The Wars of Cyrus

The warres of Cyrus king of Persia against Antiochus king of Assiria .

Enter Cyrus , Histaspas , Chrysandus , with other . Cyrus . YE Persians , Medians , and Hircanians , Trustie assistans , assisters in this happie war , Ye see the banded power of Asia , Whose number ouerspread the Assirian fields And in their passage dranke maine riuers drie , By fauour of the gods , and our deuoire , Are ouerthrowne and scattred through the plaines , Like Autumne leaues before a Northren winde . Cresus is foild , and fled to Lydia , The Arabian prince is whelmde amidst the sands , And last , the old Assyrian king is slaine . Now triumph in the fortune of your hands , Whose fame hath directed these affaires . Chris. O Cyrus when I saw the Lydian king , Cresus that dastard and reproch of Asia , Shining in armour forgde of Indian gold . Braue mounted on a prauncer of Eperus , So shamefully to forsake the field and flie , I enuied that so cowardly a king , Should vse so good an armour and a horse . Cyr. Chrisandas , like to Cresus be our foes , Glorious in shew , but cowardly in minde . Chris. Cyrus those armes which dastard Cresus were , And horse of pride and courage past compare , What heart so base that would deme to fight , Might I but liue to backe so braue a steed . Cyr. Cresus is gone , and gone with him his steed , This wish of yours Chrisantas is in vaine , But of two hundred horses of mine owne , Of gallant rase and courage singular , Take you the choise and furniture withall , The bridles bit of massie siluer wrought , The bosses golde , the reynes of Persian silke , The saddles all embrodered purple worke , Armde through with plates , with fine ingrauen golde , And golden trappers dangling to the ground . Chris. So liue my Lord and flourish still , As I regard this honourable gift . Cyr. Now Lords we haue gotten the honor of the day And with our feet trod downe the Thrasian pride , While I doe sacrifie for victorie , and chose the holy aultars of the gods , Doe you betwixt the armies part the spoiles , and glad our men with fruits of our conquest . Ara. What portion of the golde shall we reserue To be employed in your highnesse vse ? Cyr. Araspas none for me , diuide it all , It pleaseth me to see my souldiers rich . Exit Cyrus . Chris. The Persian hors-men that did giue the charge Shall haue fiue hundred talents for their share . Hist. The Medians that did enforce the fight , and seconded the Persian men at armes , Allot to them six hundred arming coates . Ara. The archers of Hercania serued so well , as not to giue them paiment with the rest , Were open wrong to their approude deserts . Chr. You know that in the sacking of Assyrians tents we found three thousand Scithians bowes in store , finisht with quiuers readie to the field , Let them be lotted to the Hercanians part . Hist. And truth Chrisantas you know well , That bowes and quiuers gree with archers best , Cyrus himselfe you see refuseth golde , And onely seekes to make his fellowes rich , what restes amidst the conquered spoiles , wherein his highnesse may be gratified ? Ara. Histaspis there is a proud Assyrian tent , Wherein the king was wont to sleepe and banket in , I thinke if that were offered to his hands , Cyrus would take it in most gracious part . Chr. But is the pride and brauerie thereof , worthie to be presented to our Lord ? Aras . Asia hath not seene a richer prise , The couering is of blew Sydoman silke , Imbrodered all with pearle and precious stones , They glimmer brighter than the Sunne it selfe , On euerie point of the pauilion , There standes a princely top of Phenix plumes , which trickt with spangles and with siluer belies , And euerie gentle murmur of the winde , delights the day with euerie harmonie . The stakes wherewith t' is fastened to the ground , are massie siluer of the purest proofe , The ropes are all of chrimson silke and golde , Hung from the top with wrests of Iuorie , Vnder a Vine where Bacchus bruseth grapes , and twentie cubits houer in the leaues , Beleeue me Lords , when I behold the thing , The worke appearde so glorious to the eie . Chr. Araspas you describe a princely thing , Worthie to be presented to a king . Hist. And here is a tent , though far from such a tent , This shall be mine , the owner 's fled or slaine , Cri. O beautie rare and more than mortall shape , What goddesse oweth this earthly tabernacle . Pan. Nicasia sings while Panthra sits and sighes . But singing sings of Panthras wretchednes . Chris. What are ye Ladie ? Pan. What I would not be . Chris. Faire you are , what would ye more ? Pan I would be free . Ye Persian Lords I am a wofull dame . Exposed to wretchednesse and fortunes wrath , And thus I haue resolude you what I am . Ara. Ladie , the graces that adorne your presence , Deserues a fortune milde as it your face . But howsoeuer Fortune enuies you , Yet we will vse you honourable still . Pan. You vse me then but as you ought to doe . Chris. Nay Ladie we may vse you otherwise , For voluntarie fauours be no debt . Pan. But Lords what ere you ought is debt , you ought to vse me well , and therefore debt . Ara. Madam , you are a captiue in our hands , And captiues are not to command the conquerours . Pan. No Lords if captiues might command the conquerors , I would command you to release me hence . But captiue as I am , honour commands , That you intreate and vse me honourably . Chris. Such honour as to captiues doth belong , Such honour Ladie we intend to you . Pan. My sex requireth more then common grace . Ara. And eke so doth that liuely face . Pan. Let be my vsage as shall please my conqueror , And now I le learne to craue with seruile tearmes . My lords , though captiue , yet I am a Queene , And wife vnto the absent Susan king . My lord and heare Assyrian Abradate , And noble prince and mightie man at armes . Vpon ambassage of the king of Batria . Chr. But madam what persuasion moou'd your mind , To thrust your self vnto the Assyrian campe . Pan. Weying the double fortune of the warres , And in my thoughts foredreading these mishaps , What likelier rescue to preuent my harmes , Then to be garded with a mightie campe , Since that an armie of vnited hearts , Is stronger then a fort af brazen walles . Ara. Madam , your fall is great and lamentable , Thus of a Queene a captiue to become , This rests to shew your princely fortitude , In bearing these mishaps with patient minde . Pan. Philosophy hath taught me to embrace , A meane and moderation in mishaps , Long since I learnde to master all affects , And perturbations that assaile the minde , Onely I haue not learnde to master chaunce , yet haue I learnde to scorne the vtmost spight , Onely the pangue that most torments my thought , Is absence of my best beloued lord . Chris. Learne henceforth to forget your lord , There liues an other lord to enioy your loue , Victorious Cyrus he shall be your lord . Pan. Victorious Cyrus though I be his thrall , Shall know my honour is inuincible . Ara. But they that once in state of bondage bee . Must yeeld to hest of others that be free . Pan. Lords dreame of me or Cyrus as you please , Onely this outward person is his thrall , My minde and honour free and euer shall . Chris. For that agree with Cyrus as you may , Till then Araspas take her to your tent . Aras . Come Ladie , you must walke apart with me , Pan. So fortune and my destinies agree . Enter Gobrias and his page . Go. Persians conduct me to your generall . Chr. What art thou that thus armde with sword and speare , Dares craue accesse vnto our generall ? Go. I come to yeeld , bring me to Cyrus tent . Hist. Thy habit showes thou art an enemie , And we may suspect thou meanest but ill , Therefore if thou wilt yeeld vnarme thy selfe , And we will bring thee vnto Cyrus tent . Go. The Assyrian king whom ye haue put to death , Making me leader of a thousand horse , Buckled the armour with his gracious hands , Nor shall it be vnloosed but by asking . Hist. How hautie minded is this conquered man , Cyrus shall know vpon what tearmes he standes . Assyrian captaine as thou louest thy life , Stand not vpon thy guard , but yeeld to vs . Go. Smal guard haue I to shield me from your swords , Most of my region is slaine in fight , And of a thousand onely these are left , Whose wounds yet bleeding proues then faint & weak , Yet rather will we runne vpon your speares , Then with dishonour yeeld our weapons , These if ye iniure vs must be our friends , And either make vs liue or die like men . Enter Cyrus . Cyr. Of whence art thou that craues accesse to vs ? Go. By birth great Cyru : an Assyrian , And of the noblest house in Babylon . Sometime commander of a thousand horse , But those thy men haue slaughtered and surprised , And therefore I haue lost the ample shle , yet I am mighty Gobrias , rich in reuenues , strong in fortresses That can command a campe of fighting men , As resolute ( be it said without offence ) As those that had the glorie of the day , All which with me the gouernor of all , I yeeld vnto your mightie patronage . Cyr. This stout Assyrian hath a liberall looke , And of my soule is farre from trecherie , Albeit Gobrias I mistrust thee not , yet tell me being so wealthie and so strong , Why rather yeeldst thou to thy enimie , Then liue with freedome in Assyria , Gob. O know my lord , whilest the Assyrian king , Which in this warre was slaine , enioyed the crowne , Being highly fauoured of his maiestie , He sent vnto me for mine onely sonne , Meaning to grace me with the nuptiall , Of his faire daughter louely Carmela . I glad to haue alyance with the king , Sent him my sonne . Who comming to the court , Was faire entreated , gently entertained , And well was he that might he his copere , For faire he was and full of sweete demeanour . Pleasant , sharpe , wise and liberall , And were he not my sonne , I would say more , Though his remembrance makes me weepe outright . Cyr. Noble Assyrian either leaue to weepe , Or speake no more , Cyrus is full of ruth , And when a man of thy estate laments , He cannot chuse but weepe for companie , Drie vp these teares and tell the rest . Gob. Began to grow familiar with my sonne , And with him rode a hunting in the woods , where first the hounds put vp a russet beare , At which the king floong soone his hunting dart , And missed . But mine threw and pearced his heart . Then sodainly a Lion did arise , At whom likewise he let his Iauelin flie , And hit him not : which when my sonne perceyude , He ouerthrew the Lion as the beare . which done , said he , twice haue I throwne and sped , whereat the prince snatcht from his page a speare , And in a rage murdered my guiltlesse sonne . And that ( which greeues me more ) when he was dead , Albeit the old king wept most bitterly , He neither did repent nor shed a teare , Nor would consent to giue him buriall , but left him in the field vntill I came , And tooke his bodie in these aged armes , which eke for griefe made me to let him fall , And then a fresh made him to bleed againe , And me to weepe vpon his naked breast , Oh iudge my lord , if you haue had a sonne , How heauily I brooke his timelesse death . Oh iudge my lord , whether that I haue cause To offer seruice to that murtherer , On whom I cannot looke , but in his face as in a glasse I see my slaughtered sonne . Cyr. Gobrias thou hast iust cause to reuolt , And we to trust thy welcome vnto vs , And for the thousand horse which thou hast lost , we will requite them with a greater gift , be thou lieutenant of the Archanians . Gob. I humblie thanke your royall maiestie , And here in presence of the Persian lords , adopt you heire of all my prouinces , My holdes and castels , villages and townes , Conditionally that I may be reuenged , On this archtyrant murderer of my sonne . Sauing one daughter I haue neuer a child , And she endued with iewels , plate and golde , shall be bestowed as you my lord thinke best . Cyr. Assirian I haue captaines worthie here , She shall be matched as beseemes a princes borne , And for reuenge vpon the Assirian king , We will girt in Babylon with our high host , Or either starue them with a lingring siege , Or rip his bowels with our Persian swords , But in the meane time frolicke in our tent , Histaspis lead the Assyrian to our campe . And entertaine him as beseemeth a prince , Armuchus and Chrisantus follow him . Araspas , as I lately gaue in charge Is all the spoile diuided equally ? Ara. It is my Lord , and euerie souldier pleased , Where is enclosed a iewell of such worth , As Asia hardly can affoord the like . The Susian king stout Abradates Queene , A woman so richly imbellished with beautie and perfection of the minde , As neuer any mortall creature was . Her haire as radiant as is Tagis sand , And softer than the streame on which it runnes . Her lillie cheekes all died with ruddie blush , Castes such reflection to the standers by , As doth the vnion of ten thousand sunnes . Through her transparant necke the aire doth play , And makes it fairer then a Christall glasse , And from her eyes it seemes nature herselfe , Bids euerie starre receiue his proper light . For with her glaunce she casteth such a brightnesse , As makes the night more brighter than the day . And day more fairer than is Eliziur . But when she talkes so pleasant is her voice , As were she blacker then the pitchie night , She would entise the hardest massagite . Or wildest Scythian in your highnesse campe . And when she lookes vpon you , were she dumbe Her beautie were in stead of eloquence . And had she neither louelinesse nor wit , The harmonie she makes would rauish you , She weepes and plaies while both her handmaids sing . And sighes at euerie straine vsing that note , Which Orpheus sings for Eruditus . with wringed hands her waiting maids keepe time , Vpon their mournefull breasts , as were we flint , we could not chuse but melt to heare their songs , wherefore my lord comfort this captiue dame . And with your presence comfort her distresse . Cyr. Araspas wouldest thou haue me visit her , when by her beautie I may be enthralled ? Ara. Your Grace may looke on her , and yet not loue . Cyr. Dost thou not thinke that loue is violent ? Ara. Nay rather voluntarie my gracious lord , you know that womans beautie is like fire , And fire doth alwayes burne each thing alike , Therefore if nature were of such great power , Should euerie man by beautie be enflamed ? But beautious things are not in equall powers , For some loue that which others do abstaine . Either for feare or loue , to proue this true , The sister of the brother is not loued , The daughter of the father not desired , And yet some one loues any of them both . Cyr. If loue be voluntarie as thou saiest , why cannot louers leaue it when they will ? Ara. They may . Cyr. Haue you not seene them weepe and waile for death ? Emptie their purse of coine , their braine of wit , Sending both gifts and letters to their loues ? Ara. They yeeld too much vnto affections . T' is follie and not beautie makes them die . Cyr. Men are in folly when they are in loue , Vrge me no more , I will not visite her . For by the eie loue slips into the heart , Making men idle , negligent . Nothing can more dishonour warriours , Then to be conquered with a womans looke . Araspas I resigne my part to thee , Thou shalt be keeper of that Susan Queene , Vse her as fits a woman of such birth , Excuse me for not comming to her tent , Bid her be merrie with her singing maides , And say that Cyrus will entreate her faire . Exeunt . Musicke . Finis Actus primi .

