University of Virginia Library

ACT. I.

SCENE I.

A Rich Chamber.
A Table with Lights, Abdelazer sullenly leaning his head on his hands;— after a little while, still Musick plays.
SONG.

After which he rouzes, and gazes.
Abd.
On me this Musick lost?—this sound on me
That hates all softness?—What ho, my Slaves!

Enter Osmin, Zarrack.
Osm.
My gracious Lord—

Enter Queen, Elvira.
Qu.
My dearest Abdelazer—

Abd.
Oh, are you there?—Ye Dogs, how came she in?
Did I not charge you on your lives to watch,
That none disturb my privacy?

Qu.
My gentle Abdelazer, 'tis thy Queen,
Who 'as laid aside the bus'ness of her State,
To wanton in the kinder joys of Love.—
Play all your sweetest Notes, such as inspire
To the Musick; they play softly.
The active Soul with new and soft desire,
Whilst we from Eyes—thus—dying, fan the fire.

[she sits down by him.
Abd.
Cease that ungrateful noise—

[Musick ceases.
Qu.
Can ought that I command displease my Moor?

Abd.
Away, fond woman—

Qu.
Nay, prithee be more kind.—

Abd.
Nay, prithee good Queen, leave me,—I am dull,
Unfit for dalliance now.—

Qu.
Why dost thou frown?—to whom was that Curse sent?

Abd.
To thee.—

Qu.
To me!—it cannot be;—to me, sweet Moor!—
No, no, it cannot;—prithee smile upon me;—
Smile whilst a thousand Cupids shall descend
And call thee Jove, and wait upon thy smiles,
Deck thy smooth brow with flowers;
Whilst in my Eyes, needing no other Glass,
Thou shalt behold and wonder at thy beauty.

Abd.
Away, away, be gone.—

Qu.
Where hast thou learnt this language, that can say
But those rude words,—Away, away, be gone?
Am I grown ugly now?

Abd.
Ugly as Hell.—

Qu.
Didst thou not love me once, and swore that Heav'n
Dwelt in my face and eyes?

Abd.
Thy face and eyes!—Bawd, fetch me here a Glass,
[to Elvira.
And thou shalt see the balls of both those eyes
Burning with fire of Lust.—
That bloud that dances in thy Cheeks so hot,
That have not I to cool it
Made an extraction ev'n of my Soul,
Decay'd my Youth, only to feed thy Lust!
And wou'dst thou still pursue me to my Grave?

Qu.
All this to me, my Abdelazer!

Abd.
I cannot ride through the Castilian Streets,
But thousand eyes
Throw killing looks at me;—
And cry,—That's he that does abuse our King;—
There goes the Minion of the Spanish Queen,
Who, on the lazie pleasures of his Love,
Spends the Revenues of the King of Spain:—
This many-headed-beast your Lust has arm'd.—

Qu.
How dare you, Sir, upbraid me with my Love?

Abd.
I will not answer thee, nor hear thee speak.

Qu.
Not hear me speak!—Yes, and in thunder too;
Since all my passion, all my soft intreaties
Can do no good upon thee,
I'le see (since thou hast banisht all thy Love,
That Love, to which I've sacrific'd my Honour)
If thou hast any sence of Gratitude,
For all the mighty graces I have done thee.

Abd.
Doe;—and in thy story too, do not leave out
How dear those mighty graces I have purchas'd!
My blooming Youth, my healthful vigorous Youth,
Which Nature gave me for more Noble Actions
Then to lie fawning at a womans feet,
And pass my hours in idleness and Love.—
If I cou'd blush, I shou'd through all this Cloud
Send forth my sence of shame into my Cheeks.

