University of Virginia Library

Actus Secundus.

Scena prima.

Scene continues:
Enter Smerdis.
Smerd.
Let Heav'n whatever Fate for me design,
'Tis Smerdis must make Smerdis glory shine.
My stars can but their utmost pow'rs dispense:
Put I'le Act things above their influence.

Enter to him, Theramnes pensively, not seeing Smerdis.
Ther.
(Aside.)
It must be done. I'm bound by Honours Laws,
And more, 'tis in Orinda's Sisters cause.
I want not courage, and I dangers scorn:
Yet on mine Honour such an Oath I've sworn,
That I want power to perform my Vow.

Smerd.
What serious thought sits on Theramnes brow?
Come, in your looks some great design I reade:
Or some request for which your eyes do plead.
Name it, it shall be done.
Nothing shall make me from my promise shrink,
For I dare Act whatever you dare think.

Ther.
You cannot Act that kindness which I want.

Smerd.
You cannot ask that which I cannot grant
At your request.

Ther.
—Sir, in a Ladies cause
I am engag'd by Honours sacred Laws,
In her Revenge to Act a Champions part,
To right her wrongs on her Offender's heart.
But I shall be as blind in my pursuit,
As is that Justice I would Execute.
Nor can your pow'r, where th'Objects are unknown,
Direct my hand, nor reach them with your own.

Smerd.
Theramnes, you a Prince's pow'r mistake,
Monarchs the secrets of the skyes can track,
And search Heav'ns counsels; how then can mankind
Act in a Cloud that which we cannot find?
I'le find them if they live.—But, Sir, her name
Who does this Justice, and your courage claim;
The time, the place where they did Act their Crime?

Ther.
The Scene it was your Palace, Sir, the time
This Morning, and her name is Phedima.

Smerd.
That onely name does all my spirits awe.
[Aside.
Then as I promis'd in your cause I joyn:
Theramnes, draw your Sword, as I draw mine.
[Draws.
To give the blow I will direct you where;
And that you may not miss his Heart—strike here.
[Points to his Breast.
That you more boldly may her cause defend,
Know her Offender is your King and Friend.
What, does your courage shake, and must you pause
When Honour calls you in a Ladies cause?
Or is't your fear that does resist your Vow?

Ther.
Though Vows are sacred, so are Monarchs too.
'Tis not, Great Sir, the want of Courage stays
My hand, 'tis Reverence o're my Valour sways.
Theramnes dares not think, much less act that
Which the most salvage Lyons tremble at.
For Lyons dare not 'gainst their Prince Rebel.
They want the pow'r to hurt, and I the will.

Smerd.
These slight excuses are too weak: you must
Perform your Vow, or be proclaim'd unjust.

Ther.
A stronger tye that promise does remit,
And I am now more just in breaking it;
No tyes of Honour ever yet could be
So strong, as the strict bonds of Loyalty.

Smerd.
Then on your Loyalty I command you do
What Honour and your Vow has bound you to.

Ther.
And can you give so cruel a Command?
'Tis Death against my King to lift my Hand.

Smerd.
And what is worse, 'tis Death to disobey.

Ther.
But dying thus I dye the nobler way.
Theramnes dares not strike, but he dares dye
When you will have it so.

Smerd.
—My Cruelty
You do mistake. Theramnes, you shall live:
For that which I command, I can forgive.

Ther.
But you command what Heav'n cannot permit.

Smerd.
The wills of Kings and Heav'n together meet.
You've made a Vow to reach my heart, and Heav'n
To that great act it's free consent has giv'n.
Your friendship, not your sword shall act that part,
For you unarm'd, Theramnes, reach my Heart.

[Embraces him.
Ther.
Your favours are advanc'd to that vast height,
I fear that I shall sink under the weight.

Smerd.
Sir, since you are engag'd by Honours Laws,
To perform Justice in this Ladies Cause;
Go use all Arts and Arguments to bring
Her to the presence of the Persian King.
Inform her that He knows those Ravishers,
And that their Insolence has reach'd his ears.
Since Justice to the right of Kings belongs,
Tell her He shall be proud to right her wrongs;
And, as their Judge, do Justice in defence
Of Beauty, and of injur'd innocence.

Ther.
I go.

