THE LOYAL GENERAL, A TRAGEDY.  
ACTED at the Duke's Theatre  
WRITTEN By N. TATE.  
LONDON, Printed for Henry Bonwicke, at the Red Lion in St. Paul's Churchyard. M. DC. LXXX.   

TO Edward Tailor ESQ  
THAT I interrupt your Retirement with such a trifling Present (for even your Retirement is Busy) would need an Appology with a Friend of more Ceremony and less good Humour. Your Judgement will set a value on Poetry from any Hand, and your Kindness dispense with the imperfect Essays of a Friend. The general hard Censure of Poetry, and its Professors, has sometimes been the Subject of our Discourse, where amongst other Reflections, we have with some surprise, observed that none hold this Art in less esteem than your gravest Pretenders to Learning; but tax it on such an Account, as they, of all Men, should least insist upon. It's Insignificancy to the World, What can be easier than to recriminate in this Case? Will not impartial Censure prefer the Author of Chevee-Chase to the nicest Distinguisher in Metaphysics? What difference (as to public benefit, between idle Speculations and the slightest Madrigals, excepting that the former is a more Creditable Impertinence, and the Folly made Reverend with a Gown and Title,  
In the mean time 'tis forgotten what Aristotle himself (even against his own Profession) has declared in behalf of the Muses? That Poetry (Tragedy in particular) is more effectual to instruct Mankind than Philosophy. And even Tully is Poetical in pleading for this Faculty: Haec Studia Adolescentiam alant, Senectutem oblectant, Secundas Res ornant, Adversis per sugium ac solatium praebent; delectant domi, non impediunt Foris: pernoctunt nobiscum, perigrinantur, rusticantur. And a little after, Caeterarum rerum Studia, & Doctrinâ & Praeceptis, & Arte constare, Poetam Naturâ ipsà valere, mentis Viribus excitari, & quasi Divinoquodam Spiritu asflari.  
'Tis an Error as groundless as Vulgar, to think that there goes no more to the furnishing a Poet, than a Windmill in the Head, a Stream of Tattle, and convenient Confidence; whereas no Exercise of the Soul requires a more composed Thought, more sparingness of Words, more Modesty and Caution in the Undertaker. To make an accomplished Poet, Nature, in the first place must do her best; she must give him the Faculties of Soul in Perfection, a Copious Invention, a Comprehensive Memory, a Nimble Wit to repair to this Storehouse for Materials on all occasions, a Strict Discerning Judgement to censure this Choice, to give it just Expression, and in short, to square and finish what was wrought off in the Heat of Fancy. Nor is even this enough to constitute a Poet. Nature will not do his Business, he must have the Addition of Arts and Learning, be familiar with the Sciences, acquainted with the Intrigues of Courts, the Customs and Constitutions of Nations, versed in their Languages, and read in the Histories of all Ages. His Knowledge must reach to the Policies of State, and descend even to Mechachanism; have insight into the meanest Mysteries and Trades, because 'tis uncertain whither his Subject will lead him; and he is to speak properly on all Occasions: nor are these Accomplishments above Humane Capacity, for they are every where conspicuous in the Iliad and the AEneid.  
I am apt to think, that Expression of your beloved Horace, the Potestas quidlibet Audendi, which he allows to Poets and Painters, was rather a Proverb of his time than a Notion of his own; for he immediately lays this restraint upon't,  
Sed non ut placidis coeant immitia, non ut  
Serpents Avibus geminentur, Tigribus Agni.  
There are some Beauties common to Poems of all sorts, and there are besides select Graces peculiar to every Species of Poesy; and these so distinct among themselves, that 'tis a question whether there ever was an Universal Poet. Many believe there can be no such, the various Temperament and Passion of the Poems (which must be as different in the mind of the Writer) being inconsistent. Virgil may be urged on this Occasion, there being nothing softer than his Ecclogues, his Tytirus, his Alexis, his Gallus; nothing loftier than his AEneid: yet even in these Pastorals you will find the Heroic turn of his Verse, and the Air of a Muse, too Majestic to be diguised amongst the Nymphs of the Plain.  
— Illa Pharetram  
Fert humero, gradiensque Deas Supereminet Omnes.  
The greatest Labour of the Muses is by some thought a Task of Ease, whereas there is no Poem of the lowest Degree, that is perfect in kind, but must have such a Symmetry in the whole, and so many Proprieties beside, which the Author must have regard to; the Lucidus, Ordo, Series & Junctura, and the Felix Operis Summa, exacted by Horace, that the Undertaker will find even a good Eligy or Epigram, a Work of weight. What more difficult than to steer amongst such Shelves, where the avoiding an Error is a ready way to commit one.  
In vitium ducit Culpae fuga.  
This great Poet and Critic will have even the Debentia dici, sometimes omitted, to secure the justness of the Poem; and yet he will tell ye that  
Non satis est Pulchra esse Poemata, dulcia sunto.  
Where by Pulchra I suppose he means Exact, and by Dulcia, Diverting and Airy. As in good Painting, where the Colours must be neither Dead nor Gawdy.  
For distinction of Characters he has given us Rule and Examples in the same Verses, and drawn in little, what can never be more fully expressed in large.  
Intererit Multum, Davusne loquatur, an Eros  
Maturusne senex, an adhuc florente juventa  
Fervidus, an Matrona potens, an sedula Nutrix.  
Where every single Epithet distinguishes the Person and makes it a Character.  
You have sometimes asked my Opinion to what sort of Poetry I would give the Pre-eminence? And will possibly expect some account at this time. I suppose the Question can be only betwixt the Epic and Tragedy. The end that is pursued by both, I conceive to be the same (for the later Designs the Instruction even of Princes, as well as the former; (and no Monarch was ever too great to be represented on the Stage) but I will not take upon me to determine which is most effectual for that end. If you will have my imperfect thoughts, I conceive 'em too nearly related to make different Species; and find our learned Laureate content to have one of his 
* Praef. to the Conqu. of Granada.  Sprightliest Tragedies, called an Epic Poem.  
I cannot forget the strong desire I have heard you express to see the Common Places of our Shakespeare, compared with the most famous of the Ancients. This indeed were a Task worthy the greatest Critic. Our Learned Hales was wont to assert, That since the time of Orpheus and the Oldest Poets, no Common Place has been touched upon, where our Author has not performed as well. Our Laureate has thrown in his Testimony, and declared, 
* Essay on Dram. Poe.  That Shakespeare was a Man that of all Men had the largest and most comprehensive Soul.  
What I have already asserted concerning the necessity of Learning to make a complete Poet, may seem inconsistent with my Reverence for our Shakespeare.  
— Cujus amor semper mihi crescit in Horas.  
I confess I could never yet get a true account of his Learning, and am apt to think it more than Common Report allows him. I am sure he never touches on a Roman Story, but the Persons, the Passages, the Manners, the Circumstances, the Ceremonies, all are Roman. And what Relishes yet of a more exact Knowledge, you do not only see a Roman in his Hero, but the particular Genius of the Man, without the least mistake of his Character, given him by their best Historians. You find his Anthony in all the Defects and Excellencies of his Mind, a Soldier, a Reveller, Amorous, sometimes Rash, sometimes Considerate, with all thevarious Emotions of his Mind. His Brutus again has all the Constancy, Gravity, Morality, Generosity, Imaginable, without the least Mixture of private Interest or Irregular Passion. He is true to him, even in the imitation of his Oratory, the famous Speech which he makes him deliver, being exactly agreeable to his manner of expressing himself; of which we have this account, Facultas ejus erat Militaris & Bellicis accommodata Tumultubus.  
But however it fared with our Author for Book-Learning, 'tis evident that no man was better studied in Men and Things, the most useful Knowledge for a Dramatic Writer. He was a most diligent Spy upon Nature, traced her through her darkest Recesses, pictured her in her just Proportion and Colours; in which Variety 'tis impossible that all should be equally pleasant, 'tis sufficient that all be proper.  
Of his absolute Command of the Passions, and Mastery in distinguishing of Characters, you have a perfect Account in that most excellent Criticism before, Troilus and Cressida: If any Man be a lover of Shakespeare and covet his Picture, there you have him drawn to the Life; but for the Eternal Plenty of his Wit on the same Theme, I will only detain you with a few instances of his Reflections on the Person, and Cruel Practices of Richard the Third. First of all Henry the Sixth bespeaks him in these words:  
The Owl shrieked at thy Birth, an evil sign,  
Dogs howled and hideous Tempests shook down Trees,  
The Raven rooked her on the Chymneys Top,  
And chattering Pies in dismal Discords sung;  
Thy Mother felt more than a Mother's Pain,  
And yet brought forth less than a Mother's hope;  
An indigested Lump, etc.  
Richard afterwards makes as bold with himself, where this is part of his Soliloque.  
Cheated of Feuture by dissembling Nature,  
Deformed, unfinished, sent before my time  
Into this breathing World, scarce half made up,  
And that so lamely and unfashionable,  
That Dogs bark at me as I halt by them.  
I that in this weak piping time of Peace,  
Have no delight to pass away the time,  
Unless to view my Shadow in the Sun,  
And descant on my own Deformity.  
Queen Margaret cannot hear him mentioned without a new stream of satire.  
A Hellhound that doth Hunt us all to Death,  
That Dog that had his Teeth before his Eyes,  
To worry Lambs and lap their gentle Blood, etc.  
And never meets him but she presents him with his Picture;  
Hells black Intelligencer,  
Their Factor to buy Souls and send 'em thither.  
And again,  
Thou elfish marked abortive Monster,  
Thou that wast sealed in thy Nativity,  
The Slave of Nature and the Son of Hell.  
Thou slander of thy heavy Mothers Womb.  
With very many other Taunts to the same purpose.  
It cannot be denied but he is often insipid where he is careless, many Things he wrote in hurry; but for his more elaborate Scenes, what Cicero spoke of the Writings of Archias, will hold good. Quae verò accuratè Cogitatéque scripsisset, ad veterum Scriptorrm Laudem pervenerunt.   

PROLOGUE WRITTEN BY Mr. DRYDEN.  
IF yet there be a few that take delight  
In that which reasonable Men should write;  
To them Alone we Dedicate this Night.  
The Rest may satisfy their curious. Itch  
With City Gazettes or some Factious Speech,  
Or whatever Libel for the Public Good,  
Stirs up the Shrovetide Crew to Fire and Blood!  
Remove your Benches you apostate Pit,  
And take Above, twelve pennyworth of Wit;  
Go back to your dear Dancing on the Rope,  
Or see what's worse the Devil and the Pope!  
The Plays that take on our Corrupted Stage,  
Methinks resemble the distracted Age;  
Noise, Madness, all unreasonable Things,  
That strike at Sense as Rebels do at Kings!  
The stile of Forty One our Poets write,  
And you are grown to judge like Forty Eight.  
Such Censures our mistaking Audience make,  
That 'tis almost grown Scandalous to Take!  
They talk of Fevers that infect the Brains,  
But Nonsense is the new Disease that reigns.  
Weak stomachs with a long Disease oppressed,  
Cannot the Cordials of strong Wit digest:  
Therefore thin Nourishment of Farce ye choose,  
Decoctions of a Barleywater Muse:  
A Meal of Tragedy would make ye Sick,  
Unless it were a very tender Chick.  
Some Scenes in Sippets would be worth our time,  
Those would go down; some Love that's poached in Rhyme;  
If these should fail—  
We must lie down, and after all our cost,  
Keep Holiday, like Watermens in Frost,  
Whilst you turn Players on the World's great Stage,  
And Act yourselves the Farce of your own Age.   

The Persons.  
King 
Mr. Harris.  Theocrin 
Mr. Betterton.  Theron 
Mr. Norris.  Diphilus 
Mr. Gillo.  Escalus 
Mr. Jevan.  Pisander 
Mr. Bowman.  Abardanes 
Mr. Jo. Williams.  Sossacles 
Mr. Williams.  Queen 
Mrs. Currer.  Arviola 
Mrs. Lee.  Edraste 
Mrs. Price.  Myrrhoe 
  
Messengers, Priests, etc.  
SCENE GREECE.   

THE Loyal General, A TRAGEDY.  

