Darius

THE TRAGEDY OF DARJƲS .

Actus Primus . DARIVS . WHat thundering power grow'n jealous of my state With such hostilitie my troupes o're-throwes , And arm'd with lightning , breathing flames of hate , Big with disdaine , high indignation showes Whil'st sooth'd with selfe conceits asham'd to doubt , In greatnesse shadowe I securelie slept , Lo change-affecting Fortune wheeles about , And ruines all that me from ruine kept . Thus I , whose onlie name amaz'd my foes , Whom th' earth ador'd , as Monarche , once ouer all , Am so degraded now , and sunke in woes , That who admir'd my might , admire my fall . Ah then indeed I fell , when gallants stood , And Phoenix-like renew'd their life by death , Who hauing seald their force and faith with blood , Would rather die , then draw a borrowed breath . Yet I , but then not I , view'd not aveng'd , Those monstrous mountaines of my subjects slaine , Although my conscience hath my courage cleng'd , And knowes what valour was employ'd in vaine . Through greatest dangers death I did pursue , Till heapes of slaughtred bodies bar'd my way , And chang'd my Chariot to a scarlet hue , Ere wounded honour could be drawne away . O how I enuy yet their happie Ghostes , Who died whil'st hope of victorie remain'd , And in the presence of two famous hostes Left bloodie recordes that they died vnstain'd ? Shall I suruiue that soule-ouerwhelming shame , To be th' eternall staine of Persians praise ? No rather let me die , and let my name , Be quite exstinguish'd with my hatefull dayes . Starre-bosting Babilon blush to behold One cald thy King surmounted and abated : How may thy Towrs but tremble , when it 's told , Thy Prince entreats , whome Princes earst entreated ? Not vassal-like ; I will not yeeld to this : Were all my Empire to a period come , Yet none shall vaunt that euer I was his : Hartes holding courage are not all o're-come . This tongue inur'd still to command doth scorne To breath base words , to scape a minutes paines . Let them obey , who to obey were borne : For Darius this indignitie disdaines . Since I was once iudg'd worthie to command , Shall I returne to be a base entreater ? No , whil'st a sword yeelds homage to this hand , I le not acknowledge in the world a greater . Braue spirites , who now possesse the pleasant bowers , And glorious gardens of th' Elisian plaine , ( For if deserts may moue th' infernall powers , That happie shade your shadowes must containe ) Those fields where-as your praises are set forth Do burie but your bodies , not your fame : Men shall adore the relickes of your worth , And reare immortall Trophees to your name . I le sacrifize as incense to your soules , His dying sighes , and sorrowing parents teares , Who now , while none his insolence controules , Our conquer'd ensignes in his triumphe beares . For it may ease your Ghostes to heare his grones , Whil'st th' earth ouer-burdend sends rebounding back A plaintife Echo from the woods and stones , To sound through all the aire his armies wrack . Why spend I speaches to disturbe your rest ? What idle disputations do I hold ? A mightie furour hath enflam'd my brest , And burnes me , till I be aueng'd seuen-fold . Did I that strong Cadusian first affront , Who durst aduance himselfe to braue our bandes , Then turn'd applauded , and in high account , Charg'd with his spoiles the honour of my hands ? And could I then all kinde of doubt remoouing , Aduenter only to an Armies shame ? And should I now that auncient praise disprouing , With squadrons compast loose that glorious name ? Blinde fortune , O , thy stratagems are strange : Thou wrak'st my greatnes , wound'st mine honour to , And hauing made my state the stage of change , Hast acted all inconstancie could do . Lo I , who late of swarming troupes did bost , Am spoil'd of all in whome I then repos'd , And those imprison'd , whome I fancie most , Are to th' insulting victours pride expos'd . O torment but to thinke , death to beleeue , That any may command my deerest part , And wretched I notable to releeue The Iewell of mine eye , ioy of my hart . Deere obiect of my thoughtes , my life , my loue , Sweete source of my delights , my one , my all , Bright Image of excellencies aboue , What ? do'st thou breath , and com'st not when I call ? And can I be , and not be where thou art ? Hath heauen the force me from thy face to barre ? Or are my hands growne traitors to my hart , That they should shrinke from doing what it dare ? O could my minde but distribute a space These emulating thoughts that tosse my brest , Among those pointles Cyphers that spend place : Then I alone might animate the rest . Since in this great disgrace I chanc'd to fall , Now nothing rests to rase my fame forlorne , But to doe desperatly , and hazard all . I le liue with praise , or by my death flie scorne . Some prosperous issue afterward may purge This crime , with which th' euent would burthen me , This crime , that carries with it selfe a scourge : No greater torment than the want of thee . But what hope rests to re-obtaine that treasure , Which auaritious tyrants once possesse ? Another now disposes at his pleasure Of all my wealth : how can I looke for lesse ? Now , not till now , I deeme my state in danger , When I imagine how my best belou'd Must entertaine my enemy a stranger , I being far from offering aide remou'd . A host of furies in my brest I finde , Which do my soule with dreadfull horrours fill , And foster in my melancholious minde Strange apprehensions that affright me still . And this surmiz'd disgrace , grown throughly strong , Reades hourely in my eares a hatefull scroule Of an imagin'd , yet recureles wrong , Such poison'd thoughtes like serpents sting my soule . Blind loue beguiles me not , sharpe-sighted feares Finde great apparances for to suspect thee : Would God I had no hart , nor eyes , nor eares , To thinke , to see , or heare thou shouldst neglect me . This aggrauates the wight of my dispaire , When doubt obiects , t' annull loues fast defence , How he is young and feirce , she young , and faire , He bent t' offend , and she exposd t' offence , From which I feare both cannot long abstaine : Her beauty is sufficient to allure : His brauery is sufficient to obtaine . Captaines will force , and captiues must endure , O Alexander , tender my renowne , Although thou trauell to vsurpe my throne . I rage to haue ariuall in my Crowne : But in my loue I can comport with none . Lode her not with disgrace , and me with griefe , Least so thou rob her honour , and my life : Spare in this point t' ouercharge me with mischiefe : In all things els let armes decide our strife . But where doth fury thus transport my spirits , With light beleefe my best halfe to mistrust ? Deere , pardon , I trespasse to wrong thy merits , Whom I haue still found faithfull louing iust . Pure chaistitie doth then most firmelie stand , When fortified it is with wedlockes band . Yet let me doubt , or let me leaue to loue : To feare the worst it is affections part . I 'l not mistrust thy truth ? yet it may proue , Thy face betray thy faith , thy hap thy hart . But on thy loue approou'd my hope relyes , This doth dissolue suspitions power to nought . I will repell reports , as slanderous lyes , Which second not thy vertue , and my thought . Though vertues foe , and worth-envying fortune , Hath wrong'd my valour with an euill successe ; Life of my life , yet must I thee importune , Ioyne not with her to double my distresse . Exit .

CHORVS . O More then miserable minde , That of all things it selfe worst knowes , And being through presumption blinde Is puffed vp with euery winde , Which fortune in derision blowes . Such one no stable blisse can finde , Whose hart is guided by his eye , And trustes vnto betraying showes , Which seeme not as they be . Oft short prosperity , Breedes long aduersity : For who abuse the first , the last o're-throwes . A dead security all care exiles : T is no small danger to be happie whiles . Who on himselfe too much depends , A makes an Idole of his witt , For euery favour fortune sends , Self-flatterer himselfe commends , And will no sound aduise admit , But at himselfe beginnes , and ends , And neuer takes a moments leasure , To try what fault he may commit , But drunke with frothes of pleasure , Thirstes for praise aboue measure , Imaginary treasure , Which slowly commes , and soone away doth flit : And what is most affected at this time , Succeeding ages may account a crime . A Potentate that is respected , And by his subiects thought a God , Thinkes , as his name on high erected Hath what he list at home effected , It may like wonders worke abrod . O how his folly is detected ! For though he sit in Royall seate , And as he list his vassalls lod ; Yet others that are great . Liue not by his conceate , Nor ponder what he threat , But plague his pride oft ere he feare the rod . There are rare qualities required in Kings : A naked name can never worke great things . They who themselues too much esteeme , And vainly vilipend their foe , Oft finde not fortune , as they deeme , And with their treasure would redeeme Their errour past : Behold euen so From blame who can our King exeeme , Who his aduersary to scorne , Thought he who in his name did goe The laurell should haue worne , His triumphe to adorne ? But he with shame hath shorne The fruites of follie euer ripe with woe . An enemie ( if it be well aduis'd ) Though he seeme weake , should neuer be despis'd . But what ? the Minions of our Kings , Who speake at large , and are beleeued , Dare boast of many mightie things , As they could flie , though wanting wings , And deeds by wordes might be atchëeued , But time at length their lies to light , Their soueraigne to confusion brings . Yet so they gaine , they are not greeue'd , But charme their Princes sight , And make what 's wrong seeme right . Thus ruine they his might , That when he would , he cannot be releeued . Moe kings in chambers fall by flatterers charmes , Then in the field by th' aduersaries armes . All that the successe hath approoued By Charidemus was foreshowne : Yet with his wordes no man was mooued : For good men first must be remooued , Before their worth can well be knowne . The King would heare but what he looued , And what him pleasd not did dispise . So were the beeter sort o'er-throwne , And Sycophants vnwise , Who could the trueth disguise , Were suffered for to rise , That him , who rais'd them vp , they might cast downe . Thus Princes will not heare , though such deceaue them , Things as they are , but as themselues conceaue them .

