 | The Female Rebelion |  |
ACT 1.
SCENE 1.
Appearance: An Army of Amazons.Enter Alcymen bearing Cymitar, Helmet, and Gau[n]tlet; Queen wearing a Myrtle garland, Nicostrate; & files of Armed Amazons in red (from the left side.)
Nico.
Great Queen of Amazons, this Victory,
Gain'd by your conduct without blood, declares
War is a science, and an Armys strength
Consists not in their Numbers, but their Leader.
Queen.
No (my brave General) you saw it was
The Scythians confidence in their vast force
Made them presume, & fearless of an Ambush:
And yet if Heaven then had not sent down clouds,
Wrapping us in those mantles of the Air,
Till the Enemy march'd to th'centre of our forces,
And strait dispell'd that mist, we ne're had caught 'em.
We speak by words, the Deity by signes;
And since the manner shows this work divine,
'Twere more than sacrilege to think it mine.
Nico.
But when Y'had these Invaders in yr Power,
You justly might have took their lives, who sought
Unjustly yours.
Cozen, Warfare's a centaur,
Half-man, half-beast; 'tis manly to subdue,
To destroy is brutish: my design
Is to preserve my foes when they are tam'd;
They may turn Friends, then is the conquest doubled.
Nico.
Yet when Y'had spar'd their Lives, 'twas fit they should
Have been your slaves.
Queen.
Should they who were once honour'd
With the high name of souldier, be degraded
So low as to be reckon'd Goods & chattles?
Nay, 'twould be a condition below beasts,
For Horses of War have had manumission.
Nico.
If not the Officers, you might have kept
The rest in servitude.
Queen.
Them least of all;
For wealth, authority, & armour are
The portion of commanders; want, submission,
And nakedness, the share of private souldiers;
And should they be worse treated, 'cause they fight
As much, endure more, and on less inducements?
Nico.
Then why did not yr Majesty disarm 'em?
Queen.
I would not do a Courtesy by halfs;
Before I spoke my reason, now my Nature:
And should their King Invade our Cappadocia
After this, sure his Armys blood I spar'd,
Would sally forth in blushes to his shame,
And by my just disdain I'd make him know,
He merits not so much to be my foe.
Nico.
But how could you bear this Affront in Honour?
Queen.
You know we Amazons sprang from their Scythia,
Their King too hath been my Ally and Lover,
Courting me first in Gold, then thus in Thunder,
The way I pardon'd for that generous end.
Enter Thalestris in Jewells (from ye right.)
Thal.
Oh (Madam) would you dismiss the Scythians, without
consulting my headpiece, so beaten to state affairs?
[to the Qu. who turns aside to Nicostrate.
Alc.
So beaten, 'thas been it had need be a head piece; or else
no marvel if there be a soft place in't.
[Tha. laughs.
Thal.
But without boasting, it hath help'd the Crown off many
[an] unknown plunge.
Alc.
Unknown, questionless, for I ne're saw your Name to any
order yet.
Thal.
I am sure of that, I could never write it yet, thank my stars.
[looking up.
Alc.
Who ever heard one before so thankful for being an Idiot?
[Tha. laughs.
Thal.
Why, forsooth? ha'not many been undone by writing their
names? And were not they lately the fiercest reformers of Laws, who
could neither write nor read them? What a grand piece of wit it is
to loiter out a Life in the Hermitage of a Library, to be hanged there
in chains after death; We Pols are persons of business.
Alc.
A cozening dunce of business is worse than a greivance,
who by over-wisdome arrives to be a more elaborate Ass.
[Tha. laughs.
Queen
to Alc.
On to the Temple!
[All march out at the right, while they within sing a chorus.
SCENE 2d.
Enter Antiopa, Penthesilea, & Celeno (from ye left.)Pen.
Is the Queen gone? I'll fly till I overtake her.
[Penth. offers to go forth at the right, Anti. stops her.
Anti.
Stay, Major General.
Pen.
Time its self shall stay
As soon as I: My Pulse sounds as it beats, and do[e]s alarum me
all o're to be in Action.
Anti.
Consult first, then complain.
Pen.
