University of Virginia Library

ACT. II.

SCENE, A Pleasant Grotto.
Pisander brought in by an Attendant.
Att.
Hither the Queen injoyn'd me to Conduct you,
And you must wait her here:

Pis.
On What Concern?

Att.
My Charge was only to admit you hither,
Where none approach without her special Orders;
And We, Th'Attendants on her Private Hours,
Are sworn to strictest Secrecy.

[Exit.]
Pis.
Sure I am Charm'd into an Extasie,
And this a Scene by Fancy's cunning form'd;
Pictures of Nature drawn beyond the Life.
Remove from hence, and the declining Year
Looks sickly and deform'd; the wither'd Leaves
In Search of the retreated Sap fall down,
And from the Root seek what the Bough deny'd:
But here the Summer blooms, in all its Pride,
The Sun darts in with kindlier Warmth, the Winds
Breath softer, and the Brook complains less loud.
Hail blest Retreat of Nature happy Shade;
Soft Musick.
[Bower Opening discovers the Queen Splendid and youthfully Attir'd.]
My senses fail, this is some sacred Grove:
And that the bright Divinity o'th' Place!
Where are the Cupids that should hover round,
I Feel 'um here! th'are div'd into my Brest!
Forgive me Goddess—

Qu.
You mistake, Pisander.

Pis.
The Queen! forgive my dazled Eyes their Error!
I come by your Command to know your Pleasure,
And trust you judge so truly of my Zeal,
To' think me worth some Enterprize of danger.

Qu.
Yes, you shall find how I esteem your Zeal,
By the important service I enjoyn,
Indeed 'tis an Affair of so much weight,
I know not how to word it—You must Guess.

Pis.
Instruct me what I am to undertake,
And if I fail t'attempt—

Qu.
Alas!
So bold t'engage, and slow to apprehend?
How like Conspirators at their first Meeting,
With caution we gaze silent on each other,
Expecting who shall start the Business first!
Since then I must speak first in the Design,
Draw near and on my Hand swear Secrecy.
[Pisander Bows and Kisses her Hand]
Repeat your Vow—Oh Love! the quickning Touch,
[Aside.]
Through my pleas'd Veins, runs tingling to my Heart.

Pis.
My Warmth is fled, I've sworn my Life away!
My Soul cleaves to that Hand—

Qu.
How soft is Youth!
How soon dissolv'd into an Extasie!
Pisander Rise—now sure you well can guess,
For what I summon'd you to this Retirement?

Pis.
I know it; you'd engage me to perform
A dangerous Task, to blast the Kings Succession,
And settle your Edraste in the Throne;
I'll do't.

Qu.
Still you are wide of my Design,
I'll Plot at leisure hours for my Ambition,
But Love's my great Affair, th'important Business.
Come, speak boldly Youth,
Thy free Conjecture of these private Bowers,
Where I so oft retire, while all is husht,
Silent and close, as Ceres's awful Fane?

Pis.
'Tis said, that for Devotion you repair
From the Court's Crow'd to these secluded Shades,
Where you consume successive Nights and Days,
In Abstinence and Penitential Tears.

Qu.
Ha! ha! the World retains its old perversness still,
To scandalize the Vertuous, and to Saint
The Libertine; but 'tis no fault of mine,
If Rumour will lay Vertue to my Charge!
What, mar these Eyes with Penitential Tears,
Fond Youth? They have too much of fire to weep.
Their glances cou'd Create a Day in Cells,
And kindle freezing Hermites into Dalliance.
Why this Reserv'dness Sir? Has Majesty
So little Charmes? Or do's its 'Splendour dazle?
Then I'll divest me of my Royalty,
And love upon the Square. Still fixt and senseless?

Pis.
Think not I have no sense of such full Bliss,
But like Young Prophets from their Visions Waking;
I fear to stir and loose the Charming Dream.

[Shouts and Trumpets from without.]
Qu.
What means those Shouts?

Pis.
Th'are Sounds of Triumph not of Terror.

Enter Attendant hastily:
Att.
Lord Escalus in haste desires Admittance.

