QVERER Por Solo QVERER: To Love only for LOVE Sake: A DRAMATIC ROMANCE.  
REPRESENTED AT ARANJUEZ BEFORE THE KING and QUEEN of SPAIN, TO CELEBRATE The BIRTHDAY of that KING, BY THE MENINAS: Which are a Sett of LADIES, in the Nature of LADIES OF HONOUR in that COURT, childs in Years, but Higher in Degree (being many of Them Daughters and Heirs to GRANDEES of SPAIN) than the ordinary Ladies of Honour, Attending likewise that Queen.  
Written in Spanish by Don Antonio de Mendoza, 1623.  
Paraphrased in English, Anno 1654.  
Together With the FESTIVALS of ARANWHEZ.  
London, Printed by William Godbid, and are to be Sold by Moses Pitt, at the White-Hart in Little-Britain. 1671.   

Sir R. F. upon this Dramatic Romance, Paraphrased by him during his Confinement to Tankersly Park in Yorkshire, by Oliver, after the Battle of Worcester, in which he was taken Prisoner, serving His Majesty (whom God preserve) as Secretary of State.  

TIme was when I, a PILGRIM of the SEAS,  
When I, 'midst noise of CAMPS, and COURTS Dis-ease,  
Purloined some Hours, to Charm rude Cares with Verse,  
Which flame of FAITHFUL SHEPHERD did rehearse:   

But now restrained from SEA, from CAMP, from COURT,  
And by a TEMPEST blown into a PORT;  
I raise my thoughts to Muse on Higher Things,  
And Echo ARMS and LOVES of QUEENS and KINGS:   

Which QUEENS (despising Crowns and HYMEN'S Band)  
Would neither MEN Obey, nor MEN Command.  
GREAT PLEASURE FROM ROUGH SEAS TO SEE THE SHORE!  
OR FROM FIRM LAND TO HEAR THE BILLOWS ROAR.   


ILle Ego, qui (dubiis quondam jactatus in Undis)  
Qui (dum nunc Aulae, nunc mihi Castra strepunt)  
Leni importunas mulcebam Carmine Curas,  
In quo PASTORIS flamma FIDELIS erat.   

At nunc & Castris, Aulisque ejectus & Undis,  
(Nam mihi Naufragium Portus, & Ira Quies)  
Altiùs insurgens, REGUM haud intactus AMORES,  
Et REGINARUM fervidus ARMA Cano:   

Quae (vinc' is HYMENAEE tuis, spretisque CORONIS)  
Nec juga ferre virum, nec dare jura veliat.  
Dulce procellosos audire ex Litore stactus!  
Eque truci Terram dulce videre Mari.     

TO THE Queen of Spain.  
MADAM,  
THis Comedy having been admitted to Your Majesty's Eyes, hath leave to throw itself at Your Feet: It was written to Celebrate the BIRTHDAY of the KING; this gained it that Credit, which it ought to have lost for being mine: It hath been sought at the Festival of Your Majesty; for, in virtue of that Esteem which Your Name gives it, Men pardon it, the having been Penned by me. To this Task I was emboldened by D. Maria de Gusman, believing that a Creature of her Father would happen to Serve Your Majesty better with his Obligation, than Others with their Wit; the mistake was just, I do not blame it, nor those who desire to read it, since it had the Honour to be heard by Your Majesty; and it will gain two Plaudits (without deserving one) Your Majesty being now the second time its PATRONESS.  
Your MAJESTY'S Servant, Don Antonio de Mendoza.   

THis Comedy I consent not to the Printing of, suffer it I do, thus Copied, to distribute amongst those who ask it, for I have not the presumption to offer it to any; if it be a boldness in whosoever prints, in me it would be called a Madness; one day is master of another, against what is written to day, will be that which is better known to morrow, and who is it that knew not less yesterday? The ambition of the Press is a fault, which it is not sufficient to repent; and, in case this common danger were wanting, my fear would create a new one, though that which deserved to come to the Eyes of their Majesties, might well lose the fear of all men's Ears; for caution, advertency, and study, were more due to those that Acted it, than to those that shall read it; and this being more than sufficient for approbation, the Council was not pleased it should have any other: I write it in obedience, and no Friends persuade me to publish it, for I have none so vain; I rather think that their opinion would obstruct me in this resolution, finding in it those defects, which are hidden from the proper Author; for in the things of other men, it is easy to be more wise; and, without denying the defects of mine, I have been very willing to content with some Copies as many as seek them, deceived with that which was owed to so splendid an Occasion: Nor let any Man expect that the Errors of my Pen, shall be accompanied with my disacknowledgment, yet, not to be excessive in difference neither, I believe, that if so remarkable a Festival, required not a greater ability than mine, it would be worthy of some Applause, since compared with vulgar ones, it deserves not much Contempt.   

The Prologue: (Called by the Spaniard The LOA, i. e. The Praise, because therein the Spectators are commended to curry favour with them:) Spoken by the Lady Isabel Velasco, and the Lady Isabel Guzman; the latter pulling the former in with her upon the Stage.  Vel. 
I Will not forth with thee (that's plain)  
Child, thou tir'st thyself in vain.  Guz. 
Isabel, thy Face, Life, Mien,  
Be now my Second, now my Screen.  Vel. 
I Garb? I Spirit? Beauty I?  
What, oblige me with a Lie?  
Screen thee that Face, thy Mettle fine,  
Which second is to none, be thine.  
I join with thee in the Prologue?  
I with the Audience to colloque,  
Styling them Senate? Was I Born  
To Led of Pigmies the Forelorn?  
There's Lady's work with all my heart!  Guz. 
ay, but, Velasco, take her part,  
Who of the Minikin Brigade  
The youngest is, the Lanspresade.  Vel. 
Marry, a good, and mending Fault,  
But who must afterwards be sought  
To make me confident and bold?  
For, Guzman, neither am I old.  Guz. 
Well, of the Play than I despair,  
Since with the Dame's whatever's rare,  
Sprightful, Divine, is wanting all:  
For, no Dames, no Festival.  
Unto whose Top-top-gallant Beauty  
To strike, is little Fly-boats Duty:  
Superlatives have there a Rise:  
Comparisons are odious twice.  Vel. 
That Fear hath Reason on its side,  
But a worse matter I have spied:  
The pityous humane Poet, he  
Fears too, his Farce will tedious be.  Guz. 
What a Fear that for the base Rout!  
What a misbegotten doubt!  
(" For Modesty may split itself  
" On a high Rock, or a low Shelf.)  
No, no, our Festival, howe'er  
It in itself hath cause to fear,  
(For of Meninas even the name  
Speaks littleness) yet our great DAME  
(Whom, were She not Divine all out,  
Heaven would have made a humane doubt)  
Making it now her Offering  
Upon the Birthday of the King,  
It must for that be understood  
Both short and sweet, and great and good,  
That It is Hers deserves Applause:  
Effects are measured by their Cause.  
Chiefly so fair Porch being made  
Thereto; as such a Mascarade,  
In which the INFANTA'S Self would be,  
To grace the QUEENS Solemnity,  
The KING too Her refined Gallant  
(For no high strain of Soul can want  
In one whose Body is so pure)  
What Favour doth not he ensure?  
It must be full as much at least  
As His Divine Sister expressed,  
With their two Brothers; All High Born:  
Children of Phoebus, and the Morn.  
The Dames w' are sure of to their powers:  
All than is safe, all than is ours:  
In so much Beauty, so much Glory.  Vel. 
And the Foreign Auditory.  Guz. 
Friend, thou wilt, drown in shallow water,  
Bespeak not Ills, things hap thereafter,  
My Life upon't, our Festival  
To see, will hurt none of them all:  
Whip me, if of the Twenty four  
They feel not many hours creep slower.  Vel. 
Away then with the Prologue, Wench:  
But beg not favour of the Bench,  
Nor silence: Nor whine out at first,  
Pardon our faults, (that Fault's the worst)  
Be out, nor praise the King for fair  
Beauty is perishable Ware,  
And I my Master would commend  
For parts alone which time will mend.  
Shape is the humane By of Kings,  
Who in the Main are Godlike Things:  
Call me the Queen, French Flower no more,  
But in Field Azure a Sun Or;  
Now so much Native of Casteel  
That even Her Soul is Spanish Steel:  
Nor Charles and Fernand Branches both  
Of the old Laurel of the Goth:  
But stions of a better Tree  
In Paradice's Nursery:  
And of MARIA (Glorious Dame)  
Beauty without, lined with the same  
(Since even strong Lines cannot afford  
To do her right) speak not a word,  
But let her praise to itself sing  
Like Bells that, without pulling, ring.  Guz. 
King's should be praised with reverence then,  
As they are Kings, not as they're Men;  
Their fortitude, and not their face;  
The sordid Flatterers Common-place:  
His Actions I will Celebrate;  
His parts, as they are parts of State;  
Much of King, in Years but few;  
Spain's Honour, and her Indies new,  
And his fair Spouse.  Vel. 
That task is Fame's:  
Begin.  Guz. 
Still vailing to the Dames.  The Lady Isabel Guzman advances some steps, and begins the Main PROLOGUE, as follows. 
WHilst Thee Great PHILIP (apprehensive Scholar,  
In the Great Book of GOVERNING well Read)  
The Nations Wonder, and Applause, proclaim  
In every Action of thy Life a King;  
Whilst on the Occidental Gulfs a Yoke,  
Whilst on the Seas of the Levant a Law,  
Thy Hand imposes, and thy boundless Valour  
Props Heaven, and Is the Bridle of the Earth:  
Whilst thou art like thy Great Grandsire, before  
The World's suspension, and thy thundering Ships  
To Northern Regions, Armed with Plates of Ice,  
Are fiery Mountains on their snowy Waves;  
And thy Iberian Flags (Victory's Wings)  
Both Germanies and Africa fear, and strike to:  
(For if of old their Valour made those bow,  
They do't by Custom and prescription now.)  
Grace the Solemnities of thy bright CONSORT  
Which strive in vain to equal the Occasion,  
So every way Majestic: A Perfection  
Divine, the utmost stretch of humane Nature,  
And thou ISBELLA (fair even to the Soul,  
The Daughter of a King, whose valiant Hand  
More trusting to itself than unto Chance  
Hammered his Crown out with his Sword) receive  
With a benign and amiable Brow  
(It must be amiable) this small Earnest  
Of our Devotions; whom to see alone  
Claims Knees and Hearts, satst thou beneath the Throne:  
And thou, the pleating terror of the Earth,  
In smooth Apollo's Spirit, Spirit of Mars,  
King of two Worlds, let thy good hap enjoy  
Another greater Empire in her Beauty.  Vel. 

Live, Reign (High Princes) more than Time itself,  
And (fairer in your Virtues than your Persons)  
Drop Stars with Heaven: The blessed Progeny  
Of your Immortal Loves (your Beauty's sparkles)  
Let Spain Adore, and in so great a Glory,  
PHILIP the Fifth expunge Fifth CHARLES's Story.   

And you young Men, who by your budding Greatness  
Proclaim the Splendour of your Royal Cradle,  
Pave with a lofty and a radiant Foot  
The Milky Way.  
And thou (the Envy of the Goddesses)  
Illustrious INFANTA may thy Fortune  
Equal thy rare Endowments. To be Fair  
Ah! let it not a woeful Blessing be,  
Nor Beauty a desired Misery.   Vel. 
We two (Is'bellas) ISABELLA Divine,  
Present thee one Play more, with more Refine,  
Framed and Indicted by Earth's greatest King,  
Penned with the fairest Plume in Cupid's Wing,  
Acted by Queens below, by Saints above;  
A truer Comedy, called, LOVE for LOVE.  Guz. 
And may this Birthday [Ecce t' another Birth]  
ere next Spring do't with Flowers, perfume the Earth  
With a sweet Prince, like Him from whom He came.  Vel. 
In FACE.  Guz. 
In VIRTUE.  Vel. 
In RENOWN.  Guz. 
In NAME.  

A Song After the Main Prologue, Painting the Festival of Aranwhez.  

THe Flowers that most adorn  
Of Aranwhez the Plain  
(Following a black-eyed Morn)  
A Laurel entertain;   

Of flowery May the King,  
Apollo's gallant Son,  
He at His Fifteenth Spring  
Ware of the Field the Crown:   

When His Seventeenth April came,  
Worshipping that Goddess yonder,  
Wonders wrought He in Her Name,  
But His Faith the greatest Wonder.   CHORUS. 

O how deft, how sweet to boot,  
First handsome, and then light of foot;  
Tagus' Nymphs of best renown,  
To whom no Love nor Grief is known  
(Brighter, fairer) from Heaven's Globe  
Steal away the Starry Robe,  
And the Earth's embroidered Gown!   

OF all the World admires  
For rare, a fair disdain,  
Placed bounds to her desires,  
And that best object made her Eyes refrain.   

How great, and how well placed,  
A Roses love? With Use  
How well was it at last  
Paid by a Flower-de-luce?   

Love from complaints is free:  
That we for once might find,  
Beauty may happy be,  
And Happiness be kind.   CHORUS. 

O how deft, how sweet to boot,  
First handsome, and then light of foot;  
Tagus' Nymphs of best renown,  
To whom no Love nor Grief is known  
(Brighter, fairer) from Heaven's Globe  
Steal away the Starry Robe  
And the Earth's embroidered Gown!   

Year's (which deserve perpetual Spring,  
And which deserve to be his Years)  
joy them, He that loves the King;  
And adore them, He that fears.   

Clasp let his early Valour on  
Strong and glittering Steel of Spain,  
Multitudes in whom alone  
Of Fernand's and Alfonso's Reign.   

Never let him rust with Calms  
But His Hand purchase, His Hand cut  
As many Crowns out, and as many Palms  
As His Forefathers tumbled at his Foot.   CHORUS. 

O how deft, how sweet to boot,  
First Handsome, and then light of foot;  
Tagus' Nymphs of best renown,  
To whom no Love nor Grief is known  
(Brighter, fairer) from Heaven's Globe  
Steal away the Starry Robe  
And the Earth's embroidered Gown!    
The Final End of the Prologue.   

The Persons in the first Act.  
Represented. 
Representing.  ZELIDAURA, Queen of Tartary, 
Lady Mary Gusman.  CLARIDIANA, Queen of Arabia, 
Lady Anne Sandi.  FELISBRAVO, Young King of Persia, 
Lady Frances Tavara.  PRINCE CLARIDORO, 
Lady Mary Cutinio.  PRINCE FLORANTEO, 
La. Margaret Tavara.  The CAPTIVE PRINCE, 
Lady Izabella Gusman.  The GENERAL 
La. Margaret Zapata.  ROSELINDA, Lady attending Zelidaura, 
Lady Izabella Velasco.  FLORINDA, attending Claridiana, 
Lady Mary Salier, of the Privy-Chamber.  First GIANT, 
Lady Lucy Prada, of the Privy-Chamber.  Second GIANT, 
Lady Frances Quiros, of the same.  RIFALORO, the Drole, 
La. Katherine Quiros.    

Querer por solo Querer: To Love only to Love.  

THE FIRST ACT.  Drums and Trumpets, and enter at one end of the Stage the General with a Truncheon in his hand, and Soldiers with Banners; before him Captives, and amongst them one of better appearance than the rest: At the other, Felisbravo habited after the Persian manner, with a Royal Train; and let the General approach him, laying the truncheon at his feet; and the General is to wear a laurel Crown, which he takes off when he comes at the King. General. 
Unconquered Sir.  Felis. 
Rise wise and valiant General.  Gen. 
Give me thy Feet, these Plants shall be my Laurels.  Felis. 
Gen'ral, into my Arms, into my Heart:  
To pay good Services is King's best part:  
Relate thy Victory.  Gen. 
Dread Sovereign, Mine  
The Sweat was, but the Victory was thine.  
With full two hundred Ships of monstrous burden  
(Crammed with Land Soldiers too) the Foe usurped  
Thy narrow Seas, and hovered o'er these Lands  
As o'er a certain Prey, on which he looked  
As the sole Obstacle betwixt his high  
Hopes, and the UNIVERSAL MONARCHY.  
Thou (to receive this Storm where e'er it falls)  
Stayest mustering on the Shore thy fearless Bands;  
In head whereof, thou Marchest bravely Mounted  
In silver Arms; writ in thy Face, and Star,  
THE SON OF FORTUNE BY THE GOD OF WAR:  
Mean time, go I to hunt them out at Sea,  
Under th' auspicious flight of thy guilt Standard  
Approached them; Ship by Ship I visit thine  
(Guiding myself a Barge's Rudder) spurred  
On both sides with long Oars, and from each poop  
Bid ours remember, in that AZURE FIELD  
We are our Island's, It is the World's shield.  
Welcomed on board my own with shouts, re-echoed  
With general acclamations of the rest,  
Which one by one bear up to pay my visit,  
And all come sooping underneath my Lee  
To fetch new courage; briskly we advance  
Upon the Foe, who all this while had stood  
With smiling silence on the trembling FLOOD.  
His potent FLEET was cast into the form  
Of a halfmoon, gaping to purse us up,  
As that dire African at dismal Cannae  
Did once ROME'S Army led by a rash CONSUL;  
Withal, to boast itself the SOVEREIGN  
(Like horned Cynthia) of the curled MAIN.  
My brave Vice-Admiral (a second DRACO,  
Writing his laws in blood texted with flame)  
Swears by the Queen of Night,  
To be a perfect CRESCENT It wants light.  
As the proud Bearer of the three-forked Thunder  
And winged Lightning on her towering Plumes  
(On whom her Master JOVE bestowed the Empire  
O'er all the feathered People, for her service  
In the famed rape of ruddy GANYMEDE)  
Steered with her train, sails driving through the Clouds,  
Thence stoops Plebeian Birds; so his bold Frigate  
From a big Wave, on which she soared aloft  
In clouds of smoke, flies at the Covey entire,  
Arrow of Gunpowder, Eagle of Fire.  
Not Priam's City crackled in more Flames,  
When to the fatal Horse she opened her Walls,  
Then did those wooden Towers; nor with more fury  
The Greek Host (ushered by that Horse) did reign  
In her waste streets, than I with thy whole FLEET  
Sent whizzing amongst theirs (in foaming Mead)  
From feathered Squadrons Thunderbolts of Lead.  
The Sea is made another Sea of Blood,  
The sailing Wood, a Wood of floating Bodies.  
In fine, a Victory by Sea robs thee  
Of one by Land: And of this vast ARMADA  
(Beneath whose weight the Main itself did shrink,  
And which did threaten even the Earth to sink)  
The scattered fragments kiss thy princely Feet;  
Ships, Captives, Banners, Streamers, Rudders, Keels,  
Tall Masts, and launching Oars,  
Now the torn Spoils and Trophies of these shores.  
Of all thy Navy but one Ship is missing;  
And thou (King of the TRIDENT, second NEPTUNE,  
Lord of four Seas) hast hurled  
A Bit, FEAR, ENVY, on the Sea, SUN, WORLD.  Felis. 
Once more, O let me hold such virtue fast!  Gen. 
What dangers courts not one, thus doubly graced,  
His King's Hand kissed, t' inspire him going out;  
Returned, his Arms, to fence him round about?  
This rears your Bulwarks; for that Prince who takes  
One Soldier into favour, thousands makes.  Felis. 
A MONARCH'S gracious Eye, preserving State,  
Makes a brave Soldier, and just Magistrate.  Gen. 
Kiss all of you great Felisbravoes plants.  Capt. 
Cross Stars!  Felis. 
There's greatness in that countenance.  Capt. 
I'm sure there's woe.  Gen. 
This slave, of a high soul,  
Thy Name did conquer.  Capt. 
At thy Feet I roll.  Felis. 
How comes so stout and brave a Man to show  
Such poorness, as to sink beneath a woe?  Capt. 
It is the least I feel; who much repine  
This should be thought to share one sigh that's mine.  
To be thy slave an honour always is,  
And now to me a seasonable bliss;  
A Good, which I do owe my iii.  Felis. 
Unfold  
To me thy Grief.  Cap. 
'Tis easier bourn, than told:  
For, though my life be thine, my grief's my own.  Felis. 
Trust me with both, I have not Ruth alone,  
But Remedy.  Cap. 
Though 'tis to saw a sorrow  
To tell't, let me thy Ear in private borrow.  Felis. 
General retire the Folks.  Capt. 
Take then a pain  
Equally hard to speak as to contain. Exeunt Gen. etc.  
Great FELISBRAVE, new Founder of this Empire;  
Phoenix, whose birth into the Throne began  
Out of the dissolution of a SWAN;  
Who in the compass of two years, hast lived  
" A thousand Ages (for so much live KINGS,  
" As they do Reign; Reign, as they do great things.)  
TARTARY, a famous Part of ASIA  
(For now it rivals her fair Country, who  
A Star in Heaven, is a Rose in Cyprus)  
Hath for its Queen the beauteous ZELIDAURA,  
Whom the most rich embroideries of Praise  
Serve for her wearing upon Common days,  
Those vulgar terms (with which a mortal Face  
Men basely flatter to the Morn's disgrace)  
Those bold comparisons with newborn day  
And midday Suns (which heavens' and GARDENS lay  
So splendidly to heart) are, of her Youths  
Inestimable blossom, most fair Truths;  
In whom perfections see nothing to mend by,  
And miracles themselves something to envy:  
To whose fresh Years, and Cheeks, the Aprils throng  
For flowery licence to be fair and young.  Fel. 
Is she so fair?  Capt. 
The least in her that's rare.  Fel. 
And good?  Capt. 
Yes, ten times more than she is fair.  Fel. 
(Rare Wight indeed) Aside.  
Captive proceed.  Capt. 
Those poor Examples, in which Poets feign  
Of much Romantic Princess such profane  
Impossibilities, outdone by Her,  
Her sobrer Beauty joins sweet with severe,  
Majestical with humble, for a King,  
Not for a Woman, made: She takes the Ring,  
Girds Steel, and Laurel: Pondering on the acts  
Writ of Semiramis, and manly facts  
Of great Penthesilea, she becomes  
Of a light flame, as, at the kindling Drums,  
Achilles hid in lying Petticoat,  
His choice betraying what his face did not.  
A Man amongst her Counsellors she lives,  
A Woman with her Ladies; Laws she gives,  
And Hearts she conquers; beautiful, and wise.  Fel. 
Is she so gallant?  Capt. 
She doth Monarchize  
With such sage valour, that the world—  Fel. 
Pass an.  Seeing Felisbravo disturbed he stops. 
(What a rare Woman!)  Capt. 
(What a curious Man! Aside.  
But, who can hear so great a Queen set forth,  
And not be ravished with her matchless worth?) Aside.  
ay, by her Fame drawn from Cicilia (where  
The King my Father all those Nations fear  
As far as Nile) 'mongst many, to present  
Myself one Trophy of her Beauty, went;  
True always, always firm, always in vain:  
And, when in highest tow'rings of my Flame,  
In lowest stoops of humble Adoration,  
Excess of Love with me was Moderation,  
And wonders possible; It so befell—  Fel. 
‛ She Married?  Capt. 
She!  Fel. 
What proved?  Capt. 
Invincible.  Fel. 
Conclude thy Story then (and let her be  
In a good hour fair, and at liberty.) Aside.  Capt. 
— My Father sick'ned (Noble Felisbrave)  
And, in a War where Love and Duty strave,  
That which I sided with was overcome;  
For, with two Ships to visit him I come,  
When five of that Armada meet with me  
(New-wrecking Quicksands of the cruel Sea!)  
'Gainst which, receiving thousand wounds I strive,  
That, for their killing me, I might forgive  
Their making me a Slave; Thy Gen'ral comes  
To round thy Coasts: He them again overcomes,  
Chains them, conducts them, where the King may put  
Upon their Bellies his triumphant Foot.  
I (Captive twice) on peevish FORTUNES Frown  
Pretend not to establish a Renown:  
For a Fool too may be unfortunate.  
But if a King; If, by an Antedate  
Of early VIRTUE, when years fifteen came  
Thou wrot'st Eternal; If thou'rt like thy Fame;  
If thou knowest Pity: If admitt'st of Tears,  
To supple thee; Of Prayers, to storm thy Ears;  
Past Ages, to incite thee; History,  
To make thee glorious to Posterity: Offers to throw himself at the Feet of Felisbravo, but he doth not permit him.  
Or set me free, or kill me instantly;  
If it be possible a wretch can die.  Fel. 
Rise, gallant Youth, and Courage new acquire.  Capt. 
My Soul bats to be gone, proud to expire  
At so brave Feet.  Fel. 
(Alas, he 'swounds!) and mine  
Two tender Passions doth partake from thine,  
(Let in at several doors) Love at my Ear,  
Grief at my Eye: Hoe, General!  Gen. 
I am here.  Enter General. Fel. 
New matter that thy virtue may not miss,  
Save me this Slave from death; and tell him this,  
A King (that knows how to be one) commands  
Thee, trust thy Life and Fortune in his hands.  Gen. 
He would not let his wounds be dressed.  Fel. 
Ply, serve him  
As thou wouldst me; and all the Gods preserve him.  The General carries him out upon his shoulders, and Felisbravo remains alone. 
What Circe in a moment hath purloined  
The wonted peace and freedom of my Mind?  
What War is this, that lays soft batteries  
Unto a Soul enured to Victories?  
What heavenly Zelidaura is this same?  
What new device of Love, out of a Name  
To shoot so sweet a Poison? O, than I  
Less wounded Slave! Thou thou lt leave me, if thou die,  
Something t' envy in what thou dost deplore,  
And in thy Story something to adore.  
But, though so great a Beauty force my Love,  
And to suppress it against Nature prove,  
I'll be a better Prince, than Lover: Brave,  
And hard, therefore my Act! Free be the Slave:  
And (if he live) see Tartary; whilst I  
Of Love, of Sorrow, and of Honour die.  
And let us bring in fashion, 'twixt us both,  
Justice in Rivalship, in Absence Troth.  Enter General with a Picture. Gen. 
He lies all weltering in his Blood, and live  
He cannot: This fair Picture he doth give  
For thee to keep: And (if he die) for Wife  
Prays thee to make a conquest of the Life,  
To him (he said) and all the World, but Thee,  
Angelical Impossibility.  Fel. 
Reach it: Return, and let your care be more—  
(Gust yield to Reason)— then it was before. Exit.  
Tempt me not, Love: The Face I will not see,  
Blind Argus, if my Ears were scald by thee  
What second engine 'gainst my Eyes must move,  
To burn my Heart to Cinders? ay, in love!  
ay, pangs! ay, puling! ay, to be afraid  
My Faith cannot deserve, my Vows persuade!  
Tears, from a Manly Face! Sighs, that shall find  
Themselves no more regarded than the Wind!  
Oh! Why should Love such servile things enjoin?  
But why this Pride? Does Beauty not enshrine  
A Deity? Did it not GOD'S subdue?  
Then let it tame a Man, and let me view  
The lovely noble Feature, and the bright,  
Of this fair Shade. Love is a lessening flight:  
When he doth veil his Plumes, it's such a thing  
As when an Eagle stoops upon the Wing.  Looks upon the Picture. 
This Face all Soul is, and so full of Life,  
That Life and Beauty are in it at strife  
Which shall be more:— What Spirits?— What Spells too?  
If in a little Card a Compass show  
The Earth, and lay it out in several;  
In this, a PENCIL hath Mapped Heaven and all,  
And Mapped it to the Life.— For on these Cheeks  Looks upon it again, and again. 
(Where white and red divinely intermix)  
Aurora's hands hang snowing jesamines,  
— Her Fingers bleeding Roses;— The MOON shines  
Bright in these Tresses, where each Hair's a Ray;  
— Two twinkling Stars;— Two speaking Rubies;— May  
Buds;— The MORN Blushes;— At one skip the Sun  
Gets up;— High NOON as soon as Day's begun!  
I'll love, I'll die (O most unhappy man!)  
In love a Phoenix, and in death a Swan.  Enter General. Gen. 
The Captive (Sir) is something livelier.  Fel. 
How?  
What dost thou say?  Gen. 
That he is better.  Fel. 
(Now Aside.  
Must he needs mend?) Good News: And I would do thee  
Some good for bringing it.  Gen. 
Heaven keep him to thee.  Fel. 

Love, I shall crush thee yet, as arrogant  
As false too as thou art; As I am Man,  
I may be staggered; but, as I'm a KING,  
(Born for more sovereign Ends) thou canst not throw me.  
We, should, with sprawling of our Childish Arms,  
The cruel Serpents of ALCIDES strangle:  
We, in the midst of all the SIRENS Charms,  
Should the wise caution of ULYSSES carry.   

Let my desire be tamed, and not  
My Obligation be forgot;  
I more provoking Envy's Sting  
As virtuous, than as being a King;  
The World admiring in my Pains  
Sober Madness, and free Chains.   Exeunt. Trumpets, Enter the Queen Zelidaura, her Head-dress full of Plumes, Roselinda Lady of Honour to her, Prince Claridoro, and Train, as in heat of Argument, begun in the Tyring-Room. Zel. 
My Will to me's a Law. If it appear  
Preposterous for a Woman Arms to bear,  
Let it suffice I make the Precedent.  
Since there be Men effeminately bent,  
We Manly Women must that wrong undo;  
For you see sometimes NATURE can lie too.  Claro. 
Brave ZELIDAURA, thy Heroic Mind  
Who does not wonder at?  Zel. 
Little inclined  
Always to sloth, the Pride I have, I place  
In a great Heart, and not in a fair Face.  
If on the Borders of my Land, we have  
A Novelty so manifoldly brave,  
A wooing Warfare, this ENCHANTED QUEEN,  
A Beauty the more sought the less 'tis seen,  
Nor of less difficulty to the Wit  
Than to the Sword, shall I not step to see't?  
To see such Noble Action? chiefly I  
Giving the frailty of my Sex the Lie?  
Not, that my Courage hath so much of heat,  
As to thrust Prudence wholly from her seat;  
So mettled I am not, as if that I  
Affected it to quit deformity;  
Nor yet so foolish as some Women are,  
Who for that only do suspect they 're fair.  Claro. 
HEAVEN, that created thee thus warlike, stole  
Into a Woman's Body a Man's Soul.  
But Nature's Law in vain thou dost gainsay:  
The Woman's Valour lies another way.  
The Dress, the Tear, the Blush, the witching Eye,  
More witching Tongue, are Beauty's Armoury:  
To rally, to discourse in Companies  
Who's fine, who courtly, who a WIT, who wise:  
And with the awing sweetness of a DAME  
(As conscious of a Face, can Tigers tame)  
By Tasks and circumstances to discover  
Amongst the best of PRINCES the best LOVER;  
(The Fruit of all those Flowers) who serves with most  
Self diffidence, who with the greatest boast;  
Who twists an Eye of Hope in brayds of Fear,  
Who silent (made for nothing but to bear  
Sweet scorn and injuries of LOVE) envies  
Unto his Tongue the Treasure of his Eyes:  
Who, without vaunting shape, hath only Wit,  
Nor knows to hope reward, though merit it:  
Then, out of All, to make a CHOICE so rare  
So lucky-wise as if thou wert not fair.  Zel. 
Will men ne'er leave this freak? that Beauty's fate  
Is neither to the wise, nor fortunate?  
ENVY would have it so, She ushered in  
This vulgar Error, or some scorned Man's Spleen  
Or homely Woman's Comfort. PRINCE, that DAME  
Who lets herself be loved with a true Flame,  
Considers not how ill INGRATITUDE  
Will look, when she must afterwards be rude.  
Should I examine if this Man's a Gull,  
Or th'other Gull a LOVER? Poor, and dull!  
To render him the object of my Care,  
Who should be of my Scorn! Only Despair  
Will I allow to Men, nor can dispense  
With so much show of hope, as diligence.  
What a fond antiquated Error? (Save me!)  
I must call't Love, because a Man would have me  
For his none-self: He swears he's mine alone;  
Then (grossly) prays me not to be my own.  Ros. 
Sounds it not merit unto thee for one  
To serve thee, who is braver than the Sun?  Zel. 
Wouldst thou have me admire and value than  
The painted Plumes of any Peacock-Man?  
I've Pride enough myself. It makes me smile  
(And yet I'm vexed) to hear what Love the stile  
And serving in a GALLANT; to new sheath  
Himself each day, not let his Mistress breath,  
But haunt her to the Park, or to the Bourse,  
On that the vulgar call a goodly Horse;  
Hat in the hand, her colours in the hat,  
Then tell her with a trembling boldness— (What?)  
That he's an Ass; Affect a diffidence,  
Yet wear her Porch out; making diligence,  
Smell rank of Hope. If Importunity  
Is called Desert, what more absurd can be  
Than for a fair one to become his prey  
That hunts her down? Let Greater ASIA  
Her Princes send their Valours here to prove:  
I would see Fighting, and not hear of Love.  Ros. 
Our Ancestresses would; but we (more wise)  
The Ignis fatuus of Love despise.  Claro. 
These Ceremonies which thou seek'st to bar,  
From the first hallowing fundamental are  
To Lady-hoods fair Order; for, discreet,  
Secret, and stout, and gay; of a complete  
Lover, are the Ingredients: And in SPAIN  
The gallant Mock-war of the Bulls, and CANE  
Doth in a Courtly Valour comprehend  
Both that which you, and that which I commend:  
For those fierce GAMES (though Sports they called are)  
Proclaim in jest what Men in earnest dare.  Zel. 
Secret (quoth you!) If he must trusted be  
With nothing, what's his secrecy to me?  
Thou (CLARIDORO) dost extremely err,  
If thou think'st Courtships can this Bosom stir;  
Not my AFFECTION, Body, Air, and Mien;  
But Soul, Deeds, Virtues, purchase my ESTEEM.  
Thy brave Youth hazard in this Enterprise:  
(For Sloth in Princes is a double Vice.)  
Whence, if thou conquer, thou com'st burnished forth  
With Glory; if thou die, what greater worth  
Than to lose well a Life.  Claro. 
But I keep mine,  
To be spent better in some CAUSE that's thine;  
Mean while, at thy adored Feet it lies:  
And where can be a nobler Enterprise,  
Than to o'ercome thy Love's disdainful, high  
And Beautiful Impossibility?  
'T has more of danger in it too: For there  
My Valour combats, but with Thee my Fear.  
If thou dispraisest Praise, neglectest Care,  
And hatest to be loved, why art thou fair?  Zel. 
I am not fair, nay fair I will not be;  
And less endure to be so called by thee.  
If Truth, where is the favour? if a Lie,  
It mends me not. What vain Civility!  
(I wonder it should please some as it doth)  
A great Lie 'tis, and would be a small Truth.  Claro. 
Be not displeased that I thy Beauty praise;  
'Tis a Debt which my Eye owes, and my Tongue pays:  
Give me thy Heart then, or thou'lt die in debt.  Zel. 
If I have thine, where? Show me my Receipt.  Claro. 
'Tis well: The anger of a Mistress swells  
In thee; in me a LOVER's Patience dwells.  Ros. 
If all thy Servants thus thou entertain,  
I look this Prince too should be bond, or slain;  
For of the other nothing yet is known.  Zel. 
Ay, and absence killed him, he hath done  
The part of a Wiseman and of a Lover.  Claro. 
Th' ENCHANTED CASTLE doth itself discover.  Zel. 
A goodly Fabric!  Claro. 
Princely!  Zel 
If the Cloud  
Shine so, what does the light that it does shroud?  Claro. 
The two wings various workmanship seems rather  
A Sphere, than Palace; Miracle, than either.  Zel. 
The uniform and equal structure vies  
Twin-Beauties so, 'tis Music of the Eyes!  
And its perfections (greater their fame)  
The stile of Royal, for Divine disclaim!  Ros. 
It shows 'midst so much Beauty, as delights,  
A Majesty that awes, Honour that frights.  
What MONSTERS muster!  Claro. 
That of Crect (I think)  
I am surveying, and his LABYRINT.  Zel. 
Here hangs a Trumpet.  Claro. 
'Tis, without all doubt,  
T' advise when any strangers are without.  Zel. 
Blow it, and call.  Ros. 
Is it no more but so?  
Madam, when thou dost call, dost thou not know  
Thou call'st a thousand Monsters?  Zel. 
Pish! We may  
Be, without fears, all Ladies— Blow, I say.  One Blows the Trumpet, to which they answer from within with another, and a Giant appears upon the Battlement. Gy. 1. 
Th' Advent'rer, who?  Ros. 
(Dire shape.)  Zel. 
'Twere not amiss  
To learn before what the ADVENTURE is.  Gy. 1. 
You would not use your hands then, but your feet.  Zel. 
With civil Giant shall one never meet?  Claro. 
He knows not thee.  Zel. 
How many have pretence  
To Valour, only by their Insolence!  Ros. 
Excuse them, Madam, the Books make them so.  Gy. 1. 
Approaching Knights themselves in Armour show.  Ros. 
Again? I fear me here will be a fray.  Zel. 
A Troop of Horse? My GENIUS feasts to day.  Ros. 
Madam, we are not safe.  Zel. 
Masked in this dress  
Here will I stand to witness the success.  Ros. 
But, Madam, why hast thou not made a new  
ENCHANTED CASTLE for thy Beauty too?  Zel. 
Because that Beauty hath a stronger fence  
Which is immured with its own innocence.  Sound Trumpets. Ros. 
All's War.  Zel. 
Thy Fortune in th' Adventure try.  Claro. 
Ah! how much more's th' Enchantment of that Eye.  Exeunt. Enter Felisbravo, the General, and Rifaloro in the Spanish Habit, or how they will, out of the Persian, as in journey towards Tartary, Felisbravo replying to their dissuasions from it. Fel. 

