 | The Tragedy of Zoroastres |  |
[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.
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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.
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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.
| The Tragedy of Zoroastres | |