 | The Revolution of Sweden |  |
ACT III.
SCENE The Viceroy's Palace.Enter Christina and Laura guarded.
Officer.
Here, Gentlemen, ye soon will know your Doom,
Beron attends his other noble Pris'ner
To the Viceroy, and commanded me to wait
You hither, where he's order'd to present you:
I'm now acquitted of my Charge, and must
Withdraw till farther Orders.
[Ex. Guard.
Chris.
Too well I know my Doom, know it inevitable!
Now, Laura, What Pretence of Comfort can'st
Thou find for such a Wretch?
29
Oh Madam!—But
There's still a Possibility of Safety,
Since yet you're undiscover'd to your Husband.
Chris.
Oh vain Imagination! Tho' undiscover'd
In his disorder'd hast in 'scaping to the City,
(Where, since he has not seen me) Oh what hope
When now he comes, with artful and observing Care,
To know and rate the Value of his Pris'ner?
What possibility to 'scape a Husband's Knowledge,
Or to avert the Vengeance of so cruel,
So furious, so inflexible a Spirit?
Lau.
Too just, alas, I own your Fears; yet may
Despair be your worst Enemy, somewhat
We must attempt for your Deliverance.
Chris.
Impossible! We are too strictly guarded,
And Beron in this instant may be coming
T'examine, and present us to the Viceroy;
Oh what a grateful Present will it prove,
To find within their Pow'r the wretched Object
Of their Hate, whom every Hour for each
Success Gustavus gain'd, they've Curst and Destin'd
To severest Vengeance!—Then what I am to Suffer!
Death alone wou'd not alarm me thus,
But Oh there is no circumstance of Infamy,
Or Terror, I've not cause to fear!
Lau.
A lucky Thought!
Oh Madam, I have yet a hope in probability
To save you.
Chris.
Sooth me not with an imaginary safety,
But let me Dye with very apprehension
Of my Fate.
Lau.
Only hear me, Madam,
And as what I shall offer seems likely to
Succeed, or not, or follow, or reject it;
You have a Letter from your Husbands Brother,
That recommends to him a Son, desirous
Of the Viceroy's Service.
Chris.
What of that?
Lau.
I think your Husband never saw that Youth,
At least in many Years.
Chris.
Not since his Infancy, being Educated
At a College far distant from us.
Lau.
What hinders then that you shou'd Personate
Your Nephew here, as you have done already
To Gustavus, and with as good Success?
30
A Husband's not so easily deluded
In a Wife, whose Image has been long
Familiar to him.
Lau.
True, Madam, but in this pretence, the likeness
He observes in you, to that known Image,
Will help us to deceive him, confirming him
That you are truly Nephew to a Lady
Whom you so much resemble; and the assurance
Of his Brother's Letter, when not expecting you
In such a Place, or Habit, must guard him from suspicion.
Chris.
It cou'd at best, but for a while conceal me.
Lau.
That's all you need desire, when once you've gain'd
Your Liberty, you soon with ease may 'scape his Pow'r.
Chris.
Hark! He may be coming—How my Heart beats!
My trembling Limbs too fail me! Oh Laura!
My disorder at th'encounter will betray me.
Lau.
Your Fear shou'd give you Courage for this Tryal,
Consider 'tis your only means of Safety;
Be compos'd and resolute, or you are lost.
Chris.
'Tis He, and there's no possibility
To shun him. This Counterfeit is worth attempting,
Since if it fail, I cannot be more wretched
Than without it.
Lau.
You must profess Zeal for
The Danish Int'rest, pretend you made your self
A Voluntary Pris'ner.
Chris.
I must on,
Necessity may instruct, and give me Boldness.
Enter Beron.
Ber.
Now Gentlemen it does concern your selves,
T'inform me truly, who, and what you are;
You'll find the better Treatment from the Viceroy.
Chris.
Sir, if you'd represent me to the Viceroy
For what I chiefly do profess my self,
Say, I am one whom not the chance of War,
But a desire of serving him, has made his Pris'ner.
Ber.
We give not easie Credit to Professions;
Were you not fighting on the Rebels side?
Perhaps are Spies, employ'd to serve Gustavus.
Somewhere too I've seen that Face before;
Whence are you? We shall find a way
To know you better e'er you 'scape us.
Chris.
I ask not, Sir, your Credit on my own
Report, there's here a Person of no small Note
About the Viceroy, nearly related to me,
31
Ber.
Who is that Person?
