University of Virginia Library

ACT III.

SCENE I.

Enter Parisatis in a Mourning Vail led by Bassanes.
Bass.
I want no sense of your afflictions, Madam.

Par.
'Tis like your worth.

Bass.
And dare express it more
Then entertaining of your griefs by naked Accents,
That were too low and common for Bassanes heart;
Each vulgar ear that hears from rumours breath,
Will do as much, and glory in the hope
Of making stubborn Heaven bend to hear
Your sufferings.

Par.
You are a Prince ally'd unto my Crown,
Nor can I doubt, but every vein of yours
Ha's many streams of honour—

Bass.
Know, Madam,
Since you are pleas'd to call me worthy of
Your great Alliance; I want no heart to tell
The King, your Husband (though sitting on the Throne)
His ingratitude.

Par.
I wish I had been truly charg'd with any crime
That might have given his Act in my desertion,
Some vizard to out-face the world: I dare believe
The Law that first here gave this liberty to man,
Did tacitely imply the Husband should
Not be a lawless Tyrant to the Wife.

Bass.
The injustice is too palpable; and
Fitter 'twere this Law had no more being,
Or the Sex of women against Natures
Made supreme, then thus to be imbitter'd
'Gainst your vertue,
Though smooth'd and guilded over with pretexts,
He calls State Policy, and Marriage Interest,
But simply Artifice to bring another
To his Throne and Bed.

Par.
I fear 'tis too much a truth.

Bass.
Statyra is no doubt design'd to shine
In this Meridian, by your fair remove:
But think not, Madam, that your Eclipse of
Glory can pass without your Subjects due
Remorse, and vindication: he is a King here
But as you made him so, in giving him
Your self a Queen; and from your love has only
Title to your Subjects hearts.

Par.
And had the world
Been mine in Kingdoms, with as many Hearts,
My affection had dispos'd 'em all to him.

Bass.
You have given proof above parallel.

Par.
But this ingratitude does combate with my soul!

Bass.
Permit, I serve your Royal Vertue.

Par.
I know thou dar'st revenge my wrong, and hast
An interest in thy blood and merits, that
Can guide this Nations Arms, and raise a stream
Of vulgar force, enough to sink Tysamnes
Even to the depth of ruine, though fortify'd with
All the power he now enjoys.

Bass.
I will imploy my utmost in your service.

Par.
I have I see a Subject great, brave, and faithful;
In spight of all adversity—Bassanes
Thou wilt obey me strictly?

Bass.
Be danger what it will;
Nor need you question, but the arm I shall apply
Is strong enough to right, or else revenge
Your injuries: nor want I means prepar'd
Even at this minute, that shall soon perform
The least breath of your commands.

Par.
Then know, I do enjoin you all obedience
To the King—

Bass.
How, Madam?

Par.
I mean Tysamnes,
Who has thrown me from his heart, and that far
More strict, if possible, then had he met
My Love with equal constancy—I would
Not live and underact the part of virtue.

Bass.
You oblige me now to be your enemy—
Who knows how soon you may be taken from
The world by him, that thus has cast you from
His bosom?

Par.
'Tis not inglorious if I die,
Or split on any rock,
This storm shall throw me on,
If Innocence be my harbour.

Bass.
The Worm that's trod on, bows in some displeasure
When it's griev'd; what should then do your Greatness?

Par.
But vertue's yet more gentle, whose value's
Most refin'd by suffering—I know
You will obey me.

Bass.
Since 'tis your pleasure.

Par.
And be sure give out 'twas Act of State,
Or Crime in me, or any thing thou can'st devise
Most plausible, to assure the people
To Tysamnes. And more, that 'tis my strict
Command, they obey him with all duty,
As their King—this I command thee
As thou art a Prince of worth, my Kinsman,
And my best of Subjects.

Bass.
You shall have my obedience.

Par.
There's something further I must act—
[Aside.
I'le now consult my thoughts—

Enter Tysamnes.
Bass.
Madam, the King.

