PROLOGUE.

_Since 'tis become the Title of our Play,

A woman once in a [Coronation may]

With pardon, speak the_ Prologue, _give as free

A welcome to the Theatre, as he

That with a little Beard, a long black Cloak,

With a starch'd face, and supple leg hath spoke

Before the Plays the twelvemonth, let me then

Present a welcome to these Gentlemen,

If you be kind, and noble, you will not

Think the worse of me for my Petticote:

But to the Play, the Poet bad me tell

His fears first in the Title, lest i[t] swell

Some thoughts with expectation of a strain,

That but once could be seen in a Kings Reign,

This Coronation, he hopes you may

See often, while the genius of his Play,

Doth prophesie, the Conduits may run Wine,

When the days triumph's ended, and divine

Brisk Nectar swell his Temple[s] to a rage,

With something of more price t' invest the Stage.

There rests but to prepare you, that although

It be a Coronation, there doth flow

No undermirth, such as doth lard the Scene

For course delight the language here is clean.

And confident, our Poet bade me say,

He'll bate you but the folly of a Play.

For which, although dull souls his Pen despise,

Who thinks it yet too early to be wise.

The nobler will thank his Muse, at least

Excuse him, cause his thought aim'd at the best,

But we conclude not, it does rest in you.

To censure Poet, Play, and Prologue too.

But what have I omitted? is there not

A blush upon my cheeks that I forgot

The Ladies, and a Femal Prologue too?

Your pardon noble Gentlewomen, you

Were first within my thoughts, I know you sit

As free, and high Commissioners of wit,

Have clear, and active souls, nay, though the men

Were lost in your eyes, they'll be found agen,

You are the bright intelligences move,

And make a harmony this sphere of Love,

Be you propitious then, our Poet says,

Our wreath from you, is worth their grove of Bayes:_

_Actus Primus. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Philocles _and_ Lisander.

_Phi._ Make way for my Lord Protector.

_Lisan._ Your graces servants.

_Enter_ Cassander, _and_ Lisimachus.

_Cas._ I like your diligent waiting, where's _Lisimachus_?

_Lisi._ I wait upon you, Sir.

_Cas._ The Queen looks pleasant

This morning, does she not?

_Lis._ I ever found

Her gracious smiles on me.

_Cas._ She does consult

Her safety in't, for I must tell thee boy,

But in the assurance of her love to thee,

I should advance thy hopes another way,

And use the power I have in _Epire_, to

Settle our own, and uncontrouled greatness;

But since she carries her self so fairly,

I am content to expect, and by her marriage

Secure thy fortune, that's all my ambition

Now, be still careful in thy applications

To her, I must attend other affairs,

Return, and use what Art thou canst to lay

More charms of love upon her.

_Lis._ I presume

She always speaks the language of her heart,

And I can be ambitious for no more

Happiness on earth, than she encourages

Me to expect.

_Cas._ It was an act becoming

The wisdom of her Father to engage

A tye between our Families, and she

Hath play'd her best discretion to allow it;

But we lose time in conference, wait on her,

And be what thou wert born for, King of _Epire_,

I must away. [_Exit._

_Lis._ Success ever attend you.

Is not the Queen yet coming forth?

_Lisa._ Your servant,

You may command our duties,

This is the Court Star, _Philocles_.

_Phi._ The Star that we must sail by.

_Lisa._ All must borrow

A light from him, the young Queen directs all

Her favours that way.

_Phi._ He's a noble Gentleman,

And worthy of his expectations:

Too good to be the son of such a Father.

_Lisa._ Peace, remember he is Lord Protector.

_Phil._ We have more need of Heavens Protection

I' th' mean time, I wonder the old King

Did in his life, design him for the office.

_Lisa._ He might expect his faith, I have heard when

The King, who was no _Epirote_, advanc'd

His claim, _Cassander_, our Protector now,

Young then, oppos'd him toughly with his faction,

But forc'd to yield, had fair conditions,

And was declar'd by the whole State, next heir;

If the King wanted issue, our hopes only

Thriv'd in this daughter.

_Phi._ Whom but for her smiles

And hope of marriage with _Lisimachus_,

His Father, by some cunning, had remov'd

E'r this.

_Lisa._ Take heed, the Arras may have ears

I should not weep much if his grace would hence

Remove to Heaven.

_Phi._ I prethee what should he do there?

_Lisa._ Some Offices will fall.

_Phi._ And the Skie too, e'r I get one stair higher

While he's in place.

_Enter_ Antigonus.

_Ant._ _Lisander_, _Philocles_,

How looks the day upon us? where's the Queen?

_Phi._ In her bed-chamber.

_Ant._ Who was with her?

_Lisa._ None but the young Lord _Lisimachus_.

_Ant._ 'Tis no treason

If a man wish himself a Courtier

Of such a possibility: he has

The mounting fate.

_Phi._ I would his Father were

Mounted to th' gallows.

_Ant._ He has a path fair enough,

If he survive by title of his Father.

_Lisa._ The Queen will hasten his ascent.

_Phi._ Would I were Queen.

_Ant._ Thou wou'dst become rarely the petticoat,

What wou'dst thou do?

_Phi._ Why, I wou'd marry

My Gentleman usher, and trust all the strength

And burden of my State upon his legs,

Rather than be call'd wife by any son

Of such a Father.

_Lisa._ Come, let's leave this subject,

We may find more secure discourse; when saw

You young _Arcadius_, Lord _Macarius's_ Nephew?

_Ant._ There's a spark, a youth moulded for a Favourite,

The Queen might do him honor.

_Phi._ Favourite, 'tis too cheap a name, there were a match

Now for her Virgin blood.

_Lisa._ Must every man

That has a handsome face or leg, feed such

Ambition: I confess I honor him,

He has a nimble soul, and gives great hope

To be no woman-hater, dances handsomly,

Can court a Lady powerfully, but more goes

To th' making of a Prince. He's here

And's Uncle.

_Enter_ Arcadius, Macarius, Seleucus.

_Sel._ Save you Gentlemen, who can direct me

To find my Lord Protector?

_Lisa._ He was here

Within this half hour, young _Lisimachus_

His Son is with the Queen.

_Sel._ There let him compliment,

I have other business, ha, _Arcadius_! [_Exit._

_Phi._ Observ'd you, with what eyes _Arcadius_

And he saluted, their two families

Will hardly reconcile.

_Ant._ _Seleucus_ carries

Himself too roughly; with what pride and scorn

He past by 'em.

_Lisa._ Th'other with less shew

Of anger, carries pride enough in's soul,

I wish 'em all at peace, _Macarius_ looks

Are without civil war, a good old man,

The old King lov'd him well, _Seleucus_ Father

Was as dear to him, and maintain'd the character

Of an honest Lord through _Epire_: that two men

So lov'd of others, should be so unwelcome

To one another.

_Arc._ The Queen was not wont to send for me.

_Mac._ The reason's to her self,

It will become your duty to attend her.

_Arc._ Save you Gentlemen, what novelty

Does the Court breathe to day?

_Lisa._ None Sir, the news

That took the last impression is, that you

Purpose to leave the Kingdom, and those men,

That honor you, take no delight to hear it.

_Arc._ I have ambition to see the difference

Of Courts, and this may spare; the delights

At home do surfet, and the Mistriss, whom

We all do serve, is fixt upon one object,

Her beams are too much pointed, but no Countrey

Shall make me lose your memories.

_Enter Queen_, Lisimachus, Macarius, Charilla.

_Qu._ _Arcadius._

_Mac._ Your Lordship honor'd me,

I have no blessing in his absence.

_Lis._ 'Tis done like a pious Uncle.

_Qu._ We must not

Give any licence.

_Arc._ If your Majesty

Would please.

_Qu._ We are not pleas'd, it had become your duty,

To have first acquainted us, e'r you declar'd

Your resolution publick, is our Court

Not worth your stay?

_Arc._ I humbly beg your pardon.

_Qu._ Where's _Lysimachus_?

_Lis._ Your humble servant, Madam.

_Qu._ We shall find

Employment at home for you, do not lose us.

_Arc._ Madam, I then write my self blest on earth

When I may do you service.

_Qu._ We would be private, _Macarius_.

_Mac._ Madam, you have blest me,

Nothing but your command could interpose to

Stay him.

_Qu._ _Lisimachus_,

You must not leave us.

_Lisa._ Nothing but _Lisimachus_? has she not

Ta'en a philter?

_Qu._ Nay, pray be cover'd, Ceremony from you,

Must be excus'd.

_Lisi._ It will become my duty.

_Qu._ Not your love?

I know you would not have me look upon

Your person as a Courtier, not as Favorite;

That Title were too narrow to express

How we esteem you.

_Lis._ The least of all

These names from you, Madam, is grace enough.

_Qu._ Yet here you wou'd not rest?

_Lis._ Not if you please:

To say there is a happiness beyond,

And teach my ambition how to make it mine,

Although the honors you already have

Let fall upon your servant, exceed all

My merit; I have a heart is studious

To reach it with desert, and make i[f] possible

Your favor's mine by justice, with your pardon.

_Qu._ We are confident this needs no pardon, Sir,

But a reward to cherish your opinion,

And that you may keep warm your passion,

Know we resolve for marriage, and if

I had another gift, beside my self,

Greater, in that you should discern, how much

My heart is fixt.

_Lis._ Let me digest my blessing.

_Qu._ But I cannot resolve when this shall be.

_Lis._ How Madam? do not make me dream of Heaven,

And wake me into misery, if your purpose

Be, to immortalize your humble servant,

Your power on earth's divine, Princes are here

The copies of Eternity, and create,

When they but will our happiness.

_Qu._ I shall

Believe you mock me in this argument,

I have no power.

_Lis._ How, no power?

_Qu._ Not as a Queen.

_Lis._ I understand you not.

_Qu._ I must obey, your Father's my Protector.

_Lis._ How?

_Qu._ When I am absolute, _Lisimachus_,

Our power and Titles meet, before, we are but

A shadow, and to give you that were nothing.

_Lis._ Excellent Queen,

My love took no original from State,

Or the desire of other greatness,

Above what my birth may challenge modestly,

I love your virtues; mercenary souls

Are taken with advancement, you've an Empire

Within you, better than the worlds, to that

Looks my ambition.

_Qu._ T'other is not, Sir,

To be despis'd, Cosmography allows

_Epire_, a place i' th' Map, and know till I

Possess what I was born to, and alone

Do grasp the Kingdoms Scepter, I account

My self divided, he that marries me

Shall take an [a]bsolute Queen to his warm bosom,

My temples yet are naked, until then

Our Loves can be but compliments, and wishes,

Yet very hearty ones.

_Lis._ I apprehend.

_Qu._ Your Father.

_Enter_ Cassander _and_ Seleucus.

_Cas._ Madam, a Gentleman has an humble suit.

_Qu._ 'Tis in your power to grant, you are Protector,

I am not yet a Queen.

_Cas._ How's this?

_Lis._ I shall expound her meaning.

_Qu._ Why kneel you, Sir?

_Sel._ Madam, to reconcile two families

That may unite, both Counsels and their blood

To serve your Crown.

_Qu._ _Macarius_, and _Eubulus_

That beare inveterate malice to each other.

It grew, as I have heard, upon the question

Which some of either family had made

Which of their Fathers was the best Commander:

If we believe our stories, they have both

Deserved well of our state, and yet this quarrel

Has cost too many lives, a severe faction.

_Sel._ But I'll propound a way to plant a quiet

And peace in both our houses, which are torn

With their dissentions, and lose the glory

Of their great names, my blood speaks my relation

To _Eubulus_, and I wish my veins were emptied

To appease their war.

_Qu._ Thou hast a noble soul,

This is a charity above thy youth,

And it flows bravely from thee, name the way.

_Sel._ In such a desperate cause, a little stream

Of blood might purge the foulness of their hearts

If you'll prevent a deluge.

_Qu._ Be particular.

_Sel._ Let but your Majesty consent that two

May with their personal valour, undertake

The honor of their family, and determine

Their difference.

_Qu._ This rather will inlarge

Their hate, and be a means to call more blood

Into the stream.

_Sel._ Not if both families

Agree, and swear--

_Qu._ And who shall be the Champions?

_Sel._ I beg the honor, for _Eubulus_ cause

To be ingag'd, if any for _Macarius_,

Worthy to wager heart with mine, accept it,

I am confident, _Arcadius_,

For honor would direct me to his sword,

Will not deny, to stake against my life

His own, if you vouchsafe us priviledge.

