 | The Imperial Tragedy |  |
The Third Act.
[Trumpets afar off.Enter Zeno, Longinus, Sebastianus, and Train.
Sebast.
Cæsar , the noise drawes nigher.
Zeno.
Like armed Troops.
Sebast.
They sound a charge.
Zeno.
What can this alarum mean?
Sebast.
Th'Imperial Standard marches in the Van.
Longi.
A curse upon this Army, to revolt now.
Enter Urbitius.
Urbit.
Cæsar, Arme.
Longi.
May fatal Armes orewhelme thee.
Zeno.
And why Arme?
Urbit.
The Earth groans under men.
Longi.
We'l make them groan,
Urbit.
Great Harmatius in the front appears.
Zeno.
I am amaz'd! what if his Son should meet him?
The injur'd, degraded Basiliscus.
How will just grief inflame the old mans soul?
Sure he will storm the City in his rage.
Longi.
To stop him, we must use some stratagem.
Zeno.
I, Brother. What!
Enter Anastatius.
Anast.
Cæsar, the Troops approach.
Zeno.
Owl, why doest thou screech so?
Anast.
I hear the Trumpets plain.
Zeno.
Peace, thou Infernal Screech Owl.
Anast.
Pardon, Cæsar, I meant not to offend.
Zeno.
How shall we divert these Rebels?
Urbit.
Let that be my care.
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And will as suddenly disband them too.
Harmatius shall in peace now come to Court,
And free from jealousie himself insnare.
Longi.
By what device?
Urbit.
'Tis not yet ripe, nor have we time to talk:
Let my head be the forfeit if I fail.
Zeno.
Go on, if Fortune crown thee with success,
Half mine is thine: thou wilt deserve no less.
All go off but Anastasius and Urbitius.
Urbit.
A prosp'rous gale attends on our designs.
Do you not mark, how these thick sculs contrive
Our work; and hasten on their own destruction?
Anast.
Yes, this great work has its success from Heav'n.
Zeno dreads Harmatius, (that Son of Mars.)
His Brother an immortal grudge doth bear
To grave Pelagius; their Fates decreed:
The Brothers are resolv'd, those two shall bleed.
Will not the Senate, and the people love
Those, who destroy these wicked Emperors?
And by so bold an Act, this Empire free
From farther bloodshed, and from slavery.
Urbit.
The Destinies design you to do it.
Anast.
I, a poor Screech Owl, or a Buzard am!
In the two brave Brothers estimation.
Yet with the Vulture, I may change my vote,
And learn some tragick tunes, in hope to fright
Those two inhumane Butchers, with my sight.
Urbit.
But tell us how Harmatius must be caught.
Anast.
Briefly thus, I'le find out Basiliscus,
And in the sordid pickle he is in,
Send him to his great Father in the Camp;
Where you, and I will be, to aggravate
The young Mans sufferings, which must needs inrage
Harmatius, to resolve a quick revenge;
Or by some private stratagem return,
The Cruel Princes treachery, with scorn.
Look, the Colours begin to move this way,
Hast to congratulate his safe approach,
And till his Son comes, keep him in discourse.
[Exeunt severally.
Enter Harmatius and Officers.
Harmat.
Souldiers, we must not sack this Royal Town;
It is enough that we have reach'd the walls:
To carry in these Armes, our Laws forbid.
Let us thank Heav'n, for this our safe return,
22
And not imbroil our Country in a Warr,
For private wrongs done to my Family.
Your love to me, and courages, I know:
Your very looks have gain'd what I desire;
My Enemies already are subdu'd:
None dares oppose, the Gates do open stand,
The City I command; and yet not I:
Victory follows, where your Eagles flie.
Enter Urbitius.
Urbit.
Welcome great General, best of Souldiers,
Our Eastern Empires safety, and support,
May Heav'n propitious be to your intents.
This Armies glorious Actions, and your own,
By all the East are fear'd, as well as known.
Harmat.
My Lord, no Courtship. Is all quiet here?
Urbit.
No. Our old evils are reviv'd again,
Th'Imperial Brothers rather Rage than Reign;
Your Daughters honor's violently prest;
Your Son with scorn, and insolence thrown out;
Our great, and best men, murder'd ev'ry day:
And to increase this Fatal Tragedy,
The worthy Empress, must by poyson die.
'Tis in your will, and in your power alone,
To save this Empire from destruction.
Harmat.
I have heard something of these ills you name.
Enter to them, Anastasius and Basiliscus in ill Clothes.
Harmat.
Can this possibly be He? Oh my Son!
