University of Virginia Library

ACT. IV.

Enter Irene in Mans Cloaths, with the Boy.
Irene.
Thus far we are well; we've past two Courts of Guard:
Dear Child, how many more dost think there is?

Boy.
There's but one more before we get toth' Court.

Irene.
Sure this is not the way; although't be dark,
Yet I've some little guesse, and think these Lanes
Do rather lead toth' harbour then the Court.

Boy.
No, I'le warrant you, do but follow me,
I soon will make you safe.

Enter Lorenzo, and Michael dogging.
Irene.
'Tis so; that is the end of St. Sophia
Street. Child, thou mistakes, this is the way I'm sure.

Lorenz.
That must not be—who goes there?—
Exiturus.
None speak, who are you there I say?

Mich.
'Twas no body.

Loren.
I'm sure there was, it seem'd a Womans voice,
And comming from my Lord, I hope it is not
The beauteous Lady we had Pris'ner there,
Her losse would ruine him.

Mich.
Come, come, there's no body; let's hast home to bed.

Loren.
No, I will watch this Street for halfe an hour,
I'm sure 'twas some body design'd to passe.

Exeunt aside.
Guard
without.
Who goes there?

Loren.
Friends.

Guard.
What Friends?

Loren.
Friends to the Guard, and Servants to the Lord Chancellor.

Guard.
Come before the Captain of the Watch.

Boy.
The Grand Round's coming; haste! we're undone—

Irene.
I'le follow thee—but know not what I shun.

Enter Thomazo and Soldiers as in a Grand Round, with them Michael and Lorenzo.
Lorenz.
Our Lord's not come from Court, and we were going
To wait upon him there.

Thom.
The Councel did sit late.

Mich.
Your Highness has no commands to honour
Your humble Servants with.

Thom.
No, none at all.

Exeunt severally.
Enter Irene and Boy.
Irene.
Where are we now? I've follow'd thee so fast,
I had not time t'observe which way we ran.

Boy.
No, I, I'm sure, nor know I what to do,
I've lost my self, and shall be Ruin'd by it,
I wish I ne're had medl'd.

Irene.
What say'st thou Child? Come, I will save thee harmless:
Let's knock at the next house and take a Guide.

Boy.
No, no, they all know me, that were the way
To be Surpriz'd, and carry'd to my Lords—
Stay you here, I'le search about for the way.

Exit.
Irene.
How terrible to me this darkness seems!
That and this Habit both do give me fear,
And yet they both must prove my greatest Friends.
Unusual things, though Innocent, amaze us.
I'm near the Strand: I hear the Water roar
As if the Waves sought to o'recome the Shore;
This joyn'd with Solitude, the Night and Fear
Makes all my Danger double to appear;
But who are these?

Hides herself.
Enter Michael and Lorenzo looking about.
Lorenz.
If she be gone, we'l use the Boat our selves,
It is no staying, she'l betray us all.

Mich.
'Tis a strange Diligence in Prince Thomaz,
To walk the Round himself.

Lorenz.
To meet with us in St. Sophia-street was damn'd
Unlucky too.

Michael.
Would that was all,
But thus to lose our prize, makes me stark Mad,
Let's to the Barge, perhaps they may inform us.

Exeunt.
Irene.
These are the Villains that the Round did stop,
And Prince Thomazo too it seems was there:
Oh! my unlucky Fear that made me fly
From such a Sanctuary that was so near me,
Their words seem'd darkly to reflect on me,
And on a Boat; I hope I am not betray'd.
But where should be the Boy, he stays thus long?
I am affraid, in seeking out his way,
He's slipt into the Sea: Heavens guard him from it.

Enter Boy.
Boy.
Hist! hist!

Irene.
Here, here! oh, there has bin two men
Came talking by: Two of the Chancellors Servants,
They seem'd to speak of me and of a Boat.

Boy.
Which way went they?

Irene.
Down this Street.

Boy.
That's our way; I now have found it out,
Come, let's make haste—

Irene.
No, let's go any way rather than that.

Boy.
We must go that, there is no other truly.

Irene.
I tell thee, Child, I'le rather seek Thomazo,
He's on the Round, I wish I had not shun'd him;
Come, let's up this Street.

