THE CORONATION A COMEDY.  
As it was presented by her majesty's Servants at the private House in Drury Lane.  
Written by John Fletcher. Gent.  
LONDON, Printed by Tho. Cotes, for Andrew Crook, and William Cook. and are to be sold at the sign of the Green Dragon, in Paul's churchyard. 1640.   

The Actors Names.  

PHilocles.  
Lisander.  
Cassander.  
Lysimachus.  
Antigonus.  
Arcadius.  
Macarius.  
Seleucus.  
Queen.  
Charilla.  
Polidora.  
Nestorius'  
Eubulus.  
A Bishop.  
Polianus.  
Sophia.  
Demetrius.  
Gentlemen and Gentlewomen.  
Servants and Attendants.    

The Prologue.  

SInce 'tis become the Title of our Play,  
A woman once in a Coronation may  
With pardon, speak the Prologue, give as free  
A welcome to the theatre, as he  
That with a little beard, a long black cloak,  
With a starched face, and supple leg hath spoke  
Before the plays the twelvemonth, let me then  
Present a welcome to these Gentlemen,  
If you be kind, and noble, you will not  
Think the worse of me for my petticoat.  
But to the Play, the Poet bade me tell  
His fears first in the title, lest it swell  
Some thoughts with expectation of a strain,  
That but once could be seen in a King's reign,  
This Coronation, he hopes you may  
See often, while the genius of his Play,  
Doth prophesy the conduits may run wine,  
When the days triumphs ended, and divine  
Brisk Nectar swell his temples to a rage,  
With something of more price to invest the stage.  
There rests but to prepare you, that although  
It be a Coronation, there doth flow  
No undermirth, such as doth lard the scene  
For course delight, the language here is clear.  
And confident our Poet bade me say,  
he'll bate you but the folly of a Play.  
For which although dull souls his pen despise,  
Who thinks it yet too early to be wise.  
The nobler will thank his muse, at least  
Excuse him, cause his thought aimed at the best,  
But we conclude not, it dost rest in you.  
To censure Poet, Play, and Prologue too.  
But what have I omitted? is there not  
A blush upon my cheeks that I forgot  
The Ladies, and a Female Prologue too?  
Your pardon noble Gentlewomen, you  
Were first within my thoughts, I know you sit  
As free, and high Commissioners of wit,  
Have clear, and active souls, nay though the men  
Were lost in your eyes, they'll be found again,  
You are the bright intelligences move,  
And make a harmony this sphere of Love,  
Be you propitious then, our Poet says,  
Our wreath from you, is worth their grove of bays:    

THE CORONATION.  

Actus. 1.  Enter Philocles and Lisander. Phi. 
MAke way for my Lord Protector.  Lisa. 
Your grace's servants.  Enter Cassander and Lysimachus. Cas. 
I like your diligent waiting, where's Lysimachus?  Lisi. 
I wait upon you sir.  Cas. 
The Queen looks pleasant  
This morning, does she not?  Lis. 
I ever found  
Her gracious smiles on me.  Cas. 
She does consult  
Her safety in't, for I must tell thee boy,  
But in the assurance of her love to thee,  
I should advance thy hopes another way,  
And use the power I have in Epire, to  
Settle our own, and uncontrolled greatness;  
But since she carries herself so fairly,  
I am content to expect, and by her marriage  
Secure thy fortune, that's all my ambition  
Now, be still careful in thy applications  
To her, I must attend other affairs,  
Return, and use what art thou canst to lay  
More charms of love upon her.  Lisi. 
I presume  
She always speaks the language of her heart,  
And I can be ambitious for no more  
Happiness on earth than she encourages  
Me to expect.  Cas. 
It was an act becoming  
The wisdom of her Father to engage  
A tie between our families, and she  
Hath played her best discretion to allow it;  
But we lose time in conference, wait on her,  
And be what thou wert borne for, King of Epire, Exit.  
I must away.  Lisi. 
Success ever attend you.  
Is not the Queen yet coming forth?  Lisa. 
Your servant,  
You may command our duties,  
This is the Court star Philocles.  Phi. 
The star that we must sail by.  Lisa. 
All must borrow  
A light from him, the young Queen directs all  
Her favours that way.  Phi. 
he's a noble Gentleman  
And worthy of his expectations:  
Too good to be the son of such a Father.  Lisa. 
Peace, remember he is Lord Protector.  Phil. 
We have more need of heaven's protection  
I'th' mean time, I wonder the old King  
Did in his life design him for the office.  Lisa. 
He might suspect his faith, I have heard when  
The King who was no Epirot advanced  
His claim, Cassander, our Protector now,  
Young then, opposed him toughly with his faction,  
But forced to yield had fair conditions,  
And was declared by the whole state next heir  
If the King wanted issue; our hopes only  
Thrived in this daughter.  Phi. 
Whom but for her smiles  
And hope of marriage with Lasimachus,  
His Father by some cunning had removed  
E'er this.  Lisa. 
Take heed, the Arras may have ears  
I should not weep much if his grace would hence  
Remove to Heaven.  Phi. 
I prithee what should he do there?  Lisa. 
Some Offices will fall.  Phi. 
And the sky too, ere I get one stair higher  
While here in place.  Enter Antigonus. Ant. 
Lisander, Philocles,  
How looks the day upon us? where's the Queen?  Phi. 
In her bedchamber.  Ant. 
Who was with her?  Lisa. 
None but the young Lord Lysimachus.  Ant. 
'tis no treason  
If a man wish himself a Courtier  
Of such a possibility: he has  
The mounting fate.  Phi. 
I would his Father were  
Mounted toth' gallows.  Ant. 
He has a path fair enough,  
If he survive by title of his Father.  Lisa. 
The Queen will hasten his ascent.  Phi. 
Would I wore Queen.  Ant. 
Thou wod'st become rarely the petticoat,  
What wod'st thou do?  Phi. 
Why, I would marry  
My Gentleman usher, and trust all the strength  
And burden of my state upon his legs,  
Rather than be called wife by any son  
Of such a Father.  Lisa. 
Come let's leave this subject,  
We may find more secure discourse; when saw  
You young Arcadius, Lord Macarius Nephew?  Ant. 
There's a spark, a youth moulded for a favourite,  
The Queen might do him honour.  Phi. 
Favourite, 'tis too cheap a name, there were a match  
Now for her Virgin blood.  Lisa. 
Must every man  
That has a handsome face or leg feed such  
Ambition: I confess I honour him,  
He has a nimble soul, and gives great hope  
To be no woman-hater, dances handsomely,  
Can court a Lady powerfully, but more goes  
Toth' making of a Prince? He's here  
andds uncle.  Enter Arcadius, Macarius, Seleucus. Sel. 
Save you Gentlemen, who can direct me  
To find my Lord Protector?  Lisa. 
He was here  
Within this half hour, young Lisimachus  
His son is with the Queen.  Sel. 
There let him compliment,  
I have other business, ha'? Arcadius!  Exit. Phi. 
Observed you with what eyes Arcadius  
And he saluted, their two families  
Will hardly reconcile.  Ant. 
Seleucus carries  
Himself too roughly, with what pride and scorn  
He passed by 'em.  Lisa. 
The t'other with less show  
Of anger carries pride enough in's soul,  
I wish 'em all at peace, Macarius looks  
Are without civil war, a good old man,  
The old King loved him well, seleucus' Father  
Was as dear to him, and maintained the character  
Of an honest Lord through Epire: that two men  
So loved of others, should be so unwelcome  
To one another.  Arc. 
The Queen was not wont to send for me.  Mac. 
The reason's to herself,  
It will become your duty to attend her.  Arc. 
Save you Gentlemen, what novelty  
Does the Court breath to day?  Lisa. 
None sir, the news  
That took the last impression is, that you  
Purpose to leave the kingdom, and those men,  
That honour you, take no delight to hear it.  Arc. 
I have ambition to see the difference  
Of Courts, and this may spare; the delights  
At home do surfeit, and the mistress whom  
We all do serve is fixed upon one object,  
Her beams are too much pointed, but no Country  
Shall make me lose your memories.  Enter Queen, Lysimachus, Macarius, Charilla. Que. 
Arcadius.  Mac. 
Your Lordship honoured me,  
I have no blessing in his absence.  Lisi. 
'tis done like a pious uncle.  Que. 
We must not  
Give any licence.  Arc. 
If your Majesty  
Would please.  Que. 
We are not pleased, it had become your duty,  
To have first acquainted us, ere you declared  
Your resolution public, is our Court  
Not worth your stay?  Arc. 
I humbly beg your pardon.  Que. 
Where's Lysimachus?  Lisi. 
Your humble servant Madam.  Que. 
We shall find  
Employment at home for you, do not lose us.  Arc. 
Madam I then write myself blessed on earth  
When I may do you service.  Que. 
We would be private Macarius.  Mac. 
Madam you have blessed me,  
Nothing but your command could interpose to  
Stay him.  Que. 
Lysimachus  
You must not leave us.  Lisa. 
Nothing but Lysimachus? has she not  
Ta'en a philter?  Exit. Que. 
Nay pray be covered, Ceremony from you.  
Must be excused,  Lisi. 
It will become my duty.  Que. 
Not your love?  
I know you would not have me look upon  
Your person as a Courtier, not as favourite,  
That title were too narrow to express  
How we esteem you.  Lisi. 
The least of all  
These names from you Madam, is grace enough.  Que. 
Yet here you would not rest.  Lisi. 
Not if you please?  
To say there is a happiness beyond,  
And teach my ambition how to make it mine,  
Although the honours you already have  
Let fall upon your servant, exceed all  
My merit; I have a heart is studious  
To reach it with desert, and make if possible  
Your favours mine by justice, with your pardon.  Que. 
We are confident this needs no pardon sir,  
But a reward to cherish your opinion,  
And that you may keep warm your passion,  
Know we resolve for marriage, and if  
I had another gift, beside myself,  
Greater, in that you should discern, how much  
My heart is fixed.  Lisi. 
Let me digest my blessing.  Que. 
But I cannot resolve when this shall be,  Lisi. 
How Madam? Do not make me dream of Heaven  
And wake me into misery, if your purpose  
Be, to immortalize your humble servant,  
Your power on earth's divine, Princes are here  
The copies of eternity, and create  
When they but will our happiness.  Que. 
I shall  
Believe you mock me in this argument,  
I have no power.  Lisi. 
How no power.  Que. 
Not as a Queen.  Lisi. 
I understand you not.  Que. 
I must obey, your Fathers my Protector.  Lisi. 
How?  Que. 
When I am absolute, Lysimachus,  
Our power and titles meet, before, we are but  
A shadow, and to give you that were nothing,  Lisi. 
Excellent Queen,  
My love took no original from state,  
Or the desire of other greatness,  
Above what my birth may challenge modestly,  
I love your virtues; mercenary souls  
Are taken with advancement, you've an Empire  
Within you, better than the worlds, to that  
Looks my ambition.  Que. 
T'other is not sit  
To be despised, Cosmography allows  
Epire a place i'th' map, and know till I  
Possess what I was borne to, and alone  
Do grasp the kingdom's sceptre, I account  
Myself divided, he that marries me  
Shall take an absolute Queen to his warm bosom,  
My temples yet are naked, until than  
Our loves can be but compliments, and wishes,  
Yet very hearty ones.  Lisi. 
I apprehend.  Que. 
Your Father.  Enter Cassander, Seleucus. Cas. 
Madam, a Gentleman has an humble suit,  Que. 
'tis in your power to grant, you are Protector,  
I am not yet a Queen.  Cas. 
How's this?  Lisi 
I shall expound her meaning.  Queen. 
Why kneel you sir?  Sel. 
Madam to reconcile two families  
That may unite, both counsels and their blood  
To serve your crown.  Que. 
Macarius, and Eubulus  
That by are inveterate malice to each other.  
It grew, as I have heard upon the question  
Which some of either family had made,  
Which of their Fathers was the best commander:  
If we believe our stories, they have both  
Deserved well of our state, and yet this quarrel  
Has cost too many lives, a severe faction.  Sel. 
But I'll propound a way to plant a quiet  
And peace in both our houses, which are torn  
With their dissensions, and lose the glory  
Of their great names, my blood speaks my relation  
To Eubulus, and I wish my veins were emptied  
To appease their war.  Que. 
Thou hast a noble soul,  
This is a charity above thy youth,  
And it flows bravely from thee, name the way.  Sel. 
In such a desperate cause, a little stream  
Of blood might purge the foulness of their hearts  
If you'll prevent a deluge.  Que. 