ACT. I. SCENE The Palace.  Escalus and Pisander. Pis. 
'tIs certain than the Armies joined this Morn.  Esc. 
There's no Intelligence from either Camp,  
But by the joint Report of Cottagers,  
That from the Mountains viewed the distant Fray.  
The Rebels have the Royal Troops in chase,  
Whose broken Squadrons make a Flying ight,  
And much disdaining to the Woods Retr eat.  Pis. 
They were the King's last stake.  Esc. 
This is the day  
That crowns the hopes of our designing Queen,  
Or sinks her Projects ever; for if now  
The Rebels prove the Masters of the Field,  
Conquering Argaleon straight Usurps the Throne,  
And Weds Edraste Partner of his Power.  Pis. 
The Slaughter of the Field will scarce suffice,  
Or effect an Enterprise so great and dangerous;  
To finish it, the Princes too must Bleed.  Esc. 
Edraste through their Blood to Empire sails,  
And we the Pilots hired to steer her thither.  
The Queen to serve her high Designs preferred us  
To the Dignity we hold, and dearly made  
Our Loyalty the Price of our Preferment.  Pis. 
When with bright Honours to her Plots she drew me,  
I snatched at the rich Wages, and ne'er weighed  
The dangerous Task;— but I rec 〈…〉 te,  
I'm sold to her Commands, and 〈◊〉 perform.  Esc. 
Soft, Theron comes,  Enter Theron. Ther. 
Unhappy Greece! Escalus, Pisander!  Esc. 
There's Terror in that Voice; how fares the King?  Pis. 
How brooks he the supposed Defeat?  The. 
So various are the Transports of his Rage,  
That with each minute his Resolves are changed:  
Sometimes defies aloud the Rebel Powers,  
Threatening swift Vengeance; then despairs again,  
And cries all's lost, the Fates are Factious too!  
Thus tossed with Doubts, and starting from his Chair  
He grasps his Sceptre, cries I have thee still;  
Nor shall the Furies wrest thee: then o'th' sudden  
Disdaining casts it from him; thou'rt a Serpent,  
Away infectious Rod, thou firest my Hand.  Esc. 
The King's last hopes depend on your Sage Councils,  
Say, what will you advise in these extremes?  The. 
The growing ill past Cure he neglected,  
And now blames his Physicians want of Skill;  
Because we cannot from the Dead restore.  
I'll haste, and with dissembled hopes support  
His drooping Spirits, and prevent Despair,  
Which yet in my own Breast I cannot quell.  [Exit] Esc. 
How temperate is this Politician grown!  
The public Troubles seem t'afflict him now,  
Though most industrious once t' embroil a State  
In Civil Jars; till Age's Winter chilled  
His Factious Blood, congealed his working Brain;  
And now the Dotard's Loyal for his Ease.  Enter the Queen with Letters. Qu. 
See, Lords; th' Intelligence of Conquerors,  
Like Victory comes winged: the King as yet  
Has no Particulars o'th' Fight.  
Whilst from Argaleon's Camp I am informed  
That in the general Rout and hot Pursuit  
O'th' Royal Forces, both the Princes fell:  
Now than Arviola alone remains  
The Obstacle of my Edraste's Glory.  Esc. 
We are your Creatures, Madam, by your Favour  
Possess the height of Dignity we hold.  Pis. 
And should be proud to perish in your Service.  Qu. 
Experience, Escalus, has proved your Truth;  
And for Pisander, my new Servant (in  
His sparkling Eyes, his active Zeal I read)  
I dare pronounce him resolute and bold,  
By Nature formed t' engage in glorious Ills,  
T' embark in a rough Sea of Court-Designs,  
And share the Fortunes of a Plotting Queen.  Esc. 
New Servant; Hell! New Favourite, she meant.  
Ah Myrrhoc, thy Conjecture's true, I am  
Supplanted by this Partner of my Projects;  
Dull that I was, not to suspect before:  
'Twas not to serve her Pride but Lust, she drew  
This new confederate in; and judged his years  
More sit t' advise of such Affairs than mine.  Qu. 
Conquering Argaleon now will soon advance  
With all his Power, and close besiege these Walls;  
The Fort is in your hand—  [To Esc.] Enter Edraste. 
Come near Edraste;  
I travel with thy Fate in greater Pangs  
Than when my Womb unwillingly resigned  
The Treasure of thy Beauties to the Light.  Edr. 
The Life you gave, I offer at your Feet.  
By my dear Father's shade 'tis nobler far  
To die forlorn, than by your Guilt to Reign.  
Your Life, which I, of all things hold most dear,  
You prodigally stake to win for me  
A Crown, which I of all things lest esteem.  
My private Cares alas! have too much weight  
For my weak Mind to bear; how can I then  
Sustain the Troubles that infest a Throne.  Qu. 
Could I give Being to a thing so Tame!  
Rouse, rouse, thyself, Edraste, nor permit  
My active Blood to freeze within thy Veins;  
If thou want'st Heat, come, to my Bosom fly,  
For I have yet enough of Warmth to spare.  Edr. 
The rightful Crown at best uneasy sits,  
But sinks the crushed usurper to the Ground.  Qu. 
These Thoughts would more befit the Cell than court.  Edr. 
To me there is no Palace like a Cell.  Qu. 
What serves the Cloister for, but last Retreats  
To such as have without success aspired;  
Where having failed of glorious Action, they  
Hush froward Age with the dull Joys of Ease.  Edr. 
Heaven has been pleased t'indulge my humble Thoughts,  
Given Heirs to th' Crown, which you would wrest for me;  
And I must hold it in two princes' Wrongs,  
Both graced with Royal Gifts and formed to Reign.  Qu. 
Suppose these Lets removed, the Prince's dead?  Edr. 
Arviola, their Sister then succeeds.  
Arviola, to whom I have sworn Friendship.  
Arviola, that loves me as you do.  Qu. 
Fond Girl, 'twas to your Loss you did contract  
That Friendship, and must conceal it or perish.  Edr. 
I but complied, in this, with your Commands,  
You charged me love her.  Qu. 
To dissemble love,  
As I pretend Affection to the King;  
And counterfeit so well, 'tis real thought.  Edr. 
O Heaven!  Qu. 
Arviola comes, prepare,  
And practise Artfully.  [Ex. Queen, Esc. Pis.] Edr. 
Instruct my Virtue Heaven in these Extremes,  
I must unnatural or disloyal prove!  
Dissemble Friendship! O ye Powers! Dissemble  
With the open-hearted true Arviola,  
That has not for her Foe one thought of Guilford;  
Hard Mother! cruel Fate! most cruel Love,  
To watch the hour of my Distress, and then  
To wound a Heart so much oppressed before!  Enter Arviola, Myrrhoe. Aru. 
Despise not Myrrhoe, my threat'ning Dream,  
The Scene presented both my Brothers slain;  
I saw their Royal Blood mixed with the stream  
Of Common Gore; then as my Theocrin  
Rushed on to Death; I started from my sleep  
And lost th' unfinished Vision— dear Edraste.  Edr. 
Dearest Arviola!  Aru. 
I sought thee to redress my Griefs, and find theo  
As much oppressed as I; 'tis some new Grief  
That now usurps thy Breast, and I suspects  
More Tyrannous than ever raged before.  Edr. 
Ah Princess! in this tempest of Affairs,  
Nothing remains untroubled but our Friendship;  
All other things are from their Channel strayed.  Aru. 
Yet since our Breasts are open to each other,  
Let the Storm drive, we have one Harbour sure;  
Heaven so befriend me as I love Edraste.  Edr. 
And were Arviola my happy Rival,  
I could (I think) still prize her as I do  
Heaven knows I flatter not, she is my Rival;  
Yet than my dearest hopes more dear!  [Aside.] Aru. 
Let's stop a while the current of our Tears,  
And piously dissembling our Dispair,  
Divert the pensive King; that Fate should heap  
Upon his feeble Age such weighty Ills  
As Youth could not sustain.  Myr. 
Th' event's uncertain; yet, the sudden storm  
As soon may scatter, and the Clouded King,  
Set glorious as the Rose.  Aru. 
Ah! Myrrhoe, thy Love would flatter us,  
As ours impose on him.  [Ex. Aru. Adraste.] Enter Escalus. Esc. 
Stay Myrrhoe.  Myr. 
Now Brother you are sad.  Esc. 
Your late suspicion of the Queen proves true.  
I cease to please, and her regard to me  
Grows hourly Cold,  
Whilst all her kindness on Pisander streams.  Myr. 
Despond not Brother, there are Joys in Power  
To Charm dull Age, when Beauty fails to please:  
If Love deserts you, bend henceforth your thoughts  
To Nobler Cares; convert that cunning now  
(That hitherto has so successful proved,  
I'th' Queen's designs) to your own Interest.  Esc. 
Good!  
we'll watch the Fate of this tempestuous Realm,  
And make our Fortunes of the gen'ral wreck.  [Exeunt.] [Scene drawn, discovers the King sitting discontented; Theron, Diphilus on each side of the Chair. King. 
Why was my Life stretched out to this black day?  
Death might have come long since, and sound me ripe  
With all my Honours flourishing round my Head:  
But now to Winter blasts I'm left exposed,  
Stripped of my Leaves, and withering on the Bough.  
Argaleon come, and press thy Conquest home.  
This is our last Retreat, besiege us here,  
Sack, Burn, Destroy, and finish my Disgrace.  Ther. 
Your suffering, Royal Sir, this Glory brings,  
That from your goodness, your distresses sprang.  
For having Conquered i'th' pitched Field (ensnared  
By your own Virtue; which refused to spill  
Your Subject's Blood) you treated with the Rebels,  
Who sued for Peace to keep your Forces hushed,  
Till with recruited Power they might oppress you.  Diph. 
Argaleon raised by your too liberal Favour,  
Seemed even to cope with you on even Ground;  
And wanted but the Crown to match your Height.  
Were you as quick to punish a Delinquent  
As to reward the smallest Worth, your Throne  
Had still been fixed,  
And proud Argaleon's Blood.  King. 
Hold preaching Fool,  
Too late your tedious Lectures you begin:  
Where slept your Counsels whilst these Mischiefs grew  
And might be ravished by the tender Root;  
Then you indulged my Ease, beheld my State  
Float loose, whilst I in soft Retirement slept;  
Now raked me to the Helm, till the Storm fell.  Enter Aru. Edraste. Arv and Edr. 
Live Royal Sir.  King. 
Look, I have Homage paid me! Theron, Diphilus.  
Behold, two Princesses kneel at my Feet:  
Ha! ha! speak Sirs, am I not yet a King?  Ther. and Diph. 
Most Sacred Sir—  King. 
'Tis false, ye Sycophants, I was a King,  
A prosperous Majesty;  
But now my Empire shakes,  
Oppressed with its own weight.  
Th' unwieldy State falls on the Founders Head.  [Enter the Queen.] 
The Queen! must She be conscious too of my Disgrace!  
O Aribell, How is my Fate relapsed  
Since first we met? Those Laurels now are blasted  
Which in my Myrile Wreath I did ●●●sert.  
When I espoused thee, Triumphs graced our Hymen,  
And Captive Princes at our Nuptials served.  Qu. 
Nay Sir, be just still, tho' unfortunate;  
Nor think the transitory Charms of Power  
Endeared you to this Breast; this is a season  
To excuse such active Love as mine,  
That like the Dolphin shows itself in Storms.  King. 
What Trumpet's that?  [Trumpet sounds.] Ther. 
Att. A Soldier from the Camp.  Enter Messenger. King. 
I read thy Message in thy drooping Brow,  
Thou bend'st beneath my Fate, hurl it on me,  
And crush me with the Burden; Thou hast Wounds,  
And may'st with Honour speak of Vanquishment.  Mess. 
Fly, Royal Sir, all's lost, O fly and save  
Our Empires dearer half, your Sacred Life:  
Nor think these Walls secure against the Shock  
Of Rebels, with Infernal Rage possessed:  
Your strongest Fence, your Loyal Old Battalions,  
Taught by yourself to Conquer, in Pitched Field  
Are by these Troops of Furies driven and scattered;  
And what I fear will shake your Temper most,  
Your Royal Sons, by whom our Wings were led,  
Turned in the Chase t' oppose th' unequal Foe  
Till spent; on Heaps of slaughtered Files they fell.  King. 
My Sons both slain, my Legions too overthrown;  
My Sons, my flourishing Branches both lopped off,  
And I the useless Trunk left standing yet  
For Passengers to descant on my shame:  
Rend me consuming Lightnings Earth divide,  
Till thy unfathomed Centre be my Grave;  
Nature herself should Shake when Princes Fall.  Ther. 
Dread Sir, restrain this Transport, and resume  
Your Reason now in your extremest Need.  Mess. 
Lord Theocrin, who in the Fight performed  
What the Beholders scarce believed (and must  
Despair of Credit when they shall relate)  
Gathered our scattered Stray, a poor Remain,  
That scarce a Limb of the Old Body seem;  
Which in the Cliffs he posted, where they hold  
Spite of the Foe, that scale the Rock in vain.  King. 
'Twas well performed, we'll march to their Relief;  
Get me new Forces raised, a sudden Host,  
Like that which sprung from the dire Serpent's Teeth:  
Armed with Necessity and steeled with Wrongs,  
We'll rush at once on these fierce Savages,  
And ravish from their Mouths the panting Prey.  Diph. 
Forgive me, Sacred Sir, that I dissuade  
Your Fury from unfeazable Designs.  
You must create the Forces you would levy.  
Your Loyal Cities, your thin Fields to fill,  
Long since were gleaned, the rigid Press scarce spared  
Decrepit Age, and weeping Infancy.  King. 
Peace Dotard, hast thou worn thy Sable Locks,  
To withered Grace, and even that Grey to Baldness.  
And art thou still contriving to Inch out  
Insipid Life? the gen'ral fright should cure  
Your Agues, and ferment your freezing Bloods:  
Hast and Proclaim our Will, lest all our Males,  
From lisping Infancy, to Bedrid Age.  
Set free th'imprisoned, bid the Sick discharge  
Their Maladies; the Storm comes thundering on,  
And in our sinking State all hands must work.  Qu. 
The Good Old Man, that like an Infant slept  
Till now, at last wakes froward; let him Brawl,  
He'll quickly Rage himself asleep again.  King. 
Be it further published, to enstame our Youth,  
That yet survive from the Consuming War.  
If any dare so far tempt glorious danger,  
To force the Enemy's Ward, and bear away  
Th' Arch Rebel's Head by our last hopes I swear;  
My Crown, and fair Arviola are his:  
Empire and Beauty, Valour's Noblest Prize.  
Ourselves in Person will Command and Dazzle  
The factious Host with full-beamed Majesty:  
Thus your Aged Monarch draws his Vengeful Sword.  
Our Flame shall snatch the Foe that thinks us Cold,  
There's none destroys like Time, and none so Old.  [Exeunt.]  