Qu.
Ingrate!
Have I for this abus'd the best of men?
My noble Husband!
Depriving him of all the joys of Love,
To bring them all intirely to thy bed;
Neglected all my vows, and sworn 'em here a-new,
Here, on thy lips;—
Exhausted Treasures that wou'd purchase Crowns,
To buy thy smiles,—to buy a gentle look;—
And when thou didst repay me,—blest the Giver!—
Oh Abdelazer, more then this I've done.—
This very hour, the last the King can live,
Urg'd by thy witchcraft I his life betray'd:
And is it thus—my bounties are repaid?
What e're a crime so great deserves from Heav'n,
By Abdelazer might have been forgiv'n.—
(weeps.
But I will be reveng'd by penitence,
And e're the King dies, own my black offence.—
And yet that's not enough—Elvira—
(pawses.
Cry murder, murder, help, help.—

She and her woman cry aloud, he is surpriz'd, the Queen falls, he draws a Dagger at Elvira.
Elv.
Help, murder, murder.—

Abd.
Hell, what's this!—peace Bawd,—'sdeath,
They'le raise the Court upon me, and then I'me lost.—
My Queen,—my Goddess,—Oh raise your lovely eyes,
I have dissembled coldness all this while;
And that deceit was but to try thy Faith.—
takes her up, sets her in a Chair, then kneels.
Look up,—by Heav'n 'twas Jealousie,—
Pardon your Slave,—pardon your poor Adorer.

Qu.
Thou didst upbraid me with my shamefull passion.

Abd.
I'le tear my tongue out for its profanation.

Qu.
And when I woo'd thee, but to smile upon me,
Thou crydst,—Away, I'me dull, unfit for dalliance.

Abd.
Call back the frighted bloud into thy Cheeks,
And I'le obey the dictates of my Love,
And smile, and kiss, and dwell for ever here.—
Enter Osmin hastily.
How now!—why star'st thou so?—

Osm.
My Lord,—the King is dead.

Abd.
The King dead!—'twas time then to dissemble.
(aside.
What means this rudeness?—

(one knocks.
Enter Zarrack.
Zar.
My Lord,—the Cardinal enquiring for the Queen,
The Court is in an uproar, none can find her.

Abd.
Not find the Queen! and wou'd they search her here!

Qu.
What shall I do? I must not here be found.

Abd.
Oh, do not fear,—no Cardinal enters here;
No King,—no God, that means to be secure.—
Slaves, guard the doors, and suffer none to enter,
Whilst I, my charming Queen, provide for your security:—
You know there is a Vault deep under ground,
Into the which the busie Sun ne're entred,
Bue all is dark, as are the shades of Hell;
Through which in dead of night I oft have pass'd,
Guided by Love, to your Apartment, Madam.—
They knock agen;—thither, my lovely Mistress,
(knock.
Suffer your self to be conducted.—
Osmin, attend the Queen,—descend in haste,
Qu. Osm. and Elv. descend the Vault.
My Lodgings are beset.

Zar.
I cannot guard the Lodgings longer,
Don Ordonio, Sir, to seek the Queen.

Abd.
How dare they seek her here?

Zar.
My Lord, the King has swounded twice,
And being recover'd, calls for her Majesty.

Abd.
The King not dead!—go Zarrack, and aloud
Tell Don Ordonio and the Cardinal,
He that dares enter here to seek the Queen,
Puts his hand to his Sword.
Had better snatch the She from the fierce side
Of a young Amorous Lion, and 'twere safer.—
Again, more knocking!—

[knocking.
Zar.
My gracious Lord, it is your Brother, Don Alonzo.

Abd.
I will not have him enteer,—I am disorder'd.—

Zar.
My Lord, 'tis now too late.

Enter Alonzo.
Alon.
Saw you not the Queen, my Lord?

Abd.
My Lord?

Alon.
Was not the Queen here with you?

