 | Ormasdes |  |
21
The Second Act.
Enter the Embassadour, with Ormasdes, who holds a Book in his hand, they sit on Chairs by a Table.Ormasdes.
Your Lordship by this visit, honours me;
Emb.
My visit brings you business of the State,
You must not take it for a Complement.
Ormas.
What is your business then?
Emb.
I have observed Ormasdes, the Queens sence,
Is yours, in her Affairs of Consequence,
She moves by you; this brings me to consult
My Masters Marriage, for a full result!
For I conceive Valerianus Name
Of so great Credit! and so high a Fame!
That our two Nations, by our Princes joyn'd;
Though our surrounding neighbors were cōbind,
Our Territories would be safe, and we
Should thank the Gods for such Tranquilitie.
But when a Lady Rules, they may presume,
And their Rebellious Principles assume;
If great Ormasdes shall be call'd away,
And fair Cleandra left alone to sway.
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I know Sir, that Cleandra does esteem
The stout Treconians friendship, as she ought;
And I know she honours your brave young King,
Whose martial acts have gain'd him through the world,
A character so noble, and so great!
That she with joy this proffer'd League, does treat.
Onely dislikes the Marriage you propose
On good State Arguments, as I suppose,
In judgement, and affection to her Son,
She will not raise a Rival to his Crown.
And for her angry Neighbours, she believes
The late Zelnian war, has such wisdome taught,
They will not suddainly, unurg'd, provoke,
A Queen, so powerfull, and so fortunate.
Embassador.
Suppose Valerianus take offence?
And look on this neglect as an affront!
Because he only did propose this League,
To introduce his sute, which he conceives,
VVill both our Nations equally advance;
But if laid by with scorn! suppose he then,
Do joyn with your old Enemies? and claim
His Fathers Title to the Zelnian Crown;
VVhat may the hazzards? and the issue be?
If a new war, dispute your Victory?
Ormasdes.
I will not Prophecy the sad event,
That so unjust a war, may justly bring
Upon so Gallant, and so wise a King!
Embass.
Suppose then, that I have his Commission?
To lay by the Treaty of this new League,
Untill the Marriage be agreed unto;
And if deni'd! I must Proclaim his Right
To Zelnia; and your late Conquest bring,
To a new question, with a Powerfull King.
23
If Valerianus be so fixt, we must
No hazzards fear, in wars that are so just.
Embass.
Your great success have high thoughts begot,
Above your Conquest, which I value not?
But wish such evils as we now foresee,
May be avoided by our industry;
For 'twill become your Wisdom, and your Trust,
T'advise Cleandra to this happy Match,
Wherein if you prevail! I have full power,
Now to confer on you, the first, and best
Of our Treconian Principalities.
Ormas.
You do me wrong, and are in this unjust,
To think that I will break Cleandras trust,
Which I do value 'bove your Masters Crown!
And therefore boldly will advise the Queen
Not to admit his sute, on Arguments
Which must an evil consequence produce
To her Sons Right, if she Comply,
And by it lessen her own Dignity.
Embass.
If my imployment, anger did allow,
And my own Honour would permit, to strike
A-Book-man! this rude language, I'de correct.
Orm.
If the Queens honour were not more concern'd!
In a respect to your imployment due;
You soon should find, how little I do value you!
The Book-man would not from your Master take
This Insolence; but for Cleandras sake
I do forbear; pray visit me no more.
Embassador.
Fear it not; when Valerianus knows
How little worth, Cleandras honour is!
He will this League, and her Alliance scorn;
Who puts Ormasdes into this Disguise,
To hide her Lover from her Peoples Eyes?
24
This is beyond sufferance.
Ormasdes Grapples with the Embassador
Enter The Queen, Young Titus, and Train, who part them.
Queen.
Hold Ormasdes, I heard his Insolence—
—Sir, you have leave to go aboard your Fleet,
Where you only can be safe; begon then,
Without reply be gone; for if't be known!
What you have said! my People may revenge
My wrong, before your Master do me right.—
[Exit Embassador in Anger.]
