REVOLUTION 
 OF SWEDEN. A Tragedy.  
As it is Acted at the QUEENS THEATRE IN THE HAY-MARKET.  
 
LONDON, Printed for James Knapton at the Crown in St. Paul's Churchyard, and George Strahan at the Golden Ball against the Royal Exchange in Cornhill. 1706..   

Dramatis Personae.  


MEN.  GUstavus, a young Swedish Lord, Head of a Party engaged to free their Country from the Tyranny of the Danes. 
Mr. Booth.  Count Arwide, his Friend. 
Mr. Betterton.  Erici, Lieutenant to Gustavus. 
Mr. Cory.  Viceroy of Sweden. 
Mr. Husbands.  Archbishop of Upsal, a zealous Maintainer of the Danish Interest. 
Mr. Bowman.  Beron, a Swede, the Viceroy's Favourite. 
Mr. Mynns.    


WOMEN.  Constantia, Wife to Count Arwide. 
Mistress Barry.  Christina, Wife to Beron.. 
Mistress Harcourt.  Maria, Servant to Constantia. 
〈◊〉  Laura, Servant to Christina. 
Mistress Baker.    
Two Canons, two Swedish Gentlemen, Officers, Soldiers, Guards and Attendants.  
Scene Stockholm, and the Camp near it.   

To the Right Honourable The Lady Harriett Godolphin.  MADAM, 
THere are so great Difficulties, and such general Discouragements, to those of our Sex who would improve their Minds, and employ their Time in any Science, or useful Art, that there cannot be a more distinguishing Mark of a Free, and Beneficent Spirit, than openly to condemn that ill-grounded Custom, by giving Countenance and Protection to those who have attempted against it; which as it can most effectually be done by People of the Highest Rank, and most Eminent Virtue, I an happy in being an Occasion of giving the World so rare an Example of, at first, in the Honour was publicly done me by the Duchess of Marlborough, and all her Beauteous Family; And now by your Ladyship's permitting this Address from one whose greatest Merit is her good Intention, and her only Pretence to this Honour, the Favours already received.  
Were such an Encouraging Indulgence to the Endeavours of our Sex, imitated by many of your Ladyship's Quality, and Merit, it might incite some greater Geniuses among us to exert themselves, and change our Emulation of a Neighbouring Nation's Fopperies, to the commendable Ambition of Rivalling them in their illustrious Women; Numbers we know among them, have made a considerable Progress in the most difficult Sciences, several have gained the Prizes of Poesy from the Academies, and some have been choose Members of their Societies. This without doubt is not from any Superiority of their Genius to ours; But from the much greater Encouragement they receive, by the Public Esteem, and the Honours that are done them; of which, by the Favour of such Excellent People as your Ladyship, we might soon give them a Proof.  
Nor is Poetry, Madam, unworthy the Protection of the Wise, and the Good, though sunk in its Credit among us, it has been cherished as an Instrument of Virtue, in the Politest, and best governed Commonwealths, and as such called a Divine Art; a Character it might still pretend to, if rescued from the trifling, or ill Ends, to which it has been debased; At lest it must be owned very Advantageous in a Nation where Public Diversions are allowed, and frequented, to contrive that our Pleasures should be useful to our Morals, serve to correct our Vices, and animate the Mind to Virtue: A Design which is the only Merit can recommend this Play to your Ladyship's Favour, and the particular Virtue it tends to incite, being a disinterested and resolute Care of the Public Good, where could it be more properly addressed, than to a Lady, the Happy and Worthy Cement of two Families, whose Station gives them the highest Opportunities of being those Blessings to the Public, they are so admirably qualified for? All Europe look on the English Forces, whilst under the Conduct of the Duke of Marlborough, as the Guardians of their Liberty: And we have a late Proof in the People's Readiness to advance the Supplies for maintaining the War, how entirely they are satisfied with the Management of our Treasure; the nicest, and most difficult part of our Administration, which nothing lesle than the exactest Prudence, and the clearest Integrity, can pass through irreproachably.  
Thus Happily Allied, and Descended on both Sides, from People whom the Best Princess in the World so judiciously distinguishes (that it was not more finely than truly said of them in a late Poem, 
On the Firm Basis of Desert, they rise,  
From long tried Faith, and Friendships holy Ties.)   
In you, Madam, their Virtues are united, and from you we hope for a Glorious Race, who possessing all that's Excellent in both their great Predecessors, may prove to Posterity all that we now admire in them, 
Our Ornaments in Peace, our Strength in War.  For I cannot forbear quoting again an Author, who could so much better do Justice to your Ladyship's Family, and Character, which I dare only venture Superficially to touch. An Addison should draw that Prudence of your Conduct, that Delicacy of Judgement, that Affability and Obligingness of Temper, which is not overcome by the Greatness of your Station, all those Perfections which could never have been deserved by any but that one Happy Person who possesses them, whose Merits are such, that you are equally a Blessing to each other, and both the Delight of all who have the Honour to know you. But this is a Subject I must decline, though none can have a juster Sense of its Value, than,  
MADAM, Your Ladyship's most Humble, and most Obedient Servant, Catharine Trotter.   

THE PREFACE.  
I An willing to believe that the distaste of Plays which the Town is fallen into, (though increased since some care has been taken to Reform them) was at first produced by the just Complaints that have been Publicly made on the Abuses of the Stage, which might incline the Ladies especially, to seek in Music, fine Scenes and Dancing, a Diversion that would at lest be harmless.  
But however, an Amusement of three Hours, that can be not way profitable, may be Innocent in an Audience. I cannot but think an Author would very ill employ the much longer time, and greater application he must use, in contriving an Entertainment for not other end but to divert, and could never allow myself to think of any Subject that could not serve either to incite some useful Virtue, or check some dangerous Passion. With this design I thought writing for the Stage, a Work not unworthy those who would not trifle their time away, and had so fixed my Mind on contributing my part towards reforming the Corruptions of it, that not doubt I have too little considered the present taste of the Town; I should not have wholly neglected those Ornaments, which all are now fond of, since the end of Tragedy is to profit the Audience by Pleasing, and every Body will be pleased their own way.  
Whether my turning this Play into the World thus undressed, be the chief defect of it, must be left to the Reader's Judgement, to whom I shall be allowed to appeal, at lest, from two sorts of Judges who have passed their Censure on it; those who have never seen any part of it, and those who, though present at it, minded very little of it. Some of the first of these have absolutely determined, that not body of good Sense, can think it a tolerable Play; a Sentence they are most concerned in, who were pleased to give it their Applause in the Representation, but it needs not be pleaded against, those who pass it sufficiently exposing themselves, by condemning a thing, which they own they know nothing of. From the other sort, I have met with some turns of Raillery, which had not Foundation, but mistakes from an entire Ignorance of what had passed before, or was to follow, what they were pleased to be Witty upon; of which I need only give the Reader one for a Taste. Some finding that Arwide has set his Hand to a Paper, in which there are Articles that he knows nothing of, conclude that he signed a Treaty with his Enemy, without ever reading it, and on this wise Contrivance of their own Imagination, laugh at a Woman's Plot, when the lest attention to the conclusion of the Play, must have satisfied them that the deceit was a little more artfully laid.  
'Tis confessed it would be very unreasonable to desire, that every one who comes to a Play, should be attentive at it; those who find in the Audience a better Entertainment, must be allowed to turn their Eyes and Thoughts from the Stage; but than 'tis not more than equitable to expect, that they should not judge at all, of what they have not leisure to mind.  
What objections I have herded from the lesle rash, or at lest more attentive Critics, are not very considerable; some who had read the History, expected to find all the remarkable Passages of it in the Play, and particularly hoped to see Gustavus labouring in the Ours, not knowing, or not considering the Rules of the Drama, that Tragedy is confined to represent only such incidents as immediately conduce to the effecting the one great Action it proposes, all which must be supposed to hap in a small space of Time: And the Action I had choose, being the Election of Gustavus to the Throne, upon the entire Deliverance of his Country; it must have been very absurd, to have represented him at the beginning of the Play in such an unhopeful condition, when the Danes were in full Power, and not one Man had ventured to appear against them. But those who know the History, will find, that to give them as much of it as could be in so narrow a compass, I have used the Poetic Licence in bringing several Incidents and Places, much nearer together, than in reality they were, as far as probability would allow.  
Another piece of Criticism I have herded, is, that I have made Christina speak an Hour after she is dead: As to the time, I shall not stand upon giving 'em three quarters of an Hour, it being every whit as absurd to make her speak one Minute after she is dead, as a whole Hour; and for her speaking after she has been in a Swoon, and supposed dead,——— an Hour, if they will have it so, as there is nothing in that, but what has very frequently happened, the Jest will, notwithstanding, be entirely lost.  
The only Remark I have met with besides is, that the Senators are very hasty Judges, in giving, and revoking, their Sentence; to which I shall answer, that Proceed of that nature, being very little entertaining on the Stage, I endeavoured to make it as short as Reason and the Matter would bear; and if my Critics will dispense with me from using the Forms of Westminster-Hall, I believe they will find that the Evidence appears sufficiently full, and clear, to condemn any Man; and that the whole force of it is afterwards taken of, by the farther Declaration of one, whose Sincerity they had not cause to doubt of. But how far their proceed are justified by Reason, and Equity, where Forms cannot be observed, is submitted to the Judgement of every Reader, who is not merry enough to sacrifice Truth, and good Nature to his Jest.   

PROLOGUE  

INvited by a Woman, every Guest,  
Not doubt, expects a soft Effeminate Feast,  
Has set his Appetite for tender Strains  
Of Maids forsaken, or Despairing Swains;  
Thou Sweden's Liberty is in debate,  
Concludes amid the War, and Cares of State,  
Her Hero will not fail your Hearts to move  
With the dear Virtue of unbounded Love;  
But she by other means to please designed,  
Nor would those Passions sooth, to which all find  
Frail Nature of itself enough inclined:  
To public Virtues she'd your Souls incite,  
A Woman thus may give you safe Delight;  
Her warmest Scenes will raise not dangerous Flame,  
A Northern Hero is her choose Theme,  
Full of his Country's Fate, to all the Fair,  
Cold as his Climate, he'll unmoved appear,  
Cold as at home the best bread Husband here.  
Thus lived Gustavus, but for him t'atone,  
Ladies to you a Patriot shall be shown,  
In whose more tender Breast a virtuous Wife  
Rivals his Country, and divides his Life.  
Nor will she lesle we hope engage the Fair,  
Since Public Good is now that Sex's Care;  
They must a Noble Heroine approve,  
Parting with Life, nay what we prise above,  
To save the Nation, vanquishing her Love.  
This Pattern may prevail to disengage  
All the Fair Politicians of the Age,  
From every Bias that our Feuds increase,  
Renouncing Private Ends, for Public Peace.  
Nor can the vainest haughtiest Man, disdain  
A Woman's Precepts in Great ANNA's Reign;  
If by a Woman you to night are taught,  
Think on that Source from whence theInstruction's brought.    
The Revolution of SWEDEN.  

ACT I.  

