University of Virginia Library

ACT II.

SCENE I.

Prusias, and Araspes.
Prusia.
Without my Orders, durst he then come here?

Arasp.
Pardon, Great Sir, you wrong him if you fear;
Prince Nichomede's Thoughts are all so just,
'Twere injury to vertue to mistrust.
'Tis true you any other might suspect,
This quick return does seem to want respect.
And might give place to doubtful Thoughts, to know,
The Springs from whence does such impatience flow.

Prusi.
I see 'em well, this Act appears to me,
A pure Attempt on my Authority;
His happy Victories have rais'd his Soul
So high, that now he does abhor Controul
Scornes to depend, and thinks he has a Right
To Rule, since he has purchas'd it by Fight.
Heroes, like him, believe when they obey,
Their Glories and their Greatness they betray.
And cast a shadow o're their mighty Deeds:

Arasp.
Sir, heat of blood in youth that Humor feeds.
Their towring Spirits are by success blown high,
And whilst Camps do their Fortunes deifie.
They of Command gain such a habitude,
Obedience after seems severe and rude.

Prusias.
Speak all Araspes, say a Subjects name
Sullies their Acts, and does eclipse their Fame.
That though Fate does design 'em Crowns, they grow
Impatient, if her motions be too slow.
That they conceive that Father does them wrong,
Who makes them tarry for their Right too long.
That hence 'tis first they Factions seek to raise,
Gaining our Subjects hearts, by secret ways.
And then if still to us a life they spare,
Granting us a few days perplext with Care,
Yet insolent and disobedient grown,
They leave us but the shadow of a Crown.

Atta.
This might of others Sir, be the Intent,
And what would ask sit Counsel to prevent;
But here Advice like that would ill become,
You're a kind Father, he a vertuous Son.

Prusi.
Were I not kind, how faulty must he prove?
His innocence depends upon my Love.
'Tis only that makes his offence be none,
Or onely that will rob me of my Crown.
For my experience tells me youth in vain,
Opposes Vertue to desire of Reign.
Ambition, is a thriving Plant, and findes
Its proper Soil in such heroick Minds.
How oft is't writ in Characters of blood,
Man's Itch of Rule, could never be withstood.
For if that Passion once our hearts surprize,
Religion's dumb, and Nature has no Eyes.

Arasp.
Sir, these reflexions cannot sure be due
To that high Service, he has done for you.

Pru.
Araspes, this I from his Service owne,
Increasing of my Power he leaves me none.
He's not my Subject now, unless he please,
Who makes me Reign, may Reign himself with ease:
In short, his Merit's grown so bright, and high,
Its dazling Lustre does offend my Eye.
For naturally we abhor the sight
Of those, whose benefits we can't requite.
All his great Acts speak here at his approach,
And so his presence is a close reproach;
Which tells me, thrice he has these Temples crown'd,
That all I can give him's a Spot of Ground
To these Dominions, which his conquering Hand,
And prosperous Valour adds to my Command.
Thus I must blush, though I prorogue my Fear,
And shame's a Burden Monarchs cannot bear.
Shame, in whose boyling Jealousies I finde
Those pestilent disturbers of my mind,
Which tells me, that he may do what he will,
And Crowns are Soveraign Prompters to do ill.

Arasp.
In any other whom you might mistrust,
I know what Policies were safe and just;
That Subject must be false, who's grown too high,
Although he never thought a Treachery.
Power Sir, in Subjects is a Crime of State,
Which prudent Princes, e're it be too late,
By wisely clipping of their Wings, prevent
From meriting severer Punishment.
But for the Prince, his thoughts from crimes are free
And all so just—

Prusias.
Wilt thou his Surety be?
Thinkst thou but he his utmost pow'r will prove,
To revenge Hannibal, or save his Love?
Can he behold, and yet no force pretend,
A Rival Brother, and a Slaughter'd Friend?
No, no, he does his Vengeance now pursue,
He has a fair Pretext, and Power too.
He, like a Sun, amidst my States do shine,
Whom Soldiers, and People think divine;
Sure of the first, he now the last will gain,
And fix his Powers on my small remain.
Which yet is not so low, and abject grown,
But he shall finde it hard to make it none.
Yet I'le my passion with such cunning wear,
It jealous of his Honour shall appear,
And whilst I make his Glory my pretence,
I'le by obliging kindness, drive him hence.
But if he thus refuses to obey,
I shall be forc'd to try another ways;
For what e'er he has done, or I can fear,
I must preserve my State.

