CAMBYSES King of Persia: A TRAGEDY.  
Acted by His Highness the Duke of York's Servants.  
Written by ELKANAH SETTLE, Gent.  
Aut Famam sequere, aut sibi convenientia finge  
Scriptor—  Hor. de Art Poet. 

Licenced,  
March 6. 1670. Roger L'Estrange.   

LONDON, Printed for William Cademan, at the Pope's Head in the Lower Walk of the New-Exchange, 1671.    

TO THE Most Excellent, and most Illustrious PRINCESS, ARM, Duchess OF BUCCLUGH & MONMOUTH: Wife to the most Illustrious, and High-born Prince, JAMES, Duke of MONMOUTH.  
May it please your Grace;  
SInce the great Characters, and Subjects of serious Plays, are representations of the past Glories of the World, the arrogance of an Epistle Dedicatory may pretend to some justice, in offering the Heroic Stories of past Ages to their Hands, who are the Ornaments of the present.— Once Persia was the Mistress of the Earth, the Royal Seat of the Monarchs of the Universe. Then, as that God, the Sun▪ which they adored, lends his kind ' Rays to all lesser lights; so all the Tributary Glories of Inferior Princes shined by reflection from the Persian Crown. But now that Sovereignty must cease, and the Eastern Monarch Cambyses can pretend to no greatness of his own, but comes to borrow Glories from the Western World, in seeking a Patronage from your favourable goodness. The same Cambyses whom History has represented to be●● Blasphemer of the gods, a Profaner of Religion, and a Defacer of Temples, is by your power become a Convert, and humbly pays his Devotion to that Divinity, to whose protection he commits himself and Fortune.— But whilst I thus boldly proceed to Dedicate this trifle to your Grace, forget to ask pardon for the meaness of the Offering, and the confidence of him that offers it; Crime unpardonable, were not your Mercy as signal as your other Virtues: For when kind Heaven honours the World with some Worthy and Illustrious Person, in which Rank your Grace mus●● claim an eminent place; who, besides your late Affinity, are Allied to that Royal Race, to which England owes its three last Monarchs; Heaven, I say, besides the Great Souls, High Spirits, and Noble Thoughts it lends such Persons, endues them too with more Familiar Virtues; as Courtesy, Generosity, and a Condescension to entertain the Addresses of Inferior Mankind, and to smile on the Endeavours of the meanest of their Subjects, and Admirers. Else they would be forced, like Planets, to move in a Sphere alone; and Greatest Monarchs, should they admit of none below them, would make their Palaces but solitary Prisons. The assurance therefore of these Virtues, which particularly possess so large a seat in your Heroick, Breast, animate me to present this Poem to your Hands, that it may take Sanctuary there, where in its Infancy it received protection. As he that's born under some happy Planet, owes the success of his whole Life to the Predominance of that kinder Star that ruled at his Nativity. The Entertainment you gave it in loose sheets, when it first saw light, encourages me to this presumption, now in its riper growth, to devote it wholly to yourself, and under that Title to style it happy: Since thus Guarded, I dare expose it to the World; and stand in less awe of Censures, when your Influence protects it, For, as that timorous Pilot, in a Storm, was Condemned for fearing Shipwracks when his Vessel carried Caesar; this Poem can fear no dangers when it carries your Name for it Defence. But besides the fortunate and glorious Advantages this Piece may justly challenge from the Favour of so Indulgent a Patroness, it entitles 〈◊〉 to this happiness, the opportunity this Dedication gives me, of writing myself,  
Madam,  Your Grace's most Humble, and most Obedient Servant, ELKANAH SETTLE.  


The Actors Names.  
Cambyses, the true King of Persia. Mr. Betterton.  
Prexaspes, His Favourite. Mr. Harris.  
Otanes, Father to Phedima, & Orinda, Heir to the Persian Crown. Persian Princes, Generals of Cambyses's Army. Mr. Crosby.  
Darius, Contracted to Phedima. Mr. Smith.  
Artaban, A Persian Lord of Cambyses's Train. Mr. Norris.  
Osiris, a Young Captive Prince, Contracted to Mandana▪ Mrs. Long.  
Smerdis, an Impostor, Usurper of the Persian Crown; Reigning in the Name of Smerdis, Younger Brother to Cambyses, privately Murdered by Prexaspes: known only to Prexaspes, and Patasithes. Mr. Medbourne.  
Patasithes, His Friend; left Deputy of Persia, during Cambyses's Progress into Egypt. Mr. Sandford.  
Theramnes, A Disguised Syrian Prince, now General of Smerdis' Army, privately in Love with Orinda. Mr. Young.  
Phedima, in Love with Darius. Mrs. Jennings.  
Orinda, Her Sister. Mrs. Dixon.  
Mandana, A Captive Princess, Heiress to the Egyptian Crown, Daughter to Amasis, slain by Prexaspes, at Cambyses's Command. Mrs. Betterton.  
Auretta, and Atossa, waiting Ladies to Phedima and Orinda.  
Two High Priests, Persian Magicians.  
Captain of Guards to Smerdis.  
Villains, Ghosts, Spirits, Masquers, Messengers, Executioners, Guards, and Attendants.   The Scene, Susa and Cambyses's Camp, near the Walls of Susa.  

PROLOGUE.  
WIth no small pains our Author has this day  
Brought on the Stage a damned dull serious play.  
But what the Devil is he like to gain?  
If Wits, like States, with a joint power might Reign,  
A Poet's labour than were worth the while,  
Could he plead Custom, and demand your smile.  
But that was ne'er in fashion. Poet's ought  
To write with the same Spirit Caesar fought:  
indifferent Writers are contemned, for now  
There grow no Laurels for a common brow:  
None but great Ben, Shakespeare, or whom this Age  
Has made their Heirs, succeed now on the Stage.  
As Eagles try their Young against the Sun;  
The selfsame hazard all Young Writers run:  
They are accounted a false bastard Race  
That are not able to look Wit i'th' Face;  
And therefore must expect an equal Fate,  
To be disowned as illegitimate:  
Thus conscious of their weaknesses and wants,  
They know their doom; as deserts to young Plants,  
You no more Mercy to Young writers show,  
You damn and blast'em e'er they've time to grow.  
Thus you have learned the Turkish Cruelty,  
When Elder Brothers Reign, the Younger die.  
But as those Turks, when they're for Death designed,  
This favour from their Cruel Brothers find,  
Strangled by Mutes, who fitted for the Fact,  
Want Tongues to speak the Cruelty they Act.  
Knowing the dangers of a public shame,  
Our Rhimer hopes his Fate may be the same:  
He humbly legs, if you must cruel be,  
You'd make no noise when you his doom decree,  
But if you damn him, damn him silently.   

CAMBYSES.  

Actus Primus.  

Scena Prima.  Scene, a Pavilion Royal. The Curtain drawn, is represented Cambyses seated on a Throne; attended by Otanes, Darius, Artaban, Prexaspes, Guards, Slaves, and Attendants; with the Princess Mandana, and Ladies. Cambyses descends from the Throne. Camb. 
THe trembling World has shook at my Alarms;  
Asia and Africa have felt my Arms.  
My glorious Conquests too did farther fly;  
I taught th' Egyptian god Mortality:  
By me great Apis fell; and now you see  
They are compelled to change their gods for me.  
I have done deeds, where Heaven's high power was foiled,  
Piercing those Rocks where Thunder has been toiled.  
Now, like our Sun, when there remains no more,  
Thither return whence we set out before.  Otan. 
Returning thus, Great Sir, you have outdone  
All other glories, which your Arms have won.  
Inferior Conquerors their Triumphs get  
When they advance, but you, when you retreat.  Dar. 
All Worthies now must yield to you alone,  
And disappear, as Stars before the Sun.  
Thus Cyrus, who all Asia did defeat,  
Because so near you, does not seem so great.  Prex. 
Cambyses, no: Your Honour there must yield:  
Your Father Cyrus' fame has yours excelled.  
Since in one Act he did all yours outdo,  
In leaving such a glorious Son as you.  Camb. 
Though th' utmost bounds of Earth's large frame's my right,  
Where e'er the Tributary Sun pays light;  
Though the whole World has my great Triumph been,  
Yet still I have a Conquest left to win;  
Mandana's heart— Mandana, cease to mourn;  
Your tears do those fair eyes but ill adorn.  Mand. 
These eyes, thus decked in tears, become her fate  
That wears 'em.  Camb. 
No; you must your griefs abate.  
Tears have, like Tides, their Ebbs: And each kind flower,  
After a sullen Cloud, and stormy shower,  
Looks fresh, and smiles at the next Sun.  Mand. 
— That Sun  
Will never see my Father in his Throne;  
That Sun that saw you Triumph in his blood,  
That saw you (who on Aegypt's ruins stood)  
Deface our Temples, and their Powers defy,  
That lent me Chains, and gave you Victory.  
As if you to such want of Foes were driven,  
When th' Earth you'd Conquered, to wage War with Heaven.  Camb. 
Their powers that made my greatness so sublime,  
Have made my Glory and success my Crime.  
Forgive me that my Conquest was my fault,  
And what th' Impartial chance of War hath wrought.  
Forget his Death, and I'll your fare retrieve,  
Your King and Father both in me shall live.  Mand. 
You vainly your untimely favours place;  
Thus treacherous Serpents wound those they embrace.  
A sudden trembling shoots through all my veins,  
And in my breast his murdered Image Reigns.  
Such horror does my haunted soul affright,  
That I must fly his cruel Murderers' sight,  
You, by instinct, who did his death design,  
Assaulting of his blood, laid siege to mine,  [Exit Mand. and Ladies▪ Camb. 
Ye subtle Powers, that humane passions rule,  
That take your private walks within my soul;  
Whence is your Title, that this power you have  
Thus to degrade a Monarch to a Slave?  
And yet such charms from those bright Circles flow,  
That I must thank her eyes that made me so.  Prex. 
A sudden sound of Trumpets strikes my ear  [Trumpets heard from within. Artab. 
It seems the Voice of some new Triumph near.  Camb. 
Some Herald, or Ambassador, or some  
Poor petty Prince, that does a suppliant come  
To beg his Crown. Darius, straight inquire  
From whence they come; and what 'tis they desire.  
Give 'em such Entertainment as may show  
Cambyses is their King, and Conqueror too.  [Exit Dar. 
What shouts are these? Ha! louder yet! Go forth,  [Shouts from within. 
And tell 'em that I will allay their mirth.  [Exit Otanes. 
Is't my good nature makes the slaves grow proud,  
To dare to be thus Insolent, and loud?  
Loud, and ungoverned mirth, rash Acts performs,  
Kind gales, grown turbulent, and high, are Storms.  Enter Darius, in haste. Dar. 
A Cloud of People does your Camp surround;  
And their Triumphant cries echo this sound,  
Long live King Smerdis.  Camb. 
Ha! What's this I hear?  Prex. 
What may provoke your Sword, but not your fear.  Enter Otanes, in haste. Otan. 
The Tumult's loud: Their guilty Joys do show  
They pay to Smerdis what to you they owe.  Camb. 
Does Smerdis then Usurp my Throne? My Lords,  
We shall not want new Subjects for our Swords:  
Though the rash Boy's ambition does not know  
What dangerous height his pride has raised him to  
Yet I will make him know from whence he falls:  
Advance my Standard then to Susa's Walls:  
And the next Morning our bright Sun shall rise,  
Adored with blood, and Humane sacrifice.  [Exeunt Omnes, [praeter Camb, and Prex. 
Does Smerdis live still, a reproach to be,  
Both to my power, and thy fidelity?  
Subjects the breath of Monarchs should attend,  
Obeying that on which their lives depend.  
The wills of Princes, who then dares dispute,  
Whose Precepts, as their Crowns, are absolute?  Prex. 
It Smerdis, Sir, does any Sceptre sway,  
Neptune has lent him that which rules the Sea;  
For there he lies secure: there, where each Wave  
May proudly pass Triumphant o'er his Grave.  Camb. 
How then, Sir, are the dead so powerful grown,  
To make a Resurrection to my Throne?  Prex. 
You know I'm Loyal, and may trust he's dead.  Camb. 
Thou liest, Slave; one word more forfeits your Head,  
How dare you tell me that he's dead, when I  
Think it kind fortunes greatest courtesy,  
That he still lives; and lives to wear my Crown?  
For since the Conquered World's already won,  
Thanks, ye kind Fates, that raise new Foes, t' afford  
Fresh subjects still for my Victorious sword.  
Though Smerdis live 't outbrave his King's command,  
'Tis but to fall by a more noble hand.  
And that which does my willing sword invite,  
I now shall Conquer in Mandana's sight.  
I'll Court her with the glory of my Arms:  
Conquest and War, like Beauty, have their Charms.  [Ex. Prex. 
How, not believed! Have I so oft, for this,  
Obeyed his rage, and bloody Cruelties?  
When Rapes and Murders were but common sin;  
Such heats of blood have but my pastime been.  
And, in requital, I'm thus far arrived,  
I find a Tyrant's Favourite's short-lived.  
My Death he threatens; Since he does distrust  
My faith and Loyalty, it were but just,  
That he should find me false who thinks me so:  
Nor am I bred so tame, or born so low,  
To be outbraved by Kings.  Enter a Messenger, who delivers a Letter to Prex. Mess. 
From Smerdis, Sir, and trust  
To find him grateful, as he finds you just.  Prex. 
Happy occasion. Now I may pursue  [Aside. 
Both my Revenge, and my Ambition too.  [Opens the Letter. 
Go tell your King, I must not stop my ears,  
When Monarchs thus are my Petitioners.  [Exit Mess▪ 
Assist him!—  [Pausing upon the Letter. 
True. Statesmen should not regard  
The Justice of the Act, but the reward.  
The Median Crown!— His promises are large,  
And interest will greater faults discharge.  
Now I will find fresh subjects for fame's wings,  
To tell the World I rule the fate of Kings.  
Though I can't boast of Crowns, my glory is,  
That Empires by my power do fall, and rise,  
Perhaps the Frantic zeal o'th' World may say,  
I injure Heaven, when I my King betray.  
Let Fools be just, court Shrines have homage paid  
To Images, those gods in Masquerade.  
Religion, Loyalty, and th' airy scroll  
Of gods, are strangers to a Scythians soul.  [Exit.  

Scena Secunda.  The Scene continueth: Enter Mandana, sola. Mand. 
And will the angry gods for ever frown?  
Have I not lost a Father, and a Crown?  
But that which most Heaven's cruelty does show,  
Who shares my heart does share my fortune too.  
The hand of War more cruel wounds ne'er gave;  
Osiris too is the proud Tyrant's Slave.  
Could Providence this unjust deed design,  
Osiris should wear any Chains— but mine?  [She Weeps▪ 
Our Fate the malice of our Stars does prove;  
If there be any Stars that envy Love.  Enter to her, Osiris. Osir. 
Do you remember those strict Vows you made,  
And those soft Charms in whispers you conveyed,  
When I, and Egypt both, did happy prove,  
They in their King, I in Mandana's Love?  Mand. 
I do, Osiris; And remember too,  
I always paid my promises to you.  Osir. 
Your Constancy confirms that happiness  
Which your high favour did at first confer:  
But souls so much divine can do no less,  
As gods are constant, 'cause they cannot err.  
This day, I hope, our Mutual Loves shall crown.  Mand. 
Yes, Sir, it shall, if Heaven will give us leave.  Osir. 
When you, Mandana, smile, Heaven cannot frown.  Mand. 
No, unkind fate does your fond hopes deceive.  
You know, Osiris, that I made this Vow,  
That, with my Love, I would my Crown bestow.  
And from her Vow Mandana will not start;  
I'll give an Empire, when I give a heart.  
But since my Captive fate my Crown has lost,  
Your hopes and mine thus equally are crossed.  
To give you less, would seem too low a thing,  
My heart alone's too mean an Offering.  Osir. 
In this decree you do too cruel prove,  
To think that Fortune can give Laws to Love.  
And to your Beauty you're injurious grown;  
You cannot borrow lustre from a Crown.  
No, he who in Mandana's Breast does Reign,  
Is taught all meaner Empires to disdain.  Mand. 
Osiris, no, your too fond zeal mistakes,  
Love will admit no Slaves— but what it makes.  
Love by our miseries would sullied be,  
Eclipsed, and Clouded in Captivity.  
Our Fate the Crowning of our Love controls.  Osir. 
We have but Captives fortunes, not their fouls.  
Their fouls to th' highest pitch of greatness rise,  
That can the empty frowns of Fate despise.  
In our dark fortune Love will shine more bright:  
As Diamonds borrow lustre from the night.  Mand. 
No, no, you must your hopeless Love forgo.  
You must, Osiris,— Love will have it so.  Osir. 
And can you give what I shall ne'er enjoy?  
Can Love a Lover's happiness destroy?  Mand. 
If e'er my Stars my ravished Crown restore  [She Sighs. 
Till then, expect that I can give no more.  Osir. 
You are too cruel.  Mand. 
No, I am too kind.  
This resolution in my breast is signed.—  Proffers to go out, at which Osiris offers to speak. 
I do command you, urge no more.  Osir. 
You may  
Command my Death, you know I must obey.  Mand. 
No, my Osiris, live, and live to be  
More happy, than you can be made by me.  
Yet from your Breast,  
Let not Mandana be so far removed,  
But still you may remember— that we Loved.  [Exit. Osir. 
Oh, my hard fate!  
She does deny me Love, yet bids me live:  
Yet 'tis her kindness does this sentence give.  
How strangely is my Happiness destroyed?  
Her too much Love Love's ruin has decreed:  
As Lamps, that surfeit when they're overcloyed,  
Do perish by that Oil on which they feed.  [Exit.  

Scena tertia. The Scene, a Palace.  Enter Smerdis, and Patasithes, with Guards and Attendants. Pat. 
'Twas by Heaven's pleasure, and our wills decreed,  
To place the Crown of Persia on your head.  
Let dull successive Monarchs idly wait  
To be enthroned by the flow hand of Fate.  
And Phoenixlike, expect their rise, and power,  
Only from th' ashes of an Ancestor.  
You by a Nobler force have Empire gained,  
Wresting the Sceptre from Cambyses hand.  
Thus on his ruin you his Throne ascend,  
And make the means as glorious, as the end.  Smerd. 
The Fate of Crowns depends on common chance,  
Fortune and power may to a Throne advance.  
But to confirm that Crown our power affords,  
Requires our souls more active than our Swords.  Pat. 
You must yet Act unseen, and veil your power,  
Until your Thunder's in your hand secure.  
Till then, Sir, you your Majesty must shroud,  
Like Lightning, taking birth first from a Cloud.  
Till you like that, a full-blown glory wear,  
And gain at once, both reverence and fear.  Enter Theramnes. Ther. 
Your Subjects joys grow loud, as is your fame;  
Persia speaks nothing now, but Smerdis name.  
And their excessive joys so high advance,  
Their Piety's joined with their Allegiance;  
Rendering that Homage, which to Heaven is due,  
Adoring less the rising Sun, than you.  Smerd. 
'Tis this must make my Sovereignty complete;  
Those joys that speak them Loyal, speak me great.  Ther. 
You Conq'rours have outdone: your name affords  
The subject of more Trophies, than their swords.  
Great Cyrus' glories must submit to you;  
He Conquered Nations, you their hearts subdue.  Smerd. 
This is but half a Conquest; who defends  
A Crown, conquers his Foes, as well as Friends.  
And now our cause for speedy action calls;  
Cambyses is in sight of Susa's Walls.  
Go then, Theramnes, muster all our Force;  
Our Syrian Infantry, and Persian Horse.  
Prepare such strength, that it may be expressed  
That we can conquer, if he dare resist.  Ther. 
I do not Conquest doubt: whilst Monarchs are  
Themselves above placed in a higher sphere;  
You, like the heavens', your sacred powers dispense,  
You'll give us Conquest by your Influence.  [Exit. Smerd. 
See how the fond deluded World mistakes,  
And what false light my borrowed glory makes:  
Yet such as dazzles Persia. This disguise  
Has raised so thick a mist before their eyes;  
That my best Friends, Theramnes, and the crowd  
Of wondering Subjects, all are in one Cloud;  
And their mistaken Faiths so far advance;  
That they seem Rivals in Allegiance.  
Like their Devotion who the gods implore,  
Men first believe, and then they do adore.  Pat. 
Thus Kings and Beauty in this Title share,  
'Tis the adorers eye makes Beauty fair.  
The Persians thus by their Allegiance show,  
You're the true Prince, if they but think you so.  Smerd. 
I by such Arts do the World's Empire sway,  
As the World's frame does Nature's Laws obey;  
Moved by a Cause admired, but never known.  
Secrets of State and Heaven agree in One.  
Thus I, and thus the gods themselves disguise  
Their highest designs in darkest Mysteries.  [Exeunt.  

