I 
 
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 Qass±il3____ 
 Book -A I ^^-jg 
 

 
 3i&y 
 
 THE 
 
 SIEGE OP MANSOUL, 
 
 A DRAMA, 
 
 IN FIVE ACTS. 
 
 THE DICTION OF WHICH CONSISTS ALTOGETHER IN AN 
 ACCOMMODATION OF WORDS 
 
 FROM SHAKESPEARE AND OTHER POETS. 
 
 BY A LADY. 
 
 " The Gate of man, like to a little kingdom, 
 
 " Suffers the nature of a conftant warfare : 
 
 " Of battles, lieges, and diftrefsful flrokes, v '^ of Wash' 
 
 «' With all the current of a heady flight." h ^*iu";'n» '"* 
 
 SHAKESPEARE. 
 
 A BRISTOL; 
 
 PRINTED AND SOLD BY W. BULOIN, NO. 3, WINE-STREET; 
 
 SOLD ALSO BY MATHEWS, STRAND } LONGMAN AND REES, 
 
 AND WESTAND HUGHES, PATERNOSTER-ROW, 
 
 LONDON J AND S. HAZARD, BATH. 
 
 l801. 
 

THE PERSONS. 
 
 Rege nt ; the will in particular, but chiefly the whole perfon. 
 
 Conscience. 
 
 Conviction. 
 
 Chorus; the unprofitable and vain thoughts of the mind, 
 
 Centinels ; awakened thoughts. 
 
 Soldiers; the fame. 
 
 Train attending on the Regent ; the finful paffions 
 
 and affections of the heart. 
 Carnal Mind. 
 Attendants. 
 Boanerges, \ 
 
 Judgment, > Chiefs of Immanuel's Army. 
 Execution, * 
 Herald, 
 
 We weep, we tremble, we forget, we fmile } 
 
 The mind turns fool, before the cheek is dry : 
 
 And quick returning folly cancels all : 
 
 As the tide rufhing razes what is writ 
 
 On yielding fands, and fmooths the- letter'd fhore. 
 
 Youngs Night Thoughts, 
 
preface. 
 
 THE beautiful compofitions of our great Englifh drarria- 
 tift, Shakefpeare, while they captivate the imagination, 
 have a fad tendency to deteriorate the heart of the reader* 
 That many fine and linking moral fentiments are found in 
 them is allowed. But as there is much drofs mixed with the 
 precious ore, and as the mind of fallen man is in a cor- 
 rupted flate, it will naturally receive the mofl lafling impref- 
 fions from thofe paffages which fuit its own depravity. From 
 hence arifes a confiderable danger in the perufal of thefe 
 writings, efpecially to young perfons, whofe paffions are 
 eafily inflamed, and who are not fufficiently feafoned with 
 judgment to refufe the evil and choofe the good, The fame 
 may be faid of many others of our mofl fafcinating poetical 
 authors, belides the immortal bardjufl mentioned. 
 
 The following dramatic compofition is the production of 
 a lady now deceafed. She has culled fome of the mofl 
 beautiful flowers from Shakefpeare, Young, Beaumont and 
 Fletcher, Milton, B. Johnjon, and MaJJ'enger; and has adapted 
 their arrangement to the characters of the fpeakers intro- 
 duced. Of extracts from thefe authors the language of this 
 poem ir.tirely confifls. In their prefent form, inftead of 
 corrupting, they are calculated to amend the heart. And it 
 is probable that many parents, who would mudder at the 
 thought of giving their children a deleterious pill, for the 
 fake of the gilding that covers it, will rejoice to have the 
 falutary drug adminiftered under a pleafing form ; and to give 
 them a tafte of the poetic elegance of thefe authors, if it 
 can be done without peril to their morals. "The Siege 
 " of Mansoul" will combine thefe objects ; and though 
 by no means perfect as a drama, it is a moil pleafing and in- 
 genious performance. 
 
 The 
 
vi PREFACE. 
 
 The following fhort preface was prefixed to the work, 
 in the hand-writing of a raoft worthy and amiable man, the 
 Rev. Henry Sulger ; to whofe memory Chriftian friend- 
 ihip is gratified in an opportunity of paying this tribute of 
 affection. (He has lately joined his friend, the authorefs, in 
 the world of happy fpirits ; where, as kindred fouls, they 
 unite in adoring Kim, whom on earth they loved.) It is fub- 
 joined, as neceffary to elucidate the nature of the fubfequent 
 drama. 
 
 " The paflages in this work appear quite new, being 
 " moftly put in another light than they were originally 
 " placed in, by the feveral authors from which they 'are 
 " taken. Shakefpeare in particular would be amazed and 
 " pleafed to find himfelf fo happily fpiritualized. 
 
 Ci This performance is very much like a piece of Mofaic 
 66 work, which is in certain refpetts of a more difficult 
 « execution than painting; becaufe in the Mofaic work the 
 " author cannot mix and fhade his own colours as he 
 U pleafes ; but is obliged to arrange and adjuft little pieces 
 " of glafs or fmalt in fuch a manner, that they may produce 
 < c the fame eflecl: which a well executed picture produces. 
 " I have feen fuch pieces, which were "not inferior to paint- 
 " ings of the greatefl; mailers. Maksoul is therefore, in 
 cs my eyes, a piece of fine Mofaic work ; and would, in my 
 " humble opinion, not be unworthy 'of the prefs, if we did 
 " not live in an age, in which people will hear nothing of 
 " that Man, to whofe praife this drama was compofed. 
 
 " I am no friend to allegorical pieces, either in poetry or 
 
 " painting ; ; nor do I admire what is commonly called fpiri- 
 
 « tualizing; but Man soul has made me forget my antipathy 
 
 " againll both. 
 
 * « H; Sulger." 
 
THE SIEGE OF MANSOUL, 
 
 A DRAMA. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Scene, a platform before the palace in the city of Manfoul, 
 Enter Three Centinels.- 
 
 1 C. Ty\7 HO ' s there? 
 
 2 C, V V Friends to this ground. 
 
 3 C. Liege-men to Manfoul, 
 
 1 C, You come moll carefully upon your hour. 
 
 2 C. What, has this man appear'd again to night ? 
 
 1 C. I have feen nothing. 
 
 2 C. Here's one, who fays 'tis but our phantafie, 
 And will not let belief take hold of him ; 
 Touching this dreaded fight twice feen of us. 
 Therefore I have entreated him along 
 
 With us to watch the minutes of this night ; 
 That, if this armed man again mould come, 
 He may approve our eyes and fpeak to him. 
 
 3 C. Turn ! Turn ! he'll not appear. 
 
 i C. Sit down awhile, 
 
 And let us once again affail your ears, 
 That are fo fortified againft our ftory, 
 What we have two nights feen. 
 
 3 C. Well, fit we down, 
 
 And hear you fpeak of this. 
 
 A i C. 
 
i C. La ft night of all, 
 When yon fame ftar, that's weftward of the pole, 
 Had made his courfe t'illume that part of heav'n 
 Where now it burns; my friend here and myfelf, 
 The bell then beating one 
 
 2 C. Peace, break thee off! 
 
 Enter Conviction. 
 Look, where he comes again ! 
 Conv. O wretched man ! 
 
 i C. Some inly forrow gripes his foul. 
 
 2 C, He cannot 
 Utter a fingle word for tears. 
 
 3 C. He's gone ! 
 
 2 C. How now, my friend ! you tremble and look pale ; 
 Is not this fomething more than phantafie ? 
 
 3 C. 'Tis true ; nor might I this believe without 
 The fenfible avouch of mine own eyes. 
 
 I never faw a veffel of like forrow ; 
 So filled, and fo terrible withal 
 In his afpefr. 
 
 i C. What think you of it then ? 
 
 3 C. In what partic'lar thought to work I know not ; 
 But, in the grofs and fcope of my opinion, 
 It bodes fome ftrange eruption to our date. 
 
 2 C. When we make thought of all that pafTes here, 
 Our prefent government is but a pageant 
 To keep us in falfe gaze. Truth, love, and piety, 
 Degrees, obfervances, cufloms, and laws 
 Decline to their confounding contraries. 
 Whether from thefe or fomething deeper ftill, 
 (Of which perchance thefe arc but furnifhings) 
 We feem mark'd out ev'n for the hotteft vengeance, 
 And the mod heavy rod of righteous Heav'n ! 
 
 4 C. 
 
3 
 
 i C. Good now, fit down and tell me, he that knows, 
 Why this fame ftrift and mod obfervant watch 
 So nightly toils the fubje&s of the town ? 
 And why fuch daily caft of brazen cannon, 
 And foreign mart for implements of war ? 
 What might be toward, that this fweaty hafle 
 Doth make the night joint-labourer with the day? 
 
 2 C. Why, brother, are you yet to learn, that peace 
 Itfelf fhould not fo dull a kingdom, but 
 
 That ftrong defences, mufters, preparations 
 Should be maintain'd, aflembled and colle&ed, 
 As were a war in expectation ? 
 
 3 C. Friends, I do know you both mofl perfectly : 
 And dare, upon the warrant of my note, 
 Commend a dear thing t' ye. There is divifion 
 (Although as yet the face of it be covered) 
 
 In this our little world of Manfoul : whence 
 Is grown diftruft, that fome within us are 
 To realms remote the fpies and fpeculations 
 Of our fad ftate ; unfolding us disjoint, 
 And out of frame : and this I take it, is 
 The one main motive of our preparations, 
 The fource of this our watch, and the chief head 
 Of this poft-hafte and rummage in the town. 
 
 i C. I think it be no other ; but ev'n fo 
 Well may it fort, that this portentous figure . 
 
 Comes armed through our watch, fo like a man, 
 That might be prologue to a threaten'd war. 
 
 Enter a Soldier. 
 
 O welcome, honeft foldier ; have you heard 
 Nought ftrange about the town ? 
 
 A 2 S$ld. 
 
Sold. , I have heard things 
 
 Fitting the night : moft black and comfortlefs. 
 
 1 C. Shew us the very wound of this i]l news ; 
 Our ears are open'd and our hearts prepar'd. 
 
 Sold. A fearful army, led by mighty chiefs, 
 Raging upon our territories, have 
 Already overborne their way, and took 
 What lay before them. 
 
 3 C. Is there in thefe news 
 
 Such compofition as to give them credit ? 
 
 Sold, Why grant there be fome difference, as in 
 Reports, 'tis often fo ; yet all confirm 
 A warlike force ; and marching up to us. 
 
 3 C. Nay, it is poflible enough to judgment ; 
 I do not fo fecure me in the error, 
 But the main article I do approve 
 In fearful fenfe. 
 
 Enter another Soldier. 
 
 How now, my friend, what news ? 
 What, do thefe hoftile pow'rs approach us ftili ? 
 
 2 Sold. As fierce as waters to the fucking gulf; 
 And bear with frankeft fhew their purpofes 
 Again ft our town ; which (as it well appears 
 
 T' our ftate) are to fubdue us with ftrong hand 
 And terms compulfative, to the fame Pow'r 
 Whom they call Mailer ; and whom they proclaim 
 To be the univerfal and dread Lord 
 Of all this realm. 
 
 3 C. Who is this mighty Lord, 
 Whofe claim bears fuch an emphafis ? Can any 
 Inform me ? 
 
 2 Sold. That can I ; at leaft the whifper 
 Goes fo i and is to thinking palpable : 
 
 That 
 
That this dread King is He 'gainft whom, from days 
 Of old, our citizens moft grievoufly 
 RebelPd ; and like to men proud of definition 
 Defied to the worft. 
 
 1 C. Then are we loft ! 
 
 There's not an hair upon a foldier's head, 
 That will not prove a whip ; for we deferve 
 Such pity of Him, as the wolf does of 
 The fhepherds. 
 
 2 C. Heavens, what a change is here! 
 
 But, friends, we hear the fearful tempefl fing ; 
 Yet feek no fhelter to avoid the ftorm. 
 We fee the wind fet fore upon our fails ; 
 And yet we ftrike not, but fecurely perifli. 
 
 1 Sold, Our Regent is too wilful oppofite, 
 And will not temporize with fair entreaty. 
 
 2 C. And Confciencc who fhould be interpreter 
 Between the grace, the fanftities of heav'n 
 And our dull workings, is afre&ed with 
 
 A fore diflra&ion ; and, as it is faid, 
 
 Doth lock fair day-light out, to make herfelf 
 
 An artificial night. 
 
 2 Sold. Yefterday morn, an hour before the fun 
 Peer'd through the golden windows of the eaft, 
 A troubled mind drew me to walk abroad ; 
 Where underneath the grove of cypreffes, 
 
 That eaflward rooteth from the palace-fide, 
 
 So early walking did I fee her come; 
 
 And many mornings hath fhe there been feen, 
 
 With tears augmenting the frefh morning-dew, 
 
 Adding to clouds more clouds with her deep fighs. 
 
 3 C. Haply fhe fears, if once her voice fhould be 
 Uplifted in the caufe, we fhould more evils 
 Suffer, and in more fundry ways, than ever. 
 
 i C. 
 
I C. O great iniquity, lay thou thy bafis 
 Moftfureand firm; for Confcience dares not check thee. 
 
 Enter Conviction, 
 
 Conv. O bear me witnefs, night ! 
 
 a Sold. What man is this? 
 
 i C. Stand clofe and lift him. 
 
 Conv. Be thou witnefs to me, 
 
 When men revolted fhall upon record 
 Bear hateful memory, ConviElion did 
 In forrow breathe this vow, 
 
 2 Sold, ConviElion ! 
 
 2 C. Peace I 
 
 Conv. Never to be infected with delight, 
 Nor converfant with eafe or idlenefs ; 
 Till I have feen this city, bending down 
 Its corrigible neck, its face fubdu'd 
 To penetrative fhame, go weeping forth 
 To fetch their Sov'reign in. 
 
 2 C. Do ye attend ? 
 
 1 Sold. Moft needfully. 
 
 Conv. Till ev'ry greedy look of young and old 
 Dart their dehring eyes upon His vifage ; 
 And all cry out at once, " O mighty King ! 
 c; We yield our lives and fouls to Thy foft mercy ; 
 " Enter our gates, difpofe of us and ours ; 
 <; Our hearts are thine ; we fet them at Thy will." 
 
 2 C. Shall we hear more, or fhall we fpeak at this ? 
 Conv. O had but Manfoul ftaid within the cheer , 
 
 And comfort of His eye ! 
 
 2 Sold. He weeps and fpeaks. 
 
 Conv. That eye, from whence fo oft have fallen drops, 
 That facred pity had engendered ! 
 For gentlenefs His ftrong enforcement was ; 
 
 And 
 
And heav'nly grace before, behind Him, and 
 
 On ev'ry fide enwheeled Him around. 
 
 They could not fpeak their wants to fuch a Lord, 
 
 And lofe their voice : what mercy could they beg, 
 
 That was not ftill His offer, not their alking ? 
 
 The head is not fo native to the heart, 
 
 The hand fo inftrumental to the mouth, 
 
 As was Plis throne in Manjoul to His fubje&s. 
 
 3 C. We fhould have known no lefs; it hath been taught 
 Us from the primal flate. 
 
 Conv. But they have made 
 
 A covenant with death ; they have made lies 
 Their refuge, and beneath a vail of falfhood 
 They've hid themfelves. 
 
 i C. Hark ; 
 
 Conv, What if the King fhould throw us 
 For ever from His love, into the flaggers 
 And dreadful lapfe of fin ; His dire revenge 
 Loofing upon us in the name of juflice, 
 Without all terms of pity ? Then, Oh, then, 
 Where fhould we be, if He who is the top 
 Of judgment, fhould but judge us as we are ? 
 
 1 Sold. Runs not this fpeech, like iron, thro' our blood ? 
 
 2 Sold. O Heav'n, forgive us all ! 
 
 i C. Amen ! Amen ! 
 
 Conv. But that His mercy drops like gentle rain 
 From heav'n upon the place beneath it, and 
 Fader than we offend, doth heal it up; 
 Why, we fhould live in defolation here, 
 Ev'n to the oppofed end of our intents, 
 And fall to curelefs ruin in the clofe ! 
 Inftance, O inflance, ftrong as heaven's high gates, 
 When He our deadly forfeit did releafe, 
 And for us wretches wrought perpetual peace 1 
 
 2 C, 
 
8 
 
 2 C. This bows the heart. 
 
 2 Sold. We fight againft the King ! 
 
 Conv. Since the all-licenc'd will hath rul'd, I have 
 In fequeftration fpent a pilgrimage, 
 And, like a hermit, overpaft my days ; 
 But let me meet this traitor governor. 
 It warms the very ficknefs at my heart, 
 That I fhould live and tell him to his teeth, 
 M Thus diddeft thou !" For now the time is come, 
 That will with due decifion make us know, 
 What we fhall fay we have and what we owe. [Exit. 
 
 1 Sold. Oh day and night ! but this is wondrous ftrange ! 
 i C. Thus twice before, andjuft at this dead hour, 
 
 With martial ftalk, he hath gone by our watch. 
 
