 | The Phaenix In Her Flames |  |
Actus Quartus.
The King, Alecto.King.
VVe heare ill newes, Alecto, Perseus
Hath pass'd his Armie over Euphrates
And marches through our Country, all the spoile
That can be us'd in warre his Souldiers practise,
All the hostility that can be thought off,
As burning houses, robbing Villages,
Committing Sacriledge, deflowring Maids,
Ravishing Women, murthering the Men,
And diverse other outrages besides:
Come let us march, I make you Generall
Of one part of my Army, t'other part
I will command my selfe, our subjects cries
Are come already home unto our Court;
Beat Drummes, sound Trumpets.
Enter a Lord attendant.
Lord.
Royall Sir there is
A Herauld now arrivi'd unto the Court
Sent from the Generall of the Persian armie,
Who craves he may deliver what in charge
Was given him by the Prince.
King.
He shall be heard,
Admit him to the presence.
Speake your businesse.
Herauld
Then this it is my soveraigne Lord and Prince,
Demands surrender of the faire Lucinda
Th' Egyptian Princesse his betrothed love,
Vpon whose person in your Kingdome here,
There was a rape committed; if she be not
Return'd unspotted in her reputation,
And all her goods, her gold and pretious jewels
Restor'd, and a full satisfaction made
Vnto the utmost do it, he vowes by heaven
To lay Arabia wast, untill it be
Reduc'd unto a wildernesse, and made
A habitation for the forlorne Owle,
The Bat, and other birds of dismall night,
That shun and hate th'appearance of the light.
King
Tell Perseus we doe not doubt his power,
But dare his utmost malice, and because
We would not have him live in ignorance,
Give him to understand that we know nothing
Of what befell the Princesse, and this is
The first time that we heard it; for the wrong
He doth us in invading of our land,
Without just cause, he shall be answerable:
So much informe thy master.
Exit Herauld.
Herauld
'Tis my duty.
King
This is strange newes, Alecto is it not?
The Souldans daughter rap'd, and we not know it
Till now, and yet done in our kingdome too?
How should it be? let us consider of it;
I now have found it, and 'tis probable.
How thinke you? may it not be by the theeves
That live among the desarts? so it is
Vpon my life, for that way she must passe
To travell into Persia, and we know
Their strength too well: these villaines in this warre
Heaven looke upon us, for we stand in danger,
Between a forraigne and domesticke foe:
We saile between the rockes, the shelves, the shores
Of Scylla and Charibdis, yet we may
Escape those dangers, if th' immortall Gods
Commit the ballance to Astrea's hands,
To weigh our causes; let our fortune be
According to our right, and we agree.
Exeunt.
Amandus, two of the thieves.
Amand.
Now fellow souldiers, since you have committed
This place of Captaine to me, and submitted
Your selues to my command, I must reduce you
Into another way, another forme,
Another course of life more honourable,
And make you worthy of that glorious title
And attribute of souldier, which as yet
You but usurpe and wrongfully apply
Vnto your selves: I doe assure you this,
You shall not have occasion to complaine,
Or to repent the change.
1
Sir, you shall mould us
Into what forme or fashion you please.
2
Our mindes shall be as soft and tractable
To your commands, as Virgin waxe unto
Th'impression of the seale.
Amaand.
Then I will give you documents of warre,
And rudiments of martiall discipline.
But first you must shake off unworthy thoughts,
And sticke to vertuous actions, ere you can
Rightly attaine this knowledge, you must not
Seeke by unlawfull meanes to gather wealth,
Or to extort by violence and wrong,
What doth not rightly appertaine to you.
You must not rob poore passengers, nor take
Them prisoners on their way, you must forget
And put on other habits which may suit
This our profession.
1
But then how shall we
Subsist and live?
Amand.
I'le tell you how you shall
More rich then ever, and yet honestly
And honourably too.
Enter Col. and Gentleman.
What newes my friends?
Colon.
Strange unexpected newes we have receiv'd,
The Persian army is at hand, and ready
To enter in the desarts, and are marching
In hostile manner to th' Arabian Court,
Burning and spoyling all the land before them.
Amand.
But can you understand what mov'd the Persian
To enter into warre against the King,
And to invade his Country?
Gentle.
'Tis because
He was inform'd, though falsly, that the rape
On faire Lucinda was committed by
The Kings command, and she detain'd at Court.
Amand.
How came you Sirs by this intelligence?
Gent.
We had it from a prisoner, which our men
Tooke of the Persians, who it seemes, is one
Of the fore-riders of the camp.
Amand.
Here's worke,
And brave employment for you, here you can
Get wealth and honour too, and doe your King
And Country service: here's boot enough,
Winne it and weare it; now courage my hearts.
Enter the third theefe.
3
Sir, from the top of yonder lofty mountaine,
The sentinell discovers dust to rise
Drums beating of a march, and trumpets sounding,
Which makes us doubt an army.
Amand.
Let them come,
Wee'l stand upon our guard for to receive them,
Yet wee'l doe things discreetly too, and not
Give battell rashly, for the Persian army
Is rich and mighty, not for us to deale with
But upon great advantages: attend
My words, we'll lye close in our ambuscadoes
Vntill we heare the vantguard of their army,
And battell is march'd by, then on the reare
We will fall on, and fercely give the charge
Vpon the narrow passage, so before
The vanguard and the battell can assist,
We shall cut of their baggage, and retire
With all our wealth into the Caves and Mountaines
Safe from the strongest forces of the world;
I'le bring you on and off with honours Sirs.
All 3
Goe one brave Captaine with successe, and we
In all thy bould attempts will second thee.
Exeunt
After a flourishing charge, enter againe with much wealth.
Amand.
Now fellow souldiers is not this more honorable,
And profitable too? to beate an army,
Then to oppresse poore pilgrimes, and the like,
Who travell for devotions sake unto
The tombe of famed Mahomet at Mæcha?
Sure you must needs confesse it.
1
We extoll
And magnifie this change of discipline.
2
and will conforme our selves to any thing
You shall command us.
3
Yea so much we love,
And honour your brave spirit and resolution,
As these your fathfull friendes shall not more close
Then we, whom you have honour'd with the name
Of your poore souldiers.
Amand.
My kinde thankes to all:
Now for this wealth which we have purchased
With glory to our selves, I will distribute
And equally divide it 'mongst you all:
As for my part, I will not take one denier,
But freely give it you in recompence
Of your good service.
All 3
Wee'l not yeeld to this,
All shall be yours, our lives too at your service,
And we beseech you take it.
They offer him the wealth, he refuseth it.
Amand.
'Tis a meed
Due to your valours, therefore I command you
Enjoy it freely: now I must acquaint you
Further with my intentions, which shall be
To raise your fortunes, and procure your good.
In briefe, I doe resolve forthwith to send
A messenger unto th' Arabian King,
Your native Lord, to offer in his ayd
All our assistance 'gainst the Persian Prince,
And to come over to him with proviso,
That he shall pardon, and no more remember
The trespasses you did commit against him:
Which he will willingly embrace, I know,
And more besides, bestow preferments on you,
Endeer'd the more unto us by affection
For this our service, which serves as a prologue
To usher in our welcome: condescend you
To this I doe propose?