Par.
Attend him—
[Ex. Parisatis.

Bass.
Her worth does merit providence,
To raise her triumph above all misfortune—

[Aside.
Tysam.
Bassanes, thou'lt welcom War I know, when e're
'Tis made against our Crown. A Souldiers soul
Is half asleep in peace; nor do I doubt
But by my Arms and thine, to adde yet more Dominion
Unto this.

Bass.
Your affairs (I judge)
Are not so well compos'd at home, the face of things
Has no kind prospect on your Greatness,
If I can presage.

Tysam.
This looks not well,
Or rather seems unmannerly and bold.

Bass.
My tongue is not so much a coward
To my heart, but it dares speak you to the world unworthy,
In the desertion of your vertuous Queen.

Tysam.
Dar'st thou own the name of Subject,
And tempt my fury thus?
Or stare me in the face, and ask me why
I did an Act, reason of State, and the
Prerogative of every vulgar man admits?—

Bass.
But forfeits all to honour when unjust;
Nor can you truly call your self a Sovereign
Here, since now turn'd Tyrant unto Love, which
Rais'd you to this Throne.

Tysam.
I'le hear no more—my Guard there!

Bass.
Or mine that's nearer hand.

Enter Eumenes and Draxanes.
Tysam.
How's this! treason?

Bass.
That word's too black for my intent; nor is
There voice dares interrupt what I shall utter,
Unless Heavens own, that perhaps will chide me,
For appearing slow in doing justice
On your self.

Tysam.
'Tis not thy force, or death
In all it's shapes of horror, threatn'd against
My life, can move my soul.—

Bass.
I pity so much bravery in ill.

Tysam.
But that I find a pricking here—

Bass.
Such as will blisters raise upon your heart,
And make it burst with burden of your crime;
Nor must you think, that all the pendants
Of your State and Glory (were you permitted
Here to own 'em longer) will not fade and blast
Themselves, worn thus inglorious.

Tysam.
Forgive me Heaven, as I repent; Bassanes,
Thy loyalty has made me truly Convert;
And could this Act but be recall'd—

Bass.
I dare pronounce you then my Sovereign,
Though 'twill wound you yet more deeply,
When you know this Royal Lady (injur'd
Beyond thought) not only
Ha's forgiven this Act, but by command
On me and all her Subjects, made you absolute
To Reign (if you dispense with the
Ingratitude) without her.

Tysam.
What penance
Is enough to expiate my Crime? though
I should melt my heart in tears, and showre 'em
As an offering at her feet—
Call forth my Queen and best belov'd Parisatis.

[Ex. Eum. and Drax.
Bass.
Let me now kiss your hand.

Enter Eumenes and Draxanes.
Eum.
The Queen, Sir, is withdrawn.

Tysam.
How's that?

Drax.
Remov'd Sir, none knows whither.

Tysam.
I fear she has taken some precipitate resolve.

Bass.
The joys this news will bring,
Must soon cause her appearance,
Where e're she is retir'd.

Tysam.
Make strict and speedy search,
He wants no wealth brings happy tidings first.

Eum., Drax.
We'll use all diligence.
[Ex. Eum. Drax.

Tysam.
Bring forth Statyra.

Bass.
I'le wait her to you, Sir.
[Ex. Bassanes.

Tysam.
'Tis fit she know
How much I have offended for her sake.
Enter Bassanes and Statyra.
Statyra, I must beg a pardon of thy vertue.

Stat.
Sir, you have prov'd I can forgive.

Tysam.
Thy goodness I have injur'd next my Queens,
And I am making of my peace with Heaven
And her.

Stat.
'Tis worthy of your Soul—
But you'l consider, Sir—

Tysam.
I do, that 'twas my sin of love to thee
Which did induce this Act, to whom I first
Dispos'd my heart: and would to Heaven I had
Two souls, that I might give one to thy vertue,
And make thee twin in my affection with my Queen;
Excepting whom, the world and womankind
Are but trifles to my heart.

