To the very much Honored
WALTER MOYLE, Esq;

SIR,

Hough the severity of the times took a-
way those dramatique recreations
(whose language so much glorified the
English Scene) and perhaps looking at
some abuses of the common Theaters, which were not
so happily purg'd from Scurrility, and under-wit,
(the onely entertainment of vulgar Capacities)
they have outed the more noble and ingenious acti-
ons of the eminent Stages; The rage yet hath not
been Epidemicall, there are left many lovers of this
exiled Poesie, who are great Masters of reason, and
that dare conscientiously own this musicall part of
Humane learning, when it is presented without the
Staines of impudence and profanation.

Among these persons, fir you defer an honora-
ble inscription. For my own part; this is the left
which is like to salute the publique view in this

A 2

kind

## The Epistle Dedicatory.

kind, and I have only to say, that I Congratulate
my own happiness to conclude with so judicious a
Patron.

To make a doubt of your fair receiving this piece
were to dishonor your Character, and make my self
undeserving. Read at your leisure, what is humbly
presented to your eye and judgment, while I pre
serve my confidence in your vertue and good
thoughts upon

Sir,

The most humble honore
of your worth

JAMES SHIRLEY

## The names and small Characters
of the Persons.

Ingl of Norway, eafie and cre-
dulous in his nature, and
passionately doting upon
Queen Marpisa.

Gotharus, the politician,
active to serve his picatures
and ambition, a great favo-
rite of the Queen.

Turgesius, the Prince, of a gallant dispoiti-
on, and honoured by the fouldier.

Duke Olaus, the King's Uncle, old, chole-
rique and disfaft'd with the Court-proce-
dings, disaffected to Gotharus, and the Queen,
but refolute, and faithfull to the Prince.

Haraldus Son to Marpisa, young, of a sweet
and noble disposition, whom Gotharus would
form more bold, and ambitious for the
greatneſs he had deſign'd.

Reginaldus
Aquinas

{ Captaines.

Hormenus
Cortes

2 two honest Courtiers.

A 3

Sueno

The Polititian.

I do tufpect her Son *Haraldus* was
Got with more heat, and blood, then *Altomarus*
Age could affure her, but hee's dead.

Co.---Be with him ;

Although I wo'not make oath for her chaftity,
That boyes good nature is an argument
To me, *Gotharus* had no share in him :
Hee's honest, of a gentle dispoſition,
And on my Conſcience does pray sometimes.

Enter Gotharus reading a Letter. (new

Ho. No more, we have a Wolfe by'th'eare, what
From Hell ? he cannot want intelligence, he has
So many friends there---he's displeas'd, there is
Some goodneſs in that Letter, I will pawne
My head, that makes him angry.

Enter some with Petitions, Gotharus frowns upon 'em, they returne haſtily.

How his frown

Hath ſcatterrd 'em like leaves, they fly from him.
As nimbly, as their bodyes had no more weight
Then their Petitions; I would give an eye-tooth,
To read but three lines.

Go. Curſe upon his viftory !

I meant him not this ſafety, when I wrought
The King to ſend him forth to warre, but hop'd
His aſtive ſpirit would have met ſome engine
To have tranſlated him to another world ;
He's now upon return. ... Exit.

Ho. Would I had but

The harrowing of your skull; my genius gives me
That Paper is ſome good news of the Prince,
I would I knew it but concern'd him.

Co. 'Twas

My wonder, the King would ſend his Son abroad

To

The Polititian.

3

To warres, the onely pledge of his ſucceſſon.

Ho. He had a Councillor, this Polititian,
That would prefer the Prince to Heaven, a place
His Lordſhip has no hope to be acquainted with ;
The Prince, and his great Uncle Duke *Olaus*,
Would not allow theſe pranks of State, nor ſee
The King betrai'd to a Concubine ;

Therefore it was thought fit they ſhould be engag'd
To forſtaigne dangers.

Enter Albina, and her waiting woman.

'Tis Madam *Albina*,
Our great mans wife.

Co. The King did ſeem to affect her,
Before he married her to his ſavorite.

H. Doſt think ſhe's honest ?

Co. Ile not ſtake my ſoul on't,
But I believe ſhe is too good for him,
Although the King and ſhe have private conference.

H. She looks as ſhe were discontent. Exit Al.

Co. She has cauſe

In being *Gotharus* wife, ſome ſay the lov'd him
Moſt paſſionately,

H. 'Twas her deſtiny ;
She has him now, and if the love him ſtill,
'Tis not impoſſible ſhe may be a Martyr,
His proud and rugged nature will advance
Her patience too't.

Enter Helga and Sueno.

Hel. Avoid the Gallery. (don:

Su. The King is coming, oh my Lord, your par-

Ho. Nay we muſt all obey.

Co. I near lik'd

This fellow.

H. He is one of fortunes Minions ;

I ne Poutitian.

4

The love of the choice Ladyes of the Landry,
That's one that draws in the fame team, but more
Inclin'd to'th Knave; he is a kind of Pendant
To the Kings ear, an everlafting parasite :
The King? Albina return'd with him.

Exit

Enter King and Albina.

K. Leave us.
Y'are moft unkind to your self in my opinion,
You know well who I am, and what I have
Advanc'd you too; neither in virgin state
Nor marriage, to allow your King a favour ?

Al. Sir, let the humble duty of a subject,
Who shall with zealous prayers folicite heaven
For you, and your fair Queen—

K. Had you been wife,
That might have been your Title, but the God
Of love had with his Arrow ſo engraven
Gotharus in your heart; you had no language
But what concern'd his Praife, ſcarce any thought
At liberty; I did imagine, when
I had compassion of your sufferings,
And gave thee a fair Bride to my Gotharus,
You would not lose the memory of my benefit,
But ( now in state, and nature to reward it )
Conſented to returne me love.

Al. Be pleas'd
To excufe the boldneſſe of one queſtion.

K. Be free Albina.

Al. Do not you love my husband ?

K. There wants no teſtimony, beſide the reſt,
My giving thee to him, dear to my thoughts,
Is argument I love him.

Al. Would you take
Me back agen? you but betraid his faith;
And your own gift, to tempt me to forſake him.

The Polititian.

5

K. You are more apprehenſive, if you please
He ſhall poſſeſſe you ſtill, I but defire
Sometimes a neere and loving converſation,
Though he ſhould know't, confidering how much
I may deferve, he would be wife enough
To love thee near the worſe; he's not the firſt
Lord that hath purchas'd offices by the free
Surrender of his wife to the Kings uſe,
'Tis frequent in all common-wealths to lend
Their play-fellows to a friend.

Al. Oh do not think

Gotharus can be worth your love, to be
So moſt degenerate, and loft to honour ;
You have a Queen, to whom your vow is ſacred,
Be juſt to her, the bleſſing is yet warm
Pronounc'd by holy Prief, ſtain not a paſſion
To wander from that beauty, richer far
Then Mine; let your ſouls meet and kisſ each other,
That while you live, the examples of chafte love
( Moſt glorious in a King and Queene ) we may
Grow up in vertue by the ſpring of yours,
Till our top-boughs reach heaven.

Ki. You are resolved then
We muſt be ſtrangers, ſhould my life depend
On the poſſession of your boſome, I
Should languish and expire, I see.

Al. Good heaven
Will not permit the King want ſo much goodneſs,
To think the enjoying of forbidden pleasure
Gould benefit his life, rather let mine
Ebbe at ſome wound, and wander with my blood
By your command ta'ne from me, on my knee—

K. Rife, I may kisſ Albina—

Go. Ha ! Enter Gotharus.

K. 'Thas ſhot

Another flame into me, come you muſt. --

Alb.

6

The Politition.

Alb. What ?

K. Be a woman, do't, or ile complain.

Alb. To whom?

K. Thy husband.

Go. Horror !

K. Think upon't.

Exit.

Al. What will become of miferable Albina?
Like a poor Deere purfu'd to a fteep precipice,
That overlooks the Sea, by fome fierce hound;
The luft of a wild King doth threaten here,
Before me, the neglects of him I love,
Gotharus my unkind Lord, like the waves,
And full as deafe affright me.

Go. How now Madam?

Come, can you kifs ?

Alb. Kifs fir?

Go. What difference

Between his touch and mine now ? his perhaps
Was with more heat, but mine was soft enough.
What has he promis'd thee, but that's no matter,
Thou wo't be wife enough to make thy bargain,
I father all, onely the King shall give it
A name, he'l make it matter of a Province.

Al. What means my Lord.

Go. Thou thinkft I am jealous now, not I, I knew
Before he doated on thee, and it is
To be prefum'd, having a veile to hide
Thy blufhes, ( I do mean our marriage )
Thou maift find out fome time to meet, and mingle
Stories and limbs, it may be neceffary ;
And 'caufe I will be dutifull to the King,
We will converfe no more abed, ile be
Thy husband ftill Albina, and weare my buds
Under my haire cloſe like a prudent Statesman :
But 'twere not much amiffe, as I advis'd
Before, and theſe new premifes confider'd,

You

7

The Polititian.

You appear abroad with a leſs train, your Wardrobe
Will make you more ſuſpected, if it be
Too rich; and ſome whole dayes to keepe your
Chamber,

(tain.)

Will make the King know where to find you cer-

Al. Will you have patience my Lord to hear me?

Go. The world doth partly think thee honest too,
That will help much, if you obſerve good rules
And dyet, without tedious progresſes,
And viſiting of Ladyes, expert in
Night Revels, Masks, and twenty other torments
To an eſtate; your Doctors muſt be left too,
I wo'nt pay a fee to have your pulſe

Felt, and your hand roll'd up like wax, by one
Whofe footcloth muſt attend, while he makes leggs,
And every other morning comes to tell

Your Ladyſhip a ſtory out of Aretine,
That can ſet you a longing for diſeafes,
That he may cure you, and your waiting-woman,
Whofe curiſity would tafe your Glifter,
Commend the operation from her ſtomack
Should you be ſick, and ſick to death, I wo'd
Not counſell you to phyſick; women are

Fraile things, and ſhould a cordiall miſcarry,
My ſcience would be arraign'd, and I

Might be ſuſpected for your poſſoner :
No, no, I thank you, y'are in a fine courſe
To eafe me wife; or if you muſt be loose,
I'ch ſpring and fall, let the King bear the charges.
He will, if you apply your ſelſe.

Al. I am wretched;

Why do you without hearing thus condemn me ?

The Lady lives not with a purer faith
To her lov'd Lord, then I have ; nor ſhall greatneſs,
Nor death it ſelſe, have power to break it.

Go. Come,

Theſe

8

The Polititian.

These are but painted teares, leave this, have you
Prepar'd your last accompts?

Al. They are ready fir ;
Never was Lady flav'd thus like Albina,
A stipendary, worse, a fervile steward,
To give him an accompt of all my expences.
Go. I'le have it so in spight of cuftomes heart,
While you are mine; accountles liberty
Is ruine of whole families: now leave me,
We may talk more anon, I have observ'd.
This privacy before, search here Gotharus, (ring
'Tis here from whence mutinous thoughts conſpi
With witty melancholly, shall beget
A strong born miſchieſe. I'le admit ſhe be
Honest, I love her not, and if he tempt her
To finne, that's paid him back in his wives loofneſ,
From whom I took my firſt ambition,
And muſt go on, till we can ſway the Kingdom,
Though we clime to't o're many deaths. I firſt
Practife at home, my unkindneſs to Albina,
If ſhe do love me muſt needs break her heart.

Enter Haraldus.

Ha. My honour'd Lord,
Go. Moſt dear Haraldus welcome,
Preciouſly welcome to Gotharus heart.
Ha. The Queen my mother, fir, would ſpeake
with you.
Go. How excellently do thoſe words become thee,
'Tis fit Haraldus Mother be a Queene,
Th'art worth a princely fate; I will attend her.
Ha. Ile tell her so.
Go. 'Tis not an office for you.
Ha. It is my duty fir, to wait upon
My mother.
Go. Who i'th Court is not your ſervant ?

You

9

The Polititian.

You doe not exercise command enough,
You are too gentle in your fortunes fir,
And weare your greatneſſe, as you were not born
To be a Prince.

Ha. My birth ſure gave me not
That title, I was born with the condition
To obey, not govern.

Go. Do not wrong thoſe Starres,
Which early as you did ſalute the world,
Deſign'd this glorious fate; I did confuſt,
And in the happy minute of thy birth,
Collect what was decreed in heaven about thee.

Ha. Thoſe books are 'bove my reading, but what
E're my ſtars determine of me, 'tis but late
I heard my mother ſay, you are on earth,
To whom I am moſt bound for what I am.

Go. 'Tis a ſhrewd truth, if thou knew'ſt all.

Ha. You have
Been more a father then a friend to us.
Go. Friend to thy Mother, I confes in private,
The other followes by a conſequence, (aſide.
A father my Haraldus? I confes
I was from thy nativity inclin'd.
By a moſt ſtrange and ſecret force of nature,
Or ſympathy to love thee like my owne ;
And let me tell thee, though thy mother had
Merit enough to engage my ſervices ;
Yet there was ſomething more in thee confider'd,
That rais'd my thoughts, and ſtudy to advance
Thee to these pregnant hopes of ſlate, methinks
I fee thee a King already.
Ha. Good fir, do not
Prompt me to that ambition, I poffeſs
Too much already, and I could, ſo pleas'd
My Mother, travell where I should not hear
Of these great titles, and it comes now aptly,

I

The Politician.

10

I should entreat your Lordship to affix me
In a request to her, I know she loves you,
And will deny you nothing; I would faine
Visit the University for study,
I do lose time methinks.

Go. Fie Haraldus,
And leave the Court ? how you forget your selfe
Study to be King,
I shall halfrepent my care,

If you permit these dull and phlegmatick
Thoughts to usurpe, they'll stifle your whole real
Catch at the Sunne, deify him of his beams,
And in your eye wear his proud rayes; let day
Be when you smile, and when your anger points,
Shoot death in every frowne: covet a shade,
Affect a solitude, and books, and forfeit,
So brave an expectation ?

