University of Virginia Library

Act. 3.

Scene 1.

Perdiccas,
Eumenes.
Now Fortune smyles upon my rising State,
And seemes to promise more then I require;
Loe, by degrees my glory doth grow great,
And by their death who did my death conspire.
Proud Meleager who disdain'd to bow,
And my advancement alwayes did mislike,
Hath with his bloud seal'd my assurance now,
To fright all those who would attempt the like.

Eum.
Yet of his fall the forme my minde appalls,
Even at Ioves Altar, and without regard;
We were too rash to violate those walls
Which the most impious could not but have spar'd.
Lascivious Ajax by Minerva's spight,
Earst for prophaning such a sacred place,
On the Capharian Rocks did lose the light,
And all his Navie too for ones disgrace.
“We should not irritate celestiall powr's;
“And, all beginnings are considered most:
Such horrour breeds this odious act of ours,
That we (I feare) opinions pow'r have lost.

Per.
Let others seek to keep such points as those,
I am not scrupulous, for, I protest,
Ov'r all, and by all meanes I'le kill my foes,
And then thereafter argue of the rest.
“They wrong the Gods who think their Church should be
“A refuge free for Malefactors still:
“For, with their justice this cannot agree:
“Who guard ill doers, guilty are of ill.
Was he not stain'd with many a monstrous crime,
And Salamander-like amidst the fire
(Contentiously dispos'd) did spend his time,
And (never pleas'd) did still some change require?

Eum.
“One hum'rous head that doth in brawls delight,
“May poyson thousands with the gall of spight.

Per.
As still seditiously affecting strife,
He but abus'd the credit of his King:
And sent some of his slaves to take my life,
Such bitter envy did his stomack sting.

Eum.
I saw, how that advanc'd before our band,
You first did check, then chase them in the end:
And did with courage resolutely stand,
Our Soveraignes corps (though dead) bent to defend.

Per.
“He but a dastard is who basely yeelds,
“And in no conflict hath his Fortune try'd,
We (if in time not ventring to the fields)
Like beasts (all sacrific'd) had poorely dy'd:
But when without we masters did remaine,
(Lest Babylon had straight beene barr'd from food):
I those proud squadrons quickly did constraine
Even as we pleas'd, a Treaty to conclude.
Grac'd whil'st my foe (as in some kinde compar'd)
A chiefe in charge, he many mindes did sway,
But (found inferiour) when a friend declar'd,
My credit did increase, and his decay.

Eum.
Yet in this course all (who observe) do see,
That of the multitude the minde prevail'd:
He whom they did elect our Prince must be,
And our designe hath altogether fail'd:
But how comes this? that every Captaine gets
A certaine Realme committed to his charge,
And with an Army bravely forward sets,
Their bounds allow'd to guard, or to enlarge?

Per.
I by my means have every great man crown'd,
That from my greatnesse great things might proceed:
Yet by that meanes to make my pow'r renown'd,
The doing lik't me better then the deed;
I this division chiefly did procure
To have those great-men from the Court remov'd,
Where they might be imploy'd, yet I secure,
Their favour purchas'd, or at least thus prov'd:
For, him who hath them to such honour brought,
They must be bound to hold in high account,
And their advancement for this end I sought,
That by their meanes I with more ease might mount.

Eum.
O! but your fancies may be much deceiv'd,
“There is no bond can binde unthankfull mindes:
I feare the favour that they thus receiv'd,
Hath showne them wayes to sayle by other windes.
So long, of late, as they had need of you,
To seeme your friends they (courting kindnesse) sought:
But since their greatnesse is well grounded now,
They will disdaine what derogates in ought.
“To those all great men friends most frankly prove,
“Whom (for their pleasure) freely they affect,
“And (loathing bands) cannot be forc'd to love,
“As brav'd by worth, when merits urge respect.
“Few mark from whence they rose, when once aloft,
“None can endure that they should owe their state:
“Desarts grow odious when upbraided oft,
“And are deprav'd, not guerdon'd, when too great.
“Yea, in my judgement you have greatly err'd,
“Them to exalt, whose state you would surprise:
“Their common custome is who are preferr'd,
“That they may stand, not to let others rise.

