University of Virginia Library

The First Act.

THE SCENE In the Island of Citherea.
Enter Menetius, and Nearcus; A Messenger meets them.
Messenger.
My Lords, the Queen sends me to let you know.
That she is safe, and her whole Fleet secure.

Mene.
The Queens safety, is welcome News to all,
Though from the Castle top, we saw the fight;
None could so clearly the success discern;
As to rejoyce for her security!
Till you are arriv'd.

Ne.
Twas bold, & bravely done, with less numbers
To Assault so great a Fleet, so near home!
I wonder how they got Intelligence?
So just, to know the Queens return from Greece.

Mess.
To Assault us, was far from their design;
They fell by chance amongst our Ships ith'night,
As they were passing by; found us secure,
And unprepar'd for such an accident:
So we together sail'd, till Day appear'd;
Then our great Admirall, and his brave Son,
With their two Squadrons, did begin the Fight:
—The Queens Ship was attacqued on every side,
In which, Ormasdes by the Gods was plac'd,
That by his hand, Cleandra might be freed,
As by a Miracle! her dangers such!
And his Achievements so beyond them all!
That my Relation, 'would Romance appear,
To tell you, how he acted every where.

Men.
I hope this accident, will now perswade
The Queen, that she no more such journies make:
Great Princes to such visits and not bound,
Where Complements do so great danger bring.

Near.
Though Cleandras visit, may not admit
Of a State Argument to justifie
A danger;—She had reason to return
Some high respect, unto the Grecian Court,
Where she so long, in so great splendor liv'd;
Before she had this Citherean Crown:
Nor was it now amiss to shew the Power,
And Glory, of so great a Fleet, as Greece
Ne're saw before! by which, our renew'd League
Will be more valu'd, and our Nation fear'd.

Mene.
I have no Argument for a dispute;
—This visit past, she needs no other make;
But Sir, how comes Ormasdes here again?
What great Affair, occasions his return?

Near.
How can the Grecian Empire so long spare,
So great a Captain? and so much belov'd.

Messen.
That happy Emperour; who has no War,
Did give Ormasdes liberty once more,
To grant Cleandras sute for his return,
That he may now confirm, what he has won,
Least his late Trophies in the Zelnian War,
Be tumbled down! for we may doubt! those Kings
Who border Zelnia, will not long indure
Such loss; as will Cleandras Crown secure.
Though her great Ancestor that Kingdom won,
And left it to his most unhappy Son;
Who all those Princes Tributaries made,
That in Affection call'd him to their Aide.

Mene.
Heark Nearcus, heark how the People shout!
As if the Queen were now, come near the shore;
Pray Sr. cōmand the Guards advance with speed,
Unto the Port; Nearcus I do fear,
The Queen may land, while we are trifling here.

[Exit.
Enter Cleandra Queen of Citherea, Ormasdes a Prince of Greece. Her General with his Arme in a Scarfe Old Titus Admiral, Young Titus, Lords, Ladies, and Train.
Admi.
The Gods have given you a full Victory,
And all your Fleet will be in Port, by Noon.

Queen.
I have thank'd the Gods Titus, and do see
Yours, and your Sons mirits, in this great work:
But have not words that can express my thanks
To brave Ormasdes, for preserving me;
Had you seen my danger, when the bold Turks
With assured Victory, my Labin forc't!
And how by his hand from that Ruine freed!
You would with me admire, if not adore
The force which Rescued, with so great a Power
My fear, my wonder, and my joy, so mixt,
I had no time for any thought betwixt
My danger, and my safe deliverance,
Which did the Price of that great work inhance!
The bloody Trophies of Ormasdes sword;
Surpas'd what Mars to Hector did afford.

Ormasdes faints, and leans on Young Titus.
Adm.
He faints, this remove to Land, makes him weak;
—How do you Sir?

Ormas.
My soul Titus, shrunk away, much asham'd,
To hear my service by Cleandra fam'd,
To much for any modest man to own,
That my weak Arm, should rescue her alone!

Quee.
I am amaz'd, thus suddainly to find
The Gods so cruel, who have been so kind!
Thus to Eclips the joyes they freely gave,
Shews they repent the mercy which did save;
Ormasdes death will now so dismall be,
I cannot sacrifice for Victory.
Unless the Fates this mischief do divert!
It will our Triumphs, into Tears convert.

Y. Tit.
—His wounds shew not the danger you conceive;
Madam, you Prophesie so great an ill,
The Fates themselves will tremble to fulfill.

Ormas.
I am well Madam, only blush to hear,
That my slight wounds, should be so much your care
If great Cleandra, do mean Acts admire,
Brave men will not to high Attemps aspire.

