 | King Edgar and Alfreda |  |
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Act the Fifth.
Scene First.
Enter King Ethelwold, Aldernald, Ruthin, Alfreda, and Ladies Attendants.King.
This, Alfreda, should have been
A night of pleasure to you and Ethelwold,
A night of Extasie and Delights;
But this amorous Conflict must be deferr'd
'Till Ethelwold recovers his health.
Eth.
My wounds is slight, the Surgeons
Have declar'd it so; but with all
Humble thankfulness I own your care
Of my health, as an Honour and a Blessing.
King.
I'de have you meet your Bride in your
Full strength, in all your vigour.
Alfr.
Since you have begun to make his health
Your care; Sir, command him to let it be
His own chief concern, and not too rashly
To expose himself abroad;
The open air, late hours, and Court-attendance
[To Eth.
You should avoid.
Enter Ruthin at distance.
Eth.
Depriv'd of you, how shall I pass this night
Without sad thoughts and great inquietude?
Like one just grasping of his long wish'd store
Of wealth, I am snatch'd back.
King.
Commit your Lord to my care.
Good night, Alfreda.
Alfr.
Good night, my Lord.
Eth.
Soft and gentle slumbers close your Eyes.
Ald.
Your Wedding night is yet to come.
[Exit Alfreda and Ladies.
Eth.
How many unexpected accidents, retard a
Lover's progress, and delay his bliss?
King.
To divert your thoughts from Melancholly,
And to give my own mind a Truce from cares,
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You have excellent cunning in that Game;
I have many nights try'd the Experiment,
And found it 'gainst the minds distempers
A most prevailing remedy.—Come,
I know your sleep will be more sound and quiet.
[Exeunt Ald. & Osw.
Ruth.
My Lord all this is design.
The King and Alfreda have appointed
A private meeting this night in the Garden,
Near the Marble Grotto.
Eth.
O subtlety, O woman Devil!
Ruth.
Be calm, but circumspect.
This my friendship obliged me to discover.
Eth.
I thank you for your intelligence.
Ruth.
No ceremony, but away.
Eth.
Woman, woman, what art thou but deceit!
Exit Eth.
Ruth.
I'le keep him thus alarm'd, his Jealousie
May rouse his fury to some desperate act.
From Court this will induce him to remove her,
Perhaps he may think Heaven a fit place for her.
[Exit.
Scene 2d.
Enter Oswald and Durzo.Osw.
Well met, Captain, how go squares
Now 'twixt you and your Mistress?
Durz.
She has sent me a Letter here,
I wanted you to read it to me.
Osw.
Cannot you read?
Durz.
Neither write nor read, 'tis out of my Element:
The Sea breeds Soldiers, but not Scholars.
Osw.
You shall hear it then.
[Oswald reads the Letter.
My roaring Boy, I can love no longer at your fierce rate, my
heart is sailing under another Convoy; give Chase to a fresh
Mistress, I am making all Sail after a new Rigg'd Gallant, and
now bid you defiance, and so a boon Voyage to you, Captain, and
Farewell.
Hillaria.
Durz.
What, turn'd Renegade?
Osw.
Short warning, this.
Durz.
Steal away like a cowardly Enemy in a dark night.
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Osw.
See, she's not out of Hemisphere,
Give her chase, you see how she's mann'd.
Durz.
Meer' Hulls of men.
Osw.
They Tack about agen.
Hill.
How dejected my Lover looks, now I've taken
Away his Commission!
1 Court.
Captain, what think you?
Durz.
Think I.
1 Court.
Of Love?
Durz.
As of Folly.
2 Court.
Is it not a fine Pastime?
Durz.
Yes for fools.
1 Court.
What think you of Women?
Durz.
As of light Sailers.
Omnes.
Ha, ha, he.
Osw.
That Shot hits you 'twixt wind and water.
Durz.
Or as of Ships that want Ballast,
That are toss'd about with every Wave,
And cannot be steer'd in any true course.
Omnes.
Ha, ha, he.
Durz.
Do you play with my anger?
Am I so tame to be laugh'd at?