 2 C. What found is that? [_Cock crows, 
 
 2 Sold. It is the cock that with 
 His lofty founding throat awakes the day. 
 
 1 Sold. Some fay that ever 'gainft that feafbn comes', 
 Wherein our Sov'reign's birth was celebrated, 
 
 The bird of dawning fingeth all night long ; 
 
 And then they fay no fpirit walks abroad, 
 
 No witchcraft takes, nor witch hath pow'r to charm ; 
 
 The nights are wholefome, and no planets flrike, 
 
 So hallow'd and fo gracious is that time. 
 
 3 C. So have I heard, and do in part believe it. 
 But look the morn, in ruffet mantle clad, 
 Walks o'er the dew of yon high eaftern hill ; 
 Break we our watch up, and by my advice 
 
 Let us impart unto the Regent, what 
 We've feen and heard to night. 
 
 2 C. Let's do't, I pray. 
 Tho' piercing fleel and darts envenomed 
 
 Shall bs as welcome to the ears of Manfoul, 
 As tidings of this man. Why flay we then ? 
 
3 C To make a recordation to my foul, 
 Of ev'ry fyllable that here was fpoke : 
 That if his occult guilt do not itfelf 
 Unkennel in our ftory, 'tis not then 
 ConviElion that hath fpoke to us to night. 
 But fee where in good time the Regent comes. 
 
 Enter Regent and his Train. 
 
 Reg. Hang out our colours to the outward walls : 
 The cry is ftill, " They come." Our city's ftrength 
 Will laugh a fiege to fcorn. Here let them lie, 
 Till famine and the ague eat them up. 
 Were they not forc'd by fome that ftiould be ours, 
 We might have met them dareful brow to brow, 
 And beat them backward home. 
 
 Train. O fpirit, brave! 
 
 Reg. Have you had quiet guard to night ? 
 3 Cm Oh, Sir, 
 
 We have a matter ftrange and marvellous 
 To utter in your ear. 
 
 Reg. Pry'thee, fay on ; 
 
 The fetting of thine eye and cheek proclaims 
 A matter from thee, and a birth indeed, 
 Which throes thee much to yield. 
 
 3 C. Thus, Sir, two nights 
 
 Together had thefe Centries, on their watch, 
 Encounter'd been. — A man that call'd himfelf 
 ConviBion, armed at all points exa&ly, 
 Cometh upon them, and with folemn march 
 Goes flow and (lately by them ; thrice he walks 
 By their opprefs'd and fear-furprized eyes, 
 Within his truncheon's length; whilft they (diftill'd 
 Almoft to jelly with the a& of fear) 
 
 B Stand 
 
10 
 
 Stand dumb, and fpeak not to him. This to me 
 
 In dreadful fecrecy impart they did, 
 
 And I with them the third night kept the watch; 
 
 Where, as they had deliver'd, both in time 
 
 And form precife, each word made good and true, 
 
 Conviction cometh. 
 
 Reg. But from whence, I pray you, 
 
 Came this faid man ? 
 
 3 C. Forth from that private portal, 
 
 Which leads to Manfoul's centre, and thro' which 
 Again he fhrunk away, and vanifh'd from 
 Our fight. 
 
 Reg. Tis very ftrange. 
 
 3 C. Say't be, 'tis true. 
 
 Reg. Indeed, indeed, Sirs, but this troubles me. 
 Arm'd, fay you? 
 
 2 C. Yes, from head to foot, my Lord. 
 
 Reg. Then faw you not his face ? 
 " i C. O yes, my Lord, 
 
 He wore his beaver up. 
 
 Reg. What, did he frown ? 
 
 2 C. A count'nance more in forrow than in anger, 
 
 3 C. Alas ! a look fo piteous in purport, 
 As if he had been loofed out of hell 
 
 To fpeak of horrors : gafping to begin 
 
 Some fpeech, his eyes became two fpouts ; anon, 
 
 The fury fpent, words did break from his lips, 
 
 The fearfulleft that ever ear receiv'd, 
 
 Touching our prefent Mate : and we did think 
 
 It writ down in our duty to let you 
 
 Know of all this. 
 
 Reg. At fome more fitting feafon 
 
 I'll hear it all; yet tell me now, what he 
 Concluding uttered; 
 
 JC 
 
11 
 
 3 C. " The time is come, 
 
 li That will, with due decifion, make us know 
 " What we mail fay we have, and what we owe." 
 
 [Clock jlrikes. 
 
 Reg. Why fo, perhaps it may. — Tell the clock there* 
 Give me a Kalendar. — Who faw the fun 
 To-day? 
 
 Cent. Not we, my Lord. 
 
 Reg. Then he difdains to fhine ; for by the book 
 He ftiould have brav'd the eaft an hour ago ; 
 A black day it may be to fome-body. 
 
 Train. My Lord ! 
 
 Reg. The fun will not be feen to-day ; 
 
 The fky doth frown and low'r upon our city.— 
 I would thefe dewy tears were from the ground \ 
 Not fhine to-day ! 
 
 Train. Why, what is that to us, 
 
 More than to thofe that threaten us ? Doth not 
 The felf-fame heav'n that frowns on us, look down 
 Sadly on them ? 
 
 Reg. I do not like to fee 
 
 Thefe ravens, kites, and crows, flie o'er our heads, 
 As we were fickly prey : their fhadows feem 
 A canopy mod fatal, under which 
 Our city lies ready to give the ghoft. 
 
 Train. Believe not fo. 
 
 Reg. I but believe it partly ? 
 
 For I am frefh of fpirit, and refolv'd 
 To meet all peril very conftantly. 
 
 1 C How dreadfully this man attended is ! 
 They drive his purpofe into their intents. 
 
 Train. We do befeech your Lordfhip to difmifs 
 The Centinels ; night hangs upon their eyes, 
 
 B 2 . Reg. 
 
12 
 
 Reg. O, well remembered : I pray you all, 
 If you have hitherto conceal'd thefe things. 
 Let them be treble in your filence flill ; 
 And whatsoever further you may hear, 
 Give it an understanding, and no tongue ; 
 I will requite your loves; fo fare ye well. 
 
 3 C. We're hufh'd until our city be on fire, 
 And then we'll fpeak a little. 
 
 [ Exeunt Centinels, 
 Train. Mark you that ? 
 
 'Tis a beginning that in time will gain 
 Upon your pow'r, and throw forth greater themes 
 For infurreciion's arguing. 
 
 Reg. And fo it is ; but yet I like it not, 
 In that Conviclion did appear to them. 
 What roufed vengeance fets him now awake ? 
 
 Train. This was or might be phantafie, rais'd up 
 In the quick forge and working-houfe of thought. 
 
 Reg. When forrows come, they come not fmglefpies, 
 But in battalions ; firft, a dang'rous foe 
 Cov'ring our fearful land ; our citizens 
 Muddied, thick and unwholefome in their thoughts, 
 And whifpers for this fhew of war that points 
 On us ; then comes Conviclion forth to grate 
 Our days of quiet, and infect the town 
 With pefl'lent fpeeches of our government ; 
 Wherein neceflity, of matter beggar'd, 
 Will nothing ftick our perfon to arraign 
 In ear and ear. Laft, and as much containing 
 As all thele things, the joint imperatrice 
 Of Pcate, poor Confcience, mod unhappily 
 Divided from herfelf and her fair judgment; 
 Without the which we're pictures, or mere beafts.. 
 
 Train. 
 
*3 
 
 Train. ' Tvvere good fhe were confin'd, for {he may drew 
 Dang'rous conjectures in ill-breeding minds: 
 Nor (lands it fafe to let her madnefs range. 
 
 Reg. I pull in refolution, and begin 
 To doubt of the event. 
 
 Train. Was the hope drunk, 
 
 Wherein you drefs'd yourfelf ? Hath it flept fince? 
 And wakes it now to look fo green and pale 
 At what it urg'd fo freely ? 
 
 Reg. But fince th' affairs of men Hill reft uncertain, 
 Let 's reafon with the worfl that may befall. 
 Suppofe this foe on our unfurnifh'd town 
 Come pow'ring, like a tide into a breach, 
 With ample fweep and brimfulnefs of force; 
 Galling our gleaned walls with hot affays, 
 Girding with grievous fiege our citadel, 
 That ilta/^atthe laft, quite emptied of 
 Defence, 
 
 Train, Emptied or not, 'tis cowardly 
 
 And vile to yield for fear of what may fall. 
 
 Reg. Alas. 1 Alas! 
 
 Train. What fays the Rigent ? 
 
 ^g. Death's a fearful thing! 
 
 Train. O do not thou confider it fo deeply! 
 Reg. Ay, but to die and go we know not where, 
 To lie in cold obftruction, and to rot ; 
 This fenfible warm motion to become 
 A kneaded clod ; and the immortal fpirit 
 Be bath'd in fiery floods, or to be one 
 Of thofe that lawlefs and incertain thoughts 
 Imagine howling ; 'tis too horrible ! 
 The wearied and mod loathed worldly life, 
 That age } ache, penury, imprifonmenr, 
 
 Can 
 
H 
 
 Can lay on nature, is a paradife 
 To what we fear cf death. 
 
 Train, Why do you give 
 
 Yourfelf this fhame ? The fenfe of death is mod 
 In apprehenfion ; the poor beetle that 
 We tread upon, in corp'ral fuff'rance finds 
 A pang as great as when a giant dies. 
 Nor is it wife or noble to fear death ; 
 Seeing that death a neceffary end 
 Will come, when it will come. ; Tis but the time 
 And drawing days out, that men ftand upon ; 
 And twenty years of life cut off, cut off 
 So many years of fearing death, 
 
 Reg. Grant that, 
 
 And then is death a benefit : fo that 
 My fears feem foolifh now, and I afham'd 
 That I did yield to them. 
 
 Train. We will attend 
 
 The fortunes and affairs of noble Man/out, 
 Thorough the hazards of that untrod ftate, 
 With all true faith. 
 
 Reg. I never thought ye worfe : 
 
 Let's prefently go fit in council, and 
 Let our beft means be ftretch'd to anfwer perils 
 That us may threaten. Ah! How now, what means 
 That noife within ? [Noife within. 
 
 Enter an Attendant. 
 
 Att. Oh ! my lord, fave yourfelf, 
 
 Reg. Guard the doors there ; what is the matter? fpeak. 
 Att. The ocean overpeering of his lifts 
 Eats not the flats with more impetuous hafte, 
 
 Than 
 
 
*5 
 
 Than lord Conviclion, with a pow'rful arm. 
 O'erbears your officers. 
 
 Reg. Let him not enter. 
 
 Enter Conviction. 
 
 Reg. I have been worth refpeft.' 
 Conv. Oh ! Regent s you, 
 
 You are not worth the dufl which the rude wind 
 Blows in your face. 
 
 Reg. What, are you mad become ? 
 
 Train. 'Tis but his humour and ftrange phantafie ; 
 The bus'nefs of the ftate does him offence, 
 And he does chide with you. 
 
 Conv. The will that fhews 
 
 Itfelf fo incorrect to heav'n, muft come 
 Perforce to deadly ufe. 
 
 Reg. No more ; 'tis foolifh. 
 
 Conv. Wifdom and goodnefs to the vile feem vile ; 
 Filths favor but themfelves. What is a man, 
 If the chief good and market of his time 
 Be but to fleep and feed ? A beaft, no more.- 
 
 Reg. Why, 'tis well known, that we do fet apart 
 A time for holy offices, and hours 
 To meditate on heav'n, the treafury 
 Of everlafting joy. 
 
 Conv. Thy heaven is 
 
 On earth ; thine eyes ana thoughts beat on this world, 
 The treas'ry of thy heart. 
 
 Reg. O thou vain fool ! 
 
 Conv. Believe it, Regent, that the hour will come 
 When foul fin gath'ring head fhall break into 
 Corruption, and bring forth defer ved death ; 
 And for this iffue thou wilt file thy mind, 
 Put rancours in the veflel of thy peace 
 
 Only 
 
10 
 
 Only for this; and thine eternal jewel 
 Give to the common enemy of man 
 To be his thrall : rather than lb 
 
 Train. To whom 
 
 Speak'ft thou ? 
 
 Conv. To him, this outward-fainted governor. 
 
 Who, were his filth caft out, would then appear 
 A pond as deep as hell. 
 
 Reg. How look I then, 
 
 That I fhould even feem to lack fo much 
 Of loyalty, as thefe words do import ? 
 
 Conv. Oh, 'tis well known, that all falfe feeming fails ; 
 And that its pow'rs will their bellowing lofe, 
 Like vaflalage, if it perchance encounter 
 The eye of truth. 
 
 Beg. I underfland not this. 
 
 Conv. You dare not : all who have thy load of guilt, 
 Fly the remembrance. 
 
 Beg. Life and death ! I blufh 
 
 That thou fhould'ft have thepow'r to fhake me thus! 
 My guilt! I tell thee, that I fhould not care 
 If it was written here ; here in my forehead. 
 
 Conv. Thy body is too little for the ftory. 
 
 Beg. Does any here know me? Am I myfelf ? 
 Do I walk thus, fpeak thus? where are my eyes ? 
 Who is it that can tell me who I am ? 
 
 Conv. Why, it is much to be lamented, Regent, 
 That thou haft no fuch mirror as will turn 
 Thine hidden worthlefsnefs into thine eye, 
 That thou might'ft be acquainted with thyfelf. 
 But 'tis our mifery, when we grow hard 
 In fin, our eyes are feal'd in their own filth ; 
 Elfe were 't impoflible thou ftiould'ft embrace 
 
 The 
 
*7 
 
 The ugly form of forg'd rebellion 'gainfl 
 Thy king, and in conclufion be prepar'd 
 T* oppofe the bolt againft His coming. 
 
 Reg. Hah !— 
 
 Train, How now, my Lord ! what hath fo cowarded 
 And chas'd your blood out of appearance thus ? 
 
 Reg. Arm, arm, my foul ! a puny fubjeft Unices 
 Thy peace; are we not high? high be our thoughts! 
 We have done deeds that are of weight, and have 
 Full pow'r to ferve our turn — wherefore is that ? 
 
 [ Trumpet founds « 
 Enter Herald. 
 And what art thou, that durft appear thus here? 
 
 Her. Hail, Regent of Manfoul; if thou be'ft he, 
 To thee my holy errand is. 
 
 Reg, Speak out. 
 
 The Regent hears nought privately, that comes 
 In braving arms againft this city's peace. 
 
 Her. Nor I in arms do come to whifper him ; 
 I bring a trumpet to awake his ear, 
 To fet his fenfe to the attentive bent. 
 And then to fpeak* 
 
 Reg. Speak frankly as the wind; 
 
 It is not now the Regent's fleeping hour ; 
 That thou fhalt know ; Herald, he is awake, 
 He tells thee fo himfelf. 
 
 Her. Then, Regent, hear; 
 
 And may'ft thou from thy heart embrace the form, 
 And favour of this fair occafion, 
 To welcome home again difcarded failh; 
 And, like abated and retired flood, 
 Leaving thy ranknefs and irreg'lar courfe, 
 Stoop low within the bounds thou haft o'erlook'd; 
 
 C Unto 
 
i8 
 
 Unto which end thefe colours, that are now 
 Within the eye and profpecl: of your town, 
 Have hither march'd, being no further foes 
 Than your refiftance fhall provoke them to. 
 
 Reg. Firft, tell us whence is their authority, 
 That we may waken, reverence, and bid 
 The cheek be ready with a rifing blufh. 
 
 Her. Tufh, tufli, man; never fleer nor jeft at this, 
 Left you be called to fo hot an anfwer, 
 That caves and womby vaultages of rocks 
 Shall hide your trefpafs, and return your mock 
 In fecond accent from our ordinance. 
 Th' authority that fent us here is not 
 Lefs high than Manfoul's king. 
 
 Reg. Than Manfoul's king ? 
 
 Her. Ay, Regent, 'twas my word ; and thus the chiefs 
 And leaders of His hods greet you by me 
 Their meffenger ;— they will you in the name 
 Of everlafting love, that you diveft 
 
 Yourfelf 
 
 Reg. I muft prevent thee, Herald : be not fond 
 To think that Manfoul bears fuch rebel blood, 
 That will be thaw'd from its true quality 
 By that which melteth fools j I mean, vain dreams, 
 Pick'd from the worm-holes of long vanifli'd days, 
 And from the dufl: of old oblivion rak'd. 
 Her. Take heed, proud man ! 
 
 Reg. No, here we'll fit and rule 
 
 In large and ample empery : for either 
 Our hift'ry fiiali with full and open mouth 
 Speak of our mighty a&s ; or elfe our grave 
 Shall have a tonguelefs mouth, and we will lofe 
 The name befitting fuch a Mate. 
 
 Her. 
 
