BRUTUS OF ALBA: OR, THE Enchanted Lovers. A TRAGEDY. Acted at the Duke's Theatre. Written by N. TATE.  
— Neque ut te miretur Turba, Labores.  Hor. 
Licenced july 15. 1678. Roger L'Estrange. LONDON, Printed by E. F. for jacob Tonson, at the Sign of the Judge's Head in Chancery-Lane, near Fleetstreet. 1678.   

To the Right Honourable CHARLES Earl of DORSET and MIDDLESEX, AND One of the GENTLEMEN OF HIS majesty's Bedchamber.  
My Lord,  
THAT I am permitted to lay this TRAGEDY at your Lordship's Feet, transports me more than the greatest Success on the Stage could have done. I confess the Scenes are very imperfect, yet as First-fruits I hope they may prove a grateful Offering. 'Tis by your influence that Poetry flourishes in our Age; and therefore no wonder if Poets throng to make you their Acknowledgements, and Dedicate their Labours at your Shrine. By the Excellencies of your Lordship's Mind they form their best Heroes, and oblige the World with Characters of Men both Great and Courteous.  
Whilst other Judges (like Usurpers in Fame) are jealous of every new Pretender to the Bays, and labour to Crush 'em in their first Appearance; your Lordship as the lawful Monarch of Wit, sits secure in your Native Right, assured that wherever they gather their Laurels, those on your Lordship's Brow are Sacred and Inviolable. Such is the Accuracy of your Judgement in Poetry, so Correct your Performances when you condescend to Write, that the most perfect Authors must be grateful for your Approbation: yet so vast is your Candour, as to afford Protection to the Essays of even my weak Fancy. But though I am the least of those that are blessed with your Lordship's Favour, yet I am above 'em all Happy in This, that I stand the greatest Instance of your Goodness.  
Your Lordships Devoted Humble Servant, N. Tate.   

PREFACE.  
I Would not have the Reader surprised to find this Tragedy bear some Resemblance with the passages of the Fourth Book of the AEneids, for I had begun and finished it under the Names of Dido and AEneas; but was wrought by advice of some Friends, to Transform it to the Dress it now wears. They told me it would appear Arrogant to attempt any Characters that had been written by the Incomparable Virgil; and therefore (though sensible enough of what I should lose by the Change) I chose to suffer any Inconvenience rather than be guilty of a breach of Modesty. The Man of Wit is seldom a Friend to a young Writer; but no such Mortal Foe to a New Author as your Man of Noise: who is still the more to be feared the less he is able to judge: as 'tis observed when a Criminal falls into the Hands of the Rabble, those are the most forward to worry him that least understand his Offence. Our loudest Critics are generally Pleased or Displeased with what is least Material in a Play, or perhaps not so much as a Part of it; for sometimes Five good Acts have not been able to make amends for One ill Dance. If the Sense of the Lines prove too close and weighty for their Tender Intellects, they hold themselves affronted, and the Poet must answer it at his Peril: but if he commit the Capital crime of inserting Learning into his Play, it were convenient that his Will were made, and some Brother of the Faculty immediately set to work on his Epitaph. Sir Formal got rid of the Silk-weavers with much Contusion, and Cinna in Julius Caesar, scaped with some Rubs, and being hoist on a Cowl-staff; but to be 〈◊〉 witted is the least that an Author in the'foresaid case can expect. 
— Invenias disjecti Membra Poetae.  This one would think sufficient to reclaim 'em, but experience shows us that Poetry is such a stubborn sort of Fanaticism, as is never to be rooted out by Persecution.   

PROLOGUE.  
Y'ave met us in defiance of the Wether:  
How has our Magic Conjured ye together?  
'Twas a New Play, there doubtless lay the Charm  
That drew to our forsaken Hive this Swarm.  
To soothe your Humour more what could we do?  
The Play to Night is New, the Poet too.  
He, though an early Trespasser in Rhyme,  
Ne'er Climbed the Stage before, and judged this Time  
For his first Venture safest, when the Road  
Was clear, the Pirate Wits dispersed abroad:  
He hoped whilst you to th' Country were withdrawn,  
T' have found an easy jury of the Town;  
But is surprised to see an awful Pit  
Met to Arraign him by the Laws of Wit;  
Laws ne'er performed by Mortal Writer yet.  
Witches and Spells the former Age believed,  
And as Authentic on the Stage received:  
Our Poet fears they'll hardly pass with you,  
Who no Charms but in Beauty will allow!  
Yet since such Lovers, Knaves, and Fools, have been  
Shown on the Stage, as elsewhere ne'er were seen,  
Why should his Hagg's forced Characters appear?  
'Cause your nice Reason doubts if Witches are!  
He with a trembling Hand their Jargons' wrote  
The Entertainment of his Midnight Thought:  
Meanwhile his Fancy, like a tender Bride,  
With th' Exercise lay Pleased and terrified.  
With ease his Beldames Tempests Raise and Lay,  
But could contrive no Spell to save the Play.  
Their Art keeps Fiends in awe, and makes 'em Civil,  
But Critics spite of Fate will play the Devil.   

The Persons.  
Brutus, 
Prince of the Dardan Forces.  Locrine, 
His Son, A Youth.  Asaracus, 
Favourite to the Prince.  Soziman, 
A Designing Lord, a Syracusian.   

Women.  Queen of Syracuse. 
 Amarante, 
Her Confident.  Ragusa, 
A Sorceress.  Four Women, 
Her Attendants.   

Two Ambassadors.  
Officers and Sailors.  
Messengers.  
Captain of the Queen's Guards.   
SCENE Syracuse.   
Brutus of Alba. A TRAGEDY.  

