University of Virginia Library

ACT V.

SCENE I.

Enter Gallatea, Erminia, Pisaro, Aminta.
Gall.
And hast thou found him? ease my misery.

Pis.
I have, and done as you commanded me.
I found him sitting by a fountain side,
Whose tears had power to swell the little tide,
Which from the Marble Statues breasts still flows:
As silent and as numberless were those.
I laid me down behind a Thicket near,
Where undiscover'd I could see and hear:
The Moon the day suppli'd, and all below
Instructed, even as much as day could do.
I saw his postures, heard him rave and cry,
'Twas I that kill'd Erminia, yes 'twas I;
Then from his almost frantick head he'd tear
Whole handfuls of his well-becoming hair:
Thus would he till his rage was almost spent,
And then in softer termes he would lament;
Then speak as if Erminia still did live,
And that belief made him forget to grieve.
—The Marble Statue Venus, he mistook
For fair Erminia, and such things he spoke;
Such unheard passionate things as e'ne would move,
The Marble Statue's self to fall in love;
He'd kiss its breast, and say she kind was grown,
And never mind, alass, 'twas senseless stone;
He took its hand, and to his mouth had laid it,
But that it came not, and its stay betray'd it;
Then would he blush, and all asham'd become,
His head declining, for a while be dumb:
His Armes upon his breast across would lay,
Then sensibly and calmly walk away,
And in his walk a thousand things he said,
Which I forgot, yet something with me stay'd,
He did consult the nature of the crime,
And still concluded that 'twas just in him;
He ran o're all his life, and found no act
That was un-generous in him, but this fact.
From which the Justice took off the disgrace,
And might even for an act of vertue pass;
He did consult his glory and his pride,
And whilst he did so, lay'd his grief aside.
—Then was as calm as e're he seem'd to be.

Gall.
And all this while did he ne're mention me?

Pis.
Yes, Madam, and a thousand things he said,
By which much shame and passion he betray'd,
And then 'twas, Madam, I stept in and gave
Counsells, I thought him fittest to receive;
I sooth'd him up, and told him that the crime,
I had committed, had the case been mine.
I all things said that might his griefs beguile.
And brought him to the sweetness of a smile.
—To all I said he lent a willing eare,
And my reproaches too at last did hear.
With this insensibly I drew him on,
And with my flatteries, so upon him won
Such gentleness infus'd into his breast,
As has dispos'd his wearied soul to rest,
Sleeping upon a Couch I've left him now,
And came to render this account to you.

[bows.
Gall.
Pisaro, 'twas the office of a friend,
And thou'st perform'd it to a generous end:
Go on and prosper in this new design,
And when thou'st done, the glory shall be thine.

Exeunt.

SCENE. II.

Draws off, discovers Alcippus rising from the Couch.
Alcip.
I cannot sleep, my soul is now unfurnish'd
Of all that sweetness which allow'd it rest.
—'Tis flown, 'tis flown, for ever from my breast.
And in its room eternal discords dwell,
Such as out-do the black intrigues of Hell—
—Oh my fortune—
[weeps
—What's here—Alass, that which I dare not look on,
And yet, why should I shun that image here,
Which I continually about me beare,
But why, dear Picture, art thou still so gay,
Since she is gone, from whom these charms were borrow'd,
Those eyes that gave this speaking life to thine,
Those lovely eyes are clos'd in endless darkness,
There's not a star in all the face of Heaven,
But now out-shines those Suns.
Suns at noon day dispens'd not kindlier influences:
And thou blest mirrour, that hast of't beheld
That face, which nature never made a fairer,
Thou that so oft her beauties back reflected,
And made her know what wondrous power there lay
In every feature of that lovely face.
But she will smile no more! no more! no more!
—Why, who shall hinder her? Death, cruel death.
—'Twas I that murther'd her—
Thou ly'st—thou durst as well be damn'd as touch her,
She was all sacred, and that impious hand
That had prophanely touch'd her,
Had wither'd from the body.
—I lov'd her—I ador'd her, and could I,
Could I approach her with unhallowed thoughts.
—No, no, I durst not.—
But as devoutest Pilgrims do the shrine,
—If I had don't,
The Gods, who take the part of Innocence,
Had been reveng'd—
—Why did not Thunder strike me in the Action?
Why, if the Gods be just, and I had don't,
Did they not suffer earth to swallow me,
Quick—quick into her bosom—
—But yet I say again it was not I,
—Let me behold this face,
That durst appear in such a Villany.

