 | The Island-Princess |  |
ACT IV.
SCENE I.
Enter Pymero.Pym.
My Uncle haunts me up and down, looks Melancholy,
wondrous proof-Melancholy, sometimes
Swears, then Whistles, Starts, Cries, Groans, as he
had got the Botts: I think he has little better. And wou'd
fain speak to me; bids me Good-Morrow at Midnight, and
Good-Night when it is Noon: Has something hovers about
his Brains, that's loath to out.
Still he follows me. How he looks still, and how he
beats about like an old Dog at a dead Scent—I marry
there was a sigh to set a Ship a Sailing—These Winds
of Love and Honour blow at all ends—Now speak
an't be thy will? Good-Morrow Uncle.
Rui.
Good Morrow, Sir.
Pym.
This is a new Salute.
Sure h'as forgot me: This Pur-blind Cupid.
Rui.
My Nephew.
Pym.
Yes, Sir, if I am not chang'd.
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I wou'd fain speak with you.
Pym.
I wou'd fain have you, Sir.
Rui.
You know I love you:
Next to my self, you stand in all Employments,
Your Counsels, Cares, Assignments with me equal;
So is my study still to plant your Person,
O my Pymero!
Pym.
Sir, What hangs upon you?
What heavy weight Oppresses you? Y'ave lost
An opportunity to gain a Mistress,
Time will Cure that.
Rui.
But Oh the Reputation!
To have another get the start in Glory,
What Time cures that?
Pym.
Your Fame already has enough to live on;
It may be you fear her too, doubt your Mistress
May fall away, or be forced from you.
Rui.
O she is true, but I undone for ever.
Oh that Armusia, that new thing, that Stranger,
That Flagg stuck up to rob me of my Honour,
That Murdering Chain shot at me from my Country,
That goodly Plague, that I must Court to kill me!
Pym.
Has he not done a brave Thing?
Rui.
I confess it, Nephew, must allow it,
But that brave thing has undone me, has sunk me,
Has trod me like a Name in Sand, to nothing;
Hangs betwixt Hopes and me and threats my Ruine:
If he thus rise and blaze, farewel my Fortune.
Pym.
In Complaisance t'ye Uncle, a Pox-on-him,
And Pox-a-me for saying so, he's brave,
And like enough to hold—
Rui.
Then I must perish:
Had he set up at any rest but this,
Done any thing but what concern'd my Fame,
The everlasting losing of my Worth—
Pym.
Which yet you must retrive, I know your Drift.
Rui.
My Sword is in my hand, my Cause upon't,
And Man to Man, one Valour to another,
My Hope to his.
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Why, this is like Ruidias.
Rui.
The difference of our State flung by, forgotten,
The full opinion, each was won in Service,
Laid handsomly aside, only our Fortunes,
Our single Manhoods.
Pym.
I conceive you, Sir.
Rui.
You guess what this means.
Pym.
Yes, a Portion of Scripture, that has puzled many an
Interpreter.
Rui.
As soon as you can find him—
Pym.
That won't be long, Uncle,
And o'my Conscience, he'll be ready as quickly.
Rui.
Be sure you carry't so, that we may Fight.
Pym.
Assure your self—
Rui.
'Pray' hear me,
In some such place, where 'tmay be possible
The Princess may behold us.
Pym.
I conceive you:
Upon the Sands behind the Castle, Sir;
A place remote enough, and there are Windows
Out of her Lodging too, or I'm mistaken.
Rui.
You're in the right—if you can work this handsomly.
Pym.
Let me alone, I pray you be prepar'd
Some three hours hence.
If you have a few light Prayers that may befriend you—
Run 'em over quickly.
Rui.
Farewel, Nephew,—
And when we meet again—
[Exit.
Pym.
I shall dispatch, Sir,—I have seen this Uncle
Curry a Fellows Carcase handsomly,
And in the Head of a Troop, stand as he had been
Rooted there, dealing large Doles of Death—
Success be with him—What a Rascal was that, did
Not not see his Will drawn.
[Exit.
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SCENE II.
Enter Governour, Quisara, and Panura.Gov.
Bless you my royal Daughter,
And in you bless this Island, Heav'n.
