# The Works of Sir John Suckling in prose and verse/Aglaura

Presented
Written by
LONDON, Printed by T. W. for Humphrey Moseley, and are to be sold at his shop, at the Signe of the Princes Armes in S$^t$. Pauls Churchyard. 1646.
To Sir Iohn Sutlin upon his Aglaura: First, a bloody Tragedy, then by the said Sir Iohn turn'd to a COMEDY
When first I read thy Book, methought each word
Seem'd a short Dagger, and each line a Sword.
Where Women, Men; Good, Bad; Rich, Poore—all dy:
That needs must prove a fatal Tragedy.
But when I find, whom I so late saw slain5 In thy first Book, in this revive again,
I cannot but with others much admire
In humane shape a more than earthly Fire.
So when Prometheus did inform this Clay,
He stole his Fire from heaven. What shall I say?10 First for to Kill, and then to life restore,
This Sutlin did: the Gods can do no more.
PROLOGUE
I've thought upon 't; and cannot tell which way
Ought I can say now should advance the play:
For plays are either good or bad: the good
(If they do beg) beg to be understood;
And, in good faith, that has as bold a sound,5 As if a beggar should ask twenty pound.
—Men have it not about them:
Then, gentlemen, if rightly understood,
The bad do need less prologue than the good;
For, if it chance the plot be lame, or blind,10 Ill-cloth'd, deform'd throughout, it needs must find
Compassion—it is a beggar without art:
But it falls out in penny-worths of wit,
As in all bargains else—men ever get
All they can in; will have London measure,15 A handful over, in their very pleasure.
And now ye have 't, he could not well deny 'ee.
And I dare swear he's scarce a saver by ye.
PROLOGUE TO THE COURT
Those common passions, hopes, and fears, that still,
The poets first, and then the prologues fill
In this our age, he that writ this, by me
Protests against as modest foolery.
He thinks it an odd thing to be in pain5 For nothing else, but to be well again.
Who writes to fear is so: had he not writ,
You ne'er had been the judges of his wit;
And, when he had, did he but then intend
To please himself, he sure might have his end10 Without th' expense of hope; and that he had
That made this play, although the play be bad.
Then, gentlemen, be thrifty: save your dooms
For the next man or the next play that comes;
For smiles are nothing where men do not care,15 And frowns as little where they need not fear.
TO THE KING
This, Sir, to them: but unto Majesty
All he has said before he does deny;
Yet not to Majesty—that were to bring
His fears to be but for the Queen and King,
Not for your selves; and that he dares not say.5 You are his sovereigns another way:
Your souls are princes, and you have as good
A title that way, as ye have by blood,
To govern; and here your power's more great
And absolute than in the royal seat.10 There men dispute, and but by law obey:
Here is no law at all, but what ye say.
Dramatis Personæ
King, in love with Aglaura. Thersames, Prince, in love with Aglaura. Orbella, Queen, at first mistress to Ziriff; in love with Ariaspes. Ariaspes, brother to the King.
Orsames, a young lord anti-Platonic; friend to the Prince. Philan, the same. Semanthe, in love with Ziriff; Platonic. Orithie, in love with Thersames. Pasithas, a faithful servant. Iolina, Aglaura's waiting-woman.
Courtiers.Huntsmen.Priest.Guard.
Scœna, Persia.
AGLAURA
ACT I Scene I Enter Iolas, Iolina
Iol. Married? and in Diana's grove?
Iolin. So was th' appointment, or my sense deceiv'd me.
Iol. Married! Now, by those powers that tie those pretty knots, 'Tis very fine: good faith, 'tis wondrous fine.5
Iolin. What is, brother?
Iol. Why, to marry, sister; T' enjoy 'twixt lawful and unlawful thus A happiness, steal as it were one's own; Diana's grove, sayest thou? [Scratcheth his head
Iolin. That is the place; the hunt once up, and all10 Engaged in the sport, they mean to leave The company, and steal unto those thickets, Where there's a priest attends them.
Iol. And will they lie together, think'st thou?
Iolin. Is there distinction of sex, think you,15 Or flesh and blood?
Iol. True; but the king, sister!
Iolin. But love, brother!
Iol. Thou sayest well; 'tis fine, 'tis wondrous fine! Diana's grove?
Iolin. Yes, Diana's grove; but, brother, If you should speak of this now.
Iol. Why, thou knowest20 A drowning man holds not a thing so fast: Semanthe!
Enter Semanthe; she sees Iolas, and goes in again
She shuns me too!
Iolin. The wound [is] fest'red sure, The hurt the boy gave her, when first she look'd ​Abroad into the world, is not yet cur'd.
Iol. What hurt?
Iolin. Why, know you not25 She was in love long since with young Zorannes, Aglaura's brother, and the now queen's betroth'd?
Iol. Some such slight tale I've heard.
Iolin. Slight! She yet does weep, when she but hears him nam'd,30 And tells the prettiest and the saddest stories Of all those civil wars and those amours, That, trust me, both my lady and myself Turn weeping statues still.
Iol. Pish! 'tis not that. 'Tis Ziriff and his fresh glories here have robb'd35 Me of her: since he thus appear' d in court, My love has languished worse than plants in drought. But time's a good physician. Come, let's in: The king and queen by this time are come forth.
[Exeunt
Scene II
Enter Serving-men to Ziriff
1 Serv. Yonder's a crowd without, as if some strange sight were to be seen to-day here.
2 Serv. Two or three with carbonadoes afore instead of faces mistook the door for a breach, and, at the open- ing of it, are striving still which should enter first.5
3 Serv. Is my lord busy?[Knocks
Enter Ziriff, as in his study
1 Serv. My lord, there are some soldiers without.
Zir. Well, I will despatch them presently.
2 Serv. Th' ambassadors from the Cadusians too.
Zir. Show them the gallery.
3 Serv. One from the king.10
Zir. Again? I come, I come.
[Exeunt Serving-men
Greatness, thou vainer shadow of the prince's beams, Begot by mere reflection, nourish'd in extremes, First taught to creep and live upon the glance, Poorly to fare, till thine own proper strength15 Bring thee to surfeit of thyself at last! How dull a pageant would this states-play seem ​To me now, were not my love and my revenge Mix'd with it!— Three tedious winters have I waited here,20 Like patient chemists, blowing still the coals, And still expecting when the blessed hour Would come, should make me master of The Court Elixir, Power; for that turns all. 'Tis in projection now; down, sorrow, down,25 And swell my heart no more! and thou, wrong'd ghost Of my dead father, to thy bed again, And sleep securely! It cannot be long,—for sure fate must, As it has been cruel, so a while be just.[Exit30
Scene III
Enter King and Lords, the Lords entreating for prisoners
King. I say they shall not live: our mercy Would turn [to] sin, should we but use it e'er. Pity and love the bosses only be Of government, merely for show and ornament. Fear is the bit that man's proud will restrains,5 And makes its vice its virtue.—See it done.
Enter to them Queen, Aglaura, Ladies. The King addresses himself to Aglaura
So early and so curious in your dress, fair mistress? These pretty ambushes and traps for hearts, Set with such care to-day, look like design: Speak, lady, is't a massacre resolv'd?10 Is conquering one by one grown tedious sport? Or is the number of the taken such, That for your safety you must kill outright?
Agl. Did none do greater mischief, sir, than I, Heav'n would not much be troubled with sad story;15 Nor would the quarrel man has to the stars Be ⟨kept⟩ alive so strongly.
King. When he does leave 't, Woman must take it up, and justly too, For robbing of the sex, and giving all to you.
Agl. Their weaknesses you mean and I confess, sir.20
King. The greatest subjects of their power or glory. ​Such gentle rape thou act'st upon my soul, And with such pleasing violence dost force it still, That, when it should resist, it tamely yields, Making a kind of haste to be undone,25 As if the way to victory were loss, And conquest came by overthrow.
Enter an Express, delivering a packet upon his knee. The King reads
Queen [looking upon a flower in one of the Ladies' heads]. Pretty! Is it the child of nature, or of some fair hand?
La. 'Tis as the beauty, madam, of some faces,30 Art's issue only.
King. Thersames, this concerns you most. Brought you her picture?
Exp. Something made up for her in haste I have.
[Presents the picture
King. If she does owe no part of this fair dower Unto the painter, she is rich enough.35
Agl. A kind of merry sadness in this face Becomes it much.
King. There is indeed, Aglaura, A pretty sullenness dress'd up in smiles, That says this beauty can both kill and save. How like you her, Thersames?40
Ther. As well as any man can do a house By seeing of the portal: here's but a face; And faces, sir, are things I have not studied. I have my duty, and may boldly swear, What you like best will ever please me most.45
King. Spoke like Thersames and my son! Come: the day holds fair. Let all the huntsmen meet us in the vale; We will uncouple there.
[Exeunt: Ariaspes stays behind
Ari. How odd a thing a crowd is unto me!50 Sure, nature intended I should be alone. Had not that old doting man-midwife Time Slept when he should have brought me forth, I had Been so too. [Studies and scratches his head
Enter Iolas
Iol. How now, my lord? What, walking o' th[e] tops Of pyramids? Whispering yourself away Like a denied lover? come, to horse, to horse! And I will show you straight a sight shall please you, More than kind looks from her you dote upon60 After a falling out.
Ari. Prithee, what is't?
Iol. I'll tell you as I go.[Exeunt
Scene IV
Enter Huntsmen hallooing and whooping
Hunts. Which way, which way?
Enter Thersames, with Aglaura muffled
[Exeunt
Enter, dogging of them, Ariaspes, Iolas
Iol. Gently, gently!
Enter Orsames, Philan, a Huntsman, two Courtiers
Hunts. No hurt, my lord, I hope?
Ors. None, none: thou wouldst have warranted it to5 another, if I had broke my neck. What! dost think my horse and I show tricks, that, which way soever he throws me, like a tumbler's boy I must fall safe? Was there a bed of roses there? would I were eunuch, if I had not as lief ha' fallen in the state as where I did! the ground10 was as hard as if it had been paved with Platonic ladies' hearts, and this unconscionable fellow asks whether I have no hurt! Where's my horse?
1 Court. Making love to the next mare, I think.
2 Court. Not the next, I assure you: he's gallop'd15 away, as if all the spurs i' th' field were in his sides.
Ors. Why, there it is: the jade's in the fashion too: now h'as done me an injury, he will not come near me! Well, when I hunt next, may it be upon a starv'd cow, without a saddle too; and may I fall into a sawpit, and20 not be taken up but with suspicion of having been private with mine own beast there! Now I better consider on't too, gentlemen, 'tis but the same thing we do at court:
here's every man striving who shall be foremost, and hotly pursuing of what he seldom overtakes; or, if he25 does, it's no great matter.
​Phi. He that's best hors'd, that is, best friended, gets in soonest; and then all he has to do is to laugh at those that are behind. Shall we help you, my lord?
Ors. Prithee, do. Stay! To be in view's to be in30 favour, is it not?
Phi. Right; and he that has a strong faction against him, hunts upon a cold scent, and may in time come to a loss.
Ors. Here's one rides two miles about, while another leaps a ditch, and is in before him.35
Phi. Where note, the indirect way's the nearest!
Ors. Good again!
Phi. And here's another puts on, and falls into a quagmire, that is, follows the court, till he has spent all; for your court quagmire is want of money—there a man is40 sure to stick, and then not one helps him out, if they do not laugh at him.
1 Court. What think you of him that hunts after my rate, and never sees the deer?
2 Court. Why, he is like some young fellow that follows45 the court, and never sees the king.
Ors. To spur a horse, till he is tired, is——
Phi. To importune a friend till he weary of you.
Ors. For then, upon the first occasion, y'are thrown off, as I was now.50
Phi. This is nothing to the catching of your horse, Orsames.
Ors. Thou sayest true: I think he is no transmigrated philosopher, and therefore not likely to be taken with morals. Gentlemen, your help! the next, I hope, will55 be yours; and then 'twill be my turn.[Exeunt
Enter again, married, Thersames and Aglaura, with Priest
Ther. Fear not, my dear! if, when love's diet was Bare looks, and those stol'n too, he yet did thrive, What then will he do now, when every night Will be a feast, and every day fresh revelry?60
Agl. Will he not surfeit, when he once shall come To grosser fare, my lord, and so grow sick? And love once sick, how quickly it will die!
Ther. Ours cannot; 'tis as immortal as the things That elemented it, which were our souls:65 Nor can they e'er impair in health for what These holy rites do warrant us to do, ​More than our bodies would for quenching thirst. Come, let's to horse; we shall be miss'd; for we Are envy's mark, and court eyes carry far.70 Your prayers and silence, sir![To the Priest
[Exeunt
Scene V
Enter Ariaspes, Iolas
Ari. If it succeed, I wear thee here, my Iolas.
Iol. If it succeed? will night succeed the day, Or hours one to another? is not his lust The idol of his soul, and was not she The idol of his lust? As safely he might5 Have stol'n the diadem from off his head, And he would less have miss'd it. You now, my lord, must raise his jealousy: Teach it to look through the false optic, fear, And make it see all double. Tell him, the prince10 Would not have thus presum'd, but that he does Intend worse yet; and that his crown and life Will be the next attempt.
Ari. Right; and I will urge, How dangerous 'tis unto the present state To have the creatures and the followers15 Of the next prince, whom all now strive to please, Too near about him.
Iol. What if the malcontents That use to come unto him, were discovered?
