Love's Triumph, OR, The Royal Union: A Tragedy.  
WRITTEN By EDWARD COOK Esq Esqand DEDICATED TO HER HIGHNESS The Princess of Orange.  
— amicus dulcis, ut aequum est,  
Cum mea compenset vitiis bona: pluribus hisce  
(Si modo plura mihi bona sunt) inclinet: amari  
Si volet: haec lege, in trutina ponetur eadem.  Hor. Serm. Satyr. 3. 
LONDON, Printed by Thomas James, and are to be sold by him at the Printing-Press in Mincing-lane, and William Leach at the Crown in Cornhill. MDCLXXVIII.   

TO HER HIGHNESS The Most Illustrious MARY, Princess of Orange, etc.  
May it please Your Highness,  
THe knowledge I have of my own weakness in things of this nature, together with that awful Respect which aught to be had in all such near approaches to Sacred Majesty, might very reasonably have dashed in me the first thoughts of this extreme presumption of lifting up my eyes to Your Highness; and so in truth those considerations had: but that I was relieved by the power of that excessive Clemency, which has ever appeared most Familiar in You, and which indeed seems to be Natural and Hereditary to all of the Royal Circle.  
'Tis from that, Madam, I hope to obtain of Your Highness my Pardon, for [otherwise] so inexcusable an Arrogance; since it was Your infinite Goodness that gave me leave in this mean trifle to pay You the Religion of my Zeal.  
Be pleased than to receive this Poem (an absolute stranger to the World, being never yet seen upon the public Theatre.) with that Generosity and Grace You are always ready to bestow upon the Vfortunate and Fair: and such Your Highness knows were Oroondates and Statira, who now being forced again from the peaceful Shades of their happy Retirement, do throw themselves at Your Princely Feet, with the Reverence and Humility of Idolaters, devoutly begging their Protection might be in Your Highness'sVmbrage, as in the only place where they can best be secured from the envy, if I may not venture to say, malice of persecuting Censors: being sure that no outrages dare than be committed upon them by any of the most malignant, when once Your Highness shall please to take upon You the interest of their preservation.  
For so Illustrious; Madam, and highly eminent is Your Birth (being derived from the first Prince of the Royal Blood, and from the only Brother to the best and greatest Monarch in the World) that You naturally inspire into all people the extremity of an universal Submission and Respect: that Veneration which they with constraint do yield to others, they, out of an impatient eagerness to acquit themselves of their duty, do voluntarily pay to Your Highness, and with an Ambition commensurate to nothing upon Earth, except it be Your Supreme Quality, they are daily striving to sacrifice their Hearts and utmost Faculties upon that Altar.  
But, Madam, besides the great advantage of Your Royal Birth, Your Highness is endowed with so vast a number of excelling Charms, as that they cannot be looked upon without dazle-ing and adoration, even by those who are themselves most Adorable: There is in Your Highness' Looks, such a Shine and Lustre of Beauty, as is not to be resembled by any thing below a Divinity; and as the brightness and glory of it, like the Sun, delights and refreshes the eyes of all Mankind; so also You have mixed with it such a Fierceness and grand Air of Majesty, that, like a Divinity too, you cannot be beheld without fear and trembling. This, Madam, is the unanimous Suffrage of all the Happy world that have yet been blessed with a Sight of Your Incomparable Perfections. Every way your Beauty is triumphant; there is such a sweet composuy of greatness and delicacy in your eyes, that You equally make all hearts to lauguish and consame in their devotion to You.  
But Your Highness hath not only the attractions of Birth and Beauty to support Your Empire (though where ere those Beams are scattered, they enjoin Obedience) but you have also the extremest Virtue to continued its duration; that Virtue, Madam, of pure and unspotted Innocence, Honour, and Goodness, which (joined to the happiness of Your Hourishing Youth) brings You as near to the Resemblance of Heaven, as it is possible for any thing of humanity ever to think to attain.  
And yet, Madam, these are not all the Blessings for which you aught to be revered: Such Birth, Beauty, and Virtue were never intended only for a private enjoyment: therefore the most infinite Wise and Indulgent Heaven, has been pleased to make on purpose a Person of peculiar Charms to be fitting for You; and for the last completion of happiness, saw nothing more worthy than to contract the greatest Union that ever was, between the two most Illustrious Houses of York and Nassau, in the Persons of your Highness, and the Great Prince of Orange; two such Glorious Characters, as that the largest Account of Romantic Story has never yet presumed to say, were matched together.  
Both your Divine and Goodly Qualities are so numerous, and yet united, that, like a Deity, you can never be adored but in all your Altributes: And, Madam, both of you must continually expect to receive the Prayers and Wishes of all Mankind, for the renewed Accessions of your, if possible, more flourishing Felicities.  
But, Madam, Heaven has not only been consulting to make You, and your Prince happy; it has likewise been considering the happiness of the whole Kingdom of ENGLAND, as also that of all the High and Mighty Neighbour-States in this Affair: We are in some measure sharers of your Glory; and (if your Highness will bear with me in the Expression on the general behalf) will not give you the whole Monopoly of it; not, our Hearts must have the privilege of rejoicing too; for the lighting of this Nuptial Torch is such a Blessing bestowed upon us all, as is incapable of Addition: and nothing in the World can dare to pretend to any equality with it, unless it be the greatness of that Joy, which every moment grows new, and increases more upon us.  
For Your Highness is joined to a Prince, that seems, as it were, to be divested of his Humanity; he is so Godlike in his Virtues, and all his Actions; a Prince of such dazzling Brightness in his Glory and Renown, as is impossible to be expressed, except we set down what ever is accounted excellent, and that He is. A Prince that knew how to Conquer, before the World conld reasonably imagine he was capable of wielding His Sword. His Countenance is so Martial, that it plainly expresses the great Courage he hath, not to know what Fear is in himself; and yet can strike a General Dread and Consternation in others; so that he needs not be obliged to the use of Arms to Conquer his Enemies, for he can easily gain the Victory over them when ere he pleases but to employ the Terror of his Looks. But yet withal, He has such Graceful and Winning Charms, as none is able to behold him without Admiration. Such Justness and Regularity, is in his Shape and Mien, such Sweetness in his Motions, and such a Generous Condescension in all His ways; that he does not so much make to himself Slaves by the Force of His Valour, as he does cause all Hearts to become Tributary to him by His Obliging and Familiar Address.  
But, Madam, I found how insufficient I am to speak of either of your Princely Virtues as I aught, and therefore fear I have already too much offended your Highness in what I have said of them; being so vastly inferior to their particular Merit, that, methinks, this small Attempt has made me guilty of a very high profanation. The Honour of so extraordinary an Employment aught to be reserved for some more happy Genius, that can ascend to your Excellencies, and my temerity would not be excusable, if I did not bound it with my earnest Prayers for both your present and eternal Felicities; being  
Of Your HIGHNESS, The most Humble, and most Obedient Servant, EDWARD COOK.   

ACTORS NAMES.  

Oroondates, Prince of Scythia, in love with Statira.  
Artaxerxes, Prince of Persia, in love with Berenice.  
Lysimachus, in love with Parisatis.  
Alexander's Successors. 

Perdiccas,  
Cassander,  
Seleucus,  
Nearchus,    
Arbates, Roxana 's Confident.    

WOMEN.  

Widows of Alexander,  
in love with Oroondates, and slighted by him. 

Statira,  
Roxana,    
Parisatis, Statira 's Sister.  
Berenice, Oroondates Sister.  
Confident to 

Cleone,  
Apamia,  
Hesione, 

Statira.  
Parisatis.  
Roxana.      
Soldiers, Officers, Messenger's, Guards, and Attendants.   SCENE BABYLON, in the PALACE of ROXANA.  

Love's Triumph, OR, The Royal Union: A Tragedy.  


ACT I. SCENE I. The Palace Royal.  Roxana, Hesione, Attendants. Rox. 
THus the Repose which I but now enjoyed,  
Is by the malice of my Fate destroyed:  
And it is false Perdiccas, who has been  
That Traitor, to the quiet of his Queen.  Hes. 
But are these Sisters than preserved alive?  Rox. 
Yes, He did my too credulous eyes deceive,  
By th' blood of two condemned Slaves he spilt:  
The just reward of their unpardoned guilt  
But did my interests and his Oaths despise,  
To pay his Tribute to Statira's eyes,  
Whom he adored:— Her Sister did partake,  
His Mercy only for my Rival sake,  
But though he, to establish his design,  
Did build his fortune on the wrecks of mine;  
Yet now the Powers above have overthrown.  
Them both, in the advancement of their own.  
Sending their Brother and their Lover's Arms,  
To give to our proud walls their fierce alarms:  
And they his Prisoner with such power demand,  Trumpets sounding, and shouts within in of Victoria: 
As He, nor Babylon can long withstand:  
And this unwelcome noise I fear declares,  
They and the Empire are already theirs.  Hes. 
Madam, We know not what the Fates have done,  
Perhaps they have confirmed you in the Throne  
Oh! how her Jealousy with Rage now burns!  Aside. 
Love and Ambition torture her by turns.—  Rox. 
They must be taken prisoners first, for we,  
Till than, can never hope for Victory:  
Fortune their Arms with blessed success does guide,  
And Conquest, like a Slave, attends their side.  
Methinks, I see. sierce Oroondates now,  
Triumphant with wreathed Laurels on his brow,  
Advancing to me in an angry form,  
And speaking in the Language of a storm.   

SCENE II.  Enter Arbates hastily. Arb. 
Prince Oroondates, Madam,—  Rox. 
— What's our doom?  
And has he— tell us— Are we overcome?  Arb. 
Dispel such goundless fears, causeless alarms,  
Success, and Victory wait on your Armrs.  Rox. 
Kind Fates! Ohgood Arbates soon declare:  
Oh! speak, and free Roxana from her fear!  Arb. 
Great Oroondates' taken.—  Rox. 
— Is it true?  Arb. 
Neander's bringing him to wait on you.  Rox. 
Ah! To what Miracles are we obliged,  Arb. 
So soon as e'er our Rampires were besieged,  
We on our Foes our barbed darts did pour,  
Thick as driven Hail in a tempestuous shower.  
Long time they did support the violent shock,  
The Tempest beaten, as on a senseless Rock,  
Upon their shields, than broke, and downards fell,  
As if their shields had born Fates strong-wrought spell.  
Yet with a courage that still dared their Fat,  
They to our Battlements clapped Ladders stra it;  
Straight mounted, but on them such stones we hurled,  
As numbers headlong sent to th' lower world;  
Whose ponderous load on the Assailants bend,  
Bestowed at once both Death and Monument.  
Great Oroondates than, whose glorious Fame  
Proclaimed his sword as dreadful as his Name;  
Broke through the crowds, and with his voice did breath  
Thunder, and 's arm at every stroke gave Death.  
Than—  Rox. 
— Relate what that Prodigious Prince did do:  
I know Fate's wonders must his arms pursue.  Arb. 
Ran up his Ladder—  
And on the walls, himself he nimbly throws,  
In spite of the resistance of his foes.  
Our soldiers straight fell back at sight of him,  
Amazed to see a valour so sublime;  
Th' undaunted Prince rushed on, and could afford  
No time of pause to his insatiate sword:  
And though with odds surrounded, yet did show  
Himself still dreadful by some slaught'ring blow.  
But lifting up his mighty arm to deal  
His fury on a Casque of well-wrought Steel;  
His sword proves false at that revenging stroke,  
And short in two the treacherous weapon broke.  Rox. 
In what strange wonders is his Fate involved!  
Wonders that have my fears for him dissolved.  Arb. 
The disarmed Prince enraged at this surprise,  
Shot Dragonlike, fierce lightning from his eyes:  
The pressing Crowd straight bore him to the ground,  
His Sinewy arms pinioned behind him bound.  
I asked the soldiers greedy of their prey,  
Wither they meant their prisoner to convey;  
Some to Perdiccas cried,— But I besought,  
That he might to Perdiccas' Queen be brought:  
'Twas granted, and I hither came to know,  
If you would have him brought before you now.  Rox. to Hes. 
Ah! my Hesione, it is not fit  
For us to see this dangerous conqueror yet.  (To Arb) 
In th' Interim the Prince shall be your care;  
And all things worthy his high birth prepare.  
His Lodgings shall be o'er our Palace Gate,  
And half our guards shall on his person wait.  
Go, be his conduct thither, and be sure  
To keep him from all Visiters secure,—  
Till you have orders from me, for I mean,  
He shall not by Perdiccas yet be seen.  Exit Arb.  

