 | The Jewes Tragedy, or, Their Fatal and Final Overthrow by Vespatian and Titus his Son |  |
Act. II.
Incipit Actus Secundus, Scæna Secunda.
Sound Droms, and enter Vespatian and Titus his Son: Valerio and Nicanor, two Captains, with others.Vesp.
Valerio.
Val.
My gracious Lord.
Vesp.
Since now we are thus happily arriv'd
VVithin Iudea's Confines, March thou
To Galilee, say we offer peace
To Iewries Priests from Romes great Emperor;
But on thy life take heed thou speak us not
In too rough Language: Let thy milder phrase
Sute thy Embassage with a pleasing stile,
Adorn'd with powerful Eloquence;
Yet with such graceful brave aspect, that thou
Eclips not Roman Honor,
The Iews are stout and lofty, therefore Art
Shall give the first Alarum: If they refuse,
Let then our Roman Eagle be displaid
VVith all her sable Feathers, soaring high
O're sad Iudea's desolation.
Val.
My Lord I shall obey.
Exit.
Vesp.
Is the Ammunition safely landed?
Titus.
My Lord it is, and brought from Antioch, within a dayes journey
of Gamala.
16
See it be safely stow'd, and let our Iron Rams be strongly fitted
for the battery.
Ni.
It shall be done.
Vesp.
I'le make this sturdy Nation's greatness stoop
To Romes command, or spend my aged blood
In the Attempt.
See there be store of strong Scaladoes too;
VVe'el force their breaches in despight of death,
And raze their sacred buildings to the ground.
Lead on to Galilee.
Exeunt.
Enter Zareck.
Zare.
To be a piece of walking clay, a thing
VVhose highest happines hath ever been
To keep it self alive, and that life too
Not for it selfe preserv'd, but others; is
To be worse then a Beast; for they
(However miserable in effect)
Yet live contented, void of Reasons eye;
They cannot see nor feel their misery.
To be a man whose wretched life is fraught
As full of fears as minutes, whose calamities
the world laments, and yet not know his plague,
Is to be happy: Why should Nature give
More priviledge to beast then man?
Lives there a Deity whose powerful hand
Moves the great Module of this Vniverse;
And can this be? Soft, Who comes here—Iehochanan—
I will withdraw my self.
Enter Jehochanan.
The Letter shall be writ immediately;
I but the means, the trusty means to send it:
For to begin a work of such importance,
And in the midst, even when the brave design
Grows ripe with action, to be jaded then
Woo'd prove a piece of policy to be
Laught at by School-boyes. VVhat a secret maze
Of hidden danger may the working brain
Securely trade in, if not guided by
The wary judgement! Certainly there is
More crafty wiles and ambiguities
VVithin this secret trade of villany.
Then in the world beside: something must be done
With speed and safety.
Zareck blows the Winde in that Door.
If I reveal the secret to a man
17
I loose my self for ever; and to be
Assur'd in this, is impossible.
Since then the weighty project must depend
Vpon uncertainty, advise Iehochanan
Vpon some secret way, whose circumstances
Bar apparent danger—Stay, that must not be,
To break it to a near Ally,
Were to invite his zealous charity
To countermand the Plot. No—I must find a man
Whose pining carcase wearied out with wo,
Gapes after Gold; there—there must be the pill
To work it.
Zare.
If my genius fail me not, I am the man: I'le shew my self.
[a part.
Iehoc.
Well, I'le about it—ha!
There stands a fellow whose deject Estate
Proclaims him truly wretched; cruel Fate
Looks frowningly upon him: what a troop
Of sorrows muster in his face, and yet
He looks methinks as if a did despise
His present Fortune: I'le try what's in him.
Come hither fellow, why didst thou gaze even now
With such a serious eye on those despised rags?
Za.
Yet these (how e're despis'd) will not afford
A ragged answer to resolve your doubt;
This ruin'd outside may for ought you know
Have a fair inside: Did your Lordship think
That that was tatter'd too:
Why what have you to do to question me?
Should I have ask't your Lordship what even now
Your brains were busied on, you would have call'd
Me sawcy fellow for my pains, I'me sure.
