University of Virginia Library

Actus tertius.

Scæna prima.

Enter Angelica. Hircan.
Angel.
I see at length that Lysis company
Hath power to draw you from your solitude,
Allowing us excuse for our disguises,
While you partake of our divertisement.

Hircan.
I must confesse his folly is so pleasant,
It much exceeds all that is spoken of him:
For my part I much wondred when I saw
My Sister was a Sheepherdesse for him,
And certain pastimes which she then pursu'd,
Scarce could I yeild to such a low design.
But things unknown with injury are censur'd:
And Lysis humour is so pleasing to me,
That were I not by's error pre-engag'd,
I could resolve to take the Crook up too;
But yet I hope to make you all confesse,
There is some pleasure in a Druyd's part.

Angel.
You onely study then to come off well;
In Comedies variety is pleasant,
And I am confident this will be so.
Some Sheepherds, I a Nymph, you Conjurer.—

Hircan.
But yet 'tis I have made the best adventure.

Angel.
Yes doubtless, it will be an excellent Scene,
When to appeare a Maid hee'l think't enough,
To imitate the Gestures, and the Habit.

Hircan.
Yet I did nothing, but with Ceremony,
I pray'd to Tharamis, invoakt his Genius,
Then casting round my eyes to ev'ry place,
Thrice to the East I fixt my countenance,
And thus with a grimme look without ought else,
Remov'd all obstacles to Transmutation.
The Sheepherd is disguis'd without suspition,
And th'better to assist me to delude him;
The Metamorphosis was finisht, as
Montenor with my Sister did arrive,
Who instantly perceiving my designe,
So well reserv'd their countenance, they treat
Him for a Maid without the last suspition:
And thus our enterprise succeeded rarely.

Angel.
Faith you provide us very excellent sport.

Hircan.
If't ravish not, at least, 'twill make ye laugh;
But now to personate the Sheepherdesse,
Faire Nymph, you know what tis we have to doe.

Angel.
Yes, I know well of what me must accuse him.

Hir.
Sure hee'l be very desperate in's defence,
When I to aid him shall employ my engine,
The Hall is most convenient for the purpose;
Ulysses troubles, represented here,
Will tarnish pretty lights to my invention.

Scene II.

Enter to them Clarimond, Charita.
Angel.
I thought I'd lost ye, and was much perplext.

Clar.
We took the Aire upon the Fountain's side,
While you and Hircan have resolved how
Extravagant Lysis must be entertain'd.

Angel.
And did the breath of Zephyrus delight ye?

Clar.
My Sheepherdess did make it pleasant to me.

Angel.
Your cares are constant.

Char.
D'ye wonder at it?
Did ever any see me, and forsake me?

Angel.
Clarimond gives good evidence of that.

Char.
To whom more justly could he render homage?
I dare engage with less baits heretofore,
Fauns were from Woods by Sheepherdesses drawn.
I have a quick, sweet look—

Angel.
And a vain humour.

Char.
Not without reason, I come from the Fountaine,
Whose moving Christall since I have consulted,
A little vanity may be allow'd me.

Angel.
Sure it flatter'd

Char.
Not so much as you think.
But guesse whom I am like in our Romances:
What's rare, there by a Past'rall pencill drawn,
Is all but Copy I'm th'Originall,
In this disguise I'm nothing but is lovely,
I surpasse Philis, if not equall Astrea.

Angel.
You highly prize your selfe in my opinion.

Hircan.
Charita is too faire to speak otherwise,
The best of Beauties may commend it selfe.

Char.
So wise a Druyde; Who would not believe?

Clar.
I credit but my heart in this great Truth,
But as y'ave no defects, so be not cruell:
And to my perfect love vouchsafe to grant
A favour to adorne my Crook—this shall
Suffice—

(He snatches at a Ribbon, and Charita stops his hand.)
Angel.
What doth this Sheepherd from Arcadia?
Expresly come to honour you in Brie,
And you refuse him that? Y'are strangely cruell.

Char.
Can he complain? I give when he demands.

(giving him a knock.)
Clar.
Willingly?

Char.
Yes, frankly Philiris, without disguise,
Provided Clarimond have no share in it.

Clar.
Why that Reserve so contrary to my vowes?
Explaine your selfe for Love-sake.—

Char.
It needs not.

Clar.
But in fine—

Char.
No more, here's Montenor.

Scene III.

Enter to them Montenor.
Hircan.
Well gentle Sheepherd.

Mon.
Sister do you think
(To Angelic.)
Lysis, the Sheepherdesse is come to see you?
Lucida brings her—and you faire Charita—
I pray prepare your selfe to entertain her.

Char.
Be confident I will doe what I can;
He is confirm'd then of his Transformation.

Mon.
He relies wholly upon Hircan's skill

Angel.
We then shall see th'effects: Where left ye him?