Smerd.
—And with success return, and may
Those Stars that govern Love direct your way.
[Exit Theramnes.
This gen'rous contest gave me means to try
Theramnes's Friendship, and his Loyalty.
And happily I have contriv'd t'obtain
The sight of my fair Conqu'rour once again.
But oh, I can but think how I must now
Be both the Judge, and the Offender too.
But though I justly then deserv'd her frown,
Because she did not know I wore a Crown:
Now I more Nobly will her passion move,
I'le make my Crown an Agent for my Love.
If she esteem her heart a gift too great,
I then will purchase what I can't intreat.

Enter to him, Prexaspes in disguise, lead in by the Guards.
Capt. of the Guards.
This Fellow, Sir, we in the Palace saw;
And that which we from his deportment draw,
His too suspicious looks, and garb descry
A guilty fear, the mask of Treachery.

Smerd.
Audacious Rebel, Slave, what bold design—

Prex.
Sir, my design is just.

Smerd.
—And so is mine.
And of my Justice thus I'le give you proof:
See instantly the Traytor's Head struck off.

[To the Guards.
Enter Patasithes.
Prex.
T'express that I dare dye for you, that breath
That rules Prexaspes life, may give him death.

[Undisguises himself.
Smerd.
Prexaspes!

Pat.
Ha! Prexaspes!

Smerd.
—Fatal chance!
Your care has witnest your Allegiance.
[To the Guards.
Withdraw.
[Exeunt Guards.
Dear Friend, your doom is chang'd, and now
I must condemn my guilty self, not you.

[Embraces him.
Prex.
In this disguise I from the Camp am come,
To tell you I have seal'd Cambyses doom.
Lead by my Counsel, Sir, he does design
A three dayes Truce before the siege begin.
To which you must consent.—
Things must appear as smooth as calmest Seas;
And Susa wear the flatt'ring smiles of peace.

Pat.
Monarchs and Statesmen have these mutual tyes,
They by each other do advance, and rise.

[Whilst he speaks, they whisper.
Prex.
I'le gain you entrance.

Smerd.
—Well, I do consent.

Prex.
Your being unknown all dangers will prevent:
The Tyrants life shall with his Empire end.

Smerd.
A Monarch's Patron, and an Empire's Friend.

[Exeunt.
Scene continues:
Enter Theramnes, and Phedima.
Ther.
And Madam, that you might see Justice done,
I promis'd to conduct you to his Throne.
But pardon me, if I have gone too far,
When honour and my Friendship makes me erre.

Phed.
Honour and Friendship too have their excess;
But since I may my Innocence express,
And in their Justice my revenge pursue,
Theramnes, I submit to follow you.

[Exeunt.

Scena Secunda.

The Scene open'd, appears Smerdis seated on a Throne, attended by Guards, and other Attendants.
Enter again, Theramnes, and Phedima.
Ther.
He to their tryal will th'Offenders bring—
Look there, and see your Judge, the Persian King.

Phed.
Sure you mistake the Throne, or I the Prince.

Ther.
His Majesty that error will convince.

[Exit.
Smerd.
Fair Excellence,
[Steps from the Throne.
'Tis true, the name of Prince I changed have
For that more glorious Title of your Slave.—
But I recall that breath—I should transgress
Against your Beauty, were my greatness less.
He must be more than Prince, and Monarch too,
That so great Beauty dares adore as you.
Hence 'tis your Royal Lover, Persia's King
Presumes to make his heart your Offering.
The Noblest Present that his Love can make,
And yet the lowest you can stoop to take.

Phed.
(Aside ...)
The Persian Monarch's Love! Now I'le proclaim
My Constancy to my Darius's flame.
My courage in this cause shall act such things,
I'le prove my Faith by my disdain of Kings.
I'le treat him so, that Fame shall witness be,
None ever Lov'd, or ever scorn'd like me. (... Aside)

Are you the Judge to prosecute the Laws
Of Justice in those bold Offenders cause?
Why then, kind Judge, do you forsake your Throne,
E're you've the Tryal heard, or Justice done?

Smerd.
Your bold Offender does repent his Fact,
And I but ill his Judge's part could Act.
To beg his pardon I resign my seat,
From being his Judge to be his Advocate.