Ha. Of what ?

Go. Of Norwayes Crown.

Ha. Could there be any thought

Within me so ambitious, with what hope

Could it be cherished, when I have no title

Go. I that have thus farre studied thy fortune,
May find a way.

Ha. The King

Go. Is not immortal while he has Phyfitians.

Ha. What's that he said ? The King is happy,
And the whole Nation treasure up their hopes
In Prince Turgesius, who with his great uncle
Valiant Olaus.

Go. Are sent to'th warres, where 'twill con-
cerne 'm,
To think of fame, and how to march to honour
Through death.

Ha. I dare not hear him.

Go. Or if they

Re-

The Politician,

11

Return—

Ha. They will be welcome to all good
Mens hearts, and next the King, none with more joy
Congratulate their fateties, then your selfe :
I am confident my Lord you will remember
To see my Mother, and excuse me if
To finish something else I had in charge,
I take my leave, all good dwell with your Lordship,
Exit.

Go. But that I have Marpisa's faith, I could
Suspect him not the issue of my blood,
He is too tame, and honest at his years
I was prodigiously in love with greatnesse;
Or if not mine, let him inherit but
His Mothers foules, she has pride enough, and spirit
To catch at flames, his education
Has been too soft, I must new form the boy
Into more vice, and daring, strange, we must
Study at Court, how to corrupt our Children.

Enter Marpisa.

The Queene !

Ma. My expectation to speak
With thee Gotharus, was too painfull to me,
I feare we are all undone; doft hear the news?
The Prince is comming back with victory,
Our day will be o're-cast.

Go. These eyes will force
A brighter from those clouds; are not you Queene ?

Ma. But how Turgesius, and his bold uncle
Wil look upon me.

Ga. Let them stare out
Their eyeballs, be you mistresse still of the (mack,
Kings heart, and let their gall spout in their stow,
We'll be secure.

Ma. Thou art my fate.

B

Co.

The Politician.

12

Go. I must confesse
I was troubled when I heard it first; seem not
You pale at their return, but put on smiles
To grace their triumph; now you have most need
Of woman's art, dissemble cunningly.

Ma. My best Gotharus.

Go. They shall find their argemts in peace, more fair
Then all the Engines of the war; what mischief
Will not Gotharus fly to, to assure

The fair Marpisa's great nefs, and his own,
In being hers (an Empire above the world)
There is a heaven in either eye, that calls
My adoration, such Promethean fire,
As were I struck dead in my works, shouldst thou
But dart one look upon me, it would quicken
My cold duft, and informe it with a foul
More daring then the first.

Ma. Still my refolv'd Gotharus.

Go. Let weak Statefmen think of conscience,
I am arm'd against a thousand things, and laugh
The tales of Hell, and other worlds, we must
Poffefs our joyes in this, and know no other
But what our fancy every minute shall
Create to please us.

Ma. This is harmony,
How dull is the King's language, I could dwell
Upon thy lips; why should not we engender
At every senſe?

Go. Now you put me in mind,
The pledge of both our hopes, and blood, Har
Is not well bred, he talks too morally,
He must have other discipline, and be fashion'd
For our great aims upon him; a Crown never
Became a Stoick, pray let me commend
Some conversation to his youth.

Ma. He is thine.

Enter Helga.

The Polittian.

13

Ge. He shall be every way my own.

Hel. The King desires your preference Madam.

Ma. I attend, you'll follow Exit.

Go. Thee to death, and triumph in
My ruines for thy sake, a thousand forms (speeds,
Throng in my braine, that is the best, which
Who looks at Crowns, must have no thought who
bleeds.
Exit.

A&. 2.

Enter King, Hormenus, Cortes, Sueno.

K. T His muſick doth but add to melancholly,
Ile hear no more.

Co. He's ſtrangely mov'd.

Ho. I cannot think a caufe, (Helga)
You were wont to fool him into mirth; Where's
Your dear companion? no device between you
To raiſe his thoughts?

Su. I am nothing without my fellow,
Muſick is best in Confort.

H. Your buffonry is muſical belike.

Co. Your Juglers cannot do ſome o'their tricks
Without confederacy.

Su. I'll try alone.

If please your Majefty there is
K. That for your unfeasonable and faucie foo-
ling. strikes him.

Ho. That was a muſical box o'th'ear.

Ki. Leave us.

Co. 'Tis nothing without a fellow, he knows
Muſick is best in Confort.
Exit.

Su. Would you had your parts?

B 2

K.

The Polititian.

14

K. Hormenuss you may stay.

Ho. Your pleasure fir.

Ki. Men do account thee honest.

H. 'Tis possible

I May fare the worse.

K. And wife; canst tell the cause why I am mad?

Ho. Not I fir.

Ki. Nor I my self, 'tis strange I should be subject to a dull passion, and no reason for it.

Ho. These things are frequent.

Ki. Sometimes ominous,

And do portend.

Ho. If you enjoy a health,

What is in fate?

Ki. I am King

Still, and I not?

Ho. We are all happy in't,

And when time shall with the consent of nature,

Call you an old man from this world to heaven,

May he that shall succed you, Prince Turgesius,

The glory of our hope, be no lefs fortunate.

Ki. My Son,

I was too rash to part with him.

Ho. We should

Have thought his stay a bleffing, and did with

You would not have expos'd such tender years

To the rough warre; but your commands met with

His duty, and our obedience.

Ki. It is very

Strange, we of late hear no succeds, I hope

This sadneffe is not for his lofs, he has

A kinsman with him, loves him dearly, 'tis

The Queen.

Enter Queen and Helga.

I feel my drooping thoughts fall off,

And my clouds fly before the wind, her preſence

thath an infusion to restore dead nature.

My

The Polititian.

15

My sweet, my dear Marpisa.

Mar. You ſent for me.

Ki. I am but the ſhadow of my ſelfe without thee.

Enter Cort. Sueno.

No wonder I was sad, my ſoul had plac'd

All her delight in these ſair eyes, and could not

But think it ſelfe an exile in thy absence,

Why ſhould we ever part, but chaine our ſelves

Together thus?

Su. He's in a better humour I hope;

I do not think but his Majeſtie would cuffe well,

His hand carryes a princely weight.

He. A favour.

(leare.)

Su. Would you might weare such another in your

Ki. Come hither—on this ſide.

Su. You were on that ſide before.

Ki. wo'dſt not thou loſe thy life, to do a ſervice

My Queen would ſmile upon ?

Su. Alas, My life

Is the leaſt thing to be imagin'd, he

Is not a faithful ſubject would reſufe

To kill his wife and children, after that

To hang him ſelfe, to do the Queen a ſervice.

Ki. Come hither Helga.

Hel. Royal fir.

( ſerve

Ki. What would affright thy undertaking, to de-
The leaſt grace from my Queen?

'He. I cannot tell,

But I've an opinion, the Devill could not;

My life is nothing fir, to obtaine her favour,

I would hazard more; I have heard talk of hell,

So farre he ſhould command me.

Hor. Bleſs me goodneſs !

What wretched Parasites are these? how can

The King be patient at 'em ? here is ſlattery

B 3

So

The Polititiant.

16

So thick and grosse, it would endure a hand-faw,
Co. His judgement's I fear fupified.

Hor. Come hither,

(you

Which of you can refolve, what serpent spawn'd
Su. You are pleafant.

He. My good Lord, it hurts not you,
There is neceffity of some knaves, and so
Your Lordship be exempted, why should you
Trouble your selfe, and murmur at our courſes ?

Enter Aquinus haſtily.

A. The King.

He. Peace.

Su. Your busineſſe ?

Aq. News from the field,

Su. Good ?

A. Good.

He. How ?

Su. How prethee ?

Aq. The day, the field, the safety, O the glory,
Of warre is Norwaies, Letters to the King--

He. Give 'em to me.

Su. Or me.

He. Trust not a fool with things of conſequenc
He's the Kings mirth, let me preſent the news.

Su. Sir, I should know you ; this is a knave,
Would take to him all the glory of your report;
It ploaſe you, let me preſent the Letters.

He. My Leige !

Su. My Soveraigne !

He. News !

Su. Good news !

He. Excellent newes !

Su. The Pr nce,

He. The Prince is---

Su. The enemy is---o'rethrown.

H

The Polititiant.

17

He. They have loft the day.

Su. Defeated utterly.

He. And are all flain.

Su. Madam, will you hear the news ?

Ki. Say on, what is't you would relate ?

He. One of my creatures fir hath brought you

Letters, (Aquinus delivers the Letters.

My ſervant fir, one ſtrengthened to your ſervice
Out of my maintenance, an inſtrument of mine,
So pleafe you to confider my duty in his ſervice.

Aq. Why hark you Gentlemen, I have but mock'd
Your greedy zeals, there's no ſuch matter in
Those Letters as you have told ; we have loft all,
And the Prince taken prifoner, will you not
Stay for the reward, you know I'm but your Crea-
ture,

I look for nothing but your courtly faces

To pay my travel.

He. We wo'not appear yet-

Exit.

Aq. How the Rats vanish.

Ki. Read here my beſt Marpisa, news that makes
A triumph in my heart, great as the conqueſt

Upon our enemies; Hormenus, Cortes,
Our Son will prove a Souldier, was my sadneſſe
Omen to this good fate ? or nature fear'd.

The extaſie of my joy would eſſe o'recome me ?
They are return'd victorious.

Ho. Thanks to heaven !

B Ki. And ſome reward is due to thee; wear that
For the Kings ſake.

Aq. You too much honour me.

Ki. But ſomething in Marpisa's face, ſhe wns not
So clear a joy as we exprefs, forbear, Exeunt.
Wait till we call ; can this offend my Queen,
To hear of happineſſe to my Son? O let

Thy eyes look bright, there ſhine hath force to make

The

B 4

18

The Politician.

The wreath of Laurel grow upon his temples;
Why doft thou weep ? this dew will kill the victory,
And turn his Bay to Gipresse.

Ma. Witnefle heaven,

There's not a teare that mourns for him, his safety
And conquest is most welcome, and he shall
Have still my prayers, he may grow up in fame,
And all the glorious fortunes of a Prince :
But while my wishes fly to heaven for blessings
Upon his head, at the same time, I must
Remember in what miserable condition
My stars have plac'd me.

Ki. What can make thy state

Guilty of such a name, and so deje&
Thy nobler thoughts ? am not I still the King ?
And is not fair Marpisa mine by marriage ?
Crown'd here my Queen immortally.

M. Though I be

By royal bounty of your love, poſſeſt

Of that great Title fir, I have ſome fears.

Ki. You amaze me, ſpeak thy doubts at large.

M. The Prince

(Dear to your love, and I still with him so)

(Dear to your peoples hearts) I fear, will think
Our marriage his dishonour, and Olaus

Your passionate Uncle, no good friend of mine,
When he shall see to what a height your love
And holy vow hath rais'd me, most unworthy,
Will but salute Marpisa with his ſcorn,

And by his countell, or ſome waies of force

Unchain our hearts, and throw me from your boſome

To death, or worse, to ſname; oh think upon me,

And if you have one fear that's kin to mine,
Prevent their tyrannie, and give me doom

Of exile e're their cruelty arrive :

1

19

The Politician.

Ile take my ſentence kindly from your lips,
Though it be killing.

Ki. Let my Son or Uncle,

Dare but affront thee in a look, I shall

Forget the ties of nature, and discharge 'em

Like the corruption in my blood.

M. I can

Submit my ſelfe to them, and would you please

To allow my humbleneſſe no ſtaine to what

You have advanc'd me to, I can be their ſervant,

And with as true a duty wait upon 'em----

Ki. Thou art all goodneſſe, twenty Kingdoms are
Too little for thy dowry; who attends?

Enter Horm. and Cortes.

Thus every minute I will marry thee,
And wear thee in my heart, vanish the thought

Of all thy ſex beside, and what can eſſe

Attempt our ſeparation : th'art obscure,

And livſt in Court but like a maskquing ſtar,

Shut from us by the unkindneſſe of a cloud

When Cynthia goes to Revels : I will have.

A chariot for my Queen richer then er'e

Was ſhewn in Roman triumph, and thou ſhalt

Be drawn with Horses white as Venus doves,

Till heaven it ſelfe in envy of our blifs,

Snatch thee from earth to place thee in his Orbe,

The brightest constellation.

Co. He dotes ſtrangely.

K. Hormenus, Cortes, I would have you all

Search your inventions to advance new joyes ;

Proclaime all pleafures free, and while my fair

Queen ſmiles, it ſhall be death for any man

I'ch Court to frown. Exeunt.

Ho. You ha' not so much love i'ch Court Aqminus.

Co. How do you like the Queen ?

Aq.

The Polititian.

20

Aq. Why she's not married,
He does but call her so.

Ho. And lyes with her.

Aq. The Prince yet knows it not.

Ho. Hee'l meet it coming home.

Go. Aquinus?

Enter Gotharus.

Aq. Sir.

Go. You brought Letters from the Camp.

Aq. I did my Lord.

Ho. What in the name of Policy is now hatching?
I do not like those fawning postures in him,
How kind they are.

Co. That Souldier is thought honest.

Ho. But if he cringe once more I shall suspect him,
That leg confirms he is corrupt already.

Go. How does he like his father's marriage?

Aq. We had no fame on't there when I set forth.

Go. 'Twas fstrange and fuddain, but we are all
happy

In the good Princes health and victory;
The Duke Olaus too I hope is well.

Aq. He was design'd at my departure,
To be here before the Army.

Go. He will be welcome :

You shall accept the price of a new Armour,
And wherein any power of mine can serve you
I' th Court, command.

Aq. I am your Lord-ships creature.

