Croesus

THE TRAGEDIE of Croesus .

Act. I. SOLON . LOe how the trustlesse world the worldlings tosses , And leades her louers headlong vnto death , Those that doe court her most haue maniest crosses , And yet vaine man , this halfe-spent sparke of breath , This dying substance , and this liuing shadow , The sport of Fortune , and the spoyle of Time , Who like the glory of a halfe-mow'd meadow Doth flourish now , and strait falles in his prime , Still toyles t' attaine ( such is his foolish nature ) A constant good in this inconstant ill : Vnreasonable reasonable creature That makes his reason subiect to his will . Whilst in the Stage of Contemplation plac'd Of worldly humours I behold the strife , Though different sprites haue diuers partes imbrac'd , All act this transitorie Scene of Life : Of curious mindes who can the fancies fetter , The Soule vnsatisfide , a prey t' each snare , Still loathing what it hath , doth dreame of better , Which gotten , but begets a greater care . And yet all labour for t' attaine the top Of th' vnsure soueraigne blisse that they surmise , Flowres of Felicitie , that few can crop , Yea , scarce can be discerned by the wise . Some place their happinesse ( vnhappie beasts , And I must say , more sencelesse then their treasures ) In gorgeous garments , and in dainty feasts , To pamper breath-toss'd flesh with flying pleasures . Some more austerely with a wrinckled brow That triumph o're their Passions with respectes , With neither fortune moou'd to brag or bow , Would make the world enamour'd of their sectes . Some rauish'd still with vertues purest springs , Feede on th' Idea of that diuine brood , And search the secrets of celestiall things As most vndoubted heires of that high good . Thus with conceited ease and certaine paine , All seeke by seuerall wayes a perfect blisse : Which , O what wonder , if they not obtaine , Who cannot well discerne what thing it is ! What happinesse can be imagin'd here ? Though we our hopes with vaine surmises cherish , Who hardly conquer first what wee hold deare , Then feare to loose it still that once must perish . Thinke ( though of many thousands scarcely any Can at this poynt of Happinesse arriue ) Yet if it chance , it chanceth not to many , Onely to get for what a world did striue . And though one swim in th' Ocean of delights , Haue none aboue him , and his equals rare , Eares ioying pleasant sounds ; eyes stately sights ; His treasures infinite ; his buildings faire . Yet doth the world on Fortunes wheele relye , Which loue 's t' aduance the wretched , wracke the great , Whose course resembles an inconstant eye , Euer in motion compassing deceat . Then let the greedie of his substance boast , Whilst th' excrements of th' earth his senses smother , What hath he gayn'd , but what another lost ? And why may not his losse enrich another ? But ah ! all loose , who seeke to profite thus , And found their confidence on things that fade , We may be rob'd from them , they rob'd from vs , Al 's grieu'd for th' one , as for the other glad . Vaine foole , that thinkes soliditie to finde In this fraile world , where for a while we range , Which like sea-waues , depending on the winde , Ebbes , flows , calms , storms , still moouing , still in change . Each surge , we see , doth driue the first away , The fome is whitest , where the Rocke is neare , And as one growes , another doth decay , The greatest dangers oft do least appeare . Their seeming blisse that trust in frothie showes , In Fortunes danger , burthen'd with the Fates , First to a full , then to confusion growes , A secret Destinie doth guide great States . But I scorne Fortune , and was euer free From that dead wealth that wauers in her power , I beare my treasure still about with mee , Which neither Time nor Tyrants can deuour . Light authour of euents , and vaine aduenters , Now do thy worst , I know how to vndoe thee , The way is stop't by which thy poison enters , Thou can harme none but them that trust vnto thee . And I haue learn'd to moderate my minde , Contentment is the crowne of my desires : My clothes are course , my fare such as I finde , He hath enough that to no more aspires . What satisfaction doth ouer-flow my soule , While as I weigh the world which few hold fast , And in my memories vnblotted scroule , Iudge of the present by the time that 's past ? The poore-rich heire of breath that boastes of smoake , And come of dust , yet of the drosse still thinkes , Whilst baser passions doe his vertues choake , The soule ouer-ballanc'd with the body sinkes . Yet neede I not to loathe the world and liue , As one whom stepdame she would never nourish , I had a part of all that she could giue , My race , my house , by fame and wealth did flourish . And if that I would vaunt of mine owne deedes , Faire Cittie , where mine eies first suckt the light , I challenge might what most thy glory breedes Whose labours both enlarg'd thy fame and might . When Salamina vtterly was lost , And by the rascall multitude neglected , A counterfeited foole , I went and crost All their desseignes , whose courses were suspected . And when I had by pollicie perswaded My country to embrace the warres againe , I both by stratagems and strength inuaded That famous I le which vanquisht did remaine . Then hauing compass'd that exployt with speede , And turn'd in triumph deckt with strangers spoyles , No perfect blisse belowe worse did succeede , The peace that was abroade bred ciuill broyles . What with more violence doth fury leade , Then a rash multitude that wants a head ? The meaner sort could not their minds conforme , T' abide at what their betters did commaund : Then the weale-publike in a dangerous storme , All ioyn'd to place the ruther in my hand . I re-vnited that diuided state , And manag'd matters with a good successe , Which farther kindled had beene quench'd too late , That Hidra-headed tumult to suppresse . When I had both these glorious workes effected , And troad the path of sou'raignty a space , The minion of the people most respected , None could be great saue such as I would grace . Thus carried with the force of Fortunes streame , I absolutely acted what I would , For the Democratie was but a name , My hand the raines did of the Citty hold . I might a Tyrant still haue gouern'd so But my pure soule could no such thought conceiue , And that ouersight yet made me neuer woe , If I may rule my selfe it 's all I craue . Yet some that seem'd to be more subtile-witted , Saide my base sprite could not aspire t' a crowne , And foolish Solon had a fault committed , Who would not doe the like in euery towne . My minde in this a more contentment findes , Then if a Diademe adorn'd my brow , I chain'd th' affections of vndaunted mindes , And made them ciuil that were wilde till now . I hardly could rich Citizens entise , T' embrace the statutes that my Lawes contain'd , What one approou'd another did despise , Some lou'd , some loath'd , eu'n as they thought they gain'd . At last at least in shew , all rest content , Eu'n those that hate me most lend their applause , A worthy minde needes neuer to repent T' haue suffered crosses for an honest cause . I trauell now with a contented thought , The memorie of this my fancie feedes , When all their Empires shall be turn'd to nought , Time cannot make a prey of Vertues deedes . Where seuen-mouth'd Nil from a concealed source Inunding or'e the fieldes , no banckes can binde , I saw their wonders , heard their wise discourse , Rare sights enrich'd mine eyes , rare lights my minde . And if it were but this , yet this delites , Behold , how Croesus here the Lidian King , To be his guest vs earnestly inuites , The which to some would great contentment bring . But I disdaine that world-bewitched man , Who makes his gold his God , the earth his heauen , Yet I will try by all the meanes I can To make his iudgement with his fortune eauen .

CHORVS . What can confine mans wandring thought , Or satisfie his fancies all ? Is ought so great , but it seemes small To that tos'd spirit , which still af flought Doth dreame of things were neuer wrought , And would gripe more then it can hold : This sea-inuiron'd centerd ball Is not a bound vnto that minde , That minde , which big with monsters , The right deliuerie neuer consters , And seeking here a solide ease to finde , Would but melt mountaines and imbrace the winde . What wonder , though the soule of man , A sparke of heau'n , that shines below , Doth labour by all meanes it can , It selfe like to it selfe to show , This heau'nly essence , heauen would know , But married with this masse we see , With payne they spend liues little span , The better part would be aboue , The earth from th' earth cannot remoue , How can two contrair's well agree ? Thus as the best or worst part doth preuaile , Man is of much , or els of no auaile . O from what source can this proceede , T' haue humours of so many kindes , Each brayne doth diuers fancies breede , Al 's many men , als many mindes , And in the world , a man scarce findes Another of his humour right , There are not two so like indeede , If we remarke their seuerall graces And lineaments of both their faces , That can abide the proofe of sight : If the outward formes then differ as they do , Of force th' affections must be different to . Ah! Passions spoile our better part , The Soule is vext with their dissentions ; We make a God of our owne hart , And worship all our vayne inuentions . This brain-bred miste of apprehensions The mind doth with confusion fill , Whilst reason in exile doth smart ; And few are free from this infection , For all are slaues to some affection , Which doth extorse the senses still . These partiall tirants rage the sight ouersyles , And doth ecclipsie the cleerest iudgement whyles . A thousand times ô happie he , Who doth his passions so subdew , That he may with cleere reasons eye , Their imperfections fountaines view , And as it were himselfe renew . If that one might prescribe them lawes , And set his soule from bondage free , From reason neuer for to swerue , And make his passions him to serue , And be but moou'd as he had cause : O greater were that monarch of the minde , Then if he might command from Thule to Inde .

Act. II.

Scen. I. CROESVS . AESOPE . SOLON . Croe. WHo euer was so fauour'd by the Fates , As could like vs of full contentment boast , Lou'd of mine owne , and feard of forraine states , I know not what it is for to be crost . No thwarting chance my good hap doth importune , In all attempts my successe hath been such , The darling of heauen , the minion of fortune , I wot not what to wish I haue so much . Mine eyes did neuer yet dismay my hart With no delightlesse obiect that they saw , My name applauded is in euery part My word an Oracle , my will a Law . My breast cannot contayne this flood of ioyes That with a mighty streame o'reflowes my mind , Which neuer dream'd of sorrow or annoyes , But did in all a satisfaction find . My Soule then be content and take thy pleasure . And be not vex't with feare of any ill , My blisse abounds , I cannot count my treasure , And gold that conquers all , doth what I will . Aesop. That Graecian ( Sir ) is at the Court arriu'd , Whose wisdom , Fame so prodigally prayse's . Craes. And haue you not t' extend my greatnes striu'd , And entertain'd his eares with courteous phrases . Aesop. I thinke in all the parts where he hath been , In forraine Countries or his natiue home , He neuer hath such stately wonders seen , As since vnto this princely Court he come . When first he in the regall Pallace entred , As one , who borne amongst the craggie Mountaines , That neuer for to view the plaines aduentred , Acquainted but with dew and little Fountaines : If he be forc'd for to frequent the Vailes , And there the wanton water-Nimphs to see , The rarenes of the sight so far preuailes , Each strip appear's a flood , each flood a Sea . So all that he re'ncountred by the way , Did to his mind a great amazement bring , The gold-embroidred Gallants made him stay , Each groome appear'd a Prince , each squire a King . And now he com's t' attaine your Graces sight , Whom in his mind , no doubt he doth adore , He gazd on those , who held of you their light , Of force he must admire your selfe far more . Now he will set your happy Empire forth , And be eye-witnes of your glorious Raigne , One wise mans testimony is more worth Then what a world of others would maintaine . Sol. Disdaine not ( mighty Prince ) the louing zeale , Which a meane man , yet a good mind affords , And who perchance as much affects your weale , As those that paint their loue with fairer words . Croes. Thy loue ( sage Greeke ) is gratefull vnto vs , Whom Fame long since enamour'd of thy deedes , We of thy vertues haue heard her discusse , Who in extolling of the same exceedes . I wish that many such should here resort , Whose vnstain'd life would teach vs what were best ; Whose graue aspect would grace so great a Court , And like cleare Lamps giue light vnto the rest . Sol. My Sou'raigne spare , I merite no such praise , I am but one that doth the world despise , And would my thoughts to some perfection raise , A Wisedom-louer that would faine be wise . Yet with great toyle all that I can attaine By long experience , and in learned schooles , Is for to know my knowledge is but vaine , And those that thinke them wise are greatest fooles . Croes. This is the nature of a worthie minde , It rather would be good then be so thought , As if it had no ayme but Fame to finde , Such as the shadow not the substance sought . Yet that pursues thee too which thou so fliest , Still troupes applaude thy worth though thou not spie them , Whilst thou wouldst presse it downe , it mounts vp hiest ; For Fame and Honor follow those that flie them . And now I thinke in all the world none liue's , That better may vnfold what I would learne , Then thou to whom franke Nature largely giues The grace to see , the iudgement to discerne . Sol. I l'e answer freely to what you propose , If my small skill can comprehend the sence . Croes. Loe , you haue seene in what I most repose My treasures huge , my great magnificence . Sol. This is the dreame of blisse that Fortune brings , On which the wisest neuer haue presum'd I saw nought but a heape of sencelesse things , A momentarie treasure soone consum'd . This only serues the body to decore , And for corruption fram'd cannot perseuer : The minde immortall layes vp better store Of vnconsuming ioyes that last for euer . Croes. I wot not what you meane by such surmises , And faind Ideaes of imagin'd blisse , This portrait of Fancie but intices Sicke braines to dreame that which indeede they misse . But I brooke more than their conceits can show , Whose rich coniectures breede but poore effects : And I beseeke you , did you euer know A man more blest then I in all respects ? Sol. Yes , I knew Tellus an Athenian borne , Whom I holde happy in the first degree : Who eu'n the haruest of Happinesse hath shorne , He liu'd with fame , and did with honour die . For hauing long time liu'd , lou'd and respected , His country in a conflict had the worst : He come , and there falne courage re-erected , And hauing wonne the field did die vnforst . More happy now nor when he was aliue ; He dead , doth reape the guerdon of his merite , And in his childern doth againe reuiue , Who all their fathers worthy partes inherite . Croes. Well , since that to a priuate Cittizen You do ascribe the first most blest estate . Now in the second ranke of happy men Whom would you number in your owne conceate ? Sol. ô Cleobis and Biton ! now I may No doubt prefer you next , without reproach , Their mother chanc'd on a festiuall day To want two horses , for to draw her coach . Them to supply the place , Loue kindly raised , Who drew her to that place of publike mirth , And both of them exceedingly were praised , They for their pietie , she for her birth . This charitable office being ended , Both in the Church were found dead the next morrow , I thinke the gods who this good worke commended , Were loth to let them taste of farther sorrow . For why ? our liues are fraile , do what we can , And like the brittle glasse , are but a glance , And oft the heauens t' abate the height of man , Do enter our our sweets with some sad chance . Croes. Then from this Cathagorie am I secluded , And is my state so vile vnto thine eies , That as one of all happines denuded , Thou thus do'st my felicitie despise ? Or think'st thou me of iudgement too remisse , A miser that in miserie remaines , The bastard child of Fortune , barr'd from blisse , Whom heauens do hate , and all the world disdaines ? Are base companions then to be compar'd With one that may consume such in his wrath ? Who , as I please , do punish and reward , Whose words , nay , euen whose lookes yeeld life or death . Sol. Sir , be not thus commoo'ud without all reason , Nor misconceiue my meaning as you do , Those that speake freely , haue no mind of treason , I cannot be your friend and flatter to . Vnto vs Graecians ( Sir ) the gods haue granted A moderate measure of a humble wit , And in our Countrie there haue neuer wanted Some whom the world for wise men did admit . And yet amongst vs all , the greatest number Haue here dispair'd of any perfect rest , Though some a while in Fortunes bosome slumber , And to world-blinded eyes seeme to be blest . Yet ouer all mortall states , change so preuailes , We alterations daily do attend , And hold this for a ground that neuer failes , None should triumph in blisse before the end . I may compare our state to table-playes , Where by dumbe iudges matters are decided , Their many doubts , the earnest mind dismayes , The dice must first cast well , then be well guided . So all our dayes in doubt what thing may chance vs , Time runnes away , the breath of man doth chace it , And when th' occasion come's for to aduance vs , Amongst a thousand one can scarce embrace it . When two by generous indignation mooued , Would trie by sword , whose glorie , fame will smother , Whilst valour blindly by th' euent is prooued , And th' ones ouerthrow can onely grace the other . O what a foole his iudgment will commit To crowne the one with vndeseru'd applauses , Where fortune is for to giue sentence yet , While bloody agents pleade such doubtfull causes . This world , it is the field , where each man ventures , And arm'd with reason , resolutely goes , To fight against a thousand misaduentures , Both with externall and internall foes . And how can he the victors title gaine , That yet is busied with a doubtfull fight , Or he be happie that doth still remaine In Fortunes danger for a small delight . Th' abortiue course of man away fast weares , Course that consists of houres , houres of a day , Day that giue 's place to night , night full of feares , Thus all things alter , still all things decay . Who flourish now in peace , may fall in strife , And haue their fame with infamie supprest ; The euening shew's the day , the death the life ; And many are fortunate , but few are blest . Croes. I see this Grecian of a simple spirite , The which is capable of no great things , Men but aduance him far aboue his merite , He can not comprehend the States of Kings . Fame did so largely of his worth report , It made me long to haue him in my house , But all my expectations are come short , I thinke a Mountaine hath brought forth a mouse . Exit Croesus .

