University of Virginia Library

Scena secunda.

Scene, the Palace.
Enter Smerdis, and Patasithes..
Smerd.
Cambyses dead!
The Heav'ns themselves two Suns at once can't beat:
Nor Earth below, two Monarchs in one Sphear.
Persia's too narrow both for him and me,
His glorie's shrunk, to give mine Liberty.

Pat.
No doubt, 'tis to Prexaspes that you owe
Your Empire's safety in this happy blow.

Smerd.
To him the deed, but to my self the cause:
State-interest binds stronger than State-laws.
With such high proffers I've oblig'd his trust,
As can do more than make a Statesman just.
You know I've promis'd him the Median Crown:
I give him Honours to secure my own.
We Monarchs to our selves our Fortunes owe:
Our Agents Act but what we bribe 'em to.
Poor Mortals thus may the Gods honour raise,
By building Temples to exalt their praise.
But 'tis the gods themselves that do afford
Those Mortals breath, by which they are ador'd.
Enter to them, Prexaspes.
My best of Friends.

[Embraces Prex.
Prex.
—Next to Cambyses. He
Leaves you his Empire for a Legacy.
Knowing how weighty Crowns and Scepters are,
I've been so kind to ease him of that care.
But, Sir, he did before his death convince
His Nobles, that you were not the true Prince.
But by such Art I did their Storm asswage,
That for the present I have calm'd their Rage.
And in your cause such Arguments did bring,
That they believe you Brother to our King.
But, Sir, you know that Statesmens jealousie
Does onely sleep, then when it seems to dye.
At each distast, and ev'ry small mistake,
Their Jealousie when 'tis disturb'd, will wake;
And then their fury will break forth to deeds:
You are not safe then whilst they wear their Heads.

Smerd.
'Tis not consistent with my Empire's good,
To stain my name with the chief Persian blood.

Pat.
He by mild deeds must represent the King,
Subtle as Serpents, but without their sting.

Smerd.
That Act would seem too cruel; the same Arts
That won 'em, must preserve my Subjects hearts.

Prex.
To save your Honour then that deed I'le do.

Smerd.
Name it, my safety shall depend on you.

Prex.
Theramnes's late concealment gives you just
Suspition of his Loyalty, and trust.
If then your pleasure would confer that grace,
To constitute me Gen'ral in his place;
I will invite 'em to my Tent; and they
For th'entertainment all their Heads shall pay.
Then to suppress all future Mutinies
That may from this Tyrannick Act arise,
Their Deaths I'le publish, and the cause proclaim,
Forging such hainous Treasons in their Name,
Persia shall do no less than think it just;
And to my Justice, as their Guardian, trust.

Smerd.
But grant the Persians should not think it so;
But th'Act condemn.

Prex.
—Do you condemn it too.
And if your Subjects murmur, or Rebell,
'Cause by my hand the Persian Princes fell;
Then instantly, to satisfie their rage,
And shew you did not in my guilt engage,
Degrade me from my Office, and inflict
All punishments that may seem just and strict.
And I'le submit to th'Sentence, thus you'll seem
As far from the consent, as from the Crime.

Smerd.
Well, your Commission shall be forthwith sign'd,
My Army's conduct to your charge resign'd.

Prex.
May Heav'n success to Persia's Crown afford
Whilst you the Scepter bear—

Smerd.
—And you the Sword.

[Exeunt.