Thyestes

THE SECOND TRAGEDIE OF SENECA ENTITVtuled Thyestes , faythfully Englished by Iasper Heywood Felow of Alsolne Colledge in Oxenforde . The Argument of this Tragedie .

MEGAERA ONE OF THE Hellish furies raising vp Tantalus from Hell , incited him to set mortall hatred betwene his two nephewes Thiestes , & Atreus being brothers , and raining as Kinges ouer Mycenae by enterchangeable turnes , that is to witte Thiestes to raine the one yere , and Atreus the other . Now Atreus enraged with furie against his brother partly for defiling and deflouring his wife Aerope by pollicie , and partly for taking from him a Ram with a golden fleese , practised with his seruant how to be reuenged of his brother . This Atreus therfore dissēblīg a reconciliation & inuiting Thyestes to Mycenae secretly & vnknowen to him , set before him at a banquet the flesh of his own children to eate . Afterward Atreus hauing also geuen to his said brother the bloud of his children in a goblet to drinke , did lastly commaund the heads also to be brought in , at the doleful sight wherof Thiestes greatly lamenting knowing that he had eaten his owne children , was wonderfully anguished . But Atreus for that he had thus reuenged himselfe , toke therin great pleasure and delectation .

THIESTES OF SENECA THE FIRST ACTE . The names of the Speakers Tantalus . Megaera . Atrcus . Seruant . Thiestes . Philstenes . Messenger , Chorus . Tantalus Megaera , WHAT furye fell enforceth mee to fle , th' unhappy seat , That gaye and gaspe with greedye lawe , the fleeyng food to eate What GOD to Tantalus the bowres wher breathing bodyes dwel Doth shew agayne ? is ought found worse , then burning thyrst of hel In lakes alow ? or yet worse plague then hunger is there one , In vayne that euer gapes for foode ? shal Sisyphus his stone , That slipper restles rollyng payse vppon my backe be borne . Or shall my lymmes with swifter swinge of whirling whele be torne ? Or shal my paynes be Tytius panges th' encreasyng liuer still , Whose growing guttes the gnawing gripes and fylthy foules do fyll ? That styl by nyght repayres the panch that was deuourd by day , And wondrous wombe vnwasted lieth a new prepared pray What ill am I appoynted for ? O cruell iudge of sprites , Who so thou be that tormentes new among the sowles delytes Stil to dispose , ad what thou canst to all my deadly woe , That keeper euen of dungeon darke would fore abhorre to knowe . Or hel it selfe it quake to se : for dread wherof likewyse I tremble wold , that plague seke out : lo now there doth aryse My broode that shal in mischiefe farre the grandsyers gilt out goe , And gyltles make : that first shall dare vnuentred ils to do . What euer place remayneth yet of all this wicked land , I wil fill vp : and neuer once while Pelops house doth stand Shall Minos idle be . Meg. Go forth thou detestable sprite And vexe the Goddes of wicked house with rage of furyes might . Let them contend with all offence , by turnes and one by one Let swordes be drawne : and meane of ire procure there may be none , Nor shame : let fury blynd enflame theyr myndes and wrathful will , Let yet the parentes rage endure and longer lasting yll Through childrens children spreade : nor yet let any leysure be The former fawts to hate , but still more mischiefe newe to see , Nor one in one : but ere the gylt with vengeance be acquit , Encrease the cryme : from brethren proud let rule of kingdom flyt To runnagates : and swaruing state of all vnstable thinges , Let it by doubtfull dome be toste , betwene th uncertaine kyngs . Let mighty fall to misery , and myser clime to might , Let chaunce turne th empyre vpsydowne both geue and take the right . The banyshed for gylt , whan god restore theyr country shall . Let them to mischiefe fall a fresh as hatefull then to all , As to themselues : let Ire thinke nought vnlawfull to be doon , Let brother dread the brothers wrath , and father feare the soon , And eke the soon his parents powre : let babes be murdered yll , But worse begot ? her spouse betrapt to treasons trayne to kyll , Let hatefull wyfe a wayte , and let them beare through seas their warre , Let bloodshed lye the lands about and euery field a farre : And ouer conqueryng captaynes greate , of countreys far to see , Let lust tryumphe : in wicked house let whoredome counted he The light'st offence : let trust that in the breasts of brethren breedes , And truth be gone : let not from sight of your so heynous deedes The heauens be hyd , about the poale when shyne the starres on hye , And flames with woonted beames of light doe decke the paynted skyls . Let darkest night bee made , and let the day the heauens forsake . Dysturbe the godds of wicked house , hate , slaughter , murder make . Fyll vp the house of Tantalus with mischieues and debates , Adorned be the pillers hygh with bay , and let the gates Be garnysht greene : and worthy there for thy returne to sight . Be kyndled fyre : let mischyefe done in Thracia once , theyr lyght More many folde , wherefore doth yet the vncles hand delaye ? Doth yet Thyestes not bewayle his childrens fatall day ? Shall he not finde them where with heat of fyres that vnder glowe The cawderne boyles ? their limmes eche one a peeces let them go Disperste : let fathers fires , with blood of chyldren fyled bee : Let deynties such be drest : it is no mischiefe newe to thee , To banquet so : behold this day we haue to thee releast , And hunger starued wombe of thyne we send to such a feast . With fowlest foode thy famyne fyll , let bloud in wyne be drownd , And dronke in sight of thee : loe now such dishes haue I found , As thou wouldst shonne , stay whither doste thou hedlong way now take Tan. To pooles and floods of hell agayne and styll declining lake , And flight of tree ful frayght with fruite that from the lippes doth flee , To dungeon darke of hateful hell let leeful be for me To goe : or if to light be thought the paynes that there I haue , Remoue me from those lakes agayne : in midst of worser waue Of Phlegethon , to stand in seas of fyre beset to bee . Who so beneath thy poynted paynes by destenyes decree Dost stil endure who soo thou bee that vnderliest alow The hollow denne , or ruyne who that feares and ouerthrow Of fallyng hyl , or cruel cryes that sound in caues of hell Of greedy roarying Lyons throats or flocke of furyes fell Who quakes to know or who the brandes of fyre in dyrest payne Halfe burnt throwes of harke to the voyce of Tantalus : agayne That hastes to hel , and whom the truth hath taught beleeue wel mee Loue wel your paynes , they are but small when shall my hap so bee To flee the light ? Meg Disturbe thou fyrst thys house with dire discord Debates and battels bring with thee , and of th' unhappy sworde Ill loue to kinges : the cruel brest strike through and hateful hart , With tumult mad . Tan. To suffer paynes it seemeth wel my part , Not woes to worke : I am sent forth lyke vepoure dyre to ryse , That breakes the ground or poyson like the plague in wondrouse wyse That slaughter makes , shall I to such detested crymes , applye My nephewes hartes ? o parentes great of Gods aboue the skie And myne ( though sham'de I be to graunt ) although with greater pain My tounge be vext , yet this to speake I may no whit refrayne Nor hold my peace : I warne you this least sacred hand with bloud Of slaughter dyre , or strange fell of frantike fury wood The aulters stayne , I will resist : And garde such gylt away . With strypes why dost thou me affryght ? why threatst thou me to fraye Those crallyng snakes ? or famine fyxt in empty wombe , wherfore Dost thou reuyue ? now fries within with thyrst enkindled sore My harte : and in the bowels burnt the boyling flame do glow . Meg. I follow thee : through all this house now rage and fury throwe Let them be driuen so , and so let eyther thirst to see Each others blood ful well hath felt the comming in of thee This house , and all with wicked touch of the begune to quake . Enough it is , repayre agayne to dens and loathsome lake , Of floud well knowen , the sadder soyle with heauy fote of thyne Agreeued is , seest thou from syringes how waters do declyne And inward sinke ? or how the bankes lye voyde by drughty heate ? And hoatter blast of fyery wynde the fewer cloudes doth beate ? The treese be spoyld , and naked stand to sight in withred woddes , The barayne bowes whose