This is Love (start not at the word) 't will blind  
Soonest the clearest sight, and (read) you ' l find  
Great Lover, and Great Prince, went ever joined.   

It is a Spirit, an immortal Guest,  
The properest Passion of a Kingly breast,  
As higher by the head than all the rest.   

If Bounteous, prudent, constant, valiant,  
Secret, and affable, and vigilant,  
Are Royal Styles; and Love is all these things:  
See, if good Lovers will not make good Kings.  
" 'Tis a dull Wisdom not to love, a cursed  
" Imperfect Virtue; and it is at worst  
" A Manly fault high Beauty to adore.  
'Tis fit my youth [divinely bend] explore,  
Not sweet variety to please my taste,  
But (to contemplate on) a Phoenix chaste:  
Whom having found, out of the vulgar path,  
My Soul (than wholly taken up with Faith)  
Shall shut out hope; For this pure Spirit that grasps  
In its immenseness whatsoever Heaven clasps,  
And Earth, contains yet but one Will; which one  
Should be so brave, and firmly moved upon  
Her centre, as to love eternally  
In a Life's moment: So without a Why,  
As if all Beauty it were death to covet,  
Or (saving only to love it) to love it,  
As if, even to deserve, were to encroach,  
And the least spark of favour, Faith's reproach.  
Then, racked with passion, to confess i'th' end  
A flame, which only pardon shall pretend,  
" Who (loving much) himself hath little sought,  
" If fault it be, hath done a civil fault.  
" Nor added to (in his more noble fire)  
" The sin of Love the crime of a desire:  
" Forcing his Mistress with too close pursuit  
" To kick him off with an enraged foot.  
" Importuned pity causes just disdain:  
Whilst self-denyers may enjoy their pain.   Rif. 
There's no such Liar as your Lover is:  
Not one of them but says, not one does, this.  
Wouldst thou have humane Love without desire?  
No, all below is culinary fire,  
Talk what they will.  Fel. 
The Captive died, and me  
This ZELIDAURA'S Beauty calls, to see  
If fame have not been lavish in her Praise;  
And, following the bright Lantern of her Rays,  
(Pretending to that God a Pilgrimage  
Whom superstitious Greeks adore in Delos)  
I quit my Kingdom (a poor Compliment)  
For I would quit as many, in her quest,  
As Spain possesses, or old Rome possessed.  
But, if I greater than a Kingdom be,  
(Since where I am, I am not without me)  
What do I quit?  Gen. 
Although there is no Law  
Which can a Country, and a People awe  
Like their KING'S Eye; thou leav'st at the stern two  
Great Statesmen, whose least praise, is that they bridle  
Envy's black Muzzel; who, of themselves good,  
Surpass themselves in goodness; since we see  
They are the better even for fear of thee.  Fel. 
Their Zeal and prudent Courage prop my Throne:  
Yet I too am not absent, though from home  
For Prince's care is over all that's theirs:  
Nor can good Kings have evil Counsellors.  
A King should be all Eye and Ear; he should  
Be learned, to be wise; wise, to be good.  Rif. 
I quake: This Prince was born to rule the World.  
O the transcendent baseness of a pack  
Of Hounds, of us, who (with what we call Loyalty)  
Not follow, but even hunt so sweet a King,  
And worry him! For those, whom I have known  
To boast most faith, and pure devotion,  
Have never been concerned how Riches Stream  
Ebbed with our Master, so it flowed with them.  Gen. 
In RIFALORO (for thy Recreation)  
Thou hast a Mirth without scurrility,  
An understanding wrapped in Raillery.  
In him is found a sober Madness, sport  
Without abuse; all very new in COURT.  
A Man so honest, that he will (I know)  
Speak always truth to thee.  Rif. 
He will not though.  
Nor lie, nor truth, shall from my mouth proceed,  
(Good my Lord General, there's no such need)  
Not lie, because to lie, is a disgrace;  
Not truth, for it belongs not to my place.  
My gay and frolic humour shall dispense,  
Not lies (I scorn't) not truths (they give offence.)  
ay, Truths? I'm not a Fool to that degree,  
'T would countenance lies, to have truths told by me.  Gen. 
Such then about all Majesty should come,  
As will tell Truths, and whom Truths will become.  Sound a Trumpet within. Fel. 
What's that?  Rif. 
A Trumpet here?  Fel. 
I'm ravished! this  
To noble Ears the sweetest Music is.  
Amongst these Trees a stately Pile I spy,  
Fair butt of the Desire, bound of the Eye.  Gen. 
Is 't not the Sphere of that Illustrious QUEEN?  
Thy Heart's strong Loadstone, drawing it unseen?  Fel. 
We are not got so far as Tartary:  
For yet we tread the Happy Araby.  Gen. 
Draw nearer let us.  Fel. 
Rather let us balk  
Vain Curiosities: For, when I walk  
Another way then towards my North Pole,  
I am complained upon by my own soul.  Gen. 
See, various Works, and strange Inscriptions under,  
Where Novelties lay to arrest our wonder.  Fel. 
It says here: Reads upon the 〈◊〉. 
I am a Bondage, or I am a Prize:  
I Marry with the Valiant, and the Wise:  
Valiant or Wise, alone, will not suffice.   
— And it says here: 
Beauty is denied a voice,  
In making for itself a choice:  
'Cause Reason would not trust a Bliss  
I' a thing so prone to choose amiss.   
The words are plain: But why they are writ here  
I cannot reach.  Rif. 
I can.  Gen. 
Then, prithee, say.  Rif. 
To make wise fools of all that pass this way.  Fel. 
Let's call.  Rif. 
Here hangs a Trumpet: Must we call?  Gen. 
Blowed, Rifaloro, do.  Fel. 
If here I shall  
Be held, but for one instant, my Love mourns:  
For a true Lover's Heart sits upon Thorns.  They call as before, and a Trumpet answers from within, and another different Giant comes up, who puts off his Hat. Rif. 
They come.  Gy. 2. 
Your pleasure, Knight? Draw near.  Rif. 
What's that?  
‛ Fig for your Courtship! Prodigal of Hat;  
Thou sleep'st in sheets, drinkest thy Sherbet with Snow,  
And waitest on Ladies (doubtless) to a Show:  
A Giant A-la mode—  Gy. 2. 
What is your Worship's pleasure?  Rif. 
Worship's too?  
Mountain of Bone, if thou canst tell us, do,  
What is embraced by this Castle's Dyke?  
Say, prodigy; to humane creature like.  Gy. 2. 
The fair Claridiana, who gives Laws  
To all this Country: For so strange a cause,  
And in so strange a way, Enchanted here,  
As (if you are at leisure) you shall hear.  The first Giant comes up very angry, and the second sneaks away. Gen. 
Say on.  Gy. 1. 
Peace, Busie; get you whence you came.  Gy. 2. 
I go.  Rif. 
He seems a GIANT, is a LAMB.  Gy. 1. 
Who is't would be informed?  Rif. 
A Squire.  Gy. 1. 
A Squire?  
Squires are no piece of History: Retire.  Rif. 
O Rogue! as long as this year and the last!  
Vizard of Valour!  Gy. 1. 
Squire? It makes me—  Rif. 
Nay, I deserve no better: Was I drunk,  
To raise that scandal on myself? Thou, Trunk;  
Thou, Pomontory; thou, deluge of flesh;  
Some Errand Knight with a white face shall thresh  
Thee out (I vow) and not one whole Bone leave thee,  
With glittering Morglay: For the gentle slit  
Over the Nose would never Giant fit.  Gy. 1. 
Out, Worm!  Gen. 
Great Porter (Giant is no more)  
Answer.  Gy. 1. 
(thouart troublesome) Upon what score?  
Wert thou a Knight, I would; but with this Mace  
I'll come, and purge you All out of the place.  Fel. 
Must I hear this, and purse up the disgrace?  
Rude, saucy, arrogant.  Gy. 1. 
('Twere good, in troth,  
If Giants should take notice of such froth.)  Exit. Fel. 
Knock, knock a thousand times, for I am—  Rif. 
(What, Orlando Furioso?)  Fel. 
A new HERCULES  
To break in fitters these enchanted Gates.  
But, what's Claridiana unto ME?  
Whether the wonder of the Earth she be,  
Or Envy of the Heaven? Away, away;  
My Soul cries shame on me for this delay.  Gen. 
Sir, though Love spur you, and your heart say no,  
Sleep, rest, repose a little; since you go  
So tired: Do more for Nations (whose Lives sheathe  
Themselves in yours) than for one Picture; Breath:  
Enjoy this cool cessation of the Sun,  
The gentle April's greenest Mansion.  Rif. 
This flowery Wood (so well described) enjoy;  
Thy love goes too, if thou thy life destroy.  Gen. 
Sit by this silver-fed, and murmuring—  Rif. 
Means he by that a COURTIER? or a Spring?  Gen. 
I go to see the Palfreys, do not move  
From the King, Rifaloro.  Rif. 
Of this Grove  Exit General. 
I am the sleepy Burgess.— Sleep'st not thou?  Fel. 
Ill custom this of sleeping; a dull badge  
Of humane frailty: Thief of love and life.  Rif. 
Has the world such a pastime, as dear Sleep?  
O folly of transcendent gust! to wink,  
And for some certain time of nothing think;  
But, if I were a King, I'd never lay  
My lids together, to reign night and day.  Fel. 
If sleep invade me strongly, That may sever  
My life some minutes from me, my love never.  
But 'tis impossible to sleep (we know)  
Extended on the Rack: If that be so,  Takes out the Picture. 
〈◊〉 'larum, come thou forth: Eloquent Mute,  
For whom high Heaven and Earth commence a Suit:  
Of Angel-woman, fair Hermaphrodite!  
The Moon's extinguisher! the Moon-days night!  
How could so small a Sphere hold so much day?  
O sleep! now, now, thou conquer'st me— But stay:  
That part thou conquer'st, I'll not own for mine.  
Tempest I seek, not calm: If the days thine,  
Thou quell'st my body, my Love still is whole:  
I give thee all of that which is not Soul.  
And, since in Lodgings from the Street Love lies,  
Do thou (and spare not) quarter in my Eyes  
A while; I harbouring so unwelcome Guest  
(As Men obey thy Brother Death's arrest)  
Not as a Lover, but a MORTAL—  He falls a sleep with the Picture in his hand. Rif. 
He's fallen a sleep; so soon? What frailty is?  
More like a Husband, than a Lover, this.  
If Lovers take such sleeps, what shall I take,  
Whom pangs of Love, nor Honour's Trumpets, wake?  Rifaloro falls asleep. Enter Zelidaura like a Huntress, with a Bow and Quiver. Zel. 

Solitude, of Friends the best,  
And the best 〈◊〉:  
Mother of Truths, and brought at least  
Every day to bed of one:  
In this flowery Mansion  
I contemplate how the Rose  
Stands upon thorns, how quickly goes  
The dismaying jesamine:  
Only the 〈◊〉, which is divine,  
No decay of Beauty knows.   

The world is beauty's Mirror; Flowers,  
In their first virginpurity  
Flat'rers both of the Nose and Eye,  
To be cropped by Paramours  
Is their best of Destiny.   

And those nice darlings of the Land,  
Which seemed heavens' painted bow to scorn,  
And bloomed the envy of the morn,  
Are the gay trophy of a hand:   

We, that are Queens, in stile and power.  
Serve but to take up a Man's Game,  
Into his hands to put the same,  
Who may neglect us the next hour.  
" She on whom greatness Heaven doth shower,  
" If she the Main is, or the By,  
The means of knowing is debarred;  
Therefore my CROWN I would discard,  
Because it lets me not descry  
Whether my fortune's loved, or I▪  
I am not foul, nor very proud,  
Yet, out of measure jealous grown,  
Lest Suitors (who my Palace crowd)  
Are come a wooing to my Throne.  
But, as in vain, with rueful tone   

The amorous Birds in flowery Vales  
Tell the fair Morn a thousand Tales;  
In vain do me these Lovers haunt:  
Little Twat'lers, ignorant  
Importuning Nightingales.   

With shooting I'll divert me—   Rifaloro talks in his sleep, at which Zelidaura startles, and, turning, spies Felisbravo. Rif. 
(Rare sops!)  Zel. 

I hear a Man— A Knight there lies,  
Who, in a Picture (eyes) the vaunted spoil  
Of some Court Beauty (whom he will beguile)  
Holds in his hand the Idol of his eyes.   She draws nearer him. 

He sleeps; she loves him, by this light:  
For Men, if handled with disdain,  
Cannot sleep (they're in such pain;)  
But if once they're loved, good night.   

SLEEP, and LOVE, are two blind Gods  
That have always lived at odds.  
Therefore th' Man that sleep is taking  
Little cares for him who's waking.   

Lullabyed in FAVOURS lap,  
No wonder this should take a nap.  
— Bless me! She loves him past all bound,  
His sleep could not be else so sound.   

He, her for ends, I lay my life;  
Those compassed, his flame dies.  
Sure, he considered her his WIFE,  
For she hath closed his Eyes.   

O that herself had napping catched  
Her Knight! that she might weep  
To see the much, for him sh' has watched,  
Rewarded with a sleep.   

That she with rage might understand,  
In Men, that Truth most prize,  
How soon a favour in their hand  
Is lessening in their eyes.   She draws yet nearer. 

LOVER (because ungratefuls worse,  
I say not foolish Lover)  
Thou shouldst have put it in a purse,  
The disesteem to cover.   

I'll take it from him: Let him wake  
As rightly served, as inly madded,  
Fond Ship-wreck of a Bliss to make,  
Which he despised because he had it.   Takes the Picture from him. 

Lady, thou art revenged by me;  
Without thee let him 'bide,  
Who, being in thy company,  
Could take himself aside:   

Whom favour made to face about:  
Who neither loves thee, nor did keep—   Looks upon the Picture. 

But, what is this! without all doubt  
I dream, if he 's asleep.  
I feel a hidden hand distil  
A poison flow into my will.   

My Organs in their places stand?  
'tis I (unhappy Beauty!)  
ay, limned? And in a Poltroons hand  
That sleeps upon his duty?   

Where's the due reverence to my state?  
(Heavens!) What is this face become?  
ay, pocketed? And by a Mate  
That uses me for Opium?   

The Root of Woman's Pedigree  
Makes me fear myself his Bride;  
Because myself I taken see  
(Whilst he sleepeth) from his side.   

I should love him by ONE Token,  
That his sleeps are so unbroken;  
But he wrongs me (I'm sure) by two,  
Pictured, and neglected too.   

To know who 'tis, more fear in me  
Then Curiosity doth move:  
For little is his Quality;  
If 'tis not greater than his Love.   

Another fault I cannot find:  
A sweeter Man my Eyes ne'er see!  
Here were a LOVER, if his Mind  
One by his Face and Shape could draw.   

If I have cost thee Love, (a pain  
Thou hast so rare an Art to hide)  
Thee I conjure, for my disdain  
Sufficiently be qualified.   She hears the footing of somebody. 

(People approach.) Masked with my fear  
In this same place again I'll be,  
To know news of him— (Love, hold there)  
I was about to say— Of me.   Exit. Enter Claridoro calling after her. Claro. 

Hear (fair one) thou a Man hast slain,  
Yet fly not for it;  
For, besides that 'tis in vain,  
'T will make the fact more horrid:  
In vain: for (Flowers up-growing  
Where thou art going)  
O ZELIDAURA, see  
Each ROSE accuses and confesses Thee!   

Through this dark Wood I shoot,  
Where thy scorns lead,  
And (Pencil of the Mead)  
Thy Milky Foot  
A Miracle doth show,  
That the red Flowers should spring from the white Snow.   

If thou'rt enraged to find  
My Murderess, I declare,  
My silence doth prepare  
To pacify thy Mind.   

But (HEAVENS!) How is that possible,  
Since when I tell my fear, my Love I tell?   Felisbravo wakes, and begins to speak to the Picture. Fel. 

Can, Can it be that I have slept?  
Then let my sin my penance be,  
For all that while I have been kept  
(Companion for a God) from thee.   Misses the Picture. 

Ha! The Picture? I had rather  
Myself were lost, (O heavenly Father!)  
He whom to wake that could not make,  
Let him sleep, and never wake.   

In my Coffin I should blush  
Though I now died of Grief and Love.  
One Life would for offending thus  
But slender expiation prove.   

If I die, my grief dies too,  
If I would kill grief and all,  
Death hath something else to do  
Than to come when Wretches call.   

If I die in fine, in vain  
Will a demi-cure be wrought:  
Death, that takes away my pain,  
Cannot take away my fault.   

Live then, I, and live my GRIEF;  
Wander my surviving Ghost  
(Stripped of her Solace chief)  
Round about this treasure lost.   

Let my Soul a stranger be  
To what e'er of comfort tastes;  
And my Body dying see,  
Whilst long-lived sorrow lasts.   

Ill on me is well bestowed,  
I have deserved so cross a fate,  
Whose misfortune most is showed  
In that I once was fortunate.   Claro. 
What does he prole about for here?  Fel. 

'Tis stolen from me (my Anger grow—)  
This Man hath stolen it— Cavalier,  
I'm one the WORLD (I'd have you know)   

Hath bourn so great, that (though in jest)  
I cannot any wrong digest;  
And (by none else to be dismayed)  
Of my own name I am afraid.   

Never did I, my whole Life long,  
With RAUNTS (you understand)  
Give to a Braggadocia Tongue  
The office of the Hand.   

Therefore, in courteous sort I pray,  
Deliver the Sun back.   Claro. 
What means the Man?  Fel. 
My Soul I say,  
Which I too long do lack.  Claro. 
Is he not mad?  Fel. 
Think not to put me off,  
By putting strangeness on; with it, in one  
Pencil, restore a thousand rays, a thousand  
Suns in one Picture.  Claro. 
Yet, I cannot reach him.  Fel. 
Restore it, or (I vow to JOVE) th' art dead.  Claro. 
I neither know your meaning, neither fear  
Nor esteem you: For let me tell you—  Rifaloro wakes, and gets upon his feet in a grant fright. Rif. 
What clattering 's this?  Fel. 
Not understand me? little  
Know'st thou whom thou offendest.  Claro. 
Thou know'st me little.  Rifaloro draws and puts himself on the side of Claridoro. Rif. 
Do, tame that Colt.  Fel. 
Thou dost misken me doubtless.  Rif. 
No, no, but to help one (a Medicine tried)  
Clap a hot Coward to the other side.  Fel. 
No fooling, my chafed fury shall consume him:  
Once I have sworn.  Claro. 
And, if my honest word  
Thou wilt not take, I pawn thee here my Sword.  They fight, when suddenly let there be a noise within, many Inventions are shot off, and all that may move horror and admiration. Trumpets and Drums loftily. 
But what is this!  Fel. 
What horror! 'less Heaven falls,  
Th' Enchantment is dissolving: or these Walls.  The same. The noise continues, sound Trumpets with much harmony and clash of War. Enter the General, and let a drawbridge fall from aloft, parting Felisbravo and Claridoro, and within let there appear a staircase, by which the Prince Floranteo is to descend richly clad, and with him the Giants, and let many horrible shapes be seen: And enter Zelidaura like a Shepherdess, and with her Roselinda in the same habit. Ros. 
The Adventure is tried doubtless by some Knight.  Zel. 
Hide me (rough Bark) while I enjoy this sight.  
But he that comes to try it, is the same  
That wore my Picture. O, fair Knighthood's shame!  
One Woman pictured, and another sought?  
That thou a Traitor art, is thy own fault:  
But, wert thou an ungrateful one, 'twere mine.  Let all the staircase be covered with Arms, and Appurtenances of War, and the covering and floor covered therewith, and let there fally out of the mouth of a Serpent a black Giant armed with a Club, and spitting fire. Gen. 
The matter, Rifaloro?  Rif. 
Do thou divine,  
I cannot now the while, I do fear so;  
Fear with me, and hereafter we shall know.  Floranteo puts himself between the two Adventures. Flo. 
Generous KNIGHTS, ambitious of the honour  
To interweave LAUREL with OAK, and twist  
MARS with APOLLO. From this dazzling wonder,  
From this fair Prodigy, from this (now) truth,  
But a Romance to succeeding Ages,  
This general Loadstone, BABEL that threats HEAVEN,  
A great ill Neighbour with fantastic Towers  
Your coming hath proceeded.  
Hear what it promises, what it contains,  
To what it binds, what it observes, what teaches:  
Laeomedon (the Glory of these Provinces  
Wise, learned, valiant,) in ARABIA was  
The last of all her Kings, whose Magic Voice,  
Which silenced Circe's and Medea's Charms  
(Bridle of Sea and Winds) gave the Stars Laws.  
A Daughter had he (Nature's Masterpiece)  
Who might boast verified in her perfections  
All that base FLAT'RY LIES, so without Art  
Handsome, that her unaided Beauty chides  
The lies and dims the truths of Rose and Snow,  
Her (crowned with Roses and pale jesamines  
A MAIDEN QUEEN) twelve flowery SPRING'S being there  
Out flourished by her Beauty, the sole Heir  
Of her Sires REALM and FAME, and that so sole,  
That she stands fair for sole Executrix  
To the ARABIAN PHOENIX—  
He (judging Beauty fit to be an EMPRESS,  
But an ELECTRESSE not, as having given  
So frequent cause of sorrow and disgrace  
To the unhappy Boasters of a face)  
To all the NOBLES of this Land presents  
And in her hearing uses this plain Language,  
One foot now in the grave. Love and Ambition  
Will from the spacious Universe hereafter  
Draw many Suitors to my Crown and Daughter:  
I will not that endangered by the SIREN  
Of cruel Flattery (which sings in Rocks  
T' entrap the wariest Ears) a false supplant,  
Or soft heart counsel her, Misfortune darkening  
The splendour of her Beauty; and, instead  
Of choosing a WISE Husband and a VALIANT  
(Her Eye, perhaps, swaying her to a fair one)  
A COWARD or a FOOL govern ARABIA.  
This said (and seconded with a dire SPELL)  
The cleft Earth trembles, uttering to the Air  
This glittering EDIFICE; In which incloyst'ring  
His fair INHERITRIX (with double wards  
Of task on task secured) He one ENCHANTMENT  
Locks in another, leaving (to the end  
Great Souls may try th' Adventure) much for VALOUR  
To cut, as much for WISDOM to untie;  
To have ARABIA so (Her Queen the Prize)  
Defended by the STOUT, Ruled by the WISE.  
For (to oblige his Realm) he did ordain  
These two (which make one PERFECT PRINCE) should Reign.  
Then on, young men, A Beauty and a Crown  
He gains that wins, the loser gains Renown.  Fel. 
He who doth seek this Realm, this Beauty wish,  
Let him these dangers conquer, court this Bliss:  
Not he, who doth adore a greater LIGHT,  
And mourns its absence in a longsome night.  Zel. 
One worn? One sought? A third loved? (facile Man!)  Fel. 
Nor think enamour him that Sceptres can,  
Whose Mistress is all Dowry, who reproves  
The Common truck of Mercenary Loves  
By his more noble thoughts, and doth disclaim  
All guerdon but the glory of his Flame.  Claro. 
The same say I, and that I too adore  
A greater Mistress, fortified with more  
Impossibilities than Heaven hath Lights.  Flo. 
I must propose a Question: Are ye Knights?  Fel. 
I am.  Claro. 
And I.  Flo. 
Then tell them (BROCADAN)  
The LAW observed here by every Man.  Gy. 1. 
The LAW is this; That whatsoever KNIGHT  
Presumes t'approach this famous CASTLES sight  
Shall, if th' ADVENTURE he shall then eschew,  
Confess himself a FOOL and COWARD too,  
Else We, the GIANTS, and WILD BEASTS that wait  
On our Commands, are bound to fight him straight.  Flo. 
And Whoso tries it, and shall fail, that he  
Remain behind t' expound the Mystery.  
My Case: Who had the Heart t' attempt the thing,  
But not the fortune to succeed therein.  Fel. 
Such baseness do these barbarous Laws obtrude  
On KNIGHTS, twice Valiant by their Oath and Blood?  
I'll end th' Adventure, that another's Eyes  
(More fair) may have a Rival to despise.  Claro. 
Vies he the Game? then I will see't,  
Whose LAURELS here I vow,  
For strew to fewer Feet,  
Not garlands of my Brow.  Trumpets and Drums softly. Flo. 

Let the Trumpets give the sign  
Let the second Draw bridge fall,  
And to the proof of WIT divine  
Both enter, for that first doth call.   The drawbridge falls down like a Portcullis, and let Rocks full of horror appear, and in them many dreadful Animals spitting fire. 

This Labyrinth decides the thing,  
Which he will show he understands,  
Who by the one door entering,  
Comes forth by that which right against it stands   Fel. 
Have at the Castle then.  Claro. 
The same I say,  
This day I am immortallized.  Fel. 
This day  
Imp I new feathers in the Wings of FAME  
With which to Heaven she shall advance my Name.  Zel. 
Clear Spirits both; and, if one's WIT burn dim,  
I, in my Picture's right shall blush for him.  
But, if he twice prove VICTOR, he must Marry  
Th' Arabian Queen— It cuts two ways—  Rif. 
They tarry  
Exceeding long (me thinks) my little bit  
What if tried of Prowess, and of Wit?  
'Tis but to third a Maze, and t' other thing  
Of being Valiant, and I am a KING.  Gy. 1. 
Said not I, Squires are only to look on  
In acts of CHIVALRY? Presto: Be gone.  Rif. 
St. Belianis! a Snake stung my toe.  Zel. 
IN COURT there's NOT A WORM BUT STINGS YOU KNOW.  Rifaloro either flies back, or is swallowed into the mouth of one of the Monsters, or a Giant snatches him, and the Giant goes out in wrath. Sound Trumpets. Within. 
[VICTORIA! VICTORIA!]  Zel. 
Who has won  
The Prize of Wisdom?—  Claridoro enters at the contrary door. Claro. 
CLARIDORO.  Flo. 
Son  
Of PALLAS, shadow with that Tree thy Head,  
Which ciphers hope, and yet of scorns 'twas bred.  He proffers Claridoro a Crown of Laurel, and he refuses it. Claro. 
No Conquest this, since for an unseen face,  
And ZELIDAURA is not in the case.  Enter Felisbravo very angry at the same door by which he went it. Fel. 
I lost the Prize of Wit (the stuff that lines  
A gallant Man) fond Error! which defines  
It WIT, a misty LABYRINTH to hit,  
More savouring of Memory than WIT,  
Whose lofty Plumes to higher things aspire,  
And fetch from Heaven the Promethean Fire.  
Quite contrary, a Memory was never  
A friend to Wit, but its discredit ever.  Zel. 
The Man wants BRAINS, and well he may, that gives  
His Mind to sleeping so, and idly lives.  Trumpets and Drums softly: Flo. 
Again, Young man. Those Monsters which did bear  
Thy Wit respect, make now thy Valour fear.  Claridoro draws and charges, and the Monsters spit fire. Claro. 
All their grim horror does but whet my Blade.  
Have at you dogs.  Zel. 
How bold he does invade!  Flo. 
How bravely he attacks!  Claro. 
But I aspire  
Impossibles; for though my Soul's on fire,  
Though it scorn all that's Monster, kick at danger,  
My strength is not immortal like my anger.  
O, Devils! Devils!—  Claridoro retires, and Felisbravo assaults the shut Gates, and they open in two parts, and the Giants appear to stop his passage. Fel. 
This day it will be seen, if Heaven think fit,  
Valour shall recompense the the want of WIT.  
I come, pale Monsters: Coward Beasts, 'Tis I:  
In my HAND Thunder, lightning in my EYE.  The Serpents spit fire, and go retiring and sinking down, and let the Giants come with their Clubs, and let there be much tumult and demonstration of war and danger. Gen. 
This can my valour suffer! to forsake  
My King's brave side! ENCHANTMENT I would make  
My way through thee, and his displeasure too,  
But that I know his Sword can more subdue.  Zel. 
They run, they run, with steel, and terror struck:  Trumpets and Drums. 
His arm may play, he kills them with his look.  Let the Giants and Wild Beasts fly sinking down. Fel. 
Fantastic dangers! Conquests of light Air!  
Give me fresh Foes, for I have deaths to spare.  Within. Floranteo Crowns him with Laurel. 
[Victoria! Victoria!]  Flo. 
To thy Brow  
This Laurel MARS presents, there to root, grow,  
And multiply. Th' Enchantment 'twixt you twain  
Is now dissolved; In her it doth remain  
To choose: And (see!) her Godhead doth unshrowd,  
Like Phoebus breaking glorious through a Cloud.  Corners. Let the Castle come down, with much Music, and let doors fall open with Crystal Casements, and much splendour, that it may be admirable to behold, and sitting in a Throne the Queen Claridiana with a Garland of Flowers upon her head. 
What a rare Beauty!  Claro. 
May she WIT abhor.  Zel. 
Grant, Love, she may not like a Man of War.  Let Claridiana come forth of the Enchantment. Cla. 
Arrogant KNIGHTS, who (foolish and presumptuous)  
Before you have been SUITORS, would be HUSBANDS,  
One of you two ye look now I should choose.  
How fond and vain an Error! since there be  
Yet greater charms to overcome in Me.  
'Twere more than time the disinchanted Queen  
Thanked both your Loves for taking down her screen,  
Could me by CONQUEST any Mortal claim,  
Or by his Wit (as people win a Game)  
I'd burn myself alive first. But, is't Wit  
The windings of a Labyrinth to hit?  
To overcome two Serpents, a pretence  
To be the Son of Mars? To speak a Prince  
Valiant to cut and slash, doth not suffice,  
Nor to resolve a RIDDLE styles him wise.  Speaks to the Company. 
To be a King (wise-valiant) of these twain  
Which battles wan? which Ruled a Land with BRAIN?  
If my free choice my unjust Father rest,  
Why was my WILL, why was my REASON left?  
ay, by Enchantments overruled to be?  
Not for two Thrones. My Body, but not Me,  
He did enchant— Preposterous! to bring one  
For us to see, when all's agreed upon?  
That our imposed Masters we must go  
First to obey, and afterwards to know?  
I ask not the sole making of my choice:  
But why am I denied my Negative voice?  
This Victory to me worse THRALDOM is,  
If it oblige me to be his, or his.  
But it shall not, I'll love myself alone;  
Not of the WISE nor VALIANT, but mine OWN.  Flo. 
Madam, a Queen might well choose either;  
But of the two—  Cla. 
This Queen likes neither.  
ay, for a Husband, the Discreet would have;  
But, for a KING, one both Discreet, and BRAVE.  
One I'll not injure, nor to two belong:  
Wise and stout you see are twain:  
Then (till they be friends again)  
If I refuse both, I do neither wrong.  Zel. 
How resolute, and how discreet!  
Envy couches at her feet.  Fel. 
How can be so wise, and fair,  
One that is not ZELIDAURE?  Claro. 
O, how worthy my applause!  
Though my LOVE another cause.  Zel. 
I find I'm not in love, since I  
Nor Envy feel, nor jealousy.  Cla. 
First plead the Cause, and try by dint of words  
If Brain or Valour most adorns a King;  
Those proving vain, then come t' appeal to Swords,  
And let those tongues of steel decide the Thing:  
He who the Bays of both these Duels gains,  
May wear CLARIDIANA for his pains.  Fel. 
(How little I that Glory prize!) Aside.  Claro. 
(How much do I that bliss despise!) Aside.  Fel. 
Where we left off, remember Knight,  
And the proud wrong which thou hast done.  They lay hands upon their Swords. Claro. 
Thy Insolence doth me incite  
To end the Quarrel we begun.  Zel. 
A Man who with my Picture came  
To combat for another Dame!  
I'm vexed, but jealous not a whit.  Trumpets softly. 
Ha! have we more Enchantments yet?  They begin to fight, and let there be a noise like the first, and let them be all divided, as if they saw not one another. Claro. 
The Earth is hid with terrors dire.  Fel. 
Heaven lets down sheets of fire.  Gen. 
What obscurity!  Claro. 
What sadness!  Fel. 
What horror!  Zel. 
What affright!  Cla. 
What gladness!  Ros. 
What fear!  Cla. 
Let twice my Liberty  
VICTORIA! VICTORIA cry.  Let them all disappear, the drawbridge be closed, the Portcullis drawn up, and the whole vansh in a trice. 
The End of the first Act.   

At the End of the first Act, the Lady Mary Cutinio, and the Lady Frances Tavara, came forth and Danced with swords (in form of a chain) The Gallery of Love.  Then the following Song, between the first and second Act. 

I.  
WHere TAGUS, Crowned with plumes of Woods,  
(Now master of the field)  
Makes to his Crystal Yoke the Floods  
Of proud HARAMA yield.   

II.  
BELIZA (Shepherdess on Earth  
The best that e'er swayed hook)  
The day of her Phileno's birth  
Did like an Angel look.   

III.  
And a new Choir of NYMPHS appears  
To celebrate in Verse  
(At least if Gods do count their years)  
His happy Anniverse.   

CHORUS.  
And in this Novelty,  
With brave variety,  
We all join as one;  
For the better adorning  
In the Western Levant the fair years of a Sun,  
Which make all but one Morning.   

IV.  
Now festive, and Majestical  
Have lost, on Tagus' shore,  
The fear of being matched at all,  
The hope of being more.   

V.  
After so much of Greatness shown;  
And an applause not under,  
Nothing will ever dare to own  
The title of a Wonder.   

VI  
For that BELIZA's Name (the stuff  
Of everlasting story)  
Alone is Festival enough,  
And hath to spare of Glory.   

CHORUS  
And in this Novelty,  
With sweet variety,  
We all join as one;  
For the better adorning  
In a Western Levant the fair years of a Sun,  
Which make all but one Morning.     

The Persons of the second Act, are the same with those of the first, adding,  
CUPID 
The Lady Isabel Gusman.  A GENTLEMAN 
The same Lady Isabel.  A SERVANT of Prince CLARIDORO 
The Lady Mary Salier.  A CITIZEN 
The Lady Lucy Prada.    