Abd.
The Queen with me!
Because, Sir, I am married to your Sister,
You, like your Sister, must be jealous too:
The Queen with me! with me! a Moor! a Devil!
A Slave of Barbary! for so
Your gay young Courtiers christen me:—but Don,
Although my skin be black, within my veins
Runs bloud as red, and Royal as the best.—
My Father, Great Abdela, with his Life
Lost too his Crown: both most unjustly ravisht
By Tyrant Philip; your old King I mean.
How many wounds his valiant breast receiv'd,
Ere he wou'd yield to part with Life and Empire:
Methinks I see him cover'd o're with bloud,
Fainting amidst those numbers he had conquer'd,
I was but young, yet old enough to grieve,
Though not revenge, or to defie my Fetters;
For then began my Slavery: and e're since
Have seen that Diadem by this Tyrant worn,
Which Crown'd the Sacred Temples of my Father,
And shou'd adorn mine now;—shou'd! nay and must;—
Go tell him what I say,—'twill be but death:—
Go Sir,—the Queen's not here.—

Alon.
Do not mistake me, Sir;—or if I wou'd,
I've no old King to tell,—the King is dead;—
And I am answer'd, Sir, to what I came for,
And so good night.—

Exit.
Abd.
Now all that's brave and Villain seize my soul,
Reform each faculty that is not Ill,
And make it fit for Vengeance; noble Vengeance!
Oh glorious word! fit only for the Gods,
For which they form'd their Thunder,
Till man usurpt their Power, and by Revenge
Swayed Destiny as well as they,
And took their trade of killing.—
And thou, almighty Love!
Dance in a thousand forms about my Person,
That this same Queen, this easie Spanish Dame
May be bewitcht and dote upon me still:
Whilst I make use of the Insatiate flame
To set all Spain on fire.—
Mischief, erect thy Throne,
And sit on high; here, here upon my head;
Let Fools fear Fate, thus I my Stars defie,
points to his Sword.
The influence of this—must raise my glory high.

Exit.

SCENE II.

Enter Fernando weeping, Ordonio bearing the Crown, followed by Alonzo leading Leonora weeping; Florella, Roderigo, Mendozo, met by the Queen weeping; Elvira, and women.
Qu.
What dolefull cry was that, which like the voice
Of angry Heav'n struck through my trembling soul!
Nothing but horrid shrieks, nothing but death;
Whilst I, bowing my knees to the cold Earth,
Drowning my Cheeks in Rivulets of tears,
Sending up prayers in sighs t'implore from Heav'n
Health for the Royal Majesty of Spain,—
All, cry'd the Majesty of Spain is dead.
Whilst the sad sound flew through the ecchoing Air,
And reacht my frighted soul—Inform my fears,
Oh my Fernando, oh my gentle Son.—

(weeps.
King.
Madam, read here the truth, if looks can shew
That which I cannot speak, and you wou'd know:
The common Fate, in ev'ry face appears;
A Kings great loss, the publique grief declares,
But 'tis a Fathers death that claims my tears.

Card. leads in the Qu. attended.
Leon.
Ah Sir!
If you thus grieve, who ascend by what y'ave lost
To all the greatness that a King can boast;
What tributes from my eyes and heart are due,
Who've lost at once a King and Father too?

King.
My Leonora, cannot think my grief
Can from those empty Glories find relief;
Nature within my soul has equal share,
And that and Love surmount my glory there.
Had Heav'n continu'd Royal Philips life,
And giv'n me bright Florella for a wife,
(bows to Flor.
To Crowns and Scepters I had made no claim,
But ow'd my blessings only to my flame.
But Heav'n well knew in giving thee away,
(to Flor.
I had no bus'ness for another joy.—
(weeps.
The King, Alonzo, with his dying breath,
turns to Alon. and Leon.
To you my beauteous Sister did bequeath;
And I his generosity approve,
And think you worthy Leonora's love.

(Enter Card. and Qu. weeping.
Alon.
Too gloriously my services are paid,
In the possession of this Royal Maid,
To whom my guilty heart durst ne're aspire,
But rather chose to languish in its fire.