fruites are fled : the land betwene the floods With surge of seas on eyther syde that wonted to resound , And nearer foordes to seperat sometyme with lesser ground , Now broader spred , it heareth how aloofe the waters ryse . Now Lerna turnes agaynst the streame Phoronides likewyse His poares be stopt , with custom'd course Alphéus dryues not still , His hollie waues , the trembling tops of high Cithaeron hill , They stand not sure : from height adowne they shake their syluer snowe , And noble fieldes of Argos feare , theyr former drought to know . Yea Tytan doubtes himselfe to rolie the worlde his wonted way , And driue by force to former course the backward drawing daye . Chorus , THis Argos towne if any God be founde , And Pisey boures that famous yet remayn , Or kingdomes els to loue of Corinthes ground , The double hauens , or sundred seas in twayne If any loue of Taygetus his snowes , ( By Winter which when they on hils be cast : By Boreas blastes that from Sarmatia blowes , With yerely breath the sommer meltes as fast ) Where clere Alphéus runnes with floude so cold , By playes wel knowen that there Olimpiks hight : Let pleasaunt powre of his from hense withholde Such tunes of stryfe that here they may not light : Not nephew worse then grandsier spring from vs , Or direr deedes delyght the yonger age . Let wicked stocke of thirsty Tantalus At length leaue of , and wery be of rage . Enoughe is done , and naught preuaild the iust , Or wrong : betrayed is Mirtilus and drownde , That did betray his dame , and with like trust Borne as he bare , himselfe hath made renound With chaunged name the sea : and better knowne To mariners therof no fable is . On wicked sword the litle infant throwne As ran the chide to take his fathers kisse . Vnrype for th aulters offring fell downe deade : And with thy hand ( O Tantalus ) was rent , With such a meate for Gods thy boordes to spread . Eternall famine for such foode is sent , And thyrst : nor for those daynty meats vnmilde , Might meeter payne appoynted euer bee Vith empty throate standes Tantalus begylde , Aboue thy wicked head their leanes to thee , Then Phineys fowles in flight a swifter pray . With burned bowes declynd on euery syde , And of his fruites all bent to beare the sway , The tree deludes the gapes of hunger wyde Though hee full greedy feede theron would fayne . So oft deceyu'de neglectes to touch them yet : He turnes his eyes , his iawes he doth refrayne , And famine fixt in closed gummes doth shet . But then each braunch his plenteous ritches all , Let s lower downe , and apples from an hie With lither leaues they flatter like to fall And famine styrre : in vayne that bids to trye His handes : which when he hath rought forth anone To be beguyld , in higher ayre againe The haruest hanges and fickle fruite is gone , Then thirst him greeues no lesse then hungers payne : Wherwith when kindled is his boyling bloud Lyke fyre , the wretch the waues to him doth call , That meete his mouth : which straight the fleeyng floud Withdrawes , and from the dryed foorde doth fall : And him forsakes that followes them . He drinkes The dust so deepe of gulfe that from him shrinkes .

THE SECONDE ACTE . Atreus . Seruaunt O Dastard , cowrde , O wretche , and ( which the greatest yet of all To Tyrantes checke I compte that maye in waighty thinges befall ) O vnreuenged : after guyltes so great and brothers guyle . And trewth trode downe dost thou prouoke with vayne complaynts the whyle Thy wrath ? already now to rage all Argos towne throughout In armoure ought of thyne , and all the double seas about Thy fleete to ryde : now all the fieldes with feruent flames of thyne , And townes to flash it wel beseemde : and euery where to shyne , The bright drawne sword : all under foote of horse let euery syde Of Argos lande resound : and let the woundes not serue to hyde Our woes , nor yet in haughty top of hilles and mountaynes hye , The builded towers . The people all let them to battel crye And clere forsake Mycenas towne who so his hateful head Hides and defendes , with slaughter dire let bloud of him be shed . This princely Pelops palace proude , and bowres of high renowne , On mee so on my brother to let them be beaten downe , Go to , do that which neuer shall no after age allow , Nor none it whisht : some mischefe greate ther must be ventred now , Both fierce and bloudy : such as woulde my brother rather long To haue bene his . Thou neuer dost enough reuenge the wronge . Exept thou passe . And feercer fact what may be done so dyre , That his exceedes ? doth euer he lay downe his hateful yre ? Doth euer he the modest meane in tyme of wealth regard Or quiet in aduerslty ? I know his nature harde Vntractable , that broke may be , but neuer wil it bend . For which are he prepare himselfe , or force to fight entend , Set fyrst on him , least while I rest he should on me aryse . He wil destroy or be destroyd in midst the mischiefe lyes , Prepard to him that takes it first , Ser. Doth fame of people naught Aduerse thee feare ? Atre. The greatest good of kingdom may be thought That still the people are constraynd their princes deedes as well To prayse , as them to suffer all . Ser. Whom feare doth so compell To prayse , the same his foes to bee , doth feare enforce agoyne : But who indeede the glory seckes of fauour trew t' obtayne He rather would with hates of each be praysd , then tounges of all Atre. The trewer prayse ful oft hath hapt to meaner men to fall : The false but vnto myghty man what nill they let them will . Ser. Let first the king will honest thinges and none the fame dare nill . Atre. Where leeful are to him that rules but honest thinges alone , There raynes the kyng by others leaue . Ser. And wher the shame is none , Nor care of ryght , fayth , piety , nor holines none stayeth , That kingdome swarues . Atre. Such holines , such piety and fayth . Are priuate goods : let kinges runne one in that that likes their will . Ser. The brothers hurt a mischiefe count though he be nere so ill . Atre. It is but right to do to hym , that wrong to brother were . What heynous hurt hath his offence let passe to proue ? or where Refraynd the gylt , thy spouse he stale away for lechery , And raygne by stelth : the auncient note and sygne of empery , By frawde he got : my house by fraud to vexe he neuer ceast : In Pelops house there fostred is a noble worthy beast The close kept Ramme : the goodly guyde of rych and fayrest flockes . By whom throughout on euery syde depend a downe the lockes Of glittering gold , with fleece of which the new kinges wonted were Of Tantals stocke their sceptors gylt , and mace of might to beate . Of this the owner raygneth he , with him of house so great The fortune fleeth , this sacred Ramme aloofe in safety shet In secret mead is wont to grase , which stone on euery syde With rocky wall inclosethe rounde the fatall beast to hyde . This beast ( aduentryng mischiefe greate ) adioyning yet for pray My spoused mate , the traytour false hath hence conuayde away From hence the wrongs of mutuall hate , and mischiefe all vpsyreng : In exile wandred he throughout my kingdomes all along : No part of myne remayneth safe to mee , from traynes of hys . My feere deflourde , and loyalty of empyre broken is : My house all vext , my bloud in doubt , and naught that trust is in , But brother foe What stayst thou yet ? at length lo now beginne . Take hart of Tantalus to thee , to Pelops cast thyne eye : To such examples well beseemes , I should my hand applye . Tell thou which way were best to bring that cruell head to death . Ser. Through perst with sword let him be slayne & yelde his hatefull breath . Atre. Thou speak'st of th' end : but I him would opres with greter payne . Let tyrants vexe with torment more : should euer in my rayne Be gentle death ? Ser. Doth piety in thee preuayle no whit ? Atre. Depart thou hence all piety , if in this house as yet Thou euer wert : and now let all the flocke of furies dyre , And full of strife Erinnis come , and double brands of fyre Megaera shaking : for not yet enough with fury great And rage doth burne my boyling brest : it ought to bee repleate , With monster more . Ser. What mischiefe new do'ste thou in rage pro-uide ? Atre. Not such a one as may the meane of woonted griefe abide . No guilt will I forbeare , nor none may be enough despight . Ser. What sword ? Atr. To