Stat.
Mine is as truly yours;
And let this blush excuse my boldness,
If I claim you now my own.

Tysam.
How's this Statyra?

Stat.
You are made free by Law,
(If such a one this Country owns) and can
That less then plead for my enjoyment now,
So much your Lover?

Bass.
I did not look for this.

Aside.
Tysam.
Tempt me not fair Statyra, lest I fall
Below the sin of the Apostate Angels;
And call thy love my second crime.

Stat.
I did but mention mine to prove your constancy.
May you for ever live most happy in
Your Queen; and for your sake I'le beg of Heaven
That she may late be taken thither.

Tysam.
Thou art a pattern of perfection—

Stat.
And since you now have made me free, I'le crave
Your leave to respite my return, till I
Congratulate your happy meeting with
Your Queen, and so to Persia, where I'le
Spread your joys.

Bass.
This centers with my wish.

[Aside.
Tysam.
Each syllable of thine does give my soul new wonder.
Since not alone, thou can'st my Crime forgive,
But yield I may anothers Lover live.
Ex. Tysamnes leading Statyra, Bassanes.

Enter Melvissa with two Courtiers.
Melv.
You are pleas'd to like my entertainment
Gentlemen; and I am apt enough to be
Proud of your good opinion.

1 Court.
You are all diversion, Madam, our Court
Has not such another Lady.

2 Court.
I hope you'l
Give me leave to spend some hours with your converse.

Melv.
You may be welcom as I please
Jointly, and severally.

Both.
We understand you, Madam.

Melv.
But methinks you are a little dull (though
Courtly bred) since you speak praises of my Wit,
But have little to say for my Beauty.

1 Court.
Oh Madam! that's granted, the Court has no such
Star, bating the Queen.

2 Court.
Besides, your Ladyship
Cannot so far mistake our inclinations,
As to suppose we pay adorations
To the ugly, though ne're so witty;
They are only fit to eat with, provided
They keep good Tables.

Melv.
Now I perceive you.

1 Court.
But for you, Madam, (so perfectly taking)
The day is too short to admire you, and
The night to enjoy you.

Melv.
You aim well, and 'tis odds
But I guess the mark you'd hit—pray sit a while;
I can afford you some minutes—

[They sit by her.
2 Court.
There's no time
Long enough, we are not in haste.—

1 Court.
'Tis fit we wait your leisure.

Enter Andrages.
Melv.
I keep my lodgings free enough for entertainment,
And live without the fear of
Prying Watchers, or the Jealous Husbands eye.

Andr.
Oh my torment! she dares me to be jealous too.

[Aside.
2 Court.
I suppose, Madam, you allow the Gentleman
His times of hawking and hunting, in order
To your more private Recreations.

1 Court.
Let me be so happy I beseech you,
As to have notice when he is absent.

2 Court.
Or I, Madam, I should endeavour to serve you.

Andr.
I'le try whether I have so much courage
Left, as to mark these things (made up of perfumes
[Draws his Sword.
And Perriwigs) in the fore-head with a
Jealous token of mine, e're I am convicted
I wear a horn there my self—now Gentlemen—

1 Court.
Your Husband, Madam—we are in haste—

Melv.
You need not make so much.

2 Court.
Your Humble Servant, Sir.—

1 Court.
The King expects me, Madam.

Melv.
You shall not part with any apprehension
Hence—how now Sir Hot Spur? I must curb you
I faith, if you offer to take such Careers as these.

Andr.
You may command me, Madam—a Lark is not
So dar'd as I am by this Hobby of mine.

[Aside.
Melv.
Put up your Tool, and remove; your appearance
Was more unseasonable then I look'd for.

Andr.
Each word she speaks is a Charm; I have not
So much valour in me as to oppose her tongue,
What e're I have done, or dare do otherwise.
[Ex. Andrages.

Melv.
You may now withdraw,
Gentlemen, the King expects you.

Both.
Your Servant Lady.