Querer por solo Querer: To Love only to Love.  

THE SECOND ACT.  After the foregoing Song, loud Music, and let Claridiana descend alone, by a pair of stairs on the right hand, and let it be quite another Scene. Cla. 

IN what a War, Father unjust,  
Hast thou plunged me? for what cause  
Didst thou confine my choice to Laws  
So Heterogeneal to my gust?  
What satisfaction to thy dust  
Can it be, I so should wed?  
Who put that fancy in thine head?  
That I should not be capabel  
To choose for my own self, as well,  
As thou for me, after thou'rt dead?   

O (in thy own opinion) wise!  
How have thy spectacles discerned,  
That there, where I am most concerned,  
I must be cozened by mine Eyes?  
Admit, they should their choice revise,  
And rue too late with sad reflection  
Their Error in their undeception:  
Were it not better owe that Ill  
To the deception of my will,  
Than to the wilfulness of thy deception?   

If to Enchantments thou confide  
My happiness, thou may'st with much  
More ground, what I shall choose for such,  
Trust to my Spirit and my PRIDE:  
If a Star's trusted to provide  
A Match for me, though that see far,  
'Tis fair, and therefore like to err  
In Happiness, and (with thy leave)  
As to Love matters (I conceive)  
A Woman knows more than a Star.   

If it be noted a thing rare,  
For Beauty fortunate to prove,  
Yet I may fortunately love;  
For what have I to do with Fair?  
But Beauty now will quite despair  
That ever Bliss to her should come,  
When (cruel Father!) by thy doom  
I, who have none, condemned must be,  
Dead to myself, to live to thee:  
Like a Watch-candle in a Tomb,   

Is it decreed I must admit  
Perforce of Love? what madness, this?  
Serves Beauty only to hand bliss  
T' another, that usurpeth it?  
Virtue, Education, Wit,  
To be noble, to be fair,  
To be every thing that's rare,  
Let not these for ever be  
Woman's infelicity,  
Let not these for ever scare.   

My years in HYMEN'S slavish bands!  
The freedom of my Soul reduced  
To live after another's Gust!  
ay, moulded in another's hands!  
At an imperious Man's Commands!  
It must not be: Let Men divine  
With similes; Let them in fine  
Date Beauty by a flower that blows:  
(How everlasting in a Rose!  
How trivial in a jesamine!)   

Fright Fools with this, That Youth 's a blaze:  
That, which my Envy doth engage,  
Is the Prerogative of AGE;  
Which from a higher ground survays  
The Labyrinth of humane ways,  
And, undeceived by Time, doth know  
That all's deception here below;  
And whether calm, or storm appears,  
Is laid up in the Bay of Years,  
And lets it shine, and lets it blow.   

No ancient Fester, no new Sore,  
Makes Age wish CUPIDS Bow were burst,  
For TIME by this hath cured the first;  
And high time 'tis, to have no more,  
Love's golden Field being now all hoar.  
Free I was born, and remain free;  
Mine own I am, If I will be  
Another's, 'tis my fault; with whom  
For me unhappy to become,  
Can never happen without me.   

Liberty, my noble Will:  
For these Ills, so well forecast,  
How bitter will they be to taste,  
When, imagined but, they kill?  
Indeed the Fates have used me ill:  
I ask them not Revenge, nor Pelf,  
But quiet, and to 'scape a shelf.  
This sure can be no great offence;  
'Tis begging in my own defence  
To pray I may but save myself.   Enter Floranteo. Flo. 

This now is LOVE'S last Will, and last shall be,  
Which (thankful to the hand that gave me death)  
Shall leave my Murtheress a Legacy,  
And sigh her Blessings with my dying breath:   

And these shall be not the first tears, which, stilled  
Out of the Bosom's principaller part,  
Shall have the Fate of Wealth profusely spilled,  
Which seldom meets with any grateful heart:   

And this shall be a Love so obstinate,  
That, for all Love it shall a pattern grow,  
To live in spite of Time, or Change, or Hate,  
Yet there's one comfort amidst all this woe,  
That, for a wretch his way to death to grope,  
There needs in fine, nor Remedy, nor Hope.   To Her. 

Upon the Licence given by thee  
This glorious Pile to come and see,  
Hundreds do flock, to view the Place,  
But thousands to behold thy Face;   

Whom, though these Knights did disenchant,  
Th' Adventure is not finished ye,  
Because that WISE, and VALIANT,  
Have not in one subject met:  
So, in the SWORD again it lies,  
By DUEL to decide the Prize.   Cla. 

I weigh not my dead Sires command,  
Where his Will his Law I find;  
No King that ever Ruled a Land,  
Could stretch his Empire to the mind,   

I wonder in my heart, that he  
(With all his Wisdom) could not see,  
The Husband he did fore-decree,  
Would not so well examined be  
By an Enchantment, as by Me:   

Nor so authentic in Love-matters  
An Old Man's judgement, as his Daughters.  
This is a Lott'ry, I profess,  
Not giving him the happiness  
Who hath most worth but best success.   

And may not I acquainted be  
With who they are?   Flo. 
It may suffice  
To know, they're both of Knight's degree,  
And that thy Sire was very wise.  Cla. 
I have a better way to know  
Who's Valiantest, and Wisest.  Flo. 
How?  Cla. 
He shall be the Valiantest  
Who my scorns best suffer can—  Flo. 
Good.  Cla. 

And him that loves me best  
I shall count the wisest Man.   

But sadly, I do live in fear;  
For, though I would not fair appear,  
And, though in truth I am not fair,  
Haunted I am, like those that are:   

And here, among these rustling leaves,  
With which the wanton Wind doth play,  
Inspired by it, my Sense perceives  
This snowy jesamine (whispering) say;   

How much more frolic, white, and fair,  
In her green-lattice she doth stand,  
T' enjoy the free and cooler Air,  
Than in the prison of a hand,   Flo. 

Madam, Thou might'st be pleased to read  
Other Lessons in this Mead;  
All whose Flowers (as from the Spring)  
Take from thee their life and being.   

See, this JESAMINE; which doth owe  
To thy HAND fingers of Snow,  
To its sovereign whiteness, how  
All his silver Banners bow!   

See, that sanguine Gilly-flow'r  
(Spicy, big with pearly shower)  
Which a new AURORA dips  
In the scarlet of thy Lips!   

See, the lily's so pure white,  
It might be margin to the Light!  
Such a white Foil to those black EYES  
Is that smooth Forehead's crystal Rise.   

See, a choir of Nightingales;  
Bidding thee a thousand Hales;  
Twice taken for their MORNING bright,  
By the Flowers; and by the Light!   

For in those clear Eyes, Ray for Ray,  
The SUN'S translated, and made better,  
And, flower for flower, in those Cheeks MAY  
Copied in a FAIRER LETTER.   

But, least in limning Thee my Art  
Should play th' unskilful PAINTER'S part,  
Let this Crystal RIVER pass  
For thy liquid Looking-glass.   

See thyself there! but, if thine Eye  
Too long on that sweet Centre dwell—   Cla. 

This Man (I fear me) by and by  
Will drop into NARCISSUS WELL.   

Since now I came, where I am Witness to  
The WORLD'S Ambitions, I have no content.   Flo. 
Not, that yourself you disinchanted view.  Cla. 

Thou namest the thing which I do most resent.  
Till then, I lived in jollity,  
On others dangers looking down,  
From the serene Tranquillity  
Which my Soul truly termed her own:   

For, placed above what MAN calls Bliss,  
And (into herself retired)  
By a heavenly Ecstasis  
Ravished, elevated, fired;   

She saw the multitude of Woes,  
A fair one on her self bestows,  
When 'tis her Riches, and her Pride,  
To see her LOVERS multiplied.   

Who, even to qualify disdains  
(For, not disdaining, BEAUTY's dull)  
Must be content to take the pains  
To be reputed Beautiful.   

And, if with beautiful disdain  
To let Men fall, it be her stile;  
Even by Refusals this they ' 'll'l gain,  
That she hath thought of them the while.   

I looked, if underneath the Cope  
Were one that loved, and did not hope;  
But from his Nobler Soul remove  
That modern Heresy in Love:   

When, hearing a shrill voice, I turn,  
And (lo!) a sweet-tongued Nightingale  
(Tender adorer of the Morn)  
In him I found that one and all:   

For that same faithful Bird, and true,  
(Sweet and kind, and constant Lover)  
Wondrous Passion did discover  
From the terrace of an Yew.   

And, though ungrateful she, appeared  
Unmoved with all she saw and heard;  
Every day, before 'twas day,  
More and kinder things he'd say.   

Courteous, and never to be lost,  
Returned not with complaints, but praise;  
Loving, and all at his own cost,  
Suffering, and without hope of Ease:   

For, with a sad and trembling throat,  
He breathes into her breast this Note,  
I love thee not, to make thee mine;  
But love thee, 'cause thy Forms Divine.   

Here now was candour! Here Faith strove!  
How ruled a pain! how full of duty!  
Not his own happiness to love;  
But to love another's Beauty!   

Where (O how base!) the Man, whose flame  
Soars highest, if he spy no Game,  
AURORA'S self (so fresh so gay)  
Shall see him late a second day▪:   

And I was scandalised at Love  
(If, since the thing did hence remove,  
The name remains) to find one can  
Believe a Nightingale, and not a MAN.   Flo. 

Believe 't (when he does love) a MAN  
Loves more than BRUITS or do, or can:  
His towering Passion scorns to vale  
T' a silly short-winged NIGHTINGALE.   

The Nightingale loves nothing else  
But the presence of his Dame;  
Love (like Faith) in this excels,  
That see, or not, it is the same.   

The MORNING hears his Roundelays,  
Which though she do not thank him for;  
A Dame, that listens to her praise,  
May be presumed not to abhor.   

The difference than is very great:  
For, where there is most diffidence,  
A Cause that can a hearing get  
Will pick an Eye of Hope from thence.   

But Oh! the space (Madam) the space  
Betwixt his passion, and relief,  
Who suffers, and restrains his Grief,  
Nor opened to the JUDGE his Case.   

For once I will discover mine,  
Not to persuade thee to incline  
The least, but only let thee see  
What silence thou hast owed to me.   

O, how it sweeten would my pain,  
Could my CAUSE hope but to be cast  
Out, after formal sentence past,  
In the fair Court of thy Disdain!   

For, though I have a Patience  
Which needs not this experiment,  
Yet I would owe experience  
Itself to being a Patient.   Cla. 

Henceforth thou shalt not to my face  
Tell me I would not hear thy CASE;  
Nor me with thy dumb Passion twit,  
For thou hast disinveloped it.   

Him, who his silence for respect  
Obtrudes upon my estimation,  
For punishment I will direct  
To speak in nothing, nor no fashion.   

For, if he persevere not mute,  
I'll tell him, and I'll (smiling) do 't,  
What time his pain hath speechless been,  
'T was 'cause (being small) he bit it in.   

Which if he now could do no more,  
But LOVE broke ope his prison door;  
Though with dark-keeping he was mad,  
He 's tame, since he began to gad.   

I make no difference 'twixt a wrong,  
And telling me thou dost despair;  
LOVE haulks at hope, when in a Tongue  
He walks abroad to take the Air.   

If nourish hope thou ought'st not, Thou  
Dost thyself wrong, as well as me,  
Confiscating by speaking now  
The merit of thy Secrecy.   

He, that of honour understands,  
Pained, hath his cure in his own hands:  
The glory of concealing it,  
The smart of suffering it doth quit,   

And (FLORANTEO) for the Truth  
Of thy Affection, I should doubt it,  
But that one thing confirm me doth,  
That I desire to be without it.   Flo. 

My Error did not think to be  
So much beholding unto Thee:  
And faintly hoped, from thine own mouth  
The undeceiving of my Youth.   

ay, better than I looked for, fare;  
Though I presumed to entertain  
Some thought, that to complete despair  
I might be helped by thy disdain.   

Be not so prodigal of scorns,  
On me thy Rigours do not waste;  
With such a deluge of good turns  
I may grow insolent at last.   

And I to thee would owe no more,  
Meaning to die to pay this shot,  
And set thee something on my score—   Cla. 
I hear thee, and I hear thee not.  Flo. 
My death will bring some good to thee  
In ridding thee of me.  Cla. 
I doubt it:  
Thy death will bring no good to me,  
For I'll be rid of thee without it.  Offers to go away. Flo. 
Into the Garden comes a Knight.  Cla. 
Withdraw, that I may see, unseen,  
Whether, or no, he doth acquit  
The promise of his Princely Mien.  Exit Floranteo. Cla. 

No Man was born to be my Husband, no Man  
Deserves a Love. For as, when this Man's scorned,  
His everlasting whining deafs a Woman;  
So that grows saucy, if his Love 's returned.   

The best unjustly blames the worst of Fate,  
Is it unjust to give to all their due?  
He is a Man; enough to merit Hate:  
He loves me; that's unpardonable too.   

Nor let fair Virgins murmur at their chance  
Of being entitled to ill luck. O dull,  
Though frequently repeated, Ignorance!  
Is 't no good luck then to be beautiful?  
For if to make us happy, Men were able;  
What needed more to make us miserable?   Enter Felisbravo. Fel. 

A second ARGO, freighted  
With Fear and Avarice,  
Between the Sea and Skies  
Hath penetrated  
To the new World, unworn  
With the red footsteps of the snowy Morn;   

Thirsty of Mines,  
She comes rich back, and the curled Rampire passed  
Of watery Mountains, cast  
Up by the winds,  
Ungrateful shelf near home  
Gives her usurped Gold a silver Tomb.   

A devout PILGRIM, who  
To foreign Temple bore  
Good pattern, fervent prayer,  
Spurred by a pious Vow,  
measuring so large a space  
That Earth lacked Regions for his Plants to trace;   

Joyful returns, though poor,  
And, just by his abode,  
Falling into a Road  
Which Laws did ill secure,  
Sees plundered by a Thief,  
(O happier Man than I!) for 'tis his Life.   

Conspicuous grows a TREE,  
Which (Wanton) did appear  
First fondling of the Year  
With smiling Bravery,  
And in his blooming pride  
The lower house of Flowers did deride:   

When his silk Robes, and fair,  
(His Youth's imbellishing  
The Crownet of a Spring,  
Narcissus of the Air)  
Rough Boreas doth confound,  
And with his Trophies strews the scorned ground:   

Trusted to redious hope  
So many months the CORN,  
Which now begins to turn  
Into a golden Crop;  
The lusty Grapes, which (plump)  
Are the last farewell of the Summer's pomp;   

(How spacious spreads the VINE!  
Nursed up with how much care!  
She lives, she thrives, grows fair!  
'Bout her loved Elm doth twine)  
Comes a cold Cloud, and lays  
In one, the Fabric of so many days:   

A silver RIVER SMALL  
In sweet Accents  
His Music vents  
(The warbling Virginal  
To which the merry Birds do sing,  
Timed with stops of gold the crystal string)   

He steals by a green Wood  
With fugitive feet  
(Gay, jolly, sweet)  
Comes me a troubled Flood,  
And scarcely one sand stays  
To be a witness of his golden days.   

The ship's up weighed;  
The PILGRIM made a Saint;  
Next Spring recrowns the PLANT;  
Winds raise the CORN was laid;  
The Vine is pruned;  
The Rivulet new tuned;  
But in the Ill I have,  
I'm left alive only to dig my Grave.   

Lost BEAUTY, I will die  
But I will thee recover,  
And that I die not instantly  
Shows me more perfect LOVER:  
For (my Soul gone before)  
I live not now to live, but to deplore.   Cla. 
(This is he that was more stout.) Aside.  Fel. 
In these blind Paths I go,  
To hunt my Foe;  
Whom having once found out,  
His Blood shall purge the soil  
Of a short nap, and an immortal spoil.  Cla. 
(Well (believe 't) the Man's no Fool,  
Nor a boisterous Swordman solely:  
For Wisdom (taught in Sorrow's School)  
Is the Child of Melancholy.) Aside.  Fel. 
Am I a Prince? or am I vile?  
Am I a refined LOVER?  
Am I stout? yet all this while  
Not the PICTURE to recover?  Cla. 
(Heaven be juster than that he  
Have a Picture had of me!) Aside.  Fel. 
Fairest Madam, well 'tis seen  
I was ignorant indeed,  
That durst wrong so bright a Queen—  Cla. 
(Wronged he me in word or deed?) Aside.  Fel. 
Yet wise enough I am to know  
Losing my painted Mistress,  
The unpainted one will after go—  Cla. 
(Else she herself a STATUE is.) Aside.  Fel. 
A Voice!  Cla. 
He has me in his Ear,  
Therefore will I myself unshroud,  
And try his Wit too— Knight.  Fel. 
Who's there?  Claridiana shows herself. 
What Heaven! what Sun breaks through a Cloud!  Cla. 

Though my presence All admit,  
Thy presumption wants much Wit,  
If, before the ENTERPRISE  
Be wholly finished, thou suppose  
To pry into the Mysteries  
Which these enchanted Walls enclose.   

To tame two Dragons you account  
Is one Woman to subdue;  
But, upon an Audit, true,  
It will not to so much amount.   

LOVER'S are HEROICAL  
When they sigh, and when they weep,  
When before our Feet they fall,  
When they stand in studies deep.   

MANHOOD I despise not (This,  
And justly, all the WORLD approve)  
But show, what kind of Manhood 'tis  
Which conquers in the Wars of LOVE:   

And, the great odds if Thou regard  
Betwixt MYSELF and this dire Spell,  
To vanquish It Thou found'st it hard;  
But Me it is impossibel.   Aside. Fel. 

RESPECT may to this Dame be shown,  
Though MISTRESS I another call:  
For, though the Heart can lodge but one,  
CIVILITY hath Room for all.   To Her aloud. 

CLARIDIANA (Theme of FAME)  
I am a Man would blush my Flame  
Should own an Object, but the most  
Accomplished one the WORLD can boast.   

And know my Spirit is so high,  
That at less Game it scorns to fly  
Then where the greatest difficulties lie.   

This, which my lucky SWORD hath lately reaped,  
Was not the Victory I did design;  
Whose Valour for a SHIELD is kept  
To bear the brunt of scorns divine.   

Over strong Spells to be victorious,  
Guilds (I must confess) a name,  
But, to submit unto a DAME,  
This to me seems much more glorious.   

For there, my valour takes my part,  
My strength, and my good Sword, befriend me:  
But in this War I have no heart,  
No steel Breastplate can defend me.   

If, first the Foe's invincible,  
And I betrayed by my own fear;  
T' o'ercome how is it possible  
Where arms against my self I bear?   

In the glorying of my Love  
I abide no Competition,  
Nor in the cause whence it doth move,  
Nor of the pain in the fruition;   

Yet, so great Love my grief exceeds,  
And this grief likewise owns a chief:  
For a lost Lady my Heart bleeds,  
But 't will not break, and that 's my grief.   Aside. Cla. 
Equally witty, and discreet;  
He covers, but not hides his Flame;  
Holds his Game so, that I may see 't,  
Yet I'll not seem to see his Game.  To him. 
With what end lov'st thou?  Fel. 

With what end?  
My Love is the perpetual moving;  
No end in loving I pretend,  
No end will ever make of loving.   

Love is of Love the only scope:  
Love scorneth to be mercenary:  
You find not such a word as Hope  
In all the Lover's Dictionary.   

Nay, LOVE alone doth scandal me:  
For the silent'st and most wise,  
From sights, from peeping is not free  
Out at the casements of the EYES.   

See, 'twill now and now 'twill hear;  
And the least of joy it gits,  
Whether at the Eye, or Ear,  
Puts it clean beside the wits.   

First know, I have a Misteriss;  
Then, that to her true Faith I bear:  
And, where Faith once through kindled is,  
Superfluous are the SENSES there.   Cla. 
Hop'st thou nothing?  Fel. 

Nothing I.  
Either hope, or yet desire.  
Yes I do, to live and die  
In this elemental fire.   

She, in herself, is proof 'gainst all:  
Then, for me to aim at her,  
Were to add a Brazen Wall;  
So successless is my Star.   

Nor so alone in things of Love;  
But my Life over and above,  
Because on her it doth depend,  
I have no power to make it end.   

And (the full Case to understand)  
My Life and Death, because in fine  
Love hath put them in her hand,  
Both are therefore out of mine.   Aside. Cla. 

From the mark I shot not wide,  
When him of folly I did quit:  
For the sharp SWORD that arms his side  
Hath much to envy in his WIT.   

'Tis not against Majesty  
His discretion to approve;  
Nor, if his good parts I spy,  
Must it presently be love.   

His goodly shape, his flowing mien,  
His talk, and what his valour wrought,  
May claim attention from a QUEEN,  
Yet ne'er sink deeper in her thought.   

A leaning (KNIGHT) I do confess—   Enter Zelidaura and Roselinda in the habit of Shepherdesses, their Faces muffled with silver Scarfs. Zel. 
In this Countrey-tone and dress  
Disguised rudely, safe we are.  Ros. 

Manlike bent to feats of War  
Of a Woman's left in thee  
Only Curiosity.   

What boots it thee to understand  
Who a Man is?   Zel. 
What dothed boot?  
When I my picture found in is hand,  
And now may opportunely do't?  To Felisbravo. Cla. 
Lies your happiness in this,  
To overcome the other Knight?  Fel. 
Madam, all my life and bliss.  Cla. 
In the name of MARS then, fight—  Aside. 
Who grant (say I) thou mayst subdue!  Zelidaura spies them together▪ Zel. 

Bless me! who is this I see?  
(Is it?— 'Tis not—) Ah! 'tis HE:  
With CLARIDIANA too:   

O Sigh! base brat, not of the Royal Mind,  
With which I'm lined,  
But of this Clown's false cover  
I have drawn over.  
What matters it?— Much, the contempt— In Love  
The least misprission doth High Treason prove.  
This hath a tang of jealousy.  
ay, disordered? Plaintiff, I?  
Should any thing the heavens' beneath,  
Make me a mean complaint to breath!  
ay, resentments! ay, in wroth!  
ay, concerned in breach of Troth!  
I? who, to make fond LOVE depart,  
Hung padlocks on my Eyes, and Heart.  
Though in this war, I feel beginning,  
I doubt not in the end of winning  
The victory; one moments wasting  
This way, I pay with blushes everlasting.   

CLARIDORO scorned, and curbed,  
Not for neglect, but too much Love?  
Am I asleep to one I have disturbed?  
Doth one, that sleeps at me, my 'larum prove?   

Odd fegaries hath this CUPID;  
Strangely killed, and strangely born;  
If kindness make him dull and stupid,  
And if that he be roused with scorn.   

But what have I to do with LOVE,  
And the frailer WOMAN'S LAW?   Cla. 
Women are there in this grove?  
Then 'tis time that I withdraw.  Aside. Fel. 
'Twas for manners I forbore  
To take leave of her before.  
Ah! ZELIDAURA, (Mistress fair)  
No joy is, but where you are.  Aside. Cla. 
Of Valour thou mayst justly boast,  
That conquer'st wheresoever thou go'st.  Claridiana goes away by degrees casting looks back at him. Zel. 
So is split in twain a RIVER,  
And the streams (bound several ways)  
In a kind of amorous maze  
Back at one another gaze:  
As this melting Couple sever.  Cla. 

Inclination, not so fast:  
For from me one gracious look,  
Speaks more in that diminutive book,  
Then other Women in a VOLUME vast.   

From me then (LOVE) enough is wrung:  
For where HONOUR ties the tongue,  
She, who doth a Suppliant hear,  
Makes him answer with her Ear.   To Him. 

Knight, to overcome endeavour.   Fel. 
Lady, I shall do't, or die.  Aside. Cla. 
Disinchanted, more than ever  
Re-inchanted now, am I  Exit Claridiana. Zel. 
Just there, where I did point thee, stay:  
But come, if any bend this way.  Ros. 
Alone you'll be, if I am gone,  Zel. 
By myself, is not alone,  Ros. 
True: The Man doth still remain.  Zel. 
Then, I am alone again.  Exit Roselind 
I'll see, whether his wit keep pace  
With his valour, garb, and face.  Fel. 
What a spanking LABRADORA!  Zel. 
You (th'unkent Knight) Godyegudmora!  Fel. 
(The Time of day thou dost mistake)  Zel. 
— And joy—  Fel. 
Of what?  Zel. 
That I discover,  
By a sure sign, you are awake.  Fel. 
Awake?— the sign?  Zel. 
Your being a Lover.  Fel. 
In love am I?  Zel. 
And very deep.  Fel. 
Deep in love? how is that seen?  Zel. 
Perfectly: you do not sleep.  Fel. 
Rustic Excellence, unskreen,  
And discover that sweet face,  
Which covers so much Wit and Grace.  Zel. 
You but dreamed so: sleep again,  
And forget it.  Fel. 
Why now (Saint?)  Zel. 
Why? the LADY, that went in,  
Luke's, as if that she did paint.  Fel. 
What has that to do with sleeping?  
She is, indeed, Angelical  Zel. 
That Picture now's well worth your keeping:  
For why? 'tis an ORIGINAL.  Fel. 
Is this Shepherdess a Witch?  
Or saw the sleeping Treason, which  
I committed against LOVE,  
Erst, in the ENCHANTED GROVE?  
Me, hast thou ever seen, before?  Zel. 

Seen? ay, and know thee, for a Man  
That will turn him, and sleep more  
Than a dozen Dunces can.   

Thou kenst little, what Sighs mean!   Fel. 
Unveil (by JOVE) that Face serene.  Zel. 
What, to make thee sleep again?  Fel. 
Still, in Riddles!  Zel. 
Now, he sees:  
This pinching wakes him by degrees.  Fel. 
Art thou a Nymph.  Zel. 
Of PARNASS-GREEN.  Fel. 
Sleep I, indeed? or am I mad?  Zel. 

None serve thee, but th' INCHAWNTED QUEEN?  
I think what dull conceits y' have had,  
Of the Bird PHOENIX, which no Eye  
e'er saw, an odoriferous Lye.   

How, of her Beauty's spells, she's told;  
That by her spirit thou art hawnted;  
And, having slept away the old,  
With this new Mistress worse inchawnted.   Fel. 

I affect not, Shepherdess,  
Myself in such fine terms t' express;  
Sufficeth me, an humble strain:  
Too little happy, to be vain!   

Vnveil—   Zel. 
Sir Gallant, not so fast.  He offers at her Scarf. Fel. 
See thee I will.  Zel. 
See me you shall:  
But, towch not Fruit, you must not taste.  
What says it, now the leaf doth fall.  Vnmuffles herself. Fel. 
It says, 'tis worthy to comprise  
The KERNEL of so rare a Wit:  
Nor, that it grows in PARADISE,  
But Paradise doth grow in it!  
The tall and slender TRUNK no less divine,  
Though in a lowly Shepherdesse's RIND!  Aside. 
This should be that so famous Queen,  
For unquelled Valour, and disdain.  
In these ENCHANTED WOODS is seen  
Nothing but Illusions vain!  Zel. 
What stares the Man at?  Fel. 
I compare  
A Picture, I once mine did call,  
With the divine Original.  Zel. 

Fallen asleep again you are▪   

We, poor humane Sepherd-lasses,  
Nor are pictured, nor use Glasses.  
" Who skip their rank do 'mselves, and Betters wrong:  
" T' our Dames (God bless them) such quaint things belong.   

Here, a tiny Brook alone,  
Which, frenged with borrowed Flowers (he has  
Gold and siler enough on 's own)  
Is HEAVENS proper Looking-glass,   

Copies us; and I●● reflections  
Showing natural perfections,  
Free from soothing, free from Error;  
Are our Pencil, are our Mirror,   Fel. 
Art thou a Shepherdess?  Zel. 
And bore  
On a Mountain called, There—  Fel. 
Wear'st thou ever heretofore  
LADY'S clothes?  Zel. 

I LADY'S Gear?   

Yes (what a treacherous Powl have I!)  
In a COUNTREY-COMEDY  
I once enacted a main part  
(Still I have it half by heart)   

The famous HISTORY it was  
Of an ARABIAN— (let me see)  
No, of a Queen of TARTAREE:  
Who all her Sex did far surpass  
In Beauty, Wit, and Chivalree:   

Who, with invincible disdain,  
Would fool, when she was in the vain,  
Princes, with all their Wits about them;  
But, and they slept, to death she'd flout them:   

And, by the Mass, with such a Mien  
My Majesty did play the Queen:  
Our Curate had my Picture made  
In the same Robes in which I Played.   Fel. 
And what's thy name?  Zel. 
LAURA, forsooth.  Fel. 
O pleasant Play, and bitter truth!  
That I, who dreamed of ZELIDAURA,  
Should wake, should wake, and find her LAURA!  Aside. 
O beauteous Counterfeit of Majesty!  
NATURE, what made thee make so fair a Lie?  
Where is that crowned Beauty now become?  
That lion's Courage, kindling at a Drum?  
Those manly Deeds? Those Paps, which Armour pressed?  
achilles' once more in a Kercher dressed?  
SEMIRAMIS'is Mode, who not with Box,  
But Teeth of LAURLEL, combed her golden Locks?  
Where, my heroic and dear Flame, which sprung  
From Painter's Pencil, and a Captives Tongue?  
Consumed to ashes of a Rustic Love,  
Rude Goddess of these Rocks, and this wild Grove?  
Is't come to this? I then absolve thee, sleep;  
And blame my high thoughts, that so low could creep.  
To TARTARY will I, But I am mad  
If I do love that Queen, unless she add.  
This Beauty to those Virtues; and shall rave  
If both this Body, and that Soul, she have.  Aside. Zel. 
What stands he muttering to himself? May be  
He likes me not. If he fought after me  
Under the notion of a QUEEN, I'd have  
Him find me a mean Shepherdess: I save  
My Honour so. The Traitor shall not think  
He (ZELIDAURA in his hand) could wink,  
Hence Women learn, for all your LOVER'S brags,  
Men are no friends to Beauty clothed in Rags.  
If Beauty strike LOVE'S Fire, why should it, less,  
Than in a QUEEN, placed in a SHEPHERDESS?  
Nor does; but (when it seems the World to set  
On fire) where dowry wants, the tinder 's wet▪  To Him. 
Might I entreat your Worship's Name,  
And the business you have here?  Fel. 
Squire of a foreign Prince I am,  
Who to this glorious Theatre—  Zel. 
Not a Master? By my troth  
My own tongues end it was upon:  
A mischief take thee, by thy sloth  
I thought thou wert a Zerving-mon.  Fel. 
No more that string.  Zel. 
He goes concealed▪  Aside. 
A Knight he is I'm certain; At  
Th' Enchanted Castle I saw that;  
And, by his garb too, 'tis revealed.  To Him. 
Follows he (saidst thou) this Emprize?  Fel. 

In love, upon the score of Fame,  
With the most accomplished DAME  
That ever murdered Man with Eyes,   

And the World's greatest Queen; to this  
Enchantment came he, where an envious Thief  
(The Coward Rival of his Bliss)  
Found means to rob him of his chief  
Delight, and Glory, in that thing  
From which his most Heroic thoughts did spring.   Zel. 
O Usage, courser than my Coat, and more  
Than I could bear, were I as Lambkin meek!  
That one, who ZELIDAURA wore,  
Should CLARIDANA seek!  
'Tis to apostatise from Reason,  
To think more of him. Treason! Treason!  
To enter my Benevolence,  
At the back-gate of an Offence!  Enter Roselinda. Ros. 
CLARIDORO comes— he's here:  
Muffle thee quickly.  Zel. 
What disgust?  Fel. 

One, to be born a Mountaneer,  
That owes such Beauty? how unjust!—   

Who is 't?   Zel. 
A Man, of whom I stand  
In awe a little.  Fel. 
(O, that hand!—)  
Rural Goddess, keep'st thou Sheep?  Zel. 
Yes, and myself I better keep.  Enter Claridoro. Claro. 

I'd love without reward, and cannot do 't,  
To love, is Love's Reward; I would endure  
For her, what not? and that such joy to boot  
That in my smart I play the EPICURE.   

I pray 'gainst Life, and with the self same breath  
Unpray that Prayer, lest it the GOD'S should hear  
'Tis to be out of pain; I then fly death,  
And Valour counsel me what others fear.   

If I do live, my wound may seem but slight;  
And if I die, LOVES TROPHY I remove:  
To live, 's to pine; to die, 's to lose her sight;  
My two supporters then, are Grief and Love:  
For where Grief's Dropsy, and Love's Fever strive,  
Though either kill, both often keep alive.   To Felisbravo. Zel. 
In fine, aspirest thou to be glorious  
By conquering thy Competitor?  Fel. 
'Tis that my Love contendeth for.  Aside. Zel. 

O, Mayst thou never prove victorious!   

But do: for mine own self, I conquer will,  
And whom thou conquer'st then, it doth not skill.   Claridoro turns and sees them. Claro. 

What's this? what see I there? Is 't not  
ZELIDAURE, who (meanly clad)  
Hath her own Majesty forgot,  
And affronts my Love too bad?   

What jealous thoughts surprise me? I do fear  
She (bent to Arms) affects the Valianter:  
But he was not so; if to dare things high  
Be Valour, who was valianter than I?  
ay, who her first of Alms am yet to gain,  
Of her facility shall I complain?  
Was not enough for me my own distress,  
But I must die of others happiness?  
My Soul contending with so many Foes,  
I would not have it sink with Envy's blows.  
" More generous wounds were made for nobler Hearts,  
" and in base blood are steeped pale ENVY'S darts.  
Thus, jealous I should be, and know not how.  
ENVY I could, but ENVY disallow:  
Then must I bear it? must I? let me think—  
'Twere monstrous tameness to look on, and wink.  
Nor LOVE, nor HONOUR, such a Scene approve:  
I'll chide then, mixed yet with respect and Love.   To Her. 

Ho! Shepherdess, is this well done  
To mind thy Recreation  
In Garden, whilst another way  
Thy flock doth on the mountain stray?  
Although head-shepherd thou have not,  
Yet nothing is by gadding got.  
Perdie, to see thee in this plain,  
Gripes many a sprunt and jolly Swain.  
Back to the field, and Brooks return,  
And Pastures grazed in heretoforn,  
Nor mell with any other's sheep,  
Sith thou a flock of mine dost keep.   To Him. 

Nor Thee, th' ambition of whose fire  
Doth (soaring) to a QUEEN aspire.  
Beseems it stoop from so high place,  
A Rustic Shepherdess to chase.   Zel. 
How courteously the cares that do him press  
He hath cut out, and measured by my dress.  Fel. 

In rustic phrase his jealousy  
Of her he vents, and pike at me.   

Then I suspected not in vain  
He stole the Picture; in the face  
(When he espied it) reading plain  
The features of this RURAL GRACE.   

Undoubtedly she is his own—   To Claridoro. 