_Qu._ You are the expectation, and top boughs

Of both your houses, it would seem injustice,

To allow a civil war to cut you off,

And your selves the instruments, besides

You appear a soldier; _Arcadius_

Hath no acquaintance yet with rugged war,

More fit to drill a Lady, than expose

His body to such dangers: a small wound

I'th' head, may spoil the method of his hair,

Whose curiosity exacts more time,

Than his devotion, and who knows but he

May lose his ribond by it in his lock,

Dear as his Saint, with whom he would exchange

His head, for her gay colours; then his band

May [b]e disorder'd, and transform'd from Lace

To Cutwork, his rich cloaths be discomplexioned

With bloud, beside the infashionable slashes:

And at the next Festival take Physick,

Or put on black, and mourn for his slain breeches:

His hands cas'd up in gloves all night, and sweet

_Pomatum_: the next day may be endanger'd

To blisters with a sword, how can he stand

Upon his guard, who hath Fidlers in his head,

To which, his feet must ever be a dancing?

Beside a falsify may spoil his cringe,

Or making of a leg, in which consists

Much of his Court-perfection.

_Sel._ Is this Character

Bestow'd on him?

_Qu._ It something may concern the Gentleman,

Whom if you please to challenge

To Dance, play on the Lute, or Sing.

_Sel._ Some [catch]?

_Qu._ He shall not want those will maintain him

For any sum.

_Sel._ You are my Sovereign,

I dare not think, yet I must speak somewhat,

I shall burst else, I have no skill in Jiggs,

Nor Tumbling.

_Qu._ How Sir?

_Sel._ Nor was I born a Minstrel, and in this you have

So infinitely disgrac'd _Arcadius_.

But that I have heard another Character,

And with your royal Licence do believe it,

I should not think him worth my killing.

_Qu._ Your killing?

_Sel._ Does she not jeer me;

I shall talk treason presently, I find it

At my tongues end already, this is an

Affront, I'll leave her.

_Qu._ Come back, do you know _Arcadius_?

_Sel._ I ha' chang'd but little breath with him; our persons

Admit no familiarity; we were

Born to live both at distance, yet I ha' seen him

Fight, and fight bravely.

_Qu._ When the spirit of Wine

Made his brain valiant, he fought bravely.

_Sel._ Although he be my enemy, should any

Of the gay flies that buzze about the Court,

Sit to catch trouts i'th' summer, tell me so,

I durst in any presence but your own.

_Qu._ What?

_Sel._ Tell him he were not honest.

_Qu._ I see _Sele[u]cus_, thou art resolute,

And I but wrong'd _Arcadius_, your first

Request is granted, you shall fight, and he

That conquers be rewarded, to confirm

First place and honor to his Family:

Is it not this you plead for?

_Sel._ You are gracious.

_Qu._ _Lisimachus._

_Lis._ Madam.

_Cas._ She has granted then?

_Sel._ With much ado.

_Cas._ I wish thy sword may open

His wanton veins, _Macarius_ is too popular,

And has taught him to insinuate.

_Qu._ It shall

But haste the confirmation of our loves,

And ripen the delights of marriage, _Seleucus_. [_Exit cum_ Sel.

_Lis._ As I guest,

It cannot be too soon.

_Cas._ To morrow then we crown her, and invest

My Son with Majesty, 'tis to my wishes,

Beget a race of Princes, my _Lisimachus_.

_Lis._ First, let us marry, Sir.

_Cas._ Thy brow was made

To wear a golden circle, I'm transported,

Thou shalt rule her, and I will govern thee.

_Lis._ Although you be my Father, that will not

Concern my obedience, as I take it.

_Enter_ Philocles, Lisander, _and_ Antigonus.

Gentlemen,

Prepare your selves for a solemnity

Will turn the Kingdom into triumph, _Epire_

Look fresh to morrow, 'twill become your duties

In all your glory, to attend the Queen

At her Coronation, she is pleased to make

The next day happy in our Calendar,

My office doth expire, and my old blood

Renews with thought on't.

_Phi._ How's this?

_Ant._ Crown'd to morrow.

_Lisa._ And he so joyful to resign his Regency,

There's some trick in't, I do not like these hasty

Proceedings, and whirls of state, they have commonl[y]

As strange and violent effects; well, heaven save the Queen.

_Phi._ Heaven save the Queen, say I, and send her a sprightly

Bed-fellow, for the Protector, let him pray for

Himself, he is like to have no benefit of my devotion.

_Cas._ But this doth quicken my old heart, _Lisimachus_,

There is not any step into her throne,

But is the same degree of thy own state;

Come Gentlemen.

_Lisa._ We attend your grace.

_Cas._ _Lisimachus._

_Lisi._ What heretofore could happen to mankind

Was with much pain to climb to heaven, but in

_Sophias_ marriage of all Queens the best,

Heaven will come down to earth, to make me blest. [_Exe._

_Actus Secundus. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Arcadius _and_ Polydora.

_Pol._ Indeed you shall not go.

_Arc._ Whither?

_Pol._ To travel,

I know you see me, but to take your leave,

But I must never yield to such an absence.

_Arc._ I prethee leave thy fears, I am commanded

To th' contrary, I wonot leave thee now.

_Pol._ Commanded? by whom?

_Arc._ The Queen.

_Pol._ I am very glad, for trust me, I could think

Of thy departure with no comfort, thou

Art all the joy I have, half of my soul,

But I must thank the Queen now for thy company,

I prethee, what could make thee so desirous

To be abroad?

_Arc._ Only to get an appetite

To thee _Polidora_.

_Pol._ Then you must provoke it.

_Arc._ Nay, prethee do not so mistake thy servant.

_Pol._ Perhaps you surfeit with my Love.

_Arc._ Thy love?

_Pol._ Although I have no beauty to compare

With the best faces, I have a heart above

All competition.

_Arc._ Thou art jealous now,

Come let me take the kiss I gave thee last,

I am so confident of thee, no Lip

Has ravisht it from thine; I prethee come

To Court.

_Pol._ For what?

_Arc._ There is the throne for beauty.

_Pol._ 'Tis safer dwelling here.

_Arc._ There's none will hurt,

Or dare but think an ill to _Polydora_,

The greatest will be proud to honor thee.

Thy luster wants the admiration here:

There thou wot shine indeed, and strike a reverence

Into the gazer.

_Pol._ You can flatter too.

_Arc._ No praise of thee can be thought so, thy virtue

Will deserve all, I must confess, we Courtiers

Do oftentimes commend to shew our Art,

There is necessity sometimes to say,

This Madam breaths _Arabian_ Gumms,

Amber and Cassia; though while we are praising,

We wish we had no nostrils to take in

Th' offensive steam of her corrupted Lungs.

Nay, some will swear they love their Mistriss,

Would hazard lives and fortunes, to preserve

One of her hairs brighter than _Berinices_;

Or young _Apollo's_, and yet after this,

A favour from another toy would tempt him

To laugh, while the officious hangman whips

Her head off.

_Pol._ Fine men.

_Arc._ I am none of these,

Nay, there are women _Polidora_, too

That can do pretty well at flatteries;

Make men believe they dote, will languish for 'em,

Can kiss a Jewel out of one, and dally

A carcanet of Diamonds from another,

Weep into th' bosome, of a third, and make

Him drop as many Pearls; they count it nothing

To talk a reasonable heir within ten days

Out of his whole Estate, and make him mad

He has no more wealth to consume.

_Pol._ You'll teach me

To think I may be flattered in your promises,

Since you live where this Art is most profest.

_Arc._ I dare not be so wicked _Polidora_,

The Infant errors of the Court I may

Be guilty of, but never to abuse

So rare a goodness, nor indeed did ever

Converse with any of those shames of Court,

To practise for base ends; be confident

My heart is full of thine, and I so deeply

Carry the figure of my _Polydora_,

It is not in the power of time or distance

To cancel it, by all that's blest I love thee:

Love thee above all women, dare invoke

A curse when I forsake thee.

_Pol._ Let it be some

Gentle one.

_Arc._ Teach me an oath I prethee,

One strong enough to bind, if thou dost find

Any suspition of my faith, or else

Direct me in some horrid imprecation:

When I forsake thee for the love of other

Women, may heaven reward my apostacy

To blast my greatest happiness on earth,

And make all joys abortive.

_Pol._ Revoke these hasty syllables, they carry

Too great a penalty for breach of Love

To me, I am not worth thy suffering,

You do not know, what beauty may invite

Your change, what happiness may tempt your eye

And heart together.

_Arc._ Should all the graces of your sex conspire

In one, and she should court [me], with a Dowry,

Able to buy a Kingdom, when I give

My heart from _Polidora_.

_Pol._ I suspect not,

And to requite thy constancy, I swear.

_Arc._ 'Twere sin to let thee waste thy breath

I have assurance of thy noble thoughts.

_Enter a Servant._

_Serv._ My Lord, your Uncle hath been every where

I' th' Court inquiring for you, his looks speak

Some earnest cause.

_Arc._ I am more acquainted with

Thy virtue, than to imagine thou wilt not

Excuse me now, one kiss dismisses him

Whose heart shall wait on _Polidora_ prethee

Let me not wish for thy return too often,

My Father.

_Enter_ Nestorius, _and a servant_.

_Nes._ I met _Arcadius_ in strange haste, he told me

He had been with thee.

_Pol._ Some affair too soon

Ravish'd him hence, his Uncle sent for him

You came now from Court: how looks the Queen

This golden morning?

_Nes._ Like a Bride, her soul

Is all on mirth, her eyes have quick'ning fires,

Able to strike a spring into the earth,

In winter.

_Pol._ Then _Lisimachus_ can have

No frost in's blood, that lives so near her beams.

_Nes._ His politick Father the Protector smiles too,

Resolve to see the ceremony of the Queen

'Twill be a day of state.

_Pol._ I am not well.

_Nes._ How! not well? retire then, I must return

My attendance is expected, _Polidora_,

Be careful of thy health.

_Pol._ It will concern me. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Arcadius, _and_ Macarius.

_Arc._ You amaze me, Sir.

_Mac._ Dear Nephew, if thou respect thy safety

My honor, or my age, remove thy self,

Thy life's in danger.

_Arc._ Mine? who's my enemy?

_Mac._ Take horse, and instantly forsake the City,

Or else within some unsuspected dwelling,

Obscure thy self, stay not to know the reason.

_Arc._ Sir, I beseech your pardon, which i' th' number

Of my offences unto any, should

Provoke this dishonourable flight?

_Mac._ I would, when I petition'd for thy stay,

I had pleaded for thy banishment, thou knowst not

What threatens thee.

_Arc._ I would desire to know it,

I am in no conspiracy of treason,

Have ravish'd no mans Mistriss, not so much

As given the lye to any, what should mean

Your strange and violent fears, I will [n]ot stir

Until you make me sensible I have lost

My innocence.

_Mac._ I must not live to see

Thy body full of wounds, it were less sin

To rip thy Fathers Marble, and fetch from

The reverend vault, his ashes, and disperse them

By some rude winds, where none should ever find

The sacred dust: it was his Legacy,

The breath he mingled with his prayers to Heaven

I [sh]ould preserve _Arcadius_, whose fate

He prophesied in death, would need protection,

Thou wot disturb his ghost, and call it to

Affright my dreams, if thou refuse to obey me.

_Arc._ You more inflame me, to enquire the cause

Of your distraction, and you'll arm me better

Than any coward flight by acquainting me

Whose malice aims to kill me, good Sir tell me.

_Mac._ Then prayers and tears assist me.

_Arc._ Sir.

_Mac._ _Arcadius_,

Thou art a rash young man, witness the spirit

Of him that trusted me so much, I bleed,

Till I prevent this mischief. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Philocles, Lisander.

_Arc._ Ha, keep off.

_Phi._ What mean you, Sir?

_Lis._ We are your friends.

_Arc._ I know your faces, but

Am not secure, I would not be betraid.

_Lis._ You wrong our hearts, who truly honor you.

_Arc._ They say I must be kill'd.

_Phi._ By whom?

_Arc._ I know not, nor wou'd I part with life so tamely.

_Phi._ We dare engage ours in your quarrel, hide

Your sword, it may beget suspition,

It's enough to question you.

_Arc._ I am confident;

Pray pardon me, come, I despise all danger:

Yet a dear friend of mine, my Uncle told me

He would not see my body full of wounds.

_Lis._ Your Uncle, this is strange.

