THE Roman Empress. A TRAGEDY: Acted at the ROYAL THEATER, BY HIS MAJESTY'S SERVANTS. And written by WILLIAM joiner, Gent.  
Qui Bavium non odit, amet tua carmina Maevi;  
Atque inopeis rerum versus, nugasque canoras.  Virg. Ecl. 3. Horat. 
In the SAVOY, Printed by T. N. for Henry Herringman, and are to be sold at the Sign of the Anchor in the lower Walk of the New Exchange, 1671.   

TO THE HONOURABLE Sr Charles Sidley.  
SIR,  
THough this Tragedy, in spite of a dead Vacation, and some other impediments, found the applause & approbation of the Theatre as oft as it appeared: yet I esteem it a singular fortune to have had yours in particular: and look upon it like the great advantage, which a rich jewel gives to a ring of gold. Such envious spirits, who thought nothing requisite, but audacity, to become Censors in this Art (which perchance is the subtlest of human invention) and upon this ground condemned the common suffrage: when they see it confirmed by yours, will lose the choicest fruits of their malice. In the government of Provinces under Nero, 'tis observed, that it was always dangerous to do well; and yet not still safe to do ill. These persons would bring the Stage to the same condition: for as they have sought to condemn this Play for the regular conformity to the rules of art, and reason; so they have not desisted sometimes to decry others for their unnatural incongruities, when they have been informed where they are. Sir I could wish that you, so far placed above the reach of envy, would honour the Theatre with some productions of this nature: For there is nothing more difficult; or which requires a more elevated wit, richer fancy, or subtler judgement: Which rare qualities concur in you in so high a perfection, that there is no free, noble soul which denies you herein the just tribute of respect and preference. In the happy return, and conduct of our great Sovereign, we see restored to us the secure felicity of the times of Augustus. To which you might add the splendour, by affording us the noble fruits and inventions of your wit. Messala Corvinus, and Pollio, the Ornaments of that Court, though eminent in War, preferred this way to perpetuate the glory of their names: A desire which naturally inflames Heroical breasts; and should do yours: the commendation of the present times being a Patrimony of too contracted limits for so great a worth: which cannot receive deserved fame and reputation, but from the bounty of succeeding ages: which I much wish, and at present, the continuation of a flourishing prosperity. I am,  
SIR, Your most humble and obliged Servant, WILLIAM joiner.   

The Preface.  
HAving considered, that of all Tragedies the old Oedipus, in the just estimation of the Ancients and Moderns carried the Crown: a Story as yet untouched by any English Pen; I thought, though defective in my art, I could not be but very fortunate in this my subject. Which has given me leave not only to include what is admirable in this Oedipus; but several great advantages above it for a Tragical Theatre. Of which, one is the greatness of this Roman Emperor above so petty a Prince in Greece. Another is, that 'tis imagined, there was never any such person as this Oedipus, and the Story wholly fabulous. Whereas mine is foundded in truth and reality. For, though by advise of friends I have disguised the names; yet this Emperor was one of the greatest that ever Rome boasted. He held his Adversary sometime reduced to that low condition and posture I describe. And instigated by this malicious calumny of his Empress, put to death his own Son, after the creating of him Caesar. As it was affirmed by the glorious Martyr Artemius in the presence of the Emperor Julian Apostate: Who was the near Kinsman of this Florus; and very inquisitive after the sad end of so brave and illustrious a Person. Yet some Historians make him die accused for Treason: and I for both; with the most forcible reasons I could produce. For intending Valentius for my Protagonist, 〈…〉 the most perfect subject of Tragical compassion in 〈…〉 of Aristotle, approved by all intelligent 〈…〉 strangely to circumvent him; and make the most excusable, I possibly could, that imprudence for which Zosimus maliciously defames him. Besides this Character of Oedipus, the true occurrents of this admirable Story afford me two others highly celebrated by all learnned Nations, in the persons of Fulvia, and Florus, who much represents the old Hippolytus, unless it be in the horrid rudeness of his carriage; which I have here changed into a gallant bravery, ending in a dismal Catastrophe, much more agreeable to the compassion of these Times. The ancient Phoedra is here set off in a real Fulvia; and I am informed, some exceptions are taken at the wickedness I show in her person: but sure these people want a subject of discourse, and trouble, who would fain concern themselves in my not concealing the ill qualities of a Pagan woman: who for the atrocity of these crimes is known in History to have had a miserable end. This Character has been ever much extolled: if my art has failed in the writing of it, it was highly recompensed in the scenical presentation; for it was incomparably acted. I have for the greater variety of the Stage divided this Character, conferring some share of it on Aurelia, which, though a great, various, and difficult part, was excellently performed. In the person of Honorius, I have nothing of antiquity to plead for me, the Character being never thought of by any man but by self: neither had I honoured him with such noble company, but by the advice of some friends; who persuaded me, that his horrid opinions, by reason of the novelty, and the setting off a false Pagan Gallantry, would excellently suit with this Tragical Subject. At which no just exceptions can be taken, for none sure come to Plays to learn true history, or religion; and to make profane persons speak profanely, is practised in the Tragedies of Petavius; whom I myself knew as eminent for his piety, as learning.  
If the language please not, I am sorry: the fault proceeds from no want of respect to the Audience. For I wrote the quantity of three or four Plays upon this noble Subject; of which I conceive this the best extract. Such who expect to have their ears tickled with the gingling Antitheses of Love and Honour, and such like petty wares, will find themselves deceived. For the chief intent of Tragedy being to raise Terror and Compassion; I thought a more masculine and vigorous eloquence and graces more natural, and less affected, were requisite to inspire such impressions. For satisfaction of the English Stage, which delights in variety, I have sought to entertain the Audience with the divertisement of new accidents; not only from Act to Act, but Scene to Scene; where the Contests are lively, the Passions violent, the Designs extreme, and the Deliberations horrid. My endeavour has been to conform this piece to the best rules of Art in all the parts: Though my Opposers have presumed to condemn it clear throughout: but especially in the fifth Act, which they have concluded senseless, and void of all art and reason; With which (as the head of man is with intellectual faculties) it should be chief enriched. And so the Reader shall perceive it, if he please rather to direct himself by the rules of solid Science; then the dreams of these Persons. For here he finds himself arrived at the end of strangely astonishing disasters; yet confined within the limits of Probability; without having the least reason to demand how he has been conducted, or by what means they have been wrought. Though in the passage (as I may say) they have been wholly surprising, and left him every where at a loss. This rule I have observed throughout the Play, to please the judicious, who still watch and expect things unexpected: And I believe will scarce find here one anticipated action, or event. For the Dream of Valentius, though it seems to give a manifest overture of the consequence, yet the obscureness is so dark, that it deceives not only Him, but the very Audience; the fatal thunderbolt falling, unseen and unheard in the midst of them. And here occurs in the Person of Valentius, what Aristotle admires in Oedipus, confessing human wit can invent in this kind nothing beyond it. For he incurs those very misfortunes, which with all imaginable care he shunned; condemning his Son without knowing him; and after death knowing him without all benefit: which makes him the best, and greatest of all Tragical Subjects. The narration I have made clear, pathetic, and short; including a story curious, and therefore not tedious: To shun which fault I have also interrupted it with the doleful exclamation of Valentius in the Agnition of his Error: Which to judicious ears appears the most melodious part in Tragical composition. In the escape of Fulvia I have followed the example of Medea, which by the subtle and judicious Castelvetro is only censured for the want of preparatives: the foregoing parts having nothing contributed to this strange action. Which is here contrary; and the conveyance more rational. Which my opposers should have remarked. And how the great Catastrophes in this Play proceed from no external helps, or new faces unseen before; but from the interweaving of the  parts of the Subject; And how I have not defiled the Majestic Grace of a Tragic Theatre with the company of any vile Plebeian Persons, though the Plot has been so variously intricated. They should lastly have taken notice, that here is nothing Episodical; which I have not made essential in the construction of the Story; from whence arises the graceful Union: An observation to be wished more in fashion. For it is this Union, which like Harmony in Music, gives the last perfection and beauty to all Subjects moral, as well as natural.   

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.  

VAlentius, Roman Emperor. 

Major Mohun.    
Florus, whose other name is Vespasius, General of Valentius; proving at last to be his Son. 

Mr. Kynaston.    
Honorius, Friend of Florus: Epicurean in his opinions. 

Mr. Bell.    
Statilius, A Military Councillor, and Favourite of Valentius. 

Mr. Lyddel.    
Macrinus, A great Person, vulgarly passing for the Father of Florus. 

Mr. Beeston.    
Servilius, Great Courtiers, and Commanders of Legions. 

Mr. Harris.    
Carbo, Great Courtiers, and Commanders of Legions. 

Mr. Littlewood.    
Fulvia, Roman Empress, in love with Florus. 

The young Mrs. Martial.    
Antonia, Lady of Honour to Fulvia, and Wife to Servilius. 

Mrs. Kneap.    
Hostilius, Tyrant of Rome. 

Mr. Watson.    
Arsenius, General of Hostilius, and thinking himself Father of Florus. 

Mr. Cartwright.    
Aurelia, Daughter of Hostilius, of singular beauty, beloved of Florus. 

Mrs Boutell.    
Sophonia, Her Governess; who proves to be Palladia, first Wife of Valentius, supposed long before dead. 

Mrs Cory.    
Courts, Men, Women, Officers, Attendants, etc.   
The SCENE of this Drama or Action is about the Banks of Tiber: where Hostilius and his Party are supposed to be in Rome, or on the Roman side of the River: And Valentius with his Party encamped on the other side in the nature of Besiegers.   

THE Roman Empress.  

ACT. I.  Hostilius, Courtier, and Court-Attendants. The SCENE exposed of a Battle newly fought. Court. 
THe Enemy, Sir, is at last retreated  
Almost with equal loss, after a cruel  
And bloody fight, excepting that young Lucius.  
Prince of the Roman Youth, and your brave Son,  
As yet appears not: your Campmaster below  
Attends to give you an exact relation.  Exeunt. Host. 
I come: in the mean space see that my Daughter  Enter Aurelia, Sophonia. 
Attend me here:  Co. 
I shall— Madam I was  
Just coming to inform your Princely Highness,  
How his Imperial Majesty intends  
To find you in this place.  Au. 
Departed. He shall  Sophonia. Aurelia weeping. So. 
Madam, I should esteem the tears you shed  
At a great value, did they ease those griefs  
They thus lament: but they rather increase them:  
Clear those bright lights then from those misty clouds.  Au. 
— My dear Sophonia,  
Whose milk first gave me blood, whose bosom, life;  
Add this to those thy other benefits,  
To let me thus consume myself in tears  
Which are so just: thou seest  
My Father's power, which lately had no other  
Bounds, than the boundless Ocean, and the Heavens  
Contracted to the Walls of Rome, confined  
Here to the Banks of Tiber; where we suffer  
Defeats upon defeats, no funerals see  
Of Parents, Friends, Allies; which make not up  
Their horrid train with funerals of others.  
I fear the issue of this cruel fight,  
Wherein my Brother was engaged. New horror,  
Besides from ill presages of my mind  
Torments my fancy.  Soph. 
These thoughts and fears unworthy are to enter  
The breast of my Aurelia, but are inmates  
Fit to be entertained by such are born  
To the distaff and obedience: you the Daughter  
And Niece of Emperors, marked with the stamp  
Of Majesty Imperial, and of Beauty,  
Are destined, when that Rome shall choose her Head,  
To be Commandress of that great Commander,  
Or rather by the honour of your bed  
To show who's proper to be Rome's great Head.  
Compose yourself, your tears and grief assuage  
By timely marriage, and stop this civil rage.  Au. 
From funeral, to those of nuptial rites,  
The passage will seem strange: the heavens change not  
So suddenly, but 'twixt the day and night  
They interpose the morning's dusky light.  Soph. 
The morning's gay and pleasant, dissipates▪  
Night's horror; so let mirth begin in you  
A day of jollity, which may not know  
What setting is.  Au. 
Which to me cannot happen; thou hast known  
My heart, Sophonia, and what a cruel part  
Love there has acted; for I told thee how  
When I last passed to the Enemy's Camp  
In my disguise (as I must now again)  
I fell in love with Florus their brave Gen'ral,  
And so became a captive of the greatest  
Oppressor of our Cause, and Family.  Soph. 
Madam, Arsenius has informed you how  
He's more surprised with you; so that two flames  
Love never better kindled, to extinguish  
This mortal hatred of your Families.  Au. 
True, if the cruel nature of my Father,  
Who thirsts after his blood, would not oppose us.  
But here he comes; and as my fears foretell me,  
To reprehend me on this very subject.  To them Hostilius and Macrinus. Hos. 
Macrinus, when the Romans surfeited  
With Roman blood, think fit to stop the torrent,  
You like a generous adversary will  
Advance the public good: Mac. 'Tis my first wish  
Thus to express my gratitude to you.  Hos. 
Farewell, and, where the laws of arms permit you,  
Be civil to my party. Now Sophonia,  Exit Macr. 
Your obligations to Macrinus are  
Cancelled by this his liberty, I give him;  
Which though you do not, I count forfeited.  Sop. 
I must eternally record this favour.  Hos. 
Aurelia, 'twas you, and your entreaty  Exit Soph. 
I sought to gratify herein: I hope  
When I grant your request, that you will mine,  
Which is at present, to cast off thoughts of love,  
Especially of Florus; an Usurper,  
As in the State, so in thy breast now entered,  
Where love must have no harbour: I shall find  
Passions more noble to possess thy mind.  Au. 
Sir, if external beauty joined with virtue  
Force love in woman's heart, it is no wonder.  
Florus finds entrance here: Sir, let these tears  
Soften that breast, which the age, war, and custom  
Seem to have armed so against compassion.  
— When you reflect  
On love's predominancy over all things,  
Can you imagine that the soft and tender  
Breast of a young and inexperienced Virgin  
Can resist him, who under the white snow  
Of reverend gray-heads, kindles his fires,  
and with his flames, extinguishes the light  
Of the maturest judgements.  Hos. 
— Love exercises  
His power only where he finds consent.  An. 