Per.
“To ruine loftie mindes when least afraid,
“Whil'st carelesse carriage jealous censures sift,
“By spyes abroad to foes at Court betray'd,
“Then by preferrement what more subtle drift?
Their hearts with hate are parted all by pride;
One is already to confusion gone:
I long to learne how Leonatus dy'd,
Not that I minde his funerals to bemone.

Eum.
That Prince magnanimous whom all admire,
(As was his custome) clemently proclaim'd,
That banish'd Grecians might to Greece retyre,
Save onely such whom murder had defam'd;
But who them banish'd, griev'd for their returne,
Did feare what just revenge might have design'd,
As knowing well (whil'st wrongs make wrath to burne)
“How misery doth irritate a minde;
The indignation which they had conceiv'd,
Did breed rebellion bursting out with rage,
The which our King (deep in his minde ingrav'd)
By Athens spoyles did purpose to asswage:
But since that death afforded them releefe,
Growne bold to prosecute their proud attempt,
Th'Athenians, and th'Ætolians were the chiefe
Who brought Antipater first in contempt;
And by their pow'r constrain'd to quite the field,
He (in a little Towne enclos'd) at last,
Was once reduc'd in danger neere to yeeld,
And staine the glory of his actions past;
But yet by accident as oft it falls,
“(It better is to happy be, then wise)
An unsuspected shaft throwne from the walls,
Their foes chiefe Captaine happened to surprise;
Then did Antipater his courage reare,
Which had almost his stagg'ring hopes betray'd:
Yet still in doubt, and not quite free from feare,
He Leonatus did intreat for aide;
And he who seem'd his friendship to affect,
To further him desirous did appeare;
But (if he had prevail'd) some do suspect,
Antipater had bought his succours deare.
Yet by the end his purpose bent to show
(How ever in effect) he seem'd a friend;
But when th'Athenians did his coming know,
They him to fight did all directly tend.
And though their thoughts in depths of doubts did fleete,
They when alone, to match him thought it best,
And whil'st they march'd th'adventrous troups to meet,
Did hardly welcome the unwelcome Guest:
When both the Armies were to battell brought,
And shew with what bright flames their breasts were stor'd,
Brave Leonatus like a Lyon fought,
So to prove worthy of his wonted Lord:
But whil'st he bravely did his charge acquite,
Yet lost himselfe, who others came to save,
And by their Captains fall discourag'd quite,
His scatt'red troups great damage did receive;
When old Antipater was surely told
Of their mishap, who came for his reliefe,
He not one signe of sorrow did unfold:
“A little gaine doth mitigate much griefe:
Well did he know that though his foes prevail'd;
Yet this great fight enfeebled had their host,
And then he took to him which much avail'd
Those beaten bands who had their Captaine lost;
Yet that in which he did most comfort finde,
Was his delivery from a secret foe,
Who did with jealousie torment his minde,
Though outwardly not seeming to be so.

Per.
Thus, we who earst below one ensigne warr'd,
Slept in one Tent, and all one Fortune prov'd,
And (with a friendship then, that never jarr'd)
Like Pilades, and mad Orestes lov'd,
Since that we want a Lord, and all are Lords,
We (loe) renounce all kinde of kindnesse now,
And (secret rancour budding in discords)
Do others harmes procure, at least allow.
“Such is the sacred famine of a Crowne,
“That it to satisfie, before we faile,
“What in our way doth stand, all must go down,
“And bands of bloud, or friendship not availe
“These glory-ravish'd souls that would be great,
“No meanes omit, although they be unjust,
“None beares with patience partners in the state;
“What jealous lover can his Rivals trust?