Scena quarta.  The Scene continueth: Enter Phedima, and Orinda. Orind. 
Love in my breast should with slow progress move,  
Were there no other interest in Love.  Phed. 
Why, what more can there be?  Orind. 
— Yes, I would have  
My Beauties Captive be my Honour's slave.  
Brave Conq'rours scorn the prize they win, whilst they  
Aim only at the fame of Victory.  
But your too humble Love takes a low flight,  
When you thus dote upon a Favourite:  
Can your Darius—  Phed. 
— Can Darius seem  
Unworthy then of Phedima's esteem?  
'Twere Impious to wish my passion less:  
His merits, not my Love, have their excess.  Orind. 
Love, like a pleasant Dream, disturbed or crossed,  
The fancy wakes, and then the pleasure's lost.  
My presence then will but injurious prove,  [Scornfully. 
Silence and privacy are fit— for Love.  [Exit. Phed. 
And can she be so cruel, to reprove  
Her heart which to Darius does incline?  
Whom all the World can do less than Love,  
At least, if I may judge all hearts by mine.  Enter Smerdis, who having a while gazed upon her, advances to her; she seeing him, draws her Veil over her Face. Smerd. 
Madam, too late you do my sight deprive,  
What's in a moment born, an Age may live.  
This makes you think (that since your power is such)  
Where an assault has won, a siege too much.  
Having th' assurance of your Conquest found,  
You hide the Weapon now you've given the wound,  Enter Patasithes, unseen. Pat: 
Ha! this strange language does mysterious sound;  
It is a Riddle which I can't expound.  Smerd. 
Yet you must pity those chaste flames you raise,  
The gods themselves smile on their Votaries.  
And yet the heavens', when they vouchsafe to smile,  
Suffer no Clouds to interpose the while.  
But your injurious Veil permits no glance  
Should my fond hopes with the least glimpse advance.  Phed. 
Stranger, what means this language, and how dares  
Your ill-bred confidence assault my ears?  
This boldness merits more than my disdain  
And frowns can punish.  Smerd. 
— Yet yourself restrain  
The Power of both, whilst you thus Veiled, confute  
That punishment your frowns should execute.  
The 〈◊〉 Lightning never wounds, when thus  
A 〈◊〉 of Clouds is drawn 'twixt that and us.  [Unveils her▪ Phed. 
A Persian Lady's honour is profaned,  
Who bears this usage from an unknown hand.  
What frenzy has possessed your soul?  Smerd. 
— Your eyes  
Do ill to make my heart their sacrifice;  
And then condemn him who does offer it.  Phed. 
My scorn's too little, where th' affronts so great.  [Proffers to go. Smerd. 
Hold, cruel fair, and your just anger stay,  
With such repentance I'll my fault repay:  
That I will show my Love is so sublime,  
That it can expiate a Lover's Crime.—  Pat. 
Ha! how does his distracted fancy rove,  
Preferred to Empire, to submit to Love!  [Aside▪ Smerd. 
— I pressed too far, I must confess, yet though  
Your coyness threatened, it invited too.  
Thus curious, we int' angry Comets pry,  
Which but, at best, threaten ill destiny:  
When our inquiry does not reach so far,  
To know the aspect of a milder Star.  Pat. 
Th' Infection spreads. No longer I endure  
To see that which I must prevent, or cure.  
Love, like the stars that rule't, should active move,  
You are too idle, Sir, to be in Love,  [To Smerd. 
Come, Sir, she's yours.  Phed. 
Ye gods!  Smerd. 
— Hold, Sir, you wrong—  Pat. 
I only tell you, that you talk too long.  
Lover's should not such tedious treaties hold,  
Love is a thing that's sooner done, than told.  
But you mistake; Love takes a Nobler course,  
Conquests are not by parley won, but force.  
Here, take her then.  [Thrusts her rudely to Smerd. Phed. 
Defend me, Heavens.  Smerd. 
— Rash Man,  
Hold your rude hands; you all that's good profane;  Phed. 
Audacious—  [Too Pat. 
— Oh, I understand you now:  [To Smerd. 
Have you Confed'rates and Assistants too?  
How dares your savage fury grow so rude,  
To force that Virtue which you can't delude?  Smerd. 
Dispel your fears, your Virtue is secure,  
Since your protection is in your own power:  
Thus doubly guarded, by the powers of Heaven,  
And by those powers Heaven to your charms has given.  Phed. 
No, Ravishers; no more this language use,  
The success failing, you the guilt excuse.  
Your sting-less fury wants the power to hurt,  
You know you are within the Persian Court:  
Your Violence chose an improper stage:  
This sanctuary guards me from your rage.  [Exit. Pat. 
See with what courage she her cause protects;  
You but the King, but she the Tyrant Acts.  
But she derives her power from your tame fears:  
She knows that Lovers dare not give offence:  
Thus fear makes gods; who deified the stars,  
But only those who feared their Influence?  
If you then Loved, why did you not enjoy?  
Can a King's Modesty his hopes destroy?  Smerd. 
Such base and unjust deeds would but proclaim  
Mean Impostor greater than I am.  Pat. 
'Tis King's make Justice, and not Justice Kings,  
And in that name you may Act greater things,  
And still be just. The Persian King's design  
No Woman more than for a Concubine.  
And in that only name she should not have  
The Courtship of a Mistress, but a Slave.  
You than should force her whom you could not move.  Smerd. 
Force may support my Empire, not my Love.  
Beauty, like Majesty, is sacred too:  
And must it then be thus profaned by you?  Pat. 
Your thoughts and passions are too humble grown,  
You do forget you're seated on a Throne.  [Exit. Smerd. 
Can Patasithes so inhuman prove?  
He gave me Empire, but destroys my Love.  
This is that Phedima I've seen before;  
What I then but admired, I now adore.  
My privacy my passion then confined;  
A flame too noble for so low a mind.  
Now nothing my Love's freedom can control;  
My Empire's limits do enlarge my soul.  [Exit.  

Scena quinta.  Scene continueth: Enter Theramnes, and Phedima. Phed. 
Their rudeness was so great—  Ther. 
— And do they live?  
Not you nor Heaven can this offence forgive.  
Against you there can be no venial Crimes:  
Your anger ought to kill where it condemns.  
And I'll be th' Executioner. But teach  
Me where I may those rude offenders reach:  
And I will force their guilty blood to more  
Than blush for their bold Crime.  Phed. 
— That cannot be;  
For they are men I never saw before,  
Strangers alike to Honour, and to me.  Ther. 
Do but describe 'em then, and you shall see,  
To find 'em revenge shall, in your name,  
Quick-eyed as Envy be, and swift as Fame.  Phed. 
By all I can describe I understood▪  
Their Virtues are inferior to their blood.  
By th' Habit which they wore they seemed to be  
Some of the Persian chief Nobility.  Ther. 
My Int'rest in the Persian Court shall show  
How much my zeal in your just cause can do:  
To find those Ravishers such search I'll make,  
That in their very eyes their guilt I'll tract:  
I on my honour ●ow I'll use such Arts,  
Who e'er they are, to reach their guilty Hearts.  [Exit. Phed. 
Theramnes, stay— Alas, he's gone too far.  
How fierce and swift the wings of Honour are!  
I fear that he will some rash Act perform,  
Hurried like waves that swell into a storm.  
And yet his zeal I cannot but approve:  
Friendship a second Rival is to Love.  
Finis Act. primi.    

Actus Secundus.  

Scena prima.  Scene continueth: Enter Smerdis. Smerd. 
LEt Heaven whatever Fate for me design,  
'Tis Smerdis must make Smerdis glory shine.  
My stars can but their utmost powers dispense:  
But I'll Act things above their influence.  Enter to him, Theramnes pensively, not seeing Smerdis. Ther. 
It must be done. I'm bound by Honour's Laws,  
And more, 'tis in Orinda's Sister's cause.  
I want not courage, and I dangers scorn:  Aside. 
Yet on mine Honour such an Oath I've sworn,  
That I want power to perform my Vow.  Smerd. 
What serious thought sits on Theramnes brow?  
Come, in your looks some great design I read:  
Or some request for which your eyes do plead.  
Name it, it shall be done.  
Nothing shall make me from my promise shrink,  
For I dare Act whatever you dare think.  Ther. 
You cannot Act that kindness which I want.  Smerd. 
You cannot ask that which I cannot grant  
At your request.  Ther. 
— Sir, in a Lady's cause  
I am engaged by Honours sacred Laws,  
In her Revenge to Act a Champion's part,  
To right her wrongs on her Offender's heart.  
But I shall be as blind in my pursuit,  
As is that Justice I would Execute.  
Nor can your power, where th' Objects are unknown,  
Direct my hand, nor reach them with your own.  Smerd. 
Theramnes, you a Prince's power mistake,  
Monarchs the secrets of the skies can tract,  
And search heavens' counsels; how then can mankind  
Act in a Cloud that which we cannot find?  
I'll find them if they live.— But, Sir, her name  
Who does this Justice, and your courage claim;  
The time, the place where they did Act their Crime?  Ther. 
The Scene it was your Palace, Sir, the time  
This Morning, and her name is Phedima.  Smerd. 
That only name does all my spirits awe.  [Aside. 
Then as I promised in your cause I join:  
There amnes, draw your Sword, as I draw mine▪  [Draws. 
To give the blow will direct you where;  
And that you may not mis●his Heart— strike here.  [Points to his Breast. 
That you more boldly may her cause defend,  
Know her Offender is your King and Friend.  
What, does your courage shake, and must you pause  
When Honour calls you in a Lady's cause?  
Or is't your fear that does resist your Vow?  Ther. 
Though Vows are sacred, so are Monarchs too.  
'Tis not, Great Sir, the want of Courage stays  
My hand, 'tis Reverence o'er my Valour sways.  
Theramnes dares not think, much less act that  
Which the most savage Lions tremble at.  
For lions dare not 'gainst their Prince Rebel.  
They want the power to hurt, and I the will.  Smerd. 
These slight excuses are too weak: you must  
Perform your Vow, or be proclaimed unjust.  Ther. 
A stronger ●ye that promise does remit,  
And I am now more just in breaking it;  
No ties of Honour ever yet could be  
So strong, as the strict bonds of Loyalty.  Smerd. 
Then on your Loyalty I command you do  
What Honour and your Vow has bound you to.  Ther. 
And can you give so cruel a Command?  
'Tis Death against my King to lift my Hand.  Smerd. 
And what is worse, 'tis Death 〈◊〉 disobey.  Ther. 
But dying thus I die the nobler way.  
Theramnes dares not strike, but he dares die  
When you will have it so.  Smerd. 
— My Cruelty  
You do mistake. Theramnes, you shall live:  
For that which I command, I can forgive.  Ther. 
But you command what Heaven cannot permit.  Smerd. 
The wills of Kings and Heaven together meet.  
You've made a Vow to reach my heart, and Heaven  
To that great act it's free consent has given.  
Your friendship, not your sword shall act that part,  
For you unarmed, Theramnes, reach my Heart.  [Embraces him. Ther. 
Your favours are advanced to that vast height,  
I fear that I shall sink under the weight.  Smerd. 
Sir, since you are engaged by Honour's Laws,  
To perform Justice in this Lady's Cause;  
Go use all Arts and Arguments to bring  
Her to the presence of the Persian King.  
Inform her that He knows those Ravishers,  
And that their Insolence has reached his ears.  
Since Justice to the right of Kings belongs,  
Tell her He shall be proud to right her wrongs;  
And, as their Judge, do Justice in defence  
Of Beauty, and of injuted innocence.  Ther. 
I go.  Smerd. 
— And with success return, and may  
Those Stars that govern Love direct your way.  [Exit Theramnes. 
This generous contest gave me means to try  
Theramnes' Friendship, and his Loyalty.  
And happily I have contrived t' obtain  
The sight of my fair Conqueror once again.  
But oh, I can but think how I must now  
Be both the Judge, and the Offender too.  
But though I justly then deserved her frown,  
Because she did not know I wore a Crown:  
Now I more Nobly will her passion move,  
I'll make my Crown an Agent for my Love.  
If she esteem her heart a gift too great,  
I then will purchase what I can't entreat.  Enter to him, Prexaspes in disguise, lead in by the Guards. Capt. 
of the Guards. This Fellow, Sir, we in the Palace saw;  
And that which we from his deportment draw,  
His too suspicious looks, and garb descry  
A guilty fear, the mask of Treachery.  Smerd. 
Audacious Rebel, Slave, what bold design—  Prex. 
Sir, my design is just.  Smerd. 
— And so is mine.  
And of my Justice thus I'll give you proof:  
See instantly the traitor's Head struck off.  [To the Guards. Enter Patasithes. Prex. 
T' express that I dare die for you, that breath  
That rules Prexaspes life, may give him death.  [Undisguises himself. Smerd. 
Prexaspes!  Pat. 
Ha! Prexaspes!  Smerd. 
— Fatal chance!  
Your care has witnessed your Allegiance.  [To the Guards▪ 
Withdraw.  [Exeunt Guards. 
Dear Friend, your doom is changed, and now  
I must condemn my guilty self, not you.  [Embraces him▪ Prex. 
In this disguise I from the Camp am come,  
To tell you I have sealed Cambyses doom.  
Lead by my Counsel, Sir, he does design  
A three days' Truce before the siege begin.  
To which you must consent.—  
Things must appear as smooth as calmest Seas;  
And Susa wear the flattering smiles of peace.  Pat. 
Monarchs and Statesmen have these mutual eyes,  
They by each other do advance, and rise.  [Whilst he speaks, they whisper. Prex. 
I'll gain you entrance.  Smerd. 
— Well, I do consent.  Prex. 
Your being unknown all dangers will prevent:  
The Tyrant's life shall with his Empire end.  Smerd. 
A Monarch's Patron, and an Empire's Friend.  [Exeunt. Scene continueth: Enter Theramnes, and Phedima. Ther. 
And Madam, that you might see Justice done,  
I promised to conduct you to his Throne.  
But pardon me, if I have gone too far,  
When honour and my Friendship makes me err.  Phed. 
Honour and Friendship too have their excess;  
But since I may my Innocence express,  
And in their Justice my revenge pursue,  
Theramnes, I submit to follow you.  [Exeunt.  

Scena Secunda.  The Scene opened, appears Smerdis seated on a Throne, attended by Guards, and other Attendants. Enter again, Theramnes, and Phedima. Ther. 
He to their trial will th' Offenders bring—  
Look there, and see your Judge, the Persian King.  Phed. 
Sure you mistake the Throne, or I the Prince.  Ther. 
His Majesty that error will convince.  [Exit. Smerd. 
Fair Excellence,  [Steps from the Throne. 
'Tis true, the name of Prince I changed have  
For that more glorious Title of your Slave.—  
But I recall that breath— I should transgress  
Against your Beauty, were my greatness less.  
He must be more than Prince, and Monarch too,  
That so great Beauty dares adore as you.  
Hence 'tis your Royal Lover, Persia's King  
Presumes to make his heart your Offering.  
The Noblest Present that his Love can make,  
And yet the lowest you can stoop to take.  Phed. 
The Persian Monarch's Love! Now I'll proclaim  
My Constancy to my Darius' flame.  
My courage in this cause shall act such things,  Aside. 
I'll prove my Faith by my disdain of Kings.  
I'll treat him so, that Fame shall witness be,  
None ever Loved, or ever scorned like me.  
Are you the Judge to prosecute the Laws  
Of Justice in those bold Offenders cause?  
Why then, kind Judge, do you forsake your Throne,  
ere you've the Trial heard, or Justice done?  Smerd. 
Your bold Offender does repent his Fact,  
And I but ill his Judge's part could Act.  
To beg his pardon I resign my seat,  
From being his Judge to be his Advocate.  Phed. 
But lest his Crime should want a just Revenge,  
As you change yours, I will my Office change,  
From his Accuser to his Judge; whilst I,  
To Act your Justice, will your seat supply:  [Steps into the Throne. Enter Patasithes, unseen. 
For since he Loves, I'll use a Mistress's power,  
With all the rigour of a Conqueror.  Pat. 
Ha! what strange Interlude must here be shown?  
A Woman seated on the Persian Throne!  [Aside. Phed. 
This difference Kings with common Captives have;  
Only the Title of a Royal Slave.  
And how can Beauty rule a Nobler way,  
Then to command thus— whilst their Slaves obey.  Pat. 
'Tis she; I'll stop— But stay, I'll use no force.  
I'll check her pride by a more subtle course.  [Aside. Phed. 
Although you Monarchs are exempt from Laws,  
As wanting higher Powers to Judge your cause:  
Yet that you, Smerdis, may have Justice done,  
Since you want Laws, I'll Judge you by my own.  Smerdis, 
what can you say in the defence  
Of your late rude, and savage violence;  
When, Ravisher, your guilt so high was grown,  
T' attempt my Virtue, and to blast your own?  Smerd 
You know I was not Author of that Fact:  
Honour nor Love durst ne'er such stains contract.  
For they heavens' favour would but ill implore,  
Who first profane the Deity they adore.  Phed. 
Honour and Love are but respective things;  
Greater or less in Subjects or in Kings.  
In which if King's transgress, the more sublime  
Their greatness is, the greater is their Crime.  
And though you're now transformed into a Prince,  
That Title does but heighten your offence.  Smerd. 
Such Beauty does so well become the Throne,  
Be pleased, fair Judge, t' accept it as your own.  
Where you shall Reign in glory, and give Law  
To him that wears the Crown of Persia.  Phed. 
I scorn your Throne, and him that proffers it:  
My powers too great, an equal to admit.  [Descends from the Throne. 
No, Smerdis, Phedima is not so low  
As to descend unto a Throne, and You.  
Two lights together cannot equal shine,  
Mine will Eclipse your glory, or yours mine.  
And 'twould a lesser Honour be, to have  
A King my Equal, than a King my Slave.  [Exit, and after her, Smerdis. Pat. 
Is Love an object for his mind which should  
Be now employed with thoughts of War, and Blood.  
Cambyses now may his revenge pursue,  
And easily conquer, where Love can subdue.  
Love does debase all Courage, and he is,  
Like tame Beasts, only fit for Sacrifice.  
But I'll invent a Cure.  [Studies. 
— Well, I'll remove  
Her safe enough both from his power, and Love.  
Love is a Passion for luxurious peace,  
When idleness indulges the disease,  
But not for Active souls. I've found the way  
To turn that current which I cannot stay.  [Exit.  

