University of Virginia Library

ACT I.

SCENE I.

Enter Toxaris, Alvanes, and Araxis.
Tox.
Well Mortals, if any live happy,
'Tis we Scythians at this day.

Arax.
And prethee why?

Tox.
Are not we Men?

Arax.
Yes, and Courtiers.

Tox.
And what's more, have our Amours unquestion'd
By those meager sort of Females, Wives, whose entails
We can cut off at pleasure, sometimes held necessary
In case of Age, or accidental Ugliness;
Is this no Felicity?

Alva.
A sign we had our Predecessors men.

Tox.
I, and such Souls of Matrimony, that
Would be all in all in every Act and
Concern of Woman; changing Wives at pleasure,
Sometimes, as oft as Menial Servants how would
The Wary Spaniard, the more Jealous Italian
Glory, had they like priviledge?

Alv.
And yet,
Methinks, this custom of our Nation
In so absolute a dominion over
That weaker sex, is not a little rigid.

Tox.
Prethee marry then, and if thou dost not
Find it necessary; thou'lt be more easie
Yok'd then most in Scythia.

Alv.
But our Queens marriage
Is my wonder, with this Persian Prince
Tysamnes.

Arax.
She is wise in all her Actions.

Alva.
Yet not by any priviledge exempted
From this our Nations Law, though a Queen;
'Twere well, she had made it first, some Act of State.

Arax.
At least to exempt her self: Princes are
But men, sometimes most various.

Tox.
It speaks her
Confidence in her new made Husband.

Arax.
Or rather the strength of her own vertue,
That dares trust her merit to embarque
In any storm, should it arise from what
('Twere sin to think) Ingratitude.

Alv.
May they live great and prosp'rous.

Arax.
Tysamnes is a Prince endu'd with many Graces,
Fam'd equal with the best Captains of our Times,
In noble deeds of War; and though but younger
Brother of the Persian Crown, against
Natures act, deserves the first place in that Throne.

Enter Foscaris.
Alva.
Here comes Foscaris, a Gentleman, that has
Newly parted with his Wife, a fair one too.

Arax.
But that's a change in this part of Scythia,
Few repent, where Women like to flowers,
Are often plac'd in bosoms, but till Love
Fades their sweetness—what Foscaris!—

Fosc.
The merry'st man 'twixt this and Babylon, Gentlemen.

Tox.
You have parted with your Wife.

Fosc.
And a fair riddance too; though as Women
Go now, I think she was vertuous.

Alva.
Dost thou not therefore feel some regret
For rejecting from thy embrace, so deserving a
Lady?

Fosc.
No more then a child for throwing away
A toy, when weary of the pastime.
Alas, I have lain by her a whole Moon,
Enjoy'd all her nights, and days varieties:
Pass'd the beginning, the middle, and even
The bottom of all can be call'd fruition;
Which I confess was most delicious;
But the heavy thought that this must prove
In the end, but dull repetition,
Did so cloy my appetite.

Tox.
Perhaps before it had taken a just fill.

Alv.
I confess, had I espous'd such a Lady
I should have been content to have serv'd Love
Two Apprentiships at least—But oh the wonders
Of Matrimony! how soon has mankind
Enough of the honey of Wedlock.

Fosc.
Nay, I dare commend her Graces, besides
I think she lov'd me; and for her person
Pigmalions Image might have been copy'd
From her lineaments. A Face in ev'ry feature
Pleasing: such an Eye! such a Lip! with a Cheek
Jove ne're was fam'd a smoother to impress;
With something yet, then all, more taking.

Arax.
And hadst thou not better have kept this delicate
Food of Love, though thou hadst chang'd sometimes
A meal; rather then thus utterly to forsake her?

Fosc.
Alas! I had my Surfeit, Gentlemen, and was
So Wife-sick; she seem'd to me Loves potion.

Tox.
For my part, were I in thy case, and had
A Face of Brass, I should go near to blush through't.
Here comes the Lady—

Enter Clarina.
Clar.
To be thus thrown from him without a cause,
Or act of ill laid to my charge: on priviledge
Of this our Countries ignominious usage;
And by a man I lov'd so well?
Vile, and inhumane custom!

