 | The Siege of Constantinople |  |
1
ACT I.
The Curtain drawn, discovers the Emperor, Thomazo, Theophilus, and Dorello on one side of a Table, the Cardinal, Chancellor, and Justiniano on the other, as at Councel; they arise and Exeunt, all with great reverence to the Emperor, except Thomazo and Dorello, who stay with him.Thom.
Sir, they have carry'd it, and you agree,
It is by strength of Argument & Reason;
Since they've the major part: yet I'le confess
I'm unconverted still. This Rule of most
Appears to me stark madness; when that most
Are plainly prejudic'd, and led by faction,
In that case be they ne're so numerous,
All should be counted nothing that they say,
2
And plead the cause of their own Interest.
Emper.
But Brother say, how Princes like my self,
That circumscribe our actions by our Laws,
Can steer through all the Labyrinths of state,
Shun Rocks and sholes hid under smoothest brows;
Meet and dispise cross Tides, and adverse Winds;
That run and blow from several States-mens heads,
More various in their Changes far than those
That puzzle able Pilotes on the Sea;
What way I say, but by these major Votes,
The true Magnetick needle of the States.
Thom.
Sir, I'le allow Councels the perfect compass.
And major Votes in that the needle too.
But yet true Pilotes still observe, the Causes
Oft make that vary from the polar Star,
Which when they see it does, let that point on,
They mind it not; but to observe its errour;
And what lov'd Headland it would guide unto;
And he that does not this, though he may make
One Voyage safe, must not be call'd a Pilate;
And this is your case now. Your this days councel
That rashly have advis'd you Sir for Warr,
Have several private reasons for that Vote,
Besides the specious ones they back it with.
Emper.
I cannot think it Sir: They're all wise-men,
And honest I believe; but were they not,
The grand concern this Councel has debated
Affects no less than all the Christian world:
It is indeed, chuse Christ or Mahomet,
Whose Law shall have the universal sway,
And can a Christian think that Christians would
Give selfish Councels in their Saviours cause?
It is not charitable; it is not Brother
Now by my Crown you're too too positive,
And to no purpose neither. I'm resolv'd—
[Exeunt.
3
Resolv'd! on your own Ruine Sir I fear.
Christian! Ay, that's the word; but Interest
Is the thing. That Damn'd Chancellor,
Romes Pentionary lately, now the Turks—
Dorel.
Nay, may be both's Sir still—
Thom.
Most likely so.
H'has Province after Province, sold the Realm
To this one Town almost; yet now forsooth
It is below our Honours to pay Tribute,
'Las that may make a Title; as if a Turk
Regarded any Title but Possession;
Whilst we were able, I still prest a War,
To keep the danger further from our Home,
Or drive it o're the Hellespont again,
But then 'twas wisely urg'd that my Ambition
Aym'd to be popular amongst the Souldiers;
And this my Brothers jealousie gave ear to;
As if a Brother that would barely aim
At Empire by Disloyalty and Treason,
Would stand upon the way to compass it;
No, they mistake my temper: All I seek,
Is bright unsully'd glory: I'd not be
Sole Monarch of the world by one base deed;
No, by my great and everlasting hopes
I would not, my Dorello.
Dor.
Sir, they know that too well, they durst not else
Play with the fire that might perhaps consume 'em;
But 'tis their sole Advantage you are honest.
Thom.
And mine too; for the horrid pangs of guilt
That hourly torture them, and make 'em watch
The small aud busie Whispers of the Crowd,
That buz in Courts, and make the thing call'd State
Ne're trouble me; I can undiscompos'd
Receive some ill-taught, rugged man oth'Guard,
Rudely advancing to me from his place
To ask some Boon; when they at such a time
4
The guilty, tho the well deserved blow:
Their Dreams too I'm assur'd are all compos'd
Of Prisons, Axes, Daggers, and suddain Stabs;
Flight after Battle, or such dreadful things,
When mine are made of sweet and pleasant walks,
By Crystal streams, set all with Bays and Mirtle;
Or else in Fields, where every step I take,
I meet a Love, or joyful Victory.
