University of Virginia Library

Act the Third.

Scene the First

A Garden.
Enter Herod, leading Mariamne, with Attendants; and Tyridates on the other side meeting them.
Herod.
Important Bus'ness calls me now away;
But You may longer in the Garden stay.
Prince Tyridates opportunely met,
May on my Queen with your permission wait.
Kind Tyridates, here, whilst I go in,
Try to divert my Melancholly Queen.

Herod offers the Queens Hand to Tyrid.
Tyrid.
In Storms at Sea, when Death and Danger's nigh
[aside.
Men wish for Land, and yet from Land they fly:
Whilst Trembling at the Object, I admire,
Fear keeps me from the Blessing I desire.

Queen gives him her Hand. Ex. Her. &c.
Mariam.
Had Herod known, you did my Love pursue,
He would not now have given my hand to you.
And since you did to me your Thoughts commit,
I ought my self too, to have hinder'd it.
But that I judg'd I might without offence;
Either to yours, or my own Innocence.
Did I believe you harbour in your Breast
A thought to my Dishonour, I'de Detest
You as a Monster, and my Mortal Foe.

Tyrid.
And I am willing that you should do so.

Mariam.
Think not, because, I not for Herod burn,
I'le my affections on another Turn:
Not the Remembrance of his Wrongs to Me,
Shall make me of his Crimes partaker be.
Could I be false so to my self and him;
I were unworthy then of your esteem.

Tyrid.
That gen'rous Bounty flowing in your Breast,
Has Me great Queen with Confidence posses't:
To speak, and to believe, you'l hear me now.

Mar.
Speak; but what strictest Vertue may allow.

Tyrid.
If my rude Passion harbours a Design
Against Your spotless Innocence and Mine.
You then may justly Me and that Despise,
And hate without a Crime what Vertue flyes;
Use then your Thunders; let the higher Powers,
To make we Wretched, joyn their frowns to yours.

Mar.
Look on this Passion as an Enemy
That will at last destroy both You and Me.

Tyrid.
Not if that flame which does inhabit here
Inspires my mind with what from stains is clear:
All Worshipers at distance may admire—

Mar.
Oh call the Greatness of your Courage home,
Let Tyridates now himself o're-come.—

Tyrid.
Madam, the highest favour I dare Crave,
Is leave to bear your Image to my Grave:
Thus on my Knees I beg—

Enter Salome.
Mariam.
I can't consent
Although your Love were yet more Innocent.
Rise Tyridates! Salome is neer—
I fear she saw you Kneel, let us withdraw.

Tyrid.
That Womans sight I hate—

Mar.
Why Sir?

Tyrid.
Madam, that Secret I'le relate.

[Ex. Tyr. & Mar.
Salome.
Was it not Tyridates that I saw
Kneel to the Queen?
Oh Heaven! this Chance unseals my blinded eyes,
And plucks from them their so long close disguise.
Slighted I thought was a sufficient Curse;
But slighted for another is yet worse;
Swell high the Tyde of Rage; boyle up my Blood,
Be to my Vengeance an eternal Food.
Is it for this that Mariamne flyes,
The Kings Embrace? and does his Love despise!
I have a Rival on an equal score,
The Queen a Husband has, and I no more.
I'le watch each motion and each look they throw,
That rage and Jealousie may higher grow:
Their hearts will shake when they shall understand
Like Fate, their Lives I carry in my Hand.

[Exit.
Enter Tyridates and Mariamne.
Mar.
Are you so Cruel then to Ladys grown!

Tyrid.
The Law of Love permits to Love but One.

Mar.
And ought not I your Passion to decline,
When you despise anothers Love for mine?
That sin which you in Salome condemne;
Would you Mariamne, should in you esteem?
Does not she Loving you betray her trust?
How can I yours permit then, and be just!

Tyrid.
Oh Madam! You injurious are to joyn
That spightful Ladies Vicious Love with mine.
Mine is all Innocence!

Mar.
But the World may not know your Innocence.

Tyrid.
I by my silence keep it from their Sence.

Mar.
Though that has kept it yet from Herod's Eye;
Yet 'tis what Salome will soon descry:

Tyrid.
Wrapt in my Vertue, I my Fate despise:

Mar.
But more then Life, at Stake, our Honour lies.