Phed.
But lest his Crime should want a just Revenge,
As you change yours, I will my Office change,
From his Accuser to his Judge; whilst I,
To Act your Justice, will your seat supply.
[Steps into the Throne.
Enter Patasithes, unseen.
For since he Loves, I'le use a Mistress's pow'r,
With all the rigour of a Conquerour.

Pat.
Ha! what strange Interlude must here be shown?
A Woman seated on the Persian Throne!

[Aside.
Phed.
This diff'rence Kings with common Captives have;
Onely the Title of a Royal Slave.
And how can Beauty rule a Nobler way,
Then to command thus—whilst their Slaves obey.

Pat.
'Tis she; I'le stop—But stay, I'le use no force.
I'le check her pride by a more subtle course.

[Aside.
Phed.
Although you Monarchs are exempt from Laws,
As wanting higher Pow'rs to Judge your cause:
Yet that you, Smerdis, may have Justice done,
Since you want Laws, I'le Judge you by my own.
Smerdis, what can you say in the defence
Of your late rude, and salvage violence;
When, Ravisher, your guilt so high was grown,
T'attempt my Virtue, and to blast your own?

Smerd.
You know I was not Author of that Fact:
Honour nor Love durst ne're such stains contract.
For they Heav'ns favour would but ill implore,
Who first prophane the Deity they adore.

Phed.
Honour and Love are but respective things;
Greater or less in Subjects or in Kings.
In which if Kings transgress, the more sublime
Their greatness is, the greater is their Crime.
And though you're now transform'd into a Prince,
That Title does but heighten your offence.

Smerd.
Such Beauty does so well become the Throne,
Be pleas'd, fair Judge, t'accept it as your own.
Where you shall Reign in glory, and give Law
To him that wears the Crown of Persia.

Phed.
I scorn your Throne, and him that proffers it:
My pow'rs too great, an equal to admit.
[Descends from the Throne.
No, Smerdis, Phedimais not so low
As to descend unto a Throne, and You.
Two lights together cannot equal shine,
Mine will Eclipse your glory, or yours mine.
And 'twould a lesser Honour be, to have
A King my Equal, than a King my Slave.

[Exit, and after her, Smerdis.
Pat.
Is Love an object for his mind which shou'd
Be now imploy'd with thoughts of War, and Blood.
Cambyses now may his revenge pursue,
And eas'ly conquer, where Love can subdue.
Love does debase all Courage, and he is,
Like tame Beasts, onely fit for Sacrifice.
But I'le invent a Cure.
[Studies.
—Well, I'le remove
Her safe enough both from his pow'r, and Love.
Love is a Passion for luxurious peace,
When idleness indulges the disease,
But not for Active souls. I've found the way
To turn that current which I cannot stay.

[Exit.

Scena tertia.

Scene, the Palace.
Enter Smerdis, with a Letter.
Smerd.
He that so well a King can counterfeit,
Should scorn to stick at any smaller cheat.
From his own Copies too I have so near
Pursu'd Theramnes Hand, and Character,
That the most curious, nay, Theramnes's eye,
Did he but see't, could scarce the cheat descry.
Well, it must take. I shall so happy prove,
Both to find out, and to confound their Love.
Enter Theramnes, who seeing Smerdis, offers to withdraw.
Theramnes, stay.

Ther.
—I fear I am too rude.

Smerd.
Theramnes, no, a Friend cannot intrude.

Ther.
But I have prest into your privacies.

Smerd.
Friendship above all private business is;
Unless it be the high concerns of Love,
And Honour. But there we two equal prove
Rivals in both.

Ther.
What means my King?

Smerd.
—I mean
Onely one Beauty o're us both does Reign.

Ther.
No, you whose Empire's greatness is above
All Rivals, should admit none in your Love.
And think you that my confidence aspires
To Court that Beauty which my King admires.

Smerd.
Think you I can believe you never saw.
The eyes and charms of the fair Phedima.
Or can you utter so prophane a word,
To say she can be seen and not ador'd?

Ther.
Love, like Religion, never chose one way:
That all should to one object homage pay.
The Sun does to the World his sight afford,
But by the Persians onely is ador'd.

Smerd.
Because the rest oth'World are ignorant,
And do the knowledg of his God-head want.
But you who know how great Divinity
In Phedima's most sacred breast does lye,
Can't but adore her.