No April tree when her green season's passed  
Shoots not forth into blossoms; nor no Virgin,  
Her Spring time come, feels not the heats of love.   

However O my erring soul, and thou  
My captived heart, and you my thus misplaced  
Affections bear me witness, if I used not  
(To comply with my Father) all my forces  
To free my mind from these tyrannic passions:  
But O alas! the more I sought to break  
These fetters, I in them was more entangled.  
This love which in my breast insensibly  
Itself insinuating, there grew up  
Without advise of reason, can't be now  
By reason either governed, or extinguished.   Hos. 
— Audacious creature, were I not (what thou  
Seemsed to deny here) an indulgent Father,  
Thou from these hands at present shouldst receive  shows her his sword. 
Chastisement proper to thy insolence,  
Which now falls on thee mitigated only  
Into admonishment; thy error is  
Th' error of love, which is excusable  
In younger age, confined within limits  
Excusable; but when a royal Princess  
Hurried from love to madness by her passion  
Disdains the curbs of reason, and of honour,  
And yields herself up to my greatest foe,  
This is a crime severely to be punished;  
and should be, were I not assured of thy  
Future amendment: but in the mean time  Gives her a bloody handkerchif. 
Wipe off thy tears, for Florus here with this.  Au. 
What ominous gift is this?  Hos. 
It is a token  She startles. 
Dipped in thy Brother Lucius blood, with which  
The hands of Florus, as yet hot, and distilling,  
Must thee embrace.  Au. 
Death shall embrace me first  
In her cold arms. What mutiny is here?  
One of my chiefest vital parts has me  
Deprived of th' other. Oh, my Brother slain!  
And by the hands of Florus, just when he  
Has signified his flames reciprocal,  
And great as mine. O my accursed fate!  
Why, we were twins, bedfollows in the womb,  
Companions e'er born, together united  
Before with life inspired: in his death  
I've lost my better part, and can't survive  She falls into a swoon. 
With what is left me.  Hos. 
Aurelia, nay Aurelia,  
Recall thyself, thy Father is yet living  He strives to recover her. 
Thy loving Father, who to thee shall be  
A Brother, Mother, all things; reassume  
Thy life and courage.  Au. 
I do, and find myself  She seems to come to herself. 
In this short transe so changed, that now I'm sorry  
I have no pentitential moisture left  
To expiate those tears, against my duty,  
Cast away on the love of Florus: but  
You'll pardon this defect; desire of my  
Revenge so agitates my heart, and raiseth  
Such violent motions in my troubled fancy  
Transporting all my thoughts, and faculties  
To her tyrannique will; like some vast flame,  
Which all occurring obstacles consuming,  
Transformeth them at last into herself.  
Rage, choler, fury, offsprings of hell increase  
And multiply here in this breast, which freely  
I open to you, casting out all thoughts  
Of virgin softness, or remorse; hereafter  
These fountains of my eyes be ever dry;  
My hands, and tongue audacious to commit  
Mischiefs to terrify mankind; my looks  
Dissembling, treacherous, and fatal be  
To those they please; the powers of my soul  
Let my rage rule, and nothing it control.  Hos. 
Aurelia, now thou show'st, thou dost inherit,  
As well as Mother's beauty, Father's spirit.  
Magnanimous revenge, not love's a guest  
Fit to be harboured in a royal breast.  Exeunt. Sophonia. Macrinus. Soph. 
O dear Macrinus, hasten thy departure,  
Hostilius must not know thy longer stay,  
He thinks he gives, what he can take away,  
Thy liberty, which I have so endangered.  Mac. 
I would expose my life, much more what you  
Call liberty, to serve your Majesty.  Soph. 
That word does but revive  
The memory of my unhappy fate,  Macr. weeps. 
Which I would fain forget. I prithee weep not.  Mac. 
Madam, I must, though I rejoice to see  
Your virtue triumph o'er your misery.  Soph. 
Thou seest Valentius finds his satisfaction  
In my supposed death.  Mac. 
The Gods we see  
Intent your happiness, since sure by their  
Instinct he destinies Florus for the Throne.  Sop. 
Macrinus, thou wouldst fain revive my false  
And treacherous hopes; but oh, I fear the heavens,  
Which see me in my miseries grow old,  
Will in them let me die: but pray let's see  
The way th' hast found (excuse my vanity)  
To save my reputation when I die.  Mac. 
Here's the Inscription which I have made of you.  The most unfortunate of women, the supposed Sophonia, was the true Palladia, Empress, and Wife of Valentius, condemned by him upon a false suspicion, but saved by Macrinus conscious of her innocence and virtue, in testimony whereof he hath left these characters ingraved with his own hands. 
This I have cut in several plates of brass,  
Which fixed in walls, and only incrusted over  
With a slight plaster, in short time decaying,  
Will clear your story to the abused world.  Soph. 
Honest Macrinus, how much I fear  
I never shall this zeal of thine repay:  
Once more farewell, make speedy haste away.  Exeunt. Florus. Servilius. Carbo. Carb. 
— Though Courts have ever been  
The chiefest theatres where love delights  
To represent his cruel, serious follies:  
Yet Camps are not exempted.  Seru. 
Yes, Sir, but  
The wonder is to see our noble Gen'ral  
Surprised thus with the picture of a Lady.  Car. 
Why were you so?  Flo. 
Yes, when the Roman Eagles  
Victoriously under my conduct flew  
Through Italy, reducing the Enemy's power  
To the Precincts of Rome; in the surprisal  
Of Sarnium, I saw the picture of a Lady,  
Drawn by the pencil of the famous Sanga,  
Whose shape the very Goddesses would take,  
Were they to make love here on earth again:  
Ah how this object in the very moment  
Deprived me of my liberty, so that  
My entrance there was servile, not triumphal.  Car. 
To see arise in a great General  
Confusion from a Picture, from a shadow,  
Is very strange.  Seru. 
I thought  
A painted fire might deceive the sight  
But never raise a heat, or kindle flames.  Flor. 
I grant this; did not fame  
Paint out th' original substance of this shadow  
Above what fancy comprehends; Eumolpus  
Has on this subject made a Song, wherein  
He'has touched the proper string of my affection,  
With commendation of his friend the Painter.  
Boy, let's see it, go now, and sing it.  

SONG.  
That divine form which thus deludes thy sense,  
And holds thee gazing in a strange suspense,  
The creature only is of Sanga's art;  
Yet from these eyes love does his fires dart.  
To them a lively speech his favouring hand  
(Which to the tongue he never would impart)  
Has given like Sirens to betray thy heart.  
Ah fly then! 'tis too late; thou hast thy wound,  
And there dost panting lie upon the ground.   
My strange misfortune is, that I,  
Or rather my ill fate, have fixed my love  
Upon an Enemy of Valentius;  
So that if I pursue it, I shall lose  
My Prince's favour; and if not, I lose  
My soul, myself.  Car. 
Why he is sick of my disease, I love  
An Enemy of Valentius; to Thee  Aside. 
Aurelia I gave my faith before.  
Thy Father was declared his enemy.  Ser. 
I must condemn this love.  Car. 
'Tis then with high injustice.  Ser. 
— He's guilty who hates not  
His Prince's Enemies; can you think him  
Then innocent, who thus adores them.  Flor. 
— Have patience only, and  
Consider if th' admirer of this object.  
Rather deserves reproach, pity, or envy  shows a picture to them. Car. 
— What's this I see!  aside startling. 
I have defended here my Rival; this  
Is my Aurelia's picture, which I left her  
A pledge of my eternal love at parting.  Ser. 
This image so confounds my reason, that  
Th' accused may justly absolve himself  aside surprised. 
By virtue of his Judge's crime; I must  
Think of my duty to my Wife and Prince.  Flor. 
— I perceive strange emotion  
In them, but would not from their weakness seek  
Protection for my failings. Why thus changed?  
Come in, and recollect yourselves, I'll see  
If you are sick of my infirmity.  Exeunt. Arsenius. Honorius. Ars. disguised in habit of a common soldier. Ars. 
— Behold us here arrived  
At the Tents of Valentius; that I,  
The General of Hostilius, disguised  
In this vile habit of a common Soldier,  
Expose myself to him my Enemy,  
Are strange effects of love: that liberty  
— Which I give thee,  
Thou in requital seemsed to take from me.  Hon. 
Sir, that you have restored me to myself  
And liberty, I must confess, but not  
That I thus seek to recompense your favour;  
Express your meaning: these words offend my honour.  Ars. 
You have oft told me that  
Your General Florus was your greatest friend;  
On which belief I let you know he was  
My only Son; and how capricious fortune  
Had separated those minds, and affections  
Which nature joined.  Hon. 
'Tis true, and I acquainted  
You with his love of your Princess Aurelia;  
Well knowing the advantages you would  
Take to seduce him from his loyalty,  
With so fair a temptation; but know  
To this I then consented, fearing, that  
To take from noble virtue the occasion  
Of victory, was to envy her triumphing.  Ars. 
I hope his love of her will now extort  
That which the duty of a Father could not,  
That's his obedience; since love ever finds  
His Empire greatest in the greatest minds:  
— though hitherto  
The vain and empty title of being loyal  
Prevailed more with him then the entreaties of  
A most indulgent and a tender father.  Hon. 
Sir, you are too indulgent, who would thus  
Permit, nay more persuade him to become  
A Traitor to his Prince, the common Father  
Of us, and of his Country; and in whose  
Obedience, though with loss of life, and fortune,  
He's happy in performing thus his duty.  Ars. 
Of all wild beasts, which entrance find in Courts,  
Malicious detractors are the worst:  
Of all domestical, these flatterers,  
Which into Prince's ears gently distil  
The poison of these maxims, as if human  
Nature could thus comply with servitude,  
Not foaming at the Curb; Sir, like sea waves,  
Impetuously forced by several winds,  
We are by the tempestuous torrents hurried  
Of rage, ambition, choler, and revenge:  
Of which the latter justly has provoked  
My indignation against Valentius.  Hon. 
Nothing can justify these practices  
Against your Prince.  Ars. 
But to the subject, to return from which  
We deviate now; I have of late obtained  
Aurelia by the consent of her Father  
In marriage for my Son, to whom I lately  
Addressed a letter signifying the same,  shows him a letter. 
Intending you the happy bearer of  
This grateful news, of which another Copy  
I to Aurelia sent, to show my pen  
As forward as my sword in the procuring  
Hers, and her Father's interest; but since  
Considering in desperate diseases,  
That extreme remedies are best, I've changed  
My thoughts, persuaded that a Father's presence  
Will be more prevalent  
Than the mute eloquence of Paper; so  
Behold me here arrived, to procure  
An end to my calamities; my Sons  
Greatest felicity; the ruin of  
The persecutor of my life, Valentius.  Hon. 
Give o'er this rash discourse; here thou shouldst die  
The sacrifice of my just indignation,  draws at him. 
Were't not to envy thy brave Sons secure  
Triumphing over thy vain stratagems.  
Dost hope through my protection to put  
Thy treacherous practice into execution  
Against my Prince? the sound of this discourse  
More odious is to me then the noise  
Of chains or fetters, which I'll rather suffer.  
These abject thoughts proportionate, and proper  
Are to thy doting age; attribute to  
Thy fortune of having so brave a Son  puts up his sword. 
The life, thou receiv'st from these generous hands.  Ar. 
Is it a generous part thus to reward  
My benefit with this ingratitude?  Hon. 
A benefit conferred in the sense  
Of interest, merits no recompense.  Ar. 
My forward love mistaken was to try  
To gain affection from an Enemy.  Hon. 
Thy hopes are vain, it was thy error here  
With courtesy to ' abuse a Gentleman.  Ar. 
A Gentleman, who such resentment shows  
The man, to whom his liberty he owes?  Hon. 
Can he be author of my liberty,  
Who would engage me in this treachery?  Ar. 
Sir, is it treacherously, or nobly done,  
To reconcile a Father to a Son?  Hon. 
A Father, he who seeks to rob a Son  
Of his true honour, and reputation?  Ar. 
Honour to spend his youth, and time, and die  
In service of his Father's Enemy?  Hon. 
His respect to his Father must give way  
To that of his true Prince, who all must sway.  Ar. 
Man's first, and greatest duty from the tie  
Of nature comes, not human policy.  Hon. 
Nature must yield to reason, which thinks fit,  
Private to public interest should submit.  Ar. 
Go to thy Son Arsenius, and try,  
If he be cruel like thy Enemy.  Hon. 
Go to thy Son Arsenius; there's his Tent:  
A Father's ignominy there lament;  points to the Tents of the Camp. 
And a Sons glory, as thy punishment.   