_Arc._ Yes, my honest Uncle,

If my unlucky Stars have pointed me

So dire a fate.

_Phi._ There is some strange mistake in't.

_Enter_ Antigonus.

_Ant._ _Arcadius_, the Queen would speak with you,

You must make haste.

_Ar[c]._ Though to my death, I flie

Upon her summons I give up my breath

Then willingly, if she command it from me.

_Phi._ This does a little trouble me.

_Lis._ I know not

What to imagine, something is the ground

Of this perplexity, but I hope there is not

Any such danger as he apprehends.

_Enter_ Queen, Lisimachus, Macarius, Eubulus, Seleucus,

Arcadius, _Ladies, Attendants and Gent._

_Qu._ We have already granted to _Seleucus_

And they shall try their valour, if _Arcadius_

Have spirit in him to accept the challenge,

Our Royal word is past.

_Phi._ This is strange.

_Eub._ Madam, my son knew not what he ask'd,

And you were cruel to consent so soon.

_Mac._ Wherein have I offended, to be rob'd

At once, of all the wealth I have, _Arcadius_

Is part of me.

_Eub._ _Seleucus's_ life and mine

Are twisted on one thred, both stand or fall

Together, hath the service for my Countrey

Deserved but this reward, to be sent weeping

To my eternal home? Was't not enough

When I was young, to lose my bloud in wars,

But the poor remnant that is scarcely warm

And faintly creeping through my wither'd veins

Must be let out to make you sport.

_Mac._ How can

We, that shall this morn see the sacred oyl,

Fall on your Virgin tresses, hope for any

Protection hereafter, when this day

You sacrifice the blood of them that pray for you.

_Arcadius_, I prethee speak thy self,

It is for thee I plead.

_Eub._ _Seleucus_, kneel

And say thou hast repented thy rash suit;

If e'er I see thee fight, I be thus wounded,

How will the least drop forc'd from thy veins,

Afflict my heart.

_Mac._ Why, that's good;

_Arcadius_, speak to her; hear him Madam.

_Arc._ If you call back this honor you have done me

I shall repent I live, doe not perswade me:

_Seleucus_, thou art a noble enemy,

And I will love thy soul, though I despair

Our bodies friendly conversation:

I would we were to tugg upon some cliffe,

Or like two prodigies i'th' air, our conflict

Might generally be gaz'd at, and our bloud

Appease our grandsires ashes.

_Mac._ I am undone.

_Sel._ Madam, my father says I have offended,

If so, I beg your pardon, but beseech you

For your own glory, call not back your word.

_Eub._ They are both mad.

_Qu._ No more, we have resolv'd,

And since their courage is so nobly flam'd,

This morning we'll behold the Champions

Within the List, be not afraid, their strife

Will stretch so far as death, so soon as we

Are Crown'd, prepare your selves, _Seleucus_. [_Kisses her hand._

_Sel._ I have receiv'd another life in this high favour,

And may lose what nature gave me.

_Qu._ _Arcadius_, to encourage thy young valour,

We give thee our Fathers sword.

Command it from our Armory; _Lisimachus_,

To our Coronation. [_Exeunt._

_Sel._ I'll forfeit

My head for a rebellion, than suffer it. [_Exit._

_Arc._ I am circled with confusions, I'll do somewhat

My brains and friends assist me. [_Exit._

_Phi._ But do you think they'll fight indeed?

_Lis._ Perhaps

Her Majesty will see a bout or two.

And yet 'tis wondrous strange, such spectacles

Are rare i'th' Court, and they were to skirmish naked

Before her, then there might be some excuse.

There is gimcracks in't, the Queen is wise

Above her years.

_Phi._ _Macarius_ is perplex'd.

_Enter_ Eubulus.

_Lis._ I cannot blame him, but my Lord _Eubulus_

Returns, they are both troubled, 'las good men,

But our duties are expected, we forget. [_Ex._ Phil. Lis.

_Eub._ I must resolve, and yet things are not ripe,

My brains upon the torture.

_Mac._ This may quit

The hazard of his person, whose least drop

Of blood, is worth more than our families.

My Lord _Eubulus_, I have thought a way

To stay the young mens desperate proceedings,

It is our cause they fight, let us beseech

The Queen, to grant us two the priviledge

Of Duel, rather than expose their lives

To eithers fury; it were pity they

Should run upon so black a destiny,

We are both old, and may be spar'd, a pair

Of fruitless trees, mossie, and wither'd trunks,

That fill up too much room.

_Eub._ Most willingly,

And I will praise her charity to allow it;

I have not yet forg[o]t to use a sword,

Let's lose no time, by this act, she will licence

Our souls to leave our bodies but a day,

Perhaps an hour the sooner; they may live

To do her better service, and be friends

When we are dead, and yet I have no hope

This will be granted, curse upon our faction.

_Mac._ If she deny us--

_Eub._ What?

_Mac._ I wou'd do somewhat--

_Eub._ There's something o' th' suddain struck upon

My imagination that may secure us.

_Mac._ Name it, if no dishonor wait upon't

To preserve them, I'll accept any danger.

_Eub._ There is no other way, and yet my heart

Would be excus'd, but 'tis to save his life.

_Mac._ Speak it _Eubulus_.

_Eub._ In your ear I shall,

It sha'not make a noise if you refuse it.

_Mac._ Hum? though it stir my bloud, I'll meet _Arcadius_,

If this preserve thee not, I must unseal

Another mistery. [_Exit._

_Enter Queen_, Lisimachus, Cassander, Charilla, Lisander,

Philocles, Antigonus.

_Qu._ We owe to all your loves, and will deserve

At least by our endeavours, that none may

This day repent their prayers, my Lord Protector.

_Cas._ Madam, I have no

Such Title now, and am blest to lose

That name so happily: I was but trusted

With a glorious burden.

_Qu._ You have prov'd

Your self our faithful Counsellor, and must still

Protect our growing state: a Kingdoms Scepter

Weighs down a womans arm, this Crown sits heavy

Upon my brow already, and we know

There's something more than mettal in this wreath,

Of shining glory, but your faith, and counsel,

That are familiar with mysteries,

And depths of state, have power to make us fit

For such a bearing, in which both you shall

Doe loyal service, and reward your Duties.

_Cas._ Heaven preserve your Highness.

_Qu._ But yet my Lords and Gentlemen, let none

Mistake me, that because I urge your wisdoms,

I shall grow careless, and impose on you

The managing of this great Province, no,

We will be active too, and as we are

In dignity above your persons, so,

The greatest portion of the difficulties

We call to us, you in your several places

Relieving us with your experience,

Observing in your best directions

All modesty, and distance; for although

We are but young, no action shall forfeit

Our royal priviledge, or encourage any

Too unreverent boldness; as it will become

Our honor to consult, e'r we determine

Of the most necessary things of state,

So we are sensible of a check,

But in a brow, that saucily controuls

Our action, presuming on our years

As few, or frailty of our sex; that head

Is not secure, that dares our power or justice.

_Phi._ She has a brave spirit, look how the Protector

Grows pale already.

_Qu._ But I speak to you

Are perfect in obedience, and may spare

This Theme, yet 'twas no immat[eriall]

Part of our character, since I desire

All should take notice, I have studied

The knowledge of my self, by which I shall

Better distinguish of your worth and persons

In your relations to us.

_Lis._ This language

Is but a threatening to some body.

_Qu._ But we miss some, that use not to absent

Their duties from us, where's _Macarius_?

_Cas._ Retir'd to grieve, your Majesty hath given

Consent, _Arcadius_ should enter the List

To day with young _Seleucus._

_Qu._ We purpose

_Enter Gentleman._

They shall proceed, what's he?

_Phil._ A Gentleman belonging to _Seleucus_ that gives notice

He is prepar'd, and waits your royal pleasure.

_Qu._ He was compos'd for action, give notice

To _Arcadius_, and admit the challenger:

Let other Princes boast their gaudy tilting,

And mockery of battles, but our triumph

Is celebrated with true noble valour.

_Enter_ Seleucus, Arcadius, _at several doors, their Pages

before them, bearing their Targets_.

Two young men spirited enough to have

Two kingdoms staked upon their swords, _Lisimachus_

Do not they excellently become their arms?

'Twere pity but they should do something more

Then wave their plumes. [_A shout within._

What noise is that?

_Enter_ Macarius, _and_ Eubulus.

_Mac._ The peoples joy to know us reconcil'd,

Is added to the jubile of the day,

We have no more a faction but one heart,

Peace flow in every bosom.

_Eub._ Throw away

These instruments of death, and like two friends

Embrace by our example.

_Qu._ This unfein'd?

_Mac._ By our duties to your self, dear Madam

Command them not advance, our houses from

This minute are incorporated; happy day

Our eyes at which before revenge look'd forth,

May clear suspition, oh my _Arcadius_!

_Eub._ We have found a nearer way to friendship, Madam,

Than by exposing them to fight for us.

_Qu._ If this be faithful, our desires are blest.

We had no thought to waste, but reconcile

Your bloud this way, and we did prophesie

This happy chance, spring into eithers bosom,

_Arcadius_ and _Seleucus_, what can now

Be added to this days felicity?

Yes, there is something, is there not my Lord?

While we are Virgin Queen.

_Cas._ Ha, that string

Doth promise Musick.

_Qu._ I am yet my Lords

Your single joy, and when I look upon,

What I have took, to manage the great care

Of this most flourishing kingdom, I incline

To think I shall do justice to my self,

If I choose one, whose strength and virtue may

Assist my undertaking, think you Lords,

A Husband would not help?

_Lis._ No question, Madam,

And he that [you purpose to make] so blest

Must needs be worthy of our humblest duty,

It is the general vote.

_Qu._ We will not then

Trouble Ambassadors to treat with any

Princes abroad, within our own dominion,

Fruitful in honor, we shall make our choice;

And that we may not keep you over long

In th[e] imagination, from this circle, we

Have purpose to elect; one, whom I shall

Salute a King and Husband.

_Lisa._ Now my Lord _Lisimachus_.

_Que._ Nor shall we in this action be accus'd

Of rashness, since the man we shall declare

Deserving our affection, hath been early

In our opinion, which had reason first

To guide it, and his known nobility

Long marry'd to our thoughts, will justifie

Our fair election.

_Phi._ _Lisimachus_ blushes.

_Cas._ Direct our duties, Madam, to pray for him.

_Que._ _Arcadius_, you see from whence we come,

Pray lead us back, you may ascend. [_She comes from the State._

_Cas._ How's this? o're-reach'd?

_Arc._ Madam, be charitable to your humblest creature,

Doe not reward the heart, that falls in duty

Beneath your feet, with making me the burden

Of the Court-mirth, a mockery for Pages,

'Twere Treason in me but to think you meane thus.

_Que._ _Arcadius_, you must refuse my love,

Or shame this Kingdom.

_Phi._ Is the wind in that corner?

_Cas._ I shall run mad _Lisimachus_.

_Lisi._ Sir, contain your self.

_Sel._ Is this to be believ'd?

_Mac._ What dream is this?

_Phi._ He kisses her, now by this day I am glad on't.

_Lisa._ Mark the Protector.

_Ant._ Let him fret his heart-strings.

_Que._ Is the day cloudy on the sudden?

_Arc._ Gentlemen,

It was not my ambition, I durst never

Aspire so high in thought, but since her Majesty

Hath pleas'd to call me to this honor, I

Will study to be worthy of her grace,

By whom I live.

_Que._ The Church to morrow shall

Confirme our marriage, noble _Lisimachus_;

We'll find out other wayes to recompence

Your love to us, set forward, come _Arcadius_.

_Mac._ It must be so, and yet let me consider.

_Cas._ He insults already, policy assist me,

To break his neck.

_Lisi._ Who would trust Woman?

Lost in a pair of minutes, lost, how bright

A morning rose, but now, [and now] 'tis night? [_Exeunt._

_Actus Tertius. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Polidora, _and a Servant_.

_Pol._ Oh where shall Virgins look for faith hereafter?

If he prove false, after so many vowes?

And yet if I consider, he was tempted

Above the strength of a young Lover, two

Such glorious courting his acceptance, were

Able to make disloyalty no sin,

At least not seem a fault, a Lady first,

Whose very looks would thaw a man more frozen

Than the _Alps_, quicken a soul more dead than Winter,

Add to her beauty and perfection,

That she's a Queen, and brings with her a Kingdom

Able to make a great mind forfeit Heaven.

What could the frailty of _Arcadius_

Suggest, to unspirit him so much, as not

To fly to her embraces, you were present

When she declar'd her self.