Tyrid.
When that I injure, may—

Enter Herod, Pheroras, Sohemus, Alexas, Guards.
Mar.
The King is come!

Tyrid.
And I unwillingly must give him room!

Herod.
What to the Office of a King is due,
I've soon dispatch'd to come, my Queen, to you:—
But such short Intervals of Absence prove
As blasts to fan the Ardent flames of Love.

Mar.
Sir, Kings their Modesty are wont to show.

Her.
And Modest Queens not answer with disdain.

Mar.
Herod, of that you ought not to complain.

Herod.
Oh Heav'n! and must my Passion thus be met,
And all my Kindness answer'd with regret?
Hence scornful Woman, from my Presence go:
Since not your Husband, you, your King shall Know:
Your Fathers Destinies you do forget.

Mar.
No Herod! here they are all Written yet:

[Ex. cum suis.
Herod.
What Roman Courage in that Breast does lye?
And dauntless Power sparkles from her Eye!

Alex.
Your Subjects Sir, may well cease to obey,
When your own Queen to Subjects shews the way.

Tyrid.
What Tortures rack my Breast! must I be Dumb!
This is a Task too hard to overcome.

[Exeunt.
Manet Elexas.
Alexas.
I now can tell what is black Envies Food,
Man's Heart's her Meat, her Drink his Vital Blood.
I feel the Viper gnawing in my Breast.

[Enter Salome.
Salo.
What, my Alexas, musing all alone.

Alexas.
No, I have Company, though you see none.

Salo.
Where are they?

Alexas.
Salome! they are in my Breast.

Salo.
What, with some busie thoughts you are possest?

Alexas.
Yes, such they were.

Salom.
Must I be Ignorant?

Alexas.
No Salome! I dare trust you—
Me-thinks that Stranger Parthian grows too tall.
I do not love him—

Salo.
Nor would—if you knew all—
I hate him too—

Alex.
And have you Reasons too—

Salom.
Some small ones; but no matter—what have you?

Alex.
Herod's too lavish of his favours there.

Salom.
Now he has rid me of my Jealous sear,
aside.
I doubted lest He had my Passion found,
aside.
But he on Envy does his Anger ground.
aside.
And is that all? But I could tell you more—
But—

Alex.
But what? Come tell the Truth—

Salom.
But you shall Swear you never will disclose,—

Alex.
I freely Swear all Oaths you shall impose.

Salom.
Hark in your Ear—he would have—

[Whispers.
Alex.
How my Wife!—And can I hear such out-rage!

Salom.
Hold Sir! he in his Passion is unwise
Who does his Soul discover at his Eyes.
Cloath every thought in Darkness, wear a Cloud,
As may if possible Heaven's eye delude.

Alex.
What if I should declare it to the King?
Into Disgrace this wou'd the Parthian bring.

Salom.
With your own mouth you wou'd divulge your shame;
To Do and to be Tempted is the same.
We must be free from scandal as the fault.
Men judge the strength of Vertue by th'Assault.
This would Mens thoughts divide; for 'mongst the Throng
Right seldome has more Voyces than the Wrong.

Alex.
Dearest I'am convinc'd: Thou art a Gem,
Which I can ne're sufficiently esteem.

Salom.
Doubt not but I severe revenge will take,
Alexas, both for thine and honours sake.
Be Mute—for I have thought a Stratagem—
Herod grows Jealous of the Queen and Him.

Alex.
O my Wise Princess—I your Wit adore—
See; there's the King!—

[Enter Herod.
Salom.
Alexas! be you gone—
I'le take this time to talk with him alone.
[Ex. Alex.
That project's done,—now to the King.
No man stands so secure, but he may fall,
When he has once stir'd up a Womans gall.
The King is bigg with somthing—

Herod.
Salome!
How much I am disturb'd you cannot see.

Salom.
Your Soul with some great Passion struggles—

Herod.
True;
And I to calme this Tempest come to you.
My Queen has met my Love with such disdayn,
That she has turn'd the Stream: My Passion grows
Enrag'd, and o're the Banks of Reason flowes.
Can She not Love?