Eum.
Well, I perceive Antipater doth tend
With all his pow'r to gaine that sacred prey,
Whose meanes (of late enlarg'd) to reach his end:
Through every danger may enforce a way;
And Alexander sometimes spake at large,
Then whil'st Antipater with Agis striv'd,
That he (without the limits of his charge)
More like a King, then a Lieutenant liv'd.
Antigonus, and Ptolomie in Armes
Are joyn'd in one, our ruine bent to breed;
I feare that friendship procreate our harmes,
Unlesse their spight prevented be with speed.

Per.
I'le lodge you now (Eumenes) in my brest,
And let you see the ground of my intent:
Since that we both alike must toyle, or rest,
As those whose courses must have one event.
Since at his death, I by our dying Lord,
Was in his place appointed to succeed,
And that my Fortune doth a meanes afford,
How I may compasse that which he decreed.
To leave that place I cannot well agree,
As if I wanted courage to command,
I'le take that which the fates do force on me:
For, if without a Throne I cannot stand.
“And those who would performe difficult things,
“Must not regard what way, so they prevaile:
“Oft fraud, then force, a greater furtherance brings
“The Foxe must help, if that the Lyon faile.
So old Antipater to have betray'd,
His daughter I in marriage did require,
That so the time might but have beene delay'd;
Till that I had accomplish'd my desire:
For, with the shadow of pretended love,
And hop'd affinity which seem'd design'd,
I from his bounds some bands aym'd to remove,
By raising me that he might have declin'd;
“But who can snare a minde all ey'd with fears
He quickly did mistrust the purpos'd wrong,
And from my Messengers straight barr'd his eares,
As did Vlysses from the Syrens song.

Eum.
Yet this, (if rightly weigh'd) might much import,
If that you match your selfe with such a Mate,
Whose beauty, pleasure, birth might bring support,
And both concurre in one to blesse your state,
If you to make your high attempts more sure,
By Hymens meanes with some your selfe allie,
Thus of some Prince you may the pow'r procure,
On whom for help you boldly may relye.
What griefe were this if you have hap to gaine,
That faire Idea which your fancies frame,
If after you, none of your owne remayne
To keep your Conquests, and revive your name?
“Kings live most safe who of their owne have heires,
“Whose sacred persons none dare seek to wound:
“Since, though they dye, yet there rest some of theirs,
“Who are to venge their death, by Nature bound.

Per.
All shall be try'd which may enlarge my might;
I minde to match my selfe with such a one,
Who (if she have my pow'r to prove her right)
May be thought worthy of her Fathers Throne.
I with Olympias have devis'd a thing,
Which may secure her state, and make mine strong,
And (if accomplish'd) prove a prosp'rous spring,
From whence may flow great acts ere it be long:
By Cleopatra may a meanes be catch'd,
Which to a glorious end our course may bring,
She whom at first her Father Philip match'd
With Alexander of Epirus King,
Who having heard great Alexanders fame,
(In emulation of that Monarchs praise)
Went with his troups th'Etrurians bent to tame,
Which enterprise did but abridge his dayes:
In marriage with that widow'd Queene combinde,
(If that her Mother thus her course assist)
Whil'st I performe that which I have in minde,
Who dare presume my purpose to resist?
For, whil'st this friendship doth my name renowne,
It may my thoughts from further feare seclude:
Since having thus a title to the Crowne,
As one engrafted in the royall bloud.

Eum.
I feare that this your purpose to prevent,
A number now take armes all in one forme,
As those whose feares conjecture your intent,
And by the lowring clouds fore-know a storme.
Already many do together runne,
Who for our ruine wonderfully thirst.

Per.
Where do you think that we should then begin,
And exercise hostility at first?