1
With willing hearts.
2
And count it a religious piece of service
To helpe our King and Country.
Amand.
I am glad
And rudenesse of your nature: but where is
The faire Lucinda, and old Consolario?
Enter Lucinda and Consolario.
Faire Lady, welcome, you have made this place
Poore by your absence.
Lucind.
But you have enricht it
With your faire presence Sir.
Amand.
I'm sorry Lady
That we must part so soone: the Prince of Persia
Is come to fetch you with a mighty army,
Who claimes you as his wife, therefore in justice
And conscience too, we cannot hold you from him:
You shall have all that is your owne, and more,
Wee'l wait upon you as becomes the state
Of such a mighty Princesse, with a guard
To safe conduct you to the Persian campe.
How is your minde dispos'd?
Lucind.
Vnkinde Amandus,
More cruell farre then proud Narcissus was
Vnto the constant Nymph that lov'd him so,
More salvage hearted then the boy Adonis,
That scorn'd the love of Venus, these were never
Halfe so belov'd as you, yet will you leave me
To dye in your disdaine, and put me over
To him I cannot love? unkinde Amandus!
Amand.
Sweet Lady, thinke I doe preferre your good
Before mine owne, misconstrue not my words,
For I doe speake this for your great advantage,
If you conceive me rightly, but we will not
Force you to any thing against your will:
I'm sorry that you will participate
Our evill fortunes, and refuse to live
The Persian Empresse, 'twas for this I did
Perswade you unto what I did.
Lucind.
O let me
In nature of your wife, yet I beseech you
Respect me as your handmaid, who's still ready
To waite on your commands.
Amand.
You do confound me
And make me blush to heare so great a Princesse
To speak to me in such an humble key,
Who do confesse my selfe your lowly vassaile;
And since you're bent so much to wrong your selfe
And to forget your state, my life shall stand
'Tweene you and danger; Madam you have heard
Our resolution to assist and helpe
Th' Arabian King against the Prince of Persia;
Will you goe over with us?
Lucind.
Where you goe
There doe I bend my journey.
Amand.
Consolario
I must dispatch you to the Arabian King
About this businesse, wherein I'le instruct you
Particularly more before you goe.
Consol.
My faith and care shall not be wanting in
The trust you shall commit unto my Charge;
How I may doe you service is my study.
Amand.
So then al's done but this, to crave you hand
And lead you wheresoee'r you shall command.
exeunt.
Enter the Persian and the Embassadour of Ægypt.
Perseus
So let this most inhospitable Land
Suffer our wrath, so let the whippe of warre
Inflicted on this countrey by our hand
Lash them severely that have violated
The lawes of Nations, and therein committed
What even the base Barbarians hate to thinke off;
Now let the speedy messenger of death
The king of weapons, call'd the sword unsheath him
And drinke his fill in bloud, let every souldier
Freely enjoy his pleasure, make his pillage
We will no longer now suppresse our fury
But let it burne unto full height, the cries
Of ravish'd Maids and Virgins shall no more
Enter our eares, the humble supplications
Of undone Orphants shall not move my pitty,
So much I am incens'd against the King.
Embassad.
I would divert you from this cruelty
Great Prince if you would heare me, and alleage
Some reasons too to fortifie my speech,
First, tis a beauteous country, and the world
I thinke not parralels it, next you do
Intend it for a conquest, will you spoile
So sweet a habitation, and lay waste
A seate will make you proud to be enthorn'd in?
If this be not sufficient to induce you
To spare the rodde of vengeance, let respect
Vnto your Princely fame with-hold your hand;
What sordid blot, what foule aspersion can
More taint the candid honour of a Prince
Then tyranny upon poore seely wretches:
You know as much my Lord, and histories
Show many foule examples of such tyrants
Whose names live in reproach to these our times:
But Sir have you receiv'd the newes? my mind
Was bigge to bring it forth, before your speech
Hindered the birth.
Perseus.
Newes I heare none but that
The fearefull King dares not fight a battle,
We must enforce him to it, or pursue him
As greedy grey-hounds do the heartlesse Hares,
Till we have tane his Crowne and Life away;
Now what is that you heare?
Embassa.
Quite contrary
To what you last diliver'd for they say
He is prepar'd to fight, and with his army
Meanes speedily to seeke you, all the theevee
That in your passage through the desarts did
Vnto their King, and serve him in this war;
His force is much augmented, and you're like
To to have a speedy triall of your fortune.
Perseus.
And after that a speedy strong possession
Of all this Kingdome, I am confident
That with our breathes we shall destroy them all
Powr'd forth in anger, our great multitudes
Will scater them as Wolves a flock of Sheepe,
Suppose his army doth amount unto
Some fifty thousand men, which is the most
His strength can raise, our army doth exceed it
By halfe the number put away our horse,
Whose gallantry is spoaken of by all
The Nations of the World, and held to be
The best for service in the universe:
Can he resist our Force? or the Arabian
Stand up against the Persian in a battle?
Speake your opinion.
Embassa.
Sir you know the chance
Of warre is doubtfull, and plum'd victory
Doth oftentimes deceive great expectations,
Besides dame fortune is a fickle Lady
We know not how to trust her, but if things
Be justly carryed with an equall hand,
If iugling be not us'd amongst the fates,
Tis evident your army must o'recome,
But judge we cannot till we see th'event.
Perseus.
We doubt not nor despaire of the successe
But from this talke, I have beene oftentimes
Resolv'd to aske you, but till now forgate
What might be gather'd hence that faire Lucinda
Your Princesse, in this time of her restraint
Sollicites nothing for her liberty
Nor writes a word unto us of her state,
We heare she lives at the Arabian Court.
Embassa.
I heare so too, and worthily entreated
According to her birth and high degree.
This makes me to admire, nay to suspect
The streame of her affection is diverted
Another way, and holds no constant course,
It must be so, else being so entertain'd
And high respected in all points of honour
Would any man conjecture, that the King
Would hold her 'gainst her will, if she desir'd
To come unto us, now she hath forgate us,
And may be too, her honor and good name,
Then we are grosse abus'd, fool'd with a match
And must be full reveng'd; I have no patience,
My Lord Embassadour doth your opinion
Goe hand in hand with mine?
Embassa.
Then I should be
A traytor to my King; dare I presume
To thinke the Princesse should destaine her honour?
Farre be it from my thoughts, Sir I must tell you
You are too rash in passing such a censure,
And your too unadvised tongue exceeded
The decent bounds prescrib'd him not to touch
A Princesse reputation.
Perseus.
Thou durst as well
Have eaten fire, as utter'd these bold words,
If twere not for the lawes that are observ'd
Betweene all Nations, that Embassadours
Be well intreated, this great priviledge
Hath brought forth this presumption; know your selfe
And how farre you may goe, else I shall be
Though loath, a breaker of the antient custome.
Embassa.