You will not now, Sir, face me down,  
But that, when I bad watch did keep  
(Surprised, e'er by the foe, by sleep)  
Thy treacherous Envy came an stole  
(Not more out of my hand than soul)  
A Jewel which I then called mine,  
Though much despise it since 'tis thine,  
Yet must and will I have it back,  
Not that I It esteem, or lack;  
For, the whole gust I take therein,  
Is now, to take 't from thee again.   Claro. 
I think thou art not yet awake,  
But I shall rouse thee— Dost thou stare?  Zel. 
A truer word you never spoke:  
He sleeps with spread Eyes like a Hare.  Fel. 
Traitor I'll be revenged—  Claro. 
Rude Man!  Aside. Zel. 
Must I step in to part you than?  
If I do rear it, on my word,  
This hook shall be a two-hand-sword—  This she must say Majesticaly like a Queen, without Felisbravo 's perceiving it. 
Hold both, or I—  To Felisbravo. Claro. 
Though not thy Quarrel, mine I understand—  Zel. 
Hold, CLARIDORO: It is I command—  To Claridoro. Fel. 
In fine, dost thou deny it still?—  To Zelidaura. Claro. 
I obey thy unjust will.  Enter Claridiana and Floranteo, with Attendants. Cla. 
ZELIDAURA was 't you said,  
Like to a Shepherdess arrayed—  Turns and sees them quarrelling. 
Swords drawn i'th' Garden? who are we?—  Flo. 
Why Gentlemen, it cannot be,  
Whilst yet th' Enchantment is not brought  
t'an end, in COURT a Duel fought  
Unlicenced? when with licence too  
Ye may the same thing shortly do?  To Felisbravo. To Claridoro. Cla. 
I come—  Fel. 
Or do but stand me there—  Zel. 
I'm rent with doubt.  Cla. 
I die with fear.  To both. Flo 
Provide ye Arms, and fight it out—  Zel. 
(O how fiery!  Cla. 
O how stout!)  Claro. 
I never provide any thing—  
Within me I of all am stored—  Fel. 
And I both a sharp stomach bring,  
And a long knife to fall aboard.  Fight again. Zel. 
How implacable!  Cla. 
How cruel  
They do a fresh in Battle join!  Zel. 
May neither conquer in this Duel.  Cla. 
Yes, one! and then the Conquest's mine.  Zel. 
In either Valour doth abound.  Cla. 
Discretion is in neither found.  To Claridoro. Zel. 
With thee how little I persuade?  Cla. 
Our Guard!  
Of Monarchs that last Reason will be heard.  She stamps, and sallying out, the Guard parts them. Claro. 
Madam, if now you stop our rage—  Fel. 
The promised Combat—  Cla. 
Take our gage—  Throws her Glove to Felisbravo. Exeunt Claridoro, and Felisbravo at several doors, and Claridiana turns to Floranteo. To Floranteo. 
Wouldst thou have me believe a Queen, whose name  
In Triumph sits over the wings of fame,  
Lurks now disguised in ARABIA?  Flo. 
If her such manly virtue decks,  
That she's the wonder of her Sex,  
Were't not another wonder, she  
(Greedy of Knowledge, as of Arms)  
Should leave unseen these fights, and charms,  
Thy Realm too being so near his own?  Cla. 
Withdraw I'll talk with her alone.  Exit Floranteo. Ros. 
CLARIDIANA this way doth make  
To speak with thee—  Zel. 
Two short words take—  
Your Countenance hold, what e'er you hear;  
Stop your mouth, and open your ear.  Cla. 
Hola! sprightly Shepherdess.  Zel. 
What commands thy Ladyness?  Cla. 
Discover, by thy life, that face.  Zel. 

Now by the facks) this of your GRACE  
Needs no comfort, nor no foil,  
For Skies and Meads it doth revile.  
Or see (if thou must needs have one  
To set it off) you cloudless Sun!   

Then for thy Beauty (challenging  
Of Heaven the witness principal)  
O'er me a Gloria to sing,  
Would prove a conquest very small.   Cla. 
Art thou fowl?  Zel. 
But envious not,  
And so civil (markst Thou that?)  
That to acknowledge I'm not squeemish  
Her to be fair, who hath no blemish,  
Nor, where it is, will hit a Blot.  Cla. 
Whom loves an ugly woman best?  Zel. 
An uglier woman— Was 't well guest?  Cla. 
Thou, a Shepherdess? Prompt Lass,  
What is thy Business in this Place?  Zel. 
Marry (no Treason 'tis I ween)  
To zee the fair INCHAWNTED QUEEN,  
And the brave dundring of Alarms:  
For, from my very Nurse's arms,  
According to our Country word,  
I loved the slish-slash of a Sword.  Cla. 
Lo, half thy Errand! I am she:  
And therefore, give consent that we  
Our Eye too with the sight may bless  
Of so divine a SHEPHERDESS.  Zel. 
Highness, mock on:— Behold the Wight!  Takes off her silver Scarf▪ Cla. 
O Golden Morn of Silver Night!  
What modest confidence! quick Air!  
What Spirit! what excess of fair!  
What quaint, and more than courtly dress!  
What exquisite neglecedness  
Of those curling billowy Locks  
Flowing round two Ivory Rocks!  
What hands! that have to take their part  
Not care itself (so far from Art)  
Yet conquer all the World: wherein  
A red Soul peeps through the white Skin!  
SOL might envy her least grace.  Zel. 
I knew, yowed mock me to my face.  
How easily are People got  
To praise, that which they envy not?  
I am not yet a Clown so much,  
But, when I see your Beauty such,  
I find, into my CROWN you beat  
The part, I should to you repeat.  
Nothing beneath, or in the Sky,  
Holds beautiful when you are by:  
Possessing not so much in common,  
As Envy, with an ugly woman:  
But, when the splendour of your Rays  
Is more than all the World can praise,  
Releasing much of what should come to you,  
You pay to all the World above their due.  Cla. 
A new delight her words provoke  
By the rare grace with which they're spoke  Zel. 
I know, why LADY likes my wit;  
And why my Face remains her debtor.  Cla. 
Why?  Zel. 
I know—  Cla. 
Then out with it.  Zel. 

Vaith, because her own are better.   

I'd have all fair ones discommend  
My Face; I would upon my word.   Cla. 
Why so, my understanding friend?  Zel. 
O! then, they are with Envy stirred.  Cla. 
But Envy croaks, and Snakelike stings—  Zel. 
Believe me (Princess) no such matter:  
No Sycophant so sweetly sings:  
" For she that envies me, doth flatter.  
" This back-hand praise goes homest still,  
" 'Tis strucken with so good a will.  Cla. 
ENVY is Adulation then?  Zel. 
Thou hitst the Nail on the head right:  
And I have heard from Book-learned Men,  
" 'Tis courtly Rudeness, and kind spite.  Cla. 
Prithee, what wouldst thou counsel me to do,  
If me for Goodness ENVY should pursue?  Zel. 

Be ten times better than thou wert before,  
That ENVY may pursue thee ten times more.   

That is the way which I affect,  
No treason lurks, no malice there,  
If I myself alone correct,  
To be at full revenged on Her.   Cla. 
In every point she doth perform—  Zel. 
Envy, a piteous creeping worm!  
" A brave, and happy Pride it is,  
" To envy neither WORTH, nor BLISS.  Cla. 
Dost thou happily know LOVE?  Zel. 

Who is his Worship? Is it not  
A foreign Prince, who, they said, died above  
A twelvemonth sin of a great Cold he got?  
Yes, by hear-say, I do know him,  
Not that any spleen I owe him   

For mischief he to me, or mine hath done:  
Though I have heard a long-long-while agone  
The COURT he troubled, and the COUNTRY spoiled,  
Till he both COURT and COUNTRY was exiled.   Cla. 
Dost thou not Love?  Zel 
A Question  
To ask a fool, have I not youth?  Cla. 
Whom lov'st thou then?  Zel. 

My cell alone—  
Nay, I have a curious tooth—   

Love? what a base disgraceful word!  
The sound is harsh, and shrill.  
Lies all the Valour in the Sword?  
No conquest o'er the Will?   

Nor it a decent part hold I  
(So much unto myself I owe)  
To speak of that thing knowingly,  
I do not, nor I will not know—   

But do you love?   Cla. 
What is to Love?  Zel. 
To deny 't.  Cla. 
A Rustic LASS?  
Hard question to one bred in Court 't would prove—  Zel. 

Not when she's in her Teens my word I'll pass.   

If you do love, with wondrous Care  
Hide that unfortunate disease:  
For (feggs) declared Affections are  
The Mother of Unthankfulness.   

I knew a Gallant (from zuch keep)  
Who, having zome how made his prize,  
But a Dame's Picture, dropped asleep  
With that Sun shining in his Eyes.   Cla. 

Troth, let them sleep or let them watch,  
All Men alike are cheap with me:  
To whom (for favours none they catch)  
They never can ungrateful be   

From Love (a contemptible Foe!)  
My retreat make I by broad-day;  
And look on Suitors just as though  
They were Mad Lovers in a Play:  
No, Fear not me, in such a way.   Zel. 
Kenn'st thou the Tow're where Confidence doth dwell?  
REPENTANCE lives hard by in a low Cell.  Cla. 
Ill dissembling Shepherdess  
(For now dissemble Shepherdesses too)  
If thy Courtesy 's not less  
Than thy Beauty, thy Name show.  
By my Life.  Zel. 
A powerful Spell!  
This now would make a Gallants heart  
Leap out, much more his name—  Cla. 
Well, well,  
Tell me both what, and who, thou art.  Zel. 
Fairest CLARIDIANA, than,  
I say I am no Shepherdess—  Cla. 
A Woman asks not like a Man—  
Tell me thy Name—  Zel. 

I am— (suppress   

My Name I will—) a great Lord's Daughter,  
Nor a less Soldier; taking after  
My Father so much, that his Trade  
I follow in the Mountain-shade:  
For such do I take HUNTING for;  
Not counterfeit, but substitute of WAR.   

reverence I bear to thy Command—  
But, Madam, do not ask me more:  
The Keys are in a sullen hand,  
And Porter Silence keeps the door.   Cla. 

I will not press thee 'gainst thy Mind:  
But since thy Soul hath manly scope,  
And that great MARS, and PHOEBUS (joined)  
Are Masters of thy HOROSCOPE;   

I will that thou, in habit fit,  
Come straight to witness with thine Eyes,  
And by Ourselves in judgement sit  
Betwixt the Valiant, and the Wise:   

And I shall then make my Election  
More by thy vote, than my own Eye;  
" For more (and chiefly in affection)  
" Than Gamesters, see the Standers by.   Zel. 
Madam, my part is to be ruled.  
To whether stand'st thou most inclined?  Cla. 
To him that loves me most.  Zel. 
I should  
To him that bears the bravest mind.  Cla. 
My liking upon thine depends—  
(Thus I shall dive into her ends.)  Aside. Zel. 
I'll study the contentment of your GRACE—  
(But (with your leave) mine own in the first place.)  Aside. Exeunt, and enter Rifaloro crippled, between two Giants. Rif. 
Charitable, loving, sweet,  
Good faced Giants and discreet,  
Spite of so many lying Books  
That paint you Fools with ugly looks.  
ORLANDO, and the KNIGHT O' TH' SUN,  
Pay you this good work ye have done;  
And peaceably die in your beds,  
With all your senses in your heads;  
No Errand Knight, in hideous duel,  
Be so unconscionably cruel,  
Armour and all, with Blade in fist,  
To cleave you down from paul to twist.  
Squires (inconsiderable Wights)  
That bind yourselves Prentice to Knights,  
Mark well this doleful Story all,  
And take Example by my fall:  
Leave ERRANTY to those stayed Wags  
Who charge upon their running Nags,  
Who enter ne'er the Lists, though sore  
Threatened above a Month before.  
To those too, who do there appear,  
Having nothing to do there:  
Their Gennets Bells, and their own Gulls:  
The People's laughter, and the Bulls;  
Leave it—  Gy. 1. 
Leave satyrizing thou.  Rif. 
If I am not abusive, How  
Shall I in reputation git,  
And be canonised for a WIT?  
A Drole, and not satirical?  
I never knew but one in all  
My life, and 'twas a precious Fool,  
The never-enough-praised O TOOL!  Gy. 1. 
Sas! Coward, bustle up thyself.  Gy. 2. 
Ah! Brother, do not harm the Elf.  Rif. 
O Giant of my Guard! into  
Thy hands I recommend me do.  Gy. 2. 
The PERSIAN entertain no fear.  Rif. 
I do not, but it will be here.  Gy. 2. 
Shall I heal thee in a trice  
By Magic?  Rif. 
Hast thou that Device!  Gy. 2. 
See! thou art whole.  Rif. 
Ha! I am well:  
A MIRACLE! A MIRACLE!  
St. Sacrepant! I run, leap, skip  
And fly, like Beggar cured with Whip.  
Let not the DOCTORS know of this,  
For they will take it much amiss  
If any 's cured without their aid;  
Yet where's the Cure that they have made?  
The Church hath DOCTORS too, and they  
Complain of wrong too in their way:  
That empirics DOCTORS are become,  
And DOCTOR'S Patients now— but Mum.  Enter the General. Gen. 
Horrid confusions do I tread:  
And Mazes upon Mazes thread  
In this new COURT, where FELISBRAVE  
Transported with his Conquests brave,  
In the pursuit thereof suspends  
The progress to his amorous Ends.  Gy. 1. 
RIFALORO, wilt thou eat  
(For I would give thee some choice meat)  
A salv'ry Leg, or little Wing  
Of a Camel which we bring?  Rif. 
I would not rob your Grandiships:  
We say, LIKE LETTUCE TO LIKE LIPS.  
This, if you please (having been sick)  
A Chine of Beef, but not too thick.  Gen. 
Of Rifaloro somewhere near  
The whining Echoes strike my Ear.  Gy. 1. 
Say, shall we post thee through the Air in nimble  
Eggshell, to PERSIA, or in vagrant thimble.  They go about to lay hold on him, and he cries out. Rif. 
No, no, a sober Mule: the Spanish pace  
On foot, or mounted, not the Wild-goose Chase.  Gen. 
'Tis he, and those same Giants dire  
About to murder the poor Squire:  
Hold, Cowards! what is this ye do?  Gy. 1. 
Slave, who are we, and what are you?  Rif. 
Hold, tardy succ'rer of distress!  
These are Giants of the Peace.  Gy. 2. 
Consider, valiant Knight—  Gy. 1. 
With those  
That rant, my Courtesy is Blows.  
lose me that I may kill him.  Gen. 
Come,  
Presumption; but be sure strike home:  
Those Rebel-Gyants I would scorn to fear,  
Whose Mountains, to scale Heaven their Ladders were.  Rif. 
GEN'RAL, y' undo me with your wrath,  
These Worthies are my friends in troth,  
I tell you true, done more for me they have,  
Than my good Grandam who is in her Grave.  
I owe (and shall acknowledge whilst I breathe)  
A thousand favours to their Worships: Sheath  
Thy Blade, and be advised to be more pliant:  
The Knights not always sure to kill the Giant.  Gy. 2. 
This more: Since the dissolving of the Charms,  
Know, that we Giants must now lay down Arms.  Rif. 
Well fare thy heart, O Giant well inclined,  
Holy and sage, and of a peaceful Mind!  
He tells you true, the Books are clear in't all;  
To wit, Parismus, Amadis de Gaul,  
And Cavalier del Phoebo— Then 'tis rare,  
To unpick quarrels, when Laws studied are.  Enter a Gentleman called Zelindo. Gent. 
Prince FLORANTEO willeth you  
From CLARIDIANE to show  
Unto the Noble Strangers, all  
This Enchanted Court.  Gy. 1. 
We shall.  
Mark; and thereof ye shall be showed  
Each Rarity, and every Mode.  Rif. 
Are there Complaints? Are there Ambitions?  
Lies are there? Are there ill Conditions?  
Are there Envyings? Are there Words  
Sweeter than the Tunes of Birds  
Before one's face, behind the door  
Back-racket-strokes of a lefthanded MOOR?  Gent. 
How e'er enchanted, Court 'tis still,  
Here they do lay their sick and ill,  
Of vast extent their SPITTLE is:  
The Quarter of the Grumblers, This.  Rif. 
Bad men they are; yet have they had much wrong;  
Reaping Rewards, which to the Good belong.  Gy. 1. 
There are the enviows.  Rif. 
Good Lads those,  
They kill themselves: Give me such Foes.  Gy. 2. 
There, those, good Fortune, puffs.  Rif. 
To morrow  
I'll talk with them." Such never can bear sorrow.  Gy. 1. 
There, those, who judge by the successes still.  Rif. 
May all their Actions be condemned by iii.  Gy. 1. 
Here, those, that trust in PRINCE'S FAVOUR.  Rif. 
Presumption! bind them to their behaviour.  Gy. 2. 
A swarm of DUENIAS, there.  Rif. 
With things  
I will not meddle that have stings.  
Duenias, Mondonga's, Dwarfs and Pages,  
I leave to bold Plebeian Stages.  
In COURT is sacred every Lawn,  
Each setting Beauty, or which now doth dawn,  
I there adore: Each Tyar a DIADEM,  
A wielded SCEPTRE each shaked Fan doth seem.  
I call each Quoif, nay every Bib, a CLOTH  
Of STATE, and all for fear I'll take my Oath.  Gent. 
Of Court Diseases talk no more, for there  
Of others weal we all are sick I fear.  Gen. 
What, not one honest Man in Court then?  Gent. 
Yes,  
A Thousand in the Spanish COURT there is:  
Whom you shall see in Magic Perspective,  
Applaud the Golden Age they now retrieve.  Gy. 1. 
What is that old short Man we spy?  Rif. 
I take 't he writes a Comedy  
For the MENINAS.  Gy. 1. 
Who are they?  Rif. 
A flight of Birds the first of May:  
Whose chirping Bills (which true Division run)  
Will flout, and out of Countenance dash the Sun:  
And I can tell a Secret of them too:  
But if thou tell 't again, By all that's true—  (Gy. 1. 
I tell?)  Rif. 

They would have Husbands, and exact  
From him a Farce, themselves intent to act  
On that high day which to the WORLD did give  
Their Royal Master on whose Beams they live.   

And four hundred Columns terse,  
And a conceit in every verse,  
And a disdain to each eight feet,  
And a Sonnet in each sheet,  
And to every part, they ask:  
To comply with which huge task,  
The foresaid Poet by main strength  
Wire-draws his PLAY to such a length,  
That, for a life 'twould serve, of one  
That does no good under the Sun,  
Or after whom there's an Advowson,  
Or before whom there are a Thousand,  
Or of a Suit in CHANCERY,  
Or of a COURT expectancy,  
Which is th' Eternal of Eternity.   Gent. 

Four hundred hours last let it,  
And he who so is wearied wilt,  
The name of tedious shall get  
Unto himself, with Clown to boot.   

For a FESTIVAL, set forth  
To celebrate PHILENO's years,  
By BELIZA's Royal worth,  
Should stop the motion of the Spheres.   

And merits to last evermore,  
As do the years it doth adore.  
Come, see Wonders that surpass,  
In this enchanted Looking-glass!   Relates, as seen in the enchanted Glass, the Festival which the Queen of Spain made at Aran Juez for the Birthday of the King. Gen. 
Here view I (with what sweetness blessed!)  
Beauteous CYTHERIAS Nest:  
And a BABYLON of Flowers  
'Mongst so many pleasant Bowers.  
What an illustrious Palace fair!  
Such a Playfellow the Air  
Hath not elsewhere: None so nigh  
And splendid-neighbour hath the Sky.  
If DRAGONS kept the GOLDEN-FLEECE,  
And Apples of th' HESPERIDESES,  
In the Fable: In this Truth  
(Fairer than the Morning's youth)  
HARAMA (a glib Crystal Snake)  
A Girdle to her Fields doth make;  
TAGUS (a silver Giant) falls  
At the feet of her proud Walls.  
— This SEAT  
To whom belongs it?  Zelind. 
To the Great  
Shepherd PHILENO, who appears  
Fuller of fame, and Worlds, than years.  
Whose foot, whose hand  
(Both temperate in Command)  
The one an easy yoke doth sit,  
The other is a prudent Bit.  Gen. 
— Who  
Leads to this Bower of Bliss?  Zelind. 

That new  
PHOENIX of Spain, swathed in fire,  
Son of himself, and his Great Sire.  
Fair seav'nteen Springs hath he complete,  
Whose understanding is so great,  
That in his pupillage appears  
Th' expecience of an hundred years.   

And in these fields is celebrated  
That happy day unto the Earth  
When he received his Royal Birth,  
Whence GOOD men's hopes, and BAD men's fears, are dated.   

Him his two Gallant BROTHERS follow,  
Luminaries bright of SPAIN,  
Sparks that fly out of his Flame,  
For they are Stars, if he APOLLO.   

On whom both Purples we shall view,  
Of TIBER, and of DANOW too;  
The one his CROSIER glorify;  
The other raise his SCEPTRE high.   

The Festival you see doth come  
From his Illustrious SPOUSE; in whom  
(Of two WORLDS sitting at the Helms)  
EARTH more perfections sees, than Realms.   

For but of one Ray of her Hair  
(Since seldom Kings have Kindred weighed)  
On the mere score that she is fair,  
A Clasp for two Crowns might be made.   

Not Lily of France, but Rose of brown  
Casteel, that to our SOL shall bring  
A Spanish Violet to heir his CROWN;  
‛ Sted of a Flemish jesamin.   

Another equally divine  
SHEPERDESSE, that, stead of those  
Flocks of Swans, which TAGUS shows,  
Shall reign the EAGLES of the RHINE;   

Fair SISTER of the MASTER-SWAIN  
(Whose parts betwixt respect and fear  
The proudest merits do constrain  
To strike their sails) consorts with her.   

And of an hundred NYMPHS beside  
(The love and envy of the SUN)  
Accomplishments so multiplied,  
So without earthly Paragon,   

That not her Train, and less her Eye  
Filled up to the brim with Glory,  
Either her Royalty belie,  
Or leave imperfect Beauty's story.   

Majesty, and sumptuous clothes,  
And the Art to put them on,  
And variety of those  
All without comparison.   

The Valleys sing, the Mountains skip,  
The Elms and Poplars dance and trip,  
APRIL himself a part rehearses,  
And pricks his flowers in all the verses.   

NIQUEA's GLORY (whose strong Spells  
Even conjure up Impossibles,  
And Miracles of Wit do muster)  
Is the Theatres first lustre.   

The second is the golden Fleece,  
Which having first begun in GREECE,  
The way to TROY did after find,  
And ends in SPAIN with ILIUM'S fire refined.   

And now the Play without doors is  
A dull Man's (who his homely Quill  
T' excuse in part) can tell you this;  
Without command he writes not ill.   Sound a Trumpet. 

A world of People flock together  
To be spectators of the sight:  
And from this Instrument I gather  
Th' approach of one, and t'other Knight   They sound another Trumpet near. 

To the crowned Lists.— Let's go, to gain  
A fight of them: And live this MORN,  
And rising Sun, and Stars of SPAIN,  
Till crippled Time be made their scorn.   Exeunt. Cornets. Sound drum's and much Harmony, and Enter at one door, with a splendid Train, and very brave in Apparel, Prince Claridoro; and if they will they may be armed, or leave that till the last Act; and at another door King Felisbravo, with a splendid Train likewise, etc. and the General, with many others by his side; and let a Curtain be drawn close, Cornets sounding, and on a high conspicuous Throne behind it, let Claridiana and Zelidaura at her right hand, appear, as gloriously clad as may be, and in the fashion they like best; and many Ladies seated upon the Strada, and Floranteo standing at the bottom of the foot pace upon which the Throne is, and the Giants like two supporters at the Ends thereof; and enter Rifaloro with his Master, and with Claridoro a Servant of his, receiving instructions for something from his Master. Claro. 
Be sure this part now be well played,  
Entering as if thou wert afraid.  Seru. 
Put no, if, to 't, I shall be so.  Claro. 
(By this Invention I shall know  
If Zelidaura's stay here, be  
Love, or Curiosity.) Aside.  Seru. 
I go.  Claro. 
This is the War alone  Exit Servant. 
In which I fear to be o'erthrown.  Now let the Curtain be drawn back, and each make a profound Reverence to the Queens, and the Queens rise from their seats, as likewise the Ladies, and then the Knights make a Reverence each to other. Comppany. 
With what a careless Bravery They  
One another do survey!  Gen. 
And how composed, like honourable Foes,  
They interchange Saluting before Blows!  Cla. 
Both are gallant.  Zel. 
Gallant, both:  
Yet I with each am in such wroth,  
That I to neither side incline,  
Though I am one's, and t' other's mine.  Claro. 
Ha! ZELIDAURA on the Throne?  
She doubtless hath herself made known  
To CLARIDIANA.  Fel. 

I  
Am made up of perplexity!   

The Picture went at first for ZELIDAURA,  
TARTARIA's Liege! then represented LAURA!  
A Shepherdess! and now again one seen  
In Sovereign posture by a Crowned QUEEN!   

Once more sleep I bolt upright:  
When shall I wake, for I do move  
Like one that's waking, and my sight  
Equivocates, but not my Love?  
Who will this glorious Woman prove?   Flo. 
Knights, the Queen stays; and now the last  
Dice of FORTUNE both must cast.  
Dispute, if that untie it not,  
Your Swords must cut the Gordian-knot.  Claridoro takes off his Hat, covers again, and gins. Claro. 
MADAM: (Since you remitted have to words,  
That which at first were better tried with swords)  
I argue thus; By Books Wars Art is taught,  
And without WISDOM no great thing was wrought.  
Thus the great Son of THETIS (dire annoy  
And ten years' Plague of miserable TROY)  
Had his Head armed with Prudence more than Steel,  
Or than his Mother left unarmed his heel  
By the learned CENTAUR: Thus KING filips Heir  
(Who envied tother's TRUMPET more than SPEAR)  
Instructed was, in Aristotle's Cell,  
To understand the World, and then to quell:  
Thus Marched high CAESAR through the heart of FRANCE,  
A Pen in one, in t'other hand a Lance,  
And, in the Pride of that Success, did show  
To BRITONS bold an armed CICERO.  
With the same weapon (to abridge disputes)  
Men conquer Men, with which Men conquer Brutes.  
Of BEASTS, more fierce, more strong, more armed are many  
Than MEN; and BARBAROUS MEN as stout as any,  
More numerous far. But WISDOM tames the BEAST,  
And WISEST NATIONS mastered still the rest,  
Until the Brutish WORLD it's own strength knew,  
And with their MAXIMS fell their EMPIRES too.  
'Tis not the brawny vigour of an Arm,  
But inward courage (which the heart doth warm)  
Makes FORTITUDE: A Life-despising Eye,  
And (not to conquer, but) to dare to die.  
Strength makes it not. It I like strength did want,  
And met like dangers, I'm more valiant;  
Because my Soul was of a larger growth,  
And, when her Second failed her, fought for both.  
He that outlives his Honour is a Fool:  
To Cure a Coward send him then to School.  
But many Valiant have outlived their Fame,  
For lack of Wit to play an aftergame.  
The Wise weighs all things, who sometimes doth know  
The Soldier's Praise is to decline a Foe;  
And (slighting Rumours) his safe glory sums  
In this, that," He fights best who overcomes.  
" Who rashly fights (though he the World amaze)  
" A valiant Fool will be his best of Praise.  
When a great CHIEF his Squadrons up hath led,  
With others hands he fights, but his own head;  
Therefore (and fitly) for such valiant wile,  
His head hath BAYS, his Soldier's hands the SPOIL:  
And when the Sword decides a bloody Fray,  
Their HANDS that one, his HEAD fights every day.  
" Thus only Prowess unto KINGS pertains,  
" Who ought to wear their Valour in their Brains.  
As, though ten thousand hands a PALACE frame,  
Yet he, whose Head contrived it, bears the Name:  
Just so a PRINCE, who acts with others hands,  
(His own Head steering) EARTH and SEA Commands.  
Upon a Couch the CONTINENT he awes,  
And from a COUNCIL gives the OCEAN Laws.  
To hack wild Beasts is not a Sovereign's part:  
Kings fight not with their Hands but with their Art.  
I end: In Iron WAR, in PEACE's Down,  
Their MAXIMS Conquer, and their COUNCILS Crown.  A Flourish. With the noise whereof Feli: bravo rouses as out of a deep Muse. Fel. 
(Little of all he said heard I,  
Such a diversion have I had  
Of Beauty, like a Rustic clad  
Sometimes, sometimes with Majesty!) Aside.  
THE SWORD—  Takes off his Hat, makes a Reverence, then, covering again, proceeds, speaking to the Throne. 
— Made EMPIRES; VALOUR guards rich WISDOM'S Coffers,  
As Fear betrays the succours which it offers:  
He then whom Danger mazes, may for Brain  
Go to the Camp, he went to School in vain.  
When a great Leader, a great Rest doth play,  
PRUDENCE gives aim, but VALOUR wins the day:  
And, though he's not obliged a Breach to enter  
The first, his Men must know that he dares venture.  
If Valour he ne'er showed, what's truly Wise  
Will be in him reputed Cowardice.  
COWARD is a Disease bred in the Liver,  
Which qualified may be, but cured never.  
Wise Men (and therefore they are Wise) do know  
How to seem valiant, if they are not so.  
Who venter's farther than is fit, a Sot,  
A Madman may be called, but Coward, not.  
And, who his Valour's Proof doth long forbear,  
Would be thought wise, but will be thought to fear.  
To die is very well; but yet to kill,  
Is more; the Victor is the Victor still.  
A Soldier boasted to a King his gashes:  
But give me him (quoth he) that gave such slashes.  
A valiant Prince, he is his Empire's Wall:  
Safe without Armies, Terrible to all.  
Of Realms acquested, THESE THE SWORD DID WIN-THE-FIGHT,  
We say, though POLICY did most therein.  
Now, to whose Name the FECIT put you see,  
The MASTER-BUILDER, past all doubt, is he.  
Council may moderate a Prince that's rash:  
But who shall fortify a Spirit lash?  
High Mettles, like strong Wines, may water bear:  
But Council's vain, where there's the Traitor FEAR.  
No King should so presume on WIT, to think  
To govern Lands with Pens, and Seas with Ink:  
Better than at a COUNCIL-TABLE, He  
In TENTS the Land, in CABINS rules the Sea.  
Well may a Prince be learned, Perfect none  
Who wants that best supporter of a Throne.  
But (for we skirmshed have too long with words)  
Prepare to feel that SCEPTRES live in SWORDS.  Trumpets. They Draw: The Queens rise in their Seats, sound a Charge, the Giants put themselves between the Knights: A Cloud descends, and in it the God of Love with a Nymph, who in a Basin brings many fresh Flowers, and amongst those some withered. Cup. 
How's this! Suspend your Furies.  Zel. 
Heaven  
With wonder new lets down the Skies,  
And crowns the Earth with Prodigies.  Cla. 
The Valianter did much outgo,  Zel. 
That is because you wished it so:  
But the Dispute was balanced even.  Cornets. Cup. 
Claridiana fair and bright,  
I am LOVE who come to light  
Thee out of this dark Wood th' art in,  
And if thou wouldst have him to win  
Who loves thee best, I'll let thee see  
Which infallibly is Herald  
But (will or nill) the sovereign  
Decree of Heaven doth thus ordain,  
That he by whom thouart most adored,  
Shall be thy Husband, and thy Lord.  Aside. Cla. 
Since he that was the Valianter  
Loves me, I'm sure, what need I fear  
The sentence, but may well submit  
My Soul and Will to Heaven and It?  
Thus cut I with my People's grain,  
Nor can the losing Knight complain.  To Cupid. 
Great LOVE, my Glory 'tis that thou  
To clear my doubts to Earth wouldst bow:  
With thee I trust them.  Cup. 
Then, that Man  
Who these withered Flowers can  
(Put into my hand) recover  
To pristine state, is thy best Lover.  Zel. 
Who but that stranger Knight there can it be,  
That came to fight for her, and injure me?  Claro. 
In me what venture is't, if I  
Do for ZELID AURA die?  Fel. 
If ZELID AURA I adore,  
I may venture upon that score.  Cup. 
Noble CLARIDORE, advance.  Let him take a dry Flower, and put it in the hand of Cupid, and let it dissolve to ashes. Claro. 
In Name of the ARABIAN Queen  
Let this withered Flower grow green.  Cup. 
'Tis fallen to ashes.  Cla. 
What good chance!  Zel. 
What ill luck!  Cla. 
The Victory  
Stays, with my wishes wings to fly.  Zel. 
O mayst thou ne'er victorious prove!  Cup. 
Glorious INCONNU, move.  Fel. 
I deliver thee this same  
In CLARIDIANA'S name.  This Flower too falls to dust. Cup. 
Dust it is, and transitory.  Cla. 
This is Treason.  Zel. 
This is Glory.  Rif. 
Into my Country I will carry  
A Receipt so necessary,  
To prove all Men what ever Liars,  
Who blind poor credulous Women with false Fires.  Cup. 
Brave FLORANTEO, draw thou near.  Cla. 
Avaunt!  Cup. 

If he in worth and birth is peer  
Unto the proudest of them all, in vain,  
CLARIDIANA, dost thou him distain.   

Draw near—   Flo. 
In name of fair, but merciless  
CLARIDIANA (who contemns  
Much Love, and little Happiness)  
Receive this Flower.  Cup. 

See how it gems,   

Smiles, and recovers! Noble Youth,  
Lo, LOVE in person doth reward thy truth!   Offers to join them, and Claridiana flies back. Cla. 
I'll lose my life first.  Cup. 
Thou hast said  
Thou'lt obey HEAVEN; and HEAVEN will be obeyed.  All. 
Live Floranteo.  Cla. 
Live (say I)  
Claridiana, and All die.  Cup. 
To FLORANTEO belongs Arabia's Throne:  
Give him the joy, and homage every one.  Cla. 
Is HEAVEN become a cozener too?  
What ill Example!— Traitorous Crew!—  Citizens. 
Of FLORANTEO Wife thou art,  
And he our King.  Fel. 
Dare none to start  
From his Allegiance.  Claro. 
Cowards stay,  
In her defence do I this Sword display.  Enter the Servant of Claridoro, as in a great fright. Seru. 

CLARIDORO without peer,  
Mixest thou in Quarrels here,  
When in Tartary they are  
All in confusion, all in War?  
For ZELIDAURA being self exiled  
In uncouth Mountains, and in Forests wild,   

Nor choosing any Husband out,  
Her Subjects to uncrown her go about.   

Thou then (since of her Blood thou art)  
Draw thy Sword to take her part,  
And thy faith, and prowess high  
In that just Cause alone employ:   

If thou linger—   Claro. 
'Tis enough.  Fel. 
heavens'! I shall be sure accursed  
If my Sword aid her not the first,  
For an eternal Love, and tough  
Revenge, for Cause declared now,  
Me furiously into that War doth throw.  Exit in a Rage. To Rifaloro. Gen. 
Let's follow FELISBRAVE.  Rif. 
You know I trundle  
Under you Gen'ral— By my Persian faith  
This sweet enchanted Creature is a Bundle.  
And Nosegay, of AURORA'S.  Claro. 
There's my path  
To serve you Madam: So LOVE will, that I  
Who die his Martyr, should your Soldier die.  Cla. 
What an unlooked for Change!  Zel. 
The Rout  
(heavens') in my absence, without doubt,  
Is blown up into Tumults— Queen and Laws  
Of Hospitality, pardon the Cause.  
Now no more curious Fooleries, in old  
And valiant Earnest let the WORLD behold  
Armed ZELIDAURA, and TARTARY feel  
The dire effects of her provoked Steel.  Exeunt Zelidaura and Roselinda. All. 
For FLORANTEO Victory!  Flo. 
Villains, in your Throats ye lie.  Citiz. 
To Floranteo, Madam, yield your Hand,  
Or all Arabia falls from your Command.  Cla. 
Coward and Raskal-Heard, that shall be tried.  
This is my Hand— Who? who, will give the Bride?  
Approach that dare— See, Traitors (whom my breath  Draws. 
Should drive like chaff) It holds the Key of Death!  And Floranteo draws in defence of her. Flo. 
Retire: His Sword for whom ye mutiny  
Defends Claridiana.  Citiz. 
Enemy  
To thine own Heart! Thy self, and all the Gods  
Thou dost oppose, provoking their just Rods.  Flo. 
Insolent Varlets—  All. 
Kill him.  Flo. 
I had rather  
Serve her, than have her.  Cla. 
O, my deep-read Father,  
Permit'st thou this? Now save me by thy Art:  
Now is the moment.  Flo. 
Madam, Take good Heart.  He drives them out, and returns to Claridiana. 
The Cloud's dispersed; y' are safer in my Guard  
Then if the Stars all owned you for their ward.  Trumpets. Exeunt. 
The End of the second Act.    

