 | A Tragedy of Cola's Fvrie or Lirenda's Miserie |  |
The second Act.
Enter Athenio, Mineus, Aretas, Dora, Theodoricke, and Lentimos.Beat a march.
Athe.
This day (deere friends and kinsmen) we must behave
our selves like brave couragious Lirendeans,
not regarding the politique stratagems
of Cola, wherein he thinks to find us,
in a soule disorder, his Machavillian
plots ne're so privately contriv'd, but heaven
you see, doth send us timely notice, wherefore
wee'll expect him with spirits altogether
void of feare; What though wee are not so well
arm'd as he, nor furnisht with that plentie
of ammunition, the justnesse of our cause
will shield us from the spitefull fury of his
invading power; be sensible of your wrongs;
the infamous disgrace without respect
of birth or person, how odious the name
of Catholique, hath ever been unto them?
a hatred there's by inheritance, the losse
of your estates by a thousand damn'd inventions;
beside innumerable edicts against Religion:
These torments were not held sufficient
in respect we somewhat yet possesse of this
our native soile; wherefore they have contriv'd
the last and worst of evills; to raze us from
the world, No, nor leave so much as one alive,
to encrease the memory of us hereafter;
(a grudge sutable to hells blacke purposes.)
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us then, to venture our lives and fortunes
in a noble vertuous way; that truly tends,
to the safety of your wives, children and friends:
Admit gentlemen of the worst may happen,
what an they breake on ours; 'tis no dishonor
neither our reputations blemisht in't
when th'advantage of armes and numbers theirs,
May not fortune as well grace our desires
when all her motions are uncertaine, should wee
defeate them now the world would speake our praise:
Come, let's resolve to doe them more annoy,
then Agamemnon, in the warres of Troy:
Lent.
The grave and learned eloquence of Roman
Orators (noble Colonell) could not
more perfect a description give, off those
insufferable injuryes, which captivated
our hearts in chaines of ice, that must again
(perforce) dissolve in flames of just revenge:
Theod.
Our enemies too neere approach, else we could
enlarge the subject of this conference
with as many materiall circumstances,
which for the present we abreviate to prosecute
our right: leade on Sir, bravely guide the way
heaven will, I hope, grant this our happy day:
Exunt.
Soone after the Alarums begun, Enter Cola, his weapon drawne.
Alarums
Cola.
Was ever seene or heard, such bold, audacious
rogues that dares upbraid my fury, have not I:
to their confused shame and losse, caused many
townes and villages to be destroyed in
dreadfull flames, themselves like dismall fugitives
compeld to flye, and yet they dare affront me still!
O impudence! that with extracted villanie
deserves a totall ruin, thy harme I seeke,
and longe to glorie in soe good an action;
motives sufficient doth enduce me to it,
to hang, to racke, to kill, to burne, to spoile,
untill I make this land a barren soile.
Exit.
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Lent.
Fly Cosen fly, ther's no hope of safety else,
notwithstanding a stout resistance, our men
(affrighted with the unusuall sight of blood
and slaughter) are fouly broken on, routed
by a number crueller then famisht
lions in th'Arabian desert, Cola
like a demi-divell or Canniball, cryes
out kill, kill, spare neither man, woman, child
regard not age or sex, downe, downe with them all
Athe.
For Christ his passion, doe you once more oppose
his furie, make good the trench whilst I perswade
our timerous men to face about.
Exit Lent.
As Athenio would depart Enter Celar.
Celar.
Stand traitor,
perfidious traytor, stand.
Athe.
Thy foe,
a loyall subject, and prove it so; on your guard Sir:
They fight.
Celar is kild, Athenio departs, then Cola Enters with Tibernus and Souldiers.
Cola.
Tibernus charge, Crambich post unto the bridge
where the most number of the villens are
in strife to passe, let not a mothers child
escape, but see due execution on them all:
Tiber.
Your will shall be observ'd effectually
Exit Tiber.
Hee spies Celar kil'd.
Cola.
What stout Celar kil'd? O damn'd bewitching fate:
Beare hence this body, then after take the
pillage of the towne for your good service.
Exeunt.
Enter Belfrida.
Belfr.