Sir, I'm commanded not to be in place
Where I shall heare my King, or any branch
Sprung from that royall stock traduc'd in fame,
But to make answer roughly, not to stand
A silent auditour, or a dumbe statue,
Without or sence or motion.
Perseus.
I commend thee
Old man, and love thee for it, we will be
Soone reconcil'd, and will lay the fault
And choler of old age; now our affaires
Call us to fight a batell, all my thoughts
Must be imploy'd in this, whereby I shall
With glory rise, if not with honor fall.
Exeunt.
The King, Lucinda, Phænicia.
King.
Now whilst the trumpets sound, drums beat alarm,
The cannons roare, the armyes joyne and charge,
(Which sometimes were the musicke we delighted)
Must old Arabia lay his armes aside,
And sit at home with Ladyes by command
Of natures law although his life and crowne,
Lye at the doubtfull hazard of the day:
Heaven blesse our armye, we that cannot fight
Will send our prayers up to the Gods for aide,
And wake there sleeping justice with our cries:
Great Princesse you are sad to see us so
And of your silken disposition seeme
To have a fellow feeling of our sorrow,
Cheere up, we doe bescech you, and deere daughter
Be joyfull too, we shall have good successe
My better Genius tells me.
Lucinda.
Who commands
Great King your army 'gainst the enemie?
King.
The valiant Prince Amandus, whom at length
We did perswade to take that charge upon him.
Lucind.
Then be assur'd the victory is yours,
For all thinges prosper under his conduct.
Phænic.
Madam you doe revive our dying spirits
With wordes of comfort, happy time that made us
Enjoy your conversation, blest occasion
That brought the noble Prince unto our ayd
Whom heavens defend from danger and returne
Home safe conquerour cround with victory.
King.
Here comes a Lord with newes, what tidings bring you?
To wether side doth victory encline,
And bend her flight?
Lord.
t'is doubtfull yet my Lord
Where she will light, she hovers in the aire
Vncertaine where to rest her, sometimes ready
To light upon the prince his white pavilion,
Sometimes upon the Persians; had we not
Fought at such disadvantage as we doe,
The glory of the day had not so long
Betweene us beene disputed: never was
An army better order'd for a battell,
Then ours is by the Prince, who in his person
Doth wonders in the field, breakes through their troops
And strong battalions, when oppress'd too much
Wisely retraits with honour: hard's the fight
That is between them, and the issue stands
Yet in suspence.
King
We must attend more newes,
Another Lord intelligencer comes.
Enter another Lord.
How speeds the battell?
Lord
Sir, it was endanger'd
On our side when I left it for the mighty
And strong brigadoes of the enemy:
Brake the battalion of the Duke Alecto,
And charg'd quite through the body of that squadron
Where he himselfe commanded, if he be
Alive or dead, escap'd or taken prisoner,
I have no certaine knowledge.
King
Then our army
Is halfe defeated, for Alecto doth
Command as great a part as Prince Amandus:
But let me not despaire, untill we heare
The utmost tryall.
Enter a third Lord.
Lord
Long live mighty King,
The Prince hath wonne the field, redeem'd the Duke
Out of the hands of death, and when the battell
In all mens judgement was supposed lost,
He by his valour, and his wisedome both,
By none but by the mountaneers assisted,
Recover'd it againe, and tooke the prey
Out of the Persians jawes, routed their troops,
Brake their battalions, and reduc'd their order
Into confusion, fighting hand to hand,
He brought the Persian Prince unto his mercy.
And tooke him prisoner, then the Persians fled,
And we pursu'd them; great the slaughter is,
And infinite the riches that is tane
In costly plate and jewels, gold and silver
Was never a more braver overthrow.
Each common souldier now is like a Captaine,
With scarlet hose, buffe coat, and tossing feather.
There's no distinction in their habits seene.
King
Thanks to the gods for this our victory,
Next, to their instrument Damascus Prince,
Three times a day wee'l smoake your sacred altars
With sweet perfumes, and come with adoration
To offer to your shrines, three times a night.
The Priest shall sprinckle o're with bloud of beasts
Your sacred places, and with zeale performe
The ceremonie of your sacrifices.
Enter the first Lord againe.
Lord
The Prince Amandus, and the Duke Alecto
Are come in triumph wich their prisoners,
And wait your royall pleasure.
King
Pray them from us
They would be pleas'd to enter.
Amand.
Vnto your kingly hands I here present
The Prince of Persia prisoner, what the chance
Of warre hath made me master of: I freely
Give unto your possession, all the wealth
Is gotten in this Persian overthrow,
And I am glad my fortune did present
Occasion to me, whereby I have shown
Vnto your Majesty, my love and service.
King
Victorious Prince, sent to us from the gods,
(Whom we may terme the patron of our Country)
Thy same reward thee fully, for we cannot;
Let the shrill trumpet of thy vertues blaze thee
Throughout the world, let monuments be rais'd,
And trophies built to speake thy living praise.
Let every piece and picture made of thee,
Be gaz'd upon by mens adoring eyes,
And this thy conquest crown'd with Lawrell boughs.
Prince Perseus welcome, we receive you now
I know a most unwilling guest, you shall not
Be entertain'd beneath your royall state,
Although our prisoner by the fates decree.
Please you salute these Ladies, one of them
I doubt not but you know.
Perseus.
The faire Lucinda,
salutes her.
But who's the other that so faire out-shines her,
As diamonds glasse.
aside. salutes Phænicia.
That lovely touch hath fill'd
My veynes with a new fire, and quite put out
The former flame within me.
also aside.
Embas.
Madame, I crave the honour for to kisse
Your Highnesse Princely hands.
Lucind.
My fathers servant
And trusty subject, sent in his affaires
We shall have private time to talke at large
Of our affaires.
King
My royall guests I feare
We keepe you from your rests, whose wearied bodies
Would faine enjoy the benefit of sleep,
Toil'd with the sweating labour of the day:
Please you to walke, wee'l shew you to your lodgings.
Exit King, then Perseus leading Lucinda, Amand. Phænicia
Phænicia
You grace me Sir.
Amand.
Madame, I understand
No honour like to this, to kisse your hand.
Exeunt.
Amandus at one doore, Phænicia at another they meet.
Amand.
Most faire and beauteous Princesse,
My thoughts did tell me as I lay abed,
There was a wonder to be seene this morne,
A Sunne whose glorious beames eclips'd Apollos
As much as he doth Cinthias, she the starres.
I finde they were no lyars, for behold
I see it verifi'd, my gazing eyes
Are come to blesse, and to adore your rise,
Phænicia.
Faire Prince, it was some false suggesting dream
Abus'd your sleep, and wrong'd your expectation.
You finde not what was promis'd, though your wit
Would faine excuse the leaving of your bed
So soone for nothing: doe you use to stirre
So early in a morning?
Amand.
Seldome Madame.
But if such Nymphs attend Auroras traine,
I'le hate to be a fluggard, and more often
Frequent this place, the garden of delight.
Phænic.
You are not like another time to jeere me
For early rising.