Enter Ctesifon and Nobles . Nob. Antiochus king of Assiria , So Lord of Euphrates and Babylon , How long wilt thou lament thy fathers death ? Cast off those mourning weedes . Anot. How long will I lament my fathers death ? Vntill proud Persia weepe for Cyrus death . Ctes. Oh that will neuer be , Cyrus is strong , So strong my Lord , that were not Babylon , Fortifyed with vittailes for twentie yeeres , Garded with souldiers that will neuer yeeld . Sooner would he expell you from your seate , Then you with open armes could anger him . Ant. What is reuenge but open warres , As were Antiochus a priuate man , And one of you king of Assyria , I would not faile to worke his ouerthrow , But you that are not toucht with inward griefe , will not in that attempt be resolute . Ct s. Vouchsafe O Lord to tell me what it is , If I attempt it not then let me die . Ant. Why this it is , feigne I haue iniurde thee , And offer seruice to the Persian king . Then being receiued as late Gobrias was , How eassie maist thou slea him and escape . For in the night he walkes about his campe , Without a guard euen as a common man . Ctes. Yet he that killes him suer is to die . Ant. I thought the feare of death woulde daunt him quite A thousand talents would I freely giue , To him that vndertakes this enterprise . Ctes. My Lord I am resolude , giue me the gold . And I will venture life in this exploit . Ant. My treasurer at armes shall giue it thee , And Ctisifon when I receiue his head , Beside this summe thou shalt haue annuall pay , As much as thy reuenues mount vnto , And where thou art by calling but a knight , I le make thee Lord of many prouinces . Ctes. As for the gold keepe it till I returne , and if I die deliuer it to my friend . Ant. Well Ctesiphon manage this glorious act , Let me embrace him ere I take my leaue . Ctes. Fare well my lord . Now you Assyrian gods , To whom we sacrifice our fo-mens blood , Giue fauour to my lookes , faith to my speach , That being gracious with the Persian Lord , By me Assyria may be free from bands , And both the king and subiects death reuengde . Nob, Fare well braue minded Ctesiphon . Ant. While this is doing we will march from hence , Vnto the countrey where Gobrias dwelt , He hath a castell well replenished , with vittailes , men and furniture , And as our spies giues vs to vnderstand , His onely daughter stayes within the hold , Not knowing of her fathers late reuolt , Therefore will we surprise her vnawares , and thou shalt be lieutenant in his stead , when we haue made his souldiers yeeld the fort . Enter Araspas solus . Ara. Must I confesse that loue is violent . By doting on my captiue Panthea , I will not loue , I le bridle those affects . It cannot be resisted , I must yeeld , Oh what a tyrant is this cruel loue , That drinkes my blood , and makes me pale and wan , That sucks my spirits , and makes me weake and faint , That teares my heart , and makes me almost dead . That reuels in my braines and makes me mad . I am a souldier , and will conquer loue , I le mount me straight , giue me a hors-mans staffe , Proud loue , sit fast , for now Araspas runnes , Runne , and scarcely stand : O Panthea , Thou sets my idle fantasie thus a worke , and makes me speake and thinke I know not what . I would I might forget faire Panthea , I cannot name her but I must say faire , And that word faire makes me remember her . Panthea is vglie , blacke , ill fauoured , fowle , And who is so beautifull as she ? And I must weepe for this misterming her , Why should I weepe ? aske I the reason whie ? I haue abusde my loue , weepe not but die . Die not but liue and enioy thy loue . What contrarietie consisteth in my words . O reconcile them , louely Panthea . Thy lookes hath made me lunatike . Enter Panthea and Nicasia . Pan. I haue intelligence that our Lord is sicke , we come to comfort him as captiues may . Aras . Oh welcome Panthea , shall I tell my griefe ? Pan. Sit still my Lord , why change you colour thus , what troubles you ? Aras . Something stands by and whispers in my eare , A kisse of Panthea will recouer me . Pan. O leaue these idle words , they make you worse Ara. Nay they recouer me , I am halfe well . Pan. So say they that are going from the world . Ara. Panthea sit downe , but sit so Panthea , As I may view thy face , or else I die . Pan. Nicasia commaund the musicke play , It may be musicke will alay the fit . Ara. Nicasia cause the musicke cease , Musick plaies . For it is harsh and mars the harmonie , Come Panthea sit downe by me , and let vs talke . Pan. Talke is naught , turne ye about and sleepe . Aras . Oh loue ? Pan. How now my Lord , a souldier and loue-sicke ? Aras . I cannot keepe it in , it bursts my heart , For thee sweete Panthea is Araspas sicke . Pan. For me , my Lord . Aras . Fling not away , celestiall Panthea , Though I were halfe dead I should follow thee . Pan. The aire will hurt thee , whither wilt thou go . Ara. Where Panthea goes , oh frowne not my faire loue . Pan. Then loue me not , else I will more then frowne . Ara. What will a captiue woman threat her loue . Pan. Oh giue poore Panthea leaue to thret her selfe . I meane my Tragedie shall end the loue . Ara. No louely Queene , I le rather end my loue , Then anger Panthea , much lesse lether die , And yet God knowes my loue can neuer end , Being infinite in measure and in time . Pan. What wordes bee these that cut my eares with griefe , Oh Abradates little dost thou know , What miserie poore Panthea doth sustaine , wicked Araspas perish in thy loue . Exit Panthea . Aras . Cannot I winne her , O vnhappie man ? Araspas thou wantst eloquence to wooe , Against chastitie no eloquence preuailes , It was because I offered her no gift , She is a Queene what gifts can compasse her , I should haue courted her with better words , But here doth loue and threatning disagree , Nothing but Magicke can obtaine her loue , If Magicke will , then Panthea shall be mine .

Actus secundus . Enter Histaspis and Chrisantas . Hist. Chrisantas , when I looke into the life , The maners , deeds , and qualities of minde , The grauenesse power , and imperiall parts , wherewith yong Cyrus is so full adornde , My thoughts foresee that he is ordained of God , To enlarge the limits of the Persian raigne . Chr. Histaspis , rare it is to see those yeeres , So furnished with such rare experience , As is not common in the grayest haires . Besides his bodie hath of these rare gifts , Vsed to labour , hunger , thirst and colde , Giues true foretokens that the prince will proue , A famous warriour and a conquerour . Hist. And of the sundry vertues that abounds Dayly increasing in her princely breast , Religion to the gods exceedes them all . Chr. And reason good for of all humane workes . The care of them should chieflie be preferred . Enter Cyrus . Cy. Is this Assyrian friend or fo to vs ? That dares approch so neare the Persian campe . Cte. In bending of my speare to Babylon , And breaking it against the Assyrian ground , I came a friend , not foe to Cyrus campe . Hist. What reason moues thee an Assyrian borne . To beare such rancour to thy countrey soyle . Cte. That secret I reserue for Cyrus eares , Vnto whose secret fauour , I submit My person , honour , fortune , fame and life , Hist. Informe the king certainly I will , O Persians truely fortunate are you , Vnder subiection of so sweete a prince , That measures all the actions of his life , By mercie , iustice , and respect of right . Hist. It seemes th' Assyrian prince hath iniured this man , with some notorious great indignitie . Cy. Man of Assyria , what wouldest thou with me ? Cte. O gracious Lord great and inuincible , Receiue into protection of your grace , A wretched man vndone by tyrannie , And lawlesse rigour of a cruell prince , Cy. What prince is he that thou accusest thus ? Cte. The new Assyrian king , a man distainde With endlesse markes of villanie and blood . Cy. Discend vnto the purpose of thy tale , And make thy state and fortune plaine at once Cte. I am , ( I am said I ) I was a man , Earst noble , now banisht reprobate , Highlie in fauour with the Assyrian prince , Till sensuall rage of his vnbrideled lust , Did lay my state and honour in the dust , And thus great Lord begun my Tragedie , One onely virgin daughter had your thrall , Of yeares inclining now to mariage state , Her face and beautie ( if I seeme not vaine ) were equall to the best Assyrian dames , And she supposde the flower of Babylon . The bruite of which her rare perfections ran , Swifter than Fame through all th' Assyrian land , And lastly rested in the princes eares , Who wounded with report of beauties pride , Vnable to restraine his derne desire , A trended by a band of armed men , Inuades my castell when I was at rest , And bare my daughter thence with violate hands , Vnto his pallace where she doth remaine , As concubine allotted to his bed . Striuing her desperate honour to preserue , I came in frantike sort to Babylon , Exclaiming on this villainous despite , Banding the prince with many a bitter view , My iust complaints when once he vnderstood , He sortes me out a damned bloudie crew , Of rustians , swearers , murderers , and theeues , Professed men for gaine and lucre sake , To make no conscience whom they slay and kill , Those men by solemne othe had