ACT. II.  Fulvia, Antonia. Attendants. Ful. 
ALl but Antonia leave the place.  
Excessive griefs, Antonia, receive  
No mitigation from advice of friends:  
And such are mine; so that if I implore  
Assistance, I exasperated them more.  Ant. 
Madam, what causes this strange alteration?  
So many nights your eyes have seen no sleep,  
Which changed of late, have lost their usual lustre.  
Your looks and speech are not accompanied  
With their accustomed graces; as some sick  
Persons, in cold languishing all the night,  
With favours burning at th' approach of light;  
Just so your Majesty the Sun offends  
When he his course gins, or when he ends.  
Th' arrival of the night gives you no ease;  
That of the day your torments does increase.  
To me your servant why d'ye thus affect  
To hid the cause, who tell you the effect?  Ful. 
What shall I do? confessions of our crimes  
In Princes are worse crimes than they themselves;  
And which, if I strive longer to conceal,  aside. 
This forced silence will at last reveal:  
— Let then my will,  
Which in an Empress should be sole Commander,  
The voluntary first eruption make.  
Antonia, thou shalt now know my disease,  
But let compassion mollify thy heart  
Conformable to the grief, which I suffer.  
Who the distressed relieve, must first resent,  
And feel the torment of the Patient.  
Florus, that name so grateful to Antonia,  
But more to me.  
Florus, I say to thee, so acceptable.  Ant. 
— Madam, 'tis true, 'twas he  
Who first to my Servilius me united.  Ful. 
— And me has disunited from myself,  
My Prince, the world, and all things but himself.  
Florus more fair, more beautiful than is  
Morning or midnight star, more lovely than  
The pleasant Sun himself, when he shines through  
The golden Fleece of the celestial Ram.  
— O how I am,  
With love transported.  Ant. 
True;  
But 'tis, I hope, of your Valentius.  Ful. 
No; 'tis not: yes, it is; I mean of him:  
Not what he is, but what he was; in Florus  
Me thinks I see Valentius revived,  
And my old flames: Love has  
Retraced the same imaginations in  
My fancy, which kindled my first desires.  
Nature gave the same features to their faces,  
And to their minds and bodies the same graces.  
Such sprightliness was in Valentius looks,  
When first he courted me:  
Such was his comely gesture, when on horseback  
The stately courser proud was of his burden.  
Thus smiled he, thus he frowned, and in his anger  
Became more lovely from the change of passions.  
Marvel not then, that so great a Commander  
So soon has conquered, and inflamed the breast,  
Alas! of a poor Lady.  Ant. 
These heats should be suppressed in their beginning.  Ful. 
And so they might; did they like other fires  
Grow by succession; but they masterless  
Like lightning, found expansion in an instant  
Through all my veins, inflaming all my spirits.  Ant. 
Cast off these vain surmises, and be sure  
the thought you may be cured, is half the cure.  
Let not your Majesty herein persever,  
We safely sin sometimes, securely never.  
Strangle these vile thoughts in their infancy.  Ful. 
This I have oft endeavoured, but in vain  
— So whilst that I  
Am thus consumed by an internal fire,  
Scarce daring to let it evaporate  
In words, in sighs, in tears like other lovers;  
The heat increasing, multiplies within  
My breast, and will, I fear, at last for want  
Of vent destroy me.  Ant. 
Madam, these thoughts should have no vent, but find  
At once their birth, and burial in your mind.  Ful. 
My vital heat, and this more vital of  
My love, are substances inseparable;  
Nay, if the nature of my soul shall not prove  
Mortal, I fear that will not of my love:  
So that to save my honour if I die,  
I am not sure to end my misery.  
Wilt thou not then afford me thy compassion?  Ant. 
To her who voluntary casts herself  
In misery, what pity can be due?  Ful. 
O 'tis against my will; love like a Tyrant has  
Reduced my soul, and all her faculties  
In vassalage: Virtue let's fall her arms,  
As weak, and useless, ' against such powerful charms.  Ant. 
Think on the violation of your faith.  Ful. 
I have, and find, that constancy is only  
A force imaginary in us women:  
I find it by myself.  Ant. 
But not by others.  Ful. 
Canst see me perish, and afford no succour?  Ant. 
Want of assistance in this kind preserves you.  
My succour in this case would make you perish.  Ful. 
Thy Empress submissively entreats,  
And wilt thou not obey?  Ant. 
learn to command,  
And first yourself, and then I shall obey.  
I am your servant, not slave of your vice.  Ful. 
Canst thou a Lover be, and yet so cruel?  Ant. 
My love I keep confined within due limits.  Ful. 
Contrivers of crimes secretly committed  
In Courts, securely still advance themselves,  
Without the loss of fame, or reputation.  Ant. 
We doubly err; if erring we procure  
Th' opinion, that we have conserved our honour.  Ful. 
— If we approve in Prince's  
Actions unjust for private interest, why not  
Those more excusable for private pleasure?  
A hidden fault was never entire crime.  Ant. 
That which is voluntary, is entire.  Ful. 
But not in Princes, who being public persons,  
Their vices, if not public, are not vices;  
Nor private virtues esteemed Princely virtues.  
'Tis cruelty not to assist th' afflicted.  Ant. 
Not when contrivers of their own misfortunes.  Ful. 
O thou art obstinate.  Ant. 
'Tis constancy.  Ful. 
'Tis cruelty.  Ant. 
'Tis generosity.  Ful. 
Ingratitude in the most high degree.  Ant. 
Greatest beneficence.  Ful. 
Thy Prince's hater.  Ant. 
A lover of her honour, and my own.  Ful. 
No more Antonia: shall I live, or die?  Ant. 
Then loss of honour, death's less misery.  Ful. 
What shall I do? my reason having lost,  
Whiles fury guides me, I rove strangely tossed,  
I know not where, but certainly astray,  
Where honour suffers mad love to lead the way.  Exeunt. Arsenius. Honorius. Florus putting up his sword. Flo. 
No, no; I can't believe it; 'tis almost  
Impossible, that he should be my Father,  
Who seeks thus to deprive me of my honour,  
In forfeiting my duty to my Prince.  
— Acknowledge in pure gift  
Thy life from my unlucky ignorance  
Of him, who is my Father.  Hon. 
Brave Florus, this new field maintain,  
Which virtue has laid open with intention  
To signalise thy valour in all kinds.  
Nature herself thou here subduest, not words  
Of human art or hand; and which is most,  
None in this conquest, but thyself can boast.  Ar. 
My Son.  Fl. 
My Enemy.  Ar. 
My only Son.  Flor. 
My greatest Enemy.  Ar. 
Thou knowst I seek  
Thy happiness, and canst thou injure me?  Flo. 
Is this an injury, to defend myself  
From th'undermining practice of a Traitor?  Ar. 
Canst thou submit to serve a Prince, who is  
An enemy to him, who gave thee being.  Flo. 
Suppose you did, will you on this account  
Rob me of my well-being, fame, and honour?  Ar. 
Disguised here in these abject weeds, for thee  
My grandour, and my dignity, and life  
To hazard I expose.  Flo. 
Return; thou hast free leave, and reassume  
Thy Generalship under Hostilius:  
It is my glory in the head of armies  
To meet me as my adversary; but  
My shame, disgrace, and ignominy to  
Respect thee with the reverence of a Father.  Ar. 
Cruel Barbarian, if thou dispisest  
Thy Father, from whom thou enjoyest this light;  
At least make some account of him, who seeks  
To put thee in possession of that  
Thou lov'st above this light, thy fair Aurelia.  Flo. 
When my affection to Aurelia  
Shall be offensive to Valentius,  
I'll cast it off.  Ar. 
Art thou resolved to refuse me all pity?  Flo. 
I shall observe my duty to my Prince.  Ar. 
Which should give place to thy paternal duty,  
And is engrafted in all breasts but thine;  
— Known long before,  
Private ambition, popular faction  
Had laid the ruins, or the foundations  
Of Principalities, or Commonwealths,  
Whence these names sprang of loyalty, and honour.  
The cruel Thracian, barbarous Indian  
Acknowledging no other law, know this:  
So does th' inhospitable Scythian,  
Who others blood devouring, with his own  
His aged fainting Sire will revive.  Flo. 
— My cruel fortune!  
When thy looks fairest are, how thou confound'st me?  
Here filial obligation, which nature  
Imprints not only in men's hearts, but beasts,  
Challenges my obedience to a Father;  
Who not content to give me life, seeks here  
With hazard of his own, to make mine happy.  
On th' other side my Prince, who has prevented  
My age, my merit, and my expectation,  
With heaping on me honours upon honours,  
Exacts more from me than my gratitude  
Equalised to my wishes could repay.  
O how thus strangely circumvented I  
Far greater torment find to live then die!  Hon. 
Florus, why thus perplexed? what in a dream?  
Dispel these cloudy mists, follow the way,  
Where honour lights thee with her golden ray.  Flo. 
Honorius, thou hast turned the balance, which  
My trembling heart durst neither way incline.  Ar. 
Unfortunate Arsenius! what new hopes  
Canst thou retain, when they ingrateful are,  
Which have such benefits received from thee;  
The one is life, the other liberty.  Hon. 
T'oblige the innocent, to make him guilty.  
Is not a benefit, but treachery.  Ar. 
Ah Florus, some respect to these grey hairs,  
My Son, some duty's due to me, thy Father.  
Let these my tears mollify that hard heart,  
Which so inflexible seems to my prayers.  Flo. 
— Old man give over;  
Thy words, and time are lost in this pursuit.  Ar. 
— Rash and inhuman creature,  
If thou dispisest the entreaties of a Father:  
— I'll make thee fear the courage,  
And stratagems of an old General  
Grown white under the helmot, and the rage  
Of an incensed Enemy: Valentius  
Shall know Aurelia's thy intended Spouse,  
Hostilius thy private Friend: so shall  
This artifice at once deprive thee of  
Thy honour, and of that unworthy being,  
Which I unworthily have given thee.  Flo. 
O nature, O my honour, cruel Tyrants  
Of my divided soul, how you distract me!  
In what inextricable labyrinth  
Has my ill fortune cast me? if I conquer,  
Or yield subdued in this unhappy conflict  
Of my contesting passions, and affections,  
I'm sure to lose my life, or reputation;  
Or rather both, which my sad thoughts presage.  Hon. 
Fear nothing; be not thus dejected, whilst  
Here's an Honorius to give so ample  
A testimony of your innocence.  Flo. 
Malicious dotard, do thy worst, my clear  
Sincerity of mind, and actions shall  
Prove, thou a Traitor canst not be my Father.  Ar. 
Arsenius, thou spendest thy time, thy words,  
And labour here in vain: come then prepare  
For thy revenge.  
The world shall know what I thought to conceal.  Flo. 
— Arsenius hold:  
Ah stay, and let's compose this cruel strife;  
You pretend only to have given me life,  
Which I'll return t' you: opening thus my breast,  
The passage will make entrance for my rest;  
The blood will be the balsam of my honour,  
And pay your debt, and save my reputation.  Ar. 
Arsenius, O thy unhappy fortune!  
Which made thee Father, Soldier, or Commander!  
Live cruel Parricide, live, and prolong  
Thy odious life; I'll find some way to death,  
And my repose: myself I cannot show  
A cruel Father, or soft-natured Foe.  Exit. Hon. 
Florus, why thus cast down? 'tis strange to see  
A man dejected after victory.  
Here nothing was required but a spectator  
Of this most glorious passage of thy life,  
Which the propitious aspect of the heavens  
Has granted thee in an Honorius.  
Florus farewel; congratulate thy happy  
Fortune to have preserved a Friend, who seeks  
The preservation of thy honour; which  
Thy Father, thou here losest, sought to ruin.  Exit. Flo. 
There is no reason nature should unite  
By an usurped authority those minds,  
Virtue upon just grounds has separated.  
But see th' Empress comes: I'm sorry she  
Should find me in this conflict of my passions.  Fulvia. Florus. Ful. 
Ladies retire within; I will be private.  
See here in finding Florus alone, a happy  
Occasion is presented by my fortune  aside. 
For the discovery of my passion (which  
As women's wits are best when they have least  
Time to consider) I have found already.  
I'll tell him that I hear his love aspires  
To the possession of a Royal Lady,  
Who meets his flames with mutual fire, commending  
Herein his choice; so by this artifice  
He shall perceive my love in a surprise.  
Florus, what is th' occasion of this sadness,  
When th'emperor so much applauds your conduct?  Flo. 
Madam, to see the enemy provide  
Against us a more vigorous assault.  Ful. 
'Tis but a new occasion for your triumph.  
I know the real cause of this disturbance.  
O Florus you aspire to great matters.  Flo. 
Servilius or my Father has betrayed me.  aside. Ful. 
Nay I commend your course, 'twas virtue which  
Distinguished, and made Princes-first; besides  
Love's a great leveller like death, and where  
He finds not an equality, will make it.  Flo. 
— I shall be of the Court  
Now, and the Camp the laughingstock and sport.  aside. Ful. 
If you desired such secrecy, you should not  
Make one the object of your love, so near  
In blood to me allied.  Flor. 
Aurelia is her Niece; 'tis very true:  aside. 
If I persist, this silence will convince me.  
Let not your sacred Majesty be thus  
Abused by false reports; my Prince's favour  
And yours (as ever happens in great Courts)  
Have raised me private enemies, which seek  
My ruin from these false suggestions.  Ful. 
No, no; here's no place for the least suspicion  
Against the testimony of this truth,  
Which from the Lady's lips proceeds, who loves you;  
Which here this Medal better will declare  gives him a Medal. 
Then words, which through respect of you, and of  
Myself I cannot utter.  
Confront this with th' original, and see  
If she be well expressed, who thus affects you.  Exit. Plo. 
Let's see if the Inscription show the same  
Person, the picture seems to represent.  turns about the Medal. Fulvia Empress, second Wife of Valentius, etc. 

Is this some real passage, or illusion?  
Perchance I dream, and now some lively visions  
Play the Impostors on my deluded fancy.  
I wish it were so; but that scarce can be;  
For though in dreams we think ourselves awake,  
Yet really awake we know we dream not.  
No, I am the lost miserable Florus;  
And this the cruel Fulvia, who destroys me;  
And which is strange, with love; a stronger engine  
Erected for my ruin, than her hatred.  
Who can esteem me innocent? whilst I  
Am flexible thought to so foul a crime.   

Blast me ye heavens, or else at least these looks,  
Which please the Empress: if my heart be chaste,  
They are lascivious, and my honour slain:  
And this sufficient is to make me guilty.  
Was ever case like mine! If I declare  
Myself a lover than I lose my friends;  
And if I am beloved, my Prince I injure  
In highest point of honour, and what's strange,  
Th'offender is in both ways innocent.   Exit. Antonia. 

'Tis strange my Husband's love should fade so soon,  
Which I have sought to cultivate with all  
Art, duty, offices which can become  
A subtle woman, or complacent wife.  
Perchance I am deceived, and with some false  
Surmise create within myself true torment.   

O jealousy; o thou quicksighted daughter  
Of thy blind father Love, of whom at last  
Thou provest the murderer: thou of all things only  
Detested, loathed, hated by thyself;  
Ingenious only in the searching after  
That, which thou wishest could not be found out;  
Or being found, leaves thee in greater torment.   