Salom.
No doubt Sir, but she can.

Herod.
Why does she not?

Salom.
She does! but who's the Man?

Herod.
Oh Salome! you raise the Tempest; hold,—

Salom.
You know not Woman, Sir, so well as I.

Herod.
I know her Vertue, and she first would dye.

Salom.
You know she Loves not you.

Herod.
All that may be—
She'l Love no other tho' she Loves not me;
And that proud Heart which does a King oppose,
Can never with a meaner Object close.

Salom.
Love, had it Eyes, might soon—

Herod.
Oh I am rack't.
Spake Salome, and make my doubts more clear.

Salom.
What makes the Parthian Prince to linger here,
Whom great Augustus does invite to Rome;
And offers Armes his Brother to o'recome:
He slights not these great offers without Cause;
No, here's attraction Sir, that stronger draws.

Herod.
Thy words have let ten thousand Furies in.

Salom.
Sir! 'tis too plain—now to be blind's a sin—

Herod.
Thy words have clear'd the mist before my eyes;
Before Truth's Son the foggy umbrage flies.

Sal.
See with what draughts he sucks the Poyson up!—
[aside.
The Quiet of your Court made me Conceal
What now I only to your self reveal.

Herod.
That Mariamne Loves the Parthian Prince,
Her hate of me my Reason does convince—

Salom.
'Tis not her Kindreds Blood moves thus her mind,
No; her disdayn is of another kind.
To you a Rock she unrelenting stands,
Yet Tyridates's Love, her heart commands.
Alas! He Loves with better luck then you:
An Exile does more than a King can do.
But first their glances, looks, and actions weigh;
Perhaps I may have err'd in what I say.

Herod.
Oh my dear Salome! it is too plain!
A Thousand things to my remembrance fly
Which I before had pass'd too slightly by:

Salom.
It bravely works!—good Sir, have farther proof:

Herod.
What needs there more? alas, I have enough.

Salom.
He is indeed ingrateful

Herod.
—To requite,
The refuge that I gave him in his flight;
He flyes a Cruel Brothers rage;—I guess
He will not find a Jealous Husband's less.
My Anger shall like frightful Thunder move,
He pays his head for his presumptuous Love.

Salom.
Stay Sir—let reason in this great affair
As well as Rage and Jealous Passion share.
I would not have you Tyridates save;
Your resolution is both just and brave.
Yet for his Life, pray venture not your Crown,
Nor hazard for his wicked head your own.
Augustus Sir, is Tyridates Friend,
It's dangerous Augustus to offend.
And lose the favour which you gain'd so late;
Act not in Fury, let your Rage abate—

Herod.
What, shall he live then?

Salom.
No: he still shall dye.
But 'tis not you shall strike the blow—but I.
Leave it to me—

Herod.
But give your Justice wings:
Revenge that brooks delays too mean for Kings.
At my Queens head shall my next Thunder fly,
Who could not live and Love by Hate shall dye:
Her forfeit-head, and her declining Crown
Shall feel the rage of Monarchs when they frown.

[Exit.
Salom.
Boast not Proud King of what your frowns design;
A Womans Rage shall be as great as Thine:
Tyridates Fall shall be an Act of mine.
If Vengeance is all a Kings Rage can do,
A Jealous Woman is a Monarch too—.

[Exit.

Scene 2d.

a Bed-Chamber.
Enter Mariamne, Alexandra, Philon and Clophe.
Alex.
You had been freed durst you my Councel use.

Mar.
Such Councel, Madam, I agen refuse.

Alex.
Your Dagger in his Heart had eas'd your fears.

Mar.
Such Crimes are stains my Innocence ne're wears.

Alex.
Woman thou art—

[Exit.
Mar.
What I will ever be
From all the guilt of your Reproaches free.

Enter Herod.
Herod.
I that with horrid thoughts of Rigour came,
Am on a suddain, how I know not, Tame.
Sure 'tis not I—I am no Lyon now—
The Furies humbly to that Sweetness bow—
I am not Angry now—I will renew—

Offers to Embrace her.
Mar.
I will accept no Kindness Sir from you—

Herod.
I will not be deny'd—

Mar.
But Sir, you must.
For my Resentments they are great and just.
This Heart cannot Dissemble King like You—

Herod.
Will neither Anger nor my Kindness do?
So now I feel the Floods of Rage return,
And I a-new inflam'd with Anger burn.
Thou to thy Husbands Kindness false art grown,
And Love, my due, is on a Stranger thrown.
Has Tyridates—
Are you Surpriz'd! has Guilt lock't up your Tongue?