litle that . Ser. what fire ? Atr. And that is yet to Ser. What weapon then shall sorrow such finde fit to worke thy will ? Atr. Thy estes selfe . Ser. Then yre it selfe yet that 's a greater ill . Atr. I graunt : a tombling tumult quakes , within my bosomes loe , And rounde it rolles : I moued am and wote not wherevnto . But drawen I am : from bottome deepe the roryng soyle doth cry The day so fayre with thunder soundes , and house as all from hy Were rent , from roofe , and rafters crakes : and lares turnde abought Haue wryde theyr sight : so bee 'te , so bee 'te , let mischiefe such be sought , As yee O Gods would feare . Ser. What thing seek'st thou to bring to pas I note what greater thing my mynde , and more then woont it was Atre. Aboue the reache that men are woont to worke , begins to swell : And stayth with slouthfull handes . What thinge it is I cannot tell : But great it is . Bee 'te so , my mynde now in this feate proceede , For Atreus and Thyestes bothe , it were a worthy deede . Let eche of vs the crime commit . The Thracian house did see Such wicked tables once : I graunt the mischiefe great to bee , But done ere this : some greater guilt and mischiefe more , let yre Fynde out . The stomacke of thy sonne O father thou enspyre , And syster eke , like is the cause : assist me with your powre , And dryue my hand : let greedy parents all his babes deuowre , And glad to rent his children bee : and on their lyms to feede . Enough , and well it is deuis'de : this pleaseth me in deede . In meane time where is he ? so long and innocent wherefore Doth Atreus walke ? before myne eyes already more and more The shade of such a slaughter walkes : the want of children cast , In fathers Iawes . But why my mynde , yet dreadst thou so at last , And faint'st before thou enterprise ? it must bee done , let bee , That which in all this mischiefe is the greatest guilt to see , Let him commit . Ser. but what disceit may wee for him prepare , Whereby betrapt he may be drawne , to fall into the snare ? He wotes full well we are his foes . Atre. He could not taken bee , Except himselfe would take : but now my kingdomes hopeth hee . For hope of this he woulde not feare to meete the mighty Ioue , Though him he threatned to deistroy , with lightning from aboue . For hope of this to passe the threats of waues he will not fayle , Nor dread no whit by doubtfull shelues , of Lybike seas to sayle , For hope of this ( which thing he doth the woorst of all beleeue , ) He will his brother see . Ser. Who shall of peace the promise geeue ? Whom will he trust ? Atre. His euill hope will soone beleue it well . Yet to my sonnes the charge which they shall to theyr vnckle tell , We will commit : that whom he would from exile come agayne , And myseries for kingdome chaunge , and ouer Argos raygne A king of halfe : and though to hard of heart our prayers all Him selfe despise , his children yet nought woting what may fall , With trauels tier'de , and apte to be entysde from misery , Requests will moue : on th' one side his desyre of Imperie , On th' other syde his pouerty , and labour hard to see , Will him subdue and make to yeelde , although full stoute he bee . Sea . His trauayles now the time hath made to seeme to him but small . Atr. Not so : for day by day the griefe of ill encreaseth all . T' is light to suffer miseries , but heauy them t' endure . Ser. Yet other messengers to send , in such affayres procure , Atr. The younger sorte the worse precepts do easely harken to . Ser. What thing agaynst their vnckle now , you them enstruckt to do , Perhaps with you to worke the like , they will not be a dread . Such mischiefe wrought hath oft return'de vpon the workers head . Atre. Though neuer man to them the wayes of guile & guilt haue taught , Yet kingdome will . Fear'st thou they should be made by counsel naught ? They are so borne . That whith thou car , ste a cruell enterpryse , And dyrely deemest doone to be , and wickedly likewise , Perhaps is wrought agaynst me there . Ser. And shall your sons of this Disceipt beware that worke you will ? no secretnes there is In theyr so greene and tender yeares : they will your traynes disclose , Atre. A priuy counsell cloase to keepe , is learnde with many woes . Ser. And will yee them , by whom yee woulde he should beguiled bee , Them selues beguil'de ? At. May let them both from fault & blame be free . For what shall neede in mischiefes such as I to woorke entende , To mingle them ? let all my hate by mee alone take ende . Thou leau'ste thy purpose ill my mynde : if thou thine owne forbeare , Thou sparest him . Wherefore of this let Agamemnon heare Be mynister : and Client eke of myne for such a deede , Let Menelâus present bee : truth of th' uncertayne seede , By such a pracktise may be tri'de : if it refuse they shall , Nor of debate will bearers be , if they him vnckle call , He is their father : let them goe . But much the fearefull face Bewrayes it selfe : euen him that faynes the secret wayghty case , Doth oft betray : let them therefore not know , how great a guyle They goe about . And thou these things in secret keepe the whyle . Ser. I neede not warned bee , for these within my bosome deepe , Both fayth , and feare , but chiefely fayth , doth shet and closely kepe . Chorus . THe noble house at length of high renowne , The famous stocke of auncient Inachus , Apeasd & layd the threats of brethren down But nowe what fury styrs & driues you thus Eche one to thyrst the others bloud agayne , Or get by guylt the golden Mace in hande ? Yee litle wote that so desyre to raygne , In what estate or place doth kyngdome stande . Not ritches makes a kyng or high renowne , Not garnisht weede wyth purple Tyrian die , Not lofty lookes , or head encloasde with crowne , Not glyttring beames with golde and turrets hie . A Kyng he is that feare hath layde aside , And all affects that in the breast are bread : Whom impotent ambition doth not guide , Nor fickle fauour hath of people led . Nor all that west in mettalls mynes hath founde , Or chanell cleere of golden Tagus showes , Nor all the grayne that thresshed is on grounde , That with the heate of libyk haruest glowes . Nor whom the flasshe of lightning flame shall be ate , Nor eastern wynde that smightes vpon the seas , Nor swelling surge with rage of wynde repleate , Or greedy Gulphe of Adria displease . Whom not the pricke of Souldiers sharpest speare , Or poyncted pyke in hand hath made to rue , Nor whom the glympse of swoorde myght cause to feare , Or bright drawen blade of glyttring steele sub due . Who in the seate of safty sets his feete , Beholdes all haps how vnder him they lye , And gladly runnes his fat all day to meete , Nor ought complaynes or grudgeth for to dye . Though present were the Prynces euerychone , The scattered Dakes to chase that wonted bee , That shyning seas beset with precious stone , And red sea coastes doe holde , lyke bloud to see : Or they which els the Caspian mountaynes hye , From Sarmats strong with all theyr power withholde : Or hee that on the floude of Danubye , In frost a foote to trauayle dare bee bolde : Or Seres in what euer place they lye , Renownde with fleece that there of sylke doth spring , They neuer might the truth here of denye , It is the mynde that onely makes a king . There is no neede of sturdie steedes in warre , No neede with armes or arrowes ells to fight , That Parthus woonts with bowe to fling from farre , Whyle from the fielde hee falsely fayneth flight . Nor yet to siege no neede it is to bringe Great Guns in Carts to ouerthrowe the wall , That from farre of theyr battring Pellets slyng . A kyng hee is that feareth nought at all . Eche man him selfe this kyngdome geeues at hand . Let who so lyst with mighty mace to raygne , In tyckle toppe of court delight to stand Let mee the sweete and quiet rest obtayne . So set in place obscure and lowe degree , Of pleasaunt rest I shall the sweetnesse knoe . My lyfe vnknowne to them that noble bee , Shall in the steppe of secret sylence goe . Thus when my dayes at length are ouer past , And tyme without all troublous tumult spent , An aged man I shall depart at last , In meane estate , to dye full well content . But greeuous is to him the death , that when So farre abroade the bruite of him is blowne , That knowne hee is to much to other men : Departeth yet vnto him selfe vnknowne .