Act. II. Scen. II. SOLON . AESOPE . Sol. THis king hath put his trust in trustlesse treasures , Cloi'd with th' abundance of all worldy blisse , And like a hooded hawk gorg'd with vaine pleasures At randon flies , and wots not where he is . O how this makes me wonderfully sorie , To see him keepe this lifelesse wealth so straitly , Whilst witlesse worldlings wonder at his glorie , Which I not enuie , no , but pittie greatly ! Thus wormes of th' earth , whose worst part doth preuaile , Loue melting things , whose shew the body fits , Where Soules of cleerer sight do neuer faile To thesaurize the gifts of gallant wits . Those worldly things do in this world decay , Or at the least we leaue them with our breath , Whereas the other makes vs liue for ay , So differ they as farre as life and death . Aesop. And yet what wonder though that he be thus , Whose knowledge clouded is with prosp'rous windes , Though this indeed seeme somewhat strange to vs , Who haue with learning purifide our mindes . Was he not borne heire of a mighty State ? And vsde with Fortunes smiles , not fear'd for frownes , Doth measure all things by his owne conceate , Th' infirmitie that fatall is to Crownes : He hath been from his infancy addicted To all the pompous showes wealth could deuise , And still entreated , neuer contradicted , Now doth all libertie of speech despise . Though I durst not so to his fight appeare , Whose corrupt iudgement was from reason sweruing , I grieu'd to see your entertainement here So far inferior to your owne deseruing . That diuine Wisdom which the world admires , And rauish'd with delight amazed heares , Because it answer'd not his vaine desires , Did seeme vnsauorie to distemper'd eares : Eares that are euer stopt to all discourses Saue such as enter fraughted with his praises , He can loue none but them that loue his courses , And thinks all fooles that vse not flattring phrases . This wracks the great , and makes the heauens despight them ; Let vertue spread forth all her heauenly powers , If not in their owne liuery to delight them , They will not daigne her audience a few howers . Sol. I care not Aesop how the King conceated Of my franke speeches , which I euer vse , I came not here , till I was first entreated , Nor being come , will I my name abuse : Should I his poysonous Sycophants resemble , A hatefull thing to honest men that know it , I would not for his Diadem dessemble , What the hart thinks , the tongue was made to show it . And what , if his vaine humor to haue cherish'd , I had my speeches for the purpose painted , I had but gotten gifts that would haue perish'd , But nothing could haue cleer'd my fame once tainted . If I had show'n my selfe toward him officious , It would in end haue but procur'd my shame : To haue our vertue prais'd by one that 's vicious , This in effect is but a secret blame . He thinks him simple , who his anger raises , But better simply good , then doubly ill ; I neuer value my worth by others praises , Nor by opinions do direct my will . And it content's me more to be applauded By one of iudgement ( though of meane degree ) Then by a Prince of princely parts defrauded , Who hath more wealth , but not more wit then hee . Aesop. Who come to Court , must with Kings faults comport . Sol. Who come to Court , should trueth to Kings report . Aesop. A wise man at their imperfections winks . Sol. An honest man will tell them what he thinks . Aesop. So should you loose your selfe , and them not win . Sol. But I would beare no burden of their sin . Aesop. By this you should their indignation finde . Sol. Yet haue the warrant of a worthy minde . Aesop. It would be long , ere you were thus prefer'd . Aesop. Then it should be the King not I that er'd . Aesop. They guerdon as they loue , they loue by guesse . Aesop. They guerdon as they loue , they loue by guesse . Sol. Yet when I merite well , I care the lesse . Aesop. It 's good to be still by the Prince approued . Sol. It 's better to be vpright , though not loued . Aesop. But by this meane , all hope of Honor failes . Aesop. Yet honestie in end euer preuailes . Aesop. I thinke they should excell as oft they do All men in wit , that vnto men giue lawes : Kings are the Center of the Kingdome , to The which each weightie thing by nature drawes : For as the mightie Riuers , little streames , And all the liquid powers that rise or fall , Do seeke in sundry parts by seuerall seames To the maine Ocean that receiue's them all . Who as he were but steward of those waters Returne's them backe by many secret vaines , And as the earth hath need of moisture , scatters His humid treasures to refresh the plaines . So are Kings breasts the depth where daily flowes Cleere streames of knowledge with rare treasures charg'd , And thus continually their wisdom growes By many helps that others want enlarg'd . For those that haue intelligence ouer all , Do commonly communicate to Kings All th' accidents of weight that chance to fall , Their greatnes to them this aduantage brings . They being iealous find out many drifts , And by a long experience learne to scance them , Then those whom Arte or Nature lend's great gifts , All come to Kings as who may best aduance them . No doubt , those Powres who put them in their places To make their qualities with their charge euen , Do dote them with some supernaturall graces , Vice-gods on th' earth , great Lieutenants of heauen . Sol. As you haue showne , Kings haue a good occasion Whereby t' attaine vnto the height of wit . Which whoso do imbrace by good perswasion , Are surely worthy on a Throne to sit . But ah ! those Riuers are not euer pure The which through tainted channels whiles conuaid , Vile flatt'ries poyson rendred hath impure . Thus are Kings hearts oft by their eares betraid . For impudent effronted persons dare Court with vaine words and detestable lies , Whilst purer sprited men must stand afarre , The light is lothsome to diseased eies . But this doth rauish oft my soule with wonder , Some that are wise , with flatt'ry can comport , And though of all men best mens parts they ponder , Yet euer entertaine the baddest sort . Is 't that such men as those cannot controlle them , Nor neuer crosse their appetite in ought , But for each purpose that they speake extolle them , Where better wits would argue as they thought , Or as they would haue none for to resist them , So for th' aduancement of the worthiest sorie , They will haue none that may seeme to assist them , Lest any challenge intrest in their glorie . This selfe-conceate is a most dangerous shelfe , Where many haue made shipwracke vnawares : He that doth trust too much vnto himselfe , Can neuer faile to fall in many snares . Of all that liue , great Monarchs haue most need To ballance all their actions , and their wordes , And with aduise in all things to proceed : A faithfull Counsell oft great good affoordes . Loe , how th' inferior Sphears their courses bend There , whither the first Moouer doth them driue : The Commons customs on the Prince depend , His manners are the rules by which they liue . No man is onely for himselfe brought forth , And Kings for th' use of many are ordaind , They should like Sunnes , cleere Kingdoms with their worth , Whose life a paterne must be kept vnstaind . Those that are vertuous haue an ample field T' expresse their wisdom and t' extend their merite , Where meane men must to their misfortune yield , Whilst lacke of power doth burst a gallant spirite . As precious Stones are th' ornaments of rings , The Stone decores the ring , the ring the hand : So Countries are conforme vnto their Kings , The King decores the Court , the Court the Land . And as a drop of poyson spent alone , Th' infected fountaine doth with venome fill , So mighty States may be orethrowne by one ; A vicious Prince is a contagious ill . Aesop. This is an easie thing , for vs to spie And paint in th' ayre the shadowes of our mindes , And t' apprehend with th' intellectuall eie ; A blessing that no worldly Kingdom findes . Sol. I grant imaginarie groundes of ours Will neuer mooue a world-bewitched Prince , To disenchaunt himselfe , and spend some howrs His owne disseignes of follie to conuince . Ere Croesus can refraine from this his furie , He must forsake himselfe , and be renew'd , And in the Lethe of obliuion burie The vanities that haue his soule subdewd . He first must his prerogatiues al smother , And be a man , a man to be controld , Then all his faults as they were in another Like an vnpartiall Arbiter behold . Could he cast off this vaile of fond selfe-loue , Through which all things not as they are he spies , He would those wicked Parasites remoue , Vile instruments of shame that liue by lies . And th' onely meanes to force them to depart , That he might iudge more freely of his state , Were to cast out the Idole of his hart Which puffs him vp with a pride-swolne conceate . For forraine flatterers could not find accesse , Wer 't not ouer-valuing his owne worth too much , He flattred first himself and thinks no lesse But all their praises ought for to be such . And when these hireling Sycophants haue found A Prince whose iudgement selfe-conceat disarmes , They breach his weakest part , and bring to ground The greatnesse of his State with flatteries charmes . Then bearing ouer his Passions once the sway , Least by the better sort he be aduisd , To wholesome counsell they close vp the way , And vse all meanes t' haue honest men despisd . Aesop. If you at Court to credit would arise , You must not seeke by trueth t' acquire renowne , But learne t' applaud whiles what you most despise , And smile in show , whilst in effect you frowne . Sol. From Court in time I will my selfe retire , I find my humour is not fit for Court . I 'am none of those whom Croesus doth desire , I can not alway of his worth report . O that he cannot see light Fortune flout him While as he glories in this outward show , Hedg'd in with greedy Harpies round about him , That gape t' enrich themselues with his ouerthrow . Exeunt

Chorus . OF all the creatures below We must call Man most miserable , Who all his time is neuer able T' attaine vnto a true repose , His very birth may well disclose What miseries his blisse ouerthrow , For being borne he can not know Who to his state is friend or fo. Nor how at first for to stand stable , But euen with cryes and teares doth show What dangers do his life enclose , Whose griefes are sure , whose ioyes a fable ? Thus still his dayes in dolour so He to all perils must expose , And with vexation liues , and dies with wo , Not knowing whence he come nor where to go . While as he brookes this lowest place , O how vncertaine is his state , Which gouernd by a secret fate Is subiect to inconstancie , And euer changing as we see Is still in toile , neuer in peace . For if man prosper but a space , With each good successe too too bold , And puft vp in his owne conceit , He but abuses Fortunes grace : And when that with aduersitie His pleasures come to end their date , And with disasters are controld , Straight he begins for griefe to die : And still the top of some extreme doth hold , Not suffering summers heate , nor winters cold . His state doth in most danger stand That most abounds in worldlie things , And soares too hie with Fortunes wings , Which carrie vp aspiring mindes For to be beaten with all windes , The course of such being rightlie scand , Whilst men can not themselues command Transported with a pow'rles name , Oft vnexpected ruine brings . W' haue seene examples in this land , How worldlie blisse the senses blindes , And on a reed vnsurely hings , He that presumes vpon the same Hid poyson in his pleasure findes , And sailing rashlie with the windes of fame , Doth oft times sinke into a sea of shame . It 's to be fear'd our King at last Whilst he for nothing is affraid , Be by prosperitie betraid , For growing thus in greatnes still , And hauing worldlie things at will , He thinks though Time should all things wast , Yet his estate shall euer last , The wonder of th' inferiour round , And in his owne conceit hath said , No course of heau'n his state can cast , Nor make his successe to be ill ; If Fortune once those thoughts t' obbraid Will haue our King to be vn-cround , She may that mind with horrour fill , And in an instant vtterly confound The state , that stands vpon so slipprie ground , When such a Monarchs mind is bent To follow most the most vnwise , Who can their follie disguise With sugred speaches poysonous baites , The secret canker of great states , From which at first few disassent , The which at last all do repent , While as repenting lust must go , When Kings begin for to despise Of honest men the good intent , Who to assure their Soueraignes seates , Would faine in time some help deuise , And would cut off all cause of wo , Yet can not second their conceats , These dreadfull Comets commonly forgo The Kings destruction that 's miscarried so .

Act. III .

