 | Neglected Virtue : or, the Vnhappy Conquerour |  |
ACT IV.
SCENE I.
A Town.Enter Bretton, Lycastes, Castilio Junior, with Officers.
Lyc.
My Lord, I cannot help complaining at the injust manner of
your Proceedings; I do assure you, Sir, I am as much concern'd
for the loss of your Daughter as you can be, and on my Honour
will join with you in the search of her:
Cast. Jun.
Pish, pish, ne'er mind him, my Lord, he's a cunning Warener,
and has more Burrows than one I dare ingage for him.
Brett.
I am resolv'd I will not leave a House unsearch'd in the whole
City till I've found her.
I will assist your Lordship, but for you, Sir, I'le call you to an
account some other time.
Cast. Jun.
Prithee what care I what thou dost, what the Devil, when
a Man's Mare's broke out of his Ground, won't you allow him the liberty
of looking after her?
Enter Amadine in Boy's Cloathes.
Am.
So, Heaven be thank'd, I'me got safe hitherto, let me but come
once to the Arms of my dear Lycastes and I am happy; ha! bless me,
what do I see! my Father and his Myrmidons! what will become of
me? If I offer to go 'twill shew suspicious, I must stand the brunt let
what will come on't.
Brett.
How now, what Boy is that? come hither Sirrah.
Am.
Then what a most glorious Sight 'twill be, to see me riding
upon one of the Horns o'th'Moon; To have my Palace made of Amber,
and a hundred little twinkling Stars for my Attendance.
Brett.
What a Devil is the Boy mad?
Cast. Jun.
I don't know that, but I am sure his Discourse is above
my Understanding.
Brett.
Harke'e Child, dost thou dwell here in the City?
Am.
Yes an't please you Sir, but I am going to remove my Habitation:
I have an Authority from Jove to be a Cloud-maker, and Juno
has promised me an Apartment in her own Court.
Lyc.
Alas, the poor Child's Lunatick; I think 'twere well to send
him to the Hospital of Madfolks till we can learn what Family he is of.
Am.
Heaven grant you wou'd, for I'me sure I shall be mad outright,
unless I escape these watchfull Dragons.
Brett.
Nay, nay, look ye, my Passion is not so great as to lessen my
Charity, and indeed I think my self bound in duty, as I am in Authority,
to succour the Unfortunate.
Hey day, what the Devil have we here?
Cast. Jun.
Gad I don't know, it's half Fish half Flesh I believe:
Lyc.
I suppose 'tis one of the Amazonian Ladies lately arriv'd at Court.
Ari.
Ha! I find the House is beset, Lycastes there, and my Cozen not
among 'em? then do I begin to fear every thing has not happen'd
right.
Well, I'le be going; pray Gentleman, if Juno, Jove, or Mercury
inquire for me, tell 'em I am but just gone to Cupid's Palace, and will
attend 'em in Counsell immediately.
Brett.
Here, one of you take the Boy; let him be kept safe in the
Hospital, till further enquiry be made of him.
Cast. Jun.
Ay, ay, don't let us be troubl'd with other peoples Madness.
[Exit Amadine.
Ari.
As I live 'tis she: now Brain assist me, and if I find not some
way to fit this Politician, may I dye a Maid when my Mind's brimfull
of Matrimony. Your Servant, Sir.
Cast. Jun.
Your Servant, Sir, or Madam; or Madam, and Sir; for
by my troth you may be both for ought I know: Pray, what wou'd
you have with me?
Ari.
You have lost a Mistress if I am not mistaken, Sir.
Cast. Jun.
No faith Child, I'le answer for thee thou art not mistaken
in that; but I'me much mistaken if you can tell me how to get her
agen.
Ari.
Indeed Sir but I can.
Brett.
How, how's that, Madam? Pray take pity on a poor fond
Father, that has lost an only Child.
Ari.
Your Daughter left you Sir this very moment.
Brett.
If that be the best of your Intelligence pray do you leave us
too; what the Devil have we not been in search of her these 8 hours?
Ari.
Why that same little thing you thought a mad Boy was Amadine
your Daughter.