*9 
 
 Her. Thou wilt 
 
 A trembling bring upon thy Mate, fuch as 
 Was never fo incapable of help. 
 Our cannons have their bowels full of wrath 
 And ready mounted are they to fpit forth 
 Their iron indignation 'gainft your walls : 
 AH preparations for a bloody fiege, 
 And mercilefs proceedings by thefe means, 
 Confront your city's eyes, your winking gates ; 
 And but for our delay thefe fleeping flones, 
 Which, as a waift, do girdle you about, 
 By the compulfion of our ordinance, 
 By this time from their fixed beds of lime 
 Had been dislodged, and wide havoc made 
 For bloody pow'r to rufh upon your peace, 
 But on the fight of us refpeft your King ; 
 And as, in (lead of bullets wrapt in fire 
 To make a {haking fever in your walls, 
 We {hoot but calm words folded up in fmoak ; 
 Open your gates, and give us entrance wide, 
 In that behalf which we do challenge it. 
 
 Reg. You are the men who overturn the world % 
 And now come here with fearful bravery, 
 Thinking to fatten on our minds that you 
 Are fent to us from high authority; 
 But 'tis not fo. 
 
 Her. Nay then, I fee the ears 
 
 Are fenfelefs, that mould give to us a hearing. 
 
 Reg. My ears againft your words are ftronger than 
 Your force againft our walls, whofe freedom and 
 Elfential vefture of true liberty 
 Shall not be put in circumscription and 
 Confine, 
 
 C 2 Iku 
 
20 
 
 Hen What (hall prevent it ? 
 
 Reg. What? My will. 
 
 And to this point I'll ftand, as if a man 
 Were author of himfelf. 
 
 Her. O heavy lightnefs ! 
 
 Moft ferious vanity ! Mifhapen chaos 
 Of ftrange well-feeming forms ! The nrft full blaft 
 That fhakes your battlements, fhall fink you down 
 To grievous wrack and direful fufferance. [pow'r : 
 
 Reg. Strength fhall match ftrength, and pow'r (hall anfwfr 
 So fhall the current of our right run on ; 
 Whofe paffage vext with your impediment, 
 Shall leave his native channel and o'erfwell 
 With courfe difturb'd ev'n your confining tents, 
 To force the proud control of threat'ning war 
 From out the circle of our territories. 
 
 Her. Stay, Regent : I do here prefent to you 
 The volume of your city's hiftory ; 
 A precious book of love, containing things 
 Above all earthly thought ; and richer made 
 With tokens of your Sov'reign's care of you, 
 Than all the ouzy bottom of the deep 
 With funken wreck and fumlefs treafuries. 
 Examine this, and fee your peace writ there 
 With mercy's pen ; the reconcilement made 
 That wipes out pad ingratitude, and feals 
 Your full defne in faults forgiv'n with love 
 Above their quantity. 
 
 Reg. Why force you this ? 
 
 Her. That Manfoul may in time check his contempt, 
 May fee his weaknefs and refign himfelf 
 Without delay. 
 
 Reg* Or elfe what follows ? 
 
 Her. 
 
21 
 
 Her. War 
 
 And dire confufion ; (harp defiance I 
 
 Have to pronounce again ft thee : therefore need 
 
 How you awake that fleeping fword, whofe edge 
 
 Will make fuch wade in brief mortality, 
 
 I you befeech. 
 
 [Regent and Train confer apart. 
 
 Conv. The life of all his blood 
 
 Is touch'd corruptibly. 
 
 Her. O kind Convitlion, 
 
 We have good hope thy prefence in the city 
 Will plead, like angels trumpet-tongu'd, againft 
 The deep damnation of their taking arms. 
 
 Conv. Alas ! My pow'r within thefe walls is weak 
 And limited ; or I would force them {loop 
 Unto the fov'reign mercy of the King. 
 
 Her. Then would this city be a paradife, 
 T'envelope and contain celeftial fpirits ; 
 All which is written in that holy book, 
 Which we have juft deliver'd in his hands. 
 And God forbid, my dear and faithful lord, 
 That he fhould fafhion, wreft, or bow his reading; 
 Or nicely charge his understanding foul 
 With op'ning meanings mifcreate, whofe turn 
 Suits not in native colours with the truth : 
 But that his anfwer, in his conscience may 
 Ee wafh'd as pure as fin with baptifm is! 
 
 [Regent and Train ceme forward, 
 
 Reg. I have but with a curforary eye 
 O'erglanc'd iome articles ; nor can I now 
 Take time to refurvey or them connder. 
 
 Her. But have you not perceiv'd, and alfo felt, 
 That on our part this will be holy war ; 
 But black and fearful on th'oppofers pari? 
 
22 
 
 Reg. The fum of all our anfwcr is but this* 
 We would not feek a warfare as we are ; 
 But as we are, we fay, we will not fhun it* 
 So tell your matters. 
 
 Her. Then Heav'n only knows 
 
 What {hall become of all thofe fouls, that to 
 Their everlafting refidence {hall fleet, 
 In dreadful trial of this kingdom's King. 
 
 Reg. Well hence ; be thou the trumpet of our wrath, 
 And fullen prefage of your own decay. 
 An honorable conduct let him have; 
 Conviction, fee to it : now farewell, Herald, 
 Is not the lady Confcience in this troop ? 
 I know {he is not ; for this anfwer fent, 
 Her prefence would have interrupted much. 
 Whither is fhe retir'd ? tell me, who knows. 
 
 Train. She 's fad and paflionate in the cyprefs grove. 
 
 Reg. And this defiance, fent unto the foe, 
 Will give her fadnefs very little cure : 
 For in her brain-fick raptures fhe proclaims 
 Allured lofs to us, before the match 
 Be play'd. Yet I do truft we {hall, if not 
 Fill to the brim the meafure of her will, 
 Yet in fome meafure fatisfy her fo, 
 That we fhall ftop her reftlefs exclamation. 
 But come what comes; I would forget that I 
 Have ever heard the fearful name of death. 
 
 Train. Tis nobly fpoke : ailurance blefs your thoughts ! 
 
 ACT 
 
* 3 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scene a Cyprefs-Grove. 
 Enter Conscience and Conviction. 
 
 Conf, (~\ GOOD and grave Conviclion, the great comfort 
 
 ^*-J That I have had of thee ! be only pleas'd 
 To lend your patience to us for a while, 
 And I will jointly labour with your foul 
 To give it due content and balmy peace. 
 
 Conv. Say you ? Then, pray you mark, What we wouldcb, 
 "We fhould do when we would ; for this would changes, 
 And hath abatements and delays as many, 
 As there are thoughts, are fins, are accidents ; 
 And then this Jkould is like a fpendthrift ugh, 
 That hurts by faving. 
 
 Conf. I'll tVeffeft of this 
 
 Good leffon keep as watchman to my hearto 
 Yea, from the table of my memory 
 I'll wipe away all trivial fond records; 
 And thy inftruttions all alone mall live 
 Within the book and volume of my brain, 
 Unmix'd with bafer matter. Yes, indeed. 
 
 Conv. Ay, but we often break what to ourfelves 
 In pafTion we propofe : for I do know 
 How prodigal the foul lends vows unto 
 The tongue, when the blood burns ; but thefe brief blazes, 
 O deareft Confcience, give more light than heat 
 Extinft in both (ev'n in their promife as 
 It's making); thefe you muft not take for fire. 
 
 Conf, I've found it fweet, and tailing ftrong of bli(s. 
 
 Conv. Too flatt'ring fweet, if not fubftantial ; 
 A violet in the youth of primy nature ; 
 Forward, not permanent ; tho' fweet, not lading ; 
 
 The 
 
2 4 
 
 The perfume and fuppliance of a minute, 
 No more. 
 
 Conf No more but fo ? 
 
 Conv* Think it no more. 
 
 For true faith grows not merely in the breath' 
 Of words and vows ; but, as it does increafe, 
 The inward iervice of the mind and foul 
 Grows wide withal ; fending forth evermore 
 Some living inftance of itfelf to follow 
 The thing it loves. 
 
 Conf. And as it mould. I have 
 
 Abus'd myfeif beyond the mark of thought. 
 For this time leave me, leave me, O ConviElion : 
 To-morrow, if you pleafe to fpeak with me, 
 Come home to me, and I will wait for you. 
 
 Conv. I will do fo ; till then think on my words. [Exit< 
 
 Conf. O true ConviElion, thou haft made me fee 
 Myfeif, ev'n as the painting of a forrow ; 
 A face without a heart : whether from this, 
 Or beftial oblivion, I know not f 
 
 "Why yet I live to fay this thing 's to do, 
 And that with fuch excitements I can ftand 
 And let all fleep. O then from this time forth, 
 My thoughts turn that way or be nothing worth. 
 
 Enttr Chorus. 
 How now ? why do you come arid thrufl yourfelves 
 Into my private meditations thus ? 
 What is your bunnefs here ? 
 
 Chor, Mod noble lady, 
 
 Firft our own Iervice to your grace ; the next 
 The Regent's order we mould vifit you : 
 Who from his foul does much bewail your weaknefs, 
 And heartily entreats you take good comfort, 
 
 Conf, 
 
*5 
 
 Conf. It is not in his pow'r to comfort me: 
 He is as petty to that end, as is 
 The morning dew upon the myrtle leaf 
 To quench the flaming gulph of Tartarus. 
 
 Chor. He is gone forth to view the feeble polls 
 Of Mavfoul, and to line and new repair 
 Our fortreffes with means defendant 'gainft 
 The enemy ; it being beft in caufes 
 Of fure defence to weigh the foe more mighty 
 Ev'n than he feems. So, madam, fear not you 
 His overthrow. 
 
 Conf, Nay let it come, 
 
 Chor. Come what? 
 
 Conf. His overthrow. 
 
 Chor. You wander from our aim. 
 
 Conf. No, 'twould heap happinefs upon us all ; 
 For then, and not till then we {hall begin 
 To feel ourfelves, and find the blefiednefs 
 Of being little. 
 
 Chor. Might it pleafe your grace 
 To leave your griefs, and put yourfelf into 
 The Regent's hand ; that of his merit you 
 Might f make yourfelf a ftaff to lean upon. 
 It would be much both for your grace's honor. 
 And for the city's peace. 
 
 Conf. Is this your courifel ? 
 
 Would you have me to take for my fupport 
 A broken reed ? What could to me occur 
 Above fuch wretchednefs as this would be ? 
 Your ftudy 's to make me a curfe like this, 
 
 Chor. Your fears are worfe. 
 
 Conf. Nay, then I fee, remorfe 
 
 And grace are dead : all is but toys ; there's nothing 
 Serious or awful in mortality. 
 
 D Chor* 
 
26 
 
 Chor. O Confcience, could you but be brought to think 
 Our ends were honeft, you would feel more comfort ; 
 And as you've ever flood to charity, 
 Difplaying the efFecis of wifdom and 
 
 Conf. No more ! 
 
 He does me double wrong, that wounds me with 
 The flatt'ries of his tongue. 
 
 Chor. Pray hear us out. 
 
 Conf. 1 would not, nay I dare not make myfclf 
 So guilty ; but if yet my word be flerling 
 In Marfoul, then let it command a mirror 
 Strait hither, that it may {hew me what face 
 I have, fince we have heard the found of trumpet 
 And the alarm of war without the city. 
 
 Chor. Then while the glafs doth come to us, let's tell 
 Of things to drive away this heavinefs. 
 
 Conf. Let's talk of graves, and worms, and epitaphs; 
 For nothing can we call our own but death, 
 And that fmall model of the barren earth, 
 "Which ferves as pafte and cover for our bones. 
 And more than carefully it us concerns, 
 E're we bequeath our bodies to the ground, 
 To be made fit arid feafon'd for our p adage, 
 
 Chor, Join not with grief, dear Confcience; do not fo, 
 To make our ends more fudden ? Have we not 
 Yet many years to live? 
 
 Conf Be ye not thus 
 
 Infus'd with felf and vain conceit; as if 
 This flefh, that walls about our life, were brafs 
 Impregnable: for all our yefterdays 
 Have lighted fools the way to dufty death, 
 Haply cut off ev'n in the bloflbms of 
 Their fins ; or taken grafsly full of bread ; 
 Or in fome aft that had no relifh of 
 
 Salvation 
 
2 7 
 
 Salvationist; no reck'ning made, but fent 
 To their account with all their imperfe&ions 
 Upon their heads. If fo, who knows, fave Heav'n, 
 How their tremendous final audit (lands ? 
 But in our circumftance and courfe of thought, 
 'lis heavy with them. 
 
 Chor. 'Tis enough, fvveet Confciencej 
 
 Thou doft torment thyfelf and us with thoughts, 
 That are beyond the reaches of our fouls. 
 Rather let us fit down awhile, and read 
 Some pleafing hiflory ; till we pofTefs 
 A golden {lumber here, and fteep our fenfe 
 In Tweet forgetfulnefs. 
 
 Conf. I'll read enough, 
 
 When I can fee the very book indeed, 
 Where all my fins are writ, and that's myfelf. 
 
 Enter one with a glafs. 
 
 Conf, Give me that glafs, and therein will I read. 
 Mine eyes are full of tears, I cannot fee; 
 But they can fee a fort of traitors here ; 
 Nay, if I turn mine eyes upon myfelf, 
 I find myfelf a traitor with the reft. 
 Alack, the heavy day ! that I've worn out 
 So many winters, and not known myfelf! 
 A brittle glory fhineth in this face ; 
 As brittle as the glory is the face ; 
 For there it is crack'd in a hundred Olivers. 
 
 \Dafxes the glafs againjl the ground. 
 Mark, filent friends, the moral of this fport ; 
 How foon my forrow has deftroy'd my face. 
 
 Chor. The fhadow of your forrow has deftroy'd 
 The fhadow of your face, 
 
 D 2 Conf 
 
28 
 
 Conf, Say that again. 
 
 The fhadovv of my forrow ? Ha, let's fee ; 
 *Tis very true ; my grief lies all within ; 
 And thefe external manners of laments 
 Are merely fhadows of the unfeen grief, 
 That fwells with filence in the tortur'd foul. 
 For I have that within, that pafleth {hew. 
 
 Chor. Madam, you're much too fad; we you befeech, 
 Make trial of heart-eaftng mirth, in which 
 We have a prosp'rous art to give content. 
 
 Conf. Go then, and converie hold with groaning wretches ; 
 Vifit the fpeechlefs fick, and try your art 
 T'enforce the pained impotent to fmile. 
 Then if the fickly ears, deaf with the clamors 
 Of their own groans, will hear your idle jefls: 
 Return to me, and I will hear you too. 
 
 Chor, To move wild laughter in the throat of death! 
 It cannot be ! It is impoflible ! 
 Mirth cannot move a foul in agony. 
 Queflion no farther with her, let's away; 
 <Her words are full of difcord and difmay. [Exeunt, 
 
 Conf. Now to fome place, where I may ruminate 
 My griefs alone from interruption free; 
 For nothing can or fhall content my foul, 
 Till I exift a member of His love, 
 Whom I with all the office of my heart 
 Honor alone ; till then, howe'er my haps, 
 My joys will ne'er begin, nor forrows end. 
 
 Scene, an apartment in the palace, 
 v Enter Regent. 
 
 Reg, Nor night nor day no reft. Guilt and the heaviefl 
 Filleth my Jleep with perturbation. 
 
 The 
 
29 
 
 The lights burn blue. — Is it not dead midnight ? 
 
 Cold trembling drops ftand on my trembling fleih. 
 
 What? do 1 fear myfeif ? There's none elfe by. 
 
 Manfoui loves Manfoulj that is, I am I. 
 
 Is there a traitor here ? No ; yes, I am ; 
 
 Then fly — what, from myfeif? great reafon ; why? 
 
 Left I revenge — What ? myfeif on myfeif? 
 
 1 love myfeif — wherefore? Forfcny good 
 
 That I myfeif have done unto myfeif ? 
 
 no, alas ! I rather hate myfeif 
 
 For hateful deeds committed by myfeif. 
 
 1 am a traitor ; yet I lie, I am not. 
 
 Fool, of thyfelf fpeak well; — fool, do not flatter. 
 
 I am alone the villain of the earth, 
 
 And feci I am fo mo ft ; yea, it is I 
 
 That all th' abhorred things o'th'earth amend 
 
 By being worfe than they. Would I could throw 
 
 To earth thefe unprevailing thoughts, tf^at time 
 
 Might temper their extremities, or teach me 
 
 How to forget to think ! — I'll fomething do — 
 
 O weary night ! O long and tedious night, 
 
 Abate thy hours ! Shine comforts from the eaft ! 
 
 Enter Train. 
 
 Tram. Many good mornings to your excellence. 
 
 Reg. Is it good morning, friends ? 
 
 Train, It is, my lord. 
 
 Reg. O heavy burthen, that breaks up all feafons, 
 And all repofing hours ! making night morning, 
 And noon-tide night. 
 
 Train. Why looks your grace fo fad? 
 
 Reg. O I have pad a miferable night, 
 So full of ugly fights, of ghaftly dieams ; 
 That as I am a living breathing man, 
 
 I v/ould 
 
3° 
 
 I would not fpend another fuch a one 
 'Tho' 'twere to buy a world of happy days, 
 So full of difmal terror was the time. 
 Methought I pafs'd a melancholy flood 
 Unto the kingdom of perpetual night; 
 Where being come I heard this greeting to 
 
 My ftranger foul 
 
 " What fcourge can this dark monarchy afford 
 
 <; To Manfoul? Manfoul s come, perfidious Manfoul ! 
 
 ci Seize on him, furies, take him to your torments." 
 