ACT the First.  The Curtain drawn, discovers the Queen, Amarante, Brutus, Soziman, and Attendants. Bru. 
we'll sacrifice to the obliging Storm  
That lodged us on this Hospitable Coast;  
O Realm beloved of heaven, Glory of Nations,  
Whose Virtue vies with Mortals of first Ages,  
ere lust of power in open discord flamed,  
And waked the slumbering World into Alarms.  Qu. 
Whilst suffering worth and exiled virtue find  
Reception here, what do we more than pay  
A debt by Nature's law from Nations due?  
But Prince, you bring more than a common claim,  
Fame, worthy of your noble Ancestors—  
There's magic in his Language, Looks and Mien! Aside.  
How has my hospitality betrayed me!  
Permit me not just powers to perish by  
The goodness you enjoin— the impetuous passion  
Storms at my Heart— but I shall stand the shock.  Bru. 
Since the untimely fate of my Eudemia,  
Grief so congealed my Breast I thought no glance Aside.  
Could thaw me, but I melt before those Eyes.  Qu. 
His griefs like mists rise silent from his Breast,  
And settle in a Cloud upon his Brow.  
Confide Sir in the powers that favour virtue,  
The remnant of your Fleet may yet be safe.  Bru. 
I'm scaped to shore, but my best Treasure's lost,  
My Friend, the sharer of my heart and toils!  
When pressed by ravenous Death, devouring dangers,  
To him as to an Altar I repaired  
For refuge as t'an Oracle for Counsel:  
His worth's large story would consume the day,  
Oh he engrossed the virtues of mankind,  
Pious as Flamens, and for Martial deeds  
A greater strove not on the Phrygian Plains.  
Oft watchful in his Tent he passed the night,  
Projecting th' Enemy's slaughter, while they slept  
Dreaming perhaps of victory.  
None better knew the well-ranged Files to force,  
And clear a breach for rout and general ruin:  
Or if with too unequal power oppressed,  
How would he manage his reserves o'th' War;  
His rallying Troops in firm Battalion fix,  
And shield the gasping Battle to the last!  
His groveling Squadrons stiff with cooling gore  
His voice could quicken, to renew the Fray,  
Forcing the greedy fates to wait, till they  
Had snatched a Conquest— but my zeal I find  
Grows talkative and rude— your Pardon Madam.  Qu. 
Proceed brave Prince, there's music i'th' relation.  
Your Friend lives famed whilst you survive t'avouch  
His wondrous worth in more surprising strains.  Bru. 
By your indulgence I'll resume the theme,  
In which my fond soul is with pleasure lost.  
In Childhood years with lisping Tongue I swore  
With this Asaracus eternal friendship,  
As my prophetic mind presaged how much  
My future toils would such a Partner need;  
For when Youth's Down first flowered upon my Cheek  
(Whilst practising i'th' Chase the stubborn Bow)  
I shot at Rovers, and by fatal chance  
My Royal Father slew, an exile then  
To Greece with my Asaracus I fled,  
Where having found remains o'th' Dardan Race  
By Grecian Tyranny oppressed, we raged,  
Became their Chiefs, and led the ill-treated Tribe  
To th' Desert Hills, where sought by Pandrasus  
Forth from our Mount'nous holds we sallied down  
And chased his scattered Legion to the Cliffs,  
Where plunging in the deep they shunned our fury.  
This my Asaracus performed.  
Next Morn' the Tyrant terms of peace proposed,  
Free passage from his Coasts, with all our powers  
In Squadrons culled from the Euboean Fleet;  
With the first wind we sailed, but having past  
The Sound— forgive an interrupting tear,  
My dear Eudemia sickened— died  Qu. 
I'm lost! Aside.  
Vain as I was to tempt such charming sorrow.  Bru. 
At Delos first we touched, where with due rites  
We approached the oraculous shrine, whilst from the Cave  
(In sounds that shook the Fane) the God pronounced  
To Albion, Brutus, bend thy naval course,  
Fate gives that seat of Empire; mighty toils  
Attend thy way, and thou shalt be divorced  
From what thou hold'st most dear— that last dire Clause  
Boded the loss of my Asaracus.  
Thus Niggard Destiny by halves obliged me,  
Gave me dull Empire while it snatched my friend.  Enter a Attendant and speaks. Attend. 
Madam, the Ambassadors demand your audience,  
Imperious and impatient of delay.  Qu. 
Admit 'em.  Soz. 
These Warlikes Guests at length may prove our Lords, Aside.  
If no resenting Syracusian frame  
Some timely project to supplant their power;  
Each hour assaults me with a fresh temptation  
To take th'important task in hand, sure time  
Must usher my designs from their dark Cell  
Well formed, and fair as Nature from the Chaos.  Enter the Ambassadors. 1. Amb. 
From the Agrigentine Court we are arrived;  
Our charge is short, but bears a weighty sense,  
Our King by us demands your Love or War.  2. Amb. 
The seasons both of Peace and Arms alike  
Conduce to swell his Glory, for he wears  
With equal grace his Olive Wreaths and Laurel.  1. Amb. 
'Tis in your choice to rule him or obey,  
To mount or follow his Triumphant Carr,  
To wear his bands of Conquest or of Love,  
To ensure your own and share a greater Crown,  
Or fall from Empire tendered and possessed.  Qu. 
Your servile flatteries have sure puffed up  
Your Monarch to a self-reputed God,  
He courts like jove, with thunder in his hand:  
But let him draw our just War on his Head,  
'Tis odds we'll undeceive the flattered Mortal:  
Let him approach like Mars in ruffled Dress,  
His grisly Curls deformed with dust and gore,  
Or like the Idean Youth with Locks perfumed,  
Fragrant and cheerful as the rising Day,  
We bid defiance to his threats and charms;  
I weigh not of a grain his love and rage,  
My leisure Themes of laughter and disdain.  1. Amb. 
Think how your infant Town defenceless lies,  
An easy plunder for the next Invader.  Qu. 
Your storming threats are calmed into advice;  
Your caution (though impertinent) was kind;  
But to the Gods and her own Citizens  
Leave Syracuse, she like the World's first Worthy's  
Wars naked, as Alcides in his Cradle,  
When the Infant-God disarmed the hissing foes,  
And chained the Captive snakes in their own Folds.  2. Amb. 
Your passion has had scope, and now we wait  
Your more considerate and final answer.  Qu. 
To your Imperious Prince bear this reply,  
Bid him despair both of my Heart and Crown,  
Be th' God of War the Cupid, which he brings,  
Yet shall not Conquest his designs secure;  
For should the chance of War leave me the loser  
I'd fly to fate to shun his loathed embrace,  
And in death's brazen holds make safe retreat.  1. Amb. 
Then for the last extremes of War prepare,  
Despair not to enjoy that death you covet. Exeunt Ambassad.  Soz. 
I knew their Embassy brought Love or War;  
With their hot Master I'll divide the Queen;  
Her Person be his prize, her Sceptre mine,  
His Lust of beauty and my lust of power  
At once shall riot on their several Quarries.  Enter some of the Guards bringing in Locrine. Locr. 
Keep distance slaves, who offers at my Sword  
Grasps certain death, your vile Hands shall not soil it,  
I will resign it, but the noblest way,  
And yield it with my Life an Offering here.  Kneels, and lays it at the Queen's feet. Qu. 
What means this bloody Steel laid at my Feet?  Guard. 
Young Hylax Son to this old Lord,  
Lies slain i'th' Cloisters by this Prince's hand.  Soz. 
My Hylax slain! and his bold murderer  
Come reeking in his gore to dare the Law?  
But I with more assurance could not move  
The Gods for Justice, than the Queen I serve!  
I'll use no Rhetoric, no Invectives seek Kneels.  
To aggravate my wrongs; All, all I crave  
Is that the Queen would view that Blood, these Tears!  Bru. 
True, he's my Son, the fruit of my first Love,  
Joy of Eudemia's Life, her dying care,  
Our Country's hopes, and sole heir of my War,  
Yet for his breach of hospitality  
I yield him up to Law.  Qu. 
Disastrous chance!  
Speak Prince, how killed you Hylax?  Locr. 
With my sword.  Qu. 
The occasion of the fray?  Locr. 
Warm in debate  
He struck me, then before I could return  
The blow, he drew, I drew, he thrust, I thrust,  
And like a Trojan passed him through the heart.  Qu. 
To his own rashness then impute his Fate.  
To doom the Prince's death for self-defence  
Would be to murder with the sword of Justice.  
But to convince you of the strong regard To Soziman.  
Which our deserving Subjects find with us,  
We to your care our Citadel commit,  
Full Successor to our late General's Honours.  Soz. 
I blush and bow beneath the mighty grace!  
Now my designs take life, I'm now empow'rd Aside.  
To do myself that justice she refused.  
To my ambition too 'twill give pretence,  
Make it approved, as generous brave revenge  
That else had been detested Treason styled.  
Thus specious forms give foulest crimes applause. Exit.  Enter Asaracus attended by Sailors. Bru. 
Asaracus— my griefs convert to rapture!  
Support me or the Ecstasy will kill me.  Asar. 
Your Squadron's safe arrived the shore, and I  
To my Lords sacred breast.  Bru. 
There shalt thou grow,  
Nor will I more be wracked with fears to lose thee;  
Go kneel unto this hospitable Queen,  
And take her blessing thankfully as Heavens.  Presents him to the Queen, and then speaks aside. 
A secret fear springs up to damp my joy,  
And checks my transport for my friend's arrival.  
The cause too obvious is, I love this Queen;  
And the soft Cupid at his presence shrinks:  
He never will be won t'endulge my passion!  
Yet— why should he be Judge of what I suffer?  
He's stern, and never felt a pang of Love,  
Can gaze unhurt on beauty's fullest blaze,  
That blinds my weaker sight and makes me stray!  
But these are dreams, I'll rouse and shake 'em off.  Lucr. 
O Tutor great in Arms, the Gods can tell To Asar.  
How oft your Martial precepts I revolved,  
How punctual to each Morning's Exercise;  
But oh! when I conceived you lost, it dampt  
The glory I presaged i'th' Albion War  
To think you lived not witness of my Fame,  
To see me copy out your Rules in Blood,  
When I no more should hear you tell of Battles,  
Nor take new flames from your applause, nor in  
Your Arms be clasped, and called your Royal Charge.  Bru. 
Once more let my embraces lock thee fast,  
And chain my dearest blessing to my heart.  
Teach me to make thy merit some return,  
I would not die ungrateful— take my glories,  
The Sceptre from my Hand, or Laurel from my Brow.  Asa. 
That were a sacrilege! as soon I'll wrest  
The thunderers lifted bolts, your Soldier knows  
No greater blessing than laid prostrate thus,  
To kiss those Feet that with sure speed have trod  
The loftiest tracks of Glory.  Bru. 
Rise my Friend,  
And briefly tell the accidents befell thee,  
Since we were scattered on the Ionian Flood.  Asa. 
When by the Tempest from the Squadrons snatched,  
We passed the Harpyan Strophades to gain  
Zacynthus Port, where having come t'a Road  
The Surges topped us, and a Northern gust  
From th' head Lands fallen to Leeward drove us out;  
Thus without Sun twelve times twelve hours we hulled,  
Till the Ledaean Twins in Lambent flames  
Perched on our Shrowds, whilst we the Omen blessed,  
And with warm Entrails (their Loved sacrifice)  
Appeased the fretted Waves; with the next Light  
Pachynus promontories we descried,  
Where landing near the point,  
We kneeled and jointly Hailed th'auspicious Shore.  
Thence Coasting the vast Cliffs, Elorus Bay  
We gained, where certified of your arrival,  
Our clamours shook the Rocky Theatre.  
Roused Triton's from the Flood breast high appeared,  
Gazed wondering round, and to the deep retired.  Bru. 
Ourselves will thither instantly repair,  
To cheer the dear Companions of our voyage,  
And bless the Gods as loud as the Storm raged.  Exit Brutus, Asaracus, cum suis. Qu. 
All but my Amarante be withdrawn—  
Come near; this distance is unkind, we are  
Not Queen and Subject now, but Friend and Friend.  
Thou hast my heart and ne'er deceiv'st my ear;  
Tell me the present rumours of the State,  
And how our Syracusians stand affected  
To our reception of this Royal stranger?  Am. 
Content smiles on each Syracusian's Brow,  
Who for the safety of our Widowed Realm  
Wait your Espousals with your Royal Guest,  
To wed your Persons and your States together;  
For this the suppliant Crowd to th'Altars throng,  
Where with religious violence and joint prayers  
They storm and press the Heavens into compliance.  Qu. 
Their prayers are impious and their zeal rebellion;  
But thou more impious to approve their wishes;  
Thou to seduce me to a second Love,  
Thou that art conscious to my midnight vows  
Of constancy to my departed Lord,  
Whose Genius I with nightly worship meet,  
Crown his dear Urn, and at his Tomb keep State,  
Whilst hallowed Nymphs successively attend,  
And through the Cell eternal Tapers shine.  Am. 
I told (at your command) your people's wishes,  
But were my private choice approved, the Queen  
Should hold her Syracusian State entire,  
Not blend it with the stranger's broken fortunes,  
But banish from the Court the dangerous guests  
To seek their promised Empire through the Main.  Qu. 
This is a worse extreme! rather than cruel  
Be false, 'tis in our tender Sex a crime  
More natural— yet were thy Nature savage,  
My soft example might at least have wrought  
Some change, a tame bred Tygress will forget  
Her fierceness, and domestic mildness take.  Am. 
Yet whilst you charge me with a Tygress Heart,  
Grant me at lest— to have a Woman's Eyes!  Qu. 
Ha weepst thou tender Maid! this gentle Shower  
Has laid the Storm that would have wrecked my quiet.  
Excuse the rave of my feverish mind,  
If I am difficult and wayward grown,  
Impute my frowardness to my Disease!  
Support me dear Companion on thy Breast,  
Those Pillows yield me ease in every pain.  
The restless Secret in my Bosom strives,  
But when 'tis toiled with beating in the Cage,  
It will grow tame and sleep.  Am. 
For what offence  
Am I abridged the dear and wonted freedom  
To share your cares? To favourites more esteemed  
Your smiles and happier hours you may dispense,  
But to your griefs I claim the first access;  
My friendship early sought that privilege,  
Obtained the grace and nought beyond aspired.  Qu. 
Oh Amarante guardian of my Breast,  
Heaven so indulge my hopes as well I know  
Thy truth, thy wondrous truth, and prize it dear!  
So oft (beyond the sufferance even of Friendship)  
I've pierced thee with complaints of my hard fate,  
Wounded thy tender Soul with tales of sorrow,  
As none but Amarante would bear with me;  
Yet (now I should discharge thee from thy toil)  
Impose a new and heavier task of grief,  
To mourn with my unhappiness of folly,  
I am grown frail— and love—  Ama. 
What you are pleased  
Thus darkly to deliver, were in me  
Presumption to expound.  Qu. 
Ah kind dissembler,  
Rather than chide, thou wilt not seem to know  
My frailty, but thy troubled Blushes give  
That just Reproof this partial Tongue withholds!  
I know thou wouldst be shockt with the relation,  
But now I've told my grief I am at ease.  
I wanted but thy aid to check my fears,  
And crush the danger ere 'thas strength to wound.  
This tender Cupid in his Cradle dies,  
Nor shall he move me with his smiles or cries:  
From's infant Hand I'll wrest the poisoned Dart,  
And stab the little Tyrant to the Heart.  Exeunt. 
Finis Actus Primi.   

ACT II. SCENE The Palace.  Enter Soziman with the Ambassadors. Soz. 
MY Lords, presume not of an easy Conquest,  
Corrupted States lulled in security,  
When with Alarms into confusion roused,  
Are sacked with ease in their disordered fright;  
Not so our Syracuse that nightly watches  
And ever wakes to danger.  1. Amb. 
Let her wake.  
When we assault we'd find her on her Guard.  Soz. 
Beside, the Prince's Powers assist her now,  
Troops fed by Rapine, and whose Trade is War.  
Masters of Arms th'uncertain Fray decline,  
And foil by Stratagem a powerful Foe.  
Suppose I point your Prince a bloudless Path  
To his designs, and without danger, lodge  
Th'impatient Youth in this coy Queen's embrace?  2. Amb. 
Think not old Syracusian that we dote  
Like thee, to credit a protesting Foe.  Soz. 
My Lords, to give you a resistless proof  
That I am serious, know, 'tis interest.  
Self-interest and revenge are the sure Springs  
That drive my Wheel, and give my Projects motion:  
I am abused into Disloyalty,  
And like a Torrent from my channel forced  
Where peacefully I rolled, will now bear down  
And lay all waste where my diverted Current falls.  1. Amb. 
Say then what method will you choose t'effect  
Your glorious Crime?  Soz. 
A method safe and speedy,  
The Citadel is in my power, and that  
Commands the Town below; if then your Prince  
Conspire with my design, let him convey  
A trusty Legion hither, which by Night  
I will admit into the Palace, where  
The Queen may be surprised.  2. Amb. 
'Tis well designed,  
And we stand Sureties for our King.  Soz. 
But stay,  
Our Terms of Compact be agreed on first;  
None are unjust or just but for Reward:  
I'll sell my virtue, but I'll rate it dear,  
I will possess the Crown which I betray,  
When I renounce my Loyalty I'll Reign.  1. Amb. 
Yours be the Sceptre then, provided you  
Submit to hold it of our King.  Soz. 
Agreed.  
Thus kneel we then t'invoke the conscious Powers,  
And with our clashing Swords the Contract bind.  
Now that keen Steel be sheathed i'th' Owners Breast  
That starts from his given Promise.  Both Amb. 
We have Sworn. Ex. the Ambassadors.  Soz. 
Thus far I drive not but am driven, and glide  
On a smooth Current into glorious Ills.  
The Court are bound to Morrow for the Chase,  
Old as I am I will be first in Field,  
There to consult the Sorc'ress at her Cave,  
To my dark Plots her darker Counsels join.  
The rigorous Amarante may receive  
My Suit, when in Imperial Robes I woo.  
Fortune sets me at once Love and a Crown,  
And boldly I resolve to throw at both. Exit.  Enter Asaracus musing. Asa. 
She's Fair! all Beauteous— but what's that to me?  
Nature seems curious to have made her Charms  
Excel; but why should that disturb my Quiet?  
'Tis mean! I'll not endure't! my warlike Heart  
Become at last a wanton Cupid's Toy!  
He curls about me, but I'll tear his Hold,  
I'll bear the soft Enchanter to the Camp,  
And scare him with Alarms: he'll quit me then.  Enter Amarante. 
The Charming Foe appears; I'll bear up roughly,  
And make a bold Reprisal of my Heart—  
Stay Madam, I have business of Importance,  
A Secret to impart.  Ama. 
To me Sir?  Asa. 
Yes.  
'Tis a Discovery I have lately made,  
(A truth that ne'er could gain with me till now)  
That— Lovers Hearts will ache!  Ama. 
And call you this Discovery?  Asa. 
A most surprising one to me, I thought  
Their Smart and Pangs were mere Imaginations,  
They sighed, and wept, and swore, and raved of Wounds  
Invisible; I praised the Mimic Craft,  
With wonder saw the pale Youth's trembling Visit:  
The tenderest, gentlest Creatures Nature frames!  
But I am now seized with the Frenzy too;  
And charge you with my sufferings; you have wronged me,  
Possessed me with a fond and foolish Pain  
Which I despise;— Yet trust me, 'tis uneasy!  Ama. 
How various are his Forms! this Protean Love  
Sighs with the Silent, with the Frolic smiles,  
Weeps with the Soft, and in the Soldier storms.  
The Wrongs you accuse me of, I nor designed  
Nor knew, if you are serious, charge not me  
With what I could not help.  Asa. 
By Mars nor I.  
But if my folly should grow troublesome,  
As you are merciful indulge it not,  
It will divert me from pursuit of Glory;  
whate'er my fawning Passion may pretend  
Believe it not, for I was never formed  
For Love, but bred i'th' Camp, rocked in a Shield,  
And cannot take the softness Beauty craves;  
Want all the little Arts to please the Fair.  Ama. 
I am at once provoked to Smile and Rage.  Asa. 
I do not think I shall again offend you  
With Talk of my rough-cast unpolisht Love,  
But if I should— Oh to my Fame be just,  
Disdain my Suit and frown me into silence.  Ama. 
Despair not of so cheap a Charity.  
You'll find me Sir, reserved as you could wish.  Asa. 
I thank thee— now I grow myself again;  
The peevish Pain has raged itself asleep  
To wake no more: 'twas a tormenting Fit.  Ama. 
His surly Passion bears so odd a Grace,  
It charms me more than all the smiling Loves;  
But I am sworn impartial Foe to all. Exit.  Enter Brutus with Soziman. Soz. 
My Lord, the Queen invites you to the Chase  
I'th' Morn'.  Bru. 
we'll wait her Majesty to the Field. Exit Soziman.  Asa. 
To th' Chase? I like it not; I have seen nothing  
That shakes my temper more than that old Lord;  
Mischief and Destiny lower on his Brow.  Bru. 
O my Asaracus, how much I feared  
On what the Delian God presaged, that I  
Should be divorced from what I held most Dear,  
The hasty Fates had cruelly performed  
In snatching thee— ye Powers secure my Friend,  
And from your promised Empire be absolved.  Asa. 
Perish a Legion nobler Lives than mine,  
ere Brutus be from th' Albion Isle diverted;  
Your rich Loins hold an endless Race of Kings,  
Fair Albion of their Reign th'Eternal Seat,  
Albion, that in the Floods erects her Cliffs  
Sits Queen o'th' Seas, whilst the awed Nations round  
At distance wait, and in their mutual Jars  
From this great Arbitress take Law; their States  
She poizes, and to Each deals equal Power.  Bru. 
Thou speak'st my Friend as thou wert still at Delos  
One of th' oraculous Tribe, whilst hallowed Wine  
Had steeped thy Breast for the Inspiring God.  Asa. 
Alcander in the late Storm was Embarked  
With me, you know him by Descent inclined  
To Prophecy, and like his Sire Inspired:  
O'th' sudden I observed him knit his Brow,  
Look wild, start, laugh, and grow composed again.  
Then prostrate fallen lay breathless, till anon  
The Rapture flushed him, and his Dancing Blood  
Glowed through his Veins: thus wrapped, in wondrous Style  
The Fates of future Ages he Divined,  
Prodigious Glories that i'th' Albion Isle  
Wait noble Brutus and his Progeny:  
The Conscious Storm with reverend Silence heard  
The Prophet speak, and then resumed its Fury.  Bru. 
Thou firest my Soul, mak'st Glory dart upon me  
So fierce, I must have Respite or expire.  
At leisure I will hear of this at large,  
The Queen approaches now, this Passage leads  
THE Argaces' Cell, where nightly she repairs,  
There to Devotion she converts her Love,  
And treats her dead Lords Genius like a God,  
With fragrant Flowers and Gums than Flowers more sweet  
Perfumes his Vault, believes him there invisible  
And pleased with her Officious Piety.  Asa. 
It shows her strange Regard to the Diseased.  Bru. 
Regard! Asaracus, call't not Regard,  
'Tis Superstition, Fondness, Zeal misguided,  
And pity 'tis but she were undeceived.  Asa. 
But why my Lord should her mistake offend  
Your Quiet?  Bru. 
Ha! whilst I accuse her weakness Aside.  
How has my foolish Heart betrayed its own!  
'Tis true, it was in me a wild Concern.  
No more— good Rest my Friend.  Asa. 
Permit me wait you in.  Bru. 
I would be private. Ex. Severally.  The Scene opening discovers Argaces Tomb decked with Armoury and Wreaths of Laurel; a Priestess clad in White, at each Corner, they round the Tomb scattering Flowers and singing the following Stanza's. The Queen kneels at some distance. 