Eum.
Though we our selves in strangers Thrones enstall,
And (having Asia to subjection brought)
Make Nilus, Indus, and Euphrates thrall,
Yet all those victories would serve for nought,
Whil'st Macedonie doth continue free,
(A fertile field to bring brave Armies forth)
Which (till first forc'd) can now not subject be,
And ere they love a King, must prove his worth,
“Then unto those who seek a Prince in Armes,
“His chiefest Realme the greatest vantage gives,
“Where warres (held out) are alwayes with his harmes,
“Since that his foe still at his charges lives;
“And warres protracted with a peoples losse,
“Do from their Soveraigne alienate their love;
“They lose their hearts, whom Fortune once doth crosse,
“And foil'd at home, can no where else remove:
Who Macedonie hath, hath still the best,
Which of our state the stately Mistrisse is:
As which with courage conquer'd all the rest,
And but depends on Mars, as onely his:
If you were Lord of that undaunted soyle,
And by Olympias countenanc'd but a time,
Straight from Antipater all would recoyle,
And, bent t'undo him, we would finde a crime;
To you who are a Macedonian borne,
(If match'd with Cleopatra, great in pow'rs)
The Macedonians gladly would be sworne,
And (if commanding them) then all were yours.

Per.
Yet this opinion partly I disprove,
Which would not (as you thinke) our troubles end:
For, if we do from hence our force remove,
And to th'Æmathian bounds directly tend,
There must at first a doubtfull warre be prov'd,
With those brave bands whose valour is well known:
Of whom Craterus dearly is belov'd;
Antipater is borne, and bred their owne.
And though indeed (as kindly to those parts)
My friendship may affected be by some,
Yet those who start in time by many arts,
May under-myne their mindes before we come.
Then whil'st we trouble Macedony most,
And leave those Realmes unarm'd which now are ours,
Straight Ptolomie when strengthned is his host,
May (like a tempest) swallow Asia's pow'rs.
I, for the time most willingly would take
The course which seemes to make our state most sure:
“A foe is dangerous, when behinde ones backe,
“(Who whil'st not look'd for) may our harme procure
My purpose is, though yet to none made knowne,
That Egypt first shall burden'd be with warre:
For, if that Ptolomie were once o'rethrowne,
Then that from Greece all hope of help would barre.

Eum.
Hold still with you those of the sacred bloud,
Whom to protect you alwayes must pretend:
“The count'nance of the great, may do much good,
“Whom still (though weake) all glory to attend.

Exeunt.

Scene 2.

Olympias,
Roxane.
Let sorrow prove a tyrant to my soule,
Whose rage with reason now no measure keeps;
What of my teares the torrent can controull,
Since flowing from afflictions deepest deeps?
How can my breast but burst whil'st sobs rebound,
Since once the seat of joyes now not the same?
May not huge horrours presse me to the ground,
In thinking what I was, and what I am?
I was a great mans wife, a greaters mother,
Even she to whom the heavens their best did give,
Yet, I, even I, more plagu'd then any other,
In dungeons now of desolation live.
My sonne who was the glory of his time,
Staine of times past, and light of times to come,
(O fraile mortality! O slippery tyme!)
Though having all o're-com'd, death did o're-come.
And I (dejected wretch) whose dying eyes
(By Natures custome bound) he should have clos'd,
Was not to shut his starres with th'yvory skies,
Which curtain'd once where Majesty repos'd:
But ah! his falling in a forraine part
Hath (if ought can enlarge) enlarg'd my griefe,
Or else on him I melted had my heart,
And spent my selfe to purchase his reliefe.
Yet though I was not present at his death,
He shall not be defrauded of my teares:
But for his funerall fires my flaming breath
Shall smoak, and to his Ghost a tribute beares.

