 | King Edgar and Alfreda |  |
12
ACT II.
Enter Aldernald and Durzo.Alder.
Durzo hast thou observ'd the glorious tincture
The rising Sun spreads 'ore the Eastern skie
When he begins his Circuit?
Dur.
I have.
Alder.
And have you not heard tell of Nations
That fall down to adore its brightness?
Dur.
Yes, but the more fools they.
Alder.
They would be so, had They beheld the sight
That Thou and I have seen to day
Without forgetting former worship,
And here pay their Reverence;
'Twou'd turn that which we call in them
Idolatry, to just adoration.
Dur.
Why what have we seen to day?
Alder.
A form whose excellent brightness mocks
The most beauteous shapes that Angels
Ever were invested with; a form, that would
Give Verity to Fiction, and make that truth
Which was related once for wonder.
Dur.
What mean you Admiral?
Alder.
I mean the Princess.
Dur.
She's a woman.
Alder.
Something sure much finer.
Dur.
Why Admiral? a woman's the finest thing
I ever saw, except a Canon mounted,
And a ship under sail, but now I talk
Of ships, wou'd I were aboard agen.
Alder.
Why Captain?
Dur.
There I should understand what yosay.
As I am a living man, you speak nothing
But Riddles on land—Why Admiral.
13
Resplendent Deity, Beauteous Shapes,
Forms, Angels, and the Devil and all.
What's all this to the Princess, I am a shark if I can
Guess at your meaning. 'Sbud I say she's a woman.
Enter Matilda.
Alder.
Behold, all I was talking of appears.
Observe her perfections, and thy dull sense
Will be instructed to mend its errours.
Dost thou not think the sight of her
Makes thee Immortal?
Dur.
Immortal! what a rare thing would that be
For a Souldier?
Alder.
Oh Durzo, that I might ever
Gaze upon the glories of that form?
Mat.
His Form, his Meen, his Looks, how great
In each, how much of Gallantry I see!
Alder.
Love in my heart has rais'd its sacred Altar,
And there I pay a secret adoration.
To the Divinity of that face.
That it were permitted
I might more than Contemplate.
Mat.
He regards me at distance,
But moves not nearer; O that he wou'd
Ald. & Matt. advance on the Stage, looking on one another at distance.
But speak to me t'oblige my stay
Alder.
O Love!
Matt.
O my heart!
Alder.
O Conquering eyes!
Matt.
O resistless charms!
Alder.
I'de speak but dare not,
She's a Princess, and my Love is presumption.
Matt.
I'de tell him, but must not,
He's a Subject, and my Love is below me.
Alder.
O tyrannical Love!
Matt.
O tyrannical Honour?
Ald.
My passions more raging.
M.
My flames more tormenting.
Alder.
Be silent I cannot,
M.
To conceal't is impossible.
Alder.
Madam,
Matt.
Sir,
Alder.
O my heart!
Matt.
O Heaven!
Alder.
What confusion!
Matt.
What distraction!
Dur.
Admiral, what makes you start?
Alder.
She's unconcern'd and minds me not.
14
Osw.
There, Hilaria, is the Captain I told you of.
Hila.
He looks as rough as a storm.
Osw.
I'le bring him amongst the Ladies anon.
Alic.
His Company will be good divertisement.
Dur.
O here's another crew.
Alder.
Wee'l avoid 'em,
Ald. gazing at Mat. and she at him, with Durzo, Osw. Ali. Hil. follow.
I am not now for Company—Come Durzo
I turn from glory, and from heaven.
Matt.
Heart hold thy seat in spite of all his charms,
The liberty thou strugl'st for is Bondage,
His conquest will enslave thee—but my eyes
Are too much thy friends, with the enemy
They hold Intelligence, but I'le break it off. So
My heart is once more
Turns away her head laying her right hand on her eyes. Then starts and claps the other on her breast, then both.
Seated in its Throne
But had he stai'd the field he must have won.
Alic.
I see Madam the Admiral is gotten into harbour.
Matt.
Hold Alicia: Trust not thy thoughts to words
Least they be heard by others, with care conceal
This secret, which I had not power to hide.
Hard Law of Custome to impose restraint
On minds Impartial Nature ordain'd free.