[He looks in the Glass.
Enter Pisaro and Erminia drest like an Angel with wings.
Pis.
Look, where he is.

Erm.
Alas, I tremble at the sight of him.

Pis.
Fear nothing, Madam, I'le be near you still.

Er.
Pray stay a little longer.

Alcip.
He looks in the Glass, Erminia steals behind him, and looks into it over his shoulder; he is frighted.

Er.
Sit down and hear me—
[in a tone like a spirit, and points to a chair, soft Musick begins to play, which continues all this Scene.
To disobey, thy punishment shall be:
To live in endless torments, but ne're die.

Alcip.
Thou threatnest high, bold Rebel.

He sits within the Scene.
Er.
Alcippus, tell me what you see,
What is't that I appear to be?

Bows.
Alcip.
My blest Erminia, Deifi'd—

Er.
Alcippus, you inform me true,
I am thus Deifi'd by you;
To you I owe this blest abode,
For I am happy as a God;
I only come to tell thee so,
And by that tale to end thy wo;
Know, Mighty Sir, your Joy's begun,
From what last night to me was don;
In vain you rave, in vain you weep,
For what the Gods must ever keep.
In vain you mourn, in vain deplore,
A loss which tears can ne're restore:
The Gods their Mercies will dispence,
In a more glorious Recompence;
A World of Blessings they've in store,
A World of Honors, Vict'ries more;
Thou shalt the Kingdoms Darling be,
And Kings shall Homage pay to thee:
Thy Sword no bounds to Conquest set,
And thy success that Sword shall whet;
Princess thy Chariot-wheels shall grace,
Whilst thou in triumph bring'st home Peace.
This will the Gods, thy King yet more
Will give thee what those Gods adore;
And what they did create for thee;
Alcippus look, for that is she.

Enter the Princess, and goes over the Stage as a spirit, bows a little to Alcippus, and goes off.
Alcip.
The Princess!

[he offers to rise.
Er.
Be still; 'tis she you must possess,
'Tis she must make your happiness;
'Tis she must lead you on to find
Those blessings Heaven has design'd,
'Tis she'le conduct you where you'll prove
The perfect joys of grateful love.
Enter Aminta like Glory, Alcander representing Honour. They pass over, and bow, and go out.
Glory and Honour, wait on her.
Enter two more representing Mars and Pallas, bow and go out.
With Pallas and the God of war,
Fortune and Love which ne're agree.
Enter Olinda like Fortune, a Page like Cupid, bow, and goes out.
So now united bow to thee.
—Be wise, and of their bounties share,
For if Erminia still were here,
Still subject to the toyles of life,
She never could have been thy wife.
Whereby the laws of men and Heaven
Was to anothers bosom given,
—And what injustice thou hast done,
Was only to thy Prince alone,
But he has mercy, can redeem,
Those ills which thou hast done to him.
—But see, they all return again.
All the disguis'd enter again and dance. with Love in the midst, to whom as they dance, they in order make an offer of what they carry, which must be something to represent them by; which Love refuses with Nods, still pointing to Alcippus, the Dance done, they lay them at his feet, or seem to do so, and go out.
What think'st thou of thy destiny,
Is't not agreeable to thee,
Tell me Alcippus is't not brave,
Is it not better then a grave?
Cast off your tears, abandon grief,
And give what you have seen, belief.
Dress all your looks and be as gay,
As Virgins in the month of May,
Deck up that face where sorrow grows,
And let your smiles adorn your brows;
Recall your wonted sweetness home,
And let your eyes all Love become,
For which the Gods have will'd and said.
Thou hast no power to evade
What they decree, none can withstand,
You must obey what they command.

