 | The Womens Conquest |  |
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ACT V.
SCENE I.
Enter Mandana and Parisatis.Mand.
How bears Tysamnes his restraint, and our
Declar'd resolves? I know they needs
Must bow his lofty heart.
Par.
As unconcern'd as Infants sleep,
Or as the Man you'd chuse the object of
Your mercy ought to be—nay more.—
Mand.
What means that more?
Par.
You are a Woman.
Mand.
But a Conquerour.
Par.
Had I like power.
Mand.
What then?
Par.
I'd bid him live at least.
Mand.
Thou would'st not have me love him?
Par.
No by my life—
Though 'twere a gracious Act to Heaven, if you
Vouchsafe him mercy; since he's oblig'd to fair
Statyra's Love; you else will kill two hearts at once.
Mand.
Away with this fond pity;
I have fix't my Justice.
Par.
Your pleasure Madam.
Mand.
Bring forth the King,
I'le make him know it.
Par.
I am all confusion.
[Ex. Parisatis.]
Mand.
This Moor is brave and loyal; my Mother once
Had such a Lady near her person, she
Would commend above what Faith can reach.
Enter Parisatis with Tysamnes.
Zeriffa! admit none to our presence.
Par.
I shall not—but by your leave Queen,
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Mand.
I hear, Tysamnes,
You contemn the vow I've made,
Nor does my eye
Discern other then pleasing calms upon
The brow you seem to wear.
Tysam.
Such as become a King,
And every vulgar man, when made a Sacrifice
To womans passion—
Mand.
Take heed, Sir, how
You entertain a Summer in your hopes,
Or slight the Justice I decree.
Tysam.
What mean you, Madam?
Alas! I look'd to meet the Miter'd Priest,
The Altar fixt, where I should bleed your Victim,
And if you superscribe it
With my crimes of Love,
Which caus'd at once my Parisatis death,
And fair Statyra's tears, I'le call it justice,
And due expiation of my sins to Heaven.
Mand.
I'le soon my self convey you to the
Altar I intend—
Par.
What means the Queen?
[Aside.
Mand.
Or say I bid thee live?
Tysam.
'Twere then a mercy greater then I crave,
Or merit.
Mand.
I'd have thee judge it more.
Par.
'Tis love most certain.
[Aside.
Mand.
What think you of this look?
[She smiles.
Tysam.
'Tis somewhat gentler then I did expect.
Mand.
And what of this?
[Smiles again.
Tysam.
It seems more kind then common smile.
Mand.
Is it not welcom to thy heart?
Tysam.
'Twere too much to bestow such beams on me,
And gives me greater wonder, then should Lights Orb
Contract its glory to the Artick Pole,
To quicken there some frozen spot of earth.
Mand.
He does perceive—thy pardon now is written
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Enter Parisatis.
See thou respect Tysamnes
Above observance of a Pris'ner; I have
Some motives of a near concern require it.
[Ex. Mandana.
Par.
Is this your vow, oh Parisatis?
Didst thou walk as undiscern'd as Ghosts
[Aside.
That cloath themselves in bodies of the Air;
This must affright thee more, then timorous hearts
Scar'd with such pale horrors—
Admit, Sir, I congratulate this Grace.
Tysam.
'Twas unexpected—
And I with glader eyes could have beheld
Thee made my deaths black Hand-maid.
Par.
You do not slight the Queen, that with her
Gracious beams of mercy quickens you to live?
Nay more, if I discern that have some trust
From her fair thoughts, is giving of her self
A conquest to your Love—methinks
This should awake your apprehension,
Tysam.
It does! but find my self
Unshaken to Statyra, and could have wish'd
Your Queens more rigid vow were unrepeal'd,
That I might bleed her Sacrifice.
Par.
She is your Crime,
And therefore does deserve to be your Fate,
Or else embrace the same with her.
Tysam.
Though thy dark visage is most fit to be
The messenger of death and all it's horrors,
I may enquire what cause incites thee
To appear thus cruel.
Par.