Mon.
Some thirty paces hence I came before.

Hircan.
Ile go then and prepare what's to be done.
It's very necessary I withdraw,
Lest if he finde me here, he should suspect
My art, that hitherto has hit so well.
I must appeare like a Magician here.

Ex.
Angel.
That you may then avoid him, go this way,
I heare Lucida's tongue, th'are in the court.
What do you ow to this excess of Love?

(To Charita.)
Char.
In Pastorals I shall be very famous.

Mon.
Anselm knowes nothing of this Raillery.

Angel.
He'll be surpriz'd then with the more delight.
Let's here our Sheepherdess's complement.
See, there she is.—

Scene IV.

Enter to them Lucid. and Lysis like a Sheepherdesse.
Char.
A very comely person!

Angel.
Fie laugh no more, in faith you'l spoile the Scene:
All contain your selves.

Lucid.
Fair Nymph to whom the Gods
(To Angel.)
The most mysterious Secrets doe impart;
In this unhappy Maid you see the Signes
Of griefs, which they have destin'd you to heale.
Thus faith great Hircan, and I took the care,
(Following his order) to conduct her hither.

Ang.
She is most welcom from so great a Druyde.

(embracing Lysis.)
Ly.
You much oblige a distress'd Sheepherdess,
(imitating the voice and gesture of a maid.)
Who will conclude her cruel fate most mild,
If she may have that blessing to be with you;
And that is all she begs.

Char.
Grant her desire;
To live among us Nymph she is prepar'd,
If you love our content refuse her not,
Most taking person!

Angel.
She has excellent features.

Char.
What you say nothing?

(To Clarimond.)
Clar.
I know what I think:
My debt to you impos'd this silence on me.

Char.
No, Philiris may e'en do what he please,
And yet he must be just to this rare beauty,
That excellently faire, deserves his homage,
See what quick beams are scatter'd from her face,
What eyes more faire ere captivated hearts?

Lys.
Faire Sheepherdesse, pray spare my modesty,
Youle else soone raise Vermilion on my cheeks.

Angel.
So faire and perfect, all must needs commend you.

Lys.
Far short of meriting such Eulogies.
(Pointing at Char.)
I'm but a Star compar'd to that bright Sun.

Lucid.
Perhaps you would boast more of your perfections,
Did you spend fewer teares in their possession.

Angel.
And what sad object can provoke her teares?

Ly.
To understand it Nymph, hear my misfortunes.
If the injurious Starre that rul'd my birth,
Had alwaies had for me kind influence,
I had appear'd here in as high condition,
As splendour of illustrious bloud allowes.
For I was born a Dam'sel (thanks to Heaven)
As you now see me reasonably faire,
And such, that truly from my youngest yeares,
I won the hearts of many thousand servants.
(Sad memory, which onely serves t'afflict me!)
I was styl'd every where faire Celimena,
And by that famous name did sweetly ravish,
Eclipsing many beauties that then shin'd;
But cruel Atropos killing my Father, I
Was soon constrain'd to be a Sheepherdesse:
I needs must yeild to force, and then assum'd
To please my Tyrants, the name of Amarillis,
Poore Amarillis, whom miseries in Troups,
Pardon my sighs that intercept my voice.
I can no farther go.—

Char.
A pretty story.

Lucid.
She and my Brother have agreed to this.

(to Charit.)
Ly.
But—this my forme, to me alone unhappy,
Unchang'd beheld the sad change of my fortune,
So far from leaving me in this new habit,
That tis fame filled all our villages,
All prais'd to envy, the new Sheepherdess:
Ev'ry one strove to see me, and to please me.
Happy till now—but oh—this high report
Invited three foule Satyrs from the Woods,
The infamies of whose lascivious loves
Were eccho'd every day through all our streames,
And these, to violate my chastity,
Dogg'd me in every place to ravish me;
And as last night I to the Fountain went,
Without the Sheepherd Filene, in their snares
They caught me—This hath cast me at your feet,
These foule Goat-footed Fiends, the Nymphs obey:
Purge then from that base race ore sacred Groves;
Their whole employment is dishonourable.
All that they do's injurious and immodest.
Preserve the fame of my Virginity:
Once, twice, and thrice on this I do depend:
Purge me from Satyrs, and I shall be spotless.

Angel.
Your fate is cruell—but yet cease to grieve,
You here have met with a safe Sanctuary:
The highest insolence, within this palace
Dares not attempt your Chastitie; live here,
From trouble free, Charita shall take care
Of those diversions are needfull for you,
Will you accept of her good companie?

Ly.
Her affability speaks so high for her,
That instead of refusing I will strive
To follow her, as shadowes do their bodies,
And night and day, if I'm so blest, to please her.