Sure I have seem'd more terrible,
When with this Sword I have lopt off limbs,
Strew'd the Decks with Carcasses, turn'd Fleets
To floating Hospitals, sent Navies to their Ports
To cut down Masts, and hew the Timber of their
Shattered Vessels into wooden Legs and Crutches,
To underprop the Criples they brought home.
Love, hast thou disarm'd my Looks of Manhood?
Phew—with that Gale be gone.
Omnes.
Ha, ha, he.
Durz.
Are you laughing agen? have amongst you Piccaroons.
Osw.
Hold Captain, what do you mean?
Durz.
I'le shatter their Tacklin,—
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Let 'em go, they are not worth pursuit.
Hill.
Come on, bold Captain, if you are for fighting,
See here your Enemy.
Durz.
Beauty, that raises storms of Love,
Allays those of Anger; you the Object,
I can look my self into a Calm.
Hill.
Captain, you have a Qualm coming
O're your stomach, you are either Sea-sick,
Or Love-sick still.
Alic.
Captain, Love is still in Port, he went not out
With that strong Puff.
Osw.
No, Love has not yet weigh'd Anchor.
Hill.
Captain, if you are not for fighting, let
Me know what you think of Love in good earnest.
Durz.
Love is a Sea, a dangerous Sea,
Where Wind and Tide are still contrary.
Men are the Barks that venture out,
Whose ruines still its waves conspire.
Alic.
But what are women in this Ocean, Captain?
Durz.
You are Pirates that rob us of our hearts:
You are Laplanders, that give us a fair wind
To leave safe Harbours, and when we're out at Sea
Make it swell to a Tempest to drown us.
I have out-rid the Storm, thanks to my
Lusty Vessel, and now being gotten safe into
Harbour, can look back and say,
Yonder I had like to have suffer'd Wreck.
Osw.
Well said, Captain, you have given the women
A whole Broad-side.
Hill.
For all that, I see he's but a Fresh-water
Lover yet; now you think your self past danger,
You are in greatest peril to be cast away.
What think you, if that Letter, which rais'd
This Tempest, was but a plot to see
How my Lover could brook a Rival.
Osw.
What Wind do you call this? By what Point
Of the Compass will you sail now?
Durz.
I think I had best tack about agen
And make what hast I can to fall
In a Stern of her.
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That it was so, here's my hand on't.
Now if you dare put off to Sea agen,
My heart shall run the Risque with yours
In all adventures.
Alic.
'Tis very true, this plot was but to try your love.
Durz.
Why then I'le count my self your Lover still.
And if the wind hold thus fair for me
You'l quickly lie by the Lee.
[To Oswold.
Osw.
You are not quite undeceiv'd yet,
She's not my Mistress but my Sister.
Durz.
If you are not my Rival, I fear no Reprizal.
Alic.
You must reckon our two Gallants your Enemies
No more, their Rival-ship is ended.
Hill.
They have struck Sail to you:
You now with Triumph in Love's Ocean steer,
Calm is the Sea, and from all Pirats clear.
[Exeunt.
The Scene opens, and discovers the King and Ethelwold playing at Chess, Courtiers looking on. After a while enter Oswald and Durzo.
Osw.
How stands the Game?
1 Court.
The Earl won the first,
But of this the King has th'advantage.
King.
Sit down, and play my Game, if this end
Before my Return, begin another, Oswald.
[Exeunt the King and Oswold.
A Courtier sits down to play. After a while Ethelwold rises.
Eth.
Cousen, I'le trust my Game to your management;
Pray use your skill 'till my Return.
[Exit.
[Another Courtier sits down to play. The Scene shuts upon them.
Scene 4th.
Enter the Queen and Alfreda in the Garden.Queen.
This Secret you have reveal'd, takes from me
All suspicions of your Virtue.
I have not now one jealous thought of you;
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Alfr.
But after this night I will no more
Be seen at Court, not that I doubt my Virtue
Or my Courage; no, Madam, 'tis for your sake
I go, because I know my absence will with
More speed and ease restore you to the King's love:
I would else stand my ground, and my Virtue
Should from this Trial grow exemplar.
