 | Revenge For Honour |  |
17
Actus Secundus.
Scena 1.
Enter Almanzor, Mura, and Simanthes.Al.
How? not go, Simanthes?
Sim.
My dread Soveraign,
I speak but what the well affected people
out of their loyal care and pious duty
injoyn'd me utter: they do look upon him
as on your eldest Son, and next Successor,
and would be loth the Persian War should rob
their eies of light, their souls of joy and comfort,
this flourishing Empire leave as it were widow'd
of its lov'd Spouse: They humbly do beseech
your Majesty would therefore destine some
more fitting General, whose loss (as heaven
avert such a misfortune) should it happen,
might lesse concern the State.
Al.
'Tis not the least
among the blessings Heaven has showr'd upon us,
that we are happie in such loving Subjects,
to govern whom, when we in peace are ashes,
we leave them a Successor whom they truly reverence:
A loving people and a loving Soveraign
makes Kingdoms truly fortunate and flourishing.
But I beleeve (Simanthes) their intents,
though we confirm them, will scarce take effect:
My Abilqualit (like a Princely Lion,
in view of's prey) wil scarcely be orecom
to leave the honour of the Persian War,
in's hope already vanquish'd by his valour,
and rest in lazy quiet, while that Triumph
is ravish'd by another.
Sim.
With the pardon
of your most facred Majestie, 'tis fit then
your great commands forbid the Princes Voyage:
boldnesse inforces youth to hard atchievements
before their time, makes them run forth like Lapwings
from their warm nest, part of the shel yet sticking
unto their downie heads. Sir, good successe
is oft more fatal far then bad; one winning
cast from a flatt'ring Die tempting a Gamester
18
Mur.
This is dull,
fruitless Philosophy, he that falls nobly
winns as much honour by his loss, as conquest.
Sim.
This rule may hold wel among common men,
but not 'mong Princes. Such a prince as ours is,
who knows as wel to conquer mens affections
as he does enemies, should not be expos'd
to every new cause, honourable danger.
Prince Abilqualit's fair and winning carriage
has stolne possession of the peoples hearts,
they doate on him since his late Spanish conquest,
as new made brides on their much coveted husbands;
and they would pine like melancholy turtles,
should they so soone lose the unvalued object
both of their love and reverence: Howsoe're,
what ere your awful wil (Sir) shall determine,
as heaven, it by their strict obedience
held sacred and religious.
Al.
Good Simanthes, let them receive our thanks
for their true care of our dear Abilqualit.
Wee'l consider of their request, say.
Sim.
Your highnesse humblest creature.
Exit.
Mu.
I do not like this.
Al.
Like what? Valiant Mura,
we know thy counsels so supremely wise,
and thy true heart so excellently faithful,
that whatsoere displeases thy sage Judgment,
Almanzor's wisdome must account distastful.
What is't dislikes thee?
Mu.
Your Majestie knows me
a downright Souldier, I affect not words;
but to be brief, I relish not your son
should (as if you were in your tomb already)
ingross so much the giddie peoples favours.
'Tis neither fit for him, nor safe for you
to suffer it.
Al.
Why, how can they, Mura,
Give a more serious testimony of reverence
to me, then by conferring their affections,
their pious wishes, zealous contemplations
on him that sits the nearest to my heart,
my Abilqualit, in whose hopeful virtues
my age more glorious then in all my conquests?
19
May you prove fortunate in your pious care
of the Prince Abilqualit. But (my Lord)
Mura is not so prone to idle language
(the Parasits best ornament) to utter
ought, but what (if you'l please to give him audience
hee'l show you a blunt reason for.
Al.
Come, I see
into thy thoughts, good Mura; too much care
of us, informs thy loyal soul with fears
the Princes too much popularity
may breed our danger: banish those suspicions;
neither dare they who under my long raign
have been triumphant in so many blessings,
have the least thought may tend to disobedience:
or if they had, my Abilqualit's goodnesse
would ne're consent with them to become impious.