And yet behold, Nature hath been to me
As freely loving in distributing
Her sundry gifts, as she hath been to you;
My Limbs right shap't, my faculties endu'd
With as much vigor as the best of yours;
My thoughts as free; nor is my will confin'd
With streighter limits then anothers is:
VVheres then the difference? Is't because I wear
These ragged Robes? why these do clothe me too;
Yours do no more, nay not so much perhaps;
For these (however poor) yet keep me warm
[apart.
18
I have not seen such boldness in such distress.
[apart.
I'le yet try him further.
Why thou despised wretch, thou pittiful
Patch't piece of misery, made for nothing else
But to be pointed at; thou nasty thing,
Whose noisom savour poisons those that meet it:
How dar'st thou be so impudent?
Za.
But that I do desire to vex thee more,
I would not answer thee:
I dare! did I but know the way to doo't, vex thee to death;
And (for I know 'twill ease thee now to rail)
I'le leave thee to thy self.
About to go out.
Iehoc.
I prethee stay, by this light I do love thee beyond expression.
Za.
How should I know that?
Iehoc.
Do but come back, and I will give thee proof of my affection:
Thy Name?
Comes back.
Za.
ZARECK.
Iehoc.
Take that, and if thou dar'st but do what I command
Thou shalt not want preferment.
Gives him Gold.
Za.
'Tis Gold! If I dare do! if perform not what's in man to do,
Let me be curs't into more misery then I have endur'd.
Jehoc.
Canst thou be secret too?
Za.
I can be any thing.
Jehoc.
Hark then, and take a weighty secret from me,
Thou know'st L. Skimeon?
Za.
Very well.
Jehoc.
Hast heard the time, the manner in each circumstance
Of his late banishment?
Za.
I have.
Jehoc.
And yet thou seest that I have freedom. Now mark:
The fawning Prelates under fair pretence
Of love and liberty, intend my ruine;
My life is aim'd at Zareck.
Which (for they dare not publikely attempt,
Fearing the Commons which on my side stand)
They'le act in private; bur Jehochanan
Will live in spight of all their policy.
Thou know'st the City Gates are slightly kept,
This third succeeding night I have designd
Lord Skimeons entrance with ten thousand men:
This briefly shall acquaint him with the plot
VVrites.
Which thou shalt carry; but as thou lov'st thy life,
Be secret Zareck.
Za.
Silence it self shall not be more my Lord.
Iehoc.
This done, return again with expedition.
16
The Gates, the City-Gates must be surpriz'd.
Za.
Let me alone for that.
Jehoc.
The watchmen must be murder'd Zareck and I fear
Leaft in revealing of the plot to many
We be discover'd.
Za.
Not for a world.
Jehoc.
How then?
Za.
I'le doo't my self.
Jehoc.
Thy self! thou canst not.
Za.
Tush fear not my Lord:
The drowsie watchmen in the dead of night
(void of suspition) will be taken napping.
Jehoc.
Dar'st thou attempt it then alone?
Za.
Rest you secure, if I perform it not
I lose my self, you stand still undiscovered.
Jehoc.
Well, I will build upon thy trusty resolution.
Enter a Messenger.
Jehoc.
To whom thy Message?
Mess.
Vnto you my Lord.
The sacred Priesthood greets you well, and doth command you
muster up your Forces ready to attend their further pleasure.
Iehoc.
It shall be done.
Exit Mess.
Vespatian is at hand, and we have power
To raise our Forces; what a blessed hour
This Message came in! Skimeon let in,
Our Forces joind; the Citizens will turn
to us for fear: Now Zareck play thy parts,
And I will hug thee for thy precious Art.
Exeunt.
Enter Josephus and Captains.
Josep.
What think ye Soldiers, is not Jewry mad
to wage a war with such a potent Prince
Whose territories do extend as far
As Britain, and the Kingdom of the Gauls.
1 Cap.
I fear the factious Commons are seduc't
And gatherhead against the sacred priests.
Josep.
Tis to be fear'd indeed: I wonder much
The Messenger returns not from Jerusalem:
The News is certain that Vespatian means
To give the first assault to us in Galilee;
We must be therefore sudden in our actions:
I muse what good effect our Letters take.