The Persons of the third Act, are the same with those of the second, adding,  

MARS.  
AURELIO.  
A CAPTAIN.  
And OTHERS.    

Querer por solo Querer: To Love only to Love.  

THE THIRD ACT.  Enter Aurelio, and others, as receiving with joy, Zelidaura, with her Roselinda, in Tartary. Zel. 
THis is t'entrap me; well, my Foot  
Within the City I'll not put,  
Till a full Trial make it clear,  
Whether things are, as they appear.  Aur. 

Great Madam, 'tis enough the Realm  
Thy secret wandering did incline  
To murmur at thee, and repine;  
Our Pilot absent from the Helm.   

But, to be censured once disloyal,  
TARTARY merits not. What Trial  
Wouldst thou have more, than the Applause  
And joy, which thy Return doth cause;  
Both this, which meets thee on the Bounds;  
And that, which from yond Walls resounds?  
Though, as to lighting us, some time,  
Absence eclipsed thee to our Clime;  
Not as to Influence; for, to Faith,  
No Back at all a sovereign hath.  
Since the false news did thee no harm,  
And now thy Beams TARTARY warm;  
This error's debtor we remain,  
For giving us our Queen again.  
Enter the City (we implore)  
Nor let thy Anger cost it more.   Zel. 
First, in that Rural Palace hid with Bowers,  
I'll rest— But what's this noise?  Rif. 
Help, Heavenly Powers!  Trumpets. Within a great noise of Swords. 
The World sinks with their strokes.  Zel. 
Make haste, hast make.  Enter Felisbravo and Claridoro fighting, and much People endeavouring to part them, and with them the General, Rifaloro, and a Captain. Fel. 
Now, on thy treach'ry will I take  
A full Revenge.  Claro. 
Now, on thy Head  
Shall be revenged what I have bled.  Zel. 
Rule me those Swords, two lives defend,  
Which th' Owners prodigally spend.  
(O Heavens!)—  Fel. 
Leave, of all his Train.  
Not one alive.  Gen. 
Cowards, in vain  
Ye muster Regiments of Hares:  
The more you are, the more your fears.  Aur. 
What Fury! Tide encounters Tide.  
(Vain Labour!)  Rif. 
I am by thy side:  
None of your petty Clownlings, we;  
The Bombast of a Comedy.  Zel. 
Part them, I say. The two that fight  
Are CLARIDORO, and the Knight  
Of the Picture.  Rif. 
There's thy score—  Rifaloro hits one of them. 
No fencing it with RIFALORE.  The Knights are parted. Fel. 
That, ere so many People came,  
I killed him not, I blush for shame.  Claro. 
That I, by these should hindered be  
From killing him, it vexes me.  Capt. 
Both are hurt.  Zel. 
The Stranger bear  
First to be Cured: And, OFFICER,  
Quarter him in the Mansion  
Of LAURA'S Father, CORIDON.  Capt. 
I shall.  Zel. 
Prince Claridoro too  
(Whose Life I fear less of the two)  
Place in an equal Quarter near.  Aur. 
I shall.  Zel. 
Before you go (d'ye hear!)  
Clap in such wise on both a Guard  
That they perceive not their way barred.  
I would secure them each from either,  
Yet not be seen to do it neither.  The Captain comes to Felisbravo, and Aurelio to Claridoro. Aside. 
And how (O LOVE) how shall I know,  
Whether he fought for me, or no?  Capt. 
Please you to come where they may cure you?  Fel. 
The wound is nothing I assure you.  Capt. 
By your Life (Sir) consider't more  Aur. 
Prince, reply not, y' are hurt sore.  Claro. 
A scratch, believe 't.  Aur. 
You'll find it none:  
Howe'er, the Queen will have it done  Claro. 
A spark of pity now from Her!  
Then look for quarter from a Murderer.  Fel. 
Captain, how far from hence to Court?  Capt. 
Your Cure (Sir Knight) doth more import  
You, than that knowledge.  Fel. 
To secure  
ZELIDAURA, is my Cure.  Capt. 
What Faith a groundless lie will win!  
And O! how late it is called in?  
But, come along, and you shall see  
How well this Care may spared be.  Fel. 
To my Revenge I do prefer  
The greater sweet of serving her.  Exeunt Felisbravo and Captain. Aur. 
Come, Prince.  Claro. 
'Tis so: Now, Madam, I do find  
You (who even then are cruel, when you're kind)  
Because from Life, I sue out a divorce,  
To punish me will make me live perforce.  Exeunt Claridoro and Aurelio. Rif. 
Do they bear them Prisoners hence?  Gen. 
Prisoners? I'll follow my dear Prince,  
Resolving by his side to die.  Rif. 
That's not for me; and yet I lie;  
For I (to give myself my due)  
Do whiff the smoke of HONOUR too.  Exit General, and Rifaloro offers to follow him, but is stayed by Roselinda. Zel. 
Stop that Servant.  Ros. 
Gentleman,  
I come to call you.  Rif. 
Virgin, can  
You pick out of this face, and mien,  
No higher Title? Well 'tis seen  
You know me not, you don't in troth,  
You don't— How low our Market goeth?  
You have been somewhere nearly bred,  
So thin your Courtesy you spread.  
'T has vexed me— Gentleman, quoth you?  
When Knighthood is so common too!  
Well, your business?  Ros. 
She that calls  
Herself the Mistress of these Walls—  Rif. 
Is a Goddess, and cleped is—  Ros. 
What a new strain, new Humour's this?  
If she a Goddess be, or no,  
Let thine Eyes tell thee.  Rif. 
Where's de Froe?  Rifaloro turns, takes off his Hat and falls at her Feet. Zel. 
Approach.  Rif. 

Now let me never stir,  
What difference 'twixt the Sun, and her?  
A cluster of ripe Stars she is:  
Let me that hand, adoring, kiss;—   

That hand, by which the LILIES brown appear,  
And the Crystal is not clear,  
Laced with Saphyr, tagged with shell  
In which the Orient Pearl doth dwell:  
Give me that pretty foot, which goes  
Knitting sweet flower with Ivory Toes,  
But none so short as It; for thine  
Is BREVIAT of a JESAMINE:  
Give me—   Zel. 
Withdraw, and let him stay.  Roselinda goes aside. 
— Art thou the Stranger's Servant? Say.  Rif. 
I am, nor of him do complain.  Zel. 
Is he so good?  Rif. 
So bad; w' are fain  
At every turn to be made friends:  
But seldom in this World meet Ends:  
Ill Masters have good Servants, Good  
Are answered with Ingratitude.  Zel. 
What Place?  Rif. 
An Office of great trust.  Zel. 
How great?  Rif. 
His MUTE.  Zel. 
His MUTE? I must  
Confess, that's not for a FOOL.  Rif. 
There's an Exception to each Rule.  
For (let me tell you) I do blend 'em,  
Holding the latter in COMMENDUM.  Zel. 
Thy Conceits like me past expression.  Rif. 
'Tis incident to our Profession  
That (let it miss, or let it hit)  
We Fools are offering still at Wit..  Zel. 
Who is thy Master?  Rif. 
He is one  
Whose Country I'll to you make known,  
His merit, humour, disposition,  
But his Name, on no condition.  Zel. 
And why his Name wilt thou not tell?  Rif. 
For doing of a Miracle:  
That once this saying may be true,  
A Servant told not all he knew.  Zel. 
'Tis not worth thanks to hide his name,  
When all things else thou dost proclaim.  Rif. 
Of the old Apple a new slice!  
Mother EVE'S inquisitive Vice!  
His name? in troth it may not be.  Zel. 
Hola!  Rif. 
Why call you?  Zel. 
Thou shalt see.  Enter Aurelio. 
" With a base mind, what gentle courses  
" Cannot persuade, that Rigour forces.  Aur. 
Ordain your pleasure.  Zel. 
(Anger me!)  
Hang presently—  Rif. 
Upon a Tree  
Say not, by thine Eyes; for I  
Shall then prevent the Rope, and die  
Of the unkindness.  Zel. 
Away take him.  Lays hold of him, and he struggles. Rif. 
In earnest is't?  Zel 
A pattern make him  
To Fools, who shall pretend to hold hereafter  
A Secret— (My Entreaties made a laughter!  
I pray in vain!)  Rif. 
By this good day  
I think thou know'st not how to pray.  
In fine, I must be hanged.  Zel. 
Thou must  
(Without his name) forthwith be trussed.  Rif. 
Then drive on, Cart, Note WORLD, a Woman hung  
A Man, because he held his Tongue.  
March, March.  Zel. 
(For once it shall be told,  
A Woman could from knowing hold  
A Secret, which she dies to know; withal,  
Which a Man says, he'll die, before she shall—)  Aside. 
Leave him at large— What Countryman  Aurelio goes aside. 
'S thy Master?  Rif. 
He's a PERSIAN:  
For whom great MARS bids make already  
All his tryumphal Charets ready.  Zel. 
Is he high-born?  Rif. 
And so discreet,  
Valiant, bountiful, and sweet  
In his deport, that he's the great  
Idea of a PRINCE COMPLETE.  Zel. 
Is't FELISBRAVO?  Rif. 
Unto thee  
Is that Name known? No, 'tis not Herald  
'S precious! that Royal Prodigy  
Above the bounds of MAN doth fly.  Zel. 
And what's his business? To this Coast  
What Wind brings him (for thou know'st?)  Rif. 
O WOMEN!  Zel. 
Speak, go not about  
The bush.  Rif. 
Then, turn me inside out,  
Seraphical Examiner.  
They say there's in TARTARY here  
A Madcap Queen, that combs you wire,  
And wears a Helmet for a tire;  
Who, ' stead of a wide Farthingale  
And reverend Apron, puts on mail,  
And glittering Arms, in which are writ  
The valiant Deeds she did commit;  
Who nothing but the Spear, and Rest,  
And Pouldron, minds; She hoops her breast  
With Brass, and her long fingers fair,  
The deserts of the Needle are.  
A mischief take the Woman! Let her  
Resign to Men (whom it suits better)  
ENCAMP: Let her Kerchers hem,  
Leave hemming in of Troops to them.  
If a Spider 'cross her sight,  
Let her take a famous fright;  
And purse her Mouth when she says, Man,  
Or Husband, like the Nymphs of SPANE.  
Let her tremble at a Rat,  
More than it doth at a Cat.  
" She, for a Beauty who would pass,  
" Must be as nice as Venice glass;  
" And, if one hold his hand up, wink,  
" For fear he brain her with a pink.  
In fine, to see this Queen we came:  
When a Knight (Rival of his Fame)  
His Fury would have killed: They both  
Lie hurt, and I am so in wroth  
With this Man-Woman, Angel-Devil,  
(Who to the Sun would scant be civil)  
That could I light upon her GRACE,  
I'd tell her roundly to her face,  
Spin Highness, Spin (as good as you have spun)  
For y' are a Woman, not an AMAZON.  Zel. 
(He serves me right—) Who sent him?  Rif. 
(No, you said  
You'd have me hanged)— He came of his own head.  
For he hath Valour, Birth, and All  
With which a QUEEN in Love should fall:  
And I (his Servant) shall not bate  
Much of a COUNTESS for my Mate.  
I know too in the World a QUEEN  
(I name her not, but) she hath been  
Late disinchanted, for which pains  
Such favours upon Him she rains,  
That— But I stop—  Zel. 
Say, prithee, does he love?  Rif. 
Is he a Brute?  Zel. 
And is he loved?  Rif. 
You move  
A curious Question— This (shall I be free?)  
Is a graft too of the forbidden Tree.  
From me no more is to be got,  
And therefore (pray you) press me not.  
Good faith, 'twere much more like a Friend  
To hang me, as you did intend.  Zel. 
This one thing wilt not let me know?  Rif. 
Pray, why should you desire it so?  Zel. 
Only to keep it secret still.  Rif. 
Forbear to know it, and you will.  Zel. 
How mainly thou art given to scoff!  
It is not noble to put off  
With a light jest a serious suit.  Rif. 

No? as great Men as I will do 't.   

But come (since you will have the truth)  
He is a Man much loved by many,  
Yet one of such a curious tooth,  
That in his life he ne'er loved any.   

White Hands, black Eyes, curled Locks, have no more force  
On him, than Physic hath on a dead Horse.  
From some dry Mother-in-law the Man did learn  
Not to relent— He? He hath no concern,  
Cannot discourse of love, though in his prime,  
Though on all other Themes his tongue's a Chime,  
Though none so dressed, none dances so, none pours  
Himself so out; for He's a rock of Flowers.   Aside. Zel. 
A Knight that's so accomplished, not  
To love, appears to me a knot.  
I must undo it by some Art:  
For at this secret hangs a Heart.  To Rifaloro. 
Pleased me thou hast exceedingly:  
And I unthankful shall not be.  Rif. 
I kiss thy foot, and am thy slave.  Zel. 
Here me AURELIO, take this Knave  
To prison.  Rif. 
Me to prison?  Zel. 
Yes,  
For being a Blab.  Rif. 
Ah! Traiteress,  
Horrible Inquisitrix,  
Are these thy thanks? and dost thou fix  
The name of Blab upon me too?  
O! take by me example, you  
That are Gallants, you that love:  
Thus do Ladies thankful prove.  He is carried away to Prison. Ros. 
Should your Highness be more cruel  
Than you are to this sweet jewel;  
Never was't so well bestowed,  
Or so like a Mercy showed.  Exit Roselinda. Zel. 

Dissolved in Tears, and languishing delight,  
The whispering FOUNTAIN is a tale of LOVE;  
The Rosy MORN, inam'ring at first sight,  
Sweet PHILOMELA's Orisons doth move;   

The smiling FLOWER▪ the tender peeping BUD,  
APRIL importunes with soft showers; the DOVE  
Lives vowed to everlasting Widowhood,  
Temple of LOYALTY, and Soul of LOVE.   

Love grasps both Globes: LOVE all below inspires:  
Love guides with constant change the spheres above:  
MARS feels LOVES darts, APOLLO feels LOVES fires,  
Even HE that hurls the thunder, yields to LOVE.  
All these to me no warrant; whose intent  
Is not to vouch, but make a PRECEDENT.   Exit Zelidaura. Enter Claridiana in Man's Apparel, with her Floranteo, and Florinda Lady of Honour to her. Cla. 

Leave haunting me, and leave thy vain  
And impertinent desire;  
The more thou dost of me complain,  
The more 's the honour I acquire:   

For (credit me) I more approve  
That all the World should be my Foe,  
Than I defended by thy Love:  
It is a debt I would not owe.   

Though Heaven with plaguing me tire never,  
I hope yet it will use me better  
Than (to complete my Plagues) that ever  
I should be my Tormentors debtor.   

Return, and let ARABIA gather  
Her Rebel-Armies in thy Name:  
Be kindling there seditious, rather  
Than kindled here with amorous flame.   

The cause of this disguise you see,  
Is, that your self and me,  
You now no more may vex,  
But look on me as one of your own Sex.   

Be gone, provoke me not too far,  
This field presume not to transgress;  
For, if my Eyes such murderers are,  
My Hand will be a greater Murtheress.   Flo. 

BELLONA, armed with the Sun;  
That Conquest which thy Face hath sure,  
Some hazard in thy Sword may run,  
Although its temper too be pure.   

For Hearts ignoble (which your sweet  
Majestic Eye cannot command  
To lie down trembling at your FEET)  
Reserve the anger of the HAND.   

Not revilings so well spoke,  
Not the pain with which I'm stung,  
Not thy scorns can me provoke;  
" For want of luck is not a wrong.   

Nor merit I to be exiled  
From the dear place which thou art in,  
Though scorned, tormented, and reviled;  
For, nor is want of luck a sin.   

T' obey, I do not ask thee now  
High heavens' by thee despised will.  
But that (abhorring ME) yet thou  
Wouldst give me leave to Love THEE still.   

Nor do I so much thank the Gods  
That they were pleased to vote thee mine,  
As that from all the World the odds  
They judged to me of being thine.   

But, since thy hate I constant find,  
This Cruelty hath opened mine Eyes  
To see that all the Stars are blind,  
And thou than Heaven itself more wise.   

Return into thy Kingdom free;  
There, at the ALTAR, I'll refuse thee:  
Let not ARABIA lose THEE,  
It is enough that I do lose thee.   

Foreign Succours thou needest none:  
Return, thou hast (if thou canst see)  
Champion enough in me alone,  
And in thyself a Victory.   Cla. 

On thee I lay not all the fault,  
For (FLORANTEO) without doubt,  
That, against which I bend my thought,  
Heaven is too prone to bring about.   

Now, as for Beauty, I pretend  
To none, and, if I had such lot,  
My Beauty's Conquests should extend  
To something that I hated not.   

That thou art object of my Hate  
To impute's erroneous vanity,  
Unto thy being unfortunate,  
And not unto my knowing thee.   Makes a streak on the ground. 

Step not an Inch beyond this line.  
For, should the World arm all again me,  
And all the Elements combine,  
I have my Victories within me.   Flo. 

Most Beautiful, Illustrious, Generous,  
Divine CLARIDIANA, whom t' excel  
Self-rivaled Nature being ambitious,  
With flesh and blood found it impossible.  
New PHOENIX of Arabia, Miracle  
Greater than She, who in of Herself lies,  
Dies when she rises, riseth when she dies.   

Celestial Princess, able to make Wars  
Out of the private stock of thy Perfections:  
(For thou might'st press full Regiments of Stars,  
Wouldst thou but give thy foot those bright directions.)   

Advance, thy Beauty's Royal Standard spread;  
Beat up thy Drums in Hearts that freedom plead;  
Give out Commissions under white and red   

To kill and slay, to burn, and to make prize,  
And let thy Foes look Armies in thy Eyes.   

See, how thy fugitive feet, by calling Strangers  
To thy assistance, steal the Victory  
Thy face (if showed) would gain, dispersing dangers  
More than the GORGON'S HEAD! that spakling Eye,   

The whiteness of that Hand, without a Blow,  
All that contrast with thee, must overthrow  
In a celestial War of Fire and Snow.   

BEAUTY pretends not warring with a Sword,  
But with a gentle look, or a kind word;  
To be robustious, furious, warlike, are  
Not Graces, but distortions of the Fair.  
A scorn that sweetly balsams when it wounds,  
A word that striking courteously rebounds,  
An em'rous Frown; these tie Men to their duty  
With cords; for" A persuading War is Beauty.   Cla. 

Thou seest I ask no Prince my part to take  
(How brave so e'er) none such my Champion make.  
But beg (how meetly!) ZELIDAURA'S Aid,  
A MAIDEN QUEEN to right a CROWNED MAID.  
She (the illustrious Bulwark of her land,  
And Mistress of a SOUL white as her Hand)  
Disdains her Name, and her Heroic Sail  
To such a trifle as a Man should veil.  
Since then the Tartars unrevolted are,  
And now in Peace, though always prone to War,   

Their Martial Spirits let her exercise,  
T' undo a wrong which loud for Vengeance cries:  
I, by a Woman or by none, will rise:   

Too proud, my life (if saved b' a Man) to own,  
Or with my Freedom to redeem my Throne.  
To be robustious, fierce, and arrogant,  
They are not BEAUTIES proper Arms, I grant;  
For her smooth rigidness her slack control,  
clothe not with steel the body, but the soul.  
I grant, Cheeks swollen with choler have no hooks;  
That no temptations are in furious looks:  
For the breast's inward softness (without doubt)  
Is Beauty's soul, which seasons that without.  
But, ceased SEMIRAMIS, to be a Dame,  
PENTHASILIA ceased she to inflame,  
(Theit Helmets off) because, when on they were,  
This HECTOR'S Sword, That shook achilles' Spear?  
Discreet, prompt, active, gallant, happily  
Are they entailed upon DEFORMITY?  
And evermore must Beauty bear the taunt  
Of luckless, cowardly, and ignorant?  
To a discreet and an obedient Lover  
Herself in her own shape let her discover,  
(" For when all's done, to pierce a Wiseman's breast  
" Beauty's the sharpest sword.) But for the rest,  
Who vex, who 'cross me, them, not with a white,  
But armed Hand, I'll take, kill, burn, in fight.  
Here 'tis, that BEAUTY quits her native charms;  
And plays the Soldier with those borrowed Arms.  
Shall I those People that would suck my blood,  
Slay with a LADY'S Weapon? (That were good:)  
And REBELS, shall so sweet a death overwhelm,  
As by my BEAUTY? No, the impious Relm  
Shall rue their work— What talk'st thou of my Face!  
It is my Sword must right me in this Case.  
My HANDS must quell those that against me rise:  
For other are the Conquests of my EYES.   Flo. 
Peace: ZELIDAURA comes.  Cla. 
I blush; although  
Transformed CLARIDIANA who can know?  Flo. 
Thy Beauty in such Characters is writ,  
That a dull Eye may soon decipher it.  Cla. 
By thee (who art my shadow) me it may:  
Back therefore, FLORANTEO.  Flo. 
Though thou play  
The Tyranness, I am thy subject still:  
Then cease thy Anger if I do thy Will.  Exit Floranteo. Claridiana and Florinda remain. Florin. 
In her superlative perfections,  
Thou wilt see a peerless Dame.  Cla. 
Of her Beauty faint Reflections  
Are rendered by the Glass of Fame.  Enter to them Zelidaura, Aurelio, Roselinda, and others. Zel. 
Here leave us.  Ros. 
Madam, are you well?  Zel. 

I ail nothing ROSELIND—   Aside. 

What new Disease!— I cannot tell,  
This disinchanted Queen is wondrous kind,   

Or wondrous grateful— Thought, thou 'rt not my Friend—   To her Train. 

Leave me thou too— we would be left.   Ros. 
A weight  
Hangs there— and, if that Heart beneath it bend,  
Believe me it must needs be great.  Exit Train. Zel. 

What tyrannous resentments move  
Such monstrous billows in my breast?  
jealous am I, before I love?  
And before I fear, oppressed?   

If CLARIDIANE is Queen  
Of Araby, what makes she here?  
Is it to see only, unseen?  
That much unlikely doth appear.   

If for the Love she bears the Stranger, ill  
Did he to leave her, though worth spurred him on:  
But, if he reigned as King in her good will,  
She did as good as bid him get him gone.   

— Fool, Fool, to be concerned so  
In wrongs her Beauty doth sustain;  
When all the pity I can show  
Is not enough for my own pain.   Flor. 
Approach, what fear'st thou?  Cla. 
Strange confusion!  
Whom see I?  Zel. 
Yes, I know that Face,  Claridiana knows Zelidaura when she sees her, and Zelidaura knows her. 
And that gate too—  Cla. 

'Tis no delusion;  
She, whom I saw in a course case,   

Was ZELIDAURA—   Zel. 
My suspition's true;  
The wronged CLARIDIANA doth pursue  
The Stranger whom she loves— Down flames—  Cla. 
Troy's ours:  
My name but sounded, brings me all her Powers.  To Zelidaura. 
Courageous Queen, bright honour of thy kind,  
At these triumphant Feet thy Slave's inclined.  Falls at her Feet. Zel. 
Rise, and inform us what thou art.  Cla. 

I am  
(Famed ZELIDAURA) an Arabian Knight,  
Who beg thee drowned with pity in the name  
Of my dread Mistress, brought into sad plight   

By Rebels— If thou art the blue-eyed Maid,  
Who is the Deity of War; Aid, Aid,  
Injured CLARIDIANA—   (Zel. 
Part well played!)  Aside. Cla. 
In her dear Country, in her Throne replant  
CLARIDIANA; then thou shalt not want  
New DECADES to thy Story, and give Fame  
(Who loves to sing thy Praises) a large Theme.  
Arm; let thy valour freeze th' Usurper's veins:  
Nor let thy hand kill less, than thy disdains.  
Thy Beauties in their dazzled faces shine,  
And teach thy Sword to conquer, though 'tis thine.  
On Spanish Jennet hang 'twixt Earth and Air:  
Nor MARS, but SOL, be now the God of War.  
To Cowards, and to Valiant, fatal prove:  
Making those die for fear, as these for love.  Aside. Zel. 
In flatteries wrapped, her purpose close she bears:  
How well they 're called, the poison of the Ears!  
Another now (thus jealous) would be thought  
In love, but I'm not guilty of that fault,  
Yet here are sighs would make me think I were,  
And never lie, did so like truth appear.  
I'll answer coldly, till I know if War.  
Be in her land, or love do make 't on her.  
If Treason drove her thence, without delay  
My conquering Flags I in her Cause display.  
But, if (a frantic Lover) she pursue  
The gallant STRANGER, I will make her rue  
She e'er came hither; and upon them both  
(Though I should die for't) wreak my burning wrath.  Cla. 
What is your answer?  Zel. 
Is there, didst thou say,  
Such a Rebellion in ARABIA?  Cla. 
Madam, there is.  Zel. 
And did that Queen send thee  
To make request for succours unto Me?  Cla. 
'Tis very certain.  Zel. 
And as certain, this,  
That she doth hope them from me?  Cla. 
Madam, 'tis.  Zel. 
And for my Answer wert thou bid to stay?  Cla. 
Madam, I was.  Zel. 
LA RHINE SAVISERA.  Exit very stately. Cla. 
How's this? An Answer how unlike her Fame?  
Are these the Actions that cry up her Name?  
Is this that they call Manly? This to be  
Invincible? What an Indignity!  
Upon how slight an Errand FAME will go?  
And how it gathers like a Ball of Snow!  
When I supposed her Valour would burst out,  
And sow with Squadrons all my fields about,  
To reap, for our two heads, a twofold CROWN,  
Of Gold for mine, of Laurel for her own:  
When the two sweetest things EARTH can afford  
I made account to owe unto her Sword,  
Revenge and Empire; paying me in brief  
The common Wages of a light belief,  
She answers (neither brave, nor pitiful,  
Nor courteous, but pitifully dull)  
SHE'LL THINK OF IT. And if her Bowels yearned  
Not now, will she with thinking be concerned?  
What shall I do?  Flor. 
Sue to some King, and choose  
Him such a King, as you did most abuse.  
If you obliged ANY heretofore,  
Take heed of him upon that very score.  
How well your Entertainment she doth quit!  Cla. 
Her rustic weed belied not her Soul yet.  
" THE WORST OF FOES ARE THANKLESS FRIENDS; for those  
" One ne'er did good to, are at worst cheap Foes.  
Ingratitude is cruel. Seek I must  
(I see) to my wise Father, though unjust.  
Ah ZELIDAURA, thou hast a Man's Heart,  
Because untouched with sense of Woman's smart!  Exeunt. Enter Claridoro with his Armin a Scarf. Claro. 

From this deep Vale, with horror crowned,  
Whose bottom not the Stars can sound,  
I breathe up sighs no less profound.  
Where, if hard trees, and harder stones,  
Hear my moans;  
Never again  
Will I to cruel Womankind complain.   

Silence not still respect implies:  
For he from whom, when racked he lies  
Nothing is wrung,  
Slights his Tormentor whilst he holds his tongue.   

What need of silence hath respect?  
It looks to me as if the Flame  
Were held a shame,  
Which all the Care is how not to detect.   

Here, here, let me let lose my groans,  
Let the great Bell out be rung:  
Here safely all my LOVE at once  
Unload thyself into my tongue.   

If she should overhear it, Crime 'tbe none;  
Faith is alive, but hope is dead and gone.   

If our Predecessors Passions  
Had been regulated thus,  
BEAUTIES new Fortifications  
Had not been raised against us.   

For who could take a just offence  
At an humble Patience,  
At a true Hearts silent aching,  
Or even a suit presented quaking?   

ZELIDAURA Star divine  
That dost in highest Orb of Beauty shine,  
Pardoned murderess, by that Heart  
Itself which thou dost kill, and coveted smart:   

Though my walk so distant lies  
From the Sunshine of thine Eyes,  
(Into sullen shadows hurled,  
To lie here buried to the World)   

'Tis the least reason of my moan,  
That so much Earth is 'twixt us thrown.   

'Tis absence of another kind  
Grieves me: For, where y' are present too,  
LOVE'S Geometry doth find  
I have ten thousand Miles to you.   

" 'Tis not absence, to be far;  
" But, to abhor, is to absent.  
" To those, who in disfavour are,  
" Sight itself is Banishment.   

But I love thee with all my heart,  
Whom therefore thou canst never fly;  
Since, in whatever place thou art,  
The art present to my Fantasy.   

As th' Optic 's turned, the Object comes and goes:  
DISDAIN no presence, LOVE no absence knows.   

Custom of Ills is poor relief,  
It only stands on the defence:  
The faint Compounder of a Grief  
After the first violence.   

Nor hath that place in a new Wound,  
And my Wound is ever new,  
And every day is more profound,  
And every moment festers too.   

Only one Woe (for 't were a Crime)  
I never can be guilty of:  
To love her less than at this time,  
Or not to love only to love.   

Nor would I quench the fire in which I die,  
To be the light of any other Eye.   Enter Zelidaura in a Rustic Habit. Zel. 
The wounded Knight I come to see:  
Let no one stop me— Is that he?  Claro. 
Who is so out of fashion, as to look  
Upon a Man whom Fortune hath forsook?  
What a sparkling Shepherdess!  
(Here may be more than I yet guests.)  Zel. 
Ay me! 'Tis CLARIDORO, This.  Claro. 
Through her disguise how fair she is!  
'Tis ZELIDAURA (for my sight  
Hath found her out by her own light)  
But 'tis a Happiness, and I  
In that may even mistrust my Eye.  
Possible in nature is it,  
That to me can be this visit?  
Or, so beside myself am I,  
To think aught mine that is Felicity?  Zel. 

He knows me, but I'll face him down  
I am not I: But he is such a Clown  
He'll not believe me, should I swear it:   Aside. Claro. 

Why might not my immortal passion merit,  
And force thus much, from Her? It might do so,  
If I were not a Man made sure to Woe:  
Nor would it the first glorious triumph prove  
O'er scornful Beauty, by submissive Love:  
Though I do mainly doubt it, and should say  
'Twere a great wonder, were it true: I'll pay  
My truth her wages with believing 'tis:  
And so deceive myself into a Bliss.   Addresses himself to her. 

SHEPHERDESS, whose Sheep-Walks reach  
From CHINA'S WALL to the MUSCOVIAN BEACH;  
Who to a thousand Flocks dost look,  
And rul'st them with a Golden Hook;  
Whom Title, Beauty, Wit, combine  
To render in all points divine:  
Humane only toward me,  
Nor that till thou these hurts didst see;  
As if (to die) that I had need  
By other hand than thine, to bleed.   

Such pity ZELIDAURA keep:  
For all these Wounds I long may live:  
A Foe's Weapon cuts not deep:  
Pity that, a Friend doth give.   

For this high Grace, thou now bestowest—   Aside. Zel. 
(Were 't meant, I see it were not lost.  
But yes: It were an Ill-placed Boon  
On one, that can believe 't so soon)  To Him. 
Where's any ZELIDAURA here?  
Dost thou a simple Body jeer?  
'Tis well—  Claro. 
You over act it ZELIDAURA:  Zel. 

ZELIDAURE not me, I LAURA  
Am, the Daughter of thine Host.  
Thou, little, Zelidaura know'st.  
A Majesty so proud, so grave,  
To come and visit thee? dost rave?  
With me thou double-wrong'st her GRACE,  
In her Discretion and her Face.   

I'm pitiful a little, much at home:  
To see thee (hurt) on these two scores I come.   Claro. 
Thou art my Health, when Healths away,  
And of my Hopes the only stay.  Zel. 
Thou 'rt of the Sect of HOPERS than?  Claro. 
Fair ZELIDAURA, if you can,  
In this sweet truth, or error, die let me.  Zel. 
Either I am not, or will not be she.  Claro. 

Goddess of snow, fair Copy of the Sun,  
Eclipsing this, and making that look dun;  
Whose piercing sight (predominant in Souls)  
Two Globes of Light, two Spheres of Beauty, rowls;  
'Bout which ten thousand fluttering CUPIDS swarm,  
And singe those wings they there presumed to warm:  
Whom with one gracious smile if thou requite,  
Thou killest with Life, and strik'st them blind with Light.   

Thou, from whom (armed with steel and love are sent  
Thy Billets into every ELEMENT  
(Enraged) rending.) and ADORNING (Fair)  
The Earth with Stars, with Canonshot the Air.  
The WOODS (from which all other Sun is shut)  
(With Lily Hand, with odoriferous foot,  
(Speeding unerring Shafts, recruiting Bowers)  
Thou robbest of Beasts, and payest again in Flowers.   

Celestial ZELIDAURA, fair Comptrol  
Of all that share an understanding Soul,  
(For 'tis the least of Praise thy Beauty boasts  
To trample outward force, and vanquished Hosts.)  
Though, 'twas the dream of one that ill did rest  
To fancy gentle pity in thy Breast,  
(The wrack of Hearts, and temple of a Saint  
Whose Walls can boast not one relieved Complaint.)   

It was a vanity my LOVE brought forth,  
When I considered that, and not thy worth.  
Nor dare I so much wrong that noble Passion,  
To think it might not merit a Compassion,  
Though not return: Yet, Bliss on any score,  
Which knocked at mine, it seems mistook the door.  
For when THOU com'st (and then THAT comes) to ME  
BLISS, is not Bliss, nor ZELIDAURA, She.  
I know thee not (let not thy choler rise)  
For I believe THEE more than my own EYES.   Zel. 
Alack! alack! much loss of Blood  
Hath turned his Brain, and makes him wood.  Claro. 

O LOVE (thou well mayst be called blind)  
The happier Stranger came she not to find?  
O heavens'! with this suspicion I do pass  
To be envious and base.   

But if blind LOVE made me conceit  
Fond of her, as to me:  
Stranger, the wonder 's not so great,  
If I think meanly of her, as to thee.   

Here me, LAURA.   Zel. 

Now 't' too late:  
Poor Soul, thou talk'st at a strange rate!   

Besides, I do not like thee half so well,  
Since I perceive thy thoughts so vastly swell.   Exit Zelidaura flying away from him. Claro. 

Why (ungrateful) fliest thou me,  
And seek'st my Rival? Was disdain  
(O heavens'!) too little, without JEALOUSY?  
Envy, was 't not sufficient to complain?  
Killed with another's Happiness?  
Sufficed not for a WRETCH his own distress?   

I took another's Bliss for mine  
(A wise Conceit!)  
That harms themselves cannot my Wits refine!  
That from my ill, that good I could not get!  
That I should, not be able  
To make some use of being miserable.   

My Soul shall follow thee,  
Too fleet for me:  
For from my Soul I'm sure thou canst not go,  
And I know all the paths that lead to Woe.  
O Life, with Sorrows rife,  
Only to Misery thou art a Life!   Exit. Enter Felisbravo with his Arm in a Scarf. Fel. 

Lashed by the Winds, the OCEAN raves, and craves  
To be a Star, and not an Element:  
The WINDS cry FREEDOM from their horrid Caves,  
Not clogs of Mountains can their 'scape prevent.   

The MOUNTAINS crack; the crowded Air upheaves  
The Pillars of the Rocking FIRMAMENT:  
For none, to that which smart or loss receives,  
Forbids a sigh, a tear, or a lament.   

I only (a dead mark of Fortune's spite)  
Stand on the highest pinnacle of Grief  
Firm as a Diamond, silent as Night.  
O Smart well disciplined, without Relief   

For a poor LOVER to support his woe!  
So much a sorrow doth to custom owe.   

Immortal, doubtless, is the thing  
Which me doth pain,  
And that again  
Which doth eternally remain  
From a Celestial Cause must spring.   

My Soul is short as unto Me,  
'Tis Epigram:  
But, Madam, to the World I came  
Eternal, as to loving Thee,  
For unto thee, all Soul I am.   