—Ormasdes you must in this, my will obey,
Your wonted Judgement, must your passion sway:
While I by a quick war, with Fire and Sword,
Require such Justice as he must afford.
Ormas.
Madam, the Conduct of that war I beg;
Queen.
If you this passion will lay by till then!
You shall: But no more of this anger now;
I came to take the Ayre this After-noon,
But will defer it, till another day.
—Pray be pacifi'd, you shall not stir out;
I do intreat, and do command you stay.
Titus stay you, till this heat be over.
[Exit Queen and Train.]
Ormas.
Titus, my friend; I have a flame within,
That will consume my heart, if you help not!
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Do you doubt my assistance, to serve you,
In any way you can prescribe a friend?
Or.
I'le rather thank thee for't, then doubt thy love,
Th'Embassador can this night hardly reach
Coriola! where we, in a swift Boat
By break of day, to morrow may Arrive;
If some hours since! we in the dark, Imbarke!
Yo. Titus.
I guess your purpose, and I will obey;
Yet I would gladly have an Argument,
To justifie what we intend to do;
Lest Forreign Princes should condemn our State,
That Laws of Nations rashly violate;
And so Cleandras honour, suffer more,
Then by his Insolence, she did before.
Ormas.
How can he justifie, those words he spoke?
His rude language, the Law of Nations broke.
For when a Publick Minister puts off
That sacred shadow, which should him protect;
And dares in such vil'd language give affronts,
To a much greater Monarch then his own!
That minute, his Commission did expire;
When he his Cloak of Majesty laid by;
And like a Ruffen, talk'd so lavishly.
Yo. Titus.
This I confess, is reason for revenge,
But if the World our action not approve?
Pray think, what we shall urge for our excuse,
In case we can no president produce?
Ormas.
A president Titus! where will he show,
That Nations do Embassadors allow
To be so barbarously base, as he?
When he dares make his Act, a president!
I will another shew, and kill him for't.
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And in ours, this shall be my Creation:
Tis not Cleandras work, nor is it thine;
The glory, or the shame is only mine.
Titus my heart would break, if I permit
That man to brag, as he will do at home;
How he has brav'd Ormasdes to his face!
And on Cleandra thrown so foul disgrace.
Y. Tit.
Since I your resolution cannot change,
Pray name the place, and hour, and I'le not faile.
Ormas.
Some 3. hours hence, we'l at the Ferry meet,
Where a swift well-man'd Boat, you must provide,
My motion may some jealousie beget,
Of what we do intend; and must perform;
If our best speed, can but this Mad-Man reach,
I shall his fury, better manners teach.
[Exeunt.
Enter Cleandra, Mariana, Old Titus, Cleobulus, and Ladies.
Queen.
Madam, you are now got so near my heart,
That I am sad to think that we must part.
Mariana.
And I too soon do find, that I too late,
Am now involved in my Brothers Fate.
We leave our hearts behind, though we now fly,
This place by our impulsive Destiny.
My soul has not a wish can send me hence,
If I could stay on any just pretence.
Queen.
Why may you not stay here Mariana?
And let him go, we will a friendship make,
Such as thy virtue justly may expect,
And my affection give, if here you'l live?
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I am unhappy Madam, who must be
At his dispose, has done you injurie
So great! that I must suffer while I live.
Queen.
Rather then you shall suffer, I'le forgive
Mari.
Your pardon is, beyond your power, I fear,
Unless you will admit his Master here?
Queen.
His pardon then, is far beyond my reach,
If for his King, his own concern be such!
And yours, so much for him; I must consent
To part with both; yet I could be content,
To see him for your sake, I and forget,
What he so rashly has against me said,
Thy tears for him, have satisfaction made.
Mari.
My Brother is already on his way,
And has ordered Boats for me to follow,
Where I expect to find his rage to high,
To hearken to such mercy, as I bring,
Unless Cleandra will admit his King!
Queen.
I have not seen such useless rage before,
Whom but himself? can his mad fury harm?
Mari.
It is a Riddle I dare not expound.
Queen.