It breaks like clearest justice
From my Soul, that am oblig'd to be
Your Queens Revenger—
Tysam.
Thou art not sent from t'other world
To be my Executioner, where she's adorn'd
With Crowns and smiles of Angels, still interceding
My forgiveness.
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I have griev'd his Soul too much,
[Aside.
Pardon me, Sir, I was too bold to urge
Your penitence.
Tysam.
It proves thee worthy.
Par.
One word and I have done; were your Queen living?
Nay more, Sir, wer't soon as manifest, she
Hazarded her life, repriev'd on purpose
For your safety, would you receive her
To your embrace and love?
Tysam.
She is too dear to Heaven
To be given thence; and Stars which frown'd upon
That fatal Act, already have enroll'd her
In their first of bright Societies—
But this is all thy dream.
Par.
Believe it such—
Yet so far I dare represent her self,
As to assure you, for her sake, I'le dye
To purchase your just freedom—
Let this tear confirm you, as 'twere shed from her.
Enter Statyra.
Statyra Sir.
[Ex. Parisatis.
Tysam.
The carriage of this Moor
Is honours riddle to my thoughts—
Oh my Statyra! I have yet a hope of thy
Enjoyment.
Stat.
Does the Queen Incline to mercy?
Tysam.
She has receded from her vow.
Stat.
That's happy—
And more cruel in decree, seeks
To divide my soul from thine—
Thou understand'st me?
Stat.
I do too sadly—
Tysam.
But this Moor, employ'd by Heaven
To be a Guardian of our Loves, or as
The night, or Hymen gave her this complexion
To be a sober guide unto his rights,
Devotes herself to serve our safeties.
Stat.
This means of happiness was above my hope,
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From my heart, in apprehension of your dangers;
Nor did I view her with less horror,
Conceiving her the Queens most cruel instrument.
Tysam.
I thought her so, but she has given me such
Assurance of her Faith and Love, that had
Thy beauteous figure took a veil like her,
Or were my Parisatis
Represented such, I would not have expected
A more strict concern for me.
Stat.
It seems too much
To credit from a stranger, or else 'tis but
Loves kinder Labyrinth.
Enter Parisatis.
Tysam.
She's here—salute her
With thy kindest beams, she does deserve
Our near regards.
Stat.
Madam, the King has given me such a character
Of your worth, as I must beg to joyn
Acknowledgments with his.
Par.
I'le venture all that's dear to serve him,
And your vertue; but this is not a time
For Words: Things call to action—
Please you withdraw.
[Ex. Tysam. Stat.
Enter Draxanes.
Draxanes come?
Drax.
I hope most happily.
Par.
And hast thou found him?
Drax.
Yes, Madam, and have brought him.
Par.
This place is safe from ears—wait him to me.
[Ex. Drax.
If fortune be not peevish now, the Scene
I have laid shall Crown my Acts.
Enter Bassanes disguis'd.
I am wondrous glad to see thee live.
Bass.
And I like to some man that's
Struck with Extasies of joy,
Could even resign my soul, as thus
I kiss the ground I tread, in adoration
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You had snatch'd your self away, to make its
Bosom in your grave more sacred.
Par.
Draxanes told thee all?
Bass.
He did Madam,
As I was levying of Recruits to free the King
From this restraint he suffers here.
Par.
Then we'll spare further circumstance,
And only know I have prepar'd to do him
Signal service; for which end, I took this Cloud,
Either to dye unknown, or live a means
Of his lov'd preservation.
Bass.
This deed must ravish Men and Angels
To express; who must admire at once
Your most heroick constancy and vertue.
Par.
Enough Bassanes, and pardon me, that I
Sent my summons to joyn thee as companion
In the dangers I embrace.
Bass.
You shall command
My utmost peril, though every man I meet
Could look me into Atoms.
Par.
And know to my
More cruel Fate, the King not only has
A Mistress in Statyra, but the Queen
Mandana, his fair Conquerour, has vow'd
Him for her own enjoyment.
Bass.
What can be thought on
To resist this high injustice?
Par.