Enter to them, Nearcus, Cleobulus, and Cithareans, they Kiss Cleandras hand, a noyse of joy within from the People.
Cleo.
Madam, the Publick joy for your return,
Does shew how much we did your absence mourn.

Qu.
My Peoples joy brings me great happiness,
And your love my Lords, my true value has:
But still I must your gratitudes, direct
Unto Ormasdes, by whose powerfull hand,
Cleandra was preserv'd, and now restor'd.

Ormas.
Madam, you reward my small endeavors don,
With praise above, the merrit of a man!

Queen.
I can afford Ormasdes as much Worth,
And Honour, as the Antient Heroes had,
So he will me such gratitude allow,
As sutes with my great benefits receiv'd;—
—What Fleet Nearcus, lies within our Port?

Near.
'Tis from Treconia Madam, here's Arriv'd
A brave Embassadour, from that great King,
Who here has long expected your return;
His Equipage is Rich, and with him shines,
A Lady he calls Sister; hither come,
To wonder at the Glories of your Court,
While we do all admire, their Princely Port!

Qu.
He shall have present Audience, to excuse
His long attendance; give him a respect:
Beyond the reach, or thought of a neglect;
—Do you Nearcus, bring him to us now;—
[Exit Nearcus.]
—Cleobulus, what news from Zelnia?

Cl.
The frontiers have been frequently attaqu'd,
Since you went hence, but no great damage done.

Ormas.

I beg the Honour Madam to chastise
those haughty Rebells, for their Insolence.

Q.
The whole world knows, Ormasdes can cōmand
The fortune of a war; why then should you?
As if your Name were yet obscure! desire
New dangers? But you covet a Renown,
Beyond the value of the Zelnian Crown;
Else, you'd secure my People from their fear,
By your consent to be my Vice-Roy there.

Or.
Such proffer'd gifts from Princes are not us'd
To be molested, and much less refus'd!

Ormas.
But I must not your Majesty permit,
To load me with an honour so unfit!
As will Eclips the merrit you allow,
When gifts shine brighter, then my Actions do.

Qu.
Is there no way Ormasdes to remove
These niceties? must I for ever own
Your benefits? and make you no return!
How little do I seem to your great Eye?
Who scorn I should your service gratifie.

Ormas.
I have in Greece, all my relations left,
To serve you Madam, and am hither come,
With a fixt zeal to wish, and to obey,
What ever you command! and only fear
My inclinations may my tongue direct,
To beg what you'l deny: though I affect.

Qu.
Though I your sute dislike, I will consent,
And from your happiness, raise my content.

Or.
With your permission Madam, I would beg
Leave to retire unto the little Lodge,
Within the Forrest, half a League from hence,
Where after all my Travells, I may find,
Ease for my body, and refresh my mind,
With the soft solace of a private life,
Free from Affairs, and Courts Eternal strife.

Qu.
This is far beyond my fears Ormasdes!
Tis no wonder you my favours slight!
When you do our society dislike.
But I will not your purpose now oppose,
Though I your councils, & your frindship lose;
Who in debates can speak; in fight command,
And order all, that in disorder stand;—
—Can nothing alter your desire from this?

Ormas.
Not unless, troubles be prefer'd to bliss.

Queen.
Ormasdes it shall be as you desire,
And freely, when you please, you may retire.

Or.
Though I a while absent my self from Court,
I shall be ready to lay by my Books,
When you do call me to put Armour on,
Stories tell that great men the like have don.

Qu.
Though I know no example, I believe
What e're Ormasdes shall make choice to do,
May be a president, that will ingage
Brave men to follow, in the future age.

Ormas.
Your Majesty in this, has given me more content
Then all the favours proffer'd me before.
[Exit Ormasdes.

Y. Tit.
Is this his humour? or some fancy grown
From passion for some Love, to us unknown;

Qu.
No Titus, he has ever been observ'd,
A great contemner of Amores, and does
True friendship more esteem, then idle Love.

Ti.
The more like now to be so much concern'd
When touch'd; our mortal bodies are so frail,
That we may love, and know not what we ail!
Why, does your Majesty think friendship can
With as much force as love, transport a man?

Qu.
Not to such frensies, as wild brains Create,
When fancy cannot change the course of Fate—
—When love to faces, with the face decay,
A virtuous friendship will for ever sway.—
—I wish you Titus, when he first retires,
To try how far your friendship can prevail,
To get the secret from Ormasdes soul;
Tis for his good, that he his griefs impart;
True friendship will allow a little Art,
When the design does nothing more import,
But bringing of Ormasdes back to Court.