Basilis.
Oh Father!
[They imbrace.
Harmat.
I am amaz'd! what alteration's this?
How came you in this sad condition, Son?
Anast.
Oh the wheel of Fortune!
Harmat.
What dares Fortune against me?
Anast.
What ever horrid Envy dares attempt.
Harmat.
Whence all this sadness? whence these meager looks,
And ragged mournings, dark as night it self?
Anast.
'Tis Zeno's work: the Brute was then inrag'd,
Or he would not have sentenc'd him, unheard.
Basilis.
In a full Council, without cause produc'd,
He did condemn, and pronounc'd me guilty,
Took off my Robes, and so degraded me.
Urbit.
Oh Monstrous! so inrag'd against a youth.
Basilis.
Then banish'd me from Court, and bid me wear
Poor Clothes, much fitter for my quality.
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My wrongs cry loud to you, Sir, for revenge:
In which my heart, and hand, shall active be.
Harmat.
Unhappy Son! has Zeno broak his faith;
And dar'd to throw such high contempts on me?
Soldiers, to Armes, to Armes: bring fagots in,
We now will fire the Palace o're his head,
And make that faithless Monarch perish in't.
Ungrateful Zeno, to reward me thus!
What could this tender youth attempt 'gainst thee?
Anast.
It was indeed a barbarous decree,
So to bereave us of a hopeful Prince.
Harmat.
Though the Tyrant rage, thou my Son shalt Reign.
To Arms, while my inraged angers up:
We'l bring confusion on false Zeno's head.
I'le make the Tyrant know, 'twas I alone
That with this Sword, did set him on his Throne;
And with this Arme come now to pull him down.
Castor, give orders out for an Assault:
We'l purge the Castle, and the Town with fire,
Till with the Tyrants blood, we quench the flames,
Leave no remembrance of them, but their Names.
But whither do I headlong cast my self?
My passion swells beyond all moderate bounds,
Down, down my heart, and calmly smother this
Affront; till I get Zeno in my power:
That men may see, I can subdue my self,
With the same courage which has conquer'd others.
Thus stay my fury, to preserve my friends,
Until some way for my revenge be found,
To separate the rotten from the sound.
Urbit.
We do all know, your power upon your self,
Who can best judge, when passion reason rules.
The tumults in the soul cannot discern
High acts of Justice, from such mean revenge,
As great Harmatius ever scorn'd to own.
If by the force of Armes you do prevail,
How can your Friends from Enemies be known?
Shall the just and unjust have the same Fate?
Shall our Records to after ages tell,
That your Country by your last Conquest fell?
And in this noble Cities ruin hide,
All your past glories, and this Nations pride.
Harmat.
You do confirm me, and I will consult
On my second thoughts, which you now advise.
Urbit.
Why should we run the hazard of a fight,
When our work may be better done by smiles?
Cæsar wants no friends, nor guards about him;
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If you assault, they'l fight you.
Harmat.
For a Tyrant?
Urbit.
Their present fear will soon forget that Name,
And their concern forgive past injuries.
When they see our devouring Swords prevail;
Who knows what then to hope, or what to wish?
Thus, we by force compel them to oppose,
Who else would joyn, to throw the Tyrant out.
Anast.
'Tis most just, you should have satisfaction.
Urbit.
That we agree: But let us make sure work.
Your Countries rescue, and your Sons great wrongs,
And blood of Innocents, for vengeance cry:
But the way to't, is worthy our consult.
Harmat.
Give me your opinion, how I shall proceed.
Urbit.
Dissemble your resentments; go to Court
As you were wont, unarm'd, only with ten
Of your best Captains. You have friends in Court,
To justifie what ever you attempt,
Men you can trust, of power and credit there.
Then let your Captains at the Court, present
A Military Dance, who when you stamp,
May kill the Tyrant; then of course you Rule.
Your Army ready, and your Party arm'd,
Who dares dispute your title to the Crown?
Something like this may be contriv'd, and done.
Harmat.
I shall in part now follow your advice;
I have it fuller than you yet design.
Castor, let all the Army be refresh'd
In the next Villages; and there attend
The Trumpets sound: I will remove to Court.
Send ten of my best Captains after me,
Men of try'd courage, and fidelity.
Basiliscus, you shall go along too;
Thou shalt lead up this Military dance,
And with thy Dagger there thy head advance:
If we can but throw this great Tyrant down;
Thine shall then be his Scepter, and his Crown.
All go off, but Anastasius, Castor, and Souldiers.
Anast.