Enter Philip in a Rage, Antonio and Sebastian.
Phil.
I know he is not dead; what envious powers
Durst snatch him hence? he was all great and good,
As fit to be ador'd as they above.
Where is the body of my Royal Father?
That body which inspir'd by's sacred soul,
Aw'd all the Universe with ev'ry frown,
And taught 'em all obedience with his smiles.
Why stand you thus distracted?—Mother—Brother—
My Lords—Prince Cardinal—
Has sorrow struck you dumb?
Is this my welcome from the toyls of War?
When in his bosome I shou'd find repose,
To meet it cold and pale!—Oh guide me to him,
And with my sighs I'le breath new life into't.

King.
There's all that's left of Royal Philip now,
(Phil. goes out.
Pay all thy sorrow there;—whilst mine alone
Are swoln too high t' admit of lookers on.

(Exit King weeping.
Philip returns weeping.
Phil.
His soul is flew to all Eternity:
And yet methought it did inform his body
That I, his darling Philip was arriv'd
With Conquest on my Sword; and even in death
Sent me his Joy in smiles.

Qu.
If souls can after death have any sense
Of humane things, his will be proud to know
That Philip is a Conquerour.—
(Enter Abdelazer.
But do not drown thy Lawrels thus in tears,
Such tributes leave to us, thou art a Souldier.

Phil.
Gods! this shou'd be my Mother.—

Men.
It is, Great Sir, the Queen.

Phil.
Oh she's too foul for one or t'other title.

Qu.
How Sir, do you not know me?

Phil.
When you were just, I did,—
And with a reverence such as we pay Heav'n,
I paid my awfull duty;—
But as you have abus'd my Royal Father,
For such a sin the basest of your Slaves
Wou'd blush to call you Mother.

Qu.
What means my Son?

Phil.
Son! by Heav'n I scorn the title.

Qu.
Oh insolence!—out of my sight, rude Boy.

Phil.
We must not part so, Madam;
I first must let you know your sin and shame:—
Nay, hear me calmly,—for by Heav'n you shall.—
My Father whilst he liv'd, tir'd his strong Arm
With numerous Battels 'gainst the Enemy,
Wasting his brains in Warlike stratagems,
To bring confusion on the faithless Moors,
Whilst you, lull'd in soft peace at home,—betray'd
His name to everlasting Infamy;
Suffer'd his Bed to be defil'd with Lust,
Gave up your self, your honour, and your vows,
To wanton in yon Sooty Leacher's arms.

(points to Abd.
Abd.
Me dost thou mean!

Phil.
Yes, villain, thee, thou Hell-begotten Fiend,
'Tis thee I mean.

Qu.
Oh most unnatural to dishonour me!

Phil.
That Dog you mean, that has dishonour'd you,
Dishonour'd me, these Lords, nay and all Spain;
This Devil's he, that—

Abd.
That—what?—Oh pardon me if I throw off
All tyes of Duty:—wert thou ten Kings Sons,
And I as many souls as I have sins,
Thus—I wou'd hazard all—

draws, they all run between.
Phil.
Stand off,—or I'le make way upon thy
Bosome.—

Abd.
How got you, Sir, this daring?—

Phil.
From injur'd Philips death,
Who, whilst he liv'd, unjustly cherisht thee,
And set thee up beyond the reach of Fate;
Blind with thy brutal valour, deaf with thy flatteries,
Discover'd not the Treasons thou didst act,
Nor none durst let him know 'em:—but did he live,
I wou'd aloud proclaim them in his ears.

Abd.
You durst as well been damn'd.—

Phil.
Hell seize me if I want revenge for this,—
Not dare!
Arise thou injur'd Ghost of my dead King,
And through thy dreadfull paleness dart a horrour,
May fright this pair of Vipers from their sins.

Abd.
Oh insupportable! dost hear me Boy!

Qu.
Are ye all mute, and hear me thus upbraided?