Mar.
No Herod, 'tis the greatness of the Wrong.

Herod.
Traytress, 'tis false—
But to my Wrath he shall a Victim fall;
And you shall quickly follow too—you shall!—

Mar.
Herod, believe all that you please; the worst
I've born already by thy Kindness Curst.

Herod.
Perfidious Woman—
His Ruine shall begin your Punishment.

Mar.
If you on Blood and Murder thus are bent:
If Rage no otherwise appeas'd can be,
Seek out no other Sacrifice but Me.
Resolve my Murder, but his Ruine spare,
Who has in my Imputed Crimes no share:

Herod.
To such a height it seems your Love is flown,
His Life you value, though you slight your own;
In Tyridates thou shalt tortur'd be,
Before thou know'st what I resolve on Thee.

[Ex.
Mar.
Death thou art Welcome: come when e're thou wilt,
Those Souls fear not thy Dart who feel no Guilt:
Yet Tyridates, Thee I wish remov'd,
Because your greatest Crime is that you Lov'd.

[Exit.

Fourth Scene

A Dining-Room, in which is discover'd sitting at Supper
Tyridates, Pheroras, Alexas, Attendants.
Alex.
Fill my Bowl full; I the Kings health begin!

Tyrid.
What is't that makes thee shake! hast, give me mine!
[To the Attendant that fills the Wine.
Long live the King, and whilst the Health goes round,
Command without that the lowd Trumpets sound.

Enter Arsanes, who dashes the Bowl out of Tyridates hand.
Arsan.
Pardon my hast, Sir, and vouchsafe your ear.

Alex.
'Tis prevented!

Pher.
Discover'd too I fear.
Let us not stay—

Alex.
The King will Orders give,
Though this Plot has not took, he shall not live!

Ex. Alexas & Pheroras.
Arsan.
gives a Letter.

[Exit Attend.
Tyrid.
See here Arsanes what the Queen has Writ,—
She bids me quickly save my self by flight.
Nay, instantly I must be gone—to Night:
Or else so closely they my Life pursue;
The Sword will act what Poyson cannot do.
I know not which more Joy or Grief does bring,
This Favour, or the baseness of the King.

Arsan.
Sir, do not trifle thus away your time,
To make her Warning useless were a Crime:

Tyrid.
What wou'd you have me doe?

Arsa.
O Sir, be gon!

Tyrid.
That thought's too hard.

Arsa.
Sir; if you stay, her Kindness you neglect,
And pay to her Commands but small respect.

Tyrid.
'Twas her compassion of my Life took Care,
She did not know her Presence is more dear.
Enter Sohemus.
Must I my Life, or Mariamne quit?

Soh.
Yes Sir, 'tis but too certain, and your Flight
Must speedy be, or else you both will lose.
Consult no further, Her Commands obey:
For know that her you Ruine, if you stay—
Therefore no longer on your stay demur;
This rising storme does rather threaten Her.
But She in your Escape, Preserv'd may be
When you remove the Cause of Jealousy.

Enter Polites.
Pol.
O Sir be speedy in your flight—I hear
Alexas, and the Kings Life-guard are neer.

Soh.
Good Sir, make haste.

Pol.
There's hardly time for Flight.

Arsa.
But we may now be favour'd by the Night.

Tyrid.
Well! must I goe?—Oh Queen, when I obey,
I'm only by your safety forc'd away.

[Exeunt.
Enter on the other side with drawn Swords, Alexas and Souldiers.
Alex.
The Traytors gone! but yet he can't be far;
You soon his passage in the Streets may bar:
Go light some Torches, search out every where:
Who finds him first, shall of my bounty share:
This Sword then Tyridates shall pursue
Thy Life, and take what Poyson could not do.

[Exeunt.