Since in so short a time thy venom has  
Spread through my veins, and poisoned all my thoughts;  
Return to thy infernal mansion, where  
Hatred begot thee, though perchance some share  
Love in thy generation might have,  
To make thy birth double, and so more monstrous:   

There be a torment to thyself, and since  
Suspicions are thy choicest nourishment.  
Vex thyself with new fears; never secure,  
As well with those which doubtful are, as sure.   To her Servilius. Ser. 
Here comes my poor Antonia, methinks,  
The sad reproach of my inconstancy.  Ant. 
What cause have I given you of late to be  
So much disgusted with my company?  Ser. 
None, but some other flames have in my breast  
Extinguished thine, and rob me of my rest.  Ant. 
What can these strange looks, or this language mean?  
I hope Sir, you intent no breach of faith.  Ser. 
No, I am forced to it against my intention.  
Against my former vows, and my own wishes.  Ant. 
We all confess, Sir, this unquestioned truth,  
Man's will cannot be forced, though it rebel,  
By any power on earth, in heaven, or hell.  Ser. 
If here's an error, Florus should be rather  
Accused than I: he, who first joined our loves.  
Has been the occasion of dissolving them,  
In showing me a face of late in beauty  
So far transcending thine,  
That 'twere impiety not to adore it.  Ant. 
— False and disloyal man;  
Florus and thou shalt sink under the force  
Of my revenge, provoked to such a height,  
It shall pluck on you both untimely fate.  Ser. 
Antonia, divert the torrent of  
This furious rage some other way; accuse  
Nature, who has to my excessive torment  
This beauty formed, so far excelling thine,  
As the moon does the lesser stars outshine.  Ant. 
Traitor accuse thy one perfidiousness,  
Which makes thee change thy promise, and thy customs.  Ser. 
I have changed the object only, not my custom.  Ant. 
The hast broke thy faith; this makes thee infamous.  
I hope in her thou followst, thou wilt see  
An hatred equal to my love of thee.  Ser. 
Antonia examining thy glass  
Accuse that vulgar beauty, and thy face,  
Which on my freeborn soul has had no charms  
More powerful, and such early fading colours.  Exit. Ant. 

— Go; go;  
Go, if my beauty be of untimely fate,  
In my revenge so shall not be my hate;  
To perfect which, I heaven, and hell will move:  
'Tis th' only recompense, of injured love.   

Nature, and Fortune cruel Stepmothers  
Are to us women: in our tender years  
Our Father's Palaces to us are Prisons,  
Where nor our persons, nor scarce our looks are free:  
And afterward, when our maturity  
Should change this bondage into liberty;  
We only of all creatures are who buy  
With a vast dowry our own slavery:  
Thus only changing a new Master, whom  
We purchase to rule o'er our souls and bodies,  
And cast us off thus when he please. Man is  
A bold insolent creature; grand usurper  
Upon the rights of nature; not by his wit  
(For in our age of folly we enslave him)  
But by his force, and number. He makes laws  
Partial t' himself, rigid to us: his vows  
He breaks, ours must be kept; his vices  
Pass only for his gallantries; ours are  
Branded with foul and horrid names t' affright us.  
Ambition in us, in him is honour;  
And our irregular appetites in him  
Pass for the noble passions of his love;  
Not only to be excused, but commended.   

Who made these laws and customs? did our Sex  
Ever give up their voice, and suffrages?  
No: there's no right, or obligation than  
We should obey these orders made by men,  
So partial Judges: th' Empress and I will see  
To vindicate our sex's liberty.   Exit.  

ACT. III.  Florus. Servilius. Carbo. Car. 
That which you tell us, is a secret of  
Importance, that Arsenius should be  
Your Father, and converse here in our Camp.  Flo. 
'Tis True; but I am now relating to you  
Th' occasion which has brought Aurelia hither.  
The wild lust of her Father, not content  
To violate the chastity of Virgins,  
The faith of Matrons, Widows vows; at last  
Lasciviously encroached on his Daughter:  
The horror of which thought so frighted her  
(Such was her virtuous innocence) she sought  
Her refuge from her enemies, and fled  
From him her Father, as her greatest foe.  
So by this means fortune affords my arms  
Th' happy occasion of protecting virtue,  
I think herself in a corporeal shape.  Ser. 
This passion of your love strangely deceives you.  
Virtue needs no external form, or beauty  
Seldom puts any on; and yet more seldom  
'Tis that they can agree.  
Chief in Courts, like jarring Elements,  
Where one proves the confusion of the other;  
Beauty at least to Virtue ever fatal.  Car. 
He tells you true, the outward shape of your  
Aurelia shows no internal goodness.  Flo. 
— Sure correspondent to  
Th' external splendour must be lodged in her  
A soul deserving such an habitation;  
As greater lustre of some sparkling jewels  
Denotes in them no less intrinsique virtue.  Car. 
I can compare Aurelia's eyes to stars  
As bright as you, but of ill influence,  
And look on her arrival to the Camp,  
Like the approach of some ill threatening Comet.  
Th' heavens preserve our General, and us.  Flo. 
What raises these strange Omens of my love,  
Which some will envy, but the most approve.  Ser. 
Most will condemn, others oppose; think not  
Aurelia's beauty will not raise you Rivals,  
To bring the Prize in contestation.  Flo. 
These motives of vain fear I scorn; farewel,  
I'll seek some other friends to gratulate  
The happiness of my triumphing fate.  Exit. Car. 
I am amazed to think Arsenius,  
Great Captain General of our enemy,  
Should be his Father; and here in disguise  
Converse within our Camp.  Ser. 
'Tis a strange secret.  Car. 
To me it seems improbable, that he  
Who was surprised with the mere shadow of  
His Mistress, should remain inflexible  
To the tears and entreaties of a Father:  
What's your opinion?  Ser. 
That we play the fool  
Egregiously; remember we are Soldiers  
As well as Courtiers; let's cast off this dissembling.  Car. 
Since you advance, I'll meet you: Sir I hear  
Of your intention of divorce, to make  
Room for Aurelia's entrance in your bed;  
Whose love I seek with as great fervency  
As you; we both forfeit our hopes, if this  
Rival be not removed; th'effecting which  
His open folly has made easy.  Ser. 

True;  
As Scholars prove ill Soldiers, so these Soldiers  
Prove the worst Courtiers; their franc and generous natures  
Make them as unfit for the air of Courts,  
As birds are for the Element of water.   

Who but a General bred up in Camps  
Like Florus, such a secret would reveal,  
On which divulged, his ruin does depend,  
To us, who shall raise ourselves from his fall.   Car. 
In Court it would a Soloecism appear,  
So gross an error should unpunished go:  
There is no reason for't, he must give way,  
Though both of us can't have this glorious prey:  
And consequently in our Generals fall,  
The one of us must find his Funeral.  Exeunt. Valentius, Statilius, Honorius, with Court-Attendants, etc. Val. 
Statilius, the Gods are equally  
Willing to make us great, as afterwards  
They are averse long to conserve that greatness.  
We often see our fall, or misery  
Bring up the rear of our prosperity.  Sta. 
Your Majesty knows well that our condition  
Admits not of a sincere happiness,  
Without the mixture of some discontent.  Val. 
Whilst Italy and the Provinces applaud.  
My victories, and happiness, I fear,  
And yet perceive no true cause of my fear.  Hon. 
'Tis generously to be rejected then,  
As being grounded upon no foundation.  Val. 
Thence it takes deeper root. Old Mariners  
Expect a horrid tempest, when the sea  
Rolls boisterous waves, and yet no winds are stirring.  
Last night, or rather 'twixt the confines of  
The day and night, the lively, but the dismal  
Impressions of a dream have so tormented  
My spirit, I shall have no quiet till  
I see the menacing effects blown over.  Hon. 
These are deceptions of the fancy, not  
Deserving the attention of a Prince.  Val. 
So often verified in all reports,  
Who can assure us these are fallacies?  Hon. 
The rare, divine, admired Epicurus,  
Who with the light of reason has dispelled  
These golden fears, these terrifiers of  
The vulgar spirits; did you but imagine  
Th' innumerable multitude of such  
Who either will deceive, or be deceived:  
Nothing so beneficial you'll see  
As a judicious incredulity.  Sta. 
'Tis a sign of a poor and mollified  
Spirit to fear all events of this nature;  
And to fear nothing a stupidity.  Hon. 
A virtue Sir, if once opinion can  
Remove us from our solid station,  
We never after shall firm footing find.  
An understanding must be, to see clear,  
Purged from all superstition and fear.  Val. 
It is an happiness to be resolute  
In our opinions, though erroneous.  
O that I could like thee, Honorius,  
Believe these terrors follies: my dream was,  
That my dear Wife, and eldest Son; O horror!  
Before we see the Sun once more ascend  
To his meridian altitude, should fall  
At my feet murdered by me in furious rage.  Sta. 
The vanity herein appears, that in  
The short extent of one day's compass so  
Horrid a fact must be accomplished, which  
Requireth years for the maturing of it.  
The innocence and virtue of the Empress,  
And Prince are yet unblemished, insuspected.  Val. 
'Tis true; but if the fates will make Valentius  
Unhappy, they will make him first imprudent.  Hon. 
The happiness of great Valentius  
Depends upon the will of great Valentius:  
Not upon, fortune, or destiny.  
These are but idle names of idle Writers,  
— Unhappily invented,  
To terrify mankind, and sow the seeds  
Of error, folly, superstition in us:  
Who should rely on our own proper virtues;  
For man is only on himself dependant;  
Not fate, nor fortune, nor his stars Ascendant.  Val. 
Thinkest thou not some celestial powers above  
Direct the course of our affairs?  Hon. 
No Sir  
They rest secure, happy not thinking on them,  
Nor us, such little crawlers here on earth.  
Nor is it human wit, but rather human  
Folly, which now seems the disposer of them.  
Observe but with what vermin the age swarms,  
And how the world is strangely people with  
Armies of murderers in ambitious wars;  
Or else the instruments of our luxury.  Val. 
I am told by my Philosophers at Court,  
Confused, and interrupted dreams are not  
To be regarded; but when that order is  
In them which was in mine, they are advices  
From heaven sent to tell us what shall happen.  Hon. 
— In the distracted Chaos  
There never was greater confusion,  
Then is in them, and in their mad opinions;  
Which no more credit should find in us, then  
Poetic fancies, or fanatique dreams.  Sta. 
— For my part;  
Ere since I first opened my eyes to make  
Inspection into the darkness of  
Human affairs, and nature, I straight saw  
Nothing was suited to our capacities;  
But ever thought Philosophers, and such  
Who give themselves up to their contemplations.  
Most ignorant, and useless of all men.  Hon. 
— They first corrupt our natural wit,  
And judgement with an artificial folly,  
And then our genuine customs with learned vices.  Sta. 
Rome, as she grew more learned, grew less valiant.  Hon. 
These studies in her Senators destroyed  
That bravery in them, which subdued the world.  Sta. 
Science, and vice like twins at the same time  
Found birth in her, and grew up to perfection.  Hon. 
She owed her ruin to no other cause,  
Then when she changed from Martial to be learned.  Sta. 
O let it not be said that this disease,  
In the corrupting of the judgement of  
The great Valentius, twice should fatal be  
Thus to the Roman Name, and Majesty.  Val. 
I am of no such accidents afraid,  
Where prudence or my will can give me aid.  Hon. 
We boldly should contemn, not fear those ills,  
Which cannot be opposed by our wills.  Val. 
To foster hopes is a mere vanity  
When we foresee certain our misery.  Sta. 
A Prince who thus thinks that his State impairs  
A fruitless subject gives himself of cares.  Val. 
He rightly thinks of fortune, who suspects  
Her various in the persons she affects.  Hon. 
The change of fortune rather should erect  
The spirit of an Emperor, then deject.  Val. 
Unhappy state of Princes! whom her favours  
Sometimes betray, more than her frowns; for they  
Corrupt us, and our natures mollify:  
We gain our honour in adversity.  Exeunt. Fulvia. 

What shall I do? sustain the gravity,  
And person of imperial Majesty?  
Or lose the hopes else of an ardent lover.  
Rebellious passions of my distracted soul,  
Fear, love, desire, envy: why d'ye thus  
Torment my mind with separated factions?   

Though thou art here a most unjust Usurper,  
Love, I'll myself rather submit to thee:  
Divided power is greater tyranny.  
Speak then, and hope; happy success may make  
Our impious actions pass for honourable,  
Much more the faults of love, which in all breasts  
Find their Apologies; for no man shall,  
Seeing Florus, not absolve the Criminal:  
And Ladies, which have known him, cannot choose,  
But say the cause brings with it the excuse.  To her Florus. 
— O here he comes  
As I expected! Florus, I hope you have  
Confronted the Original with the  
Portrait I gave you, and are pleased with both.   Flo. 
Your Majesty was not deceived, I shall  
Declare myself an enemy to those,  
Who shall their treachery practise on that beauty.  Ful. 
Now I am happy, I perceive he loves me.  aside. 
Let no suspicious jealousy torment you;  
You only then need fear a Rival, when  
Another Florus should be like yourself.  Flo. 
In breasts where love has no admission found,  
jealousy can find none; he need not fear  
A Rival, who no lover is.  Ful. 
Not you  
A lover; can I be so much deceived?  Flo. 
Yes; when my reason shall direct the passion.  Ful. 
— Love joined with reason  
Is a monster, and not that noble guest,  
Which should command all in a Prince's breast;  
Fear, counsel, reason either chase thence,  
Or else reducing to his obedience.  Flo. 
My honour then must regulate my actions.  Ful. 
Which never should inspire a noble heart  
With cruelty, but rather with compassion  
Of a distressed Lady. Florus, you  
Knew that to be Fulvia's Picture, I gave you.  Flo. 
'Tis true, and as I think by some mistake  
Unluckily conveyed into these hands.  Ful. 
No Sir, be not deceived, the present was  
Made by mature election.  Flo. 
I reverence it as your gift, and as  
The Portrait of my Sovereign adore it.  Ful. 
The name of Sovereign is unsuitable  
To my affection, or my present state:  
Call me your servant; that familiar term.  
Becomes him, who predominats o'er all  
The powers of my soul.  
Disdain not one, who ever hath preserved  
Her reputation unstained, her faith  
Inviolated, and to you alone  
Commits them both; one action of my life  
Should not reproach me with inconstancy.  
Compassionate an Empress, who entreateth  
That used to command: O Florus, put  
A period to my life, or to my torment.  Flo. 