I.  
Sleep ye great Manes of the Dead,  
Whilst our Solemn Round we Tread,  
Whilst at our Cell as at a Shrine,  
We nightly wait with Rites Divine;  
Whilst to adorn the Tomb we bring  
The earliest Glories of the Spring,  
And Sweetest Softest Anthems Sing;  
The Floor with hallowed Drops Bedewing,  
And all around fresh Roses Strewing.   

II.  
Ye Guardian Powers that here resort,  
For ever make this Cell your Court;  
If devoutest Prayers invite ye,  
Or Sabaean Gums delight ye,  
Then make this Sacred Urn your Care,  
And nightly to this Cell repair,  
To Feast on Frankincense and Prayer.  
Around we go the Floor bedewing,  
Violets, Pinks, and Roses Strewing.   After the Song all retire but the Queen. Qu. 
Hail, ever hail, ye sacred dear Remains  
Of my Argaces! Hail my first last Lord!  
Accept thy Widowed Queen's Religious Sorrow;  
Her restless Love pursues thee to thy Grave,  
Nor glowed more vigorous in the genial Bed.  Rises after a Pause. 
What sudden Damp congeals my streaming Language?  
My stubborn Tongue refuses to perform  
Its practised Task! my Rebel Eyes withhold  
Their wonted Tribute— This new Flame,  
This feverish Flame has drunk up all my Tears!  
Whilst my Argaces' Genius I Invoke,  
His Rival's Image on my Thought intrudes,  
And from his Seat the rightful Owner drives.  Enter Brutus. 
Prince Brutus? or Argaces in his Shape  
To tempt my Constancy? Heaven! 'tis the Prince!  
As at th' appearance of an Angel, I  
Am Terrified and Pleased!— My Lord, this Visit  
(Not to impeach you of a Rudeness) is  
Unseas'nable at best and indiscreet.  Bru. 
My Indiscretion justly you impeach,  
But who was e'er a Lover and Discreet?  
Give me my Ease again, my settled Mind,  
And I'll again grow formally Discreet.  
Speak fair Tormenter, when will you remit  
My burning Pain? not one cheap Sigh or Tear  
To cool or quench me?  Qu. 
Wave this wild Discourse,  
It strikes like Blasphemy a terror through me.  
Why heaves my Heart? I know my virtue's strong,  
Yet dare not trust the Magic of his Tongue;  
'Tis Sweet, but Fatal as a Syren's Song.  Bru. 
Or if you are resolved on my Destruction,  
Temper at least Reluctance with your Justice,  
And seem not to take pleasure in my Ruin.  
I would not die with an accusing Thought  
Of you, but Bless you while you give me Death!  Qu. 
Ah! how the soft Temptation steals upon me! Aside.  
But I'll not dally with the Smiling Danger,  
Nor sport with Fire— Retire my Lord  
As you regard a Queen's unspotted Honour.  Bru. 
ay, like a Miser's Ghost, all the day long  
Confined to Flames, and having made by stealth  
A Midnight Visit to my Treasure, am  
From the dear Wealth untimely summoned off  
To howl Disconsolate in Flames again.  Qu. 
Yet have the wretched comfort of the Damned,  
Companions of your Woe.  Bru. 
Has then a spark of Love  
Touched that dear Breast? ah lest the Snow that's there  
Starve the weak kindling Fire.  Qu. 
I rave, I rave!  
And in my Frenzy had almost disclosed  
The dearest Secret of my Soul— be gone  
Or by that Sacred Tomb—  Bru. 
I go, and for a parting Lover  
Make wondrous haste, howe'er you think me slow!  
Oh winged with Hope I entered, but return  
Stripped of my Plumes, and cumbered with Despair.  Qu. 
Replying still?— Ingrateful Prince farewell.  Bru. 
Stay Queen! Whirlwind and Thunder snatch me hence  
ere I commit so dire a Crime  
As t'interrupt your pious Rites;  
Yet think not my Approach Rude or Profane,  
Even at the Shrines of Gods we are allowed  
To tell our Griefs, and I design no more!  
I crave no more than Piety may grant,  
One tender Look, a pitying parting Sigh!  
'Tis all my banished Soul has to sustain her  
Till I'm restored to those dear Eyes again!  Qu. 
What can I give, when Charity to you  
Is perjury to my deceased Argaces?  
Who never will remit the Right I gave,  
But hoards my Vows like Treasure in his Tomb.  Bru. 
Vows to the Dead are canceled when they're given,  
And with the Breath that formed 'em blown away.  
My Vows to my Eudemia equal yours,  
Nor will her peaceful happy Shade reproach me,  
That I from you seek Bliss she cannot give!  Ghost of Agaces rises on the one side of the Tomb, Ghost of Eudemia on the other. Qu. 
Defend me Prince!  Bru. 
Eudemia whom I named!  Qu. 
And my Argaces' Image!  Bru. 
Argaces' Ghost? a Rival from the Dead?  
Journeys ill destiny this way to Night,  
And thou its Harbinger? Speak awful Shade!  
What magic bringst thou from the nether World,  
To i'll my boiling Blood and freeze my Spirits?  
Injurious Spectre, when did I invade  
Thy World that thou shouldst come to Forage here?  
Avaunt, Descend, and to the Greeks below  
Boast if thou wilt that thou made'st Brutus Shake.  Ghosts descend. Qu. 
Warned from the Fates let us Converse no more,  
Nor run with open Eyes upon our Ruin!  
Alas, how fatal must our Hymen be,  
When the Dead rise our Nuptials to forbid? Exit.  Bru. 
Falsely your Fears interpret their Design!  
The Ghosts appeared to give us their Consent!  
What false illusions am I forced to frame!  
What will not Love-rackt Minds pretend, to gain  
A Minute's respite from their torturing Pain!  Exit. 
Finis Actus Secundi.   