Exeunt.

Ho. They are gone, I long to see the Prince ;
How do you think his Highnesse will

Behave himself to his new mother Queen ?

Will it be treason not to ask her blessing ?

Co. I am confident his Uncle, brave Olaus.

Enter Haraldus.

Wo'not run mad for joy of the Kings marriage?

Ho.

The Polititian.

21

Ho. Let them look to't, there may be alterations.

Ha. They talk of me and my mother and the King.

Ho. Secure as they account themselves, the Prince
Must be receiv'd in spight of Marpifa's greatnesse,

And all the tricks of her incarnate fiend
Gotharus, who both plot I fear, to raife

That Composition of their blood,
Haraldus

Ha. How was that ?

Ho. The ftrange effect

Of their luxurious appetites, though in him
Poor innocence, suspecting not their sin,
We read no such ambition.

Ha. Oh my fame !

What have my ears receiv'd ? am I a baſtard ?

'Tis malice that doth wound my Mothers honour ;

How many bleed at once ? yet now I call

To memory, Gotharus at our loving

Late conference, did much insult upon

The name of a Father, and his care of me

By some ftrange force of nature: ha! my fears

Shoot an Ice through me, I muſt know the truth

Although it kill me.

Exit.

Co. Who was that Haraldus ?

Ho. I hope he did not hear us, again Gotharus.
And the two squirrels ; more devices yet.

{Enter Gotharus, Sueno, and Helga.

Su. Let us alone my Lord, we'll quicken him.

Go. You muſt use all your art to win him to't.

He. Let us alone to make him drink, we are the
credit

Of the Court for that, he's but a child alas, we'll take
our time.

Enter Olaus attended with Captains.

Ol. Hormenus.

Ho. My

22

The Polititian.

Ho. My good Lord Olaus, I
Joy in your safe return, how fares the Prince ?

Ol. Well, where's the King ?

Ho. Kissing his new made Queen Marpisa.

Ol. Ha!

The King is married then.

Exit Su. & Ha.

Go. Away, the Duke Olaus, fir—

Ol. I am too stiff for Complement,

My Lord, I have rid hard—

Exit.

Go. He has met the intelligence,

And is displeased with the state of things at home
This marriage things him, let it, we must have

No trembling hearts, not fall into an ague,
Like Children at the fight of a portent :

But like a Rock when wind and waves go highest,
And the insulting billowes dash against it.

Her ribs, be unmov'd. The King must be taluted

With other Letters, which must counteract
The Princes character, I was his Secretary

And know the Art, malice inspire my brain

To poyson his opinion of his Son;
Ile form it cunningly.

Ha! 'tis Haraldus.

Enter Haraldus.

He looks sad.

Ha. I dare not aske

My mother, 'twere a crime, but one degree

Beneath the sinfull act that gave me life

To question her, and yet to have this fright

Dwell in my apprehension, without

The knowledge of some truth, must needs diffract

My poor wits quite; 'tis he, I will take boldneffe

And know the worth of him, If I be what
I am already charactred, he can

Reſolve my ſhame too well.

Go. How is't my Lord ?

Ha.

23

The Polititian.

Ha. Never so ill sir.

Go. Art sick ?

Ha. Most dangerously.

Go. Where ?

(wound,

Go. Here, at heart, which bleeds with such a
As none but you, can cure.

Go. Ile drop my soul

Into it, shew me how I may

Be thy Physitian, to restore thy blood
I will lose all mine, speak child.

Ha. This very love

Is a fresh suffering, and your readineſſe

To cure my ſorrow, is another wound ;

You are too kind, why are you so? what is

Or can be thought in me fit to deferve it ?

Go. Thou doſt talk wildly; to accuse me thus
For loving thee, could the world tempt me here,
And court me with her glories to forſake thee,
Thus I would dwell about thy neck, and not
Be bought from kiling thee for all her provinces;
There is a charme upon my ſoul to love thee,
And I muſt do't.

Ha. Then I muſt dye.

Go. Forbid it gentler fates,

Ha. If I could hear you with

Me dead, I should have hope to live; although

I would not willingly deferve your anger,

By any impious deed, you do not know

What comfort it would be to heare you curſe me.

Go. He's mad; Haraldus, prethee do not talk so.

Ha. Or if you think a curſe too much to help me,
Yet rail upon me, but do't heartily, and call me

Go. What?

Ha. Vilaine, or Baſtard, fir,

The worth is beſt from you.

Go. Thou doſt amaze me.

IIa.

The Polititian.

24

Ha. Will you not for me?
Then for my mothers fake if you do love her,
Or ever did eſteem her worth your friendſhip,
Let me entreat you draw your ſword, and give me
Something to wear in blood upon my boſome;
Write but one letter of your name upon
My breſt, Ile call you father, by your love;
Do ſomething that may make me bleed a little.

Go. By that I dare not, thou haſt nam'd Haraldun
A father.

Ha. I but call you so, I know
You are a ſtranger to my blood, although
Indeed to me your great affection
Appears a wonder; nor can nature ſhow
More in a Parent to a child; but if

I be.

Go. What ?

Ha. I ſhall bluſh ſir to pronounce it, (no
There's ſomething that concerns my mother, will
Give it a name; yet I would be reſolv'd,
That I might place my duty right; If I
Muſt anſwer to your Sonne, you may imagine
I ſhall no more aske you a reaſon, why

You have been so kind to me, and to my mother.

Go. Thou haſt faſd it, th'are mine own, 'twas na
ture in me,

That could not hide the actions of a Father.

Ha. I am your base ſeed then.

Go. Stain not thy ſelf
With ſuch a name, but look upon thy mother
Now made a Queene.

Ha. You made her firſt a ſtrumpet,
And it would aske the piety of her Sonne,
To dye upon that man that ſtole her honour :
Why did you ſo undo us ? why did you
Betray my mother to this ſhame ? or when

She

The Polititian.

25

She had conſented, why ſhould both your luſt
Curſe my unſinning heart, oh I muſt be
For your vice ſcorn'd, though innocent.

Go. None dare—

Ha. I ſhould not by your vertue have been fav'd,
Where ſhall I hide my life, I muſt no more
Converſe with men—

Go. Thou art too paſſionate.

Ha. I will entreat my mother we may go
Into ſome wilderneſſe, where we may find
Some Creatures that are ſpotted like our ſelves,
And live and dye there, be companion.
To the wild Panther, and the Leopard, yet
They are too good for their converſe, we are.
By ours, defil'd, their ſpots do make them fair.

Exeunt.

Go. 'Tis time that Sueno and his companions,
Diſpers'd theſe clouds; now to the King, with whom
If the Queens beauty keep her magick, then
Our Engines mount, and day grows bright agen.

Exeunt.

Act. 3.

Enter King, Queene, Olaus, Reginald, &c.
Aquinas, Helga.

K. U Ncle, I am glad to ſee you.

Ol. I am not glad

To ſee you firſt.

Ki. Not me ?

Ol. Conſorted thus.

K. If Olaus be forgetſull of good manners,
I ſhall forget his years, and blood, be temperate.

Ol.

The Polititian.

26

Ol. There's something in your blood that will undoe
Your state and fame eternally, purge that,
You know I never flatter'd you, that woman
Will prove thy evill Genius,

Ki. Y'are too saucy.

Ol. Do not I know her, was she not wife
To the Count Altemarus a weak Lord?
But too good for her, charm'd by the flattery
And magick of her face, and tongue, to dote
And Marry her, born of a private Family,
Advanc'd thus, she grew insolent, and I fear
By pride and liberty, and some trick she had,
Broke her good husbands heart.

Ma. Sir, you much wrong me,
And now exceed the privilege of your birth
To injure mine.

Ol. We all know you can plead
Your own defence, you have a womans wit,
Heaven send you equall modefty, I am plain.
Ma. It would be held an infolence in others,
And saucy boldneſſe in the ſacred prefence
Thus of the King, to accuſe, whom he hath please'd
To take companion of his bed; and though
It would become the juſtice of my cauſe
And honour, to deſire these black asperſions
May be examin'd further, and the Author
Call'd to make proof of ſuch a passionate language
( Which will betray his accuſation was
But envy of my fortunes') I remember.
Y'are the Kings Uncle, and 'tis possible
You may be abus'd by some malicious tale
Fram'd to diſhonour me, and therefore I
Befeech you humbly fir, to let this paffe
But as an act in him of honest freedom,
Befide what eſſe may give you privilege

Be

The Polititian.

27

Being a Souldier, and not us'd to file
His language, blunt and rugged wayes of ſpeech
Becoming your profession.

Ol. Very good!
Although we ha'not the device of tongue
And ſoft phraſe Madam, which you make an Idol
At Court, and uſe it to diſguſe your heart,
We can ſpeak truth in our unpollifh'd words,
Thou art—

M. What am I?

Ol. Not the Queen.

K. She is

My wife Olaus.

Ol. I muſt never kneel to her,
Nor the good Prince your Son, the hope of war,
And peaces darling, honour of our blood,
And worth a better Kingdom then he's born to—

K. What of him?

Ol. Muſt never call her Mother,

K. Dare you inſtruct him

Againſt his duty, leave us.

Ol. You have loft

More honour in those minutes you were married,
Then we have gain'd in months abroad, with all
Our triumph purchasing'd for you with our blood;
Is this the payment, the reward for all
Our faith? when thy young Son, whose ſpringing
valour

And name, already makes the confines tremble,
Returns like young Augustus crown'd with victo-
Muſt aſtepdame firſt ſalute him;
And tread upon his Laurel ?

K. Leave the Court.

Ol. May it not prove an Hofpital, 'tis i'th way
To change a title, luſt and all the riots
Of licence reeling in it, by th'example

C

Of

The Politition.

28

Of one should leaft prophane it, I am fill
Olaus, and your fathers brother.

Aq. My Lord.

K. Take heed

You do not talk your head off, we have Scaffolds.
But the old man raves, come my Marpisa.

Ol. Then I will talk, threaten my head,
Command that Parasite that dares do moft
In wickednesse, to shew hims selfe your servant;
Give him his engine, and his fee for hangman,
Let him take boldnefs but to move one hair
That withers on my head out of his pofture,
He shall have more hope to o'recome the Devil
In single duel, then to scape my fury.

Aq. Sic---

Ki. Our guard.

Ol. Look you, i'le bring no danger to your per
I love you too well; I did alwayes use

To speak, your father lik'd me near the worfe,
And now I am coole againe---

You say you are married---

Ki. We are.

Ol. Then between you, and I, and let none but make your selfe, your Son, and Kingdome for ever,
Be counseled to a divorce.

Ki. Not, not

To fave thy foule, my fonnes life added

To thine, and lives of all the Army ſhall
Be divorc'd from this world ſiſt, you are
Brother, and if you love my ſonne, your pupil,
So hopeful in your thoughts, teach him to com
More humbly to us, without thought to queſt
Our marriage, or i'le find a chaſtisement

Brother, and if you love my ſonne, your pupil,
So hopeful in your thoughts, teach him to com
More humbly to us, without thought to queſt
Our marriage, or i'le find a chaſtisement
For his rebellious heart, we will.

Ol, You muſt not; I wo'not leave him yet.

The Polititian.

29

Re. This freedome may engage his life to danger,
He is too paſſionate.

Aq. He has said too much,
He venter (speaking to him. Exit.

He. He's alone, now to him.

Su. Noble fir--- I have a ſuit to you.

Re: A Courtier aske a ſuit of a Souldier?
You'l wear no Buffe nor Iron?

Su. I come very impudently, and I hope to thrive

The better for't; this Gentleman my friend,

A man of quality, and in some grace with

The King, hath laid a wager with me of

Two hundred Crowns, I dare not pull a haire

From your moſt reverend Beard: now if you pleafe

To give me leave, i'le win the Crownes, laugh at
him,

And drink your health at ſupper.¹

Re. A hair from my beard?

Su. But one hair, if ſhall please you.

Re. Come, take it.

Su. I have pul'd three noble fir.

Re. 'Twas more then your commſion, there's one

Kicks him,
That's another, and that will make you an upright
Courtier.

H. Ha, ha.

Sn. Sir, I beſeech you-- (bounds,

Re. Beg modetly hereafter, take within your

(You have small beard to play upon. 'cis fit
my ſift should make an anſwer to your wit.

Su. I have it to a hair, the choleric uke agen?

am gone. Exeunt. Ent. Ol. & Aquiſ

Aq. Sir, you have been too blame.

Ol. How dare you talk to me fir?

Ex. Aq. 'Tis my duty, and I muſt tell you,

E'ave built too much upon him as a kinſman;

C 2

And

The Politician.

30

And have forgot the King.

Ol. Take that for your impudence. Exit.

Strikes him with his hand.

Aq. I have it, and I thank you.

Enter King, reading of Letters, Queen.

H. They are gone fir, but have left Prints of the
fury,
The angry Duke has broke Aquinus head,
For speaking dutifully on your behalfe ;'
To other mute man of war stroke Sueno fir.

Su. I heare his language humming in my head so.

K. Aquinus ? strike so near our preſence ?

Su. Nay theſe Souldiers will strike a man, if
doe not
Carry himſelfe to a hairs breadth, I know that.

K. They ſhall repent this impudence, look up
My dear Marpisa, there's no tempeſt ſhall
Approach to hurt thee, they have rais'd a ſtorm
To their own ruines.

Enter a Souldier.

So. Sir, if you'll bring me
To'th King, you shall do an office worth your
I have Letters will be welcome.

He. You muſt give

Me leave fir to preſent 'em from the Prince :

Moft excellent, fir, my Soveraigne.

Sn. Letters ? If you have a chaine of gold--

He. Go hang thy ſelfe, Souldier gives He

Su. We will divide. the Letters, &c.