2 Ca.
See here my Lord, the Messenger.
20
Of peace I hope, so it may stand with honor,
Enter a Mess.
thou com'st in happy time, we shall
reward thy pains and care.
Mess.
My Lord, about to deliver your Letters to the sacred Priesthood,
I was prevented by Jehochanan, and dispatcht away with this unto
your Lordship.
Delivers the Letter, and exit.
Josep.
Our Letter's intercepted all's not wel I fear.
Opens the Let. & reads
Josephus, we have received thy Letters, and know not whether we may
question thy wisdom or thy valour; we will at this time censure neither,
but leave them to a further tryal of thy actions: But on thy life take
heed thou treat not with Vespatian for a peace. So fare thou well, or
ill, which thou deservest:
Jehochanan.
Bear witness now with what disdainful scorn
I entertain that title!
Jehochanan thou lyest, and wou'd to Heaven I were
Within the distance of this trusty Blade
to make it good: Death! have I outliv'd my reputation?
1 Cap.
Nay good my Lord.
Josep.
Indeed I trifle time, we have no leisure to be passionate.
You see in what a maze of misery
the State of Jewry stands; if therefore we
Wil prise our Honours, or our Countreys good,
we must with resolution bid defiance to Vespatian.
If we embrace a peace, we raise a war
Amongst our selves, and so we make a breach
For Rome to enter: Hark! hark! Vespatian is at hand:
[Drums beat afar off.
Courage brave Soldiers, let not Romes command
Abate your valours; make speed to muster up your Forces;
to morrow early e're the break of day,
I mean to give them battel.
Exeunt.
Enter an Herauld, and VALERIO with a white Flag; the Herauld summons the town to a parley, is answered; and enter IOSEPH and Captains upon the wall.
Valerio.
To thee the chief Commander of this place,
And to the rest, my Master bid me say
He sends this Flag of Peace, and wills thee pay
the wonted tribute to the Roman-State: this done,
A doth command thy late subjection.
Josep.
Bold Roman tell thy Master we defie
His proud Command; nor will Judea pay
The wonted tribute: Bid Vespatian come
13
Val.
Rebels take heed, if great Vspatian come,
He comes in blood.
Jo.
Proud Roman, tel thy Master, Ioseph scorne
to parley with a meaner then himself;
tell proud Vespatian, that Iudea stands
In equal terms of honour with his Lord.
Val.
Jew, thou't repent this arrogancy.
Io.
Roman, I tell thee, ere this Holy Land
Shall yeild obedience to the Roman yoke,
Ioseph will make the Roman Eagle totter.
Val.
Rebel farewel, when next we meet, I'le try
How well thou canst maintain this bravery.
Exeunt omnes.
Enter Vespatian, Titus and Captains, with Drums and Colours.
Vesp.
How far are we now from Jorpata?
Tit.
Within the distance of a League my Lord.
Vesp.
What think ye Souldiers, shall we be receiv'd in peace?
Nica.
My Lord I doubt it.
Ves.
Well, how ere it be, we are prepar'd.
Tit.
I give to thee the sole Command
Of the right wing; to thee the left, Nicanor.
My self will stand betwixt ye both,
that I may see your equal Valour strive
For equal Honor in the Victory.
Tit.
My Lord—Valerio!
Vesp.
Welcome Valerio, com'st thou in peace?
Val.
My Lord prepare to fight,
the sturdy Citizens intend this night
to bid you battel.
Vesp.
What! are they stil so stout?
By Heaven I'le scourge their pride.
Val.
My Lord, I saw them troop upon the hill,
Not two mile distant: Hark! their Drums do beat,
they march.
Droms beat a far off.
Vesp.
Courage my Roman Souldiers, let me see
this day your brave attempts for Rome and me.
They come: Valerio, make good the Vanguard.
Val.
I shall my Lord.
Enter Joseph and Captains, with Drums and Colours.
Jo.
What mean'st thou Roman, to disturb our peace?
Vesp.
Rebel, I do command thee kneel in Cesar's name.
