MIRZA. A Tragedy, Really acted in PERSIA, in the last Age.  
Illustrated with Historical Annotations.  
The Author. R. B. Esq;  HORAT. 
— Rex eris—  
Si recte facies. Hic MURUS aheneus esto,  
Nil conscire sibi, nulla pallescere culpa.  
LONDON, Printed for Humphrey Moseley, and are to be sold at his Shop at the sign of the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Churchyard: and for T. Dring at the George in Fleetstreet near Clifford's Inn.   

TO HIS MAJESTY.  
SIR,  

TO wait on YOU, the Persian MIRZA'S come  
From the fair shades of his Elizium:  
If all the wrongs thats Innocence oppressed  
Obtain one sigh from YOUR heroic Breast,  
'll'l think them 〈◊〉, having preferred Him to  
YOUR Royal Knowledge; and perhaps done so  
More than his Birthright bad; for he hopes now  
Not only to delight, but profit YOU,  
●n warning to eschew what spoilt his Right,  
The Flatterer, and too powerful Favourite.   

In old Time, sacred was the Poets Pen,  
And useful to eternize worthy men:  
To Rescue Virtue from the Furies spite,  
and lift her Palm the higher for the weight.  
And I could wish it the next Age's Song,  
Had MIRZA not dieed, He'd not lived so long:  
His (written) Ghost looks brighter in his Bar  
Then He had in the Crown of Persia.  
So shall it be: Gain from His Loss shall flow,  
And Life from Death, if YOU, Great SIR, say so.   
BARON.   

M. Spei Juveni, Rob. Baronio, Amico.  
IN sese acervos mutuos fluctus cient,  
Reddunque Nautis triste & intutum fretum:  
Et aulici artes, abditi atque impervij,  
Scelerisque pleni, Numinisque nescij,  
Creant ruinam gentibus: Sic floridas  
Segetes perurit ignis Aetnaei vapor.  
At hos recessus ac Coeleste absconditus  
Retexti, amoeni & floridi Genij parens!  
Sic quippe magnum Scelera novisse;  
At magis illa eleganter tradidisse posteris.  
J. Hall.   

Upon the incomparable Tragedy called Mirza, written by my dear Friend Mr. Robert Baron.  
ADvance Great Mirza, let the base world see  
Virtue is Virtue though in misery.  
Convince her of her madness, let her know  
Goodness does still attend thee, high or low;  
And that, which prosperous, wrought thy hate & scorn,  
Commands our Adoration when forlorn.  
virtue's no Virtue while it lives secure,  
When difficulty waits on't than 'tis pure.  
The morning of thy life which soared so high  
In acts of Valour Crowned with Majesty,  
Had ne'er attained that glorious pitch and height,  
Hadst thou not fall'n a sacrifice at night;  
This fall of thine thy Fame doth much advance,  
And death thy valuation doth enhance.  
So have I seen a much lamented hearse  
When 'twas departing, all bepinned with Verse.  
And from the self same channel issuing forth  
The livers sorrow, and the dead Man's worth;  
'Tis this which makes us write, that 't may be known  
Virtue is highly prized, though overthrown.  
We mourn thy loss, admire thy worth, and grieve  
Our Isle a Mirz' and Allybeg can give.  
Thus Text and Time do suit, and whilst you tell  
Your Tale, we'll easily find a Parallel.  
Jo. Quarles; Fell. of Pet. House Camb.   

To the most Ingenious Master ROBERT BARON, On his Masterpiece of Tragedy.  
PYTHAGORAS' sang truth, souls shift we see  
For JOHNSON'S transmigrated into Thee:  
Or if that Doctrines false, thy glory's more  
Without his helps to equal, whom before  
We thought Sans peer: both are so very well,  
So like, as mix them, and you cannot tell  
Me which is which. Thou Fame enough hast won,  
Thy name is up, now mayst thou lie till Noon,  
And rest thy strong Muse, having equalled him  
Whom sharpest wits did our best Poet deem:  
I know thy judgement's more than t' aim aught higher,  
Thou mightest as well hope to drown PHOEBUS Lyre;  
Yet write again, till all the world's agreed  
Thy PEGASUS has breath as well as speed.  
Mean time, who'll number our best Plays aright  
First CATILINE, then let him MIRZA write,  
So mix your names: in the third place must be  
SELANUS, or the next that comes from thee.  
RO. HlLLS Esq;   

To the best accomplished Author.  
thanks noble Friend, thou hast given us a Play  
This Age deserves not pray Heaven the next may,  
A Play said I, I err to call it so,  
'Tis a laborious work, a great one too,  
A work to which scarce even the ablest brain  
So well, but in a wish, could ere attain;  
So passing well it is as I no higher  
Can ever hope to reach at then t' admire,  
To praise I need not strive, since Praisers thou  
Enough hast, though none it can praise enough.  
JO. CARY, M. A.   

To the Author.  
WHen I read yours (dear friend) I seemed to see  
In Persia acted this sad Tragedy,  
But might we see it acted on the Stage  
ABBAS in his, and MIRZA in his rage  
Transported beyond pity, and the love  
Of Parents, than (O then) how it would move!  
For then, transfixed, men should not only see,  
But should refent with such a Sympathy  
As might extract a deluge from their eyes.  
Persia would then seem but in theories  
To Personate what you to life have down,  
MELPOMENE was there but in the drawn▪  
Here in full splendours. There spectators shed  
But only tears, yours acted, would strike dead.  
Else, Stoic like, say there's an Apathy,  
And that compassion is turned NIOBE.  
No Marvel, since to her there have been shown  
So many Tragic Acts, you bring but one,  
But such a sprightful one, that you may dare  
To own what your name speaks, Born to be rare.  
E. MANNING.   

To the Reader.  
READER,  
THou hast here the Triumph of Revenge, Tyranny, Jealousy, and Hate, in a story sad and sublime, however handled. But perhaps thou wilt say, what needed I to have handled it at all, being already done? Indeed, I am not ignorant that there is a Tragedy abroad of this subject, entitled The SOPHY; but it may be said of me as TERENCE makes his Prologue to his Eunuchus speak of him (though in a cause somewhat different.)  
— Sed eas fabulas factas prius  
Latinas scisse seize, id verò pernegat.  
I had finished three complete Acts of this Tragedy before I saw that, nor was I then discouraged from proceeding, seeing the most ingenious Author of that has made his seem quite another story from this. In his neither doth the Prince kill any of his Torturers; Nor doth FATYMA do, which I take to be one of the most important parts of the story, and the compleatest Conquest that ever Revenge obtained over Virtue. In that King ABBAS does too, when, 'tis known, that our King CHARLES●n in the second year of his Reign, An. 1626. sent Sir DODMORE COTTON Ambassador to the same ABBAS, which was, some years after this Tragedy was really acted there, From a Manuscript of which Ambassadors Letter, to a friend of his in Cambridge, I had the hint of this story, as I propose it in the ensuing Argument, and prosecute it in the whole. I have also the Authority for the most important passages of it, of Master HERBERT, 
pag. 99.100.101, 102, 103, 104.  who relates this story in his Travels. However, it is no new thing for two pens to employ themselves upon one Subject: nor need it seem other to the Reader, or Spectator, then if thou didst hear the same Song, sung first by a Tenor, next by a Base voice.  
If thou exceptest against the length of the Play, I answer; If it be well written, all of it is worth thy Reading, if ill, none of it. However, I have said enough, when I have only told thee,  
— Neque, me ut miretur turba, laboro:  
Contentus paucis Lectoribus.  
R. B.   

The Argument.  
ABBAS King of Persia, already fleshed in blood (as having made his way to the Crown by the murder of his eldest Brother, the completely valiant Emir-hamze-mirza, and posting his purblind Father MAHOMET Codoband into Paradise) grows jealous (so justly fearful are guilty minds) of his only (legitimate) Son, and indubitable heir, the victorious Mirza, who (while he had the command of his Father's Armies) having much enlarged the Persian Territories (by his acquests from the Mogul, towards Candahor, from the Arabian, near to Balsora, and the Tartar, east of the Hyrcanian Sea) grew great in the love and admiration of the people. This jealousy (of its self, a blood thirsty passion, more cruel then the Grave) irritated by some Cabinet Counsellors, enemies to the Prince about the King, begat in him a fear of the Prince's growth, that, a resolve to strangle him; which to effect securely, that is closely, he trains him from his Army, by dispatching a Post down to him (then sweating in blood, to redeem the honour of his Countrymen against the Turk) with command to haste up to Court, where he should know his pleasure.  
The Prince (being subject to that only disadvantage of honest heart's credulity) assures his Army of his quick return, and hasts (so bold is innocence) to attend his Father, from whom he is met by a Messenger, certifying him, that the King, being by reason of some indisposition of health, unfit for business, willed him to repose where that servant should carry him, till himself came to welcome him. The credulous Prince (like other upright persons, fearing no hurt because he meant none) follows his guide to his appointed lodgings, whereinto (so soon as that false servant was departed) enter, at a trap door, seven lusty villains, deaf and dumb, armed with Bowstrings and bloody minds, whose habit and weapons needed no other interpreters to assure the amazed Prince that he was betrayed, and sealed to destruction. Oratory was in vain, they were deaf in soul and body, (and this perhaps is the Reason why the Turks and Persians use to employ Mutes in these bloody offices) resistance was bootless, he being single, and unarmed; yet (resolving not to go unattended to the Grave) with such weapons at his Rage and Sorrow yielded him; he flew upon them, offending them all by rare force and agility, a long time preventing the noozes to fasten on him, which they threw incessantly towards his neck, so that he sent three of them to the Devil, the other four reinforced their violence, and at last fastened on him, who, quite spent with rage and opposals fell down, as dead. The Cannibals pursue their cruel cowardice, and had surely finished their intent, had not the King (who was a private spectator) touched with some remorse, stepped forth, and commanded only that his tired Arms should be pinioned; and ere he had fully recovered his senses, made an hot flaming steel be drawn before his eyes, which (though giving no great pain) yet took away his eyesight, forever forbidding him any more sight of what he loved, Wife, Children, Friends, and endeared Soldiers. Then was he cast into Prison, together with his Lady, an Arabian Princess, of the best endowments, and their young Son Soffie, born to a brighter fortune.  
Thus by the excessive impiety of an unnatural Father, has Asia lost her chiefest Jewel, Mars his Darling, and Persia her incomparable Treasure; at once undone, blind, imprisoned, and hopeless of any joy or honour ever after; the cruel remembrance of which, soon drove the enraged Prince into madness, and thirst of revenge, all the effects whereof were frequent with him, till his afflicted friends and officers flocked about him, and dictated patience, which they bettered by relating their own quondam greatness in blood and offices, till by the same dislike, and mutability of King Abbas his humours they were degraded, trod upon, mutilated, some their eyes put out, some their ears and noses cut off, others captivated, and near famished, so truly said it is Solamen miseris so cios habuisse doloris.  
The grand enemy to the Prince, that infatuated King Abbas to this cruelty, was Mahomet-ally-beg his principal favourite, a person raised to that height from so obscure a descent, that he knew no further than his Father; yet (like most mean men hoist to extraordinary preferment,) he grew so over ambitious, as to aim at the Crown; in order to which design, his first care was to remove the Prince, the Bulwark and Palladium of Persia, and his family; next, to disband the King's Armies, what dishonourable condititions soever were granted to the Turk, that no ready forces should be left to oppose him when he should break out. One of his Instruments to besot the King to this, was one of his Concubines, whom he knew to be strong in his affections; so dangerous Serpents are they in the bosoms of Princes.  
The King's unfortunate credulity, gave Allybeg a pretence specious enough to take Arms, as but to obtain the Government of the young Prince Soffie, and to assure the people of his safety against the dangerous anger of his jealous Grandfather: So essential a beginning of all rebellions, is a smooth and fair pretence either of Reformation or safety. But here a while leave we Allybeg brooding over his design, corrupting the great, buying the needy, and fawning upon all, especially insinuating with the discontented, who are ever ready to rebel.  
In these unpleasant times, the King, (moving like Saturn in the highest Orb) stood free and firm against all storms, giving himself all the variety of pleasures; but none took him so much, as the beauty and pretty discourse he observed in Fatyma, daughter to his blinded and enraged Son; which little Lady he took into his Court for his pastime; and though not above seven years old, she so captivated his doting mind, with her blooming, yet commanding Graces, that nothing relished well without Fatyma, none gave him mirth save Fatyma, and if inraged against any, no better reconcilement then by Fatyma; whom, when aged two years more, he had an intent to marry with an Arabian King.  
Nor had King Abbas alone, all the favour and benefit of this little Princess; for though she had all possible pleasure at the Court, yet neglected she no part of duty, but came very often into the Citadel to joy her Parents, and relieve their wants; for none, save she, durst ask the King for their allowances, without apparent danger of displeasure, and life withal; whereby the royal, but most miserable prisoners, were sometimes near famished, none daring to relieve them, lest the jealous King might have them in suspicion.  
Thus by this child of virtue, and innocence, gained they what they pined for, food and comfort. But behold the effects of mad melancholy! it exasperates the blinded Prince to this strange resolve: He hearing of the immoderate joy and pleasure that the King his father took in his little Grandchild Fatyma, being incapable of obtaining any better revenge, vows to rob him of that his Darling, though he wounded him through his own sides: So strong and so sweet a passion is Revenge.  
So that one time, when his sad Wife and Son were sitting by him, in comes pretty Fatyma, with relief unto her Father, by all actions of love and duty, striving to show herself obedient. Such time, (cursed time!) as this young Princess played about him, the Prince called her, who readily came to him to be made much of, but see, a horrid entertainment! for instead of the embraces of love, with admirable celerity, and rage, grasping her tender Neck with his strong and wrathful hands, whirling her about, ere she could implore pity, the enraged Son of a cruel Father, threw stark dead upon the floor his own daughter Fatyma, and in her the chief joy left to himself, and his distrested Princess (for the comfort of his revenge, how sweet soever in the Act, vanished with it) the excessive delight of the aged King, and sole ornament and comfort of all that Kingdom (that seemed to enjoy the greatest of their condition; for the Heir was with his Father buried alive in a too early and unjust captivity.) His poor Princess, with all the strength of her weakness, seeing the Act, struggled with him, crying out to him, that it was Fatyma that he killed, little thinking he therefore killed her, because Fatyma. But he hearing his Son Soffie cry out too, in blind sort pursued him, who, led by his better fate, escaped down the stairs, and was safe.  
Fatyma dead, begat as much sorrow and rage in old Abbess, as alive she did love, who now sends threats of terrible satisfactions, as Famine, Chains, Strappadoes, and all sharp and exquisite tortures, to the enraged Prince his Son, who by his Messengers, returns his Father as many bitter curses, hopes of better, and more perfect revenge, and wishes of whole Cataracts of miseries to pour themselves upon him. In this Rage he spent two sad days, and in the third, with a Roman resolution, gave a period to his sufferings in this world, by quaffing off a cup of poison, to the confusion of his unnatural Father.  
The sad Princess his Wife (like a true Turtle) surfeiting with sorrow, mewed herself up, and since that time, has seldom been seen by any.  
Lastly, Allybeg's Treason being discovered by a woman, we end with the punishment of the Conspirators, the Kings reassuming of the Prince's friends into his favour, and declaring of his Son Soffie Heir to the Persian Dignity, after his Grandfather Abbas his decease, which happening in the year 1629. the young Prince took upon him the Empire; aged sixteen years, hopeful and ingenious: so fresh in memory is this sad story.   

The persons of the Play. EMIR-HAMZE-MIRZA'S Ghost.  

ABBAS, King of Persia.  
MAHOMETALLY-BEG the King's Favourite.  
BELTAZAR, a privy Counsellor.  
FARRABAN, Courtiers, creatures to Allybeg.  
SELEUCUS, Courtiers, creatures to Allybeg.  
ELCHEE, A Duke, viceroy of Hyrcania.  
MATZED, Colonels, and his creatures.  
MOZENDRA, Colonels, and his creatures.  
BENEFIAN, Colonels, and his creatures.  
FLORADELLA, The King's Concubine.  
OLYMPA, Court Ladies.  
EARINA, Court Ladies.  
OMAY, Court Ladies.  
CLOE; Floradella's woman.  
MIRZA, The Prince.  
SOFFIE, a child, his Son.  
EMANGOLY, Duke of Shiras, and Lieutenant General of the Army under the Prince.  
METHICULI, Noble men, & Officers in the Army, fast friends to the Prince.  
HYDASFUS, Noble men, & Officers in the Army, fast friends to the Prince.  
ALKAHAM, Noble men, & Officers in the Army, fast friends to the Prince.  
DORIDO, a Page to the Prince.  
VASCO, Page to Emangoly, 

NYMPHADORA, The Princess.  
FATIMA, Her Daughter, a Child.  
IFFIDA, The princess's woman▪    
PAGE,  
Seven MUTES, Executioners.  
Two thieves.  
OFFICERS.  
SOLDIERS.  
CHORUS.   
THE SCENE, PERSIA.   

MIRZA.  

Act. 1.  EMIR-HAMZE-MIRZA'S Ghost. 
AND dost thou swim in Pleasures, Tyrant, still?  
Or hast thou got a Patent to do it?  
When will the date expire? hast thou not yet  
Contracted guilt enough, that th' ponderous weight  
Of all thy Tyrannies, Rapines, Murders fell,  
May, like a Millstone, sink thee quick to Hell?  
Are these too light? leave thy Adulteries,  
Thy Rapes, thy Incests, heaps of Perjuries,  
And Ghomorean sports, no sting behind?  
Or are the Gods grown all, like Fortune, blind?  
Or has dull JOVE no Thunder left? Doth not  
(1.) The murder of our Sire (so soon forgot)  
(2.) And Me, deserve a Bolt? Sleep'st thou? with what  
Philtries is thy strange Pillow stuffed? do not  
Ten thousand Furies with their flaring hair,  
And knotted whips of wire, at thee still stare,  
And threaten stripes? Is our great Father's Ghost  
Weary with haunting thee? or used to't, dost  
Account it now familiar, and not quake?  
If so, behold, I come, from the dark Lake,  
To be thy evil Genius, and distil  
Into thy darker bosom deeds shall fill  
The measure of thy sins up, and pull down,  
With violent hand, heaven's vengeance on thy Crown.  
The foul Fiend aid thy counsels; and unto  
Thee dictate what he would, but cannot do. Discovers Abbas in his study.  
Upon thyself, and thine own Princely line,  
Revenge our Father's wronged Ghost and mine.  
Inherit all my fury, and obey  
What jealousy shall prompt; mine did I say?  
Alas! (vain voice!) how weak is that for thee!  
The spirits of all unnatural Fathers be  
Doubled upon thee. (3.) Act what the Mogul  
(4.) And Turk shall start to hear, what (5.) th' Tartar shall  
Pity, what (6.) BAHAMAN could not wish should be,  
And (7.) the Arabian will lament to see.  
Falter not in thy course now, but pursue  
New mischiefs, till no mischief can be new.  
" No cruel actions, unless throughly done  
" Are done secure. Let not thy gallant Son  
Engross the subjects' loves: all his brave parts  
And deeds, are Privy seals to take up hearts.  
How will he stick (armed with the strength o'th' Land)  
To snatch the Sceptre from thy hated hand,  
As thou didst from thy Father?" Such dire deeds  
" Are still revenged with their like; no seeds  
" So fruitful are, as wrongs. Who doth not thirst  
For Sovereign sway? or who, that may be first,  
Is pleased with being second? then do thou  
Begin with him, and wait not the first blow.  
But with a Sons, and Grandchilds blood, appease  
Fathers, and brother's Ghosts. What though thine ease  
Be bought with razing out the family,  
And strangling th' hopes of all Posterity?  
What needest thou care (so here thy race be even)  
If when thou fallest, the Poles and studds of Heaven  
Be shivered, the stars quenched, thy house, great names,  
And all the world too with thee sink in flames?  
" Free villainies a hated reign assure:  
" And swords still drawn: dire deeds, dire deeds secure.  ABBAS. 
The vow is made, nor shall thy flattering Fate  
O MIRZA contradict it; though thy Troops  
Stood like a wall about thee, nay, though JOVE  
Press all the Gods to guard thee, and should arm  
Them every one with Thunder, I would through:  
I'll tear the groundsels of thy Towers up;  
And make their nodding spires kiss the Centre,  
But I will reach thy heart, thy heart proud Victor.  
The power that I have climbed to ere my time  
Cannot be safe, if any reach too near it.  
I feel my Crowns totter upon my head,  
Me thinks, and see him ready stand to latch them.  
Was I a Prince, born to the Persian greatness?  
(8.) Set equal with the Gods? and as adored  
As is (9) the Sun our Brother? and shall I  
Be bearded by a Son, a beam of me?  
And like a cipher add but to his value?  
I will, hereafter, call thee viper, ever.  
If thou canst lose thy filial Duty, I  
Can lose my Bowels, and on thy ruins build  
A Pyramid to my revenge and safety.  
I that would wrest an Empire from a Father,  
And Brother, will not lose it to a Son.  
" Still may he fear that dares not to be cruel.  ABBAS, FLORADELLA. 
WHo's that?  Flo. 
'Tis I.  Abb. 
My FLORADELLA.  Flo. 
Yes.  Abb. 
Enter my sweet: welcome as earliest light  
To th' infant world; and with thee ever bring  
A thousand Comforts to my thoughtful breast.  
But why doth sadness invade Beauty's Kingdom?  
And these fair eyes eclipse their glorious He kisseth them. splendour,  
With veils of melancholy? is't possible,  
So firmly enthroned in thy ABBAS Love,  
That all the Gods should make thee know a grief?  Flo. 
Alas! my Lord, the people's common theme  
Still grates mine ears; no other voice is heard  
But MIRZA's praises: the Gods hear no vows,  
No prayers, but for MIRZA's safety: who's  
So dull a soul that cannot, since he first  
Led out your armies count his victories,  
(As if all were Historiographers)  
And for each blow he dealt return a statue?  Abb. 
I'll kick their sandy fabrics into dust,  
And rear a lasting one of their own heads,  
(10) Higher then that in Spawhawn is to which  
Their Idols own shall be the Cupola.  Flo. 
They all read Lectures on his actions  
Till out of breath, they pause, and then admire.  
Till his encomiums hit the stars, and stick  
His Idolised name amongst them swearing  
The lustre of that one puts out the rest.  
You, my dear Lord, they say, lie wallowing here  
In pleasures, and will one day take a surfeit.  
A good effeminate Prince, whose only act  
Of worth, is, that you got so brave a son;  
Whom as the rising they adore: for you,  
They think, have passed your Meridian,  
And now are near your setting.  Abb. 
Setting! yet  
I've heat enough to scorch them all to cinders.  
And see they not the Sun ne'er look so bloody  
As when he sets.  Flo. 
Ah! but my noble Lord,  
How can I look upon this pompous Palace,  
Furnished with spoils of nations; the long train  
Of early clients, that wear my Thresholds out:  
Nay, on your honoured self, my excellent Lord,  
But as the Prisoner, late condemned to death,  
Doth on the pleasant meads, the curled groves,  
And silver brooks he passes by, as led  
To execution? These he alas, must leave. She weeps.  
And well I know how dead Kings Paramours  
Are dealt by, by their cruel successors.  Abb. 
Why dead? why successor? but why these tears?  
Which I'll dry up with kisses, and revenge  
With as much blood of thy fea'rd enemies.  
Be a good huswife of these pearls, (my dear)  
Too precious ere to spend, ' less when I die,  
Thou'lt shed a few of them t'enbalm me with.  
Who's that? It is the voice of Beltazar.  Flo. 
Or Mahomet Allybeg, or both.  Abb. 
Sit still.  ABBAS, MAHOMET ALLYBEG, BELTAZAR, FLORADELLA. 
COme, come, my Lords, I've long expected you.  Mah. 
We met i'th' way a stop, a giddy stream  
Of people, with broad eyes, and right-up ears,  
Pouring themselves from all parts to (11) the Buzzarr.  
The novelty made us too mix among them,  
What then made all this concourse, but to hear  
A Panegyric, sung by hired Eunuchs,  
In adulation of the valiant Mirza?  Abb. 
The mountain brought forth a ridiculous Mouse.  Flo. 
Heaven grant it proves ridiculous.  Abb. 
Heaven itself  
Can't make it otherwise.  Bell. 
There were all the deeds  
Of (12) your great ancestors, from Mortys Ally  
Recounted, not as copies to be followed,  
But made as soils, to set off his the better;  
And brought but by comparison, to show  
How his green valour conquers all example.  
So, said the flattering pamphlet, Peleus' name  
Stoops to achilles', and so SATURN joys  
To be o'ertopped by JOVE.  Abb. 
O most felt flattery!  Mah. 
And there exposed they his armed figure,  
In a triumphal Chariot, drawn by (13) CYRUS  
And great (14) DARIUS, yoked, with this inscription:  
As the new Moon the light o'th' old devours;  
So do thy actions all thine Ancestors.  Abb. 
No more, no more: seemed any man of name  
To countenance this fairy Pageantry?  Bel. 
No less than great Duke ELCHEE, at whose cost  
It was performed; he's hasting down to's charge,  
I'th' army, this was his farewell to's friends.  Abb. 
There's music in that voice, would many more  
Of his rank durst oppose us." There is gain  
" In mighty rebels. Flies and moths may buzz  
About our beard, and are not worth the notice,  
Or if we crush them they but foul our fingers.  
" 'Tis noble prey deserves a Prince's stroke:  
And by my Father's soul, they shall not want it.  Flo. 
Spoke like thyself!  Mah. 
Heroick, godlike ABBAS.  Bel. 
Let not my Sovereign doubt my proved faith,  
(That (15) would ope MAHOMET's Shrine at your command)  
If humbly I play the Prince's friend,  
And urge but their objections, as thus,  
What ever glorious actions are achieved  
By him or his, redound to the King's glory,  
As all the soldiers to the generals.  
What common soldier ever gained a Triumph?  
And yet, what Generals single valour conquered?  
How then are you made less if he grows great  
Since all his greatness is not his but yours?  
Do not the flourishing of the branches add  
To the Trees beauty?—  Abb. 
But luxuriant boughs  
Not pruned suck too much moisture from the Tree.  Bel. 
What cares the Sea how great the Rivers swell,  
Since all their pride flow into her?  Abb. 
But what  
The Sea doth get in one place, in some other  
It loses; and the more he wins upon  
Th' affections of the people, the more I lose.  
" Minions too great argue a King too weak.  Mah. 
" Great Favourites should be set near Kings as foils  
" To set them off, not to vie lustre with them.  
" A Partner once admitted to a Throne,  
" Soon justles out the other: th' snakes new skin  
" Once come, she casts the old one. (16.) No where are  
" Two Kings in safety but in Teneriff,  
" And there the one is dead, but one alive.  Bel. 
But 'tis not known the Prince intends a danger.  Mah. 
It is not proved.  Abb. 
'Tis then too late, when proved,  
To be prevented.  Flo. 
Cockatrice's eggs  
Must not be brooded over till they're hatched.  Mah. 
" King's fears are proof enough they that will give  
" Them cause to fear, give cause enough, to strike.  
" A Treason is a kind of Hectic fever,  
" In the beginning it is most easily cured,  
" But hardly known: But in the course of time,  
" Not having been in the beginning known,  
" To know it becomes easy, hard to cure.  Bel. 
But he is modest—  Flo. 
So are Whores at first,  
Coyness is the best Lure.  Bel. 
Blaming his friends  
For doubling of his merit, and chides himself  
For suffering of his acts so to be guilded,  
Lest they might any way eclipse your splendour.  Abb. 
he's Politic:" Seen nets are easily avoided,  
" And dangers threatened once, are half prevented.  
" The cursed dog bites before he barks, and Thunder  
" Strikes ere it speaks. Treason still shuns the Sun.  
That female Virtue, Modesty, can't harbour  
In such a masculine spirit, even that  
He makes a bait to catch the vulgar with,  
It gets him a respect: He's not to learn  
" That honour, like a shadow, and love too  
" Shuns the pursuer, follows him that flies it.  Mah. 
Why if he means no Rape upon the State,  
Doth he so fortify himself in's Party,  
Binding all men of action unto him  
With all th' obligements of a Politician?  Abb. 
" He that will make a Faction means to use it.  Mah. 
He studies every particular Genius,  
And taketh every one in his own height.  
Th' ambitious he makes his with honours, Titles,  
And high commands; saying," worth loses lustre,  
" Like Gems in Quarries, if it be not set  
" To public view, like Diamonds well mounted.  
The covetous he ties with chains of Gold  
To his own purposes, extolling" bounty  
" As th' most conspicuous virtue of a Prince,  
" And gainfullest; saying, Virtue else will freeze,  
" If it be not kept active with Reward,  
" Valour's best Nurse. Those that are discontented  
" (And such are sure ones) he gains by favour,  
And silken promises. The multitude  
He strokes with Popularity, and they  
Like true dogs fawn, and crouch as much to him.  
Though upon service he's austere enough,  
Exacting each man's duty; out of Action  
He courts the common soldiers by their names,  
Lies with them on the Guard, fares as they fare,  
And calls them all his fellows, sees them served,  
In time of want, ere he himself will take  
The least refreshment.—  Abb. 
What souls will not these  
Strong arts allure, if he meant war with JOVE,  
To storm even Heaven, and make't a Colony!  Flo. 
What, Heaven a Province!  Mah. 
Noble Forts he builds,  
And Citadels, as if he meant to compass  
The Kingdom with a trench, and into these  
He put's his Confidents. Huge hoards of wheat,  
Munition Provision stuff his Garrisons,  
When no Foe threats the Confines. If these charms  
Of Affability these knots of strength,  
And preparations signify but care,  
And Arts of wisdom, which need 'wake no thought  
Of Jealousy, and require no prevention;  
Let's cast no Ramparts 'gainst the swelling Sea,  
But tamely think the peaceful NEPTUNE means  
Us no invasion but will sit content  
I'th' old Boundaries of his watery Empire.  
Cherish the speckled snake, and let him twine  
About your leg, alas! poor loving worm!  
It only comes to kiss your foot, and means  
To dart no poisonous sting into your flesh.  Bel. 
Has he no filial love? no noble nature?  
Can't be that to him, to whom every Virtue  
Seems in this dearth of Piety, to run  
For Patronage, Paternal duty should  
Be, or a stranger, or a slighted Exile?  Mah 
He is ambitious, and" Ambition knows  
" No Kindred, 'twas a maxim practised  
" By JOVE himself upon his Father SATURN.  Abb. 
No, no, my Lords, that something must be done  
Is not the question but what? and how?  Bel. 
Weaken him in his friends, call them from places  
Of trust, and put in others or make them yours.  Abb. 
No they are preingaged, and will not come  
But to great baits: So to reclaim them would  
Cost much, to ruin them add more to us.  
‛ For all Rebellions, throughly suppressed,  
" Make King's more Kings, and Subjects still more Subject.  Bel. 
Then call him from his strength, lure him to Court.  
And drown him here in pleasures and delights,  
'Twill soften and enervate his great mind.  
" There's little fear of Carpet Knights, rough beards  
" And hairy men have still the working heads.  Mah. 
And such is he.  Abb. 
That were to cross his Genius,  
And force his Nature backward, he is made  
For hardened steel, and not a masking suit.  
No Music please him but the bellowing Drum,  
No exercise but tossing of a Pike.  
So stout a nature never will recoil.  Bel. 
Confine him to some Island, with a set  
Of beardless Eunuchs, and soft Punks about him,  
Prohibiting all martial company.  Flo. 
Pictures and Beauties are alike to him;  
His soul's so full of's NYMPHADORA'S love,  
As throw him into ' an Ocean of Beauties,  
The vessel's full, and can take no more in.  Bel. 
A brave truth from an Enemy! aside  Abb. 
Confine him,  
That were to spur a fiery headstrong steed  
And have no reins to hold him: or to 'wake  
A sleeping Lion." Persons of his rank  
" If once disgraced, must not be left a tongue  
" To tell it with, or hand to act Revenge,  
" No, nor a heart to think it. He that strikes  
" At mighty Enemies must do it throughly.  
Say my beloved MAHOMET," must not Kings  
" That fear great subjects growth, and gathering strength;  
" Or wink at all, and conquer them with kindness,  
" Or, if they will take notice, leave no need  
" Of second blows, but at the first cut off  
" At once the fear they have, and cause of future?  
" Who finds a Serpent couched, and at one blow  
" Parts not his heart shall never fetch another.  Mah. 
The Oracles are revived, and speak in Abbas.  
But how much more than pity is it, that  
So high a valour, Affability  
(Virtues of brightest lustre with the Persian)  
And all the endowments of a Princely mind,  
Should, like good seed in ground too fat, grow rank,  
And make him fit to feel the sickle! which  
Gladly I would dissuade, were not the tree  
More worthy than a wanton branch, or th' head  
Then any corrupted limb, though ne'er so handsome.  Abb. 
Ah my good Lords, the bowels of a Father  
Have yearned in me, and no small strife I had  
To gain a Conquest of my fond affection,  
And bend my will to part with him, as with  
A gangrened member to secure the whole.  
But I have won the field of foolish pity,  
And swom (17) by the eight refulgent Orbs, his death.  Flo. 
The young wolves death can never come too soon;  
For he that spares the wolves, destroys the sheep.  Bel. 
But think, my honoured Lord, will not the soul  
Of every subject bleed in his each wound?  
The pledge of their succeeding happiness!  
The crown of their best hopes, hope of their Crown▪  
And who will spare to damn for Tyranny  
(Pardon the speech, I act the Prince's friend)  
A deed, so without Justice, proof, or conscience?  Mah. 
Not all the steel forged into swords and spears,  
Nor all the Iron formed to battering Rams,  
Have ruined so many Kings, as that round word.  
" Conscience and Sovereign sway are things at odds,  
" 'Tis mischiefs freedom holds up Tyranny,  
" Which who so blushes t'own is no right King.  Abb. 
No more debate; Sentence is justly passed,  
The execution rests, which, what if acted  
Upon him i'th' army?  Mah. 
If the cruelty  
Chance to disclose itself, on th' apprehension  
O'th' murderer, 'tmay raise some dangerous tumult.  
" All cruel actions must be safely done,  
" And all their safety lies in privacy.  Abb. 
Let's train him up to court, and do it here.  Mah. 
That thought needs not a second.  Abb. 
'cause you then  
Our secretary t'indite letters to him  
Here to attend us with all possible speed,  
Where he shall be acquainted with the weight  
Of the affair that urges his quick coming.  
Provide a messenger of your own knowledge.  Mah. 
I know my Province.  Abb. 
You Lord BELTAZAR,  
Who are not so well known his enemy  
Though firm enough in our esteem, hast down  
Unto the Army, where, till he, you know  
Be on his journey hither, keep your mask on:  
Then break to the Lieutenant General  
Your power, and errand, which is to be set  
With him in joint commission o'er that Army,  
And be the noble partner of our care.  Bel. 
My faith shall labour to deserve the trust.  Abb. 
And thou my FLORADELLA shalt have work too.  
Be frequent in your visits to the Princess,  
Extol the virtues of her gallant Lord,  
And set the wheels a going." Praise gets confidence,  
That openness of speech, and women be  
" Best spies of womens' actions. Sift her then,  
" What is intended, who, and where employed.  
Speak with such confidence, as if you meant  
To force her think you know what never was.  
" 'tis no less service to detect close treason,  
" Then to vanquish open and avoucht Rebellion.  Flo. 
What arts will not my love unto my Lord  
Infuse into me, and what subtle care?  Abb. 
You've all your parts, act them but like yourselves,  
I'll in, any study more o'th' art of Kingcraft.  Bel. 
Madam I kiss your hands. Yours Lord MAHOMET.  MAHOMET ALLYBEG, FLORADELLA. 
THis was well carried, there's another step  
To our great purpose whilst the Tyrant stood  
Firmly propped up by his heroic son  
And his brave Troops, not all the Gods could shake him:  
Now that he ruins him he but lies down  
For me, and therefore thee, my FLORADELLA,  
Upon his neck to rise to sovereignty.  Flo. 
But what if the success should thwart the platform,  
And something intervene to save the Prince?  
Would not the ruin turn upon ourselves?  
‛ Such deeds are never safe till they be acted.  Mah. 
Descend not from thyself so low as fear,  
The blow meant him is guided by a hand  
Sure and steady: but if he misses aim,  
This very hand through wounds shall force his soul,  
So doth the love of thee arm me, I'll wrest  
The Sceptre from JOVE'S hand but thou shalt have one.  Flo. 
Why do you court your own Sir?  Mah. 
Therefore dearest  
Because mine own and worthy a God's courtship,  
I never meant thee less, nor have I wooed thee  
To leave a Monarchs crowned love to grace  
A subjects bed, but to adorn these Temples  
With golden wreaths, more bright than AR●ADNE's,  
And make thy name the subject of all Poetry.  
Then shalt thou trample on the under globe,  
And choose what part of heaven thou meanest to grace.  
So great is the reward of MAHOMET's love.  Flo. 
How grows your strength? what men of name, and fortunes  
Espouse your interest?  Mah. 
'Tis not yet my time  
To tempt too many: when the heir is gone,  
And all men in a maze, then is our hour.  
No Fish shall 'scape us, when the water's troubled.  
In the mean time get thee a party to thee  
Of the male-spirited Dames, that may engage  
Their sons and husbands, they are useful evils,  
" Bosom solicitours are most prevalent.  Flo. 
I'll find, or make such: first I'm for the Princess.  MAHOMET ALLYBEG. 
POor credulous Cockatrice! thinkst thou I'll rear  
Myself a Throne, and set a strumpet with me?  
No, he that can crush Princes will not pick  
Thee out, among the rubbish of their ruins.  
Yet must ambition use such poor low things.  
Thou art a good close spy, a bosom traitor,  
And a fair bait for some smooth liquorish (18) Sultan,  
Whom I'll perhaps buy with thy prostitution.  
But a companion of my Sovereignty  
Must boast a brighter virtue, higher descent,  
One that in making nature toiled, and sweat:  
Such as the excellent Princess NYMPHADORA,  
Whom when industrious nature once had formed,  
She broke her mould, for never since could she  
Produce her like; she'll fit our proudest height;  
But her I'll not assay till I'm possessed  
Of my new royalty: then— a Prince's Throne  
Is a brave jointure, and the name of Queen,  
To a young Widow lusty in her blood,  
Will be a charm, hardly to be withstood.  FARABAN. 
What curses are entailed on wicked pelf! With a bag of money in his hand.  
We, when we want it, scratch and plot to get it,  
And when we have it, fear to lose it still.  
I dreaded vildly those two craving soldiers  
That met me at my Merchant's door they were  
But meanly thatched me thinks and seemed to have  
Sharp stomachs too. They watched and waited on me  
As Dogs do upon children for their victuals.  
There lie ye— till my Tailors long long bill  
Brings an indictment strongly proved against He locks it up in a Trunk. you.  
Thus are we but the Gaolers of our wealth,  
Which although most men make their God, is but  
The Poet's slave, and mine— And but for use—  Two thieves. listening. 
we'll rescue your rich prisoner presently. They knock.  Far. 
Come in— (Pox on ye, it's your tattared Rogueships.)  1 Thief. 
Your humble servant Sir.  2 Thief. 
Your servant Sir.  Far. 
Gentlemen, you'll excuse me, I know you not.  1 Thief. 
You shall Sir know us better— Please you lend us  
The key of that same trunk— Stir and One of them presents a dag to his breast. you die.  Far. 
Nay Gentlemen.  1. Thief. 
Nay, not a word youhad best.  
Take the keys out of his pocket conrade-so  
Now we will eat boy and be warm again The other takes his keys out of his pocket, & his watch.  1. Thief. 
Hang warmth and eating too,  
we'll drink, drink deep.  2. Thief. 
drink by the hour, and this same watch shall help us.  
To 'scape the Constables.  Far. 
But I dare hold  
A rope of that— th' Devil!— robbed!— and thus too  
robbed in a Compliment!— Thiefs!— Whilst they go to plunder his Trunk, he runs out, and gives the Alarum. thieves! ho Theeeves!  1. The. 
Pox o' your care, could you not stop him?  2. The. 
Now  
(Prithee leave chiding to another time)  
We've no way but to follow him, and cry  
Out thieves as loud as he: so we i'th' hubbub They run after him  
May hap t'escape. 2 The. 'Tis best. Both. Thiefs! thieves! ho! thieves!  SOFFIE, FATYMA, IFFIDA 
IS this the story's to be acted? Looking upon a Picture.  Iff. 
Yes Sir.  Sof. 
I love to see these Actions, they will put  
Spirit into me. Is the Princess ready?  Iff. 
She will be presently. You stand on thorns now.  Fat. 
Shall I see't too?  Iff. 
Yes, yes, my pretty Lady,  
If you'll sit patient there, and weep no more,  Fat. 
Indeed I will not: but I could not hold  
Lest day, they were so cruel; could you IFFIDA?  
To see hard-hearted PROGNE stab her Son!  
And all the while the boy cling to her breast,  
And for each wound she gave return a kiss!  Sof. 
Go, you're faint-hearted.  If. 
Nay Sir, she's good natured.  Fat. 
This too is some sad story: tell me IFFIDA,  
Why does this woman look so angry here?  Sof. 
What ails that old man so to weep? I can't  
Endure to see a man weep it shows cowardly.  Iff. 
That fierce Lady MEDEA resolved to fly  
With her new servant JASON from her Father;  
To hinder his pursuit▪ she tore in pieces  
Her brother ABSYRTUS, and bestrewd i'th' way  
His limbs which that old man, their father finding,  
He stopped his vain pursuit o●'s cruel Daughter,  
To gather up by peace meal his torn son,  
And seems to bathe each piece with tears, as if  
He thought them Cement strong enough to set  
The tattered joints and flesh again together.  Fat. 
Was she a sister? O I could not do  
So by you SOFFIE for all the world—  
I care not now for seeing it presented,  
I hate all cruelty so perfectly:  
Yet could I bear a part with that old man,  
And weep as fast as he; so infectious  
Is a just sorrow, chiefly in old persons.  NYMPHADORA, SOFFIE, FATYMA, IFFIDA, PAGE. 
WHat ails my FATYMA to drown her blossoms  
Of beauty thus in tears? Child art not well?  Fat. 
Yes Madam, but this piece is limned so lively,  
As it doth strain tears from me to embalm  
Poor torn ABSYRTUS with.  Nym. 
Pretty compassion!  
I like this tenderness in thee: but we think  
This a feigned story. O may real griefs  
Ne'er touch thy breast, poor thing!— wilt see it acted?  Fat. 
It will, I fear, make me too melancholy.  Nym. 
Do as thou wilt, my Heart.  Fat. 
This piece shall be  
My melancholly study, and sad Tutor.  
When I have either cause or will to weep,  
I'll take up this, and sit, and think, I see  
The tender boy stretched out his hands unto me  
For help, and sigh, because I cannot rescue'him.  
Then think again, the old man calls out to me  
To help him gather up his sons limbs; and weep  
Because I cannot.  Iff. 
Pretty innocence!  Sof. 
Pray Madam, let me wait upon your Highness  
To th' Tragedy.  Nym. 
Thou shalt sweetheart.  Iff. 
What now?  Pag. 
If't please your grace, the Lady FLORADELLA  
Is lighted at the gate, and means a visit.  Nym. 
She's welcome.  Sof. 
Pish, pish, now her idle chat  
Will keep us beyond time.  Nym. 
Soft my young Gallant.  NYMPHADORA, FLORADELLA, SOFFIE, FATYMA, IFFIDA. 
HAil my good Lady.  Flo. 
Mighty Princess, hail.  Nym. 
Please you to sit.  Flo. 
How does my little Lady?  Fat. 
I thank you Madam.  Flo. 
And you my Lord?  Sof. 
Madam,  
At your service.  Flo. 
Troth, an early courtier.  
How happy are you, Madam, in these copies  
Of your fair self, and your renowned Lord?  
By which you've filled times sharp teeth, and secured  
Your names, your forms, and natures, from the waist  
Of death, and eating age; nor is it fit  
So eminent a beauty, and clear virtue  
Should for less than eternity grace the world.  Nym. 
Why, Madam, give you me the trouble to  
Speak your words over? for these heights of courtship  
Are but like sounds made in a hollow room,  
In expectation of the Echoes answer.  FLo. 
No Madam, by your beauty and that is  
The greatest Power that I can swear by, I  
Oft lose myself in pleasing Contemplation  
Of you as Natures, and as Fortune's darling.  
By whose best gifts yet can you never be  
So highly graced, as you do grace their gifts,  
And them too by your bare receiving them.  
What had the Gods in all their Treasury  
Of greater worth or lustre then the Prince,  
Your excellent Lord? A Prince that striketh dumb  
Envy and slander! and gives Fortune eyes!  
And who could they find worthy to bestow  
This great result of all their sweat upon  
But you? who yet deserve him every inch.  Nym. 
In him indeed I am completely happy.  
But he is so far above all deserving,  
As I can plead no merit; yet the Gods  
Themselves have sometimes deigned a mortal love.  Flo. 
In which of all the Gods fortunate Princess,  
Could you have been so happy as in him?  
With better grace thou Phoebus dost not hold  
Thy gorgeous rain, nor from thy glistering Throne  
Scatter more beauty or more Majesty!  
A Majesty indeed too great to know  
Any Superior. And now that the King  
Is bowed down with the burden of old age,  
The heavy weight of the unwieldy Empire  
Grow but a trouble to his aged shoulders.  
His Crowns are to his head a load, no more  
An ornament It's fitter his white Age  
Should now indulge his genius, and release  
His thoughts from all the ruffle of the world,  
And give him time to contemplate the place  
He tends to every day. So should the Prince  
Make his few days brighter and easier to him,  
By taking on himself (now fit for labour)  
That load of care we call the Sovereignty.  Nym. 
Pray Madam give such thoughts no longer breath,  
Thoughts that the loyal Prince and I detest.  
'Tis the base viper gets a life by forcing  
A violent passage through his Parents bowels;  
(19) My Country Phoenix when he duly mounts  
His Father's spicy Throne, brings on his wings  
His honoured ashes, and his funeral odours,  
To show, he climbed not, till his death, his seat:  Flo. 
Your Highness rather should assist his rising,  
By gaining more to's party, which is done  
With but a gracious look or smile from you.  
‛ So prevalent an Orator is beauty.  Nym. 
No, by his life, and all the love I bear him,  
I'd rather follow him fairly to his Tomb,  
Perfumed with that unblemished stock of honour  
He now stands in, then that so foully broke,  
See him untimely thrust into the Throne.  
And justify myself a loyaller wife,  
In loving more his honour then his life.  Flo. 
(Unconquerable Virtue if the Gods in secret.  
Give me a Plague 'twill be for th' injury  
I do this noble pattern of all goodness)  
Well Madam, you may feed upon that air,  
But there are those wish the design on foot.  
And promise to themselves a fair success.  
So great's the love they have for the brave Prince,  
An expectation of a braver King.  
‛ For 'tis Authority declares the man.  Nym. 
I'll thrive their trai'trous plots.  Iff. 
My Lord, speak to her.  Nym. 
But in his face I read my SOFFIE think's  
This conference might be spared, as well as I,  
For he was wooing me to carry him  
To see MEDEA played, at Madam OMAY'S,  
And I am loath to disappoint his hopes.  Flo. 
I'll be no cause of that.— I'll wait you thither.  Nym. 
You'll honour me.  Flo. 
(I'll go before you one day.) secret.  MAHOMET ALLYBEG, SELEUCUS. 
I Need not tell thee, my SELEUCUS, what  
Hast, secrecy, and care must wait your journey.  
Attend Duke ELCHEE first, but privately,  
And with my letters give him high salutes,  
To work in him a confidence of me.  
When you have obtained Audience of the Prince,  
Note with what gust he takes his call to court,  
And ere he be upon the way, be sure  
I have a Post, t'inform me of the minute  
I may expect him here; that his arrival  
Anticipates not my provision for it.  Sel. 
My Lord, no part of your instructions shall  
Be unobserved, and what my care can more,  
Rely upon.  Mah. 
Be happy.— This will prove  
His faith, and diligence, and those shall be  
The rules by which I'll further trust or slight him.  
All tools are not for greatest works, they must  
Be tried, and 'bide the trial must be made  
Staves in the ladder we ascend a Throne by.  MAHOMET-ALLY-BEG, BELTAZAR. 
HAil my Lord BELTAZAR, what, you are going  
To take possession of your new command?  
I wish your journey and that too prosperous.  
You know you have a friend in Court, and I  
Assure myself of one now in the Army.  Bel. 
That your assurance will never fail you.  
The King expecteth your Attendance.  Mah. 
I  
Am with his grace already;— Adieu my Lord.  BELTAZAR. 
HOw quicks this Jack of state! if this my journey,  
And th' whole project be not a web of his,  
I miss my mark.— The Prince is grown too great  
And must be feared, and presently removed,  
Not 'cause he is too great for ABBAS, but  
For ALLYBEG: But this I must not see,  
Because I cannot help. Should I suggest it  
Unto the Prince, 'twere but to fall with him.  
I'll rather save myself, and try if I  
Can keep an even Path, 'twixt the two hills.  
" 'Tis better give way to, then resist ills,  
" And raging Lions, of too horrid might  
" To be withstood by force of Law, or right.  
" The Prince must fall: his ruins will be great  
Enough many less Princes to create;  
Why may not I be one of those? so from  
A River stopped, many small runs do stream.  
Virtue, I love thee, but with thee to stand  
Were now to fall; ' Yet what the King commands  
" That word makes Virtue, or at least Law; for he  
" Can do no wrong, since 'gainst himselfed must be,  
" And to the willing nothing's injury.  
How e'er, 'tis wisdom to obey:" They who  
" Will rise at Court, must not dispute, but do.  CHORUS. 
O Misery of greatest states!  
Obnoxious to unconstant Fates!  
‛ Great and good Persons well may be  
" From guilt, but not from envy free.  
" They that stand high in Public trust  
" Expect the forked arrows must  
" Of such below, as deem their parts  
" Less in employment than deserts.  
These vapours yet may hap o'er fly  
So long as the helm is guided by  
Temperate Spirits, and severe  
Judges, that both know, and dare.  
And whilst that Kings will, in things high,  
Their action to good counsel tie.  
And not by single advice be led,  
Oth' passionate unsalted head.  
" But since that flattery and ease  
" Crept into Prince's Palaces,  
" 'Tis dangerous to be good, or great,  
" For such the Court's a slippery seat.  
" Nor is it safe for Subjects since  
" Too too much t' oblige their Prince,  
" With mighty service, that exceed  
" The Power of his noblest meed;  
" For whom he cannot well reward,  
" He'll find occasion to discared:  
To which many a Parasite  
His easy nature will excite,  
Things sold to riot, that still swell  
With envy 'gainst such as do well,  
Because their glory blazing higher  
Than theirs, eclipses their false fire:  
So must he for their private ends  
Divest himself of his best friends  
Nor so their humour's fed, care they  
If he and his become a prey  
To's greatest foe, 'gainst whom their care  
Defend him neither can nor dare.  
" These are those ear-wiggs to a King  
‛ Then hostile foes more ruin bring.  
As Ivy seems the blooming spray  
T' adorn but sucks his heart away:  
So do they rob their Prince of's heart,  
In making him his duty ' invert.  
And the best Government Monarchy,  
Degenerate into Tyranny;  
Persuading him, his single will  
His Realms are made but to fulfil.  
They make a wolf thus of whom Heaven  
To th' flock hath for a shepherd given.  
The Sun, they might as truly, say  
Is vested with his flaming Ray,  
To scorch and not assist the Earth  
With gentle warmth, to natural birth.  
" The Flatterer merits worse of you  
" O Kings, than whose pale Poisons brew.  
" They kill but single Princes, he  
" Assassinates even Monarchy.  
Leave then with beasts your sportive war,  
Or hunt no beast but th' Flatterer.   