Be particular.  Sel. 
Let but your Majesty consent, that two  
May with their personal valour undertake  
The honour of their family, and determine  
Their difference.  Que. 
This rather will enlarge  
Their hate, and be a means to call more blood  
Into the stream.  Sel. 
Not if both families  
Agree, and swear—  Que. 
And who shall be the Champions.  Sel. 
I beg the honour, for Eubulus cause  
To be engaged, if any for Macarius,  
Worthy to wager heart with mine, accept it,  
I am confident, Arcadius  
For honour would direct me to his sword,  
Will not deny, to stake against my life  
His own, if you vouchsafe us privilege.  Que. 
You are the expectation and toppen boughs  
Of both your houses, it would seem injustice,  
To allow a civil war to cut you off,  
And yourselves the instruments, besides  
You appear a soldier, Arcadius  
Hath no acquaintance yet with rugged war,  
More fit to drill a Lady then expose  
His body to such dangers: a small wound  
Ith' head may spoil the method of his hair,  
Whose curiosity exacts more time  
Than his devotion, and who knows but he  
May lose his ribbon by it in his lock,  
Dear as his Saint, with whom he would exchange  
His head, for her gay colours; then his band  
May be disordered, and transformed from Lace  
To cutwork, his rich clothes be discomplexion  
With blood, beside the unfashionable slashes,  
And at the next festival take physic,  
Or put on black, and mourn for his slain breeches:  
His hands cased up in gloves all night, and sweat  
Pomatum, the next day may be endangered  
To blisters with a sword, how can he stand  
Upon his guard, who hath fidlers in his head,  
To which, his feet must ever be a dancing.  
Beside a falsify may spoil his cringe,  
Or making of a leg, in which consists  
Much of his Court perfection.  Sel. 
Is this Character  
Bestowed on him?  Que. 
It something may concern the Gentleman,  
Whom if you please to challenge  
To dance, play on the Lute, or sing.  Sel. 
Some catch?  Que. 
He shall not want those will maintain him  
For any sum.  Sel. 
You are my sovereign,  
I dare not think, yet I must speak somewhat,  
I shall burst else, I have no skill in jigs,  
Nor tumbling.  Que. 
How sir?  Sel. 
Nor was I borne a minstrel, and in this you have  
So infinitely disgraced Arcadius,  
But that I have heard another Character,  
And with your royal licence do believe it,  
I should not think him worth my kill.  Que. 
Your kill?  Sel. 
Does she not jeeren me;  
I shall talk treason presently, I find it  
At my tongues end already, this is an  
Affront, I'll leave her.  Que. 
Come bacl, do you know Arcadius?  Sel. 
I ha' changed but little breath with him, our persons  
Admit no familiarity, we were  
Borne to live both at distance, yet I ha' seen him  
Fight, and fight bravely.  Que. 
When the spirit of Wine  
Made his brain valiant he fought bravely.  Sel. 
Although he be my enemy, should any  
Of the gay flies that buzz about the Court,  
Sat to catch trout i'th'▪ summer, tell me so,  
I durst in any presence but your own.  Que. 
What?  Sel. 
Tell him he were not honest.  Que. 
I see Seleucus thou art resolute,  
And I but wronged Arcadius, your first  
Request is granted, you shall fight, and he  
That conquers be rewarded to confirm  
First place and honour to his family:  
Is it not this you plead for?  Sel. 
You are gracious.  Que. 
Lysimachus.  Lisi. 
Madam.  Cas. 
She has granted then?  Sel. 
With much ado.  Cas. 
I wish thy sword may open  
His wanton veins, Macarius is too popular,  
And has taught him to insinuate.  Que. 
It shall  
But haste the confirmation of our loves,  
And ripen the delights of marriage, Seleucus.  Exit cum. Sel. Lisi. 
As I guest,  
It cannot be too soon.  Cas. 
To morrow than we crown her, and invest  
My son with Majesty, 'tis to my wishes,  
Beget a race of Princes my Lysimachus.  Lisi. 
First let us marry sir.  Cas. 
Thy brow was made  
To wear a golden circle, 'm'me transported,  
Thou shalt rule her, and I will govern thee.  Lisi. 
Although you be my Father, that will not  
Concern my obedience, as I take it. Enter Philocles, Lisander, and Antigonus.  
Gentlemen,  
Prepare yourselves for a solemnity  
Will turn the kingdom into triumph, Epire  
Look fresh to morrow, 〈◊〉 become your duties  
In all your glory to attend the Queen  
At her Coronation, she is pleased to make  
The next day happy in our calendar,  
My Office doth expire, and my old blood  
Renews with thought on't.  Phi. 
How's this?  Ant. 
Crowned to morrow.  Lisa. 
And he so joyful to resign his regency,  
There's some trick in't, I do not like these hasty  
Proceed, and whirls of state, they have commonly  
As strange and violent effects; well, heaven save the Queen.  Phi. 
Heaven save the Queen say I, and send her a sprightly  
Bed-fellow for the Protector, let him pray for  
Himself, he is like to have no benefit of my devotion.  Cas, 
But this doth quicken my old heart Lysimachus,  
There is not any step into her throne,  
But is the same degree of thy own state;  
Come Gentlemen.  Lisa. 
We attend your grace.  Cas. 
Lysimachus.  Lisi. 
What heretofore could happen to mankind  
Was with much pain to climb to heaven, but in  
Sophia's marriage of all Queens the best,  
Heaven will come down to earth▪ to make me blessed.  Ex●.  

Actus Secundus.  Enter Arcadius, and Polidora. Pol. 
Indeed you shall not go.  Arc. 
Whether?  Pol. 
To travel,  
I know you see me, but to take your leave,  
But I must never yield to such an absence.  Arc. 
I prithee leave thy fears, I am commanded  
Toth' contrary, I wonot leave thee now.  Pol. 
Commanded? by whom?  Arc. 
The Queen.  Pol. 
I am very glad, for trust me, I could think  
Of thy departure with no comfort, thou  
Art all the joy I have, half of my soul;  
But I must thank the Queen now for thy company,  
I prithee what could make thee so desirous  
To be abroad?  Arc. 
Only to get an appetite  
To thee Polidora.  Pol. 
Then you must provoke it.  Arc. 
Nay, prithee do not so mistake thy servant.  Pol. 
Perhaps you surfeit with my love.  Arc. 
Thy love?  Pol. 
Although I have no beauty to comparem  
With the best faces, I have a heart above  
All competition.  Arc. 
Thou art jealous now;  
Come, let me take the kiss I gave thee last,  
I am so confident of thee, no lip  
Has ravished it from thine; I prithee come  
To Court.  Pol. 
For what?  Arc. 
There is the throne for beauty.  Pol. 
'tis safer dwelling here.  Arc, 
There's none will hurt,  
Or dare but think an ill to Polidora,  
The greatest will be proud to honour thee.  
Thy lustre wants the admiration here:  
There thou wots shine indeed, and strike a reverence  
Into the gazer.  Pol. 
You can flatter too.  Arc. 
No praise of thee can be thought so, thy virtue  
Will deserve all, I must confess, we Courtiers  
Do oftentimes commend to show our art,  
There is necessity sometimes to say,  
This Madam breathes Arabian gums,  
Amber and Cassia; though while we are praising,  
We wish we had no nostrils to take in  
The offensive steam of her corrupted lungs.  
Nay, some will swear they love their Mistress,  
Would hazard lives and fortunes, to preserve  
One of her hairs brighter than Berenice's;  
Or young Apollo's, and yet after this,  
A favour from another toy would tempt him  
To laugh, while the Officious hangman whips  
Her head off.  Pol. 
Fine men.  Arc. 
I am none of these,  
Nay, there are women Polidora too  
That can do pretty well at flatteries;  
Make men believe they dote, will languish for 'em,  
Can kiss a jewel out of one, and dally  
A carcanet of Diamonds from another,  
Weep intoth' bosom of a third, and maken  
Him drop as many pearls; they count it nothing  
To talk a reasonable heir within ten days  
Out of his whole estate, and make him mad  
He has no more wealth to consume.  Pol. 
You'll teach me  
To think I may be flattered in your promises,  
Since you live where this art is most professed.  Arc. 
I dare not be so wicked Polidora,  
The Infant errors of the Court I may  
Be guilty off, but never to abuse  
So rare a goodness, nor indeed did ever  
Converse with any of those shames of Court,  
To practise for base ends; be confident  
My heart is full of thine, and I so deeply  
Carry the figure of my Polidora,  
It is not in the power of time or distance  
To cancel it, by all that's blessed I love thee:  
Love thee above all women, dare invoke  
A curse when I forsake thee.  Pol. 
Let it be some  
Gentle one.  Arc. 
Teach me an oath I prithee,  
One strong enough to bind, if thou dost find  
Any suspicion of my faith, or else  
Direct me in some horrid imprecation  
When I forsake thee, for the love of other  
Woman, may heaven reward my apostasy  
To blast my greatest happiness on earth,  
And make all joys abortive.  Pol. 
Revoke these hasty syllables, they carry  
To great a penalty for breach of Love  
To me, I am not worth thy suffering,  
You do not know what beauty may invite  
Your change, what happiness may tempt your eye  
And heart together.  Arc. 
Should all the graces of your sex conspire  
In one, and she should court me, with a dower  
Able to buy a kingdom when I give  
My heart from Polidora.  Pol. 
I suspect not,  
And to requite thy constancy I swear.  Arc. 
'ttwere sin to let thee waste thy breath  
I have assurance of thy noble thoughts.  Enter a servant. Ser. 
My Lord, your uncle hath been every where  
Ith' Court enquiring for you, his looks speak  
Some earnest cause.  Arc. 
I am more acquainted with  
Thy virtue then to imagine thou wilt not  
Excuse me now, one kiss dismisses him  
Whose heart shall wait on Polidora, prithee  
Let me not wish for thy return too often,  
My Father.  Enter Nestorius, and a servant. Nes. 
I met Arcadius in strange haste, he told me  
He had been with thee.  Pol. 
Some affair too soon  
Ravished him hence, his uncle sent for him  
You came now from Court: how looks the Queenen  
This golden morning?  Nes. 
Like a bride, her soul  
Is all on mirth, her eyes have quickening fires,  
Able to strike a spring into the earth  
In Winter.  Pol. 
Then Lysimachus can haven  
No frost in's blood, that lives so near her beams.  Nes. 
His politic Father, the Protector smiles too,  
Resolve to see the ceremony of the Queen  
'twill be a day of state,  Pol. 
I am not well.  Nes. 
How! not well? retire then, I must return  
My attendance is expected, Polidora,  
Be careful of thy health.  Pol. 
It will concern men.  Exit. Enter Arcadius, and Macarius. Arc. 
You amaze me sir.  Mac. 
Dear Nephew, if thou respect thy safety,  
My honour, or my age, remove thyself,  
Thy life's in danger.  Arc. 
Mine? who's my enemy?  Mac. 
Take horse, and instantly forsake the City,  
Or else within some unsuspected dwelling,  
Obscure thyself, stay not to know the reason.  Arc. 
Sir, I beseech your pardon, which i'th'▪ number  
Of my offences unto any, should  
Provoke this dishonourable flight?  Mac. 
I would when I petitioned for thy stay,  
I had pleaded for thy banishment, thou know'st not  
What threatens thee:  Arc. 
I would desire to know it,  
I am in no conspiracy of treason,  
Have ravished no man's Mistress, not so much  
As given the lie to any, what should mean  
Your strange and violent fears, I will not stir  
Until you make me sensible I have lost  
My innocence.  Mac. 
I must not live to see  
Thy body full of wounds, it were less sin  
To rip thy father's marble, and fetch from  
The reverend vault his ashes, and disperse them  
By some rude winds where none should ever find  
The sacred dust, it was his legacy,  
The breath he mingled with his prayers to Heaven  
I should preserve Arcadius, whose fate  
He prophesied in death, would need protection,  
Thou wots disturb his ghost, and call it to  
Affright my dreams, if thou refuse to obey me.  Arc. 
You more inflame me to inquire the cause  
Of your distraction, and you'll arm me better  
Than any coward flight by acquainting me  
Whose malice aims to kill me, good sir tell me,  Mac. 
Then prayers and tears assist me.  Arc. 
Sir.  Mac. 
Arcadius,  
Thou art a rash young man, witness the spirit  
Of him that trusted me so much, I bleed,  
Till I prevent this mischief.  Exit. Enter Philocles, Lisander. Arc. 
Ha', keep off.  Phi. 
What mean you sir?  Lisa. 