Mu.
'Tis too secure a confidence betrays
minds valiant to irreparable dangers.
Not that I dare invade with a foule thought
the noble Princes loyalty; but (my Lord)
when this same many headed beast (the people)
violent, and so not constant in affections,
subject to love of novelty, the sicknesse
proper t'all humane specially light natures,
do magnifie with too immoderate praises
the Princes actions, doate upon his presence,
nay chaine their souls to th'shadow of his foot-steps,
as all excesses ought to be held dangerous,
especially when they do aim at Scepters,
their too much dotage speaks, you in their wishes
are dead alreadie, that their darling hope
the Prince might have the Throne once.
Al.
'Tis confess'd, all this a serious truth.
Mu.
Their mad applauses
oth'noble Prince, though he be truly virtuous,
may force ambition into him, a mischief
Seasing the soul with too much craft and sweetness,
as pride or lust do's minds unstay'd and wanton:
'tmakes men like poyson'd rats, which when they'ave swallow'd
the pleasing bane, rest not until they drink,
and can rest then much lesse, until they burst with't.
Al.
Thy words are stil oraculous.
Mu.
Pray then think
with what an easie toil the haughty Prince,
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nay, the world's Soveraign in the vulgar wishes,
had he a resolution to be wicked,
might snatch this diadem from your aged temples?
What law so holy, tye of blood so mightie,
which for a Crown, minds sanctified and religious
have not presum'd to violate? How much more then
may the soul dazling glories of a Scepter
work in his youth, whose constitution's fierie,
as overheated air, and has to fan it
into a flame, the breath of love and praises
blown by strong thought of his own worth and actions.
Al.
No more of this, good Mura.
Mu.
They dare already limit your intentions,
demand (as 'twere) with cunning zeal (which rightly
interpreted, is insolence) the Princes
abode at home. I wil not say it is,
but I guess, 'tmay be their subtle purpose
while we abroad fight for a new kingdomes purchase
depriv'd by that means of our faithful succors,
they may deprive you of this crown, inforce
upon the prince this Diadem; which however
he may be loth t'accept, being once possessed of't
and tasted the delights of supreme greatness,
hee'l be more loath to part with. To prevent this,
not that I think it wil, but that may happen,
'tis fit the Prince march. I'ave observed in him too
of late a sullen Melancholly, whence rising
i'le not conjecture; only I should grieve, Sir,
beyond a moderate sorrow, traitorous practise
should take that from you which with loyal blood
ours and your own victorious arms have purchas'd.
and now I have discharg'd my honest conscience
censure on't as you please; henceforth I'me silent.
Al.
Would thou hadst been so now, thy loyal fears
have made me see how miserable a King is,
whose rule depends on the vain people suffrage.
Black now and horrid as the face of storms
appears al Abilqualits lovely vertues,
because to me they only make him dangerous,
and with great terror shall behold those actions
which with delight before we view'd, and dotage;
like Mariners that bless the peaceful seas,
which when suspected to grow up tempestuous,
21
'tis wisdome in us, to him no injustice,
to keep a vigilant eie o're his proceedings
and the wild peoples purposes.
Enter Abil.
Al.
Abilqualit!
come to take your leave, I do conjecture.
Abil.
Rather, Sir, to beg
your gracious licence, I may stil at home
attend your dread commands, and that you'd please
to nominate my hopeful brother Abrahen
(in lieu of me) chief of your now raised Forces
for th'Persian expedition.
Al.
Dare you (Sir) presume to make this suit to us?
Abil.
Why? (my roial Lord)
I hope this cannot pull your anger on
your most obedient Son: a true affection
to the young Prince my brother, did beget
this my request; I willingly would have
his youth adorn'd with glorie of this conquest.
No tree bears fruit in Autumn, 'less it blossome
first in the Spring: 'tis fit he were acquainted
in these soft years with military action,
that when grown perfect man, he may grow up too
perfect in warlike discipline.
Al.
