Thebais

THE THYRD TRAGEDY OF L. ANN AEVS Seneca : entituled Thebais , translated out of Latin into Englishe , by Thomas Newton . 1581 . The Argument .

LAIVS King of Thebes , hadde by his Wyfe and Queene IOCASTA , a Sonne named OEDIPVS : Who being yet in his Mothers Wombe , APOLLO his Oracle pronounced , that by the handes of that childe , King LAIVS the father should bee murthered . The feare whereof caused the King to commaund him to be put to death . The Kinges heardman , who had the charge to see this done , on th one side mooued with compassion ouer a tender weakeling : and on the otherside , afraid to incurre the King his maisters displeasure , contented himselfe onely to boare two hoales through the Infants two feete , and with certayne plyable Twigges beinge thrust through the same , hong him vp on a tree by the Heeles : supposing that heereby hee should commit a lesse crime in suffring the childe to perishe by famine , then in playing the Butcher himsefe . It fortuned , that one PHORBAS heardman to POLYBIVS King of Corynth , passing by that way & hearing a yong Childe cyre , went and cut him downe , and caryinge him to Corynth , it so fell out that at length hee was giuen for a present or gyft to MEROPE , Wyfe to the said King POLYBVS . This OEDIPVS afterward going to Thebes , in a certayne sedicious hurly burly in the countrey there , vnawares and vnwitting slewe King LAIVS his Father . About which tyme the City of Thebes , and Countrey there about was meruelously infested with a monster called Sphinx : who propounding a certaine Riddle , or obscure question to such as passed that way , and deuouringe as many , as coulde not assoyle the same . To him that coulde assoile it and so rid the Countrey from that so vgly and daungerous a monster , the mariage of Queene IOCASTA , and the kingdome of Thebes was promysed as a recompence : OEDIPVS after many others , taking the matter in hand , assoyled the Ryddle , & slew the monster . Whereupon marying the Queene , not knowing her to bee his owne Mother , had by her foure Chyldren : ETHEOCLES , POLYNICES , ANTIGONE , & ISMENE . In the end , hauing knowledg , how first hee had kylled his Father , and then incestuously maryed his Mother , hee forsooke his kingdome being continually infested wyth the plague , & ( as one ashamed to loke any man in the face ) pulled out his own Eyes , and hid himselfe in corners and solitary places . His Sonnes ETHEOCLES & POLYNICES agreed to raigne enterchaungeably , that is to wit , ETHEOCLES , one yeare , and POLYNICES the other . ETHEOCLES hauing raigned his yeare , refused according to the articles of agrement , to resigne the Crowne to his brother for the next yeare . Whereupon they fel to mortal warres , and in the end meaning by combat to ende the matter , they mutually slew one the other . And note that this Tragedy , was left by the Authour vnperfect , because it neyther hath in it , Chorus , ne yet the fifth Acte .

The names of the speakers . OEdipus . Nuntius . Antigone . Iocasta .

THE FIRSTE ACTE . OEdipus . Antigone . DEare Daughter , vnto Father blynde a Staffe of steady stay , To weary Syre , a comfort greate , and Guide in all his way : And whom to haue begotten , I may glad and ioyfull bee : Yet leaue me now , thy haplesse Syre , thus plungde in misery . Why seekst thou meanes , still to direct my stalking steppes aright ? Let mee I pray thee headlong slyde in breaknecke tumbling plight . I betttr shall and sooner fynde a way my selfe alone To rid mee out of all the thrall wherein I now am throwne . Whereby both heauen shall eased bee , and earth shall want the sight Of mee vile wretch , whom , guilt hath made a most abhorred wight . Alas , what litle triffling tricke hath hitherto bene wrought By these my hands ? what feate of worth or maistry haue I sought ? In deede , they haue me helpt to pull myne eyes out of my head : So that ne Sunne , ne Moone I see , but life in darknesse lead . And though that I can nothing see , yet is my guilt and cryme Both seene and knowne , & poyncted at , ( woe worth the cursed tyme . ) Leaue of thy hold , let lose thy hand , good daughter , let mee goe : Let foultring foote light where it will , let it ( this once ) be so . I le trudge , and runne , I le skudde , and raunge , I le hasten to the hill Of craggy stiepe Cytheron , there I hope to worke my will . Where earst Actaeon lost his lyfe by straunge , and vncouth death , Whom bawling Dogges , and hunting Hounds bereft of vitall breath : Where once Agaue ( bedlemlike ) raungd vp and downe the woode With Systers hers , enspired all with Bacchus raging moode . And pleasing well her selfe in that her fact and mischiefe donne , Pitcht on a Poale the grisly head of him that was her Sonne . Where Zethus with his ruffling Crew of Gallantes young and stoute Dragd , hald , and puld , the hateful corps of Dirce , all aboute . Where bushie bloudied brambles show which way the Bull her drew : Nere where dame Ino from a Rocke her selfe in Sea downe threw . So that poore mother though she ment t' auoyde one fault by flight : Yet she therby a worse procur'd , while like a seely wight She bother selfe and eke her sonne from Scyron hurled downe Entending both her selfe and him in foaming Sea to drowne . Oh happy , yea thryse happy they , that had so good an bap : And whom such mothers pitiful earst daudled in theyr lap . Yea yet there is in these same woods an other place to mee That 's due by right , and rightly may me challenge as his fee . Where I am Infant out was layed , al Fortunes to abide : I thyther wil direct my course of try what may betyde . I le neither stop ne stay til that I be arryued there , For guyde I recke not , neyther force for Stumbling any where . Why stay I thus like dastard drudge to hasten vnto it ? Sith wel I know it lotted is to be my graue and Pit ? Let me myne owne Cytheron mount enioy in quiet state , It is myne old and auncient bower , appoynted me by fate . I pray thee be not discontent that I should ( aged ) die , Euen there , where life I should haue lost in pueling infancy . I yeild me heere with willing hart vnto those tortures all That earst to me were due , and which to others haue befall : To thee I speake O bloudy mount , fierce , cruel , styepe and fell , As well in that thou sparest some , as that thou some dost quell . This carion corps , this sinful soule , this carcasse here of myne Long tyme agone by right good Law and propertye is thine . Now yet at length perfourme the hest that earst enioyned was To thee by those my parentes both , now bring their doome to passe . My hart euen longeth till I may so fully satisfy By this my death that their decree , that glad I am to die . Ah Daughter , Daughter , why wouldst thou thus keepe mee gaynst my mynd ? In this so vile incestuous loue ? thou art but now to kind . Oh stay me not I thee desire , behold , behold , I heare My Fathers ghost to bidde me come apace , and not to feare . O Father myne I come , I come , now father ceasse thy rage : I know ( alas ) how I abus'd my Fathers hoary age : Who had to name King Laius : how hee doth fret and frye To see such lewd disparagement : and none to blame but I . Wherby the Crowne vsurped is , and he by murther slayne . And Bastardly incestuous broode in Kingly throne remayne . And loe , dost thou not playnly see , how he my panting Ghost With raking pawes doth hale and pull , which grieues my conscience most ? Dost thou not see how he my face bescratcheth tyrant wyse ? Tel mee ( my Daughter ) hast thou seene Ghostes in such griefly guyse ? Antig I see & marke each thing ful well . Good father leaue this mind . And take a better if you can : from this your selfe vnwynd . Oed. O what a beastly cowardise is in this breast of myne ? Was I so stout and venturous in pulling out myne Eyen ? And shall all courage be employd agaynst one onely part Of Body , and from other partes shall valour wholly start ? Let none of all these puling trickes nor any faint excuse Thus daunt thy sprites , let no delay to basenes thee enduce : Dispatch at once , why lingre I , as one that 's loth to dye ? Why liue I ? i st because I can no longer mischieues trye ? Yes that I can , wretch though I be : and therfore tel I thee , Deare Daughter , that the sooner thou mightst hence depart from mee . Depart a mayd and Virgin hence , for feare of after claps : Since villany to Mother shewde , its good to doubt mishaps . Anti. No force , no power , no violence , shall make me to withdraw My duty vnto thee