THE DISTRACTED STATE, A Tragedy.  
Written in the Year, 1641.  
By J. T. Gent.  
Seditiosi sunt Reipublicae ruina.  
LONDON, Printed by W. H. for john Tey, and are to be sold at his shop at the Sign of the White Lion in the Strand, near the New Exchange, 1651.   

To the truly Noble, Sir JOHN SIDLEY Baronet.  
LIke to a Young Student in Negromancy, whose Itch to Rarity makes him Attempt the raising what he wants skill to lay, I have adventured in this little Commonwealth of Poetry to beget some Distractions that cannot be reconciled without your Patronage. Sir, you have the fame for Piety and Love to your Country, and have so equally balanced your Actions in these distempered times, that you have not only Merited the title Apollo gave to Socrates, but drawn all men's eyes, Loves, and admiration upon you. Amongst the number of which your honourers, A Stranger tenders his offering; And though it is naked of worth, Yet the Property of your acceptance will be shelter sufficient to it, and him, who, next to your pardon, shall endeavour to deserve the title of  
Sir, Your most humble and faithful Servant, I: TATHAM.   

TO My dear Friend Mr JOHN TATHAM, On his Excellent Play, The Distracted State.  
I Do not write in confidence my fame  
May lift you up, or hoist you to a Name:  
I of my own defects too knowing am  
To hope support you, While myself am lame;  
And th' world so well your Merits understand,  
They do not need advancement by my hand.  
Nor do I labour to be thought a Wit  
Because in you I do approve of it.  
What makes you shine, does make me not despair  
To hope a glimmering in the self same air:  
To Love I'm vowed too; not that wayward toy  
That for these thousand years writes himself Boy;  
Who makes the Lord and Lady still to meet,  
As sure as in a Country Dance we see't.  
'Tis motley, just like Cheeses where I've been,  
Checkquered, one square of white, and one of green;  
'Tis at the best imperfect, such a pair  
Like Doublets in the middle joined are;  
While masculine affections, such as mine,  
Like Diamonds, entire and clearly shine.  
To Womankind a while I bid adve,  
And only now enamoured am of you.  
And certain, 'tis no miracle in me,  
TO whom Civil War hath been a nursery,  
That I in strict obedience to my fate,  
Do fall in Love with your Distracted State  
I. R.   

To my worthy Friend Mr. JOHN TATHAM, on his Excellent Tragedy, The Distracted State.  
GOod Wine does need no bush, nor does thy wit  
Want our supporting, this thy Play is writ  
With so much judgement, and so firm a hand,  
It shall against the storms of Envy stand  
A Monument to thy fame: for if we may  
Conclude Language and Plot do make a Play,  
Here they are met, each Scene and Act so well  
Followed, that one the other doth excel;  
And their contention does so neatly end,  
As though thou didst a second Rape intent  
Upon our sense, drawing our greedy eyes  
To read, till they themselves do Sacrifice.  
For he that loves to Feast on a good line,  
Will never think he has enough of thine.  
R. D.   

To my most Deserving Friend I. T. Upon his Play, The Distracted State.  
When I that sweet Elixir of thy lines  
Tasted, and found within those golden Mines  
That rare refined delight, in which 'tis sin  
Not to be lost or catched in fancies gi'en,  
I did thy worth so clear a Victor see  
The Laurel could be due to none but thee.  
I cannot offer Hecatombs of praise,  
Nor Altars to thy lofty fancy raise;  
This well meant Tribute I can only pay;  
Wit's high Meridian glorifies thy Play.  
G. LYNN.   

The PERSONS.  

Evander, The Vanquished King.  
Mazares, His Brother.  
Archias, A Noble Lord, their Kinsman.  
Missellus, Provincial of Vallis de Noto, friend to the King.  


Agathocles,  
Epecides,   Two high-spirited Lords.  
Planetius, Provincial of Mona, made by Mazares.  
The Archbishop of Monreall.  
Cleander, A high Politician.  
Philistus, A young Lord, Minion to Mazares.  
Adulanter, A base fawning Lord, A Buffoon.  
Hermocrates, General to Mazares.  
Thimistius, A Colonel.  
Antanter, A Noble Commander.  
Philander, An Officer in War.  
Icetis, Governor of a Castle in Palermo.  
Hipparinus, A Magistrate of Palermo.  
A Scotch-Mountebanck.  
2 Physicians.  
Harmonia, Daughter to Cleander, and Mistress to Archias.  
A Captain.  
Soldiers.  
Guard.  
Attendants.   
Scene Sicily.   

THE DISTRACTED STATE.  


ACTUS 1. SCENA 1.  Loud Music. Enter Mazares, the Archbishop of Monreall, Cleander, Agathocles, Epecides, Philistus, Adulanter, etc. Mazares ascends the Chair of State, the Archbishop puts the Crown on's head; then, all, but Agathocles, cry Long live Mazares lawfully King of Sicily. AGATHOCLES. 
HEaven where's thy Vengeance?  
Canst thou endure this Mockery?  Agathocles kneels with his back towards them, aside. Maza. 
We thank you all. But why Agathocles  
Appears such trouble on thy brows, are we  
Unwelcome to thy wishes?  Agath. 
How Sir! Pardon me.  
Who dares say you are?  
You are my King,— Is it not so Gentlemen?  
The Rays that from your Brother's Diadem  
Gilded this Kingdom are put out, and now  
From you our rising Sun, we must expect  
A Virtual fervour. Obedience is my safety.  
My wishes! trifles, what may you not Command?  
If you but will, my life is not my own.  
One frown may Rivet me, I am designed  
To be but what you please, and when, no longer.  
I am your poor Submissive.  Maza. 
You Misconstre  
The power of Kings, they dare not but be just.  
That Crown can ne'er sit fast that takes its rise  
From others ruin.  Agath. 
Out Imposture—  [aside. Maza. 
My Lords I could have wished  
The People's and your Loves had spared this solemnity  
Until another time, a time that might  
Have proved more fit for Triumph; for though Heaven  
Hath wreathed our Brows with Victory, our thoughts  
Are not at peace.  Agath. 
Nor ever will be till  [aside. 
By their continual motion they have brought  
All into Public ruin.  Maza. 
The Care of th' Common safety  
O'rwhelms our Joy and makes it seem unseasonable.  
Repose after so long a toil of War would be  
Perfume unto our Senses, but we must not  
Prefer our own before the People's quiet.  Agath. 
machivel thou art an Ass, a very Ass to him  [aside Maza. 
My Lords, you are my witnesses,  
The Public wrong, and not Ambitious hopes  
Of Government, Obliged me to this Quarrel  
(The People's and not mine) against my Brother;  
The Justice of which cause gave us Success.  
Heaven knows, had he not been their Enemy,  
I should have emptied every vein I have  
T'have served him. Nature and Duty held  
Strong Conflicts in my blood, Nature promoting  
One while my Brother's right, until my Duty  
Unto my Country with Diviner Reason  
O'reame me, and discovered the sad Scene  
Of a sinking People, and a rising Tyrant.  Agath. 
Does Heaven hear this, and punisheth not?  [aside Maza. 
For my part, my Lords,  
Though the affection of the People Circles  
My Temples with a Crown, I shall not wear it  
Longer than they ' steem me worthy.  Clean. 
Most singular Prince.  Agath. 
Most singular Devil.—  [aside Maza. 
My Lord Archbishop,  
You are the Church's Vine, and we the Elm  
Of th' Commonwealth, our flourishing Estates  
Depend on one another; by Heaven's hand  
We are Contracted, and must share all fortunes,  
Or good, or bad. The jewels of a Crown  
Retain not Lustre longer than they have  
Virtue from th'Church, and that she's glorious;  
Nor can she be so longer than we are so,  
Her strength and welfare doth consist in ours.  
Let not this sudden change  
Possess her with a fear of her Eclipse.  
Sh'as a Protector now, that will expose  
His life a Sacrifice to preserve her Purity.  
We shall not be remiss to satisfy  
What lies on our part towards her, and what  
From her belongs to us we need not intimate,  
You have a Sense my Lord, can reach at things  
And their Necessities.  Archb. 
My Duty shall not be wanting, my gracious Lord.  Agath. 
The Churchman will turn Pander to him.  [aside Maza. 
My Lords,  
W''re not insensible of the People's burden  
By keeping up our Armies, but necessity  
That makes men Act what they would not, Compels it;  
We are not yet secured against the Malice  
Of our late vanquished Brother, there's a faction  
That waits an opportunity to befriend him,  
Beside his hopes in Italy; those clouds over,  
We doubt not but a fair day will give birth  
Unto the People's happiness and ours.  
In the mean time my Lords be it your Care  
To stop the current of their Cries, and keep  
Us fair in their opinion.  Agath. 
As Hel's Projector.  
Down, down big heart, thou'lt hang me else.  [aside to Epecides. Epeci. 
My Lord,  
Let Reason moderate your Passions,  
They are two violent, and may prove your Enemies.  [Epec. to Agat. aside 
Mazares wants not Hands.  Agath. 
Nor I a Heart  
To dare his worst; oh Epecides  [aside to Epe. 
I have lived too long to see this day.  Maza. 
My Lords, we know  
Crowns are but glorious burdens, and the weight  
Requires more heads than one to bear it up.  
You are th' approved Pilots of the State,  
Acquainted with all Creeks, and Rocks where danger  
Hides his destroying-head, and wisely can  
Steer her, should th' Malice of a Foreign Foe  
Swell to a Tempest, or Malignant breaths  
At home threaten her Ruin; on your faiths  
Depends ours and her safety.  Clean. 
Most gracious Sir,  
You have outdone even Expectation? and  
The Beams of Virtue that shoot from you  
Outshine the Glory of your Diadem,  
And bind our lives unto your Fortunes.  Phili. 
May we own our lives no longer  
Than they perform those offices of Duty  
Your Virtues do Command them to.  Maza. 
We own much to your Loves,  
And shall engross a time to pay the Debt  
Your Merits call upon us; we'll divide  
The happiness, if any wait upon  
A Crown, amongst you.  Agath. 
When he's warm in's Seat,  
They shall as little dare to claim his Promise,  [aside to Epeci. 
As the poor Crane his reward from the Lion,  
When he had pulled the Bone out of his throat.  Epeci. 
Restrain yourself,  
there's little Revenge in words, but words may be  
Revenged, be advised.  [aside to Agat. Adulan. 
May never Care breed favours in your blood,  
Nor troubles raise a Palsy in your Sceptre;  
May still Success attend your Erterprises,  
And Conquests beget Conquests, till you writ  
Yourself the World's great Monarch.  Archbi. 
May Heaven's eye  
Keep Sentinel while you repose, that no  
Traitorous Attempts may reach your Sacred Person.  Agath. 
Now may the Groans of dying men, the cries  [Agath. kneels, aside 
Of Widows, Orphans, and deflowered Virgins,  
Together with his Brother's wrongs continually  
Keep him awake, till with distracted rage  
(For want of Rest) he doth become his own  
Dire executioner.  Maza. 
What means this? Agathocles?  Agath. 
I have been at my Prayers too.  Maza. 
We thank you, and shall  
Endeavour to deserve so far,  
You shall not have Cause to repent them.  Agath. 
I believe no less.  Maza. 
Led on my Lords,  
With upright Care we shall discharge our trust;  
Kings are no longer Kings, than they are just.  Exeunt. [Agathocles pulls Epecides back. Agath. 
My Lord Epecides, a word,  
The King may spare us two; I may presume  
We are as little needed as regarded.  
If that thy looks deceive me not, thou art  
Yet free from this disease, this Itch of Honour,  
Which so transforms us into Servile flattery.  
Art swelled with lofty thoughts?  Epeci. 