Chris.
His Name is Beron.
Ber.
Audacious Traytor! I am He you Name,
Whom if you'd known, you had not hop'd to practise on,
Or to deceive. Sure I shou'd know this Villain
Chris.
Sir, if you're He to whom I am directed,
This Letter will assure me your Protection.
Ber.
My Brother's Hand! (Reads)
Fredage, my Eldest Son—
My Nephew!—depend on your Interest—to serve
The Viceroy—You may confide in him—not less
Zealous for our Party, than your affectionate Brother.
This doth indeed assure thee my Protection:
Welcome, Fredage, the Viceroy I engage
Shall give thee Welcome, and grace thee with his Favour.
Chris.
I shall endeavour to deserve it, Sir.
Ber.
Thou dost deserve it: My Brother has inform'd me
How thou'rt Principled; 'Tis well my Boy
Thy Father stamp'd thy Soul, t'attone for what
Thou'st taken of thy Mothers Family;
Thou'rt wond'rous like that vile Adult'ress,
My accursed Wife.
Chris.
How Sir, Adult'ress?
Ber.
Hast thou not heard of her disloyalty?
Chris.
That she discover'd to Gustavus your design
Of Seizing him, and aided his escape
I've heard; but knew not she had injur'd you
So vilely.
Ber.
What other motive cou'd she have
To Sacrifice her Int'rest for Gustavus,
But that he was a Youth, Handsome and Amorous,
Form'd to her wanton Wishes?
Chris.
Oh Horrid!
Ber.
Horrid indeed, my Boy, and cou'd I find the Strumpet,
Her Punishment shou'd be as shameful as
Her Guilt, I'll have her strip'd, and in the open Streets
Fix'd on a Rack, expos'd to publick view,
Till she expire, more with the Sense of Infamy,
Than Tortures.—I think the Viceroy's coming.
Chris.
Oh support me, Laura!
Lau.
Bear up for Honour's sake,
There's now no fear of your discovery.
Ber.
'Tis his Excellence, I'll instantly address you to him, Nephew,
Enter the Viceroy leading Constantia. Maria and Attend.
Vice.
Had I before beheld my beauteous Pris'ner,
32
Not Arwide, nor what e'er his Arms have Conquer'd,
Had been sufficient to redeem a Prize,
That justly may be set above all Ransom!
Ber.
May it please your Excellence.
Vice.
Beron, what did'st thou tell me of Constantia?
Can this be she whose haughty bold reproaches,
So stung the Proud Arch-Bishop?
Ber.
The same, my Lord.
Vice.
Oh she appears to me all mild and gentle,
Soft as the tender Wishes she inspires!
Ber.
Your Excellence is happier in her Favour.
Your other Pris'ner too will unexpectedly,
Be found your faithful Servant.
Vice.
I had forgot,
Thou went'st to be inform'd of their Condition.
Ber.
That Youth, my Lord, permit me to present you
As my Nephew, and one most Zealous for your Interests.
Vice.
How! Was he not taken in the Rebels Party?
Ber.
A willing Pris'ner, not having other means
Of 'scaping hither; for his Fidelity,
And Zeal to serve you, I engage—The cause
And manner of his joyning with Gustavus,
Himself can best inform your Excellence;
Nor may the knowledge be unuseful to you.
Vice.
I'll talk with him apart, bid him approach.
Ber. presents Fred. to the Viceroy, who talks with them apart.
Const.
What Pow'r has Love, and Fear for what we Love!
That it can thus constrain a Soul like mine,
So unacquainted with Disguise, or Arts,
To hide it's just disdain,
To suffer the detested Adulations,
Of this Licentious Viceroy, with seeming gentleness
And mild return: Yet scarce is it Dissimulation,
Contempt and Hate move weakly in my Heart,
Insensible to ought but tender Fear,
Fear of my Arwide's Danger. How dost thou think,
Maria, he'll return the Viceroys cruel Summons?
Mar.
I know not, Madam, what to think or wish.
Const.
Alas thou canst not judge,
But I who know the tender movings of his Soul,
Know our Affections equal, know to what
Mine wou'd determine me, must apprehend
The same sad proof of his too fatal kindness!
33
I'm satisfy'd.
Fredage, be near my Person—Your Pardon fair one.
Enter an Attendant.
Attend.
My Lord, the Trumpet is return'd with Answer
From the Rebels.
Vice.
Bid him Enter—Madam now
You'll know on whom your Beauties have most influence.