Quis.
Panura,
What thinkest thou of this Man?
Pan.
Sure he's a wise man,
And a religious; he tells us things have happen'd
So many years ago almost forgotten,
As readily as if they were come this hour.
Quis.
Do's he not meet with your sharp Tongue?
Pan.
He tells me, Madam,
Marriage and mouldy Cheese will make me tamer.
Gov.
Lady, I would talk with you.
Quis.
Do, reverend Sir.
Gov.
And for your good, for that, that must concern you,
And give ear wisely to me.
Quis.
I shall, Father.
Gov.
You are a Princess of that excellence,
Sweetness and grace, that Angel-like fair feature;
Nay, do not blush, I do not flatter you,
Nor do I dote in telling this; I am amazed, Lady,
And as I think the Gods bestowed these on ye,
The Gods that love ye.
Quis.
I confess their bounty.
Gov.
Apply it then to their use, to their honour,
To them and to their service give this sweetness,
They have an instant great use of your goodness;
You are a Saint esteemed here for your beauty;
And many a longing heart—
Quis.
I seek no fealty,
Nor will I blemish that Heaven hath seal'd on me,
I know my worth. Indeed the Portugals
I have at those commands, and their last Services;
Nay, even their lives; so much I think my Power,
That what I shall enjoyn—
Gov.
Use it discreetly,
For I perceive ye understand me rightly,
For here the Gods regard your help, and suddenly;
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Stick in our sides like Razors, wound Religion,
Draw deep, they wound till the life-blood follows,
Our Gods they spurn at, and their worships scorn,
A mighty hand they bear upon our Government,
These are the men your miracle must work on,
Your Heavenly form either to root them out,
Which as you may endeavour, will be easie,
Remember whose great cause you have to execute,
To nip their memory, that may not spring more,
Or fairly bring 'em home to our Devotions,
Which will be blessed, and for which you Sainted,
But cannot be, and they go, let me buzzle.
Quis.
Go up with me,
Where we'll converse more privately;
I'll shew you shortly, how I hold their Temper,
And in what chain their Souls.
Gov.
Keep fast that, hold still,
And either bring that chain, and those bound in it,
And link it to our Gods, and their fair Worships,
Or Daughter, pinch their hearts a pieces with it,
I'll wait upon your Grace.
Quis.
Come, reverend Father,
Wait you below.
[Ex. Quis. and Gov.
Pan.
If this Prophet were a young thing,
I should suspect him now, he cleaves so close to her,
These holy Coats are long, and hide iniquities.
Quis.
Away, away Fool, a poor wretch.
Pan.
These poor ones,
Warm but their Stomach once—
Quis.
Come in, thou art foolish.
[Ex. Quis. and Pan.
Enter Armusia, Emanuel, and Pymero.
Arm.
I am sorry, Sir, my Fortune is so stubborn,
To court my Sword against my Country-man;
I love my Nation well, and where I find
A Portugal of noble Name and Virtue,
I am his humble Servant, Signiour Pymero,
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You are both fair Gentlemen, in my opinion,
And I protest I had rather use my Sword
In your defences, than against your safeties;
'Tis methinks, a strange dearth of Enemies,
When we seek Foes amongst our selves.
Em.
You are injured,
And ye must make the best on't now, and readiest—
Arm.
You see I am ready in the place, and Arm'd
To his desire that call'd me.
Pym.
Ye speak worthily,
And I could wish ye had met on Terms more friendly,
But it cannot now be so.
[Enter Ruidias.
Em.
Turn, Sir, and see.
Pym.
I have kept my word with ye, Uncle,
The Gentleman's ready.
Enter Governour and Quisara above.
Arm.
Ye are welcome.
Rui.
Bid those Fools welcome that affect your courtesie,
I come not to use Complements, ye have wrong'd me,
And ye shall feel, proud man, 'ere I part from ye,
The effects of that, if Fortune do not fool me,
Thy life is mine, and no hope shall redeem it.
Arm.
That's a proud word,
More than your Faith can justifie.
Quis.
Sure they will fight.
Rui.
She's there, I am happy.
Gov.