my Syre , to whom I vow myne awe . I will not be disseuered , ne pulled from thy syde . I will assist thee , whyle that breath shal in this Breast abyde . My Brothers twayne let them contend , and fight for Princelye swaye Of wealthy Thebes : where whilom raignd King Labdacke many a day . The greatest share and portion that I do loke to haue Out of my Fathers Kingdome , is my Fathers lyfe to saue . Him neither shall Etheocles my elder brother take Away from mee , who now by force the Thebane realme doth rake . Ne Polynices , who as now is Mustring men apace . From Argos Land : with ful entent his brother to displace . No , though the world went all on wheeles : though Ioue should from aboue Hurle flashing flakes vpon the Earth , all shall not quayle my loue . No , though his thumping thunderbolt ( when wee togeather stand ) Should light betweene vs , where as we are plighted hand in hand ) Yet wil I neuer thee forsake , but held my handfast still : Therefore it s boateles father deare , to countermaund my will In this my full resolued mynd . Forbid me if you please . But surely I will be your guide in weale , woe , dole , & case . And maugre al your sharpe reprofes ( though much against your mind ) I wil direct your steppes and gate , that you your way may fynd : Through thick & thinne , through rough and smoth I wil be at an ynch In hill and dale , in wood & groue , I le serue at eu'ry pinch . If that you goe where daunger lies , and seeke your owne annoy , You shall wel proue , that I to leade the daunce wil not be coy . Aduyse your selfe therfore , of twayne to which I guyde shall be : My count is cast , I am ful bent with you to liue and die . Without me perish can you not : but with me , wel you may , It booteth not , in other sort to moue me ought to saye . Here is an huyge Promontory that elboes into Sea Let vs from thence throw downe our selues , and worke our last decay , If that ye wil . Here also is a flinty Rocke besyde , Which if you please shal serue our turnes : Heere beaten with the tyde Bee craggy Cliffes , let 's goe to them : Here runnes a gulphy streame With force afore it dryuing stones as bigge as mountaine beame . What say you ? shall wee drench our selues within this fomy Flood ? Goe where you wil , take which you list , do as you deeme it good . Conditionally that I may first receyue the wound of death : I recke no whit , I ready stand to yeld vp vitall breath . I neyther draw you to nor froe : but euen as best you thinke So doe , so deale . Would you so fayne Deathes bitter cup to drinke ? My lord and Father , take you death so greate a boone to bee ? If that you dye ( this I assure ) die first you shall me see . If life in shew more pleasaunt seme , if so you rather chuse , I am to wayte vpon you still and neuer will refuse . But chaunge this mynde wherein you rest , take hart a grace , and show The noble magnanimity that earst in you did flow : Resist these panges , subdue these dumpes by valour of the mynd , Let manly courage qualify these your affections blynd . T is great dishonor thus to yeeld your selfe to dolor thrall , No storme of aduerse hap thus ought a Princes hart t' appall . Oedip. This geare surmounteth far the reach of my capacity : I am astonn'd , I feele my selfe rapt with an extasie , Is this not wonder of so lewd , and of so curst a tree Such fruite to grow ? of graceles Syre so good a child to see ? Is it not straunge that in a house distaynd in villany Such noble shew of towardnes and vertuous gyftes should lye ? Let me some speach to thee direct , dame Fortune : how haps this That here my daughter so vnlike to wretched father is ? Degenerating from his steps , and with such vertue fraught , As in her Fathers cursed house she neuer yet was taught ? Is it ( I pray thee ) credible , that out of me should spring Such yssue , as should geuen be to any honest thinge ? No truely , no : it cannot bee ( my fates ful well I know ) None such , ( vnlesse to doe me scart and mischiefe ) would be so . T' encrease the heape of myne annoy no straunge effect shall want . Dame Nature in her Creatures wil new affectes emplant . The Ryuer shall returne his course to Fountayne backe agayne , Dan Phoebus Lamp shall bring the Night , and Night shal day remain , So that my grieuous miseryes with surplusage may grow . But be as t is : I for a whyle wil play my part also , And shew some sparke of piety , my fault to counteruayle : With murtdroue knife , my woeful dayes to end I wil not fayle . The onely helpe for Oedipus , the onely safety is To ridde himselfe , and so redeeme that Hellish fact of his . Let mee take vengeance on my selfe for wronges to father donne , Whose Death is yet vnexpiate , by mee his cursed sonne . Why dost thou shake and tremble thus thou hand , not good for ought ? Why flaggrest thou to stabbe him in , who Syre to spoyle hath brought ? That punishment which hether to by pulling out myne eyes Thou hast inflicted on me , is but as a sacrifyce , Or guerdon due for villany which I committed haue With mother myne . Now Daughter sloute , leaue of pretences braue , Alledge no gloses : but with speede let goe thy Fathers hand : Thou mak'st me die a lingring death within this loathed land . Thou thinkst I am aliue , but I am dead long while agoe : To this my hateful Corps at length the rytes of Buriall show . Thou meanest well , ( I know ) but yet therin thou dost offend : Though colour for thy piety I see thou dost pretend . But piety it canot be , to dragge thus vp and downe Thy Fathrs Corpes vnburied through City , Field , and Towne . For bee that doth enforce a man agaynst his will to dye : And he that stayeth him that would fayne dye , most willingly , Are both alike in equall fault , and stand in egall plight . To hinder one that would be dead is morthring him outright . Yet not so great as thother is . I would be more content To haue my death commaunded me , then from me to be set . Desist from this thy purpose ( Mayd ) my lyfe and death both are To dispose at my liberty , with choyse to spill or spare , I willingly resigned the Crowne of Thebane soyle : yet I Do still retaine vpon my selfe the entyre Soueraygntye . If I may make accompt of thee as of a trusty feare , And true compagnion at assayes : deliuer euen heere Into thy Fathers hand a Sweard : but tell me , dost thou reach The Sword embrewd in fathers bloud , wherewith my sonnes empeach The course of Law , possessing it and kingdome all by force ? Where so it is doubt is there none , but cleane without remorse There bee the Floudgates opned wyde , to al licencious lust . And thriftlesse trades : I al my clayme therein do rake in dust , And cleane forsake . Let both my Sonnes by Legacy enioy The same , wherewith they surely shall contriue non smal annoy . For mee pyle rather vp a stacke of wood set all on fyre , That I therein may thrust my selfe : that is my chiefe desyre : And make an end at once of all this carrion Tarkasse vyle . Where is the surging wauous Sea ? why stay I all this whyle ? Bring mee to some stiepe breaknecke fall : bring me where Ismene flood With swift and horned course doth runne , bring me wheras my blood . With goaryng push of sauage beastes may out be let at once . To some Gulfe bring me , where the fall and tide may crush my Bones . If needes thou wilt my guyde remayne , as oft thou dost me tell ) Bring me that am dispos'd to dye , where Sphiox that Monster fell With double shape apposed them that passed by the way , Propounding Riddles intricate , and after did them slay . There would I bee , that place I seeke : thy Father thyther bring Into that Monsters Cabin dire thy Monstrous Father fling . That though that Monster be dispatcht , the place may bee supplyde With one as badde or worse then bee : there wil I farre and wyde In tearmes obscure report and tell my heauy lucklesse lot . The misteries whereof the bearers , vnderstandeth not . Geue eare to that which I shal speake , marke thou Assyrian borne , Consider this thou Thebane , where Duke Cadmus men were torne And slayne in wood by Serpentes rage : where Dirce seely trull In humble sort at Aulter lies : aduert my tale at full Thou , that in Lacedaemon dwelles , and honorst Castors grace , And Pollux eake , two brethren twynnes . Fynd out this doubtful case . Or thou that dwelst in Elis towne or by Parnassus hill , Or thou that till'st Baeotia ground , there reaping gayne at wil . Hearke , listen well , and flatly say , if euer heretofore That murdrous monster Sphinx of Thebes that men