Ther.
—Yes, I can do more:
I am beyond her Beauties charms, and pow'r.
In this one glory I out-rival you;
Those eyes which did the Persian King subdue,
Their pow'rs too weak to Captivate my heart.

Smerd.
His Love's too strong to be compell'd by Art,
Or forc'd to a Confession.
[Aside.
—'Twas th'excess
Of passion made my jealousie transgress.
But now I'm satisfy'd. That I may prove
I don't suspect your Loyalty, nor Love,
I will intrust this Letter to your care,
But you must first on your Allegiance swear.

Ther.
I swear. And in obedience to your will,
Whatever you command I will fulfill,
That to a Subjects care you dare intrust:
Since your commands can be no less than just.

Smerd.
Present that Letter then to Phedima.
And if she chance to ask by whom 'twas writ,
Beware you do not tell her, but withdraw,
Lest that she should refuse the reading it.
Then carefully forbear to visit her
Untill such time that she an answer sends;
For by that means I shall my suit prefer;
And you will thus oblige your best of Friends.
And then, Sir, whatsoe're her answer be,
(For through your hands 'twill come) present it me.
Though he so resolutely did maintain
[Exit Theramnes with the Letter.
He did not Love, their Love is but too plain;
How could she else such cruelty have shown
To him who with his Love proffer'd his Throne?
Her passion has some more than common tye,
When proffer'd Crowns can't shake her constancy.
And that Theramnes is the Object too,
What was it else made him so rashly Vow,
When he but late Acted her Champions part,
To right her wrongs on her Offenders heart.
When the slight wrongs could onely cause afford
For a Womans anger, and a Lovers Sword.
But yet this Letter will my doubts remove.
I shall discover their intrigues of Love.
If so—
By treach'rous smiles I will his ruine Act,
As stranded Vessels in a calm are Wrackt.

[Exit.

Scene quarta.

Scene, a Chamber.
Enter Phedima, and Orinda, with Atossa, Auretta, and other waiting Ladies.
Orind.
Sister, you are so fortunate, to have
The Persian Monarch for your Beauty's Slave!

Phed.
No, in my Love Ambition has no part
Monarchs may rule an Empire, not a heart.
Whilst my Darius lodges here, my breast
Too narrow is for any other guest.
May Smerdis still the Persian Scepter bear,
And may he still Reign ev'ry where—but here.

[Points to her Breast.
Orind.
Does then your Breast no other thoughts produce?
Love, like Wars Combats, should admit some truce.
Your pardon, Sister, if so bold I prove
To tell you what Orinda thinks of Love.
Atossa, sing the Song I taught you.

Atossa
sings.

Enter Theramnes, with a Letter.
Ther.
This Letter your perusal asks.

Phed.
—From whom
Do you, Theramnes, in Embassage come?

Ther.
My message, Madam, you will find writ there,
Both in the Subject, and the Character.

[Exit.
[Phedima opens the Letter, and reads to her self, and seems disorder'd.
Orind.
What strange disorders in her looks arise?
How she casts darts of fury from her eyes?

Phed.
Shame and confusion has so fill'd my breast,
That I want patience to reade out the rest.
Sister, do you proceed, look, and see there,
What you will blush to reade, and I to hear.

Orinda
reades the Letter.

Theramnes, to the Constant Phedima.

Since our mutual Vows of Love have rais'd me to a pitch above hope or fear, to
such an assurance of your affection, that I find the greatest Monarch in the
World cannot supplant me in your esteem, nor raise his Love on the ruines of mine; You
then, who have given my passion life, have given it also confidence to request the speedy
crowning of our desires, to avoid the trouble of more numerous Rivals, which your
Beauty cannot but daily add to your former Conquests. But since the immediate service
of my King will not permit me as yet to wait upon you, be pleas'd to send me an
Answer, but such an one (as I doubt not but you will) as shall proclaim me, as I
am, your most faithful, so your most happy adorer,

Theramnes.

Phed.
Proud Traytor to my Honour and his own:
His confidence swells to a height unknown,
To dare—

Orind.
Why? Sister, Lovers dare do more.

Phed.
Lovers! why? did he ever speak before?
Or utter the least syllable, or word,
T'express I was the object he ador'd?
Contracts, and promises, which I have giv'n?
Perfidious Lyar both to Me and Heav'n!