Scena tertia. Scene, the Palace.  Enter Smerdis, with a Letter. Smerd. 
He that so well a King can counterfeit,  
Should scorn to stick at any smaller cheat.  
From his own Copies too I have so near  
Pursued Theramnes Hand, and Character,  
That the most curious, nay, Theramnes' eye,  
Did he but see't, could scarce the cheat descry.  
Well, it must take. I shall so happy prove,  
Both to find out, and to confound their Love.  Enter Theramnes, who seeing Smerdis, offers to withdraw. 
Theramnes, stay.  Ther. 
— I fear I am too rude.  Smerd. 
Theramnes, no, a Friend cannot intrude▪  Ther. 
But I have pressed into your privacies.  Smerd. 
Friendship above all private business is;  
Unless it be the high concerns of Love,  
And Honour. But there we two equal prove  
Rivals in both.  Ther. 
What means my King?  Smerd. 
— I mean  
Only one Beauty o'er us both does Reign.  Ther. 
No, you whose Empire's greatness is above  
All Rivals, should admit none in your Love.  
And think you that my confidence aspires  
To Court that Beauty which my King admires.  Smerd. 
Think you I can believe you never saw▪  
The eyes and charms of the fair Phedima.  
Or can you utter so profane a word,  
To say she can be seen and not adored?  Ther. 
Love, like Religion, never chose one way▪  
That all should to one object homage pay.  
The Sun does to the World his sight afford,  
But by the Persians only is adored.  Smerd. 
Because the rest o'th' World are ignorant,  
And do the knowledge of his Godhead want.  
But you who know how great Divinity  
In Phedima's most sacred breast does lie,  
Can't but adore her.  Ther. 
— Yes, I can do more:  
I am beyond her Beauty's charms, and pow'r.  
In this one glory I outrival you;  
Those eyes which did the Persian King subdue,  
Their powers too weak to Captivate my heart.  Smerd. 
His Love's too strong to be compelled by Art,  
Or forced to a Confession.  [Aside. 
— 'Twas th' excess  
Of passion made my jealousy transgress.  
But now I'm satisfied, That I may prove  
I don't suspect your Loyalty, nor Love,  
I will intrust this Letter to your care,  
But you must first on your Allegiance swear.  Ther. 
I swear. And in obedience to your will,  
Whatever you command I will fulfil,  
That to a Subjects care you dare intrust:  
Since your commands can be no less than just.  Smerd. 
Present that Letter then to Phedima.  
And if she chance to ask by whom 'twas writ,  
Beware you do not tell her, but withdraw,  
Lest that she should refuse the reading it.  
Then carefully forbear to visit her  
Until such time that she an answer sends;  
For by that means I shall my suit prefer;  
And you will thus oblige your best of Friends.  
And then, Sir, whatsoever her answer be,  
(For through your hands 'twill come) present it me.  Exit Theramnes with the Letter. 
Though he so resolutely did maintain  
He did not Love, their Love is but too plain;  
How could she else such cruelty have shown  
To him who with his Love proffered his Throne?  
Her passion has some more than common tie,  
When proffered Crowns can't shake her constancy.  
And that Theramnes is the Object too,  
What was it else made him so rashly Vow,  
When he but late Acted her Champion's part,  
To right her wrongs on her Offenders heart.  
When the slight wrongs could only cause afford  
For a Woman's anger, and a Lovers Sword.  
But yet this Letter will my doubts remove.  
I shall discover their intrigues of Love.  
●f so—  
By treacherous smiles I will his ruin Act,  
As stranded Vessels in a calm are Wracked.  [Exit.  

Scena quarta. Scene, a Chamber.  Enter Phedima, and Orinda, with Atossa, Auretta, and other waiting Ladies. Orind. 
Sister, you are so fortunate, to have  
The Persian Monarch for your Beauty's Slave!  Phed. 
No, in my Love Ambition has no part  
Monarchs may rule an Empire, not a heart.  
Whilst my Darius lodges here, my breast  
Too narrow is for any other guest.  
May Smerdis still the Persian Sceptre bear,  
And may he still Reign every where— but here.  [Points to her Breast. Orind. 
Does then your Breast no other thoughts produce?  
Love, like Wars Combats, should admit some truce.  
Your pardon, Sister, if so bold I prove  
To tell you what Orinda thinks of Love.  
Atossa, sing the Song I taught you.  Atossa sings. 

She that with Love is not possessed,  
Has not for that the harder heart:  
I think the softer, and more tender breast,  
Would dull, would dull, would dull, and damp the dart.   

Away with melancholy fits,  
Whose strange effect our eyes disarms,  
Deposes Beauty, and distracts our wits,  
Whilst we grow pale, grow pale, and lose our charms.   

Love does against itself conspire;  
Such languishing desires imparts,  
That quench the fuel, yet preserve the fire,  
Clouding those eyes, those eyes, whence Love takes darts.   Enter Theramnes, with a Letter. Ther. 
This Letter your perusal asks.  Phed. 
— From whom  
Do you, Theramnes, in Embassage come?  Ther. 
My message, Madam, you will find writ there,  
Both in the Subject, and the Character.  [Exit. [Phedima opens the Letter, and reads to herself, and seems disordered. Orind. 
What strange disorders in her looks arise?  
How she casts darts of fury from her eyes?  Phed. 
Shame and confusion has so filled my breast,  
That I want patience to read out the rest.  
Sister, do you proceed, look, and see there,  
What you will blush to read, and I to hear.  Orinda reads the Letter. 
Theramnes, to the Constant Phedima.  
SInce our mutual Vows of Love have raised me to a pitch above hope or fear, to such an assurance of your affection, that I find the greatest Monarch in the World cannot supplant me in your esteem, nor raise his Love on the ruins of mine; You then, who have given my passion life, have given it also confidence to request the speedy crowning of our desires, to avoid the trouble of more numerous Rivals, which your Beauty cannot but daily add to your former Conquests. But since the immediate service of my King will not permit me as yet to wait upon you, be pleased to send me an Answer, but such an one (as I doubt not but you will) as shall proclaim me, as I am, your most faithful, so your most happy adorer,  Theramnes. Phed. 
Proud Traitor to my Honour and his own:  
His confidence swells to a height unknown,  
To dare—  Orind. 
Why? Sister, Lovers dare do more.  Phed. 
Lovers! why? did he ever speak before?  
Or utter the least syllable, or word,  
T' express I was the object he adored?  
Contracts, and promises, which I have given?  
Perfidious Liar both to Me and Heaven!  Orind. 
But perhaps he your kindness has mistook;  
For Lover's tract their Fates in every look  
Their Ladies do impart; and every glance  
Does to an unknown height their hopes advance.  
The Languages of Ladies smiles suffice  
For Lovers to read contracts in their eyes.  
Did you ne'er smile, or some kind favours show?  Phed. 
Yes, what my Friendship did oblige me to.  
But could his proud thoughts so ambitious prove,  
To dare to think my Friendship was my Love?  
No, Traitor, no. Theramnes, you shall find,  
Choosing a Mistress, you have lost a Friend.  
But that which my disdain and anger moves,  
Is not so much because Theramnes Loves:  
Th' effects of Beauty Beauty can forgive:  
And we can pity those we can't relieve.  
But that which merits my just scorn, is this;  
That he should think my Conquest easy is▪  
Whilst in this Letter which you now have read,  
He does for Triumph, not for Conquest plead.  
As if a Lady's breast no courage held;  
But our same souls were only taught to yield.  Orind. 
Your furious anger too much freedom finds,  
Silence becomes the passions of great minds.  Phed. 
Sister, I've done. Auretta, go and burn  
This Letter. Thus I'll Triumph in my scorn.  Auretta. 
Condemned to th' fire! That Sentence which you give,  [Aside. 
Too cruel is, I'll grant it a reprieve.  [Exit Auretta, with the Letter. Phed. 
But seeing he an answer does require,  
I'll be so kind, I'll grant him his desire:  
But such an answer as shall make it known  
I understand his merits, and my own.  [Exeunt.  

Scena quinta. Scene, a Pavilion Royal.  Enter Cambyses, and Prexaspes: Camb. 
— Enough— I am convinced of Smerdis Fate.  
'Tis well my blood does not disturb my State.  
How sits the Cloud upon Mandana's brow?  Prex. 
She does no time but to her tears allow.  Camb. 
Marble sheds tears, but cannot softer grow▪  
Her heart's still hard, and ever will be so.  
You said you for her griefs a cure designed.  Prex. 
Sir, to divert these troubles from her mind,  
I have designed, after a Martial dance,  
A mask of Captive Princes shall advance,  
Adorned with Chains, and Coroners of gold:  
Seated upon whose necks you shall behold  
A Prince Triumphant, decked with Martial spoils,  
Amidst your Trophies, and great Cyrus' toils.  
Hid in the Trophies of this Pageant King  
An Eagle on the sudden shall take wing,  
A Crown fixed to her Talons. As she flies,  
And hovering mounts still nearer to the Skies;  
When at the utmost height she finds her Chain  
Does her intended Liberty restrain;  
Her Fetters shall her towering flight recall,  
Forced down, she at Mandana's feet shall fall,  
And there depose her Crown.  Camb. 
— Conduct her in,  
And let this glorious Scene of Love begin.  [Exit Prex. 
Thus I'll describe my passion. Love sounds best,  
Like Oracles in Mysteries expressed.  Enter Prexaspes and Mandana. The King and Mandana seated, a Martial Dance is performed; the Dance ended, the Scene opens, and the Masque is represented; at which Mandana rises, and offers to go out: at which Cambyses follows her, and the Scene shuts. Camb. 
Stay, cruel Princess, stay. Are your fair eyes  
Afraid to look on their own Victories?  
Or, are you startled at your own great power,  
To see your Slave in the World's Conqueror?  
Who from your influence does his greatness take,  
And Conquers only for Mandana's sake.  Mand. 
O Fatal Beauty! was't Mandana's eyes  
That made you win her Crown, and Sacrifice  
Her Father's blood?  Camb. 
— Your losses I'll restore,  
With Crowns more bright than Amasis e'er wore.  Mand. 
No, Tyrant know, my soul's not sunk so far,  
To stoop to my great Father's Murderer.  
Have I myself no better understood,  
Then thus to found my greatness on his blood?  
Your proffered Crowns cannot my thoughts control,  
You have subdued my Empire, not my soul.  Camb. 
Madam, how dare you thus provoke his hate  
Who's the disposer of your Crown, and Fate?  Mand. 
Ay, Sir, you of my Life and Throne dispose;  
And those are trifles I could wish to lose.  
But know, proud King, my Virtue I'll secure:  
My Honour is above a Tyrant's power.  [Exit. Camb. 
Captive, farewell▪ Since you so stubborn prove,  
I will take care you shall be taught to Love.  
A gust of passion has uncalmed my soul;  
My blood does with a livelier motion roll.  
A fierce assault my drowsy soul does storm;  
And bids my Love wear a more manly form.  
My Reason now shall my blind passion guide;  
I'll be a Vassal to her Eyes, not Pride.  
Since than my mildness could not win a smile,  
I'll learn to court her in a rougher stile.  Enter Otanes, Darius, and Artaban. 
My labouring thoughts must now make truce. My Lords,  
Will there be an employment for our Swords?  
How strong's their Garrison, how great their Force?  Otan. 
Their number, Sir, is fifty thousand Horse:  
And twice that number is their infantry.  Camb. 
Then they are fit to be o'ercome by me.  
You than must know from whence this War does spring,  
And who would be my Brother, and your King.  Dar. 
Who, but your Brother, durst your seat supply?  
A baser blood could ne'er have thoughts so high.  Camb. 
You are mistaken, Sir, he wears no Crown,  
Unless that some kind god has lent him one.  
Smerdis is dead.  Otan. 
— How dead? And by whose hand?  Camb. 
It was by his, and 'twas by my command.  [Points to Prex. Otan. 
Then the War's done; you've robbed us of our Foe.  Camb. 
Ay, Sir, of him I robbed you long ago:  
'Tis not my Brother that does wear my Crown.  Artab. 
Your Brother dead, yet Smerdis in your Throne?  Dar. 
Who then is he dares that high Title claim,  
Usurping both your Empire, and his name?  Camb. 
False Patasithes, whom I raised above  
Either my Subjects Envy, or their Love,  
Has in requital robbed me of that Throne  
Under whose lustre he so bright was grown.  
Thus the Moon's kindness does the Suns requite,  
Eclipsing him from whom she takes her light.  
His Kinsman Smerdis he does subtly bring  
To represent my Brother, and your King.  Enter to them, Smerdis, disguised. 
What's he that to our Presence does intrude?  Smerd. 
Sir, 'tis my Loyalty that makes me rude.  Prex. 
'Tis he, Great Sir, who in our cause does join,  
The chiefest Agent in our Grand design.  Camb. 
And do you know that Smerdis, Sir, that would  
Lay claim both to my Empire, and my blood?  Smerd. 
Dread Sir, to me he is so near allied,  
He from my breast cannot his secrets hide.  Camb. 
But are you sure he is your trusty Friend?  [To Prex. Prex. 
As sure as all the ties on Earth can bind.  Smerd. 
On this, great King, we've founded our design▪  
The charge of Susa's Western Gate is mine.  
And that which to our safety does conduce,  
You know the cons'quence of a lazy Truce.  
Truces which seem but Martial Masques, and are  
The Crimes of Peace dressed in the garb of War.  
Know then, during this Truce, his Forces be  
Armed only for their ease and Luxury▪  
You then this Night shall with your Army wait;  
I'll give you entrance at the Western Gate.  
Then on the East I'll give a false Alarm,  
That e'er his Party shall have time to Arm,  
You shall have forced your Passage, won the Town,  
Seized the Usurper, and regained your Crown.  Camb. 
Well, I'll this Night, advancing in their head,  
To Susa my Triumphant Forces lead:  
None but my Sword my quarrel should decide.  Dar. 
Conquest and you, Sir, ever were allied.  
But, Sir, the breach of Truce a stain will be  
To the bright glory of your Victory:  
'Twill an Eclipse to your great Fame produce.  Camb. 
Why, Sir, was it not I that made the Truce?  Dar. 
It was.  Camb. 
Then what I made I may destroy:  
In this design you must your Swords employ.  Dar. 
When you command, the cause we do not weigh.  
You've taught our Swords to Conquer, and obey.  Camb. 
See that our entrance be with care prepared.  [To Smerd. 
We shall not want success, nor you reward.  [Exit Cambyses, Otanes, Darius, and Artaban▪ Smerd. 
Nought but his death shall for reward suffice;  
For when he enters Susa's Walls, he dies.  
'Tis the last Conquest that his Sword shall have,  
To win that ground on which he makes his Grave.  
Brave Friend.  Prex. 
His death shall make our Friendship good▪  
No ties so strong as what are writ in blood.  [Exeunt▪ 
Finis Act▪ secundi.    

Actus tertius.  

Scena prima. Scene, The Palace:  Enter Smerdis, Patasithes, and Captain of the Guards. Capt. 
THe Guards are set, the Ambuscado laid.  Pat. 
All preparations for the deed are made.  Smerd. 
You know your charge in this design, go wait,  
And give him entrance at the Western Gate.  [Exeunt Patasithes, and Capt. Enter Theramnes, with a Letter. Ther. 
Great Sir, your Royal pleasure is obeyed:  
Your Letter I with my own hand conveyed.  
And this, I guess, her answer does declare:  
For though it does no superscription bear,  
From hence 'tis yours I do the more presume,  
Your Titles being too large for so small room.  Smerd. 
Yes, they are large—  
When they beyond the name of King extend,  
To that more glorious Title of your Friend.  [Embraces him▪ 
You know your charge, Sir, in this Night's design.  Ther. 
Rivals in Empire can't together shine.  
This Night Cambyses dies. Whilst Smerdis is  
Crowned for our King, he for our Sacrifice.  [Exit. Smerd. 
Now, if I find he does her Love enjoy,  [Opening the Letter. 
Her kindness then her Lover shall destroy.  
I know his courage, and I will take care  
In this Night's cause he shall engage so far,  
To meet his Death. 'Tis a small Crime, to prove  
False to my Friendship, to promote my Love.  Reads the Letter. 
Phedima, to Theramnes.  
PRoud Traitor, since your confidence has raised you to a pitch above fear or shame, to dare to profane my eyes with such a scroll of Blasphemies, in taxing Phedima of a Contract to Theramnes; Since your guilty passion has made this your first address, know, that you have raised your Love on the ruins of your Friendship; and that your guilt may be your punishment, may you Love still, and to that height, that I may triumph in my scorn, and make my cruelty able to give deeper wounds than my eyes: Love, and despair. But since your eternal Banishment can only give a stop to all future Crimes of this Nature, never dare to see me more.  
This does dissolve my fears. These lines do show  
Smerdis is happy now, but cruel too;  
To be thus jealous of so brave a Friend.  
But since I did 'gainst friendship's Laws offend,  
I'll Act such things as shall my fault redeem;  
Kings can both Act and expiate a Crime.  
And though Theramnes Friend did the offence,  
Theramnes King that Crime will recompense.  [Exit.  