Qu.
He comes unseasonably, but let him Enter.
Pisander hide a while within that Bower.

Enter Escalus.
Esc.
Forgive me Madam, that with so much haste,
I bring unwelcome News, our Plot's Defeated.
The Subtle Web which with such Toil we wrought,
Is quite unravell'd to the very Loom.

Qu.
Dispatch, cut short the Story of my Fate.

Esc.
Argaleon's Faction which with so much Cost
And Secrecy, you nourisht to that Growth.
That they cou'd grapple with the Kings whole Forces,
Ev'n they, so late the Masters of the Field,
Are now in shameful Rout disperst and broken,
And their bold Leader, on whose daring Vertue,
Our Hopes depended, shares the Vulgar Fate,
And Headless Bleeds amongst the Common Slain.

Qu.
'Tis false and shall not be.

Esc.
'Tis past already,
The Gods have your Resolves fore-stall'd.

Qu.
Did they from Heav'n war with my Officer?
The Loyal Forces were cut off intire,
Except a Despicable Remnant posted
I'th' Clifts by Theocrin.

Esc.
From thence broke forth
The flame that thus laid waste Argaleon's Trenches.
For Theocrin by night forsook the Clifts,
With his small Train, and Coasting wide Attaqu'd
Argaleon's Camp, with Shouts as of full Legions,
And Num'rous Trumpets to increase the Terror,
Which so prevail'd on the surprized Host,
(Confus'd, twixt Wine and Slumber) that at last
Half-arm'd they took themselves to general Flight,
And more opprest by their own Numbers fell
Than the Pursuers Swords.

Qu.
Enough, Enough,
'Tis but an Army and a Project lost.
And Wee'll contrive anew,
Anon Expect my Orders to await me.

[Exit.
Esc.
So unconcern'd, so fill'd with her new Love,
T'Exclude the Darling of Her Brest Ambition?
Methought Pisander glanc'd by as I enter'd;
For his delight she's deckt as she was wont,
When loose she wanton'd with my Vig'rous years;
On her young Paramour she shows her Favour,
Whil'st a Sapless Trunk neglected fades!
But Age that lessens me in her Esteem,
Has taught me Cunning timely to provide,
And seek elsewhere the Favour she denies.

[Exit.]
[Scene changes to the Palace.]
[Shouts again.]
Enter King attended with Theron, Diphilus, Arviola, Edraste, Myrrhoe, &c.
King.
The Gods, the Gods at last, have own'd the Cause,
Of injur'd Majesty; We have o'recome!
Summon the Priests to speedy Sacrifice,
Crown every Altar, heap the Spicy Piles,
Till the vast Fanes be hid in Smoaking Gums;
No Pensive Look profane the Gen'ral Joy,
Not Orphan'd Matrons be allow'd to Mourn:
Nor Virgins Widdow'd on their Bridal Day!

The.
When Young in the Rang'd Field you first appear'd,
You Charm'd Success, nor had She now forsook you,
But, like a Mistress with Discretion kind,
Withdrew a while till absence made her priz'd;
Then with Surprizing Kindness met your Passion.

Enter Theocrin, with Argaleon's Head, Chief Officers of the Army following.
[Shouts again.]
The.
Hail best of Kings! Fall ev'ry Traytors Head,
Like this, and Flourish all Crown'd Brows like yours.
[Kneels and lays the Head at the Kings Feet.]
The Savage that so long had Lawless Rang'd,
That slew our Youth, and laid our Vineyards Waste,
Lies Bloodless, now by this Successful Hand.

King.
Rise Theocrin, Cast not to Ground, those Limbs,
That Cou'd support a Sinking Monarchy.
Now I am King indeed, my Shaken Throne
Again takes Root, and my Decaying Scepter
Buds in my Hand anew.
Arviola, Edraste, both draw near;
And pay him with your own the Publick Thanks.

Arv.
My Dearest Theocrin, how greedily
Do's my impatient Love snatch this Occasion
T'unlaid it self unseen into your Brest!