Act. 2.  MIRZA. 
Do, Fortune, do, frown on, that th' world may see  
My constant Virtue can o'ercome even thee.  
And when thou pourest out with full sea thy spite,  
Swim with more strength against the angry tide.  
Conspire with the Foe that not to you  
The honour may, but to myself, be due.  
But if thou be'st the Mistress of the world,  
From whose mad wheel all our events are hurled,  
Thank thee for being coy: It will improve  
The pleasure of the Conquest, and my love.  
" 'Slight favours are not for a Prince's ware,  
" The foulest ground the fairest crop doth bear.  
‛ In a dull calm, a child may play with th' helm,  
‛ But he's a Pilot can outride a storm.  
Raise raise them, then, let lose the winds to rage,  
And let this tumour with that warfare wage.  
Block up the way that to Fame's Palace lies,  
To give my spirit nobler exercise.  
Why am I more observed and courted too  
Then other men unless I more can do  
And suffer more?" 'Tis not enough to be  
" But born a Prince our greatest Royalty  
" Lies in our Acts if we have greatest parts  
‛ In reverence, let's have so in deserts.  
And though the bravest soldier at this day  
(The whole world's terror) under me in pay,  
Did never hear me saying yet, go thee  
Where slaughter highest raged, but follow me,  
Yet could he stronglier 'gainst the Torrent swim  
Of War than I, I'd yield my Palm to him.  
But Counsel must direct each martial feat;  
" Uncounseled force is crushed with its own weight.  ELCHEE, PAGE.. 
I Study nothing here, so much as how to merit your high favour, and do something Reading Mahomet's letters to him. may fix me strong in your desired friendship.—  
WHy this to me, that never yet could gain  
More than a quarter face,— thus— or perhaps  
An over shoulder look from this great MAHOMET?  
This sole engrosser of the royal aspect?  
To me this! a disgraced cast Courtier!  
Sure this is more than compliment, yet not scorn?  
It looks like serious. He has his ends if he  
But speaks, or bows, or nods to any man.  
His very looks and smiles are all design.  
Had I best meet his courtesy half way?  
Or shun it as a snare? Sure he thinks not  
Me cheap enough to be his instrument  
In a low matter? and in great his craft  
Has not enough of confidence in me.  
I'll not embark too far, yet still egg on  
His confidence to make my breast his closet.  
Then either close in what may serve myself,  
Or save my Head by unraveling his Plots.  
He hath somewhat i'th' sorge and hopes my late  
Disgrace and discontent will make me blow  
The coal with him, though he'd but use my foot  
But as the Cats to reach the nut out of  
The fire for his tooth. He's not to learn  
" That malcontents are tinder for a faction.  
He may remember too, that" with great Persons  
" New benefits blot not out old injuries.  
He hopes I'll catch the spark, if not for love  
To him, for hate to th' Tyrant, who yet perhaps  
Bids him cast out his lures to tempt my stomach.  
Yet will I see the bait, and play with it,  
And since I see it, fear not to be hit.—  
Who waits there?—  Pag. 
My Lord?  Elc. 
Desire the Gentleman  
To enter,— Favours done to followers  
Oblige their Lords; as he that did relieve  
MINERVA'S weary Priests engaged the Goddess.  ELCHEE, SELEUCUS. 
COme sir this mass of love your honoured Lord  
Is pleased to send me, flows with such a tide  
Of joy upon me, as I shall either die  
This night, or else live forty years the longer.  Sel. 
My Lord, his honour's covetous to find  
Fit objects for his love, he's used to say,  
But now he needs not seek abroad, your Grace  
Deserves it all, and he is no less just  
To pay desert her due, then wise to find it.  Elc. 
You're too obliging, we know his judgement well  
Which yet in nothing's more conspicuous,  
Then in such prudent choice of followers.  Sel. 
My Lord, when will the Prince—  Elc. 
The Prince anon  
Will be at th' Council of war; there or expect  
My entrance, or else by some attendant,  
Give me but notice of your being there,  
And I'll present you to his Grace, according  
To your good Lords desire. The time draws on.  
I'th' interim, here's some will entertain you.  MOZENDRA, SELEUCUS, BENEFIAN. 
SELEUCUS! hail.  Sel. 
Well met dear Colonel.  Ben. 
Welcome my better half, welcome to th' Camp.  Moz. 
How looks the Court?  Sel. 
As't uses, like a Lottery,  
Where one may draw and draw till he exchanges  
His whole stock but for blanks: and if by chance  
A Prize do come, 'tis more by luck then skill:  
And then the noise, the Drum, and general cry  
Follow the fortunate, when a thousand others  
That ventured more, may sit and curse their stars.  Moz. 
A good Satiric Metaphor; in them both  
Blind fortune rules.  Ben. 
But how are Ladies? reasonable?  Sel. 
Even as they ever were, and ever will be.  
Shadows, shadows of us: pursue them and  
You may pursue, and tire in the chase,  
Seem but to fly, they'll follow, and be handled.  Moz. 
'Twas ever so, keep them but sharp and they'll  
Obey the lure.  Ben. 
Watch them and they'll be tame.  Sel. 
But with fresh oaths songs, kisses, Duels, (food  
Strong and approved) gorge them, and they'll turn tail.  Ben. 
A pretty truth: but who bears greatest price.  Sel. 
Why, faith, the plainest, th' fairest ever are  
Most kind and least proud—  Ben. 
So, And what new loves?  
How thrives the new sect of Platoniques? ha?  Sel. 
Troth the best Pimp that ever entered Court.  Moz. 
You need not fear the growth of such a weed,  
Nor hope we better fruit, since that (1.) the Persians  
Begun to follow th' Lacaedemonians.  Ben. 
Then I'll up and turn Courtier, SELEUCUS  
Wilt buy my Regiment?  Mox. 
Prithee BENEFIAN  
Wilt now turn fly, and spend the day in buzzing  
In ladies' beams till thou hast singed thy wings?  
Fie, fie, the Prince here shows thee'nobler game,  
Wilt thou, like an ill-handled kite upon  
Her wings after a noble quarry, go  
Away with paltry check? or leave a Partridge  
To dop after a lark, or Robinred-brest?  Ben. 
There is a Siren in that tongue.— well, I'll  
Consider a while of't. But you SELEUCUS  
Mean to stay with us, ha? and see some sport?  Moz. 
Yes, yes you will not leave the stag at Bay.  Sel. 
Well, i've a Mistress I would fain present  
With a piece of a torn Banner.  Ben. 
Well said my  
Bully HECTOR,- but hold— The Lords o'th' Counsel  EMANGOLY, METHICULI, HYDASPUS, ALKAHEM, MATZED 
ANd now my Lords, what business calls loudest  
To be the first discussed in our Counsel?  Met. 
Exchange of Prisoners; many we hold of there's  
At needless charge, as many they of ours  
Deserving men and stout, whom we much want.  Hyd. 
Our Regiments and companies are thin,  
Scarce one in ten of them amounts to half  
The constitution: So the Guards are weaker  
Than else they should: and thus hard duty comes  
Oftener to the same men, till the poor soldiers  
Grumble, and faint beneath the load, and scarce  
Are held from mutiny; But which is worse,  
A mass of Treasure daily is consumed  
On idle officers, Parchment Colonels  
And titular Captains, that ne'er saw four files  
Under their Ensigns, or perhaps no more  
Than their own grooms, or private servants, save  
Some that they borrowed upon days of muster,  
Or else pretended to lie sick in Quarters.  Ema. 
Dead pays are not to be eschewed: 'tis grown  
An abuse too strong for reformation.  
The rest, the Prince has thoughts how to redress,  
And means it suddenly, by cashiering and  
Reforming idle officers, and filling all  
His Regiments; which method he intends  
To be exact to four times i'th' year.  Mat. 
All gentlemen that come as volunteers  
Expect commands, which yet they measure by  
The greatness of their states, not martial skill.  
A Troop, a Company, or a Regiment  
Each novice claims as due; less cannot answer  
A full fortune: when, for a Prince's self,  
They that know any thing, know 'tis no disgrace  
To trail a Pike under a known Commander.  Hyd. 
But 'tis disgrace enough, and something more,  
I'd almost said 'tis treason, t'undertake  
More than a man's ability can perform,  
Since the King suffers in it more than he;  
The King, more in his work, than he in's credit.  Alk. 
These in their times; but first, if you concur,  
Some thoughts of the reducing of you City  
Were seasonable: the siege is long and tedious,  
And sickness and disease invade our camp,  
As if the foe had made them of their party.  
And that, my Lord METHICULI, makes good  
Your proposition; that place won, we gain  
Those prisoners, whose exchange will cost us dear.  Mat. 
My Lord, I echo you. What a disgrace  
Would stick upon our names indelible  
As cowardice, if our great Prince's standard,  
That never yet was fixed in vain before  
A hostile Fort, but useth to display  
Its self still on the Enemy's proudest Turret,  
Should now be left alone, or which is worse,  
Forced to remove?  Ema. 
Though all the Gods were parties,  
Our Prince's stars are of a clearer light,  
Then so to be eclipsed by th' (2) Turkish Moon.  Hyd. 
She's pale, and wanes already, and his Arm  
Shall pluck her from her sphere, or quench her in it.  Met. 
Or daub her horns with (3) Ottoman blood, till she  
Sets red, or shrinks into her Cloud, and wastes.  Alk. 
How can it be but so, when such a Sun  
As this appears, drowning her sickly light!  MIRZA, EMANGOLY, ELCHEE, METHICULI, HYDASPUS, ALKAHEM, MATZED, MOZENDRA, BENEFIAN. 
MY Lords, this City stands stiff in our way,  
But none I hope, have any other thoughts  
Then tempting of our stars, till the proud Turrets  
Bow to our feet, and sink in vengeful flames;  
For why should she ere boast a brighter fate,  
Then her as potent sisters, that now kiss  
Our yoke, and humbly truckle under us?  Ema. 
And so shall she, and glory in the bondage;  
For to be slave to you, is next to win.  
This my Lord ALKAHEM wisely advised,  
Should be our first address unto your Highness.  Mir. 
He spoke my thoughts, or rather I in him.  Alk. 
This I the rather was induced to do,  
Because, since the two Mines we sprung last day,  
And five former assaults, proved unsuccessful  
And all your Messages met a Rejection:  
I humbly now conceive, no storm or scale  
So fit to be attempted, as some stratagem  
To be advised of.  Mir. 
Give us but a hint.  Alk. 
An't please your Royal Highness, the last sally  
'Twas my fortune to make two young men Prisoners,  
Whom by their civil fashion and demeanour,  
I judged and found to be men of the Book,  
Rather engaged by novelty to see  
Something of war, than any way expert  
In these rough meetings: these I had into  
My Tent, where being well warmed with (4.) Shiras wine,  
They fell into a freedom of discourse,  
And, among other things, assured me,  
They in the City had received a Promise  
From OSMANHELI, their old Governor,  
Of succours within four days, for which service  
He was prepared, and stayed but for some Galleys,  
And Frigates to convoy him, and enable him  
To pass through our Fleet, which Navy he had  
A good assurance would attend him shortly.  
And these are th'only hopes hold up their hearts,  
And keep their Gates shut 'gainst your Royal Highness.  
Neither is this discovery the effect  
But of their drink, for, sober, they confirm it.  Elc. 
The same, a Page of mine, lately their Prisoner,  
Who mad's escape in the same sally, told me,  
He learned i'th' Town.  Mat. 
It is the general voice  
Among the meaner Prisoners, who hug their  
Condition, and joy they are with us,  
That they may eat again, famine within  
Rages so strongly.  Moz. 
Hopes of this supply,  
They say, do only keep the Town from uproar.  Ben. 
The starved Soldiers fly upon their Leaders,  
And cry with a half hollow voice, Bread! Bread!  
For heaven's sake Bread: when shall we eat again?  
They answer, do but smell upon your Matches  
Four days longer, then by th'life of (5) MORAT,  
If no help comes, we'll make our best conditions.  Met. 
It seems 'tis a conceit strongly believed,  
That they shall have relief.  Alk. 
Believed, my Lord,  
They every hour trace the sands, the walls  
They climb, and Turrets, peep through Prospectives,  
And if they but descry a Seagull, 'tis  
A Sail, and if a flock, O that's the Navy,  
Till lost again they chide their credulous faith,  
And curse the two cross winds, till their own sighs  
But make them stronger to defeat their joys.  Hyd. 
I had the guard last night, and intercepted  
A messenger in disguise from the said OSMAN,  
With Letters sown in's (6) Tulipant, spoke the same.  
These be the Letters—, and the Postscript fixes  
The time two days, or three at farthest.  Mir. 
Good,  
And you conceive now, we may send a Party  
Fresh flourishing in the Enemy's Colours, who  
By this pretence, may gain perhaps admittance,  
And so surprise the Town?  Ema. 
'Tis probable.  Alk. 
'Tis certain.  Mat. 
Nay 'tis more, 'tis done already.  Mir. 
Well, since you've such a confidence, we'll try it.  The Prince lightly peruses the Letters, then gives them to the Lords, who hand them from one to another. 
You, my good Lord, METHICULI, shall command  
In this design, to whom we'll join your Regiment,  
HYDASPUS, and yours, ALKAHEM, and yours MATZED.  Met. 
Our care shall not be wanting.  Mir. 
Have the Brigads  
Ready t'imbarque by the first light o'th'morning:  
In the mean time, we'll send unto our Admiral,  
That riding in the gulf, blocks up the Town,  
To bring ships down unto the Haven this night,  
For to transport you in, those must you wing  
With Turkish Flags and Streamers, and acquaint him  
With the adventure, that you pass the Fleet  
In the next night, yet not without some skirmish,  
To work the greater confidence ith'City,  
That you are foes to us, and their recruits.  
Yet lest discovery frustrates the project,  
Keep yourselves whole, that you may so make good  
Your quick retreat. You, my Lord ELCHEE,  
At the same time shall storm on the Land side,  
To give the greater terror and diversion  
To the Towns strength: so fortune aid the attempt.  
Myself, and you, EMANGOLY, will be ready  
Either to enter with the Horse, or succour  
Our friends, if they be forced to a retreat.  Alk. 
If this succeeds '●is but our keeping up  
The Turkish Colours on the Towers awhile,  
And we shall so train in the succours sent  
For th'Towns relief, who ignorant of its taking,  
Once landed, can't scape us.  Mir. 
Grasp not too much.  Ema. 
The Action promises well.  To Elchee in secret. Ben. 
My Lord, SELEUCUS  
Attends without.  Elc. 
Sir, you'll oblige me, if  
You'll please to bring him in, and I'll present him.  Mir. 
MOZENDRA, let it be your care to make  
Our Admiral know our project, and desire  
Of Ships from him.  Moz. 
Sir, I am gone about it.  SELEUCUS. To them. 
ALl hail.  Elc. 
May't please your Grace, this Gentleman  
Is come from Court, with Letters for your Highness,  
From your dread Father.  Mir. 
He is welcome,— Sir,  
How fares our Royal Father?  Sel. 
By me he sends  
Your Highness twenty thousand blessings: and  
Is kept in health, if but by the relation  
Of your renown, which gives him hourly music,  
So grateful to his Majesty is your fame.  Mir. 
We'll study to requite his love with duty.  Met. 
My Lord HYDASPUS, and you ALKAHEM He delivers his Letters to the Prince, kisses his hand, and retires. The Prince opens, & reads them to himself.  
And you MATZED, will all be sure to bring  
Down to the Haven, before the Moon arises,  
Your Regiments, where you shall find me ready  
To lead you aboard, the Ships I need not doubt,  
They being my MOZENDRA'S care.  Hyd. 
Don't doubt me.  Alk. 
Nor me.  Mat. 
Nor me. He starts.  Mir. 
Sure I read not right!  Hyd. 
His message likes him not.  Mir. 
O for an Augur!  Ema. 
Good heaven! what an Oglio of thoughts  
His Highness has in's face!  Mat. 
He reads disturbance  
In very line.  Ben. 
What bold blind fate dares thwart him!  Mir. 
'Tis so— Well, Soldiers mayn't dispute their orders.—  
My Lord, I've here commands come from my Father,  
Forthwith to wait upon him, and I dare  
Think nothing but obedience.— But O in  
What a Dilemma between duty and honour  
Stand I? Honour calls to me from the house  
Of Fame, built all of sounding Brass: and what  
Wilt thou, says she, that hast given up thy name  
To me, go wanton in the Courts soft pleasures?  
When yet the field is covered with thy Army,  
And new attempts resolved?  Alk. 
Hear, hear her sir.  Mir. 
Then filial duty calls loud from the Temple,  
T'obey is your chief honour, the contrary  
Would fix more stains upon your Name, than all  
The Ottoman blood, could you set it a Tilt,  
Could ever wash away. O straight! who says not,  
To go is Cowardice, to stay, Rebellion?  Ema. 
Excuse me sir, were it not blasphemy  
'Gainst our great (7) MITHRA, to say the Sun wants light,  
When he doth but keep state in gloomy days?  
No, no your Highness have possessed the world  
Enough with your known valour, now no spot  
Will stick to you; besides who knows your business?  
Your Highness going may be necessary,  
And so your journey give more honour to you,  
Then kicking open this Towns Gates with your foot.  Met. 
O'th' other side, some handsome excuse may  
Give satisfaction to the King, till this  
Design be over, and not incur displeasure.  Ema. 
It may so, yet, why should our Lord the Prince  
Run that hazard? his stay may do him hurt,  
In losing th' opportunity of some Action,  
Sure of concernment, else the King would not  
Have sent, knowing the weight of his work here:  
Or worse, it may provoke his Father's anger,  
At least suspicion: His going cannot harm him,  
This Plot is so contrived as we may act it:  
Nor need the common Soldier know he's gone;  
Put one into his Armour to disguise it.  
When he is there, if the affair be urgent,  
'Tis well he went: if not, he may return  
To us before the Action.  Mir. 
I'm confirmed,  
Obedience possesses me all over.  
I'll up, and down again, quick as your thought:  
If I be forced to stay, go on and prosper:  
But duty bears me not faster to him,  
Then Love and honour shall again to you:  
And so adieu my Lords.  Ema. 
Heaven keep your Highness.  Elc. 
Go safe.  Met. 
And safe return.  Hyd. 
And well as safe.  BELTAZAR, EMANGOLY, ELCHEE, METHICULI, HYDASPVS, ALKAHEM, MATZED, BENEFIAN. 
HAil my Lord Duke of Shiras.  Ema. 
My Lord BELTAZAR!  
What wind wast drove hither trow? In secret.  Elc. 
No good one,  
You may be confident.  Bel. 
Save you my Lords.  Ema. 
O my apprehensive soul! I'd give Aside:  
An eye my Lord the Prince were here again.  Bel. 
'Tis thus, in short, my Lords, His Majesty  
Dreading some sickness growing strong upon him—  Hyd. 
He was in health even now. Aside.  Alk. 
Stay sir, observe.  Bel. 
Thought good to send down for his Son the Prince  
The staff of his old age, to be about him:  
And has done me the honour to command me  
Hither, to stand in joint Commission over  
Th'Army, with you, My Lord EMANGOLY,  
My honoured Colleague.  Ema. 
Your standing is my fall. Aside.  Bel. 
My Lords, methinks I see, and grieve to see,  
Something like Discontent in all your faces.  Ema. 
I'm justly proud sir, to be joined with  
So eminent a Virtue; but this, in this  
Conjuncture of time, I think, was ill advised.  
Now, when the Army is near worried out  
In a long war, to tear their darling from them,  
Will relish ill.  Ben. 
I'll up, and turn Platonic.  Met. 
And I Stoic.  Mat. 
I'll to my Farm, and there They whisper  
Sow Mustardseed: the Prince gone, farewell Arms.  Elc. 
This is a trick, the Prince ne'er dreamed of it.  Alk. 
A bait, to lure him up and lodge him— O.  Ema. 
My Lord, his Highness ere we lost him, laid  
The Platform of a Plot to gain this City  
By a surprise; till that be done, wilt please you  
To keep close your Commission, lest th'novelty  
Disturbs the Action.  Bel. 
Sir, I'll be advised  
In this, and all things, by your better judgement.  Met. 
We all do know our duties, let's attend them.  Ema. 
Go then, my Lords, I'll follow:— or I think,  
We had as good let this adventure fall,  
'Twas but to please the Prince.  Bel. 
Sir, as you please:  
I've some dispatches, those over, I am yours.  EMANGOLY, ELCHEE, METHICULI, HYDASPUS, ALKAHEM, MATZED. BENEFIAN. 
THe Prince called up, to stay! and one sent down  
To take his place? and that a Courtier too!  
Plot of some Turk to ruin Persia  
By striking her good Genius! Impudent head!  
Worthy a thousand thunderbolts, that durst  
Once mention it! why stay we in the Army?  
There's not a Captain's place now to be given  
But some Court-Madam must dispose it, to  
Perhaps some little legged Gentleman-Usher.  Ben. 
Or decayed Stallion.  Elc. 
Though we toiled and sweat  
To purchase honour for the Prince, we will not  
That BELTAZAR shall share with us.  Ema. 
Shall I  
Be coupled now, after so many Triumphs,  
With a Court Spaniel? I'll let the Turk in first.  
Say my good Lords what, can you shrug and fawn,  
And compliment? your General is a Courtier.  
Now you must fight in method, exercise  
Your men as in a Dance.—  Met. 
Pox, let all fall.  Hyd. 
Best call MOZENDRA back, and le's do nothing.  Mat. 
But mutiny.  Elk. 
Or at best, raise the Siege.  Ema. 
The shame will not be ours, but the dull Kings,  
That knows not how to prize a worthy Son.  Omnes. 
With all our hearts.  Met. 
Let'●hold together then,  
And we are safe.  Ema. 
You are an Oracle.  
The King shall know that nothing shall be done,  
Less we be pleased, and have again, his Son.  BELTAZAR, SELEUCUS. 
SELEUCUS, is thy Post upon his wings  
T'inform thy master of the Princes coming?  Sel. 
My Lord, I have dispatched him.  Bel. 
Prithee stay him  
For my Packet.  Sel. 
My Lord, I'll after him.  Bel. 
Do so,— and then the King shall know he must not  
Pull down his Son and let these great ones stand,  
That are but his dependants, pieces of him.  
They're grown too great to obey any but  
Their Prince, and will not brook my rising o'er them.  
And yet, to speak my conscience, they're but honest,  
And do, but what I should; yet now that is not  
The way to thrive, and so may well be loved  
And wished, but not practised, without loss.  
" As he that fells an Elm, must also fell  
" The Ivy Vine, and under shrubbs that dwell  
" Beneath his shade, and cling in loving sort  
" About his bowl some but for their support,  
" Some to suck sap from him: So who'd remove  
" A Prince, or great man, strong i'th' People's love,  
" Must strike his followers too. A mighty man  
" Doth never fall alone, no more than can  
" The beams and columns of a Palace and  
" The Rafters and the sparrs unmoved stand.  CHORUS. 
WHat dire effects evil Counsel works  
Even to unhinging greatest states!  
It doth allure with specious baits,  
But underneath foul Poison lurks.  
The Prince, to please a factious few  
Must rob himself even of his best  
Of friends, and discontent the rest,  
Which he may ever after rue.  
This happens when the Prince's ear  
Is open (drown'd in soft delight)  
Unto the bosom Favourite,  
Or undermining Flatterer.  
How hard and difficult a thing,  
Almost above the power of man,  
Or even what the immortals can,  
Is it, to be a prudent King!  
Almost with honour due to JOVE,  
Such 'tis no Piacle to adore,  
For sure, hourly less, or more,  
He hath intelligence from above.  
O what a narrow path doth lie  
For him! what a straight neck of land?  
'Twixt this dire Rock, and that Quicksand,  
Here base contempt there flattery!  
To escape flattery men must know  
He loves the naked truth to hear;  
But if these freedoms given are  
To all, they to contempt will grow.  
So dost thou lose thy reverence  
Great TITAN, guider of the Day,  
Because thou dost with equal Ray  
Thy light alike to all dispense.  
The wise Prince than some few selects,  
And but to them gives liberty  
To tell him all things as they be,  
From th' rest he nought hears or expects.  
Of such a prudent choice must be,  
(Men wise and daring, that above  
His Fortune do his Person love,)  
Lest they fall into flattery.  
Not chose for favour, but for parts,  
Not so poor as they him must make  
Their prey, nor should he any take  
For their high Fortunes, but deserts.  
Nor must he yet let them engross  
His love; keep them his Counsellors  
Not Favourites, lest the gaining theirs  
Of all hearts else becomes the loss.  
Should SOL from one place ne'er remove  
And starve the rest, scorch would that part  
With curses, and his partial Cart  
Might more esteem get, but less love.  
" Few Favourites were there ever seen  
" But either wrought their King's decay,  
" And proved Usurpers, or else they  
" Have by the People ruined been.  
" O Kings, be sparing to make those  
" Whom well you love, your Favourites;  
" For them you give to vulgar spites,  
" Or else, for them, yourselves, depose.   

Act. 3.  MAHOMET ALLYBEG. 
IS there not something more for me to do,  
Then to gain Persia's Crowns, and Asia's too?  
Must I end there? and after ages say  
Here was the limits of great MAHOMET'S sway?  
Forbid it my bold Genius. Such a Head  
Was never meant less than the whole world's dread,  
To coin new projects, and dilate my fame  
Beyond (1) cold Caucasus, where the Roman name  
Could never come, all knees must bow unto't  
(2) From Ganges head to towering Atlas' foot.  
Cunning or force all ways shall open make,  
Or that all locks shall pick, or this shall break.  
Some would start now, and say, we can't dispense  
With justice to do this, and Conscience.  
Die all such thoughts in me." Who great things dare  
" Think all ways just that profitable are.  
As long lives he that throws JOVE'S Temples down  
As he that prostrates at his shrine his Crown.  
" All Acts, in this world, good, that prosperous, are:  
What, in the next I neither know, nor care.  
This world then that I know I'll either have  
My subject, or else mine and its own Grave.  
If I fall, she shall: the loud crack will be  
A Dirge fit for so great an Obsequy.  ABBAS, MAHOMET-ALLY-BEG. 
WHere is my MAHOMET?  Mah. 
He's here dread ABBAS.  Abb. 
Hast set the Guards, and put a bit upon  
The Mutinous Town? such acts as we intent  
Are not safe in themselves, but only made so  
By the same power that doth them.  Mah. 
ay, my Liege  
Have doubled all your Guards; and yet the more  
T' oblige them, I have paid them all arrears.  Abb. 
You did well to make that the first act of  
Your Treasurership— Sit down my Confidence.  
And now what say your letters from the Army?  Mah. 
Even as we wished, the Prince is on the way,  
But played loath to depart from his dear strength,  
At first it was debated.  Abb. 
Heavens! how far  
Was this state Gangreen crept, that they durst make  
Debates of my so positive commands!  Mah. 
The wily Foxes yet advised his coming,  
To gain your good conceit of his obedience.  
BELTAZAR'S Power known once, all flew off  
The hinges; every face, grew dull and misty;  
All late resolves of Action recoiled,  
As if their bloods were cooled, and frighted back,  
Either through fear, their Treason is smelled out,  
And so they shall not stay long after him,  
Or else for pure Love to him they mourned;  
But 'twas not love, men of the blade and Action,  
Used to quaff blood for Healths, are too too rough  
For that soft tender Virtue to inhabit.  Abb. 
'Twas conscious guilt that flew into their faces,  
Armed with her furies whips and Harpy nails.  Mah. 
Was it not time then to disarm the Serpent  
Of's sting? who now may hiss, but never bite.  Abb. 
BELTAZAR writes EMANGOLY and ELCHEE  
Seem most displeased, and slight his joining with them.  Mah. 
They know themselves, and know withal that he  
Or I, or any, whom your grace dares trust,  
Have not the Art of war. They know you need them,  
Therefore take boldness thus to nose and beard you.  Abb. 
I'll ruin all mankind first. No, this war  
Is but t' enlarge our Territories; honour,  
Not need or Right is all the cause: I'll send  
Commissioners down, and clap up peace with th' Turk,  
And so disband this factious Army. Then  
(3) Let th' haughty Duke of Shiras have a care  
Lest I absolve myself of my rash oath,  
Never to lop him shorter by the head.  
By th' hands at least I will, that is the Power.  
" The misery of rach oaths! yet in the cause  
" Of Treason, no man hath a privilege.  
I'll thrust him from (4) his Government of Shiras,  
(5) I'll turn his feast of Lilies into Cypress.  
And remove ELCHEE from Hyrcania too.  Mah. 
To out EMANGOLY you've pretence enough.  
Ha hath been long continued in his trust;  
Places so high ar'nt only for one Subject  
Your Majesty have many to reward,  
And honour is the cheapest way you have.  
But ELCHEE has had no time in's Honour,  
And been provoked already; besides he  
May still be useful, and he's yet too great  
For such disgrace." 'Tis never safe to anger  
" Too many great ones at one time, Sir, ELCHEE  
Made yours once, will serve to balance th' other.  
Yet for a while, banish him from your presence,  
'Twill make him conscious of his fault, and put him  
Upon some thoughts how to regain your favour.  
Then, to be reconciled is to win him.  
" 'Tis better to gain one friend, then crush then foes.  
But let EMANGOLY be clean cast off,  
As useless quite, and not to be reclaimed.  Abb. 
Wise MAHOMET, thou shalt rule me, be it thy care  
To draw up Articles, find Commissioners  
To fetch us peace, empowered with full instructions.  Mah. 
Who mean you in EMANGOLY'S room, o'er Sh●vas?  Abb. 
Who but thyself, companion of my Reign?  
Who else is fit to be second in glory,  
Or help to bear so many ponderous Crowns?  
I now shall take sound sleeeps and no more start,  
Or break my troubled slumbers, with conceit  
Of sword, or Treason. The Hesperian fruit  
Was not so safe under the Dragon's guard,  
Nor the golden Fleece kept by the brasse-hoofed Bull  
Half so secure, as I and th' Empire shall be  
In thy care, Angel Guardian of Persia.  Mah. 
Not all the Gods could so oblige me. Heavens!  
What anxious care, what service, what endeavours,  
Can ere requite such favours! But, Sir, I  
Am conscious of mine own defects, for such  
A Province, that requires the ablest man;  
A man, A God Phoebus himself to rule it;  
A rule as glorious as his flaming Throne.  Abb. 
Thou art modest ALY-BEG. He is most fit  
Who we dare trust, and that is thee my MHOMET  ABBAS, MAHOMET-ALLYBEG, FARRABAN, Two thieves, OFFICERS. 
WHo have you brought into our presence (Dogs)  
And are the sons of filth and poverty  
Fit objects for our eye?  2 Theev. 
Mercy, O mercy!  Far. 
An't please your Majesty, these two were soldiers.  
Ran from their colours hither, and turned thieves,  
They robbed i'th' Court itself, my chamber.  Theev. 
Mercy.  Abb. 
'Twere to disgrace our mercy to bestow her  
Upon such vagabonds, who besides your Theft,  
And cowardly sulking from the Camp, shall die,  
If but for so disgracing, so profaning  
Our Court, with such base rags, and bands of vermin  
Compounds of Oil and stench! spawn of a Toad!  
Are these weeds for a Court? Or is our Marble  
To be polluted with your dust and sweat?  
Rascals! spewed out of Gaoles and Charnel houses!  
Rotten already! that bear graves about you!  
Go, Officers, away with them to death.  
'Tis plain they are thieves, they've robbed some of their fellows  
Long since hung up in chains, of those foul rags,  
That danced ith'air many a frosty night.  
Yet, that they may die neatlier than they lived,  
Give them new Coats, then dragged out of the Town  
Impale them high on stakes, thrust through their bodies.  1 thou. 
This may thank you could keep the door no better.  2 thou. 
'Tmay thank us both, for robbing without killing.  
" They're wise that make sure work.  Mah. 
'tis true.  Abb. 
Away.  Mah. 
('tis a good Prologue this to his son's Tragedy.) Aside.  
Attend without there, FARRABAN, I've somewhat  
To move the King, you may be useful in,  
Be within call.  Far. 
I will, my honoured Lord.  ABBAS, MAHOMET-ALLYBEG. 
Draws not the time on, you expect the Prince in?  Mah. 
Yes. How will you that he be entertained?  Abb. 
How entertained? why, how, but with a bowstring?  
Is't not decreed? Entice the trusty Son  
From his Eccliptick line, he shall obey  
Your beck, and wander from his sphere, ere I  
From my resolves.  Mah. 
Admired Constancy!  Abb. 
Set you some spy of faith 'gainst his arrival,  
There let him stay him to attend my coming;  
Then give us notice, and thou and I will plant  
Ourselves in secret to behold the justice;  
To act which, get seven Executioners  
Deaf, dumb, and dextrous to rush in upon him;  
So all Rebellions shall be strangled in him:  
th'Hydra of Treason at one pluck shall lose  
Her numerous heads▪ and we our fears, and be  
For ever cured of all jealousy.  Mah. 
I'll appoint FARRABAN to be his last  
Master of Ceremonies. FARRABAN,  MAHOMET-ALLYBEG, FARRABAN. 
WHich is the way to rise at Court, thinkst thou?  Far. 
T'obey and please.  Mah. 
Right, and thou art ambitious.  Far. 
What do I here else?  Mah. 
Whither tends thy aim?  
Give me the utmost height of thy aspiring.  Far. 
Troth there you pose me; for" Our thoughts still rise  
" As our estates and power; the avarice  
" Of honour is no less insatiable  
" Then that of gold.— But for the present, I  
Know mine own wish, and so shall you my Lord.  
When I walk by the Citadel, so strong,  
So stately, that claims reverence from mine eye,  
I think if I had but the government  
0f that, I should be happy enough to pity  
(7) The grand Signior, and envy him no more.  Mah. 
The government o'th' Castle! is that all?  
Thou art too modest.  Far. 
Good my Lord, don't scoff me.  Mah. 
I am in earnest,— thou shalt have it FARRABAN,  
The King has but one piece of Service for thee,  
Do that, and thou art Governor.  Far. 
If I  
Can do't, 'tis done.  Mah. 
Come, I'll instruct thee how.  FLORADELLA, CLOE. 
COme, why stayed you so long abroad this morning?  
You'll never leave your Gossipping till you  
Be double ribbed, as GLAUCA was, and then  
You may go seek a Father for't: 'bove all things  
Beware of a great belly; there is loss  
Of time, and loss of sport in't, besides trouble.  Clo. 
O Madam, I can make syrup of Savin,  
Myself; and twenty tricks I have besides.  
Here is the book EARINA promised you.  Flo. 
What, ARETINE, so famous for his postures!  
Let's see it.— Were you at ERINA's house,  
Or sent she this?  Clo. 
I was there Madam, and  
Had the luck too, to see her fine new servant.  Flo. 
What for a creature is't?  Clo. 
A pretty silkworm.  Flo. 
How happy am I therein 'bove the rest,  
That dote on sleeked limbs, and finest blood,  
Looking but for couch comforts, not aspiring  
The godlike ornament of a crown! let them  
Melt in their youngsters arms, I'll sacrifice  
To hair and bristles, cling to MAHOMET,  
Or hug a coffin to arrive at honour—  
Me thinks this Purruck leans to th'left hand somewhat,  Clo. 
No Madam, 'tis well set, and rarely scented.  
I would we'd more of the prepared Pomatum,  
And powder I bought last.  Flo. 
What talks most rife  
Abroad, wench?  Clo 
That my Lord MAHOMET is sworn  
Lord Treasurer, he's now the only Sun  
Next to the King, of greatest light.  Flo. 
He shall  
Eclipse him one day.— What do you now?  Clo. 
This fucus  
Is laid too thick, I'll mend it with my scarlet.  Flo. 
Have you got Puppy Dogs, and an after burden?  Clo. 
Yes.  Flo. 
Well— distil them then with care— my Lord▪  MAHOMET-ALLYBEG, FLORADELLA, CLOE. 
WHy; this is as it should be, now my beauty  
Displays her lustre, throwing sweets and graces  
About the place, herself being as the spring,  
A box wherein all sweets compacted lie.  Flo. 
This spring, Sir, owes itself but to your beams.  
I wish you joy, Sir, of your treasurership,  Mah. 
A step, that's but a step to a greater height.  
I've something more to tell thee, that is fit  
For thy ear only.  Flo. 
CLOE, prithee leave us.  (Clo. 
Now can't I for my soul but listen, I  
Have such an itch of novelty)  Mah. 
Come my dear,  
Art ready to ascend thy throne? hast practised Aside, she places herself behind the hangings to listen.  
To Queen it with a Majesty? seest thou not  
All creatures bow in homage to thy foot?  
And Princes throng into thy set of servants?  (Clo. 
This is fine Pageantry, would it were real.  
O how I should be courted!)  Flo. 
Jest not, jest not,  
How proceed you?  Mah. 
Smoothly, the dreaded Prince  
Is on's last journey; an hour brings him hither,  
An other sends him Elizium.  
The army kicks at BALTAZAR's command,  
And pines for th'Prince; the two Duke's fume and fret  
Like Lions caught in toils or Bulls in nets,  
Where struggling but entangles them the more.  
Since the King can't trust these men thus enraged,  
Nor knows he where to serve himself of others;  
He means a league with th' Turk, so falls this army,  
And leaves him no force to oppose my rise.  
He showed me his thoughts of outing ELCHEES  
From his vice-royship of Hyrcania,  
And stout EMANGOLY from his of Shiras.  
I having hopes of ELCHEE, knew to out him  
Were to disable him to do me service;  
So wrought him to continue (8) the gelden Duke,  
But not without a spice of his displeasure,  
Forbidding him the Court, and this will rub  
His former wounds, and make him fitter for me  
To work upon; for" Nothing like disgrace  
" And discontent drive men into rebellion.  
EMANGOLY I know too wise and haughty  
For my use so did close with his suspicion,  
To lay him by; there I've disarmed a foe,  
(9) And the most Potent too in the whole Empire.  
To hinder his gathering or abetting Factions,  
We'll to this Town confine him, to have him in  
Our eye, and keep his friends from herding with him.  (Clo. 
Fair fall that Counsel, I shall see my Sweetheart  
Again then,— O dear VASCO!— Well, I'll venture  
Catching th'other cold, with sitting up  
To let thee in at the back door a nights.  
Lord, I'm so marriage-minded o'the sudden!)  Flo. 
I'm mufing who shall be preferred to Shiras,  
If any of that faction should step up,  
'Twere but the worse: be that your care to hinder.  Mah. 
Who clears a field of thorns, but means to reap  
The crop? nor had I counselled his remove,  
But that the King proffered his place to me:  
Whereby th'best half of my design is acted.  
" For he that gives the means unto another,  
" To become powerful, undoes himself.  Flo. 
That word gives me new spirits. O my joy!  
Let me embrace thee, sweet; all our contrivements  
That sounded hard before, are easy now.  
Nor will we rest in our first project: we  
Will stretch our conquest farther, till no names  
But only ours, be heard from Pole to Pole.  Mah. 
This hand was never made for to grasp less  
Than the whole world, one Sceptre cannot fill it:  
Thou shalt reward thy women all with Kingdoms—  (Clo. 
Hei, ho, my heart! then I shall be a Queen.)  Mah. 
And give whole Isles in dowry with thy Maidens:  
The meanest drudge that toileth in thy service,  
Shall sweep his Oven with (10) MORAT'S horsetail standard:  
My Ganymeds' and Lackeys I'll prefer  
To Provinces, and give a City to  
My Grooms for every time they hold my stirrup.  
I'll ride upon tame Unicorns, and thou  
Shalt have thy Chariot drawn by yoked Lions:  
My slaves shall play at football with the crowns  
Of their own conquered Kings, whose blooming daughters  
Shall sue to wait, some 'mongst thy maids, and some  
To be entertained in my (11) Seraglio.  Flo. 
Why should not I have a Seraglio too,  
For men and boys? I prithee let me build one.  (Clo. 
That would be fine i'faith, I love variety.)  Mah. 
No, no, my sweet, thou must keep all for me.  Flo. 
Fie, this ingrossememt is but mere conceit:  
Does the sweet spring less cool, less fair appear,  
When many thirsts are quenched in her, then when  
But one has drank? find you not the same sweets,  
When more besides yourself have smelled your Rose?  Mah. 
Well, I'll not press the Dove's example to thee,  
Or genial Vine, but give thee the free reins,  
Let thyself loose to pleasures.  Flo. 
We'll make poor  
Ingenuous luxury in all her Arts.  Mah. 
Mean while, we'll re-erect our marble City,  
(12.) Persepol's, far fairer than her founder  
SOSARINUS, or rather JAMSHET meant her;  
Or then she was indeed when (12) the mad Greek  
Swimming in riot, at fair THAIS Counsel,  
Did wrapped her pride about with wasteful flames.  
There our bright Palace I'll repair, and give  
(12) The forty Towers new Resurrection,  
From their forgotten rubbish (12) Th'hundred Pillars  
Of white and shining marble, shall again  
Erect their polished heads, not to support  
APOLLO, as of old, but thy fair statue,  
And mine, adored of the prostrate world.  Flo. 
We'll lie on Beds of Gold and Ivory,  
(13) Richer then that Bythinian PYTHIUS gave,  
Our great DARIUS: Golden Vines shall shade us,  
Studded with Pearls, whose artificial clusters  
Shall be the freshest Rubies. Thus we'll tire  
Nature and Art, and ourselves too, with pleasures.  Mah. 
I've a pretence shall gain even MIRZA'S friends.  
'Tis that I only aim at, the Protection  
Of young SOFFIE, whom they cannot think safe  
In's Grandsire's hands, seeing his hate to's Father:  
Do you pretend no other to the Ladies.  
At first, to name myself were gross, and open.  Flo. 
Great soul of wit! that cannot choose but take them,  
Some o'th' great Ladies I've with visits courted,  
With presents some, all with unusual favours:  
So that they seem to stand expecting something  
I'd have them do, which when the Prince is gone,  
They being thus prepared, they shall have.  
'Twere good you won the (14) mufti to your purpose;  
And some o'th' (15) Abdalls, that at public meetings,  
And market Lectures, may expound the Text  
Oth' (16) Alchoran, according to your Comment.  
Good cheer is bait enough for these poor spirits,  
Fill them with that, and the bagpipes will sound  
What Tune you'll turn them to, when they are full:  
Bid them inveigh against the Tyranny  
They now groan under: promise silken Yokes,  
And easy burdens in your Government.  
Pretend a Reformation of the Law,  
To take down all illegal Courts and Taxes:  
(17 To make all Lands and goods Hereditary,  
So that the Persian being rich in Marble,  
Need never more to build with unburnt clay.  
Promise a Toleration of all  
Religions, to ease tender Consciences,  
Or Jew or Christian, but yet persecute  
The Christian still; it is a spreading Sect,  
And where it gets a foot draws in the body:  
What though your word's not kept? your ends obtained,  
You're too great to be taxed with breach of promise.  Mah. 
'Tis true, great wit, these mercenary Priests  
Are the best firebrands, such I've ready kindled,  
They are at work in every Conventicle,  
Their empty heads are Drums, and their hoarse voices  
Are Trumpets to the war: then, when no longer  
The people will believe, I shall be able  
To force them to't: Power and Policy,  
" Are the two Poles a Kingdom turns upon.  Flo. 
More Policy not MERCURY can boast;  
O that your power were equal! as to that:  
What think you of the Horse-guard I propounded?  Mah. 
I do intend it, when I've money for't.  Flo. 
I've twenty thousand (18) Tomaynes towards it.  Mah. 
(This want of money now was well pretended.) aside.  
As many thanks, my sweet, I will return thee,  
For every piece a Crown, (a noose I should aside. say.)  Clo. 
Base man! well, I'll prevent thy treachery.  Mah. 
By this the King expects me, but my dear,  
First let me leave my soul upon thy lips.  (Clo. 
Out Crocodile! he'll lick off all her paint too.)  Mah. 
Adieu my Queen, my Goddess, more, my Love.  Flo. 
My Prince, my MAHOMET, my best of wishes,  
And their accomplishmen attend thee ever.  FARRABAN. 
ANd must the brave Prince die? who would love virtue!  
That sure has no reward, and is but name!  
Could virtuous valour, and all daring goodness,  
A noble scorn of Fortune, and her frowns,  
Whole Hecatombs of Vows and Prayers, sent  
Climbing to Heaven on pious breath, enough  
To scale it, and force blessings from the Gods:  
Could Countries love, or Persias Genius wrest  
From ruthless ATROPOS the impartial shears,  
Then hadst thou lived, great MIRZA, and outlived  
The smooth-tongued Greek. O let not this be known  
In (19) Balsora, nor published in (20) Byzantium,  
Lest the Arabian triumphs, and the daughters  
Of ACHMET, sing the fall o'th' Persian glory.  
But why wail I his fall that is my rising?  
" King's great intents are to be served, not searched:  
But would he'd used some other instrument:  
Yet th'citadel is worth the pains I take for't.  
He comes,— I'm hardly bad enough for this service.  MIRZA, FARRABAN, PAGE.. 
NOw FARRABAN.  Far. 
Long live your Highness, you  
Are well returned. Sir, I am sent from th'King,  
To let you know, that since 'twas private business  
Urged him to call you up, he thinks it best  
You'd not appear in Court, or make your coming  
Public, now when your Army so much needs you:  
And since a sudden grief late fallen upon him,  
Makes him unfit for business; he desires  
You'd repose here, till himself comes to visit,  
And give you your dispatch, which he assures  
Your grace shall be as soon as he can get  
Leave of's Disease to venture into th'air.  Mir. 
Thou giv'st me joy and sorrow FARABAN;  
Sorrow, to hear his Majesty wants health;  
And joy, in hope of quick dispatch, because  
My Army's need of me, and my desire  
To be with them are alike great and urgent.  
My humble duty to his Majesty  
I'll here attend him, and employ the time  
In prayers for his health.  Far. 
Heavens keep your highness,  
For Earth shan't long I'm sure. Secret.  Pag. 
Your Highness said,  
You'd have your Scimitar, new set on edge,  
Whilst here you stay, if't please you, 't may be done.  Mir. 
That's well remembered, the stout trusty blade,  
That at one blow has cut an (21) Asinego  
Asunder like a thread, is drunk and glutted  
With Ottoman blood; it cuts not now, but bruises.  
Take it, and give't an edge, but be'nt long absent,  
Mean while a nap shall settle my tossed He lies down upon a Couch to sleep. brain,  ABBAS, MAHOMET, ALLYBEG They peep in from behind the hangings. MIRZA. 
HE sleeps.— One blow will make you sleep eternal.  Mah. 
He is the fitter for your purpose, farther  
From opposition.  Abb. 
But 'tis cowardly,  
To strike a man sleeping.  Mah. 
We that stick not  
For virtue's self must not regard her shadow,  
Fame and repute; no heed what honour says,  
State says it, and state is the power we serve.  Abb. 
A handsome man! 'tis pity!  Mah. 
Do you soften?  Abb. 
Relent a little; 'las, against a shower  
Of so great blood, what Marble but relents!  Mah. 
You have your choice yet, whether you or he  
Shall pass the Stygian sound first. Do, do, strain  
Courtesy with him; say, my flower of youth  
Has shed the leaves, thine flourishes in glory:  
Live thine own time out MIRZA, and mine too.  Abb. 
No, he must fall; yet falls he not my crime,  
But Tyrant Necessities, that knoweth  
No law, not those of justice, nor of nature.  Mah. 
Now you're yourself again.  Mir. 
Skirt all along  
The trenches with the Horse.  Mah. 
Hark! hark! he dreams  
Nothing but war; talks sleeping or awake,  
Nothing but blood and wounds.  Mir. 
Remember but  
That I am MIRZA, you Persians.  Mah. 
Is this  
Nothing?  Abb. 
An overflow of dangerous valour.  ABBAS, MAHOMET-ALLYBEG, MIRZA, The King, and Mah. still behind the hangings. seven Mutes. 
AH!  Mah. 
See yourself and crowns rescued from danger. The Mutes with bowstrings in their hands, they make softly towards the Prince.  
Death's journeymen ready to seize your fear.  Abb. 
Sad necessary evil!  Mah. 
Shut but your eye  
And when you oped again. you'll see no Rival.  Mir. 
Where, where's the opposition He starts up, the executioners fly back. made?  Mah. 
He wakes.  Abb. 
There's danger in his fury, and quick death  
In every look.  Mir. 
Bless me! what do I see!  
I am betrayed!  Mah. 
I warrant you.  Mir. 
Treason! Treason!  Mah. 
ay, I, call till your lungs crack.  Mir. 
Hell, and furies!  
What Devil made me send away my sword,  
To fall a tame dull sacrifice to treason?  Mah. 
Persia's good Genius.  Mir. 
Yet the lower shades  
Shall never see my Ghost They fly upon him, and throw their noozes towards his neck. come unattended.  
" Fury ne'er wanted weapons. He takes up a stool to ward and fight with.  Abb. 
O that I  
Could save him, and be safe myself!  Mah. 
You cannot.  Mirabel▪ 
Go you dull dog, tell RADAMANTH He knocks down one of the executioners. I come—  
And you— bid CHARON wait me He kills another. with his boat.—  
How will it yrk my Ghost to fall without  
My full revenge?— could every blow I deal  
Light on my cruel Father— the cursed cause  
Of my base murder— I should die contented—  
As in th'embraces of my dearest friends.  Mah. 
You see Sir, what you were to trust to from him.  Abb. 
would I had ne'er deserved it.  Mir. 
And you too,  
Go you,— and tell my Grandsire, and my He kills another. Uncle  
I come— to keep them company,— we'll sit  
On A harons' banks,— under a fatal yew,—  
Counting the murders— of my Tyrant Father.—  
Ah too unnatural Father!— Our pale Ghosts  
By turns shall vex thee.— Is this private business!  
Curses and horror dog thee to thy Hell.—  
ABBAS!— O ABBAS— forget not— that I die— Wearied with resistance, he falls, and faints, the other 4 executioners proceed to strangle him, when the King comes out, and takes them off.  
I die— the compliment of thy Tyranny.  Abb. 
I can no longer hold, I feel his torment.  Mah. 
Inconstant!  Abb. 
MAHOMET, help me rescue him,  
And call him back from the infernal shades.  Mah. 
Faith Sir, I'm deep i'th' gout I cannot struggle.  Abb. 
MIRZA, O MIRZA, speak, thy father calls.  Mir. 
My murderer.  Abb. 
O he lives he lives, help! help!  Mah. 
I am very lame— Pox o'these Aside. bunglers, would  
He had killed them all.  Abb. 
He faints again! the soul  
Is coy, and will not stay, help! help! who waits there?  FARRABAN, SELEUCUS. To them. 
SIR.  Abb. 
O help me redeem my hasty error,  
And be a Father again.  Mah. 
'Las Sir, we cannot  
Bring him again o'th' sudden; he's but swooned,  
His spirits must have time to Rally. But what  
Will do with him? do you think this injury  
Will ever be forgotten? will you restore him?  Abb. 
No, yet he lives, though in a dungeon.— Bind him  
Lest he recovers.— Now to make him henceforth  
Incapable of giving me more trouble,  
I'll have a flaming steel be drawn before  
His eyes, to take away his sight.  Mah. 
Do't then  
Ere he recovers, you'll not rule him else.  Abb. 
Be it your care FARRABAN and SELEUCUS.  Sell. 
It shall.  Abb. 
Then guard him to the Citadel.  
Stay FARRABAN, you I've made Seleucus and the Mutes carry out the Prince, still in his swoon. Governor.  
Where's his commission MAHOMET?  Mah. 
Here my Liege.  
You see Sir I was mindful of my word.  Far. 
Your trust shall never be deceived by me.  Abb. 
Ward the Prince up, but hinder not his friends  
Th'access of visits; yet observe who comes;  
So shall we know the faction by degrees.  
He fast, fetch his wife to him, and young SOFFIE.  
Let little FATYMA be brought to me,  
I'll have her in my Court to play withal.  Far. 
All your commands are done.— Now I grow strong. Secret.  
In villainy, and fit for any service.  
At first I startled, and my blood recoiled.  
" None are o'th' sudden highly good or bad;  
" By time and practice are crafts-masters made.  Abb. 
MAHOMET, compile a Proclamation  
Declaring my just fears and jealousies  
Of his exorbitant rise, and growing faction.  
This timely mercy will possess the world  
That I am only careful, and not cruel.  
And that 'tis not the person but the treason  
I punish." Tyrrany may be gilt with reason.  MAHOMET-ALLYBEG. 
INconstant dotard! canst thou never sleep  
And wake again, firm in the same resolve!  
Well, thou but leav'st for me to do, what thou  
Wouldst have, but couldst not; nor shall this faint rub,  
Thy cowardice cast in my way, impede  
My strong-cast bowl, but the more surely lead  
It to th'intended Jack, that is, thy head.  NYMPHADORA, FATYMA, IFFIDA. 
WHat mists are these that dwell about mine eyes  
To cheat me into slumbers! as if rest  
(The cure of troubled minds) meant to compose  
The tumults of my brain, and sleep repair  
My broken senses, softly by distilling  
Her gentle balm upon my wounded thoughts!  
When I no sooner do obey, and throw  
My cares on her, but melancholy keeps  
Sad orgies in my head, shuffling again  
My senses with pale frights, and ghastly dreams,  
Full fraught with horror and black Tragedy,  
Turning to poison what soft sleep meant balsam!  Iff. 
Why weeps her grace, as if she'd To Fatyma. wash the world  
To its old innocence? accost her Madam.  Nym▪ 
Alas! poor heart! my load of grief's too heavy  
To be removed by thee;— mine eyes no sooner  
Close, but I start in frights, visions and Ghosts,  
Pale wandering Ghosts still shake their funeral brands  
Before me, and invite me to their shades.  
Me thought I saw my Prince with ghastly looks,  
Squalid and bloody, beckon me away.  
And then the Sun with bloody countenance seemed  
To set upon his head, and a thick cloud  
Enveloped him in her dark misty womb.  
Portents! portents of some dire fate to come.  Fat. 
Madam, alas how oft have you chid me  
For crying at sad dreams? last night, me thought  
I saw an eagle pick his chickens eyes out,  
And could have wept for't, but I soon forgot it.  Nym. 
'Tis true, sweetheart, our sleeping thoughts are oft  
Idle and imperfect, but most commonly  
They're either Histories of something past,  
Or dark presages of what is to come.  Iff. 
For heaven's sake, Madam, torture not yourself  
With dreams, but let some (22) Magus read them to you,  
Or else consult with some wise woman 'bout them.  Nym. 
No IFFIDA," Wisdom and virtue be  
" The only destinies set for man to follow.  
" The heavenly powers are to be reverenced,  
" Not searched into; their mercies rather be  
" By humble Prayers to be sought, than their  
" Hidden counsels by curiosity.  SOFFIE, NYMPHADORA, FATYMA, IFFIDA. 
MAdam, the Court is full of armed men,  
They've planted guards at every door, and make  
Apace towards the presence.  Iff. 
Hark— Madam, let A noise without.  
The Prince be hidden.  Nym. 
No, he has innocence  
Enough to guard him.  Fat. 
O they come!  Nym. 
Let them.  FARRABAN, NYMPHADORA, SOFFIE, FATIMA, IFFIDA, SELEUCUS, Guards. 
YOur Grace will please to pardon us, whilst we do  
Only our Offices, and the King's commands,  
In removing you, and my Lord your Son,  
To th'citadel, where Madam, I assure you,  
You shall find all the liberty and service  
Is in my power to afford.  Sel. 
You, Madam, To Fatyma.  
The King expects at Court, where all delights,  
And studied pleasures, shall be spread before you.  Iff. 
O Heaven!  Nym. 
Why this oth'suddain? if there's aught  
Amiss in me, his gentlest check could have  
Reformed it soon, without this strict confinement.  Far. 
Madam, no cause of this is from yourself,  
As we conceive, but from the Prince, who is  
Already there.  Nym. 
O my oraculous soul!  
My dreams are read without a Magus, come,  
Come, lead away, if he be there, the place  
Is not a Prison, but a Court, a Palace,  
A Paradise; this is my Prison, 'cause  
He is not here: I go not to restraint,  
But to enlargement. Is my Lord there say you?  
I'm sure unjustly, since nothing deserves  
A punishment but evil, and all evil is  
Repugnant to bright honour, and her dictates,  
And no dishonourable thought had ever  
The confidence to thrust into his mind.  
Adieu, my FATYMA, thou must to Court,  
But I to riper pleasures, if allowed  
Thy Father's presence in what ever place.  Fat. 
'Las, Madam, may not I wait on you the  Sel. 
No Madam.  Fat. 
I'll not be long from your Grace:  
Farewell my Princely Brother.  Nym. 
Alas! I cannot  She turns and weeps. 
See thee torn from me thus.  Sof. 
What insolence  
Is this! and whither will you hurry me?  Far. 
My Lord, only to see your Royal Father.  Nym. 
Go, Child, the Gods of Persia are thy guard:  
Wilt thou partake my fortunes IFFIDA?  If. 
Willingly, Madam, as I'd entertain  
My Bridal.  Nym. 
Come then, glad Brides do not meet  
Their longing Grooms, more eagerly than I  
Embrace my Prison, if that be a Prison  
Where MIRZA is: the joy of meeting him,  
Devours all thoughts o'th'place which must appear  
Both noble and convenient, he being there.  ABBAS, OLYMPA. 
WE knew his Parts, but know with all," No Virtue  
" Can merit praise, once touched with blot of Treason:  
Yet since 'tis not himself we chastise, but  
His crime, the innocence of his children shall not  
Share ith'reward of his offence, and therefore  
We commit FATYMA to your Governance:  
She is of the best blood, yet betters it  
With all the Graces of an excellent spirit:  
Mild as the infant Rose, and innocent  
As when Heaven lent her us. Her mind, as well  
As face, is yet a Paradise untainted  
With blemishes, or the spreading weeds of vice.  Oly. 
My care sir, shall preserve those glories green,  
To grow with her, and flourish as her beauty.  Abb. 
When aged some two years more, we mean a marriage  
'Tween her and an Arabian King: Her goodness  
Can brook no meaner fortune than a Throne.  ABBAS, OLYMPA, FATIMA, SELEUCUS. 
SEe where she comes, waited by all the Grace!  Oly. 
With Innocence cast about her as a Dress:  
Yet wears she sorrow in her face.  Abb. 
But mixed  
With such a sweetness, as gives sorrow beauty.  
Come my fair Grandchild, welcome to our Court:  
We mean to have thee here, as a choice Jewel  
Set to th'advantage, to be seen and praised;  
Madam OLYMPA is your Governess.  Fat. 
Then sir, my first suit to her is; that I  
May see my Father, if not still wait on him.  Abb. 
Deny her nothing, but make quick 〈◊〉  
A Prison is no shrine for such a goodness.  Oly. 
Come Madam, I'll attend you to his Highness.  Abb. 
Do— and SELEUCUS, hast thee down to (23) Larr,  
Be happy in thy Government let us know  
What's fit more to be done there? and how they  
Take this great change of state.  Sel. 
I will my Liege.  SELEUCUS. 
YOu soon will know what you have done, and what  
You should have left undone, when 'tis too late.  
What Prince would have disarmed himself of so  
Trusty a strength! and to his watchful ●o●,  
Laid himself open thus but one in whom  
Strict justice would have that impartial doom  
Of Tyrants to be proved," Him whom fate  
" Means to destroy, she doth infatuate.  MIRZA, PAGE., FARRABAN. Blinded and led by his Page. 
THe empty nothing of our worldly greatness!  Pag. 
O that your trusty Scimitar had stuck  
Acrosse my heart, when I deprived you of it▪  
Armed but with that, the Sons of earth had felt  
Their brother's fortune that made head 'gainst JOVE.  Mir. 
Remember it no more sweet youth, alas!  
Hell and dire Treason called, called in the voice  
Of love, the fiend ith'Cherubins disguise,  
(Safest disguise, but cruelest!) I came led  
By powerful Fate to my destruction,  
And this by chance the wrathful Powers made join  
To pluck me down. So," To a falling man,  
" Every thing gives a thrust to haste his ruin.  
Who's that?  Pag. 
'Tis FARRABAN your Gaoler sir.  Mir. 
The Devils setting Dog! guide me but to him,  
My wrathful arms shall crush out his black soul.  Pag. 
Alas! Sir, your revenge is toothless, hear him  
'Twill less exasperate.  Far. 
NYMPHADORA, sir,  
Your Princess comes to see you.  Mir. 
Can that name  
Come in thy mouth, and not convert thee? wretch!  MIRZA, NYMPHADORA, SOFFIE, IFFIDA, PAGE. 
O Heavens! and has the Kite got that Dove too  
Into his fangs▪ the Gods have sure forgot  
All justice, and hurl plagues about at random!  Nym. 
Goodness! what do I see!— O, that I still  
Did not only dream!— O—  Iff. 
Ah! alas! sweet Madam!  
She's swooned! help me DORIDO.  Mir. 
What Tyrant Frighted to see the Prince blind, she 'swounds. They chafe her.  
Planet did rage, not reign, at my cursed birth!  
Too cruel heavens, to ply me thus with wounds?  
Do harsh JOVE, do, shoot, shoot again, but know,  
If thou spendst many Darts upon me more,  
Thou'lt soon disarm thyself.— Is not my woe  
Enough, without addition of hers  
To sink me to the Centre! Lead▪ O lead me  
To her, my comfort once, but now my sorrow,  
That I may revive her with fervent kisses,  
Or mix with hers my dying breath.  Pag. 
Take heed sir.  Mah. 
O NYMPHADORA speak, thy MIRZA calls,  
Still MIRZA, and still thine. O speak, speak quickly,  
Lest grief before thou speak'st, puts me past hearing.  
My name was once beloved, and powerful with thee.  Nym. 
Who, O who calls me from the pleasant shades?  Mir. 
Thy MIRZA dearest, 'tis thy MIRZA calls thee.  Nym. 
O the vast power of that Charm! where is he?  
Bless me— what see I?— Heavens, let me return  
To that sweet Grove, there stood my MIRZA for me,  
Glorious and bright, and I'll to him again.  Iff. 
Alas, She's gone again— sweet SOFFIE  
Speak to her.  Mir. 
Ah! and is he here too!  Sof. 
Madam, ah Madam, SOFFIE never asked  
Aught yet of you in vain.  Mir. 
Heaven is proud  
T'have got so pure a soul, and vows to keep it.  Iff. 
Here comes poor FATIMA too.  Sof. 
Madam,— FATIMA.  MIRZA, SOFFIE, NYMPHADORA FATIMA, IFFIDA, PAGE. 
O ye infernal Powers! your conquest is  
Complete o'er me, why kill you me no faster?  
But crucify me thus with lingering tortures?  
I'll do't myself— and never be beholding  
To you for my last rest (24) BAJAZET'S Cage  
Armed him with high resolves: my woe's as great,  
As powerful.  Fat. 
O Gods!  Pag. 
Sir, sir, the Princess. He throws himself down, and beats his head on the flower.  
Sweet FATIMA cling you to him, to hinder  
His violence to himself.  Fat. 
O eyes! what see you.  Sof. 
O choice of bitter sights.  Fat. 
Wer'nt one enough,  
To break so soft a heart as mine. O Father!  
O Mother! whither shall I turn me first?  
Which first bewail, or add my loss to yours?  
O that I could redeem his life with mine!  Sof. 
Or I with my blood randsome hers 'twould be  
A noble payment for the breath she lent me.  Mir. 
Oh— oh!—  Nym. 
Ah! what strong groans are those?  Sof. 
'Tis MIRZA dies, Madam, 'tis MIRZA dies,  
Infected with your grief.  Nym. 
No MIRZA is  
Immortal as his Virtue!— O what cheats  
Are these! even now I left him in Elizium,  
Yet now I find him here squalid and bloody,  
As in my dream—  Iff. 
Madam, put off your fright,  
Assist now his recovery.  Nym. 
O my MIRZA!  
Which wound shall I first kiss? here? this? or that?  
In silent streams below now dost thou bathe  
Thy bleeding wounds— but, ah! why dost thou seek  
To wash them any where but in my eyes?  
See! see! they flow! These tears when once I dropped  
Into thy hurts, when thou cam'st hot from conquest,  
Thou didst call balm. Ah! they are still as warm,  
As clear, and flow as free. See, see! I'd weep  
All my whole moisture into cures couldst thou  
But feel it, yet I'll weep because thou dost not.  
Ah, ah! thou dost not!— Thou art now possessed  
Of thy fresh Grove, and there to fame deliverest  
Thy NYMPHADORA'S Name; or on the rind  
Of some fair Tree, perhaps thou now ingrav'st it,  
Then hugg'st thou the fresh bark, and askest pardon  
For wounding it with thy beloved Letters.  
O'wake, 'wake dearest, and embrace the substance.  Mah. 
Where,- O-where am I?  Fat. 
O thank Heaven he lives.  NY●. 
thouart in my Arms, thy NYMPHADORA'S arms;  
Where, O that thou hadst ever been, or now  
At least may ever be.  Mah. 
No, no, I am not,  
I'm in the Torrid Zone, right O right under  
The vehement Line.— Water-O-water quickly.—  
What Devil has in my sleep, thrown me to Africa?  
O for a River, though 'twere Acheron,  
Or Styx its self to bathe in.  Nym. 
Alas he burns,  
He's high in a strong fever.  Iff. 
Madam that  
Will find an easy cure, get him to rest;  
That's the first step to health in a distemper.  Mir. 
Ah me! What COLCHIS, what Thessalian Hag  
Thus tortures me, poor wretch, with Magic charms,  
And boil my guts in such a scorching flame,  
Melting my marrow as her wax dissolves!  Nym. 
Alas dear Prince! best try to rest my Lord.  Mir. 
To Lybian Lions TITAN is more mild,  
Then thus to rage. VULCAN feels! no such heat  
At's glowing forge. Neither is Aetna's self  
So scalding, when she vomits burning coals.  Nym. 
O, I will sigh my soul to air to cool thee.  Mir. 
O, who put HERCULES shirt on me? I feel  
The poison work, and all my veins boil high  
With Centaur's blood.  Fat. 
That I could weep, till like  
AEGIRIA I thawed into a fountain  
To cool him!  Sof. 
Might I ACIS like melt to a stream.  Mir. 
Pretty obedience!— Fortunate PROMETHEUS,  
Though thy eternal entrails still should feed  
A thousand Eagles! the kind Caucasus  
Benumbs with cold; O that I might with thee  
Under that hill, handle eternal frost,  
Roul in perpetual snow, to quench my fires,  
And slake my parched soul with continual Ice!  Iff. 
Dear Madam, get him in.  Nym. 
O that I could!  Mir. 
Or might I still thirst, TANTALUS with thee,  
So I might always bathe in thy cool River,  
For O I burn, I burn, the dog-star rules me,  
And feeds his raging fires on all my joints.  Nym. 
Wilt in to rest?  Mir. 
'Tis dog-days every where,  
And Afric.— Here ye BELIDES, here power  
On me, kind sisters, your perpetual ●ialls.—  
There is an impious nation that is said  
To stuff with human flesh their greedy womb,  
O they expect me, and are now devouring  
My roasted Liver; all my members broil,  
And ready be THYESTES for thy Table.—  Nym. 
Page, try to lift him up, softly, O softly.  Mir. 
O I am stifled in hot glowing brass!  
I low, shut up in dire PERILLUS Bull.—  
Away Dragons, you scald me with He struggles your breath.  Nym. 
Stay yet.  Mir. 
Nought see I'fore mine eyes but flames,  
And towering Pyramids of eternal fire.  
What food can serve such flames! alas! what mines  
Of Bitumen and Sulphur have I in me,  
That thus my loins consume without a pile.  Iff. 
Alas! this talking heightens his distemper.  Nym. 
It does,— come try to bear him quickly in.  
Once well, he will forgive it.  Mir. 
I melt! I melt!  
Ah! mine own self am mine own funeral fire.  FLORADELLA, MAHOMET-ALLYBEG. 
BUngling Puppies! could not twitch hard enough  
When once they'd got him down! What will you do now?  
Step on, or back, or alter the whole machine  
Of the contrivement?  Mah. 
On, my fair,  
" These little difficulties endear great actions  
" To noble minds; they are weak souls fall or stumble  
" At rubs cast in their way to try their strength.  
The peace I know by this time is patched up,  
And the bold factious Troops disbanded all.  
The Town anon will swarm with idle Soldiers,  
That will, like fish lie basking in the Sun,  
And die, when all the water, their element,  
Is let out from them. I'm for ELCHEE first.  Flo. 
I for OLYMPA, and EARINA.  Mah. 
Press hard  
For liberal lones of money, plate, or Jewels,  
Or any of their fine superfluities,  
They'll help t'augment the heap. Possess them strongly  
That I intent to rescue the brave Prince  
And SOFFIE.  Flo. 
You've instructed me enough.  " Mah. 
Keep hid the Serpent, Lure with the Dove:  
" No Treason is like that goes mas'kd like love.  CHORUS. 
WHat is it Heavens, you suffer here?  
As if that vices malice were unbounded,  
All virtue's Laws inverted are,  
And the just be by the unjust confounded.  
'Tis punishable to speak reason,  
Now reason and loyalty are out of fashion,  
And Tyranny and Treason  
Have all the vogue in this besotted Nation.  
He that our great Palladium was,  
No less our strength and bulwark, than our glory,  
A pray to rampant malice lies,  
Whose fall almost, the doers selves makes sorry.  
His innocent issue suffer too,  
Not laid so close up as a prized treasure;  
But to show what their rage can do,  
And that reason ruleth not their acts, but pleasure.  
His noble friends, that whilst they wore  
I'th' field his purple, could death's self have daunted,  
Men, that a crime, than death, fear more,  
Suffer for crimes wherewith they're unacquainted.  
Some to strict bounds confined are,  
Some to remote; all judged without due trial:  
The cause, fond jealousy and fear,  
Strange state, that fears such subjects as are loyal!  
Whilst they that mean the rape o'th' state,  
Swim in smooth oil, and wallow in all riot,  
Intit'ling their black deeds to fate,  
And put bad men in arms, to keep good quiet.  
O whither doth the precipice  
Of evil hurry men of base condition!  
Made drunken with unjust success,  
They all the world grasp in their vast ambition.  
Seest thou not JOVE rebellion's scope?  
‛ Less thy quick vengeance stopps their sudden rising,  
They'll, like their elder brothers, hope  
To depose thee too, and dare heavens surprising.  
Hear, O JOVE, hear their blasphemies,  
How all their wickedness on thee they father.  
Cheating the world with pious lies,  
Saying, their rules from thy instinct they gather.  
Dost thou not hear it boldly said,  
JOVE bids us break all ancient laws a sunder?  
(At the dire speech ASTRAE fled)  
Or hearing it, why sleeps so long thy Thunder?  
Was it not worth one bolt to save  
Him, who the world thy truest copy deemed?  
Whom all good men in reverence have,  
Who thy laws highly, as we his, esteemed?  
Whom wilt not tempt, when these, they see  
The great prosperity of evil secures,  
Away from downtrod right to flee?  
When wrong, with the fair bait, success, allures?  
So would it be, but that there are  
A wiser few, that know on high there fitteth  
O'th' world, an upright Governor,  
And every thing is best that he permitteth.  
" We know a punishment it be  
" To evil to prosper, nor shall long endure.  
" The wicked's false prosperity,  
" Though justice slowly moves, she striketh sure.   

