University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Prusias, Flaminius, Arsinoe, Attalus, Cleone; Araspes.
Aras.
The tumult towards the Court sir makes such hast,
And your false Guards do quit their Posts so fast,
I dying may my Loyalty assure,
But cannot longer sir the Prince secure.

Prus.
Lets go, lets go then to these rebels give
That head they seek to crown whilst wee'r alive
From off the battlements wee'l to them throw
That precious object which they covet so.

Atta.
Ah Sir.

Pru.
Yes, yes; 'tis thus we ought to give,
And they who so demand, should so receive,

Atta.
But sir you'l thus, these mutiners engage
To execute the utmost of their rage:
The Queen, Flaminius nor your Majesty
Cannot in any hopes of safety be.

Pru.
What shall I to these Rebells then go down
And with their darling, yeild them up my Crown,
Theres but that choice: their power outmatching mine
I must my Scepter or my Life resign.

Flam.
Though there were justice in what you propose.
Can you sir of that Princes life dispose?
The power you could pretend ore him is gone.
He's now Romes hostage and no more your Son.
And though a Father have forgot him quite,
I must remember what's the Senates right:
Which taking of his life you must invade,
Of which I will be no abettor made,
My Galley's now lye ready in the port
And theirs a private passage from the Court:
If then my counsels can'this fall prevent,
To my departure first give your consent,
That thereby to the word it may appear,
Rome is more just then you, and less severe,
Expose not her to that contempt and shame,
To see her hostage in her own sight slain.

Arsin.
Sir, may I speak what I think's fit to do?

Pru.
Yes for there can come nothing ill from you

Arsin.
Heaven then to me, a sure device has shown,
To purchase Romes contentment and your own
Since sir his Galleys ready are to go,
He may with ease take home his hostage too.
The designs favour'd by the private gate,
But all things better to facilitate.
Show yourself to the people appear kind,
And seem to their desires to be inclin'd.
And thas amuzing them give time till he
With all their hopes have gain'd the open Sea,
VVhen if they force the Court, and miss the Prince,
Appear confus'd, say Rome has stoln him hence,
Promise your just Revenge shall pursue her,
And all that in it her assistants were.
Send after him with the approaching morn,
Flatter them with the hopes of his return,
And with a thousand Arts you may devise,
Still give advantage to the enterprize
How high so e're their transports now appear,
They'l attempt nothing whilst for him they Fear.
Or whilst they shall perceive all force is vain
Thus you assured safety may obtain:
But if they find him we must fly this state,
For at first sight they'l him their King create.
You think so I believe sir?

Pru.
Yes, I do?
And think the Gods sent this advice to you.
Then this what better could contrived be?

Flam.
It gives you glory, life and liberty,
Besides Laodice's still Hostage here,
So that we nothing but delays can fear.

Pru.
Then talk no more let's follow the advice.

Arsi.
Araspes and three souldiers will suffice,
To guard him, numbers faithless oft appear
Ile to Laodice, and secure her.
Attalus where run you.

Atta.
I go to try, one project to appease then mutiny
'Twil add another to you stratagem,

Arsi.
Think your concerns and mine are still the same
'Tis for your sake if I in danger be.

Atta.
Madam, i'le perish or i'le set you free.

Ar.
Go then the Armenlan Queen I yonder see.