I have resolv'd upon the means, in which
I'le use thy Conduct, not more approv'd to act,
Then sage in resolution; nor do I doubt
The instruments we'll use, are less then cordial,
To embrace the end we shall propose, which must
Be swift in execution.
Bass.
I would not waste a minute e're I act to serve it.
Par.
The Guards are here at my devotion, besides
A considerable number of our bravest Officers,
By the Queen Mandana, set at liberty.
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They may be serviceable to your design.
Par.
The honour of their King obliges it—
Within we'll debate more at large particulars.
[Exeunt.
Enter Toxaris, Alvanes, Araxis.
Tox.
Well Gallants, we are all Freemen now.
Alv.
'Tis a seasonable mercy to us Courtiers,
Not us'd to this kind of belly duty;
We otherwise must have been living Anatomies
By this time.
Arax.
And so perhaps Metamorphiz'd
Into starv'd Ghosts, to walk with hideous
Lamentations these Fields of Victory.
Tox.
I do not think
All th'Infernal Region can fright these
Victrices, should they appear in Arms,
There's not an Image of Mars, but does raise
Their fury above Miracle.
Alv.
And yet
For all their being thus couragious and hardy
(Which must be acknowledg'd more then wonder
In their soft kind) they are refin'd as our Ladies
Of the best converse; and as modishly witty
As any she Platonick living—
Arax.
If Venus make no Captives in this shape
Of Mars, may her Son ne're more wear Quiver.
Enter Eumenes.
Eum.
Never men enfranchis'd on such terms
As we are, for which this great and fair
Warriour deserves a Jubilee.
Tox.
She's highly gracious.
Eum.
And like the Sun diffusive in her beams;
I have been so Caress'd by our fair Conquerours,
Under several Titles and Commands, as if they'd
Invite us shortly to match by Regiments,
And so at last joyn Armies! what a day
Of Hymen would that be?
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Could but our King be freed
On royal terms, 'twould adde yet
Glory to this Queens great Acts.
Eum.
Some did interpret
Favourably, when she late vow'd him
To a sad destiny.
Arax.
As how?
Eum.
As men should construe in like case, a Womans vow.
Tox.
I am yet to learn, there's nothing but
Riddle in the whole Sex.
Eum.
'Tis said that Love's the Oedipus,
And has resolv'd it, to whose soft Altars
She has given the King some beams of invitation.
Alv.
But that may adde unto his greater peril,
Being so much devoted to Statyra,
That his heart is Ice to other flame.
Arax.
Heaven guide things for the best!
Tox.
Where did you leave Draxanes?
He shares of this Grace I hope?
Eum.
Yes, and is advanc'd to no small favour.—
Tox.
Not with the Queen?
Eum.
No, but what's a step to't,
He is deep in the Moors;
I left him in close Conference with her.
Alv.
That Moor carries the stream indeed of Grace:
Our King committed to her trust with his beauteous
Mistriss.
Arax.
But what to judge her.
Eum.
She bears a Soul of brightest temperament;
As if that providence had found a place
Elsewhere for her Nativity; or as she wore
An Ethiops Cloudy Veil, from Art, not Nature.
Enter Foscaris leading Clarina, and Andrages, Melvissa.
Tox.
Foscaris and Andrages come off thus
With their Wives! this must conclude
A strange day of Womans Victory.
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I have paid my Arrears
Of Love, I hope to purpose; we are
Reconcil'd, and have embrac'd, and so forth Gentlemen.
Clar.
You have so.
Fosc.
And can bill like Doves now.
Clar.
Not too much, I beseech you, lest you fall
Into a surfeit of Love again; too much
Of the honey of Wedlock is not good
For your palate.
Eum.
We joy your Loves.
Fosc.
If any be unkind henceforth to his Spouse,
May he suffer my penance; there's some
Mystery behind, which you shall all know
At leisure: in the Interim, I acknowledge
My happiness, from you Lady.
Melv.
I am glad it was in my power to serve
Your felicity in Clarina's.
Andr.
And I rejoyce a kind Wife too, Gentlemen.
Melv.