They reach no higher  
Than th' Public good, which they devoutly wish,  
Though want a power to Compass.  Agath. 
thou'rt honesty itself;  
And to thy Bosom as my Sanctuary,  
My Soul shall fly to ease itself of what  
Would burst me to keep longer.  Epec. 
My Lord, you may  
Be confident I have a Soul as big  
With Grief as you, that fain would be delivered,  
If Reason would turn Midwife.  Agath. 
False Cleander  
Hath made the Field drunk with his country's blood,  
To set up an Usurper.  Epeci. 
It is pretended  
The People's Pressures and continual Calmours  
Enforced the War.  Agath. 
Kindled by the fire  
Broke from Mazares bosom, whose Ambitious  
Desire of Rule, bred the ill humours in  
The easily corrupted Multitude,  
Who, led by their pernicious hopes, that he  
Would bring on better days, gave breath unto  
Their Monstrous fury, and like a deluge,  
Broke forth and sank the Fortunes of Evander:  
That he poor Prince, having no other Ark  
Of Preservation than his Innocence,  
And faith he had in's friends, did fly to them  
Whose shelter served him but for a short time,  
For they with him at last were overwhelmed.  
But Epecides be thou confident,  
Though Hell hath furthered the Usurpers Plot,  
And smoothed it with success, Vengeance will reach him.  
Though heaven be slow it's punishment is sure.  Epeci. 
Hear but Cleander,  
Philistus, Adulanter, and the rest,  
And they will tell you Providence and Justice  
Sat on their Weapons points to punish Tyranny;  
And that our Kingdom by Mazares wisdom,  
Will flourish in a far better Estate,  
Than in Evanders' time.  Agath. 
Ambition wants not snares  
To Catch Vulgar Credulity, and carry  
On their Designs clear to the end they aim at.  
They are the Canes and Trunks through which th' Usurper  
Speaks to promote his purposes, and blast  
All good in's Brother, and Eclipse his right.  
Is not Planetius, the first bold Traitor,  
Of Mona made Provincial? Is not Cleander  
As big with hopes and Expectation?  
Does not Philistus fawn, and Court to out  
Missellus the Provincial of Vallis de Noto.  
Credit such Sycophants?  Epeci. 
Missellus is Noble,  
And if Mazares look not well about him,  
Evander may have an after Game to Play,  
Missellus was his Creature.  Agath. 
Where e'er he be,  
Though fortune left his Party, he retains  
A Mind invincible.  Epec. 
No question but  
The State was much distempered, and Evander  
Was not without his faults.  Agath. 
People disposed for Change,  
Survey the Vices of their Prince through Optics  
That rather multiply than lessen them:  
And what is in themselves but Criminal,  
Is in their Prince held horrid, as the Symptom  
To the disease of Tyranny.  Epeci. 
And dare correct;  
That in their Prince they would not in themselves  
Have taken notice of.  Agath. 
But allow there were  
Some things might grieve the People; Wise Experience  
Gives us to know that in th' lopping of Trees,  
The skilful hand prunes but the lower Branches,  
And leaves the Top still growing to Extract  
Sap from the Root, as meaning to Reform,  
Not to Destroy. I tell thee Epecides,  
Th' Excess of what was good in Prince Evander,  
Might Stock the barren breast ' of the Usurper.  Epeci. 
Men never rate their goods so highly  
As when theyare robbed of them. It is some ease  
To our afflictions, that we can thus vent  
Our Griefs to one another, for we must  
Despair of other remedy.  Agath. 
Very true,  
If we continue Children, and adore  
The Rod corrects us, kiss it till we smart for't,  
Enthrone base Fear in Valour's royal Seat,  
Let it Lord o'er our Spirits, till our blood  
Forsake its heat, and become Ice: But if  
We do retain the Glory of our Ancestors,  
(Whose Ashes will rise up against our dulness;)  
Shake off our Tameness, and give way to Courage,  
We need not doubt (inspired with a just rage)  
To break the necks of those that would yoke ours.  Epeci. 
I but—  Agath. 
Those Butts destroy us; are you willing  
To sit in th' dark and never see the Sun;  
With a besotted Patience see your goods  
Rifled, and your Inheritance ta'en from you,  
Unless you to secure his quiet will  
Part with your own, and by compliance banish  
The peace your Conscience yet is happy in?  Epeci. 
You know my Spirit's not so i'll  
But I would know a way, prescribe you one  
That's passable, I shall not only run  
My Fortunes with you, but make all the friends  
And nearest Allies I have as ready minded  
To do you service.  Agath. 
To a Resolved Mind  
Nothing seems difficult— Archias has a Noble gallant Spirit.  Epeci. 
What then?  Agath. 
He ever was a friend to Virtue, and's of Mazares line too.  Epeci. 
Unfold the Mystery.  Agath. 
What would you say if— he's wellbeloved and active.  [Enter a Messenger Epeci. 
Do you suspect me?  Agath. 
No, but hold here's some upon us.  Messen. 
Which is the Lord Philistus or Cleander, either will serve.  Agath. 
What is your business?  Mess. 
I've Letters to the King.  Agath. 
Whence came you?  Mess. 
From Messina.  Epeci. 
How fares the Lord Planetius?  Messe. 
His Honour is in health, I'd feign be discharged.  Agath. 
What news, what news, we'll bring you to the King.  Mess. 
Extreme good Gentlemen, the late Tyrant after his defeat going for Italy, was surprised by some of Tyche, in the Province of Vallis de Noto, killed, and cast into the River; a death too good for him.  Agath. 
So Sir—  Epeci. 
Oh forbear— But hear me friend is this news certain?  Messe. 
My Lord Planetius the Provincial of Mona had it so Sir, and he hath sent the same unto the King▪ I can say no more on't Sir, please you to bring me to those Gentlemen.  Agath. 
there's enough in Court to show you, you may walk thither Sir—  Messe. 
I could have done that without all this do Sir—  Exit Messe. Epeci. 
Passion's too much your Enemy.  Agath. 
Dog! a death too good for him?  Epec. 
What think you now on th'business you were upon?  Agath. 
I am beside myself, my Courage leaves me,  
And Reason tells me now I must be tame.  
The King—  Enter Mazares, Cleander, Philistus, Adulanter, etc. Messenger. Maza. 
Were not the Villains found.  Messen. 
I do not know an't please your Majesty.  
The King seems to be troubled at this News.  aside. 
I'll change my Note— 'tis like they were,  
For w'heard the Provincial of Vallis de Noto had  
Appointed the death of some body.  Maza. 
He did but Justice then; Oh Philistus  
And you my honoured Lords, our Griefs want utterance;  
He was our Brother, though our Country's Enemy,  
And they have ta'en away a part of us  
That sent him hence; It was a Deed (though Heavens  
Just hand was in't) we cannot but Lament.  
Your Pardon Supreme powers.  Phil. 
Most pious Prince.  Maza. 
Blame us not my Lords. We say again  
He was our Brother, and We cannot stop  
The Course of Nature.  [seems to weep. Agath. 
Can this he real!  Messen. 
He was a Gracious Prince, there's the truth on't.  
I could weep too for him.  Adula. 
How you Villain?  Messe. 
Why the King is not offended with me I hope? alas I have Nature in me too, good, Virtuous Prince, Evander.  Adul. 
Hast thou a mind to be hanged?  Messe. 
How! Is the Wind at that door. No Sir, not for e'er a dead Prince in Christendom; your Majesty may spare your tears, for in truth and verity he was but so, so.  Maza. 
Friend didst not say  
That th' Actors were punished by Missellus.  Messe. 
So I heard an't like your Highness.  Maza. 
'tis strange  
Planetius writes not so, but it's very likely;  
Missellus has in many things been seen  
Ready and Active for him, and no doubt  
Would now—  Cleand. 
Come, Come, Missellus grows too popular,  
Your Majesty may think on some more faithful.  Maza. 
We guess your meaning— Philistus,  
We shall dispatch you upon some affairs,  
As soon as we can shake this sadness off,  
And our Mind's fit for business.  Phil. 
It becomes my Duty to wait your  
Highness' pleasure.  Maza. 
Fellow attend our Secretary for a Confirmation of the Provinciallship of Mona to Planetius.  
Come my Lords.  Exeunt. Enter Archias and Harmonia. Harm. 
Begun so soon my Lord? you're hardly entered  
My Father house. Though th' entertainment comes  
Short of your Merits, My Lord, believe't you're welcome  
To poor Harmonia.  Archi. 
thou'rt rich in all that's good,  
And that's a Dower Queens would be glad to boast of.  
Since thy descent to love me, I'm exalted  
Above a Monarch's happiness.  Harmo. 
And part so soon?  
You have some other Mistress whose heaven  
Depends upon your Visit.  Arch. 
Pretty Jealousy,  
How sweetly it becomes her; Believe me dearest,  
By the blessed hopes I have in thee, Not any  
Beauty in Sicily (if there can any be  
Besides thyself; for in thee is the full  
Perfection of all Beauty met) has part  
Of the least thought of mine.  Harm. 
You shall not go though yet.  Enter Cleander. Arch. 
Thy Father— wilt thou now Licence me to go;  
I'll see thee  the Sun be six hours older.  [offers to go off. Cleand. 
My Lord Archias you have honoured me  
Exceedingly by this your Visit. I hope my coming  
Does not remove you hence.  Arch. 
My good Lord,  
Excuse me I beseech you, did not Business  
Of much Concernment call me hence, I should  
Account that time well spent wherein I might  
Serve you and your fair Daughter.  Clean. 
Pleasure yourself my Lord.  Arch. 
I am your Lordship's Servant— adve Sweet.  Exit. Cleand. 
Harmonia,  
I guess this Young Lord loves thee,  
His often Visits promise some such business;  
But I'd not have you Countenance it.  Harm. 
Why I beseech you Sir?  
You have been pleased to lavish forth his praises  
Beyond the Common Character; I've heard you say  
(With Pardon Sir) he had much Virtue in him.  Clean. 
And has so, but he cannot bring his Heart  
T'affect this King, although he be his Kinsman.  Harm. 
That is no Crime worthy my Notice Sir,  
Much less my disrespect. Pray give me leave  
To use him but with that Civility  
Becomes the Education of your Daughter.  Clean. 
My intents  
Fly higher to advance thee, if I live,  
And that the King perform his Royal word,  
(As that he dares not but do) thou shalt stand  
In Competition with a Queen for Greatness.  
Mazares is too weak a Politician,  
To think my vast Soul can be hemmed within  
The Circle of a Province, when a Kingdom  
Will scarce contain it. No, I do but take  
This as a Spot of Earth to what I aim at.  
I mean to Match thee Girl unto some Prince,  
By whose Assistance I'll reach the Ascendent,  
The Royal Seat Harmonia, And then  
We are thy Princely Father: Dost not Noise  
Rarely my Girl, the very Sound inspires  
My Soul with flames of Majesty— Go on Cleander,  
Till Neighbouring Princes wondering at thy Fate,  
With trembling Sceptres dread their own Estate.  Exeunt.   


ACT 2. SCE. 1.  Enter Mazares, Philistus, Adulanter, and Attendants. Maz. 
PHilistus sir,  
Sat Adulanter— who waits there?  [sit at Table. Guard. 
We an't like your Grace.  Maza. 
Bring us Wine,  
We are disposed to drown our Brother's Memory,  
And its appendent Sorrows in a full  
Bowl of rich Wine.  Phili. 
Done like your Princely self.  Maza. 
What should we  
Contract our Youth to Cares for, waste the heat  
Beats in our agile veins, and draw upon  
Our head a Snowy-Perrywig before  
Age claims it? We are resolved to make  
Our blooming Years no Prey for Melancholy.  Phili. 
You are our Sun, and we the Infant Plants  
That take life from you; when your Brow is Clouded  
We droop and Pine, as wanting heat; your Highness  
Now shows yourself in Glory; and our heads  
That lately were pressed down with discontent  
Look up to bless the Change.  Adul. 
