University of Virginia Library

ACT I.

SCENE I.

Discovers the King lying on a Couch; After a Song he Rises.

King,
Oh Love! like Death no Difference thou know'st,
The Heart thou strik'st must to thy Power submit,
Tho satisfyed the Yielding Ruins it:
Not Alexander could withstand thy Dart,
Yet he had baffled Millions with his Shield;
The God of War thy Arrows did Disgrace,
Making him languish at thy Mothers feet:
No wonder if our Heroes were thy Slaves,
When you subdued the Deity they serv'd.

Enter a Gentleman.
Gent.
Ghinotto waits your Majesties Commands.

King,
Bid him Enter.
Enter Ghinotto.
Oh my Ghinotto, dost thou bring me Comfort?
Or must Despair consume thy Master, speak?

Ghi.
What might be urg'd to serve your Majesty
This Brain has studied, and this Tongue perswaded;
But still the Coyness of a slighted Maid,
Seduc'd by the false Vows of her first Lover,
To all besides she bears;
Nor Power, nor Pomp can bring her to my Will.

King,
Thou dost not sure the Art of Courtship know,
That canst not with Preferment win a Woman.

Ghi.
Perhaps Proposals from your Majesty might tempt her;
But from me, tho Duty should instruct her to obey;
Yet she despises the utmost hopes
My Cunning can invent.

King,
I'le see her then my self;
They say there is a Power in Majesty,
Which Woman can't withstand;
And if a Crown can win her,
Aside.
I will exchange it for the moments Bliss,
And be content to serve my after Daies.
How does she bear the Marriage of Rheusanes?

Ghi.
As gaping Courtiers do the Rise of those
Who take it o're their Heads: she sighs,
And coldly saies, She's glad Rheusanes Fortune
Has provided a beauty in all Points
So much above her to share his Heart,
So much more worthy in his Masters eye, so—

King,
What now?

Shout.
Ghi.
'Tis for Rheusanes, Sir.
The Crouded streets smoak with his Aclamations,
And He their Sun sucks up the ambitious Fogg.

King,
Ghinotto he must be Clouded, set in a Winters Sky,
Where sometimes he may shine, but weakly warm.

Ghi.
Success in Souldiers makes 'em Popular,
Nay oft disturbs the State which once they serv'd:
So 'tis a Prince's safety to remove 'em
Still as they grow familiar with their Country,
Into a private Life;
Which to the full shall recompence the Publique,
And keep 'em with just duty to their Prince.

King,
'Tis well advis'd.
You once were great i'th' Military Cause,
Deserv'd, and did receive Applauses too.
Thy Son being grown fit for the honour'd Field,
I took thee to my self my bosom Friend.

Ghi.
So warm a Climate vertue does encrease,
My care have ever been to serve my Masters.

King,
Thou art a worthy States-man.
Rheusanes on his Marriage shall resign his Staff,
Which to thy Son descends: Let him Example
From his Father take, and well I shall be Guarded:
This Night I'l see thy Daughter.
If thou canst bring her to accept my offers,
I'le make thee Father of thy Prince, Ghinotto,

Enter Gentleman.
Gent.
The General waits for admittance, Sir.

King,
Conduct him in Ghinotto.
Exit Ghi. and Gent.
I must Enjoy her:
Great is the interest of this General,
As great I know the Love is he bears her;
My Sister first presented him to me,
And now expects to reap what she has sown,
Tho Kings would Glory in so rich a Bride:
Yet for my own content she Marries him;
I have no hopes to compass Antelina
But by this snare:
For when Love once for Greatness is Despis'd,
Still the neglected by that scorn's advis'd,
And when Rheusanes falshood she has known,
How will she catch the offer of a Crown.

Enter Ghinotto, Rheusanes, Dorenalus, Attendants, Rheusanes Kneels.
Rhe.
Success and Plenty wait upon my Prince,
And still when e're his Country wants relief,
May Fortune prove as favourable as now.