ACT III. SCENE A Desert.  At some distance a Fountain with the Statue of Diana. Enter Soziman Solus. Soz. 
THis is the dreadful Sorceresse's Cave,  
Where sullen Fiends, Hell's Malcontents conspire,  
Whilst at the ghastly Board the Hag presides,  
Weighs their Debates and sways the dark Cabal.  
Ho Ragusa! dread Prophetess appear:  
Assist an Heart that labours with vast mischief,  
And with thy Spells secure the fatal Birth.  Enter Ragusa. Rag. 
Who interrupts when I'm at work for Hell?  
Whos'e'rethou art, I hate the Light and Thee.  
Ha! Soziman? thou art a hopeful Son,  
A working Head, industrious for Perdition.  Soz. 
Instruct this feeble Arm to shake a Throne,  
And snatch a Crown.  Rag. 
Let it be steeped in Blood!  
'Twas my initiating Ceremony  
To my dire Art, I was installed with Slaughter,  
Nor could I raise me to my airy Rounds,  
Till I had bathed my Limbs in Infant's Gore.  A Horn winded at distance. Soz. 
Hark, the Game's roused.  Rag. 
So merry!— Well, 'tis odds I mar your sport.  
By Contract, Son, I hate all humane kind,  
But envy most the prosperous and great;  
Thou art devoted to the Queen's destruction,  
And so am I; this day begins her Ruin.  
Take that. Gives him a little Viol.  Soz. 
Th'intent?  Rag. 
'Tis the Queen's Bane.  
Thou know'st the Custom when the sports are done  
The Court repairs to the Diana Fountain,  
To worship there the Goddess of the Woods,  
And drink of the cool Stream; the Queen drinks first,  
Mark me, Prince Brutus and the Queen drink first,  
Into their Bowl see thou convey that Philtre,  
It fires the Chastest Breasts with loose Desires.  Soz. 
Speak on, for now thy voice grows full of Fate.  Rag. 
When they have drunk, an entertainment follows,  
Then when the Philtre has for dalliance flushed 'em,  
I will by Magic pour a Tempest down,  
Hail, Rain and Fire, th'ingredients of the Storm;  
Scattering the Company to th' Caves for Shelter.  
At the same Cell the Prince and Queen shall hide,  
Where she forgetful shall resign her Honour.  Soz. 
Ha! ha! I shall be doubly mischievous,  
At once a Traitor to her Crown and Virtue.  
But I to Virtue am a foe professed,  
And sworn to storm her in her strongest Holds.  Rag. 
Since mischief is engrafted to thy Nature,  
I'll teach thee all the Arts of doing ill;  
The surest Spells to work distorting Pains,  
T'enfeeble Loves, and breed eternal jars,  
To blast the hopes of the laborious Swain,  
And sink returning Sailors in the Bay,  
To poison Floods, infect the Air, lay waste  
Whole Empires: This I'll teach thee, and to thee  
I will bequeath my Goblins when I die. Exit.  Soz. 
Farewell, methinks my Road to greatness now  
Is grown so plain, I may discharge my Guide.  
This for the Queen; and may the Dose prove strong.  
I should have learned from her the readiest way  
To hasten the removal of this Prince  
From Syracuse, his Powers may check my Plot  
With the Ambassadors— I have bethought me;  
His Friend Asaracus is bent on Conquests  
And Crowns in Albion whither they are bound;  
I'll serve my ends of his rough Martial Virtue.  
He comes this way, as I presume, forsaking  
The Chase in discontent, if he discharge  
His Followers, I'll attaque him.  Enter Asaracus followed by two Officers of the Prince's. 1. Off. 
Nay, good my Lord withdraw not from the Chase,  
You'll disoblige the Queen and Court.  Asa. 
Away.  
'Tis a divertisement I ne'er affected,  
My Youth sought rougher Labours, and was taught  
To lay a Stratagem, not set a Ginn.  2. Off. 
Some deep resentment grudges in his Breast.  Asa. 
That e'er our Nation's Glory should have reached  
These distant Lands, and we ourselves arrive  
To contradict the Story of our Fame!  
Unworthy of our noble Ancestors,  
Unworthy of our former Selves.  1. Off. 
My Lord,  
Some respite to our Labours must be given.  Asa. 
Dull restive Soul! 'tis this degenerate sloth  
Holds our fallen State in its sad Ruins still;  
Had we been Active, followed leading Fate,  
Our Standards in mid Albion we had fixed,  
Founded th'eternal Monarchy e'er now.  
But I divert ye from your Exercise.  
Return, go Sirs, and help to fill the Cry:  
I have Affairs of weight to think upon,  
And seek advantage from this solitude. Ex. Officers.  Soz. 
O he is just i'th' Tune I wished to find him.  Asa. 
Not all my Labours of the Seas and Field  
Brought half the Terror of my present Task!  
To tempt the Fury of my Prince and Friend,  
To rouse him from his ecstasy of Love,  
Is the severest Trial of my Duty;  
But I must trace my Loyalty through all  
Its roughest Paths— Ha! Lord Soziman!  
What has withdrawn your Lordship from the Chase?  Soz. 
'Tis long since I of Pastimes lost the relish,  
The public care preys hourly on my Breast;  
More anxious Fears sting not fond Parents Hearts  
At midnight musing on the various chances  
May snatch their Offspring, than aged Statesmen feel  
For States which their indulgent care has nursed,  
How much they dread lest mischiefs from abroad,  
Should crush 'em in their helpless tender years,  
And when grown up to strength lest Riot drown 'em.  Asa. 
Your public Trust is large, and this concern  
Is worthy of your Dignity and Years.  Soz. 
'Twas rude to press upon your Privacy,  
But needful 'twas for me to find you private;  
I have Proposals of much weight to offer,  
The blessed Result of my long labouring Thought.  Asa. 
To honest Motions I ne'er shut my Ear.  Soz. 
Know then the circumstances of our State  
And yours, seem to invite a speedy Union,  
For both lie now exposed to Foreign Powers,  
But joined, can frame a Realm invincible,  
Of strength to awe the neighbouring Nations round,  
To th'outmost Isles and distant Poles give Law.  Asa. 
At last his hovering policy is pitched, Aside.  
And come about to th' Perch where it designed  
To fix, though to beguile me it flew wide.  Soz. 
The Nuptials of your Prince and our fair Queen  
Will finish this design, you may perceive  
Your generous Master of himself inclined,  
And will with secret Transport be advised  
(By you who rule his Breast) to prosecute  
I'th' public Name, what is his private choice.  Asa. 
Nay then 'tis time to rouse him from his Dream Aside.  
They've found his weakness and would practise on't,  
But they shall find he had a Friend that waked  
To guard his Glory when 'twas slumber-charmed—  
Sly Lord, how is your Wisdom now o'reseen?  
You know me Rash, and should believe me Honest,  
And yet have dared t' engage me in a Task  
That's neither feazible nor just;  
Think on your pious Queen's vowed Constancy  
To her departed Lord, and then be mute.  Soz. 
The Rudeness were too gross and past all Pardon  
T' engage you in unfeazible designs,  
But to encourage your Endeavours, know  
That 'midst her pious Vows she languishes  
With a resistless Passion for the Prince,  
Of which perhaps he is not Ignorant.  Asa. 
Hell! if he once discover her Affection  
He's lost for ever— but I'll force him hence  
ere the soft charm prevail too far upon him.  
Dull Politician, thou hast spun thy Snare  
Too gross to catch even credulous Honesty!  
Yes, I will use my Interest with the Prince.  
Persuade, prevail, but counter to your Projects. Exit.  Soz. 
Rash Warrior go, and in mistake perform  
This poor dull Politician's work: ha! ha!  
All puffed with fond conceit of a Discovery,  
He's gone off pleased!  
Just such a stock of Brain as Heroes need,  
Mere Engines of the State in times of danger  
By skilful Artists played:  
But when War's Flame is quenched, again laid by. Exit.  Enter Ragusa with four Women, Attendants, A Horn sounded at a distance. Rag. 
Hark, the Stagg's fallen, and now the Court comes on  
To th' Fountain to perform the Sylvan Rites;  
'Tis time we were preparing for the Storm.  
Heed me ye Daughters of the Mystic Art,  
Look that it be no common Hurricane,  
But such as rend the Caspian Cliffs, and from  
Th' Hyrcanian Hills sweep Cedars, Roots, and all.  
Speak, goes all right? or have ye ought observed  
Odd and illboding? for last night me thought  
The Moon changed colour, and her Horns grew blunt:  
Boötes Wain o'erturned and lost a Wheel,  
The Pummel-Star fell from Orion's sword.  
Speak Lamiaes!  All Wo. 
Uh, uh, uh, uh!  Rag. 
D'ye start? I'll charm ye Marble but I'll fix ye.  
Pronounce, and while ye speak, breath Blasts and Mildews.  1. Wo. 
The Cricket leaves our Cave, and chirps no more.  2. Wo. 
I stuck a Ram but could not stain my Steel.  3. Wo. 
His Fat consumed i'th' Fire and never smoked.  4. Wo. 
I found this Morn' upon our furnace Wall  
Mysterious words wrought by a slimy Snail,  
Whose Night-walk Fate had guided in that Form;  
Th' imperfect syllables our Ruin speak.  Rag. 
Call up my Spirit Daran to expound.  1. Wo. 
Daran's in hold, poor Daran's prisoner ta'en,  
In Scylla's Rock ten fathom deep he groans,  
With such dire Magic bound, such potent spells,  
I fear he'll never be at large again.  Rag. 
Beshrew the Beldame! this was Magra's mischief,  
I'll rive the Rock to th' Roots to set him free,  
And then on Lightning ride to fire her Cell.  
By all the dismal secrets of my Cave  
I will not leave her Power for pettiest mischiefs;  
No not so much as to breed Must in Fodder,  
And make the stalled Ox pine at the full Crib,  
Not to raise Blanes on Tongues that flout and curse her,  
Or silence in her Night-walks barking Curs.  2. Wo. 
Thou'rt Queen of Mysteries, great Ragusa,  
How hast thou stemmed th' Abyss of our black Science?  
Traced dodging Nature through her blind Scape-Roads,  
In her dark Mansions seized her, stripped her Veil,  
And brought her naked and trembling to the Light?  Rag. 
Now to our Task, and for encouragement,  
Remember that the Tempest we now raise  
Will be attended with a mighty Ruin,  
The Queen's Perdition, think on that, my Gorgon's:  
From this malignant hour her better Stars  
Their influence shall withhold, her Guardian Genius  
Neglect and leave her a devoted Prey.  2. Wo. 
Fate so decrees, I searched th' eternal Scroll,  
Read smiling the Contents of her black Doom.  Rag. 
Stand off, and crouching Mystic Postures make,  
Gnawing your riveled Knuckles till they Bleed,  
Whilst I fall prostrate to consult my Art,  
And mutter Sounds too sacred for your Ear.  Falls flat on her Face, as she lies two deformed Spirits descend, and whisper in each Ear. 
The storm's on wing, comes poud'ring from the north, Rising.  
'Thas past the Alps already, and whirls forward  
To th' Apennine, whose rifled Snow is swept  
To th' Vales beneath, while Cotts and Folds lie buried.  
Once more come round me and attend my counsel.  
When we have served our ends of Soziman  
(Who by our aid pursues the Queen's destruction)  
we'll ruin him.  3. Wo. 
Be that my task.  Rag. 
It shall.  
Thou Myrza tak'st to night an airy march  
To th' Pontic Shore for Drugs, and for more speed  
On my own Maple Crutch thou shalt be mounted,  
Which bridled, turns to a Steed so manageable  
That thou may'st rein him with a Spider's thread.  4. Wo. 
And how if I o'ertake a Bark i'th' way?  Rag. 
Then if aloft thou go'st, to Tinder scorch  
The Fans; but if thou tak'st a lower Cutt,  
Then snatch the Whip-staff from the Steers-man's Hand,  
And souse him in the Foam.  4. Wo. 
He shall be drenched.  
But see the Court are ' lighted from their Coursers,  
And walk this way.  Rag. 
Scud Burrough in your Caves. All vanish.  Enter Brutus, Queen and the rest, as from the Chase. Bru. 
'Twas such a holding Chase as did almost  
Convert the sport to toil.  Asa. 
'Twas desperate Service.  Bru. 
What means Asaracus?  
His looks and language are of late grown dark.  Qu. 
We are late, and must dispatch the Fountain Rites  
With shortest ceremony.  Soz. 
Queen, glut thy Passion, feast on poisoned sweets;  Aside. 
Enjoy, and perish, Soziman  
Would plot thy Pleasure on no other score.  All kneel before the Fountain but Soziman, who presents the Queen and Prince with each a Bowl, having first infused the Philtre. Bru. 
This to Diana's Immortality. Drinks.  Qu. 
To great Diana's Immortality.  All. 
This to the Triple Goddess.  Bru. 
It thunders in the Wind, 'twill be a Storm,  
The North Sky lowers.  Soz. 
'Tis but a flying Shower,  
And should it drive this way, the Caves are near  
To yield us shelter.— Let the Masquers Enter.  A Dance of Masquers, during which a dark Storm gathers. Lightning and Thunder. Asa. 
In all our Sea-disasters I ne'er knew  
So swift a change of Wether.  Bru. 
All shift for shelter.  Exeunt All confusedly, Brutus and the Queen together. Ragusa appears in the Storm. Rag. 
ay, this is Music! now me thinks I hear  
The shrieks of sinking Sailors, Tackle rent,  
Rudders unhinged, whilst the Sea-rav'ne●s swift  
Scour through the dark Flood for the diving Corpses.  
Ha! art thou there my melancholy Sister? An Owl cries.  
Thou think'st thy Nap was short, and art surprised  
To find night fallen already.  
More Turf to th' Fire till the black Mesh ferment;  
Burn th' Oil of Basilisk to fret the Storm.  
That was a merry Clap! I know that Cloud  
Was of my Fricker's rending, Fricker rend it:  
O 'tis an active Spirit! but beshrew him,  
'Twas he seduced me first to hellish Arts,  
He found me pensive in a Desert glin,  
Near a lone Oak forlorn and thunder-cleft,  
Where discontented I abjured the Gods,  
And Banned the cruel Creditor that seized  
My Mullees, sole subsistence of my life:  
He promised me full twelve years absolute Reign  
To banquet all my Senses, but he lied,  
For Viper's flesh is now my only food,  
My drink of Springs that stream from sulphurous Mines;  
Beside, with midnight Cramps and scalding Sweats  
I am almost enured for Hell's worst tortures.  
I hear the Wood-nymphs Cry, by that I know  
My Charm has took, the Tempter has prevailed,  
'Twas a sure Philtre— but the Day clears up,  
And Heavenly light wounds my infectious Eyes.  Enter again the four Women. 1. Wo. 
Now sullen Dame, dost thou approve our works?  Rag. 
'Twas a brave wreck, oh you have well performed.  2. Wo. 
Myrza and I bestrid a Cloud, and soared  
To lash the storm, which we pursued to th' City,  
Where in my flight I snatched the golden Globe  
That high on Saturn's Pillar blazed i'th' Air.  3. Wo. 
I fired the Turret of Minerva's Fane.  4. Wo. 
I stayed i'th' Cell to set the Spell a work,  
The Lamps burned ghastly blue, the Furnace shook,  
The Salamander felt the heat redoubled  
And friskt about; so well I plied the fire.  Rag. 
Now as I hate bright Day and love Moonshine,  
You shall be all my Sisters in the Art:  
I will instruct ye in each mystery,  
Make ye all Ragusa's.  All Wo. 
Ho, ho, ho!  Rag. 
Around me, and I'll deal to each her dole.  
There's an Elf-Lock, Tooth of Hermaphrodite,  
A brace of Mandrakes digged in Fairy Ground,  
A Lampray's Chain, Snakes Eggs, dead sparks of Thunder  
Quenched in its passage through the cold mid Air,  
A Mermaids Fin, A Cockatrice's Comb,  
Wrapped i'th' dried Cawl of a Brat stillborn: burn 'em—  
In whispers take the rest, which named aloud  
Would fright the Day, and force another Storm.  All Wo. 
Ho, ho, ho, ho! Exeunt.  
Finis Actus Tertii.   