Scen. I. CROESVS . ADRASTVS . Croes. WHat vncoth fancies do affright my soule , And haue captiu'd it to a thousand feares ? Strange cares suggesting griefe my ioyes controule , My mind some comming euill charactred beares , And credulous suspition too too wise , To fortifie my feares doth meanes inuent , Whilst suddaine terrors do my sprite surprise , An ominous presage of some bad euent . I thinke the soule come of immortall brood As being partner of a diuine powre Hath a fore-knowledge both of euill and good , Although she can not flie a fatall houre . Though with this mortall vaile being made halfe blinde , She can not soare outright with her owne wings , Yet she communicates vnto the mind In cloudie dreames and misteries strange things . Th' imagination wonderfull in force Of foiles the iudgement with confusion so , That presupposing all things to be worse Then they fall foorth , we double our owne wo . For as the shadow seemes more monstrous still Then doth the substance whence it hath the being , So th' apprehension of approaching ill Seemes greater then it selfe , whilst feares are lying . This alteration too seemes more then strange , Which at an instant hath ore-whelm'd my sences , I see ( more then I thought ) all states may change , Against the heauen th' earth can find no defences . My soule her wonted pleasure else is loathing , This hath indeede so deepe impression left , A dreame , a fantasie , a shadow , nothing Hath all my mirth euen in a moment reft . Adras. Whence ( mightie Soueraigne ) can this change proceede , That doth obscure the rayes of princely grace , Those that are schoold in wo may cleerely reede , A mightie passion written in your face . And if a stranger may presume so farre , I would the copie of your passions borrow , I else coniecture in what state you are , Taught by a secret sympathie in sorrow . Two strings in diuers Lutes set in accord , ( Although th' one be but toucht ) together sound , Euen so soules tun'd to griefe the like afford , And other with a mutuall motion wound . Croes. No doubt but it disburdens much the mind , A Secretarie in distresse to haue , Who by his owne anothers griefe can finde , Where glad minds scorne what they can not conceaue . And I ( Adrastus ) would the cause declare With which I so torment my selfe in vaine , O but I blush t' vnfold my foolish care , It 's but th' illusion of a drowsie braine . Adras. According to the bodies constitution , The soule by night with fancies is afflicted , Or by these thoughts continuall reuolution , To which by day the mind is most addicted . Craes. Now whilst the Sunne did peepe through Thetis bower , And on the beauties of Aurora gaz'd , Out of my body spoild of mouing power , All faculties of life dull sleepe had raz'd , While as the sprite more powerfull then euer Since least impeached with this earthlie part The veritie from lies could best disseuer Hid mysteries vnclouding to the hart . I only haue two sonnes , and th' one you see The signe of Natures indignation beares , And from his birth day domme is dead to me , Since he can powre no pleasure in my eares . The other Atis all my life's delight , In whom the treasures of my soule are kept , I thought ( vaine be my thought ) in the twie-light I wot not whether yet I walkt or slept . Whilst he was sporting voyd of worldlie cares , Not in a lists belonging to his merites , A pointed toole of iron fell vnawares , And pearc'd his temples , and expeld his spirites . Whilst the pale carcase seem'd t' vpbraid mine eyes , The horrour of the sight my sense recald , Which when I thinke of , yet my comfort dyes , Such an exceeding feare my sprit appald . This hath me mou'd , it touch'd my state so neerelie , To match my sonne in mariage at this time With beauteous Caelia whom he lou'd most deerelie , That both might reape the pleasure of their prime . And if the heauens his o'rethrow haue decreed By destinie that can not be reuoked , So shall we haue behind some of his seed , Ere in his blossome all our hopes be choaked . Thus ere his soule lodge in the lightlesse shade , T' haue of his race t will mitigate my mind , I can not hold him altogether dead , That leaues his Image in some one behind . And for the time we do all that seemes best For to preuent those but surmiz'd annoyes , Yet for all this my mind hath neuer rest , Some secret terror still disturbs my ioyes . Adras. Ah Sir ! if but th' imagind euill of this Hath plung'd your soule in such a gulfe of griefe , Vnhappie I who waile a thing that is , And haue not meanes to hope for no reliefe . If all these dreadfull fancies tooke effect ( Which heauie chance th' almightie Ioue withhold ) It could not be compar'd in no respect With those misfortunes that my state enfold . For when your sonne fell by anothers hand , You should but waile his death , and not your crime , The heauens of me my brothers blood demand , His fate , my fault , mourne must I all my time . Croes. In what strange forme could this disaster fall , That is th' occasion of so great distresse , Tell on at length th' originall of all , To heare of greater griefe t' will make mine lesse . Adras. I haue conceald my sorrowes still till now , As too offensiue foode for daintie eares , Yet since of such a subiect you allow , I le tell a tale that may moue stones to teares . My Father of the Phrigian Princes come , Had in my growing age a tender care , That all my education might become One whom he might for mightie hopes prepare : As yet foure lusters scarcely had begun For to discerne my sex with downie cheekes , When I into that Labirinth was runne , Whence back in vaine the straying entrer sheekes . I lou'd , O fatall loue ! vnlouely fate , The vertuouslie faire , yet fairest Dame That euer was enshrin'd in soules conceat , Or gaue a dittie to the sounds of fame . Straight were my fancies to her beauties tyed , None can paint passions but in feeling mindes , I burnd , freezd , hopd , dispaird , and liud , and dyed , My actions chang'd as oft as th' Autumnes windes . Yet after many doubtfull hopes and feares That I attaind the height of my desires , She had subscrib'd a truce vnto my teares , And temperd with encountring flames my fires . For as she was the most affected Saint , Whose image was erected in my thought , She had compassion too of my complaint , And to acquit my firme affection sought . Thus whilst I triumphd in mine owne conceat , As one whose loue his Ladie did preferre , I was corriuald ( O vnhappie fate ! ) By one who lou'd , but was not lou'd by her . He looking as I look'd , saw what I saw , Saw Natures wonder , and the worlds delight : And as a blind god blind guide did him draw Still like a lizard liu'd but by her sight . Then strait he striues the Iewell for to wonne , Whose vnstaind worth he rates aboue his breath , He hates the light that comes not from my Sunne , And thinks to liue without her worse then death . And this affection fauour'd was by Fortune Which seem'd to ratifie his high rear'd hopes , The Nymph her parents dayly did importune , For to confine his flying fancies scopes . Now iudge if that my miseries were rife , Who threatned thus with eminent mishap , Was like to lose a deerer thing then life , Whilst others striu'd my treasure to entrap . The man that sought my ioyes to vndermine , I could not wish for this t' haue him ouerthrowne , Nor blame the sprite that sympathiz'd with mine , I enuied not his hap , but wail'd mine owne . Now in my breast a battell did begin , Which forc'd my soule with inward wounds to bleede , Some fancies fear'd to what his loue might winne , And possibilitie for to come speede . Then others call'd her constancie to mind , Which would not yeeld although she were inuaded , Yet forc'd to feare the frailtie of her kind . A woman that hath eares may be perswaded . Thus toss'd with doubts into a deepe of wo , Which with suspition had my ioyes supplanted , I blam'd the thoughts that durst accuse her so , As vertues patterne had one vertue wanted . As I concluded , so it come to passe , Th' affliction seru'd for fuell to affection , For she who th' ornament of women was , Would neuer wrong her worth with a defection . When in my absence they had oft assay'd To haue me from her memorie remou'd , The Sunne burn's hottest when his beames are stay'd , The more that they would let , the more she lou'd . And finding that delay no ende affords , And that faire generals are th' abusers Arte , She did repell him with disdainfull words To raze all thought of her out of his harte . Loue is a ioy that vpon paine depends , A drop of sweet drown'd in a sea of sowres , What Follie doth begin , oft Furie ends , They hate for euer , that haue lou'd for howres . When all his arguments prou'd of no force , Strait with disdaine his soule in secret bur'nd , And what he thought was euill , to make farre worse , He vnto furour all his fauour turn'd . As he extreamely lou'd , farre more he hated , And musde of many meanes how to annoy her , Which was the best a long time he debated , To see her dead , or to see me enioy her . What ? saith he when he first had musde a space , So hard it is to quench a great affection : Shall I disfigure that angelike face , And make the world ecclypsde of all perfection ? Shall she by me be to confusion brought , To whom I vowes and prayers did impart , To whom I sacrific'd my secret thought , And on her beauties altar burn'd my hart ? Or shall I see her in anothers powre , And in his bosome lie t' vpbraid my losse , Whilst both with scornefull smiles then death more sowre , To poynt me out for sport report my crosse ? That sight which sometime did me sweetly charme , Should it become a cause of griefe to me ? No , none that liue's , shall glorie in my harme , Since she will not be mine , she shall not be . Th' unlouing Louer hauing vow'd her death , Did with a cup of poison drowne my ioyes . The fairest body from the sweetest breath Was parted thus , ( O Ocean of annoyes ! ) That Monster Fame , whose many mouthes and eares Must know , but not conceale a rare thing long , And prodigall of ill , most chiefly beares The worst newes first , inform'd me of this wrong . For neighbouring neere the most vnhappy part That had been spoild of such a beeauteous guest , No sooner had death seazde on the chaste hart Then sorrow on my eares to rob my rest . How the sadde newes first sounded in my soule , I will not wearie you with long laments , Rage did the outward signes of griefe controule ; When great windes blow the fire , the smoke worst vents . Whilst generous disdaine disguisde my griefe , ( As one transported with a mighty rage ) I ranne vnto the Theater of mischiefe , A tragicke Actor for a bloody stage . For I was come no sooner to the place Whereas I thought the Murtherer to haue found , But I re'ncountred ( O vnhappie case ) Too deare a friend to catch an enemies wound . Ah passions ! dim'd mine eyes , wrath led my hand , I was no more my selfe , sorrow had kild me , The first ( t' was night ) that did before me stand , I fiercely did pursue , as Furor willd me . And as it chanc'd , ere one could speake a word , I filld his bosome with a luke warme flood , And in his kind breast drown'd the cruell sword , That in anothers body dranke my blood . When as a Torch had partly robde the night , Prowd of supposde reuenge ( ah bitter gaine ) I saw , I knew , blacke knowledge , cruell sight , T' was mine owne brother that my selfe had slaine . O bitter losse that nothing can repaire ! My soule at once with all woes armie wounded , Griefe , rage , spite , shame , amazement and despaire , Gauld , tossd , burnd , dashd , astonishd , and confounded . The thought of my offence torments me most , Yet am I whiles by my Loues verdict cleansde , And whiles my brothers violated ghost By dreadfull dreames doth boast to be reuengde . Croes. Now whilst this great disaster did occurre , What came of him who was the cause of all ? Adra. He hauing heard this lamentable sturre , Whom selfe-accusing thoughts did guiltie call , Srait strucken with a wonderful remorse , I wot not whether feare or pitie mou'd him , If not t' ore-liue her death , or dreading worse , He killd himselfe , his conscience so disproou'd him . Croes. I grant the manner of so rare mischances Would force compassion from your greatest foe , Where all the griefe-begetting circumstances Doe ioyne to make a harmony in woe . But naturall loue doth at our selfe begin , It mooues farre more to feele then heare mishaps , The perturbation that my sprite is in , Me in a maze of miscontentments wraps . We should such past misfortunes pretermit , At least no more immoderately lament them , And as for those which are but comming yet , Vse ordinary meanes for to preuent them . Adrast. No wonder Sir , although you take great care , Lest all your hopes in Atis person perish . Croes. I will by all the meanes I may , prepare To saue his youth , that he my age may cherish . If it be possible for mortall states To striue against the Starres and be more strong , I 'le vnarme Fortune , and resist the fates , By barring both all meanes to do me wrong . I haue commanded vnder paine of death , That no such weapon be within my walles , As I suppos'd should haue abridg'd his breath , T' eschew such sudden euill as rashly falles . He shall goe rarely to the fields , and then With chosen bands be guarded all the time : Loe where he communes with some countrey-men , We will go trie what they would haue of him .