He. I am moſt fortunate to preſent you fir

With Letters from the Prince, and if your Majefi

Knew with what zeale I tender theſe,

K. Ha !

He. Ha ! (my ha)
He. He frowns, where's the Soldade ? you'l g

Ki. Who brought theſe Letters? where's the meſenger

The Politician.

31

He. He was here but now, he's vanifh'd.

Ki. Vanifh thee too, and creep into the earth.

H. I ſhall fir.

Ki. The impudence of Children, read Marpisa,
More Letters from the proud ambitious boy,
He dares to give us precepts, and writes here,
We have too much forgot our ſelfe and honour,
In making thee our Queen, puts on his grace
A discontent, and ſayes, the triumph he
Expected, the reward of his young merit,
Will be ungloried in our ſuddaine match,
And weak election.

M. This was my fear.

Ki. He threatens us, if we proceed with his
Command and power i'th Army; raiſe new Forces
To oppoſe 'm, and proclaime 'm Rebels, Trayters--

M. Sir, I beſeech you for the generall good,
Temper your rage, theſe are but words of paſſion,
The Prince will ſoon be ſorry for't, ſulpeſt not
His duty, rather then diſgrace your Son,
Divide me from your heart, the people love him.

Ki. I'le hate him for't, Gotharus, where's Gotharus,

Exit.

M. This Letter taſt's of his invention,
He's aſtive, it concerns us both. Albina.

Enter Albina.

Nay, you may forward Madam.

A. I beſeech

Your pardon, I did hope to have found my Lord
Gotharus here.

M. The King ask'd for him,
And is but new retyr'd, who I preſume
If he had known of your approach, w'od not
Have gone so ſoon.

Al. I have no buſineſſe Madam
With the King.

C3

M. Come

32

The Polititian.

M. Come do not disguise it thus,
I am covetous to know your suit;
But I am confident he will deny
You nothing, and your husband is of my
Opinion lately.

Al. By your goodneſſe Madam,
Let me not ſuffer in your thoughts, I fee
There is ſome poison thrown upon my innocence
And tis not well done of my Lord Gotharus,
To render me to your ſuſpition
So unhappy, 'tis too much he has withdrawn
His own heart, he will ſhew no ſeeds of charity,
To make all others ſcorn me.

M. If he do,
You can return it, but take heed your wayes
Be ſtraite to your revenge, let not my fame
And honour be concern'd with the leaſt wound.

Al. I understand not what you mean.

M. I cannot
Be patient, to hear the King commend
Your lip.

Al. I am betraid.
M. My phrase is modeſt,
Do not you love the King ?

Al. Yes, with the duty—-

M. Of one that wants no cunning to diſſembl'e
Her pride, and loose deſires.

Al. You are the Queen.

M. What then ?
Al. I should eſſe tell y ou, 'tis ill done
To oppreſſe one that groans beneath the weight
Of grieſe already, and I durſt take boldneſſe
To ſay, you were unjuſt.

M. So, so.

A. I can
Contain no longer, take from my ſad heart

Wh

33

The Polititian.

What hitherto I have conceal'd, (in that
You may call me diſſembler of my sorrows )
I am weary of my life, and fear not what
Your power and rage can execute; would you
Had no more guilt upon your blood, then I
Have finne in my accounts that way, My Lord
Gotharus would not be so unkind to me.

M. What's that you ſaid so impudently Albina?

Al. What I did think should have confuſ'd me here
In ſilence, but your injuries are mighty,
And though I do expect to have my name
In your black Register deſign'd for death,
To which my husband will I know confent :
I cannot thus provok'd, but ſpeak what wo
Yet here agen I ſhut the Casket up,
Never to let this ſecret forth, to ſpread
So wide a ſhame hereafter.

M. Thou haſt wak'd
A Lyonnefs.

Al. Death cannot more undo me,
And since I live an exile from my husband,
I will not doubt but you may ſoon prevaile,
To give my weary ſoul a full diſcharge.
Some way or other; and i' th minute when
It takes her flight to an eternall dwelling,
I will forgiue you both, and pray for you,
But let not your revenge be to long idle,
Leaſt the unmeaſur'd pile of my affections
Weigh me to death before your anger comes,
And so you loſe the triumph of your envies.

M. You ſha'not be ſorgotten, ſeare it not,
And but that ſomething nearer doth concern us,
You should ſoon find a puniſhment. The King. Ex.

Enter King, Gotharus, with a Letter.
Ki. He struck Aquimus, Helga law him bleed.

C 4

Go.

The Polititian.

34

Go. These are strange infolencies, one goe for Aquinus.
Did Olans bring these Letters ?

Ki. No, some spirit,
For he soon vanish'd.

I have given my sonne

To the most violent men under the Planets,
These Souldiers.

Go. And they'll cling to him like Ivie,

Embrace him even to death.

Ki. Like Brees to Cattel

In summer, they'll not let him feed.

Go. But make

Him ling, unquiet.

Ki. Most repineful, fpleeny.

Go. Ready to break the twist of his Allegiance.

Ki. Which they fret every day---

Go. These put upon his young blood discontent

Ki. Dangerous---

Go. Extreamly dangerous.

Ki. Swell him up

With the alluring shapes of rule, and Empire---

Go. And speak his strength with a proud Empha
Yours, with a faint cold-hearted voice; was ev
Such peremptory lines writ to a father ?

Ki. Thy counsell, while the dangers yet aloofe

Go. Aloofe? take heed, hils in a piece of lands

May seem to stand a hundred leagues, yet meafur

There's but an inch in distance; oh ambition
Is a most cunning, infinite diffembler,
But quick i'th execution.

Ki. Thy counsell.

Go. He that aspires hath no Religion,
He knows no kindred.

K. Laske for thy advice.

Go. Have you not seen a great Oke cleft aſunder.

W

The Polititian.

35

With a small wedge cut from the very heart
Of the same tree ?

Ki. It frights me to apply it;

Oh my mil-fortune, this is torment, not
A cure.

Enter Aquinus.

Go. Aquinus, Speak him gently fir,

And leave me to encourage him in a ſervice

Worth his attempt, and needful to your safety.

Noble Aquinus, our good King has ſence

Of the affront you ſuffered from his Uncle,

And as he is inform'd, for ſpeaking but

The duty of a ſubjeſt.

Aq. This is true fir,

I wear his bloody favour ſtill, I never

Took any blow so long on truſt.

Ki. I know thy ſpirit's daring, and it ſhal become

My justice to reward thy ſuffering;

A ſtorm now hovers o're my Kingdom,

When the aire is clear, and our sky fair agen,

Expect, nay challenge, we ſhall recompence

What thou haſt ſuffer'd for us, with a bounty

Worth all thy merits, i'th mean time apply

Thy ſelbe to my Gotharus, and be counſel'd.

Exit.

A. My duty.

Go. Th'haſt no alliance to my blood;

Yet if thou think'ſt I do not flatter thee,

I feel a friendly touch of thy diſhonour,

The blow, 'twas not well done of Duke Olans.

Aq. You great men think you may do what you
pleafe,

And if y'have a mind to pound us in a morter
We must obey.

Go. That law is none of natures,

And this diſtination of birth and royalty

Is not ſo firme a proofe, but there are men

(hearts)
Have ſwords to pierce it through, and make the

Of

The Polititian.

Of those that take this privilege from their blood
Repent they were injurious.

Aq. My sword

Was quiet when he beat me.

Go. He did not, could not beat thee.

A. 'Twas worse, he cudgel'd me, I feel it yet,
Nor durst I strike again.

Go. It could not be

A tamenefle in thy spirit, but quick thought
That 'twas Olaus, not, that in thy heart
There was no will to be reveng'd, for he
Is fale to nature, loves his injury,
But that there was no safety to return
Thy anger on his person.

Aq. Y'are i'th right,
That frighted me.

Go. For he is not reveng'd,
That kills his enemy and destroyes him selfe,
For doing his own justice, therefore men
That are not slaves, but free, thefe we receive
Born, and bred Gentlemen in fair employments,
That have, and dare bid high agen for honour,
When they are wrong'd by men above them in title,
As they are thought worthy a personall wound,
In that are rais'd and level'd with the injurer;
And he that shall provoke me with his weapon,
By making me his enemy, makes me equal,
And on those terms I kill him : But there is
Another caution to wife men, who ought
To caft and make themselves secure, that when
They have return'd full payment for their suffering
In fame, they may be fale without a guard.

Aq. That fir is the prudence.

Go. Yet I can direct thee

To be reveng'd with safety unto this,
What if I add therein, thou fhalt do ſervice

The

The Polititian.

That will oblige the common-wealth, that groans
With fear of innovation, and make
The King thy friend by one expence of courage;
And having nam'd the king thus, it muſt make
Thy thoughts ſecure from future loſſe, and in
The preſent aſt no danger.

A. Sir, be cleere,
Make good what you have promis'd,
And ſee if I be frighted, I have help'd
Many give up the ghoſt.

Go. Olaus us'd

Thee safely, how much would the Kingdome ſuffer
If he were dead and laid into his Tombe,
Perhaps a year sooner then nature meant,
To make his bones fit.

Aq. I dare kill him fir,
If I were ſure the King would pardon me,
That in my own revenge, and any other
Whom he calls enemy without exception,
To this I am bound in confcience; fir, there needs
No conjuration for this, nor art
To heighten me, let me but hear the King
Will have it, and ſecure me.

Go. Thou deferv'ſt him,
And maift a ſtatue, for our great deliverer,
Yet, now I have thought better on't, we may
Save trouble in Olaus Tragedy,
And kill him through another.

Aq. Whom?

Go. One that

Sits heavier on the Kings heart, and dwels in't
Such a diſeafe, as if no refolute hand
Cure him.

Aq. I'le be his Chyrurgion.

Go. When I name him,
One that has had no will to advance thee

To

37

38

The Polititian.

To thy deferts in wars, for all thy former
And thy late services, rewarded with
A dull command of Captain, but incensed
By Olaus now who rules his heart, leffe hope
To be repair'd in fortune.

Al. Let him be the Prince.

Go. 'Tis he.

A. It honours my attempt;
And while his father holds him disobedient,
I think him leffe then subject.

Go. Disobedient ? look there.

Aq. This is the Princes hand.

Go. But read his heart.

Aq. Impious ! above the reach
Of common faith.

I am satisfied, he must not live; the way:
They would not trust me with his cup to poyson

Shew me the way---the King and Queen.

Go. Lets study. Enter King and Queen.

Q. You have a faithful servant in Gotharus.

K. Upon his wifdome we depend.

Go. I have it,

He shall dye like a Souldier, thus — Whisp

Qu. Their malice

Doth onely aime at me, and if you pleafe
To give me up a sacrifice to their fury.

K. Not for a thousand Sons, my life and honor
Must fit with thine Marpisa.

Aq. Sir, 'tis done.

Go. This act shall make thee great, the King and
Queene

Look cheerefull royal fir, and think of honour

To crown the merit of this Captain, let

No trouble shake a thought, he will defer
Your bofome fir.

K. He shall posseffe it; how my Gornarus?

G.

The Polittian.

39

Go. Pray leave it to me, it is not ripe yet for your
knowledge fir.

K. We'l trust thee, come Marpisa.

Go. Deareft Madam ! come Aquinus.

Aq. I attend your Lordship. Exeunt.

Enter Haraldus, Sueno, Helga, at a banquet.

Su. My Lord, you honour us.

Hel. If we knew how to expresse our duties.

Ha. No more ceremony,

Your loves engage me, if some discontents

Make me not seem unpleasant; yet I must

Confesse I was more prompted to th'acceptance,

In hope to cure a melancholly.

H. With your pardon,

It does too much usurpe on your sweet nature,

But if your Lordship pleafe, there is a way

To banish all those thoughts.

Ha. I would call him doctor

That could assure me that.

Su. I am of his

Opinion fir, and know the best receipt

I'ch world for sadneſs.

Ha. Prethee what ?

Su. Good wine.

Ha. I have heard 'em talk so, If I thought there

That operation—

He. Try fir.

Su. My humble duty---'tis excellent wine !

Ha. Helga.

He. Your Lordships ſervant.

Ha. 'Tis pleafant. Drinkes.

Su. It has ſpirit, will you pleafe

Another tryall, that prepares more ſweetneſs,

Health to the Queen.

Ha. I thank you.

He.

The Polititian.

40

He. With your pardon, fill to me,
Your grace should have it last.

Ha. She is my mother.

Su. She is our royall miftrels, heaven preserve her
Does not your Lordship feel more inclination

Har. drinkes

To mirth, there is no spell 'gainst sorrow, like
Two or three cups of wine.

He. Nothing believ't,

Will make your soul so active, take it liberally.

Ha. I dare not trust my brain.

Su. You never tryed.

(king,

He. You'll never know the pleasure then of drink.
I have drunk my selfe into an Emperour.

Su. In thy own thoughts.

He. Why is't not rare, that wine

Taken to the extent, should so delightfully

Poffels the imagination, I have had my Queens

And Concubines—

Ha. Fine fancies,

He. The Kings health,

Give me't in greater volum, theſe are acorns.

Sueno to thee, I'me ſprightly but to look out.

Su. What rare things will the flowing vertue raise,
If but the fight exalt you ? to your grace,

The Kings health.

Ha. Let it come, i'le treſpasse once.

He. That ſmile became you fir.

Ha. This Cup doth warm me,

Drinkes.

Methinks I could be merry.

Su. Will your grace have any muſick?

Ha. Any thing.

He. Strike luſtily.

Muſicke.

Ha. I have begun no health yet Gentlemen.

Su. Now you muſt honour us,

Ha. Health to the Prince,

He

The Polititian.

41

He. That is your title fir,

As you are Sonne to a Queene,

Ha. My father was no King, father ? i'le drown
The memory of that name.

Drinkes.

He. The Prince Turgeſus health.

Su. He's not far off

By the Court Computation--happineſſe now
To Prince Haraldus miftrels.

He. With devotion.