Let 'em alone, let 'em kill one another,
These are the main posts, if they fall, the buildings
Will tumble quickly.
Quis.
How temperate, Armusia?
No more, be quiet yet.
[Gov. offers to speak.
Arm.
I am not bloody,
Nor do feel such mortal malice in me,
But since we cannot both enjoy the Princess,
I am resolved to fight.
Rui.
Fight home, Armusia.
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Arm.
Do you make all advantages?
Rui.
All ways unto thy life, I will not spare thee,
Nor look not for thy mercy.
Arm.
I am arm'd then.
Rui.
Stand still I charge ye, Nephew, as ye honour me.
Arm.
And good Emanuel—not—
Pym.
Ye speak fitly,
For we had not stood idle else.
Gov.
I am sorry for't.
Em.
But since you will have it so—
Rui.
Come, Sir.
Arm.
I wait ye.
Pym.
I marry, this looks handsomly,
This is warm work.
Gov.
Both fall, an't be thy will.
[Ruidias fall's.
Pym.
My Uncle dead?
Em.
Stand still, my Sword in—
Arm.
Now brave Ruidias,
Now where's your Confidence, your Prayers? quickly
Your own spite has condemned ye.
Quis.
Hold! Armusia.
Arm.
Most happy Lady.
Quis.
Hold, and let him rise,
Spare him for me.
Arm.
A long life may he enjoy, Lady.
Gov.
What have you done? 'tis better they had all perish'd.
Quis.
Peace, Father, I work for the best; Armusia, meet me
In the Temple, an hour hence.
[Ex. Quis. and Gov.
Arm.
I shall, Madam.
Pym.
Now as I live, a Gentleman, at all Inches,
So brave a mingled temper, saw I never.
Arm.
Why are you sad, Sir? how would this have griev'd ye,
If you had fallen under a profest Enemy?
Under one had taken vantage of your shame too?
Pray you be at peace, I am so far from wronging,
Or glorying in the pride of such Victory,
That I desire to serve you; pray' be cheerful.
Pym.
D'ye hear this, Sir? Why do you hold your head down?
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To have a Slip i'the Field no mortal Sin.
Arm.
It may be,
You think my Tongue may be your Enemy,
And though restrain'd sometimes out of a Bravery,
May take a privilege to dishonour you.
Believe me, Sir, so much I hate that freedom,
That in a strangers Mouth, 'twill prove an injury,
And I shall right you in't
[Exit.
Rui.
Let me Curse Fortune yet—
Nephew, your Arm.
[Exeunt.
SCENE III.
Enter King and Governour.Gov.
Sir, Sir, you must do something suddainly,
To stop his Pride, so great and high he shoots,
Upon his person too, your State sinks else.
You must not stand now on terms of Gratitude,
And let a simple tenderness besot you;
I'll bring you instantly, where you shall see him,
Attempting your fair Sister privately:
Mark but his high behaviour then.
King.
I will, Father.
Gov.
And with what scorn, I fear contempt too,
Against our Deities.
King.
I hope not.
Gov.
I say, attempting to Corrupt her Soul,
The worst Debauchery—I will not name Lust;
It may be that also.
A little force must be apply'd upon him,
Now, now, apply a little force to humble him;
These kind Caresses do but make him wanton.
King.
Take heed you wrong him not.
Gov.
Take you heed to your safety,
The freedom of your People; to the Gods:
I but forewarn you, King; if you misdoubt me,
Or think I come unsent—
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No, I'll go with you.
[Exeunt.
SCENE IV.
The Temple.Quisara, Armusia.
Arm.
Madam, you see there's nothing I can reach,
Either in my obedience, or my Service,
That can deserve your Love, but I pursue it;
Take pleasure in your will; even in your Anger,
I study new Humility to please you;
And take a kind of Joy in my Afflictions,
Because they come from you.
Quis.
I know you have deserv'd,
And know that in the Rigour of strict Justice,
I should endeavour to requite your Service,
I know you Love.
Arm.
If ever Love was mortal,
And dwelt in Man, so fix'd I find it here,
Respect of such a greatness as allows
What I have done already, weak performance,
And unproportion'd to the vast Reward.
It is but just, that who aspires to Heav'n,
Shou'd win it by his worth, and not Sleep to it.