Act IIII.  ABBAS, BELTAZAR. 
COme BELTAZAR, how have you used your power?  Bel. 
May't please your Majesty, a mutual league  
Offensive and defensive we could not  
Obtain, but upon terms too low for us.  
The Turk is yet too high, and stands upon  
Rendition of those Towns you hold of his,  
Which would disfurnish you of many men  
Fit for your other wars; so'a Truce is all  
We've made, but so long, 'tmay be called a peace,  
'Tis for three years.  Abb. 
‛ These truces yet in war  
" Are only like the well days in an Ague,  
" Short intervals of health, that flatter us  
" Into debauch, and make the next fit worse.  
" Nor should we suffer a disorder follow  
" To save a war, because that war's not saved,  
" But only put off to our disadvantage.—  
But how took our stout Captains their cashiering?  Bel. 
full heavily and muttered mutiny.  
EMANGOLY here at the Town was met  
With your arrest, and seizure of his places.  
Which he seemed to put off with no more trouble  
Than he would do his Arms after a march,  
Or a hard charge, to take a nap of sleep.  Abb. 
Cunning dissembler! How took ELCHEE  
His banishment from Court?  Bel. 
As a schoolboy  
That has played trevant, and hears his Master's angry.  Abb. 
There's hopes of him; but th'other is quite lost.  ABBAS, FATYMA, BELTAZAR. 
WHat's that my FATYMA.  Fat. 
'Tis a petition  
From a poor subject, wronged by a great Lord.  
Too strong for him to struggle with at Law,  
Nor has he wherewithal to pay for justice.  Bel. 
The case holds in himself, and his aside. brave Son.  Abb. 
Our justice, FATYMA, shall be given, not sold.  
'twas wisely done, who ere he be, to send it  
by thy hand, (sweet) of all the dearest to me.  
'tis granted.  Fat. 
Heaven will pay the early mercy.  Abb. 
Take you the scroll, BELTAZAR, and see right done.  ABBAS, FATYMA. 
BUt child thou show'st thyself as unconcerned  
At all the pleasures of the Court, and seemest  
A discontent.  Fat. 
Alas Sir, how can I  
Relish these toys, when my poor Father pines  
And raves, mewed up in Prison? Is the daughter  
Fit for a Court, and Father, Mother, brother  
But for a dungeon?— She weeps.  Abb. 
Come, these thoughts will over,  
As time and more discretion wins upon thee.  
its fit thou be as free from the reward  
Of his foul treasons, as thou wert from them.  
He may be yet restored; how e'er, his Name,  
Though stained with this one blot, shall ever stand  
Full and Majestic in great History,  
For noble acts yet shall those Histories  
And after times boast thee his chiefest Act,  
That fame him most.— But which of all the pleasures  
That court thee here, dost thou most favour child?  Fat. 
Music; it feeds my melancholy, and  
Brings Paradise into my thoughts. OLYMPA  
Tells me the soul is only harmony,  
And Music built the world.  Abb. 
Come child, within  
Thou shalt have some shall please thee.  Fat. 
'Tmust be sad then.  MAHOMET-ALLYBEG, ELCHEE. 
HE was indeed the very soul of war,  
The thunderbolt: had TYPAEUS fought like him,  
Great JOVE had been his Prisoner.  Elc. 
Heavens! whose ears  
Have not his Trumpets tingled in! what fears  
In Persia's foes, have his braced Drums awaked!  
What enemies face has not his hand besmeared  
With blood and glorious dust! what land, what fields  
Has not his sword manured with hostile blood!  
Whose triumphs have not his deafened! his, heard  
To, and beyond (1) Byzantium's walls of fire!  Mah. 
But now, O lost, lost is our hope, our glory,  
And fortune of our name, except—  Elc. 
Except!  
My Lord, and can yet all the Gods, if they  
Should sit in counsel, form a remedy?  Mah. 
Yes, yes, dear ELCHEE, there's a way yet open  
To rescue Persia's glory, and our comfort.  Elc. 
O speak it, and be our good Genius.  Mah. 
And 'tis, my Lord, a way wherein the Love  
I bear to you, would have you high and eminent.  
Nature and virtue have done their parts in you,  
And Art and education bettered both,  
The dignities and honours that you hold  
Are no more than your birth assigned you to,  
Were your parts less. I'd have those scores of merit  
You've put upon the age, paid double to you,  
But how the course the King now takes, will do it,  
Your new disgrace at Court assures you;  
So that if justice, honour, or endearments,  
Were silent all, the many disobligements  
The King has given you, call you loud enough  
To th'Princes Party.  Elc. 
ay, my Lord, have studied  
Not to divide my sovereign from himself,  
His interest, and the Princes, I count one,  
How ere his anger has now severed them.  
And were I once assured in my reason,  
That his disfavour of the Prince were just,  
I'd only mourn his fall, as much from Virtue,  
As from his honours.  Mah. 
'Tis but the jealousy  
Of's guilty mind, persuades this cruelty  
To th'Prince, and to himself, he being his hope.  
Good JOVE! what fears, what doubtful apprehensions  
Do wicked Actions leave in cruel minds!  
His Father's Ghost, and Brothers haunt him daily,  
And MIRZA he thinks, must needs requite the blows  
He gave to them. Nor will this humour cease,  
But grow upon him still with its fond Nurse,  
Old testy age, that's subject in its self,  
To fears and doubts, and sees all dangers double.  Elc. 
That's his disease, my Lord, but now the cure?  Mah. 
What, but a hard, and seeming violent one?  
Why mayn't you martial men, rally your powers,  
Free the brave Prince, secure his hopeful Son,  
And then maintain't, and force his frenzy from him?  Elc. 
That looks too like Rebellion.  Mah. 
O success!  
" Is a rare paint, that which succeeds is good,  
" When the same Action, if it fails, is naught.  Elc. 
Indeed would the young SOFFIE were safe.  Mah. 
To wish it only is but womanish,  
Attempt it, and he is. Think but my Lord,  
The innocent Babe calls from his prison to us,  
And are these hands that never could deserve them,  
So soon for fetters? Believe it, DAMOCLES sword  
Hung not by a less thread, than the Kings doth  
o'er that sweet hope of Persia, one mad fit  
Destroys the race and glory of the Empire.  
He grows apace, and the old Tyrant knows,  
" The children, whose Parents have been wronged,  
" Inherit all their hatred, and are dangerous:  
What factions then, what numbers of Pretenders  
Will not with force assert their fancied Titles?  
And shalt thou, fairest Mother Persia, be  
Torn by the factious hands of thine own Children?  
Forbid it Heaven.  Elc. 
MIRZA'S deserts plead too.  Mah. 
Yes, and that loud: shall I that spared no blood,  
No toil, dear quondam Soldiers, to adorn  
Your heads with Palm, your memories with fame,  
Now pine, and find no courteous hand will knock  
My unworthy shackles off? Is Honour, Love,  
And Gratitude, all blinded with me too?  Elc. 
Who should begin?  Mah. 
(It works, it works) why you,  
Or Lord any body; well begun,  
The work's more than half ended. A small force,  
And handsome Declaration, will find none  
Such Enemies to themselves as to oppose:  
Nor do the Prince's high deserts, his Sons  
Apparent danger, or our Honours call  
Louder than our own safeties, they are too  
At stake: He whose wild rage could reach a Father,  
Brother, Son, and I may say, a Grandchild,  
Will not spare us: but you, or I, or any,  
May daily feed the monster of his fury.  Elc. 
'Tis but too probable: like a mad man he'll  
Hurl stones at all alike.  Mah. 
And like a mad man  
His present state appears, with sorrow, I  
See him like one distracted, about to murder  
His best friends, and himself; and doth not this  
Condition call for help? O let us pity  
The Father of our Country, and interpose  
Between his fury and his violence  
'Tis Duty, not Rebellion: We'll restore him  
To's wits again, and then he'll thank us all,  
For hindring's making of himself away.  
How would the young mad Greek have hugged that servant,  
Had hindered him in's drunken frolic, from  
Murdering his friend?  Elc. 
Our ABBAS jealousy,  
Is no less wild then. ALEXANDER'S wine,  
Both perfect madness, and the fit once over,  
He'll see his error, and be sorry too.  Mah. 
Then how shall they appear lovely in story,  
Firm in the Kings, the Prince's People's loves,  
That like good Angels, saved all that was dear  
'Mong us, to Gods, to Honour, and the Empire?  
An Action no less glorious than is ATLAS,  
His bearing up the sinking Globe from ruin.  Elc. 
My Lord, EMANGOLY, is well beloved,  
And now enough incensed to make the head  
Of the design, 'twill work his reconcilement  
With the King too.  Mah. 
No, no, my Lord, why should you  
Thrust from yourself so fair a fortune? do't,  
And let me serve you in't: your hand, my head,  
Our Purses, and our friends together, do it.  
Besides, EMANGOLY is too much disgraced,  
And men will say his hatred to the King,  
And not his love, or to the Prince, or Empire,  
Put him in Arms.  Elc. 
They'll say the same of me.  
Bear you the name, head both the act and Plot.  Mah. 
(I ne'er meant other (2) good aside.  
Gelden, but to ride you.)  Elc. 
I shall have honour enough in serving you.  Mah. 
Well Sir, I'll be no courtier with you then,  
But do what JOVE shall envy, and wish his.  
You'll hold the second place, Lieutenant General.  Elc. 
Yes.  Mah. 
Then what friends can you oblige to us?  Elc. 
I'll try them all, but MATZED, young BENEFIAN,  
And Stout MOZENDRA, I promise to myself.  Mah. 
Those are sure cards; what banks have you ith'City  
Will push out freely to a contribution?  
" These public works need many private purses.  Elc. 
Some we shall find.  Mah. 
The beauteous FLORADELLA  
Has promised largely, her I have engaged:  
We shall proceed the merrier for the Ladies.  Elc. 
We'll give them back their gold to buy their silence.  Mah. 
The best way to assure ourselves of that,  
Is to engage them deep enough; we need them  
To work their friends, and to augment our treasure.  
" All wars are chargeable, but civil most,  
" And we that mean the public good, must not  
‛ Lie heavy on the people. I intent  
A guard of horse, my Government of Shiras  
Will bear it out, thither I have sent SELEUCUS  
To govern Larr, and raise three Regiments there,  
Of horse one, two of foot. This Citadel  
Is mine and that is all that readily  
Could give me any trouble; another force  
I'll pick up here, the Town and Country swarm  
With cashiered soldiers, thirsting for employment.  Elc. 
My Lord, what if I levied in (3) Hyrcania?  Mah. 
'Tis fit, call all your friends about you here  
To cast your strength up, but avoid all listing.  
" Listing is dangerous in secret Plots,  
" One paper lost, discovers all; take only  
The great ones names, and what they promise, trust to.  Elc. 
We can have no resistance suddenly,  
The first must be by foreigners called in,  
Nor can the King trust to those mercenaries,  
Nor will the Persian like their coming in.  
Besides My Lord, our powers may be ready  
To be with us, ere they can reach the frontiers:  
How e'er they'll hinder the King's levies there.  Mah. 
Thou art my Oracle of war.  Elc. 
But why  
May we not seize the King, and cut the fear  
Of all resistance off? the princes' friends  
Are ours already, the rest we'll find, or make so.  Mah. 
Of that at our next Council, mean time work  
Your friends as I will mine; but above all  
Provide what money, and what arms you can:  
" Who has the gold shall never want the man.  Elc. 
Enough. Farewell my Lord, my good Lord General.  MAHOMET-ALLYBEG. 
HOw shall I fall in love with mine own parts,  
That have so conned all cunning mystic Arts!  
On every side have I set wheels a going  
Shall work my purpose with their own undoing.  
Torches, shall spend themselves to give me light;  
Stages, for me to climb by to my height.  
Then down go they then my hot credulous Lord,  
And then my fine soft wench will I discard.  
" The Lovers and the Courtier's Masterpiece,  
" And the statesman's, dissimulation is;  
" High favour and sure friendship to pretend  
" To him whose Throat he'll cut, to gain his end:  
" This must he do, will rise, and then its best  
" To swear most love, when he intends it least.  OLYMPA, FLORADELLA, EARINA CLOE. 
THis, and much more we'll do, to let men see  
That we can help as well as they, to save  
A sinking State.  Flo. 
And happy are we Madam,  
In putting obligation on the present  
And future ages. For this act the Prince,  
The Princess, SOFFIE; nay the King shall call us  
Their Patronesses, that did timely bring  
An arm to save them from their hasting ruins.  Ear. 
Children unborn, and Priests not yet begotten  
Shall sing our names upon high festivals.  Oly. 
And many a happy Pen shall toil to keep  
Our memories as fresh when time himself  
Grows old and halts as now our beauties are.  Ear. 
But why shan't we improve the debt, the State  
Owes us, by enjoying offices, and sitting  
In council with the men!  Flo. 
Madam you're happy  
In that conceit. Indeed we are framed by nature  
With th'same parts o'th' mind for th'exercise  
Of virtue as men be.  Ear. 
And if men boast  
Such exellencies, it is reason to think  
Those no less excellent of whom they are:  
Since timorous Doves, did never yet hatch Eagles;  
But men, and beasts, and all the whole creation,  
Inherit th'minds and spirits of their Parents.  Flo. 
'Tis no hard task to pattern in our sex  
All excellent things that ever men performed,  
Not arts excepted nor that active valour  
That lift so many Demigods to heaven.  
(4) The valiant Amazons are proof enough.  Ear. 
Nor do others fairness take away their force.  Oly. 
True virtue's not obliged to live with beards  
Alone, she may choose the smother edifice.  
But the rough part of virtue, skill in arms  
I am content to let the men engross.  
(4) I have no mind to lose a breast, to wear  
A shield the better Yet state offices  
And to be Counsellors would become us well.  
Our Wits are sharpest, and we fittest made  
For Embassies, as having smoothest tongues.  Fly. 
And should our Rhetoric fail, we'll but employ  
Our looks to plead, and conquer with our eyes.  Ol●. 
Besides, the novelties and varieties  
We meet ith'state will yield us strange delight.  Ear. 
We'll have them both; the Buff and Fur shall be  
A new and fashionable dress, and every  
Lady appear a PALLAS, with an Aegis  
Upon her breast.  Flo. 
This, Madam, and what else  
Our Cabinet thoughts can dictate to us shall be  
All in our powers.  Ear. 
Plurality of husbands  
Would be thought on.  Flo. 
Yes, and Seraglio's too  
For downy, peachy chins: This, and all else  
If we but ply the work. There's Madam OMAY  
Is worth the winning, who has interest in her?  Oly. 
There has been long a league between us, strong  
Enough I hope to make her hear reason from me.  Far. 
She has her share too of ambition, that  
Will work.  Flo. 
Ambition! Madam, what are we  
Without it? 'tis necessary as beauty  
To a great Lady.  Ear. 
What sounds high in others,  
And is pride, is but needful state in us,  
And the true knowledge of ourselves.  Flo. 
She's rich,  
And young and handsome, and you say ambitious;  
Then She's well qualified  Ear. 
Handsome, in troth  
At first she presents well, but then she loses  
Herself presently.  Flo. 
She does indeed— what now.  Clo. 
Madam, my lord ●n secret  Oly. 
Well, Madam, your great friend  
Expects you.  Flo. 
No.  Oly. 
Come, come, deny him, do.  Ear. 
Well, we all know our parts,, and will not loiter.  Flo. 
The pains will pay itself.— Now where's my Lord?  MAHOMET-ALLYBEG, FLORADELLA 
HEre, where he would be, Dearest, in thy arms,  
The Centre my soul tends to.  Flo. 
Welcome, ah  
Welcome hither, as conquest to the soldier.  Mah. 
How do the Ladies take thy proposition?  Flo. 
as their best wishes.  Mah. 
Good, good, ELCHEE too  
Has swallowed the hook, and promised his Allies.  
I feel the Crown warm on my head already.  
My guard is raised, I want but the King's licence  
For their attendance; for that plead thou strongly,  
Possess him with the need of't for my safety,  
This last service having pulled envy on me.  Flo. 
It shall be granted, or I'll lower the dotard  
To death, it shall, I'll kiss it out of him.  Mah. 
My better Angel! ah! how poor am I  
That there are not more worlds than one, that I  
Might cast their crowns into thy lap for this!  Flo. 
Your love my Lord shall set me higher, then if  
I rode with HECATE in her ebon Chariot,  
Or held the reins of JUNO's yoked Peacocks.  
To hold that heart is above all dominion.  FLORADELLA, CLOE. 
HOw stately a thing it is to be a Queen!  
O that I now could but look into Heaven,  
To see how our great sister JUNO shakes  
Her Sceptre o'er the world, and learn her carriage!  
We now must speak i'th' plural number CLOE,  
Dost thou not see new Majesty spring in us,  
And all our looks speak Queen?  Clo. 
Madam, I would  
Fortune had been as free to you as nature  
Then had that honour long ago rewarded  
That beauty which did ever merit it.  Flo. 
CLOE, bestow thy wishes on the needy.  
Fortune has humbled herself to us, and  
Asked pardon for so long keeping our right  
From our possession, a fault she'll now amend,  
And be our servant ever. Go, provide  
State Ornaments, and regal Robes for us,  
Jewels will cost whole Provinces to purchase,  
And yet receive new lustre from our wearing.  
Hast any sisters, friends or kinswomen?  
Prefer them to us, thou shalt have the favour  
T' appoint our maids of honour, and a set  
Of servants for us, 'gainst our Coronation.—  
Dull and insensible! what, didst thou meet  
Thy Mother's Ghost this morning fasting, that  
Thou starest so! do not our eyes proclaim it?  
And all our steps say, they are towards a Throne?—  
The poverty of thy soul!—  (Clo. 
She's mad, and raves!) aside.  Flo. 
Have we not taken care for all events  
That can betide us? Have not we removed  
All that stood stiff, and many in our way?  
Goes not the levy's on? flow not friends to us?  
Is not the Castle ours, and Shiras too?  
Is not all ours? Or shall be, when I've given  
Th'old Dotard King his passport in a kiss  
To th'other world; thither a Dag, or draught,  
Shall send the Prince, and a Plumb SOFFIE,  
Who then is Emperor, wench, but MAHOMET  
His head has laid it, and his hand shall act it,  
His ready Army shall crush all gainsayers.  (Clo. 
Perhaps you too.) aside.  Flo. 
What mutter you? me too!  (Clo. 
O how her Plumes would fall now, should I tell her aside.  
What I o'erheard!)  Flo. 
What is't you mumble, Gossip?  Clo. 
Madam, you'll pardon me, at your last meeting  
But one, with my Lord MAHOMET, I was curious  
To listen, and o'erheard some doubtful words,  
As if he'd only serve his turn of you.  Flo. 
Pish, pish, He knew you listened, therefore spoke so,  
If so he spoke, to try my confidence  
Perhaps, or mock your curiosity.  
No, well, he knows he never can requite  
My love with a less dowry than the Empire;  
I have deserved it of him, and I'll never  
Be jealous of his love.  (Clo. 
What toys doth fancy aside.  
Suggest to us, in favour of ourselves!  
Well, I had best comply.)— Indeed perhaps  
His great wit played with me; but could he see me?  Flo. 
Yes, myself saw you.  Clo. 
Then 'twas so: but yet  
Me thought the manner spoke him serious.  
But sure the Army does not mean his rule,  
But to restore the Prince.  Flo. 
Tush, Soldiers know not  
Their own intents, 'tis as the General pleases,  
Who has an Army up, and a strong Purse  
May work them easily unto any thing:  
'Tis done, 'tis done, my CLOE,— 'tis high time  
For us to practise Queen-ship; thus do we  
Indulge our hand, our trusty maid of honour.  Clo. 
May't please your Majesty, than Cloe kisses her hand. must I begin  
To know myself, and set a higher price  
Upon my beauty.  Flo. 
'Tis indeed a virtue,  
To prize ourselves enough— CLOE, as we pass,  
Bear up our train— so- Not so near our Grace.  Clo. 
High ho! my Heart! I shall have a sweet place.  MIRZA, NYMPHADORA, SOFFIE, IFFIDA, PAGE. 
O The seven Bandogs are let loose again  
Upon me! HERCULES! HERCULES! canst not hear!  
Prithee lend me thy club— the Lubber's sore  
With's labours still, and sleeps, and hears me not.  Nym. 
Why let you him come out thus?  Sof. 
Alas Madam,  
He broke through's all, and calls us all his Hangmen.  Mir. 
See! Lightning flashes from their eyes.  Sof. 
Hark, Madam.  Mir. 
Every one of them is a match for CYCLOPS,  
Yet will I charge them all alone.— O— O.  Nym. 
O.  Iff. 
Help! help!  Sof. 
Page, hold him from violence.  Mir. 
Thou'st hit me right TYPHAEUS, He runs his head against a Post, and falls. The Princess turns away astonished, and weeps, the rest fall down about him. thou hast Centaur.  Nym. 
O heavens! if there be any powers that pity  
The miseries of their Creatures, look down on him;  
The fight's enough to move a heavenly nature.  Mir. 
So MIMAS, hold PORPHYRIO, strike no more,  
I am TYPHAEUS Prisoner.  Nym. 
Lay not hands  
Upon him, keep him but from farther hurt.  Mir. 
CHARON! oh, CHARON!—  Pag. 
Nay my Lord.  Mir. 
Come CHARON,  
Quick, sirrah, Sculler, row me to Elyzium.  Nym. 
Alas! the frenzies high talk not much to him.  Mah. 
But now han't I a halfpenny for the waftage,  
No matter though, I'll snatch the slaves Oar from him,  
And if he grumbles, knock his brains out with it,  
And CERBERUS' his too, if the Cur snarls at me—  
So— I am pased without a Sop— now which  
Of all my friends shall I first meet?  Nym. 
O Gods!  
Give me more ease, or else more punishment,  
For I with this can neither die nor live.  Mir. 
Who's that?— That's PROSERPINA bewailing of  
Her Rape, the silly wench would fain be with  
Her Mother again.  Nym. 
O make me either happy  
Again, or wretched till you can no more!  Mir. 
'Tis so, 'tis she— she's warm, and Takes her hand. soft as air.  
Sweet PROSERPINA.  Sof. 
Madam, apply yourself  
A little to his passion.  Mir. 
Beauteous Queen  
O'th'under world, don't men when they come hither,  
Though blind above, have here their eyes restored?  Nym. 
Alas! I cannot flatter his wild frenzy.  Sof. 
Pray Madam seem to be what he conceits you.  Mir. 
What art thou, GANYMED? and if thou be'st,  
Good yellow-tressed Boy, entreat thy Master,  
When next he thunders, to bestow a bolt  
On ABBAS head, 'twill not be cast away,  
The man deserves it;— but that plague's too quick,  
Desire him rather, send him (5) PHINEUS, Harpies,  
He merits them as much as the Arcadian,  
He've put out his Sons eyes too: hear'st small skinker?  Sof. 
Yes, and when next I wait, I'll do the errand.  Iff. 
He wants no Furies, he has all in's breast.  Mir. 
Ha art thou a Fury? good TISIPHONE  
Get thee to Persia then, and take thy sister  
ERINNYS with thee and torment the Tyrant.  Iff. 
Well sir, he shall not want for torments.  Mir. 
Hark yet,  
Prithee new wire thy whip before thou goest,  
And tie more knots on't, take fresh Snakes too with thee;  
He is my Father, I'd have him want nothing.  
(6) May all the Scorpions of Cushan sting thee.  Nym. 
Ah! cruel Father!  Mah. 
First TISIPHONE,  
Lead me to TANTALUS, I'd fain talk with him.  Iff. 
Why TANTALUS?  Mir. 
'Cause he killed his Son too,  
I'd see if's punishment be great enough,  
Then I'll Petition PLUTO, my hard Father,  
May have the same.  Nym. 
O that the Comparison  
Held whole in thee! He murdered his PELOPS,  
To entertain the Gods but ABBAS thee  
To feast the furies of his frantic mind:  
To PELOPS too, the yellow Goddess gave,  
A whiter shoulder for his own she tasted,  
And with new better life requited him.  
O that some Deity would thine eyes restore,  
Or close up mine!  Mir. 
Ha! that's PROSERPINA,  
She's in love with me, and condoles me too,  
But I'll not wrong my NYMPHADORA, though  
PROSERPINA, where's (7) my Uncle, and (7) my Grandsire  
Two Persian Princes, murdered by their Son,  
And brother? I'd fain speak with them, and sit  
Comparing fortunes with them.  Nym. 
O they are  
Bathing themselves in bliss, in their sweet Grove.  Mir. 
And shall I be there too, CREES bright daughter?  
Let me sweet Empress.  Nym. 
Yes, if you will rest  
Your head here in my lap, and there lie still.  Mir. 
But will not PLUTO then be jealous of me?  Nym. 
No.  Mir. 
Come then— (8) Now tell me more of Paradise.  Nym. 
There'midst the fragrant flowre-enammelled fields,  
Do golden Palaces their shining heads  
Erect, with richest Arras each one floored,  
Crystalline Rivers flow to moat them round,  
For state, not strength, and with their wanton murmurs,  
Lull every sense, and make soft sleep yet softer;  
Their banks are fringed with Trees of Gold, that feast  
With goodly forms the eye, with fruits the taste;  
Fruits that plucked ne'er so oft, straight spring again,  
So the rich boughs still with like mettle shine  
Under whose fragrant shades they spend their course  
Of happy time with amorous Virgins, who  
Regard alone their own particular loves,  
Not such as tired out in the world a life,  
But there created for it, with best form,  
(9) Cows eyes, and beauteous as the Hyacinth!  
Still their Virginities return, and still  
Their beauties flourish as their Paradise,  
For ever young, yet ripe and fresh; full blown,  
Yet always free from natural pollutions,  
Still as in their third lustre, men ith'fixt.  
Their Boys of divine feature minister  
To them, and proffer hourly to their choices,  
The most delicious Viands, Drinks, and Voices.  Mir. 
But when, but when, dear Queen of darkness, shall I  
Inherit all this bliss?  Nym. 
When thou art fit for't.  Mir. 
And how shall I make myself fit?  Nym. 
By sleep.  
Sleep will much purge thee from thy earthy humours.  Mir. 
Sweet PROSERPINA, there is in Persia,  
The fairest Lady that ere blessed the Earth,  
Sweet NYMPHADORA, thou must needs have heard  
Of her, many worthy Hero's have  
Died for her love; one frown (if such a face  
Can frown) of hers, have given a hundred Princes  
Their Passport hither: didst ne'er hear them sit  
And sigh her name? or see't carved in the rind  
Of some fair Tree?  Nym. 
Yes. O that love should last  
Longer than reason!  Mir. 
She PROSERPINA,  
Will be with you ere long the noble heart  
Has taken such a grief, for her wronged MIRZA,  
It can't last long unbroke, but when she comes,  
Let not thy PLUTO see her, lest he falls  
In love with her and so turn thee away,  
He will PROSERPINA, let him not see her.  Nym. 
Well then,— he shan't.  Mir. 
You talk of women too,  
That we shall have in Paradise; when she comes  
Let me have her, she was mine own above,  
And I'll not change her for all nature's store.  Nym. 
Admired constancy! sleep, and you shall.  Mir. 
Boy, GANYMED, give me a draught of Lethe  
To make me sleep,— will't not?— I'll try without it.  Nym. 
Alas! what noise is that?— A noise without.  
Look IFFIDA.  Iff. 
Madam, here comes my Lord EMANGOLY,  
And three or four with him.  Nym. 
He were welcome,  
If's coming now could be without disturbance.  MIRZA, NYMPHADORA, SOFFIE, EMANGOLY, METHICULI, HYDASPUS, ALKAHEM, IFFIDA, PAGE. 
HAh! hah! who's that? does. PLUTO come?  Nym. 
No, no,  
Lie still.  Ema. 
We'd best retire.  Nym. 
No, join your help  
With me to calm his fury.  Ema. 
O that myself  
Had bit my unhappy tongue from th'panting rod  
And spit it in the Tyrant's face, which falling  
Had (trembling) murmured curses at his foot,  
When I gave counsel to my Lord t'obey  
His cruel message.  Met. 
O who ever yet  
Saw the returning steps oth'credulous beasts,  
That visited the counterfeit sick Lion?  Hyd. 
And yet, O ABBAS, what fierce ravenous Lion  
Did ever Lybia's fiery womb produce,  
Or what fell Tiger, thy Hyrcania,  
Of so prodigious cruelty, as thou art?  Alk. 
Lions are tame as Lambs, and Tigers mild  
As frisking kids, to that outrageous monster.  Ema. 
There is no perilous desert but his breast,  
Where teeth and armed fangs do tear the strong  
And treacherous toils t'ensnare the innocent,  
Are ever ready set.  Met. 
O th'cruelty  
Of hate, disguised like love!  Ema. 
And how, O Gods,  
Is virtue dear to you, if thus the Serpent  
Of Treason, be permitted to turn Dove,  
To flatter it, by unsmelt means to ruin!  Mir. 
I knew on earth a voice like that,— sure 'tis  
My good EMANGOLY's— and is he here too?  Ema. 
Here, my dear Lord; but O that I had been  
Under the earth, when my unlucky judgement  
Advised you hither.  Sof. 
O you've spoiled all my Lord.  Mir. 
Why are we still ith'upper world? I thought  
I'd passed the ford.— Cheats! cheats! He starts up. and fantasies!  
Quick then, EMANGOLY, go muster all  
Our force, and see them paid, I'll march to morrow,  
And never make a halt till I have kicked  
Bizantium's self to dust. (10) Let an Iron Cage  
Be made to carry with us, for proud MORAL.  
I'll try yet if his stomach be as stout  
As BAJAZET'S; but line it all with furs,  
To hinder him from the pleasure of a death.  Nym. 
Would he but cool with sleep his high distemper,  
All these wild thoughts would vanish with his frenzy.  Em●. 
Repose Sir till the Army needs your conduct.  Nym. 
Yes, my dear Lord, restore thyself again  
Unto my care, and make my lap thy pillow.  Mir. 
I will, my sweet, and ne'er would rise from hence,  
Did not dear honour call as loud as thunder,  
Such is my love to thee, yet could I not  
Love thee so much, loved I not honour more.  Nym. 
IFFIDA call for music, and a song,  
Gentle and soft, as Notes of dying Swans,  
To woo him into slumbers.  Sof. 
That will charm him.  Mir. 
The Turks already made thy Prisoner, when  
I next return myself to thy soft breast,  
His head's a present for thee.  Nym. 
Hark! my Lord, soft music.  
How gentle rest courts thee in her best language.  

SONG.  
HE's great that masters his own soul,  
As he whose nod shakes either Pole.  
Not he that Kings in chains can bring,  
But that subdues himself's a King.  
That's ever in himself at home,  
And ne'er lets his Queen Reason roam,  
On whom all passions waiting stand,  
As handmaids on their Lady's hand.  
He o'er himself triumphing first,  
Dares chance and envy do their worst;  
And keeping still his own even height,  
Fall Fortune heavy, fall she light,  
He'll never make to th'standers by  
Too low a moan, or haughty cry;  
But wisely can her fawning slight,  
And then as bravely scorn her spite.  
Who can deny that such a one  
Possesses all things, or wants none?  
And which oth'two would you wish first  
Still to have drink, or ne'er to thirst?   Ema. 
Excellent morality! O the vast extent  
O'th' Kingdom of a wiseman! Such a mind  
Can sleep secure when th'brine kisses the Moon,  
And thank the courteous storm for rocking him.  Sof. 
Come my good Lord METHICULI, you and I  
Will sit, and tell sad stories; pray begin.  Nym. 
Ah me! what story canst thou hear can vie  
For sadness with our own? run o'er the Roll  
Of Tragedies, and write but NYMPHADORA  
And MIRZA (for let's ne'er be parted more)  
And that's the sum of all that grief can do.  Met. 
But my Lord SOFFIE, I've a plot to free you.  Sof. 
Speak it, and be my Deity.  Met. 
And once out,  
I can secure you, where not all the force  
The Tyrant, or the world can make shall reach you.  Sof. 
But how shall I get out?  Met. 
Your sister, Sir,  
Has won much on your grandsires best affections,  
So that if he love aught that's good, 'tis hers:  
And she comes often here to pay her duty  
To her dear Father, (O too much wronged Father!)  Sof. 
Nay, pray, no circumstance, she comes, what then?  Met. 
I'd have your grace change clothes with her, and so  
You veil, may easily pass the guards, and come  
Where I'll receive you.  Sof. 
How shall she get out  
Again?  Met. 
Sir, 'twill be quickly known to the Tyrant,  
Who loves her so, he'll not be long without her,  
He'll send for her, and with a chiding pass it.  Sof. 
But wilt not turn his rage on my dear Mother.  
He'll not think this plot only FATYMA's  
And mine, but hers.  Nym. 
I'd suffer for thy good  
All th'Tyrant now can do, the wasp has stung  
Me already, and disarmed himself: if rest  
Restores the Prince's senses, we'll advise  
With him about it— How sweet security  
He now enjoys! O pleasant dreams! slide softly  
Into him, that he takes no wounds from you.  
Present his silent thoughts with purling streams  
And hushing winds, such as perfume the morn.  
Then mildly as thou seized him gentle Goddess,  
Resign him perfect: so what was the gift  
Of relenting heaven, we'll ascribe to thee.  Mir. 
Ah! where am I?  Iff. 
He wakes.  Nym. 
Pray heaven to health.  
Here my dear Lord, In thy sad spouses' lap,  
Yet compassed with a ring of thy best friends.  Mir. 
That Ring is sorrows Crown,— and can it be  
That any will be friends to wretchedness?  
High mounted in the Courts and Armies head,  
The Sun had not more Atoms dancing in  
His beams, than I had followers in mine.  
But even from him eclipsed, all shadows vanish,  
And shall mine then continue?  Nym. 
These are such  
As virtue, not your fortune, made your friends,  
And will though fortune fails, continue such,  
Since your high virtue cannot ever leave you.  Em. 
If we loved and obeyed you, when you stood  
In power, both to do us good and honour,  
Which then we never could requite unto you,  
We ought to publish now our gratefulness,  
When the world sees no hopes induce us to it.  Mir. 
There gratitude spoke in her Angel's voice.  Met. 
We have lost in you a Prince for to defend us,  
A Father to care for us, a Companion  
In all our joys, a Friend in all our wants;  
And if we owe to your sad memory  
The pious duty of our love and honour,  
Shall we not pay them to yourself yet living?  Mir. 
Not living, say, but buried alive.  Had. 
Treasure ith'mind, is treasure still, though trodden.  Ema. 
Should we desert you now, 'twould basely prove  
We never loved your highness, but your fortune.  Alk. 
Rather, we never loved his Grace, but Highness.  Ema. 
Like vermin that suck of the living blood,  
But leave the body soon as life.  Alk. 
The'more Love  
We owed you, the more should we show our hate  
To the accursed Author of our loss.  
Let's rouse revenge, and arm all her dire hands  
With Thunder, to discharge upon the Tyrant.  Mir. 
Act, act, brave friends, and leave complaints to women;  
'Twill be more honourable for my Tomb  
To be sprinkled with my murderer's blood,  
Then with the tears of you my constant friends.  Nym. 
Now have I time to shed some, Iffida follows her out. but in private.  
" They truly mourn, that mourn without a witness.  MIRZA, SOFFIE, EMANGOLY, METHICULI, HYDASPUS, ALKAHEM, PAGE. 
O Let me not lie long in this sad durance  Met. 
This justice to the world, This duty to  
Our injured Prince, This honour to ourselves,  
And terror to our foes, do strongly plead for.  Alk. 
This will restore our glories lost, and put  
A muzzle upon Tyrannies black jaws.  Hyd. 
How shall we effect it?  Mir. 
How? and have not you  
The Power of the sword, the Soldiery  Ema. 
Alas! not we, my Lord, we're all cashiered.  
Your highness was no sooner cheated from us,  
And decoyed up to Court, to be undone,  
But BELTAZAR comes down strong in commission,  
To be my Colleague, that is, my superior.  
We vexed at our injuries, and loss  
Of you, threw up all diligence, and quitted  
Counsel or action, when the minion showed  
Power to clap a peace up, which was quickly  
Done, on conditions fit for slaves, not soldiers;  
The Army all disbanded, I called up,  
Met with Arrest and banishment from Court.  
Thus is their wrong secured by our weakness.  Mir. 
Shall we then tamely suffer? my blind self  
Will grope out Vengeance yet, and in deep makes  
incise it on the Tyrants own dull head.  Ema. 
O foolishness of Tyranny! that the King  
Should arm his foes, and thirst his own undoing!  
He studies evil, and seems lost to all goodness,  
But for his love to your sweet FATYMA.  Mir. 
And loves he her? can vice then affect virtue?  Ema. 
Sir, her he doth embrace with all the powers  
Of a doting soul.  Hyd. 
Has her still in his eye,  
Nor ere seems pleased with aught but what she does.  Alk. 
He talks of marrying her to th' King of Arabs.  Mir. 
Soft, I've a better match for her in store.  Ema. 
We met his Proclamation as we came  
Stuffed with invectives 'gainst your Grace and us  
Your Highness grew too great, we too much loved you,  
Therefore the King must fear, yea, and remove you.  
(11) My treachery to the English it alledgs  
That helped me to take Ormus, when 'tis known  
Themselves first broke conditions, and enjoy  
Still Privileges for their service there.  
This is (12) the Costermonger ALLY-REG,  
For his smooth tongue must the old King go mad  
And dote upon his foes, when there is never  
A Jewel in's Crown but is enameled  
Both with your highness's brave blood and mine.  Mir. 
I that so oft displayed his bloody colours  
●'th ' martial field, and bearded his proud foes,  
● that have so enlarged his Territories,  
And stretched his line beyond (13) the Caspian Sea,  
●14) Driven the Mogul into his Candahor,  
To stand and see me waste his other lands.  
(15) Made Balsora th' Arabians utmost bound,  
And (16) bounded th' Tartar with th' Hyrcanian Ocean.  
(17) I that checked CYCALA'S insulting Progress,  
Torturing th' Georgians, our Confederates  
With eighty thousand men, I that first chased  
His bulky Army to th' Armenian bounds,  
Then forced him fight, and gave myself the pleasure  
To paddle i'th' blood of thirty thousand Turkes:  
I that did still pursue that flying General  
Into Iberia, and slaughtered all  
The Turkish Garrisons in Testis, Tauris,  
Cazbeen and Babylon (17) that year regaining  
No less from ACHMAT to ungrateful ABBAS  
Then our TAMAS lost to their SOLYMAN.  
(17) I that since that, beat that stout CYCALA  
Oft as he could recruit, till the Foe vowed  
Never to follow more that luckless Chieftain,  
Must now be th' Martyr of the Insolence  
Of slaves, and a besotted Tyrant's wrath.  Ema. 
(18) I that gave Ormus sceptre to his hand,  
(18) And brought her Captive King to live upon  
His slender Pension of five Marks a day.  
(19) I that subdued Larrs sandy Kingdom for him,  
Mangre her wall of Rock, am now accused  
By him for killing her King treacherously,  
When he himself angry I gave him quarter  
Commanded it: I now must tire out  
My life in exile, or, as bad, disgrace.  Met. 
And (20) I that won the Realm of Larry Jo●  
Am taxed with a perfidious Victory,  
When I had died, had I returned without it.  Ema. 
Why murmur subjects when his Son escapes not  Mir. 
And how could I hope other, when his Nature  
Thirsts after blood as food! O when so many  
Innocent subjects fell, they warned me.  
What signified (21) his wrong to the poor Christians,  
(22) His murdering of his Ambassador  
To th' work as he'd kill all can't work his ends.  Me●. 
(23) His Treachery to the Magician, set him  
On work, then hang him up for conjuring.  ●ma. 
(24) His murder of the sleeping Traveller,  
Because his pampered horse but startled at him.  Hyd. 
(25) His coupling of the soldiers lustful wife  
To an Asinego.  Alk. 
(26) His cutting a Clerk's hand off  
But for not writing fair. (27) His wrath to th' two  
Pilfering Soldiers, more for their rags then theft.  Met. 
But above all, (28) his ore-ambitious murder  
Of his brave Father, and far braver Brother.  Mir. 
His Torture, Poisons, strangling with bowstrings;  
(29) Men eating Dogs, and Arts of Tyranny  
Proclaim his nature, that it must be glutted  
With blood, and why not ours, since 'tis best?  M●●. 
What better promises (30) his irreligion,  
In taking needless Journeys still in Lent  
T' avoid fasting, under pretence of Travel?  Ema. 
Our misery is his inconstancy  
Like the weather about the Equinoctial,  
Now a quiet breath, and gentle gale, and then  
A storm so fierce, a ship can feel no helm?  
(31) Thus he'll forbid and tolerate the same thing  
Oft in one year, not as his interest,  
But as his variable humour sways him.  Mir. 
Go my EMANGOLY, take my bank at Ormus,  
Rally with it a Troop of your old Soldiers,  
And give me liberty: take my SOFFIE  
Into your care, and make him safe in private.  Sof. 
Sir, here's a way propounded for my freedom,  
To change clothes with my Sister FATYMA,  
And go like her out hence.  Mir. 
Let it be done.  
Be ready to receive him, and be to him  
As much a Father as thou ' haste friend to me.  Ema. 
So Heaven be mine, as I his faithful friend.  Mir. 
'Tis no small benefit that this rough fortune  
Discovers yet my friends, severs the doubtful  
From the assured, for Prosperity  
At her departure took away with her  
Those that were hers, and left me still mine own.  
O at how vast a rate would I have bought  
This fair discovery before my fall!  
And when I thought myself most fortunate!  
If Heaven again will my lost state restore  
And wealth, I'll use them better than before!  
If not, my soul not at the loss repines,  
Having found friends, a greater wealth then Mines.  VASCO, CLOE. 
LAdy, but that no fault or disrespect  
In me to your sweet Beauties merit it,  
I should afflict myself to see your Countenance  
Estranged thus to your best servant.  Clo. 
Sir,  
I know no fault, nor is my countenance changed  
But with my state, due gravity increased,  Vas. 
As how, dear Lady, since I left the Court  
Is our state changed? I hope the cloud upon  
My Lord shall not obscure me?  Clo. 
No, but you  
Think than I am the same you left me?  Vas. 
Yes  
Lady, I see no change, your lip, your eye  
Has the same lustre, the same tincture on't.  
If there be any change, 'tis for the better.  Clo. 
Better, I know that marry; yes my hopes,  
Nay certainties, are higher than before.  
And shall my thoughts then bear no correspondence?  
Is it no more to be chief Maid of Honour  
To the Empress of Persia, than woman to  
My Lady FLORADELLA?  Vas. 
(Sure she's mad!)  
Empress! we have none.  Clo. 
But we shall have soon.  
Follow me in, and I'll unriddle to you.  
Since we are one, the secret is safe still,  
And were the fortune mine, it should be yours.  Vas. 
Love and amazement! what will this produce?  ABBAS, FATTYMA, FARRABAN. 
'TIs granted, pretty heart, they all shall have  
Their just desires, and I truly wish  
I could as safely give them liberty  
As necessaries in their just restraint.  
FARRABAN, see your royal Prisoners have  
What they desire, fit for their condition.  
Wait my fair granchild to them.  Fat. 
Sir, my thanks.  
Come FARRABAN  Far. 
Madam, your humble Servant.  ABBAS. 
O Strength of virtue! how dost thou shine forth  
In this sweet Innocent! how dutiful,  
How careful, how solicitous is she  
For her Parents! and shall not nature then  
As well descend, as ascend? am not I  
As well his father, as she his daughter? but  
Here's she will turn these thoughts another way.  FLORADELLA. to him 
INtrude not I upon your privacies?  Abb. 
No, my best love, for what is more important  
Than thy embrace? and what affair shall not  
Vanish at thy approach, as mists at days?  
But I see business in thy face; come speak it.  Flo. 
Though hither chiefly, love and duty brought me,  
Which puts me strongly forward to your pleasure,  
I have indeed somewhat to ask your Grace,  
'Tis for your servant MAHOMET, his last service—  
Has rendered him most odious and envied.  
The factious threaten in private, and in public  
Beard him to's face.  Abb. 
There's lightning in his eyes  
Shall blast all his maligners.  Flo. 
They are great,  
Strong, and increased much by th'cast Officers,  
Most now in Town, all of the Prince's faction,  
So that without a guard he can't with safety  
Attend your person, or follow your affairs  
Which ask his public presence: and you know  
How much your service needs him.  Abb. 
He shall have part of our guards assigned him.  Flo. 
(Those can't we aside.  
Trust) that your state permits not— see himself.  ABBAS, MAHOMET-ALLYBEG, FLORADELLA. 
COme MAHOMET, what need hadst thou t'employ  
Any tongue but thine own in thy just suit?  
Thou mayst do more with me, my MAHOMET, raise  
For thy security, what guards thou pleasest.  Mah. 
I willingly could have spared this needless state,  
Could I securely attend your service:  
But though armed with my innocence, I fear not  
JOVE'S Thunderbolts yet," Wise prevention  
" Is the first point of wisdom in a Peer.  
Sir, here is a commission, please you hear  
It read, and sign it?  Abb. 
Give me it, MAHOMET,  
We'll sign it without reading, we dare trust thee,  
Farther than this.  Flo. 
Your Highness may.  Abb. 
We know it.  Flo. 
Dear, thou knowest when to They whisper. meet at Madam OMAY's.  
The consultation's there, you had the watchword?  Mah. 
I know the time, and will not loiter, dearest.  
Since 'tis for thee I work.  Flo. 
And I for thee.  Abb. 
A Masque attends me, thou shalt sweet partake it:  
Thou MAHOMET hast something else to do.  MAHOMET-ALLYBEG. 
YEs, I have that to do, shall undo you,  
I err, 'tis done not Heaven can hinder it.  
But should th'whole Machine o'th' design crack, which  
Would more amaze the world then brutish thunder,  
The pleasure I have given myself to see  
To what a height I've wound this strumpet's soul,  
Would almost pay my pains: How sure she makes  
Herself, of what I never mean her fortune!  
Then when I rise fresh in my summer glory,  
And throw her off, like a course robe I wore,  
Only to shield me from my colder winter.  
Who will not say, I cunnings Master am,  
That can deceive, and that in their own game,  
Greatest deceivers when they me shall know  
Out-cheat a woman, and a strumpet too.  VASCO. 
AM I awake! or do I live! what torrent  
Of evils have over spread thee Persia?  
Is justice crippled? and the furies all  
Let loose to act their Gambols in the world?  
Dire secret of the direst Treason! how  
It swells within me till I be delivered  
Of it at my Lord's ear! He happily  
May stop its course: then was my love well placed  
To sift out this; and though I die this night,  
I've lived to be most happy, and the ages  
To come shall pay thanks to my memory.  MIRZA. ●n his Couch alone. 
BLinded! imprisoned! pining here for want  
Of what each debauched Ruffian spends in riot!  
And by command of my own Tyrant Father!  
A proper Patrimony! If the Turk  
Had used me thus, my fall had been with honour,  
And heart held up with hope, whilst I had had  
A Father to command Revenge, and friends  
To act it home: But when those friends are thus  
Fettered, disgraced, and torn from my assistance,  
And nature too turned backward in my Father,  
What have I left me, but to curse my stars?  
Stars! ignes fatu! glittering Meteors!  
That made a show of greatness, and in snuff  
Now lose their glimmering false light, and stink!  
Unnatural Monster! have I left so oft  
For thee, and for thy safety, the embrace  
Of my fair Princely spouse? abandoned  
Myself to all the sufferings and hazards  
Of bitter and long war, to have this Triumph?  
O that I could relieve my soul with vengeance!  
In my last sleep I saw the wandering Ghosts  
Of my great Uncle, and wronged Grandfather  
Squalid and pale, attended with an Army  
Of murdered spirits, all my Father's crimes,  
Calling loud to me for revenge, revenge,  
Both for the love I bear them, and myself.  
I'th' head of these gnashing her teeth with ire  
Came frowning NEMESIS, offering a whip  
Of folded snakes to my impartial hand.  
My soul's now like a boisterous working Sea  
Swelling in billows for disdain of wrongs,  
And tumbling to and fro from Bay to Bay,  
Nothing can calm it but full wrought Revenge.  
Stern Goddess! I adore, and give myself  
To thy dispose. O point me but a way  
To work thy ends and mine! My arm is short  
And shackled thus with Irons, I can't reach  
The Tyrant's heart, how shall I serve thee then?  
When straight she calls to me with bended brows,  
Reach him in's Favourites: 'las! ALLYBEG  
Is strong i'th' Courts and tyrants' affections,  
But he has Marble walls, and Iron bars  
T'ween him, and me. But FATYMA comes to thee,  
She says: and she's the Idol of his soul,  
Rob him of her. Shall I through my own sides  
Wound him? and to deprive him of a Grandchild,  
Tear from myself a daughter, no less dear  
And dutiful to me, then she's to him?  
But I am great with child of indignation  
And cannot be delivered but by vengeance,  
And no revenge but this is in my reach.  
I shall but send her to the pleasant Groves,  
Give her at once Heaven and the Tyrant Hell,  
Hell in his thoughts, Hell in his Conscience,  
And that same Hell of his is Heaven to me.  
It is decreed: She dies to make him do so.  
O sweet revenge! how I thirst now for blood,  
And burn more than I lately did for drink,  
In my wild fever hottest fit?— who waits there?  SOFFIE, MIRZA, NYMPHADORA, IFFIDA. 
Called you my Lord?  Mir. 
Yes child, is FATYMA come.  Sof. 
Not yet Sir,  Mir. 
SOFFIE, art thou prepared  
For freedom when she comes.  Sof. 
Sir, as you please.  Mir. 
yes, thou shalt go to Liberty, though I  
Repent thy absence.— O, my great resolve! in secret.  
If I must fall, I'll pull down Persia with me,  
And have no lesser Monument than an Empire.  Nym. 
And when th' art free, and in EMANGOLY'S care  
Think o'th' restraint thy Parents here endure,  
And seek with all discreet care to redress it.  Sof. 
I shall not rest till then.  Iff. 
Here's FATYMA.  MIRZA, NYMPHADORA, SOFFIE, FATIMA, IFFIDA. 
COme child.  Fa●. 
Fate is not yet all cruelty.  Nym. 
What's this I see child in thy face of mirth?  Fat. 
Madam, I have got Licence of the King  
For all you can desire but Liberty.  Mir. 
And without that what can we here desire  
Worth satisfying?— Come hither FATYMA,  
Stand here between my knees.— (Sweet in secret. innocent!  
Ah! that I could but now forget all Father,  
Or else be like mine own, and leave all goodness!)  
Sweet child, art thou contented to stay here,  
And let thy Brother'scape in thy attire?  Fat. 
Most willing Sir.  Nym. 
Thy Grandsire will not let  
Thee lie here long in misery like us.  Fat. 
Would I might still stay here to wait on you,  
I'd rather so.— My Lord METHICULI  
Is at the Castle gate waiting for some body.  Sof. 
That is for me.  Fat. 
Come Brother let's change clothes.  Mir. 
Stay FATYMA, suppose thy Grandfather,  
Why say I so? thy Father's Murderer,  
Should now grow angry with thee for this change,  
How wilt thou bear his wrath? child, canst thou die?  Fat. 
Yes Sir, if you will have me; to die and sleep  
They say is one and after Death we wake  
In a fresh Paradise where joys abound.  Mir. 
All joys are there, there once, for all the world  
Thou wouldst not be a minute here again.  Fat. 
But Sir, shall I not want your Presence there?  
And my dear Mothers? and my Princely Brothers?  
I love you better than all joys beside.  Mir. 
Pretty ignorance! thou goest but before,  
We soon will follow thee. In the mean time,  
There shalt thou meet thy Uncle and great Grandsire,  
They will make much of thee, and show thee all  
The glories there, the green and fragrant fields,  
Ripe fruits that ne'er decay. Soft melting songs  
And carols of the Golden-feathered birds  
Shall lull thee asleep: then shalt thou wake again  
To see the Nymphs and Virgins dance about  
The silver Rivers, they shall take thee in,  
And make thee Mistress of their sprightly Revels.  Fat. 
Would I were there, if you would follow, but  
I'll not be there without your company.  Mir. 
I'll follow thee sweet heart, when I have got  
Revenge enough upon the doting Tyrant:  
Mean while— (ONEMESIS● see! I obey thee! in secret.  
Act thou my shaking hands, and be my Goddess.)  
Go thou before me, and prepare my way.—  Iff. 
O Heavens!  Sof. 
O Gods! what fury's this! He takes Fatyma by the neck, breaks it, and swings her about. The Princess Soffie and Iffida in vain hang about him to save the child.  Nym. 
My Lord, my Lord, 'tis  
FATYMA you kill.  Mir. 
I therefore kill her because FATYMA.  
She could not die more innocent, nor I  
Get better vengeance on the Tyrant's head  
Lie thee there till another comes.—  Fat. 
O— O— He throws her down. She dies.  Nym. 
Ah me! sweet babe! is all the world turned Monster?  Sof. 
Ah! my dear Sister!  Mir. 
SOFFIE, come hither,  
No?—  Nym. 
Fly dear SOFFIE.  Iff. 
Fly, fly, my Lord  Mir. 
Come hither or be wretched. The Princess and Iffida fall a cl●fing of Fatyma, till seeing the Prince groap after Soffie too, they rise, & hold him, till Soffie escape.  Nym. 
O my Lord,  
Why will you wrong your virtue thus to murder  
These pieces of yourself?  Mir. 
Because the Tyrant  
Loves them and loved he me I'd kill myself too,  
But since he doth not, I will live to spite him.  
th'world too little to satiate my revenge.  Sof. 
Page! Guard open, open, O open the doors and save me,  FARRABAN, PAGE.. Guard. To them. 
RUn down, sir, run that way.— Horror and Furies! To Soffie.  Mir. 
Take you all.— dogs! where's SOFFIE?  Far. 
Escaped  
From your wild rage,  Mir. 
My curse shall overtake him.  Far. 
We'd best bind him.  Pag. 
Hold gently, gently, sir.  Nym. 
Ah! the sweet soul is fled, fled, She chafes Fatyma again. never, never,  
O never to return.  Iff. 
Ah. sweetest Mistress!  Mir. 
Then carry her to my Father as my Present,  
'Twill make my peace with him, he'll love me now  
For doing this Act, 'tis so like his own.  Far. 
'Twill make all good men—  Pag. 
Pray sir speak not to him.  Mir. 
Look down, look down great Uncle's Ghost, and see  
Where ABBAS Jewel lies! (32) the sight will give thee  
A riper joy than thou didst feel, when thy  
Dread hand struck off CARAEMIT's proud head.  
'Tis I that must revenge myself and you.  
Come Page, attend me to my Dungeon,  
There will I boast my parcel Vengeance,  
And study more, and ruin th' whole Creation  
But I will make the Tyrant hang himself.  Far. 
Good Heavens! how rage Bears men out of themselves.  Nym. 
Bring in the precious body IFFIDA,  
I cannot yet bewail her fate nor mine,  
Too great for words is my vast misery:  
" Small Griefs make men lament, Great stupify.  SOFFIE, METHICULI. 
O My good good Lord! the saddest accident!  
My Father has killed with his own hands my Sister,  
The Castle is all in an uproar at it,  
In which I escaped, else he had killed me too.  Met. 
Thank Heaven you have so- come my Lord, this is  
No place for talk, quick, let us haste away.  Sof. 
Fast as you please my honoured Lord, & whither  EMANGOLY, VASCO. He muffles Soffi in his Cloak, and carries him away 
WHat horrors seize me! that the world should thus  
Be all abandoned to the fury's envy!  
Sure this is but to cheat us!  Vas. 
No my Lord,  
Though CLOE told it with such confidence,  
The horror was not able to persuade me,  
Till first I ran to OMAY'S Garden House;  
There the Conspirators are all to meet,  
The house preparing and the entertainment.  Ema. 
Dire discoveries! VASCO, this you'll swear,  
And with your blood maintain?  Vas. 
I will sir.  Ema. 
Come then,  
Though banished, I'll venture to the King,  
And break his hasty order for his good.  
How happy art thou to discover this?  
Thou shalt be Persia's Genius, she shall pay  
Devotions to thee: and how blessed am I  
To be an instrument to save my Country!  
O Heaven! how bounteous art thou to mankind!  
When we rush on to ruin, mad, and blind,  
Thou casts a bit upon our furious haste,  
To curb us for our good, and from our waist  
Preserve us 'gainst our wills! Whence is it, whence  
That the world stands but from thy providence,  
Truth-loving JOVE? Thou wilt not suffer wrong,  
However great, to go unpunished long;  
Or although long to us, and to sense past  
All hope, yet full-paid vengeance comes at last.  
" Thy certain Justice ever ready stands,  
" And though she ' has leaden feet, she ' has Iron hands.  CHORUS. 
A Passion stronger than the rest  
No more call love,  
Since dire revenge in a wronged breast  
More strong doth prove.  
She breaks all bands for her desire,  
Blood is her food,  
She treads down all things in her ire,  
Though just or good.  
o'er love itself she triumphed hath,  
Oft having forced  
Fierce hands in the dear blood to bathe  
Which they loved most.  
The fierce Odrysian Queen to take  
Revenge upon  
Her husband, for her sister's sake,  
Butchered her son.  
As to the wood a Tigress wild  
A Fawn doth trail:  
She dragged to a close room the child.  
Where nought avail  
His tears, his banishments, or both  
To calm her blood,  
Revenge stood by gnashing her teeth,  
Expecting food.  
O rage of women! though the boy  
T' her bosom clung,  
She him (nor turned her face away)  
Stabbed as he hung.  
He kissed, she stabbed O dire reward  
His kisses got!  
The pavements blushed with blood besmeared  
Though she did not.  
This proves not she her sister prized  
Before her Boy,  
But that all are by rage despised  
For cruel joy.  
And that revenge might o'er men too  
Her Triumphs see,  
We have a Father late did do  
As much as she.  
A Father, by his held in thrall,  
His daughter killed  
'Cause her the Grandsire above all  
Things precious held.  
Since his revenge could reach no more  
O rages sway!  
The Jewel of this soul he tore  
From him away:  
Careless, so him, himself to strike,  
Hope flattered so,  
What that to PROGNE's, this the like  
T' his Sire would do.  
Go innocent Princess, Martyr go  
Of Rage and Fate,  
And in thy chequered Grove below,  
Embrace thy Mate.  
ITYS and FATYMA there shall cling  
Into a pair,  
Him sweetest birds shall ever sing,  
And MUSES her.  
Impute not thou the crime, O JOVE,  
And breach of Laws  
To th' Actor, but to them that gave  
The cruel cause.   