— O ye immortal Gods,  aside. 
Can you see this offence, and suffer it?   

I hope your Majesty will harbour thoughts  
Which more become your royal dignity;  
And of your own dishonour, and my shame,  
In hearing mentioned this licentious flame.   Ful. 
If it be lawless, 'twill the more aspire;  
Resistance will prove vain to my desire.  Flo. 
O Madam, let reason triumph above  
This passion, and honour over your love;  
Think how I am the Subject of Valentius.  Ful. 
Sufficient curb to this repulse should be  
The thought how a great Empress loves you; and  
Loves you alone; and the Commandress of  
The world submits herself to your commands.  Flo. 
I can't conceive your Majesty as Empress,  
But at that time Wife also of my Sovereign.  Ful. 
If you desire happiness, think only  
Of my Imperial dignity and power.  Flo. 
Who by their passions thus enslaved have lost  
Their liberty, cannot of power boast.  Ful. 
If thou despisest an obsequious lover,  
Thou shalt the rage fear of an incensed Lady.  Flo. 
I apprehend more danger from the love,  
Then anger of her who despises honour.  Ful. 
If thy audacious insolence contemns  
My threaten, their effects shall make thee tremble.  Flo. 
No violence, no hidden treachery  
Can affright him, who never feared to die.  Ful. 
— If that which I intent  
An ignominious death cannot thee move,  
Thou hast less sense of honour, then of love.  Flo. 
Which cannot be, when the occasion only,  
Springs from the hatred of an immodest woman.  Ful. 
Thou shalt feel misery.  Flo. 
I can conquer it.  Ful. 
Thou shalt repent.  Flo. 
No, I am ever constant.  Ful. 
I'll be revenged.  Flo. 
I can defend myself.  Ful. 
To slight a Lady never was unpunished.  Flo. 
Offence of honour can't be tolerated.  Ful. 
My hatred now shall equalise my love.  Flo. 
And my contempt my former reverence.  Ful. 
O thou unhappy Fulvia! what does it  
Avail thee to be Empress of the world,  
And canst not make thyself beloved or feared.  Flo. 
O miserable Florus, to what purpose  
Can serve thy innocence, if thou becomest  
The odious object of another's crime.  Exit. Ful. 

Ah cruel creature! he is gone: if ever  
Any had cause to murmur against nature,  
'Tis I, in giving him, so like Valentius,  
A form and shape fatal to my repose.  
I cherished the first heat, entered my breast  
Insensibly as an acquainted guest:  
But seeking after how it did aspire,  
I found my nuptial torch lighted this fire:  
So that I can't reproach myself with shame,  
My first and lawful love kindling this flame:  
Then all the fault's in him, who thus rejects me.   

O thou disdain, the conqueror of love,  
Which conquers all things else, enter my breast;  
There, till revenge expel thee, take no rest:  
Incensed by thee, let all my spirits aspire,  
Mixing in combat with this tyrannique fire  
For victory. A Princess thus incensed  
With love, and rage thus, more is to be feared,  
Then cruel fires, fierce plagues, devouring seas,  
Or what most terrifies our human nature.   To her Aurelia. Au. 
You Majesty is much perplexed, that passion  
Is always great, which can't contain itself.  Ful. 
I must conceal to her th' unlucky motive  aside. 
Of my disturbance. Alas! Aurelia,  
My miseries are ever fruitful in  
Producing others: scarce my tears are dried  
For the late losses of our Family;  
But I must new supplies find, to lament  
The fresh disgrace now falling on my issue.  Au. 
Who can be so unjust to injure you?  
Or who can be so arrogant t'offend  
That power, which is so armed for revenge?  Ful. 

Valentius; enemy of his own children,  
Because I think they're mine, or else because  
theyare Nephews of Hostilius your Father,  
Intends that Florus shall be now advanced  
To the Imperial dignity, to their  
And my perpetual reproach, that Florus,  
Th'oppressor of my Father, and who seeks  
The ruin now of yours. Au. A happy occasion  
Opens a field to the triumphant passage  
Of my revenge; I can myself disclose  
Now to so great an enemy of Florus.   aside. 

O let that beauteous serenity,  
Madam, return, which used t'adorn your looks.  
— You've opened your disease  
To the Physician, who alone can cure you.   Ful. 
Who you? become of late an enemy  
To your own father, interessed in  
The quarrel of Valentius against him.  Au. 
Your majesty's deceived, I only act  
A counterfeited part; I have defamed  
— My Father as attemptor  
Upon my virgin modesty, that I  
The better might secure his tottering power.  
I fain myself in love with Florus; and  
My flight here to Valentius, as my refuge,  
That I more safely may procure their ruin.  Ful. 
Aurelia, we are then in the same interest,  
Will, and affection more conjoined, than blood.  Au. 
Arsenius has let me know  
Of late a secret, which will raise your wonder;  
How Florus is his Son, and how he is  
In love with me, seeking a mutual love;  
Which understanding, with notice of my Father  
I filled the old man's head with hopes, and joy  
Of my affection for his Son, to whom he has  shows her a letter. 
A letter writ here on that very subject,  
Apt either to make him desert his Prince,  
In hope of gaining me; or else t'accuse him  
Of treason in his correspondence with  
Arsenius enemy of Valentius;  
Who thus abused shall see himself deprived  
Of this his Gen'ral, our great Adversary.  Ful. 
My Brother's present danger, and my Son's  
Disgrace, whose fame Florus eclipses, makes  
Him subject of my hatred; and the memory  
Of my poor Father, murdered by Valentius,  
Makes him alike. Au. Madam, then let us strive  
To be revenged of both;  
And with an emulation, who shall put  
Her malice into speediest execution;  
Not doubting of success: 'Tis great assurance  
To those, who seek revenge, to have so faithful  
Companions in the stratagems, as you have.  Ful. 
'Tis true my dear Aurelia, let me embrace thee  
For this thy bravery; though I envy it,  
So far advancing thy unriper years.  Au. 
This day shall show here what the furious rage  
Of an ambitious Lady can produce;  
And the interest and jealousy of State,  
And emulation, Madam, of your glory.  Ful. 
Expect from me all, that can be expected  
From a contriving subtle wit, and cunning  
Hypocrisy joined with a perfect malice.  Au. 
Let Florus, let Valentius perceive  
Th' entrance of Aurelia in their Camp.  
Let fear and modesty, companions of  
Our sex, so much inclined to virtue, be  
Now cast off by the thoughts of our revenge.  Ful. 
My passion shall esteem no sin unlisenced.  
In me let one crime still beget another;  
And let it not be thought a crime, which does  
Not multiply itself in many others;  
And ever with increase, the latter greatest.  Au. 
Madam mistake not; and let nothing pass  
With us for criminal, but what is virtuous.  Ful. 
'Tis the delightful fruit of vice to think,  
That no vice, which is caused by interest.  Au. 
True of ourselves, better than that of state;  
Which not great Prince values at any rate,  Ful. 
They never else in Court or Camp would find,  
With all their pomp, tranquillity of mind.  Au. 
'Tis on this ground that I'll prepare to act  
Those things I cannot think, unless enraged.  
Posterity shall ever curse, though scarce  
Believe that, which I'll put in execution.  Ful. 
Compared with me thou shalt as innocent  
Appear, and did the state but know how high  
The provocation is of my disdain,  
It would with trembling fear the consequence.  Au. 
Who injured me the favour shall not have  
To die, unless that I accompany  
That death with an eternal infamy.  Ful. 
That merits not the title of revenge,  
When we destroy and enemy, and give  
Leave to his reputation still to live.  Exeunt. Valentius. Florus. Statilius. Honorus, with Court-Attendants. Val. 
Since not as yet possessed of Rome, we cannot  
Express our joy with usual festivals,  
For this adoption of Florus in the Empire;  
Let's see what sports, and what divertisements  
Our Camp affords us in our slaves and captives.  Here very conveniently may be brought in some divertisements of the Stage. Val. 
I never liked the fancy of Augustus;  
Nor of some other Princes, who have from  
The vices, imperfections of successors  
(Sometimes their Sons, Brothers, nearest Allies)  
Sought to illustrate to posterity  
Their shameful glory, so injurious to them,  
And to the present age: A solid virtue  
Needs no such foil, or shadow to set off  
Her beauteous lustre; and this is the reason,  
Why I omitting my own issue joined  
To me in blood, not virtue, Florus, have  
Destined thee for my successor; and to morrow  
Companion, and Colleague in my great Empire.  Sta. 
Your Majesty declares in this Election,  
No passion has an influence o'er your judgement.  Val. 

Since 'tis not in my power to create him  
Heir of my blood, I'll make him of my glory.   

But Florus why amazed? thy merit should  
Prevent thy marvel at thy high advancement:  
Honour should ne'er surprise a noble breast,  
But enter as a long expected guest.   Flo. 
My silence was th' effect of grief, and wonder;  
The last occasioned thus to see a Father  
Divest himself of natural affections,  
To represent a Prince more absolute:  
My sorrow from the sense of envy springs,  
Which will pursue so great prosperity.  Val. 
Your grief were juster, if your exploits had not  
Deserved envy; and your wonder, if  
Your merit had not forced this Election.  Hon. 
he need not envy fear, who by his actions  
Worthy of envy has secured himself  
In a safe station, above the reach of envy.  Flo. 
The title of Caesarean Majesty  
Is too illustrious for my extraction,  
The charge too weighty for these shoulders; which  
I fear will faint under their glorious burden.  Sta. 
Who first knows how to rule himself, like you,  
Seems destined by the providence of heavens  
For the command of Sceptres, and of Empires.  Val. 
Fear nothing Florus; cheerfully assume  
This greatness, as thy valour's recompense;  
A purchase, which with loss of blood, life, honour  
So often is sought after by ambition:  
For the proud man finds that the boisterous flood,  
Which rowls him to this Port, still runs in blood.  Exeunt.  

ACT. IU.  Valentius. Carbo. Antonia. Val. 
NOw I perceive, as thou hast told me, that  
This my erroneous pursuing of  
The customs of Princes my Ancestors,  
(Which makes me as I writ and speak with pens,  
And Tongues of other men; just so I hear  
My informations with the ears of others)  
Has led me in a labyrinth of errors,  
Where truth could never find me out, had you  
Not been her trusty guides. For thou O Carbo  
Must be content to have this noble Lady  
Companion in thy glory.  Car. 
I am proud of it.  Val. 
'Twas she who first made known to me, from whence  
Arose the clouds, which have of late eclipsed  
The mirth, and beauty of my dearest Consort:  
I say 'twas she; prepare thy faith to hear  
Far greater wonders, than thou hast related.  
This Traitor Florus in the presence of  
This noble Lady has solicited  
My Empress, O horror! to betray  
My honour; nay startle not; that's my part,  
Whom the world falsely calls the great Valentius.  Car. 
I was surprised; but thinking how the greatest  
Of vices is ingratitude; there's none  
Of which I think he cannot be found guilty.  Val. 
This I confess: but alas! here his utmost  
Cruelty should have spared his Prince: I am  
The soul diffused through the vast body of  
The Empire, thus exposed in all parts to  
His wounds, and injuries; at least herein  
He should have had compassion of his friend  
His Benefactor, Father by adoption;  
Which merits more than if I were by nature.  Car. 
Sir, he has told me, he esteemed all things  
Lawful to gain an Empire, or a Mistress:  
And in a scorning manner oft would say;  
In other things let justice be observed.  Val. 
O ye immortal Gods! why has your care  
Given us a touchstone to distinguish our  
Adulterate gold, and no mark to discern  
The treacherous hearts of false perfidious men.  
— If this be true;  
Confound him with your sharpest thunderbolt:  
But 'tis too true; and if I further stay  
To question it; I fear I shall become  
procurer of those dire events upon me,  
Portended in my last night's dreams to happen  
Within so short a time.  
Antonia retire: I'll have a care  
To vindicate my honour: his proud Laurels,  
Which from Jove's thunder are secure, I'll blast.  
But let this secret make no further progress.  Ant, 
My prudent care shall not fail to correct  
This fault, to which our sex is incident.  Val. 
A Prince, who tolerates a known disgrace,  
Becomes the subject of the vulgar scorn.  Ant. 
Honour, once sought to be betrayed, is never  
Secure, so long as the Offender lives.  Val. 
jealousy entered in a Prince, no other  
Assistant needs, to hasten his revenge.  Ant. 
Which, when it is of a slow pace, we find  
'Tis sign of weakness in a Prince's mind.  
Let him th' effects Sir of your anger prove,  
Who thus hath undervalved your love;  
In prudent Monarques, like yourself, t'appear  
Not to be feared, should be your only fear.  Exit. Car. 
You Majesty's perplexed.  Val. 
But why should I  
So low thoughts of myself have; and so high  
Of his bold insolent temereity.  
Good Carbo have the patience to repeat  
Thy story over; though in it every passage  
Creates new wounds, and ulcers in my soul.  
Thou saidst, the Master of my light Cavalry,  
Macrinus, was not Father of this Florus;  
But that Arsenius, the sworn enemy of  
My person, and my dignity has made  
The world the present of this dissembling Monster:  
Can this be so?  Car. 
Your Majesty may rest  
Can this be so? Car. Your Majesty may rest  
Assured I heard it from his own relation;  
And how besides he has in a disguise  
Conversed here with him in our Camp; where he  
Assured him of the consent of Hostilius  
For his obtaining of the fair Aurelia,  
The Idol of his soul;  
With the rich dowry of the Roman Empire.  Val. 
Which his pernicious hopes securely straight  
Devoured, with consentment to my ruin.  Car. 
Yes; and with invitation to myself,  
Joining with him, to take part with Hostilius.  
See where the Empress comes: I take my leave.  Exit, Valentius. Fulvia. Antonia. Ful. 
Now if, Antonia, as thy promise was,  aside. 
Thou hast distilled the poison in his ears;  
I shall perceive straight by the operation.  Val. 
My dearest Fulvia, since all griefs and sorrows  
Divided are betwixt the Wife and Husband,  
Th' occasions also should be so; if then  
Antonia's care without your intimation  
Has let me know the cause of your distemper,  
I must obtain her pardon; let then thy  
Former serenity of looks dispel  
Those clouds of sorrow from that brow to mine;  
Where they hang thick already; but I'll have  
Them washed away in blood of the offenders.  Ful. 
With whose let mine be joined; Sir 'tis the only  
Favour I beg here on my knees; by all  knelt. 
The former merits, with which the constant duty  
Of an obedient Wife has e'er been able  
T'oblige a Husband; by the rising hopes  
Of young Valentius; and the other pledges  
And fruits of our so constant loves, till now  
By this accursed accident disturbed.  Val. 
They are not: rise then; O let me not see  takes her up. 
My idol thus bow, and incline to me.  Ful. 