(to the Lords.
Phil.
Dare ye detain me, whilst the Traytor braves me?

Men.
Forbear, my Prince, keep in that noble heat,
That shou'd be better us'd then on a Slave.

Abd.
You politick Cheat—

Men.
Abdelazer,—
By the Authority of my Government,
Which yet I hold over the King of Spain,
By warrant from a Councel of the Peers,
And (as an Unbeliever) from the Church,
I utterly deprive thee of that Greatness,
Those Offices and Trusts you hold in Spain.

Abd.
Cardinal,—who lent thee this Commission?
Grandees of Spain, do you consent to this?

All.
We doe.—

Alon.
What reason for it? let his Faith be try'd.

Men.
It needs no tryal, the proofs are evident,
And his Religion was his veil for Treason.

Alon.
Why should you question his Religion, Sir?
He does profess Christianity.

Men.
Yes, witness his habit, which he still retains
In scorn to ours.—
His Principles too are as unalterable.

Abd.
Is that the only Argument you bring?—
I tell thee, Cardinal, not thy Holy Gown
Covers a soul more sanctify'd
Than this Moorish Robe.

Phil.
Damn his Religion,—he has a thousand crimes
That will yet better justifie your sentence.

Men.
Come not within the Court, for if you do,
Worse mischief shall ensue:—you have your sentence.

(Ex. Phil. & Men.
Alon.
My Brother banisht! 'tis very sudden;
For thy sake, Sister, this must be recall'd.

(to Flor.
Qu.
Alonzo, joyn with me, I'le to the King,
And check the pride of this insulting Cardinal.

(Exeunt all, except
Manent Abdelazer, Florella.
Abd.
Banisht! if I digest this gall,
May Cowards pluck the wreath from off my brow,
Which I have purchas'd with so many wounds,
And all for Spain; for Spain! ingrateful Spain!—
Oh my Florella, all my Glory's vanisht,
The Cardinal (Oh damn him!) wou'd have me banisht.

Flor.
But Sir, I hope you will not tamely go.

Abd.
Tamely!—ha, ha, ha,—yes by all means;
A very honest and Religious Cardinal!

Flor.
I wou'd not for the world you shou'd be banisht.

Abd.
Not Spain you mean;—for then she leaves the King.
(aside.
What if I be?—Fools! not to know—All parts oth' world
Allow enough for Villanie,—for I'le be brave no more.
It is a crime,—and then I can live any where.—
But say I go from hence;—I leave behind me
A Cardinal that will laugh;—I leave behind me
A Philip that will clap his hands in sport:—
But the worst wound is this,—I leave my wrongs,
Dishonours, and my Discontents, all unreveng'd.—
Leave me, Florella,—prithee do not weep;
I love thee,—love thee wondrously;—go, leave me,—
I am not now at leisure to be fond;—
Go to your Chamber,—go.—

Flor.
No, to the King I'le fly,
And beg him to revenge thy Infamy.

(Exit Flor.
To him Alonzo.
Alon.
The Cardinal's mad to have thee banisht Spain;
I've left the Queen in angry contradiction,
But yet I fear the Cardinal's reasoning.

Abd.
(aside).
This Prince's hate proceeds from Love,
He's jealous of the Queen, and fears my power.

Alon.
Come, rouze thy wonted spirits, awake thy soul,
And arm thy Justice with a brave Revenge.

Abd.
I'le arm no Justice with a brave Revenge.

(sullenly.
Alon.
Shall they then triumph o're thee, who were once
Proud to attend thy Conqu'ring Chariot wheels?

Abd.
I care not;—I am a Dog, and can bear wrongs.

Alon.
But Sir, my Honour is concern'd with yours,
Since my lov'd Sister did become your Wife;
And if yours suffer, mine too is unsafe.

Abd.
I cannot help it.—

Alon.
What Ice has chil'd thy bloud?
This patience was not wont to dwell with thee.

