 | The usurper |  |
Actus Quartus.
Enter Sicanus, Dorion, Scrophilus.Scro.
I do not like the present Face of things.
Dor.
Nor I.
Scro.
I did expect a finer Time on't.
Sic.
The Triumph quickly Vanish'd.
Enter Alexius.
Alex.
Your Servant Colonels: Where's his Highness?
Sic.
In's Bed-chamber writing Letters.
Alex.
What to his Mistriss? the Queen Timandra?
She's a Rare Beauty.
Sic.
Would Affrick had kept this admiration
To it self: I fear she will be fatal,
And undo us all.
Dor.
For my part, I think, no woman in the
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Scr.
I am sure it hath thrown us into a melancholy
Posture: The Prince does not enjoy himself.
Alex.
And the King is strangely alter'd.
Sic.
I have heard one man possess'd with many
Devils, but I never heard of two men possess'd
With one and the same evil Spirit before.
Well, I fear a Storm's not far off: the Clowds
Are gathering: This outward Reconcilement
Between Father and Son, is but a dream of
Fair weather.
Dor.
I wish his Highness well:
Sic.
So we do All.
Enter Dionysius.
He's here.
Dion.
Fellow Souldiers, welcome.
Sic.
Your Highness humble Servants, who should be all
Happy to kiss your Hand, and see you chearful.
Dion.
Why, so I am: Am I not chearful Gentlemen?
Look well upon me.
Scr.
Your pardon, Sir.
Your Servants canot chuse but be concern'd,
When any Cloud's upon you: Sir, we are
Men that truly Honour you, and see through all
The Sun-shine you put on, that something
Has got too near your Heart and darkens you.
Dion.
I did not Sleep well.—
Alex.
We Believe it Sir,
And something is the cause: Change but your Fancy,
And it will Vanish like a dream.
Dion.
Your Remedies are pleasant.
Alex.
You'd say so, if you knew my Frolicks,
And yet I must Confess, I have had my Fits
As high as a Mistris, but never Ventur'd Love
Above a Moon: Took notice of my Tides
Of Love, yet made my Voyage off and on
Without a Storm, or straining the least String
About my Heart. You'l pardon Sir the freedom.—
Dion.
But you mistake the Cause.
Alex.
I wish I did Sir;
But this disease, call'd Love, has a most certain
Symtome, and wears his Night-cap so visible,
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The Cure may sometimes fail.
Dion.
Gentlemen, 'tis no woman hath discompos'd
My thoughts.
Scr.
Why, is't a Man? Who in the name
Of nature can be so weary of his Life,
As to disturb our Freedom.
Dor.
If my counsel may be offer'd Sir, no matter what's the Cause:
Drink Wine, and bear up above all the thoughts
Of Friends or Enemies. Would we were
I'th' Camp agen; this Drowsiness and Ease
Will Tarnish all our Souls.
Dion.
You love me Gentlemen, and
I hope I have deserv'd it.
Dor.
Is there one here that stands suspected?
A man that will not Sacrifice his Life,
And in your Service fight in any Cause,
'Gainst any Person?
Dion.
None: I believe.
You would contribute all your Courages
T'assist my Honour, if it shall Require
A worthy Vindication. Therefore, Gentlemen,
In the Evening I shall communicate a Secret,
In which I shall desire your Faith and Counsels,
Till when I ask your pardon noble Colonels.
Scr.
We'l wait you Sir.
Alex.
And shall be proud to serve you.
[Exeunt Colonels.
Enter Hugo.
Hug.
What make all these Officers here? I like it not.
Dion.
Hugo, to my wishes; thou hast kept thy promise.
Hug.
Pardon the boldness of this interruption;
My duty may want method, but not zeal,
To serve your Highness.
Dion.
Thou hast given me proof.
Hug.
I came to give you account Sir of your Father.
Dion.
How is it with the King, dear Hugo?
Hug.
Much the better, since
I sweetn'd him with your Resolve to quite
Your Hopes in fair Timandra: I found him
Raving at first, and a Commission drawing up
For your present expedition to Corinth.
But I soon qualified that cold Unkindness
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Dion.