Const.
Oh my Heart!
Enter Messenger.
Vice.
Hast thou declar'd our Message to Count Arwide?
Mess.
I have my Lord, Gustavus too was present,
And in the Name of both thus am I bid
To answer—If you dare execute your threatned Sentence,
They vow Revenge, by the immediate Death,
Of all the Danes who now are in their Pow'r;
Nor doubt they to be soon disposers of your Fate,
And at your Peril dare you to provoke 'em;
Assur'd what e'er Constantia suffers here,
Your Doom shall be the same, and all th'adherents
To your Party.
Const.
Bravely return'd! Worthy
My noble Lord, worthy our glorious Cause!
Vice.
What Cause is worthy such a Sacrifice?
But 'tis a plausible deceit, that oft
Imposes ev'n on our selves, oft we
Account to Glory and to Virtue, what's due
Alone to our Insensibility;
Did Arwide now behold you with my Eyes,
He cou'd not thus assume th'unshaken Patriot.
Const.
Not with thy Eyes indeed—But Arwide has in view
No end of Being but the publick Good;
And yields a Life dear to him as his own,
To save a sinking Nation; for which he knows
Constantia Dies as willing, as He unwilling Lives.
'Twere partial to repine in falling by a Tyrant,
Under whose Cruelty my Country bleeds.
Vice.
For my attempting to disarm a brave
Successful Enemy, you cannot blame me, Fair one;
But think not, Oh believe I never cou'd
Design against your Life.
Const.
My Death's the least of Ills thou dar'st design,
'Twill pass unmark'd, in thy Black Roll of Murthers
Unprovok'd, in that sad Day when none of all
This miserable City, but lamented
34
Under the Sanction of thine and thy Associate
Prelates barbarous Sentence!
Vice.
From you I've not deserv'd these warm reproaches;
Judge me Constantia on your own experience,
The springs of publick Actions are unseen,
And all conjectures on appearances,
Rash and uncertain; you have not found me Cruel,
And may find I dare the hazard of my Kings displeasure,
Nay ev'n of my Life, for your dear Safety;
Then think who merits most your Gratitude,
Or Arwide, or this Tyrant; and if you can
Be just to him who dares most to preserve you,
Be Mistress of my Fortune, and my Pow'r.
Const.
Basely thou offer'st, what thou'st basely gain'd!
Yes on my own experience I may judge thee,
This Moment's of a Piece with all thy past
Licentious Life, spent in indulgence of
Thy own, or infamous subservience to
Thy Masters lawless Passions.
Vice.
How art thou chang'd from what I first beheld thee!
Oh yet resume that softness in thy Eyes,
That sweetness in thy words, that charm'd my Soul!
The dear Idea yet defends my Breast,
Against the Rage to which thou woud'st provoke me.
Yet meet my offers with a grateful smile,
Respect my Pow'r at least, nor urge your own
Destruction, favour my Wishes and assure your Safety.
Const.
I know 'tis not in thee
To give Life on honourable Terms,
Therefore I urge my Fate; Nor can I deign thee
That Respect which I shou'd pay thy Rank
In any other, Thou whose Crimes alone,
Whose servile Conscience, was the only Merit
That rais'd thee from the Dregs, the meanest of the People,
Art by this Greatness but become to me,
A more exalted Object of Contempt.
Vice.
Ha! 'tis too much—I may become an Object of your Fear,
Thou ha'st extinguish'd one, but ha'st enflam'd
A more impetuous Passion, that will not be resisted;
My Vengeance thou shalt gratifie, disdainful Woman!
Hence, bear her quickly hence, to instant Death!
Beron, see thou my Orders executed,
Nor give me leisure to Relapse—Now drag
35
Mar.
Oh, Madam, you have lost your self;
Be not thus desperate, one gentle word
May yet revoke your Sentence.
Const.
Forbear, Maria, I've done but what I ought,
My Life had been a check on Arwide's Valour,
An Obstacle to Sweden's Liberty;
Nor was there other means to save my Honour.
Mar.
Alas!
Const.
Lament me not—We're Born to Dye,
And when occasion's giv'n us to improve
Th'inevitable universal Doom,
To Virtue, and a publick Benefit,
'Tis a just cause of Gratitude to Heav'n.