Ari. By no means; for it were in vain to give Him discontent (which, too, must needs be done),20 If they within him gave't not nourishment.
Iol. Well, I'll away first; for the print's too big, If we be seen together.[Exit
Ari. I have so fraught this bark with hope, that it Dares venture now in any storm or weather;25 And, if he sink or splits, all's one to me. 'Ambition seems all things, and yet is none, But in disguise stalks to opinion, And fools it into faith for everything.' 'Tis not with the ascending to a throne30 As 'tis with stairs and steps that are the same: For to a crown each humour's a degree; And, as men change and differ, so must we. The name of virtue doth the people please, ​Not for their love to virtue, but their ease;35 And parrot-rumour I that tale have taught. By making love I hold the woman's grace; 'Tis the court double-key, and entrance gets To all the little plots. The fiery spirits My love to arms hath drawn into my faction:40 All but the minion of the time is mine, And he shall be, or shall not be at all. He that beholds a wing in pieces torn, And knows not that to heav'n it once did bear The high-flown and self-lessening bird, will think45 And call them idle subjects of the wind; When he, that has the skill to imp and bind These in right places, will thus truth discover, That borrowed instruments do oft convey The soul to her propos'd intents, and where50 Our stars deny, art may supply.[Exit
Enter Semanthe, Orithie, Orsames, Philan
Sem. Think you it is not then The little jealousies, my lord, and fears; Joy mix'd with doubt, and doubt reviv'd with hope, That crowns all love with pleasure? these are lost,55 When once we come to full fruition, Like waking in the morning, when all night Our fancy has been fed with some new strange delight.
Ors. I grant you, madam, that the fears and joys, Hopes and desires, mix'd with despairs and doubts,60 Do make the sport in love; [and] that they are The very dogs by which we hunt the hare; But, as the dogs would stop and straight give o'er, Were it not for the little thing before, So would our passions; both alike must be65 Flesh'd in the chase.
Ori. Will you, then, place the happiness but there, Where the dull ploughman and the ploughman's horse Can find it out? Shall souls refin'd not know How to preserve alive a noble flame,70 But let it die—burn out to appetite?
Sem. Love's a chameleon, and would live on air, Physic for agues; starving is his food.
Ors. Why, there it is now! a greater epicure Lives not on earth. My lord and I have been75 In's privy kitchen, seen his bills of fare.
​Sem. And how, and how, my lord?
Ors. A mighty prince, And full of curiosity! Hearts newly slain Serv'd up entire, and stuck with little arrows Instead of cloves.
Phi. Sometimes a cheek plump'd up80 With broth, with cream and claret mingled For sauce, and round about the dish Pomegranate kernels, strew'd on leaves of lilies!
Ors. Then will he have black eyes, for those of late He feeds on much, and for variety85 The grey.
Phi. You forget his cover'd dishes Of jenestrays, and marmalade of lips, Perfum'd by breath sweet as the bean's first blossoms.
Sem. Rare! And what's the drink to all this meat, my lord?90
Ors. Nothing but pearl dissolv'd, tears still fresh fetch'd From lovers' eyes, which, if they come to be Warm in the carriage, are straight cool'd with sighs.
Sem. And all this rich proportion perchance We would allow him.
Ors. True: but therefore this95 Is but his common diet, only serves When his chief cooks, Liking and Opportunity, Are out of the way; for, when he feasts indeed, 'Tis there where the wise people of the world Did place the virtues—i' th' middle, madam.100
Ori. My lord, There is so little hope we should convert you; And, if we should, so little got by it, That we'll not lose so much upon't as sleep. Your lordship's servants. [Prepare to go105
Ors. Nay, ladies, we'll wait upon you to your chambers.
Phi. Prithee, let's spare the compliment: we shall do no good.
Ors. By this hand, I'll try: They keep me fasting, and I must be praying.
[Exeunt
Scene VI
Aglaura undressing herself. Iolina
Agl. Undress me; is it not late, Iolina? It was the longest day this——
Enter Thersames
Ther. Softly, as death Itself comes on, when it does steal away The sick man's breath, and standers-by perceive 't not. Have I trod the way unto these lodgings. How wisely5 Do those powers, that give us happiness, order it, Sending us still fears to bound our joys, Which else would overflow and lose themselves. See where she sits, Like day retir'd into another world.10 Dear mine! where all the beauty man admires In scattered pieces does united lie; Where sense does feast, and yet where sweet desire Lives in its longing, like a miser's eye, That never knew nor saw satiety:15 Tell me, by what approaches must I come To take in what remains of my felicity?
Agl. Needs there any new ones, where the breach Is made already? you are enter'd here, Long since, sir, here, and I have giv'n up all.20
Ther. All but the fort; and, in such wars as these, Till that be yielded up, there is no peace Nor triumph to be made— Come, Undo, undo; and from these envious clouds25 Slide quick into love's proper sphere, thy bed. The weary traveller, whom the busy sun Hath vex'd all day, and scorch'd almost to tinder, Ne'er long'd for night as I have long'd for this. What rude hand is that?30
[One knocks hastily. Iolina goes to the door
Go, Iolina, see, but let none enter——
Iolin. 'Tis Ziriff, sir.
Ther. O! Something of weight hath fallen out, it seems, Which in his zeal he could not keep till morning.35 But one short minute, dear, into that chamber!
[Exit Aglaura
Enter Ziriff
How now? thou start'st as if thy sins had met thee, Or thy father's ghost; what news, man?
Zir. Such as will send the blood of hasty messages Unto the heart, and make it call40 ​All that is man about you into council: Where is the princess, sir?
Ther. Why, what of her?
Zir. The king must have her.
Ther. How?
Zir. The king must have her, sir.
Ther. Though fear of worse makes ill still relish better, And this look handsome in our friendship, Ziriff,45 Yet so severe a preparation There needed not. Come, come, what is't?
[Ziriff leads him to the door, and shows him a guard
A guard! Thersames, thou art lost, Betray'd by faithless and ungrateful man, Out of a happiness.
[He steps between the door and him, and draws
The very thought of that50 Will lend my anger so much noble justice, That, wert thou master of as much fresh life as Thou'st been of villainy, it should not serve, Nor stock thee out to glory or repent The least of it!55
Zir. Put up, put up! such unbecoming anger I have not seen you wear before. What, draw Upon your friend![Discovers himself Do you believe me right now?
Ther. I scarce believe mine eyes! Zorannes?
Zir. The same; but how preserv'd, or why thus long60 Disguis'd, to you a freer hour must speak. That y'are betray'd, is certain; but by whom, Unless the priest himself, I cannot guess, More than the marriage though he knows not of. If you now send her on this early summons,65 Before the sparks are grown into a flame, You do redeem th' offence, or make it less; And, on my life, yet his intents are fair; And he will but besiege, not force affection: So you gain time. If you refuse, there's but70 One way; you know his power and passion.
Ther. Into how strange a labyrinth am I Now fall'n! what shall I do, Zorannes?
Zir. Do, sir, as seamen that have lost their light And way: strike sail, and lie quiet a while.75 Your forces in the province are not yet ​In readiness, nor is our friend Zephines Arriv'd at Delphos; nothing is ripe. Besides——
Ther. Good heav'ns! did I but dream that she was mine? Upon imagination did I climb80 Up to this height? Let me then wake and die! Some courteous hand snatch me from what's to come, And, ere my wrongs have being, give them end!
Zir. How poor and how unlike the prince is this! This trifle, woman, does unman us all;85 Robs us so much, it makes us things of pity. Is this a time to loose our anger in, And vainly breathe it out, when all we have Will hardly fill the sail of Resolution, And make us bear up high enough for action?90
Ther. I have done, sir; pray chide no more; The slave, whom tedious custom has inur'd, And taught to think of misery as of food, Counting it but a necessary of life, And so digesting it, shall not so much as once95 Be nam'd to patience, when I am spoken of. Mark me; for I will now undo myself As willingly as virgins give up all First nights to them they love.[Offers to go out
Zir. Stay, sir: 'twere fit Aglaura yet were kept100 In ignorance. I will dismiss the guard, And be myself again.[Exit
Ther. In how much worse estate am I in now, Than if I ne'er had known her! Privation is A misery as much above bare wretchedness105 As that is short of happiness: So, when the sun does not appear, 'Tis darker, 'cause it once was here.
Re-enter Ziriff. Speaks to Orsames and others half entered
Zir. Nay, gentlemen, There needs no force where there is no resistance:110 I'll satisfy the king myself.
Ther. O! it is well y'are come. There was within me fresh rebellion, And reason was almost unking'd again. But you shall have her, sir.[Goes out to fetch Aglaura115
Zir. What doubtful combats in this noble youth Passion and reason have!
Re-enter Thersames, leading Aglaura
Ther. Here, sir.[Gives her and goes out
Agl. What means the prince, my lord?
Zir. Madam,120 His wiser fear has taught him to disguise His love, and make it look a little rude at parting. Affairs, that do concern all that you hope From happiness, this night force him away; And, lest you should have tempted him to stay,—125 Which he did doubt you would, and would prevail— He left you thus: he does desire by me You would this night lodge in the little tower, Which is in my command: the reasons why Himself will shortly tell you.130
Agl. 'Tis strange, but I am all obedience.[Exeunt
ACT II
Scene I Enter Thersames and Iolas
Iol. I told him so, sir; urg'd 'twas no common knot, That to the tying of it two powerful princes, Virtue and Love, were join'd, and that a greater Than these two was now engaged in't, Religion. But 'twould not do; the cork of passion5 Buoy'd up all reason so, that what was said Swam but o' th' top of th' ear, ne'er reach'd the heart.
Ther. Is there no way for kings to show their power, But in their subjects' wrongs?—no subject neither, But his own son?10
Iol. Right, sir! No quarry for his lust to gorge on, but On what you fairly had flown at and taken? Well, wer't not the king, or wer't indeed not you, That have such hopes, and such a crown to venture—15 And yet, 'tis but a woman.
Ther. How? that but Again, and thou art more injurious Than he, and wou'lt provoke me sooner!
​Iol. Why, sir? There are no altars yet addrest unto her, Nor sacrifice. If I have made her less20 Than what she is, it was my love to you; For in my thoughts and here within I hold her The noblest piece Nature e'er lent our eyes, And of the which all women else are but Weak counterfeits, made up by her journeymen.25 But was this fit to tell you? I know you value but too high all that; And in a loss we should not make things more: 'Tis misery's happiness that we can make It less by art, through a forgetfulness30 Upon our ills. Yet who can do it here, When every voice must needs, and every face, By shewing what she was not, shew what she was?
Ther. I'll instantly unto him.[Draws
Iol. Stay, sir!35 Though't be the utmost of my fortune's hope To have an equal share of ill with you; Yet I could wish we sold this trifle, life, At a far dearer rate than we are like To do, since 'tis a king's the merchant.
Ther. Ha!40 King? Ay, it is indeed; and there's no art Can cancel that high bond.
Iol. [To himself] He cools again. [Aloud] True, sir; and yet, methinks, to know a reason; For passive nature ne'er had glorious end; And he that states' preventions ever learn'd,45 Knows 'tis one motion to strike and to defend.
Enter Serving-man.
Serv. Some of the lords without, and from the king, They say, wait you.
Ther. What subtle state-trick now? But one turn here, and I am back, my lord.[Exit
Iol. This will not do: his resolution's like50 A skilful horseman; and reason is the stirrup, Which, though a sudden shock may make it loose, Yet does it meet it handsomely again. Stay! it must be some sudden fear of wrong ​To her, that may draw on a sudden act55 From him, and ruin from the king; for such A spirit will not, like common ones, be rais'd By every spell: 'tis in love's circle only 'Twill appear.
Enter Thersames
Ther. I cannot bear the burthen of my wrongs60 One minute longer.
Iol. Why! what's the matter, sir?
Ther. They do pretend the safety of the state: Now, nothing but my marriage with Cadusia Can secure th' adjoining country to it; Confinement during life for me, if I65 Refuse Diana's nunnery for her: And at that 'nunn'ry,' lolas, allegiance In me, like the string of a watch wound up Too high, and forc'd above the nick, ran back; And in a moment was unravell'd all.70
Iol. Now, by the love I bear to justice, that 'nunn'ry' Was too severe! When virtuous love's a crime, What man can hope to 'scape a punishment, Or who's indeed so wretched to desire it?
Ther. Right!75
Iol. What answer made you, sir!
Ther. None. They gave me till to-morrow; and e'er that be, Or they or I must know our destiny. Come, friend, let's in; there is no sleeping now;80 For time is short, and we have much to do.[Exeunt
Scene II
Enter Orsames, Philan, Courtiers
Ors. Judge you, gentlemen, if I be not as unfortunate as a gamester thinks himself upon the loss of the last stake; this is the first she I ever swore to heartily; and, by those eyes! I think I had continued unperjur'd a whole month; and that's fair, you'll say.5
1 Court. Very fair.
Ors. Had she not run mad betwixt!
2 Court. How? mad? Who? Semanthe?
Ors. Yea, yea, mad; ask Philan else. People that want clear intervals talk not10 ​So wildly. I'll tell you, gallants; 'tis now, Since first I found myself a little hot And quivering 'bout the heart, some ten days since: A tedious ague, sirs; but what of that? The gracious glance and little whisper past,15 Approaches made from th' hand unto the lip, I came to visit her, and, as you know, we use, Breathing a sigh or two by the way of prologue, Told her that in love's physic 'twas a rule, Where the disease had birth, to seek a cure.20 I had no sooner nam'd love to her, but she Began to talk of flames, and flames Neither devouring nor devour'd, of air And of chameleons.