ACT IV. SCENE The Walks behind the Palace.  Enter Queen and Amarante. Qu. 
FRom Shades to Court, from Court to Shades I fly,  
But bear my Torment with me where I go,  
Thought-rackt and Restless as a Murderers' Soul!  Ama. 
Unload your burdened Heart into my Breast,  
My active Love may find your Grief a Cure.  Qu. 
Why art thou curious for a sight of Hell?  
A Vision that would fright thee to Distraction!  Ama. 
If yet my Duty be not throughly tried,  
Command me take a Scorpion to my Bosom:  
If I refuse, neglected let me live  
Defamed, forlorn, disowned of Heaven and you.  Qu. 
Thou'rt Brave, and fit to share a Queen's Afflictions!  
Sit then and hear the Story of my Shame,  
But let the Sun, as from my Crime he hid  
His sacred Light, withdraw while I relate.—  
Thy Queen for constancy to her first Love  
Long Famed, and long deserving to be Famed,  
Is now, ah Torture! a forsworn Adultress!—  
My trembling Limbs dissolve at the dire Sound! Rising.  
Believe me not, for I belly myself!  
Think'st thou the Gods could e'er permit such guilt?  
They could, and the Infernals know 'tis true!  Ama. 
Nay, now I must commit a force upon you,  
My violence is just and charitable.  Qu. 
Thou'rt wild as I to grapple with my Passion,  
That like a Tempest sweeps with lawless Rage,  
Till spent it sighs itself into a Calm.  
From Honour's heights which I with toil had climbed,  
How am I in a moment fallen  
And plunged in Infamy!  
Th' Almighty Powers beheld, and yet created  
No Prodigy to awe me from the Danger.  
My stupid Virtue slept,  
My Guardian Genius slept,  
The Planets idly gazed,  
And all the Starry Host  
Sat unconcerned Spectators of my Fate!  
My struggling on the Rack  
But Tortures me the more;  
I'm stabbed with thousand Deaths, but cannot Die!  Ama. 
Ingrateful Prince that could so ill requite  
A generous Queen that hid thy impious Head  
From heavens' pursuing Vengeance!  Qu. 
Oh, He's too foul to be a Victim made  
To Heaven, no he shall bleed my Sacrifice: Shows a Dagger.  
My wronged Argaces waits for his Descent,  
To seize th' Adulterer at th' Elysian Bounds  
And sink him yelling to th' Abyss of Fire!  Enter Brutus. Bru. 
Weeping? those Eyes rich Nature's choicest Gems  
Should sparkle, not dissolve.  Qu. 
Ah Hypocrite! Hell rages in his Breast  
And Heaven smiles on his Brow.  Bru. 
Your Sorrow racks me, from those Eyes I feel  
A cold Damp shot into my conscious Heart,  
Suppress those Sighs and call to Heaven for Thunder.  Qu. 
Why chills my Rage? that soft deluding Tongue  
Soothed me out of my Innocence before,  
And oh I fear 'twill soothe my Justice now!  
Delay slacks my Resolves! with open Eyes  
I cannot wound him but I'll wink and strike.  Bru. 
Oh Madam you to Tyranny pursue  
Your Conquest, and a yielding Heart oppress!  
Kill me and cease to grieve, let my Life's Blood  
Compound to save that rich Expense of Tears.  Qu. 
Oh Fate! I have his leave to give him Death,  
But now my eager Rage has seized its Quarry,  
Pants o'er the Prey, and wants the strength to Kill.  Bru. 
My Eyes Distil! like wounded Duelists  
I strive in vain to hide the pressing Stream;  
Madam, You see my Frailty, how I melt  
T'effeminate Tears, your Sorrow Triumphs o'er me,  
And boasts the Power to have made a Warrior weep!  Qu. 
At such complaint a Tygress would Relent,  
The Furies cast their Torturing Engines by.  Throws away her Dagger. 
Thus then injurious Prince to my Revenge  
Another Course I steer; to Heaven I make  
This solemn Vow— Kneels.  Bru. 
Hold, hold! by all that's good  
Let me conjure you stifle that rash Voice!  
I know not what you were prepared to Swear,  
But feared (divert in Heaven) a Violence  
On your dear Life.  Qu. 
'Twas a rash Breath indeed,  
All killing as a Northern Blast; but now  
'Tis veered about into a Southern Gale,  
With soft Showers waited— Weeps.  
I consent to live.  
Rise, I forgive you.  Bru. 
Let me then kneel still!  
Rich Fountain of Delight, embodied Rapture!  
Joy gleams from thee unwasted, while I press  
This Hand, I know not how, the subtle Touch  
Shoots through each Vein, and tingles at my Heart.  Qu. 
I pardoned you, and what was harder much,  
Promised to live, but on Condition both,  
Which once Transgressed makes th' Obligation Void,  
Resigns me back to Death, and you to my Displeasure:  
As therefore you regard my Life and Favour  
Be punctual to perform—  Bru. 
I will remember  
Though I should drink dull Lethe dry, let Seas  
Forget to Ebb and Flow, the Spheres their Tunes,  
The Sun his Roads, the Elements their Duties,  
Of you forgotten, let me perish, when  
I'm guilty of a first Neglect!  Qu. 
Till then,  
My grateful Heart for you shall entertain  
The kindest thoughts that Women's Love suggests;  
Each Day's State-task shall give me one soft Hour,  
My own entirely, which I will devote  
To Solitude and tender Thoughts of you.  Bru. 
I sink, I sink! intoxicate with Joy!  
Like Inspired Priests I reel with Ecstasy!  Qu. 
All I exact for this I will sum up  
In one Command, which must not be disputed,  
That to retrieve my Honour you'd remove,  
And take this Hour a last eternal Leave.  Bru. 
Ha! said you Last, Last and Eternal Leave?  
You kindle me into Transport, and then  
To Death you chill me in the heat of Rapture!  
'Tis Barbarous, Queen, to sport with wounded Hearts,  
And spread a Toil for harmless credulous Love:  
'Twere Woman's Fraud t' have ruined with your Smiles,  
But to betray with Tears, the Crocodiles.  
Th' injunction seemed impossible, but now  
I shall obey!— You have your Wish, for I  
Shall ne'er intrude into your Presence more. Faints.  Qu. 
Help Amarante! generous Prince return.  Bru. 
What mean you by this cruel Charity?  
You stretch me on the Rack, and when I faint,  
My drooping Spirits with Cordials you Restore,  
Revive, but oh! to hold me still in Pain.  Qu. 
And could you then believe my Rigour, ha?  
Blind Pity leads my Piety astray!—  
'Twas cruel to tax me with Cruelty:  
If you must needs accuse, charge Fate— I would  
If Destiny— 'tis false, I never will—  
Tormenter hence— with no Reply but Sighs  
He yields to th' harsh Command— that mournful Glance  
Darts to my Soul his Grief; I cannot bear't,  
Stay Prince, my Love!— I rave, haste Amarante,  
Shield me from Ruin, snatch me, bear me, fly!  Exit confusedly, Amarante follows. Bru. 
Thus in Love's winding Mazes we are Toiled,  
Mourn our hard Fate, yet still we keep the Round;  
We rave of Wounds, yet still indulge the Pain;  
And whilst we curse our Bondage, hug the Chain,  Exit. Enter Soziman with the Captain of the Guards. Soz. 
To Agrigent my trusty Officer  
With these Dispatches to th' Ambassadors;  
Tell 'em their last advices were most Welcome;  
That nightly I expect their promised Forces,  
Which we'll receive to th' Citadel. Dispatch. Ex. Capt.  
Thus far with prosperous Gales my Course I've steered,  
And now the Port's in view. Come no cross Gust!  
My Fears grow with th'approaching Land, for still  
The Waves beat roughest near the Shore.  Turning spies Ragusa Entering. 
I'm shockt to meet thee here, my Sorc'ress? or  
Some Emissary Daemon in her Shape?  
Speak briefly the Contents of thy dark Errand.  Rag. 
Soft, my projecting Son, by subtlest Magic  
Invisibly I hither am arrived.  
Think not that to my Cell I am confined,  
But range the Streets unseen, frequent Assemblies,  
And in the sultry Hall's infection breathe:  
Nay sometimes busy at the sacred Shrines,  
With Prodigies t'amuse the zealous Crowd,  
With anxious Jealousies enrage their Minds,  
Till in wild Uproar the whole State's embroiled.  Soz. 
But on what mischief bound arriv'st thou now?  Rag. 
Anon there will be Bloodshed in this place,  
A Deed will much conduce to thy Designs:  
I'th' Air I'll hang unseen to Gorge the Steams,  
And suck the Vapours from the Vital Gore.  Soz. 
Thou leddest me into Treason, bear me through,  
In pensive Moods  
I'm tempted to undo what I have done,  
To Tack and seek the safe Point whence I sailed.  Rag. 
No 'tis impossible, thou'rt launched too far,  
And must resolve to brave the Billows now.  Soz. 
I fear the Throne which I with Blood must stain  
Will prove a slippery Seat, for what should let  
But Villainy resolved and bold as mine,  
May take the Path which I to Greatness forced,  
Till by Usurpers the Usurper fall?  Rag. 
Therefore soon as thou art possessed o'th' power  
See thy confederates bleed, that none survive  
T'upbraid thy Greatness with their treacherous Aids,  
And claim like Pirates each his share of Spoil.  Soz. 
I'll sacrifice 'em to the murmuring Crowd,  
With public Justice my ambition gild,  
Shower Gifts among the Crowd, make Riot flow,  
Till they have drowned their discontents in Wine.  Rag. 
But that without control thou mayst possess  
The Tyranny, my Drudges I'll employ  
To frame with their best Arts a Bracelet for thee,  
Which whilst thou wear'st it locked on thy left Arm,  
Treason shall ne'er annoy thee, Sword and Poison  
In vain attempt; Nature alone have power  
Thy Substance to dissolve, nor she herself  
Till many a Winter Shock has broke thy Temper.  Soz. 
Medea for her jason less performed!  
My greatning Soul aspires to range like thee,  
In unknown Worlds, to search the Reign of Night.  
Admitted to thy dreadful Mysteries,  
I should be more than Mortal.  Rag. 
Ne'er my Cell,  
('Mongst circl'ing Rocks in Form a Theatre)  
Lies a snug Vale.  Soz. 
With horror I have viewed it,  
'Tis blasted all and bare as th' Ocean Beach,  
And seems a Round for Elves to Revel in.  Rag. 
With my Attendants there each waning Moon  
My dreadful Court I hold, and sit in state.  
And when the dire Transactions are dispatched,  
Our zany Spirits ascend to make us mirth  
With Gambols, Dances, Masks, and reveling Songs  
Till our mad Din strike terror through the Waste,  
Spreads fair and wide to th' Cliffs that bank the Main,  
And scarce is lost in the wide Ocean's Roar.  Soz. 
Thou sooth'st my black Blood with a horrid pleasure,  
That through my dark thoughts darts a gloomy Joy.  Rag. 
Here seated by me thou shalt view the sports,  
Whilst Daemons kiss thy foot and swear thee Homage.  
But hush!— Our malcontent with lowering Brow  
Draws near, resolved on the dire generous Deed '  
Away; the mischief now is grown so ripe  
'Twill work itself t'an Head without our aid. Vanishes.  Soz. 
Farewell, remember the enchanted Bracelet!  
Not more the Crown I covet then that Chain.  Enter Asaracus. 
That gloomy lowering Brow presages well.  
His Discontent at th' amorous Prince's stay  
Is grown too troublesome for his blunt Soul  
To bear concealed— the Prince himself draws near,  
I'll leave them and expect the wished event. Exit.  Asa. 
Why should I stifle my resentment longer?  
I can at worst but give him bloody proof  
Of my sincerity, if he impeach  
The freedom I assume, of rage or rudeness,  
If to persuade, Friendship and Reason fail,  
I'll bleed, and with my dying Breath prevail.  Enter Brutus. 
My Lord—  Bru. 
What would my Friend?  Asa. 
You loved me once.  Bru. 
Religion has no greater truth, and when  
I love thee not, perish my life and honour.  Asa. 
Bold in your friendship than I warn you Sir  
To summon all your Temper to receive  
What he that loves you best fears to deliver.  Bru. 
Thou labourest with my Fate, for what pale tidings  
Am I thus cautiously prepared?  Asa. 
I come Sir to accuse to you yourself,  
To inform you how your dearest Fame lies sick,  
Your Foes insulting while your Subjects murmur.  
Excuse Sir your plain dealing Friend—  Bru. 
Proceed—  Asa. 
Our last dear Stake lies in your hand to play,  
Which managed wisely may recover yet.  
All we have lost to Fate,  
And raise our sleeping Glory from the Grave.  Bru. 
Gently my Friend, I feel each wakening Pulse  
Start and beat nimbly at the name of Glory.  Asa. 
Ripe Glory waits us in proud Albion's Plains,  
And withers whilst the season we neglect,  
And give our Harvest Suns to slumber.  Bru. 
Ha!  Asa. 
Each gentle breeze that o'er your Navy breaths,  
Sighs as it flies, and Murmurs at our stay.  Bru. 
'Tis too severe! cruel Asaracus  
Has my firm Soul but one weak tender part,  
And your keen censures leveled all at that?  
Why are these Arms that oft have swept the Files,  
Returned with Standards filled, and bloody Bays,  
Denied the transport of a short embrace?  Asa. 
His tender passion starts at my approach;  
It bleeds, but I must pierce it deeper yet:  
Boldly the needful caution I will utter,  
As in a treacherous Labyrinth you stray,  
Lost in delight, and pleasantly destroyed,  
Whilst lulled asleep in your false Circe's charms  
In vain Fame's Trumpet sounds you to the Field.  Bru. 
Die kindling rage! like Thunder struggle, yet  
I'll stifle thee, and choke thy labouring Fire.  
'Tis dead— draw near Asaracus, and give  
A heedful Ear to what thy Prince delivers; Embracing him.  
If any dark disaster or mistake  
Tempt thee hereafter to suspect my Friendship,  
Call to remembrance this eternal Proof—  
Thou didst revile the Queen, her Brutus heard  
And yet forgave the Blasphemy, at once  
The best of Friends and most ingrateful Lover.  Asa. 
My Heart dissolves— But nature sink ere I Aside.  
Indulge his Frailty and permit his Ruin.  Enter Locrine. 
But though your dear-bought Laurels you permit  
To fade, slight courting Honours, yet consider  
This noble Spirit defrauded by your stay Presenting Locrine.  
Of Empire, though by Nature formed to Reign.  Locr. 
Dread Sir 'tis in my Blood and I must Reign,  
Can brook your sacred self alone above me:  
Hourly I'll thrive in Fame, increase in Glory,  
To fill your Throne when you remove to th' Gods.  Asa. 
Excuse this Heat, a spark of your own Fire  
That once glowed bright, though now in Embers hid,  
But fanned with such Breath needs must blaze again.  Locr. 
Even when a Child and under womens' care,  
Whilst through the Casements I beheld our Youth  
By Prince Cleanthus mustered near the Palace,  
I viewed 'em o'er, gazed on their dazzling Crests,  
Their wondrous Scarfs and Javelins tiped with Gold,  
Then sighed and swelled methought as big as They!  
But when their Squadrons joined in sportive Fight  
I flamed, and turning, in the Arras spied  
A glaring Panther wrought to th' Life, than drew  
My Ivory Sword, and tilted at his Breast.  Bru. 
This growing Gallantry with Pride I view,  
But must conceal my Joy— Retire Locrine. Exit Locr.  
Friend, press no more thy lost Advices, for  
I'm sworn to live the Queen's and can't desert her.  Asa. 
Ha! so resolved! then to my last Reserve.  
Sir, be not so enamoured on Perdition,  
Your stock of Fame is large, but judged declining;  
The Purchase cost you dear, the blood of Heroes  
Is sold too cheaply for a Woman's smiles.  Bru. 
And have I then through Floods and Fire sought Glory,  
Followed the glittering Guide through Death's dark Passes,  
To be at last charged with declining Valour?  
And too, the black Reproach shot from a Tongue  
That has sworn Friendship to me— I am wrapped  
In Frenzy, help Asaracus! the Storm  
Grows Mad, nor can I ruleth 'stead Helm!  Asa. 
To your excess of Passion for the Queen  
We would impute the fault you make in Glory,  
Not that you fear the Arms of Albion.  Bru. 
Are these then the surmizes of my Slaves?  
Whose vile Necks from the Grecian Yoke I freed,  
And is Asaracus o'th' Faction too?  
I'm pleased that their Allegiance they've abjured,  
Given me pretence to shake off their vile Empire;  
I'll condescend to Rule this Herd no more,  
Nor with such Refuse tempt the Albion War,  
By great Iulus' Soul I will not.  Asa. 
Then  
By great Iulus' Soul you must confess  
More than a Woman's weakness.  Bru. 
That again!  
Hell! said you weakness?— and meant Cowardice?  
Villain, be mean, recall that inf'mous Breath,  
Recant, forswear't, Lie for thy Life or perish!  Asa. 
It works, and the more swelling now his Rage,  Aside. 
He will retreat t' a lower Ebb of pity.  Bru. 
This stubborn silence is a plain confession!  
Base as thou art I spare to spill thy Blood  
'Cause thou wert once the sharer of my Breast,  
And my too credulous Soul believed thee Brave.  
With much content myself I flattered long,  
Thought my Breast rich, possessed of a true Friend,  
But oh 'twas Fairy Wealth, a dream of Treasure,  
That waking leaves me destitute and poor.  
Traitor, the meaning of that threat'ning Steel?  
Here, strike the Breast thou hast so long deceived.  Asa. 
Yes Prince I'll strike— your Heart— that Heart of yours  
That's in my Bosom lodged. Stabs himself.  Bru. 
Rash Soldier hold. Wrists the Dagger from him.  
And e'er thou fallest unriddle this dark Action.  Asa. 
In vain you would prevent a second Wound;  
This Arm in Brutus' service never struck  
And failed to kill.  Bru. 
Who wait? Physicians hither, fly.  Asa. 
Draw near my Lord and let me bathe your Feet  
In the remains of Blood spent in your Service!  
We have e'er now waded in Gore together.  
Can you forgive my bold presuming Language?  
I should not have indulged my Tongue that freedom  
Had I designed the Rudeness to survive.  
Since nothing could Divorce you from the Queen  
Pardon your Soldiers Zeal, that could not live  
To see your Tide of Glory at a Stand.  Bru. 
Insult not o'er thy wretched Master's Guilt,  
My shame's so Monstrous that to shun  
Th' opprobrious Spectacle, my Friend  
Withdraws disdaining to eternal Night.  Enter Physicians. 
Now empirics muster your best Arts to save  
A Life more precious than the World's great Soul;  
Know Slaves you have no middle Path to take,  
Restore or wait my Hero to the Dead.  Asa. 
Vex not dear Friends my Wound in vain, 'tis Mortal,  
My Heart works slowly and my Pulses sleep.  
Your Hand my Lord— with this cold Kiss I seal it.  
May't prove resistless as the thunderers,  
Snatch Crowns from Europe's Monarchs, grasp their Sceptres,  
Knit in one Empire the divided World.  Bru. 
Live my Asaracus to see me Vanquish  
My Conqu'rer Love, I'll rage and break the Toil.  Asa. 
Speak, how shall I report of our Affairs  
To your departed Heroes where I go?  Bru. 
Bear not to th' other World my black disgrace;  
we'll force our way from this enchanted Coast,  
we'll sail to Night.  Asa. 
Our country's God's protect you.  
Your Fleet's refitted, by my care prepared,  
The Wind presents, the Full Moon gives a Day,  
And swells her Tides to waft you from the Sound.  
Farewell my generous Lord! my Friend's farewell!  
Thus far your Toils I have accompanied,  
Fate part us here. Dies.  Bru. 
Spare him ye Deities for one hour more!  
And then t' Eternity he's yours!  
One tender word more my Asaracus,  
Do not so tamely yield! grapple with Death  
And break from Fate to your lost Friend's Relief!  
Oh let me breathe my Soul into that Wound,  
And quicken thy cold Clay! I'll tear my Heart  
To fill the fatal Breach! oh, oh, oh!  
Withdraw and leave me to compose my Thoughts.  Ex. Physicians and Attendants. 
Give notice to the Fleet we sail to Night.  
Said I to Night! forsake the Queen to Night!  
Forsake! oh Fate! the Queen! to Night forsake her!  
My word is past, 'tis given, and those pale Lips  
With silent Oratory plead my Promise.  Enter the Queen. 
She's here! I never shunned those Eyes before.  Qu. 
D'ye fly me Prince?— but 'tis not strange  
To see the happy shun the wretched— but  
Unhappy as I am you made me so,  
And may dispense to view the Griefs you gave.  Bru. 
You call him happy whom the damned would pity;  
Despairing Ghosts that yell in lightless Flames,  
Would stand aghast to hear my sufferings told,  
Reflect, and grow more patient of Damnation.  Qu. 
Can you have any cares concealed from me?  
Repeat to me the story of your Griefs,  
And I'll recite the tragic Tale of mine.  
Thus we'll beguile the Time with mutual Plaints,  
Together Mourn as once we Smiled together.  Bru. 
My Pain is but prolonged whilst I dissemble  
The struggling Secret, for it must have Birth!  
In my wan Look the fatal Message read,  
Whose horror like a Spell ties up my Tongue:  
Madam, Our Destiny's implacable,  
We must— Oh 'tis Impossible! and yet  
We must—  Qu. 
What?  Bru. 
— Die, like our Ancestors.  Qu. 
Your pardon Prince, this might have been expressed  
With less Formality.  Bru. 
Is't nothing then  
To be reduced to Earth, to sleep in Dust  
Without one dream of Love?— it will out.  Qu. 
These broken Sounds have meanings of Importance.  
For, like a pensive Ghost you labour with  
Some Secret which you seem prepared to tell,  
But when my expectation's raised withdraw.  Bru. 
It shall have passage though it rend my Breast!  
Racked to confess, Fate's summons I pronounce,  
A sound more terrible than Death, Divorce,  
For we must part to Night and meet no more.  Qu. 
Ah! Prince this mirth was cruel and ill-timed,  
The sportive Fright too deeply might have pierced  
My timorous tender Breast; it was not prudent,  
Suppose I had believed you— and Expired.  Bru. 
Now Fate confess, was ever Man of Woes  
Distressed like me? forced to accuse myself  
Of broken Faith to her whom I deceive.  
Oh! Madam, 'twas a fatal Truth I uttered,  
See where my generous Friend self-slaughtered lies  
'Cause I had quitted my pursuit of Arms,  
Which he conjured me with expiring Breath  
To reassume, then to the Gods conveyed  
My Vows Irrevocable.  Qu. 
Ah! Faithless! Swoons.  Bru. 
Convey her gently to the Bed of State.  
Confusion! Furies! how am I oppressed!  
One kind Pang more, kills me and gives me Rest.  
Finis Actus Quarti.   