Ha. Alas, I am too young to have a miftrels.

He. Sir, you muſt crown it.

Ha. Theſe are complements

At Court, where none muſt want a drinking miftrels.

Su. Methinks loud muſick should attend theſe

Healths—

Ha. So, shall we dance?

Drinkes.

He. We want Ladies.

Ha. I am as light, thou ſhalt go for a Lady.

Su. Shall I?

Dance.

Is not this better, then to ſigh away

Our ſpirits now ?

Ha. I'me hot.

He. A cup of wine is the moſt naturall cooler.

Ha. You are my Phyſitians Gentlemen. (Drinks:

Su. Make it a health to my Lord Gorharus.

I'le pledge it as heartily as he were my father.

Ha. Whose father?

Throwes wine in Sueno's face.

Su. Mine, I faid.

Ha. Cry mercy.

Su. Nay, 'tis but so much wine loft, fill't again.

Ha. I'le drink no more.

He. What think you of aſong ?

Song.

Su. A catch, to't boyes.

Ha. Shall we to bed Gentlemen?

I did not ſleep laſt night.

He. If your Grace

De-

The Polititian.

42

Defire to sleep, there's nothing to prepare it
Like to 'ther cup.

Ha. A health to both your Miftreffes.

Drinks.

Su. You do us grace.

He. There's hope of his converſion.

Ha. I am nos well, what wheels are in my brain
Philofophy affirms the earth moves not,
'Tis here methinks confuted, Gentlemen,
You muſt be faine to lead me to ſome couch,
Where I may take a nap, and then I'le thank you,
I'le come agen to morrow.

Su. Every day

For a twelve-month.

He. That will make you a good fellow.

Exit.

Enter Prince Turgesius, Reginaldus, Souldiers march
ing, Olaus meets, they salute and whisper.

P. You tell me wonders.

Ol. 'Tis all truth, we muſt

Stand on our guard, 'tis well we are provided.

P. Is it not ſome device to make us feare,
That at our entertainment we may find

Our joyes more ſpatious.

Ol. There is ſome device in't.

P. It is not poffible a father ſhould

Be ſo unkind to his own blood and honour.

Ol. My life was threatened.

P. Who durſt threaten it ?

Ol. The King your father.

P. Oh ſay not ſo good fir.

(our

Ol. And if you pleafe him not with your behav
Your head may be ſoon humbled to the axe,
And ſent a token of his love, to your ſtepdame
The Queen, I trifle not.

Pr. For what finnes

Hath angry heaven decreed to puniſh Norway,
And lay the Scene of wrath in her own bowels?

The Polititian.

39

I did ſuſpect when none came forth to meet

Our victory, to have heard of ſome miſ-ſorune,
Some prodigies engendring: down with all

Our pride of war, the Garlands we bring home
Will but adorne us for the ſacrifice;

And while our hairs are deck'd with flowers and
ribbands,

We ſhall but march more glorionſly to death.

Are all good women dead within the Kingdom,
There could be found none worth my fathers love,

But one whole fame and honour is ſuſpected?

Ol. Wouſt they were but ſuſpected.

P. Marpisa?

Ol. Her preferment was no doubt

Gotharus act, for which 'tis whisper'd,

She payes him fair conditions, while they both
Cafe up the Kings eyes, or confine him to

Look through ſuch cunning opticks as they please,

P. I'le have his heart.

Ol. But how will you come by't?

He's ſafe in the Kings boſome, who keeps warm

A ſerpent, till he find a time to gnaw

Out his preſerver.

P. We had dyed with honour

(read

By the Enemies ſword, ſomething might have been

In ſuch a fall, as might have left no ſhame

Upon our ſtory, ſince 'tis chance of war,

Not want of valour, gives the victory;

This ſhip-wracks all, and eates into the ſoule

Of all our fame, it wishers all the deeds

Is owing to our name.

Enter Cortes.

Co. Health to the Prince,

Ol. Cortes, welcome, what news ?

D

Co.

The Politician.

40

Co. These Letters will inform his highnes.
Ol. From the King Cortes ? has he thought
upon?

Co. Sent, from the King Cortes ? has he thought
upon?
Are we considerable at last, and shall

The Lady Gengaw, that is parch'd upon
His throne, be counsell'd not to take too much

Upon her ? will Gotharus give us leave
To be acquainted with the King agen ? ha!

Co. These Letters came from Aquinus.
Ol. How?

I hope he mentions not the broken pate
I gave him, and complains on't to the Prince,
I may be apt to make him an amends
With such another.

Ol. What's the matter?

Ol. How?

With such another.

Pr. Sir.

Ol. What's the matter?

P. Read, I am planet-stroke, cursed Gotharus !
What would the traytor have ?

Ol. 'Tis here, I take it, he would have you sent
Yonder, and has tooke order with Aquinus.
For your conveyance hence, at both their charges;
But now you know the plot, you wo' not truſt
Your life as he directs.

Ol. 'Tis here, I take it, he would have you ſent
Yonder, and has tooke order with Aquinus.
For your conveyance hence, at both their charges;
But now you know the plot, you wo' not truſt
Your life as he directs.

P. Not truſt Aquinus?

Ol. You are desperate, hark you, I do ſuſpect him
And Iha' cauſe, I broke his head at Court
For his impertinent counſell, when I was
In paſſion with the King, you ſha' not truſt him,
This may be cunning to revenge himſelfe,
I know he has a ſpirit, come you ſha' not
Be cheated of your life, while I have one
To counſell you.

P. Uncle, I am unmovd,
He is a Souldier, to that name and honour
I'le truſt a Princes life, he dares not be
A traytor.

A traytor.

Ol.

The Politician.

4t

Ol. I have read that one Prince was

So credulous, and ſcap'd, but Alexander, (man,
Though he were great, was not so wifc a Gentle-
As heaven in that occasion might have made him,
The valiant confidence in his doctor, might
Ha' gnawn his bowels up, and where had been
My gallant Macedonian ? come you shall
Confider on't.

P. I am reſolv'd already,
March to the City, every thought doth more
Confirm me, paſſion will not let you ſee,
Good Uncle with your pardon, the true worth
And inſide of Aquinus, he is faithfull,

Should I miſcarry, 'tis my ſingle life,
And 'tis obedience to give up our breath,
When fathers ſhall confipre their Childrens death

When fathers shall confipre their Childrens death

Exenut.

Ad. 4.

Enter King, Gotharus.

Go. You may ſurrender up your Crown, 'cwell
ſhew

Brave on Turgeſus Temples, whose ambition
Expects it.

Ki. Nay Gotharus—

Go. Has my care
Caſt to prevent your ſhame, how to preſerve
The glories you poſſeſſe, by cutting off
A Caſker that would eat into your truſt,
And hinder your fair growth, and do you make
A ſeruple to be cured ?

Ki. I did but mention,
And nature may excuſe, he is my ſon.

D2

Go.

The Polititian.

42

Go. The more your danger, when he dares be impious,

The forfeit of his duty in this bold
And hostile manner to affright your subjects,

And threaten you with articles, is already
The killing of your honour, and a treason

Nature abhors, a guilt heaven trembles at,
And you are bound in care of your own province,
To shew your justice, and not be partiall

To your own blood; but let your Kingdome suffer.

Her heart be torn by civil Wars; 'tis none
Of mine, and let him in the blood of many

Fathers, be made a King, your King; and you
That now command, be taught obedience,

Creep to your child, exchange your pallace for
A prision, and be humbled till you think

Death a preferment, I have but a life—

Ki. Which I will cherish, be not passionate,
And I consent to all thou haft contained;
Thou art my friend.

Go. I would be first your honest Chyrurgion,
And when you have a Gangrene in your limb,
Not flatter you to death, but tell you plainly
If you would live, the part so poyson'd must be
Cut from your body.

Ki. And I wo'not shake

With horror of the wound, but meet my safety

And thank my best prelerver ; but art sure

Aquinus will be refolute?

Go. Suspect not,

He is my Creature.

Enter Hormenus.

Ho. The Prince your Sonne—

Ki. Is a bold Traytor.

And they are Rebels joyne with him,

The Polititian.

43

Go. What of the Prince Hormenus?

Ho. He is very near the City with his Army.

Ki. Are the walls fortified?

Ho. They are ?

Ki. We wo'not trust him, nor the Ruffian
Olaus, that Incendiary.

Go. The Queen.

Enter Marpisa.

Qu. O fir.

Ki. There are more wounds in those sad accents,
Then their rebellion can give my Kingdome.

Q. My boy, my child, Haraldus.

Ki. What of him ?

Qu. Is sick, is dying fir.

Go. Forbid it heavens, he was in health—

Qu. But if I mean to see him

A live, they say I must make haft,

The comforts of my life expire with him.

Exit.

Go. The Devils up in arms, and fates confire
Against us.

Ki. Mischiefes tumble like waves upon us.

Ho. Sir, It will be necessary

You lend your person to direct, what shall

Be further done i'th City, Aquinus hath

Charge of the Gate and Walls, that offer

The first view to the Enemy.

Ki. He is trusty, and

A daring Souldier; what at stand Gotharus ?

Go. I was thinking of the Queen fir, and Haraldus,

And grieve for the sweet child.

Ki. Some teaver, would my

Son were in his state, but soon we shall

Conclude his destiny, if Aquinus prosper ;

But to the walls.

Go. I attend, my very foule

Is in a sweat, Hormenus.

Ho. I wait on you.

Exeunt.

Enter

D3

44

The Polititian.

Enter Prince Turgesius, Olans, Cortes, Reginaldus, Souldiers.

Pr. The Gates are shut against us Souldiers.
Ol. Let our Engines
Teare 'em, and batter down the walls.

Pr. Good Uncle,
Your counfell I obey'd i'th wars abroad,
We did there fight for honour, and might use
All the most horrid formes of death to fright
Our enemies, and cut our way to victory :
But give me leave to tell you tr, at home
Our conquest will be loffe, and every wound
We give our Country, is a crimson teare
From our own heart, they are a viperous brood
Gnaw through the bowels of their parent, I
Will rather dye without a monument,
Then have it bear my name, to have defaced
One heap of stones.

Enter Gotharus on the walls, Ho. Aqui.

Cor. Gotharus on the walls?
Ol. Hormenus and Aquinus? now a speech,
And 'twere at Gallowes would become him better.

Go. Thus from my master, to the Prince of Norway,
We did expect, and had prepar'd to meet
Your victory with triumphs, and with Garlands
Due to your fate and valours, entertain'd you ;
Nor has your Army sacrific'd so many
Warm drops of blood, as we have shot up prayers,
That you might prosper, and return the pledge
Of all our hope and glory. But when pride
Of your own fames, and conquest in a war,
Hath poyfon'd the obedience of a Sonne,
And tempted you to advance your sword, new bath'd

In

The Polititian.

45

In enemies blood 'gainst your Countries boſome ;
Thus we receive you, and declare your pietie,
And faith loft to your Country, and your Father,

Pr. My Lord, all this concerns not me, we have
But done our dutyes, and return to lay
The Trophies at his feet, whose justice did
Make us victorious more then our own valour,
And now without all titles but his Sonne,
I dare hells accufation, to blaſt
My humble thoughts.

Go. Sir, give us leave to feare,
Not your own nature, calme as the loft aire,
When no rude wind confpires a mutiny--

Ol. Leave Rethorique, and to th' point, why do not
The Gates ſpread to receive us? and your joyes,
Shoot up in acclamations ? I would have
Thy house give good example to the City,
And make us the firſt-born fire.

Go. Good heaven knows,
How willingly I would sacrifice my ſelfe,
To do a grateful ſervice to the Prince :
And I could wifh my Lord, you were left passionate,
And not inflame his Highneſſe gentle ſpirit
To these attempts.

Pr. I am ignorant Gotharus
Of what you mean, where is the King my father ?

Aq. Where a fad father is, to know his Sonne
Bring arms againſt his life.

Pr. How now Aquinus,
Ol. Dare you be ſaucy ?
O that Gentleman
Is angry, his head akes with the remembrance of
My Truncheon.

Aq. 'Twas a valiant act,
And did become the greatneſs of Olans,
Who by the privilege of his birth, may do

D4

A

The Polititian.

46

A wrong and boast it.

Ol. Shall these Groomes affront us ?

Pr. Have you commission to be thus insolent,
They do not know us

Go. Yes, and in our hearts

Bleed, that our fears of your unjust demand,

Compell us to this separation.

Pr. Demands ? is it in justice for a Sonne

To aske his fathers bleffing ? by thy duty

Gotharus, I command thee, tell my father

His Sonne desires access, let me but speak with him

Go. I have not in your absence fir neglected,
What did become my service to your highnesse,

To take his anger off.

Pr. What Riddles this ?

Go. But let me with a pardon tell your Grace,

The Letters that you sent, were not so dutyfull,

You were to blame, to chide and Article

So with a King and Father; yet Hard,

And pawn'd my Conscience 'twas no act of yours,

I mean intyre, but wrought and formed by some

Rash spirits, to corrupt you with ambition,

Feeding your youth with thought of hafty empties

To serve their ends, whose countrell all this while

Did starve that sweetmeols in you we all hop'd for.

Ol. Devices ! more devices !

Pr. I am amaz'd,

And if the King will not vouchsafe me conference

I shall accuse thy cunning to have poyson'd

My Fathers good opinion.

Enter King.

Go. Innocence

May thus be stain'd, pray let your justice clear me

Ki. What would our Sonne ?

Pr. Thus pay his filiall duty.

K. 'Tis but counterfeit, if you bring no thought

To force our bleffing in this rude manner, how

Da

The Polititian.

47

Dare you approach ? dismifs your fouldiers.

Ol. Not the meanest knapsack,

That were a way to bring us to the mercy

Of wolves indeed, Gotharus grinds his teeth

Already at us.