SCENE III.  Enter Perdiccas. Rox. 
drop reg've heard our Enemies have quit the ground,  
And that your Arms have been with Conquest crowned:  
Thanks to your Valour with the God's success;  
We now, I hope, shall live a while in Peace.  
Brave Oroondates' taken.—  Perd. 
— How! Is He?  Rox. 
Yes, and become a prisoner too to me.  
On us kind Fortune equallydoes shine,  
For I your Rival have, as you have mine,  
Forget not our agreement than, what e'er  
Of claim you have in him, I have in her.  
As I have never yet a trouble been,  
To you in your designs upon the Queen;  
So I expect you should as little be  
Mine, in what may concern the Prince and Me.  Perd. 
He, who with hazad of his life would do  
You service, Madam, ne'er will trouble you.  
Nor can I lesle than Oroondates give,  
To Her, who me does fair Statira leave.  
May Heaven make him to you be much more kind,  
Than yet to me I can the Princess found:  
She after all does unrelenting prove,  
But may he have a value for your Love.  Rox. 
If you are generous, you will forbear  
A Visit to him, and a while defer:  
His presence may in you a passion move,  
He is your Rival,— but he's one I love.  Perd. 
To your commands I due regards shall give,  
And will not see him till I have your leave.   

SCENE IU.  Enter an Officer. Offic. 
Madam, our foes have great Seleucus sent  
And with him Valorous Nearchus,—  
They wait without.—  Rox. 
Go, good Perdiccas, and to them declare,  
We earnestly desire to see them here.  Exit Perdiccas.  

SCENE V  Re-enter Perdiccas, with Seleucus and Nearchus, They kneel, and kiss the Queen's hands. Rox. 
You're welcome back, my Lords, your Chains, I see,  
Are now struck of.—  Sel. 
— Thanks to the Enemy.  Rox. 
We solemnly vowed your deliverance,  
But were controlled by the mere spite of chance:  
Which ne'er to us would so much power allow,  
As to enable us to perform that Vow.  Sel. 
Yes, Madam, wishes do suppose a want,  
But idle power betrays the will is scant.  Rox. 
Our will was strongly, for your interest bend.  Near. 
Small force is strong, where that is violent.  Rox. 
We had designed too morrow for the day.  Sel. 
Great ills might come by such a long delay.  
Too day is only ours, too morrow light.  
Might see us buried in eternal night.  Rox. 
We in your cause, it seems, have moved too slow.  Near. 
Much danger from protracting time does grow.  
We have great Reason, Madam, to resent.  Rox. 
Well you shall have your wishes compliment.  
Sat down, my Lords, and tell us your desires,  
And what of us the Enemy requires.  Sel. 
We do demand the Prince, your prisoner,  
And, Madam, that's the business brings us here.  Rox. 
Cruel Selucus! you more Barbarous prove,  
Than can our foes,— thus for the Prince to move.  Perd. 
Madam, I think their satisfaction must  
Not be despised, but given them, 'tis just.  
And though you know how much my interest does  
Decline his freedom, and his fetters choose;  
Yet is their Virtue and high Merit such,  
To grant all they can ask is not too much.  
And, Madam, if you please, I willingly  
Consent the Oroondates should be free.  Rox. 
Begin with yours, Perdiccas, and let go  
Statira,— you don't know what I may do.  Perd. 
Madam, for her release they do not treat.—  Rox. 
Not; if they did, I'd easily submit.  
She would as weak before our walls appear,  
As now she does, being your close prisoner:  
But Oroondates is a Scythian born,  
And One our absolute defeat has sworn:  
The greatest of our enemies will be,  
And we are ruined, if we set him free.  
But whilst as prisoner we the Prince detain,  
We may an advantageous Treaty gain  
From their extremity.— and let their fate  
Moore slow,— I'm sure Necessity can't wait.  Perd. 
By keeping him, we may more damage do  
Unto ourselves, than did we let him go.  
Madam,—  Rox. 
It is my pleasure that He stay.  — Perd. 
If you decree it so, than I obey.  Sel. 
Do you not more our services regard?  
Are slights for loyalty the due reward?  
Is it because among the dead we lay,  
Mangled with wounds, and near as cold as they;  
Whilst those, who now dispose of us, did fly,  
And found these Walls their only sanctuary?  
When all their spirits drooped, and almost dead,  
Against a conquering Army to make head,  
Alone I rallied our defeated Troops,  
And fleshed their flagging courage, with fresh hopes.  
Did e'er Seleucus such a fear declare,  
As might persuade his flight in either war?  
He singsly did against your foes dispute,  
And Conquest made to waver in a doubt.  
Are his deep wounds grown shallow in your eyes?  
His bleeding scars how easily you despise!  
And can you think to meet his friendship still,  
After you have rewarded it so ill?  Rox. 
Not I perceive you with the Foe would join,  
And only to their fortunes yours incline:  
And since, Seleucus, that's your wished desire,  
When e'er you please, you freely may retire.  Sel. 
We must observe the solemn Vow we passed;  
— But there's no need to keep the Prince so fast.  Rox. 
The Foe in vain of his Return does boast,  
To get him they shall be at greater cost.  
And yours more easily we can allow,  
Than the exchange, to which you'd have us bow.  Sel. 
Since rashly thus our loyalty you scorn,  
We'll go, but with our forces we'll return;  Near: 
Than, Madam, you may wish perhaps, too late,  
That you had used us at a kinder rate.  Ex: Sel: & Near:  

SCENE VI.  Rox. 
They threaten hard, my Lord, but let them do  
Their worst,— They can but turn unto the Foe.  
I'll trust my fate, and all their aids defy:  
Power ne'er is strong, that's built on treachery.  
Let them take heed,— They to their cost shall know  
What fury sharp'ned by contempt can do.  Perd. 
But should these Lords t'our Enemies retreat,  
We ill can bear a loss that is so great.  Rox. 
What's to be done their passion to abate?  Perd. 
With some kind message try to moderate  
Their swelling rage;—  
If that works not, we their request must yield,  
Or else prepare for a more bloody field.  Rox. 
Alcetas than shall go on this affair,  
And to regain them ply his utmost care.  Exeunt severally.  

SCENE VII. Statira's Apartment.  Statira, Parisatis, attended. Par. 
Grief must not sit so heavy on your brow,  
For Love's sake to those tears some truce allow:  
While thus our sorrows we anticipate,  
We load our shoulders with a double weight;  
One is the allotment of the heavenly Powers,  
But th' other our forestalling care procures.  Stat. 
'Tis true— but than when Angry heaven shrowds  
It's glory up in dark and sullen clouds,  
We aught to fear lest from those clouds should break,  
Such storms as may a fatal vengeance speak.  
And now my Oroondates is in arms,  
Nothing but tears can give me pleasing charms.  Par. 
Sister, just tears you do not hear me blame,  
'Tis only the excess which I condemn:  
I have as great a cause to mourn as you,  
For drop reg've a Brother, and a Lover too;  
And some few tears I do my eyes allow.  
But—  
Such floods as yours not grief can justify;  
They prove like oil, and make the flame burn high.  Stat. 
Yet they'll prepare me better to submit  
To all that in the Book of Fate is writ.   

SCENE VIII.  Enter Perdicoas. Perd. 
The Gods, who found more justice in our prayers,  
Than, Madam, in the torrent of your tears;  
Have from our walls our Enemies at length  
Repulsed, and quite defeated all their strength.  
But, Madam, as this news may make you grieve,  
I bring you something may your fears relieve:  
Prince Oroondates now, from whom alone  
YE expect' deliverance, is in Babylon.  Stat. 
His party routed?—  — Perd. 
Yes.  Stat. 
And is he here?  Perd. 
Madam, he is,— But as a prisoner.  
Though justly yet you may suspend your fear.  
Since in Roxana's hands he is secured;  
You know how much she has for him endured.  Stat. 
At his Captivity you may be glad,  
Whilst he a Foe, you little safety had:  
But should this news prove false, your Policy  
Is used in vain;— neither his liberty,  
Nor fetters, e'er shall so effectual prove,  
To make me my resolved thoughts remove.  Perd. 
From's bonds I do not think your change to meet,  
Yet from it I may hope this benefit;  
If to Roxana's Love he first comply,  
You're disobliged from further constancy,  Stat. 
If Oroondates could his Vows decline,  
It ne'er should give Authority to mine.  Perd. 
But you may than more mild and gentle prove,  
To him, who, adores you with the greatest Love;  
Love's fire within me does so fiercely glow,  
My heart flames out in Sacrifice to you:  
Grant it some favour, Madam, in your breast,  
And entertain it as a welcome guest.  
Your pity, which can never do you harm,  
Will keep me from consuming, like a Charm.  Stat. 
If common pity will your pain relieve,  
That is an Alms I'll not refuse to give.  
But could I, Sir, resemble your desires,  
In answering them with the like scorching fires;  
We our own Executioners should prove,  
And burn up one another with our Love.  
Throw water on the flame, and you'll not doubt  
Quickly get Master on't, and put it out.  Perd. 
The flame of Love no water can assuage,  
It makes it blaze, and roar with fiercer rage.  Stat. 
'Tis cause you don't—  
Fling on fresh buckets at a faster rate;  
A close supply its fury would abate.  Perd. 
I'm quite tired out, just like an o'r-wrought Beast  
That's sinking, being with too much weight oppressed.  Stat. 
Than you should out aloud for secure cry,  
To ease you in this sad Necessity.  Perd. 
Oh! 'tis you only that can succour give,  
And reaching out to death can make me live.  Stat. 
Speak than, and you shall see that I will prove  
So kind, to give you any thing,— but Love.  Perd. 
But Love!— and that's the only thing I crave,  
Without it I were better in my grave.  Stat. 
From me you ne'er must look to have that grant,  
I am resolved not to supply the want.  
Perdiccas shall not, with his subtlest art,  
Succeed the King in his Statira's heart.  Perd. 
Gods! is't so great a crime as you abhor,  
To love that Beauty I should but adore?  Aside. 
Why did you give her such resistless fire,  
And me but with a tinder soul inspire.  
You are unjust to make it be my Fate,  Aside. 
To perish by those flames which you created.  
Though your disdains be great, I'll not neglect  Turning to her. 
T'oblige you still with a most high respect:  
And if my service: can powerful prove,  
They shall advance the Interest of my Love.  Exit Per.  