in peeces tore , In all his riddles askt the like , or of so straunge a sort ? Or whether so insolubly his termes he cold report ? The Sonne in Law to Graundfather , the Riual of his Syre : The Brother of his litle Babes : to Brethren , father dire : The Graundmother at euery byrth to Husband ( graceles Elfe ) Brought forth a Sonne or Daughter , which was Nephew to her selfe . How say you Syrs , in Ryddle darke , who hath so good insight , That able is the sense hereof t' vnfold and tell aryght ? As for my selfe , although the Sphinx I whylome put to foyle : Yet myne owne heauy destenie I scarcely can assoyle . Why dost thou ( Daughter ) labour loose in vsyng further speech ? To alter this my stony hart why dost thou mee beseech ? I tel thee playne . I fully meane this bloud of mynt to spill . That long with Death hath struggling kept : and thereupon I will Descend to darke infernall Lake : for this same darknes blynd Of both myne eyes is nothing such , as fact of myne should fynd . It were my Blisse to bee in Hell in deepest dungeon fast : Now that which should long since haue bene , I wil perfourme at last . I cannot be debard from Death : wilt thou deny me glaue Or Sword , or knife ? wilt thou no toole for mischiefe let me haue ? Wilt thou both watch and ward each way , where daunger lies in wayte ? Shall such a sinful Caytife wretch as I , be kepe so straite ? Wilt thou not suffer me with Coard to breake my hatefull Necke ? Canst thou kepe mee from poysonous herbes ? hast thou them al at beck ? What shall it thee preuayle to take for mee such earnest care ? Death ech where is : and wayes to death in thousand corners are . Herein hath God good order tane , that euery felie Foe , May take away an others life , but Death hee cannot so . I seeke not anye toole to haue : this desprate mynd of myne Can vse the seruice of my hand , my threede of lyfe t' vntwine . Now hand , thy maister at a pinch assist to worke his feate , Helpe him with all thy power and strength , t' exployt his purpose great . I poynt thee not in this my Corps vnto one place alone : Alas , each part of me with guilt is plaunch and ouergrowne . In which soeuer part thou wilt , thy Massacre beginne , And seeke to bring me to my death which way thou mayst it winne . In pieces crush this body all , this hart that harbors sinne Pluck out , out all my entrailes pull , proceede , and neuer linne To gash and cut my wezand pype . My vaynes asender scratch , And make the Bloud come spowting out , or vse that other match , Which heretofore thou vsed haste : digge where myne eyes earst stood : And let these woundes gush out apace much mattry filth and blood . Hale out of mee this loathed soule that is so hard and stout : And thou deare father Laius stand vp and looke about : Behold where euer that thou standst : I Vmpyre doe the make , And eyed Iudge of all my plagues that iustly heere I take . My Fact so lewde , so horrible , so loathsome to bee tolde I neuer thought with any pryce or tormentes manifolde Could haue full expiation : ne thought I it inough To die this death : or in one part to be beslasshed through . By piecemeale I am well content to suffer tormentes all And euen by piecemeale for to die : for plagues to plague mee call . Exact the punishment that 's due : I heere most ready stand To satisfie with any death that law and righte hath scand . My former smartes , when as mine eyes I raked out with pawes , Were but as tastes of sacrifice , somewhat to helpe my cause . Come therefore ( Father ) neare to mee , and thrust this hand of myne More nearer into euery wound . It sweru'de and did decline For feare , when first it tooke th' assay mine eyes to ransacke out . I beare it still in memory , my eyes then star'de about And seemed to disswade the hand from doing of the charge Whereto it was enioyned tho , and had Commission large . Thou shalt well thinke that OEdipus dissembleth not a white But what his word hath warranted , his deede hath firmely quit . Thy stoutnes then , was not so great when eyes thou pulledst out As was thy man a●oden , when thou threwst them from thee round about . Now , by those Gyeholes thrust thy hand into the very braine : That part where death attempted was , let death be sought againe . AN. Vndaunted Prynce , must noble Syre , with humble mynde . I sue That I your Daughter may be bolde to vse some speech to you : And that you would with patience digest my poore aduise : My suite is not to draw your minde to thinges , that earst in price You highly held , me to the view of glittring Pallace olde , Ne brauery of your noble Realme , scarce able to bee tolde : But that you would these yrefull fittes , by trace of time now quaild , With patient minde sustayne and beare : this vertue neuer faylde In any Prynce of such a spright as in your noble Grace Appeareth bryght : it fitteth not that such should once abase Themselues as thralles to Sorrowes checke 〈◊〉 the conquest yeelde To aduerse hap lyke 〈…〉 It is no prayse , syr , though perhappes you so your reckening cast To make of lyfe so small accoumpt , and thus to bee agast At euery wagging of a leafe , and combersome myschaunce : No , no , t is vertue in such case high courage to aduaunce . And when thinges are at worst , to shew true magnanimitie : Not lyke a Meycocke , cowardly at eche alarme to flee . Hee that hath tride all fortunes spight and worldly wealth despisde , And constantly hath borne all bruntes that are to be deuisde , Mee thinks no cause hath , why he needes to ende his breathing dayes Or wish himselfe in graue : for why , starcke crauens vse such wayes . But as for him , that 's drencht in dole and wrapt in carking care , Whose pensius plight can be no worse , nor tast of sowrer fare , That man hath cause well pleas●● to be : sith hee in safety standes , And pykes hath past , and now is free from feare of further bandes . Put case the Gods would weave the webbe of further woe to thee , What more can any of them doe thy grieues to amplifie ? Nay , thou thy selfe , ( although thou wouldst ) canst adde thereto no more , Vnlesse thou thinke thy selfe , to haue deserued death therefore . And yet , thou arte not worthy death : my reason is , because Through ignoraunce thou didst a fact contrary to the lawes . And therefore Father thinke your selfe most guiltlesse in the case , And ( maugre Gods ) stand on your guarde , my counsell sound embrace : For doubtlesse you an innocent are deem'de and thought to bee , And are in deede : what makes you thus in dumpes and dolefull glee ? What cause so great should so enchaunt your conscience , and your wits , To seeke your owne decay and spoyle ? what meane faint hearted fits ? That thus in hast you would so faine abandon this your lyfe And goe to hell , where torment dwelles and grisly ghostes be ryfe . You would not see Sun , Moone , ne Starre : no more you can : your eyes Are blynd : you faine would leaue your Court , and Countries miseries . Why so you may , and so you doe . These all are put to sacke , That now alyue , aswell as dead you feele of these the lacke . You flee from Mother , Wyfe , and Chylde , you see no man alyue : What more can death dispatch away but life doth now depriue ? your lords , your knights , your courtly traine , your kingly state & crowne Your graund Affaires , your waighty charge is gone & brought abowne . From whom , from what , do you thus flee . OEdi. From none but from my selfe Who haue a breast full fraught with guilte : who , wretched caitiffe Elte Haue all embrude my hands with bloud . From these apace I flee And from the heauens and Gods therein : and from that villanie Which I most wicked wretch haue wrought . Shall I treade on thys ground ? Or am I worthy so to doe , in whom such trickes abound ? Am I to haue the benefite of any Element ? Of Ayre for breath , of water moyst , or Earth for nourishment ? O Slaue forlorne , O beastly wretch , O Incestmonger vyle , O Varlet most detestable , O Peysaunte full of guile . Why doe I with polluted Fyst , and bloudy pawes presume To touch thy chast and comely hand ? I foame , I fret , I fume In hearing any speake to mee . Ought I heare any tell Or once of Sonne or Father speake , syth I did Father quell ? Would God it were within my power my Senses all to stop , Would God I could these Eares of myne , euen by the stumps to crop . If that might bee , then ( daughter ) I should not haue heard thy voyce . I , I thy Syre , that thee be got by most incestuous choise . Beegetting of thee , makes my crymes