Ki. We shall talk with you fir

Hereafter, I command thee by thy duty

Thou ow't a father and a King, dismifs

Your Troops.

Pr. I will.

Ola. You shall not, that were fine,

So we may run our heads into their noose,

You give away your fafty.

Pr. I will not

Dispute my power, let my intreat prevaile

For their dimiffion.

Ol. You may dimifs

Your head and mine, and be laugh'd at, thefe men
Are honest, and dare fight for us.

Pr. I know

Their loves, and will rea it; dear, dear Uncle.

Go. How he prepares his Tragedy Aquinus,

Let not thy hand shake.

Aqu. I am refolute.

Go. And I, for thy reward, 'tis done, the fouldiers

Disperfe already.

Ol. If any miechiefe follow this,
Thank your credulitie.

Pr. May I now hope for access ?

Ki. Defend Gotharus and Aquinus

To meet the Prince, while he containes within

The piety of a Son, we shall imbrace him.

Pr. When I degenerate, let me be accurst
By heaven and you.

Ol. Are you not pale to think on't.

Pr. It puzzels me to think my father guilty.

Ol.

48

The Polition.

Ol. I do not like things yet.

As the Prince is going forth, a Pistol is discharged within, he falls.

Pr. O I am shot, I am murder'd.

Ol. Inhumane Traytor, villaine.

Olaus wounds Aquinus.

Go. So, so, his hand has faved my execution,
'Tis not safe for me to stay, they are both sped
rarely.
Exit.

Ol. O my dear Confin, treason, treason.

Ki. Where?

Ol. In thy own bofome, thou haft kil'd thy Sonne
Convey his body, guard it safe, and this
Perfidious trunke i'le have it punish't
Paft death, and ifcatter his torn flesh about
The world to affright mankind, thou art
A murtherer, no blood of mine.

Go. 'Tis done,

And all the guilt dyes with Aquinus, falne

By Olaus fword moft happily, who but

Prevented mine, this act concludes all feare.

Ki. He was my Sonne, I muft needs drop a tear.

Exeunt

Haraldus discovered sickes, Queen,
Doctors.

Qu. It is not posſible, he catch a feavor

By excefes of wine ? he was all temperance.

Do. He had a soft and tender constitution,
Apt to be inflam'd, they that are moſt abſtemious,
Feel the disorder with more violence.

Qu. Where, who affited him in this miſ-fortune
He had ſome company.

Do. He was invited

He fayes by Sueno, and Helga, to a banquet,

Where in their minth, they careleſs of his health,
ſuffer.

49

The Polititian.

Suffered him drink too much.

Qu. They payſon'd him,

Go apprehend the murtherers of my child,
If he recover not, their death shall wait

Upon Haraldus; but pray you tell me Gentlemen,
Is there no hope of life, have you not art

Enough to cure a feavor?

Do. We find Madam,

His disease more malignant by ſome thought

Or apprehensions of griefe.

Qu. What griefe?

Y'are all impoſtors, and are I ignorant

But how to kill.

Ha. Is not my mother come ?

(ſelfe)

Qu. Yes my deare ſonne, and here ſhall weep my
Till I turne Niobe, unleſſe thou givest me

Some hope of thy own life.

Ha. I would ſay ſomething
Were you alone.

Qu. Leave us; now my Haraldus,
How is it with my child ?

Hal. I know you love me,
Yet I muſt tell you truth, I cannot live,
And let this comfort you, death will not come
Unwelcome to your ſonne, I do not dye
Againſt my will, and having my desires,
You have leſs cause to mourne.

Qu. What is't has made
The thought of life unpleaſant, which does court
Thy dwelling here with all delights that nature

And art can ſtudy for thee, rich in all things

Thy wifh can be ambitious of, yet all

These treaſures nothing to thy mothers love,

Which to enjoy thee would defer a while

Her thought of going to heaven.

Ha. Oh take heed mother, heaven

Ha

The Politician.

50

Has a spatious care and power to punish,
Your too much love with my eternal absence,
I begge your prayers and bleffing.

Qu. Th'art dejected,
Have but a will and live.

Ha. 'Tis in vaine mother.

Qu. Sinke with a teavour into earth ?

Look up, thou slilt not dye.

Ha. I have a wound within

You do not see, more killing then all feavors

Qu. A wound ? where ? who has murder?

Ha. Gotharus-------

Qu. Ha ! furies perfecute him.

Ha. Oh pray for him !

'Tis my duty, though he gave me death,
He is my father.

Qu. How ? thy father ?

Ha. He told me so, and with that breath destroy'd
I felt it strike upon my spirits; mother,
Would I had neer been born !

Qu. Believe him not.

Ha. Oh do not add another finne to what
Is done already, death is charitable

To quit me from the fcorn of all the world.

Qu. By all my hopes Gotharus has abus'd thee,
Thou art the lawful burden of my wombe,
Thy father, Altomarus.

Ha. Ha ?

Qu. Before whose spirit long since taken up,
To meet with Saints and Troops Angelicall,

I dare agen repeat thou art his Sonne. (ther

Ha. Ten thousand bleffings now reward my mo-
Speake it againe, and I may live, a stream
Of pious joy runnes through me, to my soule
Y'ave stroke a harmony next that in heaven;
Can you without a blufh, call me your Child,

And

The Politician.

51

And ſenne of Altomarus? all that's holy
Dwellin your blood for ever, ſpeak it once,
But once agen.

Qu. Where is my latest breath,
Thou are his and mine.

Enough, my tears do flow

(me

To give you thanks for't; I would you could resolve
But one truth more, why did my Lord Gotharus
Call me the iffue of his blood ?

Qu. Alas, he thinks thou art

Ha. What are those words ? I am undone
Agen.

Qu. Ha ?

( his ſon---

Ha. 'Tis too late to call 'em back, he thinks I am
Qu. I have confels'd too much, and tremble with
The imagination, forgive me child,

And heaven, if there be mercy to a crime
So black, as I muſt now to quit thy fears,
Say I have been guilty off, we have been ſinful,
And I was not unwilling to oblige

His active braine for thy advancement, by
Abuſing his belieſe thon wer't his own,
But thou haſt no ſuch ſtaine, thy birth is innocent,
Or may I perſih ever, 'tis a ſtrange

Conſelſion to a child, but it may drop
A balsome to thy wound; live my Haraldus,
If not for this, to ſee my penitence,
And with what tears i'le wash away my ſinne.

Ha. I am no baſtard then.

Qu. Thou art not.

Ha. But I am not found while you are loft,
No time can reſtore you,

My ſpirits faint.

Qu. Will nothing comfort thee ?

Ha. My duty to the Kign.

Qu. He's here.

Enter King.

Ki.

52

The Politician.

Ki. How is't Haraldus ?

Death fits in's face.

Ha. Give me you bleffing, and within my heart
Ile pray you may have many, my foul flyes
'Bove this vain world, good Mother close mine eye

Qu. Never dyed so much sweetnesse in his years.

Ki. Be comforted, I have loft my fonne too,
The Prince is flaine, how now.

Enter officers with Helga.

Qu. Justice upon the murderer of my fonne,
This villaine Helga, and his companion

Sueno, have kil'd him, where's the other ?

Offi. Fled Madam,

But Helga does confesse he made him drunk.

He. But not dead drunk, I do befeech you Madam

Ki. Look here what your baſe furſet has deſtroy'd

He. 'Twas Sueno as well as I, my Lord Gotharus

Gave us commission for what we did.

Qu. Again Gotharus, ſure he plotted this.

Ki. Hang him up ſtraight.

He. I left no drink behind me,
If I muſt dye let me have equall justice,

And let one of your guard drink me to death fir;

Or if you pleafe to let me live till

Sueno is taken, we will drink and reele

Out of the world together.

Ki. Hence, and hang him.

Exeunt.

Enter Hormenus.

Ho. Sir, you muſt make provifion against
New danger, discontent is broke into

A wild rebellion, and many of your ſubjects
Gather in tumults, and give out they will
Revenge the Princes death.

Ki. This I did feare,

Where's Gotharus ? O my fright, my conscience,

Ha

53

The Politician.

Has furies in't, where's Gotharus ? ---

Ho. Not in the Court.

Ki. I tremble with confusions,

Exit.

Qu. I am refolv'd, my joyes are all expir'd,

Nor can ambition more concern me now,
Gotharus has undone me in the death

Of my loved Sonne, his fate is next, while I
Move refolute i'le command his deſtiny.

Exit.

Enter Gotharus.

Ho. How are we loft, the Prince Turgeſius death
Is of no uſe, ſince 'tis unprofitable

To the great hope we ſtored up in Haraldus,
It was a cursed plot directed me

To raſe his ſpirit, by those giddy engines

That have undone him, their ſouls reel to hell for

How will Marpisa weep her ſelſe into

The obſcure ſhades, and leave me here to grow
A ſtatue with the wonder of our fate.

F--ter Albina.

Al. Sir,

Go. Do not trouble me.

Al. Although

I am not partner of your joyes or comfort,

Yet let your cruelty be ſo mindfull of me

I may divide your ſorrows.

Go. Would thy ſufferings

Could eafe me of the weight, I would

Empty my heart of all that's ill, to ſinke thee,

And bury thee alive, thy fight is hatefull,

Aske me not why, but in obedience

Fly hence into ſome wilderneſſe. The Queen.

Enter Queene.

Exit Alb.

Go. Great Queen, did any ſorrow lade my boſome,
But what does almost melt it for Haraldus,

Your

The Polititian.

54

Your prefence would revive me, but it seems
Our hopes and joyes in him grew up so mighty,
Heaven became jealous, we should undervalue
The blifs of th'other world, and build in him
A richer Paradice.

Qu. I have mourn'd already
A mothers part, and fearing thy excefſs
Of griefe, preſent my ſelfe to comfort thee,
Tears will not call him back, and'twill become us
Since we two are the world unto our ſelves,
(Nothing without the circle of our arm's
Precious and welcome) to take heed our griefe
Make us not overſoon, like him that dead,
And our blood uſeleſs.

Go. Were you preſent Madam,
When your Sonne dyed ?

Qu. I was.

Go. And did you weepe;
And wifh him live, and would not heaven at
Your wifh, return his wandering Ghoſt agen ?
Your voyce ſhould make another out of Atomes;
I do adore the harmony, and from
One pleafant look, draw in more bleſſings
Then death knows how to kill.

Ma. He is recovered from his paſſion..

Go. What's this? ha ?

Qu. Where ?

Go. Here, like a ſudden winter

Struck on my heart, I am not well o'th ſudden, ha ?

Qu. My Lord, make uſe of this, 'cis Cordial,
Gives him a box of poyſon.

I am often ſubject to theſe paſſions,
And dare not walk without this Ivory box
To prevent danger, they are pleafant,

'Tis a moſt happy opportunity.

Go. Let me preſent my thanks to my preſerver,

Enter

The Polititian.

55

Enter Albina.

And kifs your hand.

Qu. Our lips will meet more lovingly.

Al. My heart will break.

Qu. Your Lady, we are betray'd,
She ſee us kifs, and I ſhall hate her for't.

Go. Does this offend your vertue ?

Alb. Y'are merc ileſs,

You ſhall be a leſs Tyrant fir to kill me,
Injurious Queen !

Qu. Shall I be here affronted ?
I ſhall not think Gotharus worth my love,
To let her breath forth my diſhonour, which

Her paſſion hath already dared to publifh,
Nor wanted the before an impudence
To throw this poyſon in my face.

Go. I'le tame her.

Exit.

Alb. I wo'not curſe you Madam, but you are
The Cruel'ſt of all woman kind,
I am prepared to meet your tyrannies.

Enter Gotharus with a Pistol, at the other
door, a ſervant.

Ser. My Lord,
We are undone, the common people are
In arms, and violently affault our house,
Threathing your Lordſhip with a thoutand deaths,
For the good Prince, whose murther they exclaime
Contriv'd by you.

Go. The fiends of hell will ſhow more mercy to me,
Where ſhall I hide me ?

Qu. Alas they'l kill metoo.

Se. There's no staying, they have broke the wall of
the firſt Court,
Down at some window fir.

Albina takes up the Pistoſ.

E

Go.

56

The Polititian.

Go. Helpe me, O help me, i' me loft.

Within--- Down with the doors,
This way, this way.
Enter Rebels.

Al. He that first moves this way
Comes on his death, I can dispatch but one,
And take your choise.
(you)

1. Alas good Madam, we do not come to trouble
You have forrow enough, we would talk
With my Lord your pagan husband.

2. I, I, where is he ?

3. That Traytor.

4. Murderer of our Prince.

Al. Y are not well informed,
Aquinus kill'd the Prince.

2. But by my Lords correction
We know his heart, and do meane to eat it.
Therefore let him appeare, knock down the Lady
You with the long bill.

Al. How dare you runne the hazard of your live
And fortunes, thus like out-laws, without authorit
To break into our houses, when you have done,
What fury leads you to't, you will buy too dear
Repentance at the Gallows.

2. Hang the Gallowes, and give us my Lord, you.
Enter Servant.
(husband)

Ser. He's escaped Madam, now they may search
 Enterprises.
( trail )

Al. But where's the Queene, if she must not be
1. This way, this way, he got out of a window,
And leap'd at a wall, follow, follow.

Within---Follow, follow, follow.

Al. O my poor Gotharus,
Enter Queen.

Al. Madam, you are secure, though you purfure
My death, I wish you safety.

Qu. I have been

To

The Polititian.

57

Too cruell, but my fate compell'd me to't. Exit.

Al. I am become the extreame of all miferies.

Oh my unhappy Lord, Exit.

Enter Sueno.

Su. Helga is hanged, what will become of me ?
I think I were best turn Rebel, there's no hope
To walk without a guard, and that I shall not
Want to the Gallowes, heathen Halberdiers
Are used to have a care, and do rejoyce
To fee men have good ends.

Enter Gotharus.