ACTVS SECVNDVS . ALEXANDER . PARMENTO . BEholde , the heauens with a benigne aspect , To prosper this braue enterprise intend , And with propitious starres seeme to direct This great beginning to a glorious end . Who would be famous must of force aspite : All those astonish'd , who my troupes do view , Doubt of those two which most they should admire ; My comming , or my conquering with so few . So mightie mindes t' atchieue great actions bent Force Fortune oft to fauour them in all : Where baser breasts deuining euill euent , Through superstitious feares procure their fall . O howe I wonder , when I call to minde That monstrous camp , which not so much as doubted ! Dimme seem'd the Sunne , while-as their armour shind Men had not heard the thunder , whil'st they shouted . Th' auant-courours , that came for to examine , When they so meane my nombers had perceau'd , Did thinke them small to satisfie the famine , That their huge hoste of daughter had conceau'd . And yet in end this prou'd a poyson'd foode , Which of their owne to their confusion yeeldes Mountaines of murthered corps , and seas of blood : Vnburied bodies buried all the fieldes . So now that fewe , whome they contemn'd so farre , ( See how mortalitie it selfe deceaues ) Haue farre ouer-match'd their multitudes in warre , And made the world waste to people the graues . Then , deere Parmenio , since the fates afforde So faire an entrie to our first designes , Let vs goe prosecute with dint of sworde That fortune , which the heauens our hopes assignes . Parm. This high attempt , as we would wish succeeds . What hostes haue we ouerthrow'n ? what citties raz'd ? Loe , populous Asia trembles at our deedes , And martiall Europe doth remaine amaz'd . Proud Greece , whose spirits oft preast to skorne the skyes , A prostrate supplicant before thee falles : Rebellious Thebes , that durst thy power dispyse , Lyes now entomb'd within her broken walles . That sea-impyring Tyre , reposing much In liquide Castels , and a wauing maine , Hath ratified thy forces to be such , That nothing can resist thy iust disdaine . No doubt the auncient Graecians ghosts are glad To see the fierce Barbarians brought so lowe ; Yet are for enuy of thy fortune sad , And though vnbo-died blush at this ouerthrowe . Miltiades by all men was admir'd , Who once in Greece their flying troupes pursued : And he that with a stratageme retir'd , And Salaminaes straites with blood imbrued . But yet for all the Captaines of that age The Easterne Monarckes empire was enlarg'd , Who comming to their countrie , warres to wage , The sea with shippes , the land with armies charg'd . He with moe swarmes of men , then th' Autumns clusters , Dry'd riuers vp , & march'd on Neptunes backe ; By measure , not by nomber made his musters , And did attempt the mountaines plaine to make . Then Europe fear'd for to be forc'd to bowe , Wil'st th' earth did groane to beare so great an host ? But thou hast come , seene , and ouercom'd them nowe Euen in the boundes wherein their might was most . That hautie foe , who vilipended oft Our predecessours armies , and our owne , Now laide as lowe , as he was once aloft , With his disgrace must make thy valour knowne . He cannot but acknowledge his distresse In labouring first to haue his friends restor'd : This message ( potent Prince ) imports no lesse : By his request thy conquest is decor'd . For the recouerie of his captiu'd Queene He offred hath innumerable golde ; And would present a treasure to be seene More , as they say , then Macedon may holde . My counsell is that you accept those offers , And render her , as th' auncient custome bindes ; Who would make warre must not haue empty coffers : For hope of gaine moues mercenarie mindes . And further , if those Princesses doe tarrie , It sumptuous is to entertaine their state . Wemen , and babes are cumbersome to carrie ; Th' one young in yeares , and th' other in conceat . Alex. If I were come to traffick in this land , And like a greedie merchant to embrace Before all hope of glorie gaine in hand , This your inuild opinion might haue place . But soone I surfet of such melting things , And famish but for fame , and crownes of Kings . Parm

So , were I Alexander , would I do .

Alex.

If I Parmenio were , so would I to .

Par.

Their ransome would defray your souldiers fee .

Alex.

I 'le rather without ransome set them free .

Parm.

The good is loste that 's done vnto a fo .

Alex.

The greater glorie to o'recomme him so .

Parm.

Golde is the God that conquers in all parts .

Alex.

True magnanimitie doth rauish harts .

Parm.

Riche treasures serue for th' arters of the war .

Alex.

No , but couragious harts that all things darre .

Parm.

The want of wages makes a mutinous band .

Alex.

But who dare disobey , when I command ?

Par.

Why should you , Sir , contemne so rich a treasure ?

Alex.

A noble spirit with praise no gain doth measure .

Parm.

But who delites in such an airie store ?

Alex.

If I be singular , I aske no more .

Parm. Although that you conceaue no such suspition , Yet I heare how your souldiers oft exclame , They sacrifize their bloods for your ambition , And perish to perpetuate your name . And yet , without regarde what they indure , You compasse all the empire of the East , And more within your minde : this may procure Some suddaine tumult , when you feare it least . Retire in time , while as the heauens are cleare : You haue perform'd , perform'd , and that right sone , More than your own could hope , your foes could feare , Or then the world can credite , when 't is done . Your worth in warre is wonderfullie showne , And to the terrour of all Asia tryde : Now let your skill in peace be likewise knowne , And for the maint'nance of your state prouide . Good gouernment the same of Kings doth raise No lesse then conquest made of Realmes and townes : 'T is harder farre , and doth deserue more praise To guide , then get : to keepe , then conquere crownes . Your glorie in her hiest spheare is plac'd , And may not moue except it be more lowe : And if it once discend to be disgrac'd , Each artizan your statues will o're-throwe , For in the warre , as you may well perceiue , No little part dependeth vpon fame : If we but once the least affront receiue , The world will gather to exstripe our name . Then tempt not Fortune further then you neede , Let reason bridle this aspyring thought : Least , whil'st your hopes with trophees faind you feed , A moment turne your trauels all to nought . Let Darius be a liuelie patrone now Of th' euer-changing course of states and crownes : That Prince to whom the Orient once did bow , His desolation onely now renounes . He scarselie loat length become content To call you King , though twise put in dis-order : In dowrie with his daughter doth present The famous Euphrates , to be your border . Or otherwise he condiscends to giue Great store of Gold , or what your selfe desires , If that his mother , wife , and children liue , To haue them rend'red , as he oft requires . And let not vaine ambition blind your eies : Remember what strange nations will imbrace him , Whom scarce he knowes by name , or neuer sees , Where if he fled , your troups would tire to chace him . Alex. Peace , peace Parmenio , now thou makest me rage , With these words vn-worthy of our eares : It seemes the coldenesse of decaying age , Hath kil'd thy courage with a frost of feares . Did I abandone thee my natiue soile , And shaddow'd with my Ensignes vnknow'n coastes ; That after infinite distresse and toile , Whil'st in contempt of vs our foe yet boastes , I should retire , effecting nought at last , But sharpned a desire , t' augment my merites , Then die in discontentment , when 't is past The time , that should haue pacified my spirites ? No , I will raigne , and I will raigne alone : From this desseigne my fancie neuer wanders , For as the heau'ns can hold no Sunne but one : The earth cannot containe two Alexanders . The ample circuite of this spacious round Seemes insufficient to confine my thought : And ô would God there could moe worlds be found , That many might t' adorne our deedes be brought . O , I could wish that th' Ocean were firme land , Where none but hideous Giants had retreat , Such as at Phlegra fielde in striefe did stand Against the Gods for the Etheriall seate . These could encourage martiall mindes to strike , Who being wonne would yeeld eternall praise : I conquere men ; but many did the like : And after-ages may my equall raise . But since none such my triumphes are to grace , Such as there are I 'le to subiection bring : And heere I sweare no kinde of ease t' embrace , Till all the world adore me for their King . If you or any else that liue in dreede With-drawe your selues , your Princes part despysing ; Remember alwaies in his greatest neede Ye flie to stop his honour in the rysing . Passe home , and liue like men in prison pent : I measure not my courage by my numbers . Parm. Your Maiestie misconsters my intent : You know what I haue thold , what cares , what cumbers , And all for you : I to your eies appeale , Which well can witnes what my hands haue wrought . All that I spake , proceeded of a zeale And not of cowardice , or feare of ought . Nor matche I vile repose with honest paines : My courage is nor yet become so colde : That wounted vigour hath not left my vaines , Which spurd my spirit in youth , though I be olde . Alex. 'T is not ynough that you your selfe be so : To be the same you should the rest exhort . Is he return'd , who was ordain'd to go And viewe the Captiues , what doth he report ? Parm. As we were since by some of them instructed , While they as yet not of support dispair'd , And to a tent were courteously conducted , Which we of purpose caus'd to be prepar'd ; Euen in the way one fortun'd to espy The Diademe that Darius earst had borne , Which on the earth so abiectly did lie , As each thing his calamine would scorne . Then they imagin'd , from his royall head , Whose dignity it some-time did decore , None could it cast , except himselfe were dead : And if so were , they long'd to liue no more . When they had entred in the tent to weepe , Leonatus came and at the entrie knocked : They stood so still , he thought an yornie sleepe Had lock'd their eies , or else that he was mocked . At length by force he made a patent way , And was aduanc'd them louingly to greet ; When loe , these dolorous Ladies prostrate lay , And with a flood of teares bedew'd his feete . Then sobbing saide , we not refuse to die : Let vs entombe first Darius like a King : Then when that we his latter honour see , Death cannot but a great contentment bring . This so they vrg'd , as he could scarce perswade That Darius was not dead as they suppos'd , But liu'd , in hope through dangers Seas to wade And in the pow'r of other Realmes repos'd . And further he protested on your part , That they might looke for clemencie and grace . Thus after that I had asswag'd their smart , It seem'd they longd to see my Soueraignes face . Alex. Of my good-will they may themselues assure : I neuer war'd with such as were subiected : And if my presence may their ease procure , Straight to their tent my steppes shall be directed . Exeunt .

CHORVS . OF all the passions that possesse the soule , None so disturbes vaine mortals mindes As this Ambition , that so blindes The sense of man , that nothing can controule Nor curb their thoughts who will aspyre . This raging vehement desire Of soueraignty no satisfaction findes , But in the breastes of men doth euer roule The restlesse stone of Sisiph to torment them . And as his hart , who steal'd the hev'nly fire , The vulture gnawes , so doth Ambition rent them : Had they the world , the world would not content them . This race of Ixion to embrace the cloudes , Contemne the state wherein they stand , And would all but themselues command , As one desire is quench'd another buds : When they haue trauel'd all their time , Heaps blood on blood , and crime on crime , There is a hier power that guides their hand . More happie he whome a poore cottage shroudes Against the tempest of the threatning heauen , He stands in feare of none , none enuy him : His hart is vpright , and his wayes are eauen , Where others states are still twixt sixe and seauen . That damned wretch vp with Ambition blow'n , While-as he turnes the wheele about , Whiles cast within , whiles cast without , In striuing for the top is still throwne downe . Those that delight in climbing hie Oft with a precepice doe die : So doe the starres sky-climbling worldlings flout . But this disease is fatall to a croune ; Kings , who haue most striue most t' augment their bounds ; And if they be not all , they can not be : Which to their domage commonly redounds . Too great a state her proper waight confounds . Th' ambitious toyling to enlarge their state Themselues exceedingly deceaue , In hazarding the hap they haue For a felicitie that they conceate . Though their dominions they incres , Yet their desires growe neuer les : For though they conquer Climats , more they craue . This is the miserie of being great . Such eye-beguyling pompe is all but fume ; Such glorious showes disguise the minds distres ; And who to conquere all the earth presume , A little earth shall them at last consume . And if it fortune that they die in peace ( A wonder wondrous rarelie seene ) Who conquere first ; their empire cleene Is ruin'd by some persons of their race : Who comming to the crowne with rest , And hauing all in peace possest , Do straight forget what bloody broils haue bene Before their Fathers could attaine that place . As th' Ocean flowes , and ebbes states rise and fall : And Princes , when their actions prosper best , For feare their greatnes should oppresse the smal , Are of some hated , and envy'd of all . We knowe what end the mightie Cyrus made , Whome , while he striu'd to conquere still , A woman did most vildlie kill , And in a bloodie vessell rold his head ; Then said , Content thy selfe with blood : Thou still didst famish for such food : Now quench thy thirst of blood with blood at will . Some of his successors , since he was dead Haue raign'd a space with pompe , and yet with paine . Now all their glorie cannot doe vs good . What they so long haue laboured to obtaine , All in an instant must be lost againe . Loe , Darius once so magnified by fame , By one whome he contemn'd o'recome , For all his brauerie now made dombe , With downe-cast eyes must signifie his shame . Who puft up with pernitious pride Thinke still t' haue fortune on their side , They cannot scape to be a pray to some . They spend their prosperous days as in a dreame , And as it were in fortunes bosome sleeping , They in this dull securitie abide , And of their doubtfull state neglect the keeping , Whilst gaistlie ruine comes vpon them creeping . Thus the vicissitude of worldly things Doth to our eyes it selfe detect , When heauenly powers exalt , deiect , Confirme , confound , erect and ruine Kings . So Alexander mightie now , To whome the vanquish'd world doth bow . With all submission , homage , and respect Doth flie a borrow'd flight with Fortunes wings : Nor enters he his dangerous course to ponder , Yet , if that Fortune bend her cloudie browe : All those , who at his suddaine successe wonder , May gaze as much to see himselfe brought vnder .