1 Court. O, the Platonics!
2 Court. Those of the new religion in love!25 Your lordship's merry, troth! how do you like The humour on't?
Ors. As thou would'st like red hair Or leanness in thy mistress, scurvily! 'T does worse with handsomeness than strong desire Could do with impotence—a mere trick30 To enhance the price of kisses!
Phi. Surely these silly women, when they feed Our expectation so high, do but like Ignorant conjurers, that raise a spirit, Which handsomely they cannot lay again.35
Ors. True, 'tis like some that nourish up young lions, till they grow so great they are afraid of themselves: they dare not grant at last, for fear they should not satisfy.
Phi. Who's for the town? I must take up again.40
Ors. This villainous love's as changeable as the philo- sopher's stone, and thy mistress as hard to compass too!
Phi. The Platonic is ever so: they are as tedious before they come to the point, as an old man fall'n into the stories of his youth.45
2 Court. Or a widow into the praises of her first hus- band.
Ors. Well, if she hold out but one month longer, if I do not quite forget I e'er beleaguered there, and remove the siege to another place, may all the curses beguil'd50 virgins loose upon their perjur'd lovers fall upon me.
Phi. And thou wou'lt deserve 'em all.
​Ors. For what?
Phi. For being in the company of those That took away the prince's mistress from him.55
Ors. Peace, that will be redeem'd. I put but on this wildness to disguise myself;— There are brave things in hand: hark i' thy ear.
[Whispers
1 Court. Some severe plot upon a maidenhead! These two young lords make love, as embroiderers work against a60 mask, night and day. They think importunity a nearer way than merit, and take women as schoolboys catch squirrels—hunt 'em up and down, till they are weary, and fall down before 'em.
Ors. Who loves the prince fails not——
Phi. And I am one;65 My injuries are great as thine, and do Persuade as strongly.
Ors. I had command to bring thee: Fail not, and in thine one disguise.
Phi. Why in disguise?
Ors. It is the prince's policy and love; for, if70 We should miscarry, some one taken might Betray the rest, unknown to one another. Each man is safe in his own valour.
2 Court. And what mercer's wife are you to cheapen now instead of his silks?
Ors. Troth! 'tis not so well; 'tis but a cousin of thine:75 Come, Philan, let's along.[Exeunt
Scene III
Enter Queen alone
Orb. What is it thus within whispering remorse, And calls love tyrant? all powers but his Their rigour and our fear have made divine; But every creature holds of him by sense— The sweetest tenure. Yea—but my husband's brother:5 And what of that? do harmless birds or beasts Ask leave of curious Heraldry at all? Does not the womb of one fair spring Bring unto the earth many sweet rivers, That wantonly do one another chase,10 And in one bed kiss, mingle, and embrace? Man (Nature's heir) is not by her will tied ​To shun all creatures are allied unto him; For then she should shun all: since death and life Doubly allies all them that live by breath.15 The air that does impart to all life's brood Refreshment, is so near to itself, and to us all, That all in all is individual. But how am I sure one and the same desire Warms Ariaspes?20 For art can keep alive a bedrid love.
Enter Ariaspes
Ari. Alone, madam, and overcast with thought! Uncloud, uncloud; for, if we may believe The smiles of fortune, love shall no longer pine In prison thus, nor undelivered travail25 With throes of fear and of desire about it. The prince, like to a valiant beast in nets, Striving to force a freedom suddenly, Has made himself at length the surer prey: The king stands only now betwixt, and is30 Just like a single tree, that hinders all The prospect: 'tis but the cutting down of him, And we——
Orb. Why wouldst thou thus embark into strange seas, And trouble Fate for what we have already?35 Thou art to me, what thou now seek'st, a kingdom; And, were thy love as great as thy ambition, I should be so to thee.
Ari. Think you you are not, madam? As well and justly may you doubt the truths Tortur'd or dying men do leave behind them.40 But then my fortune turns my misery, When my addition shall but make you less: Shall I endure that head, that wore a crown, For my sake should wear none? First, let me lose Th' exchequer of my wealth—your love; nay, may45 All that rich treasury you have about you Be rifled by the man I hated, and I look on! Though youth be full of sin, and heaven be just, So sad a doom I hope they keep not for me. Remember what a quick apostasy he made,50 When all his vows were up to heav'n and you. How, ere the bridal torches were burnt out, His flames grew weak and sicklier: think on that: ​Think how unsafe you are, if she should now Not sell her honour at a lower rate55 Than your place in his bed.
Orb. And would not you prove false, too, then?
Ari. By this— And this—love's breakfast! [kisses her] By his feasts, too, yet To come! by all the beauty in this face, Divinity too great to be profan'd!60
Orb. O, do not swear by that; Cankers may eat that flower upon the stalk (For sickness and mischance are great devourers); And, when there is not in these cheeks and lips Left red enough to blush at perjury,65 When you shall make it, what shall I do then?
Ari. Our souls by that time, madam, Will by long custom so acquainted be, They will not need that duller trouch-man, Flesh; But freely, and without those poorer helps,70 Converse and mingle: meantime we'll teach Our loves to speak, not thus to live by signs; And action is his native language, madam.
Enter Ziriff unseen
This box but open'd to the sense will do it.
Orb. I undertake I know not what.
Ari. Thine own safety,75 Dearest: let it be this night, if thou dost love Thyself or me.[Whisper and kiss
Orb. That's very sudden.
Ari. Not If we be so, and we must now be wise: For when their sun sets, ours begin to rise.[Exeunt
Ziriff solus
Zir. Then all my fears are true, and she is false,80 False as a falling star or glowworm's fire. This devil Beauty is compounded strangely: It is a subtle point, and hard to know, Whether it has in it more active tempting, Or [is] more passive tempted;85 So soon it forces, and so soon it yields. Good Gods! she seiz'd my heart, as if from you ​She'd had commission to have us'd me so, And all mankind beside. And see, If the just ocean makes more haste to pay90 To needy rivers what is borrow'd first, Than she to give where she ne'er took. Methinks I feel anger, revenge's harbinger, Chalking up all within, and thrusting out Of doors the tame and softer passions.95 It must be so: To love is noble frailty; but poor sin, When we fall once to love, unlov'd again.[Exit
Scene IV
Enter King, Ariaspes, Iolas
Ari. 'Twere fit your justice did consider, sir, What way it took. If you should apprehend The prince for treason, which he never did, And which, unacted, is unborn— At least 'twill be believed so;—lookers-on5 And the loud-talking crowd will think it all But water-colours laid on for a time, And which, wip'd off, each common eye would see Strange ends through stranger ways.
King. Think'st thou I will compound with treason then,10 And make one fear another's advocate?
Iol. Virtue forbid, sir! but if you would permit Them to approach the room (yet who would advise Treason should come so near?) there would be then No place left for excuse.
King. How strong are they?15
Iol. Weak, considering The enterprise; they are but few in number, And those few, too, having nothing but Their resolutions considerable about them: A troop indeed design'd to suffer what20 They come to execute.
King. Who are they are thus weary of their lives?
Iol. Their names I cannot give you; For those he sent for, he did still receive At a back door, and so dismist them too:25 But I do think Ziriff is one.
King. Take heed! I shall suspect thy hate to others, not ​Thy love to me, begot this service;— This treason, thou thyself dost say, has but An hour's age; and I can give accompt30 Of him beyond that time. Brother, in the little tower, Where now Aglaura's prisoner, you shall find him. Bring him along: He yet doth stand untainted in my thoughts; And to preserve him so, he shall not stir35 Out of my eyes' command, till this great cloud Be over.
Iol. Sir, 'twas the prince, who first——
King. I know all that. Urge it no more! I love the man; and 'tis with pain We do suspect, where we do not dislike.40 Thou'rt sure he will have some, and that they will come To-night?
Iol. As sure as night will come itself.
King. Get all your guards in readiness; we will ourself Disperse them afterwards; and both be sure To wear your thoughts within: I'll act the rest.[Exeunt45
Scene V
Enter Philan, Orsames, Courtiers
2 Court. Well, if there be not some great storm towards, Ne'er trust me; Whisper (Court-thunder) is in Every corner, and there has been to-day About the town a murmuring and buzzing, Such as men use to make when they do fear5 To vent their fears.
1 Court. True, and all the statesmen Hang down their heads, like full-ear'd corn; two of them, Where I supp'd, ask'd what time of night it was, And, when 'twas told them, started, as if they Had been to run a race.
2 Court. The king, too (if10 You mark him), doth feign mirth and jollity; But, through them both, flashes of discontent And anger make escapes.
Ors. Gentlemen! 'tis pity heav'n Design'd you not to make the almanacs.15 You guess so shrewdly by the ill aspects, Or near conjunctions of the great ones, At what's to come still, that without all doubt ​The country had been govern'd wholly by you, And plough'd and reap'd accordingly. For me,20 I understand this mystery as little As the new love; and as I take it, too, 'Tis much about the time that everything But owls and lovers take their rest. Good-night, Philan. Away![Exit25
1 Court. 'Tis early yet; let's go on the queen's side, And fool a little; I love to warm myself, Before I go to bed; it does beget Handsome and sprightly thoughts, and makes our dreams Half-solid pleasures.30
2 Court. Agreed.[Exeunt
ACT III
Scene I
Enter Prince, Conspirators
Ther. Couldst thou not find out Ziriff?
1 Court. Not speak with him, my lord; yet I sent in By several men.
Ors. I wonder Iolas meets us not here, too.
Ther. 'Tis strange, but let's on now howe'er;5 When fortunes, honour, life, and all's in doubt, Bravely to dare is bravely to get out.
[Excursions. The Guard upon them
Ther. Betray'd! betray'd!
Ors. Shift for yourself, sir, and let us alone; We will secure your way, and make our own.[Exeunt10
Enter the King and Lords
King. Follow, lords, and see quick execution done; Leave not a man alive. Who treads on fire, and does not put it out, Disperses fear in many sparks of doubt.[Exeunt
Re-enter Conspirators, and the Guard upon them
Ors. Stand, friends: an equal party.15
Phi. Brave Orsames, 'tis pleasure to die near thee.
Ors. Talk not of dying, Philan; we will live, And serve the noble prince again. ​We are alone: off, then, with thy disguise, And throw it in the bushes——20 Quick, quick, before the torrent comes upon us! We shall be straight good subjects; and I despair not Of reward for this night's service. So, we two Now kill'd our friends! 'tis hard, but 't must be so.
Enter Ariaspes, Iolas, two Courtiers, part of the Guard
Ari. Follow, follow!25
Ors. Yes, so you may now; y'are not likely to overtake.
Iol. Orsames and Philan! how came you hither?
Ors. The nearest way, it seems; you follow'd, thank you, As if 't had been through quicksets.
Iol. 'Sdeath, have they all escap'd?30
Ors. Not all: Two of them we made sure; but they cost dear: Look here else.
Ari. Is the prince there?
Phi. They are both princes, I think: they fought like princes, I am sure.
[Iolas pulls off the vizors
Iol. Stephines and Odiris.35 We trifle: which way took the rest?
Ors. Two of them are certainly hereabouts.
Ari. Upon my life, they swam the river. Some, straight to horse, and follow o'er the bridge! [To Iolas] You and I, my lord, will search this place a little better.40
Ors. Your highness will, I hope, remember who were the men were in——
Ari. O, fear not, your mistress shall know y'are valiant.
Ors. Philan, if thou lov'st me, let's kill them upon the place.
Phi. Fie, thou now art wild indeed! Thou taught'st me to be wise first, and I will now keep thee so. Follow,45 follow.[Exeunt
Scene II
Enter Aglaura with a lute
The Prince comes and knocks within
Ther. Madam!
Agl. What wretch is this that thus usurps Upon the privilege of ghosts, and walks At midnight?
Ther. Aglaura!
​Agl. Betray me not, My willing sense, too soon; yet, if that voice Be false——5
Ther. Open, fair saint, and let me in!
Agl. It is the prince. As willingly as those That cannot sleep do light—— Welcome, sir. [Opens] Welcome above.
[Spies his sword drawn
Bless me! What means this unsheath'd minister of death?10 If, sir, on me quick justice be to pass, Why this? Absence, alas! or such strange looks As you now bring with you, would kill as soon.
Ther. Softly! for I, like a hard-hunted deer, Have only herded here; and, though the cry15 Reach not our ears, yet am I follow' d close: O my heart! since I saw thee Time has been strangely active, and begot A monstrous issue of unheard-of story: Sit; thou shalt have it all! nay, sigh not:20 Such blasts will hinder all the passage. Dost thou remember how we parted last?
Agl. Can I forget it, sir?
Ther. That word of parting was ill-plac'd, I swear. It may be ominous; but dost thou know25 Into whose hands I gave thee?
Agl. Yes, into Ziriff's, sir.
Ther. That Ziriff was thy brother, brave Zorannes, Preserv'd by miracle in that sad day Thy father fell, and since, thus in disguise Waiting his just revenge.
Agl. You do amaze me, sir.30
Ther. And must do more, when I tell all the story. The king, the jealous king, knew of the marriage; And, when thou thought'st thyself by my direction, Thou wert his prisoner. Unless I would renounce all right, and cease35 To love thee—O strange and fond request!—immur'd Thou must have been in some sad place, and lock'd For ever from Thersames' sight, for ever! And, that unable to endure, this night 1 did attempt his life.