Act. III. Scen. II. CHORVS of countreymen . CROESVS . ATIS . ADRASTVS . CAELIA . Lend ( Sir ) a willing eare to humble wordes , Let not our basenesse barre vs from your grace , Which still it selfe alike to all affords Who blesse their sight with that Maiestike face . My Soueraigne all his subiects well remembers , As vile as our estate is thought of now You are our head , and we are of your members , And you must care for vs , we care for you . Our pouertie to vs is no reproach , Which th' innocencie of our mind adorn's , We neuer on our neighbours bounds encroach , But by our labours liue midst many thornes . And euer busied for the Countries good , We haue no time to muse of vaine conceates , Yet earning with continuall toile our food We entertaine the pompe of prowder States . And ( Sir ) conceiue not of our meaning ill , That thus dare speake so freely as we do , Whilst mediators do dilate our will They wrest it as they will , and wracke vs too . To count'nance such as vs you neede not shunne , A great man too well grac'd may do more harme : And t' is no staine vnto the glorious Sunne , Though oft his beames an abiect obiect warme . Croes. Be not discourag'd by your base estate , Yee are my people , and I 'le heare your plaint , A King must care for all , both small and great , And for to helpe th' afflicted neuer faint . The Scepter such as these should chiefely shrowd , Not cotages , but Castles spoile the Land , T' aduance the humble and t' abate the prowd ; This is a Vertue that makes Kings to stand . Cor. Sir , our estate some speedy helpe requires , In Misia neere vnto the famous Mountaine Of great Olimpus that the World admires , There haunt's a Boare by Dianaes Fountaine Of a big body , and a hideous forme , His fomie Iawe with tuskes like Iauelins strikes , And all parts in deformitie conforme , His backe hath bristles like to yron Pikes . This Monster of Nature , wonder of Men , The Forrests tyran , and the Countries terrour , Teares all to death , and drawes them to his Den , That chance into his way by fatall errour . Whilst tender-hearted Mothers do bewaile The goared Infants toyling in their blood , Th' abhominable beast them doth assaile , And in his bowels buries both for food . Then when we fly the field where he soiournes , To haue his hunger or his rage alayde , He wastes the fruites , and ruines all the cornes , Thus the poore husbands hopes are all betrayde . Ere this , of true Repose we were the types , And pastur'd on each plaine our fleecie flockes , And made a consort of our warbling pypes , With mouing christals th' issue of the rockes . And sometime to refresh vs after trauell , With flowrie garlands shielded from Sunne-beames We gazd vpon Pactolus golden grauell , Glassd , bathd , and quenchd our thirst with his pure streames : Whilst we preferd , the Riuer seemd amazd , Vnto his golden bed , his grassye bancke , And lay and lookd whereas our cattell grazd , Without all enuie of a greater ranke . That to represse oppression you take care , This rest of ours is an effectuall token , Your Lawes like Spiders webs do not ensnare The feeble flies , and by the Bees are broken . For we by them are fenc'd from great mens pride , The Heau'ns perpetuate your prosp'rous raigne , And suffer not this sauage Boare t' abide , To turne that ease which men haue spar'd to paine . Croes. What would ye then , that should be done by me ? For to repay your losse ; repayre this wrong . Chorus . We craue none of your wealth , yet wish to see This Boare be-blood the staffe of the most strong : Let valorous Atis worthily your sonne , Backd with the best of all the Lidian Youth , Go to the fields before the rising Sunne Quench with the mornings teares his mid-dayes drouth , And we shall leade them crownd with lawrell forth , Where in a circuit small , yet a large Theater For men to make a tryall of their worth This Monster stayes : th' earth neuer nurc'd a greater . So shall we both reape profite , and they pleasure , Which may be brought to passe without great obstacle , By making this waster of the worlds treasure , Of a horrid sight , a delightfull spectacle . Croes. I may not spare my Sonne for a respect , Which is not needfull now for to be knowne , But I 'le send others for the same effect , That this pestiferous Beast may be o'rethrowne . Th' ostentiue gallants that our Grace attend , And wait th' occasion but t' aduance their strength , Against the Boare shall all their forces bend , With houndes and darts still till he fall at length . I sweare this Monster shall when he is dead , A memorable monument remaine , To Dians Church I 'le consecrate his head , The Virgin-goddesse darts no shaft in vaine . Atis. Ah wherein Father haue I thus offended ! Or what vile signe of a degenerd mind Haue you remark'd in me that euer tended To the reproch of our Imperiall kind ? That of this praise you would giue me no part , But barre me from a famous enterprise , As one vnworthie for to weeld a dart : Who still in vile repose inglorious lies , Lies like a wanton with vaine thoughts bewitchd , Who spoyld of force effeminately liues , A Peacocke but with painted pennes enrichd , Yet poore in all the parts that Glorie giues . What glorie giues those glorious Styles to me Which by succession fall , not by desart , Should but my Fame with borrowd feathers flee ; For come of Kings a kingdome is my part . Who only by his Birth aduancement claimes , Like a base bastard doth his birth-right blote , I will not beg my worth from dead mens names , Nor conquer Credit only by my Cote . What comforts this to brooke th' Imperiall seate , And all the blisse that Maiestie impartes ? If those whom only we exceed in State , Be our Superiors in farre better partes . More then a Crowne true Worth is to be valued , Th' one Fortunes gift , and th' other our owne merite , By which oft times th' afflicted Mind is salued , When Fortune takes what we by her inherite . Croes. I see what braue Desires boyle in thy Soule , And make thee with immortall wings to flee , This hie-bent courage , nothing can controule , All Lidia is not large enough for thee . Go , seeke an Empire equall with thy mind , No common limits can confine thy thought ; But while a full perfection thou wouldst find , I feare thy fall turne all our hopes to nought . And pardon me , ( deare Sonne ) it 's a great Loue That makes me watch so warily o're thy wayes , Th' affection of a Father what may moue , Whom such an eminent danger not dismayes ? The Heau'ns of late aduertisde me by Dreame , That some sadde fortune did attend thy Youth , New Meteors and strange Stars through th' aire still streame , Which are as Oracles of Ioues owne mouth . This was the cause that hastned Vs so much To haue thee bound to Himens hallow'd Law , This was the cause that all our care was such , Out of our sight all weapons to withdraw . Scorne not th' amazing Comets that thou notes , The Starres to mortall States haue termes prefixt , And thinke not only that my loue but dotes , For if thou fall , my fate with thine is mixt . Atis. Would God I had some meanes once ere my death To satisfie that infinite desart ; Which I shall hold so long as I haue breath , Deepe registred with reu'rence in my hart . Yet ( Sir ) we see it is a naturall thing For too excessiue loue t' engender feares , A sport like this can no great perill bring Where either all delights the eyes or th' eares . If from my former deedes I now should shrinke , As void of vertue to soft pleasure thrall , Of your two Sonnes what might your subiects thinke , Th' one wanting but one sense , and th' other all . What fancies might my late spousd loue possesse , To see her husband hatefull in their sights ? And from the height of Honour to digresse , To womanize with courtly vaine delights : Though women loue t' haue men at their deuotion , They hate base mindes that hatch no noble motion . Croes. Well , well , my Sonne , I see thou must preuaile , Go follow forth the chase , vse thine owne will , Yet stay , or let my words thus much auaile , Walke warilie now t' eschue this threatned ill . Thy hautie sprite t' attempt all hazards bent , I feare transport thee to a fatall strife , ( God grant I be deceau'd ) yet take good tent , Thy ouer-franke courage may betray thy life . And ( deere Adrastus , ) I must let him know What benefites I haue bestow'd on thee , Not to vpbraid thee , no , but for to show How I may trust thee best that 's bound to me . When thou from Phrigia come defild with blood , And a fraternall violated loue : When in a most extreme estate thou stood , Chac'd from thy fathers face , curst from aboue . Thou found me friendlie , and my Court thy rest , A Sanctuarie sacred for thy safetie , Where thou wast entertain'd as pleas'd thee best , I thinke those dangers scap't should make thee craftie . Yet though I grac'd thee earst , t' was but a signe Of a heroick mind that helps the wretched : But in thy hands my soule I le now consigne , And giue a proofe of loue not to be matched . Behold how Atis of our age the shield , Whose harme as you haue heard I fear'd ere now , Is to go take his pastime in the field , And with his custodie I le credit you . I must my friend euen feruentlie exhort , Wait on my sonne , remember of my dreame , This dangerouslie delectable sport , Doth make me feare the griefe exceede the game . Adras. I neuer shall those courtesies neglect , It irkes me not to thinke nor heare the same : For while this sprite these members doth direct , All shall concurre to celebrate your fame . If t' were your will I would not hence depart , Who all such motiues vnto mirth abhore , But with my passions heere , retird apart , Would waile wo past and shun all cause of more . For if I striue t' abandon my annoyes , I feare my fellowship infect with woe : Those that would recreat themselues with ioyes , Still strange mishaps attend mee where I go . Yet since you will commit this charge to me , I le vse all meanes that you may not repent you , At lest all my defects faith shall supplie , I couet nothing more then to content you . Atis. Now for to see this monsters ouglie shape , With an enflam'd desire my thoughts do burne , And Father , be not feard for no mishap , I hope soone , and victorious to returne . Caelia . Returne ? and whither loue ? O deadlie word ! That doth import thy parting from my sight , I heard thee name , mishap , ah my deere Lord ! Should such strict limits bound so large delight ? O cruell resolution , vnkind dealing , And canst thou condiscend to leaue me so ? Or from my presence priuilie thus stealing , Thinkst thou to rob a portion of my wo ? This might indeede to thee yeeld some reliefe , To haue thy eares not wounded with my mone , But would wound me with a continuall griefe . To feare all things where I should feare but one . Desist in time from this intended strife , With which thy thoughts haue vnaduisdlie entred , Remember I haue interest in thy life , Which I consent not to be thus aduentred . Hast thou not giuen a proofe in thy greene prime , That may content the most ambitious hopes , Whilst Atis was his owne , O then t' was time To follow fancies vnconfined scopes . Thy selfe then only camp'd in Fortunes bounds , Thou dost endanger Caelia likewise now , You sigh her breath , she suffer's in your wounds : You liue in her , and she must dye in you . Atis. Life of my soule , how do such broken speaches From confusde passions thus abruptlie rise ? I know my loue , thy loue my mind o're-reaches , Affection schoold with feares is too too wise . I go o're-thwart the fields for sport to range , Thy sighs do but my soule with sorrow fill , And pardon ( deere ) I find this wondrous strange , Thou neuer did till now resist my will . If I trespasse in aught against my dutie , Which makes thee thus my faith for to mistrust , Mistrust not yet the chaines of thine owne beautie , Which bind all my desires and so they must . Are we not now made one such feares o'recome , Though I would flie my selfe my selfe do fetter , And if that I would flie , from whom ? to whome ? I can loue none so well , none loues me better . Haue pittie of those peareles ( sweete eyes soules pleasures ) Lest they presage what thou would not haue done , The heau'ns had not giu'n me those pretious treasures Of such perfections to be spoyl'd so soone .

Chorus . THose that domine aboue , High presidents of heauen , By whom all things do moue As they haue order giuen : What worldling can arise Against them to repine ? Whilst castel'd in the skies With prouidence diuine They force th' inferior round Their iudgements to confesse , And in their wrath confound Prowd mortals that transgresse The couenant they made With Nature in heauens stead . Base brood of earth , vaine man , Why bragst thou of thy might ? The heauens thy courses scan , Thou walkst still in their sight , Ere thou wast borne , thy deedes Their registers dilate , And thinke that none exceedes The compasse of his fate . What heauens would haue thee to Though they thy wayes abhorre , That thou of force must do , And thou may do no more . This reason would fulfill , Their worke should serue their will . Are we not heires of death , In whom there is no trust , Who tossd with circkling breath , Are but a dramme of dust ? Yet fooles when as we erre And do th' heauens wrath contract , If they a while deferre A iust reuenge t' exact , Pride in our bosome creepes , And mis-informes vs thus , That the Eternall sleepes , Or takes no care of vs . No , th' eye of heauen beholds All what our hart enfolds . The gods digest no crime Though they continue long , And in th' offenders time Seeme to neglect their wrong , Till others of their race Fill vp the cup of wrath , Whom ruine and disgrace Long time attended hath , And Giges fault we feare To Croesus charge be layd , Which loue will not forbeare Though it be long delayd : For ô sometime the gods Must plague sinne with sharp rods . And lo how Croesus still Tormented in his mind , Like a reed on a hill , Is shiuering with each wind . Each step a terrour brings , Dreames do by night afflict him , And by day many things , All his thoughts do conuict him : He his starre would controule , This makes euill not the worst Whilst he wounds his owne soule With th' apprehension frist : Man may his fate foresee , But not shun heauens decree .

Act. IIII .

Scen. I. ADRASTVS CROESVS . CHORVS . CAn heauen behold hands staind with bloud ofttimes , And to the Stigian streames not headlongs hurld ? Can th' earth support one burden'd with such crimes , As may prouoke the wrath of all the world ? Why sends not Ioue t' haue my curss'd course confind , A death-denouncing flash of rumbling thunder , Or a tempestuous terrour-breeding wind , With violence to teare me all asunder . What vnknowne corner from the world remou'd T' inhabit in th' horizon of dispaire Shall I go now possesse and be approu'd By monsters like my selfe that hate repaire . I le go indeed whom all the world detests , Who haue no interest in the fields of blisse , And barbarize among the barbarous beasts , Where Tigers rage , Toades spue , and Serpents hisse . Yet though both th' Artike and Antartike Pole I should ouerpasse , and find th' vnpeopled zones , A wildernesse where nought were to controule My damnable cruelties but trees and stones : Yet of my deeds which all the world do tell , All this could not deface th' infamous scroule , Within my breast I beare about my hell , And can not scape the horrours of my soule . Those fearefull monsters of confusd aspects , Chimera , Gorgon , Hydra , hellish apes , Which in the world wrought wonderfull effects , And borrowed from th' infernall shades their shapes . Their deuilish formes that did the world amaze , Not halfe so monstrous as my selfe I finde , When on mine owne deformities I gaze , In the black depth of a polluted minde . No , but my mind vntainted still remaines , My thoughts in this dilict haue had no part , Which accidentallie this foule fact staines , My hands had no commission of my hart . Yet , whether it was fortune or my fate , Or some hell-hag that did direct my arme , I quaild the Lidians hopes abortiue date , And am the instrument of all their harme . Then swelling mountaines come and fall vpon me , Your height may hide me from the wrath of heauen : But this needes not , my fault hath else vndone me , No torment can with my offence be euen . Ah of what desart shall I now make choice , T' auoid the count'nance of an angrie King ? I know th' auenging sword of Croesus voice , To wound my soule hostes of rebukes doth bring . No , th' obiect of distresse I le stand alone , A memorable monster of mishap , For though Pandoraes plagues were pour'd in one , All were too few so vile a wretch t' entrap . Chor. O how the King is mou'd with Atis death , His face th' impression of a passion beares With bended eyes , crost armes , and quiuering breath , His princely roabe he desperately teares . Lo , with a silent pittie-pleading looke , Which shewes with sorrow mixt a high disdeine , He whilst his soule seemes to dissolue in smoake , Whiles eyes the corps whiles him by whom t' is slaine . Croes. Thou ruthlesse Tyrant , ruine of my blisse , And didst thou so disguise thy deuilish nature To recompence my courtesies with this ? Ah cruell wretch , abhominable creature . Thy Tigrish mind who could haue well detected ? In mortall breasts so great barbaritie ? What forward sprite could haue such spight suspected ? In hospitalitie hostilitie ? Did I reuiue thee when thy hopes were dead , When as thy life thy parents had not spar'd ? And hauing heapt such favours on thy head , Is this ? Is this ? Chor.

he would say the reward .