Dare not Mariana? am I so low
In your Esteem? you dare not let me know
What you dare do? this secret I confess,
Has only power to make me love thee less.
Mari.
I cannot, I have sworn not yet to say
What 'tis, to him I'me doubly tied t'obey:
But since your goodness, can so soon forgive,
So great a Crime, I'le try to bring him back,
And if I can prevail, for his consent,
I'le shew the cause of his distemperment.—
Queen.
You have his pardon, and may now persue
Your own design, to bring him back with you;
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Your self shall be much welcomer to me.
Mar.
Your words incourage me to take no leave,
But cherish hopes which may my heart deceive
With present thoughts rather to smile then mourn
As a good Omen to my quick return.
Queen.
You Nearcus, shall conduct Mariana
To Coriola, and at your own house,
As you pass by; pray treat her as my friend.
Nearcus.
I shall be carefull in it Madam.
Exeunt Nearcus, and Mariana.
Queen.
I love her, and am somewhat more concern'd
To part with her; then I can make you see!
Admiral.
She has by her behaviour, gain'd esteem
From all the Court, and from the Nation to.
Queen.
I wonder Titus none of you lament,
When so great Beauty from the Court is sent!
Admi.
Your Majesty has shew'd enough for all.
Queen.
I do mean Love Titus, and did expect,
Her beauty should have fir'd a hundred hearts!
And by the powerfull charms of her bright Eyes,
O're-ruled, our Citherean Destinies.
Admi.
My heart Madam, has been so often burnt,
There is no substance left, that can take fire;
Indeed I wonder how the rest have scap'd!
Cleob.
Nearcus, and my self, had other thoughts!
Of this great beauty, which did secure us;
We do Mariana for his Mistris take,
Few Sisters Travel for a Brothers sake!
Queen.
How Cleobulus! have you any ground
For this? to justifie so vile a thought;
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Only the freedom, which they daily us'd,
With this new way, for Men who have no Wives,
To carry Sisters, into Foreign Courts!
Queen.
Though not in use, it does not sure deserve
A censure so severe! such Innocence,
In Mariana, did to me appear,
That I should sooner judge her good, if bad!
Then blemish such perfections by a thought
It cannot be! so Insolent a Guilt!
He durst not own! nor such a scandal raise,
On his own Name! and on his Country too!
I do command you to suppress this thing,
I am asham'd a Cithereans heart,
Should entertain a thought of such a crime!
We bring our own Worth in question then,
When we asperse the Worth of other men.
Cle.
They were but thoughts, as rashly then tain up,
As now thrown out; with no design to wrong
The Innocent; I wish her virtue may
Our thoughts convince, and she be justified.
Queen.
Keep firm there my Lord, for all those who live
Near Princes Eares, should weigh how they let fall
A word, that may a Womans Honour blast;
If I were apt to credit your report?
And on your groundless jealousie affront
Such virtue! what a sin were it in you?
To make me guilty of so great a Crime!
Cleobulus.
I am sorry for my rash opinion,
Since it offends your Majesty so much!
Queen.
It is the baine of Courts, when we permit
Those near us, to asperse the Innocent;
If our strict Laws for petty theft, gives Death?
How much a greater punishment is due
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And so unknown! no punishment was made
By way of Prophesie, for crimes to come!
If I did think this malice from your heart,
I would for ever banish you my Court.
Cleobulus.
Your Majesty does raise your anger now
Above my guilt; which had no mischief in't.
Queen.
I am no farther angry with you now,
But take occasion to declare my sence,
Against all such as defame Innocence.
'Tis a Prince his chief business to be Just,
The Gods impose on us no higher Trust!
We have no petty faults, to answer for,
Universal Justice, is our great work,
And those who shall divert it, to destroy
The Fame, or Fortune of an Enemy,
Deserves to be thrown off with Infamy.
[Exit Queen and Ladies.
Remains the Admiral and Cleobulus.
Admiral.
I have not seen the Queen in such a heat!
You have offended her some other way?
Cleobulus.
Not that I know of, in this kind ever!
Admi.
What Devil, made you talk thus to her now?
