THE SIEGE OF MEMPHIS, OR THE Ambitious Queen.  
A TRAGEDY, Acted at the THEATER-ROYAL.  
Written by Tho. Durfey, Gent.  Non fit sine Periculo facinus magnum & memorabile, Terent. 
LONDON, Printed for W. Cademan at the Pope's Head at the entrance in of the New Exchange in the Strand, 1676.   

TO THE TRULY GENEROUS HENRY CHEVERS, Esq  
SIR,  
THe favourable aspect you were pleased to cast, upon this Poem (the first fruits of an Infant Muse) together with the knowledge I have of your excellent temper, and unaltered clemency, have sufficiently warranted my presumption of throwing it at your feet, and by making it an humble present to a Person so far above the common Sphere, secure it from the piercing Talons of Eagle Eyed Critics: I know it is a trifle that by the meaness of the stile, the want of good design, and the ill representation at the Theatre, being Played to the worst advantage, has got little credit with the World and consequently is far unworthy your patronage, but if you consider the credit of a young Author lies at stake, one whose design was only to please not offend, you doubtless will be induced to a more favourable opinion of my presumption. The censures of others will the less trouble me when you protect it, knowing how common 'tis now to discant on Authors truly famous and worthy all applause, as well as others of a far meaner knowledge and reputation 'Tis my desire, I confess, to be free from malicious censures, and that my partial Reader would be so favourable as not to be my Interpreter, but content himself with the Perusal, according to Martial (Absit a jocorum nostrorum simplicitate malignus interpres,) But since the humour of this Age tends another way, I must study self satisfaction, and rely on the Patronage of a Person whose worth I am so well acquainted with, that the criticisms of pretenders will appear as ridiculous as they can endeavour to make this Poem, if they durst write themselves.  
SIR, Your obliged humble Servant. Tho. Durfey   

PROLOGUE.  
JUdges of Wit, you, whose diserning Eyes  
Know the right path and nearest, to be wise  
That never damned a Play, as a despite  
To us, but always thought yourselves i'th' right.  
Our Rhymer swears it never shall corode  
Upon his mind, since 'tis grown Al-a-mode,  
Since great and powerful Sons of Poesy,  
Have felt your pointed censures, why not he?  
The Age is altered now, he that has Wit,  
ne'er uses it abroad, but in the Pit,  
There spreads it all, and e'er one Scene does know,  
Calls friend aside, Cries, Dammy. jack let's go,  
Not a Wench here that's worth the speaking to.  
Others that want Wit, hither come to glean,  
Seem to find fault and cavil at a Scene,  
Because they understand it not, yet will  
Dislike, because 'tis Modish, and Gentile.  
Thus both ways we our Enemy's enclose:  
The Wise and Fools are equally our foes,  
'Tis true some tender hearted Females come,  
That want divertisement and trade at home,  
But little's to be got by them, alas!  
They bring good faces, but their money's brass,  
Madam, we cry, 'tis naught, she peeps through hood;  
Cries, truth, my Lord did give it me for good.  
Still this makes ill for us, such as do pay  
Bring naughty money, such as do not, stay  
Your Criticism's greater than your sins are,  
And yet, you'd laugh to hear, Old Cole of Windsor,  
A bawdy Ballad, though with non sense crammed,  
Will please ye when a serious Play is damned▪  
But do your worst for we resolve to try,  
A proof now of the Lady's Clemency,  
If they but favour us, you must obey,  
Their frowns hurt you more than you'll hurt our Play,  
But should they hiss and our designs condemn.  
It were an 〈…〉 them▪  
You are such Devils and so far exceed,  
From you 'twere worse then to be damned indeed,  
But in their heavenly breasts no rancour lies,  
Their censures must be glorious as their eyes,  
And he that hears, and follows not their rule,  
Is impotent, I'm sure, if not a Fool.   

Persons Represented.  

Egyptians.  
MElechadel, King of Egypt.  
Ptollomy, his Son  
Phillopater, Caliph and General  


two Peers  
Achmades  
Halem    
Zichmi, Brother to Halem, and a Commander under Phillopater  
Zelmura, Queen of Egypt  
Amasis, Sister to Zelmura  
Saphrena, Amasis' Confident  
Messages, Soldiers, Guards, and Attendants, Men and Women.   

Selabdin, Sultan of Syria.  
Moaron, his Son.  
Psamnis, Friend to Moaron.  
Aldabar, Captain in Selabdins Army.  
Soldiers, Guards, and Attendants.   The Scene, Memphis besieged.  

THE SIEGE OF MENPHIS: OR THE Ambitious Queen.  


ACT. I. SCENE I  The Curtain being drawn, an Alarm of Drums and Trumpets are heard, the Scene representing a Turret, besieged by Moaron, Psamnis, and Syrians; Zelmura, Phillopater, Ziehmi, and Egyptians, appearing on the Walls defending, a skirmish of Darts, which done the Scene changes to Melechadels' Palace. Enter Melechadel, Ptolemy, and Achmades. Mch. 
PErish the World ere I forsake my Throne,  
Or leave that City, which my Birth did own;  
The Sun shall freeze, and Night's pale Goddess burn,  
The Solid Globe to its first Chaos turn,  
ere Melechadel fears: Draw up our Moors,  
By Heaven I'll dare the utmost of their powers,  
Kings are like Gods, when dauntless they appear,  
But worse than Peasants, if their Fate they fear.  Achm. 
Great Apis Priests foretell our overthrow,  
And Death comes winged like lightning from the Foe.  
I speak, Great Sir, not as I fear to die,  
For death's a bliss in wars extremity.  
My loyal care mean doubts do far exceed,  
Ill far true Subject's heads, when Princes bleed.  Ptollo. 
Famine i'th' City now begins to prevail,  
And from without Destruction storms like hail;  
The tired Soldier, with weak glowing eyes,  
Looks down upon the Foe, then falls, and dyes;  
As if like Basilisks they gave us death,  
Not with their dreadful weapons, but their breath.  
What can we hope for, wheresuch horror is!  Melech. 
Think on my Conquests past, then hope for this,  
The Gods that made me Monarch, did create.  
My Kingly Soul to have a Kingly fate.  
Have I not conquered the insulting Moors,  
Buffled the Indian and Tartarian Powers,  
When with my Troops I Legions have withstood  
Of Daring Soldiers: whose warm Seas of Blood  
O'erflowed the Plains with Waves of crimson die,  
And fogs obscured the surface of the sky!  
Have I not often with the Morning dawn,  
Mounted my Chariot by famed Princes drawn  
Through Memphis, whilst amazements charmed the throng  
To see my glorious Triumph pass along!  
And shall we now our fortune fear to try,  
He deserves Conquest best, who best dares die.  
Bring up our Infantry to the assault,  
And see 'em strait conveyed through the dark vault  
Under our Palace: Fly Achmades, fly,  
Fate points us out this way to Victory,  
Embrace occasion ere it be too late,  
We'll snatch our Conquest from the Gripes of Fate.  
How now, What news.  [Exit Achmates. Enter Zichmi Zichm, 
The Fence grows thin, my Liege,  
And the remainder hardly brook the siege,  
Such numbers with their dreadful darts are killed,  
The Trenches with their liveless Trunks are filled,  
And those that yet remain, serve but to show  
Omens of conquest to the daring Foe.  Melech. 
These fatal objects us more Courage teach,  
Ptolemy, bring your Squadron to the breach,  
Supply the Walls with Engines fit for spoil,  
And on their heads pour Seas of flaming Oil:  
But I forget my Souls far better half,  
How fares the Queen, is my Zelmura safe;  
Are the God's kind, and still here death defer.  Zich. 
She lives; and all our hopes depend on her:  
Upon the Eastern Turret of the Town  
From whose high Battlements I saw drop down  
Numbers of men, the Queen did dauntless stand,  
Terror couched in her eye, death in her hand:  
The Heartless Crowd, wounding, look up to spy  
This new Bellona ushered from the Sky,  
And on their unarmed fates took the harms,  
Which from the valiant Queen fell down in Storms,  
By her Example your faint powers turned head,  
And feeling now that courage which she bred,  
Sent such a fierce greeting to the Enemy,  
As forced 'em to treat, almost to fly:  
But to their Rescue then, the Syrian Prince,  
Their Nation's Glory and unmacht defence,  
The brave Moaron, best of Generals,  
Came like Achilles to the Turret Walls;  
Him, when the Queen had found, and envying now  
The budding wreaths on his Triumphant brow,  
With noble force dismissed a dreadful dart  
Well aimed and levelled at the Prince's heart,  
But his propitious fate the shaft Reversed,  
Whose point his foamy Courser's vitals pierced,  
The beast expiring with a groan shrunk down,  
And with the Prince fell side long to the ground,  
Who strait arising▪ fired with raging Spleen,  
Though to revenge, but when he saw the Queen  
Like Palace stand, and knew that it was She  
His rage soon quelled, he bowed his head and knee  
As if he thanked her for the Courtesy.  Melech. 
His Soul was always noble, but proceed.  Zichm. 
After this Act, with more than usual speed,  
The fight began a fresh, and life's dread foe  
Placed a defiance flag on ev'ry brow;  
The General was hurt in this last charge,  
But was by the fierce Queen revenged at large  
By joyntless men which on the reeking ground,  
In heaps paid their last tribute to his wound,  
What happened afterwards my absence lost.  Melech. 
Let other Monarches of their Subjects boast,  
I have a Theme will fill the mouth of fame  
His Trump resounding with a woman's name:  
A Woman whose brave Spirit does presage  
A happy fortune to Our latter Age,  
The Noble Carian Queen whose fame flies far  
For aiding Xerxes in the Persian war,  
She, whose renown through our East confine Spreads  
For Godlike virtues, and heroic deeds,  
Would quit her fading claim did She live now,  
And place her Laurel on Zelmura's brow.  Enter a Messenger. 
Thy cheerful looks some good event portend,  
Say, the foes fled and style thyself our friend.  Messen. 
The Queen is sallied at the Postern gate  
Meaning to prosecute victorious fate  
She on the foe a fresh assault has tried,  
And charged their vanguard on the weakest side,  
Who shrink a pace and now their most defence  
Lies in the Squadron of the valiant Prince;  
Like glittering Mars, he their main Battle heads,  
His Falchion reeking with the blood he sheds,  
His noble Soul raging to see them fly,  
But all in vain they'll rather run than die;  
So that by our brave Queen and General  
The heartless Foe is beaten from the Wall,  Melech. 
The Gods are kind and Just and now I see  
The love they bear undaunted Majesty,  
There can no ill within their Mansions dwell,  
But only this to make our passions swell  
Give us brave Souls then teach'em to rebel  [Shout within Zichm. 
What means this shout that Echoes through the Sky  [Exit Zich. Enter another Messenger. Messen. 
The day is ours, great Sir, the Syrians fly,  
The Queen, our Goddess, that our hopes begun  
Have broke their closest ranks and made'em run,  
The Syrian Prince like Trojan Hector stood  
His Gurace spotted with warm drops of blood,  
He in our troops once made a doubtful fray  
And maugre our resistance forced his way  
Toward Nilus' head  
But now of thirty thousand only he  
And one brave friend oppose our victory.  Melech. 
A glorious Conquest and as fortunate  
As the brave Macedonian Monarch's fate,  
Whose matchless fame by th' Ignorants adored  
Made the whole World pay homage to his Sword.  
By fortune he, but I by power achieve  
A fate that shall new Laws to nature give,  
And make my fame in future Ages live  [Exeunt  