SCENE IX.  Sta. 
How do the Gods this wretched life pursue,  
Afflicting still, as I o'ercome, a new!  
But what offence has Oroondates done,  
Those powers require such an Oblation?  Par. 
We should not his Captivity suspect,  
To be of his misfortune an effect:  
For now he is Roxana's prisoner,  
The safety of his life you need not fear.  
She too much loves him,—  
Not to divert what mischiefs e'er may rise  
'Gainst him, from's Rivals, or his Enemies.  Sta. 
Ah! Sister, is it possible that you  
Roxana's spirit should not better know?  
Our own ill fortune speaks it but too plain,  
After all gentle ways sh'as tried in vain  
With him, there is not that extremity,  
To which she is not blindly like to fly.  
But she, perhaps, the Prince may soon oblige,  Jealousy. 
Than there will be no need to raise a Siege.  
If 'gainst her Charms he should himself oppose,  
His love for me he by hard Fate may loose.  Par. 
'Tis an unpardoned injury you've done  
The Prince, whose faithfulness so long you've known;  
Are these ungrateful fears the due rewards  
Of his high merits, and devout regards?  Sta. 
My Crime's confessed, dear Sister, for I know  
Prince Oroondates' Virtue cannot bow;  
His constant Love for me his Actions show.  
This is the only happiness I meet,  
Of which my fortune has not robbed me yet:  
But when Fate shall me of that Bliss deprive,  
May Heaven than grant that I not longer live.  Exeunt.  

SCENE X. A Camp.  Artaxerxes, Berenice. Arta. 
Ah! Let this day henceforth ne'er know a name,  
Which only served to light me to my shame.  Aside 
Madam, Grief racks me so I cannot tell  
The sad confusion that our Arms befell.  
But Fate has so malicious to us been,  
Would I were nothing, rather than have seen.  
It▪ took our men away so thick and fast,  
That Death himself seemed out of breath with haste.  Ber. 
But this is not the utmost you can tell,  
I fear yet worse,— speak,— is my Brother well?  After a pause. 
Oh! by your silence you so much have said,  
That does, o heavens! convince me he is dead.  Arta. 
Madam he lives,— but by his Destiny,  
He's made a prisoner to the Enemy.  Ber. 
O, treachery of Fortune! to appear  
Smiling, and yet be tyrantlike severe.  
Thus is my life still by fresh griefs prolonged,  
As waves by waves, and stiffning gales are thronged▪  
Too fatal is the News that you impart,  
It rends, and sure will burst my labouring heart.  Arta. 
Let not these transports carry you too far;  
There is no room so early to despair.  
Chance, Madam, like the God of Love, is blind,  
And in swift motion does outride the wind:  
To day it did to th'adverse party lean,  
But it will quickly tack about again,  
And come to us;— its chief Prerogative,  
Is, what it takes this hour, the next to give.  
I'll with our Foes once more for Fight prepare,  
And from their hands I'll Oroondates tear.  
Yes, I can do't, inspired by your bright Charms,  
I'll bring him back a present to your Arms.  Ber. 
But do not you become like Fortune blind,  
First cool this boiling passion of your mind:  
I fear th' event of what you'd now perform,  
And that it threatens a more fatal storm.  Arta. 
Fatal! what can to her more fatal prove,  Aside ' 
Excepts she fears the ruin of her Love.  
Ah! Madam, I was born for your Commands,  
Each word you speak will bind, or lose my Hands:  
But may I still retain a Lover's Name,  
Though no new Trophies do enlarge my Fame?  Ber. 
How can you, Sir, in this misfortune prove,  
So much at leisure to discourse of Love?  Arta. 
Love's the great business of this World below,  
To that all other interests must bow:  
The Mightiest Monarches lay their Greatness by,  
To Court more tempting Glories in an Eye:  
Love makes them soon their Majesty forget,  
And to its Power, like creeping Slaves, submit.  
But Madam—  
At my return you made a Sacred Vow,  
That upon me you would your Love bestow.  Ber. 
But your requests how shall I learn to grant,  
When the performance of your Vows I want?  
Go, by discharging your important trust,  
Acquit yourself, and teach me to be just.  Arta. 
Madam Seleucus and Nearchus are  
Gone to the Enemies' Camp 'bout this affair;  
They have resolved his Liberty to gain,  
Or else not longer on their side remain:  
But they their Forces will with ours unite,  
To rescue him, and their own wrongs requited.   

SCENE XI.  Enter a Messenger. Mess. 
— Araxis. Sir is come,  
And does without the Camp your presence wait.  Arta. 
Madam, he will their whole Success relate.  
But since they're not returned, I hope to hear,  
That Oroondates from his Chains is clear.  
Heaven sometimes hid in thickest masks of night,  
Breaks suddenly in pointed Rays of light.  Exeunt Omnes. 
Finis Actus Primi.    


ACT II. SCENE I. Oroondates' Apartment.  Roxana, Oroondates, Guards, Attendants. Rox. 
PRince I am coming now to tender you,  
What to your Birth and Virtue is a due.  
And Since the Gods you to our power commit,  
Your Fortune shall not be the worse for it:  
Thomas you could not expect it as you are  
Our Enemy, and Pris'ner too of War.  Oroon. 
Your Majesty does take a care too great,  
Which I have never merited as yet:  
And undeservedly this Favour show  
To him, who both your Prisoner is, and Foe.  Rox. 
Though you declare yourself my Enemy,  
Yet, Oroondates, yours I cannot be:  
That Name's too cruel for Roxana's Breast,  
'Tis only gentle Love must there be guest:  
And shall your thoughts keep still in their first state,  
Unchangeable, like the Decrees of Fate?  
Are you resolved my slame shall fruitless prove,  
And never in the lest have power to move  
Your hard remorseless heart?— there might be seen,  
Methinks, some small compliance for a Queen.  Oroon. 
I thought in the condition I am now,  
I should be free from being reproached by you:  
But Madam, since so freely you've made known,  
Your Actions, give me leave to speak my own.  
Your Enemy I still declare I am,  
And hate the very mention of your Name:  
You've torn away my happiness, and are  
Of all my Joys the cruel Ravisher.  
By your Inhuman Cruelty and Pride,  
Statina, and her Sister too, had died;  
But that Perdiccas, through the Flame he bore  
My Princess, did so foul a deed abhor.  
And can you now my just resentments blame,  
After these gallant Marks of your high flame?  Rox. 
Cease your reproaches, Prince, for what drop reg've done,  
As Actions that are worthy me I own:  
If they were common to inferior Blood,  
I would not Act them, nor could they be good.  
But now so much above my Sex I go,  
(Yes, and perhaps above my Humour too)  
That to the World does evidently prove,  
They are the marks of my excessive Love.  Oroon. 
That Heart which you by kindness cannot win,  
You ne'er must think by Sieges to get in:  
To use such Cruelties and Arts, does show,  
What you have done, none but yourself would do.  Rox. 
Have you forgot how she herself withdrew,  
And from her haughty presence banished you?  
Than when you came her liberty to get,  
And, daring Fortune, ventured life for it.  Oroon. 
'Twas you, Tyrannic Queen, passed that Decree,  
Roxana, not Statira, banished me;  
'Twas a high Act of Generosity!  Rox. 
For my Repose, and for my Honour too,  
drop reg've had a value; but too great, for you.  
For you (I blush to speak it) I did burn,  
Who requites Love with an ungrateful scorn;  
When you, though for our ruin armed, did fight  
Before our Walls—  
I could not wish you further out of sight:  
But when against me you took up your Arms,  
In them Roxana for your sake found Charms.  Oroon. 
Far different are these proofs of Love you show,  
From those Statira would on me bestow;  
And my Queen's Virtue is so pure, that she  
Merits a service of Eternity.  
Oh! I'm too proud by this advantage grown,  
Another joy or happiness to own.  Rox. 
If your esteems so great, ne'er hope that she  
Will, kindly to acknowledge it, get free:  
She's in Perdiccas' power, who does declare,  
He'll rather perish, than abandon her:  
And you yourself, Sir, may remember this,  
That you my prisoner are, as she is his.  Oroon. 
Madam, This Body is so, but the Soul  
'S above the reach of any to control:  
Or if it be imprisoned, 'tis in one  
That can, or will, not give it exemption.  
Though thus confined, to heighten your despair,  
On Wings of Sighs I'll sand my Love to Her;  
Our Souls shall meet and mingle in the Air.  Rox. 
Desist, vain Man, henceforth if you betray,  
Your Love in sighs to th' Princess to convey;  
I'll spoil th' Amour, and stab 'em in the way.  Exit Rox.  

SCENE II. Roxana's Palace.  Cass. 
Though she's my Qveen, yet none can nobler love;  
My patience and submission that does prove.  
drop reg've served her with the most extreme respect,  
She from the meanest Lover could exact,  
Yet still Roxana does my flame reject.  
ere Alexander died, she Love did bear  
To Oroondates, which still reigns in her;  
And for a Captive must I slighted be,  
Who proudly boasts in Chains his Victory?  
— Not,— the Usurper of her Love shall die.  
But here she comes with such a Charming Mien,  
Rage quits my Breast, and gentle Love gets in.   

SCENE III.  Enter Roxana, Attendants. Cass. 
Madam, You come from doing such a grace,  
The Action speaks you generous to excess:  
But it your Majesty this day had seen  
The Posture which your Prisoner was in,  
As I saw him; when at our Walls he stood,  
Dreadfully fight, all besmeared with blood:  
Strengthening his Men, when all their hearts were down,  
With an astonishing courage of his own;  
Perhaps, you'd have resented more his Crime,  
And not been in such haste to visit him.  Rox. 
His Quality exacted has from me,  
What you miscall a Generosity,  Cass. 
That he is worthy of it, is most true;  
But chief cause he is beloved by you.  
Yet, Madam, you could not have honoured one,  
Moore fiercely bend to your destruction.  Rox. 
So Generous an Enemy as He,  
In whatsoever condition he can be,  
Moore grateful and more lovely does appear,  
Than can a base and cow'rdly friend, by far:  
And I blush lesle, that to the Prince I bend,  
An Enemy, than unto you, a friend.  Exit Rox.  

SCENE IU.  Cass. 
Queen, since your Captive you so highly prize,  
Your Love becomes his Crime, and for't he dies.  
Rather than slights endure, or quiet loose,  
His blood shall be the price of my repose.  Exit.  

SCENE V  Enter Roxana, Perdiccas, Attendants. Per. 
Alcetas, Madam, has sometime been from  
The disobliged Seleucus Lodgings come.  Rox. 
My Lord, How were our reasons by him heard?  Per. 
With but a mean, and very slight regard.  
He says their Friendship which we did despise,  
Has made them now become our Enemies.  
And though so quickly we could change our mind,  
Like Weathercocks which turn with every wind,  
Yet their resolves, as firm as Fate, they bind.  
They have kindly sent us notice to prepare  
For the worst miseries that attend on war.  Rox. 
Ah! What Perdiccas, had we best to do?  
Thus we're not able to withstand the Foe.  
Our strength is weakened, but theirs double made,  
They'll beaten us with those powers should be our aid.  Per. 
Madam, if it be so designed by Fate,  
We must submit to be unfortunate:  
But if their now lost Friendship you'd retrieve,  
You Oroondates must resolve to give.  Rox. 
What is't you say?— the Scythian Prince restore?  
Oh! good Perdiccas, let me hear not more!  
I ne'er shall of so soft a humour prove,  
To please them with the Shipwreck of my Love.  Per. 
Than we must dare our Fortune, and be brave,  
For it is all the Refuge that we have.  
Madam, my Life, and all's at your Command,  
Whilst drop reg've a Sword, I will their power withstand.  
I'll do my utmost to preserve him yours,  
Fate may be kind, and sand us happy hours.  
But first I'll to my Princess go and try,  Aside. 
If she still keeps in her proud constancy.  Exit Per.  