Orind.
But perhaps he your kindness has mistook;
For Lovers track their Fates in ev'ry look
Their Ladies do impart; and ev'ry glance
Does to an unknown height their hopes advance.
The Languages of Ladies smiles suffice
For Lovers to reade contracts in their eyes.
Did you ne're smile, or some kind favours show?

Phed.
Yes, what my Friendship did oblige me to.
But could his proud thoughts so ambitious prove,
To dare to think my Friendship was my Love?
No, Traytor, no. Theramnes, you shall find,
Choosing a Mistress, you have lost a Friend.
But that which my disdain and anger moves,
Is not so much because Theramnes Loves:
Th'effects of Beauty Beauty can forgive:
And we can pity those we can't relieve.
But that which merits my just scorn, is this;
That he should think my Conquest easie is.
Whilst in this Letter which you now have read,
He does for Triumph, not for Conquest plead.
As if a Ladies breast no courage held;
But our tame souls were onely taught to yield.

Orind.
Your furious anger too much freedom finds,
Silence becomes the passions of great minds.

Phed.
Sister, I've done. Auretta, go and burn
This Letter. Thus I'le Triumph in my scorn.

Auretta.
Condemn'd to th'fire! That Sentence which you give,
[Aside.
Too cruel is, I'le grant it a reprieve.
[Exit Auretta, with the Letter.

Phed.
But seeing he an answer does require,
I'le be so kind, I'le grant him his desire:
But such an answer as shall make it known
I understand his merits, and my own.

[Exeunt.

Scena quinta.

Scene, a Pavilion Royal.
Enter Cambyses, and Prexaspes.
Camb.
—Enough—I am convinc'd of Smerdis Fate.
'Tis well my blood does not disturb my State.
How sits the Cloud upon Mandana's brow?

Prex.
She does no time but to her tears allow.

Camb.
Marble sheds tears, but cannot softer grow:
Her heart's still hard, and ever will be so.
You said you for her griefs a cure design'd.

Prex.
Sir, to divert these troubles from her mind,
I have design'd, after a Martial dance,
A masque of Captive Princes shall advance,
Adorn'd with Chains, and Coronets of gold:
Seated upon whose necks you shall behold
A Prince Triumphant, deckt with Martial spoyls,
Amidst your Trophies, and great Cyrus toyls.
Hid in the Trophies of this Pageant King
An Eagle on the sudden shall take wing,
A Crown fixt to her Talons. As she flyes,
And hov'ring mounts still nearer to the Skyes;
When at the utmost height she finds her Chain
Does her intended Liberty restrain;
Her Fetters shall her tow'ring flight recall,
Forc'd down, she at Mandana's feet shall fall,
And there depose her Crown.

Camb.
—Conduct her in,
And let this glorious Scene of Love begin.
[Exit Prex.
Thus I'le describe my passion. Love sounds best,
Like Oracles in Mysteries exprest.

Enter Prexaspes and Mandana. The King and Mandana seated, a Martial Dance is perform'd; the Dance ended, the Scene opens, and the Masque is represented; at which Mandana rises, and offers to go out: at which Cambyses follows her, and the Scene shuts.
Camb.
Stay, cruel Princess, stay. Are your fair eyes
Afraid to look on their own Victories?
Or, are you startl'd at your own great pow'r,
To see your Slave in the Worlds Conquerour?
Who from your influence does his greatness take,
And Conquers onely for Mandana's sake.

Mand.
O Fatal Beauty! was't Mandana's eyes
That made you win her Crown, and Sacrifice
Her Fathers blood?

Camb.
—Your losses I'le restore,
With Crowns more bright than Amasis e're wore.

Mand.
No, Tyrant know, my soul's not sunk so far,
To stoop to my great Fathers Murderer.
Have I my self no better understood,
Then thus to found my greatness on his blood?
Your proffer'd Crowns cannot my thoughts controul,
You have subdu'd my Empire, not my soul.

Camb.
Madam, how dare you thus provoke his hate
Who's the disposer of your Crown, and Fate?

Mand.
Ay, Sir, you of my Life and Throne dispose;
And those are trifles I could wish to lose.
But know, proud King, my Virtue I'le secure:
My Honour is above a Tyrant's pow'r.