The greater torment I sustain,  
The less I would  
My days conclude;  
For, dying to be out of pain,  
Is the Coward's fortitude.   

Grant, I should (my pain to cure)  
Suffer Smart  
Break Thee, HEART;  
Can I another Heart procure  
To love with, when thou broken art?   

But little skill in love thou hast,  
Who e'er thou art that think'st or Bliss,  
Or Valour is,  
In dying for 't; since, Life once past,  
Neither LOVE, nor his PANGS, last.   

Therefore would I alive remain,  
'Cause (dead) impossible 't would prove  
To obtain  
Either more Love to cause sweet pain,  
Or more time in which to love.   

I do not with presumptuous Heart  
Value myself on FORTUNE'S Frown:  
He, that's o'erthrown  
For want of taking his own part,  
Gets no Honour by being down.   

The Man that merits not good Fortune,  
If he complain,  
Is not in vain  
Complained of: For, in due misfortune,  
To murmur, is t' offend again.   

I hold it for a withered Bays,  
For which I nothing have to show,  
But that proud Fortune is my Foe:  
A poor it is, and heartless praise,  
Which to my misery I owe.   

Heavenly ZELIDAURA, I  
Am my own  
Confusion:  
And blame not thee, my Misery  
Being owed unto myself alone.   

From others pity I could ne'er  
Extract a Bliss; nor fit  
Imagine it,  
That others should the sorrow bear,  
When I the folly did commit.   

In thy regard, alive or dead,  
I cannot be  
Comforted:  
For, whilst I live, thou 'rt lost to me;  
And, dead, I lose the loving thee.   

When shall these Eyes behold the light  
For which I  
Languishing, die?  
When?— But what needs corporeal sight?  
LOVE can see without an Eye.   

That I, a Persian, should Adore the SUN,  
Is no wonder;  
But, in some Pool 'tis safest done,  
Or when a Cloud 'tis under.   

For, my best SUN, if Thee  
I should see,  
'Twould scorch me with the heat, 'twould blind me with the Ray,  
Unless (as thee I once survayed)  
'Twere in thy Picture's cooler shade;  
Or thus, by strength of fancy, when even that 's away.   Stands or lies down, with his Eyes fixed towards the door, as upon the dear object. Enter Zelidaura in the Habit of a Shepherdess. Zel. 
The Patient stays in pain, make room,  
A goodyer take you, let me come.  To Him. 
Will your Worship be dressed now?  Fel. 
The Chyrurgioness art thou?  Zel. 
Yes, and might be too the wound.  Fel. 
Thou might'st indeed: For the most sound,  
If with this object he did meet,  
Might die of a Disease that's sweet.  Zel. 
Art smit?  Fel. 
Not I I'm prepossessed.  Zel. 
But a new, outeth an old guest.  He looks upon her amazedly. 
What do you gape at?  Fel. 
If eternally  
I do not sleep, nor All ENCHANTMENT be  
Which I do lay my Eyes upon, This Face  
I've seen, with wonder, in another place.  
She 's like the SUN in all: save that the Sun  
Is sole, but ZELIDAURA is not One.  
Did Nature dote so on her pieces worth,  
As to give sundry Copies of it forth?  
Or (which no less upon my wonder calls)  
Hath that one Picture four Originals?  Zel. 
Now his Brain works like Wax, and his five Wits  
Relapse into their Apoplectic Fits.  
I am resolved I will know his Name,  
Having already broke the Ice of shame.  
What so becalms thee? Grievous is the wound?  Fel. 
Not, now, that of my Body.  Zel. 
More profound  
That of thy Soul is, thou inferr'st. Take heed  
Of Sleep, for that will make it inward bleed;  
And the Man's given to Sleeping.  Fel. 
I shall die,  
If but of wonder.  Zel. 
Where doth thy pain lie?  Fel. 
Just at my Heart: ENCHANTMENTS are the Cause,  
And absence of a Queen that gives it Laws.  Zel. 
Peace: I would be contented to know less.  Fel. 
'Tis she, or else her Shadow.— SHEPHERDESS  
Come hither, have I seen thee before now?  Zel. 
Can I tell what thy Eyes have seen?  Fel. 
Hast thou  
Been ever in ARABIA happily?  Aside. Zel. 
(Once, but no Happy ARABY to Me.)  To Him. 
How curious to know all! I ne'er was out  
Of these sweet fields—  Fel. 
And therefore past all doubt,  
They are so sweet— And how art thou called.  Zel. 
LAURA:  
Coridon's Daughter.  Fel. 
Know'st thou ZELIDAURA?  
(I fear a new Intrigue) Seen thee hath she?  Zel. 
Tell me thy Name, and here I promise thee  
A Secret which may fully recompense  
A Courtesy of greater consequence:  
For to this grange comes ZELIDAURA oft.  
And these dumb flowers, these murmuring springs, this soft  
Consort of Nightingales, this Garden Wall,  
Those circumjacent fields, LAURA and all,  
Are witness to a pain she doth deplore—  
But till thou have obliged me first, no more.  Fel. 
(O jealousy! and was not Love enough?  
Jealous so soon? Am I such catching stuff?)  Zel. 
If it import thee to know more of this,  
Say what thou art, and why thy coming is.  Aside. Fel. 
Forgive me Modesty, it doth behoove  
I lay thee by, to seek (not Praise, but) Love.  To Her. 
Friend have your Wish.  Zel. 
Begin not with (Attend.)  Fel. 
Nor with (O yes.)  Zel. 
You have a merry Frend.  Fel. 

A King hath PERSIA (FELISBRAVO hight)  
High Envy of the GOD'S, MANKIND'S delight,  
His birthday a few Mays have marked with Flowers:  
The same (joined with the drops of April show'res)  
Sum up his virtues. As in LOGARISM  
Nine figures makes of numbers an Abysm:  
So a few Springs (as he hath ordered it)  
Have multiplied his Years to Infinite:  
Who, though not full eight thousand mornings strong,  
He that now wrote his Life would find it long:  
His Body and his Soul are so well met,  
That the best Gem, hath the best Cabinet.  
A Veil of Love his Majesty doth shroud;  
Which yet is so seen through, that the most proud  
Tread upon fears, and hear their faults aloud.   

He walks through the wide Fields of History:  
North-Star of Kings, to steer a true Course by;  
And, for their Faults, a GLASS that will not lie.   

His Hand is of two Natures: It doth hold  
STEEL, that is clapped into it, le's go GOLD,  
Yet strong submission wrists there out the Sword;  
And, frank of Deeds, he's niggard of his Word:  
Lest bashful Bounty make him say the thing  
Which will not hold: For that's unlike a KING.  
Let's no base whispers misinform his Youth,  
Nor thinks it thrift on Trust to take up Truth.  
Vice he hath none, nor any Age hath seen  
Amongst so many Flowers so little green.   

He looks on BEAUTY (pleased) and passes on:  
A FREE PRINCE still, even where she plants her Throne.  
The light thereof he takes, the Fire he doth  
Reject: A temperate and a glorious YOUTH!  
Till some just War shall wake his sleeping Sword,  
And splendid Themes to Tongues and Pens afford;  
He follows peaceful War, breaks truce with Beasts.  
Sloth Foe to All, but most to Royal Breasts.  
The second SOL without his radiant Hair,  
He sacks the Woods, dispeoples' the wide Air:  
The first ADONE, without his VENUS, Groves  
He doth adorn, and peoples those with Loves.  
This Prince felt never, never he LOVE'S smart,  
Nor his most Golden Shaft durst wound his Heart;  
Until a Captive did in Persia thunder  
Such Praises of a PRINCESS (the World's Wonder)  
As stunned his senses, set his Heart at Bay,  
'Twixt trembling boldness, and 'twixt bold dismay.  
Of Wounds less mortal died the Royal Slave,  
Who ZELIDAURA'S Picture to him gave,  
Mute Circle of two Suns. Th' enamoured King  
(Whilst he, impatient, settles every thing  
In order to come after, that his Realm  
Lament not his short absence from the Helm)  
Commands my Journey to Tartary post,  
T' inform myself whether the Picture boast  
Real Perfections of her Queen. I fly,  
And reach in a few days to ARABY,  
Where (Mortal Frailty yielding to Sleeps power)  
A Villain steals it. An Enchanted Tower  
Is interposed 'twixt our drawn Swords (at once  
That thundering with its fall, and I with groans)  
Thence to this Forest we adjourn the War,  
His Treason's Altar, my Revenge's Bar.  
We meet; when ours so many Swords repel,  
As if each Blade of Grass were one of Steel.   

To lose my Picture, and not lose my Life,  
I pierced with Woe;  
And that to Poison, that to Sword, nor Knife,  
My Death I owe.   

To Persia dare not (for the King) return  
(For coldest Hearts, when fired once, fiercest bourn)  
Who, sweetly snared with ZELIDAURA'S Fame,  
No Love else answers, hears no other Name.  
Rare SHEPHERDESS (whether thou be the Flower  
Of foreign Plains, or of these Hills the Tower)  
If help thou have, or help to thee be known,  
If more thou art, or canst, than thou dost own,  
Pity my Woes, set my Confusion's right,  
Ease so great pain, show day to so great night.   Aside. Zel. 

Most undoubtedly 'tis He,  
Because (for more disguise) I see  
His proper Praise he did not spare.   To Him. 

I shall soon find it.— Thy great Care   

And Courage (PERSIAN) I admire.  
Couldst thou the Picture know again?   Fel. 

If it take up my Thoughts entire,  
And Copied in my Heart remain,   

Must I not know it?   Zel. 
Look on this:  
And mark it well.  Fel. 

Had I no Aim  
By any feature, whose it is  
The matchless Beauty would proclaim.   Aside. 

What Bonfires (HEART) wilt thou now make for Joy?  
I would not have them less  
Than my LOVE'S Flame, or those of TROY;  
And monstrous, as to me, is Happiness.   

A Lover is not glad,  
Unless withal he's Mad:  
Nor can my Gratitude expressed be  
With any thing that's less than Lunacy.   

I do not celebrate my Good  
With so much splendour as I ought,  
Nor its full worth have understood,  
If this effect it have not wrought.   Zel. 
He's like a Man that talks t' a Spirit—  To the Picture. Fel. 
Beautiful and injured Shade,  
More blame (I must confess) I merit,  
Than past his Hour a LOVER who hath stayed.  To Her. 
Shepherdess, who gave it thee?  
For, amidst variety,  
Seeing the selfsame Beauty ever,  
I credit, what I tremble to assever.  Zel. 

Then, Persian, of a Country Lass  
Perceive an Act a Queen might do;  
Through this blind Labyrinth to pass  
My Pity giving thee a Clew.   

I am the Woman thou didst see,  
In several shapes, in Arabia;  
And who from thee this Picture stole;  
And whom, if that rare King (the Soul  
And Martial Glory of the Chase)  
Merit the Praise thou giv'st His GRACE,  
Wish thee return to Persia faster  
Than thou cam'st hither, and thy Master  
(The Generous FELISBRAVO) tell;  
He shall to TARTARY do well  
To come with wings, where (if he prove  
As humble, and as much in love,  
As great in Courage, and high-flown)  
Queen ZELIDAURA is his own:  
The most exempted Heart reserving  
For the Person most deserving:  
And say, thou heard'st it from one LAURA,  
Who heard it in this place from ZELIDAURA.   Aside. Fel. 
Shall I think my Senses true?  
ZELIDAURA 'tis I view.  
No, no, it is not; 'Tis my Eye  
Flatters my Wishes with so sweet a Lye.  To Her. 
Angel I go; and shall the King  
Quickly to TARTARY bring.  Zel. 
It is not FELISBRAVO, no;  
For he his Mask now off would throw.  
What have I done? My being kind  
I will retract, unless I find  
This Face, this Courage, and this Mien,  
In a King's Person, to deserve a QUEEN.  Compares her with the Picture, interchangeably regarding either. Fel. 
That, of the Hand which made us all,  
Picture, is thy Original,  
None, that before appeared such,  
Did Face to Face avow so much.  
An Egg is not more like an Egg,  
Nor the Left to the Right Leg.  
NATURE, that drained her Stores to do  
One Face like this, despaired of Two.  They descant to themselves upon each other. Zel. 
Is this a Servant?  Fel. 
Is this Laura?  
I ne'er was in a Maze till now.  Zel. 
Then art not FELISBRAVO, thou?  Fel. 
Art thou then, ZELIDAURA?  Aside. Zel. 
(His fear compels him to conceal,  
My love shall prompt him to reveal,  
Himself—) Sir Knight—  Fel. 
Fair Shepherdess,  
Thy divine commands express.  Zel. 
The Picture 's mine, I am not LAURA:  
If thou art FELISBRAVO, follow  
To the Temple of APOLLO:  
I am relenting ZELIDAURA.  Exit Fel. 
Suspend thy steps: With all my Heart  
(Beauteous Queen) I follow thee:  
(But that's already where thou art—)  As going after her, when Enter hastily, Claridiana in Man's Apparel and stays him. Cla. 
Valiant King, come back to me.  Fel. 
Off, Remora—  Cla. 
Whom hurlest thou fro thee?  Fel. 
Youth, for this ill turn beshrew thee.  Cla. 
Hear me, thou new Alcides.  Fel. 
What  
Wouldst thou with me?  Cla. 
Know'st me not?  Fel. 
No, nor would.  Cla. 
So soon (unkind!)  
CLARIDIANA out of mind?  Fel. 
Me, that the Sea burneth, tell.  Cla. 
Look upon me, Stranger, well.  Fel. 

The clothes and smartness, thou puttest an,  
Speak the bold language of a Man;  
But that Complexion, and that Grace,  
WOMAN write upon thy Face:   

And one, whom I have elsewhere seen.   Cla. 

Ah! Wonder not, the most distressed  
Of Women, seeks of Men the best:  
Of ARABIA I am Queen,   

On which the Gold, that therein is,  
The Name of HAPPY did bestow,  
And, of PERFUMED, from her Trees  
The Aromatic Tears that flow.   

My Father (through whose Magic Lore  
The shook Earth groaned, and on whose back,  
As on strong Atlas'is of yore,  
The Heaven was a Golden Pack)   

Erected there th' enchanted Tower,  
For curious and magnificent,  
Proportioned to Regal Power,  
And Art's Divine Astonishment,   

Th' intention was to thee made known,  
Then, when thou couldst not keep by WIT  
That, which by Valour thou didst get;  
So many Monsters overthrown.   

The Duel was abruptly done,  
Abruptly was the War begun,  
Feigned to be here in TARTARY  
By CLARIDORO'S Jealousy.   

Certain Eyes were thy North-Stars,  
Which directed thy Course hither:  
If Ruth, or Love, or love of Wars,  
The Cause, thou know'st; I know not whether.   

I stayed alone: My Subjects (broke  
Loose from their Duty) They, require  
T' an Idol I should offer smoke,  
For whom my Altar had no Fire.   

Up-sighing, to the Gods, Complaints;  
heavens' sacred pity I implore;  
The Sun, surprised with darkness, faints;  
The Thunder in the Air doth roar.   

My Magick-Father (reconciled  
By her misfortunes to his Child)  
Informs me how this cabin mean  
Enshrines the Persian King serene.   

Thou art the Man, thou FELISBRAVO art,  
In Praise of whom Fame sings her well conned Part:  
Two Worlds already with thy Name doth fill,  
And makes both Poles hear plain her Trumphet shrill.  
Thy Aid I crave, to thee my wrongs discover,  
As thou art brave, not as thou art a Lover:  
(For, tell not me of constant Lovers; such  
I have heard much of, but believe not much.)  
Restore CLARIDIANA to her Crown:  
Thy Name will make the Loyal (who are down)  
O'retop the rest. These, are the spoils thou ow'st  
To Fame's bright Temple; These, are deeds to boast  
Thee, for their Author: Leave, famed Prince, soft thoughts,  
Leave CUPID'S vain Caresses, and tame faults  
Of Idleness; thy Damask Blade unsheathe;  
In Rest couch Ash; on which when North Winds breathe  
It bends (a Twig) but now (more stubborn Wood)  
Shows Beak of Steel, made drunk with Crimson Flood.  
Armed, let the Field behold thee; and make blush  
The shoulders of thy digged Bucephalus  
With Foamed Spurs: In thee APOLLO bright  
Be died with Blood, Red Mars be guilt with Light.  
My Truncheon wield with that victorious Hand:  
Two Phoenixes shall then the ARABS Land  
(As to immortal, as to glorious) have;  
But (as to valiant) only FELISBRAVE.   Aside. Fel. 

LOVE, and HONOUR, pull two ways;  
And I stand doubtful which to take:  
To Arabia, Honour says,  
Love says, no; thy stay here make,   

HONOUR (like to lose the day)  
Pity throws into her scale  
LOVE, Gratitude in his doth lay;  
Fearing else not to prevail.   

Fair ZELIDAURA shall I flee,  
Just now, when in her Grace I stand;  
One of those happy Fools to be,  
Who prize no bird that 's in the hand?   Aside. 

So (your less Fool) a Child too, cries  
For a rich Gem, which got, the Boy  
Runs after something else he spies,  
And leaves his jewel for a toy.   

Deaf then to loud Music of MARS,  
To his spread Flags let me be blind.  
I'm summoned here to higher Wars:  
And those are cruel, these are kind.   

To wronged Claridiana, than  
Discourteous Coward shall I prove?  
Knowing my Heart (as I do) can,  
Dare I, to it, such baseness move?   

Not, by Courtship, not on Do●n;  
Is acquired sublime renown:  
But Prowess indefatigable  
Scales Alps and ploughs up Seas unstable.   Cla. 
How long he doth debate it in his Breast?  
" Slow comes Relief, where little Love doth rest.  Aside still. Fel. 
Pardon me, Zelidaure, this way I take  
And (which is more) I leave thee for thy sake:  
For, of thy Lover none deserves the Name,  
Who will not succour a Distressed Dame.  
Stand me, Arabia: If I gain the day  
The Spoils at ZELIDAURA'S Feet I'll lay.  Enter General. Gen. 
Leave FELISBRAVO, leave the vain Alarms  
Of a false HONOUR, and LOVE'S veins Charms.  
These pull proud PONTUS on thy trembling Relm.  
Even Courage fears, the Pilot from the Helm:  
Hast home: 'Tis bravery past my skill t' admire,  
To quench another's house, thine own on fire.  
Once let not appetite prevail, not still  
The worst be chose, and Reason stoop to Will.  
Waste not thy years in Love, or cruel Ruth,  
And weed betimes even Flowers that choke thy Youth.  
Return to PERSIA, leave Romancing, leave  
Disnerving Loves, and all that may deceive  
The Harvest of so fair a Spring." The Birth  
" Of Kings is to be Patterns to the Earth,  
" Not blotting-papers, but to write fair by;  
" Nor pleasures Slaves, or triumphs of an Eye.  Cla. 
This seems a trick. heavens'! That a Man should dare  
To forfeit his good Manners to my Prayer!  Fel. 
GEN'RAL, well urged: But first I'll pay two scores:  
One here, another where my Soul adores—  To Her. 
CLARIDIANA comfort thy soft Breast,  
Heroic Minds are tried when they are pressed.  
List me thy Captain, or thy Soldier: Come  
Live thou, though I die here, and lose at home.  Gen. 

Bright Persian Prince,   

The WORLD will hang the Temple of thy worth  
With all the Vows OPPRESSION shall rack forth.  
T' ARABIA then; thy look will conquer there,  
And thy Fame strike the Pontic King with Fear.   Aside. Fel. 
Good Courtier, but ill Lover, now am I:  
I know it, but I know no Remedy.  Aside. Cla. 

I carry thee, to War against my Land:  
Against my Heart to War too, underhand.   Exeunt. Enter Zelidaura. 

'Tis not, the Persian FELISBRAVE;  
He would have followed: And if FAME  
With a true Mouth his Worth proclaim,  
HE (if he loved) my Love might have.   

For he that will my Hand deserve,  
Must, in a constant Soul, comprise  
The understanding of the Wise.  
The diligence of those that serve,   

Perfections of a KING discover,  
And the tremblings of a Lover.   Enter Claridoro habited like a Country Gentleman. Claro. 

For the Queen now  
To Court to call me is no pleasure  
To one who wisely minds the Blow,  
And rowls in Leisure.   

Sweet Solitude! still Mirth, that fear'st no wrong,  
Because thou dost none! Morning all day long!  
Truth's Sanctuary! Innocency's Spring!  
Invention's Limbeck! Contemplation's Wing!   

Peace of my Soul, which I too late pursued!  
That know'st not the World's vain Inquietude:  
Where Friends (the Thiefs of Time) let us alone  
Whole days; and a Man's Hours are all his own.   

Happy art thou, that, unsupplanted, plantest;  
Nor seest in COURT (which to thy Harm thou hantest)  
Th' undoing Truth of rigid Honesty;  
The profitable Lie of Flattery;  
The sweet Disease of Hope, the Potion,  
And bitter Health of Undeception.   Turns to her. 

Madam, your pleasure (for, in haste,  
A Servant called me, to wait on  
Your Highness.)   Zel. 
Diligence goes fast:  
As for haste else, there was none.  
The wounded Stranger, is he gone?  Claro. 
Just now.  Zel. 
(I asked that which I grieve to know)  Aside. 
Went he Cured fully?  Claro. 

Truly, No:   

He stumbled o'er his Health, because a Woman,  
In a Man's Habilliment  
(Invited by his Fame) did summon  
Him, to some Action; and with Her he went.   Zel. 
With a Woman?   Carᵒ. 

Yes, and one  
Whose spriteliness, whose Beauty's Rays,  
Whose every way perfection,  
I never to the worth can praise:   

And the valiant FELISBRAVE  
(For so she called him) went with her,  
So contented, brisk, and brave—   Zel. 

Peace: It is too much to hear.   

Treason against Love, nay High-  
Treason? Together did they go?   Claro. 
Together.  Zel. 
Now you lie, you lie—  
But (ah!) 'tis true, because it grieves me so.  
Bid them that Fellow hither bring  
I caused be seized on.  Claro. 
What means this?  
But Duty says, know not the thing,  
Which hidden by thy sovereign is.  Exit. Zel. 

A Man denies to me his Name;  
Leaves me, and for another Dame,  
And have I yet so much good nature  
As to complain of such a Creature?   

Go, thou cruel Man to me;  
Hope not, I'll myself deplore  
Upon thy score:  
For, to form Complaints of Thee,  
Were to make my favours more.   

If, the mere thinking thou wert loved,  
To remove  
Thee could move,  
Well thou might'st have not removed,  
For thou wert not yet beloved.   

If my Will inclined a little,  
Well that deserved thy hope to swell▪  
CONFIDENCE, well;  
Well, thy Vanity to tickle;  
But it not deserved thee fickle.   

Thy thus for getting, doth confess  
Thou held'st the victory, secure,  
Thy Triumph sure;  
For (whilst you live) a Happiness  
Is Mother of Forgetfulness.   

O, froward Stars! What I, betrayed?  
How can I suffer such a strange  
And sudden change?  
That I, whom LOVE feared to invade,  
Object should of SCORN be made!   

Ignoble Knight!  
Lover unkind!  
Inconstant as the Wind!  
If she thy Love requite,  
In midst of joys be starved,  
And let unhappiness be once deserved.   

Art thou a PRINCE? Fame lies:  
" Plain dealing is for Majesties.  
" A Prince will falsehood fly,  
" If but because it argues fear, to Lye.   

Seem only wise, in that  
Thou be unfortunate;  
Earn neither Brass, nor Pen,  
To make thee live with Men;  
And let thy Name (if it in FANES they kerve)  
For scorn, for pity, nor for pattern, serve.   

In thee just jealousy move  
A thousand ways, Another  
Less lovely, less a Lover.  
So short let thy sweets prove,  
That thy felicity  
May be an inch to measure BEAUTY by.   

This (who, thy Wife to be,  
Seeks, by supplanting Me)  
Mayst thou love her, like those that foul ones choose:  
May she love thee, as courted fair ones use:  
And, if she prove a Bane,  
In being immortal, let it seem my pain.   

If ye shall disagree,  
Live to Eternity;  
If ye love, live a year;  
An hour, if fondly dear;  
But, do not live a jot;  
And let a Falchion cut your NUPTIAL Knot.   Enter Rifaloro trembling. Rif. 

O that in fooling tune I were!  
But, I am not in tune to fool.  
By HERCULES, I have a fear,  
Withal my strength, I cannot rule.   

And, if Rewards for fear were set,  
I those from all the World should get.   

They say, 'tis ZELIDAURA'S Grace,  
Whom I called Madcap to her face:  
So now, must I expect the pay  
Of those, who Truths to Great-Ones say.   

Give me, Madam— (I recoil)   Offers to approach her, and dares not. 

Thy Feet— No—   Zel. 
The Servant vile,  
He, for that Lie, shall feel my Thunder—  
But— If a King could lie, what wonder?  Rif. 
A Devil, Angelized, is she.  
I tremble like an Aspen Tree:  
Each joint's a leaf.  Zel. 
What makes this Rascal stay?  Sees him. 
Oh! Is he there?  Rif. 
Give— Give me (I say.)  Zel. 
I'll give thee Death, Impostor. Traitor—  Lists up her hand, as if to strike him. Rif. 
Hold Thunderbolt of Lilies—  Zel. 
Traitor,  
How is thy Master called?  Rif. 
Things seem,  
And are not: Man's Life is a dream—  Zel. 
His Name—  Rif. 
A Servant is all Ear, and sight—  Zel. 
I'll have his Name—  Rif. 
And reason good:  
PERSIANO. (I'm not understood.)  Zel. 
Villain, His Name—  Rif. 
I say the same  
DON PERSIANO is his Name.  Zel. 
Thou triflest with thy Life: Confess—  Offers at him with a Dagger. 
Or—  Rif. 
Hold then—  Zel. 
His true Name express—  Rif. 

PER— SI— A— NO— Angel, stay:  
Playing with Hands, is the Clowns play.   

In cipher is his true Name writ:  
And I have lost the Key of it.   Falls on his knees. 

Weary not thyself, QUEEN mine:  
Racks shall not force it from this Breast:  
For, though to jesting I incline;  
I ne'er thought Knavery a good Jest.   Zel. 
A Rogue on Honour's points to stand!  
In thee it is a sauciness:  
('Tis well I knew it before hand:)  
And yet, withal, I must confess,  
This Servant, with the Soul he hath,  
Might teach his Master to keep Faith.  
What a foul shame 'tis!  Rif. 
By the Gods,  
Those Sages, who do boast such odds  
Of all the World, shall find— We Fools  
Are most considerable Tools.  Zel. 

The ill-deserved Name to ME  
Of FELISBRAVE is known already:  
Who, of Arabia, is gone to be  
The petty King, and the Gallant unsteady.   

He Travailed with CLARIDIANE.  
Follow him thou (this Royal Hand  
With servile Blood I scorn to stain)  
And let thy Master understand;   

Though he pretend the invincible, that I  
Will make him, for my trampled footstool, lie;  
A Woman, in Revenge; a Sovereign,  
In Courage; and a MISTRESS, in Disdain.   Rif. 
With CLARIDIANE (by JOVE)  
Did he go?  Zel. 
I think thou 'rt glad.  Rif. 

Have I not cause, if he can love  
A pair of Queens, and make them both run Mad?   

The Spanish fashion hath my Vote,  
In Mistresses, though not in Diet:  
One goes but dully down the Throat,  
Six in a Dish the modern Riot.   Zel. 
If thy Doctrine, Knave, Men follow;  
They had need of a great swallow.  Rif. 
Two at a clap! why, now he's somebody,  
He 'as laid already the trunk-breeches by.  
One, was the stint of old; our Fare now mends:  
To thy Twin-Sister hast thou no Commends?  Zel. 
Away, like lightning; tell them their Fate comes:  
SCORN clears the Ways, and ANGER beats my Drums.  Rif. 
This Queen knows how her Post to choose,  
That sends a Fool with an ill News.  Exeunt. Trumpets and Drums Sound a March, and Enter Felisbravo, General, and Claridiana, Armed, and People as an Army Marching. Cla. 
This is ARABIA.  Fel. 
You Adamant Wall,  
With its proud towers, at thy kissed Feet shall fall:  
For so resolved (though slender) are thy Bands,  
To Ammunition they will turn these Sands.  Gen. 
A flying Squadron meets us on the Border,  
In a loose way, without all Martial Order:  
It looks like Peace.  Fel. 
To overcome, procure:  
" In Traitors looks no signs of Peace are sure.  Trumpets and Drums, and Enter Floranteo with People. Flo. 

Thy warlike Preparations (QUEEN) suspend:  
Gay Purple button, clasp not glittering Steel;  
Since now, the People neither Wall defend,  
Nor with Usurping Grasp, the SCEPTRE feel.   

Enter thy lofty PALACE, Roofed with Gold;  
Thy little-spoiled though much profaned ABODES;  
Choose, where thou lik'st; and in calm Peace grow old:  
" 'Tis ill Rebelling against Kings, or Gods.   

Not, to disturb it FLORANTEO came;  
But, thy disturbed Kingdom, to recover:  
To kiss thy hand, as of his Sovereign Dame;  
Not, challenge it, as thy presumptuous Lover.   Cla. 
Rise, and be second to thy thankful Queen.  Flo. 
Wear this Gold-Crown first, wreathed with Laurel-green,  
And Olive, which thy Birth, and Virtue, give:  
Live long our QUEEN!  All. 
CLARIDIANA, live!  Enter Rifaloro with a Poast-whip in his hand. Rif. 

Rare Post-horses! in less than half an hour  
To bring me hither from TARTARY?  
My own Barbs (laid) would have conveyed me slower:  
Nor could I have come sooner in a Play.   

The Woman is a Harpy: O! that I  
Were one of your Wind-mongers, that Cry News;  
To relate mine, with strange Romancery:  
But, I have no Alliance with those jews.   

Here are Soldiers— That, is he!  
Sir, your Foot; and take my Knee.   Fel. 
These Arms, my RIFALORO— Where hast been?  
What hast thou done, since thou by me wert seen?  Rif. 

The Story's long: Some other tell it Thee,  
Who hath no Wit to spoil his Memory.   

Rowse, Sir, with thicker Steel your Breast immure:  
Nor FELISBRAVO, nor ARABIA now,  
Nor the spectator World, can be secure  
From ZELIDAURA; who, because that thou  
Deniest to her thy Name, and she 's alarmed  
With your joint-journey, comes with Terrors Armed.   Fel. 
Thou Slave (it seems) made of the coursest Clay,  
A Secret so important didst betray.  
But, I'm right served—  Rif. 
This 'tis now, to know any  
Secret, of one, who tells it unto many.  Fel. 
This 'tis, when Kings consort themselves with Grooms.  Rif. 
Help (Masters) or, if not, Might, Right o'ercomes.  Gen. 
What is the matter?  Rif. 
Nothing, but the King  
Pays Honesty her Wages: A fine thing  
It is, to look on; a rare decking (sure)  
For a Rich Man; but, 't will undo a poor;  
And be suspected too. So counterfeit  
Seems the best jewel when 'tis meanly set.  
All, I have gained, by being true, was (There)  
A jail, a Dagger at my Bosom; (Here)  
This, which you see. 'Tis time to rest (say I)  
And cast safe Anchor upon Knavery.  Fel. 
In what a leaking Butt  
Have I my Secret put!  
No (angry Fair One) No: Not, of thy Blade,  
My Life; but, of thy Doubt, my Love 's afraid.  Rif. 

Thus, do good Actions shine? Is this, the Meed  
To faithful silence is decreed?   

This of being an honest Man,  
Is a lean Office; with Fees none:  
It will not keep a Gentleman,  
Without some other good Means of his own.   

The Foe, in Reason, cannot far off be;  
For ZELIDAURA Marches furiously.   Cla. 

Come all TARTARY with her; here she stands,  
Will welcome Her, more Valiant, and less vain:  
That barbarous Warriouress shall, of these Hands,  
The Trophy be, the scorn, and the disdain.   

Ourselves is General.   Gen. 
Great ATLAS quakes,  
A trepidation of the Spheres it makes,  
To hear that sound from thee; who, in these Wars,  
Wilt Muster Flowers, and Lead an Host of Stars.  Fel. 
I'll view their Camp, and count the Enemy.  Cla. 
Such a SPY is quickly spied:  
I tear thy danger.  Fel. 
'Twas Wisdom put out POLYPHEMO'S Eye;  
That Mountain of swollen Pride.  
Come (RIFALORO) by thy Master's side.  Rif. 
I fear thy Anger:  
Thou tell'st it in this AUDIENCE; wouldst go hid:  Points to the Spectators. 
They, tell it ZELIDAURA: Then I'm chid.  Gen. 
What AUDIENCE? The Man dreams— I go with thee.  Rif. 
Yes, Let my Fellow go; and I will be  
Thy LEIDGER here  Flo 
Sir, let me beg the Honour—  Fel. 
By no means (FLORANTEO:) Wait upon her  
Fair Majesty. Fear is to me unknown:  
And mine 's a Business best performed alone.  Aside. Cla. 
(I think no less, and hide my fear in vain  
Under the silence of my Virgin shame)  Fel. 
'Tis Fear, makes Mortals peep through their disguise:  
Unseen, we will third Our Person through their Eyes.  
Come, RIFALORE.  Rif. 
Not I, one of course Earth  
Consort with KINGS? A Slave of Dunghill Birth?  
I renounce Honesty, I pray your Grace  
Choose a new Fool, and tie that to the PLACE.  Cla. 
Less of the LOVER than the BRAVE it shows,  
Thyself to such wild dangers to expose.  
Let common Soldiers hazard in this kind:  
" VALOUR, within due bounds, should be confined.  Fel. 
If known, I would not fear an Host of Men;  
Though Armed with Fire and Horror: March on, then.  
Dangers I court, and all that Dangers brings:  
" For Bullets bear a Reverence to Kings.  Trumpets. A March. Exeunt. Sound Trumpets and Drums, and Enter Zelidaura, Claridoro, Roselinda, and Soldiers. Zel. 
Now, CLARIDORO, on Arabian Mould  
We tread, and have the Enemy in view.  Claro. 
Since so much Beauty fights thy Cause, be bold  
To write; I CAME, WAS SEEN, AND DID SUBDUE.  Zel. 
Not Love, but Honour, made me March thus far.  
A Queen's it is, and not a Woman's War.  
If I o'ercome, I'll scorn them, as I live:  
" Two Victories; to Conquer, and Forgive;  
" On ground that's hard, 'tis easy ground to win:  
" But feet, which tread upon the soft, sink in.  Claro. 
THE CAUSE I never ZELIDAURA scanned,  
It must be good which thou dost take in hand:  
And, doubt the Conquest, where thou present art,  
No more, than whether I should take thy part,  
Whose Services are Debts to thee; and when  
Thou lettest me pay thee one; that one grows ten.  
Thy heavenly force is unto me so known,  
That, though great MARS in SOL's bright Armour shone,  
I' th' adverse Camp; I should not fear the day:  
For BEAUTY stole one's Sword, the other's Ray.  
But, for thy pardon— That, may spared be:  
What greater Death, than to be scorned by thee?  Enter a Captain bringing Felisbravo in the Habit of a Country Boor or Clown. Capt. 
Madam, This Clown, who seems a SPY,  
I bring before thy Majesty:  
That thou, from him, mayst draw, and know,  
The Strength, and Posture, of the FOE.  Zel. 
Whom see I? Is't not FELISBRAVE?  
'Tis Anger, and not Love, did grave  
His Visage here; and my Revenge's Eyes  
Have picked him out of his obscure Disguise.  Ros. 
A SPY thou well might'st think him; feel,  
He hath his Cassock lined with Steel.  
A GENTLEMAN, at least, by this.  Zel. 
No, no, a Clown I'm sure he is.  
Speak for thyself, art thou not one?  Fel. 
A Clown in my Attire alone.  Zel. 
In one thing more ('twixt me and you)  
Thou sleep'st to One, and wakest to Two.  Fel. 
Me, does your Worship know?  Zel. 
At last;  
For there is a distance vast  
Betwixt a CLOWN'S Tongue, and his Mind:  
And his Faith is hard to find.  Fel. 