ACTVS TERTIVS .

Scen. I. SISIGAMBIS Regina , STATIRA Virgo . O Dismall day detested by the light , And would to God ( but God neglects our cace ) The world were wrapt in a Cymerian night , That no proud eye might gaze on our disgrace . Why did the heauens reserue my feeble age , To goe to graue with infamie and grief ? Could nothing but my shame their wrath asswage Thus offred vpon th' altar of mischief ? Ah , haue I spent my youth in pompe and pleasure , And had my spring-time grac'd with pleasant flowres , That Autumne , which should reape the Sommers treasure , Might be disastred with such stormy showres ? And did smooth calmes , and sun-shines of delight Make all my voyage through the world a sport ; That tossed with a tempest of despight I now might perish entring at my port ? Yet for all this , were I expos'd alone Th' accursed obiect of heauens plaguing-armes , I should not thinke I had iust cause to mone , When I but waild mine owne , not others harmes . Ay me , on those , whom more then life I loue The state-disturbing blastes of Fortune fall : Yet each of them some seuerall sorrowes moue , But wretch I suffer ship-wracke in them all . I suffered , when I sawe Oxatres slaine , My louing sonne , and most entirelie lou'd : dy'd in Darius , when he try'd in vaine , What fates would doe , yet still their hatred prou'd . Ah , doe the destinies extend my breath For further euill ? O extreame crueltie , To vse so many instruments of death , Against one burthend with calamitie . Yet Ioue , if this may dis-en-flame thine ire , Let all thy lightning light vpon mine head : To be consum'd with a celestiall fire Some comfort were , since that I must be dead . Stat. Reg. Leaue mother these immoderate laments To me the very source , and seate of sorrowe , Whose dayes are burthen'd with so sad euents , That hell it selfe may of my torments borrow . Loe , the deere Lord and treasure of my thought , Whose presence I my Paradice esteem'd , To such a headlong praecipice is brought , That with the world his glorie dead is deem'd . Ah , on what prop can I repose my trust , When first the greatnesse of his state I ponder ; Next how his Diademe drencht in the dust Was Fortunes Trophee , and all Asias wonder ? He whose imperious speach the world respected , And as an oracle had in regarde , Now vanquish't and contemptiblie neglected Can scarcely as a supplicant be heard . And yet I know this more his minde afflicts , Then doth the ruine of his rigall state , That him my sight another interdicts , Who am the soueraigne of his soules conceat . Shall he , pure quintessence of my best part , Then onely testifie the loue he beares ? No , by mine eyes I will distill my hart , And for his sake dissolue my selfe in teares . Would God my breast like Cristall were transparent , That all the world might see my sinceare minde , And that my loyall thoughts were all apparent , Whose great affection cannot be confinde . They haue imprison'd onely my poore eies , And banish'd them from th' obiect of their ioy : My firie hart with winged fancies flies And where thou goest doth still my steps conuoy . Thy Queene is such , as whilst thou draw'st this aire , In counting captives men may still accept her : For whilst thou liust , how can thy spouse dispaire , Whom thou prefer'st euen to thy soule and scepter ? Yet flatter I my selfe that am accurst : The apprehension , which with griefe I cherish , Of thy mishap may serue to make me burst . Ah , ah I faint , I feele my spirits perish . Sis.

Help , help allace , allace , the Empresse falles .

Sta. Virg.

O dolefull day of darknes ; world of woes .

Sis. This greeuous spectacle my spirite appalles : Heauen , earth , and all are now become our foes . Sta. Virg. I may more iustly mone then any other , Whose eares haue heard the hard hap of my father ; Whose eies behold the anguish of my mother , Whom both do loade with all the woes of either . Stat. Reg. What inhumaine humanity is this , With such a cruell pittie to oppresse ; To bring pale ghostes backe from the fields of blis , Yet to be plung'd in th' Ocean of distresse ? O vnkinde kindenesse that by sauing slayes , And would with louelesse loue my loue controule . Ah , of this odious Sunne th' unhappie rayes Doe cleere mine eyes but to confound my soule . Sisi. Deare daughter , striue your passions to restraine , Least that the torrent of your greefe grow such , That it both carie you to' groundlesse a maine , And him o'rewhelme for whom , ye mourne so much . No doubt but he , if we rest captiues thus , Disdaining these indignities of ours , T' auenge himselfe in re-obtaining vs Will hazard all his Orientall pow'rs . But ah , what comfort can a wretch afforde , Whose care-worne bread the word of wo containes ? Yet though my hart would faine impugne my worde , I hope-lesse speake of hope , t' appease her paines . Stat. Reg. Such consolations now came not in season , Since we must hold our greefe the greatest good : Dissemble not your sorrow , we haue reason Yea to sigh out our sprites and weepe our blood . Sis.

I waile my sonne . Stat. Reg. And I my husbandes fall .

Sta. Virg.

I waile my father , and in him vs all .

Sis. No woe like mine , mine cannot be releeu'd . I waile his woe , who should my woe asswage , Who liues by me , by whom I should haue liu'd , Sport of my youth , and piller of mine age . Stat. Reg. No wo like mine , who faithful to my pheere For loue of him all others had forsaken . But what a pheere ? my selfe , or one more deere : Yet from my selfe my selfe by force am taken . Stat. Virg. No wo like mine , who borne a Monarkes childe Thought that my birth good hap should heape vpon me : Yet all my expectations are beguil'd , And what I hop'd in most hath most vndone me . Sis.

I mourne for him who in my womb was form'd .

St. Reg.

I mourne for him in whom loue me transform'd .

Stat. Virg.

I mourne for him by whom I formed was .

Sis.

Shall I not see my selfe in that cleere glasse ?

St. Reg.

Ah! shall I neuer in his ioy reioyce ?

St. Virg.

Ah! shall I neuer here his cheerefull voice ?

Sis.

Would God from death my death might him exeeme .

St. Reg.

would God my life my liues life might redeeme .

St. Vir.

Would God the life he gaue him life might giue .

Sis.

Must these gray haires my sons green youth suruiue ?

Sta. Reg.

I will preuent him and not liue to languishe .

Sta. Virg.

Can I remaine behinde to liue in anguishe ?

Sis. But whiles our wretched state we iustly mone , We may lament this infant too a space , Who in mishap inferiour were to none , If he could apprehend his tragic cace . Sta. Reg. O then how can my hart but burst a-sunder , Whom nature moues most to bemone his harmes ? I thinke I see the hostes of heau'n all thunder On me , my spouse , and this babe in my armes . Deere image of my selfe , in whom I liue , Thy shape shames not the greatnesse of thy Syre , But of thy birth cleere euidence doth giue : Thy soure-sweete sight addes coales to my desire . Thou that shouldst comfort most , torment'st thou me ? Huge hostes of passions now my soule assembles . O how I grieue ! and yet am glad to see Thee , though not him , whom thy sweet face resembles , Goe , beare this babe from hence : a wound too deep Makes in my breast compassion of his part : Yet let him stay ; I ioy to heare him weepe : This motherly affection melts my hart . Of many woes this last is not the least , That vn-begun thy glorie must be ended ; Thy fortunes Sunne , my Sonne , set in the East , While thy faire-rysing all the world attended . Ah! must this innocent taste of mishap , Whose tender age cannot discerne his state , And be thus plagu'd , yea in his nurses lap Inherite woe by birth ? Ah cruell fate . If thou could'st hope , what great hopes hast thou lost That art defrauded of so faire a throne ? Ah in thy cradle must I see thee crost , Whom I design'd so great when we were gone ? Yet happy haplesse childe , thou canst not know From whence the fountaine of our sorrow flowes , Nor what it is for to be hie , or low , Nor on what thorne the rose of honour growes . Yet hast thou felt the pricke before the smell . Is this the benefit thy birth-right brings Heere in constrain'd captiuitie to dwell ? Then better not be borne , then come of Kings . O what a noise is that that doth affright me ? I trow to interrupt these teares of mine , Least that such sad lamentings should delight me , They will not let me plaine , yet make me pine . Or is it some that doth condole our cace , And commes with pittie moou'd to see vs pyn'd , And to beholde how we can death imbrace , Death soueraigne salue of a diseased minde ? Sis. By many signes we may our selues assure , 'T is Alexander , whom we long'd not for . Stat. Reg. What ? ah I die ! and must my eye indure Th' vpbraiding obiect which I most abhorre ? Sis. Suppresse such speaches now , least all go wrong . We are enuiron'd with outrageous hostes : And weaknesse must giue place vnto the strong : For Victours rage , when as the vanquish'd hostes . I will entreat him to , not for my selfe ( Mine olde-age is become to death a debter ) But that you may eschew this wrackfull shelfe , Whose flowre pot faded yet deserueth better . Stat. Reg. No , if you needs will sue , sue for my graue : I will not be indebted to him liuing : I rather death should once the maistrie haue , Then I should die so oft with death still striuing .