moe then they were before : Remorse thereof both gnaw and grype my conscience more and more . Ofttymes that which myne Eyes not see , with Eares that doe I heare , And of my Facts afore time done the inward wound I beare . Why is there stay made of my doome ? Why am I spard so long ? Why is not this blind head of myne throwne damned ghosts among ? Why rest I on the Earth , and not among infernall Sprightes ? Why pester I the company of any mortall Wightes ? What myschiefe is there more behind ? to aggrauate my care ? My Kingdome , Parents , Children , Wit and Vertue quayled are By sturdy stormes of froward Fate : nothing remaynde but teares , And they bee dryde , and Eyes be gon : my hardned heart forbeares Such signes of grace : leaue of therefore , and make no more adde : A minde so mated with dispayre no suytes will slowpe vnto . I practize some straunge punishments agreeing to my deede : But what proportion can bee found of plagues vnto my meede ? Whose Fortune euer was so bad ? I was in sooner borne , But seely Infant Iudgde I was in peeces to be torne . My mother in whose wombe I lay , forth had not mee yet brought And yet euen then I feared was : and straight my death was sought . Some Babes soone after they bee borne , by stroke of death depart : But I poore soule , before my byrth adiudged was to dart Of death : some yet in Mothers wombe , ere any light they see Doe taste the dint of hasty Fate , while Innocents they bee . Apollo by his Oracle pronounced sentence dyre Vpon mee being yet vnborne , that I vnto my Syre Should beastly parricide commit : and therevpon was I Condemned straight by Fathers doome . My Feete were by and by Launcde through , & through with yron Pins : hangde was I by the Heeles Vpon a Tree : my swelling plants the printe thereof yet feeles : As pray to Beastes , cast out also , to cramme theyr greedy Iawes In Mount Cytheron , and to fill the griping Vulturs Mawes . Such Sauce to tast full lyke was I , was others heeretofore Descended of the royall Sangue , with smart ( perforce ) haue bore . But see the chaunce : I thus condemn'de by Dan Apollos hest And cast to beasts by Fathers doome , and euery way distrest , Could finde no death : no death on mee durst seyze his lordly Pawe , But fled from mee , as though I had not beene within his Lawe . I verified the Oracle , with wicked hand I kilde Myne owne deere Father , and vnwares his guiltlesse bloud I spilde . Shall any satisfaction redeeme so vile an Acte ? May any kinde of Piety purge such a shamefull fact ? I rested not contented thus . For Father beeing slayne , I fell in linkes of lawlesse Loue with Mother : Oh what payne And grudge of minde sustaynde I there ? in thinking on the same , To tell our wicked wedlocke Yoake , I loath , I blush , I shame . I may not well this geare conceale , I le tell it : out it shall : Though to my shame it much redound , it may augment my thrall . I will display straunge villanies , and them in number many , Most beastlike parts , most lewde attempts , to bee abhorr'de of any . So filthy , and so monstruous , that ( sure I thinke ) no Age Will them belieue to haue bene done : so cruell was my rage , That euen ech cutthroate Partrcide thereat may be ashamde To heare it nam'de : and with disdaine straight wayes will be enflamde . My handes in Fathers bloud embrude to Fathers Bed I brought . And haue with Mother myne , his Wife , incestuous practyse sought . To myschiefe adding mischiefe more : I wis my fault to Sire , Is slender in comparison : my gracelesse fond desire Could not bee staide , till solemnely the mariage Knot was knit Twixt mee and Mother myne , alas for want of grace and wit . How plungde am I in myschiefe still ? how is the measure full Of horrours vile , which doe my minde and heart asunder pull ? And least the heape of these my woes might seeme to bee too skant , My Mother ( she my Wyfe that is ) yong issue doth not want . Can any crime in all the World more haynous be surmisde ? If any may : by wicked Impes the same I haue deuisde . My Realme and Crowne I haue resignde , which I receiued as hyre For murdring most vunaturally the king , my Lord , and Syre , Which Crowne now since , twixt both my sonnes hath kindled mortall war . And all the countrey by the ears remains at deadly iarre . I know ful wel what destenies to this same Crowne belonges . None without Bloud the same shall weare , and most accursed wrongs . This mynd of myne ( who Father am ) presageth many ills : And gloomy dayes of slaughter dyre : the plot that murther willes . Already is contriu'd and cast : all truth of word and deede Is quight exild , al promise broke of pactes afore decreed . Etheocles , th one of my sonnes who now in princely throne Beates all the sway , meanes stil to keepe the Diademe alone . Poore Polynices th'o other sonne , thus beyng dispessest , And kept by force from Kingly rule his humble sute addrest Vnto the Gods this wrong to wreake , this breach of league and oth T' auenge and plague : he Argos soyle end Greekish Cttyes both Perswades t' assist him in this warie , this quarel to mayntayne : That he in Thebes ( as promise was ) might haue his turne to raygne . The ruyne that to wearied Thebes shall greeuously befall And bring the pompous state therof adowne , shal not be small . Fire , sword , glaue , wounds , & thwacking thumps , shal light vnto their share , And that ere long : and mischieues worse ( it any worse there are ) And this shall hap , that all the worlde may know it is the race And yssue of a curied Syre that darraygnes such a case . Though other causes none there were to moue you ( sic ) to liue , Yet is this one sufficient , that you by awe may dryue Your sonnes my Brethren tarring thus to vnity and peace : For you their Father only may theyr furies cause to tease . You and none els may turne away th occassons of this warre : These bransicke youthes from further rage you onely may dibarre . By this your meanes the countrey shall their quiet peace enioy And Brethren ioyntly reconcild shal worke no more ennoy . If you therefore this mortall life thus to your selfe deny : You many thousandes shal vndoe , whose states on you relye . Oed. What ? canst thou make me to beleue , that any sparke of grece Or loue to Syre , or honesty in them hath any place , Which thirst for one on others bloud , which after kingdomes gape , Whose whole delight is villany , werre , wurther , guile and rape ? Such hateful ympes on mischiefe set , such wicked Termagosites , As to be sonnes of such a Syre with shame may wake their vauntes . At one bare woord to tel thee all : thy brethren two are bent Vppon all mischiefe , wayghing not what loosenes they frequent . When flingbrayne rage ensots their heades , they care not they a rush Vpon what Deuelish vile attemptes they geue the desprat push . And as they are conceau'd and borne in most abhorred sort , So still deuoyde of Grace they thincke all villany but sport . Theyr Fathers shame and wretched state moues them no whit at all , To Countrey they no reckning make what massacre befall . Their myndes are rauisht with desyre ambitiously to raygne . I know their driftes , and what they hope at length by shiftes to gayne . And therfore sith the case so standes I leyfer had to die With poasting speede whyle in my house there is none worse then I . Ahlas , deare Daughter what adoe dost thou about me make ? Why liest thou prostrate at my knees ? why dost thou trauaile take , To conquere my resolued mynd with this thy spiced phraze Of fayre entreatie ? these thy wordes my flynty hart amaze . Dame Fortune hath none other bayte to bryng me to her lure Then this alone : til now I still vnbanquisht did endure . No Creatures words but thyne alone could pearce this hart of myne , Ne from a purpose resolute my setled mynd butwyne . Thou conquere canst th affections fond that in my breast do boyle , Thou teachest grace to fathers house , and zeale to natiue soyle . Each thing to me delightful is which iumpeth with thy wil : Commaund me ( Daughter ) I thy hestes am ready to fufill . Old Oedipus if thou enioyne , wil passe th' Aegaean Sea : And flashing flakes of Aetna Mount , with mouth he dare assay . He boldly dare obiect himselfe to raumping Dragons claw Which rag'd , & sweld and venime spit apace , when as he saw Dan Hercules away to steale his golden Aples all In Gardens of Hesperides . At thy commaund , he shall His Entrails offer vnto iobbe of greedy Vulturs Byll : At thy commaund , content he is in life to linger still .