SCENE VI.  Rox. 
Though my misfortunes do appear so great,  
Roxana cannot yet her Love forget:  
If I could once get Mistress of my soul,  
And from my Breast this sturdy passion pull;  
Proud Oroondates soon should mere his Grave,  
Who triumphs that he makes a Queen his Slave.  Exit.  

SCENE VII. Statira's Apartment.  Statira, Perdiccas. Per. 
Madam, I'm come to wait upon you now,  
That I your last Resolves might fully know.  
My power's unbounded, and will reach too far,  
If once you stir it up unto despair.  
Than feed my Love, lest my just rage should prove  
Fatally pointed against Him you love.  Sta. 
Fate both our Lives has twisted in one twine,  
And when you cut of his, you'll cut of mine.  Per. 
Death dares not seize your life—  Sta. 
— that hour he dies,  
My Soul shall take a hasty flight to his.  
Ah! Prince has Heaven brought you so near to me,  
To make you fall by your worst Enemy!  Aside, but overheard by Perdiccas. 
After so many dangers you did 'scape,  
Must you meet Death at last by such a Rape?  
Ye Gods! have pity on him I adore,  
And since you have done this, do something more.  Per. 
So great a passion for the Prince to show,  
Was the worst Office you for him could do:  
For now, though I was sure to have my fall,  
And with me crush to dust this mighty Ball;  
The prince I would not suffer to survive  
My hopes, when once they've lost their power to live.  
Yet through that great respect to you I bear,  
I for a while shall my revenge defer:  
And with obliging actions still pursue,  
To try if they have power to soften you.  
But if in vain all my submissions prove,  
He shall not triumph o'er my slighted Love.  
And if I fall, my Rival shall fall too.  Sta. 
Go, act the utmost that thy rage can do.  
But by the Gods I swear the Prince's death,  
Shall make you see expire my latest breath.  
Yes, and this too shall the last minute be,  
Till I see him, that you shall e'er see me.  Per. 
How, Madam, see the Prince? it cannot be.  
Gods, it must not—  Sta. 
— Do't, or ne'er see me more.  Per. 
I can't deny the Princess I adore.  Passionately. 
Madam, this hard request you shall obtain,  
If possibly Roxana I can gain.  
But you may fear that from the Interview,  
There will but small advantage to you grow.  
'Tis on that usage you to me shall give,  
His hinge of Fate does turn, to die,— or live▪  
If Reason rules his Love, th'request he'll make,  
You would his Interest and his Love forsake:  
And upon that success depends alone,  
Either his Death, or Preservation.  Exeunt.  

SCENE VIII. Palace Royal.  Roxaxa Sola. Rox. 
Unkind Oroondates! must I be  
The subject of your scorn and cruelty?  
Does making love my gift deserve such slight,  
That it no other way you will requited?  
I'll be revenged—  
But— something does within me countermand:  
Alas! I found my heart restrains my hand.  
In vain are all my hopes to meet relief,  
Since I'm myself the cause of all my grief.  
To gain a power, we should a passion hid,  
But I made love, and that has raised his pride:  
And 'tis Statira does the Scale o'rpoise,  
Whilst she's alive, I must not look for joys.  
Not, it is by her death I ease must have;  
I'll either give her, or myself a Grave.   

SCENE IX.  Enter Perdiccas. 
My Lord, I hope you have my Rival seen,  
And pray, what news is from that haughty Queen?  
Will you relate to me the passages?  Per. 
The Gods as yet have given but ill success.  
But, Madam, I have hopes, if you will prove  
But kind to me, that I may gain her Love.  Rox. 
If your good fortune does on me rely,  
Perdiccas, doubt not but that I'll comply.  Per. 
Statira, Madam, does demand of me,  
That she this night may Oroondates see.  Rox. 
Ha! is my Rival grown so insolent?  Aside. 
Let her take heed she don't at last repent.  
My Lord, I cannot grant an Interview,  
That will prove fatal both to me and you.  
Alas! already but too much he has  
Been with her, for the quiet of our days.  Per. 
Madam, my Guards drop reg've ordered to be there,  
To mind their Actions, and Discourses hear.  Rox. 
How readily you have found out a way,  
Both to deceive yourself, and me betray I  
D'ye think that so imprudent they will prove,  
In loud Discourses to declare their Love?  
Not, when they found they have such careful spies,  
They'll speak to one another with their eyes.  
Each sigh they fetch, its meaning will betray,  
And every tear explain what it would say.  
You know not the effect of such a deed.  Per. 
When we oblige, we may some merit pled.  Rox. 
But o'er the will that has not any force.  Per. 
Yet obligation never made one worse.  Rox. 
Of my deserts in Love, if I might boast,  
I best deserve him, cause I love him most.  Per. 
And, Madam, if your Love for him be such,  
Can you for him think any thing too much?  Rox. 
On this a dangerous consequence ensues,  
Therefore, my Lord, I justly may refuse.—  
He to destroy my Love, this Boon required.  Per. 
Was than this favour by the Prince desired?  Rox. 
Yes, but I did deny him that request,  
So much destructive to my Interest.  Per. 
At first demand of it my Love did start,  
And all my blood went to support my heart.  
But forcive reason me did plainly show,  
There could no disadvantage from it grow.  
To fair Statira's will I did submit,  
And promised her I would endeavour it.  
— Madam, my hope's from you,—  Rox. 
— My Lord, I'll try  After a Pause. 
With your desires to make my heart comply.  Per. 
Worse than our Fate is now it cannot be;  
By these Reflections—  Rox. 
— You have conquered me.  
But in what order would you have me go?  Per. 
Let him your mind in a short Missive know.  
Pray trust the rest unto my management,  
My Interest equal yours—  Rox. 
— I am content.  
This Act being great, perhaps, his mind may move,  
And be a prosperous Agent in my Love.   

SCENE X. Oroondate's Apartment.  Oroondates Solus. Oroon. 
How many dangers have I safe outrun,  
And yet the worst I have but just begun!  
Here I am kept a prisoner by the Queen,  
Who hopes by this way she my Love may win.  
I would be kind and grateful, but shall ne'er  
Unfix my Love, to place it upon her.  
If I could turn it unto her I hate,  
It would be than but a mere Love of State.  
Besides, could I a flame for her admit,  
Roxana but by halves would cherish it.  
How she denied, (a sign she sighs for me!)  
I but one moment should Statira see?  
And against her she did such threaten breath,  
As did determine in no lesle than death.—  
But here Arbates comes, her Confident.   

SCENE XI.  Enter Arbates. 
Sir, By the Queen Roxana I am sent,  
Who says that in this Letter you will found  
The settled resolution of her mind—  Delivers a Letter and Exit.  

SCENE XII.  
Ah! how my Virtue yields to Jealousy!  
And feign, into what most it fears, would pry.  
Restless, I'm tossed betwixt despair and hope;  
This sinks me low, the other is my prop:  
But I must know my doom;— so great a fear  
Is the worst torment Flesh and Blood can bear.  Opens and reads. 
My LORD!  
YOu are permitted to see my Rival, according to your desire, but it is not meant you should make use of the favour to the Ruin of those who grant it you. It is in your power to turn it to your advantage, if you use it as prudence would advice you; and in councelling Statira not to think of you any more: You aught to receive the counsel she will give you to lose all thoughts of her. This is the way you aught to follow, if you love her life, since it shall merely depend upon the success of this Interview.  
ROXANA.  
Ye mighty Powers! how subtle are your ways!  
How are they all encircled in the Rays  
Of richest Mercies!—  
As glistering Stars which often obscured we found,  
Yet still remain the same the Clouds behind:  
Your Judgements are severe,— but die withal;  
And frequently in tenderness they fall.  
Ah! and shall I this blessing now obtain,  
Shall I my fair Statira see again!  
I fear my Soul will with a joy so great  
Sink, not being able to bear up the weight.  
It must:— for it will come with such effort,  
No human strength its violence can support.  Exit. 
Finis Actus Secundi.    


ACT III. SCENE I. A Camp.  Artaxerxes, Lysimachus. Arta. 
ANd they have them put of with such disgrace,  
As if their powers they never durst outface.  
Seleuchus and Nearchus could not brook  
Such high contempts, but has their side forsook.  Lysim. 
How ere to day Fate gave their Arms success,  
It made no future conquests over by lease:  
Not, they will found the next ensuing war,  
Shall bring their triumphs to the last despair.  Arta, 
Yes, our Assurance of those friends is such,  
That from their Arms we may expect it much.  
For their resentments swell them up so high,  
They are resolved to conquer or to die.  
And who dare Fate, but seldom vanquished are;  
They prove Victorious through their brave despair.  Lysim. 
Lysimachus, my Lord, can never doubt  
The Victory, since you're to lead us out.  
Heaven has determined Babylon should bow,  
And for that purpose has made choice of you,  
For our too morrows Leader— where you'll move  
In Paths of Honour, and Commanding Love.  Arta. 
'Tis True, too morrow's the decisive day,  
That will the ruin of one side display.  
The Laws of Honour I shall than fulfil,  
And yet obey my Berenice's Will.  
Our Soldiers shall too day be all my care,  
To animate their Spirits for the War:  
Which will I hope conclude these Martial Toils,  
And load our Laurels with Luxuriant Spoils.  Exit Arta.  

SCENE II.  Lysim. 
Whilst on the Army you your care bestow,  
Lysimachus a greater work must do.  
The thoughts of high placed Love so swiftly roll  
Thorough each passage of his Captive Soul;  
That he can take no rest, till he does prove,  
Himself confirmed in Parisatis Love.  
But in this enterprise—  
How many dangers must I undergo?  
I may be taken by my greatest Foe,  
Or else expect, but Coward as I am,  
To show such Fears, and wear a Lover's Name!  
Let Dangers fright weak Souls, True Lovers should,  
Despising Dangers, wade through Seas of Blood.  
The desp'rat'st Acts, do meet the bravest end,  
And when Love calls, Glory does still attend.  
Well, to my Princess than my steps I'll guide,  
I'll leap the Ford, though it be ne'er so wide:  
And Let what will be the intent of Fate,  
This Resolution nothing shall rebate.   

SCENE III. Statira's Apartment.  Statira, Parisatis, Attendants. Par. 
Repel these doubtful Sentiments of yours,  
Fate may be kind to your unseigned amours.  
Perdiccas' said, he to the Queen would sue,  
That Oroondates might come wait on you:  
You know his power is with her so great,  
That her Compliance mayn't be hard to get.  Sta. 
These Fears, which have such Empire o'er my mind  
Will prove to be but too too just you'll found:  
The Queen, 'tis true, Perdiccas does esteem,  
But ne'er in that request will yield to him:  
Since to her rising jealousies 'twill prove,  
Contrived but for the ruin of her Love.  
You cannot than condemn the pain I bear,  
Till I the Queen's reception of it hear.  Par. 
Ah! If such Fears can make you to despair,  
You'll never be victorious in Love's War:  
Resume your Courage, and take firmer hold,  
You'll outbrave Fortune, if you dare be bold.  
How can Roxana his desires blame,  
When all his sufferings are with hers the same?  
Nor can you think she will her fury turn  
'Gainst him, for whom she does so fiercely burn.  
For though Revenge and Pride in her do sway,  
She'll not her Reason, and her Love betray.  Sta. 
If Oroondates had requested it,  
She to oblige him might perhaps submit:  
But when it threats her Love so great a wreck,  
She'll eat the danger of it by the check.  Par. 
Lovers, like Gamesters, Sister, ne'er are seen,  
To count their losses o'er, but what they win:  
And you like them, all thoughts of Fear should hid,  
And always reckon on th' advantage side.  Sta. 
Sister, 'tis true, but yet we must not be,  
So blind to fall into temereity:  
Delib'rate Reason should our Actions mark,  
Who walk without it, walk but in the dark.   