I'm ready Officer.—This only to my Woman,
If thou escape the Tyrants Cruelty,
Tell my dear Lord I bless'd his Resolution,
But Dying beg'd him not to seek Revenge,
Beyond what's needful to his Countries Safety;
Conjur'd him not to grieve—But he will grieve,
Oh say I had no regret, no pang in Death,
But what I felt for Arwide!
As she is going Arw. Enters.
Arw.
Live wondrous Excellence! Thy Arwide comes
To save thee.
Const.
What ha'st thou done!
Arw.
Viceroy, behold the Ransom of your Pris'ner.
Vice.
Ha! What art thou?
Arw.
Thy Mortal Foe,
A fitter Object of thy Cruelty;
Unarm'd I am come (the only way thou durst
Encounter me) on thy own Terms to claim
Constantia's Freedom.
Vice.
We have Conquer'd then
That haughty Hero, who defy'd my Pow'r,
And soon was to be Master of my Fate!
Arw.
Insult not, Dane, we know how much thou dar'st
Against defenceless Enemies—Be satisfy'd
Thou'st found indeed the means to Conquer me;
Set her in safety, then exert thy Pow'r,
The worst thou can'st, I came prepar'd to suffer.
Vice.
What's due to an audacious Rebel thou shalt suffer.
Const.
Oh insupportable! My Arwide, why,
Why ha'st thou ta'n this fatal Resolution?
Arw.
What cou'd I less, when thy dear Life was threatned?
36
Alas, was this the way to save my Life!
Too sure thou hast giv'n me Death, and hast depriv'd me
Of all the Consolation, all the Glory of it;
I've only now in Death to think my self
The wretched cause of Arwides, and my poor
Deserted Countries Ruin.
Arw.
No, my Constantia,
Sweden will be deliver'd, and thou may'st live
To share it's Happiness, Gustavus is
Sufficient for that work; Be satisfy'd
My Love thou soon shalt see thy Husbands Death aveng'd.
Const.
See it aveng'd!
No Arwide, if my oppress'd, my breaking Heart
Deceive me not, that fatal stroke that gives
Thee Death, will doubly gratifie the Tyrants Cruelty,
I can't out-live that Moment: And must I live
To see it! Oh Arwide, Arwide! Why hast thou been
Thus desperately Cruel! If thou woud'st Dye,
Thou shoud'st have follow'd me, thou shoud'st have spar'd
Thy Wife this dismal meeting, this distracting grief,
To see thee Perish for Constantia! Didst
Thou think I cou'd support it!
Arw.
Do not un-man me! Thou know'st the softness of my Nature,
And shoud'st not with thy Sorrows move me thus;
Our Enemies will Triumph more in this,
Than all the Tortures they can make me suffer.
Const.
Alas what Constancy cou'd stand this Tryal!
It is not Virtue, but Barbarian Cruelty,
To be unmov'd with others sufferings;
I must lament thy fatal Tenderness,
And thou shou'd grieve, grieve that thou'st broke my Heart!
Nay, do not Weep.
Vice.
Oh how she fires my Heart with Love and Rage!
What Charms, what most transporting Extasie
Such Tenderness wou'd raise!
But lavish'd on another 'tis insupportable!
I have too long endur'd it—Madam, I find
Your Presence indisposes Arwide to receive
The Fate for which he came prepar'd—Remove
This Rebel hence to a secure Confinement,
My farther Orders, Beron instantly shall bring you.
Const.
Hold, let me but stay a moment,
The Viceroy gives you leave—Oh say, my Lord,
Has not this sad Encounter mov'd your Pity?
37
Oh turn it all to Mercy! You cannot let
Him die for having giv'n this wond'rous Proof
Of unexampled Love, which wou'd encline
The most obdurate Savage to Compassion.
Arw.
Forbear, my Love, thou canst not hope the Tyrant
Will be mov'd to save my Life.
Vice.
No, well thou know'st Justice demands thy Death;
And now, Constantia, we have pow'r by him,
To be effectually reveng'd for all
Thy Pride and Scorn.
Const.
You have indeed!
Oh too severely you may be reveng'd!
And am I then the Murd'ress of my Husband?
Distracting Thought!—The Viceroy is by me
Incens'd to thy Destruction—Oh how shall I retrieve—
He sees me humbled to this low Submission,
[Kneels.
Depress'd with Grief, confessing my Offence,
With Tears imploring Mercy—Yet thinks me less
An Object of his Pity, than his Hate;
Insensible of all my Misery.
Vice.
Doubtless you wou'd not deign t'accept of Mercy,
From the detested Tyrant of your Country.