The.
O my Arviola, I'm Lost in Joy!
I am too Blest! Indulgent Pow'rs restrain
The Flowing Bliss, or I shall Die of Rapture!

King.
Arviola was proclaim'd the Prize o'th' Valour
That brought Argaleon's Head: 'Tis Theocrin's,
Brave Youth, my Crown is Hers, and She is Thine;
Thou merrit'st Both: Though not from Kings descended,
Thou art by Vertue to the Gods Ally'd!

The.
Your Goodness, Royal Sir, o're rates my Service;
What I perform'd, was but a Subjects Duty.
But Oh! I feel a warmth t'attempt such things,
As shall (if merrit sound not too prophane)
Deserve a Princess, and Oblige a King.

King.
By all the Powers that sped thee in the Fight,
Thou art our Son, and this thy Nuptial Day.
Lo there thy Royal Bride, and too compleat
Thy Happy Fortunes, Thou shalt Tryumph too.
Bellona once shall be with Myrtle Crown'd,
And War's loud Voice in Rev'ling Musique drown'd.

[Exeunt All but Edraste.]
Edr.
Fortunate Princess, Happy Arviola,
Forgive me if I Envy now ev'n Thee!
How long have I been tost in Storms of Fate,
And still the Tempest darkens round my Head.
The restless Queen's Ambition still projects
To Load my Temples with a Hated Crown.
And to effect her Plot, Aviola
Must bleed, and Theocrin be lost; to Him
My secret Love long since I have devoted.
To her long since my open Friendship sworn:
Something I will perform in their behalf,
Worthy the Chastest Love and Noblest Friendship;
Far from the Court I'll wander in disguise,
No matter where; for one distrest like me,
Can no where loose her way: When I'm remov'd,
The Queen's Designs will rest, and Theocrin
Possess Arviola, and the Crown in Peace:
And I my self have all the sad Relief
That my Forlorn Condition will admit;
To Mourn retir'd in Caves and Glut of Sorrow.

Enter Myrrhoe.
Myrh.
Madam the Princess beggs your Presence:

Edr.
No.
My Griefs will make me rude, and check her Mirth:
Thou Myrrhoe ever Jov'dst me,
Now like a Dying Miser I'll reveal
A Secret, the dear Treasure of my Soul!
I love this Theocrin ev'n to Distraction:
And for his Quiet, and more private Reasons,
I will for ever hide me from the Court.

Myr.
Oh Heav'n th'Eternal Powers!

Edr.
Make no Reply,
But Treasure still this Secret in thy Brest:
For by th'Eternal Pow'rs you meant t'invoke,
I am resolv'd, and if prevented, swear.
To act a speedy Violence on my Life.

Myr.
Your dire Resolve alas! Has Charm'd my Tongue;
But my Swoln Eyes will take their Liberty.

[Weeps (Gives her Letters.]
Edr.
When I am gone, give these to Theocrin,
The short sad Accents of my Dying Passion.
He may afford my Memory a Tear
Nor ev'n Arviola her self Repine.
And so Fare-well to Hope and Thee for ever.

[Exeunt.
[Warlike Musique, Theocrin in Triumph, Argaleon's Head born before him on a Spear.
The.
Enough my Dear Companions of the War;
Nor think these Honors all addrest to me:
But hold your selves large Sharers in these Tryumphs.
My Courage was more fortunate then yours,
Not greater: Trust me then I Triumph most,
When I the Honour had to Lead such Worthies
To Reap an Host, not now I Head this Pomp.

[Soft Musique Arviola in her Nuptial Dress, with a Train of Ladies Splendidly Attir'd.
Arv.
Myrrhoe.

Myr.
Madam,

Arv.
Edraste was unkind
Not to Accompany our Nuptial Rites.

The.
Behold the Silver Moon shot from her Sphere,
With all her Starry Train! Divine Arviola,
Not Victory her self can Charm like Thee.

Arv.
Ah! Theocrin, my old Griefs still pursue
And haunt me, even upon my Nuptial Day!
A Sumptuous Feast of Joy is spread before us.
But I suspect it as a Poyson'd Treat,
And fear to taste; I see you, hear you talk,
Clasp fast your Hand; and yet methinks w'are still
As far divided as the distant Poles,
And shall unite as soon.