Rox.
Ah! to what corner rolls my watrie sight,
Where it not findes some matter to bemone?
O foolish eyes! why lose ye not your light,
Since your delight is lost, your object gone?
Once of all Queenes I might the fortune scorne,
To whom just love that great man did engage,
Whose match in worth the world hath never borne,
Nor never shall enrich another age.
When those perfections do transport my minde,
Which admiration doth disclose too late;
I curse the fates that did his judgement binde,
To make me partner of so high a state.
And I repent that to his sight I past
(Though highly grac'd) once on a festuall day,
A feast which many a time must make me fast,
And with slow woe that flying mirth defray;
Then if my fortune had not blinded me,
But ah! whose judgement had it not bereav'd?
Whil'st that great Monarch daign'd to like of me,
Of my high flight I had the fall conceiv'd.
Of Asia's Prince whose state did then decline,
He both the wife, and daughters had at will,
Whose beauties lustre might have darkned mine,
Yet free from snares restrain'd his fancies still.
And when my father chose out from the rest
Those Virgins all whom Fame affirm'd for rare;
Though having view'd them all, he lov'd me best,
Then thought most fortunate, if not most faire;
And when this match his Nobles all dismai'd,
That he himselfe with captives had alli'd:
That act, he then (as love had dited) said
Took from the vanquish'd shame, from victors pride;
Yet me (as Empresse) all did entertaine,
Though his inferiour farre in all respects,
Till I from him by death divorc'd remaine,
Whom with his Sonne now all the world neglects.

Olymp.
Although this will but aggravate my woe,
From whom the fates all comfort now seclude,
Yet I do tender his remembrance so,
That of my Sonne to heare, it doth me good;
And (daughter) now to double my distresse,
Make me at length acquainted with his death,
That sorrow may each part of me possesse,
Sad news mine eares, teares eyes, and sighs my breath.

Rox.
Though griefe to me scarce liberty affords,
To presse forth passions which oppresse my minde,
Yet would affection wrestle out some words
To speake of him who all my thoughts confin'd;
When he had conquer'd all that could resist
(A Monarchie not equall with his minde)
Still in his haughty course he did insist,
And search'd the Ocean other worlds to finde:
But when from it his Navy was redeem'd,
He stood in doubt where Trophees next to reare:
The world (though large) for him too little seem'd:
His minde could more conceive, then Nature beare.
Last (ah!) this Emp'rour purpos'd was in th'end,
At Babylon his glories hight to show,
Where all the world his coming did attend;
As Iove above, who onely raign'd below.
When he drew neare that then thrise Monarchs seat,
The Astrologians by their skill fore-told,
What danger huge was threatned to his state,
The which else-where might better be contrould:
But he who was not capable of feare,
And could not muse of misadventures then,
Would triumph there, and the worlds Scepter beare,
Back'd with moe Kings then other Kings with men.
There (as a God) transporting mortals sights,
(Which mirth with mourning I must still record)
He spent, or lost a time, in all delights,
Which Fortune could (when flatt'ring most) afford,
Till Thessalus, for mischiefe but reserv'd,
Once to his house invited him to dine,
Where false Cassander at the Table serv'd,
And as he us'd with water mixt his wine.

Olymp.
Alas, alas, and so it prov'd in th'end,
“But who could feare a benefited friend?

Rox.

Olym.
You need not use those execrations more,
Though Babylon of breath that Prince depriv'd,
Yet (as an Oracle had told before.)
In Macedonie was his death contriv'd;
Antipater had heard, how divers times
The King against him had been mov'd to wrath,
And damn'd (as guilty of opprobrious crimes)
His sonne in law Lincestes unto death.
Then he was told, the King did strictly try
How his Lievtenants had their places us'd,
Still making all as traitours straight to dye,
Who had the same in any sort abus'd;
Thus, he who well did know his owne misdeeds,
Had learn'd by others what he might expect,
As whose ambitious brest in pride exceeds,
And alwayes did a Soveraignty affect:
But when Craterus was to have his place,
And he requir'd the Army to attend,
He thought that thus Time would some means embrace,
To plague his pride with a deserved end;
Then to prevent that which I thinke was still
More fear'd by him, then purpos'd by the King,
With guilty thoughts oft exercis'd in ill,
He sought what might to death his Soveraigne bring;
And this the traitour compass'd at the last,
As I (alas!) have learn'd (although too late)
When to my sonne, his sonne Cassander past,
As to congratulate his prosp'rous state;
Then in his company he did retaine
A poyson powerfull where it was employ'd,
Whose violence no metall could restraine,
But in a horses hoofe was still conveigh'd,
He and his brother fit occasion watch'd,
And for their Prince a cup of poyson made;
Thus he who never could by force be match'd,
By treason, loe (O cruell fate!) lyes dead.