Melv.
There is no need of the expression;
I did but act a little of the most to show my prerogative;
I hope you'l say there's one Woman amongst us
Has wit enough to rule her Husband
In spight of Law.

Both.
We'll witness it to wonder, Madam.

[Exeunt.
Enter Clarina hastily.
Clar.
Oh Madam! your experiment has done
Wonders; my Husband—

Melv.
Loves thee now to purpose.—

Clar.
Beyond expression.

Melv.
My mother prov'd
Such a like Artifice on my father,
For securities sake, yet lov'd him dearly.

Clar.
You have given good proof in your own,
And for mine, I believe he feels love.
In every fiber of his heart; kneels to
Adore me, compares me to Stars, and
Vows that I am more fair then ever.
Oh what a kissing time shall I have on't,
If he and I meet in embrace again?

Melv.
Tantalize him well first.

Clar.
But to say truth,
I long my self, and would willingly be—you guess—

Enter Foscaris.
Melv.
He comes, withdraw a while—

Ex. Clarina.
Fosc.
Oh Madam! you
Have given me a present has had such
Powerful operation on me.

Melv.
By this time
You well understand the meaning on't
I assure my self.

Fosc.
'Tis love Madam, in extremity.

Melv.
Did I not tell you so?

Fosc.
I thought I had hit your sense
To a hair indeed, while I conceiv'd you
As Gentlemen should a Lady in the like case.

Meiv.
It means as good a thing I can assure you.

Fosc.
But I am doting on my Wife again,
And must (in spight of flesh and blood) woo her
'Twice over.

Melv.
There 'tis—Alas good Sir, who could
Have thought it in a man of your temper?

Fosc.
That same bewitching Bracelet you gave me,
Which I am fain to kiss thus reverently
Most minutes of the day, nay, sometimes pray to't;
I can't blame your Husband
For being such a strict Amorist; he
Has had his philter I suppose.

Melv.
I never found it needful; if I had,
Perhaps I should have endeavour'd much
To preserve his love.

Fosc.
There's not a hair
On thy head, but I dare say can do more
Then all the Charms of Medea.

Melv.
Excuse me, Sir.

Fosc.
I should be loth to prove you guilty of
Magick, though 'tis certain.

Melv.
Proceed, good Sir,
And accuse me, because Heaven has brought
Your affection back again to your Lady;
'Tis odds but I shall answer it.

Fosc.
Well, since 'tis thus,
I forgive thee; and as you are a Woman,
Speak a good word for me.

Enter Clarina.
Melv.
That I assure you,
And perhaps have taken more care for you
Then you can imagine—here she comes,
Apply your self first.
[Ex. Melvissa.

Fosc.
And are we met thus?

Clar.
If not happily, you may remove me
With the least breath of yours.

Fosc.
Nay, prethee stay,
I love strangely to look on thee—
O that Eye of thine!—

Clar.
And this Cheek, this Lip, (some think not ill)
So often tasted by you, with other amorous
Passages of ours: does this remembrance please you?

Fosc.
To miracle!—

Clar.
And do you truly repent
My desertion, as you protested to me you did?

Fosc.
From the very bottom of my belly, sweetest.

Clar.
Had you said your heart, perhaps I had
Took your word, and consented to have met
Your desires on honourable terms.

Fosc.
This may be a device to bring my passion
To some further mockery: (these she Serpents
Want no wiles) I'le try whether or no
I can dissemble mine, though against the
Power of Magick.

Clar.
You dare trust my Love?

Fosc.
I could find in my heart—

Clar.
You seem'd of late
To adore me so strangely, that I am oblig'd
To take pity of you now for fear of your wits.

Fosc.
'Tis certain she mocks me—
[Aside.
I confess I felt a kind flame, or so;
But I did not intend to keep a perpetual
Etna in my bosom, or such a Fevour
Of Love, that will only admit of one Julip.

Clar.
Melvissa's Arts do fail I fear.