 With that, methought a legion of foul fiends 
 
 Environ'd me ; and howled in mine ears 
 
 Such hideous cries, that with the very noife 
 
 I trembling wak'd, and for a feafon after 
 
 Could not believe but that I was in Hell ; 
 
 Such terrible impreffions made my dream. 
 
 Train. 'Tis but the mock'ry of unquiet fleep. 
 
 Reg. Ufe careful difcipline, chufe trufty centinels ; 
 For fo in brief the feafon bids us do, 
 Since we muft put our town t' th'arbitrament 
 Of bloodie Arokes and mortal flaring war. 
 Oh that one might but know the end of all 
 This bufinefs e're it come ! 
 
 Train. But it fufficeth 
 
 That it will end, and then the end is known : 
 They (hall not find us unprovided, fir. [Exit Train, 
 
 Rtg. This fiege unfhapes me quite, makes me unpregnant 
 And dull to all proceedings. Nought goes right. 
 When I would think and pray, I think and pray 
 To fev'ral fubje&s. Heav'n my empty words 
 Hath ; whilft invention, hearing not my tongue, 
 Anchors on vanities. HeavVs in my mouth, 
 As if I did but only {hew its name ; 
 And, in my heart, the ftrong and fwelling evils 
 Of my conception. Enter 
 
3 1 
 
 Enter Chorus. 
 
 How is Conjcience now ? 
 
 Chor, Not fo much fick, my noble lord, as fad ; 
 And troubled with thick coming fancies, which 
 Do keep her from her reft. 
 
 Reg, Cure her of that. 
 
 Can ye not minifter unto a mind difeas'd ; 
 Pluck from the memory a rooted forrow ; 
 Raze out the written troubles of the brain; 
 And with fome fweet oblivious antidote, 
 Cleanfe the ftufPd bofom of that per'lous load, 
 That weighs upon the heart? [Knocks within. 
 
 Re-enter Train, 
 
 Whence is that knocking ? 
 How is't with me, when ev'ry noife appals me ! 
 
 Train, Your conftancy hath left you unattended. 
 
 Reg, Hark ! Hark I more knocking. [Knock, 
 
 Train, Be not loft fo poorly 
 
 In gloomy thoughts ; better be with the dead 
 Than on the torture of the mind to lie 
 In conftant fear and reftlefs ecftafy ; 
 
 Reg. To my fick foul, as fin's true nature is, 
 Each toy feems prologue to fome great amifs ; 
 So full of artlefs jealoufy is guilt, 
 It fpills itfelf in fearing to be fpilt. 
 
 Train. Regent, you are in this important war 
 Stept in fo far, that, fhould you wade no more, 
 Returning were as tedious as go o'er. 
 Why, courage then ! what cannot be avoided, 
 'Twere childifh weaknefs to lament and fear. 
 
 Reg, Nay, let both worlds disjoint, and all things fuffer ; 
 Ere we will eat our meals in fear, and fleep 
 
 In 
 
3 2 
 
 In the affli&'.on of thefe horrid dreams, 
 That {hake us nightly. 
 
 Train, Now this tune goes manly. 
 
 Gently, my lord, fleek o'er your rugged looks; 
 Be bright and jovial 'mong your friends to-day. 
 
 Reg. Mod willingly ; and to add luftre to 't, 
 The yearly courle that brings this day about, 
 Shall never fee it but a holy day. 
 
 Enter Conscience. 
 
 Conf. A wicked day ; and not a holyday. 
 A day of fhame, rebellion, perfidy. 
 
 Train. My lady Confidence, peace. 
 
 Conf. I will not peace. 
 
 Look to thyfelf; thou art in jeopardy, 
 O Regent. 
 
 Reg. Well, then come to me to-morrow. 
 
 Conf. To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow 
 Creeps in this petty pace from day to day. 
 Then take the inftant by the foremoft top, 
 For we mud die; and on our quick' ft decrees 
 Th'inaudible and noifelefs foot of time 
 Steals ere we can effecl: them. 
 
 Reg. Pray be gone. 
 
 Conf. O I could prophefie, but that thy foul 
 
 Is all too wanton and too full of mirth 
 
 To give me audience. If the midnight bell 
 
 Did with his iron tongue and brazen mouth 
 
 Sound one unto the drowfie race of night ; 
 
 If this fame were a churchyard where we (land, 
 
 And thou pofleffed with my grievous wrongs ; 
 
 I woulcf inte-thy bofom pour my thoughts. 
 
 Reg. I mud not liften t'ye; it is not wife 
 
 la me to do fo, 
 
 Conf, 
 
33 
 
 Conf How ? not wife to do it ? 
 
 Reg. Pry'thee no more ; ceafe now ; orelfe thy fpeeches 
 Will in fhorttime unfurnifli me of reafon. 
 
 Conf O, I am prefs'd to death for want of fpeaking^; 
 Stay yet — Thefe walls that partly front your town, 
 Thefe tow'rs whofe wanton tops do bufs the clouds— 
 Reg. Say, what of thefe ? 
 
 Conf. Shortly fhall kifs their feet, 
 
 Reg. Waft thou an oracle to tell me fo, 
 I'd not believe thee : here they ftand, and while 
 They do, we'll ram our gates againft the world. 
 
 [ Regent and Train confer together* 
 Conf. Why then I do but dream of happinefs ; 
 Like one that ftands upon a promontory, 
 And fpies a far-off fhore where he would tread ; 
 Wifhing his foot were equal with his eye ; 
 And chides the fea that funders him from thence, 
 Saying he'll lade it dry to have his way. 
 Vain is my wifh, my peace being fo far off, 
 Flatt'ring my mind with things impofhble. 
 I am like one loft in a thorny wood 
 That rends the thorns and is rent with the thorns; 
 Seeking a way, and ftraying from the way, 
 Not knowing how to find the open air, 
 But toiling defp'rately to find it out, 
 Torment myfelf in vain. 
 
 Reg. How is it now ? 
 
 Conf. Ill in myfelf; and feeing thee too, ill: 
 Thy death-bed is no other than thyfelf, 
 Wherein thou lieft dangeroufly fick ; 
 And thou, too carelefs patient as thou art, 
 Giv'ft thy diftemper'd body to the cure 
 Of thofe phyficians who firft wounded thee, 
 
 E && 
 
34 
 
 Reg. You cramthefe words into my ears againfl: 
 My fenfe. 
 
 Conf. Remember this another day, 
 When they fhall fplit thy heart with forrow ; when 
 Thou find'ft them hollow, deep, and full of guile ; 
 Then fay that Confcience was a prophetefs. 
 
 Reg. Prophetefs may you be, and let me meet 
 With treachery where mofi I truft to be 
 Releas'd from thee. 
 
 Conf. Thus have you breath'd a curfe 
 
 Againfl yourfelf. 
 
 Reg* I will not flay thy queftion ; 
 
 Let go — [Exit. 
 
 Conf, I fay, farewell : the day is fpent. 
 Here I mud reft : faintnefs conflraineth me. 
 I wifh mine eyes would with themfelves (hut up 
 My thoughts awhile ; they much incline fo now. 
 
 Train. 'Tis a good dulnefs, give it way ; farewell. [Exit* 
 
 Chor, Sleep feldom vifits forrow : foon afleep. 
 
 Now let our Confcience lie both day and night, 
 Lull'd in fweet flow'rs, with mufick and delight. 
 
 [Exeunt bearing away Confcience. 
 
 Scene changes to a Camp. 
 
 ,■ Enter Chiefs of Immanuel's Army and Herald. 
 
 Her. In brief, my lords, you may as bootlefs fpend 
 Your vain commands upon this felf-will'd town 
 To yield to you, as fend your precepts flern 
 To the leviathan to come afhore. 
 
 Boanerges. O deadly fin! O rude unthankfulnefs ! 
 Their fault the law calls death ; but our kind Prince, 
 Taking their part, hath rufh'd afide the law, 
 And turn'd that black word death to life again. 
 
 This 
 
35 
 
 This is dear meicy, and they fee it not. 
 That ever Chriftian fouls, that fouls redeem'd, 
 Should fhow fuch heinous black ingratitude! 
 Diforder, horror, fear and mutiny 
 Shall here inhabit ; and this land be call'd 
 The field of Golgotha, and dead men's fkulls. 
 
 Judgment. But when, my lords, this traitor governor, 
 Who all this while hath revell'd in the night, 
 Shall fee our ftandards planted on his walls, 
 His treafons will fit blufhing in his face, 
 Not able to endure the fight of day, 
 But felf-afTrighted, tremble at his fin. 
 
 Execution^ Why paufe we then ? Let's on to the aflault ; 
 By eaft and weft, let us our engines mount, 
 And batt'ring cannon charged to the mouths ; 
 Till their foul-rending clamours have brawl'd down 
 The flinty ribs of this contemptuous town; 
 Ev'n till unfenced defolation 
 Leave them as naked as the vulgar air. 
 
 Herald, Ye noble prefences be rul'd by me; 
 Another day at lead delay to fend 
 
 Deftruclion into this city's bofom. ' : 
 
 Haply upon their more advice they will 
 Accept of grace and love. 
 
 Boan. Let it be fo. 
 
 And once again thou fhalt be fent to them 
 With the mod gracious offers of the King. 
 Tell them He loves His Manfoul well, howe'er 
 Ungrateful and milled they've been till now ; 
 And, if they take the offer of His grace, 
 They fhall be His again, and He'll be theirs: 
 So tell the governor, and bring us word 
 What he will do. But, if he will not yield ; 
 
 E 2 Rebuke 
 
36 
 
 Rebuke and dread correction wait on us, 
 And they fhall do their office. 
 
 Judg, And meanwhile, 
 
 O earth, I do falute thee with my hand ; 
 Feed not thy Sov'reign's foes, O gentle earth, 
 Nor with thy fweets comfort their rav'nous fenfe. 
 But when they from thy bofom pluck a flow'r, 
 Guard it, I pray thee, with a lurking adder ; 
 Whofe double tongue may with a mortal touch 
 Throw death upon thy Sov'reign's enemies. 
 
 Boan. Manfoul we love, and for that ManfouVs fake, 
 With burden of our armour here we fweat. 
 Peace then to them, if they in peace permit 
 Our juft demanded entrance to their town. 
 If not, let peace again afcend to heav'n ; 
 While we, God's wrathful agents, do correct 
 Their proud contempt that beats His peace to heav'n. 
 
 [Exeunt* 
 Scene the outside of the City Gates, 
 
 Enter Conviction. 
 
 Conv. O that this too, too folid flefh would melt, 
 Thaw and diffolve itfelf into a dew ! 
 How weary, flale, flat and unprofitable 
 Seem to me all the ufes of this world ! 
 Fie on't ! O fie ! 'tis an unweeded garden 
 That grows to feed ; things rank and grofs in nature 
 Poffefs it merely; 
 
 Enter Chorus. 
 
 Chor. O Convidion, yonder 
 
 Has been fuch laughing 'twixt the Regent and 
 His jovial Train! 
 
 Conv. But he muft weep, my friends. 
 
 Cher, Muft he? 
 
 Conv, 
 
37 
 
 Conv. Though thofe who are betray'd do feel 
 
 The treafon fharply : yet the traitor ftands 
 In a worfe cafe of woe; and thou, O Manfoul, 
 That fetft thy difobedience 'gain ft the King 
 And wilt not hear His meflengers, but doft 
 In vile mifprifion fhackle up His love 
 And their defert, fhalt find thy memory 
 Hereafter pang'd for this. 
 
 Enter Regent and Train; 
 
 Reg. We have with a prepar'd and leaven'd choice 
 Made Carnal-mind the keeper of our gates : 
 For you mud know, we have with fpecial foul 
 Elected him our abfence to fupply ; 
 Lent him our terror, dreft him with our love; 
 And giv'n his deputation all the organs 
 Of cur own power. Say, what think you of it ? 
 
 Chor. If any in this city be of worth 
 To undergo fuch ample grace and honour, 
 It is Lord Carnal-mind. 
 
 Conv. Againfl all fenfe 
 Him you have chofen for 
 
 Reg. I'll have it fo. 
 
 Sound all the lofty inftruments of war, 
 And by that mufic let us view thefe walls ; 
 If we are in great danger, then the greater 
 Our courage fhould be. 
 
 Conv. The great peril is 
 
 In Manfoul's inmoft heart, which ague-like 
 Will taint while we fit idly in the fun. 
 
 Reg. What tell you me ? for I am out of fear 
 Of death or death's hand for this many a year. 
 Ye trumpets, fpeak ; proclaim victorious life, 
 That heav'nand earth may ftrike their founds together. 
 
 Conv, 
 
33 
 
 Conv. You look but on the outfide of this work. 
 
 Reg. Outfide or infide, I will not give up, 
 Till I have won renown ev'n in the jaws 
 Of danger and of death. 
 
 Conv. What is the caufe 
 
 That thy rebellion looks fo giant-like ? 
 Canft thou prefume to look with forehead bold 
 And big enough upon the pow'r and puiflance 
 Ev'n of thy king, that thou doft ftep fo far 
 Into a. theme fo bloodie-fac'd as this? 
 Poor man, thy mofl affured overthrow 
 Is near; and thou approached to the gulf, 
 Where thou mod certainly mud be englutted. 
 
 Reg. I fay thou li'ft, ConviElion ; and I hate thee, 
 Pronounce thee a falfe traitor and confed'rate 
 With yonder foe. Neither do I believe 
 Thefe troops to be fent hither from the King. 
 
 Conv. Thou doft belie thy Lord, in faying thus ; 
 And through deceit thou doft refufe to know Him. 
 
 Reg. M ilk-liver 'd man, that bear'ft a cheek for blows, 
 A head for wrongs ; the foe does fpread his banner 
 Over our land ; with plum'd helm doth begin 
 His vaunting threats, whilft thou, a moral fool, 
 Sit ft ftill, and cry 'ft, " Alack, why does he fo?" 
 
 Conv. Thou chang'd and felf-conceited thing, for fhame 
 Bemonfter not thy once fair features thus: 
 Proper deformity feems not to be 
 Ev'n in the fiend fo horrid as in man. 
 
 Reg. Come, what abridgment have we for to night ? 
 What mafque ? what mufick ? how fhall we beguile 
 The lazy time, if not with fome delight? 
 My bofom's lord fits lightly on his throne; 
 And all this day an unaccuftom'd fpirit 
 Lifts me above the ground with chearful thoughts. 
 
 Conv. 
 
 
39 
 
 Cvnv. I fear too chearful ; for my mind mifgivcs 
 Some confcquence yet hanging o'er our heads 
 Shall bitterly begin his fearful date 
 With this night's revels; and expire the term 
 Of a defpifed grace, reverfing it 
 Into the forfeit of unlook'd for death. [nothing. 
 
 Reg. Peace, peace, Conviflion, peace ; thou talk' ft of 
 How now ! what trumpet's that doth fummon us ? 
 
 Enter Herald. 
 
 Her. Once more with gracious offers am I fent, 
 If you vouchfafe me hearing and refpeft. 
 
 Reg. Bid me not ope my gates ; defire me not 
 T'allay my courage with your colder reafons ; 
 For as I firft refolv'd to keep this town, 
 So con (rant am I to defend it ftill ; 
 And I am fafe as conftant ; thofe who know 
 All mortal confequences have pronoune'd it. 
 
 Her. O Manfoul! Manfoul ! kingdom milerable! 
 How canfl thou boafl of being fafe, that thus 
 By thine own interdiction ftand'ft accurs'd ? 
 Be call'd no more a kingdom, but a grave, 
 A vail obfeurity, a mifty vale, 
 Where fin's confinelefs harms are in full fway 1 
 And yet malt thou be fafe ? — Such fafety finds 
 The trembling lambs environed with wolves. 
 
 Reg. Wake not our peace, which in our city's cradle 
 Draws the fweet infant-breath of gentle fieep. 
 
 Her. O never fhall thy city fee that peace, 
 Nor entertain one quiet breath of reft ; 
 Until, with true obedience and heart's faith, 
 And (looping duty to thy Sovereign, 
 Ev'n at His feet thou lay thy arms and pow'r : 
 
 And 
 
40 
 
 And thereto do I bend my fpeech, that peace 
 
 May in thy gates fet up her lovely vifage, 
 
 And blefs thee with her heav'nly qualities. 
 
 But if my office and authority, 
 
 Grave witneffes of truth, cannot prevail; 
 
 Look on thy city, fee thy walls defac'd 
 
 By wafting ruin and infirm decay. 
 
 As looks the mother on her lovely babe, 
 
 When death does clofe his tender dying eyes, 
 
 Behold, behold poor Manfoul's pining ficknefs ; 
 
 Behold the wounds, the moll unnat'ral wounds, 
 
 Which thou thyfelf haft giv'n her woeful breaft; 
 
 O turn thy edged fword another way ; 
 
 Strike thofe that hurt, and hurt not thofe that helo. 
 
 Whom join'ft thou with, but thy moft deadly foe. 
 
 That fafhions thee an inftrument of ill 
 
 But to reward thee with the lofs of all? 
 