Is this the souldiers thanks, who're cured of wounds
O'er night, but to be killed out right next morn?
Must we loose all the fruits of Victory
By her we guarded? perish by forgiving?
Rapine and slaughter are our Rights & Vertues;
But Pity is a rust eats through our courage.
Cele.
Lievtenant General, I thought to have gain'd booty enough
by this defeat to ha' bribed my self into some good office, where I
might have cheated her Majesty by her own Authority; And then
have [been] Preferr'd to a higher place, for making such Ingenious
use of a lower.
Pen.
But I'd have Massacred those salvages, and with their corps
manured the lands they trampled down in their march, that so they
rotting where they spoil'd, our Earth too might have satisfaction.
Cele.
Yet I'd have first got a harvest out of those clods.
Ant.
Commissary General, what benefit could you imagin from
such Natural Antics?
Cele.
Why some of 'em I'd have show'd about for Satyrs; the
difference is, Satyrs Tails grow out behind, and Scythians long beards
are tails before; Others I'd have baited out of their wits with our
womens Tongues, whose deafening Noise is so loud it sours their own
Bedlams.
Ant.
Yet what is more monstrous, the Queen prostitutes our whole
Interest to these Prodigies.
Pen.
Were we all made to serve one woman's call?
No more than all heavens eys to watch this ball.
[Pen. spurns the ground and strives to go forth: Anti. hinders her again.
Ant.
Stay, as you hate repentance; you should fawn
Where you abhor, cringe low as Earth to those
You wish beneath it; Kneeling kiss their shaddows,
As if you would wear out yr Lipps in service;
Thus subtil serpents creep upon their bosoms,
While they spit venom,—softly twining round
Those they embrace to Death; Get a Tongue too
Forked like theirs, still have a double meaning;
And hold with Two sides to betray them both.
Catch some like Dotterils by complaisant Postures;
Burst 'em with laughter, or with Tears dissolve 'em;
Others raise high with praise, to fall more lowe;
Ne're fix your Eye, where you intend the blow.
Pen.
I scorn such servile Policy, 'tis a vizor,
Which, as it hides us, does obstruct our sight;
Making us loose the seasons fit for Action
In Blind debates; While Passion, like a torrent,
Still hurrying forward, forces a success;
And by its hast surprizes happyness.
Ant.
No, it will post you into horrid dangers.
Pen.
Horror its self rouzed from its loathsom dungeon,
With all its train of gastly Apparitions
Grinning about it, cannot show a Visage
So Dreadfull, but I dare alone out face it.
Sure she's transported with Enthusiasms.
Ant.
But 'tis for the Publick good.
Cele.
Pish, let them stand for that, who have a mind to be
gull'd with Public faith; I'm for no invisible Pay.
Ant.
Why, is not goodness its own recompence?
Cel.
Yea, to religious fools, that forlorn hope of mortals, who
can be put off with celestial reversions; but doomsday's so long a
coming, I'd not be tyed to go to Paradise, without an Antepast of
reward here, why should not I as well be hired for the Journey, as the
Priest is but for telling the way?
Ant.
Would not your Conscience tremble to desert us?
Cel.
Tush! That Ague of the mind never shakes me, why scarce
a scruple of conscience will now be endured, since hardness of heart
is as an Infallible symptom of a tender conscience, as a brazen face
is of a tender scull.
Ant.
I confess mony's a sure trump at all games.
Cel.
Therfore I am such an Idolater of Coin, I can defy ye Queen
her self out of pure Reverence to her Image; Gold's deifying power
can make a senseless calf adored.
Ant.
But see our Consorts!
[Jasius, Ericthonius, and Ilus Appear, with their backs toward the stage, on the right.
Pen.
I hate to mind such baubles now as men.
Cel.
They are but our drudges, to do that for us we can't do for
ourselves, and get us posterity to predominate over them.
Ant.
Though our cheif founders (when their Husbands dy'd in
the bed of honour) did ordain, no Amazons should love their men,
least thence our Mastery might weaker grow, yet they may dote on us.
Cel.
But in token of deference, they ought to observe our seasons;
company at best is but necessary Folly.
Ant.