We are your friends.  Arc. 
I know your faces, but  
Am not secure, I would not be betrayed.  Lisa. 
You wrong our hearts, who truly honour you.  Arc. 
They say I must be killed.  Phi. 
By whom?  Arc. 
I know not, nor would I part with life so tamely.  Phi. 
We dare engage ours in your quarrel, hid  
Your sword, it may beget suspicion,  
It's enough to question you.  Arc. 
I am confident,  
Pray pardon me, come I despise all danger:  
Yet a dear friend of mine, my uncle told me  
He would not see my body full of wounds.  Lisa. 
Your uncle this is strange.  Arc. 
Yes, my honest uncle,  
If my unlucky stars have pointed me  
So dire a fate.  Phi. 
There is some strange mistake in't.  Enter Antigonus. Antony's 
Arcadius, the Queen would speak with you,  
You must make haste.  Arc. 
Though to my death, I fly  
Upon her summons, I give up my breath  
Then willingly, if she command it from me.  Phi. 
This does a little trouble me.  Lisa. 
I know not  
What to imagine, something is the ground  
Of this perplexity, but I hope there is not  
Any such danger as he apprehends.  Enter Queen, Lysimachus, Macarius, Eubulus, Seleucus, Arcadius, Ladies and attendants, Gent. Que. 
We have already granted to Seleucus  
And they shall try their valour if Arcadius  
Have spirit in him to accept the challenge,  
Our royal word is past.  Phi. 
This is strange.  Eub. 
Madam my son knew not what he asked,  
And you were cruel to consent so soon.  Mac. 
Wherein have I offended, to be robbed  
At once of all the wealth I have, Arcadius  
Is part of me.  Eub. 
Seleucus' life and mine  
Are twisted on one thread, both stand or fall  
Together, hath the service for my Country  
Deserved but this reward, to be sent weeping  
To my eternal home? Wast not enough  
When I was young, to lose my blood in wars,  
But the poor remnant that is scarcely warm  
And faintly creeping through my withered veins  
Must be let out to make you sport.  Mac. 
How can  
We that shall this morn seen the sacred oil  
Fall on your virgin tresses, hope for any  
Protection hereafter, when this day  
You sacrifice the blood of them that pray for you.  
Arcadius I prithee speak thyself,  
It is for thee I plead.  Eub. 
Seleucus, kneel  
And say thou haste repent thy rash suit;  
If ere I see thee fight, I be thus wounded,  
How will the least drop forced from thy veins,  
Afflict my heart.  Mac. 
Why, that's good;  
Arcadius speak to her; hear him Madam.  Arc. 
If you call bacl this honour you have done me  
I shall repent I live, do not persuade me  
Seleucus thou art a noble enemy,  
And I will love thy soul though I despair  
Our bodies friendly conversation:  
I would we were to tug upon some cliff,  
Or like two prodigies i'th' air, our conflict  
Might generally be gazed at, and our blood  
Appease our grandsires ashes.  Mac. 
I am undone.  Sel. 
Madam, my father says I have offended,  
If so, I beg your pardon, but beseech you  
For your own glory call not bacl your word.  Eub. 
They are both mad.  Que. 
No more, we have resolved,  
And since their courage is so nobly flamed,  
This morning we'll behold the Champions  
Within the list, be not afraid, their strife  
Will stretch so fare as death, so soon as we  
Are crowned prepare yourselves, Seleucus.  kisses her hand. Sel. 
I have received another life in this high favour,  
And may lose what nature gave me.  Que. 
Arcadius to encourage thy young valour,  
We give thee our father's sword.  
Command it from our armoury; Lysimachus,  
To our Coronation.  Exeunt. Sel. 
I'll forfeit  
My henad for a rebellion then suffer it.  Exit. Arc. 
I am circled with confusions I'll done somewhat  
My brains and friends assist me.  Exit. Phi. 
But do you think they le fight indeed?  Lisa. 
Perhaps  
Her Majesty will see about or two.  
And yet 'tis wondrous strange, such spectacles  
Are rare i'th' Court, and they were to skirmish naked  
Before her, than there might be some excuse.  
There is some gimcracks in't, the Queen is wise  
Above her years.  Phi. 
Macarius is perplexed.  Enter Eubulus. Lisa. 
I cannot blame him, but my Lord Eubulus  
Returned, they are both troubled, 'las good men,  
But our duties are expected, we forget.  Exit Phil. Lis. Eub. 
I must resolve, and yet things are not ripe,  
My brains upon the torture.  Mac. 
This may quit  
The hazard of his person, whose least drop  
Of blood is worth more than our families.  
My Lord Eubulus, I have thought a way  
To stay the young men's desperate proceed,  
It is our cause they fight, let us beseech  
The Queen, to grant us two the privilege  
Of duel, rather than expose their lives  
To either's fury; it were pity they  
Should run upon so black a destiny,  
We are both old, and may be spared, a pair  
Of fruitless trees, mossy and withered trunks,  
That fill up too much room.  Eub. 
Most willingly,  
And I will praise her charity to allow it;  
I have not yet forgot to use a sword,  
Let's lose no time, by this act, she will licence  
Our souls to leave our bodies but a day,  
Perhaps an hour the sooner; they may live  
To do her better service, and be friends  
When we are dead, and yet I have no hope  
This will be granted, curse upon our faction.  Mac. 
If she deny us—  Eub. 
What?  Mac. 
I would do somewhat—  Eub. 
There's something o'th' sudden struck upon  
My imagination, that may secure us.  Mac. 
Name it, if no dishonour wait upon't  
To preserve them, I'll accept any danger.  Eub. 
There is no other way, and yet my heart  
Would be excus▪ d but 'tis to save his life.  Mac. 
Speak it Eubulus.  Eub. 
In your ear I shall,  
It sha'not make a noise if you refuse it.  Mac. 
Hum? though it stir my blood, I'll meet Arcadius,  
If this preserve thee not, I must unseal  
Another mystery.  Exit. Enter Queen, Lysimachus, Cassander, Charilla, Lisander, Philocles, Antigonus. Que. 
We own to all your loves and will deserve  
At least by our endeavours that none may  
This day repent their prayers, my Lord Protector.  Cas. 
Madam I have no  
Such title now, and am blessed to lose  
That name so happily, I was but trusted  
With a glorious burden.  Que. 
You have proved  
Yourself our faithful counsellor, and must still  
Protect our growing state, a kingdom's sceptre  
Weighs down a woman's arm, this crown sits heavy  
Upon my brow already, and we know  
There's something more than mettle in this wreath,  
Of shining glory, but your faith, and counsel,  
That are familiar with mysteries,  
And depths of state, have power to make us fit  
For such a bearing, in which both you shall  
Do loyal service, and reward your duties.  Cas. 
Heaven preserve your highness.  Que. 
But yet my Lords and Gentlemen let nonem  
Mistake me, that because I urge your wisdoms,  
I shall grow careless, and impose on you  
The managing of this great Province, no,  
We will be active too, and as we are  
In dignity above your persons, so,  
The greatest portion of the difficulties  
We call to us, you in your several places  
Relieving us with your experience,  
Observing in your best directions  
All modesty, and distance, for although  
We are but young, no action shall forfeit  
Our royal privilege, or encourage any  
Too unreverent boldness, as it will become  
Our honour to consult, enre we determine  
Of the most necessary things of state,  
So we are sensible of a check,  
But in a brow, that saucily controls  
Our action, presuming on our years  
As few, or frailty of our sex, that head  
Is not secure that dares our power or justice.  Phi. 
She has a brave spirit, look how the Protector  
Grows pale already.  Que. 
But I speak to you  
Are perfect in obedience, and may spare  
This theme, yet 'twas no immaterial  
Part of our character, since I desire  
All should take notice, I have studied  
The knowledge of myself, by which I shall  
Better distinguish of your worth and persons  
In your relations to us.  Lisa. 
This language  
Is but a threatening to some body  Que. 
But we miss some, that use not to absent  
Their duties from us, where's Macarius?  Cas. 
Retired to grieve, your Majesty hath given:  
Consent Arcadius should enter List  
To day with young Seleucus.  Que. 
We purpose Enter Gentleman  
They shall proceed, what's he?  Phil, 
A Gentleman belonging to Seleucus, that givens notice  
He is prepared, and waits your royal pleasure,  Que. 
He was composed for action, give notice  
To Arcadius, and admit the challenger,  
Let other Princes boast their gaudy tilting,  
And mockery of battles, but our triumph  
Is celebrated with true noble valour. Enter Selucus, Arcadius at several doors, their pages before them bearing their Targets.  
Two young men spirited enough to have  
Two kingdoms staked upon their swords, Lysimachus  
Do not they excellently become their arms,  
'ttwere pity but they should do something more  
Than wave their plumes. a shout within.  
What noise is that?  Enter Macarius and Eubulus. Mac. 
The people's joy to know us reconciled,  
Is added to the jubilee of the day,  
We have no more a faction but one heart,  
Peace flow in every bosom.  Eub. 
Throw away  
These instruments of death, and like two friends  
Embrace by our example.  Que. 
This unfeigned?  Mac. 
By our duties to yourself dear Madam  
Command them not advance, our houses from  
This minute are incorporated, happy day  
Our eyes at which before revenge look forth,  
May clear suspicion, oh my Arcadius!  Eub. 
We have found a nearer way to friendship Madam,  
Then by exposing them to fight for us.  Que. 
If this be faithful our desires are blessed,  
We had no thought to waste, but reconcile  
Your blood this was and we did prophesy  
This happy chance, spring into either's bosom,  
Arcadius and Seleucus, what can now  
Be added to this day's felicity;  
Yes, there is something, is there not my Lord?  
While we are Virgin Queen.  Ca 
Ha', that string  
Doth promise music.  Que. 
I am yet my Lords  
Your single joy, and when I look upon,  
What I have taken, to manage the great care  
Of this most flourishing kingdom, I incline  
To think, I shall do justice to myself,  
If I chose one, whose strength and virtue may  
Assist my undertaking, think you Lords,  
A husband would not help?  Lisa. 
No question Madam,  
And he that you purpose to make so blessed  
Must needs be worthy of our humblest duty,  
It is the general vote.  Que. 
We will not then  
Trouble ambassadors to treat with any  
Princes abroad, within our own dominion,  
Fruitful in honour, we shall make our choice;  
And that we may not keep you over long  
In the imagination, from this circle, we  
Have purpose to elect one, whom I shall  
Salute a King and Husband.  Lisa. 
Now my Lord Lifimachus.  Que, 
Nor shall we in this action be accused  
Of rashness, since the man we shall declare  
Deserving our affection, hath been early  
In our opinion, which had reason first  
To guide it, and his known nobility  
Long married to our thoughts, will justify  
Our fair election.  Phi. 
Lifimachus blushes.  Cas. 
Direct our duties Madam to pray for him.  Que 
Arcadius you see from whence we come,  
Pray lead us bacl, you may ascend.  she comes from the state. Cas. 
How's this? O'er reached?  Arc. 
Madam be charitable to your humblest creature,  
Do not reward the heart, that falls in duty  
Beneath your feet, with making me the burden  
Of the Court mirth, a mockery for Pages,  
'ttwere treason in me but to think you mean thus.  Que. 
Arcadius you must refuse my love,  
Or shame this kingdom.  Phi. 
Is the wind in that corner?  Cas. 
I shall run mad Lysimachus.  Lisi. 
Sir, contain yourself.  Sel. 
Is this to be believed?  Mac. 
What dream is this?  Phi. 
He kisses her, now by this day I am glad on't.  Lisa. 
Mark the Protector.  Ant. 
Let him fret his heart strings.  Que. 
Is the day cloudy on the sudden?  Arc. 
Gentlemen  
It was not my ambition, I durst never  
Aspire so high in thought, but since her Majesty  
Hath pleased to call me to this honour, I  
Will study to be worthy of her grace,  
By whom I live.  Que. 
The Church to morrow shall  
Confirm our marriage, noble Lysimachus  
we'll find out other ways to recompense  
Your love to us, set forward, come Arcadius.  Mac. 
It must be so, and yet let me consider,  Cas. 
He insults already, policy assist me.  
To break his neck.  Lisi. 
Who would trust woman?  
Lost in a pair of minutes, lost, how bright  
A morning rose, but now, and now 'tis night?  Exeunt.  

Actus Tertius.  Enter Polidora, and a Servant. Pol. 
Oh where shall Virgins look for faith hereafter?  
If he prove false, after so many vows?  
