.
The glorious Sun hath veyl'd his face in clouds
Not willing to behold it, and the skyes
Have shed such numerous teares, as have put out
The fire though fully kindled.

Atos.
Thou hast now,
The voyce and visage of the Gods, good Priest.
The Heav'ns were never more serene. The Gods
Have justify'd my care, Cratander.

Arsam.
Happy newes,
Death sends thee backe unto us; this comes not
From any humane pow'r; 'tis not my hand
That spares thee, blest Cratander, 'tis some God,
Some God reserves thee unto greater workes
For us, and for thy Country.

Crat.
Being then
You so interpret it, I'le thus divide
That life they lend me, one halfe shall be yours,
The other Ephesus's, that mine Actions
Wearing both Gratitude and Piety,
Like to some well wrought Picture, may at once
Behold both you, and that. 'T shall ne're be said,
The Gods reserv'd Cratander to a crime,
To make him fall more foule.

Arsam.
Thy faith hath beene
So firme and try'd, thy moderation
So stayd, that in a just reward I must
My selfe conduct thee into Greece, and there
Continue thee a King; that what was meant
For sport and mirth, may prove a serious honour;
And thy Three Dayes passe o're into a long
And happy government; to be rul'd by thee
Will be as freedome to them; 'twill not be
Accounted slavery to admit a Prince
Chosen from out themselves: thy Vertues there
May shine, as in their proper Spheare. Let others
When they make warre, have this ignoble end
To gaine 'em Slaves, Arsamnes gaines a Friend.