ACT. II. SCENE, A Pleasant Grotto.  Pisander brought in by an Attendant. Att. 
HIther the Queen enjoined me to Conduct you,  
And you must wait her here:  Pis. 
On What Concern?  Att. 
My Charge was only to admit you hither,  
Where none approach without her special Orders;  
And We, Th' Attendants on her Private Hours,  
Are sworn to strictest Secrecy.  [Exit.] Pis. 
Sure I am charm'n into an Ecstasy,  
And this a scene by Fancy's cunning formed;  
Pictures of Nature drawn beyond the Life.  
Remove from hence, and the declining Year  
Looks sickly and deformed; the withered Leaves  
In Search of the retreated Sap fall down,  
And from the Root seek what the Bough denied:  
But here the Summer blooms, in all its Pride,  
The Sun darts in with kindlier Warmth, the Wind's  
Breath softer, and the Brook complains less loud.  
Hail blessed Retreat of Nature happy Shade;  Soft Music. [Bower Opening discovers the Queen Splendid and youthfully Altired.] 
My senses fail, this is some sacred Grove:  
And that the bright Divinity o'th' Place!  
Where are the Cupids that should hover round,  
I Feel'um here! th' are dived into my Breast!  
Forgive me Goddess—  Qu. 
You mistake, Pisander.  Pis. 
The Queen! forgive my dazzled Eyes their Error!  
I come by your Command to know your Pleasure,  
And trust you judge so truly of my Zeal,  
To ' think me worth some Enterprise of danger.  Queen 
Yes, you shall find how I esteem your Zeal,  
By the important service I enjoin,  
Indeed 'tis an Affair of so much weight,  
I know not how to word it— You must Guess.  Pis. 
Instruct me what I am to undertake,  
And if I fail t' attempt—  Qu. 
Alas!  
So bold t' engage, and slow to apprehend?  
How like Conspirators at their first. Meeting,  
With caution we gaze silent on each other,  
Expecting who shall start the Business first!  
Since than I must speak first in the Design,  
Draw near and on my Hand swear Secrecy.  [Pisander Bows and Kisses her Hand] 
Repeat your Vow— Oh Love! the quickening Touch,  [Aside.] 
Through my pleased Veins, runs tingling to my Heart.  Pis. 
My Warmth is fled, I've sworn my Life away!  
My Soul cleaves to that Hand—  Qu. 
How soft is Youth!  
How soon dissolved into an Ecstasy!  
Pisander Rise— now sure you well can guests,  
For what I summoned you to this Retirement?  Pis. 
I know it; you'd engage me to perform  
A dangerous Task, to blast the King's Succession,  
And settle your Edraste in the Throne;  
I'll do't.  Qu. 
Still you are wide of my Design,  
I'll Plot at leisure hours for my Ambition,  
But Love's my great Affair, th' important Business.  
Come, speak boldly Youth,  
Thy free Conjecture of these private Bowers,  
Where I so oft retire, while all is hushed,  
Silent and close, as Ceres' awful Fane?  Pis. 
'tis said, that for Devotion you repair  
From the Court's Crowed to these secluded Shades,  
Where you consume successive Nights and Days,  
In Abstinence and Penitential Tears.  Qu. 
Ha! ha! the World retains its old perverseness still,  
To scandalize the Virtuous, and to Saint  
The Libertine; but 'tis no fault of mine,  
If Rumour will lay Virtue to my Charge!  
What, mar these Eyes with Penitential Tears,  
Fond Youth? They have too much of fire to weep.  
Their glances could Create a Day in Cells,  
And kindle freezing Hermit's into Dalliance.  
Why this Reservedness Sir? Has Majesty  
So little Charms? Or does its Splendour dazzle?  
Then I'll divest me of my Royalty,  
And love upon the Square. Still fixed and senseless?  Pis. 
Think not I have no sense of such full Bliss,  
But like Young Prophets from they: Visions Waking;  
I fear to stir and lose the Charming Dream.  [Shouts and Trumpets from without.] Qu. 
What means those Shouts?  Pis. 
Th' are Sounds of Triumph not of Terrot.  Enter Attendant hastily. Att. 
Lord Escalus in haste desires Admittance.  Qu. 
He comes unseasonably, but let him Enter.  
Pisander hide a while within that Bower.  Enter Escalus. Esc. 
Forgive me Madam, that with so much haste,  
I bring unwelcome New, our Plot's Defeated.  
The Subtle Web which with such Toil we wrought,  
Is quite unravelled to the very Loom.  Qu. 
Dispatch, cut short the Story of my Fate.  Esc. 
Argaleon's Faction which with so much Cost  
And Secrecy, you nourished to that Growth.  
That they could grap le with the King's whole Forces,  
Even they, so late the Masters of the Field,  
Are now in shameful Rout dispersed and broken,  
And their bold Leader, on whose daring Virtue,  
Our Hope's depended, shares the Vulgar Fate,  
And Headless Bleeds amongst the Common Slain.  Qu. 
'Tis false and shall not be.  Esc. 
'Tis past already,  
The Gods have your Resolves forestalled.  Qu. 
Did they from Heaven war with my Officer?  
The Loyal Forces were cut off entire,  
Except a Despicable Remnant posted  
I'th' Cliffs by Theocrin.  Esc. 
From thence broke forth  
The flame that thus laid waste Argaleon's Trenches.  
For Theocrin by night forsook the Cliffs,  
With his small Train, and Coasting wide Attaqued  
Argaleon's Camp, with Shouts as of full Legions,  
And numerous Trumpets to increase the Terror,  
Which so prevailed on the surprised Host,  
(Confused, twixt Wine and Slumber) that at last  
Half-armed they took themselves to general Flight,  
And more oppressed by their own Numbers fell  
Than the Pursuers Swords.  Qu. 
Enough, Enough,  
'Tis but an Army and a Project lost.  
And we'll contrive anew,  
Anon Expect my Orders to await me.  [Exit. Esc. 
So unconcerned, so filled with her new Love,  
T'Exclude the Darling of Her Breast Ambition?  
Methought Pisander glanced by as I entered;  
For his delight she's decked as she was wont,  
When loose she wantoned with my vigorous years;  
On her young Paramour she shows her Favour,  
Whilst a Sapless Trunk neglected fades!  
But Age that lessens me in her Esteem,  
Has taught me Cunning timely to provide,  
And seek elsewhere the Favour she denies.  [Exit.] [Scene changes to the Palace.] [Shouts again.] Enter King attended with Theron, Diphilus, Arviola, Edraste, Myrrhoe, etc. King. 
The Gods, the Gods at last, have owned the Cause,  
Of injured Majesty; We have o'ercome!  
Summon the Priests to speedy Sacrifice,  
Crown every Altar, heap the Spicy Piles,  
Till the vast Fanes be hid in Smoking Gums;  
No Pensive Look prosane the Gen'ral Joy,  
Not Orphaned Matrons be allowed to Mourn:  
Nor Virgins Widowed on their Brldal Day!  The. 
When Young in the Ranged Field you first appeared,  
You Charmed Success, nor had She now forsook you,  
But, like a Mistress with Discretion kind,  
Withdrew a while till absence made her prized;  
Then with Surprising Kindness met your Passion.  Enter Theocrin, with Argaleon's Head, Chief Officers of the Army following. [Shout again.] The. 
Hail best of Kings! Fall every Traitor's Head,  
Like this, and Flourish all Crowned Brows like yours.  [Kneels and lays the Head at the King's Feet.] 
The Savage that so long had Lawless Ranged,  
That slew our Youth, and laid our Vineyards Waste,  
Lies Bloodless, now by this Successful Hand.  King. 
Rise Theocrin, Cast not to Ground, those Limbs,  
That Could support a Sinking Monarchy.  
Now I am King indeed, my Shaken Throne  
Again takes Root, and my Decaying Sceptre  
Buds in my Hand anew.  
Arviola, Edraste, both draw near;  
And pay him with your own the Public Thanks.  Aru. 
My Dearest Theocrin, how greedily  
Does my impatient Love snatch this Occasion  
T'unlaid itself unseen into your Breast!  The. 
O my Arviola, I'm Lost in Joy!  
I am too Blessed! Indulgent Powers rest rain  
The Flowing Bliss, or I shall Die of Rapture!  King. 
Arviola was proclaimed the Prize o'th' Valour  
That brought Argaleon's Head: 'Tis Theocrin's,  
Brave Youth, my Crown is Hers, and She is Thine;  
Thou merrit'st Both: Though not from Kings descended,  
Thou art by Virtue to the Gods Allied!  The. 
Your Goodness, Royal Sir, o'er rates my Service;  
What I performed, was but a Subjects, Duty.  
But Oh! I feel a warmth t'attempt such things,  
As shall (is merit sound not too profane)  
Deserve a Princess, and Oblige a King.  King. 
By all the Powers that sped thee in the Fight,  
Thou art our Son, and this thy Nuptial Day.  
Lo there thy Royal Bride, and too complete  
Thy Happy Fortunes, Thou shalt Triumph too.  
Bellona once shall be with Myrtle Crowned,  
And War's loud Voice in reveling Music drowned.  [Exeunt All but Edraste.] Edr. 
Fortunate Princess, Happy Arviola,  
Forgive me if I Envy now even Thee!  
How long have I been tossed in Storms of Fate,  
And still the Tempest darkens round my Head.  
The restless Queen's Ambition still projects  
To Load my Temples with a Hated Crown.  
And to effect her Plot, Aviola  
Must bleed, and Theocrin be lost; to Him  
My seoret Love long since I have devoted.  
To her long since my open Friendship sworn:  
Something I will perform in their behalf,  
Worthy the Chastest Love and Noblest Friendship;  
For from the Court I'll wander in disguise,  
No matter where; for one distressed like me,  
Can no where loose her way: When I'm removed,  
The Queen's Designs will rest, and Theocrin  
Possets Arviola, and the Crown in Peace:  
And I myself have all the sad Relief  
That my Forlorn Condition will admit;  
To Mourn retired in Caves and Glut of Sorrow.  Enter Myrrhoe. Myrrh 
Madam the Princess begs your Presence:  Edr. 
No.  
My Griefs will make me rude, and check her Mirth:  
Thou Myrrhoe ever lov'dst me,  
Now like a Dying Miser I'll reveal  
A Secret, the dear Treasure of my Soul!  
I love this Theocrin even to Distraction:  
And for his Quiet, and more private Reasons,  
I will for ever hide me from the Court:  Myr. 
Oh Heaven th' Eternal Powers!  Edr. 
Make no Reply,  
But Treasure still this Secret in thy Breast:  
For by th' Eternal Powers you meant t' invoke,  
I am resolved, and if prevented, swear  
To act a speedy Violence on my Life.  Myr. 
Your dire Resolve alas! Has Charmed my Tongue;  
But my Swollen Eyes will take their Liberty.  [Wept (Gives her Letters.] Edr. 
When I am gone, give these to Theocrin,  
The short sad Accents of my Dying Passion.  
He may afford my Memory a Tear:  
Nor even Arviola herself Repine.  
And so Farewell to Hope and Thee for ever.  [Exeunt. [Warlike Music, Theocrin in Triumph, Argaleon's Head born before him on a Spear. The. 
Enough my Dear Companions of the War;  
Nor think these Honours all addressed to me:  
But hold yourselves large Sharers in these Triumphs.  
My Courage was more fortunate than vours,  
Not greater: Trust me then I Triumph most,  
When I the Honour had to Led such Worthies  
To Reap an Host, not now I Head this Pomp.  [Soft Music. Arviola in her Nuptial Dress, with a Train of Ladies Splendidly Attired. Aru. 
Myrrhoe.  Myr. 
Madam,  Aru. 
Edraste was unkind  
Not to Accompany our Nuptial Rites.  The. 
Behold the Silver Moon shot from her Sphere,  
With all her Starry Train! Divine Arviola,  
Not Victory herself can Charm like Thee.  Aru. 
Ah! Theocrin, my old Griefs still pursue  
And haunt me, even upon my Nuptial Day!  
A Sumptuous Feast of Joy is spread before us,  
But I suspect it as a Poisoned Treat,  
And fear to taste; I see you, hear you talk,  
Clasp fast your Hand; and yet methinks we're still  
As far divided as the distant Poles,  
And shall unite as soon.  Theoc. 
Our Joys a Feast of the Gods own preparing;  
Permit not then imaginary Fears  
To poison your Delights; suspect no Storm  
In such a Halcyon Sky, our tender Love  
Long nourished covertly, till grown to an Head,  
Is now exposed to th' Air, and dares the Wether,  Enter King attended, Escalus speaking to him. Esc. 
Dread Sir, the Queen desires you to excuse  
Her Absence from the Pomp; she's indisposed.  King. 
It was a rude Distemper to intrude  
At such a season— Bid the Masque begin;  
Come to your Monarch's Arms, ye happy Pair,  
Supporters of my Age: Thus let me join you;  
This Knot I have begun, the Priest shall finish.  
Look down ye Spirits of my slaughtered Sons;  
Behold the Avenger of your Royal Blood;  
Behold our gen'ral Mirth; then summon all  
Your Brother Stars and Revel in your Spheros.  [King, Aru. Theoc. take their Seats; A Martial Dance, After which a Priest in his Habits Enters. Priest. 
The Flamen waits, and the preparing Rites  
Are finish; thrice has Hymen been invoked,  
And Juno's Altar thrice perfumed.  King. 
We come.  
Move on, lead to the Temple.  Enter a Messenger hastily. Mess. 
To Arms, to Arms! a Foreign Fleet invades  
Our frighted Coast, and brings a floating War:  
They spread their Streamers as secure of Conquest;  
With Shouts and louder Trumpets rend the Air,  
And seem to Triumphe'r the Fight begin.  King. 
A Foreign Naw! What new Turn of Fate?  
Must then our dear-bought Peace so soon be ravished,  
And Wars green Wounds be lanced and bleed anew?  Theoc. 
I thank ye Gods, I have not yet deserved  
This charming Princess, am too poor in Fame,  
And kindly you provide for my Renown.  
Permit me, Royal Sir, forthwith to head  
Your Troops, whilst their last Laurels still are green,  
T' engage Breast-deep this bold invading Foe:  
Our Blood shall snatch their Legions, nor permit  
Their Corosea once to touch our threatened Soil.  King. 
Fly swift as lightning, and destroy more sure.  Theoc. 
Weep not Arviola, but bade me Conquest;  
I go to bring thee Honours from the Flood,  
Richer than all the Gems the Deep contains;  
From Conquest late we moved to Triumph, now  
From Triumph to new Conquest, to return  
Triumphant, in an endless Round of Glory.  [Ex. with his Officers. Aru. 
'Tis so! our Halcyon Day is overcast,  
And all the smiling Prospect snatched already:  
My troubled Heart presaged its own Distress:  
And gave dark symptoms of the rising Storm,  
That parts, I fear, my Theocrin and me,  
To meet no more but on the Coast of Souls.  King. 
Canst thou inform us nothing more particular?  Mess. 
A Barge before the Fleet arrived the Bay,  
As I presume, with speedy Embassy  
And full Intelligence.  Att. 
A Herald Sir,  
Sent from the newly arrived Fleet.  King. 
Admit him.  [Herald Enters.] Her. 
Health to the Sacred Majesty of Greece;  
Prince Abardanes from the Thracian Coast,  
By free Commission from his Royal Father,  
With Seven Armed Legions, and full Fifty Sail  
Now Anchors in your Port, t' assist your Cause,  
And quell the Rebels that imbroil your State:  
Partly our Old Alliance to this Crown,  
Obliged our King t' engage in your Relief;  
But most t' uphold the Rights of Majesty,  
Whose Dignity's the Common Cause of Kings.  King. 
Our Cause already has restored itself;  
Bear to your generous Prince a Monarch's Thanks:  
And in our Name invite him to our Court;  
Ourselves will meet our Royal Guest half way,  
Doubling our Pomp with his illustrious Train,  
Whilst spite of blazing Noon, the wakened Stars  
Start from their Cells, our Triumphs to survey,  
And join their Glories to this wondrous day.   