Char.
D'ye doubt it, faire and vertuous Sheepherdess?
How all my senses are transported! thus
To be possest of Amaryllis heart!
This glorious Modell of supremest Beauty!
This Starre!—

Ly.
Reserve these titles for your self;
If any thing in me seems radiant here,
'Tis by reflection of your eyes, faire Sun!

Clar.
If you talk more, by these your kindnesses,
(to Lysis.)
You'l robb me of my Mistris heart, I feare:
Come 'tis enough.

Char.
Indeed you may be jealous,
Having gain'd Amaryllis I scorn you.

Clar.
By this you may oblige me to change too.

Char.
T'enjoy an Angel, I shall lose a Mortall.

Clar.
Is then my service of so little value?

Angel.
Let us end this discourse. Here's Polidore.

Scene V.

Enter to them Anselm.
Ansel.
In that I'm honour'd, and if I dispense—
But O ye Gods!

Angel.
What Sheepherd, y'are surpris'd?
What is't that troubles you so suddenly?

Ansel.
A sudden brightnesse having struck my sight,
My senses all are charm'd, my soul disturb'd!
What Sheepherdess is that?

Mon.
Do ye not know
The late felicities prepar'd for us?
And that fair Amaryllis hath made choice
Of these our coasts, t'embrace the care of flocks?

Ans.
Most glorious coasts! oh spend here all your daies;
(to Ly.)
The Spring to please you here shall ever reigne,
Many new Flowers in the plaines shall rise.

Ly.
Excuse me, for I talk to my Companion;
Having heard nothing, I shall answer nothing.

Ang.
In fine, pray let's know wherefore we lost you,
(to Ans.)
What business made you dis-appear so long?

Ansel.
I was extreamly troubled for poore Lysis,
Lest after your Decree fatall despaire
Might make his Rival happy in his death;
So to prevent his violence on himself,
I ran thorough all the Woods with extream care,
But can learn nothing of him, and I feare
The streams of Marne have finished his fate.

Char.
So after lesse injustice Celadon
Sought in the flouds of Lignon a Precipice;
Doubtlesse hee's dead—oh this guilty beauty!

Angel.
But y'are too quick thus to conclude him dead.

Char.
A secret horrour which doth seize my minde
Of this sad accident's a sure presage
To me, that he is drown'd—oh envious fates!

Angel.
The goodnesse of the Gods could not permit it.

Ly.
He'l be their care, believe it Sheepherdesse;
He hath found necessary aid, Ile warrant,
Some Nymph or other will restore him to you.

Char.
Alas, my dear Companion, I've lost all,
He doubtlesse did deserve a better end,
For of all Sheepherds he was the most faithfull.

Lys.
His name was brought even to our Villages,
Where all extoll'd him for's fidelity.

Char.
Deare Amaryllis, had you knowne him, he
Was the most perfect Sheepherd Heav'n ere saw,
His extream mildness, grace, and his demeanour,
Would have constrain'd you to have wish'd him well,
He gain'd all hearts!

Clar.
For Love sake be contented.
You lose a Lover, and I fill his place,
The homage which I pay to your divine.—

Char.
Away vile Sheepherd speak no more to me;
Thy journy from Arcadia caus'd my grief,
Destroy'd my quiet and my Sheepherds life,
Into these flouds that drown my happiness:
Thou, and thy love did me precipitate.

(weeps.)
Clar.
Mod'rate thy passion.

Char.
Dost thou desire it? Then
Remove thy presence from my just displeasure.

Clar.
Ever so full of rigour?

Char.
'Tis resolved.

Clar.
Thus to endure unjust disdaines too much.
Ingratefull Sheepherdesse, respect till now,
Made me suppresse my flame, now't must break forth,
And I affirm, to brave your fury, that
My heart and eyes are sensible as yours.
(turns to Lysis.)
Faire Amaryllis, the mildnesse of your charmes,
Force me with pleasure thus to yeild my self,
I break your former chaines t'obey your lawes:
What, you look down? Give me at least an answer;
Allow some hope unto my am'rous soule.

Ly.
Maids are asham'd to hear discourse of love,
Approve my silence, or else change your Theme.

Clar.
Oh wonder! Beauty fatal to my rest,
How from those Rosie lips one kiss obtain'd,
Would ease the Wounds which that faire eye hath given me!

Ly.
Keep your designes in bounds of honesty:
You injure much my modesty, I ought
To keep my self as chast as is Diana.

Clar.
One kisse is lawful; What power interdicts it?

Ly.
I and Charita mutually may kiss,
Without the censure of incontinence,
This sign of love to us is lawful, but
To kiss a Sheepherd who doth authorize it?

Ly.
Yet having none but chast designs for you,
(offering to kiss his hand.)
I sure may swear it upon these fair hands.

Ly.
Away Prophane, thy fault's without compare,
You may as well a Vestal touch as me.

