University of Virginia Library

ACT V.

Enter Constantia follow'd by Arwide.
Arw.
Why do'st thou shun me thus? Constantia stay,
I charge it on thy Duty, since I've lost
All hold on thy Affection; stay at my Command.

Const.
I do obey you: Oh that I e'er shou'd dread
Th'Encounter of my Arwide!

Arw.
Cease thy Fears,
I mean not to reproach thee, thy own Heart
Will tell thee how unworthily thou'st us'd me;
Nor shalt thou long be troubled with my presence,
Since I have lost the only Blessings which
The World cou'd give me, I've no business with it,
And will renounce the Commerce of Mankind.
Yet I wou'd ask thee once the ground of all
This sudden Strangeness, or if thou know'st, wherefore
Gustavus has most roughly treated me.

Const.
Alas, too well you know the fatal Cause!
Urge not the Repetition, Oh that it might
Be bury'd ever in Oblivion!

Arw.
Enough—I find ye are confederate,
Both have withdrawn the Kindness once ye bore me,
And no doubt have reason to conceal the Cause,
'Twould speak too much against ye—May Gustavus
Bestow his Friendship where 'tis better merited.
For thee, that thou repent the Injuries
Thou'st done me, is all the Punishment I wish thee.
I go for ever from thee, and if I can
Forget thee, shall be happy.

[Going.
Const.
I cannot bear it! Oh yet stay, I beg you.

Arw.
Do'st thou weep the Miseries thy self
Hast caus'd?—What wou'd'st thou say?

Const.
Alas, I know not—Must we part for ever?

Arw.
You cannot think so poorly of me, that I'd live
With one, whose whole Behaviour speaks me her Aversion.

Const.
Ill does it speak my Heart! Oh do not leave me!
I'll hide my sad Resentment, live with you
In all respectful Duty.

Arw.
The Offices of Duty not endear'd
By Kindness, are Servile, Cold, and Tastless,
I'll accept nothing on Constraint; as surely
Will I never see thee more, as thou
Hast giv'n me cause to curse the Hour I ever saw thee,
As thou hast made my future days most comfortless;
Nor can'st attone the Ills thou'st brought on thy lost
Wretched Husband.

[As he is going, Beron enters.
Ber.
I came, my Lord, t'attend you
To the Senate, e'er this the Deputies
Are all assembled, and expect your Presence.

Arw.
They'll have no need of me, I've done my part,
Since there's no farther Business for my Sword,
My Counsels may be spar'd; nor mean I more
To meddle with the Publick.

Ber.
I have to inform
Your Lordship, Matters that will convince you,
You've more Business there than you imagine.

Arw.
Of what Nature? If I in ought can do
My Country Service, to that I'm still devoted.

Ber.
My Lord, I must desire your private Ear,
For what I wou'd impart.

Arw.
Madam—

Const.
Apart.]
I retire, my Lord—
Beron's a practis'd Traytor—This Conference
May give a Light to what is farther purpos'd,
And justifie my Lord—I must observe 'em.

[Const. withdraws.
Ber.
I have such Obligation to your Goodness,
By whose sole Intercession I hold my Life,
'Twere black Ingratitude not to be truly
Zealous for your Int'rests.

Arw.
I have none,
If you are true to Sweden's Int'rests, Beron,
Your Debt is well acquitted.

Ber.
Of that I cannot give a better Proof,
Than by the Service I intend your Lordship.

Arw.
Then freely speak your purpose.

Ber.
My Lord, your Friends
Already are inform'd, how strange a harsh
Reception Gustavus gave you; and much
Incens'd at his Ingratitude, not doubting
That it springs from Jealousie of one
Whose equal Merit, and th'important Services
He'as done the Nation, give him just Pretences
To th'Administratorship.

Arw.
Gustavus has not such low, selfish Thoughts.
But whether tends this Prelude?

Ber.
To assure you
That all the Deputies of both the Gothlands,
Who have been Witnesses of your great Actions,
Resolve to vote you our Administrator;
And Numbers have engag'd to joyn with them,
If you appear a Candidate at their Election.