King,
Welcom most fortunate, most wish'd for man,
Thy Prince's Guardian, and thy Countrys Prop:
Rise and look like the conqueror thou art.

Rhe.
You pay my duty much above its merit,
Nor could my Life, tho lost in your defence,
Be worthy of such Title, or such Praise;
I've serv'd my Prince but as a subject ought,
When he commands his service;

King,
Dorenalus! thou'rt welcom,
Dor. Kneels,
May still good fortune wait upon thy Youth,
Encouraging thy Endeavours with success.

Dor.
Long as the favour of my Prince waits on me,
I need not fear the want of Heav'ns assistance.

King,
Rheusanes, since Heav'n has blest us
With Victory, and thy safety,
I think it were presumption more to tempt it;
Thou hast discharg'd thy Office well and Nobly;
And how to recompence thy Merit we have studied:
But if thy fancy would reward thy service
With a particular choice it most delights in,
Proclaim thy wishes to our grateful ear,
With a most worthy and just assurance.

Rhe.
So well I know the goodness of my Master,
That on his choice I wholly will depend,
For fear my wishes meet with his intentions,
Which rudely might interpret that I knew
My own deserts as well as does my Prince.

King,
My wishes hope to agree with thy desires.
Goes to the door and brings in Oryala.
Can this reward thee?

Dor.
Ha!

Aside.
King,
Why so surpriz'd Rheusanes? 'tis real and thy Merit,
Here take her, and the next sun shall see you
Joyn'd much faster.—still senseless!

Rhe.
Such blessings, Sir, must be receiv'd
With all humility and admiration.

King,
Courtship, I know, is troublesom in Publique;
We'l leave you to the Eyes and Ears
Only of each other.

Dor.
The use of mine forsake me
[Ex. King. Dor. Ghin. Manent Ory, and Rhe.
At this Moment.

Rhe.
What shall I do, or, how shall I approach her?
Most gracious Princess!

Ory.
Most worthy Lord.

Rhe.
By Heav'ns, she spoke as if she lik'd my answer,
And prompts me to go on.

Aside.
Ory.
Some pitying God now stand a Virgins Friend,
Inspire him with affection towards my Love,
That neither my desires may be refus'd,
Aside.
Nor Greatness slighted.

Rhe.
Since, Madam, by the King I here am left
To win your favour, or receive your scorn;
I would entreat (e're I presume to talk
Of that nice subject we must enter on)
You would resolve me one material Point,
Kneels.
Which my fears urge me thus to beg of you.

Ory.
Rise, My Lord, so well I know the goodness of your soul,
That whatsoever it dare ask, I need not blush to grant;
I guess his Measures, and am prepar'd to meet 'em.

Aside.
Rhe.
Oh, Antelina!
Aside.
'Tis, Madam, whether by inclination or command
You do permit this single Conference?

Ory.
My Lord!

Rhe.
Pardon me, Princess, if I err, impute it to respect,
And much of Honour:
'Tis probable your Choice is made already;
If so, what happiness can I expect
From an intangled Love, or forc'd compliance?

Ory.
If it were so, (tho you've no cause to doubt)
But if it were, I say,
In kind obedience to the Kings Command,
I would correct the errors of my Will,
And with content accept what he thought fit.

Rhe.
Load me not, Madam, with too many favours,
Lest I want power to recompence your goodness.
Honour and Beauty I have fought for long,
Yet never did my Ambition swell so high,
To think my Duty worthy of such Greatness.

Ory.
Since, General, 'tis the Opinion of your Prince,
Your Princess too complying with his Thoughts,
You should be Proud that he esteems so well;
And blow the Flame which kindles thus your Glory.

Rhe.
Hold, now my Honour, Faith, and Love stands fast.

aside.
Ory.
Why pause you so?