And who would have the best part of his life,
Sweet sleep so spoild, and lose its name of rest
By ills, whose ends obtain'd, are far less sollid.
Come then; whilst these bad men are faintly pleas'd
At this new Conquest o're th'Emperors soul,
And busily are framing Keys and Cyphers
Falsely to give as false Intelligence;
“Let thou and I Dorello, free from care,
“To mirth and love our joyful minutes spare.
[Exeunt.
Enter Cardinal, Chancellor, Justiniano.
Card.
The Prince Thomazo reason strongly urg'd
Against the War, and almost carry'd it;
He is a Prince of large and steady parts.
Chanc.
Ay Sir, the more we justly fear his power;
The Empire dreads not more its forraign Foes,
Then it does him at home; besides, you see
How fiercely he proposes joyning with
The Turks themselves, rather than Western Kings.
There's rooted in his soul the Antient hate
This Empire shew'd in the first holy War,
When they betray'd those pious, valiant Knights,
Godfrey of Bulloign, Robert of Normandy,
And all the holy Cruciado'd Pilgrims,
That did accompany or follow them:
But let's no more of him; 'tis in his blood:
He hates both you and me, nay more unjustly
Envies the Deeds of our brave General,
5
This barb'rous Turk would quickly swallow us:
But do not be discourag'd Sir; you'l find
The Emperor your true and faithful Friend:
And me your Servant, constant to your merit.
Justin.
I do not doubt it Sir, nor fear his envy,
The Genowees my valiant Country-men,
Give them their pay, will fight in following me,
Till they and I perform such mighty things,
Shall turn that envy into admiration.
Envy me! It stirs my rage me-thinks to hear it nam'd;
That any Greek, though of the greatest blood,
Should so exalt his thoughts to envy me!
Chanc.
Your Anger's great, & noble, Sir: but spare it;
'Twas his Ambition to have had your place.
And whilst that hope continu'd, he was still
Pressing for War, though now what man so Peaceful!
But fear him not; I'le watch the Emperour
That no affront shall e're be plac'd upon you.
Justin.
On me affront! what Prince so hardy dares it?
Let him, that does it, though the Turks were here,
Here close before our Walls, expect and find,
I'le turn this noble City to a flame,
And then like Zenophon from th'mid'st of Persia,
I'd force my way through all the Turkish Camp,
And carry back my full four thousand men
To Genoa again. This I would do Sir,
And on the least Affront; by Heavens I would,
And tell the Emperor this, and so farewell;
You've heated me; I am not fit for Councel.
[Exeunt.
Chanc.
How his brave Rage becomes him! 'Tis a Crime
In a great Souldier to be Ceremonious,
They that can laugh at Death on days of's Triumph,
When circl'd round with Javelings, Spears, & Darts,
Arrows, Pikes, Partizans, and battle-Axes;
Mounted on Chariots, arm'd with murdering Sithes
6
And prais'd by plaudits of the thundering Canon,
Almost annihilating those they kill;
Those that (I say) can meet Death thus and smile,
Need not concern themselves in lesser fears.
Card.
He's of that Country fame has ever courted,
For Arts and Armes, sweet fertile Italy,
And without Arrogance, though I'm its native:
I'le say, no Nation under Heav'n comes near it
Now; though its Eagles wings are quite displum'd
For Souldiers, States-men, or Philosophers.
Chanc.
We need not travel thither Sir for proof
That the true Romane vertue is not spent,
Which civiliz'd the greatest part oth' World,
Since in your self we have full evidence,
Your Eminence speaks Rome in her full Luster.
Card.
My Lord, your Complement I'le send to Rome,
It was I know design'd his Holiness,
And I'le not rob him of it: 'Tis too high
For me his poor and humble Immitator.