ACTVS TERTIVS . Scen. II. ALEXANDER , SISIGAMBIS , STATIRA Regina , HEPHESTION . Alex. RIse mother , rise , remoue those causles feares : I come t' appease nort to procure your woe : The honour which I owe those aged heares Permits me not to see you prostrate so . Sis. Most gracious Prince , forgiue me if I er'd , In taking him for you , that standeth by . Alex. I finde no fault to see my friend prefer'd Euen to my selfe : this is another I . Sis. My sorrowes so confounded haue my minde , That scarce I know my selfe , much lesse another : My soule in such an agonie I finde , As if some mightie mountaine did me smoother . Alex. I pray you , mother , set those plaints apart : They vexe me more then sterne Bellonaes broiles . Sis. This tender name of mother wounds my hart , Pronounc'd by him who of that name me spoiles . I was ( woe that I was ) a mother late Of two faire sonnes , faire sonnes lights of my life : Now th' one is dead , and in a worse estate , Doth th' other liue involu'd in woe and strife , Like th' auncient trunke of some dis-branched tree , Which Eols rage hath to confusion brought , Dis-arm'd of all those impes that sprung from me , Vn-profitable stock I serue for nought . Stat. Reg. I serue for nought , since him I cannot serue , Whose sight may onlie my dead ioyes reuiue . I with the famine of all comfort sterue , Since I want him for whom I wish'd to liue . I liue without my halfe , without my whole , Prodigious monster , whome the world admires : I want the point , the Pilote , and the Pole , That drew , addrest , and gouern'd my desires , Now toss'd with stormes in th' Ocean of dispaire By ruine onely I attend releefe , Threatned aboue with pitchie cloudes of care , Threatned belowe with swelling gulfes of greefe . My soule seemes to presage disastrous chances , And varying with her selfe hath neuer peace : My hare opprest falles into deadly trances : My eyes must grace the ground of my disgrace . Hell hath assembled all her horrours heere : Ah , in the concaue of this cursed breast , As in the darke Tartarian groues , appeere A thousand shaddowes to bereaue my rest . Alex. Faire Princesse , spare those passionate complaints Which may augment , but not amend your harmes : This voice , which with your woe the world acquaints , Doth moue me more , then all the Persians armes . Madame , take courage , be affraide of none : You may expect what helpe I can afforde : I sweare by Ioues inviolable throne , And doe protest by my imperiall worde , That neither I , nor any wight shall wrong you . Yea more then this , I lay my faith in paund , You shall be honoured heere as doth belong you : And , as it were , in your owne Court command . Sta. Reg. Ah how can I command , whilst I am thrall ? What can I haue who wanting one want all ? Alex. Though it seeme glorious in some victors sight T' abuse their captiues , and triumph in ill : The larger growe the limites of my might , The more I striue for to restraine my will , The saue garde of my fauour shall extend Not only t'wards you , but t'wards all your traine . I shall haue care that who on me attend From offering wrong you , or yours refraine . If any prease t' impugne what I appoint , Or would in ambush for your honour lie , Or discontent you but in any point , As Alexander liues , that wretch shall die . Sta. Reg. O what a hoste of euils , where ere I goe , Are still encroaching on my down-cast state ? And must I be beholden to my foe , Who doth deuide me from my royall mate ? Should he helpe me who would extermine him ? Curst be my hart , if it betray him thus . Eternall shaddowes mot these eies first dim , Ere such a light be gratefull vnto vs . I holde not of my selfe ; Lord , I am thine : Thy loue was sow'ne not in a barren field , But in a fertile ground : this hart of mine To thee , my deere , no small increase doth yeeld . Yet this good fortune doth mis-fortune bring ; My constancie shall now be clearlie knowne : Another might haue lou'd a happie King : But I will loue thee though thou be ore-throwne . Alex. Faine would I striue to confort in some measure This mourning Queene , and mitigate her paine ; Whose woe doth make my victorie no pleasure , But hath ensowr'd the sweetnesse of my gaine . Sis. Most mightie King , thou do'st deserue indeed That , as for Darius , we should pray for thee , Who doest so farre in clemencie exceed , That thou bewailst our losse no lesse then he . Thou hast not onely by thy worth surmounted All other Kings in dignitie alone , And benefits of Fortune most accounted , But in all vertues worthie of a throne . Thou do'st vouchsafe on me ( more then I craue ) The title of a Queene , and mother still : But I confesse my selfe thy humble slaue , Whose life hath now no limits but thy will . I haue all that imagin'd good forgote , Which greatnesse gaue : I 'le looke no more so sadlie : But will alow of this my present lot , And beare the burthen of my bondage gladly . If that this wretched woman heere were free , Who hath no heauen except her husbands face , I could content my selfe ( great Prince ) to be The meanest hand-maide that attends your grace . Alex. You may command me , as I were your Sonne , Whose duteous loue shall prooue no lesse intire . Sis. Heauens recompence the court'sy thou hast done Which all succeeding ages shall admire . Alex. Those captiu'd Princesses haue pierc'd my soule , Who eu'n amid'st our heauen haue found a hell . Hep. What stoick brow his passions could controule , As not to weepe , if he re-marked well The teares of these faire Ladies causing wonder , Who neede not challenge nature of her duty ; But borne to bring , although they be brought vnder , Giue greefe a grace for to apparrell beauty , Sir , such a victorie hath not beene seene As you haue gain'd , whose greatnesse well appeares ; The largest kingdome , and the fairest Queene , That Asia vaunted of these many yeares . Durst Ledaes or Agenors brood compare With that sweete Queene , the honour of her kinde ? But as she is aboue all other faire , As farre her daughters make her go behinde . It seem'd at first that sorrow had beene sleeping While as these Virgines in their Grand-dames bosome With weeping beautie , and with beauties weeping Did with a haile of pearle blast beauties blossome . So large a pow'r is to no Prince allotted , As to loues Empire in their face confynd . Alex. O how is my Hephestion thus assotted ? Dare follie seeke t' assault so braue a minde ? Dare Cupid enter in an armed campe , And Mars owne minions thus presume to danton ? Must his soft seale steele-wearing stomacks stampe , And make them tributaries to that wanton ? Hep. We dare resist ( whil'st many a thousand dies ) Against th' inuasion of a world of men : Yet if in yuorie orbes two Sunnie eies Assault the soule at vnawares , O then Some secret sympathie , some vn-knowne motion So charmes the minde , that vaine are all defenses . The hart drunke with the eies contagious potion Corrupts the spirits and poysons all the senses . Alex. But I in my conceat doe skorne all such : No , I resolue to be a thrall to none : Yea , ere I but abase my selfe so much , I 'le rather die ten thousand deathes in one . Should I be bound with vile affections chaines , As one obliuious of my former fame ? This resolution still my soule retaines , To ballance nothing with a noble name . O what a great indignity is this To see a Conquerour to his lust a slaue ? Who would the title of true worth were his A minde surmounting euery vice must haue . The brauest trophee euer man obtain'd Is that , which ou'r himselfe himselfe hath gain'd . Hep. I ioy , my soueraigne , that as you excell Not onely men , but Mars himselfe in armes : So you by vertues might the power repell Of beautie , loue , and Cithereas charmes . Your vertue bright , whose rayes shine in your words And thence to harts center are reflected ; Now ouer my selfe such pow'r to me affords , That with fond loue I loth to he infected .

ACTVS TERTIVS . Scen. III . BESSVS , NARBAZANES . Bes. NOw since , Narbazanes , we are come hither , Let vs accomplish what we haue intended : And ioyne our wit , our force , and all together , That it may be no sooner knowne then ended . You see occasion call vs , whil'st we sleepe , And point vs out the way to be aduanc'd ; Yea blames our sluggishnesse that cannot keepe The course of things which for our weale haue chanc'd The heauens abhorre our King , & striue t' vndo him : Nothing doth prosper that he enterprises : Some new disaster daylie falles vnto him : Some crosse o'er-thwarts all things that he deuises . In no strict limites should our thoughts be bounded Whom so great happines seemes to importune : For since our King is like to be confounded , Vpon his fall we both may builde our fortune . Na. I shall not faile for to performe my part : I of your words exceedingly allow : Honour , and wealth are the idols of my hart , Which if I may obtaine , I care hot how . And yet I would we had some faire pretence . Our countries care must seeme our soules to comber : This seeming zeale must shaddow our offence : For such a show will satisfie a number . Let vs be well aduis'd , ere we resolue : And then endeuour t' execute it soone . If we our selues once in this worke involue , And then not finishe it , we are vndone . Bes. He hath sent one to Alexander late To speake of peace , but did the same in vaine : And now involu'd in a despair'd estate , Bar'd from accorde , he cannot warie sustaine . His purpose is his Captaines to convene , To aske of them some counsell for his saftie : A time more fit for vs could not haue beene . Who minde to compasse Kings must : needs be crafty . For to atchieue that which we thinke to doe , A course more fit we by no meanes could finde , Then crooked seeming-vpright counsell to Disguise our practises , and maske our minde . We will aduise him to renounce a space His state to some one , whom he may desire But for the fashion to accept his place , And as himselfe a certaine time impyre . Whose better fortune may perchance bring back That which his euer ebbing beares away : Then he againe his Diademe shall take , And as before the regall scepter sway . Na. Well then amongst our selues , t' auoid , debate Which vndermines so many a mighty action . I will preferre you to the imperiall seate . And to approoue the same will frame my faction . Bes. All that is one , which of vs two receiue it , Since euery thing doth equallie belong vs : I 'le take it for the forme , not that I craue it , For we will part his Empire all among vs . But if he condiscend to this we craue , Which at the first vnfolding would seeme good : Let him not thinke vs two such fooles to leaue That which so many Monarkes buy with blood . Who once aduanc'd would willingly goe downe , And not loue in authoritie to stand ? 'T is not the custome so to quite a Crowne , When one hath know'n how sweet it 's to command . This name of faith but to get credite fain'd , If it were ballanc'd with a kingdome , straight In them whose consciences are most restrain'd T' would soone succumbe , a scepter hath such waight . Na. Yet to betray our King we haue no reason : When I muse on th' attempt it makes me sorrie : Our name stain'd with this odious stile of treason Shall leaue our successours more shame , then glorie . We first must end all our designes with paine , Then raigne with feare , and liue securelie neuer ; As in a dreame a space with pompe remaine , Then die disgrac'd , infamie for euer . The sacred title of a Soueraigne King Doth strike a terrour in my troubled thought , And maiestie , t' amaze my minde , doth bring , Whose aspect only hath great wonders wrought . Bes. To idle sounds , and frivolous reports Giue thou a pasporte , for they last not long : And all that thou alledgest nought imports . A Crowne may couer any kinde of wrong . What hainous thing so odious is by nature , That for a Kingdome hath not beene committed : To be a King let me be cal'd a traitour ; Faith , if for ought , for this may be omitted . Those are but feeble braines , which fancies lode With timorous dreames , that bare surmising brings . Who feare vaine shaddowes must not come abrode . Too warie-wits dare neuer worke great things . If our braue proiect happilie succeede , ( As now I doubt not but it shall do soone ) We straight will finde enough t' applaud our deede , And sooth vs vp in all that we haue done . Na. To haue the time and manner then praefixt , Command the Bactrians all themselues to arme , And to attend till we aduertise next , Prompt for all perils at the first alarme . Then through the Campe a rumour we will spread , That hopelesse Darius hath dispairdlie gone With violence to dwell amongst the dead , And seeme therefore excessiuelie to mone . The Persians we with promises must feede , So to disarme him of his natiue pow'rs : Then we will apprehend himselfe with speede : For while that he is free nothing is ours . That we may seeme to vse him with respect , ( As to the state of such a Prince pertaines : ) We will not this last ornament neglect ; He shall be bound , but bound with golden chaines . To Alexander after we will send , And offer Darius in his hands t' appease him ; Then craue his fauour , that he will defend Vs as his friends , who haue done all to please him ; If his good-will we cannot thus procure , And he vs with extremitie pursue ; With Darius death we will our states assure , Then raise fresh forces , and the warres renue . Bos. Let vs henceforth for nothing be dismaide , But striue our selues courageouslie to beare : This dangerous action would not be delai'd , Least time worke his assurance , and our feare . Exeunt .