SCENE Gustavus's Camp.  Enter Erici, followed by a number of Peasants. Erici. 
WHAT is it you demand? Ingrateful Swedes!  
Have you forgot the Sufferings, Toils, and Dangers,  
Through which, for you, the brave Gustavus struggled?  
Whilst tame and hopeless under your Oppressions,  
He only dared attempt to rouse your Courage,  
And led you on to Liberty and Conquest;  
Even this Gustavus whom you basely would abandon.  1st Peas. 
We'll return to him when Harvest is over.  2d Peas. 
We must not let our Families starve for him.  Erici. 
For him! Is it for him you're armed against the Danes?  
Were not your Wives, your Children, your own Lives,  
At stake? You might indeed have had Permission  
To labour each revolving Season, to bear  
The Toil of Harvest, whilst the Danes enjoyed  
The Fruits; What use of them had you, unless  
To pay the Purchase of your Slavery?  
Are the Oppressions we all groan beneath,  
So light, or of so long a Date, to scape remembrance?  
O my Countrymen they still are fresh!  
And nothing but th'increase of Miseries  
Each day brought with it, could make the past forgot:  
Look back on all the Cruelties  born  
Since that unhappy day, when (by the Death  
Of our Administrator, slain at the Head  
Of his Victorious Army) th'invading Danes  
Gave the first Blow to Sweden's Liberty;  
Gustavus than a Prisoner in Denmark,  
By Treachery secured, none dared oppose  
Th'Usurper'sgrowing Power, all Swede submitted  
On Conditions which the Faithless King  
Not sooner made than broken, regarding neither  
Treaties, Law, or Justice: But o remember  
That bloody Massacre which solemnised  
His Coronation Feast! The Reverend Senate,  
And every worthy Citizen of Stockholm,  
Butchered by the inhuman King's command;  
That horrid Scene of Murders, Rapes and Rapine,  
The Prelude to unparallelled Barbarities  
Committed daily since in every Province!  
These are the Tyrannies, Gustavus armed you  
To avenge, and free your suffering Country:  
But if ye'd still be Slaves.  1st Peas. 
Not, not, we're for Liberty.  All Peas. 
Liberty, Liberty.  Erici. 
Pursue your Conquests than,  
Your Enemies are few and cannot scape you,  
Unless by your own treacherous Desertion.  
Speak you Dalecarlians, you whose Mountains first  
Gave shelter to Gustavus, when scaped from Prison,  
To you he first revealed himself, and animated  
By his Courage and noble Resolution,  
You gave the heartless Nation first Example  
To hope and make a Generous Attempt  
For Liberty; and will you now desert  
Your glorious Cause, deceive your General's Trust,  
And leave him to the Mercy of the Danes?  A Dalec. 
We'll rather die than forsake him.  All Dalec. 
We'll die for Liberty and Gustavus.  All Peas. 
Down with the Tyrant,  
Down with the Bloody Danes,  
Long live Gustavus our brave Deliverer.  Enter Gustavus attended. Gust. 
Thanks to my Countrymen, Heaven grant me Life  
Till your entire Deliverance ratify  
That happy Title; I feared some Mutiny  
Lieutenant, the Peasants often repeated Acclamations  
Alarmed me hither, to inquire the Cause  
Of this disordered Concourse.  Erici. 
My Lord, the Peasants were importunate  
To be dismissed, that they might take the Care  
Of Harvest, each in their several Provinces.  Gust. 
And why, Erici, was not their Request,  
Ever now, brought to my hearing?  Erici. 
Because, my Lord, I thought it a Request  
As much unfit for you to hear, as grant.  Gust. 
Unfit, Erici, wherefore is''t unfit,  
That these who give their voluntary Service  
To the common Cause, should be allowed  
Their Share in Nature's Bounty, th'Advantage of  
The Season she allots to store her yearly Product,  
Even needful to our Being?  
Can we cut of this common Privilege?  
Deprive 'em of their Right, to make provision  
For the Support of Life, their own, their Wives,  
And Families? What could the Danes do more  
Tyrannic? Far be it from Gustavus  
To forbidden their Pious Purpose----- Go,  
My Friends, I here discharge you till the end  
Of Harvest, than as you prise your Country, Laws,  
And Liberty, return to their Defence.  1st Peas. 
We will not fail, my Lord, Heaven bless your Goodness.  2d Peas. 
We'll bring the whole Country with us to serve you.  Gust. 
You do not all departed?   Dalec. 
Not, my good Lord,  
Six hundred stout Dalecarlians we engage  
To guard you, who refolve to run your Fortune,  
And never will forsake you.  Gust. 
'Tis sufficient.  
Well do my brave Dalecarlians justify  
My Confidence in them,  put my Life  
Ever this into your Hands, and from my Safety  
And Success, found first in your Protection,  
I take the Omen of our future Fortune.  
Petri, give out my Orders to discharge  
The Peasants, all save my own Troops of Horse,  
And the six hundred resolute Dalecarlians,  
They are reserved for my Security,  
And the Defence of Upsal; see the rest dismissed.  1st Peas. 
Heaven preserve your Lordship.  (All) 
Long Live Gustavus.  Exit Pedri with Peasants shouting. Gust. 
A sullen Cloud hangs on the Brow, Erici,  
That tells me thou'rt displeased with what  done.  Erici. 
Not, I an only angry with myself,  
For being more concerned than you would have me,  
In what regards your Safety;  chid me often  
For loving you too well, and I was trying  
To correct that Fault.  Gust. 
Not for thy Love,  
'Tis that (next to the Zeal thou bearest thy Country)  
Endears thee to me, but I could wish thee  
Lesle officious, more considerate in thy Service,  
Some rash Effects of an untempered Zeal  
I have condemned, but ever prized the honest  
Plain Sincerity of thy well-meaning Heart.  Erici. 
May you have never cause to wish you'd not rejected  
The officious Service, I had now designed you;  
Never may you repent, or we deplore  
The negligence you show of your own safety.  Gust. 
You tax me wrongfully.  
Were I neglectful of my Life or Safety  
Why sought I Refuge among the Northern Mountains?  
Why in the Ours, disguised and labouring like  
The meanest Peasant, lay I so long concealed  
Deceiving my Pursuers? Not, Erici,  
When I expose myself to needless Dangers  
Whilst yet I may be useful to my Country,  
Whilst I can draw this Sword in its defence,  
Condemn me as a Traitor.  Erici. 
Yet, my Lord,  
You have left yourself unguarded, even in view  
Of that important City, which contains  
The only Enemies you have to conquer.  Gust. 
Erici, we  
Who fight for Justice, for the Laws, the Rights  
And Privileges of our Nation, aught  
To be most careful that the means we use  
Be strictly just and pious as our Cause:  
Suppressing Tyranny s a ill pretect  
For our becoming Tyrants. Had it been just  
To have detained these Men, who not induced  
By mercenary Pay, not Obligation  
On them but their Wills, have followed me  
With cheerful free Obedience, through all the Toils  
And Hazards of the War? To whom I own  
Even that Authority I should have used  
Against 'em.  Erici. 
But what avails their Labours, Hazards  
Or your Conquests, if in the full career  
Of your Successes, retreating ever the course  
Is finished, they resign the Danes theAdvantage  
You had gained?  Gust. 
Not so, Erici,  
We yet may reach the Goal ever they retrieve  
TheAdvantage they have lost. The King of Denmark  
Grown hateful to his Subjects, by his Cruelty,  
Injustice and Oppressions,  refused  
To grant him any Aid that may secure  
His Usurpation here;  
And by their Murmur and Cabals, he'll find  
Himself too much embroiled at Home, to think  
Of Foreign Conquests.  Erici. 
Yet the Viceroy seems  
T'expect from thence a speedy Reinforcement;  
At lest th'Archbishop endeavours by that Promise  
To retain the Swedes in their Subjection.  Gust. 
Were that ambitious Prelate not more vigilant,  
Or powerful, than the Viceroy, we had not further Work;  
But by the Clergy's dependence upon him,  
And influence on the People, he alone  
Detains them from the unanimously joining  
With us.  Erici. 
Whilst the voluptuous Viceroy, shut up  
In Stockholm, ever since he shamefully deserted  
An Army posted to so great advantage,  
Scarce knows of its defeat; forbidding any  
To disturb his Pleasures with ill News.  
As if he thought by keeping out Reports  
He could prevent the progress of your Arms.  Gust. 
Ourselves perhaps ever long may carry him  
The first and surest Tidings of his Ruin.  Erici. 
I had such hopes, my Lord, when by approaching  
Stockholm, you seemed t'intend a speedy Siege,  
But see not now the means.  Gust. 
Be satisfied, Erici, we shall have means:  
Count Arwide, with the Forces he command's,  
Are on their march to join us; and trust me I esteem  
His single Aid, worth numbers of the Peasants.  Erici. 
'Tis a brave Man,  
Who by his Diligence and Resolution  
In executing your Designs and Orders,  
Has done such noble Service to his Country,  
As merit's much acknowledgement from both.  Gust. 
Count Arwide owes not part of my Affection  
To my acknowledgement; a Soul so great,  
So generous, so just, so firm to Virtue,  
With all that native mildness and tender disposition,  
Needs not th'addition of his Services  
T'impress a Friendship most indelible.  Enter a Soldier. Sol. 
My Lord, the Canons lately come from Upsal  
Wait your Commands, intending instantly  
To enter Stockholm, if they have your permission.  Gust. 
Most willingly, they have my full instructions,  
These Canons have assured me,  much influence  
On the Archbishop of Upsal, and hope t'engage him  
In our Int'rests.  Erici. 
What need my Lord to court that Arrogant,  
Ambitious Prelate, now when the desperate Fortune  
Of his Party, and your increasing Glory,  
Assures our Country's Liberty without him?  Gust. 
Yet may we purchase it at the expense  
Of many Lives, which I would save on any  
Composition; nor would destroy one Enemy  
Whom I could make a Friend; a Victory  
More noble far, than the most glorious Battle.  Erici. 
Excellant Man! Your Virtue ever thus  
Constrains me to admire, what my ignobler  
Thoughts condemned.  Gust. 
Not Flattery, Erici, thy kind Reproofs  
Speaks better thy Affection. Merit I praise  
For that my Thoughts are Human, for that I an a Man?  Enter Christina and Laura in Man's Clotheses. Chris. 
Hither I was directed to the General:  
This I presume is the renowned Gustavus.  Gust. 
Would you aught with me?  Chris. 
My Lord, a most unhappy Youth, cast of  
By all his Family, whom Fear, or Avarice  
Engages to the Tyrant's Interest,  
Is for the honest Love he bear's his Country,  
Forced to implore your generous Protection;  
Which I more hope for from your native Goodness,  
Than the recommendation of this Letter;  Gust. 
Christina!  
Believe me, lovely Youth, thou couldst not come  
In any Name would more assure thy Welcome.  After Reading Letter. 
I joyfully receive you, young Fredage,  
(For so Christina calls you) and do accounted it,  
To what before I owed that generous Lady,  
That she entrusts her Nephew to my Ear.  
Receive this Youth, Erici, as related  
And dear to Fair Christina,  
That Lady thou hast herded of, who when her Husband  
Intended to betray me to the Danes,  
Informed me of it, aided my Escape,  
And found me a more faithful Sanctuary.  Erici. 
All Sweden's Debtor to her for Gustavus;  
And as my Services to this sweet Youth,  
May speak my part of our acknowledgement,  
None shall be more assiduously grateful.  Chris. 
Accept my Thanks, in the Unfortunate  
Christina's Name.  Gust. 
Unfortunate!  
You Powers! exempt Christina's Life (amid  
The general Miseries) from all Misfortune.  Chris. 
Alas, my Lord, she suffers a large share;  
Scarce had you gained the Refuge she assigned you,  
When Beron, her ambitious, faithless Husband,  
Returned with a strong Party of the Danes;  
But when he missed the Prey he thought secure,  
Transported with the Rage of disappointed  
Avarice and Ambition, and in the Thought  
His Wife had been Confederate to your Flight,  
He vowed she publicly should suffer Death,  
The Penalty denounced on all who should  
Conceal Gustavus; dreading this fatal Vengeance,  
With difficulty she escaped his Power,  
To seek with her Relations some Retreat  
Concealed from all your Enemies and Hers.  
From which unknown Abode she sent this Letter,  
To recommend a Youth to your Protection,  
Almost the only of his Family,  
Who does not wish your Ruin.  Gust. 
Alas, Fredage, it wounds my Soul with Sorrow,  
To find  caused my generous Preserver  
So much Unhappiness. But art thou sure  
She's safe from Beron's Power?  Chris. 
Some search he made,  
But having given the Viceroy Information  
Of your Design against him, he was soon  
Scent for to Court; where by his subtlety  
And natural Insinuation, he  
entirely gained the Viceroy's Favour;  
Who supinely trusting to his Faith and Conduct  
Indulges freely to his lawless Pleasures,  
In which his Favourite not lesle assists,  
Than he relieves him from the public Cares.  Gust. 
We shortly shall disturb his ill-timed Pleasures.  
Than if our hopes succeed, Christina shall  
Be safe from all her Fears ⁠— ⁠— ⁠ mean while, Fredage,  
You are my welcome Charge. When you'd retire  
Be pleased to use my Tent, till I give Orders  
For your Accommodation in the Village,  
Whether I an now going on Affairs  
That will not long detain me ⁠.— You must with me, Erici,  
To Constantia, she may have later News  
Than ours from Count Arwide her Noble Lord,  
Which it were fit to learn ever we dispose  
Of the small Army left us, or determine  
On Levying new Forces.  Erici. 
What Fund have we, my Lord, for the expense  
Of raising any Force considerable?  Gust. 
My Patrimonial Fortune, upon which  
My Ancestors so long maintained their Grandeur,  
Shall more magnificently be expended  
Now, in the public Cause, for Liberty,  
If we prevail.  
My grateful Country will not let me starve;  
If not,  learned in the Dalecarlian Ours.  
To Labour for my Bread; But, Oh! thou Power Supreme,  
If our return to Slavery is decreed,  
Grant that my Death my Country's Fate precede.  Ex. Gust. Erici, and Attend. Chris. 
When I behold this Virtuous Lord, consider him  
As our Deliverer, whose glorious Name  
Posterity will Bless,  
I feel a secret Joy for having been  
The destined Author of his Preservation:  
But when I view myself, driven like a Vagabond  
About the World, flying a Husband's Cruelty;  
A Wretch denied a Refuge by her nearest Friends,  
Wand'ring in a disguise that ill becomes  
Her Sex, to beg Protection from a Stranger;  
But most, O Laura, when I think how all  
May be interpreted to my dishonour  
I must lament my Fate! Was there not means but this?  
Why was I pointed out the Instrument?  
Had Sweden been lesle happy in Gustavus,  
If I had not been wretched for his Safety?  Lau. 
Your Sufferings, Madam, are your greatest Glory;  
Yet rather turn your Thoughts on your miraculous  
Escape from Dangers, with which theo'erruling Power  
Has Sealed the Approbation of your Actions;  
Enervating the Furious, and deceiving  
The Subtlest of your Enemies: How happily  
Your Brother-in-Law believed your Journey was,  
Intended too to your Husband, who he known  
Was fixed at Court.  Chris. 
Alas, I hoped to find  
An honourable Refuge with a dear Sister,  
But, to our Misfortune, we're united  
To two Brothers, not more allied by Blood  
Than Temper, both Ambitious, Treacherous,  
And Cunning.  Lau. 
Yet you averted his Suspicions,  
And were, I think, encharged with Letters from him  
To his Brother.  Chris. 
Flattered by his Ambition,  
He hastily laid hold on this occasion,  
Of recommending, by my Husband's Interest,  
His Son into the Viceroy's Service, who being  
At a College on my way, he begged  
I'd take with me, in order to present him;  
Warned by my Sister, I received his Charge,  
And than resolved on this Disguise, jest he,  
Advertised of my Flight, should soon pursue me.  Lau. 
Blessed be that Providence that intercepted  
The Notice, which not doubt Beron would sand him  
Of your absence.  Chris. 
Yes, Laura, 'tis permitted me,  
T'ascribe my Safety to the Care of Heaven,  
Since  not involved myself in danger,  
By aught that could offend the awful Power;  
There's all the Consolation of my Sufferings  
That their Cause is truly noble, such  
As, were't again in my Election, I'd  
Repeat, even now assured of all the Miseries  
I feel, or that which more than all I dread,  
The blasting Censures of malicious Tongues;  
Which our best Actions draw too often against us.  
A hard Condition;  
And, O, how rare that solid Virtue which  
Alone can stand so dangerous a Trial?  
Many preserve their Virtue for a Name,  
But few for Virtue, would abandon Fame.  Exeunt.  
The Scene changes to the Viceroy's Palace. The Viceroy sitting, Beron standing by him, Music plays a while, than the Viceroy rising, speaks. Viceroy. 
Not more, the soothing Notes indulge my Spleen,  
And add to the Disquiets of my Soul,  
A Sense of Sadness not derived from thence,  
Raised only in this weak disturbed Machine.  Ber. 
What can be done to cure, if even your Pleasures  
Add to your Disquiet?  Vice. 
Our feeble Frame, unable to support  
Uninterrupted Sadness, or delight,  
Alike oppressed by both,  
Sinks under the Completion of our Wishes,  
And seeks Relief from Pleasure in disgust,  
Sated with all my Appetite can ask, nay even in the height  
Of my Felicity, in spite of all  
Thy Cares, my faithful Beron; This young Gustavus,  
This victorious Rebel, come cross my Thoughts,  
Cheques my Delights, and leaves me now not other  
Sense of Greatness, but as a painful Burden  
Ready to crush me, sinking with its weight.  Enter a Servant. Seru. 
Th'Archbishop of Upsal attends your Excellence.  Viceroy. 
Ha! my other Plague;  
But he's a necessary one, admit him.  Ex. Seru. 
The Pride of this imperious Swede (who sleights  
His Equals, hate's all that's superior) were insupportable,  
Did not his Power make him needful to us;  
Yet I could spare his presence, that turbulent  
And restless Spirit entertains me ever  
On some distasteful Theme of Disappointments,  
Sieges, Battles lost, and Towns surrendered.  Enter the Archbishop. Arch. 
I feared to interrupt your Excellence  
In some more grateful Entertainment  
Than a Discourse of War, of Towns surrendered.  Vice. 
Whatever were the Subject,  
Your Grace's Interruption must be to an Advantage.  Arch. 
I wish, my Lord, such Subjects were lesle seasonable,  
That we might dream away our thoughtless Lives,  
Or drown our Cares in Luxury securely;  
But 'tis not so, my Lord, Gustavus will not  
Sleep, or trifle time away in complaisance  
To our repose, nor Armies wait the close  
Of a fine Consort, or elegant Repast,  
To know if we're at leisure to oppose 'em.  Vice. 
I hope your Grace intends not to reproach me,  
If I with short Delights relieve my mind  
Oppressed with Cares; The public Business has  
Not been neglected.  Arch. 
Not more of that, my Lord, the past forgot,  
'Tis only of Importance to look forward, and with Care united,  
Take all Precautions for our own Defence;  
The murmuring City seems irresolute  
T'indure a Siege.  Beron. 
My Lord, 'tis sure the Rebels have not Fleet;  
And whilst we're Masters of the Sea, our Strength  
Can never be exhausted; from every part  
Of the vast Globe, our Wants may be supplied;  
And what Recruits the King at any time  
Shall sand, securely may arrive into the Port,  
And, without Opposition, be admitted.  Arch. 
'Tis granted, Beron, yet the long delay  
Of our expected Reinforcement, discourages  
The People, scarce are they now restrained  
By our Authority, from yielding up their Gates  
Unsummoned, ever the Siege is yet begun.  
Loudly they praise Gustavus, talk of his Moderation,  
Justice, and Piety, yet when the Clergy  
Exclaim against him as an Excommunicate,  
Declare, that all who favour him are Rebels  
To the Holy See, their Zeal and Reverence  
Of the Spiritual Power, awes 'em to silence,  
And inflames their Courage to defend it:  
This is our strongest Hold, which vigorously  
Must be maintained.  Viceroy. 
'Tis to your Grace's Vigilance and Credit,  
We still must own the People's firm Persuasion,  
That Religion is our Cause, that useful Politic,  
Which served so well our Vengeance, and Ambition,  
Is necessary to our Safety now.  Beron. 
Nor can it fail to gull  
The Superstitious Multitude, moved only  
With the Name and Outside of Religion;  
Be the Design but gilded over with that  
Pretence, the glittering delusive Colour  
Reflects a Brightness on the blackest Actions,  
And darkens, on the side that's opposite,  
The most illustrious Virtues.  Arch. 
That I have not  
Been wanting on my part to the King's Interests,  
I need not tell you, would he had lesle depended  
On my Power, or been lesle Dilatory  
To assist it; The Pastors may retain  
Their Flock in some Subjection,  
But can our Rhetoric disarm Gustavus?  
Can we persuade the Rebels to be conquered,  
Or Preach 'em from our Gates?  Enter a Servant. Seru. 
My Lord, two Canons just arrived from Upsal,  
Being known to the Archbishop, desire admittance  
To your Excellence, while his Grace is present.  Arch. 
From Upsal? To the Vice. my Lord, with your Permission-- Let 'em Enter.  Ent. 2 Can. they kneel to the Arch. who presents them to the Vice. 
Welcome, my Friends: These reverend Canons have  
Been faithful to us, and deserve your Favour.  Vic. 
They need not doubt of it, so recommended.  
Has aught that I can serve you in, brought you from Upsal?  Arch. and 1st Canon talk apart. 2 Can. 
We 'ad not intent in leaving it, but of  
Retreating to our Primate, from a City  
Declared for his, and the King's Enemies.  Arch. 
A Passport from Gustavus! Did he fear  
Your Power in the Diocese? or hope,  
With fawning Arts, to gain you to his Party?  1st Can. 
The Obligation we have to Gustavus,  
Is not peculiar, or to be mentioned  
With those unpresidented Instances  
Of Generosity and Moderation  
Which all are Objects of, where he has Power,  
Whoever had seen him when he entered Upsal,  
Not suffering the meanest to be injured,  
Had rather taken him for your Substitute,  
The People's common Parent, the Guardian, than  
The Conqueror of the City.  Arch. 
Ha! Are you sent to be his Panegyrist?  
Is not Rebellion too among his Virtues?  
Must not that be displayed to court my Favour,  
And move my Emulation?  1st Can. 
My Lord, 'tis not,  
I think, forbidden to do a Rebel justice,  
But for his Cause, let his own Letter speak,  
Which with Submission he presents, entreating  
You'd coolly and impartially peruse it.  Gives the Archb. a Letter. Arch. 
What does the Boy pretend, to School me from my purpose,  
Or Flatter me to his?  
After Reading. Not, I an to be Bribed it seems—— The Traitors!  
Thus do you pay Allegiance to your King,  
And tender that Respect you own to me?  Viceroy. 
What is''t transports your Grace?  Arch. 
Be judge, my Lord,  
I'll have not secret Treaty with Gustavus,  
Th'audacious Boy would tempt me to his Party  
With a Bribe; Upsal is offered,  
All my Estate untouched, Submission, and  
Obedience to my Councils; The fawning Sycophant!  
I may command his Army too: It seems  
This formidable Victor needs my Authority,  
To confirm his new precarious Power.  
Shallow Politician!  Viceroy. 
This humble Style  
Shows he is weaker than our Fears imagined;  
None court an Enemy they hope to vanquish.  2d Can. 
Some few there are, whose generous Dispositions  
Incline 'em most to Peace, when most secure  
Of Victory in War; some Spirits framed  
To Mercy, who accounted their Enemy's  
Destruction, the most unhappy Triumph  
Of their Fortune; nor take that last recourse  
Of slighted Friendship, but with regret, and on  
Necessity.  Arch. 
Such, you'd insinuate,  
Is your Gustavus; for you are both confederate  
In this Treason. My Reverend Ambassadors,  
Hence to your Rebel Master, hence and tell him,  
If he's for Bribing me effectually,  
It must be with his Head, that's the sole grateful  
Offer he can make me; nor have I other  
Counsel for him, or Command to his  
Plebeian Subjects.  2d Can. 
My Lord, It grieves me.  Arch. 
I know it does, to have so ill succeeded;  
You had been pleased, would I have been the Scaffold  
For Gustavus t'erect his Greatness on;  
To be thrown down when he not longer needed  
My Support. But did you hope it? Not,  
You know my Soul's abhorrent to the Man,  
More than his Cause; this was but your Pretence,  
you're sent for Spies, or to betray the City;  
My Lord, let 'em be seized and executed instantly,  
As Spies and Traitors.  Vice. 
Beron, call my Guards.  Ber. 
Permit me first to speak my cooler Thoughts,  
Your Grace's Ear—— My Lords, 'tis to be feared,  
Should you proceed with Violence against these  
Ecclesiastics, the Body of the Clergy  Canons talk apart. 
Would resent it as their common Cause;  
And to offend them now, who are the sole  
Supporters of our Party, were most Unpolitick.  1st Can. 
We must resolve on this, or we are lost.  2d Can. 
There's not deliberating in such an Exigence,  
Be quick and resolute, I'll second you.  Arch. 
I would not be suspected of holding Correspondence  
With the Rebels, they must not thus escape.  1st Can. 
My Lords, would your Resentment permit us  
A short Audience, you soon would be convinced  
We are not Traitors, but faithful to your Interests.  2d Can. 
What can we offer in Excuse for bringing  
This presumptuous Letter from Gustavus?  1st Can. 
That had we not accepted it, we could  
Not have had means to give the Viceroy notice  
O'th' sudden turn, and weakness of your Enemies' Condition.  Arch. 
Ha! the sound is grateful to me,  
Confirm it, give it proof, and be restored  
To my most dear Affection.  2d Can. 
'Tis not for us, whose Lives are in your Hands,  
To soothe you with a Falsehood; so be we safe,  
As is Gustavus, forsaken by his Army.  Vice. 
Is''t possible!  1st Can. 
My Lord, most certain Truth,  
The Peasants would not be detained from Harvest,  
Scarce are Five hundred left to guard his Person.  Vice. 
My Blessing on them for it, we yet may breathe  
In Freedom than, spite of his threatened Siege.  Arch. 
Is that sufficient? Gustavus breathes the Air  
With equal Freedom. Give me, my Lord, what Force's  
You can spare, myself will, at their Head,  
Give this Dissembler answer to his Offers;  
I'd trust not other Chief against Gustavus,  
My Hate's alone superior to his Fortune.  Vice. 
Four thousand Danes, the greatest part and Flower o'th' Garrison,  
Shall be drawn out, and ordered to obey you.  Arch. 
With speed and secrecy, we must surprise him  
Ever he's warned to escape us; now, now, my Lord,  
Your Feasts, your Mirth and Harmony, will all be seasonable;  
Exert your Art against our glad Return, to celebrated  
Our Victory, assured this dreaded Hero  
In Chains, shall wait the Triumphs of this Night,  
Or once more to the Mountains take his Flight.  Exeunt omnes.   

ACT II.  