ACT. III. SCENE, The Palace.  Myrrhoe with Letters. Myr. reads. 
IAm now on my Pilgrimage, when the Nuptial Ceremonies are over, at your leisure give the Enclosed to Theocrin, from Yours Edraste.  
These Letters speak this Princess ignorant  
O' th' sudden turn in Theocrin's Affairs:  
A quaint Device was forming in my Thought  
And these come seas'nably t' assist the Project.  
Lord Theocrin your pardon— (opens and reads)— 'Tis right.  
Penned to my wish; a hopeful Policy,  
But time must ripen it. Edraste drew not  
From me her Ruin, nor am I unjust  
To play the Game which she gave o'er for lost,  
And sweep the Stakes.  Enter Escalus. 
Brother you'r-are well returned, and as I wished  
With busy Brow; How went the Salutation?  Esc. 
The King and Prince, like Old Familiars, met,  
And having thrice in close Embraces joined,  
Admitted to their Hand each others Nobles.  
Th' Officious Flamen at our Western Gate,  
Performed short Sacrifice; mean while the King  
And Abardanes joined in solemn League  
Of Friendship, and before their Entrance hailed  
The Genius of the Place.  Myr. 
On what Design  
Should Abardanes with such costly Forces  
Arrive our Shore?  Esc. 
T' assist the King to overthrow  
The Rebels, was the plausible Pretence.  
A slight disguise— but hark! they come.  [King Arviola, Abardanes, with their Courtiers and Attendance, pass over the Stage. Myr. 
The Pomp seems clouded with a sullen gloom,  
The King looks sad, Arviola's Cheek's are flushed  
With such disdainful Rage; her flashing Eyes  
Struck bold Argaleon at the Treaty dumb.  Esc. 
Dissension, wrecking Discord is broken loose,  
And we must cast our Net i'th' troubled Tide;  
It must succeed—  Myr. 
Speak, feast my greedy Ear,  
That would devour at once the charming Tale.  Esc. 
This Prince with Passion has beheld Arviola,  
Which yet his haughty Mind seemed to disdain,  
And with a Lion's Fury shook the Toil:  
At last to th' King, his Grief he did unfold,  
And with a haughty mien (befitting more  
A Conqueror than Suitor) mustering up  
His Titles, he demanded her in Marriage:  
The King replied, 'twas an Affair of weight,  
And in regard of Theocrin's just claim  
Of fatal consequence.  Myrr. 
And this Reply  
Th' impatient Prince took for Consent.  Esca. 
His Pride resented it as flat denial,  
And scarce contained its Swellings within bounds.  
And now near Hella's Grove, Lord Theocrin,  
Attended with light Horseman, met the Pomp,  
Forward we moved, when in a sudden Feud;  
The fiery Rivals drew; but first the Prince:  
Both mad as Winds contesting for the Main,  
And scarce the thundering King their Fury quelled.  Myrr. 
A promising Disaster! What ensued?  
And why returned not Theocrin?  Esc. 
Scarce was the Fray composed, when there arrived  
Intelligence that the Dispersed remains  
O'th' Rebel Troops, had gathered since the Rout,  
And garrisoned within Eipercte's Towers:  
The King seized this occasion to dismiss  
Chafed Theocrin to th' Army, with strict charge  
To block Eipercte's Walls with speedy Siege:  
An exquisite Device of State, at once  
To keep the fiery Rivals at just distance,  
And compass leisure for the best Resolves.  Myr. 
Soft, he returns with pensive Diphilus  
And thoughtful Theocrin.  Esc. 
My Design's afloat!  
Pisander in the Queen's esteem supplants me;  
What then remains but that I shift my Sails,  
And seek some richer Port: the King's Esteem,  
And Wind and Tide conspire to waft me in!  
The Tempest is on Wing, sink Theocrin,  
'Tis on thy Ruins I must build my Hopes,  
And mounted on thy Shipwreck make to shore.  [Exeunt.] Re-enter King, Theron, Diph. King. 
Now Lords as you do prize your Country's Peace,  
Your Age's ease, your Wives and children's Safety;  
Ply your best Skill and Bank against the Deluge!  
Methinks I see our Greece again embroiled  
And Slaughter's bloody Sluices drawn anew;  
Our Laws disarmed, and holiest Rites profaned,  
Our Streets alarmed with Tumults, Rapes and Fire,  
And all the Terrors of Argaleon's War.  Ther. 
Whence can you fear, dread Sir, Events so fatal?  
Not from the Prince, he is your Friend in League.  King. 
My Friend in League! Friendship's the privilege  
Of private Men, for wretched Greatness knows  
No Blessing so substantial.  Diph. 
Sacred Sir;  
I see not why your Majesty should take  
An anxious Thought! What can the Scruple be?  
What better can secure the Peace of Greece,  
Then that Prince Abardanes Wed Arviola?  King. 
And my late Vows to Theocrin be revok●●●  Ther. 
Your Interest, and the present Exigence  
Of your Affairs require it.  King. 
Then blush Hell!  
For Earth's more false, and Fiends to Men are Angels;  
O hard Estate of Empire! wretched Kings;  
How are we snared in Errors not our own,  
And hood-winkled to th' Crimes we most would shun?  
Hence 'tis our Names stand Black in Chronicle,  
When impious Councillors betray our Reason;  
With Eloquence and Sophistry ensnare us,  
And make Injustice necessary!  Diph. 
Prince Abardanes awes us from the Bay,  
Threatens to pour his Legions on our Coast,  
If fair Arviola refuse his Love.  
His Rival Theocrin's grown Popular,  
And Heads our Army; what if he resent  
His Disappointment, seek by Force his Claim?  
Shall we permit him take by Arms his Right,  
And to a Subjects Tyranny submit?  
Or call the Prince's Forces to our Aid,  
And trust the Courtesy of Foreign Powers?  King. 
The Siege will hold him for a while employed;  
The Prince and he, fierce as they are, may yet  
Burn harmless as dire Planets do; whilst distant:  
But meeting hurl swift ruin on our State.  Enter Escalus. Esc. 
My Business Royal Sir, will justify  
My bold Intrusion; give me leave t' impeach  
Your Favourite of Guilt, which true as 'tis,  
Will scarce meet your Belief; of Treason.  King. 
Ha!  Esc. 
Lord Theocrin, he Courts the Popular Fame,  
And forms Designs against your Life and Empire.  King. 
Say, speak'st thou this on thy own Knowledge or  
Conjecture? If no more, on what Presumption?  Esc. 
The cause, his jealousy of Abardanes,  
And your deferring his expected Nuptials:  
With blood shot Eyes I viewed him in the Pomp,  
Whilst diving low from his Triumphant Chair,  
The Rabble at each Halt he did salute,  
Then eagerly inclined his Lawrelled Head,  
To catch the buzzing Praises of the Crowed;  
Whilst on his Youth (his Active Youth they called it)  
And (as they termed it) your neglectful Age  
They descanted, wounding each Loyal Ear!  King. 
I must have Evidence more positive,  
Till then suspend my Judgement, make it clear,  
And know that on the Proof depends thy Life.  Esc. 
Good Gods, that I were Earth! forgotten Dust;  
Th'obliterate Marble mouldering o'er my Ashes,  
And this Black Charge a Slander: Heaven! My Life!  
Your Empire's Life depends on your Belief.  [Exit King, Theron, Diph.] 
So now I'm Plunged, and must dash through or Perish:  
Three Factious Stout Repiners at the State  
(Of Bank'rupt Fortunes) I have Bribed already.  
To swear this Charge, a Circumstance or two,  
Neatly devised and plausibly alleged,  
Will make th' Impeachment pass.  
Now to my She consed'rate to confer  
Of my Designs: She's a Projecter too,  
Lured on by Interests resistless Charms;  
The vigorous Spring that sets all Plots adrist,  
From womens' Projects to th' Intrigues of State.  [Exit.] Enter Arviola, Myrrhoe. Myr. 
Ha! Visit you disguised, too Night?  Aru. 
He comes:  
My Theocrin, I but even now discharged  
The welcome Messenger he sent to inform me.  
No tidings of my dear Edraste yet?  
'Twas sure no small Resentment that could move  
Her temperate Breast to such a rash Resolve!  
My Fate in all its past Severities,  
Allowed me that dear Partner of my Cares;  
But now the Charmer of my Griess is gone.  Myr. 
Your sorrow never shall complain alone,  
Whilst I have Breath to echo to your Sighs.  Aru. 
Myrrhoe, thy Truth deserves a better Fate,  
Then waits thy wretched Princess! O my Heart—  
My Theorcrin!— but that's too harsh a string  
And I forbear to touch— Say Myrrhoe,  
How does the Queen resent Edraste's Absence?  Myrr. 
Her Women feared t' inform her of the Truth,  
And forged a formal Tale—  Enter a Lady with a Ring. Lady. 
A Stranger, Madam,  
Desires Admittance; when I craved his Business,  
He enjoined me to deliver you this Ring.  Ar. 
See Myrrhoe.  [Gives her the Ring.] Myrr. 
Lord Theocrin's Signet Madam.  Aru. 
Conduct him privately to my Apartment.  [Ex. the Lady.] 
You Myrrhoe wait here, and on your Life,  
Permit none t' approach us.  [Exit.] Enter Escalus. Esc. 
I'm winged with Transport, and I tread on Air,  
Ha Myrrhoe, what's thero? Lord Theocrin in's Seal?  
A prize by Mercury! the Luckiest hit.  
Even fortune's self is my Confedrate now,  
And Aids me in my juggling: Sister stay,  
This Ring must do me present service, but  
I'll instantly restore it.  Myrr. 
Stay Escalus.  Esc. 
My business is most pressing.  Myrr. 
So is mine.  
Did not the Queen too night send to invite you  
To banquet with her in the Grotto.  Esc. 
Yes,  
Pisander too is summoned thither;  
Some new adventure that requires our Counsel.  Myr. 
Know then you are invited to your death,  
The banquet's Poisoned.  Escalus 
Ha!  Myr. 
The Queen perceives you are jealous of Pisander,  
And to prevent your just revenge, conspires  
With her Young Paramour to take your life.  Esc. 
Whence your Intelligence?  Myr. 
From Bromian,  
Attendant on the Queen in her Retirement,  
Who persecutes me with his whining Passion,  
And to oblige me made this dear Discovery.  Esc. 
Even this shall give a Lift to my Designs,  
For Fencer like I'll Ward and Strike together.  
The Queen and I too Night draw Stakes for Life;  
The Lots are hid, now for a flight of hand,  
To pick the Prize and shift the blank to Her.  [Exeunt severally.] Scene draws, Arviola and Theocrin. Theo. 
So hasty were my Orders for the Siege,  
That I was forced Disguised to make this Visit  
Arviola!  Aru. 
My Lord.  Theo. 
The last days Sun  
Was to have seen our Nuptials celebrated:  
The busy Priests for us prepared their Temple;  
Nor could attend the Morning Sacrifice!  
The pompous Streets with Bays and Palm were strewed,  
And Legions blessed us as we passed along,  
Hail Conquering Bridegroom, Royal Bride all Hail,  
every our Empire with a glorious Race.  
Die Aged and Happy! Thus our Loves were greeted:  
And now we meet, we meet (Oh Gods!) by stealth!  Aru. 
Dear Theocrin, believe me still your Bride,  
For Souls can wed without the Formal Priest:  
Why are our Loves, that prospered when concealed,  
Like Faiery-Wealth, cursed since they came to light?  
Ah! had you ne'er aspired at fatal Glory,  
We might at least have given the Night to Love,  
Tho we, like Glow-worm's, hid by Day our Fires.  Theo. 
Divinest of thy Sex, ' its passed the power  
Of Thought to rate my Love!— Arviola!  Aru. 
What would my Theocrin?  Theo. 
Dismiss me to my Grave, whilst thou art kind;  
And hurry from the World this useless Life,  
Which if prolonged, must prove to Thee most fatal.  Aru. 
Alas, my Lord, your Griefs talk wildly now.  Theo. 
The haughty Prince his Rival once removed,  
Will prove more mild, nor longer threaten War;  
With thousand more Conveniences of thine!  
The King will ne'er chide with you for my sake,  
Nor trembling Mothers curse your Constancy!  
Fate will, and 'tis expedient that I die!  Enter Myrrhoe with a Ring. Myr. 
Prince Abardanes, Madam, waits your leisure;  
My Lord, your Signet.  [Gives him the Ring.] Theo. 
The Prince demand Admittance?,  
Sure he is well improved in his Acquaintance  
To seek Admittance here!— Go Myrrhoe  
Inform the Stranger better. He mistakes,  
These are the Apartments of Arviola  
The Princess; Privacy. Haste, tell him so.  Myrr. 
My Lord 'tis, with the Princess he would speak;  
He comes to Visit—  Theo. 
Visit?  Myr. 
Good: He's jealous.  [Aside.] 
The Furies send the Princess half so apt  
To take th' Infection and my Project's made.  Aru. 
Retire my Theocrin.  Theo. 
How my Arviola?  
Retire?— by Love I will not understand thee,  
Nor wouldst thou sure be understood— and yet  
That angry Brow recalls my Charity!  
Is't possible? bid Theocrin retire?  
Remove, and give a new Pretender room?  Aru. 
Thank your Distresses that disarm my Rage,  
Or my resenting Honour should chastise  
This Jealousy; it should rash Man: but now  
(Since Fortune treats you ill) I am content  
To weigh your Griefs and wink at your Offence.  
Once more I do entreat you to with draw,  
And humour the perverseness of our Fate;  
A little Patience will restore our Wishes.  Theo. 
I find my Error, and am dashed with shame!  
Excuse the Rave of a feverish mind;  
Nor rate by common Rules immoderate Love.  
Ah Princess, couldst thou dive into my Heart,  
And see how absolute thy Form reigns there,  
How much I prize the Treasure of thy Love,  
Thou wouldst at least forgive my wakeful care;  
That miser-like I wear a watchful Eye,  
And weigh each Grain of the hard purchased Store.  Aru. 
Now by a Virgin's Truth, I swear (stand still  
Ye flying Minutes, and attend my Vow;)  
Whilst Nature holds her Course and Time runs on,  
Whilst Night and Day the Night and Day succeed,  
Whilst Rivers pay their Tribute to the Sea:  
And Seas with fresh recruits the Streams supply,  
Whilst Winter strews Hoar-Frost and Summer Dew;  
I'm Theocrin's— So Theocrin prove True.  Theo. 
What pitying God, touched with the sad Estate  
Of fallen Mankind, sent from their bright Abodes,  
This Virtue to reform the Savage World!  
Bright Excellence, Imperial Maid, farewell;  
I go to glean the last Remains o'th' War;  
And like Argaleon let me fall accursed,  
If once these weary Lids be closed in sleep;  
Or these devoted Limbs uncased from steel,  
Till I've completed well my task of Honour,  
And brought thee Conquest perfect as my Love.  [Exit. Enter Abardanes, Sossacles at distance. Ab. 
A Lover's Visit if it fail to meet  
The best Reception, most unwelcome proves:  
But Madam, if my Passion's troublesome,  
Accuse the fatal Power of your own Charms;  
Unwillingly I put your Fetters on.  Aru. 
With what an Arrogance his Passion sues.  [Aside. Ab. 
I know I Court on Disadvantages,  
And my rough Passion can have little Charms;  
But Love dissolves and Moulds me o'er anew:  
My Temper gives beneath each Glance you dart.  Aru. 
None sure can be to your vast Merits blind,  
But Prince your Courtship's to a Bride addressed,  
And Brides in heavens' account are wed already.  Ab. 
It was my Rival's Fortune, not desert,  
T'have first beheld your Charms; which having seen,  
He Loved of necessary Consequence:  
Chance laid the dazzling Treasure in his way,  
Too vast to be by any Subject held;  
And into Royal Hands must be resigned.  Aru. 
Now Prince you press too far your Privilege,  
Allow his Worth, as I Dispute not Yours;  
Which weighed, perhaps would make the lighter Scale.  Ab. 
I'm pleased to find his Merit swell so high!  
Your Praise has made him Worthy of my Sword:  
If wanting Royal Blood, it prove his Fate  
To enrich himself with mine, you are his Prize:  
But first we'll try the Forune of the Field.  Aru. 
Ah me! He is rash, and Theocrin all Fire;  
What Ruin must attend such meeting Hames.  
My Lord, the Prince, Return— Could you Pretend  
To Love, and in neglectful Rage withdraw?  
Permit my Grief to reason calmly with you,  
For you are generous and will be just!  
This Love that has surprised your noble Mind,  
Is but a vicious and irregular Heat—  
Which your severer Prudence will Correct.  
You'll be advised my Lord, I know you will;  
You ought not, must not— and you will not Love.  Ab. 
O my divided Soul! her painted Grief  
Darts through my stubborn Bosom to my Heart.  Aru. 
What Triumph is there in a Virgin's Tears?  
What Conquest to pursue her to her Grave?  
I'm sworn to be Lord Theocrin's or die;  
And if from his Embrace I am Divorced;  
Who Courts me after, is my Murderer.  Ab. 
Rise Princess, witness these prodigious Tears,  
How much I'm touched with your Distress; how much  
My labouring Heart resists the powerful Charm.  Aru. 
So may you speed in War and thrive in Glory,  
Nor of your Crowns and Trophies know the Tale;  
And if again you condescend to Love,  
With all the soft Returns of Kindness meet,  
Which tender Maids, that pine with secret Flame,  
Wish, when retired, they tell the Groves their Pain!  Ab. 
I yield! you have prevailed against yourself,  
Your Tears have quenched the Fire your Glances gave;  
I'll force a Conquest on my Heart, ay will.  Aru. 
Then Blessings Crown—  Ab. 
O take your Charms away,  
I cannot look and with such Treasure part,  
But when removed, I'll try to represent  
Your Form less Glorious, and resign you then.  
This Pang, and I'm at ease!— O Sossacles,  
I have overcome!— 'Tis false, I'm still her Slave,  
I long, and 'tis methinks an Age already  
Since I beheld her! How shall I sustain  [Exit Arviola. 
Eternal Absence? It can never be,  
My Fancy forms her fairer now than ever;  
As Colours take in Crystal brighter Diego  Soss. 
Your Highness better knows to War than Love;  
Presume not Sir to force a Victory  
By furious onset here, as in the Field;  
'Tis, Patience and a formal Siege must win,  
The Fort which you in vain attempt to storm:  
Bribes must Corrupt, where Force and Valour fail.  Ab. 
Speak plain, my Oracle, thy Conduct here  
May speed my Love, as it has done my Arms.  Soss. 
The Princess Heart's already taken up  
With Theocrin, and if you press for Entrance,  
Must sink all Three: Plot first to dispossess  
Your Rival.  Ab. 
'Tis a Task for Hercules.  Soss. 
I'll work the selfsame Engine to dislodge  
Your Rival, and to fix you in his room.  Ab. 
'Tis past the power of Wit; but I can trust  
Thy Cunning for Impossibilities.  [Exeunt. Enter King, Escalus, Theron, Diph. King. 
The Queen confederate too with Theocrin?  Esc. 
Your Queen, your pensive, solitary Queen,  
Conspires with Theocrin against your Life;  
Her Cell, her sacred Grotto, is the Nest  
To hatch their Treason; haste and trust your Eyes,  
Even now theyare brooding there together.  King. 
On  
And force our Entrance.  [Exeunt. Scene drawing, discovers the Grotto. Queen and Pisander amorously seated in a Bower. 