Const.
Oh give a Proof that I have wrong'd you, in
Those wild Reproaches; Grant me my Arwide's Life,
And I will think you never were that Tyrant,
That you were ever good as the guardian
Spirits that protect us; Or if I cannot,
The daily Subject of my Prayers shall be,
That this one Act of Goodness may attone
For all the Failings of your Life before.
Vice.
Rise, Madam, Arwide's Fate is not determin'd,
And may be to your Wish—Retire a while,
We must consult on this important Case.
My Lord, your Prison's an Apartment in this Palace,
To which your Guards are ready to attend you.
Be careful of your Charge.
Arw.
I came not here to Fly,
Give Orders for Constantia's Liberty,
And be secure of me.
Vice.
You are not to prescribe us what to order;
Nor is't resolv'd how she shall be dispos'd of.
Arw.
How, faithless Dane, are you not paid her Ransom?
What Pow'r, what Right hast thou to Sentence me,
But on Condition to release my Wife?
38
Ask thy own Folly that—You're both my Pris'ners,
And on our Will your Destinies depend.
Arw.
Base treacherous Viceroy—But all are thus rewarded,
Who credit Men injur'd like thee, to Perjury,
And foulest Treasons.
Const.
The Viceroy knows he shou'd in vain release me,
Whilst thou art here not Death it self shall part us.
Vice.
Then I have greater Pow'r—Confine 'em separately,
[To the Guard.
Nor suffer 'em to meet upon your Lives.
We do not use to give such Grace to Rebels.
Const.
Is it too much to let us dye together?
Oh Arwide, hold me to thee, do not leave me.
Vice.
Away with 'em.
Arw.
My poor Constantia!
Const.
Oh miserable Parting!
Arw.
Perfidious barbarous Tyrant!
[Exeunt, led off severally.
Vice.
All quit the Room—You only Beron stay.
How! Shou'd he live because she dotes upon him!
'Tis therefore he shou'd Dye—And yet—Say Beron,
I need thy Counsel how to use the Power
This Rebel's Dotage gives us.
Ber.
Is that a Doubt, my Lord? Justice, Revenge,
And your immediate Interest, require his Death.
Vice.
Art sure my nearest Int'rest does require it?
Oh Beron, thou canst look into my Heart,
Spare me th'unfolding of my secret Wishes,
And give me Counsel suited to my Weakness.
Ber.
Wou'd not the Death of a lov'd, happy Rival, give
New Hopes to a neglected Lover?
Vice.
Oh did'st thou not observe, how soft, how condescending,
Constantia seem'd, whilst fearing for her Arwide?
But when she thought him safe, how haughty, how inflexible?
What then is to be hop'd, if the dear Object of her Care
Were lost, but Hate of him who had depriv'd her of him?
Ber.
Works it that way—
Love ever best discerns the way to please;
No doubt, my Lord, the hopes of Arwide's Safety,
Will gain upon a Spirit like Constantia's,
More than all other Promises or Threats;
Suppose you offer Arwide's Life, on the Condition
To obtain her Love?
Vice.
What, to be favour'd for a Rival's sake?
The Thought wou'd dash my Joy—And yet ev'n now,
Tho' pleading for her Lord, the tender Accents
39
What then wou'd the Possession of her Beauties?
It shall be so—conduct her to me instantly,
This Moment I wou'd see her in all that tender,
That engaging Softness, that melted me
To Love, to new Desire.
Ber.
So please your Excellence to give me Pow'r,
I have a farther Project, that may both
Be serviceable to your new Desires,
And the Destruction of your Enemies.
Vice.
What do'st thou drive at? What am I to do?
Ber.
Insinuate to Constantia, that in this Exigence,
Arwide may himself consent t'accept
Of Life, upon the Terms you offer.
Vice.
In vain,
She knows his Soul too well to credit it.
Ber.
Yet if my Politicks deceive me not,
She soon shall see that very Article
Sign'd by himself, with others most injurious
To his Party, which artfully discover'd
To Gustavus, may raise such a Commotion
Betwixt those Lords, and their Adherents,
As must be fatal to their Cause, and give
New Life to ours.
Vice.
Thou talk'st of things impracticable,
Arwide's intrepid, obstinate to Honour,
Not to be seduc'd by Fear, or Int'rest,
To betray his Cause.
Ber.
