THE SIEGE OF Constantinople; A TRAGEDY Acted at the DUKE'S Theatre.  
LONDON, Printed for Tho. Dring, at the Harrow over against the Inner-Temple Gate, Fleetstreet, 1675.   

PROLOGUE TO THE Siege of CONSTANTINOPLE.  
POets and Duelists have the same Fate;  
The bravest man may be Unfortunate:  
You that resolve to rail at every Play,  
Like pious men, worldly delights betray;  
But if you will ne'er please yourselves you may.  
So mirth is lost, whilst Fools dispraise the Wine;  
So Punk is dangerous be she ne'er so fine;  
Thus subtly you 'gainst all your joys combine.  
And warily by Arguments destroy  
Those very pleasures which you should enjoy:  
Love Crowned with Beauty and Success can cloy.  
Since at the best, your pleasures are so few,  
Make yourselves any where you find'em new.  
Be kind to us; and she who failed to Night:  
This Play, if praised, to morrow will invite  
To meet you here, and your lost time requite.  
'Tis true, of late you justly have complained:  
But thank yourselves for what your Niceness gained;  
When you before were such high Critics grown,  
As if Wit only were by Censuring known  
In praising, where 'tis due, Wit may be shown.  
Severity does modest Authors fright  
Self-prizing Fops with French Assurance write.  
Those who have Wit, like wary Gamesters fear  
To hazard sums, where but small gains appear.  
Whilst empty Fools more briskly do expose  
A Reputation, which they can not Lose.   

The Persons Names.  

Emperor of Constantinople.  
Thomazo His Brother.  
Lord Chancellor  
Cardinal.  
Justiniano General.  
Theophilus L. Chamberlain.  
Dorello Friend to Thomazo.  


Michael and  
Lorenzo   The Chancellor's Secretaries.  


Andrea  
Lionello   Two Captains.  
Sinan. A Turkish Bashaw.  
Mutantrope  
Messenger.  
Servants.  
Calista Chancellor's Daughter.  
Irene Chamberlains Daughter.  
Idoxia.  
Several Christian Soldiers.  
Several Turkish Soldiers.  
Mutes.   Scene Constantinople.  

The SIEGE of Constantinople.  

ACT I.  
The Curtain drawn, discovers the Emperor, Thomazo, Theophilus, and Dorello on one side of a Table, the Cardinal, Chancellor, and Justiniano on the other, as at Council; they arise and Exeunt, all with great reverence to the Emperor, except Thomazo and Dorello, who stay with him. Thom. 
SIr, they have carried it, and you agree,  
It is by strength of Argument & Reason;  
Since 've the major part: yet I'll confess  
I'm unconverted still. This Rule of most  
Appears to me stark madness; when that most  
Are plainly prejudiced, and led by faction,  
In that case be they ne'er so numerous,  
All should be counted nothing that they say,  
For such arned Counsellors but Advocates,  
And plead the cause of their own Interest.  Emper. 
But Brother say, how Princes like myself,  
That circumscribe our actions by our Laws,  
Can steer through all the Labyrinths of state,  
Eat Rocks and shoals hid under sinoothest brows;  
Meet and despise cross Tides, and adverse Winds;  
That run and blow from several statesmen's heads,  
More various in their Changes far than those  
That puzzle able Pilots on the Sea;  
What way I say, but by these major Votes.  
The true Magnetic needle of the States.  Thom. 
Sir, I'll allow Counsels the perfect compass,  
And major Votes in that the needle too.  
But yet true Pilots still observe, the Causes  
Oft make that vary from the polar Star,  
Which when they see it does, let that point on,  
They mind it not; but to observe its error;  
And what loved Headland it would guide unto;  
And he that does not this, though he may make  
One Voyage safe, must not be called a ;  
And this is your case now. Your this days council  
That rashly have advised you Sir for War,  
Have several private reasons for that Vote,  
Besides the specious ones they back it with.  Emper. 
I cannot think it Sir: They're all wisemen,  
And honest I believe; but were they not,  
The grand concern this Council has debated  
Affects no less than all the Christian world:  
It is indeed, choose Christ or Mahomet,  
Whose Law shall have the universal sway,  
And can a Christian think that Christians would  
Give selfish Counsels in their Saviour's cause?  
It is not charitable; it is not Brother  
Now by my Crown you're too too positive,  
And to no purpose neither. I'm resolved—  [Exeunt. Thom. 
Resolved! on your own Ruin Sir I fear.  
Christian! Ay, that's the word; but Interest  
Is the thing. That Damned Chancellor,  
Rome's Pentionary lately, now the Turks—  Dorel. 
Nay, may be both's Sir still—  Thom. 
Most likely so.  
H'has Province after Province, sold the Realm  
To this one Town almost; yet now forsooth  
It is below our Honours to pay Tribute,  
Alas that may make a Title; as if a Turk  
Regarded any Title but Possession;  
Whilst we were able, I still pressed a War,  
To keep the danger further from our Home,  
Or drive it o'er the Hellespont again,  
But than 'twas wisely urged that my Ambition  
Aimed to be popular amongst the Soldiers;  
And this my Brother's jealousy gave ear to;  
As if a Brother that would basely aim  
At Empire by Disloyalty and T●…on,  
Would stand upon the way to compass it;  
No, they mistake my temper: All I seek,  
Is bright unsullied glory: I'd not be  
Sole Monarch of the world by one base deed;  
No, by my great and everlasting hopes  
I would not, my Dorello.  Dor. 
Sir, they know that too well, they durst not else  
Play with the fire that might perhaps consume 'em;  
But 'tis their sole Advantage you are honest.  Thom. 
And mine too; for the horrid pangs of guilt  
That hourly torture them, and make 'em watch  
The small and busy Whispers of the Crowd,  
That buzz in Courts, and make the thing called State  
ne'er trouble me; I can undiscomposed  
Receive some ill-taught, rugged man oth'Guard,  
Rudely advancing to me from his place  
To ask some Boon; when they at such a time  
Boggle, and stand amazed, expecting from him  
The guilty, though the well deserved blow:  
Their Dreams too I'm assured are all composed  
Of Prisons, Axes, Daggers, and sudden Stabs;  
Flight aster Battle, or such dreadful things,  
When mine are made of sweet and pleasant walks,  
By Crystal streams, set all with Bays and myrtle;  
Or else in Fields, where every step I take,  
I meet a Love, or joyful Victory.  
And who would have the best part of his life,  
Sweet sleep so spoilt, and lose its name of rest  
By ills, whose ends obtained, are far less solid.  
Come then; whilst these bad men are faintly pleased  
At this new Conquest o'er th'Emperors soul,  
And busily are framing Keys and Ciphers  
Falsely to give as false Intelligence;  
" Let thou and I Dorello, free from care,  
" To mirth and love our joyful minutes spare.  [Exeunt. Enter Cardinal, Chancellor, Justiniano. Card. 
The Prince Thomazo reason strongly urged  
Against the War, and almost carried it;  
He is a Prince of large and steady parts.  Chanc. 
Ay Sir, the more we justly fear his power;  
The Empire dreads not more its foreign Foes,  
Than it does him at home; besides, you see  
How fiercely he proposes joining with  
The Turks themselves, rather than Western Kings.  
There's rooted in his soul the Ancient hate  
This Empire showed in the first holy War,  
When they betrayed those pious, valiant Knights,  
Godfrey of Bulloign, Robert of Normandy,  
And all the holy Cruciadoed Pilgrims,  
That did accompany or follow them:  
But let's not more of him; 'tis in his blood:  
He hates both you and me, nay more unjustly  
Envies the Deeds of our brave General,  
Great Justiniano here, without whose help  
This barbarous Turk would quickly swallow us:  
But do not be discouraged Sir; you'll find  
The Emperor your true and faithful Friend:  
And me your Servant, constant to your merit.  Justin. 
I do not doubt it Sir, nor fear his envy,  
The Genowees my valiant Countrymen,  
Give them their pay, will fight in following me,  
Till they and I perform such mighty things,  
Shall turn that envy into admiration.  
Envy me! It stirs my rage methinks to hear it named;  
That any Greek, though of the greatest blood,  
Should so exalt his thoughts to envy me!  Chanc. 
Your Anger's great, & noble, Sir: but spare it;  
'Twas his Ambition to have had your place.  
And whilst that hope continued, he was still  
Pressing for War, though now what man so Peaceful!  
But fear him not; I'll watch the Emperor  
That no affront shall e'er be placed upon you.  Justin. 
On me affront! what Prince so hardy dares it?  
Let him, that does it, though the Turks were here,  
Here close before our Walls, expect and sinned,  
I'll turn this noble City to a slame,  
And then like Zenophon from th'midst of Persia,  
I'd force my way through all the Turkish Camp,  
And carry back my full four thousand men  
To Genoa again. This I would do Sir,  
And on the least Affront; by Heavens I would,  
And tell the Emperor this, and so farewell;  
've heated me; I am not fit for Council.  [Exeunt. Chanc. 
How his brave Rage becomes him! 'Tis a Crime  
In a great Soldier to be Ceremonious,  
They that can laugh at Death on days of is Triumph,  
When circled round with Javelins, Spears, & Darts,  
Arrows, Pikes, Partisans, and battleaxes;  
Mounted on Chariots, armed with murdering Scythes  
Mowing down life itself, in fields of men,  
And praised by plaudits of the thundering Canon,  
Almost annihilating those they kill;  
Those that (I say) can meet Death thus and smile,  
Need not concern themselves in lesser sears.  Card. 
He's of that Country fame has ever courted,  
For Arts and Arms, sweet fertile Italy,  
And without Arrogance, though I'm its native:  
I'll say, no Nation under Heaven comes near it  
Now; though its Eagles wings are quite displumed  
For Soldiers, Statesmen, or Philosophers.  Chanc. 
We need not travel thither Sir for proof  
That the true Roman virtue is not spent,  
Which civilised the greatest part o'th' World,  
Since in yourself we have full evidence,  
Your Eminence speaks Rome in her full Luster.  Card. 
My Lord, your Compliment I'll send to Rome,  
It was I know designed his Holiness,  
And I'll not rob him of it: 'Tis too high  
For me his poor and humble Immitator.  
But my Lord,  
All I can say won't heighten his esteem  
Of your true Zeal, Wisdom or Piety,  
That under Heaven are like to have the glory  
Of rooting up this long continued Schism,  
And giving to St. Peter's Chair his due.  Chanc. 
'Tis all the honour in this world I wish.  Cardin. 
I'll not defer my Letters Sir for Rome,  
That they may know your pious resolution  
Of staking all against this barbarous Turk.  Chanc. 
I wish your Eminence, would press them hard  
For speedy succours, and that his Holiness  
Would interpose his sacred admonitions  
To reconcile the Kings of France and England,  
That private discords, laid by them aside,  
They might assist the general Christian Cause:  Card. 
I shall not fail it.  Chanc. 
Your Letters writ, the Emperors express  
Shall wait upon Eminence for them.  Card. 
Your Lordship's faithful Servant.  Chanc. 
Your Eminencies Creature.  [Exeunt Cardinal. 
Who waits there? Call Michael my new  
Secretary to me!  
Dance mighty Genius at my growing Fate,  
All things as well as Thee conspire my glory:  
What a dull Earthborn crowd of grovelling souls  
Are all men but myself, I yet could meet with:  
This Cardinal, the Cato now of Rome,  
How I unnerve his Reason when I speak,  
And make his Rhetoric lacqued after mine.  
That Soldier too, the Cethegus of Genoa;  
How I can make him by one single word  
Rage or be calm, humble or insolent;  
These are good Tools to work with, I confess,  
But 'tis in hands, that manage 'em like me,  
Not in an Emperors, whose honest soul  
Sees not the inside of his own affairs,  
But winds and turns, totters, and then grows steady,  
Not as his own, but my designs require it.  [Enter Michael, 
Michael, my faithful friend, though  
Seeming Servant—  
Writ presently to thy great Lord and mine,  
That with all speed that may be, he advances,  
And claps before our Walls: I in the Council  
According to my promise carried it  
For War, and to refuse the Tribute he requires,  
The Western Princes the wise Emperor  
Relys on, will be long consulting on't  
Before that they conclude of our relief,  
And longer  they send it.  Micha. 
What excuse  
Shall I my Lord make unto Synan Bassa,  
That you have taken in 4000 men  
Under this Justiniano; These recruits—  Chanc. 
Shall make us far more feeble than we were,  
As I will order it; for the Senate,  
I'll still possess with jealousies and fears  
Of Laws subverting, and religious change,  
That they no aid shall to the Emperor give;  
Then in due time these men shall mutiny,  
And so the Town is his: besides, these Aids  
Were the sole argument against Prince Thomazo,  
That we would weather out the growing storm  
Till larger succours come from Italy.  
Inform the Bassa this under your cipher,  
My Letters of the rest shall streng then yours;  
And bid Lorenzo come  [Exeunt Michael. 
So much for Adrianople, now for Rome.  Enter Lorenzo. 
Lorenzo! my ever true Lorenzo; prithee quickly,  
Prepare a trusty Currier for Rome,  
To the Cardinal Patron; let your Letters be  
To this effect; That I've received his Bills,  
And thank him for 'em; Tell him too  
The Wars decreed in Council spite of Thomazo,  
And a Defiance sent to Mahomet,  
Who I believe's on's March: Next, that the Aids  
He or his Holiness intends to send,  
Let 'em not come, till joined with th'other Forces  
The rest o'th' Christian Princes may prepare,  
They may prove useless else. So far in yours.—  
And mine shall speak the rest.  [Exit. Lorenzo. 
I know their minds—  
The Turk must take this Town, and then the Pope  
Will have no Rival Bishop in the World.  
Let them have their design, so I can be  
Grand Vizier to this growing Monarchy.  [Exit. Chancel. Enter Thomazo, Dorello, Irene, Udoxia, attended by Mutantrope., Irene. 
Was my Ambition, but what's Natural,  
To our half-witted Sex. your Highness would not  
Be troubled to pursue, but to avoid;  
But I'll confess before Udoxia here,  
And your Dorello too, the more you speak  
Of Love to me—  
The more I must deny; nay, I shall find  
From every new obliging word you utter,  
New Arguments to make me obstinate.  Thom. 
Ah Irene! Can harsh and cruel words like these you speak,  
Be prompted by your heart, and yet your brow  
Calm and serene, take no Impressions from it.  
You deal by me like wanton cruel Judges,  
That change a Jest with the poor Criminal  
Their next breath must condemn.  Iren. 
No Sir, rather  
Like a just Favourite, who from his Prince  
Refuses to accept some mighty Grace,  
'Cause it may bring his Master's prudence into question;  
I, through your proffered friendship Sir, can well  
Discern the Crime of state I should commit  
Both 'gainst your Person and this Empire too,  
If I should suffer you to make me yours.  Thom. 
Wave these neglected things Empire & State  
They're scarce of Kin to me; but if they were,  
Power was designed to make its Owner happy;  
Not to confine him Slave to Drudge for it.  
A Prince, whose Title's good, ne'er never doubt:  
Let him study; but his Power is so;  
If, (as I ne'er shall wish) a Diadem  
Should once adorn this head. No act of mine.  
Act said I! not the most minute Expression  
Should flow from one restrained; No: all should know  
What I said should be, surely should be so.  
To one resolved to Reign on Terms like these,  
The Empire's safe, let him do what he please;  
So Madam I desire you would not mix  
Affairs of State with my free Love.  Irene. 
Sir, you're so great and generous, you teach me  
To be so too; therefore I'll plainly tell you  
I cannot Marry you, for I already am engaged.  Thom. 
Ah Madam.  Dorel. 
Udoxia, Say no more, it must be so!  
You hear her own it.  Udox. 
What is that to me?  
Tho I confess I'm very much amazed  
To hear her own Passion I ne'er dreamt of.  Dor. 
Assoon I should believe Thomazo had  
A secret, he'd not let Dorello know  
As that Irene has one you not partake.  
But Madam; let me die in your neglects,  
Regarded less than your weak tattling Woman,  
To whom I dare be sworn 've told all this.  Udox. 
Go false Dorello! go false wicked Lord;  
I now perceive the end of all your Vows;  
It was to mix your passion with the Princes,  
Not in esteem of me, but to serve him;  
But I'm glad this Secret was not Mine to tell you!  Dor. 
Udoxia! you do well.  Udox. 
No more my Lord,  
This is an office for your Servingman.—  Iren. 
My Love, like Mutantrope, your Highness' Boy,  
Does now and then make signs, but cannot speak;  
This disserence only is, my Love can hear,  
Though dumb, like him it must for ever be.  Thom. 
Let it make signs that are as plain as his:  
'Tis all I'll ask; I would but know his Name,  
Whose mighty merit has obtained your Love:  
Come Mutantrope, teach a Dumb God thy Art—  
Ah Boy that this was truth!  Thom. Signs. Mutan. answers in signs, all list, Irene. 
What is't he says?  Thoma. 
I shall but mock myself in telling you:  
But yet I will— He says that you Love me—  Iren. 
Fie Sir! you make me blush. I know he did not.  Dorell. 
He said it on my life, and swore it by signs.  
I'll ask him, Madam, how he comes to know it!  Iren. 
Know it! good Dorello, say not so,  
I know my Duty better— if you please  
Ask him, why he thinks so—  
But pray my Lord, tell Truth; what were his  Dor. makes signs; he answers them: Thom. whispers Iren. 
Signs?  Dorell. 
He says by This, he's sure you love his Master;  
Then, when he brings you Letters, you first Kiss them,  
Then thrust 'em in your Bosom; then reading them,  
You Kiss at every word; besides, he says  
You make so much of him when he brings Letters,  
That he is well assured you Love the Sender.  Thom. 
Do I not tell you, Madam, just the same?  Iren. 
Come, he's a Wagg; send him no more to me,  
He invents all this to please you!  Enter Theophilus. Theo. 
The Emperor Sir, has Dined!  Thom. 
What! will he not be at the Mask, my Lord?  Theo. 
I scarce believe he will; He & the General  
Are gone to view theo Wrks— your Highness pardon!  
Daughter, a word with you—  Thom. 
Ah Udoxia!  
Is it not sad to be supplanted thus?—  
There, where I thought I'd ta'en a little root,  
Hope in my love, like early blossomed fruit  
By one late frost is nipped.—  Udox. 
Sir, I believe it is a blasting season  
Of love and friendship; both this noise of war  
Like bitter, black, and rugged North-East winds,  
Drives back the merry Spring of all delights.  Dor. 
Sir, you may trust Udoxia, none knows better.  Udox. 
Yes, by Experience, you much more Dorello!—  Thom. 
Is my Friend's Fate and mine so mixed together,  
That I being wretched, he must needs be so:  
I thought to sigh my griefs to happy Lovers,  
That free from their own Cares, might pity me!  Udox. 
I hope your Highness needs it not, since now.  
Dorello has left sisting me for Secrets  
To quarrel with me.  Thom. 
I understand not this.  Udox. 
He will explain it when next he laughs at me.  
Irene is going Sir; 'tis time to dress.  [Exit. Iron. & Udox.. Theop. 
The Emperor has given his final Answer  
To th' Turkish Chiaws— all Tribute is denied:  
So I believe we must expect a War:  
And that brought home to us; but 'tis no matter;  
Our Walls are strong, our People numerous,  
Rich too, beyond Satiety; so that Soldiers  
Will find their Pay, and they still follow that:  
Besides, our Western Aids, the Cardinal  
Does undertake shall speedily be here.  Thom. 
From whence? My Lord, the Pope, for all his Posts,  
I'm sure does wish our Ruin! His help will come  
When he has reconciled England and France,  
So well to join their Arms to secure us,  
That will be never; Spain is still struggling  
Against the Moors; and Germany  
Is busied with Religious Mutineers:  
Whence must come Succour then, except from Heaven,  
And our own Courages; which could we join  
Might do the work: but I do fear that too.  Theop. 
First humbly craving of your Highness, pardon  
For arguing 'gainst your Sense; I will remember  
The Sultan, as the Chancellor assures us,  
For all his brags cannot be here these five Months:  
Then, the Pope has 30 Galleys ready  
With 15000 and. men: These Succours will  
Within Six weeks be here; or there's no Faith  
Left amongst Christians; for the Cardinal swears it.  
Then Sir, the States of Genoa and Venice  
Will send us 40. more; 'Tis their own business:  
These helps are certain Sir—  Thom. 
Ay; when they're here!—  Theo. 
Sir, you are all composed of Unbelief;  
The Council doubts, the Emperor fears it in you,  
And I in humble Duty tell you this.  Thom. 
I know your hearty love does prompt these words;  
And I am not angry at them; but my Lord,  
The Court or Counsels doubts, nor Emperor's fears,  
Shan't make me silent, when I see my Prince betrayed,  
My Prince and Brother too; could I do that  
With Justice, than they might say I was guilty  
Of those Ambitious projects that they dream of;  
But the false Chancellor with all his tricks,  
His little purblind tricks of cokesing parties,  
Shall ne'er gain me to be a property  
For him to stalk withal—  Theo. 
I hope your Holiness  
Will easily believe I had no design  
To put you into passion; but my Lord,  
‛ I is time to change the subject— Sir, the Court  
Does come in Masquerade tho'tis by daylight,  
To avoid the Danger that some feuds may bring.  Thom. 
Then 'tis not a set Masque.  Theop. 
No, nothing but a Dance, or so  
Mixed with all freedom, for the Court Spectators  
To mend the Sports themselves by their own Dancing.  Thom. 
Dorello come! Let you and I go dress—  Theop. 
Your Highness humble Creature.  [Exeunt. Enter a Servant, Andrea and Lionello. Andr. 
Surely the General will come see these Sports.  Lionel. 
No doubt on't, let's stay for him.  Seru. 
Noble Captains!  
All persons will be here incognito,  
It is the orders of the Entertainment,  
And you must needs comply, or go away.  Andr. 
Must! to a Soldier; Sawsy Groom, we won't;  
Let the Court-Butter-slies come how they will,  
We are resolved to show our faces here.  Seru. 
My Lord Chamberlain will be angry Sir: These  
Are his Lodgings.  Lion. 
We care not whose they be, nor for his anger;  
Our Swords will find an universal freedom  
In spite of your Court-tricks— then hold your prating—  Seru. 
Well Gallant, mark the end on't.  [Exit. Enter Irene and Eudoxia Masqued. Andr. 
These are Women Lionello sure—  Lionel. 
Ladies, The number's equal, and the field clear,  
Why should we not engage?  Andr. 
Ha! Dumb! these sure are moving Statues.  Lion. 
But of Pigmalion's making, fit for Man.  
I'll feel if this be warm; how! Coy, Lady!  
Not a sost touch go down; 'tis pity Faith  
I han't you singly here; we'd sure feel out  
A better understanding  we parted.  Udox. 
How got these rude men in I wonder Cousin?  Iren. 
Ne'er mind them Madam, the Officers will come  
And send 'em hence anon.  Andr. 
No Demi-treble, there's none so bold that dares it:  
Therefore good Queen o'th' Diamonds, let me try  
How the Cherries of your lips taste.  Iren. 
Insolent Baffoon! stand off.  [Strikes him. Andr. 
How's this? So nimble with your upper tire,  
I'll try what bore your nether Quarters carry.  
Come, at 'em Lionella.  [They ruffle them. Enter Theophilus. Theo. 
Ruffians! what rudeness is this? Know you this place?  Andr. 
What an old Fool it is to ask that question.  
Old men are silly things: but Lionello,  
That shall not spoil our sport.  Theop. 
Sure Gallants, these  
Are no becoming actions in a Court—  
Such places should be Sacred.  Andr. 
Ay so are Churches, yet some are so wicked as to appoint  
Bawdy Meetings there—  
Sacred— a pretty word! Alas, my Lord,  
Your Dancing-days are done; all places now  
Are Sacred where you come, except for spitting.  Lionel. 
Sure this old Lord Andrea has been right  
When he was young; he now does so contrive  
To bring young things a clicketting together.  Theop. 
Since you are Strangers, I forgive your rudeness;  
But pray be gone and learn some better manners  
Against next time you come; or you will find  
This place no Court of Guard—  Lionel. 
Oh Heaven's Andrea!  
How the old Creature raves: Prithee Good man,  
Consider Turks are coming. Turks d'ye hear!—  
What place will then be Sacred, if we done't  
By our undaunted Courage keep them so!  
In fine, do you see my Lord, we know this place  
To be our Garrison, where we'll be free,  
Nay too, without the Laws of Masquerade—  Andr. 
Ay Masquerade is Sacred too; I'll warrant you  
Though t' be intended to help folks to do—  Theo. 
What?—  Andr. 
It has but an odd name, and fit 'tis  
To practise, than to speak it. Stand but still  
we'll make your old Chaps water presently.  Theo. 
Villains forbear! Ho Azo! Ho Arosto!  Draws; they disarm him. Lion. 
Keep your old Chaps together, I'll  
Cut your Throat else.  Enter Thomazo in Disguise. Thom. 
What Insolence is this? Villains, Slaves!  Andr. 
This is some real Devil sure, he fights so.  [Fights: [He throws down one, and disarms the other. Thom. 
That needs not be; for you Ladies, you are safe.  
What are you, dare do this?  [Unmasques. Andr. 
We are Soldiers, like your Highness: Italian Officers:  
We were on slight discoveries pickeering a little.  Enter Servant's. Thom. 
Your General shall know this; There, secure them.  Theo. 
To th'Porters Lodge with them— ha'! Is't you.  [The Ladies Unmask. 
What made you out so soon?  Iren. 
T'avoid being known! for who could think such Ruffians  
Can have got in! I hope your Highness has not received a hurt.  Thom. 
No new one: But I'll go  
Out for a little time, and shist my shape, and then return;  
I else may spode the Mirth, by being known.  [Exit Thoma. and Theoph.. Enter Calista they go to Mask: She unmasks.; Irene. 
'Tis our best way to do so too Udoxia.  Calist. 
Nay, 'tis too late Ladies, I know you both;  
But I will be so just, you shall know me.  Irene. 
Calista! 'Tis a pretty Vest that you have on.  Calist. 
But I do like your dress much better Madam—  Udox. 
'Tis not the , but Friendship prompts this liking;  
As change, and you will see.  Calist. 
Withal my heart.—  Irene. 
I readily consent.  Udox. 
Come then retire,  
You'll see 'tis not the  you both admire.  [Music plays; Enter several persons as to Masquerade; amongst them Thomazo, Dorello, Irene, Udoxia, and Calista. A Song. After the Song, a Dance led by Ambition, Represented by a Monster with many Bodies, and but one Head, with a Crown upon it, followed by War, Famine, Murder, and Death: The Dance brought up by Fame, represented by one Body, and several Heads and Hands, each having a Trumpet in it. Towards the end of the Dance Thomazo removes towards Calista, supposing her to be Irene by her Habit. Thom. 
This is Irene; I know her by her Dress:  
Love, Madam, like to yours, is a worse Monster  
Than black Ambition is described to be;  
For Fame attending him does always sound  
Such loud Alarms to the drowsy World,  
That men to Arms can fly for their defence;  
But against silent Love there is no guard.  Calist. 
Love tells me 'tis the Prince Thomazo's voice!  
But why all this to me? I cannot tell,  
Except my heart has taught my eyes to speak  
And say that bleeds for him.  Thom. 
My Mutantrope  
Has by his signs, I fear, done me some hurt:  
But Madam, be not too severely angry;  
He ne'er shall take that liberty again.  Calist. 
'Tis he, the naming of his Mutantrope confirms it.  [aside. 
Now mighty Love assist me, and I'll be  
Thy Votaress for ever.  
Noble Prince!  
Your Highness' Love has chosen too low an object,  
If I be it, as I shall ever doubt.  Thom. 
Ah Madam, say not so!—  [They Whisper. Iren. 
Why should Thomazo single thus Calista.  [A Jig here. Thom. 
You made me Madam, more than happy now.  Irene. 
What's this? Cursed be my Ears for hearing it,  
And Cursed be all men for Thomazo's sake!  
Is he so amorous that Calista can  
Possess a place in that false heart of his;  
Calista, whom he always seemed to loath  
For being Daughter to the Chancellor.  Thom. 
Madam! I'll keep my word; no trick of State  
Shall bar my happiness: At break of Day,  
In St. Sophia's Church I'll meet you, Madam,  
Just by our Lady's Altar: Bring Udoxia,  
I'll bring Dorello, they will be enough  
To witness we are Married.  Irene. 
But false man!  
You shall have more, for I'll be there myself  
To throw thy broken Vows 'mongst those you make:  
Those shall give Plagues to all your Nuptial hours,  
And change the Blessings of the Priests to Curses.  Thom. 
Let not your Father know the least of this,  
That Notice may not be taken of our Whispers.  
I'll lead you out to Dance.  Udox. 
Be not too rash, consider 'tis yourself  
Did give him cause for this; you owned you Loved,  
And said with all, you ne'er could Marry him.  Iren. 
In such an Air, and such a Tone I spoke it;  
It could not mean him ill.  [Dance of Eight. 
But see my Father.—  Enter Theophilus, Emperor, Justiniano, Andrea, Lionello, Mutantrope Guards., Theop. 
The Emperor is present, and commands  
That all avoid the Room, who'd in Disguise,  
Except the Prince Thomazo.— Pray withdraw.  [Ex. All the Masquers. Emper. 
Brother, 'tis strange you bear no more respect  
To our Commands, nor to the General,  
But have Imprisoned these two Officers  
Without his Privity.  Thom. 
I know your Majesty did ne'er intent  
To exempt them from common Justice,  
And make them Lawless. Their Insolence—  Justian. 
Insolence! How mean you by that word?  
I'd have your Highness eat it up again,  
And call't neglect.—  Thom. 
How! eat my words my Lord?  
The Sacred presence of this dread Majesty  
Restrains me, or by Heaven—  Justin. 
What would you else?  
Nay, what durst you do my Lord? my Honour  
Full fledged can mount above your weak observance,  
Though you're oth'Eagles Brood.—  Emp. 
How's this? My Lord, do you our Brother know?  
And where you speak this to him?  Just. 
Yes Sir! or—  Thom. 
Or what? Let not your Pride profane this—  Justin. 
Profane a—  Empr. 
Out of our presence.  Justin. 
Ay, and your Empire to.  
I'll beat my Drums but for an exercise,  
And sport my men out of your large Dominions—  Empr. 
Seize on the Traitor!— So, convey him hence  
To the Castle, Prisoner. I'll ne'er endure this.  Justin. 
Send all my men to Prison too, else in vain  
You hope to keep me here.—  [Ex. Justin. Guards. Thom. 
Your Majesty  
May now perceive the Insolence of Strangers,  
When once they know you need them: But I am  
Too blame to urge this now—  Emp. 
No, not at all;  
By this one hours' discourse I have had with him,  
I find his Pride to be beyond enduring;  
He boasts our Safety must proceed from him,  
And quotes the Chancellor for saying this;  
I do begin to doubt the Arts of him too.  Thom. 
Sir, he's a Traitor, or I'm not a man.  Enter Chancellor. Chanc. 
Your Majesty must pardon this Intrusion,  
Your Highness too; my hasty Zeal requires it;  
Letters just now arrived bring certain word  
The Sultan's on his March, and will this Night  
Be lodged before our Walls.  Thom. 
How's this my Lord?  Emp. 
By this Surprisal we are lost for ever.  
Ah gracious Heaven, take back this burden, life,  
Before I see the Miseries are coming.  Thom. 
This ill agrees my Lord with your last news  
Of five months hence, they could not come before;  
But 'tis what I expected— This sudden danger  
Must prompt your Majesty with double Vigour.  
To make sharp opposition— Sir, arrest  
All Ships are in the Harbour, seize their stores  
Of Guns and Ammunition— with the Guards,  
And some o'th' Genua Foot: I'll out and meet 'em—  Emp. 
No! I am resolved  
To Head our first attempt with my own person.  
The Turks shall find 'tis not our want of Courage,  
But factions in our State that makes them be  
Successful still in all their Wars against us.  Tho. 
Good Sir be pleased to trust me with this Sally:  
Your presence is most needful in the Town;  
At such a time as this you'll find the people  
Prompted by fear too apt for all sedition;  
May be the Soldiers too may take advantage  
Of the first uproar which this news will bring,  
And fall to doing mischief; besides great Sir,  
You'll find new Orders every minute needful,  
Which none but your Authority can give.  Emp. 
Your reasons shall persuade me, go Thomazo,  
And may Heaven Crown thy Sword with Victory.  Thom. 
Good Sir be strong  
To your Imperial self, that's all I'll say;  
If so, I make no doubt by th'help of Heaven  
To drive this Sultan back with as much shame.  
As once his Father found when he besieged us.  [Ex. Thomaze. Chanc. 
The Prince does show a great and generous Soul,  
And will no doubt perform all that he speaks;  
But give me leave to think he has his ends  
In all he does or says— Sir, this advice  
Of seizing all the Ships, the Senate sitting  
With wont freedom, I must boldly say  
Shows he would put you on ungrateful things,  
Whilst he pursues the popular himself.  Empr. 
My Lord, your Circumspection wears a Cloud  
I cannot well see through; and I must tell you  
Your  Intelligence and close intriguing  
Give me some hints for doubts; but let your actions  
Wear a more candid outside, 'tis not else  
Your Interest in the Senate shall protect you.  
No Sir! it shall not! but no reply my Lord:  
As for my Brother, I am sure he loves me;  
I've found he has, and cannot now suspect him.  Chanc. 
Do not Sir; but yet I must attempt  
T'unloose one charm h'has placed upon your Soul.  
That's Sir, about the General— 'Tis not a time  
To stand on slight punctilios with such men  
As understand them not: This his restraint  
May chance endanger all; grant Sir, his freedom.  Empr. 
I cannot do't, and Majesty be safe:  
His Insolence both to the Prince and me  
Was more than Brutal—  Chanc. 
But your Majesty  
Should well consider leading Circumstances  
That did provoke him to't: The Prince you know  
Had 'gainst conditions of his Entertainment  
Imprisoned two of's Captains—  Empr. 
Speak no more on't;  
" I'll not release him till my Brother please;  
" Contempt of Power is a State's worst Disease.  [Exeunt. 
End of the first Act.    