Act. V.  FATYMA's Funeral passes over the Stage; Six Virgins ●earers. ABBAS, MAHOMET ALLYBEG, BELTAZAR, FLORADELLA, OLYMPA, EARINA, etc. Chief Mourners. A Funeral ELEGY, sung to the Harp. 
GRief and Horror seize on all,  
From the Suns rise to his fall.  
But in in sighs no breath be spent,  
No voice heard but to lament,  
In each face the cause is read,  
FATYMA and Beauty's dead.  
SOL, disturb not sorrows night  
She gone, none deserves thy light.  
And there's none now whose eye may  
Bright as hers did, gilled thy Ray.  
Birds, that did your songs forbear,  
Hers with more delight to hear,  
And did still expecting stand  
Notes from her voice, meat her hand,  
You again may sing alone,  
You'll be heard now she is gone.  
To her name your voices set,  
And ne'er sing a note but that.  
Flowers, droop your leaves and wither,  
You no more her hand shall gather.  
Whither, whither, for there's none  
Worth a Garland, she being gone.  
Water Nymphs, that in a maze  
Oft have stopped your sports to gaze  
At her sitting on your banks,  
Or else tripping o'er their cranks,  
In a Dance, with odorous feet,  
And a grace as VENUS sweet,  
Weep her loss: weep, more you'll ne'er  
See yourselves outdone by her.  
Weep till you thaw: melting, mourn,  
Till into your streams you turn.  
Winds, let sighs henceforth consume ye,  
Her breath shall no more perfume ye.  
Be astonished thou O Earth,  
Thou hast lost thy fairest birth.  
See! see! all the charm obey!  
Into night is shrunk the day.  
The Sun mourns, or, to judge right  
He wants her to give him light.  
Birds have learned her name, and now  
Hark! they sing't on every bough.  
Of the flowers some decay,  
Others whither quite away,  
Or if any beauty have  
Still, they keep it for her grave.  
Grief has turned the Primrose pale,  
Lilies droop, and all bewail:  
Down the Violet hangs her head,  
All the Roses tears have shed;  
Cups full have each Daffadil:  
Down along the cheeks they trill  
Of the rest, and trembling there  
Hang, true Pearls for sorrows wear.  
Fountains weep, winds sigh her fall:  
Earth is stupefied withal.  
Only Gods from grief refrain,  
Since earth's loss is Heaven's gain.  
For since she arrived at Heaven,  
Now the Grace's number's even.  Abb. 
No more let bold Philosophers deny  
That Virtues are from Nature since here lies  
An heap of Beauties, with more graces born  
Then Education or Art ere gave  
The longest liver. Once a divine soul  
inform'd that curious Body, and so acted  
it to all good, that Heaven envied Earth  
Th' enjoyment of it, therefore took it home  
As bright as when she lent it the fair model,  
And now it shines the brightest star she has.  
But why, so soon, good Heaven, hast dispossessed  
Earth of her glory? Is't because you mean  
To call the Chaos back again, and she  
The soul o'th' world must first be ta'en away?  
Day must depart before soul night can come?  
Or failed your Power? could you not make the summer  
And Autumn of her Age as glorious  
As her sweet Spring, and so destroyed it quite?  
Or doubted you she would engross all hearts,  
All loves? and make us think there was no Heaven,  
No Paradise but her, and her sweet favour,  
So, jealous of your Honour, took her hence?  
No, but now that her viper Father had  
Given up his name to mischief and Rebellion,  
That all that's good of him might fall, she must:  
And fall his crime: but O that crime alone  
Had he no more, should sink his monstrous head  
Below the deepest Hell, I punish him  
Not now for crimes committed against me,  
But 'gainst himself▪ these I could have forgiven,  
And Nature almost now had won me to it,  
But this dire murder of my joy and comfort,  
Has chased away all pity from my thoughts,  
And armed my heart and hand with torments for him.  
Who will not crush the worm that eats his Rose?  
Go FARRABAN, lad the inhuman Monster  
With pondrous chains as heavy as his guilt:  
Remove all comforts from him: pine his carcase,  
Till his own flesh be his abhorred food,  
He may as well devour that as this  
Tell him we'll study Torments for him, Torments  
Witty and requisite, as he wishes us.  
Deliver th' message to him in words, fit  
For a just anger▪ great as ours is  
'Twill be some comfort to this innocents soul  
To see her murderer's blood poured upon  
Her divine ashes: Pardon, glorious Ghost,  
(For now devotion's due to thy bright lustre)  
That we mix with thy sacred dust a blood  
So tainted: yet 'tis but thy sacrifice.—  
You FARRABAN, see SOFFIE be regained  
Again, you'd best: I wonder at your neglect  
Of care to guard so great Prisoner.  Far. 
My Liege, I'th' aproar when the guards were all  
Employed to stop the Prince's frantic rage,  
He made escape.  Abb. 
Well, see he be sought out.  
Lead on, and enrich Earth with Heaven's envy.  MIRZA, PAGE.. 
GReat NEMESIS! now have I sacrificed  
To thee the best of Creatures Persia had;  
If the old Tyrant feeleth but the wound,  
I have mine ends, and thou a feast of blood.  Pag. 
But sir, I fear the blow you gave through her  
Will fall most heavy on yourself: and make  
Him more incensed.  Mir 
So he but feels a grief,  
I'll triumph in my pains, and scorn his worst.  MIRZA, PAGE., FARRABAN. 
WHo's that?  Pag. 
'Tis FARRABAN, in his looks  
I see Revenge and Torments threatened.  Mir. 
Tut!  Far. 
Sir, the King-  Mir. 
Peace, thou most impudent tongue,  
Call him not King, but dotard Tyrant, Serpent,  
Go on.  Far. 
Commands me to deliver's wrath  
To you in thunder: Pardon the messenger,  
He threats you with Strappadoes, Famine, Tortures  
Cunning and cruel, for your dire deed.  Mir. 
I thank his Tyrantship; return thou him  
From me many curses: but how took he  
His minion's death?  Far. 
As he would do the sight  
Of his own Executioner, heavily.  
His life-blood seemed to stream from's aged eyes,  
Horror to seize his Limbs, and grief his soul.  
He tore his silver hair, beat's reverend breast,  
Threw himself prostrate on the loved body,  
And cursed his stars: the killing news is like  
To do as much for him, as for the old  
PANDION the like act of PROGNE's did.  
He slights his meat, seems wholly given over  
To sorrow and revenge.  Mir. 
Io, Io, PAEAN!  
Sing victory, sing victory, my soul,  
I'm Conqueror: I've vanquished the stern Tyrant  
In a great deed, 'bove th' horror of his own.  
Now I can make him grieve, I'll make him bleed,  
Bleed next, dog Goaler, bleed his damned soul  
To air, which will turn to Pestilence,  
And poison, and infect the cursed world.  
He has but yet a taste of what I'll do.  Far. 
Sir, sir, we'll keep you from all further outrage.  Pag. 
Be civil, villain, to your Royal Master.  Far. 
He must excuse me, I'm but an Officer.  Mir. 
O'th' Devils.— Traitor, do thy drudgery.  Far. 
He has commanded me to load your limbs  
With weighty gyves, and famish your stout stomach.  Pag. 
The Devil has.  Mir. 
His gyves are ornaments,  
To me: and Famine, that I fear not slave,  
I'll feed on my revenge. Come bring thy fetters,  
I will adore them as a lover does  
His Lady's favours.  Pag. 
Sir, Exasperate  
Not Tyranny.  Mir. 
Sweet youth, be patient,  
I'll teach thee courage. Hangman come, your chains,  
I'll follow you by your scent, Bearward, to have them.  EMANGOLY, HYDASPUS, VASCO, 
HOrror! that the brave Prince should ever do  
So cruel a deed! but what can't sense of wrongs  
And thirst of revenge force a great mind to!  
Yet shall this stop our grand design no longer.  
Now for the King. HIDASPUS, you say SOFFIE  
Is at METHI●VLI's Farm, without the Town?—  
What is't you study of?  Hyd. 
My Lord?— yes, yes,  
He is.— My Lord, I was even stricken dumb  
With the discoveries you've made.  Ema. 
O great, and  
Horrid they are: by this the hellish Counsel  
Is upon meeting; sure their hour's near?  Vas. 
'Tis come my Lord.  Ema. 
Come then HYDASPUS you'll  
Accompany me to th' King.  Hyd. 
You know, my Lord,  
We are forbidden.  Ema. 
What then? for his good,  
And to save Persia, what is our lives hazard?  Hyd. 
They can't be better spent, I'll wait your Grace.  Ema. 
But not a word where SOFFIE is as yet.  ABBAS, PAGE.. 
FATYMA murdered! all my joys are fled!  
Fled in a moment! Pageant of Earth's greatness!  
I that was erst adored, great in an Army,  
Strong in a valiant Son, and happy in  
The fair hopes of two brave Grandchilds,  
Am now forlorn in all: my Army broken,  
A base peace made for which all brave men loathe me,  
One of my Grandchilds, hope of my Crown,  
Fled, but O whither? that's unknown to me.  
The other dead, dead, and worse, murdered  
By her own Father, ah unnatural Father!  
But yet not more unnatural than myself,  
Used I not him so? and should he not be  
As dear to me as she to him? I did,  
I did, O mischief of credulity!  
And causeless jealousy! would all my fears  
Had happened, so I were guiltless still.  
It than had been his fault, not mine. O heart!  Pag. 
May't please you, sir, my Lords, EMANGOLY  
And HYDASPUS do strongly plead without  
For Audience of your Majesty, shall they enter?  Abb. 
Have I not banished them my Presence? well,  
They die for breach of the command, if they  
Prove not their innocence: Let them enter, I'll  
Have now an ear for both parts; I will never  
Punish more on bare hearsay,— Guard, attend us.  ABBAS, EMANGOLY, HYDASPUS, GVARD. 
HOw dare you thus intrude into my presence?  
Must I forbid you, and my strict commands  
Be slighted thus? you rush upon your ruin.  Ema. 
Sir, were we conscious to ourselves of any  
The least neglect unto your-just commands,  
We'd fly your sight as doth the Owl the Suns,  
And seek out corners for our Treason's safety,  
But when we dare defy black Calumny,  
We know not why we should not venture to you  
To warn you of your safety, now at stake.  Abb. 
At stake! as how?  Hyd. 
If there be any fault  
In us, examine it in fitter time,  
And spare it not, but study punnishments  
New and exemplary to plague us with,  
At least, at present, mind to save your Crown,  
Your Realms, your life, and all your Progeny.  Abb. 
What Pageant's this!  Ema: 
No Pageant, Sir in short.  
You are betrayed, and MAHOMET's the Traitor.  Abb. 
What envy dares traduce him? then my heart's  
False to my head.  Ema. 
Sir, if I prove it not,  
Dissect me into Atoms, torture me,  
And fix eternal infamy on my name.  Abb. 
Produce your proofs.  Ema. 
Your Highness lately stood  
A Bulwark to your friends, a terror to  
Your Enemies, you had a Royal Army  
Commanded by a noble Son, and though  
I say't, a faithful General, and Officers  
Trusty as truth itself, while these stood firm  
In your esteem, as they deserved well,  
(For what have your brave Son, and my poor self  
Not done, that men could do, for your just honour?  
You do not hold one Sceptre in your hand,  
But such as we have put there, or else kept  
From being torn away:) whilst these I say  
Had power with you, not your proudest foes  
Or Treason had a tongue or hand to hurt you;  
But we must fall, that they may rise, upon  
Yours, and our ruins, and your credulity  
Has given them way: pardon the plainness, sir.  Abb. 
Go on, go on.  Ema. 
Sir, it was your misfortune  
T'advance the impudent pleasant ALLYBEG  
To such a dangerous height as made him giddy,  
And mad with pride: he is the very person  
That having got your ear, wrought all our ruins,  
Intending yours: which thus he acts; first having  
Obtained the Prince's fall, disbanded th' Army;  
He has consulted with the malcontents  
T'advance himself: has raised a bank of money,  
And now is levying of a Guard—  Abb. 
That Guard  
On second thoughts I feared.  Hyd. 
As well you might.  Abb. 
Well, who are of his party?  Ema. 
His pretence  
Is specious (as all Traitors must be) so  
He has allured some innocent Persons to him  
(For such we yet are willing to believe them)  
As ELCHEF, who yet owes you a Grudge,  
And so's the fitter for his purpose; he  
Engaged MATZED, MOZENDRA, and BENEFIAN,  
MATZED is levying in Hyrcania,  
But privately, as the rest here in Town.  
These credit his pretence, which only is  
To rescue th' Prince, and be made Guardian  
To SOFFIE, when he indeed intends  
To murder you, the Prince, and SOFFIE—  Abb. 
What's this, you say?—  Ema. 
Nay, good sir, hear me out.  
He means himself our King too and his Queen  
FLORADELLA, (she at least believes so)  
For she was useful for him to gain you  
To this advancement, and the Prince's fall,  
And rich to help his bank, and has engaged  
OLYMPA, EARINA, and Madam OMAY,  
All these we know, besides who else as yet  
We've not discovered. But his confidents  
Are FARRABAN and the smooth tongued SELEUCUS  
He at this present gathers force in Shiras  
The other holds the Castle at his pleasure.  Abb. 
If this be so, themselves conveyed away  
Young SOFFIE, I pray JOVE not to Heaven.  Hyd. 
That, time will prove, we speak but what we know.  Abb. 
How came you by the knowledge of thus much?  Ema. 
My Lord, my Servant VASCO has made love  
Long time to CLOE, FLORADELLA'S woman,  
And she has heard him not unwillingly:  
It first came out by her, who boasted it  
To him, as an addition to her fortune.  Abb. 
This makes me doubt the rest: sure ALLYBEG  
Has more brain then to trust such high designs  
To whores and waiting women; Sives, that let  
All things run through them, be they ne'er so precious.  Ema. 
Sir, she's the closet of her Lady's secrets,  
'Tis like she had this knowledge from her chiefly.  Abl. 
By some especial providence: O Gods!  
How have we sinned! that you upbraid us thus  
T' indebt us for our safeties to such low  
Vile things! as if the basest instrument  
Were good enough to save so corrupt a state!  
But Rome thrice owed her life to as vile trash,  
Once to a common Harlot, twice to Geese.  
Wise Heaven can make good work with any tool.  
But this me thinks requires pregnant proof,  
Ere it gains my belief, as now my horror.  Ema. 
First, we attest it sir, next, your own eyes  
And ears may be your certain witnesses.  
Fail you they cannot: clap a Guard on us,  
Send but another Guard to OMAY'S House,  
There may you apprehend most of the Traitors,  
There at this instant hold they their black counsel.  Abb. 
No lie can be avouch't with thus much forehead.  
EMANGOLY, thou hast deserved much of me,  
And you HYDASPUS; first we cry you mercy,  
For our too much rigour to you both,  
we'll study an amends, if this be true,  
If not, you both die without further process.  Ema. 
Sir, be it so.  Hyd. 
Yes, so my Liege we'd have it.  Abb. 
Come then, ourself will go to OMAY'S house,  
'Tis worth our pains, you shall attend me thither.  Ema. 
Your Majesty still meets our wishes nearer.  Abb. 
Is BELTAZAR engaged?  Ema. 
No surely sir,  
We believe him too honest, and a spirit  
Too great to truckle to base ALLYBEG,  
Though he had the misfortune to be used  
I'th' Prince's ruin, we might see regret,  
And an unwillingness in him to th'action.  Abb. 
He did indeed, I think obey for fear;  
Nor did he more than what our own commands  
Did urge, so we've no ground for wrath to him;  
Him then we'll keep in favour still, and call  
T'attend us to unkennel the base Fox.  
First send for FARRABAN, and make him sure,  
Then plant a Guard upon the Citadel.  Ema. 
It will be best sir.  Abb. 
Guard attend us here.  FLORADELLA, OLYMPA, EARINA, OMAY, CLOE. 
WOmen are still most forward in great actions,  
I wonder yet none of the Lords are come.  Oly. 
All in Good time Madam— 'tis a close day,  
Me thinks it'bodes not well, I like it not.  Flo. 
The day is as it should be, close and dark,  
And fittest for our Plot that must be secret.  Ear. 
The Sun perhaps mourns for poor FATYMA.  Oly. 
O that sad accident takes up my mind,  
I'm almost statue still.  Oma. 
'Twas sad and cruel.  Flo. 
Ladies, you see 'tis more than time we help  
Poor Persia from ruining herself,  
To which she hasts amain.—  Clo. 
Madam, my Lords.  MAHOMET-ALLY-BEG, ELCHEE, MOZENDRA, BENEFIAN, FLORADELLA, OLYMPA, EARINA, OMAY, CLOE. 
SAve you Ladies.  Elc. 
Hail beauties all arrow.  Flo. 
Hail Persia's Genius.  Oly. 
Hail my honoured Lord.  Mah. 
Are we all here?  Moz. 
I see not FARRABAN.  Elc. 
FARRABAN wanting!  Mah. 
What makes him so slow!  Flo. 
Slow, you're all Snails to us, you must confess  
The Ladies still most active: we'll not lose  
Our shares of glory.  Elc. 
FARRABAN not here!  
I like it not.  Flo. 
My Lord, he's gained already.  Ear. 
So we are all I hope.  Flo. 
I'll engage for him,  
What you here order him, he shall be ready  
Upon first intimation to perform.  
He may be busy searching SOFFIE up,  
You heard the King's threats if he were not found.  Mah. 
Would he were found.  Flo. 
Let not that trouble you.  
(1) If we cannot recover him, give out  
He is baptised, and so incapable;  
'Tis no new way, in India, ASSAPH did it,  
And well it took.— My Lord, you are not cheerful.  Elc. 
MAHOMET'S troubled.  Oly. 
'Tis for PARRABAN. To Olym.  Ben. 
What! does my Lord Court her, To Mo● to be her Guardian?  
Now had I rather talk of Love and Courtship  
To EARINA then these state-affairs.  
How well she looks!  Moz. 
Fie, Flesh-fly, hold your peace. Secret  Flo. 
My Lord, I hope you flag not? To Ma●● will you sail  
Bravely three quarters of your course, outride  
Many a storm, break thousand raging waves,  
And then sink in the Haven?  Mah. 
My soul is dull,  
And dreads some treachery; never till now  
Knew I what 'twas to fear.  Flo. 
Come, sacrifice  
To confidence, she'll carry you through all;  
I'll promise largely when we come to th'loan,  
More than you must expect to bring them on.  Ear. 
But sure we came not here to whisper, sirs.  Oma. 
No, I did think our business had been public.  Mah. 
Rouse my dull soul— Public indeed it is,  
And private too it must be, the Consult  
Private, the benefit most public shall be—  Flo. 
Now he's himself again. Death! aside. dead ith'nest!  Mah. 
And reach to all: old men shall owe that short  
Portion of life by nature's course they hold,  
And reverend Matrons their white age, to us:  
Those shall thank us, they see their manly Sons,  
Spend in soft exercise their peaceful time,  
And that themselves sit in their chimny-corners,  
Telling the loved stories of their youth,  
And feel not at their withered throats the swords  
Of foes, to force them to detect their wealth;  
And these, that they enjoy their blooming daughters  
Unravished, and see their grandchildren  
Come skipping on their aged knees, and not  
Sprawling upon the Enemies hostile Spears.  
The Nurse shall owe to us, that her dear child  
Doth suck her milk still, and not she its blood,  
So to sustain a while her famished soul.  
The Gods shall be indebted unto us,  
That still their Temples stand, and do not crack  
In sacrilegious flames; the Genius  
Of every City, that he is not forced  
To leave his walk, or wander' gout the ruins:  
The dead that fury ransack not their Urns,  
And puff their ashes in the face of light:  
Th'unborn, that we procured them time to ripen,  
And that they fell not, blasted ere they blowed.  
The benefit shall to the meanest Swain  
Extend, that toils in the Parmenian fields,  
And farthest parts the Persian name doth reach,  
To us his morning, and his evening thanks,  
Shall he ere pay, for that his wretched eyes  
See not the battering hooves of wasteful Troops  
Trample his hopeful Corn, and springing grass,  
For that the sheaves ar'nt from his reaping hand  
Torn by the Foe, nor his full Barns blaze high  
With dreadful flames, nor stalled cattle low  
Under the plundering Soldiers hungry blade;  
For that the hated noise of bellowing Drums,  
Fright him not from his Plough with fear of pressing.  Ber. 
He shepherdess thanks might promise too,  
For having time to sing still, and make To Moz. in secret. Chaplets.  Moz. 
Those thanks shall you reap.  Ben. 
Those I chiefly covet,  
I soon can tell them how they may requite me.  Mah. 
This general good must unto all accrue,  
By our encountering of that violent torrent  
Of ruin, that flows strongly towards all,  
And will ore-whelm us, if not stopped in time.  
Is not our aged King (alas!) given up  
To dotage, and unneedful jealousy?  
Has he not cast down his chief prop, the Prince?  
Disbanded his strong Armies? so the Empire  
Lies open to her Foes, like as a Vineyard  
To the wild beasts, its fence being trodden down.—  Elc. 
Princes were given to defend their subjects,  
If he'll quit the Protection of us,  
Yet must not we quit our own safeties.  Mah. 
True,  
Doth not the royal stock decay apace?  
One of the best and fairest branches of it,  
Is torn away to death—  Oly. 
O that the Tyrant's  
Self had excused her!—  Mah. 
An act so horrid,  
The Sun ne'er shined out since, but hid for shame  
His face with clouds; the other forced to hide,  
Perhaps in some foul shed, poor and forlorn,  
His innocent head, from his hard Grandfather,  
And injured Sire, and yet he is our hope.  
Pines not the Prince, whose fight no foe could 'bide,  
Without his fight, in a condition  
Beneath the merit of the greatest foe?  
Melts not the sweetest Princess in the world,  
In her own tears? she, worth a brighter fortune  
Than Earth can give her, yet abides the worst.—  Ear 
So much the worse, as fallen from best.  Mah. 
You Ladies should resent this most of all.—  Oma. 
Who doth not, hath no sense.  Ear. 
No soul.  Flo. 
No honour.  Mah. 
Yet the old King's so fast in his dead sleep,  
So lost in his strong Lethargy, he feels,  
Nor sees, at least regards, nothing of this.  
ist then not time to 'wake him, and to stop  
The gulf of ruin that thus opes and gapes  
To swallow us all in its hollow entrails?—  
I see it in your faces, you all think  
It more than time; nor let the cure seem harsh:  
No less than fire, cauterizing, searing,  
Can salve this sore; 'tis Arms I mean must do it;  
We must cast Rampants 'gainst so strong a tide,  
Nor think't at all unjust;" That War is just  
" That's necessary, and those arms religious,  
" When there's no hope left otherwise but in them.  
The Prince restored, the King once shown his error,  
SOFFIE returned to safety, how will all  
Applaud the Actors! what is there you wish,  
But will flow in unto you with advantage!  
Your greatest thoughts will be accomplished,  
As easily as desired. (2) Would you my Lord  
ELCHEE, requite yourself for th'injury  
Late done to you? now, now's the time to do it.  Elc. 
I see, nor will let slip the fair occasion.  Mah. 
Would you, MOZENDRA, arrive at th'hopes  
You, I know, have, of things worthy your merit,  
And daring soul? this, this is the way.  Moz. 
I shall improve the opportunity.  Mah. 
Would you, BENEFIAN, render yourself  
Worthy, as the addition that honours,  
And fair estate can make you, (and they're great  
In womens' eyes) to teach the bravest Lady  
Ith' Persian Court to give and take a flame,  
(For you, they say, are amorous) now's the time.  Ben. 
And I will strike, Sir, whilst the Iron's hot.  
He ' has taken me in the right vein i'faith.  Mah. 
And is there any thing that you, sweet Ladies,  
Can on your Pillows wish for? now command it.—  Flo. 
As there's no Lady sure but has her longings.  Mah. 
Is there a seat in all the Empire  
Fairer than other? or an air cooler?  
Before your feet that place shall spread its self,  
And court you to accept it. Is there ever  
A Knight, or smooth chined youth your eye commends  
Unto your heart? he is your ready servant.—  Oma. 
And we may had employ that privilege.  Mah. 
Are your thoughts higher? would you make your fortunes  
Even with your beauties, equal unto Princes,  
Fit for to meet with crowned Monarchs loves?  
This is the way t' achieve all these, and more:  
To be, alive great Queens and dead, bright stars.  
You shall be call'd the Saviour's of your Country,  
A name more dear than Monarch, the sole honour  
O'th' present age, the grand obligers of  
The next, and MAHOMET, your humble servant.  Flo. 
Admired height of Policy, and Courtship?  Mah. 
Cast then, sweet Beauties to so great a work  
But your loose Ornaments, and receive greater.  
Borrow but of your fair ear a Pendent,  
A Garkane● of your Neck, or of your breast  
A Gem, and be returned more than a Crown.  
And you brave Knights, shine forth in brandished steel,  
Like to so many Gods of war, and be  
Adored as he is Nor can I express  
(Such is the dearth and poverty of words)  
With how much dearness of affection  
You'll be received of all loyal hearts.  
With what resolution of fidelity!  
With how great Piety! with what tears of joy!  
Will any Gates dare to be shut against you?  
Or any Envy to oppose your Progress?  
Up then, and undertake this brave exploit  
With that courage, and those fair hopes, wherewith  
Such just great actions are to be attempted,  
That under your colours, and protection  
Of your Fortune Persia may be  
Again ennobled, and made more than free.  Elc. 
My Lord, whilst uttering this, I wished your voice  
Had been as loud as STENTOR'S, or rammed thunder,  
That 't' might been heard through (3) ABBAS thirty Kingdoms,  
And strike upon the Centre with an Echo  
Loud as the acclamation it deserves,  
It would have done more good than forty Troops  
To our great purpose, of which men and money  
I take to be chief elements: for men,  
My MATZED's Levies prosper as our wishes  
Designed them in Hyrcania.  Mah. 
And in Larr  
SELEUCUS grows as fast: once on their March,  
They'll gather like a snowball.  Elc. 
Here I've gained  
As many friends as when I can appoint them  
A Rendezvouz, will make a Regiment.  Mah. 
I have as many too, besides my Guard,  
To help up which the bounteous FLORADELLA  
Disbursed freely.  Flo. 
I have yet my Lord,  
Fifty thousand Crowns towards the service.  Mah. 
And is your purse, sweet Mine, as fathomless as is your wit?— this is a brave example.  Flo. 
Sir, my good will.  Oly. 
(Shall I go less than she? secret  
I will not, though it half undoes me)— Sir,  
I have as much at your command.  (Flo. 
I knew  
She would not behind me)  Mah. 
Excellent Lady!  
All I can say, is, you shall pay yourself  
For your great bounty, with your own desires.  Ear. 
(Shall we go below these? they'll scorn us then.)  Oma. 
Faith Madam, I can't spare such To Madam Omay. sums, let you  
And I go halves, and make't betwixt us then. secret.  Ear. 
Content.)— My Lord, this Lady, and myself.  
Between us will bring fifty thousand Crowns.  
What we will more we have in our own breasts.  (Flo. 
Pish, there's a Jewel at your breast would do't)  (Oly. 
They that least need are still the greatest hold-fasts)  Oma. 
Till be the welcomer that comes unlooked for.  Mah. 
You're bounteous Ladies, and shall shine for this,  
Below in story, ' above i'th' Firmament.  Ben. 
You, Ladies, have done well, but we'll yet more,  
Not to extol ourselves, or slight your bounties,  
You give but part, we all: you hazard gold,  
We blood, and sweat, and life, and our gold too.  Mah. 
Brave Colonel! this toil shall buy you rest,  
And furnish you with stories for your age:  
Each scar you get esteem of as a favour  
From wars great Goddess sent to win you hearts:  
Men are not more enamoured of their beauties,  
Then fairest Ladies are of men's known valours.  (Oma. 
How he takes every bird with its own lure!) aside.  Moz. 
Where, where shall we begin? I would be at it.  Flo. 
Spoke like an Angel!  Mah. 
Here in Town I think.  Elc. 
Do you intent to seize on the King's person?  Mah. 
What else?  Elc. 
Then it were easier done abroad,  
If you could train him to some house of pleasure.  Flo. 
For that, let me alone; I'll undertake it.  Mah. 
He cannot, though they grew, pick up a Force  
That can make head 'gainst us in time; but should he,  
Which is unlike, sure he'd give us conditions.  
If we get him, we'll give him Articles  
To sign, the effect you know, what else we then  
Think fit, we can cast in.  Elc. 
Resist! my Lord,  
Wrong not your Judgement once to think it can be  
Are we not strong enough to force the Guards?  Mah. 
Yes sure.  Elc. 
Then let JOVE and HERCULES  
Come take his part, they too, shall be our Prisoners.  Flo. 
Brave fiery Hero!  Mah. 
I've a Proclamation  
Already drawn, luring as words can make it.  Oly. 
Now for the time?  Elc. 
What if we presently  
Dispatch advice unto our friends abroad  
To put themselves upon their march towards us,  
And when we know the time they can be with us,  
Give our friends here the watchword, and to horse?  
All this, I hope, may be sometime to morrow.  Moz. 
It may, it may, we by to morrow night  
May all be ready, and night's the best time too.  Ben. 
The Sun shall see us Conquerors when he rises.  Mah. 
Your Counsels good.  Ben. 
But at the hour we rise  
The Citadel here must advance your colours.  Mah. 
It shall.— Cheer up sad mother Persia  
We will retrieve again thy age of gold,  
ASTRAEA shall come down once more, and fix  
In thee her fair Tribunal: those impostumes  
Rather than children, that broke from thee,  
Thy factious sons, I mean shall fall in ruin,  
Whilst thy true births shall grace thy happy bosom,  
And thou on them bestow a thousand blessings.  
Then Treason—  Elc. 
Hark! what noise is that? a noise without  Oma. 
Look out.  Clo. 
O heaven! the King and FARRABAN!  Mah. 
My soul!  
Is he a Traitor!  Ben. 
Well, I only came  
To contemplate the Lady's beauties.  Oly. 
Fly!  
Fly all!  Clo. 
Alas! the Guards spread all about.  to them ABBAS, EMANGOLY, BELTAYAR, HYDASPUS, VASCO, FARRABAN in irons, GUARD. 
HOrror! what a dire Conventicle's here!  Ema. 
Sir, now you'll credit us.  Abb. 
My faithful friend! embraces him  
thouart my good Genius: I must do thee Homage  
Both for my life and Crown, I owe all to thee.  Ema. 
I'm happy sir, in being useful to you.  Mah. 
Let's yet fall bravely.  Abb. 
Stand we here a while  
Looking of Treason out of Countenance.  
Since we have seen the Basilisk first, no danger  
Can he bolt from his fiery eyes: see now  
How bloodshotten! how red with rage they be!  Oly. 
We've innocence enough to trust to yet.  Om. 
We meant nothing but well to the whole Empire.  Hyd. 
So skulks the owl 'fore the Sun's golden ray,  
As these black souls do at the face of justice.  Elc. 
Death! that I saw thee, yet could not scape it.  Bel. 
I'm looking on what Rock of Diamond  
This house stands, that the weight of so much treason  
Hath not yet sunk it.  Elc. 
Ah! unhappy me!  Ben. 
Madam, if you get free, for sure to Earina. the King  
Will not extend his wrath even to the Ladies.  
Beg me to be your Servant.  Ear. 
I myself  
Would serve in any quality to be free.  Oly. 
Sure Madam, there was treason among ourselves.  Flo. 
You may swear it.  Moz. 
O I am thunderstruck!  Mah. 
A vengeance on the Traitor! this was you  
Damned Cockatrice. To Floradella.  Flo. 
Varlet 'twas thyself.  Abb. 
So, peal, do, do,  Elc. 
I yet fear FARRABAN.  Far. 
Alas! my Lord, will not these chains resolve you?  Elc. 
Craft, craft all.  Hyd. 
Faith, this is no fashion;  
He has confessed enough to hang you all,  
But not discovered.  Mah. 
Confessed!—  Far. 
Why should I spend  
My last breath in avouching lies and Treason?  Mah. 
A bowstring stop that breath— my Liege, we were  
Designing—  Abb. 
Mischief.— ball not, impudent head!  
Ungrateful Monster! cause I raised thee  
From they foul dunghill, will no meaner seat  
Then a Throne please thee? and mine own too? wretch!  
Guard apprehend them, to close Prison with them—  Flo. 
Mercy sir, mercy sir.  Oma. 
Pardon, mighty Prince.  Abb. 
Lest they consult, or pack lies, sever them.  Ear. 
Favour at least sir, till our cause be heard.  Ben. 
(I'll second her.— Sir, please to hear us speak—  Ab● 
Yes, on the rack you shall.  Mah. 
Let him put me  
In PHALARIS Bull, he shall hear nought but curses.  Clo. 
What will become of me! I'm lost on all sides.  Vas. 
No, fear not, the discovery shall save you.  Moz. 
(I aimed at a great name, and to secret. transmit  
My fame down to Posterity, and my fall  
Shall do it for me, since my rising fails.  
As long the memory of him shall last  
That burned DIANA's Fame, as his that built it.  
" Fame follows great deeds be they good or bad.  
I'll slight his rage then, and speak boldly to him.)  
Sir, who ere was your spy upon our Actions,  
Make much of him he, did you timely service—  Hyd. 
O unheard impudence!— slit his windpipe some.  Moz. 
The truth is, we intended to take arms,  
Not to disthrone you, as you intimate,  
But to restore the Prince, and make you see  
Your error in your unjust anger to him.  Abb. 
Peace impudence, the rack shall squeeze out more.  Moz. 
Not more than truth, and that you have already.  Elc. 
So may we find your favour, as 'tis truth  
He tells you, and no farther stretched our aim.  Abb. 
Others did then Guard, bind them, and away.  
You may EMANGOLY, and BELTAZAR  
Take their Confessions: force from that Pointing to Floradella. base serpent  
Whom I detest to name, the truth by tortures.  Flo. 
Would I'd a sting, thou shouldst not fail to feeel it.  Mah. 
She's open enough, you need not press her much  Abb. 
Use CLOE gently, and persuade her, VASCO,  
To detect all.  Vas. 
I'll do my best, my Liege.  Abb. 
Away with them. HYDASPUS, wait on us,  
Double our Guards: we will to sacrifice  
To gracious Heaven, and make public prayer,  
That saved us from what we knew not to fear  MIRZA, PAGE.. 
THe Citadel beset with armed Guards,  
Upon what interest as yet unknown!  
And I still pining here! and still the Tyrant  
Wallows in Luxury! (4) surfeits with delights  
As far fetched as dear bought! Hell and Confusion!  
DORIDO, faithful DORIDO, there is yet  
A way for thee to help me.  Pag. 
For me, sir?  
Speak't and enjoy it.  Mir. 
Give me a draught of Poison.  Pag. 
Forbid it Heaven.  Mir. 
I promised FATYMA  
I'd follow her, and I will keep my word,  
'Twill in some part excuse the wrong I did her,  
The sweet soul claims it of me: I ne'er sleep  
But still I see her beckoning me away.  
However DORIDO, had I not better  
Die bravely like a Roman, then pine here  
A slave? I'll die too, though thou dost not help me,  
And bequeath thee a Curse for thy unkindness.  
In vain they're forced to live that vow to die,  
This CATO Uticensis taught, this PORCIA  
His noble Daughter too: and shall the Prince  
Of Persia go to school the Italian Ladies  
To learn Courage? think but of that sweet youth.  
Lead me to rest.—  Pag. 
Shall I do this, and bear  
All his friends curses? no, they'll rather bless me  
For rescuing him from torment; and his foes  
Will feel the pangs gnaw them of their own envy.  ABBAS, EMANGOLY, BELTAYAR, METHICULI, HYDASPUS. ALKAHEM. VASCO. MAHOMET-ALLYBEG, ELCHEE, MOZENDRA, EARINA, OLYMPA, OMAY, CLOE, Officers, Soldiers, Guard. 
FIrst, my EMANGOLY, and you, my Lords METHICULI, HYDASPUS, ALKAHEM,  
We here revoke our sentence against you  
Of Banishment, and empower you to sit  
With us in judgement, on these dire Delinquents.  Ema. 
We thank your Majesty, and glory more  
In that we are capable of serving you,  
Then in the honour which you grace us with.  (Oly. 
They'll compliment our lives away at last)  (Ben. 
Then we are judged already;- well, th' other day  
I studied speeches for the Ladies, now secret.  
I want one to the People; but,— lets see—  
The common place is to avoid ill company.  
A curse on these state matters!)  Abb. 
Next we here  
Degrade that Viper ALLYBEG from all  
Those places, or of public trust, or Honour,  
To which too rashly we advanced him.  
Those which he held of yours, EMANGOLY,  
We do to you restore.  Ema. 
Your Grace shall find  
Me faithful as at first.  Abb. 
The Treasurer-ship  
We do confer on you, METHICULI.  Met. 
My service, as i'm able, shall requite it.  Mah. 
May they requite you as I would have done.  Alk. 
Bold Traitor! cannot armed justice awe thee?  Abb. 
Now BELTAZAR, produce your proofs against  
These criminals.  Bel. 
They're guilty all of Treason:  
CLOE accuses that impostumed monster  
MAHOMET, to have forged the whole conspiracy,  
But not without the help of FLORADELLA—  (Flo. 
A curse on that loose Gossip.  Mah. 
And you too.)  Abb. 
Give them no name but Traitors.  Bel. 
First they meant  
To shift away the Prince, dissolve the Army,  
That no force might oppose the Traitors rising.  
You Majesty— (the horror of it chokes  
My utterance)— your sacred Majesty—  Mah. 
So, try again.  Bel. 
This viperous woman should  
Have poisoned.—  Mah. 
So, now 'tis out— would she had.  Bel. 
And FARRABAN, SOFFIE, then held the Castle,  
At the devotion of this monstrous man,  
Who aimed to set the Crown on his own head,  
Having already gotten a strong Guard,  
Towards which that strumpet did disburse a Mass  
Of ready Treasure, making still her Purse  
As common to him, as her wicked body.—  Flo. 
You might preserve the modesty of the Court.  Bel. 
To this end be their Levies afoot too;  
In Larr SELEUCUS, MATZED in Hyrcania,  
Are raising Forces; so that this lewd woman,  
And FARRABAN, and sly SELEUCUS, were  
Chief complices, that knew his utmost aim;  
The other we believe drawn in, as only  
Crediting his pretence to free the Prince,  
And MATZED'S Levies are on ELCHEES score.  Elc. 
Urge that my Lord.  Oly. Oma. Ear. 
Yes, yes, sir, urge that home.  Abb. 
Monster, what say you? knew the rest you meant  
Yourself their King?  Mah. 
They knew as much as I did.  Oly. 
'Tis false.  Moz. 
That thou wert worthy but to bear  
A Sword, that I might claim the combat 'gainst thee  
I'd write it on thy heart, in stabs, thou liest.  Mah. 
A brave Rodomantado!  Hyd. 
This vile man,  
Given up to Treason late, and now despair,  
Accuses these but to have company  
In's fall.  Ben. 
True my good lord— Come, you and I  
Were Comrades once.  Ema. 
This I indeed believe.  Mah. 
The more the merrier.  Moz. 
Hear my gracious Lord,  
He intimates as much before your Grace.  (Elc. 
What if I say I levied in Hyrcania, To Mozendra.  
With an intent to help the King, and balance  
MAHOMET'S strength, having the greater hopes  
For doing him service so unexpected?  Moz. 
'Twill gain no faith: and then Secret. 'twas Treason too,  
To list without Commission: know your doom first,  
If you fall, urge it: some will credit you,  
'Twill beget pity to your memory  
I'th' vulgar, who are still fond of the wretched.)  Alk. 
These persons could not be so lost to sense,  
Being noble, as t'advance so vile a thing  
Over themselves.  Oly. 
We scorn him for our Groom.  Hyd. 
His envy and his rage will peal us too  
Anon, I think.  Met. 
How strong is malice in thee,  
Pernicious wretch! thou car'dst not how foul  
Thy Treasons were on earth, nor weighst thou now  
How great thy plagues for them shall be in hell.  Bel. 
Disburden yet thy soul of so much guilt,  
And speak these innocent in what they are so.  Mah. 
yourself not innocent, good Rhetorician.—  Hyd. 
I thought so, slit his impudent throat some body.  Mah. 
You did, as much as I, exasperated  
The King against his Son.  Bel. 
If this be true,  
I here beseech your Grace command me stand  
Among the Traitors:— Come come, Officers, bind  
My hands, I am accused here of treason  Abb. 
You, more then feignedly, did act his friend,  
And O that I had heard your pregnant reasons,  
So urged to save him with an equal ear!  Bel. 
Heaven knows, I urged them strongly as I durst.  Mah. 
The Tyrant's self's not innocent.—  Alk. 
Bold head!  Mah. 
He's guilty of his Son's blood, and FATYMA'S too.  
I was but's instrument.  Met. 
O ecstasy!  Abb. 
Varlet, the guilt is thine, though the grief mine,  
That I gave faith unto thy forgeries.  
Proceed Lord BELTAZAR.  Bel. 
Sir, hoping these  
May yet be worthy of your timely mercy;  
What have I but t'inveigh against those other?  
Look up, fair Mother Persia, and see  
Thyself redeemed, put off the horrid fright,  
Thy plotted ruin late amazed thee with.  
Now shall not thy fair breast be stained with  
Thy best Sons blood, but freed of thy worst.  
Had this gone on, th'hadst been but thine own prey,  
Th'hadst seen thy Prince that toiled so oft for thee,  
Groaning his soul out into empty air,  
The hopeful blossom nipped as soon as blown;  
Thy aged King swelled up with deadly poison,  
And burning as in Aetna till he'd burst:  
And impious MAHOMET upon thy Throne,  
Unworthy of thy Galleys; and this strumpet,  
His fine loose Queen.—  Mah. 
That yet I never meant.  Flo. 
The more wretch thou, so oft to swear it to me.  Mah. 
The more fool thou though, ever to believe me.  Bel. 
Thy noblest Sons torn, some to cruel death,  
And some to servile misery, worse than that;  
This was the sight prepared for thine eyes.  Mah. 
And it had been a brave one.  Abb. 
Cursed monster!  
No sense of guilt? no tears! can no remorse  
Touch thy scared Conscience?  Mah. 
Yes, I see my guilt;  
Guilty of folly I am, to trust a woman  
To keep for me, what for herself she cannot,  
A secret; tears I could profusedly shed,  
Tears of just wrath, and for each one that drops,  
Afford a curse too, that I sped no better.  
I'd spend my soul in sighs, could they but scald thee:  
To be so near a Crown, and reach it not!  
O Hell and Furies!  Abb. 
In thy soul they're all.  Ema. 
Proceed to judgement sir.  Mah. 
Tyrant, remember,  
in me thou judgest thy own Cause; I meant  
No more to thee, than thou didst to thy Father,  
And brother too, and that for the same reason.  Ema. 
Prodigious boldness! sir, regard him not.  Abb. 
Monster, since thou hast toiled to be ungrateful,  
And with thy Treasons to outvie my favours,  
To let thee die were too much pity to thee,  
Nor is there a death equal to thy guilt;  
Besides, we having so much honoured thee,  
And sworn thou ne'er shouldst feel death from our hand,  
We'll keep our Oath, but leave it to our Heir,  
A strict command, that on my funeral day  
Thou diest (5) the ancient death of boats.  Mah. 
Then have I  
Great MITHRIDATES for my pattern.  Abb. 
Mean while,  
Officers, lead him to the public market,  
There let the common Hangman bore his eyes out.  
In a Dungeon shall he sustain his life,  
With what he gets by begging only.  Mah. 
Nay,  
I'll then sustain my soul with full mouthed curses,  
To thee meant, and the rest of my undoers,  
Especially that open Sex, whose souls are  
So loose, they cannot keep them in their breasts,  
But they will still swim on their lips.  Abb. 
VASCO,  
To thee we do decree his whole Estate,  
And our best thanks for thy discovery.  Vas. 
I humbly thank your Majesty.  Abb. 
Let Soldiers  
Go pull down all his Palaces and Statues,  
And make a Jakes there where his chief house stood.  Ema. 
Admired Justice!  Omnes, 
Equal, equal, Justice!  Mah. 
Do, do, ball on.  Abb. 
You, strumpet, are the next.  Mah. 
But that I scorn to ask it, might I hear  
Her sentence, and I'd triumph in mine own.  Flo. 
Envious villain.  Abb. 
Away with him, he shall not  
Give so much pleasure to his envious soul.  Mah. 
Write on my dust, DIED.  
All ills betid you.—  Abb. 
Lead that impious wretch  
To th'public Market, & there (6) beat her brains out,  
Ith' ancient way ordained for Poisoners:  
As for the murder of her Queen STATIRA,  
Base GIGIS died, then (7) burn her limbs with Cat's dung.  Flo. 
Mercy! great sir.  Abb. 
Thou hast too much in dying,  
But that we are not rigorous to thy Sex.—  
Away with her.  Flo. 
O this is a sad fall.  Abb. 
All her Estate to CLOE we confer;  
'Tis fit she have reward t'encourage others,  
Though she not meant to do us good, she did it.  Clo. 
Indeed my Gracious Lord, I ever meant it,  
I humbly thank your Majesty.  Vas. 
See now, CLOE, Secret.  
I counselled you for th'best. Come, I'm still constant,  
Our business here is over, we'll to better.  Abb. 
Take FARRABAN with the rest, and strangle him.  Far. 
O mercy, mercy!  Abb. 
Quick, away with him.  Far. 
The Citadel cost me fair; O dire ambition  Abb. 
The Citadel we give thee ALKAHEM.  Alk. 
I hope to do you better service in it.  Abb. 
We doubt it not.— Now ELCHEE.  Ben 
(Now, now,  
I feel the Bowstring at my throat.  Moz. 
Nay sure, Secret.  
He'll let us die like Soldiers.)  Abb. 
Though we credit  
The good of your intention, yet your life,  
Is by your hasty error forfeited,  
But that we give you, and confine you only  
To th' I'll of Ormus, whence on good behaviour,  
We may recall you.  Elc. 
Thanks dread Sovereign.  
I hope my carriage will induce you to it.  
My fear was never so great of your justice,  
As grief for the rash error I ran into,  
And so ensnared my friends.  Met. 
Troth, I believe him.  Ben. 
Sure he'll send us thither too? MOZENDRA,  
Are there any handsome Ladies there, canst tell?  Moz. 
I care not, so there be a Book, I'll Secret. never  
Converse but with the dead hereafter I.  Ema. 
This true repentance speaks him noble.  Abb. 
Yes,  
Your two friends shall attend you.  Elc. 
A noble mercy.  Moz. 
Long live the Gracious ABBAS!  Ben. 
More than live!  Met. 
My Lord, my love to you remains To Elchee. still firm,  
And eggs me on to prompt a way unto you,  
How you may happily avoid exilement. Secret.  
The King's rigour, I know, will not extend  
To th'Ladies lives, yet in the fright they stand in,  
They will do any thing may get them mercy:  
Urge them to promise, if they have their lives  
To give the King in gratitude, those sums  
They engaged for to the Traitors; then be you  
Their speaker to him, and he can't in honour  
(Urged by my meditation) but receive  
The favour as from you, and show you grace.  Elc. 
My Lord, my humble thanks, I will atttempt it.  Abb. 
But MATZED, for examples Elchee, whispers with the Lady's sake must die,  
Being ith'very act of Treason, raising  
Of Arms against us: You my Lord HYDASPUS,  
Take a Brigade of our own Guards, and hast  
Down to Hyrcania to apprehend him,  
Strike off his head, to you the Government  
Of that fair Province we assign, until  
If he deserves it, we recall Duke ELCHEE.  Hyd. 
I wish he may, mean while, I shall be careful.  Abb. 
EMANGOLY, send you some trusty person  
To Shiras, armed, to seize SELEUCUS there,  
And strike off his head too.  Ema. 
My Liege, I will.  Abb. 
These Ladies still expect,— how shall we use them?  Ear. Oma. 
O my good Lord.  Oly. 
There's mercy in his looks.  Ema. 
Sir, theyare beneath your anger, they can't hurt you,  
Nor stands it with the honour of great States,  
To take strict notice of vain woman's actions.  Abb. 
Well, mercy is no less a virtue royal,  
Then justice, and 'tis fit we show some, since  
Heaven has shown us so much: we pardon you  
Ladies, hereafter pray avoid state-matters.  Oma. Ear. 
We will we will, my Lord.  Oly. 
Our humble thanks.  Omnes, 
Long live King ABBAS! long, long-live the King!  Elc. 
You'll keep your words. To the Ladies.  Oly: Ear. Oma. 
Yes, yes, my Lord, we will.  Elc. 
May't please your Majesty, these noble Ladies,  
(Not to say by my instinct) do resent  
So heartily your royal favour to them,  
As to their powers, to attempt gratitude,  
Whereas their error late involved them in  
A promise of considerable sums,  
To'advance what they thought duty, but proves treason,  
As testimonies of their thankfulness  
For pardoning them that fault, they humbly pray  
Your sacred Majesty to accept those sums,  
Towards the raising of your force again.  
'tis 'mong them all an hundred thousand Crowns.  Em. 
A brave amends!  Alk. 
A noble gratitude!  Abb. 
Ladies, we thank your loves.  Oly. 
And we your mercy.  Abb. 
METHICULI'S Treasurer.  Oly. 
My Lord, we will  
Attend you anon at the Exchequer.  Met. 
Now  
They do deserve their Pardon, and I'd almost  
Said, ELCHEE merits his too, for procuring  
These donatives, it proves his loyalty.  Ben. 
Hark! hark!  Abb. 
ELCHEE, for improving thus  
Your interest with the Ladies to our service,  
We do revoke your sentence of exilement.  Elc. 
My best thanks and endeavours, still shall serve you.  Met. 
These two offended, sir, but on his score,  
They're his dependants.  Abb. 
Them we pardon too.  Ben. 
Our humble thanks.  Moz. 
We'll labour to deserve it.  (Elc. 
My Lord, I am your Creature for To Methiculi. your hint.  Met. 
I joy my love could prove behooveful to you)  (Moz. 
A fair escape!  Ben. 
A Resurrection! I'll  
Ne'er hazard more so high a member as  
My neck; VENUS is my star.  Abb. 
This were a happy day, were SOFFIE found.  Ema. 
And the brave Prince restored.  Abb. 
That he shall be.  Ema. 
Then SOFFI's safe sir—  Abb. 
Thou wert born t' oblige me.  
Where, my good Genius?  Ema. 
In METHICVS's care  
And mine; and now forth coming, at your service.  Abb. 
Go METHICULI, bring him to th' Castle.  
we'll meet thee there, whither we now will haste  
To rescue our Son, and make ourselves deserve  
This benefit the Gods were pleased to give us.  Met. 
My Liege I will.  Abb. 
O who can be a Tyrant,  
And plague the innocent on bare surmises,  
When gracious Heaven pass by our real ills,  
And oft to gain us, save us 'gainst our wills.  MIRZA, PAGE.. 
FIe DORIDO, and did I ever think  
I should check thee for disobedience?  
Now I importune thee, shan't I obtain  
My last draught of thee!  Pag. 
I can hold no longer  
'Gainst his command— Sir, here's a bowl well spiced  
Will send you to your Paradise in a moment.  Mir. 
Give me it DORIDO.  Pag. 
Ah, my hand trembles  
In the delivery.  Mir. 
Thanks, good faithful youth.  
Now that my Father could see me quaff this!  
A health to the confusion of the Tyrant. he drinks.  Pag. 
Sir, leave some, and I'll pledge you.  Mir. 
As thou wilt.  
Now call my wife to take her last farewell.—  
I come sweet FATYMA, i'm coming to thee,  
And doubt not but thou'lt thank me for releasing  
Thee from this Prison, the world calls a life.  NYMPHADORA, IFFIDA, to him. PAGE. 
WHat would my Lord?  Mir. 
Be reconciled to thee.  
I know th' art angry with me for the loss  
Of FATYMA.  Nym. 
Not angry sir, but grieved.  Mir. 
Come I have sent the child t' a place fit for her,  
A sacred place of rest, worthy her goodness,  
This world was not, it was her Hell and mine;  
And I am following her; I sent for thee  
To take my last leave.  Nym. 
I conceive you not.  Mir. 
Thy eyes shall make it plain— I have drunk poison.  Nym. 
O Heavens forbid!  Iff. 
O Gods! how came he by't?  Pag. 
I gave it him, he drank, and here I pledge him. He drinks.  Iff. 
O wretch!  Nym. 
Were't lawful, would I'd pledge him too.  Pag. 
I still was used t' obey all his commands,  
And this was one, nor could I abide to see  
Him miserable, my duty did gainsay it.  Mir. 
And my own honour, faithful youth, and courage  Nym. 
Self-murder's a false colour of true courage,  
" Rising from fear of torment, or of shame,  
" T' outface ill Fortune, and malicious Fate.  
And this I hoped from you: then should the Heaven  
First have dissolved, but you should have been righted.  
" Heaven sets us Captains of our bodily Forts,  
" Which without Treason, cannot be delivered  
" Till redemanded.  Mir. 
Sure if Heaven had made us  
Masters of any thing, 'tis of our lives?  
Which if we may not without leave lay down,  
We must not without warrant leave a joint.  
If in these little Castles we be Heavens  
Lieutenants, sure we may give up our charge,  
When Heaven leaves us void of good means to keep it.  " Nym. 
We must not doubt Heaven's goodness, who is nothing  
" But goodness, nor limit it, since the last  
" Instant is scope enough for th' heavenly Powers  
" To revoke all things to one's own desire.  
Why pluck'st thou then their work out of the hand  
Of Justice, and become thy own revenger,  
When she would surely have done't, and better?  Mir. 
I feel the poison working— O— be happy.  Nym. 
Hast IFFIDA, some antidote may help yet.  Pag. 
Nay, spare that pains, not nature's self can help him.  
'Twas strong enough.  Nym. 
To break my heart, I hope.  Pag. 
It works with me too: my eyes swim in death,  
And dizziness toss over all my brains.  Iff. 
Fie, DORIDO, thou art the greatest Traitor  
Of all, to poison thy dear Lord.  Mir. 
Peace fool,  
He's faithful, and my good deliverer.  ABBAS, EMANGOLLY, BELTAZAR, to them ALKAHEM, Servants. 
NO, that is yet my part, I'm thy deliverer.  
Rise injured Son, arise and meet thy freedom.  Mir. 
Who's that?  Iff. 
The King.  Mir. 
The Tyrant: in good time  
He comes to see me rescued from his rage.  Nym. 
His eyes blast me; I can't, with patience, see him.  
But what means this yet? why are these friends with him?  Pag. 
All are proved false and mock our misery.  Nym. 
And is this then a spectacle of pleasure?  
That I could form a curse great as his guilt!  Abb. 
Spare them, sweet daughter, if I yet am worthy  
So near alliance to so bright a virtue—  Mir. 
O death, why com'st no faster?  Ema. 
Heavens! what means he?  Bel. 
He thinks he comes to torture him.  Alk. 
He looks ill.  Abb. 
No art of words can now more aggravate  
My guilt then mine own Conscience: nor dost thou  
Feel sharper pangs of Grief than I of horror.  
I'm undeceived, I see my hasty error,  
And hadst thou now a window into my breast,  
Thou wouldst confess th' unfeigned integrity  
Of my repentance, when thou seest my soul  
Weep (freely) tears of blood to bathe her crime in.  Mir. 
Crocodiles tears.  Ema. 
Indeed, my Lord you err.  Abb. 
Thou errest, brave Son, for yet I'll call thee so,  
And will henceforth appear a Father to thee,  
I've been a Tyrant, nay a Monster long,  
Which as I have bewailed, I will redress,  
Repentance has made Rivers of mine eyes,  
My eyes weep themselves blind for loss of thine.  
My breast is hardened as brawn with strokes,  
My head turned grey, with sorrow more than age.  
Insense makes the offended Gods relent,  
For that, I'll spend my very soul in sighs.  
" To be penitent bears a pardon with it:  
A pardon, I that yet ne'er begged of any,  
Now beg of thee: A Father of a Son,  
Let the relation at least obtain it.  Nym. 
So when the house is burnt the fire goes out.  
O that this true remorse (for so I think it)  
Had come before, when yet it had been useful!  Bel. 
Madam, 'tis ne'er too late to redress wrongs.  Nym. 
Yes, when the wrongd's not capable of redress.  
The Prince (alas!) inflamed with despair,  
Got his unhappy Page to give him poison.  Abb. 
O Heaven▪ and slightest thou our Penitence?  Mir. 
Poison so strong defies all remedies,  
As it will soon make me all injuries.  Ema. 
O Act of Horror!  Bel 
Dire event of wrongs.  Alk. 
Which when in time we're careless to redress  
We justly, when we would do't, are denied it.  Abb. 
I mourning to my grave must ever go then.  
At least, before thou leav'st this upper world,  
O speak thyself but reconciled to me.  Mir. 
I freely do it, and implore your pardon,  
If I, exasperated with my wrongs,  
Have vented any undecent words of you.  
Of other crimes towards you my soul acquits me.  Abb. 
And mine own too: this piety adds load  
Unto my grief, and melts my very soul.  METHI●VLIE, SOFFIE. 
SEe sir, their joy has drowned them all in tears.  Sof. 
This looks not yet like joy.  Iff. 
Ah! no, my Lord.  
All joys have fled us.  Alk. 
The brave Prince, tired out  
With suffering wrongs, took poison.  Sof. 
O just Gods!  Met. 
Not just, they are grown Tyrants too, & mock  
Our best intentions— O—  Abb. 
What a blessed day  
Had this been, had not this draught clouded it!  
That baleful draught descends in a dire storm,  
And not eclipses but our Sunshine only,  
But batters with fierce drops our springing hopes!  
How mightst thou else have triumphed in the Justice  
Done on the cursed causers of thy ruin!  
Base ALLYBEG, and impious FLORADELLA,  
And all the rest of their dire Complices  
This day fell sacrifices to thy wrath.  
SOFFIE is found too, and doth here attend thee.  Mir. 
Turn then your love to him, to him requite  
My wrongs, and from him too expect my duty.  
Now shall I die with much a lighter heart,  
Since I have lived to hear those Traitor's fall.  Nym. 
O this I ever hoped for from heaven's Justice,  
And grieve the more that thou despairedst of it.  Mir. 
I come sweet FATYMA-Father, farewell—  
Use SOFFIE like a Son.—  Abb. 
O that Heaven would  
Let me excuse thee!  Mir. 
SOFFIE,— Farewell  
Obey thy Grandfire— as thou wouldst do me—  
Forget my wrongs— and eschew Tyranny—  Sof. 
Ah! that I could forget sense, and turn stone!  Mir. 
Adieu sweet Spouse.—  Nym. 
O!  Mir. 
From thee I hardliest go!—  
But thy grief will not suffer thee, I know,  
To be long from me.—  Nym. 
O my wretched ears!  
Do you hear this, and will you ever hear  
Any thing after it! O woeful eyes!  
Why at this wailful sight drop you not out!  
Or, frighted, recoil deep into you holes!  
O stubborn heart! can't all this shiver thee?  
Am I turned Rock too!  Mir. 
Friends adieu— make o'er  
To my young Son, the love to me you bore—  Ema. 
O that I could not hear!  Met. 
Or I could help!  Mir. 
Yet love my memory.—  Bel. 
O Grief!  Alk. 
O Anger!  
That grief is all we can!  Mir. 
Thou DORIDO,  
Art to attend me- to the shades below—  Pag. 
Yes my dear Lord.  Iff. 
O that he'd gone before.  Mir. 
I shall again live— and on some sad Stage  
Be mourned.—" Great wrongs reach further than one Age.—  
O— O. Dies.  Abb. 
He's gone, he's gone, break heart and follow!  Omnes, 
O Heavens!  Nym. 
Stay winged spirit, stay and take  
Me with thee, at least (8) let me suck thy last breath.  Bel. 
Madam, forbear, you will infect yourself.  Nym. 
O Gods! what have been my deserts, to be  
Thus punished! or if such be my deserts,  
Why am I yet not punished more, with death?  
Yet that were to give end unto my woes:  
To join me with him, were to make me happy:  
That happiness I shortly will obtain  
In spite of fate, if not from thy kind hand  
O ATROPOS, from mine own grief at least:  
Mean while— lie soft, O loved Corpse, and thou  
Adored soul, if love to earthly creatures  
Remain in death, think of me in thy shade,  
And oft Petition Fate to send me to thee.  Sof. 
Unhappy DORIDO! how hast thou wronged  
All Ages!  Alk. 
And shalt still be cursed by all.  Pag. 
Is't not too late to say, forgive passed errors?  
I hast to follow him to his shade, I'll there  
Wait on him too, and try to be more happy:  
They that behold the Sun, must see his shadow,  
And who remembers my brave Lord, must cast  
A thought on me, and may they say thus of me;  
I was his faithful servant, waited still  
On him in life, and death, good state and ill,—  
So used to obey his each command,  
I did it, though it to his hurt did tend.—  
If any fault— of mine— be known to time—  
Service mistaken— was my only crime.—  
O— O. Dyes..  Iff. 
He dies.  Ema. 
Would 'twere our greatest loss!  Abb. 
Our loss (alas!) is above words to ease,  
And we must more than mourn it: Do thou see  
METHICULI, all rites of pomp and sorrow,  
Performed to that brave body: This vile trunk  
Of DORIDO'S, for giving his Lord poison,  
We will have burnt upon his Tomb.  Met. 
Sad office.  Nym. 
Ah sadder sight! that 'twere Methiculi and Alkahem, carry out the Prince's body, and the Servants, the Pages. my last!  Abb. 
SOFFIE,  
Thou now art our, and the Empire's hope,  
EMANGOLY, be thou his Governor,  
And breed him such as you intent to serve.  Ema. 
My care shall labour to requite the honour.  Sof. 
And mine t'improve your honour by my profit.  Abb. 
Daughter, your losses we can ne'er requite;  
Yet, as we can, let us attempt amends:  
But that must come from you; look o'er your wishes,  
And be the Mistress of your own desires.  Nym. 
'Las! sir, what is there left for me to wish,  
But a short term of wretched life? mean while,  
Some humble Country seat shall be my Cell,  
Free from the trouble of all tongues and eyes,  
I being unworthy either waiting their  
Kind deaths cold hand, to lead me to my Lord.  Abb. 
If that be your desire, you must enjoy it,  
But we could wish we could deserve you still.  Nym. 
Wilt thou partake of my retirement, IFFIDA?  Iff. 
Madam, it would seem hard to me, to spend  
My years, which my youth promise willbe many,  
In solitude— I'm an ill comforter,—  
And then, my fortune's are before me too.  Nym. 
Be happy in them.  Ema. 
Poor ingratitude!  Nym. 
Farewell, great sir, if ever you remember  
You had a Daughter-in-law deserved your love,  
Pay it to my poor Son, at least forget not,  
You had a Son that did deserve it well.  Abb. 
To him we'll pay the love we owed his Father  
Adieu sweet Princess— BELTAZAR, attend her.  Nym. 
I thank your Grace:— Farewell my dearest Boy;  
But that thou still wilt dwell in my best thoughts,  
I would I could forget I ere was happy,  
Be thou so ever.  Sof. 
Madam, if you please not  
To stay still with us, you'll, I hope, admit  
Me in your solitude to do my duty.  Nym. 
Things of more weight will take thee up, be happy  
And so shall I, when sighs have spent this breath  
" A mortals happiness begins in death.  Abb. 
Come SOFFIE, and learn to be a Prince▪  
But (9) when thy hand shall close mine aged eyes,  
And on thy head my Diadem shall shine,  
Learn by my harms to eschew Tyranny;  
It was thy dying Father's Legacy,  
And shall be mine too; and I leave thee more  
In that, then in my splendid wreath of Oar▪  
" For cruel Acts in them their torment have,  
" Guilt on our souls, blots on our names they leave.  
THE END.    