SCENE IU.  Enter a Servant. Seru. 
Madam, my Lord Perdiccas has obtained  
The Queen's Compliance to your last demand.  
And a Diversion has designed to show,  
Till he can bring the Prince to wait on you.  
He has prepared it in the usual place,  
And hopes you'll with your Presence give it Grace.  Sta. 
Go, and inform your Lord I will be there  Exit Seru.  

SCENE V  
Surprising Joys does all my Blood alarm,  
And gives to every Sense a Conquering Charm.  
Fortune her greatest kindness now has shown,  
And I'm all happy in one moment grown.  
Shall I once more my Beloved Lord Embrace?  
heavens! how you overwhelm me with your Grace!  Par. 
Let Coward fear to Noble Love give place.  
Fears, Sister, are the Hags of Souls, which still  
Disturb and fright us 'bout some future ill.  
Like Guilty Consciences, they entertain  
Us with the Horrors of an endless Pain;  
And do our very Reason so destroy,  
We cannot found we have a Soul for joy.  Sta. 
How nimble did the hasty minutes move,  
That made us happy in each other's Love!  
Fleet as the Lightning cutting through the Air,  
Only to show its self, and disappear.  
But o! how slow this lazy time has gone,  
Whilst we've been under this privation!  
It seemed with such a heavy pace to creep,  
As though 'twere jaded or o'er clogged with sleep.  
Propitious hours! avaunt, be dull not more,  
But fly as swift as e'er you did before:  
Unite our Arms again;— than take your ease,  
And crawl away as Snail-like as you please.  Sta. Exit. cum suis.  

SCENE VI.  Enter Apamia, as they are going of, and speaks to Parisatis. Apa. 
Madam, A Gentleman without does sue,  
That he in private may discourse with you.  Par. 
— Let him appear.  After a Pause Apam. Exit.  

SCENE VII.  Enter Lysimachus, and throws away his Disguise. 
Ye heavens! Is it Lysimachus that's here!  Lys. 
Yes Madam, Your Lysimachus is come,  
Before he Fights, to know of you his doom.  
You are the Oracle that tells his Fate:  
Oh! pity him in this deplored Estate.  Par. 
Ah! Sir, How strangely you my heart surprise!  
How durst you venture in this lose disguise?  Lys. 
What is there, Madam, that Love dares nor do,  
When 'tis engaged about the seeing you?  
But coming through the Guards I met a Friend,  
Did me this Garb for my safe Conduct lend▪  
And still to pass the more securely on,  
Gave me the word, by which I was not known.  Par. 
Your Courage I can ne'er enough admire  
It raises still my Obligations higher,  
But—  
I dread to think the danger which you dare,—  
If any should discover who you are!  Lys. 
A Lover's Fate is ruled by's Mrs. Eyes,  
Unconstant Chance I boldly will despise,  
And if I die— I'll fall your Sacrifice.  Par. 
We have so long been absent that I thought,  
You now had Parisatis quite forgot.  Lys. 
Ah! Madam, absence does like Wind Conspire,  
To make a Lover burn in fiercer Fire:  
You are the Saint to whom I always pray,  
I could for ever at this Altar stay:  
But such blessed Visions, do like Judges prove,  
They smile, and yet pronounce the death of Love.  Par. 
Your Honour now does call you to prepare  
Your Arms for this last Fortune of the War.  
Why than my Lord, do you so slowly move,  
When you're to Fight for Liberty and Love?  Lys. 
May I not Madam, beg you would foretell,  
Whether my Sword shall be invincible?  Par. 
Your Arms will never fail to meet success,  
Fate does entail on you that happiness.  Lys. 
Armed with my Love I will to Fight retire,  Turning aside. 
And prove that Courage which your Charms inspire.  
This Sword shall, like a Comet in the Air,  
Portend their Fates, who shall my Fury dare.  Par. 
And that your Arms may most Victorious prove,  
I will solicit all the Powers above.  Exeunt  

SCENE VIII. The Banquet Room in Perdiccas' Apartment.  Perdiccas' conducting in Statira, Parisatis, Attendants. and seats them. Et Exit. 

A SONG.  

1.  
THat heart that bows to the power of Love,  
In the happiest Empire is found;  
No joys so sweet, or so ravishing prove,  
As the joys with which True Love is crowned.  
They are mixed with such heightened Raptures and Bliss,  
That the Soul is all lost in its own Ecstasies.   

2.  
Sometimes, 'tis true, the pleasure, by fears,  
Is allayed, and sighs sadden the heart:  
But Love's pains are soft, and we by our tears,  
Found a way for the ease of our smart.  
All their Stages are short, and they're hurried along,  
Making way for new Pleasures that come in a throng.   

3.  
Our Charms come most from the wounds of our Love,  
And its Lances make sweet our desires;  
The pains we bear, so delightful do prove,  
That they raise our Joys higher and higher.  
Oh! not happiness e'er can these Pleasures exceed,  
Which we still by our fears, and our jealousies feed.  
A Dance, which ended,     

SCENE IX.  Enter Perdiceas, bringing in Oroondates, Attendants. Per. 
— Madam,  
To show you what the power of Love can do,  
I've brought my Rival Prince to wait on you:  
I hope the greatness of the Act will pled,  
The awful Flame your Charms in me have bred.  
And wish this Visit you may so improve,  
As not to make it fatal to your Love.  Exit. Per. Sta. goes to Oroon. who is kneeling. Sta. 
My dear loved Lord!  Oroon. 
— My Soul's Eternal Bliss!  
My heart's overwhelmed with Love's sweet Ecstasies.  
But I'm your Criminal, therefore desire  
That at your Sacred Feet I may expire.  
My Love, and Life too long have Rebels been,  
For the Repose of my Soul's Charming Queen;  
But Life I'll give to expiate the Sin.  Sta. 
Ah! My Loved Lord, my Oroondates, rise—  
Pardon this blind distraction of my Eyes.  Oroon. 
Ah! Madam, I all o'er so guilty am!—  Sta. 
Not, you are now by me exempt from blame.  Oroon. 
Than do not, let me a fresh guilt contract,  
By swerving from what duty's Laws exact.  Sta. 
But you more from the Laws of Duty go,  
When such neglect to my Commands you show.  Oroon. 
If by my Zeal I an offendor prove,  
Forgive the effects, of which the cause is Love.  Rising 
Madam, It was your Beauty's influence,  
That made me give this Reverend Offence.  
Alas! the Gods (to whom poor Souls with low  
Prostrations at their Sacred Altars bow)  
Do want such high Devotion ro receive,  
Which at the Altar of your Eyes I give.  
I my Idolatry to you do pay,  
But 'tis with a lesle fervour that they pray.  Sta. 
My Life! my all!— I want words to express.—  
My Soul's resentment of this happiness.  
The greatest Fortune or the Queen could give,  
To see my Oroondates does still live,  
And live for me!—  Oroon. 
Or may I cease to be:  
Linked in these Arms, I scorn base Liberty.  
Ah, Madam! was it than at your request,  
That I became thus gloriously blessed?  
How did my Heart with trembling loose its form,  
For fear my sight should swell you to a storm:  
And I did now before your Justice come,  
But to pled guilty, and receive my doom.  Sta. 
'Twas my desire, but I ne'er thought so sweet  
A Blessing in my miseries to meet:  
Therefore being toiled with grief, oppressed with care,  
My Soul was taking flight with my despair.  Oroon. 
Ah! Madam, at the rumour of your death,  
You know how near I was my latest Breath;  
Yet (may I be permitted to complain,  
And use reproaches 'gainst my Sovereign Queen?)  
My cruel Fair, unknown to me, stood by,  
Disguised, to see her Oroondates die.  Sta. 
Those, who did give you this Relation,  
(If e'er to them I did my thoughts make known)  
Might with the reasons have acquainted you;  
Which made me take that course I did pursue,  
And how my duty's Laws, 'twas to fulfil,  
I used such rigo'rous force upon my william.  
Alas! 'tis true, I did your sight forbear,  
Yet the Gods know to me 'twas very dear;  
Yes, and those sufferings too for me you bore,  
With broken heart, and sighs I did deplore:  
But than my King just dead, so much was due,  
To's Memory, I could not think on you,  
Without committing such a horrid Crime,  
As would have lost me heavens, and your esteem.  Oroon. 
Ah, Madam!—  
Too much of the Divinity you share,  
To make me think that you can ever err.  
And you resolve, I see, to use your Power,  
And all ways prove yourself my Conqueror,  Sta. 
Not, Sir, your Merits are so vastly great,  
Moore than all I can pay you is your Debt:  
'tis only they, which flood in their Excess,  
And being so high, to you do seem the lesle.  Oroon. 
You load me now with such a Glorious Fate,  
I reel for want of strength to bear its weight.  
You give me Death, when you such Bounty give,  
And place me in too high a Sphere to live.  Sta. 
What your Humility won't hear me name,  
You by the title of desert do claim.  Oroon. 
Madam, This Blessing which to me you've given  
Transcends the petty Gifts sent down from Heaven.  
Life, Richeses, Honour,— all must yield— your Love  
Makes me immortal, as the Gods above.  
Fate, do thy worst: my Life I'll not regard,  
Since such a heavens at th'end for my reward.  Sta. 
Ah! Sir, We must not rashly run to Death,  
Heaven is to rule our Fate, as well as Breath.  Oroon. 
Madam, My Fortune to your Will shall bow,  
You are my Heaven, and I'll be ruled by you.  
The chance of War, durst not your power dispute,  
You, and the Gods, are alike absolute.  
But yet—  
Roxana still my dismal rack does prove,  
And I am tortured by her hated Love.  
She would have me adore her, and despise  
The powerful Charms of your triumphant Eyes.  
But by the Gods I swear, I ne'er will do,  
What base Roxana would persuade me to.  Sta. 
Nor I, my Oroondates, ne'er will prove,  
True to Perdiccas, to be false to Love.  
What I decree, no power shall ever shake,  
I fix the Resolutions that I make.  
Perdiccas too, shall see I can despise.  
His hated Love, in midst of Cruelties:  
And Death from him I shall more highly prize.  Oroon. 
Ah! My Fair Queen, rather than see you die,  
I would bequeath you as a Legacy,  
And with my Life my Rival satisfy.  Sta. 
But in my Breast a different flame drop reg've bred,  
I'd rather, than unfaithful,— see you dead.  
Live than, dear Prince, either for none but me,  
Or die, and that way prove your constancy.  
ere to my Rival I could you bequeath,  
I could commit you to the hands of death:  Oroon. 
And can you fear to found me e'er untrue,  
Since I have all my life, and hopes from you?  
You may be sure I'll die, but that I'll prove  
My due regards to all the Rights of Love.   