SCENE II.

Prusias, Nichomede, and Araspes.
Pru.
Prince, what affairs could bring you from the Field?

Nicho.
My duty did to just Ambition yield.
First, for the Honor Sir, to tell you here,
That you have yet another Crown to wear,
Then to receive your kind Embrace, and be
A Witness, you approve my Victory.
Sir Cappadocia's yours, Arsaces Throne,
Your Orders by my Arm, has made your own.
And I Sir, thought it was but just to bring
Thanks due unto my Father, and my King,
For the great Glory you vouchsaf'd this Hand,
To make it Minister of your Command.

Prusi.
You might have staid Sir, till I sent for you,
And by your Letters, paid me the thanks due;
Nor ought you to have sully'd with a Crime,
That which your Victory adds to your Esteem.
To leave a Camp in any's Cappital,
But above all Sir, in a General,
Be sure, who e're but you, had thus come home,
Had changd his Lawrel, for a Cypress Crown.

Nicho.
Sir, I confess my easie thoughts gave way,
To those desires which my heart do sway.
I've err'd, but Love to you caus'd the Offence,
That Passion with my duty did dispence.
My guilt alone from my affection grew,
Else I had faultless been, but not seen you,
A Happiness to me Sir, so sublime,
That if for it, I'm fallen into a crime.
I hope 'twill finde not strict severity,
If Love judge in you what it did in me.

Prusi.
With a Sons Name a slight excuse will serve,
Him in his Fathers kindness to preserve.
I look upon you, as my sole Support,
Receive this day the Honor of my Court.
The Roman Legate who does audience crave,
Shall see what confidence in you I have:
You Prince, this great Ambassadour shall hear,
And answer him, for you're indeed King here,
I'm but the shadow; my age craves no more
But Titles, for the Toiles I took before.
Which I e're long must likewise yield to Fate,
But yours is now the Interest of State.
Upon your self, then a true value set,
But midst your Greatness don't your Fault forget.
Which having made a Breach on Soveraign Power,
I to repair't, confine you to an hour.
After to morrow dare not to stay here,
Your Love by your obedience will appear;
And by example you will best maintain
Your power inviolate, when you shall Reign.
Go then, and by it to the people show,
Our greatest Subjects best know what they owe.

Nicho.
Sir, I'le obey, though the Command be hard,
Yet give me leave to ask this small Reward;
Since my late Armes have open'd a fair way,
That now with safety we may her convay,
And all Armenia for their Queen does wait,
Please to let me conduct her to that State.

Prusi.
The Conduct of a Queen so great and fair,
Becomes your Due, as you are Bithinia's Heir;
But e're that I can send her to her Right,
You know some Ceremony's requisite.
Whilst for her Voyage I things fit prepare,
Go to the Frontiers, and attend her there.

Nicho.
She without greater Equipage would go.

Prusi.
That Wrong to Majesty I'le never do;
But see, th'Ambassadour of Rome comes here,
Answer him first, and then we'l think of her.

SCENE III.

Prusias, Nichomede, Flaminius, and Araspes, Guard, Attendants.
Flaminius.
Sir, e're I take my leave, Rome does command,
That I on her behalf make one Demand.
For Twenty years you to that Senate owe
For a Sons Tutorage, and you may know
By Vertues which his Education grace,
He in their Cares had not the meanest place.
'Bove all, he is instructed how to Reign,
Rome sais't and asks this Credence to obtain
From you, That as a Witness you esteem
Her Cares, you order now a Crown for him,
And you'l offend her Sir, if you appear
To slight, what she thought worthy of her Care.
Let me then to the Senate Tydings bring,
Where 'tis that you design he shall be King.

Prusias.
The Senates Cares for him shall never find
Me either, Sir, ungrateful, or unkind.
That he deserves a Crown I must believe,
Since Rome and you do that assurance give;
But Sir, you see a Prince his elder there,
By whose victorious Arms three Crowns I wear,
Who now a Lawrel at my Feet does throw,
Some Glory to such worthy Acts I owe.
To speak for me, let him the Grace obtain.

Nicho.
'Tis none but you Sir, can make Att'lus Reign.

Prusi.
Your Int'rest is most touch'd in this affair.