THE THYRDE ACTE . Thyestes , Phylisthenes MY countrey bowres so long wisht for , and Argos rytches all , Cytese good that vnto banisht then , and Mysers may befall , The touch of soyle where born I was , a gods of natiue land , ( If gods they be , ) a sacred towres I see of Cyclops hand : That represent then all mans woorke , a greater maiesty . Renowned stadies to my youth , where noble sometime I Haue not so seelde as once , the palme in fathers chariot woon . All Argos now to meete with me , and people fast will roon : But Atreus to . yet rather leade in woods agayne thy flight , And bushes thicke , and hid among the brutyshe beastes from sight , Lyke lyfe to theyrs : where splendent pompe of court a princely pryde , May not with flattring fulgent face , allure thine eyes aside , With whom the kingdome geuen is , behold , and well regarde , Beset but late with such mishaps , as all men counte full harde , I stoute and ioyfull was : but now agayne thus in t feare I am returne . my mynde misdoubtes , and backeward seekes to beare My body hence : and forthe I draw my pace agaynst my will . Phy. With slouthfull step ( what meaneth this ? ) my father standeth still , And turnes his face and holdes him selfe , in doubt what thing to do . Thy. What thing ( my minde ) considrest thou ? or els so long whereto Do'st thou so easte counsayle wrest ? wilt thou to thinges vnsure Thy brother and the kingdome trust ? fearst thou those ills t' endure Now ouercome , and mielder made ? and trauayls do'st thou flee That well were plaste ? it thee auayls , a myser now to bee . Turne hence thy pace while leefull is , and keepe thee from his hande . Phy. What cause thee driues ( O father deere ) thus frō thy natiue lande , Now seene to shrynk ? what makes thee thus from things so good at last Withdrawe thy selfe ? thy brother comes whose tres be ouerpast , And halfe the kyngdome geues , and of the house Dysacerate , Repayres the partes : and thee restores agayne to former state . Thy. The cause of feare that I know not , thou do'st require to heare . I see nothing that makes mee dread , and yet I greatly feare . I would goe on , but yet my limmes with weary legges doe slacke : And other way then I would passe , I am withholden backe . So oft the ship that driuen is with wynde and eke with Ore , The swelling surge resisting both beates backe vpon the shore . Phy. Yet ouercome what euer stayes , and thus doth let your mynde , And see what are at your returne , prepar'de for you to finde . You may O father raygne . Thy. I may but then when die I mought . P. Chiefe thing is powre . T. nought worth at al , if thou desyre it nought . P. You shall it to your children leaue . T. the kingdome takes not twayne , Phy. Who may be happy , rather would he miser yet remayne ? Thy. Beleue me well , with titles false the great thinges vs delight : And heauy haps in vayne are fearde . while high I stoode in sight , I neuer stinted then to quake , and selfe same sworde to feare , That hanged by myne owne side was . Oh how great good it were , With none to striue , but careles foode to eate and rest to knowe ? The greater gyltes they enter not in cotage set alowe . And safer foode is fed vpon , at narrowe boorde alway , While drunke in golde the poyson is by proofe well taught I say , That euill haps before the good to loue it likes my will . Of haughty house that standes aloft in tickle top of hyll , And swayes asyde , the cyty lowe neede neuer be affright : Nor in the top of roofe aboue , there shynes no Iuery bright , Nor watchman none defendes my sleepes by night , or gardes my rest : With fleete I fishe not , nor the sees I haue not backwarde prest , Nor turn'de to flight with builded wall : nor wicked belly I With taxes of the people fed : nor parcell none doth lie , Of ground of myne beyonde the Getes : and Parthians farre about : Nor worshiped with frankinsence I am , nor ( Ioue shet out ) My Aulters decked are : nor none in top of house doth stande In garden treese , nor kindled yet with helpe of eche mans hande , The bathes doe smoake : nor yet are dayes in slouthfull slumbers led , Nor nightes past forth in watche and wyne , without the rest of bed . Wee nothing feare , the house is safe without the hidden knyfe , And poore estate the sweetenes feeles , of test and quiet lyfe . Greate kindome is to be content , without the same to lyue . Phy. Yet should it not refused be , if God the kingdome giue . Thy. Not yet desierd it ought to be . Phy. your brother byds you rayne . Thy. Bids he ? the more is to be fearde : there lurketh there some trayne . Phy. From whence it fell , yet piety is woont to turne at length : And loue vnfaynde , repayres agayne his erst omitted strength . Thy. Doth Atreus then his brother loue ? eche Vrsa fyrst on hys . The Seas shall washe and swelling surge of Seas of Sicylye Shall rest and all asswaged be : and corne to rypenes growe In bottome of Ionian seas , and darkest night shall showe And spreade the light about the soyle : the waters with the fyre , The lyfe with death , the wynde with seas , shall friendship first requyre , And be at league . Phy. of what deceipte are you so dreadfull here ? Thy. Of euerychone : what ende at length might I prouide of feare ? In all he can he hateth me . Phy. to you what hurt can he ? Thy. As for my selfe I nothing dread you litle Babes make mee Afrayde of him . Phy. dread , yee to be beguilde when caught yee are : To late it is to shoon the traytie in middle of the snare . But goe we on this ( father ) is to you my last request . Thy. I follow you . I leade you not . Phy. God turne it to the best That well deuised is for good : passe farth with cherefull pace .

THE SECOND SCENE . Atreus , Thyestes . ENtrapt in trayne the beast is caught and in the snare doth fall : Both him , and eke of hated stocke with him the ofspryng all , About the fathers syde I see : and nowe in saufety stands And surest ground my wrathfull hate : nowe comes into my hands At length Thyestes : yea hee comes and all at once to mee . I scant refrayne my selfe , and scant may anger brydled bee . So when the Bloudhound seekes the beast , by step and quick of sent Drawes in the leame , and pace by pace to wynde the wayes hee went , With nose to soyle doth hunt , while he the Boare aloofe hath founde Farre of by sent , he yet refraynes and wanders through the grounde With silent mouth : but when at hand he once perceiues the pray , With all the strength he hath he striues , with voyce and calls away His lingring maister , and from him by force out breaketh hee . When Ire doth hope the present bloud , it may not hydden bee . Yet let it hydden be . beholde with vgly hayre to sight How yrkesomely deform'de with filthe his fowlest tace is dight , How lothsome lyes his Bearde vnkempt : but let vs friendship fayne . To see my brother me delights : geue now to me agayne Embracing long desyred for : what euer stryfe there was Before this time betwene vs twayne , forget and let it pas : Fro this day forth let brothers loue , let bloud , and lawe of kinde Regarded be , let all debate be slakte in eythers mynde . Thy. I coulde excuse my selfe , except thou wert as now thou art . But ( Atreus ) now I graunt , the faulte was myne in euery part : And I offended haue in all , my cause the worse to bee , Your this dayes kindnes makes : in deede a guilty wight is hee , That would so good a brother hurt as you , in any whit . But now with teares I must entreate , and first I me submit . These handes that at thy feete doe lye , doe thee beseeche and pray , That yre and hate be layde aside , and from thy bosome may Be scraped out : and cleere forgot . for pledges take thou these O brother deere , these guiltles babes . Atr. thy hands yet from my kneese Remoue , and rather me to take in armes , vpon me fall And yee O aydes of elders age , yee litle infants all , Mee clyp and coll about the necke : this fowle attyre forsake , And spare myne eyes that pity it , and fresher vesture take Lyke myne to see . and you with ioy , the halfe of emperie Deere brother take : the greater prayse shall come to mee thereby , Our fathers seate to yelde to you , and brother to relieue . To haue a kingdome is but chaunce , but vertue it to geeue . Thy. A iust reward for such deserts , the Gods ( O brother deare ) Repay to thee : but on my head a regall crowne to weare , My lothsome lyfe denyes : and farre doth from the sceptor flee My hand vnhappy : in the mydst let leefull be for mee Of men to lurke . Atre. this kingdome can with twayne full well agree . Thy. What euer is ( O brother ) yours , I count it myne to bee . Atr. Who would dame fortunes gifts refuse , if shee him rayse to raigne ? Thy. The gyfts of hir eche man it wotes , how soone they passe againe . Atr. Yee me depryue of glory great , except yee th' empyre take . Thy. You haue your prayse in offring it , and I it to forsake . And full perswaded to refuse the kingdome , am I still . Atre. Except your part yee will susteine myne owne forsake I will . Thy. I take it then . and beare I will the name thereof alone : The ryghts and armes , as well as myne they shall be yours eche one . Atre. The regall crowne as you beseemes vpon your head then take : And I th' appoyncted sacrifice for Gods , will