Thou hast Oblig'd me Hugo; and to justifie
The truth of thy Relation, and Confirm him
That all is my Obedience and clear Duty,
Here is a Letter to the Queen from me,
With full Resign of my Pretensions to her:
And that there may be nothing wanting Hugo,
To uncreate his Jealousie of either,
Thou shalt deliver it thy self, and give him
Thy own accompt of all things.
Hug.
I applaud
Your Care to satisfie him, 'tis excellent; and I
Shall take it as a great Honour, to carry this express to her.
Dion.
Honest man: What can Reward thy Faith,
And care of me?
Hug.
My duty pays it self.
Dion.
Farewell dear Hugo, I expect no Answer.—
Hug.
I think you need not: This will do your work Sir.
Dion.
I canot chuse but Smile: that I shall make
[Aside.
This cunning Knave my Engine. I'le not trust him
Too much: Parasites are a Race of dangerous men,
Especially to Princes, who abuse
Their Beams, as Serpents do the Sun-shine; Thrive,
And yet Infect the very Light they live by.
[Aside.
[Exit Dion.
Hug.
So, I have an Office; his Highness Letter-carrier.
But I consider the Circumstance carried a Gloss
Of Cunning. That nothing may be wanting Hugo,
Thou shalt deliver it thy self. Hum! And why my self?
I am not Concern'd I take it: I'le be sure on't.
With your Highness leave, I must make bold
To peep into the Belly of your Paper kite.—
If any body should see me, He would think me
Little better that a Knave now: But 'tis not
The first Time I have been bold with a Trust.
[He opens the Letter, a Scroll drops.
What's here! a loose parcel of paper inscrib'd
Palermo! What should this signifie?
[Reads the Letter.
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I have not not time to enlarge: Prepare
Your self and your Friends this night for your
Escape: I have sent you the Word enclos'd
By which you may pass the Guards, from whence
I will wait you to my Quarters; where
With a considerable Train
I will be your Conduct: and in all other
Commands Shew the Obedience of,
Your most faithful Servant
Dionysius.
I this the Letter of Defiance? Are you good at
This young Prince?
If I had not made a Knave of my self before
Hand, what a Fool would he have made me now, and
His own Father. The Word for their Escape!
Conscience be quiet; I am Resolv'd to carry this
Letter to her, but his Highness shall excuse me, if I keep
To the Father's side; He's my elder Acquaintance.
We were bred up Children in Villany; and when we
Came to Age, the Devil swore us into a Brother-hood;
Saving that mischief advanc'd him to be a
King, and let me rise no higher than a Parasite.
A little Art will make this Letter sound agen.
As for the enclosed, a word to the Wise; I can
But laugh to think what a Rogue I am.
[Exit.
Enter Cleomenes and Calanthe.
Cal.
My Lord, I have told you all the Story, and
Canot acquit my self of some Impudence,
Although I felt a Tempest in my Soul,
To see this black Usurper hold so fair
A Hope in the Queens Love, which by one Act,
Might make him Master of her Crown and Beauty.
Clen.
It did concern your Interest to break
The Rise of such a Fortune, and there is
No despair Madam, but it may work
A noble Sence within her Breast.
Cal.
She heard me.
And in my apprehension (though Silent)
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But kept her passious even, and in order;
At last she gave me thanks, and turn'd aside,
As being, perhaps, not willing I should see
A Tear was breaking from her Eye: And at
This instant Damocles Surpriz'd us.
Cleo.
'Tis high time, Madam, to consult your Safety,
Which hath a sad Complexion; the perils
That I have been acquainted with near shook
My Frame so much; I labour with the Weight
of your Concerns.
Cal.
My Life's indeed a Burthen,
And 'twere a mercy, if the Heavens took back
Their unregarded gift, since I have liv'd
To be destructive to my self, and all
That undertook my Safety.
Cleo.
There's something offer'd to my Thoughts: Ha! 'tis gone agen.
Cal.
Cast not thy self into a Storm for me.
Cleo.
'Tis come agen. Madam, I have a Servant,
Honest and Valiant; you may trust your Person
To his Attendance, who may this Evening
Convey you to place Secure; for here
You are expos'd to death inevitable.