ACT V.  Enter Soziman and the Ambassadors disguized. Soz. 
MY Lords, you are arrived though unexpected  
Most seasonably: Fortune herself conspires  
In our Design, and Fate is of our Plot.  1. Amb. 
Our King conceived new flames at our return,  
His slighted Love converted to Revenge,  
For having worked him into thirst of Blood  
We told the Circumstances of our Project,  
How you on just resentment had engaged  
To render us the Citadel by Night.  Soz. 
And he approved of the Conspiracy?  2. Amb. 
By all the Memphian Deities he swore  
'Twas such an exquisite Design,  
That e'er these Calends pass we should effect it,  
Or forfeit our projecting Heads.  Soz. 
No more.  
we'll do't e'er cold Boötes fetch his Round;  
The Daystar shall rise wondering at the Change  
This Night creates i'th' Syracusian State.  
The Conscious Moon smiles on our Enterprise,  
And guilds our dark design with her best Rays:  
Beside, the Prince is from the Queen divorced,  
And with his Powers sails off at the next Flood.  
Speak Lords, where have you lodged your Ambuscade  1. Amb. 
I'th' Desert.  Soz. 
Your number?  1. Amb. 
A complete Brigade.  
Beside three Manipli culled from our Libyan Squadrons.  Soz. 
Passed ye the Fens secure?  2. Amb. 
We took the upper Marches by the Cliffs.  Soz. 
Unseen by the Scouts on our Frontiers?  1. Amb. 
Our last was a Night March.  Soz. 
At the third Watch lead up your Forces  
To Saturn's Gate on the North side,  
Which wide with drawn Portcullis shall receive you.  
Be punctual.  Both Amb. 
As meeting Lovers. Exeunt Ambassadors.  Soz. 
My thoughtful Head is with projecting pained,  
But when I've bound my Temples with a Crown,  
I shall have ease: i'th' Registers of Fate  
I am writ King already, but I've yet  
A stream of Blood to ford ere I assume  
Th' Imperial Robe;— be that then the distinction  
'Twixt Soziman and vulgar Potentates,  
To wear his Ermyns of a scarlet die. Exit.  Enter Queen in rage held by Amarante and others. Qu. 
Off— lose me or I'll scatter ye to Air!  
Must I be fettered? stop an Earthquake's shock,  
Not Typhon's Load shall press my fury down;  
I'll toss the burning Mount inverted up,  
And with ascending Thunder fright the Spheres.  Ama. 
O check this Rage or 'twill ferment to Madness.  Qu. 
Where dwells despair? show me the way to Fate,  
The readiest Road! O for a Precipice  
Whose hanging Brow o'erlooks the foaming Flood,  
There, decked in Robes of State, Sceptered and Crowned  
I'll plunge, and bury in th' unfathomed Deep  
Each glittering Badge of wretched Majesty.  Ama. 
Where will this Passion drive? hear me dread Queen  
For Syracuse's sake, your own, the Gods,  
Temper this violence, and shun distraction!  Qu. 
Proved false? 'tis slander and can never be!  
No, he has sworn and wept, and wept and sworn,  
The List of Deities was for his Oaths  
Too scant, the Years, Days, Hours, and Minutes, all  
Were numbered out in Vows!  
If false, he's perjured by the whole Creation.  Ama. 
Yet hear—  Qu. 
And he is false, as jason false, forsworn,  
Teach me Medea's Arts! for my Revenge  
The Globe shall Wreck, and Nature be in Pangs.  
He Sails! see, where the Fugitives proud Bark  
Cleaves the curled Wave, steady afore the Wind,  
They scud, and leave the Dolphin's Leagues behind.  
But there are Gods! there are!— the Surges rise,  
And Boreas posts to th' Fray, they toss, they toss,  
Erynnis fires the Stern! now Flood or Flame!  
They burn, ha, ha, how looks th' Adulterer now?  Ama. 
Thus with my groveling Limbs I'll stop your way,  
Indulge your Passion, give your Fury scope,  
But tread me first to death, then glut of Grief,  
And rave without Control.  Qu. 
O Amarante!  
Thy Love pursues me, though forsook of Heaven.  
Forgive my Rage, too slight for my Distress.  
Oh Heavens! no intermission of my Pain?  
I can sustain no more, Oh my sick Soul!  Ama. 
Stop, as you prize your Amarante's life.  
She dies, if you relapse again to Rage—  Drawing a Poniard. Qu. 
Ah! spare that Breast and I'll compose my Griefs,  
Give me a moment's space to hush the Storm.  
Look, now I'm tame, calm as frozen Flood!  
Nay I can smile— And yet a Tear will steal.  
Let's talk my Girl, for now I can discourse;  
Begin— Or wouldst thou that I give a Theme?  
Then descant on the Perjuries of men.  Ama. 
I would prescribe a Cure, not feed your Sorrow.  
Forgive my busy Love that has contrived  
Without your knowledge to redress your Griefs.  Qu. 
Redress my Grief? 'Twas busy Love indeed!  
Call back the darted Cane, restore  
The forced Spark to its Flint, unite again  
The gathered Rose to its stock and make it grow.  Ama. 
I've sent for the famed Prophetess, that keeps  
Her dark abode in the Diana Vale:  
With her I will advise of your distress;  
Aw'd Nature truckles to her Mystic Arts,  
Her Spells control the Winds, rebuke the Spheres,  
Her Tyranny to th' inmost Soul extends,  
She sways our Passions, and to love or loath  
Is in her Gift— but see she has surprised us.  Enter Ragusa with her Women, they whisper at their Entrance. Qu. 
Our Household Deities be first Atoned  
With Prayers and Incense, then we'll prove her Art.  
To the Distressed one Refuge still remains,  
None are extremely wretched that dare die!  Exit Queen, and Amarante. Ragusa with her Women comes forward. Rag. 
With halting Pace at length we are arrived,  
Nor would have been at pains, but t' introduce  
Confusion, Famine, Drought, Infection, War;  
The blasted Grass will show where we have Journeyed,  
And point Destruction out the readiest Road.  1. Wo. 
The Bats before us in the Twilight played,  
And wanton Meteors tumbled o'er the Lawns.  2. Wo. 
A stately Pile!— Megera's Torch set fire to't.  Rag. 
To work, to work, our Sorcerie's Masterpiece.  
Now quit ye well, or ne'er ply Furnace more.  3. Wo. 
Our first Task is to Desecrate the place,  
And drive the Tut'lar Genius from his Charge,  
That nought defeat our Charms.  4. Wo. 
As through the Portico we passed,  
With Scorpion's Blood the Lares I defiled,  
And on their Necks hung Chains invisible.  1. Wo. 
I fixed a cross Spell at the Palace Gate,  
And Conscious of its force the Statues fell.  Rag. 
To East and West, North and South Points disperse,  
And puff th'Enchanted Powders from your Flasks,  
Whilst here i'th' Centre I reside,  
And from my hollow Breast pour Mystic Rhimes  
That wake the slumbering Daemons into Yells.  The four Women disperse to each corner of the Stage blowing black Powders from Boxes, Ragusa in the middle. 2. Wo. 
The Ground's unhallowed, and our Art works free,  
But ha! Why droops the Mistress of our Spells? To Rag.  
Thou'rt sad and clouded with a sudden Gloom.  Rag. 
Daran long since forewarned me to expect  
An end of my dark Reign, when I should meet  
Two snowy Kids milking a jet black Dam,  
Which fatal Omen I beheld this Morn'.  
Beside, our Cauldron where our Drugs we steep,  
At Midnight fell to boiling without fire;  
Our Cell of late has oft been hung with Dew,  
And seemed to weep at our approaching Fate.  3. Wo. 
They're vain Portents, our Magic still holds good.  4. Wo. 
Last Night a Village Shrew in Labour fell,  
With a slight Charm I checked the hastening Birth,  
In vain Lucina was invoked, till I  
Dissolved my Spell, and then the Blouze was Laid.  1. Wo. 
A Woodman as I gathered Herbs, reviled me;  
But I observed him while he fixed a Ginn  
Of steel indented to entrap the Wolf,  
At first Cockcrow I drew him from his Bed,  
I'th' Engine locked him fast and left him yelling.  2. Wo. 
As from Elorus Cliffs I viewed the Flood,  
Two Rival Triton's rose with Lances armed,  
And fiercely at each other ran a Tilt;  
They bled, and with their Gore the Seaweed stained,  
Which at low Ebb I gathered, a choice Drugg,  
Whose virtue future practice must discover.  3. Wo. 
Whilst pensive near a Pathless Vale I sat,  
A sportive Vapour rolled along the Glin,  
It's wild Caprices caused me to suspect  
Some frolic Daemon acting in the Mist,  
Which summoned by my Art t'appear, came forth,  
Taught me new Spells, and hid i'th' fog again.  Rag. 
Proceed we then to finish our black Projects.  
View here, till from your green distilling Eyes  
The poisonous Glances Centre on this Bracelet,  
A fatal Gift for our projecting Son;  
Seven Hours odd Minutes has it steeped i'th' Gall  
Of a vile Moor Swine-rooted from his Grave.  
Now to your bloated Lips apply it round,  
And with th'infectious Dew of your black Breathes  
Complete its baleful force.  All Wo. 
Uh, uh, uh. Kissing the Bracelet.  Rag. 
Now to your several Charges each repair,  
ere second Crow expect me at the Cell;  
But look you charm the Desert as ye pass:  
For if Wolf howl, Fox bark, or Badger yelp,  
You shall be Tenter-stretcht and hung i'th' Sun.  All Wo. 
Uh, uh, uh, Exeunt.  Enter Soziman. Soz. 
O Expectation! Torture of the mind!  
Two hours, no more, divide me from my wishes.  
But oh, how many minutes make those hours?  
Time's sand falls grain by grain to him that waits  
For Empire— I'm informed the Queen has summoned  
The Sorc'ress to consult— She's here.  Rag. 
There Son. Gives him the Bracelet.  
The King of Shades no richer Present drew  
From his dark Store t' appease his Ravished Bride:  
It makes thee for seven Lustres more Immortal.  Soz. 
I am confused with Joy, but when I wake  
From th' Ecstasy—  Rag. 
Wave thy vain thanks, and heed  
The Charge I give; to Night at the third Watch  
A powerful Constellation Reigns, till then  
Forbear to fix it to thy longing Arm.  
Away, the Queen returns. Exit Soziman.  
'Twere a mean mischief and below my Art,  
To ruin him till in close view of Empire,  
But to prevent him in the Nick, just shooting  
With the last stretch on his hard hunted Prey,  
Is worthy of my Skill, and can almost  
Provoke me 'gainst my Contract to a Smile.  Enter Queen and Amarante, with Censors, as from Sacrifice. Qu. 
In vain we ply the Gods with slighted Incense!  
Some Prodigy lurks in each Nook to fright me;  
Even now the Altar shook as I approached,  
As from the Lavar to bedew the Floor  
I heaved a Bowl, the Crystal Element  
Converted in my Hand to putrid Gore.  Turns towards Ragusa. 
O Prophetess powerful in Mystic Rites,  
Be kind, and with thy sacred Art assist  
A suppliant Queen, and thou shalt be my Goddess.  Rag. 
How, Lady Venus, is your Mars proved false?  
Drought on my poisonous Drugs if ought I do  
T' oblige thee Queen, but for the dear Delight  
Of mischief, I'll assist thee, teach thee how  
To mould his form in Wax by Art prepared  
Of Viper's fat, and Gumm of Stygian Pines,  
Which on a slow fire with due Rites dissolved  
Shall waste his Entrails, melt his Reins t' a Jelly,  
For Magic uses Sovereign Ingredient.  Ama. 
Incarnate Devil!  Rag. 
Or if this Method like thee not, I'll teach thee  
With blood of Dragons to inscribe his Name,  
And stab each Letter with envenomed Needles.  
That shall t' his thinking wound his Body o'er  
With Hornet's stings, there's sport, ho, ho.  Qu. 
I seek not thee to enforce his Love,  
But quench my own.  
And therefore I entreat thee set a Spell  
To keep him Port-bound, till I shall have weaned  
My froward Passion.  Rag. 
Port-bound shall he be!  
I'll lash the Coasts with such fierce Gusts from Sea,  
'Tis odds I wreck his Navy in the Bay:  
Nor without hope by th' by to endanger too  
The Towers of Syracuse, that gild the Clouds;  
But to my Charm— Thus Circ'ling on my Staff.  
Daran be'est thou far or near,  
Approach, I summon thee t' appear.  A Tune of horror played, after which a Dwarf Spirit rises. 
Ha! what art thou? a Spirit of Earth or Air?  
For size thou shouldst be one of Oberon's Train,  
A Fairy Elf; but I remember not  
T' have seen thee in the Ring on Rev'ling Eves,  
Nor at the general Banquet in the Vale  
By Moonlight; Dwarfin speak thy Name, and why  
Thou dost usurp the Office of my Spirit.  Spi. 