Fourth Scene

The City Jerusalem.
A Cry within! here, here, they are.
Enter Tyridates, Polites, Arsanes, Retreating and Fighting, Alexas, Guard, Souldiers pursuing.
Alex.
Yeild Tyridates, or thy Life is lost!

Tyrid.
That thou took'st it away, thou shalt not boast!
Take that for thy Wives Treachery.

[Kills Alexas.
Alex.
Though I am wounded! Soudiers follow still.
You dye, if him you neither Take nor Kill.

[Polites falls.
Tyrid.
Farewell, thy Friendship does my Love out-vye;
Thou hast the Honour in her Cause to dye.
[to Polites.
Arsanes come! Let us Revenge his Blood,
And take the Fate which cannot be with-stood.

[Fight agen; some of the Souldiers are Slain.]
Enter Pheroras with fresh supplies, who beat off Tyridates and Arsanes.
[Exeunt all Fighting.

Fifth Scene

Herods Pallace.
Enter Herod and Salome with Attendants.
Herod.
I'le think that Heav'n does joyn against me too,
If neither Poyson, nor the Sword will do.

Salom.
It was but chance, or he had drunk his last.

Herod.
I hope by this time that his Life is past.
I bid Pheroras bring the welcome News,
But his long stay my Patience does abuse.

Salom.
What Devil was it mov'd Arsanes so,
The Bowl, the Wine, and Poyson to o'rethrow.—
Between that Draught and Death he should have known,
I rais'd that storm which hence his Life had blown.
'Tis not Revenge, at least not half so sweet,
Unless he knows that I the Conquest get.
And if he Falls now by Alexas hand,
My fatal Anger he will understand:
[Enter Pheroras.
But here's Pheroras now—

Herod.
How dy'd he! say?

Pher.
His Valour Sir has rather won the day—

Herod.
Hah! What—not brought with thee the Traytors Head!
How durst thou say to me he is not dead!
What Legions had he to defend his Life?
Or fought my Subjects for him in the strife?

Pher.
I saw Alexas Sir, his Life pursue!
But what is't Valour in Distress can't do?
Surrounded by the Guard he bravely fought,
And to the ground Alexas bleeding brought.

Salom.
What said you of Alexas?

Herod.
Peace; go on!

Pher.
At him the Guard with all their fury run.
But like a Heroe so unmov'd he stood,
That all around the place he stayn'd with blood.
Polites Slayn, with noble Anger stung,
He flung himself to dye amid'st the Throng.
There he such Prodigies of Valour shew'd,
The Guard not him, but he the Guard pursu'd.
Prest with their number, he at last had dy'd,
But that Arsanes an advantage spy'd.
The Sacred Temple being nigh,—
To that Asylum both yet fighting, fly.
And spite of all those Swords which did oppose,
There they escap'd the Fury of their Foes.

Herod.
O Heavens! escap'd me thus.—
Thy Blood yet Tyridates must asswage
The vehement Tempest of my Jealous Rage:
I'le to the Temple, and my Wrath shall make
The great Foundations of that Structure shake.

[Exit.
Salom.
What Stars Protect this Man?
His Valour moves me so, I love him still:
But he Dispises me; that thought is Hell.
Yes, thou shalt dye!
My hand shall more then his, thy Life pursue,
And shew what Woman in Dispair can do.

[Exit.

Sixth Scene

The Temple:
In which is discovered, as within the Gate, the Priests, Tyridates, and Arsanes.
1. Priest.
We do not Sir enquire of your offence,
No Criminal is ever forced from hence.

2 Priest.
You are both safe and welcome—

Tyrid.
Thanks are due
Both to the God you Worship, and to you.

Enter Herod, Pheroras, and Attendants.
1. Priest.
Sir, Though a King, keep back: 'tis just that you
Bring that respect which to this Place is due.

Her.
Give me that Traytor then; this Place nor you
Cannot protection to such Crimes allow.

1 Priest:
O Sir! you know the Priviledge of this place.
We should our Honour and our Laws disgrace—

Herod.
Then I will force him hence.

Pher.
Your Passion sway.
Offers to draw, Pher. stays him.
Great Sir, let Rage to Reason once obey:
All the whole race of Priests wou'd rather dye,
And you, although their King, to death defie,
E're they would suffer this,—besides the Jews
Would run into Rebellion at the News.
Try if you can perswade, but do not force.