And yet if I consider, he was tempted  
Above the strength of a young Lover, two  
Such glorious courting his acceptance, were  
Able to make disloyalty no sin,  
At least not seem a fault, a Lady first,  
Whose very looks would thaw a man more frozen  
Than the Alps, quicken a soul more dead than Winter.  
Add to her beauty and perfection,  
That she's a Queen, and brings with her a kingdom  
Able to make a great mind forfeit heaven.  
What could the frailty of Arcadius  
Suggest to unspirit him so much, as not  
To fly to her embraces, you were present  
When she declared herself.  Ser. 
Yes Madam.  Pol. 
Tell me,  
Did not he make a pause, when the fair Queen  
A full temptation stood him?  Ser. 
Very little  
My judgement could distinguish, she did no sooner  
Propound, but he accepted.  Pol. 
That was ill,  
He might with honour stand one or two minutes,  
Me thinks it should have startled him a little,  
To have remembered me, I have deserved  
At least a cold thought, well pray give it him.  Ser. 
I shall.  Ser. 
Instantly.  Pol. 
When?  Pol. 
Not so,  
But take a time when his joy swells him most,  
When his delights are high and ravishing,  
When you perceive his soul dance in his eyes,  
When she that must be his, hath dressed her beanty  
With all her pride, and sends a thousand Cupids  
To call him to the tasting of her lip;  
Then give him this, and tell him while I live,  
I'll pray for him.  Ser. 
I shall.  Exeunt. Enter Cassander and Lysimachus. Cas. 
There is no way but death.  Lisi. 
That's black and horrid,  
Consider sir it was her sin, not his;  
I cannot accuse him, what man could carry  
A heart so frozen, not to melt at such  
A glorious flame? who could not fly to such  
A happiness?  Cas. 
Have you ambition  
To be a tame fool? see so vast an injury  
And not revenge it? make me not suspect  
Thy Mother for this sufferance, my son.  Lisi. 
Pray hear me sir.  Cas. 
Hear a patiented gull,  
A property, thou hast no blood of mine,  
If this affront provoke thee not, how canst  
Be charitable to thyself, and let him live  
To glory in thy shame? Nor is he innocent;  
He had before crept slily into her bosom  
And practised thy dishonour.  Lisi. 
You begin to stir me sir.  Cas. 
How else could she be guilty  
Of such contempt of thee? and in the eye  
Of all the kingdom, they conspired this stain,  
When they had cunning meetings, shall thy love  
And blooming hopes be scattered thus, and Lysimachus  
Stand idle gazer?  Lisi. 
What sir will his death  
Advantage us, if she be false to me?  
So irreligious, and to touch her person—  
Pause we may be observed.  Enter Philocles and Lisander. Lisa. 
'Tis the Protector  
And his son.  Phi. 
Alas poor Gentleman, I pity  
His neglect, but am not sorry for his Father.  Phi. 
'tis a strange turn.  Phi. 
The whirligigs of women.  Lisa. 
Your grace's servant.  Cas. 
I am yours Gentlemen,  
And should be happy to deserve your loves.  Phi. 
Now he can flatter.  Lisa. 
Int sir, to enlarge your sufferings, I have  
A heart doth wish  
The Queen had known better to reward  
Your love and merit.  Lisander. 
If you would express  
Your love to me; pray do not mention it,  
I must obey my fate.  Phi. 
She will be married  
To t'other Gentleman for certain then?  Cas. 
I hope you'll wish 'em joy.  Phi. 
Indeed I will sir.  Lisa. 
Your grace's servant.  Exit. Cas. 
We are grown  
Ridiculous, the pastime of the Court:  
Here comes another.  Enter Seleveus. Sel. 
Where's your son my Lord?  Cas. 
Like a neglected servaut of his Mistress.  Sel. 
I would ask him a question.  Cas. 
What?  Sel. 
Whether the Queen  
As 'tis reported, loved him, he can tell  
Whether she promised what they talk of, marriage,  Cas. 
I can resolve you that sir.  Sel. 
She did promise?  Cas. 
Yes.  Sel. 
Then she's a woman, and your son;  Cas. 
What?  Sel. 
Not worthy his blood, and expectation,  
If he be calm.  Cas. 
Th●res no opposing destiny.  Sel. 
I would cut the throat.  Cas. 
Whose throat?  Sel. 
The destinies, that's all your pardon sir,  
I am Seleucus still, a poor shadow  
Oth' world, a walking picture, it concerns  
Not me, I am forgotten by my stars.  Cas. 
The Queen with more discretion might ha' chosen  
Thee.  Sel. 
Whom?  Cas. 
Thee Seleucus.  Sel. 
Me? I cannot dance, and frisk with due activity,  
My body is lead, I have too much phlegm, what should  
I do with a kingdom? no Arcadius  
Becomes the cushion, and can please, yet setting  
Aside the trick that Ladies of blood look at,  
Another man might make a shift to wear  
Rich clothes, sit in the chair of state, and nod,  
Dare venture on discourse, that does not trench  
On compliment, and think the study of arms  
And arts, more commendable in a Gentleman  
Than any galliard.  Cas. 
Arcadius,  
And you were reconciled.  Sel. 
We? yes, oh yes,  
But 'tis not manners now to say we are friends,  
At our equality there had been reason,  
But now, subjection is the word.  Cas. 
They are not  
Yet married.  Sel. 
〈◊〉 make no oath upon't,  
My Lord Lysimachus,  
A word. you●e not be angry if I love you,  
May not a bachelor be made a cuckold?  Lisi. 
How sir?  Cas. 
Lysimachus, this Gentleman  
Is worth our embrace, he's spirited,  
And may be useful.  Sel. 
Hark you, can you tell  
Where's the best Dancing-master? and you mean  
To rise at Court, practise to caper, farewell  
The noble science, that makes work for cutlers,  
It will be out of fashion to wear swords,  
Masques, and devices welcome, I salute you.  
Is it not pity any division  
Should be heard out of music? Oh 'twill be  
An excellent age of crotchets; and of Canters.  
Buy captains that like fools will spend your blood  
Out of your Country, you will be of less  
Use than your feathers, if you return unmanned  
You shall be beaten soon to a new march,  
When you shall think it a discretion  
To sell your glorious buffs to buy fine pumps,  
And pantofles, this is I hope no treason.  Enter Areadius leading the Queen, Charia, Eubulus, Lisander, Philocks, Polidor a, servant. Cas. 
Wots stay Lysimachus?  Lisi. 
Yes sir,  
And show a patience above her injury.  Arc. 
This honour is too much, Madam assume  
Your place, and let Arcadius wait still:  
'tis happiness enough to be your servant.  Cas. 
Now he dissembles.  Que. 
Sir you must sit.  Arc. 
I am obedient.  Que. 
This is not music  
Sprightly enough, it feeds the soul with melancholy.  
How says Arcadius?  Arc. 
Give me leave to think  
There is no harmony but in your voice,  
And not an accent of your heavenly tongue,  
But strikes me into rapture, I incline  
To think the tale of Orpheo no fable,  
'tis possible he might enchant the rocks,  
And charm the forest, soften hell, hell itself  
With his commanding Lute, it is no miracle  
To what you work, whose very breath conveys  
The hearer into heaven, how at your lips,  
Day winds gather perfumes, proudly glide away,  
To disperse sweetness round about the world.  Sel. 
Fine stuff.  Que. 
You cannot flatter.  Arc. 
Not if I should say  
Nature had placed you here the creatures wonder,  
And her own spring, from which all excellence  
On earth's derived, and copied forth, and when  
The character of fair, and good in others  
Is quite worn out, and lost, looking on you  
It is supplied, and you alone made mortal  
To feed and keep alive all beauty.  Sel. 
Ha', ha', can you endure it Gentlemen?  Lisa. 
What do you mean?  Sel. 
Nay ask him what he means, mine is a down  
Right laugh.  Que. 
Well sir proceed.  Arc. 
At such bright eyes the stars do light themselves,  
At such a forehead Swans renew their white,  
From such a lip the morning gathers blushes.  Sel. 
The morning is more modest than thy praises,  
What a thing does he make her?  Arc. 
And when you fly to heaven & leave this world  
No longer maintenance of goodness from you,  
Then Poetry shall lose all use with us,  
And be no more, since nothing in your absence  
Is left, that can be worthy of a Verse.  Sel. 
Ha', ha'.  Que. 
Whos's that?  Sel. 
'twas I Madam.  Arc. 
Seleucus?  Cas. 
Ha'?  Sel. 
Yes sir, 'twas I that laughed.  Arc. 
At what?  Sel. 
At nothing.  Lisa. 
Contain yourself Seleucus.  Eub. 
Are you mad?  Que. 
Have you ambition to be punished sir?  Sel. 
I need not, 'twas punishment  
Enough to hear him make an idol of you, he left  
Out the commendation of your patience, I was a little  
Moved in my nature to hear his codomontadoes, and  
Make a monster of his Mistress, which I pitied first,  
But seeing him proceed, I guest he brought you  
Mirth with his inventions, and so made bold to laugh at it.  Que. 
You are saucy,  
we'll place you where you sha'not be so merry,  
Take him away.  Lisa. 
Submit yourself  Arc. 
Let me plead for his pardon.  Sel. 
I would not owe my life so poorly, beg thy own  
When you are King you cannot bribe your destiny.  Eub. 
Good Madam hear me, I fear he is distracted,  
Brave boy, thou shouldst be master of a soul  
Like his: thy honours more concerned.  Sel. 
'Tis charity,  
A way wi' me, ' boy Madam?  Cas. 
He has a daring spirit.  Exeunt Sel. Eubulus Cas. Arc. 
These and a thousand more affronts I must  
Expect: your favours draw them all upon me;  
In my first state I had no enemies,  
I was secure while I did grow beneath  
This expectation, humble valleys thrive with  
Their bosoms full of flowers, when the hills melt  
With lightning, and rough anger of the clouds,  
Let me retire.  Que. 
And can Arcadius'  
As such a breath be moved, I had opinion  
Your courage durst have stood a tempest for  
Our love, can you for this incline to leave  
What other Princes should in vain have sued for?  
How many Lovers are in Epire now  
Would throw themselves on danger, not expect  
one enemy, but empty their own veins,  
And think the loss of all their blood rewarded,  
To have one smile of us when they are dying?  
And shall this murmur shake you?  Arc. 
Not dear Madam,  
My life is such a poor despised thing,  
In value your least graces, that  
To lose it were to make myself a victory,  
It is not for myself I fear: the envy  
Of others cannot fasten wound in me  
Greater, then that your goodness should be checked  
So daringly.  Que. 
Let not those thoughts afflict thee  
While we have power to correct the offences  
Arcadius be mine, this shall confirm it.  Arc. 
I shall forget  
And lose my way to heaven, that touch had been  
Enough to have restored me, and infused  
A spirit of a more celestial nature,  
After the tedious absence of my soul,  
Oh bless me not too much, one smile a day  
Would stretch my life to mortality,  
Poets that wrap divinity in tales,  
Look here, and give your copies forth of angels,  
What blessing can remain?  Que. 
Our marriage.  Arc. 
Place then some horrors in the way  
For me, not you to pass, the journey's end  
Holds out such glories to me, I should think  
Hell but a poor degree of suffering for it,  
What's that some petition, a Letter to me. You had a Polidora, ha', that's all.  
Ith' minute when my vessels new launched forth,  
With all my pride and silken wings about me  
I strike upon a rock: what power can save me?  
You had a Polidora; there's a name  
Killed with grief I can so soon forget her  Ser. 
She did impose on me this service sir,  
And while she lives she says she'll pray for you.  Aarc. 
She lives  
That's well, and yet 'ttwere better, for my fame,  
And honour she were dead, what fate hath placed me  
Upon this fearful precipice?  Ser. 
he's troubled.  Arc. 
I must resolve, my faith is violated  
Already, yet poor loving Polidora  
Will pray for me, she says, to think she can  
Render me hated to myself, and every  
Thought's a tormentor, let me then be just.  Que. 
Arcadius.  Arc. 
That voice prevails again, oh Polidora,  
Thou must forgive Arcadius, I dare not  
Turn rebel to a Princess, I shall love  
Thy virtue, but a kingdom has a charm  
To excuse our frailty, dearest Madam.  Que. 
Now set forward.  Arc. 
To perfect all our joys.  Enter Macarius, and a Bishop, Cassander. Mac. 
I'll fright their glories.  Cas. 
By what means?  Mac. 
Observe.  Arc. 
Our good uncle, welcome.  Que. 
My Lord Macarius we did want your person,  
There's something in our joys wherein you share.  Mac. 