Ye noble Sons of Mars, this Empires life,
On whose courage our Countries Liberty,
And happiness, securely does rely;
'Tis your triumphant troops preserves us all.
No rewards can equal this your virtue,
No praises reach the honor you have wone,
All that my place or credit can procure,
I freely offer you. This gold, accept it,
As a small testimony of my Love:
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I wish much happiness, and mirth to all.
[Exit.
Castor, and Sould. all.
Long may brave Anastasius Live and Rule.
Castor.
'Twere well, if we had such an Emperor:
Such golden showers are rare, in this our age!
[Exeunt.
Enter Zeno, and Urbitius in discourse.
Urbit.
Sir, you shall find, what I relate, most true.
Zeno.
My fear is over, now I live again
I do imbrace, and hug this subtle Plot:
Let the Rebellious Captains play, and dance;
And let Harmatius lead the Masquerade.
That crafty, wise, victorious General;
Shall play his Master-piece, and in it fall.
I, on my Couch, will their spectator be,
To Judge their Revels, and pertake their sport,
Until my Q. calls me to act my part;
Then strike this Dagger through Harmatius heart.
Let all our guards be ready with their Arms,
Let the Nobility incompass me,
And let Longinus, his assistance give.
The Empires safety must not now rely
On me alone; one pillar cannot bear
So strong an Enemy, invading it.
Urbit.
In the art of Empire, Cæsar's the great Master;
To Rule by Virtue, Riches, and by Armes,
Shews, that your Counsels move by powerful charms.
Enter Sebastianus.
Sebast.
Sir, Harmatius begs leave to kiss your hand;
Longinus sayes, He's ready to fall on;
And that your stout old Guards, highly inrag'd,
Denounce quick ruin to your Enemies.
Zeno.
If all be ord'red, let Harmatius come.
Enter Longinus with the Guards.
Longi.
Behold the Souldiers are already Arm'd.
Zeno.
Brother, I see your friendship, and your faith.
Your Souldiers, now so loyal to their Prince,
Must not appear, until the Dance be done.
I'le give the sign, then suddenly rush in,
And carry off Harmatius, with the rest.
Take care the Palace Gates be well secur'd.
Longi.
All shall be safe, and done, as you could wish.
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'Tis well, now we are so ripe for action,
In his own stratagem, we'l take the Traitor.
My anger, and revenge, shall then flie out,
To shew the world, how dangerous it is
Thus to awake the Destiny of Monarchs.
But now no more; with smooth and gentle looks,
I must imbrace this Monster; here he comes.
Enter Harmatius, and Officers.
Zeno.
I bless Heav'n, that Harmatius is return'd,
By whose Illustrious actions! Zeno lives.
Longi.
aside.
How rarely he does act the Hypocrite?
Zeno.
Welcome to Court, welcome much more to me:
After so many Victories obtain'd;
'Tis time brave Man, to dedicate your Sword
To Peace, and in your Prince's bosome rest.
Harmat.
Great Sir, our Eagles with your fortune flew,
And all our Victories we owe to you.
Those Neighbours, who so boldly did intrude,
By Zeno's Name, and Arms, are now subdu'd.
And Sir, your Troops do in their quarters stand,
Ready to march, where Cæsar shall command.
Zeno.
Now let our Bosoms, and our Hearts imbrace:
And place this Lawrel, on Harmatius head;
[Put on him a Garland.
Which only He of me has merited.
Urbit.
Were ever crafty Foxes better match'd?
Longi.
See, Brother, where the God of War appears.
Zeno.
Harmatius, I reserv'd your place next me.
[They all sit.
Enter Mars drawn in a Chariot: by him the Masquers sleeping.
Zeno.
What sad Solemnity does Mars present?
Mars.
I come, great Cæsar, to implore your aid.
You see, how sad, and dull my Chariot looks:
An high oppressing grief, has conquer'd Mars.
I spy'd these Champions, on the Thracian fields,
Whom neither voice, nor Trumpet sound could wake:
I then their Fate of Phæbus did inquire.
Who said, they were by a Circean Charme
So bound, that by no means they could be wak'd,
Till they by the best Captains Sword were touch'd:
Then should they soon unfold the Fates Decree.
By you, the great Commander of the world,
This Charm can only be dissolv'd; your Sword
Can only bring these Warriers unto life.
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Great Souldier, draw your Sword; this mighty work
[Speaks to Harmat.
Belongs to you, by you these Captains must be freed.
Harmat.
Your pardon, Cæsar, for in your presence
My Power determines. Only Cæsars hand
Can free these Captives from their sleepy Charm.