He is my Lord,
And like all other Honourable Fools,
He's unsuspecting, open and unweary,
On that I form my Plot—My Lord, you know
I build no Castles in the Air; Trust me,
He shall be drawn to sign Conditions,
At which you'll be amaz'd; and both Gustavus,
And Constantia, deceiv'd, and most incens'd.
Vice.
If this were possible, her Anger against Arwide
Wou'd be a pow'rful Advocate for me.
Ber.
Doubt it not, my Lord—Only allow
Me Pow'r to give him present Liberty,
And what Security he may demand
For his Wife's Safety.
Vice.
Give him the dearest Hostage
He can ask; make any Terms thou wilt,
I'll stand to all, so thou effect thy Purpose.
40
May Love be as propitious to your Lordship:
The Lady shall be now conducted to you,
That whilst I'm practising upon the Husband,
You may observe where she least thinks of Danger:
The firmest Virtue apt to be secure,
Unguarded leaves some unsuspected Part,
Which gain'd, subdues the best defended Heart.
[Exit Beron.
Vice.
This Beron's native Subtlety, and practis'd
Artifices, give me Hopes of what
From any other I shou'd slight as empty Boasts,
A Project of Impossibilities.
[Enter Archbishop.
Th'Archbishop! unlucky Interruption!
I fear'd your Grace wou'd have avoided me,
After your late Misfortune.
Arch.
Wherefore, my Lord?
I have not fear'd to face your Enemies,
Nor fled from thrice our Numbers.
Vice.
Wou'd we had left some farther Work for your
Unquestion'd Valour;—But, what can now be done,
When all our Force, reserv'd to save this City,
Our last Stake, is sacrific'd? What Hope, what Remedy?
Arch.
Our way by Sea is open yet, my Lord;
Have you no fresh Assurance of Recruits
From Denmark? My Advices mention none,
What do your last import?
Vice.
Some Orders which I fear unseasonable now,
That we command the Danish Governours,
In every Provence where we yet have Pow'r,
To put to Death all of this Nation, whom
They can secure, assur'd there's not a Swede
But has some Kindred, or at least his Wishes
In the Rebels Party;—I need not tell your Grace
The Clergy is excepted; All our Enemies,
Tho' your own Country-men, alike are yours.
Arch.
Perish my Country men, rather than that
Accursed Boy shou'd Rule 'em! Let him Reign
In a depopulated Desart, Monarch
Without Subjects.
Vice.
Were we our selves secure—
Arch.
When 'tis too late to think of Safety, 'tis time
To take Revenge.
Vice.
They're surest when together:
We may keep off the Odium from our selves
By a Retreat to Denmark, on Pretence
Of bringing Aid from thence.
41
I like your Counsel,
Our Presence there will hasten their Assistance,
If any is design'd: And let them here
Begin your Orders with the Death of Arwide,
And his Wife, as Signal to the rest.
Vice.
I have some hopes, my Lord, to make his Liberty
More advantagious to us—For his Wife,
'Twill have a better Face, and be of use,
To carry her an Hostage into Denmark.
Arch.
I shou'd not so advise—Ha she is coming,
I wou'd avoid th'Encounter.
Vice.
Your Grace is ready to depart to morrow.
Arch.
I am,—But do dot let Gustavus Triumph
In our Retreat: If Arwide's Death precede it,
We disappoint at once his Love and Hate,
He'll curse a Victory obtain'd too late,
To save his Friend, or to avenge his Fate.
[Ex. Archb.
Const.
They tell me I am brought to know my Doom,
In my dear Lords.
Vice.
You're come to give his Doom,
Nor only his, two Lives upon your Sentence
Must depend; Be merciful, and both
Will bless your Goodness.
Const.
Alass, what mean you?
Vice.
Oh, you know my meaning well Constantia,
With one kind word you may preserve your Lord,
And make me bless'd beyond Imaginations!
Const.
What must I say? All that I can I will.
Vice.
Is it too much to give for Arwide's Life,
All you have given to gratifie his Love?
Const.
'Tis true, my Lord, you've seen that I esteem
My Arwide's Life, much dearer than my own;
But think not that I prize him more than Virtue;
Nay, to preserve him on dishonest Terms,
Wou'd blast ev'n all my Happiness in him,
With conscious Shame to be unworthy of him.
Vice.
Suppose he shou'd, in this Extremity,
Himself consent to the Condition offer'd?
Const.
Not the most shameless Wretch, this Court has hardned,
Durst make the vile Proposal.
Vice.