This you intent your highness' wedding day.  Que. 
We are going.  Mac. 
Save you labour  
I have brought a Priest to meet you.  Arc. 
Reverend Father.  Que. 
Meet us, why?  Mac. 
To tell you that you must not marry.  Cas. 
Didst thou hear that Lysimachus?  Lisi. 
And wonder what will follow.  Que. 
We must not marry.  Bish. 
Madam 'tis a rule  
First made in heaven, and I mun needs declare  
You and Arcadius must tie no knot  
Of man and wife.  Arc. 
Is my uncle mad?  Que. 
joy has transported him,  
Or age has made him dote, Macarius  
Provoke us not too much, you will presume  
Above our mercy.  Mac. 
I'll discharge my duty,  
Can your frown strike me dead, my Lord you know  
Whose character this is.  Cas. 
It is Thedosius.  
Your grace's Father.  Bis. 
I am subscribed a witness.  Phi. 
Upon my life 'tis his.  Mac. 
Fear not, I'll cross this match.  Cas. 
I'll bless thee for't.  Arc. 
Uncle dee know what you do, or what we are  
Going to finish, you will not break the neck of my glorious  
Fortune, now my feet i'th' stirrups and mounting,  
Throw me over the saddle, I hope you'll let one  
Be a King, Madam 'tis as you say,  
My uncle is something crazed, there is a worm  
In's brain, but I beseech you pardon him, he is  
Not the first of your counsel, that has talked  
Idly, dye hear my Lord Bishop, I hope  
You have more religion then to join with him  
To undo me.  Bis. 
Not I sir, but I am commanded by oath,  
And conscience to speak truth.  Arc. 
If your truth should do me any harm, I shall never  
Be in charity with a crosier's staff, look too't.  Que. 
My youngest Brother,  Cas. 
Worse and worse, my brains.  Mac. 
Deliver to me an Infant with this writing,  
To which this reverend Father is a witness.  Lisa. 
This he whom we so long thought dead, a child.  Que. 
But what should make my father to trust him  
To your concealment? give abroad his death, and bury  
An empty coffin?  Mac. 
A jealousy he had  
Upon Cassander, whose ambitious brain  
He feared would make no conscience to depose  
His son, to make Lysimachus King of Epire.  Que. 
He made no scruple to expose me then  
To any danger?  Mac. 
He secured you Madam  
By an early engagement of your affection  
To Lysimachus, exempt this testimony,  
Had he been Arcadius, and my Nephew  
I needed not obtrude him on the state,  
Your Love and marriage had made him King  
Without my trouble, and saved that ambition  
There was necessity to open now  
His birth, and title.  Phi. 
Demetrius' alive.  Arc. 
What riddles are these, whom do they talk of?  Omn. 
Congratulate your return to life, and honour,  
And as becomes us, with one voice salute you  
Demetrius King of Epire.  Mac. 
I am no uncle, sir, this is your sister,  
I should have suffered incest to have kept you  
Longer i'th' dark, love, and be happy both,  
My trust is now discharged.  Lisa. 
And we rejoice.  Arc. 
But do not mock me Gentlemen,  
May I be bold upon your words to say  
I am Prince Thedosius' son.  Mac. 
The King.  Arc. 
You'll justify it?  
Sister I am very glad to see you.  Sop. 
I am to find a brother, and refigne my glory,  
My triumph is my shame.  exit. Enter Cassander. Cas. 
Thine ear Lysimachus.  Arc. 
Gentlemen I own  
Unto your loves, as large acknowledgement  
As to my birth for this greath onour, and  
My study shall be equal to be thought  
Worthy of both.  Cas. 
Thou art turned Marble.  Lisi. 
There will be the less charge for my monument.  Cas. 
This must not be, fit fast young King.  Exit. Lisa. 
Your sister sir is gone.  Arc. 
My sister should have been my Bride, that name  
Puts me in mind of Polidora, ha'?  
Lisander, Philocles, Gentlemen,  
If you will have me think your hearts allow me  
Thedosius' son, oh quickly snatch some wings,  
Express it in your haste to Polidora,  
Tell her what title is new dropped from Heaven  
To make her rich; only created for me,  
Give her the ceremony of my Queen,  
With all the state that may become our Bride  
Attend her to this throne; are you not there?  
Yet stay, 'tis too much pride to send for her,  
we'll go ourself, no honour is enough  
For Polidora, to redeem our fault  
Salute her gently from me, and upon  
Your knee, present her with this diadem,  
'tis our first gift, tell her Demetrius follows  
To be her guest, and give himself a servant  
To her chaste bosom, bid her stretch her heart  
To meet me, I am lost in joy and wonder.  Exeunt Omnes.  

Actus Quartus.  Enter Cassander, Eubulus, soldier. Cas. 
where's the captain of the Castle?  Sol. 
he'll attend your honours presently.  Cas. 
Give him knowledge we expect him.  Sol. 
I shall my Lord.  Exit. Cas. 
He is my creature, fear not,  
And shall run any course that we proposed.  Eub. 
My Lord, I like the substance of your plot,  
'tis promising, but matters of this consequence  
Are not so easily perfect, and it does  
Concern our heads to build upon secure  
Principles, though Seleucus, I confess,  
Carry a high, and daring spirit in him,  
'tis hard to thrust upon the state new settled  
Any impostor, and we know not yet  
Whether he'll undertake to play the Prince;  
Or if he should accept it, with what cunning  
He can behave himself.  Cas. 
My Lord, affairs  
Of such a glorious nature, are half finished  
When they begin with confidence.  Fub. 
Admit  
He want no art, nor courage, it must rest  
Upon the people to receive his title,  
And with what danger their uncertain breath  
May flatter ours, Demetrius scarcely warm  
In the King's seat, I may suspect.  Cas. 
That reason  
Makes for our part, for if it be so probable,  
That young Demetrius should be living, why  
May not we work them to believe Leonatus  
The eldest son was by some trick preserved  
And now would claim his own: there were two sons,  
Who in their father's life we supposed dead,  
May not we find a circumstance to make  
This seem as clear as tother, let the vulgar  
Be once possessed, we'll carry Epire from▪  
Demetrius, and the world.  Eub. 
I could be pleased  
To see my son a King. Enter Polianus.  
The Captaives here.  Pol. 
I wait your lordship's pleasure.  Cas. 
We come to visit your late prisoners,  
I will not doubt, but you entreat him fairly  
He will deserve it for himself, and you  
Be fortunate in any occasion  
To have expressed your service.  Pol. 
Sir, the knowledge  
Of my honourable Lord his Father, will  
Instruct me to behave myself with all  
Respects becoming me, to such a son.  Cas. 
These things will least  
Oblige you, but how bears he his restraint?  Pol. 
As one whose soul's above it.  Eub. 
Patiently?  Pol. 
With contempt rather of the great command  
Which made him prisoner, he will talk sometimes  
So strangely to himself.  Eub. 
he's here.  Enter Seleucus. Sel. 
Why was I borne to be a subject? 'tis  
Soon answered, sure my Father was no Prince,  
That's all, the same ingredience use to make  
A man, as active, though not royal blood  
Went to my composition, and I  
Was gotten with as good a will perhaps,  
And my birth cost my mother as much sorrow,  
As I had been borne an Emperor.  Cas. 
While I look  
Upon him, something in his face presents  
A King indeed.  Eub. 
He does resemble much  
Thedosius too.  Cas. 
Whose son we would pretend him,  
This will advance our plot,  Sel. 
'tis but a name,  
And mere opinion, that prefers one man  
Above another, I'll imagine then  
I am a P rinse, or some brave thing on earth,  
And see what follows, but it must not be  
My fingle voice will carry it, the name  
Of King must be attended with a troop  
Of acclamations, on whose airy Wings  
He mounts, and once exalted threatens Heaven,  
And all the stars: how to acquire this noise,  
And be the thing I talk of, men have rise  
From a more cheap nobility to Empires,  
From dark originals, and sordid blood,  
Nay some that had no fathers, sons of the earth,  
And flying people, have aspired to kingdoms,  
Made nations tremble, any have practised frowns  
To awe the world, their memory is glorious,  
And I would hug them in their shades, but what's  
All this to me; that am I know not what,  
And less in expectation?  Pol. 
Are you serious?  Cas. 
Will you assist, and run a fate with us.  Pol. 
Command my life, I own it to your favour.  Sel. 
Arcadius was once as fare from being  
As I, and had we not so cunningly  
Been reconciled, or one, or both had gone  
To seek our fortunes in another world;  
What's the device now? If my death be next,  
The summons shall not make me once look pale.  Cas. 
Chide your too vain suspicions, we bring  
A life, and liberty, with what else can make  
Thy ambition happy, thoust a glorious flame  
We come to advance it.  Sel. 
How?  Cas. 
Have but a will,  
And be what thy own thoughts dare prompt thee to,  
A King.  Sel. 
You do not mock me Gentlemen,  
You are my father sir.  Eub. 
This minute shall  
Declare it my Seleucus, our hearts swelled  
With joy, with duty rather, oh my boy!  Sel. 
What's the mystery?  Pol. 
You must be a King.  Cas. 
Seleucus, stay thou art too incredulous,  
Let not our faith, and study to exalt thee,  
Be so rewarded.  Eub. 
I pronounce thee King  
Unless thy spirit be turned coward, and  
Thou faint to accept it.  Sel. 
King of what?  Cas. 
Of Epire.  Sel. 
Although the Queen since she sent me hither  
Were gone to Heaven I know not how  
That title could devolve to me.  Cas. 
We have  
No Queen, since he that should have married her,  
Is proved her youngest brother, and now King  
In his own title.  Sel. 
Thank you Gentlemen,  
There's hope for me.  Cas. 
Why, you dare fight with him  
And need be, for the kingdom.  Sel. 
With Arcadius,  
If you'll make stakes, my life against his crown,  
I'll fight with him, and you, and your fine son,  
And all the Courtiers one after another.  Cas. 
'Twon't come to that.  Sel. 
I am of your lordship's mind, so far you well  Cas. 
Yet stay and hear-  Sel. 
What? that you have betrayed me,  
Do, tell your King, my life is grown a burden,  
And I'll confess, and make your souls look pale,  
To see how nimble mine shall leap this battlement  
Of flesh, and dying, laugh at your poor malice.  omnes. 
No more, long live Leonatus King of Epire.  Sol. 
Leonatus, who's that?  Cas. 
Be bold and be a King, our brains have been  
Working to raise you to this height, here are  
None but friends, dare you but call yourself  
Leonatus, and but justify with confidence  
What we'll proclaim you, if we do not bring  
The crown to your head, we will forfeit ours.  Eub. 
The state is in distraction, Arcadius  
Is proved a King, there was an elder brother,  
If you dare but pronounce, you are the same,  
Forget you are my son.  Pol. 
These are no trifles, sir, all is plotted  
To assure your greatness, if you will be wise,  
And take the fair occasion that's presented.  Sel. 
Arcadius, you say, is lawful King,  
And now to depose him, you would make me  
An elder brother, is't not so?  Cas. 
Most right.  Sel. 
Nay, right or wrong, if this be your true meaning.  Omnes. 
Upon our lives.  Sel. 
I'll venture mine, but with your pardon,  
Whose brain was this? from whom took this plot life?  Eub. 
My Lord Cassander.  Sel. 
And you are of his mind? and you? and think  
This may be done?  Eub. 
The destinies shall not cross us, if you have  
Spirit to undertake it.  Sel. 
Undertake it?  
I am not used to compliment, I'll owe  
My life to you, my fortunes to your Lordship,  
Compose me as you please, and when you've made  
Me what you promise, you shall both divide  
Me equally, one word my Lord, I had rather  
Live in the prison still, then be a propency  
To advance his politic ends.  Eub. 
Have no suspicion.  Cas. 
So, so, I see Demetrius heels already  
Tripped up, and I'll dispatch him out o'th' way,  
Which gone, I can depose this at my leisure  
Being an Impostor, than my son stands fair,  
And may piece with the Princess, we lose time,  
What think you, if we first surprise the Court,  
While you command the Castle, we shall curb  
All opposition.  Eub. 
Let's proclaim him first.  
I have some faction, the people love me,  
They gained to us, we'll fall upon the Court.  Cas. 
Unless Demetrius yield himself he bleeds.  Sel. 
Who dares call treason sin, when it sueceeds?  Execunt Omnes Enter Sophia and Charilla. Cham 
Madam, you are too passionate, and lose  
The greatness of your soul, with the expense  
Of too much grief, for that which providence  
Hath eased you of, the burden of a state  
Above your tender bearing.  Sop. 
thou'rt a fool,  
And canst not reach the spirit of a Lady,  
Borne great as I was, and made only less  
By a too cruel destiny, above  
Our tender bearing? what goes richer to  
The composition of man, than ours?  