CHORVS . TYme , through Ioues iudgement iust , Huge alterations brings : Those are but fooles that trust In transitory things , Whose tailes beare mortall stings , Which in the end will wound . And let none thinke it strange , Though all things earthly change In this inferiour rounde . What is from ruine free ? The elements which be At variance ( as we see ) Eache other doe confound : The earth and aire make warre : The fire and water are Still wrestling at debate : All those through colde and heate , Through drouth , and moisture iar : No wonder though men change and fade , Who of those changing elements are made . How dare vaine worldlings vaunt Of fortunes goods not lasting , Euils that our wittes enchaunt , Expos'd to losse and wasting . Loe we to death are hasting , Whilst we these things discusse . All things from their beginning , Vnto an end are running : Heauen hath ordain'd it thus . We heare how heauen doth thunder ; We see th' earth burst asunder ; And yet we neuer ponder , What this imports to vs . Those fearfull signes doe proue , That th' angrie pow'rs aboue Are mou'd to indignation Against this wretched nation , Which they no longer loue : What are we but a puffe of breath , Who liue assur'd of nothing but of death ? Who was so happie yet , As neuer had some crosse : Though on a Throne he sit , And is not vs'd with losse , Yet fortune once will tosse Him , when that least he would . If one had all at ones Hydaspes pretious stones , And yellow Tagus golde , All th' Orient all treasure , And euery earthly pleasure , Euen in the greatest measure , It should not make him bold . For while he liues secure , His state is most vnsure . When it doth least appeere , Some heauie plague drawes neere , Destruction to procure . We may compare th' earths glory to a flowre , That flourisheth and fadeth in an houre . In what we most repose We finde our comfort light : The thing we soonest lose That 's precious in our sight . For honour , riches , might Our liues impaund we lay : Yet all like flying shadowes , Or flowers enambling medowes , Evanish and decay . Long time we toile to finde Those idols of the minde , Which got we cannot binde T' abide with vs one day . Then why should we presume On treasures that consume , Difficile to obtaine , Difficile to retaine , A dreame , a breath , a fume ; Which vexe them most who them possesse , Who starue with store , and famish with excesse .

ACTVS QVARTVS .

Scen. I. DARIVS , TIRIOTES . Tir. AH , must I poyson now my Princes eares with the worst newes that euer burthē'd fame ? Had I as many tongues , as I haue teares , All would not serue my sorrowes to proclame . Dar. Great signes of greefe I in thy face discerne : Spare not for to report this heauie crosse To one , I feare , whome it doth most concerne . I st death , disgrace , distruction , treason , losse ? Tell on the summe of honour at the first : With no ambiguous words my paine prolong : 'T is comfort to a wretch to know the worst : And I haue learn'd to be vnhappy long . What least I speake , and yet suspect too much , I st some ludibrious message of my skorne , Which must wound me ? but ah no torment such , As this to them who that disgrace haue borne . Tir. She was not wrong'd , as you haue misconceiu'd . The Gods haue had a care for to preserue her : Such fauour of the victour she receiu'd , As of her subiects that were bound to serue her . But what a vollie doth my voice prepare Of woes to charge your eares , woes full of dread ? Would God ere I the somme thereof declare , That I might die in saying she is dead . Curst caitiue , was it not enough , allas , That I beheld her die , and would haue died , But that I must arm'd with sad tydings pas To wound all them that heare what I haue spied ? See how he fares shot with these words of mine , As one become the pray of greefe , and death . Dar. Yet doth the Sunne on my affliction shine , And sees the aire infected with my breath . And can I liue , and looke them in the face , That haue my ignominious o're-throw seene ? And how I vanquish'd , vanquish'd with disgrace Engag'd at once my kingdome , and my Queene ? Heauen bruse me all to powder with thy thunder , That I no more may in the world remaine The obiect of thy wrath , and Fortunes wonder ; Spoil'd of all hope ; yet kept for greater paine . Ah! art thou dead , and doe I lieu behinde thee ? Thy faultie husband thinkst thou so to flie ? If it be thus , then I know where to finde thee . This onely greeues me that too late I die . O Alexander , what such hainous ill Haue I done thee , that thou requit'st me thus ? Whom of thy friendes , or kindred did I kill ? This crueltie comes vndeseru'd of vs . Think that thou hadst iust causes to make warre : Yet vpon women should thy wrath be wroken ? This Tirrannie shall all thy Triumphe marre , And euer shall to thy reproach be spoken . Tir. Sir , without cause you guiltie him esteeme . I know her death did grieuouslie displease him : A wondrous thing ( which few , or none would deeme ) He tooke it so , that nothing could appease him . Euen as my Soueraigne now , so then he smarted ; And when he came to ease your mothers griefe , As if that his owne mother had departed ; He seem'd to need , not for to giue reliefe . Dar. If any sparkes of that respect remaine , Which should with reason mooue thy minde to ruth , I pray the Tiriotes now be plaine , Or els strange torments shall exact the truth : I loth to let this question scape my mouth , Which both I blush to craue , and long to know , I st possible so insolent a youth Did neuer tempt the treasure which I owe ? Could this imperious Prince in flowre of age Haue such a peerelesse beautie in his power , And yet not seeke to quench his ardent rage With the destruction of her honours flowre ? Spare not to tell vpon what deadly shelfe My ioy is perish'd quite , and I defac'd . The feare of euill is worse then th' euill it selfe : i't s to die twise , to die , and die disgrac'd . Ti. Let not those loue-bred feares abuse your thought : By all the world no fable I contriue . If I speake partiallie , or lie in ought , Earth open vp , and swallow me aliue . He whom your Grace so wrongfully suspects , No , not in thought , hath once your Queene abus'd , But as his sister still in all respects , As chastlie , and as honourablie vs'd . When fortune first our warlike troupes had scattered , And with great slaughter put them all to flight ; We , whom she late so louingly had flattered , Were made the patternes of that changlings might . For hauing found a Crowne troad on the ground . Dar.

O lasting shame that cannot be recur'd .

Tir. We straight imagin'd that some cruell wound Had kild my Lord , and wail'd it as assur'd . Dar. Would God I then had died , as I desir'd , So t' haue preuented those ensuing harmes ; Before my honour and my hap expir'd , With Crowne on head , & with my Queene in armes . Tir. But Alexander hauing heard our cries Sent one t' enquire th' occasion of our woe ; Who finding whence our errour did arise , Gaue full assurance that it was not so . Then he himselfe vnto our tent resorted , And with most courteous speaches full of loue Your mother , wife , and children oft exhorted Such vaine surmized terrours to remoue . With protestation that they should expect No harme of him their courage to appale : Each thing he did accordinglie direct , That no man might endomage them at all . Thus hauing them against all dangers arm'd ( I thinke for feare , for who would not haue fear'd Least such an Angels graces had him charm'd ) He neuer more before her face appear'd . Or was it vertue that would flie the sting Of trustlesse pleasures that abuse the sense ? So continent a victour , and a king Was neuer seene . He fled what caus'd offence . He doth his fame aboue all things prefer , And will not be where it may blemish finde , Nor giue his eyes commoditie to erre , Nor suffer impure thoughts to staine his minde . He stai'd till that faire face had lost all vigour , And with the coulours of pale death was painted . Dar. Iniurious heauen that with such hellish rigour The purest worke that nature made hath tainted . Tir. When he beheld death triumph in that face , Which late had triumph'd ou'r a Monarcks hart , He mon'd no lesse her miserable cace , Then you that loste in her your better part . And when some dayes his dolour had ou'r-come , Her funerals solemnelie to decore He vs'd such honour , as might well become The Persian pompe in prosperous times before . Dar. O supreame pow'r that of Empires disposest , And ratifiest thy will with fearfull thunder , Who , as thou pleasest , placest , and de-posest Vncertaine worldlings whiles aboue , whiles vnder , I pray thy Deitie in my soules distresse , If that th' inhabitants of heauen can heare The plaints of those who this lowe point possesse , Or that th' immortall can giue mortals eare , Vouchsafe this my last sute for to fulfill : Establish first this scepter in my hand : But if through my deserving , or thy will The race of Cyrus must no more command ; And if thy heauenly breast such hate contracts , That I must needs my Diadem forgoe : Let him succeed who prooues in all his acts So iust a Victour , and so milde a foe .