SCENE II.  Alarm, Syrians run over the Stage, after them Moaron with his Sword drawn. Moar. 
FLy slaves to Hell, and may that Devil fear,  
That triumphs o'er your Souls, torment ye there,  
Ye frozen Earthworms, ye infected brood  
Of some Claudestine Cowards that for food  
Would curse their Parents, and like Sons of Earth  
Betray the Nation that first gave'em Birth,  
My infirm virtue would in vain appear  
'Twould not be now thought patience but dull fear,  
Since fortune to my Arms success denied.  Enter Psamnis Psalm. 
We are enclosed great Prince on ev'ry side  
The envious tyrant fate hath lodged us so  
Within the bosom of the insulting foe,  
That to escape  
If we had thousands, as we are but two,  
We well might say, we had too much to do.  
With some few Horse I long their power withstood,  
And fought with courage witness my dear blood,  
But when their fresh supplies surrounded me,  
Groan hoarse with shouts, and echoing Victory,  
Feeling my strength decay, I then withdrew,  
Ambitious of the Fate to die with you.  Moar. 
Thou hast this day a matchless Valour shown,  
And for thy noble deeds deserved renown  
From Gods as well as men, but I am now  
By Fortune's bateless malice fallen so low,  
That I want means my Gratitude to show,  
And though this day thou didst me oft relieve,  
This is the sole reward I have to give.  [embraces him. Psam. 
Malicious Powers unfit to be adored.  Moar. 
Nay to disgrace me by a Woman's sword,  
A Woman's act,— oh— 'dsdeath, that plague's me more,  
Than all the griefs I ever felt before,  
But e'er I yield heavens spangled roof shall fall,  
And in Cimerean shades abscond us all.  Psam. 
In slighting Death your Princely mind appears,  
Death nothing is, men's torments are their fears:  
Death sits in Mists upon our fadeing eyes,  
Follows our flight, but if we turn he flies.  [shout. 
That shout was near us, they with speed pursue.  Moar. 
Let'em redouble speed and courage too,  
Here like Alcides on the Phrygian sand,  
Rage in his eyes and thunder in his hand,  
I will attend what Fate so ill designed,  
And death with Fame and matchless Honour find.  
My Courage shall surpass dull Nature's bounds,  
I'll fright the insulting Cowards with my wounds,  
And when at last my life's Prey to Fate,  
Upon their mangled heaps I'll die in State.  Flourish with Trumpet's, then enter Zelmura, Phillopater, Zichmi, Achmades, Halem, and Soldiers. Zelm. 
Yield, Prince; and that we favour may a ford  
Pay homage due, and tender up your sword,  Moar. 
Yield!—  Phillo. 
— does the word sound ill?  Moar. 
— what must I yield?  Achm. 
Yourself: a Captive conquered in the field.  Moar. 
You have no conquest won till I am dead,  
Unless you dare to lie, and say I fled,  
'Tis but ill Fate, when heartless Vassals run,  
And till I'm slain, think you have nothing won.  Phillo. 
We have won all, Fate now rewards our toils,  
Our wearied Mules are laden with your spoils;  
Whilst the pale Soldier, flying from afar,  
Looks back to see the dismal Scene of War:  
Your too proud Courage does your judgement wrong,  
Grief and distraction sits upon your tongue.  Zelm. 
Fortune, to you, no succour dares aford,  
What can your hopes depend on then  Moar. 
— My Sword.  Achm. 
Your Sword—  Moar. 
— Yes, this brave badge of Chivalry,  
Fate and the Gods are trivial things to me.  Zelm. 
Since then the Deities you so despise,  
Bow down and yield to me the Victor's prize.  Moar. 
Wert thou a God, as sure thou art not so,  
I should rejoice I had so great a foe;  
For they and I have strifes in all affairs,  
They keep their blessings back, and I my prayers,  
But since thou art no Deity relate,  
What great extraction does thy pride create.  Zel. 
I am Zelmura, Queen of these, and thee,  
Bright wreaths of Conquest grace my dignity:  
The God's Vicegerent to dispose their Will,  
I have their power to save alive or kill:  
My smile's a charm, fierce death attends my frown,  
Fortune enslaved stands fettered to my Crown:  
The Frozen Islands of the North have seen,  
And felt the power of Egypt's potent Queen,  
Whose furred Inhabitants with fear and shame,  
Herd the resounding Echoes of my fame:  
By me the Trees and Plants do spring and grow,  
My breath can check our Nilus, ebb or flow,  
Put present period to thy destiny;  
Do all things like a God, this, Sir, an I  Mear. 
These daring boasts betray what weakness blinds  
The sense, and sways insulting women's minds.  Zelm. 
He bears a noble Soul—  [Aside. 
— this insolence  
Suits not your Fate, nor can I brook it Prince.  Moar. 
Fate, Queen: Why, what has Fate to do with me?  
I am controller of my Destiny,  
Let such as fear to die call chance unkind,  
My Fate is as immortal as my mind.  Zel. 
In vain Disputes, too long the time we waste,  
Yield or this present moment is your last,  
Think my advice, Sir, was a favour meant,  
Submission yet, may hinder the Event,  Psamn. 
Submission's only for base Cowards fit,  
Dull sordid Souls, framed only to submit,  
Rather than so honour my counsel draws,  
That by the sword, we still protect our cause,  
Who knows, but Heaven our forces may unite,  
And give us back the Conquest through mear spite.  Zelm. 
I'll hear no more, this prolonged breath grow bold,  
And I have been too tame—  [offers to fight Phillo. 
Hold, Madam, hold—  [interposes. 
It is my task, should you oppose, in this  
All Nations would condemn our cowardice,  
And say, that I did in presence the stand,  
When Syria's Prince fell by a Woman's hand,  Zel. 
A Woman's hand, is that, Sir, such a shame,  
That I must be upbraided with the name,  
Let my brave Actions, that mean stile control,  
For though a Woman I've a manly Soul,  
Nor will I Honour for a word resign,  
I say it is my right  Phillo 
— 'tis mine.  Halem 
— or mine  Zelm. 
'Tis neither's: Your base arrogance recall,  
Claim it again, by Heaven, I dare ye all,  
Frown not, nor mutter, I bear too much sway,  
Know 'tis a Subject's duty to obey—  
Resign on your allegiance or expect  
A certain death to follow such neglect.  Phillo 
By duty forced I to your will agree,  [bowing 
But what my honour stains I must not see.  [Exit, Halem. 
Live then a wretch that durst his fame resign,  
I am resolved by this to cherish mine  [offers to fight. Zelm. 
So valorous, young Sir, mild mercy hence,  
Take there reward for disobedience  [Stabs him. 
So, now I'm sure thou'lt not usurp my right  
Come Sir defend yourself  [to Moaron. Moar. 
— I will not fight.  Zichm, 
My Brother slain the Gods have shown their spite,  [aside. 
— but I'll revenge  Zelm. 
Can words such fear impart,  
Heavens! can a Prince retain a Peasant's heart.  
Whence Springs thy fear, what envious destiny  
Dares thus control thy Courage.  Moar. 
— thoughts of thee,  
Were't thou a man, hadst thou Achilles' charm  
Of being Sword proof, Strong, and free from harm,  
Yet should my pointed vengeance conquest win,  
Maugre the power of thy enchanted Skin;  
But as thou art a woman, I am Crossed,  
And all the hopes of my revenge is lost:  
For to that Sex my honour makes me bend,  
Not fight against but with my blood defend.  Zelm. 
Something so noble in his soul I find,  
Has quite suppressed the tempest in my mind,  
But my kind thoughts within my breast I'll crowd,  [aside 
Lest my too good opinion makes him proud,  
Bear hence the body of the Justly slain,  (Halem. 
And such reward may all such traitor's gain.  Exeunt guards with Zichm. 
Traitor so tyrants call their best of friends  
Down thoughts and looks cloud what my Soul intends.  [Exit. Enter at another door Melechadel, Amasis, Ptollomy and guards. Melech. 
Mirror of women Star of bright renown,  
Protectress of my life and Egypt's Crown;  
What shall I render loudly to proclaim  
New terms of Honour equal to thy same.  
Thou life of all my power, 'tis to thee  
I own my thanks for this day's victory:  
The Gods were drowsy and their Actions slow,  
'twas thy brave Sword made Fate her duty know;  
For which lest I ingratitude should want,  
Ask any thing, and take my speedy Grant:  
In two requests thy busied thoughts extend  
And to perform my total power I bend.  Zelm. 
Your noble vote, Great Sir, I must extol,  
It shows a glorious Precedent to all,  
Directs rightly how to act and when,  
And difference shows 'twixt Kings and moral Men.  
A little respite for my suit I crave.  Melech. 
Thou canst not ask the thing, thou canst not have.  
In his defeat—  [pointing to Moaron. 
The fame o'th' Deities thou hast made small,  
And shown a Godlike power above 'em all.  Zelm. 
My deeds deserve not half this vast applause,  
You own your Royal thanks to your brave cause.  Melech. 
The Cause being tried, and conquest our reward,  
What means your Slave to stand thus on his guard?  Moar. 
Her Slave! by Heaven 'tis false! thou art her Slave,  
Her soaring fortune did thy Empire save.  
By all the Gods, proud King I am as free  
As Heaven made Man at first, or Fortune thee.  
Slavery some abject punishment should own,  
But thanks to this I am obliged to none.  
My sword has more of freedom than thy Throne.  Melech. 
Thy Sword is useless now, Fool, thou shalt die,  
Nor can the Gods dispose thy chance, but I.  
I sit supreme and smile upon thy fate,  
Whilst thy scorned Life proves Vassal to my State:  
Thou shalt imprisoned till my triumph be  
And then released from enthrawled misery,  
Thy death shall be my Scene of jollity.  Moar. 
You take large licence to pronounce my death,  
But think not what attends that fatal breath,  
Fearless you may insuit o'er weaker foes,  
But know my life is not at your dispose,  
And 'tis most safe though not for your renown,  
Instead of seeking mine to guard your own,  Melech. 
This insolence my honour cannot bear,  
Guards go and bind 'em both—  Moar. 
— Stir if you dare.  
This ground is fatal, he that first comes on  
Sets but the race, which thou at last shalt run,  
Covered with wounds, I will thy power oppose  
I'th' midst and thickest number of my Foes,  
Though fatal, yet some pleasure it will be  
To see thy mighty God head stoop to me.  
Let the blind Queen of Chance her Envy show,  
And save thy life by some succeseless blow;  
Denied all help, and passed defence, withstood,  
I'll rip my breast, and drown thee with my blood.  Melech. 
'Dsdeath, go, take, kill him.  [to the Guards. Zelm. 
Hold, he shall not die,—  [stopping the guards 
I only must dispose his destiny;  
But that obedience to your will be shown,  [to the King 
Of my too great requests, this shall be one.  
Soldier's retreat, I have the King's whole power,  
And leave me to appoint his fatal hour.  Melech. 
Ask Something else, this Suit I cannot grant.  Zelm. 
Your bound by Oath, take heed how you recant.  Melech. 
My Oath, what's that? go, go, once more take seize.  Zelm. 
He meets his death, who his command obeys:  turning to Moarons' side. 
Perjured, and poor, send now your forces on,  
By heaven, we'll cut the props from your weak Throne,  
In his defence to my last drop of blood,  
I'll meet thy power, though through a crimson flood  
I wade to the atcheivement, to make known,  
A faithless King's a traitor to his crown.  
Unless immediately you pronounce peace,  
And cause your factious multitude, to cease.  Melech. 
Retire a while—  [to Guards and Soldiers. 
— Madam you have your will  
But what cursed Fiend seduced you to this ill  
Surpasses knowledge, but the Prince shall live:  
Him you dare thus protect, I dare forgive.  Moar. 
Forgive, your words are still so arrogant,  
Fit answers for such Epithets I want▪  
Forgive your slaves some impious offence,  
Such as can crouch with humble penitence;  
And know whilst valour in my breast does live,  
She cannot me protect, nor you forgive.  Melech. 
Yet though your courage with your power concur,  
You now are glad to take your life from her.  Moar. 
'Tis false, my life is at my own dispose,  
Sprung from the stalk on which my courage grows,  
Nor would I for a slow destruction stay,  
But boldly run and meet death half the way,  
Honours broad path my soul so well has known,  
That now to live or die to me's all one.  Melech. 
The rugged path of death, few men would choose  
Had they the licenced power to refuse.  
Which death your ransom, Sir, shall now excuse,  
Live fearless in our Court and free from ill,  
I'm now your friend, though much against my will.  [aside. Zelm. 
This grant has back my good opinion gained,  
He forfeits worth whom perjury does slain.  
Honour the Souls of Monarches best does grace,  
Contempt and rigour only suit the base.  
To morrow you shall know my last request,  
Till when it must be treasured in my breast.  
You'll keep your vow.  Melech. 
My oath has made it good,  
And if I fail infection seize my blood.  Zelm. 
Disperse, brave Prince, the cloud upon your brow,  
To fate, not only you, but all must bow;  
Heaven does mishaps for greatest souls create,  
The bravest men are most unfortunate.  Moar. 
Heaven then's a cheat so are the Gods and fate,  
If there no difference be in punishment,  
A Traitor is as happy as a Saint,  
And may as soon a glorious blessing share,  
As he that spends his life in sighs and prayer.  Melech. 
Your rashness voted against heaven's excellence,  
Betray more haughty passion, Sir, than sense,  
Motives of sorrows reign or love impure,  
But in our Court, your grief may find a cure,  Amas. 
Spiritual affairs be the Zealots care,  
pursued by such as dote on their despair:  
Your worth may, Sir, a fit work improve,  
Employed in Acts of honour, wit, or Love.  Moar 
That love must then be yours what charms are here  touching her hand. 
My beating heart much altered does appear,  
And I the marks of unknown passion bear;  
But I must hid it, Since proud fate to day  
In my defeat its malice did display.  
My life I'll cherish with design to prove  
My soul the ills of Fortune is above.  
The Plagues the Gods inflict with scorn I'll bear,  
And I will live cause sat shall see I dare.  [Exeunt.   


ACT. II. SCENE I.  An Alcove: Discovers Moaron and Amasis. Enter Psamnis▪ Psam. 
MY happy wishes good success have met,  
Yonder the Amorous Lovers smiling sit,  
How greedily their darting eye balls rove,  
Each look displays the ecstasy of Love,  
I knew She loved him, though a modest Pride,  
Which still with untaught Virgins does reside,  
Made her conceal it, but of this no more  
I must to Syria to renew our power,  
The Prince did so command and I will be  
Though not renowned, loved for fidelity.  [Exit 

SONG within.  

Begun dull fear, and servile duty fly,  
Where mischiefs hourly rove,  
Whilst here we own no other Deity,  
Nor Monarch know but Souls ensnaring Love.  
Love, whose refreshing joys such rapture brings,  
Such life such charming power,  
'Twould warm the sinews of enervate Kings,  
And make 'em young once more.   

II.  
Let sordid Mortals toil for Earth's increase,  
And Glory in their gains.  
We with new charms will one another please  
And laugh to see the harvest of their pains.  
In quiet let'em share their happiness  
With hope and fortune great,  
Whilst we each day, each hour that Heaven possess,  
Which they expect at last.   

III.  
Then feed my flame bright Deity of Love  
With Lulling ecstasies,  
That whilst I in this Orb of Beauty rove  
I in conceit may Soar above the Skies.  
Reasons a term by drowsy Zealots feigned  
Which rapting bliss destroys,  
Nature does always fiercest pleasures lend  
When freely sense enjoys.    Moar. 
Not all the Odours of those happy fields,  
Where Cassia grows, and the feigned Phoenix builds  
Arabia's treasures, or the choice perfume  
Of India's fragrant entrails dare presume  
‛ E'er to compare with thee thou softest fair,  
Thy presence would extenuate despair  
In all the Damned below, and make 'em live  
In hope Hell's worst of Torments to survive.  Amas. 
If I not knowing my own power, possess  
So large a portion of controlling bliss.  
The greatest mandate you shall ere fulfil  
Shall an entreaty be to love me still.  
But should my passion prove an injury,  
I should not blame your will but I should die,  
And e'er my death I'd one kind thought implore,  
Then rest assured I could deserve no more.  Moar. 
Never, Oh, never, shalt thou see that day  
No sooner shall the Early Sun display  
His beams about the World, but I will fly  
To visit thee the Idol of my eye:  
Where by thy side I'll sit for ever free,  
And waste my life in endless ecstasy.  
Thy looks my body's hunger shall repreive,  
For if Chameleons blessed by Nature live  
Only by Air, Air then shall be my food,  
A diet fit for our overflowing blood,  
Refreshed with smiles my heart shall baffle death,  
And surfeit on warm gusts of Rosy breath.  Amas. 
Oh no, for though great Love our hearts controls▪  
'Tis a repast fit only for our Souls;  
A natural food our bodies it must supply,  
And we refuting that shall surely die,  
And then the Gods too mindful of our fates  
Against our souls approach will shut heavens gates.  Moar. 
The Gods perhaps their wrath will show on me,  
But when they shall thy brighter spirit see,  
They're ill weighed rage they will conceive a sin,  
And from their Thrones hast to conduct thee in,  
Then leading thee through the Celestial Signs,  
Whilst at thy sight each envious Goddess pines,  
They'll seat thee there in State, whilst I shall be  
Seeing thee cherished by each Deity  
In Heaven, oppressed with Earthly Jealousy.  Amas. 
In vain your fears do such disasters bode,  
Were I a Goddess you should be a God;  
I would create new Laws in heaven for thee,  
And never blush at the Impiety:  
So great my love, so strong my constancy.  Moar. 
Blessed in each others arms we would despise  
The troops of the Inferior Deities:  
But let us now with soaring thoughts dispense,  
And prove on earth loves precious influence.  
Bear witness heaven, that now our Actions view,  
How Little life I prise, compared with you.  
You whose perfections can such blessings give,  
That for your sake I only with to live.  Amas. 
And I your virtues, though I blush to tell,  
Confess my Soul I love not half so well.  Moar. 
When to our bliss a pleasant Race we run,  
How swift the minutes are how quickly gone,  
The time seems envious of our happiness,  
And strives to put a period to our bliss  
By an unlooked for haste, but let 'em fly,  
Each project of cursed Fortune I defy.  
And glorying in your heavenly presence prove  
Noblessing e'er can match the charms of Love.  [Exeunt.  