Our soul as free, and spacious, our heart's  
As great, our will as large, each thought as active,  
And in this only man more proud than we,  
That would have us less capable of Empire,  
But search the stories, and the name of Queen  
Shines bright with glory, and some precedents  
Above man's imitation.  Cham 
I grant it  
For the honour of our sex, nor have you, Madam,  
By any weakness forfeited command,  
He that succeeds, in justice, was before you,  
And you have gained more in a royal brother  
Than you could lose by your refigne of Epire.  Sop. 
This I allow Charilla, I ha' done;  
'tis not the thought I am deposed afflicts me,  
At the same time I feel a joy to know  
My Brother living: no, there is another  
Wound in me above cure.  Cham 
Virtue forbidden.  Sop. 
Canst find me out a Surgeon for that?  Cham 
For what?  Sop. 
My bleeding fame.  Cham 
Oh do not injure  
Your own clear innocence.  Sop. 
Do not flatter me,  
I have been guilty of an act, will make  
All love in women questioned, is not that  
A blot upon a virgin's name? my birth  
Cannot extenuate my shame, I am  
Become the stain of Epire.  Cham 
'tis but  
Your own opinion, Madam, which presents  
Something to fright yourself, which cannot  
Be in the same shape so horrid to our sense.  Sop. 
Thou wod'st but canst not appear ignorant,  
Did not the Court, nay, the whole kingdom, take  
Notice I loved Lysimachus?  Cham 
True Madam.  Sop. 
No. I was false  
Though counselled by my Father to affect him,  
I had my politic ends upon Cassander,  
To be absolute Queen, flattering his son with hopes  
Of love and marriage, when that very day  
I blush to think I wronged Lysimachus,  
That noble Gentleman, but heaven punished me;  
For though to know Demetrius was a blessing,  
Yet who will not impute it my dishonour.  Cham 
Madam, you yet may recompense Lysimachus,  
If you affect him now, you were not false  
To him whom then you loved not, if you can  
Find any gentle passion in your soul  
To entertain his thought, no doubt his heart,  
Though sad, retains a noble will to meet it,  
His love was firm to you, and cannot be  
Unrooted with one storm.  Sop. 
He will not sure  
Trust any language from her tongue that mocked him,  
Although my soul doth weep for't, and is punished  
To love him above the world.  Enter Lysimachus. Cham 
he's here  
As fate would have him reconciled, be free,  
And speak your thoughts.  Lisi. 
If Madam I appear  
Too bold, your charity will sign my pardon:  
I heard you were not well, which made me haste  
To pay the duty of an humble visit.  Sop. 
You do not mock me sir.  Lisi. 
I am confident  
You think me not so lost to manners, in  
The knowledge of your person, to bring with me  
Such rudeness, I have nothing to present,  
But a heart full of wishes for your health,  
And what else may be added to your happiness.  Sop. 
I thought you had been sensible.  Lisi. 
How Madam?  Sop. 
A man of understanding, can you spend  
One prayer for me, remembering the dishonour  
I have done Lysimachus?  Lisi. 
Nothing can deface that part of my  
Religion in me, not to pray for you.  Sop. 
It is not then impossible you may  
Forgive me too, indeed I have a soul  
Is full of penitence, and something else,  
If blushing would allow to give't a name.  Lisi. 
What Madam?  Sop. 
Love, a love that should redeem  
My past offence, and make me white again.  Lisi. 
I hope no sadness can possess your thoughts  
For me, I am not worthy of this sorrow,  
But if you mean it any satisfaction  
For what your will hath made me suffer, 'tis  
But a strange overflow of charity,  
To keep me still alive, be yourself Madam,  
And let no cause of mine, be guilty of  
This rape upon your eyes, my name's not worth  
The least of all your tears.  Sop. 
You think 'em counterfeit.  Lisi. 
Although I may  
Suspect a woman's smile hereafter, yet  
I would believe their wet eyes, and if this  
Be what you promise, for my sake, I have  
But one reply.  Sop. 
I wait it.  Lisi. 
I have now  
Another Mistress.  Sop. 
Stay.  Lisi. 
To whom I have made  
Since your revolt from me, a new chaste vow,  
Which not the second malice of my fate  
Shall violate, and she deserves it Madam,  
Even for that wherein you are excellent,  
Beauty, in which she shines equal to you  
Her virtue, if she but maintain what now  
She is mistress of, beyond all competition,  
So rich it cannot know to be improved,  
At least in my esteem, I may offend,  
But truth shall justify, I have not flattered her,  
I beg your pardon, and to leave my duty  
Upon your hand, all that is good flow in you.  Exit. Sop. 
Did he not say Charilla, that he had  
Another Mistress?  Cham 
Such a sound me thought  
Came from him.  Sop. 
Let's remove, here's too much air,  
The sad note multiplies.  Cham 
Take courage Madam,  
And my advice, he has another Mistress,  
If he have twenty, be you wise, and cross him  
With entertaining twice as many servants,  
And when he sees your humour he'll return,  
And sue for any Livery, grieve for this,  
It must be she, 'tis Polidora has  
Taken his heart, she live my rival,  
How does the thought inflame me.  Cham 
Polidora?  Sop. 
And yet she does but justly, and he too;  
I would have robbed her of Areadius heart,  
And they will both have this revenge on me,  
But something will rebel.  Exit. Enter Demetrius, Philocles, Lisander. De. 
The house is desolate, none comes forth to meet us,  
she's slow to entertain us, Philocles,  
I prithee tell me, did she wear no cloud  
Upon her brow, wast freely that she said  
We should be welcome.  Phi. 
To my apprehension,  
Yet 'tis my wonder she appears not.  Lisa. 
She nor any other,  
Sure there's some conceit  
To excuse it.  Dem. 
Stay, who's this? observe what follows?  Phi. 
Fortune? some mask to entertain you sir.  Enter Fortune crowned, attended with Youth, Health, and Pleasure. For. 
Not yet? what silence doth inhabit here?  
No preparation to bid Fortune welcome!  
Fortune the genius of the world, have we  
Descended from our pride, and state to come  
So fare attended with our darlings, Youth  
Pleasure, and Health, to be neglected thus?  
Sure this is not the place? call hither Fame.  Enter Fame. Fa. 
What would great Fortune?  For. 
Know,  
Who dwells here.  Fa. 
Once more I report great Queen,  
This is the house of Love.  For. 
It cannot be,  
This place has too much shade, and looks as if  
It had been quite forgotten of the Spring,  
And sun beams Love, affect society  
And heat, here all is cold as the hairs of Winter,  
No harmony to catch the busy ear  
Of passengers, no object of delight,  
To take the wand'ring eyes, no song, no groan  
Of Lovers, no complaint of Willow garlands,  
Love has a Beacon upon his palace top  
Of flaming hearts, to call the weary pilgrim  
To rest, and dwell with him, I see no fire  
To threaten, or to warm, can Love dwell here?  Fa. 
If there be noble love upon the world,  
Trust Fame, and find it here.  For. 
Make good your boast  
and bring him to us.  De. 
What does mean all this?  Lisa. 
I told you sir we should have some device, Enter Love.  
There's Cupid now, that little Gentleman,  
Has troubled every mask at Court this seven year.  Dem. 
No more.  Love. 
Welcome to Love, how much you honour me!  
It had become me, that upon your summons  
I should have waited upon mighty Fortune,  
But since you have vouchsafed to visit me;  
All the delights Love can invent, shall flow  
To entertain you, music through the air  
Shoot your enticing harmony.  For. 
We came to dance and revel with you  Lov. 
I am poor  
In my ambition, and want thought to reach  
How much you honour Love.  Dance. Enter Honour. Hon. 
What intrusion's this?  
Whom do you seek here.  Lov. 
'tis Honour.  For. 
He's my servant.  Lov. 
Fortune is come to visit us.  Hon. 
And has  
Corrupted Love, is this thy faith to her,  
On whom we both wait, to betray her thus  
To fortune's triumph, take her giddy wheel,  
And be no more companion to honour  
I blush to know thee, whole believe there can  
Be truth in Love hereafter?  Lov. 
I have found  
My eyes, and see my shame, and with it, this  
Proud sorceress, from whom, and all her charms,  
I fly again to Honour, be my guard,  
Without thee I am lost and cannot boast,  
The merit of a name.  For. 
Despised? I shall  
Remember this affront.  Dem. 
What moral's this? Exeunt. Enter Honour with the crown upon a mourning Cushion.  
What melancholy object strikes a sudden  
Chillness through all my veins, and turns me Ice?  
It is the same I sent, the very same,  
As the first pledge of her ensuing greatness,  
Why in this mourning livery, if she live  
To whom I sent it? Ha', what shape of sorrow? Enter Polidora in mourning.  
It is not Polidora, she was fair  
Enough, and wanted not the setting off  
With such a black, if thou be'st Polidora,  
Why mourns my love? it neither does become  
Thy fortune nor my joys.  Pol. 
But it becomes  
My griefs, this habit fits a funeral,  
And it were sin, my Lord, not to lament  
A fry ndnew dead.  Dem. 
And I yet living? can  
A sorrow enter but upon thy garment,  
Or discomplexion thy attire, whilst I  
Enjoy a life for thee? who can deserve  
Weighed with thy living comforts, but a piece  
Of all this Ceremony? give him a name  Pol. 
He was Arcadius.  Dem, 
Arcadius?  Pol. 
A Gentleman that loved me dear once,  
And does compel these poor, and fruitless drops,  
Which willingly would fall upon his hearse,  
To imbalm him twice.  Dem. 
And are you sure he's dead?  Pol. 
As sure as you're living sir, and yet  
I did not close his eyes, but he is dead,  
And I shall never see the same Arcadius,  
He was a man so rich in all that's good,  
At least I thought him so, so perfect in  
The rules of honour, whom alone to imitate  
Were glory in a Prince, Nature herself  
Till his creation wrought imperfectly,  
As she had made but trial of the rest,  
To mould him excellent.  Dem. 
And is he dead?  
Come, shame him not with praises, recollect  
Thy scattered hopes, and let me tell my best,  
And dearest Polidora, that he lives,  
Still lives to honour thee.  Pol. 
Lives, where?  Dem. 
Look here.  
Am not I worth your knowledge?  Pol. 
And my duty,  
You are Demetrius King of Epire, sir.  
I could not easily mistake him so,  
To whom I gave my heart.  Dem. 
Mine is not changed,  
But still hath fed upon thy memory,  
These honours, and additions of state  
Are lent me for thy sake, be not so strange,  
Let me not lose my entertainment now  
I am improved, and raised unto the height,  
Beneath which, I did blush to ask thy love.  Pol. 
Give me your pardon sir, Arcadius,  
At our last meeting without argument  
To move him more than his affection to me,  
Vowed he did love me; love me 'bove all women,  
And to confirm his heart was truly mine,  
He wished, I tremble to remember it,  
When he forsook his Polidora's love,  
That Heaven might kill his happiness on earth:  
Was not this nobly said, did not this promise  
A truth to shame the Turtles?  Dem. 
And his heart  
Is still the same, and I thy coustant Lover.  Pol. 
Give me your leave I pray, I would not say  
Arcadius was perjured, but the same day  
Forgetting all his promises, and oaths,  
While yet they hung upon his lips, for sooke me,  
Dye not remember this too, gave his faith  
From me, transported with the noise of greatness,  
And would be married to a kingdom.  Dem. 
But heaven permitted not I should dispose  
What was ordained for thee.  Pol. 
It was not virtue  
In him, for sure he found no check, no sting  
In his own bosom, but gave freely all  
The reins to blind ambition.  Dem. 
I am wounded,  
The thought of thee i'th' throng of all my eyes,  
Like poison poured in Nectar, turns me frantic,  
Dear, if Arcadius have made a fault,  
Let not Demetrius be punished for't,  
He pleads that ever will be constant to thee.  Pol. 
Shall I believe man's flatteries again,  
Lose my sweet rest, and peace of thought again,  
Be drawn by you, from the straight paths of virtue  
Into the maze of Love.  Dem. 