There, nor his Anger, nor his Eyes shall Reach you:
Leave me to answer your Escape.
Cal.
That were
Without enquiring, whether you design,
To make my safety my Ingratitude:
Do's not my Reason tell me, he will make
Your Life the forfeit of my absence.
Cleo.
Could I
Deserve so well of Heaven as to be made
A Sacrifice for you; How would my Blood
Conspire and Crowd into a Flood, to shew
A Chearful Ebb: 'Twere but duty Madam.
Cal.
My Lord, I allow a duty, but like not the
The way; Since I'le accept defence, but on
Such Terms as Honour would embrace a Victory.
The Dangers are my own, and I'le be near 'em.
Cleo.
Then be it so; and be as safe as I,
This Fort, my Life, and all my strength can make you:
If I and they fail, You shall see and witness.
O'th' sudden, I could prophecy, but dare not
With prophane Lips, but yours are sacred, Madam,
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Your Safety: that great Fate that brought you hither.
And it doth raise my thoughts that you must prosper:
I find the People willing to shake off
The Usurpers Chains, and then your bright appearance
Will compleat their Joys, and make
A Mourning Throne Rejoyce, to see it self
Restor'd in you, to all just Glory.
Enter Parmenio.
[Cleom. Spies him.
He has observ'd my Order.
Be pleas'd, I may commend to your attendance
This Gentleman: A person, on whose faith
You may build a Confidence: It is the Son
Of good Demaratus; Parmenio.
Cal.
I have heard his Father mention him; He was
Sent to Palermo for his Studies.
Cleo.
'Tis the same, by his good Fate sent hither now
To do you Service; I must take my Leave,
Affairs throng in my Brain.
[Exit.
Cal.
You need not wonder
That these few tears break thus unruly forth,
They are a just debt to your Fathers memory,
Who lov'd me well.
Parm.
Mine have been paid already,
And it remains to shew my self his Son:
I know not who you are, more than a Gentleman,
Whom the Usurper persecutes, and a person
My Lord Cleomenes would preserve: And I
Presume you have Virtue to deserve all this,
And shall think Death an Honour, when I meet it,
With his Commands upon me.
Cal.
I attend Sir.
[Exeunt.
Enter Cleander leading Timandra.
Clea.
Madam, This Story of the Boy amazes me:
Why, he so unconcernc'd should take the Boldness
To venture so much Counsel to his Ruin?
Tim.
It is no less my wonder: But I never
Observ'd a greater sense of Honour, nor
Read so much Virtue in so small a Volume.
Clea.
I had other Thoughts
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To the Usurper, and had no Charity
To think him more than one of his black Agents,
And the worse too for his good face, It put me
In the mind of the fallen Angels.
Tim.
I grieve for his sad Fate, but can't help him:
Indeed I never felt within my heart
So great Commpassion to a stranger, and
It is but justice, since his care of me
Made him so miserable.
Cle.
Dear Madam,
Quit this sad Argument, and give me leave
To tell you another story that concerns you.
I have a message to you.
Tim.
To me! from whom?
He must be a bold man, made you his messenger.
Clea.
From Damocles.
Tim.
Forgit it I beseech you;
He's full of Love no doubt.
Clea.
Full of the Devil;
And would engage me his, dark instrument,
To bring you to his wishes. O the Favours
And Treasures shall be mine: Have not I
An excellent Office!
Tim.
What answer did you make? I fear his words
Awak'd your angry blood, in which you made
A Return, did not please him.
Clea.
Yes, yes, Madam,
He hopes Ile do't.
Tim.
What witchcraft could encourage him?
Clea.
Being thus put to't,
As the Oracles are wont to Answer, when
They are consulted what shall come to pass,
I wanted not ambiguous words that pleas'd him,
As wishing I had so much interest,
And strength to do him service to his merit,
That would do all our work, and his too; Madam,
He should be hang'd but once, and high enough:
But let me humbly beg your pardon, Madam,
That I have mentioned him, his very Name
Carries a secret poison in the Breath,
That must create a Melancholly, and Dull
Those Christal images within your Soul; Let us
Look back upon our hopes in Dionysius;
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Into our wounded Loves, and Banish all
Our sullen Contemplations.