_Ser._ Yes Madam.

_Pol._ Tell me,

Did not he make a pause, when the fair Queen

A full temptation stood him?

_Ser._ Very little

My judgment could distinguish, she did no sooner

Propound, but he accepted.

_Pol._ That was ill,

He might with honor stand one or two minutes,

Me thinks it should have startled him a little,

To have rememberd me, I have deserv'd

At least a cold thought, well, pray give it him.

_Ser._ I shall.

_Pol._ When?

_Ser._ Instantly.

_Pol._ Not so,

But take a time when his joy swels him most,

When his delights are high and ravishing,

When you perceive his Soul dance in his eyes,

When she that must be his hath drest her beauty,

With all her pride, and sends a thousand _Cupids_

To call him to the tasting of her lip;

Then give him this, and tell him, while I live,

I'll pray for him.

_Ser._ I shall. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Cassander, _and_ Lisimachus.

_Cas._ There is no way but death.

_Lisi._ That's black, and horrid,

Consider, Sir, it was her sin, not his;

I cannot accuse him, what man could carry

A heart so frozen, not to melt at such

A glorious flame? Who could not fly to such

A happiness?

_Cas._ Have you ambition

To be a tame fool? see so vast an injury

And not revenge it? make me not suspect

Thy Mother for this sufferance, my Son.

_Lis._ Pray hear me, Sir.

_Cas._ Hear a patient gull,

A property, thou hast no blood of mine,

If this affront provoke thee not, how canst

Be charitable to thy self, and let him live

To glory in thy shame? Nor is he innocent;

He had before crept slily into her bosome,

And practised thy dishonor.

_Lisi._ You begin to stir me, Sir.

_Cas._ How else could she be guilty

Of such contempt of thee? and in the eye

Of all the Kingdom, they conspir'd this stain,

When they had cunning meetings, shall thy love

And blooming hopes be scatter'd thus, and _Lisimachus_

Stand idle gazer?

_Lisi._ What, Sir, will his death

Advantage us, if she be false to me?

So irreligious, and to touch her person--

Pause, we may be observed.

_Enter_ Philocles, _and_ Lisander.

_Lisa._ 'Tis the Protector

And his son.

_Phi._ Alas, poor Gentleman, I pitty

His neglect, but am not sorry for his Father.

['Tis] a strange turne.

_Lisa._ The whirligigs of Women.

_Phi._ Your Graces servant.

_Cas._ I am yours Gentlemen,

And should be happy to deserve your loves.

_Phi._ Now he can flatter.

_Lisa._ In't Sir, to inlarge your sufferings, I have

A heart doth wish

The Q[u]een had known better to reward

Your love and merit.

[_Lisi._] If you would express

Your love to me, pray do not mention it,

I must obey my fate.

_Phi._ She will be married

To t'other Gentleman for certain then?

_Cas._ I hope you'll wish 'em joy.

_Phi._ Indeed I will, Sir.

_Lisa._ Your Graces servant. [_Exit._

_Cas._ We are grown

Ridiculous, the pastime of the Court:

Here comes another.

_Enter_ Seleucus.

_Sel._ Where's your Son, my Lord?

_Cas._ Like a neglected servant of his Mistress.

_Sel._ I would ask him a question.

_Cas._ What?

_Sel._ Whether the Queen,

As 'tis reported, lov'd him, he can tell

Whether she promis'd what they talke of, marriage.

_Cas._ I can resolve you that, Sir.

_Sel._ She did promise?

_Cas._ Yes.

_Sel._ Then shee's a Woman, and your Son;

_Cas._ What?

_Sel._ Not worthy his blood, and expectation,

If he be calme.

_Cas._ There's no opposing destiny.

_Sel._ I would cut the Throat.

_Cas._ Whose throat?

_Sel._ The destinies, that's all, your pardon, Sir,

I am _Seleucus_ still, a poor shadow

Oth' World, a walking picture, it concerns

Not me, I am forgotten by my stars.

_Cas._ The Queen, with more discretion, might ha chosen Thee.

_Sel._ Whom?

_Cas._ Thee, _Seleucus_.

_Sel._ Me? I cannot dance, and frisk with due activity,

My body is lead, I have too much phlegme, what should

I do with a Kingdome? no, _Arcadius_

Becomes the cushion, and can please, yet setting

Aside the trick that Ladies of Blood look at,

Another Man might make a shift to weare

Rich Clothes, sit in the chair of state, and nod,

Dare venture on discourse, that does not trench

On compliment, and think the study of Armes

And Arts, more commendable in a Gentleman,

Than any Galliard.

_Cas._ _Arcadius_,

And you, were reconcil'd.

_Sel._ We? yes, oh yes,

But 'tis not manners now to say we are friends,

At our equality there had been reason,

But now subjection is the word.

_Cas._ They are not

Yet married.

_Sel._ I'll make no Oath upon't,

My Lord _Lisimachus_,

A word, you'll not be angry if I love you,

May not a Batchellor be made a Cuckold?

_Lisi._ How, Sir?

_Cas._ _Lisimachus_, this Gentleman

Is worth our embrace, hee's spirited,

And may be useful.

_Sel._ Hark you, can you tell

Where's the best Dancing-master? and you mean

To rise at Court, practise to caper, farewel

The noble science, that makes work for cutlers,

It will be out of fashion to weare swords,

Masques, and devices welcome, I salute you,

Is it not pitty any division

Should be heard out of Musick? Oh 'twill be

An excellent age of crotchets; and of Canters.

Buy Captains, that like fools will spend your blood

Out of your Country, you will be of less

Use than your feathers, if you return unman'd

You shall be beaten soon to a new march,

When you shall think it a discretion

To sell your glorious buffes to buy fine pumps,

And pantables, this is I hope no treason.

_Enter_ Arcadius _leading the_ Queen, Charia, Eubulus, Lisander,

Philocles, Polidora, _servant_.

_Cas._ Wot stay _Lisimachus_?

_Lisi._ Yes, Sir,

And shew a patience above her injury.

_Arc._ This honor is too much, Madam, assume

Your place, and let _Arcadius_ waite still:

'Tis happiness enough to be your servant.

_Cas._ Now he dissembles.

_Que._ Sir, you must sit.

_Arc._ I am obedient.

_Que._ This is not Musick

Sprightly enough, it feeds the soul with melancholy.

How sayes _Arcadius_?

_Arc._ Give me leave to think

There is no harmony but in your voice,

And not an accent of your heavenly tongue,

But strikes me into rapture, I incline

To think, the tale of _Orpheus_ no fable,

'Tis possible he might inchant the Rocks,

And charme the Forrest, soften hell, hell it self,

With his commanding Lute, it is no miracle

To what you work, whose very breath conveyes

The hearer into Heaven, how at your lips,

Day-winds gather Perfumes, proudly glide away,

To disperse sweetness round about the world.

_Sel._ Fine stuff.

_Que._ You cannot flatter.

_Arc._ Not, if I should say,

Nature had plac'd you here the creatures wonder,

And her own spring, from which all excellence

On Earth's deriv'd, and copyed forth, and when

The character of fair, and good in others

Is quite worne out, and lost, looking on you

It is supply'd, and you alone made mortal

To feed, and keep alive all beauty.

_Sel._ Ha, ha, Can you indure it Gentlemen?

_Lisa._ What do you meane?

_Sel._ Nay, ask him what he meanes, mine is a down

Right laugh.

_Que._ Well, Sir, proceed.

_Arc._ At such bright eyes the stars do light themselves,

At such a forehead Swans renew their white,

From such a lip the morning gathers blushes.

_Sel._ The morning is more modest than thy praises,

What a thing does he make her?

_Arc._ And when you flie to Heaven and leave this world

No longer maintenance of goodness from you:

Then Poetry shall lose all use with us,

And be no more, since nothing in your absence

Is left, that can be worthy of a Verse.

_Sel._ Ha, ha.

_Que._ Whose that?

_Sel._ 'Twas I, Madam.

_Arc._ _Seleucus?_

_Cas._ Ha?

_Sel._ Yes, Sir, 'twas I that laugh'd.

_Arc._ At what?

_Sel._ At nothing.

_Lisa._ Contain your self, _Seleucus_.

_Eub._ Are you mad?

_Que._ Have you ambition to be punish'd, Sir?

_Sel._ I need not, 'twas punishment

Enough to hear him make an Idol of you, he left

Out the commendation of your patience, I was a little

Mov'd in my nature, to hear his Rodomontados, and

Make a monster of his Mistress, which I pitty'd first,

But seeing him proceed, I guest he brought you

Mirth with his inventions, and so made bold to laugh at it.

_Que._ You are sawcy,

We'll place you where you sha'not be so merry,

Take him away.

_Lisa._ Submit your self.

_Arc._ Let me plead for his pardon.

_Sel._ I wo'd not owe my life so poorly, beg thy own,

When you are King you cannot bribe your destiny.

_Eub._ Good Madam hear me, I fear he is distracted,

Brave boy, thou should'st be Master of a soul

Like his: thy honors more concern'd.

_Sel._ 'Tis charity,

A way wo' mee, 'boy Madam?

_Cas._ He has a daring spirit. [_Ex._ Sel. Eub. Cas.

_Arc._ These, and a thousand more affronts I must

Expect: your favors draw them all upon me;

In my first state I had no enemies,

I was secure, while I did grow beneath

This expectation, humble valleys thrive with

Their bosomes full of flowers, when the Hills melt

With lightning, and rough anger of the clouds,

Let me retire.

_Que._ And can _Arcadius_

At such a breath be mov'd, I had opinion

Your courage durst have stood a tempest for

Our love, can you for this incline to leave

What other Princes should in vain have sued for?

How many Lovers are in _Epire_ now

Would throw themselves on danger, not expect

One enemy, but empty their own veins,

And think the loss of all their blood rewarded,

To have one smile of us when they are dying?

And shall this murmur shake you?

_Arc._ Not dear Madam,

My life is such a poor despised thing,

In value your least graces, that

To lose it were to make my self a victory,

It is not for my self, I fear: the envy

Of others cannot fasten wound in me

Greater, than that your goodness should be check'd

So daringly.

_Que._ Let not those thoughts afflict thee,

While we have power to correct the offences,

_Arcadius_ be mine, this shall confirm it.

_Arc._ I shall forget,

And lose my way to heaven, that touch had been

Enough to have restor'd me, and infus'd

A spirit of a more celestial nature,

After the tedious absence of my soul,

Oh bless me not too much, one smile a day

Would stretch my life to mortality;

Poets that wrap divinity in tales,

Look here, and give your coppies forth of angels,

What blessing can remain?

_Que._ Our Marriage.

_Arc._ Place then some horrors in the way

For me, not you, to pass, the journeys end

Holds out such glories to me, I should think

Hell but a poor degree of suffering for it,

What's that, some petition? a Letter to me.

_You had a Polidora, ha, that's all._

Ith' minu[t]e when my vessels new lanch'd forth,

With all my pride, and silken wings about me

I strike upon a Rock: What power can save me?

You had a _Polidora_; there's a name

Kill'd with grief, I can so soon forget her.

_Ser._ She did impose on me this service, Sir,

And while she lives she sayes, shee'll pray for you.

_Arc._ She lives,

That's well, and yet 'twere better, for my fame,

And honor, she were dead; What fate hath plac'd me

Upon this fearful precipice?

_Ser._ He's troubled.

_Arc._ I must resolve, my faith is violated

Already, yet poor loving _Polidora_

Will pray for me, she sayes, to think she can

Render me hated to my self, and every

Thought's a tormentor, let me then be just.

_Que._ _Arcadius._

_Arc._ That voice prevailes agen, oh _Polidora_,

Thou must forgive _Arcadius_, I dare not

Turn rebel to a Princess, I shall love

Thy vertue, but a Kingdom has a charme

To excuse our f[r]ailty, dearest Madam.

_Que._ Now set forward.

_Arc._ To perfect all our joyes.

_Enter_ Macarius, _and a_ Bishop, Casander.

_Mac._ I'll fright their glories.

_Cas._ By what means?

_Mac._ Observe.

_Arc._ Our good Unckle, welcome.

_Que._ My Lord _Macarius_, we did want your person,

There's something in our joyes wherein you share.

_Mac._ This you intend your highness wedding day.

_Que._ We are going.

_Mac._ Save you labor

I have brought a Priest to meet you.

_Arc._ Reverend Father.

_Que._ Meet us, Why?