now goe make . Chorus . WOulde any man it weene ? that cruell wight Atreus , of mynde so impotent to see Was soone astonied with his brothers sight , Mo greater force then pietye may bee : Where kynred is not , lasteth euery threat , Whom true loue holdes , it holdes eternally . The wrath but late with causes kyndled great All fauour brake , and did to battayle cry , Whan horsemen did resounde one euery syde , The swoordes eche where , then glystred more & more : Which raging Mars with often stroke did guide The fresher bloud to shed yet thyrsting sore . But loue the sworde agaynst theyr wills doth swage , And them to peace perswads with hand in hand . So sodeyne rest , amid so great a rage What God hath made ? throughout Mycenas land The harnesse clynkt , but late of cyuill strife : And for their babes did fearefull mother quake , Her armed spouse to leese much fearde the wyfe , When sworde was made the scabberde to forsake , That now by rest with rust was ouergrowne . Some to repayre the walles that did decay , And some to strength the towres halfe ouerthrowne , And some the gates with gyns of Yrne to stay Full busie were , and dredfull watch by nyght From turret high did ouerlooke the towne . Worse is then warre it selfe the feare of fight . ( Nowe are the threats of cruell sworde layde downe , And nowe the rumour whists of battayles sowne , The noyse of crooked trumpet silent lyes , And quiet peace returnes to ioyfull towne . So when the waxes of swelling surge aryse , Whyle Corus wynde the Brutian seas doth smight , And Scylla soundes from hollowe Caues within , And Shipmen are with wafting waues affright , Charybdis casts that erst it had drunke in : And Cyclops fierce his father yet doth dred , In AEtna banke that feruent is with heates , Least quenched be with waues that ouershed The fire that from eternall Fornace beates : And poore Laërtes thinkes his kyngdomes all May drowned be , and Ithaca doth quake : If once the force of wyndes begin to fall , The sea lyth downe more mylde then standing lake . The deepe , where Ships so wyde full dredfull were To passe , with sayles on eyther syde out spred Now fallne adowne , the lesser Boate doth beare : And leysure is to vewe the fyshes ded Euen there , where late with tempest bet vpon The shaken Cyclades were with Seas agast . No state endures the payne and pleasure , one To other yeldes , and ioyes be soonest past . One howre sets vp the thinges that lowest bee . Hee that the crownes to prynces doth deuyde , Whom people please with bending of the knee . And at whose becke theyr battayles lay aside The Meades , and Indians eke to Phebus nye , And Dakes that Parthyans doe with horsemen threat , Him selfe yet holdes his Sceptors doubtfully . And men of might he feares and chaunces great ( That eche estate may turne ) and doubtfull howre . O yee , whom lorde of lande and waters wyde , Of Lyfe and death grauntes here to haue the powre , Lay yee your proude and lofty lookes aside : What your inferiour feares of you amis . That your superiour threats to you agayne . To greater kyng , eche kyng a subiect is . Whom dawne of day hath seene in pryde to raygne , Hym ouerthrowne hath seene the euening late . Let none reioyce to much that good hath got , Let none dispayre of best in worst estate . For Clotho myngles all , and suffreth not Fortune to stande : but Fates about doth driue . Such friendship finde wyth Gods yet no man myght , That he the morowe might be sure to lyue . The God our things all tost and turned quight Rolles with a whyrle wynde .

THE FOVRTHE ACTE . Messenger . Chorus . WHat whirlwynde may me headlong dryue and vp in ayre mee fling , And wrap in darkest cloude , whereby it might so heynous thing , Take from myne eyes ? O wicked house that euen of Pelops ought And Tantalus abhorred bee . Ch. what new thing hast thou brought ? Me. What lande is this ? lythe Sparta here and Argos , that hath bred So wicked brethern ? and the ground of Corinth lying spred Betweene the seas ? or Ister else where woont to take their flight , Are people wylde ? or that which woonts with snowe to shyne so bright Hircana lande ? or els doe here the wandring Scythians dwell ? Ch. What monstrous mischiefe is this place then guilty of ? that tell , And this declare to vs at large what euer be the ill . Me. If once my mynde may stay it selfe , and quaking limmes I will . But yet of such a cruell deede before myne eyes the feare . And Image walkes : yee raging stormes now far from hence me beare And to that place me driue , to which now driuen is the day Thus drawen from hence . Ch. Our myndes yee holde yet still in doubt : full stay . Tell what it is yee so abhorre . The author thereof showe . I aske not who , but which of them that quickly let vs know . Me. In Pelops Turret high , a part there is of Pallece wyde That towarde the south erected leanes , of which the vtter syde With equall top to mountayne standes , and on the City lies , And people proude agaynst theyr prynce if once the traytors rise Hath vnderneath his batiring stroke : there shynes the place in sight Where woont the people to frequent , whose golden beames so bright The noble spotted pillers gray , of marble doe supporte , Within this place well knowen to men , where they so ost resorte , To many other roomes about the noble court doth goe . The priuie Palaice vnderlieth in secret place alos , With ditch ful deepe that doth enclose the wood of priuiter , And hidden parts of kyngdome olde : where neuer grew no tree That chereful bowes is woont to beare , with knife or lopped be , But Taxe , and Cypresse , and with tree of Holme ful blacke to see Doth becke and bende the wood so darke : alofte aboue all theese The higher oke doth ouer looke , surmounting all the treese . From hens with lucke the raigne to take , accustom'd are the kyngs , From hens in daunger ayd to aske , and doome in doubtfull things . To this affixed are the gifts , the sounding Trumpets bright , The Chariots broke , and spoyles of sea that now Mirtôon hight , There hang the wheeles once won by crafte of falser axel tree , And euery other conquests note , here leefull is to see The Phrygian tyre of Pelops head : the spoyle of enmies heere , And of Barbarian triumphe left , the paynted gorgeous geere . A lothsome springe stands vnder shade , and slouthfull course doth take , With water blacke : euen such as is : of yrkesome Stygian lake The vgly waue whereby art wont , to sweare the gods on hye . Here all the night the grisly ghosts and gods of death to erie The fame reportes : with clinkyng chaynes resounds the wood ech where The sprights cry out and euery thinge that dredfull is to heare , May there bee seene : of vgly shapes from olde Sepulchres sent A fearefull flocke doth wander there , and in that place frequent Worse things then euer yet were knowwne : ye all the wood full oft With flame is woont to flash , and all the higher trees alofte Without a fyre do burne : and ofte the wood beside all this With triple barkyng roares at once : ful oft the palaice is Affright with shapes , nor lighte of day may on the terrour quell . Eternall night doth hold the place , and darknes there of hell In mid day raignes : from hens to them that pray out of the ground The certayne answers geuen are , what tyme with dredful sound From secret place the fates be tolde , and dungeon roares within While of the God breakes out the voyce : whereto when entred in Fierce Atreus was , that did wyth him his brothers children trayle , Dekt are the aulters : who ( alas ) may it enough bewayle ? Behynde the infants backs anone he knyt theyr noble hands , And eke theyr heauy heads about he bound with purple bands : There wanted there no Frankencense , nor yet the holy wine , Nor knyfe to cut the sacrifice , besprinkt with leuens fine , Kept is in all the order due , Icast such a mischiefe gret Should not be ordred well . Ch. who doth his hand on sword then set ? Mc. He is him selfe the priest , and he himselfe the deadly verse With prayer dyre from feruent mouth doth syng and oft reherse . And he at th' aulters stands himselfe , he them assygn'de to dye Doth handle , and in order set , and to the knyfe applye , He lights the fyres , no rights were left of sacrifice vndone . The woode then quakt , and all at once from trembling grounde anone The Pallace beckt , in doubt which way the payse thereof woulde fall , And shaking as in waues it stoode : from th' ayre and therewithall A blasing starre that foulest trayne drew after him doth goe : The wynes that in the fyres were cast , with chaunged licour floe , And turne to bloud : and twyse or thryse th' attyre sell from his hed , The Iuerye bright in Temples seem'de to weepe and teares to shed . The sights amas'de all other men , but stedfast yet alway Of mynde , vnmoued . Atreus stands , and euen the Gods doth fray That threaten him and all delay forsaken by and by To th' aulters turnes , and therewithwall asyde he lookes awry . As hungry Tygre wonts that doth in gangey woods remayne With doubtfull pace to range & roame betweene the bullocks twayne , Of eyther pray full-couetous and yet vncertayne where She fyrst may byte , and roaring throate now turnes the tone to teare And then to th' other strayght returnes , and doubtfull famyne