 | Claracilla |  |
Actus Tertius.
Enter Claracilla and Appius.Cla.
Sir 'twas his counsell thus by a trust to oblige you
To be our friend rather then by injuries
Which has beene the common way to decline your pretentions.
Ap.
'Twas charitably done not to let my hopes
Lead me too much astray, and since 'tis to
So gallant a rivall as Melintus I
Shall without envy, tho not paine lay downe my hopes.
Enter Olinda overhearing this discourse.
Cla.
Hee's now in Court but yet unknowne
'Tis the stranger that yesterday made such way
To my rescue, at first I fled him that with
Such love pursued, for his disguise kept me
Ignorant who it was, within I shall acquaint you
With our designe and beg your counsell, and some time
This night I would speake with him in the garden.
Ap.
I shall not faile to serve you.
Exit.
This stranger, is he the man, and must you meet him
In the Garden this night, this shall to Selucus,
I am sure of my pay, for I have my reward already.
Exit.
Enter Selucus.
Sel.
I see 'tis neither so easie nor safe to be a villaine
As I thought, 'tis true, wicked any foole may be
But to be a villaine and master in that art,
Oh the basenesse that we stoppe to, the hated meanes,
The loath'd subjects, that with Chimists patience
We must extract our ends through, and when
The worke's done, we have but whet the sword
Of justice, and with our owne hands puld downe
Vnpittied doomes, the thought strike amazement
Into my soule, which hath not yet consented
To my ills, what shall not I fall to, that
Could consent for the knowledge of a secret
To make my selfe the steps by which a whore
Climb'd to her ambitious lust, the basenesse
Of the Act hath wak'd my sleeping honour, and
Ile be honest, e're Ile agen pay such a rate
For sinne, no love 'tis thy crueltie has
Begot this distraction.
Enter Olinda.
Ol.
Ha! upon the ground, up my Selucus,
I am yet breathlesse, my love in her descent
Hath made such haste that it begot a fire
In the swift motion that had like to have
Burnt our Cupids wings.
Sel.
What ayles thee?
Is it impudence or distraction
Begets this boldnesse, what is that thou thus
Labourst with, has it a name?
Ol.
It had a name, and 'twas cal'd a secret whilst
But by two knowne, and Claracillas secret
But it shall become a generall knowledge
I over-heard it when she gave it to the Prince,
Shee's in love, and by honour engag'd, does that move you?
When you know to whom, your love will sacrifice her
To your anger, 'tis the stranger, and but that
Her bashfulnesse could not name him aloud
I now might have told you who was, for
She nam'd him, and this night he is to meete
Her in the garden, the Prince is there too
And none but I faithfull to Selucus,
Now doe I rave or no.
Sel.
No my Olinda, 'tis I that rave and beg
Of one that lives upon anothers almes.
Ol.
Thus would I sacrifice the gods, should they
Scorne what I love.
Sel.
Thou art my goddesse,
Ol.
Will Selucus then be just and reward that faith
Which thus has flowne o're these poysonous plants,
And from them with danger suck'd this hony secret,
Would he I say be just and give me leave
To unlade this precious dew in his gentle bosome
And there finde my hive when I returne
From travelling in his service.
Sel.
Thou shalt have any thing, but be gone now,
'Twill breede suspition to be seene with me.
Art certaine they are to meete to night?
Ol.
Be gone Selucus there was more descretion
Then love in that injunction urge me not
To jealousie, for I that could betray a Mistris
And a friend for love of thee so if injur'd
I would have thee know for my revenge my love
Shall goe, but I hope better and obay it.
Exit.
Sel.
This the King shall know, yeeld at first blow,
'Tis worshipping a stranger God, and a sinne
In honour tho he were so,—but stay who
Are these, the Prince and the stranger, he is
Of their party, as I could wish; I hope
'Twill ruine him too.
Mel.
Be pleas'd to urge it
As a things you are displeas'd with, and that
The Princesse made it her complaint, and desir'd you
You would acquaint his Majestie with it, and Sir
When you have compleated this worke, which thus nobly
You have begun and finish'd your creation,
Command us and our happinesse, as the creature
That owes his being to your favour.