Adrast. I grant what you alledge , and more , is true , I haue vnto the height of hatred runne , A blood-staind Wretch , not worthy for to view The rolling Circles , nor the rayie Sunne . I 'le neuer striue to cloake my foule abuses , So for to make my forfeit to seeme lesse , And paint my fault with imperfect excuses , T' is greater farre then words can wel expresse . Nor go I thus to aggrauate my crime , And damne my selfe to be absolu'd by others ; No , no , such Rhetoricke comes out of time , I 'le not suruiue his death , as earst my brothers . Whose vnkind fall if I had followd straight , As then indeed I dyed to all delight , I had not groan'd chargd with this inward waight , But slept with shadows in eternall night . Yet must I die at last , though late growne wise , This in my minde most discontentment breedes , A thousand tort'ring deaths cannot suffise To plague condignely for so haynous deedes . Come , cause him , who the Spritelesse body buries , Vpon the Tombe to sacrifice my blood , No fitter offring for th' infernall Furies Then one , in whom they raign'd while as he stood . In whom they oft infusde their diu'lish rage , And in my bosom all their Serpents nestled , So that this hellish horror to asswage , I all my dayes haue with disasters wrestled . Croes. I find Adrastus , when I deepely scaunce Th' effectuall motiues of this fatall crosse , That not thy malice , but mine owne mischaunce Hath been th' occasion of our bitter losse . Whilst barely with a superficiall wit , We weigh the out-side of such strange euents , If but the mediate meanes our iudgements hit , We search not the first cause , this much contents . When such prodigious accidents fall out , Though they amaze our minds , and so they must , The ground of all comes from our selfe no doubt , Ah! man hath sin'd , the heau'ns are alwayes iust . Now when I search the secrets of my soule , And rip the corners of my corrupt minde , Marke of my former life th' offenciue scroule , And do examine how I was inclinde , O then I see the angry hosts of heauen Come girt with flames to plague for my offences , Which once no doubt will with the world be euen , And iudge our thoughts , words , acts , and vaine pretences . Sonne , t' is my pride that hath procurde thy fall , I 'm guiltie of thy blood , I gaue the wound Which was thy death , and whose remembrance shall My life each day with many deaths confound . Then iniust Stars , your statutes I contemne ; O! if I were confronted with the gods , I would their partiall prouidence condemne , That in such sort do exercise their rods . Ah! my Sonnes death doth shew their iudgement naught , What could he perpetrate against such Powres ? Should he haue suffred for his Fathers fault ? Whom without cause their wrong-spent wrath deuours . Now all the world those deities may despise , Which plague the guiltlesse , and the guiltie spare : Cease haples man t' outrage thy selfe thus waies ; I pardon thee , and pitie thy despaire . Adrast. O cruell iudgement of a rigorous fate ! Must I o're-liue my selfe t' entombe my Fame ? All things that I behold vpbraid my state ; Too many monuments of one mans shame . All ( and no more then I ) my deedes detest , Yet some not find a friend , I find no foe To rid the world of such a dangerous pest , Borne but to be an instrument of woe . I know what makes all worthie mindes refraine The sword against a Catife for to stretch , They this opprobrious office do disdaine , To be the Deaths-men of so base a wretch . Or must I yet a fouler fact commit , And fill the world with th' horrour of my name ? Is there some new disaster resting yet , And other funerals famous by my shame ? Or would some bastard thought lifes cause debate , That in the blasted field of comfort gleanes , No , no , in spite of heau'n I 'le force my fate , One that 's resolu'd to die , cannot want meanes . Prowd tyrant Death , and must thou make it strange ? T' involue my wearied soule in further strife , Vnlesse my courage with my fortune change , I can appoint a Period to my life . But this ( Ay me ) all hope of helpe deuours , What gaines my soule by death in those sad times ? If potent still in all her wonted powres She must remember of my odious crimes . What though vnbodied she the world forsake ? Yet cannot from her conscience be diuorc'd , It will but vexe her at the shadowie Lake , Till euen to grone the god of ghosts be forc'd . But welcome death , and O would God I had Lesse famous or more fortunately liu'd ! Then had I neuer showne my selfe so mad T' haue only been by infamie suruiu'd . Ah! haue I liu'd to see my Ladie die , And die for me , for me not worth so much ; Ah! haue I liu'd ( vnnaturall man ) to be My Brothers death , whose loue to me was such . Ah! haue I liu'd , with mine owne hands to kill A gallant Prince committed to my charge , And do I gaze on the dead body still , And in his Fathers sight my shame enlarge . Ah! haue I liu'd ( O execrable Monster ) To be accounted of a diu'lish nature , And euen by them that best my actions conster , For to be cal'd ( and iustly cal'd ) a Traitour . Yet with my blood this staine away I 'le wash , And lest my memorie make th' earth detracted , Let my name perish in my bodies ash , And all my life be as a thought vnacted . Braue Atis , now I come to pleade for grace , Although thou frown'st on my affrighted ghost , And to reuenge thy wrong this wound embrace ; Thus , thus , I toile t' attaine the Stygian coast . Cho. The man himselfe doth desperately wound , With leaden lights , weake legs , and head declinde , The body in disdaine doth beate the ground , That of his members one hath prou'd vnkinde : The fainting hand falles trembling from the sword With this micidiall blow for shame growne red , Which strait the blood pursues with vengeance stor'd To drowne the same with the same floods it shed . Who of those parties can the combate show , Where both but one , one both , strooke and sustaind , Or who shall triumph for this strange ore'throw Whereas the Victor lost , the Vanquish'd gaind . Croes. Cursde eies , what sudden change hath drownd your lights , And made your mirthfull obiects mournfull now ? Ye that were still inurde to stately sights Since seated vnder an Imperiall brow . O'reclouded now with vapours of my cares , Are low throwne downe vnto a hell of griefe , And haue no prospect but my soules despaires , The sad beholders of a rare mischiefe . O dead Adrastus I absolue thy ghost , Whose hand some secret destinie did charme , Thou hated by the Heau'ns , wert to thy cost An accidentall Actor of our harme . No doubt some angrie God hath layd this snare , And whilst thy purpose was the Boare to kill , Did intercept thy shaft amidst the aire , And threw it at my Sonne against thy will . Ah Sonne ! must I be witnesse of thy death , Who view thee thus with violence to bleed , And yet want one on whom to powre my wrath , To take iust vengeance for so vile a deed ? This wretch whose guiltlesse mind hath cleard his hand Grieu'd for his error , loe , vnforcd doth fall , And not as one that did in danger stand , For he liu'd still till I forgaue him all . Thus haue I but the heau'ns on whom I may Powre forth the poyson of my troubled spirite , In my soules bitternesse I 'm forcd to say , This seconds not their custome and my merite .

Act. IIII. Scen. II. SANDANIS . CROESVS . WHy spend you ( Sir ) with sighs th' Imperious breath , Which nought but words of Soueraigntie should breed , O weake reuenge for one that 's wrongd by death , T' adorne his triumph with a mourning weed ! This pale-fac'd tyrant , author of our ill , Who did , t' ecclypse our Ioyes , that blacke shaft borrow , Should you frame Trophees to his Tigrish will , And weare his liuery , and succumbe to sorrow ? No , though he might this outward blisse o're-throw , And you saue you of all that 's yours might spoyle , Yet whilst of one that yields no signe you show , You triumph still , and he receiues the foyle . Th' o're-flowing humor that would drowne your soule , In baser breasts might better be excusde , Who want the sprite their passions to controule , As from their birth still to subiection vsde . But you , in whom high Thoughts haue been innate , To this decay how is your Vertue come ? I blush to see my Soueraigne so abated , And Maiestie by miserie o'recome . Nor are my words out of a rockie mind , T' unnaturallize you , as not feeling smart , No , none can barre a Prince from being kind , Th' undoubted badge of an Heroick hart . That supreme Powre , by which great States do stand , Should order but th' affection , not vndoe it And I could wish you might your selfe command , Which though you may not well , yet seeme to doe it . Croes. I will not now rehearse , t' enlarge my griefe , On what iust reasons my laments are grounded , But still will muse vpon mine owne mischiefe , While as my soule a thousand wayes is wounded . What pensiue pensill euer limm'd aright The sad conceats of soule-consuming woe : Ah! words are weake to shew the swelling hight Of th' inward anguish that o're-whelms me so . Though many Monarchs iealously despise The rising Sunne that their declining staines ; And hate the Heire , who by their fall must rise , As grieu'd to heare of death , or others raignes . My loue towards Atis otherwise appeard , Whom , whilst for him I did my cares engage , I as a Father lou'd , as King not feard , The comfort , not th' encombrance of mine age . And hadst thou Sonne , as reason would , suruiu'd me , Who glauncd and vanish'd like a lightning-flash , Then death of life could neuer haue depriu'd me , Whilst such a Phaenix had reuiu'd my ash . San.

Let not these woes ecclypse your Vertues light .

Croes.

Ah! rage and griefe must once be at a hight .

San.

Striue of your sorrows for to stop the source .

Croes.

These salt eie-floods must flow & haue their course .

San.

That is not kingly .

Croes. And yet it is kindly . Where passions do domine they gouerne blindly . San.

Such wofull plaints cannot repaire your State :

Croes. Th' infortunate at least may waile their Fate . The meanest comfort can t' a wretch retourne , Is in calamine t' haue leaue to mourne . San. What graue-browd Stoick voyd of all affections , With teare-lesse eyes could that Youths death behold ? Though greene in yeeres , yet ripe in all perfections , A hoarie iudgement vnder lockes of gold . No , no man liues but must lament to see The worlds chiefe hope euen in his blossome choaked : But men cannot controll the Heau'ns decree : And mischiefe done , can neuer be reuoked . Then let not this torment your mind no more , This crosse with you alike your Countrie beares , If wailing could your ruinde State restore , Soules fraught with griefe should sayle in Seas of teares . Lest all our comfort dash against one shelfe , And his vntimely end occasion yours , Haue pitie of your people , spare your selfe , If not to your owne vse , yet vnto ours . Croes. When Sandanis , I first thy faith did find , Thou diu'd so deepely in my bosom then , That since thou kept the key still of my mind , And knew what I conceald from other men . Behold , I go to open vp to you ( Deare Treasurer of all my secrets still ) A mightie enterprise I mind for now : A Phisicke in some sort t' asswage my ill . Which may vnto my soule yield some reliefe , And make me to forgoe sad thoughts content , Or els acquire copartners in my griefe , If not for me , yet with me to lament . Sand. This benefite must bind me with the rest , To loue your Maiestie , and wish you well , I 'le giue you my aduise , and I protest , That you take friendly what I freely tell . Croes. Since that it hath not pleasde the Diuine powres , That of my of-spring I might comfort claime , Yet lest the rauenous course of flying howres Should make a prey of my respected name , I hope t' engender such a generous brood , That the vnborne shall know how I haue liu'd , And this no doubt would do my ghost great good , To be by famous Victories reuiu'd . I 'le Eagle-like so are with Fames immortall wings , Vnlesse my hie-bent thoughts themselues deceaue , That hauing acted admirable things , I may scorne death , and triumph o're the graue . Yet haue I not so settled my conceate That all opinions are to be despisde , Vnfold your iudgement touching my estate , Take heed I 'le tell you what I haue deuisde . Some Scithian Shepherd in a high disdaine , As I haue heard rehearst by true discourses , To plague some of the Medes with endlesse paine , Did entertaine them with Thiestes courses . And to content their more then Tigrish wishes , They with the infants flesh the parents fed , Who not suspecting such polluted dishes , Did in their bowels burie whom they bred . Then after this abhominable crime , They come vnto my fathers famous court , And working on th' aduantage of the time , Did as they pleas'd of what was past report . They shew'd what seru'd to help , and hid the rest , Whilst pittie pleaded for afflictions part , He noble-minded fauouring the distrest , Was woon to them by this Sinonick art . San. Oft Kings of Iudges thence haue parties gone , Where both their eares were patent but to one . Croes. Then Ciaxare Monarch of the Medes , To prosecute those fugitiues to death , In indignation of my fathers deedes , Did boast them both with all the words of wrath . My father thinking that his court should be A sanctuarie for all supplicants , Did leuie men , that all the world might see He helpt the weake , and scorn'd the mighties vaunts . Thus mortall warres on euery side proclaim'd , With mutuall domage did continue long , Till both the armies by Bellona tam'd , Did irke t' auenge or to maintaine a wrong . It chanc'd whilst peace was at the highest dearth , That all their forces furiouslie did fight , A suddaine darkenes courtain'd vp the earth , And violentlie dispossest the light . I thinke for Phaeton the Sunne lookt sad , And that the bloodie obiects that he saw Did wound his memorie , with griefe gone mad , He from the world his wagon did withdraw . Yet Ignorance the mother of confusion , With wresting natures course found cause of feares , Which well edg'd on by wiser mens illusion , Was cause of concord and of truce from teares . Then straight there was a perfect peace begunne , And that it might more constantly indure , Astiages the King of Medias sonne , A mariage with my Sister did procure . A deadlie rancour reconcil'd againe , Must seal'd with consanguinitie remaine . Croes. He since his fathers age-worne course was ended . Hath rulde his people free from blood or strife , Till now a Viper of his loynes discended , Would by his ruine make himselfe a life . I meane by Cyrus base Cambises brood , Who by a Bitch nurst with the countrey swaines , Degener'd farre from any princely blood , The doggish nature of his nurse retaines . He come against his Grandfather to feeld , And vnexpected with a mightie powre , Ouerthrew his forces , forc'd himselfe to yeeld , Who captiue kept now waits for death each howre . That you may see now what my interest is , I made recitall of this ruthfull storie , Those circumstances shew that shame of his Tends to the derogation of our glorie : That any dare presume to trouble thus One whome our kingdomes fauour should defend , In strict affinitie combind with vs , Yet not respected for so great a friend . My ioylesse soule with this will be reioyc'd , Whilst I to warre against that rebell go : I hope that both shall know how they haue choyc'd , Th' one a kind friend , and th' other a fearce fo. San. Though Natures law you car'd not to transgresse , And this your wrong'd allye would not repare , Yet the regard t' a Monarch in distresse , Should moue the mightie with a mutuall care . These terrours to that thunder in your eare , I thinke the Lidians will not well allow , For when the Cedar falls , the Oake may feare , Th' Assirians ore-throw may astonish you . And when we see our neighbours house afire , Then we may iudge our owne to be in danger , It 's better first with others to conspire , Or we be forc'd our selues t' inuade that stranger . Ah this is but the out-side of your course , A dangerous ambush by ambition planted , There may come raging riuers from this source , To drowne your state whilst fancies are vndanted . I know these new-borne monsters of your mind , Haue arm'd your rauish'd thoughts with faire conceates , Yet may these wonders that you haue diuin'd , Proue traiterous proiects painted for deceates . And ( pardon Sir ) it is not good to be Too rashlie stout nor curiouslie wise , Lest that you from that which is certaine flee , And not attaine to that which you deuise . Croes. I grant indeed which very few shall know , Though I designe but to relieue my friend , My thoughts are aym'd ( this vnto you I le show , ) And not without great cause , t' a greater end . You see how Fortune nought but change affects , Some are reproach'd that others may be praisd , And euery age brings forth some strange effects , Some must be ruin'd , others must be raisd . I doubt not you haue heard who was the first Whom fame for warring with the world reuiues , Who had of soueraigntie so great a thirst , That it could not be quenchd with thousands liues . T' was he who first obtain'd the name of Ioue , Who was reputed for his glorious acts , The most imperious of the powers aboue , That vowes and offrings of the world exacts . He all his time could nought but terrour breathe , To make the world acquaint with warre and dearth , The chiefest sergeants deputed by death , That made th' Assirians soueraignes of the earth . Yet since his course the worlds first plague was past , His successours who many ages raign'd , Made shipwrack of their Empire at the last , And by the Medes were thral'd , scorn'd , and disdain'd . This was the cause of that great kingdomes fall , A King who could not iudge of kinglie treasures , With losse of scepter , honour , life and all , Did buy his base delights and seruile pleasures . To that disastred Monarchies decay , Th' aspiring Persians purpose to succeede , But I intend to crosse them by the way , And quaile their courage ere that they can speede . The Persians once the Lidians force must proue , And , O who knowes but that it is ordain'd At the Tribunall of the States aboue , That I should raigne where famous Ninus raign'd . This all the host of heauen ofttimes foretells , To this the gods of Greece my mind haue mou'd , And he that in th' Arabian desart dwells , By his response this enterprise approu'd . San. Thus still in loue with what we mind to do , What we affect we fairest still conceaue , This feedes our humour whilst we labour , to Seeme full of wit our selues for to deceaue . You flatter so yourselfe , you can not spye What secret danger this designe doth beare , But whilst I looke with an indifferent eye On your intentions , I find cause of feare . You vnaduisdlie purpose to pursue A barbarous people that are foes to peace , Who but by rapine to their greatnes grew , And would for each light cause the warres imbrace . No daintie silks of the Assirian dye , Do deck their bodies to abase their mindes , But cloath'd with wild beasts skinnes they do defye The force of Phoebus rayes , and Eols windes . They simplie feede and are not grieu'd each day , With stomacks cloyd decocting diuers meates , They fare not as they would , but as they may , Of iudgement sound not carried with conceates . These vncorrupted customes that they hold , Make all things easie that they feele no paine , This cooles the Sommers heate , kils Winters cold , This makes the Riuers dry , the Mountaines plaine . Those whose ambition pouertie did bound , Of the delights of Lidia if they taste Will haue in hatred straight their barren ground , And insolentlie all our treasures waste . To gouerne such although that you preuaile , You shall but buy vexation with your blood , And do your selfe and yours , if fortune faile , From a possessed Soueraigntie seclude . Yea , though this rash desire your iudgement leades , I for my part must praise the gods for you , The haue not put into the Persians heads , To warre against the Lidians long ere now . Croes. These flames that burne my brest must once burst out , Your counsaile for more quiet minds I leaue , And be you still thought wise , so I proue stout , I le conquer more , or lose the thing I haue . Caelia . YEt am I forc'd out of afflictions store , To ease my mind a few sad words to straine , And but vnlode it now to lode it more , I emptie but mine eyes to fill againe . My soule must sound euen as my passions strike , Which now are tun'd to nothing but mischiefe , My breast and eyes are both accurst alike , The cabinet of care , the cells of griefe . O cruell heauen , fierce starre , vnhappie fate , Too foule iniustice of the diuine powres , Whose high disdaine t'wards me with partiall hate , The comfort of the world ( sad world ) deuoures . Curst be the day in which I first was borne , When lying toungs affirm'd I come to light , A monstrous blasphemie , a mightie scorne , Since t' was to darkenes and a ioy-set night . O happie if I then had chanc'd to smother , That the first houre had been the last to me , Then from one graue t' haue gone vnto another , I should haue dide to liue , not liu'd to die . What profited to me my parents ioyes , That with such pomp did solemnize my birth , When I must be the mirrour of annoyes , And all my dayes taste but one dramme of mirth ? Which seru'd for nothing but to make me know , The height of horrour that was to succeed , I was but raisd vp high to be brought low , That short-liu'd ioyes might endless anguish breed . That nothing might for my confusion lack , All my best actions but betray'd my state , My vertues too were guiltie of my wrack , And warr'd against me banded with my fate . For whilst my Virgin-yeares with praise I past , Which did ( ah that it did ) too much import , My modest eye told that my mind was chast : This gain'd the warrant of the worlds report , And Maides must haue a great respect to fame , No greater dowrie then an vnstain'd name . Faire beauties Goddesse , thou canst beare record , My offring neuer made thine altar rich , All such lasciuious fancies I abhord , My free-borne thoughts no follie could bewitch . Till happilie ( ah so it seem'd to some ) Ah but vnhappelie th' euent hath prou'd : All this and more to Atis eares did come , Who straightway likt , and after liking lou'd : Then to our eares his purpose did impart , Not lip-sick-louer-like with words farre sought , His toong was but the agent of his hart , Yet could not tell the tenth part of his thought . And lest his trauells should haue seem'd to tend To breach my honour , worke my fames decay , He brought his wishes to a lawfull end , And by th' effect , th' affection did bewray . Their Iuno president of wedlockes vowe , And Hymen with his saffron-colour'd cote , Our loue with sacred customes did allow , Whilst th' ominous Owles no crosses did denote . The blessing that this marriage did procure , It was too great to haue continu'd long , A thing that 's vehement can not indure : Our ioyes farre past th' expressing of the toong , Who euer did full satisfaction finde , Yet with satietie were neuer cloy'd , We seem'd two bodies gouern'd by one mind , Such was the happines that we enioy'd . He lou'd me deerely , I obey'd his will , Prowd of my selfe because that I was his , A harmonie remaind betwixt vs still , Each in another plac'd their chiefest blisse . This mou'd th' immortalls to a high disdaine , That thus two worldlings who of death were heires , Should in a paradise of ioyes remaine , Which did exceede , at least did equall theirs . But chiefly Iuno did dispight it most , Who through a iealousie still iarres with Ioue , That bodie-prison'd soules of that could boast , Which she ( although Heauens Queene ) had not aboue . Thus euen for enuy of our rare delights ; The fatall Sisters by the heauens subborn'd , Of my soules treasure closd the louely lights , By which they thought the earth too much adorn'd . O but he is not dead , he liues in me , Ah but I liue not , for I dide in him , The one without the other can not be , If death haue set his eyes , mine must looke dim . Since to my sight that Sunne no more appeer'd , From whom my beauties borrowed all their rayes , A long ecclipse that neuer shall be cleer'd , Hath darkned all the points of my sad dayes . Ay me ! I liue too long , he dide too soone , Thus still the worst remaine , the best depart , Of him who told how this black deede was done . The words like swords shall euer wound my hart . Fierce tyrant Death , that in thy wrath didst take One halfe of me , and left an halfe behind , Take this to thee , or giue me th' other backe , Be altogether cruell , or all kind . For whilst I liue , thou canst not wholy dye , O! euen in spite of death , yet still my choyce , Oft with th' Imaginations loue-quicke eye , I thinke I see thee , and I heare thy voyce . And to content my languishing desire , Each thing to ease my mind some helpe affords , I fancie whiles thy forme , and then afire , In euery found I apprehend thy words . Then with such thoughts my memorie to wound , I call to mind thy lookes , thy words , thy grace , Where thou didst haunt , yet I adore the ground , And where thou stept , O sacred seemes that place ! My solitary walks , my widowd bed , My driery sighs , my sheets oft bathd with teares , These can record the life that I haue led Since first sad newes breath'd death into mine eares . I liue but with despaire my sprite to dash , Thee first I lou'd , with thee all loue I leaue ; For my chaste flames extinguishd in thy ash Can kindle now no more but in thy graue . By night I wish for day ; by day for night ; Yet wish farre more , that none of both might bee ; But most of all , that banishd from the light I were no more , their courses for to see . At night revoluing my despaird estate , I go to summe with sighs my wonted ioyes , When in an agonie , a grieu'd conceate Doth blot th' unperfect compt with new annoyes . When Sleepe the eldest brother of pale Death , The Child of darkenesse , and Father of rest , In a free prison hath confinde my breath , That it may vent , but not with words exprest . Then with my sprite thou enterst for to speake With honyed speaches to appease my griefe , And my sad heart that labourd for to breake , In this fayn'd comfort finds a while reliefe . Yea , it our soules remaind vnited so , This late diuorcement would not vexe my mind , But when I waken , it augments my woe , Whilst this a dreame , and me a wretch I find . O happy , if I had been happy neuer , But happier , if my happinesse had lasted : Yet had I in this state chanc'd to perseuer , My dayes had with excessiue ioyes soone wasted . Why waste I thus , whilst vainely I lament , The precious treasure of that swift Post Time ? Ah! pardon me , ( deare Loue ) for I repent My lingring here , my Fate , and not my crime . Since first thy body did enrich the Tombe , In this spoild world , my eye no pleasure sees , And Atis , Atis , loe , I come , I come To be thy Mate , amongst the Mirtle trees .