Mars.
I'le equally decide this great contest:
Harmatius Sword will do't, in Cæsar's hand.
Harmat.
Cæsar commands Harmatius, and his Sword.
[Delivers it to Zeno.
[Zeno with Harmatius Sword touches the sleeping Captains, they wake.
Zeno.
Thus I dissolve the dull Charm. Souldiers, wake.
Mars.
Hark, how the Trumpets summon you to Arms!
Good day to the Heroick Sons of Mars:
Your dead sleep's over, thanks to th'Emperor;
The sole procurer of your happiness.
First Capt.
Great Emperor, while Mar's Planet shines,
His Progeny shall honor, and serve you.
Mars.
Now present Cæsar with a warlike Dance.
Mars leading, they dance two by two, and deliver their Swords to Mars, who gives them into the Scene: At the end of the Dance, they draw their Daggers, and deliver them to Mars. Then Longinus whispers to Zeno.
Longi.
To Arms: The business, and the time requires't.
Zeno.
Souldiers, to Arms, your Emperor's betray'd;
First sease Harmatius, then his fellow Traitors,
Load them with Irons, till they cannot move.
Harmat.
Cæsar will hear me speak, ere He condemn.
Zeno.
Cæsar a dreadful Name will prove to thee.
Harmat.
I vow by Heav'n, that I am innocent.
Zeno.
Take hence the Traitor, we do know enough.
Longi.
Harmatius plotted to take Zeno's life.
Harmat.
I know no guilt.
Longi.
Guilty of the highest Treason.
Zeno.
Urbitius, discover what you know.
Urbit.
Oh thou great Ruler of the World! who seest
The hidden secrets of the Subtlest hearts,
And wilt revenge the perjuries of men;
Let Thunder strike me dead, if I speak false!
Harmatius, much inrag'd for his disgrace,
And his Son's being degraded from the Throne,
Did, by this Martial Dance, plot Cæsar's death,
And order'd Basiliscus to strike first.
Longi.
Now, mighty Souldier, plead your Innocence,
Equivocate, and swear you are not guilty.
Treason's no Crime, in your Heroick heart.
Harmat.
Cæsar, I now discern this, Plot is yours;
You sent your instrument, this fawning Dog
Urbitius, to dissuade me from revenge,
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Lest I should spill the blood of Innocents,
Which, by my Sword, might fall with Murtherers.
'Twas he, not I, that did contrive this Plot,
By your advice; who now condemn me for't.
Here, here, I offer up my naked brest:
Let out my soul. For my inraged heart;
Contemns the little time I have to live.
I scorn to beg a life that's thus betray'd;
Yet blush to be so Childishly destroy'd.
After such dangers and such Battles won;
To place so great a Devil on the Throne!
My Son, 'tis nobler much, to die with me,
Than to live longer here, with Infamy.
Basilis.
Living, I made your Actions my Examples;
And boldly, now in Death, I'le follow you.
Harmat.
Thou art my Son, I see, that canst prefer
Thy honour 'bove thy life; to die with me;
Who boldly slew one Tyrant in the field,
And to this Tyrant do disdain to yield.
Zeno.
Lead them all off to Execution.
[Exeunt Prisoners.
Longi.
Captain, make hast, let one Ax serve them all.
Zeno.
That pestilent tongue does much disturb me.
Longi.
A few minutes will ease you of that pain.
Zeno.
'Tis well; and so am I, for now I live.
Sebastian, publish you Harmatius Plot:
Let some cajole the credulous people,
Who ever joyn with those, that first complain.
Urbitius, take the gold that lies within;
With that, and all your art, appease the Souldiers,
Who for their General's Death will be inrag'd:
Bid them be Loyal to the Crown, and Me.
I will reward their best fidelity.
Urbit.
I shall loose no time to serve my Royal Master.
[Exit Urbit.
Zeno.
Brother, you shall with me ascend the Throne;
That, when I die, you then may Rule alone:
But we must first remove Pelagius.
Longi.
That I'le soon do, I have a trick for him.
He has forsaken Christ, and worships Jove:
There shall be Witnesses to prove it true;
Though he be no more guilty of't, than you.
Zeno.
But will it look like truth, as you propose't?
Longi.
Leave that to me, it is my great concern.
Zeno.
If your design succeeds, the Villain dies.
Be sure you trust safe Agents, and dispatch.
Longi.
Oh! the Destruction of my Enemy,
Shall neither want dispatch, nor vigilance.
[Exeunt.
| The Imperial Tragedy | |