University of Virginia Library

THE IV ACT.

[Scene I.]

The Scene Bactria.
Ye streets all hung with rich tapestry, in which may bee represented ye wars and overthrow of Persia.
After severall sorts of Musick heard and acclamations, Daemolgoron and ye 2 Princes enter through a Guard of Souldiers, the Captives following them with their sword points downward.
Enter King Zoroastres, attended with his Nobles, meeting them.
Zor.
Welcome, dear Son! thy Countreys joy and mine.

Daem.
All to these Princes, Sir, I must resign.
Twice did ye brave Phylander save my life
Whilst my own men stood looking on ye strife.
Great Oroandes, when I was captive led,
Restor'd my freedom with ye Gaolers head.
The Persian King himself hee slew that day,
And opime spoils in tryumph bore away.

Zor.
Welcome, brave Princes! Guardians of my Crown!
You've rais'd my Eagles bleeding on ye ground.
Not ye Pellaean Youth breath'd greater Joy
When hee subdued the Persian Monarchy;
Unhappy Persia who too now dost owe
To ye Prince of Macedon thy Overthrow.

Phy.
If yee proud Persians, Sir, wee did subdue,
'Twas by the Influence wee had from you.
With Justice's sword wee fought, and for our Laws.
Who ever yet was beat in such a Cause?

Oro.
Since, Mighty Sir, I've conquered for you
And in pitch'd battles did our foes subdue,
I hope at last to mee you'le prove soe kind
That noe resistance I at home may find.

Zor.
Great is ye service which for mee you've done,
Conquered my foes, and preserv'd my son.
Large are your Conquests, but your merits more.
Your Crowns and Scepters therefore I restore.
Persia is yours.

Oro.
'Tis not your gold and scepters I desire;
Gold is but dross in loves almighty fire.
Nor part of Conquer'd Persia doe I crave;
The world itself in this is but a slave.

Phy.
I ask ye same, and with some justice too,
If you remember what I've done for you.

Zor.
I know my Daughter you doe both desire,
But both of you can't have what both require.

Oro.
In vain Victorious Arms abroad I bore,
Since for such mighty deeds you'le give noe more.
With unrelenting sword alone I stood
And purple dy'd it in whole streams of blood.
Their King and all their Gods I captive led,
'Gainst all their thunder did my Army head.

Phy.
I will not say ye Gods I captive took
Or at my stroaks that ye whole fabrick shook,
But this I may: through Clouds of smoak I flew
And ye whole Army did myself pursue;
The stoutest trembled when they heard my Name;
All ye great Cytys yeelded as I came,
Whilst this, my Rivall, did ye temples take
And all ye silent gods with fury break.
Helpless Images hee took, but what did I?
I took those gods who, when they speak, men dye.
I fought soe long that none were there to yeeld;
Honour and I together left ye feild.

Daem.
Both, Sir, soe gallantly themselves behav'd,
They scorn'd by each other to bee outbrav'd.

Zor.
Hast then, my Son. Unto ye Pallace goe
And on rich banquets all your Care bestow.
Bid my two daughters come, that they may share
My Joys with mee, and for rewards prepare.

Oro.
Stay, Prince Daemolgoron, for I must goe
To pay that tribute which to them I owe.

Phy.
I too will waite on them. Great King, adeiwe.

[Exeunt.
Manet King solus.
Zor.
Hee that ye Laws of Empire will maintain
Must never think by vertue for to reign.
Weak is that Crown set on by vertue's hand;
Walls built with blood doe allways longest stand.
Arise then, spirits able for to fright,
The blackest forms that ever sprung from Night,
Arise, arise— [Stamps at each word.


Severall spirits arise all in black, with ghastly Vizards.
1st Spir.
What is't, Dread Lord, for us that makes you send?
Pluto was angry, but bid us to attend.

Zor.
Millions of years to rocks you shall bee chain'd
If you bee n't readier when I doe command.
Goe then; with hast unto my Pallace fly.
I have two princes there by you must dye.
Use all your pow'rfull drugs that may them keep;
Try watchfull life to captive with your sleep.
Secure their bodys. Then cast Magick round,
And that noe place at all for flight bee found,
Let all ye world bee made inchanted ground.

2d Spir.
It shall bee done.

