THE STRANGE DISCOVERY: A tragicomedy.  
Written By J. G. Gent.  
LONDON, Printed by E. G. for William Leak, and are to be sold at his shop in Chancery-lane, joining to the rolls. 1640.   

The Prologue.  
HOw's this, The strange discovery, may some say,  
'tis likely we shall see some glorious Play  
Of Christopher Columbus, and his brother,  
Whose navigable pains did first discover  

America.  That unknown world, thinking the far fetched scene,  
To be Peru, and th' Indies, but to wean  
Your expectations from this golden dream,  
Our Author bade me tell you, that the scope  
Of his intended travel's Aethiope,  
There he begins, there ends, but as he passes  
To and again, toucheth at many places,  
As Egypt's fertile soil and learned Greece,  
Yet as heroic Jason sought the fleece  
In divers coasts, but in the stately I'll  
Of Colchos gate it by Medea's guile,  
So he in Aethiopia sitteth down  
The period of his plot, which but a frown  
Of yours will ruinate, your gracious eyes,  
Raise to the height of Jason's enterprise.  
The History is candid, crowned with praise,  
So let the play be too, our Poet prays.   

The persons of the Play.  

HYdaspes, King of Aethiopia.  
Persina, his Queen.  
Cariclea, their daughter.  
Sysimethres, a Gymnosophist Ambassador for the King,  
Caricles, Apollo's Priest.  
Calasiris, Isis' Priest.  
Aristippus, a Citizen of Athens.  
Demeneta, his wife.  
Cnemon, Aristippus' son.  
Thisbe, demeneta's maid.  
Arsinoe, a Courtesan.  
Nebulo, Caricles man.  
Nebulona, his wife.  
Theagines, a Thessalian Captain.  
Arsace, wife to the Deputy of Egypt.  
Cibile, her Chamberlain, nurse, and bawd.  
Aura, Cibile's maid.  
4 judges, Magistrates of Persia.   
Besides messengers and attendance.   

THE STRANGE DISCOVERY, A tragicomedy.  


Actus primi Scena prima.  Enter Caricles, sometimes Apollo's Priest at Delphos in the habit of a Pilgrim. Caric. 
WHat course shall aged Carcles now take  
After his weary travels? shall I here  
Resolve to lay my bones, and Egypt make  
The final period of my pilgrimage?  
No, I must bid Catadupíce adieu  
So famous for these sluices of fair Nile,  
And since the surfeit which I took of sorrow  
For my dear daughters sad untimely death,  
Is well digested in this breast of mine,  
And change of air hath wrought a change of mind;  
I am resolved to stately Greece to wend  
And breathe my last breath where I breathed my first,  
'Tis so determined;— Enter Nebulo his man.  
Honest Nebulo,  
My man draw near, I'm in a humour now  
To change some words with thee;— so oftentimes— aside.  
We see wise men for recreations sake,  
Consult with Fools, and honest men with Knaves.— aside  
What course doth thy fond brain advise me to?  Neb. 
To no other but to a home course Sir, I must tell you plainly, I like not these extravagant ones you take of travelling the world thus; I'm sure I have paid dear for those idle humours of yours, witness my body, brought to a mere Anatomy by travel and fasting; methinks, a wise man, as you are, should not have such wandering thoughts in his mind: well Master, resolve to leave this place, and return to Delphos our native habitation, or I shall soon resolve to leave you, and go there without you. O the smoke of mine own poor chimney at home, and the beloved smoke of my wife, would both smell to my nose now so comfortable, as a perfume made of Arabia spices; adieu, I can stay no longer from pretty Nebulona without the lash of her just displeasure; I come my chicken, I come, be ready to receive me, I know thou languishest all this while for want of my company.  Caric. 
Nay prithee stay a little longer and hear me; wilt thou leave me now at last, and frustrate the good opinion I have always had of thy simple plainness and constant service? have patience awhile, and I will accompany thee in thy journey; as for thy wife Nebulona (if that trouble thee) I shall rectify her in the truth of all thy actions. Who knocks there? go see, and bring me word before you grant entrance Nebulo.  Exit, & redit Nebulo. 
Who is it now?  Nebul. 
A very sweet faced Gentleman, so sooty as the Devil himself, I believe some Ambassador sent from Pluto and the fiends.  Caric. 
whate'er he be admit him.  Enter Sisimethres, Legate of Aethiopia. Sisimet. 
God save you reverend Father.  Caric. 
Welcome Sir,  
Although I have not seen your face before  
That I can well remember.  Sisimet. 
May be so.  
But I have seen you often in this town  
Walking the streets, and read the character  
Of gravity and wisdom ciphered in  
Your aged face, wherein I think my judgement  
Nothing deceives me; and I do suppose  
You are an alien here as well as I,  
No natural Egyptian.  Caric. 
I confess  
I am a stranger borne, and should be glad  
To know your name, your country and your business.  Sisimet. 
I shall obey you, for my country, first  
'Tis Aethiopia underneath the line,  
My name Sysimethres employed now  
As Legate from my sovereign King Hydaspes,  
Unto the Deputy here, to forbid him  
To meddle with the mines, out of whose bowels  
The Smaragds digged were, which appertain  
To none but to the crown of Aethiopia:  
Now Sir you know me, be not scrupulous  
To let me understand so much of you,  
Something doth prompt me strangely, that you have  
Some near relation to the gods, or else  
My Genius doth deceive me.  Caric. 
Understand then,  
You do not err in your imagination,  
I am a Grecian borne, and sometimes Priest  
Unto Apollo in that sacred City  
Of Delphos, which Parnassus lofty tops,  
As with a wall, encompasseth about,  
And sweet Castalius pleasant springs refresh,  
There was I borne and bred, and exercised  
The office I was called to by the gods.  Sisimet. 
Most venerable Priest, and holy Father,  
Let me beseech you tell me what mischance  
Drove you from thence to these remoter parts?  Caric. 
The great misfortune that I had at home.  Sisim. 
I wonder at it, pray relate the manner.  Caric. 
When you have heard my story to the end,  
Your wonder will forsake you.  Sisimet. 
Then resolve me  Caric. 
Upon your better knowledge and acquaintance  
I shall, till when excuse me.  Sisim. 
I'll not press you  
Beyond good manners; Sir, I saw you buy  
Some herbs and roots that grow in India  
And Aethiopia for your use last day;  
If so you please, I can produce you such  
As ne'er were better.  Caric. 
Pray Sir let me see them,  Sysimethres take from under his arm a little bag, and shows Caricles precious stones in stead of roots. 
You must for these, good Sir, seek other chapmen,  
The Margaritas, the Smaragds, hyacinths,  
Are for a PRINCE's use, and not for mine:  
Each one alone is ransom for a King,  
My whole estate cannot buy one of them.  Sysim. 
But though you cannot buy them, you can take them (I trow) if freely given you, can you not?  Caric. 
'Tis true, I can receive them, but I marvel  
Why you should mock me thus?  Sysim. 
I mock you not  
By all the Gods, but mean uprightly in't,  
I will not only give you these, but if  
You will be pleased to take it at my hands  
Bestow a richer gift, to which compared,  
These are but dross and rubbish.  Caric. 
Ha ha ha.  Sysim. 
Why laugh you Sir?  Caric. 
Is't not a matter which  
Deserveth laughter, when you promise things  
Of such a prize, and yet assure me more;  
You cannot mean uprightly.  Sysim. 
Trust me, but swear  
That you will use this gift as I shall teach you,  
And I'll perform my promise of the other.  Nebul. 
Accept it Sir, if you be wise; 'tis not good, nor religious to refuse any man's courtesy.  Caric. 
You tempt me shrewdly Sir.  Sysim. 
Let me prevail,  
And bind me still your servant.  Caric. 
You have won me  
To what you would.  Sysim. 
Then take an oath, and swear  
To follow my directions, so confirm it.  Caric. 
By great Apollo, than whose Minister  
I was at Delphos, I shall not digress  
From what you shall instruct me touching this.  Sysim. 
It is sufficient, and I build upon  
Your faith, your trust and your religion;  
Here fellow, take this bag, and keep it for  
Your honoured Master.  Nebul. 
But more honoured bag,  
Would I might keep thee for myself, I then  
Should make an Idol of thee— aside.  Caric. 
What's your pleasure,  
That I should do in lieu of this reward?  Sysim. 
I cannot now acquaint you, for some reasons  
Best known unto myself, give me your hand  
To meet me without fail tomorrow morning  
At Isis' Temple, thence I shall conduct you  
Unto my lodging, and in secret tell  
The sum of my request.  Carie. 
I shall not fail you.  Sysim. 
Adieu, until we meet— Exit Sysimethres.  Caric. 
Apollo keep thee  
In his safe custody. I marvel much  
Whence this unlooked for kindness should proceed,  
I'll see the issue on't, whate'er betide me,  
It may be that the gods have preordained  
I shall once more be happy, and in lieu  
Of all my passed sorrows, reap the fruit  
Of long expected comfort, sure my mind  
Is much illuminated with the thought  
Of some good fortune, and refreshed as if  
The spirit of Pitho were infused into me  
By heavenly inspiration; I'll obey  
My Genius, for oftentimes the gods by signs  
Will have that mortals understand their minds. Exit.   

Actus primi Scena secunda.  Enter Demeneta, and young Cnemon her son in Law. Demen. 
MY pretty boy, how dost thou? where hast thou been so long absent from my embraces; come hither, let me solace myself a little with thee, let me kiss thee my sweet heart, my heir, my own life.  Cnem: 
Had ever any one a kinder stepmother— aside .Mother, you make too much of me, I am not able to deserve your love in so high a strain, my duty cannot countervail it.  Demen. 
How prettily he speaks, I cannot choose but kiss thee for it.  Cnem. 
What a close and hot kiss was that? I like not this behaviour, would I were delivered hence, please you give me leave to go about my exercises?  Dem. 
What exercises?  Cnem. 
My books and studies at the School, I shall be shent else by my Tutor.  Dem. 
Come, thou shalt not leave me.  Cnem. 
Will you have me prove a truant then?  Dem. 
No, but a student in a better art; hast thou ever read Ovid de arte amandi, or Ovid's amorous Epistles?  Cnem. 
Never.  Dem. 
O, I would have thee study that book above all other, there are very good rules, and worth the observation truly, if thou errest in any thing therein written, I will be thy Mistress to instruct thee, follow my rudiments good son.  Cnem. 
But I have heard 'tis a ribaldrous book, and corrupteth youth to all wantonness.  Dem. 
That is but a fantasy, a mere untruth; it was made by the Poet for youthful recreation and pastime, none but Stoical old men will inveigh against them, who envy that in others which they cannot enjoy in themselves.  Cnem. 
I understand not your Philosophy.  Dem. 
Would thou didst, and wert well entered in my book and science; but where is thy father and my husband Aristippus?  Enter Aristippus. 
O, my dear husband, where have you lingered so long; you are too blame indeed to leave me so solitary, I must chide you for it, truly, had you tarried never so little longer, I should have died for sorrow.  Arist. 
My sweet wife Demeneta, I have a jewel of thee, thy extreme love to me is confirmed in thy affection to my son Cnemon, virtuous woman.  Demen. 
I love him I must confess, as well as if he were mine own son, or better.  Arist. 
I know thou dost my love; never was a man happier in his choice, I think.  Demen. 
Cnemon, sit on my lap pretty boy.  Cnem. 
No, I know my duty better.  Demen. 
I will have it so; the very picture of his father.  Cnem. 
Pray mother excuse me, this is no fit place for me.  Demen. 
There is not a prettier or wittier boy in Athens, but 'tis no wonder, that old men beget always the finest children, 'tis most commonly seen.  Arist. 
I know your virtue, and therefore will dispute with you a little upon this subject, and ask you this question: how could you, a young woman, affect me an old man?  Demen. 
How could I not Sir; your wisdom, staidness and understanding were such motives to my affection, as I would not change my old man for the youthfullest cavalier of all Greece; I hope for all your age, to have a hopeful offspring from you, such another as Cnemon, you can do it i'faith, old Aristippus.  Arist. 
My girl, how thou dost revive my decayed spirits to hear thee talk thus! I will strain hard for this, but I will answer thy expectation.  Demen. 
Thanks sweet husband, let me hang upon your neck, pretty gravity, how well it becomes him, who could choose but love such a man entirely; pox upon smooth faces, and young lusty gallants, there's more trouble with them abed, when a gentlewoman would sleep and take her rest; they are always disturbing of her, when by a man of some years and experience we may lie as quiet as we will; would all women were of my opinion, we should cut the combs then of these lusty gamesters.  Arist. 
Indeed young men are very inconstant in their love, and changing from one unto another, whereas an old man perseveres to the end in his devotions.  Dem. 
True, true, my love, your words are oracles,  
Were I now as I seem, how should I wrong  
Youth, beauty, nature, and rebel against them— aside.  Arist. 
My dearest love, though loath, I am enforced  
To leave you for some hours, the state of Athens  
Sent for me, to repair unto the Senate  
At ten o'clock about affairs of weight,  
'Tis now about the time; farewell my sweetest.  Dem. 
You shall not go, come, come, you do not love me,  
Else could you not be so unkind my dear,  
To kill your loving wife with your departure.  
I doubt I shall not live till your return.  Arist. 
Come prithee, leave this off, and be assured  
I will not stay two hours.  Dem. 
On that assurance  
I do dismiss you, but if you exceed  
The time, you're like to find me turned a corpse;  
stick to your promise.  Arist. 
I'll not fail you sweet.— Exit Aristippus.  Dem. 
Where go you Cnemon?  Cnem. 
nowhere, but to wait  
Upon my Father to the Senate-house,  
And instantly return.  Dem. 
See that you do,  
And you shall not repent it, Exit Cnemon.  
I must gain him  
Unto my will by fair and gentle means,  
By promises and gifts, by sweet allurements  
And strong enticing words, by pleasing him  
With what he likes best, this will take his youth  
(I make no doubt) and bring me to his bed.  
I burn for love of him and must be quenched,  
Old Aristippus I have fooled and made  
Believe I love him, but it is not so.  
I have brought him to my own lure so that  
He stoops unto my beauty; now if I  
Can but enjoy my Cnemon, I am then  
Mistress of my design, and a chief Artist  
In this sweet trade; let fools burn in their fire  
Of modest love, I'll on to my desire. Exit.   