Herod.
I must—but yet I first will try that course;
Put forth that Traytor, and you will do well;
You ought not to protect an Infidel.
His very presence does the place abuse;
It is a Refuge only to the Jews.

1 Priest.
We dare not Sir, they would us Partial call.
This Temple does a Refuge yield to all.

Herod.
But that Barbarian durst violate
The Rights of Hospitality and Faith;
Ancient as Fanes themselves.—
Return him fairly forth whilst I entreat,
Else I will execute more than I threat.

2 Priest.
First for his safety we our Lives will pay.

Tyrid.
Rather then you shall suffer, I'le not stay:
No: let me fall a Victim to the King
Rather then Ruine to your Altars bring.

Arsan.
O Sir! what do you mean.

1 Priest.
You will do worse,
You on our Altars will pluck down a Curse.
Let the King raze our Fane: our Bloods be spilt.
'Twere better to fall Pure, then stand with Guilt.

Tyrid.
Let me speak to the King.—

Arsa.
I'le not refuse
So you no further go.

Tyrid.
King of the Jews,
I am a Prince, and meet you without odds,
For I know no Superior but the Gods;
I scorne to justifie my self to you,
Who thus ignobly do my life pursue.
A Life which from thy Sword and Poyson flyes,
Here at the Altar thou would'st Sacrifice,
Against all Right, both Humane and Divine.

Herod.
Yes, I will have thy Life, though I lose mine.

Tyrid.
Not the most faulty of my thoughts e're meant
Mariamne or thy wrong; thy Innocent
And injur'd Queen I as the Gods esteem,
Can that wear any Title to a Crime?

Herod.
In idle words I'le lose not breath nor time.

Tyrid.
I speak not this thy Fury to asswage,
Or with design t'escape thy bloody rage;
Or to delay the Death thou threaten'st here.
No Herod; I can dye, but cannot fear.

Herod.
No, no, false man! thy artificial words
The Temple nor 100000 Swords,
Shall sheild thy Life from my armed Anger now.
Thee and that Traytress both to death I Vow.

Tyrid.
Involve not yet in my imputed Crime,
An Innocence which wholly is sublime:
If thou before these Reverend Flamines here.
Wilt Solemnly at the high Altar Swear,
I shall thy only mark of Fury be,
And thy blind Rage extend to none but me:
I'le leave this place to which I now am fled,
And to thy Vengeance render up my head.

Herod.
O Heav'ns, for him she wou'd have Life resign'd,
And he again for her has Life declin'd:
They Love—Oh Rage—
[stamp.
No Traytor, thou shalt me no Council give;
Nor you, nor She—whom thou woud'st save shall live.

[Draws.
Enter Sosius with Romane Souldiers.
Sosius.
Hold Herod, hold, I in Augustus name,
Do for the Parthian Prince a freedom clayme;
He not thy Subject hither fled for aid,
Must not by thy blind Fury be betray'd:
In this I Justice,—Honour, Friendship show
To Tyridates Vertues, and to you—

Herod.
Friend! hear me first—

Sosius.
I am by Honour swayd;
And in great Cæsars name must be obey'd.

Herod.
You are a Friend to me, and I to you.

Sosius.
I for no Friendship will injustice do:
I bear a Romans Vertue in my Breast,
Friendship not linck'd with Vertue, I detest.
And Tyridates you must yeild to me—

Tyrid.
Where I find so much Vertue, I agree.

Sosius.
Herod! your unjust Fury now asswage:
I here my Honour for you both engage;
Herod your Life by no Plots shall betray;
And you t'increase his Fury shall not stay.
You from Jerusalem this Night shall go,
And leave within 6 days Judea too:
Who breaks his Word, begets a Foe of me,
Makes Rome and Cæsar too his Enemy.

Tyrid.
I will comply, though death I'd kindlier choose.

Herod.
Sosius alone could my just Vows oppose:
I see my Fear is greater then my Rage;
I in this quarrel dare not Rome ingage:
Nor dare to my yet tott'ring Fortune trust,
But I must rule by seeming to be just.

[Exit. omnes.