Boy.
Stay a little!
What shall I do? how unlucky 'twas I went
That they should miss us thus,—I'de better kill her,
I'm sure, than she should meet Thomazo,
That must not be then: but I will trifle time;
Perhaps they may return.

Irene.
Come Child, what look'st thou for? Prithee let's go,
This way I'm sure does lead to the higher street,
And that way to the Sea.

Boy.
No, I'm confident this is our way,
And I must go no other; Pray come then.

Iren.
This Boy Surprizes me,—I will go this way.

Boy.
You shall not take my Cloaths along with you,
I am sure of that, if you will needs be going,
Strip and deliver them first.

Iren.
Prithee Child, let me perswade thee.

Boy.
No, no, give me my Cloaths, and go where you will.

Iren.
You know I want my own, and they're much better;
Put up thy Sword.

Boy.
No, no, go back toth' house, and take your Cloaths,
But on you shall not go if I han't mine.

Iren.
I have a Sword too, and sure, methinks his strength
Should not be more than mine; Come, Prithee
Be rul'd, and go this way, I have a Sword else,
And twice the strength of thee; but I am loth
To do thee hurt, if thou wilt put up thine.

Boy.
No, I will not, except you'l go this way.

Irene.
Nay, then there's more than Childish thoughts
Does prompt the Boy: To this a greater fear
Must drive away the less—
Come Child, be rul'd, I still am loth to hurt thee.

Draws.
Boy.
Nay, if you come to that, do what you can,
You shall not steal my Cloaths:
I must gain time, yet I'm loth to hurt her.

They fight aukerdly, and at a great distance.
Enter Lorenzo and Michael.
Irene.
Boy, you see your Sword can do no good;
Then trust my word, and go along with me.

Boy.
If I had thought you'd ha serv'd me thus,
I'd never have helpt you, that I wou'd not.

Lorenz.
How's this! They're here—
Aside.
What, Men a quarrelling?

Mich.
No, on my life meer Boys,
Ripe Soldiers I'le be Sworn; what is the Quarrel?

Boy.
Let him tell it if he will.

Iren.
O! I am lost, these are the Murderers,
The Boy will certainly discover me.

Loren.
Young Gentlemen, here take your Swords agen;
What would your Quarrel be? Rivals in Love!

Mich.
Ay, for a Paper Kite, or some such thing:
What, will neither of you relate your Quarrel?

Boy.
Our Quarrel was about the way to Court,
He said 'twas that; and I affirm'd 'twas this.

Loren.
Then he was in the wrong, and ought ask pardon.

Irene.
I do with all my heart: Pray, Sir, forgive me;
What a good Boy is this that still conceals me.

Mich.
We just came both from Court,
Yet will go back a little way with you
To set you right, that you sha'nt miss it after.

Boy.
I humbly thank you Sir.

Irene.
And so do I;
But I still doubt this way, I know not why?

Exeunt.
Enter Synan and Calista.
Synan.
It was a strange neglect you and your Father
Both made, in not discovering this Dorello
To be a Lord o'th' Council: I'm afraid
'Twill cost his Head; but I have given him notice,
He is gone back, and on what Errand too.

Calist.
I hope his Wisdom soon will find away
To clear himself, and place all guilt on him:
But good my Lord, how stands my great affair.

Synan.
Madam, as you wou'd wish to morrow Night,
The Sultan does intend you for his Bed,
Therefore adorn your self with all your Charms.

Calista.
My Lord, this Obligation is so great,
That no sufficient thanks can be repay'd.

Synan.
Yes, Madam, but it may; for tho we Eunuchs
Cannot be Lovers, yet our other Passions
Grow more unruly by our loss of that,
As Deprivation of one Sense, does double
The Vigour of another: so Ambition
Oft gives hopes, fears, fruition, and despair
To us, more violently then Lovers feel them,
Then when you shall possess the Sultans heart,
This passion of my Soul you may indulge.

Calist.
Next pleasing him, it shall be all my Study,
And let me be despis'd by the Great Sultan
That hour I fail to be your faithful Creature:
Thus I must talk till I possess my power,
Then I am free to act as I see cause.

Enter Mutan with a Letter which Synan reads.
Synan.
Go, bring that Person in that brought this
Letter; Madam, 'tis from your Father.
Enter Messenger.
Tell me Friends! how did the Youths you brought
Behave themselves?