ANNOTATIONS  
READER,  
IF, by perusing the former pages, thou deservest that name, Thou hast in them perhaps met with divers historical matters, which, unexplained, may defraud thee of the content I wish thee, therefore I here offer thee a Key for every Lock, ANNOTATIONS, which, if thou shalt find useful, I am glad I inserted them, if superfluous, they cost thee nothing, for they are so few, they have not swelled the Play to a much greater rate. I will not trouble thee with tedious digressions upon the Poetic Names and augments strewed up and down the Poem; those, if thou be'st Learned, thou know'st already, if not, a Dictionary may inform thee, and spare my pains. I only touch, and that lightly, upon such historical concernments, and customary rites of the Persians (essential to our Scene) as every Scholar is not bound to know, for to such chiefly I wrote this Tragedy.  

ANNOTATIONS UPON THE FIRST ACT.  
[(1.) THE Murder of our Sire,] This King Abbas, being a younger Son, was only King of Heri (near Tartary) by birth; but, aiming at the Persian Empire, he, to make his way to it, privily murdered his Father, Mahomet Codoband, or purblind. Herbert's Travels. pag. 89.127. etc.  
[(2.) And me] viz. Emir-hamze-Mirza, King Abbas his Elder Brother, whom also he murdered, as standing between him and the Crown. A crime most usual in these Eastern Princes, especially, in Persia, in this line of Guzpan Acuculu, (or white sheep) of whom few attended patiently the death of their Predecessors, but, by impious means, laboured their own untimely establishment. Herb. p. 100 etc. Of Emir-Hamz's bravery and prowess, See more in the 32. note upon the fourth Act.  
[(3.) mirza's Ghost irritating his Brother Abbess to revenge him upon himself, bids him act those things upon his Son, which his very enemies shall pity, (not without the example of the matchless Johnson, who, in his Catiline (which miraculous Poem I propose as my pattern) makes Sylla's Ghost persuade Catiline to do what Hannibal could not wish,) of the Persians Enemies, I set the Mogul in front, against whom our Prince Mirza served in Person, in his Father's wars, and gained much from him, towards Candahor; The great Mogul, according to others, Mogor or Emperor of East India, borders upon the Persian by the River Oxus, and is at continual enmity with him, sometimes for Religion, sometimes for Empire; though it is no small let to the accquests of the Mogul against him that the Frontiers of Persia are on every side hemmed in with those outstreatches & branches of Caucasus, which the Grecians call Paropamise, more defensive than any artificial rampire to Persia, making it inaccessible to the Moguls horse, wherein the chief sinews of his force consist. About the year 1300. (as Barros writes) the great Sanosardin King of Delos, conquered much of these parts, and attempted the Conquest of all Asia, but died by the Persian Powers. The present Mogul boasts himself of the race of Tamburlaine (which abridgeth his antiquity) and says he is the tenth from him. The probable opinion indeed is; that they descended of the Tartar, or from the ancient Massagetae from whose coasts they came, whose chief City is Shamascand, from whence came Tamburlaine. A word of this Prince's Puissance may not seem superfluous, because it magnifies our conquering Mirza; his bounds are one way divided from the Persian by the River Indus, betwixt which, and Ganges he sways far and wide? a territory no less puissant than pleasant, a temperate air, over a fertile soil, abounding with all sorts of commodities, rich and curious; stately beasts, as the best horses, Elephants and Dromedaries; precious stones, especially Diamonds and Cornelians; most delicious spices and fruits, among which is most of note a Tree they call Moses, whose fruit is so delicate, as the Jews and Mahometans (which are the religions of those parts, the last swaying the first) believe to be the same that tempted Adam. This Prince enjoys 47. Kingdoms, the chief are Mandao, Citor, Bengala, Delly, (where he keeps his Court) and, to name no more, Cambaia; a Kingdom enjoying a City of the same name, consisting of 130000 houses, this one Province is also reported to have 60000. Burroughs; a number great and admirable, if we compare it to the best of our European Kingdoms: to name but two: Ptome saith there are in France (excepting Burgundy, and, as I take it, Normandy) 27000. Burroughs, having parish Churches; though D' Juigne will have the number of Parishes 132000. Guiccardine recounts that in the Netherlands within the Territory of the 17. Provinces, are 208▪ walled Towns, and 150. Boroughs, enjoing the privileges of Cities, and 6300. Villages having parish Churches. In Bohemia are 780. Towns, and 32000. Villages. But because no absolute judgement can be made of the power of any Province by the number of parishes, see the forces of Cambaia: Maffeus' writes that Bandurius, who, about the year 1536, ruled in Cambaia, (by what right he determines not,) had under his standard 150000. horse, where of 35000. were barbed, and 500000. foot among these only 15000. were foreigners, & some 80. Christians, French, and Portugals. The force that this Prince can on a short warning bring into the field, are reputed 300000. horse, infinite foot, proportionable ships, and 50000. Elephants; beasts which they yet find useful in war, so that in the year 1571. Idalcano had 60000. of them at the Siege of Goa. Nor let any wonder that this Prince ingrosses not all the Orient, for he has as potent neighbours as himself; as the King of Barma, the Persian and others: besides, he is so shut up with Rocks, as he has no good egress for his Armies; nor have those vast multitudes of men so much true strength as they carry terror; they sink with their own weight, are long gathering together, but not long held together; the numberless Army Marhumedius led against Cambaia, did not only waste the regions where through it passed, but by devouring all things that the earth yielded, bereft its self of sustenance: against such mighty impressions the way is to draw the war out in length, and only to stand upon the defensive: for such armies will soon waver, either for want of provision, scarcity of coin, infection of the air, or infirmities of their own bodies; as the inundations of Attila into Italy, and of Tamburlaine into Asia, were but as running marches in comparison of what the Romans, Grecians, Macedonians, Carthaginians, English, Guales, and Portugals, have done with more nimble powers; 800. only of which last named, at Demain upon the Coast of Cambaia, settled in spite of this mighty Mogor, as another small number of them did at Diu, at which two places they have built, and do maintain two most invincible Citadels, that shut up the whole gulf of the Cambaian Sea; a greater detriment to him then the loss of an inland, Kingdom; for on one side he has no haven, and on the other the Portugals are his jealous neighbours.  
[(4) And Turk] He is another, and the greatest of the Persians Enemies. He enjoys an Empire the greatest that is, or perhaps that ever was from the beginning, comprehending the better part of the ancient, threefold division of the Earth. His government is like his Neighbours tyrannical, his strength lies in his Janissaries, as the Moguls do in his Nairs. His Religion is Mahometan, of which sect he is the chief patron, and more than slights the Persian, for being less zealous than himself, so that in balancing the state of Christianity with Mahumetism; I have heard these two Princes, compared to the two Kings of France, and Spain, the French to the Persian, the Spaniard to the Turk. For the state of those differences, and for the quality of the Ottoman Empire, I refer the Reader to the most elaborate, and accurate discourse of M. Sandys, and M. Knolles his Turkish History, etc. See more of the Turk in the third note upon the second Act.  
[(5) The Tartar] or great Cham, against whom also our Mirza had wat●es, and gained much from him, east of the Hyrcanian Sea. Herb. p. 9.. Of this Prince's Empire, larger than strong, see Paul Venetus, who first broke the Ice in describing of those parts, Monst. l. 5. Cosmogr. Ortelius, Mercator, etc.  
[(6) BAHAMAN] A Prince that had reason to wish as ill to the Persian, as any of the rest, and deserves to live again in a Tragedy; his story is briefly this: About fifty years since, King Meleck Bahaman reigned in Larry Joon, a small and craggy territory, in the straits of Mount Taurus; his only aime tending to preserve his birth right, and that his grey hairs might go in peace to an eternal dormitory: but Abbas the victorious Persian, set wholly upon conquest, and now at leisure, having subdued Hyrcania, pretended that this mountainous Prince, took opportunity to ransack his Caravans, anticipate his progress to the Caspian Sea, etc. Reasons though but conjectural, of force enough to make Abbas send Methiculi with 30000 chosen men against him: Bahaman hearing it, plants Garrisons in places of defence, leaves the rest, being not able to take the field, & secures himself, his Queen their two Sons, and 10000 Soldiers in his Castle of Ryna, before which inaccessible fortress, when the Persian came, despairing by reason of its incredible height, and perpendicular ascent to expugn it, he turns force to fraud, desires a parley, presents offertures of amity, seconds them with presents, and strong invitations to the aged King to come down, as well to banquet, as strike a league with him, engaging all the Gods he knew, for his safety; which strong allurements so wrought upon the old King, as he broke through all the tears, persuasions, and prayer, of his Queen, Sons, and Soldiers, strongly carried by his destiny, to the Enemy's Tent, where indeed he was feasted all day, but detained prisoner at night; then summons the Persian, the two young Princes to yield the Castle, and descend, or their Father should die: they refuse, the Persian assaults, is forced to retreat with loss, so sore to his Army that it mutined, and vowed to return home; the General knowing his Master's severity, considered, that to return without victory, were to run into the noose; first he releases Meleck Bahaman, persuades him, he used this discourtesy but to try him, and gives him his choice of returning up to his Sons, or persuading them to come down too, and seal the easy Articles, a Copy of which were with their Father's doting Letters sent up to them; the Soldiers dissuade them from crediting the Persian, but the Queen, to enjoy her husband, provoked them down, where they are entertained with all the greatness, and feigned affection, that so great an intended treachery could devise: whilst they were here congratulating with their Father, (the General then in company) at sight of a private token, three Soldiers in an instant whipped off their heads with their Scimiters, and ere it was divulged abroad, by inviting the Queen and the rest, by counterfeit seals and tokens, to come down and partake of their joys, for the new contracted league, they made them descend and yield the Castle, some of which received destruction, others mercy. Herbert. p. 110. etc.  
[(7) The Arabian] the last of the Persians Enemies that I here recount, though not the least, against whom our Mirza expressed most heroic prowess, in distressing of their Bassora, (among other achievements) a Town where Tigris and Euphrate, empty themselves into the gulf of Persia. Herb.  
[(8) Set equal with the Gods] Plutarch writes, that the Persians honour their King as the Image of the God of nature; his words are these, recounting that Themistocles desired Colonel Artabanus, to help him to the presence of the King, he makes him answer thus: Amongst all the good Laws and Customs we have, we esteem this above the rest, to reverence and honour our King, as the image of the God of nature, who keepeth all things in their perfect life and state: wherefore if thou wilt fashion thyself after our manner, to honour the King, thou mayst both see him, and speak with him: but if thou hast any òther mind, then must thou use some third person as thy means. Plut. in vita Themist. & Justinus. lib. 2.  
Ismenias being sent by the Thebans, after their defeat of the Lacedæmonians, at the battle of Leuctres into Persia, to King Artaxerxes, to desire his compliance, being commanded to keel to the King, he let fall his Ring at his feet, and stooped to make it up, whereby it was thought of some, that he did it to kneel to the King. Plutarch, in vita Artaxerx.  
[(9) And as adored, as is the Sun our Brother] That the Persians adored the Sun, is as clear as the Sun, if any doubts it, to be informed, he needs but open any Book that treats of that Kingdom; but, to point to one, let him consult Justines' first Book, there where he treats of the fortunate choice of Darius, Son of Hystaspis to the Monarchy, his horse (which beast they hauling to the sun) seeming first to salute their rising God: see more in the seventh Note, upon the second Act. That the Kings of Persia yet took upon them so great state, as to claim kindred to this adored Planet; I find by their inscriptions, and directions of Letters and Patents. Sapores, Son to Mizdates, Monarch of Persia, in the year after our Saviour 315. wrote thus to Constantius the emperor: ay Sapores, King of Kings, equal to the stars, and Brother to the Sun and Moon, etc. And Chozroes (Father of Ormizda) who ruled Persia, Anno Dom. 542. Enstiles himself thus to the Emperor Mauritius: I Chozroes, great King of Kings, Begler beg, (or Lord of Lords) Ruler of Nations, Prince of peace, salvation of men, among the Gods, (a man good and ever) among men (a God most glorious) the great conqueror, arising with the Sun, giving lustre to the night, a Hero in descent, etc. As blustering and blasphemous Titles and Epithets, gives the great Turk to himself, as witnesseth M. Sandys. Tra. l 1. p. 47. Nor do any of these Oriental Monarch go less, everyone thinking himself greatest, so good opinions have they of themselves for particulars see Herb. p. 129.130.  
[(10) Higher then that in Spawhawn] Spawhawn, though it stands in Parthia, is the imperial City of all the Persian Monarchy, and the best built; 'tis by some called Spaan, by others Spahan, Jespaa, and Hispahan, as their several Dialects concord; in her infancy she was called Dura, (but whether that Dura, wherein Nabuchadnezzar erected his golden Coloss, I know not) the ancient Greeks called it Hecatompiles, from its hundred Gates, (as the Isle of Crete Hecatompolis, as having so many Cities) the Persians Hyperbolically term her for her greatness, Half the world, though her circuit is not now much above nine English miles, and in that the better half is Gardens; her form is near round, like Paris, the number of inhabitants 300000. at most. In this City is a monument of our Abbess his merciless cruelty; being a Pillar, compact of several heads, of men, Antilopes, Bucks, Goats, Buffols, Elephants, and Camels; 'tis at the base about 20. foot in compass, in height about 60: It was erected upon this occasion; when Abbas was proclaimed King, the Spawhawnians would not admit him, but charged him with the death of Mahomet his Father, and the murder of Emir-hamze the Prince, his elder Brother. This nettled Abbas who stoutly swore for this Rebellion he would chastise them bravely, and cut off 40000. of their heads, to raise a Pillar of terror and admiration, as a ready Sacrifice unto Mahomet. At length he Conquers, and ransacks the City, kills 1000 of them, and mindful of his oath, gives order to behead 40000. A lamentable cry is raised, but to small purpose, (the vow of the Persians never altars,) nor could he be dissuaded, till the Mufti (or sacred Messenger) assures him, Mahomet by revelation told him his oath might be dispensed with, so 40000. were beheaded, no matter what; at length he consented, whereupon ensued a massacre of all sorts of beasts, of whose heads this barbarous Column was reared, higher than any Mosque in that City, though now grown ruinous, Herbert. p. 89. etc.  
[(11) The Buzzarr] In our language the Market place, Herbert. p. 147.  
[(12.) Your great Ancestors from MORTYS ALLY] the present King of Persia will have himself of true descent from Mortys-ally, or Haly, an honour he conceives so great as he puts it among his titles. This Ally was x to Mahomet, the Persian Prophet, to whom he gave in marriage his daughter Fatyma born of his first wife, and made him his heir, and head of his superstition, by the title of Caliph: but after his death Abubacer Father of Aissa, Mahomet's 2d. wife, taking ill the preferment of Ally, by the aid of Omar and Ottomar Mahomet's kinsmen (whose desires were, in hope of succession, by reason of the old man's years, and for kindred's sake, rather to see Abubacer then Haly Caliph) resisted Haly, and set up himself, after him Omar and Ottomar succeeded; Omar was slain by a slave, Ottomar in a private Quarrel; after them Haly reigned; against him arose Mavius, who accusing him as accessary to the death of Ottamar, caused him to be slain, near Cafe, a City some two days' journey from Babylon, where he lies buried; and there, in his honour, the Persian Kings have ever since used to be consecrated; the place is called Massadell, or the house of Haly. Ossan or Hussan his Son was proclaimed, but resisted by Mavius, and by him poisoned, about the year 657. He had twelve Sons, eleven whereof were murdered with him, and with him lay buried at Cafe, or Massad; the twelfth Son escaped, from whom the now King derives his pedegee, his name was Mahomet Mahadin, alias Musa, or Prince Cherisim. The Persians so highly honour Mortys-ally, as still they place him in their devotions with Mahomet, and swore by his name; their usual oaths being by Serrey Mortys Ally, the head of Mortys-Ally or Serrey Shaw, by the King's head; and putting one finger upon their eye, and then you may believe them, if you list, they honour no less his son Hussan, whose death they yearly celebrate with many ceremonies, nine several days, in great multitudes, in the streets altogether, crying out Hussan! Hussan! so long, and so fiercely, till they have spent their voices; on the ninth day they find him (whom they imagine lost in a Forest) or one in his place, and then in a tumult, crying out Hussan! Hussan! with drums, fifes, and all sorts of loud Music, they bring him to the Mosque, where after some adoration and thanks giving, their Orgie end. Most believe that Hocem, or Mahomet Mahadin, is not dead, but strongly expect his return to convert the world, wherefore, their Prophet Mahomet also having promised them his second glorious coming after 1000 year (which they seriovysl late looking for and seeing themselves gulled by such credulity, began to stagger, till the Mufti assured them the figures were mistaken, and that upon better view of the Original he found 2000 when he would not fail to visit them) till the first thousand years' end the King of Persia, ever kept in the Mosque of Massadella, a horse ready saddled, richly camparisoned, and well attended, which, with one of his daughtrs, he reserved for Mahomet the Prophet, or for Mahadin his Nephew, first come, first sarved. The lineal descent of this King of Persia from Mortys Ally (superfluous and tedious here to insert) as also of the difference in religion between the Persian and Turk raised by his family. An. 1375. or at least by Syet Guynet who pretended to be so, read at large in Mr. Herbert's Travels, and Mr. Sandies' his Relation.  
[(13 & 14) CYRUS and DARIUS] The Alpha and Omega of the Persian Monarchy, when it was the second and greatest in the world: and stretched from East to West, from India to Ethiopia, if it can be that any is not yet acquainted with the memory of these two mighty Princes, they may soon be so, by the means of Quintus Curtius and justine. They were both the most fortunate and unfortunate; the one overcome by Thomyris Queen of Scythia, the othor by great Alexander. The two examples they were of the fragility of mundane greatness, whereof the last, that led an Army of 1000000. fighting men against Alexander, professed it his mishap at his death, that he had not wherewith to requite Polystratus for a draught of cold water, but was forced to leave it to his noble Enemy to do. And the first, that possessed so large a Dominion, and had 200000. men to attend his fall, was content with this modest Epitaph over his narrow dormitory: O man whatsoever thou art, and whencesoever thou comest, for I know thou shalt come: I am Cyrus that conquered the Empire of Persia, I pray thee envy me not for this little earth that covereth my body. Words powerful enough to pierce even the heart of Alexander, considering the instability of worldly things, as witnesseth Plutarch in vit. Alex.  
[(15) Would ope MAHOMET'S shrine] Mahomet the Saracen Law giver died in his 63. year (his great Clymacterick) giving his seduced sect a promise of his Resurrection the third day after; till when they kept him unburied, and as Antonius writes, 30. days after the reckoning; till smelling he was a liar, the air being infected with the monstrous stink of his carcase, by Abubecher (or Ebbubecher) his Father in law, he was purified, entombed, and laid in a new Sepulchre, at Medina Talnby, some two days' journey from Mecha; to which place is daily resort, by such of his sect as have zeal to Pilgrimage; and those not only are ever after accounted Syets, or holy men, and cannot lie from that time forward, but their Camels and apparel also are of such esteem, that they never after do them service in vile carriages or servile occasions. The lay people are not permitted to approach, much less to look into his Monument. But the vulgar Tradition that he hangs in an Iron Chest attracted to the roof of a Mosque by a loadstone there placed, I find approved of by few good Authors, therefore wave it. Sandys, Herbert. etc.  — No where are 
[(16) Two Kings in safetes but in Teneriff] Teneriff is one of the Canary Lands, in the Atlantic Sea, in former ages called Fortunate. Pliny counts only six of them, others ten, but the moderns reckon their number 7. viz. Grand Canaria, La Palma, Teneriffa, Lancerota, Hierro, La Gomera, and Forte ventura, their commodities are Honey, Wax, Sugar, and the best Sack; They were unknown to Rome's greatness, being first discovered (as Galvano writes) by a French Gentleman, called John de Betancour, An. 1417. though some report it of another, and in the year 1330. at which time the inhabitants were rather monsters than men; they knew no God but Nature, were ignorant of the use of fire, they shaved their heads with flints, their Children were given to Goats to suck, they cultivated the earth with horns of Goats and Oxen. In Gomera, they had their wives in common, they gave adoration to all Etherial Bodies. Their Dead they washed exceeding clean, then put the carcase into a Cave, standing upright, with a staff in his hand, and a pale of Milk and Wine placed by him; good Coadjutors to his imaginary Pilgrimage. They were conquered by Don Henerico Infant of Spain, Anno 1418. De' Juigne says long before, viz. in the year 1346. or thereabouts. But my purpose was only to speak of that one of them, Teneriffa equal to the rest in circuit, or if not, exceeding them in height; allowing its immediate ascent from the Ocean, the high peak is by most Geographers reputed 15. miles high, happily the highest in the world; by reason of its affinity with the middle airy Region, seldom without snow, it is seen by Seamen in a Serene sky, 120. English miles, and serves as an apt seamark. In this I'll they had a Custom, and I think among the Natives continued, (which occasioned this note) to have ever two Kings, one dead, the other living, keeping him that died last unburied all the reign of his Successor, perhaps to be to him a memento of Mortality, and so a Monitor to rule well. Herb. p. 3. etc.  
[(17)— Sworn by the Eight Refulgent Orbs] This (though a ranting one) was one of King Abba's usual oaths when he was serious. Herbert recounts more of this strain, as by his Crown, by the eleven hundred names of God, and the honour of his Prophet Mahomet, and by his Father's soul, which last I made use of (170. lines) before. To swear by the souls and ashes of the deceased was no less frequent among the Ancients then Moderns: to instance but in one example: Ovid making Briseis avouch to Achilles her own chastity, and Agamemnos civility towards her, makes her take these imprecations.  
Per tamen ossa viri subito mala tecta sepulcro,  
Semper judicis ossa verenda meis.  
Perque trium fortes animas, mea numina, fratrum,  
Qui bene pro patria, cum patriaque jacent, Epist. 3.  
For by my Father's bones, too ill interred,  
Bones by me ever to be honoured,  
By my three valiant Brothers souls, my Pride,  
That bravely for, and with, their Country died.  
[(18) Sultan] in our language as much as an Earl. Herb. p. 171.  
[(19) My Country Phoenix] Mirzas' wife, who speaks this, was (according to Master Herbert) an Arabian Princess, of which Country Pliny (L. 6. c. 28.) with the consent of all or most Authors, makes the Phoenix: nor could any land bring forth such a Princess as we would have her seem, but that which produces the Phoenix, a bird Claudian calls Far Superis, equal to the Gods; but because his rare Epigram of this rare Bird is too long to be inserted here, I will shut up these Annotations upon our first Act, with what Ovid sings of this precious Fowl, in as precious numbers.  
una est, quae reparet. seque ipsa reseminet ales,  
(Assyrii Phoenica vocant) nec fruge, nec herbis,  
Sed thuris lacrymis, & succo vivit amomi.  
Haec ubi quinque suae complevit saecula vitae,  
Ilicis in ramis, tremulaeque cacumine palmae,  
Vnguibus & duro nidum sibi construit ore.  
Quo simulac casias, & nardi lenis aristas,  
Quassaque cum fulva substravit cinnama myrrha;  
Se super imponit: finitque in odoribus aevum.  
Ind ferunt, totidem qui vivere debeat annos;  
Corpore de patrio parvum Phaenica renasci.  
Cum dedit huic aetas vires; onerique ferendo est;  
Ponderibus nidi ramos levat arboris altae:  
Fertque pius, cunasque suas, patriumque Sepulchrum.  
Perque leves auras Hyperionis urbe potitus  
Ante fores sacras Hyperionis aede reponit.  Ovid. Met. l. 14. 
One Bird there is repairs and sows again  
Herself, called Phoenix by th' Assyrian.  
Frankincense tears her happy life (not grain  
Or herbs) and juice of Amomum sustain.  
On Oak or Palm, when the 
(*) Five hundred years.  fifth age is past  
She with horned beak and talons builds a nest.  
This strewed with Cassia, bruised Cinnamon  
Delicious Nard, and yellow Myrrh; thereon  
She sitteth, and her age in odours ends.  
A little Phoenix thence, 'tis said, ascends,  
To live as long; Grown strong, and fit to bear  
So sweet a load, her Parent's Sepulchre  
And her own Cradle losing from the Tree,  
Upon her wings with devout Piety  
She to 
(*) Haeliopolis in Egypt.  the City of the Sun conveys,  
And it in's Fane, before his Altar lays.  
See the Tradition of the Phoenix excellently inquired into by Doctor Brown, in his Pseudodoxia Epidemica. l. b. 3. cap. 12.   

ANNOTATIONS UPON THE SECOND ACT.  
[(1) NOr hope we better fruit since that the Persians Begun to follow the Lacedæmonians.—]  
Bringing in a Persian, taxing the Luxury of his Countrymen, I make him bewail that that the Persians followed the Lacedæmonians, when indeed nothing is truer than the contrary; the Grecians being then (exemplarily) valiant and wise, Martial and Learned; the Persians (as Plutarch taxeth them) wholly bent upon softness and ease, riches, pomp and vanity, curiosity and fair women: Yet is the Antiphrasis ancient, and recorded by Plutarch, the occasion this: In the time of the reign of Artaxerxes over Persia, the Lacedæmonians seeing the Persians lost in riot, determined to deliver the Grecians that dwelled in Asia from the Persian bondage, and to that end persuaded their King Agesilaus to undertake the expedition. He invaded, and at his first conflict overthrew Tisaphernes, Artaxerxes his Lieutenant, and made most of the Cities held by Grecians rebel against him. Artaxerxes to divert the war, sent into Greece Hermocrates, a Rhodian (of great credit with him) with a marvellous sum of money to bestow in raising a faction in Greece to invade Lacedaemon, now their powers were abroad; Hermocrates so wisely executed his commission, as he raised the chief Cities of Greece against Lacedaemon, so that all Peloponnesus being up in arms, the Ephori (or controllers of the Senate) at Lacedaemon were forced to entreat Agesilaus home again: so much sharper, even in those days, was gold than steel, and that Agesilaus sorrowfully leaving Asia, said to his friends most wittily: that the King of Persia had driven him out of his Realm with 30000 Archers: (the Persian Coin being then stamped with an Archer, having a bow in his hand) He gone, Artaxerxes takes arms, and by the revolt of Conon, General of the Athenians, won that memorable Sea-fight near to the I'll of Gnidus, by which he drove the Lacedæmonians from their whole jurisdiction by Sea, which made him formidable to all Greece. Then rose up Antalcidas a corrupt Grecian, (being a Citizen of Sparta, the Son of one Leon) who being empowered by his Country, made between them that famous infamous league called Antalcidas peace; for he favouring Artaxerxes his affair, procured by this treaty, that the Lacedæmonians left unto Artaxerxes all the Cities of Greece in Asia and all the Isles, to enjoy quietly, and tax at his Pleasure; Peace thus concluded with the Grecians, (if so shameful a Treason, reproach, and common Infamy to all Greece may be called a peace (saith Plutarch) as never war fell out more dishonourable for the vanquished) Artaxexes, that otherwise hated the Lacedæmonians to the death, (as Dinon writes) did yet seem highly to favour Antalcidas, insomuch as once he took a Garland of flowers, wet it with the most precious and sweet Oils prepared for the feast, and sent it to Antalcidas, a person well deserving such a Garland, who was so bold to dance before, the Persians, mocking and counterfeiting Leonidas and Callicratidas, two of the valiantest men of Greece, wherefore one said at that time, in the presence of King Agesilaus, O how unhappy is poor Greece at this day, when th● Lacedæmonians come to follow the Persians? But Agesilaus presently answered: Not so, but rather the Persians follow the Lacedæmonians; so wisely taxing the levity of Antalcidas, whom (though the business of this Note is now over) I will trace to his end, being it cannot be far off, nor fair: shortly after the Lacedæmonians lost the battle of Leuctres, and therewith the signiory they had kept so long over all Greece, though they had lost their reputation before, for consenting to so dishonourable a peace. Whilst Sparta flourished, Artaxarxes continued to make much of Antalcidas, and called him his friend, but after this loss, he being sent into Persia, to request aid for the lacedaemonians; the King so disdained him, denying him, and his request, that he returned back to Sparta, as a man knocked on the head; and there also, seeing that his enemies mocked him, and fearing that the Ephori would call him to account for abusing his Country, he starved himself: so just reward found his treachery from a Prince, wise enough to to slight the Traitor, when he had served himself of the Treason. Plut. in vit. Artax.  
[(2) The Turkish Moon] The half moon, or Crescent, is the Turks Arms, nor do they honour that Planet only in their Ensigns, but also in their devotions, superstitiously gratulating the discovery of the new Moon, esteeming him happy that discovereth it first, and by the course thereof, do reckon their year. Sandys l. 1. p. 56.  
The Persian Emperor's Coat Armour, is a Lion passant Gardant, the sun orient upon his back. Herbert. p. 151.  
[(3) Ottoman blood] Ottoman is the name of the family of the Grand Signior. The Turks arrived to the dominion of the goodliest portion of the Earth, from so obscure an original, as the same is rather conjectured at, then positively delivered by any. Some (after the manner of most Nations) derive them from the Troyans', led thereunto by the affinity of the names Turci and Teneri, Philip of Mornay, the noble & learned Frenchman, (in his work of the truth of the Christian Religion) deduce them, and the Tartars from the Jews, viz. from the ten Tribes which were by Salmanaser King of Assyria, in the time of Oseas' King of Israel, carried into captivity, and by him confined into Media, and the other unpeopled Countries of the North, (2 King. 17.) His reasons are probable, and worthy of consideration, but to long for this note. Indeed themselves boast, that they are of the seed of Abraham, & his servant Hagar, and call themselves Ishmalites; this is also assured by their Alcoran, which calls them Hagarens, but that is such a fardel of forgeries, as it is no argument to beget credit, and themselves are so ignorant of their own antiquities, that their Histories are rather confused notes, then perfect Chronicles. Others will have them of the legitimate offspring of Abraham, by his wife Sarah, and from her called Saracens. But the most probable opinion, grounded upon the Authority of the greatest Cosmographers, (as Pomponius Mela (l. 1. cap. ult.) Plin. secundus (lib. 6. cap. 7.) and Ptolemy (in the description of Sarmatica Asiatica) is that they were a people of Scythia, at what time, and for what causes they left their cold and barren seat, to seek a better more Southerly, is no less controverted: Blondus, and Platina, will have them enforced with want to follow their better fortune, Anno Dom. 755. with whom Segonius agrees in the cause of their remove, but not in the time or place when, or whereby they departed: he will have the year 844. and that they issued by the straits of Caucasus, the others by the Caspian straits, which (saith Sabellicus (Eunead 9 lib. 2.) some of themselves report. With Segonius, our most exact Mr. Sandys agrees in the time, with the others in the way they took for their remove. So that mingling the currents of Opinions and Authors, in the seventh or eighth Century of years after our Saviour, these people of Scythia, then called Turcae or Tusci, expelled, or by force of ill neighbours, or famine, entering by the straits of the Caspian Mountains, by strong hand possessed themselves of Armenia the greater, called thereupon Turcomania, as it is at this day, multiplying by the daily accession of their Countrymen, being in Religion Pagans, and living in wandering troops, like the people about Techoa, or Dea-chow (which signifies the Town under a hill) in the Kingdom of Larr, (of which see more in the 23d Note upon the 3d Act) whom the Persians call Vloches, or Shepherds, or as of old did the Scythian Nomads, a people about Maeotis, thus described.  

Nulla domus, plaustris habitant, migrare per arva,  
Mos, atqueerrantes circumvectare penates.   

No house, but wains have they; their modes to range  
The fields, and oft their Gods new seats to change.   
Now the Saracen Empire waning by the division of the Mahometan Princes, Mahomet Sultan of Persia, distressed by the Caliph of Babylon, and the Indians, entreated aid of the Turks, who sent him 3000. soldiers under the conduct of Tangrolipix, Prince of the Selzuccian family (for so the Greeks call him, though others Togra Mucalet, the Son of Mikeil, others Sidoc, or Sadock names (its like) corrupted of his Family) Mahomet by his aid vanquished Pysastris the Caliph, the Arabians not being able to endure the Turks Archers. The Turk now desires to leave the Persian, and return over Araxis; but the Sultan, desiring to compel his father service, denied it; whereupon Tangrolipix not being able to keep the field against such numbers, betook himself to the Carmanian Deserts, spoiling the Persians Subjects; Against him Mahomet sent 20000. soldiers, who were soon defeated by stratagem; which victory so fleshed the Turks as (being now increased by fugitive) he fought Mahomet soon after with 60000. men: which battle Mahomet seeing lost, betook himself to flight, intending for Spawhawn, but between it, and Rustans' Tomb, fell and broke his neck; So by the consent of both Armies was Tangrolipix elected Sultan, and founded the Scythique or Turkish Empire. To Persia he added the jurisdiction of Babylon (or Bagdat now) which continued in the Ottoman Tyranny till the year 1625. When ABBAS the victorious King of Persia, (or rather MIRZA his Son) beat them out of it, as also out of Tauris, Van, and the greater Asia (of which see more in the seventeenth note upon the fourth Act) yet continued Trangrolipix the spiritual jurisdiction to the Caliphs' successor, in honour of their false Prophet, the Turk having now embraced the Mahometan superstition, as the best means to establish his new Empire, begun about the year 1030. such time as Edward the Confessor ruled England, and about 200. years after the Turks eruption out of Scythia. Axan succeeded his Father Tangrolipix, after him the Empire fell into petty divisions, till Ottoman head of the Oguzian family no less by fraud then force united it under himself; who taking advantage of the jars between the Christians, and some wrongs they did to him exasperating him, in those 27. years that he reigned, he annexed Bythinia, Cappadocia, and most of those strong holds that border on the Euxine Sea to his Empire, and left it entire to his Son Orcanes, who also much augmented it, and left it to his Son Amurath, etc. since which, with marvellous fortune it has grown to that stupendious bulk, that I hope will ruin it, for so long as the Christian arms are thus miserably employed against themselves, so glorious a work is more than we can hope from them. Ottoman achieved the Sultanship Anno 1300. in him began the race still continued, called in his honour the Ottoman Race, though they are indeed the Oguzian family; give me leave to shut up this long note with a short poetical summary of this Ottoman, a man vigilant and hardy, and happily the best, as well as the first, of the Turkish Emperors of that name.  
Multiplici lassatae Asiae res clade premuntur,  
Hinc Sarracenus, Tartarus inde ruit.  
Mutua Christicolae gladios in vulnera stringunt:  
Graecia funesta seditione perit.  
Impiger interea nova concipit Ottomannus  
Concilia, & valida surgit in arma manu.  
Et vasta Turcis regno fundamina turbae  
Ponit: & in multo sanguine Sceptra levat.  Phi. Lonicerus Hist. Turc. lib. 2. 
On Asia, torn, and tired with endless war  
Here rushed the Saracen, the Tartar there.  
In mutual wounds the Christians force is spent,  
And poor Greece falls with civil discord rent.  
Mean while quick Ottoman new Counsels takes,  
And at the world his armed hand he shakes.  
The basis of the Turks vast sway did found,  
And his new Sceptre bathed in many a wound.  
Philip du Mornay, Pliny, Blondius, Platina, Pomponius Mela, Sabellicus, Segonius, Ptolemy, Sandys, Herbert, Turkish History, D'Juigne.  
[(4) Shiraz wine] Shiras is the Metropolitan City of Persia,) for Spawhawn is in Parthia) she arose out of the ruins of Persepolis (of which read in the 12th. note upon the third Act) some confound the name, and think the city's the same; others, that they once joined, though they are now 30. English miles distant; which distance, and the high craggy Mountains interposing them, seem to confute that opinion. It's seated upon the River Bindimire, the Persians pronounce it Sheiras, some Syras, and such will have her built by Cyrus, and from him called Cyropolis: others from Jamshet, fifth King of Persia, and so from Noah. But it's most probable, its derivation is from Sheir or Milk (being fruitful in Pastorage) as Aleppo from Halip; which Synonymies are taken for plenty and pleasure; many Towns in these parts agreeing so, as Whormoot, a Town of Dates, D' Achow, a Town upon a Hill, De Gardow, a Town of Walnuts, Eri the head City of Aria, so abounding with Roses, it may thence take the name. That Shiras arose of the ruins of Persaepolis at least, most agree, though built in a distant place; as we see Tauris from Echatane, Bagdat from old Babel, Jerusalem towards Mount Calvary, Cairo from Memphis, Tunis from Carthage, Constantinople from Byzantium, Rome now in Campus Martius, and many other Cities which altering their seat, though but a league, some have got other denominations, some to eternize their repairers, some from their scite. The compass of Shiras is about nine miles, pleasantly seated, and well adorned with beautiful Mosques, and most delicious Gardens. It is a Proverb among the Persians, Quando Suars erat Sirrah, tunc Caiarus erat ejus Pagus. A twinkling Tradition, and implies much; For best fruits, gallant men, handsome women, and good wine Shiras bears the bell; especially for wine; for about it grows the best grape in Asia, so that the name of Shiraz wine is every where famous, being no less cried up in Persia, than the Lesbian or Thracian wines were in Greece, or then in Italy were the Falernian or Massican, or now is that they call Lachrymae Christi (which made the Dutch man wish Christ had wept in his Country) or that of Monte Fascone, which made the German Bishop immortal, as the story goes, and as you may read it in Mr. Raymond's Mercurio Italico. pag. 62. The Shiraz wine is chiefly a Meat wine, somewhat like the French, but better tasted, though more intoxicating, Herbert, etc.  
[(5.) By the life of MORAT] The Turks also swear by the life of their King, a Custom ancient, in all places: Joseph in Egypt learned to swear by the life of Pharaoh, or as some render it, by the health of Pharaoh, so the Remish, Gen. 42.15. This Morat or Amurath the 4th of that name, and 11th Emperor of the Turks, reigned when this Tragedy was really acted in Persia, from him our Mirza won Babylon or Bagdat, in the 3d or (as some say) 4th year of his Reign, (see the third Note upon this Act.) He was one of the Sons of the greet Achmat, and came to the Empire in the year 1623. (aged fifteen years) after the murder of his elder Brother Osman, and the short troublesome Reign of his Uncle Mustapha.  
[(6) Tulipant.] Tulipants, Turbans, & Sashes, are the head Ornaments of the Turks and Persians. The Turks all of them wear white Sashes & Turbans, the badge of their Religion; as is the folding of the one, & size of the other of their vocations and quality. Sashes are long Towels of Calico wound about their heads: Turbans are made like great Globes, of Calico too, & thwarted with rolls of the same, having little copped Caps on the top, of green or red velvet, being only worn by persons of rank, and he is the greatest that wears the greatest, the Muftis (or Prelates) excepted, which over-sizes the Emperors; yet is his big enough according to Mr. Sandys, who reports, that Sultan Achmet, wore a Turban, in shape like to a pumpion, but thrice as great. And though many Orders have particular ornaments appointed for their heads, yet wear they these promiscuously. It is yet an especial favour in the Turk to suffer the Christian tributary Princess, and their chiefest Nobles, to wear white heads in the City. The Persians also wind about their heads great rolls of Calico, but some of silk and gold, somewhat higher, but not so bulky as the Turkish Tulipants; a little fash of gold, or fringe, hangs down behind, as do our scarves, which ornament they lately borrowed of the Arabian. In Triumphs they wreath about their Turbans long chains of pearls, Rubies, Turquoises, and Emeralds of no small lustre and value. The King wears the contrary side of his Tulipant forwards, which is all the difference in habit 'twixt him and others. These Turbans they keep on continually, it being a shame with them, to be seen bareheaded: (perhaps because generally they wear no hair on the head or chin, (but on the upper lip they have very long whiskers, and turned downward) some only reserve a lock of hair upon the top of the head, as a certain note that Mahomet at Doomsday, will distinguish them from Christians, and by it lift them up to paradise) so that Mr Herbert remembers as a singular favour, the civility of this King Abbas, to Sir Dodmore Cotton, Ambassador from our late King Charles to him, Sc. When the King drank to the Ambassador his royal Master's health, seeing the Ambassador put off his Hat, the King put off his Turban, and bareheaded took off his cup, to the admiration of all the Court, to see so unusual a Grace from so haughty a Prince, bestowed upon a Christian Ambassador: another of his favours to him was, that whereas he thinks it honour enough to let the great Turk's Ambassador kiss the hem of his Garment only, and perhaps by especial Grace, his foot; he gave the English Ambassador his hand, and with it, pulled him down, and seated him next to himself crosslegged, after the Asian mode.  
[(7) MITHRA] the same with the Suns, or rather the Idol of the Sun, anciently adored by the Persians, nor have Mahometism yet justled out that old superstition, but only mixed with it, so that Mr. Herbert affirms, that in Spawhawne its self the Imperial City (of which before in the tenth Note upon the first Act) at the appearing of every new Moon, they go out to worship it, and each day at Sun set in every ward of the City, they beat their Kettle Drums, till he arises with the Antipodes: at that time, and at his first looking into our Horizon, a well voiced Boy from the Tarrass, or top of their Temples, sing Eulogies to Mahomet and Ally, and then each layick Pagan falls to his devotion, whatsoever he is about. Their prayers are in the Arabic, their Negotiations in other Languages. Of old, in a Cave were the Rites of Mithra solemnised; from whence they drew an Ox by the horns; which, after the singing of certain Paeans, was sacrificed to the Sun. Zorastes placeth him between Oremazes and Arimanius, the good and bad Daemon, for which he took that denomination. His image had the countenance of a Lion, with a Tiara on his head, depressing an Ox by the horns. I find him mentioned by Grotius, in his Tragedy of Christ's passion, but more to our purpose by Statius, Theb. l. 1.   