vowed my life , A sacrifice vnto their cursed swordes , And houre by houre they sought to reaue my soule , Liuing in hazard of continuall death , I knew no home for me at Babylon , Other then my graue and dumlesse sepulchre , And so for refuge to my wretched life , I haue abandoned countrey , friends and all , And prostrate my estate at Cyrus feete , O puissant Lord whose great and conquering sworde , was forgde by Mars and made for victorie , Protect the life of thy vnhappie thrall , And make him follower of the Persian armes , That in the fortune of thy mightie hand , The fall of Ctesiphon may be reuengde . Gob. O Ctesiphon this tale of thine reuiues The wofull memorie of my dearest sonne , Slaughtered by that most barbarous tyrant hand . Cyr. Gobrias ye haue heard the Assyrian tale . What great complaints he makes against the prince , And those not causelesse if his wordes be true , Now Cyrus is not rashly credulous , Nor bindes his faith on euerie strangers vowes . Tell me Gobrias , dost thou simplie thinke , That this discourse is naught but naked truth , Or else some forged or dissembled glose , To sound our secrets , and bewray our drifts . Go. Cyrus the disposition of this prince , Solde vp and sworne to endlesse villanies , May proue the griefes of Ctesiphon vnfained , Vpon my conscience Cyrus trust the man , No doubt his sorrow and complaints are true . Cte. O Cyrus so it pleasde the immortall Gods , How happie were thy seruant , if his words proceeded from a vaine dissembling tongue , So were my daughters honor vndefiled , And Ctesiphon her father not exiled . Cyr. Be valiant Ctesiphon and follow me , Follow the fortune of a happie campe , Not doubt thou , but thou shalt see the ende , Shall rue the ininries of his barbarous life , Among the damned soules in darkest hell . Cte. Then should my ghost with seaselesse wordes opprest . Passe and discend into the graue in rest . Exeunt omnes . To the audience . We gentle gentlemen deuise of late , To shunne the vulgar and the vertuous , Present to you worthie to iudge of vs , Our workes of woorth and valiantnes at once . What wants in vs imagin in the workes , What in the workes condemne the writer of , But if the worke and writing please you both , That Zenophon from whence we borrow write , Being both a souldier and philosopher , Warrants what we record of Panthea , It is writ in sad and tragicke tearmes , May moue you teares then you content , our muse That seemes to trouble you againe with toies Or needlesse antickes imitations , Or shewes , or new deuises sprung a late , we haue exilde them from our Tragicke stage , As trash of their tradition , that can bring nor instance , nor excuse . For what they do In stead of mournefull plaints our Chorus sings , Although it be against the vp start guise , Yet warranted by graue antiquitie , we will reuiue the which hath long beene done . Exit . Enter Alexandra like a page , Libanio in Alexandras apparell . Lib. Madame you see your page doth vndertake , A costly peece of seruice for your sake , For well that seruice costly may be called , The ende whereof of force must cost my life , For when th' Assyrian king shall vnderstand My forged habit , and dissembling sex , And in these female weedes shall find Libanio , And Alexandra freely scapt his handes , What hope but certaine death remaines for me , And that with torments rare and exquisite . Yet madame for the reuerence to my Lord , And dutie that doth bind me to your selfe , I will be Alexandra for this once , and die to saue your honour and your life . Alex. O trustie seruant , seruant of surmounting faith , Worthie to attend the person of a god , Rather then daughter of poore Gobrias , This sacred seruice to a sillie dame , Shall be ingrauen in tables of my heart , with letters and charecters so perfourmde , That when this bodie is bestowde in graue , No time nor yet corruption shall deface , The print thereof from Alexandras breast . Lab. Thankes Ladie , And for your further meede , Sufficeth me the honour of the deede . Me thinkes I see the Assyrian stout at hand , Now madame carie a couragious heart , And trust your page for Alexandras part . Alex. A Tragicall part I feare Libanio . Enter Antiochus , Seleueus , Critobulus with others . Ant. Bird of a traitor I presumde at last , Your lot would be to light into my handes , Although of cankred heart you would not yeeld , Vntill your castell shaked about your eares . Lib. O souereigne Lord stand gracious to this dame , That neuer trespast in offence to you . Ant. Thy fathers treason in reuolting backe , From due alleageance to th Assyrian crowne , I will reuenge vpon his daughters life . Lib. What honour in a sillie virgins death ? That nere had power or will to harme your grace . Ant. Because the plants of such corrupted stockes , wil fructifie according to the roote , And for Gobrias treason to his prince , I will preuent like mischifes in his rase . Lib. Admit Gobrias might be reclaimed , Vnto his first allegiance to my Lord , Would you remit the offence of his reuolt , And take him to your former grace againe ? Ant. So let the gods stand gracious to my soule , If he forsake those hatefull Persian armes , And firme his faith and loyaltie to me . Lib. Then prince before you wreake reuenge on me , Grand passeport and safe conduite to my page , That he may goe and signifie to him , The desperate state wherein his daughter standes , When once my father shall perceiue my plight , And that my life must pay for his reuolt , I know that instant houre he will returne , And yeeld himselfe to mercie of my Lord . Ant. Scribe giue her page safe conduct through my campe , And boy when you ariue before Gobrias , Tell if he returne I pardon him , If other wise , off goes his daughters head . Alex. I will dread Lord : O madam grant the gods , These eyes once more may see your libertie . Exit Alexander . Lib. As pleaseth their dieties Libanio . Ant. Dinon take you this damsell to your charge , And vse her noblie though she be a thrall . Dinon . To vse her worse the honour were but small . Exeunt omnes . Enter Ctesiphon . Cte. I murther Cyrus , farre be such a thought , Much more the execution of the deed , Like as the Sunne beames to the gazers eye , So is his view to daunted Ctesiphon , During the rancor of my wicked minde , And melting all in thoughts of sweet remorce , How wise and gracious is this Persian king , Who by his wisdome winnes his followers hearts , Letting them march in armour wrought with gold , And he girt in a coate of complete steele . O Cyrus politique and liberall , How honourable and magnanimious ? Rewarding vertue , and reuenging wrongs , How full of temperance and fortitude , Daring to menace Fortune with his sworde , Yet mercifull in all his victories , Enter Cyrus . See where he comes , I le falle vpon the ground , And aske for pardon at his highnesse feet . Cyr. Rise vp Assyrian , Cyrus is no God . Cte. O Cyrus , know Antiochus my Lord , My Lord , said I , no I will renounce him quite , Subornd me wretch with his persuasions wordes , To doe a deed of such impietie , As I God knowes suborne to thinke vpon , It was thy death victorious Cyrus , But mightie Lord your vertues conquered me , And or an enemie false and trecherous , Am I become a vowed friend to Cyrus health , And in that resolution prest to die . Cyr. Liue long to waile for thy pretended ill , As free from punishment as for reward , The liues of kings are garded by the gods , Nor are they in the hands of mortall men , Assyrian , though thy sword were at my breast , The gealous angell that attends on vs , Would snatch it from thy hands , and fling it downe . And therefore muse not at this accident . Cte. Seeing knightly Cyrus is thus mercifull , Vouchsafe this seruice at thy vassals hands , Giue me but letters from your Maiestie , To signifie how faine you would haue peace , And draw your legions from Assyria , And bearing them vnto Antiochus , In the deliuerie I will murther him . So highly do I honour Cyrus name , So vildlie thinke on base Antiochus . Enter Gobrias with Alexandra . Cyr. Thou shalt haue letters to th' Assyrian king , Free libertie to passe from this our campe , And conduit monie from our Treasurie . Attend our leysure , I will send thee straight . What virgin is it that Gobrias leades ? Go. My daughter mightie Cyrus , and your child , For I commit her to your patronage . Cyr. Then princely virgin welcom to our campe . But why sigh you , why hang you downe the head ? And in your pale lookes burie beauties pride , T' is pitie these lookes should be stainde with teares . Alex, Euen as a doue late rifeled by the Eagle , Whose breast is tainted with his forked talents , So stands poore Alexandra terrified . And almost dead to think of her escape , If thou be Cyrus of whom Asia rings , Rescue , O rescue poore Libanio . Cyr. From whom faire madame should I rescue him , Alex. O from Antiochus that bloodie king . Who when he heard my father serude your grace , Besiegde his fortresse with his men at armes , Where onely I and that Libanio staide . By whom I liue , For when the hold was lost , He being bondman and of a baser birth , would needes constraine me to put on his weedes , And he disguisde as I was woont to go , would be Gobrias daughter in my stead , And so was thought