ACT. II.  
SCENE The Palace. Enter Emperor and Chancellor discoursing. Emp. 
THese doubts of theirs concerning such wild things,  
That Sovereign Power may do, amaze me;  
Because 'tis possible we may do harm,  
Will they conclude we certainly do it?  Chanc. 
Your Majesty  
Has had no cause to doubt their steady Loves  
To your Imperial Interest and Person.  Emp. 
'Tis true, my Lord, nor can my memory  
Prompt me with want of care of them or theirs:  
None of my Predecessors ever were  
More careful of Propriety than I;  
Therefore I cannot choose but take unkindly  
Motions, like these, just on the Neck of War.  Enter Theophilus. Theop. 
Our Scouts are beaten in; the Turks Vanguard  
Are easily discerned from off the Steeples,  
Which does all the Streets produce the Cries  
Of Women, Children, and the heartless Crowd  
That nothing but Confusion fills the Town.  Emp. 
It can't be helped; my Lord, we must endure it.  
These Noises fill the Streets of every place,  
When they are first besieged; a day or two  
Will quiet all their minds.  Theop. 
I hope it will; but, my Lord Chancellor,  
The short five months, since morning, makes me doubt  
I have unknown unto myself been sleeping;  
Or else that your Intelligence deceives you:  
Or if not that, than you deceive us all.  Chanc. 
Methinks, my Lord, the liberty you take,  
Doth scarce become this Presence.  Theop. 
Why, my Lord,  
I'm sure his Majesty will pardon me,  
Since 'tis my plain and honest heart that speaks;  
And I must own, it was your bold affirming,  
That we had full five months for preparation,  
Which got my Vote for War. But now I fear  
The Rumour's true, that you have got a Turk  
To manage your Intelligence.  Chanc. 
How's this?  
Your Majesty, I hope, will do me Justice  
Against this Calumny?  Emp. 
Lord Chamberlain,  
What grounds have you for this?  Theop. 
Truly no more  
Than half the Lords o'th' Counsels just suspicion;  
Nay, the better half; but they perchance may err,  
It is not the first time, witness the approaching Siege.  Chanc. 
My Lord, you would have done more like a Friend  
I have told me of such Rumours privately.  Theop. 
Good my Lord, is not this Presence private?  
Who's here but's Majesty, and you, and I;  
As I am a Privy Counsellor I speak it.  Chanc. 
Explain yourself; who, and what is't you mean?  Theop. 
I mean you have a Secretary called Michael.—  
Some say he's a Turk;  Enter Michael. 
And this Sir is the Man.  Chanc. 
What causes this Intrusion?  Micha. 
I come in haste  
To give you notice all the English Ships,  
And the Venetian too, are under Sail;  
Except they be arrested presently,  
They will get past the Forts.  Emp. 
Is not the Warrant issued for their stay?  Chanc. 
A Broad-Seal-Warrant too.  Mich. 
That Sir they slight.  Emp. 
They might slight Death as well.  Mich. 
Sir, they pretend  
The Senate says it is against the Law,  
That they should be Arrested.  Chanc. 
Think of that Sir;  
If they resent the deed, 'tis not the stores  
Of those few Ships can recompense the loss  
Of their affections.  Emp. 
Nor can their best Zeal  
Find such another timely succour near  
To draw to our supply.  Chanc. 
Do as you please,  
But I dare pawn my life that they'll be troubled?  Theop. 
At their departure most, I'll warrant you;  
At nothing else, my Head on't.  Emp. 
But what then?  
Shall I neglect my duty to the whole  
For private men's resentments? Come, my Lord,  
I'll see it done myself.  Ex. Emp. and Theop. Chanc. 
Michael! how is't?  Mich. 
Gone Sir; beyond Redemption; both the Consuls  
Were at your House but now: There I advised them,  
With all the haste that might be, to set Sail,  
Whatever Orders they should see to stop them.  Chanc. 
'Tis very well; than you are sure they're gone?  Mich. 
My Zeal had never seemed so earnest else.  Chanc. 
That happened well though: 'twill clear a late suspicion  
That you're a Turk.—  
But more of that anon— You sent the Warrant.  Mich. 
Ay Sir; but gave command to him that went  
To say you sealed it much against your will:  
Besides, I spread it every where abroad,  
That 'twas against the Law; so none would act by't.  Chanc. 
That is a certain Method to confound things;  
And 'tis the way I'll take; for I perceive  
I've lost some ground i'th' Emperor's affections,  
And now must keep my Power more by the Vogue  
O'th' Senate, than his love; but let's go out,  
And view Thomazo's Actions in the Field;  
'Tis to his Genius only mine does yield.  Exeunt.  
SCENE. A Field. Great Shouts and Noise of Fight: Enter Thomazo, Dorello, Officers with Swords drawn. Thom. 
These Turks are less than Women in our hands;  
Where e'er we show our Faces, still they fly;  
If but the rest o'th' Forces sallied out,  
This Night would make a perfect end o'th' Siege.  Dor. 
Their great Forlorn is routed totally,  
And their Main Body staggared, five thousand more  
Would have persormed the work.— In all the Fight  
I met but one brave Foe that durst make Head;  
And when my Sword had made him Prisoner,  
He proved a Genowees.  Thom. 
What did you with him?  Dor. 
Clapped my Sword through him Sir.  Thom. 
You did do well;  
A Renogado Dog is ripe for Hell.  A Shout. Dor. 
See my Lord, they're marching on again—  
Will you to Horse?  Thom. 
The Hedges make them useless;  
I'll Charge i'th' Head of yonder Stand of Pikes.  Exeunt. Shouts.— Enter Turks drove in by Synan, Mustapha, and other Bassa's. Synan. 
What wretched fearful Slaves! dare you not die?  
Can you forget the Laws of Destiny?  Musta. 
Fight; or the Death you'd shun, you'll sooner find;  
Our Swords give Death to all who seek to fly.  Shouts.— Enter Thomazo, Dorello, and Christians: They sight a while, the Turks retire sighting. Thomazo, Dorello, re-enter in haste. Thom. 
To Horse, to Horse, the Genua Body shrinks. Let's  
Presently relieve them.  Exeunt. Enter Synan. Synan. 
These Christians fight, as if the General 'Cause  
Did wield each Sword.— Curse on our wretched Slaves,—  
How fast they Rout!— Led on the Grand Reserve  
To secure the Main Body.— Now by my Father's Soul,  
Morat's strong Troop of our best Spahi Horse,  
Fly like lose leaves before the Autumn wind:  
We be betrayed by that Damned Chancellor:  
Their strength's the Flower of all the Christian World,  
They could not fight thus else.— Oh mighty Prophet!  
Protect our Sultan's Glory.—  
Let not a Cheating Gown-man boast he had  
Great sums from us for nothing else but shame.  
But yet it will be so; our great Reserve  
Under the Grand Vizier does stagger too:—  
Draw up our Guards, let's save or ruin all;  
'Tis better much to die than wear the shame  
Of be●… 〈◊〉 defeated by a handful.  Exeunt.  
SCENE. The Town. Enter Emperor, Cardinal, Chancellor, Theo. Attendants. Cardin. 
The Prince I swear performed prodigious things!  
They'd be incredible but that we saw them.  Chanc. 
Accursed sight!  
The Turkish Army's sure composed of Women.  Emp. 
Theophilus, Command that all the Forces  
Do presently draw out; I will myself  
Share part o'th' Glory in the Turks Defeat.  Chanc. 
Good Sir, consider  
What 'tis you mean to do? Will you expose  
Your Sacred Person 'mongst the Genoweese,  
That openly avow their discontents?  Emp. 
No, let them stay behind; I am satisfied  
That our own Forces are enough without them,  
To second this Success, and Rout the Turks.  Chanc. 
But say Sir, when you're out with all your strength,  
That they should seize the Town.  Emp. 
They dare not sure.—  Chanc. 
It is but ill to try enraged Strangers;  
Besides the Night comes on.  Theo. 
Good Sir, send out, and do not go yourself.  Chanc. 
The Prince I'm confident will take that ill.  
'Twill seem to doubt his Courage, or his Conduct.  Emp. 
His Soul's above all Envy I am sure:  
But I'll go try the temper of the Soldiers,  
Then either back the Sally, or go meet him.  Exeunt. Enter Irene, Udoxia, Calista, meeting the Emperor; they Salute, and part. Iren. 
She triumphs in his Love, and makes me Mad.  Vdox. 
Conceal your anger Madam, 'tis too clear.  Iren. 
By Nature I am temperate as Day;  
When gentle Western Gales blow in the Spring;  
But now I could grow rugged like the North,  
And in a Tempest of my Fury tear  
Those Eyes out that have thus bewitched my Prince.  Vdox. 
Bear up; my mind persuades me he is not ,  
Though she invites me for her Bed-fellow.  Iren. 
But will you go?  Vdox. 
Ay, with design to serve you,  
By putting him in mind of●… Vows to you.  Iren. 
Do not do that; no, let her take his heart;  
But yet I know not why: I'll meet you there.  Calist. 
Oh that the Prince would come, I long to see him—  
I hope he is not hurt.  Iren. 
What if he be?  Calist. 
I would not for the world he should methinks.  Iren. 
Nay, sure i'th' world there's many better Princes.  Calist. 
No, I believe not one, if we consider  
His most Heroic Courage, and wise Conduct.  Iren. 
Besides his Faith in Love; pray name that too.  Vdox. 
Irene—  [Whisper. Calist. 
Sure she does guests at something that has passed  
Between the Prince and me, which stirs her Envy.  Enter Emperor, Thom. Cardin. Theop. Dorell. Mutantrope Attendants., Thom. 
This is the Cause of our too quick return;  
The Genua Body did betray the Field;  
And now do seem to threaten Mutiny:  
They bring indeed the War within our Walls:  
Had I been seconded with the like number  
Of our own Nation, we had done the work.  Emp. 
To th' specious reasons of the Chancellor  
I must impute the loss of this Days Triumph;  
I did myself intent to second you.  Chanc. 
Great Sir, blame not that Counsel did proceed  
From Zeal to th' Prince's Glory, and your safety.  Thom. 
I beg, my Lord, you'd spare your daily pains  
In serving me in these unthankful ways.  Chanc. 
'Tis my misfortune Sir, they always prove so.  Emp. 
Brother, you had these Ladies hearty wishes  
For good success and safety, I am sure.  Thom. 
'Twas those, next to your Fortune, did preserve me:  
But Lady, may I think I was so happy  
To have my share in the last Prayers you made?  Iren. 
I should have lost my Sense of Duty else;  
You are a Mighty Prop o'th' Empire Sir,  
And so, and no ways else I prayed for you.  Thom. 
How's this?— She does dissemble to extremity.  Calist. 
He casts not the least glance on me!— 'tis well,  
He strives to keep things secret.  
Noise without. One and all, one and all, etc.  Enter Michael. Mich. 
The Genowees are in Mutiny,  
And swear they'll have their General set free,  
Or else they'll fire the Town.  Emp. 
What's to be done?  Thom. 
Sir, I advise to hang their General,  
That will soon quiet them; but if it don't,  
Then let the other Soldiers fall upon 'em,  
And knock 'em all o'th' heads;— if they hold on  
As 've begun, they'll do but little service:  
Those Thousand I had with me first did rout  
With all the men I had.— Sir, there's no way  
But sudden Execution, or good words;  
Hanging or granting still, quells Mutinies.  Emp. 
Well, draw up the Court-guards about the Palace,  
Then act as you see cause.  Ex. all but Thom. Dor. and Mutantrope. Thom. 
I find the Chancellor by little Arts  
Prevented our Relief with greater Succours:  
But I perceive my Brother so suspects him,  
He'll scarce prevail again.  Dor. 
I wish he don't;  
But you have heard the Shipping all are sailed?  Thom. 
Ay, there's another Trick of his contriving;  
I'd almost pawn my life.— But we must play  
The Cards we still have lest, or lose the Game.  
But all discourse of State and War apart,  
Let's talk of Love a little now Dorello;  
In what condition's yours and fair Vdoxia's?  Dor. 
Just as your Highness left it, full as bad  
As yours with fair Irene.  Thom. 
If it be no worse,  
'tis as you'd wished I'm sure; for to be short,  
To morrow Morn before the Sun doth rise,  
I meet Irene in S. Sophta's Church,  
Where you are to be witness of our Marriage.  Dor. 
Can this be so?  Thom. 
Vdoxia will confirm it,— for she is to be there.  
Come let's away,  A Noise again, One and All. 
And quell these Mutineers. They fright the Town.  Exeunt. Enter Justiniano, Andrea Lionella, and Soldiers.— Shouting. Just. 
I thank you Fellow-soldiers for your love,  
I'd rather have my Liberty by you,  
Than by their slighted favour.  Andr. 
See the Prince!  Enter Thomazo, Dorello, and Guards., Thom. 
What means this Tumult? Ha! Justiniano Head it!  
What are your Demands?  Sould. 
Our Pay we'd have.—  [Thomaz. runs the Sould. through, they all hang their heads. Thom. 
There's thine.— Now, what the rest?  
Then worthy General yours.  Justin. 
Revenge for late affronts given me by thee.  Thom. 
Dorello— I Command— that word's not usual;  
But I Command not a man stir to help me,  
Except oppressed by Numbers.  They fight, Thomazo disarms him. Justin. 
I the same.  
Then take my Life, for I despise to beg it.  Thom. 
Or I to take it; no, the Law shall do it.  
All to your Quarters; I'll procure your Pardons:  
If not, fall on, and kill 'em every man.  
Convey him back to'th' Castle where he was.  Exeunt. Enter Chancellor and Mutantrope. Chanc. 
To morrow, fair Irene, to morrow morn!  Mut. 
Ay Sir, I heard him tell Dorello so.  Chanc. 
In S. Sophia's Church by break of day,  
Near to our Lady's Altar; is't not so?  Mutan. 
Ay, my Lord, so the appointment's made.  Chanc. 
Well, my good Boy, watch close upon his actions,  
And bring me word of every thing thou gainest.  Mutan. 
I shall my Lord.  Ex. Mutan. Chanc. 
Marry Irene!— no, it must not be,— it shan't:  
But how shall I prevent it? there's it!— To tell  
The Emperor, would but betray myself!  
For I've no proof to vouch, but this same Boy,  
Which I presented him as a choice Mute,  
To be a Spy for me on all his actions—  
But yet I must prevent it, that's decreed—  
His two last Actions show he is a Prince,  
Not of a common Fortune,  
To shake the Turks whole Army with a handful,  
And quell that Mutiny in half a Minute,  
In which I placed my hopes; were things prodigious,  
His Mighty Genius has a strong Attendant  
O'er all my Fortune.— I must remove him—  
'Tis not matter how, so I can do't.—  Enter Michael with Letters. Mich. 
Amongst Thomazo's Soldiers, there got in  
Two Spies from Synan Bassa, both with Letters,  
I have deciphered them.— The first, it seems,  
Were writ before the Fight, and only speak  
The Numbers that besiege us, and require  
An hourly intercourse during the Siege:  
The second are pursuant to the Sally writ in heat,  
And there, my Lord, they are.—  Chancellor reads them. Chanc. 
O Michael! I am lost to all my hopes;  
The Sultan frowns, it seems, and doubts my Faith.  
He says the Sally had liked to have proved the loss  
Of their whole Army.— What shall I do?  
This Prince Thomazo does,  
Like some tall Cedar, blast my Underwood.  
I must destroy him. Find me out some Jew  
That studies Physic— No, I've another way—  
Writ Letters to the Bassa that may speak  
What I've done this day towards the Service.  
The Christian Ships are sailed, and I prevented  
More Forces that were going to the Sally,  
Besides the Mutiny Lorenzo stirred  
Amongst his Countrymen— and all things else—  
O th' doubts I raise i'th' Senate— remember all—  
But here's a Sacrifice of Peace I'll make,  Pulls out Irene's Picture. 
This is the Picture of the fair Irene;  
I got it from my Daughter; send it him,  
And tell him, that the Original shall be  
Lodged in his Master's Arms to morrow night.  
Prepare a score of Ruffians with a Barge  
To carry off the Prize; it shall go hard,  
But I'll send off the Prince Thomazo too:  
You know the way of holding Correspondence;  
I'll say no more of that— go, haste your Letters,  
And send Lorenzo hither.  Ex. Michael. 
I'll go meet  
In some disguise the discontented Captains.  Enter Lorenzo. 
Lorenzo! I am resolved to laugh to night,  
And spend some hours with frolic Womankind.  Loren. 
My Lord, you know your old house, Mother Somelies,  
You know she always fits you with fresh Girls.  Chanc. 
Ay, there we'll be; but then for Company,  
Get your two Friends, the Captains, if you can,  
I mean those two that were made Prisoners.  Loren. 
I'm confident with joy they'll meet my Lord.  Chanc. 
I would be thought some wild lose Friend of yours  
That mean to treat.  Loren. 
I understand your Lordship.  Chanc. 
Some two hours hence. Till than I will to Court.  Exeunt. Enter Emperor, Thomazo, Cardinal, Dorel. Theophilus, Mutant. Irene, Udoxia, Calista, Attendants, as at Court. Thom. 
Pray Madam, how seems Time to move to you,  
To me it does appear extremely slow.  Iren. 
It may be so, my Lord, but unto me  
He keeps his usual pace.  Thom. 
Madam,  
Your coldness now surprises me as much  
As did the Alarm of your Love to day.  Iren. 
Good, my Lord, you'll make Calista jealous.  Thom. 
You are too cautious, Madam.  Iren. 
She's not so.  Thom. 
I understand you not.  Iren. 
My Lord, Good-night,  
I am a bad Dissembler of Passion,  
I find it will break out; therefore I'll go  
And waste this Night in Tears.  Thom. 
Why so Irene?  Iren. 
My Lord, no more, I still must wish you well.  Thom. 
Remember six a Clock.  Iren. 
I shall have cause.  Ex. Irene. Enter Chancellor. Chanc. 
I shall bring Company will spoil the Sport;—  
Your Highness' Boy I see waits very close:  
I never see him from you.  Thom. 
No, 'tis a pretty Spaniel,  
He's always diligent to Fetch and Carry.  Chanc. 
I'm glad I did present him to your Hig! ne's,  
Since he's so acceptable.  Thom. 
All Favours  
That I receive from you must needs be so.  Chanc. 
My Lord, I am sorry my Duty to my Master,  
Should make me doubt my Service unto you,  
As your words hint.  Thom. 
No Argument i'th' Presence;  
I think you for my Boy, that's all my Lord.  [Whisper the Emp. Vdox. 
It cannot be, my Lord, the Prince and You  
Are both (I'll say no more) but you're both men;  
And what he has promised is not to Irene,  
But to Calista there.  Dor. 
You do amaze me:  
This wild discourse has no Connexion in it.  Vdox. 
A great deal more than has your wilder Action.  Dorell. 
I'll call the Prince to hear you.  Calist. 
Vdoxia—  Vdox. 
Calista calls, I cannot stay my lord—  Ex. Ladies. Chanc. 
Sallies will spend our men to little purpose.  Thom. 
'Twill rather make us Soldiers; every Sally  
Made with fresh men will soon experience.  
Had all men Courages but like your Highness,  
Experience then, 'tis true, was only needful;  
But most by Nature are unfit for War.  Thom. 
My Lord, you are mistaken; I affirm,  
There's not a man of able Bulk and Strength,  
But may be brought to fight proportionably,  
At least in Crowds they may.  Chanc. 
Admit it so:  
But will the Emperor, or Senate's Prudence,  
Suffer your Highness still t'expose your Person  
To hourly danger; when the Empire's Hopes,  
Is next his Majesty, all placed in you.  Emp. 
Ay, now 've touched the String that hits my Fancy;  
Your Personal safety Brother; Surely that  
Ought to be all our care, and shall be mine;  
I am confident not Sally can be safe  
Without you Head it, nor you in any one;  
Therefore we will rely on future Succours.  Card. 
Those from his Holiness will soon be here,  
Besides the Rhodian and Venetian Forces,  
I'm confident will not be long behind.  Thom. 
These are mere Dreams of Safety.  Emp. 
Wait a little;  
We have an open Port to Asia-ward,  
And cannot want Provisions. Good-night Brother.  Ex. all but Thom. Dor. Mut. Thom. 
You see Dorello, this cunning Gown-man  
Is grown so tender of my Persons safety,  
That to keep me well, the Turk must not be Beat.  Dor. 
I blame him not, now you're to Marry his Daughter.  Thom. 
I Mary her!—  Dor. 
So Vdoxia tells me,  
And that to morrow morning.  Thom. 
'Tis short warning;  
But who has made the Match?  Dor. 
I know not that;  
But she says this you promised at the Mask.  Thom. 
Pish! she mistakes, it was the Fair Irene  
I only spoke to there.  Dor. 
How's this? there's some mistake: Was it the Lady  
That you Danced with you made the Promise to?  Thom. 
Ay, what of that!  Dor. 
Then Sir it was Calista.  Thom. 
It is impossible, her Dress was that  
Irene had on, when the Soldier's ruffled her.  Dor. 
Sir, that may be, but yet it was Calista,  
I saw her after when her Mask was off,  
And had a Compliment from her.  Thom. 
But why should she accept my first Address?  Dor. 
That her Ambition taught! But will you meet?  Thom. 
I would meet Death much sooner.— You shall go  
And undeceive her, if it is She that comes;  
But I'll be near, in hopes 'twill prove Irene.  Dor. 
Those hopes will quickly vanish in your Highness.  Thom. 
This Chancellor, like some unlucky Star,  
Does interpose his Direful Influence  
Through all my Happiness in Love or Honour.  
How strangely  
Wise Heaven with unseen Links makes Chains of Fate,  
This Hawks good Fortune that's unfortunate.  Exeunt. Enter Chanc. Loren. Andr. Lion. with 4 Wenches, and Fiddles. 1 Wench. 
You are the Maddest Man I ever met with,  