Messeng.
One Sir was quiet, to'ther shew'd a sorrow
Approach'd near Madness, oft, if not prevented,
He had leapt over-board to drown himself;
Thus he continued 'till our Boat was boarded,
By one went hence to Town; in that there was
A Christian the Boy knew, and whisper'd with;
On which he did produce a large Commission
Under the Sultans Seal, and sign'd by you,
Pretending he had power to take him from us,
But all in vain; our Orders were too strict,
So we refus'd obedience, and have brought him.

Synan.
You have done well, keep them without a little,
Ex. Mess. and Mut.
This desperate Youth he talks of is Irene,
And he that would have seiz'd her, is Dorello,
None else have had my pass: What's to be done?

Calist.
Sir, if the Sultan sees her, I am despis'd:
Her charming Beauty will eclipse mine quite.

Synan.
But how shall I prevent it?

Calist.
If you would
Oblige me to the full, then tell the Sultan
That she is lost by'th' way: her Sex conceal'd,
As I perceive 'tis yet, will make the Story
Above all Contradiction, but by me,
And for my own sake, I shall never clear it;
This way you may secure my happiness,
And place about his Person your own Creature.

Synan.
I will devote my future life to you,
And hazard all my Fortunes on your Game;
But how shall I conceal this charming Beauty.

Calist.
Deliver her to me, as a Boy
Sent you by some mistake, her fears will then
Prompt her to keep conceal'd.

Synan.
Well, I'le prepare her—
Exit Synan.

Calist.
Now base Thomazo, I'le Revenge thy scorns
Upon the Person of the lov'd Irene:
She and Udoxia both shall feel the smart
Of an inrag'd Love, and led by despair,
Yet still my powers secure, I must dissemble:
This Synan Bassa has a Soul too honest
To be Assaulted with my great Designs
'Till I'm above his Arts to keep me out,
But that once brought about; then my great Soul,
Shall freely have it's swing without controule.

Enter Synan with Irene
Synan.
Your Labour will not be much, Madam, this Boy
Sent me, I know not why, here I devote
To do you service—
Ex. Synan.

Calist.
My Lord I thank you,
A pretty Boy indeed; your name sweet Youth.

Irene.
I had not time to make it! Oh my Fate!
To be condemn'd a Slave to her I hate.

Calist.
What are your Blushes, Feare, or Modesty,
Dispence with both at present; tell your Name:

Irene.
My Name's Thomazo.

Calist.
Heaven's she mocks me!
But oh my Rage, be still till I can feast Thee!
Where were you Bred? and who did you belong to?

Iren.
I've hardly wit enough to answer; Madam,
My over tender Friends childishly Bred me,
And I'm afraid 'twill Kill my Aged Father,
To find that I am lost: If you have goodness
But equal to your Beauty, 'tis excessive,
And sure a just Request you can't deny.

Calist.
It may be not, but tell me what it is,
Your Complement does strongly plead for you.

Irene.
Madam, it is you would prevent the trouble
An unexperienc'd Boy will hourly give you,
And send me back agen to my poor Father.

Calist.
That must not be, you are too fair to part with;
I like these Childish looks; This pretty Face
Must not Adorn it self with Blushes thus,
They do assault a heart too hastily;
Part with such sweetness! Every word that begs it
Stroaks & plays with Irene.
Is a new Charm to strengthen a Denyal;
I'le fetch a Glass, we will compare our Faces.
Exit Calist.

Iren.
It is no wonder Prince Thomazo gain'd her
Upon his first address, since she can thus
Court me, yet think me all the while a Boy.

Enter Calista with a glass.
Calist.
Come hither pretty Rogue. That Nose of thine
Would match this Face much better, Those Plump lips
Methinks I cou'd Steal too—I needs must kiss 'em—

Irene.
Good Madam, pardon me.

Calist.
So very Coy!
That pretty Chin I like—but for my Eye
I wou'd keep that, my Eye-brows too and Forehead.
Betwixt thy Face and mine might sure be made
A Beauty that wou'd Captivate all Hearts;
Let's try to make one such. Thy Innocence
Can do no harm in Bed; come thou and I
Wont part till both get better Bed-fellows.
Ex. Calista.