Dissembling words, and little faith,  
Boast, they COURTLY Vices are:  
" Nothing more CLOWNISH is, than wrath;  
" And Revenge, that none will spare.   

Wade not in doubts too far, th' effect  
Of which, is bitterness, and rue:  
" For (let me tell you) to suspect,  
" Is, a kind of sleeping too.   

Do not wake JEALOUS: For, indeed,  
'Tis courteous baseness, and no other.  
Nor borrow, of thy Clownish Weed,  
The MALICE, that, is used to cover.   

He never fled, who wheels about:  
And He, who (born for higher Ends)  
Did best, when he lay under doubt;  
Gallantly his Faith defends.   

And He, whose worth in every thing  
(In this I will appeal to LAURA)  
Proclaims him not a perfect King,  
Deserves not to love ZELIDAURA.   Zel. 
CLOWN, or SPY, or what thou wilt,  
Think not t' appease me thou art able:  
For justifying a known Guilt,  
With Women is impardonable.  Aloud. 
Tell me (Lab'ring-Man) how strong  
Is CLARIDIANA?  Fel. 

Hear—   Aside. 

(Heavens! how it thunders Vengeance from her Tongue?  
Yet still 'tis Music to my Ear.)   Aloud. 

ARABIA being reduced to her obedience,  
She hath two Arms of old Soldiers,  
Beat to the Trade of WAR; valiant, and disciplined;  
In suffering, noble: and in acting, bold:  
The GODDESSE-QUEEN (whose Beauty doth eclipse  
The brightest lustre of the midday Sun)  
Comes for the GENERAL; and in her alone is  
NARCISSUS joined with SOL; MARS with ADONIS.   

From a Sphere, crowned with plumes (like Summers' Clouds  
When the Day feels a lightning before Death,  
Or Gardens in the Air)  
Armed with a heavenly Anger, she discovers  
In THETIS Body great ACHILLES's Soul.  
Her Sword cuts more than all those of her Army;  
Her Beauty more victorious, than her Sword:  
For where's the life so sure that Love can pick  
No hole in it, which would not soon surrender  
Itself into her hands, without more strife,  
To sue out a new grant to be a life?   

With gallant grace she traverses the Field  
Upon a Horse, that pays the vanity,  
Infused into the Bruit by his fair Burden,  
With mettle, and with motion that keeps time:  
His swiftness calls him DART, his striking fire  
A THUNDERBOLT, his colour and his gate  
Majestic SWAN. Like a SHIP under sail,  
Tossing the foam up, proudly he doth go,  
With Plumes for Streamers, ARGOSY of Snow.   Zel. 

With great LATONA'S Off spring do not brag,  
Lest thou be turned t' a weeping stone.  
Say, 'tis a fine fore-handed Nag,  
That hath his paces every one:   

And lacks (to do a thousand pranks)  
Only, to have been foaled on BETIS Banks.   

Here's trapping out a Horse withal my heart,  
Why, 'twould make one his Bridle break:  
SNOW, SHIP, SWAN, STREAMERS, THUNDERBOLT, and DART?  
Troth, go but one step more, and make him speak.   

A Description call'st thou this?  
In blank Verse (of all four lame)  
With equal Tropes, and Emphasis,  
To Cry a Beast up, and a Dame?   Fel. 
Her BEAUTY than she brings along:  
And that's ten thousand Graces strong.  Zel. 

Flat jealousy in my Face hurled?  
(The greatest Clown'ry this i' th' World!)  
If, that, I brought, I by did throw;  
Shall I catch this he throws me? No,   

Let CLARIDIANA come;  
With her, her BEAUTY, and her FELISBRAVE;  
In every thing I'll her o'ercome:  
Even in this too, that less of vain I'll have.   

Back, FELISBRAVO; put into each Troop  
As much of Courage, as I hope to quail:  
To whom thy Fear, and not thy Love, shall stoop;  
And I, by Force, not Beauty, will prevail.   

Thou art my Prisoner (foolish Man)  
Conquered by putting this shape an.  
But 'tis not thou shalt pay me: 'Tis my boast,  
To pay myself, that which to me thou ow'st.   

Fight well to day: Since thou dost love  
CLARIDIANE;  
Let not Twain  
Thee reprove;   

One Woman call thee Coward, t' other  
Twit thee with perfidious LOVER.   

But, this I'll say; had I loved thee,  
Thou wouldst not thus have used me:  
Nor durst have acted such a valiant Sin,  
As unto Me UNGRATEFUL to have been.   Fel. 
Madam, how high an obligation  
This lays on me, and on my passion!  
A Servant now, that takes no Wages of thee:  
But LOVES THEE (why?) only to love thee.  In the hearing of the rest. 
— Hear me, ZELIDAURA—  Zel. 

Turn  
This Fellow back to his own Camp:  
And (with my glittering Bands) though these Woods burn,  
Though, on these plains, my numbers strike a damp.   

Tell FELISBRAVO; CLARIDORE, and I,  
Without or MARS, or SOL, their Powers defy.   Aside. Fel. 
Even her Anger, O! how sweet!  
I hope myself yet, at her Feet  
To prostrate Victory— But no,  To Her. 
Her Eyes will snatch it first— I go.  
Set thy People in Array.  Zel. 
This, CLARIDORO, is thy day.  Claro. 
Where thou art, all things must go well.  Zel. 
Sound an Alarum.  Fel. 
Tole my Knell.  Trumpets a little. Exeunt. Enter General with his Sword drawn. Gen. 

Bloody perdition, tyrannising yoke,  
Grim War, that strewd'st with Carcases the way  
To th' first Injustice, which free Mortals broke,  
And Iron Sceptre placed in hand of Clay:   

Barbarous Trade, so murmured at in vain,  
To spur the fiery Coursers of pale Death,  
As if Time flagged, as if to be humane  
Were not Disease enough to stop our Breath.   

But, though thou (WAR) art dire, art full of dread;  
There is a Feud more dire, more dreadful far,  
When Beauties bloody Flag (hanged out and spread  
In Virgin's Cheeks) proclaims a scornful War.   

Love, let me rather be a rough-hand's Prize,  
Than the soft Captive of insulting Eyes.   Enter Rifaloro with his Sword drawn. Rif. 
They March to shock these Girls, some small Wit now  
Would Lids of Marchpane call, Caesar's of Snow.  Gen. 

Why, Rifaloro, Wentest not with Him, Thou?  
'Tis not well done to fail thy Duty so.   

To jest out faults is an uncomely thing.   Rif. 
Can I (that from the Trojan BRUTUS spring)  
That vaunt great Blood, I have much Blood I spill,  
Be wanting to the Huff, to the Punctil  
Of Honour? Being of the Mountains too,  
In which the HECULESSES always grew?  Gen. 
Art thou a BRITTON then?  Rif. 
So brags each one  
That would write Gentleman, when he is none.  
This day shall set the King high on my score;  
For, such an honest Man is RIFALORE,  
So faithful to his Master, that a Trim  
Map of Misfortune might be made of him.  
And (see the fate which still attends upon it!)  
The scurvy Poet, giving each a SONNET,  
Leaves only me without— But, by the faith  
Of a MAHOMETAN, since thus he hath  
Provoked me to 't, upon his skirts I'll sit:  
Damn all his Matter, 'cause in Verse 'tis writ:  
And, in defiance of the TRIPLE THREE,  
Promote a Law, importing, that, to be,  
Or not to be, a POET; shall suffice  
To prove, past doubt, one is not, or is, wise.  Gen. 
Stand, RIFALORO, to thy Arms: The Drums  
Do beat a Charge, and FELISBRAVO comes.  Rif. 
St. whom invoke they?  Gen. 
MARS, the God of Wars.  Rif. 
St. GEORGE for Us, the Gartered English MARS.  Exeunt. Enter Marching at one Door Claridiana, as with an Army, drum's and Files, and herself in the Rear with a Truncheon, and Felisbravo by her side; At the other Door Zelidaura in like manner, with Claridoro before her all Armed, Cla 
Valiant ARABIANS, let these barbarous Troops  
(Men built to serve) their bending Foreheads yield:  
As, with a fierce South Wind, an Army stoops  
Of drowsy Poppies in a barren field.  Zel. 
Food for your Steel brave Sons of Tartary)  
Let these so●t Peasants of Arabia be:  
For, ill can brook the glitt'ring of a Sword,  
A Country only famous for a Bird.  Cla. 

In our contention now, not Mars,  
But CUPID is the God of Wars.  
And (turned to tears) thy proud disdain  
Puts Love in Arms, makes HEAVEN complain.   

If thy coming be to wring  
From me the famous Persian King;  
Though I do love him, I esteem  
From thee t' have got him, more than him.  
For, 'mongst my Glories, I less prize  
My Conquest, than thy HUE and CRIES.   Zel. 

To pull this fickle Prince from thee,  
Is Honour, and not Love, in me:  
For, with so false a Lover, know,  
I'll part at all times to a Foe.   

To give to him, no hand I bring;  
But feet, on both your necks to print:  
For, in my greatest Conquering,  
And utmost of triumphing in 't,   

Having first punished his Inconstancy,  
For more Revenge, I'll after give him Thee.   Offers to Charge and Felisbravo throws himself at her Feet. Fel. 
ZELIDAURA, hold thy Hand:  
Conquer not twice a Man unmanned.  
She needs not Weapons, that is fair:  
He needs not Death, who hath despair.  
Already, of thy generous Feet  
I kiss the yoke. In the most sweet  
And glorious Cause of LOVE, let my life owe  
To me, the divine choice to lose it so.  Zel. 
Rise; hence; begone; I will not have thee die  
At thy Election, nor in Courtesy,  
But, by my Falchion: Not, like FELISBRAVE,  
Not, my devoted, but my conquered Slave.  Cla. 
Stay, Traitor, where thou art: Revenged I'll be  
Both on the proud, and on the humble: THEE  
I'll conquer, and forget; and both your Hearts  
(Transfixed with other, than with amorous Darts)  
Under my vexed feet trample—  Rif. 
Well played, Girls:  
Mastiffs of Ivory! Dragons of Pearls.  Fel. 
I'll have no Battle.  Cla. 
The whole Earth a Lake  
Of Blood, and Scene of Horror, I will make.  Rif. 
O how Sir Poll, my Grandsire would cry ('S Bears!)  
Kings and Queens seen together by the Ears!  
Well, there 's no flinching now; my strengths I summon:  
To see the last Man born and the last Woman.  Zel. 
Sound, Sound a Charge.  Cla. 
Lock with the Foe.  Fel. 
Hold—  Claro. 
Charge them home— But, the heavens' (lo!)  
Rash the Clouds open.  Rif. 
Monsieur JOVE  
Throws (thundering) 'twixt them his steel Glove.  Sound drum's and Trumpets, and let Mars pass over the Stage in a Chariot drawn with Lions, having in his hand a fiery Lance. Mars. 

CLARIDIANA (second Phoenix of  
Arabia) and thou Tartarian QUEEN  
(In whom alone pride is not folly) I  
Who (General of Heaven, and Earth's Protector  
Suppressed the proud Rebellion of the Giants  
In Pilegra's Plains: ay, who in burning TROY  
(Supplying the bold Greeks with fire and sword)  
Saw frighted Xanthus' scud 'twixt ●●●ks of Cyndar●●  
I, who (through Rome's revenging fury) saw  
Of the great Carthage scarce one stone remaining  
For a dumb witness that she once had been:  
I, who upon Iberian Walls beheld  
Turbans for Battlements, and Barb'ry Mares  
Turned loose into the Andalusian Corn:  
Now (a PEACEMAKER) bring, not signs of Wars,  
But Leagues confirmed with Characters of Stars.   

The Gods (who call you by a hid impulse  
To people the grave Temple, and waste Grove  
Of the most chaste best Goddess) know, the WORLD  
Has not a Prince deserves so high perfections:  
For Heaven is stuck all o'er with injured Beauties.  
Thou, gallant CLARIDORO, Rule (as King)  
Great Tartary; and FLORANTEO, thou  
Reign in the famous and the fair Arabia.  
For the most Valiant Knight, and perfect Lover  
(Though ZELIDAURA know not this, or will not)  
Let the Great KING of Persia be Crowned.  
Queen's lay down Arms; for (to make War on Beasts)  
From painted Quivers, at your shoulders hung,  
Of Shafts a flying Squadron will suffice.   

DIANA'S Nuns are coming to receive you,  
Their Heads with Olive, Flowers, and Laurel bound.  
This, in the rolling chambers of the Spheres,  
The glorious Heptarchy of Heaven ordains  
By a Law always just, always inviolable.   Drums and Trumpets. Fel. 
Hold, MARS divine; for thou (both Judge and Party)  
Envy'st my Flame, whose object doth as far  
Outshine thy Mistress, as the Sun a Star!  Claro. 
Stay, Sovereign MARS, I'd rather be, than have  
The whole World's Empire, ZELIDAURA's Slave.  Flo. 
ay, from this sentence, to those God's appeal,  
Who feel more love, or more compassion feel.  Zel. 
Princes, resist not Heaven; for still ye may  
Love, without hope; and that's the noblest way.  Cla. 
I reverence it, and adore its Laws.  Rif. 
A foolish ending! Were 't not just  
(Into a Cloister if they must)  
Heaven for these Virgins, did reserve  
Some portions, that they may not starve  
When they repent them? And, must not,  
After their Dames the Damsels trot?  Ros. 
The Damsels stay, for visible Example  
To a bad World, in which they are a TEMPLE  
And CLOISTER to themselves, meaning to live  
Not less austere, though less contemplative.  Fel. 
I always loved thee only, for Love's Cause  
And Joy, a glimpse of Hope once blessed mine Eyes  
Which on his Altar I may sacrifice.  Claro. 
Thou, ZELIDAURA, shalt still guide the Helm:  
Whilst I am still the Defender of thy Relm.  To Claridiana. Flo. 
And thou shalt be ARABIA'S Queen, and mine.  Zel. 
" Virtues are Kingdoms at DIANA'S Shrine.  
If so, than their Possessions greatest call  
Who dispossess themselves of All.  Cla. 
Crown FLORANTEO.  Soldiers. 
Thy Feet kisses  Crown Him. 
ARABIA: Live Crowned with Blisses.  Crown Claridoro. 
Live, CLARIDORO.  Claro. 
Cry  
die, CLARIDORO, die.  The Temple opens. Cornets. Gen. 
The TEMPLE opes, the Air rejoices,  
Gay Nymphs present sweet Flowers and Voices.  They sing within. 
Live, Fair Ones, for yourselves, whilst the Men do  
Think it enough, if They may Die for You.  The Queens enter the Temple from whence many Nymphs come forth to receive them, and therein let Diana appear. Zel. 
ay, born was, for myself alone.  Cla. 
The Altar now shall be my Throne.  Claro. 
My Love doth no reward pretend.  Flo. 
My torment ne'er will have an end.  Fel. 
" TO LOVE ONLY TO LOVE, is Love,  
" Like that w' are loved with from above:  
" He that hopes, no Love doth bear.  Claro. 
Then what should he, that hopes not, fear?  Rif. 
It remains now—  Gen. 
What now remains?  Rif. 
That the Magnific POET give  
Some Thirty Manors all with large Demains  
Amongst the Actors upon which to live;  
And do in any Case declare  
That All our Worship's x Germane are.  Gen. 
What a Conceit of a stale date!  Rif. 
SIR (for now Men say not, STATE)  
Here endeth the PLAY  
Of for Ever and Ay;  
Tiring Female and Male,  
Without a Marriage in the Tail;  
And this it doth get  
By being Penned without Wit..   
FINIS Of the Dramatic ROMANCE OF To LOVE only to LOVE.   

Immediately upon pronouncing the last words, the Temple or Throne ascended to the Place where it was before (viz the upper Tower of the Castle) and in it Zelidaura and Claridiana seated on either side the Goddess, also some Nymphs; and at the same time (Trumpets and Drums Sounding) the two Armies went Marching off at several doors, the Comedy ending there; and the Festival in a Dance, after the manner of a Tournament by 

The Lady Mary Gusman,  
The Lady Anne Sandi,  
The Lady Margarite Zapata,  
The Lady Margarite Tavara,  
The Lady Mary Cutinio,  
The Lady Frances Tavara,   All Armed in men's Apparel, and the Dance being ended all the Instruments Sounded out at once.   

FIESTAS de ARANIVEZ: FESTIVALS REPRESENTED AT ARANWHEZ BEFORE THE KING and QUEEN of SPAIN, In the Year, 1623.  
To Celebrate The BIRTHDAY of that KING, Philip IU.  
Written in Spanish by Don Antonio de Mendoza.  
Translated into English, Anno 1654.  
London, Printed by WILLIAM GODBID, 1670.   

FESTIVALS OF Aranwhez.  

The Site of Aranjuez.  
ARANWHEZ is the Recreation of the Kings and Queens of Spain, One and Twenty Miles from Madrid, the Court thereof; a Sear, which makes it credulity even to believe one's Eyes, the more seen, the more wondered at, and which in its natural simplicity, would rather have scorned, than admitted of Art, had not the Greatness of the Owners made it beholding to them for what was impossible, adorning it not only with a sumptuous Building (which, not exceeding the proportion of a Villa, or Countryhouse, deserves the Name of a palace-royal) but also with transcendent Culture, in which there is a constant variety; what in the Luxuriancy of its Gardens, what in the Gallantry of its Meadows, which, for Flowers, Birds, and Plants, leave nothing to be admired in the strangeness of the most remote Provinces; (that being there common, which is singular in every of them;) and what in the excellency of its Groves, which, peopled with all manner of Game, and Beauty, excuse no Royal Entertainment.   

The Fields of Aranjuez.  
THe least of its Beauty is under the Charge of two the most celebrated Rivers of Castille; Xarama, which dilated through the Fields hereof, begins their Fertility, and with a gentle Plain, Crowned with Corn and Fruits, draws the first respect to the Majesty of its Master, defended by that respect, better than by the watching of so numerous Guards; (for, in so vast Limits, in vain would be the Care of many, if they were not kept by the veneration of All;) the Courage of the Bulls thereof giving the second estimation to the Borders of this River, which (civil to Tagus) retires itself, leaving to him the upper and nearer place, and afterwards Duty more than Custom carries it to join with him, making him greater, not more beautiful.   

The Garden of the Isle.  
THis Seat (which will always seem an Hyperbole to the Ear, and a Deception to the Eye, being only used the two best Months (serving the other ten, only for a complaint to as many as behold it, that it should lie fallow the rest of the year) contains amongst many other Miracles of amoenity a Garden, which Tagus embraces with two Currents, sometimes in suspense, some times hasty, shaping it an Isle, and serving it for a Wall, over which the Trees are one way delightful Battlements, another, they are flowery Margins. Amidst the intricacy of the matted Herbs, of the Galleries of Flowers, of the Meandrian Wildernesses, of the diversified Plaits, of the Crystal Fountains (Competitors in Plenty and Novelty) there is reserved a most beautiful Space, which hath the openness of a Marketplace, and wants not the pleasantness of a Forest. This the Queen made choice of to Celebrate therein (with the greatest Magnificence that any Age hath seen, boast what it will the Roman Ostentation) the happy Birthday of Our Sovereign Lord the King, the Seventeenth Year of his flourishing Age, and the Second of his most blessed Reign.  
One of the greatest things of which is composed the Majesty of the Kings of Spain is, the Splendour of their Court, in which they do more surpass the other Princes of the World, than even in having under their Command so many Kingdoms; and the chief Point of this Splendour consists in that of their Maids of Honour, who, being Daughters of great Lords and Gentlemen, the veneration of all Men gives them new Authority, by themselves preserved in such manner, that they find respect and applause wherever they appear: For there needs nothing else to make it a Festival Show at any time, than that they will permit themselves to be looked upon. And now on this Occasion to Solemnize the King's Birthday, and Wait upon the Queen, they excelled themselves in bravery, both of clothes and Carriage.  
These Representations, which refuse the vulgar Name of Comedies, and aspire to that of Opere, to describe how they were performed by the Court (the Eclipse, rather than Imitator, of the Ancient Stage, upon which Italy values itself at this day) would require a better Pen than mine: But to stay to seek one could worthily Write it, were to Dam it to perpetual Silence; since the most exact and elegant must claim a part in my diffidence: Another's Command (not my Presumption) embarks me in this Narrative, though not witty, yet true; and now I write it with jealousy that I shall wrong the Story: But nothing can set it forth like a punctual telling it.  
Many Circumstances-make me suspicious of myself, and two amount to fear; the poverty of words to describe the brave clothes, which are distinguishable only by their Colours, and here all being reduced to Gold and Silver, that falls out to be rich, which a Revalation would have various ***   

THe Court was divided into two Squadrons, to make the Festivals distinct; of the first the Queen was Captain, who with her Greatness rendered it worthy of herself; and of the second was Captain the Lady Leonora Pimentel, a Dame of a transcendent Wit, and who with that alone might promise herself equality, if it had been possible.   

The Fabric of the Scenes.  
TO Erect the Scenes for the Opera of Her Majesty came to Aranjuez Captain julius Caesar Fontana, chief Engineer and Superintendent of the Fortifications of the Kingdom of Naples, Son to that so celebrated Artichitect of the Fabrics of Sextus Quintus, and Artificer comparable with his Father. There was raised a Theatre of 150 Foot long, and 78 in breadth, and seven Arches on each side with Pilasters, Cornishes and Battlements, of Doric Work, and on the top of those certain Galleries with Balasters of Gold, Silver, and Blue, which compassed the whole, and the same sustained seventy Massy Candlesticks holding white Wax Torches and Tapers innumerable, with certain Pillars embossed at the Corners of them ten Foot high, upon which was fastened a Canopy in imitation of a clear Night, when a multitude of Stars break out of a gloomy shadow, and upon the Stage, two Figures of a large proportion, which served for imaginary Giants; and to correspond with the Frontispiece, and by the Cornishes of the open Galleries, many Statues of Brass, and pendant from the Arches, certain Globes of Crystal, which made great Lights; and round about Benches for Gentlemen, with a most beautiful Rail to keep out the Common-people. In the midst a Throne, upon which were the Chairs of the King, and of the Prince's Don Carlos, and Don Fernando, his Brothers: Below them again Foot-paces, on which Carpets with Cushions, for the Ladies and Damsels. There was formed a Mountain of fifty foot broad, and eighty in circumference, which was made to split itself into two, and, though it was so vast in bulk, yet one Man moved it with much ease. It covered the Scene, and was of the same Doric Work, and it had an Ascent by many Steps to a spacious Cave, peopled with many wild Beasts. What this Mountain hid shall be revealed, when we speak of the Scenes, as they served in their proper places of the Mask.  
The Subject was the Glory of Niquea, notorious in the Books of Amadis; it was written for the height of the Court, as knowing the little liberty which that affords to the Muses, and the great Caution wherewith these Virgins of Parnassus must there demean themselves, the want of which knowledge occasions many absurdities to those Poets (how eminent soever in other respects) who have been bred far from the severity of that School.  
The Festival was appointed for St. Philip's Day, but the embroylment of so much Fabric deferred it till Whit-Monday, by which time all was in perfection. At the shutting in of day Tapers were lighted, equivocating Night. All took their places, who had leave to see, which was granted sparingly. For as to have indulged a general Liberty, would have caused great confusion, by the People that would have flocked from Madrid, so the Court-Attendance alone, of their Majesties, and their Highnesses, was enough, not to want Spectators if that had been the thing;) yet those who came unlicensed were not excluded, lest so justifiable an Ambition should be condemned, as to desire to see Festivals prepared by so great a Queen, in Honour of a King so Glorious, and moreover their own. He being now out of Mourning for his Great Father, which he observed so religiously, that till the Year was over, even, the last Day, the first of his sorrow. The Ladies and Damsels, then present at Aranjuez, filled both the Stradoes, the one the Countess of Olivarez, and the Lady Frances Clanit, Wife of Don Balthasar de Zumiga, the Marchioness of castle Rodrigo, and the Lady Margarita de Melo her Daughter, and the Countess of Barajas; the other, the Lady jane of Arragon, and the Lady Leonora Pimentel, Donna Anna Bazan, Donna Maria Land (chief Mother of the Maids) the Lady Margarita de Tabara, and the Countess of Castro Duennas, i. e. Widows of Honour.   

The beginning of the Festival.  
A Noise of Trumpets and Sackbuts gave the Sign, when the King and his Brothers came forth to take their Seats, and presently entered upon the Stage many Violins, and with them the Court Dancing-Master, and (the Minstrels giving scope to their Instruments) two doors flew open, and there began a Gallant Mascarade.   

The Mascarade.  
THe first Couple that sallied, Dancing, was the Ladies Sophia and Luysa Benavides, in Hungartins' of Cloth of Silver, clingcant with Azure, the Seams laid thick with Passemans' of Silver, and two pair of Wings and Kirtles of the same stuff, the same Passemans' covering all the ground, Sleeves of Cloth of Silver cut upon Azure, Cloth of Silver Mantles hanging on their Shoulders by three Roses of Diamonds, many Jewels and Flowers in their Head-Dresses, Pyramided in a Mountain of Plumes of both Colours, black Masks, and white Torches.  
The Lady Maria Coutixio, and the Lady Catherine Velasco, in the same Habit, save that the Cloth of Silver was distinguished with Orange; and in like manner the rest of the Squadrons, only differenced by the Colours.  
The Lady Anne Sande, and the Lady Margarit Zapata, Cloth of Silver Green.  
The Lady Leonora Gusman, and the Lady Anna Maria de Guevara, Cloth of Silver Carnation.  
The Lady Maria de Tabora, and the Lady Constanza de Rybeyra, Cloth of Silver White.  
The Lady Luysa Carilio, and the Lady Anna Maria de Acunia, Cloth of Silver Black and White.  
There Enterings were most sprightly, the Knots of the Mascarade with graceful Novelty: They Danced it to the admiration of all, and howbeit these Ladies were of different Squadrons, they agreed in giving a most Illustrious Beginning to the Festival. They ended the Mascarade, and in the same Habits, accompanied by the Major-Domo's and Mothers of the Maids, or Duenia's, sat themselves down upon their respective Stradoes.   

The Chariot of the River Tagus.  
A Second time the Music of the Minstrels gave notice of another Novelty, and through a wide Arch entered a Crystal Chariot, Crowned with Lights and variety of Boughs, and therein many Naiads, and Napean Nymphs, Clad after the manner of the Country, and (seated in a Throne) the River Tagus, represented by the Lady Margarita de Tavora, Menina to the Queen, and her Habit was this, a Cassack of Blue Tynsel, and a Mantle of the same watered, and Silver Ribbons, also embroidered over with Silver Snakes, the Sleeves of Blue Satin slashed, and drawn through with Cloth of Silver, a bunch of Plumes White and Blue, and the Mantle sliding from the Shoulders, but held by three Roses of Diamonds, and a Garland of Flowers upon her Head; she descended from the Chariot, and mounted the Stage, attended by the Nymphs, and, in the name of the circumjacent Fields, welcomes the King, rendering His Majesty many humble Thanks for glorifying them with His Presence.   

The Chariot of April.  
THe Music returned, through another opposite Arch entered in a Chariot the Month of April, ushered by the Sign Taurus, with all those Flowers that make him the the Spring of the Year, and with as much Light as might make him the Years Morning; and from the top (representing him, and that to the advantage) the Lady Franscisca de Tabara (Menina to the Infanta) with a Cassack and Mantle of rich Cloth of Silver Carnation, sewed with Roses, wrought by hand, of several Colours, and Sleeves quilted with Roses, and a Veil of Silver, a Head-dress of Roses, a Sphere of Plumes, Crowned with Flowers, and the Mantle held upon the Shoulders by three Roses of Diamonds: He drove his Chariot into the Theatre itself, and there (having first saluted the River) with modest assurance repeated certain Stanza's of much Wit and sharpness, and pronounced with more, giving a new Soul to the Verses (now the second time excellent) and, without danger of Flattery, due Praises to the King and his Brothers, April and Tagus accompanied with their Nymphs retired themselves.   

The Flight of the Eagle.  
TIme passed over the Stage upon an Eagle of Gold, represented by the Lady Antonia de Acunia, who by way of Prophecy, in Elegant Verses, reminded His Majesty of the Glorious Deeds of His Ancestors, and warmed his forward Courage with so great Examples and desires to imitate them, animating him to follow their generous steps, already well advanced in by his Illustrious Beginnings. Proposed to him, that since afric, Europe, and America, respected his Banners, he would make Asia fear them, disused for so many Ages passed to Christian Arms, which now began to receive at the Sound of his Name. Thanked him for his early Valour, and the great Anticipation upon his Age, having already Reigned in One Year many Centuries, served by two Ministers of State, so zealous of his Glory, and of the Splendour of his Actions, of whose Virtues and Profoundness the most ample Relation might savour something of Affection and Love, but nothing either of Flattery or Error. The accurateness of the Stanza's could not complain of being discomposed one jot in the Acting, nor did the few Years of the Lady Antonia apprehend the least scruple in the World to represent Time. The Eagle ascended above the whole Fabric of the Theatre with an Artifice so well dissembled, that the Flight was seen all the while, but not how it was done. She vanished; at the instant, on the top of all the Fabric, the Trunks of three Trees opened, and three Nymphs appeared Singing: They were the Lady Mary of Arragon (Maid of Honour to the Queen) and the Lady Mariana de Hos, and the Lady Isabel Salazar, of Her Majesty's Chamber. The Artifice of the Scene, and the Greatness of Voices, might have served for Ornament and Credit to another Royal Festival. They ended the Ditty to the notable admiration of All, the Trees did shut themselves, and the Lady Mary Gusman, Daughter of the Conde of Olivares, entered through a Wood, her Habit a Mantle of Damask of Gold Green, trimmed with Gold and Silver, and little Pease-Cods with Pearl in them, a Velvet Hungarlin of the same colour laced long ways with Passemans' of Gold Embroidery, a Green Montera with a Green Feather cast over full of Diamonds and Pearl, and a Bow and Quiver embroidered with Gold and Silver hanging at her left shoulder. She spoke the Prologue, vulgarly called the Loa (i. e. the Praise;) which she Acted to the Spectators, and they all gave it to her, such was the life, assurance, and grace, wherewith she pronounced it: She proposed the Argument, begged no Pardon according to the vulgar custom, Attention she did, and with great reason they gave it her. The Harmony of all the Music, and the Voice of the whole Auditory thanked her with one consent, upon the strength of which Plaudit, the Comedy did (as well it might) venture boldly in: The Series whereof was in this manner.   

The Comedy.  
IN the first Scene entered Darinel, Squire to Amadis, who notified to Dante's (a Shepherd of Tagus) the Occasion that obliged his Master to tread those Fields: He recounted to him his famous Actions, his Adventures, and that *** which was ministered unto him by the Enchantment of Niquea, oppressed by the Arts of Anastarax, the hated Lover of her Beauty, for whom the Magician Alquile (her Uncle) reserved her. The Squire reciprocally informed himself from the Shepherd touching the Borders of that River, whom the Swain courteously answered, and paid his Narration with another of the Preparations there made upon so great an Occasion, as to celebrate the Birthday of their King. The Squire was represented by the Lady Guevara of the Queen's Chamber, in a brave Suit of clothes, a Sword girded to her, a Hat with a tossing Feather, and Roses of Diamonds; the Shepherd, by the Lady Bernarda de Bilbao of the Chamber of the Infanta, in an Hungarlin, and Smock-coat Green and Silver, Budget of Cloth of the same; the Action and Bravery of them both not yielding to the proudest Competitors: A Choir of Sirens were heard to Sing. Tagus listens from his Sphere of Crystal, who despising to be a River hath the Ambition of a Sea.   

Amadis Enters.  
A Trumpet Sounded, and following the Echoes thereof, they entered among the matted Trees: Presently came out, as amused at the Noise of the same, that Knight of the Burning Sword. He was represented by the Lady Isabel of Arragon, joining the Mettle of Amadis to the Beauty of Niquea: Her Habit, Braces of Cloth of Silver Carnation and Black, with Embroideries of the same, a Soldiers Cassack with the same trimming, Armour of burnished Silver neatly Filed, the Clasps and Studs thereof of Gold, and the Murrain Crowned with a Mountain of Plumes, a Mantle of Cloth of Silver hanging at the Shoulders, and a Sword girded to her; a Dwarf attended her, who carried the Enchanted Shield (which was Don Michael Sopilio) who succeeded Bonami in the reputation of Littleness, and he was sheathed in an old fashion Suit, Black and Silver.  
Amadis found upon the Trees various Inscriptions, which put him into a confusion, and (assaulted by Sleep) demanded quarter of the fatigue of the way; but (his Spirit complaining of the faint resistance made by his Flesh) whilst he was yet awake he was scandalised to imagine himself asleep, and quite overcome at last (as he that is never so much a Lover remains a Man for all that, and cannot put off Mortality) did stay himself at a Rock; then came forth Night, represented by a Portugal Black-moor Maid, and a most excellent Singer, Maid to the Queen, Clad in a whole Kirtle of Black Taffeta, powdered with Stars of Silver, and a Mantle falling from her Shoulders, thick wrought with the same Stars—  
****  
In a resplendent Cloud descended Aurora, represented by the Lady Mary of Arragon, Clad in a Hungarlin, and Smock-coat, of Gold Cloth lined with Carnation, and thick embroidered with Pearls, and a Mantle of Cloth of Silver powdered with the same, who, admirably Singing, accused in Amadis the humanity of Sleep, and that in him alone were joined amorous Thoughts and drowsy Eyes; she remembered him how he had both his Glory, and his danger near, and how this sleeping discredited as well his Love as his Soldiership. Night persevered to suspend him in his Lethargy, the Morning pleaded hard to bring him to himself. Night confessed herself vanquished, and fled; the Morning was victorious, and Amadis awoke; she in the same Cloud, and with the same Music, returning to Heaven. Amadis departed in Quest of the Enchanted Wood, and at his coming to the Rock, heard variety of voices, which in the high Galleries of the Theatre divided themselves into four Quires each opposite to other, which were formed by the King's Chapel, with divers Instruments, some Guitars, some Flutes and Sackbuts, others Theorbo's, others Viols and Lutes. One Choir sung, and set before him Dangers, another infused into him Resolution; now this disanimated him, now encouraged him that; and the wavering Knight listened sometimes to the horrors of the Enchantment, sometimes to his own Valour: In the end, after a Battle of Doubts, he proved the Conqueror of them, represented by the Lady Isabel, so understandingly affected with her part, that she even thought herself the Person she Acted, and whipping out her Blade withal, clasping herself close to the Shield, invaded the Rock with so generous a smartness, that it was all, which it was possible for a Lady to do without discomposing herself. The Rock opened, and there appeared a Palace of a beautiful Structure, and in the Portal thereof four Pillars of Thirty Foot high, which at the instant that Amadis knocked at the Gates sank down to the Centre so swiftly, that the Eye could not overtake them. Four Giants showed themselves Armed with Breastplates and Morions, who grew into Choler at the rashness of the Knight, and with threat'ning only presumed to carry the Victory. But Amadis, who had not the Name given his Sword for nothing, with the first flourishing thereof, and showing them the Shield into the bargain, put them all four to Coward-flight (for so the Books of Knighthood will have it:) Represented these were by Donna Leonora de Quiros, Donna Luysa Ortiz, Donna Catalina de Z●rate, and Donna Ynes de Zamora, without observing the property of Giants in being ugly and troublesome, for all thought them handsome and very good Company. Many Nymphs came-out with Flowers to put upon his Head, and with treacherous fawn sought to get him out of the Castle. He knowing their falsehood, showed them the Shield, at which they fled, Lions rising in their places, into which they transformed themselves with such natural fierceness, that true ones could not have struck more terror, and (seeing the Shield) these likewise vanished: He ascended by the Stairs until he was stopped by this Inscription: 
This Mysterious two leaved Door,  
Which the Hand of Heaven hath shut,  
None deserves it open, but  
The Love that is on Earth most pure,  
And the Sword that best can cut.   
Having read it, he passed already victorious over the Theatre and place of Arms, came to the Gates, which in the instant flew open, and (all the variety of Music joining at once) presented itself the fair Scene of the Glory of Niquea, who was cyphered in a most beautiful Sphere of Crystal and Gold, so that the Roofs and Walls thereof seemed rather one, than many Diamonds, verifying the Palace of the Sun which Ovid feigns; and in perspective a high Throne, wherein was placed the Queen, who sat for the Goddess of Beauty, of whom Amadis begged leave to disenchant Niquea, represented by the Infanta, seated upon the utmost Stair, and upon the other that were lower (accompanying Her Majesty and Her Highness) the Lady Anna Maria Manrique, the Lady Maria de Cardenas, the Lady Antonia de Acunia, the Lady Margarita de Tabara, the Lady juana Boria, the Lady Isabel de Velasco, Donna Isabel de Salazar, Donna juana Pacheco, Donna Maria de Hos, and other Servants of the Chamber, who represented Nymphs, and at the Foot of the Throne was on his Knees Anastarax, Acted by the Lady Antonia de Mendoza. And the Habits are these.   