holdes : So Atreus dyre , betwene the babes doth stand and them beholdes On whom he poynctes to slake his yre : first slaughter where to make , Hee doubts : or whom he shoulde agayne for second offring take , Yet skills it nought , but yet he doubtes and such a cruelty It him delightes to order well . Ch. Whom take he fyrst to dy ? Me. First place , least in him thinke yee might no piere to remayne To graundsier dedicated is , fyrst Tantalus is slayne . Ch. With what a minde & count'nace , could the boy his death sustayne ? Me. All careles of him selfe he stoode , nor once he would in vayne His prayers leese . But Atreus fierce the sword in him at last In deepe and deadly wound doth hide to hilts , and gryping fast His throate in hand , he thrust him through . The sword then drawne away When long the body had vphelde it selfe in doubtfull stay . Which way to fall , at length vpon the vnckle downe it falles . And then to th' aulters cruelly Philisthenes he tralles , And on his brother throwes : and strayght his necke of cutteth hee . The Carcase headlong falles to ground : a piteous thing to see . The mourning head with murmure yet vncertayne doth complayne . Chor. What after double death doth he and slaughter then of twayne ? Spares he the Child ? or gilt on gilt agayne yet heapeth he ? Mess. As long maymd Lyon fierce amid the wood of Armenie , The droue pursues and conquest makes of slaughter many one , Though now defyled be his tawes with bloud and hunger gone Yet slaketh not his yreful rage with bloud of Bulles so great , But slouthful now with weary tooth the lesser Calues doth threat : None other wyse doth Atreus rage , and swelles with anger straynd , And holding now the sword in hand , with double slaughter staynd , Regarding not where fell his rage , with cursed hand vnmild He strake it through his body quite , at bosome of the Child The blade goeth in , and at the backe agayne out went the same , He falles and quenching with his bloud the aulters sacred flame , Of eyther wound at length he dieth . Chor. O' heynous hateful act . Mess. Abhorre ye this ? ye heare not yet the end of all the fact , There followes more . Cho. A fiercer thing , or worse then this to see Could Nature beare ? Me. why thinke ye this of gylt the end to be ? It is but part . Cho. what could he wore ? to cruel beastes he cast Perhappes their bodyes to be torne , and kept from fyres at last . Me. Would God he had : that neuer tombe the dead might ouer hyde , Nor flames dissolue , though them for food to foules in pastures wyde He had out throwen , or them for pray to cruell beastes would flinge . That which the worst was wont to be , were here a wished thing , That them their father saw untombd : but oh more cursed crime Uncredible , the which denye will men of after tyme : From bosomes yet aliue out drawne the trembling bowels shake , The vaynes yet breath , the feareful hart doth yet both pant and quakes But he the stringes doth turne in hand , and destenies beholde , And of the guttes the sygnes each one doth vewe not fully cold . When him the sacrifyce had pleasd , his diligence hē puttes To dresse his brothers banquet now : and streight a fonder cuttes The bodyes into quarters all , and by the stoompes anone The shoulders wyde , and brawnes of armes be strikes of euerychone . He layes abroad their naked limes , and cuts away the bones : The onely heads he kepes and handes to him committed once . Some of the guttes are broacht . and in the fyres that burne full sloe They drop , the boyling licour some doth tomble to end froe In moorning cawderne : from the flesh that ouerstandes aloft The fyre doth flye , and skatter out and into chimney ofte Up heat agayne , and there constraynd by force to tary yet Unwilling burnes : the liuer makes great noyse vpon the spit , Nor easely wot I , if the flesh , or flames they be that bry , But crye they do : the fyre like pitch it fumeth by an by : Nor yet the smake it selfe so sad , like filthy miste in sight Ascendeth vp as wont it is , nor takes his way vpright , But euen the Gods and house it doth with fylthy turne defile . O pacient Phoebus though from hence thou backeward flee the whyle , And in the midst of heauen aboue dost drowne the broken day , Thou fleest to late : the father eats his children , well away , And limmes to which he once gaue life , with cursed iaw doth teare . He shynes with oyntment shed ful sweete all round about his heare , Replete with wyne ; and oftentymes so cursed kynd of food His mouth hath held , that would not downe . but yet this one thing good In all thy yls ( Thyestes ) is that them thou dost not knoe , And yet shal that not long andure , though Titan backward goe And chariots turne agaynst himselfe , to meete the wayes be went , And heauy night so heynous deede to keepe from sight be sent , And out of tyme from East aryse , so foule a fact to hyde , Yet shall the whole at length be seene : thy ylles shall all be spide . Chorus . WHich way O Prince of landes and Gods on hie , At whose vprise eftsones of shadowd night All beawty fleeth , which way turnst thou awrye ? And drawest the day in midst of heauen to flight ? Why dost thou ( Phoebus ) hide from vs thy sight ? Not yet the watch that later howre bringes in , Doth Vesper warne the Starres to kindle light . Not yet doth turne of Hespers whele begin To loase thy chare his well deserued way . The trumpet third not yet hath blowen his blast Whyle toward the night beginnes to yeld the day : Great wonder hath of sodayne suppers hast The Plowman yet whose Oxen are vntierd . From woonted course of Heauen what drawes thee backs ? What causes haue from certayne race conspierd To turne thy horse ? do yet from dongeon black Of hollow hell , the conquerd Gyantes proue A fresh assaut ? doth . Tityus yet assay With trenched hart , and wounded wombe to moue The former yres ? or from the hil away Hath now Typhoeus wound his syde by might ? Is vp to heauen the way erected hie Of phlegrey foes by mountaynes set vpright ? And now doth Ossa Pelion ouerlye ? The wonted turnes are gone of day and night , The ryse of Sunne , nor fall shal be no more , Aurora dewish mother of the light That wontes to send the horses out before , Doth wonder much agayne returne to see . Her dawning light : she wots not how to case The weary wheeles , nor manes that smoaking be Of horse with sweate to bathe amid the seas . Himselfe vnwonted there to lodge likewise , Doth setting sonne agayne the morning see , And now commaundes the darkenes vp to ryse . Before the night to come prepared bee . About the Poale yet glowth no fyre in sight . Nor light Moone the shades doth comfort yet What so it be , God graunt it be the night . Our hartes do quake with feare oppressed gret . And dreadfull are least heauen and earth and all With fatall ruine shaken shall decay : And least on Gods agayne , and men shall fall Disfigurde Chaos : and the land away The Seas , and Fyres , and of the glorious Skise The wandring lampes , least nature yet shal hide . Now shall no more with blase of his vprise , The Lord of starres that leades the world so wyde , Of Sommer both and Winter geue the markes . Nor yet the Moone with Phoebus flames that burnes , Shall take from vs by night the dreadful carkes , With swifter course or passe her brothers turnes , While compasse lesse she fets in croked race : The Gods on heaps shal out of order fall , And each with other mingled be in place . The wryed way of holy planets all , With path a slope that doth deuide the Zones . That beares the sygnes , and yeares in course doth brynge , Shall see the starres with him fall downe at ones . And he that first not yet with gentle spring , The temperate Gale doth geue to sayles , the Ramme Shall headlong fall a downe to Seas agayne , Through which he once with fearefull Hellen swam . Next him the Bull that doth with horne sustayne The systers seuen with him shall ouerturne The twins and armes of croked Cancer all , The Lyon hoat that wontes the soyle to burne Of Hercules agayne from heauen shall fall . To landes once left the Virgin shall be throwne , And leueld payse of balance sway alow , And draw with them the stinging Scorpion downe . So likewyse he that holdes in Thessale bowe His swift wel fethred arrowes Chiron old , Shal breake the same and eke shal lese his shotte And Capricorne that bringes the winter cold Shall ouerturne and breake the water pot Who so thou be : and downe with thee to grounde , The last of all the sygnes shal Pisces fall And monsters eke in seas yet neuer drounde , The water gulph shal ouerwhelme them all . And he which doth betwene each vrsa glyde , Lyke croked flood the slipper serpent twynde : And lesser Beare by greater Dragons syde , Full cold with frost congealed hard by kinde , And carter dull that slowly guides his waine Vnstable shall Boòtes fall from hye . We are thought meete of all men whom agayn Should hugy heape of Chaos ouerly . And world oppresse with ouerturned masse The latest age now falleth vs vppon . With euil hap we are begot alas If wretches we haue lost the sight of sonne , Or him by fraught enforced haue to flye Let our complayntes yet goe and feare be pasts He greedy is of life , that wil not die When all the world shall end with him at last .