She knew the seeds of Passion which she sow'd
In humane breasts, were in each Sex the same,
And wou'd with time grow up to equal strength:
And wisely therefore left our wills
As unconfin'd as man's. O Tyrant Custome!
But more Tyrants men, whose Censures do
Uphold that power is usurpt of thee.
They blame the Passions we unurg'd reveal;
Yet feel the same, but cannot theirs conceal.
Exeunt.
15
King.
I wish Alfreda's form had given report
Just ground to proclaim her Natures miracle.
The Earl by me was sent to view her Beauties.
Alder.
Heavens! Did he for this call me from the Camp?
Shall I, ungrateful King, from thy own mouth
Aside.
Be told how ill thou didst intend to requite
The service I have done?
King.
If Ethelwold had confirm'd my belief
That in Alfreda those many graces met
Fame so loudly has bestow'd on her,
She should have been my Queen.
Alder.
Your Queen!
King.
Yes Aldernald, if Love, or that title
Had charmes to win her heart.
I ever thought thy loyal Family
Worthy my Allyance, and by this tye
Design'd t'advance its antient glory.
Alder.
Indeed Sir, had she been your Queen?
King.
Yes Aldernald, my Queen—why this wonder?
Alder.
I cannot Sir but wonder,
If she should have been your Queen, why she was not.
King.
Look there, and let all wonder cease.
Gives him two Pictures.
Not wanting Allyes, nor necessitated
To marry for State-Interest,
I propos'd to indulge my Genius,
That Beauty should Crown my Nuptials with Love,
The solid blessing of a married life,
A blessing Princes but rarely find.
No Country more than this for Beauty fam'd;
My intents conceal'd, a general Collection
Of their Pictures that were much renown'd
I procur'd. Of all that number
None but that one excell'd Alfreda.
Alder.
This the Queens, it do's her beauty Justice.
This Alfreda's—This my Sister's?
King.
Yes, is it not like her?
Takes a Picture out of his pocket, shews it the King.
Alder.
I have a piece more exact.
16
O what Charmes are here!
How like the Beauty of my mornings dream!
Alfreda was that Heav'nly form, Ethelwold
Was the Serpent that bore away that Scene of Glory.
Enter Ruthin.
I have been betray'd.
Ruth.
Sir, in what?
Gives Ruthin the Pictures.
There read the Treason, thence guess the Traytor:
What Musick is this so loud?
[Musick without.
Ruth.
This Musick will discover all.
Alder.
Not all my Lord.
Enter Oswold.
King.
The occasion of this Publick joy?
Osw.
Earl Ethelwold is this morning married,
King.
And who is his Bride?
Alder.
My Sister Sir?
King.
Thy Sister! in Town! and married! this morning!
And to Ethelwold! when came she?
Alder.
With me last night.
King.
What reasons urg'd this hast?
And to conceal your self and her?
Alder.
To preserve her Honour.
King.
Her Honour? what danger cou'd attend it?
Alder.
The Earl sent by you to my Father, declared that
You design'd—
King.
What?
Alder.
My Faith's so criminal
Shame will not let me speak it.
King.
What said he I design'd?
Alder.
Sir, read it in my blushes,
Or think the worst and that is it.
King.
O my apprehensions!
Speak Aldernald, what was't?
Alder.
The dishonour of our Family.
King.
O Impiety!
Ald.
That you wou'd make her not your Queen, but whore
17
O Prophanation!
Alder.
Our hope's not so ambitious to believe
Our Family merited that Honour:
With ease gave credit to the other.
King.
When Fame had made such often repetitions
Of her Excellencies, you on his single assertion
Might as justly suspect my Virtue,
As I her Beauty. If you yet doubt me,
There's one can witness, my intentions
[Turns to Ruthin.
To her and to your Family were just.
Alder.
And he can witness too the Earl's deceit.
So positively he affirm'd this for truth,
That he believ'd it too,
For my Father was guided by his Counsels,
Which he receiv'd by Letters.
King.
How!
Alder.
After the Earl return'd to Town,
And had obtain'd your leave to marry her,
Being to return agen into the Countrey,
When upon account of business
You countermanded his journey,
We grew suspicious of your intents;
And then my Lord there, zealous in our service,
Counsel'd she should be brought to Town,
And married here.
King.
He counsel this?
Alder.