Fosc.
Besides, you Women are such nice things
To handle, and as the world runs now,
Have such superlative devices.—

Clar.
I can forgive you truly; by this
[Points to his Picture by her side.]
Image which ne're can hang too near my heart.

Fosc.
My Picture still there? better and better;
[Aside.
As sure as I live she's charm'd too. Melvissa
I remember told me, that she had done
Something extraordinary for me; I may
Dissemble safely, and if need were, make her
Long as much for me now; what a rare turn
Of Love would that be?

Clar.
You then continue cruel still?

Fosc.
Alas my pretty fondling, I know thou
Wer't ever kind and tender; but to say truth
I did but counterfeit my passion, a little
To comply with thine, and gave out I had
Receiv'd I know not what charms of Venus,
Supposing thou had'st more wit then to believe
Such wonders.

Clar.
Is't possible?

Fosc.
Alas! what
Could'st thou expect from a man of my complexion?

Clar.
I'le try my own Art a little then—
[Aside.
Oh my Foscaris!—behold I dye to shew
Thee thy ingratitude

[She makes as if she swounded.
Enter Melvissa.
Fosc.
Help, help, help, my dearest thing of life,
I love thee most outragiously.

Clar.
Are you in earnest?

Fosc.
Alas! I could even eat thee to express it.

Clar.
May I confide?

Fosc.
Besides, I'le tell thee more;
I am charm'd to that purpose—
Behold this Bracelet, there's ten thousand
Spirits of Cupid in it.

Clar.
May I be certain? ha, ha, ha—

Fosc.
I'le swear it by a thousand Stars.

Clar.
Ha, ha, ha—

Fosc.
By this good light she jeers me.

Melv.
And acts her part unto my wish.

Clar.
Some other time you and I will dispute terms.
[Ex. Clar.

Fosc.
Oh my folly!

Melv.
If you want an Advocate,
Yet command me; in the mean time, I hope
You'l make much of your favour, and so adieu.
[Ex. Melv.

Enter Andrages.
Fosc.
If I am not put in a Ballad, or Lampoon'd
By some Scurrilous Poet before to morrow
This time, there is no mischief in being a
Subject of ridiculous wonder.

Andr.
What's the matter?

Fosc.
Ask me no questions—

Andr.
But I could tell thee
Such a story of my Rancounters.

Fosc.
But pronounce not the name of Wife.

Andr.
I'le tell thee news then; 'tis said we shall have
Wars with our Amazon neighbours.

Fosc.
Let it come,
I have quarrel enough to the whole Sex
For the sake of one.

Andr.
But if they have many
Such Pentheselea's amongst 'em as my Wife,
We are beaten into corners.

Fosc.
I am for any thing that's desperate,
And if I do not cut as many of 'em
Off at the waste, to be reveng'd of this
Evil Genius of mine, let me dye
By their Bodkins.

[Exeunt.
Enter Tysamnes, Alvanes, Araxis, Draxanes, Eumenes, and others.
Tysam.
Call in the Embassadresses.
[Ex. Eum. Drax.
Enter Bassanes with Renone and Cydane.
Here are our Letters to your
Queen.—We hear her Army
Is advanc'd near upon our Confines.

Renon.
But first by us denounces War;
Who scorns to gain a foot of earth, but what
Her Sword shall fairly win.

Tysam.
We'll soon prepare to meet her.

Cydan.
And thus we take our leaves.
King whispers Alv. & Arax.
Bassanes to the Embassadresses aside.]
I hope your Queen, whose most Illustrious
Person I admire, will grant me pardon,
[Aside.
If in my Countries Cause I serve a Souldier.

Renon.
She honours worth in all, amongst whom
Your vertues have no small effects,
Acknowledg'd by the world
A worthy Captain.

Bass.
Your Servant Ladies.

[Ex. Embassadresses.
Enter Foscaris and Andrages.
Tysam.
You shall have all Commands become your valours;
I know as men, you stand oblig'd to serve this Cause.

Fosc.
To a man, Sir.

Andr.
And I (excepting one Woman)
Dare act as much against the Sex: but she
I must confess, Sir, has the better on me
In all Incounters.