Omnes.
It shall bee done. [The spirits vanish. Exit King.

[Scene II.]

The Scene changes to a Rock with woods adjoyning.
Enter Oroandes following ye shape of Polynice who still flys from him.
Oro.
Stay, fairest Nymph!

Poly.
Oh, stop not, Sir, my flight,
But vanish if you can, and fly my sight.
Three savage men but now did mee pursue,
Who, if you ha'nt a care, will murder you.
Fly then—but quickly fly—ah!

[Runs away. Oroandes follows her.
Oro.
“Fly, Oroandes, fly,”—what does it mean?
My vertue will not stir where nothing's seen.
But coward heart! Cans't thou here idle stay,
When thy adored mistress calls away?
Run then, and succour give, if not too late;
Who knows but yet you may redeem her fate?

The savages lead Polynice swiftly over ye stage into one of the alleys.
Poly.
Oh! help me, gentle sir!—Ah! [Crys out.


Oro.
Gods! if soe much innocence you doe neglect,
What mortal ever will your aid expect?
But hold, I'le goe, for I will ne're give leave
That from ye Gods she her Protection have.
My then Rivall Gods—
[Hee pursues the savages to a cave which is at ye foot of ye rock. They all vanish and leave him chain'd after dancing round him.
Heavens! what magick's this? I cannot move.
Sure there's some conjuring today above.
All things with walls enclos'd doe seem to mee
And I am made a Pris'ner when I'me free. [Sets down.


Enter Phylander following ye shape of Polynice.
Phy.
Bright beauty, stay! you know not where you goe.
D'you see those rocks and dangerous seas below?

Poly.
For Heav'ns sake, let mee my own ends pursue:
I shall bee murther'd if I stay with you.

Phy.
Ah, Madam! noe one sure dare you prophane,
Noe one below a god will at you aim.
An Atheist would be damn'd without repreive,
Should hee such glorys see and not beleive.

Poly.
Forbear these praises, Sir, for you will see
'Tis not impossible for mee to dye.
Ah, yonder come those Monsters. Let's away
Unless y' intend that wee should bee their prey.

Phy.
Fly, Madam, fly, and I will fight them here.
[Phylander fights the savages. Polynice runs away. The savages seem to fly and draw him off ye stage.
Trew Courage ne're with greatness does appear.
Dogs! I would not quarter to you now give
If I ye Empire of ye world might have.
How could you, Sons of Earth! success expect
When you 'gainst Heaven did your arms direct?
Noe mercy, slaves! your Actions that deny.
Justice asks vengeance, and you all shall dye.

[Hee pursues the savages opposite to a cave where Oroandes is. They all dance round him and sing.
Song.
1st Spir.
Unhappy Prince! who here must stay,
Till our great King is call'd away,
And that shall bee before ye sun
Six times about ye world has run.

Chorus.
With Patience then wait till ye clouds rent asunder.
There's nothing can wake your sleep but loud thunder

[The savages all descend.
Phy.
What means these fogs? I'me stopt by unseen arms;
All things I touch are turned into charms. [Sits down.

[Scene III.

Ye Pallace.]
Enter Juliana and Trivia at severall doors.
Jul.
Trivia, undone! my father knows I Love.

Tri.
And won't he, Madam, too your love approve?

Jul.
Ah, noe! noe cruell father storms more high,
Hee is resolv'd ye Princes both shall dye.
With mighty charms hee does them fetter'd keep
In ye Lethargick Labyrinths of sleep.
Six watchfull spirits tend them night and day,
That 'tis impossible for to slip away.

Tri.
Some way, dear Madam, sure may yet bee found.
Is there noe spell can force inchanted ground?
A woemans wit can ne're bee baffl'd sure.
I'le pawn my life; for this I'le find a Cure.

Jul.
Unjust to them are rigid fortunes frowns.
They're now inglorious slaves, who once wore Crowns.
This land to my Great Prince does Safety owe
And ought more noble guifts on him bestowe.

Tri.
Ah, Cursed, Madam, bee this Magick art
That can trew Lovers keep soe long apart!

Jul.
But Oroandes yet, if he was free,
Would scorn perhaps to bee a slave to mee.
His Heart's soe full of glory there's no room
For wretched, poor, and forlorn love to come.