Then let's retire, and perfect our new model.
[Exeunt all (at the left.)
SCEN: 3d.
App: A Royal Palace.Enter Jasius in a souldiers, Ericthonius in a Rich, & Ilus in a poor habit (from ye right.)
Ilus.
Fellow Trojans, would you beleive these monimental weeds
could be Fancy'd by a young Lady? That such a thin ghost of a
suit should humour plump flesh and blood?
Jas.
Fly, you scarcrow both to fowl and women, they hate Antiquity
in a garment, as much as in a gallant; and thine of Happy
memory has out lasted a full seige of Troy, and pleads prescription to
thy gammons, so that it more creates than covers thy shame; 'twould
be just to hang thee for wearing it, for 'twere but giving the Gallows
its own again. Its pedigree is derived from a horse cloth, which
linealy proceeded from a Tilt, and will shortly descend into socks.
Ilus.
Oh! But my Amazon makes me the foil of her Attire, as
her Black-moor is to her skin; else I love spruceness so well, I have
oft in our Citty pawned my Body for my Vest, and chose rather to
be a year in Goal, than a day out of the modish cut.
Eric.
Now my Curiosa glorys to see me most Jeanty, with so
much Ribbond on one part, and lace on another, that I look like one
of the shops divided 'tween a Milliner and a Sempstress: Yet she
Trimms me up as we country folks do our May-pole, more for her
own sport, than my credit, and takes pride to have my brightness wait
on her, as her shaddow.
Jas.
In troth (Butterfly) thou art a mere libel to bravery, a silken
bundle of wormish excrements, and only a lining to Patches, For the
Taylor first minces all thy Robes into Rags, then stiches 'em togather,
as Pedants do fustian phrases, to send thee forth a Sr Holy-day
Bumkin.
'Tis confessed I make my silk sackcloth by misbecoming
it, and allemode its self out of fashion by my garb; and were it not for
my Amazon, could wear a Jerkin as long as a Tree doth its bark.
My Back's as unfit for the Pageantry of gaudy dresses, as a dray-mans
head was for a Coronet, or a Covenanters for a Mitre.
Jas.
But my commandress is not so captious at the Freedom of
my garniture, as of my behaviour; For (as I am a Brother of the
blade) If she prescribed a peremptory case for my Limbs, I'd spare
meat and drink, and so get covering like a silkworm out of my own
belly, e're I'd act out my Age in such Propertys.
Enter Antiopa, Penthesilea, & Celeno all in Jewels (from the left.)
Jas.
Our Guardian Angels here!
Eric.
Nothing but your Triumphant return—
Ilus.
Could make us know what gladness is.
The Trojans kiss their Amazons right hands.
Antiopa.
This is a Thanksgiving day:
Pen.
For our too easy Victory.
[The Trojans look merrily.
Cel.
And the Queen keeps open house; where the commons are
resolved to drain her wine cellar, and forget all differences, and themselves
too in remmembrance of her Majesty.
[The Trojans throw up their caps.
Ilus.
O Voluptuous news!
An.
to Pen. & Cel.
They're jolly; let's commit them to their mirth.
[Exeunt Ant., Pen., and Cel. (at the right.)
Jas.
Now my bonny boys, into this one day let us crowd a year of
Jubilee.
Eric.
But what consolation's most congenial to our sublimated
spirits?
Ilu.
Sure nothing's so agreeable to our insides, as the entrails of
the Hogshead; and therefore Scythians make drinking bowls of their
Ancestors sculls, that, whether alive or dead, their heads might be still
full of wine.
I say lusty eating for my mony; I beleive my soul was
cram̄ed into my body, I so naturally swallow without chewing, small
birds to me are but mince meat; and when fowls are at Table, every
one I eat is a decoy to draw down another.
Jas.
But my creature-comfort must arise from women.
Eric.
Yes, if those Turtles would bill with us; but we (as if our
Backs like Lampreys had no bones in 'em) must congee to their shoe,
e're we salute their glove.
Ilu.
'Tis true, Amazons keep their consorts as dutifull as others
do their suiters, making them a kind of Barons covert, and if themselves
prove not pregnant in a year, choose new stallions, turning away
their Fumblers, as Jades wrought off their Legs.