[Exit.
Camb.
Captive, farewel. Since you so stubborn prove,
I will take care you shall be taught to Love.
A gust of passion has uncalm'd my soul;
My blood does with a livelier motion roul.
A fierce assault my drowsie soul does storm;
And bids my Love wear a more manly form.
My Reason now shall my blind passion guide;
I'le be a Vassal to her Eyes, not Pride.
Since then my mildness could not win a smile,
I'le learn to court her in a rougher stile.
Enter Otanes, Darius, and Artaban.
My lab'ring thoughts must now make truce. My Lords,
Will there be an imployment for our Swords?
How strong's their Garrison, how great their Force?

Otan.
Their number, Sir, is fifty thousand Horse:
And twice that number is their Infantrie.

Camb.
Then they are fit to be o'recome by me.
You then must know from whence this War does spring,
And who would be my Brother, and your King.

Dar.
Who, but your Brother, durst your seat supply?
A baser blood could ne're have thoughts so high.

Camb.
You are mistaken, Sir, he wears no Crown,
Unless that some kind god has lent him one.
Smerdis is dead.

Otan.
—How dead? And by whose hand?

Camb.
It was by his, and 'twas by my command.

[Points to Prex.
Otan.
Then the War's done; you've rob'd us of our Foe.

Camb.
Ay, Sir, of him I rob'd you long ago:
'Tis not my Brother that does wear my Crown.

Artab.
Your Brother dead, yet Smerdis in your Throne?

Dar.
Who then is he dares that high Title claim,
Usurping both your Empire, and his name?

Camb.
False Patasithes, whom I rais'd above
Either my Subjects Envy, or their Love,
Has in requital rob'd me of that Throne
Under whose lustre he so bright was grown.
Thus the Moons kindness does the Suns requite,
Eclipsing him from whom she takes her light.
His Kinsman Smerdis he does subtly bring
To represent my Brother, and your King.
Enter to them, Smerdis, disguis'd.
What's he that to our Presence does intrude?

Smerd.
Sir, 'tis my Loyalty that makes me rude.

Prex.
'Tis he, Great Sir, who in our cause does joyn,
The chiefest Agent in our Grand design.

Camb.
And do you know that Smerdis, Sir, that wou'd
Lay claim both to my Empire, and my blood?

Smerd.
Dread Sir, to me he is so near ally'd,
He from my breast cannot his secrets hide.

Camb.
But are you sure he is your trusty Friend?

[To Prex.
Prex.
As sure as all the tyes on Earth can bind.

Smerd.
On this, great King, we've founded our design:
The charge of Susa's Western Gate is mine.
And that which to our safety does conduce,
You know the cons'quence of a lazy Truce.
Truces which seem but Martial Masques, and are
The Crimes of Peace drest in the garb of War.
Know then, during this Truce, his Forces be
Arm'd onely for their ease and Luxurie:
You then this Night shall with your Army wait;
I'le give you entrance at the Western Gate.
Then on the East I'le give a false Alarm,
That e're his Party shall have time to Arm,
You shall have forc'd your Passage, won the Town,
Seiz'd the Usurper, and regain'd your Crown.

Camb.
Well, I'le this Night, advancing in their head,
To Susa my Triumphant Forces lead:
None but my Sword my quarrel should decide.

Dar.
Conquest and you, Sir, ever were ally'd.
But, Sir, the breach of Truce a stain will be
To the bright glory of your Victory:
'Twill an Eclipse to your great Fame produce.

Camb.
Why, Sir, was it not I that made the Truce?

Dar.
It was.

Camb.
Then what I made I may destroy:
In this design you must your Swords imploy.

Dar.
When you command, the cause we do not weigh.
You've taught our Swords to Conquer, and obey.

Camb.
See that our entrance be with care prepar'd.
[To Smerd.
We shall not want success, nor you reward.

[Exit Cambyses, Otanes, Darius, and Artaban.
Smerd.
Nought but his death shall for reward suffice;
For when he enters Susa's Walls, he dyes.
'Tis the last Conquest that his Sword shall have,
To win that ground on which he makes his Grave.
Brave Friend.

Prex.
His death shall make our Friendship good
No tyes so strong as what are writ in blood.

[Exeunt.