Queen.
Let the excess of love I bear the King
Excuse the wrongs my Jealousies have done,
Which are so much the greater, because
The Virtue they have offended is so highly eminent.
Alfr.
That my Honour may not receive a blemish
From this nights private conference,
I have intreated your presence in the Garden.
Assisted by the darkness of the night,
You may, unperceiv'd by the King,
Hear our Discourse, and thence know his intents.
Queen.
My heart is on the sudden much opprest,
Something fills my mind with sad presages,
And makes me grow suspicious of th'event.
Alfr.
Those thoughts are the dictates of your Melancholly.
Queen.
I would fain retreat.
Alfr.
Oh Madam, let me importune your stay,
To witness for me, if by any chance
Our meeting be discover'd, that nothing past
Injurious to my Lord, or unworthy
A Ladies publick vindication.
Queen.
Hark, I heard the Garden-gate clap too.
Alfr.
He is coming, stand conceal'd.
[The Queen absconds.
Enter the King and Oswold in disguise, with a dark Lanthorn, and a naked Sword.
King.
Here, expect my Return.
[To Oswold.
Alfr.
Who's there?
[The King advances.
King.
'Tis I, the King, Oh my Alfreda.
Oh most blest and happy minute of my life!
Alfr.
Why are you, Sir, so much rejoyc'd?
King.
How sweet are stollen minutes in love!
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[Puts a Casket of Jewels into Alfreda's hand.
Alfr.
What is it, Sir?
King.
A rich Present of Jewels,
Wealth enough to purchase a Kingdom,
Or ransom a Captive Monarch.
Alfr.
To receive so rich a Present from you
Will surely bring my Honour into question,
And to my Husband's Jealousies
Add the censures of the world.
King.
Take 'em, and with 'em take my heart.
Take me a King, one that has power
To authorize and justifie his Love,
One that will be thy Lover and Protector.
Alfr.
Sir, I have now a Lover, and Protector,
That has than yours a more unlimited Power.
King.
Than mine?
Alfr.
My honour forfeited, your Power can weak
Defence afford. None to my face perchance
May dare to call me Strumpet, but in
Their hearts they'l brand me with that Title,
And there call you Tyrant. Now I have
Heaven for my Protector; Heaven, that
Protects the virtuous, and the innocent.
King.
Sin repeated, and to a Habit grown,
Removes us from the state of Virtue,
But one single act will not destroy
Thy Innocence.
Alfr.
For ever it would blot my Soul, and
Darken my honour.
King.
The world shall never know it.
Alfr.
It never shall, for I will never—
King.
Oh hold—
Alfr.
What wou'd you Sir?
King.
Lead me to thy Apartment,
And there make satisfaction for
Ethelwold's Crimes. I would have thee
Give thy self up to me, and love.
Alfr.
Your discourse is too urging,
I can no longer bear it.
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Speak lower.
Alfr.
Let them speak low that speak amiss:
I speak what I ought, and fear not to be heard.
King.
Are you then resolv'd not to comply?
Alfr.
From a woman of my quality
That Question for an Answer merits Silence or Death.
King.
Comply then, and kill me after.
Alfr.
No, kill me first, and live in peace; kill me,
And with my bloud quench your unlawful fires.
King.
Behold a King that languishes,
A King that courts you with
His Wealth and State, and to your merits
Dedicates his Life and Honours.
Alfr.
Oh King, Here at your feet a wretched woman falls,
That with her tears and prayers beseeches you,
That asks for nothing but her Liberty;
And, except her honour, gives you all,
And to ransom That, offers her life.
King.
Without that you give me nothing.
Alfr.
I give you all I can.
King.
Your love—
Alfr.
That is my Husband's Right.
King.
He is a Traitor, and his life is mine.
Alfr.
Your Pardon has acquitted him.
King.
He is still in my power; his Life,
And your Honour are at my mercy.
Alfr.
Your word is past and cannot be recall'd.