Your Highness put  
Us all in fear you would Convert your Court  
Into a Monastery.  Maza. 
Ha', ha', ha', into a Mousetrap rather.  
Philistus to thee.— Fellow let not any  [drinks. 
Enter the Presence if thou regard'st thy safety.  
'Tis hoped our Subjects, will allow us a time  
Of Mirth after our toil for them.  Phili. 
Whether they will or not, your Majesty has power to take it.  Maza. 
How e'er we seemed to take our Brother's death,  
'Thas brought on our security, for such  
As durst before speak loud and big, now dare not  
Be seen to Whisper 'gainst us.  Phili. 
'tis a point of Policy,  
High as your Highness' safety to keep them  
At such an Awful distance; there's Epecides—  Maza. 
A Close and cunning Sophister, he carries  
A fire within him scarce to be discerned.  Phili. 
Agathocles comes not much short of him.  Maza. 
He has a daring Soul, and does attract  
The lewd Licentious People, as the fire  
That draws ill Vapours to't, but we're resolved  
He and the rest of's Insolent Crew shall meet  
Our Justice if they Submit not.  Phili. 
Your majesty's brow  
Is too serene, something of Wrath there seated  
Would seem far better.  Maza. 
where's our Secretary.  Adul. 
Call the King's Secretary  Enter Secretary. Maza. 
Hast done the Patent we gave Order for?  Secret. 
'Tis ready for your Majesty's Signing.  Maza. 
Give us Ink,— so— Philistus,  
We have Just cause to doubt Missellus faith too,  
And therefore will remove him, and on thee  
Confer the honour. He is seated like  
A Thorn in th'Heart of Sicily, and must be  
Cut off lest he spread farther, and do gore us.  [gives him the Patent. 
Take this as earnest of our Love to thee,  
Whose Loyalty we are assured of.  Phil. 
Fame  
Shall spread your Royal Bounty through the World,  
And may leave to Be when I forget  
To be your Highness' Servant.  Maza. 
Cleander had  
Our promise for't, but We do know him one  
Of an unconstant Spirit, full of Spleen;  
A Mind high and unbounded, and to drive  
On his own ends, will enter into League  
With Turk or Devil; therefore 'tis not safe  
For us to lay a trust of so high consequence  
On such a frail foundation, One whose faith  
Complies with every Wind, and strikes his Sails  
With every Tide and Change. But  
You drink slowly.— Come to thy  
Good Journey.  [Cleander knocks. Guard. 
The King is private.  Clean. 
I must speak with him.  Maza. 
Who's that so loud there?  Guard. 
The Lord Cleander.  Maza. 
Tell him 'tis not our pleasure to be spoke with.  Guard. 
My Lord you hear the King.  [Cleander strives and rusheth in. Clean. 
My Business is of Concernment,  
I will enter— How's this? surrounded  
With his Flatterers; 'tis like to be  
A State well governed.  Maza. 
Sir, you are Uncivil.  Clean. 
What mean you Royal Sir?  Maza. 
You're saucy, We say again you're saucy.  Clean. 
How?  Mazares. 
How durst you be so insolent?  Clean. 
I have deserved Sir better language from you.  
My anger is too strong for my Obedience,  
And will have th' upper hand. I come  
To claim your Royal word— I am Cleander Sir,  
Whose hand did seat the Crown upon your head Sir.  Maza. 
Provoke us not.  Phili. 
Good my Lord for your own safety.  
You see the King is moved.  Clean. 
Moved! By heaven I'll move him worse, tell me I'm Insolent.  Maza. 
And we shall punish it, if you go not the sooner.  Clean. 
I will not hence, and you shall hear me.  Maza. 
Go, you're impudent.  Clean. 
Am I so Sir?  
You did not tell me so, when I did waste  
Whole Nights, and spent my Spirits, to seduce  
The People to your Party, and lost my blood  
To serve you. I was not then—  Maza. 
Stir not in me  
An Anger that will shake thee.  Clean. 
Whose head, whose heart, whose hand appeared till mine,  
To make you what you are?  Maza. 
If we be King, Sir you shall feel there is  
A power belonging to't. where's our Guard?  
Take him away.  Phili. 
I beseech your Majesty.  Clean. 
Effeminate Lord, I scorn to own a life  
At thy Petitioning. Tyrant do thy worst.  
Is this the reward for all my services—  
Sat with your crew of Vaulters, and Contrive  
To turn your Citadels to dancing schools  
Or Stews fit for your purpose, till the Soldiery  
Like to a sudden Tempest scour your follies,  
And whip you to Repentance.  Maza. 
Away with him.  Guard. 
Come my Lord.  Clean. 
Yes I shall go— Ungrateful Prince,  
May all thy Brothers—  [drag him off Maza. 
Stop's mouth— away with him.  
So we are rid of th' Screech Owl, did you e'er hear  
Spleen better vented; All the Physicians of Palermo could not discover his disease better than he has done't himself.  Phil. 
And were I as your Majesty, I'd cure him  
By th'head for't.  Maza. 
'Tis not safe yet, but if this  
Tame him not,  
We shall fly higher,  Phili. 
The Serpent spit at me too.  Maza. 
we'll have the venom from him or his life for't.  Adul. 
He has a Daughter of that Beauty, would thaw a Stoick's bosom,  
She carries the Quintessence of Youth about her.  Maza. 
Art thou acquainted with her?  Adul. 
Though I am not, I want not Confidence,  
If that may serve your Majesty.  Maza. 
Is she composed for Mirth?  Adul. 
She bears a fame for Virtue.  Maza. 
What should we do with her then? she is no Match for us.  Adul. 
If your Majesty have a Mind to her  
I'll batter all her Virtues with your Glories;  
And ' less an Host of Angels come to Guard her,  
She shall not pass my purchase.  Phili. 
When you Storm her let not a Repulse or two  
Make you draw off your Siege, the third Assault  
Constrains her to Surrender.  Adul. 
I am not my Lord  
To learn the Art of Courtship, I have more  
Designs than one upon her.  Maza. 
We do like  
The Law Lycurgus made, and will Ordain  
The like amongst us; why should Youth be Curtailed  
Of that delight Nature intended it?  
men's Wives shall have the liberty to choose  
A friend to play the Husband's part sometimes.  Phili. 
Does your Majesty intent to Marry?  Maza. 
Marriage is but a Church Divise, that would  
Prefer sobriety amongst the Virtues,  
A stolen unsavoury thing; when as Variety  
Gives life to every Sense, and doth beget  
An Appetite, when t'other smothers it.  
Adulanter try thy Skill, We shall reward it.  Adul. 
I warrant she's your Majesty's.  Maza. 
Come Philistus,  
we'll bring thee on thy way, and lest Missellus  
Should prove stiff Necked, and not yield his Obedience  
To our Commands, our General shall send  
With thee 5000. men to force Admittance.  
Leontium, Tyche and Neapolis  
Stand fast to us, and will assist you if  
The Siracusians should stand out.  Phili. 
Your Majesty does enrich me with your Bounty.  Maza. 
Adulanter, We shall find employment worthy  
Thy liking in Palermo; We will have  
Thee near us.  Adul. 
Your Highness' Vassal.  Maza. 
'Tis fit,  
Royality should maintain them which uphold it.  Exeunt. Enter Agathocles and Epecides. Agath. 
He is my Kiug, his Brother's death hath made  
His Title good, and I must bring my heart  
Down to Obedience.  Epeci. 
Then you begin to cool.  Agath. 
I'm not Convinced in Conscience that 'tis lawful  
T'oppose the power now o'er us, since the hand  
Of Heaven is in't, whose high Decrees we ought not  
To question or dispute.  Enter Archias. Epeci. 
A happy Morning  
Toth' Noble Lord Archias.  Archi. 
The like to your Honours.  
You heard the news?  Epec. 
What is't my Lord?  Arch. 
Philistus is made Provincial of Vallis de Noto.  Epec. 
How likes Cleander it?  Archi. 
He's otherwise Provided for, Committed  
Upon displeasure Mazares has ta'en against him.  Epec. 
That's news indeed.  Agat. 
What Cleander, the Magazine of Policy,  
Is he blown up? Mazares only Atlas  
That shouldered him into the Throne.  Epec. 
This is some State Gin, some trick Politic.  Archi. 
Believe't 'tis true.  Epe. 
How can Mazares be without him?  Archi. 
Oh my Lord,  
Mazares used Cleander as the Lame  
Do their supporting Crutches, that's no longer  
Than as they need 'em; when that they are able  
To walk alore, they cast 'em from 'em.  Agath. 
Ha', ha', ha', I'm glad on't with all my heart.  
Mazares never Acted a thing as yet  
So near Commendable justice, Fair Astrea  
May give it a just Plaudit.  Arch. 
But Consider,  
If such who have ventured their part of Heaven  
To do him service, are not free from's Tyranny,  
Where rests our safety?  Epe. 
It is high injustice  
So to reward him.  Agath. 
In the survey of politics,  
Dost find a Traitor otherwise rewarded?  
Stands it with thy Discretion, to let lose  
A Tiger, when thoust moved him into Anger?  
No, 'tis a way both safe and full of Justice  
To Chain such Danger up; had he done otherwise,  
He had been fit rather to have ruled  
A Sheephook than a Sceptre.  Arc. 
Come you are too bitter,  
Think on Cleander's Age, and lend your aid.  Agath. 
He should have known more virtue in his Youth,  
And then his Age had now been Tempest proof.  Arch. 
For my sake good my Lord, and for his Daughters.  Agath. 
I, now my Lord you speak, you are concerned in't.  Arch. 
Your own, and all our freedoms are concerned in't.  
Shall we pay Duty and Obedience  
To him, who does instruct us to Rebel  
By his own Precedent? are we to learn  
How he Obtained the Sceptre? or want we Sense  
To feel how he imploies it? was it not  
His own insinuating Tenet to  
The People, ('gainst his Brother,) That the Virtue  
And Justice of the Prince were th' only Bonds  
That bond the People to him, and when he  
Should violate either, they were tied no longer?  
Are we not Freemen then?  Epeci. 
Highly requisite.  Arch. 
Where is the Common Right?  
Our Just Inheritance? bought with the blood  
Of our Indulgent Ancestors? whose Valour  
Bounded the Royal Power so, it durst not  
Spread beyond th' Acts of Piety and Justice.  [Enter Archbishop. Agath. 
See what Love, and Women can do!  Archi. 
My Lord Archbishop you are happily come  
To Contribute your advice.  Archb. 
My honoured Lords,  
The safety of your Persons frees my Soul  
That lately was a Slave to fear, and Jealousy.  Agath. 
I Churchman, 'twas your Fears, and Jealousies,  
Heaved first at our foundation. Sicily had been  
Clear from infection, had not your hot lungs  
Spit the Contagion. It was you gave Reins  
To the Licentious People, that Like Negroes  
Shot their envenomed Darts at th' Rays of Majesty,  
Whose careful heat did warm 'em.  Archb. 
You mistake,  
We aimed at no such thing, but to discharge  
Our Duties to our Country.  Agath. 
And you've proved  
The most undutifull'st of all her Children.  
And finding now the ends of your Ambition  
Of being Cardinal is clear laid open,  
By which your Pride is like to be Obscured,  
You do begin to belch forth fresh Sedition,  
And Create new Distempers, 'cause Mazares  
Will not do what you'd have him.  Archb. 
I come not Sir  
To bandy words, the World knows what I did  
Was in Relation to the Church's Peace,  
How e'er you term it; But so full of Poison  
I find the Gilded Pills of his Professions,  
That plainly I must tell you without fear,  
I hearty do wish those hands that were  
Employed to Seat him o'er us, had been used  
To put him in his Grave.  Arc. 