Arw.
Far, far be it from me, to raise new Broils
And Factions in the Nation, by such unjust
Pretentions: 'Tis undoubted we all owe
Our Liberty to the sole Conduct of Gustavus;
Yet not for his, but for the Publick Good,
I wish him at the Helm; There's not another
So qualify'd to make a People happy
In his Government; And if you're not
A secret Favourer of the Danish Interest,
You'll not oppose the only Means of our Security.

Ber.
My Lord, I do not see that your Election
Wou'd not equally secure us from the Danes;
And what may we not fear for you, for all
Who've signaliz'd themselves, and rival'd him
In worth, when once he's settled in full Pow'r,
Since already (believing you no longer useful to him)
He'as cast you off with such Indignity.

Arw.
I know Gustavus Generous and Just,
Nor doubt some artful Villain has traduc'd me
On plausible Appearances, which time may clear.
But be that as it will—Can'st thou who'ast found me
So firm to my Engagements with Gustavus,
And to my Countries Interests, when both my own,
And my Constantia's Life, were sentenc'd by
The Viceroy; Can'st thou think I wou'd desert him
To the Destruction of the Publick Peace,
For a harsh Word, a trivial Quarrel with a Friend?

Ber.
Perhaps tis not so trivial, but you yet
May find your Life in danger: Yet wou'd I not
Incite you to secure your self, with hazard
Of the Publick Peace; But be assur'd, my Lord,
You'll find your Party strong enough to quell,
Or ev'n prevent, all Animosities,
Were they encourag'd by your wish'd-for presence
At the Senate.

Arw.
Yes, I will to the Senate,
Thou hast convinc'd me I have Business there,
T'assure all those on whom I've influence,
If they oppose th'Election of Gustavus,
Or raise the least Division in my Name,
I shall account 'em secret Enemies
To me, and to their Country.—All know me far inferior
In every requisite Ability
For that high Charge, to which Gustavus seems
Design'd by Nature; nor can this be other
Than the Project of some Traytor.
[Exit Arwide.

Ber.
He is not to be mov'd. Somewhat I must resolve—
It shall be so—This must create some discord.
Erici's hot and hasty, a fit Tool;
And luckily Fredage attends my Orders.
I'll about it instantly, e'er things
Are quite compos'd, or all our hopes are ruin'd.
[Exit Beron.

The Scene Changes to the Senate, Shouts of the People, Enter Gustavus with a numerous Train, all the Senators rise.
1st. Sen.
Hail to Gustavus, our Deliverer.

All. Sen.
Hail to the Great Preserver of his Country.

Gust.
Most Reverend Senate, 'tis a joyful fruit
And ample recompence of all my Labours,
Thus to Greet ye, a secure and free Assembly;
For so I may pronounce ye, since I've now
Receiv'd from Denmark certain information,
That the whole Kingdom, exasperated by
The Cruelties, Injustice, and Oppressions
Of the Tyrant, unanimously have
Depos'd him: The Viceroy, and Arch-Bishop,
Dreaded there, and every where abhor'd,
Will hardly find a Refuge; nor can ought
Obstruct your Liberty and Right of chusing
An Administrator, who under your
Authority may give the final blow
[Enter Arwide.
To Tyranny, and heal the Nations Wounds.

1st. Sen.
None has so just a claim to our Election,
As the brave Gustavus.

Gust.
My Youth wou'd ill become th'important charge:
Think not, most Honour'd Senate, I design
The Services I've done ye shou'd constrain,
Or sway your Choice; I'll be the first t'acknowledge
Him among ye for our Head, whom ye
Think fit t'elect; and in what ever Rank
Ye're pleas'd to place me; shall account it Honour
And Happiness sufficient to expose
My Life in your Defence.

1st. Sen.
Generous Gustavus!

All Sen.
Wondrous Youth!

1st. Sen.
This Moderation, this unequal'd Virtue,
Gives New and Nobler Lustre to thy Glories.

Arw.
This Noble Youth whom ye applaud with so
Just admiration, and by whose Vigilance,
Conduct and Valour, ye this Day have freedom
To assemble; Young as he seems, already is consummate
In every Princely Virtue, that can render him
A Blessing to the Nation: Nor can ye less
In Gratitude to him, and Justice to
The Interests of those ye Represent,
Than instantly confer the Royal Dignity
And Pow'r, on your generous Benefactor.