THE SECONDE ACTE . Nuntius . OEdipus . Antigone . Iocasta . REnowmed Prynce , of royall Race and Noble lygne yspronge : The Thebans dreading much the drife of this your childrens thronge , And warlicke garboyle now in hand , most humbly pray your Grace For Countreys safety , downe to set some order in the case . They bee not threates and menacies that thus their mindes affright : The mischiefe is more neere then so : the Enmy is in sight . For Polynices he that is your younger sonne of twayne , Doth clayme the crowne , and in his turne in Thebes requires to raigne According vnto couenaunts made : which quarrell to decite Hee purposeth the dene of sword , and maritall force t' abide . With him he brings a mighty Troupe from eu'ry part of Greece , Sir , seuen Dukes , hesieging Thebes are minded it to fleese . Helpe noble King , els are wee lyke to perishe man and chylde , These bloudy broyles of ciuill warre from vs protect and shyelde . O Edi. Am I one like to stop the rage of any wicked act ? Am I one like to cause these Youthes to leaue their bloudy fact ? Am I a maister like to teach what lawes of loue do meane ? Should I not then from former quise digresse in nature eleane ? They treade their Fathers steps aright , they play my lawlesse prankes : Like Syre , like Sonnes , like Tree , like fruite : I con them harty thanks : By this I know them for my Sonnes , and praise their towardnesse : I would they should by peeuish partes , whose Sonnes they be , expresse . Shew forth you noble Gallante ympes , what metled minds you beare , Shew forth by deedes your valor great , let lofty sprights appeare . Surmount and dimme my prayses all , Eclypse my glory quight : Attempt some enterprise in which your Syre may haue delight To haue till now remaynd in life : hereof I haue no doubt : For well I know your practise is straunge feates to bring about . Your byrth and ligne from whence you spronge , assures me of no lesse Such noble Bloudes must needes atchiue some doughty worthinesse . Your Weapons and Artillery for warre bring out with speede , Consume with flame your natiue Soyle , and desolation breede In eu'ry house within the Land : a hurly burly make Confusedly of eu'ry thinge . Make all the Realme to quake , And in exile theyr dayes let end make leuell with the ground Eche fenced Fort and walled Towne : The Gods and all confound , And throw their Temples on their heads : Their Images deface , And melt them all : turne vpstdowne eche house in eu'ry place . Burne , spoyle , make hauocke , leaue no iote of City free from fyre , And let the flame begin his rage within my Chamber dyre . AN. Syr , banish these vnpatient panges , let plagues of Common wealth Entreate your Grace , sith vpon you stayth all their hope and health . Procure your sonnes to reconcile themselues , as brothers ought , Establishe peace betwene them both , let meanes of loue be sought . OEd. Oh daughter , see and well beholde howe I to peace am bent ? And how to end these garboyles all I seeme full well content ? My minde ( I tell thee ) swelles with yre : within my entralles boyles Abundaunt stoare of Choller fell : such restlesse rage turmoyles My inward Soule , that I must yet some greater matter brew : Which may the Realme enwrap in bale , and cause them all to rue . That which my rashe and heady sonnes haue hitherto begon Is nothing in respect of that wich must by me be don . This ciuill warre is nothing like to that which I deuise : These trifling broyles for such a Sea of harmes cannot suffice . Let brother cut the brothers throate with murthrous knife in hand : Yet is not this ynough to purge the mischieues of this lend . Some haynous Fact , vnheard of yet , some detestable deede Must practisde bee : as is to mee . and myne by Fates decreed . Such custome haunts our cursed race : such guise our house hath caught : My vise incestuous Bed requires , such pageaunts to be wraught . To me your Father Weapons reach , my selfe heere let me shrowde In couert of these queachy wooddes : and let me be allowde To lurke behinde this Craggy Rocke , or els my selfe to hyde On backside of some thickset hedge : where lying vnespide , I hearken may what marketfolkes in passing to and froe Do talke : and what the countrey Clownes speake , as by way they goe . There ( syth with eyes , I cannot see ) with eares yet may I beare How cruelly my Sonnes by warre do one the other teare . IOC. A fortunate and happy Dame Agaue may be thought , Who ( though with bloudy hands ) her sonne to fatell death she brought , And from the shoulders chopt his head , and bore the same about In bloudy hand , at Bacchus feast withau th' inspired rout Of sacrificers , quartering poore Pentheus mangled lymmes : Though this her cruell facte , somewhat her commendation dymmes : Yet euen in these her phrantick fits shee stayde her selfe in time From further harme , not adding more to aggrauate her crime . My guilt were light , if I had not some others guilty made : And yet is this but matter light : I tooke a biler trade . For , Mother I am vnto those that in all vice excell , And who in most abhorred sinnes condignely beare the bell . To all my woes and myseries there wanted onely this , That I should loue my Countreyes foe , who Polynices is . Three snowy Wynters passed are , and Sommers three be gone , Synce be an exilde wretch abroade hath lead his lyfe in moane : And sought his bread among the fremmd : till now compell'de perforce . Hee craues reliefe of Greekish Kings , on him to haue remorse . Hee maried hath the Daughter of Adrastus , who at becke Rules Argiue people , swaying them with awe of Princely checke : And he t' aduaunce his sonne in law to his most lawfull right Hath with him brought from seuen Realmes a warlike Crue to fight . What doome I should in this case geue , which syde I wish to winne , I cannot tell : my minde amazde , yet doubtfull rests therein . Th' one of my Sonnes ( as right it is ) requyres the Crowne as due : I knowe it so accorded was : his cause is good and true . But in such sort , by force of Armes to relie maunde the same , Is ill and most vnnaturall , herein he is to blame . What shall I doe , what may I say ? I mother am to both : And thus my Sonnes at deadly feud to see I am full loth . Without the breach of mother zeale I can no way deuise : For what good had I wishe to th' one , thence th' others harme doth rise . But though I loue them both alyke , yet sure my heart enclynes To him that hath the better cause : though wronged thus , he pynes : As one by frowning fortune thrilde from piller vnto post : His Credite , Countrey , friendes , and wealth , and treasure being lost . The weaker side I will support , and further al I can , Most mercy alwayes should vt shewde vnto th' oppressed man . NV. While ( Madame ) you waymenting here your heauy plaints declare And waste the time , my Lords your Sonnes in taunged battayle are : Eche Captains bright in Armour standes , the Trumpet sounds amain , And Standard is aduanc'de , amid the thronge of eyther traine . In marshall ray full prest to fight stand seuen worthy Kynges : And eche of them a warlicke troupe of valiaunt Souldiers bringes . With courage not behynd the best , the Thebanes marche apace : And like right ympes of Cadmus brood , do slash at Enmies face . The Souldiers force and willingnes on eyther side to fyght , Appeares : in that they nothing lesse pretend them shameful flight . See how their trampling to and froe , the dust to Skies doth reare , And what a Cloud of Smoke in Campe the horses make t' appeare . And if my feare dismay me not : It all be true I see : Me thinkes I view their glittering glaues begoard with bloud to bee . Me thinkes I see the Voward thrill and shake their Pikes in hand : Me thinkes I see the Gydons gay , and Streamers where they stand : Wherein is wrought by curtous skill , in Letters all of Gold The Scotchion , Poeste , Name and Armes of euery captayne bold . Make hast , be gone , dispatch . ( Madame ) Cause Brethren to agree : Betwyxt them stay this quarell , least a slaughter great ye see . So shall you to your Children loue , to each syde peace restoare : The mothers mediation may heale vp all the Soare .