Or been loped off  
Before they had Contracted such an ill  
Upon our Country:  Epe. 
there's no time too late  
To launch the Ulcer and give ease unto  
The groaning People, if my Lord Agathecles  
Will call to Mind his death, that whets the Instrument,  
Whose Precious Memory will give life to all  
Our undertake.  Archi. 
Come, my Lord, I'll have  
The Bishop and you reconciled. we'll to  
Cleander's house, where the poor Lady Mourns  
Her Father's Absence, there we will Consult  
On some way to Obtain his and our Freedoms.  Agath. 
Let not the Churchman be in it, and then  
Doubt not but we shall make all right again.  Exeunt. Enter Adulanter and 3. or 4. Soldiers. Adul. 
This is her walk, I hope you do not faint  
At the Design, now 'tis so near attempting  1 Sould. 
Yes I warrant you, as though she were the first Wench we have had Occasion to make use of.  2. Soul. 
Why what do you take us to be? Milksops, I tell you Sir, we are Gentlemen in the first place, Soldiers in the second, and men in the last place.  Adulan. 
Good reason the last should take place of the first then; but stay,  
Yonder's the Bird for which we wait, I'll try  [Enter Harmonia. 
If she will come to hand, if not, your Net  
Shall noose her into Tameness— stand close.  
Hail Madam, Heaven's Epitome, on whose  
Blessed smiles the happiness of Kings depend,  
Pleasure and health attend you.  Harm. 
I thank you Sir,  
But here it is unseasonable where sorrow  
Has its Predominance.  Adul. 
I bring you Comfort,  
If you but please to honour the Address  
With kind Acceptance.  Harm. 
Has my Ruthless fortune  
More Miseries to heap on me, that she  
Presents me with such shadows of her favour?  Adula. 
The King, to whom your Father's life is forfeit,  
Throws both it, and his own into your lap  
If you will be so wise as to receive 'em.  Harm. 
Can I express a thankfulness beyond  
The Duty that I own ' n my Prayers for him,  
It should fly to him, pray be pleased to teach me  
The way to it.  Adul. 
Fame has been busy  
In giving to the King an Estimat  
Of your Perfections, whose high Value fills  
Th' Exchequer of his Breast, and 'tis your Love  
Must free the Heart your Bounty has subdued.  Harm. 
I'm ignorant of your meaning.  Adul. 
To be his Mistress.  Harm. 
Or in plainer Terms, which shows the truth on't,  
To be his Whore.  Adul. 
Fie; that is too Common;  
Consider Madam, he that Courts you is  
Your King, who may Compel where he entreats,  
And you will forfeit your Allegiance if  
You should deny him.  Har. 
To the Gods I should,  
Durst I presume to Grant it; if my Father  
Must not enjoy his life, but on the Terms  
Of my dishonour, th'duty that I owe  
To Heaven and Goodness will Implead against  
The Bonds of Nature, which can Challenge but  
The life it gave, and that I'll offer up  
To Ransom his.  Adulan. 
That will not serve the turn,  
You must to Court.  Harm. 
I'll first go to my grave.  Adu. 
Nay then adve Compliment, and to your business fellows.  Har. 
What mean you?  Adu. 
To hid your Blushes Madam.  Har. 
Help, help, help.  They throw a silk bag over her, she strives with them, they stop her mouth with a Glove, and bind her hands and feet. Adul. 
Stop her mouth.  Enter Agathocles, Archias, Epecides, and Archbishop. Agath. 
I am overcome in Reason, and do Crave  
Your Lordship's pardon.  Archb. 
My Lord you have my Heart  
At your disposing.  Archi. 
This Reconcilement's handsome.  Adu. 
So, the field's our own, take up your Bag and Baggage, March fair and softly,  
When we come to Court we'll share the Booty.  As they are carrying her away they meet the Lords, they cast her down and run back. 
A Plague upon't, down with your load, and make an Honourable Retreat.  Exeunt. Arch. 
'Twas Adulanter— what's this, It moves,  Unbinds her, takes the Glove out of her mouth. 
Your help my Lords,— Ah! 'tis Harmonia.  Archb. 
What Monstrous Stratagem had they upon her?  Harmo. 
Air is a Blessing, oh, let me have more on't.  Arch. 
Dear Madam speak your wrongs, and we will right you,  
If the best blood in Sicily can do't.  Harm. 
My life, and Honour, (far more precious) were  
Designed for Slaughter.  Agath. 
How Madam! by whom?  Harm. 
By him who, should protect the Innocent,  
The Lawless King; whose Causeless wrath upon  
My Father, nothing could appease unless.  
I made sale of my Virtue, and my Youth  
To satisfy his Lust,  Arch. 
Whose fire we'll quench  
With his own blood; be confident Harmonia  
Thy Father shall outlive his Power and Cruelty.  Agath. 
If we take not this edge off, We shall have  
Our Wives and Daughters made the Subjects of  
Our scorn and shame, and be squeeked out in Ballads  
For honourable Cuckolds, Princely Panders.  
Whose Soul is so besotted to his fear  
He can contract it to a Minute's Patience?  Archbi. 
Not I  Epec. 
Nor I; sure he does think the Gods  
Are all asleep, or have forgot to punish.  Arc. 
Hence Patience, thou Fools virtue;  
I'll shake off  
Thy Coldness, with the Witchcraft of Obedience,  
Who have so long kept me in Cells of Slavery  
I could not see the Glory of my Freedom.  Agath. 
we'll kindle all our Vigour at thy flame,  
And teach our knees to Pay their homage to  
No Power but thine; My Lords if that we be  
All of one Mind, cry, long live Archias.  Arch. 
I wait not for that Dignity believe me,  
All my Ambition is to free this Lady  
From th' ghastly fears that haunt her, and give liberty  
Unto her happiness, by her Father's Freedom.  Archb. 
Which to Achieve (my Lord) receive the Power  
Heaven and We offer you; Monreall is  
Your own already.  Agath. 
And the Agrigentines  
Proclaim you in my Voice their lawful King.  Epeci. 
And all the Citizens in Palermo speak  
The like in me— Long live Archias.  Omnes. 
Long live Archias.  Arch. 
My Lords forbear, Mazares lives.  Archb. 
Abhorred of the Gods, and 'tis but Justice  
To take him off.  Arch. 
Heaven fit me for the trust  
You a throw on me, and now Harmonia,  
Sweet Empress of my Soul, receive thy Archias,  
Who must not know a Joy but what thou sharest of;  
Cleander freed, We shall request your hand,  
To join our hearts, My Lord.  Archb. 
Where Virtue keeps  
Her Court, the Gods are Guests; your  
Choice is Heavenly.  Harm. 
I was even now the wretched'st of all living,  
And now am lifted to a happiness  
That Queens would kneel to purchase—  
My Dear Lord.  Archi. 
My Heaven on Earth.  Agath. 
Think on your Business Sir,  
The perfecting of that gives length unto  
Your Amorous Days.  Epeci. 
Whose flourishing we wish.  Arch. 
My Lords, my thanks, with your advice I move,  
No Engine is so powerful as your love.  Exeunt. Enter Mazares, Adulanter. Adul. 
The finest coming'st Lady that your Highness  
Can wish to meet withal, and rarely handsome.  Maza. 
And did accept our proffer?  Adul. 
As Greedily  
As Bees suck sweetness from the fragrant Stock  
Of Flora's Early bounty.  Maza. 
I'm all flame,  
By Heaven not one of them shall scape my fury.  Adul. 
Nay, I think I had like to have  
Mauled two of them,  
Had not the Church man with his Club-law Precepts  
Beat down my Resolutions.  Maza. 
Damn his Daubing,  
He is that Knack, Religous-Mountebanck,  
A Box of frenzied-zeal which he applies  
On all Occasions, to all sorts of sores,  
And wracks the Patient with more fear and Torment  
Than Hell itself can put him to.  Adul. 
A Coat  
He wears that has been turned seven times.  Maza. 
Which we will turn o'r's Ears, and then turn them  
Oppose our Pleasure; He, and all the rest  
Of his Confederates shall know we wear  
Our Crown not for a Cipher, and our Sceptre  
Shall prove a scourge to them; they have awaked  
A fury that no Prayers can allay.  
Haste to the Governor Icelis, tell him  
It is our will Cleander's Spirit leave  
The World with speed and privacy. Proclaim  
Our Cockbrained Cousin, and the Piebaled Churchman,  
Agathocles and Epecides Traitors;  
And such as shall take them five thousand Talents.  
So violent I grow in my desire,  
I must enjoy it or set all on fire.  Exeunt.   


ACT 3. SCE. 1.  Enter Evander, Missellus. Evan. 
Pursued by my bad Fate, whose Cruelty  
I knew would not admit of any Mean  
Should it once seize on me, I struck myself  
Into Disguise, by whose Obscurity  
I came to Tyche, there, gave out my hand  
Had killed Evander, at which, some that were  
My Enemies gave tokens of their Sorrow;  
Others, who thought their Rising not secure  
‛ Less by my Irrecoverable fall,  
Highly applauded me. At last a Remnant  
Of my poor friends, Resolved to pay their last  
Service unto my Memory, though with  
The loss of their Estates and lives, did lay  
Plots to destroy me as the horrid Murderer,  
And I, not daring to open myself  
To them, for fear I should let in the fury  
Of my stern Adversaries, did steal away  
With the Night's silence.  Miss. 
Though the beginning of  
This Story melts my Soul, Yet Providence  
Is seen in th' winding up, which did direct  
Your Highness hither, where you're as secure  
From danger as your thoughts are in your Bosom.  Evan. 
We doubt it not.  Miss. 
You dead, what can Mazares  
Pretend to keep his Armies up? this, I'll  
Possess the People with, and stir them to  
Propose their straight disbanding, which if Granted,  
The Course of Fate is turned, and he left Naked,  
And shelterless from any Storm may happen.  
On t'other side if he denies it, than  
Th'incensed People like a sudden Earthquake  
Removes him, were his Pride more Mountainous  
Than are his Vices Monstrous; thus on all sides  
I'll him him in, so he shall know no way  
To scape your Vengeance; be but pleased to suffer  
Under this Cloud awhile, and you'll appear  
More glorious to your People's eyes and hearts,  
When time presents a fitness for discovery.  Evan. 
Thou art our faithful Counsellor, and We  
Next to the Gods do owe ourselves to thee.  Exeunt. Enter Philistus, Thimistius, Philander, Soldiers. Phili. 
We are not far from Syracuse, this Passage  
Is the direct line to't, as the Map speaks.  Thimi. 
My Lord, I hope your Honour will not show  
Yourself so much a Stranger to Designs  
Of War, as to give them th' advantage of  
A Parley, but rush suddenly upon them,  
And like a Torrent we'll bear all before us,  
there's Soldier in't.  Phili. 
It is too rash advice  
And must be slighted; Missellus is a Person  
That Roughness will not work upon.  T'him. 
My Lord,  
He is no Coward, and his honour's linked  
Unto his life, he that will seek the one,  
Must venture for the other, or lose both.  Phili. 
If my desires effect but what they aim at,  
I care not when, or how, 'tis purchased.  
Haste you with the King's Letter to Missellus,  
Tell him 'tis my desire to keep the League  
Of friendship 'twixt us, and without a bustle,  
Which may let forth some blood, have him Surrender;  
Tell him, 'tis no displeasure that the King  
Has ta'en against him, that occasions his,  
But to give ease unto his Age, and draw  
Him nearer him at Court, where he shall find  
The service of his Youth, in's latter days  
Crowned with a peaceful Laurel, and content  
Ad length unto his years.  Phila. 
I go my Lord.  Exit Philander. Phili. 
Thimistius, March fair and softly, we shall be  
Too soon upon 'em else; this cannot but  
Insinuate a faith into him, to  
Give way to my Admittance, since the offer  
Carries so full a sense of fairness in't.  T'him. 