SCENE A Forest.  Enter Gustavus, Erici, Fredage, Laura, two Swedish Gentlemen, and Attendants. Gust. 
THat we have scaped so imminent a Danger,  
Gained with so little loss, though close pursued,  
The favourable Covert of this Forest,  
First let us bow to Heaven in humble Thanks;  
Next, my brave Friends, the worthy Instruments  
Of Providence to save us: Be yours the Praise,  
And glad Acknowledgement, of every Swede,  
Who to your timely Notice of the Archbishops'  
Purpose, owes his Life.  Gent. 
My Noble Lord,  
All who are present know, the Soldiers own  
Their safe Retreat to your sole Valour, each  
Aiming only to secure himself;  
Whilst you almost almost alone sustained the Fury  
Of the Enemy: Exposing for,  
The fearful Herd, a Life more worth than the whole Flock.  2 Gent. 
Yet may we claim the Glory of their Safety,  
Since all had been inevitably lost,  
Had not our Diligence warned and preserved  
Their valiant General for their Defence.  Erici. 
'Twas fortunate, indeed, to have such Friends  
So near, and unsuspected, to the Viceroy;  
Else, my Lord, your trusty stout Dalecarlians  
Would have but ill secured you; soon as you left  
The Village, when yet you scarce had joined your Men,  
Th'Archbishop entered it with all his Forces;  
And followed at our Heels.  Gust. 
Confess, Erici,  
Since we're now secure, dost thou not feel  
A sullen spiteful Joy, for that  been  
Endangered, and proved thy Fears Prophetic.  Erici. 
In truth, my Lord, I shall not much deny it,  
Nor you, I hope, that you have in some Moment's  
Repent of rejecting my Advice.  Gust. 
I never shall repent of being Just,  
Or judge my Actions by th'uncertain Rule  
Of their Event. To Fredage. How is''t my lovely Charge?  
Thou'st been but ill encouraged to the War,  
By this Essay; thy Fear had almost lost thee;  
Scarce had it left thee Pow'er t'avoid the Danger  
Which had raised it.  Fred. 
Methought, my Lord, I run  
As valiantly as any of your Heroes,  
Who had all the Prudence to retire, not hazarding a Blow.  Enter a Soldier. Sold. 
Colonel de Sassi greets my Lord Gustavus,  
And with Twelve hundred Germane, is arrived  
Within a quarter of an Hours slow March,  
From the South entrance of the Forest.  Gust. 
They're welcome;  
Would they had been arrived some few Hours since,  
We had not turned our Backs upon the Danes,  
But found 'em nobler Work—— Nay than 'tis not  
Too late, my noble Friend, Count Arwide too, Enter Count Arwide.  
Without a Warning come t'increase my Joy--- By the Surprise.  Arw. 
Not Messenger so swift,  
Whose tardy haste would not have laged behind,  
And been prevented by my eager Love;  
O how it joys my Soul, to see you safe  
After theAlarm I have had of your late Danger,  
I dared not trust Reports, but left my Forces  
Betwixt this and Stockholm, where you ordered me  
To join you; Yet an I well accompanied:  
Many brave Swedes Alarmed and Fearing for  
Your Safety, met me on the Way, and flock  
To your Assistance.  Gust. 
They're Friends indeed to seek me in Distress,  
In my low Ebb of Fortune; nor shall we want  
Employment for their Love: In a most happy  
Hour are you come to turn our past Misfortune  
To much Advantage, and retaliate double  
On the Foe, the Mischief they designed us.  Arw. 
How how my Lord? Command your faithful Soldier,  
Who knows but to obey you.  Gust. 
We're informed  
TheArchbishop purposed to return directly  
Back to Stockholm. This Gentleman we Credit  
On your Intelligence.  Gent. 
My Lord I dare  
Assure you he's engaged to bring the Garrison  
Ever Night into the City, whether you scaped  
By Flight, or fallen into his Power; as with  
Proud boasting he promised to the Viceroy.  Gust. 
Triumphing in our Flight, the haughty Prelate  
Not doubt will March secure and confident  
Not fearing any Enemy so near  
Who dare encounter him; Ever this he's on  
His way, yet may our diligence prevent him.  
You, Arwide, by the shortest Passage, haste  
To join your Troops, they're posted to advantage,  
And may with ease retire into the Woods  
That lie betwixt the Archbishop and the City,  
Who cannot fail to fall into the Ambush;  
Myself, with the Dalecarlians, and what Supplies  
Are newly brought me, will observe his motion,  
And follow him at a convenient distance  
To fall upon the Rear, and cut of their Retreat.  
Our time is precious, hast my gallant Friend.  Arw. 
Doubt not, your Orders shall be executed  
With utmost expedition, and our next Meeting be  
With double Joy of Friends and Conquerors.  Exit Count Arwide. Gust. 
Come my brave Countrymen, each to retrieve  
This Days disgrace, exert himself--- But thou Supreme  
Disposer of Events, on Thee we must depend,  
Confessing Human Prudence all but vain.  
Unblessed by thy implored o'erruling Power;  
O aid the juster side that in the happy  
Consequence of this Days danger, all  
May adore the Wonders of thy Wisdom!  Exeunt omnes; manet Fredage. Fre. 
My trembling Heart forebodes I know not what  
of Terror in this hopeful Expedition;  
Why do I dread what will inflame  
The meanest Soldiers Courage? Are our Souls too  
Like their frail Mansions of weaker frame than Man's?  
Or can the force of Custom and Opinion  
Effect this difference? 'Tis so, the Hero  
Who undaunted, faces Death midst Cannons,  
Swords and Javelins, sinks under the lesle  
Honourable Dangers of Pain, Disease,  
Or Poverty, below a Woman's weakness:  
And we whom Custom bars this active Valour,  
Branding they with Reproach, shrink at theAlarm  
Of War, but where our Honour's placed, we often  
Have shown in its Defence a not lesle Manly daring.  
Yet Death is still the same in every Form,  
And every where my Friend, I'll try to Face him in  
The dreadfullest Pomp and Horrors of the Battle.  Exit.  
The Scene changes to the Entrance of a Wood. Enter The Archbishop, Beron, Officers and Soldiers, with Constantia and Maria Prisoners. Arch. 
We, whilst our Infantry advance, will keep  
A slower Pace;  
These Woods invite us to a short Refreshment  
Beneath their pleasing Shades; I think we need  
Not fear the irresistible Gustavus  
Should disturb us.  Ber. 
Not, my Lord, unless  
He in his fright mistake the way and run  
Into these Woods for shelter.  Arch. 
Yes, Beron,  
He can run, the desperate Youth who for a while  
Braved my whole Army, thought fit at last to turn  
His Back, and fled as nimbly as the rest;  
O that pernicious Forest that stopped my Course  
Secured him from my Vengeance and his impending Fate!  Beron. 
Your Grace has gained sufficient Glory from  
This Days success, to hearten our disponding  
Party, and damp the boldest Rebels hopes;  
Their General's flight and the Renowned Count Arwide's  
Beauteous Wife your Prisoner, are advantages  
That bound not in themselves, but guide the view  
To a large Prospect of Consequences,  
Far beyond, and of most high importance.  Arch. 
For this we are indebted to thy Prudence,  
So shall the Viceroy know, that by thy happy  
Foresight and Advice we seized this noblest Treasure  
Left by Gustavus with inadvertant Fear,  
In the Deserted Village, an unguarded Prey.  Const. 
A worthy boast! That with deep Consultation  
Four Thousand Valiant Soldiers have secured  
A weak defenceless Woman.  Arch. 
'Tis Glorious Vengeance!  
Already I behold the lost Gustavus,  
Sullen, and gnawing on his Discontents;  
Than Furious, raging at the cursed disgrace,  
Thus to be driven by his Mortal Foe!  
But when forsaken by his dearest Friend,  
Count Arwide to preserve this valued Hostage  
Forced to desert his weakened Party. How will he than  
Exclaim on Fates Injustice! The Treachery of Men,  
And Curse his rash attempt.  Const. 
The Sacred Power forbidden  
That my poor Country be for my Redemption,  
Deprived of the lest Aid against our Tyrants.  
O rather let me fall a Sacrifice  
To their Inhuman Vengeance!  Arch. 
To our Justice,  
For 'tis of Right to punish lawless Rebels  
In their Alliance and cursed Progeny.  
But Interest of State, may bate of right,  
And grant your Life to awe a powerful Rebel.  Const. 
Wisely that branded Name has been applied,  
For a pretence to such Barbarities,  
As else must have bore Faced confessed themselves,  
In their most horrid Form.  
Is it Rebellion for a wretched People  
Oppressed and Ruined, by that Power they gave  
For their Defence, the safety of their Rights,  
To seek Redress? When Kings who are in Trust  
The Guardians of the Laws, the public Peace and Welfare,  
Confess not Law but Arbitrary Will,  
Or know not use of Power but to Oppress,  
And Injure, with Impunity, themselves  
Disown their Office, tacitly acquit  
The People, of whose due Obedience, just  
Protection, is the Natural and Essential Condition.  Arch. 
Excellent Maxims, to perpetuate Confusion!  
Pernicious Principles! Which even those  
Whose turn they serve against the Reigning Prince,  
Gladly disclaim when their own Powers established,  
Than would they be obeyed as Heavens' Vicegerents,  
Accountable to none but him they represent.  Const. 
Would Princes govern as if they themselves  
Believed they were accountable to Heaven,  
There had been not occasion to contest  
Whether their Power be of Divine, or Human  
Institution; But when such impious Cruelties  
Are practised, as our Sweden long has been  
The Scene of (under this too justly styled  
The Northern Nero) strong necessity,  
Becomes the People's Casuist, proves that Piety  
And Justice must allow that self-defence, to which  
Nature so universally incites.  Arch. 
Nature indeed, for Mutiny, a Love  
Of Novelty, and Spirit of Rebellion,  
Are Nature in the giddy Multitude;  
Humour and headstrong Will their Casuist,  
Unknowing of that specious Sophistry,  
With which their Factious Leaders gilled their Cause.  
Not the King's Cruelty, but too Imprudent  
Partial Clemency, gave Rise to this Revolt;  
Had he not spared the Sons of those his Justice doomed,  
Had Young Gustavus, when his Prisoner, shared  
His Father's Fate, the King had Reigned securely,  
And Sweden been in Peace.  Const. 
Most true, My Lord,  
The Tyrant, should have spared not generous Swede,  
Whom breach of public Faith, the Law of Nations,  
And Murder of so many Innocents',  
Could prompt; or to Redress, or to Avenge  
Their Country's Wrongs.----- But can you thus insulting,  
Or without Terror, name those noble Victims  
Whose Blood still cries for Vengeance! They, My Lord,  
Were sure not Rebels, relying on the Faith  
Of Treaties; Solemn Oaths, and the smooth Face of Peace,  
Secure they went as to a Friendly Feast,  
The Band of Union; but with barbarous Treachery,  
Themselves were made theinhuman Banquet,  
To glut the Luxury of sanctify'd Revenge,  
And Cruelty.  Arch. 
Not, Rebels! Dare you vindicate those Wretches  
Accursed, with sacred, solemn Excommunication.  
Was not the Cause of Piety concerned,  
The Interest of our Holy Faith engaged,  
TO expel such Poisonous Vipers from the Earth?  Const. 
The Cause of Piety! Can that Religion  
Of which the Spirit, and distinctive Character  
Is Mercy; forgiving Injuries and Universal Love,  
Can it ever authorise Revenge? Incite  
To Persecution, and Bloody Massacres?  
Well may Infidels be scandalised  
At our most Holy Faith, when its Professors  
Themselves impute to it the most unnatural  
Impieties? Well may Religions sacred Name  
Be fallen to Contempt, when thus abused,  
To serve the vilest, the most impious Ends!  Arch. 
Is it for you  
To judge of your Superiors, t'instruct your Guide?  
When Women preach, 'twill be with Luther's Aid;  
A blessed Reformation.  Const. 
Not to instruct, my Lord, but to awake;  
 shut your Eyes against our present Miseries  
And future Dangers, else would you not oppose  
Your Country's Liberty, or give pretext  
To Luther's growing Schism, which (with its fatal  
Consequences) will all be set to the Account  
of those Ambitious Churchmen,  turned  
The Spiritual Power, to Secular Tyrannical  
Dominion, and given Libertines occasion  
In detecting the Usurped, to throw of  
Undistinguished, the just Authority.  Arch. 
Insolent Assertions!  
Such are th'insinuation which support  
Your Party— But we shall quell these impious  
Reformers—— Beron, lead on your Prisoner,  
We shall try if Sweden's great Deliverer  
Can save himself.  Going, a Soldier enters hastily. Sold. 
OH haste, my Lord! Your Grace's presence  
Is necessary to re-assure your Men,  
Who in dismay.  Arch. 
What! Do the Cowards fear  
A flying Enemy?  Sold. 
An Ambush from  
The farther Woods, broken suddenly upon  
Our Infantry, shouting Count Arwide's Name;  
All struck with Terror, in disorder fly,  
Or fall without resistance.  Const. 
My Lord arrived?  Arch. 
In an unlucky Hour!  
Curse, Curse on Fortune, that with a random Throw,  
A Hit of Chance, defeats the wisest Purpose!  
O Confusion—— You Beron, stay with these  
To guard Constantia; observe whilst we engage  
The Enemy, which way you, without Opposition,  
May gain the City; But on your Life secure her.  Going, a Soldier enters at another Door. 2d Sold. 
My Lord, we are pursued, Gustavus with  
A num'rous Army, has set upon our Rear.  Arch. 
Screech-Owl! Gustavus! this is than my way.  Enter a third Soldier. 3d Sold. 
Where, where's his Grace?  
We're all lost Men, my Lord, your Army is surrounded,  
Not possibility to escape is left us.  Arch. 
Nay than their Victory will cost 'em dear,  
Valour exasperated by Despair, may prove  
More fatal to the Victor, than the Vanquished.  Ex. Archb. Const. 
'Tis Just, 'tis Just, to humble this proud Prelate;  
Can such Events as this be accidental,  
A Hit of blind unaiming Chance? Or is,  
What Men call Chance, the Hand of secret Providence,  
Guided by Springs unseen, to a determined End?  
It must be so, 'tis that o'er-ruling Wisdom  
Detained my Lord just to this pointed Hour,  
By ways so seeming opposite to compass  
The Tyrant's destined Ruin.  Beron in dumb show sends two Soldiers several ways. Enter Christina and Laura. Laur. 
This place is safe, the Entrance well defended  
By that close Covert we have passed, secures us.  Chris. 
Art sure we're not pursued?  Laur. 
Hark, a Noise, not,  
Would we were farther from the reach of Danger.  Chris. 
Our Fears would still pursue us—— Thou may'st be  
Allowed to fear Death might cut of thy Youth  
From many Blessings; But wherefore do I fly  
The sole Reliever of my Miseries?  
My reason has adjudged Death eligible,  
Yet I fear him———  
What is it thus divides us from ourselves?  
What Composition this, that can desire  
What it most disapproves, and dread what it esteems?  Ber. 
Ha! What are those? Be on your Guard,  
They must be Enemies. Two Youths unfollowed,  
Seize 'em, we'll know, or disappoint their Purpose.  Guards lay hold on Chris. and Laura. Chris. 
Ha! Whether are we fallen? What means this Violence?  Ber. 
What brings you hither from the general Battle?  Chris. 
My Husband! Speak, speak to him, I dare not.  Ber. 
Say, What are you?  Lau. 
Men of Peace, who not intending  
Hurt to either Party, withdraw from the  
Engagement: We're not Objects of your Enmity.  Ber. 
That in plain Terms would be, We're arrant Cowards,  
However you seem of Note; And in Exchange,  
One Prisoner of Rank, will be accounted  
For many braver Men.  Chris. 
Inevitably lost!  One of th' 〈◊〉 sent by 〈◊〉 returns, apart. Ber. 
thou'rt soon returned, What Tidings dost thou bring?  Lau. 
O cruel Destiny!  Chris. 
O that I'd perished  
In the Battle! My treacherous Fears have led me  
To a Fate, far, far more Terrible  
Than that from which they saved me! Now I could  
Brave those Dangers, encounter any Enemy,  
But an incensed, relentless, barbarous Husband.  Ber. 
Desperate, sayest thou?  Sold. 
Some few, encouraged by his Grace, do yet  
Maintain a vigorous Defence against  
Gustavus, not in hope of Victory,  
They only cell their Lives at dearer Rates  
Than those who fallen before 'em.  Const. 
What of Count Arwide,  
Knowest thou aught of him?  Sold. 
I marked him not,  
But just in entering the Wood, methought  
I herded confusedly, the Soldiers shout his Name.  Const. 
Alas I know not what their Shouts import,  
Perhaps his loss.  Beron's 2d Messenger enters at another Door Ber. 
Is thy Success not better?  
Or have we any Hope?  Sold. 
Sir, you with ease  
May gain the City, there's not an Enemy  
This way t'oppose you.  Ber. 
How! Is the Fortune of the Battle turned?  Sold. 
All's lost, our Infantry entirely routed,  
Almost all cut of; some few who fled  
Towards Stockholm, Count Arwide suffered to escape,  
Hasting from their Pursuit to join Gustavus.  Const. 
He yet is safe, O guard him, guard him ever.  Ber. 
How may we pass unnoticed?  Sold. 
This side is clear,  
Naught to oppose your passage but heaps of Dead,  
We may securely bear our Prisoners of.  Ber. 
With Expedition than---- be thou our Guide,  
You follow with the Youths, this Lady is my Charge.  
Let Arwide now accounted his Gains, with what  
He has lost, and yield our Prize theAdvantage.  Const. 
You may be forced to quit your boasted Prize,  
Unless in mad Revenge you'll perish with it;  
Yes treacherous Swede, mark that I have foretold thee,  
Whate'er my Lord may suffer in Constantia,  
All that the Tyrant can on me impose,  
Will prove at last most fatal to our Foes.  Ex. led by Beron.. Chris. 
Is there not Remedy? Not Tigers to devour,  
Not Earthquake, to involve me in undistinguished  
Ruins! Not gentler Fate to save me from  
A Tyrant Husband's insulting Rage and Vengeance!  Sold. 
Come, come along.  Laur. 
Be moderate I conjure you,  
Your Passion will betray you.  Chris. 
O 'tis impossible  
To be concealed from Beron, or to endure  
A Fate so strange as this with Moderation!  
I'll work it up to Madness; forgetting where,  
Or whose, or what I an, rush on insensible  
To all his Rigours, and disappoint the Triumph  
Of his Vengeance.  Exeunt omnes. Enter Gustavus and Arwide severally. Arw. 
The Victory's complete,  
Not one of the fierce Danes who stood the Battle,  
But left his Life the Trophy of his Valour,  
And now our glorious Work is near accomplished,  
Through both the Gothlands all have yielded to us,  
All have confessed the Justice of our Cause.  Gust. 
The Progress of my gallant Friend's Success,  
Has been too swift for Fame.  Arw. 
 profited, my Lord, by your known Maxim,  
A Conqueror cannot buy the time he saves too dear.  Gust. 
I'm yet to learn many Particulars  
Of your late Conquests, but too far have trespassed  
After a tedious March, to have engaged you  
On the most hard Fatigue of this days Action,  
And must oblige you now to your Repose.  Arw. 
So near to my Constantia, can I find  
Repose elsewhere, or wish it but with her!  
Forgive your Soldier this confessed Impatience,  
Not as a Woman, as a worthy Friend  
I seek Constantia, who with temperate Virtue,  
And unbiased Reason, confirms my Soul,  
Enforces my Esteem, and justifies  
My tenderest Affection.  Gust. 
Fear not, my Friend, that I shall tax with Weakness  
Your Love for such an Object, who constrains  
The general Admiration,  
In all her Actions, all her Purposes,  
Appears a bent to Goodness, greatness of Mind,  
And a commanding Virtue; yet seems she not  
Insensible of the most tender Passions.  Arw. 
Oh! she has all that Softness which endears  
And melts the Soul to transport: But superior  
Reason holds the Reinss, guides and restrains  
Her most impetuous Wishes, nor suffers 'em  
To bond her to any indirect, unequal Path,  
From her determined Course.  Gust. 
Such is her Excellence, it shames our Praise,  
Which has too long detained you from a Blessing  
Words cannot reach; nor is it lesle Injustice  
To Constantia, I than was with her when  
TheAlarm was brought me, of theArchbishops' Purpose  
To surprise us; and left her in the Village,  
Lesle anxious for her own than for our Safety;  
'Tis cruel, longer to deprive her of  
Her share in Joy, for this days happy Fortune;  
Hast, my Friend, Constantia'll meet the News  
From you with double Welcome.  Arw. 
O you are kind, thus to indulge my Fondness,  
Inciting me to what my Soul most eagerly  
Desire's. Farewell, not other cause could give me Joy,  
In parting with Gustavus.  As Arw. is going, an Officer enters from the other side. Officer. 
A Trumpet from the Viceroy demands Admittance  
To the Lord Gustavus, and Count Arwide.  Arw. 
To me?  Gust. 
Conduct him in—— 'Tis fit you stay,  
My Lord, to know the Purport of this Message.  Enter Messenger. Mess. 
Thus to you both, victorious Lords, the Viceroy sends,  
'Tis now his turn to take theAdvantage of  
His Fortune, since the same Chance of War which gave  
So many Danish Lives to yours, has put  
Into his Power Constantia, Arwide's Lady.  Arw. 
Ha! What sayest thou?  Mess. 
She is, my Lord, a Prisoner  
Now in Stockholm; her Liberty on this  
Condition offered, that you lay down your Arms,  
And give yourself a Prisoner in her stead;  
Not other Ransom will the Viceroy take,  
Which if refused, her Death is doomed to morrow.  Arw. 
Inhuman Tyranny!  Gust. 
Than thus return  
Our Answer to the Viceroy—— If he dares  
Execute his threatened barbarous Sentence,  
We vow Revenge by the immediate Death  
Of all the Danes who now are in our Power;  
Nor think himself secure, ever long we may  
Be Masters of his Fate; and be assured,  
Whate'er Constantia suffers, his Doom's the same,  
And all th'Adherents to his Party.  Arw. 
Oh! What Atonement, what Satisfaction were  
The Lives of Thousand? We must not hazard thus——  Gust. 
Forbear, my Friend, by showing your Concern,  
To give your Enemies yet more Advantage,  
'Twill only urge their Cruelty, enhance  
The Ransom of their Prize, and more assure  
The Fate you fear.  Arw. 
I must myself prevent it,  
O think not I can trust——  Gust. 
By all our Friendship  
I conjure you, restrain your Passion but  
A Moment; leave to my cooler Judgement,  
How to work on the mean-spirited  
Timorous Viceroy; nor interpose, I beg you:  
You know our Purpose, so bear it to your Master;  
Say I have vowed, and at his Peril bid him  
Tempt our Vengeance.  Mess. 
I shall, my Lord, and you will find the Viceroy  
Dares your utmost, expect that your next Tidings be,  
Constantia's dead.  Exit Messenger. Arw. 
O fatal Sound!  
My Wife, my only Joy, in whom I'd fixed  
The Recompense of all my Toils; And must  
I lose her thus? What's all my Fortune, all  
My Glory now?—— It cannot, shall not be,  
Whilst I have power to save her.  Gust. 
Fear not, my Friend,  
This Menace only shows the Viceroy would  
Secure a Man he dreads: For his own Interest  
He'll preserve Constantia, whose Death would but  
Deprive him of an Hostage, that will for ever  
Awe so dangerous an Enemy as Arwide.  Arw. 
O we have long experienced the Danish Cruelty,  
Has the Ascendant of their Politics,  
In every Instance of that Tyranny,  
By which they have provoked their own Destruction;  
I dare not hazard on any Possibility,  
So dear, so irretrievable a Loss;  
Nor, if you would not see your Arwide wretched,  
Dissuade me from preserving her, whom,  
If I could outlive; 'tis but to linger out  
A miserable Being, unblessed with any  
Sense, or hope of Joy.  Gust. 
These are the Sallies  
Of unbridled Passion; But recollect  
Your Virtue, remember you're devoted to  
The Public, think on your glorious Cause,  
On what you own your Country: Had I deserted it  
On Christiern's Summons, Had I laid down my Arms  
To save a Mother and a Sister's Life,  
How would you have condemned me of Weakness and Injustice?  Arw. 
You, who are the Head, the Soul of our  
Great Enterprise, should own not private Ties;  
I'm not of such Importance, nor can my  
Country exact more from me than I pay;  
I have not left her Service but with Life,  
Nor Life, till it was one with Misery,  
Till I not longer could support it.  Gust. 
What Privilege have you to be exempted  
From suffering your share o'th'common Miseries?  
Is''t only in the Smiles of Fortunes, encouraged  
With Success, and flushed with Happiness,  
We own our Country Service? What Traitor  
Would not be a Patriot on such Terms?  
But if you truly prise your Country's Interest,  
Give not our Enemies an Hostage that more  
Effectually will bond my Power, than all  
Their Opposition.  Arw. 
O, I conjure you, consider not your Friend  
In any Competition with your Country;  
Have not regard for me, that may obstruct  
Your glorious Enterprise—— I know you will not.  
But is there room for a Deliberation,  
If I should let Constantia perish, to live  
A miserable Wretch without her? Or,  
Only parting with an equal Blessing  
To lose with it, the Sense that I have lost it?  
My beating Heart alarms me to Constantia.  
One more Embrace.  Gust. 
O Arwide, must I lose thee! Must the Tyrant  
Thus triumph over Gustavus?  Arw. 
O Gustavus!  
Spare me theAddition of thy racking Griefs;  
I cannot bear this Struggling in my Soul,  
I dare not listen to thee longer: And o,  
Too long has my divided Tenderness  
Detained me, already may the murd'rous Steel  
Be pointed to her Breast—— Yet a few Minute's  
Heaven restrain their Cruelty! I fly  
To save my Love—— Than turn thy Care of me  
To Blessings on Gustavus—— I have not more to ask,  
But that my Death may be Constantia's Safety;  
And the last Instance the Danes may ever have Power  
To give my Country of their Tyranny.  Exit Arwide. Gust. 
They cannot give another so afflicting  
To me, or to thy Country! All my Success,  
The near Accomplishment of my best Hopes,  
Cannot bear up my Soul, overwhelmed with Sadness  
At this fatal Loss: Alas, my Arwide,  
Our promised Aid from Lubeck, will, I fear,  
Arrive too late for thy Relief, On me  
Thy Tyrant will at last revenge his Ruin.  
O, could the Pageantry of Pomp and Grandeur,  
Exempt us from the Sense of private Ills,  
'Tis worth the coveting;—— But not, my Soul,  
Thy utmost Expectation now must be,  
To see thyself a glorious Wretch, the certain Fate  
Of all, who'd destined to support the public Weight.  Exeunt omnes.   