Tim.
I Fear
Those great things are beyond his power to Accomplish.
Clea.
O punish not your self with one such Thought,
I confess, Madam, it is a mountainous promise,
But hee's a Prince now, belov'd i'th' Army,
And at home popular: The Rising Sun:
Ador'd, and flatter'd: And who knows what Miracles
His Love, and Power may Act.
Enter a Lady.
Lady.
Madam, a Gentleman desires access,
He hath some business of Concern (he says)
From the Prince Dionysius.
Tim.
He must be admitted.
Clea.
Ile withdraw.
[He obscures.
Enter Hugo.
Hug.
Madam, I approach your Royal hand
VVith as much Reverence as to an Altar.
Tim.
Have you affairs with me Sir?
Hug.
VVith you most Royal Madam, I think I have;
But pardon me if I be slow to tell you what
Commands I have from the sweet Prince; Ah
My eyes are not yet satisfyed: There are so
Many beauties in that Face, I could stand
A whole day to gaze upon't.
Tim.
Pray come to the business.
Hug.
Come to the business? Ha, most gracious Madam,
The Prince.—
Tim.
Be not so tedious: VVhat from him?
[He gives a Letter.
Hug.
VVhat from him? That from him:
And in that I have said all, and done my
Duty, and now most gracious Madam, can
Tell him what you say.
Tim.
I have said nothing: It does require no
Answer.
Hug.
In that Smile I carry a thousand.
Cleander observes, Hugo going off, and comes towards Timandra, but Hugo looking back obsucres himself.
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I shall do your errand, How she Titters at the Letter, and he laughs
And looks through the Paper: If I say I shall betray my self.
[Exit.
Clea.
The thing has kept his word, and we must take
This Opportunity; I like his Project.
But, Mandam, though we make use of the Word,
It will concern our wisdoms not to Trust
His Conduct after: That were but to shift,
A person, not the Danger, since his power
Abroad may equal what is threatn'd here:
Tim.
Wisely thought on.
Clea.
We must Remember this Mock Prince is still
The Son of Damocles; but our time is narrow,
Leave me to th'care of Outward things: If we
Without a Check but reach the Sea, we have
A Friend from every Prospect; not a Wind
Can blow from Heaven, and hence, but for our safety.
The world's before us: Who can fear to drown,
VVhen every Coast, and every Wind's our own.
[Exeunt.
Enter Damocles, and Attendants.
1.
The King's troubled.
2.
And he will be so,
VVhile this unmanly Ague shakes his Temper.
[He waves his Hand for them to leave him.
Dam.
Have I by my great Arts from a despis'd
Prodigious Lowness of my Birth and Fortune
Advanc'd my self to Honour, and to Empire?
And now fix'd like a Piramy'd, upon
Whose Top my Name stands the admired Object,
And envied mark of Princes round about me,
VVho fear what Crown of their's I'le next attach,
As I have done this Kingdom, where I have
VVith bloody cost rais'd to my self a power
Upon my Princes, and the Nations fall;
Both which I Ruin'd, with a factious Flame,
And made this Clime too hot for temperate Laws:
The Dull Defenders of a drowzey State,
That slept too long, while my Ambition wak'd,
And undiscovered brought this fatall Change;
And as those subtile Favours that design
The Bodies Ruin, by the Vitals first,
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My Iawful Soveraign, whom I fought and forc'd
In Battle to Retreat and save himself,
'Till in his flight he met an Angry stream
That swallow'd him, and his great Horsmanship.
[Waiters puting on one another at the Door.
1.
I dare not speak to him,
He carries Ponyards both in his Eyes and Pocket.
2.
We must stay till he call
Dam.
The Senate then a lazy lump of Power,
With forcked Heads threatn'd to sit heavy
Upon my Heart: But I found ways by purge
And bleeding to Remove 'em, and constrain'd
The dull Remains to humble their proud necks
For we to walk on: All things that Oppos'd,
Until this period, I made tame and stoop,
And shall at last a Woman baffle me:
Defie my Love, my Anger and my Conquest?
I will disolve that Magick that she trusts to,
And make her know 'tis in my power to take
(If she be obstinate) more than I have ask'd:
And that bold talking treacherous Boy shall live
To see her pride and stubbornness tormented.