[She goes out, he remains immoveable for a while.
Enter Pisaro
Pis.
How is't man—what speechless?

Alcip.
No—

Pis.
I left thee on the bed, how cam'st thou here?

Alcip.
I know not.

Pis.
Have you slept?

Alcip.
Yes, ever since you left me.
And 'twas a kindness in thee now to wake me,
For sleep had almost flatter'd me to peace,
Which is a vile injustice.
—Ah Pisaro, I had such a dream,
Such a fine flattering dream.

Pis.
How was it pray?

Alcip.
Nay, I will forget it,
I do not merit so much peace of mind,
As the relation of that dream will give me,
Oh 'twas so perfect too,
I hardly can perswade my self I slept,
Dost thou believe there may be apparitions?

Pis.
Doubtless, my Lord, there be.

Alcip.
I never could believe it till this hour,
By Heavens I think I saw them too, Pisaro.

Pis.
'Tis very possible you're not deceiv'd

Alcip.
Erminia's spirit in a glorious form.

Pis.
I do believe you.

Alcip.
Why, is't not strange?

Pis.
It would have been, had I not heard already,
She has this night appear'd to several persons,
In several shapes; the first was to the Prince,
And said so many pretty things for you.
As has perswaded him to pardon you.

Alcip.
Oh Gods, what Fortune's mine?
I do beleeve the Prince is innocent
From all that thou hast said.
—But yet I wish he would dispose his bounties
On those that would return Acknowledgments:
I hate he should oblige me.

Pis.
You are too obstinate, and must submit.

Alcip.
It cannot be, and yet methinks I give
A strange and sudden credit to this spirit,
It beckned me into another room;
I'le follow it, and know its business there.

[aside.
Phi.
Come Sir, I am a kind of Prophet.
And can interpret dreams too.
We'll walk a while, and you should tell me all,
And then I will advise you what to do.

[Exeunt.

SCEN. III.

Enter Phillander with the King.
Kin.
Thou'st entertain'd me with a pretty story,
And call'd up so much Nature to thy Cause,
That I am half subjected to its Laws:
I find thy lovely Mother plead within too,
And bids me put no force upon thy will;
Tells me thy flame should be as unconfin'd,
As that we felt when our two souls combin'd:
Alass, Phillander, I am old and feeble,
And cannot long survive;
But thou hast many Ages yet to number,
Of youth and vigour; and should all be wasted
In the Embraces of an unlov'd Maid:
No, my Phillander, if that after death,
Ought could remain to me of this worlds joys,
I should remember none with more delight,
Then those of having left thee truly happy.

Phi.
This goodness, Sir, resembles that of Heaven,
Preserving what it made, and can be paid
Only with grateful praise as we do that.

Kin.
Go, carry on your innocent design,
And when you've done, the last act shall be mine.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV.

Enter Aminta followed by Alcander, Erminia and Gallatea goes out, Enter Alcander and stays Aminta.
Alcan.
Stay, dear Aminta, do not fly so fast.

Am.
Methinks Alcander you should shun that maid,
Of whose too much of kindness you're afraid.
'Twas not long since you parted in such fewd,
And swore my treatment of you was too rude.
You vow'd you found no beauty in my eyes,
And can you now persue what you despise?

[offers to go.
Alcan.
Nay do not leave me yet, for still your scorn
Much better then your absence may be born.

Am.
Well Sir, your business, for mine requires hast.

Alcan.
Say, fair Aminta, shall I never find
You'le cease this rigour and be kind?
Will that dear breast no tenderness admit,
And shall the pain you give no pity get?
Will you be never touch'd with what I say,
And shall my youth and vows be thrown away?
You know my passion and my humour too,
And how I dye, though do not tell you so.

Am.
What arguments will you produce to prove
You love, for yet I'le not believe you love?

Alcan.
Since, fair Aminta, I did thee adore,
Alass I am not what I was before.
My thoughts disorder'd from my heart do break,
And sighs destroy my language when I speak.
My liberty and my repose I gave,
To be admitted but your slave,
And can you question such a victory?
Or must I suffer more to make it sure?
It needs not, since these languishments can be
Nought but the wounds which you alone can cure.