SCENE II.  Zelmura Sola. Zelm. 
IT shall be done, it must, nor can there be  
A power but heaven to alter my decree,  
And that I may have interest in heaven's Love,  
For a short time I will religious prove;  
Kneel to the Gods, adore their power and state,  
Be just and pious, merely to be great  
I'm Egypt's Queen my power like a huge stream  
Overflows small shrubs, yet I am not supreme.  
My will is limited, my orders stand,  
But as the Copies of the King command,  
Who in security now tramples on  
Those wreaths, which I in war with danger won.  
Coheirs in Empire shines but dimly bright,  
Whilst either's lustre darkens tother's light,  
But, I like Titan, fixed alone would shine,  
And dare all other Beams to equal mine:  
Nature begun, thou faint soft hearted thing,  
What though he be my husband and my King,  
Ambition is my Soul, and die he must,  
And 'tis sufficient, that I think it just:  
Had Providence ordained I should have been  
A theme of Pity, a kind virtuous Queen,  
I had submitted to that harmless name,  
And followed Piety. But as I am  
The Child of War, all Courage, and all Fire,  
My deeds above the sense of good aspire,  
Die then dull King, for since no way is known,  
But by thy death for me to mount thy throne,  
I am Resolved all thoughts of good to quell,  
And reign first here, though I reign next in hell.  
The cause of your unmannered haste declare.  Enter Ptolemy hastily. Ptol. 
My news exacts your courage and your care,  
The King has had some close intelligence,  
How Psamnis sent to Syria by the Prince,  
To raise new Powers, and get his Ransom paid,  
Intends again our Nation to invade,  
Knowledge of which hath so provoked his wrath,  
He swore a no less Rash than mighty Oath,  
Before the morning's dawn t' exalt a flood,  
And drown all Danger in the Prince's blood.  Zelm. 
That breath has damned him, hell has not endued  
The Fiends with half so much ingratitude;  
He shall not, no his doom I will recall  
By all the Gods if they permit his fall,  
I will destroy the World, kill and disrobe  
Nature of her perfections, shake the Globe  
To its first Chaos, and by actions prove,  
Nothing can match a Woman's hate or love.  Enter Amasis Amas. 
Ah! Sister can you thus your steps retard,  
The noble Prince dragged rudely by the guard  
Stands in the Presence bound,  Zelm. 
— bound, hell and death  
Here me you powers above, and shades beneath,  
You that on Thrones of Day abhor the Night,  
And you whom horrors of cold death delight:  
Hear and assist my haughty enterprise,  
For since controlling fate wears a disguise,  
Since Nature takes a Pride Mortality  
To mould in Plots and Juggling villainy,  
I am resolved my influence to show,  
And fright the World with Nature's overthrow;  
Like some great conflagration I'll appear,  
And first with smoky flatteries charm his ear  
Till I my hearts desire have obtained,  
His his whole power by his promise gained,  
That done from cloudy thickness I'll aspire  
And Scorch opposers like consuming fire.  [Exeunt.  

SCENE. III.  Melechadel, Zichmi, Achmades, Moaron held by Guards. Melech. 
AM I to be out braved, Gods has my fate.  
Made me as oft victorious as great,  
Seated my Throne upon the conquered heads  
Of those that seek the paths ambition treads,  
And shall I now stand tame when threatened by  
A weak low Object of my Clemency,  
Wars vassal, no my rage shall tempests grow  
And the fierce power of enraged Monarches show.  
Led to the Scaffold, by my Crown I'll try,  
If thus inspired you can submit to die.  
If in the Book of fate my doom appear  
To be the next, I'll meet death void of fear  
And smile to think thou art my harbinger.  Moar. 
Tyrant! not all thy tortures nor the Hell  
Fixed in thy Conscience shall my Courage quell:  
My Spirit shall contemn thy basest deed,  
And spite of torments dare thee to proceed,  
The Bright allseeing Sun when I shall die  
From Reeking Mists will draw my soul up high,  
Where on a Star I shall with Glory shine  
And in infernal Caverns see thee Pine.  Melech. 
Dream on, dream on, of visionary joys,  
Your fancy quickens with these pleasing toys,  
Led him away, alas, he weary grows,  
These dull delays, but hinder his repose  
His power would conquer Crowns beyoad the Sun  
Did he not want a head to set 'em on,  Zichm. 
Pardon, dread Sir, I If presume so far,  
To tell your Majesty the chance of war  
Is incident to all men, Kings have been  
The subjects of disasters not foreseen;  
Blur not the trophies then of victory,  
With the black stain of so much infamy;  
Kings are like Gods when virtue they obey,  
But that once lost, they are but common Clay▪  Melech. 
Your Moral Phrase I cannot understand:  
Virtue, does it not lie in my command,  
What I decree is just, although expressed  
A Miracle to an inferior breast;  
Vent your dull sentences, where public wrongs  
Lie brooding to be judged by public tongues;  
My will the power of factious souls shall awe  
A Monarch's mandate is his Subject Law.  Zichm. 
The beguiled Citizens will factious grow,  
When they your doom and breach of Promise know.  Melech. 
Traitor these fears proclaim thy fell intent,  
You wish those ills, you so well represent.  
You mean, no doubt, to their weak aid to run,  
And with your Courage lead the factious on,  
But e'er that happen  Zich. 
If my erring breath  
Has given you cause, dread Sir to doubt my faith;  
My life prostrate thus low I offer here,  [knelt. 
'Tis only what I for your safety wear.  Melech. 
For your first Crime my Clemency may plead,  
But such another word forfeits your head.  
Take him away I will here no replies,  [to guards. 
He longs to sit on arches of the skies.  Moar. 
Thou never shalt thy barbarous Conquest baost,  
For day and night I'll haunt thee with my Ghost,  
When reeking blood my spirit steams to air,  
Into thy fatal Palace I'll repair:  
Through all thy Guards I'll to thy presence Crowd,  
And Sat before thee in my bloody shroud,  
I will invent new shapes to vex thee more,  
And in thy nightly visions make thee roar,  
Till thou dost feel by angry Pluto's doom  
A Hell on earth as well as Hell to come.  Melech. 
'Dsdeath drag him hence, guards let your faith be seen  
Answer not, but obey.  [Shoutwithin.— Room for the Queen, Melech. 
Ha! What cursed Demon brought her to this place,  
Her opposition will my power disgrace,  
My lustre is excelled when she is by,  
Like a dim star, when Cynthia rules the sky,  
Cursed Fortune does my meaner actions sway,  
But like a Monarch I will rule to day,  
Tears nor entreaties shall his life reprieve,  
I have decreed it, and he shall not live,  
Away with him—  As the Guards are carrying out Moaron, Enter Zelmura, Ptollomy, Amasis, Phillopater and Guards. Zelm. 
Stay and bring back the Prince, What do I see,  
Is this your love to honour Sir, and me,  
Performance of the promise once decreed,  
Your Kingly Oath forgotten, and my deeds;  
Dare you act contrary to humane Laws,  
A Prince's murder without right or cause,  
And not expect heavens dreadful vengeance due  
To all that dare such horrid crimes pursue.  
If as a foe to good you guilt prefer,  
Insulting o'er your chance, remember Sir,  
Monarches sometimes are forced to bend to fate,  
Success not power makes men fortunate.  Melech. 
In whose stolen works did you these morals find,  
Oh damned Hypocrisy in woman kind,  
How like a low Ebbed rivulet, you float,  
As if you scorned th' applause my power has got  
When in your own design your Gulphy pride  
Outvies the force of the Seas swelling tide,  
You seem to quake at actions done by me  
But dare the Fiends of Hell when you decree,  
As if the severe sentences of Death  
Had only their dependence on your breath,  
But from this hour I do your aid disown  
One Monarch is sufficient for one Throne.  Phillo. 
I like that well, pray heaven that vote may stand.  Achma. 
The Queen's about to answer—  Zelm. 
— The command  
I bear i'th' state I can with ease resign,  
My fear is only that the Powers Divine,  
When they this horrid crime have understood.  
Will shower their vengeance, but the Gods are good.  Melech. 
Yes now they are, but should they ere deny  
Your suit, they then were statues of the Sky,  
Let them increase in might, and sway above,  
Rule only here does my ambition move,  
To purchase which content, and excel you  
I dare be proud and irreligious too.  Zelm. 
Howe'er my actions did my realm affright,  
All know, dread Sir, I shone but with your light,  
The power is yours, and you may quickly have  
That lustre rendered back which first you gave,  
My taper is extinct when you are gone,  
Like the black Zodiac when it wants the Sun.  Phillo. 
'Tis past belief she cannot be thus tame  [aside. 
This fordid meekness does base fear proclaim.  Zelm. 
I aimed not Sir, your honour to defend  
For my own cause, my own peculiar end,  
My hopes and fears were always for your good,  
In whose brave cause I freely shed my blood,  
And since my words have set your thoughts at strife,  
In being a mediator for his life;  
Let this submission penitence supply  [knelt. 
Since 'tis your will, 'tis reason he should die.  Ptollo. 
Ungrateful Mother, Oh that I durst speak.  Phillo. 
Cease good my Lord passion is now too weak.  Achma. 
The King gins to melt, her policy  
Already hath atcheived a victory.  Melech. 
Rise my Souls better half the Gods designed,  
Thy excellency too good for humane kind.  
Forget my censure, let thy gentle breast  
Forbear to entertain so rude a guest,  
What shall I do to gratify thy Love.  Zelm. 
Your Clemency all merit is above:  
But since your Royal bounty deins to place  
My actions in the Balance of your grace,  
Though far unworthy an estate so blessed,  
I will presume to unfold my last request  
And the hide secret of my heart declare.  Melech. 
Do, and by all our mighty Gods I swear,  
By Apis our most powerful Deity  
Except his life, I nothing will deny.  [Pointing to Moaron. Zelm. 
Bear witness good my Lords what he has said,  
'tis a King's Oath and aught to obeyed,  Phil. 
It is as firm as Fate  Achm. 
— nor lies it now  
In his own power to infringe his vow.  Phil. 
Heaven grant your will prove healthy for the State.  Zelm. 
You in your doubts too much your fear relate,  
My nature from my Childhood has been free,  
Gentle and mild as Virgin modesty,  
Nor durst I ere have climbed ambitions Hill  
Had I not thus been licenced by your will.  [bowing to the King. 
'Tis true, I long have wished to reign alone  
But till this hour I ne'er durst make it known;  
Though with my Nature it did well agree,  
So great an awe I bore your Majesty.  Melech. 
— How's this.  Phillo. 
Some powerful God reject my fears.  Zelm. 
But since occasion shows her silver hairs.  
And bids me hold, since Heaven and Earth, or both  
Avouch my will by your confirming Oath,  
Like a kind Wife share in your griefs I'll own,  
And on my own head fix your anxious Crown:  
The Gods have destined you to live in peace,  
To pass your term of life in rest and ease.  
Oh happy state, that uncontrowled lives free  
From the disturbing cares of dignity,  
Whilst I, I fear am doomed to griefs unknown,  
Few think what cares depend upon a Throne:  
I durst not my intent so soon have told,  
Had not your Kingly promise made me bold,  
Nor should you my designs have understood,  
But that I know 'tis for the Nations good:  
Ordained above therefore I boldly stand  
A suitor for the Kingdom, and demand  
A Boon, which may perhaps your wonder raze,  
The sole command o'er Egypt for three days  Melech. 
What heaps of wonders crowd into my breast,  
Have you considered, Madam, your request,  
The care is great and weighty as the trust  
The People bloody, headstrong, and unjust.  Zelm. 
Their love or hate in me unsathomed lies,  
One I mislike, but t'other I despise,  
Nor doubts of Government will I dispute,  
But only urge you to perform my suit.  Phil. 
Long my prophettick heart has feared this ill.  Melech. 
Heaven thou hast done thy worst thy Lawless Will,  
Proud of an unmatched power has made me wrong  
A potent Nation with a lavish tongue:  
Madam, your Souls intentions have out done  
My duller prudence, but like Phaaeton  
Your fledged ambition will I fear too late  
Reap the advice that might prevent his fate.  
Be wise in time—  Zelm. 
— let wisdom Zealots save.  
My Heaven is to be fortunate and brave  
I am resolved.—  Melech. 
— Mount the Egyptian Throne:  
My breath shall faster tie what cannot be undone,  
To my past fatal promise I'll be just,  
And will perform my Oath, because I must.  
Affairs i'th' State determine and maintain  
For three days space, I thus confirm your reign.  Seats her in the Throne. 
In your free votes be your allegiance seen.  Omnes. 
Long live Zelmura, Egypt's mighty Queen.  Melech. 
I have but done, what others did before,  
Ambitious deputies more Crowns have wore,  
Then all the Caesars, cloyed with Conquests bore  
'Tis a disport for Kings sometimes to free  
Their tired necks from Regal Monarchy.  
The rapting joys of Heaven too cheap would grow  
Should we continual pleasures reap below;  
But trifling thus my chief affairs I wrong,  
And by delays his life preserve too long  [pointing to Maoron. 
Away with him his death my breast will clear  
And rid my anxious soul from doubts and and fear  Moar. 
Can heaven permit thy insolence to act  
This obcsene crime this base infernal fact:  
Cursed Tyrant, traitor, Traitor that's too good,  
The plagues of Styx lie reeking in thy blood:  
If as a Monarch you decreed before  
My death, your will was balanced then by Power;  
But since with Power the Queen you have endowed,  
You are now but one of the insipped crowd,  
Whose slender fate to servile acts should bow,  
I am a God, to what thy state is now.  Melech. 
Must I stand tame and hearthis insolence  
Attack you first, seize and then force him hence,  To Zichmi and guards. Zelm. 
He meets his Death that stirs,  [interposing. 
— Slaves know ye me,  
Place your attendance here, and set him free  
Give up his Sword; do it without reply  [To Zichmi 
My pleasure frees him, and he shall not die  
By whose authority officious Lord  They unbind Moaron. 
Did you thus saucily your aid afford  
— Ha', whose decree—  Zich. 
— Reason an answer brings  
To that demand, Madam, it was the Kings  Zelm. 
King's Slave, what Kings? where does that Traitor live?  
That dares encroach on my pretogative,  
What sovereign power in Egypt is there seen  
But I, Sure you forget I am the Queen.  Phillo. 
— The Storm gins already.  Achm. 
— Though this feed.  
The growing flame, I'm glad the Prince is freed  Phillo. 
— The King seems thunderstruck.  Melech. 
— Unbound and freed,  
What rash dull fearless fool has done this deed,  
Am I not Monarch, he that dares deny  
Damns his presuming Soul, who dares speak?  Zelm. 
I.  Melech. 
Art thou a God?  Zelm. 
— No, but my soaring Fate,  
Assumes a Godhead o'er thy humble state.  Melech. 
Thou art a Woman, and thou canst not be  
Equal with men, much less a Deity.  Zelm. 
Mankind my Vassals are, and Kings alone  
The secure props on which I build my throne.  
Thou, as an humble shrub, art happy made  
By the cool umbrage of my Cedar's shade,  
And 'tis a clemency above thy fate,  
That I thus long do suffer thee to prate.  Melech. 
Unheard of insolence, though now I grace  
Your fate, there's reverence due to what I was,  
And the vast power I am to bear again,  
Sure you forget the shortness of your reign.  Zelm. 
'Tis short indeed, and sets my thoughts at strife,  
I would reign longer then, for term of life.  Melech. 
See how your high flown pride, your reason sways,  
All know your power extends but for three days.  Zelm. 
No more, in that then see my Modesty,  
Yet Fate can stretch it to Eternity.  
Let not large hopes too much your Judgement wrong,  
For, Sir, perhaps you may not live so long.  Phillo. 
Mark that.  Melech. 
— How not so long!  Zelm. 
Perhaps, I say.  
Heaven's power is great, you may not live to day.  Achm. 
'Twas clouded well, thus policy invents  [Apart. 
And under fair words cover foul intents  Melech. 
I can no longer brook this insolence,  
My honour must with my past Oath dispense;  
Her haughty pride all Monarchy would shame,  
But I betimes will quench this raging flame,  
Your loyalty above my Oath prefer,  
Be a King's friend, and seize both him and her.  [to the Guards. Zelm. 
Stir not, you know my power.  Melech. 
Ha! not obeyed,  
Can you be by a Woman's threats dismayed,  
A Traitoress  Zelm. 
Let my breath your duties wing,  
Guards I command you strait to seize the King.  
The King, How I his abject fortune grace,  
Go strait and seize the King, I mean, that was.  Melech. 
Inhuman Tigress.  [Guards seize Melech. Zelm. 
By my fame I'll try  
Who bears the greatest power, you or I,  
All thoughts of what thou wert, I blow to Air,  
Thy humble Fate is now below my care,  
For since all things subject to chance we know  
In humane life, then why not Monarches too,  
His insolence declares himself to be  
A Traitor to the State, the Gods, and me.  Ptollo. 
Yet gracious Queen.  Zelm. 
Who speaks in his defence,  
Incurs my lasting hate, Guards bear him hence.  Ptollo. 
I cannot hold, Madam, if you proceed,  
The Powers above will curse you for this deed,  
The World  Zelm. 
Stop, his mouth, must I grow wise,  
By the dull coldness of a boys advise,  
A way with both it is my fixed decree  
He for presumption, and for treason he,  
Make no replies,  Melech. 
I have no breath to spare,  
Unless to curse thee: May rank Poisonous Air  
Infect thy blood, and blast thee every where,  
May all the Plagues of Hell—  Zelm. 
— Seize thee, What's worse.  
'Dsdeath go, must I allow him time to curse.  Melech. 
May all Diseases, Plagues, Pains, Tortures dwell  
Within thy bosom  Zelm. 
— Drag him to his Cell.  Exeunt Guards with Melech and Ptollomy. 
So looks a Gloud, whose sable Curtains drawn  
Includes the glorious Monarch of the Dawn  
But when displayed to thin and purer Air,  
The radiant eye of Heaven looks bright and fair:  
Many there are that large dominions own,  
Yet only make a Pageant dazzling show.  
But I the rights of Empire will maintain  
And greatness show to him, that next shall reign.  
Unactive Spirits from ambition free,  
Live but to shame the joys of Monarchy.  
I must see bended knees to State most due,  
And such, my Lords, I shall expect from you.  
Erring presumption has destruction bred,  
But few prove Tyrants, if by all obeyed:  
I will contemn my future dubious fate,  
Creating pleasure in my present state,  
In spite of Traitors that my fall presage,  
I'll make my three day's Reign extend an Age.  [Exeunt.   