Actus primi, Scena tertia.  Enter Caricles, Sysimethres and Nebulo. Sysim. 
Prithee honest friend  
Shall I entreat thee to go forth and bid  
The pretty girl without in the next room  
To come here to me.  Nebul. 
Yes sir that I shall,  
I love to be employed a messenger  
To pretty maids, is she so beautiful?  Sysim. 
O wondrous fair and beautiful.  Nebul. 
I'll then  
Usher her safely in, and kiss her too.  Exit Nebulo, enters again with Cariclea. Sysim. 
See here the second gift I mean to give you:  
More precious than the first, you told me sir  
You had a daughter once, but raped by death.  
Here is another for you, use her well.  Caric. 
I am amazed to see so rare a beauty,  
Such an Angel-like creature.  Sysim. 
Cease your wonder;  
The mother of this beauteous girl which here  
Standeth before us for a certain cause  
Which you shall learn hereafter, laid her forth  
Clad in such weeds as commonly is used  
For such a purpose, so committing her  
To fortune's doubtful chance, but I by hap  
Finding her took her up, for 'tis not lawful  
That we neglect a soul when once it hath  
Entered a humane body, (being a precept  
Amongst the wise men with us, to be whose  
Unlearned scholar I was once judged worthy)  
Besides even in the infant's eyes appeared,  
Something which bred both wonder and delight.  
With her I found this bag of precious stones  
Which I gave you of late, and a silk cloth  
Wrought full with letters in her mother tongue,  
Wherein contained was her whole estate;  
Her mother as I guess procured the same,  
Which after I had read, I knew from whence  
and what she was, and therefore carried her  
Into the Land far distant from the City  
Delivering her to certain honest shepherds  
To bring her up, with charge that they should not  
Reveal her unto any; for those things  
That were found with her I detained with me,  
lest for them she might suffer any danger,  
And thus at first this matter was kept close.  Caric. 
But what befell her after pray go one.  
In process then of time this princely maid  
Growing and as she grew increasing still  
More fair than any women else besides  
(For beauty surely cannot be concealed  
Though under ground but would from thence appear)  
I fearing lest her fortune should be known  
And I brought unto danger, sued to be  
Sent in embassage to the Deputy  
Of Egypt and abstained it, therefore come I  
And bring her with me, full of zealous care  
To set her business right and in good order.  Caric. 
Leave that to me.  Nebul. 
But chiefly unto me,  
I'll be her guardian too.  Caric. 
What will you have me do concerning her?  
Direct me, and I'll punctual observe it.  Sysim. 
As touching her, first I commend her to you,  
(And to the gods who hitherto have kept her,)  
On such conditions as by oath you're bound  
To see performed, that is that you will use her  
As a free woman ought to be, and give her  
In marriage to a free man, as you do  
Receive her at my hand, or rather of  
Her mother who hath left her to your charge:  
I hope you will perform all things according  
Unto your oath, and answer the opinion  
I have of your good manners, which I find  
By some few day's experience to be  
Greekish indeed; this much I had to say  
Before I executed my commission  
Concerning my embassage, other secrets  
Belonging to the maid, I'll tell you them  
Tomorrow in more ample manner, if  
You please to meet me about Isis' temple.  Caric. 
Expect me there then; but I cannot brook  
So long a time to see the Virgin masked  
In so obscure a manner.  Sysim. 
Now I cannot  
Stay to discover what I know of her;  
The Deputy of Egypt hath appointed  
This day for hearing of me: farewell both. Exit Sysim.  Caric. 
Can you speak Greek my pretty sweet heart, can  
you? she smiles upon him but says nothing.  
No, can you speak Egyptian? neither sweet?  Nebul. 
I'll undertake to teach her both the tongues  
So I may be her tutor. she frowns upon him.  Caric. 
Nebulo  
Thou seest I have another daughter now,  
She shall be called fair Cariclea  
Derived from Caricles which is my name.  Nebul. 
Would I had such a daughter too, she should not  
Have then so course a name, all men should call her.  
The pretty Nebuletta; Nebulo,  
Then Nebulona, then neat Nebuletta,  
A sumptuous pedigree, how sweet it runs!  Caric. 
Thy house would flourish then, were she thy daughter.  Nebul. 
Above the clouds, the gods would lodge themselves  
Beneath my roof, and pour down plenty on me  
In golden showers to rest in Danae's lap.  Caric. 
What grown so high conceited Nebulo?  Nebul. 
Something inspired my brain, I know not what sir,  
But now i'm come unto myself again,  
'Twas but a toy that took me.  Caric. 
I believe it,  
Many such toys do take thee in the head:  
Get me a mask, I must convey this damsel  
Muffled home to my house.  Nebul. 
She need not be  
Ashamed to show her face, it may procure her  
A husband by the way for ought you know;  
You shall but wrong her much in doing so.  Caric. 
Sirrah away, dispute no more, but do it.  Exit & redit with a mask, they muffle her. Nebul. 
'Tis pity faith methinks to use her thus,  
'Tis such a pretty thing.  Caric. 
Come you must go  
With me my daughter dear where you shall be  
Used and respected as my native child:  
When I have understood (hark Nebulo  
Her's news for thee) by good Sysimethres  
My daughters further state, we'll hie forthwith  
To Greece and Delphos, and put on again  
My first religious habit; to your shrines  
Ye gods we'll offer sanctified minds. Exeunt.   

Actus primi, Scena quarta.  Enter Demeneta and Thisbe her maid. Demen. 
When sawest thou Cnemon, Thisbe?  This. 
Know you not  
That Pallas high feast called Quinquatria  
This day was celebrated here in Athens,  
One with a ship by land, (as is the manner)  
Was consecrated, Cnemon was employed,  
Clad in his robes, and on his head a crown,  
To sing the usual hymn due to her praise  
I saw him busy in the ceremonies.  Dem. 
Is this the day? by jove I knew it not,  
Else had I been spectator of the sight,  
Chiefly to see my Cnemon in his office,  
Could I be angry with him, I should chide him  
For not acquainting me.  This. 
He did it neatly;  
I would not for my maidenhead have missed  
So rare a sight, not for ten maidenheads.  Dem. 
Are all the rites and ceremonies done?  
I fain would see yet the conclusion.  This. 
Mistress, 'tis too late; see Cnemon there returned in all his robes.  Enter Cnemon in his robes crowned, Demeneta runs to him and takes him in her arms. Dem. 
My young Hippolytus, and my dear Theseus,  
Welcome, O welcome to me.  Cnem. 
Heavens defend me  
From this lewd Phaedra— aside .Mother what d'ee mean  
To burn me thus with kisses?  Dem. 
Burden thee  
With blisses too I can, my pretty boy,  
If thou wilt love thy mother.  Cnem. 
In what nature  
Require you that? if as it ought to be,  
That children love their Parents, I agree.  Dem. 
As Venus with Anchises sported once  
In Ida grove, so let me sport with thee;  
Dost understand me now?  Cnem. 
You are too bold,  
Too impudent.  Dem. 
Nay, prithee do not frown,  
This night I must enjoy thee, and thou me,  
Thy father's absence doth invite us to it;  
I will maintain thee like a PRINCE's son,  
Glittering in gold, and our sweet furtive sports  
Keep from the sun and knowledge of the gods,  
No one shall know it.  Cnem. 
Hence incestuous woman,  
Thinkest thou to make me wrong my father's bed,  
And to commit an act so foul as incest?  
Tempt me no more; by heaven, by earth and all  
Th'immortal gods, I'll die a thousand deaths  
Ere think a thought on't, much less yield unto it,  
Your damned wit, nor quaint enticing words  
Shall not prevail, my hate exceeds my love.  Exit Cnemon in a rage. Demen. 
Am I despised thus, and my hot love  
Requited with disdain, as cold as ice,  
By such a youngling? he shall know the difference  
Between a woman's favours and her frowns,  
And curse too late his foolish modesty:  
Go Thisbe to the Castle, tell my husband  
I am not well, entreat him to come to me  
With all the speed he can.  This. 
I shall sweet Mistress.— Exit Thisbe.  Demeneta a lies down upon the bed, feigning herself sick. Dem. 
What raging fires still burn me? how I am  
Divided in myself 'tween love and hate,  
two mighty passions combatting together?  
Love would prevail, if reason might be judge,  
But love is too unreasonably harsh:  
Hate therefore execute thy proper function,  
Inflame my breast with rage and high disdain  
Against this brat that gave me the repulse,  
Inspire my study in his Tragedy.  Enter Aristippus and Thisbe. Arist. 
How fares my sweet heart, that she keeps her bed?  Dem. 
Dear husband, very sick and in ill case.  Arist. 
The gods forbid, that sound doth strike me dead;  
What ails my dearest wife? tell me the cause  
Of this your sudden sickness.  Dem. 
Nothing Sir,  
I know no cause at all.  Arist. 
Come, come, you must not  
Conceal your grief, but lay it ope unto me,  
I do beseech my love.  Dem. 
Since you are so  
Importunate to know it, understand  
The goodly young man, son unto us both  
(To you by nature, but to me by love)  
Whom I (the gods know) held as dear unto me  
As you, when he perceived by certain tokens  
I was with child by you (which thing I kept  
Hid from your knowledge till I knew myself  
The certainty) and waiting for your absence,  
When I in wonted manner counselled him  
To leave his whores, and to avoid his cups  
(Which things I knew he loved, but would not tell you,  
Lest I should run into the ill suspicion  
Of stepmother) whilst I in gentle manner  
Told him these things, I will not speak the worst,  
Nor in what sort he did revile us both,  
But last of all, he spurned me on the belly,  
Which hath procured this my disease and pain.  Arist. 
O villain, I will scourge him even to death;  
Thisbe, go call him hither. Exit Thisbe,  Then presently enters Cnemon, Aristippus falls presently a buffetting of him without speaking a word, then calls his servants and scourgeth him with rods. Cnem. 
Dear father, I beseech you let me know  
The cause of this your anger and my stripes  
So cruelly laid on me.  Arist. 
Oh cleanly dissembler,  
Thou wouldst indeed know thy own fault from me.  He beats him afresh. Cnem. 
Yet now at length, Sir, let me understand  
What I have done, that thus provokes your wrath,  
The gods do know my innocence.  Arist. 
Base wretch,  
Thy innocence; would she belie thee thinkst thou,  
That loved thee better than herself? away,  
Get out of my sight, I will not hear thee speak. Exit Cnemon.  
My dearest Demeneta, cheer yourself,  
Strive to forget the pain.  Dem. 
I'm in bad plight,  
So that I do not only fear the life  
Of that I go with, but mine own, besides,  
These accidents are dangerous to women;  
Yet, Sir, it grieved me that you took so sharp  
A punishment of Cnemon, for all this  
I cannot choose but love him.  Arist. 
That's thy virtue,  
But banish him thy thoughts as I will do,  
Hence forth as most unworthy of our love;  
Come sweet, you shall remove from hence into  
A fitter room, I'll send a Doctor to you. Exit Aristippus.  Dem. 
You do mistake my pulse, whose veins do swell  
With rage and fury, and shall live in pain,  
Until I be revenged.  This. 
My Mistress knows  
How to deceive old Dotards with false shows. Exeunt.   

Actus primi Scena quinta.  Enter Nebulo solus, frisking for joy. Nebul. 
we shall fall down the river Nile tonight, and hoist sail for Greece, brave news, comfortable news, my heart capers within me for joy, that I shall see my country again; my Master is sore troubled for black Sysimethres his constrained flight, which hath defeated their appointed meeting and conference touching Cariclea's fortunes, but haste our journey the sooner, there's my comfort. I left him cursing the Deputy, and invoking the god Apollo's wrath to plague him for dismissing the Ambassador so suddenly, with such deadly threatenings to depart the Kingdom. Alas, poor maid, I pity thee, that by this means thou shalt not be able to know who begot thee nor who brought thee forth, but all's one, thou wilt soon learn to be begotten, and to bring forth by instinct of nature and thy own experience. Catadupice adieu adieu, adieu gentlemen; when you see us next, 'twill be in Delphos; away, away, away, merrily, merrily.  Exit. 
Finis actus primi.    


Actus secundi, Scena prima.  Enter Calasiris Isis priest at Memphis. 
Am I the goddess Isis' priest, and burn  
In these unlawful fires? shall Rhodopis  
With her Venerious charms subdue my heart,  
And make me break that temperance of life  
Which I have hitherto preserved unspotted?  
What shall I do? I cannot stand the push  
Of these strong passions, yet I am resolved  
ne'er to commit the act, nor so to stain  
My priesthood with dishonour; Isis temple  
And secret places shall not be defiled  
By Calasiris, no I'll rather banish  
myself from sight of cursed Rodopis,  
lest staying here I should be forced to do  
So vile a deed; I am resolved to leave  
This stately City Memphis suddenly,  
I'll give it out, my journey is for Thebes  
To see my eldest son called Thiamis.  
With this pretence I shall unquestioned go,  
But there's a City sacred to Apollo  
In Greece hight Delphos, there I'll bend my course  
(For 'tis a College where wise men resort  
Free from the concourse of the common people)  
To visit my old friend priest Caricles.  
When whorish beauty and vain pride display  
Their gaudy colours, wise men shun the way. Exit.   

Actus secundi, Scena secunda.  Enter Demeneta and Thisbe. Dem. 
Thisbe my wench, thou must be secret unto all my commands.  This. 
As your own heart could wish, as your trusty cabinet.  Dem. 
I am confident of thee; thou know'st how I loved that proud boy Cnemon, what proffers I made him, what favours I bestowed upon him, and all to win him to my embraces, yet how scornfully and scurvily he refused me, with what disdain he left me; I am now resolved no longer to solicit my love but to execute my revenge; I have devised a dainty plot against him, which will take according as I would wish, follow thou my directions.  This. 
I will not digress a hair's breadth mistress.  Dem. 
Then thus I school thee, make a show that thou lov'st Cnemon exceedingly, entice him to thee with becks and amorous glances, he'll soon be caught with these baits, especially having heretofore long nibbled upon thy beauty; frequent his bed often, be not ashamed, it shall be for thy great advancement, and whereas thou art now a bondmaid, thou shalt be made free forever.  This. 
I am your creature in all things, especially in matters of this nature.  Dem. 
When thou hast done this which I command thee, I will instruct thee farther.  Exit Demeneta. Manet Thisbe a little. This. 
I wait your pleasure. I must give Cnemon good countenance, well, I must entice the young man, well, I must lie with him too, very well; faith these are no harsh commands, it shall never grieve me to be employed in such work, would my mistress had no harder labour for me, this is a task of pleasure; I have a warrant now for what I shall do; I durst not yield to Cnemon before when he attempted me, now let him come with his stoutest artillery, I will stand the charge valiantly.  Enter Cnemon. Cnem. 
Fair Thisbe are you here? why now I like you,  
You smile upon me, and your countenance  
Darts amorous glances which before cast frowns,  
Now you appear like Venus.  This. 
Courteous Cnemon,  
Although at first I did deny your suit,  
Impute it not to want of love, but place  
And opportunity, besides the doubt  
And danger which the action brings with it  
If once discovered, made me to commit  
So gross an error.  Cnem. 
Will you be reformed  
Upon mature counsel?  This. 
You shall see  
I will not be refractory to ought  
You shall advise me, I do know your mind,  Cnem. 
Come with me then and learn to kiss and smile,  
You know the back way to my chamber sweet.  Cnem. 
I do, and will attend you, there we'll meet. Exeunt.   

Actus secundi, Scena tertia.  Enter Caricles and Calasiris. Caric. 
Welcome to Greece my worthy friend and brother,  
And in the fittest time, because I shall  
Need your assistance in the perfecting  
A business which concerns me, you are wise  
And can persuade, when reason is your theme.  Cala. 
What I can do, our long acquaintance sir  
And brotherhood in travel and vocation,  
Wills me to render it unto your service;  
Wherein can I be useful to my friend?  Caric. 
In this, you know last night I did relate  
Caricla's story, how I did receive her  
And brought her from your Egypt here to Greece,  
where in a short time she hath learned our tongue,  
And so far passeth she all other beauties  
That she attracteth all men's eyes to gaze  
With admiration on her, as well strangers  
As Greeks, so that where'er she be conversant,  
Either at home, or in the Temples, or  
At public exercises, all men's eyes  
Are fixed upon her with as great devotion  
As if she were the image of some goddess  
Lately created; that which grieves me, is  
She loathes to hear of marriage, and resolves  
To live a maiden still, and so becoming  
Diana's servant, for the most part doth  
Apply herself to hunting and to shooting;  
I had a great desire to marry her  
Unto my sister's son, a fine young man,  
Well mannered, and fair spoken; but I cannot,  
Either by prayer or promise, or by force  
Of argument persuade her thereunto:  
In this I crave your help, dear Calasiris,  
Use some point of your wisdom to persuade her  
To know her nature, that she is a woman,  
And that she would not so degenerate  
From all those of her sex; this I beseech you  
To do for great Apollo's sake, and all  
Your country gods.  Calas. 
In this point, Caricles,  
I'll do my best endeavour. Enter Nebulo.  Nebul. 
Master, come  
Away for shame, the captain of the Aenians  
Embassage stayeth for you at the gate  
For to begin the sacrifice.  Calas. 
Pray Sir,  
What are those Aenians? what their holy message?  
What sacrifice make they?  Caric. 
They are the noblest  
Of all Thessalia, this same sacrifice  
They send to Pyrrhus, stout Achilles' son,  
Every fourth year (at such time as the feast  
Again is kept unto Apollo here)  
For here was Pyrrhus massacred before  
Apollo's altars by enraged Orestes,  
This message is more honourably done  
Than any of the rest, because they say  
The Captain is sprung from Achilles' line.  
Indeed, such is the beauty of his person  
And brave majestic carriage, as confirms  
He is some goddess son.  Calas. 
I fain would see him.  Caric. 
You shall, and his brave ordered sacrifice,  
Cariclea too, my daughter, must be there  
Today by custom, at the funeral pomp  
Of Neoptolemus, but you have seen her  
Before.  Calas. 
Yes, and done sacrifice together.  Caricles. 
Come, you must go unto the Temple with us  
To help me in this ceremonious work.  Calas. 
Lead on, I'll follow, if I'm prompted right,  
Strange things will happen after this rare sight Exeunt.   