King,
I am a King, and can do what I please:
And now, Alfreda, as a King I speak,
I love, and must enjoy.
Alfr.
Since as a King you have declar'd your mind,
And as Monarch of these Dominions.
I will return you my Answer,
As I am a Queen of my own free Will,
And Mistress of my Affections.
Your Love from me shall meet with no return:
If me you love, with hopeless fires you burn.
King.
I can act too as a King, but in deeds
You want power to shew your self a Queen:
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[Gives a sign. Oswald at a distance shews a Light, and a naked Sword.
Alfr.
What means this Sight?
King.
See there the fate of Traitors,
Of such Traitors as is Ethelwold.
Alfr.
What shall I do?
King.
Besides the fate that threatens him, consider
You are a Woman, alone, defenceless;
I have Power, have Followers, and am resolute.
Retreat not, you are guarded on every side.
Alfr.
Sir, I request one favour.
King.
What is't?
Alfr.
Sir, give me but my choice which to part with,
My Honour, or my Life.
King.
Life must not be at your dispose.
I love, I burn, and must quench my Flame.
Alfr.
If I consent not, what can you do?
King.
Force you.
Alfr.
who values not life, fears not force.
King.
Force must prevail.
Alfr.
Then force oppos'd by force must be
The remedy. You are resolv'd to attempt my Honour?
King.
I am resolv'd to procure my peace.
Alfr.
To this then I owe my deliverance
[Puls out a dagger.
To this, which my care provided for a refuge.
Come, begin your assault—
Come Sir, make your Amorous approaches:
See, I'me ready to receive your Imbraces.
King.
What art thou doing, my Life?
Oh Alfreda, what are your intentions?
Alfr.
Approach not, if you do,
You press this forward to my heart.
Tho you'd not grant me my choice which to part with,
Life or Honour, yet I'le give you your freedom,
To see me live with honour, or with honour die.
If, barbarous man, I snatch my life from thee,
My Honour will eternally be safe.
King.
Oh cruel one, what do I behold?
Alfr.
A woman that has courage above her Sex,
And honour equal to the best.
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Her own soft breast, and ready
T'encounter Death to 'scape thy Tyranny;
One that by death will immortalize her Name.
King.
Unheard of bravery!
Alfr.
Pause not but away, hence,
Or this minute is my last.
Resolve with speed, for I am resolute.
King.
I would not kill thee, cruel one.
Alfr.
Be gone then, Sacrilegious man!
King.
If in despair I part, I die.
Alfr.
Your longer stay kills me.
King.
Live, and I'le be gone.
Alfr.
Be gone, that I may live.
King.
She has a hardned Virtue, she's brave
To the last degree.
Alfr.
If you return, this posture I resume.
King.
Grant me, Alfreda, one request.
Alfr.
It must be very small.
King.
Consent I may leave thee a few minutes,
And find thee here at my return.
In my absence think on Ethelwold's Treason,
Think by his guilt how wretched I am made,
That some attonement for his crimes should be,
That for his grant of life thou art indebted.
Alfr.
I will.
King.
Love is the sum I ask.
This night let me be blest with thy Imbraces,
And after live ever free from importunities.
Alfr.
Sir?
King.
A sudden answer cannot be favourable,
Keep it back 'till my return; but then
Let thy first words declare thy Resolution.
Alfr.
They shall.
[Alfreda enters the Grotto. The King goes to Oswold. Oswold appears.
King.
Thy unalterable Resolution.
Oswald?
Osw.
Sir.
King.
She's invincible.
What other woman could have stood this test?
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Go, bring Ethelwold into the Garden;
I'le act it o're again, let him stand conceal'd,
Tell him I do this to give him a proof,
That his past Suspicions wrong'd her Virtue,
And to root out remaining jealousies,
Find out her Brother too.
[Enter Alicia with Lights. Aldernald and Matilda at a distance.
What Lights are these?
Alic.
Go forward with your Lights
To the Princes Lodgings.
[Exit Lights.
Osw.
The Princess is going to bed,
And Aldernald attends her cross the Garden.
King.
Go quickly, bring Ethelwold here,
I'le speak to him my self.