ACT. III.  

SCENE I.  Amasis and Saphrena. Amas. 
Does my affection then, her anger move.  Saph. 
She has had notice, Madam, of your love.  
And on your deeds through a false glass looks down,  
But fearless seems to wink on all her own,  
Charmed with the state she is at present in,  
She thinks herself too excellent to sin.  Amas. 
'Tis well her Government so short appears.  
How fares the King?  Saph. 
— I dare not tell my fears,  
'Tis whispered he's to morrow to be tried  
For treason to her Person.  Amas. 
Headlong Pride  
Debased, an Angel, and will prove her due,  
My Nephew too imprisoned?  Saph. 
'Tis too true.  Amas. 
How do the Nobles brook her Tyranny.  Saph. 
As men in tempests, when the winds blow high,  
Fearing by each proud wave to be destroyed,  
With patience suffer what they can't avoid:  
So they that willingly would peace inherit  
With choice respect feed her ambitious Spirit,  
As if she were the Daughter of some God,  
And not a Fabric built of flesh and blood.  Amas. 
Has she the Prince yet licenced to departed?  Saph. 
I cannot tell the motions of her heart,  
But by her cloudy looks it might be guessed  
Her will did not approve of his request.  
The blood in her pale cheeks strove to oppose,  
Whilst like the tide her colour comes and goes;  
Doubtful to speak she his return delayed,  
Pretending all his Ransom was not paid.  Amas. 
'Tis strange such frailty should her breast inspire,  
His going yesterday was her desire.  
How looked the Prince at his hopes overthrow?  Saph. 
Like raging Neptune with a stormy brow,  
Frowning he heard her words, his shaking head  
Foretold his wrath, whilst rosy coloured red  
Flashed in his cheeks with daring look replied,  
'Twas against the Law of Arms she him denied,  
Which she should find: This answer raising doubt,  
He shook his head, and sullenly went out.  Amas. 
I know she loves him, but her Cupids are  
Mixed with soft passion, and the frowns of War:  
She loves and scorns, though she in Secret own  
Affection, she disdains to have it known,  
But in my breast passions more dreadful move,  
And Death sits coutched on my despairing love.  Saphr. 
Let such suspicions meaner Souls convince,  
You are above all fear: But see the Prince,  Enter Moaron. Moar. 
Madam, as some poor heartless Mariner,  
By factious States impressed to wander far,  
Hastes to salute the Friends he holds most dear  
With a kind farewell, and a parting tear,  
So I my hasty steps thus rudely move,  
To bid adieu to her I only love.  
The ambitious Queen, her promise hath denied.  
And my departure stopped through faithless pride:  
'Tis true my life I to her kindness owe.  
But honour wronged no gratitude can show,  
Therefore thus aided by the obscure night,  
I mean to slight her will and take my flight.  Amas. 
Ungrateful Queen, and more ungrateful they,  
That want entreaties to prolong your stay;  
Your suit denied, her passion did express,  
She would have granted had she loved you less.  Moar. 
Her love is then as dreadful as her hate,  
And both to me as Messengers of Fate,  
Besides the word from her sounds monstrous too:  
Love has its beams and glorious dress from you.  Amas. 
Rather from you, my Lord, whose worth has shown  
An excellence that Nature dare not own,  
An Action in— How oft have I beheld  
Your noble Person charging through the Field,  
When the ambitious Sun have striven to grace  
Your argent Arms with his refulgent face,  
As proud to be an Ornament— How oft,  
When flying Fame shouting applauses brought.  
To my glad ears, my heart with joy did flow  
To hear you conquered, though my Country's Foe.  Moar. 
Were you not lovely most excelling fair,  
Sweeter than Balmy Gusts of western Air.  
Had you not virtue to that large extent,  
Would make a Goddess leave the firmament,  
And pine with Envy, doubts my heart would move.  
To think you flatter, where you cannot love:  
But as you are, your phrases do but show  
How much you merit, and how much I own,  
And I, unable yet to quit the score,  
Am like poor Bankrupts, forced to borrow more.  Amas. 
How far your words do from Love's rules digress,  
He needs not borrow that does all possess,  
Though Miser's bounty Obligation needs,  
A bare Receipt in Love all Law exceeds.  Moar. 
When Love rests happy, free; and unconfined,  
Led by the servant passions of the mind  
To a safe Harbour: I confess the power  
Is charming blessed, and the possession more.  
But we, alas, a pair of restless hearts,  
Fixed marks, where Fortune shoots her envious darts,  
Fed with warm sighs must here unpitied live;  
Denied what Nature does to Peasants give.  Amas. 
My love Surmounts all, for when you are gone  
In silent groves, I'll waste my hours alone,  
There court sweet Philomela to feast my sense  
With the sad Theme of Tragic insolence.  
I'll seek some widowed Turtle and debate  
By that sad object my own hapless fate,  
But when a thought of you my heart does bless,  
In flattering dreams of what I can't possess:  
Though from the fading vision flow despairs,  
I'll sleep in bliss, although I wake in tears.  Moar. 
Bright Angels will from heaven their aid dispense,  
With Joy to guard such charming excellence  
But should the powers above deny thee aid,  
And Fortune with disasters thee invade,  
To desert Mountains I'd each Morn repair,  
And catch the news from gusts of fluid air,  
Then as a Cloud's dread issue breaking through  
With panic terrors charms Mankind below:  
So danger and yourself I'd soar between,  
And like fierce lightning scorch to death unseen  
But see the early star with glimmering light  
Foretells the quick departure of the night,  
This kiss bright Empress of my heart, and then  
Farewell, till the blessed hour we meet again.  Amas. 
Till this sad minute I no grief could tell,  Moar. 
And till this fatal night I ne'er knew Hell.  Going to part severally are opposed at each door by the Queen and Guards. Moaron seeing the Queen, starts. Moar. 
The Queen.  Amas. 
— Betrayed, Oh Heavens!  Zelm. 
Yes Sir, 'Tis I,  
The jealous Queen from whom you meant to fly,  
Do you not wonder at these Guards and me,  
You see the strong effects of jealousy,  
But want the leisure to mind others harms;  
In the safe harbour of my Sister's arms,  
And though her beauty's snares your soul entwine,  
You may not doubt in secret vaunt of mine,  
And vainly say, nay perhaps strive to prove  
Saving your life was my chief act of Love,  
But know, dull fool, my acts reputed ill  
Sprung not from Love but to content my will,  
My will, that now debars your liberty,  
And when my will insites me, you shall die;  
Her punishment shall be some other time,  
And such as suits the greatness of her crime.  Moar. 
A crime to Love, injurious Queen, you give  
An end to Nature, 'twere a crime to live,  
So gross an error passed I must reprove  
Souls are not Damned if they have grace to Love,  
But blessed with charms are fixed on Thrones above.  Zelm. 
Since then for her you so much passion own,  
I'll seat you where to vent your Love alone:  
Her sight as fatal, men in favours must  
Be most denied, what most provokes their thirst,  
Therefore your wont temper to restore,  
I am resolved you ne'er shall see her more.  Moar. 
Nay then I'll die this moment for to breath,  
An hour without her were a double death,  
Send on your Bravoes, blood hounds that have known  
How to snare lives and frankly pay their own.  
For by the Gods, I will not fall alone.  
My Sword above their slender fate shall sway  
Confounding heaps that so my spirit may  
When freed, have Souls to buffet by the way.  Zelm. 
In your defence observe what I designed  [to the guard. 
Attack you first, we'll seize on him behind.  
Fight, Moaron is enclosed by the guards and disarmed.  Moar. 
You basely, poorly, have the conquest won,  
So shoals of flies obscure the radiant Sun,  
But yet, you cannot glory in my overthrow,  
Nor boast your fate against a single foe.  
Oh spiteful Gods, and Nature too unkind  
To join frail strength to an immortal mind.  
Adieu, fair Saint, if here we meet no more  [to Amasis 
My spirit shall to some new Region soar.  
There search some flowery grot where we alone  
May meet in blessed Eliziums of our own.  Zelm. 
Away with him, haste, fly, or stay your Death,  Exeunt with Moaron. 
Death,  
My heart's not proof against such charming breath,  
His words raise blushes that too much proclaim  
My blinded passion and my growing shame,  
You, from my clemency perhaps may find  [to Amasis. 
A fate too gentle and reproof too kind,  
But let not your too easy faith believe,  
Though now I do, I always can forgive.  
Despise the Prince and your past vows forget.  
Goodness should die in them that would be great.  
I am this hour to perform a deed,  
Hell lmps may wonder at, but not exceed,  
The Murder of the King, 'tis that alone  
That Cements Rome's strong Walls, must build my Throne.  [Exit. Enter Saphrena. Amas. 
How came she hither, why were you so slow  
That e'er she came you could not let me know?  Saph. 
Can I have done it and have saved my life,  
I had been happy to prevent such strife.  
But the sad story will such truth declare,  
Will show I wanted power, not will or care,  
For in yone passage sitting in th' Alcove,  
Reading the story of Leander's Love,  
I heard a rushing and then listening more,  
The Queen came guarded to the Chamber door,  
Who seeing me in that amazement start,  
Strait sets her dreadful weapon to my heart,  
Swearing by Apis, if a word I spoke,  
Not all the Gods my ruin should revoke,  
Fear charmed my tongue, alas, what should I do,  
Betray my life, or else ' be false to you:  
I could not speak, so great was my surprise,  
Till she was placed in ambush by the spies,  
Who since I've heard, forced by her Jealous fear,  
Watching the Prince, observed him enter here.  Amas. 
Heaven has to Cruel been thus to prevent  
A harmless Love, so true, so innocent,  
Our equal passions only published this,  
He still adored my virtues, and I his,  
But th' Envious Gods have mixed our bliss with cares,  
'Cause our Elysium was more blessed than theirs.  [Exeunt.  