Tri.
If glory bee the mark at which hee aims,
Hee'l headlong shoot himself into your chains.
What tho his lofty spirit tow'rs soe high,
There's something may him please below a scky.

Jul.
Nothing below an Angell can him move,
Nor will hee stoop to ye gay lure of love.
Oft have I panted, and have often cry'd,
And still as often has hee mee deny'd.

Tri.
Let him still soar, and still let him mount high,
Higher if hee can than th'ambitious boy.
'Tis nothing—
Together all your beauty's forces call
And you shall see how's waxen wings will fall.
If you too can, I'de have you get him free
That hee may thank you for his liberty.

Jul.
Heavens! I dare not freedome to him give.
First in my easy fetters let him live.
But oh! if once by mee he was beset,
If once hee should bee tangled in my net,
Like ye feirce Lyon hee should starve away
Before hee would grow tame and mee obey.

Tri.
Can you then see him such base fetters wear,
Loaded with worst of misery's dispair?

Jul.
Something I'le doe, but nothing can resolve.
I'le ask my Brother.

Enter Polynice.
Poly.
Ah, sister, fly. Our Brother's furious grown,
Has murther'd half ye People in ye town.
A thousand captives have receiv'd their doom
This day to bleed at fair Cyane's tomb.
Soe far his furious passion has him led
That 'gainst ye King hee dares his Army head.
Consider then what will bee the event
Unless his actions wee by care prevent.

Jul.
Can Sacred Majesty command noe charm
Against ye shocks of a bold Traytours arm?
Kings ought ye cheifest care of Heav'n to bee,
For they are stamp'd with the same mark as they.
Fortune to all ye gods does favour show,
But to poor Kings does nought but frowns bestow.
If I was King, before I'de wear a Crown
Loaded with such cares, I'de leave my throne,
Into heav'ns hands restore my right again,
All my bright glorys, with the golden chain,
And see what god would turn a Tenant for to reign.

Poly.
'Tis blood which does these ills from Heaven send
And unto us does some strange fate portend.
Blood shed unjustly ne're does speechless lye,
But still for vengeance does to Heaven cry.
Unto our Altars then let us repair
And treat ye gods with sacrifice and prayer. [Exit Poly.


To Juliana and Trivia, Daemolgoron with his sword drawn.
Daem.
Young imps of hell! Where's my Cyane gone?
Speak then! how could you let her fall alone?
The lustfull Tyrant too you should have slain
And with his blood have wash'd our honours stain.

Jul.
Alass! hee was our Father, Sir.

Daem.
Hee lost that Title wheen hee virtue left.
Besides, when Fathers sin, and goe astray,
Heav'n wont require you should obedience pay.
Ah! could you see her dye, and know I love?
How could you soe ingratefull to mee prove?

Tri.
Ah, indeed it was hard.

Jul.
Heav'n knows I did withstand her cruell fate,
Preach'd virtue to him, till I urg'd his hate.

Daem.
Barbarous Feind!

Jul.
But nought would doe. Ye dreadfull bowl hee gave,
With blackest poyson sent her to her grave.

Tri.
Yes indeed, as dead as could bee.

Daem.
Peace, Beldame hagg!
And what did heaven doe? was heaven still?
Could heaven see him soe much vertue spill?

Jul.
Not without mighty signs—
Nothing but Clouds were seen that day she fell;
Heav'n in her robes look'd like deformed hell.

Daem.
Kind Heaven!

Jul.
Thunder on Tempest's wings flew all around,
Streams of bright fire broke from ye ground.
The Angry gods did their own Temples shake,
The stubborn images themselves did quake.
Pale ghosts did rise from ye rent womb of Earth,
And from disorder'd fate took second birth.
Nature fell sick, and stagerr'd at ye blow.
Nothing there was but seem'd to mourn for you.
Yet nought could fright him from ye bloody deed,
Soe Death's hand seal'd what hee before decreed.

Daem.
Hold, hold, enough— [Kneels.