ACT III.  

SCENE The Viceroy's Palace.  Enter Christina and Laura guarded. Officer. 
HEre, Gentlemen, you soon will know your Doom,  
Beron attends his other noble Prisoner  
To the Viceroy, and commanded me to wait  
You hither, where he's ordered to present you:  
I'm now acquitted of my Charge, and must  
Withdraw till farther Orders.  Ex. Guard.. Chris. 
Too well I know my Doom, know it inevitable!  
Now, Laura, What Pretence of Comfort canst  
Thou find for such a Wretch?  Lau. 
O Madam!——— But  
There's still a Possibility of Safety,  
Since yet you're undiscovered to your Husband.  Chris. 
O vain Imagination! Thou undiscovered  
In his disordered haste in 'scaping to the City,  
(Where, since he has not seen me) O what hope  
When now he comes, with artful and observing Care,  
To know and rate the Value of his Prisoner?  
What possibility to escape a Husband's Knowledge,  
Or to avert the Vengeance of so cruel,  
So furious, so inflexible a Spirit?  Lau. 
Too just, alas, I own your Fears; yet may  
Despair be your worst Enemy, somewhat  
We must attempt for your Deliverance.  Chris. 
Impossible! We are too strictly guarded,  
And Beron in this instant may be coming  
TO examine, and present us to the Viceroy;  
O what a grateful Present will it prove,  
To find within their Power the wretched Object  
Of their Hate, whom every Hour for each  
Success Gustavus gained,  Cursed and Destined  
To severest Vengeance!— Than what I an to Suffer!  
Death alone would not alarm me thus,  
But O there is not circumstance of Infamy,  
Or Terror,  not cause to fear!  Lau. 
A lucky Thought!  
O Madam, I have yet a hope in probability  
To save you.  Chris. 
Sooth me not with an imaginary safety,  
But let me die with very apprehension  
Of my Fate.  Lau. 
Only hear me, Madam,  
And as what I shall offer seems likely to  
Succeed, or not, or follow, or reject it;  
You have a Letter from your Husband's Brother,  
That recommends to him a Son, desirous  
Of the Viceroy's Service.  Chris. 
What of that?  Lau. 
I think your Husband never see that Youth,  
At lest in many Years.  Chris. 
Not since his Infancy, being Educated  
At a College far distant from us.  Lau. 
What hinders than that you should Personate  
Your Nephew here, as you have done already  
To Gustavus, and with as good Success?  Chris. 
A Husband's not so easily deluded  
In a Wife, whose Image has been long  
Familiar to him.  Lau. 
True, Madam, but in this pretence, the likeness  
He observes in you, to that known Image,  
Will help us to deceive him, confirming him  
That you are truly Nephew to a Lady  
Whom you so much resemble; and the assurance  
Of his Brother's Letter, when not expecting you  
In such a Place, or Habit, must guard him from suspicion.  Chris. 
It could at best, but for a while conceal me.  Lau. 
That's all you need desire, when once  gained  
Your Liberty, you soon with ease may escape his Power.  Chris. 
Hark! He may be coming---- How my Heart beats!  
My trembling Limbs too fail me! O Laura!  
My disorder at theencounter will betray me.  Lau. 
Your Fear should give you Courage for this Trial,  
Consider 'tis your only means of Safety;  
Be composed and resolute, or you are lost.  Chris. 
'Tis He, and there's not possibility  
To eat him. This Counterfeit is worth attempting,  
Since if it fail, I cannot be more wretched  
Than without it.  Lau. 
You must profess Zeal for  
The Danish Interest, pretend you made yourself  
A Voluntary Prisoner.  Chris. 
I must on,  
Necessity may instruct, and give me Boldness.  Enter Beron.. Ber. 
Now Gentlemen it does concern yourselves,  
TO inform me truly, who, and what you are;  
You'll find the better Treatment from the Viceroy.  Chris. 
Sir, if you'd represent me to the Viceroy  
For what I chief do profess myself,  
Say, I an one whom not the chance of War,  
But a desire of serving him, has made his Prisoner.  Ber. 
We give not easy Credit to Professions;  
Were you not fight on the Rebel's side?  
Perhaps are Spies, employed to serve Gustavus.  
Somewhere too  seen that Face before;  
Whence are you? We shall find a way  
To know you better ever you escape us.  Chris. 
I ask not, Sir, your Credit on my own  
Report, there's here a Person of not small Note  
About the Viceroy, nearly related to me,  
who'll engage for my Fidelity and Truth.  Ber. 
Who is that Person?  Chris. 
His name is Beron..  Ber. 
Audacious Traitor! I an He you Name,  
Whom if you'd known, you had not hoped to practise on,  
Or to deceive. Sure I should know this Villain  Chris. 
Sir, if you're He to whom I an directed,  
This Letter will assure me your Protection.  Ber. 
My Brother's Hand! (Reads) Fredage, my Elder Son--  
My Nephew!—— depend on your Interest—— to serve The Viceroy— You may confided in him— not lesle Zealous for our Party, than your affectionate Brother.  
This doth indeed assure thee my Protection:  
Welcome, Fredage, the Viceroy I engage  
Shall give thee Welcome, and grace thee with his Favour.  Chris. 
I shall endeavour to deserve it, Sir.  Ber. 
Thou dost deserve it: My Brother has informed me  
How thou'rt Principled; 'Tis well my Boy  
Thy Father stamped thy Soul, t'atone for what  
Thou'st taken of thy Mother's Family;  
thou'rt wondrous like that vile Adult'ress,  
My accursed Wife.  Chris. 
How Sir, Adult'ress?  Ber. 
Hast thou not herded of her disloyalty?  Chris. 
That she discovered to Gustavus your design  
Of Seizing him, and aided his escape  
 herded; but known not she had injured you  
So vilely.  Ber. 
What other motive could she have  
To Sacrifice her Interest for Gustavus,  
But that he was a Youth, Handsome and Amorous,  
Formed to her wanton Wishes?  Chris. 
O Horrid!  Ber. 
Horrid indeed, my Boy, and could I find the Strumpet,  
Her Punishment should be as shameful as  
Her Gild, I'll have her stripped, and in the open Streets  
Fixed on a Rack, exposed to public view,  
Till she expire, more with the Sense of Infamy,  
Than Tortures. ⁠— ⁠— ⁠— I think the Viceroy's coming.  Chris. 
O support me, Laura!  Lau. 
Bear up for Honour's sake,  
There's now not fear of your discovery.  Ber. 
'Tis his Excellence, I'll instantly address you to him, Nephew,  Enter the Viceroy leading Constantia. Maria and Attend. Vice. 
Had I before beheld my beauteous Prisoner,  
I should not than have rated her so lightly,  
Not Arwide, nor what ever his Arms have Conquered,  
Had been sufficient to redeem a Prize,  
That justly may be set above all Ransom!  Ber. 
May it please your Excellence.  Vice. 
Beron, what didst thou tell me of Constantia?  
Can this be she whose haughty bold reproaches,  
So stung the Proud Archbishop?  Ber. 
The same, my Lord  Vice. 
O she appears to me all mild and gentle,  
Soft as the tender Wishes she inspires!  Ber. 
Your Excellence is happier in her Favour.  
Your other Prisoner too will unexpectedly,  
Be found your faithful Servant.  Vice. 
I had forgot,  
Thou wentest to be informed of their Condition.  Ber. 
That Youth, my Lord, permit me to present you  
As my Nephew, and one most Zealous for your Interests.  Vice. 
How! Was he not taken in the Rebel's Party?  Ber. 
A willing Prisoner, not having other means  
Of 'scaping hither; for his Fidelity,  
And Zeal to serve you, I engage ⁠— ⁠— The cause  
And manner of his joining with Gustavus,  
Himself can best inform your Excellence;  
Nor may the knowledge be unuseful to you.  Vice. 
I'll talk with him apart, bid him approach.  Ber. presents Fred. to the Viceroy, who talks with them apart. Const. 
What Power has Love, and Fear for what we Love!  
That it can thus constrain a Soul like mine,  
So unacquainted with Disguise, or Arts,  
To hid it's just disdain,  
To suffer the detested Adulations,  
Of this Licentious Viceroy, with seeming gentleness  
And mild return: Yet scarce is it Dissimulation,  
Contempt and Hate move weakly in my Heart,  
Insensible to aught but tender Fear,  
Fear of my Arwide's Danger. How dost thou think,  
Maria, he'll return the Viceroys cruel Summons?  Mar. 
I know not, Madam, what to think or wish.  Const. 
Alas thou canst not judge,  
But I who know the tender movings of his Soul,  
Know our Affections equal, know to what  
Mine would determine me, must apprehended  
The same sad proof of his too fatal kindness!  Vice. 
I'm satisfied.  
Fredage, be near my Person ⁠— ⁠— Your Pardon fair one.  Enter an Attendant. Attend. 
My Lord, the Trumpet is returned with Answer  
From the Rebels.  Vice. 
Bid him Enter ⁠— ⁠— Madam now  
You'll know on whom your Beauties have most influence.  Const. 
O my Heart!  Enter Messenger. Vice. 
Hast thou declared our Message to Count Arwide?  Mess. 
I have my Lord, Gustavus too was present,  
And in the Name of both thus an I bid  
To answer--- If you dare execute your threatened Sentence,  
They vow Revenge, by the immediate Death,  
Of all the Danes who now are in their Power;  
Nor doubt they to be soon disposers of your Fate,  
And at your Peril dare you to provoke 'em;  
Assured what ever Constantia suffers here,  
Your Doom shall be the same, and all th'adherents  
To your Party.  Const. 
Bravely returned! Worthy  
My noble Lord, worthy our glorious Cause!  Vice. 
What Cause is worthy such a Sacrifice?  
But 'tis a plausible deceit, that often  
Imposes even on ourselves, often we  
Accounted to Glory and to Virtue, what's due  
Alone to our Insensibility;  
Did Arwide now behold you with my Eyes,  
He could not thus assume theunshaken Patriot.  Const. 
Not with thy Eyes indeed ⁠— ⁠— But Arwide has in view  
Not end of Being but the public Good;  
And yields a Life dear to him as his own,  
To save a sinking Nation; for which he knows  
Constantia Dyes as willing, as He unwilling Lives.  
'Tis partial to repined in falling by a Tyrant,  
Under whose Cruelty my Country bleeds.  Vice. 
For my attempting to disarm a brave  
Successful Enemy, you cannot blame me, Fair one;  
But think not, O believe I never could  
Design against your Life.  Const. 
My Death's the lest of Ills thou darest design,  
'Twill pass unmarked, in thy Black Roll of Murders  
Unprovoked, in that sad Day when none of all  
This miserable City, but lamented  
Some tender Friend, or dear Relation Massacred,  
Under the Sanction of thy and thy Associate  
Prelates barbarous Sentence!  Vice. 
From you  not deserved these warm reproaches;  
Judge me Constantia on your own experience,  
The springs of public Actions are unseen,  
And all conjectures on appearances,  
Rash and uncertain; you have not found me Cruel,  
And may find I dare the hazard of my King's displeasure,  
Nay even of my Life, for your dear Safety;  
Than think who merit's most your Gratitude,  
Or Arwide, or this Tyrant; and if you can  
Be just to him who dares most to preserve you,  
Be Mistress of my Fortune, and my Power.  Const. 
Basely thou offerest, what thou'st basely gained!  
Yes on my own experience I may judge thee,  
This Moment 's of a Piece with all thy past  
Licentious Life, spent in indulgence of  
Thy own, or infamous subservience to  
Thy Master's lawless Passions.  Vice. 
How art thou changed from what I first beheld thee!  
O yet resume that softness in thy Eyes,  
That sweetness in thy words, that charmed my Soul!  
The dear Idea yet defends my Breast,  
Against the Rage to which thou wouldst provoke me.  
Yet meet my offers with a grateful smile,  
Respect my Power at lest, nor urge your own  
Destruction, favour my Wishes and assure your Safety.  Const. 
I know 'tis not in thee  
To give Life on honourable Terms,  
Therefore I urge my Fate; Nor can I deign thee  
That Respect which I should pay thy Rank  
In any other, Thou whose Crimes alone,  
Whose servile Conscience, was the only Merit  
That raised thee from the Dregss, the meanest of the People,  
Art by this Greatness but become to me,  
A more exalted Object of Contempt.  Vice. 
Ha! 'tis too much— I may become an Object of your Fear,  
Thou hast extinguished one, but hast inflamed  
A more impetuous Passion, that will not be resisted;  
My Vengeance thou shalt gratify, disdainful Woman!  
Hence, bear her quickly hence, to instant Death!  
Beron, see thou my Orders executed,  
Nor give me leisure to Relapse---- Now drag  
TheEnchantress to her Fate, whilst I have Power to doom her.  Mar. 
O, Madam, you have lost yourself;  
Be not thus desperate, one gentle word  
May yet revoke your Sentence.  Const. 
Forbear, Maria,  done but what I aught,  
My Life had been a check on Arwide's Valour,  
An Obstacle to Sweden's Liberty;  
Nor was there other means to save my Honour.  Mar. 
Alas!  Const. 
Lament me not---- We're Born to die,  
And when occasion's given us to improve  
The inevitable universal Doom,  
To Virtue, and a public Benefit,  
'Tis a just cause of Gratitude to Heaven.  
I'm ready Officer. ⁠— ⁠— ⁠ This only to my Woman,  
If thou escape the Tyrant's Cruelty,  
Tell my dear Lord I blessed his Resolution,  
But Dying begged him not to seek Revenge,  
Beyond what's needful to his Country's Safety;  
Conjured him not to grieve ⁠— ⁠— But he will grieve,  
O say I had not regret, not pang in Death,  
But what I felt for Arwide!  As she is going Arw. Enters. Arw. 
Live wondrous Excellence! Thy Arwide comes  
To save thee.  Const. 
What hast thou done!  Arw. 
Viceroy, behold the Ransom of your Prisoner.  Vice. 
Ha! What art thou?  Arw. 
Thy Mortal Foe,  
A fit Object of thy Cruelty;  
Unarmed I an come (the only way thou dared  
Encounter me) on thy own Terms to claim  
Constantia's Freedom.  Vice. 
We have Conquered than  
That haughty Hero, who defied my Power,  
And soon was to be Master of my Fate!  Arw. 
Insult not, Dane, we know how much thou darest  
Against defenceless Enemy's ⁠— ⁠— Be satisfied  
Thou'st found indeed the means to Conquer me;  
Set her in safety, than exert thy Power,  
The worst thou canst, I came prepared to suffer.  Vice. 
What's due to an audacious Rebel thou shalt suffer.  Const. 
O insupportable! My Arwide, why,  
Why hast thou taken this fatal Resolution?  Arw. 
What could I lesle, when thy dear Life was threatened?  Const. 
Alas, was this the way to save my Life!  
Too sure thou hast given me Death, and hast deprived me  
Of all the Consolation, all the Glory of it;  
 only now in Death to think myself  
The wretched cause of Arwides, and my poor  
Deserted Countries Ruin.  Arw. 
Not, my Constantia,  
Sweden will be delivered, and thou may'st live  
To share it's Happiness, Gustavus is  
Sufficient for that work; Be satisfied  
My Love thou soon shalt see thy Husband's Death avenged.  Const. 
See it avenged!  
Not Arwide, if my oppressed, my breaking Heart  
Deceive me not, that fatal stroke that gives  
Thee Death, will doubly gratify the Tyrant's Cruelty,  
I can't outlive that Moment: And must I live  
To see it! O Arwide, Arwide! Why hast thou been  
Thus desperately Cruel! If thou wouldst die,  
Thou shouldst have followed me, thou shouldst have spared  
Thy Wife this dismal meeting, this distracting grief,  
To see thee Perish for Constantia! Didst  
Thou think I could support it!  Arw. 
Do not unman me! Thou knowest the softness of my Nature,  
And shouldst not with thy Sorrows move me thus;  
Our Enemies will Triumph more in this,  
Than all the Tortures they can make me suffer.  Const. 
Alas what Constancy could stand this Trial!  
It is not Virtue, but Barbarian Cruelty,  
To be unmoved with others sufferings;  
I must lament thy fatal Tenderness,  
And thou should grieve, grieve that thou'st broken my Heart!  
Nay, do not Weep.  Vice. 
O how she fire's my Heart with Love and Rage!  
What Charms, what most transporting Ecstasy  
Such Tenderness would raise!  
But lavished on another 'tis insupportable!  
I have too long endured it ⁠— ⁠— Madam, I find  
Your Presence indisposes Arwide to receive  
The Fate for which he came prepared ⁠— ⁠— Remove  
This Rebel hence to a secure Confinement,  
My farther Orders, Beron instantly shall bring you.  Const. 
Hold, let me but stay a moment,  
The Viceroy gives you leave ⁠— ⁠— O say, my Lord,  
Has not this sad Encounter moved your Pity?  
I see it has, I see you melted to unusual Softness;  
O turn it all to Mercy! You cannot let  
Him die for having given this wondrous Proof  
Of unexampled Love, which would incline  
The most obdurate Savage to Compassion.  Arw. 
Forbear, my Love, thou canst not hope the Tyrant  
Will be moved to save my Life.  Vice. 
Not, well thou knowest Justice demands thy Death;  
And now, Constantia, we have power by him,  
To be effectually revenged for all  
Thy Pride and Scorn.  Const. 
You have indeed!  
O too severely you may be revenged!  
And an I than the Murd'ress of my Husband?  
Distracting Thought! ⁠— ⁠— The Viceroy is by me  
Incensed to thy Destruction-- O how shall I retrieve--  
He seas me humbled to this low Submission,  Knelt. 
Depressed with Grief, confessing my Offence,  
With Tears imploring Mercy ⁠— ⁠— Yet thinks me lesle  
An Object of his Pity, than his Hate;  
Insensible of all my Misery.  Vice. 
Doubtless you would not deign t'accept of Mercy,  
From the detested Tyrant of your Country.  Const. 
O give a Proof that I have wronged you, in  