SEEN II.  Zelmura in state seated on a Throne, Phillopater, Zichmi, Achmades, and other Lords standing beneath, guards waiting. Zelm. 
THough to the Gods above our prayers we own,  
The Monarches of the earth are Gods below,  
Great Souls are Ideas of their heavenly might,  
Sparks of their own ambition, rage, and spite,  
And when we climb to Empires lofty ranks,  
Engrossing Majesty we pay them thanks,  
But on this Theme we have too long digressed,  
You now have leave to offer your request.  Phillo. 
Most mighty Empress, thou resplendent Star,  
Of Eagle Eyed perfection, Soul of War;  
Thou glorious emblem of Divinity,  
Bright as Apollo's beams.  Zelm. 
— This pleases me,  
This has some sound, and well befits my State.  Phil. 
Remember those that groan beneath their Fate,  
Cursed in your wrath, let your Diviner breath,  
Release 'em from the Mansion of pale death,  
Gloomy despair their tired sense beguiles,  
Deprived of th' Radiant glories of your Smiles.  Achm. 
They have no doubt with sorrow purged th' offence,  
And cursed their sinning against such excellence,  
The Gods whose power you scorn to imitate,  
By this excel in mercy as in State.  Zichm. 
This were too great presumption were not we  
Licenced by your confirming Clemency,  
But Heavenly minds all Mortal thoughts exceeds,  
The Sun's still glorious, though he shine on weeds  
In your bright Aspect bliss and horror lies,  
And Heaven and Fate triumph in both your eyes▪  Zelm. 
Still this I like, the more they flatter me,  
The more they publish my Authority,  
Precedent Monarch's State too midly sought,  
I am the first, men to subjection brought.  
They dread like thunder my controlling breath,  
And he that slights my frown, incurs his death,  
Neglected duty fatal ruin bodes,  
Whilst grand respect still equal us with Gods,  
Whose boundless power does with my fate comply,  
They can do what they will, and so can I  
Do all your wills in this joint suit remain.  Omn. 
'Tis all, great Queen, we covet to obtain.  Zelm. 
Heavens with what fear, the Motion they relate,  
I am transported with my glorious state,  
Mild Majesty abreviates its bliss,  
But what that wants of Power I possess,  
I have considered on your Joint request,  
Your suits conjoin to have the King released  
Perhaps you think the conquests you obtain,  
Are all disgraced in a weak woman's reign,  
And weary of my Yoke, think it well done,  
To wish a King to put more fetters on,  
Like Aesop's frogs you grudge your gentle thrall,  
Yet sue for Storks that would consume you all,  
But know I rise not thus, so soon to fall,  
My power is yet unblemished, Lords, and know,  
Since I am Queen, I still will keep me so,  
Therefore I have decreed it constantly,  
That e'er the Sun decline, the King shall die.  Omn. 
— Yet gracious Madam  Zelm. 
Hold, I've sworn his Death,  
'tis dangerous to control my fatal breath;  
His treason and the horror of the deed,  
Justice would say, he does deserve to bleed  
But if her Zeal this act as good denies,  
My will shall weigh the deed, and Justice lies.  
Zichmi in this be your allegiance shown,  
Take this, and see the execution done,  [gives a Ticket. 
Yet that to your great comfort you may see,  
You have a Queen oreflows with clemency  
By virtue of this Ring, set my Son free.  [give a ring 
Haste and ere twilight see the Prisoner dead,  
Or for a brave neglect forfeit your head.  Zelm. 
Your will, great Queen, is not to be withstood,  
For done by you the worst of Crimes is good.  Achma, 
Since fate and ignorance permits us still  
By errors to disturb your Godlike will,  
Let us your grancious pardon share, since we  
Incurred the fault through too much Loyalty;  
Your wise regreet perhaps some ill does save  
So Gods deny mankind the things they crave.  Enter Ptollomy and knelt. [shout. Zelm. 
Rise Sir, and let your future Acts declare  
You my high fate as well as courage share,  
Your past offences we will now forget,  
But henceforth study things more brave and great.  Ptollo. 
Madam it lies not in the power of fate  
To make me Coward or degenerate,  
To heaven for health and knowledge thanks is due,  
But haughty Courage from your blood I drew.  Zelm. 
My will unquestioned power shall express,  
Hell shall not daunt nor heaven make it less:  
What fools think pride my Judgement calls divine,  
A Soaring essence, that like Gems does shine  
In the Ambitiou's souls of such as love  
Abliss from nature gleaned, not from above:  
We should not differ from the common Crowd  
Were not our greatness licenced to be proud,  
Though adoration to mortality  
Be counted vain by dull hypocrisy  
I think it reason if addressed to me,  
My state as worthy is of Sacrifice,  
As joves' with all his troops of deities.  Phillo. 
On what prodigious pride her Spirit soars,  
That thus she dares blaspheme the heavenly powers.  [aside. Ptoll. 
Since than your Clemency is pleased to place  
Me once more in the Sun beams of your grace,  
Let me not too too insolent appear  
In tendering a petition to your ear,  
Whose grant my grateful heart with thanks will store,  
And what I now admire, I shall adore.  Zelm. 
Haste to declare your Suit I will not say,  
'Ts your unknown, but yet I think it may.  Ptoll. 
In your attention I am far more blessed,  
Than in that vote by which I was released,  
But can I in your favour basking lie,  
Lullled with delight, and see my Father die:  
Unatural, unkind, and Cruel too.  
Therefore thus low most mighty Queen I sue  
To your reviving breath for a reprieve,  
Though he be still confined yet let him live.  
Think what a horrid Crime it is to shed,  [Queen Starts. 
His blood; who is the partner of your bed.  
Kind nature cannot but dispute his Cause,  
Plead his desert, Religion, and the Laws,  
Besides his fortune may his Crime defend,  
His Soul was great and knew not how to bend;  
Brave minds like Palms do most themselves advance,  
When most depressed by the strong hand of Chance,  
And his uncurbed Soul till that moment free.  
Soon felt the shame in loss of Majesty,  
The nations love will flow if your forbear,  
But if persist they'll only love for fear,  
Cheer then their drooping hearts, and save the King.  Zelm. 
Away thou daring fool, base, fordid thing,  
Gods can strong prison walls men virtue teach,  
The Boy's grown Zealous, and has learned to preach,  
And with grave Morals that all sense disown  
Thinks from my lofty head to charm the Crown:  
Did I this frozen Snake from bondage bring,  
Warmed by my grace, so soon to show his sting,  
Have I oft nourished him with my one blood,  
To leave the tract of glory and grow good,  
Degenerate wretch what bliss couldst thou divine  
From his reign that thou mayst not reap in mine,  
What though he shared my bed without control,  
His Rival, brave Ambition, shares my Soul,  
And when brave spirits glory to be great  
Religion's useless, and the Law a cheat.  
The blessings others Covet I despise,  
The Gods and nature equally I prise,  
Had I with patience lived so long alone,  
Till providence had helped me to this Throne,  
In spite of all its power I might, I see,  
Have mourned the loss of royal dignity,  
But by ambition raised, my power I know,  
And from my Throne dare laugh at all below.  
Therefore recall that breath pronounced before,  
And here a Pardon, instantly implore,  
Or never stir from the cold Pavement more.  Ptoll. 
Prostrate beneath your foot I bend thus low,  [knelt. 
It is a Posture I in duty owe,  
But to repent and my past suit recall,  
Were abject, base, and most unnatural,  
Nor can I quell my soaring thoughts so soon,  
Let it suffice it was a fruitless boon.  Zelm. 
Though your denial insolent appear,  
It shows you share my blood, despising fear,  
Live, and your heart's ambition, to regain,  
I give you leave to wish, nay hope to reign.  Ptol. 
Unconstant hope and full of flattery,  
You are immortal, sure you cannot die.  Zelm. 
Though Death proves vassal to my soaring fate,  
My power is boundless and I may create,  
I in your reign may disspate my fears,  
My youth being past, and some few hundred years,  
But could your tongue request the King's reprieve,  
Knowing I must not reign if he should live,  
By his decease succession I dare own,  
And by your nonage can command the Throne,  
But had he lived, fate had my power beguiled,  
Ill far those Realms where Monarches are too mild,  
My will shall now the charms of greatness prove,  
Respect and fear best shows a subjects love.  
And women's courage by ambition warmed,  
Dares laugh at danger, though all Hell stood armed.  [Exeunt.   


ACT. iv SCENE I.  Zelmura, Sola. Zelm. 
HE's dead, and thus far my designs are blessed,  
Since of the Throne, I solely am possessed,  
The name of Goddess, bright divinely fair,  
Has charmed me so, methinks, I am all air,  
The Gods, why have not I more power than they,  
Men dare not me, but most them disobey,  
This head that never wanted a design,  
To satisfy ambition, shall divine  
Into the people's hearts when factious grown,  
And wrest out their intentions with a frown,  
But whilst my mind in these affairs, I move,  
I play the tyrant with my Smothered Love.  
My heart with Passion for the Prince it warmed,  
And he is with my Sister's beauty charmed;  
But thrive my Plots that bud with tender growth,  
And what he now admires he then shall loathe.  
Mileta,  Milet. 
— Madam.  Zelm. 
— Set Amasis free.  [Exit Melet. 
And bid her wait me in the Gallery,  
Shall themes of Virtue make Zelmura pine,  
All ills of women's frailty I resign  
I bear a Spirit brave and masculine,  
My pleasures are my Gods, and passions birth,  
Uncurbed, and lawless is my Heaven on Earth.  [Exit.  

SCENE II.  Enter Ptollomy, Phillopater, Achmades. Ptol. 
The injured people's murmurs now grow loud,  
And many into Private factions crowd,  
So looked the sick and festered state of Rome,  
By mighty julius' Tyranny o'ercome.  Phillo. 
Their fate though bad was better far than ours,  
Caesar and Pompey, though their fame and powers,  
Were mighty and divided, ye both stood,  
As potent Champions for the Public good,  
But in Zelmura's actions 'tis made known,  
She vallues no disasters but her own.  Achm. 
Unvallued Sums of Gold she hourly heaps,  
And by oppressing taxes treasure reaps,  
Whilst helpless Age in holes unpitied lie,  
Forced by the dearth of food to starve and die.  Enter Zelmura and Amasis. 
See where she comes.  Zelm. 
— Fate has decreed it so.  
And I in vain should a resistance show.  Phillo, 
I read a storm in her reverted Eyes.  [aside. Zelm. 
How dare you interrupt my pryvacies,  [to them. 
Have we no passage free, this insolence  
Merits the worst of my displeasure, Hence:—  Phillo. 
What throngs of Demons her ambition sway.  [aside. Zelm. 
What's that your murmur.  Phillo. 
— Nothing, but obey.  [Exeunt. Zelm. 
That I do Love him is as certain true,  
As that he Loves, and is beloved by you,  
And as the power is boundless, that is due  
To my high state, so is my passion too.  
Your glimmering Love does in small embers shine,  
But a consuming Aetna, flames in mine,  
Forget him then since mildly, at you hand,  
I beg, what I have power to command.  Amas. 
A barbarous Power, that can so cruel prove,  
To fright a Virgin from a virtuous Love.  
A Love with mutual vows so firmly bought,  
That Death lies couched in a despairing thought.  Zelm. 
Dispair no, that sad guest I will remove.  
I give you leave to hope but not to Love,  
A look methinks might satiate one so young,  
Your growing Passion cannot yet be strong,  
And though affection he on me bestows,  
And Loves not you, yet you may hope, he does.  Amas. 
He cannot be unjust, his purity  
ne'er lent attention to inconstancy,  
Our Passions, like our virtues, equal were,  
Though not too fierce, as much as we could bear.  Zelm, 
My nature does a swifter pleasure prove,  
She hates dull virtue that does firmly Love,  
Besides your pulse, so temperate and slow,  
Inspires me to believe, your Love is so.  Amas. 
A temperate Love with modest passion graced,  
Excel a fiercer and will longer last,  
A chaste heart to itself's a Paradise,  
But Love if wanting modesty is vice.  Zelm. 
Are these Stolen Morals, themes for you and me,  
These Musty relics of dull Piety,  
Know fool, that Virtue and Religion now  
Is not embraced for practice but for show,  
To soothe the vulgar errors of these times,  
And set a shining Gloss upon our crimes▪  
If I were poor, I might have zealous been,  
But Moral virtue is below a Queen,  
And modesty with passions that aspire,  
Agrees like water when commixed with fire.  Amas. 
Oh impious Age that licenses such crimes.  Zelm. 
Thou art a fool, I know 'em prudent times,  
Few waste their breath in Prayer, but th'ignorant.  
Piety suits not us, but such as want,  
For to be Potent, rich, and zealous, too,  
I think is more, than flesh and blood can do.  Ams. 
Of that I had but learning to dispute,  
And the gross errors of your words confute,  
But from the theme you wildly have digressed.  
Come to the Point, and tell me your request.  Zelm. 
'Tis this, that you'd suppress your ecstasy,  
And prudently resign the Prince to me,  
Perform it well, and you my heart have won,  
'tis somewhat strange but yet it must be done.  Amas. 
Resign' my Love! a horrid Cruelty,  
Yet though I cannot do it, I can die.  Zelm. 
Die then  [offers to stab her. 
and by thy Speedy death remove  
The only fatal Rival of my Love.  Amas. 
Oh hold, for though with death I am not scared,  
Forbear a little, I'm not yet prepared.  Zelm. 
My rage brooks no delay, do it or bleed.  Amas. 
Hold, oh for pity, speak, declare the deed;  
What must I do?  Zelm 
— Visit the Prince with me,  
And there renounce your former constancy.  
Though Love he still endeavour to explain  
Meet all his favours with a Coy disdain:  
Shrouding your eyes in frowns, speak void of fear,  
For I'll be placed where I can see and hear;  
Be haughty, that no plot he may descry,  
But if you fail that moment you shall die.  Amas. 
Such tyranny was never yet expressed.  Zelm. 
Of too great Evils you may choose the least.  Amas. 
Let me consider; yes, it shall be done.  [pause. 
The power of fate may alter what's begun,  
His hate to her, may Jealousy remove,  [aside 
And prove a means still to preserve our Love.  
I will perform your suit, but in the deed  [to the Queen 
I give myself a wound will ever bleed,  
As dying Pelican's their blood resign,  
So to procure your bliss, I ruin mine.  Zelm. 
Let's thither straight, if thou perform'st it well  
Thou bringst me heaven.  Amas. 
— but myself a Hell.  [Exeunt.  