I'm sent t' inform thee that the Powers below  
Demand thee, for thy Reign expires to Night.  Rag. 
Poisons and boiling Sulphur! hark the Spirit,  
The Seasons drawing on, permit me Live  
To blast one Harvest more.  Spi. 
It is denied.  Rag. 
To force at least an Earthquake when I sink  
To lay this stately Citadel in heaps.  Spi. 
You may not, but this Night it shall become  
A Scene of Treason, Rapes, and Massacres.  Rag. 
I shall not perish Singly then.  Spi. 
I've done.  
And to my Charge return: at the third Watch  
Expect me. Descends.  Rag. 
Queen glorious tidings! bless the lucky hour!  Qu. 
What says thy Art?  Rag. 
This Night completes thy Ruin— keep the Secret.  Qu. 
Pernicious Hag! a Guard here, seize the Witch.  Guard Entering, Ragusa vanishes. 
Vanished? each minute of this dreadful Night  
Teems with some Miracle; where'er I turn  
Fate looks me in the Face.  Ama. 
Madam, the Prince.  Enter Brutus, Locrine, Brutus in a Sea Habit, speaks to Sailors at his Entrance. Bru. 
To your Posts Sirs, and make ready to weigh off  
With the young Flood, expect me soon Aboard—  
I've sworn, but dare not venture to her presence  
Till with repeated Vows I'm armed a new.  Moves up to the Queen, they sit gazing a while. 
Madam—  Qu. 
Why in this Garb my Lord?  Bru. 
Agues and Fevers! she seems ignorant  
To put me on the Torture of repeating  
What with more pain I have already told,  
Then raving Sibylls' utter Oracles—  
Think it not rudeness that I seize this Hand. Queen gives her Hand.  
How I adore this Goodness— yet I wish  
I had not—  Qu. 
Had not?  Bru. 
O there's Magic in't.  Qu. 
Then I'll withdrawed.  Bru. 
No, for you snatch my life too with it.  Qu. 
Why do you then complain?  Bru. 
It fires my blood!  
Revives the dear remembrance of those Joys,  
That never! never— Oh my Heart breaks. Rising in a start.  Qu. 
You are discomposed my Lord, please you retire  
And rest?  Bru. 
'Twas a light swimming in my Head,  
And to divert it I was forced to move.  
Your pardon Madam. Both sit again.  Qu. 
But my demand my Lord, why in this Garb?  Bru. 
Excuse and pity me the Drudge of Fate,  
Fate wantonly our Alban State o'erthrew,  
And then with the vast Ruins cumbered me;  
Seven tedious years have I the weight sustained,  
And must sustain till on proud Albion's Shore  
I pour the Load and shake the burdened Soil.  Qu. 
My swelling Passions crowd each other's way, Aside.  
And pressing all for utterance, all are mute.  Bru. 
Empire could ne'er have drawn me from your Feet  
Were I the sole Adventurer i'th' War,  
But thousands run the fortune of my Play,  
And giving up the Game I break them all.  Qu. 
When will the striving Thunder break and roar?  Aside. Bru. 
Long have I strayed from the rough Tracks of Honour  
To revel in the looser Vales of Love,  
Caressed like soft Endymion by a Goddess,  
But now my glorious Toils I reassume;  
Once more in Arms, new Listed under Fame,  
And with as many Oaths stand re-ingaged  
As Heaven has Powers— for I invoked 'em all.  Qu. 
Go then Ingrateful, False, Inhuman, go,  Rising in rage. 
Seek, search your Fairy Kingdoms through the Floods;  
Trust the false winds as I have trusted thee,  
And perish by 'em as by thee I perish.  Bru. 
If like the Rocks relentless I must stand. Aside.  
Make me, indulgent Gods, as Deaf as they!  Qu. 
Curse on my ill-timed Hospitality,  
I should have joined with th' angry Gods, and Fired  
His Pirate Fleet, when storm-driv'n on my Coast,  
And Massacred his Legions in a Night.  Bru. 
Now heavens' your Aid to fix my wavering Heart—  Aside. Qu. 
Yet perjured Prince at least I will detain  
This living Copy of your dear false Self Seizing Locrine.  
To soothe my sorrows with the sad remembrance  
Of fatal pleasures past.  Locr. 
Your pardon Madam,  
I cannot lose my share i'th' Albion War;  
Th' Inhabitants are all of monstrous Size,  
Like those huge Sons of Earth that stormed the heavens',  
I long t' engage a Foe above my reach,  
And dart my Rapier at a Giant's Heart.  Qu. 
Your Father's wrongs will end me soon, and then  
My Crown shall fall on you.  Locr. 
I cannot wait.  
Let dull Heirs watch th' uncertain fall of Power;  
I'd force my Fortune, win the Crown I wear.  Qu. 
Think'st thou the Gods, if thus I am deserted,  
Will wink at such ingratitude?  Locr. 
Dread Queen,  
We take no final Farewell; when we have fixed  
Our Reign in Albion, we'll invade the Gauls,  
Then scour th' Hesperian Borders to this Isle,  
Till Conquering back we visit you again— Steals off.  Qu. 
Lost Queen! both Gods and Men to thy requests  
Are deaf— Once more I will attempt this Rock.  Turns to Brutus. 
The Neighbouring Princes for your sake rejected  
On my forsaken Realm will pour their War,  
And 'mongst their Trophies Lumber drag me chained,  
With whose bright presence once they coveted  
To grace their Thrones, and honour at my Feet  
Their Crowns— But let 'em come, for to preserve  
My Dignity I'll die immured with Fire,  
These Golden Roofs shall burn my Funeral Pile;  
Then as you sail in dead of Night, survey  
From your tall Stern our flaming Syracuse  
Relentless, make advantage of our Fate,  
And by our blazing Temples Steer your Course.  Bru. 
Away thou foolish Utensil of War,  Throws away his Truncheon. 
I'll give my scattered Laurels to the Wind,  
Nor die me more in slaughter— Fame can boast  
No Charms like these, nor with such bliss reward.  Qu. 
The grateful Brutus meant not to desert  
His hospitable Queen in her distress;  
My conscious Heart told me 'twas but Pretence  
Yet— Trust me Prince, 'twas cruel to pretend!  A mournful voice from behind the Scene. 
Whence that sad Cry?  Ama. 
From your Argaces' Cell;  
Thrice has his discontented Genius groaned.  Qu. 
'Twas to reprove and summon us to part.  
Ah Prince, in vain our Loves with Fate contend;  
Let's tack and stem the stormy Tide no more.  
Improve this Season to oppose your Passion,  
And bank against it now whilst 'tis i'th' Ebb.  Bru. 
I'th' Ebb? witness the o'reflowing of my Heart,  
Witness the Labour of each panting Nerve,  
My glowing Art'ries and fermenting Blood,  
My Dreams all Night, and Muse all the Day  
Th' innumerable Deaths of every hour—  Qu. 
No more! I am convinced you Love— too well!  
Yet want the power t' enjoin you Love me less.  Bru. 
O Rapture! killing Sweets and bleeding Joy:  It Thunders. Qu. 
More Prodigies! then Destiny's resolved  
On our Divorce— And I at last resolve it too!  
I'll take the Courage which this minute gives,  
And while my Heart will serve me, say— Farewell!  Bru. 
Stay Queen, oh turn! Love's Farewell cannot pass  
So smoothly off! a thousand thousand sighs  
Should interrupt and break the killing Sound,  
Kisses should stifle it, Tears drown it, oh, oh!—  
Think not when banished from your sight, I'll toil  
For Empire, no, to the utmost North I'll roam,  
Where no kind Sun shall thaw the Congealed Brook  
To humour with soft Murmurs my Complaints;  
Stretched on its Bank I'll knit to th' Ground I press,  
By the neglected Locks Frost-bound to Earth!  Qu. 
You must not leave me with such dire Resolves,  
You must my Brutus promise to part hence,  
And live removed from your afflicted Queen,  
Yet promise to Live happy too, you must,  
'Tis all I shall enjoin you for my sake  
In your Eternal Absence.  Bru. 
Blood and Fire!  
I am distracted— such another Sound  
And then your wretched Brutus is no more.  Ghost of Asaracus rises. Qu. 
Shield me ye Powers, turn Prince and view your Friend,  
Threat'ning and pointing to his blushing Wound.  Bru. 
Asaracus!— that e'er that Form should fright me!  
Pronounce, what means this Visit from the Grave?  
Was then our Friendship of so strong a tie  
That Death could not Divorce? Approach cold Shade,  
And in my Bosom's warmth I'll cherish thee. Ghost Descends.  
Dissolved, withdrawn disdaining from my sight  
ere Fates important Message was Delivered!  Qu. 
His speaking Frowns his Embassy expressed,  
And the sad Summons I've sworn t' obey.  Bru. 
Ha, sworn? recall inhuman Queen, recall  
The winged Oath, ere it reach the Gods.  Qu. 
'Tis fled.  Bru. 
Must then a rash Vow interpose  
'Twixt me and Life? Love spreads a Feast, but you  
Fix Harpy Vows to drive me from the Dainties!  Qu. 
Now sacred Powers if e'er you will assist Aside.  
Poor labouring Virtue, my resolves secure!  Bru. 
Permit at least your Slave the privilege  
To breathe his last Groans here!  
Nor shall the doleful Cry offend you long,  
For grovelling at your Feet his Griefs and he  
Will rage themselves into eternal sleep.  Qu. 
Never was such a Spectacle of Woe!  
Time's self must stand surprised at our Distress,  
And stop his Course to gaze on us as Wonders!  
Rise Prince, for we must yield to Destiny,  
Scattered and driven by an Head-sea of Fate;  
Again I swear, that Sun shall be my Last  
That next beholds your Navy in the Bay,  
Take a quick Leave, or you resolve my Death.  Bru. 
Oh Love!  Qu. 
O Death!  Bru. 
With what Regret I leave these Hills of pleasure!  Leaning on the Queen's Breasts. 
Mysterious Worlds where all the Seasons meet,  
The warmth of Summers, and the Winter's Snow.  Qu. 
Enough! dismiss me from the Rack— Adieu!  Bru. 
One dear last Taste of Bliss.  Qu. 
Take, snatch it and away.  Bru. 
Yet one more Everlasting Last.  Qu. 
I dare not for my Soul— farewell.  Bru. 
Kind, Cruel Queen Eternally farewell. Exit.  Qu. 
Racks, Daggers, Poison,— Lead me Amarante.  Ama. 
Compose this Passion: whither?  Qu. 
Any whither.  
To a Desert, Death, Eternal Shades, Oh Torture! Exeunt.  Enter Soziman. Soz. 
This is my Dawn of Power, th' approaching Glory  
Dazzles and wraps me into Ecstasy.  
The lucky Minute's come, now for my Bracelet,  
Which whilst I wear it locked to my left Arm  
Treason shall ne'er annoy me, thus I bind Puts it on.  
My safety to me— My Ambassadors  
Should now arrive—  Enter the Captain of the Guards. 
Thy hasty looks prevent thy speech,  
And tell me they are come.  Capt. 
They wait with all their Troops at the North Gate,  
Where I have placed thin Guard, and those made privy  
To our Design; the rest will be surprised  
And yield to unequal Power.  Soz. 
Haste and admit them.  
Conduct 'em to the Cell, where they may seize  
Their Royal Prize. I'll meet ye there. Exit Capt. o'th' Gua.  
Now comes my Transport! Ha, what sudden Cramp  
Distorts my Nerves? I burn! my Heart bodes Death!  
Hell, am I then mocked with a dream of Empire,  
A Pageant Prince? the Monarch of an Hour?  
Pernicious Beldame! 'tis the Bracelet! Oh  
I'm poisoned! wrapped with hissing Snakes about,  
Stung in each Poor— Furies and threat'ning Fiends  
Around me glare— The Stars shoot madly down,  
It Thunders, the o'ercharged Clouds break, break and hurl  
A shower of Sulphur on my Head! Fire, Fire!  Exit tearing his Hair. Scene drawing discovers the Cell, Queen and Amarante come forward. Qu. 
Room, room, or I shall burst, my Breast will rend  
And scatter Wildfires! ha, who named the Prince?  
Spite of our inauspicious Stars he's brave,  
Warlike and Soft— I cannot breathe without him.  
Fly Amarante ere he reach the Port,  
And die to hang the Heavier on his Feet.  
Bid him return, the Queen has given him leave—  
Rash Maid come back! Is Amarante grown  
So base as to officiate in my shame?  
O raging misery! when shall I have Rest?  
My sorrows sleep? they'll never, never sleep;  
Why this unkind Delay? did I not charge you  
Fetch back the Prince?  Ama. 
Yes, and he shall return.  
Rather than Sail, his Fleet shall burn i'th' Bay.  Qu. 
Stay, I conjure you stay— What cruel zeal  
Prompts you to stab afresh my bleeding Honour?  
Convey me to some distant Desert shade,  
Where I may rove through th'unfrequented Gloom,  
And fright the listening Satyrs with my Cries.  Ama. 
Soft Music, and complaining Songs may calm  
This Rage, I've known it a successful Charm.  