THE FIFTE ACTE . Atreus alone . NOwe equall with the Starres I goe . beyond each other wight , With haughty heade the heauens aboue , and highest Poale I smite , The kingdome nowe , and seate I holde , where once my father raynd : I nowe lette goe the gods : for all my wil I haue obtaynde Enoughe and well , ye euen enough for me I am acquit But why enough ? I wil procede and fyl the father yet With bloud of his least any shame should me restrayne at all , The day is gone , go to therfore whyle thee the heauen doth call Would God I could agaynst their wils yet hold the Goddes that flee And of reuenging dish constrayne them witnesses to bee : But yet ( which wel enough is wrought ) let it the father see . In spighte of al the drowned day I will remoue from thee The darknesse all , in shade wherof do lurke thy miseryes . And guest at such a banquet now to long he careles lyes , With mery face : now eate and drunke enough he hath at last t' ys best him selfe should know his ylls ye seruauntes , all in hast Vndoe the temple dores : and let the house bee open all : Fayne would I see , when loke vppon his childrens heads he shal What countenaunce he then would make , or in what woordes break out Would first his griefe , or how would quake his body round about With spright amased sore : of all my worke the fruite were this I would him not a miser see , but while so made he is , Behold the temple opened now doth shyne with many a light : In glitteryng gold and purple seate he sittes hymselfe vpright , And staying vp his heauy head with wyne vppon his hand . He belcheth out , now chiefe of goddes in highest place I stand , And king of kinges : I haue my wish , and more then I could thinke . He filled is , he now the wyne in siluer bolle doth drinke And spare it not : there yet remaynes a worser draught for thee That sprong out of the bodyes late of sacrifyces three , Which wine shall hyde let them withall the hoordes be taken vp . The father ( mingled with the wyne , ) his childrens bloud shall sup . That would haue dronke of myne . Behold he now beginnes to strayne His voyce , and synges , nor yet for ioy his mynde be may refrayne ,

THE SECONDE SCEANE Thiestes alone O beaten bosomes dullde so longe with woe , Laie down your cares , at length your greues relent Let sorowe passe , and all your dread let goe , And fellow eke of fearefull banishment , Sad pouertye and ill in misery The shame of cares , more whense thy fall thou haste , Then whether skylles , great hap to him , from hye That falles , it is in surety to be plast Beneath , and great it is to him agayne That prest with storme , or euylls feeles the smart , Of kyngedome loste the payses to sustaine With necke vnbowde : nor yet detect of heart Nor ouercome , his heauy haps alwayes To beare vpright but now of carefull carkes Shake of the showres , and of thy wretched dayes Away with all the myserable markes . To ioyfull state returne thy chearefull face . Put fro thy mynde the olde Thyestes hence . It is the woont of wight in wofull case , In state of ioy to haue no confidence . Though better haps to them returned be , Th afflicted yet to ioy it yrketh sore . Why calst thou me abacke , and hyndrest me This happy day to celebrate ? wherefore Bidst thou me ( sorrow ) wepe without a cause . Who doth me let with flowers so fresh and gay , To decke my hayres ? it lets and me withdrawes . Downe from my head the roses fall away : My moysted haire with oyntment ouer all , With sodayne mase standes vp in wondrous wyse , From face that would not weepe the streames do fall . And howling cryes amid my wordes aryse . My sorrowe yet th accustomd teares doth loue And wretches stil delyght to weepe and crye . Vnpleasant playntes it pleaseth them to moue : And florisht fayre it likes with Tyrian die Their robes to rent , to waile it likes them still For sorrow sendes ( in signe that woes draw nic ) The mind that wots before of after yll . The sturdy stormes the shipmen ouer lye . When voyd of wynd th asswaged seas do rest . What tumult yet or countenaunce to see Makste thou mad man ? at length a trustful breast To brother geue , what euer now it be , Causeles , or els to late thou art a dred . I wretch would not so feare , but yet me drawes A trembling terrour : downe myne eyes do shed Their sodayne teares and yet I know no cause , Is it a greefe , or feare ? or els hath teares great ioy it selfe .

THE THIRDE SCEANE . Atreus . Thyestes . LEtte vs this daye with one consente ( O brother celebrate ) This daye my sceptors my confyrme , and stablish my estate . And faythfull bonde of peace and loue betwene vs ratifye . Thy. Enough with meate and eke with wyne , now satisfyed am I . But yet of all my ioyes it were a great encrease to mee , If now about my syde I might my litle children see . Atr. Beleeue that here euen in thyne armes thy children present be . For here they are ; and shal be here , no part of them fro thee Sal be withheld : their loued lookes now geue to thee I wil , And with the heape of all his babes , the father fully fyll . Thou shalt be glutted feare thou not : they with my boyes as yet The ioyful sacrifyces make at borde where children sit . They shal be cald , the frendly cup now take of curtesy With wyne vpfylde . Thy. of brothers feast I take ful willingly The fynal gyft , shed some to gods of this our fathers lande , Then let the rest be dronke , what 's this ? in no wyse wil my hand Obeye : the payse increaseth sore , and downe myne arme doth sway . And from my lippes the wafting wyne it selfe doth flye away , And in deceiued mouth , about my iawes it runneth rounde . The table to , it selfe doth shake and leape from trembling ground . Scant burnes the fyre : the ayre it selfe with heauy chere to slght Forsooke of sonne amased is betweene the day and night . What meaneth this ? yet more and more of backward beaten skye The compas falles , and thicker myst the world doth ouerly Then blackest darkenes , and the night in night it selfe doth hyde . All starres be fled , what so it bee my brother God prouyde And soones to spare : the Gods so graunt that all this tempest fall On this vyle head : but now restore to me my children all , Atr. I wil , and neuer day agayne shal them from thee withdraw , Thy. What tumult tumbleth so my guttes , and doth my bowels gnaw ? What quakes within , with heauy payse I feele my selfe opprest , And with an other voyce then myne bewayles my doleful brest : Come nere my sonnes , for you now doth th unhappy father call : Come nere , for you once seene , this griefe would soone asswage & fall Whence murmure they ? t.w fathers armes embrace them quickly now For here they are loe come to thee : dost thou thy children know ? Th. I know my brother : such a gylt yet canst thou suffer well O earth to beare ? nor yet from hence to Stygian lake of hell Dost thou both drowne thy selle and vs ? nor yet with broaken ground Dost thou these kingdomes and their king with Chaos rude confounde ? Nor yet vprenting from the soyle the bowres of wicked land . Dost thou Micenas ouerturne with Tantalus to stand , And aunciters of ours , if there in hel be any one , Now ought we both : now from the frames on eyther syde anone Of ground , all here and there rent vp out of thy bosome depe : Thy dens and dungons set abrode , and vs enclosed keepe , In bottome low of Acheront aboue our heds aloft Let wander all the gylty ghostes , with burning frete ful oft Let fyry Phlegethon that driues his sands both to and fro To our confusion ouer roon und vyolently flow O slothful soyle vnshaken payse vnmoued yet art thou ? The Gods are fled : Atr. but take to thee with ioy thy children now , And rather them embrace : at length thy children all of thee So long wisht for ( for no delay there standeth now in mee ) Enioy and kisse embracing armes deuyde thou vnto three . Thy. Is this thy league ? may this thy loue and fayth of brother bee ? And doost thou so repose thy hate ? the father doth not craue His sonnes aliue ( which might haue bene without thy gylt ) to haue And eke without thy hate , but this doth brother brother pray : That them he may entoombe restore , whom see thou shalt strayght waye , Be burnt : the father naught requires of thee that haue he shall , But soone forgoe Atr. what euer part rot of thy children all Remaynes , here shalt thou haue : and what remayneth not thou host . Thy. Lye they in fieldes , a food out flung for fleerug fowles to waste Or are they kept a pray , for wyld and brutish beastes to eate ? Atr. Thou hast deaourd thy sonnes and fyld thy selfe with wicked meat . Thy. Oh this is it that sham'de the Gods and day from hence did dryue Turn'd back to east , alas I wretch what waylinges may I geue ? Or what complayntes ? what woeful woordes may be enough for mee ? Their heads cut of , and handes of torne , I from their bodies see , And