Song.  

1.  
TELL my Strephon that I die,  
Let th' Echoes to each other tell,  
Till the mournful Accent fly  
To Strephon's Ear and all is well.   

2.  
But gently break the fatal Truth,  
Sweeten every sadder sound;  
For Strephon's such a tender Youth,  
The gentlest words too deep will wound.   

3.  
No! Fountains, Echoes, all be dumb;  
For should I cost my Swain a Tear,  
I should repent me in the Tomb,  
And grieve t' have bought my Rest so dear.    After which Enter King, Esc. The. Diph. King. 
My Eyes have surfeited upon their shame;  
Guards seize 'em both:  
Dissembling Aribell! false Theocrin!  
Why that's Pisander.  Esc. 
Ha! Pisander?— Gods!  
Then there's a new Discovery— who'd ha' thought  
Pisander were a Villain.  Pis. 
Perjured Slave!  Esc. 
I blush for thee Pisander! could even weep  
To see such hopeful Virtue fallen away.  Pis. 
I know vour Majesty decrees my Death;  
And with my latest Breath I will pronounce  
That Escalus a Traitor.  Qu. 
Treacherous Fiend!  
I'll Perish, and involve Thee in my Ruin!  
My Lord, the King, I own foul practices  
Against your Crown, but was in all seduced  
By that Arch-Devil.  Esc. 
Hear me Sacred Sir?  
To clear my Loyalty, I but demand  
Your Majesty compel 'em taste these Bowls.  [A Goblet is given to Pisander] King. 
Drink Slave or Perish.  Qu. 
Hell 'tis Drink and Perish.  [Aside Pisander's Dead] King. 
Unfold this Riddle.  Esc. 
Know my Royal Master  
The Queen herself broke with me of this Plot;  
But having found me firm of Loyalty,  
Resolved to silence me with Death for ever.  
On that Design invited me too Night,  
To Banquet with her here i'th' Grotto, where  
These Poisoned Goblets were to have given me Welcome.  King. 
Guards, bear the Empress to the Citadel,  
Till we resolve the manner of her Death.  Qu. 
Death, doting Monarch, must that withered Brow  
Give Sentence on this Bloom, this Spring of Beauty,  
That has preserved thy friezing Blood in Motion,  
Cous'ning the Grave of her long due; the Grave  
That rivalled me, and for thy Lumber waited,  
When I received it to my Youthful Bed.  
Have I sustained thy sinking Royalty,  
And stuffed thy hollow Robes to fill the Throne;  
And talk'st Thou of my Death.  King. 
Away with her,  
Let darkest Mansions hide her from the Day,  
That Sickens at her Insolence.  Qu. 
Be't so.  
I'll make those Mansions fairer that those Bowers,  
And in a Scene of thought repeat these Joys,  
So oft within these reveling Shades Possessed.  
See there thy Rival, King, how lovelier far  
In Death than thou art Breathing? Fear him still,  
Be jealous of his Memory, and live  
Till every Subject scorns thee as I do,  
And Vermin like o'r-leap their Wooden King.  
State, Tempests, shake thee into Dust— Fates catch  
My Curse, and stamp it in their brazen Volumes.  [Exit Queen Guarded Esc. 
This jumps not with my Wish, Tame, Suffering King!  King. 
But Theocrin—  Esc. 
Is to his Charge returned,  
Too late we entered to surprise him here;  
These Letters I intended t'have produced,  
And charged him with his Treason to his Face.  King. 
To the Rebels? and with Theocrin's Signet sealed?  
See Theron, Diphilus.  Ther. 
With what Contents.  King. 
He taxes me with Breach of Faith, repents  
His Service, and solicits them t'espouse  
His Cause, and join their Outlawed Troops with his;  
Which will secure at once their forfeit Heads;  
And vindicate his Claim t' Arviola.  
My Lords your speedy and most safe Resolves.  Diph. 
'Twere safest to discover no distrust,  
But summon him to Court with speed,  
As to some sudden Council, than  
Surprise and sentence him to present Death.  [Ex. King, Ther. Diph. Esc. 
Midst all my busy Zeal, this stupid King,  
As yet no mention of Reward has made!  
And rates my Service as a Subjects Duty:  
Had I employed but half the expense of Wit  
To serve the Prince, my Pains had passed for Merit:  
He claims no Sovereign Right in my Endeavours,  
And will with Honours crown my Industry.  
The time presents, his Agent Sossacles  
With Myrrhoe has been tampering; I'll strike in  
And share in the Design; 'twere plausible,  
And of good credit, to persuade this Prince,  
That for his Interest I have undermined  
Lord Theocron, his dangerous Rival. Good!  
Thus tacking oft to catch the veering Winds,  
The skilful Pilot works into the Bay.  [Exit.  