Scena secunda. Scene, the Camp.  Enter Darius, and Osiris. Dar. 
During this Truce we will to Susa go  
To pay a debt I to my Princess owe.  
Two Sovereigns, young Prince, have each their part,  
The King my hand, and Phedima my Heart.  
But, Sir, your Friendship shares part in my Breast:  
I can't give y' all, but trust you with the rest.  
This Visit too is not alone designed  
T' a Mistress, but your second self, a Friend.  Osir. 
My Rival, Sir, name him, what Friend is he?  Dar. 
I am unknown to him, and he to me,  
Stranger's to each.  Osir. 
— This is a Riddle too;  
A Friend, and one you never saw, nor knew.  Dar. 
But, Sir, I am no stranger to his Fame:  
Theramnes' Virtues do my Friendship claim.  Osir. 
But whence arise this mystic sympathy?  Dar. 
'Twas Phedima's fair hand that made this tie.  
His worth, his deeds, his service she commends:  
That 'twere unjust we should be less than Friends.  
She gives him such a glorious Character,  
That being his Friend, I do but second her.  
And then her Letters tell me, how that she  
Has given him such a Character of me,  
That he already is impatient grown,  
Till both of us are to each other known.  Osir. 
Friendship a stranger progress never made,  
That by a Mediator is conveyed,  
You court Theramnes' Love, a Friend unseen;  
As Kings by Proxies Court a Foreign Queen.  Enter Messenger, who delivers Darius a Letter. Dar. 
From whence?  Mess. 
From Susa, Sir.  Dar. 
— Then may it prove,  [Kisses the Letter▪ 
Some kind and happy Embassy of Love.  [Opens the outside Letter, and reads. 
Auretta, to her Lord Darius.  
THe greatness of your generous favours, and the confidence you have been pleased to place in me, has obliged me, having found this Letter escaped from my Lady's hand, to present it to yours, as a token that I am still your most faithful confident of your passion, and Advocate in your Love;  Auretta. [Opens the enclosed, and reads. Theramnes, to the Constant Phedima. 
The Prologue's strange— but I'll suppress my doubt;  
And stay my wonder, till I've read it out.  [Reads to himself, and seems much disordered. Osir. 
What sudden change does in his Face appear?  
Such looks Darius' brow ne'er used to wear.  
It must be something more than common blasts  
Of Fortune can raise storms within his breast.  Dar. 
— Your most faithful, and most happy adorer,  Theramnes. [Reads aloud. 
Are these the plagues of Love? Am I betrayed?  
Has she a Contract with Theramnes made?  
And can Heaven suffer it? Sir, if you dare  
outface the worst of Treasons, read 'em there.  [Gives the Letter to Osiris. 
Try if your courage does not start to see  
A more inhuman Barbarous cruelty,  
Than Heaven, or Hell,— Furies, or Fate,— or all,  [Ragingly. 
But Woman can invent,— but these are small,  
And petty sportive Crimes in them, to prove  
False, and disloyal to their Oaths, and Love.  
Is this the Man she praised? Is Love so blind,  
I could not see my Rival in her Friend?  Osir. 
She does your merits wrong. But 'tis the Fate  [Having read the Le●●● 
Of Lovers, Sir, to be unfortunate.  Dar. 
But since Darius such hard fortune bears,  
I will outdo the malice of my stars.  
I'll be more cruel than my Fate, I'll make  
My just revenge my injured cause partake.  
Revenge the only pleasure of despair:  
Him from her breast, or her from his I'll tear.  
I'll end my wrongs by his or my own Fate;  
Losing her Love, I will deserve her hate.  
His blood, or mine, my fury shall alone:  
I'll cause his fall, or crush him with my own.  [Exeunt.  

Scena tertia. Scene, a private Walk▪  Enter Phedima, and Orinda. Phed. 
Theramnes sure durst not commit a Fact,  
Should forfeit all his Honour in one Act.  
The Virtues of his breast so numerous were,  
He could not in one moment raze out all;  
Great Virtues, like great Empires, ruined are,  
They by degrees must sink, before they fall.  
To dare to write that which he needs must know  
Was false, and I must needs resent it so.  Orind. 
No more— I see Theramnes walk this way.  Phed. 
Then, to resolve my doubt, Orinda stay,  
And tax him of his Love, and by degrees  
Search out the grounds of his late injuries;  
And sound his heart, and how he does resent  
My Cruelty, and his late banishment.  Exit Phedima, within the Scenes, to overhear them▪ Enter Theramnes. Orind. 
Theramnes, let me but one question move.  Ther. 
Your pleasure, Madam.  Orind. 
— Did you ever Love?  Ther. 
What does she mean! that she whom I adore  
Should ask me that I ne'er durst speak before▪  
Assist me, Courage, that I may but prove  
So Valiant, as to tell her that I Love.  Aside. Orind. 
What, does your answer need so great a pause?  Ther. 
And can you doubt th' effect, who are the cause?  
How can you think that he who sees your eyes,  
Can be exemptd from their Victories?  
To doubt I love you your own power suspect:  
From such bright charms who can his heart protect?  
Strangers to Love must Strangers be to you:  Orind. 
See how his confidence flatters me too.  
But I perceive his Art, he by this pause  
Seeks to divert me from my Sister's cause,  
By forcing me t' a blush on my own score,  Aside. 
That I may tax him in her name no more.  
His guilt's so great, that he's ashamed to hear—  
But shall—  
— Sir, these expressions needless are;  [to him. 
I know your Love.  Ther. 
— What could my stars do more,  
Then that Orinda knew my Love before?  [Aside Orind. 
Since you yourself a Captive do confess▪  
Theramnes, then leave it to me to guests  
Your Conqueror.  Ther. 
How cunningly she would my passion hear,  
Yet seems ashamed that I should tell it her!  Aside. 
Well, in such language I'll my passion dress,  
She shall not blush to hear what I'll express.  Orind. 
But of what date has this your passion been?  Ther. 
Since the first day I had my Conqueror seen.  
In a deep silence, and as great a fear,  
In vain I spent a long and tedious year.  
And like that year now it's whole course is run,  
There find myself where I at first begun:  Orind. 
And could your passion to this height advance,  
And you not dare to give it utterance?  Ther. 
My passion, Madam, I could ne'er disguise  
So much, but she might read it in my eyes.  
Beauty's that in our hearts nourish a fire,  
Like to the gods that do those flames inspire▪  
Their Servant's silence seldom do mistake,  
But know their wishes, though they never speak▪  
Thus I have uttered it.  Orind. 
— And only thus?  Ther. 
Perhaps some few sighs an escape have made:  
But those I checked as too ambitious,  
hearing they had my high-placed Love betrayed.  Orind. 
Did you ne'er write to her whom you adored?  Ther. 
My passion ne'er such courage could afford.  
I never did, nor durst.  Orind. 
— Falseman, I saw  
That Letter which you wrote to Phedima.  
Where you so boldly did your Love defend,  
And to her heart so great a right pretend,  
As if you there had been so long a guest,  
That nothing could remove you from her breast.  Ther. 
What does she mean? Unless she jealous be  
I Love elsewhere, and tries my constancy.  Aside. 
If it be so, how can I happier prove?  
For where there's jealousy, there must be Love.  Orind. 
Speak, did you not presume to tell her, how  
You claimed her Love by Contract, and by Vow?  
Can you deny't? or think I never saw,  
Theramnes to the Constant Phedima?  
Did I not see't by your own hand conveyed?  Ther. 
Too late I find I'm by my King betrayed.  [Aside. 
'Twas from another hand that Letter came:  [To her. 
I neither th' Author, nor the Subject am.  Orind. 
False man, did it not bear your name, and can  
Your confidence deny you are the man?  Ther. 
O pardon me, if Arguments I want  
To clear myself of what I'm ignorant,  
As well as innocent. That I may prove  
I ne'er aspired to your fair Sister's Love:  
Nor ever could, nor durst; let this suffice,  
I owe my Conquest to Orinda's eyes.  Orind. 
Oh, now I find— this answer merits more  
Than all your rudeness on my Sister's score.  
Since thus your guilt too must extend to me,  
Know, I can frown, and scorn, as well as she.  [Proffers to go out. Ther. 
Stay, cruel, stay, and frown again, so fair  
A Beauty charms even in her frowns does wear.  Orind. 
Since your Audacious folly's grown so great,  
Yes, I will stay; but only to repeat  
That sentence which my Sister gave before,  
Theramnes, never dare to see me more.  [Exit. Ther. 
Condemned never to see Orinda more!  
And am ● banished on my Prince's score?  
To which of these two shall I faithful be,  
Thus streightened betwixt Love and Loyalty?  
For there I to my King have silence sworn,  
Performing which I gain my Mistress's scorn.  
On th'other side, should I, in my defence,  
Accuse my King, and prove my innocence:  
Should● disclose by whom those lines were writ;  
And by mine, my King's Treachery requite:  
On this side than Theramnes would but prove  
False to his Honour, to promote his Love.  
But I'll be true to both, and act such things,  
As shall express that I can outdo Kings.  [Exit. Enter Phedima, and Orinda. Phed. 
Sister, his Conquest to your eyes is due:  
And Loving you he cannot Love me too.  Enter two Villains, unespied by Phedima, and Orinda. 1. Vil. 
We are to seize the Princess Phedima:  
And she has took a private Walk this way.  2. Vil. 
And Patasithes gave us charge, that we  
Should take the safest opportunity.  1. Vil. 
Oh, here's the prize; let's seize'em,  2. Vil. 
— Stay, I'll go,  
And see first if the Coast be clear, or no;  
Lest by some sudden rescue they escape.  [Exit second Vil. 1. Vil. 
They're object's more for pity, than a rape.  
Had not our Patron's bounty made us bold,  
Beauty wants power when we're first charmed with gold.  Phed. 
Denying that he writ it, does express  
He has no hopes in't, nor expects success.  
Then, Sister, the design must only be  
A deed of malice in affront to me.—  
But that he scorns. No, 'tis some counterfeit,  
And by some other envious hand 'twas writ.  Enter again, the second Villain. 2. Vil. 
I've viewed around, and I can only spy  
One man within the prospect of my eye.  1. Vil. 
One single man shall not disturb our prize,  
For if he chance to come this way, he dies.  [They rush, and seize the Ladies. 
Both Ladies, Help, help. Inhuman Ravishers.  Enter Theramnes. Ther. 
What sudden cries this that invades my ears?  
Ha! Ravishers! and my Orinda too!  
My Sword must plead what my Love could not do.  Draws. 
Unhand'em, Villains. Beauty never is  
Ordained for such a rude embrace as this.  
Unhand'em, or you die.  1. Vil. 
— That you shall do:  
Our Swords shall act that kindness, Sir, for you.  [Both Villains draw upon him. [The Ladies step in between them, to part them▪ Phed. 
Hold, Villains, Hold.  Ther. 
Give me leave.  
My Title their base number does surpass;  
I need no other Second, but your cause.  [Puts the Ladies by, and fights▪ [Phedima and Orinda run out, crying, help. Enter to them fighting, Darius. Dar. 
Since Honour does to th' weakest part incline,  
Against such odds it makes the Quarrel mine.  Draws, and fights on Theramnes' side; the two Villains are worsted. 
Give them their Lives.  1. Vil. 
— We scorn a base Reprieve:  
We'll either Conquered die, or Conqueror's live.  [Fights on, two Villains fall. Ther. 
'Tis your assistance has the glory won,  
Your generous aid, Sir, has my Sword outdone.  Dar. 
I'm happy in performing Honours Laws,  
But shall be happier when I know the Cause.  Ther. 
'Twas in two ladies' Quarrels that I drew  
That Sword that's now made fortunate by you.  
Beauties, whose powerful influence is so great,  
To guide our Swords, we could not but defeat  
An Army in their Cause,  Dar. 
Know you their Name?  Ther. 
Strangers to that, are Strangers too to Fame.  
Phedima, and Orinda.  Dar. 
Ha! in their cause!  Ther. 
— Fortune could ne'er afford  
A cause more Noble to Theramnes' Sword.  Dar. 
Theramnes! Oye gods! Thanks to my Fate.  [Aside. 
That at this hour has made me fortunate.  Ther. 
The happiest chance that our kind stars could send,  
That we their Lives and Honours should defend.  Dar. 
In their defence you have your courage shown,  
But you will show it better in your own.  [〈◊〉. Ther. 
This strange assault I cannot understand.  Dar. 
My meaning's legible— here in my hand.  Ther. 
That Language is too hard to b'understood.  Dar. 
It will be plainer when 'tis writ in blood.  
Draw, Traitor.  Ther. 
— First, you'll give me leave to know  
From what strange foot this sudden rage does grow.  Dar. 
Your parky does but my Revenge delay.  Ther. 
Then take your Conquest this more humble way.  Proffers his Sword. 
For Honour holds my hand from a design  
Against his Life who bravely gave me mine.  Dar. 
Honour a Refuge for your fear procures.  
That debt you owe my Sword, pay it with yours.  Ther. 
Such a rude payment—  Dar. 
— Such a weak pretence  
Serves but to yield a Coward a defence.  Ther. 
My patience cannot to that name submit,  
I'm sorry you must have the proofs of it.  Both fight. Theramnes draws off from Darius in fighting, and offers to speak. Ther. 
Sir, do but hear—  Dar. 
— Must you a parley make,  
Thus to take breath, when 'tis the last you'll take?  [Fights on, and gives Theramnes a mortal wound. Enter to them fighting, Osiris, Phedima, and Orinda. Phed. 
What new assault is this?  Osor. 
— Darius, hold.  
Your fury 'gainst this Stranger is too bold.  Ther. 
Darius!  
The only man on Earth whom I designed  
To be my Friend, my Murderer I find.  [Aside▪ Phed. 
Darius!  
What Fatal cause enraged you to this strife,  
To use your Sword 'gainst my Protector's Life?  Ther. 
My Blood runs slow: Fate now Acts its last part,  [Aside▪ 
And Deaths cold hand moves faintly o'er my heart.  Phed. 
I'm bound in Honour for that aid you lent.  Ther. 
That Bond you Cancel in th' acknowledgement.  Phed. 
My freedom you released, a gift so great,  
That I must owe a Ransom, not a Debt.  [Too Ther. 
But, Sir, what rage armed you to this bold deed,  [To Dar. 
Against Theramnes, whom the Fates decreed—  Dar. 
Against Theramnes whom you have decreed  
Should in your Love too happily succeed.  Phed. 
Are these the gronds? Your jealousy remove,  
He's Rival to your Courage, not your Love.  
His Valour 'twas that did my Honour guard,  
Which your rude fury did but ill reward.  
From these bold Ravishers, whose blood he spilt,  Points to the two Villains. 
Rescued my Life, and recompensed their guilt.  Ther. 
My lingering spirits do still faintly halt;  
Death sure has laid a siege, not an assault.  [Aside. Dar. 
Since you mistake his Love, you shall not err,  
'll'le show you't in a plainer Character.  
Have you forgot so soon since you first saw,  
Theramnes to the constant Phedima?  
Dare you read this?  [Gives her the Letter. Phed. 
What is't I dare not do?  [Looks upon the Letter. 
Has false Auretta then betrayed me too!  [Aside. 
This pamphlet I have seen, and read, and more—  
But did Theramnes ever see'● before?  
Know you this hand?  [Gives the Letter to Theramnes. 
— And do you know this Breast?  [Too Dar. 
Suspicious man, dares your weak faith digest  
Such base low thoughts of me, to dare to think  
My Virtue can grow less, or Courage shrink?  
Your Crime had been more venial, and less strange,  
T' have thought my Beauty, than my soul could change?  
Whatever I durst Act, I dare defend.  Ther. 
Is this the kindness of my King and Friend?  [Aside. 
It bears my Name, but not my Character.  [Throws away the Letter. 
My passion is not written there,— but here.  [Points to his Breast. 
In Phedima's fair eyes such glories shine,  
As may command all hearts to yield— But mine▪  
But from her Charms I did my Breast defend:  
And I am not your Rival, but your Friend.  Dar. 
And can you your own Name deny, and see  
That Letter witness of your perjnr●e?  Ther. 
That Letter, Sir, is forged and counterfeit.  Dar. 
By whom?  Ther. 
You must not know by whom 'tis writ.  Dar. 
Then will ● force—  Ther. 
— You shall not, Sir, nor must  
I break my promise, nor betray my trust.  
Since Honour does my secrecy enjoin,  
Rather than break my Vow, I'll own it mine.  Dar. 
Then will I force that breath to be your last.  ● Ther. 
That Fatal sentence is already past.  
Dispute no more of that forged Character:  
But what your Valour, Sir, has writ, read here.  [Points to his wounds. 
Yet though your Sword has made my blood ebb low,  
My courage still to the same height do flow.  
And still my breast is large enough t'afford  
Room for your Friendship, as it did your Sword.  
No more your groundless jealousies pursue;  
My Conquest to Orinda's eyes is due.  
But I want breath, not words, for my defence,  
To prove Theramnes' injured innocence.  
Yet if I win your Friendship, I can't call  
This my defeat, who conquer when I fall.  [Falls. 
And may Theramnes now so happy prove,  
Who in his life could not deserve your Love,  
To win Orinda's pity when he dies,  [To Orind. 
In Life your Slave, in Death your Sacrifice.  [Faints away, as dead. Phed. 
Now see what your mistaken rage has done,  
And Triumph at the Conquest you have won.  
Look there, and tremble, if you have a sense  
Of horror equal to his innocence.  Dar. 
He's gone! too late thy innocence appears:  
The current of my rage now turns to tears.  
Osiris, run, call all the help that's near,  
Whilst I my helpless griefs echo to th' Air.  [Exit Osiris. 
Yet the kind gods have not placed Heaven so high,  
But that our sighs and prayers may mount the Sky.  
Was this the only way to reach his heart,  
Where he too generously gave me part?  
Could I thy Innocence no sooner find?  
Is cruel Jealousy, like Love, too blind?  Enter Osiris, with Attendants, who take up the Body of Theramnes. 
Thy blood by my unhappy hand was spilled,  
Love, like Religion, in th' excess grows guilt.  
Thus Love turns Jealousy when too sublime:  
As Superstition is Devotion's Crime.  
Use all the Arts that may restore his breath,  To Osiris, and the Attendants, who carry off Theramnes. 
Or beg, at least, one hour's reprieve of Death,  
That ● t' his parting soul in tears may tell  
My griefs, and take my long and last farewell.  [Exeunt Osiris, and Attendants. 
But hold, one debt more to his Virtue's due:  
Osiris, stay— with my dead Friend I'll go—  
To th' other World— thus— thus.  [Goes to fall upon his Sword. Phed. 
— You are too bold:  
Hold your rude hands.  [Stays him. Dar. 
— And does she bid me hold?  Phed. 
Yes, Sir, she does; she dares not see you die.  Dar. 
Your kindness then recalls my destiny.  [Passionately. Phed. 
Darius, live—  
— For by your hasty fall,  [Changing her voice. 
Your Death would be too mild, and pain too small.  
Your blood would be too Prodigally spilled:  
Live, only to be punished for your guilt.  
O●, if th' experiment of Death you'd try,  
'Tis fit you know your sentence, ere you die.  
Death is but half the rigour of your Fate,  
Living you merit, dying, force my hate,  
And fall unpityed. Now strike, if you dare;  
Try if your courage equal your despair.  
Then she whose kindness did your hand recall,  
Will be more kind— she'll smile— to see you fall.  Dar. 
Oh, now I dare not die. A strange reprieve,  
When cruelty has power to make me live.  
Before, her kindness did recall the stroke,  
And now her frowns my sentence do revoke.  
Beauties have this prerogative alone,  
Their power is equal, when they smile, or frown.  
My guilt deserves the greatest punishment,  
Tortures can yield, or Justice can invent.  
And I could willingly endure the weight  
Of all that I deserve, except your hate.  [Orinda, whilst they have been speaking, having casually taken up the Letter, and viewed it, hastily brings it to her Sister. Orind. 
What Seal is this?  Phed. 
The Arms of Persia!  
Know you that Seal?  [Gives the Letter to Darius. Dar. 
Till now, I never saw:  
It was the Signet of the King.  Phed. 
— This Seal  
Does then Theramnes' Innocence reveal.  
For, in your absence, Sir, the Persian King  
To me has made his heart an Offering.  
And had I broke my Vows to you, I'd been  
No longer, Sir, your Mistress, but his Queen.  
When I that Royal Present would not take,  
He thought 'twas for some happy Rival's sake.  
Knowing th'esteem ● to Theramnes bore,  
He judged my cruelty was on his score.  
From thence, like you, his jealousy he took,  
Whilst he our Friendship for our Love mistook;  
Then forged that Letter in Theramnes' Name,  
To trace our passions, and disturb our flame.  
Then judge, Sir, whether I inconstant prove,  
Who for your sake reject a Monarch's Love:  
Since you now see I am below a Throne,  
And have refused the proffers of a Crown.  Dar. 
You have too much my burdened soul or'e●charg'd▪  
My guilt's too bad a theme to be enlarged.  
But now I find my Crimes will have no end:  
At once I've wronged my Mistress, and my Friend.  
But you've so much of Heaven, you can forgive▪  [Kneels. Phed. 
Yes, Sir, I could, could but Theramnes live.  Dar. 
I with my tears will wash away my Crime:  
With my loud sorrows I'll reach Heaven and Him,  
I'll pay such Incense for my black offence,  
〈◊〉 ● take whiteness from his Innocence.  Phed. 
Darius, rise— His Prayers, and Love's too strong▪  
And I am too kind to be cruel long.  Dar. 
Thus you repeat those Triumphs you have won,  
Your mercy conquers as your eyes have done.  Phed. 
But see you pay such Honours to his Grave,  
As may deserve that pardon which I gave.  Dar. 
Since prayers not tears cannot his Fate recall,  
But so much Virtue by my hand must fall;  
This to his dust is but a lawful debt,  
Who shined in glory shall in glory set.  
I will erect new Trophies to his Fame,  
What from his Life I took, I'll pay his Name.  Orind. 
My grief with yours, as Rivals, shall contend:  [To Phed. 
I have a Lover lost, you but a Friend.  Exeunt.  