But my Lord,
All I can say won't heighten his esteem
Of your true Zeal, Wisdom or Piety,
That under Heaven are like to have the glory,
Of rooting up this long continu'd Schisme,
And giving to St. Peters Chaire his due.
Chanc.
'Tis all the honour in this world I wish.
Cardin.
I'le not defer my Letters Sir for Rome,
That they may know your pious resolution
Of staking all against this barb'rous Turk.
Chanc.
I wish your Eminence, would press them hard
For speedy succors, and that his Holiness
Would interpose his sacred admonitions
To reconcile the Kings of France and England,
That private discords, lay'd by them aside,
They might assist the general Christian Cause:
7
I shall not fail it.
Chanc.
Your Letters writ, the Emperors express
Shall wait upon Eminence for them.
Card.
Your Lordships faithful Servant.
Chanc.
Your Eminencies Creature.
[Exeunt Cardinal.
Who waits there? Call Michael my new
Secretary to me!
Dance mighty Genius at my growing Fate,
All things as well as Thee conspire my glory:
What a dull Earth-born crowd of groveling souls
Are all men but my self, I yet could meet with:
This Cardinal, the Cato now of Rome,
How I unnerve his Reason when I speak,
And make his Rhetorick lacqu't after mine.
That Souldier too, the Cethegus of Genoa;
How I can make him by one single word
Rage or be calme, humble or insolent;
These are good Tooles to work with, I confess,
But 'tis in hands, that mannage 'em like me,
Not in an Emperors, whose honest soul
Sees not the inside of his own affairs,
But winds and turns, totters, and then grows steddy,
Not as his own, but my designs require it.
[Enter Michael.
Michael, my faithful friend, though
Seeming Servant—
Write presently to thy great Lord and mine,
That with all speed that may be, he advances,
And claps before our Walls: I in the Councel
According to my promise carry'd it
For War, and to refuse the Tribute he requires,
The Western Princes the wise Emperor
Relys on, will be long consulting on't
Before that they conclude of our relief,
And longer e're they send it.
Micha.
What excuse
Shall I my Lord make unto Synan Bassa,
8
Under this Justiniano; These recruits—
Chanc.
Shall make us far more feeble than we were,
As I will order it; for the Senate,
I'le still possess with jealousies and fears
Of Laws subverting, and religious change,
That they no aid shall to the Emperor give;
Then in due time these men shall mutiny,
And so the Town is his: besides, these Aydes
Were the sole argument against Prince Thomazo,
That we would weather out the growing storm
Till larger succors come from Italy.
Inform the Bassa this under your Cypher,
My Letters of the rest shall strengthen yours;
And bid Lorenzo come
[Exeunt Michael.
So much for Adrianople, now for Rome.
Enter Lorenzo.
Lorenzo! my ever true Lorenzo; prithee quickly,
Prepare a trusty Currier for Rome,
To the Cardinal Patron; let your Letters be
To this effect; That I've receiv'd his Bills,
And thank him for 'em; Tell him too
The Warrs decreed in Councel spite of Thomazo,
And a Defiance sent to Mahomet,
Who I believe's on's March: Next, that the Ayds
He or his Holiness intends to send,
Let 'em not come, till joyn'd with th'other Forces
The rest o'th' Christian Princes may prepare,
They may prove useless else. So far in yours.—
And mine shall speak the rest.
[Exit. Lorenzo.
I know their minds—
The Turk must take this Town, and then the Pope
Will have no Rival Bishop in the World.
Let them have their design, so I can be
Gland Vizier to this growing Monarchy.
[Exit. Chancel.
9
Irene.
Was my Ambition, but what's Natural,
To our half-witted Sex. your Highness would not
Be troubl'd to pursue, but to avoyd;
But I'le confess before Udoxia here,
And your Dorello too, the more you speak
Of Love to me—
The more I must deny; nay, I shall find
From every new obliging word you utter,
New Arguments to make me obstinate.
Thom.