_Mac._ To tell you, that you must not Marry.

_Cas._ Didst thou hear that, _Lisimachus_?

_Lisi._ And wonder what will follow.

_Que._ We must not marry.

_Bish._ Madam, 'tis a rule

First made in heaven, and I must needs declare

You and _Arcadius_ must tie no knot

Of Man and Wife.

_Arc._ Is my Unckle mad?

_Que._ Joy has transported him,

Or age has made him dote, _Macarius_

Provoke us not too much, you will presume

Above our mercy.

_Mac._ I'll discharge my duty,

Could your frown strike me dead, my Lord, you know

Whose character this is.

_Cas._ It is _Theodosius_,

Your graces Father.

_Bis._ I am subscribed a witness.

_Phi._ Upon my life 'tis his.

_Mac._ Fear not, I'll cross this Match.

_Cas._ I'll bless thee for't.

_Arc._ Unckle, d'ee know what you do, or what we are

Going to finish? you will not break the neck of my glorious

Fortune, now my foots ith' stirrup, and mounting,

Throw me over the saddle? I hope you'll let one

Be a King, Madam, 'tis as you say,

My Unckle is something craz'd, there's a worm

In's brain, but I beseech you pardon him, he is

Not the first of your counsel, that has talk'd

Idly, d'ee hear my Lord Bishop, I hope

You have more Religion than to joyn with him

To undoe me.

_Bis._ Not I Sir, but I am commanded by oath,

And conscience to speak truth.

_Arc._ If your truth should do me any harm, I shall never

Be in charity with a Croziers staffe, look too't.

_Que._ My youngest Brother.

_Cas._ Worse and worse, my brains. [_Exit._

_Mac._ Deliver['d] to me an Infant with this writing,

To which this reverend Father is a witness.

_Lisa._ This he whom we so long thought dead, a childe?

_Que._ But what should make my Father to trust him

To your concealment? give abroad his death, and bury

An empty coffin?

_Mac._ A jealousie he had

Upon _Cassander_, whose ambitious brain

He fear'd would make no conscience to depose

His son, to make _Lisimachus_ King of _Epire_.

_Que._ He made no scruple to expose me then

To any danger?

_Mac._ He secur'd you, Madam,

By an early Engagement of your affection

To _Lisimachus_, exempt this testimony,

Had he been _Arcadius_, and my Nephew,

I needed not obtrude him on the state,

Your love and marriage had made him King

Without my trouble, and sav'd that ambition,

There was necessity to open now

His birth, and title.

_Phi._ _Demetrius_ alive.

_Arc._ What riddles are these, Whom do they talk of?

_Omn._ Congratulate your return to life, and honor,

And as becomes us, with one voice salute you,

_Demetrius_ King of _Epire_.

_Mac._ I am no Uncle, Sir, this is your Sister,

I should have suffer'd incest to have kept you

Longer ith' dark: love, and be happy both,

My trust is now discharg'd.

_Lisa._ And we rejoyce.

_Arc._ But do not mock me, Gentlemen,

May I be bold upon your words to say

I am Prince _Theodosius_ Son?

_Mac._ The King.

_Arc._ You'll justifie it?

Sister, I am very glad to see you.

_Sop._ I am to find a brother, and resign my glory,

My triumph is my shame. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Cassander.

_Cas._ Thine ear _Lisimachus_.

_Arc._ Gentlemen I owe

Unto your loves, as large acknowledgment

As to my birth, for this great honor, and

My study shall be equal to be thought

Worthy of both.

_Cas._ Thou art turn'd Marble.

_Lisi._ There will be the less charge for my Monument.

_Cas._ This must not be, sit fast young King. [_Exit._

_Lisi._ Your sister, Sir, is gone.

_Arc._ My sister should have been my Bride, that name

Puts me in mind of _Polidora_, ha?

_Lisander, Philocles_, Gentlemen,

If you will have me think your hearts allow me

_Theodosius_ son, oh quickly snatch some wings,

Express it in your haste to _Polidora_,

Tell her what title is new dropt from heaven

To make her rich; onely created for me:

Give her the ceremony of my Queen,

With all the state that may become our Bride,

Attend her to this throne; Are you not there?

Yet stay, 'tis too much pride to send for her,

Wee'll go our self, no honor is enough

For _Polidora_, to redeem our fault,

Salute her gently from me, and, upon

Your knee, present her with this Diadem,

'Tis our first gift, tell her _Demetrius_ follows

To be her guest, and give himself a servant

To her chast bosome, bid her stretch her heart

To meet me, I am lost in joy and wonder. [_Exeunt Omnes._

_Actus Quartus. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Cassander, Eubulus, Soldier.

_Cas._ Where's the Captain of the Castle?

_Sol._ Hee'll attend your honors presently.

_Cas._ Give him knowledge we expect him.

_Sol._ I shall, my Lord. [_Exit._

_Cas._ He is my creature, fear not,

And shall run any course that we propound.

_Eub._ My Lord, I like the substance of your plot,

'Tis promising, but matters of this consequence

Are not so easily perfect, and it does

Concern our heads to build upon secure

Principles, though _Seleucus_, I confess,

Carry a high, and daring spirit in him,

'Tis hard to thrust upon the state new setled

Any impostor, and we know not yet

Whether hee'll undertake to play the Prince;

Or if he should accept it, with what cunning

He can behave himself.

_Cas._ My Lord, affairs

Of such a glorious nature, are half finish'd,

When they begin with confidence.

_Eub._ Admit

He want no art, [n]or courage, it must rest

Upon the people to receive his title,

And with what danger their uncertain breath

May flatter ours, _Demetrius_ scarcely warm

In the Kings seat, I may suspect.

_Cas._ That reason

Makes for our part, for if it be so probable,

That young _Demetrius_ should be living, Why

May not we work them to believe, _Leonatus_,

The eldest son was, by some trick, preserv'd,

And now would claim his own: there were two sons,

Who in their Fathers life we supposed dead,

May not we find a circumstance to make

This seem as clear as t'other, let the vulgar

Be once possest, wee'll carry _Epire_ from

_Demetrius_, and the World.

_Eub._ I could be pleas'd

To see my Son a King.

_Enter_ Poleanus.

The Captain's here.

_Pol._ I waite your Lordships pleasure.

_Cas._ We come to visit your late prisoner:

I will not doubt, but you intreat him fairly,

He will deserve it for himself, and you

Be fortunate in any occasion,

To have exprest your service.

_Pol._ Sir, the knowledge

Of my honorable Lord his Father, will

Instruct me to behave my self with all

Respects becoming me, to such a son.

_Cas._ These things will least

Oblige you, but how bears he his restraint?

_Pol._ As one whose soul's above it.

_Eub._ Patiently?

_Pol._ With contempt rather of the great command

Which made him prisoner, he will talke sometimes

So strangely to himself.

_Eub._ Hee's here.

_Enter_ Seleucus.

_Sel._ Why was I born to be a subject? 'tis

Soon answer'd, sure my Father was no Prince,

That's all: the same ingredients use to make

A Man, as active, though not royal blood

Went to my composition, and I

Was gotten with as good a will perhaps,

And my birth cost my Mother as much sorrow,

As I had been born an Emperor.

_Cas._ While I look

Upon him, something in his face presents

A King indeed.

_Eub._ He does resemble much

_Theodosius_ too.

_Cas._ Whose son we would pretend him,

This will advance our plot.

_Sel._ 'Tis but a name,

And mere opinion, that prefers one man

Above another, I'll imagine then

I am a Prince, or some brave thing on Earth,

And see what follows: but it must not be,

My single voice will carry it, the name

Of King must be attended with a troop

Of acclamations, on whose ayrie wings

He mounts, and once exalted, threatens Heaven,

And all the stars: how to acquire this noise,

And be the thing I talke of, men have rise[n]

From a more cheap nobility to Empires,

From dark originals, and sordid blood,

Nay some that had no fathers, sons of the earth,

And flying people, have aspir'd to Kingdoms,

Made nations tremble, and have practis'd frowns

To awe the world, their memory is glorious,

And I would hug them in their shades, but what's

All this to me, that am I know not what,

And less in expectation?

_Pol._ Are you serious?

_Cas._ Will you assist, and run a fate with us.

_Pol._ Command my life, I owe it to your favor.

_Sel._ _Arcadius_ was once as far from being

As I, and had we not so cunningly

Been reconcil'd, or one, or both had gone

To seek our fortunes in another world;

What's the device now? If my death be next,

The summons shall not make me once look pale.

_Cas._ Chide your too vain suspitions, we bring

A life, and liberty, with what else can make

Thy ambition happy, th'ast a glorious flame,

We come to advance it.

_Sel._ How?

_Cas._ Have but a will,

And be what thy own thoughts dare prompt thee to,

A King.

_Sel._ You do not mock me Gentlemen?

You are my Father, Sir.

_Eub._ This minute shall

Declare it, my _Seleucus_, our hearts swell'd

With joy, with duty rather, oh my boy!

_Sel._ What's the mistery?

_Pol._ You must be a King.

_Cas._ _Seleucus_, stay, thou art too incredulous,

Let not our faith, and study to exalt thee,

Be so rewarded.

_Eub._ I pronounce thee King,

Unless thy spirit be turn'd coward, and

Thou faint to accept it.

_Sel._ King of what?

_Cas._ Of _Epire_.

_Sel._ Although the Queen, since she sent me hither,

Were gone to Heaven I know not how,

That title could devolve to me.

_Cas._ We have

No Queen, since he that should have married her,

Is prov'd her youngest brother, and now King

In his own title.

_Sel._ Thank you Gentlemen,

There's hope for me.

_Cas._ Why, you dare fight with him

And need be, for the Kingdom.

_Sel._ With _Arcadius_?

If you'll make stakes, my life against his crown,

I'll fight with him, and you, and your fine Son,

And all the Courtiers one after another.

_Cas._ 'Two'not come to that.

_Sel._ I am of your Lordships mind, so fare you well.

_Cas._ Yet stay and hear--

_Sel._ What? that you have betray'd me:

Do, tell your King, my life is grown a burden,

And I'll confess, and make your souls look pale,

To see how nimble mine shall leap this battlement

Of flesh, and dying, laugh at your poor malice.

_Omnes._ No more, long live _Leonatus_ King of _Epire_.

_Sel._ _Leonatus_, Who's that?

_Cas._ Be bold, and be a King, our brains have been

Working to raise you to this height, here are

None but friends, dare you but call your self

_Leonatus_, and but justifie with confidence

What we'll proclaime you, if we do not bring

The Crown to your head, we [w]ill forfeit ours.

_Eub._ The state is in distraction, _Arcadius_

Is prov'd a King, there was an elder brother,

If you dare but pronounce, you are the same,

Forget you are my son.

_Pol._ These are no trifles, Sir, all is plotted,

To assure your greatness; if you will be wise,

And take the faire occasion that's presented.

_Sel._ _Arcadius_, you say, is lawful King,

And now to depose him, you would make me

An elder brother, is't not so?

_Cas._ Most right.

_Sel._ Nay, right or wrong, if this be your true meaning.

_Omnes._ Upon our lives.

_Sel._ I'll venture mine, but with your pardon,

Whose brain was this? from whom took this plot life?

_Eub._ My Lord _Cassander_.

_Sel._ And you are of his mind? and you? and think

This may be done?

_Eub._ The destinies shall not cross us, if you have

Spirit to undertake it.

_Sel._ Undertake it?

I am not us'd to compliment, I'll owe

My life to you, my fortunes to your Lordship,

Compose me as you please, and when y'ave made

Me what you promise, you shall both divide

Me equally: one word, my Lord, I had rather

Live in the prison still, than be a propency

To advance his politick ends.

_Eub._ Have no suspition.

_Cas._ So, so, I see _Demetrius_ heels already

Trip'd up, and I'll dispatch him out oth' way,

Which gone, I can depose this at my leasure,

Being an Impostor, then my Son stands fair,

And may piece with the Princess, we lose time,

What think you, if we first surprize the Court?

While you command the Castle, we shall curbe

All opposition.

_Eub._ Let's proclaim him first,

I have some faction, the people love me,

They gain'd to us, wee'll fall upon the Court.

_Cas._ Unless _Demetrius_ yield himself, he bleeds.

_Sel._ Who dares call treason sin, when it succeeds? [_Exeunt Omnes._

_Enter_ Sophia, _and_ Charilla.

_Cha._ Madam, you are too passionate, and lose

The greatness of your soul, with the expence

Of too much grief, for that which providence

Hath eas'd you of, the burden of a state

Above your tender bearing.