Brett.
What, you know her then?
Ari.
Yes, 'twas I helpt her to make her Escape; but I having since
consider'd what a great Grief so loving a Father must of necessity have
for so sweet a Daughter, thought it my Duty to acquaint you where
she was, that you might justly punish her Disobedience.
Enter Simpson.
Brett.
How now Cozen, what News bring you? have you heard
ought of my Daughter yet?
Coz.
Only this, Sir; we took her Cloathes with a young Youth,
who said the Person that left them had a Suit of his in the Room of
'em.
Prithee peace, the lost Sheep's heard of, come, come, Father-in-law,
let's make haste after her, for who knows as mad as she
pretends to be, but she may have wit enough to give us the goe-by
once agen.
Brett.
Ay, ay, come Co en and Gentlemen, Mr. Lycastes, we discharge
you, and for you, Madam, for this singular Favour, I shall be
very proud you would command my House.
Cast. Jun.
And do me the Honour too Dame at my Wedding.
Ari.
How now Lycastes, what's the occasion of your Melancholy?
Lyc.
You have undone me.
Ari.
What in letting you know where to find your lost Mistress?
Lyc.
In letting me know I have for ever lost her.
Ari.
Never trouble thy self for that, but take my word for it thou
sha't have her.
Lyc.
How!
Ari.
Ariena says it, and it shall be so.
Lyc.
Ariena!
Ari.
The very same; come, come, we have no time for Talking,
we must be at the Heels of 'em, and if I don't perform my Promise to
thee, may I be sixty odd before any Man makes his Address to me.
[Exeunt.
Enter Artaban, solus, Disguis'd.
Arta.
The Great Alcides, when of old surpriz'd,
Amongst the Lydian Dames his Warlike Limbs,
Wrapt in soft Silks, and those unconquer'd Hands
Wielding the Distaffe, which that Sword had born,
Blush'd less in his, than I in this Disguise.
Oh Phraates, I again will see thy Court,
Tho' my vow'd Death shou'd meet these forward steps;
'Tis better far to feel, than fear our Fate.
Oh Alinda!
For thee my Armour to these Weeds are chang'd,
For thee my Resolution's barr'd, for thee
My very Rage luxuriant grown, is stopt,
Like the great Thunderer, tho' his mounted Arms
Charg'd with Destruction, aiming at his Foes,
By a kind Goddess, whose prevailing Charms
Are far more powerfull than his angry Bolts.
SCENE II.
The Palace Garden.Enter King and Tygranes Discoursing.
King.
The Clouds, my Lord, must be discharg'd, before
The joyfull Sun can fairly guild the Sky;
Allow her leave to weep and tell me, Sir,
How she receiv'd your Person.
Tygr.
As I approacht,
Her careless Tresses half dishevel'd hung
Like Sheaves, with which the Wind had been too bold;
Her Head on her bent Arm its burthen le'nt,
Whilst from her Eyes those Diamond quarries run,
The teary Streams that Dew'd her Rosal Cheeks,
Which as they fell bending to kiss her Lips,
Her Sighs drove back, to seek their Grave below.
King.
The Part's too passionate you act, my Lord.
Tygr.
The Queen of Sorrow ne'er was Dress'd like her,
So Beautifull she seem'd, so full of Grace
Amidst her Griefs, she might have charm'd a God.
She dry'd her Eyes, and with a mournfull Look
Beheld me fallen at her Princely Feet.
King.
Cou'd she be Cruel then?
Tygr.
My self, my Heart,
And Empire, were the Off'rings which I made,
But these, alas! too mean for her Acceptance,
She with Scorn deny'd; begg'd me to desist
My tedious Suit, and give her leave to dye.
King.
She's unworthy of you, Sir, but must
With my Commands to so much Vertue yield.
Tygr.
Thus on my Knees I beg you, Sir, to use
Your utmost Kindness: All the Endearments, which
A Father's Breast can to his Child's convey,
To charm her Favours in behalf of me.
King.