I see compassion in thy eye, that chides me  
If I have either soul, but what's contained  
Within these words, or if one syllable  
Of their full force, be not made good by me,  
May all relenting thoughts in you take end,  
And thy disdain be doubled, from thy pardon,  
I'll count my Coronation, and that hour  
Fix with a rubric in my calendar,  
As an auspicious time to entertain  
Affairs of weight with Princes, think who now  
Entreats thy mercy, come thou shalt be kind,  
And divide titles with me  Pol, 
Hear me sir,  
I loved you once for virtue, and haven not  
A thought so much unguarded as to be won  
From my truth, and innocence with any  
Motives of state to affect you,  
Your bright temptation mourns while it stays here  
Nor can the triumph of glory, which made you  
Forget me, so court my opinion bacl,  
Were you no King, I should be sooner drawn  
Again to love you, but 'tis now too late,  
A low obedience shall become me best:  
May all the joys I want  
Still wait on you, if time hereafter tell you  
That sorrow for your fault hath struck me dead,  
May one soft tear drop from your eye, in pity  
Bedew my hearse, and I shall sleep securely  
I have but one word more for goodness sake,  
For your own honour sir correct your passion  
To her you shall love next, and I forgive you.  Exit. Dem. 
Her heart is frozen up, nor can warm prayers  
Thaw it to any softness.  Phi. 
I'll fetch her sir again.  Dem. 
Persuade her not.  Phi. 
You give your passion too much leave to triumph.  
Seek in another what she denies.  Enter Macarius Mac. 
Where's the King? oh sir, you are undone,  
A dangerous treason is a foot.  Dem. 
What treason?  Mac. 
Cassander, and Eubulus haven proclaimed  
Another King, whom they pretend to be  
Leonatus your elder brother, he that was,  
But this morning prisoner in the Castle.  Dem. 
Ha'?  Mac. 
The easy Epirotes  
Gather in multitudes to advance his title,  
They have seized upon the Court, secure your person  
Whilst we raise power to curb this insurrection.  Ant. 
Lose no time then.  Dem. 
We will not arm one man,  
Speak it again, have I a brother living?  
And must be no King.  Mac. 
What means your grace?  Dem. 
This news doth speak me happy, it exalts  
My heart, and makes me capable of more  
Than twenty kingdoms.  Phi. 
Will you not sir, stand  
Upon your guard?  Dem. 
I'll stand upon my honour,  
Mercy relieves me.  Lisa. 
Will you lose the kingdom?  Dem. 
The worlds too poor to bribe me, leave  
Me all, lest you extenuate my fame, and I  
Be thought to have redeemed it by your counsel,  
You shall not share one scruple in the honour;  
Titles may set a gloss upon our name,  
But virtue only is the soul of Fame.  Mac. 
He's strangely possessed Gentlemen.  Exeunt Omnes.  

Actus Quintus.  Enter Philocles, and Lisander. Phi. 
HEre's a strange turn, Lisander.  Lisa. 
'tis a kingdom  
Easily purchased, who will trust the faith  
Of multitudes?  Phi. 
It was his fault, that would  
So tamely give him title to their mercy,  
The new King has possession.  Lisa. 
And is like  
To keeped, we are alone, what doffed think of  
This innovation? if't not a fine lig?  
A precious cunning in the late Protector  
To shuffle a new Prince into the state.  Phi. 
I know not how they have shuffled, but my head on't  
A false card is turned up trump, but fates look too't.  Enter Cassander and Eubulus. Eub. 
Does he not carry it bravely.  Cas. 
Excellently.  
Philocles Lisander.  Phi. Lis. 
Your lordship's servants,  
Are we not bound to heaven, for multiplying  
These blessings on the kingdom.  Phi. 
Heaven alone  
Works miracles my Lord.  Lisa. 
I think your Lordship  
Had as little hope once, to see these Princes  
Revive.  Phi. 
Here we must place our thanks,  
Next providence, for preserving  
So dear a pledge.  Enter leonatus' attended. Eub. 
The King.  Leo. 
It is our pleasure  
The number of our guard be doubled, give  
A Largesse to the Soldiers; but dismiss not  
The troops till we command.  Cas. 
May it please.  Leo. 
It will not please us otherwise, my Lord,  
We have tried your faith,  Eub. 
Does he not speak with confidence?  Leo. 
My Lords, and Gentlemen, to whose faith we must  
Owe next to heaven our fortune, and our safety,  
After a tedious eclipse, the day  
Is bright, and we invested in those honours,  
Our blood, and birth did challenge.  Cas. 
May no time  
Be registered in our annals, that shall mention  
One that had life to oppose your sacred person,  Leo. 
Let them whose titles forged and flawed suspect  
Their state's security, our right to Epire,  
Heaven is obliged to prosper, treason has  
No face so black to fright it, all my cares  
Level to this, that I may worthily  
Manage the province, and advance the honour  
Of our dear Country, and be confident,  
If an expense of blood, may give addition  
Of any happiness to you, I shall  
Offer my heart the sacrifice, and rejose  
To make myself a ghost, to have inscribed  
Upon my marble, but whose cause I died for.  Enb. 
May Heaven avert such danger.  Cas. 
Excellent Prince,  
In whom we see the copy of his Father  
None but the son of Theodosius,  
Can have spoke thus.  Leo. 
You are pleased to interpret well,  
Yet give me leave to say in my own justice,  
I have but expressed the promptness of my soul  
To serve you all, but 'tis not empty wishes  
Can satisfy our mighty charge, a weight  
Would make an Atlas double, a King's name  
Doth sound harmoniously to men at distance,  
And those who cannot penetrate beyond  
The bark, and outskin of a common wealth,  
Or state, have eyes but ravished with the Ceremony  
That must attend a Prince, and understand not  
What cares allay the glories of a crown,  
But good Kings find and feel the contrary,  
You have tried, my Lord▪ the burden, and can tell  
It would require a pilot of more years  
To steer this kingdom, now imposed on me,  
By justice of my birth.  Cas. 
I wish not life,  
But to partake those happy days, which must  
Succeed these fair proceed, we are blessed,  
But sir be sparing to yourself, we shall  
Hazard our joys in you too soon, the burden  
Of statem affairs impose upon your counsel.  
'tis fit that we waste our lives than you,  
Call age too soon upon you with the trouble,  
And cares that threaten such an undertaking,  
Preserve your youth.  Leo. 
And choose you our protector,  
Is't that you would conclude my Lord? We will  
Deserve our subjects faith for our own sake,  
Not sit an idle gazer at the helm  Enter Messenger. Phi. 
How observed you that,  
Mark how Cassander's planet struck.  Eu. 
He might have looked more calmly for all that  
I begin to fear; but do not yet seem troubled.  Leo. 
With what news travails his haste? I must secure  
Myself betimes, not be a King in jest,  
And wear my crown a tenant to their breath.  Cas. 
Demetrius' sir, your brother,  
With other traitors that oppose your claims  
Are fled to the Castle of Nestorius  
And fortify.  Mes. 
I said not so my Lord.  Cas. 
I'll have it thought so, hence.  Exit Messen. Leo. 
Plant forces to batter  
The walls, and in their ruin bring us word  
They live not.  Eub. 
Good sir hear me.  Cas. 
Let it work,  
Were Demetrius dead, we easily might uncrown  
This swollen impostor, and my son be fair  
To piece with young Sophia, who I hear  
Reputes her late affront.  Eub. 
Their lives may do  
You service, let not blood stain your beginnings  
The people not yet warm in their allegiancen,  
May think it worth their tumult to revenge it  
With hazard of yourself.  Leo. 
Who dares but think it?  
Yet offer first our mercy, if they yield,  
Demetrius must not live, my Lord your counsel,  
What if he were in heaven?  Cas. 
You have my consent,  
You sha'not stay long after him.  Leo. 
Sophia is  
Not my sister,  
To prevent all that may endanger us, we'll marry her  
That done no matter though we stand discovered,  
For in her title than we are King of Epire,  
Without dispute.  Cas. 
Hum? in my judgement sir,  
That wonot do so well.  Leo. 
What's your opinion?  Cas. 
He countermines my plot: are you so cunning  Leo. 
What's that you mutter sir?  Cas. 
I mutter sir?  Leo. 
Best say I am no King, but some impostor  
Raised up to gull the state.  Cas. 
Very fine to have said within  
Few hours you'd been no King, nor like to be,  
Was not in the compass of high treason  
I take it.  Eub. 
Restrain your anger, the Kings moved, speak not,  Cas. 
I will speak louder, do I not know him?  
That self same hand that raised him to the throne  
Shall plum ke him from it, is this my reward?  Leo. 
Our guard, to prison with him,  Cas. 
Me to prison?  Leo. 
Off with his head.  Cas. 
My head?  Eub. 
Vouchsafe to hear me, great sir.  Cas. 
How dares he be so insolent?  
I ha' wrought myself into a fine condition,  
Dye know me Gentlemen?  Phi. 
Very well my Lord;  
How are we bound to heaven for multiplying  
These blessings on the kingdom.  Leo. 
We allow it.  Eub. 
Counsel did never blast a Prince's enare.  Leo. 
Convey him to the sanctuary of rebels,  
Nestorius' house, where our proud brother has  
ensconcedd himself, they'll entertain him lovingly,  
He will be a good addition to the traitors,  
Obey me or you die for't, what are Kings  
When subjects dare affrout 'em.  Cas. 
I shall vex  
Thy soul for this.  Leo. 
Away with him, when Kings  
Frown, let offenders tremble, this flows not  
From any cruelty in my nature, but  
The fate of an usurper, he that will  
Be confirmed great without just title to it,  
Must lose compassion, know what's good, not do it.  Exeunt. Enter Polidora and her servant. Ser. 
Madam, the Princess Sophia.  Pol. 
I attend her highness. Enter Sophia.  
How much your grace honours your humble servant  Sop. 
I hope my brother's well.  Pol. 
I hope so too Madam.  Sop. 
Do you but hope? he came to be your guest.  Pol. 
We are all his whilst he is pleased to honour  
This poor roof with his royal presence Madam.  Sop. 
I came to ask your pardon Polidora,  Pol. 
You never Madam trespassed upon me,  
Wrong not your goodness.  Sop. 
I can be but penitent,  
Unless you point me out some other way  
To satisfy.  Pol. 
Dear Madam do not mock me.  Sop. 
there is no injury like that to love,  
I find it now in my own sufferings,  
But though I would have robbed thee of Arcadius'  
Heaven knew a way to reconcile your hearts,  
And punished me in those joys you have found,  
I read the story of my loss of honour,  
Yet can rejoice, and hearty, that you  
Have met your own again.  Pol. 
Whom do you mean?  Sop. 
My brother.  Pol. 
He is found to himself and honour,  
He is my King, and though I must acknowledge  
He was the glory of my thoughts, and I  
Loved him as you did Madam, with desire  
To be made his, reason, and duty since,  
Formed me to other knowledge, and I now  
Look on him without any wish of more  
Then to be called his subject.  Sop. 
Has he made  
Himself less capable by being King.  Pol. 
Of what?  Sop. 
Of your affection.  Pol. 
With your pardon Madam.  
Love in that sense you mean, lest Polidora  
When he forsook Arcadius, I disclaim  
All ties between us, more than what a name  
Of King must challenge from my obedience.  Sop. 
This does confirm my jealousy, my heart,  
For my sake Madam, has he lost his value?  Pol. 
Let me beseech your grace, I may have leave  
To answer in some other cause, or person,  
This argument but opens a sad wound  
To make it bleed a fresh, we may change this  
Discourse, I would elect some subject, whose  
Praises may more delight your care then this  
Can mine; let's talk of young Lysimachus.  Sop. 
Ha'? my presaging fears.  Pol. 
How does your grace?  Sop. 
Well, you were talking of Lysimachus,  
Pray give me your opinion of him.  Pol. 
Mine?  
It will be much short of his worth, I think him  
A gentleman so perfect in all goodness,  
That if there be one in the world deserves  
The best of women, heaven created him,  
To make her happy.  Sop. 
You have in a little, Madam,  
Expressed a Volume of mankind, a miracle,  
But all have not the same degree of faith,  
He is but young.  Pol. 
What mistress would desire  
Her servant old? he has both Spring to please  
Her eye, and Summer to return a harvest.  Sop. 
He is black.  Pol. 
He sets a beauty off more rich,  
And she that's fair will love him, faint complexions  
Betray effeminate minds, and love of change,  
Two beauties in a bed, compound few men,  
He's not so fair to counterfeit a woman,  
Nor yet so black, but blushes may betray  
His modesty.  Sop. 
His proportion exceeds not.  Pol. 
That praises him, and well compacted frame  
Speaks temper, and sweet flow of elements,  
Vast buildings are more off for show then use,  
I would not have my eyes put to the travel  
Of many acres, ere I could examine  
A man from head to foot, he has no great,  
But he may boast, an eligant composition.  Sop. 