You knowing that she is so good herself,
She makes a doubt, that any of her Sex
Can do amiss! and tis great Nobleness!
Cleo.
There is a kind of pixe Devil, dwells
In many Courts, that haunts our idle heads;
And prompts us, when we know not what to say;
To Entertain great Princes with reports
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This foolish spirit, I think, entred me.
Admiral.
You gave Cleandra cause, for your reproof,
For how can Princes judge Malice, for Mirth?
When cunningly thrown out, with specious shews,
Of probabilities; when those aspers'd,
Are never call'd, to answer for themselves;
The Queen did Excellently well, to chide
You, whom she loves; that none may ere presume
The like hereafter! for if Princes be
Born Credulous? Malitious persons may
Defame a Nation, if they please! this way.
Cleobulus.
I know I was to blame, but from this day,
I'le hold my peace, till I know what to say.
[Exeunt.
Enter Nearcus, with Mariana and Servants at his House.
Mari.
Where are we now my Lord? this house stands well.
Nearcus.
It is my poor habitation Madam;
Here I must treat you by the Queens command,
'Tis the mid-way unto Coriola.
Mariana.
'Tis a Noble, and a most pleasant Seat;
Has it no Mistris Sir? Are you single?
Nearcus.
I am only that way, happy Madam;
Mariana.
You have a Mistris then? or do you call
It happiness? that you as yet, have none?
Nearcus.
Will you please Madam, to view the garden?
Exit Nearcus with Mariana.
The rest of the Train stay looking on the Pictures, and see them not go out.
32
That piece methinks, does look as if it liv'd.
2. Lady.
I do prefer that smiling Figure first;
Whose hand is it my Lord?
Lord.
I have not skill enough to know the hands,
Though I love Pictures:—pray observe the next;
Is not this sleeping Venus, rarely done?
See how that Cupid in the Tree stands off!
2. Lady.
Tis rare indeed, that Satyr, and the rest,
Of the whole piece, is excellently good!
1. Lady.
Let us look into the next room my Lord;
Lord.
This way they went, & this way must return.
They go out, and return hastily.
Lord.
The doors are lock'd, and we can pass no way.
1. Lady.
Is this by accident? or on command?
Lord.
Let us attend a while, and we shall see;
From the next Chamber window, where they be.
[Exeunt.
Enter Nearcus with Mariana in the Garden.
Mariana.
I have no Argument for further talk,
And now am weary grown, with this long walk;
Where is the beauty? you so much admire!
Your praises, have in me rais'd some desire
To see this wonder of our Sex! that I,
May judge your skill, and with your choice cōply.
Nearcus locks the door, and kneeles.
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She is here already, oh she is here!
A brighter beauty, never can appear!
Mari.
Why d'ye lock the door my Lord? why kneele
To me? you make my heart some tremblings feele,
By this surprise; and I do doubtfull stand,
What of kind Treachery you have in hand!
It looks!—yet, like a Lionness betray'd
Into the Toyles; I scorn to be afraid.
Nearcus.
I have no Argument for either now,
But a distracted heart; that knows not how
T'excuse, what I have done!—tis love has brought
Me to this Precipis, and too late taught,
That I from hence, shall head-long tumble down,
If you disdain to save; oh do not frown!
Offers his Sword.
Rather take this, and while you may, prevent
Your own near ruine, and my rash intent.—
—That angry look, and those enraged Eyes,
Pierce like quick Lightning, from the stormy skies;
They melt my heart, & make me trembling stand,
To beg what Love, and Nature may Command.
Mariana.
Love, do the Cithereans by such Arts!
Such force! and treachery! win Ladies hearts?
Fie, fie Nearcus, this does not agree
With Love! nor with Cleandras trust to thee;
I shame to find such ills! and blush to chide:
—Repent, and I thy Infamy will hide;
Oh! tis the basest of all crimes to be
Justly condemn'd, for infidelity;
And with a treachery, my trust beguile,
Beyond the story of the Crocadile.
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What dares not love attempt? when it goes high
Like mine? your ships are ready, oh to nigh!