Tit.
I shall be joy'd, and happy if I can
Bring back to Court! so Excellent a Man.

Enter An Officer and Ormasdes.
Officer.
The Embassadour attends your Majesty.

The Queen sits.
Queen.
Admit Him.

Enter Embassadour, and his Train.
Embas.
Madam, my Master, the Treconian King,
Salutes you in these Letters, and by me,
Congratulates your Zelnian Victory;
But does lament, that he no share acquir'd,
In that great Conquest, he so much desir'd:
He was ambitious Madam, to command
In that near War, and not as neuter stand.
When strangers merits do such Triumphs claim,
While he to you unknown, sat still with shame.
But since Ormasdes conduct, and his skill,
With such high Valour, has fulfill'd your will.
He envies not so great a Souldiers praise,
But would have shar'd in his Triumphant rayes.

Qu.
If I had known Valerianus mind,
He might my thanks have shar'd, and not repin'd.

Emb.
I have commission also, to propose
A League between your Kingdoms, & your selves,
Such, as new Conquer'd Zelnia will secure,
That Cithereas peace may long endure.—
—Your beauty Madam, more then Crowns invite,
Valerians wishes to unite
Your hearts; and then, your Scepters may
Be doubly fixt, when both do love obey.
He begs, that he in person may appear,
To plead his love, and treat this great affair.

Qu.
Valerianus friendship I approve,
But never shall consent to treat of love;
'Twould raise my dead Lords Ashes in his Urn,
If I should to a second Lover turn?
Your great Kings proffer'd League, I do imbrace,
With fit Affection, and a chearful face:—
Declairing to the World, how I respect,
His person, though I must his sute reject.

Emb.
I shall acquaint my Master,—and beg leave
I may your Majesties commands receive,
Without the Ceremonies that belong,
To a State audience, in a formal throng.

Qu.
You shall have free access, as you desire,
And now my Lord, I must a Sutor be,
That fair Mariana will appear,
Who I am told is come to visit me.

Emb.
That Madam, should have been my next request,
That you my dearest Sister would permit,
To kiss your hand, who does attend without.

Qu.
Will you Ormasdes please to bring her in?—
[Exit Ormasdes.
—If I had known that she had been so near,
She had been better treated for your sake.

Emb.
You oblige me Madam.

Enter Ormasdes, with Mariana and her Ladies; the Queen Salutes Her.
Qu.
You do me, and my Country, honour more,
Then any Lady ever did before.

Mari.
I have done my self a favour Madam,
And tis your Majesty that honours me;
The fame of Citherea I confess,
May Princes hither bring, but my address,
Is to Cleandras self, that I might see,
The virtue fam'd for such Divinitie.

Qu.
Madam, if you such flatteries throw out,
You will your welcome spoil, and make me doubt
You rather come to mock, then to admire!
On such another word? I shall retire.

Mari.
I can be silent Madam, while I live,
But must speak truth, when you this freedom give.

Qu.
We then will change our argument, & place,
Least I do chide, whom I intend to grace.

[Exeunt all but Nearcus and Cleobulus.
Cleob.
Did you observe, with what forc'd modesty
The Embassadour supprest his anger?
When his Masters sute, so briskly was denied.

Nea.
Yes, and how suddain his sad looks change,
When bright Cleandra did so soon admit
His private visits; as if himself were struck!
And did no further press his Masters Sute.

Cle.
I have other thoughts, that made me believe,
The Lady he calls Sister, is his Love.

Near.
Such things have been, and Mariana may
His Mistris be; whose beauty in my Eye,
Does far surpass Cleandras Majesty.
And now you put these thoughts into my head,
I did observe Marianus eyes and his,
Did a long practiz'd silent language shew,
While they by turns did entertain the Queen.

Cleob.
But I had second thoughts, led me to think,
I did sometimes perceive Marianas eyes,
On brave Ormasdes fixt; and seem'd to take
Such a survey, as Purchasers do make.

Near.
I doubt Mariana has not an estate,
To purchase him, at great Cleandras rate.

Cleo.
Let us observe them better next, and see
If it be Art; or their simplicitie.

[Exeunt.
Enter Embassadour, and Mariana.
Emb.
I have undone my self, Mariana!
For now beyond resistance I do love;
And find Cleandra will by her neglects,
Dash all my hopes, and turn from my respects,

Mari.
There does not a just cause to me appear,
For such a doubt; much less to raise dispair:
Because Cleandra runs not at first sight,
Into the arms, of such a wandring Knight.
Though your State Arguments cannot procure
To Treat; she may but a short Siege indure,
When as your self, a King you do appear,
The Castle may be won, by love, or fear.