My Lord, he's not to learn this Principle,  
Where Princes call back Honours done, the life  
Is the next thing in Question.  Phili. 
Let the Fates  
Contrive their worst against it, if Antanter  
Bring us supplies from the Provincial  
Of Mona, we will fire it but we'll have it.  Thimst. 
Well, my Lord, the Craft's in th' Catching.  Exeunt. Enter Missellus, Philander, and Attendants. Miss. 
Dost come to dare me Fellow?  Phila. 
I conceive  
With favour of your Excellence, the Terms  
Are very Civil, and no danger in 'em.  Miss. 
I shall reward his Subtle Modesty  
If I but get him here, as I will you  
The worthy Messenger, takes head off.  Phila. 
You dare not?  Miss. 
Thou art mistaken friend; away with him.  
Oh that I could with as much ease destroy  
All th'barbarous Enemies of my wronged Sovereign.  
Make strong the Gates and Walls, and let the Fort  
Hexapile be stoutly Manned, we'll be  
Prepared to whip the Boy and's Company.  Exeunt. Enter Philistus, Thimistius, and Soldiers. Phili. 
The Gates are shut against us.  T'him. 
What think you now on't?  Phili. 
Beat a Parley.  The head of Philander is thrown over the Wall. 
How's this? Philanders' head?  Thimi. 
Which you might have preserved upon his shoulders,  
Had you given but regard unto my Counsel.  
But you are Lordly-wise, and cause you can  
Batter a Lady's fort with your fine Rhetoric,  
You think the Town's your own, and men are bound  
To bend unto your Compliment, or trust  
The Glass of your deceit.  Phil. 
'Tis fine, affronted  
By Greasy Buff and Biscuit.  T'him. 
Some strong Water  
To keep the thing from fainting, poor Young Man,  
How pule he looks upon't.  Phili. 
Take thy reward.  [Pistols him. Sould. 
Our Colonel slain.  Enter Antanter. Phili. 
Were there more living of his saucy Nature  
I'd send them after him; Antanter what  
Says the Provincial?  Anta. 
he'll do nothing Sir  
Without a Warrant from the King, he says  
He does believe there will be no such need,  
Missellus will resign upon fair Terms.  Phili. 
But you see how it is?  Antanter looks on Thimi. body. Ant. 
I do indeed,  
And sorrow that I see't— How came Thimistius  
By this his death?  Sould. 
That Lord's hand did it.  Anta. 
How?  Phili. 
Come, we will venture with the Men we have  
To scale the walls.  Ant. 
We will not scale Sir.  Philist. 
So,  
You will not, very good; do you see this head Sir?  Anta. 
And that body too Sir.  Phil. 
Let me have better Language or by Heaven  
I'll make you as tame as these.  Ant. 
You cannot Sir.  Phili. 
How?  Anta. 
'Tis not all  
The strength you have in Feather or Perfume  
Can fright me Sir; Your Amber Bracelets carry  
Not half the Terror of Chained shot, nor is  
Your Title Lord a Bulwark to defend you.  Phili. 
You're a Rascal.  
Come Soldiers March with me.  Anta. 
Not a Man stir,  
there's satisfaction to be given for  
The life of that brave Man, which I will have  
Or pay my own.  Soula. 
Gallant Major.  Phi. 
I shall not spare to give you Sir your due.  [strikes him. Anta. 
I'll not be backward in rewarding it.  [returns it, and draws. Phil. 
You are Pot-valiant (Sir) it seems.  Anta, 
'Tis past the Art of Man to make you so;  
I am a Soldier Sir.  [draws, fights. Phili. 
And must be beat  
Into Civility, I'll make you know  
There is a difference 'twixt us.  Anta. 
True indeed,  
You can out-talk me.  
How do you Sir?  [Phil. wounded. Phil. 
You shall know by and by Sir—  
I am lost.  [dies. Anta. 
Farewell thou Tyrant over Woman's flesh.  
Take up Thimistius body, it shall have  
An honourable burial, as for his  
Let it remain a sport for th' Siracusians.  
The King I know will run besides himself  
To hear on's Minions loss, but you I hope,  
My friends and fellow Soldiers, will wade with me  
Through all the Lakes of danger.  Sould. 
we'll never leave you.  Anta. 
Bravely resolved, and I will die with you.  Exeunt. Enter Missellus and Soldiers. Miss. 
theyare marched away; what's here Philistus body,  
Our late Competitor? Why here's revenge  
Strangely effected! See the fate of Traitors!  
How wonderfully Heaven does bring about  
Their Punishment! that like to Cannibals  
The one doth eat the other; bring it in;  
My hate ends with his Life, and now my Charity,  
Though he deserved it not, will give him burial.  Exeunt. Archias, Agathocles, Epecides Cleander, Icetis, pass over the Stage. The People follow, crying an Archias, an Archias, an Archias. Enter Mazares, Adulanter, and Attendants. Adul. 
Their Envy is Invincible, and the People  
Time's Shuttlecocks) do bring unto your Gates  
The hideous Shape of danger.  Maza. 
My deceit  
Shall Rock that Monster into sleep, had it  
More eyes than Argos.  Adul. 
'Tis impossible,  
The Agrigentines have thrown off Obedience;  
Monreall is revolted; All your Castles  
And strongs holds in Palermo are delivered  
Into their hands; the Magistrates join with them.  Maza. 
Go use thy best Endeavours Adulanter  
T' appease the People, turn right Courtier, promise,  
And we'll perform at Leisure.  Adul. 
Your Highness  
I hope is not in Earnest; I go amongst 'em!  
Have you a Mind to have my Brains beat out?  
I am your Pimp they say, (Sir,) am so hated,  
The very Boys throw Turap tops at me.  Maza. 
Alas poor Adulanter, we will blow  
This Storm away ne'er fear it, Let our Guard  
Be doubled, till we can send t' Her mocrates  
To bring his Forces hither: If the Traitors  
Come not too suddenly upon us, We  
Will turn the poisoned Darts they'd throw at us  
'Gainst their own Bosoms, They do play with fire  
Till it Consume 'em.  Adul. 
They like Moales have worked  
In darkness all this while, to set the Kingdom  
In such a flame that might both Perish you  
And all your friends.  Maza. 
Fire sooner may dissolve  
The Adamant, the Parched Negroes strike  
Through th' Battlements of Heaven. We are above  
The reach of Malice, Fortune is Obliged  
To wait upon our Merit, and our Influence  
Can in a breath dispierce their proud Designs,  
As Winds divest the Trees of Leaves. Let fear  
Dwell among Fools it shall have no Harbour here.  Exeunt. Enter Archias, Archbishop, Agathocles, Epecides, Soldiers. Archi. 
Leave it to me, I'll do the business Gentlemen.  Archb. 
'Tis not discretion to expose your Person  
So unconcerned in this; 'tis we, the People,  
Whose wrongs infer the Cause.  Arch. 
Which I must manage.  
 made me your Protector, and Revenger,  
Which I'll perform, did Gloomy Magic Guard him;  
Or were he wrapped in Air, or hid in some  
Dark Cavern of the Earth, my Heart grown big  
Like Dire Revenging Thunder would make through  
The bodies of them both to find him out.  Agathoc. 
Our lives shall wait on yours through dangers mouth.  Sould. 
An Archias, an Archias.  Exeunt. Enter Mazares and Adulanter. Adul. 
They have surprised the Guards, and are upon us.  Maza. 
Haste to the Winner, leave us to our Fortune,  
Provide for thy own safety, We are armed  
With Resolution to overcome the worst  
The Fates can throw upon us; leave us, leaev us.  Adul. 
They'll hang me Sir, and I've no  
Mind at this time  
To such a death.  Maza. 
Trifle not away  
The time, they will not; go, leave us.  Adul. 
Well, If I chance to swing, pray  
Heaven I may  
Have Heart enough to bear it.  Maza. 
Injurious Fate, for all the pride thou tak'st  
In my destruction thus I will embrace thee.  Takes the sword off the Table, kisses it. 
Mischief's like waves tumble o'er one another,  
To beat themselves upon me, and theyare welcome;  
This passes me through all. Poor ignorant souls  
That start at Death, and think him terrible!  
His shape appears to me worthy the Courting;  
And like my Friend I kiss him; on this Point  [kisses the sword, 
He shows himself most lovely, decked with all  
The Ornaments of honour Fame can give him.  
Thus I salute thee, thus again I greet thee,  Opens his doublet. 
And thus I offer up a heart unto thee:  
A heart, thy Terror cannot tame, 'tis Love  
Of thy sweet fellowship overcomes me, not  
A fear to meet thee, that, my Soul disdains.  
Mazares dwell not on delays, be high  
In thy Resolves, as thou hast lived so die.  [Throws himself upon his sword. 
Oh, I have prevented you.  [falls. A great shout within. Enter Archias, Archbishop, Agathocles, Epecides, Soldiers. Archi. 
And I  
Envy thy death in that I lose  
The glory of saving of thy life.  Maza. 
Which must have lasted  
But Pageant-like two days upon your Triumphs,  
And my shame been perpetual.  Archb. 
Do you find  
Any remorse within you? does the wrongs  
 offered to the Gods in pulling down  
Their Temples and their Altars work upon you  
Any show of repentance?  Maza. 
Thou Church-Glow-worm,  
Who dost pretend a heat of Zeal, yet art  
Colder than th'alps in Charity, if proved,  
My Enmity to thee gives strength unto me,  
And I could— but o I fail, this my death  
Shall prove a Monument to my Glory— Farewell.  Enter a Soldier with Adulanter. Sould. 
Here is another of the crew.  Arch. 
Hang him up.  Adul. 
Who me Sir? I ne'er dreamt of ill against you, have prayed as hearty for you as for any Man living; for I may speak a proud word, I never prayed in my life. I hope my mother brought me up better than so, to be hanged.  Cleand. 
Let me beseech your pardon for him, alas  
He is not worth your Justice, and may prove  
Useful hereafter— to me  [aside. Arch. 
Noble Father,  
For so we must be taught to call you, you  
Have greater power upon us than this Grant;  
'Tis yours as soon as asked.  Adula. 
Heaven bless the King.  Arch. 
Take up Mazares body, his rites over,  
The next thing we shall do, is to perform  
Our Vows made to the Gods, and take Harmonia  
Your Daughter to our Bed.  Cleand. 
And the next thing  [aside. 
That follows is thy death, I must be King.  Exeunt.   


ACT 4. SCE. 1.  Enter Archias, Harmonis, Archbishop, Agathocles, Cleander, Epecides, Adulanter. Arch. 
we'll have the Temples of the Gods repaired,  
And their neglected Altars smoke with Sacrifices.  Archb. 
A glorious Piece of Piety.  Arch. 
The Citizens  
Who for their Duty to Evander were  
Banished by the late Tyrant, strait called home;  
And to Hermocrates with his Complices  
Who did assist Mazares, a free Pardon.  Agath. 
A blessed beginning.  Archi. 
We will have the burden  
The Kingdom now groans under by the Soldierly  
Be taken off.  Archb. 
The Gods will dwell amongst us.  Archi. 
My Lords I shall endeavour to reduce  
This rude and discomposed Soil into  
A Tempe of Delight, where sweet Harmonia  
Shall be the only Queen.  Harm. 
It will become me  
To be but then your Servant.  Archi. 
Sweet thou know'st  
I am beneath thy Courtship, and the interest  
I have in thee is holy.  Archb. 
May you flourish  
Together like the Plants the Sun gives life to.  Clean. 
Will your Highness  
Think on Antanter?  Arch. 
Oh his Modesty  
Works much upon us, we could chide ourselves  
In that we have abused it, by neglect  
Of his so just and reasonable a suit.  