Tox.
I hope her vertues, and thy crime will move thee
To repentance: thou art else such a
Tyrant-husband, as has no like, even
In this hard-hearted Clime of ours.

Fosc.
Rather indulgent, that gave her means of
Freedom: I open'd but the Cage, and
Now Love may flye, as it lists.

Clar.
By my example—
Let none be henceforth made a Bride in Scythia;
Where sacred Tyes, and chastest Love
Is no security.

Tox.
Though I am a true Scythian and partly
Of thy humour, I could wish thee, (for this act,)
Some fatal penitence.

Fosc.
Ha, ha, ha,—Is that
Possible in a man of my complexion?

Clar.
He scarce vouchsafes a look on me; when but
So late, each beam of mine was more
Considerable then warmth of Sun-shine.

Alv.
We must now leave you to your better thoughts:
The General Bassanes is arriv'd the Court.
Our attendance is expected—pity
Clarina has no kinder Husband.

[Exeunt Alv. Tox. Araxis.
Fosc.
I'le wait on you Gentlemen: I serv'd
But lately under his command—

Clar.
You have no pity left for me?—

[Offers to go out, Clar. stays him.
Fosc.
A little somewhat; but thou seest I am now
In haste.

Clar.
I'le be as brief; take me to thy embrace,
My dear Foscaris: thou know'st I lov'd thee
Vertuously and truly well: if I have done
Amiss in any act unknown; I'le bend
My knees for pardon.

Fosc.
Alas! I charge thee
With no crime; but Marriage is such a mischief,
It makes Friends sometimes differ, they know not why;
For which I thank my Countries dispensation:
Otherwise as a Mistress, I think no Lady
In our Court deserves before thee.

Clar.
When e're you wed (as soon perhaps you may)
May you espouse one far more beautiful
And equal to my affection—so farewel—

Fosc.
Adieu—adieu: I'le not kiss her at parting,
Lest I lick my self into Love again;
And yet methinks I could almost be content:
'Tis a pretty black-ey'd rogue, and was so
Amorous and Airy.—Heaven forbid
I be not once more smitten, and so proceed
To a second Wooing; but I hope I am arm'd—
[Ex. Foscaris.

Enter Melvissa.
Clar.
This unkindness grieves me.

Melv.
What! sad Clarina?

Clar.
I had ne're more cause, Madam—my Husband.—

Melv.
What of him? I dream't that he courted thee
With more fire then ever; and my dreams I
Can tell thee, hit unhappily sometimes.

Clar.
He is most unkind; a Husband of our cruel mode
Perfectly, who having gather'd but so late
My Virgin flower, has thrown me from his breast,
As if already faded—and yet I needs must say,
I love him still.

Melv.
Thence came thy mischief;
The very spring of all thy Tears: we Wives
Must use more dexterity in managing
Of Husbands here; and that way, if possible,
Get some hand on their Affections: nor should
They bed with us; but when we please,
Or when our healths require it: the soft and gentle
Not seldom most slighted: The truth is, Marriage
Amongst us is a most dang'rous food of Love:
And therefore we must use more wit for sawce,
Our men will be else so cloy'd, and cast us off
With no more concern, then we give a dish
Of meat after having well fed on't, to our Waiters.

Clar.
But I was so tender,
In giving cause of separation—

Melv.
'Thad fixt him surer to thee; nor is it hopeless,
But the sense of thy Vertues and Beauty
May work in him some thoughts of reconcilement:
There have been (though rarely) such examples.

Clar.
Might I but live to be so happy!—

Melv.
Besides I have a means, if all fail
To do thee service—thou dar'st confide in me?—

Clar.
With all assurance.

Melv.
You must be secret.

Clar.
As a thought within your breast.

Melv.
And mark me; if thou find'st this work him up
To love again—

Clar.
I doubt the end will prove impossible.

Melv.
That's as the means are order'd: Love will find out
Ways sometimes as extraordinary; which made
A famous Poet write a Book of Lovers Arts,
Not much inferiour to Medea's Charms:—
And be sure when you see him next, let it
Seem against thy will, as if thoud'st stand
If possible, at like distance from him;
As the sphere of fixed Stars: adding convenient
Pride and scorn, no small artifice in our sex.

Clar.
Your Copies somewhat hard
To be practis'd by a Lover.

Melv.
'Tis but a just revenge in thy Case.

Clar.
I shall observe your fair instructions.

Enter Andrages.
Melv.
See, here's my man of Venus; an example
Of my skill and conduct—observe him well,
And thou shalt see, I have an humble servant
Instead of Lord and Master—is't not so, Andrages?

Andra.
Your will's a Law, Madam.

Melv.
In spight of our Nations custom, is it not?

Andra.
The same, Madam.

Clar.
This is a language, I have
Not heard before from a Scythian Husband.

Melv.
And yet, I'le say thus much, for this thing
Of my embrace: he dares vye with the best
Of our Gallants; and cope with Mars himself
If met in field; nor less would be concern'd
For every frown of mine, with any he
That durst despise e'm: Am I not right, Andrages?

Andra.
My life's at your command.

Clar.
You have a power
I see indeed, and doubt not but you'l use it nobly.

Melv.
We must rule thus, or we are lost here:
What's a Venus that cannot lead her Mars
In triumph?—Andrages, perhaps I'le sleep
With thee to night for this—

Andra.
You'l be most welcom Madam.

Clar.
This day some considerable of our Sex
Join in a Petition to our Queen and
New made King.

Melv.
'Tis to abrogate their abuse,
In the arbitrary rule of men.

Clar.
I hope 'twill prove a seasonable request,
Since now the Queen has made her self a party;
In taking of a Princely Husband.

Melv.
Thou hast eloquence, and shalt be one of
Our fair Speakers in this Cause.

Clar.
You complement me Madam,
Though I am oblig'd to serve the interest.

Melv.
We must appear with the fair number
Who expect us to confer—Andrages—
Wait my coming home about the hour of nine.

[Ex. Melv. and Clarina.
Andra.
With all observance, Madam—
Was ever Gentleman and Souldier thus hen-peck'd
As I am? nay, against the priviledge of mankind
Here, endure it? that can discharge a Wife
With a breath: sure there's some extraordinary
Magick in't; and I find by my inclinations,
I am so unfortunate to love her at that rate,
As I cannot rid my self of her, though I
Suffer to death, or what's worse, the miseries
Of a vexatious wedlock.

Enter Foscaris.
Fosc.
What Andrages? heavy and drooping!

Andr.
Somewhat out of Tune.

Fosc.
Nay, then 'tis odds, but thou
Art smitten, or at least ruminating
On some new beauty.

Andr.
Would that were the worst.

Fosc.
The very best of our Banes, that have prov'd
Wedlock—Come I'le sing thee a catch I have
Made on this subject.

He Sings.

Andr.
This is all discord to my malady.

Fosc.
I took thee to have been longing after
New flesh and blood, or rather sick of thy wife,
Is not that it?

Andr.
Thou dost not mock me?

Fosc.
No, o' my life!

Andr.
Why then I'le tell thee,
I love her a thousand times better, then
When I long'd for her first enjoyment.

Fosc.
Is that possible in a man of thy Genius?

Andr.
Let me be punished else.

Fosc.
Alas! poor Souldier of Cupid:
I have parted with a Wife fair enough
To have figur'd Venus by, and for that only cause,
Because a Wife: I'd fain see the power of Man,
Or Angel, bring me again to the like dotage.

Andr.
Nay more, should she scratch me once a day,
Or use me with that Amazonian confidence
Practis'd in our neighbouring Scythia, where
Her Sex has the supremacy, and are
So many she Tyrants: I think I should
Endure it, and love her: If this be not Magick,
There's none betwixt us and the North Pole.

Fosc.
Visit her bed often; and if that does not do it,
There's no surfeit in Wedlock.

Andr.
Alas! I have not leave to come there, but rarely,
And on such terms of good behaviour,
That I am almost in an Ague the while.

Fosc.
The very name of Humourist, methinks
Should bid thee quit her, there's scarce a worse evil.
Or if she be modish, and a wit, 'tis odds,
But she makes it her luxury to abuse thee,
And bite thee at every turn of thy tongue.
If not, make any thing thy quarrel, to bid
Adieu to her, thou'lt else shame thy Countries priviledge.

Andr.
But I am such a Dotard—

Fosc.
And yet i'th' Camp
And Court, well knowing, as most of our
Time; I pity thee—

Enter Bassanes, Alvanes, Toxaris, Eumenes, and Draxanes.
Andr.
See the General Bassanes.

Fosc.
A Prince of high renown and vertue;
Now return'd from ending our Tartarian War:
We'll pay him our respects at time of fitter
Opportunity—

[Ex. Foscaris and Andrages.
Alv.
The Queen by us, my Lord,
That have the honour to fore-speak her joys,
Congratulates your Excellencies return.

Bass.
She is a gracious Lady; and though but late
Made my Intelligence, has taken
The Persian Prince, Tysamnes, for her Husband.

Alv.
A Prince that Court does loudly fame, surpassing
All the race of the Arsacides, whence he derives
His blood.

Bass.
Her vertue is a mate for his;
Let it be great as e're did live upon the name
Of mortal; but I that have a Souldiers plainness
A little wonder, although her King I hold
Of highest merit: since there is no act precedes
To exempt her Royal Person, from that fate
Of Marriage, the force of custom here
May even inflict upon the greatest.

Tox.
It seem'd below her Soul and Love, to make
That caution, some wise amongst us wish.

Bass.
Tysamnes! marry'd to the Queen! if I
[Aside.
Forget not I had Advertisement upon his first
Arrival at her Court, and from a Persian hand
Of trust, that he there lov'd a Lady; nay more,
Was thought to have assur'd himself to her.

Eum.
The General's a little discompos'd.

Drax.
Perhaps some discontent relating to the
Queens marriage.

Bass.
If this prove true, Heaven too soon may frown
On all these joys—what are these Ladies?

Enter Melvissa, Clarina, and four other Ladies, each with a Paper in her hand.
Tox.
They are come to wait upon the King and Queen
This day of State, on some concern of their Sex.

Bass.
Tis well.

Enter Araxis.
Arax.
The King and Queen are ready to come forth.

Alv.
We must attend—your Lordships pardon.

Bass.
I have some orders to dispatch unto
The Camp, and then I'le wait their Majesties—

[Exit Bassanes, &c. Tox. Alv. Arax. another way, manent Mel. Clar. and four Ladies.
Melv.
It behoves us now Ladies, to weigh the force,
And effect of those Arguments we have prepar'd
To assail so formidable an enemy, as Men and Husbands, fortify'd
With that so invincible Champion, Custom;
I hope you are all well provided?

1 Lady.
Doubt it not Madam, women seldom want wit
To serve their desires and occasions.

Melv.
Well said pretty one, young and forward,
And for Illustrations and Metaphors, of
This hainous usage and tyranny of our Matrimonial
Lords and Masters, such were to be wish'd,
Are most pathetical and perswasive.—

1 Lady.
I have taken mine, Madam, from
The example of Socrates, that most grave
Philosopher, who not only endur'd the ill
Humour, but the supremacy of his Wife,
As worthy of imitation.

Melv.
A famous president!

2 Lady.
And I mine, Ladies, from that most dreadful
Story of Andromeda, chain'd to a Rock;
Which I hope I have apply'd with no small
Flame 'gainst Husbands and their prerogatives.

3 Lady.
Mine is from that of Ariadne, shewing
The ingratitude of Theseus, with application
To some such hideous presidents amongst us.

4 Lady.
I have drest up mine out of Story, and the
Grand Romance of our Times; from whence I have
Drawn some noble examples of Love and Constancy.

Clar.
You are bold with the Poets and Romances Ladies.

Melv.
That's a pardonable fault, as the rate of wit
Goes now; while some Poets have arriv'd to a
Convenient reputation, yet play'd the Thieves,
From Poems, Histories, and Romances;
And ne'r durst trust themselves for a happy fiction—
Clarina, I am sure you are well provided.

Clar.
I have an Argument at home, enough I hope
To plead for all.

Melv.
Who has our petition?

Clar.
I have it Madam.

Melv.
'Tis in a proper hand—the Queen.

[Enter Parisatis the Queen led by Tysamnes, Andrages and Foscaris, Alv. Tox. Arax. Attendants and Guards: being sate Clarina delivers the Petition.]
Tysam.
We understand your fair desires,
But you must in this case determine
Dearest.

Par.
With your permission—where is your Speaker
Ladies? a little fuller to explain your sense?

Omn.
All, all, all, speak.

Fosc.
How they muster tongues?

Andr.
Bating this presence, if they did not join
Nails and scratch some of our foretops,
I'd hang for't.

Par.
You can't be heard together, nor each in
Several, 'twere tedious—name one your Speaker.

Omn.
Clarina, Clarina, Clarina!

Melv.
She shall perform.

Clar.
Since you impose it—
Then thus Illustrious King and Queen; 'tis hop'd
This day will prove a Mercy to the name
Of Women here, that suffers by a too
Injurious custom, now represented to your
Royal hands for our just redress,
And wants not many thousand hearts t'attest it.

Par.
Where had you leave to form this
Strange request? does not the Law stand unrevok'd?

Clar.
But hop'd, that you our gracious Queen, would have
Been Intercessor, for its Abrogation:
That with your Love and Crown have given
Such obligation to a husband, who must
For your sake yield to make it ineffectual.

Tox.
Our Women press it home.

Fosc.
Have at us Husbands;
They'r on a ticklish point.

Par.
Is this all Ladies?

Clar.
And but obtain'd, you'l difference the name
Of wife from worst of slaves: restore the most
Neglected, to the rights of Love, and live
The blessing of your Sex; nor shall we want
Expressions of our gratitude; our Gems
Shall be our offerings to increase your Treasure,
Which useless now, adorn our Beams,
That every froward Husbands power (to cast us
From his just embrace) must mourn.

Par.
I'le hear no more; yet pity those
Whose Merits are regardless treated;
Advising each to win the man they have lost
By vertue and forgiveness: if the fault be his;
And were I to be given again unto
This Prince, or doubted of my happiness in him;
I'de judge it sin to ask a Caution:
And I dare be to all security,
That our example will without a cancel
Place a blush upon this Law, and no man hence
Neglect a Wife deserving, when they shall
Behold our mutual Loves their president;
Is it not so, my dear Tysamnes?

Tysam.
Thou art above my wishes excellent.

Arax.
The Queen exprest her self most nobly.

Tox.
If not too confiding in her choice.

Clar.
We must submit.

1 Lady.
Since there's no remedy.

Melv.
I'le serve thee yet Clarina! it shall go hard else.

Enter Bassanes, Eumenes, and Draxanes.
Par.
Welcom, as I can express Bassanes—
Thy Victories were early here on Rumors wing,
Which made the grim-look'd Tartars beg a peace
From us: and next my joys of love, completed here,
[To Tys.
I must rejoyce thy safe return, thou pillar
Of thy Country, and glory of my Crown,
To call thee both my Subject, and Alliance.

Bass.
My duty is best paid in the performance
Of your services, which I shall ever study.

Tysam.
Let me embrace thee worthy man;
The title which I have to thy brave merit,
In my enjoyment of this beauteous Queen,
Obliges me to hold thy vertues dear
That bring'st me Triumph home, before I scarce
Have warm'd this Throne.

Arax.
Our new King does caress him highly.

Tox.
His interest is great.

Par.
I understand
You saw Mandana's Court, our neighbour
Queen, on your return?

Bass.
I did Madam.

Par.
There Women govern all.

Bass.
To wonder, Madam—
Make War, lead Armies, with all transactions
Of the highest Magnitude in State,
To whom the men are held subordinate.

Par.
Their Queen's a Lady, Fame reports Wise,
Magnanimous, and no less Beautiful.

Bass.
I think all these may well be said to meet
In her.

Par.
But the manner of her rule seems strange
To me.

Bass.
If compar'd with ours here; but they
Lay claim to that prerogative, from the
Antient Amazons whence they derive descent.