Agl. Was it well done, sir?40
Ther. O no! extremely ill! For to attempt and not to act was poor. ​Here the dead-doing law (like ill-paid soldiers) Leaves the side 'twas on to join with power. Royal villainy now will look so like to justice,45 That the times to come and curious posterity Will find no difference. Weep'st thou, Aglaura? Come to bed, my love; And we will there mock tyranny and fate: Those softer hours of pleasure and delight50 That, like so many single pearls, should have Adorn'd our thread of life, we will at once, By love's mysterious power and this night's help. Contract to one, and make but one rich draught Of all.55
Agl. What mean you, sir?
Ther. To make myself incapable of misery, By taking strong preservatives of happiness: I would this night enjoy thee.
Agl. Do, sir, do what you will with me;60 For I am too much yours to deny the right, However claim'd; but——
Ther. But what, Aglaura?
Agl. Gather Not roses in a wet and frowning hour: They'll lose their sweets then, trust me they will, sir. What pleasure can love take to play his game out,65 When death must keep the stakes?——[A noise without Hark, sir! Grave-bringers and last minutes are at hand: Hide, hide yourself; for love's sake, hide yourself!
Ther. As soon the sun may hide himself as I.70 The Prince of Persia hide himself!
Agl. O, talk not, sir; the sun does hide himself, When night and blackness comes.
Ther. Never, sweet ignorance, he shines in th' other world then; And so shall I, if I set here in glory.75 Enter, ye hasty seekers of life!
[Opens the door. Enter Ziriff
Zorannes!
Agl. My brother! If all the joy within me come not out, To give a welcome to so dear an object,80 Excuse it, sir; sorrow locks up all doors.
Zir. If there be such a toy about you, sister, ​Keep 't for yourself, or lend it to the prince: There is a dearth of that commodity; And you have made it, sir.85 Now, What is the next mad thing you mean to do? Will you stay here? when all the court's beset, Like to a wood at a great hunt, and busy mischief hastes To be in view, and have you in her power——90
Ther. To me all this? For great grief's deaf, as well as it is dumb, And drives no trade at all with counsel. Sir, Why do you not tutor one that has the plague, And see if he will fear an after-ague-fit;95 Such is all mischief now to me, there is none left Is worth a thought: death is the worst I know; And that, compar'd to shame, does look more lovely now Than a chaste mistress set by common woman; And I must court it, sir?
Zir. No wonder, if100 That heav'n forsake us when we leave ourselves: What is there done should feed such high despair? Were you but safe——
Agl. Dear sir, be rul'd; If love be love, and magic too,105 As sure it is, where it is true; We then shall meet in absence, and, in spite Of all divorce, freely enjoy together What niggard fate thus peevishly denies.
Ther. Yea: but, if pleasures be themselves but dreams,110 What then are the dreams of these to men? That monster, Expectation, will devour All that is within our hope or power, And ere we once can come to show how rich We are, we shall be poor, shall we not, Zorannes?115
Zir. I understand not this. In times of envious penury, such as these are, To keep but love alive is fair; we should Not think of feasting him. Come, sir: Here in these lodgings is a little door,120 That leads unto another; that again Unto a vault that has his passage under The little river, opening into the wood; From thence 'tis but some few minutes' easy business Unto a servant's house of mine, who, for125 ​His faith and honesty, hereafter must Look big in story. There you are safe, however; And, when this storm has met a little calm, What wild desire dares whisper to itself You may enjoy, and at the worst may steal.130
Ther. What shall become of thee, Aglaura, then? Shall I leave thee their rage's sacrifice? And, like dull seamen threaten'd with a storm, Throw all away I have to save myself?
Agl. Can I be safe, when you are not, my lord?135 Knows love in us divided happiness? Am I the safer for your being here? Can you give that you have not for yourself? My innocence is my best guard, and that your stay, Betraying it unto suspicion, takes away.140 If you did love me——
Ther. Grows that in question? then 'tis time to part!
[Kisses her
When we shall meet again, heaven only knows; And, when we shall, I know we shall be old. Love does not calculate the common way;145 Minutes are hours there, and the hours are days; Each day's an year, and every year an age. What will this come to, think you?
Zir. Would this were all the ill! For these are pretty little harmless nothings.150 Time's horse runs full as fast, hard-borne and curb'd, As in his full career, loose rein'd and spurr'd. Come, come, let's away.
Ther. Happiness such as men, lost in misery, Would wrong in naming, 'tis so much above them,155 All that I want of it, all you deserve, Heaven send you in my absence!
Agl. And misery, such as witty malice would Lay out in curses on the thing it hates, Heaven send me in the stead, if when y'are gone160
[Leads him out, and enters up out of the vault
I welcome it but for your sake alone.[Exit
Zir. Stir not from hence, sir, till you hear from me: So, good-night, dear prince.
Ther. Good-night, dear friend.
Zir. When next we meet, all this will but advance— Joy never feasts so high,165 As when the first course is of misery.[Exeunt
ACT IV
Scene I
Enter three or four Courtiers
1 Court. By this light, a brave prince! He made no more of the guard, than they would of a tailor on a masque-night, that has refused trusting before.
2 Court. He's as active as he is valiant too. Didst mark him how he stood like all the points o' th' compass,5 and, as good pictures, had his eyes towards every man?
3 Court. And his sword too. All th' other side walk up and down the court now as if they had lost their way, and stare like greyhounds, when the hare has taken the10 furze.
1 Court. Right; and have more troubles about 'em than a serving-man, that has forgot his message, when he's come upon the place.
2 Court. Yonder's the king within, chafing and swear-15 ing like an old falconer upon the first flight of a young hawk, when some clown has taken away the quarry from her; and all the lords stand round him as if he were to be baited, with much more fear and at much more distance than a country gentlewoman sees the lions the20 first time. Look, he's broke loose!
Enter King and Lords
King. Find him! Or, by Osiris' self, you are all traitors, And equally shall pay to justice. A single man, and guilty too, break through you all!25
Enter Ziriff
Zir. Confidence, Thou paint of women and the statesman's wisdom, Valour of cowards, and the guilty's innocence, Assist me now! [To the king] Sir, send these starers off. I have some business will deserve your privacy.30
King. Leave us.
Iol. How the villain swells upon us![Exeunt Lords
Zir. Not to punish thought, Or keep it long upon the rack of doubt, Know, sir, that, by corruption of the waiting-woman,35 ​The common key of secrets, I have found The truth at last, and have discover'd all. The prince, your son, was, by Aglaura's means, Convey'd last night unto the cypress grove, Through a close vault that opens in the lodgings.40 He does intend to join with Carimania; But, ere he goes, resolves to finish all The rites of love, and this night means to steal What is behind.
King. How good is heav'n unto me, That, when it gave me traitors for my subjects,45 Would lend me such a servant!
Zir. How just, sir, rather, That would bestow this fortune on the poor; And, where your bounty had made debt so infinite That it grew desperate, their hope to pay it——
King. Enough of that! Thou dost but gently chide50 Me for a fault that I will mend; for I Have been too poor and low in my rewards Unto thy virtue. But to our business: The question is, whether we shall rely Upon our guards again?
Zir. By no means, sir.55 Hope on his future fortunes, or their love Unto his person, has so sicklied o'er Their resolutions, that we must not trust them. Besides, it were but needless here: He passes through the vault alone, and I60 Myself durst undertake that business, If that were all; but there is something else This accident doth prompt my zeal to serve you in. I know you love Aglaura, sir, with passion, And would enjoy her; I know besides65 She loves him so, that whosoe'er shall bring The tidings of his death must carry back The news of hers; so that your justice, sir, Must rob your hope. But there is yet a way——
King. Here, take my heart, for I have hitherto70 Too vainly spent the treasure of my love. I'll have it coin'd straight into friendship all, And make a present to thee.
Zir. If any part of this rich happiness Fortune prepares now for you, shall owe itself75 Unto my weak endeavours, I have enough. ​Aglaura without doubt this night expects The prince; and why You should not then supply his place by stealth, And in disguise——
King. I apprehend thee, Ziriff;80 But there's difficulty.
Zir. Who trades in love must be an adventurer, sir; But here Is scarce enough to make the pleasure dearer: I know the cave: your brother and myself85 With Iolas (for those, w'are sure, do hate him), With some few chosen more, betimes will wait The prince's passing through the vault: if he Comes first, he's dead; and, if it be yourself, We will conduct you to the chamber door,90 And stand 'twixt you and danger afterwards.
King. I have conceiv'd of joy, and am grown great; Till I have safe deliverance, time's a cripple And goes on crutches. As for thee, my Ziriff, I do here entertain a friendship with thee,95 Shall drown the memory of all patterns past. We will oblige by turns, and that so thick And fast, that curious studiers of it Shall not once dare to cast it up, or say By way of guess, whether thou or I100 Remain the debtors when we come to die.[Exeunt
Scene II
Enter Semanthe, Orithie, Philan, Orsames, Lords and Ladies
Ori. Is the Queen ready to come out?
Phi. Not yet: Sure, the king's brother is but newly enter'd.
Sem. Come, my lord, the song then.
Ori. The song.
Ors. A vengeance take this love! it spoils a voice5 Worse than the losing of a maidenhead. I have got such a cold with rising and walking in my shirt a-nights, that a bittern whooping in a reed is better music.
Ori. This modesty becomes you as ill, my lord, As wooing would us women:10 Pray, put's not to't.
​Ors. Nay, ladies, you shall find me As free as the musicians of the woods Themselves: what I have, you shall not need to call for; Nor shall it cost you anything.
Song
Why so pale and wan, fond lover?15 Prithee, why so pale?
Will, when looking well can't move her,
Looking ill prevail?
Prithee, why so pale?
Why so dull and mute, young sinner?20 Prithee, why so mute?
Will, when speaking well can't win her,
Saying nothing do't?
Prithee, why so mute?
Quit, quit, for shame, this will not move:25 This cannot take her.
If of herself she will not love,
Nothing can make her:
The devil take her!
Ori. I should have guess'd, it had been the issue of30 Your brain, if I had not been told so.
Ors. A little foolish counsel, madam, I gave A friend of mine four or five years ago, When he was falling into a consumption.
Enter Queen
Orb. Which of all you have seen the fair prisoner,35 Since she was confin'd?
Sem. I have, madam.
Orb. And how behaves she now herself?
Sem. As one that had intrench'd so deep in innocence, She fear'd no enemies, bears all quietly,40 And smiles at Fortune whilst she frowns on her.
Orb. So gallant? I wonder where the beauty lies, that thus Inflames the royal blood.
Ori. Faces, madam, are Like books; those that do study them know best;45 And, to say truth, 'tis still much as it pleases The Courteous Reader.
​Orb. These lovers sure are like astronomers, That, when the vulgar eye discovers but A sky above, studded with some few stars,50 Find out, besides, strange fishes, birds, and beasts.
Sem. As men in sickness, scorch'd into a raving, Do see the devil in all shapes and forms, When standers-by, wondering, ask where and when, So they in love; for all's but fever there,55 And madness too.
Orb. That's too severe, Semanthe; But we will have your reasons in the park: Are the doors open through the gardens?
Lord. The king has newly led the way.[Exeunt
Scene III
Enter Ariaspes, and Ziriff with a warrant sealed
Ari. Thou art a tyrant, Ziriff: I shall die With joy.
Zir. I must confess, my lord, had but The prince's ills proved slight, and not thus dangerous He should have ow'd to me—at least I would5 Have laid a claim unto his safety; and, Like physicians that do challenge right In nature's cures, look'd for reward and thanks; But, since 'twas otherwise, I thought it best To save myself, and then to save the state.10
Ari. 'Twas wisely done.
Zir. Safely, I'm sure, my lord! you know 'tis not Our custom, where the king's dislike once swells To hate, there to engage ourselves. Court friendship Is a cable, that in storms is ever cut;15 And I made bold with it. Here is the warrant seal'd; And, for the execution of it, if You think we are not strong enough, we may Have Iolas; for him the king did name.
Ari. And him I would have nam'd.20
Zir. But is he not too much the prince's, sir?
Ari. He is as lights in scenes at masques: What glorious show soe'er he makes without, I, that set him there, know why and how. But here he is.25
Enter Iolas.
Come, Iolas; and since the heav'ns decreed The man, whom thou shouldst envy, should be such That all men else must do't, be not asham'd Thou once wert guilty of it; But bless them, that they give thee now a means30 To make a friendship with him, and vouchsafe To find thee out a way to love, where well Thou couldst not hate.
Iol. What means my lord?
Ari. Here, here he stands that has preserv'd us all;35 That sacrific'd unto a public good The dearest private good we mortals have, Friendship; gave into our arms the prince, When nothing but the sword, perchance a ruin, Was left to do it.40
Iol. How could I chide my love and my ambition now, That thrust me upon such a quarrel? Here I do vow——
Zir. Hold, do not vow, my lord! Let it deserve it first, and yet (if Heav'n45 Bless honest men's intents) 'tis not impossible. My lord, You will be pleas'd to inform him in particulars. I must be gone. The King, I fear, already has been left50 Too long alone.
Ari. Stay: the hour and place.
Zir. Eleven, under the Terrace Walk; I will not fail you there.[Goes out, returns back again I had forgot: 't may be, the small remainder55 Of those lost men, that were of the conspiracy, Will come along with him: 'twere best to have Some chosen of the guard within our call.[Exit Ziriff
Ari. Honest and careful Ziriff![Iolas stands musing How now, planet-struck?