I'll hear no more, you have so fare outdone  
My injuries to you, that I call bacl  
My penitence, and must tell Polidora,  
This revenge ill becomes her. Am I thought  
So lost in soul to hear, and forgive this?  
In what shade do I live? or shall I think  
I have not at the lowest enough merit,  
Setting aside my birth, to poise with yours,  
Forgive my modest thoughts, if I rise up  
My ownen defence, and tell this unjust Lady  
So great a Winter hath not frozen yet  
My cheek, but there is something nature planted,  
That carries as much bloom, and spring upon't  
As yours, what flame is in your eye, but may  
Find competition here (forgive again  
My Virgin honour,) what is in your lip,  
To 'tice the enamoured soul, to dwell with more  
Ambition than the yet unwithered blush  
That speaks the innocence of mine. Enter Demetrius.  
Oh brother?  Dem. 
I'll talk with you anon, my Polidora,  
Allow thy patience till my breath recover  
Which now comes laden with the richest news  
Thy ear was ever blessed with.  Sop. 
Both your looks,  
And voice express some welcome accident.  De. 
Guess what in wish could make me fortunate  
And heaven hath dropped that on Demetrius.  Sop. 
What means this ecstasy?  Dem. 
'ttwere sin to busy  
Thy thoughts upon't, I'll tell thee that I could  
Retain some part, 'tis too wide a joy  
To be expressed so soon, and yet it falls  
In a few syllables, thou wots scarce believe me,  
I am no King.  Sop. 
How's that!  Pol. 
Good heaven forbidden.  De. 
Forbid? Heaven has relieved me with a mercy  
I knew not how to ask, I have they say  
An elder brother living, crowned already,  
I only keep my name Demetrius,  
Without desire of more addition,  
Then to return thy servant.  Pol. 
You amaze me,  
Can you rejoice to be deposed:  Dem. 
It but  
Translates me to a fairer and better kingdom  
In Polidora.  Pol. 
Me?  Dem. 
Did you not say,  
Were I no King you could be drawn to love  
Me again, that was consented to in Heaven,  
A kingdom first betrayed my ambitious soul  
To forget thee, that, and the flattering glories,  
How willingly Demetrius do resign,  
The Angels know, thus naked without titles  
I throw me on thy charity, and shall  
Boast greater Empire to be thine again, then  
To wear the triumphs of the world upon me.  Enter Macarius. Mac. 
Be not so careless of yourself, the people  
Gather in multitudes, to your protection  
Offering their lives, and fortunes, if they may  
But see you sir, and hear you speak to 'em,  
Accept their duties, and in time prevent  
Your ruin.  Sop. 
Be not desperate, 'tis counsel.  Dem. 
You trouble me with noise, speak Polidora  Pol. 
For your own sake preserve yourself,  
My fears distract my reason.  Enter Antigonus. Ant. 
Lord Lysimachus  
With something that concerns your safety, is  
Fled hither, and desires a present hearing.  Mac. 
His soul is honest, be not sir a mad man,  
And for a Lady give up all our freedoms.  Exit. Pol. 
I'll say any thing here Lysimachus.  Sop. 
Dear brother hear him.  Enter Lysimachus. Lisi. 
Sir, I come to yield  
Myself your prisoner, if my father have  
Raised an Impostor to supplant your title  
Which I suspect and inwardly do bleed for.  
I shall not only by the tender of  
Myself declare my innocence, but either  
By my unworthy life secure your person,  
Or by what death you shall impose, reward  
The unexpected treason.  Sop. 
Brave young man,  
Did you not hear him brother?  Lisi. 
I am not minded.  Pol. 
Be witness Madam, I resign my heart  
It never was another's, you declare  
Too great a satisfaction, I hope  
This will destroy your jealousy,  
Remember now your danger.  Dem. 
I despise it,  
What fate dares injure me?  Lisi. 
Yet hear me sir.  Sop. 
Forgive me Polidora, you are happy,  
My hopes are removed farther, I had thought  
Lysimachus had meant you for his mistress,  
'tis misery to feed, and not know where  
To place my jealousy.  Enter Macarius. Mac. 
Now 'tis too late,  
You may be deaf, until the Cannon make,  
You find your sense, we are shut up now by  
A troop of Horse, thank yourself.  Pol. 
They will  
Admit conditions.  Sop. 
And allow us quarter.  a shout within. Pol. 
We are all lost.  Dem. 
Be comforted.  Enter Antigonus. Ant. 
News my Lord Cassander sent by the new King.  
To bear us company.  Dem. 
Not as prisoner?  Ant. 
It does appear no otherwise, the soldiers  
Declare how much they love him, by their noise  
Of scorn, and joy to see him so rewarded.  Dem. 
It cannot be.  Ant. 
You'll find it presently,  
He curses the new King, talks treason 'gainst him  
As nimble as he were in's shirt, he's here,  Enter Cassander. Cas. 
Oh let me beg until my knees take root  
Ith' earth, sir, can you pardon me?  Dem. 
For what?  Cas. 
For Treason, desperate, most malicious treason  
I have undone you sir.  Dem. 
It does appear  
You had a will.  Cas. 
I'll make you all the rencompencen I can,  
But ere you kill me hear me, know the man,  
Whom I to serve my unjust ends, advanced  
To your throne, is an impostor, a mere counterfeit,  
Eubulus son.  Exit Anti. Dem. 
It is not then our brother?  Cas. 
An insolent usurper, proud, and bloody  
Seleucus, is no leprosy upon me?  
There is not punishment enough in nature  
To quit my horrid act, I have not in  
My stock of blood to satisfy with weeping,  
Nor could my soul though melted to a flood  
Within me, gush out tears to wash my stain off.  Dem. 
How? an Impostor, what will become on's now?  
We are at his mercy.  Cas. 
Sir, the people's hearts  
Will come to their own dwelling, when they see  
I dare accuse myself, and suffer for it,  
Have courage then young King, thy fate cannot  
Be long compelled.  Dem. 
Rise, our misfortune  
Carries this good, although it lose our hopes,  
It makes you friend with virtue, we'll expect  
What providence will do.  Cas. 
You are too merciful.  Lisi. 
Our duties shall beg heaven still to prenserve you.  Enter Antigonus. Ant. 
Our enemy desires some parley sir.  Lisi. 
'Tis not amiss to hear their proposition.  Pol. 
I'll wait upon you.  Dem. 
Thou art my angel, and canst best instruct me,  
Boldly present ourselves, you'll with Cassander.  Cas. 
And in death be blessed Exit  
To find your charity.  Sop. 
Lysimachus,  Lisi. 
Madam.  Sop. 
They will not miss your presence, the small time  
Is spent in ask of a question.  Lisi. 
I wait your pleasure.  Sop. 
Sat I have a suit to you.  Lisi. 
To me? it must be granted.  Sop. 
If you have  
Cancelled your kind opinion of me,  
Deny me not to know, who hath succeeded  
Sophia in your heart. I beg the name  
Of your new Mistress.  Lisi. 
You shall know her Madam,  
If but these tumults cease, and fate allow us  
To see the Court again, I hope you'll bring  
No mutiny against her, but this is  
No time to talk of Love, let me attend you.  Sop. 
I must expect, till you are pleased to satisfy  
My poor request, conduct me at your pleasure.  Exeunt Enter Leonatus, Eubulus, Bishop, Lisander, Philocles. Leo, 
They are too slow, dispatch new messengers,  
To entreatem fairly hither, I am ecstasied,  
Were you witness for me too, is it possible  
I am what this affirms, true Leonatus,  
And were you not my father, was I given  
In trust to you an Infant?  Eub. 
'tis a truth,  
Our soul's bound to acknowledge, you supplied  
The absence and opinion of my son,  
Who died but to make you my greater care  
I know not of Demetrius, but supposed  
Him dead indeed, as Epire thought you were,  
Your father's character doth want no testimony,  
Which but compared with what concerns Demetrius  
Will prove itself King Theodosius act,  
Your royal Father.  Bish. 
I am subscribed to both his Legacies  
By oath obliged to secrecy, until  
Thus fairly summoned to reveal the trust.  Eub. 
Cassander had no thought you would prove thus.  
To whose policy I gave this aim, although  
He wrought you up to serve but as his engine  
To batter young Demetrius, for it was  
Your father's prudent jealousy, that made him  
Give out your early deaths, as if his soul  
Prophesied his own first, and feared to leave  
Either of you to the unsafe protection,  
Of one whose study would be to supplant  
Your right, and make himself the King of Epire.  Bish. 
Your sister fair Sophia in your father's  
Life, was designed to marry with Lysimachus  
That guarded her, although she used some art  
To quit her pupillage, and being absolute,  
Declared love to Demetrius, which enforced  
Macarius to discover first your brother.  Leo. 
No more, lest you destroy again Leonatus,  
With wonder of his fate, are they not come yet?  
Something it was, I felt within my envy  
Of young Demetrius' fortune, there were seeds  
Scattered upon my heart, that made it swell  
With thought of Empire, Princes I see cannot  
Be totally eclipsed, but wherefore stays  
Demetrius, and Sophia, at whose names  
A gentle spirit walked upon my blood.  Enter Demetrius, Polidora, Sophia, Macarius, Cassander▪ Lisimac. as▪ Eub. 
They are here,  Leo. 
Then thus I fly into their bosoms,  
Nature has rectified in me Demetrius,  
The wander of ambition, our dear sister  
You are amazed, I did expect it, read  
Assurance there, the day is big with wonder,  Mac. 
What means all this?  Leo. 
Lysimachus, be dear to us,  
Cassander, you are welcome too.  Cas. 
Not I,  
I do not look for't, all this sha'not bribe  
My conscience to your faction, and make  
Me false again, Seleveus is no son  
Of Theodosius, my dear Countrymen  
Correct your erring duties, and to that,  
Your lawful King, prostrate yourselves, Delrius  
Doth challenge all your knees.  Dem. 
All love and duty,  
Flow from me to my royal King, and brother  
I am confirmed.  Cas. 
You are too credulous,  
What can betray your faith so much?  Leo. 
Sophia, you appear sad, as if your will  
Gave no consent to this day's happiness.  Sop. 
No joy exceeds Sophia's for yourself.  Lisi 
With your pardon sir, I apprehend  
A cause that makes her troubled, she desires  
To know what other mistress since her late  
Unkindness, I have chosen to direct  
My faith and service.  Leo. 
Another Mistress.  Lisi. 
Yes sir.  Leo. 
And does our sister love Lysimachus?  Sop. 
Here's something would confess.  Leo. 
He must not dare  
To affront Sophia.  Cas. 
How my shame confounds me,  
I beg your justice, without pity on  
My age.  Leo. 
Your penance shall be, to be faithful  
To our state hereafter.  Omnes. 
May you live long and happy,  
Leonatus' King of Epire.  Leo. 
But where's your other Mistress?  Lisi. 
Even here sir.  Leo, 
Our sister? is this another mistress sir?  Lisi. 
It holds  
To prove my thoughts were so when she began  
Her sorrow for neglecting me, that sweetness  
Deserved I should est 〈◊〉 her another mistress,  
Then when she cruelly forsook Lysimachus,  
Your pardon Madam, and receive a heart  
Proud with my first devotions to serve you  Sop. 
In this I am crowned again, now mine for ever.  Leo. 
You have deceived her happily,  
joy to you both.  Dem. 
We are ripe for the same wishes,  
Polidora's part of me.  Pol. 
He all my blessing.  Leo. 
Heaven power full joys upon you.  Mac, 
We are all blessed,  
There wants but one to fill your arms.  Leo. 
My mistress,  
And wife shall be my Country, to which I  
Was in my birth contracted, your love since  
Hath played the Priest to perfect what was Ceremony  
Though kingdoms, by just titles prove our own,  
The subjects hearts do best secure a crown.  Exeunt Omnes.   

The Epilogue.  

THere is no Coronation to day.  
Unless your gentle votes do crown our Play,  
If smiles appear within each Lady's eye,  
Which are the leading stars in this fair sky,  
Our solemn day sets glorious, for than  
We hope by their soft influence, the men  
Will grace what they first shined on, make't appear,  
(Both) how we please, and bless our covetous ear  
With your applause, more welcome than the Belly,  
Upon a triumph, Bonfires, or what else  
Can speak a Coronation. And though I  
Were late disposed and spoiled of Majesty,  
By the kindayde of your hands, Gentlemen,  
I quickly may be crowned a Queen again▪   
FINIS.