As for the other, his Competitor,  
A black Cloud of Debauchness and lewd Vice's  
Eclipse his Valour, and gives us Occasion  
To look upon Antanter as more worthy  
Of such a Charge, whose Virtue is our Warrant.  
Kings in bestowing Favours should be nice,  
And rather punish than Encourage Vice.  Exeunt. Enter Cleander, Adulanter. Clean. 
Adulanter.  Adul. 
My Lord.  Clean. 
Wilt tell me one thing, and be just.  Adula. 
Rip up my heart my Lord, if I dissemble.  Clean. 
How stands thy affection to this King?  Adul. 
As clear as—  Cleand. 
Mine is not, be free, I love thee,  
And thou hast found I do.  Adul. 
I have indeed,  
I owe my life unto you, you may take it,  
For that's the thing you aim at.  Clean. 
thou'rt deceived,  
'Twill benefit me nothing; come, I know  
Thou canst not love him, thou hast lost a Master  
As far beyond him, as pure Substance is  
Beyond Corruptible; and though he did  
Me some ill offices, his Memory is  
Still dear unto me.  Adul. 
Oh my Lord, my Lord.  Clean. 
By all the Gods I lie not, and to be  
More plain with thee, I could wish Archias  
Were ready for the Earth.  Adul. 
If that your Lordship  
Be real, I would it were no worse.  Clean. 
If he were dead, my Daughter I would Govern,  
And thou shouldst govern me.  Adul. 
Oh fie, my Lord.  Clean. 
I do protest we would divide the Kingdom  
Betwixt us, she (poor thing) would think it happiness  
Enough for her to eat, sit, and be quiet:  
Whereas the Managing of high affairs  
Should pass through us, through us Adulanter.  Adul. 
Hum, hum.  Clean. 
Whose knee dares own a stiffeness? whose Obeisance  
To Adulanter dare be wanting? when  
Thou Frownest, who dares but trembble?  Adul. 
When such a thing shall come to pass quoth a—  Cleand. 
Dost make a question on't, when now it lies  
Within thy power to Compass.  Adul. 
How, in mine?  Clean. 
Art thou not my by means raised near his Person?  
One of the Bedchamber? how easy 'tis  
To cut is throat.  Adul. 
The sight of my own blood,  
Has ever been a Terror to me.  Clean. 
True,  
That's Natural, and yet no Courage wanting  
To draw a Sea of blood from any other;  
The Colour is most precious for the sight,  
And sweetly Cordial to the Man that tastes it.  Adul. 
Nay I confess I'd rather see of th' two  
Another's blood than mine.  Clean. 
'Tis justly spoken.  
Wouldst thou be King alone?  Adul. 
Hum— I care not much.  Clean. 
Thou shalt be so, be but thyself, and show  
Thy Courage in this Enterprise: I'll Marry  
Thee to my Daughter.  Adul. 
she's a pretty thing,  
By Heaven I shall be damned for her.  Clean. 
I'd rather  
Thou shouldst possess her than the Fool that has her;  
And I, thy fellow servant once, will then  
Become thy humblest servant, truly faithful.  Adul. 
You puff me up Sir, tell me how I shall  
Contain myself.  Clean. 
Not within any limit  
Less than a Kingdom.  Adul. 
How shall I obtain it?  Clean. 
Why, as you'd kiss your hand, to kill the King;  
It is but making the Guard Drunk, or so.  Adul. 
And I'm as good at that as any living;  
My Lord I will be drunk too boot, for than  
I have most Courage.  Clea. 
Backed with Night and silence  
You cannot want it; when you have done the Deed  
Strike towards the Back stairs, there I will wait you,  
And Shelter you a while, till the bright Morn  
Salutes your happiness.  Adul. 
My Lord, 'tis done;  
I am as Mad as a March hare upon't,  
Methinks I have him here, and there already,  
You will hear more to morrow.  Exit. Clean. 
Silly Ass,  
That only art employed to carry me  
Unto my bliss, thyself unto destruction;  
he's held an Animal has no Deceit  
In these times to make his own Fortunes Great.  Exit. Enter Archias, Harmonia, Archbishop, and Attendants. Archbi. 
Heaven and good Angels guard you both.  Exit Archbi. Arc. 
Good rest  
To you my Lord.  Exeunt Archias, Harmonia. 1 Guard. 
Lights for the Lord Archbishop.  Enter Adulanter. Adul. 
Did the King call for me?  2 Guard. 
Not in our hearing.  Adul. 
Come, praised be Heaven there is no danger lurking, what need we wait? 'tis better for the state of our bodies to fall down into the Wine seller, and there bid defiance to the Devil and all's works.  Guard. 
A Match, a match.  Exeunt. Enter Agathocles, Epecides, and Attendants. Epeci. 
The Mask did keep the King up longer than  
His usual time.  Agath. 
It was a handsome thing,  
And well performed, all happiness wait on you.  Exit. Epec. 
Peace keep with your thoughts my Lord, Good night.  Attend. 
Lights there.  Exeunt. Enter Adulanter. Adula. 
I have encountered with most of the Wines  
In the King's Seller to beget me Courage,  
Yet I'm as Cold to't as a Cowcumer  
I was not made for fight, one loud snort  
Destroys me and my Enterprise: 'Tis Dark  
As is the Act I go about; were't light  
I should not have the heart to kill a Pig.  
I must turn on my left hand (when 'tis done)  
To the back stairs, where there is a Trap-door  
That will receive me. I do not like  
These backward do, pray Heaven I be not  
Transported so with fear I do mistake  
My right hand for my left, and so be trapped.  [pulls by the hang 
I cannot say in sober sadness— but with your leave Sir;  
he's fast, yet dreams not on't, now! that one blow  
May do't! I dare not stand the second—  Kiss Harmonia, and runs to the Trap door where he falls and breaks his neck. Harm. 
Oh, oh, oh.  Arch. 
What disturbs thee sweet, speak to me,  
Oh, her breasts are cold as snowballs,  
She grows stiff. Lights there— where's our Guard?  
No Attendants, not one Man—  Enter Agathocles, Epecides, in their Night-gowns, and Lights. 
Hear me, are you all—  [Arch. rises. Agath. 
The King's disturbed.  Epeci. 
How fares your Highness?  Arch. 
Bring your lights this way— Ah!  
The Bed swims in a Sea of Blood— Harmonia.  Enter Cleander. Epeci. 
The Queen is Murdered.  Clean. 
The King Murdered! how!  Arch. 
Look here Cleander, her's a sight— my Senses  
Wander I know not whither.  Clean, 
How! my Daughter  
Harmonia the Essence of my life.  [Servant. Agath. 
Can no man find the Murderer, where's the Guard?  Seru. 
Dead drunk in th' Wine-cellar.  Clean. 
This is the Murderer, then seek no farther;  
I will have justice, oh my cursed Fate.  [Exit Tearing his hair. Epcci. 
How's Grief transports him.  Agath. 
Can you blame him?  
H'has lost a Daughter this Age cannot Parallel.  Epeci. 
The Murderer not found yet?  [Enter with the body of Adulanter. 1. 
This does appear like such a Monster.  2. 
His hire is paid, his Neck is broke.  Agath. 
'Tis Adulanter, where found you him?  1. 
The Trap door near the back stairs we found open, which has not been these ten years before, and we suspecting searched the place and found him.  Archi. 
And is he found? let him be Carbonadod,  
To Breakfast his Confederate the Devil.  
Or Pickle him in boiling Lead to get  
The Fiend a stomach; Oh you Gods, you Devils,  
Heaven, Hell, I will call all of you to question.  Exit Aga. 
Let's follow him with Circumspective care,  
This is the first step to the Hill, Dispair.  Exeunt. Enter Cleander. Clean. 
Thou shalt no longer insult o'er my faculties  
Unprofitable Grief; I'm not Designed  
To end my days with thee, but must unload  
Myself of thy dull burden; were the whole  
Stock of Woman lost in my Harmonia,  
IT should not exact or draw a tear from me.  
Shall I retreat now, that have Charged so fairly  
At th'bosom of a King? no, on Cleander,  
Perfect thy work, dis-seat him, make thyself  
Lord of his fortunes, by thy Glorious Conquest.  
My Resolution's fixed as is the Centre,  
Which Fate cannot remove; King thou must down,  
Two heads cannot be impaled within one Crown.  Enter Agathocles, Epecides. 
But to my former shape; these are Courtspies,  
I must not trust 'em. Good health to your Lordships,  
You now do show the sweetness of your natures,  
In time of heaviness, there's virtue in A Visit.  Epeci. 
Would ours might bring you Comfort.  Agath. 
The King is so infected with his sorrow,  
Advice is lost to cure him. All his Study  
Is to preserve the Memory of your Daughter,  
Which 'cause he will not lose, he makes her shadow  
His Idol, to the which he offers up  
His Morn and Night Oblations.  Clean. 
How should I  
Behave myself then? my Grief should as far  
Exceed his, as my loss transcended his.  Epec. 
Your loss was great.  Clean. 
Great do you tell me! Great!  Agath. 
I cannot think the ill was meant to her,  
Rather unto the King.  Epec. 
The Guard  
Upon Examination said that Adulanter  
Was drunk when he left them, but what—  Clea. 
Pray tell me no more on't, 'tis not pleasing, I may be quiet  
In my own house I hope.  Epec. 
We came not Sir  
With an intent to raise your Anger, but  
 allay your sorrow with our best advice.  Clean. 
You may go home and advise upon't; tell me of comfort, and advice?  Agath. 
Nay good my Lord you may take pet and hang yourself if you please, 'tis all one to us  Clea. 
Teach me to tame a Tiger when his fierceness  
Ranges for Prey, and forbids Opposition;  
Empty the Ocean and fill it again;  [raves. 
To breathe life into Clay— Tell me of Comfort?  Epec. 
Come let's leave him, alas 'tis his Torment  
To hear her named— We take our leaves my Lord.  Exeunt. Clean. 
Why farewell you— so, they are gone,  
I had no better way than to Rave them hence.  [Enter a Scotch Apothecary. 
Oh, are you come Sir, why so long first?  Apoth. 
Goud faith, give I had rid the Deel and spult the weamb o'th' wund, I cud a mead na mare hest. Kym away Sir, what's your Will an pleas your Honour?  Clean. 
They say you have great skill.  Apoth. 
Very Muckle Sir; I ha' not been a Poles-Screamer this twenty years far naught.  Clea. 
I do not love the King.  Apoth. 
Reight we'll Sir, nor I by my saw what would you toll him Sir?  Clean. 
I would be rid of him.  Apoth. 
wol your Honour be a Hearse or a Mere?  Clean. 
Away, I'd be quit of him.  Apoth. 
Aw Sir, your honour would be quite au him! be me saw, ye fall, but whilk way me Lord an please your honour?  Clea. 
I'd have him poisoned.  Apoth. 
Peysoned! be me saw I kan dew that brawly, I leard it fra Bough-wha-nan Sir.  Clea. 
And he was an excellent King-killer.  
He has a Picture of my murdered Daughter,  
On which he pays his early and late kisses,  
Not for the Love he bears her Memory,  
But to deceive Revenge.  Apoth. 
Aw Sir! she fall buss him deed a me saw,— wool  pulls him by the sleeve. 
Ye shaw me toll her Sir.  Clea. 
I'm glad to see the spirit of a Scot  
So resolute, it stars not at the Murdering  
Of the Fool's Idol, King.  Apot. 
Aw King Mon! dee'l awe me saw bet I, au me Countramen ha' peysoned thra better Kingdoms as this, au give I sud noow for awe King the Deel au me faugh lugg's.  Clean. 
Thou art a brave fellow, and 'tis pity such  
Desert should suffer; come along with me.  
When thou hast done, I'll make an end of thee.  [aside. Exeunt. Enter Agathocles, and Antanter. Antan. 