Angel.
You lose respect Sir.—

(to Clarimond.)
Clar.
I confesse I do.
But who knows what he does, that dies for love?

Angel.
You ought—but Gods! how is my soul confounded?
Mine eyes deluded, or I see a Satyr.

Scene VI.

Enter (to them) three of Montenors Servants, disguised like Satyrs.
Sat.
Be not amaz'd, fair Nymphs, that we do now,
To haunt your Palaces, forsake our Woods,
Friends of Tautates, and Demi-Gods of Nature.
We soon perceiv'd that we were injured,
And hither we are come with just displeasure,
To demand justice for your selves and us.

Angel.
'Gainst whosoere it be you shall receive it:

Sat.
From Amaryllis snares we would secure you.

Ly.
My snares? what's that you filthy ugly Leacher?

Angel.
Pray, without injury, let's hear him out.

Sat.
The false report of that perfidious soul
Made you believe that she is chast, as faire,
And that that glorious Lamp, which gives us light,
If he shine brighter, yet he is lesse pure;
But we must tell you, her incontinence,
With great God Pan, till now hath past in silence,
And our respect made us endure it, as loath
To speak of it, at all, to her dishonour;
But since with too much vice displeasing him,
She with the God Sylvanus was surpris'd,
And with a Faun too in Adultery,
Sh' hath arm'd your indignation against us,
Deceiving you by a base Artifice:
We therefore hither came to beg your justice.

Angel.
Then answer Sheepherdesse.

(to Lysis)
Ly.
My heart ev'n bleeds:
How have I sinned? What fault have I committed?
This plot is laid by envy 'gainst my vertue:
Thus Phœdra ruin'd chast Hyppolytus.

Angel.
Guilty or not, since they accuse you, we
Must purge you from suspition for our honour.

Ly.
Oh Christian Chastity, clear Innocence!
With this attempt, alas, they vow my ruine.

Sat.
Such crimes as this were never disavow'd,
But instantly they offer'd proofs by fire.
You Nymph do understand our Country's lawes,
And to what end the sacred Plate's ordain'd:
Then let her touch it burning, we shall see
If that chast and pure fire will spare her body.

Char.
What saist Barbarian?

Clar.
Deare soul of my soule!
Expose thee Amaryllis to the fire?

Ly.
Leave me to dissipate their wild suspitions;
Thus chast, I safe can walk on burning coales.

Angel.
This ancient custome, although rigorous,
Was never yet injurious to th'opprest;
If wrongfully accus'd, the fire will clear you.

Clar.
Why should I reverence this unjust law?
No, Amaryllis falsly thus accused,
Shall ne're be subject to it, Ile first die:
Let's see who dares accuse her?

Angel.
How bold Sheepherd!
Will you provoke the anger of the Gods?

Clar.
In this condition I fear not their anger:
My Gods, are my fair Sheepherdesse, and Love,
And rather than lose her, they may oblige me.—

An.
Take hence this insolent Sheepherd from my sight;
Satyrs away with him.

(While the Satyrs remove Clarim. Thunder and Lightning is heard.)
Ly.
Heavens! Earth revenge!
Th'oppresse him that defendeth innocence.
Unhappy maid! they envy that thou livest.
Aid me sage Hircan, wisest Hircan aid!

Angel.
Strange Lightning!

Char.
Where shall be my Sanctuary?

Ly.
I cannot stir I am so full of feare.

(All flie, and Hircan appeares in the air in a flying Chaire.)

Scene VII.

Enter Hircan, Lysis.
Hir.
Thus by me Horror through these places flies,
(in's Chair.)
And I those dangers break to which fates throw
Thee Amaryllis, raise thine eyes,
And th'Author of thy Transmutation know;
Since every day they threaten thee,
I in my flying chair come to thine aid;
Behold! how thy Foes insolence is staid,
And see how my approach they flee,
And how the feares of death do make
Their vanquisht fury all its force forsake!

Ly.
Vouchsafe, illustrious and learned Judge,
To free me from a trial forc'd upon me.

Hircan.
I know't but little could their force prevail,
For thou art chast, and hast orecome the fire.

Ly.
Yes, I as Amaryllis, had prevail'd;
But having once consulted with my soul,
I fear'd your charms enfeebled by the fire,
I should be Lysis more than Amaryllis.

Hircan.
Fear not; I come through midst of clouds, and crost
(descending upon the Stage.)
An hundred unknown paths in this my chair.

Ly.
Is the way safe?

Hircan.
Yes—but it will be best
That for prevention you blind your eyes.

Ly.
I willingly obey the wisest Druyde,
(mounting the Chair.)
Whose will commands ore the decrees of Fate.

(ascends.)
Hir.
'Tis time to part, up and take courage, know
No dangers dare affront thee where I go: