 | The Womens Conquest |  |
21
ACT II.
SCENE I.
Enter Eumenes and Draxanes.Eumen.
It seems the Ladies had but small success
In their Petition.
Drax.
And yet they urg'd things
Home and unhappily.
Eumen.
Women ne're want zeal, seldom wit
To perfect their desires; but men have here
So long had the Lee-ward point of love, as
They must be content with the Weather Gage;
Which casts not a few on the rocks of Wedlock.
Drax.
For my part I could wish, that Nature had
Taken some other way for the procreation
Of mankind; since both Sexes have so much ado
To agree of the means—But we are Souldiers.
Eum.
And therefore have the less reason to blame
Our Countries freedom, since 'tis odds, but we
Take as much, if we make a true Muster
Of our Mistresses.
Drax.
But the Queens opposing
This desire seem'd to many unexpected.
Eum.
'Twas to oblige the King no doubt; and by
The prerogative of her vertues, live
Above the Law, or whatsoe're could give a fate
To her enjoyment.
Drax.
He's now more absolute
Then e're was Soveraign that reign'd
But in the right of Queen. His Creatures
Dignify'd in Court and Camp; that almost
'Tis within his Will to rule alone, should
He be guilty of that vile ambition.
Eum.
She has exprest in every act a kindness
22
Drax.
I wish their Loves a peaceful happiness.
Eum.
'Twas hop'd she might have respected our
General Bassanes in her choice, a Prince
Of Scythia's Royal blood, and favour'd
In this Nation with an interest equal
To his birth.
Drax.
But he it seems, as much in love
With Mars, or paying duties to her service
In the field, ne're rais'd his thoughts and merit
To that fair ambition.
Eum.
We are his Creatures,
And have serv'd his dangers.
Enter Toxaris, Alvanes, and Araxis.
Tox.
Save ye Gentlemen;
Your general thanks to his vertues, has given
Our Crown at once both peace, and victory.
Drax.
His conduct did deserve no less.
Alv.
Had his return been sooner, perhaps 'thad
Given some stay to the Queens Marriage—
But that's between our selves.
Eum.
The news surpriz'd him,
We must witness; as one was scarce consulted
In that action.
Alv.
She was a little hasty in her choice.
Arax.
Though in her King, she seems to summe such joys
As if she'd vye with Angels, as she shines,
Espous'd on earth to his affection.
Tox.
Nor does the face o'th Court, sometimes the glass
Of Princes, discover ought save joys, and smiles,
A sign to us Courtiers, the Throne's no less serene.
Eum.
But in the midst of these methought the King
Appear'd disturb'd at the presence of a
Stranger Lady.
Arax.
But that soon vanish'd.
Eum.
Time will discover more.
23
This day, Mandana's
Embassy is expected; 'tis said, they are Women.
Arax.
Perhaps to complement our Queens Marriage;
Or make some league betwixt their Amazonian
State and us.
Eum.
But say they should provoke us
To a War; we must bring strange arms into
The Field to have the better of this Generation,
That dare fight with men.
Drax.
I could methinks ee'n wish a War,
To see how these the she Militants would
Behave themselves; a home-charge with such Troops,
Were winning of a field indeed Gentlemen.
Enter Bassanes and Statyra.
Eum.
Here comes the General and that Lady I spake of.
Arax.
She's wondrous fair.
Alv.
May her beams give no dazle
To our Kings affection; methought she mov'd
Him strangely.
Tox.
Our way lies this way to the Court—
[Ex. Tax. Alv. Arax.
Drax.
And our's here—
[Ex. Drax. and Eumen.
Bass.
Madam, you highly honour me
In this discovery, from which I find
Your name and birth illustrious, as Persia knows.
Stat.
The acquaintance, Sir, I was oblig'd to make you,
Since here my stay upon the Kings command,
Might else have stain'd the honour of my blood
With such a character as curious eyes in Courts
Are but too apt to give the least of favours
That a Prince vouchsafes a Lady.
Bass.
You are wise
And noble: and give me your fair leave
To ask a question, my intelligence
Assur'd me most undoubted.
Stat.
If it be truth
My Soul dares not deny it.
24
Then thus most noble Lady;
Did not the King once love you?
Stat.
I did not think
Heaven had reveal'd what I had thought a secret—
[Aside.
To his heart and mine—suppose he did, and yet
I blush to charge him with a guilty truth.
Bass.
It was my apprehension—
Stat.
And since 'tis made your knowledge, I must further say
My wrongs are fit to be convey'd as far
As the world has bounds, or fame can stretch
Her wings to bear e'm.
Bass.
I fear too sadly—
[Aside.
But should you own this claim to his affection now.
Stat.
My love's a truth too dear to smother, nor
Did I come, but arm'd with resolutions
Worthy of my Soul. And 'tis my highest service
To his Queen (whose vertues I much honour)
If I reveal to her my claim, and thence
Mark out her dangers in this man of falshood
She enjoys.
Bass.
I know you would not charge
Him with this crime, on purpose to create
Repentance; or if you did, who knows
What were your dangers (I speak it not to
Fright you Madam) that here must look like some
Prodigious Star on a great King, made now
So fully happy in the bed and glories of a Queen—
Which how he will resent—
Stat.
Let it be death, 'tis welcom from him.
Bass.
Heaven avert it, Madam; yet 'tis not safe
To tempt a passion past recall, though I
Want not a pity to your vertue.
Stat.
I thank your goodness.
Bass.
Or say you could attract his past affection;
And in each beam of yours, more deeply wound
His heart then ever (as you have all things
Summ'd at Natures dearest cost, that can
Inrich a Beauty) were it not glory
25
Stat.
Your Counsel's noble I confess.
Bass.
Besides we have a custom here that does
Impower each common man to loose the very
Gordian knot of love in marriage,
That other Countries hold inviolate:
What may then a King do to enjoy
So bright a Mistress as your self?
Stat.
I find the World in this degenerate
Faithless age of man has yet one Worthy left:
[Aside.
Know then, most noble Prince, your Counsel does
Conspire with the honour of Statyra's heart;
And though I had a more superiour title
To the Kings affection then the Queen can claim
Though made his Consort; yet I for her sake now
Forgive his breach of Faith; nay more, if 'twere
Requir'd, would freely give my life, to see
Their Loves most happy.
Bass.
Give me the honour
Of your hand, to pay my humble adoration
Of this vertue.
Stat.
My stay shall not be longer here
Then taking leave, becomes me of the King.
Bass.
'Twill speak your worth.
Enter Tysamnes.
The King—your pardon Madam—
[Ex. Bassanes.
Tysam.
Statyra! how dost thou like thy welcom
In our Court?
Stat.
As more then I intended to receive.
Tysam.
Thou can'st not soon be weary
Of these shades, and pleasant walks, where
Nightingales will meet, and sing
New ravishments to entertain thy beauties:
More glad to welcom thy appearance, then
The morning joys, or evenings splendor that
Invites their rest. I think thou might'st be well
26
Stat.
My honour is no child
To be deluded with such toys, though gay
As Paradise when first it's sweetness bloom'd,
While but a thought of crime does ripen near me.
Tysam.
Thou shal't be here as innocent as flowers
That yield their smiles unto the distant Sun.
You'l grant me sure, so much, Statyra?
Stat.
I'le rather welcom death then yield to stay
A minute longer near your person.
Tysam.
I know thou art not so unkind.
Stat.
Alas I came without design of love,
Though once your lover.
Tysam.
Statyra! hold, go not
Too far in goodness, lest Heaven (to surprise
My wonder) take thee hence, and place thee there
A Star, or make me fall I know not whither.
Stat.
I have done Sir—nor shall my presence give you
More concern; or further accent repetition
Of your sin to Heaven and me; that in despight
Of all the darts of Love (so late my wound)
Can with this smiling ease and calm of soul
Bid you farewel for ever.—
[She offers to go, the King stays her.
Tysam.
You must not,
Shall not leave me thus—
Stat.
You will not, Sir, detain me
Here by force?—what will your Court then whisper,
Or the bolder world convey to both our infamies?
Enter Parisatis.
I hope I have made enough expression
Of my affection—
Par.
What do I hear?
Tysam.
'Tis but to give thee more assurance
Of my love, for which I dare adventure
Life and Crown.
Par.
That word! oh my heart!—
[Aside.
27
Then know who 'tis you stay—
And thus dare frown upon your will.
Tysam.
How's this?
Stat.
And what I thought this breast should have conceal'd,
I'le utter with a boldness does become my honour—
And when you know it, you'l perhaps, as soon
Cherish a Tygress near your bosom—
Know Sir—I came with full intent to kill you—
Mark me well: to kill you—for your faithless promise;
But that the vertues of your Queen with-held me,
In whom I wish you ever bless'd: the whiteness
Of whose Soul, I thought it sin to cloud
(From act of mine) with sorrow.
Par.
Forgive me Heaven;
This Woman is some Angel sure; I can
No longer hold but pay my reverence.
[Par. goes towards Stat.
Tysam.
We are interrupted—my Guard there!—
Enter Captain of the Guard.
Convey that Lady from my sight, and see
Her safe confin'd within her lodgings.
Par.
Let me beg for her freedom, though I do it
On my knees—
Tysam.
I must not grant it; she came
To ruine my content, perhaps in thee;
A Treason too she has confest against my life.
Stat.
Let me deserve your fair opinion, Madam,
Though I dye.
Tysam.
Away with her—how does my Parisatis?—
[Ex. Statyra with the Captain of the Guard.
Par.
Never better—this dissipates my fear.
[Aside.
Enter Bassanes.
Bass.
Embassadresses from
The Queen Mandana are arriv'd.
Tysam.
See their reception want no state our Court
28
Some thoughts require me to my Closet first.
[Ex. Tysamnes.
Par.
Bassanes, never so happy, as this minute
In which I prov'd the fix'd assurance of
My Kings affection. The Persian beauty
Who but so late gave apprehensions to
My love, is now no more my fear.
Bass.
She is a noble Lady,
And gave me confirmation of her honour.
Par.
'Tis most unquestion'd.
Bass.
She does intend suddenly
To return back to Persia.
Par.
Alas! the King
(To my great grief) in much displeasure
Has restrain'd her.
Bass.
I hope she'l soon have liberty.
Par.
It shall not want my intercession.
Bass.
Pray Heav'n this be no Artifice.
Par.
True love is soon confirm'd; but in that Brest
[Aside.
Suspicion storms, it ne're can anchor'd rest.
[Exeunt.
Enter Clarina and Melvissa.
Clar.
Our Petition had but small success.
Melv.
No matter, as to thy case; did not I
Promise to serve thee?
Clar.
But where's the faith
Believes it possible?
Melv.
If it be next a Miracle,
And do the feat, thou'lt welcom the effect?
Clar.
However, my obligement's great to your endeavours.
Melv.
What if a smile or look of thine, or a toy
As inconsiderate as the least lock of thy hair,
Produce his Loves return, as I apply it;
Hast thou not reason to thank the means?
Clar.
'Tis granted.
Melv.
Therefore believe well; rememb'ring that
We are told, a dram of faith can do
29
Clar.
You shall confirm me,
But I hope it is no Charm or Magick?
I am strangely fearful of the Devil.
Melv.
Rather a means from Heaven! my Mother
Left it as a Legacy to me.
Clar.
A Recipe most Wives may wish for here.
Melv.
I thought to have given it to the Queen,
But that perhaps 'twere death to own,
And this our custom unrevok'd.
Clar.
I hope her vertues ne're will want affection.
Melv.
As it effects, I'le tell thee more.
Enter Foscaris.
Here comes thy Husband, and I am prepar'd
For him to purpose—thou must withdraw
Till I give thee notice to appear.
[Ex. Clarina.
Fosc.
Madam! your most humble servant.
Melv.
And I perhaps ten times more yours.
Fosc.
This sounds briskly.
Melv.
Not that I intend to instance,
You have parted with a deserving Lady,
And so press a reconciliation from
The doctrine and uses of Love, as some Matrons
Amongst us might perhaps ring in your ears
In the like case.
Fosc.
Far be it from me to
Think it, Madam; I know you are well bred,
And must therefore understand what better
Belongs to our Mode, and a Gentleman, then so.
Melv.
Well said Gallant—but I hope you'l not teach
My Husband to follow your example;
And like such a Buck as your self, break
Through the toyl and bonds of Marriage;
Though some of you allow it no more, then
A State device to catch fools.
Fosc.
This is a Witty Rogue; a Wife that understands
30
Melv.
Then say, my husbands wife
Should think you a fine Gentleman—
Fosc.
I understand you Madam.
Melv.
And were willing to bestow some affection
On your worth.—
Fosc.
Go on Lady, go on; you are
Coming to a point indeed.
Melv.
There it is, you have it to a hair—
[Gives him a Bracelet inclos'd in a Paper.
I hope you will keep Counsel—
Fosc.
O Madam! 'twere sin to doubt it.
Melv.
And wear it carefully, for the owners sake
I mean, and so farewel kind Foscaris;
If this fail, thou'rt proof above Mortal.
[Aside.
Now to be near and act further as occasion serves.
[Ex. Melv.
Fosc.
What have I here? I'le open it carefully,
And first taste it by the smell; it scents
Most Lady-like, and amorous; methinks
It moves too, I know not how: Oh these Women
Are rare contrivers in these Scenes of Love—
Now for the enclos'd—
[Opens it.
Ha, ha, ha, a Bracelet of a lock of Hair,
In colour much resembling my Wives: but
Such a trick on me, were to little purpose,
I'le tangle no more there—but now I think on't,
I have found the knack; as sure as I am made
Of flesh and blood, 'tis Melvissa courts me
For her self, for which purpose she handles
Andrages, her husband, at that rate.
'Tis a witty-gay female, as most within
Our Kingdom; and it seems the Rascal's
Willing to graft his fore-head, and be beholding
To his Friend for the Horn. In the mean time
I'le pleasure her desire, and wear her favour.
[Puts it on his arm.
The Devil on't, it warms the vein that leads
To the Heart strangely; and 'tis love I feel
In abundance—I must vent it somewhere,
31
Charm'd to purpose, and 'tis odds but some evil spirit
Waits at my elbow.
Melv.
within.
None but thy better Genius—
[Speaks altering of her voice.
Fos.
Ha! a voice too, then there is a Devil in the
Case 'tis manifest—what art thou, and from whence?
Melv.
I am a Spirit belonging to the element of fire.
Fosc.
Thou hast some possession of me already then,
Who am flame all over—what is thy business?
Melv.
Love, kindest Love.
Fosc.
The same is mine, and
Since thou art a kind Familiar, I dare ask
Thee a question—Art thou a Genius of Love at large
According to our Gallantizing Mode? or art thou for
A more peculiar Courtship?
Melv.
I incite Honourable, and Matrimonial Love.
Fosc.
A most Heroick Devil indeed;
But take a care how thou dost otherwise appear to me,
Lest my sword make bold with one of thy limbs,
And it prove afterwards to belong to some
Sorcerer, or Witch.
Melv.
You need not fear that.
Fosc.
Prethee avoid me then, I would not willingly be haunted
By a Matrimonial Genius of all other.
Melv.
Your desire is granted—
While only I'le thy heart incite
To love thy fair deserted Wife,
For whose sake, I am oblig'd thy sense to ply,
Since on thy wrist thou didst a philter tye.
And so farewel.
[Ex. Melvissa.
Fosc.
Adieu, adieu! had ever man such a Dialogue
As this?
[He studies.
Enter Clarina and Melvissa.
Melv.
Be confident I have perform'd to purpose.
Clar.
I warrant you.
Melv.
Nay more to his greater
32
A Spirit.
Clar.
Most excellent!
Melv.
And had
Such pleasant discourse with him.
Clar.
You have done above my expectation.
Melv.
He comes on fiercely I warrant thee.
Fosc.
And yet I do not find my hair stares, or
A cold sweat on me, enough to dissolve me to a gelly,
Like some stories I have heard of this kind.
Melv.
See, he's here, observe a little—in the mean time
I'le withdraw.
[Ex. Melv.
Fosc.
Whilst I feel such a heat dispers'd through every vein
Of my body, no man, or longing virgin ever felt
The like in any burning wish, or actual enjoyment—
Well Foscaris, thou hast got a tickling spirit in thee.
Clar.
I perceive it takes.
Fosc.
And yet methinks
It should not be in the power of Magick to make
Me affect my cast-off Wife; if it prove otherwise,
What a confounded Lover am I then—she's here.
[Observes her.
Clar.
Now I'le approach him.
[Walks towards him.
Fosc.
As I am a man, 'tis she I long for,
The very element of fire is met
Within me, and my heart rises to my very lips
At her appearance.
[Gazes on her.
Clar.
The Physick works; now to handle this patient.
[Aside.
Fosc.
Oh thou art bright indeed Clarina;
Ariadnes Crown of Stars is Copper
To thy Eyes, and in each look methinks thou
Stain'st the evenings glory.
Clar.
Good kind Sir, keep off, 'tis towards bed-time.
Fosc.
'Tis thither I would go with thee Love, and twine
More happily then ever! Alas, I did but this
To love thee ten times better then before;
As men restrain themselves from food they like
To make the next meal better.
Clar.
Keep your ground good Sir Amorous;
33
So easily; and lest you should be boyst'rous,
I'le be gone.
Fosc.
Stay but a twilights time longer—
Clar.
'Tis more then I can well afford you.
Enter Andrages.
Fosc.
Nay prethee let me beg it though I kneel.
Clar.
You deserve some penance; I'le not intreat you
To be sparing.
[Ex. Clarina.
Andr.
Foscaris kneeling! and to his own Wife?
The world sure turns round, or Plato's year
Is come about; if this Diamond he late
Discarded should again be Trump?—
What Foscaris! pensive?
Fosc.
Oh I am undone!
And.
What's the matter?
Fosc.
Nay, thou'lt laugh me into shame enough
When thou know'st it.
Andr.
By no means.
Fosc.
Why, I am wounded by Cupid the wrong way?
Andr.
As how?
Fosc.
I scarce know how to tell thee.
Andr.
Nay prethee let me know.
Fosc.
Understand then I am in love
With my own cast petticoat; if that be not
A curse to a Scythian Husband, I'le
Challenge fate to do worse if possible.
Andr.
Though I found thee on thy knees, I hope
Thou dost not pray over love again to thy Wife.
Fosc.
But I do, and at such an intolerable rate,
That were every sense of mine a several soul,
She might command 'em all to express it.
Andr.
Is't possible?—
Fosc.
And more, look well to thy self,
I fear thy Wife's an Inchantress.
Andr.
Ha, ha, ha—
34
If thou dost not see her flying steeple high,
And thy self atop on her shortly, I'le hang
As high for't.
Andr.
But you thought there was no such thing
As Charm or Magick in Love, and that our
Scythian Wives would have still continued such
Tame things, as like bob'd Eyesses, they might
Have been turn'd off; and took to hand at pleasure.
Fosc.
I have prov'd the Experiment dearly:
Take care and mock not, lest thou art beheld
Converted to a Cat, and cry Mew
To keep her company.
Andr.
Is this the man
That could defie Cupid and all his Arts?
Nay shoot your Darts contrary to his, at
A minutes warning—was it not so?
Fosc.
I thought I could, till more then mortal powers
Conspir'd against me.
Andr.
And for a Wife, 'twas
Such a potion, must have no more to do
With your palate.
Fosc.
The very name of her
Inflames me like fire.
Andr.
A little more to cool you
And I have done; come I'le put you in mind,
Of a Julip of your own composition;
What though her Eyes are black,
[Sings.
And kisses with a knack, &c.
Fosc.
No more, no more, though I deserve to be
Bitten with a Satyr could sting worse then
Scorpions.
Andr.
Well; I have done.
Fosc.
Let's shake hands then,
And go thus postur'd to the Frantick Society here,
Amongst which I'le dye,
If e're there were two such Fanatick presidents
Of Husbands as our selves: Oh 'twould make such a
Novelty of distempers!
35
And there endure a little of the twig,
Shall we?
Fosc.
By any means;
Thou for observing thy Wife with such a
Fond affection, as I beyond dotage
Long for mine again.
Andr.
Good Foscaris,
Enough of this extravagancy: In the mean time
I have so far the better of the malady,
That I have no fear of thy relapse,
And for a cure, let me advise one more gentle;
Let's drink some Wine, and give it spirit
In Clarina's health.
Fosc.
Oh that I could taste her lips once more—
And mark me friend, 'tis odds as I am a Gentleman,
But in spight of all prevention I shall
Hang or drown my self for love, e're the next Moon.
Andr.
Come I'le take care of thee.
[Exeunt.
Enter Tysamnes, Parisatis, Bassanes, Clarina, Melvissa, Toxaris, Alvanes, and Araxis, &c.
Tysam.
We understand Bassanes, that the Embassadresses
From the Queen Mandana are arriv'd.
Bass.
They are, Sir.
Tysam.
Attend them to our presence.
[Ex. Bassanes.
An Embassy few Courts have seen before,
Where Women bear their Princes Errands,
And rule supreamly even our Sex.
What think you Ladies, were your case alike
With us?
Clar.
For mine I should not wish it, Sir,
'Twere too injurious to the right of men.
Melv.
You are a little of the kindest Lady—
For my part, Sir, were I born under the like
Favourable Aspect of Venus, 'tis odds but I
Should wear a Bow and Quiver, to maintain
36
Tysam.
A witty sprightly Lady—and yet I dare believe
There's none of all you Gentlemen, that has
A Wife predominant, who does not own
Submission to the custom here.—
Tax.
This touches home.
Tysam.
I am confirm'd, that were the case my consorts here,
(So dear unto my soul) she would not claim
Her self exempted.
Alv.
That parenthesis was odly plac'd.
[Aside.
Par.
You know I am all obedience, Sir,
And hope you'l now receive such offers, from
This our neighbour-Queen, as will not give your thoughts
The least disturbance; nor would I have a War
Wherein my Sex should fight, were I made a party
In the cause, or injury.
Tysam.
Thou art all Excellence.
Enter Bassanes with Renone, and Cydane the Embassadresses.
Now Ladies, your Queens pleasure.
Renone.
Who does by us, most Royal Sir, congratulate
Your great accession to this Throne, and more, your joys
In this your fair and vertuous Queen, who scarce
Has equal in her Sex: to which (if possible)
Her wishes do yet adde more happiness.
Tysam.
This is but usual form of State: proceed.
Cyd.
'Tis what our Queen expects you'l welcom,
Who waves dispute of Territories,
The usual great concerns of Thrones;
And has but one demand instead of all,
To make your Greatness: whence may spring
A lasting league betwixt her mighty Crown
And yours.
Tysam.
Speak it then!
Par.
I hope 'twill find reception.
Cyd.
Then know, our Mighty Mistress does demand
By us an Abrogation of that most
37
Is too much Lord of love.
Tysam.
Sure, you mistake your Embassy?
Ren.
Nor can she reign without a blush must stain
Her glories, should she not (if deny'd)
Compel by arms her Sexes fair relief.
Clar.
Nobly urg'd.
Melv.
Methinks I could fight in this Cause my self.
Arax.
The King is mov'd.
[Aside.
Alv.
Observe the Queen.
Tysam.
Your Queen's too bold with us in this demand;
But she's a Woman.
Cyd.
And soon you'l find, she'l slight
All dangers in this Cause: nor is the world
Unknowing, that her arms (though guided
By the conduct of our Sex) has oft gave
Wars rough Laws to men.
Par.
Let me then intercede, my Royal Husband,
I would not have a quarrel in this Cause,
(Although I doubt not from your love security)
The world I know would say you but defend
A most unkind prerogative; and since 'tis thus,
Bestow it as a bounty on the Sex for my sake.
Tysam.
Can this proceed from Parisatis?
Par.
As truly as I wish your peace and love.
Tysam.
Thou dost mistake in both—
Par.
Besides, what honour wer't in such a Cause
To be a Conquerour? or on your Warlike Trophee to
Inscribe, you did subdue the force of Women,
Led by a neighbour Queen, whose bravery
Of soul, deserves esteem and wonder—
I know you'l condescend.
Tysam.
Away, thou dost abuse thy Love and me.
Par.
Is't possible?
Tysam.
Or else endeavour'st by compliance with
This Embassy, to betray the honour of
This Crown, and People; take which you like—
And know thou hast forfeited thy Being
36
Par.
Heaven defend.
Tysam.
And tell your Queen I'le reign
[To the Embassadresses.
A King of men in spight of all her power
Of Spinsters: whose honour by this grant would be
The mock of Women. Nor do I doubt their hearts
And swords will join with mine to assert this
Nations right.
Tox.
The King is much incens'd.
[Aside.
Alv.
I hope 'twill not reflect upon the Queen.
Tysam.
And by my Act, to assure the world how much
I'le own my Subjects priviledge, behold my Queen.
Cyd.
A Lady full of Grace and Vertue—
Par.
Oh my fears!
Tysam.
Who with no more concern I'le cast away,
Then Indians do a Pearl, that ne're did know
It's value; and from this hour no more my Wife.
Par.
Must it be so?
Bass.
Consider Sir, this Act
May prove a rash one—
Tysam.
My resolution's fixt—nor do I fear
What Law can act, though hence I reign not jointly
With this Queen, while by the power I possess,
I can create a right above it.
Par.
Nor shall I plead a word
Against your Will, though it severely fall
Upon my Love; or mention what should be
Your gratitude to me, that gave you both
My self and Crown, and yet will give my life,
If your concern require it—
You'l give me time convenient to withdraw.
Tysam.
Thou shalt to any place retire within
My Crowns Dominion, where thou shalt live
In state and greatness of a Queen—
And so farewel.
Par.
Adieu, my dearest.
Alv.
This action of the King was unexpected.
[Aside.
Arax.
Such as must breed some strange distemper here.
37
I wish our Almanacks were all burnt else.
Tysam.
To morrow you shall have our Letters to your Queen.
Renone.
And as becomes her she'l resent this Act.
Tysam.
Bassanes—
[Ex. Tysamnes and Bassanes.
Cydan.
Madam, you have our pity.
[Ex. Embassadresses.
Clar.
The Queen deserves a sorrow
From all Hearts.
Melv.
She has deeply mine.
Par.
Though life has many ways to lose it's comforts,
Few hinder the distressed means of death:
And let my sad example teach my Sex,
That when they love embarque with men, 'tis like
A vessel, that with guilded streamers sails
On dangerous Seas, and in each calm must think
This smooth-fac'd Ocean may their Barques soon sink.
Exeunt.
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