Emb.
No Mariana, I have heard, and seen
Too much, the brave Ormasdes stands between
Me, and my happiness, his retirement
Is to cloak their close love, and to prevent
Pretenders; or such scandal, as would rise,
If openly in Court, without disguise!
Such unproportion'd love should ere be known,
Which shews they dare not their affections own.

Ma.
What need such dissēbling? to hide that love,
Which all the Cithereans do approve;
And publickly do pray, his great Renown,
Might be rewarded with Cleandras Crown.
To publick fame, I therefore credit give,
They not in love, but in true friendship live.

Em.
Such friendship between man, & woman, may
'Mongst silly people make a holy day.
No Callenders of mine, shall ere admit
Of a red Letter, for a counterfeit.

Mari.
The Gods defend Brother.

Emb.
Why Mariana? what is your concern?
To blush, because we do their crimes discern!
Can you believe, that a Platonick flame,
Has power to Cannonize Cleandras Name?

Mari.
I blush for you, who now so boldly dare,
Against the person that you love! declare.

Emb.
Your words, and looks, do not at all agree,
But shame for your Ormasdes infamie.
He is the man in Marianas eye,
Whose blushes, would his vices justifie.

Mari.
Though I his virtues honour, and admire
The glorious Actions of his life, my heart,
Is not in any danger to be lost.

Emb.
When a heart is so well lost Mariana!
'Twill soon be found, I did believe my own,
As fast fixt as yours, and yet at first sight,
Of the fair Queen, 'twas from its center forc'd.

Mari.
I Brother, your business was to lose it.

Emb.
But the blind Deity considers not
Our purposes he wounds at randome still;—
—I wish thou wouldst ingeniously confess,
If in thy thoughts; Ormasdes be not grown
The handsomest and gallantest of Men;
Whose famous actions, in our western World,
May well excuse thy wonder, and thy Love;—
—I wish thy beauties could his heart ingage,
That I might have no Rival for the Queen.

Mari.
To oblige my dear brother, I will try,
What may be done, for your security.

Emb.
Thy whole life, never can oblige me more;
—Ormasdes is a great Prince in Greece,
And I for thee, will make him greater yet,
By my additions in Treconia;
If you can think him worthy of your Love?
—Our forces joyn'd, may double conquest gain,
When seve'rd; both indeavours may prove vain.

Mar.
While you talk thus, I had as good confess:
What you so much believe, and do allow,
I gladly would obtain, if I knew how.

Emb.
That was well said, let us to Councel then—
Suppose I Court the Queen in my own shape?

Mar.
I think tis best that you do first inquire,
How far the subtle Queen does stand ingaged
Unto Ormasdes, that you may not kneele
To her, if she unto another bow?

Emb.
It will not be amiss, that I inquire,
Of some great man in power, who I may bribe:—
Such as Cleandras trust does most admit,
To plead my Masters cause, and argue it:—
—What if I first Ormasdes self do try?
Twill search his love, and his fidelity.

Mari.
I am not fit to judge, nor can advise;
But will with prayers, assist your enterprize.

Emb.
I'le visit him, and if he guilty be,
I shall confound his great securitie.

Mari.
I fear you sooner will your self destroy,
Then by your furious passions him anoy.

Emb.
Will, you go with me to Ormasdes Lodge?
Least I disturb his solitary Soul,
And with my rude breath, harm the man you love.

Mari.
I'de rather be the subject of your mirth,
Then great Ormasdes should such rage discern,
As from your Arguments will soon arise.

Emb.
No, I'le approach him with my gentle looks,
As calm, and smoath, as Virgins when they smile,
Such as our tender yielding hearts beguile;
But if Ormasdes do a lover prove!
He will my hopes and fears to anger move;—
—Do you attend the Queen, till my return.

[Exeut severally.
Enter Ormasdes, a Book in his hand, as talking to Young Titus.
Ormas.
I never liv'd, till now you think me dead—
Does my dear friend believe, what I have said?

Y. Tit.
Sir, if the friendship you allow, be more
Then an Airie name? you will now permit
That I as freely speak, as I do love.

Orm.
Titus friendship would have honored Cato,
And now my self am prouder of advise
From Titus, then for all my victories.

Tit.
Thus then Cleandra thinks, and so do I,
This loneness will your sorrows multiply;
Passions conceal'd, do nourish discontent,
But if reveal'd, much mischief may prevent:
Tis my ambition to obtain this trust,
If great Ormasdes thinks I dare be just.