SONG.  
Now Fruition has emptied our Bottles of Love,  
Let the Bottles of Wine fly about;  
The heat of that Fire,  
Shall inflame our desire,  
And Phlegmatic Dulness remove.  
A Health to the best,  
A Pox o'th' rest,  
And hey for the tother brisk Bout.   Chanc. 
Come, Faith Madam, once again.  1 Wench. 
Pray Sir stay, I am not i'th' humour.  Chanc. 
See, see, here's Gold; will this exalt thy humour?  Lion. 
See there! You Scurvy Queans, did you fear Sconces?  1 Wench. 
I hope, my Dear, you'll give me some Silk Stockings.  Chanc. 
Ay, and rich Garters too; there's twenty Pieces,  
Rig thy whole Vessel! what, hast found thy humour?  1 Wench. 
Ay, my Dear, you are such another man.  Ex. Chancellor and Wench. Andr. 
Signior Lorenzo! your Friend's a Man of Mettle.  
What does he give all that?  Loren. 
Alas, that's nothing.  2 Wench. 
My Dear, will you give me some?  Loren. 
Ay, there— there's 20 Pieces for thee.  Lion. 
But you Enhance the Price most damnably,  
I've had a better Whore for half a Crown.  2 Wench. 
Whore! you foul-mouthed Fellow.  Lion. 
Ay Whore, what came we for but Whore?  3 Wench. 
But, my Dear.  The other two Wenches Dun the Captains round the Stage. 2 Wench. 
My Dear, why would you bring such Shabby Fellows  
With you?  Loren. 
They're honest Gentlemen, tho' they want Money.  2 Wench. 
Honest, faugh! A poor Rogue can't be honest;  
But you are the Goodest Man. Prithee, my Dear,  
Lend me but 10 l. more, and you will make me.—  Loren. 
Ten pound, what's that! here 'tis for one bare Kiss.  Andr. 
Hold Signior, for half that I've compounded;  
I want it but to pay, pray lend it me.  Lion. 
And me the rest; I shan't have time to drink else.  Loren. 
I beg your Pardon, I must not starve my Love.  3 Wench. 
Your Love, 'tis a fine one, she plied i'th' Town  
Seven years before I knew it.  Loren. 
That's no matter;  
She has the more experience. I am constant.  2 Wench. 
So I will be my Dear, for all their Malice.  3 Wench. 
I will not lose my time thus.  Exit. 4 Wench. 
Faith, nor I; I could ' e'en cry my eyes out.  Exit. Lion. 
Now we have time to drink to thee Andrea;  
A Pox on High-prized Whoring.  Chanc. and Wench re-enter. Chanc. 
What's here, two Turtles pining without Mates!  Loren. 
Their Girls went crying ripe for what ours got.  Chanc. 
That must not be Ladies; go setch 'em in,  
I'll see them paid, but bring no Tears amongst us;  
No weeping Cupid's here, we're for the Boys  
That Caper and show Tricks in Lady's Eyes.  Andr. 
'Fore Heaven, the merri'st Greek I ever met with;  
Is he a Servant o'th' Chancellors?  Loren. 
Ay Sir.  Lion. 
Faith you are Princes by your Places.  
Here's your Lord's Health for your sakes; he's a Master  
The best i'th' Empire, all men say that.  Chanc. 
Pox o'Great Men, and great things; they both devour  
All that one gives without the least delight;  
I'm for the Soldier's Health.  Andr. 
Then we're your Men:  
We two to night did pay the Turks away.  Lion. 
Each killed his Bassa; though Thomazo Huffs,  
As if he had done all: but time will come.  
I'll say no more,— our General must not lie thus.  Andr. 
No, by my Sword,— I'll fire the City rather—  
But let that pass, I'll sing a Song I made  
Since we returned from killing the Bassa's.  Chanc. 
Rogues! that were both in Prison. But the better,—  
A Huffing Coward always proves a Villain.  
I'll taste them by and by.—  Andrea sings. 