SCENE III.  Enter Ptolemy, Phillopater, Achmades. Ptol 
WHo▪ at the Tilt last night most honour won?  Phillo. 
The noble Caliph, Micerenus Son,  
Obtained the Ruby, he five Warriors forced▪  
To leave the field, and twice five more unhorsed,  
Himself unhurt still prancing round the place,  
Managed his foamy Steed with ample grace,  
When brave Cephrenes, hoping victory▪  
Charged him, whose fight I could not stay to see.  Enter Zichmi. 
Your haste does some unlooked for news declare.  Zich. 
To arms, to arms we are surprised, I fear:  
For standing on the Eastern Tower, whose height  
Makes the Skies frown, and Earth shake with its weight,  
I saw the Beacons near the shore on fire,  
Which to the Skies did in small sparks aspire,  
And the next object, which my eyes did grace,  
Were armed Troops, that moved towards this place.  
The City trembles at these new alarms,  
And in the Streets the stubborn faction swarms;  
For by a Post new come report is spread,  
They're Syrian Troops, and by the Sultan led.  Ptol. 
Unlooked for mischief, oh, my boding fears.  Achm. 
Has the Qeen heard the news?  Zichm. 
— There's no one dares.  
Possess her with it.  Ptol. 
Ha', not dares, yes I,  
Were death the sequal, would th' adventure try:  
Let base and sordid spirits nourish fears,  
My courage shall supply my want of years.  
Straight raise what powers you can,  [to Zichmi be it your care [to Phillo. 
To calm the Commons, and prepare for War.  
Great Gods permit not Egypt thus to fall,  
Revenge not private Crimes in general,  
The blot in future Ages will remain,  
And on your Godhead fix a lasting stain,  
But e'er our necks endure captivity,  
Like Romans, our own swords shall set us free.  [Exeunt.  

SCENE IU.  A Prison. Moaron, reading. Moar. 
COntent is Pilot to a happy State,  
And 'tis a bliss to be unfortunate.  
A rigid Text, yet Seneca was wise,  
He taught men how disasters to despise,  
To purge their lives from ill, and learn to die  
By occult Reasons in Philosophy,  
But had he loved like me, he had confessed  
No Hell like to a confined Lovers breast.  
The branded wretch, that tugs the slavish Oar,  
Spent with despairs and wants controlling power,  
Yet still contented, lives in hopes to see  
Once more the long wished hour of Liberty:  
But I, contemning my unhappy Stars,  
Still waste my life in Labyrinths of Cares.  Enter Zelmura and Amasis at the door. Zelm. 
Yonder he sits, now boldly enter here  
And from this place▪ your words can reach my ear.  [Exit behind Amas. 
Hold now my heart,  Moar. 
— Hath heavens, what's this I see,  
Can prison walls shroud such divinity!  Amas. 
D'ye, know me Sir?  Moar. 
— Not yet, for Joys extreme  
Persuades my fancy that I do but dream.  Amas. 
Awake then and believe.  Moar. 
Such was her hand,  [kising her hand 
And such the sweetness that did first command▪  
And fetter my rough heart, my doubts are gone,  
But tell me, Sweet, how came you thus alone?  
How could you scape the guards and not beseen,  
By cruel Spies from the more cruel Queen?  
Or did the Gods, Compassionating Love,  
To yield me comfort, drop you from above.  Amas. 
My coming was not at so strange a rate,  
But from the entrance of the Castle gate.  
Through all the guards I had a passage free,  
Who void of doubts gave me this liberty.  Moar. 
Unlooked for happiness.  Amas. 
— hold Sir, you show  
Too much of Joy, till you my business know.  Moar. 
What business can you have, but to remove  
Doubts that molest us and renew our Love▪  Amas. 
Grief ties my tongue, how shall I utter it.  [aside Moar. 
Silence, bright Soul, for Lovers is not fit.  
Say, what ill news?  Amas. 
— Aid me ye Deities:  
Then briefly thus, our love with mutual ties  
Of firm affection oft has dared our fate,  
And thereby made us both unfortunate,  
This makes me (conscious of what griefs arise  
From wilful love, what plagues, what Miseries.)  
As friend to your good fortune to request,  
That you would change. I cannot speak the rest,  [aside 
Love charms my utterance and denies me power.  Zelm. behind. 
Do it, or do not hope to live an hour.  Moar. 
To change my Love, how, do not give my sense  
Cause to reprove such charming Excellence.  
Your breath till now stand Roses in the bud,  
The Western gales were not so sweet, so good,  
But this request has soiled your lustre so,  
What was divine does now but mortal show.  Amas. 
Let not vain hopes too much beguile your Youth,  
Our holy Prophet ne'er spoke more truth,  
For to make kind our future destiny,  
You may suppress your love, and so must I.  
Live happy therefore and past Joys restore,  
But from this moment never love me more.  
'Tis out, and now shroud me some gloomy cloud.  [Exit. Moar. 
Such words the Gods durst not have spoke so loud.  
Rend Earth i'th' midst, and split ye fatal Skies,  
Whose Planets dare to appoint such prodigies.  
To Caves immense let th' elements retire,  
And mix together earth, air, sea, and fire,  
Till mingled in confusion, all may be,  
As first they were, in nature's infancy:  
For since this age, does pristine ills surpass,  
Oh happy Choas, where no falsehood was,  
A barbarous Princess, who would beauty trust,  
Who would believe in virtue or be just,  
If virtue this allows in noble blood,  
virtue's a crime and vice itself is good,  
The Gods themselves, if tamely this they see,  
Are false and base than mortality.  Enter Zelmura. Zelm. 
What Daemon Sir hath altered thus your fate,  
I met my Sister at the Castle gate,  
Fire darting from her eyes, her lovely face,  
So changed with rage, it banished all her grace;  
Calling you base, perfidious, false, and then  
Musing a while, she'd fall to Curse again,  
Such rapid frenzies posted from her breast,  
I could no less than think she was possessed,  
For she methinks whom passion did so blind,  
Might have found words more gentle and more kind,  
But ignorance of the truth me hither draws,  
To know the reason, and inquire the cause.  Moar. 
The Cause, why Madam, 'dsdeath I cannot tell.  
'Tis the same Cause that damns the souls in Hell,  
A Heaven lost for want of loving well.  Zelm. 
Come come, dissemble not, you slighted her,  
That you to me your passion might prefer,  
And though I'm haughty vassals, you  
Shall find a temper that to Love is due,  
If without more delays you prove your bliss,  
And your long closely smothered Love confess.  Moar. 
What strange Chimeras, Madam, plague your mind,  
Love you, by Heaven I hate all woman kind,  
Not you alone, but all cursed Crockadiles,  
Ye couch damnation in seducing smiles,  
I've lost my faith to think 'tis Heaven to Love,  
My sense does now i'th' contrary move,  
For if a Hell there be, as it is said,  
'Tis felt when height of passion is delayed.  Zelm. 
Perhaps, you're loath the Guard your words should hear,  
Whisper, Sir, speak it softly in my ear,  
Your merits soon will weigh the balance down,  
And make me cherish, what deserves a frown.  Moar. 
Frown on your amourists, that causeless dote,  
For by the Azure Heavens, I love you not,  
To be your slave, I never did consent,  
Nor need I whisper what I never meant.  Zelm. 
Ha, never meant it, was it not for me  
You slighted thus my sister's amity;  
Can for meaner Causes faith remove,  
Then th' happiness that still attends my Love,  
'Tis contrary to reason, and you try  
My utmost patience, if you this deny.  Moar. 
D'sdeath, Madam, do ye think I can be brought.  
To cherish Passion, by persuasions wrought▪  
Bereaved of reason that should crimes reprove,  
Forced to affect, and fooled into a Love.  
Your eyes my heart do rather freeze than warm,  
And your addresses rather vex than charm,  
Fate makes me to despise, what you propound,  
If this be Love, I have a Mortal wound.  Zelm. 
God's can I hear this tamely, die proud fool,  
And with thy blood my boundless passion cool,  Goes to stab him, he wrists the Dagger from her. Zelm. 
Take it, and boast thou hast more strength than I,  
But fixed it here, and see how I can die.  Moar. 
No live, and o'er such abject fate control,  
You merit it, you have a noble soul.  Zelm. 
Oh, I could curse, but it will do no good,  
And tear this burning fever from my blood,  
But Love the prouder Tyrant conquers me.  Enter Ptollomy hastily. 
Ha whence proceed these sudden new Alarms.  Moar. 
Fate grant I guess aright.  Ptollo. 
— To arms, to arms.  
The Potent Syrians with a mighty host,  
Are past resistance landed on our Coast,  
The City trembles, and the factions swarm,  
And with their uncurbed shouts, augment th' alarm.  
Use some swift means, great Queen, to stinct this strife,  
Lest the unruly tumult seek your Life.  Zelm. 
Curse on the faithless slaves; but art thou sure  
The troops approaching are the Syrian power.  Ptollo. 
Our Messengers affirm it, and we may  
From Turrets easily discern 'tis they.  Zelm. 
They're welcome, and they're coming does produce,  
In me much Joy, my rusting sword wants use,  
All low thoughts vanish now to empty air,  
I will no leisure for dull passion spare,  
War may perhaps from my brave heart remove,  
The agony of this tempestuous Love,  
Whilst my heroic fate once known before,  
Shall guide my sword to conquer 'em once more▪  Moar. 
This happy news does with my wish comply,  
And gives me present hopes of liberty.  Enter Achmades, Phillopater, Zichmi. Achm. 
The foe's already come so near, that we  
From our high towers may their banners see,  
The people trembling with a sudden fright,  
Run through the streets and Curse the fatal light,  
But th' factions I have with persuasions wrought,  
And in good order to the Palace brought,  
Your presence, Madam, their mistrusts will clear,  
And make them dare the foe they late did fear.  Zelm. 
That satisfaction they shall reap from me.  
I knew they durst not long perfidious be,  
My breath can lift 'em up or cast 'em down,  
Save with a smile, or Martyr with a frown,  
Go, and with speed draw up the Cavalry,  [to Achm. 
And in Battalia place the infantry,  [Exit Achm. 
Possess their minds with hopes of great reward,  
And cull the choicest soldiers for my guard,  [to Phillopater. 
You to your charge, and Ptollomy take care  [Exit Phillopater. 
There be no tumult, that may stint the war,  
Zichmi thy faith so noble hath been shown,  
In the defence of my exalted Throne.  
That to thy guard my sister I resign,  
By careful, and close prisoner her confine,  
Till you my Signet for her freedom see.  Zichmi. 
I'll not dispute, but act your great decree.  [Exit. Zelm. 
And now one act of honour I'll do more,  
And therefore Sir your liberty restore,  
Led on your troops, brave Prince, nay all thanks spare,  
Meet me i'th' Army's head, and thank me there,  
You cannot braver gratitude afford,  
Then nobly there to thank me with your Sword,  
Charm me Belona with thy chiefest good,  
And to meet fame I'll swim o'er Seas of blood,  
Contemn black danger with a threatening breath,  
And Grasp at honour in the jaws of Death.  [Exeunt Queen and Ptollomy. Moar. 
Gods, what a soul does that weak fabric hold,  
Such courage ill befits so frail a mould,  
Her Spirit a whole Legion would inspire,  
And turn cold cowardice to Glowing fire,  
I envy her, methinks a heart so brave,  
A mind so haughty none but I should have.  
If man be the more brave and noble name.  
Why should weak woman rob us of our fame,  
I'll to our troops and try if I can prove,  
A kinder fate than I received from Love.  
If not the doom of Heaven I will reverse  
And my own bosom with my own hand pierce.  [Exit. Zichmi returns. Zichm. 
Her sister to my guard resigned, blessed fate,  
That to revenge givest so secure a state,  
My too long smothered hate I now will show,  
And to my aid invoke the Fiends below,  
Dull Queen couldst thou believe I faith e'er knew,  
For her whose barbarous hands my Brother slew,  
No, Murderess to his soul, I did bequeath  
Thy tainted blood, and then decreed thy death,  
But now thy sister's rape shall first begin,  
The tragic scene, and broach a greater sin,  
Then in thy blood my bliss I will obtain,  
Revenge is sweetest then when most obscean.  [Exit.  