But take heed you don't presume;
You know my power when I please.
Tox.
These Women Conquerours are strangely noble.
Clar.
We own our Husbands from their mercy.
Andr.
And we our freedoms.
Fosc.
Souldiers in every vein Gentlemen,
And can drink a smart health or two as they
Discourse of Arms—and would they yield
Reasonable obedience to mankind, I'd wish
You all to match amongst them, they'd spirit
Flesh and blood indeed.
Alv.
I long to be doing.
Arax.
And I as much.
Tox.
Could but the King come off nobly.
Fosc.
He must, if the Queen do not once more
Change her vow.
Alv.
No news yet of the General Bassanes?
Eum.
He vanish'd in a storm of darts! but what
His fate is Heaven knows.
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Drax.
A word in private.
[Whispers to Eumenes who deliver it to one another.
Eum.
Is't possible?—
Drax.
Rely your faiths on mine.
Tox.
We are confirm'd.
Melv.
You may admit us to Council,
Wives should partake their Husbands secrets.
Andr.
You shall, you shall.
Fosc.
And know we have wondrous things in hand.
Clar.
If honourable, I'le venture all that's dear
To serve it.
Melv.
And I as far engage.
Fosc.
Such as must fill your bosoms full of joy—
Within more of particulars.
[Ex. Omnes.
Enter Mandana, Daranthe, Cydane, Renone, and others attending.
Mand.
We have given our mercy to the King.
Daran.
'Twas gracious like your self.—
Mand.
Nor will I blush to own
His Graces merit an esteem from us.
Cyd.
The Queen is surely smitten with her great Captive?
Renon.
Beyond a doubt.
Mand.
Bring forth the King Cydane.
[Ex. Cydane.
We'll treat him nobler yet, and make him joy
This day of Womens conquest.
Enter Cydane.
Cyd.
Madam! the King's withdrawn.
Mand.
How?
Cyd.
Or else escap'd.
Mand.
Blister'd be thy tongue
That brings such tidings to my heart—
Where is the Moor?
Cyd.
Not to be found.
Enter Statyra.
Mand.
Her black Soul shall take a gloomy flight
To the other world for this.
Stat.
I answer for her trust.
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Thy life shall bear hers company.
Stat.
I am glad
To yield it up a Victim to your wrath,
Since that must raise a Trophy to my Love;
Where every Virgin of a faith like mine,
Will drop a tear to give my memory
A name, shall blast the glory of your Conquest.
Mand.
Away with this fond woman; it is an Ague
To my blood to hear her reason thus.
[As they offer to carry her off.
Enter Bassanes disguis'd, with Foscaris, Andrages, Drax. Eum. Tox. Alv. Arax. and others arm'd.
Bass.
Hold and hear me first.
Mand.
How! men in Arms before our presence?
Have we no Guard there?—
Bass.
None but what I have plac'd;
And were your Women chang'd to Sons of Mars,
Nay, Cadmus fiercer issue joyn'd to them,
When ripen'd first to horror of mankind,
As the earth trembling did contain their roots;
This Sword of mine should mow 'em down
To smooth the path I lead.
Mand.
A combination of these humane things
So late our Arms reduc'd—
Methinks they should convert to nothing
From a look of mine; or I lose Majesty.
Daran.
This surprisal was beyond the reach of thought.
Renon.
'Tis most ignoble.
Mand.
And thou that seem'st an object
Fit to guide such base ingratitude,
What shall I call thee? Traytor?
Bass.
A name that had an honour for your Soul,
That fill'd no less the world with wonders;
And lest your Womens frailty should stain
The brightness of your noble Deeds,
I thought it justice to resist your will,
Though I met Seas of danger in the act.
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Bold and Impudent!
Bass.
I must be plainer,
Do you not love the King?
Mand.
Suppose it granted—
Bass.
Heaven does not—
And think not, Madam, that my blood,
Though it bears fire of honour in each vein,
But 'tis as cold to treachery; nor does the Cause
That I maintain, less then command, without
An arm of force—
This Lady in her own fair right, methinks,
[To Statyra.