Sure you look on me with false eyes, or else  
You see me changed into a loathsome creature:  
Suspicion of guilt in an Empress makes her  
Seem foul, and guilty to her  and others.   

So I am in effect: a Viper though  
He casts no poison forth; his very touches  
Are venomous: th'offering to embrace me  
In Florus has methinks with leprosy  
Infected all my parts. Good Sir have mercy  knelt again. 
On your poor Fulvia here; and let me die;  
When life is now my greatest misery.   Val. 
His blood shall rather satisfy th' offence,  
Who trespassed on thy spotless innocence:  
And though he seemeth at too cheap a rate  
By single death his crime to expiate;  
'Tis recompensed at once to see him die,  
And live in a perpetual infamy;  
Whilst thou the best of women; glory of  embraces her. 
The present age, and honour of thy sex,  
Shalt like a star of the first magnitude,  
Shine glorious in the firmament of honour.  
However yet, my dearest Fulvia,  
The heavens in their happiness delay:  
Thy presence, though so much desired there,  
T'instruct the age is necessary here.  Ful. 
My noble Lord, my duty,  
So hitherto obsequious to your will,  
Shall strive then to obey your last commands.  Val. 
O now thou speak'st like Fulvia, and thyself:  
Thy passions can never long transform thee:  
Come let us go to my Pavilion, and  
Consult upon the manner, how to put  
In speedy execution our revenge:  
The just effects of which shall never cease,  
Till in the Traitor's blood I find my peace  Exeunt. Florus. Honorius. Flo. 
'Tis strange methinks, Honorius, that you,  
An Epicurean by Sect should be  
An enemy of love; the greatest pleasure,  
When once obtained, in the enjoyment of  
What we call perfect beauty; a happiness  
So frequently desired, so seldom found.  Hon. 
The nature of true pleasure can't consist  
In the delights of love, which leave the soul  
Not satisfied, when the most satiated;  
Whilst in her interchangeably there fight  
Restless disgust, and restless appetite.  
True pleasures no remorse, but leave behind  
Them still a grateful odor in the mind.  Flo. 
They ill discourse of love, who are no lovers.  Hon. 
It troubles me to see the royal fort  
Of noble Florus heart thus yielded up.  Flo. 
'Tis given up to him, who conquers all things;  
And will in time the brave Honorius breast,  
Where virtue keeps so strong a garrison.  Hon. 
It must be weak, if so contemptible  
An Adversary can his entrance force.  Flo. 
Neglect of the Enemy destroys the valiant:  Hon. 
The fear of him dejecteth noble spirits.  Flo. 
Who apprehends his Adversary may  
Preserve his honour, though he lose the day.  Hon. 
Esteem of him is distrust in ourselves.  Flo. 
A prudent fear companion is of valour.  Hon. 
'Tis rather of an irresolved mind.  To them Aurelia. Flo. 
But stay, behold: here breaks the beauteous light,  
Which will these difficulties clear.  
Honorius stand firm; what means this change?  Honorius surprised at her beauty. 
Let not thy actions contradict thy words.  Hon. 
My hearts unmoved: but the external sense  
In such surprisals has no sure defence.  exit. Au. 

Yonder he comes; his eyes are fixed on mine;  
Those false lights, which will lead him to his ruin.   

Love and Disdain, two raging firebrands,  
Are of the mind; their common residence  
Is in the heart; but raise a general  
Disturbance in the soul, confounding all  
Her faculties. They are of equal force,  
Contending for the prize with emulation;  
But in effect and nature contrary;  
The one producing hatred, and the other  
Gentle affection: when these fierce Combatants  
In duel are; the heart too narrow a field  
For two such Foes groans languishing in torment,  
Till one the victor shall subdue the other;  
As here Disdain has Love in me, by force  
Compelling me to act a damned part  
Against my nature, conscience, and my heart.   

My honour does depend upon his death;  aside. 
And yet perchance my life depends on his.  
But I am now engaged past all retreat.   Flo. 
O my Aurelia (pardon this presumption)  
If I am bold to call you so upon  
So new acquaintance; my love's of longer date.  Au. 
And so is mine; however that love's poor,  
Which time requires to grow up to perfection.  
Mine of another nature was; at once  
Finding conception, and maturity;  
Both at first sight of you. Flo. But what was stranger;  
I found my heart inflamed from the shadow,  
And picture of you only: from dead colours  
Love first found life in me: I selt the heat,  
Before I saw the light: wonder not then  
If I stand trembling in the presence of  
My Goddess, when the lustre of her only  
Image I could not with these eyes sustain;  
Which from that time is ever in my thoughts.  Au. 
'Tis long, amongst your very enemies,  
That fame has painted your illustrious person,  
Heroic actions (though perchance with colours  
Defective from the life) and your great merit:  
Wonder not then, that I forgetting my  
Imperial dignity, and virgin blushes;  
And other ceremonious restraints,  
So suddenly am thus become your captive.  Flo. 
Can this be true, Aurelia? can the heavens  
So prodigally pour on me their blessings.  Au. 
To see you; and to fall in love with you,  
Sir, things are different; but by those heavens  
You mentioned, happened to me in one moment.  Flo. 
Why should we fear, that time should then destroy,  
What time did not produce; that's our affection.  Au. 
'Tis true; but violent flames, like ours, we see  
Consume their nourishing fuels, and themselves;  
And we think happier those, whom love inspires  
With moderate heats, with moderate desires:  
Which keep themselves alive like glowing fires.  Flo. 
My life, my soul, my dear Aurelia,  
Make here no mention of sinister surmises.  
My breast not comprehending well the greatness  
Of my felicity, gives place too fast  
Already to my fears. I cannot think  
My fortune unforeseen will constant prove.  Au. 
Sir you may fix her, if you'll execute  
What the sense of this Letter will persuade you.  Gives him a Letter, which. he reads as follows. Flo. 
Florus, I have, through my affection, to you, restored to liberty your friend, and my prisoner of war Honorius; who has discovered to me your secret love of our Princess Aurelia; from whom I have obtained a correspondent affection for you, by the consent of her Father: who much desires to adopt such a Son for his Successor in the Empire. The affection, and interest you have in the Army, ministers a fair occasion of revenging yourself of a cruel adversary of your Father, by disarming Valentius of his chiefest forces. I expect your sudden answer, and concurrence to your own happiness.  Arsenius. 
What's this I see? new treacheries against me?  
This Letter is writ by Arsenius.  
How comes Aurelia to present it, who  aside. 
Declares herself enemy of Hostilius.  
Can she dissemble? a person of such honour?  Au. 
— What strange suspension is this which I see,  
Sir, in your thoughts, and looks suddenly changed?  
Be resolute; the question's only here,  
Whether you will concur in the procuring  
Your Father's happiness, your own, and mine.  Flo. 
I can no amorous correspondence purchase  
At such a rate, thus forfeiting my honour.  Au. 
Sir 'twas plebeian folly  
Which first raised Idols; and then worshipped them;  
And amongst others this of honour; but  
I hope your thoughts fly higher, not confined  
Within the limits of law, custom, justice;  
Shackles for Common people, not for Princes;  
Great Ravagers of sea, and land like you.  Flo. 
Unhappy Florus! what a celestial shape  
A Fury here has taken to betray thee.  
— Vile woman take thy Letter;  throws back the Letter. 
Inveigle some less cautious with these arts.  
I loved thee, whilst I thought thee lover of  
Thy honour; but do now as much detest thee,  
As I do thy most detestable crime.  
I could now kill thee; for though little honour  half draws. 
Would in't appear; the action commendable  
Would be to purge the world of so infectious  
A Pestilence: yet live; thou wilt resent  puts up. 
Thus, I believe, the greater punishment.  Au. 

Aurelia; now 'tis time to come to action;  
Repentance is too late: crimes of this nature,  
If once begun, are ne'er secure till finished.   

Friends, Officers, Commanders, hasten  
To the defence of a distressed Lady,  cries out near the Tents. 
An innocent Virgin, an unhappy Princess.   To them Valentius, Statilius, Fulvia, etc. as out of the Praetorian Tents. Val. 
Waste you Aurelia, who made this outcry?  Au. 

Yes, great Valentius, 'twas I; 'twas I;  
The most unfortunate Aurelia,  
To whom no place I see will afford refuge:  
For what security can I myself  
Promise from your protection, when your Gen'ral,  
My Father's private friend, threatens by force  
To bring me back to his Camp, persuaded by  
This Letter, which he has cast into my hands,  giveth the Letter to Valentius. 
That I fond in love must yield my   
His prey, to satisfy my Father's pleasure,  
My present enemy; who persecutes,  
My honour, dearer to me then my life.   

His rage has been so violent on my  
Refusal, that he drew his sword upon me;  
A poor distressed woman!  
Deny this Villain if thou canst; see there  
His sword yet scarcely sheathed.   Flo. 
Sir hear me speak.  Val. 
Perfidious Traitor, interrupt her not.  Au. 

— Sir I hope  
You'll as a Prince your patronage afford  knelt. 
To the distressed, and as a Judge condemn  
So foul a criminal.  
Look on me not as Daughter of a Tyrant,  
And of your Enemy; but as the Niece  
Of Fulvia, your pious virtuous Empress.   rises. 

If I cannot obtain revenge, I'll rather  
Choose gloriously to die by my own hands,  
Then afford matter to another's crime;  
Here, I swear by those Gods, who see me injured.   Flo. 
Your Majesty will let me speak.  Val. 
I will not.  
O ye coelestinl powers, in what strange darkness  
Are our human affairs involved: from you  
We know not what to ask, or what to fear.  
So off our wishes prove our fatal ruin:  
So oft by what we feared, we are preserved.  
I never sought your favours with such fervent  
Prayers for myself, as for this monster; whom  
Moved with a false inspired love, I have  
From his green years here fostered in my bosom;  
Preserved his beauteous youth from all abuse,  
And afterward, before his age admitted,  
Heaped honours on him to afford him matter,  
In all the three parts of the world, of Triumph;  
Where I have made his name glorious and feared,  
That at the last I might fear him myself.  Ful. 
— Sir I could wish you'd read.  
His Father's private Letter; but alas!  
I fear 'twill turn your passion into rage.  Val. 
I will; to disarm him of all excuse.  He is reading the letter at some distance. Ful. 
Now I triumph to see thy boasting fate  
Bow, and submit itself to Fulvia's hate.  Au, 
And from this moment I esteem myself To Florus apart.  
Happy; now I have made thee miserable.  Flo. 
O cruel creatures, leave me to myself.  Au. 
No; I'll torment thee here; when thou art dead,  
My Brother's ghost shall act that part; whom thou  
Inhumanly didst murder in cold blood.  Flo. 
'Twas only by the chance of war he fell.  Au. 
Know once, thou wert the only object of  
My love, as now of hatred; which when any  
Remorse of conscience would extinguish in me,  Plucks forth the bloody handkerchief. 
See here; thus with that blood I wiped away.  Ful. 
O my revenge, sweeter than life, or love.  Au. 
O how my joy increases with his torment.  Val. 
How much I was deceived; he shall straight die.  In reading the letter Val. often stamps and cries Traitor. Shows the letter. 
My dearest Fulvia, what's the matter with him?  Ful. 
He rages only to see himself discovered.  Flo. 
Sir, will your Majesty be pleased to hear me.  Val. 
Speak arrogant Traitor then; only in answer  
To what I ask: is this the writing of  
Arsenius? confess; is he thy Father?  Flo. 
Should I deny Arsenius, Sir, to be  
My Father, I should be ingrateful to him  
Who gave me being; which the Gods defend.  Val. 
It was thy choice then rather to express  
Thy gratitude to him, a public Rebel,  
And Traitor to his Country, then to me,  
The common Father of her; thy peculiar,  
And so great benefactor. See, Statilius,  
To have Honorius found out; as I  
Believe confederate in this treason; and  
Macrinus, who, persuading us he was  
The Father of him, has concealed his true  
Extraction.  Sta. 
I shall obey.  Exit. Val. 
Thy crimes so horrid are, that with the greatest  
I can't reproach thee; neither stands it with  
The reputation of a man of honour,  
Much less a Prince's dignity to speak them.  To them Honorius. Arsenius. 
— Oh here opportunely comes another  
Conspirator: Tell me, vile man, the reason  To Honorius, 
Of purchasing thy dear-bought liberty  
With prostitution of thy honour; 'twas  
Thou, who discoverdst to Arsenius, how  
Florus was ready to betray me, when  
He should obtain Aurelia for his bed.  
Therefore thou shalt fall with him: it were pity  
That cruel death should separate that pair,  
Which treacherous friendship has so fast united.  Ar. 
Unlucky son! thus betrayed by thyself;  aside. 
And I become a miserable Father,  
In only seeking a Son's happiness.  Val. 
What he's astonished to be thus found out.  Hon. 
No: 'tis to have my faith suspected only,  
Who with expense of blood so oft have purchased  
The reputation of my Prince.  Ar. 
Infortunate Arsenius! constrained  
Here to accuse thyself of guilt and die  aside. 
Dishonoured, to express a loving Father  
To him; who scarce vouchsafed to be thy Son.  Val. 
When once thy actions have deceived me, I  
Should too incautious be, to be surprised  
With the fair language of discovered traitors.  Ar. 