Scena quarta.  Enter Prexaspes, and Mandana. Prex. 
Can you refuse Cambyses's Love, who would  
To purchase yours wade to new Crowns in blood?  
'Tis strange that he cannot your heart subdue,  
To whom the Conquest of the World is due.  Mand. 
Thy soul, and his, in this were Rivals still▪  
You never overcome, but when you kill.  Prex. 
But, Madam, what I read in those fair eyes—  
Has poison in't. There's something in that Form  [Aside. 
Disturbs my soul, and does my courage storm.—  
Madam, your Beauty.— Oh, turn it away.  
Should ● on that bright Object longer stay,  
Lead by my wandering fires, I should my senses quit;  
And lose myself by gazing after it.—  
Madam—  [Continuing with his eyes fixed upon her. Mand. 
Is not your Message yet expressed?  Prex. 
Your eyes won't give me leave to tell the rest.  Mand. 
I must confess his Love I would not hear:  
Death's frowns I can, his smiles I cannot bear.  
Prexaspes, name no more Cambyses's flame.  Prex. 
Then, Madam, I may tell him, in your name,—  
I am his Rival.—  [Aside. 
Her subtle Darts have made my heart their Prize,  
That sure my soul's transparent, as my eyes,  
To let her Image in.—  
But tell me, can your Breast so cruel prove,  
To banish from your heart all thoughts of Love?  Mand. 
Now, my Osiris, I remember thee.  [Aside.] [Sighs. Prex. 
Her altered Visage wears a Mystery.  
A broken sigh, joined with a fainting look!  
Just so my Love its sudden birth first took.  
Her Actions copy mine: sure my disease  Aside. 
Infectious is, and does new Subjects seize.  
For the fame signs argue the same desires:  
Perhaps she feels my pains, and meets my fires.  
If so; Thanks to my Stars▪ Since nobly you  
My heart have won, so nobly use it too.  
What, start? You think it is Cambyses.  Mand. 
— No.  
Both thee, and thy inhuman deeds I know.  
Could I but think, that Love could be a guest  
To thy black soul, and harbour in thy breast;  
The very name of Love 'twould odious make.  Prex. 
You must seem cruel for your honour's sake▪  
No more of this—  [Advancing up to her. Mand. 
— Stand off. Your aim you miss.  
What, stoop to him that Murdered Amasis?  Prex. 
That was Cambyses's fault.  Mand. 
— No, Slave, thy hand,  
Thy hand did Act what he did but command▪  Prex. 
But his command did to your Life extend,  
Which I did from his cruelty defend;  
And 'twas my favour that you did not die.  Mand. 
No, Barbarous Villain, 'twas thy cruelty.  
Ye sacred Powers above what was my guilt,  
That with my Father's blood mine was not spilled?  
My Death heavens' Fatal kindness did prevent;  
Reserving me for greater punishment.  Prex. 
What, can it be a punishment to rest  
In the Protection of a Prexaspes' Breast?  
It cannot be, Mandana. Come, I see  
You've learned the Female slights of Modesty.  [Advances up to her, and proffers to kiss her hand, at which she steps from him. 
What, a retreat?  
As 'tis in Nature's Laws, so 'tis in Love;  
Th' effect's the same if th' Earth or Sun do move.  
And so our Love the same effect procures,  
If your heart move towards mine, or mine towards yours.  
Come then—  [Rudely stepping to her▪ Mand. 
This Language, Sir, I cannot hear▪  
I can my Death, not thy addresses bear.  
To thee Mandana's Breast thus kind can prove,  
To entertain thy Sword, but not thy Love.  
What, art thou slow, and dost thou sluggish stand,  
When beloved Murder does invite thy hand?  Prex. 
Captive, take heed lest you provoke my hate.  
'Tis but ill policy to tempt your Fate.  
You trust my Love, and therefore you presume—  
But, Madam, know your scorn has changed your doom.  
Nought but your Love your ruin shall recall:  
For they who once from my high favour fall,  
Never leave sinking, till they reach their Graves.  Mand. 
Betwixt Love and rage, like meeting Tides, he raves.  [Aside. 
That Death he threatens gladly I'd obey:  
That Life I owe to Amasis, 'd'de pay.  
Yet Amasis—  
Do but this fault (if it be one) forgive,  
If for Osiris I could wish to live.  Enter Cambyses, who meets Prexaspes going off. Camb. 
Prexaspes, is Mandana yet more kind?  Prex. 
I cannot meet her in so good a mind.  Camb. 
Since my late frowns and threatings could not move  
Your Breast, I'll treat you with a milder Love.  [To Mandane Prex. 
She thinks  
I'm some tame Lover of the common sort,  
Whom they use cruelly to make'em sport:  Aside. 
No, she shall find my Love does higher fly:  
I'll either teach her how to Love, or die.  [Exit. Camb. 
I of my frowns a Nobler use should make,  
To awe the trembling World, make Empires quake,  
And check heavens' Thunder. 'Tis not fit my brow,  
the terror of the World, should threaten you.  
No, you shall find Cambyses, for your sake,  
As mild and calm as Loves soft charms can make.  Mand. 
Cambyses, no; rage, and be cruel still:  
Tyrants are only kind, then when they kill.  
My Death's the only kindness you can do:  
My life I hate, since 'tis preserved by you.  Camb. 
Hold: You're ungrateful▪ Though you've 〈◊〉,  
Thus, thus Cambyses will your favour win.  
You shall enjoy Osiris— Do not start:  
'Tis he alone that lodges in your heart.  
To win your favour this brave deed I'll do;  
Be cruel to myself, and kind to you.  
Fame shall no longer to the World impart  
That I want power to win a Lady's heart:  
For since all other means successless prove,  
To gain your kindness I'll resign my Love.  
● to my Rival will with Honour yield;  
As the retreating Parthians win the field.  
Osiris, Madam, is for you decreed,  
He is— I, and the gods have so agreed.  Mand. 
Oh, now I fear—  Camb. 
Now for his Arms prepare▪  
Draw back that Curtain.  The Scene opens, and on a Table appears the Body of Osiris, beheaded; & an Executioner with the supposed head in a vessel of blood. 
Take your Lover— there.  
Since you all lesser offerings despise,  
Take there, take there your Beauty's sacrifice.  Mand. 
Osiris' murdered! And can Heaven be  
An idle gazer on his destiny?  
Gods, can you suffer this; and yet lay claim  
To this low'● World? Or, is your Thunder tame,  
To let the Tyrant live? Are not y' afraid,  
Who here below all Virtue has betrayed,  
When there's none left on Earth he may pursue,  
The next blow he intends will be at you?  
Oh, no, this stroke by your consent was given,  
To rob the World, to add new Stars to Heaven.  [Weeps. 
O Tyrant— Tyrant is a name too good  
For him whose soul's so deeply stained in blood.  
Inhuman Murderer, had you learned the sense  
Of Virtue from Osiris' Innocence;  
Or borrowed so much blushes from his blood,  
You had not robbed the World of all that's good.  
But, Sir, I hope you don't this Virtue want,  [Sinking her voice▪ 
But what you're pleased to promise you will grant.  
You promised that Mandana should this day  
Enjoy Osiris.  Camb. 
— Ay, and so you may.  Mand. 
Tyrant, why then does not Mandana fall,  
To mix her blood with his?  Camb. 
— Madam, you shall.  
Unless you instantly resolve to prove  
More just to the great Persian Monarch's Love.  Maid. 
I Will do more than Love, let but your breath  
Pronounce my Fate, I'll thank you for my death:  
And 'll'le embrace it too as your kind gift,  
And th' only happiness on Earth,— that's left.  [Weeps. 
Come, in my Death let me your favour find—  
What, must Mandana court you to be kind?  [Raising her Voice▪ 
I do conjure you strike, by all your guilt,  
Your cruelties, the blood your Rage has spilled;  
By all that sacred debt of Love I owe  
Osiris, nay, and more, my Hate to you.  
What, are the fury's vanished from your soul?  
What sudden tameness does your arm control?  
Or is your fierceness calmed, your rage subdued,  
Stifled with Murders, and or'e-cloyed with blood?  
My Virtues are not ripe enough t' afford  
A Subject for a bloody Tyrant's Sword.  [Weeps. Camb. 
Since Death would such a signal favour be,  
You shall wait longer for your destiny.  
Monarch's should not their favours rashly place,  
But—  
Consider e'er they pass their Acts of Grace.  
No, you shall live, and live till you have known  
The influence of an angry Monarch's frown.  
Your tears shall otherwise b' employed, to mourn,  
That your Pride durst Cambyses's favour scorn.  [Exit. Mand. 
I dare not look (my soul's so much amazed)  
Where I before for ever could have gazed.  
Oh, that I could but weep away my sight,  
To share with Thee in an eternal Night.  
Or, that I could but melt in tears away;  
That when our rising Sun proclaims the day,  
With Morning dew I by his Rays might be  
Exhaled, and snatched up to his Heaven, and Thee  [Exit. 
Finis Actus Tertii. The Curtain falls▪    

Actus quartus.  