ANNOTATIONS UPON THE THIRD ACT.  
[(1) CAucasus] This is the highest mountain in Asia, yet was it in the general Deluge fifteen Cubits under water, Gen. 7.20. It's of long extent, and serves for limits to Scythia, to separate it from India, dilating itself almost through the whole North, but under divers names; that part which stretches from Maeotis in Scythia, towards the Indian Sea where it arises, Pliny will have called Taurus, (lib. 5. cap. 27.) Some parts of it, the Indians call Imaus, other Paropamissus, Circius, Coatras, Niphates, Sarpedon, Coragus, etc. These outstretching branches of this Mountain, encompass some whole Kingdoms, of some they run by the sides, to others are a defensive Rampire; sometimes they wholly shut up passages, sometimes make them inaccessible: Difficulties more injurious to the Morgor, than any other Prince, rendering his Horse, his chief strength, of small service, of this quality are the frontiers of Persia, and the Kingdom of Sa●lastan, on every side hemmed in with that part which the Grecians call Paropamis (as I said before in the third Note upon the first Act. Segestan is likewise so environed, that the River Il●mento (were it not for searching out infinite crooked windings through natural valleys) could hardly find passage to pay his tribute to the famous Ganges. Notwithstanding all these excrescencies of this Mountain, all agree that the highest part of it is Caucasus, so called quasi Caspius, as being near the Caspian Sea. By reason of the height, and and so snow perpetually on it, it is uninhabited, producing little but savage Trees, and poisonous herbs, and is barren even to an expression: so that Virgil making Dido exclaim against Aeneas, for his unkind attempt to leave her, could not put better words into her mouth, then 
Nec tibi diva parens, generis nec Dardanus auctor  
Perside; sed duris genuit te cautibus torrens  
Caucasus, Hyrcanaeque admorunt ubera Tigers.  Aeneid. 4. 
Thou art not Venus' Son, nor dardan's seed,  
But faithless, thee dire Caucasus did breed  
On churlish cliffs, and Hyrcan Tigers feed▪   
(At the Hyrcanian Tigers I glance in the eighth Scene of the fourth Act) Caucasus by reason of the stupendious height administers much ease and certainty to the observation of the stars, which have given so great a reputation to the Scythians to be good Astronomers; this according to Lactantius and Cicero (lib. 5. Tusc) is the reason the Poets feigned Prometheus to be chained here, and to feed an Eagle with his breast, for stealing fire from Heaven (not here to dilate any further upon the Mythology of that Fable) meaning by him a studious man, and ginger; his name imports wisdom and foresight, (as Epimetheus the contrary) he passes for Son of Japetus, and Father of Deucalion, though some will have him begotten by Mercury, of Reason, upon Mount Caucasus, because of the commodiousness of the place, for the aspection of Stars. But the occasion of this Note, was what I find noted by Boetius in his Philosophical comfort (lib. 2.) Out of Cicero his Scipio's Dream, speaking of the narrowness of Fame, viz. that in his time the name of the Roman, Commonwealth had not sworn over the River Ganges, (of which in the next note) nor reached over this hill Caucasus; and yet it was then in the most flourishing estate, fearful even to the Parthians, and the rest of Asia minor.  
The same I find in Plutarch, who indeed makes Pompey (in vit. Pomp.) in chase of Mithridates pass by those Nations that inhabit about Caucasus, and conquer the Albanians and Iberians, but they are still of this side of the hill, the Iberians (as himself say) stretch out unto Mount Moschium, and to the Realm of Pontus, the Albanians lie towards the East & mare Caspium. So true is it that the greatest Empires have hidden fates allotted them, and certain periods both of time and place. Nor doth Lucan in his muster roll of Pompey's forces set down any from beyond the hill, nor over Ganges, though just up to them; in that agreeing with Plutarch, who also agrees with him, where he makes Ganges the utmost bounds of Alexander's Conquests; no small fame to this hill and river to bound the Roman and Macedonian Empires, to remember the Poet's words is not superfluous, at least so much of them as concern Ganges the subject of the next note.  
Movit & Eoos bellorum fama recessus,  
Qua colitur Ganges, toto qui solus in orbe  
Ostia nascenti contraria solvere Phaebo  
Audet, & adversum fluctus impellit in Eurum.  
Hic ubi Pellaeus post Tethyos aequora ductor.  
Constitit, & magno vinci se fassus ab orbe est. Phars. l. 3.  
The farthest East range of these famous wars,  
Where Ganges flows, the only stream that dares  
Cross rising Phoebus, and with horrid might  
Force 'gainst the Eastern wind his rolling tide.  
Here the Pellaean, stopped, was forced confess  
His boundless mind then this one world was less.  
[(2) From Ganges head to towering Atlas' foot] The strange and unusual course of this River Ganges, cross to the Sun, you have seen well described by Lucan. It takes its source in the Mountains of Scythia, as most believe, though some say in the Mountains of Tartary, others, that it is uncertain, as that of Nile. It traverseth the East Indies, giving a name to the Country. Gangeticus, id est, Indicus: So Lucan speaking of the arrival of the spring, and of the Suns drying up of the winter fogs, saith, 
Et quas sentit Arabs, & quas Gangetica tellus  
Exhalat nubulas. Phars. l. 4.  
— He doth exhale  
The fogs that India, and Arabia feel.   
It was (as many write) one of the four Rivers that bounded Paradise, and the first mentioned in holy writ, by the name of Pishcon, or Phison. (Gen. 2.) It was called Ganges from a King of Aethiopia of that name, so says Suidas. It is very large in all its course; Pliny (lib. 6. cap. 18:) makes the narrowest part of it to be eight miles over, the broadest twenty, and the depth more than 100 foot. Arrianus in his History of Alexander, assigneth the first place unto it, making it excel Nilus; which must be granted (according unto later relations) it doth, at least in depth and breadth, if not in length: For the Magnitude of Nilus consisteth in the dimension of Longitude, and is inconsiderable in the other; what stream it maintaineth beyond Scyene or Asna, and so forward unto its original, relations are very imperfect, but below these places and farther removed from the head, the current is but narrow; and the History of the Turks relates, that the Tartar horsemen of Selimus, swam over the Nile from Cairo, to meet forces of Tonombeius, last Sultan of Egypt, more than the valiant Macedonians durst under take to do at Ganges (though they had before done as much as the Tartars did at Nile, in wading through Hydaspes, up to their breasts with their harness on their backs, to meet King Porus) not so much deterred by the report of the Kings of the Gangarides and the Praesians on the other side ready to receive them (with 80000. horse, 200000. foot, 8000. Chariots, and 6000. Elephant's) for numbers were not terrible to them, but gave hopes of the richer prey and brighter fame,) but they were dishartened to combat the waves, understanding by the Countrymen, that it was 32. furlongs over, and 100 fathom deep. So Plutarch (somewhat differing from Pliny, though their measure will admit an easy reconcilement.) With an impetuous tide it rages; for which I must quote Lucan again, who speaking of Caesar's going to assault Corsinium a Town of the Peligni, when L. Domitius the Governor had cut off the bridge of the River, three miles from the Town, makes him thus bravely encourage his Cohorts to pass it, despising the petty difficulty, and vaunting that he would do, if need were, now he had begun the War, what Alexander could not, 
— Non si tumido me gurgite Ganges  
Submoveat, stabit jam flumine Caesar in ullo,  
Post Rubiconis aquas: equitum properate catervae.  
Ite simul pedites: ruiturum ascendite pontem.  Phars. l. 2. 
I'd o'er; though Ganges here rowed all his might:  
Now Rubicon is passed; no rapid tide  
Shall Caesar stop; on winged Troops, like hail,  
Follow brave Foot, the sinking bridge assail.   
A speech worthy Caesar. This River is by the Indians held so sacred, as many of them drown themselves in it, esteeming it efficacious to wash away their sins; and the Princes whose dominions it washes, exact great Tributes of such as bathe in it; well therefore might Lucan in the fore cited Verses, meaning India, say Qua colitur Ganges. Where Ganges is adored—  
Atlas is a mountain in Mauritania (now called Barbaria) or the Country of Marisco, towards the Gaditan straits, and the west Ocean. It was anciently called Adirim, according to Martian, Durim saith Solinus, as also Anchisa, and the Pillar of heaven, by the inhabitants, being so high, that a man cannot discern the top thereof. It was called Atlas from a King of Mauritania of that name, the Son of Jupiter and Clymene, or of the Nymph Asie, say the Poets; others, of Japet, and Brother to Prometheus; He having been advertized by the Oracle of Themis, that the Son of Jupiter (prophesied by Hercules) should carry away golden Apples, which grew in his Hesperian Hortyard, enclosed the same with a mighty wall, and committed it to the custody of a sleepless Serpent, admitting no Foreigner into his confines; and so being unhospitable unto Perseus (the Son of Jupiter and Danae) was at the sight of Medusa's head, turned into that Mountain which carries that name, on whose high shoulders the Stars are feigned to take their repose. So Ovid in his Metamorphosis, upon the fourth Book of which M. Sandys in his mythological commentary observes, that some alluding this to a History, will have those apples flocks of large and beautiful sheep belonging to Atlas, whose fleeces were of the colour of gold; as because a River environed those pastures, they were said to be guarded by a Serpent, or in that they were kept by one Ladon, a churlish and inhuman shepherd, or feigned perhaps of the store of gold wherewith Mauritania abounds, digged up at the foot of that Mount; the wakeful Dragon, those restless cares which afflict the covetous in the tuition of their riches. Now Atlas flying thither, from the invasion of Perseus (figuring a Masculine and heroical virtue) and there lurking, was said to have been converted into that Mountain, and in regard of the altitude thereof, to have sustained the heaven on his shoulders. But Astronomically those Apples are taken for stars, shining like gold, and in figure orbicular, said to grow in the West, in that they appear not before sun set; the Zodiac, or our Hemisphere, being the Serpent: all of them supported, in regard of his excellency in Astronomy, by Atlas. Some say, that ascending aloft, the better to observe the course of the stars, he fell headlong into the Sea from this Mountain, called for this by his name, as of that aspiring height, the celestial Column: all agree that he is said to sustain the Heaven with his shoulders, because he was the first Astronomer in those quarters, and a famous Mathematitian, who invented the sphere, (though others make that. Archimedes his device) and held the first light to the discovery of the motions and qualities of the celestial bodies. Homer makes Calypso, that detained Ulysses' seven years in her Isle of Ogygia, Atlas, his daughter, and thus sings of him and her, whilst he makes Pallas at the council of the Gods, call her 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 
Daughter of Atlas, that knew every where  
The Ocean's inmost gulfs, he that doth bear  
The two long poles that earth and heaven up rear.   
I here put Ganges and Atlas, in opposition one to another, to express the divers ends of the world; to wit, East and West; though indeed to speak strictly, (as Dr Brown observes in his Pseudodexia Epidemica: lib. 6. cap. 7. There is no East and West in Nature; nor are those absolute and in variable, but respective and mutable points, according to different Longitudes, or distant parts of habitation, whereby they suffer many and considerable variations. For first, unto some, the same part will be East or West, in respect of one another; that is, unto such as inhabit the same parallel, or indifferently dwell from East to West. Thus as unto Spain, Italy, lieth East, unto Italy, Greece, unto Greece, Persia, and unto Persia, China, so again unto China, Persia lieth West, unto Persia Greece, unto Greece Italy, and unto Italy, Spain: so that the same Country is sometimes East, and sometimes West; and Persia, though East unto Greece, yet is it West unto China. But laying the Scene in Persia, 'tis as proper to express the East by Ganges, as China, or any flood in it, as well because of their affinity, China bordering upon the brahmin's that adore Ganges, as that Ganges is the most celebrated name. These places to express the same meaning, Du' Bartas makes use of; in the first day of his first Week, he saith, That the Trump of the Angel in the last day, shall be heard from Atlas to Ganges, meaning from the West to the East.  
[(3) Let the haughty Duke of Shiras have a care, left I absolve myself of my rash oath, etc.]  
Emangoly Chawn, great Duke of Shiras, and Persepolis, and Viceroy of them and Larr, got an oath from King Abbas, that he never should be beheaded, a recompense for small reason too usual from that Emperor. (Herbert, p. 62.) Mahomet●lly beg had the like oath, as I hint towards the end of the Play. See more of the greatness and state of this Emangoly, in the 9th. Note upon this Act, of his martial acquests in the 18th. and 19th. Notes upon the fourth Act. See Persepolis described in the 12th. and Larr in the 23d Note upon this third Act.  
[(4) I'll thrust him from the Government of Shiras.]  
This Duke Emangoly, was Governor of Shiras, where he kept his Court in a splendid manner, when he was out of Arms. Shiras you have seen enough of, in the fourth Note upon the second Act. Herbert.  
[(5) I'll turn his feast of Lilies into Cypress.]  
Shushan, in the Province of Elam, or Persia, (according to Nehemiah and Daniel) was one of the three royal Palaces of the Median Monarchs, one at Babylon, another at Echatan, now Tauris, the third at Susa, or Shushan. This Palace is mentioned in Hester, Cap. 1. That Ahasuerus, An. mundi 3500. ruling over the Medes and Persians, and over 127 Provinces, made a feast in Shushan to all his Nobles and Officers, lasting 180 days, which custom it seems, is yet amongst them, for yearly to this day, the King of Persia celebrates a feast of Roses, and the Duke of Shiraz, or Persepolis, (who is Lord of Susiana, or Shushan) a feast of Lilies, or Daffodils of like continuance. Herbert. p. 140. Susa, signifying a Lily, a Rose or Joy, and so called from the Kingdom of Susiana, in which it stands.  
[(6) Hyrcania] Is a noble Kingdom of Asia, now called Mozendram, it was called Corca, and Girgia (meaning perhaps Georgia, which is Iberia, 'twixt the two Seas) by some again Caspia (from its sea) and Steana, and Myrach, and by Mercator, Diargument. Tomasius will have it bounded on the East with the Caspian sea, on the South with Armenia, on the North with Albania, on the West with Iberia. M. Herbert, and most of the moderns, limit it on the North, with the Caspian sea, on the South with Mount Taurus, on the East with Zagathia, (which is part of Scythia intra Imaum) and on the West with Media, or rather some part of the lesser Armenia, upon whose tops the Ark rested. Araxis from the Turisian Mountains (as Ptolemy writes, from Sagapene, Colthyan, Seducene) waters and fattens this peaceful Country; to perfect which, she is divided, and subdivided so oft into so many rivulets, that from an ample River, ere she kisses the Caspian, she loses her pride, and gives one leave to wade through her deepest channel. The Country is full of Woods, so that the people of old, thinking to hinder Alexander's entrance, twisted one Tree to another; but he that had dissected Gordions knot, though very mystical, with the same sword annihilated their policies, and subdued them; yet with no small difficulty, not so much from their Woods, as their Wolves, Lions, Boars, Panthers, Leopards, Tigers, (so famed by the Poets, and remembered in the forecited Verses out of Virgil) and Scorpions, with which they are stored; Scorpions especially, not more small in bulk, then fierce in their venomous disposition. He that is stung, if he escapes death, is frantic twenty hours at least, and no better remedy than (like Achilles' Spear) to turn a Scorpion into Oil, and apply it to the place offended. The Hyrcanians think to prevent their poison by charms, which they tie about their Arms, yet they sometimes fail them; then to excuse their charms, they lay the cause on their that day's sin. Though their woods could not hold out the Macedonians, yet their noxious inhabitants of them, defended them from the Romans, in some sort recompensing to the Country in general, the hurt they do to its particular inhabitants: for Plutarch reports (In vit. Pomp.) That Pompey going to invade Hyrcania, as far as Mare Caspium, he was compelled to turn back again into Armenia the less, for the infinite numbers of deadly venomous Serpents which he met with, being come within three days' Journey of it. These Woods yet befriend them against winter colds, and shade them from the parching sun, both which in their seasons are there extreme; and besides hurtful creatures they are plentifully stored with Apes for European Merchandise; and Antilopes, and Red and fallow Deer for food. The crime Cities of this Kingdom are Farrabant, Asharaffe, Peris●●w, Omoall, Barsrushdea and Derbent, most watered by the Rivers Araxis, Connack, Osbel, Cry, Rha, and Cheisell, who from the deserts of Larr, and together with the 70. mouthed Volga from Muscovia, empty themselves into the Caspian Sea. These Rivers abound with fish, and are furnished with little Canoes or Boats made of one Tree, capable to receive eight men in fair weather. In the River of Farrabant (which bears a stream of 40. paces over) are some long deep prams, sowed together with hemp and cord (but unpitcht or calked) in these the Muscovian Merchants sail down Volga, over the Caspian Sea, to Farrabant, to traffic for raw silks, which they transport to Moscow, and through Russia. These ships ordinarily come thither in March, and return in July. This Country being both pleasant and rich, viz. a fine Plain abounding with Corn (chiefly Rice, Barley and Ric) Wine, Honey, and all sorts of fruits; and being an useful passage into Tartary and Turcomania, allured Abbas of Persia to attempt it, who had the fortune to win it: To hold it the better, he oft afforded it his presence, residing much at Farrabant, (where he built a sumptuous Palace) and Asharaff (where Master Herbert tells you he was when he received Sir Dodmore Cotton Ambassador from our King Charles) and in his absence there resides the Viceroy. The people speak the Language of Persia; their apparel is like the Irish trooses; their heads have a high woollen Cap, furred with their own sheep's skins. They are affable, and delight in Novelty, being much civilised (as say the Persians) since they called Abbas their Conqueror, and had the honour to afford him a Mother and a Wife, which, though not the least, shall be the last praise of Hyrcania which I will here remember, that it produced the Grandmother and Mother of MIRZA.  
[(7) The Grand Signior] The Great Turk, so called in the same sense as we call the Great Mogor, the Great Japan, the Great Duke of Muscovie, the Great Cham, the Great Duke of Tuscany, etc.  
[(8) The Gelden Duke] King Abbas his Viceroy for Hyrcania (whom I call Elchee) liking a Boy, whose Father was poor, and under his command; against the boy's with his Parent's knowledge, and the Law of Nature, made him Sodomite, which crying sin, though licenced by their Alcoran yet force is not to be used, and therefore are Ganymeds' 〈◊〉 each great City tolerated. The Father of this wrong Child prostrates himself before the King, and acquaints him with that villainy: The King seeing sorrow and truth in the Peasants look, demanded of the Duke, who then was sitting there, how true it was; his countenance bewrayed him. The King having at that instant a knife in his hand, gave it to the poor Father, and bade him Eunuchize him: The Duke durst not startle or intercede, the Law of the Persian never altars the poor man executed as was enjoined him. The King yet continued to the Duke his jurisdiction. His Seraglio only lost most by it. Herbert. p. 99  
[(9)— There I've disarmed a Foe, and the most potent too in the whole Empire] This foe of Allybeg's was the above mentioned Duke Emangoly, the greatest subject in Persia; his Father and Grandfather were Dukes before him, a Genealogy of that Antiquity as many Sultan's and Duke's in India and Persia cannot equal it, they know so little that way. He was one of the Kings four great Dukes, each of which hath under him 12. Sultan's, each Sultan 5000. Gouzel-Bashaws, no worse warriors than the Janissaries. His Titles without ostentation were these; Emangoly Chawn, Lord of Persia, (which they call Farsee) Great Duke of Shiras, Sultan of Larr, and the Mountains of Jaaroon, Lord of Ormus, Ruler of Carmania, Mergiana, Susiana, Gedrozia, Aria, and Sigestan, Prince of the Gulf of Arabia, Great Beglerbegg (or Lord of Lords) Commander of twelve Sultan's. Flower of Courtesy, second in Glory, Protector of Mussullmen, Nutmeg of Comfort, and Rose of delight. He was very martial and fortunate, he subdued all Larr, Ormus, and unto Jasques for his Sovereign, (of which in the 18. and 19 notes upon the 4th. Act) He got footing in Arabia for himself, in this manner: Two Arabian Princes contending for Sovereignty, he that was vanquished demanded succour from this Duke, who entertained him, and with 20000. Horse fought and killed his Adversary, and became Lord of both their Tertitories. The relieved Prince thanks him, and desires to return home; Emangoly refused, could he with any honesty leave him that had so succoured him; The Prince must stay, and in fine, becomes his Son in Law and Father at once; for he wedded the Duke's Daughter, and the Duke his Signiory, and kept him Prisoner; the usual fruit of Auxiliary or mercenary forces. When he hunts the Tiger, Lion, Boars and such like (which he did once in four years) he set 20000. men to rouse them; and when they were herded together on some Mountain, he impaled it with a huge toil, of wire, cords, and wood; a toil and burden for 600. Camels, and so commanded them. Answerable to his State was his Estate, his plate and Jewels were valued at 300000. pounds. He had 300: women in his Seraglio (called there Haram) at Shira, His Revenues (according to the Merchant's computation) were 400000. Tomaynes a year, (a Toman is 3. l. 6. s.) So Herbert, which of our money comes to 1328000. l. a year, a Revenue equal to some European Kings, not superfluous here to be remembered, because it shows the greatness of Subjects in those parts.  
[(10) MORATS Horse-tail standard] The Turks royal Standand (born by the Janissaries) is no other than a horse-tail tied to the end of the staff. So Sandys; which though seeming rude, and answerable to their Original, doth smell much of Antiquities; Coloured Horsehairs being a most ancient Ornament for Crests; Homer sticketh the like in the Helmet of the gallantly armed (though not so spirited) Paris being to fight the great deciding Combat with Menelaus for Helena.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 
Then on his head his well wrought Helm he set,  
Plumed with Horse-tail, that horribly did threat.  
Hear how this passage sounds in French, rendered by the great Poitique and much admired Abbot of Saint Cheron, Salel.  
— Et puis couurit sa teste  
D'vn rich armet, ayant une grand' oreste  
Faite du poil qu'on voit prendre en la queuë  
D'vn grand cheval: tant horrible à la veuë  
Qu' aussi souuent que sa teste il hausoit.  
On eust pense que cela menacoit.  
[(11) Seraglio] Those Palaces or Bawdy houses royal are called Seraglios, in which the noble men and Princes in Persia, Turkey, and indeed all over Asia keep their Concubines; every great Man has one, commonly plentifully stored; Emangoly (as I have said) had 300. women in his: But that belonging to the Great Turk in Constantinople excels all in the world, yet his Predecessors did not more exceed others, then of late years Sultan Achmat did them in this point, having his furnished with 1500. women, whereof more than 500 of the choicest were Virgins, all of them his slaves, either taken in the Wars, or from their Parents, Christian or others, but the chosen Beauties of the Empire; only a free woman is not to be made a Concubine unless she consents, and herein only is the Grand Signiors power limited. They were attended only by women and Eunuchs, nor were they presented to the Emperor until certain months after their Entrance, in which time they were purged and dieted according to the custom of the ancient Persians; when it was his pleasure to have one, they stood ranked in a Gallery, and she prepared for his bed to whom he gave his handkerchief. This custom is still continued, and the Grand Signior sometimes bestows some of his cast Concubines upon some of his Bassas, and principal Favourites, as rewards of prime services, which is taken for a transcendent favour; a certificate that they have pleased him, being accounted a noble Dowry. In so besotted a subjection are the minds as well as the bodies of those people to the Ottoman Tyrants. For more of this subject, I refer you Mr. Sandys his Relation, and to a description of the Grand Signiors Seraglio in particular, lately published, etc.  
[(12) Persepolis was the head City of Persia (according to Pliny) and of the whole Orient (according to Curtius) so called from Perseus its founder (say some) and father of the Nation. The Persians say Jamshet was the founder, whose Image is frequently carved in most places; he ruled over Persia in nine descents from No, and is by Historiographers supposed son of Ouchange, fourth King of Persia. Others will have her built by Sosarinus, who lived in the Median Dynasty, and was the third Emperor from Arbaces, who gave end to Sardanapalus and the Assyrian Monarchy, which had continued from Belus, Father of Ninus 1480. years, in succession of 41, Monarchs: Howbeit she was most beautified by Cambyses. Son to Cyrus, and second K. of the second Monarchy; and continued the mightiest City in Asia from Cambysses to Darius Codomanus Son to Arsamus, in the line of 13. Monarchs, 230. years, at which time it fell under the Macedonian Victor; whose Historiographer Q. Curtius reports her built of Cedar Trees, but improbably; for the Country produces none; if he meant Cypresses, 'tis credible; for they every where crown the banks of the River Byndamir, which waters this City: Adjoining be whole Mountains of black Marble, of which the imperial palace was extracted and cut out, in which the King's Throne was Gold and Oriental Gems; the Roof shined with Gold and Silver, Amber and Ivory, now a heap of ruins, by the Inhabitants called Chilmanor, or forty Towers; their Ancestors may have seen so many, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 now there are but nineteen standing, and one below to the East, though the ruins of eighty more are yet extant. The Hall was cut out of black shining Marble, wherein were placed 100 white Marble Pillars, each Pillar fifteen foot high, and forty squares round, each square three inches: From hence is a Prospect of all the Plains thirty miles about. The ascent to it is hewn out of the Marble Rock, (as if the structor presaged fire and defied it) the stairs reserving their durance and beauty to this day are 95. So broad that 12. horsemen may ride up a breast. The immediate ascent is 22. foot high, at which is the Gate in breadth six paces; in height 30. foot very elegantly hewn out of the Marble, fixed, and durable for ever; engraven with a mighty Elephant on the one side, and a Rhynoceros on the other. A little further from the Entrance are two Towers or Pillars of like shape and bigness to the former, near which is another part of the Gate, wherein is engraven a Pegasus; these are the Portals to that Apollo supported by 100 white Marble Pillars. Adjoining to this was another foursquare Room, each square 90. paces, 360 round; it had eight doors, four of which are six paces broad, the other half so much, each door has still seven engraven Marble stones, fixed one upon another, each stone four yards long, and five quarters high, all which eight doors are exquisitely carved with Lions, Tigers, Griffins, and Bulls of rare sculpture and proportion; on the top of each door is in stone the Image of an Emperor in State, holding in his hands ● staff and Sceptre, this was the Dining room: The next was the Queens and her Lady's room, 'tis Quardrangular, but not equal in form, 2 sides being 60, the other 70. paces. The fourth Room not yet quite obscured, was the Nursery, two sides 20 the other 30. paces long; the black Marble walls are rarely wrote with Images of huge stature, and have been illustrated with Gold, yet in some places visible: the stones so well polished they equal in lustre a steel mirror▪ At the highest of this Palace is cut, out of the pependicular Mountain, the Image of a King (perhaps Cambyses) adoring three Deities, the Fire, the Sun, and a Serpent. So far Master Herbert, of whose exact description I have used the more, because none have so well done it as he; as also for the worthiness of the subject, this having been saith Diodorus Siculus the richest (which you may guess at anon, when you see what wealth Alexander found in it) and the most lovely City under the Sun; It had (saith the Historian) a high stately power, environed with a threefold wall; the first wall was sixteen Cubits high, beautified with battlements, the second was as high again, and the third as much exceeded that, to sixty Cubits, composed of hard Marble (polished like a lookingglass and as bright) fixed with brazen gates: To the East of which was a Hill of four Acres, wherein were Entombed the Monarchs of the world. Nor was the glorious Temple of Diana here of less credit, being (as Josephus writes) covered with refined gold. Arist. lib. de mundo, averreth the admirable ingenuity of the Persian Magi such, combined with the immense cost of those Emperors, that by well disposing of pipes in a wall, reaching to this City, they could hear in one day of all affairs, though that bulky Empire, even from the Hellespont unto India. Magin in Geogr. makes this City still in circuit 28. miles, and to contain 60000 Families, notwithstanding all the injuries it hath suffered of war and fire, the one having so much wronged her beauty, the other diminished her Inhabitants and Treasure; for Alexander himself writeth (saith Plutarch) that he caused many of the Persians Prisoners and others to be put to the sword to secure himself against mutinies; and with the King's wardrobe, and Treasure which he found here, he jaded 10000 Moils and 5000. Camels, of which the Citizens, after his soldiers had spoiled what they pleased in the sack, gave him in ready Gold 120000 Talents to spare the rest, yet felt it the flames of his wrath, or rather Luxury, he saying it was to revenge the injuries done by the Princes thereof to the Greeks, (so Strabo. lib. 15.) for meaning to refresh his Army, he stayed here, making it his winter Quarters, then preparing to go again against Darius, he would needs revel and banquet at the Palace one day, where was the famous Thais, the Athenian Courtesan, his Concubine, (and after his death, King Ptolemy's of Egypt) she flattering of Alexander, began to utter her affection to her Country, saying, that now she held herself fully recompensed for all the pains she had taken in following of his Army over all Asia, now that she had the fortune to be merry with him in the proud Palace of her Persian enemy; but yet it would do her much more good for a recreation, to burn Xerxes his house with the fire of joy, who had burnt the City of Athens, and herself to give fire to it, before so noble a Prince as Alexander, that it might ever be said, that the women following his Camp, had taken more dreadful revenge of the Persians, for the injuries they did to Greece, than all the stoutest Captains of Greece could obtain, or by Land or Sea. His Courtiers accorded, and persuaded him to it; so Alexander putting a Garland of flowers upon his head, led all his train of Courtiers and Concubines, following and dancing about the Palace, whilst it burned, his Soldiers thence taking hopes that he would return home, seeing he burned the King's Castle. Some Writers think, that it was not burnt with such sport, but by determination of the Council; however they all grant, that Alexander did presently repent him, and commanded the fire to be quenched. So Plut. in vit. Alex. such and no other is the bitter fruit of deboistness and Courtesans, repentance, oft too late.  
[(13) Beds of Gold, &c:] The aforesaid Writers speaking of Persepolis, say, that in his Bedchamber, in the Palace Royal, Darius had a golden Vine, so disposed, as it served for the Tester of his Bed, it was studded with Pearls, the artificial clusters were Pearls and precious Rubies; his Bed's pillow was bolstered with 5000 Talents of Gold, the feet, with 3000. Both Gold and Vine were given to Darius by Pythius of Bythinia: a Bed more for state than ease, and sure the richest in the world (the ready Gold exceeding a million sterling, if (as M. Peacham observes) in all Authors, where a Talon is put absolutely, and without any other circumstance; the lesser Attic Talon is meant, which was of 6000 drams, and so worth 187 l 10 s.) The next Bed in worth that I find to this, (though infinitely behind it) is that in Prince Ludovisio's Palace near Rome, mentioned by my friend Mr. Raymond, in his Mercurio Italico, built all of precious stones, to the value of 80000 Crowns; if this, (as his friend said) is fit to get none but an Alexander the great upon, the other was fit for none but an Alexander to enjoy.  
[(14) The Mufti] The high Priest or Patriark. The Dominion both spiritual and temporal, rested for a long time after their Prophet Mahomet's death in the Caliphs', till they growing great, and intending only their temporal Signiories; and the difference arising between the Turks and Persians about the succession, the first adhering to Ebbubecher, the last to Haly, (as hath been pointed at in the 12th Note upon the first Act) the Princes kept in themselves only the lay greatness, and devolved the Ecclesiastical dignity (though with much abatement) upon the Mufti, or sacred messenger. Of these the Turks have one, and the Persians another, but their power in both Empires being alike, I shall speak in the singular number. He is the sovereign of their Religion, and ever resideth in the City Royal, or follows the person of the Emperor, who still doth rise at his approach to salute him, and sets him by him, and undertakes no high design without his approvement. He hath power to reverse both his sentence, and the sentence of the Divan, or great Council, if they be not adjudged by him conformable to the Alcoran; but his own is irrevocable. In matters of difficulty they repair to him, and his exposition standeth for a Law. He is supreme Judge and Rectifier of all Actions, as well civil as Ecclesiastical, and an approver of the justice military. The choice of him is in the Emperor, whom to please and gratify, he usually flatters by wresting all Expositions to his mind. He is very grave in look and carriage, seldom seen abroad, and never admitting of impertinent conversation; for when any come to him for judgement, they deliver him in writing the state of the Question, who in writing, briefly returns his oraculous answer. He has his Seminary of Boys, whom he instructs in the mysteries of their Law; nor is he restrained, nor doth he restrain himself from plurality of women, and the delights of a Seraglio, a commendable recreation surely for so grave and infallible a Prelate. There are among the Turks and Persians, under the Mufti, above 70 several sorts of Religious Orders. (The Persians led by Gunets' Reformation, embracing the Imamian sect, which is their own from Haly; the Turks, the Melchian, following Abbubecher) as Morabits, Abdals, Dervisses, Papassi, Rafadi, Cobtini, Cadileschiers etc. But I shall only need to mention the Abdals, of whom next. Sandys, Herbert, etc.  
[(15) The Abdals] Are an order of mendicant Monks among the Persians. They take their name from Abdala father of Mahomet. They have no abode, vow poverty, lodge in Churches, and have provision brought them by the charitable and superstitious, of whom they are reputed holy and venerable, but by the wiser wolves in sheep's skins, wherewith they go covered with the wool on: about their necks they wear horns (like our Bedlams) which they use to blow in Markets and public places, to assemble the people to hear them preach lying wonders, and expound the Alcoran according to their occasions or inventions, supposing their spiritual gifts superior to others in that exercise. They travel with dangerous barbed staves, with which they oft rob, and do other villainies. Mr. Herbert tells you a pretty pimping story of one of them. p. 196. and 197.  
[(16) The Alcoran] The Book of the Mahometan Law. In Arabic the word imports, a gathering together of precepts: or Alfurcan, which is Redemption. It is divided into Azoara, or Chapters, which word signifies Faces, because as by the face you know the man; so by these, as by Titles, you know the contents of that division. It was composed by Mahomet their Prophet, with the help of Abdalla a Jew, & Sergius, a Nestorian Monk, who for embracing the Heresies of Arrius, Cedron, Sabellin●s, and others, was banished from Constantinople, and coming into Arabia, fell acquainted with Mahomet, whom (though formerly circumcised) he baptised, and taught to misinterpret many places of the Scriptures; out of which false glosses of theirs, they coined a new Religion, neither wholly Jewish, or wholly Christian, but rejecting in both what they disliked, and this newest Religion from him, was called Mahumetism. So Pomponius Laetus, Joan. Baptista, Egnatius, etc. But the Glossers of the Alcoran, and their Book Azar (which is a History of Mahomet, authentic among the moors, as the Gospel among us Christians) say, that those that helped Mahomet in compiling his Alcoran, were two Sword-Cutlers (Christian slaves unto one of Mecca) who knew much confusedly of the new Testament, and out of their imperfect informations, he gleaned what served his turn, not looking for antecedents, subsequents, or coherence any where. So observes Joannes Andrea's Maurus (who was once an Alfaqui (or Bishop) among the moors, of the City of Sciatinia, in the Kingdom of Valentia, and afterwards (Circ. An. 1487.) a Christian Priest) and probable it is, that the composers of that rhapsody of errors, were illiterate persons, because they contradict all philosophy, sciences, History and Reason; the Alcoran being a Fardel of Blasphemies, Rabinical Fables, Ridiculous Discourses, Impostures, Bestialities, Inconveniences, Impossibilities, and Contradictions. To speak a word of the chief Author Mahomet, his person; he was born about the year 600 (not to mention any particular year, I find Authors so differ about it, and I want room here to reconcile them, or show reason for adhering to any one) some say in Itrarip, a Village of Arabia; others, in the City of Mecca; others, in Medina Alnabi, of obscure parentage; some, that name his Father, call him Abdalla, a Pagan, perhaps mistaken him for one of his Tutors, such make his Mother a Jewess, and of ill repute, whom they call Emina. So uncertain was the beginning of this Impostor. Baudier saith, that his Father dying, and his Mother being left very poor, she not able to keep him, committed him to an Uncle, but he casting him off, young Mahomet was a prey to thieves, who put him in chains among other slaves, and in that quality being set to sale, a rich Merchant, named Abdemonople, bought him; he dying, Mahomet by marriage of his mistress, (the Merchant's wife, not effected, as was thought, without Witchcraft) attained to much riches; whereupon, leaving the exercise of Merchandise, he became a Captain of certain voluntary Arabians, that followed the Emperor Heraclius in his Persian Wars, who falling into a mutiny, for that they were denied the military Garment, and incensing the rest of their Nation, with the reproachful answer given them by the Treasurer, which was, that they ought not to give that to Dogs, which was ordained for the Roman Soldiers; a part of them chose Mahomet for their Ringleader; but being disdained by the better sort, for the baseness of his birth, to avoid ensuing contempt, he gave it out, that he attained not to that honour by military favour, but by divine appointment. That he was sent by God to give a new Law unto man, and by force of arms, to reduce the world to his obedience; then wrested he every thing to a divine honour, even his natural defects, calling those fits of the falling sickness wherewith he was troubled, holy trances; and that Pigeon which he had taught to feed out of his Ear on pease, the holy Ghost. So went he on, to feign his messages from heaven by the Angel Gabriel, and to compose his Alcoran. A man of a most infamous life he was; Bonsinus writes, that he permitted adultery and Sodomy, and lay himself with beasts; and Mr. Smith (in his Confutation of Mahumetism) arraigns him of Blasphemy, Pride, lies, Sodomy, Blood, Fraud, Robbery, (for he was a common Thief, usually robbing the Caravans of Merchants as they traveled) as entitles him Heir apparent unto Lucifer; no less than 12000. falsehoods being contained in his fabulous Alcoran.  
To particularise a little: what higher blasphemy could he be guilty of, then to prefer himself as far before Christ, as he was above Moses? He also denies the divinity of our Saviour, and affirms, that the Holy Ghost is not distinct in person, but only an operative virtue of the Godhead that inspires good motions: Many other absurdities he is guilty of concerning the Trinity, as not comprehending that glorious mystery. The Alcoran impugns both the divine Law, and natural Reason at once, in that assertion, lib. 4. Cap. 2. viz. That at the end of the world a Trumpet shall blow, and the Angels in Heaven, and men on Earth shall fall down dead, and at the second sounding rise again. So it makes the Angels mortal, when who knows not that the Angels are Spirits, having no bodies, so cannot die, for death is nothing but the separation of the soul from the body? Adam's sin was the cause of his death, and his posterity; whence it follows, had he not sinned, neither he, nor we, had died. And surely the good Angels, being not guilty of the cause of death, sin must be exempt from the effect. Lucifer, and the evil Angels that sinned with him, by their Pride, were deprived of the glory of heaven, and cast into the bottomless pit for ever, but not condemned to die, because they were spirits. And if the Devils that sinned died not, how is it that the Alcoran saith, that the Angels that sinned not, shall die? Another fable concerning Angels, is in the first Chaper, lib. 1. Sc. That God sent two Angels, called Harod and Marod, as Judges to do justice in the City of Babylon, where in a Cave, for soliciting a Lady's chastity, they hang by the eyelids, and must so hang till the day of judgement, and the woman was transformed into the morning star. O divine Metamorphosis! It's like Mahomet might have heard somewhat of the story of Susanna and the Elders, and so ignorantly shuffled it into this. But to follow his Text; I would ask a Moorish ginger, whether the morning star be not more ancient than the City of Babylon; how then could an inhabitant of that City be turned into that star? And I would know of their Divines, why, if the Angels have bodies, the Alcoran in many places (contradicting itself) calls them Roch, Spirits? if they be spirits, and uncorporeal, how were they capable of knowing women, or hanging by the eyelids? If they be Corporeal, where abouts in Babylon may one see them hanging? and why doth the Alcoran confess them to be Spirits?  
Another ridiculous assertion of the Alcoran, concerning Angels, is s. 1. cap. 1. and l. 2. c. 1. etc. viz. That God made man of all sorts and colours of earth, and being formed, for some thousand of years laid him a baking in the Sun, until he was pleased to breath life into him. Then commanded he all the Angels to fall down and worship Adam, which all did but Satan, than an Angel of light, saying he was created of a more excellent nature, fire, and man of dirt; then God cursed and cast out Satan, who has ever since continued an Enemy to man. How did the Angels fall for not reverencing of man, when they were fallen before man was made, and envying his standing, tempted him to his fall? and how could man lay a baking some thousand of years in the Sun, when the Sun was made but two days before man? Gen. 1. The Alcoran fails in point of History and Time, l. 3. c. 1. where it mistakes Mary the Prophetess, for the B. Virgin Mary, making Mary the sister of Moses, Mother of our Saviour, when there were above 1500. years between them. The reason of this mistake, might be Mahomet's ignorance in Antiquities and Chronology, finding in Arabic, Moses his Father called Hembram, by which name Joachim our Lady's Father is also called. But by what infallible Spirit was this Scripturist led, that could admit to gross a mistake?  
Another error in Time and Reason, is l. 3. c. 3. Where he affirms, that God sent the Alforcan, which is the same with the Alcoran, (as Andreas Maurus proves) unto Moses and Aaron, for a light and admonition to the just: and yet, l. 1. c. 2. He says, God inspired the Thora, the Gospel, and the Alforcan (or Alcoran) unto Mahomet: how can this agree with the former? or with what follows in the Book called Sunè, (or way of Mahomet) viz. That David read all the Alcoran, whilst they saddled his Mule, unless Moses, David, and Mahomet, had been contemporaries? and yet again in above 300. places in his Alcoran, he says, that God gave the Athorata or five Books, to Moses, the Gospel to Jesus Christ, the Azabor or Psalter to David, and the Alcoran to Mahomet. He also falters in the time wherein he was composing of his Alcoran, in one place telling us he was twenty years about it; in another place he says, that it was revealed to him in one night, in the City of Mecca, by the Angel Gabriel: so frequent are contradictions with him, though neither of these assertions are absolutely true; for he was 23 years composing of it, ten years at the City of Mecca, eleven at Almedina, and two in the cave of Mecca. He died in the 63d year of his age, and he began to call himself a Prophet, and to compile his Alcoran in his fourtiteh year. But how could David, if the Alcoran had been made in his time, have read it all over in the time that his Mule was saddled? when (as Andreas Maurus reports) when the Caliph, because of the multiplicity of papers that Mahomet left, summoned all the Doctors to Damascus, and out of them, chose six to Epitomise all his Books of the Alcoran and Sune; each of those six composed one Book and the rest of his writings were thrown into the River, even so many Books and bundles of Papers, as loaded 200 Camels? For Mahomet, because he was illiterate and could not write, kept a Secretary, who wrote the Chapters of the Alcoran for him, giving out that God sent them by the Angel, as occasion required. These he kept in a Chest, and that he might alter, expugn, or add at pleasure what served his turn, he would never have collected and reduced into Books, as they were by his Son in law Hozman, after his death King and Caliph, who made the foresaid Epitome: at which time, the Papers being sought for, many were: found in his house, having lain behind Chests, so spoiled with damp, and eaten with Mice, as nothing could be made of them. A goodly Scripture! when the power that inspired it, could not preserve it from Mice! or if nothing Material was lost, the Author was guilty of superfluity, and so of vanity. The moors took scandal, as well they might, at those revocations and alterations of above 150 Verses of the Alcoran, annulled by others, called revocatory Verses.  
If they were inspired by God, it was unjust they should be abolished by a man. That Mahomet made his Religion serve his occasion, appears by this: Baheira a King of the Jacobite presented unto Mahomet one Marine, a young beautiful Jewesse, with whom the old Lecher was taken in Adulter by two of his wives, whom Andrea's Maurus calls Axa and Hafeza; they rebuked him, having done an Act unworthy 〈◊〉 a Prophet, or holy man. He promised to abandon her, if the ● would pass by this one slip, and keep his credit; but being by them surprised the second time with her, they went from him to their Father's houses as repudiated wives: upon the publishing of it the Moors murmured, the Pagans jeered, and Mahomet was disgraced and troubled, his wife's Fathers being potent men, so he had no way but to have recourse to his old remedy for all sores, the Alcoran, wherein he razed out of the 6. Ch. of the light, in the 3d. Book that verse that commanded that married persons taken in Adultery should be stoned▪ called the ver. Lapidation, & composed a new Ch. the contents whereof are; that it is lawful for all Mussulmen (or true believers) to lie with their slaves, & that their wives ought not to repine at it: and that Mahomet did not sin in his late Act, knowing this Law would come, but his wives sinned in publishing what he did in secret, and that God warned them to return to him So he cleared himself, repaired his credit, pleased his sect by this Licentious liberty, and got his wives again, who returned well satisfied and very penitent, and now might he use his young slave by the Law. This Chapter is called the Chapter of Prohibition. l. 4. because his wives would have prohibited him his freedom. Most insatiable he was in this point, and made particular Laws for himself; as that he might repudiate any of his wives at pleasure, and none might marry them; which kept them in obedience: but he might take any ones repudiated wife, or any that proffered herself, or admitted of his solicitation; and whereas others might marry two, or three, or four at most, he might have as many wives as he pleased. The Book Assamiel (or the Book of the good customs of Mahomet) praising him, and speaking of his virile strength, saith, that in one hour, he lay with all his wives, which were 11. The Book Azar saith he married fifteen wives, and had 11. together, besides four who proffered themselves by Virtue of the foresaid Law. Caelius reports he had forty wives, yet took he away his servant, Zeideus his wife, and whose else he pleased; saying it was fit he should do so, that the greater number of Prophets and holy men might issue from him. A life worthy or such a Prophet! and author of such a Religion! a good Religion sure when he affirms the Devils were converted to it, l. 4. c. 8. and in the Chapter of Devils, he saith, that a company of Devils came one night to hear Mahomet read the Alcoran, and took such delight in it, that they presently believed in him, and became moors, and shall go in to Paradise, and return to their first Stations, and in the mean time employ their powers to convert men to Mahumetism; there only he saith true; But since the Devils are Mahomet's friends, why doth he in his Alcoran command his sect to apply themselves unto God for defence against evil and cursed Devils? and will them to say when they begin to read it, O ahudu billehi mine Saytani ragini, i. e. Preserve me O God from the wicked Devil! Repugnances all along! The Alcoran s. 2. c. 11. speaking of Mahomet's wondrous journey to Heaven, saith that he passed through the eight Heavens, whereof the first is made of Silver, the second of Gold, the third of a Pearl, the fourth of an Emerald, the fifth of a Diamond, the sixth of a Carbuncle, the seventh indeed of light. But if the six lower Heavens be Metalline, why doth the Alcoran say in another place, that they were made of smoke? It saith, that the stars are bound to the first Heaven with Chains of gold, and that the greatest of them is as big as a Mountain, set there to stone the Devils with fiery darts (perhaps meaning the jellies we see fall sometimes) when they come to listen to hear God's secrets. Mahomet might go in, but his friends and Disciples (or rather tutors) the Devils may not listen at the door. But I would hear any Moorish Astrologer that has read Ptolemy, and understands the Sphere and Astrolabe, deny that each star is as big as the earth; why saith Mahomet then as a Mountain only? he was indeed a modest Person, and would not say more than he knew. What can any of his Disciples, seeing him tie all the stars to the first Heaven, think of him, that knows the Planets are in seven Heavens, each having a particular orb? The Moon is the first and nearest to us, Mercury is in the second, Venus in the third, the Sun in the fourth, Mars in the fifth, Jupiter in the sixth, Saturn in the seventh, highest of all, and all the stars in the eighth Heaven, in which are the twelve signs: which stars how should we see if the Heavens under them were metalline and not diaphanous? When the moon many times interposing Eclipseth, and hideth the Sun from us; because the Moon is an obscure body, as the clouds sometimes hide her; much more would she first Heaven if it were of Silver, being not transparent, hide all the stars from us for ever. So that all that are not blind may here confute Mahomet, He saith in his Sune that the earth is fixed upon the top of an Ox's horn, and that this Ox stirring his head causes Earthquakes. But where then doth the Ox himself stand, or what eats he? or if the Prophet starves him he must die, and then the Earth must be destroyed. O brutish Atlas! I had almost said, more brutish Prophet! It had been kindly done of him to have given this laborious Ox Pastorage in Paradise, as he doth the sheep his Priests kill at their Passeover, and as he did the Ram that carried him on this strange Celestial discovery, whom he names Alborac, and sometimes calls a white ram, sometimes a black, the small difference betwixt black and white breaks no squares with him; well, Alborac boggled, and would not let Mahomet bestride him, till he promised he should be the first beast that should enter into Paradise; and yet he saith the Ram that Abraham sacrificed was fed forty years there; how then could Alborac be the first? yes, otherwhere he makes him the same beast; how then did Abraham sacrifice him? or if he was fed forty years in Paradise, Andreas Maurus would fain have him give him by the rule of Multiplication, an Arithmetical account how many thousand Trickles he cast in Paradise during those forty years: but the illiterate Impostor was not accountant good enough to tell him. Horrid and ridiculous are the Blasphemies and fooleries he recounts of that his voyage to Heaven; as that he approached to God within little less than two shots of a Crossbow; and that God gave him many Laws and Privileges; as that he should be the most excellent, and select Creature that ever he created in Heaven or Earth; and that he should be the general Redeemer, so that he had the impudence to call himself Almebi. i e. He that takes away sins. But leaving these, I had rather make myself sport with his fopperies; He says he saw Angels in the first Heaven of all shapes, of Birds, Beasts, and what not, especially many Cocks; and there was one grand Cock whose feet stood upon the first Heaven, and his comb reached to the second Heaven. This Cock and the other Cocks in Heaven prayed for the Cocks on Earth (as the Oxen in Heaven for the Oxen, and Asses in Heaven for the Asses on Earth, etc.) and when this great Cock crowed all the Cocks in Heaven answered him, and all the Cocks on Earth crowed too. In the third Heaven he saw the Atropos or fatal Angel, so big, that from one eye to the other was 70000. days journeys. Such stuff is his whole web, tolerable for mirth, did not the consideration that he hath seduced so many Nations, and his Blasphemies, and abuses of the Patriarches and Prophet's distaste the Christian Reader. But of all Ancients Solomon is least beholding to him: indeed he makes him a wise man, but, (as ignorant people take the name,) a most notorious Conjurer, being carried up and down by Devils frequently, and having them as familiar as himself had. This impostor ventured at miracles too, affirming divers of himself, but hath no witness for any one of them. To give a taste of them. Alc. l. 4. in the Chapter of the Moon, and in the Book Azar he saith that at his Uncle ●ugellins request to confirm his Doctrine, he made the Moon come to the midst of Heaven and be at the full, (whereas she was then but 21. days old) than she divided herself in the midst, and fell to the Earth, and one of the pieces went through the hole of one of his sleeves, the other piece through the hole of the other sleeve, and both pieces came out of the collar of his Coat; speaking and saying that he was the Prophet of God, then joined, and returned to Heaven. Yet, as this divine Juggler confesses, could not all this convert his Uncle, nor doth he bring his Uncle's testimony or any others for the truth of it. Some will have the Turks give a Crescent from hence, in honour of their Prophet: many others of his lying wonders I might recite, as that of the Angels lancing of his breast, and pulling out of the black Coat out of his heart, That of the Trees bowing to him, and that of the other two Trees coming at his command to shade him, when in the fields, in a hot day, he had occasion to untruffe; and infinite other of his contradictions and repugnances I might remember, as that of King Alexander's Journey from the East to the West, where he daily saw the Sun set in a hot Fountain; which oppugneth Philosophy, as the journey doth History, etc. But with these I have tired myself, and I am sure the Reader much more. Yet give me leave to remember one of his absurdities more, though none of the least. viz. That at doomsday he shall turn himself into a great Ram, and all Mussulmen into Fleas, they shall hide themselves in his spacious fleeces, and thus burdened, shall he travel till he comes where he can skip into Paradise; there he assumes his proper glory, and gives them new shapes, new strength, Wine, brave women, etc. as you may read at large in the eighth note upon the Fourth Act: and this absurd fooler is generally credited by his whole Sect; so just with God is it to give them up to believe lies and Doctrine of Devils, for that they accounted Christ crucified to be but foolishness. This Legend of lies they say was written upon the skin of the Ram that Abraham sacrificed; an absurd Tradition; for neither could that skin hold it, nor was that Ram flayed; or if he had, how could their Prophet so many years after have rode upon him to Heaven and Hell, etc. It is held by the mahometans in no less veneration, than the old Testament by the Jews, and the New by us Christians. They never touch it with unwashed hands, and a capital crime it is, in the reading thereof to mistake a letter, or displace the accent They kiss it, Embrace it, and swear by it: calling it the book of Glory, and director unto Paradise. It is written in Arabic Rhyme, without due proportion of Numbers: and must neither be written nor read by them in any other Language. It containeth according to Hozmans' reformation four books: the first Book has five Chapters, the second twelve: the third 19 and the fourth 175. in all 211. Mahomet the second is also said to have altered it much; he and many others seeking to reconcile those repugnances wherewith it so abounds, even in the Positive Doctrine; which inclines me to Andrea's Maurus his opinion, that they were ignorant Persons that helped Mahomet to compose it; Sergius had more knowledge then to have erred so grossly, whether it was that Sergius that was Patriarch of Constantinople and author of the Monothelites Heresy (as some contend) I determine not, or whether he was only a banished Heretical Monk from thence. And yet the coherence betwixt Mahomet and the ancient Heretics, of all whose puddle streams Sergius had drank deep, (and it's like the poor Cutlers were free) leads me to think him his Tutor. I will only briefly give you a touch of the harmony betwixt their Discords, and leave you to judge who composed the Lesson. Mahomet denies the Trinity with Sabellius. He said it was ridiculous to think that Christ was God, and therefore with Arrius and Eunomius he calls him a Creature, and with Carpocrates a holy Prophet. He maintained with Cedron that it was impossible that God should have ● Son, because he had no wife. He denied with the Manichees that Christ was crucified, but (saith he) one was crucified in his place, who was very like him; with the Originists he will have the Devils to be saved at the end of the world; with the Anthropomorphites he will have God to have the form and members of a man; with Cerinthus he places the chiefest felicity of man in carnal pleasures; with Ebion he doth admit of Circumcision. In imitation of Menander he calls himself the Saviour of the world; with Nicolas of Antioch he taught and practised Luxury; Yet with the Eucratitae he forbids the use of wine, etc. yet like his predecessors he baited his hooks speciously enough in some places, commanding upright dealing, amity, Reverence to Parents, Charity, to hate contention and Murder, etc. and speaks reverently of our Saviour, and B. Lady, and indeed of all in some places: excluding no Religions out of his Paradise, he is so kind; Moses he says shall bring the Jews, Christ the Christians, and he his Mahumetans; but the chief place & glory must be theirs; theirs the best Gold, sweetest Rivers, and most beautiful Damosels; and good reason he should be master in his own house. But I have swelled this note to a rambling Treatise, and have yet much ado to take my pen off, yet I will force myself to it; and refer you that would know more of the Alcoran to Cardinal Nicolas de Cusa, his examination of the Alcoran. Lod. Vives. l. 4. de veritat. Relig. Christ. Ricoldus in his computation of the Laws of Mahomet. Barthol. Hungarius. Johannes de terra Cremata, and Guil. Postells, in their books against the mahometans, Saracens, etc. Sandys, Herbert, D'Juigne, Johannes Andreas Maurus his confutation of Mahomet's sect, and the Alcoran its self, translated out of the Arabic into Latin by Theod. Bibliander; for the late published English Translation I cannot commend its faithfulness. I had almost forgotten, (though quoted above) Baudier his History de la Religion des Turcs, etc.  
[(17) To make all Lands and Goods hereditary, etc.] The Turks and Persians content themselves with very mean low buildings, few above two stories high, some of rough stone, some of timber, some of Sun-dryed brick, the Marble being used only about the Prince's Palaces and the Mosques, though the Countries in some places are plentifully stored with it, (especially about Persepolis,) the people rather choosing to hoard their wealth, then by making a magnificent show to tempt their Princes to take it from them, or at best from their Children when they die; for no Possessions are hereditary, but all at the will of the Emperor, so absolute is his Tyranny and the people's slavery. Sandys, etc.  
[(18) Tomaynes] A Toman is a Persian coin, worth 3 l. 6 s. sterl. Herbert.  
[(19) Balsora] A Town where Tigris and Euphrates empty themselves into the gulf of Persia. This Town is famous for the birth of Elhesin-Ibnu-Abilhasen, the greatest Doctor of Antiquity, he taught the Persians and Arabs 80 years after Mahomet's death. Herbert.  
[(20) Byzantium] A Maritime City of Thrace, the seat of the Turkish Empire. Eusebius saith, it was built by Pausanias' King of Sparta, 663 years before the incarnation of our Saviour: others will have Pausanias only to re-edify this City, then called Byzantium of Biza the founder, and taken by assault but a little before from the Persians, since which it still increased in fame, but by nothing more than by the two famous sieges she endured, both times holding out three years, once taken, once not; the last was in the time of her 31 Emperor, Leo Isauricus, about the year of our Lord, 718, when Caliph Zulciman besieged her, and after three years' space, and the loss of 300000 men desisted. At this siege was that fire invented, which we for the violence of it, call wild fire; and the Latins, because the Greeks were the Authors of it. Graecus ignis, by which the Saracen ships were no less molested, than the Romans were at the siege of Syracuse by Archimedes his engines, or military burning-glasses, the like stratagem was used at this Town of Constantinople, about the the year 500 in the reign of the 14th Emperor Anastatius, in whose time the City suffered much by the Scythians, till Proclus, a famous Mathematition, with artificial Glasses, fired 3000 of their Galleys.  
The first siege was long before, when she sided with Pescennius Niger, against the Emperor Severus, and held out three years against him, and almost all the forces of the world, During this time, she endured such a famine, that men meeting in the streets, would (as it were) with joint consent, draw & fight, the victor still eating the vanquished. For want of Artillery to discharge on the assailants, the Citizens flung at them whole statuas of brass, and the like curious Imagery. Houses they plucked down to get Timber for shipping, the women cut off their hair to inch out their tackle; and having thus patched up a Navy of 500 sail, they lost it all in one Tempest. When (starved out) they had yielded, the Conqueror (having put to the sword the chief of the Nobles, and given the rest as a spoil to the Soldiers) dismantled the Town, and left it almost in Rubbish: yet there appeared such signs of beauty and strength in the very ruins, ut mireris, (saith Herodian) an eorum qui primi extruxerunt, vel horum qui deinceps sunt demoliti, vires sint praestantiores. About 106 years after this, she was rebeautified by the Christian Emperor Constantine the Great, who called it after his own name Constantinople, and removed the seat of his Empire hither. He called it also New Rome, enduing it with the privileges of Rome, the Citizens of one being free of the other, and capable of the dignities of either. But the chief cause of his remove was, that by being near, and drawing into those parts his principal forces, the Empire towards the East might be the better defended, then greatly annoyed by the Persian. He intended first to have built at Chalcedon, on the other side of the Thracian Bosphorus; in view of this, and a little below it, whereof the Megarians were the builders, called blind by the Oracle, for that first arriving at that place, they made choice of the worse, and less profitable site. It is reported, that when the workmen began to lay the platform at Chalcedon, certain Eagles conveyed their lines to the other side of the straight, and let them fall right over the old Byzantium, whereupon Constantine altered his determination, and re-edified that City, as if appointed so to do by the Deity; finished it was on the 11th of May, Anno 331. and consecrated to the blessed Virgin. Rome he bereft of her Ornaments, to adorn it, fetching from thence in one year more Antiquities, than twenty Emperors had brought thither before in 100 among others the Placation, that huge obelisk of Theban marble; the brazen statue of Dedalian work, supposed the image of Apollo, translated from Ilium; the Trojan Palladium, etc. according to the Omen of the Eagles, this City was by destiny appointed, and by nature seated for sovereignty; it was first the seat of the Roman Emperors, then of the Greek now of the Turkish. Built by Constantine the Son of Helena, and lost by another Constantine, the Son of a Helena also, (a Gregory then Bishop, whose first Bishop was a Gregory) to Mahomet the second, Anno 1453. 1121 years after Constantine the great had finished it, and the succession of eighty Emperors, and they have a Prophecy, that a Mahomet shall lose it; such fatal contrarieties in one and the same name may be observed. So a Baldwin (Anno 1200.) was the first of the Latins Emperors in her, and a Baldwin (Anno 1260) the last. So Philip the Father of Alexander, laid the first foundation of the Macedonian Monarchy; and Philip, the Father of Perseus, ruined it. So Augustus was the first established Emperor of Rome, and Augustulus the last. Darius' the Son of Histaspes the restorer, and Darius, the Son of Atsamis the overthrower of the Persian Monarchy. Warner in his Albion's England, l. 8. cap. 44. observes the Letter H. to be ominous to this Island, producing much good or ill, too long here to remember; but to return to Constantinople: Saint Andrew first preached here the Christian faith, to whom succeeded 23. Bishops, until Saint Alexander, who was her first Patriarch or Metropolitan; for he alone presided over all the Greek Churches dispersed through the Orient; his Diocese grew ample enough to enable his successor John to contend for the Primacy with the Pope of Rome, about the year 608. in the time of Boniface the third but by the Judgement of Phocas the Emperor, the Church of Rome carried the Supremacy. Blond. l. 9 deca● 1. Plat. Onuphr. In the time of Nicolas the first, about the year 860. Photius the Patriarch separated himself from the Roman Church, withal denying that the Holy Ghost proceeded from the Son at all, but only from God the Father, drawing to his error the whole Greek Church, in which it still persevereth. Zonar. Tom. 3. But since the invasion of the Turk his Patriarkship is much lessened by three Patriarchs more set up, though under him, one at Jerusalem, one at Alexandria, and one at Antioch. Here have been held many of the General Counsels, as the second, by Pope Damasus, against Macedonius, for the Divinity of the Holy Ghost. An. 381. The fifth by Vigilius, against the Origenists and Theodore, An. 553. The sixth, by Agathon against the Monothelites, An. 680. The eighth, by Adrian the second, against Photius, the iconiclast. Many brave spirits has this City produced, as Gennadius, Cassian, and that Golden Mine of Eloquence, Saint John Chrysostom, her Archbishop. It stands on a Cape of Land near the Entrance of the Bosphorus. In form triangular: on the East side washed with the same, on the North with the Haven, adjoining on the West to the Continent, walled with brick and stone, intermixed orderly, having four and twenty Gates and Posterns; whereof five do regard the Land, and nineteen the water; being about thirteen miles in circumference. The noblest Structure was Saint Sophia's Church, once a Christian Temple, twice burnt, but happily (in that so sumptuously) re-edified by the Emperor Justinian, exceeding not only the pattern, but all other fabrics in the world; one of the Gates thereof is by the superstitious people thought to be made of the planks of Noah's Ark: It is now a Mahometan Mosque. It fronteth the Sultan's Seraglio, where formerly stood the ancient Byzantium, divided from the rest of the City by a lofty Wall, three miles in circuit. That Palace, (not to describe it, but say only it wants nothing for luxuriousness or State) however enlarged by the Ottomans, was first erected by Justinus, and called Sophia of his Empress, so Agathius. Next, the Ottoman Mausoleas require regard, built of white Marble. The seven Towers called anciently Janicula, now the Arsinal. The Seraglioes, The Hippodrom for exhibiting of Horse-races are remarkable: of the antiquities, the chif are the Emperor Valentinians Aquaduct, The Column of wreathed Brass. The ruinated Colosse, The Historical Pillar in the Aurathasar, (or market of women,) far surpassing both Traian's, and that of Antoninus at Rome; the workman having so proportioned the figure, that the highest and lowest appear of one bigness. Constantine's Pillar, and the relics of his Palace, now made a stable of wild beasts. The many others are perished, so little regard the Greeks their own Antiquities, nor can they satisfy the inquirer of the History of their own calamities: So supinely negligent are they, or perhaps so wise, as of passed evils to endeavour a forgetfulness.  
The Turks now call this City Stambul. The ordinary houses are low and mean, of Sun-dryed brick, (as has been said) the possessions being not hereditary, they care not for sumptuousness; as also being oft subject to fires, whereof a most horrible one befell in the days of Leo; and another not long after, in the reign of Basilicus; when amongst other infinite losses, that famous Library perished containing 120000 volumes; where in the inward skin of a Dragon, Homers Iliads and Odysses were written; a loss beyond that of Pallas' Statue. Another happened on October. 14. An. 1607. in which 3000. houses were consumed. Nor is it a wonder, the Citizens not daring to quench the fire that burneth their own houses; or pull down some to preserve the remainder: an office that belongs to the Aga and his Janissaries: who nothing quick in their assistance, do often for spite or pillage beat down such houses as are farthest from danger. So that the mischief is not only wished for the booty, but prolonged; and not seldom they themselves begin it, by setting the Jews houses on fire. So that the Citizens made weary by the example, build rather under then above ground, for the safeguard of their goods, furnishing themselves with arched Vaults, which are not to be violated by the flame. A great part of the City is taken up in Gardens and Orchards (as Gaunt in Flanders) so that it shows from the Sea or adjoining Mountains like a City in a wood. The streets are for the most part exceeding narrow, and filled with dead walls belonging to great men's Seraglioes. It hath been much infested with Earthquakes; and though the air is pretty serene, yet that boisterous Tramontan from the black Sea most violently rages here, bringing often with it such storms of snow, that in September, the Trees then flourishing, are so overcharged therewith, that their branches break, accompanied with bitter frosts. The plague for the most part miserably infecteth this City, brought more by the concourse of strangers than the badness of the clime, and increased by the negligence of the Mahometans, who slight and shun it not, but putting their fingers to their foreheads, say, their destiny is written there, so they boldly frequent infected Persons, and converse with them promiscuously. The populousness of this City we may guess at by what Lipsius relates out of Benjamin a jew his discourse of Europe. viz. That the customs due to the Emperor, out of the victuals and Merchandise sold at Constantinople only, did amount to 20000. Crowns a day; this argues them either great eaters, (though I know it being a maritime Town, much is exported) or their number must be more than Botero accounts, sc. 700000. souls. Which though a multitude, yet is no whit admirable considering its compass; when we know there are far more in Paris, though that beautiful City is three miles less in circumference than Constantinople. There were counted in Paris long since 500000. Citizens besides stranges and soldiers (and those were no few that could maintain it against 100000. men led by the Dukes of Berry, Burgundy and Bretagne;) but since the number is much increased; so that the Commentator upon Du Bartas will have the inhabitants to be divers millions. Yet enjoyeth she health with her pleasure and prosperity, seldom feeling pestilence, never s●rcity, so that in the better part of a years residence there, I never heard of one person dead or sick of the plague; a besom that sweeps Constantinople, of her people; To these add a Sceptre of a Mahometan Tyrant, with the insolency of slaves: and then O new Rome how are thy thus balanced profits and delights to be valued! saith our excellent Sandys; to whose exquisite Relation I refer you for a more exact and ample description of Constantinople or Byzantium. And though after him (he is so copious, authentic and transcendent in all he did) I need name none other, you may also see others that helped me in this, and do faithfully describe Constantinople: as Sir Walter Raleigh, Heylin, D' juigne, Eusebius, Boterus, Merc. Bellon. Onuper. Causin. etc.  
[(21) Has cut an Asinego asunder, etc. This is the usual trial of the Persian Shamsheers or Cemiters, which are crooked like a crescent: of so good mettle, that they prefer them before any other, and so sharp as any Razor. The hilts are without ward, most have them of steel, some of Gold, the poor of wood. The Scabbards in solemnities they beset with stones of value. Herbert.  
[(22) Some Magus] The Magi among the Persians, were those Philosophers that held the place of Priests and sacrificers, reputed so cunning as they attributed more than natural knowledge unto them, in expounding of dreams, and presaging of good or evil events. There were some of this order in all nations; The Greeks called them only Philosophers; The Indians, Brachmanes, and Gymnosophists; the Gauls and Britons (amongst whom they had their chief seats in Anglesy in Wales) Druids, Bards, and Semnotheans; The Egyptian, Priests; The Italians, Augurs, and Aruspices; The Jews, Prophets, and Cabalists, from their Caballa or book of Doctrine and Traditions, which the Rabbins say was together with the Law of Moses, delivered to the Hebrews; The Babylonians and Assyrians called their Soothsayers, Chaldeans (as our vulgar do all they account cunning women, Gypsies or Egyptians) not that they all were of that Country, but because Belochus Frisc. 5. Monarch of Chaldea was the Author of divination by the flying of birds, called Auspicium; to these I might add the Scottish weirds and many more. But to leave the names of the Professors, and say something of the art its self; of soothsaying there were four kinds among the Romans, Ovid alludes to them in this Distic.  
Hoc mihi non ovium fibrae, tonitrusve sinistri,  
Linguave servata, pennave dixit avis.  Trist, l. 1. Eleg. 8. 
Nor left hand thunder taught me this, nor sight  
Of a sheep's Entrails, nor Birds noise, or slight.  
1. Auspicium the Auspexes, quasi Avispices ab aves aspiciendo, foretold things by observing the flight of Birds, either on the right or left; hence is avis sinistra interpreted, good luck; because the giver's right hand, in bestowing a benefit, as opposite to the receivers left hand. So that in that place of Virgil Saepe sinistra cava praedixit ab ilice cornix Ecleg. 1. Th' ill boding Crow croaked this from th' hollow Elm the Epithet Sinistra is not to be applied to the Crow as flying on the left hand (for that had been lucky) but as the word is in other things received; so it presages evil; for vice versa to the common acception, in these preposterous rites of soothsaying, the left hand is taken for the best: So Intonuit laevum is rendered, it hath thundered luckily: So Ovid speaking of Romulus his prayer for success in building of Rome, makes him receive this prosperous answer.  
Ille precabatur: tonitru dedit omnia laevo  
Jupiter: & laevo fulmina missa polo.  
Augurio laeti jacient fundamina cives,  
Et novus, exiguo tempore, murus erat.  Fast. lib. 4. 
So prayed he: Jove with left hand Thunder signed  
And lightning flashed from th' left of Heaven, his mind.  
All, at the Omen joyed, foundations laid,  
And the new wall, in a short time, was made.  
Perhaps Sinistra avis is accounted lucky à sinendo, because the gods thereby did suffer them to proceed in their purposes. Therefore Tully saith, lib. 1. de divinatione, A sinistrâ cornice ratum & firmum augurium fieri: and in the Law of the twelve Tables it is said, Ave sinistrâ populi magister esto. The Grecians from hence in the judgement of Lipsius called the left hand 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, signifying, the best. They also made great Judgement from the number of birds that appeared in the time of divination; hence Romulus was promised the Empire before his brother Remus, because he had seen the double number. Of this Ovid, speaking of the contest between them, which should build the City, 
Nil opus est, dixit, certamine Romulus, ullo.  
Magna fides avium est; experiamur aves.  
Res placet, alter init nemorosi saxa Palati:  
Alter Aventinum mane cacumen init.  
Sex Remus, hic volucres his sex videt ordine, pacto  
Statur: & arbitrium Romulus urbis habet.  Fast. l. 4. 
There needs, quoth Romulus no strife at all,  
Great faith to Birds is given; on Birds lets call.  
Of Grovy Palatine this climbs the height,  
And that of Aventine, with springing light.  
Remus saw six birds, th'other twelve, good still,  
The compact holds, and Romulus builds at will.   
Much was guessed from the nature of the birds that appeared, whence the same Romulus, seeing the Vultures, was, saith Florus; (cap. 1.) plenus spet urbem bellatricem fore: ita illi assuetae sangùini & predae aves pollicebantur; of which Stadius, Florus his commentator; Vultures ideo potissimum in auguriis observatos testatur Plutarch, quod rarissimè & nisi fortuito conspiciantur; quòd innoxij sint, nec xerapto vivant, & sui generis cadavera non devorent. Hence comes the Phrases, bonis avibus & auspiciis, with good luck, malis avibus, with ill luck; and because they would begin nothing inauspicatò, id est, without the counsel of the Augurs, hence auspicari rem hath been translated, to begin a matter. Fr. Silvius in orat. pro Cluentio.  
2. Aruspicium. The Aruspices did divine by beholding the Entrails of beasts sacrificed, and were so called ab aras aspiciendo, as also Extispices, ab exta inspiciendo; the entrails of a beast being in old Latin called Exta. They observed whether the beast to be sacrificed came unto the Altar willingly, without plucking and haling; whether he died without much struggling, and loud bellowing; at one blow, or many; whether any unlucky object was seen or heard by them, whilst they were sacrificing. When the beast was slain, they observed whether the bowels were of an unnatural colour, whether they were not ulcerous, exsiccate, or impostumated; or whether there was any part wanting or superfluous: as at Julius Caesar's last sacrifice the beast wanted a heart, the worst of signs, and was followed with as ill luck. Augustus found two galls in his sacrifice, whereupon the credusity of the City concluded a hope of peace with Antonius; and the conjunction of persons in choler with each other. (Not that the one beast did live without a heart, or that the other had two galls; but the Devil to keep up this Tuscan superstition, foreseeing, or at least guessing at the fate of the Emperors, stole away the heart from Julius Caesar's breast, and conveyed another gall into Augustus') Moreover they would divide the bowels into two parts, in partem familiarem, whence they foretold what should fall to themselves and their friends, and in partem hostilem, whence they gathered predictions touching their enamies. Hence Manto in Seneca describing the entrails of the sacrifice, saith, 
Hostile valido robore insurgit latus.  Oedip. Act. 2. Scen. 2. The enemy's side with swelling tumors rise, meaning by Hostile latus Partem hostilem. As the sacrifice was burning, they considered whether the flame of the fire was smoky, whether the smoke rolled and tumbled in the air; whether it were of any continuance or no: these were unfortunate tokens. These last which observed the fire and smoke, were called by a more peculiar name, Capnomantes, Smoak-Augurers, from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fumus, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vates. The Romans were taught this art by the Hetrusci, Hetrurians or Tuscans; They learned it of one Tages a little Devil (boy I should say) who arising to certain Plowmen out of a furrow, taught them this skill, and vanished. So Cicero, de divinat. and Ovid Met. l ult.  
3. Tripudium. This kind of conjecturing is called Auspicium coactum, quoniam necesse erat offa objectá cadere frustum ex pulli ore, cùm pascitur. Cic. de divinat. l. 1. The word Tripudium is used by a Syncopation for Terripudium, as much as Terripavium, i. e. rebounding of any thing cast on the ground: for pavire is the same with ferire: Others say, Tripudium quasi tritio pedum. So Hubert. in lib. 60. Ep. fam. Cic. It was a Divining by the rebounding of crumbs cast to Chickens in a Coop by the Pultarius or Bird-Prophet, in the morning: If the Chickens came slowly to them, or not at all, but walked up and down, or set sullen, neglecting the bread; the enterprise inquired of was displeasing to the Gods: but if they came hastily, and eat greedily of the crumbs, so that some fell out of their mouths again, the design should be prosperous; and this was called Tripudium Solistimum. The Chickens were sullen the same day that Tiberius Gracchus was slain, and again they had the pip, in the first Punic war, when Publius Claudius' under went the same fate; who, as Valerius Maximus records, so contemned the Tripudary Augurations, as he commanded the holy Poultry to be cast into the Sea, saying, Quia esse nolunt, bibant, seeing they will not eat, they shall drink. These men died, not because the Pullet's would not feed; but because the Devil foresaw their death, he contrived that abstinence in them. So was there no natural dependence of the event upon the sign, but an artificial contrivance of the sign unto the Event. An unexpected way of delusion, and whereby he more easily led away the incircumspection of their belief. And perhaps their own despair enervated them and rendered them the more easily their enemy's prey; as Machbed the usurper of the Kingdom of Scotland, and murderer of his Master King Duncan, about the year of our Lord 1040. being told by some witches, that he should never be slain by any man born of a woman, was regardless of dangers, till coming to charge Mackduffe, (Governor of Fife, fighting for the right heir, Malcolm Conmor) understanding that he was cut out of his mother's womb, she dying before her delivery, and so not naturally born, he was so daunted therewith, as, though otherwise a man of good performance, he was easily slain by macduff. So strongly do the Devil's amphibolous oracles or riddles work with them, in whom they gain credit, commonly to their overthrow. This Tripudary Soothsaying seems to have its original from the Lycians, who to know future Events went to the Fountain sacred to Apollo, into which they cast baits, of which the fishes neglect was a sign of ill luck, as the contrary of good.  
4. Augurium. This kind of soothsaying was said to be invented by Cara King of Caria a Province in Anatolia, west of Lycia. It was called Augurium ab avium garritu, from the chirping and chattering of birds. The College of the Augurs at Rome was first appointed by Romulus himself, being very expert in sooth-saying, There were at first but three Augurs, of each Tribe one. So Pomp. Laetus. The word Augur by the Trope Synecdoche, signifying all sorts of divining; Servius Tullius, the sixth Roman King when he divided Rome into four Tribes or Wards, added the fourth Augur, all elected out of the Patritij or Nobility. Quintus & Oneius Ogulinus, being Tribunes got five others to be chosen out of the Commonalty, at which the Senate decreed, that the number should never exceed nine, notwithstanding Sylla being Dictator, added six more; the eldest was called Magister Collegij, or Rector of the College. The custom was, that if any other Priest was convicted of any notorious offence, he should be discharged of his Office, and another constituted; but the Augurs for no crime could be dismissed. When he divined, he sat upon a Tower, in a clear day (holding in his hand a crooked staff, called Lituus) in his Sooth-saying Robe, called Laena, and in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, à calefaciendo, from heating, because it was well lined within, being guarded on the outside with purple and crimson guards; his head was covered, and face towards the East, so his back was West, his right hand South, and his left Northward. He quartered out the Heaven with his staff into certain Templa, or Regions, observing in which the Birds did appear; then killing his sacrifice, and muttering certain prayers called Effata, he pronounced sentence. Nothing was confirmed without two lucky tokens, one after another; nor was any thing gainsaid by the appearance of one only evil token. Although Plutarch tells us (in vit. Pyrr.) that when Antipater, Lysimachus, and Pyrrhus, met to be sworn upon the sacrifices, to articles of peace between them; there were three beasts brought to be sacrificed, a Goat, a Bull, and a Ram, of which, the Ram fell down dead of himself before he was touched, whereat the standers by derided, but the Soothsayer Theodotus, persuaded Pyrrhus not to swear, saying that this Omen did threaten one of the three Kings with sudden death, for which cause Pyrrhus concluded no peace. The distinctions of south-saying have been taken some from the event, thence called Prospera, or Adversa; some from the manner of their appearing, and that was either wished, called Impetrativa, or unwished, or Oblitiva; some from the diversity of things that offered themselves in time of divining, and so there were five distinct sorts. Observations first, Of Thunder; Second, Of flying, or chattering of Birds; third of Crumbs cast to Pullet's; Fourth, Of Quadrupeds, which either should cross the way, or appear in some unaccustomed place; Fifth, Of those casualties whereby the Gods testify their anger to us, called Dira, because thereby, Dei ira nobis innotescit, as falling of salt towards us at the Table, shedding of wine upon our clothes, bleeding so many drops, etc. as also voices heard none know whence, or unnatural to the to the speakets, as the Bulls crying in the second Punic War, Cave tibi Roma, and such voices as Cadmus heard when he overcame the Serpent; Val. Maximus gives you many of those Prodigies, and josephus among the signs of the destruction of Jerusalem, and Lucan recounting the Omens that threatened Rome with civil wars. So julius Caesar's death was divined by the clattering of the Armour in his house, and the poisoning of Germanicus, by the sounding of a Trumpet of its own accord, an Owl schreeching in the Senate house, was deemed ominous to Augustus, and a company of crows accompanying home Sejanus with great clamours, unlucky to that high Favourite; so was the shoal of Ravens that hovered over the French Host at Cressy, (a little before our King Edward 3d and his brave Son the black Prince engag'd and routed it) too much observed by some there present. So, as Homer sings, (Iliad. l. 12.) The Trojans storming the wall, or Rampire which the Greeks had cast up to secure their Ships, saw an Eagle truss a Serpent, but the Serpent so stung her, that she let her fall among them; which Omen daunted most of them, especially Polydimus; but how causelessly appeared by Hector's slighting the Augury, and his success that day, though afterwards in the gross, the Omen proved true. They also observed what Objects they met fasting, and stumbling at the Threshold at going forth, and a thousand such fooleries; so because Brutus and Cassius met a Blackmore, and Pompey had a dark or sad coloured Robe on at Pharsalia, these must needs be presages of their overthrow, which are scarce Rhetorical sequels, concluding metaphors from realities, and from conceptions metaphorical, inferring realities again. But I am too tedious, for more of this, I refer you to Cicero de divinatione. Fenestella. Pomponius Laetus. L. Florus. L. Ampleius, Godwin. D' Juigne, etc.  
Of the Indian soothsayers, or Gymnosophistae, Plutarch tells us Alexander took ten, whose discreet answers to his hard Questions, argued their wit no less than their judgement. The British Bards were accounted very cunning, and the Egyptian Barchmans' most famous, so that Pythagoras left his Country to converse with them; nay, his thirst and passion after this excellent commerce was so admirable, that he made nothing of circumcising himself, that he might with the more freedom and less suspicion, pry into their profoundest mysteries. The same design led Thales, Eudoxus; Apollonius, nay Plato himself into Egypt, and Democritus, Empedocles, and the same Pythagoras and Plato into Persia, to comprehend (saith Plutarch) the Arcana of Philosophy and Divinity. For Magic in those days, was nothing else but that perspective science by which the hidden works of Nature were brought to light, and things natural distinguished from miraculous, good from bad, which made the worthiest Princes, especially those of Persia studious in it; nor were they permitted to govern that had not some light therein; But as it is the course for all things to degenerate, so was this divine and excellent science corrupted. It was, say they, taught by Adam to his Son Seth, it was polluted and depraved by Cham, and his posterity, led by an impious curiosity to patch out Philosophy with Necromancy, and by charm; and spells, to inquire that of evil Spirits, that by study they could not obtain by nature. The Hebrews according to S. Clement (l. 4. Recog.) attribute the invention of evil Magic to Mizraim the Son of Cham, others to Cham himself, who reigned in Bactria, called by profane Authors Zoroastres. He wrote divers Books of Enchantment, containing 200000 Verses, burnt by Ninus King of Assyria after his Conquest. Pliny, l. 30. cap. 1. It took its source from three principal Arts, Physic, judicial Astrology, and Religion. Some divide it into infinite sorts, but as the Mountain Caucasus running through many Countries, takes of every one a name, yet is still the same mountain: So is this the same science, however called by its several professors. But the chief were three sorts.  
1. The Persian, invented by Zoroastres, Zorad●s, or Cham.  
2. The Judaic introduced as they say by Moses, but more probably by Jamnes and Jotapa or, Mambres (Syrus calls them Jannis and Jambaris) who were with reason thought to be the Enchanters of Pharaoh, we finding in 2 Tim. 3. mention made of Jannes and Jambres (or as some render it, Jamnes and Mambres) that withstood Moses. The third was the Grecian Magic, mentioned by Homer in his descriptions of Proteus, Circe, and the sirens. It was brought into Greece by Hosthanes a Persian, that accompanied Xerxes, and afterwards published by another Hosthanes, at the suit of Alexander the Great. But of all, the Persian Magi were most renowned, no less for their staunch Religion and lives, then curious search into the secrets of Nature; they assisted at the service of the Gods, made prayers and sacrifices, believed the Resurrection and Immortality of the soul; they thought the world subsisted by their prayers, rejected Idols, busied themselves in presaging events, believing the Gods obeyed them, and that the air was filled with Spirits, with the Manichees, making two principal, the one good, whom they call jupiter and Horosmades, the other bad, named Pluto and Arimanis. They held promiscuous Copulation lawful, otherwise lived in great austerity, rejecting exterior ornaments, and and the use of Gold. They ever held a wand in their hands, and went clothed in white, as a mark of the candour and simplicity of their lives, they lay hard, eat ill, drank worse; bread, herbs, and cheese, being their food, and their drink water, as having a touch of the Pythagorean sect, they abstained from all food that had life, or rather Pythagoras learned that of them. Diog. Laert. l. 1. de vit. Philos.)  
This Science once of such esteem for its sublimity, and being so far elevate from the common, and by the exercise of personages of greatest honour and antiquity, is now by superstition joined with the invocation of infernal spirits rendered odious. Some make two sorts of Magic, Natural and Divine, one lawful, the other unlawful; the natural consists in the searching of the causes of all things, which is no more than the consummation of Philosophy. The Divine part is diabolical, being the abuse of natural things, joined with the familiarity of wicked Spirits, so jamblique (Livre des mysteries des Aegyptiens) with whom agree Proclus & Porphyrius, lib. de Sacrif.) he calls the first Theurgy, which is good and approvable, and may be termed the white or natural; the other Geotie, or Necromancy, which is evil and damnable, vulgarly termed The black Art, and is divided into divers Classes, comprehended in these five, by Hugues de Saint Victor, (Liu. 6. chap. 5. De Son Erudition Didascalque.) The first he calls La mantique, or Divination, which is thus subdivided.  
1. When it is applied to the dead, it is called Necromancy.  
2. When to the Earth, Geomancy.  
3. When to the Water, hydromancy.  
4. When to the Air, Aeromancie.  
5. When to the Fire, pyromancy: It is practised with divers ridiculous Utensils, as Basons, Looking-glasses, Hatchets, etc.  
The second sort he calls Mathematique Magic, comprehending three Species. 1. Aruspicium 2. Auspicium (of both which before) and 3. L'Horoscope, when by the Constellation or Ascendent of any one, and Calculating his Nativity, we make judgements of his Fortune; this is judicial Astrology. The third he calls Sortilege, or a Lot, when people cast Dice for their fortune, as in the Shepherd's Calendar, or any other way. The fourth Witchcraft; when by Ligatures, Charms, Spells, ungrounded Annulets, Philters, or compacts people make use or evil Spirits to serve them: and the fifth, Les Prestiges, which we may render Legerdemain, or Deceptio visus, Phantasms and illusions, when by the artifice of the Devil, things seem as they are not, as Witch's to be turned into Cats, Wolves, to which to give credit, is perhaps as great an error, as to affirm there are no Witches at all. One Ingredient in their Rites, is the blood of Infants, which to obtain, Ovid seems to believe, that they turn themselves into the shapes of such familiar and household creatures as Cats, Owls, &c by a certain Ointment; and this themselves have confessed upon examination at Pompelona, Anno 1583. yet surely but illuded by the Devil, and their melancholy to their own destruction; for if the Devil cannot annihilate or destroy, how can he contract a body? therefore wise Judges have admonished, that men should not give too rash a belief to the confessions of Witches, nor yet to the evidence which is brought against them, because Witches themselves are imaginative, believing oft times, that they do what indeed they do not. It was reported of the Neuri, a Nation of Scythia, that they could turn themselves into Wolves, and again assume their true shapes when they pleased. And Sabinus reports, how one accustoming to change himself into a Wolf, and again into a man, was taken and brought before the Duke of Prusia, accused by the Peasants for worrying their cattle: a deformed fellow, and not much unlike a beast. He had a scar on his face, the mark of a wound which was given him by a Dog, when he was a Wolf, as himself reported. He confessed, that twice every year he was converted into that shape, first about Christmas, and again at Midsummer; at which times he grew savage, and was carried with a certain natural desire to converse with Wolves in the woods, afflicted with pain and horror, while the hair was breaking out of his skin, and before he was throughly changed. For a trial, he was shut up in prison, & carefully guarded, but continued unaltered; by which it appeared that this, as the like, proceeded from a kind of distraction, and strength of the abused imagination; the Devil doubly deluding both themselves and such as behold them, with fantastic resemblances, although Bodin affirms and strives to maintain the contrary. For the other ingredients of witchcraft, as the Spume of the Moon, (their fautresse) or the dew of the Night, soperiferous herbs, pollutions of holy things, etc. I refer you to Ovid's Met. l. 7. treating of Medea's bath for Aeson, and Master Sandys his learned Comment thereon: To Father Lewis Richeome, his Pilgrim of Loretto, cap. 7. of the Pilgrim's return, etc. To Delrius disquis. Magic. and to our elaborate Poet Laureate, Johnson, his masque of Queens, in which inimitable Poem he has treasured up all the knowledge of the Ancients, of this Theme, of which all or most of the Ancient Poems wrote something, bringing in some Witch; Homer Circe in the Odyssi; Theocritus, Simatha in Pharmaceutria; Virgil Alphesibaeus; Ovid, Dipsas, in amor. Medea and Circe in Met. Titulum, Saga; Horace, Candida, Sagana, Veia, Folia; Seneca, 〈◊〉 and the Nurse, in Herc. Oete; Petr. Aubiter, Saga in frag; Lucan, Ericto; and Claudian Megaera. lib. 1. in Rufinum; still attributing to them such diabolical and odious qualities as are sufficient to render them detested, and deter others from their wretched society, were it but for the penury, sluttish nastiness, and deformity in which the Devil commonly keeps these his servants.  
That grand enemy of man not being able to draw many to this grossness of evil, willing rather to play at small game then to stand out, have won them to a conceit of his smaller wares, though they will not seem to drive a solemn bargain with the Merchant, such are Philtres, Charms, Ligatures, Characters, and other superstitious ways in the cure of common diseases; what natural effects can reasonably be expected, when to prevent the Ephialtes or Nightmare we hang up an hollow stone in stables? when for warts we rub our hands before the Moon, or commit any maculated part unto the touch of the dead? when for Annulets against Agues we use the chips of Gallows and places of Execution? which kind are most frequent in Germany and Flanders, where when one is sick, all his acquaintance bring him their medicinal charms, so usual there, as I was there credibly informed, that a Preacher sitting himself powerfully to inveigh against Witchcraft, about the beginning of Lent, found so good success, as that before Easter, more than 500 persons brought him their charms and renounced them, Of this sort (no less than the Familiars, in some of those parts sold in shops) is the custom among some of their soldiers to be made Hard, Spit-free or Shot-free, etc. the Devil seconding hereby the expectations of men with Events of his own contriving, to obtain a bloody advantage, for he begets not only a false opinion that his deceits are natural causes, but such as leadeth the open way of destruction. Of this sort the sympathetic, Powder and Weapon Salve seem to me, unless I could salve that Action in Philosophy, Non datur actio indistans. Though they be sometimes successful, 'tis not to be imputed to the belief of the Patient, or efficacy of the ingredients, which can have none at distance, but rather to some previous compact with the Devil; to whom rather than to be beholding for my life, I would choose to die; and however it be approved by many, yet not being plain to me; I should rather trust my body, if wounded, to the care of an ordinary Chirurgeon, knowing, what 〈◊〉 of Faith is Sin; and might expect more comfort of my health procured by a known lawful, then if it had been obtained by a doubtful means. Under this head may I put Palmistry and Judicial Astrology, which not seldom fail: but if they be grounded only upon natural Causes and people that have the same Ascendent and Lines must have the same fate, how came Jacob and Esau to have so different Fortunes, when their Births were so connexed, as the one had hold of the others heel? if in that short time the whole revolution of the Heaven changed, what certain Judgement can be made? And in Palmistry, why should it be confinable unto man, when the rules of it are common to beasts? as in the forefoot of the Moll, especially of the Monkey, there is the Table Line, that of Life, and of the Liver? This prying into the Arcana Dei let the wise counsel of Cato the prudent Heathen dissuade.  
Quid Deus intendat, noli perquirere sort.  
Quid statuat de te, sine te deliberat ipse.  lib. 2. de Morib. 
Seek by no Divination God's intents:  
He without thee has fixed all thy events.  
To say something of the Sortilegium or Divination by Lots. To determine doubtful matters by the opening of a book, and letting fall a staff, are ancient fragments of Pagan superstition. The first an imitation of Sorts Homericae or Virgilianae, drawing determinations from Verses casually occurring. The same was practised by Severus, who entertained ominous hopes of the Empire, from that Verse in Virgil, Tu regere imperio populos Roman memento; and Gordianus who reigned but few days was discouraged by those words, Ostendunt terris hunc tantum fata nec ultra esse sinunt. Nor was this only performed in Heathen Authors, but upon the sacred Text of scripture, as Gregorius Turonensis hath left some account; and as the practice of the Emperor Heraclius, before his expedition into Asia minor, is delivered by Cedrenus. The decision from the staff is an Augurial Relic, and the practice thereof is accused by God himself; Hosea 4.12. My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them. Of this kind of Rhabdomancy was that practised by Nabuchadonosor in that Caldean Miscellany, delivered by Ezekiel. cap. 21. The King of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows bright, he consulted with Images, he looked in the liver. At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem; That is, and Estius expoundeth it; the left way leading unto Rabbah the chief City of the Ammonites, and the right unto Jerusalem; he consulted Idols and Entrails, he threw up a bundle of arrows, to see which way they would light, and falling on the right hand, he marched towards Jerusalem. A like way of Belomancy or Divination by Arrows hath been in request with the Scythians, Alanes, Germans, Africans, and Turks of Algiers. And (though by a more obvious witchcraft) Cingis the first great Cham of Tartary, about the year of grace, 1162. before he joined battle with Vncham, one of the Kings Tenduch, consulted with his Diviners of the success: they taking a green reed, cloven it asunder, and wrote on the one part the name of Cingis, and Vncham on the other, and placed them not far asunder. Then fell they to muttering their Charms, and the two reeds a fighting in the sight of the whole Army, Cingis reed overcame the other, whereby they foretold the joyful news of Victory to the Tartar, which accordingly happened. So Theodatus the Gothe (about the year 534.) being in wars with the Romans, and willing beforehand to know his success; was advised by a Jew to shut up a number of swine, and to give some of them Roman names, the others Gothish. Not long after, the King and the jew going to the sties, found the Gothish Hogs all slain, and the Roman half unbristled: whereupon the jew foretold that the Goths should be discomfited, and the Romans much weakened, and so it fell out. This kind of Divination some call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and hath been prohibited by a general Council, and is with its other kinds often condemned and threatened with punishments by God himself, by the mouths of his holy Prophets, especially Ezekiel. If any think that Elisha practised Belomancy when by an arrow shot from an Eastern window, he presignified the destruction of Syria, and when according unto the three strokes of joash, with an arrow upon the ground, he foretold the number of his victories, 2 Kings 13. they may know that that was done by the spirit of God, who particulared the same, and determined the strokes of the King unto three, which the hopes of the Prophet expected in twice that number. From the same spirit proceeded those cures in Scripture, by means not to us effective. The Divine power either proceeding by visible means, or not, unto visible effects, is able to to conyjoyn them by his cooperation. And therefore those sensible ways which seem of indifferent Natures, are not idle ceremonies, but may be causes by his command, and arise unto productions beyond their regular activities. If Nahaman the Syrian had washed in jordan without the command of the Prophet, its like he had been cleansed by them no more then by the waters of Damascus. There is no cause to doubt if any besides Elisha had cast in salt, the waters of jericho had not been made wholesome. There was some natural virtue in the plaster of figs applied to Ezechias, and gall is very mundificative, and was a proper medicine to clear the eye of Tobit; which carrying in themselves some action of their own, they were additionally promoted by that power, which can extend their natures unto the production of effects beyond their created efficiencies. And thus may he operate also from causes of no power unto their visible effects; for he that hath determined their actions unto certain effects, hath not so emptied his own, but that he can make them effectual unto any other. So cannot the Devil, having no power of his own, as a created essence, but that only that is permitted to him, all which he stretches to make himself seem equal with God; so that we may call him God's Ape, assuming the annexes of divinity, and the prerogatives of the Creato, drawing into delusive practice the operation of miracles, and the prescience of things to come. See more of this in Doctor brown's Pseu. Epid. l. 1. cap. 10. & 11. lib. 5. cap. 21. & 22. The Devil hath also made men believe that he can raise the dead, that he hath the key of life and death, and this leads me to Necromancy, which is divination by the dead; when to foretell some event, some dead body is called up: as Lucan. lib. 6. makes Pompey's Son Sextus go to the witch Erichtho, to enquire the issue of the war, she quickens a dead carcase that informs him, then by a spell lays it again. The like was acted in the body of Samuel by the Watch of Endor, when King Saul went to learn of her what event his war with the Philistines should have, although whether done by divine permission, or diabolical illusion, is as yet in controversy. But more probable it seems, since the Devil can transform himself into an Angel of light, that he assumed the shape of Samuel. Insomuch that the apparitions of Saints and Angels (of no small danger to the credulous and unstable) are not secure from deception. For to me it seems hard, that the Devil should have power of of the body of a Saint, and holding that the dead do rest in the Lord, that we should yet believe they are at the lure of Devil: that he who is in bonds himself, commandeth the fetters of the dead; and dwelling in the bottomless Lake, the blessed from Abraham's bosom. The opinion of the real Resurrection of Samuel is chiefly grounded upon that in Ecclesiasticus (praising Samuel) cap. 46. v 2. After his death he prophesied, and showed the King his end, and lift up his voice from the Earth in Prophecy. Such expound those words in the story. 1. Sam. 28.19. To morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me, in the Grave, only, in the state of the dead: farther they cannot go; for if it were the Prophet, had he spoken of the particular place wherein he was, he would not have spoken so generally, take the place either for Heaven, or Limbus patrum. for there we may fear Saul and his two Sons Abinadab and Malchishua never came: If it were the Devil, and meant local Hell; to have spoken plain, he should have said thou and thy two sons; for jonathan the Eldest and friend of David, was slain too, but left us pious hopes of his better condition: but that plainness of speech he might wave to keep up the controversy, making it his work to sow dissension; as also to speak here like himself, elsewhere, all whose answers and Oracles were amphibolous and mystical: But for more of this I refer you to Saint Augustine, lib. 2. q. ad Simplician: where he proposeth both the opinions as probable.  
But to reassume the business of note, the Magi: Magus signifies as much as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Sapiens, a wise man: so were the Philosophers in Persia and the East named, though now by the corruption of the Science, it's an odious name, Magician alias Conjurer, though we might as well deprave the name of Divine, it certainly coming à Divinando, from those ancient Diviners or soothsayers. So Tyrannus at first did only signify a Monarch and absolute King, but came afterwards by the abuse of Royal Authority to be taken for a cruel and evil Prince; In like manner the word Lacrones signified of old such as were the guards of Princes; but grew in time by their disloyalty to be understood of Robbers and Thiefs. Out of the Magi the ancients chose them Kings, and chief officers; Cambyses second Monarch of the Medes and Persians, at his expedition into Egypt, constituted Patizithes, one of the Magi, Viceroy in his absence. And the Magi or wisemen led by the star to Bethelem to adore our Saviour were Kings, as say Saint Jerome, Saint Augustine, Saint Chrysostom, Saint Anastasius, Saint Isidorus, Tertullian, and Remigius: perhaps Kings of Cities or some narrow Territories or Topacks, such as the Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Kings of Ierico and Ai, the 31 Kings that joshua subdued, and such as the friends of job are thought to have been; but their number is not expressed, much less their names, in Scripture; Saint Augustin saith they were three, perhaps led thereunto by the number of their gifts. For their names Franciscus Maurelicus hath them in his martyrologue, agreeing with the written Tables annexed to their reputed Tombs in colein in Germany, viz. The first was called Melchior, an old grave Person, who offered Gold as unto a King. The second Gasper, a young man, who presented Frankincense as unto God. The third Belthazar, a Blackmore, who offered Myrrh, as unto a Man ready for his Sepulchre. That they were Kings of colein is the vulgar opinion; but though Collein was the chief City of the Vbii, then called Vbiopolis, and afterwards Agrippina, in honour of Agrippa, Nero's Mother, and lastly colein by the by French, who there planted a Colony, yet do no story say there were three Kings thereof. Besides, than they after their return would probably have converted their Subjects, it being their proper vocation, they being (saith Chrysostom) baptised and made Bishops by Saint Thomas the Apostle; but according unto Munster their Conversion was not wrought until seventy years after, by Maternus a Disciple of Saint peter's. Lastly, the wise men came from the East; but but colein is seated West from jerusalem; for colein hath of Longitude 34. degrees, but jerusalem 72. A more probable opinion it is, that they were of Arabia, descended from Abraham by his second wife Keturah, and this the aforesaid Table allows; First, because they came from the East, and so is Arabia in respect of jerusalem; as also, because in them was fulfilled the Prediction of the royal Prophet, Psalm. 72. The Kings of Arabia shall bring gifts. Their bodies are said by Eckius and others to have been translated by Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine, unto Constantinople: From thence by Eustorphius Bishop of Milan unto Milan; and finally brought unto colein by Rainoldus Bishop thereof, An. 1164. of which place they may be called Kings rather from their Sepulchre then Territory.  
The British Magi also, or Druids were their Magistrates, they took their name and beginning (as some will) from Druis, fourth King of Britain, great Grandchild to Samothes, (supposed to be Mesech Son of japhet, who some make the first King here, saying he here first of any arrived and peopled this Isle, An. Mundi 1787. after the Flood 131. years, and before the Incarnation of our Saviour 2158. He came into Europe together with Gomer and Fuisco or Aschenas founder's of the Western and Southern gaul's and Germans. He inhabited the North and East parts of Gaul and Germany, from the Alps to the Rhine, from the Pyrene Hills to the River Seine, and so to the British shore, and the Island itself) such will have Poets called anciently Bards (and among the Welsh Barthes' to this day) from Bardus the royal Orpheus of this Isle, fifth King thereof, and Son to Druis.  
They also will have the Magi of all Nations of British extraction, taking the science of divine Philosophy, and the Name too, from Magus Son of Samothes, and second King of Britain, the same man that to perpetuate his name, built among the Gauls, Neomagus, Sitomagus, Rhotomagus, Noviomagus, etc. though his Science shall outlast his Towns. These British Magi, might as well send their Name as Learning, to the East, their King Sarron (say they) Son to Magus, and third King of Britain (to whom they impute the first foundation of Schools and Universities in this Isle, and elsewhere) by them persuaded, sent by Timagen, and others of them, the first knowledge of Literature, to Athens and Egypt. But it seems the British learning, like their wool, thriveth better in a hotter Clime than their own; for they tell us, that Bladud (8th King of England, then called Leogria of Locrine, Son of Brute, first King of that Division) studied at Athens, and brought thence four Philosophers, who professed the Sciences at Stamford, where he founded an University which flourished till S. Augustine's time, when the Pope did interdict it for Heresies (perhaps that of Pelagius) that then sprung amongst the Saxons and Britons. So Mr Harding, Slatyer, Palae-Albion, etc. (though in our more authentic Records, I find not any thing like an University at Stamford, till in the Reign of King Edward 3d upon some contention between the Southern and Northern men in Oxford; many of the Scholars removed thither, and there held public Schools of all sorts of learning, but left it again, and returned, being commanded so to do by the King's Proclamation, & thereupon it was ordained in the University, that the Scholars in taking of their degrees, should make oath, not to read publicly at Stamford to the prejudice of Oxford.) This King Bladud, was held so great a Magician, as that he founded Bath, and the three hot medicinable springs there by his Art, then called Caer Badon, by the old Britons, from Badon or Mons Badonicus not far off, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hot waters, by Ptolemy, and by Antoninus, Aquae Solis, respecting their nature. Here Bladud one day practising Necromancy, decked himself with feathers, and presuming (Icarus like) to fly, fell, and broke his neck upon the Temple he had there built to Apollo, He reigned 863 years before the incarnation of our Saviour; from this Bladud, many will have Magic (his great Masterpiece) called the Black Art, a far fetched Etymology, but perhaps as well Black Art from Bladud, as Magic from Magus King of Britain. These relations are not altogether to be derided, though they seem to have been composed by some more affectionate to the honour of their Country, than the purity of story; they are attested by learned and worthy men's, and (though none need to feign any thing to honour Great Britain (as she lately stood) it's just such should find more credit, than that impudent Detractor Polydore Virgil, that maliciously compiled her story to abuse her, by leaving out, nay burning and embezzling her best and most ancient Records, Monuments, and Legier Books, that his own might not be contradicted, (having a large Commission under the Great Seal, to make search for all Antiquities that might make for his purpose;) yet for all this, he hath ill luck to write nothing well, save the life of King Henry the seventh, wherein he had reason to take a little more pains then ordinary, the Book being Dedicated to Henry the eight his Son, though even in that piece he is so far excelled by our eloquent Lord Verulam, as I must either retract that Polydore wrote well, or allow it but to make him the better foil to Bacon, who shows there was no need of Italian help to the British History.  
One great Art of the Magi, was the Exposition of Dreams amongst them, believed of grand importance, holding, that though sleep be the Image of death, Dreams are the portraiture of life; though Cassius reasoning with Brutus about the apparition to him in Sardis, laboured according to his Epicurian sect, to Father all upon deception, and the strength of imagination; (Plut. in vit. Brut.) And though Dreams are more often Histories than presages, grounded upon things that are in being, and which we have seen; for the imagination which is the Couch and Nursery of Dreams, representeth commonly what she hath received; yet Dreams are not always of nature, but also of the inspiration of God, as Jacob's Ladder, Joseph's Sun and Moon, and 11 Stars, Pharoahs' fat and lean kine, etc. So Richeome Pilg. Loret. and as D' Brown observes, Rel. Med. There is surely a nearer apprehension of any thing that delights each of us in our Dreams, then in our waked senses, & Paulò post, The slumber of the body, seems to be but the waking of our souls: It is the ligation of our sense, but the liberty of Reason. With him, seem to agree Galen and Aristotle, in their singular Tracts of Sleep. And M. Sandys, in his Commentary upon Ovid's Met. l. 11. Defines Dreams, those Images which are formed in our sleeps by the various discursion of the spirits in the brain (the spirits being the Chariot of the soul) which follow concoction, when the blood is least troubled, and the fantasy uninterrupted by ascending vapours. These the Poet divides into three kinds, the one imitating the Rational, the other the Animal, and the third the Inanimate: the first called Morpheus, which signifies Form; the second Icelos by the Gods, which is similitude; but Phobetor or fear, by Mortals, in regard of the terrors apprehended by beasts and Monsters; and the last Phantasius, of the Imagination. And as the Cogitations of Princes, far differ from those of the vuigar, so their Dreams are unvulgar and different: to this purpose M. Howel in his vocal Forest, Oftentimes the conceptions of Kings, are as far above the Vulgar, as their condition is, for being higher elevated, and walking upon the battlements of sovereignty, they sooner receive the inspirations of heaven.  
As sleep was created to recreate the body, and free the mind from care for a season; so, Dreams are sometimes sent to terrify the guilty (as those that the Usurper Richard the third is reported to have had, the night before the great deciding battle at Bosworth field). Sometimes they are to confirm the good (as those that the Earl of Richmond (afterwards King Henry the seventh) had on the aforesaid night) and they are not seldom prophetical (as they proved to those two Princes.) So Ovid (it being the business of Poets, in the contemplation of Nature, to represent things that are not as if they were) makes Morpheus present her drowned Husband Ceyx, to Alcyone in a Dream, and Caesars wife Calphurnia, foresaw her Husband's Tragedy in her sleep, but examples are innumerable; yet such divine Revelations were often imitated by Spirits of darkness, to beget a superstition, which in the end so increased, that Aristides compiled an Ephemerideses of his own Dreams; and Mithridates of those of his Concubines. But the Romans finding the inconveniences thereof (because all Dreams without distinction of Causes, were drawn to Divination) forbade the same by a public decree, though they, more politicly then wisely, made their Religion and Auguries ever serve their occasions, as Machiavelli observes at large in his discourses upon Livy. Much ado I have to take off my hand from describing their method in expounding of Dreams, as to dream of the dead, signified receiving of Money, to dream of waters and green fields, the death of friends, etc. As also their manner in procuring of Dreams, as wrapping themselves up in beasts skins, and lying on their backs before the Temples, with a branch of Misletoe in their hands, or laying of an odd number of Bay-leaves under their pillows, which they held efficacious to produce true Dreams, etc. But such superstitions I had rather omit, seeing I need not tell them to the learned; nor am I willing to teach them to the ignorant, whom I refer to the Text, where they shall see (borrowed of the incomparable Sir Philip Sidney) that 
— Wisdom and virtue be,  
The only Destinies set for man to follow, etc.   
[(23) Larr] Larr is a sandy Kingdom, adjoining upon Susiana, almost wholly a Desert, being for 400. miles together sterile, full of loose sand and danger, having high hills on each side without Grass, River, or Herbage. It hath for the seat of justice, a City of the same name, seated under the Latitude of 27 degrees and forty minutes North, fourteen days' journey distant from Shiras. This City is ancient, and had about fifty years since 5000 houses in her, of which 3000 were overturned by an Earth quake. 'Tis now famous only for a strong Castle, and handsome Buzzar; the Castle is built at the North end, upon an high aspiring Mountain, well stored with Ordnance brought from Ormus: the order and Situation of this Fort and Fabric, equalizing, if not preceding any other in Persia. Here is a Mosque or Temple, framed in some part with Mosaique work, and round in figure; at the entrance hangs a Mirror or Looking glass, wherein Mahometans behold their deformities. This Church lodges the great long named, long buried Prophet Emyr-ally-saddey-ameer, whose sleep (they say) has been 1500 years long in that Sepulchre; they expect his Resurrection shortly to wait upon Mahomet, of whom he prophesied 500 years before his birth.  
This Town affords Dates, Oranges, Aquavitae, or Arack, &c, but is very ill watered; some Maps place it by a great River, wherein they mistake so exceedingly, that there is not any River within 100 miles of it: Rain is also a great stranger here, not a shower sometimes in five years, when it falls, it brings incredible joy and profit to the people, and sunburnt Country, though sometimetimes no less detriment; for not long since, such a violent storm of Rain unburthened itself near to Techoa, that caused such a sudden deluge and Cataract, as a Caravan of 2000 Camels perished by it. The people are black and needy, amongst whom many miserable Jews inhabit, and have their Synagogues. This City and Province, were under the great Duke of Shiras, of whose reducing of it to the Persian Crown, see the 19th Note upon the Fourth Act. Herbert. etc.  
[(24) BAIAZET'S Cage] see the 10th Note upon the Fourth Act.   