Now as I live its like to prove a mad world,
a desperate time with our Citizens;
an' it continue thus; where they did breake
by dozens heretofore, we shall have hundreds
now at a light rate i'faith; such pretty
shifts and sleights are so cunningly contrived
these dayes, under pretence of safetie, as
shutting shops, packing up goods and sent, the
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every thing vanisheth like superfluous
clouds, to the vast center of the hollow earth;
my countreymen are styled, to discontented
gentlemen, well, if e're I did intend
to make a fortune, now's the time to stirre
my selfe, a fitter opportunitie
will never offer my acceptance, ha,
the mischiefes ont, I shall be reputed so,
a prime promoter: tush a blast of breath
no sooner blowne then gone, honesty cannot
thrive at all times, the proverb sayes, he must
needs dye a begger that is knowne too just:
wherefore I will scrue up my wits, to the
full height of knavery, whereby I may
demurely insinuate my selfe, with the
good liking of Sir Carola; whom no sooner's
made acquainted with my facultie, but
heapes of honour will fall on me straight, with
good Sir, sweet Sir, as I doe passe them by,
helpe me sayes one I am condemn'd to dye,
there's twentie peeces; another calls kinde Sir,
remember my petition you preferre
here's expedition for it; thus 'twixt em all,
I'me sure to rise, whosoever chance to fall:
Enter Tibernus.
here comes the only man in credit with
Sir Carola; prosperitie waite on
your noble selfe Tibernus:
Tibern.
Thanks honest friend:
Belfr.
I have been since these warres desirous Sir,
to doe the governor some speciall service,
but since could not the happines to impart
what I am sure will please and profit him.
Tiber.
Relate thy minde to me, and thou shalt have
a fit reward.
Belfr.
To place my low fortunes
on the pyramide of his bounty, were
a praise befitting the worthy motions
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my zealous love to shew, the subtill prankes
of some penurious Citizens, that lately
closed up in a wall, at least a thousand
pound in plate and cash.
Tiber.
There's some strong hopes in this;
Aside.
Belfr.
I'le bring you likewise to each papist house,
where privately are kept, trunks wholly loaden
of rich apparell, coine, jewells, rings bracelets
patents of the rebells lands.
Tiber.
That especially:
Belfr.
What can you thinke or name best needfull for
your use, but I will straight discover?
Tiber.
Surely
thou canst not misse a brave preferment;
Befr.
Vnder pretence of being bred a Papist,
I shall without the least thought of suspicion
conduct your guard where Priests in secret are
lockt up at Masse, or in the night as they
abroad doe creeping passe the street, moreover
Sir, if the army be in want, or that
of force you aske assistance from the townsmen
where some may better spare more gold then others,
let me alone to search the difference
of those mens fidelitie, how able, willing,
really affected, Papist above Protestant
I am expert in all
Tiber.
Gracelesse villen
that cares not to betray his deerest friends
Aside.
to them wotes not after he were hang'd:
I must dissemble with the knave a while
for my owne end; Now trusty friend make good
what thou hast said, and blesse this houre for ever:
Belfr.
Your constant servant I will still persevere.
Exeunt.
Enter Athenio, Mineus, Aretas, Dora, and Cephalon.
Mine.
Brother Athenio:
Athe.
What sayes our deere brother?
Mine.
Have you not hard of the late proclamation?
Athe.
Yes Noble Brother, I perused it over,
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Pitho would thousands give for all our heads
Ceph.
No, there's a milder since, full of Clemencie,
a generall pardon,
Athe.
To whom?
Ceph.
Them will submit to the Lords Iustices
Athe.
On what conditions?
Mine.
Perverse crueltie?
Aret.
Perpetuall slavery?
Dora.
And mortall hatred?
Athe.
Very true: these are the glorious titles
every faint hearted native will revolt
shall have, which from my heart I wish it him,
but to explaine my owne particular
intention, may to the wise perhaps seeme
needles; yet he that loves his Country, or
will professe the Characters of Catholiquo
in's heart take notice oft, our quarrell is
religious, in maintenance whereof we
are already sworne without equivocation,
and e're I violate that sacred oath,
a thousand deaths shall one by one invade me,
if floods of misery, i'le wade them o're
and from its raging streames regaine the shore
of bless'd fidelitie.
Dora.
May all the world
example take by this Lord's goodnesse;
Cepha.