Am.
Alcander, you so many vows have paid,
So many sighs and tears, to many a Maid,
That should I credit give to what you say,
I merit being undone as well as they.
—No, no, Alcander, I'le no more of that.

Alcan.
Farewell Aminta, mayst thou want a lover,
When I shall hate both thee and thy whole Sex;
I can indure your sober cruelty,
But do despise it clad in jollity.

Exeunt severally.

SCEN. V.

Discovers a room hung with Black, a Herse standing in it with Tapers round about it, Alcippus weeping at it, with Isillia, and other Women with long black veiles round about the Herse.
Isi.
I humbly beg, my Lord, you would forbear.

Alcip.
Oh Isillia,
Thou knowst not what vast treasure this incloses,
This sacred Pile, is there no sorrow due to't?
Alass, I bad her not farewell at parting,
Nor did receive so much as one poor kiss,
—Ah wretched, wretched man.

Enter the Prince.
Alcip.
How, the Prince!
How suddenly my grief submits to rage.

Phi.
Alcippus, why dost thou gaze thus on me,
What horror have I in my looks that frights thee?

Alcip.
Why Sir, what makes you here?
I've no more wives, no more Erminia's,
Alass she's dead—
Will you not give her leave to rest in peace?
Is this the gratitude you pay my favours,
That gave thee life, after thy wrongs to me?
But 'twas my Sisters kindness that preserv'd thee,
And I preferr'd my vengeance to the Gods.

Alcip.
Your Sister is a Saint I adore,
But I refuse a life that comes from you.

Isi.
What mean you, Sir?

Alcip.
To speak a truth as dying men should do.

Phi.
Alcippus for my Sisters sake who loves you,
I can bear more then this—you know my power,
And I can make you fear.

[Offers to go out.
Alcip.
No, Prince, not whilst I am in love with dying.

Phi.
Your love to that I see has made you impudent.

Isi.
The storm comes on, your highness should avoid it.

Phi.
Let him give place, I'le keep possession here.

Isi.
It is the Princess pleasure Sir, you quit the presence.

Alcip.
No, this I call my home,
And since Erminia's here that does entitle it so,
I will not quit the presence.

Phi.
Gave thee a title to't, Alcippus?

Alcan.
Me Phillander?

[They come to each others breast, and so draw.
Phi.
Thee?

Alcip.
Me, What dare you now?

Phi.
I dare declare that I can hear no more,
Be witness Heaven how justly I'me compell'd.

Alcip.
Now Sir, you are brave, and love Erminia too.

The women run all away crying, they draw out some one way and some another, leaving some their veiles behind them, some half off, half on.
Phi.
We are here not safe, these women will betray us.

Alcip.
Sir, 'tis a work that will be soon dispatcht,
And this a place and time most proper for't.

[Fal. peeps in and runs away.
A pass or two
Enter Pisaro, runs between.
Pis.
Hold Sir, are you grown desperate?
What means your Highness?
[To the Prince.
Aicippus, what is't you design in this?

Alcip.
To fight Pisaro, and be kill'd.

Pis.
By Heaven you shall not fight, unless with me,
And you've so anger'd me with this rash action,
I could almost provoke you to it.

Enter Alcander.
Alcan.
Gods, Sir, That you should
Thus expose your self,
The Worlds great Heir, against a desperate mad man.

Pis.
Have you forgot your apparition Sir?

Alcip.
Oh 'twas an idle lying one Pisaro,
And came but to intrap me.

To them Gallatea, Aminta, and Olinda.
Gall.
Ah Brother, why so cruel to your Sister?

Phi.
Here Gallatea, punish my misfortune,
For yet I want the will to injure thee.
Heaven knows what provocations I receiv'd
Ere I would draw a Sword on him you lov'd.

Gall.
Unjust Alcippus how dost thou reward me?

Alcip.
Ah Madam, I have too much shame to live.
Had Heaven preserv'd my innocence intire,
That I with confidence might have ador'd you,
Though I had been successless,
Yet I had liv'd and hop'd, and aim'd to merit you;
But since all hopes of that are taken from me,
My life is but too poor a sacrifice
To make attonement for my sins to you.