Go. I am purfued.

Su. My Lord Gotharus ? worfe and worfe, oh for a
mift before his eyes.

Go. You fha'not betray me fir.

Su. Hold my Lord, I am your ſervant, hones ſueno.

Go. Sueno, off with that caſe, it may ſecure me,
Quickly, or—

Su. Oh my Lord, you ſhall command my ſkin,
Alas poor Gentleman, I'm glad I have it
To do your Lordship ſervice.

Go. Nay, your beard too ?

Su. Yes, yes, any thing :

Alas my good Lord, how comes this?

Go. Leave your untimely prating, help,
You'l not betray me.

Su. I'le first be hanged.

VVithin---Follow, follow. (ward)

Go. Hell ſtop their throats; ſo, ſo, now thy re-

Su. It was my duty, troth fir I will have nothing.

Go. Yes, take that, and that, for killing of Haraldus.
VWrounds him

Now I am sure you will not prate.

Su. O murther.

VVithin---Follow, follow.

E 2

Go.

58

The Politian.

Go. I cannot escape, oh help invention.

He bloodies himselfe with Sueno's
blood, and falls down as dead.

Enter Rebels.

1. This way they say he went, what's he?

2. One of our company I think.

3. Who killed him?

4. I know not.

2. Lets away, if we can find that Traytor,
He shall pay for all.

4. Oh that I had him here, I'de teach him--

2. This way, this way.

Su. Oh.

3. Stay, There's one groans.

Su. Oh--

2. Nay 'twas he e abouts, another dead ?

4. He has good cloathes, Gotharus ? the very cur

3. 'Tis Gotharus, I have seen the dog.

2. 'Tis he, 'tis he.

Su. Oh.

Exit Gotha.

2. Now 'tis not he, if thou canst speak my friend-

Su. Gotharus murdered me, and shifted cloathes,
He cannot be far off, oh.

1. Thats he that lyes dead yonder, O that he were
Alive againe, that we might kill him one after ano-
ther.

3. He's gone:

2. The Devill he is, follow, follow.

3. This way, he cannot escape us, farewell friend,
i'le doe thee a courtesy.

Follow, follow.

Exit.

Enter Olaus, Prince, Aquinus.

Ol. So, so, in this disguise you may to'ch Army,
Who though they seem to scatter, are to meet

By

59

The Politian.

By my directions, honest Aquinus, you

You wait on the Prince, but fir—

Whispers.

Cor. Were you not wounded ?

(tharus)

Aq. I prepared a privie Coat, for that I knew Go-
Would have been too busie with my flesh else,
But he thinks I'm slaine by the Duke, and hugges
His fortune in't.

Pr. You'll follow.

Ol. And bring you news, perhaps the Rabbi are
In hot pur suite after the Polititian,
He cannot escape them, they'l teare him like
So many hungry Maftives.

Exit.

Pr. I could with them had him.

Ol. Lole no time, Cortes stay you with me,
Not that I think my house will want your guard.

Cor. Command me fir.

Ol. Whas ever such a practice by a father,
To take away his Sonnes life ?

Pr. I would hope he may not be so guilty, yet I
know not

How his false terrors multiplied by the Art
Of this Gotharus may prevaile upon him,
And win consent.

Ol. Aquinus has been faith full,
And deceived all their treasons, but the Prince
Is still thought dead, this empty Coffine shall
Confirme the people in his funerall,
To keep their thoughts revengeful,

Within. Follow, follow—

Till we are poſſeſt of him that plotted all.

Cor. The cry draws this way,
They are excellent Blood-hounds.

Enter Gotharus.

Go. As you are men, defend me from the rage
Of the devouring multitude; I have

E 3

Defer-

## The Polititian.

Deferv'd your anger, and a death, but let not
My limbs inhumanely be torne by them,
O save me.

VWithin. Follow, fol—

O/. Blest occasion.

(plor

Go. I am forced to take your house, and now im
Your mercy, but to rescue me from them,
And be your own revenger, yet my life
is worth your preservation for a time,
Do it, and I'll reward you with a story
You'l not repent to know.

O/. You cannot be safe here,

Their rage is high, and every doore
Must be left open to their violence,
Unless you will obscure you in this Coffin,
Prepared for the sweet Prince that's murder'd,
And but expects his body which is now
imbalming.

Go. That, O y'are charitable.

VWithin. Follow, fol—

Go. Their noise is Thunder to my soul,

He goes into the Coffin.

So, so.

Enter Rebels.

(mult

Ola. How now Gentlemen, what means this To
Do you know that I poſſeſſe this dwelling ?

Reb. Yes my Lord,

But we were told my Lord Gotharns entred,
And we beſeech you give him to our justice,
He is the common enemy, and we know he killed the
Prince.

O/. You may search if you please,

He can presume of small protection here,
But I much thank you for your loyalties,
And ſervice to the Prince, whose bloodleſs ruines
Are there, and do but wait when it will please

Hi

## The Polititian.

61

His father to reverse a cruell ſentence,
That keeps him from a buriall with his Anceſtors,
We are forbid to do him rights of funerall.

1. How, not bury him ?

2. Forbid to bury our good Prince? we'l bury him,
And see what Priest dare not affift us.

(triumph

3. Not bury him ? we'l do't, and carry his body in
Through the City, and see him laid i'th great
Tombs

1. Not bury our Prince ? that were a jeſt indeed.

Cor. 'Tis their love and duty.

(will.

2. We'l pull the Church down, but we'l have our

3. Deare Prince, how ſweet he ſmels.

1. Come Countrymen march, and see who dares
Take his body from us.

Cor. You cannot helpe.

O/. They'l bury him alive.

Cor. He's in a fright.

O/. So may all Traytors thrive.

Exeunt.

## Act. 5.

Enter King and Queene.

Ki. O H I am loſt, and my ſoul bleeds to thinke
By my own dotage upon thee.

Qu. I was curſt

When I firſt saw thee, poor wind-shaken King !
I have loſt my Sonne.

Ki. Thy honour impious woman,
Of more price then a Sonne, or thy own life,
I had a ſonne too, whom my rafhneſs ſent
To another world, my poor Turgeſiuse

E 4

What

62

The Politian.

What forcery of thy tongue and eyes betraid me?

Qu. I would I had been a Basilisk, to have shot
A death to thy dissembling heart, when I
Gave my selfe up thy Queen; I was secure,
Till thou with the temptation of greatneſs
And flattery, didst poyſon my ſweet peace,
And ſhall thy bafe ſeares leave me now a prey
To Rebels ?

Ki. I had been happy to have left
Thee sooner, but be gone, get to some wilderneſſe
Peopled with Serpents, and engender with
Some Dragon like thy ſelf.

Qu. Ha, ha!
Ki. Doſt laugh thou prodigie ? thou ſhanie of wo.
Qu. Yes, and despife thee dotard, vex till thy ſoul
Break from thy rotten ſteth, I will be merry
At thy laſt groan.

Ki. O my poor boy ! my ſonne !
His wound is printed here, that falſe Gotharus,
Your wanton Goat I ſeare, præſis'd with thee
His death.

Qu. 'Twas thy own act and timerous heart, in hope
To be secure, I glory in the mention
Thou murderer of thy ſonne.

Enter Hormenus.

Ho. Oh ſir, if ever, ſtand upon your guard,
The Army which you thought ſcattered and broke,
Is grown into a great and threatening body,
Lead by the Duke Olaus your lov'd Uncle,
Is marching hither, all your ſubjects fly to him.

Qu. Ha, ha.
Ki. Curſe on thy ſpleene, is this a time for laugh-
When horror ſhould affliet thy guilty ſoule ?
Hence milchieſe.

Qu.

63

The Politian.

Qu. Not to obey thee, ( ſhadow of a King )
Am I content to leave thee, and but I wo'not
Prevent thy greater ſorrow and vexation,
Now I would kill thee coward.

K. Treason, treason.

Qu. I, I, Who comes to your reſcue ?

Ki. Are all fled ?

Qu. Slaves do it naturally.

Ki. Canſt thou hope to ſcape ?

Qu. I am miſtrels of my fate, and do not ſeare
Their inundation, their Army comming,
It does prepare my triumph, they ſhall give
Me libertie, and puniſh thee to live.

Ki. Undone, forſaken, miſerable King!

Exeunt ſeverally.

Enter Prince, Olaus, Cortes, Aquinus,
Souldiers.

Pr. Worthy Aquinus, I muſt honour thee,
Thou haſt preſerv'd us all, thy ſervice will
Deſerve a greater monument then thanks.

Aq. Thank the Duke, for breaking o' my pate.

Ol. I know 'twas well beſtow'd, but we have now
Proof of thy honest heart.

Aq. But what with your highneſs favour, do you
To do with your father ?

Pr. Pay my duty to him,
He may be ſensible of his cruelty,
And not repent to ſee me live,

Ol. But with your favour, ſomething else muſt be
Considered, there's a thing he calls his Queen,
A limbe of Lucifer, ſhe muſt be roſted
For the Armies ſatisfaction.

Aq. They'! ne'r digeſt her,
The Kings hounds may be kept hungry
Enough perhaps, and make a feast upon her.

Pr. I wonder how the rabble will beſtow

The

64

The Polititian.

The Coffin.

Ol. Why, they'll bury him alive
I hope.

Pr. Did they fuppofe my body there ?

Ol. I'm forry, he will fare so much the better,
I would the Queen were there to comfort him,
Oh they would smell, and sweat together rarely.

Aq. He dare as soon be damn'd as make a noife,
Or stirre, or cough.

Ol. If he should sneeze.

Cor. 'Tis his best course to go into the ground
With silence.

Pr. March on, stay, what Trumpets that ?

Enter Rebels with a Trumpet before the Coffin marching.

Ol. They are no enemies, I know the Coffin.

Aq. What rufty Regiment ha' we here ? (ver'd)

Ol. They are going to bury him, he's not yet difco-
Oh do not hinder 'em, 'tis a work of charity :
Yet now I do confider better on't,
You may do well to shew your selfe, that may
Be a meanes to waken the good Gentleman,
And make some sport before the rafcall smell,
And yet he's in my nostrill, he has perfum'd
His box already.

Om. Reb. 'Tis he, 'tis he, the Prince alive ! hey,

They see the Prince throw downe the Coffin, and
runne to kneele and embrace him.

Aq. What would he give but for a knife to cut
His own throat now ?

Om. Rebel. Our noble Prince alive ?

Pr. That owes himfelfe to all your loves.

Aq. What ? what trinkets ha' you there ? (dy,

Reb. The Duke O/ans told us 'twas the Princes bo-
Which

65

The Polititian.

Which we refolv'd to bury with magnificence.

Aq. So it appears.

Ol. 'Tis better as it is. (sensible,

2. Reb. There's something in't, my shoulder is still
Lets search, fand off— (forgive

Ol. Now do you fent him Gentlemen? he w'od
The hangman to dispatch him out o'th way;
Now will thefe Malties uſe him like a Cat,
Moft dreadfull Rogues at an execution :
Now, now.

1 Reb. 'Tis a man, ha Gotharus, the thing we whet
our teeth for.

Om. Reb. Out with the traytor, and with the mur-
derer, hey, drag him.

Ol. I told you.

1 Reb. Hold, know your dutie fellow renagades,
We do beſeech thee high and mighty Prince,
Let us diſpoſe of what we brought, this traytor
He was given us by the Duke, fortune has
Thrown him into our teeth.

Ol. And they'll devour him.

Om. We beſeech your highneſs. (boone,

Ol. I doe acknowledge it, good fir grant their
And try the Caniballs.

2. Ile have an arme.

3. Ile have a legge, I am a Shoomaker,
His ſhinbone may be uſeful.

4. I want a ſigne, give me his head.

Pr. Stay, let's firſt ſee him, is he not stifled ?

3. I had rather my wife were ſpeechleſſe.

Ol. The Coffin fir was never close.

Pr. He does not stirre.

1. We'll make him stir, hang him, he's but afleepe.

2. He's dead, hum. ( him,
Ol. Dead ? Then the Devill is not ſo wife as I took

Pr. He's dead, and has prevented all their fury.

Aq.

66

The Polititian.

Aq. He was not ſmother'd, the Coffin had aire
enough.

O/. He might ha' liv'd to give these Gentlemen
some content. 1

1 Reb. Oh let us teare his limbs.

Pr. Let none use any violence to his body,
I feare he has met reward above your puniſhment.

2. Let me have but his clothes.

3. He is a Taylor.

2. Onely to cut out a ſute for a Tarytor by 'em,
Or any man, my ſonſcience would wifh hang'd:

4. Let me have a button for a relique--

Pr. No more.

O/. There is ſome myſtery in his death.

Enter King.

The King ? obscure a little nephew—

1 Ki. To whom now muſt I kneel? where is the King?
For I am nothing, and deferve to be so,
Unto you Uncle muſt I bow, and give
My Crown, pray take it, with it give me leave
To tell you, what it brings the hapleſs wearer,
Befide the outside glory : for I am
Read in the miſerable fate of Kings.
You thinke it glorious to command, but are
More ſuject then the pooreſt payes you dutie,
And nuſt obey your fears, your want of ſleepe,
Rebellion from your Vassals, wounds even from
Their very tongues, whole quietneſſe you ſweat for,
For whole dear health you waſte, and fright your
Strength to paleneſſe, and your blood into a froſt.
You are not certaine of a friend or ſervant,
To build your faith upon, your life is but
Your ſubjects murmur, & your death their ſacrifice ;
When looking paſt your ſelſe, to make them bleſt
In your ſucceſſion, which a wife muſt bring you ;
You may give up your libertie for a ſmile

As

67

The Polititian.

As I ha' done, and in your boſome cheriſh
More danger then a warre or ſamine brings,
Or if you have a ſonne—my ſpirits faile me
At naming of a ſonne.

Pr. Oh my deare father.