Vnder favour:
'twere a folly, a most profound madnes
to seeke our certaine ruin by deniall
of a benefit, so conveniently
proffer'd; when our wants at the most extreme:
both night and day I posted hence the kingdome
over, all parts my wandring thoughts conceived
might best supply our wants, did I returne
ought but the fruitlesse labour of a needfull
journey; can Stelern now your foes encrease
make up two thousand compleat armes in field;
your Lordships knowes this is no fable:
20
Good Sir forbeare, the matter's past dispute.
Enter a Messenger.
Messeng.
An please your excellence, severall gentlemen
of the Countie, are newly come in post,
with some strange newes, it's feared by their sad looks.
Exit Mess.
Athe.
Direct 'em hither; some stragling troupers
that for pillage scout abroad, makes false
alarums to afright the Countrey thus:
Enter Theodorike.
Theodorike,
Your newes? What, sad upon't?
Theo.
Osirus,
with a powerfull army gather'd from all parts
at least consisting of eight thousand foote,
and horse, march hitherward; burning of townes,
distroying Castles faire, all to the sword goes
that his army meets, and doth intend (the which
good God forbid) to make a fatall conquest
of this land.
Aret.
What strange, dishonest, base device
is this, to publish to the world, a generall
pardon, before which time appointed is expir'd,
poore harmelesse subjects kil'd, the Kingdome fir'd,
O faithlesse wicked Crueltie!
Enter Lentimos.
Lent.
Shift for your selves in hast,
for here will soone arrive more sullen spyes,
then Mercury did charme in Argo's eyes;
good my Lords dispatch, one minutes stay too long
may yeeld you prisoners to untimely ends:
Athe.
Deare friends, we now resemble one at point
of death, that must perforce forsake, what he
most deerely loved, life, wealth, faire possessions,
pleasures content exchanged to sad expressions,
wife laments, children their parents moane,
each hath occasion then to sigh and groane;
so we, distressed we, must oft among,
their dolefull ditties tune a mournefull song.
Cepha.
Let them whose will stand out, I will submit
Aside
to great Osirus cause its held most fit,
Exeunt.
21
Osir.
Now through the power and helpe of heaven we are,
in safe possession of their strongest holts,
the foe not able to withstand our warlike
troupes are fled, like men full of dispaire, griefe,
regardlesse furie that we are thus strong;
themselves pursued with terror of the times,
and fearefull shadowes of base acted crimes,
wherefore we must then cheerfully advance,
not doubting but we truly shall e're long,
revenge sufficiently th'Angoleans wrong.
Tygra.
You speake Sir, like your selfe, full of maturitie,
the hopefull line, that guides my confidence
from the most intricate labyrinth of dispaire
when Adrohna was at point to perish,
and plast the issue of a farre event
on more then mortall comfort: that proposeth
to the wicked, vice, mischiefes, paines unspeakable,
joyn'd with the grim aspect of blood and terror,
more deserving plagues then wilfull Egypt
felt, when her miseries were at the height
of all extremes
Tiber.
It needs must follow so,
for in all parts they are environ'd with
severe Commanders, famous for their valour,
your Excellence in Stelern, and for the
adjacent Provinces, men of knowne integritie:
Osir.
It is our chiefest comfort they goe on
as prosperous as faire Bellona's darlings
when the gods were threatned by a multitude
of foolish mortalls.
Tigr.
But none with that Celeritie.
like yours, which farre transcend theirs went before
as Sol doth Luna's spangled Orb, or some
bright starre, when sable clouds doth vaile the skie.
Osir.
'Tis the noblest of your thoughts are pleased my Lord
to speake our commendations greater then
desert can warrant so much goodnes:
Tiber.
It cannot be denyed; your prosperous fate, fame
22
Echoes of immortall praise; which makes Angolia
to esteeme your actions the glory of her
Northerne Clime.
Osir.
Believe me gentlemen,
this will impaire your ripe judgement much, what
Enter 1. Post.
tidings brings you from the Campe my friend?
1. Post.
To know your Lordships pleasure concerning a
prisoner that immediately is taken:
Osir.
How, a gentleman of quality?
1. Post.
He names
himselfe Lieutenant Collonell Rufus
a Scot by birth, a Papist by profession.
Osir.
Let him be forthwith sent to the Lords Iustices,
Tiber.
Behold my Lord, here comes another Post,
Osir.