Those wild Reproaches; Grant me my Arwide's Life,  
And I will think you never were that Tyrant,  
That you were ever good as the guardian  
Spirits that protect us; Or if I cannot,  
The daily Subject of my Prayers shall be,  
That this one Act of Goodness may atone  
For all the Failing of your Life before.  Vice. 
Rise, Madam, Arwide's Fate is not determined,  
And may be to your Wish ⁠— ⁠— Retire a while,  
We must consult on this important Case.  
My Lord, your Prison's an Apartment in this Palace,  
To which your Guards are ready to attend you.  
Be careful of your Charge.  Arw. 
I came not here to Fly,  
Give Orders for Constantia's Liberty,  
And be secure of me.  Vice. 
You are not to prescribe us what to order;  
Nor is''t resolved how she shall be disposed of.  Arw. 
How, faithless Dane, are you not paid her Ransom?  
What Power, what Right hast thou to Sentence me,  
But on Condition to release my Wife?  Vice. 
Ask thy own Folly that ⁠— ⁠— You're both my Prisoners,  
And on our Will your Destinies depend.  Arw. 
Base treacherous Viceroy ⁠— ⁠— But all are thus rewarded,  
Who credit Men injured like thee, to Perjury,  
And foulest Treasons.  Const. 
The Viceroy knows he should in vain release me,  
Whilst thou art here not Death itself shall part us.  Vice. 
Than I have greater Power-- Confine 'em separately,  To the Guard.. 
Nor suffer 'em to meet upon your Lives.  
We do not use to give such Grace to Rebels.  Const. 
Is it too much to let us die together?  
O Arwide, hold me to thee, do not leave me.  Vice. 
Away with 'em.  Arw. 
My poor Constantia!  Const. 
O miserable Parting!  Arw. 
Perfidious barbarous Tyrant!  Exeunt, led of severally. Vice. 
All quit the Room ⁠— ⁠— ⁠— You only Beron stay.  
How! Should he live because she dotes upon him!  
'Tis therefore he should die ⁠— ⁠— And yet--- Say Beron,  
I need thy Counsel how to use the Power  
This Rebel's Dotage gives us.  Ber. 
Is that a Doubt, my Lord? Justice, Revenge,  
And your immediate Interest, require his Death.  Vice. 
Art sure my nearest Interest does require it?  
O Beron, thou canst look into my Heart,  
Spare me th'unfolding of my secret Wishes  
And give me Counsel suited to my Weakness.  Ber. 
Would not the Death of a loved, happy Rival, give  
New Hopes to a neglected Lover?  Vice. 
O didst thou not observe, how soft, how condescending,  
Constantia seemed, whilst fearing for her Arwide?  
But when she thought him safe, how haughty, how inflexible?  
What than is to be hoped, if the dear Object of her Care  
Were lost, but Hate of him who had deprived her of him?  Ber. 
Works it that way ⁠— ⁠—  
Love ever best discerns the way to please;  
Not doubt, my Lord, the hopes of Arwide's Safety,  
Will gain upon a Spirit like Constantia's,  
More than all other Promises or Threats;  
Suppose you offer Arwide's Life, on the Condition  
To obtain her Love?  Vice. 
What, to be favoured for a Rival's sake?  
The Thought would dash my Joy-- And yet even now,  
Thou pleading for her Lord, the tender Accents  
Moved my thrilling Breast with strange Delight;  
What than would the Possession of her Beauties?  
It shall be so-- conduct her to me instantly,  
This Moment I would see her in all that tender,  
That engaging Softness, that melted me  
To Love, to new Desire.  So please your Excellence to give me Power, 
I have a farther Project, that may both  
Be serviceable to your new Desires,  
And the Destruction of your Enemies.  Vice. 
What dost thou drive at? What an I to do?  Ber. 
Insinuate to Constantia, that in this Exigence,  
Arwide may himself consent t'accept  
Of Life, upon the Terms you offer.  Vice. 
In vain,  
She knows his Soul too well to credit it.  Ber. 
Yet if my Politics deceive me not,  
She soon shall see that very Article  
Signed by himself, with others most injurious  
To his Party, which artfully discovered  
To Gustavus, may raise such a Commotion  
Betwixt those Lords, and their Adherents,  
As must be fatal to their Cause, and give  
New Life to ours.  Vice. 
Thou talk'st of things impracticable,  
Arwide's intrepid, obstinate to Honour,  
Not to be seduced by Fear, or Interest,  
To betray his Cause.  Ber. 
He is my Lord,  
And like all other Honourable Fools,  
He's unsuspecting, open and unweary,  
On that I form my Plot ⁠— ⁠— My Lord, you know  
I build not Castles in the Air; Trust me,  
He shall be drawn to sign Conditions,  
At which you'll be amazed; and both Gustavus,  
And Constantia, deceived, and most incensed.  Vice. 
If this were possible, her Anger against Arwide  
Would be a powerful Advocate for me.  Ber. 
Doubt it not, my Lord ⁠— ⁠— ⁠— Only allow  
Me Power to give him present Liberty,  
And what Security he may demand  
For his Wife's Safety.  Vice. 
Give him the dearest Hostage  
He can ask; make any Terms thou will't,  
I'll stand to all, so thou effect thy Purpose.  Ber. 
May Love be as propitious to your Lordship:  
The Lady shall be now conducted to you,  
That whilst I 'm practising upon the Husband,  
You may observe where she lest thinks of Danger:  
The firmest Virtue apt to be secure,  
Unguarded leaves some unsuspected Part,  
Which gained, subdues the best defended Heart.  Exit Beron.. Vice. 
This Beron's native Subtlety, and practised  
Artifices, give me Hopes of what  
From any other I should slight as empty Boasts,  
A Project of Impossibilities.  Enter Archbishop. 
TheArchbishop! unlucky Interruption!  
I feared your Grace would have avoided me,  
After your late Misfortune.  Arch. 
Wherhfore, my Lord?  
I have not feared to face your Enemies,  
Nor fled from thrice our Numbers.  Vice. 
Would we had left some farther Work for your  
Unquestioned Valour; ⁠— ⁠— But, what can now be done,  
When all our Force, reserved to save this City,  
Our last Stake, is sacrificed? What Hope, what Remedy?  Arch. 
Our way by Sea is open yet, my Lord;  
Have you not fresh Assurance of Recruits  
From Denmark? My Advices mention none,  
What do your last import?  Vice. 
Some Orders which I fear unseasonable now,  
That we command the Danish Governors,  
In every Provence where we yet have Power,  
To put to Death all of this Nation, whom  
They can secure, assured there's not a Swede  
But has some Kindred, or at lest his Wishes  
In the Rebel's Party; ⁠— ⁠— I need not tell your Grace  
The Clergy is excepted; All our Enemies,  
Thou your own Countrymen, alike are yours.  Arch. 
Perish my Countrymen, rather than that  
Accursed Boy should Rule 'em! Let him Reign  
In a depopulated Desert, a Monarch  
Without Subjects.  Vice. 
Were we ourselves secure ⁠— ⁠—  Arch. 
When 'tis too late to think of Safety, 'tis time  
To take Revenge.  Vice. 
They're surest when together:  
We may keep of the Odium from ourselves  
By a Retreat to Denmark, on Pretence  
Of bringing Aid from thence.  Arch. 
I like your Counsel,  
Our Presence there will hasten their Assistance,  
If any is designed: And let them here  
Begin your Orders with the Death of Arwide,  
And his Wife, as Signal to the rest.  Vice. 
I have some hopes, my Lord, to make his Liberty  
More advantageous to us ⁠— ⁠— For his Wife,  
'Twill have a better Face, and be of use,  
To carry her an Hostage into Denmark.  Arch. 
I should not so advice ⁠— ⁠— Ha' she is coming,  
I would avoid th'Encounter.  Vice. 
Your Grace is ready to departed to morrow.  Arch. 
I an, ⁠— ⁠— But do dot let Gustavus Triumph  
In our Retreat: If Arwide's Death precede it,  
We disappoint at once his Love and Hate,  
He'll curse a Victory obtained too late,  
To save his Friend, or to avenge his Fate.  Ex. Archb. Const. 
They tell me I an brought to know my Doom,  
In my dear Lords.  Vice. 
You're come to give his Doom,  
Nor only his, two Lives upon your Sentence  
Must depend; Be merciful, and both  
Will bless your Goodness.  Const. 
Alas, what mean you?  Vice. 
O, you know my meaning well Constantia,  
With one kind word you may preserve your Lord,  
And make me blessed beyond Imaginations!  Const. 
What must I say? All that I can I will.  Vice. 
Is it too much to give for Arwide's Life,  
All you have given to gratify his Love?  Const. 
'Tis true, my Lord,  seen that I esteem  
My Arwide's Life, much dearer than my own;  
But think not that I prise him more than Virtue;  
Nay, to preserve him on dishonest Terms,  
Would blast even all my Happiness in him,  
With conscious Shame to be unworthy of him.  Vice. 
Suppose he should, in this Extremity,  
Himself consent to the Condition offered?  Const. 
Not the most shameless Wretch, this Court has hardened,  
Dared make the vile Proposal.  Vice. 
Not matter, Impossibilities may be supposed.  Const. 
Vain Supposition,  
Vain Enquiry, what I would do for Arwide,  
Were he most opposite to what he is:  
'Tis for his Virtues I esteem my Lord,  
Could he be guilty of a villainous,  
Dishonourable Action, he'd merit my Contempt,  
Nor were his Life worth ask.  Vice. 
Than all that Tenderness  
 lavished upon him, might make another blessed.  Const. 
Alas, my Lord,  
Can I obtain not Terms for Arwide's Life,  
But what are not in Possibility?  
Why all this Trifflng? If his Death's determined,  
 but to ask, that we may die together.  Enter Beron.. Vice. 
 better Purposes for both ⁠— ⁠— So Beron,  
Has Arwide well received the Grace designed him?  Ber. 
He has, my Lord, agreed to all the Articles  
Your Excellence proposed, though with much difficulty  
On that one relating to Constantia;  
But well considering, that should he throw  
His Life away, she'd still be in your Power;  
And weighing the Advantages you offer,  
Against a rash unprofitable Death,  
At length he yielded, and just now has signed these Papers,  
Of which  given him the Counterpart.  Gives it to the Vice. Vice. 
'Tis well.  Ber. 
An I to bear your Lordship's farther Orders?  Vice. 
You may give Arwide instant Liberty,  
'Tis at his Pleasure when to leave the City.  Ber. 
So I'll inform the Count  Exit Beron.. Const. 
O wondrous Goodness!  
What has produced this Miracle of Mercy!  
Some Power more than Human has inspired,  
And must reward such Virtue!  Vice. 
You only can reward it, and we hope  
You'll not be more inflexible than Arwide,  
Who knows to value Life, and his true Interest;  
Nor have we made him wait your Confirmation.  Const. 
Of what, my Lord?  Vice. 
Part only of the Articles  
To which he has agreed.  Const. 
I dare engage not to reject one Article,  
To which he could consent.  Vice. 
Than we're entirely happy,  
Behold on what Conditions he's released.  Const. Reads. 
That when the fresh Supplies arrive from Denmark,  
Arwide shall than deliver to the Danes  
All the strong Places in his Power; and join  
His Forces with them to subdue Gustavus ⁠— ⁠— ⁠—  
What base Impostor 's this! The Character  
Resembles Arwide's ⁠— ⁠— ⁠— But impossible,  
'Tis but some artful Counterfeit.  Vice. 
Read on,  
You know not yet th'Advantages designed him.  Const. Reads. 
That the Viceroy resigns his Dignity  
To Arwide, assured the King will readily  
Confirm him in it, in reward of such  
A Service ⁠— ⁠— That as Proof of his sincere  
Design to serve the King, Constantia shall  
Remain the Viceroy's Prisoner, to whom  
Arwide does, in exchange of Life and Liberty,  
Thou with regret, resign her ⁠  
— ⁠— Gross Abuse!  
Arwide disdains a Thought of so detestable,  
So infamous a Treaty! The Deceit's  
Too palpable, nor will it serve your Purpose.  Vice. 
We shall pursue the Cheat too far in giving  
Arwide Liberty; He too will seem  
Confederate in it, leaving you my Prisoner.  Const. 
He will not, cannot, not Power, not Threats, not Tortures,  
Could make my Lord consent to this vile Act;  
I know his Virtue, which not contagious Baseness  
can corrupt, nor could be Counterfeit;  
This may, ⁠— ⁠— It is, you're practised all in Falseness,  
We are surrounded by a Crew of Villains,  
Bread up to Treachery, to Tricks, and Snares;  
O Tyrant, wouldst thou Murder him in Fame!  
Not, by our Death we'll give thy Arts the Lie,  
Be thy the Curse to live in Infamy.  Re-enter Beron.. Ber. 
Count Arwide begs Permission to attend  
Your Excellence, and give Constantia  
His last Adieu, ever he return to theArmy.  Const. 
'Tis false, my Lord sent not such Traitorous Message.  Ber. 
Himself will soon confirm it.  Vice. Apart to Beron.. 
What dost thou mean? He cannot in reality  
Have signed these Articles; their meeting must  
Unravel all thy Plot.  Ber. Apart. 
Trust me my Lord, as this Design is managed,  
I doubt not that their meeting will most effectually  
Deceive Constantia; And 'two'ud be much  
Suspicious to refuse that Liberty,  
Whilst we pretend to Treat in Terms of Friendship.  Vice. 
As thou will't ⁠— ⁠— (Aloud.) We can refuse him nothing,  
He shall see her. We're ready to receive him.  Ex. Beron.. Const. 
What means all this?  
If there's a Possibility to know  
The Best, from the most Profligate of Men,  
Arwide's incapable of such a Baseness;  
There's not Appearance to be credited,  
Not Proof of Honesty, if he is False (Re-enter Ber. with Arwide.  
He comes to clear my Doubts, and his own Fame.  Arw. 
My Lord, I could not willingly departed,  
Without a fresh Assurance from yourself,  
That you will faithfully perform your part  
Of our Agreement.  Vice. 
Be assured I will.  Arw. 
Your Hand, my Lord, is wanting to this Paper,  
As to its Counterpart  given mine.  Vice. 
Most willingly I'll sign it.  Takes the Paper. Const. 
What dost thou talk of Arwide?  
Thou didst not, couldst not, sign that cursed Paper.  Arw. 
I did, Constantia.  Vice. To Arw. returning the Paper. 
We hope you will not fail in your Engagements.  Arw. 
 given my Wife too dear a Pledge, and Proof  
Of my Sincerity to let you doubt it;  
And Upsal shall, if I have any Power,  
Be soon delivered up to the Archbishop.  Const. 
O 'tis too true! Himself confesses all!  Ber. To the Vice. apart. 
My Lord, you're not sufficiently informed  
Of this Affair, to stand a longer Conference;  
I beg you to withdraw.  Vice. 
Thou wouldst not give them opportunity  
Of free Discourse together.  Ber. 
'Tis probable  
His Ignorance of what he is accused of,  
And her Resentment, will a while prevent  
An Explanation; However I'll observe,  
And interrupt 'em, on any danger of Discovery.  Vice. 
I trust to thee in all--- My Lord, we will retire,  
To leave you more at Liberty in Parting  Ex. Vice. and Ber. Const. 
And thou hast than deserted  
Thy Wife, thy Friend, and thy lost Country's Interest.  Arw. 
Deserted! the Terms  gained, and the Security  
For their Performance, are beyond what we could hope;  
For what  granted them, however favourable,  
I know in such an Exigence, Gustavus  
Would not have himself refused.  Const. 
Is''t possible!  
Can this be he, who not an Hour since  
Came with transported Love to free Constantia,  
And resolute to die! 'Twas false, 'twas all pretence,  
He came but to betray Gustavus, and expose his Wife with greater Infamy.  Arw. 
Alas, my Love, could I in Dying have  
Delivered thee, I'd freely given my Life;  
But thou hadst still been in the Viceroy's Power,  
Who might without Conditions have detained thee.  Const. 
The baseness than would have been His, not Thy,  
Thou hadst Died with Honour, nor have left thy Wife  
With that reproach, thou'st now entailed on both.  Arw. 
Thou knowest not sure upon what Terms I leave thee.  Const. 
Infamous Terms! Not more of that, it will  
Not bear expostulation; there are not words  
TO express what thou hast done, or what thou art!  
But think not I will long remain the Hostage  
Of thy Treaty ⁠— ⁠— ⁠—  Arw. 
Thou needest not, all will soon  
Be finished, the Danes will speedily embark  
The Places I surrender ⁠— ⁠— ⁠—  Const. 
Forbear, let me not hear it from thyself,  
Nor let me live to see my wretched Country  
Betrayed by Arwide! O miserable Change!  
That now the greatest Blessing I can hope  
Is the Destruction of my Husband! Never,  
Never more to see, or think of him,  
Who lately was so dear to my fond Heart!  
O Arwide I can bear thy sight not longer!  Exit Const. Arw. 
What means my Love! Stay but to hear thy Arwide,  
I will not leave thee till I'm justified.  Going Beron enters. Ber. 
My Lord, the Viceroy sends t'entreat your presence instantly.  Arw. 
She must be misinformed--- What have you told  
My Wife of our Agreement?  Ber. 
The whole, my Lord  Arw. 
Does she know the Hostages  given  
For her safety, and that the Danes are all  
To quit the Kingdom?  Ber. 
She read each Article  Arw. 
Amazing! What can thus insense her! I must be cleared.  Ber. 
There's time for that sufficient. 'Tis but a Pique  
Of Love for being left, which will be soon  
Appeased, when she's restored. ⁠— ⁠— ⁠— My Lord the Viceroy  
Waits you, on Affairs that need dispatch!  Arw. 
Excuse me ⁠— ⁠— I attend him.  
Is't possible that just and generous Spirit,  
That would have given her Life for Sweden's safety,  
Should thus resent being left a while in Hostage,  
Or that I yield a part, to save the whole?  
She has known my Faith, and Zeal to serve my Country,  
And O she could not doubt my tender Love;  
Nor can I leave her, till she both approve.  Exeunt.   