ACTVS QVARTVS . Scen. II. DARIVS , ART ABAZVS , NARBAZENES PATRON , BESSVS . Dar. IF Fortune had ioynd me with dastard mindes , Who to a noble death base life prefer'd , I should not harrengue heere vnto the windes , But be content to haue my fate defer'd . O , I repent I proou'd your worth too much , Who still haue follow'd me in all estates . I rather should , then doubt that you are such , Prease to proue worthy of so worthie mates . Yee onlie rest of all that I conducted , Of whose great force and faith , which many sing , I by two fights , and flights haue beene instructed : Yet hauing you I thinke my selfe a King . He hath plac'd traitours in my townes most ample , Not that he honours them ( he hates their humour ) But to seduce you to by their example , Then bannish all for euery little rumour . Yee haue not to my Fortune had regarde , But freelie-follow'd my euill fortun'd warres : Which , though that I might not , Ioue would rewarde , And all the world extoll you to the starres . How long shall I a vagabond remaine , And flie a stranger who my right would reaue ? Since by one battell we may re-obtaine All that we lost , or loose all that we haue . Like those vile traitours , whom I will arraigne To holde me vp , shall I goe cast me downe ? Must Darius onlie by entreatie raigne ? No , none hath pow'r to take , or giue my Crowne . I shall not my authoritie sur-viue , Nor will I proffer a submissiue breath : My hand shall holde a scepter while I liue : My head shall beare a Diadem till death . If those franke thoughts that doe possesse my soule , Such flames of vertue kindled haue in you ; A Macedonian neuer shall controule Our noble actes , nor laugh to see vs bow . My state may testifie fraile Fortunes change : May she not him o're-whelme , as well as me ? At least our hands beare death , if not revenge : For who can stop a stout hart for to die ? Thinke of your auncestors , I you exhort , Who made the Grecians tributaries euer ; And of whose wondrous actes men do report Great things , the fame whereof shall perish neuer . Shall future ages in your praise be dombe , Whil'st they your Fathers memorie adore ? I am resolu'd , my Triumphe , or my Tombe A Laurell , or a Cipresse shall decore . Art . What vaine amazement doth disturbe our spirits ? Let vs consult no further but goe to . He , who the Persians wonted worth inherites , Will not rest long aduising what to doe ? Come let vs with our best attire and armes Accompanie our King to this last strife : Through bloody squadrons , and through hote alarmes By slaughter onlie we must looke for life . And when our host , as I hope shall preuaile , Our countrie shall haue peace , we praise of right : And if our Fortune , not our courage , faile , We die with honour in our Soueraignes sight . Let vs , if vanquish'd , be asham'd to be . A glorious death may greater honour giue . Doe to o're-come , and yet not feare to die . It 's needfull that we fight , not that we liue , Na. My words will first your Maiestie displease : Yet dutie makes me speake where silence spilles : The fine Phisician cures a sharpe disease With some sowre potion that corruption killes . The skilfull Pilote when he feares a storme , To saue the ship will cast out precious things : Yet I perswade you not in any forme To further , but to stay what ruine brings . We warre against the Gods , we cannot speede : To all our actions Fortune is oppos'd . We must of force some other way proceede : So haue the heau'ns of our affaires dispos'd . Deare Sir , giue ou'r the gouernment and stile To some more happie man , not in effect ? But cloth him with your shaddow for a while , Till he your Realmes halfe ruin'd re-erect . When he hath clam'd this tempest now so hote , And setled Asia with a good successe ? He will your kingdomes lost with what he gote Restore : appearance promises no lesse . All Bactria yet abides at your command : The Indians , loe , would die to doe you good : Yea many thousand thousands armed stand , Bent for your pleasure to bestow their blood . What ? should we rush like beastes to needlesse strife ? Be well prepar'd , and then pursue that stranger : Braue mindes should death despise not lothing life . Base cowards craue to die for feare of danger . But vertue , to haue no support ou'r past , Will first on all meanes possible be thinking : And when that all is proou'd , death is the last , To which it is ynough to goe not shrinking . Now for the time let Bactria be our seat , To Bessus for the forme your Crowne resigne : Who , when he once hath re-aduanc'd you state , Shall quite all soueraigntie at the first signe . Dar. Wretch , trauellest thou thy soueraigne to betray ? Such treason darest thou to our eares impart ? Such treason vnder trust ? Stay traitour , stay : I le sheath my sworde euen in thy traiterous hart . Art . Sir , you must striue to haue this passion broken . Consider what they are , what is the time : It may be they through ignorance haue spoken : In thought , and not in word , consists a crime . Since to affront your enimie you goe , You must not stirre for euery little obiect : But tollerate your owne , t' offend your foe . For now i't s time time to loue not lose a subiect . I shall get triall vpon what pretence This ou'r-sight in aduise hath beene committed . If through simplicitie , not for offence , He must be pardon'd and his speech remitted . Dar. I wish that it were so . I take no pleasure To ruine them that would my fortune cherish . Na. Your grace wil grant me mercie in some measure . First heare , and if I faile then let me perish . I call the Gods to witnesse of my cace , Who can decipher euery secret thought : If I intended treason toward your Grace , Straight where I stand let me be turn'd to nought . I counsel'd but according to my skill : It was my vpright minde that made me bolde . I rue my wit not answer'd to my will : Yet zeale what it conceiues must needes vnfolde . We should beware to speake in great affaires , Where words are damn'd , or ballanc'd by th' euent . For if things faile , the fault is still thought theirs Who gaue th' aduise , though of a good intent . I fall before your feete heere for refuge : Then let me not be without cause reiected : At least , examine first before you iudge : I le rather die absolu'd , then liue suspected . Dar. Your fond opinion first was to be feared , Which seem'd indeede sinistriouslie inclind : For at the first your speech to me appear'd Th' envenom'd birth of some malitious minde . But since you purge you so , I le not arraign you , Not further call your loyalty in doubt : But in the same degree of grace retaine you , That you were in before these wordes brake out . I thinke that Patron lookes with speaking eies , As if his minde were mightily perplexed : Come , Patron , tell what in thy bosome lies , Wherewith thou seemest so wonderfullie vexed . Pa. Sir , I would speake in priuie , If I could , That which th' affection of my soule affordes : It must be seal'd with silence , and I would That none were present to report my words . Of fifty thousand Greekes foure only rest , Companions in all perils with your host : Alike with you delighted and distrest : As faithfull now as when you florish'd most . Where you remaine we must remaine with you : All kinde of fortunes haue vs ioyn'd together . Appoint our tents for your Pauilion now ; And we will guard you , if that you come thither . We haue abandon'd Greece , our natiue soile : We haue no Bactria to be our retreat : Our hope is all in you : those that would spoile Vs of your person ruine all our state . Would God that all your armie did their due : To vse moe words th' occasion is not fit . I should not vrge you , if your owne were true , Your custodie to strangers to commit . Dar. What suddaine accident doth this dismay you That you such inconveniences forecast ? Pa. Sir , Bessus and Narbazanes betray you ! This day to you , or them will be the last . They faine repentance onlie to dissemble , Till euery thing be for the fact prepar'd . Their friends in hast doe all their force assemble , And once ere night minde to inuade your guarde . Dar. I credite you : but yet I cannot wrong My subiects so , to thinke of them the worst : Shall I leaue them who follow'd me so long ? By doing so to make my selfe accurst . I will awaite on what the heau'ns will offer , For who can stand when fates his fall conspire ? Among mine owne I willingly will suffer . I liue too long if they my death desire . Bes. Take heede , Sir , to this subtile-witted Greeke : The Graecian faith to all the world is knowne . I am enform'd he by all meanes doth seeke To win his grace who hath your state o're-throwne . And maruell not though mercenarie men , Who sell themselues , sell all : beleeue them neuer . They haue no God but gold , nor house : how then Can they be constant that are changing euer ? Although that he pre-occupie you thus , And others who themselues abuse your Grace : Faith shall be found inuiolate in vs , When our accuser dare not show his face . Dar. Who hope to haue of Alexander gaine , Or honour to be false , they haue no reason : No man on earth doth traitours more disdaine , Nor more seuearly will b' aueng'd on treason . Bes. Well , Sir , you shall see shortlie what we are : I will goe see your Ensignes all displaied . Dar. It 's better now since things are gone so farre , Then seeme for to mistrust , to be betraide . Loe Artabazus , I haue acted heere My part of greatnesse , and my glasse is run . Now Patrons speech doth euident appeare . I see my end , yet can it no way shun . Art . The Bactrians only medled haue with this . Go to the Graecians campe , when that is done . And when your danger once divulged is , The Persians all will follow after soone . Dar. And what if I were gone to patrons Tent , And guarded with the Greekes as you desire : He hath but thousands foure that are well bent ; They thirty thousand that my fall conspire . And doing this I should their deede excuse , In giuing them a motion who haue might . They may indeede my lenitie abuse : But by my deede they shall pretend no right . Art . O deplorable Prince , who can but weepe To see thee now reduc'd to this estate ? Dar. Retire you all , and seeke your selues to keepe : I heere attend the issue of my fate . I knowe yee wonder all how I can stand , Downe from the top of all contentment throwne , And not die desperately by mine owne hand . I le die through others guilt , not through mine owne . None of you all haue falsified your troath , But with me loyall still to th' end yee abide . Now I you all disburthen of your oath : Leaue me alone , and for your selues prouide . Exeunt . DARIVS . O Wretched Monarchie , vaine mortals choice , The glorious step to a disgrace-full fall : Our pow'r depends vpon the peoples voice , And to seeme soueraigne needs we must serue all . Yet blowne , like blathers , with ambitions winde , On enuied scepters weaklie we relie : And calling not our fraile estate to minde , Not onlie earth , but heauens themselues defie . This hellish hag our restlesse minde doth tosse , While carried with a popular applause , T' enlarge our limites with our neighbours losse , We of our owne confusions are the cause . And when th' ecclipse comes of our glories light , Then what auailes th' adoring of our name : A meere illusion made to mock the sight , Whose best was but the shaddow of a dreame ? Let greatnesse of her glascie scepters vaunt ; Not sceptours , no , but reeds , soone brus'd soone broken : And let this worldlie pompe our wits inchant . All fades , and scarcelie leaues behinde a token . Those golden Pallaces , those gorgeous halles , With fourniture superfluouslie faire : Those statelie Courts , those sky-encountring walles Evanish all like vapours in the aire . O what affliction iealous greatnesse beares , That still must trauell to hold others downe ; Whil'st all our guardes not guard vs from our feares ? So greevous is the burthen of a Crowne . Where are they all who at my feete did bowe , While I was made the idole of so many ? What ioy had I not then ? what haue I nowe ? Then honoured of all , now scarce of any . Our painted pleasures but apparrell paine : We spend our dayes in dread , our liues in dangers , Balles to the starres , and thralles to Fortunes raigne , Knowne vnto all , yet to our selues but strangers . A golden Crowne doth couer leaden cares : The Scepter cannot lulle their thoughts a-sleepe , Whose breasts are fraught with infinite dispaires , Of which the vulgar wits sounds not the deepe . The Bramble growes , although it be obscure ; While mightie Cedars feele the blustering windes : And milde Plebeian spirits may lieu secure , While mightie tempests tosse imperiall mindes . What are our daies , but dreames , our raignes but trances , Whil'st brain-sick reaving with our Fortunes feuer . We still are vext with changes and mischances , Till death vs both from life and scepter seuer ? The vanitie of greatnesse I haue proou'd , And beene the wonder of each gazing eye : Now that deceauing shaddow is remoou'd ; And I my wretched state too late espie . Now bound with chaines , ( which though they be of gold , Diminish not my thraldome ought the more ) When this preposterous honour I beholde , It but vpbraides me what I was before . And what was I before ( though to each eye The forme of my affliction was not knowne ) But fettred in effect , while I seem'd free , And in a labyrinth of labours throwne ? Was I not bound to serue then all mens humour , Or to be censur'd with some Critick storie ; Still clog'd with cares , as slought for euery rumour . O glorious bondage , burthen-able glorie . That dignitie which deified me late , And made the world doe homage to my name , Now cannot succour my accursed state , But hath with my mis-fortune fethered same . My best was but a momentarie blis , Which leaues behinde this euerlasting sting , That of all woe no woe is like to this , To thinke I was , and am not now a King . No man with me in all accomplish'd ioyes , That satisfie the soule , could once compare : No man may matche me now in sad annoyes , And all the miseries that breede dispaire . Thrise Fortune did my gallant troupes entrap , And I to fall did desperately stand ; Yet could not be so happie in mishap , As for t' haue died by some renowmed hand . But for my greater griefe , disgrace , and scorne , ( The mindes of men so apt are to deceaue ) They whome aloft my favours wings haue borne , Ev'n they made me their maister thus a slaue . Ah , did not death in prison from me reaue The sacred soueraigne of my soules desires , I wretch not being present to receaue The last cold kisse that might asswage my fires ? Yet ô thrise happie thou , that hast not liu'd To beare a burthen of this great disgrace . More then a thousand deaths this had thee grieu'd , To know I died , and died in such a cace . Ah , doe the pledges of our mutuall loue ( The onlie comfort that the fates haue left me ) Rest prison'd yet ? And may I not remooue My mother thence ? then is all blisse bereft me . My paines are more then with my pleasures ev'n , Since first I in authoritie did enter . Was I exalted once vp to the heau'n , To be cast head-long downe to mischiefes center ? My ample Empire , and my Princelie birth , My great magnificence , and vaine excesse , All cannot yeelde my minde one minutes mirth , To ease me now in this extreame distresse . Loe heere , reduc'd vnto the worst of illes , Past helpe , past hope , and only great in griefe , I wait vpon two abiect vassals willes , And dare not , no , not thinke vpon reliefe . Death would I scorne ( my course must once haue run ) If I had first repair'd mine honours breach , Whose wounds so thrill my soule , as vnbegun The life I wish that does my fame impeach . This mortall vaile I willinglie resigne , Since to an ende my dayes the destinies bring : Nor will I so from Maiestie decline , As to doe ought vn-worthie of a King . Exit .