Amand.
Nay, faire Princesse leave not
This good and wholesome exercise, the graces
Will dye for sorrow then, the mounting Larke
Will not reade o're his mattens, nor the Thrush
Warble forth ditties with delightfull throat:
To chant and charme the hearers of her songs;
And all the other winged choristers
Will hang the head, and weep in silent teares,
If faire Phænicia grant no audience:
Harke how they doe salute you, every one
Striving to passe, and to excell the other
In sweet harmonions notes to please your eares:
O what a consort's this! if you but marke it,
There is a certaine mutuall emulation
Amongst these pretty birds, whose musick's sweetest,
Hath attracted most your kinde attention,
Proud to be overheard by beauties Queen.
Phæn.
Sir, you have learn'd a pretty art indeed,
To understand the languages of birds,
And tell their meanings: I have read of some
Could well interpret that way, but beleeve not:
You use it row in a poeticke sence,
And so I take it, I should make another
Construction of their singing that they chide me,
And say I am not modest to adventure
Alone without my Maids into the garden.
The wronged Philomela most of all
Vrgeth her griefe, and bids me take example
Of her too much credulity of man:
I was to blame to come so weakely guarded
I must confesse, nor would I change a word
With any other man besides your selfe
Alone in such an houre, so much I trust
Your vertue noble Prince, and worthy thoughts.
Amandus
My humblest thankes for this high priviledge
Bright goddesse that you daign me, let my lips
Pay dutious tribute to your lilly hands
I doe beseech you
Kisses her hand.
Phænc.
Sir I now leave you,
For feare I should be miss'd, and so fall under
The censure of black tounges, which take delight
To spot the reputation of a maide;
Even of the least suspition, yet I must
Dispence with my returne a little longer
To doe one freindly office in behalfe
Of a distressed Princesse, you may guesse
The scope of my intent in these few words.
Amand.
Who doe you meane, the faire Lucinda Madam?
Whose angry stars made so unfortunate,
As to bestow her love on me unworthy,
Whose state is such, as that I cannot make
Reciprocall returne of her affection.
Phænic.
I must impute that to your cruell nature,
(Pardon me Sir) and to no other cause,
Else what should make the Princesse so contemn'd?
Is beauty wanting? no the envious 't wretch
That breathes this ayre, must be inforc'd to say,
Her portion's large that way, the curious 't eye
Can see no blemish her beanteous face,
Is youth decay'd then? no, 'twere sinne to thinke it,
For flowers and Roses spring up in her cheeks,
Halfe white, halfe red, most purely intermixt.
Is vertue banish'd? O me thinks my tongue
Profaned is for asking such a question
So much improbable! will you alledge
She is not great enough in birth or fortune?
That will not stand in law, for 'twill be prov'd
She is the greatest Princesse of the world;
If beauty, youth, vertue, and high descent
Accompany her greatnesse: what is more
To be required in a princely Bride?
Amand.
I grant it Madam, that she comes not short
Of what you speake her, but abounds in all
Perfections of the body and the minde,
But yet this cannot binde me to become
Disloyall to the Saint, whose temple was
Long since erected in this heart of mine,
Before I saw Lucinda, J'le adore
No other goddesse in my thoughts but she,
I know your vertue's such, as not to urge
(My reasons thus reveal'd) a thing unlawfull:
O no, you hate to further such a suit,
Faire Princesse, so unjust.
Phænic.
Would I were she
He loves with such devotion, but alas
I doe despaire my fortune.
aside.
I have done.
Farre be it from my thoughts to make a breach
Of love and loyalty between two hearts,
Vnited in themselves; but since J have
Made this discovery, I beseech to know,
(Pardon a womans curiosity)
The Mistresse of your thoughts, J must not be
The second time deny'd.
Amand.
You doe impose
Such a command upon me, as I know not
If I shall more offend to disobey
Your will in saying nothing, or in uttering
What you will have me speake; if it displease you,
The fault is yours, not mine, for I had beene
Content to smother up my woes in silence;
Know then, sweet Princesse, that J lov'd as soone
As fourteene yeeres crept on upon my age,
A beauteous picture, such as rare Apelles
Durst ne're presume for feare, to imitate,
Lest he should come farre short, and shame himselfe:
I serv'd this shadow with a zealous heart,
Sixe yeers, but yet the heavenly substance knowes not
How much I suffer'd for her love so long,
J dare proceed no further.
Phænic.
Come, you must
Vnfold this darke Ænigma, I doe long
To heare your story to the end; but if
You be so modest, let me see the picture,
And I'le dispence the trouble of your speech.
Amand.
Madame 'tis yours, to doth the blushing morne
When Phæbus doth salute her, wonder not
Admired Godesse that I am so bould,
To court a beauty doth deserve the stile
Of more then mortall, love compell'd me to
This high presumption, and confirm'd me in it
By telling that his mother lov'd a mortall,
Iuno and Pallas did the like, he swore,
Yea chast Diana though she were so coy,
Cupid wil be depos'd upon the booke
Would sport in private, upon Latmus top,
With faire Endimion once a shepheards boy;
Descend a little from your heavenly state,
And looke upon a wretch, who layes his life
Now at your mercy; can you grant me love
And life, divine Phænicia.
Phænic.
Noble Prince,
My tounge can now not found the negative,
Although I faine would, for my heart commands
That instrument of speech who in this thinge
Is all affirmative; I never could
Dissemble what I thought, and therefore tell you
I'm yours, if you be mine, so firme united
Vnto your love as death shall not disslove
The gordian knot is ty'd betweene us two:
But Sir we doe forget our selves to stay
So long together here, suspitious eyes
Will overlooke our actions, and I feare
Alectos malice and his jealousie,
See where he passes by, we are discover'd,
Come let's away, next meeting shall conclude,
If fates doe say amen, loves interlude.
Exeunt.
The Prince of Persia, Lucinda, the Embassadour.
Perse.
Madam we heare you're fallen of from us
In your affection, and preferre Amandus
In your best thoughts before the Persian Prince,
Lucind.
I'le lay the fault (if any be) on Love,
Chide him not me; I was obliged to
The valour of Amandus for my life
And honour, when they both endangered were
By fierce Rapinus, was not this a tye
To make me love him?
Perse.
Yes but not so much
To doate upon him as I heare you doe,
Your reputation I must tell you Lady
Suffers reproach & scandall and herein
You undergoe, the censure of bad tongues
Which will not cease to blaze you.
Lucind.
Sir you are
A most unworthy Prince to tax my fame,
I never thought you other, though I were
Enforc'd to entertaine your love embassage,
My heart ne're condescended to my jeurney,
For fame had told me what you were though rich
In the externall fortunes of the world,
Yet poore in the internall faculties
And vertues of the mind, which do adorne
A Prince more then his greatnesse; I disclaime
All interest you can or may alleage
In my affection, for I scorne the man
Shall question my good name.
Perse.