_Sop._ Thour't a fool,

And canst not reach the spirit of a Lady,

Born great as I was, and made onely less

By a too cruel destiny, above

Our tender bearing: What goes richer to

The composition of Man, than ours?

Our soul as free, and spatious; our heart's

As great, our will as large, each thought as active,

And in this onely Man more proud than we,

That would have us less capable of Empire,

But search the stories, and the name of Queen

Shines bright with glory, and some precedents

Above Mans imitation.

_Cha._ I grant it

For the honor of our sex, nor have you, Madam,

By any weakness, forfeited command,

He that succeeds, in justice, was before you,

And you have gain'd more, in a royal brother,

Than you could lose by your resign of _Epire_.

_Sop._ This I allow _Charilla,_ I ha done;

'Tis not the thought I am depos'd afflicts me,

At the same time I feel a joy to know

My Brother living: no, there is another

Wound in me above cure.

_Cha_. Virtue forbid.

_Sop_. Canst find me out a Surgeon for that?

_Cha_. For what?

_Sop_. My bleeding fame.

_Cha_. Oh do not injure

Your own clear innocence.

_Sop_. Do not flatter me,

I have been guilty of an act, will make

All love in women question'd, is not that

A blot upon a Virgins name? my birth

Cannot extenuate my shame, I am

Become the stain of _Epire_.

_Cha._ 'Tis but

Your own opinion, Madam, which presents

Something to fright your self, which cannot

Be in the same shape so horrid to our sense.

_Sop_. Thou wod'st, but canst not appear ignorant:

Did not the Court, nay, the whole Kingdom, take

Notice, I lov'd _Lisimachus?_

_Cha._ True, Madam.

_Sop._ No, I was false,

Though counsel'd by my Father to affect him,

I had my politick ends upon _Cassander_,

To be absolute Queen, flattering his son with hopes

Of love and marriage, when that very day

I blush to think I wrong'd _Lisimachus_,

That noble Gentleman, but heaven punish'd me;

For though to know _Demetrius_ was a blessing,

Yet who will not impute it my dishonor.

_Cha._ Madam, you yet may recompence _Lisimachus_,

If you affect him now, you were not false

To him, whom then you lov'd not, if you can

Find any gentle passion in your soul

To entertain his thought, no doubt his heart,

Though sad retains a noble will to meet it,

His love was firm to you, and cannot be

Unrooted with one storme.

_Sop._ He will not sure

Trust any language from her tongue that mock'd him,

Although my soul doth weep for't, and is punish'd

To love him above the world.

_Enter_ Lisimachus.

_Cha._ Hee's here

As fate would have him reconcil'd, be free,

And speak your thoughts.

_Lisi._ If, Madam, I appear

Too bold, your charity will sign my pardon:

I heard you were not well, which made me haste

To pay the duty of an humble visit.

_Sop._ You do not mock me, Sir.

_Lisi._ I am confident

You think me not so lost to manners, in

The knowledge of your person, to bring with me

Such rudeness, I have nothing to present,

But a heart full of wishes for your health,

And what else may be added to your happiness.

_Sop._ I thought you had been sensible.

_Lisi._ How Madam?

_Sop._ A man of understanding, can you spend

One prayer for me, remembring the dishonor

I have done _Lisimachus_?

_Lisi._ Nothing can deface that part of my

Religion in me, not to pray for you.

_Sop._ It is not then impossible you may

Forgive me too, indeed I have a soul

Is full of penitence, and something else,

If blushing would allow to give't a name.

_Lisi._ What Madam?

_Sop._ Love, a love that should redeem

My past offence, and make me white again.

_Lisi_. I hope no sadness can possess your thoughts

For me, I am not worthy of this sorrow,

But if you mean it any satisfaction

For what your will hath made me suffer, 'tis

But a strange overflow of Charity,

To keep me still alive, be your self Madam,

And let no cause of mine, be guilty of

This rape upon your eyes, my name's not worth

The least of all your tears.

_Sop._ You think 'em counterfeit.

_Lisi._ Although I may

Suspect a Womans smile hereafter, yet

I would believe their wet eyes, and if this

Be what you promise, for my sake, I have

But one reply.

_Sop._ I waite it.

_Lisi._ I have now

Another Mistress.

_Sop._ Stay.

_Lisi._ To whom I have made

Since your revolt from me, a new chaste vow,

Which not the second malice of my fate

Shall violate, and she deserves it, Madam,

Even for that wherein you are excellent,

Beauty, in which she shines equal to you

Her vertue, if she but maintain what now

She is Mistress of, beyond all competition,

So rich it cannot know to be improv'd,

At least in my esteem, I may offend,

But truth shall justifie, I have not flatter'd her,

I beg your pardon, and to leave, my duty

Upon your hand, all that is good flow in you. [_Exit._

_Sop._ Did he not say, _Charilla_, that he had

Another Mistress?

_Cha._ Such a sound, methought,

Came from him.

_Sop._ Let's remove, here's too much ayre,

The sad note multiplies.

_Cha._ Take courage, Madam,

And my advice, he has another Mistress,

If he have twenty, be you wise, and cross him

With entertaining twice as many servants,

And when he sees your humor he'll return.

And sue for any Livery, grieve for this.

_Sop._ It must be she, 'tis _Polidora_ has

Taken his heart, she live my rival,

How does the thought inflame me!

_Cha. Polidora?_

_Sop._ And yet she does but justly, and he too;

I would have rob'd her of _Arcadius_ heart,

And they will both have this revenge on me,

But something will rebel. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Demetrius, Philocles, Lisander.

_De._ The house is desolate, none comes forth to meet us,

Shee's slow to entertain us: _Philocles,_

I prethee tell me, did she weare no cloud

Upon her brow, was't freely that she said

We should be welcome.

_Phi._ To my apprehension,

Yet 'tis my wonder she appears not.

_Lisa._ She, nor any other,

Sure there's some conceit

To excuse it.

_Dem._ Stay, Who's this? observe what follows?

_Phi._ Fortune? some maske to entertain you, Sir.

_Enter Fortune crown'd, attended with Youth, Health, and

Pleasure._

_For._ Not yet? What silence doth inhabit here?

No preparation to bid Fortune welcome!

Fortune, the genious of the World, have we

Descended from our pride, and state to come,

So far attended with our darlings, Youth,

Pleasure, and Health, to be neglected thus?

Sure this is not the place? call hither Fame.

_Enter_ Fame.

_Fa._ What would great Fortune?

_For._ Know,

Who dwells here.

_Fa._ Once more I report great Queen,

This is the house of Love.

_For._ It cannot be,

This place has too much shade, and looks as if

It had been quite forgotten of the Spring,

And Sun-beames Love, affect society,

And heat, here all is cold as the hairs of Winter,

No harmony, to catch the busie eare

Of passengers, no object of delight,

To take the wandring eyes, no song, no grone

Of Lovers, no complaint of Wil[l]ow garlands,

Love has a Beacon upon his palace top,

Of flaming hearts, to call the weary pilgrime

To rest, and dwell with him, I see no fire

To threaten, or to warme: Can Love dwell here?

_Fa._ If there be noble love upon the World,

Trust Fame, and find it here.

_For._ Make good your boast,

And bring him to us.

_De._ What does mean all this?

_Lisa._ I told you, Sir, we should have some device.

_Enter Love._

There's _Cupid_ now, that little Gentleman,

Has troubled every Masque at Court this seven year.

_Dem._ No more.

_Love._ Welcome to Love, how much you honor me!

It had become me, that, upon your summons,

I should have waited upon mighty Fortune,

But since you have vouchsafed to visit me;

All the delights Love can invent, shall flow

To entertain you, Musick through the ayre

Shoot your inticing harmony.

_For._ We came to dance and revel with you.

_Lov._ I am poor

In my ambition, and want thought to reach

How much you honor Love. [_Dance._

_Enter_ Honor.

_Hon._ What intrusion's this?

Whom do you seek here.

_Lov._ 'Tis honor.

_For._ He my servant.

_Lov._ Fortune is come to visit us.

_Hon._ And has

Corrupted Love: Is this thy faith to her,

On whom we both waite, to betray her thus

To Fortunes triumph? take her giddy wheel,

And be no more companion to honor;

I blush to know thee, Who'll believe there can

Be truth in Love hereafter?

_Lov._ I have found

My eyes, and see my shame, and with it, this

Proud sorceress, from whom, and all her charmes,

I flye agen to Honor, be my guard,

Without thee I am lost, and cannot boast,

The merit of a name.

_For._ Despis'd? I shall

Remember this affront.

_Dem._ What Moral's this? [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Honor _with the Crown upon a mourning Cushion_.

What melancholly object strikes a sudden

Chillness through all my veines; and turns me Ice?

It is the same I sent, the very same,

As the first pledge of her insuing greatness:

Why in this mourning livery, if she live

To whom I sent it? ha, What shape of sorrow?

_Enter_ Polidora _in mourning_.

It is not _Polidora_, she was faire

Enough, and wanted not the setting off

With such a black: if thou beest _Polidora_,

Why mournes my love? it neither does become

Thy fortune, nor my joyes.

_Pol._ But it becomes

My griefs, this habit fits a funeral,

And it were sin, my Lord, not to lament

A friend new dead.

_Dem._ And I yet living? can

A sorrow enter but upon thy Garment,

Or discomplexion thy attire, whilst I

Enjoy a life for thee? Who can deserve,

Weigh'd with thy living comforts, but a piece

Of all this Ceremony? give him a name.

_Pol._ He was _Arcadius_.

_Dem._ _Arcadius?_

_Pol._ A Gentleman that lov'd me dearly once,

And does compel these poor, and fruitless drops,

Which willingly would fall upon his hearse,

To imbalme him twice.

_Dem._ And are you sure hee's dead?

_Pol._ As sure as you'r living, Sir, and yet

I did not close his eyes, but he is dead,

And I shall never see the same _Arcadius_:

He was a Man so rich in all that's good,

At least I thought him so, so perfect in

The rules of honor, whom alone to imitate

Were glory in a Prince, Nature her self,

Till his creation, wrought imperfectly,

As she had made but tryal of the rest,

To mould him excellent.

_Dem._ And is he dead?

Come, shame him not with praises, recollect

Thy scatter'd hopes, and let me tell my best,

And dearest _Polidora_, that he lives,

Still lives to honor thee.

_Pol._ Lives, Where?

_Dem._ Look here.

Am not I worth your knowledge?

_Pol._ And my duty,

You are _Demetrius_, King of _Epire_, Sir.

I could not easily mistake him so,

To whom I gave my heart.

_Dem._ Mine is not chang'd,

But still hath fed upon thy memory,

These honors, and additions of state

Are lent me for thy sake, be not so strange,

Let me not lose my entertainment, now

I am improv'd, and rais'd unto the height,

Beneath which, I did blush to ask thy love.

_Pol._ Give me your pardon, Sir, _Arcadius_,

At our last meeting, without argument,

To move him more than his affection to me,

Vow'd he did love me; love me above all Women,

And to confirm his heart, was truely mine,

He wish'd, I tremble to remember it,

When he forsook his _Polidora's_ love,

That Heaven might kill his happiness on Earth:

Was not this nobly said? did not this promise

A truth to shame the Turtles?

_Dem._ And his heart

Is still the same, and I thy constant Lover.

_Pol._ Give me your leave, I pray, I would not say,

_Arcadius_ was perjur'd, but the same day

Forgetting all his promises, and oathes,

While yet they hung upon his lips, forsook me,

D'ee not remember this too, gave his faith

From me, transported with the noise of greatness,

And would be married to a Kingdom.

_Dem._ But Heaven permitted not I should dispose

What was ordain'd for thee.

_Pol._ It was not virtue

In him, for sure he found no check, no sting

In his own bosome, but gave freely all

The reines to blind ambition.

_Dem._ I am wounded,

The thought of thee ith' throng of all my joyes,

Like poyson powr'd in Nectar, turnes me frantick:

Dear, if _Arcadius_ have made a fault,

Let not _Demetrius_ be punish'd for't,

He pleads that ever will be constant to thee.

_Pol._ Shall I believe Mans flatteries agen,

Lose my sweet rest, and peace of thought agen,

Be drawn by you, from the streight paths of virtue,

Into the maze of Love.