Scena prima.  The Scene drawn, Cambyses is discovered seated in a Chair sleeping: The Scene representing a steep Rock, from the top of which descends a large Cloud, which opening, appear various shapes of Spirits seated in form of a Council, to whom a more glorious Spirit descends half way, seated on a Throne; at which, the former Spirits rise and Dance: In the midst of the Dance arises a Woman with a Dagger in her hand; at which the Scene shuts. In the time of this Representation this Song is sung from within, as Supposed, by Spirits. 
YE subtle Powers that rule below,  
Only where horrour dwells,  
Whose deep dark Cells  
Admit no other light,  
Then that by which you mortal Fates do write,  
Th' events of all your knowledge does foreknow.  
The Prince of Fate's already set,  
That Prince who does in Constellations write  
Those glorious Characters of light,  
The destinies of all that's great.  
Chorus. To council then, to council straight,  
With all your Ministers of State,  
T' attend the high decrees of Fate.  [Cambyses rises from his Chair, as newly waking, and seems disordered. Camb. 
A Fatal Dagger, and a Woman's hand!  Enter to him, Prexaspes. Prex. 
This Night, great Sir, your Presence does demand.  
'Tis now th' appointed hour, your Forces wait  
To gain admission at the Western Gate.—  
Sir, you forget yourself; one moments stay  
Hazards your Crown, and loses you the day.  Camb. 
Tell me no more of hazards, nor of Crowns.—  
Cambyses threatened by a Woman's frowns!  Prex. 
Remember, Sir, your Honour 'tis does call,  
Your Empire's safety, and th' Impostor's fall.  
And now's the time. What, can you tardy be  
To wait on Triumph?  Camb. 
— Let Triumph wait on me.  
I will not go.  Prex. 
— Not go! what powerful cause  
Can force your courage to retreat, or pause!  
Or can you leisure rof debate afford,  
When Conquest, and revenge invites your Sword?  Camb. 
No, I shall meet my Fate; but thanks to Heaven,  
My Friends above have timely notice given.  Prex. 
Ha! meet his Fate! He dreams of Treason too:  
Some superstitious god has told him so.  [aside. 
Can you fear dangers, or can dangers be  
An envious Cloud 'twixt you, and Victory?  
Or is the power of Heaven so dreadful grown,  
That fearing that, you can forget your own?  
No, Sir, you must this glorious deed fulfil:  
Let gods be gods, you are Cambyses still.  
Since you are with Prophetic thoughts possessed:  Seeing Cambyses make no answer, he proceeds. 
What mystic fears have thus disturbed your breast?  Camb. 
My labouring fancy lead me to the brow  
Of a steep Rock, that shaded all below.  
From thence I saw a low-hung Cloud appear,  
Swollen big with mists, and loaded with the Air:  
Which with engendered Tempests seemed to roar;  
Reeled, sunk, and staggered with the weight it bore.  
A numerous issue from its bowels flew;  
Whilst the Cloud broke, and melted to a dew:  
In which the wanton Spirits bathed and played,  
And greedily upon their Mother preyed.  
Then from above—  
I saw the Prince of Fates his Arm display:  
Lightning and Thunder ushered in his way.  
His Sceptre moved, bowed his Imperial head;  
The lower Fates with Reverence obeyed.  
Their Volumes instantly were brought, and He  
Opening the Fatal Legend, pitched on Me.  
Then, in the Council a dispute did grow,  
Whether Cambyses mortal were, or no.  
But they in vain their arguments did bring,  
The Prince of Fates said, No; I was a King.  
Straight in the midst I saw a Woman stand,  
Grasping a bloody Dagger in her hand.  
She by her looks their Sentence did condemn;  
And by her posture threatened Me, and Them.  
Then, as I waked, methought, I saw the dart  
Snatched from her hand, and leveled at my heart.  Prex. 
And can a dream Cambyses's spirits daunt,  
Riddles as dark as are the Nights they haunt?  
Your groundless jealousies unjust appear;  
Thus greatest Valours smallest dangers fear,  
As Lions tremble at a spark of fire;  
Shall it be said, Cambyses did retire,  
Or shrink from that brave cause he should maintain?  
Dreams are but th' unshaped Monsters of the brain.  
And Monsterlike should only be abhorred:  
No more delays, you must employ your Sword.  Camb. 
Urge me no more.  
Should I to Susa go, Fate has designed  
I from a Woman's hand my death should find.  
Are these your stratagems? you had forgot  
To keep your projects close, I'll spoil your plot.  
My Power has o'er their policy this odds;  
I'll stay at home, and disappoint the gods.  
I'll baffle your Divinity. And since  
They have resolved it, I'lemy Stars convince.  
Their borrowed influence common Fates may sway:  
Cambyses has a greater power than they.  
Stars are like Galley-slaves, chained to a sphere,  
And Subject-like only heavens' Vassals are,  
To move by Laws, act what th'higher power decrees:  
I can move where I will, act what I please.  
Cambyses rules Cambyses's destiny:  
Nor am I taught how to obey, or die:  
Prexaspes, see Mandana hither brought:  
I'll by my Love divert this sullen thought.  Prex. 
And must a Dream his Sanctuary be,  
Protected by this Riddling Prophecy?  
No, though his stay has my designs o'erthrown:  
I'll take his Life, though I expose my own.  [Aside.] [Exit. Camb. 
Though they have thus foretold my destiny,  
Perhaps my Stars have dreamt as well as I.  [Prexaspes enters with Mandana, and Exit. 
Mandana, you've my resolution heard;  
The choice is easy, speak, are you prepared  
To be my Mistress, or my Sacrifice?  Mand. 
When 'tis your Royal pleasure, Sir, she dies.  Camb. 
No, no, I will a milder sentence give:  
It is my Royal pleasure you should live;  
And live in my embraces too.  Mand. 
In his—  
In his embrace that murdered Amasis!  
And more, that bloody Tyrant that decreed  
Osiris' cruel Fate; that barbarous deed,  
A deed enough t' infect the breath of Fame:  
At which thy lesser treasons lose their name.  Came. 
And am I dallied with? your doom is sealed:  
cambyses' sentence cannot be repealed,  
Prepare to Love or die; choose, and be free,  
My speedy kindness, or my cruelty.  Mand. 
Your cruelty my courage cannot bear,  
Mandana then will in your kindness share.  
I blush to say I offer up my heart;  
But yet obedience is a Captives part.  [Passionately▪ Camb. 
Welcome kind Princess: All the powers above  
Shall envy at your kindness, and my Love.  
If there by any powers above my own,  
For they that call 'emselves the gods, have none.  
For if they had—  
They had not to mankind this favour given,  
T'enjoy a blessing greater than their Heaven.  
We Princes to ourselves our greatness owe;  
They are but Kings above, we gods below.  
Now you are kind.  Mand. 
And why are not you so?  Camb. 
Can you my kindness doubt? no, you shall find  
'Tis you alone have taught me to be kind.  
With the next Sun you shall your Reign begin;  
To morrow you shall be proclaimed my Queen.  Mand. 
No, Sir, that is not all—  Camb. 
— Oh, 'tis not all.  
Our Love does for a stricter kindness call.  
The night, the night, Love's chief Triumphant hour,  
When blushes o'er our pleasures have no power:  
When Lovers Revel in each others arms,  
Confining to one Circle all their charms;  
To an embrace. This to your Beauty's due,  
First, I will crown our Loves, and then crown you.  Mand. 
Oh, no, Sir, this is but a barren grant:  
I still the crowning of my wishes want.  
The favour I would have, is this— to die.  Raising her voice at the two last words. 
Tyrant, your Love's the greatest Cruelty.  
Cambyses, no, you do mistake my part;  
'Tis thus alone I'll offer up my heart;  
Not to your lust, but Fury's Sacrifice.  
Command my Death: then though your Sword denies,  
On Earth, that Empire which my birth had given;  
Mandana will commence her Reign in Heaven,  
With my Osiris, in that glorious seat  
Where Cruelty, and Tyrants never meet.  Camb. 
How, Captive, am I scorned, and scorned by you?  
To show what injured Majesty can do,  
Your death to this dispute an end shall bring,  
I'll act no more your Lover, but your King.  
Your Beauty shall no more my Arm control,  
I'll find a nobler passage to your soul.  [Proffers to draw his Sword to kill her. Mand. 
Cambyses, hold! come, I will milder be;  
My kindness shall prevent your Cruelty.  [Kindly. Camb. 
Then use me thus no more, and you shall know  
What Heaven and Monarchs when they're pleased can do.  Mand. 
Your Sword for nobler Actions is designed:  
To you then, and myself I'll now be kind.  
I'll rob you of my Death  [Draws her Dagger. 
— Camybses, no,  [Raises her voice. 
Your Sword, Sir, shall not condescend so low,  
To be a Woman's Executioner,  
My hand alone that guilty stain shall bear.  
Rather than let a King that guilt contract,  
Mandana her own murderers part will Act.  
In dying thus her kindness will be shown,  
She'll save your honour, and defend her own.  
Now Tyrant, dare to violate her fame,  
To stain her Virtue, or to force her shame;  
This, this, shall guard her from your injuries,  Pointing the Dagger to her own Breast. 
For when her Honour you attempt, she dies.  Enter Prexaspes. Prex. 
Welcome this happy opportunity,  [Aside, 
Mandana, hold, you rob the World, and Me.  Runs to her, and snatches the Dagger from her hand. 
And to my Gracious Sovereign I bring  
This Present as a Subject's offering—  [Advancing to Cambyses, as if he designed to present him the dagger. 
Your Death, proud Tyrant— die, Cambyses, Dye,  [Stabs him. Camb. 
And by Prexaspes' hand!  [Proffering to resist, but sinks into his chair. Prex. 
— Yes, Sir, 'tis I.  Mand. 
Oh, Murderer! Help! Guards.  Prex. 
— That will not do:  
Madam, the Guards are safe, and so are you.  Camb. 
Ungrateful Traitor, must my glory be  
Unravelled by so base a Slave as thee?  
Did I for this my favours thus dispense,  
And give thee being by my influence?  Prex. 
Ay, Sir, and 'twas from you I understood  
This dextrous way of letting Monarch's Blood.  Camb. 
Oh, that I could but so much power recall,  
As but to rise, and crush thee in my fall.  [Proffering to rise, but cannot. 
Or borrow so much kindness from my blood,  
To swell so high to drown thee in a flood;  
Oh, lad I so much poison in my breath,  
At once both to pronounce, and give thee death.  
I would revenge my wrongs— but 'tis too late:  
And Heaven itself is a Confederate.  
I do forget 'twas by your wills decreed,  
I by that Dagger, and that hand should bleed.  
But since, ye gods, ye did my Fate proclaim,  
And ravished from me both my Life, and Fame,  
To let me tamely fall; may you pursue  
That just revenge which is to murder due.  
But if you fail to right my wrongs, and me,  
May you want Temples, Altars, Flames, and be  
From Homage and from Sacrifice debarred,  
And, that which makes you gods, be never feared—  
My passion with my blood now milder flows:  
Your dying Prince for your last pardon sues:  [To Mandane sinking his voice. 
Now all your scorn and Cruelty must cease,  
Death, that disarms my Love, concludes its peace.  [He dies. Mand. 
His unjust Fate has o'er my wrongs prevailed;  
Farewell, dead Prince, death has thy pardon sealed:  
Though thou wert wicked, yet thou wert a King.  
But, Traitor, whence did thy black fury spring:  [To P●ex. 
Who in your Prince's blood your hands imbrue?  Prex. 
Madam, His Death must copied be by you.  
Now is the time, proud Girl, in which I'll prove,  
The just Revenger of my injured Love.  [Holding the Dagger towards her breast▪ 
Since you a greater Tyrant are than He,  
'Tis just that you should share his destiny.  Enter Otanes, Darius, and Artaban. Otan. 
'Tis some strange cause our King thus long has stayed.  Prex. 
Returned so suddenly! ha! I'm betrayed.  
Yet my Revenge I'll end.—  [Goes stab Mandana. Dar. 
— Prexaspes, hold  [Stays him. 
What unshaped fury makes your Arm thus bold?  Prex. 
The King, the King—  Dar. Otan. and Artab. 
Speak, what?  Prex. 
— There murdered lies:  
Oh, Fatal blow both to our hearts, and his.  [Weeps. Dar. and Otan. 
Cambyses Murdered!  Prex. 
— Oh, inhuman deed,  
For which all Persia, with our King, does bleed!  [Weeps▪ 
See here the Fatal Dagger, and see there  
Mandana's hand, Cambyses's Murderer.  [Weeps again▪ 
Oh, horror! Envious Heaven!  Dar. 
— Mandana's hand,  
In our great Monarch's bloody Murder stained!  Mand. 
Perfidious Liar, must my innocence  
Be thus abused, and made thy Crime's defence?  
Ye gods!  Prex. 
What does she mean!  
The dismal horror of a deed so soul,  
Has raised so black a Cloud over her soul;  
That she forgets the Royal blood she spilt,  
Stifled and stupefied with her own guilt.  
What fury made you this black deed pursue,  [To Mandana▪ 
'Gainst him that had no fault,— but Loving you?  
How could your hand—  [Weeps▪ Maid. 
How can your impudence  
Accuse Mandana of your own offence?  
Did not thy hand, thy hand, proud Traitor, give  
That wound he from no other could receive?  
None but thy hand that cursed deed durst do,  
To shake all Persia at one Fatal blow.  Otan. 
Ha! this strange parley, and dispute does breed  
More wonder than the strangeness of the deed.  
Prexaspes, let the story then be told,  
That may this cruel Mystery unfold.  Prex. 
Know then, my Lords, entering this fatal place,  
I saw distraction painted in a Face  
'Twixt guilt and horror; as I nearer drew,  
By this faint light I straight Mandana knew.  
I saw her in a trembling posture stand,  
Grasping this bloody Dagger in her hand.  
'Twas then, 'twas then my eyes the Night abhor'd,  
The Night which did her guilty shades afford,  
To that black deed, at which our rising Sun  
Must blush to see what her bold hand has done.  [Weeps 
Then from her hand I straight the Dagger snatched,  
And soon a speedy Justice had dispatched;  
But that your entrance did my Arm restrain;  
And stay my zeal to my dead Sovereign.  [〈◊〉 
Else I'd performed the second Tragic part,  
Righting his wrongs upon his Murderers' heart.  Mand. 
Oh, perjured Slave! dare you tempt Heaven, and know  
The gods and Justice have ● Power below?  
Thus to outface their vengeance?—  Prex. 
Ha! Was this murder then a bastard guilt,  
To Father thus on me that blood she spilled?  
But I forget, they who dare kill their King,  
Want not the Face to dare say any thing.  
Well, since I must my Loyalty dispute,  
Let this, my Lords, all jealousies confute:  [Shows them the Dagger. Dar. 
Mandana's Dagger! Oh, prodigious Fate!  Otan. 
The sacred Relic of th' Egyptian State,  
Worn by Succession from their Kings of old:  
Of which their Priests a wondrous rise have told;  
Which their Religious Legends do pretend  
God Ammon did to their first Monarch send;  
Which since has by his Heirs been kept, to be  
A Badge of the Egyptian Majesty.  Prex. 
What caused her rage is plainly understood;  
The deep resentments of her Father's blood,  
Her Slavery, and her lost Crown, and more,  
The hate she to Cambyses's Passion bore.  Dar. 
Mandana—  
Oh, ye gods, that men should be  
So much mistaken in Divinity.  
Who could have thought, that she who is adorned  
With Divine Beauty, has a soul deformed?  Otan. 
Guards, there within.  
Oh, Madam, have you so ill understood  
The ties of Majesty, and your high blood?  
To shed his blood, and thus profane your own;  
Remembering you were born unto a Throne.  Enter Guards. 
But now forgive me, Madam, that I must  
To our dead King, and to our Laws be just.  
Impute my Rigour to my Loyalty,  
That forces me to tell you, you must die.  Mand. 
To show how gladly I accept that breath,  
I'll rob you of the Sentence of my Death.  
Guards, I'm your Prisoner. Conduct me straight.  
There where Mandana may embrace her Fate:  
Death is the only happiness I court.  Prex. 
The plot was well then, since she likes the sport.  [Aside▪ Mand. 
Osiris, now Fate has this favour given,  
To let me die, to visit thee, and Heaven.  
Yet though the name of Death has made me proud,  
When I am dead may Heaven remove the Cloud:  
And may my better Stars restore my Fame  
To its first whiteness, that my injured Name  
May grow unsullied, as my Innocence.  Dar. 
And may kind Heaven forgive you your offence.  
The mildness, Madam, of your Death shall show  
What pity we to such perfections owe.  
Conduct her safely there where she may be  [To the Guards. 
Debarred from nothing else but Liberty;  
Until her Death your Office shall discharge.  Mand. 
Until her Death shall her freed soul enlarge,  
I come, Osiris, and may some kind Star,  
That smiles on Lovers, guide me to they sphere.  
There our divided souls shall meet, and be  
A part of the Celestial Harmony.  [Exit, lead out by Guards. Dar. 
The Fares are still malignant to the great:  
They rise in glory, but in blood they set.  Exeunt Artaban and Guards, bearing out Cambyses. Otan. 
The ashes of a King's no common dust:  
Nor is it fit their memories should rust.  
It is not just Cambyses's wrongs should be  
Idly recorded to Posterity.  
Since the World needs his injuries must hear,  
They shall be uttered in the voice of War.  
His Empire's freedom, and th' Impostor's fall,  
Summons our courage, and to Arms does call.  
But since his Brother by your hand did bleed;  [To Prex. 
Before we further in this cause proceed,  
'Tis just we first from you more fully know  
When 'twas, and where you gave that Fatal blow.  
Surprised!  [Prexaspes starts. Prex. 
It needs my wonder must create,  
Never to know, and yet to Act his Fate.  Otan. 
Did you not hear it from our Kings own breath,  
And yet are ignorant of Smerdis' death?  Prex. 
By all that's true, no more to me is known,  
Then that he lives, and wears the Persian Crown.  Dar. 
Can we believe Cambyses would disclaim  
His only Heir, that should preserve his Name?  
Besides, it against Nature's Laws would be  
T'accuse himself of a false Cruelty.  Prex. 
The Laws of Nature, and the ●yes of blood,  
Are things Cambyses never understood.  
No, 'twas his Brother that he would destroy;  
He envied him that Crown he did enjoy.  
He then would have you that revenge pursue,  
Which now Death will not give him leave to do.  
Smerdis still lives— but you a War must bring,  
And out of Loyalty depose your King.  
Take heed—  Otan. 
We know too well, Cambyses's breast  
Was swayed by passion, and false Interest.  
But could he before you and us declare,  
You were his Brother Smerdis' Murderer?  
If it were false, he could not but suspect,  
To clear yourself, you would his guilt detect.  Prex. 
Then, to convince you, I with shame confess  
My Loyalty was great, and Virtue less.  
To quench his thirst I blood too oft have spilled,  
The Confident and Actor of his guilt.  
And he might think who blood for him had shed,  
Would not refuse, barely to say, I did.  
Thus he t' assure you of his Brother's death,  
Took this advantage to confirm your faith.  
He knew—  
Rather than any stain his fame should touch,  
I would say any thing, who had done so much.  Otan. 
We are convinced—  Dar. 
Long may thy Brother live, and live to be  
Heir to thy Conquests, but not Cruelty.  Prex. 
Prexaspos, well, by Treasons thou didst grow,  
They made thee great, and shall preserve thee so.  [Aside.] [Exeunt.  

Scena Secunda. Scene, the Palace.  Enter Smerdis, and Patasithes▪ Smerd. 
Cambyses dead!  
The heavens' themselves two Suns at once can't bear:  
Not Earth below, two Monarchs in one Sphar,  
Persia's too narrow both for him and me,  
His glory's shrunk, to give mine Liberty.  Pat. 
No doubt, 'tis to Prexaspes that you owe  
Your Empire's safety in this happy blow.  Smerd. 
To him the deed, but to myself the cause:  
State-interest binds stronger than State-laws.  
With such high proffers I've obliged his trust,  
As can do more than make a Statesman just.  
You know I've promised him the Median Crown:  
I give him Honours to secure my own.  
We Monarchs to ourselves our Fortunes owe:  
Our Agents Act but what we bribe 'em to.  
Poor Mortals thus may the God's honour raise,  
By building Temples to exalt their praise.  
But 'tis the gods themselves that do afford  
Those Mortals breath, by which they are adored.  Enter to them, Prexaspes. 
My best of Friends.  [Embraces Prex. Prex. 
— Next to Cambyses. He  
Leaves you his Empire for a Legacy.  
Knowing how weighty Crowns and Sceptres are,  
I've been so kind to ease him of that care.  
But, Sir, he did before his death convince  
His Nobles, that you were not the true Prince.  
But by such Art I did their Storm assuage,  
That for the present I have calmed their Rage.  
And in your cause such Arguments did bring,  
That they believe you Brother to our King.  
But, Sir, you know that statesmen's jealousy  
Does only sleep, then when it seems to die.  
At each distaste, and every small mistake,  
Their Jealousy when 'tis disturbed, will wake;  
And than their fury will break forth to deeds:  
You are not safe then whilst they wear their Heads.  Smerd. 
'Tis not consistent with my Empire's good,  
To stain my name with the chief Persian blood.  Pat. 
He by mild deeds must represent the King,  
S●btl● as Serpents, but without their sting.  Smerd. 
That Act would seem too cruel; the same Arts  
That won 'em, must preserve my Subjects hearts.  Prex. 
To save your Honour then that deed I'll do.  Smerd. 
Name it, my safety shall depend on you.  Prex. 
Theramnes' late concealment gives you just  
Suspicion of his Loyalty, and trust.  
If then your pleasure would confer that grace,  
To constitute me Gen'ral in his place;  
I will invite 'em to my Tent; and they  
For th' entertainment all their Heads shall pay.  
Then to suppress all future Mutinies  
That may from this Tyrannic Act arise,  
Their Deaths I'll publish, and the cause proclaim,  
Forging such heinous Treasons in their Name,  
Persia shall do not less than think it just;  
And to my Justice, as their Guardian, trust.  Smerd. 
But grant the Persians should not think it so;  
But th' Act condemn.  Prex. 
— Do you condemn it too.  
And if your Subjects murmur, or Rebel,  
'Cause by my hand the Persian Princes fell;  
Then instantly, to satisfy their rage,  
And show you did not in my guilt engage,  
Degrade me from my Office, and inflict  
All punishments that may seem just and strict.  
And I'll submit to th' Sentence, thus you'll seem  
As far from the consent, as from the Crime.  Smerd. 
Well, your Commission shall be forthwith signed,  
My Army's conduct to your charge resigned.  Prex. 
May Heaven success to Persia's Crown afford  
Whilst you the Sceptre bear—  Smerd. 
— And you the Sword.  [Exeunt.  

Scena tertia. Scene changes to the Garden.  Enter Phedina, and Orinda. Phed. 
Sister, you now can by Experience prove  
What lately you defied, the Power of Love.  
'Tis strange the dead Theramnes should obtain  
That Conquest, whom alive you did disdain.  
What rash Infection does your soul invade,  
That you, who scorned him living, court his shade!  
A Love like yours was never heard before:  
T' embrace his Memory, and Name adore.  Orind. 
Sister, since I have all assaults withstood,  
He by no common force my heart subdued.  
Such glorious pains my Captive soul endures:  
My Love's beyond such abject thoughts as yours.  
Your humble passions court each fond desire,  
And your Breasts tamely of themselves take fire.  
You make your hearts too mean a Sacrifice,  
Taking infection from your Lover's eyes.  
He did more Nobly to my heart aspire:  
He gave me fuel ere he gave me fire.  
His Wounds, his Death, his Glory, and his Fame,  
They moved my pity, and that raised my Flame.  
Nay, of his Love he Nobler proofs has given:  
When his late wounds had made him ripe for Heaven,  
His dying breath, before his soul retired,  
Bequeathed his Love to me, and then expired.  
His dying breath his passion did proclaim:  
Thus, Phoenixlike, expiring in a Flame.  
Then 'tis but just that I should faithful be,  
Thus to preserve so brave a Legacy.  Phed. 
But your affection is from hopes debarred:  
When you can Love, and not expect reward.  
Love's kindnesses are lent, not given; for when  
There is no hopes to be repaid again,  
It should expire. Dead Lovers bankrupt prove,  
Death does exempt 'em from all debts of Love.  Orind. 
No, Love is seated in their souls, and they  
With them their passions to the Skies convey.  
For when kind Heaven does entertain their souls,  
And to the sacred list of Stars enrowls,  
In Heaven they pay those debts on Earth they owe:  
They shine and smile on us that stay below.  
They still their Loves and favours do dispense,  
Acting their kindness in their Influence.  
And when in Heaven we both together meet;  
There we out ties for ever shall unite.  
No objects then my passion remove,  
Till it grows up to an Immortal Love.  Phed. 
Sister, till now I thought there could not be  
A Love like mine, but you outrival me.—  
But stay, my Father's here; let us retire,  
And there hear out that passion I admire.  [Exeunt.  

Scena quarta. Scene continueth:  Enter Otanes, Darius, and Artaban, Attended. Otan. 
'Tis strange! our entrance to the King denied!  Dar. 
Now my Prophetic fears our doubts decide!  
He durst not give us entrance, since he knows  
He to his being unseen his safety owes.  Otan. 
Then must we to his power obedience yield,  
As men to unknown gods do Temples build?  
Let dull and credulous ignorance advance  
Faith and Religion, not Allegiance.  
Must we be only governed by a Name?  Enter to them, Prexaspes with Guards, the Guards stand off at a distance, unseen by Otanes and Darius. Prex. 
Prexaspes must Prexaspes' Crimes proclaim.  
And now, my Lords, I do confess my guilt,  
The blood of Smerdis by my hand was spilled.  
And 'tis th' Impostor that Usurps the Throne:  Otan. 
And dare Prexaspes his bold Treasons own?  Prex. 
Yes, Sir, he dares; and thank Heaven too, that thus  
Has by my Treasons made me glorious.  
Though my late fear did make my duty fail,  
And from your knowledge Smerdis' Death conceal:  
Now I'm above the fear of punishment:  
I dare my guilt confess, and crimes repent.  
Smerdis by me was murdered.  Dar. 
— And by you  
Smerdis th' Impostor is protected too.  Prex. 
My Lord, he is: and I so high am grown,  
To be advanced and raised next to his Throne.  
View here what large extent my power affords:  [Shows his Commission. 
Their Arms are mine, and all the Persian Swords.  
Be not surprised at this, I ne'er before  Points to his Guards, at which the Lords start. 
Till now, my Lords, the Sword of Justice bore.  
Thus I proclaim that Justice I design,  
'Tis your command shall rule their Swords, and mine.  Otan. 
Your generous proffer does surprise us more,  
Than the strange news of your large power before.  Prex. 
But you shall wonder more at what I'll do,  
When I am lead by Loyalty, and you.  Dar. 
But by what Arts have you th' Impostor won?  Prex. 
By the same Arts I'll pluck him from his Throne.  
Since my guilt 〈◊〉 from Smerdis' blood arise,  
I'll make his Rival's blood his Sacrifice.  
The Noblest Valour from Allegiance springs:  
Who was the fall, will be the rise of Kings.  Otan. 
Justice and Glory in this Act will join:  
And as your Seconds in this brave design,  
Our Lives and Fortunes shall assistant be,  
To th' height of Courage, and of Loyalty.  Dar. 
In order that we may this deed fulfil,  
We first will execute th' Impostor's Will,  
Cambyses's solemn Exequys: whilst all  
Our Army waits upon his Funeral;  
And all the Persian Subjects wandering eyes  
Are idly fixed on our Solemnities;  
Then to the height we our design will bring;  
Proclaiming you the Persian Heir, and King;  [To Otan. 
And Smerdis the Usurper; then surprise  
The Royal Palace, the Impostor seize;  
The City Gates, the Tower, the Forts secure:  
All that may strengthen or enlarge our power.  
And in one moment all their Force suppress  
That shall oppose our glory, and success:  
And by this brave design we in one day  
Shall Conquer, and redeem all Persia.  Dar. 
'Tis bravely spoken, now you're worthy grown,  
To be proclaimed Protector of a Crown.  Prex. 
But one thing, Sirs, must not escape your ears:  
You are the only men that Smerdis fears.  
But I, to carry on our just design,  
And that we might without suspicion join,  
Assured him that your Faiths I did convince,  
That you believed him the true Persian Prince;  
I told him you were Loyal, and you would  
In his defence venture your States, and blood.  
Pretending then 'twill with his glory stand,  
T'unite both Armies under one command;  
It is his pleasure that you should resign  
Both your Commissions, and subscribe to mine.  Otan. 
Still we expected this; 'tis his pretence  
To force us to a blind obedience.  Prex. 
I therefore in compliance think it fit  
You to the Tyrant's pleasure should submit,  
Lest he suspect your Loyalty, and mine:  
And by that means we frustrate our design.  
Nor that I'd have you think that 'tis my aim  
To rob your glories to enlarge my fame.  
No, all that I aspire to, is, to be  
The Author of an Empire's Liberty.  Otan. 
We yield, and hope, resigning our command  
We do but place it in a Nobler hand.  [Both give him their Commissions. Prex. 
And with your Arms I will your Trophies raise:  
The Conquest shall be mine, the Triumph yours.  
As men build Temples not for their own praise,  
But dedicate them to some higher powers.  Dar. 
Go instantly to our chief Officers,  [To his own Train. 
Tell them that 'tis the Persian King's design,  
Consulting both his interest and theirs,  
Both Armies should under one conduct join.  
And bid them, in our Prince's name, and ours,  
Proclaim Prexaspes General of our powers.  Exeunt all the Trains of Otanes and Darius. Prex. 
Now to assure you that this high command.  
Is not placed idly in Prexaspes' hand,  
I'll give you this first trial of my power.  
Guards, seize those Traitors—  [Guards seize Otanes, Darius, and Artaban, 
— 'Tis your Fatal hour;  
Your Stars will have it so.  Otan. Dar. and Artab. 
Hold your rude hands.  [To the Guards. Prex. 
You do forget resigning your Commands;  
You must obey.  Dar. 
Inhuman Treachery!  Otan. 
False Traitor to the Persian blood, and me.  
All. Unhand us, Villains.  Prex. 
— Sirs, it is too late:  
You have no time to dally with your Fate.  
Your Heads must off, and I must see it done;  
My Lords, you all shall set before our Sun.  
On my command let your obedience wait:  [To the Guards. 
Conduct them to th' appointed Scene of Fate.  
I'll add this honour to your destiny,  [To them▪ 
Prexaspes will in Person see you die.  Otan. 
Are we your pastime?  Dar. 
Bold Traitor, how can you so savage be,  
To Act, and then to smile at Cruelty?  Prex. 
No more, be serious, I've no time for sport:  
Consider that your dates of Life are short.  Otan. 
Perfidious Murderer, and may just Heaven—  Prex. 
Be gone, perform that charge which I have given.  [Exeunt Otanes, Darius, and Artaban, forced out by the Guards. 
Since both Commissions now are in my hand,  
And I do all the Persian Arms command;  
Those Swords which are committed to my trust,  
Prexaspes will take care they shall not rust.  [Exit. 
Finis Actus quarti.    