Iol. This Ziriff will grow great with all the world.60
Ari. Shallow man, Short-sighteder than travellers in mists, Or women that outlive themselves, dost thou Not see that whilst he does prepare a tomb With one hand for his friend, he digs a grave65 With th' other for himself?
​Iol. How so?
Ari. Dost think he shall not feel the weight of this, As well as poor Thersames?
Iol. Shall we then kill him, too, at the same instant?70
Ari. And say the prince made an unlucky thrust.
Iol. Right.
Ari. Dull, dull, he must not die so uselessly. As when we wipe off filth from any place, We throw away the thing that made it clean;75 So, this once done, he's gone. Thou know'st The people love the prince: to their rage something The state must offer up. Who fitter than Thy rival and my enemy?80
Iol. Rare! Our witness will be taken.
Ari. Pish! let me Alone. The giants that made mountains ladders, And thought to take great love by force, were fools: Not hill on hill, but plot on plot, does make85 Us sit above, and laugh at all below us.[Exeunt
Scene IV
Enter Aglaura and a Singing Boy
Boy. Madam, 'twill make you melancholy, I'll sing the prince's song; that's sad enough.
Agl. What you will, sir.
Song
No, no, fair heretic, it needs must be
But an ill love in me,5 And worse for thee.
For were it in my power,
To love thee now this hour
More than I did the last;
'Twould then so fall,10 I might not love at all.
Love that can flow, and can admit increase,
Admits as well an ebb, and may grow less.
True love is still the same: the torrid zones,
And those more frigid ones,15 It must not know;
For love, grown cold or hot,
Is lust or friendship, not
The thing we have:
For that's a flame would die,20 Held down or up too high.
Then think I love more than I can express,
And would love more, could I but love thee less.
Agl. Leave me, for to a soul so out of tune, As mine is now, nothing is harmony:25 When once the mainspring, Hope, is fall'n into Disorder; no wonder if the lesser wheels, Desire and Joy, stand still: my thoughts, like bees, When they have lost their king, wander Confusedly up and down, and settle nowhere.30
Enter Orithie
Orithie, fly, fly the room, As thou wouldst shun the habitations Which spirits haunt, or where thy nearer friends Walk after death! Here is not only love, But love's plague too, misfortune; and so high,35 That it is sure infectious.
Ori. Madam, So much more miserable am I this way Than you, that, should I pity you, I should Forget myself: my sufferings are such,40 That with less patience you may endure Your own, than give mine audience. There is that difference, that you may make Yours none at all, but by considering mine.
Agl. O, speak them quickly then: the marriage-day45 To passionate lovers never was more welcome, Than any kind of ease would be to me now.
Ori. Could they be spoke, they were not then so great. I love, and dare not say I love; dare not hope What I desire, yet still too must desire;50 And, like a starving man brought to a feast, And made say grace to what he ne'er shall taste, Be thankful after all, and kiss the hand, That made the wound thus deep.
Agl. 'Tis hard indeed; But, with what unjust scales thou took'st the weight55 ​Of our misfortunes, be thine own judge now. Thou mourn'st for loss of that thou never hadst; Or, if thou hadst a loss, it never was Of a Thersames. Wouldst thou not think a merchant mad, Orithie,60 If thou shouldst see him weep and tear his hair, Because he brought not both the Indies home? And wouldst not think his sorrows very just, If, having fraught his ship with some rich treasure, He sunk i' th' very port? This is our case.65
Ori. And do you think there is such odds in it? Would heaven we women could as easily change Our fortunes as, 'tis said, we can our minds. I cannot, madam, think them miserable, That have the prince's love.
Agl. He is the man, then.70 Blush not, Orithie: 'tis a sin to blush For loving him, though none at all to love him. I can admit of rivalship without A jealousy, nay, shall be glad of it: We two will sit, and think, and sigh,75 And sigh, and talk of love and of Thersames. Thou shalt be praising of his wit, while I Admire he governs it so well; Like this thing said thus, th' other thing thus done; And in good language him for these adore,80 While I want words to do't, yet do it more. Thus will we do till death itself shall us Divide; and then whose fate't shall be to die First of the two, by legacy shall all Her love bequeath, and give her stock to her85 That shall survive; for no one stock can serve To love Thersames so as he'll deserve.
Enter King and Ziriff
King. What, have we here impossibility? A constant night, and yet within the room That, that can make the day before the sun!90 Silent, Aglaura, too?
Agl. I know not what you say. Is't to your pity or your scorn I owe The favour of this visit, sir? for such My fortune is, it doth deserve them both.95
King. And such thy beauty is, that it makes good ​All fortunes: sorrow looks lovely here; And there's no man that would not entertain His griefs as friends, were he but sure they'd shew No worse upon him.100 But I forget myself: I came to chide.
Agl. If I have sinn'd so high, That yet my punishment equals not my crime, Do, sir. I should be loth to die in debt to justice,105 How ill soe'er I paid the scores of love.
King. And those indeed thou hast but paid indifferently To me. I did deserve at least fair death, Not to be murthered thus in private. That was too cruel, mistress.110 And I do know thou dost repent, and wilt Yet make me satisfaction.
Agl. What satisfaction, sir? I am no monster, never had two hearts: One is by holy vows another's now;115 And, could I give it you, you would not take it: For 'tis alike impossible for me To love again, as you love perjury. O sir, consider what a flame love is! If by rude means you think to force a light,120 That of itself it would not freely give, You blow it out, and leave yourself i' th' dark. The prince once gone, you may as well persuade The light to stay behind, when the sun posts To th' other world, as me. Alas! we two125 Have mingled souls more than two meeting brooks; And, whosoever is design'd to be The murtherer of my lord (as sure there is Has anger'd heav'n so far, that 't has decreed Him to increase his punishment that way),130 Would he but search the heart, when he has done, He there would find Aglaura murther'd too.
King. Thou hast o'ercome me, mov'd so handsomely For pity, that I will disinherit The elder brother, and from this hour be135 Thy convert, not thy lover. Ziriff, despatch! Away! And he that brings News of the prince's weliare, look that he have The same reward we had decreed to him Brought tidings of his death.140 ​'T must be a busy and bold hand, that would Unlink a chain the gods themselves have made: Peace to thy thoughts, Aglaura.[Exit
Zir. [steps back and speaks]. Whate'er he says, believe him not, Aglaura; For lust and rage ride high within him now:145 He knows Thersames made th' escape from hence, And does conceal it only for his ends; For, by the favour of mistake and night, He hopes t' enjoy thee in the prince's room. I shall be miss'd, else I would tell thee more;150 But thou mayest guess, for our condition Admits no middle ways: either we must Send them to graves, or lie ourselves in dust.
[Exit. Aglaura stands still and studies
Agl. Ha! 'Tis a strange act thought puts me now upon;155 Yet sure my brother meant the self-same thing, And my Thersames would have done't for me: To take his life, that seeks to take away The life of life—honour—from me, and from The world the life of honour—Thersames,160 Must needs be something, sure, of kin to justice. If I do fail, th' attempt howe'er was brave; And I shall have at worst a handsome grave.[Exit
Scene V
Enter Iolas on one side, Semanthe on the other: she steps back, Iolas stays her
Iol. What! are we grown, Semanthe, night and day? Must one still vanish, when the other comes? Of all that ever love did yet bring forth (And 't has been fruitful too) this is The strangest issue.5
Sem. What, my lord?
Iol. Hate, Semanthe.
Sem. You do mistake; if I do shun you, 'tis As bashful debtors shun their creditors. I cannot pay you in the self-same coin,10 And am asham'd to offer any other.
Iol. It is ill done, Semanthe, to plead bankrupt, When with such ease you may be out of debt. ​In love's dominions native commodity Is current payment: change is all the trade,15 And heart for heart the richest merchandise.
Sem. 'Twould here be mean, my lord, since mine would prove In your hands but a counterfeit, and yours in mine Worth nothing. Sympathy, not greatness, makes Those jewels rise in value.20
Iol. Sympathy? O, teach but yours to love, then; And two so rich no mortal ever knew.
Sem. That heart would love but ill that must be taught: Such fires as these still kindle of themselves.
Iol. In such a cold and frozen place as is25 Thy breast, how should they kindle of themselves, Semanthe?
Sem. Ask how the flint can carry fire within! 'Tis the least miracle that love can do.
Iol. Thou art thyself the greatest miracle;30 For thou art fair to all perfection, And yet dost want the greatest part of beauty— Kindness. Thy cruelty (next to thyself) Above all things on earth takes up my wonder.
Sem. Call not that cruelty, which is our fate.35 Believe me, Iolas, the honest swain, That from the brow of some steep cliff far off Beholds a ship labouring in vain against The boisterous and unruly elements, ne'er had Less power or more desire to help than I.40 At every sigh I die; and every look Does move; and any passion you will have But love, I have in store. I will be angry, Quarrel with destiny and with myself, That it is no better: be melancholy;45 And (though mine own disasters well might plead To be in chief) yours only shall have place. I'll pity, and (if that's too low) I'll grieve, As for my sins, I cannot give you ease. All this I do; and this I hope will prove,50 'Tis greater torment not to love than love.[Exit
Iol. So perishing sailors pray to storms, and so They hear again. So men, with death about them, Look on physicians, that have given them o'er; And so they turn away. Two fixed stars,55 That keep a constant distance, and, by laws ​Made with themselves, must know no motion Eccentric, may meet as soon as we. The anger that the foolish sea does show, When it does brave it out, and roar against60 A stubborn rock that still denies it passage, Is not so vain and fruitless as my prayers. Ye mighty powers of love and fate, where is Your justice here? It is thy part, fond boy, When thou dost find one wounded heart, to make65 The other so; but, if thy tyranny Be such, that thou wilt leave one breast to hate; If we must live, and this survive, How much more cruel's fate?[Exit
ACT V
Scene I
Enter Ziriff, Ariaspes, Iolas
Iol. A glorious night!
Ari. Pray heav'n it prove so! Are we not there yet?
Zir. 'Tis about this hollow.[Enter the cave
Ari. How now! what region are we got into? Th' inheritance of night!5 Are we not mistaken a turning, Ziriff, And stept into some melancholy devil's territory? Sure 'tis a part of the first Chaos, that would Endure no change.
Zir. No matter, sir: 'tis as proper for our purpose,10 As the lobby for the waiting-woman's. Stay you here: I'll move a little backward; And so we shall be sure to put him past Retreat. You know the word, if't be the prince.
[Goes to the mouth of the cave
Enter King
Here, sir, follow me, all's quiet yet.15
King. He's not come, then?
Zir. No.
King. Where's Ariaspes?
Zir. Waiting within.
Nor this fellow's leaving us.
Ari. This place does put odd thoughts into thee. Then, Thou art in thine own nature, too, as jealous20 As either love or honour. Come, wear thy sword in readiness, and think How near we are a crown.
Zir. Revenge! So, Let's drag him to the light, and search his pockets:25 There may be papers there, that will discover The rest of the conspirators. Iolas, Your hand![Draws out the King's body
Iol. Whom have we here? the king?
Zir. Yes, and Zorannes Too. Hallo, ho![Enter Pasithas and others30 Unarm them. D'ye stare? This for my father's injuries and mine!
[Points to the King's dead body
Half love, half duty's sacrifice! this for The noble prince, an offering to friendship!35
[Runs at Iolas
Iol. Basely! and tamely——[Dies
Ari. What hast thou done?
Zir. Nothing! kill'd a traitor. So, away with them, and leave us. Pasithas, Be only you in call.
Ari. What, dost thou pause?40 Hast thou remorse already, murtherer?
Zir. No, fool: 'tis but a difference I put Betwixt the crimes: Orbella is our quarrel; And I do hold it fit, that love should have A nobler way of justice than revenge45 Or treason. Follow me out of the wood, And thou shalt be master of this again: And then best arm and title take.
[They go out and enter again
There![Gives him his sword
Ari. Extremely good! Nature took pains, I swear: The villain and the brave are mingled handsomely.50
Zir. 'Twas fate that took it, when it decreed We two should meet, nor shall they mingle now: We are brought together straight to part.[They fight
Ari. Some devil, sure, has borrowed this shape.[Pause ​My sword ne'er stay'd thus long to find an entrance.55
Zir. To guilty men all that appears is devil; Come, trifler, come.[Fight again. Ariaspes falls
Ari. Whither, whither, Thou fleeting coward life? Bubble of time, Nature's shame, stay a little, stay, till I60 Have look'd myself into revenge, and star'd This traitor to a carcass first! It will not be——[Falls The crown, The crown, too,65 Now is lost, for ever lost. O! ambition's but an ignis fatuus, I see, misleading fond mortality, That hurries us about, and sets us down Just—where—we—first—begun——[Dies70
Zir. What a great spreading mighty thing this was, And what a nothing now! how soon poor man Vanishes into his noontide shadow! But hopes o'erfed have seldom better done.[Halloes
Re-enter Pasithas
Take up this lump of vanity and honour,75 And carry it the back way to my lodging; There may be use of statesmen when they're dead: So. For the Citadel now; for in such times As these, when the unruly multitude Is up in swarms, and no man knows which way80 They'll take, 'tis good to have retreat.[Exeunt
Enter Thersames
Ther. The dog-star's got up high: it should be late; And sure by this time every waking ear And watchful eye is charm'd; and yet methought A noise of weapons struck my ear just now!85 'Twas but my fancy, sure; and, were it more, I would not tread one step that did not lead To my Aglaura, stood all his guard betwixt, With lightning in their hands. Danger! thou dwarf dress'd up in giant's clothes,90 That shew'st far off still greater than thou art, Go, terrify the simple and the guilty, such As with false optics still do look upon thee. But fright not lovers: we dare look on thee ​In thy worst shape, and meet thee in them too.95 Stay. These trees I made my mark; 'tis hereabouts. Love, guide me but right this night, And lovers shall restore thee back again Those eyes the poets took so boldly from thee.[Exit100
Scene II
Aglaura discovered, with a torch in one hand, and a dagger in the other
Agl. How ill This does become this hand: how much the worse This suits with this! one of the two should go. The she within me says, it must be this: Honour says this; and honour is Thersames' friend.5 What is that she then? it is not a thing That sets a price, not upon me, but on Life in my name, leading me into doubt, Which, when't has done, it cannot light me out. For fear does drive to fate; or fate, if we10 Do fly, o'ertakes, and holds us, till or death Or infamy, or both, doth seize us.[Puts out the light Ha! would 'twere in again! Antics and strange misshapes, Such as the porter to my soul, mine eye,15 Was ne'er acquainted with, fancy lets in, Like a distracted multitude, by some Strange accident piec'd together! Fear now afresh comes on, and charges love Too home. He comes! he comes!20 Woman, If thou wouldst be the subject of man's wonder, Not his scorn hereafter, now show thyself.