[Exit Oswald.
Ald.
Love has the the same dimensions as our Souls;
It's as impossible that either should admit
Degrees, as Parts.
Mat,
Yes, Aldernald, I want no Arguments to convince me
That a real Lover's flame breaks forth like
Lightning, in a moment, and at one flash
Shews all that Heaven inflam'd in which it is.
Ald.
This obliging acknowledgment makes my hopes
Grow up to confidence, that as you have done me
An Act of Grace, with circumstances so
Convincing, to give my Passion Language,
And to raise my humble thoughts to an
Aspiring flame; that now you will compleat
My happiness, and let me here receive
Assurance, that this presumption of my love
Is not esteem'd a Crime.
Mat.
In my blushes you may read my mind,
They too officiously betray my heart,
And like the Flag set up in Towns besieg'd,
Give joyful notice of Surrender.
Ald.
The blessings this minute gives, are greater
Than all my former life e're knew.
King.
Their conference will hold too long.
[The King makes a noise.
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What noise was that?
Ald.
I heard some one tread!
Mat.
Quickly let's shift our ground,
Or rather quit me here, that we may not
Be surpriz'd together, and our love from
Thence discours'd in publick.
[The King treads agen.
Ald.
The noise is that way, this leads to your Lodgings.
Mat.
I'le find the way alone.
Ald.
Let me not lose one step of this pleasant Journey,
And by the way I'le make you Vows, shall shew
My love of an Immortal birth.
[Exeunt Aldernald and Matilda. The King follows them.
Enter the Queen and Alfreda.
Queen.
They are gone.
Alfr.
It was Aldernald's voice.
Queen.
'Twas he and the Princess, Success attend their
Vows. But what do you resolve on? the King
Will soon return.
Alfr.
I have found the means, he shall meet a kind
Reception; when he finds me compliant to his love
Hee'l be all on fire, and in eager hast
Hurry me away; I'le speak to him,
And to all he says return an Answer.
But when he leads me off I'le step back,
And into his hand put yours:
The Night is favourable to our design,
'Tis very dark; me he shall court,
But you he must enjoy.
Queen.
A fainting joy spreads gently o're my breast,
But how can that approach my heart
In the crowd of so many fears?
Ald.
Madam, be comforted, your Embraces have charms
Will re-instate you in his love,
Make him repent his rash unlawful Oath,
And establish a blest peace betwixt you.
Queen.
I fear the deceit will more enrage him.
Alfr.
It cannot, at least your issue, if it successful
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Queen.
Hark, I hear a noise in the Garden.
Alfr.
Be near me, let me hold your hand in mine;
When I deliver you to his, suffer your self
To be led in the dark to my Apartment.
Queen.
You instruct, and Love perswades me to comply.
Enter Ethelwold.
Eth.
No Whisper yet has reach'd my Ear,
They're very still in their Amours.
Oh they cannot vent their breath for Kisses;
They are close, close, and silent,
I am near the place.
Alfr.
Sir, is it you?
Eth.
'Tis I.
Alfr.
I fear my late Repulse has much incens'd you,
That it has arm'd your Love with Rage,
And now that you return with fiercer resolutions,
And more determin'd to execute your purpose.
But now with love alone make your approach,
For since your departure, I have considered
Your promise, which o'recomes my obstinacy.
Pardon me, Sir, for first transgressions
Are not without great reluctancy.
From one bred up in the strict Rules of Virtue;
Honour parts not without strong convulsions,
As life from men by nature strong and
Healthful; If this night I yield to your Embraces,
Will you no more disturb my quiet?
Shall I not again be urg'd by you
To wrong my Honour, and my Lord?
Eth.
Never.
Alfr.
Shall your Hate not persecute him,
Nor your Love me? Shall both then live in peace?
Eth.
Ever.
Alfr.
This one thing more, Sir, you must promise,
Remov'd from hence to use no more discourse,
Lest your voice betray my Honour;
Nor expect any light in my Apartment:
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Now I have consented I hate the light,
And should you see my face, you'd find it all confus'd,
Let Night conceal my Blushes and my Guilt.