Ap.
Noble Melintus when I have serv'd you 'twill
But pay the expectation your civill faith
Gave me credit for.
Mel.
Looke Selucus, Sir
His eares I hope have not met our words, your
Pardon Sir, Ile step off e're I am discover'd,
After I have this night waited on the Princesse
In the garden, I shall in your chamber acquaint you
With all our proceedings, and there hope to heare
How the King entertaines the complaint against
This great man, 'tis the first step to a favorites fall
When the Prince will heare complaints, I kisse your hand.
Exit.
Sel.
This Letter will make me not to have seene them
Dissimulation doe thou assist me, and I'le breake
As it were from a cloud of thoughts and chance
That threw me into this way, my Lord the Prince
Whether so fast with your spoyle, me thinkes I see
Conquest in your eyes: how did the Princesse
Entertaine your noble offer, doe you not finde
The path that leades to her heart untrod by
Lovers feete, were not her guard of blushes
Cald to defend her against your assault
Maiden yeares.
Ap.
Against impious men this Sanctuary is no guard
Else the reserv'd modesty with the priviledge
Of birth and beautie that waite upon the Princesse
Might have defended her against your sawcy flames
Which too late have aym'd at the top of thy Masters house,
But that injury was not so great as this
That thou durst thinke thy poyson would not breake
Her Christall, but with this injurious hope beleeve
She should conceale thy insolence, which Ile spread.
Exit.
Sel.
Ha! is it come to this?
Either prevent this danger or thou art lost Selucus.
The Prince is flying with my ruine to the King,
Thankes yet to his Choler that thus has arm'd me,
Passion is no deadly weapon, we heare
His noyse before he does execution, and then we arme;
Now my braine be ready with excuses
Thy womans weapons to defend me.
Exit.
Enter King, Appius and Attendants.
King.
Is it possible?
Ap.
Sir if it please you but
To goe to your daughters chamber you shall yet
Finde the storme not laid which her anger rais'd
To thinke such a scorne should be design'd for her.
King
Some one goe finde Selucus, and command him
Hither immediatly, wee'le take him with us,
And by all our gods the poysonous ingratitude
Shall burst him.
Selucus within.
Sel.
I cannot stay for I have
Earnest businesse with the King, are yee sure
He is not in the lodgings, in your returne
You shall finde me in the garden, if I meete him there
Hold Carillus the Kings here.
King.
Selucus.
Sel.
Sir, I have beene this morning in search of you
I have a businesse for your owne eare only,
Let your Guard attend Sir.
King.
Yes it shall stay: noble Appius your pardon,
Ile meete you at my daughters.
Exit Appi.
Sel.
This morning I have discover'd.
King.
So have I, that which thou shalt rue fond wretch.
Sel.
Sir.
King.
Impudence;
With what brow darst thou thus meete my fury?
Think'st thou to scape? art thou againe raysing
New treason? e're the fire has consum'd the sacrifice
For our delivery; and to put my preservation
Into the power of a miracle onely to releeve me:
No thou shalt finde thy ingratitude hath destroyd
My mercy, and begot an anger that
Shall consume thee, seize him.
The Guard seizes on Selucus.
Sel.
That you have the power of the gods I am subject
To your thunder is confest, but my innocence protect me
As I yet know not the cause why it singles me out,
'Tis true I came to see you drest like Iove,
For now 'tis just you weare your lightning, but not for me,
Who have with longing sought you to deliver
The greatest service that ever yet my faith
Pleaded reward for, but why yee thus meet me
In displeasure heaven strike me if I can guesse
Nor doe I beleeve I am guiltie, for you proceede
Not with me as if I were a delinquent
I see you repent your favours, and desire my fall,
Which is the time I ought not to out-live
And therefore by this wound Ile pleade my faith
And readinesse to serve.
He offers to stab himselfe.
King.
Disarme him.
Sel.
They cannot, but when I am gone youl'e heare
A mischiefe my life might have prevented.
King.