CHORVS . SOme new disaster day lie doth for showe Our comming ruine : We haue seene our best . Now fortune bent vs vtterly t' ore-throw , Throwes down our King from her wheels top so low , As by no meanes his state can be redrest . And since his foes by armes haue him opprest , His friendes , and seruants leaue him all alone . Few haue compassion of his state distrest : Yea , false to him them selues doe many show . So foes and feigned friendes conspire in one ; Fraile Fortune , and the fates with them agree . With axes all runne on this falling tree . This Prince in prosperous state hath florish'd long , And neuer dream'd of any euill successe , But was well follow'd while his state was strong : Him flattering Syrens with a charming song Striu'd to exalt : while-as he did possesse This earthly drosse , that with a vaine excesse He might reward their mercenary loue . But now when fortune driues him to distresse , His fauorites whom he remain'd among , With foes and fortune straight their faith remoue . And who for gaine to follow him were wont , They after gaine by his destruction hunt . O more then happie ten times were that King , Who were vnhappie but a little space , So that it did no vtter ruine bring , But made him proue ( a profitable thing ) Who of his traine , did best deserue his grace ; Then could , and would of those the best imbrace , And flie such vultures as deuour him liuing ; That these whom he found faithful might have place . O how this doth a generous stomacke sting , To see some grac'd for craft and lies contryuing ? This is the griefe that bursts an honest hart ; Lords fauour commes by chance , not by desart . Those Minions to whom Princes do extend , Aboue their worth , immoderate good-will , To the disgrace of good men , shew in end They onely in prosperity depend Not vpon them , but on their Fortune still . Which if it change , they change . then though they fil , Their hopes with honour , and their chests with coine Yet if they fall , or their affaires goe ill , Those whom they rais'd , will not with them descend , But with th' ascending Sunne wil straight way ioyne . And doe forget all that they gaue before , For that of them they can expect no more . The truth hereof in end now hath th' euent In Bessus , and Narbazanes approoued : On whom their Prince so prodigallie spent Affection , honour , titles , treasure , rent , And all that might each honest mind haue mooued So bountifull a Prince for to haue loued , Who so benignly tendred their estate . Yet they to him vyle traitours now haue proued : By them he is in-chain'd , disgrac'd and shent ; So as he well may rue , although too late , That he such slie Camelions changing hew Prefer'd to seruants dutifull and trew . But though a while those traitours speede , No doubt the heau'ns once vengeance will exact : The very horrour of this haynous deede Doth make the harts of honest men to bleede : Yea , euen the wicked hate this barbarous act : The heauens no hier choller can contract , Then for th' invasion of a sacred King : Who , as it were , out of the starres extract , Should feare and reuerence inferiours breede , To whom from him both health and wealth doth spring . But though on earth men should neglect this wrong , Heauens will those traitors plague ere it be long .

ACTVS QVINTVS .

Scen. I. HEPHESTION , ALEXANDER , POLISTRATVS . He. WHat story or what fable can recorde Of such a nombrous troupe so strangely lost ? I know they quak'd to know it was my Lord , Whose name alone is worth anothers host . It scarce seemes credible in many partes : But traitors feare though al the world would backe them . They were but bodies destitute of harts : Moe prisoners they were then men to take them . Who would beleeue so few durst striue to finde So great an armie , and the armie shrinkes What is impossible to a braue minde ? True valour dare attempt all that it thinkes Alex. In this encounter for t' haue had the best It would content more then a common thought : But since we want the chiefe , what of the rest ? I would be satisfied in all , or nought . Those traitours thought t' haue finish'd all the warre With giuing me their Lord , whom they had bound : But I distrust not mine owne force so farre , As for to builde vpon so base a ground . Although indeede that Darius did me wrong , I will not suffer others to oppresse him . I keepe him for my selfe : he doth belong To me alone : none other should distresse him . Whilst he did onely in himselfe confide , I labour'd by all meanes to make him bow : But since his hard estate abates that pride , Turn'd is my fury to compassion now . Although he oft contemn'd me by his letter , Yet I am greeu'd to see him so deceiu'd . If he had but acknowledg'd me his better , 'T was not his blood , nor kingdome that I crau'd . And if those traitours haue not kild him straight , Yet his deliuerie shall my name renoune : I would not loose a subiect of such waight , By which my clemencie might be made knowne : Po.

Sir , now your comming cannot doe him good .

Al.

What al are fled ? none haue my force withstood ?

Po.

Yet Darius cannot be redeem'd againe .

Al.

Why , haue they set him free ? or is he slaine ?

Po. Now hath he got a liberty at last With no lesse ransome then his dearest breath . Al. Then is all Asias expectation past . Tell on at length the maner of his death . Po. The boyling ardour of th' ascending Sunne Had caus'd in me a moysture parching drouth , Which made me from the way a little runne , To finde some fountaine to refresh my mouth , Their where a source her liquors softly scatters , Which shaddow'd was from Titans parching beames , I coold my thirst with the colde christall waters . Which seem'd to murmur that I forc'd their streames . When loe I sawe ( a lamentable sight ) Two wounded horses drawe a bloody coache , All clad with skinnes in most vncomely plight , Which narrowlie t' espy I did approach . One was within , who could not long escape The doubtfull passage of th' infernall gates : Yet maiestie triumphing ou'r mishap , He seem'd to threaten fortune ; and the Fates , And as not to so basse a fortune borne , While all his blood aboundantly deval'd , Burst forth into these words in Fortunes scorne , As one whose courage could not be appal'd , You gaze to see , and haue good cause wherefore , A man , no man ; a King , no King ; what monster ? Now lesse then nought , who once was both , & more : Which few now by my present state would conster . And yet amidst my euils I must reioyce , That this last comfort doth fore-goe my end : I speake to one that vnderstands my voice , And not in vaine my dying-speeches spend . I am , but how ? in name , but not in pow'r , That wretched Darius ( which I should suppresse ) Once happy , as you heard , but at this houre The very patterne of extreame distresse ; Then a while pawsing after thus proceeded : Tell Alexander these last wordes from me : Although my hatred still t'wards him exceeded , Yet I am forc'd far in his debt to die . I thanke him highlie for his great good-will , My mother , wife , and children so preseruing . Pray him t' vse them that rest as gently still For his owne goodnesse sake , not my deseruing . They to his foe pertaine , and yet he striues To haue them honour'd now , as in times past : But those who held of me both lands and liues , Of land and life haue me depriu'd at last . I pray you on my part entreat him thus Not to permit that vnreueng'd belowe My ghost do wander . By his care of vs That men his Iustice , and their fault may knowe . Beside the honour , which he shall acquire In plaguing them that haue betraide my trust ; Men shall his magnanimitie admire , And feare t' offend him whome they finde so iust . Loe , all my pompe is past , my time expir'd : My wealth evanished like watrie bubbles . Ou'r many a mightie people I impyr'd : Yet hath my life beene but a stage of troubles . And since my glasse is runne , my glory gone , And I dead to the world , the world to me ; I wish that all parts of th' earths globe in one May condescend his subiects for to be . Then drouping downe , faint , bloodles , and halfe dead , He prai'd to giue him water that stood by . ( A small request by such a Monarcke made ) Which when that he had gote : yet , ere I die , This crosse must come ( said he ) t' vndoe me quite : Though most parts of the world once homage ought me ; I haue not now the power for to requite This little benefit that thou hast brought me . But Alexander shall rewarde thee well ; And him the heauens , who hath not done amisse , To those that haue beene mine : his foe must tell That vndeserued courtesie of his . Though none haue pow'r his pleasure to controule ; If he entreate them well whom he retaines ; It will procure no small rest to my soule , And make him famous , while the world remaines . When my sprit parts out of this tent of clay , Entreat some with my buriall to take order ; Least churlish Charon force me for to stray An vn-respected ghost on Stygian border . Let first my corps be carried to my mother , Who may it with my auncestors entombe : And , as she hath more cause then any other , May waile this wofull burthen of her wombe . In pledge of that affection , which I beare Thy Soueraignes worth , whom now I must see neuer , Haue heere a Princes hand , I hold him deare , And recommend me to his grace for euer . I scarce had got his hand , or toucht his vesture , When like a torch whose waxe and weeke is spent , Somewhat perplext , yet with a princely gesture , He died in peace : his sprit appear'd content . Alex. Who could refraine from teares to heare declar'd The desolation of this wretched wight : Haue subiects slaine their prince whom strangers spar'd ? Vs hath he fled , that perish thus he might ? I for his fall am wonderfully sorie , Who Nestors age was worthie t' haue attain'd : I envie death , because it rob'd the glorie , Which I in giuing him his life had gain'd . Hep. Since death hath put a periode to his woes , The fauour that t'wards him you thought t' extend , Conuert to furour now against his foes . For your designes can haue no fairer end . So shall you both attaine perpetuall praise , And winne their harts who see their Lord reveng'd , Then reape no little profite in your dayes , To haue the countrie of such vipers cleng'd . If but one vertue should adorne a King , It should be Iustice : many great defects Are vaild thereby ; whereas each vertuous thing In one that is vniust , the world suspects . Alex. Although your counsell , or yet his request Had not the pow'r to penetrate my eares : A generous stomack could not well disgest So great a wrong : my minde it hardly beares . My spirit impatient of repose disdaines That they so long this infamie surviue . But I will punish with most greevous paines The horrid treason that they did contriue . What ? do they thinke , deceau'd with some illusion . That Bactria is a bulwarke for my ire ? Flie where they list , they cannot scape confusion : My wrath shall follow like consuming fire . Heauen cannot be a sanctuarie for them : I dare to force th' infernall caves adventer : Th' earth cannot keepe them safe , if I abhorre them : I le search them out though they were in the center . And hauing gotten once those malefactors , Betwixt the bending boughes of two strong trees , Vnto th' eternall terrour of all traitours , They shall dismembred be before my eyes . Pol. Sir , may it please your Grace to take some care , That some his funerall offices performe . Alex. Goe presentlie and euery thing prepare According to the militarie forme .

ACTVS QVINTVS . Scen. 2. SISIGAMBIS , NVNTIVS , CHORVS . Sisi. THis looke , alas , hath fraught my soule with feares , Speake , for my life doth on thy lips depend : Thy count'nance ( ah ) a dolefull coppie beares Of some sad summons to denounce my end . Starue not my eares with famish for thy words : That swallow'd yet may make my hart to burst . Nun. Madame the message that my soule affordes Must once be known , and once knowne still accurst , Sis.

Be not a niggard of euil newes .

Nun.

And why ?

Sis.

Fame will tell the world .

Nun.

But first to you .

Sis.

Tel sone .

Nun.

Your son is dead .

Sis.

Then let me die .

Cho.

Her ioyes and pleasures are all perish'd now .