22
Command thy slaves, for Ioseph scorns to bend
Were Cesar here himself.
Titus.
How's that?
Jo.
Titus I tell thee, Joseph is a Prince,
Deputed for the State of Galilee,
Royal in Blood; and Cesar is no more,
Nor thou so much.
Vesp.
Com'st thou to brave it out bold Jew, with words?
Wee'l shew thee deeds to prove our Honors by,
Draws
And when thou seest our pedegrees made good
Write thou thine own descent in Roman blood.
Drums beat, and exeunt.
They fight within, and enter Titus and Joseph at several doors, they fight: Joseph retires: And enter Vespatian wounded in the Leg with an Arrow.
Titus.
How fares my Father:
Vesp.
Lead me aside Titus, I am hurt.
Exeunt. Leads him out.
Enter Valerio and Nicanor.
Val.
The fight was bravely man'd on either part:
Pray Heaven the General be well.
Nica.
I saw his silver tresses circled round
With troops of Souldiers, till his valiant Son
Bravely reliev'd him.
Val.
The Jewish Captain bravely stood it out,
Even when his ranks had left him:
Didst thou not see him when he was begirt
With troops of Romans, with what brave advantage
A still maintain'd the fight? and then, even then
When death stood gazing on him, and his men
Adjudg'd him lost, through what a bleeding Lane
A bravely made his way, and so escap't?
Ni.
This way a took; come let's pursue the chase.
Exeunt.
Enter Joseph wounded, leaning upon his Sword.
Io.
This way, or that? is't so? then I have caught my selfe, and
must take neither. So—I must obey—
Lye there thou wretched carcass, and prepare
thy self for dissolution. O Heavens! see
the strange desires of base Mortality.
Canst thou desire to live, thou wretched Earth,
23
Beyond expression.
Enter Josephs two Captains.
1 Cap.
This way our Leader took.
2 Cap.
See where he lyes.
1 Cap.
How fares my Lord?
Ioseph.
Even as the Lyon fares,
When strong entangled in the Hunters toil,
A chafes his Royal heart with rage, to see
Himself intrapt.
Cry within, follow, follow, follow.
1 Cap.
My Lord, we are persu'd even at the heels,
Shift for your life.
Ios.
Away and save your selves, my wounds will not give leave.
1 Cap.
Come, we will bear you hence.
Ios.
Your hands, stay:
Within this Vale there is a secret Cave,
Whose private entrance now o'regrown with moss,
Will hardly be discern'd: Lead me to that.
1 Cap.
Happily thought of.
They enter the cave.
Enter Titus, Valerio, Nicanor.
Titus.
'Tis beyond my understanding which way their General hath
scap't us.
Val.
And mine too, my Lord; but sure I am a cannot be far hence:
Nor can a long continue where a is:
Vnless Camelion like a feeds on air.
Ti.
Well, hee's a noble fellow; if thou find'd him Valerio, use him
with equal honor to his worth.
Val.
My Lord I shall.
Ti.
Tell him on the faith of great Vespatians Son,
A shall be gently us'd. So fare thee well, I wish thee good success.
Val.
My Lord I shall obey.
Exit Titus.
What course shall we take now, Nicanor?
Ni.
Troth we may wink and chuse; our first and second course
is all but Sallets: Physick, Physick Valerio, most inexpressible Physick;
why I have walkt my self into such an abstract of abstinence that I
can relish ye the distinct nourishment of the thicker, thinner, and more
refined air, and shall in time, no doubt, attain to the perfection of the
Camelions diet.
Val.
Prethee be serious now,
And lets pursue the search.
16
Content; but by this hand I swear
I will endur't no longer then this night.
Exeunt.
Enter the two Captains out of the Cave.
1 Cap.
Death, I am almost starv'd,
My hungry maw devours my vital blood.
What is to be done?
2 Cap.
To make escape's impossible;
We are begirt with Romans round about.
1 Cap.
Death, shall we dye like Dogs?
2 Cap.
No, in despight of hunger, we will dye like men.
Draws, takes the weapon.
Here, take this weapon, and despatch me first.