Hold or I shall conclude thy feare of deserv'd
Tortour makes thee thus by a sudden stroake
Exempt thy selfe.
Sel.
Feare, no I feare but one more then a King
Trembles at, that's the gods, and him, to let
You see I apprehend, not tortor, thus
I throw a way all dangers that my owne
Act threatens, and if you be just you will
Let me know the cause of your anger e're it strikes.
King.
Were not you this morning with my daughter
And there made the traytrous offer of your love.
Sel.
Yes.
King.
Yes! darst thou avow it, and know'st how lately
That danger threaten'd our ruine.
Sel.
Will you be pleas'd to heare me, if I be guiltie
Punish me, if not give me leave to tell you
A King can onely cure such a wound as this
Your suspition hath given my diligent faith
Which has ever beene watchfull in your service.
King.
Speake, let him loose.
Sel.
Know Sir tho I am amaz'd to finde this newes
Before me I came now from the Princesse chamber,
Drawne thither by an occasion, which if you please
To lend an eare to I am confident
You will say I had reason for what I did.
King
Can you prove this.
Sel.
Can I prove it, yes Sir I can prove it,
That if once it take growth it is hardly digged out,
And this sad truth of once suspected, and never confident
Is falne upon me, else what I shall say
Would finde a faith with you, but I desire not
To have my word now cleare me, take but my counsell
And I shall give you your owne satisfaction:
Seeme still to frowne on me, and require
Not the Princesse company this night in the Court,
The rest Sir in your care—will this confirme
They whisper.
I am loyall and by severall wayes
Hunt your safetie.
King
Come Selucus this trouble shewes thy loyalty,
Th'art my friend and shalt ever have an interest here.
Exit.
Sel.
Yes I will have an interest in the Crowne
What ever I have in thee, and now thou beleev'st
Th'art safe, thy dangers but begin.
Exit.
Enter Tullius, Philemon asleepe on the Stage
Tull.
'Tis a brave cleare night, and something may
Be attempted from the Towne, we must keepe
A strong watch to night.—how now—whom have we here.
He stumbles at Philemon and kickes him.
Arouze, up I say.
Phi.
Whoe's there? lye downe, yee gods one would thinke
This bed were large enough, if the earth be not
Where shall the wretched lye, that thus yee kicke me
Out for want of roome.
Tul.
Vp I say; and leave your snarling yee dogge,
Sleeping in your watch.
Phi
If I be a dogge why should I be punish'd
For obeying nature, the onely dietie that beasts bow to
If not, why am I refus'd the benefit of reason.
Are you grumbling, looke to your duty you'le finde
You have use for other thoughts,
Exit.
Phi.
Oh heavens, why doe you thus load a youth
I was not proud when I was bow'd to, nor
Ever with repinings did I bow to you,
Why then on my free borne soule doe you lay
The load of slavery, and thus let your justice
Sleepe that she does not now guide my prayers
But suffers them to lose their way 'twixt heaven
And my sufferings, which I have beene so long acquainted with
That I am now growne a kinne unto my woes
Allyd unto my oare, where I have set
Forc'd to unwilling hast, sighing for my freedome
Till through a thousand eyes I have sweating wept
My miseries, Oh looke downe in time upon them
E're I yeeld to those irreligious thoughts
That tempt me to question my beleefe;
For yee cannot blame me if I grow weary
Of praying when I finde that mighty power
That threw me here; want mercy to breake the snare.
Enter Manlius and Tullius.
Man.
Strike an Anchor through the body of this slave,
A'has not hurt you I hope.
Tul.
No has mist me.
Man.
What urg'd the villaine to this bold undertaking
Tul.
The opportunitie that might be offered
And the nearenesse of the towne made him attempt it
For his freedome, I know not else.
Man.
Looke that to morrow early as the day
The dog be sacrific'd to the parting shades that their blacke power
May still be friendly to our deliverance
That on hopes emblem the wretch may meete
His despairing crosse, when dogs thus flie upon
Their masters, 'tis just we strangle them, neither
Their kinde nor use consider'd, goe Tullius
Let the watch be set, and some good guard
Put into the wood to secure the passage
From the towne.