The wind is fair; and I, no time but this,
To woe; no other means to reach my bliss!
The Queens command, and my desires here meet,
To throw my life, and fortune, at your feet
That by this desperate course, you now may see,
Your love, or scorn, I make my destenie.
Mari.
Nearcus, how would you prevail my dreams!
Instruct me not, to answer such extreams!
Nearcus.
I would have you Mistris of me, and mine,
Before we part, made so, by vowes Divine:
Mariana.
Tis a short warning, to a work so great!
Is this Cleandras Love? and this your Treat
To strangers? do you think my lips, my heart
Does hold so loose? as at first sight, to part
With it to you? what do you find in me
So slight? that looks like so much levitie.
Nearcus.
If you'l afford more time? I will proceed
With caution, and respect! and shall take heed
How I offend; if you'l resolve to stay,
Or to comply, my passion will obey.
—If not! I must this desperate course persue,
And trust my ruine, or success, to you
—Who does in desperate attempts ingage,
Can seldome at first sight, th'event presage:
—Love led me on, and reason comes to late,
Now to retreat; this Fortune, is my Fate.
Mar.
Your language, & your looks, do rather threat,
Then woe: which does in me such scorn beget,
As to an Enemy, that does invade
—That Innocence you have bereft of aid;
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What should be won by Love, not such base art!
Nearcus.
Give me but time to woe! and I will fear,
And tremble in your sights with zeal appear,
And the same duty, I approach the Gods,
When my offences, make me fear their Rods!
It is not I, (as your affairs do stand)
But high necessity, makes me command;
That all the remnant of my life, you may
Triumph! for my ambition's to obey.
Mariana.
Think you by force, that I shall ere think fit,
To yield my self to such a counterfiet?
I am not born unto so mean a Fate,
As to submit unto the man, I hate:
Nor will I be thus frighted, to comply,
With so contemptable a destiny.
Nearcus.
I must confess, I can by no disguise
Lessen, or hide, the guilt, of this surprize;
But by some greater crime, more amply shew,
That a distracted passion may soon know,
To act such evills, as I fear to think;
But do not set me in despair thus sink.
Speak so, as that I may, some hope retain,
And you'l restore me to my self again.
Mari.
Stand by vil'd Man, and let me pass; who waits?
Near.
None within call; that now can help! the fates
Themselves have not the power to set you free,
Nor can you hope for safety, but from me!
No storm at Sea, nor in it, ships on fire,
Creates more terrours, then my wild desire,
Brings me! here is a Tempest in this brest,
Above all them; since raging Love possest
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Reason, and Virtue, are both wrack'd, no form
Observ'd, while this confusion bears the sway,
None knows to govern; but must all obey,
If we cannot resist; then to cry no,
Is madness, when we must to ruine go!
Maria.
I have no power, but must my Brothers will
Obey; I must his mind, not yours fullfill;
Lest his great pride, and anger may destroy,
What you'd preserve, and frustrate all your joy.
Nearcus.
If my high birth, and quality do prove
Less then your own, I will expect no love;
But hazzard all my hopes, on his consent,
Let his denial, sign my punishment.
Mariana.
If your birth equal mine, and he consent
To joyn our hands! I have no argument
Against your hopes; but must be Mistris still,
Of my own heart; not part with my free-will;
Yet now Nearcus, I do promise you,
What truth and honour dictates, I will do.
Nearcus.
Unless you both do ere you go, comply,
You shall soon see, that I know how to dye.
Mari.
Pray call my servants down, that I may see
Your truth, and find my self at Liberty.
[He calls at the door.
Nearcus.
Now Madam, that my life's at your dispose,
Your self secure, I humbly do propose,
You will before the Gods, confirm by vow,
What you have freely promis'd, to me now.
Mari.
By all those powers, I'le keep my promise made,
And never fail to own, what I have said.
37
It is enough, a kiss of your fair hand,
Must satisfie the man, you may command;
Nearcus has no soul, cannot be blest,
Untill his love, with love you do invest.
Enter Servants, and all go off together.
| Ormasdes | |