Ah, cruel Prince! if there be treachery, 'tis mine;  
'Tis mine alone; Florus is guilty of  
No other crime, but disobeying of  
A Father in obedience to thee;  
Which has alike Honorius made ingrateful  
To me, the author of his liberty.   

I am Arsenius: and though I was  Plucks off his disguise. 
Injuriously upon a false suspicion  
Banished the Empire; I'll confess myself  
A criminal, to save the innocent.   

O spare a Son; become an enemy  
To his own Father, to obey his Prince.  
O spare a Friend; whose gallant bravery  
So nobly scorned my treacherous courtesy.  
Let me fall; with my blood these grey hairs slain,  
Who thus alone have my own ruin wrought;  
The fittest sacrifice for thy revenge.   Val. 
Arsenius! Arsenius here! why this clears all my doubts.  Says this in amaze. Flo. 

Unhappy Father; this is to reproach  
A weakness in me, not to think this heart  
Sufficiently courageous to sustain  
The injust indignation of one man.   

Let not your Majesty deceive yourself;  
Had I not been incautious in my love,  
My Father had not incurred this suspicion  
Of treachery; not caused by malice, but  
Compassion of rash folly in a Son.   Hon. 
Florus, this language is offensive to  
Thy virtue, and our friendship, in supposing  
Yourself the least way guilty; in your life  
If you to envy subject were, in death  
Be not to infamy. Let glory triumph  
Over thy nature; let thy Father perish,  
Thy Friend, thyself; but let thy honour live.  Ar. 
My only Son, let me fall by thy hands:  
Compassion 'tis, not cruelty to take  
My life in my old age, and save my honour.  Flo. 
Take rather, Sir, that life, which you have given  
To me now for my misery; already  
I for my glory have lived long enough.  Ho. 
Cheer up friends; 'tis for us, who gloriously  
Have known the way to live so many years,  
Easy to die like Romans in a moment.  Ful. 
Why thus amused?  Au. 
What do you ruminate?  To Valentius. Ant. 
Sir, as the case stands now, your only counsel  
Is to take none.  Au. 
But think of execution.  Val. 

As a ship seeming with her ful-blown sails  
To make a high and rapid course, sometimes  
Is checked, and drawn back by an unknown current:  
So I methinks now ardently pursuing  
Revenge; thus instigated by my reason,  
And passion feel within me secret motives,  
Which would retard my will. But I must break  
Through these impediments. They all shall die  
And from thee, Fulvia, shall receive their sentence.   

Thou for thy answering my great benefits  
With an unparallelled ingratitude.   To Flous. 

Thou, who preferd'st before thy loyalty  
A friendship so dishonourable, shalt,  
Now see the fruits of thy unlucky choice.   To. Honorius. 

And thou enured to treason, who at last  
Betrayd'st thyself, shalt see how the just heavens  
Convert thy crimes into thy punishment.   To Arsenius. 

Thus Treason is discovered in the birth:  
The Gods of heaven protect the Gods of earth.   Ex. Val. etc. Florus. Honorius. Arsenius. manent. Ar. 
Come let our minds be cheerful: now they shall  
No longer prisoners be; we are just sailing  
Out of the narrow channel of this life  
Into the Port, or rather boundless Ocean  
Of everlasting, unrestrained freedom.  Ful. 
'Tis true; we are now on the confines of  
That vast, immense, inconfined liberty,  
Which men call Death.  Honorius, 
if I loved thee  
So much here; I shall more hereafter.  Hon. 

No;  
Now comes the period of our friendship; and  
Of what concerns, us but our memory.   

There's nothing after death; and death itself is nothing,  
At least in all respects to us; for whilst  
We are, death is not; and when death is,  
We are no more; and therefore nothing more  
Can us concern, or humane nature, when  
Our gross and airy parts are separated.   Ful. 
— But the immortal soul  
Of the renowned Honorius shall embellish  
The heavens; where it shall give, and receive  
New light and lustre, and the just reward  
Of his so gloriously transacted life.  Hon. 

I ne'er indulged myself the liberty  
Of any vice, as odious in its nature.  
I ever honoured virtue for herself;  
And paid the tribute of my worship to  
Th' immortal Gods, as due to those high powers;  
Not for reward, or punishment; me thoughts  
That was, like Merchants, to conditionate  
Irreverently with those celestial powers.   

So I preserved my constancy of mind,  
Dejected never by superstitious fears,  
Nor pust up, and exalted by false hopes;  
But still in even balance.   To them Fulvia and Aurelia. Ar. 

— How importunly here  
These women enter, to disturb us in  
Our passage to eternal happiness,  
Th' Inheritance of noble souls. Ful. Aurelia,  
These men, deserted of their former valour,  
Have now recourse to false opinions of  
Philosophers, and Pedants; and would fain  
Persuade themselves, that death's no misery;   

But know it is of all the last, and greatest;  
Horrid, and terrible in her own nature;  
As contrary to the enjoyment of  
This pleasant light; of which He now deprive you.   Hon. 

— Impure creatures be gone.  
The earth doth many monsters generate;  
So does the sea; yet nothing can produce  
So mischievous in nature, as a woman,  
Pursuing her revenge, and scorning honour.   

Mankind should have been propagated from  
Some other origine, and not from this;  
The fatal source, the occasion, and cause  
Of all his miseries, and servitude.   Au. 
Thou base reviler of that sex, which gave  
Thee life with hazard of her own, hast here  
Extinguished quite all sense of that compassion,  
Which I, methoughts, felt moving in my breast.  Ful. 
Aurelia, what pleasure 'tis to see  
Them thus tormented in their rage: if there  
Were any peace in death, 'twill make their death  
Less peaceable; But you great Generals,  
Deep Politicians, and prime leaders in  
Affairs of War and State; who filled the world  
With so much noise, tumult, and blood, with what  
Thoughts can you now reflect upon yourselves?  
Armed yesterday with numerous legions; now  
Thus circumvented by the stratagem  
Of us poor silly, simple, virtuous women.  Flo. 
It is my glory, not a reproach to me  
To have such impious creatures seek my death.  Ful. 
Which thou wilt undergo with high regret;  
I know thy soul enamoured on thy body  
(Th' object once of my love, as now of hatred)  
Cannot but with great indignation quit  
Her lovely, pleasant, and delightful mansion.  Flo. 
Not when she sees the neighbourhood infested  
With such infectious pestilent diseases.  Ful. 
She must when she no benefit can find  
In death, accompanied with infamy;  
Which if she have a being, will torment her;  
If not; then nothing will remain of thee  
Hereafter, but an odious memory.  Hon. 
Let us, as it becomes us, go, and die.  Flo. 
Death's our admission into liberty.  Ful. 
Th' entrance into confusion, and darkness,  
Out of which no man ever found his way.  Ar. 
The ease of troubled minds.  Ful. 
Their only horror.  Flo. 
The safe port of the virtuous.  Ful. 
Th' only rock,  
Which human nature ever apprehends.  Flo. 
None but such impious creatures, as thou art;  
Who nor in life, nor death can have repose.  Hon. 
Come let us die th' examples of true virtue.  Ful. 
The sacrifices of my furious rage.  Ar. 
We'll freely meet our death.  Ful. 
Your execution,  
Where you shall fall the trophies of my triumph.  Flo. 
The types of honour; how happier 'tis to die  
So, then like you, to live in infamy.  Ful. 
All after death incertain is: in life  
No such felicity as our revenge.   

ACT. V.  Aurelia disguised. Aur. 

O Thou bright glorious morning;  
Thou oriental spring-time of the day,  
Who with thy mixed vermilion colours paintest  
The Skies, these Hills, and Plains: thou dost return  
In thy accustomed manner; but with thee  
Shall ne'er return my wont happiness.   

Here thou reducest back with thee, the early  
Light, and the golden Planet of the day,  
To revive, and illustrate with his presence  
The troubled world: thou chase noisome darkness,  
And clouds of discontent, illuminat'st  
All hearts with joy and cheerfulness but mine.   

From thy approach all things receive below  
New face, and restoration: The usurping  
Seas, which devour the innocent, become  
Calm in their channels; the rebellious winds,  
Public disturbers of the peace of nature,  
Find and give rest to the other elements.  
All beasts of rapine, Lions, Wolves, and Tigers,  
Have their repose: Only a guilty mind  
No cure, no peace, no rest shall ever find.  
Here in my breast, as in her loathed cell,  
Eternal horror will for ever dwell.   To her Sophonia disguised like an Eunuch. An. 
— O Sophonia,  
Since last night parting, we our habits changed  
In this disguise, these eyes have known no sleep.  Soph. 
Nor will not, Madam, if you keep them open  
Thus to your tears: mine are long since dried up;  
Unless they're such, which have so many years  
Continually distilled within my heart.  Au. 
— O I shall ne'er sleep more:  
The clear sunshine of my serener days,  
In a short moment vanishing, is here  
Succeeded by a fearful night of horror,  
Which will ne'er know a setting, but in death.  Soph. 
Thy tender years, Aurelia, know not  
The nature yet of death; it is so lately  
From me thou learnest to live.  Au. 
And have not the  
Cursed fruits of this last passage of my life  
Most rarely answered the blossoms of thy hopes  
Of me? e'er that my virgin honour  
Were lost, thus to contaminate myself  
With so detestable a parricide.  Soph. 
Desire of revenge transported you.  Au. 

— Which the immortal Gods  
Permit us never to execute ourselves.   

O what infernal torments equal mine!  
Hating to live; I am afraid to die;  
Yet ne'er can hope ease to my misery.   

Now since, I hear, my Brother Lucius fell  
Only by the unlucky chance of war.  
O the most cruel nature of my Father!  
Thus to abuse my credulous ignorance.   Soph. 
Madam, did he inform you otherwise?  Ar. 
Yes; and persuaded me that Florus killed him  
With his own hands in cold blood after battle;  
And thus deluded, gave me the cursed employment  
Of cutting of this General in his Camp;  
The only person which I loved, of whom  
I had the fortune to be loved again.  Soph. 
It was unjustly done, thus to deceive you.  Au. 
'Twas his insatiate thirst of human blood;  
Which, since I find increasing with his age,  
I have thought of the effusion of some,  
Which if not satisfying, will delight  
Perchance his strange capricious appetite.  Soph. 
I scarce know what this language signifies;  
I hope you think not by some greater sin  
To wash away the lesser; Madam,  
Your virgin tears will best perform this office.  Au. 

No; my offence is of a deeper stain,  
And must be washed in blood: I have alreayd  
Thought of the way, and fixed my resolution.   

In this disguised habit I'll tell my Father,  
That I the fatal executioner  
Have been of his Aurelia, on pretence  
Valentius had discovered my design:   

Now straight I know his rage will prompt him to  
Kill me with his own hands; so that I shall  
Immediately the proper trophy fall  
Of the most injured Florus funeral.   

And, if the blood of an usurping Tyrant  
Be ever the most grateful sacrifice  
To the immortal Gods, as certainly  
It is, I hope that mine derived from him  
Will prove an acceptable offering.  
The man whom I loved best, he made me kill.  
Her blood whom he loves best, I'll make him spill.   

Ye Gods, look down then with propitious eyes  
On him the Priest, and me the Sacrifice.   Soph. 
I am at present in an ill condition  
To give, or take advice, having resolved  
Not to outlive the setting of this Sun.  Au. 
Sophonia, it is not fit that you  
Perform the penance of another's crime.  
Is mine so great? or are the Gods so cruel;  
That nor my tears, nor blood can washed away.  Soph. 
No, you more white will after this offence  
Rise and appear, then in your innocence.  Au. 
O my Sophonia; must we now departed?  Soph. 
Yes never more to meet again.  Au. 
I am not  
So sorry to forsake the light, as thee.  Soph. 
'Tis long since thou the only light hast been  
Of these mine eyes.  Au. 
And thou even of my soul:  
Which never felt eclipse, but in thy absence.  
Farewell.  Soph. 
Farewell.  Au. 
Farewell my dear Sophonia:  
Shall I once more, and this the last time join  
These treacherous and perfidious lips to thine?  Exeunt. Hostilius. 
I wonder I have no intelligence  
From my Aurelia: my too forward fears.  
Would fain persuade me that she has miscarried  
In my last enterprise: I must confess,  
Th' employment was of a strange nature, to  
Make her conspire, and act against the person,  
Whom above all mankind she loved thee most.  To him a Messenger, and Aurelia disguised. Mess. 
Sir, here's a person from the enemy's Camp  
Desires speedy admittance.  Hos. 
Let him enter.  
Some happy news, I hope now, from my daughter.  
Sir, your business.  Au. 
It is of such importance,  
That 'twill require privacy to hear it.  Hos. 
Leave us alone; first tell me who you are.  Au. 
My name is Opius, and I am the Son  
Of a Captain of the Praetorian Cohorts:  
My Message to your Majesty is concerning  
Aurelia the Princess.  Hos. 
O let me  
Embrace thee; not a messenger from heaven  
Can be so welcome.  Au. 
But I fear my news  
Will not be so: In short the horrid plot,  
Which you designed against our General  
Has been discovered; and Aurelia,  
Not like a lawful enemy, but like  
A Traitor has received her punishment.  Hos. 
How! pray tell me then what is become of her.  Au. 
Sir, I by order of Valentius  
Have been her Executioner; and here  
Behold the fatal Instrument; as yet  
Remaining stained with her most guilty blood.  Hos. 
Stay, let me see't; take this reward, for thy  
So civil message, civilly delivered.  Stabs her Au. 
Enough; enough Hostilius; I have  
What I expected: I am thy Aurelia.  Hos. 
Aurelia! ah my Aurelia; what has made thee draw  
This punishment upon thyself, and me.  Au. 

Sir, I methoughts had left no other way  
To wash away your horrid guilt, and mine  
In the effusion of the blood of Florus.   