of king Antiochus . and all the nobles of his warlike campe , But I a bondman and at his request , whose care was onely to preserue my life , Sent hither as a messenger from him , To will my father whom they thought my Lord , To leaue your campe , and come to Babylon , Or else Libanio his beloued childe should die for his so traitorlike reuolt , And die he must , least Gyrus giue him life . Cyr, The deed was full of honor and deceit , If gold will pay his raunsome , he shall liue , And therefore Alexandra be not sad . Gob. So shall Gobrias beat Cyrus becke , And for his sake make lauish of his blood . Alex. And when they know how he deluded them , I feare they le rate his raunsome at his head . Cy. Then blood and death Bellonas waiting maid , shall ghastly marchin Babylons waste streetes , And neuer was a bondmans death reuengde , as Cyrus meanes for this Libanio . Exit omnes . Enter Araspas , and a Magitian , to Panthea asleepe . Ara. Giue me the charme , for now doth Panthea sleep If it preuaile this iewell shall be thine , Mag. Doubt not the operation of this charme , For I haue tride it on Dianas nymph , And made her wanton and lasciuious , If Panthea be a Goddesse she must yeeld . Ara. But tell me first , how must it be applied ? And in what time will it begin to worke ? Mag. Lay it vnder the pillow of her bed , and in an houre it will make her wake and yeeld . Ara. I will . Now fauour me infernall Joue . Mag. So , wake her not till she begins to smile , Now loue begins to seate him in her braine . Pan. A way I will not , you are impudent . Ara. Tell me Magitian , what importes this speech ? Mag, Why now she thinkes some solicites her . Pan. You are deceiude , I am not beautifull . Ara. O giue me leaue to court her in her sleepe , It may be when she wakes she will not loue ? Mag. Softly Araspas , if you talke , she wakes . Ara. O let her wake , I long to talke with her . Mag. Now ginnes her eyes to open , and she stirres . Ara. Stand thou aside vntill I call for thee . Pan. What dreames and fond illusions haue I had ? How comes this word Loue , in Pantheas minde ? I loue , nay rather will I die then loue , and yet against my will I thinke on loue , O Panthea thinke vpon thy funerall , For thou art withered with excessiue griefe , Loue and deformitie cannot agree . Ara. If Panthea be faire and beautifull , Then loue and Panthea doe well agree . Pan. Araspas , Panthea and her selfe will iarre , when she shall yeeld to loue . Or what is loue But gall and aloes to my martyred soule , Now Abradates is not in my sight . Aras . Here is Araspas louelie Panthea , For thee I le leaue the field , then leaue thou him , For thee I le leaue the world , then loue thou me . Let Cyrus ioy in pompe and emperie , Sufficeth me to conquer faire Panthea . Let others glorie in their ground and golde , Panthea to me is twentie thousand worlds . And without Panthea all the world is trash , Pan. For thee Araspas will I curse my starres , That suffers thee so to solicite me , For thee I will count the world as hell , Except thou leaue thus to solicite me . Ara. How figuratiue is Panthea in her speach ? Resembling cunning Rethoritians , who in the person of some one deceasde , Perswades their auditors to what they please , I cannot thinke that these be Pantheas words , She is so faire to giue so sharpe replie . But if these be the wordes of Panthea , Then must she change her face , and seem less faire , For know that beautie is loues harbinger , Then being beautious , Panthea needes must loue . Pan. Would I were changde into some other shape , That I might fright thee with my hideous lookes , I in the person of my selfe deceasde . Protest this heart shall neuer harbour loue , But if my lookes be this preparatiue , I le beate my face against the haplesse earth , Or deeply harrow it with these my trembling hands , which I hold vp to heauen to chaunge thy minde , Or hasten death to rid me from this sute . Aras . Nay then if amorous courting will not serue , Know whether thou wilt or no I le make thee yeeld , Pan. Though fortune make me captiue , yet know thou That Pantheas will can neuer be constrainde . Ara. But torments can enforce a womans will . Pan. Then should thy importunitie enforce , The sight of thee Araspas should constraine , For I protest before the gods of heauen , No torment can be greater in my thought . Ara. I , say so till ye feele them Panthea . Pan. I feele more torments then thou canst inuent , who adde the more shall ease that I sustaine , All torments be they neuer so exquisite , Are but ascending steps vnto my ende , And death tu Panthea is a benefite , what are thy threates but sugred promises . Ara. Then shalt thou liue and I le importune thee . Pan. I , now is Panthea menaced to the proofe . Yet euery word thou speakes shall wound my heart , And in despite of thee I le die at last , The earnester thou art the sooner too , But to preuent it thus I will flie from thee , Cyrus shall know Araspus villanie . Exit Panthra . Ara. Thus therefore shall I pine , abandon loue , O t' is inherent to Araspas soule . And thereby claimes an immortalitie . So it shall nere begin , nor neuer end , A cursed Magitian , are these thy wicked spels ? Ma. O pardon me my honourable Lord , For Pantheas vertues frustrated all my art . Ara. Must Magicke yeeld to vertue ? wherfore then Didst thou assure me she should be in loue ; Ma. So was she being a sleepe , as did appeare . Ara. And why not being wake , speake villain speake Mag. Reason my Lord was the predominant , Her intellectuall part striued against loue , and Magicke cannot commaund the soule , while appetite and common sense remained , You saw I made her smile , embrace the aire , and shew the affects of amorous conceits , Few women vse to skirmish with such thoughts , and had this Panthea beene at libertie , she would haue yeelded to your honours sute . But in captiuitie is nought but greefe , and loue with greefe will keepe no residence . Ara. Smooth are thy wordes , but rough and harsh thy sense , For they import Panthea cannot be forced . Canst thou with inchauntations make her die ? That she being gone my loue may follow her . Mag. Life is adiunct vnto our humane forme , Exempt from Magicke and Magitians , And that s the cause we sooner hurt brute beasts , Then such as haue the semblance of our selues . Ara. Deceitfull Artisan thy words are sleights , Thy wordes deceitfull and full of guile , Wit is a witch , sweete words must conquer her , Out of my sight , yet conceale this attempt , If thou bewray it , maugre all thy skill , This sworde shall send thee to eternall hell . Exeunt . Enter Dinon and Libanio . Dinon . Now are we at the bankes of Euphrates , Farre from the campe where souldiers haunt , and here may we vnder this poplar shade , Discourse vpon the sweetnesse of our loue . Lib. You know my Lord I am too yong to loue , Dinon . Faire Alexandra , if thou loue not me . Thou art compact of adamant and yron , Thy yeares are fit for loue , so are thy lookes , Lib. How fit so ere my yeares be and my lookes , I Alexandra am vnfit to loue . Is not my father with the Persian king , And I Alexendra as captiue in his stead , And giue me leaue to waile my hard estate . and make a riuer with my flowing teares , That mingled with the streame of Euphrates , May swiftly runne vnto my fathers seate , And make him hast to great Antiochus . Dinon . Nay rather sit vpon this ledgie bankes , That I seeing thy shadowe in the streame , May feede my fancie with thy pleasant view , If not enioy the sweetnesse I desire , and leape into the waues and drowne my selfe , That thou maist pittie Dinon being dead . Lib. O I could pittie Dinon being aliue , But that I feare my father will not come , and then shall Alexandra suffer death . and being dead Dinon may pittie me . Dinon . Loue , may I call thee loue , loe shee doth not frowne , Her lookes giues warrant for that Epitite , For thee I le kneele before Antiochus , and rather then thou shalt be toucht by him , I le beare thee hence as farre as Tanais , Or keepe thee close in these Assyrian woods , Lib. No place is secrete to Antiochus , Dost thou not know that kings hath reaching hands ? Dinon . I do yet know my sworde is sharpe and keene which when I drawe and brandish in the aire , all Babylon will fight in my auaile , who honour me more than Antiochus . I will not say how great thy dowre shall be , Nor boast what cities I commaund , Let this , though not a king in name , In wealth and friends I am an Emperour . Lib. If I should yeeld your honour might suppose , That dignitie and wealth should conquer me , Therefore I blush to say I loue my Lord . Dinon . And when thou blushes Dinons heart is fired , Therefore to quench it giue a gentle grant . Lib. My honor being preserude , my grant is giuen . Dinon . Thereof am I as chairie as thy selfe , And of thy loue as of my proper life , O Alexandra thy wordes rauisheth me , Lull me a sleepe with sweetnesse of thy voice . Lib. Then shall my song be of my Dinons praise , Sleepe Dinon , then Libanio draw thy sword , And manly thrust it in his slumbring heart . There is no way to saue thy life but this . And therefore feare not , shall I slaughter him That intertained me with such amorous wordes , Such bounteous gifts and golden promises ? When he