Iren.
Prodigious Impudence! This goes beyond
The worst invented Stories of our Sex. Ha!

Enter Calista and Udoxia.
Calist.
Perhaps Irene will own her self to you,
To me she seems all man, and Courts me too.

Irene.
Pardon me, Madam, that I durst not own
A Person I wisht lost to the whole World.

Calist.
What to Thomazo?

Irene.
Las, that Name I took
In too much haste, I know not what I said.

Udox.
But can this be Irene?

Iren.
Dear Friend, it is,
The much surpriz'd Irene to meet you here.

Calist.
Did not Dorello tell you of us both?

Iren.
How Madam, can you know he met with me?

Calist.
I do forget my self, you came but now.

Udox.
But what in this disguise has brought you hither?

Iren.
How we're all here, I know not, but Calista,
I fear your Father has been much too blame.

Udox.
But I'le amend his Fault, by keeping you
From being seen by any person living,
'Till you are safe got back.

Iren.
If this prove true,
Her worth will my Aversion quite subdue.

Exeunt.
Enter Emperor and Chancellor Discoursing earnestly.
Emperor.
This to my Reason seems incredible,
Yet to my sence is plain.

Chanc.
Your Majesty
Will sure perceive my Innocence by this,
And what just grounds I had for all my Fears.

Emp.
I know not what to think, but sure he cannot
Be so unnatural, as this does speak him:
Ill men begin at first with petty Crimes,
And dare not by degrees lanch forth to great.
But he at one great leap from good to bad,
Seems to love mischief in Extremity,
And scorn to mount it's top by graduation.

Chanc.
Sir, to be near, and yet but near a Crown,
In Souls like his move strong Agitations.

Emp.
What shall I say to it?—I cannot think—
But he will soon be here—Dorello too—
I scarce have Faith enough to doubt of his,
But to believe an only Brother Traitor,
And Traytor to this height—I cannot do't—

Chanc.
Sir, as you please for that. I charge him not—
Alas he is too great for me to Cope with,
But I had rather much his Power should Crush me;
Ay! Crush me into nothing—then that you
Who are my Soveraign Lord, and such an one
To whom I owe all that is Noble in me,
Shou'd seem to hazard life, and Empire both,
By any fears of mine—

Emp.
What shall I do?
Cannot a Prince be merciful and safe?
'Tis very hard I find—this wicked Age
Does almost think there's no such thing as goodness,
And villifie all Persons that profess it;
If Princes pardon Crimes they count it weakness,
And if they punish them 'tis Tyranny.

Enter Thomazo.
Thom.
Sir, did you send for me?

Emp.
Ay Thomazo!
But 'tis to tell you that which does amaze
Far more then Anger me; Cannot you guess
At what the matter is, and spare my Tongue
The trouble to declare such unkind things;
I wish you would Thomazo.

Thom.
Your Majesty
Shall not find it hard to know the greatest secret
My mind can labour with.

Emp.
Then tell me Brother,
Have not some late transactions done by you,
Or by Dorello's Ministry at least,
Bin of that Nature, well nigh cause my Anger.

Thom.
Commented on by Enemies they may,
And I suspect no Friend was so officious
To tell you my design.

Chanc.
I do perceive
I'm some restraint upon the Princes Candor,
Therefore shall take my leave.
Exeunt Chanc.

Emp.
And can you Brother
Wish Empire without Glory?

Thom.
Sir, I know not
What 'tis your words do tend to? All I know
Or have transacted that might trouble you,
Has not the least Reflections towards Empire.

Emp.
Then tell your Reasons Brother.

Thom.
Sir, the Cause
I kept my Passion secret, was for fear
Some scruples in your own or Senates Breasts
Might have prevented that, which when once done,
I knew you soon wou'd Pardon.

Emp.
Pardon Brother,
What, think you I'm so tame to Pardon Treasons,
That ware so black a Visage?

Thom.
Sure no Law
Does limit my free choice of any Wife,
Under so high a Penalty as Treason;
But if there was, the Merit of Irene
Wou'd strongly plead I'm sure in my excuse.

Emp.
This Love you own, I never did dislike,
Though I suspected it; but 'tis not that
Has brought me to this Parly, but worse matters.

Thom.
Sir, I am ignorant of any thing,
Besides my hopeless Love can move your Anger.