CHORVS . LOe all our time euen from our birth , In nought but miserie exceeds , For where we find a moments mirth , A Month of mourning still succeeds , By all the euills that Nature breeds , Which daily do our sprites appall , Th' infirmities that frailtie sends , The losse of it , that fortune lends : And such disasters as oft fall : Yet to farre worse our states are thrall , Whilst wretched man with man contends , And euery one his whole force bends , How to procure anothers losses ; But this torments vs most of all , The mind of man , which many a fancie tosses , Doth forge vnto it selfe a thousand crosses . O how the Soule with all her might Doth all her heau'nly forces straine ! How to attaine vnto the light Of Natures wonders , that remaine Hid from our eyes , we striue in vaine To seeke out things that are vnsure : In Sciences to seeme profound , We diue so deepe we find no ground , And the more knowledge we procure , The more it doth our minds allure , Of mysteries the depth to sound : Thus our desires we neuer bound , Which by degrees thus drawne on still , The memorie may not indure : But like the tubs that Danaus daughters fill , Doth drinke no faster then it 's forc'd to spill . Yet how comes this ? and O how can Diuine Knowledge the Soules chiefe treasure Occasion such a crosse to man ? That should afford him greatest pleasure : O it 's because we cannot measure The limits that to it belong ! But for to tempt forbidden things , Do soare too high with Natures wings : Still weakest whilst we thinke vs strong , The Heau'ns that thinke we do them wrong , To trie what in suspence still hings , This crosse vpon vs iustly brings : With knowledge , knowledge is confusde , And growes a griefe ere it be long . That which a blessing is , being rightly vsde , Doth grow the greatest crosse , when it 's abusde . Ah! what auailes this vnto vs , Who in this vaile of woes abide , With endlesse toile to studie thus , To learne the thing that Heau'n would hide : And trusting in too blind a guide , To spie the Planets how they moue , And too transgressing common barres The constellation of the starres , And all that is decreed aboue , Whereof as oft th' euent doth proue , Th' intelligence our welfare marres , And in our breasts breeds endlesse warres , Whilst what our Horoscopes foretell , Our expectations do disproue , Those apprehended plagues proue such a Hell , That we would wish t' vnknow them till they fell . This is the pest of great Estates ; They by a thousand meanes deuise How to foreknow their doubtfull Fates , And like new Giants scale the Skies , Heau'ns secret store-house to surprise : Which sacriligious skill we see With what great payne they apprehend it , And then how foolishly they spend it , To learne the thing that once must be : Why should we seeke our destinie ? If it be good , we long attend it , If it be euill , none may amend it ; Such knowledge further rest exiles , T' is best to abide the Heau'ns decree , It 's to be feard , those whom this Arte beguiles , Do change their fate & make their Fortune wheeles . And loe of late , what hath our King By his prepost'rous trauels gaind , In searching each particular thing That Atis Horoscope containd ; But what the Heau'ns had once ordaind , He could not by no meanes preuent , And yet he labours to find out Through all the Oracles about , Of future things th' vnsure euent , This doth his rauing mind torment , Now in his age vnwisely stout To fight with Cyrus , but no doubt The Heauens are grieu'd for to heare told Long ere the time their hid intent . Let Tantalus b' a terror to th' o're-bold That dare Ioues cloudy secrecies vnfold .

Act. V.