O thou his noble soul, which hoverest here  
About me, though invisible, and canst not  
Repair to thy celestial origine  
So soon; not being by thy fate, but my  
Perfidious treachery divorced from  
Thy lovely body, look down on my complaint;  
See how thy injury is vindicated.   

Why cannot my soul follow thee? she shall,  
And mounted on the wings of love shall fly  
To that part of the pure celestial sky,  
Where thou shalt— O Florus, Florus, Florus—   dies. Hos. 

Ah how I have at once wounded two breasts,  
And in thy death deprived myself of life.  
That blood of thine is mine; the torments which  
Afflict thy body, I feel in my soul. Who waits there.   To him some Attendants. 

Though this young Gentleman I have discovered  
My enemy, and as a Spy dispatched him;  
Yet since he was of high Patrician blood,  
See that his body privately you burn,  
And close the ashes in a marble Urn.   Exeunt. Valentius. Statilius. Sta. 
Sir, the Camp is full of the news already;  
Who say their General was sacrificed  
To satisfy some factions of the Court.  Val. 
Were not all testimonies clear against him?  Sta. 
No Sir, 'tis thought you were uxoriously  
Subject to the ill government of women,  
Whose practices should ever be suspected.  
Their vows, nor oaths; their frowns, nor pleasant looks;  
Their smiles, nor tears should conclude nothing in us.  
Man's heart is seldom known; a woman's never.  Val. 
O good Statilius compassionate  
Me, and my years, so far distant from dotage;  
Which otherwise might plead in my behalf.  Sta. 
It neither can become your Majesty,  
Nor my condition longer to delude you  
With idle entertainments of false hopes.  
You are betrayed; Aurelia is retired  
Into her Father's Court; whom Fulvia followed.  
Servilius has delivered up the Bridge  
Committed to his custody; where he,  
And Carbo with their legions have past  
To fight under the colours of Hostilius.  
Sir, these the fruits are of the intercourse  
Betwixt the Empress, and her beauteous Niece.  Val. 

How long have I this viper in my bosom,  
Never suspected for a poisonous creature.   

O the vain hopes of my approaching triumph  
In the air vanished! O my reputation  
Betrayed by those, in whose hands 'twas committed,  
As in the safest custody.   Exeunt. Sophonia disguised. Soph. 
So now methinks the stormy weathers passed  
Of my tempestuous life; and if a fair  
Evening will crown the day, sure I shall set  
Now red and gloriously here in my blood,  
Which with these daring hands I'll now let forth,  
To vindicate my honour and my worth.  To her Valentius, as it were speaking to some in the Tents. Soph. 

But see; yonder he comes, the cruel author  
Of all thy miseries; the murderer  
Of thy fair reputation; and thy Son;  
And as he thought of thee. Valentius,  
Here thou shalt see in this Paper the motives  Gives him a Paper. 
Of thy repentance; the defence of such  
Whom most injustly thou hast put to death.   

Rash man in thy suspicion; cruel in  
Thy execution; from this very moment  
Begin to be unhappy: yesterday  
Thou lost thy Son; and now thy Wife, the true  
Empress here falls before thee.   Stabs herself. Val. 
Come in, and take this body forth. What strange  
Phantasms are these? which scorn my power; and  
Torment my sight with dismal objects; and  
My soul with these reproaches. O Statilius.  To him Statilius. 
The friend, and the Companion of thy Prince,  
Thou opportunely com'st to my assistance;  
If there were any: in this memorial,  
By her presented, who is now a Carcase,  
Included is the full malignity  
Of my misfortune. Yesterday, she said,  
I lost my Son, and now my Wife; but how  
Can that be, if the Empress Palladia,  
So many years are past, died without issue.  Sta. 
This is some person, who at the approach,  
And horror of her death, distracted spoke  
She knew not what.  Val. 
Ah how I fear this was the true Palladia.  Sta. 
How can that be? that from the dead one should  
Arise, is more than a Poetic fiction.  Val. 
If this were false, I could not be so troubled.  Sta. 
Sir recollect your former mind, too much  
Dejected with a falsified appearance.  Val. 
Sure 'twas the head divided from her body,  
Which by Macrinus was exposed before  
These eyes: yet I suspect their faith unless  
Where they, as here, shall make me miserable.  Sta. 
Sir, if you doubt your own, trust mine; who saw  
And had her head within these hands: you know  
To me alone you did impart this secret.  Val. 
'Tis true; but why defer I thus to read  
This short memorial, which may pacify  
Perchance these thoughts, and troubles in my mind.  Sta. 
— Securely read it  Val. 

My hand shakes, and my heart trembles at  
The opening of it; and a sudden horror  
Congeals within me all my vital spirits.   

What horrid spectacle is this!  
My eyes deceive me, when they should preserve  
My honour; not when they should make me happy.  
These are Palladia's true Characters.   Sta. 
Sir you'll find the conceptions different.  Valentius reads, Val. 
Valentius, Thy inclination to cruelty has made thee guilty of two strange errors; the first in the injust condemnation of Palladia, upon a false suspicion: who yet escaped the execution of thy barbarous design: the last not only in the mistake of the crime, but the criminal. The true name of Florus was Vespasius, whose Father was Valentius; and not Arsenius, or Macrinus. Palladia was his Mother; whose loss not being able to sustain (for he was falsely accused) she made choice of a violent death. If thou desir'st in thyself a fruitless remorse; Macrinus will give thee an account of her inviolate integrity; and of other occurrents sufficient to make thee miserable.  Sta. 
What can a soul believe? when thus deluded  
By senses; which are thought her true informers.  Val. 

O my suspicions equally fatal to me  
When they are just, or false! O my sad visions  
So feared and apprehended without profit:  
And verified in me with my ruin.   

Useless advices of the heavens; that  
They only might reproach me with imprudence.  
When I securely thought them vain, or past;  
I found my ignorance exposer of them.   

O thou black dismal day; arising only  
To see my honour blasted with thy light,  
And confound me in an eternal night.   Sta. 

Let not your majesty's misfortunes triumph  
In the dejecting your high noble spirit.  
Perchance your complaints are not rational.  
Why should you credit to your senses give  
Only, when they would make you miserable,  
Refusing when they satisfy your wishes.   

But see here happily Macrinus comes;  
To dissipate the clouds, which here involve us.   To them Macrinus. Val. 
O thou Protector of mine enemies;  
And Traitor of the honour of my Empress;  
And of my Son; why hast thou thus abused me?  Mac. 
Sir, if it is to be compassionate  
An error; I cannot excuse myself.  Val. 

No Traitor; all circumstances accuse thee.  
Thy very silence speaks aloud against thee;  
Th' accursed silence, which has thus ruined me.   

If Florus was my Son; or if Palladia  
Were innocent; why didst thou not tell me? Was I  
So great a hater of religious truth.   Mac. 

In Princes with new Wives, and their Attendants  
Surrounded; and with passions prepossessed,  
Truth finds her entrance doubly barricadoed.  
This, rather than to justify with hazard,  
Made me choose to secure the innocent.   Val. 
Tell me how can Palladia be absolved  
From her lasciviousness; when I saw myself  
Her Lover's Letter, where in amorous language  
He promises to temperate those heats▪  
Which so consumed him, in his absence from her.  
Can any thing appear more evident?  Mac. 
Not in a form so near resembling truth;  
Which I unveiled will expose to your view.  
Calantha a Pannonian Lady, Cousin  
Of th'Empress; loving a Roman Knight,  
Called Plancus, then of her domestic Train;  
Procured her consent, that in Page's habit  
She might repair to Court; and so discover  
The ardency of her affection to him.  
She changing then her person, and her name  
Into Lucrinus, writ that Letter, which so  
Subscribed, th' occasion was of your mistake,  
And jealousy.  Sta. 
Sir, which was grounded on  
Such probabilities; which will exempt you  
From being censured rash.  Val. 
Ah let him proceed  
To tell me how he saved Palladia from  
My furious rage.  Mac. 
When that you had enjoined me  
The private execution of her, in  
My village; where Calantha waited on her;  
And where we all lamented our ill fortunes;  
Secure of each one's innocence; but  
Can find no remedy; at last Calantha  
Having some respite with her tears, comes to me,  
Affirming that she had found out the way,  
To lead us out of this dark labyrinth:  
She bid me only find her in her Closet,  
Within two hours; where I should in writing  
See her design; and, as she knew, approve it.  
The time arrived, I went to see her; whom  
I newly found expired, with a bloody▪  
Dagger in her right hand, and in the left  
This Paper, which will clear part of the story.  Val. 
Statilius, read it.  Sta. 
Macrinus, thy only respect of virtue, and innocence, has made thee inform us of thy odious commission, to make a present this night of my Cousin Palladia's head to the Emperor: In whose stead I beseech thee to take mine, divided from my body. 'Tis the only, and last request, which I dying, entreat of thee. Our age, complexions, and features, were so alike, that they will remain undistinguished in death. With this happy delusion thou wilt incur no suspicion of neglecting the Emperor's severe Commands. And the life of the Empress will be hereby preserved: Together with my reputation, in thus declaring I have not betrayed so incomparable a Princess.  Calantha, or the Counterfeit Lucrinus. Sta. 
O memorable act! where shall we find  
Roman, or Grecian Pens to celebrate  
Sufficiently the worth of this brave woman.  Val. 
How strangely fortune has industrious been  
In this my ruin. What became of Palladia?  Mac. 
Having performed what this Letter desired,  
From her with difficulty I obtained  
Patience to live, concealed in my Village;  
Till she brrought forth a Son infortunate  
No less in birth, than death, named Vespasius;  
Who yesterday expired (you know the manner)  
Under the name of Florus. After that  
I placed her in the family of Hostilius;  
Where she was Nurse, and Governess of his  
Aurelia; and her great virtues, the  
Delight, and admiration of his Court;  
Till now impatient for the loss of her  
Vespasius, she used violence on herself.  
Th' unhappy Mother of an unhappy Son.  Sta. 
These are events t'astonish minds at once  
With grief, and wonder; horror, and amazement.  Val. 

O ye Gods! was there so much artifice  
Required to make one man miserable?   

With what contrivance you have wrought my ruin!  
O my Palladia! equally to me  
Infortunate in the suspicion of  
Thy loyalty; and clearing of thy fame!   

Unhappy Son! discovered now my Son;  
When I unworthy am to be thy Father!  
Ah Florus! now thy innocence is proved;  
When I, thy Father, am guilty of thy murder.   Sta. 
Great persons, when they're injured in their honour,  
Pursue th' offence with death; you thought you were so.  Val. 
O interrupt us not: thou hast not yet  
Related, how thou didst deceive the world,  
Making Vespasius appear for thy Son;  
Nor by what error, poor Arsenius thought  
Him his; which false belief cost him his life.  
Every one sought the glory to be his  
Father; but I the Monster who begot him.  Mac. 
Some few days after this your Son saw light,  
Arsenius had a Son named Florus; whom  
(When he was banished the whole Roman Empire)  
He to my care committed; but he proved  
Of small survivance; which I concealed from him,  
Making Vespasius pass for his Son Florus:  
Not willing to add to th' affliction of  
His exile this new loss. In the mean space  
(Whilst Arsenius commanded Persian Armies)  
Tespasius growing up in years, and hopes,  
I told him he was Son of this great Gen'ral;  
Though the world thought him mine: which troubled him  
To think he should his first relation have  
Sir, to your greatest enemy; and whom,  
Hostilius raising tumults in the Empire,  
Restored, and made his General to oppose you.  
What for their benefit I contrived, in th' end  
Has proved the fatal ruin of them both.  Val. 

O the convulsions of my distracted soul,  
Desiring, though not yet deserving death.  
O my eyes, given me only for my torment;  
What will ye first lament? the desperation  
Of a Wife; or the murder of a Son;  
Or my lost honour: And I yet alive?  
Am I still called a Prince, or Emperor?  
Are these my eyes thought worthy of the light?  
Yes; and perchance 'tis to betray me with  
More fatal errors, than my former were.   

Is there no courteous hand will arm itself  
Against me? but with what? with that Poniard,  
So cruelly stained in the bowels of  
My Son: or else that which is infamous,  
And wreaking yet distils with the chaste blood  
Of my so injured Empress. Have I left  
No friend, nor enemy? But why demand I  Goes to stab himself. 
That aid, which I can give myself?   Sta. 
Nay; hold Sir,  
You may die with Statilius, not without him.  Here they hold him. Mac. 
Sir, 'tis the greatest of miseries, to think  
Your heart not capable of enduring greater.  Val. 
Then let me die, to free me of this torment.  Sta. 
Sir, a great Prince like you, though life he hate,  
Should stand in opposition to his fate.  Mac. 
And being as fearless to live, as die;  
He should at once both life and death defy.  Val. 
From slaves we life take: not the power of dying:  
Must my condition then be worse than theirs?  
For heaven's sake let me die, Statilius.  Sta. 
O Sir preserve that life, on which depends  
The happiness of all your Friends, and Subjects.  Val. 
'Tis vain to teach him pity, who has been  
So cruel to his Son, and Wife, and thee,  
The brave Honorius, glory of the age.  Mac. 
Your Majesty shall live, as long as I  
Have force t'oppose your death.  Val. 
Ah Traitor, hast thou not  
Conferred sufficient miseries upon me,  
Unless thou dost prolong them? Here this dagger  
Shall be the instrument of my revenge on thee.  Sta. 
I cannot hold him: O Macrinus fly.  Here he gets out of their hands, and pursues Macrinus, who kills himself. Mac. 
No: like a Roman, by these hands I'll die.  Val. 
He has escaped me.  
However I will not escape myself.  
So; now I shall die. Oh;  
But not my name, or lasting memory.  Stabs himself. 
Of my rash and inhuman cruelty  
Statilius,—  
Thy Prince bids thee farewel, and goes to know,  
Since here is none, if there be rest below.  dies. Sta. 
Valentius, thy brave soul is fled, that soul  
Which did not only animate thy body,  
But the whole fabric of the Roman Empire,  
Which now lies buried in thy Funeral;  
Such is the sequel of so great a fall.   
FINIS.