SCENE X.  Enter Arbates. Arb. 
The Queen has sent me, Sir, to let you know,  
She your Converse not longer will allow.  Oroon. 
Ah! Madam, We our Masters must obey,  
Though they command us cruelly away:  
But it is with this firm resolve I part,  
Fixed to your Breast, its Sphere, to leave my heart.  Sta. 
And this assurance of my Love I'll give,  
Never for any, but for you to live.  Oroon. 
Ah! Madam, From your presence now I go,  
As the Religious from their Temples do,  
When halled, and driven by the rude profane;  
The Sacred Place they leave their thoughts retain:  
So where my Fortune ever me shall bear,  
My Breast shall always your Idea wear.  Exeunt severally with Guards. 
Finis Actus Tertii.    


ACT iv SCENE I. Oroondates Apartment.  Cassander, Oroondates. Oroon. 
CAssander here!— ha'!— how his Eyeballs roll;  
Those looks denote a Tempest in his Soul.  — To his Soldiers as without. Cass. 
Make good this place— by heavens if you permit  
One to come in, your Lives shall pay for it.  
Swell big with joy, my Soul, for thy kind Fate  Aside, 
Has brought thee here to make thee Fortunate.  Oroon. 
Ha! Your distracted looks make me incline  
To think you have a treacherous design  
Upon some Life, speak, Traitor, is it mine?  Cass. 
Yes, Prince, for my Resentments have decreed,  
Together with your Fate, that you shall bleed.  Oroon. 
Come on, thou kind promoter of my Love,  
I gain Eternal Bliss by this remove:  
In th'other World I'll wander till I found  
My Fair Statira, has by death proved kind:  
Than in the heavens we will enjoy our Love;  
But if the Ambitious Gods my Rivals prove,  
I'll act the Phaeton of my Mrs' Eyes,  
And with her Rays I'll fire their Palaces,  
And make one Comet of the spacious Skies.  
That done,—  
Out of the Chaos of the heavens I'll make,  
One Glorious Structure for my Princess sake:  
She than shall reign, and th'underworld not more  
Shall any other Deity implore,  
But my Statira's Beauties power adore.  
Strike, strike, thou welcome Minister of Fate.  Cass. 
That future Bliss, he aims at, does abate  
My swelling Rage:— He happiness will gain  
By's death— and th'Queen for his sake may disdain  
My excessive Love: Rival, could I but win  
My Queen without thy Death—  
By me your happiness should ne'er begin—  
But—  
Thy Life has been my Fate, my Love has crossed,  
That on the Billows of despair 'tis tossed:  
But thus, thy Soul shall steer me to my coast.   

SCENE III.  Offers to stab him, but is prevented by Roxana, who presents a dagger to Cassander's Breast— Enter Rox. pty, & Cas. party Enter Roxana, Guards, Attendants Rox. 
And thus, bold Traitor, I'll thy Life remove;  
How dare y'invade the object of my Love?  Cass. 
Gods! is Roxana here!  Aside. Oroon. 
To be relieved by her whom most I hate,  
How am I still tormented by my Fate!  Aside. Rox. 
Guards, seize the Villain.  Cass. 
— Cassander, wake,  Aside, 
Thy Love, Repose, and Life are all at stake.  
Proud Queen, your scorns my fury shall enrage,  
And did the Gods with you 'gainst me engage:  
Backed with Revenge I would their power despise,  Exit Cass. & his party beaten of by Roxana's. 
Chase them through the Regions of the Skies:  
I'd force them to yield up their Deities.   

SCENE III.  Rox. 
Now Prince— how must this Obligation be  
Received,— still as a Fatal Courtesy?  
Where had you been but in the Shades below,  
If I had not kept of that dreadful blow.  Cassander 
was so resolute to give?  
Remember, Sir, by whom it is you live.  Oroon. 
I must confess, if I that life did prize,  
Which you preserve but for new Cruelties;  
The Obligation would be than so great,  
That, Bankrupt-like, I could not pay the Debt.  Rox. 
Yet Bankrupts, as in Justice they are bound,  
Do first with their Chief Creditors Compound.  Oroon. 
That Madam, I most willingly will do,  
You shall have all I'm able to bestow.  
I own Cassander did my Life pursue,  
And I acknowledge 'twas preserved by you:  
And now I would (witness ye Eternal Powers,)  
Give back that Life again to rescue yours.  Oroon. 
And is this all?— this, Sir, does only prove  
Th'effects of Generosity, not Love.  Oroon. 
If Love ye expect, another's right y'invade:  
Heaven, and my vows have me Statira's made,  
And could I now, swerve from those vows drop reg've given,  
I should alike be false to Her, and Heaven—  
Madam, I cannot that desire fulfil.  Rox. 
The cause springs only from your stubborn william.  
And since my Fate is thy proud scorn t'indure,  
Ungrateful Prince, revenge shall be my cure.  
Revenge against my Rival I will bear,  
Attended with the raging of despair.—  
If of thy heart I can't the Empire get,  
Yet I'll dethrone my Rival from its Seat:  
Assure thyself that she shall never live  
Another Visit from thee to receive.  
Not,— ill take care since you are lost to me,  
To make her by her Death be lost to thee.  Exit.  

SCENE FOUR Statira's Apartment.  Statira, Perdiccas. Per. 
Perdiccas ne'er can yield you shall enjoy  
Him, who would all his hopes and life destroy.  Sta. 
Inhuman Monster, if thou hast decreed,  
The Prince, to satisfy thy rage shall bleed:  
Pursue, and execute that black design;  Pulls out a Dagger. 
But if thou art his death,— this shall be mine.  
Thus armed, your Love and Threaten I despise,  
For I can act my Death when ere I please.  Per. 
Madam, You treat me in so ill a sort,  
As does demonstrate that my Love's your sport.  
drop reg've paid as great Devotion to your Eyes,  
As Heaven receives from its chief Votaries:  
And to your will my strict regards have born,  
Yet your return has been with pride and scorn.  
But since from you my wretched Fate I bear,  
It will be just if you the like shall share.  
Your Loved Prince Oroondates I'll remove,  
His Life's the Bar that keeps me from your Love.  
Yet, Madam, you his Ruin may recall:  
Oh! Grant me Love, and you'll prevent his fall!  Sta. 
Not, use thy utmost tricks of Power and Art,  
Yet thou shalt never gain Statira's Heart.  
Thy Rival, unto whom my Vows l've given,  
Shall either here enjoy me— or in Heaven.  
Go on, but know I my own Fate command.  Exit Sta. Per. 
You doom his death, and he shan't 'scape my hand.  As he is going out, he meets Rox.  

SCENE V Roxana, Perdiccas.  Per. 
Madam, My Loyalty has ever been,  
Just, as it aught, to my Dead Sovereign's Queen.  
Your will has been my Law, and your Command  
Did my own private Interest disband.  
To fix your Crown all dangers I despised,  
Above my Life, Roxana's Peace I prized:  
Now if past Actions for reward can pled,  
All, Madam, I desire—  
Is that you'll pardon what I have decreed,  
That Oroondates by my hand shall bleed.  
There's nothing can my Death anticipate,  
Unless I am Prince Oroondates Fate.  
Than blame not my Resolves,— for he must die:—  
None can condemn what's a necessity.  Rox. 
My Lord, from your discourse this I infer,  
You've saved my Life to be my Murderer  
Should the Prince die, I should not long survive,  
Yet you an act of Grace would have me give:  
'Tis granted, seeing—  
After your bold request I let you live.—  
For the ungrateful Captive shall not fall,  
'Tis, I, your Queen, his Sentence will recall:  
But e'er this Sun does in the Ocean set,  
Statira shall pay Nature her last debt.  Per. 
Though she deserves not for her proud disdain,  
The lest protection from my Sword to gain;  
Yet, Madam, with the utmost of my power,  
I will defend her to my latest hour.  
'Twixt her and death my Life I'll interpose.  Rox. 
But drop reg've decreed that she her Life shall loose:  
And if Perdiccas dares dispute my will,  
I'll through his Heart my Rival Princess kill.  Exeunt severally.  

SCENE VI Oroondates' Apartment.  Oroondates Solus. 
Such matchless pains my Tortured heart does bear;  
I would court death in the worst form of fear.  
Fortune has been resolved by me to prove,  
No wrack so great as that of hopeless Love.  
I never must possess whom I adore,  
Roxana loves;— but HER I most abhor.  
Whose rage is to my Princess so severe,  
That she must die,— to give her Empire 
† Pointing to his Breast.  here  
Prodigious Fate! my mis ' rises wanted yet  
But this one curse to make 'em all complete.  
My vows and heart I to Statira gave,  
And Oroondates must his honour save.  
When promises are to each other given,  
They instantly are ratified in Heaven:  
And to be perjured to them is to prove  
Blasphemous 'gainst the Sacred Ties of Love.  
I to the Gods my Princess will resign,  
Sure to their power they will their justice join,  
To guard the innocent—  
And will not tamely lay their thunder by—  
For with her all the Virtuous World would die.  
My Princess safety to their care I'll trust,  
As they are Gods, they cannot be unjust.   

SCENE VII.  Enter Guards, and bind him by Surprise. Oroon. 
Villains, from whence proceeds this insolence?  
Say, what's my Fate?—  Capt. 
— Our Queen, Sir, has decreed.  Oroon. 
And must I than for my dear Princess bleed?  
Such Glory by my Death I shall receive,  
That greater here would foil heavens power to give,  Captain. 
Or live, or die, I know not;— but you must  
Along with us.—  Oroon. 
If it's to death, 'tis just▪  
For should I live I'd still her Love despise,  
But dying—  
Fall a Victim to Statira's Eyes  Exeunt:  

SCENE VIII. Statira's Apartment.  Statira, Guards, with Oroondates bound. Sta. 
What horrid Vision does my sight surprise,  
Or is't the abusive cozenage of my Eyes?  
Ah! By what Barbarous Inhumanity,  
Do I my Prince's Hands in Fetters see;  
Which were for Sceptres destined by the Gods,  
And not to feel the weight of Iron Loads.  Oroon. 
Gods! Am I once more to my Princess brought!  Aside 
Your powers this Blessing for our Loves have wrought.  
Your Oroondates Madam, in these Chains,  
Moore Glory far, than in a Sceptre, gains.  
And these which on your Lover's hands appear,  
But poorly bind, to those his heart does wear.   