Wisely concluding, that when you knew
The Honour of two such Families were concern'd,
'Twou'd be a prevailing argument
To alter your Intentions.
King.
He advis'd like a Friend.—Earl Odgare
Acted as a Father, you like a Brother:
'Tis a Virtue to be jealous of our Honour.
Alder.
But not of our Prince.
King.
The fault was Ethelwold's,—but I pardon all;
His Crimes were but Errors of Love,
Which is the madness of the mind.
Tell him I'le be his Guest this day at dinner,
But conceal my knowledge of his Guilt.
I'de have his mind rest in a confidence
18
May be imployed to heighten the pleasures
He this night must ravish from his Bride.
Alder.
Mercy is the Monarch-Virtue in a Prince,
[Exeunt Ruth. Alder.
And that is the Ornament of your Soul.
King.
False Traitor! has Love his Loyalty betray'd?
Those Eyes must have powerful Charmes can draw
The hearts of Subjects from their Allegiance.
[Exit.
Enter Oswold, Durzo.
Dur.
But what do you with these Ladies here?
Osw.
We Court, Complement, and Gallant 'em.
Dur.
What is that Courting 'em?
Osw.
Sometimes 'tis call'd making Love to 'em:
You must have a Mistress if you stay long at Court.
Dur.
Must I, which of 'em?
Osw.
Her you like best.
Dur.
Why I like 'em all.
Osw.
You must appropriate but one.
Dur.
I'de have a whole Tier of 'em.
Osw.
Every man must have his share:
Make choice of her you think most handsome.
Dur.
But how may a man know a handsome Woman?
Osw.
Ile give you the description of my Mistress
For a Pattern to choose one by.—
She has Hair, I know not how to term it;
Nature affords not a comparison.
Dur.
I like not That; she's like no body then.
Osw.
Her Fore-head high and fair, eyes black and sparkling,
They twinkle like the Stars.
Dur.
They are then Gemini.
Osw.
Her Brows like Arches
Cut out of purest Snow, consolidate.
A Nose exactly to the square of Beauty.
Her Cheeks plump, not by Art but Nature painted.
Her mouth little, red Lips, and white Teeth;
A Pearly Portcullis, with a Ruby Gate.
Dur.
Ay—that's fine.
Osw.
A Chin dimpl'd, but in that little Pitt
19
Dur.
They are thrown in then as fast as we heave dead
Men over board in a Sea-fight.
Osw.
Her neck smooth, fat, white, and soft
as the Down on Swans.
Dur.
Ay, That—
Osw.
Her Breasts, those milky Fountains, snowy Alpes,
Round and not limber, their motions pant
Beholders hearts into an Extasie.
No Pride about her but what they swell with,
They rise and fall like Waves blown up by gentle winds.
Dur.
O, O, O, feel here.
[Pulls Owald's hand to his breast.
Osw.
Auh your heart beats high:
We shall have boisterous weather, I perceive it coming.
Dur.
Ay, my heart begins to leap and play
Like a Porpice before a Storm.
Osw.
An Arm, a Hand, small, white, and
Round; the bloud blushing through the fair skin,
Like a Lawn Veil spred o're a Bed of Roses.
Dur.
Me thinks I see this fair Creature;
Yes and touch her too: Oh how fine it is
To stroak such Limbs!
Osw.
Yes, Captain, very fine: Beauty I see will soften
And polish you.
Dur.
Your words have painted something more than
Woman in my fancy.
Osw.
She is as valiant as fair, a brave Virago:
She fans her beauty with a Shield, and darts
A Javelin with as much courage as an Amazon.
Dur.
Ay That's a Woman.
Osw.
Take this Picture, 'tis very like her.
When you see the Lady this resembles,
Claim her for your Mistress; Love her,
Court her, Gallant her, and do your best;
Win her and wear her, that's fair play.
Dur.
Will you give her me?
Osw.
Yes, if you can get her.
Dur.
Why, I can take her up in my Arms
And run away with her.
Osw.
And whither will you carry her?
20
Aboard my Frigot, and he that dares come
To take her from me there, had as good leap
Into a blazing Fire-ship, or kiss Thunder.
Osw.
But she's no lawful Prize if you take her by force;
By the Laws of Love you must, as I told you, Court her,
And win her fairly; you must get her good Will.
Dur.
I thought I had had her Will when I had her.