Gust.
Forbear, my Lord, from you this looks not well.

Arw.
The Senate will approve it.

1st. Sen.
Most Joyfully,
I doubt not 'tis the Sence and Wish of all.
If none has ought t'object against what by
This Noble Lord is offer'd, with one Voice
Salute Gustavus, Sovereign King of Sweden.

All Sen.
We all declare Gustavus King of Sweden,

All Attend.
Long live our King Gustavus.

Gust.
Not to be sensible of such Affection
From my Country, were Stupidity;
I Glory in your Love; but for the Crown ye offer
'Tis too much, there are in this Assembly
Many my Superiors;
Nor dare I undertake the weighty charge.
I thankfully resign your Noble Gift.

All Sen.
We all beseech you to accept our offer.

1st. Sen.
Behold the sad effect of your Refusal,
See with what Grief, with what dejected Looks,
Your People stand, as if the Danes again
Were at our Gates: Oh, Sir, on you depends
Our Safety; on Gustavus all our Hopes,
Our Hearts are fix'd.

All Sen.
We must not be deny'd.

Gust.
If ye will have it thus—The World's great Ruler
Assist me to discharge the mighty Trust,
Be it as ye please.

All.
All Blessings on our King.

[The People shout.
Gust.
Believe me, this affection of my People,
Is dearer to me than th'effect of it,
Great as it is and Glorious.

Arw.
Now all is finish'd,
Since I have liv'd to see my Country free,
And our Deliverer seated on the Throne,
I have no more to do—

Gust.
My Lord, your Zeal for me was most surprizing
On Reflection of what had lately past;
Tho' 'tis observ'd, when Men wou'd seem what they
Are not, they're apt to overact their Part.

Arw.
If you believe I meant it not in Friendship,
Or to advance your Interests, you do me right.
Nor is't for me in ought t'accuse my King
Of an injustice; satisfy'd to be
The only Man Gustavus e'er will injure;
I've but to say that I resign your Army,
And all I held in charge to your disposal.
'Tis fit the sole unhappy of your Subjects,
Shou'd from the Universal Joy retire;
To the all-seeing Judge I leave my Cause,
And go to hide me, and my sorrows, from
The World for ever.

[As Arw. is going Erici Enters.
Gust.
Oh 'tis half my self, I've lost in losing thee!

Erici.
Stay, my Lord, you must not thus depart.
I demand an Order to Arrest Count Arwide
As guilty of High Treason, in conspiring
Against the Government and Liberty of Sweden.

All Sen.
Count Arwide!

1st. Sen.
Incredible,
Count Arwide is approv'd a Generous Patriot;
Upon what Evidence do you accuse him?

Erici.
This Paper Sign'd by him, I know his Writing.

Gives it to the Senate. Gust. takes and shews it to Arw. then returns it.
1st. Sen.
Amazing!

Arw.
I confess t'ave Sign'd that Paper,
And by the Articles which it contains,
Do on the Judgment of the King, and Senate,
Desire to be acquitted, or condemn'd.
Let it be read in publick.

1st Sen.
Reads.
The first Article,
That when the fresh Supplies arrive from Denmark,
Arwide shall then deliver to the Danes,
All the strong Places in his Pow'r—

Arw.
Ha!
My Lords, I know of no such Article,
So far from having sign'd, it never was
Propos'd, or mention'd to me. I desire
Erici be examin'd whence he had that Paper.

Erici.
'Twas, my Lords, few Moments since
Deliver'd me, sent from a Hand unknown,
But with this Intimation giv'n, by which
The Truth may be detected—That Constantia,
Knowing her Husband's Treason, had reveal'd it
To Gustavus; And that Fredage, a Youth
Who then was Pris'ner to the Viceroy, saw
Count Arwide sign it.

1st Sen.
That Fredage must instantly be sought.

Erici.
My Lord, I've sent some of my Soldiers for him,
And to intreat Constantia's Presence here
Upon this sad Occasion.

1st Sen.
We'll wait their coming.

Gust.
Erici, why hast thou done this? Cou'd'st thou
Not trust me with the Care of this Discov'ry?
I've giv'n my Word for Arwide's Life, which now
I fear thy ever rash, thy hot-brain'd Zeal,
Has rob'd me of the Pow'r to save—Wou'd thou
Cou'd'st learn to think.