Ah Irene! Can harsh and cruel words like these you speak,
Be prompted by your heart, and yet your brow
Calme and serene, take no Impressions from it.
You deal by me like wanton cruel Judges,
That change a Jest with the poor Criminal
Their next breath must condemne.
Iren.
No Sir, rather
Like a just Favourite, who from his Prince
Refuses to accept some mighty Grace,
'Cause it may bring his Masters prudence into question;
I, through your proffer'd friendship Sir, can well
Discern the Crime of state I should commit
Both 'gainst your Person and this Empire too,
If I should suffer you to make me yours.
Thom.
Wave these neglected things; Empire & State
They're scarce of Kin to me; but if they were,
Power was design'd to make its Owner happy;
Not to confine him Slave to Drudge for it.
A Prince, whose Title's good, ne're never doubt:
Let him studdy; but his Pow'r is so;
If, (as I ne're shall wish) a Diadem
10
Act said I! not the most minute Expression
Should flow from one restrain'd; No: all should know
What I said should be, surely should be so.
To one resolv'd to Reign on Terms like these,
The Empires safe, let him do what he please;
So Madam I desire you would not mix
Affairs of State with my free Love.
Irene.
Sir, yo're so great and gen'rous, you teach me
To be so too; therefore I'le plainly tell you
I cannot Marry you, for I already am engag'd.
Thom.
Ah Madam.
Dorel.
Udoxia, Say no more, it must be so!
You hear her own it.
Udox.
What is that to me?
Tho I confess I'm very much amaz'd
To hear her own Passion I ne're dream't of.
Dor.
Assoon I should believe Thomazo had
A secret, hee'd not let Dorello know
As that Irene has one you not partake.
But Madam; let me dye in your neglects,
Regarded less than your weak tatling Woman,
To whom I dare be sworn you've told all this.
Udox.
Go false Dorello! go false wicked Lord;
I now perceive the end of all your Vows;
It was to mix your passion with the Princes,
Not in esteem of me, but to serve him;
But I'm glad this Secret was not Mine to tell you!
Dor.
Udoxia! you do well.
Udox.
No more my Lord,
This is an office for your Serving-man.—
Iren.
My Love, like Mutantrope, your Highness Boy,
Does now and then make signs, but cannot speak;
This difference only is, my Love can hear,
11
Thom.
Let it make signs that are as plain as his:
'Tis all I'le ask; I would but know his Name,
Whose mighty merit has obtain'd your Love:
Come Mutantrope, teach a Dumb God thy Art—
Ah Boy that this was truth!
Thom. Signes. Mutan. answers in signes all list,
Irene.
What is't he says?
Thoma.
I shall but mock my self in telling you:
But yet I will—He says that you Love me—
Iren.
Fy Sir! you make me blush. I know he did not.
Dorell.
He said it on my life, and swore it by signes.
I'le ask him, Madam, how he comes to know it!
Iren.
Know it! good Dorello, say not so,
I know my Duty better—if you please
Ask him, why he thinks so—
But pray my Lord, tell Truth; what were his Signes?
Dor. makes signes; he answers them: Thom. whispers Iren.
Dorell.
He says by This, he's sure you love his Master;
Then, when he brings you Letters, you first Kiss them,
Then thrust 'em in your Bosom; then reading them,
You Kiss at every word; besides, he says
You make so much of him when he brings Letters,
That he is well assur'd you Love the Sender.
Thom.
Do I not tell you, Madam, just the same?
Iren.
Come, he's a Wagg; send him no more to me,
He invents all this to please you!
Enter Theophilus.
Theo.
The Emperor Sir, has Din'd!
Thom.
What! will he not be at the Mask, my Lord?
Theo.
I scarce believe he will; He & the General
Are gone to view theo Wrks—your Highness pardon!
Daughter, a word with you—
Thom.
Ah Udoxia!
Is it not sad to be supplanted thus?—
12
Hope in my love, like early blossom'd fruit
By one late frost is nipt.—
Udox.