And should my Son Rebel agen, and offer at
An interest with me: I have an engin
[Handles his Dagger.
That wakes at my first call, shall strick him to
Eternal Silence.
Enter again one of the Waiters.
1.
Sir, I beseech your pardon.
Dam.
VVhat Tumults this?
2.
Hugo, Sir, says, he must speak with you.
Dam.
O, is it Hugo?
[Enter Hugo.
Why was he not admitted presently!
You can be officious when you please.
Leave us agen, and let none interrupt us,
Honest Hugo.
Hug.
The business, Sir, is done.
Dam.
VVhat business?
Hug.
I have explor'd each Fibre of your Son.
Dam.
And How? and How?
Hug.
All things are well and in an excellent posture.
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Thou art i'th' dark.
Hug.
But I have brought to light a Plot, you'l
Thank me for.
Dam.
A Plot? What is't?
Hug.
Your Son most violently proceeds to Cross
Your interest in the Queen, and has most
Impiously contriv'd away for her escape.
Dam.
He dares not? Her Escape?
Hug.
I skrew'd my self into his Soul, and he,
In his Confidence of my honesty, would have
Me carry a Letter to her.
Dam.
And didst thou?
Hug.
Yes, but had the Grace to break it open.
Dam.
Excellent.
Hug.
Which gave her to understand that this night
By Virtue of the Word, a scrowl enclos'd, without
Any difficulty she might pass the Guards.
Dam.
O Rebel, Traytor, It will be then necessary to
Change the VVord immediately.
Hug.
Do not trouble your self Sir, I have sav'd that labour,
For most artificially I trim'd up the
Letter, and changing the Scrowl, baited their
Ambition to be gone with a word of my
Own divising; Did I not very well Sir?
Dam.
Admirably: I could kiss thee for't, Thou hast done
A Service never to be sufficiently Rewarded.
It tickles my spleen; Thou hast done rarely Hugo.
Hug.
In this one Act I have out-witted your
Son, and it was high time to give his disobedience
A Check, Clip'd the wings of his precious
Pigeon, who is wild with the immagination of
Taking the fresh Air; but when she finds her self
In our snare, I hope she will be tame
Enough, and stoop to any Conditions your
Heat of blood will propound to her.
Dam.
The pleasure comes to fast: Ha, ha, ha.
Now are they (having already swallow'd their
Liberty) laughing at us.—
Hug.
To think how we are gull'd? I should have told
You Sir, I have discover'd the Moor to be a Raschal,
A near friend of hers; A saucy Sun-burnt Devil,
And your Rival.
Dam.
The Sooty slave shall dye for't: Not all his black
Relations in Hell shall rescue him: The evening
50
Discourse, my Stars, I do forgive you all, y'are
Kind; and next to them, I owe my thanks to
The VVise, Honest Hugo: VVe'l be in at the Sport.
Hug.
By any means Sir, I must wait upon you,
My presence will add much to their Vexation.
Dam.
The strength shall be recruited at each Guard.
Hug.
I canot but laugh to think how they will look upon
me Sir, when they see themselves in the snare,
Dam.
Let's away: no change of Countenance:
Carry all Smooth until the storm surprize 'em.
[Exeunt.
Enter Captain of the Guard, and a Serjeant.
Cap.
Where's the Corporal?
Ser.
He's ordering the Centries.
Cap.
So, 'tis well.
Enter Corporal with two Souldiers.
1. Soul.
Well: If I miscarry this bout Corporal, Ile lay
My death at your door, that made me leave my
Drink behind me.
Corp.
There's your spot: Two hours hence expect Releif,
You may lye down and listen, but take heed, when
The Round comes that you be not taken Napping,
[Exit Corporal and two Souldiers.
1. Soul.
I warrant you, in my first duty, I thank my Stars,
(When I left my own Trade to follow Man-killing)
I had a Benefit from my Fears, and could wake
At the Motion of a Field-mouse, now I am an old
Souldier, and us'd to't, I can do my duty in my
Sleep: Rise, Bid stand: Ask who goes there? Have
All my Questions and postures as ready as the
Most waking Centry of 'em all.