ACT IU..  

SCENE The Viceroy's Palace.  Enter the Viceroy and Beron.. Vice. 
O cursed misfortune, unexpected change!  
Has this Gustavus been Confederate  
With Infernals! That we should ne'er be warned  
Of aught in Treaty betwixt him and Lubeck,  
Till we're blocked up, their Fleet within our Port,  
That we should find ourselves close Prisoners in  
A City, which at worst we doubted not  
Of Power to leave at Pleasure!  Ber. 
That Power you have,  
Gustavus offers you, and the Archbishop,  
The Liberty of passing safe to Denmark.  Vice. 
O Beron, on what Terms! I must give up  
My Prisoners, release Constantia, whom but now  
I thought securely mine, and O what Pleasures  
Filled my imagination! What Hope ⁠— ⁠— ⁠—  
What might I not have hoped from her Resentment,  
In absence of her Lord ⁠— ⁠— ⁠— now all is lost,  
All is despair, for ever I must lose her!  Ber. 
My Lord, there are in Denmark, many Ladies  
As worthy your Affection.  Vice. 
She shall not be released, I'll force her hence.  Ber. 
Impossible, you'll be yourself detained,  
Till she's released.  Vice. 
Than be it so, I'll stay.  Ber. 
Have not such desperate thoughts, my Lord,  
The Citizens would quickly force her from you,  
Gustavus threatens them with Fire and Sword,  
Unless the Prisoners are returned in safety;  
TheArchbishop too has Power to give her up,  
And doubtless will, his Liberty depending upon hers.  Vice. 
Cruel necessity!  Enter Archbishop, Fredage and Courtiers. Arch. 
What Consultation now?  
'Tis Fated that the Fortune of Gustavus  
Should be superior, and dispose of ours.  
Why are the Prisoners he demands, detained?  Vice. 
I thought your Grace would not have suffered him  
To Triumph in their Safety.  Arch. 
Rather than our Destruction.  
O that we could recall, or have retarded  
But one Day, t'ave scaped this Destiny!  
Not to have held our Lives, and Liberty,  
On the precarious pleasure of this Boy.  Vice. 
When 'tis too late to think of safety,  
'Tis time to take Revenge.  Arch. 
My Lord I could retort your words as aptly,  
But we have now not Power; the City would  
Prevent such mad Revenge, and turn it on ourselves,  
T'appease Gustavus. Inequitable Stairs!  
Have I a Soul fitted to such a Fortune?  
Why was I made impatient of subjection?  
Why had I not a servile, grovelling Spirit,  
That could have fawned, cringed, and been transported,  
With a smile of Favour? I might have than  
Been happy in this change, Gustavus would  
Have Pardoned, and received me into Grace,  
Despicable Thought! I'll perish rather.  
My Lord, let's instantly departed, release  
Your Prisoners, ever Gustavus is admitted;  
We must not stay to see his hated Triumph,  
Confess his Power, be willing, double Slaves.  Vice. 
Well, what's inevitable must be suffered;  Arch. 
'Tis madness to reject our offered Freedom,  
By which alone  means to be his Plague,  
Still to disturb his Peace, and make our Vengeance  
Lasting, as his Fortune!  Vice. 
Go, Beron..  
See the Prisoners conducted to the Gates.  Enter Constantia and Maria. 
Ha! Support me in this Trial Beron,  
I shall revoke my Grant, and to Mankind  
Betray my weakness!  Ber. 
My Lord, consider  
You'll in vain attempt detaining her,  
And only run yourself on certain Ruin.  Vice. 
It must be so.  Const. 
My Lords, I'm told we're Prisoners not longer.  Arch. 
Aye, you may now insult—— But tell Gustavus  
We yet have Power of Vengeance ⁠— ⁠— Thou you Triumph,  
His Mother, and his Sister, still are ours.  Const. 
Alas, I have a dearer part engaged  
Among you, to divide my Soul, my Fate,  
And turn my wretched Triumph on myself!  
I came not to insult, but to Petition.  Vice. 
Can we have aught to Grant?  Const. 
That I may with my Woman be permitted  
To departed, before the other Prisoners  
Demanded by Gustavus, are delivered.  Ber. Aside to the Viceroy. 
Mind that, my Lord, consent to her Request,  
It may be advantageous to our purpose.  Vice. 
Since you must go ⁠— ⁠— ⁠ the manner as you please,  
My Guard shall set you safe without the Gates.  
But O, Constantia, think on the Slave you leave  
At lest with Pity, nor curse me for the faults yourself have caused.  Const. 
I an not used to Curse, and now alas,  
Baseness and Gild are grown so universal,  
Were all just imprecations herded, Mankind  
Might be destroyed. The worst I dare implore  
Against you now is this ⁠— ⁠— ⁠ Be all the Ills you purpose  
Disappointed, and all the past forgiven!  Ex. Const. and Maria. Vice. 
Why do I let her go! Death were lesle painful!  Ber. 
This is the only moment you will think so,  
Support this Pang, and  not more to struggle with.  Fred. 
So please your Excellence, I might attend  
Constantia to the Camp.  Vice. 
Fredage, 'tis true, thou'rt with the rest demanded  
By Gustavus, but wouldst thou run our Fortune,  
We'll inform him thou stayest a willing Prisoner with us.  Ber. 
My Lord He'll be of better use among  
The Enemies, whilst unsuspected; none  
More fit to be employed in our design  
To make a breach betwixt Arwide, and Gustavus;  
 given him the Paper signed by Arwide,  
And have engaged him to assist our purpose.  Vice. 
'Tis well, his Service shall not want Reward,  
But lose not time, Fredage.  Fred. 
I'll do my best, my Lord, but in my Judgement,  
Discovering Arwide's Treaty with your Excellence,  
Will rather Prejudice than serve your Cause.  Ber. 
Nephew, be satisfied we know our Interest,  
You shall have my Instructions.  Vice. 
Obey your Uncle.  
You may return with Arwide to the Camp.  
I wait your Grace.  Arch. To the Attendants. 
Think not you loyal Swedes,  
That we discharge you of Fidelity,  
And Duty to your King;  left our Orders  
To defend the City, and shortly shall return  
With Aid from Denmark; mean while remember,  
I charge it on your Consciences, to keep  
Your due Allegiance to King Christiern; and do engage  
He will not lesle reward his faithful Subjects,  
Than punish the Perfidious.  All the Attendants bow. Ber. 
My Lord, if I should seem revolted to  
The Rebels, be assured 'tis with design  
Of more effectual Service to the King.  Fred. 
O miserable Fate! to be so near allied  
To such a Traitor!  Vice. 
I know thee, Beron,  
Nor can doubt thy tried Fidelity.  
Whilst you conduct the Prisoners--- We'll to the Port.  Enter Arwide. Arw. 
My Lord, I may now claim Constantia from you,  
However before refused the Privilege to see her.  Vice. 
We'd 'cause to fear she'd influence you against  
Your own Intentions, of leaving her an Hostage.  Arw. 
That Reason 's ceased ⁠— ⁠— Yet though our Treaty 's nulled.  
My Lord Archbishop, I doubt not that Gustavus  
Will resign your City Upsal, on condition  
That you not more disturb your Country's Peace:  
We have not End but to restore our Laws,  
And ancient Rights; And to accept a Share  
Of Liberty, is the sole Terms required  
For our Alliance.  Arch. 
I despise th'Alliance,  
To be, like thee, a Subject to my Equal;  
Not, if ever I submit to a Superior,  
It shall be one whom Nature gave Dominion.  
Let thy mean-spirited associate Slaves,  
Worship an Idol of their own creating;  
Boast of a Pageant Freedom, I disdain  
Where those obey  equal Right to reign.  Ex. Arch. Vice. cum suis. Arw. 
Sweden may boast her Freedom now, delivered  
From that ambitious, proud, tyrannic Spirit.  
Beron, we'll not detain the Viceroy longer, I wait Const. to departed this instant.  Ber. 
My Lord, she's go before, ever this she's with Gustavus.  Arw. 
Go! wherefore go without me? what means this Care,  
To part me from my Wife?  Ber. 
'Twas at her own Request, most earnestly  
She begged to be alone remitted to Gustavus.  Arw. 
Ha! unkind, unjust, Constantia! Is it Revenge  
For my design of leaving her? How much unlike  
Is this Caprice, to what  want to find her?  Fred. 
My Lord, 'tis fit we hasten to the Camp.  Ber. 
I attend your Lordship.  Arw. 
Led on, I'm most impatient,  
She Triumphs in each Moment of my stay,  
And I my just Reproach too long delay.  Exeunt omnes.  