Hereafter
we shall by your appointment guide our Counsels.
Why do you not intreat me to resigne
my Crown, that you the peoples much lov'd minion
may with't impale your glorious brow? Sir, henceforth
or know your duty better, or your pride
shall meet our just wak'd anger. To your Charge,
and march with speed, or you shall know what 'tis
to disobey our pleasure. When y'are King,
learn to command your Subjects; I will mine (Sir.)
You know your Charge, perform it.
Exit Alm. and Mura.
Abil.
I have done.
Our hopes (I see) resemble much the Sun,
that rising and declining cast large shadows;
but when his beams are dress'd in's midday brightnesse,
yeelds none at all: when they are farthest from
successe, their guilt reflection does display
the largest shows of events fair and prosp'rous.
With what a setled confidence did I promise
22
when stead of these, I finde my fathers wrath
destroying mine intentions. Such a fool
is self-compassion, soothing us to faith
of what we wish should hap, while vain desire
of things we have not, makes us quite forget
those w'are possess'd of.
Enter Abrahen.
Abr.
Alone the engine works
beyond or hope or credit. How I hug
with vast delight, beyond that of stoln pleasures
forbidden Lovers taste, my darling Mistriss,
my active Brain! If I can be thus subtle
while a young Serpent, when grown up a Dragon
how glorious shall I be in cunning practise?
My gracious brother!
Abil.
Gentle Abrahen, I
am griev'd my power cannot comply my promise:
my Father's so averse from granting my
request concerning thee, that with angrie frowns
he did express rather a passionate rage,
then a refusall civil, or accustom'd
to his indulgent disposition.
Abr.
Hee's our Father,
and so the tyrant Custome doth inforce us
to yeeld him that which fools call natural,
when wise men know 'tis more then servile duty,
a slavish, blind obedience to his pleasure,
be it nor just, nor honourable.
Abil.
O my Abrahen,
these sounds are unharmonious, as unlookt for
from thy unblemish'd innocence: though he could
put off paternal pietie, 't gives no priviledg
for us to wander from our filial dutie:
though harsh, and to our natures much unwelcom
be his decrees, like those of Heaven, we must not
presume to question them.
Abr.
Not, if they concern
our lives and fortunes? 'Tis not for my self
I urge these doubts; but 'tis for you, who are
my Brother, and I hope, must be my Soveraigne,
my fears grow on me almost to distraction:
Our Father's age betrayes him to a dotage,
which may be dang'rous to your future safetie;
23
Abil.
How, Abrahen?
Ab.
I knew 'twould start your innocence; but 'tis truth,
a sad and serious truth; nay his suspicion
almost arriv'd unto a setled faith
that y'are ambitious.
Abil.
'Tis impossible.
Ab.
The glorious shine of your illustrious vertues
are grown too bright and dazling for his eyes
to look on as he ought, with admiration;
and he with fear beholds them, as it were,
through a perspective, where each brave action
of yours survey'd though at remotest distance,
appears far greater then it is. In brief,
that love which you have purchas'd from the people
that sing glad Hymns to your victorious fortunes,
betraies you to his hate; and in this Voiage
which he inforces you to undertake,
he has set spies upon you.
Abil.
'Tis so: afflictions
do fal like hailstones, one no sooner drops,
but a whole Showre does follow. I observ'd
indeed, my Abrahen, that his looks and language
was dress'd in unaccustom'd clouds, but did not
imagine they'd presag'd so fierce a tempest.
Ye gods, why do you give us gifts and graces,
share your own attributes with men, your virtues,
when they betray them to worse hate then vices?
But Abrahen, prithee reconfirm my feares
by testimonial how this can be truth;
for yet my innocence with too credulous trust
sooths up my soul, our father should not thus
put that off which does make him so, his sweetnesse,
to feed the irregular flames of false suspicions
and soul tormenting jealousies.
Ab.
Why, to me,
to me (my Lord) he did with strong Injunctions
give a solicitous charge to overlook your actions.