Rhe.
My fortunes, Madam, crowed so fast upon me,
I am surpriz'd and puzled to receive 'em,

Ory.
'Tis probable your Choice is made already;
Else, why this subtle distance in your speech?
Why, palls your Spirit when I grant it freedom?
Think to what envy'd Glory thou art climbing,
Kings, have been Proud, but to be thought my Suitors;
And he was happiest whom I smil'd on most.

Rhe.
If happily from Kings I had descended,
With a bold Joy I should embrace this offer;
I but indifferent Parentage can boast;
A private Gentleman by you prefer'd,
Your favour was the Sun that warm'd my hopes,
And ripen'd with applause my undertakings;
I am a Cloud will sully the bright Glory,
Which from your Eyes gives comfort to the World.

Ory.
Honour atchiev'd is Reckon'd the most Noble,
The Romans thought the merits of the Sword,
Excel'd the Nobleness of long Succession;
The famous Marius of Plebian Race,
The dignity of Consul bore seven times;
Why should not Diamonds bear their worth in dirt,
Equal with those the flattering Artists set?
But in this Age fantastick Ornaments,
Baffles the Honest, Plain, and solid Vertue.

Rhe.
There's no avoiding of her meaning how,
Through all my Cunning shiftings she has Cours'd me,
And hunted my Excuses to a Bay:
aside.
Madam, like all your former favours, is this last,
The Generous encouragement you give me,
Upbraids my sence for wanting words to thank you;
Grant me a little Time to weigh this Goodness
And I will study how to Answer it.

Ory.
Had Antelina made this invitation,
You would have had one ready.

Rhe.
I do not understand.—

Ory.
'Twere better if you had:
But remember and Curse your folly.

Rhe.
I have disturb'd her Soul, and in her Eye
I see neglected greatness threaten high.

Ory.
Make me no lower stoop thou Tyrant Love,
I thought no possibility for this:
aside.
Does your Guilt make me Dumb?

Rhe.
I dare not speak, I see your Anger,
And I dread your Frown: would I had never been.

Ory.
Why?

Rhe.
Or else been yours.

Ory.
Ha!

Rhe.
Oh! do not strike me Dead, but Mercy shew:
kneels
I see Revenge preparing for the blow,
And fear there's no Avoiding of it now.

Ory.
Shame and Dishonour of my Soul, What am I?
What is a Princess slighted by a Slave?
But think you I will bear it tamely Traitor?
No, if my Power can Purchase me revenge,
Your Antelina quits the World this Moment;
In everlasting Solitude shall dwell,
And Cloister'd be for ever from Man-kind.

Rhe.
Oh hold! I had forgot her Power, and with my
Forward Zeal undo my Hopes.

Ory.
Unhand me.

Rhe.
I cannot till you recal your Doom.

Ory.
Till you renounce her, my Decree stands firm.

Rhe.
Take then, O! take the fatal secret from me,
For Death I know must wait on the Confession;
My Faith to her was Plighted long before
I knew the least intentions for this Match:
Give me some Time then but to weigh this goodness;
For tho' I see my Fortunes mended much,
I can't forget she once was all I hop'd for.

Ory.
Will you resolve? or,—

Rhe.
I will.—

Ory.
What?

Rhe.
Study to Love.—

Ory.
Whom?

Rhe.
Oh! Antelina!

Ory.
Villain.

Stamps.
Rhe.
Yet stay.

Ory.
I will not, Mercy nor Love, my Passion shall controule,
But as thou hast mine, I will Torment thy Soul.

Rhe.
Yet mercy.

Ory.
Antelina.

Rhe.
Mercy.

Ory.
Forsake her then.

Rhe.
Would you not think it hard to have a claim
Below your own, deprive you of the Crown?
In love Pretentions like to those take place,
Nor durst I think of any to your Highness.

Ory.
Canst thou neglect the Glories of a Princess
For mean delights in her indifferent Arms?