I thought it then high time to overtake  
His Mounting-pride, and Level it with the Earth;  
And not to let him grow more fruitful in  
His sin, and overtopping Insolency.  Agath. 
It was a Deed Antanter that deserves  
To live in th' Mouth of Fame, that after Ages  
From thence may learn not to fear bugbear-greatness.  Anta. 
Thimistius body I gave burial, and Left tother's to Miselluses disposal.  Agath. 
'Twas no small sport to him, but it was strange  
Planetius should deny Assistance to him.  Anta. 
I do believe Missellus and he held  
A Correspondency, but for what end I cannot reach.  Agath. 
He is not to be trusted;  
If this distemper once would leave the King  
Thou wouldst not think't a Miracle to see  Enter Epecides. 
Me in Planetius Seat. Now Epecides  
How fares the King?  Epec. 
Oh Gentlemen, our hopes  
That promised a Growing-happiness  
From his indulgent Beams, One Minute has  
Destroyed for ever.  Agath. 
How do you mean my Lord?  Epec. 
The King is poisoned.  Antan. 
How Poisoned! Poisoned?  Agath. 
There is a secret Devil lurks among us,  
Who holds Intelligence with Hell to blast  
Our Kingdom's Peace and Comfort; see, they come.  Enter Archias in a Bed, Archbishop, Cleander, Physicians, and Attendants. Arch. 
The Flames of Aetna are not fierce to mine,  
Each faculty conspires my Torment; oh  
I burn, I burn.  Phisi. 
Great Sir, be not an Enemy  
Unto your Being, take this as—  Arch. 
Away,  
You may as well give Physic to the dead,  
As to his Heart whose agony exceeds  
The sense of Ease; I am resolved to take  
No more of your vain helps; leave me I pray.  Cleander. Clean. 
My most Gracious Souveraign,  
I have a heart too weak to bear the burden  
Of so much Woe, your sufferings bear me down  
Beneath the hope of Comfort.  Arch. 
Spare thy Grief;  
Harmonia treads the Milky way, and I  
Must through this fire, be purified to meet  
Her and the Joys she brings me.  Agath. 
Does none hear  
By whom, or how these Miseries should come?  Archi. 
Trouble not yourself (my Lord)  
I freely Pardon  
And will reward the Doer, so declare it▪  
For he has taken pains to send me to  
The Place I so much longed for; I do charge you  
(If my last words may win Obedience from you)  
Strait to Proclaim this; fain I would salute  
Him e'er I die, that was so kind unto me.  Archbi. 
Unheard of Charity.  Arch. 
My Lord from ou  
I have conceived in Specie the joys  
I must receive hereafter; those sweet Odours  
Perfume my Spiritual sense, and strengththen that,  
Although my Temporal decay and perish.  Enter Servant with the Scotch Apothecary. Seru. 
Here is a Scotch Apothecary that confesses—  Clean. 
Art thou the Villain?  [Cleander kills him. Apoth. 
Au the much Deul— god gi'en the King would gi' me bet e'en half ooer toll live bet I cud speak— awe— Death thau limmer loon— awe, awe—  [dies. Agath. 
My Lord 'twas rashly done, we might have found  
Where the ill vapour rests begets these mischiefs,  
And who set him on work.  Clea, 
The Devil, who else?  
And he has paid him's wages.  Arch. 
Cleander.  Archb. 
The King calls Sir▪  Archi. 
I feel my vitals fail me, Oh Cleander  
I shall see my Harmony, thy blessed Daughter,  
E'er forty Minutes pass, I must bequeath thee  
A Legacy of Care, this drooping Kingdom.  
My Lords I hope the love you ever bore me  
(Though Heaven denies me time to Merit it)  
Will now express itself in the approving  
Him I present to you, a dying Man  
Who has no ends upon you, nor the Kingdom,  
Farther than your perpetual flourishing.  Clea. 
I beseech your Grace,— alas—  Arch. 
You hear me Lords.  Archb. 
We do Sir, and accept the choice  
 made,  
With more than willingness.  Agath. 
You have not spoke for me.  Exit Epeci. 
Nor me.  Exit. Archi. 
I am at rest, farewell.  [dies. Archb. 
he's dead.  Clean. 
And I  
His weeping Monument remains till Fate  
Translates my better part t' a better State.  Exeunt. Antan. 
These are fine turning times, I wonder when  
'Twill come to my turn to be King, I have  
A Heart as fit, and large, and dare as far  
Adventure for't as any, But the Fates  
Of Soldiers serve to Promote others ends,  
Which done, they do forget we e'er were friends.  Exit. Enter Agathocles, Epecides, Hipparinus, Icetis. Hippa. 
Your words sound like the Oracle's, as full  
Of truth, and plainer to the Intellect.  Agath. 
How sweet and freely Rome enjoyed herself,  
Till she submitted to the Power and pride  
Of one man's Rule? Tell me what good did ever  
Kings bring unto our Country, that we might not  
Have purchased without 'em? Ills they have  
Almost incredible; Our Coffers emptied,  
To fill their Treasury, and maintain their Riot.  Epe. 
And wedded to perpetual Slavery.  
For when one Tyrant falls another Rises  
From his Corrupted Loins, that proves far worse  
Perhaps than did the former, So that we  
Must never hope for better, but be Armed  
With Patience to endure the worst.  Agath. 
Suppose  
We would allow of Kingly Power, where is  
The Man descended from that Race? Cleander  
He was but one of us the other day;  
And sure we are not of so tame a brood,  
But to think We deserved as well as he.  
Why should not you Icetis, or Hipparinus  
Rule, or thou, Epecides, or myself?  
W''re of as good a Mould, and have as much  
T'elate us, as his Worship.  Epeci. 
Very right.  
And have as great an Interest in the People  
And Commonwealth; this of Necessity  
Must breed Confusion 'mongst us, this Example  
Kindles in every Man desire of Rule,  
Which to Archieve, how perilous so e'er  
Th' Attempt may prove, they'll leave no means unsought,  
Till their irregular Sense, spurning at Order,  
Turns all into a Chaos.  Agath. 
Who can tell  
But this Intruder was th' efficient Cause  
Of his own Daughter's ruin, and the Kings.  Epec. 
It was a notable piece of Policy  
To kill the Apothecary and prevent Confession.  Icet. 
What's your advice?  Agath. 
To join with us,  
And take th' People's Yoke off from the Tyranny  
Of Kings hereafter.  Epec. 
And to have our Country  
Governed by three or ten, as did the Romans.  Agat. 
Who shall continue but a Year in Power,  
And then successive Patriots be chosen,  
Who shall have Power to punish in their time  
The Crimes their Predecessors did commit  
During their time of Rule.  Epec. 
So shall the People  
Not be to seek for Justice, but find ease  
Unto their grievances, and the vile Minds  
Of Avaricious and Ambitious Men  
Be either punished, or else Rebated.  Icet. 
It cannot but content the People highly,  
'Tis Copied from so fair a Precedent.  Hippa. 
And with you, and for you, and them, we'll spend  
Our lives and fortunes.  Agath. 
We will do the like  
With you, and for you, and thus linked together,  [embrace. 
We dare Contemn Cleander's Power.  Epeci. 
And blow  
His Glorious hopes into the Air.  Agath. 
Be sudden,  
And we may take the Serpent in his Cell;  
But our delays may give the Monster time  
Of coming forth, and strength to overcome us.  Hippa. 
We will possess the People with the Glory  
Of their long hidden liberties, with promise  
Or Restauration, if it lies within  
The power of friends, Money, or life to Compass.  Agat. 
He that's besotted to his fear, or Ease,  
Will make his Patience prove his worst disease.  Exeunt. Enter Planetius and a Captain. Plan. 
Return my Obedience to the King Evander.  
And this unto Missellus, tell him I  [gives him a Paper. 
With all the force that Mona can afford me  
Will wait upon his Highness and himself At Erix.  Capt. 
I shall my Lord.  [Exit Captain▪ Plan. 
How am I  
Bound to the Gods for their superlative goodness,  
That here an offering of Mercy meets me  
By their Dictation; I whose Treachery  
Unto my King Merits severest Justice,  
Am punished with a Revengless Pardon,  
Which is indeed my Torment, that I should  
Ever have been so wicked 'gainst a Prince  
Deserves so much good from me, but my Soul  
Henceforth shall cleave fast to this Principle,  
" The longer growth Diseases do endure,  
" The more the Grief, more famous is the Cure.  Exit. Enter Hipparinus, Icetis, and the People casting up their Caps, crying Liberty, Liberty. Exeunt.   


ACT 5. SCE. 1.  Enter Agathocles, Epecides, Hipparinus, Icetis, Antanter, and the People hawling Cleander. Clean. 
Traitors, hands off, 'tis Sacrilege to use  
The Person of your King with such Irreverence.  Omnes. 
Our King— ha' ha' ha'.  People. 
we'll make you sing another Song.  Clea. 
Have I deserved so ill, that none will give  
A Death more honourable to me?  Agath. 
Thou hast lived  
Base, and must basely die.  Clean. 
Forgive me Heaven,  
And you bright Stars whose Lustre I Eclipse  
Here, to shine brighter there, Plead not against me,  
But be as Merciful as you are Innocent.  Agath. 
Wert thou the death of Archias and thy Daughter?  Clea. 
Ambition was, to which I gave consent.  Agath. 
And now you see the Pinnacle from which  
You must be tumbled down, away with him.  Clean. 
Yet hear me.  People. 
Confession's tied to Destiny, you shall with us.  [People drag him in. Agat. 
You see the desperate effects that wait  
On this thing called Monarchy, because  
It carries a continuance, and all  
Men Naturally have an Ambition to  
Make great their line, and families by succession;  
When ours doth blunt the Edge of such Resolves;  
And no Man, were it not for th' Common good,  
Would entertain the Office, being rather  
A Place of care than Profit, in the which  
Men must so square their Actions, they may be  
Able to stand the People's questioning,  
When as their time of Government's expired.  Epec. 
It is not so with Monarchy, Kings may  
Commit what Outrages they please upon  
The People, and none dare so much as think  
They have done ill.  Enter a Fellow. Fell. 
If you please to walk that way  
You may see Cleander swinging for his life.  Hipp. 
Oh by all means let's go.  Antan. 
It may be he may confess something more.  Exeunt. Enter, Evander, Missellus, and Soldiers. Evan. 
My People's troubles do afflict me more  
Than all the wrongs and injuries 've done me:  Miss. 
The Gods had lost their Attribute of Just,  
Had they not punished them with these Convulsions,  
Whose fits direct their Sense unto the ruin  
've brought upon themselves now at their doors.  Evan. 
Good Heaven divert it, I shall be more Chary  
In spilling of their blood than of my own;  
And I shall think it greater honour to me  
(In purchasing my own) to have my Temples  
Surrounded with a peaceful Garland than  
Obtain it by the Victory and Slaughter  
Of my poor Subjects.  Missell. 
'Tis your mercy Sir,  Enter Planetius and Soldiers, Planetius knelt. 
With which you overflow— here is Planetius.  Plan. 
I offer at your Highness' feet a life  
That has long since been forfeited.  Evan. 
The which  
I give thee back; live to deserve my favour.  Plan. 
I would I could recover so much time,  
As I have lost, to add unto the days  
I'm yet to spend, to serve you, this your Mercy  
Does come so near the temper of the Gods,  
Fame cannot but record it.  Evan. 
Has our Subjects  
The knowledge that we live?  Pla. 
I did dispierce it  
Through all the parts of Mona:  Evan. 
And how took they it?  Pla. 
Miraculously; but so, I might discover  
Their Joy was unexpressible.  Evan. 
we'll have  
Our Pardon (as we March) Proclaimed to all  
Will come in to us; Clemency not force  
Befits a King, Rigour makes People worse.  Sould. 