SONG.  

They come, they come;  
Hark, do you hear that Drum?  
It is an Alarm to War;  
To Love it does Beat,   

A Fatal Retreat:  
See, see, where our Enemies are,  
A Noise, a Noise,  
Of Shouts and Dreadful Cries  
Has frighted our Scouts, they come in:  
Then farewell delight,  
Till after the Fight,  
We'll Rout them, and at it again.   

They Fly, they Fly,  
Hark how they Quarter cry;  
Their Valour lies now in their speed:  
Their Bassa's in vain  
Would Rally again,  
But a Turk delights not to Bleed.   

Bring Wine, bring Wine,  
What do you still repine?  
To trust a brave Soldier for drink;  
The Enemy's run,  
Then Soldier be gone,  
He'll never return you do think.    Chanc. 
The Wit and Courage of these Gentlemen  
Deserves the World Lorenzo should be theirs.  Andr. 
Ah Sir! had we our Pay, we'd be contented:  
The Emperor owes us near six Weeks Pay.  Chanc. 
You ne'er shall sigh for that; I'll send it you.  Lion. 
You shall have Impressed Bills that will secure you.  Chanc. 
That needs not, one flight favour you may do  
Pays me, and trebles that unto yourselves.  Andr. 
Ask any thing i'th' compass of our Swords.  Chanc. 
'Tis to prevent a Wedding two would steal  
In S. Sophia's Church by break of day:  
A quiet time, you know; if you will seize them,  
And carry them to the place I shall appoint,  
Lorenzo will see you paid a 1000 Ducats.  Loren. 
You'll take my word for this, will you not Signior?  Lion. 
Ay, were't ten times as much— but we must have  
Some of our Men to help us, must we not?  Chanc. 
Ay, that you must.  Andr. 
I have a Faithful Servant, I'll send for him,  
And he shall pick some Men fit for the Work.  Lion. 
We'll not to Bed to night.  Andr. 
No, no Sleep  
Till the good work be done. But more Instructions.—  Chanc. 
We shall have time for that. But where's these Women!  
I cannot live an hour without a Woman;  
Oh they're the useful'st Creatures:—  
Come, let's go search, we must mix Love with Wine▪  
A Wise Man thus still Revels with design.  Exeunt.   

ACT. III.  
Enter Mutantrope peeping about. Mutan. 
MY Lord is not come; What shall I do?  
These are Calista's Lodgings: Oh that I could  
But meet her— I'd venture being known  
To be no Mute to her, rather than she  
Should be deluded thus. I see her coming;  
But there's Vdoxia too— I must not speak  
Except I get her single.  Enter Calista and Udoxia; the Boy makes Signs to get Calista alone.; Calist. 
How think you now Vdoxia?  Vdox. 
I'm convinced;  
His Boy confirms your words. Ah poor Irene!  Calist. 
See but what Tricks he plays to get me with him.  
Come Vdoxia— nay, she must go with me.  Ex. Cal. and Udox. Mutan. 
There is no separating them. Where should her  
Father be? But I must follow.—  Ex. Mut.  
SCENE. A Church. Enter Andrea, Lionello, Lorenzo, and Soldiers., Loren. 
This is the place they meet at: Seize all that come,  
The Barge lies ready for you. I'll retire.  Exit. Andr. 
Down all upon your Knees; devoutly Rogues,  
To Prayers, to Prayers!  1 Sould. 
That's no usual word of Command Captain.  Lion. 
Silence, and to your Beads; Knock 'em apace.  Enter Dorello. Dorell. 
Ha! such a Crowd of Soldiers: Sure 'tis Devotion  
To Rob our Lad●… Altar draws them hither  
So early in the Morning. Ha! who's here?  Enter Calista, Udox. Mutantrope. Vdox. 
The Boy is like his Master, sure run Mad.  Aside. Calist. 
The Boy grows troublesome: but where's his Master?  Dorell. 
Not far off Ladies; but he'll be much surprised  
To meet you two I know.  Enter Lorenzo. Loren. 
Hist, hist, 'tis they  They muffle Dorello in his Cloak, and carry him, Mut. and the Ladies out. Dorell. 
Ha! what's?—  Enter Priests and Ex. running. 1 Priest. 
Ho there! Sacrilege, Sacrilege,  
The Sanctuary's violated.  Enter Irene. Iren. 
I am come time enough; I'm confident  
The East Door did just open: I'll to Prayers  
Till they arrive.  Knelt. Enter Chancellor. Chanc. 
I must needs see how this Affair succeeds;  
Who's this? Vailed! It is some Courtesan,  
Whose hot Devotion has been up all Night;  
My Prayers will suit with hers—  Knelt by Irene, she pulls off her Glove to feel for a Book; he rises. 
Ha! 'tis the Fair Irene! that hand betrays her,  
I know it by the Locket.— Lady, your Saint  
Is not stirring it— But where are all my Rogues  
Drinking their Morning's Draught, I'll be hanged else,  
Though 've been up all Night; my Secretary  
Does use to play me those Tricks.  Enter Priest's. 1 Priest. 
Here has been sad Disorders in the Church,  
A Gentleman, two Women, and a Boy,  
〈◊〉 took away by force, and clapped on Board:  
A Barge lay at the Key; I ran and called,  
But all in vain, for none did dare to stop them;  
Their Genowees' did it.  Iren. 
Reverend Sir,  
What sort of Persons were those carried hence?  Chanc. 
'Tis She.  1 Priest. 
Persons of Quality I'm sure.  Chanc. 
They are my Dogs have lit' upon wrong Game—  
I'll place them in Retrieve—  Iren. 
Pray Heaven they are not  
Some Villains that have seized on Prince Thomazo,  
I cannot with his Falsehood that hard Fate.  Enter Thomazo Muffled. Thom. 
My Patience is quite lost by lingering doubt.  
What Lady's this?  Knelt. Iren. 
Ha! here's the Prince Thomazo.  Thom. 
May I presume to ask a Question Lady?  Iren. 
What Question Sir?  In a feigned Voice. Thom. 
Know you the Fair Irene?  Iren. 
Yes; and Calista too; but good Sir, peace.  Thom. 
Your words make me half think you know my business.  Iren. 
I know 'em both too well.  Thom. 
Ha! 'tis Irene!  Enter Chancellor, Andr. Lionel. Soldiers: They seize Irene, and convey her out, whilst the Captain engage Thomazo. Chanc. 
There's the Woman.  Iren. 
Help me Thomazo! help!  Thom. 
Villains unhand her, she is worth your lives.  Andr. 
And Livelihoods too boot: Therefore no passing.  Thom. 
I'll give you double Hire, and Pardon too.  Lion. 
Ha! Prince Thomazo, I'll keep my double distance.  Enter Priests and seize on Thom. Captains run away. 1 Priest. 
Sacrilege, Sacrilege! Murder, Murder!  Thom. 
Unhand me Fools— your Sanctuary's broke;  
The Fair Irene is forced away by Villains.  1 Priest. 
We beg your Highness' Pardon.  Thom. 
Spare your Compliments, and make pursuit;  
The Fair Irene is lost else.  Exeunt.  
SCENE. The Chancellors House. Enter Chancellor, Irene, Loren. Captains Soldiers: The Chanc. discovers himself. Chanc. 
To show you whom you served; behold, 'tis me:  
Dispair not of full Recompense— Lorenzo,  
Go Treat the Noble Captains like themselves,  
And give the Soldiers Bellyfuls of Wine.  1 Sould. 
We humbly thank your Lordship.  Iren. 
Villains! tell me!  
How did you leave the Prince?  Andr. 
Truly, Madam,  
We left him in the hands of Ghostly Fathers.  Iren. 
Oh heavens! the Prince in danger.  Chanc. 
Madam, don't  
Afflict yourself, for you will find a Prince  
Of far more Power to Court you to his Arms.  Iren. 
Pernicious Traitor! what's thy Damned Design?  Chanc. 
I mean to make you Queen of large Dominions.  Iren. 
Oh heavens, the Villain does deride my griefs:  
But if Thomazo's dead, I'll not survive;  
There's many ways to Death, and I'll find one.  Lion. 
Madam, on that account you need not do't,  
For Prince Thomazo's well.  Iren. 
O! tell me Friend,  
One Truth before you die, how did you leave him?  Lion. 
Why truly then, we left him just as fast  
As Heels could carry us! Faith, there's no coming  
Within the length on's Sword: yet this I'll boast,  
Though he out-fights us, we outrun him much.  Iren. 
Is the Prince safe then?  Andr. 
Yes, but I lied not,  
For Ghostly Fathers laid hold on him,  
And so we got the start.  Chanc. 
You're honest men!  
Lorenzo! Treat them first, then pay their Money—  
But, do you hear— be sure you Spice their Cups—  Loren. 
I shall, my Lord.  Chanc. 
Give them double Doses.  Andr. 
Your Lordship is too bountiful.  Ex. Loren. and Sould. Chanc. 
Madam, the Mighty Sultan is your Slave:  
To the Exalted State of Turkish Queen  
My care is to advance you, think of that.  Iren. 
Sure thou art not half the Traitor thou wouldst seem.  Ex.  
SCENE. The Town. Enter Synan Bassa, Dorello, and Mutanuope., Dorell. 
My Conversation ever was at Court,  
Though not i'th' highest Sphere, and Prince Thomazo  
Has often honoured me with his Commands:  
But he's a Prince of such a steady temper,  
'Tis not the Sultan's Empire would Bribe him  
To one disloyal thought, much less Morea.  Synan. 
I do believe you Sir; and that's the cause  
I cannot find one man that dares attaque him,  
Nor do I hope Success, if you shall do't;  
I only by it seek to gain some proofs  
May show my Prince my care has not been wanting.  Dorell. 
Upon the word of a true Gentleman,  
I'll break the matter to him— and return,  
My Life and Liberty continuing safe,  
To give you his full Answer.  Synan. 
Sir, pardon me,  
You have some Secrets gained o'th' Chancellor  
Must be kept private too.—  Dorell. 
From all but him,  
With whom I mainly treat, they shall, my Lord;  
Nor shall he know them but on faithful promises  
Of being private, and you may trust his word.  Synan. 
No generous mind can well suspect another  
Without some cause, and I see none in you;  
And as a proof of my esteem, I'll trust you.  Dorell. 
Your Frankness binds me more than Sacraments,  
And makes me bold to ask one Favour more,  
That as you'd send the Prince this Boy again,  
He did esteem him much.  Synan. 
Sir, I am sorry  
I must deny you this— But Sir, believe me,  
This Boy is worth my Life; you do not know  
Our Sultan— the least breach of his Commands  
Is Death inevitable. You heard him say  
He'd have him made an Eunuch; I must do't,  
Or never see his Face in safety more.  
He likes him 'cause he is a Natural Mute;  
He's properer for Secrets than the other.  Dorell. 
No, not at all my Lord, for I will tell you—  Whispers. Mutant. 
Make me an Eunuch! before I will be that,  
I'll own I have both Tongue and Ears to boot.  Synan. 
'Tis strange observance this you tell me of;  
'Tis pity he was Mute— but come poor Child—  
How's this?  Mutant. will not follow, Synan takes hold of him. Dorell. 
I thought he guest at our Discourse.  Syn. 
This mu●… not save you Sir.  Mutant. 
O good my Lord.  Synan. 
Ha! do you delude me Sir?  Dorell. 
No, on my Life!  Synan. 
Sirrah! who taught you to dissemble Dumbness?  Mutant. 
I was a Spy, placed on Thomazo's Actions  
By my Lord Chancellor.  Dorell. 
O Monstrous Subtlety!  Synan. 
Then as thy punishment, I will assure thee,  
Thy Tongue shall keep an Everlasting Silence;  
For I will ha'it cut out. Sir, follow me.  Exeunt.  
SCENE. The Chancellors House. Enter Andrea, Lionello, Soldiers poisoned— doing mad things; some Cuffing, some Singing. Enter Chancellor, Irene above. Chanc. 
Observe this sight, you'll say I am in earnest,  
When I declare I mean to make you Queen.  Iren. 
What, you have made the Ruffians Drunk, ' it seems!  Chanc. 
Ay, Dead Drunk; pray mark'em Madam.  Lion. 
To be poisoned thus! to be sent out of the World like  
A Rat, by a Politic Whoremaster.— Oh— oh—  Andr. 
Was this the double Dose the Devil meant?  
Sure 'twas a Cup of Wildfire mixed in Hell.  
Such Drink as this would make Damnation double.  1 Sould. 
Pray, pray Captain! Good Captain let's to prayers.  Andr. 
It is too late for prayers— ten thousand Devils  
Are in my Entrails, tearing out my Soul.  
Water! Water! to quench this Hellish Fire.  Omn. 
Water, Water, Water, etc.  Andr. 
See Lionello! See, the Devil's there.  Lion. 
Where? Where? I see him grinning now i'th' Shape  
O'th' Chancellor.  Andr. 
Look! how he Laughs and Snickers; Ha', ha', ha',  
A Woman-Devil too— there's Whores in Hell.  Lion. 
Ay, Whores! abundanee!  Andr. 
Let me have one then;  
They're Coolers Lionello! Excellent coolers,  
And I'm exceeding Hot.  Chanc. 
Ha', ha', ha'; what Crotchets come into their dying Pates?  Iren. 
How, dying Sir! in this Despairing State!  Chanc. 
Yes truly, Madam. I take care they shan't  
Spoil your Advancement by their future Prating.  Iren. 
I've heard and seen too much, and will no more.  Ex. Irene. Andr. 
A Whore! a thousand Whores, good Lucifer,  
For our Great Chancellor! Some Whores, I say.  Lion. 
I'll Pimp no more for him! I'll see him first:  
Let him be Floged, let him be Floged. Whips, Whips,  
Let him have Whips of Fire to Lash his Soul.  Andr. 
The Stinking Lord grows dry, and needs Whips;  
Then lend me one, good Devil, I will tear him.  Mich. 
My Lord!  Enter Michael with Letters. 
These Letters come from Synan Bassa.  Chanc. 
See there! the Christian Slaves are paid their Wages.  Lion. 
Give me my Gold, give me my Gold, Gold, Gold;  
I'll Rob the Church no more else. Give me Gold.  Andr. 
Ay, give me Gold! I'll pay my Whore's most bravely,  
She shall wear Smocks well Laced.  2 Sould. 
Oh Heaven!  1 Sould. 
If there be Heaven!  
Which is the way, good Captain; I'll go thither.  Andr. 
Right before your Nose.  All die. Chanc. 
O heavens! my Daughter, and Vdoxia both,  
Are in the Turkish Camp— surprised by these  
In a mistake. Ten thousand Torments more  
Wrack your Bodies here, and Souls hereafter.  Lion. 
What Screech-Owl's that? ha'! what a sight is this?  
Then I am dying too! My Lord, look down,  
All these lost Souls will be required of you;  
They will, my Lord; and I can this foretell,  
I'th' midst of all your hopes you will find Death,  
By Tortures worse than ours. Some Mercy Heaven.  Dies. Chanc. 
Hell take thee for thy News; it meets an hour  
Of such Calamity, it makes Impression;  
See that their Bodies safely are bestowed.  Ex. Michael. 
Would I had ne'er begun to be thus ill,  
It had been better much. Then I'd best change!  
But how? I am gone too far to do that safely:  
Then farewell Virtue, since it is too late,  
By Ills on Ills I'll ' mount above my Fate.  Exit. Enter Emperor, Thomazo, Theop. and Attendants. Noise of a Storm. Emp. 
This is Prodigious! 20 great Ships  
To Sail o'er Land eight Miles, this threatens more  
Than all they did before.  Thom. 
This Storm was made  
Only t'amuse us whilst they lodged the Ships  
Above the Chain; So to Besiege us round  
And cut off all Relief.  Emp. 
That they'll now do;  
Never till now we truly found the want  
O'th' Christian Ships I ordered to be stopped;  
There was some Practice, which I shall find out,  
Procured that disobedience to those orders;  
All I find guilty certainly shall die for't.  Theop. 
He that advised their Sailing must be one then.  Emp. 
I do suspect him most, but yet I can't  
Safely, without clear proof, Arrest his Person;  
The Senate would Resent it if I did.  Thom. 
My Lord, No news o'th' Soldiers, or your Daughter?  Theop. 
No, none at all.  Thom. 
Surely they have conveyed 'em to the Turk?  Emp. 
I fear that most— But come, Let's go to Council.  Thom. 
Council may Cure the State; but cannot me:  
This Loss foretells my endless Misery.  Exeunt. Enter Chancellor, Lorenzo, Boy. Loren. 
Thomazo makes the Guards so Vigilant,  
Her least Resistance, Sir, would Ruin all.  Chan. 
Then She must be deluded by this Boy!  
Think you he'll do't well?  Loren. 
ne'er doubt, my Lord,  
He is by Nature framed for Roguery.  Chan. 
Instruct him well; But to avoid detection,  
Send him along with her— I must to Council.  
My pretty Child, Do what Lorenzo bids thee  
And thou shalt have my Favour.  Exit Chanc. Loren. 
Come Kecko—  Exeunt Lor. Boy. Enter Irene Sola. 
What a sad life is this to be confined  
From Friends, or sight of any Humane Creature,  
But Cruel, unrelenting Murderers;  
And ne'er to change this Goal but for a worse:  
A Sultaness— a Strumpet— Ah Thomazo,  
Hadst thou been true, this Mischief ne'er had happened.  A Song without, after which Kecko comes in Playing. 


