University of Virginia Library

Scen. 1.

Aberden, Hollarro, Fafrisius, Buzarain, Nevermo, Orestes, Sisterus.
Aber.
Welcome once more unto Bruzantia's Land,
My Lords, we lost not one but Yernomoy,
Without discredit of the sword, or pelts,
The flashes of their thunder-roaring Canons,
Bred but a night not overcame the fight.
They fainted as their sword aimd at our heads;
Saying dame nature forgot the Deities;
Fortune was turn'd a fool, they car'd not for't,
When their rag'd Army was torn by discord,
No Empire took their will, time chid their folly,
Because they did dismember counsell skill;
Experience hang a Flag to shew the woe
That would pursue the evicted Army.
Amazed all stood at distance, intending
To give a shout and fly; but grief mounting
Upon the soaring wings of utter'd speech;
Did stop and cease both anger and the cry,
Conspiring then again to win the Ile,
Which was turn'd frustrate to the purpose, and
We took the Lord, the which my Queen shall have
In grateful sense.

Holl.
Your Princely grace, and sacred Majesty,
May dazle the lustre of a glorious fire
Foundation of mildnesse strives against the stream,
If it seek a revenge within the gates,
Or flowry bank of your resigned will;
Mercy the sister of a peacefull time,
Sav'd millions from the sparks and darts of death,
Which by the worthy motions of your will
Was carried on, or otherwise sharp and
Keen swords had made no standard there,
But sent pale death as Captain of the Fort.

Faf.
The Darts strove in the air, even then to chuse
Whether to fall or fly; their feeblenesse
Did so surprise their force; yet valiant you,
My sacred Leige, stuck to the glittering Arms,
Holding both sword and shaft to work a sign
Of manhood, courage, degree and title;
And passing fenced foords, to captivate
These Lords we have, they trembl' within
The Ring of fear, knowing no side
Where passage makes escape; the Swan did
Sing not half so many notes, as hollowing cryes
And bloody screeks did make a harmony;
Well, 'tis fortune, not the fates did work this
Bold attempt.

Aber.
You speak still like your selves, which Lords
And Princes are: what say you captives?

Orest.
Our soul and bodies are desolate of peace,
Yet let your Queen and men be filld with wrath,
We'l choose no spoiled gain, but truth to Celerinus.

Sist.
Yea, King, its so; though we be captives now,
Time changes, and in them our manner doo;
Though furies tear my body, yet my soul
Shall stand for Celerinus, King of all
Numenia; and your Queen's wrath are Pearls
To us, because we dye not guilty.

Aber.
My lov's no worse to you, since truth rebounds
With hope, you shall have hence my favour.

Orest.
No favour we crave.

Sist.
We desire no favour.

Ner.
The ancient freedom that we did possesse,
Strikes a perpetuall fame unto your name,
A full ripe plumed bird should be the guide
And messenger to over-fly the world,
And mount up to the skies, to let them know,
Your excellency.

Faf.
'Tis, 'tis most true.

Aber.
The day grows on, my Queen expects me now,
The harmless will of her known genius,
Flames in a lake of longing sighs for me,
Proceed and be the buckets to quench it;
But since the day consumes, I'le send for her,
My Lord Nevermo, conduct the Queen to presence.

Nev.
My Liege, I go.
Exit Nevermo.

Aber.
Come Captives, here must be your doom,
She'l have your lives if you were twenty more,
But yet my favour goes with you.

Orest.
I thank your Majesty.

Sist.
Great King, all glory wait on you;
But I am conduc'd by willingnesse to dye.

Orest.
So I am, since I am an exile.

Aber.
You are, stay, here's the Queen.