Actus quintus.  

Scena prima.  The Scene drawn, Otanes, Darius, and Artaban appear bound and Chained in a dark Prison. Otan. 
Prexaspes! Oh, tame easy Faiths, that we  
Could trust that savage Scythian's Loyalty;  
A Monster worse than afric ever bred:  
Whose Breast, like Deserts, is inhabited  
By nought but Poisons.  Dar. 
Your mistake does seem  
Rather a gallant Virtue, than a Crime.  
For in great Minds this generous instinct Rules:  
They by their own Copy all others souls;  
Acting like those diseases, where the eye  
In its own colours does all objects die.  Enter Prexaspes. Prex. 
My Lords, the King is gracious, and hath sent  
To try how you can brook Imprisonment.  Otan. 
Imprisonment we think our greatest bliss:  
There we can see neither thy Crimes, nor His.  Prex. 
Am I by those that wear my Chains contemned?  
I thank ye, Sirs, ye have yourselves condemned.  
Guards, there within.  Dar. 
— Yes, Traitor, thou shalt see  
That we despise our Deaths as much as thee.  Enter Guards, and Executioner. Otan. 
Must we not know the cause for which we fall?  Prex. 
The cause! ha ha— Yes, Sir, you shall.  
It is Prexaspes' pleasure you should die.  Dar. 
Is this the Justice of your Cruelty?  Prex. 
Justice! Justice is but the breath of power▪  
When every rising King, and Conqueror  
Does make that Justice, which his Power makes Laws:  
My Power proclaims the Justice of my Cause.  
And in your deaths my pleasure I fulfil;  
'Tis just you die— to satisfy my will.  Otan. 
Is then your thirst of blood the only cause?  Prex. 
These idle interruptions make a pause  
Onley to give you breath: for die you must:  
And it is just you die— because 'tis just.  Artab. 
And is this all?  Prex. 
— I can some reasonsshow.  
You're Traitors to your King and Country too.  
You, Sir, have twice attempted to set fire  
On Susa. You, Darius, did conspire  
To seize the Palace and the Treasury.  
You, Otanes, have sworn Confed'racy  
With Persia's Enemy the Scythian King.  
All these, and other Treasons I could bring—  
But you shall die; then to the World they all  
Shall published be to justify your fall.  Otan. 
Blasphemous Liar!  Artab. 
Is not our Murders which you have decreed  
Sufficient, but our honours too must bleed?  Prex. 
Your Lives and Honours must no longer shine:  
But be extinguished to make way for mine.  
Smerdis must be deposed by me alone,  
And then Prexaspes steps into his Throne.  
That my ambition may arrive to this,  
First, I'll take off your Heads: then strike at His.  Otan. 
Though Smerdis be he whom I most do hate;  
Could I but beg one days reprieve of Fate,  
I'd be the first should thy designs betray.  Prex. 
Ay, Sir, so in the other World you may.  
These will be pretty stories for the dead:  
And for that end you first shall lose your Head.  
Strike him.  [The Executioner bows down his Scymitar in sign of denial. 
What, disobeyed? Or is it blood you fear?  [To the Executioner. 
Since my design wants an Interpreter,  
And your tame soul can't construe my intent,  
Slave, thou shalt die, to try th' experiment.  
To you, my Lords, this Honour I'll afford,  
To fall by me, and this Almighty Sword.  [Draws his Scymitar. 
Stand fair▪— Stay, one thing I forgot; I'm told  
You leagues of Friendship with Theramnes hold.  [Darius hearing Theramnes' Name, ●ight. 
A sigh I know to such a Friend is due:  
But be not troubled, he shall follow you.  
Friends must not part. I'd thought t' have had him here,  
And for your sakes and mine, I wish he were,  
That he might see this Arm.  Advances to strike off Otanes' head, at which the Executioner undisguises himself, and appears to be Theramnes; at which the Guards seize Prexaspes, & disarm him, and unbind Otanes, Darius, and Artaban, and restore their Swords, and bind Prexaspes. Ther. 
Thou hast thy wish.  
He sees that Arm, and so shalt thou feel his.  Prex. 
Traitors, unhand me; slaves, what, do you know  
Who'tis you should obey?  Ther. 
— Yes, Sir, they do.  
And so shall you know too.  
Your Guards are mine,  
And your life, Traitor.  Prex. 
Curse on your design.  
And cursed be all the Stars that ruled this day;  
That could, or durst Prexaspes' life betray.  
Am I at once of all my hopes deprived?  Ther. 
Your greatness grew too fast to be long-lived.  Dar. 
Theamnes living! and preserved to be  
The Author of our Lives and Liberty!  
What sudden change does all my thoughts surprise?  
Or dare I trust the witness of my eyes?  
How stiff I am, and undisposed to move,  
These pleasant charms unwilling to disprove.  
Like him who Heaven in a soft dream enjoys:  
To stir and wake his Paradise destroys.  Otan. 
As Shipwrecked men who on some shore are cast,  
Look back upon the dangers they have passed.  
Their horror so much of the wrack retains,  
The scarcely know their safety, nor the means.  
This miracle of Honour done by you,  
Kind Sir, obliges, and confounds us too.  
The explication we from you must know.  Ther. 
To Love and Friendship you your safeties owe.  
Theramnes could not see him fall— nor I  [Points to Darius. 
Could live to see Orinda's Father die.  
Hearing that you in Prison were detained,  
By my Usurper, by Prexaspes' Hand:  
His black intentions rou●'d my soul, alarmed  
My sleeping spirits, and my courage armed.  
I was resolved in spite of Fortune's hate,  
Either to follow, or prevent your Fate.  
But being from all other means debarred,  
My only means was left to win the Guard.  
Which their old General with ease did sway:  
They had not quite forgot whom to obey.  
'Twas by their help I am so happy grown,  
To save your Lives, on which depends my own.  Dar. 
The greatest wrack my wondering soul endures,  
Is how you have preserved your Life, not ours.  Ther. 
Know then, when you did of my Life despair,  
And left me to brave Megabyses' care;  
That famed Physician, whose great skill can prop  
men's sinking Frames, and Humane ruins stop;  
His Art the power of Destiny controls,  
Gives Laws to Nature, and Reprieves to souls.  
When he had by his subtle knowledge found,  
My parting Life still struggled in my wound:  
Then what strange skill, what unknown Arts he used,  
What powerful balms he to my wounds infused;  
(Great Miracles are still great Mysteries)  
That were too hard to tell; let it suffice,  
He forced my flying soul to a retreat:  
And reinforced my senses in their seat.  
But then hearing your dangers, I prevailed,  
T'have my death published, and my Cure concealed.  
Till in your Service I a proof could give,  
I had done something to deserve to live.  Dar. 
You do too much my burdened soul o'recharge,  
For to bear this I must my soul enlarge.  
My joys are but too weighty for my heart.  Artab. 
To make'em lighter let us bear a part.  Dar. 
No, Sir, this is so great a happiness,  
Dividing of it cannot make it less.  
Brave Friend.  [Embraces Theramnes. Otan. 
But now I have a cause affords  
A Nobler Subject for all Loyal Swords.  Ther. 
Name it; for what cannot Theramnes do,  
When he's employed for Loyalty, and You?  Otan. 
'Tis, the deposing Smerdis.  Ther. 
— How, betray  
Him who the Sceptre, and my Sword does sway!  Otan. 
What, an Impostor?  Ther. 
— Hold, this must not be,  
Can you forget what's due to Majesty.  
Were't not from you— Do not abuse your Friend:  
He is my King, and him I must defend.  Dar. 
He whom you serve that borrowed Title wears,  
Shame to a Throne and to the Name he bears.  
Alas, that Traitor the true Smerdis slew.  [Points to Prex. Prex. 
Ay, and intended the same Fate for you.  Ther. 
And, what is an Impostor then maintained  
To wear a Crown, and by my guilty hand?  
A base low Traitor too: and could my Sword  
A Sanctuary to his Crimes afford?  
But, Sir, can you forgive me this offence?  Otan. 
Your Sword can your Sword's errors recompense.  Ther. 
Once more the Executioner's my part:  
My Sword shall now do Justice on his heart.  
To right my wrongs I in your cause will join.  Otan. 
We cannot fail in such a brave design.  Dar. 
But for this Action we must be prepared  
To strike like Thunder, ere the blow be heard.  Otan. 
But e'er I go, I must his sentence give:  
Traitor, thy punishment shall be to live.  [To Prex. 
Thou in this Prison, and these Chains shalt lie;  
I love you not so well, to let you die.  [Exeunt all but Prexaspes. Prex. 
Curses pursue Theramnes. All is gone.  
I'm fallen into a Prison from a Throne.  
And, what's the worst of miseries, I still  
Keep the desire, though not the power to kill.  
I should not wish my ruin to recall,  
Had I but sunk an Empire in my fall:  
And made all Persia in my ruin share:  
That when Posterity my deeds should hear,  
It should such horror from my name contract,  
Trembling to hear what I made sport to Act.  
But now must calmly die. Had I but first  
Like Earthquakes through the trembling World dispersed,  
Shook Nature's frames, and all Mankind o'erthrown,  
I then could die— not to survive alone.  
But now must tamely perish.— Well, I see  
The gods themselves act by State-policy.  
They therefore spitefully my Fate decreed:  
'Cause if my rising glories did proceed,  
They knew my power to that vast height would sway,  
Prexaspes would have grown more feared, than they.  [The Scene shuts upon him.  