This doth confirme
Your foule disloyalty, your owne tongue almost
Tels me you have beene false, I do believe it,
Else would you not have broake your plighted faith,
Nor staid with poore Amandus when you might
Come over unto me without disturbance;
Is he to be put in scale with me?
An exile banish'd from his native home,
A poore distressed Pilgrime? what although
He were sometimes Damascus petty Prince,
He now is but a begger, and at best,
When most he flourish'd in his state and fortune,
And could you be so prodigall of love
And favours on this man, as to adventure
The shipwrack of your honour and your oath,
The high displeasure of the King your Father,
And your perpetuall ruins? I am glad
The match is broaken off, and by your meanes,
I am not guilty of the breach of faith.
Were you endow'd with both the Indies wealth
And were the daughter of great Alexander,
Were you ten times more faire then you are,
By al the gods we worship and adore,
I would not marry you to weare a Crowne
Acteon should lay claime too; Perseus bed
I trow, deserves to have a Maiden-head.
Offers to goe out the Embassadour staies him.
Embassa.
Stay, in the mighty Souldans Name my King
I do defie thee unto mortall warre
For this base wrong, and foule contagious spot
Thy leprous mouth hath vomited against
The Princesse reputation, looke to be
Call'd to a strict accompt for this abuse.
Perse.
I do not feare thy King, but sleight his force
As weake and feeble to incounter mine
He durst not looke our country in the face
In angry armes, we are more apt and likely
To enter on his confines with an army.
Lucinda.
And be taken prisoner, valiant Prince,
As in this Country with so small a force;
You'ave reason sure to boast your mighty power
Tis so redoubted by your wit and valour,
Experience showes it.
Perse.
Lady of lost honour
Your jeering cannot patch your broaken credit,
I will divulge you, and your Fathers Kingdome
Shall pay the wrong you did me, so farewell.
exit Perseus.
Iust heavens beare witnesse of mine innocence,
And cleare me of this foule aspersion which
This villaine casts upon me undeserved,
If I have plaid false, let the greatest plagues
You can inflict fall on mee, let the earth
Gape and devoure me, let your thunderbolts
Light on my head, and strike me to the center,
But if I'm guitlesse (as you know I am)
Returne your plagues on him that is the authour
Of those my wrongs, and let him justly suffer
The utmost of your rage, that by his fate
The world may know his scandall was but hate.
Exeunt.
The King, Alecto, with attendants.
King.
Nephew we understand how intimate
And deare you are unto the Persian Prince,
How much he honoureth your society
Above all others, you can well informe us
What entertainment he doth give his fortune,
And how a prisoner suites his lofty mind.
Alecto.
At first he storm'd and curs'd his angry stars,
Revil'd the fates, and rail'd against the gods,
Refus'd to eate or drinke, banish'd all sleepe
From entring in his eyes, lock'd up himselfe
Within his private study all alone,
Commanding none upon his high displeasure
Should offer to disturbe his meditation:
His high swolne heart, was big with angry passion
Vntill another farre more powerfull wrought
A contrary effect, and that was love,
For gazing on the Princesse peerelesse beauty
With surfetting delight, a sudden shaft
Sent from the curious circlet of her eye
Stroake him unto the heart, and there withall
The winged archer, sprung up from his stand
And tooke him prisoner, now he languisheth,
Submits with patience to the will and pleasure
Of faire Phænicia Lady conqueresse,
And glories to be manacled by her
Whose prison he esteemes, and doth preferre
Before the Palace of the greatest Kings.
King.
This thing is motion'd to us; how think you
Can I bestow her better, or find out
A marriage greater or more honourable?
Ale.
You cannot though you sought the spacious world
From one end to the other—I must turne
My thoughts unto as many severall shapes
As Proteus usd— aside.
Have you propos'd this thing unto the Princesse?
King.
Not yet but now we do intend to do it:
Goe bid Phænicia hither to repaire
Vnto our presence, we must speake with her.
exit attendant.
How will she entertaine the motion thinke you?
She cannot sure dislike or disapprove it,
What's your opinion Nephew?
Alecto.
I should thinke so,
But for one barre that lyeth in the way
Were that tane off al scruple were remov'd.
Enter Phænicia.
Phænici.
Did you command me hither to repaire
Vnto your presence Sir?
King.
I did Phænicia,
And thi's the businesse, daughter you perceive
My care and study of your future good,
And Fatherly affection: I am old
And cannot live long by the course of nature,
If I might see thee marryed as becomes
Thy state and fortune ere I left the world,
And settled well my Crowne for thy possession,
I then should welcome death, come when it would,
And these gray haires descend into my grave
A marriage, shall advance thy regall state
Above the clouds, and make thee overtop
The greatest Queenes and Empresses that are.
Phænic.
Vnlesse it be Amandus I shall be
The most unhappiest Princesse of the earth— aside.
Please you my royall Father to acquaint me,
Who is the party meant?
The most unhappiest Princesse of the earth— aside.
Please you my royall Father to acquaint me,
Who is the party meant?
The Persian Prince,
He loves and serves you with a strong devotion,
Yea doth even jdolize you in his heart
His saint and goddesse; he hath se'd unto me
My liking might procure you to his wife,
And I have granted what he did demand;
I know your vertue's such and your obedience
As not to stand against our will and pleasure,
Especially when it presents you nothing
But what is for your honour and high fortune.
He loves and serves you with a strong devotion,
Yea doth even jdolize you in his heart
His saint and goddesse; he hath se'd unto me
My liking might procure you to his wife,
And I have granted what he did demand;
I know your vertue's such and your obedience
As not to stand against our will and pleasure,
Especially when it presents you nothing
But what is for your honour and high fortune.
Phænic.
Please you to heare me, this you do propose
Is most unlawfull, and my conscience tels me
It were a sinne to thinke off: for you know
The Prince of Persia is betroathed to
The beautifull Lucinda, and shall I
Be guilty of the breach of faith betweene them?
Farre be it from me; I beleeve he is
Inconstant in his love, and apt to change
From one unto another, his large titles
Shall never winne me to his wavering humour,
I rather would content me with a match
Inferiour farre so I might marry vertue,
In him indeed I cannot, for not only
Fame but experience manifests his vices.
King.
Come, come, you are a foolish girle to make
These vaine excuses to put off your good,
You do presume too much upon our love
And tender nature, we have beene too fond
And given you too much of your will; unlesse
You do conforme yourselfe to our command,
Get out my sight, and thinke upon your duty.
Exit Phænicia.
Is this not strange Alecto, that my daughter
Is so averse unto her good? you tould me?
Iust as she entred that there was a barre
Lay in the way might chance to stop the match,
What is it prethee that we may remove it?
Alecto.
She loves Amandus Sir, and he loves her,
I over heard their courtship in the garden,
Their amourous discourse, and protestations
Of love and service, such affection showne
In action, gesture, speech, as greater was not
Express'd betweene faire Hero and Leander:
Their eyes stood fixt upon each others face,
Their tongues were sometimes mute and could not utter
Th' abundance of their hearts, then would their sighes
Supply that silence, till they had recover'd
The instrument of speech to make it move,
I never saw more passion us'd in love.