ANNOTATIONS UPON THE FOURTH ACT.  
[(1) Bizantiums' walls of fire] The ancient walls of Byzantium, or Constantinople, were said to be of a just even height, every stone so cemented together with brass Couplets, that the whole wall seemed to be but one entire stone. Some affirm the same of the outmost wall of Jerusalem. The Epithet Fiery, I ascribe to Bizantiums' wall, it being built of brick and stone intermixed orderly. So was Thebes said to be walled with fire, being walled with flintstone, in which that fierce element is most predominant.  
[(2) Good Gelden] meaning Elchee. See the 8th Note upon the third Act.  
[(3) Hyrcania] See the sixth Note upon the third Act.  
[(4) The valiant amazons] In Cappadocia, about the River Thermodon, which runs through Anatolia, into the Euxine Sea, the Amazons were said to inhabit, so called, either quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because they used to fear, or cut off their right paps, that they might be no impediment to their shooting, or throwing of their lavelins; or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, sine pane, because they used not bread: or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because they used to live together, or from a Queen of Ephesus, Priestesse to Diana, called Amazona.  
They were, according to Pliny, Justin, etc. a people of Scythia, that valiant Nation, which at several eruptions, dilated its self over the whole world, (therefore styled by divers Authors, the Mother of all inundations, Vagina Gentium, & Officina generis humani) famous it was in both Sexes, the men being founders of the Parthian and Bactrian, and the women of the Amazonian Empire, about the year of the world, 2100. the occasion this, in the time of Sesostris King of Egypt, the Scythians book into Asia, bringing with them their wives, and household Gods; but there happening a quarrel between the rest of the Nobility, and Plinos and Scolpythus the Generals, those two separated themselves, and their faction from the rest, and seated between the Rivers Tanais, and Thermodon in Cappadocia, a long time they combated, and oft defeated the Themiscyrii, who were the inhabitants of that Region, but at last, by a stratagem of theirs▪ lost their Army. Their wives now doubly vexed, (both with exile and widowhood, and the extremity of grief,) and fear, producing the usual effect, desperateness, they not only defended their borders against but set upon the Conquerors (weal●ed before by their Husbands) and not only overcame them, but infinitely enlarged their Dominions, under the conduct of Marpesia and Lampedo, their two Queens, late wives to the two forenamed Captains; then finding the sweetness of Rule, they not only resolved to continue Widows, but made so such as yet were not, by murdering all the men in the Country, permitting none either to stay therein, or to enter in, but some few for drudges. They proclaimed themselves Daughters of Mars, and defied the world, of which they conquered a good part, according to Justin, lib. 2. Their two Queens, Marpesia and Lampedo, made war by turns, they subdued the better parts of the continent of Europe, and many Cities in Asia, where they built Ephesus, (though it was perfected by Andronicus the Son of Codrus) and many other Cities.  
Part of the Army they sent home with a noble booty, the rest that stayed to defend Asia, was overpowred by concourse of the barbarous Nations, and put to the sword, together with their Queen Marpesia, in whose place succeeded her Daughter Orithya in the Throne, famous no less for her martial achievements, than her inviolate chastity. At length having by War obtained peace, for succession's sake, they used during two months in the spring to accompany with their Neighbours, especially with the Sarmates, saith Pliny, (lib. 6. cap. 7.) who were their subjects, with the Gelae and Leleges, saith Plutarch (in vit. Pomp.) The female issue they trained up to war, searing the left breasts of the noble women, lest they might hinder their wearing of shields; and the right breast of the common women, that they might not impede their drawing of Bows. The Male issue (say some) they killed, others say they sent them to their Fathers when they were weaned, breaking the legs and arms of those few whom they reserved for drudgery, that they might be useless for war, and fit only for procreation and husbandry. Grown thus famous, it was fit they should be honoured with the contention of Hercules, which happened thus: The King for whom that stout Hero performed his twelve Labours commanded him, as a thing impossible to fetch him the Armour of the Amazonian Queen; He with Theseus, and the choice youth of Greece, shipped in nine Galleys, and assailed their Country, at such time as their valiant Queen Orithya was making war abroad, so that he found the less trouble in overcoming the other Queen Antiope: Theseus took Hippolyta Antiope's sister prisoner, married her, and of her begat Hippolytus. Hercules took the other sister Manalippe, and for her Ransom, took the Queen's Armour, and returned to the King that sent him. Orithya to revenge it upon the greeks, demanded aid of Sagillus, King of the Scythians, who sent her a Noble Army of Horse, led by his Son Panaxagoras, but then the Athenians vanquished. To Orithya succeeded Penthesilea, who got fame before Troy: She being slain, her people continued their feminine Empire till Alexander's time, their Queen Minthia, alias Thalestris, after she had obtained 14 days company with him to have issue by him, died, and with her, the name of the Amazons: so Justin. Plutarch in vit. Thes. (agreeing with Seneca) calls the Amazon that Theseus took Antiopa, and allegeth the authorities of Hellacanus, Menecrates, Pherecydes, and Herodotus for it, that he made that voyage alone, after Herculeses. Dion saith, he brought her away by stealth, not force, invited her to his Ship, than hoist sail. Clidemus the Historiographer, agrees with Justin; but which sister soever it was, either Antiope, or Hippolyta, (though Theseus his naming his Son by the Amazon Hippolytus, as most say (though Pindarus saith he called him Demophon) rather inclines me to believe it was Hippolyta) it's certain the Amazons invaded Greece to revenge it; to do which, that they passed over the arm of the sea called Bosphorus Cimmericus, being frozen, as Hellacanus reports, is scarce credible, more like it is that they came by Land; for in Thessaly, (through which they could not pass without fighting) there are seen some of their Tombs, about the City of Scotusa, hard by the Rocks called the Dog's head: that they subdued the Country about Athens, and much of the City too, is evident in that they pitched their Camp in the very City, and fought Theseus in the place (called Pnyce) adjoining to the Temple of the Muses: This also the Graves of the women that died there do testify. Theseus having sacrificed unto the Goddess Fear (according to the advice of the Prophecy he had received) gave them battle in the month of August, on the same day on which the Athenians do solemnize the feast Boedromia. Clidemus writes the circumstances of the fight, which was fierce and hot, in which the Athenians were repulsed several times, and at last it proved little more than a drawn Battle. After four months, peace was made, by the means of Hippolyta, (though some say she was slain fighting on Theseus' side with a Dart, by Molpadia) in memory whereof, the Pillar which is joined to the Temple of the Olympian ground, was set up in her honour. However it's certain, the war was ended by agreement; for a place adjoining to the Temple of Theseus bears record of it, being called Orcomosium, because the peace was there by solemn Oath concluded; and the sacrifice also doth truly verify it, which they made to the Amazons before the feast of Theseus, time out of mind. That of the Poets, that the Amazons made war with Theseus, to revenge the injury he did to their Queen Antiopa in refusing her, to marry Phaedra, seems but fiction, though indeed after the death of his Amazonian Queen he married Phaedra, whose violent lust was the ruin of his noble Son by his Heroine Lady, to wonder expressed by Seneca in his excellent Tragedy, Entitled Hippolytus. What ever was the cause of the War; it was so well managed, as it seemed not the enterprise of a Woman; so Plutarch. Others Epitomizing the story of the Amazons, say, they were a Race of warlike women in Cappadocia, managing courageous Horses, expert themselves, and instructing their Daughters in military exercises, and became so famous and formidable, that in the end it drew on the courage of Hercules, together with the desire of Hippolyta's rich Belt to assail them; and that Hippolita and Manalippe, sisters to the Queen Antiope, challenged Hercules and Theseus to single Combat, and were at last (to their eternal credits) hardly vanquished. Hercules (say they) slew Antiope, and took Hippolyta prisoner. whom he gave to Theseus his companion, as the reward of his merit in that service. In this War he so weakened their forces as they became a prey to their Neighbours; who after a while extinguished in those parts both their name and Nation. Penthesilea with the remainder flying her Country, assisted Priamus in the wars of Troy (for the innate hatred which her nation bore to the Greeks) of which Virgil.  
Ducit Amazonidum lunatis agmina peltis  
Penthesilea furens: mediisque in millibus ardet,  
Aurea subnectens exertae cingula mammae  
Bellatrix; audetque viris concurrere Virgo.  Aeneid. 1. 
Penthesilea on the numerous Bands  
Rushed with her Crescent-shielded Amazons▪  
A golden Bend swathing her seared Breast.  
Bold maid! that durst with armed men content  
She was there slain by Achilles or by Pyrrhus his son. Pliny reports that she was the first that invented the Battellax●. Plutarch says part of the Amazons did inhabit on the side of the Mountain Caucasus that looketh towards the Hyrcanian Sea. And Plato affirms that there was a Nation of Amazons in his time in Sarmatia Asiatica, at the foot of Caucasus: from whence it should seem their Queen Thalestria came into Hyrcania unto Alexander, that she might have a Daughter by him, who participating of both their spirits might conquer and deserve the world. But Strabo doubts by the uncertainty of Authors (though in the story of no Nation do Historians punctually agree) and the unlikeliness thereof, that there ever were any such women: And Palephates writes, that the Amazons were a People courageous and hardy, who wore linen sashes on their heads, and gowns to their heels (as now the Turks do) suffering no hair to grow on their faces; and therefore in contumely were by their Enemies called women. This opinion may be made yet more probable by that of Plutarch, in vit. Pomp. viz. that in the battle that Pompey fought with the Albanians by the River Abas. there were certain Amazons, on the barbarous General Cosis his side, who came from the Mountains that run along the River Thermodon; for after the Victory, the Romans spoiling the dead, found Targets and Buskins of the Amazons, but not one woman's body. Goropius a late Author conceives them to be the wives and sons of the Sarmatians, who invaded Asia, together with their Husbands, and after planted in Cimbria; which he endeavours to prove by certain Dutch Etymologies: This conceit some will have arise from what others write, viz. that they were called Sauromatides, from their feeding much upon Lizards, in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Francis Lopez and Vlrichus Schimdel find them in the River Orellana in America: called thereof the River of Amazons: and Edward Lopez affirms, that there are of these in Monomotapa in Africa, nineteen degrees Southward of the line; the strongest guard of that Emperor as the East Indian Portugall's acknowledge. Some of the ancients place amazons in Lybia, among whom were the Gorgon's under their Queen Medusa, subdued by Perseus. Cael. l. 6. cap. 12. Silius Ital. l. 2. The Moderns send us to the Islands of Japan; next to the Taupinamboaus to find women that burn their right breasts not to hinder their combating. Possidonius agrees with Strabo l. 4. Geogra. in making mention of a certain Island of the Ocean near to the River Loir (which some think to be Noirmoustier near Poictou) where were women that permitted no men amongst them, but went by Troops to acccompany with the Samnite gaul's, and after conception returned to their I'll. So D' Juigne.  
[(5.) Phineus Harpies] Phineus the son of Agenor, some make King of Phoenicia, some of Thrace, some of Paphlagonia, but most of Arcadia; he having pulled out the eyes of Crambus and Orythus his Sons by Cleopatra (otherwise called Harpalyce) his first wife, daughter to Boreas and Orythia, at the instigation of their Stepmother Idaea, the daughter of Dardanus King of Scythia, was himself struck blind by the divine Vengeance for his unnatural cruelty, the ravenous Harpies being sent to devour his food, and contaminate his Table: but the Argonauts in their Journey to Colchos being courteously entertained by Phineus (a Prince of their blood and alliance, he having likewise informed them concerning their voyage, and given them a Pilot,) sent the Calais●nd and Zetes the winged Issue of Boreas (now reconciled for the injury done to his innocent Nephews) to chase them away; who pursuing them as far as the Strophades (two small Lands in the Ionian Sea, now called Strivalii) were there commanded by Iris to do no further violence to the Dogs of Jupiter, whereupon they desisted, and the Lands of their return were named Strophades (a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Conversio) being before called Plotes. So the Fable, of which Virgil.  
— Strophades Graio stant nomine dictae  
Insulae jonio in magno; quas dira Celaeno,  
Harpyaeque colunt aliae: Phineïa postquam  
Clausa domus: mensasque metu liquere priores.  
Tristius haud illis monstrum, nec saevior vila  
Pestis, & ira Deûm stygiis sese extulit undis.  
Virginei volucrum vultus faedissima ventris  
Proluvies, uncaeque manus, & pallida semper  
Ora fame.— Aeneid. l. 3.  
— Isles I'th' Ionian Sea, in Greek  
Called Strophades, did dire Celaeno seek,  
And th' other Harpies when they'd (frighted) flown  
Phineus barred gates, and Table once well known.  
No Monster's worse than they, a fiercer Plague  
The wrath of Gods ne'er roused from Stygian Lake.  
They're Foul with Virgin faces, purging ere  
Their Paunches, armed with talons bent to tear,  
And still with famine pined.—  
The Harpies are feigned to be the daughters of Neptune and Tellus, of old esteemed the Parents of Monsters, some lay them to Neptune alone, the Sea (for the most part) being Father of Prodigies; and not without cause, for according to Thales Milesius, all things are engendered of Humour, whence it cometh that the Ocean is called Father. Some will have them take their name of Harpalyce Phineus his wife, being sent to revenge the wrongs done to her Sons; but it seems more probable that they were so called of of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rapio, being the Emblems of Rapine and wrong. They are said to be Virgins, in that barren; because goods so gotten descend but seldom to posterity. To fly, in that they are swift in extorting; to be covered with plumes, for cloaking their prey; and to have talons of vultures, for griping and fast holding of their ill gotten riches. These qualities are also charactered in their names, Aello, Ocypetes and Celaeno, signifying a taking away that which is another's, celerity in the Act, and subtlety in concealing: those three Virgil mentions, Hesiod names but the two first; Homer calls the last Podarge, and saith that of her the wind Zephyrus engendered the Chariot Horses of Achilles, named Balius and Ximphus. The Harpies are said to have the faces of women, in that Avarice, of which they are the Hieroglyphics, allures with a beauteous pretence, but ends in a Serpent; to this allusion some Mythologists, and among them our excellent Sandys, restrain the whole Fable, making Phineus said to have put out his son's eyes, in having abandoned wisdom and Liberality; to have lost his sight, and to suffer perpetual Famine, in that so blinded with Avarice, that he could not see into himself, nor afford himself the necessaries of life. The Harpies (called elsewhere his Daughters) are his covetous desires, not suffering him to eat of the meat that was set before him, himself polluting it with his sordid disposition, being infected with Solomon's evil, to have riches, and not a heart to use them; therefore tormented with furies, those being said (as Servius observes) to be afflicted with Furies, who covetously abstained from the use of their own, excellently expressed by Virgil in the punishment of Tantalus Aen. l. 8. Calais and Zetes import a calling of himself to account, and a diligent inquiry into his own condition, by a speedy Reformation, expelling those ravenous Harpies, though forbidden utterly to destroy them, in that they are the Dogs of jupiter, the Ministers of his wrath upon the covetous, who are ever their own Tormentors. Neither is this Fable of the Harpies unnaturally wrested to Flatterers, Delators, prodigal Sycophants and greedy Officers, who devour the Treasure, and pollute the fame of Princes, abused in their trust, and blinded in their understandings: Calais and Zetes are no other than timely advice and swift execution (they are therefore winged) in freeing Courts of such Monsters. Natales Comes makes a somewhat different Mythology, understanding by the Harpies, the winds, l. 7. Mythol. Du Bartas (in his third day) called the petty fogging Lawyers Harpies; it being a common Metaphor to express any by, that are rapacious, injurious, or bloodsuckers of poor people. The misery Phineus sustained by them, and his happy deliverance from them, are wittily described by Ronsard in his Hymn of Calais and Zethes.  
[(6) May all the Scorpions of Cushan sting thee.] Cashan (or for the better sound, Cushan) is a famous City in Parthia; some six miles distant from Spawhawn the Metropolis. The people are orderly, and more given to trade then in the neighbour Cities. Silks, Satins, and cloth of Gold are her ordinary Commodities, plentiful, and at a reasonable 〈◊〉. She is well seated, well peopled, and well built. Here is a Carravansraw or common Inn, which exceeds all in Persia, and is fit to entertain the greatest Prince in Asia, yet built by King Abbas only for Travellers to lodge in, upon free cost. 'Tis two large stories high, the material Brick, varnished and coloured with knots and Arabian Letters, Poles of Azure, red, and white. From the Basis 'tis built six foot high of good stone. The Fabric is Quadrangular, and each proportionable Angle 200. paces. In the middle is a fair large Court, whereof in the midst is a foursquare Tanck, or Pond of pure Water, about it are spacious and fragrant Gardens. This civility of the King to strangers is seconded (as they say there) even by the stinging Scorpions and Serpents that infest this City and the neighbour Country in great abundance, whose Love and understanding the inhabitants report to be such to Travellers, as that they never hurt them. These Scorpions so numerous here, as it is a frequent curse throughout all the Persian Empire, May a Scorpion of Cushan sting thee. Herbert.  
[(7) My Uncle and my Grandsire] meaning Emir-hamze-Mirza and Mahomet Cadoband. See the first and second notes upon the first Act.  
[(8.) Paradise] The Paradise which Mahomet promises to his sect exceeds the vanity of a Dream, and all old wives Fables; though it is to be more than conjectured that he took his Pattern from the Poets Elysium, but hath so far mistook his copy, as of an ingenious Fancy, to present an absurd extravagancy. Thus Tibullus describes Elysium.  
Said me, qui facilis tenero sum semper amori,  
Ipsa Venus compos ducet in Elysios'.  
Hic choreae, cantusque vigent, passimque vagantes,  
Dulce sonant tenui gutture carmen aves.  
Fert cassiam non culta seges, totosque per agros,  
Floret odoratis terra benigna rosis.  
Ac juvenum serves teneris immista puellis  
I writ, & assiduè praelia miscet amor.  
Illud est quicunque rapax mors venit amanti,  
Et gerit insigni myrtea serta coma.  Fleg l. 1. Eleg 3. 
But me, whose heart to soft Love easily yields,  
Venus shall lead to the Elyzians fields.  
Here Song and dance abound: Their slender throats  
The tripping Birds still strain for pleasing notes.  
The wildest shrub doth odorous Casia yield,  
And Roses each where paint the beauteous field.  
Youths mixed with tender Virgins there disport,  
And still encounter in an amorous sort.  
What Lover e'er untimely dies is there,  
A Myrtle wreath crowning his glorious hair.  
And thus Virgil, speaking of Aeneas his going thither to visit his Father Anchises: 
Devenere locos laetos, & amaena vireta,  
Fortunatorum nemorum, sedesque beatas.  
Largior hic campos aether, & lumine vestit  
Purpureo: Solemque suum, sua sidera norunt.  
Pars in gramineis exercent membra palaestris;  
Contendunt ludo: & fulva luctantur arena.  
Pars pedibus plaudunt choreas, & carmina dicunt.  
Nec non Threicius longa cum veste sacerdos,  
Obloquitur numeris septem discrimina vocum.  
Jamque eadem digitis, jam pectine pulsat eburno.  
Hic genus antiquum Teucri, pulcherrima proles;  
Magnanimi heroës, nati melioribus annis.  
Ilusque, Assaracusque, & Troiae Dardanus author.  
Arma procul, currusque virum miratur inanes.  
Stant terrae defixae hastae: passimque soluti  
Per campos pascuntur equi, quae gratia currum,  
Armorumque fuit vivis, quae cura nitentes  
Pascere equos eadem sequitur tellure repostos:  
Conspicit ecce alios dextra, laevaque per herbam  
Vescentes, laetumque choro paeana canentes,  
Inter odoratum lauri nemus; unde supernè  
Plurimus Eridami per sylvam volvitur amnis;  
Hîc manus ob patriam pugnando vulnera passi:  
Quique sacerdotes casti, dum vita manebat,  
Quique pij vates, & Phaebo digna locuti:  
Inventas aut qui vitam excoluere per arts;  
Quique sui memores alios fecerè merendo:  
Omnibus his nivea cinguntur tempora vitta:  AEN. l. 6. 
Fair Greene's they reached, places of joyful rest,  
Sweet Groves, and happy Mansions of the blessed,  
Here larger air with purple rays the fields  
Of their own Sun and stars possessed, guilds.  
In flowery meads some strive with foot and hand,  
Some try their strength upon the golden Sand.  
Some dance, and cheer their measure with a song.  
The Thracian poet, in Robes grave and long,  
Renowns on seven sweet strings his sacred skill,  
Now stopps his hand, now strikes his Ivory quill.  
Teucer's old stock, a noble race, here stood,  
Magnanimous Hero's, born when times were good.  
Ilus, Asaracus, and who Troy did found.  
Their empty Chariots he admires: i'th' ground  
Their spears stuck fast, their bruised Arms laid by  
And charging Horses grazing carelessly.  
Look what delight steeds Arms or Chariots were  
To them alive, they still the same were here.  
Others he saw on either side advance  
Themselves, and sing glad Paeans in a dance,  
Shaded with odorous Laurel Groves, whose sides  
Silver Eridanus wash with frequent tides.  
Here triumph those did for their Country die,  
And Priests that kept their vow of Chastity.  
Poets that sung lays worthy of their God,  
Such as invented Arts for humane good,  
And those whose merits have their names renowned,  
All their blessed heads with snowy Garlands bound.  Again, in the person of Musaeus, 
Nulli certa domus: Lucis habitamus opacis,  
Riparumque toros, & prata recentia rivis  
Incolimus.— ibid.  
No certain seats have we: curled shady woods  
Cool Banks, and meads still fresh with Crystal floods  
We do enjoy.—   
Mahomet's Paradise, according to the Koran, lib. 1. cap. 2. is as big as Heaven and Earth, which is all the world: but where is it then? or else we must say, that God hath created another world besides this; but it were end less as bootless, to question Mahomet for absurdities. The Koran in another place, saith, that God created seven Paradises, or seven Mansions, each of which is called a Paradise: these are all wrought with Gold and Silver, Pearls and precious stones, and have divers Palaces Halls, Chambers, and Gardens, stored with fruit Trees, two of each sort; under which Palaces run Fountains and Rivers of water, milk, honey, & most sweet wine. In the midst of Paradise (as the Alcoran affirms, and the Sunè describes) is a Tree called Tuba, as big as all Paradise, whereof some leaves are of Gold, others of Silver, and the branches thereof cover the walls of Paradise. The Sunè says, that in every leaf of it, the name of Mahomet is written, jointly with the name of God, running thus, Le ilche ille allah Mahumed razolloa, (i. e.) There is no other God but the Lord, and Mahomet is his Messenger. The Koran (l. 3. c. 19 in the Chapters of Sacrifices, of Mount Sinai, of the Glorious, of the Falls, and of Man, l. 4.) describes how these Paradises are furnished, and adorned with Tapestries and Beds, with Curtains and Vallens of Cloth of Gold, of Purple, of silk, not forgetting the Quilts, Chairs of Gold, and precious stones, etc. Together, after what manner the moors shall sit and lie on these Beds and Couches, ever jocund and merry, not knowing Care or Grief. The said Chapters describe a Fountain in Paradise, called Celzebile; and another called Zengebila, the waters whereof are whiter than snow, and sweeter than honey; but more especially, there is the rare fountain called Alcauzar, (by a singular Chapter Al. l. 4.) reserved for Mahomet alone, though a strange ingrossement; for he saith it is 70000 days journeys in length and breadth (70000 is a frequent number with him) and the water hereof purer and sweeter than of the rest. In this Fount are many Bowls, Glasses, and drinking Vessels, as there are stars in the firmament. The said Chapters mention and describe the Pages which are always in Paradise, called in Arabic, Guildemin Mohalledun, (i. e.) eternal Pages, not of the race of men; they are as beautiful as precious stones set in Gold, and are clothed in silk, green, purple, and Zunduz. (i. e.) Tissue upon Tissue. These wait continually with full Cups, Flagons and Beakers of Gold and Silver. The said Chapters treat of the chaste Virgins which God hath created for Paradise, called Horhim, and in the singular number Hora; they are reclused, well watched, and guarded in their Palaces; their Garments are wonderful, and their beauty is as the light: Nay, Mahomet in the Sunè saith, that if any one of these Virgins should appear at Midnight, she would enlighten all the world like noonday: and if she should spit in the Sea, all the water in the Sea would become as sweet as honey.  
Furthermore, the said Chapters mention their Carcanets, Rings, Jewels, Coronets, and Trinkets of all sorts, which are prepared in Paradise for them, and that these Virgins are not of humane race, but are continually created for the Musselmen, they daily have their lost Virginities restored, continue ever young, (there, as here at 15. and the men as at 30.) and are ever free from natural pollutions. The Sunè mentions a feast, which God will make to men and women in Paradise, which it calls Hadrate Alcoduz, God makes this feast in the Paradise, called Genetu Alcoduz, (i. e. The Paradise of the Holy, and is the sixth in order among the seven hinted at before. Mahomet says also, that after a time, he will by virtue of his general Redemption release the moors who have deserved Hell fire; they shall come out of Hell black & burnt, and he will bring them to his fountain Alcauzar, wherein they shall wash and become white as snow; being so purified, he will lead them to the other moors that never deserved Hell. After this he saith, that God shall command the Angel Gabriel to take the keys of the Paradise of the Holy, for to make his feast there, which keys are kept by another Angel, of whom when Gabriel demands them, the said Angel shall put his hand to his mouth, and shall draw forth thence 70000 keys, each of which is 70000 leagues in length: and when the Angel Gabriel shall assay to take up the keys, he shall not be able to lift them, because of their great weight, hereupon he shall return to God, and say, Lord, I cannot lift the keys from the ground because of their great weight, and God shall say unto him, go again, and call upon my holy name, and the name of my friend Mahomet, and then take the keys and bring them hither: then shall Gabriel call upon those names, and take up the keys and bring them unto God, with which keys he shall open the said Paradise of Alcoduz, where they shall find a Table made ready, of a Diamond 7000000 days' journeys in length and breadth, with seats of Gold and Silver about it, and on it spread Napkins and Tablecloths richly wrought and woven. Then shall God command all the moors to sit down at the Table, and the foresaid Pages shall attend them with their golden Bowls, and set before them most delicious Cates and Fruits of all sorts, and skenk unto them the Wine and Water of Paradise. They having eaten and drunk, the Pages shall come with rich apparel for every Moor, wherewith they shall deck themselves, and put their Jewels and Bracelets on their Arms, Legs, and Hands, and Rings into their ears; then the immortal Pages shall enter again, every one with a dish in his hand, and in the dish a Citron, and shall present to every Male of the moors; as soon as they shall smell every one to his Citron, one of the aforesaid Virgins shall issue out of it most gallantly attired, and perfumed as the spring, and beautiful as the morning; she shall embrace her Moor, and he her, and so shall they continue in that sweet Act, embracing each other the space of fifty years together, without rising or separating from each other's body, all the while rioting in the sweets of youth and beauty. After they shall have thus taken their pleasure (saith Mahomet) God shall say, O my servants, now ye have eaten and drank, and are clothed, and adorned with Jewels, and have taken your pleasure in my Paradise and glory, I will now show you my glorious face; he says, that God shall remove the vails which he hath on his face, and shall show his glorious visage to all the moors, and they shall all fall to the ground, through the brightness which shall proceed from the face of God, and then God shall say, O my servants, arise, and rejoice in my glory, without fear of ever dying, much less of being sad or discontented to eternity; Then (says he) they shall lift up their heads, and behold God face to face, in which vision they shall take unspeakable solace. Then shall they all go from this to the other Paradises, to wit, every one accompanied with his Virgin, shall go into his own Palace or Mansion, there eternally eating, drinking, and taking his pleasure, joyful, and void of fear, of death, or hurt.  
Lastly, Mahomet promises, that he himself, at his own cost and charges, will make another feast to all Musselmen, at his sweet fountain Alcauzar, with his own hand, giving to every one of them to drink of the water thereof, whereof who so drinks (he saith) shall never thirst; the greatest truth among so many Gulleries, wherein Andreas Maurus makes himself sport with these two defects. The first is, that whereas Mahomet holds forth so magnificent Palaces, and is so careful of contriving and furnishing of them with all sorts of conveniences, he makes no mention of Easements; especially having spoken of so much eating and drinking, and of such laxative things too as Honey and sweet Wine. The second defect is, that he that loved Women so well▪ doth not make their glory & pleasure equal to the men's; he gives the men fine easy Wenches, and why should not the women in like manner, have their eternal servants? They must needs take it discourteously; nay instead of Glory and Pleasure, he gives them anger and sorrow, which they must necessarily feel when they see their Husbands which they had in this world, embracing other women fifty years together, and they left comfortless like Widows. Such is the absurd glory of Mahomet's delusive Paradise; yet with these fooleries is half the world bewitched, the impostor cunningly debelling and forbidding all learning, lest the light thereof should discover the grosseness of his absurdities, as it surely doth in those few that can attain it, under so strict a restraint: as Avicen that great Philosopher and Physician, who flourished about 500 years since, when Mahometism had not yet utterly extinguished all good literature, who was by lineage an Arabian of a Royal house, in Religion a Mahometan, but by Country and Habitation a Spaniard, and Prince (as some write) of Corduba, he (forced by the strength of his Reason) in his Books De Anima, & De Almahad, strives to vindicate the most intelligent of his Sect, from the literal belief of this Elysium, and excuses his Prophet for proposing it so fraught with sensual delights, as merely allegorical, and necessarily fitted to rude and vulgar Capacities; for (saith he) if the points of Religion were taught in their true form to the ignorant dull Jews, or to the wild Arabians, employed together about their Camels, they would utterly fall off from all belief in God. But its like he here makes his Prophet (as some Commentators do their Authors) speak more than he ever meant, being ashamed of him in gross, as appears Tract. 9 cap. 7. & se●. where laying down for a while his outward person of a Mahometan, and putting the habit of a Philosopher; in his Metaphysics seemeth to make a flat opposition between the truth of their faith received from their Prophet, and the truth of understanding by demonstrative Argument. But however Avicen and the Learned may see into the folly of their Doctrine (to which they are yet held by Interest, and that strong charm, Reason of state) the vulgar and illiterate look no further than the Letter, swallowing all with an implicit faith, so strong in them, as that the poor Azapi or foot soldiers being covetous of these delights in Paradise (promised (by an high policy) most eminently to such as die for their Country) make nothing to precipitate themselves into the most horrid gulfs of eminent danger, nay, even to fill up ditches with their bodies for the Janissaries to march over, and mount the walls of assaulted fortresses. See the Alcoran, Johannes Andreas Maurus his confutation thereof. Sandys. Herbert. etc.  
[(9) Cowes eyes] Mahomet promises that the Virgins in his imaginary Paradise shall have great Cow eyes (as big as eggs) which they have in principal repute; affected both by the Persians, Turks and Grecians, as it should seem from the beginning. Homer attributes it, as an especial excellency unto Juno; 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Than juno with the Cow's fair eyes replied.  
So Master Sandys, (the exactest of all Translators) and Mr. Chapman render it, and the Latin Heroic Translation Heads, Juno oculis veneranda bovinis: though in the vulgar version it is but magnis oculis praedita juno. We meet with the same verse again in Homer, Il. 4. as if the best of Poets knew not a more honourable attribute then this to ascribe to the Queen of Gods; the Cow of all beasts having the fairest eye, fullest of spirits, and of their true colour too, black, which hue they ever preferred in womens' eyes and hair. Anaceron bids the Painter draw his Mistress so, Ode 38. & 39 with hair black and shining; dark arched, eye brows, circular and almost meeting; and Eyes black and sprightly. And Ovid Loves chief Priest, his judgement is 
Est etiam in fusco grata colore Venus.  Amor. l. 2. Eleg. 4. The Nut-brown beauties ever taking were. And again, Leda fuit nigra conspicienda coma. ibid. Leda was lovely shadowed with black hair.  
The Turkish and Persian Ladies dress themselves still as after these patterns: they put between the eyelids and the Eye a certain black Powder with a fine long pencil, made of a mineral brought from the Kingdom of Fez, and called Alcohole; which by the not disgracefully staining of the lids, doth better set forth the whiteness of the eye: and though it troubles for a time, yet it comforteth the sight, and repelleth ill humours: Into the same hue (but likely they naturally are so) do they die their eyebreiss and eyebrows: (the latter by Art made high, half circular, and to meet, if naturallly they do not) so do they the hair of their heads as a foil that maketh the white seem whiter, and more becoming their other perfections. So Mr. Sandys, Tra. l. 1.  
[(10) An Iron Cage etc.] Bajazet fourth King of the Turks (having possessed himself of the greatest part of Thrace, subdued much of Greece, with the Country of Phocis; and twice, though in vain, besieged Constantinople) An. Dom. 1397. (having an Army of 500000. men) encountered with Tamburlaine (whose force consisted of 800000. Tartarians, or, as some write, more, viz. 400000. horse, and 600000. foot) near unto Mount Stella in Bythinia, a place destined for Conquest to strangers, Pompey having there vanquished Mithridates: Bajazet (with the loss of 200000. of his People) was overthrown, and being brought before Tamberlane, was by him asked, what he would have done with him if it had been his fortune to have fallen into his hands? He answered, he would have enclosed him in a Cage of Iron, and so in Triumph have carried him up and down his Kingdom: Tamberlane commanded the same to be done to him; professing that he used not that rigour against him as a Prince, but rather to punish him as a proud ambitious Tyrant, polluted with the blood of his own Brother Jacup. Bajazet (late one of the greatest of Princes, now the scorn of Fortune, and a byword to the world, shackled in fetter and chains of gold, and as some dangerous wild beast) cooped up in an Iron Cage, made open like a grate, that he might be seen on every side, and so carried up and down through Asia, to be of his own Subjects scorned and derided; and, to his further disgrace, being upon festival days used by his greatest enemy as a footstool to tread upon when he mounted his Horse; and at other times scornfully fed, like a dog, with crumbs fallen from his Table;) having for two years, with great impatience, lingerd out this most miserable thraldom, finding no better means to end his loathed life, he did violently beat out his brains against the bars of the Grate wherein he was enclosed. An. 1399. Yet of his death are divers other reports; some say that he died of an ague, proceeding of sorrow and grief: others, that he poisoned himself: The Turks affirm, that he was set at Liberty by Tamberlane, being by him beforehand poisoned, whereof he died three days after his enlargement; but the first is the most generally received opinion concerning his death. His dead body, at the request of his Son Mahomet, was by Tamberlane sent to Asprapolis, from whence it was afterwards conveyed to Prusa, and there lieth buried in a Chapel near unto the great Mahometan Temple, without the City, Eastward, by his beloved wife Despina, and his eldest Son Erthogrul; and hard by in a little Chapel lieth his crime, his brother Jacup, whom he in the beginning of his reign murdered. Turc. Hist. etc.  
[(11) My treachery to the English it alleges; That helped me to take Ormus etc.]  
Ormus is an I'll within the Gulf of Persia, about twelve miles from the Continent, in old time; known by the name of Geru, before that Ogiris, some say from the famous Theban of that name. It's circuit is but small, about fifteen miles; neither doth it procreate any thing noteworthy, salt excepted, of which the Rocks are participant, and the silver shining sands promise sulphur; but however barren, it's much famed for a safe harbour, and for that it standeth conveniently for the traffic of India, Persia, and Arabia; so that the customs only afford the King thereof (who is a Mahometan) no less than 140000 Xeraffes yearly (a Xeraffis is as much as a French Crown, or 6. s. sterling.) Some will have appertaining to the Crown of it, a part of Arabia foelix, and all that part of Persia that is environed with the Rivers of Tabo, Tissindo, and Druto, together with the Island of Bolsaria, not far from it, and divers other Isles in the Gulf. An. 1506. it became tributary to the Portugals (still permitting the King, but as their Liegeman) who first fortified it, and built a City of the name of the Island, about the bigness of Exeter, with some Monasteries and a fair Marketplace, though now little; but the Castle retains that former beauty which gave occasion to that universal saying of the Arabians.  