Actus secundi Scena quarta.  Enter Cnemon and Thisbe. Cnem. 
Thisbe my love, we must act closely, and with great circumspection, lest we be discovered by the mischievous Demeneta, who (as thou sayst) hates me more now than she loved me before.  This. 
You talk simply Cnemon, if you count it a dangerous matter for me being a bondmaid, bought with money, to be taken a-bed with you; what punishment think you her worthy, who is a freewoman, and lawfully married to a husband, yet playeth false, and beareth a man too many.  Cnem. 
I judge her worthy of death, but who is the person, prithee?  This. 
Your virtuous stepmother, my Mistress Demeneta, now you may be revenged upon her by discovering it to your father Aristippus.  Cnem. 
I can scarce believe it.  This. 
To confirm my report (if you please) I will deliver the adulterer unto you in the very act.  Cnem. 
You shall do me a courtesy then.  This. 
With all my heart, not only for your sake who have been injured by her before, but for mine own also, who, for that she hath me in jealousy, am used of her very extremely, wherefore if thou be a man apprehend him.  Cnem. 
Else let me die in scorn and infamy,  
I'll kill them both, for ne'er shall it be said,  
That Cnemon knew his father's bed defiled  
And durst not be revenged, assist my hand  
Infernal furies, Thisbe lead the way  
That I may do the deed ere see the day. Exeunt   

Actus Secundi, Scena quinta.  Enter Aristippus and Demeneta. Demen. 
'Tis late i'th' night, sweet husband, let's to bed,  
I cannot have too much of your embraces,  
The envious day will interrupt our sport,  
methinks we married were but yesterday.  Aristip. 
Conceivest thou so, that doth proceed from love,  
But I am old, and thou a sprightly lass.  Demen. 
You wrong yourself, you are a lusty man,  
For were you old the dull effects of age  
Would then appear, but I have had experience  
Of your performance, Cnemon, I believe,  
Your son is not so active in his trade.  Aristip. 
If it be so, then sure the youthful heat  
Of thy fair body hath infused life  
Into my withered veins, more powerful than  
Medea's charms, when she stirred up fresh blood  
In the decayed body of old Aeson.  Enter Cnemon with his sword drawn followed by Thisbe, a candle carried before, he comes hastily to the bed. Cnem. 
Where is the villain, the most worthy lover  
Of this chaste dame?  his father leaps out of the bed, and falls on his knees before him. Aristip. 
My son, have pity on thy father's age,  
spare his white hairs, take not away his life  
That gave thee thine, and brought thee up with care,  
We do confess we wronged thee, yet the fault  
Was not so great that it should merit death;  
Assuage thy fury, and put up thy sword,  
Imbrue not in thy father's blood thy hands.  Cnemon in amaze looks round about him for Thisby, who had conveyed herself away, and being thus astonished, his sword fell out of his hand, which Demeneta straightways took up. Dem. 
Did I not tell you this before, sweet heart,  
To look unto this princocks pride and hate  
Who would no doubt, if time had served his turn,  
Attempt some mischief to destroy us both.  Aristip. 
You told me so indeed, but I believed not;  
Now I do find it true, which to prevent  
I'll raise my house and bind him fast, tomorrow  
I'll carry him before the people to  
Be judged for his offence; let nature go  
In parents, when sons prove unnatural so. Exeunt.   

Actus secundi, Scena sexta.  Enter Nebulo and Nebulona. Nebulo. 
Nebulona my pretty chicken, how fairs thy body? didst thou not think me lost long ago?  Nebulona. 
I gave you for dead in good faith, and was in the humour once to marry another man?  Nebulo. 
Why sure thou wert not, thou dost but jest I know.  Nebulona. 
Truly I was, nor could you blame me for it if I had; is it not a torture, think you, for a woman, to stay seven years without her husband's company?  Nebulo. 
Methinks my brows begin Acteon-like to bud already, they are very knotty, I pray God thou hast not graft something there, I begin to suspect it shrewdly by divers signs and tokens, how comes your belly so high wife?  Nebulona. 
'Tis nothing but a timpany I am sometimes troubled with.  Nebulo. 
I do believe thee, how long is it since you perceived it to grow upon you?  Nebulona. 
About two months since, the Doctor tells me I shall be free of it very speedily.  Nebulo. 
He is a fool, I am a better Doctor than he, thou shalt go with it this fourteen weeks yet or thereabouts; come you are a whore, and have abused my honest bed; I'll have you before the Justices to be punished for thy offence.  Nebulona. 
Spare me prithee gentle Nebulo, and harken to my counsel a little, since thou art a cuckold (as I do not deny it) choose whether thou wilt wear the horns in thy forehead, and so all men see them, or put them into thy pocket, and no man see them, I leave it to thy own discretion.  Nebulo. 
Why then I am a cuckold it seems?  Nebulona. 
I cannot say against it truly, and speak the truth, if I should, this mark of thy fortune here deeply stamped would bewray me, be not so foolish now as Vulcan was, to make a proclamation of thy forked order.  Nebulo. 
Did Vulcan do so?  Nebulo. 
Yes, but afterwards he repented it for he forged an artificial net, with which he caught his wife Venus and Mars a-bed together in carnal copulation, then called all the gods and goddesses to be spectators of his own shame.  Nebul. 
But what said they when they saw it?  Nebulona. 
They commended Mars, but condemned Vulcan for being the publisher of his own disgrace.  Nebul. 
But 'twas a shame for Mars to be caught so.  Nebulona. 
The gods wished every one of them if that were a shame, to be shamed in the same manner.  Nebulo. 
but how did Venus take this?  Nebulona. 
In scorn of the smith, and in revenge of this trick hath made his head as hard as his anvil.  Nebulo. 
Thou hast devised a pretty story in thy own defence, is't best to follow thy counsel, and say nothing, or stir this bad thing and make it stink the more?  Nebulona. 
You may do what you please, but I have told you the best course.  Nebulo. 
Let it be so then; I have traveled well I trow, and to good purpose, at may return home to father a child, of which I did not beget so much as the least finger or the least toe; if this be the fruits of travelling, God keep me from it hence forward, and all good folks besides; come Nebulona we are friends, do so no more, and all is forgotten.  Nebulon. 
Not, if you stay at home and warm my bed,  
But if you leave me, then have at your head. Exeunt.   

Actus secundi, Scena septima.  Enter the sacrifice to the tomb of Pirrhus in the manner of a Hecatomb led in by the Thessalians, who had each of them a white garment knit about them, these were entertained by so many virgins of Thessalia standing in a ring with their hair lose about their ears; the maids were divided into two companies, those who were in the first carried flowers and fruit, the other carried in buckets other fine knacks and perfumes, at the sound of music and a song made fit and agreeable to the music, they danced, the song was made in praise of Thetis. 

The Song.  
O Nereus god in surging seas, we praise thy 
* Thetis.  daughter dear,  
Whom Peleus at commandment of Jove did make his fere:  
Thou art the goddess we adore in Sea a glimpsing star,  
Who stout Achilles didst bring forth a very Mars in war,  
And Captain good unto the Greeks, thy glory scales the skies;  
To thee did thy redheaded wife cause Pyrrhus rough to rise,  
The Trojans utter overthrow, but stay to Greekish host,  
Be thou good Pyrrhus unto us a favourable ghost,  
Who here in grave entombed liest in Phoebus sacred ground,  
Bow down thy ear to th' holy hymns that we to thee do sound,  
And this our City suffer not in any fear to be,  
Of thee and Thetis is our song, Thetis all hail to thee.   The song ended, enters Theagines Captain of the Thessalians, very richly apparelled, followed by many gallants, who guarding him as he went, at last encompassed him round about; the maids overcome with the beauty of Theagines could not moderate their passions but began to cast flowers and fruit upon him, with that enters Cariclea most sumptuously adorned according to the manner, her hair was neither all bound up, nor all loose, but the most part thereof that grew behind, hanged over her shoulders; that which grew from the crown of her head down to her forehead, being of a yellow colour, was crowned with a garland of young Laurel; in her left hand she bore a guilded Bow and a Quiver of arrows hanged on her right shoulder, and in her other hand she bore a taper burning: after the young men had gone three times about Neoptolem is sepulture in their bravery, the women cried out piteously, & the men made a strange noise, with that Theagines speaks to Caricles. Theag. 
Most sacred Priest of this high Deity  
We make request unto you to begin  
This sacrifice to Neoptolemus.  Caric. 
The sacrifice indeed belongs to me,  
But you sir, as the Captain of this charge,  
And sacred message, aught to take the taper  
Of her there, who of all those ceremonies  
Is president, and burn the altar of;  
This is the order and our Country fashion.  Theagnes takes the taper with a great deal of reverence from the hand of Cariclea, and sets fire to the Altar, but first he was in a maze at the exceeding beauty of Cariclea, and she as much taken with his, then they both smiled a little and blushed and then became pale again: in conclusion he fell in love with her, and she with him. Theag. 
So burns my heart as doth this Altar here,  
The taper that did set my heart afire  
Was fair Cariclea's beauty. aside.  Cariclea. 
How my soul  
Could sacrifice to fair Theagines. aside.  Caricles. 
Great god of Delphos in whose sacred temple  
We celebrate these funeral obsequies  
Of great Achilles' son, vouchsafe to send  
A happy ômen which may crown this work  
Of our devotion offered at thy Altar.  The Oracle speaks touching Theagines and Cariclea. 
Ye men of Delphos sing of her, and her rare beauty's praise,  
Who now in grace begins to grow, but fame shall end her days,  
Who leaving these my temples here, and sailing surging streams  
Shall come at length to country's scorched with Phoebus burning beams,  
Where they as recompenses due that virtues rare do gain  
In time to come ere it be long White mitres shall obtain.  After this answer of the god Apollo, the pomp is broken up, and Exeunt.  

Actus secundi, Scena octava.  Enter the judges and people of Athens, then Aristippus And Demeneta with Cnemon bound. 1 Iudg. 
Cnemon stand forth, who doth accuse him here?  Aristippus steps forth, and strewing ashes on his head, saith: Aristip. 
I brought not up my son ye men of Athens  
To see him come unto this end, but rather  
To be a staff to stay my age upon;  
As soon as he was borne his education  
Was good and civil, when he did attain  
To riper years, I set him to our schools  
And Academies there to study arts,  
And Mathematic sciences, besides,  
According to the laws of this our City,  
Made him free denizen, yet notwithstanding  
He hath not only cast behind his back  
These favours of my love, but diversely  
Both injured me, and beaten this good woman,  
Who by our laws is now my second wife;  
And not content herewith, one night he came  
Unto us with a drawn sword in his hand  
(When we in bed suspected no such thing)  
In mind to kill us both, and was no farther  
From being a parricide but that by chance  
His sword by sudden fear fell out his hand,  
Which Demeneta my good wife took up:  
Therefore I flee to you most learned Judges,  
And though I might by law of this our Senate  
Slay him with my own hands, yet I appeal  
Unto your justice, and commit my cause  
To your grave censures, counting it more fit  
To punish this my son by public law  
Then private bloodshed.  With that Aristippus weeps, Demeneta feigning tears also. Demen. 
Cnemon, i'm sorry for thee pretty boy,  
In an ill hour wert thou brought to the world;  
Unhappy creature.  Cnem. 
Grave and learned senate  
Vouchsafe to hear me speak.  2 Iudg. 
We will not hear thee,  
But answer to this question we propound,  
Came you unto your father with a sword  
Drawn in your hand, or no?  Cnem. 
I not deny  
But I came with a drawn sword in my hand,  
But I will tell you how, please you to hear me.  3 Iudg. 
He hath confessed enough, he ought not speak more for himself.  1 Iudg. 
Let us proceed to sentence.  2 Iudg. 
I judge him worthy to be stoned to death.  3 Iudg. 
I to be hanged.  4 Iudg. 
This is my sentence, fathers,  
That he be cast headlong into the dungeon.  Cnem. 
O cruel stepmother, and most unkind,  
For thy cursed sake am I so ill entreated  
Against all equity and justice too,  
Thou kill'st me contrary to course of Law.  1. Iudg. 
Your sentence is too hard and too severe,  
Let him not die, but be for ever banished.  2 Iudg. 
Let him be stoned.  3. Iudg. 
Nay hanged.  4. Iudg. 
nay cast into  
The dungeon.  1. Iudg. 
since we differ conscript fathers,  
In our opinions, I do think it fit  
It be referred unto the people's voices.  2. Iudg. 
I do assent unto it.  3 Iudg. 
So do I.  4. Iudg. 
And I.  1. Iudg. 
Then people give your voices, shall young Cnemon  
Die or be banished!  The people. 
banished, banished, banished.  1. Iudg. 
Then Cnemon, this must be thy punishment,  
Perpetual exile from thy native land  
Never to be revoked, which if infringed  
By thy presumption, then expect to have  
No mercy from the senate, but a grave.  
Break up the Court. Exeunt,   

Actus secundi, Scena nona.  Enter Caricles, and Calasiris. Caric. 
Saw you my only joy, and the sole honour  
Of Delphos, fair Cariclea my daughter?  Calas. 
This was not sir the first time that I saw her  
As often as the people made resort  
Unto the temple I was present with her,  
And more, we have done sacrifice together,  
And when she doubted any point depending,  
On divine matters, or on humane learning;  
She would have me instruct her in the truth.  Caric. 
How did you like her at the sacrifice?  
Did she set forth that brave sight any thing?  Calasiris. 
You ask me a strange question Caricles,  
As if you doubted, whether the bright moon  
Did pass the lesser stars.  Caric. 
The people praised  
Theagines the young Thessalian captain,  
Attributing the second place to him.  Calasires. 
Yea, and the third too, but they all acknowledge  
Your daughter carried it away, and was  
The very eye of the solemnity.  Caric. 
Come will you go with me to visit her  
I doubt the concourse of so great a troop  
Hath prejudiced her rest.  Calasir. 
though my affairs  
Call me another way, yet I'll dispense  
With them how great soever and important  
To wait on you and her exeunt   

Actus secundi, Scena decima.  Enter Cariclea love sick, she lieth upon her bed Cariclea. 
O cruel power of love! why dost thou triumph  
In lovers restless pains? what glory can  
Be added to thy deity in seeking  
The overthrow of my poor liberty?  
Take here this tribute of my tears, these sighs,  
Sent from a gentle heart, convey them hence  
That they may meet Theagnies, and flow  
With his as from one fountain, from one head.  To her enters Caricles and Calasiris, Caricles embraceth her Caric. 
What ails my sweet, my dear Carcilea,  
Tell me my daughter.  Cariclea. 
Nothing but my head  
Doth ache a little, and I fain would sleep.  Cariclea feigns herself asleep. Caric. 
What should this mean good Calasiris think you,  
What disease hath she ta'en?  Calasir. 
You need not marvel  
At this, for I believe some envious eye  
Hath over looked her.  Caric. 
I must laugh at this,  
Than you believe as commonly men do,  
That there is witch craft  Calasiris. 
Yes as I believe  
That anything is true, and for this cause,  
The empty air that is about us round  
On every side, entering in by our eyes,  
Our mouth, our ears our nostrils, all our pores,  
Carrying such outward qualities with it  
As 'tis endued with, doth engraff a like  
Infection in the man who hath received it;  
As when a man hath enviously beheld  
Something that's excellent forthwith the air  
Is filled with that poisonous quality,  
Which entreth into that is near at hand,  
This same air being a slender subtle thing  
Pierceth even to the bones and very marrow,  
And by that cause hath envy been the means  
Or that disease, which by a proper name  
We call bewitching.  Caric. 
Your wise reasons bear  
Some probility I must confess.  Cala. 
Consider Caricles how many have  
Gotten the plague, although they never touched  
Nor saw, nor eat, nor lay with the diseased,  
But being with them in the selfsame air,  
Let love be argument and proof of this,  
Who taketh its beginning from the object  
Or what it sees, and so as if it were  
Some privy passage by the eyes hath entrance  
Into the heart, and this is probable,  
For seeing of all other pores and senses  
The sight is capable of most mutations,  
And so the hottest, it must needs receive  
Such like infections as are round about it,  
And with a hot spirit entertain love's changes,  
As for example's sake, I will produce  
Out of the holy books some reasons for it  
Gathered from natures sole consideration;  
You know the bird Charadrius doth heal  
Those persons whose disease is the king's evil,  
Which bird doth fly away as soon as any  
Diseased with this grief hath spied her,  
And turns her tail to him, and shuts her eyes  
Not (as some say) because she would not help them  
But that by looking on them she by nature  
Draws that disease unto her, therefore wisely  
Declineth such a sight as present peril,  Caric. 
You have discussed this doubt right sagely Sir,  
I would my daughter once might feel and find  
What love doth mean, I would not then conceive  
That she were sick, but in her perfect health,  
But nothing less than this is to be thought  
Hath happened to her, who contemns all love,  
But rather seems to be bewitched indeed;  
Dear Calasiris for our friendship's sake  
Show some point of your wisdom to dissolve  
This witchcraft, and if possible to bring her  
Into a good opinion of my nephew.  Enter Nebulo with a bastinado in his hand. Nebulo. 
Sirs what d'ee mean to make such tarriance? Theagines hath made such a feast, and all the good cheer will be eaten before you come, for shame come away, there are none of the guests wanting but you who are the principal, if you will be such fools to miss it, you may, but I'll not follow your foolish example.  Calasiris. 
This fellow calls us rather to a battle  
Then to a banquet.  Caric. 
'Tis his rustic manner;  
O what a lofty fellow Bacchus is  
When he is well washed! but come let us go  
lest with his cudgel honest Nebulo  
Do drive us forward.  Nebulo. 
Well sirs you may jest,  
But I mean earnest if I miss the feast.  Exeunt. 
Finis actus secundi.    