The Habits.  
THat of the Queen a short Petticoat and Kirtle of massy Tissue with Plate-Lace, three pair of large Skirts, and the foremost down to the Him of her Coat with Scallops, Scrolls written with Diamonds, and set on upon a perfumed Jupe, French Sleeves slashed, and held together again with Buttons and Loops of Diamonds, a Head-dress of Silver Pearl and Goldsmith's Work with variety of Plumes a Mantle of of rich Cloth of Silver plain, with three Constellations of Diamonds which insured it to the Shoulder, falling gracefully over the back, and at her Neck the King's great Diamond, with the incomparable Pearl.  
That of the Infanta, a Petticoat of massy Cloth of Silver Carnation with Scallops, trimmed with Silver Passemans' and Black Silk, with a Sleeve of Needlework, the Mantle of the same Stuff, and to it three Booches of Diamonds, a Diamond Chain athwart, and her Head-dress of Goldsmith's Work and Roses.  
That of the Lady Anna Maria Manrique, a Petticoat of Orange Colour Satin embroidered, with clingcant and flat Pease of Silver both upon the Field and Trimming, a Hungarlin of Orange Colour Taffeta opened upon Cloth of Silver drawn through the Cuts, with four pair of Scallops Orange Colour and White, all sprinkled with Flowers wrought with the Hand, round Sleeves of Cloth of Silver smooth, with the same Handiwork Flowers, a Mantle of massy Cloth of Silver, sewed with Flowers, and hanging by Roses of Diamonds, the Head-Dress of Diamonds and Pearls, with a Bunch of White Plumes.  
That of the Lady Maria de Cardenas, a Petticoat and Hungarlin of a rich Gold Tabby Orange Colour embossed with Silver, a Cloth of Silver Mantle, with three Roses of Diamonds, Plumes Carnation and White.  
That of the Lady Antonia de Acunia, a Silver Petticoat Carnation, garnished with Silver, and an Hungarlin of Black Velvel Laced long ways with Silver Passemans', a Mantle of Cloth of Silver with Roses of Diamonds, and Plumes Carnation and White.  
That of the Lady Margarita de Tavara, a Petticoat and Hungarlin of Cloth of Silver Carnation, a Mantle of Cloth of Silver White held by three Roses of Diamonds, Plume Carnation and White.  
That of the Lady juana Boria, Petticoat and Hungarlin of Cloth of Silver Orange Colour, with Gathers Trimmed with Silver, Cloth of Silver Mantle with Roses of Diamonds, Plume Orange and White.  
That of the Lady Isabel de Velasco, Petticoat of Cloth of Silver Carnation, Hungarlin of Black Velvet, with Silver Passemans', Mantle of Cloth of Silver, with Roses of Diamonds.  
That of the Lady Antonia de Mendoza, Cloth of Silver Petticoat Carnation, Black Velvet Hungarlin Laced long ways with Silver Passemans', the Mode Moorish▪ a Turban of Tynsel upon a Bonnet of Black Velvet sewn with Roses of Diamonds and other Jewels. Plume Carnation White and Black, a Silver Embroidered Belt, thereat hanging a Falchion, an African Cassack, called by those People, an Albornoz.   

The Fable proceeds.  
AT the approach of Amadis to the place where the Enchantment appeared dissolved, Anastarax stood upon his Guard, and with deep fetched Groans complained of the violence of Fate, and of Heaven, that had given to Moral Man so great Valour as to that Adventure. Amadis condemned him to the torments of his own Jealousy, and took Niquea out of the Enchanted Castle. But forasmuch as the Persons here representing, did exceed the greatness of the represented; therefore the Verses in the Sequel did not observe the promise of the History, but the respect due to the Actors. And so when Amadis with all courteous and lowly submissions imaginable, endeavoured to make Niquea more sensible of his Love than of his Prowess, she (above all those kind of Batteries) would not allow him in reward of his Affection, so much as to dare to place it upon her, heightening his diffidences to so great despair, that she left them no safety but in silence: And the Nymphs seeing the refined Love of Amadis, told him, the Queen of Beauty received him into her protection; and he (more proud to be a true Lover, than to be a successful one) thanked Niquea for her scorn, and the Goddess for her pity. These Verses were Penned with such accurate Respect, that they deserved to be pronounced by Her Highness.  
Here Ended the First SCENE: The Instruments Played, which were always in readiness to fill up the Spaces, and the Second began thus:   

The Second SCENE.  
A Nymph appearing came forth singing a Sonnet, in which she presented the Festival to the King; when presently the Squire and the Shepherd, struck with admiration of what they had seen, hear the rattling of Chains, and grievous Lamentation with which Anastarax did bemoan himself from the Hell of Love; and (imagining it was some new Enchantment) had not the courage either to advance, or stay where they were. Putting aside the Boughs with their hands, forth came the Lady Mary of Arragon, and the Lady Frances Tabara, in different Habits from the former, that of the Lady Mary (who Acted Albida) Petticoat and Hungarlin of Cloth of Silver Grass Green, laid thick with Silver Passemans', Cloth of Silver Mantle with Roses of Diamonds, Plume White and Green: That of the Lady Frances (who Acted Lurcano) Petticoat of Cloth of Silver Primrose Colour, with Embroidery of Silver and Gold both on the Field and Border, and a Hungarlin of Black Velvet uncut, Laced long-ways with Silver Passemans', a Sword and sprightful Hat, the Brim turned up to the Crown, with a Black Plume fastened on with a Brooche of Diamonds.  
I advertised before, that this which the People would think strange for a Comedy, and in Court is called an Invention or Opera, is not measured by the common Rules of a Play (which is a Fable all of one piece) is made up of incoherent variety; of which the Sight got a better share than the Hearing, and where the Comedy (if it may be called so) was such to the Eye more than to the Ear. Lurcano painted forth (in rich, and no vulgar Verses) the Pleasures and Content of a Country Life in general, and Albida described her Gardens as in the beautiful Season of May, than her Lover Lurcano imparted to her his amorous Passion masked in cautiousness and fears, and Albida, not to favour him by doubting it, nor oblige herself by believing it, answered him according to the little heed she gave unto other folk's torments, living without any of her own: In this Dialogue (no less than in that of Amadis and Niquea) the Author showed the Decorum with which Verses should be written for Ladies; those which they hear, discreet; those which they speak, severe: Where, whatsoever is not despair, is presumption; all should be Veneration, and nothing Love. It was superexcellent, and (if it were possible) the Acting of it exceeded the Penning.  
Anastarax returned to his Complaints, Cursing the Knight of the Burning Sword with so hearty a good will, with so melting a voice, with so doleful groans, that he adorned his pain, and the Lady Antonia Mendoza her Part, so much, that nothing was ever so applauded, or more worthy to be so. Albida demanded of Darinel the cause of those Lamentations, but he was as ignorant thereof as herself. In the mean time the howling went on, and the compassionate Albida had a longing desire to set Anastarax at liberty. She heard a voice, which (singing) animated her pity, she read an Inscription, and that incited it likewise; she followed the Echoes of the Complaints, and advising Lurcano, as a Friend, to Cure himself with loving some other Beauty (taking him it should seem for a Man) she had the daring to undertake that which appeared so difficult; Lurcano endeavoured to stay her, and, not being able, followed her to get first to the danger: And making hast to outstrip her, a flying Dragon opposeth his passage, who carried between his Wings Florisbella (represented by the Lady Anxa Manrique) with whom he, admiring her Beauty, and to verify the Prognostication of Albida, falls presently in Love, endeavouring to arrest her Perfections by the force of Sighs and Prayers; he made Love to her most in feeling language, the Dragon flew away, and the disdainful Nymph would not leave him so much as a presumption that she had heard his Addresses: Lurcano remained in amorous Doubts, sometimes he thought himself asleep, sometimes enchanted; he found in her more Marks of a Goddess, than of a Nymph; he thought his Love much, for so short a view; little, for so beautiful an Object; The Pen of the Author left me no gallant thing unsaid in these Verses; and the Lady Franscisca pronouncing them, added of her own a Spirit, the perfection of Poetry, this being one of the most admired Strains in the whole Festival.  
A Choir of Music bid him not despair, for that he should sometime, and that soon, behold her again. He demanded Aid of Love in so doubtful an occasion, and in so sovereign a devotement, when on the top of the Theatre, a Balcone opened itself, in which at the Sounds of many Instruments appeared the Nymph Arethusa, represented by the Lady Mary Gusman (this second Habit much surpassing the former) Clad in a Carnation Petticoat, laid thick with flat Pease, and Embroideries of Pearl and Silver, and a deep Kirtle after the Mode of France, with Gathers of Cloth of Silver Carnation, wrought with little Snails or Periwinkles of Silver, as it were creeping up from the bottom to the top, and half Sleeves of Needlework lined with Cloth of Silver White, and Ermines, a flying Mantle Carnation and Silver, with Roses of Diamonds, and a Bunch of Plumes Carnation and White, a Bough of Laurel and Myrtle she carried in her hand, saying, that she came sent from the Goddess Venus to disperse the Cloud which involved so great Lovers, she bade Lurcano be of good Courage, since Anastarax himself was now coming out of the Hell of Love: This Scene was accompanied with great Harmony, and from the midst of the flames (which were made with various splendour, not causing horror but delight) came forth Anastarax, handed by Albida, whom Arethusa thanked for her valour, and Anastarax for his deliverance: Then (the different Quires of Music joining) forth came the Goddess of Beauty with Niquea, Amadis, and all the Nymphs, and Anastarax begged pardon of Niquea for his presumptuous Love, and she pardoned him. The Goddess of Beauty gave to Amadis the name of the most refined Servant, and valiant Knight, in the whole World, loving without design, conquering without reward; and Amadis with that, of being acknowledged so perfect a Lover, rested fully satisfied. Florisbella came forth, to whom Lurcaro fell down upon his Knees, and begged, in recompense of all his Love, she would not look upon it as an injury, being the most courteous affront that could be offered to Beauty. Arethusa celebrated the great Mercy extended by one Sex, the great Love made good by the other; she gave to Niquea the joy of her disenchantment, and to the Goddess, the Glory of the Festival. She commanded that with Music and Dances should be celebrated the Liberty of the Princess, of the Beauty of the Goddess, and so with a great Harmony of all the Instruments at once, they went out, concluding the Representation, in which (being the last) the Lady Mary Gusman carried the first Praise.  
All of a sudden the Mountain covered the whole Face of the Theatre, and presently that Bulk opened itself at the sounding of the Instruments, when with unexpected novelty, that which was a Mountain and a Building, we saw turned into most beautiful Gardens of Flowers, and natural Fountains, so ingeniously, and with so great quickness metamorphosed, that though the Artifice was much, the brevity was the thing admired: And for a decision of a Wager between the Queen and the Lady Leonor Pimentel (observing an ancient Pastime in the Spanish Court, which is called Divination, at which they stake a Jewel for victory, not for avarice) there appeared on the highest part of the Throne Her Majesty and the Infawa, the Ladies and Menina's seated upon the Steps thereof making a glorious show, and each of them having tied about her right Arm a Scarlet Ribbon, all of one length and breadth, and fastened in such manner that made no distinction; the Preceipt, that shuffling all these together, the Lady Leonor (to overcome) must light upon that which had hung upon the Arm of the Queen.  
The Lady Leonor approached, and lost only the possibility of gaining, for (to be an absolute loser) the Law was, the Queen, when her turn came, should light upon the Ribbon that was fastened to Leonors Arm. The Action was accompanied by all the Instruments and Singers: For, as Spain is the most proper Element of the most excellent Voices in the World; so the Centre of them is the King's Chapel; to whose Master, Music is beholden, for uniting dexterity in the Tunes, with an excellent Air in Singing, making the Majesty of the Theorbo comply with the sweetness of the Lute; and to the eminency of whose Art she owes the Novelty of Palomares, the Delicacy of john Blas, the Spirit of Alvero, and all made use of upon this occasion.  
The Queen, the Infanta the Lady Anna Maria Manrique, the Ladies Isabel of Arragon, Antonia de Mendoza, and Diana Franscisca de Tabara, Dancing the Turdion with Swords and Hats, gave an End to the Festival. Wit, Motion, and Bravery, were drawn dry and wearied in the Service, nay the Graces themselves had not any delight, which by this time was not afforded to the Spectators; nor any thanks, which they returned not to the Actors. If the Expectation had been infinite, the Performance was more. The admirations and praises paid but a small part of the sight, for (to go about to measure it that way) Hyperboles themselves would have made a lukewarm Narration, and of such none were wanting, and the greatest was none.  
The flourishing years of the King (which may they multiply to as many as his Virtues deserve, and as Spain prays for, and hath need of) could by no less demonstrations of joy be sufficiently solemnised, nor at any time with greater reason have disengaged the pleasing thirst of seeing more.  
The Splendour of the Court had been always admirable, but was never seen greater than now; having in the first place the Queen (whom God preserve) of few Years, of much Beauty, accompanied with all those excellent Endowments which form a Royal Perfection; then the Infanta, of equal Majesty and Beauty; also the Ladies, who in Bravery, Beauty, and Greatness, were inferior unto those two only; for they were a Pool of all the Illustrious Blood in the Kingdom, and being (wheresoever they are) the Loadstone of all Eyes: Imagine them seen upon the Theatre, on the most Triumphant day of the World, every of them vying with other, and making a modest ostentation of her Bravery, her Mien, and her Beauty. No one can be particularly commended without an injury to all: She seemed the most glorious dressed, upon whom the Eye happened to be; she the best Actor, who was then Speaking.  
The Queen, Foundress and Glory of the Festival, so twice Hers, and justly, for neither from Her could it be expected less, nor did it deserve a less Mistress, by her presence did free it from the fear of competition, and from the hope of being more; who, because, only by Her being of the Company, She gave the Scene so much Lustre, without pronouncing one Verse: In these following was written in Figures, that which many had not been sufficient to comprehend in words at length.  
The Speaking being the best Thing of the Play,  
SHE, who spoke nothing, bore the Bell away.   
FINIS.   

A DESCRIPTION IN VERSE, DIALOGUE-WISE, OF THE FESTIVAL AT ARANWHEZ In the YEAR 1623.  Giant. 

THe Bounds where wandering Tagus meets  
Himself in Gardens and long Streets  
Of double Elms, whose Feet he drowns,  
And Rains down from their lofty Crowns.  
(Every April, every May,  
Fair, Green, Flow'ry, Rustling, Gay.)   

BELLZA (twice the Queen of them,  
By her Face and Diadem)  
With wonder fills; They prouder far  
To ponder, whose; than what, they are.   

To celebrate the Day of Birth  
Of the most Glorious Youth on Earth,  
To whom her Greatness, and her Beauty,  
Pays a Homage, pays a Duty.   

The World she doth conjure and summon,  
T' invent, and see, what is not common;  
And what is thereupon prepared,  
Makes things impossible, not hard.   

Instead of Quires of Nymphs to friend,  
To serve to that Heroic End,  
Pressed Goddesses she doth enrol,  
Soldiers of LOVE! Rivals of SOL!   Gen. 

What a sublime AMPHITHEATRE!  
Eclipse of that which Rome did flatter  
GREAT POMPEY in: He having (there)  
Flattered with it, the WORLD, and HERALD   

How proudly raised! How richly decked!  
That even the learned Architect  
Stands posed thereat, and the fair Skies  
See in its Lamps their thousand Eyes.   Rif. 

What Harmony of Seraphins!  
Now, now, the Festival begins.  
Wipe your Eyes, your Hearing clear,  
Other Sense ye need not here.  
What a gallant MASCARADE!  
The clothes were by APOLLO'S made:  
Rather the same he wore that day,  
Whilst he in Bed with Thetis lay.  
So fair a preface of her own,  
By a near Neighbour to the Throne,  
An Earnest gave, of what so great  
Expectation did beget.  
In a Crystal Chariot (lo!)  

* The Lady Margarita de Tavara.  TAGUS from the Roof doth flow,  
Translated to a Nymph, more pure  
Than He, out of his golden Ew're:  
Now gives she her sweet Voice the reins,  
Not, as a little Bird that strains  
To soothe the Morn, that dawning is:  
But Trumpet of the Sun, that's risse.   

Flaunting in triumphant Green  
After him is 
* The Lady Francisca de Tavara.  APRIL seen,  
With sensitive Flowers not stuck, but set,  
Cherished by two Suns of Jet;  
Such a Complexion, such Eyes, Grace,  
The Lusitanian Goddess Face:  
Fair supper of the highest Praise,  
Which fears t' abase what it would raise:  
Her levy Coach forsaking now,  
She acts with Garland on her Brow,  
The first Grace giving to the whole,  
And to the Lines a second Soul.   Gen. 

The Air (environed round with Lights)  
Some unexpected Object frights:  
AN EAGLE 'tis, with Golden Plumes,  
Which through that wandering Region comes.   

By a fair 
* The Lady Antonia de Acunia.  NYMPH the Bird is backed,  
Who doth, above the Danger, Act,  
And without any scruple; Time;  
" So bold is Beauty in her prime.   Gy. 

Behold indeed a Primrose here,  

* La Loa.  The Prologue (as that is) o' th' year!  
How sprightly! 
* The Lady Mary Gusman.  She, for making known  
The Praise of others, hears her own.  
But not till she hath done her do;  
There is applause in silence too:  
Fortune, when she this Child designed  
For so much Greatness, was not blind.  
From Trunks of Trees, asunder rent,  
A 
* The Lady Maria de Arragon, Dona Maria de Hos, and Do. Isabel de Salazar.  LEASH OF NYMPHS forthwith present  
In harmonious Ditties, rare,  
Prodigious sweetnese to the Air.   

At a fair Tagan 
* D. Bernarda de Bilbao.  Swains desire  
Of AMADIS the Noble SQUIRE  
Doth courteous News to him afford  
Of his brave Illustrious Lord.  
Now, doth the 
* The Lady Isabel de Arragon.  DAME that Acts him, come,  
Gallant, assured, complete, in whom,  
Joined to Niquea's Beauty, is,  
The Valour of her Amadis.  
For the Enchanted Wood she stares,  
And in a Civil War of Cares  
Quarter his fatigue demands  
Of slumber at the courteous hands.  

* A Black-Moor Maid, Singer to the Queen.  NIGHT (a black Siren) in soft Chains  
Of her Voice, his Steps detains,  
And his twice captive thoughts doth keep  
Fettered in the Bands of Sleep.   

Bright 
* The Lady Maria de Arragon.  AURORA him doth tell  
In sweet Accents, he doth not well:  
" For a Love, that's nobly got,  
" Merits Eyes which slumber not.  
AMADIS awakes, and sees  
How the ones languid Song doth freeze  
His Spirits; the other, doth infuse  
Courage with her sprightful Muse.  
The Burning Sword he now whips out  
With a gallant briskness, stout,  
Bold and fiery, as his Blade,  
The dreaded Doors he doth invade.   

Four proud Pillars (sinking) fall  
To the lowest pit of all.  
Four proud Giants, in their places,  
Make four thousand dreadful faces.  
They are saucy, on his Blade  
His victorious Hand he laid.  
Amongst four POLYPHEMES (alas!)  
Fear the only Giant was.  
Flattering NYMPHS, with purpose base,  
Flowers upon his Temple place;  
To lose him, for a Wreath of Sand,  
The Laurels he had half in hand.  
He shows them the Enchanted Shield,  
Turned LIONS, when they that beheld;  
Being Lions (with new horror struck)  
Their ever-curling Manes they shook:  
An Illustrious PALACE bright  
Rises like a Sphere of Light,  
That of Sol was such a one,  
Where his rash ambitious Son  
Begged the Coach-box, from which hurled  
He drowned himself, and burned the World;  
Leaving his Dad to see his Error  
Too plainly in that Diamond Mirror.   Gen. 

What an admirable Scheme!  
See upon the Throne Supreme,  
That pure 
* The Queen of Spain, Isabel of Bourbon, Eldest daughter to Henry the Great of France.  GODDESS whom Heaven lent  
To be Earth's best Ornament!  
The Greatest Majesty alive,  
Even by her own Prerogative!  
The summed Perfection of all Faces!  
One wonder, and a thousand Graces!   

And by her side, that 
* The Infanta, afterward Empress.  MORNING'S ROSE,  
Who, if her Breast did not enclose  
A Royal Mind t' inform the whole,  
Her Body might even serve for Soul.  
The Representative, th' Idea  
Of the most Beautiful NIQUEA,  
Who strikes respect before she's seen:  
The Knight she thanks with courteous Mien  
For disinchanting her, which makes  
The Martyred ANASTARAX  
Sick of the Ill of others Bliss.  
Now, Crowned with Laurel, AMADIS,  
Whose Valour was the fear always  
Of Monsters, and of Beasts of Prey,  
Coward to so much Beauty, and  
His own worst Enemy underhand,  
Letting in no Light to Hope,  
Yet (giving all his Passion scope)  
Speaks, but she Audience doth deny:  
" For, in Affections placed so high,  
" You shall always hear Men tell  
" There he aspired, and there he fell.   


* The Lady Maria of Arragon.  LURCANO, and 
* The Lady Francisca de Tavara.  ALBIDA, see!  
Who teach the Rules of Modesty:  
Show Lovers how to be discreet,  
And keep them within Limits meet.  
Now, hear 
* The Lady Antonia de Mendoza.  ANASTARAX complain,  
Who, in so much fire and pain,  
Earns soft pity, praise, and glory,  
Even in Lover's Purgatory.  
Inclinable to be entreated  
By Groans so sensibly repeated,  
Albida stopped (but not her Ear)  
At the Laments which echoed there.  
O how humane, and how brave,  
She thrids the mustering flames, to save  
(Only, Adored, is Beauty cruel)  
The Wretch that is of those the fuel!  
Lurcano left, and in despair,  
Peoples with wild Complaints the Air.  
When to extremity things come,  
Discretion is not always dumb.   

On flying Dragon's back (behold!)  
A 
* The Lady Anna Maria Manrique.  GODDESS who in DELPHOS old,  
Would from the SUN himself have ta'en  
His Adoration, and his Fane!  
Without an Ear to those Complaints,  
Which poor LURCANO so well paints:  
Whose Flame (so fair an Object sought)  
No Error is, though 'tis a Fault,  
She flies like lightning; and the Lover,  
To his own Thoughts delivered over,  
Feeds upon those, enjoys Despair,  
In it, th' Ambition of his Prayer.  
ANASTARAX refined came  
Out of the Bosom of the Flame:  
(" For 'tis the Good of Ill, to be  
" Acquainted with 't familiarly.)  
AMADIS (in fine disdained  
For all the Conquest his Sword gained)   

Of the most Sovereign Love, and hard,  
Frames to himself his own Reward,  
And, bleeding inward bitter Tears  
For those tyrannic Scorns of hers,  
Counts, not to sit down by the loss,  
A Boldness greater than his Cross.  
NIQUEA (sole Exception of  
Nature's General Rule of Love,  
And of high Faith the richest Prize,  
If the World durst kerve to her Eyes)  
Loves his Worth, but hates his Love,  
And (praising that, all men's above,  
To other Gifts, than of his Mind,  
Is not only dumb, but blind.   


* The Lady Mary Gusman.  ARETHUSA (Nymph complete)  
Slides down from her Starry Seat,  
Receipting Pills, in pity wrapped,  
To suage the torments so ill happed.  
With what a grace doth she set forth  
Of ALBIDA the vast worth,  
NIQUEA'S Beauty and her scorn  
(Which must be kept since it is born;)  
Confusions of ANASTORAX  
(Of Jealousy and Love the Flax;)  
LURCANO'S high divided Flame;  
And AMADIS his, still the same?  
These Heroic Lovers all  
(Paid, in that we them so call)  
Marriage, at any rate, eschewed;  
In which your vulgar Plays conclude.  
Armies of Minstrels in the Air  
(Which to their several Quires repair)  
The Elements together dart,  
But make them Friends before they part.  
The SCENE is changed, and by and by  
Those which had been Mountains dry  
(Transformed to Gardens) fresh, and green,  
As Hyblean Groves, are seen.  
In HYERARCHIES of Steps distinct  
A Ribbon, on each ANGEL linked,  
Diversifies, with streaks of Red,  
The Azure Pavements which they tread.   

Approacheth an Illustrious 
* The Lady Leonor Pimentel.  DAME,  
But could not hit on, when she came,  
Of the Great 
* The Queen.  LIGHT, the pendant Ray,  
In guessing which the Conquest lay.  
Now, the victorious GODDESS, She  
The Wonder tries, but 'twill not be:  
'Twas quit, because She likewise missed  
The Lady LEONORA'S List.  
Dancing, She ends the FESTIVAL;  
In its full Glories summing All  
That modern Spirits can invent,  
Or draw from ancient Precedent.  
The CAESAR'S Birth-days (to Grace whom  
The Majesty of their own ROME;  
With ravished Plumes from Conquered GRECE,  
Were oft distilled into one piece)  
Observed like this were never known:  
No Years ere worthier of a Throne,  
Or to increase to infinite.  
This Triumph, to Hopes, Wishes, Sight,  
(By being what, and whose, it was)  
Set Pillars which they could not pass.  
Astonished, the Spectator stands;  
Tearing the Air with Voice and Hands.  
What mute attention first commended;  
Loud Plaudits Crown when it is ended.   Rif. 

But, what new 
* The second Festival of the Lady Leonor Pimentel.  Doric towers adorn  
The 
* The Garden of the Black-Moor.  Garden where the Statues mourn!   

What Noise! which (bandied to and fro)  
The more we hear, the less we know!  
A Second THEATRE it is,  
Which the perfection if it miss  
Of the first, disdains (but That)  
All that was ever wondered at.  
Now the Music Plays away,  
Sign of a new beginning Play!  
Erected there, is a new Throne;  
Which Golden SOL himself might own.  
Of 
* The Mask of four Squadrons, in each the Infanta, the Lady Mary Gusman, the Lady Francisca.  MASKERS entered a new Band,  
Where Lamps to Lamps opposed stand,  
And with new Lights the Visage cheer  
Of that other HEMISPHERE!  
The substance and invention  
Of the clothes they now have on,  
In what they bought their Riches shows;  
And their Wit, in what they chose.   

FAME and ENVY (lo!) at strife  
Whether of them, most to the life  
The past FESTIVAL shall paint,  
Treading the Stage with lofty Plant!   


The Golden Fleece.  The Play begins; COLCHOS, the Scene;  
The Subject, JASON; HIPPOCRENE,  
By Pailsuls, was poured into It;  
With Feather of a PHOENIX writ.  
O, what sad duplicated Groans  
From the hoarse Sea came up at once,  
Whence the Centre with Blue Waves  
APOLLO'S Golden Circles laves!  

* Frixus and Helle.  Favour, Neptune (Jove's next brother)  
Cries one Voice, and straight another,  
Billows, let us pass in peace,  
And your swelling anger cease!  
Thou pitying daughter of the Main,  
Let not two Mariners pray in vain;  
Who, without Sails, the Air cut through;  
Who, without Oars, the Ocean plough.  
By a curled Bark of Gold unshorn,  
To their desired Port are born  
The Fugitives, this Prayer that made:  
The sweetest Twins the World e'er had!  
Those, who are placed for Signs in Heaven,  
With these in Beauty are not even:  
Nor the green Woods have ever known  
So much VENUS, and ADONE.  
NEREUS' Daughters, one, and all,  
(Beautiful) in Love did fall  
With this their GOLDEN BRUTE (a rare  
Emblem of a foolish Heir!)  
In Coasts by them ne'er seen before,  
This pair of lovely Strangers, poor,  
Unto a wandering Life, their just  
Hopes, of a Royal Sceptre, trust.  
FRIXUS relates, in Language good,  
The Greatness of their injured Blood;  
The Poison of an envious Soul;  
And an Envy's poisoned Bowl.  
In this sad plight, of all forsook,  

* The Lady Luysa Carillo.  MARS, upon them, pity took:  
" For, to Complaints by Earth prefarred,  
" The Ears of Heaven are not barred.  
A Noble Dame makes a Divine  
Composition: In Her join  
(A Flower less vain, less noxious Star)  
NARCISSUS, and the GOD OF WAR.  
Her sprightful Body she hath dressed  
In a strong glittering Back, and Breast:  
And, her Temple Walls, with those  
Which, won in Fight, you must suppose.  
This God, of Honourable Men,  
Valiant Wonders tells them then;  
Who proved, in spite of Times and Fate,  
Famous, though not Fortunate.  
He, wished them to the Highlands get:  
For Deserts still were a retreat;  
A Sanctuary, Coop, and Pen,  
As well to Great, as Holy Men.  
The GOLDEN FLEECE gives him the Prince;  
Worn by so many filips since  
Near their Great Hearts: And by the Fourth,  
Who writes the first of all in worth.  
His Cheeks with Tears FINEO drowns,  
Because his fair MEDEA frowns:  
(" For hopeless Love is so unwise  
" To make itself Fetters of Ice.)   


The Ship Argo.  The second Pilgrim of the Water,  
First Cause of all the Ills there (after)  
A flying Pine, with desperate Braves,  
Is the Tyrant of the Waves.  
To all succeeding Time's disease  
JASON, 
Jason, etc.  THESEUS, HERCULES,  
Wage a new War upon Mankind,  
In Fields of Water, and of Wind,  
With more of Earth than Nobler Fire,  
They break the Sea:" For by the dire  
" Thirst of Riches, Gulfs between,  
" Nay watery Mountains, are not seen.  
To win by Arms the GOLDEN FLEECE,  
The aim is of these Peers of GREECE:  
The gazing Islanders provide  
Arms too, their Furies to abide.  
MEDEA, 
Medea.  and the KING incline  
Two ways in that which they design:  
He, to defend the Walls he held,  
She, to the Foe her heart to yield  
The Father's favour, and the Maid's  
Seeks JASON, and his bold Comrades:  
But false are they, and he that seeks;  
For all are Men, and those Men GREEKS.  
FINEO, with a jealous Eye,  
Stands looking at the Novelty.  
Revenge and Anger his thoughts brood.  
(" Jealousy is prone to blood.)  
The Royal Virgin is inflamed,  
Whilst her supposed Scorns are blamed  
By a young lovely Gardener there, 
Jason disguised in the Garden.   
That sows sweet Henbane in her Ear,  
Confiding little in her Eyes,  
The force of charms MEDEA tries.  
" But charms are Crimes of no avail,  
" If those of BEAUTY come to fail.  
Her face, the Philtre is must do't;  
And, in her curls bound hand and foot,  
No other Witchcraft needs: One hair  
Can shackle JASON, if 'tis fair.  
He, who was valiant amongst Men,  
Was a Woman's Coward then;  
Whom, in close walks (of Royal Loves  
Old Rendezvouz!) MEDEA proves.  
In melting Notes, divinely breathed,  
The Secret of her Soul is sheathed:  
" A sweeter SIREN, then before  
" He scaped at Sea, he meets on Shore.  
But, what is this! The 
* The Theatre fired by accident.  FRAME entire  
Is jurisdiction of the Fire.  
A Flame (as any lightning quick)  
Catching from dry stick to stick,  
Is a tall Plume of Light, and slings  
The Tiles, which fly with fiery Wings,  
The brave security behold  
Of that FAIR YOUTH, who, like an old  
COMMANDER, covers his own fears,  
Lest thence his Men authorise theirs!  
Yet, all Men fear for him; whilst he  
The Fire doth (unconcerned) see.  
(For, in the troubled Thoughts of All,  
From his proud height he doth not fall.)  
Nor, from his side doth stir one Inch,  
SHE, who from Him will never flinch:  
Who scorns all danger but Her Lords:  
Which, in Text Letters, Fame records,  
Of the numerous Auditory  
He survays the lowest Story,  
The Rout; who at the danger quake,  
When only it should cause them wake:  
The danger, than the fear, is less;  
And, of the fright, and of the press,  
And, of the Remedy they chose,  
All the hazard they compose,  
Now, all that Blood, or HYMEN'S Hands  
Tied to His Bosom with strict Bands,  
In His brave Arms th' Illustrious Youth  
Snatch out of the Furnace doth:  
Kinder than he, whose pious Back  
Beneath his Aged Sire did crack;  
(The Phoenix of TROY'S Bloody Flame)  
For his lost Wife behind him came.  
Th' undaunted Beauty of the Queen,  
Only with so much pale was seen,  
As th' early Morning doth confess,  
Whilst yet she smiles in her Night-dress.  
Those Goddesses whom Mortals got,  
Were left still sprawling on the spot,  
Out of fear by the base Sect,  
By Nobles out of pure respect;  
Till (rude Compassion conquering Awe)  
Necessity that, hath no Law,  
Puts a becoming boldness on,  
Then every Donna hath her Don.  
As, of Religious Household-gods,  
The sweet, and venerable Loads:  
These burdens, so, their shoulders meet,  
Which had been else profaned with feet.  
If any Gallant tardy came  
To snatch out of the Fire his Flame,  
In this at least he shows he's Hers,  
That he would quench it with his Tears.  
What high Civilities were foiled!  
What Love was in the making spoilt!  
Incurring, whilst the Fire they fly,  
The danger of the water, by.  
One, unto whom fair Eyes made suit  
For succour in their Language mute,  
Not giving either Sigh, or Aid,  
(Like cruel NERO) All survayed.  
The Hub-bub ended with the Cause,  
And now the Noise served for Applause.  
The danger did conclude in Laughter,  
And Fear was out of countenance after.  
All, that gave reason to be sorry,  
Was, what the Eyes did miss of Glory;  
Taking that out in Hellish fright,  
Which had been Wonder, and Delight.  
As 'twas, the Garland it deserved,  
And the success for Bonfire served,  
Whilst the blank Poet's Bayss expire,  
They blaze and crackle in the Fire.  
Fame gave Acquittance (self deceived)  
For Sums which she had not received:  
And busy Wits, I know not what,  
Smelled, of an unintended plot.  
The Accident produced some Mirth,  
To see how People of course Earth,  
By fearing dangers, make them room;  
Whilst Kings even those, which are, o'ercome.  
The Rising of the Spanish SUN  
Was thus solemnised: May he run  
(Endless in Fame, though not in Age)  
Like a tough Giant a long Stage.   
FINIS.