Enter Prince, rising from the vault; she stabs him two or three times; he falls; she goes back to her chamber
Sudden and fortunate! My better angel, sure, did both infuse25 A strength, and did direct it.
Enter Ziriff
Zir. Aglaura!
Agl. Brother!
Zir. The same. ​So slow to let in such a long'd-for guest?30 Must joy stand knocking, sister? come, prepare, Prepare; The king of Persia's coming to you straight— The king! mark that.
Agl. I thought how poor the joys you brought with you,35 Were in respect of those that were with me. Joys are our hopes stript of their fears; and such Are mine: for know, dear brother, the king is come Already, and is gone. Mark that.
Zir. Is this instinct or riddle? what king? how gone?40
Agl. The cave will tell you more——
Zir. Some sad mistake: thou hast undone us all.
[Goes out, enters hastily again
The prince, the prince! cold as the bed of earth He lies upon, as senseless too! death hangs Upon his lips, like an untimely frost45 Upon an early cherry. The noble guest, His soul, took it so ill that you should use His old acquaintance so, that neither pray'rs Nor tears can e'er persuade him back again.
[Aglaura swoons; he rubs her
Hold, hold! we cannot sure part thus. Sister! Aglaura!50 Thersames is not dead: it is the prince That calls.
Agl. The prince? where? Tell me, or I will straight Go back again into those groves of jessamine Thou took'st me from, and find him out, or lose55 Myself for ever.
Zir. For ever? Ay, there's it! For in those groves thou talk'st of, There are so many byways and odd turnings, Leading unto such wide and dismal places, That should we go without a guide, or stir60 Before heav'n calls, 'tis strongly to be feared, We there should wander up and down for ever, And be benighted to eternity.
Agl. Benighted to eternity? What's that?
Zir. Why, 'tis to be benighted to eternity,65 To sit i' th' dark, and do I know not what; Unriddle at our own sad cost and charge The doubts the learned here do only move.
​Agl. What place have murtherers, brother, there? for, sure, The murtherer of the prince must have a punishment70 That heav'n is yet to make.
Zir. How is religion fool'd betwixt our loves And fears! Poor girl, for ought that thou hast done, Thy chaplets may be fair and flourishing As his in the Elysium.
Agl. Do you think so?75
Zir. Yes, I do think so. The juster judges of our actions, Would they have been severe upon our weaknesses, Would, sure, have made us stronger. Fie! those tears A bride upon the marriage-day as properly80 Might shed as thou: Here widows do't, and marry next day after. To such a funeral as this there should Be nothing common. We'll mourn him so that those, that are alive,85 Shall think themselves more buried far than he; And wish to have his grave, to find his obsequies: But stay: the body.
[Brings up Thersames' body; she swoons and dies
Again! sister, Aglaura! O, speak once more, once more look out, fair soul. She's gone—90 Irrevocably gone, and winging now The air like a glad bird broken from some cage. Poor bankrupt heart, when 't had not wherewithal To pay to sad disaster all that was Its due, it broke—would mine would do so too!95 My soul Is now within me, like a well-mettled hawk On a blind falc'ner's fist: methinks I feel It baiting to be gone: and yet I have A little foolish business here on earth100 I will despatch.[Exit
Scene III
Enter Pasithas, with the body of Ariaspes
Pas. Let me be like my burthen, if I had not here as lieve kill two of the blood royal for him, as carry one of them! these gentlemen of high actions are three times as ​heavy after death, as your private retir'd ones: look if he be not reduc'd to the state of a courtier of the second form5 now, and cannot stand upon his own legs, nor do anything without help! Hum! and what's become of the great prince in prison, as they call it now, the toy within us that makes us talk and laugh and fight. Ay, why, there's it. Well, let him be what he will, and where he will, I'll10 make bold with the old tenement here. Come, sir, come along.[Exit
Enter Ziriff
Zir. All's fast too here— They sleep to-night i' their winding-sheets, I think; There's such a general quiet. O, here's light,15 I warrant; For lust does take as little rest as care Or age—courting her glass, I swear. Fie! that's A flatterer, madam! In me you shall see trulier what you are.[Knocks20
Enter the Queen
Orb. What make you up at this strange hour, my lord?
Zir. My business is my boldness' warrant, madam. And I could well afford t' have been without It now, had heav'n so pleas'd.
Orb. 'Tis a sad prologue. What follows, in the name of virtue?25
Zir. The king.
Orb. Ay, what of him? is well, is he not?
Zir. Yes. If to be free from the great load we sweat And labour under here on earth, be to Be well, he is.
Orb. Why, he's not dead, is he?30
Zir. Yes, madam, slain; and the prince too.
Orb. How? where?
Zir. I know not; but dead they are.
Orb. Dead?
Zir. Yes, madam.
Orb. Didst see them dead?
Zir. As I see you alive.
Orb. Dead!
Zir. Yes, dead.35
Orb. Well, we must all die; ​The sisters spin no cables for us mortals; They're Thread, and Time, and Chance. Trust me, I could weep now; But wat'ry distillations do but ill40 On graves: they make the lodging colder.[She knocks
Zir. What would you, madam?
Orb. Why, my friends, my lord, I would consult, and know what's to be done.
Zir. Madam, 'tis not so safe to raise the court, Things thus unsettled: if you please to have——45
Orb. Where's Ariaspes?
Zir. In's dead sleep by this time, I'm sure.
Orb. I know he is not! find him instantly.
Zir. I'm gone.[Turns back again But, madam, why make you choice of him, from whom,50 If the succession meet disturbance, all Must come of danger?
Orb. My lord, I am not yet So wise, as to be jealous: pray, dispute No further.
Zir. Pardon me, madam, if, before I go,55 I must unlock a secret unto you: such a one As, while the king did breathe, durst know no air—— Zorannes lives!
Orb. Ha!
Zir. And, in the hope of such a day as this,60 Has ling'red out a life, snatching, to feed His almost famished eyes, sights now and then Of you, in a disguise.
Orb. Strange! This night is big with miracle.65
Zir. If you did love him, as they say you did, And do so still, 'tis now within your power——
Orb. I would it were, my lord; but I am now No private woman. If I did love him once, (And 'tis so long ago, I have forgot),70 My youth and ignorance may well excuse't.
Zir. Excuse it?
Orb. Yes, excuse it, sir.
Zir. Though I confess I lov'd his father much, And pity him; yet, having offer'd it75 Unto your thoughts, I have discharg'd a trust; And zeal shall stray no further. Your pardon, madam.[Exit
Orb. [Studies] Maybe 'tis ​A plot to keep off Ariaspes' greatness, Which he must fear, because he knows he hates him.80 For these are statesmen, that, when time has made bold With the king and subject, throwing down all fence That stood betwixt their power and others' right, Are on a change; Like wanton salmons coming in with floods,85 That leap o'er wires and nets, and make their way To be at the return to every one a prey.
Enter Ziriff and Pasithas; they throw down the dead body of Ariaspes
Orb. Ha! murther'd too! Treason, treason!
Zir. But such another word, and half so loud, And th'rt——
Orb. Why? thou wilt not murther me too,90 Wilt thou, villain?
Zir. I do not know my temper:
[Discovers himself
Look here, vain thing, and see thy sins full blown: There's scarce a part in all this face thou hast Not been forsworn by, and Heav'n forgive thee for't! For thee I lost a father, country, friends,95 Myself almost; for I lay buried long: And, when there was no use thy love could pay Too great, thou mad'st the principal away. Had I but staid, and not began revenge. Till thou hadst made an end of changing, I100 Had had the kingdom to have kill'd. As wantons, ent'ring a garden, take the first Fair flower they meet, and treasure't in their laps; Then, seeing more, do make fresh choice again, Throwing in one and one, till at the length105 The first poor flower, o'ercharg'd with too much weight, Withers and dies: So hast thou dealt with me; and, having kill'd Me first, I'll kill——
Orb. Hold, hold! Not for my sake, but Orbella's, sir! a bare110 And single death is such a wrong to justice, I must needs except against it. Find out a way to make me long a-dying; For death's no punishment: it is the sense, The pains and fears afore, that makes a death.115 ​To think what I had had, had I had you; What I have lost in losing of myself; Are deaths far worse than any you can give. Yet kill me quickly; for, if I have time, I shall so wash this soul of mine with tears,120 Make it so fine, that you would be afresh In love with it; and so perchance I should Again come to deceive you.
[She rises up weeping, and hanging down her head
Zir. So rises day, blushing at night's deformity; And so the pretty flowers, blubber'd with dew,125 And overwash'd with rain, hang down their heads. I must not look upon her.[She goes towards him
Orb. Were but the lilies in this face as fresh As are the roses; had I but innocence Join'd to their blushes, I should then be bold;130 For, when they went on begging, they were ne'er denied. 'Tis but a parting kiss, sir.
Zir. I dare not grant it.
Orb. Your hand, sir, then; for that's a part I shall Love after death (if after death we love), 'Cause it did right the wrong'd Zorannes here.135
[Steps to him, and opens the box of poison; Zorannes falls
Sleep, sleep for ever; and forgotten too, All but thy ills, which may succeeding time Remember, as the seaman does his marks, To know what to avoid! May at thy name All good men start, and bad too! may it prove140 Infection to the air, that people dying of it May help to curse thee for me!
[Turns to the body of Ariaspes
Could I but call thee back as eas'ly now! But that's a subject for our tears, not hopes! There is no piecing tulips to their stalks,145 When they are once divorc'd by a rude hand; All we can do is to preserve in water A little life, and give, by courteous art, What scanted nature wants commission for. That thou shalt have; for to thy memory150 Such tribute of moist sorrow I will pay, And that so purifi'd by love, that on Thy grave nothing shall grow but violets And primroses; of which, too, some shall be ​Of the mysterious number, so that lovers shall155 Come hither, not as to a tomb, but to an oracle.
[She knocks, and raises the Court
Enter Orithie, Semanthe, with other Ladies and Courtiers, as out of their beds
Orb. Come, come! help me to weep myself away, And melt into a grave! for life is but Repentance' nurse, and will conspire with memory To make my hours my tortures.160
Ori. What scene of sorrow's this? Both dead?
Orb. Dead? Ay, And 'tis but half death's triumphs this: the king And prince lie somewhere, just such empty trunks As these.
Ori. The prince? Then in grief's burthen I Must bear a part.
Sem. The noble Ariaspes!165 Valiant Ziriff, too![Weeps
Orb. Weep'st thou for him, fond prodigal? dost know On whom thou spend'st thy tears? This is the man To whom we owe our ills, the false Zorannes, Disguis'd; not lost, but kept alive by some170
Enter Pasithas, surveys the bodies, finds his master
Incensed power, to punish Persia thus! He would have kill'd me too; but heav'n was just, And furnish'd me with means to make him pay This score of vill'ny, ere he could do more.
Pas. Were you his murth'rer then?
[Runs to Orbella, kills her, and flies
Ori. Ah me! the queen!175
[They rub Orbella till she comes to herself
Sem. How do you do, madam?
Orb. Well; but I was better, And shall——[Dies
Sem. O, she is gone for ever!
Enter Lords in their nightgowns, Orsames, Philan
Ors. What have we here? A churchyard? Nothing but silence and grave!180
Ori. O, here has been, my lords, the blackest night The Persian world e'er knew! The king and prince Are not themselves exempt from this arrest; ​But, pale and cold as these, have measur'd out Their lengths.
Lords. Impossible! which way?
Sem. Of that185 We are as ignorant as you; For, while the Queen was telling of the story, An unknown villain here has hurt her so, That, like a sickly taper, she but made One flash, and so expir'd.190
[Enter some, bearing in Pasithas
Phi. Here he is; but no confession.
Ori. Torture must force him then; Though 'twill indeed but weakly satisfy To know, now they are dead, how they did die.
Phi. Come, take the bodies up, and let us all195 Go drown ourselves in tears. This massacre Has left so torn a state, that 'twill be policy, As well as debt, to weep till we are blind; For who would see the miseries behind?
EPILOGUE
Our play is done; and yours doth now begin:
What different fancies people now are in!