_Dem._ I see compassion in thy eye, that chides me,

If I have either soul, but what's contain'd

Within these words, or if one syllable

Of their full force, be not made good by me,

May all relenting thoughts in you take end,

And thy disdain be doubled, from thy pardon,

I'll count my Coronation; and that hour

Fix with a rubrick in my Calendar,

As an auspicious time, to entertain

Affairs of weight with Princes; think who now

Intreats thy mercy, come, thou sha't be kind,

And divide Titles with me.

_Pol._ Hear me, Sir,

I lov'd you once for virtue, and have not

A thought so much unguarded, as to be won

From my truth, and innocence with any

Motives of state to affect you,

Your bright temptation mourns while it stayes here;

Nor can the triumph of glory, which made you

Forget me, so court my opinion back,

Were you no King, I should be sooner drawn

Again to love you, but 'tis now too late,

A low obedience shall become me best:

May all the joyes I want

Still wait on you, if time hereafter tell you,

That sorrow for your fault hath struck me dead,

May one soft tear drop from your eye, in pitty

Bedew my hearse, and I shall sleep securely:

I have but one word more for goodness sake,

For your own honor, Sir, correct your passion,

To her you shall love next, and I forgive you. [_Exit._

_Dem._ Her heart is frozen up, nor can warm prayers

Thaw it to any softness.

_Phi._ I'll fetch her, Sir, again.

_Dem._ Perswade her not.

_Phi._ You give your passion too much leave to triumph.

Seek in another what she denies.

_Enter_ Macarius.

_Mac._ Where's the King? oh, Sir, you are undone,

A dangerous treason is a foot.

_Dem._ What Treason?

_Mac._ _Cassander_, and _Eubulus_ have proclaim'd

Another King, whom they pretend to be

_Leonatus_ your elder Brother, he that was,

But this morning prisoner in the Castle.

_Dem._ Ha?

_Mac._ The easie _Epirotes_

Gather in multitudes to advance his Title,

They have seised upon the Court, secure your person,

Whilst we raise power to curbe this Insurrection.

_Ant._ Lose no time then.

_Dem._ We will not Arme one Man,

Speak it agen, have I a brother living?

And must be no King.

_Mac._ What means your Grace?

_Dem._ This newes doth speak me happy, it exalts

My heart, and makes me capable of more

Than twenty Kingdoms.

_Phi._ Will you not, Sir, stand

Upon your guard?

_Dem._ I'll stand upon my honor,

Mercy relieves me.

_Lisa._ Will you lose the Kingdom?

_Dem._ The World's too poor to bribe me: leave

Me all, lest you extenuate my fame, and I

Be thought to have redeem'd it by your counsel,

You shall not share one scruple in the honor;

Titles may set a gloss upon our Name,

But Virtue onely is the soul of Fame.

_Mac._ He's strangely possest Gentlemen. [_Exeunt Omnes._

_Actus Quintus. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Philocles, _and_ Lisander.

_Phi._ Heres a strange turne, _Lisander_.

_Lisa._ 'Tis a Kingdom

Easily purchas'd, who will trust the faith

Of multitudes?

_Phi._ It was his fault, that would

So tamely give his Title to their Mercy,

The new King has possession.

_Lisa._ And is like

To keep't, we are alone, what dost think of

This innovation? Is't not a fine Jigge?

A precious cunning in the late Protector

To shuffle a new Prince into the state.

_Phi._ I know not how they have shuffled, but my head on't,

A false card is turn'd up trump, but fates look to't.

_Enter_ Cassander _and_ Eubulus.

_Eub._ Does he not carry it bravely?

_Cos._ Excellently.

_Philocles_, _Lisander_.

_Phi. Lis._ Your Lordships servants,

Are we not bound to heaven, for multiplying

These blessings on the Kingdom.

_Phi._ Heaven alone

Works miracles, my Lord.

_Lisa._ I think your Lordship

Had as little hope once to see these Princes

Revive.

_Phi._ Here we must place our thanks,

Next providence, for preserving

So dear a pledge.

_Enter_ Leonatus _attended_.

_Eub._ The King.

_Leo._ It is our pleasure

The number of our guard be doubled, give

A Largess to the Soldiers; but dismiss not

The Troops till we command.

_Cas._ May it please.

_Leo._ It will not please us otherwise, my Lord,

We have try'd your faith.

_Eub._ Does he not speak with confidence?

_Leo._ My Lords and Gentlemen, to whose faith we must

Owe next to Heaven our fortune, and our safety,

After a tedious eclipse, the day

Is bright, and we invested in those honors,

Our bloud, and birth did challenge.

_Cas._ May no time

Be registred in our annals, that shall mention

One that had life to oppose your sacred person.

_Leo._ Let them, whose Titles forg'd and flaw'd, suspect

Their states security, our right to _Epire_,

Heaven is oblig'd to prosper, treason has

No face so black to fright it, all my cares

Level to this, that I may worthily

Manage the province, and advance the honor

Of our dear Countrey, and be confident,

If an expence of bloud, may give addition

Of any happiness to you, I shall

Offer my heart the sacrifice, and rejoyce

To make my self a ghost, to have inscrib'd

Upon my marble, but whose cause I died for.

_Eub._ May Heaven avert such danger.

_Cas._ Excellent Prince,

In whom we see the Copy of his Father,

None but the Son of _Theodosius_,

Could have spoke thus.

_Leo._ [You] are pleas'd to interpret well,

Yet give me leave to say in my own justice,

I have but exprest the promptness of my soul

To serve you all, but 'tis not empty wishes

Can satisfie our mighty charge, a weight

Would make an _Atlas_ double, a Kings name

Doth sound harmoniously to men at distance;

And those who cannot penetrate beyond

The bark, and out-skin of a Common-wealth,

Or state, have eyes, but ravish'd with the Ceremony

That must attend a Prince, and understand not

What cares allay the glories of a Crown,

But good Kings find and feel the contrary,

You have try'd, my Lord, the burden, and can tell

It would require a Pilot of more years

To steer this Kingdom, now impos'd on me,

By justice of my birth.

_Cas._ I wish not life,

But to partake those happy days, which must

Succeed these fair proceedings, we are blest,

But Sir, be sparing to your self, we shall

Hazard our joyes in you too soon, the burden

Of state affairs, impose upon your counsel.

'Tis fitter that we waste our lives than you,

Call age too soon upon you with the trouble,

And cares that threaten such an undertaking,

Preserve your youth.

_Leo._ And choose you our Prote[c]tor,

Is't that you would conclude my Lord? We will

Deserve our subjects faith for our own sake,

Not sit an idle gazer at the helm.

_Enter Messenger._

_Phi._ How observ'd you that,

Mark how _Cassander's_ Planet struck.

_Eu._ He might have look'd more calmly for all that,

I begin to fear; but do not yet seem troubled.

_Leo._ With what news travels his haste? I must secure

My self betimes, not be a King in jest,

And wear my Crown a Tenant to their breath.

_Cas. Demetrius,_ Sir, your brother,

With other Traitors that oppose your claims,

Are fled to the Castle of _Nestorius_,

And fortifie.

_Mes._ I said not so my Lord.

_Cas._ I'll have it thought so, hence. [_Exit Messen._

_Leo._ Plant forces to batter

The walls, and in their ruin bring us wor[d]

They live not.

_Eub._ Good Sir hear me.

_Cas._ Let it work,

Were _Demetrius_ dead, we easily might uncrown

This swoln Impostor, and my Son be fair

To piece with young _Sophia_, who I hear

Repents her late affront.

_Eub._ Their lives may do

You service, let not blood stain your beginnings

The people not yet warm in their allegeance,

May think it worth their tumult to revenge it

With hazard of your self.

_Leo._ Who dares but think it?

Yet offer first our mercy, if they yield,

_Demetrius_ must not live, my Lord your counsel,

What if he were in heaven?

_Cas._ You have my consent,

You sha'not stay long after him.

_Leo._ _Sophia_ is

Not my Sister,

To prevent all that may indanger us, we'll marry her;

That done, no matter though we stand discover'd,

For in her Title then we are King of _Epire,_

Without dispute.

_Cas._ Hum; in my judgement, Sir,

That wonot do so well.

_Leo._ What's your opinion?

_Cas._ He countermines my plot: are you so cunning.

_Leo._ What's that you mutter; Sir?

_Cas._ I mutter, Sir?

_Leo._ Best say I am no King, but some impostor

Rais'd up to gull the state.

_Cas._ Very fine to have said within

Few hours you'd been no King, nor like to be,

Was not in the compass of High Treason

I take it.

_Eub._ Restrein your anger, the Kings mov'd, speak not.

_Cas._ I will speak louder, do I not know him?

That self-same hand that rais'd him to the throne

Shall pluck him from it, is this my reward?

_Leo._ Our guard, to prison with him.

_Cas._ Me to prison?

_Leo._ Off with his head.

_Cas._ My head?

_Eub._ Vouchsafe to hear me, great Sir.

_Cas._ How dares he be so insolent?

I ha' wrought my self into a fine condition,

Do'e know me Gentlemen?

_Phi._ Very well my Lord;

How are we bound to heaven for multiplying

These blessings on the Kingdom.

_Leo._ We allow it.

_Eub._ Counsel did never blast a Princes ear.

_Leo._ Convey him to the sanctuary of Rebels,

_Nestorius_ house, where our proud brother has

Enscons'd himself, they'll entertain him lovingly,

He will be a good addition to the Traitors,

Obey me, or you dye for't, what are Kings

When subjects dare affront 'em?

_Cas._ I shall vex

Thy soul for this.

_Leo._ Away with him: when Kings

Frown, let offenders tremble, this flows not

From any cruelty in my nature, but

The fate of an Usurper: he that will

Be confirm'd great without just title to't,

Must lose compassion, know what's good, not do't. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Polidora _and her servant_.

_Serv._ Madam, the Princess _Sophia_.

_Pol._ I attend her Highness.

_Enter_ Sophia.

How much your grace honors your humble servant.

_Sop._ I hope my brother's well.

_Pol._ I hope so too, Madam.

_Sop._ Do you but hope? he came to be your guest.

_Pol._ We are all his, whilst he is pleas'd to honor

This poor roof with his royal presence, Madam.

_Sop._ I came to ask your pardon _Polidora_.

_Pol._ You never, Madam, trespass'd upon me,

Wrong not your goodness.

_Sop._ I can be but penitent,

Unless you point me out some other way

To satisfie.

_Pol._ Dear Madam, do not mock me.

_Sop._ There [is] no injury like that to love,

I find it now in my own sufferings:

But though I would have rob'd thee of _Arcadius_

Heaven knew a way to reconcile your hearts,

And punish[d] me in those joys you have found:

I read the story of my loss of honor,

Yet can rejoyce, and heartily, that you

Have met your own agen.

_Pol._ Whom do you mean?

_Sop._ My brother.

_Pol._ He is found to himself and honor,

He is my King, and though I must acknowledge

He was the glory of my thoughts, and I

Lov'd him, as you did, Madam, with desire

To be made his, reason, and duty since,

Form'd me to other knowledge, and I now

Look on him without any wish of more

Than to be call'd his subject.

_Sop._ Has he made

Himself less capable by being King?

_Pol._ Of what?

_Sop._ Of your affection.

_Pol._ With your pardon, Madam.

Love in that sense you mean, left _Polidora_

When he forsook _Arcadius_, I disclaim

All ties between us, more than what a name

Of King must challenge from my obedience.

_Sop._ This does confirm my jealousie, my heart,

For my sake, Madam, has he lost his value?

_Pol._ Let me beseech your grace, I may have leave

To answer in some other cause, or person:

This argument but opens a sad wound

To make it bleed afresh; we may change this

Discourse: I would elect some subject, whose

Praises may more delight your ear than this

Can mine; let's talk of young _Lisimachus_.

_Sop._ Ha? my presaging fears.

_Pol._ How does your grace?

_Sop._ Well, you were talking of _Lisimachus_,

Pray give me your opinion of him.

_Pol._ Mine?

It will be much short of his worth: I think him

A gentleman so perfect in all goodness,

That if there be one in the world deserves

The best of women, heaven created him,

To make her happy.

_Sop._ You have, in a little, Madam,

Exprest a volume of mankind, a miracle;

But all have not the same degree of faith,

He is but young.

_Pol._ What Mistriss would desire

Her servant old? he has both Spring to please

Her eye and Summer to return a harvest.

_Sop._ He is black.

_P[o]l._ He sets a beauty off more rich,

And she that's fair will love him; faint complexions

Betray effeminate minds, and love of change:

Two beauties in a bed, compound few men;

He's not so fair to counterfeit a woman,

Nor yet so black, but blushes may betray

His modesty.