Venus' chanced to Love a Boy,  
Young Adonis was her joy;  
He once leapt from off her Knee  
To hunt and take an Humblebee,  
Then the Bag to her did bring,  
She sighed, and asked him for the Sting.   

2.  
When he looked on, saw her Eye  
Drop a Tear, he straight did cry,  
Oh! forgive me, I will bring  
A bigger and a longer Sting.  
Smiling, she cried, pretty Lad,  
When that time comes, I'll be glad.    Irene. 
I see there still is left some Innocence  
To keep the World from sinking. Pretty Boy,  
Which way didst thou get in?  Kecko. 
I'll show you Madam.  Irene. 
This Child may prove an Angel-Guardian to me.  Exeunt. Enter Emperor, Thomazo, Cardinal, Chancellor, Theoph. as from Council. Emp. 
This Insolence o'th' Soldiers so debated  
By the Senate first, and now by us in Council,  
Does spend that time might better be employed  
For the safety of the whole,— first let the Senate  
Provide but Money speedily to pay them,  
Strict Discipline will follow that of course.  Chanc. 
Your Majesty however may consider  
That these Debates are not without all cause,  
I wish to Heaven they were, with Tears I speak,  
To have our Children ravished from our Arms;  
Nay, torn from Altars in despite to Heaven,  
And all things, Sacred Law, Nature, and Religion,  
To be made Prostitutes to their vile Lusts!  
To have a Lord o'th' Senate and the Council,  
Conveyed away and Murdered; This brave Prince,  
Forced to descend his Sacred Person daily  
By his own Courage, 'gainst their Insolence,  
Not to speak of Prisons broke, or rescues made,  
And all the lesser mischiefs hourly done!  
If this be not worth a Senate's grave advice,  
What can be Sir?  Theoph. 
My good Lord Chancellor,  
I do believe all men will think my griefs  
Must equal be to yours, the cause being so,  
I'm sure this wretched Life I would give up  
To see my Daughter and her honour safe:  
But yet I think her yours, and hundreds more  
Not worth the time we vainly spend about them:  
My Lord, by your advice amongst the rest  
The Empire lies at stake: first think of that,  
And money 'tis, if any thing can save it,  
All Counsels that retard that, scarce are honest.  Chanc. 
Honest! 'twas scarce well, said the Senate sitting,  
I'm sure of that, for they're of other minds,  
And 'tis but fit we wait their Resolutions.  Card. 
Certainly your Majesty cannot do better  
Then follow their advice; they're the great Council,  
They represent the whole, what they conclude,  
You may without th' least fear of blame pursue.  Emp. 
Blame! my Lord Cardinal, you are not my subject,  
And so perhaps do err through Ignorance;  
But good my Lord, learn this,— I give account  
To none but Heaven for any thing I do:  
I take advice 'tis true, but still am free  
To act as I see cause,— Council does cease  
To wear that name when it can be Coercive;  
So know my Lord, I fear no Earthly blame,  
No, not the Popes. Then use some other word.  Card. 
Sir, I ask Pardon if that word offended,  
I can be sorry too, but yet that shan't  
Make me neglect my Duty to the Pope,  
Whom you were pleased to name with too much heed;  
As I conceive, I have no business here,  
Except you think his Holiness on Earth,  
Heaven's Deligate.  Emp. 
In Heavenly things I do;  
In Earthly, though he has no more Dominions  
Than what our Royal Predecessor gave him;  
And if he seeks more here, 'tis Labour lost.  Thom. 
I'm glad his Eminennce hears this I ruth  
From your own Sacred Mouth; he still believed  
None but myself durst boldly urge the Point,  
My Enemies I'm sure made him believe so.  Chanc. 
Your Highness I'm afraid mistakes your friends,  
Your best and truest Friends, for Enemies;  
I humbly am afraid, I say, you do;  
For I believe there's not a Grecian breaths,  
But does admire you justly for your Virtues,  
Your solid Prudence, Constancy and Valour.  Thom. 
Spend not your breath my Lord, in long harangs  
Of me, for all you can say, wont  
Make my Opinion jump with yours  
In your this Days debates.—  Emp. 
No certainly,  
To urge the stop o'th' Empire's main concern  
For private Grievances, as if you did  
Design the Turk should win it,— this is Truth.  Chanc. 
I'm sorry that your Majesty thinks so;  
But I have hopes the Senate yet will clear me.  Thom. 
Those hopes are Insolent! I said it Lord—  Chanc. 
I hope, my Lord, my candid Actions will  
Set me in former favour with my Prince,  
And clear to all the World my Innocence;  
So humbly begging Pardon, I'll retire.  Exit Chan. Card. 
I wish your Majesty may do the best.  Exit Card. Theop. 
This Chancellor, your Majesty does sinned,  
Disturbs, if not betrays your weightyest Councils.  Emp. 
He plainly does them both; yet at this juncture  
It is not safe to take the Seals away,  
For fear the Senate think their love to him  
Does move me to it.  Thom. 
Let him keep them,  
Without the Prince's favour those are useless.  
But Sir, the time requires, that with resolves  
Becoming Majesty, you press the Senate  
For speedy Aid, and till that's done, command  
That no debate beside be entered on.  Emp. 
No Emperor, ever Reigned, had a less mind▪  
To place harsh Rules on Councils than myself;  
The Freedom of Debates should be preserved  
If it were possible in every Council,  
Much more in that of highest Dignity;  
If not in time we ne'er should hear the Truth,  
As these common Rules must be laid by;  
New Exigents must make new Precedents,  
And ignorance only still Cries out for old.  Thom. 
Sir, your affairs are at the last extreme;  
The Senate if they please may help you much;  
And I am confident the major part  
Would singly quit their lives to do you service;  
That which prevents them, are some subtle heads,  
By specious doubts and questions puzzle them.  
Your Resolution must undo this Charm.  Emp. 
Brother, in this I do concur with you,  
Nothing but their extremes shall make me so,  
They'll either guide or force all I shall do.  Exeunt.   