Scen. I. CYRVS . HARPAGVS . Goe , Let vs triumph o're these vnthron'd thralls , Whose maymed greatnesse to confusion runnes , Who forfeited their glorie by their falles ; No hand that fights is pure , but that which winnes . The rauisht world that fraught with doubts did stand , To see the bloody end of this dayes toyle , Saw how the Heau'ns placd lightning in my hand , To thunder on all those that sought my foyle . Now therefore let vs first deuoutly go And lose our vowes , the gods detest th' ingrate , And who delight t' adore their deities so , Do neuer faile t' establish their estate . Goe load the Altars , smoke the sacred places With Bullocks , Incense , Odours of all kinds , Though none can giue the gods that flow in graces A sweeter Sacrifice then thankefull minds . Har. Though all that indenized in this Vale Walke here confinde within this fertile Round , And are tapestred with this azure Pale , T' adore the gods by many meanes are bound . Yet there are some particularly , I find , Whose names are written in their dearest scrowles , Whom extraordinary fauours bind , Euen to prefer them to their very Soules . Of which ( Sir ) you are one , your deeds declare , Of you amidst innumerable broyles , Euen from your cradle they haue had a care , And led you safe through all your greatest toyles . Though of the dangers of your youth I see The thought no more with griefe your mind importunes ; Yet I thinke on who had the hap to be An Actor in your Tragick-Comick fortunes . Cyr. The accidents that in our Nonage chance , When as our yeers grow rype , slide out of thought Like fabulous dreames that Darknesse doth aduance , And are by Day disdaind as things of nought . For our Conceptions are not then so strong As for to leaue th' impression long behind , Yet mixe ( deare Friend ) old griefes new Ioyes among , And call afflicted Infancy to mind . Har. Who would not wonder at thy wondrous Fate , Whose ruine ere thy Birth appeard conspir'd ? Who vnbegun , seemd to expire that date , Which now begun , shall neuer be expir'd . Your Mother first her Syre with cares did sting , While as he dreamd , which yet his soule confounds , That from her wombe there did a Vine-tree spring , Which did o're-shadow all great Asiaes bounds . Then to the Magies strait he gaue in charge , To trie what this strange Vision did presage , Who hauing studied their darke Art at large , Gaue this response with a prophetick rage . That once his Daughter should bring forth a Sonne , For glorious Acts exceedingly renownd , By whom th' Empire of Asia should be wonne ; By whom his Grandfather should be vncrownd . This to Astiages a terrour bredde , Who labouring to anull the heau'ns decree , Aduisde as best his Daughter for to wedde T' a powrelesse stranger , but of base degree . Then of Cambises he by chance made choyce , And for his barb'rous Countries cause the rather , Whom by your birth the Princesse did reioyce , And further then before affright her Father . Thus tyrannie by feeble sprites begun , Doth force the Parents in despaire to fall , A dastard to attempt , prowd hauing wonne , Which being feard of all , doth still feare all . And tyrants no securitie can find , For euery shadow frights a guiltie mind . This Monarch , whom scarce Armies could surprise , Whom gallant Guards and stately Courts delighted , Who triumphd o're th' Earth , threatned the Skies , A Babe scarce borne , come of himselfe , affrighted . And whilst Lucina the last helpe did make , As if some vgly Monster had been borne , A Minotoure , a Centaure or a Snake , The worlds terror , and the Mothers scorne . The Nephews birth , that would haue seemd t' impart Vnto the Grandfather great cause of ioyes , As if the naked hand had pierc'd his hart , Did winde him in a maze of sad annoyes . And to preuent a but suspected spight , By giuing an occasion of iust hate , He sought by robbing you the new-found Light , To make your birth and burial of one date . Soone after this he sent for me in hast , Whom at that time ( and not in vaine ) he lou'd , Then shewd me all the circumstances past , Wherewith his marble mind seemd nothing mou'd : Out of the which , as he would let me know , All complements of pittie were not blotted , He would this superficiall fauour show , Not with your blood to haue his owne hands spotted . Thus hauing lulld asleepe the conscience , still The wicked would extenuate their crimes , Not knowing those that but allow of ill , Are Actors in effect , guiltie all times . Yet with his fault he would haue burdend me , And willd that I an Innocent should slay , I promisde to performe his rash decree , Well weighing whom , but not wherein t' obay . When I had parted from his Highnesse face , And caried you ( then swadled ) with me too , Through th' apprehended horror of my case , I stood perplex'd and wist not what to do . Necessitie tooke place , I waild with teares Th' vntimely funeralls ( as I thought ) of you , My soule confounded with a swarme of feares , Did with sad sighes my message disallow . Yet t' him I send a seruant of mine owne , Who for the time was Heards-man to the King , To whom I made all my commission knowne , But as direct to him shew'd euery thing . Deliuering you with an vnwilling breath , Then with a mantle of pure gold array'd , I threatned him with many a cruell death , If that your death were any way delay'd . Straight for to execute th' intended doome , He from my sight did all astonish'd go : Too great a charge for such a simple groome , The shew of Maiestie amaz'd him so . O what a wonder is 't for to behold , Th' vnfailing prouidence of powrefull Ioue , Whose brazen edicts can not be controld , Firme are the statutes of the states aboue . That mortall whom th' immortalls fauour shields , No worldlie force is able to confound , He may securely walke through dangers fields , Times and occasions are t' attend him bound . For loe before the Herds-man was come home , His wife of a dead burden was deliuered , Who wondred so to see her Husband come , That with a secret terrour faintlie shiuered . She straight grew curious for to know the forme How he a Babe so beawtifull obtaind , Who did her suddainly of all informe , And to what crueltie he was constraind . See quickly then th' occasion to imbrace , No doubt inspir'd by some celestiall powre , Prayd him t' expose her dead child in your place , Yet where no beasts repair'd him to deuoure : So shall we haue ( saith she ) a double gaine , Our off-spring shall receiue a stately tombe , And we a princely infant , to remaine Still nurst with vs as th' issue of my wombe . The Husband likte so well his Wiues intent , That all what she affected he effected , And soone I had one of my houshold sent , To try if all were done as t' was directed : He seeing the babe dead , dead in that weed , With that rich funerall furniture about him , Told what the fellow told , and I indeed Reposd on his report , for who could doubt him ? In end , Time posting with houre-feth'red wings , Had giuen you strength with others of your yeeres , You past the time , not nephews vnto Kings , But for that time admitted for your peeres . They faile , call Fortune blind , she sight bewrayd , And your authoritie by lot inlarg'd , In pasturall sports who still the scepter swayd , And as but borne for that , that best discharg'd . Then with the other children as it chanc'd , A noble man of Medeas sonne remaind , Who swolne with enuy to see you aduanc'd , Your childish charge with scornefull words disdaind . You spighting at that proud attempt of his , Did punish him as it became a Prince : I doubt now ( Sir ) if that you thinke on this , The rest of rashnes did your deed conuince . Cyr. More mightie matters now to muse vpon , My memorie with the remembrance cloy , That those are all forgot , and yet tell on , For I delight to heare this childish toy . Harpa. The father of the child inform'd the King How such a base-borne boy abusd his sonne , And causd an Esquire straightway you to bring , To suffer for the fault that you had done . And when the King accusd you in his sight , As the presumptuous brat of a base clowne , You boldlie did maintaine that you had right To scourge one that rebeld against your crowne . The King astonish'd at th' imperious words Of one so magnanimous , and so yong , Doth pawse awhile , and straightway he records , That you were you , and I had done him wrong . The tortour to the Net-heard was presented , Who soone for feare confest ( O suddaine change ) The King as seem'd exceedinglie contented , Sent one for me to heare the tidings strange . And as he had good cause , in shew delighted , Did for a solemne Sacrifice prepare , And me as his most speciall guest inuited , Who with my sonne did straight to Court repaire . When light was banish'd by nights shaddowie sable , The candles by his forfait taking place , They seru'd me with my sonnes flesh at the table , Then did vpbraid me with his bloodlesse face . What anguish , or what rage ore-flow'd my soule , A louing father may imagin best , Yet at that time I did my rage controule , But laid it vp for euer in my brest . Cyr. Some of the wise men then I heard remain'd , Who from their former sentence did recoyle , Saying , no danger was since I had raignd , And so dismist me for my natiue soyle : Where when I had my vnripe season spent , Your Letter came to giue my fire new fuell , And told how many of the Medes were bent , T' abandon their owne Lord that prou'd so cruell : And wish'd if to that Scepter I aspir'd , That I should moue the Persians to rebell , Which did succeed euen as my soule desir'd , For they disdain'd in seruitude to dwell . I plac'd my gallant troupes in warlike ordour , And lest th' occasion should haue slipt away , March'd with my armie to my enemyes bordour , Whereas you had the conduct for that day . Harpa. Lo how those wretches that the heau'ns would wrack Are spoild of iudgement : that proud Tirant offred The charge to me not thinking I would take A high reuenge for th' iniurie I suffred , Which was so deepelie rooted in my hart , My countryes thraldome , and mine owne disgrace , And all the horrours that death could impart , Seem'd nought to me so my disdaine tooke place . Cyr. T' is dangerous trusting one that 's wrong'd we see , Iust rancour vnreueng'd can neuer die . Harpa. That was the first beginning of your glorie , Which since hath been augmented by degrees , And which by time may breed so braue a storie , As may be pretious in all Princes eyes . Cyr. Behold how Croesus with his riches blinded , Durst come t' encounter with my warlike bands , And through a long prosperitie high-minded , Was not affrayd to fall before my hands . But he and his confederates haue seene , How Victorie doth still my troupes attend , And Persia must be once all Asiaes Queene , Or we shall warre vnto the worlds end . Now Croesus is ore-come rich Sardis taken , And Lidia fraught with gold is made our spoyle , Th' Egiptians haue th' vnprosp'rous league forsaken , This is the happie end of all our toyle . But ah one sowre vnseasons all my sweetes , Braue Abradatus my brother in armes , Whose praise through all the peopled circuit fleetes , And with his loue each generous courage warmes . Whilst but ouer-bold for to be backt so badlie , Th' Egiptian Chariots desperatlie he charg'd : There with euill-fortun'd valour fighting madlie , His soule out of th' earths prison was enlarg'd . Harpa. No doubt that dame this trouble hardlie beares , Who only seem'd for him t' account of life : I heard him whilst she bath'd his Coach with teares , Wish to proue worthie of so rare a wife . When their farewell was seal'd , last speaches spent , She kist the Coach that did containe her trust , And with eyes big with pearle gaz'd where he went , Still till her sight was choak'd with cloudes of dust . Cyr. I heare you haue not heard how his death prou'd The black beginning of a bloudie scene , His wife Panthea at the first not mou'd , Seem'd as she had some marble image beene . The bodie that had oft her fancies fir'd She causd beare out of sight , still deere , though dead , But being to Pactolus banks retir'd , She in her bosome did entombe his head . And then from rage she did some respit borrow , For sorrow by degrees a passage seekes , Vapouring forth sighes that made a cloude of sorrow , A tempest then of teares rain'd downe her cheekes . And whilst her eye the wonted obiect misses , She many a languishing looke doth cast , And on the senseless lips still lauish'd kisse , As affectionedlie as in times past . I poasted thither for to haue releeu'd This Ladie of a portion of her woes , Heauen beare me witnes I was greatlie grieu'd , Who would , to saue one friend , spare hosts of foes . She first a space me passionatlie eyde , Then with these words her lips did slowlie moue , My husband loe hath valourouslie dyde , Well worthie of your friendship , and my loue . When I had all the flowres of comfort vsde . That a sad soule o'recharg'd with griefe could show , I went away with words that were confusde , And scarcely could my last farewell forth throw . I was not well departed from her face , When as she char'gd the Eunuchs out of sight , Then pray'd her nurse to burie in one place Her and her Lord , as they deseru'd of right . Then looking on his corps she drew a sword , And euen as if her soule had flowne in him , She stabd her selfe , then falling on her Lord , Her beauties blubbered starres were waxing dim . The faithfull Eunuchs for their Sou'raigne sorie , And scorning to suruiue so rare a date , In emulation of their mistresse glorie , Dide violentlie partners of her fate . O sweet Panthea rich in rarest parts ! I must admire thy ghost though thou be gone , Who mightst haue made a monarchie of harts , Yet loth'd vnlawfull loues , and lou'd but one . O wondrous wonders , wonders wondrous rare ! A woman constant , such a beautie chaste , So pure a mind ioyn'd with a face so faire , Beautie and Vertue in one person placde ! Both were well match'd as any could deuise , Whose vndiuided end their choyce alowes , He valorous , she vertuous , both wise , She worthie such a mate , he such a spouse . And Harpagus , lest that it should be thought , The memorie of vertuous minds may dye , Cause build a stately tombe with statues wrought , Where their dead bodies may respected lye . Har. I 'le raise a Piramide of Croesus spoyles , Where all their famous parts shall be comprisde , But how t' insist in these tumultuous broyles , T' is best now ( Sir ) that you were well aduisde . Your aduersarie doth attend your will , This hautie citie humbled hath her crest , And therefore go to pardon , or to kill , To saue , or sack , euen as you shall thinke best . Cyr. Abstract for old Croesus I am else resolu'd , He with some captiues which I keep in store , Shall haue their bodies by the fire dissolu'd , As offrands to the Gods that I adore . This citie shall my souldiers paines defray , Since by their force it hath been brought to bow , I yeeld it vnto them as their iust pray , Who taste the sweetnes of their trauels now . Of other things we shall so well dispose , That our renowne o're all the world shall shine , Till Cyrus name b' a terrour to all those , I That dare against his Sou'raigntie repine .

Act. V. Scen. II. NVNTIVS . CHORVS . AH to what part shall I my steps addresse , The burden of base bondage to eschue ? Lo , desolation , ruine , and distresse , With horrour doth my natiue home pursue . And now poore countrey take my last farewell , Farewell all ioy , all comfort , all delight : Chor. What heauie tidings hast thou for to tell , That tear'st thy garments thus , tell thy sad plight ? Nun. I tell the wrack of vs , and all that liue Within the circuit of this wretched soyle . Cho. A hideous shout we heard the Citie giue , Is 't in th' enemies hands , is 't made his spoyle ? Nun.

It 's made his spoyle .

Cho.

And is our Sou'raigne kild ?

Nun.

No , but yet neerely scapt doth liue in danger .