Capt.
I had a Scurvy dream last night Serjeant.
Ser.
'Tis well for you Captain.
Capt.
A Scurvy dream well for me? Why prethee?
Ser.
'Tis well for you that you can dream: Time
Was within our memory we have not slept
In ten nights: hard duty, little drink, and no
Pay, do not much Corroborate nature: But
What was your dream Captain?
Capt.
Why, I dream't we had an Alarum given us,
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Upon the River) were entring the Town,
Against them I march'd; and at last, when I was
Beset by a Party of theirs, and in
The Condition of engaging with 'em: Two Rats
That had a quarrel behind the Hangings in
My Chamber, waken'd me.
Ser.
And so you came off?
Enter Strato.
Str.
Where's the Captain of the Watch?
Capt.
Here Colonel.
Str.
I had Orders to Recruit the Guards to night.
Capt.
What Enemy?
Str.
I know not, but there is something expected.
Capt.
A pox on't, my dream's out: Come Serjeant,
I attend you Colonel.
[Exeunt omnes præter 1. Sould.
Enter Cleander, Timandra, and Arisba.
Clean.
Look how the night's already drest, and for
Thy fair attendance hath put on her best
And brightest Lustre, while every Star
(Though not with so much Sparkling as thy Eyes)
Pays his willing shine to light thee
To some more happy Coast.
Tim.
I cannot fear Success, while you are Conduct.
Clean.
Arisba, this last Act
Will perfect thy fidelity, and make it
Fit for Reward.
Aris.
Be confident of my duty:
But Sir, contemn your self, I heard something
Move; the Centry is near.
Clean.
Be careful of the Queen, I will approach
And give the Word.
1. Sould.
I hear a Voice: Stand: Ha! What's this?
Clean.
Call your Officer.
1. Sould.
Corporal: by this moon-shine 'tis the Devil.
Coporal: Come quickly and be damn'd, here's one
Stays for you: I charge thee, come no nearer.
Corporal, ha! So.
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I'le e'en leave you together, and Alarum the Guard.
Corp.
The Word.
Clean.
Siracuse.
Corp.
You are mistaken, and must along with me.
Clean.
Must Rascal?
[They fight.
The Guard's Alarum'd: I doubt we are betray'd
[He kills the Corporal.
Enter Souldiers: one Seizeth upon Timandra.
Tim.
Villain unhand me.
Clean.
It had been safer to have touch'd a falling
Thunder-bolt.
Enter Captain of the Guard.
Capt.
The Corporal kill'd?—Then 'tis time
To try my Sword.
[He also is beaten off by Cleander.
[They fight; he makes 'em Retreat.
Clean.
We must face about.
Enter Strato and Proclus with more Souldiers at one door. At the other Dionysius, Sicanus Dorion.
Str.
The Court's Alarum'd: where are these Traytors?
Pro.
Here.
Str.
Let's help to take 'em.
Pro.
Agreed; Souldiers, we assist your duties.
Dioni.
Whence this Alarum? Hiarbas and Timandra.
There is no time for cold enquiries; Accept our
Swords Hiarbas to your Service.
Clean.
Dionysius, can this be Real? There is some Hopes yet.
Enter Parmenio and others.
Dion.
I think this Coast is safe.
Clean.
Had the Souldiers grow out of the Earth
Like Cadmus Teeth, Defend the Queen on that hand,
I on this.
Dion.
I cannot fall in a more glorious quarrel.
Souldiers d'ee not know me?
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Dispatch: the King commands you Seize 'em.
They fight. Strato and Proclus fall in the Skirmist. Sicanus and Dorion beaten off. Dionysius taken, and Cleander surpriz'd behind by Parmenio .
Parm.
Th'art a brave Moor
Enter Damocles, Cleomenes, and Hugo.
Dam.
Where's the Queen?
Tim.
Here Tyrant.
Dam.
Ingrateful woman; was your Heat so mighty,
None but this Son of night was fit to mix
And walk Companion of your Love and Fortune?
A Dog? a Moor?
Clean.