SCENE. V  Enter Selabdin, Aldabar, Psamnis, and Syrian Soldiers. Selab. 
THus far our enterprise proves fortunate,  
Favoured by heaven and propitious fate.  
Our happy forces with a noble haste,  
High rocks and barren Mountains have o'erpast,  
Of this parched climate desolate and waste,  
Proud Queen, success thou didst but ill divine,  
When thou my Son ignobly didst confine,  
Or that his fate e'er long might turn to thine.  
But by my deeds thy pride shall quickly see,  
A Father's Courage, Love, and Piety.  Psamn. 
The King late murdered by her Tyranny,  
Methinks should pluck down vengeance from the sky.  
And to requite, the worst of torture's due:  
Death will oblige her if received from you.  Adab. 
Heroes alone, by Monarch's hands should die,  
Trophies most fit for sacred Majesty,  
Which in this war your power might pursue,  
Were the brave Prince but here to second you,  
But till his sword we in our troops have seen,  
'Tis vain to think to captivate the Queen,  
But we are tardy let us hence to night,  
And charge their drowsy guards ere morning's light.  Selab. 
Brave soul yet stay such haste our power may wrong,  
Our men are tired, and the Journey's long,  
Let therefore all our troops to night be drawn,  
In order to be ready with the Dawn,  
A morning's march will bring our army down,  
To fix our tents in prospect of the town,  
Amidst your bounty, Gods grant but this one,  
Give but my age power to revenge my Son,  
My incense smoke shall dim your azure skies,  
And feast you with continual sacrifice.  [shout. 
What means this shout.  Enter a Messenger. Messen. 
May heaven, great Sir, your Enemy's destroy,  
As it does now procure the general Joy,  
The Prince.  Selab. 
— Ha, what of him.  Mess. 
— Thus low by me  
In humblest duty greets your Majesty.  Selab. 
Thou darest not mock me.  Mess. 
— Not, and hope to live,  
But him you cannot hope for, there receive.  Enter Moaron and knelt.— Selab. 
This Scene of Joy does my past griefs assuage,  
Welcome thou prop of my declining age,  
Honour forget my weakness this blessed day,  
If nature makes my eyes some tribute pay,  
By say, what more than God did set thee free,  
Or was it some transcendent Deity,  
Whose power we know not, and must therefore pay  
A reverence fitting so supreme a sway.  Moar. 
No Sir, the Gods, I have not found so just,  
'Twas on a Cause much more miraculous,  
No troops of daring Soldiers did I see,  
Forcing their way through death to set me free,  
Heaven for my succour no such aid decreed,  
'Twas the brave Queen herself performed this deed.  Selab. 
The Queen, unheard of Nobleness.  Moar. 
— 'Twas she,  
That scorning fate pronounced my liberty,  Selab. 
Wonder invades my breast, but say what cause  
From her proud soul this generous action draws,  
Honour, or did her fear take safer course,  
To render what my power e'er long might force.  Moar. 
Her haughty courage only fame pursues,  
Contemning fortune's ills; for when the news  
Of your arrival came no signs of fear,  
Or dull mistrust did in her face appear,  
But with a look that did her heart express,  
She heard the story of your good success,  
Then rising from her seat, and seeing where  
Her Nobles looks betrayed their doubtful fear,  
With an undaunted voice She strove t'inspire  
Their freezing Courages with her own fire,  
Her brave Oration past, she turned to me,  
And with a dauntless generosity,  
Voting my liberty spoke thus.—  
Led on your troops, and there your thanks afford,  
Where the rough Language of the reeking Sword,  
Disputes in honour's cause, and only deeds,  
Not words, for grateful actions intercedes:  
This said she from my Presence did retire,  
And left me there to envy and admire.  Selab. 
For this brave act all grateful thanks is due,  
She does at once slight and oblige me too.  
Good Heaven direct my actions how to pay  
Her generous heart the best and noblest way,  
And since the Gods decree no war in vain,  
May the sublimest cause the Laurel gain.  Moar. 
He that i'th' Battle dares to second me,  
Reaps from my heart a Brother's amity,  
A Coward's soul destructive fears surround,  
Whilst the brave Soldier smiles upon his wound,  
With brandished Sword he cuts his way before,  
Not fearing numbers or mistrusting power,  
Steel me thou daring God of Martial souls,  
Whose blessed unbounded influence controls  
O'er death despising Hero's, make my arm  
Strong like my will to do and suffer harm,  
That doing what a Natural power exceeds,  
Proud death may gaze, and wonder at the deeds,  
His rigour could not equal, but at last,  
If through continued wounds my spirits haste,  
To leave their Mansions. Grant me this kind fate,  
Within this arm fresh vigour to create,  
Till from my heap of victims gushing blood,  
Make on the barren Earth a swelling flood,  
That like a Conqueror, I may, when dead,  
Swim to Elysium through the blood I shed.  Selab. 
Such virtue, Heaven must guard or cease to be,  
What Mortals think, the seat of Piety,  
If in this enterprise the Gods ordain,  
A fate that puts a Period to my reign,  
My happy Age shall yet this honour have.  
To lie with victims piled upon my grave.  [Exeunt.   


ACT. V SCENE I.  Zelmura, Phillopater, Achmades, Ptollomy, and Egyptian Soldiers. Zelm 
COmmand our Moors the onset first to give,  
And bring the Caliphs' troops to their relief,  
If you would purchase to your heirs a name  
Ever adherent to the Parents fame,  
Unsheathe your willing Swords and follow me,  
To fetch the glorious palm of victory,  
Death's but a trifle unto those that dare,  
Pain only seizes such as basely fear,  
Slain in your Country's cause you shall possess,  
The quintessence of heavenly happiness,  
In green cool shady Grottoes you shall dwell,  
And from your heaven see the Syrians hell,  
That vexed with tortures shall in caverns pine,  
For aiming at a fate so high as mine.  Ptoll. 
Let your free votes your willing minds relate.  Omn. 
Long live Zelmura, Goddess of our fate.  Enter a Soldier. Soldier. 
The foe great Queen is Marching within sight,  
All resolute and ready for the fight,  
The Soldiers only for your orders stay,  
To try the happy fortune of this day.  Zelm. 
Now they are brave since Jointly they proclaim,  
Their lives as vassals to immortal fame.  
There is no bliss like honour, 'tis the Star,  
That guides the noble Hero's from a far,  
Draws him from earth where fear and horror swims,  
To dwell with Gods, and radiant cherubims.  
Whilst the poor soulless slave that does possess,  
Nothing but earth to frame a happiness,  
Pines here below for dross, and hourly dies  
For what bright honour makes my soul despise.  
Beat an alarm raze our Banners high,  
In such a Cause it is a bliss to die.  [Exeunt.  

SCENE II.  Zichmi, Amasis. Zichmi 
MAdam in slighting thus my proffered Love,  
You slight your bliss and happiness remove,  
The Queen to me your person did assign,  
With a strict charge to keep you still confined  
But your desert such cruelty withstands,  
And makes me slight her arrogant commands,  
If, Gentle Fair, my Joys you would enthrone,  
And grace my servant passion with your own.  Amas. 
Can Heaven such insolence unpunished bear,  
If by the Queen's command, Sir, you appear  
My rude controller, and my Jailor here,  
Perform your Duty with a careful breast,  
But dare not thus my privacy's molest,  
Lest to my sister I declare at large,  
How ill her Argus did perform his Charge.  Zichm. 
These threats are vain, the Queen's whole power I slight,  
She is preparing for the dreadful fight,  
Involved in blood and horror, but I mean,  
In Love to prove a more delightful Scene.  
'Tis true I am not lifted to that height,  
To be a King and so reputed great,  
Yet love makes me a Monarch in conceit.  
And in your arms I shall be nobler far,  
Than Romans in their greatest triumphs were.  Amas. 
My arms, was e'er such arrogance yet seen.  
D'ye know me, Sir, I'm sister to the Queen,  
A Princess, whose high fate you should admire,  
And not molest with your abased desire.  Zichm. 
I know your high estate, and therefore move  
My suit thus humbly to request your Love,  
I will not say I merit your high birth,  
That were to set a price upon your worth,  
But passion keeps my senses from despair,  
In Love and Death, all mortals equal are.  Amas. 
By that ill rule you half mankind deprave,  
And make a Monarch equal with a slave,  
Since both may Love, but canst thou hope to be,  
(Raised by unruly Love) equal to me,  
Recant, dull fool, before it be too late,  
And draw not on yourself a certain fate.  Zichm. 
Fate affright those that fear some mighty power,  
All firm allegiance I renounce this hour,  
I hate the Queen, and dare declare it too  
Thus boldly in my lawless Love to you,  
My late observed fidelity was shown,  
Not for the Nations profit but my own.  Amas. 
And can you hope to live, when this is known▪  Zichm. 
My thoughts reach not so far, controlling Love  
Usurps my heart and does all doubts remove,  
I shrowded a fire that surpasses Hell.  Amas. 
Cannot the thought of death your passion quell.  Zichm. 
Death no, let such base fears weak souls annoy,  
I love you, and your beauty's will enjoy,  
But I'm too tame, some women I have known?  
Love to be forced, and perhaps you are one,  [goes to seize on her. Amas. 
Stand off, what Daemon does thy breast inspire,  
To use a Princess thus?—  Zichm. 
— Love and desire,  
Why do you look like one that is amazed,  takes hold of her. 
To see a fury you, yourself hath raised,  Amas. 
Guard me good heavens, have you no remorse,  to him. 
Think you I ever can be won by force,  mildly 
Good Gods what flinty natures men possess,  
Cruel as Tigers in the Wilderness,  
And hungry Lions thirsting after prey,  
Though void of sense, more pity have than they,  
Can you e'er think if mildness you remove,  
Your threaten ever can increase my Love,  
Love a soft piercing motion should bequeath,  
Known by the pulse, an eye, or short quick breath,  
But you the utmost bounds of Passion show,  
And treat a Virgin as you treat a foe.  Zichm. 
Forgive me then, and think I did express,  Letting her go. 
My late rash words but through my love excess,  
I now too late repent the insolence,  
And beg thus low a pardon for the offence,  
Fair, Lovely, Kind, I would be milder yet,  
Can you my past unmanly Crime forget,  
In other Acts our reason rules above  
But proves a vassal to our haughty Love,  
Remember, Madam, fate's controlling Laws,  
And let your charming beauty plead my cause.  Amas. 
This yet is something better, noble minds,  
Humility not stubborn roughness binds,  
Their uncurbed souls forced down still upward tends,  
Like unwrought steel that breaks before it bends.  
Oh cruel fate, that thus can force my tongue,  
Against my heart t' extenuate a wrong,  [aside. 
Forcing my nature, driven to despair,  
To cherish Vipers, that infect the air.  [Exit. Zichm. 
So she gins to yield, when women pause  
A little Courtship, the agreement draws,  
I've long desired enjoyment of her Love,  
But ne'er till now durst my petition move,  
Wanting occasion to perform my will,  
And daring boldness for an act so ill,  
Not that I own much passion, but my spleen,  
This way revenges me upon the Queen,  
The Queen, to whom I mortal hatred bear,  
A hate deserved, unbounded, and severe:  
Nor can a Petty Jar, an abject strife,  
In the depriving of her single life  
Abate the plague of my revengeful breath,  
Her sister's rape must usher in her death,  
That action will not only horrid be  
But fix a stain on her Posterity,  
'tis now the army's are engaged, if fate  
Permits her once more to be fortunate,  
And gain the conquest, this shall launch her breast,  shows a dagger. 
But if the foe is with the palm possessed,  
I to her face this impious Act will own,  
And to the Syrian King betray the town,  
Till night I'll leave her to consult, but when  
Black misty Clouds shuts up the day from men,  
If by disdain she slights a milder Course,  
Denied, like Roman Tarquin I will force.  [Exit.  

SCENE III.  Alarm. Both Army's engaged, (Egyptians and Syrians) after a skirmish the Assyrians beat the Egyptians over the Stage. Enter Zelmura, her Sword drawn. Zelm. 
SHame and confusion seize 'em how they run,  
Their slow feet now, outstrips the Postern Sun,  
Oh Coward nature, that with fear controls,  
Over the better half of humane souls,  
Your Sex be ever branded for this deed,  
A Sex that only can in vice exceed,  
Were I a man and consequently blessed,  
With that excelling vigour they possess,  
My Arm with Trophies should this realm have stored,  
Of Monarches that paid tribute to my Sword,  
But henceforth let the title only frame  
A lasting blot to men's eternal shame,  
For if a woman's Courage can convince,  
'Tis fit the Sex should bear pre-eminence,  
With smiles I'll meet with death but first set free,  
My Captived soul from Griping Jealousy,  
My Sister's death my fears shall soon remove,  
I cannot die and leave her here to Love.  
And the brave Prince I know will soon consent,  
But what I fear I will with haste prevent.  [Exit.  

SCENE,  A Tent Royal. Selabdin, Aldabar, and Soldiers. Phillopater, Ptollomy, Achmades, Prisoners. Selab. 
Sound a retreat to our remaining Powers,  
Since fate now plainly shows, the conquest ours,  
I'll it your charge to keep the Prisoners Close,  [to Aldabar. 
Till at my leisure. I their fate dispose,  
But see the Author of our happiness,  
And brave disposer of our good success,  Enter Moaron, Psamnis, and Soldiers. Moaron knelt to Selabdin. 
This lowly Posture does some suit express,  
'tis thine what ere it be, thou canst not want  
A Boon that lies within my power to grant.  Moar. 
Encouraged then by awful Majesty,  
I boldly ask these prisoners' liberty,  
And though this Land we have by conquest gained  
From hostile acts I beg you to refrain,  
And still permit the noble Queen to reign,  
In this a Father's kindness will be seen,  
This gives me power to gratify the Queen,  
Who Goddess like, while I encompassed round  
With troops of Horse, when reeling on the ground,  
Despairing of all aid my Sword I held,  
Up brandished thus, to give a last farewel,  
With an unmatched command their rage appeased,  
And from a swift destruction me released,  
If then, dread Sir, my merits claim a Place,  
In th' unvallued blessings of your grace.  
Give back her Kingdom set these prisoners free,  
And by one act of generosity  
Perfected, let your glorious deeds relate,  
You excel all in honour as in fate.  Selab. 
To render back a Nation bravely won,  
Honour sole Ransom and to please a Son,  
In stubborn hearts perhaps regret might move  
Where proud ambition sways paternal Love.  
But I so well thy mind and virtue know,  
In a less act my Love, I cannot show,  
Thy suit is granted, do what likes thee best,  
Either to sign a Peace or still molest,  
This act shall show to foreign Enemies,  
How much I honour above profit prize.  Moar. 
This noble grant, all heaven does out do  
The drowsy Gods can Monarchy bestow,  
But to such fame their title is not good,  
They give no Kingdoms won with loss of blood,  
They Sat on easy Thrones and take delight,  
Being far themselves from hurt, to see us fight,  
But were they flesh and frail Mortality,  
As timorous and as prone as we to die,  
They'd soon confess, a dear bought Nation given,  
Would quite surpass the bounty of their heaven.  Phillo 
To souls so fraught with Honour's Dignity's,  Unbinds the Prisoners. 
The Gods do justly bestow victory's.  Ptollo. 
This act's so great it were too much to do,  
For any Son of Glory less than you.  Achm. 
Since fate decrees our future Dignity,  
Should the brave offspring of your bounty be,  
we'll to the Queen this joyful news declare,  
And from the people's hearts vanish despair.  Selab. 
No tumult let on pain of Death be shown,  
When we shall enter with our power the town,  
And see that none my present deeds dispute,  
This act of honour shall be absolute.  Moar. 
In this brave grant you doubly bless your Son.  Selab. 
'Tis fit you should dispose a Crown you won,  
My age Fame's Laurels ne'er can better know,  
Than when they nobly flourish on thy brow,  
For when the Winter of my blood shall seize  
My heart and chillness, usher a disease,  
Thy fame resounding load, from every tongue,  
Shall thaw my veins, and once more make me young.  [Exeunt.  