Eth.
It shall.
Alfreda puts the Queens hand into his, and changes places.
Enter King and Aldernald.
King.
Oswold's not yet return'd?
[Ethelwold kisses the Queens hand, and draws out a Dagger.
Ald.
This may better Ethelwold's opinion
Of her, it cannot mine.
What she has already done, is proof enough
To me, and should be so to him.
Alfr.
Now, Sir, take my hand, and as you please
Dispose of me, but take care to preserve my Honour.
Eth.
I will.
[Pistols the Queen.
Die, false lascivious Woman.
[She falls.
Queen.
Oh I am kill'd.
Alfr.
Oh Murder Treason, Treason Murder!
Ald.
Treason—
King.
Guards—
Alfr.
Treason—
Ald.
Retire, Sir, I'le stand 'twixt you and danger.
King.
Lights, lights—
[The King goes off.
Ald.
Who's there? stand.
Eth.
I will not.
Ald.
Stand, or dye.
Eth.
Avoid, be gone.
Ald.
Who e're thou art thou shalt.
[They fight.
Alfr.
Oh Madam speak! Oh she's dead!
Ald.
Thy Career is stopt,
[Eth. falls.
We shall see who thou art.
Alfr.
I heard Swords clash—Oh my fears!
Ald.
Who's there?
Alfr.
A Woman half dead with fear!
Ald.
Is not that Alfreda's voice?
Alfr.
Brother!
Ald.
What's the matter?
Alfr.
Oh the Queen, the Queen is murder'd!
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Here then lies the Murderer.
Alfr.
Oh what have you done! you have kill'd the King!
Ald.
The King?
Enter Matilda, Ladies, and Lights at one door. The King, Oswald, Durzo, Courtiers, and Guards, at the other.
Osw.
What Cryes are these?
Alfr.
The Queen is murder'd!
Mat.
Murder'd—She's dead!
[Runs to the body.
Ald.
See, the King is safe.
Alfr.
The Innocent then is fal'n by your hand,
And the guilty Murderer lives,
Tyrant, Barbarian, Murderer!
King.
Why this unjust Accusation?
Alfr.
Me you thought you had murder'd,
But the mistake proves yet more fatal
Than your Intention; there behold your Queen,
The best of Women, murder'd!
King.
Murder'd, by whom? had he ten thousand lives,
My revenge should reach 'em all.
Alfr.
Oh rare Dissembler!
Osw.
This is my Lord Ethelwold.
Alfr.
My Husband slain too, Oh Monster, Monster!
Oh my dear Lord!—
[Runs to embrace Eth.
Eth.
False Woman—
King.
Whence proceeds all this?
Who can clear this Riddle?
Eth.
If any can, quickly let 'em speak
Before my little breath that's left is spent;
I would not die in so much ignorance.
Ald.
Attempting your flight, you
Fell by my Sword.
[To Eth.
Alfr.
And the Queen by thy barbarous hand.
[To the King.
Mistaking her for me, you kill'd her.
Eth.
I struck that blow to punish thy Lust
[To Alfreda.
And Falshood.
Alfr.
Now I find the Fatal error.
After you left me at the Grotto, Sir.
To think what Answer I should give your love,
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I resolv'd to feign a kind compliance,
Thinking it was you that return'd,
I put the Queen into his hand, whom my
Intreaties had drawn into the Garden,
And who by my Perswasions there stood ready
To be lead off in the dark instead of me.
Eth.
What do I hear?
King.
You conspir'd my breach of Vows—
Alfr.
Them we judg'd unlawful, we hop'd
Her Embraces might reconcile your love,
And call home your wandring loose affections.
Eth.
Oh Innocence! what Expiation can I make!
Alfr.
Live, live my Lord.
Eth.
My Death's ascertain'd, and the time draws nigh,
Oh had I dy'd this truth unreveal'd,
The joys of Heaven could not have made me blest.
King.