Nicho.
But to preserve yours, it shall be my Care.
What's Romes Concern? whence does the Senate take
Power, whilst you Live, and Reign o're your Estate?
Live Sir, and Reign, whilst Nature grants you breath,
And leave me then to deal with Rome, or Death.

Prusi.
We ought to have Respect for such good Friends.

Micho.
Who shares in Life your States, your Death intends.
And of such Friends in Policy—

Prusias.
Forbear!
I'le nothing against that Re-publique hear,
To such Allies you should more Reverence pay.

Nicho.
Must I see Monarchs stoop to what they say?
Since Rome does for this Prince so much pretend,
Back Sir, to her, the mighty Present send;
If he to Govern does so well deserve,
He is a Treasure which they should preserve,
That he in time might that Republique grace,
Either ith'Consuls, or Dictators place.

Flam.
Sir, this Discourse so much in scorn of Rome,
Not from your Son, but Hannibal does come;
That proud Abhorrer of the Roman Name,
Has fill'd his heart with Hatred and Disdain.

Nicho.
No, but he fix'd it as a Maxime there,
To value Rome, and not her Greatness fear.
He was my Master, which with pride I boast,
And when Flaminius does revile his Ghost,
He must know, he may do me Reason yet
For that dear Life, nor ought he to forget,
That by his Fathers Blood, that mighty Man
His Triumphs o're the Roman State began.

Flam.
This is Reproach!

Nicho.
Do not the Dead revile!

Prusi.
Nor you by Contests me with Rome embroyl.
Speak plainly to the King as 'tis propos'd.

Nicho.
Well Sir, since then it cannot be oppos'd,
Attalus must Reign, Rome has resolv'd it so,
And since what she wills, must for Mandates go;
If this dull World will stoop to such a Sway,
'Tis fit when she commands, Kings should obey:
But Sir, though Attalus a mind possest,
Brave as the Greatest, vertuous as the best;
Though he with all the Merit were endow'd,
Might grace a Throne, and make a Monarch proud;
Yet 'tis too much for you, Sir, to afford
Credit to it upon a Romans word:
If he such Vertue, and such Valour own,
They by their great Effects will best be known;
Give him your Army, let him try to do
That for himself, which I have done for you.
I'le lend him, Sir, if he think fit, my hand,
And gladly will march under his Command:
Let famous Scipio my Example be,
To justifie such a Lieutenancy;
Who when Antiochus was by Rome dethron'd,
The Orders of his younger Brother own'd.
The rest of Asia will to him afford,
Sufficient Employment for his Sword,
Where he may surfeit his ambitious Brest.

Flam.
Rome into her protection takes the rest;
Nor must you, Sir, your Conquests there extend,
Unless you will her mighty Powers offend.

Nicho.
I know not what to this the King would say,
But I my self perhaps may Reign one day,
Then the Effects we of these Threats shall see,
Mean time, go, and those places fortifie.
Prepare my now resolved Designes to oppose,
And in good time your Roman Aids dispose;
And if Flaminius shall their Leading take,
I'le finde for him a Thrasimenes Lake.

Prusi.
Prince, you my Kindness by these Taunts abuse,
You should a Legate with more Honor use;
The Soveraign Power which does to me belong—

Nicho.
Command me either speak, or hold my Tongue.
I cannot say less for a King to those,
Who whilst he Reigns, would Lawes on him impose.

Prusi.
You offend me Sir,

Nicho.
Just as Rome Honors you.

Prusi.
Dare you with boldness your Offence pursue?

Nicho.
Why? should I, Sir, behold your States confin'd,
And Stops to my victorious Course design'd.
Should I stand still, and hear Rome threaten you,
And be so tame as not to threaten too?
But kindly thank the imperious Tongues, that dare
Restrain my Glories, and my Conquests bare.

Prusi.
Excuse those Heats from youthful Blood do rise,
Reason and Time will render him more wise.