Par.
'Twas said Mandana did intend an Embassy
Unto our Court in some short time.

Bass.
She gave me so to understand.

Tysam.
A beauteous one no doubt.

Bass.
They are Women, Sir.

Tysam.
We'll treat'm then as fairly.

Par.
But credit me, I should not like my reign
So well, were my Sex here alike in power;
Since nature and the worlds best Laws
Have dignify'd the man superiour.

Tysam.
Spoke like my Parisatis—methinks we
Are not chearful; I have joys enough to raise
A man above the world, had he made forfeit
Of his bliss—You told me of a masque,
My Soul does want a little clearing up—

[Aside.
Par.
I did appoint one.

Tysam.
By any means we'll have it.

—Musick plays a while, after which the Masque begins; the Scene a Grove, in which Diana is beheld sleeping, having at one of the sides next the Stage a Rock, from which—
Enters Arethusa habited like a Water-Nymph.
Areth.
Eccho! if thou dost visit this fair Grove,
Where thou hast often mourn'd Narcissus love;
At Arethusa's call appear.

Eccho.
Appear.

Areth.
Once more 'tis Arethusa calls thee here.

Eccho
within.
Here!

Areth.
That's but thy voice, thy person I would see,
Once known a Nymph of highest dignity.

Enter Eccho as out of t'other side of the Grove.
Eccho.
Behold bright Arethusa I resume
My long lost Figure, since Heavens fatal doom
Depriv'd me of my dear Narcissus flames.

Areth.
I bear as great a grief confin'd to streams,
Could never yet with lov'd Alpheus join;
Think if thy loss can greater be then mine?

Eccho.
Fair Nymph, with yours I'le not compare my woe,
Since with thy tears thy chrystal fountains flow;
And by a wondrous constancy do glide
Through veins of earth unmixt with other tide,
Which Thetis for thy glory did decree,
And great Diana Honours Constancy.

Areth.
I wait to see her bathe in my cool floods,
Having a long chase follow'd in these Woods.

Eccho.
She in this Grove with her fair Nymphs does sleep,
While with my wakeful voice her watch I keep;
Lest Mortals here (Actæon like) should pry,
And ravish blushes from her Deity.—
Behold she wakes.

[She wakes.
The Song in the Masque.
1 Nym.

2 Nym.

1 Nym.

2 Nym.

1 Nym.

Diana rises and enters with her Nymphs.
Dian.
Belov'd of Nymphs whose chaste and constant stream,
Shall give thy Love an everlasting name;
More dear to me then Zanthus floods so bright;
Or my own Cynthia's beams that guild the night;
Art thou to tread a Chorus come with me,
As once a Nymph of my society?

Areth.
Bless'd Goddess know from Thetis I am sent
To wait thee first with her great Complement;
Who, if not too much Neptunes Billows rave,
Will soon pass hither in a Chrystal wave.

Dian.
She shall be welcom. But first Nymph on thee
Diana, (to renown thy constancy)
Does from her hand this pretious gift bestow,
Sprung from the tree, whence grew her sacred bow;
On which with finest silk my Nymphs have wove,
The wondrous story of thy streams and love.

[Puts on a Chaplet.
Areth.
This grace lov'd Goddess, I must ever own,
While Arethusa by that name is known;
But if I may thy Deity intreat,
I'd gladly yet with my Alpheus meet.

Dian.
Thrice beauteous Nymph, thou su'st I fear in vain,
But for thy merit if I can obtain,
Or Cynthia's aid can help, she shall convey
His gentle current where thy stream has way.

Enter Thetis attended with several Sea-Nymphs.
Omnes.
For which let's all Diana's praises sing.

Dian.
Stay Nymphs, here comes the Queen to Seas great King.

Thet.
Chast Goddess, I am come to let thee know,
What to thy Graces, Neptunes Queen does owe;
And for this Nymph the honour of all floods,
As these with thee make sacred groves and woods.
For which to speak my thanks I'd gladly tread
The stately Chorus, thy bright self does lead.

Dian.
Great Thetis know, no footsteps ever joyn'd
With me a Chorus, but bear souls refin'd;
For which I have deny'd some gods of late,
Said to have fell from their celestial state.