ACT. IV. SCENE, The Palace.  King, Escalus, Theron, Diph. King. 
'tIs odds, but he'll suspect the sudden Summons  
(As Guilt is ever jealous) and decline  
Our Orders.  Esc. 
Doubt not, Sir, but he'll appear,  
And with as bold a mien as ever.  King. 
Thus forward Spirits, howe'er by Heaven designed  
For State-Defenders, prove their Country's Bane;  
For when their active Courage has redressed  
The Public Wrongs; the proud Restorer's self  
Next Tyrant proves, and for Reward Usurps  To them Abardanes and Sossacles. 
Now Prince to your Desires I can be just;  
Your Rival has by Treason forseited  
His Right to Arviola and our Favour,  
And naught remains that can resist your claim.  Ab. 
Not even Arviola's Divinest Charms  
Are more desirable, than to be styled  
Your Son, not Glory could have charmed me more;  
Glory that drew me forth to share your War.  King. 
Free I received this Crown from Heaven, and leave  
Arviola her freedom to confer  
The fortune of her Greece, where she bestows  
Her Love; and Abardanes is secure  
Of our best Aid t'endear him to her Breast.  [Ex. King, Esc. Ther. Diph. Ab. 
Come near, my Sossacles, thou art surprised  
To find this Cheek turned pale, and see this Breast  
Heaved with unwonted Sighs; I know 'tis mean,  
And blush at this Disorder, but bear with me,  
Thou only conscious art to my Complaint,  
And even to thee I tell but half my Pain.  Soss. 
To me you gave the Conduct of your Love,  
And with successful Industry I've won  
(What most I doubted) Myrrhoe to our side)  
The Princess's confident.  Ab. 
Is't possible?  
'Twas by her Art that Theocrin prevailed,  
And worked into Arviola's esteem.  Soss. 
The fittest Engine therefore to dislodge  
And work him out again: She knew t' extol  
And dazzle the Young Princess with his Praise;  
And doubtless can with equal Art accuse.  Ab. 
By what strange Wiles, my subtle Mercury,  
Couldst thou prevail on this demure Deceiver?  Soss. 
With well couched Flattery, and pretended Love;  
Besides with Gems and Gold I bribed her Favour,  
Yet with such difficulty, that t' have viewed  
The winding Scene, had proved no small Diversion.  Ab. 
Methinks I see my Engineer at work.  Soss. 
At first, with such disdain, as would ha' passed  
For real, with the unskilled in womens' Wiles,  
The Present she refused; in passion told me  
That she had much projected for your sake,  
And by degrees intended to incline  
The Princess to accept of your Address,  
But was prevented by those hated Gifts,  
That rendered her free Service Mercenary.  Ab. 
Then flung away?  Soss. 
No! paused, and with a sigh  
Confessed, though you had justly disobliged her,  
Yet since it was the Princess Interest  
T'slight fallen Theocrin, and approve your Suit,  
She'd still proceed to serve you, and engaged  
(By whant Device I know not) instantly  
To render her Averse to Theocrin,  
And then of course you seize her vacant Breast.  Ab. 
Thou shalt have Altars raised thee.  Soss. 
See, she comes.  Enter Myrrhoe. Myr. 
My Lord, I come to check your lavish Bounty,  
That leaves no place, for generous and free Service,  
But turns my best Endeavours into Hire.  Ab. 
Think not those trivial Presents were designed  
For more than Earnests of Rewards to come;  
'Tis in your power to enrich me with a Treasure,  
Beyond the Wealth of my expected Empire;  
Arviola's Love.  Myr. 
Know my Designs on that account were ripe,  
Before you shared your Bounty: a few hours  
Is all I crave to perfect your Request.  
Arviola comes, withdraw Sir, and expect  
My Promise.  [Ex. Abard. Soss. 
Now Edraste's Letter  
To Theocrin, comes in play; now all the Fraud  
That injur d Lovers charge upon our Sex  
Inspire me; Tears, Oaths, Swound, changing Blood;  
And all the seeming Pangs of wildest Rage,  
Assist my Cozenage.  Enter Arviola. [Myrhoe falls prostrate, as going to stab herself. Aru. 
Ha! the Gods forbid!  
Stop thy rash Arm, or turn thy Steel on me,  
Distracted Myrrhoe; speak what means this Fury.  Myr. 
Where am I? What unkind Hand has disarmed me!  
O my afflicted Heart! Arviola?  
Fly Princess, for I have resolved on Death,  
And shall depart in Pain if you are by.  Aru. 
Speak, I conjure thee, and unfold thy Grief;  
Or by our dearest Friendship I'll bleed first.  Myr. 
As you regard your Peace, permit me die  
In silence, nor reveal a fatal Truth,  
Which you of all the World should last discover.  Aru. 
Thy tender Bosom takes too quick a sense  
Of my Distresses; but of me learn temper,  
That can survive at once Edraste's Absence  
And Theocrin's Disgrace.  Myr. 
I Theocrin!  
Was it not I that kindled first your Breast  
With Love of Theocrin, and fanned the Flame  
With hourly Praise? Unfortunate Zeal.  Aru. 
Thou didst,  
And I adore thee for't.  Myr. 
I did,  
And with that Poniard meant to act  
A Justice on myself for doing it;  
Tho to the expecting Fates I will appeal  
I was abused, and more deceived than you!  Aru. 
Wreck me no longer with tormenting doubt;  
If my full Griefs can yet be capable  
Of fresh Disasters, let me know the worst.  Myr. 
Swear then to bear it as a Princess should.  Aru. 
Perish my dearest hopes, but I will do  
As shall become my Sex and Royal Blood.  Myr. 
Peruse that Letter then.  Aru. 
To Theocrin?  
And in Edrastes Hand? Her Nàme subscribed?  
Most strange Contents!— Yet she concludes more strangely!  [Reads.]— Forgive my Griefs this Trespass; they shall never offend you more; for I have not the heart to complain of you, though the Author of my Ruin. Edraste. 
The Author of her Ruin! Theocrin  
The Author of Edraste's Ruin! Speak!  
Confess, or dear as 'tis, I will rip up  
That reverend Breast, and tear the Secret forth.  Myr. 
Take then the fatal Story (Sighs be hushed  
And give me Breath)— th' unfortunate Edraste  
(As I have ever been her Confident)  
Informed me of the Cause why she withdrew;  
You thought her Absence unaccountable;  
So little you surmised that she retired  
To hide her growing shame!  Aru. 
Her growing shame!  Myr. 
With Cheeks now pale, now blushing, she confessed  
She had resigned her sacred Virgin's Treasure,  
And in close dalliance wantoned, till at last,  
Her amorous Theft no longer would be hid,  
But forced her to retire.  Aru. 
I'll mourn for thee Edraste, and lament  
In thy Offence, the Fall of Womankind!—  
But— Myrhoe— Thou seem'st not yet discharged  
Of half thy Tragic Tale— Thou fear'st to say  
With whom she did offend; and I to inquire!  
Why art thou racked my Heart with fond mistrust;  
For 'tis impossible that Theocrin  
Should prove so false— and as impossible  
That any other Tempter should prevail!  
I dare not— will not— yet I must suspect  Myr. 
Now Princess call to mind your solemn Vow,  
You swore to act as Honour should advise,  
And Honour will inspire you with disdain,  
For this ingrateful, most forsworn of Men.  Aru. 
Sink me to Death! Plunge me in streaming Fire,  
Heap Mountains on my Head,  
And bury my Disgrace,  
Abused Arviola.!  
Deluded, credulous Maid!— Oh Perjury!  Myr. 
Rise Princess and compose this dangerous Passion.  Aru. 
No! to this Earth I'll grow,  
Out-rave the Winter Sea,  
Outrage the Northern Wind,  
And with my loud Complaints alarm the Gods,  
Till they resent the Wrongs  
Of flattered Virgins, and confound Mankind.  Myr. 
Then curse thyself rash Tongue for thy discovery!  
Perish these idle Hands, that had not first  
Sheathed this preventing Poniard in my Heart;  
But 'tis not yet too late—  Aru. 
Hold Myrrhoe!  
Thou art more rash than I;  
Think, think how much I loved!  
How much I was abused!  
And thou wilt say I have a Turtles tameness!  
False! perjured Theocrin!  
I can almost excuse thee Lost Edraste,  
When I recall the smooth Deceivers Charms;  
He'd sigh his Passion in such soft Complaints;  
Courted with such a winning Modesty,  
Even in his Silence reloquent, his words  
So Artfully disordeed, as might move,  
Devoted Vestals to a living Grave!  Myr. 
Your Anger does him too much Grace; forget him,  Aru. 
Where then is my Revenge? I hear he's charged  
With Treason too, and I believe him guilty;  
For false in Love, and false in every Trust:  
Yet once again I will repeat my Vow,  
And Heaven and Earth refuse me if I fail  
To execute the strictest Laws of Honour.  
I'll meet him in spite of my relenting Heart,  
(For inwardly I fear I shall relent)  
Yet I will meet him with a scornful Brow,  
And to his Face disdain him, though I die.  [Exit. Enter Escalus. Esc. 
Hist. Sister.  Myr. 
Now, what fresh Discovery, whence those Letters, and  
Of what Concern?  Esc. 
From our imprisoned, discontented Queen;  
Here she solicits me to close afresh  
With her Design; already she has urged  
Her Brother of Epirus to revenge  
Th' affront of her Confinement on the King.  
These are t' oblige me to betray the Fort  
Into his Hand, when he by Night arrives,  
And my Reward the Crown.  Myr. 
Be not too credulous,  
Nor trust offended Majesty too far.  Esc. 
With caution I'll resolve, in the mean time  
Seem to comply; I'll shun no path to Greatness,  
But would seek it in the Jaws of Death.  [Exit severally. Scene draws. Theocrin with Four or Five Officers from the Siege. Ther. 
Leave me my Friends, and of your Jealousies  
Take leave; the generous King  
Has no dishon'rable Design upon me:  
Some sudden Council of the State requires me.  1. Off. 
There is no trust in Statesmen, and in Courts  
'Tis dangerous to excel allow our fears,  
We know your worth, and would not see you fall.  Theo. 
Meet I the Death of Cowards, the Renown  
Of my famed Ancestors expire in me,  
E'er I grow vain, and trumpet my own Deeds;  
Yet must this King confess,  
That what I have for him performed,  
Within the Sylvan Courts of Savage Moors,  
At least would have procured me my Life's safety:  
I've seen a Lion from the Toil set free,  
Yet famished, as he was, spare his Deliverer.  2. Off. 
Should the ungrateful Senate dare to call  
Your Worth in question; we that know how deep  
Your Merit's rooted in your Army's Hearts,  
Shall soon reform the Abuses of the Bench,  
And teach the ermined Doatards Justice.  Theo. 
Ha!  
degenerate Damocles, how art thou fallen,  
That Breath has blasted all thy early Glories!  
Beware, brave Youth, the least disloyal thought,  
That like a Canker will destroy thy Laurel.  3. Off. 
Be not betrayed by your Credulity;  
Your midnight Summons brings no small suspicion!  
The Prince makes open Love to Arviola;  
You know his Fleet rides still within our Bay,  
And on his least Resentment can pour forth  
Their Legions on our Shore; consider then  
How this may work on the defenceless King,  
To sacrifice you to your Rival's Rage.  Theo. 
My safety's grounded on the Eternal Truth  
Of my Arviola; may she desert me,  
When once I prove so mean to fear she will;  
She's constant as the Diamonds standing Light:  
Once more, my Friends, I beg you would retire,  
And will not be denied.  4. Off. 
We go, but shall be near to watch your Danger.  [Ex. the Officers. Theo. 
Spite of my forced neglect, a sullen fear  
Intrudes its terror on me; first it seized  
My Slumber, since pursues my waking Thoughts;  
A mourning Venus stripped my verdant Bays,  
And on my Temples dropped a Cypress Wreath,  
Whilst weeping Cupid's leaned on slackened Bows,  
Shrouding their Faces in their sable Wings.  
Dreams I regard not, but this Vision leaves me  
Gloomy and Dull, as sated Ravishers.  Theron, Diphilus, passover the Stage. 
These Lords once knew me, fawned and kissed my Knees,  
When from Argaleon's Conquest I returned,  
And now the Doatards pass neglectfully by!  
But change in Statesmen is most natural:  
theyare Weathercocks of time, and face about  
To every veering Wind!  
But here comes Myrrhoe, and her I'll seize.  Enter Myrrhoc. 
Tell me kind Patroness of all my hopes,  
Thou that hast known my Passions secret growth,  
Brought'st kindly warmth, and hatched it with thy Beams §.  
How fares my bright Arviola?  
How mindful of her Pining Theocrin?  
How many Sighs has scaped her balmy Lipp?  
(For Myrrhoe I will know Particulars.)  
How many Tears?— Reserved, and silent Ha!  
What means that wrinkled Brow? Dishonour blast me,  
But thou hast struck a Chillness to my Heart,  
A Deathlike Cold.  Myr. 
Your Pardon Lord,  
I am in haste, on Business to the Prince.  Theo. 
The Prince! Confusion! Business to the Prince?  
What Business bear'st thou to the Prince? Whose Business?  
I know thou wilt not say Arviola's.  
Thou wilt not let me know that killing secret,  
Tho it were true.  Myr. 
My Lord; I'm no Dissembler,  
When I informed you that the Princess loved you,  
'Twas true!— she did— at present I affirm  
She thinks of you no more.  Theo. 
And that true too!  
Were't thou an Oracle to tell me this,  
Id slight it as a black malicious lie,  
Tho thunder struck me for the misbelief.  Myr. 
Your Lordship's discomposed, I take my leave.  [Exit Theo. 
Go then, and like a Sorc'ress blast thy Walk,  
How have I pruned my Fortunes till they bleed,  
To fill this Mercenary's Coffers:  
But this rich Prince's weightier Gold, I find  
Has turned the Scale against me; be it so,  
I'll give the World the lie, e'er I suspect:  
None but Arviola herself shall e'er  
Persuade me that Arviola is changed:  
Here comes this Pageant Prince! Down swelling Blood,  
I must speak to him, and would do't in temper.  Enter Abardanes, Sossacles. 
Prince, by your Favour, turn; a Soldier calls.  Ab. 
Ha; who art, that with so bold a freedom  
Retards my haste?  Theo. 
I am one whom thou hast wronged,  
Demandest thou further?— One whom thou must right;  
Forbear that frown, I would not move thy Passion,  
And would much less that thou shouldst wake my Rage:  
As therefore calmly I my Grievance tell,  
Do thou as calmly promise to redress:  
Thou seek'st to rob me of my Valour's Prize,  
My Right by chance of War and Royal Grant,  
My Mistress— more— my Bride Arviola.  Ab. 
Ha! Theocrin? stand forth, let me survey thee;  
Dar'st thou, poor Sprout of obscure Growth, presume  
To be engrafted to the Royal Stock,  
And stain with Peazant Blood the Race of Kings?  Theo. 
Thus far I bear with thee thou barbarous Prince,  
Less disciplined than those rough Winter-gusts,  
That scourge thy barren Clime. This is the Palace,  
The Mansion of the King; the Place protects thee,  
Thou art too vile a Sacrifice to fall  
On Sacred Ground.  Ab. 
Unhand me Sossacles;  
Now thank the Gods that thou art ranked beneath  
A Prince's Vengeance; I forbear thy Life,  
And will not stoop to take the worthless forfeit:  
Thou art hedged in with double Infamy;  
For as a Subject I disdain thee much,  
But as a Traitor more.  Theo. 
Blasphemer die.  [Draws. Enter King, with Guard. King. 
This Insolence within our Palace Walls?  
Guards seize the Tiger.  Theo. 
O my Lord the King,  
To Heaven and you I will appeal.  King. 
Be dumb,  
I'll hear thee nothing till the Bench is sat,  
And then thy Practices shall have fair Trial.  
Guards he's your Charge.  [Ex. King and Abard. Theo. 
Are these then the Rewards of Loyalty?  
To bind these Arms 〈◊〉 set their Country free?  
My Virtue shot too 〈◊〉, and shaded all  
The Bramble Courtiers; therefore I must fall  
As one that robbed 'em of the Royal Beams!  
But Winter Storms will fall again, and then  
They'll wish their Shelter standing— O my Heart!  
Those Beauties must belong to Arviola!  
Arviola! Hast thou forgot me too.  Enter Arviola reading. Aru. 
Nor am to blame,  
You're so much altered now from what you were;  
An Angel fallen could take no change so fowl.  Theo. 
Yes— I am fallen indeed! most strangely altered!  
A few days since I triumphed, was proclaimed  
The State's Deliverer; Virgins wreathed in Flowrs,  
Sung Hymns of Conquest, Insants lisped my Praise;  
The King, the King, smiled on me, Fortune smiled,  
Arviola smiled— Where's now the dazzling Pomp?  
The bright Scene's changed, the Heavenly Dream with-drawn;  
My Flags dispersed, and all my Streamers drowned.  Aru. 
Dispense with me thou nice and rigorous Honour,  [Aside. 
This Penance is too much for Flesh to bear!  
False as he is, I cannot see his Pain,!  
Yet am condemned to be his Torturer!  Theo. 
Fickle Maid,  
Like Venus thou were't wont to scatter Joys;  
But now those Eyes have lost their healing Power,  
Shoot Pains, and like Malignant Planets strike!  Aru. 
Take on yourself the Blame, if I disturb you;  
I would have passed in Silence by.  Theo. 
Thou woudl'st not!  
I'll justify thee, even against thyself!  Aru. 
To prove what I affirm, I'll leave you now.  Theo. 
Then fickle Maid, thy Love was all a Mock!  Aru. 
The Gods will be my Witnesses, how much  
I prized the brave, the valiant Theocrin;  
The Conscious Gods will be my Witnesses,  
How much the Traitor Theocrin I scorn.  Theo. 
Forbear, my Fame, rash Beauty! O take heed  
How thou revild'st a Soldier's Loyalty!  
Least Light'ning fall and singe thee Black as Moors.  Aru. 
This Conference is our last, and our Discourse  
Has shot too far already— I have done.  Theo. 
What mute? This silence tortures me beyond  
The sting of Slander; speak, though it be to curse me,  
Arviola! Arviola! Arviola!  
O deaf as storms, to sinking Mariners!  
Speak, I conjure thee by the spotless Joys  
Of our stolen Visits! by the friendly Bower,  
Whose Shade was conscious to our midnight Meeting.  
Whilst from the Jess'mine Roof the Dew distilled,  
And trickling from thy Brow perfumed thy Tears!  
Whilst to correct the Vapours of the Night,  
Officious Loves Celestial Perfumes breathed,  
And fanned the Moon-beams, with more shining Wings:  
By all those Nights! and that most friendly Night,  
When to my ravished Ear you first confessed  
Your Love, and shot me through with trembling Joy!  
The Stars flamed brighter, and the Flowers breathed forth  
A warmer Fragrancy; the gloomy Grove  
Approved our Vows, and at our Contract smilled.  Aru. 
Oh! O! O!  Theo. 
Relentless still? What shall I say?  
What sad Complaint assume t'extort thy Pity?  
This posture can recall the offended Gods!  
Hear cruel Princess; 'tis not yet too late!  
One balmy Tear and I am whole!—  
Withdrawing?- Can it be?  
Ha! Wilt thou, canst thou part and leave me thus  
groveling in Agony!- Turn, turn, at least  
To view my dying Pangs, and glut thy Sight  
With the last Pantings of a broken Heart.  [Here Arviola seems much discomposed, but stifling her Disorder. 
Even yet thou art not quite with-drawn! turn yet,  
And leave with bleeding Love, the Charity  [Ex. Arviola] 
Of one relenting Sigh!- She's gone! retired,  
Vanished for ever from these closing Eves.  
Come Chaos now! Resume thy horrid Reign;  
Blend Earth with Heaven, the Elements confound,  
And quench in Seas the fallen Etherial Fires!  
When virtue's dead, 'tis time that Nature die;  
Wake Theocrin! forsaken as thou art  
Of all; thy Innocence stays with thee still!  
Guards, to your Office, wreath me o'er in Chains,  
And in the gloomiest Dungeon shroud me fast;  
When this is done, if my escape you fear,  
The Grave's the safest Prison, lodge me there.  Enter Abardanes, Myrrhoe. Ab. 
Scarce can I credit what I've heard and seen;  
Approach thou subtl'st of the subtle Sex:  
Say, what Return, what Offering shall I make  
To thy immortal Wit— Sossacles.  Enter Sossacles with Aribert. 
The change is wrought, a change more wonderful  
Than of black Chaos into smiling Day.  Soss. 
Your Servant Aribert, from Thrace arrived  
With Letters of Importance.  Ab. 
Soldier welcome!  [Opens the Letter and reads. 
Fly Myrrhoe, foment the Princess rage,  
That no relenting Thought for Theocrin  
Surprise her Breast, and mar the noble Project.  [Ex. Myrrh. 
Confusion! Torture! all my hopes are dashed.  
Read Sossacles, my Royal Father's sick,  
And I am summoned home to Thrace with speed:  
Aspiring Sythrax waits the King's last hour,  
To seize the vacant Throne; and they inform me  
Our speediest return can scarce prevent him:  
What shall I do?  Soss. 
Your danger Sir instructs you;  
Your Fleet's in readiness, we'll sail to night.  Ab. 
And leave Arviola?—  Enter Escalus. 
Now Escalus,  
If thou hast Policy produce it now,  
And make a Prince thy Friend; my Father dies  
And warns me hence, my Brother Sythrax takes  
Advantage of my Absence to Usurp,  
Shall I secure my Crown or Love?  Esc. 
Both Sir.  Ab. 
How my Apollo? O my panting Heart!  Esc. 
The means are obvious; bear Arviola  
By force aboard your Fleet, then sail for Thrace:  
The season gives you opportunity,  
Too morrow she attends the Sacred Rites,  
And Sacrifices at Diana's Grove.  
The Princess early with her Virgin Train,  
Sets forth to finish the preparing Ceremonics,  
Before the Court Arives; than you may seize her,  
For Myrrhoe shall seduce her through the Groves,  
Where you shall plant your Servants to surprise her.  Ab. 
Most exquisite contrivance!  
We'll send immediate notice to our Fleet.  [Ex. Ab. and Soss. Enter Myrrhoe hastily. Esc. 
Where thus confusedly Sister?  Myrr. 
Where's the Prince?  Esc. 
What new Disaster?  Myr. 
Theocrin's escaped.  Esc. 
Escaped!  Myr. 
Rescued from the Guards,  
And born with violence from the Town.  Esc. 
By whom?  Myr. 
'Tis guest by the Officeers, that from the Camp  
Attended him to the Court, for all were masked,  
Nor trusted to the Evenings Dusk.  Esc. 
Perdition;  
This happens ill; but Fortune do thy worst,  
My ripe Designs are passed the blasting now;  
Sister one day, one busy morrow more  
Crowns out Desires: Retire, and I'll inform you.  
I toil for Empire, now at Sceptres fly,  
Resolved to force'em or expire;  
And though I perish in th' attempt,  
Even in the Grave, my Pomp, my Court I'll keep,  
And dream of Crowns in Death's Eternal Sleep.  [Ex.  