_Sop._ His proportion exceeds not.

_Pol._ That praises him, and a well compacted frame

Speaks temper, and sweet flow of elements:

Vast buildings are more oft for shew than use:

I would not have my eyes put to the travel

Of many acres, e'r I could examine

A man from head to foot; he has no great,

But he may boast, an elegant composition.

_Sop._ I'll hear no more, you have so far out-done

My injuries to you, that I call back

My penitence, and must tell _Polidora_,

This revenge ill becomes her. Am I thought

So lost in soul to hear, and forgive this?

In what shade do I live? or shall I think

I have not, at the lowest, enough merit,

Setting aside my birth, to poize with yours:

Forgive my modest thoughts, if I rise up

In my own defence, and tell this unjust Lady

So great a winter hath not frozen yet

My cheek, but there [is] something nature planted,

That carries as much bloom, and spring upon't,

As yours. What flame is in your eye, but may

Find competition here? (forgive agen

My Virgin honor,) what is in your lip

To tice the enamour'd soul, to dwell with more

Ambition, than the yet unwither'd blush

That speaks the innocence of mine?

_Enter_ Demetrius.

Oh brother?

_Dem._ I'll talk with you anon, my _Polidora_,

Allow thy patience till my breath recover,

Which now comes laden with the richest news

Thy ear was ever blest with.

_Sop._ Both your looks,

And voice express some welcome accident.

_Dem._ Guess what in wish could make me fortunate

And heaven hath dropt that on _Demetrius_.

_Sop._ What means this extasie?

_Dem._ 'Twere sin to busie

Thy thoughts upon't, I'll tell thee that I could

Retein some part; 'tis too wide a joy

To be exprest so soon, and yet it falls

In a few syllables, thou wot scarce believe me,

I am no King.

_Sop._ How's that!

_Pol._ Good Heaven forbid.

_Dem._ Forbid? Heaven has reliev'd me with a mercy

I knew not how to ask, I have, they say,

An elder brother living, crown'd already,

I only keep my name _Demetrius_,

Without desire of more addition,

Than to return thy servant.

_Pol._ You amaze me,

Can you rejoyce to be deposed:

_Dem._ It but

Translates me to a fairer and better Kingdom

In _Polidora_.

_Pol._ Me?

_Dem._ Did you not say,

Were I no King, you could be drawn to love

Me agen, that was consented to in Heaven:

A Kingdom first betraid my ambitious soul

To forget thee, that, and the flattering glories,

How willingly _Demetrius_ does resign,

The Angels know: thus naked without Titles

I throw me on thy charity, and shall

Boast greater Empire to be thine agen, than

To wear the triumphs of the world upon me.

_Enter_ Macarius.

_Mac._ Be not so careless of your self, the people

Gather in multitudes to your protection

Offering their lives and fortunes, if they may

But see you Sir, and hear you speak to 'em,

Accept their duties, and in time prevent

Your ruin.

_Sop._ Be not desperate, 'tis counsel.

_Dem._ You trouble me with noise, speak _Polidora_.

_Pol._ For your own sake preserve your self,

My fears distract my reason.

_Enter_ Antigonus.

_Ant._ Lord _Lisimachus_,

With something that concerns your safety, is

Fled hither, and desires a present hearing.

_Mac._ His soul is honest, be not, Sir, a mad man,

And for a Lady, give up all our freedoms. [_Exit._

_Pol._ I'll say any thing here, _Lisimachus_.

_Sop._ Dear brother hear him.

_Enter_ Lisimachus.

_Lis._ Sir, I come to yield

My self your prisoner, if my father have

Rais'd an Impostor to supplant your Title

Which I suspect, and inwardly do bleed for,

I shall not only, by the tender of

My self, declare my innocence, but either,

By my unworthy life, secure your person,

Or by what death you shall impose, reward

The unexpected Treason.

_Sop._ Brave young man,

Did you not hear him Brother?

_Lis._ I am not minded.

_Pol._ Be witness Madam, I resign my heart

It never was anothers, you declare

Too great a satisfaction, I hope

This will destroy your jealousie,

Remember now your danger.

_Dem._ I despise it,

What fate dares injure me?

_Lis._ Yet hear me Sir.

_Sop._ Forgive me _Polidora_, you are happy,

My hopes are remov'd farther, I had thought

_Lisimachus_ had meant you for his Mistriss,

'Tis misery to feed, and not know where

To place my jealousie.

_Enter_ Macarius.

_Mac._ Now 'tis too late,

You may be deafe, until the Cannon make,

You find your sense, we are shut up now by

A troop of Horse, thank your self.

_Pol._ They will

Admit conditions.

_Sop._ And allow us quarter. [_A shout within._

_Pol._ We are all lost.

_Dem._ Be comforted.

_Enter_ Antigonus.

_Ant._ News my Lord _Cassander_ sent by the new King.

To bear us company.

_Dem._ Not as prisoner?

_Ant._ It does appear no otherwise, the soldiers

Declare how much they love him, by their noise

Of scorn, and joy to see him so rewarded.

_Dem._ It cannot be.

_Ant._ You'll find it presently,

He curses the new King, talks treason 'gainst him

As nimble as he were in's shirt, he's here.

_Enter_ Cassander.

_Cas._ Oh let me beg untill my knees take root

I' th' earth, Sir, can you pardon me?

_Dem._ For what?

_Cas._ For Treason, desperate, most malicious Treason:

I have undone you Sir.

_Dem._ It does appear

You had a Will.

_Cas._ I'll make you all the recompence I can,

But e'r you kill me, hear me, know the man,

Whom I to serve my unjust ends, advanc'd

To your throne, is an impostor, a mere counterfeit,

_Eubulus'_ Son. [_E[xit]_ Anti.

_Dem._ It is not then our brother?

_Cas._ An insolent usurper, proud, and bloudy;

_Seleucus_, is no leprosie upon me?

There is not punishment enough in nature

To quit my horrid act, I have not in

My stock of blood, to satisfie with weeping,

Nor could my soul, though melted to a flood

Within me, gush out tears to wash my stain off.

_Dem._ How? an Impostor, what will become on's now?

We are at his mercy.

_Cas._ Sir, the peoples hearts

Will come to their own dwelling, when they see

I dare accuse my self, and suffer for it,

Have courage then young King, thy fate cannot

Be long compell'd.

_Dem._ Rise, our misfortune

Carries this good, although it lose our hopes,

It makes you friend with virtue, we'll expect

What providence will do.

_Cas._ You are too merciful.

_Lis._ Our duties shall beg heaven still to preserve you.

_Enter_ Antigonus.

_Ant._ Our enemy desires some parley, Sir.

_Lis._ 'Tis not amiss to hear their proposition.

_Pol._ I'll wait upon you.

_Dem._ Thou art my Angel, and canst best instruct me,

Boldly present our selves, you'll with _Cassander._

_Cas._ And in death be blest

To find our charity. [_Exit._

_Sop._ _Lisimachus._

_Lis._ Madam.

_Sop._ They will not miss your presence, the small time

Is spent in asking of a question.

_Lis._ I wait your pleasure.

_Sop._ Sir, I have a suit to you.

_Lis._ To me? it must be granted.

_Sop._ If you have

Cancell'd your kind opinion of me,

Deny me not to know, who hath succeeded

_Sophia_ in your heart, I beg the name

Of your new Mistriss.

_Lis._ You shall know her, Madam,

If but these tumults cease, and fate allow us

To see the Court agen, I hope you'll bring

No mutiny against her, but this is

No time to talk of Love, let me attend you.

_Sop._ I must expect, till you are pleas'd to satisfie

My poor request, conduct me at your pleasure. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Leonatus, Eubulus, Bishop, Lisander, _and_ Philocles.

_Leo._ They are too slow, dispatch new messengers,

To intreat 'em fairly hither, I am extasi'd,

Were you witness for me too? is it possible

I am what this affirms, true _Leonatus_,

And were you not my Father, was I given

In trust to you an Infant?

_Eub._ 'Tis a truth,

Our soul's bound to acknowledge, you supply'd

The absence and opinion of my Son.

Who died, but to make you my greater care

I know not of _Demetrius_, but suppos'd

Him dead indeed, as _Epire_ thought you were,

Your Fathers character doth want no testimony,

Which but compar'd with what concerns _Demetrius_

Will prove it self King _Theodosius_ act,

Your Royal Father.

_Bish._ I am subscrib'd to both his Legacies

By oath oblig'd to secresie, until

Thus fairly summon'd to reveal the trust.

_Eub._ _Cassander_ had no thought you would prove thus,

To whose policie I gave this aim, although

He wrought you up to serve but as his Engine

To batter young _Demetrius_, for it was

Your Fathers prudent jealousie, that made him

Give out your early deaths, as if his soul

Prophecy'd his own first, and fear'd to leave

Either of you, to the unsafe protection,

Of one, whose study would be to supplant

Your right, and make himself the King of _Epire._

_Bish._ Your Sister, fair _Sophia_, in your Fathers

Life, was design'd to marry with _Lisimachus_

That guarded her; although she us'd some Art

To quit her pupillage, and being absolute,

Declar'd love to _Demetrius_, which enforc'd

_Macarius_ to discover first your brother.

_Leo._ No more, lest you destroy agen _Leonatus_

With wonder of his fate, are they not come yet?

Something it was, I felt within my envy

Of young _Demetrius's_ fortune, there were seeds

Scattered upon my heart, that made it swell

With thought of Empire, Princes I see cannot

Be totally eclips'd, but wherefore stays

_Demetrius_ and _Sophia_, at whose names

A gentle spirit walk'd upon my blood.

_Enter_ Demetrius, Polidora, Sophia, Macarius, _Cassander_,

_Lisima_.

_Eub._ They are here.

_Leo._ Then thus I flie into their bosoms,

Nature has rectifi'd in me, _Demetrius_,

The wandrings of ambition, our dear Sister

You are amaz'd, I did expect it, read

Assurance there, the day is big with wonder.

_Mac._ What means all this?

_Leo._ _Lisimachus_, be dear to us,

_Cassander_, you are welcome too.

_Cas._ Not I,

I do not look for't, all this sha'not bribe

My conscience to your faction, and make

Me false agen, _Seleucus_ is no son

Of _Theodosius_, my dear Countrey-men

Correct your erring duties, and to that,

Your lawful King, prostrate your selves, _Demetrius_

Doth challenge all your knees.

_Dem._ All Love and Duty,

Flow from me to my Royal King, and Brother

I am confirm'd.

_Cas._ You are t[o]o credulous,

What can betray your faith so much?

_Leo._ _Sophia_, you appear sad, as if your Will

Gave no consent to this days happiness.

_Sop._ No joy exceeds _Sophia's_ for your self.

_Lis._ With your pardon, Sir, I apprehend

A cause that makes her troubled, she desires

To know, what other Mistriss, since her late

Unkindness I have chosen to direct

My faith and service.

_Leo._ Another Mistriss?

_Lis._ Yes, Sir.

_Leo._ And does our Sister love _Lisimachus_?

_Sop._ Here's something would confess.

_Leo._ He must not dare

To affront _Sophia_.

_Cas._ How my shame confounds me,

I beg your justice, without pity on

My age.

_Leo._ Your pennance shall be, to be faithful

To our state hereafter,

_Omnes._ May you live long and happy,

_Leonatus_, King of _Epire_.

_Leo._ But where's your other Mistriss?

_Lis._ Even here, Sir.

_Leo._ Our Sister? is this another Mistriss, Sir?

_[L]is._ It holds

To prove my thoughts were so when she began

Her sorrow for neglecting me, that sweetness

Deserv'd, I should esteem her another Mistriss,

Then when she cruelly forsook _Lisimachus_,

Your pardon Madam, and receive a heart

Proud with my first devotions to serve you.

_Sop._ In this I am crown'd agen, now mine for ever.

_Leo._ You have deceiv'd her happily,

Joy to you both.

_Dem._ We are ripe for the same wishes,

_Polidora's_ part of me.

_Pol._ He all my blessing.

_Leo._ Heaven pour full joys upon you.

_Mac._ We are all blest,

There wants but one to fill your arms.

_Leo._ My Mistriss,

And Wife shall be my Countrey, to which I

Was in my birth contracted, your love since

Hath plaid the Priest to perfect what was ceremony

Though Kingdoms by just Titles prove our own,

The subjects hearts do best secure a Crown. [_Exeunt Omnes._