Actus tertii, Scena prima.  Enter Aristippus solus in a melancholy humour. Aristip. 
How have I played the fool and robbed myself  
In hasty passion of my only son;  
Repentance when it comes too late doth argue  
An inconsiderate judgement; O my Cnemon  
Would thou hadst killed me ere I banished thee,  
For death is better sure than banishment;  
ne'er shall I see my boy, well for this fault  
I will do penance, penance on myself;  
Athens adieu and all the City pleasures  
Forsake me quite; my solitary manor  
Far in the country where no people comes  
Shall be my habitation day and night  
Where I will eat my heart out. Exit Aristippus.  Enter Demeneta and Thisbe. Demen. 
Oh my Cnemon,  
My pretty boy, more dear than my own life,  
How I lament thy chance and my mishap.  This. 
Comfort yourself dear mistress I beseech you.  Demen. 
Peace fool, my grief is more than can be cured  
By any words of comfort, no man knows  
What a sharp corrosive it was to my heart,  
More fervent is my love now he is absent.  This. 
Fie, fie, forget him, think upon his pride  
And high disdain against you, think he doth  
Deserve this punishment and greater too.  Demen. 
How ready thou art Thisbe to do mischief,  
Thou art the fire brand that hast kindled this  
Combustion in my heart, thou hast not been  
A help unto me, but a hindrance  
In the fruition of my love, by thee  
And by thy means I have lost my only joy,  
And yet for all this thou dost still incense me  
To run on in this way; most wicked wretch.  This. 
Well I perceive your mind, she thinks to make me  
Support the fury of her frantic fits,  
But I shall overreach you sure in wit,  
And lay the saddle on the right horse back, aside.  
Why do you thus accuse your trusty servant?  
You know I did but what I was commanded,  
Nor ere did any thing without your warrant,  
If this thing happened not as you would have it,  
Ascribe it not to any fault in me,  
But rather, as you justly may, to fortune;  
If you will have me yet devise some way  
To remedy your present grief and sorrow,  
You shall perceive how ready my good will  
Shall be at your commands.  Demen. 
What remedy  
Can possibly be found, since he that can  
Ease me, and none but he, is separated  
At such a distance from me? and besides  
Th'unhoped for lenity of those which gave  
Sentence against him hath destroyed my hopes.  
I would he had suffered death, for then in me  
Had quenched been the flames of burning love.  
Hope that is past removes grief from the heart,  
And when despair possesseth troubled minds  
They intermit all sorrow building on  
Th'impossibility of their enjoying;  
But as it is methinks I see and hear  
Cnemon complaining of my cruelty,  
And how by unjust guiles I did ensnare him;  
Sometimes methinks he comes to me as if  
I should enjoy him, other times I bend  
My course to him where ere he lives remote;  
These things inflame me, these things make me mad,  
But O ye gods, I have as I deserve;  
Why did I not with good will seek to win him  
Rather than by deceit and craft compel him?  
Why did I not most humbly sue unto him  
Rather than wrong him like an enemy?  
It may be at the first he did deny me  
For maiden modesty, and fear to foul  
His father's sheets, but had I persevered  
Unto the end, he might have been allured  
To condescend by fair means to my will;  
But O my Thisbe tell me, tell me quickly  
What remedy is that thou wouldst devise  
For me and sayst is easy?  This. 
Mistress this:  
All men suppose that Cnemon is departed  
The town of Athens and the territory  
As he was judged to do, but I know well  
(Who have searched all things merely for your sake)  
That he remains here still in secret manner  
With one Arsinoe whom I think you know,  
She plays well on the Virginals, with her  
He lieth every night, for this fair maid  
Won with his love, and pitying his distress  
Received him in, and promiseth as soon  
As all things are provided for her journey,  
To go away with him.  Demen. 
O happy wench,  
Happy Arsinoe is thy destiny,  
Though banishment or death with such a partner;  
But what do these things ought advantage me?  This. 
Much, I'll pretend I am in love with Cnemon,  
And will desire for old acquaintance' sake,  
Arsinoe would be pleased to suffer me  
In stead of her to lie with him one night,  
Which if I can obtain, it shall be yours,  
You shall enjoy him in Arsino's stead,  
And I'll provide before he go to bed  
He shall have wine sufficient, lest our plot  
Should be discovered; if you have your wish,  
Rest then contented to give o'er your love,  
For in most natures it is easily seen  
That such love whose beginning's violent  
After the first experiment decays  
And waxeth cold, but grant it burn afresh  
Within your bosom (which ye gods forbid)  
'tis but to make a new voyage, & seek out  
A new way to achieve it.  Demen. 
I approve,  
And praise thy rare invention dearest Thisbe;  
Fail not to put this plot in execution,  
And I shall well reward thee.  This. 
Fear it not,  
I crave but three days to bring this about.  Demen. 
'tis granted; if thy wit can work my pleasure,  
How I shall love my Thisbe beyond measure! Exeunt.   

Actus tertii, Scena secunda.  Enter the banquet, after Theag. Caric. & Calasi. with attendance. Theag. 
Welcome my honoured friends, and holy fathers  
To my poor Table here, please you to sit  
And eat of what the gods have sent us.  Caric. 
Sir,  
Superabundant are your cates and dainties,  
Fair Cleopatra that luxurious Queen  
Might revel here, and be contented too,  
We that are Priests use to such dainty fare  
Whose lives are squared by rules of temperance.  Theag. 
We will not cause you break those rules, nor swerve  
From your religious order, but sometimes  
A little Wine will much inflame your zeal  
To holy duties, reverend Caricles  
I must begin to you. drinks to him.  Caric. 
Theagines, I must return you thanks.  Theagines on a sudden falls into musing, sighs, and changeth his countenance sometimes red, sometimes pale, and gapes withal, as if he were not well. 
What meaneth this variety? I think  
Some envious eye hath looked upon him too,  
Methinks Cariclea and Theagenes  
have one disease.— softly to Calasires  Calas. 
By Isis that they have  
One and the same disease, thus it appears:  
Since he next to your daughter was the fairest  
Of all the show at that brave sacrifice.  Theagenes begins to recollect himself. Theag. 
Sirs, pardon my stupidity and dulness,  
A little fit of passion did possess me,  
But now 'tis past, here worthy Calasiris,  
I drink a health to the fair precedent  
Of our late funeral pomp.  Calas. 
Excuse me Sir,  
I drink no healths, yet thank your courteous proffer.  Theag. 
Refuse Cariclea's health?  Caricles. 
Sir, be not angry,  
This man ne'er drinketh wine, nor eats the flesh  
Of any living thing.  Theag. 
That's strange, how comes it?  Caricles. 
He's an Egyptian, borne at holy Memphis,  
And Isis' Priest, whose custom is t'abstain  
From wine and flesh as things unlawful.  Theag. 
Then  
Bring me some water, wise and reverend man,  
Pardon my ignorance which knew it not;  
Now Sir to you in your own element,  
And let this table make a lasting league  
Of amity between us.  Calas. 
Let it be so,  
Worthy Theagenes, for I do much  
Desire that combination.  Theag. 
Ere you go  
Please you to see a dance in armour, called  
Pyrricha, which we use in thessaly.  Caricles. 
What pleaseth you doth please us.  Theag. 
Sound music then.  The Thessalian youths with Theagenes their Captain, dance Pyrricha in armour, with a graceful dexterity, which ended, the Priests take their leaves, and bid Theagenes adieu. Caricles. 
Thanks for our worthy entertainment Sir.  Theagenes embraceth Calasiris very often, and at parting whispereth him something in the ear.— Exeunt all.  

Actus tertii Scena tertia.  Enter Calasiris solus. Calas. 
'Twas not a dream or such like fantasy,  
As oftentimes invades and creeps into  
The minds of men, when Morpheus shuts their eyes,  
That took me last night napping in my bed:  
No, 'twas no dream, but a true apparition.  
I saw Apollo, and Diana both  
Appear before me, and with them they brought  
Theagenes and fair Cariclea,  
Apollo gave me him, Diana her,  
With this command, go take these young folks with thee,  
And haste thee home unto thy native country,  
'tis time, for so the Destiny's command,  
Love them as if they were thy natural children,  
And when thou com'st to Egypt, lead them further,  
Where it shall please us gods to give direction;  
With that they vanished, and a token gave  
That it was not a dream, or a false vision:  
Immortal powers, your hests I will obey,  
If you vouchsafe to point me out the way. one knocks.  
Who's there?  Theag. 
'Tis I, Theagenes your friend.  Calas. 
Theagenes, the brave Thessalian Captain,  
Most welcome Sir, what business was of force  
To make you stir so early?  Theag. 
Reverend Father,  
A stirring one which keeps my thoughts awake,  
And banisheth sweet slumber from mine eyes,  
Hath made me break your morning meditations,  
And though I suffer beyond thought of man,  
Yet blush I to reveal my grief for shame.  Calas. 
Come, come, I know your grief, although you are  
Ashamed to tell it me, I know it well,  
For nothing from my wisdom can be hid,  
And from the knowledge of the gods my son.  Calasiris casteth some account upon his finger, as if he would prophesy. 
Young man, thou art in love, nay, start not back,  
Thou art in love with fair Cariclea.  Theagines embraceth him about the neck. Theag. 
Thy prophecy is true, I am in love  
With fair Cariclea, save me learned man;  
For without help I cannot live a day,  
So much this mischief works upon my heart;  
I never till now knew the effects of love,  
Nor ere saw woman that I thought deserved  
To be beloved, before Cariclea's beauty  
Made me a slave to Cupid's cruelty.  Calas. 
Weep not Theagines, be of good cheer;  
For since you have recourse to me for help,  
My wisdom shall prevail above her strength,  
Although she be perverse, and easily  
Will not be drawn to love, I'll try all means  
For your sake whom I love, and use all art  
I can to break her nature, be but bold,  
And do as I shall show you.  Theag. 
With my soul,  
And if you do this, I am yours, and all  
I have at your command.— one knocks.  Calas. 
Who's there, be gone  
Theagines, tomorrow morn I'll meet you  
In great Apollo's Temple and talk more.— Exit Theagines.  Enter Nebulo. 
O, is it you Sir Nebulo, what news  
Bringst thou I prithee?  Neb. 
What d'ee take me for, a news Carrier? I would you should know it, I am none such, I have not to do with other men's business nor their wives, I would they had not to do with mine, but 'tis no matter for once, there is promised a reformation, I hope all will be amended, let it pass; but to the point now.  Calas. 
ay, to the point Nebulo by all means.  Neb. 
And then to the business afterward.  Caricles. 
Why, didst thou not mean the business when thou mentionedst the point? is it not all one in the sense? I conceive it so, else thou art more learned than I am.  Neb. 
No, 'tis not all one, the point is one thing, and the business another, we must first handle the point, before we come to the business; for your better understanding, I will make it plainer.  Calas. 
Thou art a very learned Doctor sure, in matters of this nature.  Neb. 
I hope so, yet my wife hath gone beyond me I'll be sworn, by many degrees.  Calas. 
But Nebulo, prithee what wouldst thou have with me? how doth thy Master, and my good friend Caricles?  Neb. 
In health, but doggedly out of tune, he will be with you presently, so much he bid me tell you, and something else, but I have forgotten it, so much business I have to think of.  Enter Caricles. Calas. 
My dearest friend and brother, welcome to me,  
Why do you look with such a sullen cheer?  
Methinks you're very sad and melancholy.  Caricles. 
I am indeed, and I have reason for it.  
I come to crave your counsel what to do,  
But first depart and leave us Nebulo.  Neb. 
Wherefore I pray? well, there will be a sweet counsel now I am excluded, I should be loath to change heads with either of them for all my horns.— Exit Nebulo.  Caricles. 
My daughter, Sir, since yesterday, the race  
Was run in armour 'tween Theagenes  
And stout Ormenes, hath been wondrous sick,  
And the last night did never sleep one wink.  Calasiris. 
Who won the garland Sir?  Caric. 
Theagines,  
Cariclea as the custom is did hold  
The prize, and he received it at her hand,  
She still grows worse and worse, dear Calasiris,  
Employ your skill and wisdom to restore her,  
I know 'tis easy for you if you please  
To heal her, who, you say, is but bewitched,  
For I believe 'tis not impossible  
For holy Priests to bring to pass strange things.  Calas. 
Let's go then if you please unto the maid,  
And by recommendation strive to make  
Me more familiarly acquainted with her,  
That she the bolder may sustain my cure.  Caric. 
Content, Apollo grant a good success  
Unto thy work, and Aesculapius. Exeunt.   

Actus tertii, Scena quarta.  Enter Aristippus and Thisbe. This. 
Master I doubt not but my sudden coming  
Appeareth strange as being unexpected,  
The cause whereof I will relate unto you  
Without more circumstance, or vain preambles;  
I come here to accuse myself unto you;  
And to receive such punishment as your  
Discretion shall think fit for my offence;  
By me sir you have partly lost your son,  
I do confess I was an accessary,  
Though much against my will; when I perceived  
My mistress lived not well, but wronged your bed,  
Not only provident to shun the danger  
Might light upon myself for keeping counsel  
(If it should come to light by any other)  
But chiefly sorrowful for your mishap,  
Who should in recompense of all your kindness  
Unto your wife, reap such disgrace from her,  
I came one night to my young master Cnemon,  
(My self not daring to acquaint you with it)  
And told him there was one who used to play  
The lecher with my mistress, he enraged,  
Thinking that then they were in bed together,  
Took suddenly his sword into his hand,  
And notwithstanding that I told them then  
They were not at their sport, he would not hear me,  
But thinking that I had repented of  
Bewraying it, ran like a mad man forth  
Unto your bedside with intent to kill  
Th'adulterer, what followed sir you know:  
Now to confirm that this I say is true,  
If so you please, this night I'll show your wife  
My mistress Demeneta with her friend  
a-bed together in a neighbour's house  
Without the City.  Aristip. 
If thou canst do this,  
I'll make thee free, and pardon all thy faults,  
For I suppose I should revive again  
So I revenged were on my enemy;  
I had such a suspicion in my head  
That she was false, but kept it to myself,  
Because I wanted clear proofs to convince her,  
But what must I do Thisbe, tell me wench?  This. 
You know the garden where the monument  
Of Epicures doth stand, there come a little  
Before the night and stay for me; adieu. Exeunt.   