Enter King and Governour above.
Gov.
Now, Sir, stand close, to hear, and as you find him,
Believe me right or let Religion suffer.
Quis.
I dare believe your worth, without additions:
You had my Summons to attend me here,
On some Commands of weight.
Arm.
I am prepar'd:
But point to me the Course, you'd have me Steer,
And if I shrink—
Quis.
I know you are no Coward;
Then take the outmost Tryal of your Duty;
You hold there's nothing dear that may oblige me,
Doubted or dangerous.
40
Nothing, Madam.
Let me but know, that I may fly into't.
Quis.
I'll tell you then—Change your Religion,
And be of one Belief with me.
Arm.
How!
Quis.
Mark me,
Worship our Gods, renounce the Faith you were bred in.
Arm.
Ha! I'll die first.
Quis.
Offer as we do.
Arm.
To the Devil?
Gov.
O Blasphemy!
King.
Peace.
Arm.
Offer to him, I hate!
Offer to Dogs and Cats! To them you offer,
To ev'ry Bird that flies, to every Worm:
Is this the Tryal?
Quis.
I will reason with you;
Are not our Powers eternal, and their Comforts
As great and full of Hopes, as yours?
Arm.
They are Shadows.
Gov.
Now mark him, Sir, observe him nearly.
Arm.
Their comforts, like themselves, meer Fictions:
You make 'em Sick, as we are, Peevish, Mad.
Subject to Age, and how can they cure us,
That are not able to refine themselves?
Quis.
The Sun and Moon we Worship; they are Heavenly.
Arm.
But I the maker of that Sun and Moon,
That gave those Bodies light, and influence,
That pointed out their Paths, and taught their motions:
Excuse me, Princess, if my Zeal for Truth
Extort a generous Freedom of my Tongue;
What 'ere restraints my private Griefs have born,
Yet for Heav'ns cause I must proclaim aloud.
Take privilege even to oppose your Will,
And call for Justice to th'Eternal due:
I hop'd you wou'd have said, make me a Christian;
Work that great Cure, for 'tis a great one, Princess.
To mortify the Sense, subdue the Will,
Refining Earth to Immortality.
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Of Providence, that by my Arm retriev'd him,
Wou'd have e're this, before the face of Heaven,
Destroy'd those Idol Gods you here adore,
Beat down their Altars, ruin'd these false Temples.
Gov.
Now Sir.—
King.
I'll hear no more—
[King and Governor descend.
Quis.
Thus far in Charity I was obliged
To rectifie the Errors of your thought,
Nor can the blame be mine to want success,
'Twas by these Pow'ers that I was sworn to wed
The Kings deliverer; these you blaspheme,
Them and their Pow'r you frankly have renounced,
And thereby free me from all Obligation.
Arm.
You are too just to make this slight Evasion,
And with Religious subtlety destroy.
Quis.
You shall both find me just, sincere and plain,
Therefore resolve to quit your Faith or me.
Arm.
My Life and Love for ever must be your's,
But my Religion Heav'ns.
Quis.
You heard you Task.
Arm.
Name any Task but that; extreamest danger,
And certain Death, to gratifie your will;
I dare do any thing but injure Heaven,
And stab th'Almighty's Image in my Soul.
Can I renounce the Power, the whole Creation,
Which every Plant and Element confess,
That gave this very Breath, with which I plead?
Shall I abjure the Author of that Form?
A Temple fit for Angels to inhabit,
When once the mist of Error is withdrawn.
Quis.
Acknowledge our Belief, and instantly;
For if you let this happy minute pass,
No Recantation shall prevail hereafter.
Arm.
Call you this Charity?
Quis.
Nay then.—
Arm.
You must not go.
What have I done to Merit this hard Sentence?
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My Heaven above, or Paradise on Earth?
How well I Love, how much I do prefer
Your Charms to all that's good beneath the Stars,
Truth must declare; but to th'Eternal Being
Can never be Apostate—Heart or Soul
Must perish on this Sea—;Then sink my Heart,
To save th'Immortal Treasure, thus I quit
Your Love's rich claim, tho while I so resign
No Martyrdom sure ever equall'd mine.