King.
This makes me wonder much that her ambition
Beares such an humble wing, we must not suffer
This businesse to runne on, what though we are
Bound to Amandus in a high degree,
Yet not so much his benefits oblige us
As to conferre our Daughter and our Crowne
Vpon his merits, whose poore state is such
As he can give her nothing for a Dower:
This must nor shall not be, our full indeavour
Shall be imploy'd this love to breake and sever.
Exeunt
Alecto.
Why how now noble Prince, within a dump?
How come you so dejected in your thoughts
I do beseech you? hath your love sped ill
Vnto the faire Phænicia, or some other
Ill accident befall you, that you are
So melancholy Sir?
Perseus
My dearest friend,
Welcome; the mistresse of my thoughts hath slain me
With too much cruelty alas, for when
I marched with my army led by love,
And came before the fortresse of her beauty,
To lay my siege there, how she playd upon me
From all her batteries, but when I began
To make approach, then from her angry eyes
Flew balles of wilde-fire, and granadoes follow'd,
Which scorch't and rent my heart, but last of all,
The cannon of her mouth so thundred on
My poore besieging thoughts, as I was faine
To raise my siege in haste, and get me gone,
This is the poore successe of my designe.
Alecto
D'ye know Sir what's the cause you speed so ill?
Perse.
I have been thinking on't, but cannot lay
The blame on any thing but fortunes malice,
Can you informe me better?
Alecto
Would I could not.
I have found out Amandus hath her heart,
By what smooth guile, or Syren oratorie
He wonne her to himselfe; I am not able
To give you satisfaction, or to guesse it:
This ancient enemy of yours and mine,
(For who stands ill affected unto you,
Shall ne're affected be by me your friend)
Hath now the second time deceiv'd your match.
So to be cheated of two princely brides:
Sir, you must be reveng'd, deepely reveng'd,
Or else your Princely name will be reproach'd
With foulest infamy that can be spoke.
Blinde men and boyes will sing you in the streets
In Ballads, and at length, 'twill grow a proverb,
So patient as the Prince of Persia,
If you sustaine those injuries which lye
So heavy on your Princely reputation.
Perseus
I am even burst with rage and jealousie,
That villaine, vagabond, that renegado,
Borne to be author of my sufferings,
Shall not out-live one day; I am incens'd
Beyond all measure, and I cannot longer
Containe my selfe, I'le finde that begger out.
Alecto
Stay Sir, be patient, and doe things discreetly,
I'le joyne with you, and have a hand as deep
Or deeper as your selfe in your revenge,
For the great love I beare you: by the gods
I am as much touch'd with your wrongs, and am
As zealous in your cause, as you your selfe.
And now to worke to bring our ends to passe,
I have a dainty powder here that was
Ordain'd for such a purpose, which will worke
Effect unto our wish if it but fall
Into his cup, or light upon his haire,
'Twill soone dispatch him with a powder hence,
Such vertue is therein: we shall corrupt
His Barber by rich gifts, or by some other
Vnthought of way as yet, procure the same
To be imploy'd and us'd upon the Patient
This physicke is ordain'd for: like you this,
Or shall we yet devise some other way?
Perseus
These figges are too too common, and besides,
Jt doth not sute the honour of a Prince
By such a way of cowardise to bring
Destruction to his foe; although Amandus
Yet 'cause he is a Prince, and bred in warre,
J faine would have him, like a souldier dye
Nobly, by sword or pistoll.
Alecto.
He shall fall then
According to your will, and in this manner
If you approve it Sir, what if you send
A challenge to him for to meet you single,
A foot or horsebacke, in the field to answer
These shamefull wrongs he did you? I will be
Ready to rescue you when I perceive
You need my help with certain friends of mine,
Who will lye close the while, and undiscover'd,
Vntill we see you have the worst, then forth
Wee'l breake, and soon dispatch that traytor Prince.
Perseus
This, noble Duke, is daintily devis'd,
I shall be gratefull ever to your love,
And shew it in a large and ample manner,
Well I'le dispatch my challenge instantly.
J build upon your ayd, you will not faile me
Jn time of my extremity.
Alecto
The flouds
Shall faile to pay their tribute to the sea,
Before I breake with noble Perseus.
Perseus
I'm confident of thee my dearest friend,
Adue, untill we meet, our worke to end.
Exit Perseus.
Alecto
This now begins to work as I would wish;
The shallow witted Persian thinkes my aymes
Doe beare a wing with his, and my ambition
Is bounded by his love: I fish'd to take
His good opinion with mine angle wit,
Not to advance his ends, but worke mine owne.
Alas poore Prince, he thinks I am his friend,
And on that plat-forme grounds his resolution:
He is deceiv'd, I'm friend unto my selfe,
And enemy to him as to Amandus.
J hate them both, as being both my rivals:
Neither must live, neither survive the other.
I'le let them sight till one of them be kill'd,
The Persian shall in vaine expect reliefe,
Although distress'd: the conquerour shall dye
By me and my associates: these remov'd
The way unto my Crowne,, lyes smooth and easie;
The Princesse sure will breake her heart for griefe.
The King I'le poyson, then Alecto raigne
King of Arabia, crowned by thy braine.
Exit.
Amandus solus.
Amand.
A furious challenge, and it speakes the man
All in a fire that sent it, but extreames
Are seldome permanent, I doubt 'twill prove
But like a sudden flash that's soone burnt out:
This is the time and place, but how comes it
The Persian is so tardy? this proud paper
Stuft full with ostentation, made me thinke
He would not be the last man in the field.
What, is his courage cold, or doth he now
Begin to take advis'd deliberation
Vpon the matter, that he stayes so long?
I should not thinke so neither, for a Prince
Cannot so much forget this reputation,
No sure, he'l come, some businesse of import,
I doe beleeve, detaines him; I'le attend
His leisure here with patience, if my thoughts
Would but descend a little from their height,
I would consider too what should beget
This fierce challenge, but he comes, I must
Prepare to entertaine him.
Perseus
Here before me?
This honour I could hardly spare you Sir,
You came before the houre appointed, else
I could not be prevented.
Amand.
Punctually
Are we come hither? to discourse and talke,
And nothing else? I doe expect some doings,
Some wonders too by you performed upon me,
If I may credit this your salutation.
Is the fume vanish'd?
Perseus
Thou shalt finde it burne
Afresh to fierce flames, it was my goodnesse
That rak't it up in ashes, lest it should
Consume thee, and thou die in ignorance,
Before thou knew'st th'occasion, now I'le tell thee.
Lucindas wrongs and mine call on my sword
To doe the office of revenge upon
Thy treacherous head, thou didst dissolve the knot
Was ty'd between us two, and alienatest
Her heart from me, thou robst her of her honour,
And strumpettedst her fame, and not contented
With this abuse, thou dost proceed yet further
To doe me mischiefe with false filed tongue,
To wrest the faire Phænicia from my love:
These are grosse injuries, and such as cannot
Be undergone with patience, yet if thou
Wilt urge thy suit no further to this Lady,
But give up all thy right in her to me:
I will forget thy former injuries,
And count thee for my friend.