Si terrarum orbis, quaqua patet annulus esset,  
Illius Ormusium gemma decusque foret.   

If quaint Art could into a Ring compile  
The world, the Diamond should be Ormus I'll.   
Abbas King of Persia finding himself bearded by the Portugal commanded Emangoly Duke of Shiras to assault the I'll, who with 15000. men won it, sacked and depopulated the City, but not without the help of some English Merchants ships, commanded by the Captains serving the East India company, Captain Weddal, Blyth, and Woodcock. Their Articles with the Persian Duke were, to have the lives of the Christians therein at their dispose, some Cannons, and half the spoil: and accordingly when the City was entered, after a brave and tedious resistance (forced to yield by Plague, Fluxes, and Famine) every house of quality, Magazine, and Monastery was sealed up with the signers of the Duke and Merchants; By which good order the Company might have been enriched with 2000000. l. sterling) though but their share) had it not been prevented by a base Sailor's covetousness, who, regardless of the danger of his life, or the Christians credit, stole into a sealed Monastery, committed sacrilege upon the Silver Lamps, Chalices, Church-stuff, Crucifixes, etc. and came forth laden with so big a pack as discovered his theft, which, being led to the Duke, he confessed, and was right handsomely corrected; but the greatest redounded hereby to the English; for hereby the Persians took advantage to repine before the Duke, that they sat idle whilst the English purloined away their hopes; The Duke (glad of the occasion) bade them be their own carvers, which they soon were so liberally, as they left nothing for the second comer, the confident. English all this while carrousing aboard their ships, and bragging of their Victories and hopes; Only Captain Woodcock had good luck and bad, lighting upon a Frigate laden with Treasure, which he made his own prize, worth 1000000. of Rials, but soon after, hard by the Swally rode without the Bar, he lost the Whale, his own ship (swallowed by the sands) and then his life by sorrow. The poor City is now disrobed of all her bravery, the Persians each month conveying her ribs of wood and stone to aggrandise Gombroon, not three leagues distant, out of whose ruins she begins to triumph. Ormus has no fresh water, but what the clouds weep over her in compassion of her desolation, that is preserved in urns, or earthen Jars for drink, and to cool sleeping places. The privileges which the English enjoy for their service at Ormus are, they have a Staple at the new Port Town Gombroon or Bander, (as the Natives call it) their houses, and the Dutch Merchants being apparent from the rest, by their Ensigns flying a top their Terraces. In january here yearly arrive English and Dutch ships from India, and here the English are not only Custom free themselves, but their Agents receive Custom of all strangers, in recompense of their service at Ormus. Deed Juigne, Heylen. Herbert.  
[12) The Costermonger ALLYBEG] The birthplace of this great Persian Favourite Mahomet Allybeg, was Parthia, (called so from Parah, to fructify) and near Spawhawn; his parentage so worshipful, that he knew no farther than his Father, a man both mean and poor, Mahomet had no stomach for the wars, and having a large bulk to maintain, and no Chameleon, his education being simple, he became Costermonger, and by that made an hard shift for a poor living; till in a happy hour the King (then in the Hippodrom in Spawhawn) in a good humour, took notice of him, viewed him, liked him, and preferred him, so as in a short time he became sole Favourite, and was feared, and for that honoured every where among the Persians; for so shall it still be done to him whom King honours: Nor was their Prince, Duke, Sultan, or other, but in an awful compliment sent him yearly some wealthy present to cherish his favour, to the great increase of his possessions, though in their hearts they despised him, and undervalued the King for preferring him; as ever in such cases it happened unto Princes, but most eminently unto Lewis the 11. the French King, who advanced Cottier from a mender of stockings to be Lord Chancellor of France. Herbert. Peacham. etc.  
[(13) The Caspian Sea] This Sea is so called from the Caspii a people of Scythia, whose Southern Coast it washes, it's also called the Hyrcanian Sea, of bounding Hyrcania, and Maridi Baccu, of the City Baccu; Therbestan and Mari di Sala, and many other names it takes of the places it washes. It hath on the North Media; on the West and South the Turks Empire, and the Mascovites; on the East Persia; the Moors and Arabians therefore call it Bohar Corsum, i. e. the enclosed Sea. It is absolutely the biggest of all them which have no commerce with the Ocean, being near 3000. miles in compass, from North to South 700. from East to West 600: the form oval. Some say it hath a subterranean Commerce with the Euxine Sea, as the flood Zioberis was by Alexander found to have with Rhodago: At this Caspian Sea Plutarch makes Alexander astonished, deeming it not less than the Sea of Pontus, though much calmer (it always keeping at one height without Ebb or reflux) yet could he not imagine whence it had it source, but thought it some eruptive Torrent from the lake of Meotis. Over this Sea did Prince MIRZA oft make naval expeditions, into his Enemy's Countries, ever returning with wealthy booties, and not seldom leaving Garrisons behind him: D' Juigne. Heylen. Herbert. etc.  
[14) Driven the Mogul into his Candahor] Candahor and much of Arachosia, now Cabull (once Alexandria, (for distinons' sake, Arachosiae) belonged to the Mogul, till MIRZA first distressed him in them, than drove him out, Herbert. etc.  
[(15) Made Balsora, etc.] See the 19 Note upon the Third Act.  
[(16) And bounded th' Tartar with the Hyrcanian Ocean] By regaining what ever he had gotten upon the continent of Persia, even to the Hyrcanian Sea, which is the same with the Caspian Sea, of which before.  
[(17 I I that checked Cycala's insulting Progress, etc.] Cycala Bassa was a renegado Christian, son of a Christian Gentleman of Messina in Sicily, and his wife Lucrece, both perfect enemies to Mahumetism. In the Christian quarrel the Father sacrificed his life, but the son through an unhappy ambition became Turk, and was circumcised by the persuasion of Ozman Baffa, Great General against the Persian for Amurath the third; Cycala's aim was to succeed his Patron Ozman in that charge; however all Amurath's reign he never was put upon any valuable employment. Mahomet the third put him in the head of a Regiment at Karesta in Bulgaria, after the famous siege of Buda in Hungary. After this he insinuates far into the favour of Achmat son and successor to Mahomet, presumptuously promising to ruin, and utterly swallow up the Persian; being constituted General, he made many unfortunate attempts against King ABBAS and his Son; but I overpasse as many of his defeats by them given, to come to that most memorable in or about the year 1604. when he like a violent Torrent with 80000 men, resolved to overwhelm Persia, first poured himself upon the Georgians, (a Christian People, so called (say some) of their Patron and first Converter Saint George, Bishop of Cappadocia and Patron of England; others will have their Province (which is a part of the greater Armenia) named Georgia from the Georgi its ancient inhabitants; The people (say they) received the Gospel in the time of Constantine the great; consenting in most Doctrinal Points with the Grecians, but not acknowledging the Patriarch of Constantinople, having a Patriarch of their own, who is for the most part resident in his Monastery on Mount Sinai in Palestine, and hath under his jurisdiction 18. Bishops. Their Religion was since much reformed by Lodovic Gangier of the society of Jesus, and some others, who in charity departed from Pera near Constantinople, crossed the black Sea, and landed in Mengrellia, with intent to rectify what was erroneous in their Religion; and were to that end courteously entertained by Threbis Prine of Georgia; for though the Province be under the Persian, it enjoys its Prince of the ancient race, and he his Nobility, but tributary to King Abbas.) Cycala found a stout opposition from the Georgians alone, to whose aid our MIRZA the admired Prince of Persia, by his Fathers command joined himself with 12000 Horse, and prosecuted Cycala as in the Text. First chased him to the utmost confines of Armenia, and there in a bloody battle slew 30000 of his Turks, with the loss of 9000 Persians and Georgians; and though Cycala himself hardly escaped by flight, the Persian recompensed missing of him with the massacres of the Turkish Garrisons, regaining all that in the sad year 1537 King Tamas of Persia lost to Solyman the Magnificent 4th Emperor of the Turks; Cycala to redeem his honour if possible (after his Apology to the grand Signior) the very next year invades the Persian again; but the Prince, hearing that the Bassa of Caramania had express Command to join with him, to prevent their conjunction, fell upon Cycala first, with 30000. men. His sudden charge and unexpected coming, routed the whole body of the Turks, of whom he slew 15000, and took all their great Ordnance and Baggage. Cycala himself with but 300 Soldiers, with much ado escaped to Adena, to which City the brave Persian pursued him, and sat down before it. This news distressed Sultan Achmat beyond measure, who vowed to Cycala his reward, but first sent command to the Bassa of Trebezond, with all speed to succour him: The Bassa resolved to try all ways of recovery, with a vast but hastily gathered Army, put himself upon his march towards the City. Cycala having got notice of his approach, the better to direct him, caused himself with 10 of his Soldiers, whom he best trusted, secretly by night to be let down over the wall of the City; having given order to the Governor, that as soon as he perceived the battle to be joined, he should sally out upon the rear of the Persians, so by holding them in a doubtful battle to further the Victory; all which the valiant Persian doubting, he divided his Army, and leaving one body to maintain the siege, led the other against the Succours, wherein he used so incredible expedition, as falling upon them before they could rank their battle; he made of the Turks (now confusedly and without all order, fighting more for the safeguard of their lives, then for any hope they had of victory) such an exceeding great slaughter, that few of them escaped his sword. Cycala himself, with only 2 or 3 more, made hard shift by getting into a little Boat, to change the danger of the Land, for that of the Water. The Persian returned to the Town, which (after many a sharp assault) he had cast in to augment his honour. Others write, that this was not a surprise, but a well fought Battle for 7 hours together, victory doubtfully hovering between either Champion, till (by an ambush of the Georgians) towards night she rested upon MIRZA's head. However, all agree, that the Turks that survived this day, bound themselves by oath, never to follow more so unfortunate a Leader as Cycala, and upon the rehearsal of his overthrow, the great Turk was so transported with rage, as he gave Cycalas Treasure to be rifled by the Janissaries & Spaheiss, and to extirpate his memory, bade them pull down his Palaces; though, to have been just, he should have punished his Fortune, for upon her lay the blame of his defeat, and not upon the man's ill conduct or cowardice. Turk. Hist. Herbert, etc.  
[(18) I that gave Ormus Sceptre to his hand, and brought her captive King, etc. The description of the Isle of Ormus, with the taking thereof by Emangoly, you have in the 11th Note upon this Act. It rests only to tell that he brought thence captive, the King thereof (than Tributary to the Portugize) and the two Princes his Sons, to all whom King Abbas allowed only 5 Marks sterling by the day for their maintenance. Herb.  
[(19) I that subdued Larrs Sandy Kingdom for him, maugre her wall of Rock, am now accused, etc.] As to the description of the Kingdom of Larr, enough hath been said in the 23. Note upon the 3d Act. It remains only, to say that she was confined by a huge wall, cut by incredible labour out of the solid Rock, as a secure defence against the invading Persian, notwithstanding Abbas (to whose fortune all things were possible) commanded Emangoly to subdue it, which he did, after all the sufferings and toils imaginable in so difficult an enterprise. He ruined one Castle, and built another, slew many of the Citizens; Ransacked the Town, and sent home to Shiras, as much Treasure as burdened 700 Camels. As for the poor King thereof, though his life was granted him, when he was forging of others matters, an unexpected Scimitar (to end his stratagems) took off his head, and by the extirpation of his progeny, established the sovereignty unto the conquering Abbess. Herbet.  
[(20)— I that won the Realm of Larry Joon, etc.] See the 6 Note upon the first Act.  
[(21) What signified his wrong to the poor Christians?] About the year 1609. Some envious person, in spite to the Armenian and Georgian Christians, feigned Letters as from their Patriarch to the Pope (knowing well the hatred that King Abbas bore to the Sea of Rome,) that they were willing to become obedient to the Church of Rome, and to acknowledge him head of the Catholic Church: entreating him to write to the King of Persia in their behalf, that they might freely enjoy their Consciences under him: These Letters their Authors intercepted, and presented to King Abbas, who (saying, that if they would be obedient to the Pope, he could expect no further service or obedience from them,) grew thereat so enraged, that no less than the lives of 1000 (some say 1200) of those innocent Christians could slack his fury, threatening to take further revenge if he could prove the Letters authentic, as some still affirm they were, but most believe them suppositions. Turk. Hist. Herb. etc.  
[(22) His murdering of his Ambassador to the Turk. etc.— About the year 1612. after many conflicts between the Turk and Persian, they were both so pressed by neighbour Countries, as they propounded Articles for peace; to which end King Abbas sends his Ambassador to Constantinople, who returning but with mean conditions, his Master denied the Turks Agent to confirm them, and in a rage struck off the head of his ill-advised Ambassador for consent in to them. Herb.  
[(23) His treachery to the Magicians, etc.] Betwixt Chilmanor and Mogown in Persia, is a high inaccessible Mountain, on whose top stood a Castle, so fortified by nature and industry, as it was held impregnable; a Rebellious Sultan weary of slavery, maned it against his Prince, the victorious Abbess, who in person came to reduce him, but after six months fruitlessly spent, could perceive no sign of Victory, whereat enraged, he proposed a considerable Reward to him that could by any means enter it; an old covetous Magician undertakes it, and wrought so by his Spells, that the Sultan came down, forced by the Devil, who assured his pardon; but for all that, the block rewarded him for his Rebellion; and the old wizard (ignorant of his end) demanded his Reward, which the King grudgingly gave him; but then (with a forfeit of his estate) put him to death for conjuring; a quality he allowed of to compass his ends by, but condemned to recover his beloved Gold again. Herbert.  
[(24) His murder of the sleeping Traveller, etc.] A peasant having traveled from India into Hyrcania, affecting the coolness of the grass, fell there asleep, but by ill fortune near the path by which King Abbas rod a hunting; the King saw him not, but his Horse startled at him, whereat in his anger, he immediately sent a broad arrow into the poor man's heart, and ere all his train was past, the wretch was killed a hundred times over, if he could forfeit a life to every shaft, all striving to imitate the King, as if the deed were good and laudable, in shooting nearest his heart, which many hit; so dexterous at archery are the Persians, well deserving of Virgil the Epithet of Quivered. Herbert.  
— Pharetratae vicinia Persidis.—  
Virg. Geor l. 4.  — Near quivered Persia.— 
[(25) His coupling of a Soldiers lustful wife to an Asinego.] A Soldier's wife making complaint to King Abbas, of her Husband's insufficiency, he made her be coupled to an Asinego. whose brutish lust soon took away her life. Herbert.  
[(26)— His cutting his Clarks hand off, but for not writing fair.] A Soldier presented a Petition to King Abbas, whereof, only because the writing did not please him, he sent for the Clerk, but off his hand, and made the Petitioner be almost drubbed to loath, for daring to present foul writnig to his eye. Herbert:  
[(27)— His wrath to th'two Pilfering Soldiers, more for their rags then theft.] See that presented, as it happened in the first Act, and (among these other cruelties) asserted by M. Herbert. p. 98.  
[(28)— His o'er ambitious murder of his brave Father, and far braver Brother.] See the 1 & 2 Notes upon the first Act, etc.  
[(29) Men eating Dogs,] As the old Romans made it their pastime to behold condemned persons combat with wild beasts in their Amphitheatres, and then be devoured by them: so did King Abbas keep fierce Mastiff Dogs, which he bought of the English Seamen for that purpose; for the same end also had he men from their infancy educated to Canibalism. Herbert.  
[(30) What better promises his irreligion, in taking needless journeys still in Lent, to avoid fasting, under pretence of Travel.] The fift among Mahomet's 8 Commandments is, See that thou observest yearly a month Lent, and a Byram: in obedience whereunto the Mahometans fast one month in the year, which they call Ramazan, wherein they say, the Alcoran was delivered unto Mahomet by the Angel Gabriel: But very wisely they observe their Lent, for though during the day time they abstain from all kind of sustenance, yet as soon as the Sun sets, they add a double proportion of Lamps about their Prophet's Tombs, and stick all their steeples round with lights, which burn till the Sun rises (affording an object of great solemnity) the Kettles beat, and Trumpets sound, Eunuch's sing, and they bouz it lustily, and feast all night, with all variety of meats and pleasure. Such as in stead of abstaining from meats in the day time, during this holy month, do abstain from their Mosques, they carry about in scorn, and severely chastise; but such as drink wine then, they punish with death. This day fast is observed by all but the infirm, & Travellers, who are obliged to fast so long, when they recover health, or come to the end of their journey; but King Abbas during this month, did use to ttavel upon purpose to be privileged from fasting, being nothing careful to compensate for it at other times. Two more religious feasts they have, the Byram and Nowrowz: the Byram begins on the 7 of Decemb. and lasts 3 days, observed by them as Easter is with us: then kill they their sheep or Passover, in memory of the Ram which Abraham sacrificed, in stead of his Son Isaac; but nothing else dies, during those days, no not so much as a Louse or Flea, bite they never so shrewdly. This Feast of Byram, was instituted by Caydar son of Ishmael, Grandfather of the Arabians. The Nowrowz is their New-years-day, beginning (with the spring) March 10. such time as the Sun is in the Equinoctial, at which feast the Nobility have the custom of gratifying one another with gifts & presents, by them called Pishcashes. Johannes Maurus. Sandys, Herbert, etc.  
[(31)— He'll forbid and tolerate, etc.] It was usual with King Abbas, to forbid and tolerate the same thing oft in one year, as his humour, or the gain of any Minion Courtier prompted him to it: among other examples, M. Herbert tells us, that at his being there, Mahomet-ally-beg (having got the monopoly thereof) hearing of 40 Camels loaden with Tobacco (with them called Tewton) coming from India to Carbeen, he cut off the Noses and Ears of the Camel-men, and put the Tobacco (now prohibited, but from his Warehouse) into a large earthen pipe in the ground, and there burned it in gross.  
[(32) When thy dread hand struck off CARAEMITS head.] The Sultan of Caraemit General for Amurah the 3d Emperor of the Turks, fought a battle near Van, with Emirhamze-Mirz a, Prince of Persia, and elder Brother to King Abbas; wherein the Prince carried away so complete a Victory, as with little loss on his side: there than died the Bassas of Trepizond, and five Sanzacks, with 20000 Turks; the Prince in person encountered the General Caraemit, worsted him, and with his own hand struck off his head, and mounting it upon the top of a Lance, gave it to one of his followers to be carried as a royal ensign of Triumph to him, and terror to the Enemy. By this, and many other victories, did that excellent Prince renown himself, especially by his defeats given to the Tartars, and that most memorable one given to Ozman the Turks General, Anno 1586. at Sancazan near Cazbeen, wherein fell 23000 Turks by his sword, and the General by grief, giving way to the brave Prince to go on in pursuit of his victory, in which he did wonders, that for the quality of the Countries, Towns and Enemies, the length of the Marches, and shortness of time, hold parallel with the Acts of no modern, so much as with them of Gustavus Adolphus, the late victorious King of Sweden. But as no violent course lasteth long, the irresistible torrents of both their Trophies were stopped by the dire hand of destiny; both died Conquerors, both in the strength of their years, both in the midst of their own strengths, and both (it's feared) by Treason. The valiant Persian even then, when he was fair (for ever) to have freed his Father's Territories of the Turk and when he least feared any Treason, in the night, as he was sleeping upon a pallet, he was suddenly struck through the body with a dagger, by an Eunuch that waited upon him in his Chamber, incited to this Treason (as is generally believed) by his next Brother Abbas, who had formerly (but in vain) conspired to have betrayed him to the Turkish General. Turk. Hist. Herbert, etc.   

ANNOTATIONS UPON THE FIFTH ACT.  
[(1) IF we cannot recover him, give out he is baptised, and so incapable, 'Tis no new way, in India, ASAPH did it] Duke Asaph chief Favourite and Brother in Law to Shaw Selyn (or Jangheer) the Mogul, he having married (for his lap wife) Normal, asaph's Sister; and his Son Sultan Curroon (who afterwards (because by that name he was proclaimed Traitor by his Father) changed his name to Shaw jehan, or King john) having married Asaphs Daughter, he sent his Powers to set the Crown upon his Son in Law Curroons' head; but the old Mogul, Selym made the Nobles swear not to accept Curroon, because he murdered his elder Brother, but Bloche the young son and lawful heir of that murdered Prince. Selym being dead (not without suspicion of poison given him by Asaph, Blockee is set up: The Queen Normal pretends for her Son Seriare, youngest Son to Selym: Her brother Asaph for his Son in Law Curroon, and two Sons of the old King's elder Brothers Morad or Amurath for themselves: The other two young Princes, Asaph found means to murder outright, but these two last by circumstance, causing them against their wills) by some Portugals to be baptised into the faith of Christ, so making them utterly uncapable of the Crown or Kingdom (for the Alcoran forbids a Christian to wear a Crown where Mahomet is worshipped) though afterwards, for his further security, he destroyed them at Lahore, and without further difficulty set up his Son in Law Curroon. Herbert.  
[(2) The Injury, etc. See the eighth note upon the 3d. Act.  
[(3) ABBA'S Thirty Kingdoms] King Abbas his title over 30. Kingdoms runs thus: The most high, most mighty, most invincible Emperor, Abbas, King of Persia, Farthia, Media, Bactria, Chorazon, Candahor, Heri of the Ouzbeg Tartar, Hyrcania, Draconia, Evergeta, Parmenia, Hydaspia, Sogdiana, Aria, Paropaniza, Drawginna, Arachosia Mergiana, Carmania (as far as stately Indus) Ormus Larr, Arabia, Sufiana, Chaldea, Mesopotamia, Georgia, Armenia, Sarc●hia, and Van. Lord of the imperious Mountains of Ararat, Taurus, Caucasus and Periardo, commander of all Creatures from the Sea of Chorazen to the Gulf of Persia. Of true descent from Mortys-dly. Prince of the four Rivers, Euphrates, Tigris, Araxis, and Indis, Governor of all Sultan's, Emperor of Mussulmen, Bud of Honour, Mirror of Virtue, and Rose of delight: Though the Reader may know that among these he claims some Kingdoms which he enjoys not, as the Turk and others of his neighbours do soon others of these in his Possession: An usual, thing with all Princes▪ Herbert. Lodovic. De Wellen, de Reg. Pers. etc.  
[(4)— Delights as far fetch't as dear bought.] It was an antien nicety among the Persian Monarchs (still continued) that no wine could please their palate but the Chalydonian in Syria; for no bread but what grew at Assos' in Phrygia; no salt but what was brought from Egypt, (though Ormus nearer hand by much, afforded much better) nor no water but that of the River Copa●paes, the same which Pliny calls Euleus, and Daniel (cap. ●.) Vlai; it waters Shushan (now called Valdack) in Susiana, and at length imbowells herself into the Persian Gulf, not far from Balsora; one stream of it runs 'twixt Shiras and old Persaepolis, over which there is a well-built bridge, called Fullychawn. Herbert etc.  
[(5) The ancient death of Boats.] Mithridates vainly boasting in his drink that it was he that had slain Cyrus (whom indeed he wounded) in his rebellious competition with his elder Brother Artaxerxes the second (surnamed Mnemon, of great Memory) for the Crown of Persia, was accused to the King, who was desirous of the honour to have it believed that it was he himself that slew him; wherefore esteeming himself touched in his credit by Mithridates his report, he condemned him to the ancient death of boats, usual among the Persians for heinous offenders, the manner this; They took two boats made of purpose so even, that the one exceeded not the other neither in length nor in breadth; then laid they the offendor in one of them upon his back, and covered him with the other; then did they fasten both boats together, so that the Malefactor's feet, hands and head came out at holes made purposely for him, the rest of his body being all hidden within. They gave him meat as much as he would eat, which if he refused, they forced him to take, by thrusting awls into his eyes; having eaten, they gave him to drink honey mingled with milk which they did not only pour into his mouth, but also all his face over, turning him full against the Sun, to tempt the flies and wasps to his face; and of his excrements in the bottom of the boat engendered worms that fed upon his body, so that being dead they found his flesh consumed with them, even to the entrails. Seaventeen days together did Mithridates languish in these torments, and then died, for his folly in not contenting himself with ornaments and gifts which the King had given him for wounding of his rebellious Brother, but he must rob him of the honour of his death (which he knew he most desired) so procuring his own, Crimine laesae Majestatis. Plutarch. in vit. Artaxerx.  
[(6)— Beat her brains out Ith' ancient way ordained for poisoners, etc. Parysatis the mother of Ataxarxes' King of Persia, took a grudge against his wife because she thought she exaspented him too much against his Rebellious Brother Cyrus, insomuch as in her revengeful mind she plotted the death of her daughter in Law the beauteous Statira; the wicked determination was executed by poison, by the help (saith Dinon) of Gigis, one of the women of her Chamber; The King was so favourable to his Mother, as he only confined her (according to her own Petition) to Babylon; swearing that whilst she lived he would never see Babylon; but Gigis he condemned to suffer the pains of Death ordained by the Persians for poisoners; in this manner; They lay the head of the Malefactor upon a large plain stone, and with another stone they press and strike it so long, till they have dashed the brains out; so died Gigis. Plutarch in vit. Artax.  
[(7) Then burn her limbs with Cat's dung.] This may seem a ridiculous kind of Punishment, but 'tis very ancient, and frequent all over Asia; sometimes (but by favour) it is performed with Dog's dung; So Mr. Herbert tells us that when it was told King Abbas that Nogdibeg his quondam Ambassador into England had poisoned himself (wilfully for four days feeding only upon Opium, not daring to see his Master, or justify himself against his adversary Sir Robert Shirley, then on his journey to the Court to purge his honour before the King, of the stains which the aspersions of Nogdibeg had thrown upon him) the King said it was well he had poisoned himself; for had he come to Court, his body should have been cut in 365. pieces, and burnt in the open market place with dog's dung; but for the greater terror and shame its usually performed with cat's dung, the Cat being the baser beast, as only used to destroy vermin.  
[(8) Let me suck thy last breath.— &  
[(9)— When thy hand shall close mine aged eyes.  
There two concluding notes I put together because they relate to customs about the same subject, viz. the parting office of friends to friends, observed by the ancient Romans and others and still retained by the Persians and Grecians; when any one was dying the next of the Kin used to receive the last gasp of breath from the sick person, into his mouth, as it were by kissing him; (to show thereby how unwillingly and with what regret they parted with their friend) and closed his eyes being deceased. Virgil makes Anna say of her Sister Dido newly dead, 
— Vulnera lymphis  
A●luam, & extremus si quis super halitus errat,  
ore legam.— Aen. 4.  
— Some water, I the wound may bathe,  
And if yet wanders any of her breath  
My lips shall gather it:—   
And Ovid makes Penelope (wishing that her Son Telemachus might outlive herself and his Father, write thus to her husband 
Diego ' precor hoc jubeant, vt euntibus ordine fatis,  
Ille meos oculos comprimat, ille tuos. Aepist. 1.  
This may Heaven grant, whilst fate in order goes,  
That his hand mine eyes, and thine too may close!  
Statius hath both the customs together,  
— Sociosque amplectitur artus.  
Herentemque animam non tristis, in ora mariti  
Transtulit, & charae pressit sua lumina dextra. Stat. Silu. l. 5.  
She him embraced, delivering (in glad wise)  
Between his lips her cleaving soul, and dies,  
With his dear 〈◊〉 closing her sinking eyes.   
FINIS.    

Errata.  
PAg: 13. l. 14. for any r. and. p. 24. l. 24. for whose, r. who. p. 47. l. 14. for Son r. Sun. p. 67. l. 3. deal not. l 30. for for r. fore. p. 93. l. 24. for do. r to. p. 97. l. 29. for mind. r. mine. p. 98. l. 9 r. besprinkled. p. 112. l. 1. deal good. p. 119. l. 23. after me, add as. p. 123. l. 31. for pleasant, r. peasant. p. 137. l. 2. add, not, p. 144 l. ult. r. in. p. 152. read in the beginning these two lines.  
" And fear is contrary to noble Courage  
" The passive valour is the greatest still.