Erici.
In Truth I know not what
To think, if Treason must not be detected.

Arw.
And has Constantia tax'd me of this Baseness!
Did she not know me better!

Enter Constantia.
Const.
Oh, my Lord!
Constantia is a Criminal, you can't
Too much reproach; nor dare I stand th'Upbraidings
Of thy Virtue, ev'n silent as thou art,
Thy injur'd Innocence enough condemns me.
To you, Great Sir, this guilty Wretch addresses,
Who has accus'd the Worthiest of your Subjects;
I've been impos'd on by some Artifice,
And my poor Lord most wrong'd.

Gust.
Let not your fear of Arwde's Life, seduce
That noble Virtue to desert the Truth.

Const.
Oh think not I'd retract my Accusation,
But on a full Assurance of its Falseness;
Unseen, I overheard my Lord in conference
With Beron, that known Villain, from whose Hand
I had the fatal Writing; yet in all
Their secret Talk, 'twas evident my Lord
Knew nothing of this base Contrivance; But ev'n
To Death, refus'd Compliance with the Danes
Against his Countries Int'rests; Arwide boasted this,
Nor Beron durst deny it, whose Villany
Most sure this Treason is.
Oh there the Traytor comes.

Enter Soldiers, with Beron and Fredage wounded.
A Sold.
to Erici.
Sir, we obey'd your Orders, and found the Youth
We were in search of, flying from this other
Who pursu'd him, and e'er we cou'd arrive
Gave him a desp'rate Wound: The Youth,
Inform'd he was to come before the Senate, begg'd
His Murd'rer might be seiz'd, and brought with him,
Who was (he said) more than himself concern'd
In the Affair, on which you summon'd him.

Erici.
'Tis well.

1st Sen.
Fredage, What know you of this Writing?

Fred.
My Lord, 'twas put into my hands by Beron,
Who not an Hour since retook it,
And sent it to Erici.

1st Sen.
Know you Count Arwide's Character? or if he sign'd it?

Fred.
That I shall speak no other than the Truth,
Believe, as they're my dying Words—That Arwide sign'd
That Paper, is too sure—Oh!

[Swoons.
Erici.
The Youth's expiring.

Ber.
Then all is well.

[Aside.
1st Sen.
Beron, What can you speak to this?

Ber.
My Lords, I must, tho' to my shame, confess,
I have been zealous for the Danish Int'rest,
And then was trusted with this Treaty 'twixt
The Viceroy, and Count Arwide: But had since,
In true Concern for my poor Countries Safety,
Giv'n Fredage the Charge of this Discov'ry;
Who still too Faithful to the Danes, conceal'd the Treason;
And when I urg'd him now to witness what
Already was reveal'd, most obstinately
He refus'd; for which, in heat of Zeal, I stab'd him,
And in dying now you find, he did not dare
Deny the Truth.

1st Sen.
Your Action was most rash.

Ber.
I do confess it—But since incited
By Abhorrence of so Black a Treachery,
I hope the Senates Pardon.

Const.
Subtle Villain!

Arw.
And dar'st thou say I ever read or heard
Of those base Articles?

Ber.
That let the Senate judge,
Men use more Caution with an Enemy,
Than to sign Blanks or Writings not perus'd.

1st Sen.
The Case is clear, were this a Forgery
Of Beron's, wou'd that Youth with his last words,
Have injur'd Arwide, to confirm his Murd'rers
Accusation? What is the Senates Judgment?

All Sen.
'Tis plain Count Arwide's guilty, and deserves to dye.

Arw.
My Life is in your Hands—But I appeal
To the Tribunal of Eternal Justice,
To judge between us, and detect the Traytor.

1st Sen.
'Twere better to confess, since Death's your Doom;
Nor can you hope to 'scape it.

Const.
Oh, my Lords!
See at your Feet, a Wife who has giv'n this day
A dearer Proof of Faith and Love to Sweden,
Than the most worthy Patriot here e'er gave;
No partial Fondness sways my loyal Heart,
Nor do I kneel for Pardon of a Criminal;
But to implore ye wou'd avert those Judgments
From your selves, from all, which guiltless Blood
Will bring upon the Nation! I attest
Against ye, and invoke the sacred Pow'rs
To witness that my Lord is innocent,
And Beron a pernicious, faithless Villain!