Amandus
Coward, villaine,
Art thou my rivall in Phænicias love?
And doe I suffer thee to breathe a minute
To utter these bold words, these defamations,
These lyes and slanders; know Phænicia hates
Thy sight as a pernitious Basiliske;
Here farther, reade my minde.
they draw and fight. Perseus receives a hurt.
Perseus
Thou seest my breath
Failes, if thou art a Prince, and nobly minded,
Thou wilt a little intermit the fight.
Amand.
Breath then a little longer, though I might
To any such conditions in a duell:
But wherefore doe you cast your sight about?
I doubt some treachery, come, I'le delay
The time no longer, there have at thee Prince.
they fight againe.
Guard well thy life, it is endangered.
Perseus
This may endanger thine if it hap right.
Perseus fals.
I faint and dye, hell light upon Alecto,
And all the furies rend his soule in pieces;
False perjur'd villaine.
dyes.
Amand.
I doe smell a plot
Layd for my life, his words betoken something.
Enter Alecto and his associates.
Alecto
How's this! the noble Prince of Persia slaine,
And his bold murtherer triumphing o're
His slaughtered body? come, my noble friend
Shall not dye unreveng'd.
they fall all upon him, he defends himself, and kils two.
Amand.
If there be any
Princely or royall bloud within thy veynes,
Distaine it not for shame by such a fact,
To fight at such foule disadvantage with
A wounded wearied man, yet in this state,
Though faint with losse of bloud, dismisse these men,
And I will try my fortune out with thee,
And if I fall, I'le say th'art noble too.
Alecto
No, if thou liv'st, my fortunes then must dye:
I ayme, man, for the kingdome, and to gaine
The love of faire Phænicia, thou art a barre
That hinders both, therefore must be remov'd:
This plot I did contrive, not with intent
To worke thy end alone, but Perseus too;
Now it is finish'd, make an easie passage
There's one gap more, a floud-gate large enough.
they all thrust at him, he fals.
Amand.
Most impious wretch, think'st thou the gods above
Will favour thy so damnable attempt?
Think'st thou to scape the justice of the heavens,
And to hood-wink the gods? no, though thou hast
Proceeded thus farre in thy villanies:
Though thou hast slaine me by thy base treachery,
My minde foretels thou shalt be soone cut off,
And all thy hopes destroyd.
Consolario, Colonell, Gentleman, Mountaneers.
Consol.
Where is my Prince?
Where is he? torment to my wounded heart?
Weltring in his owne bloud.
Colon.
How? heavens defend,
What impious hand hath done so foule an act?
Speake Noble Prince, speake quickly.
Amand.
Worthy friends,
You're fitly come here to revenge my death,
There stands the villaine, and his treacherous crue
Who did procure it.
Gent.
We will sacrifice
Their lives with speed, to pacifie your spirit;
But that's a poore requitall for our losse:
Villaines, our swords must send you hence to hell,
Goe, and the furies give you entertainment.
they kill Alecto and all his friends.
Consol.
Deare Sir, how doe you? speake to Consolario,
Speake to your tutor, ope these lovely eyes,
And look with pity on the aged face
Of him that dyes for sorrow of your wounds.
Deare sonne, speake comfort to thy fathers heart,
(For so you bid me stile you to my death)
I faint, yet let one word come from your mouth,
To tell me that you heare my grievous moane,
Amand.
Deare Consolario
Thy cries have wak'd me from a pleasing sleepe,
I love thee still in death and after death.
Consol.
But I'le die first, so, so my heart strings breake.
Falles downe dead by Amandus.
Amand.
Helpe, helpe, my Fathers fallen in a swound.
Colon
He's dead sweet Prince and pass'd recovery.
Amand.
I'le soone be with him, for I must not loose
His lov'd society; have you reveng'd
My death, upon Alecto and the rest?
Gent.
Tis done, deare Sir, see where the villaines ly.
Amand.
Thankes dearest friends, one thing before I dy
I shall request you if my failing breath
Will give me leave to utter it, tis this,
Tell faire Phænicia my beloved Princesse
The story of my death, tell how I love her,
And grieve to leave her comfortlesse alone.
I cannot fully speake my mind unto you,
For death stops up the passage of my speach;
Adieu deare friends, adieu, Phænicia
I dye thy servant, sweet Phænicia.
dies.
Colon.
Farewell brave Prince, we thy unworthy subjects
Can but lament thy losse, and curse the fates
For their unjust decrees; O could they not
Have spar'd the chiefe of Princes to give lustre
Vnto the world? could not they see his beauty
And vertue shining in their glorious Orbes?
His youth faire blooming? cruell destinies!
Come now your shoulders honour with his Coarse
Sweeter then all the perfumes of the Realme,
Some to bring Consolarios body off;
We'll see this fatall Land Arabia shall
Provide them both a royall Funerall,
Exeunt,
Phæni.
Do I yet breath and live when he that was
The comfort of my life lies dead and breathlesse?
Can I behold another Sunne but that
Which shin'd from his maiestick countenance,
Eclipsed now by death, procur'd by treason:
O heavens grant freedome to my troubled spirit
To breake this prison of mortality,
And so get loose with wings of swift desire
To meete my lover in the Elizian fields.
O how I languish here! harke blessed spirit
Of my departed friend (for I believe
Thou dost refine his aire) harke to my woes;
Do not condemne Phænicia that she staies
So long behind thee, for thou know'st her soule
Desires to take her flight into thy bosome,
Nor shall she meete a stop (I am resolv'd)
Amandus have a little patience yet,
And then I come, tis but a minute longer
Vntill I do contrive an easie way
For life to sally forrh: my trusty maid
My faithfull Saba, now assist thy Mistresse
In this kind office that I shall command,
Wherein thy love shall more appeare then ever:
I loath this life thou see'st, goe fetch my Doctor
I must take his advise; thou wilt be secret,
I am assur'd, I have so often had
Experience of thy faith; wilt thou dispatch,
And bring him to me with all expedition?
Saba.
What you command my duty wils me do
Without dispute, I'le instantly returne
And bring the Doctor— Exit Saba.
Phæni.
Do so trusty servant
And thy reward shall follow; I must worke
This Doctor to my will by faire intreaties,
And if that saile, by large rewards and gifts,
I'le leave no way untri'd, nor unattempted,
Phæni.
My worthy Friend
And hitherto preserver of my health,
I have a businesse now wherein I shall
Make triall of your utmost love and trust,
In which you must not faile me.
Doctor.
Gracious Princesse
My life shall be imploy'd in any service
You shall have need to use it.
Phæni.
These are words
Of ceremonious complement, you shall not
Adventure so for me, tis but a trifle
I would imploy you in.
Doct.
What ist, I do beseech
Your Grace to tell me, and tis done with speed.
Phæn.
But I must have you sweare to execute
The thing intended, and be secret too,
Else I shall thinke you never were my friend.
Doct.