Cho. Then let our eares be with disasters fild , And must we beare the yoke of that prowd stranger ? Nun. You know how Croesus at th' aduantage lay , Still seeking meanes t' abate the Persians pride , And his confederates had assign'd a day When they should for th' intended warre prouide . But Cyrus hauing heard how that they should Against his state so great an armie bring , Straight raising all the forces that he could , Preuents , inuades , o'recomes and takes our King . Chor. This shews a Captaine both expert and braue , First well t' aduise , then t' execute with speede : No circumstance ( friend ) vnrelated leaue , Which with our Kings did our confusion breed . Nun. When Croesus saw that Cyrus came so soone , He stood awhile with a distracted minde , Yet what time would permit , left nought vndone , But made his Musters , march'd his Foe to find . Our stately Troupes that glisterd all with gold , And with vmbragious Feathers fann'd the ayre , They with vnwarie insolence growne bold , More how to triumph , then to o'recome , tooke care . The Lidian Horsemen are of great account , And are for valour through the world renownd , Them Cyrus chiefly labourd to surmount , And this deuise for that effect was found . Vntrussing all their baggage by the way , Of the disburthen'd Camels each did beare A grim-fac'd Groome , who did himselfe array Euen as the Persian Horsemen vse to weare . To them th' Infanterie did follow next , A solide Squadron like a brasen wall , But those in whom all confidence was fixt , The braue Cauallerie came last of all . Then Cyrus by the raynes his Courser tooke , And being mounted , holding out his handes , With an assured and Imperious looke Went breathing valour through th' vnconquer'd bandes . He willd all them that at Deaths game should striue , To spare none of their foes in any forme , But as for Croesus , to take him aliue , And keepe him captiue for a greater storme . Where famous Hellus doth to Hermus poste In his broad waues t' entombe his strength and name , Our Armie ran against a greater Hoste T' enrich it likewise with our force and fame . Our Troupes a time with equall valour stood , Till giuing place , at length we tooke the chace , While as the Riuer ranne to hide our blood , But still his borders blusht at our disgrace . For so soone as the Camels once were come , Our Horses loathing to indure their sight , Ranne raging backe againe , and of them some Disordring rancks , put many to the flight . Yet others that were of more martiall mindes , Perceiu'd the Stratagem that did deride them , And lighting on their feet , like mighty windes , Bare downe before them all that durst abide them . There , whilst : the world proou'd prodigall of breath , The headlesse troncks lay prostrated in heapes , This field of funeralls , proper vnto death , Did paint our Horror in most hideous shapes . There men unhorse , horses vnmastred , strayed , Some calld on them whom they most dearely tendred , Some ragde , some groand , some sigh'd , roard , wept & prayd , Fighting , fainting , falling , desp'rate , maymde , rendred . Those that escapt , like beasts vnto a Den , Fled to a Fortresse , which true valour drownes , Walles are for women , and the fields for men , For Townes cannot keepe men , but men keepe Townes . And we were scarcely entred at the Portes , When as the enemies did the Towne inclose , And rearing many artificiall Fortes , To the Defenders did huge paines impose . There all the military slights were found , Which at the like encounters had preuaild , Both for to vse th' aduantage of the ground , Or for to helpe with Arte where Nature faild . They euer compassing our Trench about , Still where the Walls were weakest , made a breach , Which being straight repaird , we threw tooles out , And killd all those that came within our reach . There all the bolts of death edgde by disdaine , That many curious wits inclinde to ill , Helpt by th' occasion , and the hope of gaine , Had powre t' inuent , were put in practise still . Yet as we see , it oft times hath occurrde , Where we suspected least , we were surprisde , Whilst fortune and the fates in one concurrde To haue our ruine in their rolles comprisde . The side of Sardis that was least regarded , Which lyes t'wards Tmolus , and was thought most sure , Through this presumption , whilst t' was weakely guarded , Th' orethrow of all Lidia did procure . As one of ours ( vnhappily it chanc'd ) T' o're-take his helmet that had scapt his hand , Alongst that steepy part his steps aduanc'd And was returning backe vnto his Band : He was well markt by one that had not spard No kind of danger for to make vs thralles , For Cyrus had proposde a great reward To any one that first could scale our walles . And this companion seeing without stay , One in his sight that craggie passage clim , Straight followd on his footsteps all the way , And many a thousand followd after him . By whom all those that durst resist were killd , The rest were forc'd , and knew not where to flee : For euery street was with confusion filld , There was no corner from some mischiefe free . O what a piteous clamour did arise , Of rauisht virgins , and of widowd wiues ! Who pierc'd the heau'ns with lamentable cries , And hauing lost all comfort , loathd their liues . Whilst those prowd Victors did insist t' haue staind Themselues with all the wrongs that such like vse , They by a charge from Cyrus were restraind , And durst no more their captiues thus abuse . Chor. No doubt but desolation then abounded , Whilst with disdaine the Conqu'rors bosom boylde , Some with the sword , some with disgrace confounded , Sacred Temples , priuate houses , all were spoylde . None can imagine greater miserie Then all the suffrings of a captiu'd Citie . But whilst this famous Citie was distressed , What could become of the hard-fortun'd King ? Nun. He seeing th' enemie of his State possessed , And that confusion seazde on euery thing , Stood first amazd , scarse trusting his owne sight , His former fortune had him so transported , Yet it is hard for to deny the light , He saw a stranger that his wealth extorted . And when that he had deepely apprehended Th' vnbounded horrors that o'reflow'd his soule , As one whose Ioyes had long before been ended , He could no more the signes of griefe controule . But bursting out in bitter sighs and teares , Plungde in the deepest depth of blacke despaire , Through o're great feare , leauing all kind of feares , Did of his safetie take no further care , And neuer wisht he so for a long life , But he o're-wisht it , wishing for death now , Still seeking danger in the bounds of strife , Prouiding that he dyde , he car'd not how . Whilst thus he fostred furies in his breast , A certaine souldier by the way him meetes , As insolent as any of the rest , That drunke with blood , ran raging through the streetes : And seeking but an obiect to his ire , He made to him , and he to him againe , I wot not which of them did most desire , Th' one for to slay , or th' other to be slaine . But whilst so base a hand towring aloft , Did to so great a Monarch threaten death , His eldest Sonne , that as you haue heard oft , Was barrd from the right function of his breath . I cannot tell you well , nor in what fashion , If that the destinies had so ordaind , Or if the vehemency of his passion Did breake the strings that had his tongue restraind . But when he saw his Syre in such a danger , He bursted forth into those words the rather , Hold , hold thy hand in haste thou furious stranger , Kill not King Croesus , murther not my Father . The other hearing this , his hand retyrde , Then call'd his Kings commandement to minde , And to no small preferment he aspyrde , To whom this desert did his Sou'raigne binde . Now , when that Croesus , who for death did languish , Was of this faire occasion disappointed , O're-chargd with griefe , and surfeiting of anguish , To see himselfe for further euils appointed . He with sad sighs those syllables did accord , Now cruell destinie do what thou can , Which would not vnto me the grace afford That I might perish like a priuate man . Ah! must I liue to wish t' haue been vnborne , Charactring shame in a deiected face ? Ah! must I liue to my perpetuall scorne , The finger-pointed obiect of disgrace ? Yet this vnto his soule more sorrow bred , He King-like as in former times arrayde , Was with a mightie acclamation led Strait to the Tent whereas their Emp'rour stayde . So soone as Cyrus got him in his powre , He causde bring bands of yron , burd'nous chaines , And clogd him hand and foot at that same howre , As one that was design'd for grieuous paines . Then causde in haste a pile of wood to make , And in the midst where all men might espy him , Causde bind the captiu'd King vnto a stake , With fourteene others of the Lydians by him . There , as th' oblation for his Victorie , With sacred flames their bodies to combure , Although Ioue hates prepostrous pietie , And doth delight in offrings that are pure . Now whilst the fires were kindling round about , As one that to some powrefull god had vowd , With eyes bent vp , and with his hands stretcht out , O Solon , Solon , Croesus cride alowd . Some hearing him to vtter such a voyce , And seeing Cyrus curious for to know , Now of what Deitie dying he made choyce , Did pray him liberally his mind to show . He answered ; vpon one in wit profound He calld , with whom he wisht , if it might be , That all the Rulers of th' inferior round Had had some conference as well as he . For he had told him whilst his fortune lasted , As one expert in good aduises giuing , That all his flowres of blisse might soone be blasted , And could not be accomplisht he being liuing . Then he proceeded for to shew at length The Dialogue twixt Solon and twixt him , Who prayd him not to trust in worldly strength , By which vnto true blisse no man could clim . This speech mou'd Cyrus deepely , for to ponder The great vncertaintie of worldly things , As thinking that himselfe might be brought vnder , Who had no priuiledge more then other Kings . Then hauing such a paterne plac'd before him , Whose farre-changd fortune throughly was revolu'd , He freely did his libertie restore him , And willd him from the fire to be absolu'd . O now Deuotion ! well appeard thy force , Which bindes the earth and opens vp the Heauen , In the celestiall breasts a deepe remorse Was strangely wrought whilst Croesus prayd ; for euen Whileas the flashing flames , in vaine to quench , All men did labour , but could do no good , The cloudes were opend and a showre did drench The firie ashes of the flaming wood . Now whilst that Croesus comming from the fire , Saw ruthles sould'ers sacking all the Citie , To saue the same he had a great desire , And spake to Cyrus melting all in pitie . Great Prince , for famous Victories renownd , Who dost in armes all others so surmount , That it contents me much to be vncrownd By one so worthie , and in such account : And since I am constraind your thrall to be , I must conforme my selfe vnto my fate , And cannot hold my pace whereas I see Ought to preiudge the greatnes of your State , Which ah ! is wounded now with your owne powres , Whilst this rich Citie is sackt and o'rethrowne , It is not mine no more , no , it is yours , And therefore ( Sir ) haue pitie of your owne . Yea , though the losse of such a populous Towne , That 's rich , that 's yours , your mind could nothing moue , Yet thinke of this that doth import your Crowne ; A piece of policie which time will proue . The barb'rous Persians borne with stubborne mindes , Who but for pouertie first followd you , Their matchlesse worth in armes all Asia findes , Their feare is fall'n vpon all Nations now . But if you suffer them in such a sort T' enrich themselues with plenteous Lidiaes spoile , Not able then their Conquest to support , The Victor of the vanquisht gets the foile . For this will make them wealthie out of measure : Wealth to confusion many a Countrie leades ; Whilst feebled with delights , in-vilde with pleasure , No thought of honour harbours in their heads . Then Cyrus strait approuing what he spake , His souldiers from their pillage were restraind , Pretending first the tenth part for to take , As a rich offring for the Gods ordaind . Of our distresse , this is the ruthfull storie ; A stranger is possest of this Prouince ; Our King hath with the losse of all his glorie Bought breath a while , a poore thing for a Prince . Chor. O wofull people ! O vnhappy King ! Our ioyes are spoyld , his happinesse expyrde , And no new chance can any comfort bring To either now , whose fall the Fates conspyrde . Goe wofull messenger , hold on thy course , For to haue heard too much , it yrks our eares , We euer must bewaile thy sad discourse , Accented with sighs , and poynted with teares . Exeunt . Croesus . WHat needs me more of my mishap to pause ? Though I haue tasted of afflictions cup , Yet it may be , the gods for a good cause Haue cast me downe to raise a thousand vp . And neuer let a Monarch after me , Trust in betraying titles glorious bates , Who with such borrow'd feathers rashlie flee , Fall melted with the wrath of greater states . O had this pretious wit enrich'd my mind , Which by experience I haue dearely bought , Whilst fortune was within my court confind , And that I could not thinke a bitter thought . Then satisfide with Soueraignties earst prou'd , I had disdain'd new dangers to imbrace , And cloath'd with maiestie , admir'd and lou'd , Had liu'd with pleasure , and had dide in peace . Yet it is wonderfull in any state , To see a worldling prosper , and not prowd ; But chieflie we whose fortunes grow so great , It 's hard for vs to haue our high thoughts bowd . What could the world afford , or man affect , Which did not glad my soule whilst I was such ? Who now am past the compasse of respect , Plagu'd with prosperitie , clog'd with too much . Long luld asleep with scornefull fortunes lyes , A slaue to pleasure , drown'd in base delights , I made a couenant with my wandring eyes , T' haue entertain'd them still with pleasant sights . I held not from my heart none of her wishes , But wallowing in vaine-glorie this worlds toy , Still seru'd with daintie , but suspitious dishes , My soule was sick with pleasure , faint for ioy . There wanted nothing that might help to ease me , All did diuine my will , ayme at my though , And striue to do that which they trow'd would please me , Which if I but allowd , no more was sought . What euer come of me was held of waight , My words were ballanc'd and my lookes were marked , Those whom I grac'd were had in honour straight , All speeches in my praises were imbarked . I in magnificence exceld all Kings , Whilst drowsie in securitie I slumbred , My coffers still were full of pretious things , My treasure infinite could not be numbred . I reard rare buildings all embost with gold , Made ponds for fishes , forrests for wild beasts , And with transported fancies vncontrold , Oft spent the day in sport , the night in feasts . I seem'd t' vsurp the powre that earst was Ioues , And of the Elements the course would change , For stately fountaines , artificiall groues , These were so common , they were not thought strange . With me ( what more could any Monarch craue ) In all the parts of pomp none could compare , My minions gallant , my counsellours graue , My guards were strong , my concubines were faire : Yea ere my state was cast vpon this shelfe , I wanted nought that could with seeming merites Breed wonder in the world , pride in ones selfe , For to puffe vp the flesh and spoile the spirits . Thus pressing with delight the grapes of pleasure , I quafft with Fortune still sense-pleasing vines , Till drunke with wealth , and riotous out of measure , I card not to consume all Tmolus mines . Then wearie to be well , and tir'd of rest , T' engender discord I th' occasion sought , Yet for to cloake th' ambition of my brest , Did with deuotion long disguise my thought . I send of all the Oracles to inquire , What was to come of this intended warre , Who said as seem'd to second my desire , That I a mightie Monarchie should marre . Those doubtfull words I wresting to my will , In hope t' expugne th' impertous Persians powres , Did ruine quite whilst all succeeded ill , What many a age had conquer'd in few howres . And this most wondrous is , because most strange , I who disdain'd an equall of before , ( What cannot Fortune do , being bent to change ) Must a Superior now serue , and adore ? What eye not fraught with scorne my state surueyes ? Whom Fates haue forc'd for to o're-liue my shame , And in mine enemies danger for some dayes , But borrowd with the intrest of my fame . Though this sweet gale of life-bestowing windes , Would seeme a fauour ( so it seemes to some , Who by the basenesse of their muddie mindes , Shew of th' ignoble multitude they come ) I scorne vnlike my selfe for to be seene , Though to my comfort this appeard to tend , As if that all misfortunes past had beene , A Tragicke entrie to a Comicke end . Of all that plague my state the greatest pest It is base life , that faints from th' earth to seuer , And hath in one vnited all the rest , To make me die each day , and yet die neuer . Life in my breast no comfort can infuse , An enemies gift could neuer come for good , It but giues time of miserie to muse , And bathe my sorrowes in a bitter flood . Ah! had my breath euanish'd with my blisse , And closde the windowes that giue light to life , I had not apprehended as it is The height of my mishaps that now are rife : Whilst with a thousand sighes I call to mind , The death of Atis and mine owne decay , My sprite in such perplexitie I find , That to liues passage I would faine make way . But since I see reseru'd for further spight , I with sad thoughts must burden yet my soule , My memorie t' a melancholious spright , Of all my troubles shall present a scroule . Of which while as th' account I go to cast , Th' enormities still numbring of my fate , I 'le whiles looke back vpon my pleasures part , And by them ballance my ( now ) haplesse state .

CHORVS . IS 't not a wonder for to see How by experience each man reedes , In practiz'd volumes pen'd by deeds , Th' inconstant courses that there bee , Yet whilst our selues continue free , We ponder oft , but not apply , That pretious oyle , which we might buy Best with the price of others paines ; Which as what nought to vs pertaines , To vse we will not condiscend , As if we might the Fates defye , While as vntouch'd our state remaines : But soone the heau'ns a change may send , No perfect blisse before the end . When first we fill with fruitfull seede , The apt-conceauing womb of th' earth , And seeme t' expell all feare of dearth , With the increase that it may breede , Yet dangers do our hopes exceede , The frosts may first with cold confound The tender greens that dect the ground , Whose wrath though th' Aprils smiles asswage , It hath t' abide th' Eolian rage , Which t' o'repasse whilst we attend , T' haue Ceres wandring tresses bound , The raines let from their cloudie cage , May spoyle what we expect to spend , No perfect blisse before the end . Lo whilst the Vine-tree great with grapes With nectard liquor striues to kisse Th' imbracing Elme not lou'd amisse : Those clusters loose their comely shapes , Whilst by the thunder burnd in heapes , All Bacchus hopes fall downe and perish : Thus many a thing doth fairely flourish , That no perfection can attaine , And yet we worldlings are so vaine , That our conceats we highlie bend , If fortune but our spring-time cherrish , Though we haue stormes for to sustaine , Ere to the haruest our yeeres ascend , No perfect blisse before the end . By all that in this world haue place , There is a course that must be runne , And let none iudge himselfe t' haue wonne , Till he haue finish'd first his race , The forrests through the which we trace , Breed rauenous beasts that do abhorre vs , And lye in wait for to deuoure vs , Whilst brambles do our steps beguile , The feare of which though we exile , And to our marke with gladnes tend , Then balles of gold are laid before vs , To entertaine our thoughtes a while , And our good meaning to suspend , No perfect blisse before the end . Behold how Croesus long hath liu'd , Throughout this spatious world admir'd , And hauing all that he desir'd A thousand meanes of ioy contriu'd , Yet now is suddenly depriu'd Of all that wealth , and strangely falles ; For euery thing his sprite appalles ; His Sonnes decease , his Countries losse ; And his owne State which huge stormes tosse : Thus he , who could not apprehend , Whilst as he slept in marble walles , No , nor imagine any crosse , To beare all those , his breast must lend : No perfect blisse before the end . And we the Lydians that design'd To raigne ouer all that were about vs , Behold how Fortune too doth flowt vs , And hath vs vtterly resign'd : For we that had t' our selues assign'd A Monarchie , but knew not how , Yet thought to make the world to bow , That at our forces stood afraid ; We , we , by whom these plots were laid , To thinke of bondage must descend , And beare the yoke of others now ; O it is truth , that Solon said , While as he yet doth breath extend ; No man is blest , behold the end .

W. A. FINIS .