Tull.
It shall.
Man.
Tullius did the Peasant say the King
Was crown'd agen, and the usurper dead
And the Princesse to be married to a stranger
That came in aide of the King.
Tul.
So the fellow sayes for certaine.
Man.
To morrow then wee'le fit us with our disguise
And to court wee'le goe, for now vertue sits
At Helme, and holds the purse, gratitude will
Finde some reward for me that wish'd well to her
Power, for this night see the Gally at Roads,
And when the watch is set, to rest, and to morrow
Call at my Cabbin.
Tul.
I shall.
Exit.
Man.
Lie you there, and let no body without exception
Trouble me till I call, unlesse some danger
Threaten, then give me notice.
Exit.
Phi.
Me thinkes in this youth I reade mine owne fortune
Whose Grosse fate hath forfeited him to eternall bonds
For stoutly attempting his freedome, which if ever
It comes within my power, here stands another
Mark'd for sacrifice, if a'faile, for death
Frights not me, nor binds the innocent
But comes to set them free, I cannot let it
Sinke with patience to my thoughts, I have not
Man enough nor Religion to continue
An acquaintance with that vertue that sayes endure,
By the consent of all distinguish from
A Chaos of common people, created their head
And so stood the man of men till this misfortune
Strucke me in which I am not sure I shall
Have a burying place, for a slave can call
So little in this world his owne, that the very earth
He weares about him, is not his, nor can
I command this handfull, not this—not mine owne Clay
But lost like yestarday, when my Masters fit comes
I fall and all resolve to the first masse of things.
Exit
Enter Melintus, Claracilla, Olinda, and Timillus.
Cla
So now leave us, and if any body aske for me
Say I am layd to rest.
Ol.
I shall, and where you rest too.
Exit
Mel.
Deere Timillus is Iacomo ready with our horses
Tim.
He is, he waites at the Posterne.
Mel.
Let us not lose a minute of this pretious time then
'Twill be a reward for thy faith too, when they shall say
Timillus had a hand in this great worke,
Prethee let thy friendship secure the passage
That leades from the Kings lodgings.
Tim.
So now have I an honorable excuse to take cold
wish, 'tis a strange bold venture he makes, and a confident
vertue that of hers, that dares trust themselves in
the hands of my opinion, when I am alone, to guesse
how they meane to employ this opportunitie,
Mel.
Gentle soule. 'tis not the feare of my particular
That makes me urge this sad parting, but your interest
Which is joyn'd to it, and when you are concern'd
'Tis a civilitie to feare, and an obligation to doubt
My joyes, for Claracilla knowes despaire
Is no sinne in loves religion.
Cla.
Let me not understand thee, nor let not reason
'Tis the first time that ever I was griev'd
To heare thee in the right, and you must pardon it,
For tho parting be the onely way to
Confirme my joy, I cannot consent at such a rate
To buy my happinesse.
Mel.
Thus you encrease the wish'd number of my bonds
The Prince untill my returne will observe all
Your commands, and assist us in our escape
And by his favour countenance the act
For Mecena, if my father commanded therein chiefe
I could not hope a greater power then I
Am confident Pelius will allow your worth
And e're this Moone hath felt her change, I will
Agen attend you with the Gallies.
Cla.
Must you then be gone, and agen with absence
Spinne our loves into a thread which is fastned to our fates,
I hope that no distance may finde the end,
Say must you goe, must it needes be so.
Mel.
I would there were not such a strict necessitie
But that I might say no.
Cla.
Well since it must be resolv'd but not contented
I submit unto my fate, and thou Lawrell tree,
Which so oft hast beene a witnesse of our sad parting
If within thy backe the angry god hath
With the trembling virgin any of his passion hid
Thou know'st what paine they feele, that with longing love
Follow their flying joyes, and see, looke Melintus
Casting my eye by chance I have spyed one of
The witnesses of our infant love, doe you remember
When we changed our Characters, and with them printed
Our faith on the yeelding barke, 'twas then but a small scratch
'Tis in her tender side to a large wound growne.
Mel.