 See then, thou fight'ft againft thy deareft Friend, 
 
 To fide with him who'll be thy flaughterer ; 
 
 And many troubles doft thou undergo, 
 
 To work thy fure deftru&ion under him. 
 
 Take heed, re lift it, let it not be fo # 
 
 For us, O Manfoul, truft to't, we behold 
 
 The flatnefs of thy mifery with eyes 
 
 Of pity, not revenge; witnefs thefe tears 
 
 That break my utt'rance, even in the time 
 
 When it (hould move thee to attend me moft. 
 
 Return then, O return, thou fugitive ; 
 
 And with fubmiffive loyalty of heart, 
 
 Let fall thy fword before thy Sov'reign's feet, 
 
 Reg, I will not yield ; it is a part whereto 
 I cannot frame my fpirit ; fo farewell. \JExit Her, 
 
 €o?iv. 
 
4* 
 
 Conv. Fond man, what wouldft thou do ! with better 
 This hideous madnefs check. [judcrment. 
 
 Reg. Out of my fight ! 
 
 Conv. See better fir ft; revoke thy brainlefs words; 
 Or, whilft I can vent clamour from my throat, 
 I'll tell thee thou doft evil. 
 
 Reg. Hear me then ; 
 
 Since thou wilt come between our words and pow'r, 
 We banifh thee our territories, and 
 The hopelefs word of never to return. 
 Breathe I againft thee upon pain of life. 
 Away; this fentence fhall not be revok'd. 
 
 Conv. Ha! banifhment ? It is a caufe mod worthy 
 My beft intends, that I may ftrike at Manfoul ! 
 Let me look back upon thee, O thou wall, 
 That girdleft in thofe wolves! dive in the earth, 
 And fence not Manfoul, ripe for flroke ! from thee 
 I turn to thofe whom thou {halt curtfie to, 
 Ev'n yonder camp of high refolved chiefs ; 
 Where, if they give me way, I'll do good fervice. 
 Then, Regent, were thy heart as hard as fteel, 
 As thou haft {hewn it flinty by thy deeds, 
 I come to pierce it, or to give thee mine. 
 
42 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Scene an apartment in the palace. 
 
 Enter Regent, and Train following, 
 
 R e g- \ X THEN our defires are got without content, 
 
 Nothing is good; all dwells in doubtful joy. 
 Come, night, fcarf up the fearching eye of day ; 
 And with thy friendly and invis'ble hand 
 Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond 
 Which keeps me pale! 
 
 Train, My lord, why thus alone ; 
 
 Of forrieft fancies your companions making? 
 Conviction's gone, there's nothing left to fear. 
 
 Reg, There's none but he, whofe being I do fear. 
 For in his loyalty of nature reigns 
 That, that which would be fear'd. 'Tis much he dares, 
 And to that dauntlefs temper of his mind 
 He hath a wifdom that doth guide his valour 
 To aft in fafety. Hence my fears in him 
 Stick deep. Should he go over to the foe ; 
 Manfoul againft fuch union powerful, 
 And unmatch'd force, could never wage in war. 
 
 Train. Ufe not fuch thoughts, till real danger come. 
 Ah, what a fhame ! Ah, what a fault were that ! 
 
 Reg. You take me in too dolorous a fenfe; 
 I hope well of to-morrow. Come on, and let 
 Us have one other gaudy night, wherein 
 We'll drown confideration. 
 
 Train. Plutus himfelf, 
 
 Who knows the tinfl: and multiplying med'cine, 
 Hath not in nature's myitery more fc'ence, 
 Than we have in this thing. 
 
43 
 
 Reg, Kind friends, your pain* 
 
 Are regiftei'd where every day I turn 
 The leaf and read them. Go, prepare for mirth. 
 We'll mock the midnight bell, it will beget 
 New courage in our breads. All may be well. 
 
 Train, We warrant you, my lord. [Exit Train, 
 
 Reg. Why fhould not thefe 
 
 Be oracles to me that fet me up 
 In chearful hope ? 
 
 Enter a Messenger. 
 
 How now, my friend, what news ? 
 A fearful eye thou haft ; where is that blood 
 That I have feen inhabit in thy cheeks ? 
 So foul a fkie clears not without a ftorm ; 
 Pour down thy weather quick ; what is thy news ? 
 
 Mefs. 'Tis confidently faid that lord Conviction, 
 Joined with Boanerges, comes againft us; 
 He hath had welcome: and that he may acl;, 
 As belt he is experiene'd in our flrength 
 And weaknefs •, they have given him the leading 
 Of his revenge ; and to this amity 
 They have knit hands with all religious flrength 
 Of facred vows. 
 
 Reg, Is it concluded fo ? 
 
 Mefs. They are at hand and ready to efFe£t it. 
 Rig. Ah ! foul fhrewd news indeed ! I did not think 
 To be fo fad to night as this has made me, 
 What means can now be ftrain'd in this dear peril ? 
 Run to my nobles, bid them hither come 
 Forthwith. Bid come before us Fortitude, 
 Perseverance, Courage, Patience, Stablenefs, 
 That they may knit their finews to my flrength, 
 
 F 2 Mefs, 
 
44 
 
 Mefs. My lord, the hearts of all thefe great ones do 
 Revolt from you, Convitfion's banifhment 
 Hath mov'd the murm'ring lips of difcontent 
 To break into this dang'rous argument ; 
 If what you do is right, why ftiould your fears, 
 Which as they fay attend the fteps of wrong, 
 Have mov'd you to fend hence the only man, 
 Whole good advice hath ever been both fafe 
 And prosp'rous at this city's council board. 
 
 Reg. O let me have no fubjett-enemies, 
 When adverfe foreigners affright ray town. 
 Go try fome way to win their love again. 
 Succeed, and thou fhalt thruft thy hand as deep 
 Into the purfe of rich profperity 
 As I myielf. 
 
 Mefs. I'll go and feek them out. 
 May the deftru&ive fword rife never here, 
 Till high-rais'd Mansoul hath out-liv'd the leafe 
 Of nature, and fo paid his breath to time 
 And mortal cuftom. [Exit. 
 
 Reg, Bitter confequence ! 
 
 I tremble at it. Heav'n only knows how foon 
 I muft embrace the fate of that dark hour. 
 Ev'n this ill night my breathing may expire. 
 I would moil gladly have forgot the thought, 
 But it returns upon my memory 
 As doth the raven o'er th' infefted houfe 
 Boading to ill. — The mere furmife {hakes lo 
 My inward ftate of man, that reafon is 
 O'erturn'd with horrible imaginings. 
 I'll call my Train again to comfort me. 
 Yet what fhouid they do here ? They cannot move 
 Jhe heav'ns to fmile upon my prefent ftate, 
 
 Which 
 
45 
 
 Which well I feel is fpoil'd and full of fin. 
 I fhould be guiltier than my guiltinefs 
 To think I can be undifcernable. — 
 In the corrupted current of this world 
 Offence's gilded hand may fhove by jaftice ; 
 And oft 'tis leen the wicked prize iifelf 
 Buys out the law; but 'tis not fo above ; 
 There is no muffling ; there the aclion lies 
 In its true nature, and ourfelves compell'd 
 Ev'n to the teeth and forehead of our faults 
 To give in evidence. 
 
 Enter a Messenger. 
 
 How now ? Will not my lords return to me? 
 
 Mefs. The're gone to give their fervice to your foes. 
 I offer'd to awaken their regard 
 For your eftate ; their anfwer to me was 
 That you had difpoffeft yourfelf of them. 
 
 Reg. Ha den away and ring th'alarum-beil. 
 All things that were ordained feflival, 
 Turn into failing penitential ; 
 A thoufand bus'nefles are brief at hand, 
 And Heav'n itfelf doth frown upon this land. 
 
 Scene changes to a Room of State, — A Banquet prepared. 
 
 Enter Train meeting the Re g e n t. 
 
 Train. All comfort ihat the dark night can afford 
 Be to thy perfon, noble governor. 
 Why are you breathlefs, and why flare you fo ? 
 
 Reg. Did ye not hear a voice ? 
 
 Train. The owl did fhriek. 
 
 Reg. Hark! Peace! who lies in the next chambei ? fay. 
 
 Tr&in, The Centinels, 
 
 Reg. 
 
46 ' 
 
 Reg. There's one did laugh in's fleep; 
 
 And one cried treafon ! thus they wak'd each other; 
 And I ftood by and heard them ; but they (aid 
 Their pray'rs, and then again addrefs'd themfelves 
 To fleep. One faid, "God blefsus!" and "Amen" the 
 Lift'ning their fear, I could not fay "Amen," [other. 
 
 When they did fay, « God blefs us." 
 
 Train. You mud leave this. 
 
 Reg. But wherefore could not I pronounce "Amen ?" 
 I had moil need of blefling, and Amen 
 Stuck in my throat. 
 
 Train Thefe things mud not be thought 
 After thefe ways ; fo it will make us mad. 
 
 Enter a Messenger. 
 
 Mefs. My lord, your valiant keeper Carnal-Mind 
 Doth fend you word as a vouch'd certainty, 
 Conviclion's forces are by fudden floods 
 And fall of waters all difpers'd and fcatter'd ; 
 And he himfelf wander'd away alone 
 No man knows whither. 
 
 Reg. Thou dofr. fing fweet mufick. 
 
 Train. Now then, my lord, let's dedicate the reft 
 Of this fair night to fweet content and joy. 
 
 Reg. I cannot joy to night, my friends; you do 
 Yourfelves but wrong to flir me up. 
 
 Train. You fpeak 
 
 But from your fear and a ditlra&ed mind. 
 A noble foul is like a fhip at fea, 
 That rides at anchor, when the ocean's calm ; 
 But when it's boist'rous, and the wind grows high, 
 Jt cuts away with {kill and majefty. 
 
 Train, Let's feaft your ears with mufick for a while. 
 
 SONG. 
 
47 ' 
 
 SONG: 
 
 Come ye fervants of bright joy, 
 With pomp, and feaft, and reveloy, 
 And unreproved pleafures free. 
 Thefe delights if thou canft give, 
 Mirth with thee I mean to live. 
 
 Reg. That (train again ; — O it came o'er my ears 
 Like the fweet fouth upon a bank of vi'lets ; 
 Stealing and giving odours. I'm not merry ; 
 But I beguile the thing I am, by feeming 
 Quite otherwife. Be large in mirth, my friends. 
 Silence that difmal bell ; it frights the town [_BeU tolls. 
 
 From her propriety. Come let us all take hands, 
 Till that the conqu'ring wine hath fteep'd our fenfe 
 In foft and del'cate lethe. — Yet it goes 
 Again ft me — for methinks our graver bus'nefs 
 Frowns on this levity 
 
 Confcience /peaks within, O Manfoul ! Manfoul! why with 
 New-wing the fhort, fhort day's too rapid flight ? [levities 
 Know, like th'Affyrian, fate is in thy walls ; 
 O man, thy kingdom is departing from thee ! 
 
 The Regent rifes in diforder and comes from the table. 
 
 Reg. O treach'rous Confcience ! while fhe feems afleep 
 On rofe and myrtle, lull'd with fyren fong ; 
 While fhe feems, nodding o'er her charge, to drop 
 On headlong appetite the flacken'd rein, 
 And give us up to licence unrecall'd 
 Unmark'd ; — fee from behind her fecret ftand, 
 The fly informer minutes ev'ry fault, 
 And her dread diary with horror fills: 
 Not the grofs act- alone employs her pen, 
 She reconnoitres fancy's airy band; 
 
 A watch- 
 
A watchful foe ! The formidable fpy 
 LifVning o'erhears the whifpers of our feaft, 
 Our dawning purpofes of heart explores, 
 And fteals our embryos of iniquity. 
 
 Martfoul, fuch that .fleeper in thy walls ! 
 Such is her {lumber, and her vengeance fuch 
 For flighted counfel, fuch thy future peace! 
 
 Train, Turn this way, Regent, and regard her not. 
 
 Conj. Look how thou di'ft ! Look how thine eyes turn 
 Hark how the city groans, how all cry out ! [p^e ! 
 
 Behold diftraction, frenzy and amazement, 
 Like witlefs anticks, one another meet, 
 And all cry " Man/out, Manfoul's dead, is loft !" 
 
 Reg. O this, like to a murth'ring pierce, gives me 
 In many places a fuperfluous death. 
 
 Train. 'Tis fpoke in the infirmity of fenfe. 
 
 Reg. There's more in't. Millions of fins mutter 
 Mine eyes. O horror ! in what ftormy forms [round 
 Of death thou rideft now ! Methinks a grave 
 Doth open there before me*, and I fee 
 A herfe o'erfpread with MansouVs enfigns tumble 
 In to 't. 
 
 Train. What do you mean ? 
 
 Reg. Behold ! Look ! ho ! 
 
 How fay you ? See you nothing there ? 
 
 Train. - Nothing: 
 
 Yet all, that's there, we fee. 
 
 Reg. Hence, dreaded fhadows! 
 
 Unreal mock'ry, hence!— why fo ? — being gone, 
 
 1 am aman again. 
 
 Train. 'Tis but a falfe 
 
 Creation of the heat-oppreffed brain. 
 
 Enter 
 
49 
 
 Enter a Messenger. 
 Mefs. The foe advances to the city-gates 
 In dreadful pomp of flout invafion. 
 With them is come along the banifh'd man, 
 Conviclion ; and upon his forehead fits 
 A bare-ribb'd death, whofe office is this night 
 To feaft on Manfoul. 
 
 Reg. Carnal-mind, that villain, 
 
 Did fend us word he had retir'd himfelf. 
 
 Train. And fo no doubt he thought. But why flands Man* 
 In this amazement? {f ou ^ 
 
 Reg. Fears and fcruples (hake me. 
 
 Train. Shew boldnefs and afpiring competence: 
 Go, meet Conviction further from the doors; 
 And grapple with him, ere he come too nigh 
 The city's walls. 
 
 Reg. How like an ended pageant 
 
 Shews my abrupt precipitate eflate, 
 By how much more my vain joy was increas'd 
 By thefe falfe hours of dalliance ! 
 
 Train, O, my lord! 
 
 Reg. The man that brought thefe tidings where is he ? 
 Mefs. I ftay your will. 
 
 Reg. Go, run to meet Conviction ; 
 
 And bid him fay, on what fair terms he means 
 To have us yield to him ; and they fhali be 
 Accomplifhed without delay, and he 
 Right welcome to return to us again. [Exit Mejfenger. 
 
 Train. You do debafe yourfelf to look fo poorly, 
 And fpeak fo fair. What, fhall that tongue that laid 
 The fentence of dread banifhment on him, 
 Difgrace itfelf to take it offagain 
 With words of footh ? Rather outface the brow 
 Of bragging horror, 'tho envenom'd vengeance 
 Ride on his fword, 
 
 C Reg. 
 
5° 
 
 Reg, If we Ihould fail — 
 
 Train You fliall 
 
 Have armour to keep off that word. 
 
 Reg, Where is it? 
 
 Let me dire&ly fee it then. 
 
 Train, We fail ! 
 
 But fcrew your courage to the flicking place, 
 And we'll not fail ; therefore be chear'd, my lord. 
 We will call back this meffenger, and fend 
 Defiance to the traitor ; it fhall make 
 Glory for you, [Exit Train, 
 
 Reg, So I lofe none in feeking to augment it, 
 But might poffefs a bofom franchifed, 
 And clear allegiance ; all would then be well. 
 How fland I then, that have againft my Sov'reign's 
 Dread Perfon, facred as it is, done fin ? 
 Yea, without flop have let my heart confent 
 To deal ev'n with the very hand of falfehood 
 And dire revolt? How then ? what fhall I do ? 
 Where's fatisfaclion? — If there be remedy, 
 'Twere good 'twere quickly ufed ; left delay 
 Make my offence of fuch a mortal kind 
 That neither prefent forrow, no, nor merit 
 Purpofed in futurity avail 
 To ranfom me into His love again. 
 Try what repentance can ; what can it not ? 
 Yet what can it, when one cannot repent ? 
 Yield up, O Sin, thy crown and hearted throne! 
 Bow flubborn knees, and heart with firings of fleel 
 Be fof t as finews of the new-born babe ; 
 All may be well. 
 
 Re-enter Train. 
 Train* Come on, my noble lord, 
 
 And 
 
5 l 
 
 And put on your defence ; this helmet will 
 
 Infufe fweet hope of doing well at laft; 
 
 And here's a fhield 'gainft which the mightieft works 
 
 Cannot prevail. Whoever wears thefe arms 
 
 Shall bear a charmed life ; therefore be bold 
 
 And fix moft firm thy refolution. 
 
 Reg. We will proceed no further in thisbus'nefs; 
 There is a thing within my bofom tells me 
 That our defences will be fatal to us. 
 
 Train, This is that fuperftitious fear that loves 
 To keep itfelf in clouds and feed on wonders. 
 
 Reg. But if we now make our atonement well, 
 Our peace might ftand as firm as rocky mountains. 
 