Pray doubt it not, nor do I question by degrees
T'effect your Ends. She must have time to wean
This Darling from her Bosome, her Mind will turn;
The Wind that veres to every point of th'Sphere,
Is not more changeable than Womans Will;
And plays the Sovereign there.
Tygr.
May that blest Season,
Spring of my Hopes, and Summer of my Life,
On Time's soft Wings fly swiftly to my Aid.
[Discover themselves.
SCENE III.
A Garden.King.
What still a weeping? hath thy Father's care
No other Influence than this? The Great
Tygranes, whom I have chose the Partner of thy Bed,
Waits with a Crown, to adorn thy Virgin Brows.
Alind.
Oh Royal Sir! My King, my Father, hear me!
By all the Loves you ever bore my Mother,
By all the Virgins Angels Vows, by those
Their Images on Earth do chastly make,
Be not so strickt, so hard, so harsh, to use
Authority to bend my fixt Resolves,
Which like the Centre of the Earth stands firm,
But loosen'd once will into pieces burst,
And in Eternal Ruines break to Dust.
King.
These are but feeble Reasons t'avert my Ends,
Nor shou'd they move with you; Methinks a Throne
Shou'd overrule these little letts, whose Spots,
If such some Fools esteem them, by its Rays,
Like Tapers in the Sunshine are not seen.
Alind.
The boasted Grandeur of the Universe,
Were it together heap'd upon one Man,
Were he a Person where all Beauties met,
All Vertues kept their Bank, Learning and Arts,
By Nature all his own, wou'd never tempt
My Heart in prejudice of him, to whom already
All that's mine, is given away.
Tygr.
Oh Madam, be not so unkind, but bless me
(Thus on my Knees I beg it) with one Smile,
[Kneels.
And dart a Cordial Balsom to my Wounds.
Alind.
This Posture, Sir, becomes you not, pray rise,
And let me beg you hear me. Hear
If ever you intend to enjoy your aims,
A Mistress that is Kind, Content, or Greatness,
Or what you value most, think not of me,
For in Heav'ns Face, I Vow—
King.
Hold—hear my Vow first—
By the dread Majesty of Kings I swear;
If you consent not to Tygrane's Love,
Ile search thy Artaban throughout the World,
And all the Gods shall never save his Head.
[Exit King.
Alind.
O Unmercifull! Oh Cruel Phraates!
Can your hard Heart no more of Pity hold?
Is all your Kindness, all your Oaths forgot?
Good Gods! Tygranes hear,
By all the Honours, all the Vertues, which
You'r feign'd the Master of, by these my Tears,
Which ever will disturb you, shou'd I be forc'd,
Shou'd I be drove, or ravish'd to your Bed,
Constrain me not by Importunities,
To forfeit all my Vows.—
Tygr.
Oh Madam! Words like these stab to the Soul,
Feed on my Entrails, Riot on my Heart,
And with a Vulture's Rage my Vitals tear.
Alind.
If such their Influence be, why do you stay
Within their Reach? The Fire of Love
In narrow Limits pent, grows fierce in its Restraint;
Which did it rove at Large, 'twou'd waste,
And by degrees, in Lambent Flames expire.
Wou'd you but be advis'd, my Lord, in this,
Tho' to some dismal Cave, dark as the Night,
Where Horrour, and dire Mischief keep their Cells,
Brooding on Midnight Tragedies to come,
I was confin'd, with patience I wou'd bear
The happier Doom, and thank the giving Gods.
Tygr.
Oh Heav'ns! is there No pleasure in a Throne?
To Rule not only Subjects, but their King?
To see the bowing Heads, and bended Knees,
The Adoring Crowds that wait your Steps?
Alas! poor sounding Nothings: only fit to blind
The distant Gazers with an Awe of Power,
And keep the Knot of Duty fast; I shou'd
Be tired to hear, and see its empty noise.
Tygr.
Choose then throughout my Realms, a Palace fit
To please, or entertain your Sight: I'll leave
My State, and all the Ornaments of Power
To be your Servant, or your Vassal there.
Alind.
I wou'd not rob the World of such a Prince,
Yet, if I shou'd, you'd soon repent the Change.
Tygr.
Oh! Never—Never—
Alind.