Sir, I believe it is a blasting season
Of love and friendship; both this noise of war
Like bitter, black, and rugged North-East winds,
Drives back the merry Spring of all delights.
Dor.
Sir, you may trust Udoxia, none knows better.
Udox.
Yes, by Experience, you much more Dorello!—
Thom.
Is my Friends Fate and mine so mixt together,
That I being wretched, he must needs be so:
I thought to sigh my griefs to happy Lovers,
That free from their own Cares, might pitty me!
Udox.
I hope your Highness needs it not, since now
Dorello has left sifting me for Secrets
To quarrel with me.
Thom.
I understand not this.
Udox.
He will explain it when next he laughs at me.
Irene is going Sir; 'tis time to dress.
[Exit. Iron. & Udox.
Theop.
The Emperor has given his final Answer
To th'Turkish Chiaws—all Tribute is deny'd:
So I believe we must expect a War:
And that brought home to us; but 'tis no matter;
Our Walls are strong, our People numerous,
Rich too, beyond Saciety; so that Souldiers
Will find their Pay, and they still follow that:
Besides, our Western Aydes, the Cardinal
Does undertake shall speedily be here.
Thom.
From whence? My Lord, the Pope, for all his Posts,
I'm sure does wish our Ruine! His help will come
When he has reconcil'd England and France,
So well to joyn their Armes to succour us,
That will be never; Spain is still strugling
Against the Moores; and Germany
Is busi'd with Religious Mutineers:
Whence must come Succour then, except from Heaven,
13
Might do the work: but I do fear that too.
Theop.
First humbly craving of your Highness, pardon
For arguing 'gainst your Sence; I will remember
The Sultan, as the Chancellor assures us,
For all his braggs cannot be here these five Moneths:
Then, the Pope has 30 Galleys ready
With 15000n d men: These Succours will
Within Six weeks be here; or there's no Faith
Left amongst Christians; for the Cardinal swears it.
Then Sir, the States of Genoa and Venice
Will send us 40. more; 'Tis their own business:
These helps are certain Sir—
Thom.
Ay; when they're here!—
Theo.
Sir, you are all compos'd of Unbelief;
The Councel doubts, the Emperor fears it in you,
And I in humble Duty tell you this.
Thom.
I know your hearty love does prompt these words;
And I am not angry at them; but my Lord,
The Court or Counsels doubts, nor Emperors fears,
Shant make me silent, when I see my Prince betray'd,
My Prince and Brother too; could I do that
With Justice, then they might say I was guilty
Of those Ambitious projects that they dream of;
But the false Chancellor with all his tricks,
His little purblind tricks of cokesing parties,
Shall ne're gain me to be a property
For him to stalk withal—
Theo.
I hope your Holiness
Will easily believe I had no design
To put you into passion; but my Lord,
'Tis time to change the subject—Sir, the Court
Does come in Masquerade tho'tis by day-light,
To avoyd the Danger that some fewds may bring.
Thom.
Then 'tis not a set Masque.
Theop.
No, nothing but a Dance, or so
14
To mend the Sports themselves by their own Dancing.
Thom.
Dorello come! Let you and I go dress—
Theop.
Your Highness humble Creature.
[Exeunt.
Enter a Servant, Andrea and Lionello.
Andr.
Surely the General will come see these Sports.
Lionel.
No doubt on't, let's stay for him.
Serv.
Noble Captains!
All persons will be here incognito,
It is the orders of the Entertainment,
And you must needs comply, or go away.
Andr.
Must! to a Souldier; Sawsy Groom, we won't;
Let the Court-Butter-flies come how they will,
We are resolv'd to shew our faces here.
Serv.
My Lord Chamberlain will be angry Sir: These
Are his Lodgings.
Lion.
We care not whose they be, nor for his anger;
Our Swords will find an universal freedom
In spight of your Court-tricks—then hold your prating—
Serv.
Well Gallants, mark the end on't.
[Exit.
Enter Irene and Eudoxia Masqu'd.