1st Sen.
Madam, your Lord is legally condemn'd,
And our Decree irrevocable.

Const.
Oh—
To you, Gustavus, I must then appeal,
I have your sacred Word to save his Life,
Ev'n when we thought him Guilty—On that Promise
I claim it now, tho' more a Debt to his wrong'd Innocence:
Oh do not leave him to their rigid Forms,
But by superior Equity acquit him.

Gust.
Alas! 'tis past my Power—Madam, Rise.

Const.
Oh never, 'till the Senates Mercy raise,
Or you revoke the fatal Doom, that roots me to the Earth.

Gust.
Most Reverend Lords, I do beseech ye, Let not
This Day be blacken'd with so sad an Omen,
As the Death of one who'as shar'd my Glories,
Equally with me expos'd his Life,
And oft'ner shed his Blood in your Defence:
Give to my first Request, the Pardon of a Man,
Who tho' he now appears a Criminal,
Has nobly serv'd his Country.

1st Sen.
This is the only thing we cou'd deny you:
For our Security from future Treasons,
He must Dye, t'intimidate all Traytors
Who shall hear, that no past Services
Cou'd Bribe us from the Nation's Enemies:
Nor can your Reign begin with a more glorious Act,
Than such impartial Justice.

All Sen.
Arwide must Dye.

Const.
Dire Sound! My Husband sentenc'd as a Traytor!
Oh that he'ad dy'd long since, when pierc'd with many
Honourable Wounds, in the Defence
Of these ungrateful Wretches!

Gust.
Oh my Friend!
I fear thou'rt lost! that I must yield thee to
A shameful Death, ev'n when I think thee wrong'd:
I do, my Arwide, tho' Fredage's words
Have struck me strangely, Constantia's noble Spirit,
And thy Deportment, plead more strongly for thee;
Assure my Heart thou'rt worthy of my Love:
And must I see thee forc'd from me with Infamy!
Oh Arwide, thus to lose thee! Is there no means to save thee?

Arw.
I have no Witness but the Pow'rs invisible:
'Tis enough that you believe me Innocent;
That Villain will be caught in his own Mischiefs,
And the Senate soon repent their Sentence.

1st Sen.
He threatens us, shou'd we delay his Execution,
We know not what Commotions may be rais'd,
What Parties form'd against us.—Bear him to instant Death.

Const.
Now break my Heart! that Arwide may behold
Himself aveng'd of his first rash Accusers.

[Guards seize Arw.
Gust.
Away—Let me receive him to my Arms,
I cannot speak my Soul—Oh Arwide say,
Can'st thou in Death forgive thy Friends Injustice?

Arw.
Your Tears unman me—Be this the last sad Hour
May interrupt the Blessings of your Reign:
Yet do not quite forget me; Oh, Sir, do Justice
To my Fame, and comfort poor Constantia,
My only Dying Care.

[Turns towards her.
Const.
I am unworthy of a last Embrace,
A Dying Kiss, or ev'n to ask Forgiveness.

Arw.
Thou dost not need Forgiveness—Rise my Love,
With such Appearances against me, what thou didst
Deserves the highest Honours—Come to my Heart.
To which thou'rt now more Dear than ever.
May my Country
Be Juster to thy Worth, than it has been
To thy unhappy Husband—I must leave thee.

Const.
No, my Arwide, thou shalt take me with thee,
I will not spare my Eyes the horrid Spectacle;
The cruel Blow that lets out thy Lifes Blood,
Will strike the deeper to my Heart; each sever'd Limb
Of thy dear mangled Body, tear with it part of me,
And sooner rid me of the wretched Fate,
The Misery to survive thee.

Arw.
I cannot bear thy Presence, 'twill distract
Thy self, and me—I prithee spare me that,
Oh Sir assist me—Take to your Care this tender
Dearest Blessing, whose sight wou'd only torture me in Death.

Gust.
Oh my Arwide! who shall assist thy Friend,
When a few Moments hence, thou'lt be no more!