Nicho.
Reason and Time opened my Eyes before,
And Age, Sir, will but open them the more,
If I had liv'd as Attalus has done,
And but imaginary Vertue known,
For what's without effects I must term so,
And that which does from admiration grow
Of mighty men, and Deeds does lamely teach,
'Tis Imitation must Perfection reach;
If then my thoughts like his, had ne're soar'd higher,
Than only Romes great Heroes to admire,
They still would leave me the Bithinian Crown,
As from all times due to the elder Son.
Nor would have so much prest my Brothers Reign,
Had not I taught your Armies how to gain:
But since by three Crowns joyn'd to yours by me,
Too great a Power they do united see.
'T must be divided, and a Blot so gay,
Makes this Prince too well bred Sir, to obey.
To weaken me that he their Turn may serve,
He more than Alexander does deserve.
And I must quit to make his Title good,
My Birthright or the purchase of my Blood.
Thank Heaven my Fortunes past, and those to come
Have cast a Cloud of Doubts, and Fears on Rome.
You, if you please, those Mists away may drive,
But never think I my consent will give.
The Master to whose Rules I all things owe,
Did not, Sir, teach me how to stoop so low.

Flam.
By what you say Prince, it may well be guest,
You han't for Glory fought, but Interest.
And all those great Exploits which you have done,
Make but the Father Tennant to the Son.
The King's at best but Steward of your Right,
You for your self, and not for him did fight;
If those Dominions gain'd him by your Hand,
Are not to be dispos'd at his Command;
Those Romans Sir, whom you so much despise,
When they fight, fight for Glory, not for Prize.
Scipio, whose Courage you extoll'd so high,
Having overcome Romes stubborn'st Enemy;
Claim'd not for all the Kingdoms he had won,
More than the mighty Name of African;
But Glory so sublime's not elsewhere known,
And such pure Vertue Rome can boast alone.
But Sir, as to those fond conceits of State,
Your Power, might Jealousies in Rome create.
Consult some graver heads, you'l quickly learn,
Your Greatness is too mean for her concern.
Respect unto the King does now restrain
My saying more, but think of this again.
Let less smoak from your Martial Fires arise,
And you perhaps may see with clearer Eyes.

Nicho.
When time this difference shall 'twixt us decide,
Perhaps you may not what I said deride.

Flam.
Mean time, if you in fighting find such charms,
Press forward Sir, the Glory of your Arms.
For unto them no Progress Rome denyes,
But Sir, she always succours her Allyes;
If you don't know it, I give you this Advice,
Lest at first sight her Eagles should surprize?
But to the point—all your ambitious Brest
Claimes as your Right, shall be by you possest,
Enjoy Bithinia, as it is your due,
Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia too.
That Birthright, nor that purchase of your Blood,
Shall not make Attalus his Title good.
But since you think they all to you belong,
Rome has not a Design to do you wrong.
A Crown is none of yours that Prince shall wear:
The Armenian Queen is still unmarried Sir,
[To Prusias.
Th'Occasion does the thing it self propose,
You are her Guardian, and of her dispose.

Nicho.
To make him King is this then the Design,
Without infringing any Rights of mine?
The Piece with very curious Art is wrought,
And long Intreagues have worthy Issues brought;
But since no Right to me you here afford,
As unconcern'd I'le answer but a word:
Only take Care that Princess treated be
Like to a Queen, press not on that degree,
Nor do in her the Rights of Crowns invade,
Or if you do, I'le perish in her Aid;
Know that no place can Laws to Soveraigns give,
But they're at freedom wheresoe're they live;
And in these Courts she's at her own dispose.

Prusi.
Is this all you to that Request oppose?

Nicho.
Yes Sir, that's all, save only that the Queen
Knowing what I can do, too sharp has been.

Prusi.
'Gainst her, Sir, in my Courts, what dare you do?

Nicho.
Sir, I could speak, but can be silent too.
Only once more advise you, if you please
To Treat Laodice like what she is:
'Tis I that beg it.

SCENE IV.

Prusias, Flaminius, Araspes, Guards, Attendants.
Flam.
What! oppos'd too here?

Prusi.
This from a Lover is no Wonder, Sir:
That fiery spirit heightned by Success,
Hopes to her heart to hinder our Access.
We'l therefore seek that Passion to remove,
Kings Marriages are seldom made for love,
And I have Plots of Greatness, and of Fame,
Will quench Loves Fires, and blow out all it's Flame.

Flam.
But loving him, she'l be capricious too.

Prusi.
If it should prove so, I know what to do.
But she's in fine a Queen, and that Degree,
Seems to require some Formality;
And though my Power o're her be absolute,
And might constrain, yet Prayers will better do't:
You first as an Ambassadour shall move
The Match, I'le second Rome; and if this prove
But to our Wish, 'tis better than Commands,
If not, she will be still Sir, in our Hands.
Come then let's go, and as this does succeed,
Take our Advantage further to proceed.