 Train. Ay, but our valuation {hall be fuch 
 That ev'n our corn fhall feem as light as chaff, 
 And good from bad find no partition. 
 Befides all which, you never can make peace 
 Upon fuch large terms and fo abfolute, 
 As our conditions fhould infifl upon. 
 No, good my lord, think not of compromife, 
 But go with us, and arm yourfelf with fpeed. 
 -Reg. Leave me awhile a little to myfelf. 
 Train. We go : be ever what your fancies teach. 
 
 [Exit Train, 
 Reg. Thefe ftrong enchanting fetters I mult break, 
 Or lofe myfelf. Suppofe this wretched heart 
 Were thicker than itfelf with crimfon guilt ? 
 Is there not rain enough in the fweet heavens 
 To warn it white as fnow ? whereto ferves mercy 
 But to confront the vifage of offence ? 
 Then I'll repair unto my Sovereign. 
 But how if He to judgment fhould refer? 
 Ah, there's a fearful point ! I cannot go, 
 Tho' inclination be as fharp as will ; 
 
 G 2 My 
 
52 
 
 My ftronger guilt defeats my ftrong intent ; 
 
 And like a man to double bus'nefs bent, 
 
 1 ftand or paufe where I fliall firft begin, 
 
 And both neglect. ; fa flrong's the pow'r of fin. [Exit, 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Scene before the City Walls, 
 
 Enter Chiefs, Conviction, and Herald; 
 
 Boan. A Goodly city is this Manfoul. — City, 
 
 J. X. vpis thou alone wilt make thy defolation: 
 And many a foul, from thy fair edifice, 
 Will groan and drop and perifh conftant fools. 
 But go, beloved Herald, go thou up 
 To the rude ribs of that revolted town ; 
 Thro' brazen trumpet fend the breath of parley 
 Into its ruin'd ears ; while here we march 
 Upon the graflie carpet ,of this plain ; 
 That from this city's lofty battlements 
 Our fair appointments may be well perus'd. 
 
 [Trumpet founds. 
 Enter Carnal-mind upon the Walls. 
 
 Her. The noble Boanerges, Manfoul, calls, 
 Servant in arms to this town's fovereign : 
 And thus he would, — Open your city-gates; 
 Be humbled to us. call our fov'reign yours, 
 And do Him homage as obedient fubjefts, 
 And we'll withdraw our formidable pow'rs. 
 But if you frown upon this proffer'd peace, 
 You tempt the fury of our three attendants, 
 Lean famine, quart'ring fteel, and climbing fire. 
 
 Car. 
 
53 
 
 Car, Mind. A greater pow'r than ye denies all this ; 
 And till it be undoubted whence ye come, 
 We lock our fcruples in our ftrong-bar'd gates, 
 Kings of ourfelves ; until confufion 
 Shall on your part confirm our liable peace. 
 
 Boan. This is the lateft parley we'll admit; 
 Therefore to our belt mercy give yourfelves, 
 While yet the cool and temp'rate wind of grace 
 O'erblows the fi'ry deluge of hot wrath, 
 Which threatens to pour down upon this yet 
 Refilling unaffailed city's walls, 
 Till in her afhes (he lie buried. Where's 
 The governor, that we may know his anfwer? 
 
 Car. Mind. I fland for him ; and thus I anfwer thee. 
 The fea enraged is not half fo deaf, 
 Lions fo confident, mountains and rocks 
 So free from motion ; no, not death itfelf 
 In mortal fury half fo peremptory ; 
 As we to keep this city 'gain ft your force. 
 
 Enter Regent armed, and his Train. 
 
 But fee the Regent doth himfelf appear, 
 And bears poffeiTion in his perfon here. 
 
 Regent to thofe on the walls* Approved warriors, and mod 
 
 [hearty friends, 
 By your afli fiance I am cloth'd in fleel. 
 He that unbuckles this, till we do pleafe 
 To doff't for our repofe, fhall hear a Horm* 
 I and my fword will earn my chronicle. 
 
 Car. Mind. Prove this a profp'rcus day ! Manfoul (hatt bear 
 The olive freely. 
 
 Boan. We are amazed, and thus long have flood 
 Hearing the vain boaft of thy ri'tous tongue, 
 Each word being treafon 'gainfl thy fov'reign. 
 But e're we ufe the vantage of our pow'r, 
 
 Wc 
 
54 
 
 We once more fummon thee to yield to us ; 
 That, if requiring fail, we may compel. 
 Now therefore, Man/out, ope thy city gates ; 
 Speak gentle words, and humbly bend thy knee 
 Before thy King ; and at His hands beg mercy, 
 If haply He may pardon thee this outrage. 
 
 Reg, Nay rather, wilt thou draw thy forces hence ? 
 And have recourfe unto our clemency ? 
 
 Conv, Diftoyal Manfoul ! Is it thus thou fill'ft 
 The mouth of deep defiance up f Turning 
 Our words to fwords, and life to inftant death ? 
 
 Reg. Thou banifh'd traitor, art thou come to take 
 Advantage of th'unquiet time, to fright 
 Our native peace with felf-borne arms away ? 
 But I will turn thy treafon to thy heart, 
 Where it was forg'd ; and it upon thee prove 
 To the extreameft point of mortal breathing. 
 Meet me, if thou doft dare. 
 
 jfudg, O hard of heart ! 
 
 As oppofite to good, as is the fouth 
 To the feptentrion ; I Judgment, here proclaim 
 Myfelf thy mortal foe ; with refolution 
 That I will meet thee fell as death itfelf. 
 
 Car. Mind. The Regent mud not yield to names ufurp'd ; 
 He is too high-born to be propertied ; 
 Or bow to any fov'reign in the world. 
 
 Execut. What's he that fpeaks for him that's Governor 
 OfManfonl? 
 
 Reg* 'Tis himfelf ; what fay'ft thou to him ? 
 
 Execut. Behold this fword : it is the privilege 
 And badge of my profeffion. I proteft, 
 Maugre thy valour, ftrength and eminence, 
 Thou art difloyal and a recreant, 
 A moil toad-fpotted traitor— fay'ft thou, no? 
 
 This 
 
55 
 
 This fword, this arm, and my bed fp'rits are bent 
 To prove upon thy heart whereto I fpeak ; 
 Thou art in nothing lefs than I proclaim thee. 
 
 Car. Mind, Let fall thy fword on vulnerable crefts; 
 Manfoul is arm'd in panoply of proof. 
 As eafy may'fl thou the intrenchant air 
 With thy keen fword imprefs, as make him bleed. 
 
 Boan. What ftronger breaft-plate than a heart untainted ? 
 Thrice is he arm'd that hath his quarrel juft ; 
 And he but naked, tho' lock'd up in fteel, 
 Whofebofom with injuftice is corrupted. 
 
 Car, Mind, Why fland thefe noble fronts amazed thus ? 
 Down to the field ; defcend, cry havoc there ; 
 The mind we fway by, and the heart we bear, 
 Shall never flagg with doubt, nor fhake with fear. 
 Now let my deeds be witnefs of my worth, 
 
 Judg. Thou ominous and fearful owl of death, 
 The period of thy tyranny approacheth ; 
 For ere the glafs that hath begun to run, 
 Finifh the procefs of his fandy hour, 
 Thouihalt be found exhaufled, fp'ritlefs, fallen. 
 In our behalf armies of peftilence 
 Shall mufter in the clouds and flrike the hands 
 That lift themfelves againfl us. 
 
 Boan. Manfoul, hear. 
 
 The axe is fet to thy ufurping root ; 
 And know thou, if we once begin to flrike, 
 We'll never leave till we have hewn thee down. 
 
 Reg. I am on fire to hear thefe menaces, 
 And will into the field to bid thee battle. 
 
 \_Regent and Train go from the xoall, 
 
 Conv. Yet, e're the clofing of this very day, 
 If ManfouVs Regent and myfelf do meet, 
 I will redeem ail this upon his head ; 
 
 For 
 
55 
 
 For I will call him to fo drift account, 
 That he lhall render ev'ry treafon up, 
 Yea, ev'n the flighted mifufe of his time ; 
 Or I will tear the reck'ning from his heart. 
 Boan. A noble temper doft thou fhew in this : 
 
 Manfoul doth put us to a heavy talk 
 
 But fee, at yonder gate he iffues forth 
 
 With the huge army of the world's de fires, 
 
 To hazard all his welfare in the field. 
 
 Go forth, Conviction, and begin the fight; 
 
 No blown ambition doth our arms excite, 
 
 But love, dear love, and our great Sov'reign's right. [Exeunt* 
 
 Scene changes to ajield of battle. Alarum. Excurfionsi 
 Enter Regent. 
 
 Reg, My mind prefageth happy gain and conquerl ; 
 And fpite of all the rupture of the foe, 
 This fhield hath held his building on my arm. 
 
 Enter Execution. 
 
 Execut. Of one or both of us the time is come. 
 
 Reg. I dare all imminence in which thou canfl 
 Addrefs his danger. 
 
 Execut. Were 'f my fitnefs now 
 
 To let thefe hands obey my boiling blood, 
 They're apt enough to diflocate and tear 
 Thy fleih and bones ; but my condition is 
 Govern'd to offer grace, if thou relent. 
 
 Reg. When thou haft conquer'd, talk of mercy then, 
 Proud limitary chief; I do difdain 
 Thy proffer'd courtefie and threats alike. 
 Back do I tofs thy treafons to thy head ; 
 Which, for they yet glance by and fcarcely bruife, 
 This fword of mine fhall give them inftant way, 
 Where thou fhalt reft for ever unreveng'd. 
 
 Execut, 
 
57 
 
 Execute Let this my arm report what fpeech forbears. 
 
 Enter Judgment. 
 
 Judg. Hold, Execution, flay thy mighty arm, 
 And feek thee out fome other chafe ; for I 
 Myfelf muft hunt this deer into the toils. 
 
 Execut. Then nobly, Judgments for the King thou fight'ft. 
 Regent, as I intend to thrive to-day, 
 It grieves my foul to leave thee unaffail'd. [Exit, 
 
 Judg. Now, Regent, I have fingled thee alone ; 
 Suppofe this arm is for thy fovereign, 
 And this for juftice, to revenge both bound, 
 Wer't thou environed with a brazen wall. 
 
 Reg. Now, Judgment, I am with thee here alone ; 
 This is the hand that drove thy forces back ; 
 And this the hand that Manfoul fhall preferve ; 
 And here's the heart that triumphs in thefe deeds, 
 And cheers thofe hands to execute the like 
 Even upon thyfelf, and fo have at thee. \Extunt fighting* 
 
 Alarums continued. 
 
 , Enter Boanerges* 
 
 Boan. Forefpent with toil, as runners with a race, 
 I lay me down a little while to breathe; 
 For blows receiv'd and many blows repaid, 
 Have robb'd my ftrong-knit fmews of their ftrength, 
 And fpight of fpight I needs muft reft awhile. 
 
 Enter Herald. 
 Her. This battle fares like to the morning's war, 
 When dying clouds contend with growing light, 
 What time the fhepherd watching of his flocks 
 Can neither call it perfect day nor night. 
 
 H Enter 
 
58 
 
 Enter Execution. 
 
 Execut, The Regent hath efcap'd from Judgment's hands, 
 And our oppreffion expectation pa e . 
 Oh ! let the wide world end, and promis'd flames 
 O f the laft day knit heav'n and earth together, 
 Ere under foul rebellion's arm we faulter. 
 
 Her. Ah, froward Manfoul ! ill it thee becomes 
 To be fo harfh, fo blunt, unnatural, 
 To bend the fatal inftruments of war, 
 Againft thy King ; to fhut thy gates 'gainft Him 
 Who opes His arms to embrace thee, as thy friend ; 
 Who has preferv'd thy welfare in His blood, 
 And from thy bofom took the hoftile point 
 To fheathe it in His own! Oh, if fuch love, 
 If fuch inducements, countlefs, infinite, 
 Excite not love ; then like a caftaway, 
 Defp'rate, forlorn, be bane unto thyfelf. 
 
 Boan. Come on, my lord, let us this moment hafle 
 Together to our troops ; and once again 
 Cry vehemently, Charge upon our foes. 
 
 [Exeunt Boanerges and Execution* 
 
 Her, He that is truly dedicate to ferve 
 Our Sov'reign's will, hath no felf-love ; for he 
 That loves himfelf, hath not efientially 
 But by mere circumftance the name of faithful. 
 
 Enter a wounded Centinel of Manfoul, 
 
 Who'rt thou ? 
 
 Cent. One, Herald, that doth wifh to fee 
 
 The favage fpirit of wild war made tame; 
 
 That, like a lion fofter'd up at hand, 
 
 It may lie gently at the foot of peace. 
 
 Her, 'Tis now the time to afk of whence thou art* 
 Cent, In adverfe Manfoul was I born and bred ; 
 
 But 
 
59 
 
 But have difrob'd me of my native weeds 
 To fight againft the part I liv'd with, and 
 For whom my life was ev'ry breath a death. 
 Thefe prefent wars fhall find I Manfoul love ; 
 For I will fall in them, ere fee her lofe 
 So rich advantage of a promis'd glory, 
 As fmiles upon the forehead of this action. 
 
 Her. The fingers of the pow'rs above did tune 
 The harmony of this. This thing alone 
 I do entreat, and thou canft well report, 
 As feemeth by thy plight, how it did fare 
 With Manfoul's Regent, when he rifk'd himfelf 
 In fingle fight with our high-battled Judgment. 
 
 Cent. Thofe who furvey'd the wars that Judgment made 
 To-day, and knew the royal occupation, 
 Might have beheld a fkilful workman in't. 
 I watch'd him how he fingled forth the Regent, 
 Who all as hot turn'd deadly point to point, . 
 And confident in furbifht armour, 'gan 
 A difmal conflict of unequal ftrength. 
 With one hand in a martial fcorn he beat 
 Cold death afide, and with the other fent 
 It back to his great enemy ; but all 
 Too weak, forjuftice arm'd with valour is 
 Of mortal injury incapable : 
 
 Nor fhield, nor fpear, nor motion of quick thought, 
 Could intercept his ruin ; but that long 
 Ere this, his foul had wander'd in the air, 
 Banifh'd the frail fepulchre of his flefh, 
 Had not fome hidden interpos'd defence 
 Borne him in fafety from the files of war. 
 
 Her* Great happinefs ! 
 
 Cent. In brief I faw him humbled 
 
 With fharp rebuke, and with pale fear furpriz'd, 
 
 H 2 That 
 
(So 
 
 That if- 
 
 But I am faint, my gafhes cry for help. 
 
 Her. So well thy words become thee as thy wounds, 
 
 I will conduft thee to a gentle bath, 
 
 Where balms fhall be applied to them ; and then 
 
 Thy deeds I will report, where auditors 
 
 Shall mingle tears with fmiles. Your hand, mod welcome. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 Enter Chiefs, Soldiers, &c. 
 
 Boan. War wearied hath perform'd what war can do. 
 Here ftand awhile and from the battle reft. 
 Faithful hath been your warfare, and no doubt 
 Accepted of our Sov'reign. But of this 
 Rebellious town the victory alone 
 Doth to His hand belong. Meanwhile let us 
 Shew on our part the utmofl vigilance. 
 
 Enter Herald.' 
 
 Her. Turn, turn your faces from this rebel town, 
 And go to meet your King who onward comes, 
 Before Him pow'r Divine prepares His way, 
 And with frefh flow'rets hills and valleys fmile. 
 
 Boan, Thou dolt revive our almoft drooping courage 
 With this glad news. Now march we fearlefs on 
 To meet the med'cine of this fickly weal. 
 The King's name is our rock and tow'r of ftrength. 
 Sound drums and trumpets boldly, chearfuljy ; 
 Our Sov'reign comes for us and victory. 
 
 Scene changes to another part of the field near the city. 
 
 Enter Regent and Train as in triumph. 
 
 Train. The foe doth meafure backward their own ground. 
 In faint retire, whilft we, laft in the field, 
 Are lords of it. 
 
 Reg. 
 
6i 
 
 Reg, You've fhewn yourfelves all heroes. 
 
 Could they e're think that this town's prefident 
 Might look with grateful eyes on wars that fronted 
 Ev'n his own peace ? Rather than fo, tho' they 
 Should fight in fire or air, we'd fight them there. 
 
 Enter a Messenger. 
 Mejf, Where is my lord, the Regent of this city? 
 
 Reg. Here: what's thy" news ? The bus'nefs of this man 
 Looks out of him. 
 
 Mejf. The foe whom fled you thought 
 
 Will fave you long purfuit ; this day hope not 
 Their flight, for with another army join'd 
 They take the field again in dread array. 
 But hark ! their trumpet's warlike note cuts off 
 
 [ Trumpet founds at a dijlunce. 
 More circumftance ; to parley or to fight 
 Therefore prepare thyfelf without delay. 
 
 Reg. O where hath our intelligence been drunk? 
 Where hath it flept, that fuch an army fhould 
 Ee drawing near, and we not hear of it ? 
 Go, get thee gone ; fay to our Carnal -mind, 
 I'd fpeak with him. 
 
 Mejf. His ear is ftop'd with duft. 
 
 Ev'n now we've found him from the gates call down, 
 An empty-cafket, where the jewel-life 
 By fome dread hand was robb'd and ta'en away. 
 