Yes, to hear me talk
Sad melancholy loving Tales of Artaban,
Which I cou'd never help, wou'd grieve you, Sir.
Tygr.
By Heav'ns you raise
A Fire, nought but his Blood shall ever quench;
If all my Empires, Crowns, may be a price
Sufficient for the Purchase, I will buy his Fate.
Alind.
And mine — They're so intwin'd together,
Nor Life, nor Death can make a separation.
Tygr.
Will nothing move you? O, e're I Storm, display
The Glorious Banners of your peaceful Eyes;
Speak a sweet Parley from your Mouth, and bless
Me with the sounds of Peace—
Alind.
I can no more—
[Going off.
Tygr.
By Artaban, I do Conjure you stay,
If all my Interest can't Intreat, I'll use
My Rival's Name, to oblige a parting Look.
[Exit Alind. Tygr. Kisses her Hand as Artab. Enters.
But to Enjoy her all my own; gather
The luscious Fruit ripe, from the Noble Stock;
For this y'Gods! give me Expressions, which
No Tongue e're spoke, or ever Heart conceived.
[Artaban discovers himself.
Art.
Hold Sir, you must not, dare not harbour such
A thought so Impious to another's Right.
Tygr.
Why, who art thou—
Art.
His Friend who thou so basely hast disseiz'd,
Great Artaban commanded me to tell thee:
Tygr.
I'd give a Kingdom for that Traytor's Head.
Art.
Thou'st tremble at his Sight, turn pale with fear,
Tho' Armies were before thee, Towers thy Shield,
Mountains and Seas your Separation made;
For well thou know'st, he'd force, he'd break, he'd seale,
He'd leap them all, to reach at thee—
Tygr.
Base Miscreant—
Although thy forfeit Life is in my Power,
Yet will I spare it, that thou mayst go back,
And let him know to morrow is the Day,
I'll in Alinda's Arms, my Bliss compleat.
Art.
By all the Gods, you ne'er shall see its light;
'Tis Artaban that speaks the Oracle.
[Puts off the Disguise.
Tygr.
Thanks to Almighty Powers thou'rt in my view;
Art.
And to my Stars, I've found thee, this blest hour
So oft as I have sought, so oft thou'st fled:
Ignobly, basely hid thy Coward Face,
Amongst the common Rout, that makes thy Guard,
Or led them in their speed to avoid my rage.
Tygr.
Proud boasting Man, thou art almost too bad
To fall by any but a Villain's hand;
My Face wou'd wear more Scarlet than my Sword,
Tho cover'd with thy Blood, to take thy Life.
Art.
That Life of mine is sacred, placed so high
In the large Throne of Fame; thy little Arm
Can never rise to touch it; as well thou may'st
Great Jove in yonder Starry Seat Attempt,
And from his Fellow-Gods, discard him thence,
Battle his Winds, and stand his Thunder-bolts.
Tygr.
Draw then, thou proud, thou boasting Fool, and know,
Instead of Bulls, and common Offrings,
Which every poor Plebeian Marriage grace,
In thy hot Blood I'll treat the Deities.
[They fight, Tygr. falls.
Art.
There lie Revenge; next for my injur'd Love,
That in Alinda's presence, I will meet
And Sacrifice my Life beneath her Feet.
[Exit. Art. one way, King Enters the other.
Oh! I am slain; Life's tottering burthen sinks,
And I must die without Revenge—
King.
By Heavens thou shalt not—
Oh! he's gone: The Royal Soul is fled,
Loosed from its Cage, to flutter in the Air,
And mount the Noble Mansion of the Skyes.
But thus in Tears I will not mourn thy loss;
Give order that the City shut the Gates,
Search every House, guard every Passage,
On pain of Death, to find the Murderer out,
Were he my first, my dear'st only Son,
Born to Inherit my Imperial Crown,
I wou'd not spare him: No, the Wretch shou'd die,
Tho all Mankind shou'd to his Succour fly—
Entreating Gods to save him, I'd deny.
[Exeunt.
| Neglected Virtue : or, the Vnhappy Conquerour | |