I grieve the Tragical Event,
Here are some can witness my Innocence:
I came to make a tryal of thy Virtue,
And if I found it absolute, to send for
Thy Husband, and thy Brother
In their hearing, to act the Scene o're agen.
In Ethelwold's breast I was sure
The lees of Jealousie were yet remaining.
When I retired, 'twas not with expectation
Or desire that thou should'st change thy mind,
But to accomplish that Design. Oswald I sent
To call thy Husband, where I thought
I had fix'd him, and in the interim
I declar'd thus much to you, Aldernald.
Ald.
You did, Sir.
King.
But how came Ethelwold to the unlucky
And untimely knowledge of our meeting.
Eth.
My Lord Ruthin discover'd that to me.
Alfr.
And I to him.
Eth.
His Discovery waken'd my Jealousie.
King.
And of all this mischief is the cause.
Ruth.
How strangely Fate baffles humane Reason
In all designs man's Prudence frames,
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Lets us our greatest disappointments meet.
Eth.
Give me thy hand, Alfreda,
That e're I am depriv'd of the Glory,
I may dispose of what I could not merit.
With my last breath, Sir, I bequeath her to You;
Accept the Legacy,—I resign her,
As dying Penitents restore ill-gotten Wealth.
King.
Thy Penitence to Heaven is not more grateful
Than this Gift to me!
Eth.
The Fatal minute crowds on apace.
If in my death, Alfreda, you permit
I retain an Interest in you, Love the King,
For I am Thine no more—
Alfr.
Ah my Lord!
King.
Curs'd Instrument, here behold the end
[To Ruthin.
Of all thy Polices! Here see the painted bubble of Ambition
Broken, and all thy Hopes dash'd to air!
Ruth.
Nothing remains in the world I value now:
In a Cloyster I'le spend the remainder of my life,
Where I'le thank Heaven, which timely lets me see
How fruitless and how vain are Earthly hopes.
Alfr.
Ah Sir, he's dead, no Sigh nor breath remains!
King.
Alfreda, weep not.
Each precious drop that falls from your bright eyes,
Will raise in me an envy of his death.
Alfr.
I know your heart does feel a tenderness.
King.
His and the Queens death I grieve;
But Fate's hand was in't, and Justice
Seem'd to strike the blow.
Forbear thy tears, and now only remember
Thou art his Legacy.
Alfr.
To requite that Generous act, I ask Supplies
To found a Monastery o're the place of his Interment.
King.
'Tis granted. This more I'le do to merit thee.
Blush not, Matilda, nor wonder, Alderlnald,
King takes Ald. and Matilda's hands, and joyns em.
If uniting thus your hands, I reveal
The Secrets of your hearts.
Love of your Souls has a strict union made,
And Vows, which Heaven records, have seal'd it.
71
Whilst here in the Garden I stood conceal'd.
Take her, brave young man.
Ald.
Here I possess what does transport,
And lead my Soul to an Elizium.
King.
Now, Alfreda, to my Throne ascend,
Bright as the Constellation that shin'd
At thy Nativity, and cast its glorious Influence on thee.
Alfr.
One Month I dedicate to Virgin-Widdowhood,
Sir, the rest of my whole life to you.
Captain, why stand you single, are
Not you a Lover too?
Durz.
Yes, and this is the very thing I love.
Durzo.
To reward your merit, and promote
Your Love, we make you our Rear-Admiral.
Mat.
Hillaria, you must now strike sail to him.
Hill.
Madam, did not your Example encourage me,
I durst not give my heart to a Soldier.
Durz.
I thank your Grace, now I'le board her to rights.
Hill.
Now, Captain, we are sailing out of the Haven
Of Love, into the tempestuous Sea of Matrimony.
King.
You must a while forget Wars rough Alarms,
Love does invite you to reap gentler Spoils:
To you most kind Fortune the Glory gives
In these more pleasing Triumphs to advance,
Whilst she delays my happiness. But when
Alfreda's month of Widdowhood is past,
Our Solemnities shall raise new joys.
Then we with Nuptial Rites will consummate
The yet imperfect bounty of our Fate.
FINIS.
| King Edgar and Alfreda | |