Rhe.
Indifferent beings should their Equals choose;
The meanest sort:—

Ory.
Can then thy Soul be stinted to a being
And Covet nothing more beyond a Woman?
This mean Confession has alarm'd my Pride,
Ignoble Wretch! go Lanquish by her side:
The Honours which my favour on thee set,
Go lay 'em all at Antelinas feet:
Forget the Court and to a Cell retreat.
Oh! I betray my self, I must not stay;
Least I want Power to take my self away.

Exit.
Rhe.
How cross a fate has Heav'n appointed me,
Exit.
Was I preserv'd abroad to perish here,
Through all the hazards which my life has run,
Fortune befriended me, and led me on,
But now when most I want her, she is gone.

Enter Dorenalus with his Sword drawn.
Dor.
So is Dorenalus.

Rhe.
Ha!

Dor.
Draw Rheusanes.

Rhe.
Wherefore?

Dor.
Oh! thou hast bought a spot of Earth so cheap,
That the whole World will envy the vast Purchase
The Fruit it bears, like that of the first Tree,
Which did betray mankind, has poyson'd me;
If therefore you would keep it undisturb'd,
The everlasting springing sweets still Chast,
Immortal, like the power design'd 'em so.
Cut off the Serpent which would blast its vertues,
Would leave it a corrupted Root of Lust,
Where sins would multiply with every Thought.

Rhe.
Your mystick meaning yet I cannot guess;
But if in me There's ought can make you happy,
By all our Friendship you shall reap the blessing.

Dor.
Friendship be ever banisht from our Hearts,
I hate thee more then thou canst love thy Comfort;
Draw, or by the power which thus distracts my Temper,
I'l kill thee like a Slave which wrongs Mans Honour;
And then wants Courage to redress the affront.

Rhe.
Thou knowest I do not fear:
[draws.
But, for thy Sisters sake whom I have Lov'd.—

Dor.
Whom thou hast Lov'd,—thy Heart.

Rhe.
Through it ungrateful, have I nurst thy Youth
With all the tender Care of friendships Eye;
And this my Recompence disclose your heart:
Lay forth the Troubles which afflict it thus,
Then if I have the Power to heal your wrongs,
And do refuse, I'l meet thy Passion
As becomes, Rheusanes.

Dor.
Thou wilt not.

Rhe.
Try me, you never found me Faithless yet.

Dor.
Do not Urge me.

Rhe.
I must.

Dor.
Let thy Sword rip my Breast up.
And in my Heart thou'lt find the secret written.

Rhe.
Friendship forbid it;
Delay no longer.

Dor.
Oh! I am lost.

[fall in Rhe. Arms.
Rhe.
Thou art not, here's thy Guide.

Dor.
Oryala.

Rhe.
What of her?

Dor.
You'l laugh at me.

Rhe.
Hate me then justly,

Dor.
Do you not love her?

Rhe.
No.

Dor.
But she does you.

Rhe.
Is it my fault, would you kill me for that?

Dor.
No, I would not now, but long since I could;
I love her Friend.

Rhe.
Thy Friend resigns her to thee.

Dor.
Oh! she has given Rheusanes all her heart;
And for Dorenalus she has no room.

Rhe.
Approach her, make thy sufferings known,
Who knows but Heav'n may plead in thy behalf,
Or, she when knowing how our Loves are crost;
May by they Tongue be mov'd to set 'em right.

Dor.
Ye pitying powers befriend me but in this,
And all my daies I'l sacrifice in Thanks.
Can you forgive?

Rhe.
What?

Dor.
The Unruly Method which I us'd just now.

Rhe.
Fogive, I thank the occasion which has set us right,
And prov'd how strong my Faith is to your Sister.
No more: hast to the Princess, and relate your Passion,
May all the charms of Love and Youth wait on thee.

Dor.
I have full power to work her as I please.

Rhe.
I'l bless the skill that cures my Friends Disease.

Exeunt.