 Reg. I am furprized with an uncouth fear; 
 A chilling fweat o'errunsmy trembling joints; 
 My heart fufpecis worfe than my ears have heard. 
 Oh hardnefs to diffemble ! — Set our troops 
 In order : give them battle ftrait — away : 
 Make all our trumpets fpeak; give them all breath, 
 Thofe clam'rous harbingers of blood and death. 
 
 [Exit Mejfenger. 
 My 
 
62 
 
 My thoughts are whirled like a potter's wheel; 
 I know not where I am ; nor what I do. 
 Withhold thy fpeech, dreadful occafion ! 
 Oh, make a league with me, whiifl I appeafe 
 My inward griefs ! 
 
 Enter a Soldier 0/ Mansoul. 
 
 Reg. How does the light appear ? 
 
 Sold. On our fide like the token'd peflilence, 
 Where death is fuie. Heav'ns! how they wound fome flain 
 Before, and dying ibrne ! Your meflengcr did grace 
 Thefhame of thofe that fled, and in his flight, 
 S tumbling for fear was took. 
 
 Reg, Who're thofe that fled ? 
 
 Sold. Your foll'wers,who, ere they had giv'n a ilroke? 
 Turn'd on themfelves like dull and heavy lead; 
 Ev'n arrows fled not fwifter tow'ras their aim, 
 Than they, aiming at fafety from the field. 
 
 Meg* O vipers! murd'rers! fnakes, in ray heart's blood 
 "Warmed, that fling my heart ! 
 
 Enter Attendant. 
 
 AlU Renew, my lord, renew ; 
 
 There are a thoufand Judgments in the field; 
 Here, there, and ev'ry where. : hade we to fend 
 Some reinforcements, or we perifh all. 
 
 Reg, Howfhould I war without thefe walls, that find 
 Such cruel battle here within ? No, no ; 
 Let them to aclion that have hope to win : 
 Doubts, fears, and dangers come ; our deeds are done. 
 
 Att. My lord, wife men ne'er wail their prefent woes, 
 But prelently prevent the ways to wail ; 
 To- fear the foe, fince fear opprefleth flrength, 
 Gives in your weaknefs flrength unto your foe, 
 
 And 
 
63 
 
 And fo your weaknefs fights again {I yourfelf. 
 Then chearly feek how to redrefs thefe harms ; 
 Your abfence takes both heat and fire away 
 From the bed temper'd courage of the town. 
 
 Sold, I you befeech by the befl truft of man 
 And very heart of hope, that you directly 
 Send to make humble fuit unto the King ; 
 And that you not delay the prefent hour ; 
 But own His greatnefs and fubmit you to 
 His might. 
 
 Reg, Such thanks I give thee for thy counfel, 
 As one near death to thofe who wifh him live. 
 More would I queftion thee, and more I mull; 
 But firft afcend that hill with me, that we 
 May know whether yon troops be friend or enemy, [Exeunt* 
 
 Enter Herald. 
 
 Her, Man/out is ripe for fhaking, and the pow'r 
 Above puts on his inftruments of wrath. 
 Now work your thoughts, and therein fee a fiege. 
 Behold the ordnance on their carriages, 
 With fatal mouths gaping on girded Manfoul; 
 That in a moment even with the earth 
 Will lay her ftately and air-braving tow'rs, 
 If quickly in defence they will not yield. 
 Then each ftronghold fhall fall, and each high thought 
 Shall to the King of kings be captive brought. [Exit, 
 
 Re-enter Regent. 
 Reg. All's loft ! Incurable difcomfit reigns 
 In Manfoul' s feeble heart. O Confcience, Confcience, 
 Ev'n for revenge mock my deftruclion ! 
 For I did wifh to fall by the falfe faith 
 Of thofe whom thou didffc warn me from, if fo 
 
 I might 
 
6 4 
 
 I might be freed from thy folic king. 
 That high All Seer, whom I dallied with, 
 Hath turn'd my feigned wifh upon my head, 
 And giv'n in earned what I begg'd in jeft. 
 Thus doth he force the fwords of wicked men 
 To turn their own points on their matters bofoms ; 
 And thus the words of Confcience at this hour 
 Fall heavy on my head; when they (faid fhe) 
 Shall fplit thy heart with.forrow, then remember, 
 Remember Confcience was a prophetefs ! 
 
 [Ajhort alarum within. 
 Ah ! hark the fatal foll'wers do purfue ; 
 
 And I am faint, and cannot Chun their fury. 
 
 i 
 
 Enter First Soldier. 
 
 Sold. The army of the King hath turn'd the mouth 
 Of their artillery againft the town. 
 
 Reg. Would thou and thofe thy fears had once prevailed 
 To make me fue for peace I 
 
 "Sold. Had ft thou done fo, 
 
 Then expectation would not now have fainted, 
 Longing for what it had not. But we Hand 
 Like men upon a rock begirt with ocean, 
 That mark the waxing tide grow wave on wave, 
 Expecting ever when fome envious furge 
 Will in his briniih bowels fwallow them. 
 
 Re-enter Attendant. 
 
 Att. Bear free thoughts, Regent - 3 we will yet do well. 
 What tho' our outworks of defence be all 
 O'erwhelm'd and buried in huge piles of ruin ; 
 Our force upon the walls hath nobly held. 
 Come further on, my lord, where we may look 
 On their endeavour : there's hope in it yet. [Exit Att, 
 
 Sold. 
 
65 
 
 Sold. I'll here abide the wounded chance of Man/out, 
 Reg.- Where yon pine ftands I fhall difcover all ; 
 
 I'll bring thee word ftraight, how 'tis like to go. [Exit, 
 
 Sold. Who is't can fay, I'm at the word? the worft 
 
 Is not fo long as we can fay, this is 
 
 The worfl. Oh, wretchednefs that glory brings us ! 
 
 As hard to leave as keep ; whofe top to climb 
 
 Is certain falling, or fo ilipp'ry that 
 
 The fear's as bad as falling : life's a toil. 
 
 We only feem to feek out danger in 
 
 The name of happinefs, and die in th* fearch. 
 
 Enter another Soldier. 
 
 But who comes here ? fo faint fo fpiritlefs ? 
 His death-like vifage fays, that ManfouVs loft ! 
 But I have found the woe, ere thou the tongue. 
 
 2 Sold. Thou 'ft read in me the truth. The vi&orhofts 
 Have entered the city's, mortal gate, 
 Where they have painted fhunlefs deftiny ; 
 And there our ftrawy guards, ripe for their edge, 
 Fall down before them like the mower's fwath. 
 Great the refrftance ; great the anfwer muft 
 In Manfoulhz. Our ranfom's death. 
 
 i Sold. Loft then ? 
 
 2 Sold. Loft! 
 
 Re-enter Regent. 
 
 Reg. Unarm me, for the long day's talk is done, 
 And we are for the dark. That this is fo, 
 Doth pay my labour juftly. — Off, pluck off. — 
 A fev'n-fold fhield of iron cannot keep 
 The batt'ry from my heart. Now Manfoul melts, 
 And the wide arch of this rais'd empire falls. 
 
 I Here 
 
66 
 
 Here is my fpace; kingdoms are clay : pomp, rule, 
 But earth and duft. 
 
 i Sold. Woe, that too late repents ! 
 
 Enter Two Centinels of Manfoul,- 
 
 i C. We're all undone, unlefs the King have mercy. 
 
 2 C. But who (hall alk it ? Not being naked, fick, 
 Nor pray'rs nor fancluary can lift up 
 Their wonted privilege in our behalf. 
 
 i C. Ah, Regent, Regent, think now with thyfelf, 
 Now more unhappy than all living things 
 We are become ; lince Mis approach, which fbould 
 Make our eyes flow with joy, hearts dance with comfort, 
 Conflrains them weep and fhake with fear andforrow. 
 
 2 C. To us thine enmity's moll capital. 
 For thou haft barred us from the great comfort 
 Of praying to our Sovereign : for how, 
 Alas ! how could we for our welfare pray 
 Together with thy hardnefs ? On each fide 
 We'd met an eminent calamity. 
 Alack ! or we muft lofe the nobleft grace 
 Of our dread Lord, or elfe thy perlon : either 
 Thou muft be led along our ftreets, bound with 
 The manacles of the all-holding law; 
 Or hadft thou kept the town, we had remain'd 
 To all enfuing ages quite undone. 
 
 Reg. Oh, cleave my fides. -Heart, once be ftronger than 
 Thy continent; crack thy frail cafe afunder ! * 
 
 2 Sold, Friends, if we ftay, we perifh ; let us go 
 And render up ourfelves ; others have fhewn us 
 The way of yielding: pray along with me ! 
 
 [Exeunt Soldiers and Centinels, 
 
 Reg. I'm left to finking, and my deareft quit me. 
 Let them all fly ; for when I am reveng'd 
 
 Upon 
 
6 7 
 
 Upon my guilty f elf, I have done all. 
 
 Let them all fly, be gone ; we have no friend 
 
 But refolution and the briefeft end. 
 
 Enter Conviction. 
 
 Conv. So bad a one as this was ne'er for peace. 
 
 Reg. Of all men elfe I have avoided thee. 
 But get thee back ; my foul is too much charg'd 
 With wrongs of thine already. 
 
 Conv . Then let me teach you, how you fhall arraign 
 Yourfelf and try your penitence, if it 
 Be found, or in hypocrify put on. 
 
 Reg, Why doft thou fo opprefs me with thine eye ? 
 Pry'thee, go hence ; I have already thought 
 Upon a courfe that hath no need of thee, 
 
 Conv. Fond madman, hear me fpeak. 
 
 Reg. Lack ! 'to what end ! 
 
 Unlefs it would reflore a town, reverfe 
 A prince's doom, or call back yeflerday. 
 This mortal houfe is ruin'd, fay ConviBion 
 Whate'er he can. Then is it fin to rufh 
 Into the fecret houfe of death, ere death 
 Be brought to us by Judgment's ireful hand, 
 Or wrathful Execution's vengeful fleel ? 
 
 Conv. Oh hateful error ! offspring of defpair ; 
 Why dofl thou fhew to the apt thoughts of men 
 
 The things that are not ? Hear me yet a word 
 
 For Judgment and the reft thou need'ft not fear ; 
 From them no danger ever can befall thee, 
 Unlefs it fo fhould pleafe thy Sov'reign's will; 
 And if He but remain thy conftant friend^ 
 Thou can'ft not feel the vengeance of their wrath. 
 Abufe not then His bounty by undoing 
 
 I 2 Thyfelf 
 
68 
 
 Thyfelf ; but rather grieve with groans and tears, 
 For having crofs'd His will that travels in 
 Thy good continually. 
 
 Reg. Moft kind Convittion, 
 
 Go and fay to Him this, " In deputation 
 ci I kifs His conq'ring hand :" tell Him, I'm prompt 
 To kneel down at His feet and hear the doom 
 Of Manfoul from His all-commanding breath. 
 
 Conv. Not fo. You mufl with me unto the King, 
 And there in prefence of the hofts fall down, 
 And make a blufhing cital of yourfelf ; 
 Of your offences, and the grievous crimes 
 Committed by your perfon and your foll'vvers 
 Againft the ftate and profit of this town j 
 That by confefTing them it may be feen 
 You judge yourfelf moft worthily depos'd. 
 Make no replies of lothnefs ; look, thy cheeks 
 Confefs it one to th' other ; only fin 
 And hellifh obftinacy tie thy tongue, 
 Tbat truth fhould be fufpeftcd. Say that this 
 Is falfe, and fpurn me back ; but if 'tis true, 
 Thou art not hone ft and thy guilt wilt plague thee. 
 
 Reg. I don't deny it ; but 'tis needful firft 
 To perfect, fuch intents ; which fhall appear, 
 Heav'n aiding, with a lefs prefumptuous fuit 
 Before His throne. 
 
 Conv. Be quick ; the King who fees 
 
 The clofe intents and fecrets of the heart, 
 Requires this only mark of thy obedience. 
 
 Reg. O bid me leap from off fome mountain-top, 
 Where the precipitation might down ftretch 
 Below the beam of fight, rather than go 
 Before the King mark'd with thefe deadly blots ; 
 Or ere repentance wafh away thefe ftains, 
 
 To 
 
6 9 
 
 To make beginning of a better life. 
 Bend not upon me fuch a folemn brow ; 
 In all things elfe I'll humble mine intents 
 To your well-pra&is'd wife direction. 
 
 Conv. I ftand aloof, and will no reconcilement, 
 Till thou obey and go along with me, 
 Till in thy fall thefe tough commixtures melt. 
 
 Reg. Mud I do fo ? And muft I ravel out 
 My weav'd-up follies ? How haft thou the heart, 
 Being my friend profefs'd, to mangle me 
 With this fo fore injunclion ? I can't do it. 
 But if moft hearty and unfeigned forrow 
 Be a futflcient ranfom for offence 
 I tender't here ; I do as truly fuffer, 
 As ere I did commit one foul offence. 
 
 Conv. Ha ! little truth to be too foon believ'd. 
 And mod unfound repentance ! feeming, feeming! 
 Thy forrow hath a med'cine in itfelf, 
 That fkins the vice o'th'top ; and feeks not Heav'n 
 As loving grace, but as it ftands in fear. 
 
 Reg. Q let me hear no more ! 
 
 Conv. Oh, guiltier thou 
 
 Than terms can reprefent thes ! Thou wilt (lone 
 My heart, and make me call what I intend 
 To do, revenge, and not a facrifice. 
 Take my advice. Come to the King, or perifh. 
 
 Reg. Conviclion, thou doft overween in this; 
 And, in the Vantage of lirong armour, feek'ir 
 To arbitrate 'twixt my extreams and me 
 That which thy art's commifiion and experience 
 Could to no iflue of true comfort bring. 
 - Conv. Here I unlock the rivets all ; and what 
 My tongue hath fpoke, my right drawn fword fhall prove 
 That thou fhalt come by force, if not by love. [The Regent -flics. 
 
 Enter 
 
7° 
 
 Enter Boanerges and Judgment 
 
 Jidg. Lo, now you fee the iffue of your wars. 
 Bom. Go after him, Conviclion ; make him yield : 
 Being fo fruftrate, tell him that he mocks 
 The paufes that he make^. 
 
 Juig. Thus ever fhould 
 
 Rebellion meet rebuke. Now does he feel 
 His fecre-t treafons flicking on his hands ; 
 Now does he feel his title hanging loofe 
 About him, like a giant's cumb'rous robe 
 Upon adwarfifh thief. Who then can blame 
 His pefter'd fenfes to recoil and ftart, 
 When all that isxwithin him doth condemn 
 Iifelf for being there ? 
 
 Bo&n. Content thee, Judgment ; 
 
 The King, 'tis faid, will hang refolv'd deftru&ion 
 In th'arm upreard for chaftifement, and wipe 
 His tables clean of what is paft, and keep 
 No regifler to hiftory this breach 
 In His remembrance. 
 
 Judg. How ! no punifliment \ 
 
 Boan. O He is clement paft man's higheft thought. 
 Judg. What wouldft thou fay, renowned Boanerges ? 
 Canft thou infer a hope for one who is 
 A forfeit of the law ? 
 
 Boan. Alas! Alas! 
 
 Why all the fouls that are, were forfeit once ; 
 And He that might the vantage beft have took, , 
 Found out the remedy* O think on that, 
 And mercy then will breathe within your lips, 
 Pouring the balm of Heav'n in ev'ry wound. [Exeunt, 
 
 Enter 
 
7 1 
 
 Enter Conviction, bringing forth the RecentwmkW, 
 
 Conv. So, lie thou there, until our Sovereign 
 Pafs by ; that if thy fpeech doth fail, thou mayft 
 Look up to Him for grace. How hardly I 
 Was drawn to thefe extremes, how calm and gentte 
 I did proceed, I ftiall inform the Chiefs; 
 Left my remembrance fuffer ill report. \_ExiL 
 
 Reg. Ah! who is nigh ? Come to me, friend or foe, 
 And tell me whether Ma?isouV$ doom'd to death. 
 Why afk I that ? My mangled body fhews, 
 My blood, my want of ftrength, my fick heart fhews. 
 That I mull meet mortality my fentence ; 
 Nor am I in the lift of them that hope. 
 Yet well, if here would end the mifery. 
 That death I feel within, is not one ftroke 
 Bereaving lenfe ; but lengthened 'out to woes 
 Which beyond duft and nature's law extend, 
 O fun, thy uprife I {hall fee no more ! 
 Here is my journey's end, the ultimate 
 Determin'd refpite of my num'rous wrongs. 
 The very fea-mark of my utmoft fail ; 
 And I in fuch a defp'rate bay of death, 
 Like a poor bark of fails and tackle reft, 
 Muft rufh to pieces on the rocky fhore. 
 O wretched ftate ! a bofom black as death ! 
 Q limed foul, that ftruggling to be free 
 Art more engag'd ! from deep to deeper plung'd 1 
 
 Re-enter Conviction. 
 
 Conv< His head's declin'd, and death will feize him, if 
 Some comfort refcue not. O Regent, hear, 
 If thou haft life, look up and fpeak to me. 
 