Tis some great matter that you bind me thus,
But Ladies wils must not be disobey'd,
Since tis your pleasure that I take my oath,
I here protest before the gods above
To do the utmost of my power therein.
Phæ.
Well then, you know my love, you know my losse.
You know the vertues of that noble Prince
Whose death exhausts teares from forth mine eies
And drops of bloud from my poore wounded heart;
I am resolv'd to die and now no longer
To carry such a heavy load about me
Of griefe and sorrow, which doth overweigh
By much the weaknesse of a womans nature;
Kind friend you must be the instrument to send me
Vnto the Prince Amandus, whose sweet spirit
Shall come with mine, and hover o're your house,
Vntill the whistling aire sound both our thankes:
Come do this friendly office, you are ti'd
Vnto it by your oath, you must not start,
Or fall back from your former resolution.
You do but try me, Madame, if I will
Prove such a villaine, sure you cannot meane
Sincerely what you speake, or if you did,
This is a thing unlawfull, there was nothing
You could command me but this only thing
That I would not performe, but pardon me
I must dispence with oath and all things else
To leave this deed undone.
Phæn.
And perjur'd prove
Vnto the gods, and false unto thy Mistresse
O cruell man! seest thou the paine I suffer
And wil't not lend thy hand to ease my torment?
Are all my favours out of thy remembrance?
Could they not bind thee to this courtesie?
Take pitty on mee yet, and here is gold
Enough to purchase thee a Lordship faire,
What say'st thou to me?
Doct.
I am doubtfull whether,
To grant or to deny, but yet you have not
Declar'd your mind at full; what must I doe?
Phæn.
Devise an easie way for me to die,
Not in a common ordinary roade,
Which many use by cutting of a vaine
Or such like, to get passage to their blisse;
I saw the Phænix burning in her flames
The other day, and was inamour'd off
So sweet a death, I faine would die so too
Your art can helpe me in the imitation.
Doct.
Tis true I can compose variety
Of gummes, of drugges and spices mixt together,
And make a perfume not unlike unto
The Phænix Funerall fire, whereby you may,
Be sweetly smother'd lying in your bed,
As she is in her nest, but I would rather
You would desist from this your resolvtion,
And make a tryall of my love and service
In any other thing.
It is more easie
To stopp the current of a swelling river,
Or to remove a mountaine from his place,
Then to divert my minde from this, whereupon
It doth so firmly fixe, therefore kinde Sir
Send me forthwith by this my maide (for now
The time fits right) this excellent receit.
Doctor.
Your will shall be obey'd, mine shall give place.
Come maiden will you goe?
Exit Doctor and Maide.
Phæn.
Disptach her to me
With all the hast you can, in the meane time
I'le rest me on my bed, and never rise
Vntill I see Amandus with mine eyes
She lyes downe.
This short, or rather this longe time I have
To breath the aire of woe (for life is tedious
To those that take no pleasure but in death)
Shall be imploy'd wholy in meditation,
How sweetly I shall passe unto my freind,
And come unto him as in sacrifice,
Mine altar smoaking incense and perfume.
Doctor and Maide againe.
Doct.
Madame, I'm come my selfe to doe the deed,
Doubting the maide should faile in my directions.
Phæn.
Most welcome, sacred priest, for that's the title
Your office now requires, because you are
To sacrifice me to Amandus shrine
A spotlesse Virgin; nay delay no time,
But presently about it, light the fire
Whilst I attend the sweet asending flame
Here in my bed with longing expectation
To wrap my body round, dispatch J pray.
Saba.
T'is kindled, Madam, and a cloud offume
Shroudes you from sight.
Phæn.
I smell a heavenly vapour
Beloved Prince thy deare Phænicia comes,
Be ready to receive her, for her spirit
Ascends up in this smoaky sacrifice.
Saba
She's dead Sir, for the sweetnesse of the fume
Hath smothered her sences.
Doct.
'Twas her pleasure
She would not be disswaded from her purpose.
I must be gone, here is no safe abiding.
Saba.
I dare not stay here neither, though her letter
Be a sufficient warrant for our lives;
I'le leave it on the bed, because the King
May finde it if he chance to enter in.
Exeunt Doctor and Saba.
Enter the King with attendance.
King
How sweet my daughter sleeps and how her breath
Perfumes the chamber o're like Arabs gummes,
I'le wake my darling with a fathers kisse,
She sleeps too long; how's this? her lips are cold,
Her cheeks are pale, aye me, I feare she's sicke,
I cannot feele her pulse, nor yet perceive
The passage of her breath; O heavens, she's dead,
A Doctor there with speed, my daughter deare,
Speake to thy aged father: O shee's gone.
Doctor, Lucinda, Emb. Colon. Gentleman.
What say you master Doctor? is there hope
To call backe life againe?
Doct.
My gracious Soveraigne,
'Tis too farre fled to be revok't, the art
Of Æsculapius could doe nothing in't,
Nor all the power of physicke, nor the force
Of medicine can helpe.
King
O then J am
The wretchedst man alive, why was I borne
To see this wofull houre? but what is this?
My daughters will and testament, it may be
'Tis her owne hand and seale, these the contents.
My royall father, please you understand,
Despaire and sorrow for Amandus death,
(Whom heavens ordaind the owner of my heart)
Made me loath life, and seeke this way to dye
In perfume like the Phænix, none is guilty
Vnto my death but I my selfe: deare Sir,
I humbly crave you would be pleasd to lay
My ashes in Amandus urne with his,
That so my spirit may rest in quietnesse.
King
Thy will shall be perform'd, lye there gray hayres
And aged head, think now no more to weare
A regall Crowne, nor feeble hands to weild
A scepter, thinke of nothing but a grave:
J'm comming daughter, and I will surprise thee
Before thou art aware, beloved corps!
Help, bring it hence unto our bed chamber,
That I may breake my heart, whilst I embrace
The body 'tween my armes.
Exit King, and the body of Phænicia.
Embas.
What tragicke Scenes
This fatall land presents? come Madame, let us
Return to Egypt, to the King your father,
And make relation of these sad disasters
That have befaln in this our pilgrimage.
Lucind.
Let it be so since things have falne out thus,
When I come to my native Land, my thoughts
Shall shunne all pleasures, banish all delights,
And live Dianas Votary I will,
Till death shut up the remnant of my dayes.
What course sirs will you take?
Colon.
Faire Princesse, we
Intend to travell backe unto Damascus,
Where we first breath'd, there to surrender up
Our breath againe unto the Land that gave it.
The Tartars swords, we hope will cut it off.
Lucinda
Nay rather goe with us, & live in pleasure
High honours and preferments for the favours
You shew'd me once in my captivity,
And for his sake, whom yet in death I love,
But I shall not participate in joy.
Gent.
Alas, deare Madame, we abhorre delights
As much as you, since our delight is gone;
We thanke your noble courtesie, but cannot
Accept it, for despaire and sorrow doth
Possesse our very soules, come, let us goe
And leave this Land so much repleat with woe.
Exeunt omnes.
| The Phaenix In Her Flames | |