THE THIRDE ACTE . Antigone . Iocasta . Nuntius . POast , poast , be gone , and trudge for life : Queene mother make no stay : That twixt my Brothers , perfect league and truce continue may . You that be Mother to them both , vse your auctority : Out of their handes their weapons wrest , and make them warres defye . Your bared Breastes which once they suckt , hold out amid their Swordes : Beare of the brunt of all their blowes , or end this warre with wordes . Ioc. Thy talke I like , I wil be gone : I le goe with might and mayne : This head of myne I ieoperd wil , betwene them to be slayne . In thickest thronge of all the Troupes I purposd am to stand , And try what grace , or curtesy rimaynes in eyther Bonde . If Brothers beare malicious myndes each other to subdue , Let them first onset geue on wee , and me to death pursue . If eyther of them be endude with any sparke of grace , Or Natures lawes or Filiall awe doth any whit embrace , Let him at mothers suite lay downe his Pikes and glaues of warre , And weapons of hastility let him abandon farre . And he that cancard stomacke beares his Brother there to quell , Forgetting Nature , let him first with me his Mother mell . These headdy youthes from further rage I seely Trot wil staye : I wittingly will not behold such mischiefe cary sway . Or if I liue to see the same , it shal not bee alone . Ant. The Standardes are displayd in field , the Ennemyes are prone To fall to fight : the clashing noyse of weapons heare you may . Much murther , death , and dreadfull dule , cannot be far away . Their stony hartes goe mollify , with sugred termes perswade Their wilful myndes O Queene , before they furiously inuade The one the other : yonder see how they in armour bright Bestirre themselues from place to place : ( O dire and dismall sight . ) My trickling teares , my blubbring Eyes , may put you out of doubt That all is true which I haue sayd : looke , looke , how al the route On eyther part doth slowly march as loth ( belike ) to trye By dent of Swerd so straunge a case : But both my brothers hie Apace , to grapple force to force , and ioyne with handy blowes : This day wil breeede the bitter smart of euer during woes . Ioc. What whirlewynd swift might I procure to beare me through the ayre ? What monstruous flying Sphinx wil helpe , that I were quickly there ? Of all the Byrdes Stimphalides ( with winges so huge and large That Phoebus rayes they shadowed quight ) wil any take the charge To cary mee to yonder place ? what rauenous Harpye Burd With vgly talantes all with flith , and dirty dung befurde , ( Which hungrestarud King Phineus , that had put out the Eyes Of children his ) wil at this pinch a meane for me deuyse , That I aloft may hoysed bee , and with al spede be set , Where yonder cruel armies two in open field be met ? Nune. Shee runnes apace , like one of wit and senses all distract : No Arrow swifter out of Bow : no Ship with Sayle ful thwackt With wynd at will more way can make with motion such shee flyes As glyding Star whose leames do drawe a Furrow longe in Skyes . As much agast she trottes apace : and now in Campe she standes : Her presence and arriuall there hath parted both the Bandes . At mothers great entreaty made , the bloudy broyle is husht : And where before with goring Glaue the one at thother pusht , With ful entent to kill and slay , appeas'd is now their yre And they well pleasd to bend to peace , as she doth them require . The Sword agayne in sheath is put , that lately out was drawne To pash out Braynes of Brothers Scull : she ceasseth not to fawne Vpon them both , their strife to stint : her gray and hoary haires , Her Snow whyte lockes with tears besprent in ruthful sort she ●eates . She Motherlike seekes how to linke their hartes in one assent , With brynish teares she wettes the cheekes of him that 's malcontent . That Child that staggryng longe doth stand , with mother to dispute , May seeme vnwilling mynd to beare to yeeld to Mothers sute .

THE FOVRTH ACTE . Iocasta . Polynices . AGaynste mee onely turne the force of wreckful Sword and Fyre : Let all the Youthes with one accord repay to me that hyre , That earnde I haue by due deserte : let both the gallant Band Of them that come from Argos soyle , and them of Thebane Land Come runne vpon me all at once : let neither freend ne foe Refrayne a whit his bloudy blade at this my wombe to throw . This wombe , this wombe , wherein I bare these wilful Brethren here Beget by hym that was my sonne , and eke my wedded fere . Dismembre this my Body vyle : cast all my lymmes abrode : I am their mother : child wyfe throwes for them I once abode . You two , my sonnes , neede I to speake , to wil you leaue your yre ? I st not your partes , in such a case t' accomplish my desyre ? Wil you not plight the faythful league of true and perfect loue ? Wil you not ioyntly quarrels all at Mothers sute remoue ? That this shal be as I request , come , geue me both , your handes Whyle yet they vndystayned be , and cleane from murther standes . What cryme you heretofore haue done , agaynst your wil it was . And al that spot which staynes your same , by Fortune came to passe . This haynons Act , this franticke coyle you can no wise excuse ▪ But wittingly and willingly sound counsell yee refuse . It resteth free within your choyse : of these take which yee list : If peace delight for mothers sake this brabling broyle vntwist . If such a lewde outrage as this more pleasaunt seeme to bee : Behold , the same and greater too yee may commit on mee . Who beeing mother , heere oppose my selfe betwene you twayne : Ere you do one an other kill , I needes must first be slayne . Take either therefore quight away this straunge vngodly iarre . Or if you will not : mee dispatch , who stay your wished warre ? Ahlas in this my pensiue plight to whom should I dyrect My piteous plaint , and earnest suyte ? to whom might I detect Myne inward griefe and throubed heart ? which of them were I best T' encounter first and fast embrace , to breede my surest rest ? I loue them both euen equally , affection like I beare To either party : mother fond and parciall els I weare . The one of them these three yeares space bath liu'de in banishment . But it all couenaunts may be kept , as at the first was ment , The other now as turne doth fall , must trudge an otherwhile , And learne to know what t is to liue so long in like exile . Wae worth this hapiesse heauy hap : shall I not liue the day , To see my sonnes together once in one selfe place to stay ? Shall neuer I behold them both to better concord bent ? Is all affection naturall within them both so spent ? Then , Polynices , come thou fyrst , embrace thy Mother deare ? Thou that hast trauaild many a myle , and languisht many a yeare . That many a storme abidden haste , and many a brunt sustainde , And wearied long with sharpe exile , from Mothers sight bene wainde : Come vnto mee , and neerer stand , put vp thy Sword againe Into thy sheath : thy shyuering Speare ( that out of hand so faine Would be dischargd at Brothers throate ) within this ground sticke fast . This Shielde of thine lay also downe . It makes mee sore agast . It is so bigge , it will not let this louing breast of myne . To ioyne and debonairely meete with that sweete heart of thine : Take of thy helmet from thine head , the Thonge thereof vuty . That I thy Vifuge may behold , and all thy face descry . Why dost thou backward turne thy head ? and glauncest still thine Eye , And takèst keepe of brothers hand for feare of villany ? Thy body all with these myne Armes I will defend and hyde ? If hee attempt thy bloud to spill , his murthrdus blade shall glyde First through these tender sydes of myne : why standst thou so amazd ? Dost thou distrust thy Mothers loue ? thinkst thou her kindnes razd ? Poly . I feare in deede , distrusting sore , Syre , Damme & all my kinne : And thinke that truthles treachery in hartes of all hath bin . Dame Natures lewes are flung at heele , and naught esteemed be : No fayth in kinred planted is , ne true syncerity . Synce I by proofe haue seene and felt what hurly burly growes Betwixt vs Brethren : and from thence what Sea of mischiefe flowes : I may suspect no faster fayth in Mother to remayne : It s not vnlike , but shee likewyse wil prankes as bad mayntaine . Ioc. Thy sword in hand fast clasped keepe : On heade thy Basnet tye : On Left Atme holde thy Targat sure , and on thy Gard relye . At all poyntes armd prepared stand : all future doubtes preuent : Be sure to see thy Brother first t' vnarme himselfe content . And now to thee Etheocles some speech I am to vse : Thou first wast cause of all this warre , doe not therfore refuse Downe