Eric.
Howe're we're content (now Troys lost) to be Tenants at
will, retain'd only upon good behaviour.
Jas.
Since their Presence is so Imperious, why should we not
solace our selves, by lampooning these Vitiosa's in their absence?
Ilu.
Right, yet not every one their own, but each of us one anothers.
Eric.
Very well, so we shall do it the more Impartially.
Ilu.
Then yr Antiopa hath such a lying Face, that though it be
in others a copy of the mind, 'tis a cheif thing hers cannot be known
by; Her squinting discourse too makes her meaning no more understood,
than if it had been spoke at the confusion of Tongues. She is
like the wood that shines where 'tis most rotten; seeming the more on
fire, the more it is in the dark: so that a solifidian, who could beleive
her, would have faith enough to save the Atheistical part of the world.
[To Jas. They all clap Ilus. on the Back.
Eric.
And thy Celeno's mind so cleaves to that dirt, mony; That
as some have stated souls one of the three purer Elements, I could
Imagine hers to be of earth. She robbs one mine of its gold to make
another in her coffers, thereby proving a Theif also to her self; Nay,
if Oar lay as deep as Hell, sh'd go thither aforehand for it; yet enjoy
it no more thn the Tantalizing Apple was enjoy'd: Hoarding up
Treasure fills not but widens her desires, every accession of stores sets
Period of growth, except her boundless Avarice.
[To Ilus., who with Jas., clap hands.
Jas.
And Thy Penthesilea is of such a sanguinary composition,
that to be in charity a day would make her dy of the gall; if there be
a potion to procure hate, sure 'tis he[r] common drink. She outvyes
Canniballs, that have Patience to murther before they devour, and is
for worrying alive; Death renders the p[r]ay insipid by swollowing it
first, and leaving her only to chew the cud. Then she's in malice
with Nature, because she cannot slay the soul too; envying even sin
for having that killing Faculty beyond herself.
[To Eric., who with Ilu., hum̄.
Enter Penthesilea held by Antiopa, & afterwards Celeno (from the right.)
Pen.
Let me fall on.
Ant.
Cool your Fury first.
The Trojans run Back.
Pen.
I'll send this leash of Dogs for a morsel to Cerberus.
Jas.
By calling us Dogs, you grant our Tongues likelyer to heal,
than make any wounds.
Enter Nicostrate (from the right) and stands between the Amaz. & Trojans.
Nico.
What outcry's this within the verge of the court?
Cel.
We would do Justice on these our defamers.
Nic.
This is no Time, nor place for your correction;
The day is holy, and the House a sanctuary.
Pen.
Rescue our slanderers? I'll not stay a minute;
I can as well live without breath, as vengeance.
Nic.
Discharge 'em straight upon yr Martial Oath.
We'll be revenged now, spight of Authority,
That trick to cheat the freeborn of their Liberty.
The Policy of beasts is to have none,
Using in common th'Earths provision;
And are not we as worthy to live free?
If no, they're not irrational but we.
Nic.
What you style Freedom is but rage in Brutes,
A wilder use of the wild growing fruits;
Where while the great do prey upon the small,
Each hath a constant warfare against all.
Pen.
But fondly we resign our strength to rulers,
Which both guilt and torment on us draws,
We sin and suffer 'cause they set forth laws.
Nic.
Were there no Queen but Nature, she would find
Plain rules enow to curb yr bestial mind;
She would on Parents soveraignity bestow
Over all who unto them their Beings owe:
For how could right or safety be embraced,
Unless dominion should be somewhere placed?
Pen.
Why do I parly where I can compel?
[Pen. draws.
Nic.
Nay, then, Hot head!
[Nic. draws, they make a pass at each other.
Enter Queen in Jewels, Thalestris, and Attendants (from ye right.)
Queen.
Hold! Hold! have I title to make ye fight,
And none to quiet ye? who here has right
To storm, when I your Queen bid you be still?
[Nic. & Pen. desist from fighting.
Pen.
Our minds are our own, Queen.
Queen.