SCENE IX.  Enter Roxana, Arbates, Hesione, Perdiccas, Guards, and Attendants. Rox. 
Madam, I come not now the time to waste,  
With long excuses for my Actions past;  
Or seek out power full reasons to convince  
The Justice of this dealing towr'ds the Prince;  
[Because my powers the Justice of my will,  
That's above Law, and can do nothing ill.]  
But 'tis to tell you—  
Though by your death there would to me survive  
A double interest— I have let you live,  
To the destroying of my own repose;—  
Which act the height of my compassion shows.  
Yes, and my kindness I could still improve,  
If you would yield me up the Prince's Love:  
'Tis only that, and his Repentance shall  
Proclaim his safety, and your fate recall.  Per. 
And, Oroondates, if you don't resign  
Up your pretensions, to make way for mine,  
To the Divine Statira, and despise  
Th' attractive influence of her charming Eyes;  
You shall the Fury of a Rival bear,  
Keen as an Ev'ning's Wolf in her despair,  Sta. 
Madam, Your Beauty and your Mind are still,  
Like Tyrants, never pleased but when they kill.  
Yet, Cruel Queen, your Menaces pursue,  
Life I despise, if I must live by you?  
And in my Death not all the Gods above,  
Shall for one moment make me quit my Love.  Oroon. 
This course, by which you would my Princess get,  
Is for the greatness of your Courage fit:  
And brave Perdiccas Nobly does aspire,  
To gain those charms he does so much admire;  
Setting his Valour forth in its full power.—  
'Gainst one, who is a fettered Prisoner:  
But yet a Man that often made thee fly,  
And twice reprieved thy Life from destiny.  Per. 
I those good Offices, my Lord, disown,  
Which you so proudly boast for me t'have done;  
But here's no place that question to debate,—  
Besides thy Breath is of too short a date.  
You must your Life, or Fair Statira loose,  
Advice with her which Destiny to choose:  
If she the Sentence of your Fate would bar,  
She must resign your Love, and mine prefer.  Rox. 
And you this hour Statira's Fate must give,  
I know you would decree that she should live,  
She shall—  
If with this one request you will comply,  
Quitting her Love, you will not mine deny,  
For that will but reverse her doom,— to die.  Oroon. 
You, for your safety, may consult your Breast,  to Sta. 
And take the way which shall displease you least:  
But to be just, I must my Life pursue,  
For if it reach not me, 'twill light on you.  Sta. 
Hold, Oroondates, I'm resolved to die,  
Statira means that Justice to supply.  
But though I would have you my Death survive,  
'Tis not that you should for Roxana live.  Oroon. 
Her Tyrant passion I as much despise,  
As my Statira's generous Love I prise:  
And if so base I prove t'outlive your Fate,  
May Heaven, my sin the more to aggravate,  
Curse me, and join me to the Queen I hate.  Rox. 
Captive, desist, and with my Love comply;  
Or by the Gods—  Oroon. 
— Before I'll love, I'll die.  Rox. Offers to stab Sta. 
Than thus, rash Man, my just revenge I'll take,  Sta. 
And I with joy—  
Welcome my Death for Oroondates sake.  Per. 
Gods, but that must not be—  Per. prevents Rox. Rox. 
— Traitor, how dare  
YE oppose my will,— be prudent, and forbear,  
Or thus expect in my revenge to share.  Presents the Dagger to Per. Breast. Per. 
Thy Female rage I slight, and with this hand,  
To guard her Life, I'll all your arms withstand.  Rox. 
— Guards  As the Guards go to seize Per. he draws, and his party sides with Him, they retire. Arb. 
Ah! Do not such apparent dangers run,  
By thus dividing you are both undone:  
Your Common Foes will at a breach so great,  
An easy Conquest in your Ruins get;  
Your Kingdom too will feel a kill smart,  
For you yourselves do stab it at the heart.  Rox. 
Conduct the Prince to his Apartment straight,  After a Pause. 
And than, Arbates, for our Orders wait.  Oroon. 
Farewell my Love,—  
Yet e'er I go, this solemn Oath I make,  
Never to live, but for Statira's sake.  Sta. 
The same make I to you:— death shall relieve.  
Us both, if in our Loves we cannot live:  
Than shall our Souls together mounting fly,  
Into the Regions of Eternity;  
And in those Airy Circles as we go,  
We'll reap that Love we could not here below.  
And in that Heavenly Orb, like Stars, we'll move,  
To teach the World true constancy in Love,  Oroon. 
Oh! My Statira—  They are parted and taken of severally with Guards. Sta. 
My Soul, my Life, my Love!—  Exeunt.  

SCENE X.  Enter a Soldier. Soul. 
O, Madam, Fly, our Foes like Torrents come,  
Rolling upon us to our certain doom:  
Seleucns and Nearchus both are met,  
The Palace with their Forces to beset:  
Besides without the City's to be seen  
Long Troops of Horse and glittering Armoured Men:  
And all do seem as if they would engage  
'Gainst us the sharpened fury of their rage.  Rox. 
My Lord—  
Resume your Loyalty, your Rage defer,  
And 'gainst approaching Foes let us appear—  Per. 
Not, Queen, Revenge my Boiling Breast controls;  
Hence Loyalty;— the, Curb of fearing Fools.  
When Monarches Tyrants prove, their Subject's rage  
Is justified by th' Gods—  
'Gainst Tyrant Force they will their power engage.  Rox. 
Rebels to mask their Treasons want no plea,  
They'll with Religion cloak their Infamy:  
And cry—  
'Tis Zeal for Heaven to pull down Tyranny,  
But in th' affront to Crowns Heaven bears a part.  
The Gods by us—  
Redress their wrongs upon disloyal hearts.  
In vain, proud Lord, Almighty Aids you boast.  Per. 
To me, and all the World Roxana's lost,  
Urged by your Tyrant Will and Fury too,  
What is it that Perdiccas dares not do?  Rox. 
I can do more by my Resentments led,  
Strike with my looks thy slender Squadrons dead.  
Defend my Rival with thy utmost power,  
Yet she and you shall found a Conqueror.  
For from your Captives boasted Power and Charms,  
I'll borrow strength to kili her— in thy Arms▪  Per. 
Retire, proud Queen, and for the Fight prepare.  Rox. 
You for your Fate— I for the Spoils of War.  Exeunt severally 
Finis Actus Quarti.    


ACT V SCENE I. A Room in Roxana's Palace, where Oroondates his Armour hangs.—  Roxana, Hesione. Roxana. 
HOw am I now to all good Fortune lost!  
Which way so ere I turn I still am crossed:  
My Enemies together do combine,  
And for my Ruin all their Forces join.  
Their Standards planted on each side my Walls,  
Call me and mine to Deaths and Funerals:  
Great Artaxerxes at my Gate is seen,  
And Powerful Lysimachns:— within  
Perdiccas and Cassander do engage,  
Against me with a Rival's utmost rage.  
There's Strong Seleucus and Nearchus too;—  
To all I am become the hated Foe.  
Such Oppofition I can ne'er Withstand,  
Against such power what is a single hand?  
Ye Gods! if to your Justice I must fall,  
Sink all these Traitors in my Burial.  
One Tomb for me and Babylon erect,  
And like yourselves a Sacrifice exact.  
And than I shall with some Contentment die,  
When all with me in death and ruin lie.  Hes. 
Madam, We know not yet the God's decree,  Rox. 
An! my Hesione,—  
I'm on the Fatal Rocks of Ruin cast,  
Not the lest glimpse of hopes but what is past.  Hes. 
One way I still perceive may you protect;—  
Yet I much fear my Counsel you'll suspect.  Rox. 
Ah! do not, Friend, my miseries increase,  
But speak,— if what you know can give me ease.  Hos. 
'Tis than to set the Prince of Scythia free.  Rox. 
O, heavens! and art thou too my Enemy!  Hes. 
His Foes with Madness for his Death do rave;  
You'll make your Palace be his certain Grave:  
But were he free, he soon would let 'em know,  
What 'tis t'engage 'gainst an uncommon Foe  
His often experienced virtue's known so great,  
That this Obligement He can ne'er forget.  Rox. 
Haste to the Prince, and his Opinion Learn,—  Pauses 
Tell him his safety is your Queen's concern:  
And if you think my passion may him move,  
Tell him all can be said by one in Love.  Hes. Exit.  

SCENE II.  Enter Arbates. Arb. 
Madam, Your Enemies come on apace,  
And will within few hours fill all this place:  
You may their strength on yonder Turret see,  
As they come marching up along the Key.  
Like a long Train of Clouds they do appear,  
And with their Dust they thicken all the Air.  Rox. 
What is't, Arbates, we had best to do?  Arb. 
Set free the Prince, whose Life they do pursue.  Rox. 
My Blood I'll give for his—  Arb. 
— that won't suffice:—  
They have designed the Prince their Sacrifice.  
Making outrageous Clamours as they're led,  
They cry, now, now for Oroondates Head.  Rox. 
Rather than they his Life from me shall tear,  
These Hands shall be his Executioner.  Art. 
Yet this way we their Fury must control,  
Expose the Body to preserve the Soul.  
Madam, Restore his Arms— and set him free:  
Should he revolt— his Generosity  
Will make him prove a Noble Enemy.  Rox. 
Whilst I consider what I'd best to do,  
Led you my Men, and let your Valour show,  
At lest you can resist, if not o'erthrow.  Arb. 
Madam, with joy I do this charge receive,  
And hope such proofs of my large power to give,  
As may the Justice of your cause express,  
And silence all their boastings of success.  
I'll go where most your Interest shall call,—  Shout within 
And come with Conquest back, or not at all.   

SCENE III.  Rox. 
The powers of Heaven against me now declare,  
Leaving me to the effects of my despair:  
And if the Gods our Ruin have decreed,  
In vain we strive 'gainst Fate that will succeed.   

SCENE IU.  Enter Hesione. Rox. 
What mind found you the Scythian Captive in?  Hes, 
He still remains what ever he has been.  
To have a timorous thought of Death he scorns;  
A Nobler Courage his great Breast adorns.  
And did he once your treacherous Friends assail,  
He'd show the World and them who should prevail.  
Perdiccas than under his Sword should bow,  
His Death should pay the Forfeit of his Vow:  
And he would make Cassander too declare,  
Who was Great Alexander's Murderer.—  Rox. 
Hesione, Conduct him hither strait,  
Tell him Roxana will pronounce his Fate.—  Hes. Exit.  

SCENE V  
But she'll take care it such a one shall prove,  
As may be most conforming to her Love.  
Perhaps the Act that I'm about to do,  
Will at once please him, and oblige him too.  
'Tis venturing my last stakes:— the Gods may be  
So kind,— to make the Dices fall fair for me.   

SCENE VI.  Enter Hesione: with Oroondates. 
Will you for ever, Prince, ungrateful prove,  
Still to prefer thy Death before my Love?  
I have, till now, secured thy Life, 'tis known,  
Against thy Foes with hazard of my own:  
And still I wish that I could something do,  
(So well I love) both for myself and you.  Oroon. 
Your kindness will prove Mortal at this rate,  
And bring your Lover his Apparent Fate:  
You see with how great strength my Foes appear,  
Only their Rivals from your Arms to tear;  
And yet my Sword you can to me deny,  
Wherewith I could defeat my Enemy.  
But this Act, Madam, from your Love does come,  
I know it,— you would see my Martyrdom.  Rox. 
Not, you should found I would preserve you still,  
Were but my power as strong as is my will?  
There, Prince, thy Arms I freely do restore;  
Go, Fight, and Conquer;— but remember her  Gives him his Sword, etc. 
Who for thy safety makes her Interest bend:—  
Let's go her Love to be so good a Friend.  Oroon. 
Ah! Madam, let me now embrace your Feet,  
So high a Favour speaks you truly great:  
And to the Sacred Gods I make this Vow,  
(If they on me the Victory bestow,)  
Although myself to you I cannot give,  
To serve your interests I will ever Live.  Oroon. Ex. Turning her Head away.  

SCENE VII.  Rox. 
Something restrains me bidding him farewel,  
Yet what that something is, I cannot tell;  
It wounds and tortures with so great a smart,  
As though it aimed to break my tender heart:  
Yet I must speak to him e'er he does go;—  
Love,— I obey you;— since you'll have it so.  
Farewell dear Prince,— ha'! where is he become?  
He has not sure already left the Room?  Hes. 
Madam, He thought you turned your Eyes away,  
On purpose that he might that time obey:  
Had he not took it he had never gone,  
I'm sure you could not let him, and look on;  
But he expressed, though in such haste he went,  
He did your Bounty, as he aught, resent.  Rox. 
Gods! I have now pulled down upon my head,  
Even all the Vengeance that your powers can shed.  
This Act will give Mortality I fear,  
To all that both to Heaven and me is dear.  
Ah! Oroondates will too surely die,  
And 'midst the heaps of Common Rubbish lie:—  
What wracking pains I feel within my Breast,  
Too strong to bear, or be by words expressed!  
But, Prince, since to thy Life drop reg've been unkind,  
When e'er thou diest, I will not stay behind;  
But bid to Empire, Life, and all adieu:  
Oh! Death will than be sweet to come to you.  Ros. Hes. Ex. A noise within, follow, follow, follow.  