first to lay thy brawling Blade , and yeld to Reasons lore : If name of peace so hateful be , if that thou any more Entendst this warre to prosecute , in this so sauage sort , Let mother yet this curtesy from thee ( her sonne ) extort That some small tyme of trusty truce thou wilt with willing mynd Consent vnto : til I my Sonne thy Brother most vnkind May after flight goe kisse end oel , now first or last of all . Whyle I for peace entreaty make , you men vnarmd I call To listen vnto that I say : thy Brother feareth thee : And thou fearst him : and I feare both . But this my feare you see Is nothing for my selfe at all , but for th' auayle of both . Why seemest thou thy naked sword to put in sheath so loth ? Be glad to take the benefyte of any litle stay : In matters lewde t is wysedome good to stand vpon delay . You enter into such a warre , wherein he speedeth best That vanquisht is : both of you feare to be by fraud distrest Through practisd meanes and subtil plois of Brothers spitefull drift , Or ouerteacht by pollicy of some deuysed shift . But if deceiue or be deceyu'd by him that is our Frend Wee needes must be : in such a case wee shall the lesse offend In suffring wrong then doyng harme : But feare thou not a whit , You both from ambusht treacheryes your Mother wil acquit . What say you Sonnes : shall this request of myne with you preuayle . Or shall I curse my luckelesse fate , and on my Fortune rayle . And iudge your Sire an happy man , in that he liueth blinde And cannot see the thing which I beholde with pensiue minde ? In comming vnto you , did I bring with mee this intent , To ende these broyles ? or did I come to see some dyre euent ? Etheocles , some what appeasde , hath pitcht his Speare in ground , And not a weapon bloud to shee l , in hand of his is found . Now Polynices , vnto thee my former suite I bring , Regard thy Mothers mournefull plight , and yeelde vnto the thing That shee with teares entreates to haue . O Sonne , at length I see , I hold with hands , I kisse with mouth , I touch with ioyfull glee This Face of thyne , the sight whereof I wanted haue so longe : And haue more often wished for , then can bee tolde with tonge . Thou hast from natiue Soyle bene chasde to Coaste of forraigne king , And crossed bene with trouncing force of frowning Fortunes sting . Thou many a Storme , and many a brunt in many a foming Sea , In Wandring sort and banisht guise , didst oftentimes assay . Thy Mother at thy Spousall feast was absent farre away , And could not doe such nuptiall Rytes as tell for such a day . Into thy wedding Chamber shee brought thee , ne yet thy Bryde , Ne yet in solemne sorte the house with herbes and odours plide : Ne yet did with a Ryband white the wedding Torches tye , As vse and custome willes to bee at such solemynitie . Adrastus , Father to thy Wife , and father in lawe to thee , With Daughter his , hath not defraide much store of golde or Fee . No Dower hath he bestowde on her , her wealth was very small , Of Citties , Landes , and Reuenewes hee gaue her none at all . Warre , Warre : is it thou onely hadst , by taking her to Wyfe : In lew of other gyfts , hee helpes to kindle all this Stryfe . Thou Sonne in lawe arte vnto him , that is our Countreyes Foe : Thy Natiue soyle thou leauest , and to forraigne Courts dost goe . Thou feedest now at Straungers boarde , and makest more accoumpt Of new acquaintaunce got abroade ; as though it did surmount The friendship of thy countrey heere : thou art a banisht wight , And liu'st in exile , for no fault , but through thy brothers spight . In thee appeares resemblaunce playne of all thy Fathers Fate , In which there lacketh not so much as thoyse of wedded Mate . Whom with as ill mischaunce and hap as euer Fathers was , Thou haste in lucklesse houre and time of mariage brought to passe . O Sonne , thy mothers onely hope , for whom such care I take : Whose sight , now after many yeares , doth mee most ioyfull make . For whom I haue full many a time to Gods deuoutly praide : Whereas in deede , thy new retourne to mee , may well bee saide To take away as great a ioye , and bring as great a griefe , As it to these myne aged yeares is comfort and reliefe . I prostrate at the Oracle , besought Apollos Grace To tell mee , when I should not neede to further feare thy case . Who flowting this my fond demaund , anone did flatly tell , And spake these words , which yet ( I trow ) I doe remember well . Thou fearst thy son , least harme he take , as is a mothers guise : But thou I say more cause shalt haue , to feare him otherwise . For if this warre vnraisde had bene I should thy presence lacke : And if thou wert not , Thebane Land might free remayne from Sacke . The sight of the doth cost vs all a hard and nipping price , Yet doth it like thy mother well : so that her sound aduice In this one thing thou follow will . Dispatch these Armies hence : Euen presently , whyle yet of bloud there hath not bene expence . So foule a Fact to bee so neere , is haynous out of doubt : I shake , I quake to thinke thereon , in euery Ioynt throughout . My hayre stands vpright euen for feare , two brethren thus to see Aloofe , and ready one to chop at th' other , cruelly . How neere was I ( poore Mother theirs , a bloudier act t' haue seene . ) Then father blind yet euer saw , or euer yet would weene ? And though my feare be ouerpast and th' act vnbrought to passe : My selfe yet doe I wretched thincke , that done so neere it was . By all the throwes for tenne months space , in wombe when I thee bare , And for thy Sisters sake both twaine , which shine in vertue rare : And by those Eyehoales of thy Syre , for which with wrekefull Pawe Hee pulld his Eyes , because ( vnwares ) hee stained Natures lawe , I thee beseech from Thebane Walles sent backe these armed Bandes , Which threatning all our throates to cut , against our Countrey stands : Yea though you presently depart : yet are you much to blame , And there is due vnto you both , a lot of during shame : Because this Countrey round about hath pestred bene with powre , And troupes of Souldiours stout and braue , it ready to deuowre . With pensiue hearts a mourning minds , these Eyes of ours haue seene Your prauncing couriers with their Feete , spoile Theban Medowes greene . Wee oft haue seene your houlty Peeres in warlike Chariot ride : And oft our houses to haue brunt with wildfier haue bene spide . And last of all . An act wee sawe ( which euen to Thebes is straung . ) Two Brethren warring mortally , all Natures bondes to chaung . Ech one in th' Army sawe this sight , the people witnesse bee . Your Systers two , and Mother I this all did plainly see . Your Father , hee may thanke himselfe : that he did not behold This lamentable spectacle and hauockes manifold . Call now to thy remembraunce heere , thy Father OEdipus , Whose doome , did Facts ( by errour done ) euen plague , & punishe thus . With Fyre , & sword subuert not cleane ( good Sonne ) thy countrey deare , And Thebes whereof thou wouldst be king ) surcease with force to teare . What Bedlem pang enchaunts thy mind ? what might thy meaning bee ? Thou claymst a Realme , which to subuert thou geeuest lycence free . In seeking thus a countryes rule : a countrey thou destroyest : Which thou thine own would make , thou marr'st , & ( as t were none ) annoyest . Heereby thou hindrest much thy selfe , in that thou makest spoyle , And burnest vp both Corne and Grasse , and keep'st a shamefull coyle , In chasting men out of their homes : ( O desprate witlesse parte ) What man aliue , to waste his owne , can thus find in his harte ? These thinges that thou commaundest thus by rage of sword & flame To bee consum'de : an other man thou thinkst doth owe the same . If thus for princely Chayre you twayne by th' Eares your title try : The state of Realme and Commonwealth will totter soone awry . Seeke it , while yet your Countrey standes vnblemisht by decay : It so t' enioy , and so to raigne , I coumpt the better way . Ah , canst thou finde in heart to burne , and spoyle these houses braue ? The lyke whereof in all the worlde besides , thou canst not haue : Canst thou destroy and ruinate the noble Thebane wall , To whose first building stones apace at Dan Amphions call Came dauncing of their owne accord , through tunes of warbling harpe : And coucht themselues in order right vpon the Turrets sharpe , Without all helpe of worckmans hand , or Pully vp to draw Such pieces as most waighty were ? Wilt thou by lawlesse law Throw downe these worthy Monuments ? wilt thou from hence conuay And cary with thee all these spoyles ? wilt thou such pageaunts play ? Thy Fathers old acquainted mates , wilt thou by force surpryze