Ha! i'n't my will
The will of all my Realm? and its whole Power
Grasped in this hand? Nay, is not allso your
Y'are then my Creatures; for I can, althô
I made ye not, by Law unmake ye; Thus
While we preserve your being, 'tis from Us.
Pen.
Sov'raigns that right first from us subjects gain'd,
Which we by our adherence still maintain'd.
Queen.
From you? you never had Authority
To kill your selves, less others, and could ye
That which you never had confer on me?
You can at most but non-resisters prove;
The Power of life and Death is from Above.
Yet wer't not so, submission once by all
Sworn to yr Prince, your selves can ne're recall:
Who greater is than each, or all combin'd,
B'cause every ones whole power in such is joyn'd.
Thal.
This Bona Roba rustles with the Queen as saucily as if
she were a whole Corporation, that had a Charter to be saucy with
their own founders.
Nic.
Madam, if hearts could speak, you'd hear mine say,
Supremacy's a glimpse of a Divine Ray.
An Emblem of Infinity, To sense
The clearest Vision of Omnipotence;
Whose high Prerogative low Rules o're awes,
As faith works wonders above Natures Laws;
And as you press us to pay Heaven its due,
That orders us as much to obey you:
Brutes first fear'd man, 'cause he the Image wore
O'th'Deity; We therefore you adore.
Pen.
Ye Gods! Did ye designe me to obey?
If o're none else, I'll over you bear sway:
What e're your Influence and Aspects be,
I'll cross 'em all, if you look cross on me:
Th'Inlightned are above your destiny.
Don't with words a tiptoe hector the skys too, for shame.
Nic.
I think modesty's a Punctillo you both are most asham'd of.
Cel.
But is it not your shame to countenance
[To Nic.
These our Detractors?
Queen.
Was't a crime to prompt you?
Is a Vertue Mercy, for a verbal wrong?
Cel.
Words though they are cowards weapons, Kill beyond
Death, posthume fame.
Queen.
In Coffee rooms words vented
Black as their sooty Broth, or stuck in Pasquills,
If keen with Wit, can stab incurably
All through all parts, and Ages of the World;
But these were Private, and dy now if pardon'd.
Thal.
Where's your witness, they did not backbite you to yr face,
did they?
Pen.
So plainly, 'twere damnation to forgive them.
Ant.
No! 'Twill make heaven yr Friend, and me your debtor.
Pen.
Then (self) I ask thy pardon, If I must
Be kind to others, and to thee unjust.
[Pen. fixes her eys on Antio., & pauses, then strikes her breast.
Tha.
Well, I shall look upon the Queen hereafter as a very
descreet Person, for coming hither so opportunely by accident.
[Anti., Pen., and Cel. shake hands with Nicos.; then reach them to their respective consorts, who take hold of them, and bow low.
Que.
Now, know, that I who pardon'd Forreigners,
Much more forgive my subjects less offences:
Yet this last task I must the harder style,
For now I both remit and reconcile.
Ant.
Madam, the day by this you doubly hollow.
Qu.
Since you're for Union, wear this medal stamp'd with concord:
too. (gives Ant. a Medal.)
[Exeunt all, except the Trojans (at the right.)
Eric.
No wonder Virtues so scarce a commodity among women,
for here's one has engrossed their whole stock.
Jas.
Such a monopoly is crime enough to undo any Prince.
Ilus.
'Specially among this tribe of barbarity; when they sear'd
their right breasts, they sear'd their consciences too.
Jas.
I think they have lost their left paps also, for there is none
of them but carrys a very wolf within.
Ilu.
Or rather a Cacodemon, for thô their feet are not cloven,
their double hearts are.
Eric.
The Tears of preternatural grace have choaked all the
seeds of morality in these Apes of Godlyness.
Jas.
But now let's to the Feasters rendezvous; why should we
forfeit our shares to a gleek of Harpys?
Eric.
My Heart is there allready.
Ilu.
And mine i'th'cellar, there to ply the wine's
True magnifying glass; where that goes round,
I am above the world, though under ground.
[Exeunt all arm in arm, singing the Tune of the Trojant Catch (at the right.)
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