No matter, Impossibilities may be suppos'd.
Const.
Vain Supposition,
Vain Enquiry, what I wou'd do for Arwide,
Were he most opposite to what he is:
42
Cou'd he be guilty of a villainous,
Dishonourable Action, he'd merit my Contempt,
Nor were his Life worth asking.
Vice.
Then all that Tenderness
You've lavish'd upon him, might make another bless'd.
Const.
Alas, my Lord,
Can I obtain no Terms for Arwide's Life,
But what are not in Possibility?
Why all this Trifflng? If his Death's determin'd,
I've but to ask, that we may dye together.
Enter Beron.
Vice.
We've better Purposes for both—So Beron,
Has Arwide well receiv'd the Grace design'd him?
Ber.
He has, my Lord, agreed to all the Articles
Your Excellence propos'd, tho' with much difficulty
On that one relating to Constantia;
But well considering, that shou'd he throw
His Life away, she'd still be in your Pow'r;
And weighing the Advantages you offer,
Against a rash unprofitable Death,
At length he yielded, and just now has sign'd these Papers,
Of whice I've giv'n him the Counter-part.
[Gives it to the Vice.
Vice.
'Tis well.
Ber.
Am I to bear your Lordship's farther Orders?
Vice.
You may give Arwide instant Liberty,
'Tis at his Pleasure when to leave the City.
Ber.
So I'll inform the Count.
[Exit Beron.
Const.
Oh wondrous Goodness!
What has produc'd this Miracle of Mercy!
Some Pow'r more than Human has inspir'd,
And must reward such Virtue!
Vice.
You only can reward it, and we hope
You'll not be more inflexible than Arwide,
Who knows to value Life, and his true Int'rest;
Nor have we made him wait your Confirmation.
Const.
Of what, my Lord?
Vice.
Part only of the Articles
To which he has agreed.
Const.
I dare engage not to reject one Article,
To which he cou'd consent.
Vice.
Then we're intirely happy,
Behold on what Conditions he's releas'd.
Const.
Reads.]
That when the fresh Supplies arrive from Denmark,
Arwide shall then deliver to the Danes
43
His Forces with them to subdue Gustavus—
What base Impostor's this! The Character
Resembles Arwides—But impossible,
'Tis but some artful Counterfeit.
Vice.
Read on,
You know not yet th'Advantages design'd him.
Const.
Reads.]
That the Viceroy resigns his Dignity
To Arwide, assur'd the King will readily
Confirm him in it, in reward of such
A Service—That as Proof of his sincere
Design to serve the King, Constantia shall
Remain the Viceroy's Pris'ner, to whom
Arwide does, in exchange of Life and Liberty,
Tho' with regret, resign her—Gross Abuse!
Arwide disdains a Thought of so detestable,
So infamous a Treaty! The Deceit's
Too palpable, nor will it serve your Purpose.
Vice.
We shall pursue the Cheat too far in giving
Arwide Liberty; He too will seem
Confederate in it, leaving you my Pris'ner.
Const.
He will not, cannot, no Pow'r, no Threats, no Tortures,
Cou'd make my Lord consent to this vile Act;
I know his Virtue, which no contagious Baseness
can corrupt, nor cou'd be Counterfeit;
This may,—It is, you're practis'd all in Falseness,
We are surrounded by a Crew of Villains,
Bred up to Treachery, to Tricks, and Snares;
Oh Tyrant, wou'dst thou Murder him in Fame!
No, by our Death we'll give thy Arts the Lye,
Be thine the Curse to live in Infamy.
Re-enter Beron.
Ber.
Count Arwide begs Permission to attend
Your Excellence, and give Constantia
His last Adieu, e'er he return to th'Army.
Const.
'Tis false, my Lord sent no such Trayt'rous Message.
Ber.
Himself will soon confirm it.
Vice.
What do'st thou mean? He cannot in reality
[Apart to Beron.
Have sign'd these Articles; their meeting must
Unravel all thy Plot.
Ber.
Trust me my Lord, as this Design is manag'd,
[Apart.
I doubt not that their meeting will most effectually
Deceive Constantia; And 'two'ud be much
Suspicious to refuse that Liberty,
44
Vice.
As thou wilt— (Aloud.)
We can refuse him nothing,
He shall see her. We're ready to receive him.
[Ex. Beron.
Const.
What means all this?