Theoc.
Our Joy's a Feast of the Gods own preparing;
Permit not then imaginary Fears
To poyson your Delights; suspect no Storm
In such a Halcyon Skie, our tender Love
Long nourisht covertly, till grown to an Head,
Is now expos'd to th'Air, and dares the Weather.

Enter King attended, Escalus speaking to him.
Esc.
Dread Sir, the Queen desires you to excuse
Her Absence from the Pomp; she's indispos'd.

King.
It was a rude Distemper to intrude
At such a season—Bid the Masque begin;
Come to your Monarchs Arms, ye happy Pair,
Supporters of my Age: Thus let me joyn you;
This Knot I have begun, the Priest shall finish.
Look down ye Spirits of my slaughter'd Sons;
Behold the Avenger of your Royal Blood;
Behold our gen'ral Mirth; then summon all
Your Brother Stars and Revel in your Spheres.

[King, Arv. Theoc. take their Seats; A Martial Dance. After which a Priest in his Habits Enters.
Priest.
The Flamen waits, and the preparing Rites
Are finisht; thrice has Hymen been invok'd,
And Juno's Altar thrice perfum'd.

King.
We come.
Move on, lead to the Temple.

Enter a Messenger hastily.
Mess.
To Arms, to Arms! a Forreign Fleet invades
Our frighted Coast, and brings a floating War:
They spread their Streamers as secure of Conquest;
With Shouts and louder Trumpets rend the Air,
And seem to Triumph e'r the Fight begin.

King.
A Forreign Navy! What new Turn of Fate?
Must then our dear-bought Peace so soon be ravisht,
And Wars green Wounds be launc'd and bleed anew?

Theoc.
I thank ye Gods, I have not yet deserv'd
This charming Princess, am too poor in Fame,
And kindly you provide for my Renown.
Permit me, Royal Sir, forthwith to head
Your Troops, whil'st their last Lawrels still are green,
T'engage Breast-deep this bold invading Foe:
Our Flood shall snatch their Legions, nor permit
Their Coroses once to touch our threatn'd Soil.

King.
Fly swift as Light'ning, and destroy more sure.

Theoc.
Weep not Arviola, but bade me Conquest;
I go to bring thee Honours from the Flood,
Richer than all the Gems the Deep contains;
From Conquest late we mov'd to Triumph, now
From Triumph to new Conquest, to return
Triumphant, in an endless Round of Glory.

[Ex. with his Officers.
Arv.
'Tis so! our Halcyon Day is overcast,
And all the smiling Prospect snatch'd already:
My troubled Heart presag'd its own Distress:
And gave dark symptoms of the rising Storm,
That parts, I fear, my Theocrin and me,
To meet no more but on the Coast of Souls.

King.
Canst thou inform us nothing more particular?

Mess.
A Barge before the Fleet arriv'd the Bay,
As I presume, with speedy Embassie
And full Intelligence.

Att.
A Herauld Sir,
Sent from the newly arriv'd Fleet.

King.
Admit him.

[Herauld Enters.]
Her.
Health to the Sacred Majesty of Greece,
Prince Abardanes from the Thracian Coast,
By free Commission from his Royal Father
With Seven Arm'd Legions, and full Fifty Sail
Now Anchors in your Port, t'assist your Cause,
And quell the Rebels that imbroil your State:
Partly our Old Alliance to this Crown,
Oblig'd our King t'engage in your Relief;
But most t'uphold the Rights of Majesty,
Whose Dignity's the Common Cause of Kings.

King.
Our Cause already has restor'd it self;
Bear to your gen'rous Prince a Monarchs Thanks:
And in our Name invite him to our Court;
Our Self will meet our Royal Guest half way,
Doubling our Pomp with his illustrious Train,
Whil'st spight of blazing Noon, the waken'd Stars
Start from their Cells, our Triumphs to survey,
And joyn their Glories to this wond'rous day.