shall know I am Libanio , And go I cannot but I shall be taine , Vnlesse I slay him in his haplesse sleepe , For he will quickly wake and follow me , Now Dinon dies , alas I cannot strike , This habit makes me ouer pitifull . Remember that thou art Libanio . She killes him . No woman but a bondman , strike and flie . Exit . Enter the Assyrian king and his Nobles . An. Now that Gobrias fortresse is our owne , His daughter prisoner , and his Countrie burnt , Let s march from hence to welthie Babylon . And muster those resolued Citizens , To meete the Persian in the open field , Twice hath he led his forces by our gates , Yet neuer durst to mount his battring Ramme , Or warlike engine against the rampred walles , Therefore we he no more in garrison , But bussell out and fight for libertie , Nob. My Lord behold where Dinon slaughtred lies Ant. Dinon , thou art deceyde it is not he , Nob. It is my Lord I know him by his scarres . Ant. These scarres were giuen him in my fathers dayes , And now he is dead , ere I could guerdon him . The greatest honour I can doe thee nowe , Is to lament and kisse thy liuelesse cheekes , And that will I performe for Dinons sake , O that I could reuiue thee with this kisse , Nob. Doubtlesse Gobrias daughter murdered him , I sawe them in the morning walke abroad , And since they ne're returnde into the campe , Ant. Then she hath done this execrable fact , And so is fled vnto her traiterous sire , O that a sillie Maide should slaughter him , Which not a world of Persians could subdue , Is there no ende of my calamitie ? My father done to death by Cyrus sword , Wicked Gobrias and his daughter fled , False Ctesiphon resolude to murther me , And now Dinon my chiefest captaine slaine , Why runne we not vpon these Persians , which are the authours of these miseries ? Come souldiers take him vp and march away , Wee le emptie Babylon to meete our foes , And be reuengde vnto the ninth degree , Both of Gobrias and his familie . Exeunt . Enter Cyrus , Panthea , Gobrias , Histaspis . Pan. O Cyrus if the fortune of thy hande , Haue turnde my freedome to captiuitie , And of a Queene made me a captiue dame , Yet thinke that vertue is not thrall to chaunce , Nor honour subiect to vnhappie time , But like a gallant consecrated ship , That in extreamest wrath and stormes of seas , Vaunts all her sailes and fights the battaile out . Cyr. Madame the reason of these vehement tearmes , Cyrus doth neither know , nor can coniect , It since the time of your captiuitie , You haue not beene intreated as you ought , The gods can tell t' is farre against my thought . Pan. Then know my great Lord , the man that tooke the charge , To gard my honor , and my person free , Long since doted on my person so , That doting he hath sought my honors wreake , A tedious siege ( God knowes ) I haue endurde , More hedious vnto me then hastie armes , While vilde Araspas with his lewde desires , Ceaselesse solicited my vnlawfull bed , without repulses I haue quailed his hope , which he renued with charge of fresh assaults . But my denials made his purpose vaine , In fine , when no intreatie could preuaile , To frame my fancie to his wicked will , He falles to threatnings from persuasions termes , And vowes to purchase his desires by force , And therefore Cyrus ( as thou art a king ) Protect a Ladies honour from the spoile , And let thy bondmaid liue and die vnstaind , And if there rest no other hope for me , But hauocke wrake and ruine of my fame , O Cyrus on thy sworde let Panthea die , And so preuent the daunger of my shame , Cy. Ladie , how farre your vsage disagrees , From Cyrus meaning , records be the gods , As for my selfe ( not vainly be it saide ) I holde my eyes in bondage to my will , And keepe my thoughts in yoke to reason loue , My sight on beautie neuer surfetted , And where her beames were likely to infect , My iudgement was a vaile before mine eyes To beare such pearcing fancies from my heart , Such as I am , such must my followers be , Else let them packe they shall not follow me . The man that offered to dishonour you , shall be so throughly chastised for his fault , As you shall rest sufficiently reuenged , and knowledge me a gracious conquerour , Histaspis carie her to your pauilion . Pan. So stand the gods assistant to your armes , as you stand pittifull to my mishaps . Exit Histaspis and Panthea . Enter Gobrias , Libanio in womans attyre . Lib. My Lord , the gods and fate reserues your page , To doe you further seruice ere he dies . Cy. Gobrias goes your page in that attyre ? Go. My Lord , she is no page of mine . Some shamelesse strumpet and lasciuious trull . Lib. And hath my Lord forgot his seruant then ? Gob. First must I know before I can forget , Thee haue I neither seene nor knowne till now . Lib. O say not so my Lord , for oft ere this I haue beene seene and throughly knowne to you , And you I know to be my gracious Lord . Gobrias that renowmde Assyrian . Gob. Fond girle it seemes thy wits be not thine owne . Lib. What hath my Lord forgot Libanio ? Gob. I know thee now thou art my sweet Libanio , Thy borrowed habite made me to mistake , I knowe thee nowe thou art my sweet Libanio , A vertuous boy and of a noble spirit , To whose deserts and courage I ascribe , The rescue of my daughters libertie , O Cyrus this is he that to preserue My daughters freedome from the Assyrian king , Chose to disguise himselfe in her aray , In fearefull doubt and hazarde of his life , To saue her honour from the tyrants wrath . Cyr. My boy , what ere thy birth and fortune be , Great doth this mind and thoughts of honour taste , Expressing markes of true Nobilitie , And to excite thee to commended workes , which are the pathes that to aduauncement ledes , Receiue this chaine of golde from Cyrus necke . And weare it in the face of all the worlde , Not as a fauor to thy person giuen , But as in honour to thy vertuous minde , Lib. Great and surpassing is the kingly grace . Yea farre beyond the compasse of my hope , Gods grant me life and fortune to deserue , This part of bountie at your royall hands . Enter Alexandra . Alex. Libanio then I haue not prayed in vaine , Nor callde vpon the gods with frustrate vowes , If thou once more be rendred to my sight , The teares of whose supposed funerals , Did houre by houre bedew my blubbered face . Lib. Madame , the blessing of my strange escape , I attribute alone vnto the gods , If past so farre the reach of humane sense . Alex. And for thy sake their aultars I will smoake . with sweete perfume of thankefull sacrifice . Cy. But boy expres in brief what means thou madest To scape so safely from th' Assyrian campe Lib. This meane I found and please my Lord & king , vpon suppose of Alexandra selfe , I was committed to a noble man . Hight Dinon , to be guarded in his tent . The glorie of my counterfet attire , And maners framed according therevnto , Did so inflame Dinon that with my loue , That waking sleeping , or what euer else , He felt a restlesse combate in his thoughts , In fine , more safely to commence his loue , He led me quite beyonde th' Assyrian campe , And brought me to the bankes of Euphrates , There sate we downe and he with amorous plea , Not onely fild , but cloyde my wearie eares , so farre that what with long continued talke , And heate of sunne reflecting on the bankes , Or happlie with the ratling harmonie , which Euphrates his gliding streames did keepe , Which seeing I imagined that the gods Had offred this occasion to my hands , For sweete recouerie of my freedome . Short tale to make , with dreadfull hand I drew , The sworde that hangde loose dangling by his side . And with the full of my extended force , I sheathd it home amidst the owners ribbes , He wounded fet an inwarde grone or two , Then turning on his face breathes forth his life , The deed dispatcht , I hied me thence a maine , And scaping cleane without impeach or stay . Now stand before the Persian king this day . Cyr. President of manly fortitude , Exceeding farre the opinion of thy yeares , Gobrias haue an honourable care , Alex. Libanio now leaue Alexandras weedes , That part is plaid , and be your selfe againe , That part poore boy with danger thou hast plaid . Lib. Madame , no daunger can be so great , That I le refuse for Alexandras sake , Cy. Gobrias say , is Alexandra she , For whom your page these hazards hath sustainde ? Gob. It is my Lord . Cy . Then let vs to your wished for place . Gob. That place O Cyrus I desire to see , Cy. This is the place the men that follow me . Gob. Then wample both my eyes that with this turfe , I may be sure to hit a vertuous man . Cy. Shall she be his on whom this turfe shall light ? Gob. So that the man be good and vertuous , Cy. Then throw at random when you please Gobrias , You cannot misse a good and vertuous man . Gob. Then Alexandra at thy husbands head . Cy. Histaspis you are hit . Hist. I am my Lord , Go. Then Alexandra if you please is yours . Hist. Happie were I if Alexandra please . Alex. My Lord the fortune of my fathers hand , Becommeth not his daughter to withstand . To please my Lord and father I am yours . Gob. Your father s pleasde , Histaspis she is yours . Cy. Histaspis take your loue at Cyrus hand , this is our guise , and this the Persians do , they wooe and wed within a worde or two . Exeunt .