Andr.
These are Women Lionello sure—
Lionel.
Ladys, The number's equal, and the field cleer,
Why should we not engage?
Andr.
Ha! Dumb! these sure are moving Statues.
Lion.
But of Pigmalion's making, fit for Man.
I'le feel if this be warm; how! Coy, Lady!
Not a soft touch go down; 'tis pitty Faith
I han't you singly here; wee'd sure feel out
A better understanding e're we parted.
Udox.
How got these rude men in I wonder Cozen?
Iren.
Ne'r mind them Madam, the Officers will come
And send 'em hence anon.
15
No Demi-treble, there's none so bold that dares it:
Therefore good Queen o'th' Diamonds, let me try
How the Cherries of your lips tast.
Iren.
Insolent Baffoon! stand off.
[Strikes him.
Andr.
How's this? So nimble with your upper tire,
I'le try what bore your neather Quarters carry.
Come, at 'em Lionella.
[They ruffle them.
Enter Theophilus.
Theo.
Ruffians! what rudeness is this? Know you this place?
Andr.
What an old Fool it is to ask that question.
Old men are silly things: but Lionello,
That shall not spoile our sport.
Theop.
Sure Gallants, these
Are no becoming actions in a Court—
Such places should be Sacred.
Andr.
Ay so are Churches, yet some are so wicked as to appoint
Bawdy Meetings there—
Sacred—a pretty word! Alas, my Lord,
Your Dancing-days are done; all places now
Are Sacred where you come, except for spitting.
Lionel.
Sure this old Lord Andrea has been right
When he was young; he now does so contrive
To bring young things a clicketting together.
Theop.
Since you are Strangers, I forgive your rudeness;
But pray be gone and learn some better manners
Against next time you come; or you will find
This place no Court of Guard—
Lionel.
Oh Heaven's Andrea!
How the old Creature raves: Prithee Good man,
Consider Turks are coming. Turks d'you hear!—
What place will then be Sacred, if we don't
By our undaunted Courage keep them so!
In fine, do you see my Lord, we know this place
To be our Garrison, where wee'l be free,
Nay too, without the Laws of Masquerade—
16
Ay Masquerade is Sacred too; I'le warrant you
Though t'be intended to help folks to do—
Theo.
What?—
Andr.
It has but an odd name, and fitter 'tis
To practice, than to speak it. Stand but still
Wee'l make your old Chops water presently.
Theo.
Villains forbear! Ho Azo! Ho Arosto!
Draws; they disarm him.
Lion.
Keep your old Chops together, I'le Cut your Throat else.
Enter Thomazo in Disguise.
Thom.
What Insolence is this? Villains, Slaves!
Andr.
This is some real Devil sure, he fights so.
[Fights:
[He throws down one, and disarms the other.
Thom.
That needs not be; for you Ladies, you are safe.
What are you, dare do this?
[Unmasques.
Andr.
We are Souldiers, like your Highness: Italian Officers:
We were on slight discoveries pickeering a little.
Enters Servants.
Thom.
Your General shall know this; There, secure them.
Theo.
To th'Porters Lodge with them—ha! Is't you.
[The Ladies Unmaske.
What made you out so soon?
Iren.
T'avoid being known! for who could think such Ruffians
Could have got in! I hope your Highness has not receiv'd a hurt.
Thom.
No new one: But I'le go
Out for a little time, and shift my shape, and then return;
I else may spoile the Mirth, by being known.
[Exit Thoma. and Theoph.
Enter Calista; they go to Mask: She unmasks.
Irene.
'Tis our best way to do so too Udoxia.
Calist.
Nay, 'tis too late Ladies, I know you both;
But I will be so just, you shall know me.
Irene.
Calista! 'Tis a pretty Vest that you have on.
Calist.
But I do like your dress much better Madam—
17
'Tis not the Cloaths, but Friendship prompts this liking;
As change, and you will see.
Calist.
Withal my heart.—
Irene.