How strange and odd a mingle it would make,
If, ere they rise, 'twere possible to take
All votes!—5 But, as when an authentic watch is shown,
Each man winds up and rectifies his own;
So in our very judgments. First there sits
A grave grand jury on it of town wits;
And they give up their verdict: then again10 The other jury of the court comes in:
And that's of life and death; for each man sees;
That oft condemns, what th' other jury frees.
Some three days hence, the ladies of the town
Will come to have a judgment of their own.15 And, after them, their servants: then the city;
For that is modest, and is still last witty.
'Twill be a week at least yet, ere they have
Resolv'd to let it live, or give't a grave:
Such difficulty there is to unite20 Opinion, or bring it to be right.
EPILOGUE FOR THE COURT
Sir, That the abusing of your ear's a crime,
Above th' excuse any six lines in rhyme
Can make, the poet knows: I am but sent
T' intreat he may not be a precedent;5 For he does think, that in this place there be
Many have done't as much and more than he.
But here's, he says, the difference of the fates:
He begs a pardon after't, they estates.
THE FIFTH ACT OF AGLAURA AS PRESENTED AT THE COURT
Aglaura. Presented at the Court by His Majesties Servants. Written by Sir John Suckling.
PROLOGUE
'Fore love, a mighty session; and (I fear)
Though kind last 'sizes, 'twill be now severe:
For it is thought, and by judicious men,
Aglaura 'scap't only by dying then.
But 'twould be vain for me now to endear,5 Or speak unto my Lords, the Judges here:
They hold their places by condemning still,
And cannot show at once mercy and skill;
For wit's so cruel unto wit, that they
Are thought to want, that find not want i' th' play.10 But, ladies, you who never lik'd a plot,
But where the servant had his mistress got,
And whom to see a lover die it grieves, Although 'tis in worse language that he lives,
Will like't, w' are confident, since here will be15 That, your sex ever lik'd, variety!
PROLOGUE TO THE COURT
'Tis strange, perchance you'll think, that she, that died
At Christmas, should at Easter be a bride:
But 'tis a privilege the poets have,
To take the long-since dead out of the grave.
Nor is this all; old heroes, asleep5 'Twixt marble coverlets, and six foot deep
In earth, they boldly wake, and make them do
All they did living here—sometimes more too.
They give fresh life, reverse and alter fate,
And (yet more bold) Almighty-like create,10 And out of nothing, only to deify
Reason and Reason's friend, Philosophy:
Fame, honour, valour, all that's great or good—
Or is at least 'mongst us so understood—
They give: heav'n's theirs; no handsome woman dies,15 But, if they please, is straight some star i' th' skies.
But O, how those poor men of metre do
Flatter themselves with that that is not true!
And, 'cause they can trim up a little prose,
And spoil it handsomely, vainly suppose20 They're omnipotent, can do all those things
That can be done only by Gods and kings!
Of this wild guilt he fain would be thought free,
That writ this play; and therefore (sir) by me
He humbly begs you would be pleas'd to know,25 Aglaura's but repriev'd this night; and, though
She now appears upon a poet's call,
She's not to live, unless you say she shall.
AGLAURA
PRESENTED AT THE COURT
ACT V
Scene I
Enter Ziriff, Pasithas, and Guard: he places 'em and Exit. A state set out
Enter Ziriff, Iolas, Ariaspes
Iol. A glorious night!
Ari. Pray heav'n it prove so! Are we not there yet?
Zir. 'Tis about this hollow.[They enter the cave
Ari. How now! what region are we got into, Th' inheritance of night!5 Have we not mistaken a turning, Ziriff, And stepp'd into the confines of Some melancholy devil's territory?
Iol. Sure, 'tis a part of the first Chaos, that would Not suffer any change.10
Zir. No matter, sir: 'tis as proper for our purpose, As the lobby for the waiting-woman's. Stay you here; I'll move a little backward; And so we shall be sure to put him past Retreat. You know the word, if it be the prince?15
[Ziriff goes to the door of the cave
Enter King
Zir. Here, sir, follow me: all's quiet yet.
King. Is he not come then?
Zir. No.
King. Where's Ariaspes?
Zir. Waiting within.
Iol. I do not like this waiting, Nor this fellow's leaving of us.
​Ari. This place does put odd thoughts into thee. Then20 Thou art in thine own nature, too, as jealous As love or honour. Wear thy sword in readiness, And think how near we are a crown.
Zir. Revenge!
[Guard seizeth on the King and Ariaspes
King. Ha! what's this?25
Zir. Bring them forth!
[The guard brings them forth
Ari. The King!
Zir. Yes, and the prince's friend.[Discovers himself D'you know this face?
King. Zorannes!
Zor. The very same, the wrong'd Zorannes! King,30 D'you stare? Away with them, where I appointed.
King. Traitors! Let me go, villain, thou dar'st not do this.
Zor. Poor counterfeit, How fain thou wouldst act a king, and art not! [To Ariaspes] Stay you. [Whispers to the guard] Unhand him. Leave us now.
[Exeunt all but Ariaspes and Ziriff
Ari. [aside]. What does this mean?35 Sure he does intend the crown to me!
Zor. We are alone. Follow me out of the wood, And thou shalt be master of this again; And then best arm and title take it!
Ari. Thy offer is so noble,40 In gratitude I cannot but propound Gentler conditions; we will divide the empire.
Zor. Now, by my father's soul, I do almost repent my first intents, And now could kill thee scurvily, for thinking,45 If I'd a mind to rule, I would not rule alone. Let not thy easy faith, lost man, Fool thee into so dull a heresy: Orbella is our quarrel, And I have thought it fit that love should have50 A nobler way of justice than revenge Or treason. If thou dar'st die handsomely, Follow me.[Exeunt, and enter both again
Zor. There![Gives him his sword
​Ari. Extremely good! Nature took pains, I swear:55 The villain and the brave are mingled handsomely.
Zir. 'Twas fate that took it, when that it decreed We two should meet; nor shall they mingle now: We are but brought together straight to part.
[They fight
Ari. Some devil sure has borrowed this shape:60 My sword ne'er stay'd thus long to find an entrance.
Zir. To guilty men all that appears is devil; Come, trifler, come.[They fight
Ari. Dog, thou hast it.
Zir. Why, then, it seems my star's as great as his:65 I smile at thee.
[Ariaspes pants, and runs at him to catch his sword
Thou now wouldst have me kill thee, And 'tis a courtesy I cannot afford thee. I have bethought myself, there will be use Of thee. Pasithas, to the rest with him![Exit
Enter Thersames
Ther. The dog-star's got up high: it should be late;70 And sure by this time every waking ear And watchful eye is charm'd: and yet methought A noise of weapons struck my ear just now. 'Twas but my fancy, sure; and, were it more, I would not tread one step that did not lead75 To my Aglaura, stood all his guard betwixt, With lightning in their hands. Danger, thou dwarf dress'd up in giant's clothes, That show'st far off still greater than thou art, Go, terrify the simple and the guilty, such80 As with false optics still do look upon thee! But fright not lovers: we dare look on thee In thy worst shapes, and meet thee in them too. Stay. These trees I made my mark; 'tis hereabouts.85 Love, guide me but right this night, And lovers shall restore thee back again Those eyes the poets took so boldly from thee.[Exit
Scene II
A Taper. Table out
Enter Aglaura with a torch in one hand, and a dagger in the other
Agl. How ill this does become this hand! much worse This suits with this! one of the two should go. The she within me says, it must be this: Honour says, this; and honour is Thersames' friend. What is that she then? is it not a thing5 That sets a price, not upon me, but on Life in my name, leading me into doubt, Which, when't has done, it cannot light me out? For fear does drive to fate; or fate, if we Do fly, o'ertakes and holds us, till or death10 Or infamy, or both, do seize us.[Puts out the light Ha! would 'twere in again! Antics and strange misshapes, Such as the porter to my soul, mine eye, Was ne'er acquainted with, fancy lets in,15 Like a disrouted multitude, by some Strange accident piec'd together. Fear now afresh comes on, and charges love Too home. He comes, he comes!
[A little noise below
Woman,20 If thou wouldst be the subject of man's wonder, Not his scorn hereafter, now show thyself!
Enter Thersames from the vaults; she stabs him, as he riseth
Ther. Unkindly done!
Agl. The prince's voice! defend it, goodness!
Ther. What art Thou that thus poorly hast destroy'd a life?25
Agl. O sad mistake! 'tis he.
Ther. Hast thou no voice?
Agl. I would I had not, nor a being neither.
Ther. Aglaura? it cannot be.
Agl. O still believe so, sir! For 'twas not I indeed, but fatal love.30
Ther. Love's wounds us'd to be gentler than these were; ​The pains they give us have some pleasure in them, And that these have not.
Enter Ziriff with a taper
O do not say 'twas you; for that Does wound again. Guard me, my better angel!35 Do I wake? my eyes (since I was man) ne'er met With any object gave them so much trouble: 1 dare not ask neither to be satisfied, She looks so guiltily.[Aside
Agl. [to Ziriff]. Why do you stare and wonder at a thing,40 That you yourself have made thus miserable?
Zir. Good gods, and I o' the party too![Aside
Agl. Did you not tell me, that the king this night Meant to attempt mine honour? that our condition Would not admit of middle ways, and that we must45 Send them to graves, or lie ourselves in dust?
Zir. Unfortunate mistake! [He knocks] I never did Intend our safety by thy hands.
Enter Pasithas
Pasithas, Go instantly and fetch Andrages from his bed. How is it with you, sir?
Ther. As with the besieg'd:50 My soul is so beset, it does not know Whether 't had best to make a desperate sally Out by this port, or not.
Agl. Sure, I shall turn statue here!
Ther. If thou dost love me,55 Weep not, Aglaura! All those are drops of blood, And flow from me.
Zir. Now all the gods defend This way of expiation! Thinkest thou thy crime, Aglaura, would be less By adding to it?60 Or canst thou hope to satisfy those powers, Whom great sins do displease, by doing greater?
Agl. Discourteous courtesy! I had no other means left me than this, To let Thersames know I would do nothing65 To him I would not do unto myself; And that thou tak'st away.
Ther. Friend, bring me a little nearer. ​I find a kind of willingness to stay, And find that willingness something obey'd.70 My blood, now it persuades itself you did Not call in earnest, makes not such haste.
Agl. O my dearest lord, This kindness is so full of cruelty, Puts such an ugliness on what I have done,75 That, when I look upon ['t], it needs must fright Me from myself, and (which is more insufferable) I fear, from you.
Ther. Why should that fright thee, which most comforts me? I glory in it, and shall smile i' th' grave,80 To think our love was such, that nothing but Itself could e'er destroy it.
Agl. Destroy it? can it have ever end? Will you Not be thus courteous, then, in the other world? Shall we not be together there as here?85
Ther. I cannot tell whether I may or not.
Agl. Not tell?
Ther. No. The gods thought me unworthy of thee here; And, when thou art more pure, why should I not More doubt it?
Agl. Because, if I shall be more pure,90 I shall be then more fit for you. Our priests Assure us an Elysium; and can That be Elysium, where true lovers must Not meet? Those powers that made our lives, did they Intend them mortal, would sure have made them of95 A coarser stuff, would they not, my lord?
Ther. Pr'ythee, speak still: This music gives my soul such pleasing business, Takes it so wholly up, it finds not leisure To attend unto the summons death does make.100 Yet they are loud and peremptory now; And I can only——[Faints
Agl. Some pitying power Inspire me with a way to follow him! Heart, Wilt thou not break of thyself!
Zir. My griefs Besot me.105 His soul will sail out with this purple tide; And I shall here be found staring after't, ​Like a man that's too short o' th' ship, and's left Behind upon the land.[She swoons
Enter Andrages
O, welcome, welcome! Here lies, Andrages, alas! too great110 A trial for thy art.
And. There's life in him: From whence these wounds?
Zir. O, 'tis no time for story.
And. 'Tis not mortal, my lord: bow him gently, And help me to infuse this into him. The soul is but asleep, and not gone forth.115
Ther. O, O!
Zir. Hark! the prince does live.
Ther. Whate'er thou art hast given me now a life, And with it all my cares and miseries, Expect not a reward: no, not a thanks.120 If thou wouldst merit from me (yet who would Be guilty of so lost an action?), Restore me to my quietness again; For life and that are most incompatible.
Zir. Still in despairs! I did not think till now125 'Twas in the power of fortune to have robb'd Thersames of himself. For pity, sir, And reason, live: if you will die, die not: Aglaura's murther'd: that's not so handsome; at least Die not her murther'd and her murtherer too;130 For that will surely follow. Look up, sir; This violence of fortune cannot last ever: Who knows But all these clouds are shadows to set off Your fairer days? If it grows blacker, and135 The storms do rise, this harbour's always open.
Ther. What sayest thou, Aglaura?
Agl. What says Andrages?
And. Madam, would heaven his mind would admit As easy cure as his body will! 'Twas only want of blood; and two hours' rest140 Restores him to himself.
Zir. And, by that time, It may be, Heav'n will give our miseries Some ease. Come, sir, repose upon a bed; There's time enough to-day.
​Ther. Well,145 I will still obey, though I must fear it will Be with me but as 'tis with tortured men, Whom states preserve only to rack again.[Exeunt
Scene III
Take off table. Enter Ziriff with a taper
Zir. All fast too here! They sleep to-night i' their winding-sheets, I think; There's such a general quiet. O, here's light, I warrant you; For lust does take as little rest as care,5 Or age courting her glass, I swear!—Fie! that's A flatterer, madam, In me you shall see trulier what you are.[He knocks
Enter Queen
Orb. What make you up at this strange hour, my lord?