 Reg, If thou beeft Death, I'll give thee Manfoul's treafure, 
 
 -Enough 
 
72 
 
 Enough to purchafe fuch another kingdom, 
 If thou will let me live and feel no pain. 
 
 Conv. Regent, it is ConviElion fpeaks to thee. 
 
 Reg. Thou art a foul in blifs ; but I am bound 
 Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears 
 Do f'cald like molten lead. 
 
 Conv. Still, Mill, far wide 
 
 Reg, You do me wrong to take me from the grave. 
 "What you have charg'd me with, that I have done ; 
 And more, much more : The time will bring it out. 
 'Tis pad, and fo am I. 
 
 Conv. If thou didft know me, 
 
 Thou'dft talk with me. 
 
 Reg, I know thee well enough ; 
 
 Witnefs thefe trenches made by thy Heel's point, 
 Witnefs all forrow, that I know thee well. 
 Is not thy coming to diftrefs me more ? 
 Would ft have me grieve ? why now thou haft thy will. 
 Bidft thou me weep ? why now thou haft thy wifh. 
 Thv fad decrees, fet down in blood, fhew that 
 Thou haft the odds of me ; therefore no more. ' 
 Why mould calamity be full of words ? 
 
 Conv. Poor breathing orators of miferies ! 
 Let them have fcope ; and reft thou thy unreft 
 Within my arms awhile. 
 
 Reg. O that thou couldft 
 
 As focn afford a grave, where I might reft 
 Obfcure, and free from fear of worfe eftate 
 In cruel expectation to torment me ! 
 
 Conv. So much of int'reft have I in thy forrow, 
 That I do feel by the rebound of thine 
 A grief that fhoots my very heart at root. 
 
 Reg. How have 1 then repuls'd my friend \-—Convi£iion 9 
 Thou haft a ftern look, but a gentle heart ; 
 
 Forgive 
 
 
73 
 
 Forgive my gen'ral and exceptlefs rafhne'fs. 
 Yet to behold thy penetrating eye 
 Doth almoft turn my dang'rous nature wild. 
 Would that I were aflur'd of my condition ! 
 
 Conv. Who knows but that our King may quit thee all 
 His debt, and turn thy ftate calamitous 
 To peaceful end ? Defpair not of His pardon, 
 Whofe ear is ever open, and Kis eye 
 Gracious to re-admit the fupplicant. 
 
 Reg. All otherwife to me my thoughts portend. 
 This foul that now in th' body's darknefs dwells, 
 Shall foon incorporate with gloomy night; 
 And yield to double darknefs nigh at hand. 
 Hopelefs are all my ills, remedilefs. 
 
 Conv. How vain are words to fwage the tumours of 
 A troubled mind, imlefs it feel within 
 Some fource of confolation from above ! 
 
 Reg. Yet none of all thefe evils hath befall'n me 
 Unjuftly : I myfelf have brought them on ; 
 Sole author I, fole caufe : if ought feem vile, 
 Viler hath been my folly, who've refus'd 
 All counfel, love, and offer'd grace 1 My King, 
 Thou mine of bounty, how wouldil thou have paid 
 My better fervice, when my turpitude 
 Thou didft fo crown with love ! — Oh hadft thou ta'en 
 Due vengeance of my faults, I never mould 
 Have liv'd to make this forrowful confeflion. 
 Convi&ion, put an end to what thou haft: 
 Begun ; draw that thy honeft fword, which thou 
 Haft worn moft ufefully for Manfoul's weal, 
 And give me here fufficient ftrokes for death. 
 Come quickly, for with wounds I muft be cur'd;. 
 Would that with reverence I had receiv'd 
 Thy counfels then, when me thou wouldft have tutor'd 
 
 K To 
 
74 
 
 'To true fubmiffion ! But, fond wilh, too Iats 
 Have I thy hand I 
 Conv, Sad-hearted man, thou haft. 
 
 Enter Herald. 
 
 Her. Ah, Manfoul, doft thou lye fo low ? are all 
 Thy boaftings Ihrunk into fo little meafure? 
 My bus'nefs here was to proclaim— But I 
 Am come, I dread, too late. 
 
 Reg* Too late, good Herald, . 
 
 Her. This very minute bids thee ope thine ear. 
 The King 
 
 Reg. Ah me ! how many inward griefs 
 
 With mention of that name renew th' affault ! 
 
 Her. Have comfort. For the King hath, in His love 
 And wifdom, which by far outftretch the bourne 
 Of fpeech and all-created intellect, 
 So rich provision made for reconcilement, 
 That if He but ftep forth thy advocate, 
 His Father then will grant thee precious things. 
 But hark ! thefe founds proclaim His near approach, 
 
 Reg. O Lord, have mercy on me, woeful man ! 
 
 Her. The holts with jubilee fing triumph, and 
 Him fing victorious King, Son, Heir and Lord; 
 To Him dominion giv'n, worthieft to reign. 
 O Manfoul, chear thy fpirit with this hope : 
 To thofe who freely make their ref'rence full 
 To Him, thus wide He'll ope His arms j and, like 
 The kind life-rend'ring pelican, repaft 
 Them with his blood, [Scene clous* 
 
 ACT 
 
7 5 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Scene the Palace in Mansouj.. 
 
 Enter Execution zoith Conscience, 
 
 Chorus, ^Prisoners, Soldiers, &c. 
 
 Extent, QOLDIERS, look to thofe prifoners, and keep 
 
 ^ Them fafely ; till His greater pleafure firfl 
 Be known, that \i to pafs His fentence on them. [Exit. 
 
 Chor.-s of Soldiers . The gates of Manful fink into the ground: 
 Her people figh, and {he's in bitternefs. 
 
 Semi-Chor. O mighty King, what thought can meafureThee, 
 Or tongue relate Thy a6h> of glorious pow'r ? 
 Who feeks to leffen Thee, againfl His purpofe 
 Serves but to manifeft the more Thy might. 
 
 Conf. Difcomfort guides my tongue, and bids me fpeak 
 Of nothing but remedilefs defpair, 
 Of woe, defhru&ion, ruin and decay. 
 
 Enter a Messenger. 
 
 Chor. Here come fjme tidings of important matters, 
 
 Conf. Yea, this man's brow, like to a title leaf, 
 Foretells the nature of a tragic volume : 
 So looks the ftrand, whereon th' imperious flood 
 Hath left behind a witnefs'd ufurpation.- 
 Inform us, com'ft thou from the field of battle? 
 
 Mefs. I ran from thence, where hateful death put on 
 His uglieft mafk to fright our party with. 
 
 Conf How doth the Regent of this ruin'd town ? 
 Thou trembleft ; and the whitenefs in thy cheek 
 Is apter than thy tongue to tell thy errand. 
 Yet for all this fay not the Regent's flain. 
 
 Mefs. I'm forry I fhould force you to believe 
 That which I would to Heav'n I had not feen. 
 But thefe mine eyes faw him in bloody ftate, 
 
 Rend'ring 
 
76 
 
 Rend'ring faint quittance, wearied and outbreath'd, 
 To ftern Conviction j whofe fwift wrath beat down 
 The never-daunted Regent to the earth, 
 From whence with life no earthly fkill whatever 
 Can raife him up again. So, there he lies, 
 With all his crimes broad-blown as flufh as May ; 
 And nothing left him but his body's length, 
 Taking the meafure of an unmade grave, 
 
 Conf. For this we fhali have time enough to mourn, 
 
 [Cock crows* 
 Chorus of Soldiers. When the cock crew, he wept ; 
 
 [ftruck by a look ! 
 Struck by the heav'nly rhet'rick of that eye, 
 'Gain ft which the world cannot hold argument, 
 
 Conf. Would it might pleale Him fo to look on us, 
 That we might live, looking on Him our life. 
 
 Chor. of Sold. All that offence which is in you of fin, 
 Corruption, paflion, hell itfelf, His look 
 Would turn to virtue and to worthinefs. 
 
 Conf. Him and His wrath, and our great need of Him, 
 You have right well conceited and fet forth. 
 How mould we love, if His rich golden fliafts 
 Would kill the flock of all affections elfe 
 That live in us; if liver, brain and heart, 
 Thofe fov'reign thrones, were all fupplied and fill'd 
 With fweet perfection, with one felf-fame King, 
 
 Chor. O richer far in having fuch a pearl 
 Than twenty feas, though all their fands were pearls, 
 Their waters em'rald, and their rocks pure gold. 
 
 ConJ. Ah, what a life were that; how fweet ! how lovely*. 
 Then our captivity would change into 
 A golden uncontroul'd enfranchifement, 
 
 Chor. But we are far, far off from that fweet hope ; 
 And no way can we turn us for redrefs, 
 
 But 
 
77 
 
 But death doth front us with apparent fpoil, 
 And pale deftruction meets us in the face. 
 What healing hand can pour the balm of peace, 
 And turn our fight undaunted on the tomb ? 
 
 Conf. With joy, with grief that healing hand I fee! 
 Ah ! too confpicuous it is plac'd on high. 
 On high ! what means my frenzy ? I blafpheme : 
 Alas, how low ! how far beneath the Ikies ! 
 The flues it form'd ! and now it bleeds for me; 
 But bleeds the balm I want — yet Mill it bleeds \ 
 Draw the dire fteel — Ah! no, the dreadful bleHing 
 What heart or can fuftain or dare forego ? 
 There hangs all human hope; that nail fupports 
 The falling univerfe. 
 
 Chor, But we who at 
 
 His hands received life, by our own hands 
 Of life bereaved Him. 
 
 Conf, Sin, death and hell 
 
 Did to His body what extreams they could. 
 But the frrong bale and building of his love 
 Was as the inmoft centre of the earth, 
 Drawing all to it, as he would catch millions 
 Of fouls in His Itrong toil of faving grace. 
 O world, be thou aftonifh'd, and take note, 
 O world, that for this Manfoul, falfe to Him, 
 Our Sov'reign (looped His anointed head, 
 As low as death, quenching the flame of bold 
 Rebellion ev'n in His mod precious blood. 
 
 Chor, Had we as many eyes, as He had wounds, 
 Weeping as faft as they flream'd forth His blood; 
 Nought could become us better; 
 
 For mis'rabje and wretched we 
 Have caus'd Him that dire agony. 
 
 Conf. 
 
7 8 
 
 Conf. Didft Thou die fo ? Live ! Lord ! Ah, Sov'reign ! 
 
 [Friend! 
 Thefe arms of mine fhall be Thy winding fheet ! 
 My heart, fweet Lord, fhall be Thy fepulchre j 
 For from my heart thine image ne'er fhall go. 
 Here will I flay and never from His feet 
 Depart again : here, here will I remain, 
 Here will I fet up my eternal reft. 
 My heart hath now of His redeeming love 
 Such fweet experience, that His checks and frowns 
 To me have fweeteft grace and favour in thenu 
 
 Chor. That chaftifement is heavenly, that ftrikes 
 Where it doth love. 
 
 SONG within. 
 
 My foul, with all loft Adam's race, 
 
 Lay weltring in its blood ; 
 Cover'd with fhame and deep difgrace, 
 
 And banifh'd far from God. 
 
 Conf. Hark! 
 
 Chor, O this is Mansoul's voice ; *Tis wonderful ! 
 
 SONG within. 
 
 Our gracious Sov'reign paffing by, 
 
 His bowels yearn'd to fee 
 Me, outcaft wretch, fo helplefs lye 
 
 In deepeft mifery. 
 
 Conf, O goodnefs infinite ! goodnefs immenfe \ 
 
 SONG within* 
 
 To me inclin'd in tendernefs 
 
 My foul he would relieve, 
 My heart by any means pofTefs, 
 
 And faid, « Arife and live." 
 
 Conf, 
 
79 
 
 Conf. O unexampled love ! unfathom'd love! 
 Love no where to be found lefs than Divine] 
 
 SONG within. 
 
 He wa&'d away my eVry ftain, 
 
 And cleans'd me in His blood ; 
 Deck'd me with righteoufnefs Divine, 
 
 And reconcil'd to God. 
 
 Chor. Beatitude paft utterance ! 
 
 Enter Regent. 
 
 Conf. Ah Regent, if the meafure of thy joy 
 Be heap'd like mine, and that thy Ikill be more 
 To blazon it ; then let thy tongue unfold 
 That unconceived happinefs, which both 
 Have juft receiv'd before this dear encounter. 
 
 Reg. Oh! I have feen the King, whofe beauty doth 
 The ken of all created eyes aftonifh; 
 Whofe words all ears take captive ; and whofe dear 
 Perfections ev'n thofe hearts, that fcorn'd to ferve$ 
 Humbly call mailer. O He hath forgiven 
 And all forgott'n, as if the very nature 
 Of our offence were dead ; and, deeper than 
 Oblivion, in His own atoning wounds 
 He buries all th' incenfmg reliques of it ! 
 My foul hath her content fo abfolute, 
 I cannot fpeak enough of it ; it hath 
 So much of joy, it ftops me here, and feeks 
 To hide itfelf in drops of facred forrow* 
 
 Chor. The theme, the joy, then, how fhall we fuflain! 
 O the burft gates ! crufh'd fling I demolifh'd thrones 
 Lafl gafp of vanquifh'd death ! fhout earth and hcav'n 
 This fum of good to man, 
 
 Reg. 
 
8o 
 
 Reg, Survey the wondrous cure, 
 
 And at each ftep let higher wonder rife ; 
 Pardon for infinite offence ! and pardon 
 Thro* means that fpeak its value infinite f 
 A pardon bought with blood ! with blood Divine 1 
 With blood Divine of Him I made my foe, 
 Perfifted to provoke; tho' woo'd and aw'd, 
 Bleft and chaftis'd, a flagrant rebel ftill: 
 A rebel midft the thunders of His throne! 
 Nor I alone ; a rebel univerfe : 
 My fpecies up in arms ! not one exempt! 
 Yet for the fouleft of the foul He dies : 
 Moft joy'd for the redeem'd from deepeft guilt, 
 As if our race was held of higheft rank, 
 And Godhead dearer as more kind to man, 
 
 Conf % Talk they of morals ? O Thou bleeding Love! 
 The grand morality is love of Thee. 
 
 Ckor. O Thou whofe wounds become hard-favour'd death, 
 Do Thou but keep us near Thy gracious felf ; 
 Then all devouring death do what he dares ; 
 It is enough, we may but call Thee ours, 
 
 Reg. My theme, my infpiration, and my crown ! 
 My ftrength in age, my rife in low eftate ! 
 My foul's ambition, pleafure, wealth, my world ! 
 My boaft thro' time, blifs thro' eternity ! 
 Eternity's too fhort to fpeak Thypraife, 
 Or fathom Thy profound of love to man ! 
 To man, of men the meaneft, ev'n to me ! 
 My Sacrifice ! my God !— what things are thefe I 
 
 Enter Herald, Chiefs, and Conviction. 
 
 Her* Hail Regent and our friends, hail moft dear Manfoul. 
 Reg, O noble Chiefs , fince laft we met, is weeded 
 
 Out 
 
8i 
 
 t)ut of my heart each root of antient malice. 
 
 I was that guilty man, who did rebel 
 
 Again ft His King : I tell you what I was ; 
 
 Since my converfion does fo fweetly tafte, 
 
 Eeing the thing I am, that in a foul 
 
 Regenerate there is a myftery, 
 
 With which relation meddles but in vain ; 
 
 It hath an operation more Divine, 
 
 Than breath or tongue can give expreffion to. 
 
 Her. So fmile our Sovereign on this holy hour 3 
 That after-ones with forrow chide us not. 
 
 Reg. Of Heralds worthieft, whofe offices 
 Have been fo rarely kind, thou haft us brought 
 Precepts from our bleft Sov'reign, that will make 
 Invincible the heart that does them con. 
 
 Boan. Be ftrong and profperous in this refolve. 
 For us, henceforward we will wreftle with you 
 In all our ftrength of love and fupplication. 
 
 Reg. O may I never to this purpofe, which 
 So fairly fhews, dream of impediment. 
 Let each man render me his friendly hand ; 
 Firft, Boanerges, will I fhake with you ; 
 Next, noble Judgment, do I take your hand; 
 Now, Execution, your's; now your's, kind Herald; 
 Tho 5 laft, not leaft in love, Conviclion, your's. 
 Friends am I with you all, and love you all. 
 Farther this aft of grace, and from this hour 
 The heart of brothers govern in our loves, 
 And fway our beft defigns. 
 
 Her. Amen. Amen. 
 
 Reg. And now, O death, we have what mail abate 
 Thy fcythe's keen edge, or more than Gilead's balm 
 To heal thy ftroke. 
 
 l> O Love, 
 
82 
 
 O Love, thou bottomlefs abyfs, 
 My fins are fwallow'd up in Thee ; 
 Covered is my unrighteoufnefs, 
 From condemnation now I'm free ; 
 Whilft blood Divine, thro' earth and flues, 
 Mercy, free boundlefs mercy cries. 
 
 Chor. Mercy, free boundlefs mercy, cries, 
 
 W. Balgin, Printer, Briftol. 
 
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