I readily consent.
Udox.
Come then retire,
You'l see 'tis not the Cloaths you both admire.
[Musick plays; Enter several persons as to Masquerade; amongst them Thomazo, Dorello, Irene, Udoxia, and Calista.
A Song.
After the Song, a Dance led by Ambition, Represented by a Monster with many Bodies, and but one Head, with a Crown upon it, follow'd by War, Famine, Murder, and Death: The Dance brought up by Fame, represented by one Body, and several Heads and Hands, each having a Trumpet in it. Towards the end of the Dance Thomazo removes towards Calista, supposing her to be Irene by her Habit.
Thom.
This is Irene; I know her by her Dress:
Love, Madam, like to yours, is a worse Monster
Than black Ambition is describ'd to be;
For Fame attending him does always sound
Such loud Alarmes to the drowzy World,
That men to Armes can fly for their defence;
But against silent Love there is no guard.
Calist.
Love tells me 'tis the Prince Thomazo's voyce!
But why all this to me? I cannot tell,
Except my heart has taught my eyes to speak
And say that bleeds for him.
Thom.
My Mutantrope
Has by his signes, I fear, done me some hurt:
But Madam, be not too severely angry;
He ne're shall take that liberty again.
Calist.
'Tis he, the naming of his Mutantrope confirms it.
[aside.
Now mighty Love assist me, and I'le be
Thy Voteresse for ever.
18
Your Highness Love has chosen too low an object,
If I be it, as I shall ever doubt.
Thom.
Ah Madam, say not so!—
[They Whisper.
Iren.
Why should Thomazo single thus Calista.
[A Jigg here.
Thom.
You made me Madam, more than happy now.
Irene.
What's this? Curst be my Ears for hearing it,
And Curst be all men for Thomazo's sake!
Is he so amorous that Calista can
Possess a place in that false heart of his;
Calista, whom he always seem'd to loath
For being Daughter to the Chancellor.
Thom.
Madam! I'le keep my word; no trick of State
Shall bar my happiness: At break of Day,
In St. Sophia's Church I'le meet you, Madam,
Just by our Ladies Altar: Bring Udoxia,
I'le bring Dorello, they will be enow
To witness we are Marry'd.
Irene.
But false man!
You shall have more, for I'le be there my self
To throw thy broken Vows 'mongst those you make:
Those shall give Plagues to all your Nuptial hours,
And change the Blessings of the Priests to Curses.
Thom.
Let not your Father know the least of this,
That Notice may not be taken of our Whispers.
I'le lead you out to Dance.
Udox.
Be not too rash, consider 'tis your self
Did give him cause for this; you own'd you Lov'd,
And said with all, you ne're could Marry him.
Iren.
In such an Aire, and such a Tone I spoke it;
It could not mean him ill.
[Dance of Eight.
But see my Father.—
19
Theop.
The Emperor is present, and commands
That all avoyd the Room, who're in Disguise,
Except the Prince Thomazo.—Pray withdraw.
[Ex. All the Masquers.
Emper.
Brother, 'tis strange you bear no more respect
To our Commands, nor to the General,
But have Imprison'd these two Officers
Without his Privity.
Thom.
I know your Majesty did ne're intend
To exempt them from common Justice,
And make them Lawless. Their Insolence—
Justian.
Insolence! How mean you by that word?
I'd have your Highness eat it up again,
And call't neglect.—
Thom.
How! eat my words my Lord?
The Sacred presence of this dread Majesty
Restraines me, or by Heav'n—
Justin.
What would you else?
Nay, what durst you do my Lord? my Honour
Full fledg'd can mount above your weak observance,
Though you're oth' Eagles Brood.—
Emp.
How's this? My Lord, do you our Brother know?
And where you speak this to him?
Just.
Yes Sir! or—
Thom.
Or what? Let not your Pride profane this—
Justin.
Profane a—
Empr.
Out of our presence.
Justin.
Ay, and your Empire to.