Heaven bless the King▪ March Gentlemen.  Exeunt. Enter Antanter, and Soldiers pass over the Stage, then, Enter Agathocles. Agath. 
'Tis brave to be a King, his spirit's low  
And base as Earth, that knows not how to use  
The Power the Fates have put into his hands▪  
And will accept of less; damn' annual Rule,  
Shall I who dare do more than kill a thousand,  
Be Subject to the questioning of ten?  
The People have put me in power, and I  
Will make my best advantage on't; it is  
But Justice to break faith with faithless Men.  
Give me the Nod that strikes a trembling in  
The stiffnecked People, and does make 'em keep  
A distance and a duty; there's no Glory  
Like being Singular, hence idle honesty  
That sleepest thy time away, and art adored  
By none but empty Sculls and tattered Jerkins;  
There's no such thing as virtue in thy Rags.  
That, we prise to be virtuous and good  
Merits its Estimation. Welcome Greatness,  
Virtue resides with thee. My hopes by this  [a shout within. 
Are by Antanter perfected, he's here;  Enter Antanter and Soldier▪ 
Now my best Genius tell me how much  
I stand indebted to thee, is it done?  Antan. 
Done to a hair Sir, We surprised them suddenly,  
Trussed up the Magistrates to whom you'd promised  
Such glorious freedom, who did curse and swear  
At Death and Destiny. The Forts and Castles  
Are all our own, and now we safely may,  
Cry with one voice, long live Agathocles.  [Soldiers cry long live Agathocles. Agat. 
How shall I make requital for this Project  
Which thou hast more than formed, performed so bravely?  
I will Create thee Archduke of Palermo,  
And when I die, will leave the Kingdom to thee.  Anta. 
But give me leave I pray Sir—  
In whose Power  
Lies it to make me Duke?  Agat. 
In mine, whose else?  
Am I not thy King.  Anta. 
Pray who made you so?  Agath. 
The Gods.  Anta. 
Pray which of them? Have I been Idle.  Agath. 
No, Dear Antanter no; It was thy hand  
Directed by the Gods that made me King.  Antan. 
Then 'twas my hand directed by the Gods  
That made you King.  Agath. 
Right, right Antanter.  Anta. 
And now my hand directed by the Gods,  
Will you un-King?— take him into your Charge.  Agath. 
How?  Anta. 
Very right Sir, Charity gins  
At home, and I'm not such an Ass to stand  
To your reward, when I can pay myself.  Agat. 
What dost thou mean?  Ant. 
To be what you would be,  
That is, a King,  Agat. 
A King? of what?  Anta. 
Of better men than thou art— 'tis a wrong  
Unto our Honour to hold Parley with thee.  
Off with his Head; It is a Death more Noble  
Than you bestowed upon Cleander Sir,  
Or Ordered for Icetis, or the Magistrate.  Agat. 
But do you hear Sir King.  Ant. 
Obey our Will—  
And Sir, say you're well dealt with▪  Agat. 
Hell take you  
And your dealing too; Heaven is thus just  
With such as fall from Virtue to their Lust.  Exeunt with Agathocles. Anta. 
So, he is gone, fallen in the Trap he laid  
For th'Magistrates, whom I have but secured,  
Till they allow my Power, or die by it.  
The Title King's indifferent to me,  
Give me th' essential part, and let the shadow  
Vanish, and be forgot. What had this Lord  
More in him of a man, to draw Obedience  
Than I, except his Title? and that had not  
Virtue enough to save him from my wrath.  
It is not birth, or blood, but thou dear Instrument,  [to his sword. 
That can defend, offend, raise or dis-seate  
High Potentates, and make a Beggar great.  
Be thou auspicious Armed Mars to me,  
And I'll adore no other Gods but thee.  Enter a Captain. Capt. 
The General hearing of these distractions,  
Has drawn his Army this way, and puts in  
For title to the Kingdom.  Ant. 
Though he was  
My General once, I'll scourge him into duty,  
And make him know his distance, we will meet him.  
Leave what force you can possibly allow  
Here, to secure the People and the Garrisons  
Now in our Custody, lest they Revolt,  
Or become Mutineers, Hermocrates  
Shall find as tough a business on't, as e'er  
The Wars afforded him; Give double pay  
To such as will come in to us, and leave  
His Party, since, that I am in, I'll through,  
Though th' Kingdom's treasury bleed for't, and lean famine  
Feed on the People, till there scarce are left  
The Image of a Man alive; 'twere base  
Now to Retreat; fear gives a Coward place.  Exeunt. Enter Hermocrates, Captain, and Soldiers. Hermo. 
Is't possible Antanter dares do this.  Capt. 
Agathocles is beheaded, Hipparinus  
With th'rest of th' Magistrates of Palermo and  
The Governor Icetis are secured.  
The Forts and Castles all are in his Power,  
And has surprised the Treasury.  Herm. 
A brave fellow:  
How long thinks he to keep this? I do wonder  
Missellus or Planetius stir not 'bout it:  
But they indeed are such known enemies  
To one another, neither of them dare  
Peep forth, lest t'other be upon his back.  Capt. 
I know your Excellency will be the Man  
Must make the Soldier flourish and be happy.  Herm. 
I and Atanter are the only Men  
I see must go to Cudgels for't.  Capt. 
Alas,  
Our force will scatter his, as Northern winds  
Disperse the leaves in Autumn.  Herm. 
But he has  
Th' advantage by the Treasury, and Money  
Will purchase Men, and friendship.  Capt. 
Victory  
Will draw them all to us, I hope there is not  
A Man amongst us so in love with's life,  
But he will sacrifice it for your Excellence;  
What say you Gentlemen?  Sould. 
Our lives are his.  Hermoc. 
I thank you fellow Soldiers;  
Armed with you,  
I dare Oppose the Destinies. He down,  
The Guerdon of our Conquest is a Crown.  Exeunt. Enter Evander, Missellus, Planetius, Soldiers. Evan. 
How poor and bare's this Province made? we scarce  
Can get Provision for our Men and Horse.  Plan. 
But we are near the City of Monreall,  
An that was wont t' abound with all Provision.  Evan. 
Have you informed th' Archbishop and the Magistrates  
That we are drawing towards them,  Miss. 
We have  
By by your Express, and wonder that we hear  
No sooner from them.  Enter Archbishop, Epecides, Magistrates. Archb. 
Disobedient Gild  
Throws me thus low for Mercy.  Evan. 
Here, rise up  [lends his hand. Archb. 
Distracted shame so overcomes me Sir,  
I cannot look your Highness in the face.  Evan. 
Return unto your Virtue, and we shall  
Be happy in your friendship. Epecides  
How dost thou relish us?  Epeci. 
As I would Sir,  
The Author of my Being, Peace, and happiness.  
My Soul has wandered all this while, and now,  
With you, it is returned to its first Station.  Evan. 
But what has brought thee to Monreall? tell me.  Epeci. 
After Cleander's death, my friend Agathocles,  
Whose breast I thought had been so Manned with Virtue  
Ambition could not batter it, complied  
With th' Soldiery, of which Antanter was  
The Chief, to put the Magistrates to death.  
No sooner that Antanter had secured  
The Forts and Castles, and made all his own,  
But he gins to fall off from his Bargain  
With the new King, and to himself does give  
A Law to take his head off, and indeed  
No Man could promise to himself a safety,  
Unless he did submit unto his Power,  
To which I knew I could not bend my Heart,  
And therefore for self-Preservation made  
Bold with my Lord Archbishop.  Evan. 
What is that  
Antanter, whose Audaciousness is so  
Destructive to our Peace?  Plane. 
He was an Officer  
Under Hermocrates Mazares General.  Archb. 
And now they both are tugging to undo  
The Kingdom, and from either's Ruin to  
Raise to the Victor Glory.  Evan. 
Ah poor Sicily,  
How hast thou been beaten and banded to  
Promote the ends of turbulent Spirited Men?  
My Lords while they are striving for the Mastery,  
What if we fell upon them?  Miss. 
Very requisite.  Evan. 
Let us be private in't and do it suddenly,  
But first we'll have a Baiting at your house.  Archb. 
You Highness will enrich me with the favour.  Exeunt. Drums, Trumpet's, etc. Enter the Party of Hermocrates driving Antanters Party before them, than Antanter enters and rescues his Party, beats the others off; Hermocrates enters with fresh supplies and beats them in: Then enter at one door Hermocrates, at the other Antanter. Her. 
Have I singled thee?  Antan. 
Sir know you're Saucy,  
We use to keep at distance with such fellows.  H●rmo. 
'Tis likely; to come near us may prove dangerous.  Anta. 
Fellow thoust greater honour done thee now  
Than e'er the Wars bestowed on thee, thou grappl'st  
With no less than a King.  Herm. 
Of Kitchen-stuff.  Anta. 
I'll make thee do thy duty.  [fight, Her. 
That's to beat you.  [wounds him. 
What will you take Sir for your Kingdom, now?  Anta. 
Your Head and Quarter's Sir to fix on th' Gates.  Her. 
And this next touch to boot.  [wounds him again. Anta. 
'sDeath, I think  
have fooled away my Courage;  
How do you now Sir?  [Hermocrates wounded. Herm. 
As well as e'er I did Sir— have I reached you?  [Antan. wounded. Anta. 
Your Arm's to short, and your  
Aim worse;  
By Heaven,  
Hadst thou Indented with the Fates to live  
But for a Minute longer, thus I'd cancel it  [wounds him. Herm. 
And thus I meet thy Resolution.  Fall both on one another, being down they strive with one another A great shout within. Enter Evander, Missellus, Archbishop, Planetius, Epecides, and Soldiers. Evan. 
Give Order for the Magistrates  
Enlargement.  Hermo. 
Ah, how my Fate afflicts me with fresh Torments?  
Evander living?  Anta. 
Whose Injuries lie heavy  
Upon our Souls; most gracious Sir how e'er  
Our lives have been disturbance to your Kingdom,  
In Death with you and it we sue for Peace;  
Forgiveness Royal Sir.  Evan. 
We come not to  
Possess our own with thoughts to be Revenged▪  
Or if we did, you have escaped it, Heaven▪  
Forgive you as we do.  Herm. 
May never Foreign  
Or homebred Jars whither your Peaceful Laurel.  Anta. 
And thus our Enmity does end; thy hand.  [kisses it. Herm. 
Thy cheek— farewell.  [dies. Antan. 
Plenty and Peace perpetually dwell among you—  [dies. Planeti. 
Two as brave Spirits  
As e'er Sicily bred.  Enter Icetis, Hipparinus, Magistrates. Epeci. 
The Magistrates are here Sir.  Icet. 
Hipp. At your feet, Royal Sir we fall.  Evan. 
Rise in our favour.  Icet. 
Your Mercy has no Precedent.  Eva. 
Heaven make you stronger in your faith and duties.  
Hereafter to us, what is past We Pardon.  Hipp. 
All th' lowering Aspects of Malignant Stars,  
That lately threatened ruin to this Kingdom,  
Are at your Glorious Presence sunk beneath▪  
Their primitive Conceptions.  Evan. 
Take up those bodies.  
My Lords, with your assistance we must do  
A cure upon the Kingdom, in the seating  
It's dislocated joints; we shall not take  
Notice hereafter who amongst you have  
Had hands in her impairing, out receive you  
With no less favour than the rest, not doubting  
But that the smart you have felt by these Changes,  
Will draw you home to Constancy, and the Wool  
That has so violently been taken from  
Your Sheep, for want of an Indulgent Shepherd,  [To the Archbishop. 
Make you prise one the better.  Arc. Epe. Hip. Icet. 
May Heaven transform our shapes when our heart's change  Evan. 
Then are we strong enough to Combat Fate,  
And Cure the wounds thus made upon the State.  Exeunt. 
FINIS.