And leade as captiue where thou goest in proude triumphing wise ? Shall these thy cutthroate Souldiors dragge and hale the mothers old ? Shal they , graund Matrons tied in chaines , from husbands armes vnfold ? Shall Thebane Maydes , & Damselles chaste of freshe and lusty Age , Bee mingled with the raskal rout , and hamperd bee in Cage ? Shall they as presents , forced bee in dabbling dirt to toyle Vnto the mynsing Mistresses , and Trulles of Argoa Soyle ? Shall I thy seely Mother trudge with Pinyond hands behinde ? Shall I this triumph of my Chiled to furnish bee assignde ? Canst thou with grudgelesse minde , behold thy Countreyfolkes arow , Slayne , mangled , spoylde , in peeces hewen , thus to their deathes to got ? Canst thou bring in a deadly Foe , thy Countrey to subdue ? Shall streates of Thebes runne all with bloud ? shall all the Countrey rue Thy comming home with flame and fyre ? hast thou an heart so hard ? A breast so tipt with flint ? a mynde to rage so well preparde ? If thus thou fare , and swell with yre whiles yet thou art no King : What wilt thou bee in Princely throne , if thou shouldst win the Ring ? Surceasse therefore and qualifie this outrage of thy mynde : In thee let all thy Countrey , grace and Princely myldnes finde . POL. Would you me haue , my selfe so much to loyall duties yeeld , As that I should a Pylgrims life like wandring Beast in field Skud vp and downe from place to place , without both house & home , And fleeing natiue soyle , bee forst in forraigne Landes to roame ? What other plagues , could you award in iustice vnto mee , If I my fayth or sacred Oath had broken caytifly ? Shall I beare all the punishment for that vile villains guile ? And shall hee false deceiptfull wretch at my misfortunes smyle ? Shall hee in wealth still flaunt it out , and keepe this iolly coyle ? Shall hee for sinnes rewarded bee ? and I still put to foyle ? Well , well , goe to , bee as bee may : you bid mee wander hence : I am content : your hard decree t' obay is my pretence . But tell mee whyther shall I goe ? Assigne mee to some place : Bylike , you would that brother myne should still with shamelesse face Possesse my stately Pallaces , and reuell in his ruffe , And I thereat to holde my peace , and not a whit to snuffe , But like a Countrey Mome to dwell in some poore thatched Cot : Allow mee poore Exyle such one : I rest content , God wot . You know , such Noddyes as I am , are woont to make exchaung Of Kingdomes , for poore thatched Cots , bee like this is not straung . Yea more : I , matcht now to a Wyfe of noble ligne and race Shall like a seely Dottipoll liue there in seruile case , At becke and checke of queenely Wyfe , and like a kitchin drudge Shall at Adrastus lordly heeles , ( my Wyues owne Father ) trudge . From Princely Port to tumble downe into poore seruile state , Is greatest griefe that may betyde by doome of frouncing fate . IOC. If that thou gape so greedely a Kingly Crowne to weare : And that thou canst not rest content , till thou a Scepter beare : Behold ech quarter of the world affoordeth Kingdomes store . No doubt thou mayst winne some of them , if that thou seke therfore . On one syde here , lies Tmolus mount , a soyle bethwact with Vines : There runnes Pactolus noble streame with golden Send and mynes . On that syde crookt Maeander glydes through midst of Phrygia fieldes : On this syde Hebrus swift of course much fruict to Thracia yeldes . Nere thereunto lies Gargarus , renoumd each where for Corne , And Troian Xanthus swelling floud , that pricke and price hath borne . There Sestos and Abidus stand in mouth of Ionian Sea , Which now is called Hellespont : and here an other waye Are countreys , which more Eastward lye . There Lycia full of Creekes And Hauens strong is situate : these kingdomes , he that seekes , Is like to winne : these would I haue thee conquere with thy Sword : These , these to winne let King Adrast to thee his ayd affoorde . In some of these , let him thee make a King : in Thebes as yit , Suppose thy father Oedipus in seat of King to sit . Thy banishment much better is to thee , then this returne , Sith all thy drift is cruelly to wast , to spoyle , and burne . Thy banishment reputed is to grow through others crime : This thy retourne , in such a sort to Kingly state to clyme , Is ill and faulty euery way : with this thy warlicke crue Thou shalt do better Realms to seeke , where bloudy guilt ne grue . Yea , this thy Brother , whom thou dost pursue with deadly hate Whose life , whose health , whose house thou dost with curses dire rahate Wil ayde thee with all powre he canne : himselfe will also goe And serue in field for thyne auayle , gaynst him that is thy foe . Aduaunce thy powre , march boldly forth to take this warre in hand . Wherein thy parentes wish thee good , and wil thy helpers stand . A Kingdome got mischieuously , and snatcht with grudge of mynd , More greeuous is then exiles al , of what soeuer kind . Of warre , the doubtful hazardes all set downe before thy syght , And throughly waigh th uncertayne chaunce , that longes to martial fight . Though al the power of Grece thou bring thy quarel to mayntayne , And though great armed multitudes of Souldiours thou remayne : Yet chaunce of warre stil doubtful hanges , and hard it is to know , Who cary shal the victory , thou or thy vowed foe . Mars to no party tyed in : what he decrees , shal be , As chaunce allots , so falles it out : this dome abydeth free . Sword , hope and feare makes equall those , betwene whom otherwyse Great oddes there is : blynd Fortunes lot the case betweene them tryes . Thy rash attempt with cryme begonne , gropes after doubtful gayne : And fond deuyses enterprisd oft reape deserued payne . Admit that all the Gods in heauen did further thy request , And to promote thy hoat desyre both willing were , and prest : Yet al thy frendes are fled away , and al recoyled backe , And Souldiours here and there in Fieldes are come to deadly wracke . Although thou ioy hereat receyue , although the spoyles thou take Of vanquisht Brother , yet the palme of victory must slake , And not to thee be geuen whole . What kind of warre ( alas ) Is this , thinkst thou ? i st not more straunge then euer any was ? Wherin if he that victor is , ioy therein any whyt , Most execrable wickednes he ( doubtles ) doth commit . This Brother thyne , whom now so faine thou wouldst bereaue of breath , I wis , if he were once dispatcht , thou wouldst bewale his death . And therfore make no more adoe , but ceasse from wicked bral , Ridde countrey out of trembling feare , and parentes dole forestal . Poly. What , shal my Brother for this vyle and shamefull breach of pacie Goe skotfree thus ? shal he receyue no guerdon for his fact ? Ioc. Feare not my Sonne , he shall be payd , and payd agayne , I trow : He shal be King and raygne in Thebes , his payne shal euen be so . A payne in grayne I warrant him . And if thou doubtful be , Let Graundsyre Laius and thy Syre examples be to thee . Sir Cadmus wil the same display , and Cadmus ofspring all Can witnes be that none in Thebes yet raygnd without a fall . None yet the Theban Scepter swayd , that hath not felt the whippe . And promise breach made most of them from regall Crowne to skippe . Now if thou wilte , thou mayst insert within this bedroll heere Thy Brother . POLY. Mary , that I wil , in shame hath he no peere . And vnto mee it seemes a world of blisse to bee a king And dye with Kings . POC. Thy case doth thee in rank of exiles bring . Raygne Kinge , but yet a loathed wight vnto thy Subiectes all . POLY. For that I neyther recke ne care what shall to me befall . That Prince that feares disdaynful hate , vnwilling seemes to raynge . The God that swayes the Golden Globe , together hath these twayne Conioynd and coupled Hate and Rule : and him do I suppose To be a noble King indeede , that can supplant his foes , And Subiectes cancred hate suppresse . A King is often stayed From doyng many thinges he would , when Subiectes loue is wayed . But vnto them that do repyne to se him sit aloft , He may more rigour boldly shew , and pare their pates more oft . He that will loue of Subiectes winne , with Elemency must raygne : A King that 's hated , cannot long in Kingly seate remayne . For Kingdomes Kinges can best describe , what preceptes needfull are . Mell thou in cases of Exile : for Kingdomes take no care . Pol. To be a King , I would engage to force of flaming Fire , Both Countrey , house , land , Wyfe , and Chyld , to compasse my desyre . No Fee , to purchase Princely seate , ne labour coumpt I lost : A Kingly Crowne is neuer deare , what euer price it cost . Thomas Newtonus , Cestreshyrius . FINIS .