Song.  Written by Mr. Wright. 
Bid the sad forsaken Grove  
To sigh for ever, sigh as much as I.  
Bid the Dew fall, and the Sky weep apace,  
Weep like the Queen of Love:  
It cannot be more show'ry than her Face.  
Ah hapless Deity,  
And still more wretched 'cause she may not Diego  
Can there be further joy in the Celestial store,  
Now my best Heaven Adonis is no more,  
He is no more, no more!   

Hark, methinks I hear each Tree  
Murmur in Parts as sighing Breezes rise  
And make (whilst Time their nodding Branches keep)  
A mournful Symphony.  
The Skies too find a thousand Eyes to weep.  
Ah you deceitful Skies,  
When my Adonis fell where were those Eyes?  
Can there be further joy in the Celestial store,  
Since the sweet Youth Adonis is no more,  
He is no more, etc.   An Alarm. Enter a Soldier of the Guard. Sold. 
Treason, Treason! the Cittadel's betrayed,  
Our Guards by th' Agrigentines are surprised,  
Part are corrupted and assist the Foe,  
The rest in vain resist and Loyal die.  Ama. 
Your Cheek's rich Purple fades, your sickening Eyes  
Threaten a fatal Change! Heaven save the Queen!  Qu. 
My malady at last has proved my Cure,  
My Griefs at last have swelled to that degree  
To break my o'ercharged Heart and give me Ease.  
Death thou hast shunned me long, long failed my hopes,  
But now I've seized thee, and I'll hold thee fast! Dies.  Ama. 
Still pale— ha, speechless too? Cold! Dead! ah Queen  
Unkindly hast thou stolen from life and me!  
But I'll pursue thee even to th' other World, Stabs herself.  
And if Fate's malice can extend so far  
Partake thy miseries there. Dies.  Alarm again. Enter the Ambassadors with Guards and Attendants. 1. Am. 
Let slaughter cease, all sheath your Conquering Swords.  2. Amb. 
Prostrate? Expired? then let the Conquerors blush!  
Whilst we so busily engaged i'th' Fight,  
Death snatched the Spoil and bore the Prize away.  1. Amb. 
O costly Pomp of horror! none stand forth  
T' interpret this dumb Scene?  Enter Soziman with his clothes disordered Stabbing himself with a Dagger in each Hand. Soz. 
Here! here it heaves, but thus I give it vent;  
Ha! how the Poison trickles!— What a Crack  
Was there? Again? the Icy Region breaks,  
Falls clatt'ring down, the frozen Ruins tumble,  
And dash the Seas to Heaven.  
seven Sun's dart through me with their scorching Rays!  
My Sinews crack! my Bones in Splinters break!  
Mists, Sulphurous Mists confound and choke the Day!  
Comets and fiery Spectres— the Earth yields,  
We sink, plunge Headlong to Eternal Deeps. Falls dead.  2. Amb. 
Prodigious!  1. Amb. 
In Confusion I am lost.  
For their Enterments we will first provide,  
Then back to our expecting Court  
With mourning Trumpets in slow Marches move,  
Sad Cypress for Triumphant Laurels wear.  
And Funeral Flags for Conquering Ensigns bear!  
FINIS.   

EPILOGUE.  By Ragusa rising from under the Stage. 
HO, ho! once more to th' hated Light I come  
To visit ye, and learn the Poet's Doom;  
ere I could see the Fortune of his Play,  
He broke my Charms and hurried me away.  
The Critics think I have usurped their Right,  
And all the mischief I have wrought to Night  
Encroachment on their proper Province, Spite.  
I know you do by long Prescription claim  
A Privilege to Censure, Rail and Dam;  
You pay for Railing, on your Charges flout,  
And 'tis but just you take your Pennyworths out.  
Hard Fate of Poets!— but (to make't appear  
Witches then Critics more obliging are,)  
Ill teach 'em the sure way to Liberty—  
Let 'em henceforth each others Vouchers be;  
For they are now so large a Party grown  
As could with Number bear the Critics down.  
Then on our Stage, th' Adventurers in Wit  
Shall Trade secure,  
And Triumph o'er the Hogons of the Pit.   

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