wrenched feete from broken thighes I here behold agayn T ys this that greedy father could not suffer to sustayne . In belly roll my bowels round , and cloased cryme so great Without a passage stryues within and seekes away to get . Thy sword ( O brother ) leud to me much of my bloud alas It hath : let vs therwith make way for all my sonnes to passe . Is yet the sword from me withheld ? thy selfe thy bosomes teare , And let thy brestes resound with stroakes : yet wretch thy hand forbeare And spare the deade : who euer saw such mischiefe put in proofe ? What rude Heniochus that dwels by ragged coast aloofe , Of Caucasus vnapt for men ? or feare to Athens , who Procustes wyld ? the father I oppresse my children do And am opprest , is any meane of gylt or mischiefe yet ? Atr. A meane in mischiefe ought to be when gylt thou dost commit , Not when thou quytst : for yet euen this to litle seemes to me . The blood yet warme euen from the wound I should in sight of thes Euen in thy lawes haue shed , that thou the bloud of them mightst drinke That lyued yet : but whyle to much to hast my hate I thinke My wrath beguyled is my selfe with sword the woundes them gaue I strake them downe , the sacred fyres with slaughter vowde I haue Wel pleasd , the carcase cutting then , and liueles lymmes on grounde . I haue in litle parcels chopt , and some of them I drounde In boyling cauderns , some to fyres that burnte ful slow I put , And made to droppe : their synewes all , and limmes a two I cut Euen yet alyue and on the spitte , that thrust was through the same I harde the liuer wayle and crye , and with my hand the flame : I oft kept in : but euery whit the father might of this Haue better done , but now my wrath to lightly ended is . He rent his sonnes with wicked gumme , himselfe yet wotting naught . Nor they therof Th. O ye encloas'd with bending bankes abought All seas me heare , and to this gylt ye Gods now harken well What euer place ye fled are to here all ye sprites of hel , And here ye landes , and night so darke that them dost ouerly With clowde so blacke to my complayntes do than thy selfe apply . To thee now left I am , thou dost alone me miser see , And thou art left without thy starres : I wil not make for me Peticions yet , nor ought for me require may ought yet bee That me should vayle ? for you shal all my wishes now foresee . Thou guyder great of skyes aboue , & prince of highest might , Of heauenly place now all with cloudes ful horrible to sight , Enwrap the worlde , and let the wyndes on euery syde breake out : And send the dredfull thunder clap through al the world about Nor with what hand thou gyltes house and vndeserued wall With lesser bolt are wonte to beate , but with the which did fall The three vnheaped mountaynes once and which to hils in height Stoode equall vp , the gyantes huge : throuw out such weapons streight , And flyng thy fires : and therwithall reuenge the drowned day . Let flee they flames , the light thus lost and hid from heauen away , With flashes fyll : the cause ( lest long thou shouldst doubte whom to hit ) Of ech of vs is ill : if not at least let myne be it . Me strike with tryple edged toole thy brande of flaminge fyre . Beate through this breast : if father I my children to desyre To lay in tombe or corpses cast to fyre as doth behoue , I must be burnt if nothing now the gods to wrath may moue , Nor powre from skies with thunder bolt none strikes the wicked men Let yet eternall night remayne , and hyde with darknes then The world about : I , Titan naught complayne as now it standes If stil thou hyde thee thus away . Atre. now prayse I well my handes . Now got I haue the palme . I had bene ouercome of thee , Except thou sorrow'dst so but now euen children borne to mee I compt and now of bridebed chast the fayth I do repayre , Thy. In what offended haue my sons : Atr. In that , that thyne they were Thy. Setst thou the sonnes for fathers foode ? Arr. I do & ( which is best ) The certayne sonnes , Thy. The gods that guyde all infantes I protest . Atr. What wedlock gods ? Th. who would the gilt with gylt so quite again ? Atr. I know thy greefe preuented now with wrong thou dost complayne : Nor this thee yrkes , that sed thou art with food of cursed kind , But that thou hadst not it prepared for so it was thy mynd , Such meates as these to set before thy brother wotting naught , And by the mothers helpe to haue , likewyse my children caught : And them with such like to slay : this one thing letted thee , Thou thought'st them thine . Thy. the gods shall al of this reuengers be And vnto them for vengeance due my vowes thee render shall Atr. But vext to be I thee the whyte , geeue to thy children all .

THE FOVRTH SCENE , Added to the Tragedy by the Translatour . Thyestes alone . O Kyng of Dytis dungeon darke , and grysly Ghosts of hell , That in the deepe and dreadfull Denne , of blackest Tarrace dwell . Where leane and pale dyseases lye where feare and famyne are , Where discord stands with bleeding browes , where euery kynde of care , Where furies fight in beds of steele , and heares of crauling snakes , Where Gorgon grimme , where Harpyes are , & lothsome Lymbo lakes , Where most prodigious vgly thinges , the hollowe hell doth byde . If yet a mouster more myshapt then all that there doe hyde , That makes his broode his cursed foode , yee all abhorre to see , Nor yet the deepe Auerne it selfe , may byde to couer mee , Nor grisly gates of Plutoes place , yet dare them selues to spred , Nor gaping grounde to swallowe him , whom Gods and day haue fled : Yet breake yee out from cursed seates , and heere remayne with mee , Yee neede not now to be affrayde , the Ayre and Heauen to see . Nor triple headed Cerberus , thou needst not bee affryght , The day vnknowne to thee to see or els the lothsome lyght . They both be fled : and now doth dwell none other count'naunce heere , Then doth beneath the fowlest face , of hatefull hell appeere . Come see a meetest match for thee , a more then monstrous wombe , That is of his vnhappy broode , become a cursed tombe . Flocke here yee fowlest flendes of hell , and thou O graundsyre greate , Come see the glutted guts of myne , with such a kinde of meate , As thou didst once for Gods prepare . Let torments all of hel Now fall vppon this hatefull head , that hath deserude them well . Yee all be plagued wrongfully , your guiltes be small , in sight Of myne , and meete it were your pange on me alone should light . Now thou O graundsier guiltlesse arte , and meeter were for mee , With fleeing floud to be beguilde , and fruite of fickle tree . Thou slewst thy sonne , but I my sonnes , alas , haue made my meate . I coulde thy famyne better beare , my paunch is now repleate With foode : and with my children three , my belly is extent . O filthy fowles and gnawyng gripes , that Tytius be some rent Beholde a fitter pray for you , to fill your selues vppone Then are the growing guts of him : foure wombes enwrapt in one . This paunche at once shall stll you all : if yee abhorre the foode , Nor may your selues abide to bathe , in such a cursed bloode : Yet lend to me your clinching clawes , your pray a while forbeare , And with your tallons suffer mee , this monstrous mawe to teare . Or whirling wheeles , with swinge of which Ixion still is rolde , Your bookes vpon this glutten gorge , would catche a surer holde . Thou filthy floud of Lymbo lake , and Stygian poole so dyre , From chocked chanell belche abrode . Thou fearefull freate of fyre , Spue out thy flames O Phlegethon : and ouershed the grounde . With vomit of thy fyry streame , let me and earth be drownde , Breake vp thou soyle from bottome deepe , and geue thou roome to hell , That night , where day , the ghosts , where Gods were woont to raigne , may dwel . Why gapst thou not ? Why do you not O gates of hell vnfolde ? Why do yee thus th infernall fiendes , so long from hence withholde ? Are you likewyse affrayde to see , and knowe so wretched wight , From whom the Gods haue wryde theyr lookes , & turned are to flight ? O hatefull head , whom heauen and hell , haue shoonde and left alone , The Sunne , the starres , the light , the day , the Gods , the ghosts be gone . Yet turne agayne yee Skyes a while , ere quight yee goe fro mee , Take vengeance fyrst on him , whose faulte enforceth you to flee . If needes yee must your flight prepare , and may no longer bide , But rolle yee must with you forthwt , the Gods and Sunne a syde , Yet slowly flee : that I at length , may you yet ouertake , While wandring wayes I after you , and speedy iorney make . By seas , by lands , by woods , by rocks , in darke I wander shall : And on your wrath , for right rewarde to due deserts , will call . Yee scape not fro me , so yee Gods , still after you I goe , And vengeaunce aske on wicked wight , your thunder bolte to throe . FINIS .