If there's a Possibility to know
The Best, from the most Profligate of Men,
Arwide's incapable of such a Baseness;
There's no Appearance to be credited,
No Proof of Honesty, if he is False
(Re-enter Ber. with Arwide.
He comes to clear my Doubts, and his own Fame.
Arw.
My Lord, I cou'd not willingly depart,
Without a fresh Assurance from your self,
That you will faithfully perform your part
Of our Agreement.
Vice.
Be assur'd I will.
Arw.
Your Hand, my Lord, is wanting to this Paper,
As to its Counter-part I've giv'n mine.
Vice.
Most willingly I'll sign it.
[Takes the Paper.
Const.
What do'st thou talk of Arwide?
Thou didst not, cou'dst not, sign that cursed Paper.
Arw.
I did, Constantia.
Vice.
We hope you will not fail in your Engagements.
[To Arw. returning the Paper.
Arw.
I've giv'n my Wife too dear a Pledge, and Proof
Of my Sincerity to let you doubt it;
And Upsal shall, if I have any Pow'r,
Be soon deliver'd up to the Archbishop.
Const.
Oh 'tis too true! Himself confesses all!
Ber.
My Lord, you're not sufficiently inform'd
[To the Vice. apart.
Of this Affair, to stand a longer Conference;
I beg you to withdraw.
Vice.
Thou wou'dst not give them opportunity
Of free Discourse together.
Ber.
'Tis probable
His Ignorance of what he is accus'd of,
And her Resentment, will a while prevent
An Explanation; However I'll observe,
And interrupt 'em, on any danger of Discovery.
Vice.
I trust to thee in all—My Lord, we will retire,
To leave you more at Liberty in Parting.
[Ex. Vice. and Ber.
Const.
And thou hast then deserted
Thy Wife, thy Friend, and thy lost Countries Int'rest.
Arw.
Deserted! the Terms I've gain'd, and the Security
For their Performance, are beyond what we cou'd hope;
45
I know in such an Exigence, Gustavus
Wou'd not have himself refus'd.
Const.
Is't possible!
Can this be he, who not an Hour since
Came with transported Love to free Constantia,
And resolute to Dye! 'Twas false, 'twas all pretence,
He came but to betray Gustavus, and expose his Wife with greater Infamy.
Arw.
Alas, my Love, coud I in Dying have
Deliver'd thee, I'ad freely giv'n my Life;
But thou had'st still been in the Viceroy's Pow'r,
Who might without Conditions have detain'd thee.
Const.
The baseness then wou'd have been His, not Thine,
Thou had'st Dy'd with Honour, nor have left thy Wife
With that reproach, thou'st now entail'd on both.
Arw.
Thou know'st not sure upon what Terms I leave thee.
Const.
Infamous Terms! No more of that, it will
Not bear expostulation; there are not words
T'express what thou ha'st done, or what thou art!
But think not I will long remain the Hostage
Of thy Treaty—
Arw.
Thou need'st not, all will soon
Be finish'd, the Danes will speedily embark
The Places I surrender—
Const.
Forbear, let me not hear it from thy self,
Nor let me live to see my wretched Country
Betray'd by Arwide! Oh miserable Change!
That now the greatest Blessing I can hope
Is the Destruction of my Husband! Never,
Never more to see, or think of him,
Who lately was so dear to my fond Heart!
Oh Arwide I can bear thy sight no longer!
[Exit Const.
Arw.
What means my Love! Stay but to hear thy Arwide,
I will not leave thee till I'm justify'd.
[Going Beron enters.
Ber.
My Lord, the Viceroy sends t'intreat your presence instantly.
Arw.
She must be misinform'd—What have you told
My Wife of our Agreement?
Ber.
The whole, my Lord.
Arw.
Does she know the Hostages you've given
For her safety, and that the Danes are all
To quit the Kingdom?
Ber.
She read each Article
Arw.
Amazing! What can thus insense her! I must be clear'd.
46
There's time for that sufficient. 'Tis but a Pique
Of Love for being left, which will be soon
Appeas'd, when she's restor'd.—My Lord the Viceroy
Waits you, on Affairs that need dispatch.
Arw.
Excuse me—I attend him.
Is't possible that just and generous Spirit,
That wou'd have giv'n her Life for Sweden's safety,
Shou'd thus resent being left a while in Hostage,
Or that I yield a part, to save the whole?
She has known my Faith, and Zeal to serve my Country,
And Oh she cou'd not doubt my tender Love;
Nor can I leave her, till she both approve.
[Exeunt.
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