Rox.
And could, or durst those traitors be so bold,
The pillar of all worth to undermine?
But (Madame) ah, Antipater of old,
Against your greatnesse alwaies did repine.
And (I remember) on a time he sent
A messenger of minde to make you bow,
Who to your Sonne a letter did present
Full of invectives to discredit you;
The King whilst reading what it did comprise,
Did smile with scorne, then to Hephestion say:
In writing of such things he is not wise,
Which straight one mothers teare will wipe away.

Olym.
I oft inform'd my sonne (strange waies devis'd)
How that disloyall man striv'd to be great:
But as a womans wit, mine was despis'd,
And construed still unto the sense of hate.
Yet of my Sonne (I thought) the deeds were such,
That all men them admir'd, none envy could;
And that none durst his sacred person touch,
Whom men ador'd, and Iove as his did hold.
How oft have I those bitter throwes allow'd,
By which I brought that demi-god to light?
And well I might of such a birth be proud,
Which made me glorious in the peoples sight;
Though divers too (as I have some time knowne)
To draw his love from me did wayes prepare,
Yet were their slights by dutious love o're-throwne,
And I respected with a reverend care.
His tender love to me was much extold,
Then when he sought to stablish a decree,
That with Immortals I might be enrold,
And (as a Goddesse) honours have to me.
Ah! how can I this tragicke time survive,
Who lost a sonne so great, a sonne so kinde?
And all the meanes which make me now to live,
Is with revenge a hope to ease my minde.

Rox.
His love to you it could not but abound,
(By nature, parents of their owne are lov'd)
Since those to whom he by no band was bound,
Of his humanity the fruits have prov'd.
His clemency did make his state more sure,
Then all the terrours rising from his name,
Which whilst he liv'd, did publike love procure,
And after death a never dying fame.
Old Sisigambis lifting up her heart,
(Of her owne sonnes the death who had surviv'd)
To Alexander did that love impart,
Which was to Darius due while as he liv'd;
But when these tidings wounded had her eares,
That heaven from th'earth had rob'd that praise of men:
(Whilst all dissolv'd in slouds of bitter teares)
She hated life, as never spoil'd till then.
Her widow'd nephew groning at her feet,
Who of Hephestion did the death bewaile,
In depths of woe she (drown'd with teares) did fleet,
Till that o're-whelm'd, her strength began to faile;
Then barr'd from food, she groveling did abide,
Till that lifes course (then hastened fast) was runne:
Thus she surviv'd her sonne, yet with him dy'd,
In whom she found the kindnesse of a sonne.

Olym.
If but when hearing this his tragicke end,
A stranger (once his Captive) dy'd for griefe,
Ah, shall his mother yet on hope depend,
As such a losse might looke for some reliefe?
And yet I will, for 't were a great disgrace
To me the mother of that matchlesse man,
(Like other women) to give fortune place,
And faintly yeeld as vulgar wretches can.
Though griefe at first must mollifie me once,
Or (as unnaturall) I might be admir'd
Yet will I not still burst my brest with grones;
Then that, of me more courage is requir'd,
I'le not degener from my generous kinde,
“(Faint-hearted Hindes brought never Lyon forth)
“Nor yet a Mother of an abject minde,
“Had never borne a Monarch of such worth.
And O! who knowes, but once the time may come,
That I to venge my selfe a meanes may have?
Whilst those vile traitors ruin'd are by some,
Who with their bloud may bath their Soveraigns grave.
Now on Perdiccas I repose my trust,
Who with Eumenes would our wrongs redresse;
Their valour (ventring in a cause so just)
By all appearance, promise doth no lesse.