Actus tertii, Scena quinta.  Enter Arsinoe and Thisbe. Ars. 
My old acquaintance welcome, welcome Thisbe.  This. 
Thanks good Arsinoe, will you teach me now  
A lesson on the Virginals?  Ars. 
You jeer me,  
I fain would learn of you: but prithee tell me  
What business brought thee hither?  This. 
I will tell thee,  
You know Feledemus the dancer  Ars. 
Yes.  This. 
We too must dance la volta here tonight,  
Let's have a chamber and a bed made ready  
Sweet sister, for I've promised him this night  
He shall come first, and I will follow after,  
as soon as I to bed have brought my mistress.  Ars. 
All things shall be according to thy wish,  
My better half.  This. 
But when he comes I pray you  
Be out the way, for he is very shamefaced  
As being a novice in this art.  Ars. 
Is he  
Not entered yet?  This. 
Not yet I can assure ye,  
His flower is yet to spend and strength of youth.  Ars. 
That flower thou soon wilt crop, and waste the seed.  This. 
In time I may, at night expect me sister.  Ars. 
I'll wait you home.  This. 
If this my plot do hit  
ne'er was the like devised by woman's wit. Exeunt.  Enter Demeneta, and Thisbe again with a candle. Thisbe. 
Come mistress, let me make you unready instantly, all that I promised you is done, I will go fetch young Cnemon unto you who is making merry here by, and return suddenly, lie down, take your pleasure and say nothing. Exit Thisbe.  Enter Thisbe followed by Aristippus. This. 
Bind the adulterer fast master.  With that she ran to the door and made it give so great a crash as she could, crying out in this manner: 
O wonderful thing, the villain is fled, take heed sir that you be not again deceived.  Arist. 
Peace be of good cheer, I have this wicked and mischievous woman which I most desired.  
O thou much hated of the gods, I have thee  
And all thy shame about thee, come thou shalt  
With me unto the City, to receive  
What punishment the laws allot to such  
As live unchaste, and wrong their husband's bed,  
Which is no less than death.  Aristippus drags her along, but she pulling herself out of the old man's hands, fell suddenly of purpose into a pit made in the stage, and so ended her life. Aristip. 
See Thisbe, is she dead?  This. 
Oh yes, her neck  
Is broken sir.  Aristip. 
Then hath thy punishment  
Prevented what the law should have inflicted;  
I'll to the people and declare this matter,  
And with my friends consult what means to use  
For to call home my son from banishment,  
Whose truth and innocence doth open lie  
By this unheard of strange discovery. Exeunt.   

Actus tertii, Scena sexta.  Enter Cariclea, she lieth down upon the bed indisposed, her kinsfolks weeping about her, then enter Caricles and Calasiris. Caric. 
My child, my daughter dear, tell me thy father  
The cause of thy disease, have a good heart,  
This wise man Calasiris is requested  
By me to find some remedy to cure thee,  
And he can well perform it as a man  
Of heavenly knowledge, and a sacred priest.  
My most endeared friend, you shall do well  
To suffer him to exercise his art  
And holy spells for your recovery,  
For I perceive thou art o'erlooked my child.  Caric. 
Sir 'tis my duty to obey your will  
In all things you command me.  Calas. 
Then depart  
Dear Caricles, and all the rest avoid  
The room, we must be private here together,  
Fetch me a little Laurel and a stool  
Having three feet, some fire and frankincense,  
And let no man disturb us till I call.  
It shall be done forthwith, heavens crown your work.  Exeunt all but Cariclea, and Calasiris. Calasiris begins to burn frankincense, to mumble with his lips, to lay laurel upon her from top to toe, to gape & make strange gestures, while Cariclea, wagged her head oft and smiled. Caric. 
Father you are deceived in my grief,  
You cannot guess at it for all your art.  Calas. 
Nay daughter say not so, but cheer yourself,  
For what doth vex you is a malady  
Common, and easy to be cured by me;  
Thou wert o'erlooked not only at the pomp  
Of Pyrrhus' funeral rites, but at the race  
In armour too when you were overseer,  
And gave the prize unto the conqueror;  
Theagenes was he that overlooked you,  
Whose want on eye was always fixed upon  
Your splendent beauty object of his sight.  Caric. 
Whether he deigned to look on me or no  
Apollo have him in his custody;  
But whence is he, and what's his pedigree?  Calas. 
He's a Thessalian borne, and as you heard  
Descended from Achilles, who although  
He have bewitched you with an envious eye,  
He suffers more than you by the reflex  
Of your Sun-burning eyes upon his heart.  Caric. 
Why do you wrongfully accuse the man  
Of witchcraft, who hath done no harm at all,  
There's no such matter, 'tis some other sickness.  Calas. 
Then tell me daughter, and conceal it not  
If you desire to find a remedy,  
I am no stranger to you but your friend,  
and old acquaintance of your loving father,  
I am of your profession too, a priest,  
I'll keep your counsel, and be bound by oath  
To help you what I can; all griefs are cured  
In the beginning, but if left alone  
At length they grow incurable; declare  
Your mind at full.  Caric. 
I love Theagines.  Calasiris. 
I knew so much before, he loves you too,  
I'll be your faithful friend and true assistant.  Enter Caricles, with Acestinus a skilful physician. Caric. 
Dear friend what have you done? what news have  
You to tell me that is good?  Calasir. 
All shall be well  
Cariclea shall be healed tomorrow morn  
Of her infirmity, I now will leave you  
To prosecute my business for her health.  Caric. 
Adieu dear friend, the gods reward thy pain.  
Here Acestinus, lies the sickly patient Exit Calasiris.  
You are well read in physic, feel her pulse  
And give your wise opinion.  Acestin. 
fairest maid  
Where doth your pain lie most?  She turned her face from him, and repeated with a loud voice this verse of Homer, Achilles is the bravest man of all the Greekish rout. Acest. 
Her state of heart I find Priest Caricles,  
My labour is in vain, no physic can  
Restore her to her health.  Caric. 
The gods forbid,  
Why say you so, must my dear daughter die  
Without all hope of her recovery?  Acest. 
Peace make not such ado, but hear me speak.  
Our art sir, doth extend no further then He draws Caricles aside.  
To cure distempered bodies, if the mind  
Diseased be without the Body's sickness,  
We have no help for that, the Maid's disease  
Lies in the mind, her body's in good state,  
No humours do abound there, no headache,  
No fever burns her, all is free within.  Caric. 
What then should be the cause of these her fits,  
Utter what you perceive doth trouble her,  
I do beseech you, skilful Acestinus.  Acestin. 
'tis love doth trouble her, which who knows not  
Is an affection and grief of the heart,  
Do you not see her eyes swollen in her head  
rolling one every side, her visage pale,  
Her half distraction, how she uttereth  
whate'er comes in her mind, and sleeps but little;  
In brief I do perceive that she hath lost  
The moisture of her body, and indeed  
Just amplitude thereof, my counsel is  
You find her out a man and that with speed. Exit Acestinus.  Caric. 
A man, heavens grant she be inclined that way,  
Than Calasiris hath played well his part;  
How fares my daughter now, what sickness hast thou?  
Shall I send for more Doctors yet?  Caric. 
'tis needless,  
Send none to me but Calasiris only,  
He hath the art to ease me, and none else.  Caric. 
I'll send him to thee, sleep Cariclea,  
Until he come: if Alcamenes love  
Possess her heart, thanks to the gods above. Exeunt.   

Actus tertii, Scena septima.  Enter at one door Theagines, at another Calasiris. Theag. 
My worthy friend most opportunely met.  Calasi. 
What, beautiful Theagines!  Theag. 
How can he  
Be beautiful that pleaseth not Cariclea?  Calasir. 
No more, you make me angry thus to doubt  
My skill by which she is entrapped in love,  
And longs to see you.  Theag. 
What is that you say?  
Doth fair Cariclea wish to see me father?  
Why do you then detain me here, and not  
Conduct me to her? Theagines offers to run forth, Calasiris catcheth him by the cloak, and holds him fast.  Calas. 
Nay sir stay a while,  
Though you are very nimble of your feet,  
You must not think this matter must be handled  
As if it were a prize for every man  
That list to get it, take my counsel first;  
Know you not that her father Caricles  
Is the chief man in Delphos? that the laws  
Give present death to such as steal a maid  
Without their friends consent? be wise my son.  Theag. 
The matter were not great although I died  
After I had enjoyed Cariclea,  
Death for her sake is life, but Calasiris  
If you think good, let us demand her of  
Old Caricles her father for my wife,  
I do suppose my blood is high enough  
To be commixed with his.  Calas. 
We shall not speed,  
Not that he thinks you any way unworthy,  
But 'cause she's promised to his sister's son  
By him in marriage.  Theag. 
O ye gods above,  
It cannot be, nor shall it by your leaves,  
Theagenes, and none but he shall wed  
Cariclea, whoe'er presumes to touch  
My goddess but myself, shall sure repent it,  
This hand is not benumbed, nor this sword blunt  
But it can take revenge.  Calas. 
It shall not need,  
Theagines be patient, be but ruled  
By me, and we will bring all things to pass  
According to your wish; now leave me here  
Alone to project on your good, be careful  
You be not seen ofttimes to talk with me,  
But when you come, come private and alone  
To shun suspicion.  Theag. 
Farewell reverend Father. Exit Theagenes.  Enter Caricles. 
So efficacious is your wisdom sir,  
So forcible our friendship, as it hath wrought  
That effect I wished upon my daughter,  
Cariclea is in love and quite subdued  
By strong affection, who before was stubborn  
Unto so sweet a yoke.  Calas. 
I knew my charms  
Were of sufficient force to do the feat,  
But can you tell as well what man she loves  
As that she is in love?  Caric. 
No by Apollo,  
Would Alcamenes were the man she loved  
My sister's son, I have endeavoured it  
All that I can to make her fancy him.  Calas. 
'tis best you bring him to her, and so try  
The aim of her affection, mutual sight  
Of lovers kindleth sparks which else would die  
Raked up in ashes of forgetfulness.  Caric. 
I'll take your counsel.  Calas. 
And return with news  
How you have sped.  Caric. 
I'll give you a relation. Exit Caricles.  Calas. 
I must convey them hence, this task is laid  
Upon me by the gods, but where I know not.  
The Oracle is mystical and dark,  
I cannot well interpret what it means,  
We must begin our voyage by sea it seems,  
As may be gathered by the Oracle  
Where it is said, and sailing surging streams  Shall come at length to country's scorched with Phoebus burning beams. 
If I could by any means get the Fascia now, which was laid out with Cariclea, wherein Caricles said he heard all the maid estate was notified, I should be instructed more particularly what I ought to do, and whether the Ladies of destiny would send us. Enter Caricles.  
Now brother what success?  Caric. 
Oh woeful news,  
My daughter seems distracted, such a strange  
Infirmity doth seize her, when I brought  
My nephew Alcamenes to her fight  
Freshly apparelled, as if Gorgon's head  
Appeared, or some more fearful thing, she cried  
With a loud voice, and turned her countenance  
From him and me, withal she put her hand  
Unto her throat, threatening to kill herself  
And bound it with an oath, if we departed  
Not suddenly the chamber, which we did  
In Less time than she spoke it, lest she should  
Put that in execution which she said;  
Now Calasiris once again I come  
Most humbly to beseech you that you will not  
Suffer the maid to perish, nor her father  
Be frustrate of his purpose.  Calasiris. 
Caricles,  
'tis true your daughter is distracted in mind,  
For she is moved which the multitude,  
Which I have burdened her of purpose with,  
They are not of the least but such as should  
Force her to do what she abhorred most  
as well by nature as decree of mind,  
But I suppose some god doth take in hand  
To hinder this design and strive to cross  
My ministers, therefore 'tis requisite  
And time you show me that same Fascia  
You said was found with fair Cariclea  
Amongst her costly jewels, for I fear  
lest that it be enchanted stuff and wrought  
With such things as do now exasperate  
Her mind, by reason that some enemy  
as soon as she was borne had this ordained  
To keep her from all love and thought of marriage  
That she might die, and leave behind no issue.  Caric. 
'tis probable; it may be so indeed.  
Come go with me, and I will show you all  
What in the Fascia is contained and written,  
I understand it not, character  
Is Aethiopian, and the letters are  
Not common, but such as the princes use  
Of Egypt in their holy businesses.  Calas. 
I understand the Aethiopian tongue,  
Which unto thee I must interpret wrong.  Exeunt. 
Finis Actus tertii.    


Actus quarti, Scena prima.  Enter Calasiris, Theagines and Cariclea. Calas. 
Come let's away my children, let's away,  
Why do we linger here? the gods commands  
Must be obeyed, all things are ready for  
Our secret flight, a ship for Memphis bound  
Waits us without, the wind comes gently from  
Th'adjoining shore, and stays to swell the sails  
With pride till you embark, see here the Fascia,  
Which by a sly device from Caricles  
I have obtained, nothing doth hinder us  
To meet this long wished opportunity,  
If you have got your jewels, dearest jewel,  
From your supposed father.  Caric. 
Calasiris.  
I have them all, but how got you I pray  
The Fascia from old Caricles, for when  
He had received me from Sysimethres,  
Who brought me up, he brought me here to Greece  
I know not how, and took the Fascia from me,  
Which in a chest he did preserve and keep.  Calas. 
How I came by it you shall know hereafter,  
But can you tell me what it doth contain?  Caric. 
How should I as being never told by any?  
Besides although I oftentimes had seen it,  
I could not understand the character,  
Pray sir, interpret what it doth contain.  Cala. 
It doth declare your parents and your Country,  
And all your fortunes, thus I read it to you  
Verbatim as it stands, give your attentions.  
The Fascia.  Persina Queen of the Aethiopians to her daughter, only in sorrow by what name soever she shall be called, doth write in haste this lamentation contained herein, as her last gift. 
My daughter, the sun being author of our stock, is witness that for no misdeed, I have cast thee forth, and concealed thee from thy father Hydaspes sight, yet I would have myself excused to thee, if thou happen to live, and to him that shall find thee if the gods procure any, and therefore I declare the cause of thy exposition, after king Hydaspes had been married to me ten years, and we had never a child, we happened one time to rest us after dinner in a gallery where hung rare pictures and images, amongst which were those of Perseus and Andromeda portrayed as when he first redeemed her from the rock, at this time your father lay with me, swearing that by a dream he was commanded so to do, and I by and by perceived myself to be with child: but thou wert borne white which colour is strange among the Aethiopians. I knew the reason, because I looked stead fastly upon the picture of Andromeda naked, and by that means, conceived a thing like to her, yet I determined to rid myself of shameful death (counting it certain that thy colour would procure me to be accused of adultery, and that none would believe me when I told them the cause) and to commit thee to the unstableness of fortune, which is a great deal rather to be wished for then present death, or to be called a bastard: and telling my husband that thou wert straight dead, I have privily laid thee forth with the greatest riches that I had for a reward to him that shall find thee and take thee up: above all things remember that thou seek among thy jewels for a certain ring, which thy father gave me when we were first made sure, in the hoop whereof is a princely posy, the stone is a Pantarbe of secret virtue, consecrated in the place where it is set. The gods preserve thee my dearest daughter, and grant us a happy meeting.  Theag. 
A strange but blessed discovery hast thou made  
Of fair Cariclea's royal pedigree  
(Right reverend father) which before lay buried  
Deep in the obscure vault of ignorance.  
Now princely virgin raise thy glorious head  
Above the clouds, and give thy conquering beauty  
Command to pull the thunderer from his seat  
To serve thee here on earth or in Olympus  
Where thou shalt please to dwell, and rest not here,  
Let Mars be fettered, mercury a slave,  
And bright Apollo dazzled with the sight  
Of beams more splendent than his own, fall down  
And worship thy appearance, offering thee  
His throne to sit upon.  Calas. 
Theagenes,  
Fie, be not such a vain Idolater  
The gods may plague you for it.  Theagines. 
plague me for  
Adoring queen Caricles deity?  
They are unjust then, for themselves commit  
The same Idolatry as well as I.  Calas. 
That's but your superstitious jealousy.  
Think you the gods will rival you, or love  
A mortal Virgin? fie 'tis blasphemy.  Theag. 
They have done so, or else the Poets lie,  
Witness europa's bull, and Leda's swans  
Fair Danae's shower, and Daphne's transformation;  
If their poor beauties had that operation  
To work such strange effects in heavenly powers,  
How much more force, nay violence think you  
Hath hers, to whose compared, theirs are like glass  
To sparkling diamonds.  Caric. 
My dearest friend,  
Forbear these candid raptures of your wit,  
Not my desert, and enter into thought  
Of what concerns us most.  Theag. 
Agreed my goddess.  Calas. 
No more dispute then, but forthwith to sea.  
Delphos adieu, the fates call us away. Exeunt.   