ACT. IU.  
Enter Irene in Man's , with the Boy. Irene. 
THus far we are well; 've passed two Courts of Guard:  
Dear Child, how many more dost think there is?  Boy. 
There's but one more before we get toth' Court.  Irene. 
Sure this is not the way; althoughed be dark,  
Yet I've some little guess, and think these Lanes  
Do rather lead toth' harbour then the Court.  Boy. 
No, I'll warrant you, do but follow me,  
I soon will make you safe.  Enter Lorenzo, and Michael dogging., Irene. 
'Tis so; that is the end of St. Sophia  
Street. Child, thou mistakes, this is the way I'm sure.  Lorenz. 
That must not be— who goes there?—  Exiturus. 
None speak, who are you there I say?  Mich. 
'Twas no body.  Loren. 
I'm sure there was, it seemed a Woman's voice,  
And coming from my Lord, I hope it is not  
The beauteous Lady we had Prisoner there,  
Her loss would ruin him.  Mich. 
Come, come, there's no body; let's hast home to bed.  Loren. 
No, I will watch this Street for half an hour,  
I'm sure 'twas some body designed to pass.  Exeunt aside. Guard without. 
Who goes there?  Loren. 
Friends.  Guard. 
What Friends?  Loren. 
Friends to the Guard and Servants to the Lord Chancellor.  Guard. 
Come before the Captain of the Watch.  Boy. 
The Grand Round's coming; haste! we're undone—  Irene. 
I'll follow thee— but know not what I eat.  Enter Thomazo and Soldiers as in a Grand Round, with them Michael and Lorenzo. Lorenz. 
Our Lord's not come from Court, and we were going  
To wait upon him there.  Thom. 
The Council did sit late.  Mich. 
Your Highness has no commands to honour  
Your humble Servants with.  Thom. 
No, none at all.  Exeunt Severally. Enter Irene and Boy. Irene. 
Where are we now? I've followed thee so fast,  
I had not time t'observe which way we ran.  Boy. 
Nor I, I'm sure, nor know I what to do,  
I've lost myself, and shall be Ruined by it,  
I wish I ne'er had meddled.  Irene. 
What sayest thou Child? Come, I will save thee harmless:  
Let's knock at the next house and take a Guide.  Boy. 
No, no, they all know me, that were the way  
To be Surprised, and carried to my Lords—  
Stay you here, I'll search about for the way.  Exit. Trene. 
How terrible to me this darkness seems!  
That and this Habit both do give me fear,  
And yet they both must prove my greatest Friends.  
Unusual things, though Innocent, amaze us.  
I'm near the Strand: I hear the Water roar  
As if the Waves sought to o'ercome the Shore;  
This joined with Solitude, the Night and Fear  
Makes all my Danger double to appear;  
But who are these?  Hides herself. Enter Michael and Lorenzo looking about. Lorenz. 
If she be gone, we'll use the Boat ourselves,  
It is no staving, she'll betray us all.  Mich. 
'Tis a strange Diligence in Prince Thomazo,  
To walk the Round himself.  Lorenz. 
To meet with us in St. Sophia-street was damned  
Unlucky too.  Michael. 
Would that was all,  
But thus to lose our prize, makes me stark Mad,  
Let's to the Barge, perhaps they may inform us.  Exeunt. Irene. 
These are the Villains that the Round did stop,  
And Prince Thomazo too it seems was there:  
Oh! my unlucky Fear that made me fly  
From such a Sanctuary that was so near me,  
Their words seemed darkly to reflect on me,  
And on a Boat; I hope I am not betrayed.  
But where should be the Boy, he stays thus long?  
I am afraid, in seeking out his way,  
He's slipped into the Sea: Heavens guard him from it.  Enter Boy. Boy. 
Hist! hist!  Irene. 
Here, here! oh, there has been two men  
Came talking by: Two of the Chancellor's Servants,  
They seemed to speak of me and of a Boat.  Boy. 
Which way went they?  Irene. 
Down this Street.  Boy. 
That's our way; I now have found it out,  
Come, let's make haste—  Irene. 
No, let's go any way rather than that.  Boy. 
We must go that, there is no other truly.  Irene. 
I tell thee, Child, I'll rather seek Thomazo,  
He's on the Round, I wish I had not shunned him;  
Come, let's up this Street.  Boy. 
Stay a little!  
What shall I do? how unlucky 'twas I went  
That they should miss us thus,— I'd better kill her,  
I'm sure, than she should meet Thomazo,  
That must not be then: but I will trifle time;  
Perhaps they may return.  Irene. 
Come Child, what look'st thou for? Prithee let's go,  
This way I'm sure does lead to the higher street,  
And that way to the Sea.  Boy. 
No, I'm confident this is our way,  
And I must go no other; Pray come then.  Iren. 
This Boy Surprises me,— I will go this way.  Boy. 
You shall not take my  along with you,  Draws. 
I am sure of that, if you will needs be going,  
Strip and deliver them first.  Iren. 
Prithee Child, let me persuade thee.  Boy. 
No, no, give me my , and go where you will.  Iren. 
You know I want my own, and they're much better;  
Put up thy Sword.  Boy. 
No, no, go back toth' house, and take your ,  
But on you shall not go if I han't mine.  Iren. 
I have a Sword too, and sure, methinks his strength  
Should not be more than mine; Come, Prithee  
Be ruled, and go this way, I have a Sword else,  
And twice the strength of thee; but I am loath  
To do thee hurt, if thou wilt put up thine.  Boy. 
No, I will not, except you'll go this way.  Irene. 
Nay, then there's more than Childish thoughts  
Does prompt the Boy: To this a greater sear  
Must drive away the less—  
Come Child, be ruled, I still am loath to hurt thee.  Draws. Boy. 
Nay, if you come to that, do what you can,  
You shall not steal my :  
I must gain time, yet I'm loath to hurt her.  They fight aukerdly, and at a great distance. Enter Lorenzo and Michael. Irene. 
Boy, you see your Sword can do no good;  
Then trust my word, and go along with me.  Boy. 
If I had thought you'd ha' served me thus,  
I'd never have helped you, that I would not.  Lorenz. 
How's this! They're here—  Aside. 
What, Men a quarrelling?  Mich. 
No, on my life mere Boys,  
Ripe Soldiers I'll be Sworn; what is the Quarrel?  Boy. 
Let him tell it if he will.  Iren. 
O! I am lost, these are the Murderers,  
The Boy will certainly discover me.  Loren. 
Young Gentlemen, here take your Swords again;  
What would your Quarrel be? Rivals in Love!  Mich. 
Ay, for a Paper Kite, or some such thing:  
What, will neither of you relate your Quarrel?  Boy. 
Our Quarrel was about the way to Court,  
He said 'twas that; and I affirmed 'twas this.  Loren. 
Then he was in the wrong, and ought ask pardon.  Irene. 
I do with all my heart: Pray, Sir, forgive me;  
What a good Boy is this that still conceals me.  Mich. 
We just came both from Court,  
Yet will go back a little way with you  
To set you right, that you shan't miss it after.  Boy. 
I humbly thank you Sir.  Irene. 
And so do I;  
But I still doubt this way, I know not why?  Exeunt. Enter Synan and Calista. Synan. 
It was a strange neglect you and your Father  
Both made, in not discovering this Dorello  
To be a Lord o'th' Council: I'm afraid  
'Twill cost his Head; but I have given him notice,  
He is gone back; and on what Errand too.  Calist. 
I hope his Wisdom soon will find away  
To clear himself, and place all guilt on him:  
But good my Lord, how stands my great affair.  Synan. 
Madam, as you would wish to morrow Night,  
The Sultan does intent you for his Bed,  
Therefore adorn yourself with all your Charms.  Calista. 
My Lord, this Obligation is so great,  
That no sufficient thanks can be repaid.  Synan. 
Yes, Madam, but it may; for though we Eunuches  
Cannot be Lovers, yet our other Passions  
Grow more unruly by our loss of that,  
As Deprivation of one Sense, does double  
The Vigour of another: so Ambition  
Ost gives hopes, fears, fruition, and despair  
To us, more violently than Lovers feel them,  
Then when you shall possess the Sultan's heart,  
This passion of my Soul you may indulge.  Calist. 
Next pleasing him, it shall be all my Study,  
And let me be despised by the Great Sultan  
That hour I fail to be your faithful Creature:  
Thus I must talk till I possess my power,  
Then I am free to act as I see cause.  Enter Mutan with a Letter which Synan reads. Synan. 
Go, bring that Person in that brought this  
Letter; Madam, 'tis from your Father.  Enter Messenger. 
Tell me Friends! how did the Youths you brought  
Behave themselves?  Messeng. 
One Sir was quiet, tother showed a sorrow  
Approached near Madness, oft, if not prevented,  
He had leapt overboard to drown himself;  
Thus he continued till our Boat was boarded,  
By one went hence to Town; in that there was  
A Christian the Boy knew, and whispered with;  
On which he did produce a large Commission  
Under the Sultan's Seal, and signed by you,  
Pretending he had power to take him from us,  
But all in vain; our Orders were too strict,  
So we refused obedience, and have brought him.  Synan. 
You have done well, keep them without a little,  Ex. Mess. and Mut.. 
This desperate Youth he talks of is Irene,  
And he that would have seized her, is Dorello,  
None else have had my pass: What's to be done?  Calist. 
Sir, if the Sultan sees her, I am despised:  
Her charming Beauty will eclipse mine quite.  Synan. 
But how shall I prevent it?  Calist. 
If you would  
Oblige me to the full, then tell the Sultan  
That she is lost byth' way: her Sex concealed,  
As I perceive 'tis yet, will make the Story  
Above all Contradiction, but by me,  
And for my own sake, I shall never clear it;  
This way you may secure my happiness,  
And place about his Person your own Creature.  Synan. 
I will devote my suture life to you,  
And hazard all my Fortunes on your Game;  
But how shall I conceal this charming Beauty.  Calist. 
Deliver her to me, as a Boy  
Sent you by some mistake, her sears will then  
Prompt her to keep concealed.  Synan. 
Well, I'll prepare her—  Exit Synan. Calist. 
Now base Thomazo, I'll Revenge thy scorns  
Upon the Person of the loved Irene:  
She and Vdexia both shall feel the sinart  
Of an enraged Love, led by despair,  
Yet still my powers secure, I must dissemble:  
This Synan Bassa has a Soul too honest  
To be Assaulted with my great Designs  
Till I'm above his Arts to keep me out,  
But that once brought about; then my great Soul,  
Shall freely have its swing without control.  Enter Synan with Irene Synan. 
Your Labour will not be much, Madam, this Boy  
Sent me, I know not why, here I devote  
To do you service—  Ex. Synan. Calist. 
My Lord I thank you,  
A pretty Boy indeed; your name sweet Youth.  Irene. 
I had not time to make it! Oh my Fate!  
To be condemned a Slave to her I hate.  Calist. 
What are your Blushes, Fear, or Modesty,  
Dispense with both at present; tell your Name:  Irene. 
My Name's Thomazo.  Calist. 
Heaven's she mocks me!  
But oh my Rage, be still till I can feast Thee!  
Where were you Bred? and who did you belong to?  Iren. 
I've hardly wit enough to answer; Madam,  
My over tender Friends childishly Bred me,  
And I'm afraid 'twill Kill my Aged Father,  
To find that I am lost: If you have goodness  
But equal to your Beauty, 'tis excessive,  
And sure a just Request you can't deny.  Calist. 
It may be not, but tell me what it is,  
Your Compliment does strongly plead for you.  Irene. 
Madam, it is you would prevent the trouble  
An unexperienced Boy will hourly give you,  
And send me back again to my poor Father.  Calist. 
That must not be, you are too fair to part with;  
I like these Childish looks; This pretty Face  
Must not Adorn itself with Blushes thus,  
They do assault a heart too hastily;  
Part with such sweetness! Every word that begs it  Strokes & plays with Irene 
Is a new Charm to strengthen a Denial;  
I'll fetch a Glass, we will compare our Faces.  Exit Calist. Iren. 
It is no wonder Prince Thomazo gained her  
Upon his first address, since she can thus  
Court me, yet think me all the while a Boy.  Enter Calista with a glass. Calist. 
Come hither pretty Rogue. That Nose of thine  
Would match this Face much better, Those Plump lips  
Methinks I could Steal too— I needs must kiss 'em—  Irene. 
Good Madam, pardon me.  Calist. 
So very Coy!  
That pretty Chin I like— but for my Eye  
I would keep that, my Eyebrows too and Forehead.  
Betwixt thy Face and mine might sure be made  
A Beauty that would Captivate all Hearts;  
Let's try to make one such. Thy Innocence  
Can do no harm in Bed; come thou and I  
Want part till both get better Bedfellows.  Ex. Calista. Iren. 
Prodigious Impudence! This goes beyond  
The worst invented Stories of our Sex. Ha!  Enter Calista and Udoxia. Calist. 
Perhaps Irene will own herself to you,  
To me she seems all man, and Courts me too.  Irene. 
Pardon me, Madam, that I durst not own  
A Person I wished lost to the whole World.  Calist. 
What to Thomazo?  Irene. 
'Las, that Name I took  
In too much haste, I know not what I said.  Vdox. 
But can this be Irene?  Iren. 
Dear Friend, it is,  
The much surprised Irene to meet you here.  Calist. 
Did not Dorello tell you of us both?  Iren. 
How Madam, can you know he met with me?  Calist. 
I do forget myself, you came but now.  Vdox. 
But what in this disguise has brought you hither?  Iren. 
How we're all here, I know not, but Calista,  
I fear your Father has been much too blame.  Vdox. 
But I'll amend his Fault, by keeping you  
From being seen by any person living,  
Till you are safe got back.  Iren. 
If this prove true,  
Her worth will my Aversion quite subdue.  Exeunt. Enter Emperor and Chancellor Discoursing earnestly. Emperor. 
This to my Reason seems incredible,  
Yet to my sense is plain.  Chanc. 
Your Majesty  
Will sure perceive my Innocence by this,  
And what just grounds I had for all my Fears.  Emp. 
I know not what to think, but sure he cannot  
Be so unnatural, as this does speak him:  
Ill men begin at first with petty Crimes,  
And dare not by degrees launch forth to great.  
But he at one great leap from good to bad,  
Seems to love mischief in Extremity,  
And scorn to mount its top by graduation.  Chanc. 
Sir, to be near, and yet but near a Crown,  
In Souls like his move strong Agitations.  Emp. 
What shall I say to it?— I cannot think—  
But he will soon be here— Dorello too—  
I scarce have Faith enough to doubt of his,  
But to believe an only Brother Traitor,  
And Traitor to this height— I cannot do't—  Chanc. 
Sir, as you please for that. I charge him not—  
Alas he is too great for me to Cope with,  
But I had rather much his Power should Crush me;  
Ay! Crush me into nothing— then that you  
Who are my Sovereign Lord, and such an one  
To whom I own all that is Noble in me,  
Should seem to hazard life, and Empire both,  
By any fears of mine—  Emp. 
What shall I do?  
Cannot a Prince be merciful and safe?  
'Tis very hard I find— this wicked Age  
Does almost think there's no such thing as goodness,  
And vilify all Persons that profess it;  
If Princes pardon Crimes they count it weakness,  
And if they punish them 'tis Tyranny.  Enter Thomazo. Thom. 
Sir, did you send for me?  Emp. 
Ay Thomazo!  
But 'tis to tell you that which does amaze  
Far more than Anger me; Cannot you guests  
At what the matter is, and spare my Tongue  
The trouble to declare such unkind things;  
I wish you would Thomazo.  Thom. 
Your Majesty  
Shall not find it hard to know the greatest secret  
My mind can labour with.  Emp. 
Then tell me Brother,  
Have not some late transactions done by you,  
Or by Dorello's Ministry at least,  
Been of that Nature, well nigh cause my Anger.  Thom. 
Commented on by Enemies they may,  
And I suspect no Friend was so officious  
To tell you my design.  Chanc. 
I do perceive  
I'm some restraint upon the Prince's Candour,  
Therefore shall take my leave.  Exeunt Chanc. Emp. 
And can you Brother  
Wish Empire without Glory?  Thom. 
Sir, I know not  
What 'tis your words do tend to? All I know  
Or have transacted that might trouble you,  
Has not the least Reflections towards Empire.  Emp. 
Then tell your Reason's Brother.  Thom. 
Sir, the Cause  
I kept my Passion secret, was for fear  
Some scruples in your own or Senate's Breasts  
Might have prevented that, which when once done,  
I knew you soon would Pardon.  Emp. 
Pardon Brother,  
What, think you I'm so tame to Pardon Treasons,  
That beware so black a Visage?  Thom. 
Sure no Law  
Does limit my free choice of any Wife,  
Under so high a Penalty as Treason;  
But if there was, the Merit of Irene  
Would strongly plead I'm sure in my excuse.  Emp. 
This Love you own, I never did dislike,  
Though I suspected it; but 'tis not that  
Has brought me to this Parley, but worse matters.  Thom. 
Sir, I am ignorant of any thing,  
Besides my hopeless Love can move your Anger.  Emp. 
Nay, Brother, you shall see 'tis not slight matters  
That have obliged me to this unkind Parley.  Enter Messenger. 
Bring in that fellow there— friend, tell your Story.  Messeng. 
Sir, as I said before, being employed  
Toth' Turkish Camp about Intelligence,  
I there have heard them say, that Prince Thomazo  
Must be Morea's King, and that this Town  
On that condition, he will soon give up.  Thom. 
Sir, can you credit Slaves, hired to accuse me,  
Of such impossible designs as these?  
Villain! who has suborned you to say this?  Emp. 
Be patiented till you hear his Story out.  Thom. 
I sooner might be patiented when hot Pincers  
Were tearing off my Flesh.  Emp. 
But I commend you.  Thom. 
Then silent Sir as Death, I'll hear my honour  
Be blasted by his Breath— and never murmur,  
No Sheep shall fall more tamely Sir than I.  
Friend, say all that the Chancellor has taught you.  Messeng. 
Sir, what I've said, and what I am to say,  
My Senses all must Witness is most true,  
Though in the least I do not accuse your Highness;  
What I have said, I heard i'th' Turkish Camp:  
I did— and what I saw there, is to follow—  
Which is that oft at Synan Bassa's Tent,  
I've seen the Lord Dorello in great favour,  
And Courted by the Bassa, but last Night  
He did come back to Town in a disguise;  
For meeting in their Fleet we boarded Boats,  
And though he knew not me, yet I did him;  
I saw him there produce a large Commission,  
And show it to the Turkish Admiral,  
By which he had full power to close with you.  
This Sir is true, as I have proof enough.  Emp. 
Return to your Confinement for a while,  
You nor your Fellows shan't be long restramed;  
What think you of this Brother.  Exit Messenger. Thom. 
Sir, I think  
That Virtue which you Worship proves an Idol,  
An empty name, less solid than a shadow:  
Oh deep unfathomed Villainies of State!  
Through what strange Mazes do you wind yourselves,  
That honest men cannot find Clews to trace you.—  Emp. 
What a sad Fate have Princes that are born  
To bare the Fate of sinking Monarchy;  
Those actions which we judge will prop it most,  
Produce its speedier Ruin: Faction grows  
And spreads itself through Council, Court, and Notion,  
And nothing can be heard but accusations,  
These when we would Unite for common good,  
They say we Cherish for our private safety;  
If we believe them all, than none are honest;  
If we give Ear to none, all will grow angry;  
So whether we're severe or moderate,  
Our Glory's hid i'th' Ruin of the State.  Thom. 
Sir, I have thought upon't, all this seems false,  
But how to prove it so, I cannot guests.  Emp. 
Brother, I'll say no more but only this,  
Act as you please, I ne'er can be unkind.  Exit Emperor. Thom. 
What worth the keeping life for now is left?  
I am stripped of all that's Dear, Friend, Mistress, Brother,  
And of my Honour too!— why live I then?  
Because I am a Christian! Surely though  
That could at the first teach Contradictions,  
What were most Martyrs but Self-Homicide?  
What severe Hermit too but shortens life,  
Why then 'tis plain I'm Master of myself.  
By best Rules of our Philosophy:—  
But some will hold 'tis Cowardice to die  
For fear of Misery!— Why then I'll live;  
Yet scarce myself, myself alive shall know:  
In strict retirement my few hours will spend,  
And by sharp Abstinence my life will end.  Exit. Enter Emperor, Theophilus, Chancellor, Cardinal, and Justiniano, who knelt and Kisses the Emperor's hand. Just. 
Sir, I with thanks receive my Liberty,  
And shall discharge the Duty of my place,  
With all the Zeal that may be since I hear  
You have laid by the Prince.  Emp. 
My Lord, I wish  
You'd place a greater Guard upon your words;  
It is not I, but my unlucky Stars  
Have for the Empire's ruin laid him by.  Just. 
Sir, you shall see it's stronger prop  
If you will find away to pay my men.  Chanc. 
My Lord, you do offend his Majesty,  
In speaking of the Prince with such contempt;  
You had best attend your Charge, and leave to me  
The getting of your Pay: The Emperor  
Is put upon a project to get Money  
And you shall find your share.  Just. 
My Lord, my men  
Want Fight one stroke without it, that I tell you.  Ex. Justin. Chanc. 
Nay, good my Lord, no more, Your Majesty  
Should not regard his Folly but his Courage.  Emp. 
Courage! Each private Soldier may have that,  
'Tis Conduct only makes a General;  
And I suspect his much, for all your Prayers;  
But I'll not long endure his Insolence,  
I'll rather hazard all on my own person.  Chanc. 
What means your Majesty?  Emp. 
Why Fame does say,  
This Sultan Mahomet's a Valiant Prince;  
I'll try, if he'll on single Combat stake  
The Fortune of this War.  Chanc. 
How's this?  Aside. Cardinal. 
Perhaps  
You have not well considered that design;  
Your Majesty in such a weighty Cause  
Must ask advice of Piety not Passion.  Emp. 
My Lord, you speak as if strong Appetite  
Did make me seek this Combat for a pleasure,  
But I'll assure you 'tis on no such Cause:  
Thank Heaven I dare, but do not love to fight.  Card. 
No Sir, nor must not singly; Heaven's strict Laws  
Delivered by the Church, does quite forbid  
All Duels under pain of highest censure.  Emp. 
Surely, when Heaven gave Sacred Characters  
To Clergy men; it did not then divest  
The rest of Mankind of the use of Reason;  
Did it my Lord?  Card. 
No, not of common Sir.  Emp. 
Common! I understand no such distinction;  
Reason is Reason, and that does plainly say,  
If I i'th' head of Thousands may make War,  
And hazard both my own and others lives,  
I sure much more, may singly do the same.  Card. 
Not without dispensation from the Pope,  
As humbly I conceive.  Emp. 
The Pope, good Man!  
No Dispensations from his Officers,  
'Tis they must have a Fee: These tricks of Rome,  
Of first forbidding, then dispensing things,  
Has Robbed it of the Reverence once it had,  
From best Advisers to men's Consciences;  
They now are grown to be their Torturers,  
Things in themselves indifferent they make sin;  
And real sins they dare give leave to act:  
A man may be a Saint and Traitor both,  
When Dispensation frees him from his Oath.  
But trouble not yourself Lord Cardinal,  
I'll ask the Sultan's Dispensation only,  
If he consents, I'll not refuse the Fight.  Enter Dorello like a Doctor. 
What have you seen him Doctor?  Dorel. 
Sir, I find,  
Except you Majesty in person goes,  
His Servants dare not let him be disturbed.  Emp. 
How do they say he is?  Dorel. 
They do believe,  
As I have said; it is a Lunacy  
Sprung from an overtender sense of Honour;  
But still I'd undertake on pain of Death,  
Were I but few days with him, I would awe him.  Emp. 
Come, we'll go visit him, his Health would bring  
Me Vigour to our ne'er expiring power,  Ex. Emp. etc. Chanc. 
Pray Heaven he be but Mad, I'll never fear  
This cheating Quack from Persia e'er can cure him:  
He'll sooner Poison him I'll undertake,  
And that part of his Art I'll undertake,  
And that part of his Art I'll try him in  
If I can fix him well— but stay this Combat  
The Emperor designs, and I do fear  
The Sultan may accept in thirst of Glory  
Must be prevented; 'tis too much to stake  
My utmost certain hopes upon one Throw  
But sure I need not fear, the fair Irene  
Will keep him from that Danger.  Enter Michael. Mich. 
Noble Sir,  
New Letters from the Bassa, say his Master  
Doth Dote so much, that he forbears all action.  Chanc. 
How's this? I fear the Love he bears Irene  
May make him raise the Siege.  Mich. 
I fear it too.  Chanc. 
Well, something must be done that may prevent it,  
Can you learn nothing yet of this Dorello?  Mich. 
Not any thing, my Lord!  Chanc. 
Sure he walks Invisible! That Danger  
Did threaten most of all, and yet my Stats  
Has brought me off with Triumph.—  
But stay!— The Emperor designs to Beg  
Something by way of Loan o'th' Citizens;  
He'll find them Cursed free! Ha! ha'! ha'! a Beggar Prince  
Is such a Contradiction— but I'll go  
And see the sport, I hope I shall be able  
To keep myself from down right laughing at him.  Exeunt. Enter Thomazo, Solus with a Book in his hand. Thom. 
It cannot be but all that they says Chimaera,  
There is no solid Truth in all this stuff;  
'Tis merely words: They're Sinewy Sillogismes  
By which they puzzle both themselves and us,  
Are perfect Ropes of Sand: If we'll be Fools  
To grant their first Conceptions, then they'll prove  
The Consequence must needs be this or that.  
Grant me says one an Immaterial Giant,  
That does reside in Immaterial place,  
I'll prove he turns the Primum Mobile,  
And that turn all things else about the Globe:  
Then starts another up, and he conceives,  
That Immaterial Being is absurd;  
Strait brings his Giant in to do his Tricks  
On good Material Legs— then shows a Storm  
Produced by a slight cold matter had got,  
Which made it Sneeze— all comes to such like stuff,  
Avaunt substantial thick Egyptian darkness,  Throws away the Book. 
Rank mist of words be gone; there's nothing true,  
No nothing: Good and Ill are only Names  〈◊〉 
Stamped by our Interests; farewell all Books,  
I'll Study nothing but my Misery,  Enter Emperor, Card. Dorello. 
And how to Die apace. Ah Mighty Sir,  
And may I not have leave to do that neither,  
'Tis all I beg; you once were a kind Brother.  Emp. 
I've not a thought but speaks me kind as ever.  
Here is a Learned Doctor.  Thom. 
What to do?  
I want no health— If you have skill, feel here,  
Does not my Heart keep its Pulsation right,  
As right as ever, though it is just a breaking;  
Come wave your profit once and speak the Truth.  
Am not I well in health?  Dorel. 
Your Highness is  
In what the Bloods concerned.  Thom. 
Oh, let alone  
The inward man: That goes beyond your Tools,  
Your Probe's not long enough to Tent my Soul:  
Sir, on my Knees I beg I may be private.  Emp. 
From all but this one man, Brother you shall—  Thom. 
Then since I must be Plagued with conversation,  
I'll ask some questions: How go things i'th' Senate?  Emp. 
Their obstinacy forced me to dismiss them.  Thom. 
That was a prudent step, but how the Siege?  Emp. 
The Turks like loving Neighbours seem most quiet.  Thom. 
They then expect some Revolution here!  
Lord Cardinal, when come our helps from Rome?  
When I go next abroad,— nay, my good Lord,  
I've answered now myself,— your Majesty,  
I hope, will free me now from all but him.  Emp. 
Study your health, dear Brother, till you're well,  
Myself and Empire both do languish in you.  Exeunt Manent Thom. and Dor. who pulls off his Beard. Thom. 
Come Sir, to work, have you a Dose of Opium,  
For I want Sleep extremely,— Ha'— Dorello.  Dorel. 
Ah Sir! Can you endure a Traitor's Breath;  
For so State Pamplets, and the Ballets call me;  
For what I do not know, except it be,  
That I know some are such, I must not name;  
But I have secrets Sir that will amaze you.  Thom. 
Not more than does your Presence in this manner;  
Sure I'm deceived,— on with your Beard again,  
So,— now I see it only was my Fancy:  
But where's Dorello gone?  Dor. 
Ah, Noble Sir,  
I fear you are not so well as I did hope.  Thom. 
It is Dorello's voice too,— Ah dear Friend,  
Wonder not I seemed Crazed: Alas, Irene,  
Is Murdered I believe, or lost for ever.  Dor. 
No Sir, She is not Dead, though I must fear,  
That as you guess she may be lost for ever.  Thom. 
Not Dead! how know you that?  Dor. 
I've seen her Sir,  
And She's i'th' Turkish Camp from whence I came.  Thom. 
From thence I'll presently go Rescue her.  Exit. Dorel. 
He is too near Distraction to be told  
Irene's the Sultan's Mistress; but I'll go  
And humour all his fancies till he sleeps,  
Perhaps some rest will make him fit for Council.  Exit. Shouts without. Enter Emperor, Chancellor, Cardinal, Attendants and Rabble. Michael. Emp. 
Their Obstinacy makes things desperate:  
What's to be done my Lord?  Enter Alderman. Chanc. 
Try a few more, here comes an Alderman.  Emp. 
Friend, you are Rich, I'm told, and therefore should  
Spare something of it for your Country's safety;  
Nay, for your own, your Wife and children's too;  
For they and all you have lies now at stake.  Alder. 
Your Majesty is misinformed of me;  
I Rich! alas Sir, I am very poor.  Chanc. 
Consider Friend, who 'tis that goes a Begging,  
Your careful Emperor himself in Person.  Card. 
Your much distressed Prince, consider that,  
Give something Sir, and Heaven will sure reward it.  Emp. 
Friend, 'Tis not for myself I ask! Heaven knows  
That was't not for you my loving People,  
I'd sooner die then undergo this Shame:  
Come Sir, be liberal, that others may  
By your Example lend their money freely.  
That so the Soldiers paid, may boldly Fight,  
And here I promise on my Royal Word,  
That what you lend I'll faithfully repay  
As soon as Peace has opened Trade again.  Alder. 
This way of borrowing Sir, I fear's Illegal  
Without the Senate's leave,— and I'd be loath  
To break the Law, and make bad Precedents  
That might infringe the Liberty o'th' Subject.  Chanc. 
Ay! there's the Argument that chokes them all.  Emp. 
How strangely Friend you do mistake the Law,  
Am I in worse condition than a Subject?  
Who wanting money borrows any where;  
Nay, what I borrow, I by force might take  
At such a time as this— a Law there is,  
A Narural Law of Power it may be called,  
Which gives the Prince aright to every thing  
He thinks may keep the Commonwealth from sinking,  
And this no other Law can Abrogate—  Alder. 
My Council does inform me otherwise,  
And I shall take his word— Except my Lord,  
You'll give your hand upon't he's in the wrong.  Chanc. 
Good Friend forbore, I am no Advocate  
That signs my hand to every Case that's put:  
His Majesty expects your answer Sir.  Enter Thomazo and Dorello disguised. Thom. 
Ha! what Mock State is this?  Alder. 
Your Majesty  
Must pardon me, for I can spare no Mony.  Exit Alder. & Rabble. Emp. 
'Tis labour lost, Heaven surely binds their Eyes  
To their Destruction; but I find, my Lord,  
That you concur with their false arguing.  Chanc. 
The times are dangerous Sir, I dare not speak  
Except in private Council—  Emp. 
Prince's may  
By me be warned of two much Lenity;  
The Rabble is a Jade, must feel her Rider,  
'Tis not soft taps I see, but whips must rule her,  
Humility moves none but generous Souls.  Exeunt Emp. etc. Thom. 
Was I not obstinate to see Irene,  
I scarce could let this Traitor live a Moment.  Dorel. 
Good Sir, let me entreat you to desist  
From that so dangerous and vain attempt.  Thom. 
Dorello, say no more, I'm resolved  
To show her I was true, though she's not so;  
And should Death wait me in the Turkish Camp,  
Yet I would go,— see! how the Traitor laughs—  Chanc. 
I put him on this project for his Ruin;  
It was a subtle Mine, I knew, when sprung,  
Would blow up all that little power he had:  
An humble Prince makes Subjects Insolent,  
Then what does Begging do,— ha', ha', ha', honest Michael,  
Go watch how he succeeds, and bring me word.  Exit Michael. Thom. 
I must Alarm him—  
His Soul is much too jocund for a Traitors;  
My Lord, I have a mind to give allay  
To your excessive laughter— where's Irene?  Chanc. 
Ha!  Thom. 
Your Daughter too, Vdoxia and Dorello,  
What? you to save their lives, have sent them hence,  
What punctual day Sir, must the Town be took?  Chanc. 
Sure Slave you know me not, you dare talk thus!  Thom. 
Yes, you are he, that by the help of Soldiers,  
Did break the Sanctuary!— then for Reward,  
Bestowed a Dose of Poison on your Slaves;  
You thought their Dying too a pleasant sight.  Chanc. 
What Devil canst thou be that darest accuse  
Of Crimes so false as these?  Thom. 
I cannot stay at present now to prove them;  
But in good time I may; i'th' Interim  
I'll step and tell your Daughter you're a Traitor.  
Have you no service to the Eunuch Bassa,  
I'll kiss his hands e'er long—  Chanc. 
Ho! Michael!  Thom. 
If you'd prolong your life one day or two,  
You may by being Silent; but if not,  
This is your latest Moment.  Exit Thom. Dor. Chanc. 
Sure this must be  
Some of Dorello's Instruments in Town.  
My Ruin is contrived, I plainly see,  
And I must be as quick in my preventions.  Enter Michael. Mich. 
The Begging Emperor has but ill success.  Chanc. 
Curse on him, we have worse, all is betrayed;  
I've been attaqued by one that knows Dorello,  
And every thing by him that we have done.  Mich. 
Can this be possible, and we not find him;  
I hoped he had been drowned in his coming.  Chanc. 
No, all my Stars grow dull of late; I think  
They take no care of me, or my designs,  
But still my Plots are spoiled by Countermines.  Exeunt.   