SCENE VIII.  Enter Arbates and Soldiers. Arb. 
All's lost, and we are ruined in the heat,  
They've blocked up all the ways of our Retreat:  
Unless you will your Courages recall,  
We by their Fury must expect to fall.  Enter Perdiccas and Cassander, and their party, who engage with Arbates, and his party: Arbates is killed, and his party routed. Exeunt.  

SCENE IX. Roxana's Palace.  Enter Oroondates with Soldiers. Oroon. 
Fellow, brave Friends, your Valours' reassume,  
You come not here to die, but to o'ercome.  
Than to the thickest of the Foe prepare,  
And with your Noble Acts your Cause declare:  
Conquest's of right the Loyal Subjects due,  
With Courage than your Enemies pursue,  
But should you fall in this so brave a Cause,  
The Gods and World would give you just Applause.  
Who for his Monarch's safety Life does give,  
Though Dead, his Name, and Loyalty shall live.  
This Act, Brave Queen, past Cruelties outvie,  
For which I'll fix you in your Throne, or die.  Shout, Exeunt, re-enter.  

SCENE X.  The Palace Stairs— where Perdiccas and Cassander have almost beaten the Queen's party,— but Oroondates, and his Soldiers enter, and join the Queen's party.— Oroon. 
Hold, hold, Perdiccas, here's a Nobler Foe,  
You have before you Oroondates now:  
The Gods by th' Queen have given this happy hour,  
Which must decide who shall be Conqueror.  Per. 
Those Gods you mention have to me proved kind,  
Since thus my hated Enemy I found.  
And they've decreed, I plainly now descry,  
'Tis I that must this Gordian Knot untie:  
And thus thy Death shall give me Victory,  Both parties Fight, Perdiccas almost prevails. Enter Seleucus on Oroondates' side, with his party, and beaten of Perdiccas' party. Oroon. 
In vain they Fight, for we are Conquerors made, Since Brave Seleucus comes unto our Aid.  Exeunt.  

SCENE XI. Changes to the Apartment of Statira.  Enter Statira, Parisatis, Attendants. Sta. 
Such dismal Fears my Senses do invade,  
That, Sister, of myself I am afraid:  
Before my Eyes, continually there swims,  
Objects as dismal, as Sick persons dreams;  
Which way so ere I turn I still do hear  
Distracting Noises heightening my despair.  
Were Oroondates safe, I'd Death defy.  Paris. 
Oh! Do not, Sister, with base fears comply.  Sta. 
Hark, hark,—  Noise of Fight without, Parish. steps to the door 
Ah, Prince, for thee I'd only wish to Live  
But if thou'rt Dead, I shall not long survive;  
For I'll not intercede for a Reprieve.  Coming from the Door. Par. 
They come, they come, the Ministers of Fate,  
At last they've forced their Entrance at the Gate:  
Their haste and rage declare our Lives must be  
The Sacrifice to crown their Victory.   

SCENE XII.  Enter Lysimachus and Soldiers. Sta. 
Who e'er thou be'st that from the Queen art come,  
About the Execution of my Doom;  
Pause not upon the horror of the thing,  
That I'm the Wife of him who was thy King,  
Lest you strike not, and that your Fate should bring.  
Here sheath your Sword, your Tyrant Queen obey,  
And let not pity loyalty betray:  
For I'm prepared to die—  Lys. 
The Gods defend Lysimachus should come,  
The Minister of such a horrid Doom.  
Live, Live, Fair Queen, to repossess your Throne,  
For you are sovereign now in Babylon.  Sta. 
Par. heavens! Lysimachus!—  Sta. 
We only could for our deliverance hope,  
From your great Virtue, which can Ruin stop.  
We own our Lives, Lysimachus, to you;  
But yet from Parisatis there is due,  
(Beside the gen'ral Obligation,)  
A greater Sense of this last service done.  Par. 
Yes, this last Action does oblige me more,  
Than any that you ever did before.  
And I shall have as great a Sense of it▪  
As your Desires, and Honour can admit.  Lys. 
Of all the Glory in the World possessed!  
O how magnificently am I blessed!  Par. 
But, my Lysimachus, o! let us know  
How we were made so happy by you now.  Lys. 
The Gods your safety by this Sword designed,  
Which with the Prince, your Brother, than was joined,  
When I received your first Intelligence—  
Of your Detention here, and how the Queen,  
To seize your Person, brought down all her Men,  
Quitting their Force, I was resolved to come,  
Either to Conquer, or to share your Doom:  
And Heaven has made me now so Fortunate,  
As to dispose you to a better Fate.  Sta. 
But in what posture did the Princes seem,  
To be, when you did come away from them?  Lys. 
Such, as (I question not) will soon declare,  
To them belongs the Triumphs of the War:  
For when your Brother and the Prince I left,  
The Enemy was of all hopes bereft;  
Perdiccas than desired the Liberty,  
His Fortune singly with the Prince to try:  
For being Rivals, 'twas but just, he said,  
You should the merit of their Sword be made:  
Great Oroondates, Madam, who was born  
Not to be frighted, but all dangers scorn;  
Just as I came, begged the same freedom too,  
From all his Friends, of Fight with his Foe:  
Straight by consent they did a Circle draw,  
To give each Combatant his equal Law.  
And Madam, We've no cause to fear the effect;  
We know who 'tis the Gods aught to protect.  Sta. 
Let's go, and of the dangers than partake,  
Which those brave persons suffer for our sake.  
And stay not longer in a place, where we,  
Have met with so much inhumanity.  Lys. 
Great troubles height'ned still by more distress,  
Prepare the way to future happiness.  Exeunt.  

SCENE XIII. Roxana as in a Fort.  Rox. 
I cannot tell what course to follow now,  
In this Distraction under which I bow:  
Yet suddenly I some resolve must make,  
Or swift-winged Vengeance will my Crimes o'ertake.  
Death's my desert, I know,— but that will be  
Too great a pleasure to my Enemy:  
Living, I must expect the shame to bear,  
They, to reward my Cruelties, prepare.  
Resolve, Roxana, bravely than to die,  Pulls out a Dagger. 
And show them,— this shall cure thy misery,—   

SCENE XIV.  Enter Statira, Parisatis, Lysimachus, Attendants. Sta. 
Both sides the Palace are to me alike,  
And each with equal Fear my Soul does strike:  
Methinks Perdiccas should be coming there,  
And from this part I should Roxana hear.  Rox. 
Rival, since thou so happy art become,  
Look up, look up, and see Roxana's doom.  
Those Charms which Oroondates now obtains,  
Which drop reg've so long opposed but yet in vain;  
I will not envy them I shall not see,  
Death from all troubles now shall set me free.  Sta. 
Hold, hold, Roxana, I conjure thee stay,  
By all the powers you ever did obey;  
By Alexander's Sacred Memory,  
Your Love to th' Prince, and Cruelties to me.  Rox. 
What makes my Rival thus Importunate,  
To have me give myself a truce from Fate?  Sta. 
As thou the Mercy of the Gods Wouldst have,  
Oh! Envy not the Glory that I crave;  
Live, and repay thy Cruel Wrongs to me,  
I'll not pretend right to thy Liberty:  
Nor shall you a reproach from me receive,  
Which may be in the lest to make you grieve.  Rox. 
You such a Heaven of Mercy now express,  
As makes the Hell of my despair increase:  
But to requited the kindness which you show,  
I'll leave you Oroondates— with this blow.  Stabs herself.  

SCENE XV.  Et ultima. Enter Oroondates, Artaxerxes, Attendants, etc. Oroon. 
For heavens sake, Madam, this rash Act forbear,  
Gods! is Roxana her own Murderer?  Rox. 
Would Oroondates too my Death defer?  Oroon. 
Oh! Live, Roxana, I'll your Throne restore,  
Since drop reg've obtained the Princess I adore:  Rox. 
Oh! 'tis too late,— yet I could wish that Death,  
Would not too suddenly demand my Breath;  
Since thou art present, Prince, to see me die,  
My Death's rewarded with the sight of thee.  
But, Queen, though Dead, I still your Rival prove,  
And ever will attend on him I love:  
And when his Soul, like mine, shall be set free,  
I will enjoy it to Eternity,— o!—  Dies. Oroon. 
Unbridled passion did her Life betray,  
And hopeless Love her Reason did o'resway:  
And now, my Fair Statira, I restore  Turning to her. 
You to your Liberty, and former Power.  
The Gods would not Perdiccas' Fate recall,  
But did decree he by my Hand should fall:  
Thus with his Life I Victory did meet,  
And now am come—  
To lay my new gained Laurels at your feet,  Sta. 
Ah! My Loved Lord, our miseries are not more,  
Through many storms we've safely reached the Shore:  
Your Valour to my forrows gave an end,  
And you are a Queen's preserver and best Friend.  
Receive the Debt which has been long your due,  Giving him her Hand. 
Statira wholly gives herself to you.  Oroon. 
How Glorious is my Fortune now become,  
Since in your Breast I shall possess a Room!  
My happiness does from my crosses flow,  
As Saints to Bliss through Scorching Flames do go.  
The Clouds of sorrow are all blown away,  
And show the Glories of a peaceful day,  Lys. 
to Par. And Madam, Shall my hopes this Blessing found,  
That Heaven and Parisatis will prove kind?  Par. 
My Lord, they shall— your Services are such,  
Nothing can for their Merits be too much.  
'Tis Parisatis boast that she can give,  
A Heart which you so willingly receive.  
But that she grieves Heaven will not let her bring  
Something more worthy of an Offering.  Lys. 
A Greater Blessing, Madam can't be given,  
You do at once possess me of all Heaven.  Oroon. 
Since Brother (by the Goodness of my Queen,)  
Our Nuptials shall with the next Light begin;  
I can't but wish our satisfaction should  
Be equal in our Loves, as in our Blood.  
And since my Sister Berenice does prove  
Worthy of the Brave Artaxerxes Love:  
Your worth that confidence in me procures,  
Which prompts me to conclude she will be yours.  Arta. 
Ah! Madam, What must I expect from you?  
Now Heaven does smile, let Berenice smile too.  Ber. 
Since th' Heavenly Powers now have restored us peace,  
This day shall crown each others happiness.  
For now you've kept your Vows, I will not start  
From mine,— but give you Berenice's heart▪  Gives her hand to Arta. Oroon. 
I wish, my Lord, I could your Throne restore,  
And with her give you up your former power.  
But since I can't— you in all mine shall share;  
Two Monarches may, when Friends, shine in one Sphere.  Arta. 
After the matchless Gift of Berenice▪  
The Empire of the World I would despise:  
Yet Bravest Friend, for Berenice's sake▪  
I accept the offer you so nobly make.  
And since the Gods have given us this success▪  
I'll live with you, and keep my happiness.  Oroon. 
But first our Thanks we to the Gods will pay,  
For all the Glorious Fortunes of this day:  
The gentle Calm of Peace from Heaven descends,  
And all those Sacred Powers salute us Friends.  
They call us now to lay aside these Arms,  
And to contemplate on Loves soften Charms.  
The High Transports and Ecstasies of Love▪  
Are the next Pleasures to the Joys above.  Exeunt Omnes.   
FINIS.