1 Cap.
Stay, swear to be constant in the brave performance.
2 Cap.
I do, do thou the like.
Kisses the Sword.
1 Cap.
I vow the same: we are agreed.
And now in honour to our brave farewel,
Wee'l kill our Captain first.
2 Cap.
Content, let's call him out.
1 Cap.
What, ho, Ioseph, come forth, prepare thy self to dye.
(Ioseph comes out with his weapon drawn.
Jo.
Are we discovered?
2 Cap.
Yes, hunger has spy'd us in her grannams den,
And sent her Sister Famine to devour us
Jos.
What means this mad Discourse?
1 Cap.
Know brave Commander, we have cal'd thee out
To lead thy Souldiers in the march of death.
As thou hast liv'd, so thou shalt bravely dye,
thou art the Prologue to our tragedy.
We mean to kill thee; therefore prepare thy self.
Ios.
Villains ye dare nor.
1 Cap.
Dare not—
Offers a thrust at him.
Ios.
Hold—ask counsel first of Heaven, & tel me then
Which of your bold rebellious tongues dare speak
So fowl a word: O ye wretched fools!
Where is that better part of man become,
whose nobler Nature hunger cannot touch,
that can endure to feel the Carcase pine,
Yet scorn to yeild, till by a power Divine
It's summon'd to obey? Lo, where's your valour now?
Lives it within this wretched lump of earth?
Or is it seated in the sacred soul?
O Heavens! have we power to make
the most despised creature breathing here?
And shall our daring hands presume to take
Away the noblest? For shame remember—
17
No more, by heaven we will endure no longer:
Thinkst thou with words to alter our intent?
Come, prepare thy self, for we have sworn.
Ioseph.
Hold—I do consent:
But let me crave a little time of truce
To make my peace with Heaven
2 Cap.
We grant it thee.
Jo. prays apart.
Io.
I am resolv'd to dye:
But ere I do receive the fatal blow,
I do command ye by the sacred tye
Of solemn Oaths, to grant me one request.
1 Cap.
Except thy life and ours, we yeild to any thing.
Io.
I do embrace your offer.
Here, swear on your Honours to perform what I command.
Cap.
We swear to do it.
They swear upon his Sword.
Io.
Since then our dying minutes do depend
upon each others fatal Execution,
to free each person from the bloody guilt
Of wilful slaughter, I ordain by lots,
Each man receive his death:
the manner shall be this.
Our number in the Cave is forty just,
We will unite our selves by two and two,
then cast by lots which couple shall dye first:
the couple first to dye shall likewise cast
Which of them two shall kill his fellow, then
He that remaineth shall make choice of one
Of the next lot to take his life away.
This done, each may in order fairly dye
Without the guilt of wilful butchery.
1 Cap.
We like thy counsel well, make thou the lots,
And let us to the Execution.
they enter the cave.
Enter Nicanor, and Valerio.
Ni.
This search is endless, which way now Valerio?
Va.
Faith even to bed I think.
Ni.
Into what secret angle of the earth
Is this distressed Iew retired?
Va.
Hee's not above ground sure, or if a be,
Hee's metamorphosed to some other shape.
Groan in the Cave.
Ni.
Hark, what noise was that?
Va.
Your fancy sure, I heard no noise.
Ni.
Prethee be still and listen. Hark,
Groan agen.
26
Ni.
Which way came it?
Va.
That way:
Ni.
Let us go soft and listen.
They go soft along, and Exeunt
Enter Ioseph, and his fellow with weapons.
Cap.
Why dost thou lead me out?
Io.
To kill thee if thou make resistance, thou fool—
Canst thou beleeve that Ioseph means to dye
Without his Makers leave?
Curst be that hand that dares be lifted up
Against the power that made it,
Even by that sacred power, whose awful name
I dare not utter, tis not I fear to dye,
But to offend so great a Majesty:
Cap.
Tush I will not hear thee, prepare thy self to fight,
I am resolvd to dye.
Io.
Be wise thou wretched man, and do not fool
thy life away, remember who I am
that hath preserv'd thee in the lot with me,
Beware thou tempt me not too far,
If thou resist me, by all thats good, I vow
to kill thee, and preserve my self.