1st Sen.
My Lord, we hope you're ready—Lead Arwide to his Fate.

Fred.
Oh hold! Arwide is Innocent.

[Fred. revives.
Const.
What Angel's Voice was that?

Ber.
Fredage reviv'd! Then I am caught indeed.

[Aside.
Const.
Speak; What dost thou know of Arwide's Innocence?

1st Sen.
Be careful Youth, you have confess'd his Guilt.

Fred.
The Pow'rs of Death had seiz'd and stop'd me short,
Just on the Point of uttering the most
Important Truth; and I am giv'n to Life,
But to do Justice to that injur'd Lord.

Const.
Support him all good Spirits!

Fred.
Count Arwide was deceiv'd by Beron's Treachery,
By whom he had been shewn a Writing, that
Contain'd most Honourable Articles;
Which when he'ad well consider'd, and assented to,
This Beron unsuspected, in its stead,
Shifted that other, like in Form, to which
The artless Arwide freely set his Hand,
Not doubting it the same he had perus'd.

1st. Sen.
How know you this?

Fred.
By Beron's own Confession.
Who thought me of his Party, and t'engage me
In his Design t'embroil th'unsettled Nation,
Imparted to me what I have related;
But when he found me startled at the Treason,
Earnestly disswading him from the Pursuit of it;
In fear I shou'd betray the guilty Secret,
He resolv'd my Death, and added to
His other Crimes, the Murther of his Wife.

1st Sen.
His Wife!

Gust.
Christina!

Ber.
Ha, that Traytress! Oh Curst Destiny!
Thus to be fool'd by thee.

Gust.
Again Christina is my Life's Preserver!
This Ladies prov'd Affection to her Country,
Leaves no room to doubt what she asserts.

1st Sen.
Count Arwide is acquitted—For that Villain
A speedy Death's too mild a Punishment;
Secure him till our Justice have prepar'd,
Tortures most exquisite, a Doom that fits his Crimes.

Gust.
Again my Arwide is retriev'd from Death
To Honour, and his Friend, to these fond Arms.

Arw.
This is indeed to Live, restor'd to Fame,
And to my King's Affection. How shall I pay
My Gratitude to Generous Christina?

Gust.
What care can be sufficient of her Life,
To whom we owe our all?—Too long we have defer'd it.

Chris.
'Twou'd be vain, I feel th'Assaults of Death.
The Providence that governs all Events
Of Human Actions, is too good to let
A Wretch appointed to so sad a Part,
Survive th'unhappy Justice: The great important Ends
Are serv'd, for which my Miseries were Destin'd;
And now 'tis giv'n me to Rest

Const.
To be for ever Happy,
Eternal Blessings wait thy suff'ring Vertue.

Gust.
Alas, my Ignorance expos'd you to all Dangers;
Had you confided in me, you'ad been safe.

Chris.
Arwide had then been lost. Now all is well,
My Sully'd Fame wou'd ne'er have let me find
That Peace I leave all here, and go to seek with—

Gust,
She Breaths no more!
[Dies.
Oh Arwide! Be our Generous Preserver
Never forgot, let Fame Record her Vertue,
With her Husband's Villany, to all
Who e'er shall hear of Sweden's great Deliverance;
And every Nation join in her just Praise.

Const.
That Recompence Vertue will ever find,
To be esteem'd, ev'n by its Enemies.

Arw.
Yes, my Constantia, thy exalted Vertue
Constrain'd my Admiration, tho' a Sufferer by it.
Oh wou'd Men emulate thy great Example,
Renounce all private Ends, give up their dear
Their warmest Passions, to the publick Safety,
Each wou'd be happy in the common Good,
And find that very Int'rest best secur'd,
They wou'd have Sacrific'd,
As now thy Arwide is restor'd to thee.

Gust.
Be every Worthy Patriot thus Bless'd;
As all who're rais'd upon their Countries Ruins,
Assure their own Destruction in the End;
So have th'Oppressors of this Nation found:
My Friend, remind me oft of Christierns Fate,
Whose Lawless Aim at Arbitrary Sway,
Depriv'd him ev'n of his Legal Pow'r:
All Monarchs who their Int'rest understood,
Have plac'd their Greatness in their Subjects Good.