My Abrahen (quoth he) I'me not so unhappie,
that like thy brother thou shouldst be ambitious,
who does affect, 'fore thy ag'd Fathers ashes,
with greedie lust my Empire. Have a strict
and cautious diligence to observe his carriage,
'twil be a pious care. Mov'd with the base
24
the office of a spy; your spy, my noble
and much lov'd brother: my best manhood scarce
could keep my angry tears in; I resolv'd
I was in duty bound to give you early
intelligence of his unjust intentions,
that you in wisedome might prevent all dangers
might fall upon you from them, like swift lightning,
killing 'cause they invade with sudden fiercenesse.
Abil.
In afflicting me, misery is grown witty.
Ab.
Nay besides (Sir)
the sullen Mura has the self same charge too
consign'd and setled on him; which his blind
duty will execute. O brother, your
soft passive nature, do's like jet on fire
when oyls cast on't, extinguish: otherwise,
this base suspicion would inflame your sufferance,
nay make the purest loyalty rebellious.
However, though your too religious piety
forces you 'ndure this foul disgrace with patience,
look to your safety, brother, that dear safety
which is not only yours, but your whole Empires:
for my part, if a faithfull brothers service
may ought avail you, tho against our father,
since he can be so unnaturally suspicious,
as your own thoughts, command it.
Enter Selinthus and Mesithes.
Sel.
Come, I know,
although th'ast lost some implements of manhood
may make thee gracious in the sight of woman,
yet th'ast a little engine, cal'd a tongue,
by which thou canst orecome the nicest female,
in the behalf of friend. Insooth, you Eunuchs
may well be stil'd Pimps-royal, for the skill
you have in quaint procurement.
Mes.
Your Lordship's merry,
and would inforce on me what has been your
office far oftner than the cunningst Squire belonging
to the smock transitory. May't please your Highnesse.
Abil.
Ha! Mesithes.
Ab.
His countenance varies strangely, some affaire
the Eunuch gives him notice of, 't should seem,
begets much pleasure in him.
Abil.
Is this truth?
25
Else let me taste your anger.
Abil.
My dear Abrahen,
wee'l march to night, prethee give speedie Notice
to our Lieutenant Mura, to collect
the forces from their several quarters, and
draw them into Battalia on the plain
behind the Citie, lay a strict command
he stir not from the Ensigns til our self
arrive in person there. Be speedie, brother,
a little hastie business craves our presence.
We wil anon be with you, my Methises.
Exeunt Abil. & Mes.
Sel.
Can your grace imagine
whether his highness goes now?
Ab.
No, Selinthus;
canst thou conjecture at the Eunuchs business?
what ere it was, his countenance seem'd much altred:
Il'd give a talent to have certain knowledg
what was Mesithes message.
Sel.
I'll inform you
at a far easier rate. Mesithes businesse
certes concern'd a limber petticoate,
and the smock soft and slipperie; on my honour,
has been providing for the Prince, some female
that he takes his leave of Ladies flesh
ere his departure.
Ab.
Not improbable, it may be so.
Sel.
Nay, certain (Sir) it is so:
and I believe, your little bodie earnes
after the same sport. You were once reported
a wag would have had business of ingendring
with surly Mura's Lady: and men may
conjectute y'are no chaster then a vot'rie:
yet though she would not solace your desires,
there are as handsome Ladies wil be proud
to have your Grace inoculate their stocks
with your graft-royal.
Ab.
Thou art Selinthus stil,
and wilt not change thy humor. I must go
and find out Mura; so farwel Selinthus,
thou art not for these warrs, I know.
Exit.
Sel.
No truly,
nor yet for any other, 'less't be on
a naked yeilding enemie; though there may
be as hot service upon such a foe
26
we civill men assault body to body,
oft carry wild-fire, about them privately,
that sindges us ith'service from the crown
even to the sole, nay sometimes hair and all off.
But these are transitory perills.