Emp.
Nay, Brother, you shall see 'tis not slight matters
That have oblig'd me to this unkind Parly.
Enter Messenger.
Bring in that fellow there—friend, tell your Story.

Messeng.
Sir, as I said before, being employ'd
Toth' Turkish Camp about Intelligence,
I there have heard them say, that Prince Thomazo
Must be Morea's King, and that this Town
On that condition, he will soon give up.

Thom.
Sir, can you credit Slaves, hir'd to accuse me,
Of such impossible designs as these?
Villain! who has suborn'd you to say this?

Emp.
Be patient till you hear his Story out.

Thom.
I sooner might be patient when hot Pincers
Were tearing off my Flesh.

Emp.
But I commend you.

Thom.
Then silent Sir as Death, I'le hear my honour
Be blasted by his Breath—and never murmur,
No Sheep shall fall more tamely Sir then I.
Friend, say all that the Chancellor has taught you.

Messeng.
Sir, what I've said, and what I am to say,
My Senses all must Witness is most true,
Though in the least I do not accuse your Highness;
What I have said, I heard i'th' Turkish Camp:
I did—and what I saw there, is to follow—
Which is that oft at Synan Bassa's Tent,
I've seen the Lord Dorello in great favour,
And Courted by the Bassa, but last Night
He did come back to Town in a disguise;
For meeting in their Fleet we boarded Boats,
And though he knew not me, yet I did him;
I saw him there produce a large Commission,
And shew it to the Turkish Admiral,
By which he had full power to close with you.
This Sir is true, as I have proof enough.

Emp.
Return to your Confinement for a while,
You nor your Fellows sha'nt be long restrain'd;
What think you of this Brother.

Exit Messenger.
Thom.
Sir, I think
That Vertue which you Worship proves an Idol,
An empty name, less sollid then a shaddow:
Oh deep unfathom'd Villanies of State!
Through what strange Mazes do you wind your selves,
That honest men cannot find Clews to trace you.—

Emp.
What a sad Fate have Princes that are born
To bare the Fate of sinking Monarchy;
Those actions which we judge will prop it most,
Produce its speedier Ruin: Faction grows
And spreads it self through Councel, Court, and Notion,
And nothing can be heard but accusations,
These when we wou'd Unite for common good,
They say we Cherish for our private safety;
If we believe them all, then none are honest;
If we give Ear to none, all will grow angry;
So whether we're severe or moderate,
Our Glory's hid i'th' Ruin of the State.

Thom.
Sir, I have thought upon't, all this seems false,
But how to prove it so, I cannot guess.

Emp.
Brother, I'le say no more but only this,
Act as you please, I n're can be unkind.
Exit Emperor.

Thom.
What worth the keeping life for now is left?
I am stript of all that's Dear, Friend, Mistriss, Brother,
And of my Honour too!—why live I then?
Because I am a Christian! Surely though
That cou'd at the first teach Contradictions,
What were most Martyrs but Self-Homicide?
What severe Hermit too but shortens life,
Why then 'tis plain I'm Master of my self.
By best Rules of our Philosophy:—
But some will hold 'tis Cowardize to die
For fear of Misery!—Why then I'le live;
Yet scarce my self, my self alive shall know:
In strict retirement my few hours will spend,
And by sharp Abstinence my life will end.

Exit.
Enter Emperor, Theophilus, Chancellor, Cardinal, and Justiniano, who kneels and Kisses the Emperors hand.
Just.
Sir, I with thanks receive my Liberty,
And shall discharge the Duty of my place,
With all the Zeal that may be since I hear
You have laid by the Prince.

Emp.
My Lord, I wish
You'd place a greater Guard upon your words;
It is not I, but my unlucky Stars
Have for the Empires ruine laid him by.

Just.
Sir, you shall see it's stronger prop
If you will find away to pay my men.

Chanc.
My Lord, you do offend his Majesty,
In speaking of the Prince with such contempt;
You had best attend your Charge, and leave to me
The getting of your Pay: The Emperor
Is put upon a project to get Mony
And you shall find your share.

Just.
My Lord, my men
Wont Fight one stroak without it, that I tell you.
Ex. Justin.

Chanc.
Nay, good my Lord, no more, Your Majesty
Should not regard his Folly but his Courage.