I'le beat my Drums but for an exercise,
And sport my men out of your large Dominions—
Empr.
Seize on the Traytor!—So, convey him hence
To the Castle, Prisoner. I'le ne're indure this.
Justin.
Send all my men to Prison too, else in vain
20
[Ex. Justin. Guards.
Thom.
Your Majesty
May now perceive the Insolence of Strangers,
When once they know you need them: But I am
Too blame to urge this now—
Emp.
No, not at all;
By this one hours discourse I have had with him,
I find his Pride to be beyond enduring;
He boasts our Safety must proceed from him,
And quotes the Chancellor for saying this;
I do begin to doubt the Arts of him too.
Thom.
Sir, he's a Traytor, or I'm not a man.
Enter Chancellor.
Chanc.
Your Majesty must pardon this Intrusion,
Your Highness too; my hasty Zeal requires it;
Letters just now arriv'd bring certain word
The Sultan's on his March, and will this Night
Be lodg'd before our Walls.
Thom.
How's this my Lord?
Emp.
By this Surprizal we are lost for ever.
Ah gracious Heav'n, take back this burden, life,
Before I see the Miseries are coming.
Thom.
This ill agrees my Lord with your last news
Of five moneths hence, they cou'd not come before;
But 'tis what I expected—This suddain danger
Must prompt your Majesty with double Vigour
To make sharp opposition—Sir, arrest
All Ships are in the Harbour, sieze their stores
Of Guns and Ammunition—with the Guards,
And some oth' Genoway Foot: I'le out and meet 'em.—
Emp.
No! I am resolv'd
To Head our first attempt with my own person.
The Turks shall find 'tis not our want of Courage,
But factions in our State that makes them be
Successful still in all their Wars against us.
21
Good Sir be pleas'd to trust me with this Sally:
Your presence is most needful in the Town;
At such a time as this you'l find the people
Prompted by fear too apt for all sedition;
May be the Souldiers too may take advantage
Of the first uprore which this news will bring,
And fall to doing mischief; besides great Sir,
You'l find new Orders every minute needful,
Which none but your Authority can give.
Emp.
Your reasons shall perswade me, go Thomazo,
And may Heav'n Crown thy Sword with Victory.
Thom.
Good Sir be strong
To your Imperial self, that's all I'le say;
If so, I make no doubt by th'help of Heav'n
To drive this Sultan back with as much shame
As once his Father found when he besieg'd us.
[Ex. Thomazo.
Chanc.
The Prince does shew a great and generous Soul,
And will no doubt perform all that he speaks;
But give me leave to think he has his ends
In all he does or says—Sir, this advice
Of seizing all the Ships, the Senate sitting
With wonted freedom, I must boldly say
Shews he would put you on ungrateful things,
Whilst he pursues the popular himself.
Empr.
My Lord, your Circumspection wears a Cloud
I cannot well see through; and I must tell you
Your false Intelligence and close intriguing
Give me some hints for doubts; but let your actions
Wear a more candid out-side, 'tis not else
Your Interest in the Senate shall protect you.
No Sir! it shall not! but no reply my Lord:
As for my Brother, I am sure he loves me;
I've found he has, and cannot now suspect him.
22
Do not Sir; but yet I must attempt
T'unloose one charme h'has plac'd upon your Soul.
That's Sir, about the General—'Tis not a time
To stand on slight punctilio's with such men
As understand them not: This his restraint
May chance endanger all; grant Sir, his freedom.
Empr.
I cannot do't, and Majesty be safe:
His Insolence both to the Prince and me
Was more then Brutal—
Chanc.
But your Majesty
Should well consider leading Circumstances
That did provoke him to't: The Prince you know
Had 'gainst conditions of his Entertainment
Imprison'd two of's Captains—
Empr.
Speak no more on't;
“I'le not release him till my Brother please;
“Contempt of Pow'r is a State's worst Disease.
[Exeunt.
End of the first Act.
| The Siege of Constantinople | |