Why should we not for ever grow thus, why should the gods
With thunder part what themselves have joyn'd,
We that have knowne but one wish, and to each others thoughts
Have parents beene, why should we not thus gazing sit
And tie with kinde smiles soft fetters for the eye?
But this cannot be, and therefore heare me pronounce
My owne doome, farewell, but e're I obey
This sad necessitie, let me on your faire hand
Print my faith, and with holy vowes binde my selfe to thee.
Cla
Oh hold, give me no contract gentle Melintus, no
Ties but love, these are bonds I scorne to throw
On such who from mine eyes can goe.
Enter King, Selucus, Carillus and Attendants.
Sel.
Have I perform'd or no?
King.
Yes, Claracilla this Act when the story shall be written
Will not appeare so kind unto the rest
That have had honour and duty still their guide
And not thus led astray by passion.
Cla.
Sir I must not be beare from my strength here
Tho you frowne, a fault I confesse but dishonour
Has no share in't.
King.
Sir you came a friend and you are a stranger
Nor will I whilst I labour to punish commit a fault
By being ungratefull, or breake the lawes of
Hospitalitie by laying hands upon you,
Onely thus much the injuries you have done me
And the Prince bids me tell you, if to morrowes sunne
Set upon you within my court, his shades
Will bring thine upon thee.
Exit King, Cla. Atten.
Sel.
Revenge thar't prosperous, and in my anger
My designes upon that shallow Prince, and I
Alone stand faire for Claracilla, Ile watch
How it workes, oh how heel'e fume anon.
Mel.
The wound that amazement gives strikes all our sences,
And like lightning destroyes without a breach:
But yet I see some foode for my revenge,
And whilst that fuell lasts, this flame shall not
Perish Selucus come backe, and let your friend stay.
Sel.
Carillus stay, your fit is off then I perceive
And you can be angry upon your owne score
And fight when women are not by.
Mel.
Yes thou shalt finde I can fond man, and the
Flame that thou hast kindled in my brest I
Will husband so that it shall consume thee,
And neither hold it so high to loose it
In my choller nor so low as to let patience
Tread it out.
Sel.
Spare your threats, your words wound not, when I refuse
To fight upon a strange resolution
Then rand or rayle, and Ile excuse it.
Mel.
No I am no rayler, I could wish thee rather
A more glorious enemy one whose name scandall
Of no kinde had ever lighted, by my life
I wish it, and that thou wert cleare from this
Base act, whose weight has sunke all the honour
That swam in thy blood, and I am asham'd
To thinke this necessitie freeth me
To offer one so lame in honour, and in passion
Blinde to the power I worship, for the imperfect
Are not fit for sacrifice.
Sel.
I hope you have none of these faults, but will become
An Altar, leade the way, and you shall finde
Mel.
Vnder the woods side that borders on the haven
Will be a fit place, 'tis neare the towne, and
I beleeve in the night free from company.
Sel.
There Ile meete you then.
Tim.
Is't, is't, to him, so now they come within my
way to put in, I am no good talker, but when opinions
are to be maintain'd thus I thinke I have as strong an
argument as another.
Exit
Enter Claracilla and Olinda.
Cla.
Haste to Prince Appius, desire him he would
Immediatly come and speake with me.
Exit Olinda.
Oh me most miserable, this night has ruin'd me,
My fame was like a starre, bright and fixt in
The Court till this sad hower, which hath prov'd my
Ioyes a meteor, but if my Melintus fall
My night at court is come, in the vast element
Ile shoote and be no more remembred.
Exit.
Enter Melintus, Timillus, Selucus and Carillus severally.
Tim.
See here comes two of the long staffe men that
strucke so desperatly under the hedge to night, I hope
to apprehend one of 'em by vertue of this warrant.
Mel.
Bold and injurious Selucus still.
Sel.
Let your anger passe, and heare me what I say
For this is the last talke Ile have with thee
What e're thou art, since first thou crossd these eyes,
A jealous envie hath waited upon thee, and
I have gain'd my ends, 'twas to see whether conquest
Grew upon thy sword or no, when this not us'd
To lose, should goe forth thy enemy, and rivall,
And therefore guard thee, and with thy sword
Onely make reply.