Should move you.
Stat.
May Heaven reward thy vertue!
Mand.
She is the Kings belov'd; but I have won
Him mine by Arms.
Bass.
And therefore nobler conquest
To subdue your self: The Bays you wear
In triumph, else must wither on your brow,
Where Majesty and Beauties lustre twine
To make one Excellence.
Stat.
What providence has
Blest me with this Advocate?
Renon.
I have seen a face resembles that.
[Pulls off his Beard and Patches.
Daran.
The Queen a little alters.
Mand.
It must be he.
Bass.
Behold then, Royal Madam, this face
Made but my own dark copy by disguise,
Thus clear'd to own it's just original.
Mand.
Bassanes living?
Bass.
In which I wear
A mirror of my heart, that does without
A flattery express a Soul that highly
Honours yours, though it has seem'd divested
Of those Charms in making this reflection
On your justice, which here is one most
[To Parisatis.
Powerful to incline.
Enter Parisatis attended by Clarina and Melvissa.
Mand.
What is this Lady?
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The Queen Parisatis, Madam.
Mand.
It cannot be;
A meer imposture to abuse me.
Renon.
We must avow 'tis she.
Mand.
I am all wonder.
Stat.
And I no less rejoyce to see you live;
I hope you'l pardon, that I claim'd an interest
In your Kings affection, when 'twas assur'd
You had no Being in the world.
Par.
And I more humbly begone here;
Nor shall it e're be told that Parisatis
Walk'd in that dark Cloud (though it vail'd her
Actings for preservation of the life and love
Of her Tysamnes) to live, your trust abus'd,
Without a pardon from your lips.
Daran.
This Woman's brave.
Par.
Nor shall you loose, besides,
One fruit of victory.
Mand.
You were the Moor then?
Par.
The same, most Royal Madam—
And if you are my Subjects, prostrate
Your selves and swords, with me, at these
Majestick feet.
[Kneels.
Mand.
This is a Conquest happier then all;
Nor shall e're Woman boast she had the better
Of Mandana's honour—Madam, you have
[To Parisatis.
Forgiveness—take up your weapons worthy Souldiers.
Bass.
You are highly gracious.
Mand.
Where is the King?
Par.
'Twas but given out he had escap'd.
Mand.
Bassanes, you'l attend him to us.
Enter Tysamnes whispering Bassanes, Foscaris, Andr. Tox. Alv. Arax. Drax. Eumenes.
Tysam.
Do I then live to be thus happy in
Your grace and pardon?
Mand.
Your Queen has conquer'd me Tysamnes,
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My valour's glory; nor did the darts of Love,
Which I confess, made some impression here,
[Pointing to her breast.
Leave wounds but to be heal'd more happily—
I vow'd you, Sir, to love.
Par.
No change I hope.
[Aside.
Mand.
And thus will make your offering here;
She is a Jewel of a Crown indeed.
[Presents him to the Queen.
Tysam.
I take her on my knees—
She is too great a blessing, thus restor'd
[Kneels.
To my embrace, to be with less devotion own'd
From Heaven, imploring (as I kneel) thy pardon.
Par.
You have it Sir, though not a gift, where you
Command a duty; which when most passive
In a Wife, does but refine the gold of Vertue.
Tysam.
Why didst thou take this Cloud?
Par.
To dye unknown, or serve your safety.
Daran.
A most heroick constancy.
Tysam.
Thy vertue's richer
Then the world's vast globe, were it
Converted to one purest Diamond.
Mand.
And does as far exceed what story can relate.
Tysam.
But I have yet a load of mercy here
To beg, my crime of Love to thee Statyra,
Which else must cloud this day of comforts,
And bring eternal night upon my soul.
Stat.
Though I have lost an expectation of
My greatest bliss in your enjoyment,
That in warm sighs might soon dissolve
A Virgins heart like mine, yet I can feel
No want of happiness, since I behold
Your Souls, that have already mingl'd joys,
Meet thus, and kiss each other.
Tysam.
Heaven must reward thy goodness.