Rox.
Loe, now of late delivered of a sonne,
I to those Captaines scarce dare make it knowne,
His kingdomes all to part who have begunne,
And might (by killing him) make them their owne.
Ah! (Madame) this doth move me most to pause;
Who of those great men the ambition feare,
Lest by pretending but a publike cause,
They seeke themselves the Diadem to beare.
Thus, they of my yong babe (fraud masking wrath)
Would but be Tutors first, and Traitors then,
Farre from obedience, duty, love or faith:
“No things more deare then Diadems to men.

Olym.
As those whose courage cannot be dismaid,
Let us now strive what way a force to finde;
And whilst that pitty doth procure for ayde,
The peoples passions tune unto our minde.
If that their love not vanish'd with his life,
Of Alexander (in a high degree)
I thinke the Sonne, the Mother, and the Wife,
By Macedonians still must reverenc'd be.
And this doth with disdaine my soule consume,
That Arideus amongst other wrongs,
And proud Euridice his wife presume
To take the honour which to us belongs.
O! they shall finde my fortune not so chang'd,
But I am able yet to curbe their pride:
What? what? Olympias must be reveng'd,
And (save her selfe) no Queene she can abide.

Exeunt.
Chorus.
Loe , how all good decayes,
And ills doe now abound;
“In this sky-compass'd round,
“There is no kinde of trust:
“For, man-kinde whilst it strayes
“In pleasure-paved wayes,
“With flouds of vice is drown'd;
And doth (farre from refuge)
In endlesse shadowes lodge,
Yet strives to rise no more:
“No doubt (as most unjust)
“The world once perish must,
And worse now to restore,
Then it was of before,
When at the last deluge,
Men by Deucalion once
Were made againe of stones;
And well this wicked race
Bewrayes a stony kinde,
Which beares a stubborne minde,
Still hardned unto sinne.
Loe, now in every place
All vertuous motions cease,
And sacred faith we finde,
Farre from the earth is fled,
Whose flight huge mischiefe bred,
And filles the world with warres,
Whilst impious brests begin
To let base Treason in:
Which common concord marres,
Whilst all men live at jarres,
And nets of fraud doe spreade,
The simple to surprise,
Too witty, but not wise;
Yet those who in deceit
Their confidence repose,
A thing more deare doe lose
Then can by guile be gain'd;
Which when repented late,
May ruine once their state,
Whilst purer sprites disclose
With what their breasts are stor'd;
For, though they would remord,
They get not trust againe;
But, having honour stain'd,
And covenants prophan'd,
Are held in high disdaine,
“And doe in end remaine,
“Of all the world abhorr'd;
“Not trusty when they should,
“Not trusted when they would:
But ah! our Nobles now,
Loe, like Lysander still,
So that they get their will,
Regard not by what way,
And with a shamelesse brow,
Doe of the end allow,
Even though the meanes were ill;
Which all the world may see,
Disgraceth their degree,
Who (changing every houre)
Doe all base slights assay;
What can brave mindes dismay,
Whose worth is like a Tower,
Against all fortunes pow'r,
Still from all fraud whilst free?
“These keepe their course unknowne,
“Whom it would shame if showne:
Who not from worth digresse,
To slights which feare imparts,
Doe shew heroicke hearts,
The which would rather farre
An open hate professe,
Then basely it suppresse:
“No glory comes from fearefull Arts:
But those who doe us leade,
As for dissembling made,
Even though that they intend
Amongst themselves to warre,
Seeme in no sort to jarre,
But friendship doe pretend,
Not like their Lord now dead,
Who trusting to his worth,
Still what he meant spake forth;
The great men not for nought,
Doe seeke the peoples love:
Their deeds that to approve,
They may their mindes allure:
But Perdiccas is thought,
Too slowly to have sought
Their doubtfull mindes to move,
As one who still conceits
He may command the fates;
His pride so great is growne,
That none can it endure;
Yet stands his state unsure,
Since odious to his owne:
“He must be once o're-throwne,
“Whose humour each man hates,
“Pride doth her followers all,
“Leade head-longs to a fall.