Now friend, thy newes?
Enter 2. Post.
2. Post.
That Lord Sileus, Bathillus, one Cephalon
and Sisenna, with many other prime
gentlemen are joyntly come to the Campe,
in hope of a free pardon
Tigr.
A gibbet
fitts them better: good my Lord;
Osir.
Patience kinde Sir, when time and place will serve
each one may justly have what he deserve
till then remit your censure.
2. Post.
How will your Lordship have them be disposed of?
Osir.
With a strong Convay, guard them presently
unto the Castle:
2. Post.
It shall be duely done.
Exeunt Posts.
Osir.
Now we may say, Heaven favours us.
Tigr.
Nothing
more certaine Sir, yet I must aske a boone:
Osir.
'Tis granted, were it my estate Tigranes:
Tigr.
No more then two full Regiments of foote,
a troope or so of horse to augment my former
forces, with whom I meane to wast the Kingdome
over: chiefely the Northerne quarter, where
most my indignations bent, untill I pull
from those bold conspirators unsanctified browes
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crye, curse the houre, that e're they urg'd Angolias
warlike power.
Osir.
There needs no language to excite
thy valour, nor distrust, but thou maist soone
accomplish, that pleasing service both to
God and man, come then make choice thy selfe of
them resolved hearts fit to waite on so brave a leader:
Then you for Vlstrand, we Stelern, claspe hands,
when Martiall men thus knit, their partie stands:
Exeunt.
Enter Tibernus and Souldiers.
Alarums
4. Souldiers.
They call for quarter, and will yeeld the Castle
if we grant it them.
Tiber.
Goe, say they shall have it,
promise what ever they will demand, untill
we gaine this place of strength, our losse is much
already; when that is done, gentlemen,
and brother souldiers, their lives shall be at
each of your disposalls, as our poore countreymen
hath been at theirs.
1. Sould.
Wee'll brush their gurts i'faith,
Tib.
You were but fools and cowards else to thinke
the contrary, when heaven cryes vengeance on
their sinfull heads, nature binds you effect it;
were there no more provoking motions, but
the slaughter of your fellow souldiers here:
1. Sould.
He speaks like a true zealous Protestant:
2. Sould.
His words enflames my heart.
3. Sould.
Z'blood mine's so too:
4. Sould.
And mine is full resolved with this stiffe blade,
to goare the traytors throates;
1. Sould.
My sword likewise:
2. Sould.
Mine shall not sleepe vvhen yours is dravvn.
They draw severally.
3. Sould.
This is as quickly drawne to;
4. Sould.
But this did pretty well, and shall againe,
augment the number of our foes that's slaine.
Tib.
I must of force be absent now they yeld:
least your pretence of being ignorant
I granted quarter, might spoile the jest: you
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1. Sould.
You need not doubt, we doe: stand;
Enter men women and children.
where would these traytors goe?
Man.
Where God will guide us best.
4. Soul.
Where the divell shall your wretched soules molest?
Man.
Hold we had quarter promist us.
3. Sould.
Believe
him not he lyes, kill, kill, let not a bastards
They are kild.
brat of that unhappy brood, escape your hands.
2. Sould.
Looke, yonder runs a score, lets follow, follow.
Exunt.
Enter Theodoricke.
Theo.
Heaven grant they perish in the world to come,
that were foule actors of this brutish Tragedie:
deere friends and Countreymen, blame not my love,
if I bestow the attribute of Martirs on yee,
Martyrs, O Martyrs truly with good reason too,
since for your faith, you sufferd thus; live then
blest soules securely in eternall rest,
whil'st we lament your too untimely losse;
Oh that my wishes could an army raise
for this poore kingdomes safetie; whereby such
crueltie might be no more extended,
but oh, oh, these, these wishes are in vaine
when fire and sword beyond controule doth raigne
Lirenda, poore Lirenda now farewell,
farewell thy former pompe; all's turn'd to griefe
attired in crimson robes of bloodie death
that none but heavens compassive motions can
subdue: cease then, O cease impatient griefe,
when God is pleased, we may expect reliefe,
meane time these breathlesse corps me thinks doe crave
that tribute which we all bring to the grave.
Exit.
The bodies are taken off.
| A Tragedy of Cola's Fvrie or Lirenda's Miserie | |