Scene II. Gustavus' Camp  Enter Constantia and Maria guarded. Const. to the Guard. 
My Friends, you're now acquitted of your Charge,  
We're here secure ⁠— ⁠— Inform the General  
Of my arrival; say, if he so please  
I'd wait on him ⁠— ⁠— Alas, what an I doing?  Ex. Guard. Mar. 
Madam, may I have liberty to ask,  
With what Intent you're come without your Lord?  Const. 
I cannot tell thee, know not yet what I intent,  
Therefore I did not, could not, see my Lord,  
Till I determined. O Arwide, Arwide,  
On what a Trial hast thou set my Virtue!  
Thus to divide my Duty to my Country, and my Husband.  
At what an easy Rate we keep our Virtue,  
When it has not Affection to contest with,  
But when opposed, how weak are our Resolves,  
Or were they firm, how difficult it is  
To judge a right, on what we should resolve;  
So liable are all things to receive a Colour  
From those Passions, through which our Reason views 'em;  
I fear 'tis that, the soft Reflection of my Love,  
That would persuade, I aught not to reveal  
My Husband's Gild.  Mar. 
Not Law, Divine or Human,  
Has obliged a Wife to be theaccuser of her Husband.  Const. 
'Tis not perhaps exacted; but could I answer  
To my Conscience, my Country, or the sole  
Equitable Judge, and Framer of the whole,  
That to conceal the Treachery of one,  
I suffered the Destruction of a Nation?  
Is there a tie so Sacred to be held  
In competition with the Public Safety?  
And yet ⁠— ⁠— Oh! can my Heart consent t'expose  
My Arwide, to the Mercy of an injured Enemy?  
He comes, Gustavus comes, and I an still irresolute.  
Oh! thou who knowest the combat of my Thoughts,  
Direct them to preserve in this sad Exigence,  
Both what I own my Husband, and my Country.  Enter Gustavus, with Attendants. Gust. 
Forgive me if my Joy in meeting you  
Is half suspended, till I'm assured  
Your Lord is safe; how comes it you are free,  
If he's detained? What Ransom do they ask,  
Beyond our Offer?  Const. 
My Lord, he's not a Prisoner.  Gust. 
Than wherefore is he separate from Constantia,  
Why are you sent without him?  Const. 
O I cannot speak it!  Gust. 
Ha! does my Friend yet live?  Const. 
Arwide is living.  Gust. 
Why, is he not with you? why this disorder?  Const. 
He'll soon be here, and I should first impart  
To you alone, a Secret of most high,  
Most sad Importance.  Gust. 
Retire within my Call. (To the Attend. who go out.  
You have alarmed me strangely, what misfortune,  
Whilst Arwide's safe, and free, can move you thus?  Const. 
I know not what to say. ⁠— ⁠— Thus, kneeling first,  
I must implore your Pardon for a Criminal,  
Whom, for the Public Safety, I'm forced t'accuse.  Gust. 
Of what Offence?  Const. 
A most detested Treason,  
Against your Person, and his Country's Liberty.  Gust. 
Can such a Wretch be worthy your Concern?  
Madam, you must not kneel.  Const. 
I will not rise,  
Nor can proceed, till I 've your sacred Promise  
To secure his Life, whom I shall name.  Gust. 
'Tis granted, be assured, whom you Protect is safe.  
Who is this Traitor, that his Life's so much your Care?  Const. 
Alas, he's one too near allied to me!  
And still, I fear, when you shall know his Gild,  
You will revoke your Grant.  Gust. 
What has he done?  Const. 
he 'as bond himself in a most solemn Treaty,  
To betray the Kingdom to the Danes,  
Deliver them the Places in his Trust,  
And join his Force with there's, against your Party.  Gust. 
He must be one in Power; once more I give  
My Word his Life is safe; nor shall he suffer aught,  
Beyond what's needful to prevent his Mischiefs;  
For which, 'tis necessary you should name him.  Const. 
I know it, I must Name him, and with amazement  
You will hear, it is ⁠— ⁠— O spare me this!  
My Tears speak for me, ⁠— ⁠— guests whom it must be,  
That I, in all this Agony, accuse!  Gust. 
I cannot, dare not think, ⁠— ⁠— O ease my Doubts!  Const. 
And must I, must I live, to say ⁠— ⁠— 'tis Arwide!  Gust. 
Impossible! who has traduced him to you?  
On what Appearances have they obtained  
Your Credit, against his well known Virtue?  Const. 
O that it were so! that the Gild were mine,  
Of a too rash, injurious, Accusation!  
But alas, too surely is it true!  
Nor could I have believed, nor durst have mentioned it,  
On lesle assurance than his own Confession.  Gust. 
Did he confess it, to yourself confess it?  Const. 
Till than, though I had seen the shameful Treaty  
Signed with his Character, I doubted ⁠— ⁠— nay,  
Scarce did I doubt, so certainly I thought it  
A base Forgery, till he confirmed it;  
Pleaded in excuse, th'extremities  
To which we were reduced, and would, but I  
Abhorred to hear, have urged th'Advantages.  Gust. 
What Advantages?  Const. 
The Government of his subjected Country,  
Under the King of Denmark, for which I was  
In infamous Exchange, given to the present Viceroy.  Gust. 
Most amazing! were not the Grief and Virtue  
Of Constantia, too faithful Witnesses,  
I should pronounce this were not possible;  
Nor is''t in Nature for so tried a Virtue  
To fall at once so deep in Villainy;  
The Apprehension of approaching Death,  
Perhaps induced him to profess a Treason  
That was not in his purpose to perform.  
Thou even that were so unworthy him,  
So distant from that artless, that sedate,  
Intrepid Constancy, of which he wore  
The Semblance; could he be guilty of such Weakness,  
What Judgement can be made of what he were not capable,  
By what he seemed?  Const. 
Give it not farther Credit, than to guard  
Against the Consequence, if he were guilty;  
Let Sweden be secured from ever returning  
To the Tyrant's Power, and think your Friend  
Still Innocent ⁠— ⁠— My Heart will join with you,  
Even now it would persuade me, Arwide is,  
He must be, what so often  proved him, Honourable,  
Brave, and Honest.  Gust. 
Thus far we own to such experienced Virtue,  
And to the Sacred Name of Friend, once born,  
To judge the past with Candour, and impartially  
Observe his future Actions, nor condemn him  
Of a determined Treason, till  discovered  
If he holds Correspondence with the Danes,  
Or those among the Swedes who'd their Adherents.  
This with all the Diligence and Caution we must learn,  
And carefully conceal his Gild, for should  
It reach the Senate, his Life were much in danger.  Const. 
To you, my Lord, your Wisdom, and your Goodness,  
All now is trusted; I, alas, have finished  
My unhappy Part, nor is there aught for me,  
But in Retirement from the World, to spend my days  
In Prayers for his Repentance, and my Country's Safety.  Gust. 
The World has better use of such Heroic  
Virtue; Nor could you answer your Retreat  
To what you own your Husband, or to Justice;  
Who would observe him with such tender Care,  
Or judge so favourably his Proceed?  
Nor mingle Malice, nor with too rash a Zeal,  
Conclude against him.  Const. 
Alas, my Lord, would it not ill become  
A Wife, to live in a dissembled Kindness  
With her Husband, whilst, in reality,  
A secret Spy, a treacherous Enemy?  Gust. 
Not fond Dissimulation will be needful,  
Nor even can I so far disguise my Soul,  
To meet him with my usual Tenderness;  
He may ⁠— ⁠— He will perceive us both estranged,  
The Cause alone conceal, I would not he should know  
Of what Particulars I an informed,  
Or that you have accused him. ⁠— ⁠— For the rest  
Let me remind you, none in judging Arwide,  
Could be at once so tender of his Honour,  
And zealous for the Public, as Constantia,  
Therefore you aught to stay.  Const. 
You, my Lord, direct me,  
For in this sad Conjuncture, my Affections,  
My Reason, my Resolves, are Doubtful all;  
Nor know I what I would, or what I aught.  Gust. 
So please you to retire, some shall attend you  
To the Tent prepared for your Reception;  
It were not fit your Lord should meet you here,  
Nor can we yet determine on our Conduct,  
In this surprising, most unhappy Exigence,  
My Fortune ever known.  Const. 
What is it than to me! O who can judge the Pangs  
I feel, in combating my tend'rest Affection,  
To sacrifice it for my Country's good;  
A dearer Victim than my Heart's best Blood!  Ex. led by Gust. who reenters with Erici and Attendants. Gust. 
The Waste an Miseries of Civil War now ceased,  
All are returned to the first State of Nature,  
When, uncontroled, each had the savage Liberty  
Of living without Head, or Laws, or Order,  
A Freedom worse than Slavery, the Seed  
Of everlasting Broils, where all by turns  
Oppress, and are oppressed ⁠— ⁠— 'Tis our next Care  
That an Administrator be elected,  
Under whose just Authority our Laws  
May be restored, and the divided Nation  
Secured from a Revolt; for which let instantly  
The Estates be summoned in my Name t'assemble.  Erici. 
Who is so fit to form this shapeless Anarchy,  
T' unite the jarring Members, and become  
Our common Head-- What Hand, what Heart, would not submit  
To our Deliverer, The Great Gustavus?  Gust. 
Forbear th'injurious Mention. Have I with hopes  
Of Liberty, incited my suffering Countrymen  
To undergo th'inevitable Miseries  
Of an intestine War, to throw of an usurped,  
An Arbitrary Power, and shall I  
With more unjust, and treacherous Usurpation,  
Invest myself with the same lawless Title?  
Detested Treason! Be it your charge to have  
The States Assembled, in them is the sole Right  
To choose a Head, whose Legal Power all aught,  
All must submit to; I'll give the first example,  
Proclaim that I'll this Day attend the Senate.  Exit Erici Enter Arwide, Beron and Fredage, with Guards. Gust. 
Arwide! Alas, how ill my Heart's prepared  
For the Encounter!  Arw. 
Again to see Gustavus, is the Joy  
Of one awaked from Death, to a new Life  
Amid his Friends above; or little lesle  
My transport, in this more unhoped for Meeting.  Gust. 
Most sure, my Lord, I did not think, when last  
We parted, to have met you thus ⁠— ⁠— Fredage,  
Most welcome, I much feared for thee, and know not how  
Ever scarce the Battle was begun, we lost thee.  Fred. 
My Lord, 'twas my ill Fortune to advance  
Too far among your Enemies.  Arw. 
Accounted not for ill Fortune, that we were destined  
To have a more peculiar share, and larger debt  
Of Gratitude, for that Deliverance, which with us,  
The Nation owes in common, to Gustavus.  Gust. 
That Divine Power to whom we own it, still  
Defend us, nor permit among us, flattering  
Undetected Traitors, to ruin his great work!  
My Lord, I see Beron is with you, comes he  
To congratulate our wished Success?  Arw. 
He says, my Lord, that he rejoices truly  
In his Country's Freedom, and much reputes  
His past designs against it; on which Profession,  
I engaged the Interest I once had in you,  
To obtain his Pardon.  Gust. 
My Lord, you need not doubt your Power with me  
IT obliterate any Crime against myself,  
Or even my Country when repent of;  
Thou you must own the Treachery of Beron's  
Purpose, under the disguise of Friendship,  
Much aggravates the Gild.  Ber. 
Alas, my Lord,  
I was but carried with the Current of the Nation,  Gust. 
Than since the Tide is turned, we may expect,  
You'll fall in with it ⁠— ⁠— Be it so, nor ask  
We more of any Swede, but to consult  
His Safety, and true Interest; on those terms  
Remember we receive you ⁠— ⁠— And you, my Lord,  
That 'tis at your Request I give him Credit.  Arw. 
I answer not for his Sincerity.  Ber. 
Let me be judged upon my future Conduct.  Arw. 
That was the utmost purpose of my promise.  Ber. 
Fredage, a word ⁠— ⁠— ⁠—  Arw. 
Somewhat there is unusual in this Treatment,  
Yet would I not lightly suspect him changed.  Ber. Apart to Fredage 
Doubtless, Constantia has accused her Lord,  
Gustavus' Behaviour speaks it plain;  
That's half our work effected, ⁠— ⁠— follow me,  
We must complete this mischief.  Fred. 
What can I think  
Of Beron's Project, 'tis too sure he means  
Not Favour to Gustavus, yet this seems  
A real Service both to him and Sweden.  
I must try to fathom the design.  Ex. Fred. after Beron.. Arw. 
Is''t thus Gustavus welcomes a lost Friend!  
I came in all the tenderness of Friendship,  
To meet your Arms, and open you my Heart;  
But on my first approach, with looks estranged,  
With cold reservedness in your words, and action,  
You checked my forward Love, and damped my Joy.  
Why do you view me thus with doubtful Eyes,  
As one you scarce had known, or long forgot?  Gust. 
Not, Arwide, I have not forgot thy Form,  
Nor all that dearness which has passed between us,  
But I would look into thy inmost Soul,  
To know thee there.  Arw. 
Sure there is not another  
That wears his thoughts so open, undisguised, and artless,  
You know me, even as I do myself.  Gust. 
Scarce do we know our selves--- when last we parted,  
I thought my Heart incapable of any deeper  
Sorrow; ⁠— ⁠— ⁠ ⁠— And you perhaps did not believe  
When you Abandoned me, your Country, and  
Exposed your Life, to be Constantia's Ransom,  
That you should ever repent, or change the purpose  
Of your rash Surrender.  Arw. 
What means my Friend?  
Are you informed what use the Viceroy made  
Of my Surrender?  Gust. 
I an, my Lord, too well.  Arw. 
Than wherefore urge you as a Change in me,  
What was Necessity?  Gust. 
O did I think Arwide could be by any straight  
Induced to act a mean, dissembling, shameful Part!  
For worse I would not call it.  Arw. 
My Lord!  Gust. 
Nay do not seem a Stranger to my meaning,  
Jest I conclude you hardened, and resolved  
To perpetrate a Gild, which I still hope  
You but in show complied with: Would you confess  
Your Weakness, I can give much Allowance  
To human Frailty; and I find what is abated  
In your Worth, my Affection would supply.  Arw. 
Ill does this Treatment speak Affection-- What would you  
I confess? Wherhfore these dark Reproaches,  
Unworthy of our Friendship? ⁠— ⁠— Had I ought  
Against Gustavus, I'd tax him plainly,  
Confront him with my Witness, or to be justified,  
Or forced to own, I did not causeless break  
The sacred Tie; were it so held by you,  
So you'd proceed.  Gust. 
Had Arwide held our Friendship half so sacred,  
He had not been in Treaty with the Danes.  Arw. 
Is that a Crime against it?---- You treated with 'em too.  Gust. 
I did for Arwide's and Constantia's Freedom,  
Who else, it seems, must have been left in Hostage.  Arw. 
Ha! Has Constantia been complaining than!  
Was it for this, she hasted ever I came,  
To tell her Tale, and set a Friend to chide me?  Gust. 
Than you are Conscious she with Justice might  
Accuse you, wherefore else suspect you her?  
Well you're assured Constantia would not wrong you.  Arw. 
I know not what she would, in the Caprice  
Has newly seized her; ⁠— ⁠— But since my Wife has dealt  
Thus with me, I disdain to justify myself  
Upon that Point. ⁠— ⁠— Let it suffice I had  
A Husband's Right to leave, or to dispose her  
As I pleased ⁠— ⁠— Is this, my Lord, the Sum  
Of what I an accused?  Gust. 
Not, be assured, my Lord, I know the whole  
Of what you dare not mention, and would not understand.  Arw. 
Than force it on my understanding, speak plain,  
As Honest Men,  Reason on their side,  
Are used to speak.  Gust. 
Yes, when they have to deal  
With Honest Men; for close designing Traitors,  
To warn 'em that their Purpose is detected,  
And set 'em on their Guard, is better than they merit.  Arw. 
Ha' Traitor! This is vile, Gustavus,  
Fairly own you have at any Rate determined  
To break our Friendship, and want a just Pretence;  
I shall not importune you with my Affection,  
Or Complaints, Time, and this Usage, will  
Efface you from my Heart, and from this moment  
I disclaim the Name of Friend for ever.  Gust. 
Beware of that, perhaps 'tis the sole Title  
By which you hold your Life.  Arw. 
My Life! ⁠— ⁠— I will not hold it on so weak a Tenure,  
If thou hast Right to take it, do thy worst,  
Again I quit thee of that empty Title;  
Do rip this Heart, and rid it of the only Fault  
'Tis conscious of, too dear a Love, for an injurious,  
An ungrateful Man.  Gust. 
O Arwide! Wouldst thou yet confess thy Weakness,  
My Heart is open to receive thee yet,  
And could forgive thee all.  Arw. 
 nothing to confess, and scorn your feigned Forgiveness.  Gust. 
Than thus we part ⁠— ⁠— Be witness to thyself,  
 done all that I owed to our past Friendship;  
Thou'rt warned, beware, run not thyself on Ruin;  
My Country's Safety must be my next Care,  
And O believe 'tis with a bleeding Heart,  
I'm driven to my harsh, unhappy Part.  Ex. Gust. cum suis. Arw. 
To what an I now fallen! my Spirits that  
Boar up against the Storm of undeserved  
Reproaches, fail, and leave me sinking in  
The Calm of Grief ⁠— ⁠— I could even weep the Change  
Of two so Dear, as were Gustavus and  
Constantia to my Soul; whilst they were kind,  
My Country's Slavery allayed my Happiness,  
Now when I hoped to be completely Blessed,  
They're lost, and all the poor sad Comfort left me,  
That I an now, the only miserable Wretch in Sweden.  Exit.   