Actus quarti, Scena secunda.  Enter Arsace and her old bawd Cibile. Arsa. 
So sweet a man as thy description makes him?  Cib. 
Nothing inferior madam, but beyond it;  
His body is a Temple stately built,  
Where Venus comes and offers turtle doves  
To gain his liking.  Arsa. 
Such a majesty  
Accompanying that sweetness too?  Cib. 
As if  
They wedded were together, hand in hand  
Walking in so delectable a mansion.  Arsa. 
So active and broad shouldered as thou sayst,  
So tall and portly?  Cib. 
Every way provided  
To satisfy your pleasure.  Arsa. 
Thou hast kindled  
A fire within me; but what Country owns  
This wonder of a man? when landed he  
At Memphis shore? who brought him, canst thou tell?  Cib. 
He came with Calasiris from some parts  
Of Greece, as I am given to understand,  
And landed here last night.  Arsa. 
Where doth he lodge?  Cib. 
In Calasiris house without the Temple.  Arsa. 
Thou must devise some way to bring him to me,  
And lodge him in our palace, for I have  
An itching humour to enjoy the man.  Cib. 
Let me alone, I am your Engineer  
To work your pleasure.  Arsa. 
But who is the maid  
Thou sayst did bear him company, and was  
So near his bosom?  Cib. 
I suppose she is  
His sister or his wife.  Arsa. 
Is she fair as he?  Cib. 
I never saw one fairer, such a beauty  
As would have made jove stoop, and shaken off  
His Eagles borrowed shape, to force a kiss  
From her nectorious' hand.  Arsa. 
Thou mak'st me jealous  
With praises of my rival.  Cib. 
Let not that  
Trouble your thoughts, he cannot be so foolish,  
That when so great a happiness shall be  
Offered unto him as the love and liking  
Of fair Arsace oromdates' wife,  
Egypt's great Deputy, but reverently  
Kneel down, and worship such a change in love.  Arsa. 
If thou canst bring, dear nurse, this thing to pass,  
Thou shalt at once cure two diseases in me,  
Fell love and jealousy.  Cib. 
I doubt it not;  
What mad man but will be content to change  
His Brass for Gold, his Copper for rich pearl?  
Both which he shall enjoy, enjoying you.  Arsa. 
O what a sugared time have I to use  
My sweet disports now that the Deputy  
My husband is employed in the war  
Against Hydaspes King of Aethiopia  
About the Smaragd mines, pray heaven they end not  
Before my pleasure's period.  Cib. 
Never fear it.  
You shall have time enough to bathe in bliss.  Arsa. 
See Cibile who knocks there. one knocks.  Cib. 
Calasiris  
And the fair parties.  Arsa. 
Heavens! conduct them in.  Enter Calasiris, Theagines and Cariclea. Calas. 
All hail unto the Palace of my Prince,  
madam it may seem strange unto your Highness,  
That I presume to bring these strangers with me  
To kiss you Princely hands; I make no doubt  
But when you shall be well informed of  
Their birth and breeding, it will plead my pardon.  Arsa. 
What need this compliment? you're welcome sir,  
So are your friends, when did you ever know me  
Unkind to strangers, or inhospitable  
To such as these, whose outward looks declare  
Their inward minds, and speak their noble parts?  
So elegant a grace and stately beauty,  
As shineth in their countenances cannot  
Proceed but from some Princely pedigree,  
Pray sir speak whence you are?  Theag. 
Most beauteous Lady,  
Please you to understand, we are of Greece,  
Descended of a Noble family,  
Which ne'er produced yet unworthy branches,  
Let it suffice (I do beseech your Grace)  
We open it no further; we have been  
robbed on the sea by pirates, but redeemed  
By Noble Calasiris, and brought here  
To Memphis stately City.  Arsa. 
Is this Lady  
Your sister, or your wife?  Theag. 
My sister madam,  
tossed equally with me by fortunes blasts.  Arsa. 
but now those storms are past, and you are in  
A quiet harbour: pleasant calms appear.  
Sir, I must rob you of your guests.  Calas. 
I durst not  
Deny you madam, though I must confess  
I should to any other.  Arsa. 
Cibile,  
Prepare their lodging near our own, and let  
No costly furniture be wanting there,  Cib. 
It shall be done with speed.  Arsa. 
My noble guests,  
I know not if you would retire alone  
Into your private chambers, travel doth  
Require repose, please you to follow me,  
I'll be your glad conductor.  Caric. 
O I fear  
This kindness is some love plot on my dear. Exeunt.   

Actus quarti, Scena tertia.  Enter Thisbe sola. This. 
What sly evasion to put off thy guilt  
Is left thee now poor Thisbe? what device  
To shun the severe justice of the Law?  
All will be now discovered, and my plots  
Return upon myself, the heavens are just  
In sending Cnemon home from banishment  
To punish me in cheering of himself,  
Canst thou behold his face, or speak one word  
In thy defence, when he stands forth t'accuse thee  
Before the people? O what shame, what curses  
Breathed from a general mouth will weigh thee down  
Even to Avernus gulf; I feel the weight  
Of my offences poised in the scale  
Of sad despair; O thou incendiary  
Of all this mischief, saith my guilty thoughts,  
Thou murderess of thy mistress, hie thee hence  
To the infernal shades, where never light  
Appears, but gloomy darkness covers all  
Under her sable mantle, there find out  
Medea, Clytaemnestra, Pasiphe,  
Long since condemned for murder to this place,  
Companions of thy shame; why ling'rest thou  
Upon the earth? is not thy sin complete.  
And ripe for hell? yes, yes, I know it is,  
I know it is, my sad despairing thoughts,  
I'll follow your suggestions, gentle viol  
Reserved for such a use, this kiss from thee  
Shall cross the sentence of the law's decree. She drinks poison.  Enter Aristippus and Cnemon. Arist. 
Hold, hold thy hand, drink not the poison down,  
Thou desperate woman.  This. 
Not to gain a crown,  
'tis done, and past prevention.  Arist. 
Thisbe yet  
Make thy confession, and subscribe thy hand,  
That innocent Cnemon die not.  This. 
Write it then. Cnemon writes.  
I Thisbe do confess young Cnemon was  
Unjustly banished, I and Demeneta  
Did forge that plot against him, for the which  
We have our condign punishment.  Cnem. 
'tis done, now put your hand to't she signs it.  
Dying Thisbe. she dies.  Arist. 
Son 'tis enough to clear thee of all things  
Can be objected; I'll forthwith declare  
This matter to the people, and produce  
Thisbe's confession, strengthened with her hand,  
Come with me Cnemon.  Cnem. 
See the wretched state  
Of false accusers, and their poisonous fate. Exeunt.   

Actus quarti, Scena quarta.  Enter Theagines and Cariclea, to them presently Cibile. Cibile. 
My children great Arsace recommends  
Her love unto you, who hath seat me here  
To serve you in all things that you command,  
I'm proud to be employed in your service  
Who am a Grecian too, and borne in Lesbos:  
Most beautiful young man cheer up thyself,  
I bring thee joyful news, Arsace loves thee,  
Arsace she whose favour kings have kneeled for,  
Doth kneel to thee petitioning thy love  
With rich oblations both of pearl and gold.  Caric. 
O heavens, my prophecy is too too true,  
My jealousy foresaw this.  Theag. 
Tell Arsace  
My sister and myself both kiss her hands  
And do return her humble thanks for all  
Her noble favours, but that she doth love me  
I think it strange, whose husband is a man  
So far beyond my rank as put in balance  
With worthless me, it would not brook the trial.  
We know you are her hands, her eyes, her ears,  
Her mind, her all, for country's sake persuade her  
(I do beseech you) to remove her thoughts  
Upon some worthier person; all that we  
Desire is only this, that she would please  
To send us back again to Calasiris,  
And never bring strange banished, restless lives  
Unto so high and excellent a fortune.  Cib. 
My son be ruled by me, be not so foolish  
To shun this happiness that courts thee now,  
Embrace it, lest hereafter thou repent  
Thy oversight; thou shalt have rule and riches,  
Dalliance, and all the fruits of flourishing youth,  
If thou but condescend unto her will;  
But if thou dost deny, know that she hath  
A high and Princely stomach, which ne'er brooks,  
Affronts of such a nature.  Theag. 
Tempt me not,  
But tell your mistress I despise her lust  
As much as prize her love, you shall oblige us  
Unto you in a bond of love and kindness  
To get us leave from her hence to depart  
To seek our fortunes.  Cib. 
Obstinate young man,  
That wilt not see thy good, Lady persuade  
Your brother to some reason, you may hap  
To work upon his nature, and prevail;  
I leave you to yourselves. Exit Cibile.  Caric. 
Theagines,  
This is no honest dealing, I perceive;  
Was it for this she sent us from her table  
Such curious viands, and such costly cates?  
Was it for this she did adorn our chambers  
With stately hangings wrought with sundry colours,  
Which came from Sidon and fair Lidia?  
Was this her wicked end? would that we were  
A hundred leagues from this accursed place,  
Or that we never had beheld her face. Exeunt.   

Actus quarti, Scena quinta.  Enter Arsace and Cibile. Ars. 
But will he not be won?  Cib. 
Not all the art  
I have can work him to it.  Ars. 
Do my favours  
Make no impression in him?  Cib. 
Yes of thanks,  
No otherwise, he craves leave to depart,  
A sign he doth not like his entertainment.  Arsa. 
Thou mak'st my hot blood cold within my veins  
As if an ague ceased me; how depart,  
Ere he get out my power, I am resolved  
T'enjoy him, or destroy him.  Cib. 
A right course  
Your wit hath found out mistress, my advice  
Is this, that once more you solicit him  
By fair entreaty and persuasive means  
To win him that way, but if he stand out  
And stubbornly refuse to grant your suit,  
Let him be tied unto cold fare hard lodging,  
And give him up unto your eunuch's hands  
To be scourged and tormented, for young men  
Regard not when they are entreated fair,  
But when enforced, than they stoop and yield.  Arsa. 
'tis well advised, but how can I endure  
To see that body bleed?  Cib. 
madam you are  
Too pitiful, if that an eyesore be  
To see him scourged, you may refrain the sight,  
I know 'twill mollify his haughty stomach  
To your desire.  Arsa. 
First try all means, before  
You put this last device in execution;  
But Cibile what cause or colour have we  
To hold them prisoners, or detain them here  
Against their wills?  Cib. 
We'll give it out, they came  
As spies from King Hydaspes' army hither,  
To view the strength of Memphis.  Arsa. 
Excellent.  
How shall we handle fair Cariclea  
His beauteous sister?  Cib. 
Sister, I believe  
She is his mistress rather, for such dalliance  
As I have seen between them argueth love  
Of a more fervent nature; I have come,  
And found them kissing with such ardency,  
As if they fain would have their souls to meet,  
And at their mouths salute.  Arsa. 
O strange discovery!  
If this be true, hence may proceed the cause  
Of my repulse and his unkind denial;  
Sift out this business further, and observe  
Their looks, their gestures, give an ear unto  
Their privatest discourse, for this concerns  
My business mainly; if Cariclea prove  
A bar to my desires, we must remove her.  
Go presently and know the young man's mind,  
If he will yield yet, but if he refuse,  
Let Euphrates the Eunuch punish him  
With irons to pull down his lofty heart.  
So far I'm gone, pursuing my desire,  
Hell shall not make me now back to retire. Exeunt.   

Actus quarti, Scena sexta.  Enter two judges, then Aristippus and Cnemon. Arist. 
Although I do not doubt most learned Judges,  
That your grave judgements would acquit my son  
Without more proofs than by the sequel of  
This business doth appear, yet to the end  
To make his innocence the more perspicuous  
Which hath so long strived to break through this cloud  
Of falsehood and deceit, I here have brought you  
Thisbe's confession, and her hand subscribed  
For confirmation of it, please you see  
What it contains. the judges read it.  1 Iudg. 
When did she write this?  Arist. 
Presently upon  
Her poisonous draught, her conscience prompting her  
Unto so good an action.  2 Iudg. 
Was't voluntarily done without constraint?  Arist. 
Yes, for what force hath power to work upon  
The settled resolution of a person  
Whom death is ready for to seize upon?  
It came free from her, the confession was  
Her own invention, and the hand her own.  1 Iudg. 
But will you swear to this?  Aristip. 
I will, and safely.  
By all the gods 'tis true, else let me be  
Struck with their thunder for my perjury.  2 Iudg. 
It is enough, we do acquit your son,  
Long may he live the comfort of your age;  
So now dismiss the people, it is done.  Arist. 
Thus innocence shines clearer than the sun. Exeunt.   

Actus quarti, Scena septima.  Enter Arsace and Cibile. Ars. 
Now will he bend or break, yield or endure  
More punishment? how do his fetters please him?  
How doth he bear his stripes?  Cib. 
With patience  
And manly fortitude beyond belief,  
Takes glory in his sufferings, and becomes  
More unrelenting now then heretofore.  Ars. 
What a strange nature hath this savage man,  
Will nothing work upon it? cannot love  
Persuade him, nor the force of punishment  
Compel him to humanity? some Tigress  
Or she Wolf in the forest was his nurse.  
Is there no hope he will relent in time?  Cib. 
Our labour's lost in the attempting it,  
He hath Cariclea still before his eyes,  
Lodgeth her in his heart, his mouth expressed it;  
I heard him to exclaim thus, dear Cariclea,  
My love, my life, my heart, thy only name  
Makes me despise my torments, and in thee  
I'm comforted whatever fall to me;  
Whereby I'm confident she is his wife,  
Or secret mistress, wherefore if you please,  
Let's (as the proverb saith) cast our last anchor,  
And seek some means to rid her of her life,  
For when he knows she's dead, 'tis very likely  
He'll change his mind, when hope of love is gone.  Arsace. 
Thy counsel pleaseth me, and I'll command  
This stop to be removed presently.  Cibile. 
How, will you do it without course of Law  
Or orderly proceeding, who will do  
In this point your commandment? for although  
All things are subject to you, yet the laws  
Are free, and will not let you kill without  
The judgement of the Persian magistrates;  
Besides we should be careful how we did  
Accuse the maid, lest we should not be able  
To prove what we do lay unto her charge.  Ars. 
How then shall we contrive it?  Cib. 
Daintily,  
By a more sure and far more safe a way,  
By a strong subtle cup of deadly poison,  
The plot is laid already, and the potion  
Prepared, I stay but only for the patient  
T'administer it.  Ars. 
Is any gone to call her?  Cib. 
Yes, Aura madam.  Ars. 
Well I'll leave you then,  
Strong physic's best for stubborn natured men. Exit Arsace.  Enter Cariclea, with Aura weeping, and servants. Cib. 
Why do you weep, sweet heart? 'twill mar your beauty,  
Your brother shall not long be kept in prison;  
Be not so foolish to consume and pine  
Away for sorrow, know Theagines  
This night shall be released, and come unto thee,  
Therefore be merry; 'twas his foolish fault  
And disobedience to my mistress service  
Made him to be committed; nicety  
Is nought in young folks, but all is forgotten,  
(Partly at my request) and liberty  
Granted unto him, this was the occasion  
I sent for you, that you might be partaker  
Of this glad news, therefore rouse up yourself,  
And now at length eat something; Aura lay  
The table, I have made some meat, I hope  
Will comfort your weak stomach, sure you are  
Too blame to fast so long.  Caric. 
But is this true  
That you have told me? you so often have  
Deceived me with untruths as I scarce dare  
To credit any thing you say unto me.  Cib. 
By all the gods 'tis true, which if it be not,  
Let me be poisoned at this table here  
And be a sad example; more this day  
Your business all shall be dispatched, so that  
You shall not need to take more care hereafter,  
If by refraining from your meat you do not  
Destroy your health and die, pray eat a little.  Caric. 
On confidence that this is true I will.  they sit down and eat. Cib. 
Aura give me some wine, Cariclea health  
Remember good Theagines.  Aura mistakes and gives the poisoned cup to Cibile, she drinks, but powers half of it on the ground when she tasted what it was, looking cruelly upon Aura, the poison suddenly works and she begins to fall, Cariclea supports her. Cib. 
I will not have thy help, false wretch, I will not thoust poisoned me, bear witness all here present  
That see me die, I lay my death on none  
But her and this quean Aura, so inform  
Arsace that she may revenge my death. she dies.  Caric. 
See here the justice of the heavens displayed  
To mortal view in this strange accident;  
This cup, this poisonous cup was meant to me  
By wicked Cibile, but yet it fell  
By some mistake to her own lot to drink it.  Arsaces' servants bind Cariclea and Aura. 
What do you mean to bind me a weak maid,  
I'll go without constraint where you will lead me  
If't be before Arsace, though I die  
I care not so Theagenes be by. Exeunt.    