Cap.
Thou hast prevaild, do with me what thou wilt,
Io.
Retire we then into the Cave agen, lest we be discovered.
They enter the Cave.
Enter Valerio and Nicanor agen following.
Ni.
By this light Ile follow thee no further.
Va.
Prethee be patient lets but search this vale,
And on a Romans word we will retire,
Didst thou not hear it since?
Ni.
No, or if I did I woo'd not tell thee so,
For fear we amble out another night:
But sure I am we are not far remote
From whence we heard it first:
Va.
There's surely some enchantment in this place,
I will enquire the cause:
What ere thou art that in this shady grove
Do'st shroud thy self from sight, whose dismal voice
Declares the story of some sad distress.
Be thou infernal feind confined here,
To dwell in darkness for a thousand year,
Or be thou some sad soul enforc't to dwell
27
Or be thou Goblin, Fairy Elf or Hag,
Or Witch in shape of wolf that lov'st to drag
Poor infants to the den; what ere thou be
If thou have power to speak, I charge thee answer me.
Jo.
If thou wilt tye thy self by solemn vow.
Speaks in the Cave.
Not to discover me. I will declare
Both who, and where I am:
Ni.
Art thou there old boy?
Val.
Tye me to any thing but that, and I will grant it thee,
And swear to doo't.
Jo.
Art thou a Roman?
Va.
I am.
Io.
Swear then to bring me safe unto Vespatian.
Va.
By all the gods I will:
Io.
Tell me thy name,
Va.
Valerio.
Io.
Make now a Covenant 'twixt thy self and me,
That what thou hast protested may appear
Vnder thine hand and seal.
Write that thou wilt conduct both me and mine
In safety to thy Lord Vespatian.
Writes, and reaches it to him on the end of his Lance, and then Io. and the Capt. comes out.
Va.
To give thee satisfaction I will doo't:
Where art thou now?
Io.
Here.
Opens the Cave.
Doo'st thou not know me Roman?
Va.
Art thou that brave Commander of the Iews,
Whose Martial Prowess Rome doth so admire?
Ios.
Lo I am he brave Roman that have stood
The furious shock of my distressed fate;
Behold me now, and whilst thou lookst upon
This lump of earth captivd to thee and Rome,
Know then that Ioseph dares, but cannot dye,
Our sacred Law forbids such cruelty.
Va.
By all the tyes of a true Roman word,
Thou art nobly welcome.
Ni.
Welcome to us both.
Io.
To both my equal thanks.
N.
Where are the Souldiers that escaped with thee?
Io.
Dead all, save this, whom I desire you both
To favour as my special friend, and one
Whose valour may deserve your love:
The circumstances of the others loss
We will refer untill some fitter time.
28
Let it be so.
Come my brave Souldier, great Vespatians son
Will joy to see thee safe.
Exeunt.
Sound Musick, and enter a Dumb Shew. Vespatian and Titus two Souldiers follow bearing a Crown, Vespa. conferreth with Titus, then enter Valerio and Nicanor with Ioseph and the Cap. they present Ioseph to Vespa. Ioseph kneels, a Vespatian and Titus imbrace him, Valerio and Nicanor whisper with the Souldiers, take the Crown of them, and present it kneeling to Vespatian, he refuseth twice, they draw and force him to ascend and take it; Titus kneeleth, Vespatian imbraceth him: Ioseph takes leave of Titus and the rest, and exit with Vespatian, and the Captains consult, and exeunt at the other doors.
Chorus.
Romes great Commander, Nero, lately dead,
Behold, now good Vespatians aged head
Enjoyes the Diadem, conceive him now
Ariv'd at Rome there with a solemn vow
Of bloody war, he raiseth fresh supply
to aid his valiant son in Galile:
Ioseph is sent to Rome by Cesars son,
there lives a captive till the wars begun
Against Ierusalem, mean time we pray
Let pleasing musick charm the time away.
Finis Actus Secundus.
| The Jewes Tragedy, or, Their Fatal and Final Overthrow by Vespatian and Titus his Son | |