Gall.
I will not answer thee to what thou'st said,
But only beg thou wilt preserve thy life,
Without which mine will be of little use to me.

Alcip.
Might I without a sin believe this blessing,
Sure I should be immortal.

Falatio peeps in again.
Fal.
I think I may venture, the fury is past, and the great shot
Spent, the mad Captain General's wounded so, I hope 'twill
Let out some of his hot bloud—

Enter the King, Cleontius, and Attendants.
King.
Thy love Alcippus is dispis'd I see,
And you in lieu of that return you owe me
Indeavour to destroy me.
—Is this an object for your rage to work on,
Behold him well, Alcippus, 'tis your Prince.
—Who dares gaze on him with irreverend eyes?
The good he does you ought t'adore him for,
But all his evills 'tis the Gods must punish,
Who made no Laws for Princes.

Alcip.
Sir, I confess I'me culpable,
And were it not a sin equall to that
To doubt you could forgive me,
I durst not hope your mercy after it.

Kin.
I think with all the tenderness I'me guilty of
I hardly shall be brought to pardon thee.

Phi.
I humbly beg you will forgive him Sir,
I drew him to't against his will, I forc'd him,
And gave him language not to be indur'd
By any gallant man.

Kin.
Whilst you intreat for him, who pleads for you
For you are much the guiltier of the two,
And need'st a greater interest to perswade me.

Alcip.

Kin.
If I should take it 'twere no more then just,
Yet once again I will allow it thee,
That thou maiest owe me for't a second time,
Manage it better then the last I gave—

[Exit Kin.
Phi.
—Alcippus, may I credit what thou'st said,
Or do you fein repentance to deceive me?

Alcip.
I never could dissemble at my best,
And now methinks your highness should believe me,
When my dispaires, and little love to life
Makes me dispise all ways that may preserve it.

Phi.
If thou would'st have me credit thee, Alcippus,
Thou should'st not disesteem a life, which ought
To be preserv'd to give a proof that what thou say'st is true,
And dispossess me of those fears I have,
That 'tis my life makes thine displeasing to thee.

Alcip.
'Tis a high proof to give you of my duty,
Yet that's more easie to me, then your unbelief.

Phi.
Let me imbrace and thank thee for this goodness.
He offers to imbrace him, but he is shy, and keeps a little off.
Why dost receive me coldly, I'me in earnest,
And I love Honour, and esteem thee Generous,
I mean thee nothing but a perfect amity,
By all my hopes I've no more quarrels to thee,
All ends in this imbrace, and to confirm it
I give thee here my Sister to thy wife.

Alcip.
Your Pardon Sir,
I must refuse your bounty till I know,
By what strange turn of fate I came thus blest,
To you my Prince, I've done unheard of injuries,
And though your mercy do afford me life,
With this rich present too;
Till I could know I might deserve them both,
That life will prove a Plague, and this great gift
Turn to the torment of it.

Phi.
Alcippus, 'tis not kind to doubt me still,
Is this a present for a man I hate?

Alcip.
'Tis true Sir, and your bounty does amaze me,
Can I receive a blessing of this magnitude
With hands, yet have not wash'd away the sin
Of your Erminia's murther, think of it, Sir,
For though to me it did appear most just,
Yet you must hate the man that has undone you.

Gall.
I see Erminia still usurps your thoughts.

Alcip.
I must confess my soul is scarce diverted
Of that fond passion which I had for her;
But I protest before the Gods and you;
Did she still live, and I might still possess her,
I would refuse it, tho' I were ignorant
Of what the Gods, and your fair self design me.

Phi.
To doubt thee were a sin below my nature,
And to declare my faith above my fear,
Behold what I present thee with.

Goes out, and enters again with Erminia.
Alcip.
Ha.—Erminia.
[He looks affrighted.
—It is the same—appear'd to me last night,
—And my deluded fancy,
Would have perswaded me 'twas but a dream.

Phi.
Approach her, Sir, 'tis no fantasm.