Actus quinti, Scena prima.  Enter Hydaspes and Sysimethres, with attendance. Hydasp. 
Thus far have we marched by the banks of Nile,  
And conquered Philae, and the Smaragd mines,  
Thus far hath fortune favoured our attempts,  
And stern Bellona set our conquering feet  
Deep in the bosom of th' Egyptian Land;  
Are we not now revenged Sysimethres  
For thy uncivil barbarous entertainment,  
When we employed thee our Ambassador  
To Oroondates Deputy of Egypt?  
How think you, do they not repent the wrongs  
And disrespect they gave thee, contrary  
Unto the laws of Nations? do they not  
Wish that they had surrendered to our Crown  
Those lands we justly challenged for our own?  Sysim. 
I think they do, and curse their arrogance  
That hath brought home the wars unto their doors;  
It cannot choose but vex their very souls  
To see so fruitful and so fair a soil,  
Their native Country, overrun and spoiled  
By the incursions of a hostile army.  Hydasp. 
'tis fit they suffer for their usurpation;  
But where lurks Oroondates since his flight  
In our last battle, no news yet of him?  Sysim. 
Fame gives it out, he is within this town  
Of Syene with the remnant of his army.  Hydasp. 
Will not the Town yet come to composition?  
Will it hold out yet longer notwithstanding  
Our waterworks to drown them?  Sysim. 
Royal sir,  
As soon as we had cut the banks of Nile  
And let the river in upon the town,  
Th'inhabitants began to see and feel  
Their misery, for suddenly the water  
Encompassed fair Syene round about  
That it became an Island, and by sinking  
Into the earth below the walls foundation,  
The weight above began to shake as if  
It would have fallen down in every place;  
Then suddenly arose a piteous cry  
Amongst the people of the town, imploring  
The God's assistance, and the Deputy  
It seems by this extremity constrained  
First caused letters tied to a stone  
As messengers to be shot to our camp  
Out of a sling, and archers from their bows  
Sent their swift winged arrows to speak for them,  
But both fell short and perished in the water;  
At last when we by signs perceived their minds,  
As holding up their hands in token of  
Submission, and sometimes behind their backs,  
In token they were ready to receive  
Bands so they might find mercy, we sent out  
Some boots to talk with them, who brought us word  
They would surrender to your royal hands  
The town of Syene, if you would be pleased  
To grant some poor conditions.  Hydasp. 
What are they?  Sysim. 
First Oroondates makes request that he  
And all his soldiers without interruption  
May march forth as best suiteth their profession,  
With all their martial habiliments  
And arms about them, next to be convoyed to  
Elyphantina with your royal guard;  
Else he would rather die than live to be  
Condemned as a traitor to his king,  
For yielding up the City and betraying  
The army, and besides be put to death  
With racks and tortures.  Hydasp. 
What a fool is he  
To make his own conditions, or to argue  
Of such a matter? doth he not conceive  
He is not in his own power, but in ours,  
To live or die, why what a madness is it  
For conquered men to argue of conditions?  
But 'tis not noble to destroy a number  
For one man's folly, go Sysimethres,  
Take here our seal and sign their articles,  
For pity works upon a noble spirit. Exit Sysimethres.  Hydasp. 
If I could entertain ambitious sparks  
Within my royal breast, or never enter  
Into examination with myself  
Of right or wrong, (as many politicians  
And proud usurpers do not) what should let me  
From adding this large kingdom to my own,  
Stretching my Empire to the mouth of Nile;  
But justice sets down limits to my thoughts,  
Bounds my ambition in, so that I dare not  
Advance one foot beyond it, sacred goddess,  
Divine Astrea, though all kings rebel  
And pay no reverence to thy deity,  
Hydaspes shall adore thee, and his might  
shall never be more potent than his right. Exit.   

Actus quinti, Scena secunda.  Enter the Persian magistrates as judges with Arsace, then enters Caricles with Aura bound, they sit. 1 Magist. 
Is this fair maid the prisoner?  Arsa. 
Fair without, but foul within.  2 Magist. 
'tis pity vice should bear  
A semblance of fair virtue, or be masked  
Under so sweet a veil,  
Sure by her looks  3 Magist. 
I should not judge her guilty.  Arsa. 
That's a rule  
Deceives us, for the choicest fruits of all  
Ofttimes have rotten cores, and underneath  
The fairest Hours lurk most the foulest snakes.  
That cannot hold,  
Bring forth the prisoners;  
You are accused for poisoning Cibile,  
How do you answer this?  Caric. 
Who's my accuser?  Arsa. 
myself, and these my servants, who were present  
When the old woman died, and heard her name  
Thee, and that other guilty of her death;  
Canst thou deny the fact?  Caric. 
I'll answer thee  
Proud dame, if my Theagines live yet,  
I say, I am not guilty of this murder,  
But if by thy most damnable attempts  
His purer soul hath left the earthly prison  
Of his fair body, I declare myself  
Guilty of this and whatsoever else  
Thy malice can invent, I was the woman  
That poisoned then thy nurse, who trained thee up  
To all those goodly virtues of thy mind;  
I do desire to suffer, kill me straight  
That I may meet my lover, who so stoutly  
Resisted thy foul lust, and lewd enticements,  
Choosing to die rather than condescend.  Arsa. 
Base quean, how durst thou take unto thyself  
Such liberty of speech? judicious sirs.  
And magistrates of Persia, understand  
That this she saith is false touching my honour;  
I take the gods to witness that when first  
This woman and her friend came to the Palace,  
I entertained them as became the state  
Of greater persons, and so long continued  
My favours to them till by open proof  
I found they came as spies to Memphis sent  
From King Hydaspes army, then indeed  
I did begin to draw back my affection,  
Many more things inciting me to do it  
Which I forbear to speak of, but in brief  
Although I loved this maid so as to make her  
My bosom-friend, and my most dear companion,  
She hath repaid me as you see, and poisoned  
My trusty woman, is't not to be doubted  
Her purpose stretched yet further, even to me?  Caric. 
I do confess yet once again, I poisoned  
Thy nurse, and would have done so much to thee  
Had I not been prevented.  Aura. 
O Cariclea,  
Unhappy maid, why dost thou wrongfully  
Accuse thyself, and draw on death upon thee?  
Hear me right grave and most impartial Judges,  
There is no fault in her, I only, I  
Gave Cibile the poison by mistake,  
Which was prepared for this virtuous maid  
By that old beldame, this is true, or else  
Ye gods hurl down your thunder on my head.  2 Magi. 
But how came this mistake? make it more plain.  Aura. 
Old Cibile my mistress did prepare  
This cup for fair Cariclea, I was forced  
To have a hand in't too; when I should give  
The poisoned cup unto Cariclea,  
And Cibile the other, I know not  
Whither being troubled with so strange a deed  
Or hastily called on by Cibile,  
I changed the cups, and poisoned the old woman.  Arsa. 
This is a forged device, believe it not,  
This woman is a traitor, and conspires  
With them in all their plots, as privy to them.  3. 
If she that calls herself Cariclea.  
Be guiltless of this business, what should make her  
To cast herself into the jaws of death  
By her so free confession of the fact?  Aura. 
Sir I believe she's weary of her life,  
And being in desperation e'er to see  
Much less t'enjoy her husband, without whom  
Life seems a burden hastens on her death.  1. 
madam you must produce some witnesses,  
Or we shall clear the prisoners.  Arsa. 
Here are five  
Will be deposed they heard Cibile charge  
These two here with her death.  2. 
What say you friends.  
Dare you swear this?  All 5. 
We dare and will, by Isis,  
And all the gods 'tis so.  3. 
Then we must pass  
Sentence according to the law, which most  
Depends on witnesses, your doom is death,  
Carry these two forthwith unto the fire,  Caric. 
O sun, and earth, and all you blessed creatures  
That are above or underneath this round  
Terrestrial ball, you that do take revenge  
On such as work impiety, bear witness  
I die an innocent, and willingly  
Submit myself to death, for to avoid  
Th' intolerable griefs that burden me;  
Vouchsafe to take me gently to your hands,  
And speedily inflict your punishments  
Upon this whore Arsace, who hath plotted  
This mischief to no other end and purpose  
But to take from me my Theagines. Exeunt.   

Actus quinti, Scena tertia.  Enter Caricles solus, Nebulo listening. Caric. 
Cariclea raped, O gods how can it be;  
Where is your justice then? where our reward  
For serving at your altars, when you suffer  
Your sacred temples to be robbed and spoilt  
Of its chief jewel, and my life, Cariclea?  
O sacrilege unheard of! can you sleep  
And wink at this? or is your anger to me  
Implacable, and therefore to torment  
My heart the more, you seem not to regard it?  
Was't not enough, O cruel powers, to kill  
My daughter at her Nuptial, and my wife  
For grief thereof, but to augment my sorrow  
Beyond the bounds of reason, give consent  
Unto Cariclea's rape, who was my joy,  
My only comfort, heart, yea life and all?  
Well I will once more put on pilgrims weeds.  Nebu. 
Ha, what was that? a dreadful sound methought  
More pilgrimages? stay but listen yet.  Caric. 
And go in quest of thee throughout the world,  
First to Thessalia, where that thief was borne  
That stole thee hence, then unto Memphis City  
Where Calasiris that false priest remains.  Nebu. 
I am confirmed in horror, 'tis too true  
He'll travel once again, but soft attend.  Caric. 
And if I find thee not, I'll travel further,  
Even to the utmost bounds of Aethiopia,  
Where I suppose thy parents live and reign.  Nebu. 
To Aethiopia, what strange land is that  
(I marvel) oh, oh now I do remember  
Sysimethres was borne there as he said; Nebulo discovers himself.  
We shall be black a devil's if we go there.  Caric. 
What Nebulo, my trusty friend and servant,  
Prepare thyself to accompany thy master.  Nebu. 
Where sir, unto the temple of Apollo?  Caric. 
Beyond the seas I mean.  Nebu. 
Beyond the seas;  
He's mad I think, or hath some worse disease. aside.  Caric. 
I hear you sir, it seems you're grown a Poet  
You rhyme so well.  Nebu. 
I care not who doth know it.  Caric. 
Raptures still flow upon thee more and more,  Nebu. 
But this bad news of yours doth vex me sore,  
That you will cross the seas, the bare conceit,  
Will keep me seven days without taste of meat.  Caric. 
Why that is profitable, saves thy purse.  Nebu. 
But hurts my body sir, and that is worse.  Caric. 
Why thouart a second Ovid, all he says  
Doth flow in verse.  Nebu. 
Then I shall wear the bays.  Caric. 
But Nebulo no more of this, you are content to accompany me this journey, are you not?  Nebu. 
Good sir, do not urge me to it; you know how willing I should be to wait upon ye, did not one thing cross it.  Caric. 
What's that thy wife?  Nebu. 
You have hit the mark, 'tis dangerous (I can tell ye) for me to go abroad and leave her at home, I had woeful experience on't after our last peregrination.  Caric. 
What did she make thee a cuckold in thy absence?  Neb. 
I know not, but she dubbed me knight of the forked order.  Caric. 
Why that honour is for term of thy Life man; thy staying at home cannot take it away, nor thy going abroad add unto it.  Nebu. 
No, do they not rise by degrees? I suppose yes, as in this manner, from Knight to Lord, from Lord to Earl, from Earl to Duke of the forked order, and so forward: but my ambition is not to climb so high, therefore I'll stay at home and prevent that promotion.  Caric. 
fie, prevent thy honour?  Nebu 
My Nebulona will heap enough such honours on my head, If I follow your counsel, but I tell you again I am not ambitious so to be promoted, yet notwithstanding, so well I love you, that rather than you shall go alone, I'll once more adventure my fortune.  Caric. 
Spoken like a right honest man, come let's away then withal expedition.  
Delphos and Greece farewell, your priests hard fate  
Denies him still t'enjoy a settled state. Exeunt.   

Actus quinti, Scena quarta.  Enter Theagines, Cariclea, and Aura. Theag. 
And hast thou scaped the fire my dearest love?  
Miraculous deliverance! let me hear  
The manner on't related.  Caric. 
Thus it was,  
After we were condemned to be burnt  
By foul Arsaces' slanderous report  
For poisoning Cibile, a blazing fire  
Was made, and we two cast into the same,  
And whereas it was thought by every one  
The fierceness of the flame would soon consume us,  
It proved clean contrary, for we stood in  
The midst of it untouched, for every side  
It gave us way, and never singed our clothes,  
Although Arsace with a threatning voice  
Commanded the tormentors to lay on  
More wood and reed, yet all prevailed not,  
For no hurt would approach us, which the whore  
Arsace seeing, presently declared  
Before the people with an open voice  
That we were witches; though good Calasiris  
Did what he could to free us from her hands,  
We by her guard were apprehended, and  
Brought here again to thee my dear, for which  
I'm glad that we may suffer both together.  Theag. 
I have not heard a stranger miracle,  
This doth proceed from favour of the gods,  
And their unbounded justice.  Caric. 
It should seem so,  
But still to be tossed on the angry seas  
Of rigid fortune and ne'er see an end  
Of our sad miseries, should rather argue  
Their hate and fierce displeasure, if there be not  
Some secret and more hidden mystery.  
We mortals understand not, which restores us,  
After our sufferings when all hope is fled,  
Unto a happier state and peaceful being.  Theag. 
Oh sweet, let not the sense of misery,  
Make you offend the gods thus, but be patient.  Caric. 
'twas a rashly spoken, and I do repent it,  
My dear Theagines; now I remember  
A dream I had last night, but had forgotten  
Till now to tell it you, this was the verse.  
By virtue of Pantarbe let fear of fire removed be:  
An easy thing to Persaetis, though else right strange to see.  Theag. 
The gods are good to us, for I likewise  
Am made a Poet by remembering now  
An answer which last night some spirit gave me  
Who seemed to say this,  
Tomorrow shalt thou with the maid escape Arsaces' hand,  
And soon be brought with her into the Aethiopian land.  Caric. 
That Oracle hath but a sad construction,  
Which thus I dare interpret, Aethiopia  
Is meant that land that is beneath the ground,  
That with the maid is meant with Proserpine,  
And the escaping of Arsaces' band  
Doth signify the soul and bodies parting.  Theag. 
Still how you err! calamity hath made you  
Forget yourself, and always doubt the worst,  
Turning all things to a sinister sense,  
The Oracle is plain, you are the maid  
The gods do point at, whom I shall convey  
Out of Arsaces' power into your Land  
Of Aethiopia, but how this shall be  
Effected, unto us doth not appear,  
Yet it is credible the gods can do it;  
We must leave that unto their secret workings.  
Now what your verse should mean I cannot guess,  
Which doth contain so many contrarieties,  
For Pantarbe, in its true signification,  
Is taken for all fearful, yet it would not  
Have you to fear the fire.  Caric. 
I do believe  
This ring preserved us both from force of fire,  
Wherein is set a precious stone called Pantarbe,  
And round about some holy letters written;  
My Fascia, if you do remember well,  
Did mention such a one among my jewels;  
And to be brief, I think that stone contains  
Some heavenly virtue which withstandeth fire.  Theag. 
But then, how was't that Aura perished not?  
She had no Pantarbe to defend her.  Caric. 
No  
But I still held her always in my hand  
Whereon my ring was.  Theag. 
This is probable;  
But now what other Pantarbe have we left  
To shun the next day's danger, for Arsace  
Will not end here, but practise still new mischief.  Aura. 
Despair not, but rely upon the promise  
The gods made you last night.  Caric. 
Distressed Aura,  
What wilt thou do?  Aur. 
Run on, in the same fortune  
That you do, be it life or be it death.  With that enters an Officer from the Camp of Oroondates, to fetch Theagenes and Cariclea. Officer. 
Be not afraid, I come not to destroy you  
As you suppose, but to deliver you  
From hence; my Lord and General Oroondates  
Hath sent me hither from the camp, to bring you  
Unto him, for the fame of your rare beauty  
And virtue in resisting his wife's lewdness,  
Hath wrought so much upon his disposition  
As he desires your presence, come with me,  
Delay breeds danger, I have fifty horse  
Shall safe convoy us to the camp, the way  
Is clear.  Theag. 
Lead on then, we are bound to obey. Exeunt.   