Tysam.
Your Wife I guess;
I am glad to hear I have a Subject who
Is so kind a Husband—No news yet of our Queen?

Bass.
Not any, as the best of my Intelligence can learn.

Tysam.
My soul is on the torture.

Enter Toxaris.
Tox.
I hope Sir,
I have brought you happy tidings in this Letter.

Tysam.
'Tis Parisatis hand.

Tox.
'Twas given me
From an unknown person, who would not stay
To satisfie my further Queries.

Tysam.
reads.
Let this assure you from Parisatis,
That she is remov'd from this Life, before
It meets your hand: The means I have
Resolv'd on for my end, I will not give you the
Grief to hear, or charge you guilty of my death,
And to confirm you, this precedes my last being;
I have sent you this Jewel, you must witness
I vow'd should be kept to the death of Parisatis.

Oh Heavens! my Parisatis dead! read
Here Bassanes.

[Bassanes reads.
Bass.
My tears are slow, but credit me,
The death of Armies, and the groans of War
When made from gasping Friends, just drowning
Of their souls in streams of blood, ne're shook
My heart like this.

Tysam.
Thy griefs are truly mine.

Bass.
But hope that providence, whose paths are
Labyrinths, may yet—

Enter Statyra.
Tysam.
She's dead, she's dead, too certain—

Stat.
The King's disturb'd.

Tysam.
Beyond expression; Parisatis my Queen—

Stat.
I hop'd was now return'd to your embrace.

Tysam.
The other world contains her vertues, she's dead.

Stat.
My eyes can ne're want streams to pour
With yours for such a loss.

Tysam.
Mine are too guilty to partake
With thine; and had I more then Niobe
E're shed to drown my soul in; or turn'd
To Marble at this news like her, 'twere but
Too gentle to express my crime or grief.

Stat.
This passion's glorious.

Tysam.
What death can I devise, or torments
Give my soul enough, that have at once
To answer breach of faith to thee and death of her?

Stat.
Your stain is deep in both, though far more vile
As you are a Prince who did unworthily
Possess the love and glories
Of so excellent a Queen; that no pretence
Of Power, or Law, can expiate—
But since by Heavens decree she's thus remov'd
To Stars, for which did I but know her Urn,
I'de visit it, and pay my tears as an
Oblation to her memory—
Yet now 'tis fit you live for my sake

Tysam.
Thou hast some justice to my life,
But wilt not now oblige it?

Stat.
I do, and
Claim it as the greatest blessing of my own.

Tysam.
There's nothing left me, but in thee, that can
Invite a minutes breath.

Stat.
You had my first love Sir,
So far you have an interest still.

Tysam.
And for thy sake I will admit to live;
Nay more, I'le talk to thee of Love, and with
What penitence thou shalt require, acknowledge
My past vows to thee, besides the guilt of my
Ingratitude unto my Parisatis.

Stat.
Heaven must absolve your crime to both,
For this your noble sorrow.

Tysam.
Thy words are comforts to my soul;
But this is such an hour the Stars must mourn,
Or find new trepidations in their orbs
To fright the earth with some calamity—
Besides an Enemy does threaten now to invade
Our Kingdom—Bassanes, you shall command
As General.

Bass.
With my best duty Sir, and 'twas
Your Queens command I should continue still your
Faithful Subject.

Tysam.
I have no other title here to reign but from her love,—
Admit I leave thee, fair Statyra, in some place
Of best security.

Stat.
I am oblig'd to be companion in your dangers.

Tysam.
That were an endless peril, though thy vertue
Be above what fate can injure.

Stat.
My heart were else not worth the owning yours.

Tox.
A brave and gracious Lady.

Alv.
The King 'tis sure affects her.

[Aside.
Tysam.
I feel a cloud upon my soul, I know not when
Or how 'twill vanish—
Come Statyra, my Love and thine must wait
The calmer hours of time and kinder fate.

Ex. Omnes.