Sis. Why opens not the earth for to deuoure A cursed caitiue , that all ioy hath loste ? The longer that I liue , my griefe growes more : Borne I am to mischiefe , kept to be crost . Would God this body in mishappes abounding Were couered with some mountaine of huge waight ; Or else that th' Ocean ou'r these fieldes inunding Might make my buriall in her bosome straight . O Alexander , hast thou robd his life , Yet entertain'd me still in hope to finde him ? Why didst thou not first kill this poore old wim Who was not worthie to haue liu'd behind hi ? Ah , tended all thy courtesie to this , That I should liue till thou hast slaine my sonne ? Nun. You wrong that worthie Prince : for he and his Came him to helpe , who was ere then vndone . Sis. What impious hands durst one that wore a crown , And was thereof most worthie , murther so ? Nun. Two whom himself rais'd vp haue cast him down : More faithfull then his owne he found his foe . Sis. Tell on thy message , message of my death , And load my minde with all mischiefe and horrour : That in sad sighes I may dissolue my breath , Whilst thou relat'st these tydings full of terrour . Nun. When Alexander eftsoones back had sent Th' Ambassadours that peace had sought in vaine , A generall muster , then to try th' euent Of doubtfull Mars , King Darius did ordaine , And in one battell to aduenture all Intending , caus'd his will to be proclaim'd , While two vile traitours did conspire his fall , Who Bessus , and Narbazanes were nam'd . These two in counsell did discouer first Some portion of the poison of their hart : Which caus'd the King suspect , but not the worst . Yet with a sword he sought to make them smart . But hauing scap'd the first brunt of his rage , With teares of Crocodiles they so lamented , As they his indignation did asswage , Whil'st in appearance onlie they repented . They came to Artabazus , honest man , Who iudg'd of others by his vpright minde , And could not , or through bountie would not scan What they with craft and malice had desing'd . Chor. A sinceare minde is euer least suspitious : They think all faulty who themselues are vitious . Nun. They vrg'd him with the King to interceede . That in his fauour he would giue them place ; With promise that by some notorious deede Of armes they would seeke to deserue his grace . He in their fauour first enform'd the King , The battell would beare witnesse of their truth ; Then both before his maiesty did bring , Who was by their submission moou'd to ruth . Their hands streatchd vp to heau'n , & humbled knees , Their teares like those the Crocodiles doe shed , Woe in their face , and pitty in their eyes Did for compassion and for mercie plead . The king of nature milde , prompt to receiue them , While they dissembledly were thus complaning , Not onelie of his lenitie forgaue them , But wept in earnest too while they were faining . Then as he vs'd , his danger now not feeling , He mounted to his Coach : they came behinde With a submissiue voyce most humbly kneeling To him , whom shortly they were bent to binde . The Graecian Captaine follow'd them with speede , Who being cal'd , and ask'd what he desir'd , Sollicited the King to take good heede Of those that had against his life conspir'd . He tolde him how he had their treason tri'de , And seene the Bactrians to a tumult bent ; Then prai'd him for his safety to prouide , In going with him to his trusty tent . The King grow'n carelesse , and his safety shunning Refus'd this offer on affection grounded . Or with some pow'rfull fate his fall fore-running , Was carried headlong thus to be confounded . The Greeke past thence dispairing of his safety , Who thus recurelesse helpe and health refus'd . Then Bessus did begin with speeches craftie To purge himselfe , and errours past excus'd . The King then Artabazus did command T' approch , and Patrons speech at length reported : He then did doubt what danger was at hand , And to go with the Greeke his Grace exhorted . But when he found this resolution plac'd , Within his brest , no peril for to flie : With mutuall teares each other they embrac'd , Parting like two , that liuing went to die , Now silent night in pitchie vapours cled Had mustred mists , and march'd vnto the West , A shadowie horrour ou'r the earth was spread , The Santinelles were set , and all at rest . When a strange terrour troubled all the hoste : The multitudes did murmure in all parts : They did resemble ships in stormes neere lost , Whilst each to th' other cause of feares imparts . Those who their King appointed were to guarde All shrunke away to corners none staid there : And hauing to his danger no regarde His better-fortunes Minions fled else where . The desolation then was wonderous great : With a few Eunuches Darius left alone Did enter deepely to reuolue his state , And thus be-spake them ; who did for him mone . Depart in peace and for your selues prouide , Least yee be likewise with my ruine caught : I will the issue of my fate abide : They hearing this , as of their wits distraught Went howling through the host with dolorous cries : This made the King as dead to be bewaild . And in the armie did a rumour rise , That he had kild himselfe , when all hope fail'd . The Persians greeu'd , while these things did occurre , Did first encourage all their countrie bands To helpe their Prince : but yet they durst not sturre For feare of falling in the Bactrians hands . Ev'n in the time when this confusion was The traitours , to deferre the fact no more , Did to their soueraignes owne Pavilion passe , And rooke , and bound him , whome they seru'd before . He , who in golden coach superbelie rode , Was cast in one for bassest carriage vs'd : And who of late was honoured like a God , By seruants as a bond slaue was abus'd . Those royall hands to beare a scepter borne Were bound with chains : this also much did grieue him That fortune his aduersitie would scorne With golden bands , that seru'd not to releeue him . Then Alexander , hauing heard in end That Darius came not forward to affront him , To finde him out did all his forces bend , Not doubting but he eftsoones would surmount him . But being at the last at length inform'd How he was made a Captiue to his owne , At this indignitie he highlie storm'd , And swore he would avenge it by his crowne . Out of his hoste he did select a fewe , Who were best hors'd , whose equipage was light : With whom his foes he did so fast pursue , That , ere they could suspect , he came in sight . The traitours troubled with this he had done Came to the Cart wherein the King was carried , And bad him mount on horse back , and flee soone , Least that his foe should take him if he tarried . He look'd aloft , and cry'd aloud : this day Th' eternall Iusticer sees through the starres : I will not with such periur'd rebelles stay , And flie from him , who moou's but honest warres . Then those in whom impietie aboundes , Throw'd darts at him whom they should haue defended And hurte the horses with an hundreth woundes . While they perform'd the Parricide intended . Their hands were feeble , as their harts vntrue : For when their foes began them once to comber , The traitours first , then all the traiterous crue Fled them , who were inferiour farre in number . But to the confines of deathes kingdome brought The King retir'd out from the way aside , More wounded with ingratitude then ought , Did flie the world whose follies he had tri'de . Scarce was the lasting last diuorcement made Twixt soule and body whilst that th' eyes grew dim When Alexander came , and found him dead , Who long had labour'd for t' haue ruin'd him . Yet with the vesture which himselfe then wore He couered the dead corps , and not eschew'd it ; But eu'n with teares his coffin did decore , To the great wonder of all them that view'd it . And hauing waild his death aboue all measure , For t' haue his funerals made in Princely wise He bids you spare no coste , but vse his treasure , And them , as best becommes , to solemnise . He hath his body hither sent by me , That the last honours you to him may do : He thinkes they so shall best accomplish'd be , And who him bare shall see him buried to . Cho. Behold how griefe hath her of sense bereft , And choak'd her breath with super-abounding grones , No will or power to liue is to her left , Since all her weale evanish'd is at ones . Sis. Ah shall I see ( no let me first be blinde ) That body breath-lesse , which I brought to light ? Where would my soule a force sufficient finde T' endure the dolour of that deadly sight . O flintie hardned hart , that wilt not breake With the remembrance of so many woes , Why part'st thou not , faint sprit , that whil'st I speake , In opening of my lips mine eyes might close ? This heritage of death , this withered stock Is but a receptacle of dispaires : A torture to it selfe , a stumbling block , Whose aged furrowes fertile are in cares . What helpes it now to haue bene made the mother Of one who to such dignitie did clim ? More miserable now then any other , I liue to waile my death , who di'd in him . Aye me , malitious Fates haue done me wrong : Who came first to the world should first depart . It not becommes the olde t' ou'r-liue the yong : This dealing is praeposterous and ou'r-thwart . Ah , why should death so indiscreet be found To saue a caitiue , and confound a Prince : My halfe-dead body , weigh'd downe to the ground , Through griefe is grow'n ripe for the graue long since .

CHORVS . WHat makes vaine worldlings so to swell with pride , Who came of earth , and to the earth returne ? So hellish furies with their fire brands burne Proude and ambitious men , as they deuise Them from themselues , and so turmoile their mindes , That all their time they studie still How to content a bound-lesse will , Which neuer yet a full contentment findes . Who so this flame within his bosome smothers Doth many fantasies contriue , And euen forgets himselfe a-liue , To be remembred after death by others . Thus while he is his paines are neuer ended ; That while he is not , he may be commended . What can this helpe the happinesse of Kings , So to subdue their neighbours , as they doe , And make strange nations tributaries to ? The greater state the greater trouble brings . Their pompes and triumphes , stands them in no stead : Their Arches , Tombes , Piramides hie , And Statues are but vanitie : They die , and yet would liue in what is dead : And while they liue , we see their glorious actions Oft wrested to the worst : and all their life Is but a stage of endlesse toile and strife , Of tumults , vprores , mutinies , and factions . They rise with feare , and lie with danger downe : There is no burthen weightier then a Crowne . And as Ambition Princes vndermines ; So doth it those that vnder them rule all . We see in how short time they rise , and fall ; How oft their light eclips'd but dimlie shines . They studie by all shifts and slights to moue Their Prince of their deserts t' account : And when they by his fauour mount , O what a danger is 't to be aboue ? For straight expos'd to hatred , and despight , With all their skill they cannot march so euen , But some opprobrious scandall will be giuen : For all men enuy those that haue most might . And if the King dislike them once , then straight The wretched Courtiers fal with their own waight . Some of a poorer Spirite , who would be prais'd , And yet haue not wherefore to be esteem'd , What they are not indeede would faine be deemd , And indirectly labour to be rais'd . This crue each publike place of honour haunts , And changing garments euery day While they woulde hyde , doe but bewray With outward ornaments their inward wants . And men of better iudgement iustly loth Those , who in outwarde showes place all their care , And deck their bodies , while their mindes are bare , Like to a shaddow , or a painted cloth . The multitude , who but th' apparrell notes , Doth homage not to them , but to their cotes . Yet Princes must be seru'd , and with all sorts , Some both to doe , and counsell what is best : Some serue for Ciphers to set out the rest , Like liue lesse pictures , that adorne the ports . Faire pallaces replenish'd are with feares : Those seeming pleasures are but snares : The Royall Robe doth couer cares , Th' Assyrian dye deere buyth he , that it beares . Those dainty delicates , and far fetch'd foode Oft through suspition sauour out of season : Embrodered beds and tapesteries hatche treason : The golden goblets mingled are with blood . Such glorious gorgeous showes do serue for nought : All cannot calme the tempest of the thought . O happy he , who far from fame at home Doth sit securely by a quiet fire , Who hath not much , and doth not much desire , Nor curious is to learne who goe , or come , For satisfied with what his father left His minde he measures by his store , And is not pyn'd to gape for more ; Nor eates ought that iniquity hath reft : He hath his little cleanly , and in peace , And lookes not with suspitious eye . No poyson comes in Cups of tree : No treason harbours in so poore a place . No troublous dreame doth interrupt his sleepe : A quiet conscience doth his cottage keepe . He doth not study oft what stormes may blow : His pouerty cannot be much impair'd : He feares no forraine force , and craues no guarde : None coueteth his spoile , none lookes so low : Where as the great are commonly once crost , As Darius hath beene in his flowre , Or Sisigambis at this houre , Who hath scap'd long , and now at length is lost . But how commes this that Potentates oft fall , Forc'd to confesse th' afflictions of their soule ? There is some hier pow'r that can controule The Monarches of the earth , and censure all , Who once will call their doings to accompt , Their pride repressing , who t' oppresse were prompt .

W. A. Finis .