Actus tertius . Enter Antiochus , Hircanus , Aristobulus , and Ctesiphon . Ant. No Ctesiphon vnsheath thy bloodie sworde , And shew it staind and cankred with the gore , that issued from that vaunting Persians heart . What draw man , and shew thy iust conceale . thy pay is prest in readie numbred golde , Cte. My Lord and king I beare no bloodie sworde , Nor staind with gore of Persians Cyrus heart , A prince he is farre from delite in blood , Milde , louely , vertuous , wise and bountifull , Able to reconcile his greatest foes , And make great princes of his meanest friends . Ant. Thy going was to compasse Cyrus death . How haps thy purpose ends without effect ? Cte. The Persian prince inclines to tearmes of truce , and craues the friendship of Antiochus , So please my Lord the king to firme a peace , For briefe whereof his letters I present , Signed and deliuered with his royall hand , Sincerely tending to the same effect , Whereto if once your highnesse condiscend , He will withdraw his armies from Assyria , And on the couenants sealde dissolue his campe . Ant. In case the Persian prince be so inclinde , thy answere shall lesse offend my mind . Cyrus to Antiochus , health ,

This bearer comming to my camp armd with resolution to kill me , and intreated more honorably then either his trecherie or thine could deserue . Apprehend Ctesiphon .

Cte. What reades my Lord aright , or doth he faine ? Hir. That you shall know before you start againe .

Vpon the instant purpose of his interprice , it pleased God to confound him with such horror of conscience , that vnconstraind he confest the treason , & intreated pardon , vowing himselfe so far forth friend to Cyrus , that for his sake he would kill Antiochus . I was content to sooth the man in his villanie , because I would haue thee know the difference twixt an open so & a dissembling friend , I giue thee this notice , not because I loue thee , or regard thy life but because a villain shall not triumph in the murder of him whom I account an honorable conquest of my self . Reward him according to his merits , & prepare to fight with me for thy own honor . Farewell .

C e. Theis thanklesse Persian whom I spared from death , Requites me with the betraying of my life , Ant. What answere maketh traiterous Ctesiphon ? Cte. O prince my guilt is plaine before my face , And witnesde with a princes seale , To slande vpon deniall were but vaine , where open proofe conuicts me of offence , I say no more , but prostrate at your feete , Submit my selfe to mercie of my Lord , Ant. Such mercie as to traitors doth belong , Such , and no better Ctesiphon shall finde , Disarme him of his martiall abiliment . Disgrade him of all titles of regarde , And then referre his attachment to your prince , Hir. This cote of armes , the badge of honor won , Through praise and vertue of thy auncestors , We rent it from that traiterous backe of thine , And as an honour stainde with villanie , In deepe disdaine we stampe it vnder foote , Arist. This sworde that once was girt vnto thy side , To be employde in seruice of thy prince , Now vowde to gore the bowels of his grace , we breake it here vpon thy traiterous head , Hir. These squares of knighthoode that present the pride , and honour due , to chiualrie and armes , whose prickes should force the proud couragious steed with thundering race to breake the riders launce , Thus doe we hew them from thy traiterous heeles , Ant. Thou art no man of honour nor of armes , Thou hast no title of Gentilitie , Nor stile of honour , left hereof to vaunt , But art become inferiour of regarde . Then is the basest bondman of Assyria , Or vilest slaue that hauntes the Lidian dames . Arist. Dishonoured traitor , now prepare thy selfe , To yeeld thy head vnto the hangmans axe , Cte. Not fate but my demerits makes me die , O now I finde Niltutum proditor . Exeunt . Enter Histaspis Araspas . Ara. I feare the furie of the Persian prince , Histaspis , Cyrus furie I doe feare , Hist. And wrath of princes , what is it but death ? Araspas on my honour make a proofe , And neuer shunne the presence of our Lord , A prince he is most milde and mercifull , Soone mollified with vowes and penitence , And though with great impacience he endure , Your threatned violence to the Susan Queene , Yet your submission and desire of grace , Will pearce him with compassion of your sute , And purchase pardon at his royall handes . Ara. O spitefull beautie that bewitcht my minde , And led my fancie to such foule extreames , I will assay the mercie of my Lorde , And yeeld my life to hazzard of his grace , Hist. And doubt not but of Cyrus you shall finde , A pitifull and passing gracious prince . Enter Cyrus . Cy. Histaspis and the rest , with draw your selues , Onely Araspas stay behind with me . Ara. My souereigne Lord in trembling feare I stay , And prostrate fall before your highnesse feete , The fraile affects and errours of my youth , Enforsed through follies of a wanton will , Hath cast my life in perill of your wrath , Blinded with charmes of beautie I haue falne , And made my iudgement subiect to desire . And in pursute of loues vnbrideled rage , I haue transgrest the bounds of honours lawes , O gracious Lord impute my error past , Vnto the power of proud commanding loue , That led my minde and thought so farre astray , Forgiue those frailties of my youth , O king , And take your seruant once againe to grace , with feare of your displeasure almost slaine . Cy. Force to a Queene , and she a captiue too , A Persian Lord so farre misled with lust , Intend dishonour to a sillie dame , Araspas they that would be conquerors , Should chiefly learne to conquer their desire , Least while they seeke dominion ouer others , They proue but slaues and bondmen to themselues . Now where are those your big and braue disputes , Wherein you pleaded loue was voluntarie , And fancie left and intertaind at will , When you imbrace it in such raging heate , That where intreaties faile of your desires , You fall from vowes to violence with the dame , Araspas for the excuse of this offence , You find no president in Cyrus life Ara. I know and grant my Lord , the prince abounds with pearelesse gifts and graces of the minde , wherewith the gods haue fild his kingly breast , There nought but vertuous motions taketh roote , Nothing but honour harbours in that seate , And holy thoughts direct his royall deedes . That so his grace might euerie way be found , worthie the glorie of so hie a charge , Yet since these frailties that disgrace your thrall , are humane faults and incident to minde , Where strong desires hold reason vnder yoke , The wonted mercie of my Lord the prince , So prone in fauour to the penetent , May mittigate the shame of this my fault . With sweete compassion to his princes thrall . Cyr. Araspas I remit thee this amisse , although blame worthie in the hiest degree , and for your tried deserts in martiall praise , I am content this follie to forget , Yet would I haue it seeme vnto the world , That my displeasure made you flie from me , And so reuolted to the Assyrian armes , There this suppose shall make you intertainde , and highly fauoured of that gracelesse king , By meanes whereoff ull safely you may learne , The garrison and strength of Babylon , The vtmost force and puissance of our foes , With euerie purpose of Antiochus , The time and place where he intents to fight , Then hauing learnde the full of euerie thing , In secrete you may scape againe to me . With iust relation of the ' Assyrian campe . This seruice if you please to vndertake , You shall effect a singuler good turne , and reape mortall thanks at Cyrus hands . Ara. No longer let Araspas liue and breath , Then with the vtmost venture of his life , He will performe what Cyrus shall command . And sacred price for this extended grace , Though in the compasse of this hard affaire , I leaue th' Assyrian faction to maintaine , yet vow to beare a trustie Persian heart . Cy. Then go with fortune , and returne with health and grant the gods this enterprice of thine , May end and prosper with desirde effect . Ara. And grant the gods that Cyrus still may liue , happie in peace , and in armes victorious . Cy. To pacifie the angrie Pantbeas moode , I will perswade her of Araspas flight . That he is reuolted to the Assyrian king . Enter Panthea . Pan. Readie the humble handmaid of my Lord . Cyr. To calme the heate of your offended mind , Thus haue I lost as braue a warriour , As euer trode vpon the Persian fields . Pan. What warrior means my Lord and conqueror ? Cy. Araspas , who in feare of my displeasure , I fled from me vnto th' Assyrian campe , And hath forsooke the Persians colours quite , Thus madame for your sake hath Cyrus done , Euen lost the worthiest souldier of his band . Pan. Cyrus let not his losse perplex your minde , If you will let me send a messenger , Vnto my Lord and husband Abradates , I know for these your princely fauours done , To me his wife in this my captiues plight , He will attend your fortune in the warres . With more sincere affection , loue and zeale , Then euer that vngracious person did . Againe , my Lord my husband is a knight , As forward treads , and fortunate in armes , As euer spred his colours in the field . Cyr. Is it likely Abradatus will forsake , His natiue prince to follow for raine armes , Pan. The father of this king by Cyrus slaine , was highly loued and honourde of my Lord , This now that reignes affected Pantheas bed , Sought to prucure a most vniust diuorce , Betwixt my best beloued Lord and me , who therefore beares him an immortall hate , The starres of which incurable dispight , Remaine so deepe inprinted in his thought , That ten times blessed would he thinke himselfe , To finde a fit occasion for reuenge . Cy. Beleeue me Madam , if your Lord be armde , With such sore grounded malice to the prince , His helpe may greatly further my affaires , And therefore if you can procure the man , To stand assistant to the Persian armes , You shall deserue great thankes at Cyrus hand , Pan. Cyrus , I will presume to make my Lord A trustie follower of the Persian armes , And him your highnesse shall not faile to finde , A noble friend and valiant gentleman . Cy. And Madam , he shall want at Cyrus hands , No praise , nor honour due to good deserts . Exeunt .