ACT. V.  
Enter Thomazo and Dorello. Dorel. 
THe Bassa's Kindness to me still Continues,  
Nay, rather is increased by knowing me.  
But yet I can't prevail to see the Ladies.  Enter Mutantrope, They sign to one another. 
But see your little Traitor,— is your Tongue  
Out out?— it is no matter, you deserved it—  
Nay, you do well, to own your fault,  
There is no trusting such a Rogue as you.  
If I had any business— would you indeed—  
Then let me see Vdoxia, or Calista—  
How! Calista in such favour! where's Irene then▪  
Thou art a lying Rogue, I still perceive—  
Oh Villain, darest thou swear so false a thing?  
As that the Sultan does not know Irene?—  Thom. 
Can only such a Traitor speak the truth?  
And all Mankind be liars? yet, methinks  
The virtue of Irene, does make me hope it.  Dorel. 
If this you swear, be true, then bring my Friend  
And me to see Irene— If you're forsworn  
Expect a greater judgement than you have—  
Well, we'll try your faith.  Ex. Mutant. Thom. 
The Boy is strangely earnest; sure he cannot  
Be such a Villain to invent all this?  
'Tis possible the subtle Chancellor  
Contrived, that Fame might say it was Irene,  
Lest his Intelligence might be suspected.  Dorel. 
I can't tell, what to think; there's no design  
The Boy can have— is worth his Perjury,  
Except he wholly does delight in Falsehood.  Thom. 
To see Irene, and see her true, will be  
Some few Degrees beyond felicity.  Exeunt. Enter Synan. Synan. 
She threatens now: what a rank Ass was I  
To bring ambitious Beauty 'bout my Prince,  
This Poison is for Irene—  
I'm confident,— but Lady look about you,  
We Statesmen have our tricks; 'tis well I did not  
Inform her Father that it was herself,  
And not the fair Irene the Sultan dotes on,  
Did he but know it, we soon should have been here:  
His Politic Pate would still Solicit Bowstrings  
Might be presented us, that vacant places  
Might be disposed by him,— but to his grief,  
Both he and all men else, think 'tis Irene.  Enter Calista, Irene, Udoxia, and Mutes, one Carrying a Cup of Poison, th' other Bowstrings. Calist. 
No! I'll cut off my fears, their hopes and thine  
All at one blow.  Synan. 
Consider but the Crime!  Calist. 
No Synan, you mistake that charming Face  
Which in dead colours first bewitched my Lord,  
Shall not remain for you to show a line,  
From that design Springs all your Piety.  Synan. 
If you fear that, then spare this other Lady;  
Why Madam, must she die?  Calist. 
For sweet revenge,  
She did upbraid me, with my Father's Nature  
And now she'll find I have it thoroughly.  Vdox. 
I will not lose a Prayer to ask thee Mercy,  
Nor will I live after Irene is Dead.  Calist. 
You shall never doubt it.  Irene. 
Ah Calista!  
Think of the pleasant hours we three have spent  
In Childish sports together,— call to mind  
How both of us have striven which most should please you.  Calist. 
Plead not our wanton Childish Tales to me,  
I am a Woman, and do see the Danger  
Of that bewitching Beauty you have got,  
Therefore make haste and choose your way of dying.  Irene. 
Save but Vdoxia's life, I'll call that Mercy,  
And with my dying Breath beg pardon for you.  Vdox. 
Irene, ne'er speak of that, give me the Cup,  
I do defy all kindness from the Monster  
Except you share it too—  Calist. 
Bravely Res lved!  
But do not drink it all, one half will serve;  
I tried it on a Slave, and he died calmly,  
Made no ill Faces as some people do.  Iren. 
Come then, let's take our everlasting leaves  
Of all our Sorrows here,— my thoughts begin  
To prompt me it is brave to leave this world,  
And all its flattering, false, and painted joys,  
Which do allure to real Miseries.  
Vdoxia, lead the way.  Vdox. 
Farewell Dorello.  She drinks and gives the Cup to Irene. Iren. 
And farewel now for ever my Thomazo.  Drinks. Calist. 
Curse on his Name, it staggers me a little;  
But Love Adieu! and Triumph my Revenge!  
In thy first Conquest— Farewell Playfellows.  Exit Calist. Synan. 
Sure 'tis some Bodied Fury this, not Wonman;  
Ladies, you'll find your Deaths steal gently on you  
Like a soft Sleep: but yet to show I would  
Do any thing was in my power to serve you,  
I'll send the little Traitor, Mutantrope  
To find Dorello out, and bring him to you.  Vdox. 
May Heaven reward your Charity, my Lord,  
It is the only thing I'd wish on Earth.  Synan. 
You shall not fail of that— now Mustapha,  
Our Plot is Ripe to ruin this Medea.  Exit. Iren. 
Whither, dear Friend, are thou and I a going?  Vdox. 
To Heaven Irene.  Irene. 
Heaven is a great way off,  
And though I doubt not, we shall soon reach thither,  
Yet Nature shudders at the world of Miles  
That Fancy says is thither— Ah Vdoxia—  
I hope we shall know one another there.  Vdox. 
I hope so too— yet, what the pleasure is  
Which happy Souls enjoy, I cannot guests,  
But sure it won't be any thing like those  
We do enjoy on Earth.  Irene. 
Ay, there's the fright;  
Methinks we're about to lose ourselves,  
And change to something else. Tho' what we know not?  
But we shall ne'er be We again I fear.  Vdox. 
Yet this we're certain of we can't be worse.  Enter Mutantrope, and observes them, then Exit. Enter Dorello and Thomazo. 
But see the Boy! I hope Dorello's coming.  Dorel. 
It makes me happy I'm in your thoughts.  Vdox. 
I'll own that nought on Earth could be so welcome.  Irene. 
Nor to me neither except Prince Thomazo.  Thom. 
That word in spite of Fortune makes me happy.  Iren. 
Ah! do I see you Sir? Then welcome Death—  faints away. Thom. 
How's this! Irene! paleness sits on her lips.  Dorel. 
The sudden Joy o'ercome her— give her Breath,  
She'll come to herself—  Vdox. 
Never on Earth.  Thom. 
What dreadful word is that? it pierced my Soul!  Vdox. 
The strange Surprise did make the Poison work.  Dorel. 
Poison!  Vdox. 
Ay Sir, Calista Poisoned her.  Dorel. 
Ah Horrid Deed! but see the Prince Sir, Sir,  
I fear his Soul's not proof against this blow.  Thom. 
Irene so Angry, that she will not speak!  
Ha! Poison! Never! I will not have Calista,  
Her Father is a Traitor— but Irene  
Is the great Sultan's Mistress,— Is she so?  
Then I'll turn Hermit in a Grove of Willows,  
Berrys of Baleful Ivy shall be my Food,  
And the Drink nothing else but my own Tears!  
For fair Irene is false.  Dorel. 
Ah dire mishap,  
His scarce Cured Lunacy again returns:  
Great Sir, Irene is Virtuous—  Thom. 
Then I'll have her.  
I will myself destroy the Sultan's Army,  
And Rescue my Irene— to horse— to horse  
—  
Draw up the Guards and follow,— sound a Charge—  
What do you Run you Dogs—  Draws & exiturus, is held by Dorello., Dorel. 
Oh, good Sir stay—  
Discovered once, he will be lost for ever—  Thom. 
What are you that take me Prisoner?  
I won't have Quarter now Irene is lost.  Dorel. 
Look on me Sir! do not you know Dorello?  Thom. 
Ha! where's Irene? Oh! there, She's there—  
Have I recovered her?— I thank you all—  
You have Fought bravely— you shall all be Knighted.  
But won't Irene speak to her own Thomazo?  
Pardon me, Madam,— by all my Love I thought  Knelt by her. 
'Twas you I should have Married.  Vdox. 
Ah poor Prince!  
Dorello, look to him— but if you can  
Procure our Bodies Christian Funerals,  
I know hers does, and I hope mine deserves it.  Dorel. 
What mean you, Madam?  Vdox. 
I find the Poison works on me apace.  Dorel. 
What are you poisoned too!  Vdox. 
Ay Sir, Calista  
Was kind in that, to let us Die together.  
I can no more! Farewell, my dear Dorello.  Enter Calista and Mutes. Dorel. 
I envy not the Prince! why do not I  
Learn the same Art to lose my grief in Madness.  Calist. 
What men are these, seize on them; ha'! Thomazo  
Dorello too!  They seize them, Thom. stands amazed. Dorel. 
Ah thou cursed Monster!  
What Devil taught thee all this Cruelty?  Calist. 
I learned it of that Prince, he taught me first  
To find my Nature bad— I else had lived  
A puling virtue, still frighted with tales  
Of Hell and Devils, with other silly Bug-bears;  
But seeing him the stout and brave Thomazo,  
The Wise, Just, Generous, and great Thomazo,  
Take pleasure to betray a harmless Maid:  
This taught me rage, and raged instilled revenge,  
Which made me do this petty trifling mischief;  
But that's not half enough, since above my hopes,  
You two are fallen thus into my hands.  Dorel. 
Ay, dare thy worst; as for that noble Prince,  
Were he but safe, Death were to me savour.  Calist. 
Nay, you shall both together! Slaves your strings.  Mutes put Bowstrings on them. Thom. 
Though I'm a Prisoner; I'll  
Wear no Chains but those of fair Irene!  Dorel. 
Irene is Poisoned!  
Poisoned most Noble Prince, by this damned Monster.  Thom. 
Ha! 'tis the Devil Dorello, 'tis the Devil:  
He has Calista's shape, but 'tis a Devil,  
He cannot hurt me though, for I desy him;  
Ha', ha', ha',— see! how the Devil weeps  
Because he cannot get his will to hurt us.  
We are too honest for his Mischief,— let me go,  
I'll make him vanish with a Vengeance hence.  Calist. 
Oh! I could chide my Eyes for showing grief,  
Tho' 'tis a Killing sight.— Thomazo is Mad!  
How came he thus Dorello?  Dorel. 
Can you ask?  
And see Irene lie Murdered there by you?  Calist. 
Oh I would rail and call him if I could,  
Ungrateful, base Thomazo. But this sight  
Renews again my Love, and stops my Mouth.  Dorel. 
Talk not of Love at all, much less for him,  
That is too good a Passion for thy Soul,  
And he a Cause too Noble.  Calist. 
Ah Dorello!  
Judge but from whence proceeds this Flood of Tears!  Dorel. 
They're such as Crocodiles by Nilus shed.  Calist. 
Nay, rather such as once Medea did,  
When she dispersed her tender Brother's limbs;  
Love taught her Cruelty, and I perceive  
'Twas that, and not Revenge has Murdered these.  Dorel. 
If cruel hearts, like yours, be capable  
Of Love, yet all you have the Sultan claims.  Calist. 
The Sultan's Title sprung from my Ambition,  
But now that Passions cloyed, and Love returns.  Dorel. 
Madam, why do you pause? pray give me death,  
Vdoxia chides my sloth for staying thus.  Thom. starts up. Thom. 
Ha! Sir! I am no Traitor! I'm your Brother,  
Ask Dorello if the Damned Chancellor  
Be not the Mighty Traitor of your State—  
But see his Daughter— She shall be Sultaness.—  
I will have none of her— She is a Monster—  
See see— how she's besmeared with Blood,  
But where's Irene— Alas! She's angry— Ah me—  
I will have none but her—  Dorel. 
Alas poor Prince!  
The fair Irene is Murdered by Calista.  Thom. 
Ha! Murdered! Irene Murdered— then Calista  
Shall be torn Limb from Limb by horrid Devils!  
Her Soul shall turn that fatal Bird of Night,  
With Croaks and Croaks for sad departing Souls.  He Sings. 