Actus quinti, Scena quinta.  Enter Arsace sola. Arsa. 
Ye stern Eumenides, and direful powers  
Of the infernal kingdoms, muster all  
Your troops together by a general summon,  
For I do cite you to the court of hell,  
My grievances beget this invocation;  
Have I so long served you, and bent my thoughts  
To your low centre? have my actions been  
As lewd as you would wish them, and as black  
As you yourselves, and could you suffer me  
To fail in this achievement of my lust?  
So much your instigation? is this justice?  
Justice that is a word not known in hell;  
Is this injustice? no, then are you rebels  
To your own laws, I do insist on this:  
What other doctrine preach your ministers  
But foul injustice, rapes, impieties,  
Adulteries, murders, slanders, ignominies,  
False accusations and the like, all which  
My life hath practised? yet ye punish me  
With justice ne'er till now heard in your courts:  
You thought it just Cariclea should escape  
The poisoned cup, and afterward the fire,  
You thought it just Theagines and she  
Should scape my hands, and Oroondates know  
All my proceedings, cursed fates of mine!  
Wretched Arsace, wilt thou live and feel  
Thy punishment augmented by thy shame?  
Shall the laws triumph o'er Arsaces' will?  
Or Oroondates say he was revenged  
Upon the high and royal blood of Persia  
For wrong I did him? no, since I have failed  
In my desire, these fates I will withstand,  
And die by none but by this Persian hand.  She falls upon a sword, and kills herself.  

Actus quinti, Scena ultima.  Enter Hydaspes, Persina his Queen, Sysimethres with attendance. Hydasp. 
Persina welcome to our camp, how durst  
Our fairest Queen adventure forth to see  
The angry face of Mars? this is no object  
For lady's eyes, dame Venus' sport's more proper.  Pers. 
Where you are sir, there is my object fixed,  
Whether at home or here, all's one to me,  
Besides, where Mars is, there will Venus be.  Hydasp. 
This was a favour we expected not;  
I must embrace thee; O Sysimethres,  
What is there wanting in the curious model  
Of this rare Architecture, built by nature,  
That mortal or immortal eye can see  
To add more beauty to it than it hath?  
Nothing, I know you'll grant it, then what pity  
Think you it is, so beautiful a frame  
And building should contain within its womb  
No living creature, no inhabitant  
That might support its ruins, but stand rather  
For prospect then for benefit?  Pers. 
this points  
At my unfruitful womb. aside.  Sysim. 
I grant it sir,  
But if the gods have ordered that this house  
So stately built by them, this temple rather  
Shall be reserved for their immortal uses,  
And have forbid that any mortal seed  
Shall dwell therein: it argueth in you  
Sin and impiety so to repine  
At their decrees and secret operations. Enter a gentleman attendant.  Gent. 
Sir the fore-riders of your royal army  
Have ta'en two prisoners the most beautifullest  
That ere were seen, a young man and a maid,  
They wait without attending what's your pleasure.  Hydasp. 
Let them be brought forthwith into our presence,  
They may be found a fitting sacrifice  
And an oblation to be offered  
Unto our gods for this our victory,  
Being the first fruits of the wars.  Enter Theagines, Cariclea, Aura and Bogoas the officer of Oroondates lead in prisoners. 
Ye gods The king raiseth himself from his throne, And sits down again in a study.  
Be merciful unto me!  Sysim. 
What doth ail  
Your royal majesty, that you remain  
In such a studious meditation?  Hydasp. 
I had a dream last night Sysimethres,  
That did present unto my fantasy  
A beauteous virgin, such as is this maid  
Telling me that she was my natural daughter:  
But whence are you, and of what country borne?  Theag. 
Great King, I am her brother, she my sister,  
Both borne in Greece.  Hydas. 
O noble Greece, that still  
Producest what is good, and at this time  
Hast given us such fair offerings to present  
Unto our gods; but O thou beauteous maid,  
Why dost thou hold thy peace, and answerest not  
Unto my question?  Caric. 
At the sacred altars  
Of the immortal gods (to whom we are  
Reserved for sacrifices) you shall know  
Me and my parents.  Pers. 
O sir, what a maid  
Have you appointed to be sacrificed?  
ne'er have mine eyes beheld a fairer creature;  
With what a stout and an undaunted courage  
Bears she her fortune? I am moved with pity  
At her so flowering age, O had my daughter  
I bore unto you lived, she would have been  
Almost as old as she, I do beseech you  
Spare her, and let her serve me at my table,  
For I am prompted strangely by my Genius  
Unto commiseration.  Hydas. 
So am I,  
Beyond imagination, but you know  
The Law requires the first fruits of the war  
Should be the God's oblation, to the Sun  
Therefore we'll offer him, she to the Moon,  
The gods must be obeyed, the laws fulfilled.  They all offer to rise, Cariclea falls at the feet of Sysimethres. Caric. 
Wise, grave, and learned sir, be pleased to stay  
A little longer, for I have a cause  
Of consequence to plead before the King  
And Queen Persina, which concerns them too  
as well as me, this matter doth require  
A speedy judgement, and I hear that you  
Give sentence on such noble personage;  
Therefore judge you this plea of life and death,  
And know it is not just to offer me  
Unto the gods.  Sysim. 
Vouchsafe to hear, most gracious Sovereign,  
This strange appeal, and what this maid requireth.  Hydasp. 
What judgement may this be? or what have I  
To do with her? by what means should I come  
Into her danger?  Sysim. 
Please you to attend,  
She will declare it.  Hydas. 
But take heed that this  
You do, be no true judgement, but plain wrong,  
If I that am a King must stand to plead  
My cause with any prisoner whatsoever.  Sysim. 
Justice and equity ne'er looks into  
The person, but the cause, and he speeds best  
That brings best reasons.  Hydasp. 
But the Law permits  
You only to determine controversies  
Between the King and subjects, not with strangers.  Sysim. 
Wise and discreet men do not measure things  
By the appearance, but by equity.  Hydasp. 
Well let her speak, since good Sysimethres  
Will have it so, but it is manifest,  
She will say nothing to the purpose, but  
Some forged device to shun the stroke of death.  Caric. 
O Sun, thou founder of my ancestors'  
High pedigree, and all ye other gods.  
Ye noble men that here are met together  
Assist me in this place, and be a witness  
That what I say is true, and by firm proofs  
It shall appear: do you command, O King,  
Strangers or your own subjects to be offered?  Hydasp. 
Strangers.  Caric. 
Then it is fit and necessary,  
You seek out such, I am no stranger borne,  
But of this country, and your subject too.  Hydasp. 
Thou liest.  Caric. 
You seem to wonder at small things,  
But there are greater undiscovered yet,  
I am not only of this Country borne,  
But of the royal blood.  Hydasp. 
This woman's mad,  
Away I'll hear no more such lunacy.  Hydaspes turns from her in anger. Caric. 
My royal father, I beseech you know  
Your only daughter and despise her not.  Hydasp. 
Sysimethres and grave Gymnosophists,  
How long shall she abuse my patience?  
This maid's distracted, and the fear of death  
Makes her speak any thing how false soever,  
How bold and impudent; I know I had  
Sometimes a daughter, but she died as soon  
As she was borne, this is a false impostor,  
Wherefore away with her, and let's delay  
The sacrifice no longer.  Caric. 
none shall dare  
To take me hence, unless the judges please  
So to command, for you are not to judge  
In your own cause although a King, but must  
Be subject to the law as well as others  
Which privilegeth you perchance to kill  
Strangers, but neither this law, nor the law  
Of nature doth allow you to destroy  
Your natural children, for the gods today  
Shall by a strange discovery make you know  
I am your daughter, though you now disclaim me.  
All controversies in the law depend  
One these two points especially, that is  
Firm proof by writings, and sure confirmation  
By witnesses, both which I can produce  
To prove I am your child, my witness shall not  
Be common neither, but the judge himself,  
And here's a writing shall declare both mine  
And your estate.  She gives the Fascia to the Queen, she knows it and is amazed. Hydasp. 
What meaneth this Persina, that thy blood  
Thus comes and goes, and that thy countenance  
Wears such an alteration? is there ought  
Contained in this writing troubleth thee?  Pers. 
O King, my Lord and husband, I have nothing  
To say unto it; but take heed, and read it  
yourself, the same shall teach you well and truly.  Hydaspes reads it to the end, then gives it to Sysimet: and the rest. Hydasp. 
Persina do you own this character  
As your own hand, and know the birth to be  
Legitimate and true?  Pers. 
By Sun and Moon I swear it.  Hydasp. 
Although you told me that my daughter died.  
I yet believe she was exposed forth  
As here is mentioned but who was the man  
That took her up and carried her to Egypt,  
How shall I know that he was taken with her,  
Or this is she, or whether the exposed  
Be dead or no, besides whether some man  
When he happed to find this might his good luck  
Abuse, and make her play this famed part,  
Mocking the great desire we have of issue  
By the suborning of some changeling and  
Colouring the truth with this devised Fascia.  
All these doubts must be cleared ere I believe.  Sysim. 
I can resolve you in the first, for I  
Was he that took her up, and carried her  
With me to Egypt, when you sent me thither  
Ambassador (you know we may not lie  
Who are Gymnosophists) I know this Fascia,  
Written with aethiopia's royal letters.  
Therefore you need not doubt that it is forged.  
Besides 'tis signed with persina's hand;  
But there are other tokens that I gave  
To him that did receive you at my hands  
Can you produce them?  Caric. 
Yes, lo here they are She shows Sisimet: and the queen her jewels.  Hydasp. 
What are they? do you know them?  Pers. 
Yes with wonder.  Caric. 
These jewels were my mothers, but this ring  
Was yours, I think you know the Pantarbe well.  Hydasp. 
I do and all the rest, but whether you  
Came by them as my daughter, that I know not,  
You might have got them by some other means,  
For to omit all other needles questions,  
Your colour's strange and the like never seen  
In Aethiopia.  Sysim. 
She was also white  
That I brought up, and with this virgin's age  
Doth correspond the term of years when she  
Was forth exposed being seventeen years,  
So old seems this fair maid.  Hydasp. 
Sysimethres  
In my opinion you have showed yourself  
An advocate in this cause, not a judge,  
Beware lest while you strive to clear this doubt,  
I may suspect Persina hath been false,  
For how is't possible that such a thing  
Should be in nature, we two being black  
To have an issue white? this is against  
All humane sense, and reason natural.  Sysim. 
The Fascia tells you how this came to pass,  Persina 
in the act of generation  
Contemplatively eyeing the fair picture  
Of beautiful Andromeda, and firing  
A strong imagination thereupon,  
Conceived in her womb the very figure  
Of Perseus' Mistress when she was bound fast  
Unto the rock, and he redeemed her thence,  
For proof let that same picture be presented,  
And then compare them, you shall find the substance  
And shadow nothing different but in life.  Enter a Gentleman attendant. Gent. 
Sir there's a strange priest newly come from Greece  
Desires he may be heard touching this matter,  
Who can inform you of the truth of things.  Hydasp. 
admit him straight. Enter Caricles with the gentleman.  
Grave Sir can you declare  
Ought of this matter, do you know this maid  
And that young man?  Caric. 
I know them both great King;  
That maid which shall be found to be your daughter  
I nourished from a child; one of this country  
Gave her to me in Egypt, and with her  
Rich costly jewels, and a Fascia,  
Wherein was written her high pedigree;  
With her I went to Greece my native country,  
And being priest unto Apollo there,  
When I was busy in the rites and customs  
Belonging to my office, This Thessalian,  
Who vaunts himself borne of Achilles' line,  
Stole her from Delphos, and I understand  
Passed many dangers with her; I forgive him  
And crave you would be pleased to do so too;  
For since the gods by divers signs and tokens  
Have unto us revealed their sacred wills,  
And made it plain by strange discoveries,  
Strive not to cross their workings.  Cariclea falls at Caricles feet. Caric. 
O my Father,  
As dear unto me as those that begat me,  
Take what revenge you please, lo here I stand  
T'abide your sentence.  Caric. 
O how largely am I Embraceth her and weep for joy.  
Rewarded for my travel! 'tis enough.  
I have beheld thy face yet once again.  Sysim. 
What Caricles, do you not know your friend?  
Have you forgot the Aethiopian Legate? salutes him.  Caric. 
No, no, I have not good Sysimethres,  
But do congratulate our happy meeting.  Hydasp. 
We have heard and seen enough, I'm yet unmoved;  
Bring in the picture of Andromeda.  Enter the picture of Andromeda, the King for joy and admiration could not speak, the people give a great shout. Sysim. 
One point is wanting yet, strip up your sleeve  
Fair maid, there was a black spot 'bove your elbow.  
It is no shame to show a naked arm  
Before your parents for to prove your birth.  She shows there a mole, the Queen runs and embraceth her. Hydasp. 
You strive to wash me white an Aethiopian  
In hindering this sacrifice, you shall  
Do one as well as tother, for although  
I now believe she is my natural daughter  
Sprung from my loins (as I have seen it proved  
By many arguments) yet I so much  
Fear justice and the gods, and owe such love  
Unto my country, as I'll lay aside  
All natural respects, and all regard  
To the succession of my blood, and offer  
My daughter to the gods for your behoof,  
(As Agamemnon did his Iphigene)  
Regarding more the public benefit  
Then my own private profit and respect.  All the people. 
Save the blood-royal, save her whom the gods  
Will have preserved, appease the Sun and Moon  
With a more lawful sacrifice.  Hydasp. 
Well since  
You'll have it so, though loath I am content;  
And now I turn to thee my daughter dear  
With armfuls of my love; but what is he  
That was ta'en with thee, whom you called your brother?  
I trow he shall not too be proved my son.  Caric. 
In that sir pardon me, I did abuse you,  
He's not my brother, but necessity  
Compelled me to dissemble, what he is  
Himself can boldly tell you.  Hydasp. 
Whatsoever  
He be, he's destined to be sacrificed,  
Some women too must bear him company.  
This maid that waits on you shall serve the turn.  Caric. 
If he be sacrificed, I'll be that woman,  
Death must not part us two.  Hydasp. 
The gods forbid,  
Why say you so?  Caric. 
Because 'tis fore-decreed  
I must both live and die with that young man.  Hydas. 
I praise your courtesy and gentle nature  
Unto this Grecian stranger, who hath been  
Companion of your journey, but we cannot  
Break so the custom of our Country, as  
To save his life.  Caric. 
Then I must perish with him,  
For know, O king, (perchance I may not dare  
To call you father) it is cruelty  
To spare my body, and destroy my heart,  
He is my heart, my love, my life, and all,  
My husband by the destinies appointed,  
And it is sin t'oppose the gods decrees.  Hydas. 
What will you counsel me to do herein,  
Sysimethres and thou most reverend Priest,  
I will be guided by your wisdoms wholly  
In this affair,  Sysim. 
Through the exercise of joy  
The wisest men, ofttimes we see are blinded.  
For at the first, great King you might perceive  
The gods liked not this sacrifice which was  
Ordained, who have every way declared  
Cariclea your daughter, and brought hither  
Out of the midst of Greece this reverend man,  
Who brought her up, to fortify your faith.  
Moreover it is plain by many signs  
And secret revelations that the gods  
Have fore-decreed this couple man and wife,  
And to that end have freed them from so many  
And imminent dangers, therefore let us suffer  
These divine miracles to sink into  
Our understandings, and from this time forward  
Do sacrifices more acceptable  
Unto the gods, who are not pleased with  
Humane oblations, but the blood of beasts.  Hydas. 
Since things are thus appointed by the will  
And pleasure of the gods, since this fair couple  
Have been preserved by fate from many dangers  
By Land and Sea, and as should seem reserved  
For Hymen's instigation, I'll no longer  
Resist the will of heaven, heavens send you joy, puts their hands together.  
And a most plenteous offspring to succeed you,  
This is our firm decree, which we'll confirm  
By sacrifice, and worshipping the gods.  
O Sun and Moon, whose sacred deities  
We most adore, since it is fall'n out thus  
By your decrees, that young Theagines  
And fair Cariclea are made man and wife,  
Accept their offerings, and vouchsafe to take them  
Into the order of your holy Priesthood.  
Theagines, I do resign unto thee  
My office, be thou Priest unto the Sun,  
Wear this white Mitre. Takes his Mitre and puts it on Theagines his head.  Pers. 
And Cariclea thou  
Wear this of mine, which consecrateth thee  
Priest of the Moon, adore her Deity.  Caric. 
Now is the god Apollo's Oracle  
Of Delphos verified, which said of them  
That leaving Greece, and sailing surging streams  
They should arrive at country's scorched with Phoebus burning beams,  
Where they as recompenses due that virtues rare do gain,  
In time to come ere it be long white Mitres should obtain.  Exeunt omnes. 
FINIS.