Thus Mungrils snarl at Lions: Damocles,
'Tis not our Crimes, nor any good the Gods
Foresaw in thee, nor Valour of thy Guards,
Nor our own Sleeping Stars, but thy great Sins,
Not yet mature for Vengeance, hath made
Our design fruitless.
Dam.
Ha! Dionysius! my Son turn'd Rebel?
'Tis time to check his Speed: And whose fine plot
Was this?
Tim.
Sir, it was mine: I could not hope a Life here
Without Stain to my Honour.
Dam.
And Madam you may dearly count for this.
Clean.
It was I contriv'd it.
She does abuse her Innocence, let me
That have a Soul prepar'd sustain the punishment.
Dio.
They have both accus'd themselves unjustly,
The plot was mine, I must agen Repeat,
But not Repent it, mine; I sent a Letter,
And the Word enclos'd for their escape.
Dam.
You did?—Cleomenes.—
[Dam.] and Cleom. whisper.
Hug.
Sir, I desire no body may be Believ'd, but my self:
The Plot was mine, the Cream, the Knack of
It my own.
Clean.
Thine?
Hug.
Yes, and shall please thy Sooty Phisnomy.
Dion.
Cursed Villain.
Hug.
As sure as your Highness gave me your Letter to
That Lady, which I deliver'd with my own Hand;
But it was after I had broke it open, and made
Bold to put the Change upon your own Trick.—Altering
54
Clean.
Remember he's your Son.
Dam.
Thus I blow off that name: I expect your duty:
You need not Strive for your Rewards.
Parm.
I am commanded to attend you Sir to the Castle.
Tim.
I am sorry my unhappiness should thus
Involve your danger; But I hope your Father
Has a Reserve of kinder thoughts.
Dio.
Timandra, your fair Hand.—This Kiss
Is bought too cheap though I dye for you.
Farewel noble Hiarbas.
[Exit.
Dam.
Come nearer Moor: Dost thou not Read Death
Within this Frown?
Clean.
I am above it Damocles: Keep those Bugs
Upon thy Brow to fright tame Fools, and such
As born from Worms do Crawl about thy Court,
And lick thy dusty Pavements: Snakes that live
And lap the blood of Innocents: I despise
Thy mercy to my self; But if thou hast
A sense of Honour, or of any thing
That's man within thee, Look with softer Eyes
On this distressed Queen.
Dam.
Yes, your Mistris?
Clean.
Ambition cannot aim at greater Honour.
Dam.
This saucy Competition
(Hadst thou no other Crime) shall make thee Curse
Thou hast a Being.
Clean.
Saucy Competition with thee? Thy Pride
Provokes my Smile: I tell thee Damocles,
Thou mayst by number, and thy Crouds of men,
Steal an Inglorious Victory: But were
Our Persons singly arm'd, and we two plac'd
Upon a Cliff, or some Star-kissing mountain:
All thy abused Legions round about us
Staring to see us fight for Love and Honour:
The Gods should not be weary to look down,
And thy own Armies undeceiv'd should Judge
Who best deserv'd Timandra.
Omnes,
This Moor has a brave Soul.
Clean.
But I loose breath in talking to a man
Whose very Soul's a Coward, and his Heart
False as his Title to the Crown.
Dam.
No more:
We'l try how he can talk without a Head:
55
One Convoy serve 'em both, and look you trifle not
With my Commands as you will keep your Head on.
Thus all my Troubles vanish; I was never
A King till now.
Hug.
I hope you'l take my word another Time.
[Exeunt Damacles and Hugo.
Cleo.
Madam, I grieve for your misfortune.
Clean.
For thy self Cleomenes: And yet thou hadst
An honest Fame.
Cleo.
You do not know me Sir.
Clean.
But I forgive thee: Come, mourn not Timandra.
Tim.
I should not weep were we to dye together.
Clean.
'Tis not Resolv'd above so; do not envy me
As man to lead the way: 'Tis my Honour
To bleed a chearful Martyr to thy Love.
Forgive me if I hope thou mayst not stay
Too long behind: For when I shall arrive
Among those blest Shades; and have my Seat
Where only good inhabits: Yet I fear
I shall not think it Heaven till thou art there.
Conduct now where you please.
[Exeunt omnes.
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