Par.
And my for ever obligation.
Mand.
This days example gives to Love
Such brave repute, that I who both have fought,
And men commanded, could even yield
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Tysam.
Here is a Prince within your eye (I hope
More near your heart) that might deserve
To rule a Throne like yours.
Mand.
I know him noble.
Bass.
And one, most Royal Madam, that owns
A soul, you have an interest to command
E're since I first beheld the glory of your charms:
Pardon me, I now avow it, that rather
To express my wonder of your vertue,
Should by an humble distance still admire.
Mand.
'Tis in my power to bring you nearer:
Bassanes is a Prince may well become
An Empress of the world's great choice; and were
Mandana such, she would not think her Love
Or Greatness stoop'd to match with thine.
Bass.
You make me more then happy.
Mand.
And I that honour Arms, and thy fam'd Deeds
In War, will call it noblest triumph
To yield thy Love a victory o're mine.
Bass.
This bounty stream's so powerful on my heart,
That I may fear it's guide, in such a Sea
Of joys you bring.
Mand.
I am yours for ever, dear Bassanes.
Drax.
This day surpasses wonder.
Fosc.
I knew it must conclude with some
Extraordinary Love-miracle besides my own.
[Aside.
Mand.
Daranthe! we must now no more make war,
I have match'd a Souldier.
Bass.
One that will live and dye your just admirer.
Mand.
And Women, here divest
Your selves of Arms with me.
[They take off their Arms.
Dar., Ren., Cyd.
We all obey your Majesty.
Mand.
And let your conquests henceforth be to love,
And give Men sole supremacy—
I hope our Kingdoms shall unite in making
[To Tysamnes.
Laws may fit each Sexes duty.
Tysam.
I am oblig'd for Parisatis sake
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Of man shall henceforth e're reject a Wife.
Mand.
Our Crowns will have a blessed union then—
What pattern shall we take?
Tysam.
Such as the world
With best consent does practise.
Bass.
Or what's most
Laudable, the form of happy England.
Mand.
It has been most approv'd.
Par.
Now Ladies, you are all well pleas'd to see
This peace that smiles upon your Loves, and gives
Both Sexes with our Crowns, such happiness.
Clar.
A welcom joy.
Melv.
We now can call our Husbands
Ours by lawful duty.
Andr.
I am glad to hear that word.
Fosc.
And I to be secur'd thus; I was in no small
Apprehension, this female victory
Might have imporw'd them to part with us;
What a mockery of Love's Magick had I been then?
Mand.
My Warriours, you will all take Husbands now?
Here are men fit to match your spirits.
Daran.
Your great example must invite it.
Tysam.
What shall this day do for thee fair Statyra?
The bounty of thy soul deserves a recompence
Above what tongue can speak, that spreads
A volume of thy goodness, fit only
For the eye of Heaven to read.
Stat.
And thither I'le devote my love,
Though while I live, no day shall pass without
A contemplation of your happiness.
Mand.
You will not soon depart?
Par.
For Parisatis sake you must not.
Stat.
'Tis my ambition first to fill an humble place
In your bright train of triumphs.
Tysam.
For which thou dost deserve a Chariot
Of Celestial substance,
Mov'd by the wings of Seraphims;
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Attending thee with Songs of Raptures;
The Muses (as fair Hand-maids to thy vertue)
Their best of Poets should inspire.
Stat.
You too much honour my small merits.
Bass.
This day does claim a glory from your worth,
And next my just devotion here—my heart
[To Mandana.
Shall keep an Altar sacred to Parisatis
Constant love and praise, with yours.
Stat.
And mine no less
Shall speak Bassane's fame.
Par.
I'le be your Rival Madam, there—
That am oblig'd unto this noble Prince
[To Bassanes.
By highest gratitude.
Tysam.
And I above expression thine.
[To Bassanes.
Mand.
Tysamnes with your Queen must lead
The way unto our joys—
And Women hence from us this pattern take,
Love, and obedience, your best conquests make.
Ex. Omnes.
| The Womens Conquest | |