Emp.
Courage! Each private Soldier may have that,
'Tis Conduct only makes a General;
And I suspect his much, for all your Pray'rs;
But I'le not long endure his Insolence,
I'le rather hazard all on my own person.

Chanc.
What means your Majesty?

Emp.
Why Fame does say,
This Sultan Mahomet's a Valiant Prince;
I'le try, if he'l on single Combat stake
The Fortune of this War.

Chanc.
How's this?

Aside.
Cardinal.
Perhaps
You have not well consider'd that design;
Your Majesty in such a weighty Cause
Must ask advice of Piety not Passion.

Emp.
My Lord, you speak as if strong Appetite
Did make me seek this Combat for a pleasure,
But I'le assure you 'tis on no such Cause:
Thank Heav'n I dare, but do not love to fight.

Card.
No Sir, nor must not singly; Heaven's strict Laws
Deliver'd by the Church, does quite forbid
All Duells under pain of highest censure.

Emp.
Surely, when Heav'n gave Sacred Characters
To Clergy men; it did not then divest
The rest of Mankind of the use of Reason;
Did it my Lord?

Card.
No, not of common Sir.

Emp.
Common! I understand no such distinction;
Reason is Reason, and that does plainly say,
If I i'th' head of Thousands may make War,
And hazard both my own and others lives,
I sure much more, may singly do the same.

Card.
Not without dispensation from the Pope,
As humbly I conceive.

Emp.
The Pope, good Man!
No Dispensations from his Officers,
'Tis they must have a Fee: These tricks of Rome,
Of first forbidding, then dispensing things,
Has Rob'd it of the Reverence once it had,
From best Advisers to Mens Consciences;
They now are grown to be their Torturers,
Things in themselves indifferent they make sin;
And real sins they dare give leave to act:
A man may be a Saint and Traitor both,
When Dispensation frees him from his Oath.
But trouble not your self Lord Cardinal,
I'le ask the Sultans Dispensation only,
If he consents, I'le not refuse the Fight.
Enter Dorello like a Doctor.
What have you seen him Doctor?

Dorel.
Sir, I find,
Except you Majesty in person goes,
His Servants dare not let him be disturb'd.

Emp.
How do they say he is?

Dorel.
They do believe,
As I have said; it is a Lunacy
Sprung from an over-tender sence of Honour;
But still I'd undertake on pain of Death,
Were I but few days with him, I wou'd awe him.

Emp.
Come, we'l go visit him, his Health wou'd bring
Me Vigour to our ne're expiring power,

Ex. Emp. &c.
Chanc.
Pray Heav'n he be but Mad, I'le never fear
This cheating Quack from Persia e're can cure him:
He'l sooner Poison him I'le undertake,
And that part of his Art I'le try him in
If I can fix him well—but stay this Combat
The Emperor designs, and I do fear
The Sultan may accept in thirst of Glory
Must be prevented; 'tis too much to stake
My utmost certain hopes upon one Throw.
But sure I need not fear, the fair Irene
Will keep him from that Danger.

Enter Michael.
Mich.
Noble Sir,
New Letters from the Bassa, say his Master
Doth Dote so much, that he forbears all action.

Chanc.
How's this? I fear the Love he bares Irene
May make him raise the Siege.

Mich.
I fear it too.

Chanc.
Well, something must be done that may prevent it,
Can you learn nothing yet of this Dorello?

Mich.
Not any thing, my Lord!

Chanc.
Sure he walks Invisible! That Danger
Did threaten most of all, and yet my Stars
Has brought me off with Triumph.—
But stay!—The Emperor designs to Beg
Something by way of Loan o'th' Citizens;
He'l find them Cursed free! Ha! ha! ha! a Beggar Prince
Is such a Contradiction—but I'le go
And see the sport, I hope I shall be able
To keep my self from down right laughing at him.