But now I think on't, I have heard a Womans Will
Shifts into more Points than the Wind.
But if she sail under any Point of the Court-Compass,
I'le hale her in I warrant you.
[Exeunt.
Enter Ethelwold, Aldernald. The Scene Ethelwold's Apartment.
Ethel.
May their wishes of Joy
Convert to Curses on themselves, and every Curse
Attended with a mischief greater than this
They've brought on me. O untimely discovery!
Alder.
This News is much unwelcom to you.
Ethel.
As Frost is to early Flowers,
It blasts my new born Joys.
Alder.
But thou, treacherous Ethelwold, in their
[Aside.
Bud did'st stifle the glories of our Family;
[Aside.
You are too apprehensive of the consequence.
He designs his coming as a particular favour;
His presence will grace your Nuptials.
Ethel.
I know his temper, and foresee the Event.
Alder.
He is now married, his Love is engag'd,
But were it not, and was he free,
To Alfreda it could have no access.
Her Honour's strongly guarded; she's your Wife,
If that is not enough, she is yet more,
My Sister,—her wrongs will call on me
To own the title of Brother.
Ethel.
With what temper did he receive the News?
Alder.
He shew'd no great surprize,
For had he been concern'd, or should he yet
Resent the Marriage ill—
Ethel.
He conceals his Thoughts.
21
Be confident and cheerful.—
Suspect of mischief hastens mischief on,
He fewest dangers meets that doth fear none.
I must attend him hither—
O Alfreda, were I but assur'd
[Aside.
Thou could'st receive the knowledge of this wrong,
And thy Ambition not transport Revenge
To the loss of Honour and Virtue,
Not the command of Edgar should make me tame.
[Exit Ald.
Ethel.
To dinner, unwelcome Guest!
I know the dish thy greedy eye will feast on.
But his Reception shall be with smiles,
That in my looks he may not read my fears,
And thence conclude me conscious of a Guilt.
Enter Alfreda.
Alfr.
My Brother tells me the King will be here.
Ethel.
Yes, Alfreda, the King will be here.
Alfr.
This Country Dress will shame me;
I wou'd appear in more Gallantry.
I'le wear my Jewels.—
Ethel.
Thy beauty has its native purity,
With Art not injur'd, nor with Age impair'd,
Not broke with Surfeits, nor worn with Cares,
Nor by late Revelings decay'd, you, Alfreda,
Want not the ornament of Dress.
Alfr.
But I am a Bride.
Ethel.
The Court makes no distinction.
Alfr.
You look on me, my Lord, with eyes
Full of Love and Sadness, as if your Breast
Gave entertainment to some thoughts
Injurious to the blessings of the Day.
My Brother's Brow too wore an unwonted frown.
Ethel.
Did he acquaint you with the Cause?
Alfr.
No.
Ethel.
'Tis then a Secret to us both.—But mine
Proceeds from an apprehension that you
Will suddenly be angry or unkind.
Alfr.
This day shou'd know no Grief,—
22
Ethel.
A request I would have you grant,
And not demand the reason why I ask it.
Alfr.
Your words a little surprize me,
For they import some Diffidence.
Yet you may dismiss your fears,
Since all I can with honour grant.
You now are priviledg'd to ask.
Ethel.
Then, to oblige me, instead of adorning,
Resolve to cloud that bright Orb of Beauty,
And in a meaner Dress obscure those Beams.
Let a pale Green-sickness Paint be drawn,
As a Veil o're the Roses of thy Cheeks;
A tawny Die spread o're thy Neck and Breasts;
Let the same Art instruct thee to sully
That excellent whiteness of thy Hands.
Alfr.
You forget the King will be here.
Ethel.
No, I had rather he would forget to come.
Alfr.
You are jealous then, my Lord!
Ethel.
Not of thee by Heaven, Alfreda.
Alfr.
This injurious Caution shews you are.
Ethel.
Of the King I am, for thou art so fair,
And he so amorous.
Alfr.
Poor suspicious man, dost thou believe,
That should my Beauty have Charms to conquer his Heart,
He can find any to or'ecome my Virtue.
Now I perceive the Mark at which you levell'd
Your Discourse this morning. Tho ambition
Of all Passions, in my Soul has the Ascendant,
Yet my aspiring thoughts pursue
The bright Tracts of Honour, and take no flight
Where Virtue towrs not above, your Thoughts.