'Tis my wish, for words are not the weapons I fight with.
They fight.
Tim.
Doe you heare Carillus, may not you and I fall to this feast
Car.
Yes and be mine owne carver too.
Tim.
That I beleeve, for I ever tooke thee for a sawcy
serving man.
They fight, Selucus wounded by Melintus.
Sel.
I am lost.
Mel.
Does your loade sinke you? thy faults will grow
To heavy anon.
Sel.
I know no fault, but that I am unfortunate.
Car.
Lie there talker.
Timillus falls.
Tim.
A pox upon thee thast dont.
Mel
Yeeld or by my hopes.
In thy heart Ile write my conquest.
Selucus falls.
Sel.
Strike dogge, Ile be dam'd
E're Ile have so base a sinne to answer for
They struggle and Carillus parts 'em just as Melintus disarmes Selucus.
Car.
Hold or I'le write the same story here.
Mel.
Ha! Timillus falne! tho it speakes thy praise,
My friend calls for revenge, and thus I bring it.
They fight.
Car.
I feare no single arme.
Sel.
Be prosperous Carillus and I will call
Thee friend, the saver of my fame—'twill not be
Carillus wounded by Melintus.
That wound hath sent me frowning to my home.
Selucus swounds.
Tim.
A pox of fortune, have I scap'd them so often to
be serv'd in thus like broken cold meate for the serving
men, I finde I cannot live, I begin to have serious
He strives to rise but cannot.
thoughts, no faith I am gone, I alwayes fear'd such sober
wounds as these, they are in such earnest I know they'le
Carillus falls.
kill me, if they would endure jests, there were some
hopes.
Car.
Hold if thou hast honour, and tell me who thou
He runnes to Timillus.
Mel.
I have no leasure now, Oh Timillus
Speake to thy unfortunate friend, whose acquaintance
Hath never brought thy faith to any thing
But misery and dangers, how dost? I hope,
Thy wounds are not mortall.
Tim.
No nor our troubles would they were that we
might once see an end of them—
Within follow,
But no more of this now, I heare a noyse, and I know
we shall be pursu'd, therefore make haste and flie.
Mel.
For shame urge like thy selfe, if thou would'st have me
Take thy counsell, bring my friend into a danger
And leave him there; no Timillus we
Grew friends, and we will fall together.
Tim.
Leave me and provide for thy safetie, or by my life
Ile betray thee and tell who thou art, nor
Will I if thou stay'st attempt the possibilitie
Of my owne cures, death because I could not
Kill my enemy must I destroy my friend?
Mil.
Why thus passionate?
Tim.
If Melintus lovd me he would obay
The passion of his friend, and not chide.
Within follow.
Harke you will be taken, step into the wood
And in some disguise you may come to court
Mel.
Farewell Timillus I obay.
Exit.
Enter King, Appius and Attendants.
1. At.
This way they went Sir, and here lies one.
King.
Selucus slaine.
Ap.
And here lies Carillus.
King.
Who's the third.
Tim.
A bird of the same flight that had worse lucke
then my fellowes, for my wings onely broke that. I
might live miserable to make sport for the fooles that
in the head when 'tis to me a courtesie.
King.
The bodies are yet warme, bring them
With all possible speede to the towne, that no care
May be wanting to save my friend, bring him
Along too, he shall finde our love till he
Be well, I will not offer a ruine to my friend
When he is repair'd he will scarce be a full
Satisfaction, some other pursue the bould
Murderer: if he once come within my reach
He shall finde his Sword has no power to protect him
Against that which my justice weares.
They take up Timillus.
Tim.
Thus much honour I am sure of, but how much more
I know not, doe you my friend.
2. At.
No Sir, and yet I think you'le finde what you deserve.
Tim.
Y'are courteous and liberall of your opinion
and therefore I will not be sparing of mine, it may be I
shall be honorably hang'd for having a hand in killing
Selucus.
2. At.
It may be so.
Exit.
| Claracilla | |