Abd.
'Tis true, but now the world is chang'd you see;
Thou art too brave to know what I resolve:—
(aside.
No more,—here comes the King with my Florella.
He loves her, and she swears to me she's chast;
'Tis well, if true;—well too, if it be false:
(aside.
I care not, 'tis Revenge—
That I must sacrifice my love and pleasure to.

Alon. and Abd. stand aside.
Enter King, Lords, Guard passing over the Stage, Florella in a suppliant posture weeping.
King.
Thou woo'st me to reverse thy Husbands doom,
And I wooe thee, for mercy on my self;
Why shou'dst thou sue to him for life and liberty
For any other, who himself lies dying,
Imploring from thy eyes a little pity.

Flor.
Oh mighty King! in whose sole power, like Heav'n,
The lives and safeties of your Slaves remain,
Hear and redress my Abdelazer's wrongs.

King.
All lives and safeties in my power remain!
Mistaken charming creature, if my power
Be such, who kneel and bow to thee,
What must thine be,
Who hast the Soveraign command o're me and it!
Wou'dst thou give life? turn but thy lovely eyes
Upon the wretched thing that wants it,
And he will surely live, and live for ever.
Canst thou do this, and com'st to beg of me?

Flor.
Alas Sir, what I beg 's what you alone can give,
My Abdelazer's pardon

King.
Pardon! can any thing ally'd to thee offend?
Thou art so sacred and so innocent,
That but to know thee, and to look on thee,
Must change even vice to virtue.
Oh my Florella!
So perfectly thou dost possess my soul,
That ev'ry wish of thine shall be obey'd:
Say, wou'dst thou have thy Husband share my Crown?
Do but submit to love me, and I yield it.

Flor.
Such love as humble Subjects owe their King,
kneels, he takes her up.
And such as I dare pay, I offer here.

King.
I must confess it is a price too glorious:
But my Florella—

Abd.
I'le interrupt your amorous discourse.

(aside.
Abd. comes up to them.
Flor.
Sir,—Abdelazer's here—

King.
His presence never was less welcome to me;—
(aside.
But Madam, durst the Cardinal use this insolence?
Where is your Noble Husband?

Abd.
He sees me, yet enquires for me.

(aside.
Flor.
Sir, my Lord is here—

King.
Abdelazer, I have heard with much surprize
Oth' injuries y'ave receiv'd, and mean to right you:
My Father lov'd you well, made you his General,
I think you worthy of that Honour still.

Abd.
True,—for my Wifes sake—

(aside.
King.
When my Coronation is solemnized,
Be present there, and reassume your wonted State and place;
And see how I will check the Insolent Cardinal.

Abd.
I humbly thank my Soveraign—
kneels and kisses the Kings hand.
That he loves my Wife so well.—

(aside.
Exeunt.
Manent Abdelazer, Florella.
Flor.
Wilt thou not pay my service with one smile?
Have I not acted well the Suppliants part?

Abd.
Oh wonderfully! y'ave learnt the art to move;
Go, leave me.—

Flor.
Still out of humour, thoughtful, and displeas'd!
And why at me, my Abdelazer, what have I done?

Abd.
Rarely! you cannot do amiss you are so beautiful,
So very fair!—Go, get you in, I say.—
(turns her in ruffly.
She has the art of dallying with my soul,
Teaching it lazie softness from her looks.—
But now a nobler passion's enter'd there,
And blows it thus,—to Air.—Idol Ambition,
Florella must to thee a Victim fall:
Revenge,—to thee—a Cardinal and Prince:
And to my Love and Jealousie, a King,—
More yet, my mighty Deities, I'le do,
None that you e're inspir'd like me shall act;
That fawning servile crew shall follow next,
Who with the Cardinal cry'd banish Abdelazer:
Like Eastern Monarchs I'le adorn thy Fate,
And to the shades thou shalt descend in state.

Exit.