SCENA Vltima.  Zichmi, Amasis. Zich. 
THese dull delays do only bliss remove,  
Couched in the essence of united Love,  
Madam, you too much time in thought have spent,  
Dull thought a friend to passion ne'er was meant,  
Disperse those frowns that fatal storms presage,  
And by consenting make this hour an age.  Amas. 
Consider, Sir what torments will succeed,  
The Cursed persuance of so foul a deed.  Zichm. 
I have considered on my certain fate,  
I know my death this crime must expiate,  
But e'er I die in heavens bright Sphere I'll rove,  
And reach an immortality by Love,  
Each minuit will our bliss make more sublime,  
And put new Sands into the Glass of time.  Amas. 
I cannot Love you thus, this rudeness bears  
So strange a shape, it does increase my fears,  
Calm your fierce passion let the Love you own  
To my desert, in your respect be shown,  
Be milder Sir soft kindness may proclaim,  
My free consent, to what I dare not name,  
But your impatience does my passion charm,  
And against your hateful suit my fancy arm,  
No succour yet approaching, no blessed aid.  
Ye Heavenly powers relieve an injured Maid,  [aside. 
Hemmed in with horror, and past help distressed,  Zichm. 
In this your sex's frailty is expressed,  
Thus you with glozing Phrases hope to blind,  
And then deceive with falsehood half mankind,  
But this gross pill must then be swallowed by  
One that dotes more upon your face than I,  
'Tis true I Love you, but my grosser flame,  
Burns not so clear, and has a Courser name,  
Then that which dotards Court you with, a fire  
Sprung from hot blood, and nourished with desire,  
And therefore I, that am not blinded yet,  
Can look through the thin vail of your deceit,  
And find that you my passion have delayed,  
In expectation of some posting aid,  
Perhaps because you do mislike my hair,  
I am not as you wish me fat or fair,  
For 'tis not virtue or dull modesty,  
That makes your stubborn tongue my suit deny,  
No sense of ruined Honour is embraced  
But only grief the pleasure will not last,  
Since than I know your Sex prone to be kind,  
Since your denials plainly shows your mind,  
I am resolved thus the effects to prove,  
And make revenge my chiefest act of Love,  [goes to seize her. Amas. 
— Help help, oh help.  Enter Zelmura. Zelm. 
— Ha, our high blood defamed,  
Sink Impious slave, to Hell, perjured, and damned,  Rushes in and e'er he can get his Sword that leys on the Table wounds him mortally. Zichm. 
'Tis done, thy bloody Sword has forced its way,  
Hell, and cursed fate still traitors thus repay,  
Oh that I could but lift my arm so high,  
To strike one stroke, though I were doomed to lie  
Ever in flames, and in Hell's Sulphur fry.  
I would thy soul through thy life blood pursue,  
And to revenge my Brother, stab that too.  
But 'tis too late, I'm gone.—  dies. Zelm. 
— Hast then and die,  
A horrid Scene of lasting infamy,  Amas. 
Oh, let me kiss the Sword, that did the deed,  
And my dear honour from that traitor freed,  
Heaven of my injured innocence took care,  
'Twas the effects of a chaste Virgin's prayer.  Zelm. 
Our base Egyptians, lives dishonoured choose,  
Whilst the fierce foe victoriously pursues,  
I only hither fled to thy defence,  
Lest you should suffer by their insolence,  
'Tis true I think the Syrian Prince retains  
Of his late love, to you some small remains,  
And might be brought his forces to remove,  
And to restore the Crown, a prize to Love,  
But deeds wherein your fame and honour lies,  
I would do nothing without your advice,  
Her secret thoughts will now be Strait expressed,  aside. 
And by this Plot I soon shall sound her breast.  Amas. 
Let not such blessed Events be then withstood,  
My life's too little for the Nations good,  
Instruct me sister what I have to do,  
To save the State I'd fate itself pursue.  Zelm. 
No action our great danger can convince,  
By your consent again to love the Prince.  Amas. 
To Love the Prince, what tides of blessings meet,  
I love him more, than Angels do their Seat,  
An ardent passion does my breast inspire,  
My life is not so dear.  Zelm. 
— Furies and fire.—  [aside. Amas. 
If that blessed action can extend your sway,  
Let's hence, and see, how gladly▪ I'll obey.  Zelm. 
— Oh horrid.  Amas. 
— that all doubts I may remove,  
I long to see the Object of my Love.  Zelm. 
— Behold it then,—  [drawing her Sword. 
This is thy Lover, this relucent toy,  
The latest bliss, thou ever shalt enjoy,  
Dull fool, my Jealousy, was strong before,  
But this confession has inflamed it more,  
I did expect, that when I had removed  
Your passion's cause, you would forget to Love,  
But your late words have raised my fears again,  
And in my heart caused an unusual pain:  
A pain so feeling that compared to this,  
Tortures are Joys, and Hell a Paradise,  
Therefore prepare to die.  Amas. 
— To die, oh, no.  Zelm. 
Stand firmly now, and bravely meet the blow.  Amas. 
I cannot, oh such horrid thoughts remove,  
I will perform your will renounce my Love,  
I'll hate the Prince his proffered Love defy,  
Rail, slight, I can do any thing, but die,  
Confine me to some Dungeon wanting light,  
Whose obscure Walls enclose perpetual night,  
Or place me here, do any thing to give  
Yourself a choice content, but let me live:  
You in my death all cruelty surpass,  
Alas, I yet ne'er knew what woman was,  
Take pity of my Youth and spare my breath,  
Heaven knows, as yet, I am unfit for death.  Zelm. 
Unfit for Death, how vainly you remove,  
My Cautious doubts, were you unfit to Love,  
I might believe your argued policy,  
But being fit to Love, you're fit to die,  Amas. 
Nature our hearts to passion does bequeath.  Zelm. 
But nature always must submit to death,  
Within few years the tyrant will grow bold,  Amas. 
Then Sister do but stay till I am old,  Zelm. 
Oh fie, should lives reprieve so tedious be,  
Your death would be an act of charity,  
By dying young fame Laurels will provide,  
And tell succeeding ages how you died.  Amas. 
A fatal glory that no fame can have,  
But in the gloomy Mansion of the grave,  Zelm. 
Besides some comfort 'tis▪ you do not die  
Alone, lot I will keep you company,  
When my brave sword hath sent thee to thy rest,  
Warm with thy blood it then shall pierce my breast,  
But should you live and fervently renew  
His Love, that only to my merit's due,  
I my revenge, in t'other world would boast,  
And daily haunt thee, with my restless Ghost,  
But in your Death, I rest shall find, and you  
A happiness unthought of shall pursue,  [shout. 
These shouts declare the Enemy's intent.  
I must make haste least fate the deed prevent,  
Love guide my hand.—  [wounds Amasis. Amas. 
Hold, hold, look how I bleed,  
Let this suffice, oh do not now proceed.  Zelm. 
Fond foolish Girl, why dost retard thy bliss,  
Hadst thou stood still thou hadst been dead ere this,  
And free from danger, there  [wounds her again. Amas. 
— will nothing do,  
Gods must I die thus poorly, basely too,  
Assist me Heaven.  [Runs and snatches up Zichmi's Sword and then comes to the Queen. Zelm. 
— Is your courage warmed?  Amas. 
So now, thanks fate, as well as you I'm armed,  
Infernal fury come if I must die,  
I'll give myself a noble destiny,  
If death to nature, be a debt, we own,  
I'll meet it bravely, come, you move too slow.  Zelm. 
'Twas bravely done this act I must commend  
It saves your life if you can well defend.  Amas. 
'Tis gone, yet in my Death my tongue shall move,  fight and Amasis falls. 
Upon no theme but my unspotted Love,  
I feel my life in lukewarm streams departed,  
And natures palefaced tyrant gripes my heart,  
Take Cruel Queen, and by my death receive  
In him the Quintessence of all that's brave,  
Whilst I surrender heaven that life it gave.  [Dies. Zelm. 
Farewell, to pity thee is now too late,  
A stubborn heart best suits a wretched State,  
And I that scorned the ills of destiny,  
Will dare its worst effects and fearless die.  
But what is death, or whither do I go?  
To heaven, or some dark Region placed below,  
If any State or government serene,  
Be where I am, should hell increase its spleen,  
And strive to oppose yet I would be their Queen,  
Stay thou bright soul of my dear sister stay,  
And be my star to guide me on the way,  
She's cold as earth no griefs her Spirits seize,  
Her pain is vanished and she sleeps in peace,  
And I too long delay, now she is gone  
But my past promise strait I will make known,  
And thus revenge her Murder, by my own.  [Stabs her helf. Enter Selabdin, Moaron, Aldabar, Ptollomy, Psamnis, Phillopater, Achmades, Saphrena. And Guards. Moar. 
entering. Hold, hold, Oh baleful object dismal fate.  Snatches the dagger from her., Zelm. 
No Sir, 'tis done, your triumph comes too late,  
Too late you think my glory to defame,  
And fix a blemish on Zelmura's name;  
Besides, this hand that did but lately bear,  
The lofty Sceptre, ill would fetters wear,  
These two my Sword did late from life remove,  Pointing to Amasand Zichm. 
One for his Lust, t'other for too much Love,  Phillo. 
Unconstant chance that could permit this deed,  
See here, great Queen, your Son and subjects freed,  
Your Cruel hand has robbed you of your bliss,  
For at Moarons' suit you now possess,  
Your fertile Land your Crown, is back restored,  
By him that won it with his conquering Sword.  Zelm. 
To my lost fame they ill their bounty use,  
To give what I for ever must refuse.  Moar. 
What envious daemon, did your rage incite,  
This to eclipse your sister's glorious light,  
Oh, Cruel Queen, how could you pierce her breast,  
In whose Angellick sight mankind was blessed,  
Her excellence made heaven appear a shade,  
And had not a frail mind her Mortal made,  
She would have been a Goddess more divine,  
Then e'er in Starry robes does yonder shine.  Zelm. 
Let not your fancy faithless thoughts pursue,  
Know Sir, she to your Love, was heavenly true,  
It was my power made her your flame withstand,  
Nor durst she disobey my fierce command,  
So strong a jealousy my heart did grieve,  
I could not die in peace, and let her live,  
But now I know no Rivals in my Love,  
My daring Soul shall vaunt i'th' Clouds above?  
Blow, blow, ye winds, and mount my spirit high,  
Above the azure Mountains of the sky,  
And▪ Since no longer I am mortal here,  
Let Heaven translate me to a Goddess there,  
Crowned in bright Cassiopeas' Starry Chair,  
Farewell the pleasing cares of Majesty,  
Now lost for ever, late possessed by me,  
The glittering pleasures that with state do dwell,  
And crowds of crouching Vassals, all farewell;  
I faint, methinks cold mists my eyes subvert,  
And envious death sits crowned upon my heart,  
But Tyrant know thy power, I still defy,  
Thus dare thy greatest rigour, and thus die;  Selab. 
Farewell, thou type of never dying fame,  
Whose lamp of honour shall for ever flame.  Moar. 
Injurious Gods, and too tyrannic fate  
That givest to noble lives so short a date,  
That robbest divine perfection of her store,  
Which thus at waist consumed makes Nations poor  
Was't not enough, Oh Envious, to subdue,  
A Queen whose Second, Africa never knew,  
But you must stop this Princess amber breath,  
And proudly triumph in a Virgin's death,  
Heaven now, methinks, ungrateful does appear,  
These deeds had ne'er be done, had I sat there.  Selab. 
Reclaim, your passion, 'tis a Peasant's curse,  
That never quells our grief but makes it worse,  
You, to my yet unquestioned power must own, to Phil. and Achm. Obedience and pay tribute to my Crown.  Omn. 
Ye must obey our fate,  Selab. 
— That done we'll cease,  
From hostile actions and conclude a Peace.  Ptollo. 
My Mother slain, my Country lost, and fame,  
Take Gods that life you lend with so much shame.  Goes to stab himself but is hindered. Selab. 
Convey him hence, and him your Monarch own,  
And next successor, to the Egyptian throne,  
Great Spirits in distress must Courted be,  
Disdain or pity, augments misery  Omn. 
May heaven still your sword with conquest bless,  Exeunt Achm. with Ptollo. Selab. 
My age no greater glory can possess,  
Then using Mercy when I may control,  
Great deeds express the greatness of the soul.  Moar. 
From henceforth drossy passions I'll remove,  
And guard myself from the Cursed baits of Love,  
Honour shall be my Mistress now I'll try,  
Remoter Regions where the dusky sky,  
For want of Phoebus Luster hinders me,  
Of light to grace a glorious victory,  
Soft Passion feels afflictions smarting Rod,  
Whilst glorious honour makes a man, a God,  
Gives him a Will to dare, and power to do,  
Strength to engage, and courage to pursue,  
Led to the Temple, and to Earth translate,  
These mighty Trophies of must powerful fate,  
That done in Glittering I'll to the field,  
First wear a Cypress wreath and next a shield.  [Exeunt Omnes. 
FINIS.     

EPILOGUE  
EVen as a too fond Lover waits the day,  
While his Proud Mistress frowns will waste away,  
That fears, yet hopes, and all her scorn does bear  
With a known patience great, as she severe,  
At last to rage's by her behaviour moved,  
Flies off, and hates what he so dearly loved,  
So we, that have so often strove to raise  
Your good opinions courted your with plays  
New, and as we thought witty, but too late  
We found your Censures, our rigid fate,  
Are now resolved that this ensuing night,  
We will your long continued envy slight,  
If no true sense of Courtesy can make ye  
Be favourable, why the Devil take ye  
If you'll be kind, as you must all confess,  
You have kind to those deserved it less,  
we'll thank you, and remit past grieviances,  
If not, than I instead of praise will curse,  
And wish with a full heart, but empty Purse,  
That you may meet fresh rancour in your doxes,  
And what I think can hardly be, more Pox.  
FINIS.