Exeunt.
Enter Thomazo, Solus with a Book in his hand.
Thom.
It cannot be but all that they say's Chymera,
There is no sollid Truth in all this stuff;
'Tis meerly words: They'r Sinowy Sillogismes
By which they puzle both themselves and us,
Are perfect Ropes of Sand: If we'l be Fools
To grant their first Conceptions, then they'l prove
The Consequence must needs be this or that.
Grant me says one an Immaterial Giant,
That does reside in Immaterial place,
I'le prove he turns the Primum Mobile,
And that turn all things else about the Globe:
Then starts another up, and he conceives,
That Immaterial Being is absurd;
Strait brings his Giant in to do his Tricks
On good Material Leggs—then shews a Storm
Produc'd by a slight cold matter had got,
Which made it Sneeze—all comes to such like stuff,
Avant substantial thick Ægyptian darkness,
Throws away the Book.
Rank mist of words be gone; there's nothing true,
No nothing: Good and Ill are only Names
Stampt by our Interests; farewell all Books,
I'le Study nothing but my Misery,
Enter Emperor, Card. Dorello.
And how to Die apace. Ah Mighty Sir,
And may I not have leave to do that neither,
'Tis all I beg; you once were a kind Brother.

Emp.
I've not a thought but speaks me kind as ever.
Here is a Learned Doctor.

Thom.
What to do?
I want no health—If you have skill, feel here,
Does not my Heart keep it's Pulsation right,
As right as ever, though it is just a breaking;
Come wave your profit once and speak the Truth.
Am not I well in health?

Dorel.
Your Highness is
In what the Bloods concern'd.

Thom.
Oh, let alone
The inward man: That goes beyond your Tools,
Your Probe's not long enough to Tent my Soul:
Sir, on my Knees I beg I may be private.

Emp.
From all but this one man, Brother you shall—

Thom.
Then since I must be Plagu'd with conversation,
I'le ask some questions: How go things i'th' Senate?

Emp.
Their obstinacy forc'd me to dismiss them.

Thom.
That was a prudent step, but how the Siege?

Emp.
The Turks like loving Neighbours seem most quiet.

Thom.
They then expect some Revolution here!
Lord Cardinal, when come our helps from Rome?
When I go next abroad,—nay, my good Lord,
I've answer'd now my self,—your Majesty,
I hope, will free me now from all but him.

Emp.
Study your health, dear Brother, till you're well,
My Self and Empire both do languish in you.

Exeunt Manent Thom. and Dor. who pulls off his Beard.
Thom.
Come Sir, to work, have you a Dose of Opium,
For I want Sleep extreamly,—Ha—Dorello.

Dorel.
Ah Sir! Can you endure a Traytors Breath;
For so State Pamplets, and the Ballets call me;
For what I do not know, except it be,
That I know some are such, I must not name;
But I have secrets Sir that will amaze you.

Thom.
Not more then does your Presence in this manner;
Sure I'm deceiv'd,—on with your Beard again,
So,—now I see it only was my Fancy:
But where's Dorello gone?

Dor.
Ah, Noble Sir,
I fear you are not so well as I did hope.

Thom.
It is Dorello's voice too,—Ah dear Friend,
Wonder not I seem'd Craz'd: Alas, Irene,
Is Murder'd I believe, or lost for ever.

Dor.
No Sir, She is not Dead, though I must fear,
That as you guess she may be lost for ever.

Thom.
Not Dead! how know you that?

Dor.
I've seen her Sir,
And She's i'th' Turkish Camp from whence I came.

Thom.
From thence I'le presently go Rescue her.

Exit.
Dorel.
He is too near Distraction to be told
Irene's the Sultans Mistriss; but I'le go
And humour all his fancies till he sleeps,
Perhaps some rest will make him fit for Council.

Exit.
Shouts without. Enter Emperor, Chancellor, Cardinal, Attendants and Rabble. Michael.
Emp.
Their Obstinacy makes things desperate:
What's to be done my Lord?

Enter Alderman.
Chanc.
Try a few more, here comes an Alderman.

Emp.
Friend, you are Rich, I'm told, and therefore shou'd
Spare something of it for your Countries safety;
Nay, for your own, your Wife and Childrens too;
For they and all you have lies now at stake.

Alder.
Your Majesty is misinform'd of me;
I Rich! alas Sir, I am very poor.

Chanc.
Consider Friend, who 'tis that goes a Begging,
Your careful Emperor himself in Person.

Card.
Your much distress'd Prince, consider that,
Give something Sir, and Heav'n will sure reward it.