Bright saint, if you my Rivall gods can spare,
Descend, and visit once again our air.
The only recompense I beg of you,
For all my love, I beg, but not as due.
Soft Musick is heard above. Ye heavens open. Cyane descends all pale. Four Cupids hang o're her head weeping, crown'd with cypress garlands. Juliana, Trivia run off ye stage, frighted. Daemolgoron stands gazing on her, at last speaks.
Am I awake? and are my senses free?
That my adored comes again to mee?
[The heavens open, and Cyane ascends with soft Musick.
How short's ye bliss which wee on Earth receive?
'Tis gon before wee know that it had life.
Noe sooner jove hangs down his golden chain
But's by some envious god pluck'd back again.
Noe one can bee more wretch, and live than I,
Born to a crown, and press'd with misery.
Cyane still does scorn, and still looks high;
Her very ghost has learnt from mee to fly.
But oh! it is revenge that she would have,
'Tis that which makes her wander from her grave.
Yes, Yes, I will, I will revenge thy Cause,
And for thy sake, will break Great Natures laws.
Love is ye quarrell which I will maintain,
But 'tis noe longer, then, ye throne I gain. [Exit.

[Scene IV.]

The Scene opens and shows ye 2 Princes chain'd to 2 Rocks, King Zoroastres talking to them.
Zor.
What News from Persia? will they yet submitt?
Own mee their Conquerour? or think they fitt
Still in their Arms to live?

Oro.
Thank mee, ungratefull man! for all you have.
I've made you king, and you make mee a slave.
How dare you come, and look mee in ye face,
After thou hast loaded mee with disgrace?
Goe—fetter slaves!— [Shakes his chain.


Zor.
Set down, thou caged thing!
Something above a man, below a King! [Kicks him.

Soe Tamerlane, when hee in Triumph rode
Mounted on Necks of Kings, hee look'd a God.

Phy.
Gods! Can you suffer this? look tamely down?
Or are you too affraid, when hee does frown?
Lend mee your Thunder if you are. I'le spend
It all, by Jove, and dart it at that feind.
Nor all ye lawrells which from mee you took
Shall save you then from my Almighty stroke.

Zor.
Rage on, Poor Prince! Your Gods don't yet appear.
Shake, shake your chain that they at length may hear,
But 'tis not fit that they to you should come.
To them you then shall goe.—Expect your doom.

Oro.
O that I could poison thee with my breath! [Turning away.

Or kill with Basilisks! I'de give thee death!
Int' ev'ry joint thou hast I'de shoot thy fate;
All men should pity, but none change thy state.

Zor.
By Asmenoth! you both shall dye. Appear,
My guardian spirits, but first I'le show
Such sights shall make you stiff with horror grow.
[Spirits arise.
Goe, take Cyane's head. Rent her black grave
And bring her hither. Bee gone!
[Spirits goe out muttering.
For know she's dead, and by this hand she fell.
(To Phy.)
I glory too that I sent her to hell.
Hark! how ye doors crack! [A clap of thunder.

Here, here she comes. O what a perfect white
Is there! Show him—nearer.

[The spirits hold Cyane's head against Phylanders face.
Phy.
Enough! Enough! gods take my life away!
Why don't you, Tyrant, seize uppon your prey?
O! don't that dearest object from mee turn
Till I have gaz'd myself into an urn.

Zor.
Take 'em away. Scourge them with burning whips,
Till their souls shrink, and bee noe more!

Phylander and Oroandes set down and ye Scaen shuts uppon them.

[Scene V.

Ye Grove.]
Zoroastres solus.
Daemolgoron enters with a guard, all their swords drawn, comes upp and speaks to his Father.
Daem.
There—seize the Monster, dragg him to ye Cell.
'Gainst your great charms I'le find a mightier spell.
Let Nothing with him but his Conscience dwell.
May'st thou with horror, and unpittyed, fall,
Who'st been the dreadfull ruin of us all!
As much of Beauty as ye gods durst trust
On Earth, thou'st basely sacrific'd to lust.
Tygers and lions, who noe pity own,
To Beauty stoop, and lay all fury down,
But you more savage, and more curst than they,
Listen'd to your Rage, and devour'd your prey.
But know—I've promised revenge, and will
Thy blood, thy soul, unto my fairest spill.

Zor.
Gods! can I hear this, and from m'only son?
Is't thus you pay mee, Sir, for what I've done?
Goe, take him hence—let him too have his chain.
[To his spirits.
(To Daem.)
Your disobedience shall not long remain.
Unto my Blackest altar lead ye way; [To his spirits.