Enter Gasilles, Osman.
Couzens,
I thought you had been dancing to the drum.
Your General has given order for a march
this night, I can assure you.
Gas.
It is Couzen,
something of the soonest; but we are prepar'd
at all times for the journey.
Sel.
To morrow morning
may serve the turn though. Hark you, Couzens mine;
if in this Persian War, you chance to take a
handsome she Captive, pray you be not unmindfull
of us your friends at home; I will disburse
her ransome, Couzens, for I've a months mind
to try if strange flesh, or that of our own
Countrey has the compleater relish.
Os.
We will accomplish thy pleasure, noble Couzen.
Sel.
But pray do not
take the first say of her your selves. I do not
love to walk after any of my kindred
ith'path of copulation.
Gas.
The first fruits
shall be thy own, dear Couz. But shall we part
(never perhaps to meet agen) with dry
lips, my right honoured Coz?
Sel.
By no means,
though by the Alcharon wine be forbidden,
you Souldiers in that case make't not your faith.
Drink water in the Camp, when you can purchase
no other liquor; here you shall have plenty
of wine, old and delicious. I'le be your leader,
and bring you on, let who will bring you off.
To the encounter, come let us march, Couzens.
Exeunt Omnes.
Song.
27
Scena Secunda.
Enter Abilqualit, Caropia, and Mesithes, Perilinda.Car.
No more, my gracious Lord, where real love is
needlesse are all expressions ceremonious:
the amorous Turtles, that at first acquaintance
strive to expresse in murmuring notes their loves,
do when agreed on their affections change
their chirps to billing.
Abil.
And in feather'd arms
incompasse mutually their gawdy necks.
Mes:
How do you like
these love tricks, Perilinda?
Per.
Very well;
but one may sooner hope from a dead man
to receive kindness, than from thee, an Eunuch.
You are the coldest creatures in the bodies,
no snow-balls like you.
Mes.
We must needs, who have not
that which like fire should warm our constitutions,
the instruments of copulation, girle,
our toyes to please the Ladies.
Abil.
Caropia, in your well becoming pity
of my extream afflictions and stern sufferings,
you've shown that excellent mercy as must render
what ever action you can fix on, virtuous.
But Lady, I till now have been your tempter,
one that desired hearing, the brave resistance
you made my brother, when he woo'd your love,
only to boast the glory of a conquest
which seem'd impossible, now I have gain'd it
by being vanquisher, I my self am vanquish'd
your everlasting Captive.
Car.
Then the thraldome
will be as prosperous as the pleasing bondage
of palms, that flourish most when bowd down fastest;
Constraint makes sweet and easie things laborious,
when love makes greatest miseries seem pleasures.
Yet 'twas ambition (Sir) join'd with affection
that gave me up a spoil to your temptations.
I was resolv'd, if ever I did make
a breach on matrimonial faith, 't should be
28
as well as liberall nature; who possess'd
the height of greatnesse to adorn his beauty;
which since they both conspire to make you happy,
I thought 'twould be a greater sin to suffer
your hopefull person, born to sway this Empire,
in loves hot flames to languish, by refusal
to a consuming feaver, then t'infringe
a vow which ne're proceeded from my heart
when I unwillingly made it.
Abil.
And may break it with confidence, secure from the
least guilt, as if't had only in an idle dream
been by your fancy plighted. Madam, there
can be no greater misery in love,
than separation from the object which
we affect; and such is our misfortune
we must ith'infancy of our desires
breath at unwelcome distance; ith'mean time,
lets make good use of the most precious minuts
we have to spend together.
Car.
Else we were unworthy to be titled lovers; but
I fear loath'd Mura may with swift approach
disturb our happinesse.
Abil.
By my command hee's mustring up our forces.
Yet Mesithes, go you to Abrahen, and with intimations
from us, strengthen our charge. Come my Caropia,
love's wars are harmlesse, for who ere do's yeild,
gains as much honor as who wins the field.
| Revenge For Honour | |