SONG.  
IN Caves full of Sculls, and rotten old Bones,  
She Sighs in the Daytime, and in the Night Groans.  
Amongst Ghosts of the Guilty, for ever She'll howl,  
And in Beds filled with Serpents eternally Role.  
But I and Irene will be Merry,  
Amongst happy Lovers we'll Play,  
Ah Charon! make hast with your Ferry,  
Row hard, and I'll double your Pay.   
Irene we'll part no more—  Falls down. Calist. 
Why do you pause upon't? he in his Madness shows  
His lasting hate to me, and Love to her;  
Revenge is roused again by Jealousy,  
And now I wish him Dead; Passions in me  
Like Tides in some great Rivers, flow not in,  
But first in heaps of Water take their view,  
Then Roar, then tumble in Mountains of Sea,  
Devouring Shores almost as quick as thought;  
So now your times are come.  Dorel. 
I do rejoice—  Calist. 
Your joy shall be but short, pull Slaves!  Enter Synan. Synan. 
Hold Dogs!—  Calist. 
Synan! how's this? dare you control our orders?  Synan. 
Not but by his; whom you yourself obey.  
Our Mighty Sultan saw and pitied him.  Calist. 
Oh I am lost.  Synan. 
No, Madam, I am so without your Mercy;  
And 'tis 'gainst me alone his Rage is bend,  
For thus deluding him about Irene:  
But save my Life since for your sake I did it.  Calist. 
No Synan, if thy Fate depends on me,  
Thou must expect a dreadful Destiny.  Synan. 
I see my Death's inevitable now!  
But I am glad my life does Ransome yours.  Dorel. 
You cannot give us life, in them we die.  Synan. 
That Death will but continue till they wake.  Dorel. 
How wake! my Lord! do not despise our griefs.  Synan. 
'Tis but a sleepy potion, which they took,  
Which I prepared to save them from Calista.  Dorel. 
My Lord, my Lord, you grieve without a cause  
For fair Irene's not dead; This noble Bassa.  
Who knows no falsehood says it.  Thom. 
What is that?  Dorel. 
Irene is living Sir.  Thom. 
Ay, but She's angry,  
She won't speak one word to poor Thomazo.  Dorel. 
Sir! she's a sleep!  Thom. 
Ah do not wake her then!  
Hush! hush! no noise, I pray let her sleep—  
She will be pleased anon— steal softly out—  
Softly— softly— do not wake her for the world.  
She's Dreaming now of poor Thmazo's love.  Exit softly. Synan. 
I must admire the ways of providence,  
That strangely thus by wicked men's designs,  
Does oft protect the just— your Chancellor  
To fortify his greatness in our Court  
Has caused your being here, where you are safe,  
Which else you conned not be in our next storm:  
For then the Town's betrayed: The General  
Has promised to march out with all his Soldiers,  
And there's a Royal Half-moon Banner sent  
To th' Chancellor which will protect his house—  Dorel. 
Good my Lord,  
Let not the Prince hear this but by degrees,  
His Brother and his Country's loss will be  
A Grief his worthy mind will hardly bare,  
Should he recover this which now assaults him.  Synan. 
My Lord, you freely shall command this place  
Whilst I have any Breath to give that power,  
And after that, you safely may rely—  
Upon our Sultan's friendship to the Prince,  
Which I dare say is real: But I must  
Make haste and meet that Death now stays for me.  Dorel. 
My Lord! I hope much better.  Synan. 
No, my Lord!  
Our Sultan's Frowns are Mortal; they're met by this  
To be spectators of my Tragedy.  
Carry the Ladies in— when I am dead—  
May you, my Lord, and all your Friends be happy.  Mutes carry in the Ladies. Dorel. 
My Lord! farewell; may Heaven preserve  
You still—  Exit Synan. 
But yet I fear he's lost: Virtue on Earth  
Is like some wholesome Herb o'er grown with Hemlock,  
There is so little, men can hardly find it,  
And all that use it are unfortunate—  Exeunt. Enter Emperor, Theoph. Chancellor, Cardinal Attendants., Theoph. 
This Information puzzles my belief,  
I sooner should have doubted my own Faith  
Then Prince Thomazo's— sure it cannot be.  Card. 
The things too evident for any doubt;  
Hot spurred Ambition in a Young man's breast  
ne'er boil at a Crime would give it Checque.  Theoph. 
But sure the world must end, when Crimes like these  
Are boldly Acted by the best of men;  
Virtue has spent her utmost stock on Earth;—  
Virtue, that Cement of the World, grows lose,  
Then Nature sure must shake into its Chaos.  
Irene to turn a Strumpet, did Amaze me!  
Though she's a Woman— but for Prince Thomazo  
To make a base Revolt, is Miraculous.  Emp. 
What can an Emperor, bounded and tied  
By Laws, Act more than I already have—  
But Heaven and all things else conspire our Ruin,  
What can we then more but resolve to Die;  
Story shall never say I did neglect  
My personal Duty to the very last.  Chanc. 
No, Mighty Sir, had the Revolted Prince,  
And others of his Faction, but been faithful,  
You might have shined in History, as great,  
As does that Constantine who first Reigned here.  Emp. 
Heaven strangely brings its great Decrees about  
A Constantine, whose Mother's name was Helena,  
Began this Empire: The Bishop of this See  
Was Theodotius then, so all are new,  
Both, and State must sink in the same names  
As founded them; but let Heavens will be done.  Card. 
Dispair not Mighty Sir; the ways of Heaven  
Are past all finding out, who knows but you  
May give a new beginning to this Empire  
By driving back this faithless Mahomet.  Emp. 
I for my subjects sakes, perhaps could wish it,  
Though for myself a worthy death is best;  
Which I have sought from Mahomet's own hand  
By single fight; but that he basely waves  
With Crowds of bleeding slaves he snatches glory,  
Which flies from me, who court it still in person.  Enter Justiniano. Justin. 
Sir I am come once more to ask our Pay,  
Which, if denied, we presently will March.  Chanc. 
Now it gins to work!  Aside. Emp. 
Do as you please,  
My subjects obstinate to all entreaties,  
Deny me their supplies; and I'm resolved  
Rather to perish with them, then extend  
My Regal power beyond its usual bounds:  
Blinded they are, and blinded let them be,  
Since they love Gold beyond themselves and me.  Justin. 
Bare witness all, that 'tis no fault of mine  
This Empire sinks: I could have propped it yet;  
And with this single Arm sustained its weight,  
Had not affronts upon affronts at first  
Disarmed me of the power to wish your good;  
But I'll not stay to bury all my glory  
Under your mighty ruins; no, my Sword,  
When you are nothing but the name of Prince,  
Shall give me the full power of being so—  Theop. 
Sir; will you patiently endure this slight!  Emp. 
Let him, and all the world grow insolent;  
It shall not move my rage: My Brother's Crimes  
Have stupefied my Anger.  Enter Captain. Capt. 
Mighty Sir;  
The perdues do fly in the Turks advance  
As if they did intent a general Storm.  Emp. 
All that dare not be Slaves, now follow me,  
To certain Death, or glorious Victory.  Exeunt. Enter Thomazo and Dorello. Thom. 
Dorello! sure I'm deluded still  
And this I feels another sort of madness,  
Is it not so, Dorello?  Dorel. 
No, my Lord;  
Your cause of joy is solid, like those Cares,  
Whose unexpected sounds, distempered you.  Emp. 
Am I then known, and in the Turkish Camp,  
Yet free from Chains? and does Irene still live?  
Nay, live for Prince Thomazo! this, Dorello,  
My sickly fancy would persuade is true.  Enter Synan. Dorel. 
For all these mighty Blessings, next to Heaven,  
We own our thanks toth' noble Eunuch Bassa,  
I wish his safety were as firm as ours.  Enter Mutes with Calista's head. Synan. 
Thanks to that hearty wish, and so it is;  
See there the head that lately threatened mine.  Thom. 
Oh wonderful! Calista's head cut off!  Synan. 
Ay noble Prince! our Sultan has deceived us;  
But to our satisfaction, for just now  
Mounted upon a Throne in full assembly,  
He did expose this Beauty to our view,  
Seeming to glory in so rich a Jewel.  
And had his praise Echoed back by us:  
Then Beckoned me, I went and kneeled before him,  
Thinking myself a Victim to her Triumph,  
And she believed it too, for big with joy,  
Her Eyes rolled Grace to all; but scorns on me,  
When in her height of Pride, one sudden blow  
Given by the Sultan's Sword, took off her Head  
So quick, she could not shriek one Prayer for Mercy:  
Then throwing me the Head— cried, Synan take it,  
And smiling, bid us see, how much he valued  
True Glory above Beauty— but the Storm  
Will presently begin, and I must thither,  
And be an Actor in this Scene of Fate  
Which will Create our Sultan Emperor.  Thom. 
Are you assured my Lord the Town will yield?  Synan. 
Nothing more certain Sir, the Town's betrayed,  
But Heaven has so contrived that you are safe:  
Farewell most noble Lords; if I am slain—  
Think of me— If I live, I'm still your Servant.  Exeunt Synan etc., Thom. 
Ah Dorello, 'tis not for us to live  
Beyond our Princes Ruin. No, Brother,  
Thomazo's Love and Fortune shall give way  
When's Honour, or your safety is in question;  
Come Friends, let's once again Enter the Town,  
And leave the Ladies here, they'll still be safe,  
What e'er becomes of that, or of our lives,  
Though Dead in them, some part of us survives.  Exeunt. Enter Emperor, Theophilus, and Attendants with Swords drawn, They pass over the Stage in haste, great Clamours and Noise. Trumpets and Drums beat a Battle. Enter Chancellor, Lorenzo, and Michael, like Turks above. Chanc. 
The sport's begun, that noise which dreadful sounds  
To others Ears, to mine seems sprightly Music.  
Day breaks apace, as soon as we perceive  
The Town is taken, hang the Banner out.  Loren. 
Shall we admit of such as seek Protection?  Chanc. 
No, not the Emperor himself shall enter;  
Let them even take their Chance.  Shouts. 
Oh, that was brave!  Cries, and running o'er the stage, all's lost, all's lost. 
Hang out the Banner straight, the Town's our own.  The Banner hung out; Enter Christians, drove in by Turks. Enter Emperor, Theoph. etc. Who make strong Fight by giving way. Enter Thomazo and Dorello Fight, and driving off the Turks. Lorenz. 
See there! the Prince Thomazo and Dorello  
Are Fight on this side.  Chanc. 
I'm glad of that,  
This forfeits all his favour with the Turk,  
And 'tis not in his Power to save the Town.  Enter Emperor, Thomazo, Dorello, Theoph. Emp. 
Brother, your Loyalty does bring a joy  
Beyond what Victory itself would do.  Thom. 
Ah Royal Sir, there is no time to talk,  
Our Men can never hold the ground we gained;  
Were but your Person safe, I would not Care.  Emp. 
'Tis safe whilst Guarded by your Noble Sword,  
And mine I hope shall prove a Guard to yours.  Thom. 
Sir, 'tis in vain to hope to keep the Town:  
Then take this time to save yourself by Flight,  
Whilst I make Head against the Entering Turks.  Emp. 
How Brother, Fly! No, it shall ne'er be said  
That I survived a loss so great, as is  
So brave a Brother, and an Empire too.  Thom. 
Sir, be not obstinate! but see a Flag.  
That speaks Protection to the Chancellor,  
Open your Gates my Lord, and take but in  
Your Emperor and Theophilas; such a Deed  
Will make Atonement now for all your Crimes.  Emp. 
I will not hold my Safety from a Villain.  Chanc. 
No Sir, conent yourself, you come not here;  
Nor any person else— my Crimes, my Lord,  
Are got above the punishment of Heaven.  Shouts and Clamours. Emp. 
Infamous Renegade— but the Noise  
Calls loud for our assistance—  Exit. Thom. 
Come, Dorello,  
Let's Keep him safe as long as e'er we can—  Ex. all but Theop. Theop. 
Blasphemous Traitor, are thy Crimes so great?  
Thou thinks the powers above han't strength to punish!  Chanc. 
Talk not my Lord, I for your Daughter's sake  
Will let you singly in, and save your life.  Theop. 
No cursed Dog, I'd sooner find my Death  
From my own hand, then own my life to thee.  Exit. Chanc. 
Nay, if you be so brisk, even take your Chance!  
What insolent Slaves are these?  Enter Cardinal. Card. 
Oh my good Lord!  
Let me but find protection in your House!  Chanc. 
Alas my Lord, your Eminence on foot!  
'Tis a great way to Rome; you had best make haste,  
Spare Compliments to me— you have my leave—  Card. 
My Lord! mock not my misery.  Chanc. 
You'll be belated truly, wanting Horses,  
My Duty to his Holiness, and tell him,  
I've ended now this long continuing Schism  
To his own hearts Content!  Card. 
Impudent Traitor!  A noise! Enter Christians retreating. Chanc. 
See see, the Cardinal has lost his Gout—  Ex. Card. running. Enter Emperor, Thomazo, Theoph. Dorello, and Guards Fight before the Turks. Emperor falls Dead. Thom. 
Oh Heavens! the Emperor's Slain, preserve his Body.  They Fight. Enter Synan, who fight falls. They are going to Kill him. Thomazo prevents it— 
Accept your Life from Prince Thomazo Sir,  
As part of recompense for all your favour Sir.  Synan. 
Most noble Prince, persist not thus in vain  
To stop the Current of our Victory,  
Which will at last flow o'er, and drown you all;  
You, and those you shall choose, shall on my honour,  
Be safe from either Death or Slavery.—  Thom. 
I've nothing now to fight for, but myself,  
Since this brave Prince is Slain, therefore I yield  
To be a Prisoner to Noble Synan.  Syna. 
Christians, put up your Swords, this party shall  
Continue as a guard about your person,  
But that they may be safe, I will appoint  
Some Janissaries that may join with them.  Thom. 
Your Favours all are large!  Syna. 
Lord Chancellor,  
The Sultan does require your person should, should,  
Be brought before him strait.  Chanc. 
With haste I'll fly  
To Kiss the Foot of our great Emperor.  Exeunt. Enter Irene and Udoxia. Vdox. 
What various changes have our miseries?  Irene. 
'Tis better sure we had for ever slept  
Then only waked to a more grievous Death.  Vdox. 
See yonder! how the Flames ascend the Skies,  
Seeming to melt the Heavens.  Iren. 
O sad sight!  
This is the Prince Thomazo's Funeral Pile,  
And I ungrateful, I don't leap into't,  
But I'll not long survive thee, noble Prince,  
For in a Flood of Tears I'll drown myself,  
Thus from two warning Elements we'll meet  
Above; yet keep an everlasting Peace!  Vdox. 
I yet could Chide, methinks their gallantry  
That could expose both us and them to ruin,  
In such a needless danger as they sought.  Irene. 
No 'twas their duty lead them to the fight,  
And I do love Thomazo's flame too well,  
To wish him safe with loss of any honour,  
Though to revive from Death, and meet him well,  
Then strait again to lose him, seems severe.  Vdox. 
Ha! what vision's this!  Enter Thomazo Theop etc., Theop. 
Do I see thee alive, and virtuous both?  
Can Heaven bring joy after these fatal losses!  
Irene, our Prince is slain and Country lost.  Irene. 
Did not the thoughts of that suspend my joy,  
To see Thomazo and yourself alive,  
I scarcely should be able to support it.  Enter Synan. Synan. 
Great Sir! the Sultan has commanded me,  
To greet you with this stile— King of Morea;  
For with that Kingdom he does now invest you,  
Under the tribute of an Annual Horse.  Thom. 
Your Princes' soul's as large as is his Empire,  
And I with grateful thanks receive the gift.  Synan. 
That action which I feared would raise his anger  
Increased but his esteem— He said, you could  
Have found no better way to perfect glory  
Then this last act of fight for your Brother:  
And it has strengthened much his Friendship to you.  Thom. 
How shall I  express my gratitude  
For all these Mighty Favours he bestows.  Synan. 
The riches in the Town are found prodigious;  
Though basely they denied their Prince assistance;  
For which 600000. Thousand Souls and more  
Forever must into— Captivity—  
As a just reward for their Disobedience!  
Only he does permit you shall set free  
Ten thousand of such Persons you best like;  
The Chancellor and some few other Traitors  
He only does except: For they must die  
A just example to all future times;  
He further does intent a Noble present  
For this fair Lady; whom he dares not see.  Thom. 
He is a Prince of such a mighty Soul;  
Virtues in him contend for Victory,  
And each of them in turn do gain a Triumph.  Synan. 
The Execution's doing on the Traitors!  A noise of groaning. 
Step but a broad and you may see the Train.  
I'll go and clear, and stand—  Theop. 
Fame certainly does spread abro de  
'Twas you the Sultan killed.  Irene. 
That error does arise because we were  
ne'er seen by any person but the Mutes;  
The Sultan, and two Bassa's, since we came,  
And Fame does still report I was his Mistress.  Thom. 
Let fame be still a Liar, my Irene,  
And say, 'tis thou art Dead, so I can thus  
Admire thy living Beauties— but let's go  
And see the Sultan's justice upon Traitors—  Exeunt.  
The Scene a great Number of Dead and Dying men in several manner of Death's. The Chancellor, Lorenzo, and Michael Impaled. Within. 
Make way there! Make way.  Enter Synan and Mutes, Thomazo, Dorello, & the rest. Theoph. 
What a sad sight is this?  Dorel. 
This is a severe extension of his power.  Thom. 
This Turkish way of rule threatens the world,  
As if their Crescent would at last be full,  
And rule it all.  Synan. 
This is the way to govern:  
Severity, not Mercy, strengthens power.  
See there your Chancellor and his two Scribes.  Thom. 
I pity them, though they deserved far worse,  
For ruining their Country, whose sad Fate,  
We during life shall Mourn, yet in our Tales  
We must your Virtue, and the Sultan's praise,  
And Monuments of Thanks for ever raise.  Exeunt omnes.   
FINIS.