Zir. My business is my boldness' warrant, madam;10 And I could well afford t' have been without It now, had Heav'n so pleas'd.
Orb. 'Tis a sad prologue. What follows, in the name of virtue?
Zir. The king——
Orb. Ay, what of him. Is well, is he not?
Zir. Yes.15 If to be on's journey to the other world Be to be well, he is.
Orb. Why, he's not dead, is he?
Zir. Yes, madam, dead.
Orb. How? where?
Zir. I do not know particulars.
Orb. Dead!
Zir. Yes, madam.20
Orb. Art sure he's dead?
Zir. Madam, I know him as certainly dead, As I know you too must die hereafter.
Orb. Dead!
Zir. Yes, dead.25
Orb. We must all die. The sisters spin no cables for us mortals; They're Thread, and Time, and Chance. ​Trust me, I could weep now; But watery distillations do but ill30 On graves, they make the lodging colder.[She knocks
Zir. What would you, madam?
Orb. Why, my friends, my lord, I would consult, and know what's to be done.
Zir. Madam, 'tis not so safe to raise the court, Things thus unsettled: if you please to have——35
Orb. Where's Ariaspes?
Zir. In's dead sleep by this time, sure.
Orb. I know he is not. Find him instantly.
Zir. I'm gone.[Turns back again But, madam, why make you choice of him, from whom,40 If the succession meet disturbance, all Must come of danger?
Orb. My lord, I am not yet So wise as to be jealous: pray, dispute No further.
Zir. Pardon me, madam, if, before I go,45 I must unlock a secret to you; such a one As, while the king did breathe, durst know no air— Zorannes lives!
Orb. Ha!
Zir. And, in the hope of such a day as this,50 Has linger'd out a life, snatching, to feed His almost famish'd eyes, sights now and then Of you, in a disguise.
Orb. Strange! This night is big with miracle.55
Zir. If you did love him, as they say you did, And do so still, 'tis now within your power——
Orb. I would it were, my lord; but I am now No private woman. If I did love him once, (As 'tis so long ago, I have forgot),60 My youth and ignorance may well excuse't.
Zir. Excuse it?
Orb. Yes, excuse it, sir.
Zir. Though I confess I lov'd his father much, And pity him, yet, having offer'd it65 Unto your thoughts, I have discharg'd a trust; And zeal shall stray no further. Your pardon, madam.
[Exit.
Orb. Maybe, 'tis but A plot to keep off Ariaspes' greatness, ​Which he must fear, because he knows he hates him.70 For these great statesmen, that, when time has made bold With the king and subject, throwing down all fence That stood betwixt their power and others' right, Are on a change; Like wanton salmons coming in with floods,75 That leap o'er wires and nets, and make their way, To be at the return to every one a prey.
Re-enter Ziriff
Zir. Look here, vain thing, and see thy sins full blown! There's scarce a part in all this face thou hast Not been forsworn by, and Heav'n forgive thee for't!80 For thee I lost a father, country, friends, Myself almost; for I lay buried long: And, when there was no use thy love could pay Too great, thou mad'st the principal away. As wantons, ent'ring a garden, take the first85 Fair flower they meet, and treasure 't in their laps; Then, seeing more, do make fresh choice again, Throwing in one and one, till at the length The first poor flower, overcharged with too much weight, Withers and dies:90 So hast thou dealt with me; and, having kill'd Me first, I will kill——
Orb. Hold, hold! Not for my sake, but Orbella's, sir! a bare And single death is such a wrong to justice, I must needs except against it.95 Find out a way to make me long a-dying; For death's no punishment: it is the sense, The pains and fears afore, that makes a death. To think what I had had, had I had you; What I have lost in losing of myself;100 Are deaths far worse than any you can give. Yet kill me quickly; for, if I have time, I shall so wash this soul of mine with tears, Make it so fine, that you would be afresh In love with it; and so perchance I should105 Again come to deceive you.
[She rises up weeping, and hanging down her head
Zir. So rises day, blushing at night's deformity; And so the pretty flowers, blubber'd with dew, ​And over-wash'd with rain, hang down their heads. I must not look upon her.[Queen goes towards him110
Orb. Were but the lilies in this face as fresh As are the roses; had I but innocence Join'd to these blushes, I should then be bold; For when they went a-begging, they were ne'er denied. 'Tis but a parting kiss, sir!115
Enter Pasithas, and Two Guards
Zir. I dare not grant it. Pasithas, away with her![Exeunt
Scene IV
A bed put out. Thersames and Aglaura on it, Andrages by
Ther. She wak'd me with a sigh, And yet she sleeps herself, sweet innocence! Can it be sin to love this shape? and if It be not, why am I persecuted thus? She sighs again!5 Sleep that drowns all cares, cannot, I see, charm love's. Blest pillows, through whose fineness does appear The violets, lilies, and the roses You are stuff'd withal! to whose softness I owe The sweet of this repose, permit me to10 Leave with you this.[Kisses them; she wakes See, if I have not wak'd her. Sure I was born, Aglaura, to destroy Thy quiet!
Agl. Mine, my lord!15 Call you this drowsiness a quiet, then? Believe me, sir, 'twas an intruder I Much struggled with; and have to thank a dream, Not you, that it thus left me.
Ther. A dream! What dream, my love?20
Agl. I dreamt, sir, it was day; And the fear you should be found here——
Enter Ziriff
Zir. Awake! How is it with you, sir?
Ther. Well, Extremely well, so well that, had I now25 ​No better a remembrancer than pain, I should forget I e'er was hurt, thanks to Heav'n And good Andrages!
Zir. And more than thanks: I hope we yet shall live To pay him. How old's the night?
And. Far spent, I fear,30 My lord.
Zir. I have a cause that should be heard Yet ere day break, and I must needs entreat You, sir, to be the judge in't.
Ther. What cause, Zorannes?
Zir. When you have promis'd——
Ther. 'Twere hard I should deny thee anything.35
[Exit Ziriff
Know'st thou, Andrages, what he means?
And. Nor cannot guess, sirs.[Draw in the bed I read a trouble in his face, when first he left you, But understood it not.
Re-enter Ziriff, with King, Ariaspes, Iolas, Queen, and Two or Three Guards
Zir. Have I not pitch'd my nets like a good huntsman?40 Look, sir, the noblest of the herd are here.
Ther. I am astonished.
Zir. This place is yours.[Helps him up
Ther. What wouldst thou have me do?
Zir. Remember, sir, your promise.45 I could do all I have to do alone; but justice Is not justice, unless't be justly done. Here, then, I will begin; for here began My wrongs. This woman, sir, was wondrous fair And wondrous kind—ay, fair and kind; for so50 The story runs. She gave me look for look and glance for glance; And every sigh like Echo's, was return'd. We sent up vow by vow, promise on promise, So thick and strangely multiplied, that sure55 We gave the heavenly registers their business, And other mortals' oaths then went for nothing. We felt each other's pains, each other's joys; Thought the same thought, and spoke the very same: We were the same; and I have much ado60 To think she could be ill, and I not be So too; and after this, all this, sir, she ​Was false, lov'd him and him; and, had I not Begun revenge, till she had made an end Of changing, I had had the kingdom to have killed.65 What does this deserve?
Ther. A punishment he best can make, That suffered the wrong.
Zir. I thank you, sir. For him I will not trouble you: his life Is mine—I won it fairly—and his is yours—70 He lost it foully to you. To him, sir, now! A man so wicked that he knew no good, But so as't made his sins the greater for't. Those ills, which, singly acted, bred despair In others, he acted daily, and ne'er thought75 Upon them. The grievance each particular has against him, I will not meddle with: it were to give him A long life to give them hearing. I'll only speak My own: first, then, the hopes of all my youth,80 And a reward which Heav'n hath settled on me (If holy contracts can do anything) He ravish'd from me, kill'd my father— Aglaura's father, sir—would have whor'd my sister, And murthered my friend. This is all! And now85 Your sentence, sir.
Ther. We have no punishment can reach these crimes: Therefore 'tis justest, sure, to send him, where They're wittier to punish than we are here; And, 'cause repentance oft stops that proceeding,90 A sudden death is sure the greatest punishment.
Zir. I humbly thank you, sir.
King. What a strange glass th' have showed me now myself in! Our sins, like to our shadows, when our day Is in its glory, scarce appear'd: towards95 Our evening how great and monstrous they are!
Zir. Is this all you have to say?[Draws
Ther. Hold! Now go you up.
Zir. What mean you, sir?
Ther. Nay, I denied not you.100 That all these accusations are just, I must acknowledge; And to these crimes I have but this t'oppose— ​He is my father and thy sovereign! 'Tis wickedness, dear friend, we go about to punish;105 And, when we have murther'd him, What difference is there 'twixt him and ourselves, But that he first was wicked? Thou now wouldst kill Him, 'cause he kill'd thy father; and when thou'st killed, Have not I the self-same quarrel?110
Zir. Why, sir, you know you would yourself have done it.
Ther. True; And therefore 'tis I beg his life. There was no way for me to have redeem'd Th' intent, but by a real saving of it.115 If he did not ravish from thee thy Orbella, Remember that that wicked issue had A noble parent—love.
Remember how He lov'd Zorannes, when he was Ziriff!120 There's something due to that. If you must needs have blood for your revenge,
[Offers his breast
Take it here. Despise it not, Zorannes.[Zorannes turns away The gods themselves,125 Whose greatness makes the greatness of our sins, And heightens 'em above what we can do Unto each other, accept of sacrifice For what we do 'gainst them. Why should not you? And 'tis much thriftier too. You cannot let130 Out life there, but my honour goes; and all The life you can take here, posterity Will give me back again. See, Aglaura weeps! That would have been ill rhetoric in me; But, where it is, it cannot but persuade.135
Zir. Th' have thaw'd the ice about my heart: I know Not what to do.
King. Come down, come down! I will be king again. There's none so fit to be the judge of this As I. The life you show'd such zeal to save140 I here could willingly return you back; But that's the common price of all revenge.
Enter Guard, Orsames, Philan, Courtiers, Orithie, Semanthe
Iol. Ari. Ha, ha, ha! how they look now!
Zir. Death! what's this?
Ther. Betray'd again! All th' ease our fortune gives our miseries145 Is hope; and that, still proving false, grows part of it.
King. From whence this guard?
Ari. Why, sir, I did corrupt, While we were his prisoners, one of his own To raise the court. Shallow souls, that thought we could not countermine!150 Come, sir, y'are in good posture to despatch them.
King. Lay hold upon his instrument. Fond man! Dost think I am in love with villainy? All the service they can do me here is but To let these see the right I do them now155 Is unconstrain'd. Then thus I do proceed: Upon the place Zorannes lost his life I vow to build a tomb; and on that tomb I vow to pay three whole years' penitence. If in that time I find that heaven and you160 Can pardon, I shall find again the way To live amongst you.
Ther. Sir, be not So cruel to yourself: this is an age.
King. 'Tis now irrevocable. Thy father's lands165 I give thee back again, and his commands, And, with them, leave to wear the tiara That man there has abus'd. To you, Orbella, Who, it seems, are foul as well as I, I do prescribe the self-same physic I170 Do take myself; but in another place, And for a longer time—Diana's nunnery.
Orb. Above my hopes.[Aside
King. [To Ari.] For you, who still have been The ready instrument of all my cruelties, And there have cancell'd all the bonds of brother,175 Perpetual banishment! Nor should This line expire, shall thy right have a place.
Ari. Hell and furies![Exit
King. [To Zir.] Thy crimes deserve no less; yet, 'cause Thou wert Heaven's instrument to save my life,180 ​Thou only hast that time of banishment I have of penitence.
[Comes down. Ziriff offers to kiss the King's hand
Iol. May it be plague and famine here, till I return! No, thou shalt not Yet forgive me.185
King. Aglaura, thus I freely part with thee, And part with all fond flames and warm desires. I cannot fear new agues in my blood, Since I have overcome the charms thy beauty had: No other ever can have so much pow'r.190 Thersames, thou look'st pale! Is't want of rest?
Ther. No, sir; but that's a story for your ear.
[They whisper
Ors. A strange and happy change.
Ori. All joys wait on you ever!
Agl. Orithie, how for thy sake now could I wish195 Love were no mathematic point, but would Admit division, that Thersames might, Though at my charge, pay thee the debt he owes thee.
Ori. Madam, I lov'd the prince, not myself. Since His virtues have their full rewards, I have200 My full desires.
King. What miracles of preservation have we had! How wisely have the stars prepar'd you for Felicity! Nothing endears a good More than the contemplation of the difficulty205 We had to attain to it. But see, night's empire's out; and a more glorious Auspiciously does begin. Let us Go serve the gods, and then prepare for jollity. This day210 I'll borrow from my vows; nor shall it have A common celebration, since 't must be A high record to all posterity.[Exeunt omnes
EPILOGUE
Plays are like feasts; and every act should be
Another course, and still variety:
But, in good faith, provision of wit
Is grown of late so difficult to get,
That, do we what we can, we are not able5 Without cold meats to furnish out the table.
Who knows but it was needless too? maybe,
'Twas here as in the coachman's trade; and he
That turns in the least compass shows most art.
Howe'er, the poet hopes, sir, for his part,10 You'll like not those so much, who shew their skill
In entertainment, as who shew their will.