Scena Secunda. Scene, the Palace.  Enter Smerdis, leading Phedima. Smerd. 
My Faith's confounded by my happiness:  
'Tis the height makes the object seem the less.  
Have you this blessing really designed?—  
Not, Madam, that I doubt you can be kind:  
But he—  
Whose happy doom an Oracle has given,  
May doubt th' intent, though not the power of Heaven.  Phed. 
You urge too much what I've too plain expressed:  
And force my blushes to make out the rest.  Smerd. 
Pardon my doubt. 'Twas my excess of joy  
That did my sense of happiness destroy.  
This day, fair Excellence, prepare to be  
Possessor made, both of my Throne, and Me.  
All glories do to Love inferior prove;  
As glory waits on Crowns, so Crowns on Love.  [Proffers to lead her out. Phed. 
But, Sir, to Heaven I solemnly have vowed,  
That till the gods have their consents allowed,  
I ne'er would yield my Love. Whom they design,  
Must take his Title from their Voice, not mine.  
Permit me then to execute my Vow,  
First, pay my debts to Heaven, and then to You.  Smerd. 
To the Temple than we instantly will haste,  
And there I'll hear my happy sentence passed.  
To their consents I will the gods conjure;  
What common charms can't do, yours will procure.  
And Heaven that does all lesser Victims prize,  
Can't but accept a Lover's Sacrifice.  [Exeunt▪ Scena Ultima. The Scene opened, appears a Temple of the Sun, uncovered according to the Ancient Custom, with an Altar in the middle, bearing two large burning Tapers; and on each side a Priest standing. Enter to them, Smerdis, leading Phedima. 1. Priest. 
Hail, King of Kings, third of that Royal Name,  
Heir to great Cyrus' Empire, and his Fame.  2. Priest. 
Hail, Mighty Monarch, whose high Race begun  
From the World's Conqueror, and our god the Sun.  Smerd. 
Summon your godheads. I demand from Heaven,  
In one Petition more than e'er was given.  
I ask not Crowns, those I esteem less dear:  
Crowns I can give,— for I bestow one here.  [Bowing to Phedima. 1. Priest. 
Sir, since your greatness, and her Beauty is  
So near allied to their Divinities,  
You by such ties do the gods Friendship bind,  
Heaven were unnatural, were it unkind.  Smerd. 
I than would know whether the gods approve  
That I should be made happy in that Love  
Which they themselves inspired. If by their Voice  
They will consent to this our Royal Choice;  
I'll store their Altars, and I'll make'em shine  
With the most glorious of all flames,— but mine.  
All this, and greater things than this I'll do,  
With such Magnificence, that Heaven shall know  
Who 'tis it has obliged.  1. Priest. 
The Powers of Heaven  
Need not these bribes: Their favour's freely given.  
Do but with patience, Mighty Sir, attend,  
Until our Rites, and Powerful Charms we end;  
And you shall know, how kind their pleasures are,  
When you, great King, are their Petitioner.  
You subtle Spirits that do fly  
Around the Regions of the Sky;  
And as a spy, or as a Guest,  
Can pierce into the closest breast,  
And make discoveries of all  
Events that in your Circuits fall;  
Swift as your own winged Lightning send  
Your nimblest Herald to attend  
This Royal Pair: That they may know  
What Fate Heaven does their Loves allow.  
You who in borrowed shapes appear,  
And cheat the eye, but not the ear,  
Within this Airy Circle here,  [waves his wand round. 
I do conjure you to appear.  
Obey our Charms, as we obey your powers,  
And tell that Monarch's Fate, whose Fate tells ours.  A Glorious Spirit descends behind the Altar, and speaks. Spir. 
To show how Heaven does your desires approve,  
Th' immortal gods in kindness to your Love,  
Have for your wounded heart this Fate in store,  
After this happy day to bleed no more.  
For Persia's glory their high powers design  
Your Love shall like these sacred Tapers shine.  [Points to the Tapers on the Altar. 
And to complete what Heaven intended has,  
Your Love and hopes shall end in an embrace▪  
And to your Beauty the just gods ordain  [To Phed. 
You only for the Persian Monarch's Queen.  
Your Merits have form Heaven this favour found,  
Your Love and You shall both this day be Crowned.  
But what my Message has not full expressed,  
Your Fortunes and success shall speak the rest.  [Asceds again. Smerd. 
Let Heaven and Fortune keep the rest in store,  
Till my soul's large enough to wish for more.  
Now, Madam, I with boldness dare declare  
When Heaven is kind, that I presume you are.  Phed. 
If 'tis my Fate, that cannot be repealed  
Which Heaven has granted, and the gods have sealed.  Smerd. 
That our advancing joys may ne'er retreat,  
Now let our Nuptial ties our Love's complete.  As Smerdis advances, leading Phedima towards the Altar, a soft Music is heard, supposed, in the Air. 
What pleasant music's this that charms my ears?  1. Priest. 
Some Airy Consort from the lower Spheres.  
A sacred Tribute which the gods do pay,  
To add a glory to your Nuptial day.  Here two glorious Spirits descend in Clouds, by whom this Song is sung. 1. Spir. 
KIngs from the Gods, and from our Elements  
Derive their greatness, and descents.  
Since they are sparks of Heaven  
'Tis just they have from us this Title given,  
To share our Power and Godheads too,  
As being heavens' Deputies of State below.  2. Spir. 
No, no, 'tis otherwise decreed,  
heavens' Counsels do more cautiously proceed.  
Monarchs, as Rivals to the gods, should find  
Heaven must not by State-laws be kind.  
The gods for their own greatness sake,  
None but themselves immortal make.  
The glories and the power of Kings,  
Are fading things;  
Like th' objects of soft dreams desired,  
Courted, Enjoyed, and in th' embrace expired,  
And vanished whilst they are admired.  
Then Smerdis, Smerdis, Smerdis, 'tis high time to wake.  The Song ended, the Music turns into an Alarm, at which a bloody Cloud interposes between the Audience and the Spirits; and being immediately removed, the Ghosts of Cambyses, and the true Smerdis appear in the seats of the former Spirits. Smerd. 
Ha! Smerdis, and Cambyses! whom the one  
I of his Title robbed, to ' there his Throne.  
But sure the gods mistake 'emselves, to think  
That Smerdis' courage can at shadows shrink.  
Are these the Tragic Masquers of the Sky,  
Whose Airy nothing only cheats the eye?  
Let wandering fires and meteors make them stray  
Who do not know their Guider, nor their way:  
But such weak trifles cannot Smerdis fright:  
Your gods too late my envied greatness spite.  
I have outdone the utmost they dare do:  
Mock on— Smerdis defies your gods, and you.  
I am above your threats; such empty things  
Borrow the form, but I the power of Kings.  
No, keep your thin and feigned shapes; but know  
It was my Treason that transformed you so.  
And for this Masque the gods may thank me for't;  
'Twas I gave 'em the Subject for their sport.  Here the Alarm renews, and some flashes of fire fly cross the Stage, and the bloody Cloud interposes again, and stays; the two Tapers on the Altar flash, and expire; and [Treason] is heard from within, and a noise of Swords. 
What do I hear?  Enter Patasithes, amazed. Pat. 
Treason. We are betrayed.  Smerd. 
And Heaven itself too has the Traitor played.  
Shall my Love thus like to these Tapers uhine?  
Their light's gone out, and so I fear will mine.  
Curse on their Riddles.  [Treason cried again. Pat. 
Ha! the noise comes near.  
My fears increase.  Smerd. 
No, 'tis too late to fear.  
But oh, that Smerdis could his Fate recall,  
And Reign but one day longer ere he fall,  
To be revenged of Heaven before he dies:  
I'd turn their Temples to one Sacrifice.  
Thus by our gods betrayed!  
Can there be Treason harboured in that Name!  
They're all Impostors, greater than I am.  Enter Theramnes, Otanes, Darius, and Artaban, with their Swords drawn: Theramnes making a pass at Smerdis, they each missing their pass, close; whilst they struggle, Patasithes engages with Otanes; and whilst Darius and Artaban offer to thrust through Smerdis, in Theramnes' Arms, Theramnes Speaks. Ther. 
Thrust through us both, rather than miss his heart.  [Darius stabs Smerdis, and Otanes kills Patasithes. Dar. 
Fortune to guide my Sword took friendship's part.  Smerd. 
Was this th' Embrace in which the gods intent  
My Love and Life should with my Empire end?  
't has reached my heart. This Fate Heaven had in store,  
That thus my Wounded Heart should bleed no more.  [Dies. Otan. 
Now, Daughter, you have for your Country's good,  
Done what becomes your Duty, and your blood.  [To Phed. Phed. 
What I have done, was in a Crown's defence,  
And 'twas an Act of my Obedience.  Dar. 
But I this deed an Act of Love must call,  
When you're an Actor in my Rival's fall.  [To Phed. 
There's wanting yet to th' Triumphs of this day,  [To Otan. 
That you accept the Crown of Persia.  Otan. 
My Age, and Youth, with different passions move,  
I am above the charms of Power, or Love.  
My thoughts fly higher than t' inherit Thrones:  
Not to wear Diadems, but dispose of Crowns.  
But since my Birth makes me an Empire's Heir,  
Thus I accept the Crown,— to place it here.  [To Darius, Dar. 
Should I accept your birth's and merits due,  
I should both injure Persia, and You.  
No, my Ambition, Sir, shall never climb  
Where the acceptance of a Throne's a Crime.  Otan. 
Since you so nobly do refuse a Crown,  
I will this Title of a Monarch own:  
I, as your King, this second proffer make,  
On your Allegiance, wear it for my sake.  Dar. 
No, Sir, my Honour pleads in my defence,  
I should be guilty in Obedience.  Otan. 
Since you at this command refuse a Throne,  
Thus I command you— Take it as my Son.  [Gives him Phed. Enter Orinda, and Ladies. Dar. 
In this, my Lord, you do new charms infuse,  
Love makes me take what Honour did excuse.  
In this you give more than a Crown, I dare  
Accept an Empire, to divide it here,  [Bows to Phed. Omnes. 
Long live Darius, King of Persia.  [Hear the two Tapers on the Altar light again by two flashes of fire, which descend and kindle them. 2. Priest. 
This omen Heaven does to your Empire show,  
That light expired with him revives with you.  
Thus gloriously the sacred Tapers shone,  
That day when Cyrus did ascend the Throne.  1. Priest. 
But e'er we Crown you King, 'tis just you knew  
Our Laws are sacred next our gods, and you;  
Laws, which by Monarchs too must be obeyed,  
And in their right I now am bound to plead.  
'Tis written, Sir, in Persia's strict Decrees,  
If any Persian King by Treason dies,  
That day his Heir does his high seat supply,  
His Predecessors Murderer must die.  
You therefore in Cambyses's cause are bound  
To Act his Justice first, and then be Crowned.  Dar. 
Ye gods, that do to Kings this charge entrust,  
You make us cruel when you make us just.  
Bring in the Captive Princess.  Phed. 
— What new Scene  
Is this that must your Justice entertain?  Dar. 
An object, that had but her soul conformed  
To that perfection which her eyes adorned;  
Her Virtues glorious as her Beauty shown,  
Madam, she, like yourself, deserved a Throne.  
But since Cambyses's blood by her was spilled,  
She by her own must expiate her guilt.  
Justice and War in this alike partake,  
The bloodiest spoils the greatest Triumphs make.  Enter the Supposed Mandana, in a Mourning Habit, with a black Veil over her Face, attended by Guards and Executioner. 
Had we not owed that blood unto your hand,  
Which does my Sentence, and your Death demand,  
You should not thus, but a more noble way  
Have made a part i'th' Triumphs of this Day:  
I then a milder Justice would have shown,  
Not took your Life, but have restored your Crown.  
I'm sorry then I'm so ill taught by you,  
By your Example to be cruel too.  
Yet, pardon me, that Sentence I must give,  
Which I want power, not pity, to reprieve:  1. Priest. 
Her Sentence, Sir, is but too long deferred.  Dar. 
Then Executioner—  Phed. 
— Hold, till I'm heard.  Darius, 
I my duty should betray,  
Not to show pity where so much you pay.  
Know then, I am your Rival, and dare own  
A share in this as well as in your Throne.  
Princess, your Birth and Fortune merits more  [Too Mand. 
Than every common pity can deplore.  
Heaven to the great this cruel Fortune gives:  
The gods have made you prodigal of your Lives  
To rob Mankind.  Enter Mandana, lead in by Guards, and Attendants. Mand. 
— At your command I come▪  
T' attend your Sentence, and embrace my doom.  1. Guards. 
I was by that Impostor bribed, but loath  [Points to the other. 
To violate my trust, I brought'em both.  Dar. 
Your Fate is in such Mysteries involved,  
That Riddle, ere you die, must be resolved.  [Points to the other. Mand. 
What Friend, or Ravisher robs me of my doom,  
Borrowing my likeness to Usurp my Tomb;  
To save my Life, and Sacrifice their own?  
Though Love may Rivals have, sure Death has none.  
Death has no charms, or only charms to me;  
'Cause dying, I shall visit Heaven, and Thee,  
My dear Osiris.  Osir. 
No, he waits you here.  [Undisguising himself, and flinging off the Veil. Osiris, 
Madam, has not left your sphere.  Mand. 
Osiris' soul, and come to wait on mine!  
Heaven to our Loves this kindness does design.  
Oh, my dear Saint, stay but till I am dead,  
And from these Earthly Chains of Nature freed;  
And than my soul shall go along with thine,  
Whilst we in Airy soft embraces twine.  
We'll like a mounting whirlwind upward move;  
We'll fly in Circles in the Arms of Love.  
There the kind gods shall to our breasts inspire  
Such sparks of Heaven, such new and glorious fire,  
That to that height we will our Love's repair,  
Till our kind flames shall kindle to a Star.  
Now, Executioner.  Osir. 
— Hold, you mistake,  
Osiris lives; and had Heaven for his sake  
And yours been kind, he'd lived t' have died for you.  Mand. 
Osiris' lives! Oh, then, might I live too.  Osir. 
Know then, that when you saw me last, when I  
Was by Cambyses's rage condemned to die:  
It was the Tyrant's Fortune, to prefer  
Lord Artaban to be my Murderer.  
But he—  
Pitying my Youth, and something which he read  
Did in my looks for his compassion plead,  
In a compliance to the Tyrant's breath,  
Disguised me in a borrowed Mask of Death:  
And thence till now my Person did secure  
To free me from the Tyrant's eye, and power.  Mand. 
Which does the greater wonder seem, to see  
Osiris live, or come to die for me?  Osir. 
You need not wonder, since you know the cause,  
Love has a power above all Nature's Laws.  
Dying for you I should so happy prove,  
T' have done a deed worthy myself, and Love.  
To show your Friendship, let my Princess live▪  [To Darius. Dar. 
Oh, now you ask, what I want power to give.  1. Priest. 
The Persian Laws, like to their god, the Sun,  
In one unalterable course must run.  
And she must die, nor must you favour show,  
Because our gods, and Laws will have it so.  Osir. 
If Heaven delights in humane Sacrifice,  
May not my Death those cruel gods suffice?  
To save her Life, on me that Grace confer,  
To fall a Sacrifice to Heaven, and Her.  Mand. 
Hold, Sir, your zeal your rashness does declare;  
Lovers in all things but in Death may share.  
Know then, kind Rival, that'tis only I  
Mandana in Mandana's cause must die.  Ther. 
Mandana!  [Runs to her. 
To see you, Madam, I must bless my eyes:  
But I must curse'em when I see she dies.  [Aside▪ Mand. 
Prince Intaphernes, what strange Stars have sent  
You here to see that Fate you can't prevent?  Ther. 
I do conjure you spare this Princess's blood,  [Kneels to Dar. 
By all that's Friendship, all that's great, and good.  Dar. 
Theramnes, rise.— New wonders you create.  Ther. 
'Tis Nature's ties make me her Advocate.  2. Priest. 
You need no Arguments to plead her cause,  
For she must die, to satisfy our Laws.  Ther. 
If then your Laws such cruelty exact,  
To save her Life, I'll justify the Fact.  [To the Priests: 
Oh, Sir, you must her Life reprieve; you know  [Too Dar. 
That to her Hand you do your Sceptre owe.  Dar. 
I from Cambyses's Death my Crown derive:  
Not from her guilt that did his Death contrive.  
Come then, Theramnes, plead her cause no more,  
I want not Friendship, but I want the power  
To save her Life, though for Theramnes' sake;  
Yet 'tis our Laws, not I, that life will take.  
Our Laws which do this cruelty enjoin,  
I cannot save her Life for him who gave me mine.  
Now, Executioner.— But hold— I see  
No Kings of Persia from her power are free.  
She Murdered him, and now she conquers me.  
My pity tells me that she must not die.  Mand. 
Sir, your delays are but your cruelty.  
And since my Death is by your Laws designed,  
A speedy Justice, Sir, is only kind.  Osir. 
Hold, Sir, I'll interpose 'twixt her, and Death:  
And in my Breast the Fatal weapon sheath.  Mand. 
'Tis I must die. You do your Princess wrong:  
Live, though I die,— But do not live too long.  
For, dying, I to Heaven a Stranger go,  
Wandering alone, whilst you stay here below.  
And wanting your kind presence, I shall be  
A Pilgrim in that vast Eternity.  
But that my Soul may not mistake her way,  
I'll tract your steps, and in your shadow play.  
When I'm resolved to Air, a subtle guest  
I'll hovering fly, and steal into your Breast.  
And in my Airy Pilgrimage I'll make  
Mandana's Soul part of that breath you take.  
I'll keep my Image in your breast entire,  
Inspiring you with chaste and jambent fire.  
Sometimes I will with gentle whispers flow,  
Sometimes I will a stormy murmur blow.  
And in this Language my addresses make,  
Breathing that Love which I want words to speak.  Osir. 
O cruel Princess, now you are unkind,  
To think, when you are dead, I'll stay behind.  
For when Osiris sees Mandana die,  
Sorrow will Act that which their hands deny.  Mand. 
My thoughts were fixed on Heaven: But, for your sake,  
Something, I know not what, does pluck'em back,  
And I could wish to live.  1. Priest. 
— Our Laws you wrong,  
In the deferring of her Death thus long.  Dar. 
Since Lives, and Laws depend upon my breath,  
He meets his own, that does but name her Death.  1. Priest. 
Great Sir, you do forget that Crown you wear.  Dar. 
'Tis true, I do: And Sceptres sacred are.  
Act you my part: whilst I avert my eyes;  
My pity shall pay homage when she dies,  
And since she suffers for my Empire's sake,  
A Monarch's tears  
Part of that Royal Sacrifice shall make.  1. Priest. 
Now, Executioner—  Enter Prexaspes, lead in by Guards. Prex. 
— Hold, Sir, till I  
Will give you leave to strike, and her to die.  1. Guard. 
He from the Prison an escape has wrought,  
But we surprised him in his flight, and brought  
Him here before you.  Prex. 
Think you a Prison could my power control,  
When Empire was too narrow for my soul?  
I from your Chains, Sir, have myself set free,  
To tell you, You ascend your Throne by Me.  
But be not proud, nor think Prexaspes has  
On you alone conferred his Acts of grace.  
To show the World that I am complaisant,  
Her Life I as my gracious favour grant.  [Point to Mand. 
For it shall ne'er be said, a Woman's Name  
Usurped Prexaspes' Treasons, or his Fame.  
A Woman shall not my great Rival be;  
The Fate of Kings only belongs to Me.  
Cambyses, Amasis, and Smerdis, all  
Those Pageant Princes by my hand did fall.  
And had not Fortune my Ambition crossed,  
You had your Lives too with your Empire lost.  
'Tis true, your Laws require my blood, but know  
I'll rob you of the Honour of that blow.  
High spirits have this Refuge, Sir, and I,  
My greatness and my power expired, can die.  
But he who did the Fate of King's command,  
Does scorn to fall by any common Hand.  
Since my Life was unactive, Fame shall tell  
Not how Prexaspes lived, but how he fell.  [Draws his Dagger. 
Thus he your greatness, and your power defies▪  
And thus Prexaspes by Prexaspes dies.  [Stabs himself, and falls. Dar. 
Thus may all Traitors fall.  Prex. 
— Ye gods, I come;  
For since the World could not afford me room:  
Since all the barren Fates could not supply  
My hand with blood, I'll mount into the Sky,  
And hang a blazing Comet in the Air:  
That thus the World Me when I'm dead may ●eat.  
Whilst o'er the Earth new horrors I contract,  
Still threatening, what I cannot live to act.  [Dies▪ Dar. 
This mighty work of Fate we must admire,  
Thus the gods guard those Virtues they inspire.  
His blood thus spilled has this kind Justice done,  
It saves your Life, and punishes his own.  [To Mandane 
Thus bruised Scorpions this Virtue have,  
They yield a Cure to the same wounds they gave.  
But whence, Sir, does your strange Alliance spring?  Ther. 
Sir, I was Son to the late Syrian King;  
Brother to the brave Amasis. My Name  
Is Intaphernes.  Dar. 
— I have heard his Fame.  
What cause, Sir, was it; and what happy chance,  
That made you to the Persian Court advance?  Int. 
It was, great Sir, Revenge and Honour's Charms:  
My ill success against Cambyses's Arms  
I'th' Syrian Wars, where my dear Father's blood  
Was spilled, and mixed among the common flood.  
My Army vanquished, and his Empire lost,  
And all the hopes of my succession crossed,  
I saw Cambyses with my Laurels Crowned.  
No other means for my Revenge being found,  
I came to Persia in a borrowed Name,  
To Right my wrongs, and to repair my Fame▪  
By Acts of Chivalry, and Martial sport,  
I found acquaintance in the Persian Court;  
With Patasithes I Alliance gained,  
Who had the Persian Government obtained,  
During Cambyses's Travels. Him I won  
To place Cambyses's Brother in the Throne.  
For he descending from the Median blood,  
(Which Empire Cyrus had so late subdued,  
Took the Infection, the design embraced,  
But in the Throne he his own Kinsman placed.  
Who in that borrowed Name to th'Empire climbs,  
Making my Sword a Parron to his Crimes.  
And by that cheat abused the World, and me,  
Deluding both our Faiths and Loyalty.  Dar. 
Since Laws of Monarchy so rigid are,  
That in my Throne my Friend's forbid to share:  
Accept an Empire in my Breast— and here;  [Gives him Orinda. 
And may our Royal Sister in your Love,  
As happy as I in your Friendship prove.  Otan. 
Your worth, brave Intaphernes, makes her yours.  Int. 
Madam—  Orind. 
Obedience my consent procures.  
Yet though a Father, and a Brother too,  
Have both bestowed me as a gift on You;  
I in that gift must grant the Nobler part;  
They give Orinda, I Orinda's heart.  Int. 
Yours in a Crown, in Love's my happiness;  
Mine may belower, Sir, than yours, not less.  [To Darius. Dar. 
The Syrian Laurels now shall fade no more:  
Your Merits do your Ravished Crown restore.  [Too Int. 
And for—  
Those wrongs Cambyses has to Egypt done,  
I give'em back more than his Arms e'er won.  
Yourself I too your Throne restore. Thus Fate  [Too Mand. 
Ordains that glory should on Beauty wait.  Osir. 
Do you remember now your Vows, and Love?  Mand. 
Love, of all Crimes, cannot forgetful prove.  
Since thus my calmer Fates restore my Crown,  
Now the gods smile, Mandana cannot frown.  
Honour and Love now both perform their part,  
I give an Empire where I give a heart.  Otan. 
Though for your sake I do a Throne disdain,  
Yet my Posterity with yours shall Reign.  [To Darius. 
And in your Heirs your blood shall mix with mine▪  
As divers Fountains in one Current join.  
This to my Fame the only glory brings,  
Not to wear Crowns, but have a Race of Kings▪  Dar. 
And this my only glory I must own,  
Adopted to your blood, and to a Throne.  
All that I am, your Beauty raised me to:  
I to a Crown aspire to merit you.  [To Phed. 
Thus to a Throne no common ways I move,  
Others rise by Ambition, I by Love.     

EPILOGUE.  
THe Persian Laws now cease to seem severe;  
You have more cruel Laws that govern here;  
Your undisputed power, who judges sit,  
To Sentence all the trespasses of wit.  
How can our Author then his doom recall?  
He knows he must under your justice fall;  
Being guilty of so capital a Crime,  
As shedding so much Humane blood in Rhyme.  
Amongst amongst you Wits such monstrous factions rage,  
Such various censures, that'tis thought the Stage  
Breeds more Opinions, and produces far  
More Heresies than the late Civil war.  
Nay, Poets too themselves, of late, they say,  
The greatest Hectors are that e'er huffed play.  
Like the Issue of the Dragon's teeth, one brother  
In a poetic fury falls on the other.  
'Tis thought you'll grow to that excess of Rage,  
That Ben had need come guarded on the Stage.  
Nay, you have found a most compendious way  
Of Damning, now, before you see the Play.  
But maugre all your spite, Poets of late  
Stand stoutly unconcerned at their Play's Fate;  
Provided, 'tis their destiny to gain,  
Like the famed Royal Slave, a third day's Reign.  
Then sacrifice 'em as you please—  
But if you'll be so prodigal to give  
Our saucy Scribbler a three days' reprieve;  
He impudently swears he'll boldly sue,  
When your hand's in, to beg your pardon too.  
If this, his first, but prosperously hit,  
And scape those Rocks where he sees others split:  
He vows he'll write once more, only to show  
what your kind favour's influence can do.  
Faith, for once grant it, that the World may say  
Your smiles have been the Authors of a Play.   

Postscript.  
I Would not be so ungrateful to the memor● of the Dead, as not to acknowledge, that my fellow Student had some hand with me in the beginning of this Tragedy; but, dying 〈◊〉 Months before the finishing of the Play, 〈◊〉 did not live to see two Acts complete: nor are there sixty lines of his remaining; which little concern has in the thoughts of some given him a Title to the whole. And 'tis the pleasure of others, to accuse me of stealing out of an 〈◊〉 obsolete Tragicomedy, called, Cambyses, King of Persia; a Play which I had never heard 〈◊〉 till this had been Acted: but however, those that have seen that may find that I might have borrowed better language from Sternhold and Hopkins.  
FINIS