ACT V.  
Enter Constantia followed by Arwide. Arw. 
WHY dost thou eat me thus? Constantia stay,  
I charge it on thy Duty, since  lost  
All hold on thy Affection; stay at my Command.  Const. 
I do obey you. O that I ever should dread  
Th'Encounter of my Arwide!  Arw. 
Cease thy Fears,  
I mean not to reproach thee, thy own Heart  
Will tell thee how unworthily thou'dst used me;  
Nor shalt thou long be troubled with my presence,  
Since I have lost the only Blessings which  
The World could give me,  not business with it,  
And will renounce the Commerce of Mankind.  
Yet I would ask thee once the ground of all  
This sudden Strangeness, or if thou knowest, wherefore  
Gustavus has most roughly treated me.  Const. 
Alas, too well you know the fatal Cause!  
Urge not the Repetition, O that it might  
Be buried ever in Oblivion!  Arw. 
Enough ⁠— ⁠— I find you are confederate,  
Both have withdrawn the Kindness once you boar me,  
And not doubt have reason to conceal the Cause,  
'Twould speak too much against you ⁠— ⁠— May Gustavus  
Bestow his Friendship where 'tis better merited.  
For thee, that thou repent the Injuries  
Thou'st done me, is all the Punishment I wish thee.  
I go for ever from thee, and if I can  
Forget thee, shall be happy.  Going. Const. 
I cannot bear it! O yet stay, I beg you  Arw. 
Dost thou weep the Miseries thyself  
Hast caused? ⁠— ⁠— What wouldst thou say?  Const. 
Alas, I know not ⁠— ⁠—— Must we part for ever?  Arw. 
You cannot think so poorly of me, that I'd live  
With one, whose whole Behaviour speaks me her Aversion.  Const. 
Ill does it speak my Heart! O do not leave me!  
I'll hid my sad Resentment, live with you  
In all respectful Duty.  Arw. 
The Offices of Duty not endeared  
By Kindness, are Servile, Cold, and Tasteless,  
I'll accept nothing on Constraint; as surely  
Will I never see thee more, as thou  
Hast given me cause to curse the Hour I ever see thee,  
As thou hast made my future days most comfortless;  
Nor canst atone the Ills thou'st brought on thy lost  
Wretched Husband.  As he is going, Beron enters. Ber. 
I came, my Lord, t'attend you  
To the Senate, ever this the Deputies  
Are all assembled, and expect your Presence.  Arw. 
They'll have not need of me,  done my part,  
Since there's not farther Business for my Sword,  
My Counsels may be spared; nor mean I more  
To meddle with the Public.  Ber. 
I have to inform  
Your Lordship, Matters that will convince you,  
 more Business there than you imagine.  Arw. 
Of what Nature? If I in aught can do  
My Country Service, to that I'm still devoted.  Ber. 
My Lord, I must desire your private Ear,  
For what I would impart.  Arw. 
Madam ⁠— ⁠— ⁠—  Const. 
I retire, my Lord ⁠— ⁠— ⁠—  
Apart. Beron's a practised Traitor--- This Conference  
May give a Light to what is farther purposed,  
And justify my Lord ⁠— ⁠— I must observe 'em.  Const. withdraws. Ber. 
I have such Obligation to your Goodness,  
By whose sole Intercession I hold my Life,  
'Tis black Ingratitude not to be truly  
Zealous for your Int'rests.  Arw. 
I have none,  
If you are true to Sweden's Int'rests, Beron,  
Your Debt is well acquitted.  Ber. 
Of that I cannot give a better Proof,  
Than by the Service I intent your Lordship.  Arw. 
Than freely speak your purpose.  Ber. 
My Lord, your Friends  
Already are informed, how strange a harsh  
Reception Gustavus gave you; and much  
Incensed at his Ingratitude, not doubting  
That it spring's from Jealousy of one  
Whose equal Merit, and th'important Services  
he 'as done the Nation, give him just Pretences  
To th' administratorship.  Arw. 
Gustavus has not such low, selfish Thoughts.  
But whether tends this Prelude?  Ber. 
To assure you  
That all the Deputies of both the Gothlands,  
Who have been Witnesses of your great Actions,  
Resolve to vote you our Administrator;  
And Numbers have engaged to join with them,  
If you appear a Candidate at their Election.  Arw. 
Far, far be it from me, to raise new Broils  
And Factions in the Nation, by such unjust  
Pretensions: 'Tis undoubted we all own  
Our Liberty to the sole Conduct of Gustavus;  
Yet not for his, but for the Public Good,  
I wish him at the Helm; There's not another  
So qualified to make a People happy  
In his Government; And if you're not  
A secret Favourer of the Danish Interest,  
You'll not oppose the only Means of our Security.  Ber. 
My Lord, I do not see that your Election  
Would not equally secure us from the Danes;  
And what may we not fear for you, for all  
 signalised themselves, and rivalled him  
In worth, when once he's settled in full Power,  
Since already (believing you not longer useful to him)  
he 'as cast you of with such Indignity.  Arw. 
I know Gustavus Generous and Just,  
Nor doubt some artful Villain has traduced me  
On plausible Appearances, which time may clear.  
But be that as it will ⁠— ⁠— Canst thou who'ast found me  
So firm to my Engagements with Gustavus,  
And to my Country's Interests, when both my own,  
And my Constantia's Life, were sentenced by  
The Viceroy; Canst thou think I would desert him  
To the Destruction of the Public Peace,  
For a harsh Word, a trivial Quarrel with a Friend?  Ber. 
Perhaps 'tis not so trivial, but you yet  
May find your Life in danger: Yet would I not  
Incite you to secure yourself, with hazard  
Of the Public Peace; But be assured, my Lord,  
You'll find your Party strong enough to quell,  
Or even prevent, all Animosities,  
Were they encouraged by your wished-for presence  
At the Senate.  Arw. 
Yes, I will to the Senate,  
Thou hast convinced me I have Business there,  
T'assure all those on whom  influence,  
If they oppose theElection of Gustavus,  
Or raise the lest Division in my Name,  
I shall accounted 'em secret Enemies  
To me, and to their Country. ⁠— ⁠— All know me far inferior  
In every requisite Ability  
For that high Charge, to which Gustavus seems  
Designed by Nature; nor can this be other  
Than the Project of some Traitor.  Exit Arwide. Ber. 
He is not to be moved. Somewhat I must resolve ⁠— ⁠— ⁠  
It shall be so ⁠— ⁠— This must created some discord.  
Erici's hot and hasty, a fit Tool;  
And luckily Fredage attends my Orders.  
I'll about it instantly, ever things  
Are quite composed, or all our hopes are ruined.  Exit Beron..  
The Scene Changes to the Senate, Shouts of the People, Enter Gustavus with a numerous Train, all the Senators rise. 1st. Sen. 
Hail to Gustavus, our Deliverer.  All. Sen. 
Hail to the Great Preserver of his Country.  Gust. 
Most Reverend Senate, 'tis a joyful fruit  
And ample recompense of all my Labours,  
Thus to Greet you, a secure and free Assembly;  
For so I may pronounce you, since  now  
Received from Denmark certain information,  
That the whole Kingdom, exasperated by  
The Cruelties, Injustice, and Oppressions  
Of the Tyrant, unanimously have  
Deposed him: The Viceroy, and Archbishop,  
Dreaded there, and every where abhorred,  
Will hardly find a Refuge; nor can ought  
Obstruct your Liberty and Right of choosing  
An Administrator, who under your  
Authority may give the final blow  Enter Arwide. 
To Tyranny, and heal the Nations Wounds.  1st. Sen. 
None has so just a claim to our Election,  
As the brave Gustavus.  Gust. 
My Youth would ill become th'important charge:  
Think not, most Honoured Senate, I design  
The Services  done you should constrain,  
Or sway your Choice; I'll be the first t'acknowledge  
Him among you for our Head, whom you  
Think fit t' elect; and in what ever Rank  
you're pleased to place me; shall accounted it Honour  
And Happiness sufficient to expose  
My Life in your Defence.  1st. Sen. 
Generous Gustavus!  All Sen. 
Wondrous Youth!  1st. Sen. 
This Moderation, this unequalled Virtue,  
Gives New and Nobler Lustre to thy Glories.  Arw. 
This Noble Youth whom you applaud with so  
Just admiration, and by whose Vigilance,  
Conduct and Valour, you this Day have freedom  
To assemble; Young as he seems, already is consummate  
In every Princely Virtue, that can tender him  
A Blessing to the Nation: Nor can you lesle  
In Gratitude to him, and Justice to  
The Interests of those you Represent,  
Than instantly confer the Royal Dignity  
And Power, on your generous Benefactor.  Gust. 
Forbear, my Lord, from you this looks not well.  Arw. 
The Senate will approve it.  1st. Sen. 
Most Joyfully,  
I doubt not 'tis the Sense and Wish of all.  
If none has aught t' object against what by  
This Noble Lord is offered, with one Voice  
Salute Gustavus, Sovereign King of Sweden.  All Sen. 
We all declare Gustavus King of Sweden,  All Attend. 
Long live our King Gustavus.  Gust. 
Not to be sensible of such Affection  
From my Country, were Stupidity;  
I Glory in your Love; but for the Crown you offer  
'Tis too much, there are in this Assembly  
Many my Superiors;  
Nor dare I undertake the weighty charge.  
I thankfully resign your Noble Gift.  All Sen. 
We all beseech you to accept our offer.  1st. Sen. 
Behold the sad effect of your Refusal,  
See with what Grief, with what dejected Looks,  
Your People stand, as if the Danes again  
Were at our Gates: O, Sir, on you depends  
Our Safety; on Gustavus all our Hopes,  
Our Hearts are fixed.  All Sen. 
We must not be denied.  Gust. 
If you will have it thus ⁠— ⁠— The World's great Ruler  
Assist me to discharge the mighty Trust,  
Be it as you please.  All. 
All Blessings on our King.  The People shout. Gust. 
Believe me, this affection of my People,  
Is dearer to me than theeffect of it,  
Great as it is and Glorious.  Arw. 
Now all is finished,  
Since I have lived to see my Country free,  
And our Deliverer seated on the Throne,  
I have not more to do ⁠— ⁠—  Gust. 
My Lord, your Zeal for me was most surprising  
On Reflection of what had lately passed;  
Thou 'tis observed, when Men would seem what they  
Are not, they're apt to overact their Part.  Arw. 
If you believe I meant it not in Friendship,  
Or to advance your Interests, you do me right.  
Nor is''t for me in aught t'accuse my King  
Of an injustice; satisfied to be  
The only Man Gustavus ever will injure;  
 but to say that I resign your Army,  
And all I held in charge to your disposal.  
'Tis fit the sole unhappy of your Subjects,  
Should from the Universal Joy retire;  
To the all-seeing Judge I leave my Cause,  
And go to hid me, and my sorrows, from  
The World for ever.  Gust. 
O 'tis half myself,  lost in losing thee!  As Arw. is going Erici Enters. Erici. 
Stay, my Lord, you must not thus departed.  
I demand an Order to Arrest Count Arwide  
As guilty of High Treason, in conspiring  
Against the Government and Liberty of Sweden.  All Sen. 
Count Arwide!  1st. Sen. 
Incredible,  
Count Arwide is approved a Generous Patriot;  
Upon what Evidence do you accuse him?  Erici. 
This Paper Signed by him, I know his Writing.  Gives it to the Senate. Gust. takes and shows it to Arw. than returns it. 1st. Sen. 
Amazing!  Arw. 
I confess t'ave Signed that Paper,  
And by the Articles which it contains,  
Do on the Judgement of the King, and Senate,  
Desire to be acquitted, or condemned.  
Let it be read in public.  1st. Sen. 
The first Article,  Reads. 
That when the fresh Supplies arrive from Denmark,  
Arwide shall than deliver to the Danes,  
All the strong Places in his Power ⁠— ⁠— ⁠  Arw. 
Ha!  
My Lords, I know of not such Article,  
So far from having signed, it never was  
Proposed, or mentioned to me. I desire  
Erici be examined whence he had that Paper.  Erici. 
'Twas, my Lords, few Moment's since  
Delivered me, sent from a Hand unknown,  
But with this Intimation given, by which  
The Truth may be detected ⁠— ⁠— That Constantia,  
Knowing her Husband's Treason, had revealed it  
To Gustavus; And that Fredage, a Youth  
Who than was Prisoner to the Viceroy, see  
Count Arwide sign it.  1st Sen. 
That Fredage must instantly be sought.  Erici. 
My Lord,  sent some of my Soldiers for him,  
And to entreat Constantia's Presence here  
Upon this sad Occasion.  1st Sen. 
We'll wait their coming.  Gust. 
Erici, why hast thou done this? Couldst thou  
Not trust me with the Care of this Discovery?  
 given my Word for Arwide's Life, which now  
I fear thy ever rash, thy hot-brained Zeal,  
Has robbed me of the Power to save ⁠— ⁠— Would thou  
Couldst learn to think.  Erici. 
In Truth I know not what  
To think, if Treason must not be detected.  Arw. 
And has Constantia taxed me of this Baseness!  
Did she not know me better!  Enter Constantia. Const. 
O, my Lord!  
Constantia is a Criminal, you can't  
Too much reproach; nor dare I stand th'upbraiding  
Of thy Virtue, even silent as thou art,  
Thy injured Innocence enough condemns me.  
To you, Great Sir, this guilty Wretch addresses,  
Who has accused the Worthiest of your Subjects;  
I been imposed on by some Artifice,  
And my poor Lord most wronged.  Gust. 
Let not your fear of Arwide's Life, seduce  
That noble Virtue to desert the Truth.  Const. 
O think not I'd retract my Accusation,  
But on a full Assurance of its Falseness;  
Unseen, I overheard my Lord in conference  
With Beron, that known Villain, from whose Hand  
I had the fatal Writing; yet in all  
Their secret Talk, 'twas evident my Lord  
Known nothing of this base Contrivance; But even  
To Death, refused Compliance with the Danes  
Against his Country's Int'rests; Arwide boasted this,  
Nor Beron dared deny it, whose Villainy  
Most sure this Treason is.  
O there the Traitor comes.  Enter Soldiers, with Beron and Fredage wounded. A Sold. to Erici. 
Sir, we obeyed your Orders, and found the Youth  
We were in search of, flying from this other  
Who pursued him, and ever we could arrive  
Gave him a desperate Wound: The Youth,  
Informed he was to come before the Senate, begged  
His Murderer might be seized, and brought with him,  
Who was (he said) more than himself concerned  
In the Affair, on which you summoned him.  Erici. 
'Tis well.  1st Sen 
Fredage, What know you of this Writing?  Fred. 
My Lord, 'twas put into my hands by Beron,  
Who not an Hour since retook it,  
And sent it to Erici.  1st Sen. 
Know you Count Arwide's Character? or if he signed it?  Fred. 
That I shall speak not other than the Truth,  
Believe, as they're my dying Words ⁠— ⁠— That Arwide signed  
That Paper, is too sure ⁠— ⁠— Oh!  Swoons. Erici. 
The Youth's expiring.  Ber. Aside. 
Than all is well.  1st Sen. 
Beron, What can you speak to this?  Ber. 
My Lords, I must, though to my shame, confess,  
I have been zealous for the Danish Interest,  
And than was trusted with this Treaty betwixt  
The Viceroy, and Count Arwide: But had since,  
In true Concern for my poor Country's Safety,  
Given Fredage the Charge of this Discovery;  
Who still too Faithful to the Danes, concealed the Treason;  
And when I urged him now to witness what  
Already was revealed, most obstinately  
He refused; for which, in heat of Zeal, I stabbed him,  
And in dying now you find, he did not dare  
Deny the Truth.  1st Sen. 
Your Action was most rash.  Ber. 
I do confess it ⁠— ⁠— But since incited  
By Abhorrence of so Black a Treachery,  
I hope the Senate's Pardon.  Const. 
Subtle Villain!  Arw. 
And darest thou say I ever read or herded  
Of those base Articles?  Ber. 
That let the Senate judge,  
Men use more Caution with an Enemy,  
Than to sign Blanks or Write not perused.  1st Sen. 
The Case is clear, were this a Forgery  
Of Beron's, would that Youth with his last words,  
Have injured Arwide, to confirm his Murderers'  
Accusation? What is the Senate's Judgement?  All Sen. 
'Tis plain Count Arwide's guilty, and deserves to die.  Arw. 
My Life is in your Hands ⁠— ⁠— But I appeal  
To the Tribunal of Eternal Justice,  
To judge between us, and detect the Traitor.  1st Sen. 
'Tis better to confess, since Death's your Doom;  
Nor can you hope to escape it.  Const. 
O, my Lords!  
See at your Feet, a Wife who has given this day  
A dearer Proof of Faith and Love to Sweden,  
Than the most worthy Patriot here ever gave;  
Not partial Fondness sways my loyal Heart,  
Nor do I kneel for Pardon of a Criminal,  
But to implore you would avert those Judgements  
From yourselves, from all, which guiltless Blood  
Will bring upon the Nation! I attest  
Against you, and invoke the sacred Powers  
To witness that my Lord is innocent,  
And Beron a pernicious, faithless Villain!  1st Sen. 
Madam, your Lord is legally condemned,  
And our Decree irrevocable.  Const. 
O ⁠— ⁠—  
To you, Gustavus, I must than appeal,  
I have your sacred Word to save his Life,  
Even when we thought him Guilty ⁠— ⁠— On that Promise  
I claim it now, though more a Debt to his wronged Innocence:  
O do not leave him to their rigid Forms,  
But by superior Equity acquit him.  Gust. 
Alas! 'tis passed my Power ⁠— ⁠— Madam, Rise.  Const. 
O never, till the Senate's Mercy raise,  
Or you revoke the fatal Doom, that roots me to the Earth.  Gust. 
Most Reverend Lords, I do beseech you, Let not  
This Day be blackened with so sad an Omen,  
As the Death of one who'as shared my Glories,  
Equally with me exposed his Life,  
And oftener shed his Blood in your Defence:  
Give to my first Request, the Pardon of a Man,  
Who though he now appears a Criminal,  
Has nobly served his Country.  1st Sen. 
This is the only thing we could deny you:  
For our Security from future Treasons,  
He must die, t' intimdate all Traitors  
Who shall hear, that not past Services  
Could Bribe us from the Nation's Enemies:  
Nor can your Reign begin with a more glorious Act,  
Than such impartial Justice.  All Sen. 
Arwide must die.  Const. 
Dire Sound! My Husband sentenced as a Traitor!  
O that he 'ad died long since, when pierced with many  
Honourable Wounds, in the Defence  
Of these ungrateful Wretches!  Gust. 
O my Friend!  
I fear thou'rt lost! that I must yield thee to  
A shameful Death, even when I think thee wronged.  
I do, my Arwide, though Fredage's words  
Have struck me strangely, Constantia's noble Spirit,  
And thy Deportment, pled more strongly for thee;  
Assure my Heart thou'rt worthy of my Love:  
And must I see thee forced from me with Infamy!  
O Arwide, thus to lose thee! Is there not means to save thee?  Arw. 
I have not Witness but the Powers invisible:  
'Tis enough that you believe me Innocent;  
That Villain will be caught in his own Mischiefs,  
And the Senate soon repent their Sentence.  1st Sen. 
He threatens us, should we delay his Execution,  
We know not what Commotions may be raised,  
What Parties formed against us. ⁠— ⁠— Bear him to instant Death.  Const. 
Now break my Heart! that Arwide may behold  
Himself avenged of his first rash Accusers.  Guards seize Arw. Gust. 
Away ⁠— ⁠— Let me receive him to my Arms,  
I cannot speak my Soul ⁠— ⁠— O Arwide say,  
Canst thou in Death forgive thy Friend's Injustice?  Arw. 
Your Tears unman me ⁠— ⁠— Be this the last sad Hour  
May interrupt the Blessings of your Reign:  
Yet do not quite forget me; O, Sir, do Justice  
To my Fame, and comfort poor Constantia,  
My only Dying Care.  Turns towards her. Const. 
I an unworthy of a last Embrace,  
A Dying Kiss, or even to ask Forgiveness.  Arw. 
Thou dost not need Forgiveness ⁠— ⁠— Rise my Love,  
With such Appearances against me, what thou didst  
Deserves the highest Honours ⁠— ⁠— Come to my Heart,  
To which thou'rt now more Dear than ever.  
May my Country  
Be Juster to thy Worth, than it has been  
To thy unhappy Husband ⁠— ⁠— I must leave thee.  Const. 
Not, my Arwide, thou shalt take me with thee,  
I will not spare my Eyes the horrid Spectacle;  
The cruel Blow that let's out thy Life's Blood,  
Will strike the deeper to my Heart; each severed Limb  
Of thy dear mangled Body, tear with it part of me,  
And sooner rid me of the wretched Fate,  
The Misery to survive thee.  Arw. 
I cannot bear thy Presence, 'twill distracted  
Thyself, and me ⁠— ⁠— I prithee spare me that,  
O Sir assist me ⁠— ⁠— Take to your Care this tender  
Dearest Blessing, whose sight would only torture me in Death.  Gust. 
O my Arwide! who shall assist thy Friend,  
When a few Moment's hence, thou'lt be not more!  1st Sen. 
My Lord, we hope you're ready--- Lead Arwide to his Fate.  Fred. Fred. revives. 
O hold! Arwide is Innocent.  Const. 
What Angels Voice was that?  Ber. Aside. 
Fredage revived! Than I an caught indeed.  Const. 
Speak; What dost thou know of Arwide's Innocence?  1st Sen. 
Be careful Youth, you have confessed his Gild.  Fred. 
The Powers of Death had seized and stopped me short,  
Just on the Point of uttering the most  
Important Truth; and I an given to Life,  
But to do Justice to that injured Lord  Const. 
Support him all good Spirits!  Fred. 
Count Arwide was deceived by Beron's Treachery,  
By whom he had been shown a Writing, that  
Contained most Honourable Articles;  
Which when he'ad well considered, and assented to,  
This Beron unsuspected, in its stead,  
Shifted that other, like in Form, to which  
The artless Arwide freely set his Hand,  
Not doubting it the same he had perused.  1st Sen. 
How know you this?  Fred. 
By Beron's own Confession.  
Who thought me of his Party, and t'engage me  
In his Design t'embroil th'unsettled Nation,  
Imparted to me what I have related;  
But when he found me startled at the Treason,  
Earnestly dissuading him from the Pursuit of it;  
In fear I should betray the guilty Secret,  
He resolved my Death, and added to  
His other Crimes, the Murder of his Wife.  1st Sen. 
His Wife!  Gust. 
Christina!  Ber. 
Ha', that Traitress! O Cursed Destiny!  
Thus to be fooled by thee.  Gust. 
Again Christina is my Life's Preserver!  
This Ladies proved Affection to her Country,  
Leaves not room to doubt what she asserts.  1st Sen. 
Count Arwide is acquitted ⁠— ⁠— For that Villain  
A speedy Death's too mild a Punishment;  
Secure him till our Justice have prepared,  
Tortures most exquisite, a Doom that fits his Crimes.  Gust. 
Again my Arwide is retrieved from Death  
To Honour, and his Friend, to these fond Arms.  Arw. 
This is indeed to Live, restored to Fame,  
And to my King's Affection. How shall I pay  
My Gratitude to Generous Christina?  Gust. 
What care can be sufficient of her Life,  
To whom we own our all? ⁠— ⁠— Too long we have deferred it.  Chris. 
' Twoved be vain, I feel th'Assaults of Death.  
The Providence that governs all Events  
Of Human Actions, is too good to let  
A Wretch appointed to so sad a Part,  
Survive th'unhappy Justice: The great important Ends  
Are served, for which my Miseries were Destined;  
And now 'tis given me to Rest.  Const. 
To be for ever Happy,  
Eternal Blessings wait thy suffering Virtue.  Gust. 
Alas, my Ignorance exposed you to all Dangers;  
Had you confided in me, you'ad been safe.  Chris. 
Arwide had than been lost. Now all is well,  
My Sullied Fame would never have let me find  
That Peace I leave all here, and go to seek with ⁠— ⁠—  Dies. Gust, 
She Breathes not more!  
O Arwide! Be our Generous Preserver  
Never forgot, let Fame Record her Virtue,  
With her Husband's Villainy, to all  
Who ever shall hear of Sweden's great Deliverance;  
And every Nation join in her just Praise.  Const. 
That Recompense Virtue will ever find,  
To be esteemed, even by its Enemies.  Arw. 
Yes, my Constantia, thy exalted Virtue  
Constrained my Admiration, though a Sufferer by it.  
O would Men emulate thy great Example,  
Renounce all private Ends, give up their dear  
Their warmest Passions, to the public Safety;  
Each would be happy in the common Good,  
And find that very Interest best secured,  
They would have Sacrificed,  
As now thy Arwide is restored to thee.  Gust. 
Be every Worthy Patriot thus Blessed;  
As all who'd raised upon their Country's Ruins,  
Assure their own Destruction in the End;  
So have th'oppressor of this Nation found:  
My Friend, remind me often of Christierns' Fate,  
Whose Lawless Aim at Arbitrary Sway,  
Deprived him even of his Legal Power:  
All Monarches who their Interest understood,  
Have placed their Greatness in their Subjects Good.    

EPILOGUE  
OUR Authoress trusting to a Brother's Pen,  
〈◊〉 among us trust not faithless Men)  
Has been deceived----- But that I need not say  
She taken his word, and than---- you know your way,  
Like you he kept his Promise----- You must know it  
She has not Epilogue----- unless I prove a Poet;  
But jest that hope should fail, she bid me pled  
How hard, how useless, is the Tax  laid;  
When Judgement you against a Play have past,  
You'll not revoke for a fine Speech at last:  
And if you're pleased ⁠— ⁠— ⁠  
How Cruel are you in exacting more,  
From those  just exhausted all their Store:  
This dire Effects has caused! ⁠— ⁠— For want of Matter,  
Or in Revenge,  rise in open Satyr,  
Railed at their Tyrants, and if Truth they hit,  
E'en thank yourselves for urging desperate wit.  
Should we now tell you we despair to gain you,  
Not Fight, Show ⁠— ⁠— or Smut to entertain you,  
Expose the Beaux, and Critics, boldly say  
You judge not by the Merits of a Play;  
Can you blame us, if in desect of Sense,  
When forced to speak, we stand on our defence;  
Reproach you, that by Faction you are brought  
To try even Wit by Party ⁠— ⁠— Hold that thought  
May be of use ⁠— ⁠— Was nothing on the Stage,  
That could a Party for our Play engage.  
Let's see ⁠— ⁠— ⁠—  
To Beron's Character all must be civil,  
who'd blessed with Wives, and wish 'em at the Devil;  
They'll like the Justice of his Spouse's Fate,  
'Tis true he's hanged for't, and if so you hate,  
You may be rid of yours at the same Rate.  
Eloping Ladies we have all bespoke,  
Christina's Cause would be a useful Cloak;  
〈◊〉 for her Management they'll all despise her,  
With a young Hero they'd not doubt be wiser;  
Expose her Life the Secret to conceal!  
What Secret would not they rather reveal!  
Well, by this Page we hope but few to gain,  
May Arwide and Constantia more obtain,  
Let all whom they by Sympathy could move,  
In their Applause of these kind Patterns, prove  
That they like Arwide, and Constantia, Love.   

FINIS.