Alcip.
'Tis she herself, Oh Gods, Erminia!
[She goes a little back as afraid; he kneels.
—Ah Madam, do not fear me in this posture,
Which I will never quit till you have pardon'd me;
It was a fault the most excusable,
That ever wretched Lover did commit;
And that which hindred me from following thee,
Was that I could not well repent the Crime;
But like a surly sinner fac'd it out,
And said, I thought 'twas just; yes, fair Erminia:
Hadst thou been mine, I would i'th' face of Heaven,
Proclaim it just and brave revenge:
But, Madam, you were wife unto my Prince,
And that was all my sin:
Alas, in vain I hop'd for some return,
And grew impatient of th' unkind delay,
And frantickly I then out-run my happiness.

Er.
Rise, I forgive thee, from my soul I do,
Mayst thou be happier,
In thy more glorious passion for the Princess,
And all the Joys thou e're could'st hope from me,
Mayst thou find there repeated.

Enter King, Orgulious, and the rest.
Org.
First, I'le keep my word with thee.
Receive the welcom Present which I promis'd.

[Gives him Er. she kneels.
Er.
Can you forgive the griefs I've made you suffer?

Or.
I can forgive thee, tho' 'twas not kind
To let me languish in a desperate error;
Why was this Blessing hid from me alone?

Er.
Ah Sir, so well I know you lov'd Alcippus,
That had you known it e're the Prince had own'd me,
I fear you had restor'd me back again,
A sin too great to load your soul withall.

Org.
My King already has forgiven that errour,
And now I come to make my peace with thee,
And that I may with greatest speed obtain it.
—To you, Sir, I resign her, with as much joy
[To the Prince.
As when they undeceiv'd me
Of my opinion of her being dead—

Phi.
And I with greater joy receive your gift.

[bows and takes her.
Kin.
My Lord Alcippus, are you pleas'd with this?

Alcip.
Sir, I'me so pleas'd, so truly pleas'd with it,
That Heaven without this blessing on my Prince
Had found but little trouble from my thanks,
For all they have showr'd on me;
'Twas all I wisht next my Pretensions here.

Kin.
Then to compleat thy happiness,
Take Gallatea, since her passion merits thee,
As do thy Vertues her.

[Gives him Gall. they both bow.
Er.
Sir, I've an humble suit t' your Majesty.

Kin.
Conclude it granted then.

Er.
Falatius, Sir, has long made love t'Isilia,
And now he 'as gain'd her heart, he slights the Conquest,
Yet all the fault he finds is that she's poor.

Kin.
Isillia's Beauty can supply that want,
Falatius, what d' you say to't?

Fa.
By Jove, Sir, I'le agree to any thing; for I beleeve
A handsom young wife at Court may bring a man a
Greater Fortune then he can in conscience desire.

[takes Isillia.
Er.
Aminta, be perswaded.

[aside to Am.
Am.
He'd use me scurvily then.

Alcan.
That's according as you behav'd your self, Aminta.

Am.
I should dominier.

Alc.
I then should make love elsewhere.

Am.
Well, I find we shall not agree then.

Alc.
Faith—now we have disputed a point I never
Thought on before, I would willingly
Pursue it for the Humour on't: not that I think
I shall much approve on't.

Pis.
Give him your hand, Aminta, and conclude,
'Tis time this haughty humour were subdu'd
By your submission, whatsoe're he seem,
In time you'll make the greater slave of him.

Am.
Well—not from the hope of that, but from my love
His change of Humour I'me content to prove.
—Here take me, Alcander;
Whilst to Inconstancy I bid adieu,
I find variety enough in you.

[He takes her and bows.
Kin.
Come, my brave youths, we'll toil our selves with joys,
And when w're weary of the lazy play,
We'll search abroad to finde new Conquests out,
And get fresh appetites to new delights;
It will redouble your vast stocks of courage,
And make th'uneasie Humour light and gentle;
When you remember even in heat of Battel,
That after all your victories and spoil,
You'll meet calm peace at home in soft Embraces,
Thus may you number out your happy years,
Till Love and Glory no more proofs can give
Of what they can bestow, or you receive.