(should

Ki. Ha ! do not fright me in my tears, which
Be rather blood, for yeelding to thy death,
I have let fall my penitence, though I was
Counſel'd by him whose truth I now ſuſpect,
In the amaze and puzzle of my ſtate—

Pr. Dear ſir, Let not one thought affliet you more,
I am preſerv'd to be your humble ſonne ſtill,
Although Gothárus had contriv'd my ruine,
'Twas counterplotted by this honest Captaine.

Ki. I know not what to credit, art Turgeſius?

Pr. And do account your bleſſing, and forgi ven ſs
(If I have err'd ) above the whole worlds Empire.

The Armie ſir is yours.

O/. Upon conditions—

Pr. Good ſir— and all ſafety meant your perſon

O/. Right, but for your gipſe Queene, that Co-
catrice.

Ki. She's loſt.

O/. The Devil find her.

Ki. She's ſalſe.

O/. That Gentleman

Jack in a Box, if he could ſpeake,
Would cleare that point.

Ki. Forgive me gentle boy.

Pr. Dear ſir no more.

Aq. Beſt diſmiſs these Gentlemen.

O/. The Princes bountie, now you may go home ;
And d'ee heare, be drunk to night, the cauſe re-
quires it.

1 R. We'll ſhow our ſelves good ſubjects.

Om. Heaven bleſſs the King and Prince, and the
good Duke.

Exeunt.

Ki.

68

The Polititian.

Ki. My comforts are too mighty, let me pour
More blessings on my boy.

Pr. Sir, I am blest

If I stand faire in your opinion.

Ki. And welcome good Olaus.

Ol. Y'are deceiv'd,

I am a Ruffian, and my head must off
To please the Monkey Madam that bewitch'd you,
For being too honest to you.

Ki. We are friends.

Ol. Upon condition that you will

Ki. What?

Ol. Now have I forgot what I would have,
Oh that my Ladie Circe that transform'd you,
May be sent—whether? I ha' forgot agen,
To the Devil, any whether, far enough :

A curse upon her, the troubles me both when
I think on her, and when I forget her.

Enter Albina.

Ki. Gotharus wife, the sorrowful Albina.

Al. If pittie dwell within your royal boſome,
Let me be heard; I come to find a husband,
Ile not believe what the hard hearted rebels
Told me, that he is dead, (they lov'd him not,
And with it so) for you would not permit
His murder here. You gave me, fir, to him
In holy marriage, i'le not say, what forrow
My poor heart ſince hath been acquainted with,
But give him now to me, and i'le account

No blessing like that bountie; where, oh where
Is my poor Lord? none tell me ? are you all
Silent, or deaf as Rocks? yet they ſometimes
Do with their hollow murmurs, anſwer men.

This does increase my fears, none speak to me?

I ask my Lord from you fir, you once lov'd him,
He

The Polititian.

69

He had your boſome, who hath torne him thence ?

Why do you ſhake your head ? and turn away ?

Can you resolve me fir ? the Prince alive?

Whole death they would revenge upon Gotharus.

O let me kiffe your hand, a joy to fee

You ſafe, doth interrupt my griefe, I may

Hope now my Lord is ſaftoo, I like not

That melancholly geſture; why do you make

So dark your face, and hide your eies, as they
Would then an intereſt in ſorrow with me.

Where is my Lord ? can you or any tell me

Where I may find the comfort of mine eies,
My husband; or but tell me that he lives,

And I will pray for you—then he is dead
Indeed I feare.

Pr. Poor Ladie.

Aq. Madam be comforted.

Al. Why that's well ſaid, I thank you gentle fir,
You bid me be comforted, bleſſing on you,
Shew me now reaſon for it, tell me ſomething
I may believe.

Aq. Madam, your husbands dead.

Al. And did you bid me fir be comforted (him)
For that? oh you were cruel; dead ? who murdered
For though he lov'd not me in life, I muſt
Revenge his death.

Pr. Alas you cannot.

Al. No ?

Will not heaven heare me think you ? for i'le pray

That horror may purſue the guiltie head

Of his black murderer, you do not know.

How ſterce and fatall is a widowes curſe ;

Who kil'd him ? ſaie.

Aq. We know not.

Al. Y'are un juſt.

Pr. Purſue not ſorrow with ſuch inquifition
Lodie.

Al.

The Polititian.

70

Al. Not I ? who hath more interest ? ( him
K. The knowledge of what circumstance deprived
Of life, will not avail to his return ;
Or if it would, none here know more, then that
He was brought hither dead in that inclosure.

Al. Where ?

Aq. In that Coffin Ladic.

Al. Was it charitable

Made this provision for him ? oh my Lord
Now may I kiss thy wither'd lip, discharge
Upon thy bosome a poor widow's tears; (dutie,
There's something tempts my heart to shew more
And wait on thee to death, in whose pale dresse
Thou dost invite me to be reconciled.

Ki. Remove that Coffin.

Al. Y'are uncharitable ;

Is't not enough that he is rob'd of life
Among you, but you'l rob me of his bodie ?
Poor remnant of my Lord ; I have not had
Indeed so many kisses a great while,
Pray do not envie me, for sure I ha'n't
Die of this furfet, he thought not I was
So near to attend him in his last and long
Progreſſe, that built this funerall tenement
Without a roome for me; the sad Albina
Must sleepe by her dead Lord, I feel death coming,
And as it did fufpect, I durſt not look
On his grim visage, he has drawn a curtaine
Of mift before my eies.

Ki. Look to the Ladic.

Pr. Look to Albina, our Physitians,
There is not so much vertue more i'th Kingdome:
If she survive this paſſion, she is worth
A Prince, and I will court her as my bleſſing.
Say, is there hope?

Phy. There is.

Pr.

The Polititian.

71

Pr. Above your lives preferve her.

Phy. With our best art and care.

Exit with Albin.

Ol. She has almost made me woman too; but
Come to other businesse.

Enter Queene.

Aq. Is not this the Queene ?

Ol. The Queen of hell, give her no hearing, but
Shoot, shoot her presently without more repentance;
There is a leacherous Devil in her eye,
Give him more fire, his hell's not hot enough,
Now shoot.

Pr. Be temperate good fir.

Qu. Nay let his cholerick highneſs be obey'd.

Aq. She is shot-free.

Qu. The Prince alive ? where is Gotharus ?

Ol. Your friend that was.

Qu. It is confest.

Ol. Your Stallion.

Qu. He has more titles fure.

Ol. Let but some ftrangle her in her own haire.

Qu. The office will become a noble hangman.

Ol. Whore—

Qu. Ile not fpend my breath upon thee,
I have more use on't, does Gotharus live ?

Aq. You may conjecture Madam, if you turn
Your eyes upon that object.

Qu. It has wrought then.

Ki. What has wrought?

Qu. His Physick fir,
For the state Megrim.

A wholſome poyſon, which in his poor feares,
And fainting when the Rebels firſt purſu'd him,
It was in my happineſſe to minifter
In my poor boyes revenge, kil'd by his praeſiſe.

F

Pr.

The Polititian.

Pr. Poyson'd.

Ol. She is turn'd Doctor.

Qu. He becomes

Deaths pale complexion, and now I'm prepar'd

Pr. For what ?

Qu. To die.

Ol. Prepar'd to be damn'd, a seven years killing
Will be too little.

Qu. I pitty your poor rage,

I sha'not stay so long, nor shall you have
The honour fir to kill me.

Ol. No, let me trie.

Qu. Ha, ha.

Ol. Doft thou laugh Helcat ?

Qu. Yes, and scorne all your furies, I was not

So improvident, to give Gotharus all

My cordiall, you may truft the operation,
Here's some to spare, if any have a mind

To taſte, and be affur'd, will you my Lord ?

?Twill purge your choler rarel y.

Ol. He not be your patient I thank you.

Qu. This box was ever my companion,
Since I grew wicked with that Polititian,
To prevent ſhameful death, nor am I coy
To pleafure a friend in't.

Ol. Devils charity.

(creetly)

Qu. It works with method, and doth kill dif-
Without a noife, your Mercury is a rude
And troublesome destroyer to this medicine;
I feel it gently ſeize upon my vitals,

'Tis now the time to ſteale into my heart.

Ki. Haſt thou no thought of heaven ?

Qu. Yes, I do think

Sometimes, but have not heart enough to pray;
Some vapour now riles 'twixt me and heaven,

I cannot fee'r, luſt and ambition ruin'd me:

14

The Polititian.

If greatneſſe were a privileged i'th other
World, it were a happineſs to die a Queene,
And my conſcience too late, 'tis bloody,
And full of ſtaines, oh I have been so wicked,
'Twere almost impudence to aske a pardon,
Yet for your own ſakes pitty me; ſurvive
All happie, and if you can, forgive, forgive.

Moritur.

Ki. Thoſe accents yet may be repentance.

Pr. See's dead.

Ki. Some take their bodies hence.

Pr. Let them have buriall.

Ki. 'Tis in thee Turgeſius

To diſpofe all, to whom I give my Crown;
Salute him King by my example.

Pr. Stay,

Upon your dutie ſtaie, will you be traytors,
Conſent your lawful King ſhould be depos'd ?

Sir, do not wound your Son, and lay so great
A ſtaine upon his hopeful, his green honour,
I now enjoy good mens opinions,

This change will make 'em think I did confipre,
And force your refignation, were it still

By juſtice and your ſelſe, it shall not touch

My brow, till death tranſlate you to a Kingdome
More glorious, and you leave me to ſucceed,

Better'd by your example in the praeſiſe
Of a Kings power and dutie.

Ki. This obedience

Will with exceſs of comfort kill thy father,
And haſten that command thou wouldſt decline.

Pr. Receive this Captain, and reward his faith
To you and me.

Ki. Be Captaine of our guard.

And my good Uncle, to your eare I leave
The Souldiers, let the largeſſe ſpeak our bountie

And your love.

73

Ol.

74

The Politician.

Tohl. I, this sounds well fellow Souldiers,
ruft me beside your pay for the Kings bountie.

Within Sol. Heaven preserve

The King and Prince.

Ol. Not a short prayer for me ?

Om. Sol. Heaven blefs the Duke, heaven blefs the Duke.

Ol. Why so, money will do much.

Ki. A bright daie shines upon us, come my forne,
Too long a ftranger to the Court, it now
Shall bid thee wellcome, I do feel my years
Slide off, and joy drown forrow in my tears.

Exeunt omnes.

FINIS.

Courteous Reader, these Books fol-
lowing are printed for Humphrey Moseley,
and are to be sold at his Shop at the
Prince's
Armes in St. Paul's Church-yard.

Various Histories, with curious Discourses in
humane Learning, &c.

1. Historicall Relations of the united Provinces of Flanders, written in Italian by Cardinall Benvoglio, and now rendred into English by the Right Honourable Henry Earle of Monmouth. Fol.

2. The History of the Warrs of Flanders, written in Italian by that learned and famous Cardinal Benvoglio; Englished by the Right Honourable Henry Earle of Monmouth. The whole work illustrated with a Map of the 17 Provinces, and above 20 Figures of the chiefest Personages mentioned in this History. Fol. 1654.

3. The History of the Warrs of the Emperor Justinian, with the Persians, Goths, and Vandals, written in Greek by Procopius of Cæsarea in eight Books, translated into English by Sir Henry Holcroft: Knight. VWherein the City of Rome was taken and retaken above eight times, when it was the Seat of the Empire Fol.

4. De Bellu Belgico, the History of the Low-Country Warrs written in Latin by Famianus Strada, in English by Sir Robert Sapylton, Illustrated with divers Figures. Fol.

5. The use of Passions, written by I. F. Senait, and put into English by Henry Earle of Monmouth 80.

6. Judicious & Select Eflaies & Observations, written by the Renowned and learned Knight, Sir Walter Rawleigh, with his Apology for his Voyage to Guiana.

7. The Compleat Horfe man and Expert Farrier in two books, by Thomas De Grey Esquire, newly printed with additions.

8. Unheard of Curiosities concerning the Talif-
A mani-

Books Printed for Humphrey Mofeley.

manicall Sculpture of the Persians. The Horoscop
of the Patriarchs, and the judgement of the Stars,
by James Gaffarel, Englished by Edmond Chilmead.
Ch. Ch. Oxon. 80

9. The History of the Inquisition, composed by the Right Rev. Father R. F. P. Servita, the compiler of the History of the Society of Jesus, translated out of Italian, with a French version.

10. Biathanatos, a Paradox of self-murder, by Dr. Jo. Donne, Dean of St. Pauls London. 49.

11. The Gentlemen's Exercise, or the Art of Limning, painting, and blazoning of Coats and Armes, &c. by Henry Peacham Master of Arts, 40.

12. M. Howels History of Lewis the thirteenth King of France, with the life of his Cardinal de Richelieu. Folio.

13. Mr. Howels Epistolæ Hoelianæ, Familiar letters, Domestick and Foreign, in six Sections, partly Historical, Political, Philosophical, the first Volume with additions. 80.

14. Mr. Howels new volume of Familiar letters, partly Historical, Political, Philosophical, the second Volume with many Additions. 80.

15. Mr. Howels third Volume of Additional letters of a freher date, never before published. 80.

16. Mr. Howels Dodona's Grove, or the Vocal Forest, the first part in 120, with many Additions.

17. Mr. Howels Dodona's Grove, or the Vocal Forest, the second part, in 80 never printed before.

18. Mr. Howels Englands Teares for the present wars.

19. Mr. Howels Pre-eminence and Pedegree of Parliament, in 120.

20. Mr. Howels Instru&tions and Directions for Foreign Travels, in 120 with divers Additions for Travelling into Turky, and the Levant parts.

21. Mr. Howels Vote, or a Poem Royal, pre sented to his Majesty, in 40.

22. Mr. Howels Angliæ Swspivia & lachrymans, in 120.

23. Mar-