Thet.
I once gave ear unto such tales like thee,
But prov'd it soon my vain credulity;
Nor on my waves did then rough Boreas blow,
But I my Nymphs hid in deep Cells below.
Since fame had told his strong arms did embrace
The fair Orithia snatch't o're Seas to Thrace.

Dian.
Nor was it Thetis truth, Achilles came
From great Peleus, and thy own soft flame.

Thet.
Such stories may relate as much of thee,
Which tell the Moons sublime Divinity;
Though thy chast brows her Heavenly figure wear,
Did for Endymions love forsake her sphear:
While such like Tales the guilty Poets sing,
To feign their Hero's from the Gods did spring.

Dian.
Queen of the Seas my censure was too free,
'Twere sin to doubt truth in a Deity:
Nor will I think that Goddess e're did burn,
In such frail humane flames my chast thoughts mourn:
But now behold with me this mortal Throne,
Merits from our immortal powers renown.

Thet.
I do embrace the motion, since here's seen
A Throne as bright as each of us sate Queen;
May Love there find, serenest calms their days,
Such as my Halcyons chuse that breed on Seas.

Areth.
Or as my streams no mingl'd currents own,
So let their Loves be undivided known.

Eccho.
May Cupid else for ever loose his Bow.

Omn.
And for Loves Goddess none his Mother know.

Thet.
To honour whom, thy best known Chorus lead,
And with the Oceans race like steps I'le tread.

Dan.
Then Nymphs express with mine your measures powers,
As when we dance on tender grass and flowers:
Leaving no signs our nimble footsteps show,
Or as on Mountains tops, we tread on snow.

[They Dance.
Enter Cupid.
Thet.
Cupid, art thou come hither?

Cup.
I flew this way
To meet my Mother, is she amongst ye pray?

Dian.
Away, thou amorous toy, dar'st thou be here,
Where I to honour constant Love appear?

Cup.
I have a shaft here left within a Heart
I'd fain withdraw.

Dian.
No more vile Boy, depart,
Thy Mothers Arts and thine, I too well know.

Cup.
Then see I flye with an unbended Bow.—
[Ex. Cupid.

Dian.
Thetis farewel! I'le to my Woods resort.

Thet.
But e're I hence return to Neptunes Court,
Let's yet more honour Arethusa's name.

Dian.
This night I bathe my self in her clear stream.

Thet.
Where I'le attend thee with my watry race,
And Nymphs, whose Songs shall there thy Chorus grace.

Areth.
For which my fountains clearest springs shall flow.

Eccho.
And my best Eccho's voice pay duty too.

Dian.
Till when farewel Seas Queen.

Thet.
Goddess adieu.

[Exeunt Masques.
Tysam.
It seems a Moral.

Par.
And meant of constancy,
I gave the Argument my self.

Tysam.
Most fit
To entertain thy Vertue.
What sight is that?

Enter Statyra.
Tox.
The King seems troubl'd.

Bass.
My heart misgives me this is she.

Par.
How does my Love?

Tysam.
Your leave a while—
Can'st thou forgive me fair Statyra?—

[Goes aside, to Statyra.
Stat.
And wish you happy in your royal choice,
She is a Princess far above my merit:
Enough that I have seen your face and dye.

Tysam.
Thou had'st my promise first, Heaven is my witness,
And give me but thy leave to expiate
My crime, in due expression of my penitence,
By some act unthought of; if possible,
To win thy Loves forgiveness.

Stat.
'Tis needless—
Your leave that I return, I'le not ask
So much as a farewel kiss—

Tysam.
I must oblige a while thy stay: Bassanes,
Wait this Lady to my Garden lodgings
With all observance—

Bass.
I shall Sir—

[Ex. Bassanes and Statyra.
Tysam.
The ambition to possess a Crown has had too much
The better of my Conscience—Come Parisatis.

[Goes to Paris.
Par.
Your looks seem troubl'd.

Tysam.
A trivial thought I'm moving from my heart.

Par.
From mine, I'm sure, your love shall never part.

[Exeunt Omnes.