Ormas.
By all our—I know no discontent,
Nor has my quiet brest a passion in't.—

Titus.
Hold Ormasdes, hear me out; who now come
To let you know, that I, and many more
Who love you, do believe that you repine,
Because Cleandra is so much reserv'd;
And dare not own the passion that you have.
—If this be your trouble, trust it to me;
And you shall soon perceive, what I can do,
In satisfaction to your highest wish:
—I do so far incourage, and assure,
What I have mentioned; Is the Nations hope;
Who pray that great Cleandra may comply
In all, that will Ormasdes satisfie
Thus my affection, has my heart exprest,
And I expect an answer I may trust.

Ormas.
What you have uttered Titus; I believe,
And scorn to think such friendship, can deceive.
By the same sacred tye, I you conjure,
To credit me, who seriously do vow.
I only chose this solitary life,
To ease my body, and repose my mind;
I have no passion, nor do grief sustain,
Nor have a wish beyond Cleandras smile,
And Titus friendship; which I'le near beguile.

Titus.
Sir, I am bound to credit what you say,
And shall no more endeavour by discourse,
To alter such well grounded purposes:
But must we never hope for your return?
To Court? where you with the same freedom may
Enjoy what private hours you can desire,
And not thus put the World so wholly off;
Which surely was, with all its glories made,
For use of man, and its felicities
To be by us injoyed; without a crime.

Ormas.
Yes Titus, but we vain men mistake,
And from our fickle Infancy propose,
Glittering felicities we never find,
For as we grow up to the injoyments
Of what riper years bring with them, we see
That our desires do daily higher grow
And our fruitions but foundations lay,
T'entertain our busie brains, a new way.
So that we seldome contentation have,
In what we do possess; but forward look,
And only find some pleasure in the way,
Towards the end we aime at; which obtain'd,
Brings not those real joyes, we did expect;
Only affords some relish which invites
Our idle fancies, to seek new delights;
—How unhappy then, is our best happiness?
When no fruitions, can our fond hearts bless.
Still subject to unsatisfied desires,
That from quench'd Ashes, does beget new Fire.
Thus all our Appetites, do make us slaves,
And from our cradles lead us to our graves.

Young Titus.
Has the Gods only given us active souls?
And no objects, fit for them to fix on?

Orma.
To think on those Gods, will afford our hearts
A full variety, of lasting joyes;
VVith which our earthly fancies cannot mix,
VVhen on Cœlestial happiness, we fix.

Titus.
I shall e're long, this argument revive,
And shew, how you are buried alive!
Where is that valor, and that virtue gon?
Whither that courage fled? I doated on.
Though you can passion, and desire sustain,
You must not quit the Court, as if disdain
Of all the glories that a Court can give,
Could not perswade you there again to live.
—I must now leave you to attend the Queen;—
[Exit Titus

Ormas.
A clearer virtue I have never seen.

[Exit omnes severally.
Enter the Queen, Embassador, Mariana, Old Titus, and Train.
Embassador.
Madam, shall I return without a hope?
No gratious answer to my Masters sute!

Queen.
My Lord, I fully have declar'd, that way.

Embassador.
Never to marry Madam!

Queen.
Tis my opinion now.

Embassador.
Will you permit my Master to appear?
Whose person may bring Arguments to prove,
It necessary to allow his Love.

Queen.
By no means my Lord, I shall not admit
His visit, if he come on that affair!
But must against his coming now declare.

Embass.
How can you Madam, thus declare against
A person, and a passion you see not?
Or prejudge, what you will think hereafter!
His presence, may change this severity.

Queen.
I have consider'd all that can be said,
Urge it no more.

Exit Queen, and Train.
The Embassador stands concern'd.
Ma.
Brother,—Sir,—what do you ail? what strange looks
Do you put on? you will be discovered!

Emba.
I Mariana, tis now my business,
To try if this Scene changing, may not change
Cleandras stubborn heart; when she shall see
This borrow'd habit, thrown away; if then,
She scorn my Love! I will break off the League
And in my own Right will a VVar declare,
For her so lately conquer'd Zelnian Crown,
And there will try, if her conceal'd Gallant!
The great Ormasdes may once more be drawn
From Sanctuary, to defend her Right,
From my just rage;—I will now visit him.

Mari.
This humour is not fit for complement,

Emb.
Fear not Mariana, I'le not wrangle now,
My business is to bribe that mighty man,
And make him plead my cause to the fair Queen,
—But if I find him rotten at the heart!
I shall unmask him, spite of all his Art.

Mari.
That is what I fear.

[Exeunt.