Take these slaves too. They all shall bleed today.
[Pointing to Daemolgoron's guards.
I'le riot all ye Gods. Away!

As the spirits are a leading Daemolgoron and the guards off, a spirit flys down, and speaks.
Spirit.
Hold! Thy Power, O King, is now expir'd.
I open'd ye Golden Legend and there saw
Thy leas'd soul run out, and forfeited.
Your spirits I discharge, by a command above.

Daem.
«Say you soe? then I'le turn about.» [Aside.


Zor.
How! Expir'd?—'tis false, it cannot bee.
You must and shall bee govern'd still by mee.
[The spirits shake their heads.
But if I can't, and ye great gods doe call,
Heav'n, hell, earth, shall wait uppon my fun'rall.

Spirit.
Know then that this is ye last Night you'le have.
To Morrow's sun will see you in your grave.

Zor.
By all ye gods, it sha'n't. I will not dye,
I all their damn'd malicious power defye.
'Tis not one single Comet that shall light
My Fun'rall torch. I'le have all Heaven bright
With scorching Fires, and all ye Earth shall shine,
And then, when all's dissolv'd, I'le—think of mine.

The spirits all vanish singing:
Let us goe, let us goe to ye hollow Tree
[Shaking their heads at ye King.
And there rejoice, for wee are free,
As you, as you shall see. [They vanish.


Daem.
I wish your Fate may bee recall'd again
That you may here amongst us longer reign.
«For if hee dyes, hee'le then Cyane see [Apart.

And who can tell but hee may rivall mee?
But oh! may hee see her—»

Zor.
'Tis false! My death I know you doe desire,
But when I doe, you with mee shall expire.
I'le open all thy veins, and you shall dye,
By all ye Angry gods, as well as I.

Enter Messenger hastily.
Mess.
Hast, Sir, and see. Your Pallace flames all o're.
A Voice was heard i'th'air this hour, this hour.
Your mighty statue too is fallen down,
And when it fell, 'twas heard to give a groan.
The Heavens open'd, and from a rented cloud
Legions of spirits flew, Led by their God,
Who on ye highest Pinnacle did stand,
Pouring in falling Comets with his hand.

Daem.
O Mighty Prodigys!

Zor.
Let heaven doe its worst. I can but fall.
Thunder, yee Gods! I dare defye you all.

Mess.
Oh, Sir, repent! Ye Gods may yet forgive.
How easy is it for to ask, and live!

Zor.
Curse on my stars! that gave mee soe short time.
Is there noe safety in another clime?

Daem.
Noe place of safety, Sir, can now bee found.
Heav'n has itself beseig'd you all around.

Zor.
Come then, and lead the way that I must tread.
I'le see the gods before they strike mee dead.
[The stage darkens. A clap of thunder.
I come, I come. [Exit cum Mess.


Manet Daemolgoron
Daem.
Happy's the man who's born below a Crown,
And wants those cares, which weigh us Princes down.
Give mee an humble Cottage, Shady Cell,
Where never yet from Heaven Thunder fell.
—But 'tis too late to wish; that day is gone.
The best of life is past, the worst to come.
And I must fall t'attend my father to his tombe,
For Kings to show that they have liv'd in state
Will have attendance even in their fate.
But if I can I will prevent it. [Exit.

[Scene VI.]

The Scene shifts to ye Rocks where ye Princes were chain'd.
Their chains drop off, and ye spirits vanish.
Phy.
Blest bee this day which us from chains has freed,
And the Tyrants sudden fate has decreed.
Virtue oppress'd still rises at ye last
Like the great sun when hee is overcast.
Hee gathers all his heat into one globe,
Then shoots himself through th'interposing cloud.
To you, just Gods! all humble thanks I pay [Kneels.

That I doe live to see this happy day.

Oro.
Come, let us goe, and leave this hatefull place,
Where wee soe long have suffer'd our disgrace.
Soe may all Tyrants fall, and it is just
That they doe perish, who betray their trust.

Phy.
Blood, and oppression still destroy a Crown,
And from just Heav'n, pluck swift vengeance down.

[Exeunt.