Emp.
Friend, 'Tis not for my self I ask! Heaven knows
That was't not for you my loving People,
I'd sooner die then undergo this Shame:
Come Sir, be liberal, that others may
By your Example lend their mony freely.
That so the Soldiers paid, may boldly Fight,
And here I promise on my Royal Word,
That what you lend I'le faithfully repay
As soon as Peace has open'd Trade again.

Alder.
This way of borrowing Sir, I fear's Illegal
Without the Senates leave,—and I'd be loath
To break the Law, and make bad Presidents
That might infringe the Liberty o'th' Subject.

Chanc.
Ay! there's the Argument that choaks them all.

Emp.
How strangly Friend you do mistake the Law,
Am I in worse condition than a Subject?
Who wanting mony borrows any where;
Nay, what I borrow, I by force might take
At such a time as this—a Law there is,
A Natural Law of Pow'r it may be call'd,
Which gives the Prince aright to every thing
He thinks may keep the Common-wealth from sinking,
And this no other Law can Abrogate—

Alder.
My Council does inform me otherwise,
And I shall take his word—Except my Lord,
You'l give your hand upon't he's in the wrong.

Chanc.
Good Friend forbare, I am no Advocate
That signs my hand to every Case that's put:
His Majesty expects your answer Sir.

Enter Thomazo and Dorello disguised.
Thom.
Ha! what Mock State is this?

Alder.
Your Majesty
Must pardon me, for I can spare no Mony.

Exit Alder. & Rabble.
Emp.
'Tis labour lost, Heav'n surely binds their Eyes
To their Destruction; but I find, my Lord,
That you concur with their false arguing.

Chanc.
The times are dangerous Sir, I dare not speak
Except in private Council—

Emp.
Princes may
By me be warn'd of two much Lenity;
The Rabble is a Jade, must feel her Rider,
'Tis not soft taps I see, but whips must rule her,
Humility moves none but generous Souls.

Exeunt Emp. &c.
Thom.
Was I not obstinate to see Irene,
I scarce could let this Traytor live a Moment.

Dorel.
Good Sir, let me intreat you to desist
From that so dangerous and vain attempt.

Thom.
Dorello, say no more, I'm resolv'd
To shew her I was true, though she's not so;
And shou'd Death wait me in the Turkish Camp,
Yet I wou'd go,—see! how the Traytor laughs—

Chanc.
I put him on this project for his Ruin;
It was a subtle Myne, I knew, when sprung,
Wou'd blow up all that little power he had:
An humble Prince makes Subjects Insolent,
Then what does Begging do,—ha, ha, ha, honest Michael,
Go watch how he succeeds, and bring me word.

Exit Michael.
Thom.
I must Alarm him—
His Soul is much too jocund for a Traytors;
My Lord, I have a mind to give allay
To your excessive laughter—where's Irene?

Chanc.
Ha!

Thom.
Your Daughter too, Udoxia and Dorello,
What? you to save their lives, have sent them hence,
What punctual day Sir, must the Town be took?

Chanc.
Sure Slave you know me not, you dare talk thus!

Thom.
Yes, you are he, that by the help of Souldiers,
Did break the Sanctuary!—then for Reward,
Bestow'd a Dose of Poison on your Slaves;
You thought their Dying too a pleasant sight.

Chanc.
What Devil canst thou be that dar'st accuse
Of Crimes so false as these?

Thom.
I cannot stay at present now to prove them;
But in good time I may; i'th' Interim
I'le step and tell your Daughter y'are a Traytor.
Have you no service to the Eunuch Bassa,
I'le kiss his hands e're long—

Chanc.
Ho! Michael!

Thom.
If you'd prolong your life one day or two,
You may by being Silent; but if not,
This is your latest Moment.

Exit Thom. Dor.
Chanc.
Sure this must be
Some of Dorello's Instruments in Town.
My Ruin is contriv'd, I plainly see,
And I must be as quick in my preventions.

Enter Michael.
Mich.
The Begging Emperor has but ill success.

Chanc.
Curse on him, we have worse, all is betray'd;
I've bin attaqu'd by one that knows Dorello,
And every thing by him that we have done.

Mich.
Can this be possible, and we not find him;
I hop'd he had bin drown'd in his coming.

Chanc.
No, all my Starrs grow dull of late; I think
They take no care of me, or my designes,
But still my Plots are spoil'd by Countermines.

Exeunt.