When I told you Ambition did guide my Love,
Were too injurious to conclude,
It had the conduct of my Virtue too.
Ethel.
No man less jealous is than I.
Alfr.
Suck not that Poyson in, which would burst out:
You have already done me Injuries,
Not to be repair'd, and scarce forgiven.
Ethel.
Let not reproaches add to my sorrows.
23
Imagine not this strange Request
Proceeds from suspicions of your Virtue:
But grant if possible what I ask,
Without farther obliging me to declare
The Reasons that compell me to't.
Alfr.
No, no, my Lord, you can have no other
Sentiments in your Soul, nothing but Jealousie
Has eyes to foresee the future so far off.
Ethel.
Unkind Alfreda, thou wilt force my tongue
To an acknowledgment that will destroy
Thy peace, my guilt made known:
If thou hast not a noble stock of Courage,
Thy Thoughts will soon grow mutinous,
And Passion 'gainst thy Reason will rebell.
Alfr.
Then to suspect my Virtue there can be
No greater crime.
Ethel.
Yes, Alfreda; yet 'tis a crime may be forgiven too,
Since but from the excess of Love it grew.
Alfr.
What is't, my Lord?
Ethel.
I dare not tell thee.
Alfr.
Dare not?
Ethel.
No, must not.
Alfr.
Yes, you must.
Ethel.
I wou'd not, but I must.
Alfr.
Come out with it.
Ethel.
I have lov'd you too well.
Alfr.
Is that a Crime?
Ethel.
I wish it were not;
And I fear you scarce will thank me for't.
By the King I was sent to view your Charms.
If my Tongue had confirm'd the report of your Beauty,
You had been Queen of Mercia, but your Eyes
Made me a Traitor to my Prince.
When I had gain'd an interest in your heart
To advance my Love, I falsify'd
The intentions of my King, I told
Your Father he design'd your dishonour.
Alfr.
Then at your return to Court
Degraded my Beauty?—
24
I did.
Alfr.
And this you call Love?
Ethel.
To incur the King's displeasure—
Alfr.
Was Treachery.
Ethel.
To hazard Life and Honour to purchase thee—
Alfr.
Was folly.
Ethel.
But does th'excess of Love declare.
Alfr.
No, it argues self interest, had you lov'd me
You had not robb'd my Beauty of its Glories,
And interpos'd 'twixt me and a Crown.
You would have been more pleas'd to have seen me
Fixt in the Glories of a Throne,
Than confin'd to your low Embrace.
Ethel.
Pardon the Treason I have committed,
And be content to reign absolute
In the heart of one that truly loves you.
Alfr.
Had your Love been true it had been generous,
Then you'd have declar'd the King's intentions,
And by this high act of Exemplar Virtue
Taught me to value your Love above a Crown.
Ethel.
Love its greatness shews in rash effects:
That had exprest more Generosity,
But less Love; if you wou'd prevent my ruin,
And cherish my affection,
You must submit to be less beautiful.
If his eye catch but one limb or feature
Undisguis'd, it hastens my confusion,
Damns his Soul, and ruins Thee.
Alfr.
The injuries you have done me
Permit not you should be my Counsellour.
I will consult my own thoughts, at present
Expect to know no more than this,—
What Honour does oblige, I'le do.
Ethel.
Let Pity in your thoughts have share.
[Exit.
Alfr.
You should first have pitied your self.
Bold man! that durst expose his safety
To the frailty of a Woman's Virtue!
Cou'd he know, we covet all that's fair,
That we love to be envied for our Greatness,
Ador'd for our State, fear'd for our Power,
25
Yet durst he rob me of all these,
And hope a Refuge in my Virtue?
Ah too presumptious man! Thy folly gives
My virtue too severe a tryal.
Yet i'le give thee a farther Testimony,
And it shall be as daring, as the proof
Of thy injurious Love was bold.
I'le work thy fears to punishment,
My Looks shall court Enticements, 'till they've rais'd
Thy Jealousie to a dispairing height,
Then I will make a brave Retreat,
And Greatness, which I seem'd to covet, slight,
And glory in that proud Defeat.
[Exit.
The End of the Second Act.
| King Edgar and Alfreda | |