Quis.
Noble Armusia, I am now confirmed,
In quiting you have gain'd me: I resolv'd
To make the outmost Tryal of your Faith,
And in your Faith of you: I know your Doctrine
Is heavenly all, and you have prov'd the practice.
While her you Love you cou'd for Heaven resign,
The Faith that rules your breast must be Divine,
That Faith and you for ever now are mine.
Arm.
Is't possible! O unexpected bliss!
Look down ye sacred Quires and share my Joy.
Enter King, Governour and Guards.
King.
Nay, start not, take my confirmation too,
You had my Promise, Sir, of Recompence,
For your high Service: 'Twas my free consent,
To let Quisara's hand in Nuptial tye,
Be joyn'd with yours: This Sir was my engagement;
Which in the presence of this holy Man
I ratifie.
[The Kings joyns their hands.
Gov.
The Devil!
[Aside.
What can this mean?
King.
But as the holy Powers that here reside,
Have seen me just to your deserts and you;
To their own Altars they must see me just,
And to those Laws, with which no claim of Friendship
Or Interest can dispense—Guards seize your Prisoner.
Gov.
That's well retriev'd; be sure ye bind him fast.
Quis.
Bind your Restorer, Prince?
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Are these the Nuptials!
You promised my free Service?
Quis.
'Tis an Office,
That only can become a Tyrant Fiend,
Such as Ternusa's Governour.
Gov.
That's right.
[Aside.
Quis.
Such vile returns as these, must stagger Nature;
And banish Virtue from the World.
King.
O Sister!
Heavens knows what sense of gratitude I bear,
And to his Friendship how sublime regard:
Had he offended me I had forgiven,
Though to th'attempting of my Life and Crown:
I own them both his gift, but to our Gods,
Our sacred Powers the injury is done,
Basphemed, Reviled.
Gov.
And think you they will bear it?
I see ripe Vengeance teeming from the Heavens,
If you dispense with this, on you and me,
And all Tedore, whose Marble ribs shall rend
And sink beneath the Main: Spare us kind Powers,
Forgive our impious Clemency, that yet
The proud Blaspemer lives.
King.
Most holy Father,
Urge not the Vengeance of the Gods too far:
Must he needs Dye?
Gov.
'Tis next to Blasphemy
To make a doubt on't.
King.
True! our most dear affections
Must yield to sacred Laws.
Arm.
Use all your Violence,
I ask no Mercy nor recant my Words.
Quis.
His Virtue serves a Power will give him strength
To scorn your Idol-Gods.
King.
How's this, Quisara!
Quis.
Know King that if your Laws require his Blood,
They challenge mine; our Love and Faith are One.
King.
Quisara too! O Sister wound not thus
My tortured Heart? Good Father, your assistance.
44
Gov.
These are tokens, Sir,
The Gods displeasure is gone out; be quick,
And e'er it fall, do something to appease them.
King.
Quisara own his Faith! What must be done,
Gov.
They must die both, in Sacrifice, and instantly;
To those dread Powers they have blasphemed:
It makes me weep to urge their Punishment.
King.
Most Gracious and Compassionate Soul.
Gov.
Yet if you mitigate or defer their doom,
I then must Curse you from the Gods;
Call up their Vengeance from the flaming Lake,
And hurl it on your Land; I have charge for it.
King.
Bear them to Justice, for I dare not trust
My Nature with the Parly: Your hand Father.
Our Gods exact their Blood and they must Die;
Yet shall their Obsequies this comfort have,
Their Judge shall be their Mourner—O support me.
Gov.
My Heart akes too.
[Exit King and Governour.
Manent Armusia, Quisara, Guards.
Arm.
Such cruel Piety
Was never known. Princess, I have betrayed you,
But to eternal rest.
Quis.
Our Souls shall meet,
And celebrate in Paradise their Nuptials.
Arm.
Seraphick Maid? Thy Name shall stand recorded
With Virgin-Saints, the first in Vertue's Roll,
Through many years experience they arriv'd.
Consumate Piety, with matchless speed,
You take you Progress on the sacred way,
A Convert and a Martyr in a Day.
Exeunt Guarded.
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