ACT. V.  

SCENE, A Desert.  Thunder. Enter Theocrin in the Tempest. Theo. 
THe Storm is hushed, the Wind's breath out their last;  
The Thunders too in feebler Volleys die;  
All Night they humoured my Complaints; but now  
The Day intrudes, the dear Confusion's vanished,  
And all the ruffled Elements return  
To their dull Order. Shrowded thy hated Light,  
Thou rising Sun, nor summon with such speed,  
Th' o'rlaboured World to th' Toils of a new day!  
Why flattered Mortals, will ye wake to Cares,  
When Sleep in kind Delusion may divert  
Your pensive Minds with pleasing Images.  
A Dream sets free the Captive, can restore  
Lost Fields to Soldiers, and wrecked Merchants Wealth;  
In Dreams the Exile Visits his dear home,  
And o'er the sparkling Bowl relates at large  
His past Distresses to his wondering Friends!  
The lover too the sad forsaken Lover,  
May dream and feign the falsest Mistress true.  
O for a gentle Slumber, that would thus  
Delude my Griefs, and show my Perjured Fair  
Constant as once I thought her— Oh I rave,  
For Sleep no more must seal these Lids; this Sun  
May set and rise again to his dull Round,  
But see me tread Life's giddy Maze no more;  
Perform thy work thou deadly Juice— 'Tis off.  [Drinks a Viol of Poison. 
That Death (by Nature so abhorred) should be  
As easily into our Vitals drawn,  
As th' Air by which we live.  Enter Four or Five of the Officers. 1. Off. 
I fear his discontent has made him stay,  
Regardless of the Storm that raged too Night.  2 Off. 
We left him near these Cliffs.  3. Off. 
'Twas  
Rash to trust him with his Griefs alone.  4. Off. 
It was his own Resolve, which we  
Obeyed with much Reluctance— O ye Gods!  
See where he prostrate lies in the cold Dew,  
With his bare Head exposed to th' troubled Air.  Theo. 
Tyrant of Nature, I would view thee near,  
Thou Chief of Terrots, Death! a Form so horrid,  
As even the Wretched shun: This brittle Glass  
Contained that awful thing; the fatal Juice,  
That turns my working Organs into Clay;  
I' could even now have dashed it on the Ground;  
But let that pass.  1. Off. 
Rise Noble General;  
We cometo seek you in the Army's Name.  Theo. 
Nay, now my Friends you are too officious!  2. Off. 
O my dear Lord, I grieve to have found now!  
Why would you dare the Terrors of this Night?  
Such Lightnings, Wind and Rain—  Theo. 
Ha Damocles.  
Was't not a merry Night, thou know'st I should  
Have been a Bridegroom now, and therefore 'twas  
The reveling Storm struck up to make me Music;  
The Lightnings danced to entertain me— True,  
The Bride was absent, and the Bed was cold!  
But 'twas of Nature's making, honest Rock,  
O'rspread with Moss.  3. Off. 
His Griefs I fear distract him.  Theo. 
Hark Damocles, a Secret, O my Boy,  
When I am Earth, remember thou wert warned  
To trust no Woman when she smiles, and when  
She weeps believe her less, lest when she swears;  
But if she swear thee Love— Oh Wracks and Pangs!  
Why Sirs d'ye gaze so wildly on me?— Ha!  
The Poison I perceive has touched my Brain!  
Come Damocles, let's talk no more of Women;  
Arms be our Theme, bright Arms— Arviola!  
Tell me of Arms, my Boy— Arviola!  
Of Battles, tattered Ensigns, bloody Bays;  
Trophies and Triumphs— Oh Arviola!  4. Off. 
We must divert this Frenzy.  Theo. 
Still they gaze!  
My Senses then are going, let 'em go.  
O that my working Thoughts were once at rest,  
Still as fallen Stars, or Streams bound up in Frost.  1. Off. 
Your Griefs shall be redressed; the Army waits  
For your Return, resolved to force your Right,  
And place you in the Imperial Bed and Throne.  Theo. 
Then you have weighed my Wrongs.  1. Off. 
We have, my Lord,  
And must resent your Suffering as our own.  Theo. 
Swear then to work the Army to my Will.  1. Off. 
We swear.  Theo. 
'Tis well;  
Know then 'twill most conduce to my Content,  
That you forget my Abuses from the Court,  
And spite of all my Wrongs be Loyal still!  
Nay Sirs, seem not dissatisfied, you've sworn,  
Perform my last Request, for 'tis my last;  
I've taken Poison.  3. Off. 
Horror!  Theo. 
Infamy!  
What Soldiers Tears, a few hours will reduce  
This shaken Frame to its first Elements;  
Part we like Soldiers without Ceremony:  
I must devote my short remains of Life  
To private Thoughts, and you must leave me all.  1. Off. 
At least permit us wait you to the Grave.  
To sling our pining Laurels on your Earth,  
And give the warrior's Volley o'er your Tomb.  Theo. 
I have myself to took care for my Innterment.  
The Hermite's Cave is near, where I'll unload me  
Of this dull Earth; they'll decently bestow  
This Lumber in some Vault by Nature framed;  
Wrapped in no Sables, but of deepest Night;  
No Pageantry, or more superfluous Trains  
Of such as mourn for Hire, no Funeral Dirge,  
But what the widowed Turtle shall afford me.  
The Pomp that I despised in Life, in Death  
I hold most vain; nor care to rot in State.  
Farewell, commend me to our Valiant Troops,  
And as ye wish my Ashes rest, be Loyal.  [Ex. severally.  

SCENE, The Hermit's Cell.  A Tomb discovered, the Hermite's Consecrating it. Edraste in Youth's Apparel. 1. Herm. 
Enough, the Tomb is hallowed; all retire  
To your respective Tasks, your chosen Toil;  
Behold my Son this rude unpolisht Marble, (To Edraste.  
The common Receptacle of our Dust,  
When Fate shall summon our Obedient Spirits.  
What Follows Death, the Dead alone can tell;  
But to our Life of Rule and Discipline.  
We owe at least, this certain Privilege,  
Calmly to wait the change, nor fear to die.  Edr. 
O peaceful Solituds!  
Here all things smile, and in sweet Consort join.  
All but my Thoughts, that still are out of tune,  
And break, like jarring Strings, the Harmony.  
Why, cruel Theocrin, dost thou pursue me  
To these Retreats? For still thy Image wounds.  Enter Theocrin. 
My panting Breast, and robs me of Repose,  
Tho lodged on Poppies by the murmuring Stream.  
Ha! is't the raving of my feverish Thought  
Or Theocrin's appears! Defend my Heart,  
Some kinder Power, or undeceive my Eyes.  Theo. 
I feel the trusty Person by degrees,  
Spread through my yielding Veins, my circling Blood,  
At length, will bear the Cordial to my Heart;  
As nearer to Eternity I coast,  
The Prospect grows more lovely— Here's the Cave,  
And I descry the Hermit's working near;  
The neighbouring Vale shall be my Walk,  
Till the prevailing Poison summon me  
To turn and yield this Earth to their disposal.  [Exit. Edr. 
'Tis he! the Royal Bridegroom wandering here  
Alone, Bareheaded, and with sorrowful Brow;  
Fortune, I fear, has wrought some dreadful change!  
I'll trust to my Disguise, and follow him;  
My Heart is on the Rack till I'm informed.  [Exit.  

WOOD SCENE again.  Arviola, Myrrhoe: Arviola dressed as for the Sacrifice. Aru. 
Where Myrrhoe, wilt thou and Sorrow lead me?  
This Shade is dark, and silent to my wish,  
Here let me sit and breathe my last complaints!  
He was the falsest of the treacherous Sex;  
The falsest, and as such, my just Revenge  
Disdained his Pangs, when grovelling at my Feet.  Myr. 
His Love was feigned, and so was his Remorse.  
Where are these Ravishers, this was the time  
Designed for the Adventure, this the place.  [Aside. Enter two Priests in Habits. Aru. 
Rise, we are summoned to attend the Altar;  
Speak, have ye sung your Matins, hailed the Grove,  
And with the Victim trod the Sacred Round?  
Why stand ye thus fixed on each others Look,  
As ye had some dire Message to deliver,  
Whilst each declines th' ungrateful Tale; speak forth.  1. Priest. 
A better Fate attend our Greece, than what  
The Omens of this Morning Rites presage;  
Which of us, has with guilty hands approached  
The awful Ceremonies, is unknown;  
But our dread Goddess is displeased,  
And thwarts our Work with boding Prodigies.  Myrr. 
'Tis but the Old Man's Fear, the hallowed Wine  
Has touched his feeble Brain, and makes him rave.  
Shall we retire, yet farther, Madam?  1. Priest. 
The Virgin Taper thrice I did apply,  
Before the Flame would taste the melting Gums,  
Nor then blazed prosperously, erect to Heaven,  
But scattering, turned his conscious folds to Earth,  
And rolled his smoky Globes along the Ground.  Myr. 
These Wizzards will mar all; to lose her thus,  [Aside. 
When I've decoyed her to the very Ginn.  2. Priest. 
The destined Bull in Garlands wreathed, stood bound,  
And turned his lowering Eyes upon the Attendants;  
Nor sooner had the blushing Wine distained  
His snowy Brow, but rearing high in Air,  
He shook the yielding Cords from his curled Front,  
O'r-threw the Altar, tossed the Golden Pile,  
And forcing through the scattered Priests his way,  
Ran with high Nostrils, Bellowing through the Grove.  Aru. 
Return, and Consecrate the Place anew,  
With mournful Cypress bind your Pensive Brows,  
And prostrate falling on the Sacred Ground,  
Each Vow his Innocence before the Altar;  
Then cast the Lots to find the Osfender out.  [Ex. Priest. 
O Virgin Goddess, if this Breast indulge  
One secret Guilt, turn all thy Rage on me,  
And let thy Priestess bleed thy Sacrifice!  
Else let me live with fallen Edraste's shame;  
My fond Heart, be again seduced to Love.  
Deceived again— Assassins', Treason! Help.  Enter Escalus masked, with others. Esc. 
Seize her, Confederates, seize your Royal Prize.  Aru. 
Help Heaven, Rocks, Groves, Diana help!  Esc. 
Soft, Madam, we are Friends, design no Wrong,  
But come to bear you to a Lover's Arms.  Aru. 
Off Traitor! Lightning blast  
Thy Sacrilegious Hands.  Esc. 
Quick Sirs, convey her to the Prince's Chariot,  
That waits without the Grove, thence to the Fleet;  
And in the Court of Thrace expect her Thanks.  Enter from the other side Theocrin's Officers. 4. Off. 
The Cry came this way— See! The Princess seized  
By Ravishers, even in her sacred Robes.  [Fight. Whilst they are engaged, Aru. Myrrh. run off, Myrrh. Wounded; the Officers beat the others off. 2. Off. 
The Fiends are Vanished; where's the Princess?  3. Off. 
Fled off in Fight.  2. Off. 
Disperse we straight; you Damocles return  
To the General, and inform him what has happened;  
You Phorbus to the King, the rest search for the Princess:  [Ex. Re-enter Escalus unmasqued. Esc. 
Curse on the Coward Slaves, they fought like Women;  
Not Wolves more tamely would resign their Prey  
To Lion: How shall I excuse  
This soul Defeat, to the expecting Prince?  
The Prince? Hell! that's the least Difficulty:  
How shall I answer to the King this Treason?  
Hard-hunted, as I am, I've one shift yet,  
And that a sure one: I'll with speed inform  
The King, of this Design to seize Arviola:  
Charge all the Guilt upon the Prince, pretend  
The Plot was frustrated by my Contrivance;  
Then when the Intelligence comes, the King  
Shall thank me for my Villainy, perhaps  
Reward me too; thus cautious Sailors quit  
The sinking Ship, and rowing off to shore,  
every themselves with the wrecked Merchants Wealth.  [Exit 

Theocrin and Edraste.   Theo. 
Leave me fond Youth, why wilt thou follow me?  
I'm Savage as a Sylvan, and unfit  
For thy soft Conversation; prithee leave me!  Edr. 
Forgive a Stranger's Rudeness, Sir, excuse  
A charitable Crime; say you are happy,  
And for some pleasing Contemplation seek  
This Solitude; convince me with a smile  
And I'll retire.  Theo. 
Believe me happy then  
And leave me.  Edr. 
Wherefore then that troubled Sigh?  Theo. 
Pretty Impertinence, no more Inquiries;  
But since thy Curiosity is such,  
Know I am wretched to that sad degree,  
That Fiends might pity me, and therefore leave me.  Edr. 
'Tis therefore I would follow.  Theo. 
Thou are Young,  
And Grief's infectious; get thee to Court, and revel out thy Youth; Sorrow will come  
Unsought, and poison thy Delights too soon.  
Besides, thou'rt Beautiful and formed for Dalliance,  
Therefore to Court, there practice every Wile  
To charm the Fair; none scape thy Flattery;  
But Youth take heed that it be Flattery.  
For shouldst thou be sincere in thy Addresses,  
Give up thy Heart, and trust thy Happiness  
To a Woman's Mercy, thou'rt lost for ever.  Edr. 
Then all all my Fears are just, and Destiny  [Aside. 
Has played most fowl;  
Arviola is changed, or he abused.  Theo. 
Thou weeped! What mean those Tears, I did but speak.  
Of disappointed Love, and thou art touched!  
Is't possible that thy soft Innocence,  
So early, should be Martyred by the scorn  
Of any cruel she!  
Then I am still to learn in Woman's Falsehood;  
And my fair Cous'ner yet may be a Saint,  
Compared to the rest of her deluded Sex.  
Yes, false Arviola, when I descend,  
And to the lower World report my Love,  
I'll do thy Fame the Right, to say,  
There was one more inhuman Maid than thou!  Enter Damocles. Dam. 
Your Pardon, my best Lord, that I transgress  
Your last Commands, the occasion is surprising;  
Your fair Arviola, with her Maiden Train,  
This Morning came to attend the Annual Rites  
Of Great Diana's Altar in the Grove:  
On our Return we found the Princess seized  
By Rusfians, whom we soon overcome,  
But lost her in the hurry of the Fight—  
Behold, my Lord, three of their scattered Crew  
Flying this way.  Theo. 
False, though she be, yet some Revenge is due  
To injured Beauty and a Princess Name.  
Stand Traitors.  [Fight. The Assassins' are Slain, Edraste Wounded. 
How fares my gentle Boy.  Edr. 
The friendly Steel  
Has pierced my aching Heart, and given me ease.  Theo. 
Ha! Wounded! We have bought the Villains Lives  
Too dear; help Damocles  
You bear him to the Cell.  [Ex. Enter King Attended, Esc. Ther. Diph. Priests brought in by the Guards. King. 
Disperse and search each Thicket of the Forest;  
And as your for feit Heads shall answer for't,  
Return not to our Presence till you've found her.  [Ex. Attend, 
Stand forth, ye reverend Hypocrites, confess  
When, where, for what you bartered, to betray  
Your Monarch's Daughter? Hell! I am too cold!  
Produce her Traitors, set her in my Sight,  
Restore her to my Arms this minute, or  
Your pampered Flesh shall on the Rack be torn,  
And scattered piecemeal on this hallowed Ground.  Esc. 
This is the Music that I longed to hear;  [Aside. 
King, you're too tame, rage's louder yet; Ha! Ha!  
How vain a Creature were the plotting Knave,  
But for the credulous Fool?  King. 
Slaves, must I twice command, e'er I am answered?  2. Priest. 
By all the Powers, by Great Diana's Self,  
And your own Sacred Head, we are innocent.  King. 
They sport with my Revenge, quick, drag'em hence  
To present Death; nor shall th' ingrateful Prince  
Our Vengeance shun: he comes, make ready Guards  
To seize him, he shall bleed.  Ther. 
Dread Sir, consider.  Enter Abardanes, speaking to his Attendants. Ab. 
O'r-powred? Excuse it not, 'twas Cowardice;  
Retire, I must to the King, lest he suspect.  King. 
Disarm him.  Ab. 
I am betrayed,  
Basely you have surprised us; give me room,  
Slaves know the Prince, nor with your Vassal Hands  
Profane my Royalty— What! Servile Chains!  
I'll not endure't.  Esc. 
Now the chaste Lion foams.  Ab. 
I charge thee King release me, by thy Sceptre,  
Thy Head, thy Empire, which my Thracian Troops  
Shall drown in Blood, and waste with Vengeful Fire.  King. 
We dare thy worst, ingrateful, barbarous Prince,  
That couldst abuse our Hospitality,  
And plot a Rape upon a Royal Maid.  Ab. 
Why then did she not Love? What I designed  
Was generous all; and thou shouldst thank me, King,  
That of thy Dignity I took such care,  
Foyes force thy Daughter to my Princely Arms,  
That on a Vassal else, a Subject Slave,  
Had lost her Crown and Beauty; and corrupted  
Th' untainted Blood of Monarchs!  King. 
Bear him off;  
Come to my Heart, thou faithful Escaellus;  
With what Return shall I reward thy Virtue!  
Our Army we commit to thy Command,  
Be thou our Gen'ral in false Theocrin's stead,  
And meet the shock of War, this Prince has threatened.  
Whom bring ye there?  Diph. Att. 
Dread Sir, A Forester,  
That says, he saw but now a Lady fly  
In fright to the Hermite's Cave.  King. 
'Twas my Arviola, lead thither.  [Ex. All.  

The CAVE.  Theocrin and Damocles bearing in Edraste. Theo. 
Now Damocles Fly and call the Hermit's in,  
Their Art will bring Relief; take Heart, my Boy.  Edr. 
I Die, my Lord, and with my latest Breath  
Will speak of Wonders; now my Stars are kind,  
And for my past Griefs make too large Amends,  
Since in your dear Embrace I do expire;  
I am Edraste.  Theo. 
This indeed is wondrous.  Edr. 
Death's Paleness will forbid my Blushes now;  
If I confess that I have loved you long,  
But with a Flame as Chaste as Vestal Fire;  
Or may no Pious Garland crown my Tomb,  
But Virgins shun it as unhallowed Ground.  Enter Arviola in Fright. Aru. 
Where shall I hide? O for an Earthquake now  
To sink me from these Ravishers— whose's there?  Theo. 
Speak my Edraste, end thy charming Tale,  
For I would Die convinced, there can be Truth  
In Woman's Love.  Aru. 
Edraste in Disguise with Theocrin,  
In close Embraces joined! My Eyes too long  
Are guilty, but the sacred Poniard thus  
Shall expiate the Offence; Eternal Night  
Remove the hated Object from my view.  [Stabs herself. Theo. 
She's gone, and in her Cheeks  
A scattered Purple smi'es,  
Like streaks of Sunshine from a Setting Day:  
My Fate comes next, the sure-slow Poison now  
Preys on my Vitals- Ha! what Heavenly Form  
Sits there? Bright Vision turn— Arviola!  Aru. 
O Gods, those ruffled Locks, and that wan Look,  
Against my Honour plead in his behalf;  
But 'tis a Woman's Weakness, and I'll crush it.  Theo. 
It cannot be! Not Woman's Cruelty  
Can swell to that Excess, to persecute  
Her poor forsaken Lover to his Cave;  
To tear his closing Wounds, and wake  
His slumbering Griefs into a fresh Despair.  
Is this the tenderness of Beauty, this  
The Weeping Sexe's Mercy? Oh! Arviola!  Aru. 
With what divided Passions am I torn!  
Stream faster sluggish Blood and give me ease!  Theo. 
That so contemned a Thing as I, should e'er  
Create your Highness Trouble, were unjust;  
But Princess you'll excuse me: that I loved you,  
I do confess, but wore my Flames concealed  
And silent, as the Lamps that burn in Tombs,  
Sighed only to myself and to the Winds,  
Gazed on your Beauties with the distant Crowd:  
Yourself at last perceived my drooping care,  
And forced the trembling Secret from my Breast,  
Which with my Life I rendered at your Feet:  
Then— I remember— Oh! the panting Minute—  Aru. 
That panting Minute I remember too!  [Aside. Theo. 
You raised me by the bloodless Hand from Ground,  
With such obliging Tenderness, secured  
My trembling Hopes, that next I sunk with joy!  
But (Oh the Torture!) this transporting Scene  
Was but a gaudy Dream, and waked with Storms,  
Here on cold Earth the flattered Dreamer lies.  Aru. 
Tempt not the Gods too far, those Gods that know  
The Falseness of your Love: yet O thrice Happy,  
If here your Crimes had fixed, but to Corrupt  
A Royal Maid— The fowl Thought strikes me Dumb,  
I leave your Guilt t' interpret— Oh Edraste!  Theo. 
Take heed, Licentious Fair! Thy perjured Love  
Was but thy Sexe's Sin, a Crime of Nature,  
But to Blaspheme the Virtue of the Dead,  
Will wrest from the forbearing Gods their Thunder.  Aru. 
Ha! Dead! Each Minute draws fresh Wonders on.  Enter Myrrhoc Bloody. Myr. 
The Princess must perceive that I betrayed her,  
Perhaps this Cave will hide me from the Search.  Theo. 
Hast Thou too brought thy Raven's Note t'afflict me?  Myr. 
Gods! Theocrin Pale! Arviola Bloody, and Edraste Dead;  
Then Furies lash me with your Scorpion Whips;  
Give me the Torments of th' Etornal Damned,  
Prometheus, Vulture, and Ixion's Wheel.  Aru. 
Alas, what mean those dreadful Execrations?  Myr. 
My Breath grows short, but shall suffice t' unfold  
Such Treasons, as will fright the Dephts of Hell,  
For whilst the Plotting Escalus accused  
This generous Lord of Treason to the King,  
As falsely I abused his Love to you;  
Taxed him of wanton Dalliance with Edraste,  
Who from the Court retreated, to divert  
Th' Ambitious Queen's Designs on both your Lives:  
Thus were you wrought to treat him with Disdain,  
At his return from Field.  Theo. 
The Truth, the Truth as thou shalt meet the Gods.  Aru. 
For thy Soul's sake, the Truth and I forgive thee.  Myr. 
At fast, Brib d by the Prince, I undertook  
To tempt you through the Groves, till the Assassins'  
Might seize and bear you to the Thracian Fleet;  
But (unexpectedly engaged) i'th' Fight  
I met th' unluckily Wound that gives me Death,  
By the dar Powers that wait for my Descent.  
This is most true, as true as I was false,  
Or let my Pains, through circling Ages last,  
Nor Time expiring, see my Torments done.  [Dies. Theo. and Aru. attempt to Rise, but (wanting Strength) on their Hands and Knees, get to each other. Theo. 
O bounteous Powers! O balmy healing Joy!  
Pride of thy Sex, Imperial Excellence,  
My still Beloved, still Loving, True Arviola.  Aru. 
Can you forgive my Lord my rash Disdain?  
You must, for I was punished in the Crime,  
Even then (could you have seen my Heart)  
You would confess that your Arviola  
Was ne'er so passionate kind.  Theo. 
Let me in haste—  
Devour those Sweets, and load me with thy Bloom,  
A Stock to feed on in Eternity.  Aru. 
O that some pitying God would fix us thus  
(To solid Marble turned) Eternal Statues,  
Whilst Pious Lovers flock from farthest Lands,  
To hear the wondrous Chances of our Loves,  
And thence be taught whatever Disasters fall,  
Ne'er to despair of Passion that is true.  Theo. 
My Feeling fails, but ah what purple Dew  
Distains this Hand that pressed thy panting Heart?  Aru. 
Thank the Good Gods, 'tis my Life-Blood, my Lord,  
I saint; my Theocrin, but one thing more  
Tell me, if we shall love i'th' other World?  Theo. 
'Twill be our Business, 'tis the Land of Love.  Aru. 
And without Jealousy.  Theo. 
Their Paradise knows no such poisonous Weed;  
Their Loves are as their Streams, full, calm, and clear!  
Secure and free they pass their harmless hours,  
Gay as the Birds that revel in the Groves,  
And sing the Morning up.  Aru. 
Farewell.  Theo. 
She's gone!  
And charms me after.  [Dies Both. Enter Theron, Diphilus, Guards, Attendants, Hermit, King and Escalus, in the middle of Train. Ther. 
Confusion! Diphilus see the Princess slain in Theocrin's Arms, more bloodless Corpses too,  
To fill the ghastly Scene— Dread Sir, Retire;  
Such Horror fills this Cave, as will congeal  
Your Aged Blood, and blast your Royal Sight.  King. 
Why do your Knees prevent me; sink in Earth  
And give Passage: Where's the Goblin now  
That should appall me? Ha! My Arviola dead.  
And in the traitor's Arms!  
Fate thou hast struck me home, but struck thy last.  
Here fell my only Comfort, only Care.  
Haste, set the Prince at large.  Esc. 
'Twas my sole fear, lest Myrrhoe should discover,  
And Death has tied her Tongue; there's that breach stopped.  King. 
robbed of my Heirs; be all my Witnesses  
How timely for my Empire I provide;  
Behold this Man of Worth, and know him all  
For our Adopted Son and Heir of Greece;  
Bow all to Earth and do him present Homage.  [Presenting Escalus. Esc. 
Thus, gracious Sir, thus prostrate at your Feet,  
Your Vassal begs you to revoke your Favour;  
I am th' unworthiest—  King. 
Rise, our Pleasure's sixt, Slaves is our Will disputed.  All. 
Hail Heir of Greece, Hail Royal Escalus.  [Enter Messenger with Letters. Diph. 
Way there, a Message to the King.  King. 
What bring'st thou?  Mess. 
Great Sir, your Queen disdaining her Confinement,  
Took Poison, but enjoined me e'er she died,  
To bear these Papers to your Royal Hand.  King. 
O Dephs of Villainy! Guards seize that Fiend.  [Pointing to Esc. Esc. 
What means my gracious Lord.  King. 
See here, my Lords, what will amaze you too!  
Our Empress, by that Escalus detected,  
Lived but to take Revenge on the Discoverer;  
And to effect it, made pretence of Forces,  
Raised by her Brother to invade this Empire,  
Which this Designing Lord was to command,  
And these his Letters in Return; where he  
Accepts her Terms! To Death with the Impostor.  Esc. 
That Breath that doomed me be thy last, weak Monarch;  
But King, know thou, and these (but now) my Slaves,  
That for that minute's Pride, that single Taste  
Of Royal Power, for that one Hail, I'd meet  
The worst of Deaths thy feeble Rage can form.  [Ex. Born off by the Guards. King. 
My Lord, I trust your Care to see just Rites  
Performed to these dead Bodies; my next charge  
(And that my last) is, that you summon straight  
Our Senate, and by fair Election crown  
Our Successor; for my own private part  
I have determined what the Gods inspire:  
Reach me a Hermite's Habit.  Ther. 
Now I find  
His rash Resolve, but durst not interpose.  [King kneeling, takes a Hermit's Vestment in his hand kisses, then shifting his Robes of State, puts it on. King. 
How light sits this! And thus have I put off,  
With the Imperial Robes, Imperial Cares.  
Thus after all my Storms of Court, I make  
My last Retreat to the Gods and Poverty.  
Here as the Sanctions of this Cell, shall bind  
By turns, I'll wait, and in my Course be King.  
Here Lust wants Fuel, and Ambition starves,  
My tempered Appetites shall here be taught,  
T'ask Council of my Reason e'er they crave:  
Here just but temperate Meals, short Sleeps and sound,  
Shall cheer me for the Labours of the Day:  
Thus Life's well managed Remant will I spend,  
And when the Gods shall lease, resign my Breath  
Calmly, as Infant's sleep, and smile on Death.    
FINIS.   

EPILOGUE, Spoken by Mrs. Currer.  
YOUR humble Servant Gentlemen— How d'ye,  
I' faith I've broke my Prison Walls to see ye;  
Must I he cloistered up? Dull Poet stay,  
I hate Consinement tho' but in a Play.  
Doom me to a Nun's Life?— A Nun! Oh Heart!  
The Name's so dreadful, that it makes me start!  
No! Tell the Scribbling Fool I'm just as sit  
To make a Nun as he to make a Wit.  
What? A-la-mort Messieurs? Nay then I'll sit ye  
Adieu! I' faith no Epilogue for Betty!  
And yet, shame on my Foolish Woman's Heart,  
I fain would see ye smile before we part.  
You know how oft, like preaching Sisters, we  
Have from the Stage Lectured your Vanity;  
Yet like those Sisters, out o' th' Preaching Mood,  
You have surprised and found us Flesh and Blood!  
Well, if your stubborn Hearts will not dissolve,  
Prepare to hear our fatal last Resolve;  
Since Sense has broke us, henceforth shall be shown  
The Feats of Robin Hood and Little John,  
With the thrice famed Exploits of Whittington!  
〈◊〉 Vergers then in your lewd steads shall sit,  
A 〈◊〉 and Scarlet Audience crowd our Pit.  
〈◊〉 like your Misses, we are forced to quit ye,  
And make our last Dependence on the City.