Actus quartus . Enter Antiochus , Araspas , and Nobles . Ant. r Aaspas though thy birth and parentage , Seeme deadly to the Assyrian eares , Being discended of our chiefest foes , who purchaste gentrie by our ouerthrow , And in their insignes beare the Assyrian armes , Yet seeing thou commest as confederate , In token that I loue and honour thee , Receiue this sworde , and fight couragiously . Ara. Antiochus I le weare it for thy sake , And for the wrong that Cyrus offered me , Vnlesse my destnie preuent my drift , I le quicklie hansell it with Cyrus blood . Nob. Wherein hath Cyrus wrongd thee Persian say . Ard. In barring me of her whom I esteeme , Aboue the value of his Diademe . Panthea my Lord . Ant. What Panthea , Abradates wife ? Ara. I louely Panthea Abradates wife , Ant. Speake not of Panthea if thou louest me , For her remembrance wounds my heart afresh , Nob. His grace is alwayes passionate and sad , If she be mentioned , therefore name her not . Ara, Not that alone , but manie iniuries , Insenst me to attempt his ouerthrow , For in the field wherein your father fell , I got rich armour , golde , and sumptuous tents , all which he tooke vnto his proper vse , and gaue vnto his speciall fauourites , Nor had I where withall at Cyrus hands , To heale those wounds which I receiued in fight . Ant. Then see thou make as deepe wounds in his flesh , And so crie quittance with the couetous king , I giue thee to this sword , armour and horse , a horse as fierce as proude Bucephalus , armour of trustier proofe then Thetis found , Therefore Araspas fight couragiouslie . Ara. Albeit I haue not Alexanders skill , To manage him , nor yet Achilles armes , to charge as brauely , yet as good a heart , as Alexander or Achilles euer had . And when I shrinke for feare out of the field , Let me be torne in peeces with that horse , Or hewed to death with this bright cortelaux , Ant. Thy wordes Araspas tise me to the field , and makes me thinke I shall be conquerour , Come let vs march from wealthie Babylon , and then towards Cyrus with our royall campe . Exeunt . Enter Panthea , and Cyrus . Pan. My husband mightie Lord , from Bactria , Where he lay legar for th' Assyrian king , Is come to serue vnder your highnesse flagges , and in your aide hath brought two thousand horse , Backt by his friends Assyrian Gentlemen . all which will die at conquering Cyrus feete . Cy. Is Abradates come from Bactria , Then will I leaue to mone Araspas losse , and thinke on conquest and sweete victorie ? Gobrias go with louely Panthea , and bring him presently vnto our tent , With those braue horsemen of Assyria , You warlike and victorious men , Marshall your seuerall bands in equipage , That Abradates king of Susia , May wonder at the hugenesse of our campe , and be the willinger to league with vs . Enter Abradates with other . Here he comes , and if by his aspect , I may coniecture of his qualities , He is valiant , wise , trustie and liberall , Ab. I need not aske which is the Persian king , The vertues shining in his glorious lookes , Say this is Cyrus , and in signe of loue , will Abradates thus salute his grace , Cy. Sweete Abradates thou imbrasing me , Hath stolne my heart , I loue and honour thee , Ab. Faire Lord was neuer captiue gentler vsde , Then Panthea of this gracious conquerour . For Panthea , Cyrus I and this my traine , Of which the meanest Soulder may take charge , and be commander of a campe of men , So able , wise and venterous they are , Doth rest for euer at your highnesse becke , Our horses which are grasing on the plaine , In winter gallops , and in Isie seas , and in the sommer swimmes the deepest streames , Swifter are they in pace then lightfoot Hart , Surer they are then Cammels plodding on the wayes , Fiercer then Tygres , and as Olephants with Castles on their backes , And if they were compast with arming pikes , They knew which way to make their passage forth , And when their sides is painted eke with blood , they pull their reines , and lookes downe to the ground As if they vaunted of their seruice done , The rider being dismounted they stand still , And kneele vpon the ground to take him vp , But if he chaunce to die , they pine to death . These are Cyrus and the riders too , Souldiers as good as euer sunne behelde , Cyr. These horses thou speakest of makes me glorie more , Then Lydian Cressus in his heapes of gold , And of them all doth Cyrus make account , As of the strengthes and sinewes of the warre , We haue intelligence the Assyrian king Is come from Babylon to meete vs straight , Therefore if Abradates fauour vs , Mount and away for we 'le assaile them first . Abra. For that comes Abradates , let s away . Pan. But Abradates I will arme thee first , Seest thou these pouldrons they are golde , These vanbraces and currets massie golde , The gorget and thy helmet beaten golde , The belt imbrodered golde , yet all to base , For Abradate louelier then the golde , May neuer speare be broken on this breast , But that the point thereof may soone returne , And strike him dead that durst to giue that charge , This helmet shunne thee from the sling sand darts , This kisse make thee turne with victorie , As for this garland made of loftie palme , Panthea reserues it for her conquering Lord , Vpon whose head will Panthea fasten it , And hanging on hit necke like Hectors wife , Inquire the maner of the battell past . Abr. Faire be my fortune for my Panthea , Hist. My Lord Araspas in th' Assyrian armes , Doth craue successe vnto your Maiestie . Cy. Araspas , let him come , he is our friend . And brings vs tidings from our enimies . Enter Araspas . Ara. Health vnto the person of my gracious lord . Cyr. Welcome Araspas , brings thou chearful newes ? Is Antiochus resolued to fight ? Ara. This day he meanes to encounter with your host . Cy. What is the number of his fighting men ? Ara. In all two hundred thousand at the least , And thus in order lies his noble campe . The forefront is ten chariots , Of purpose to disranke the approching so . Next them are fiftie thousand horsmen placde , To breake in where the chariots breake the way , Next them fiue thousand staues being lightly laden with speares , helmet , naked swordes , To go along to serue the horsmens vse . Then twentie thousand Scythians runagates , with venomde darts , whose heades are tipt with steele , And last the battell of th' Assyrians , Being hedgde with launces , as a wood with Briers . On whose heades the crosse bowes and the slings , will shoote and throw bullets of massie yron , Whose verie fall would strike Aclipos downe , In middest whereof Antiochus will march , Before whom doe a thousand bondmen draw A brazen wall built vpon turning wheles , To gard him sure and his concubine , All these vpon my honour I a duer . Cy. If euery souldier had a wall of brasse , It could not daunt vs , we are resolute , And vowed and sworne vnto our swordes , which teacheth vs to scorne a brazen wall . Abr. Renowmed Cyrus , honour me thus farre , To haue the leading of your vauntgard forth . Hist. Nay it belongs vnto a Persian . Ara. If to a Persian , it belongs to me . Hist. I serued Astiages your highnesse sire . But if a stranger may deserue the place , I hope my seruing merits it my lord . Pan My husband is a king , Cyrus I hope will therefore grant it , if not for desert , Cy. Had I foure to encounter with , you all should lead the vauntgard of the field , But onely one must haue the charge , Though all deserue it , therefore draw you all . All . Content . Cy. Crysantas make the lots . Hist. Pardon me Cyrus though I do repine , why should we draw lots for our proper right ? Cy. I le haue it so , Histaspis be content . Cry . The lots are readie . Cy. Histaspis I commaund thee to begin , Now Abradates and the rest . Abr. Fortune hath fauoured me , the lot is mine . Cy. Then thou shalt lead the forefront , let vs match , Ara. The enemie is neare , make haste my Lord . Cy. Here Abradates , Cyrus placeth thee , Leade warily , and fight couragiouslie . Abr. As mine owne life so tender I these men , Now to the battell , Panthea Farewell . Exeunt . Enter Panthea and Nicasia . Pan. Farewell , and my good angell follow thee , And euerie starre that raignd when I was borne , Whose influence hath kept me yet from harme , Vnfortunate be to make thee blest . Ni. And miserie cease on Nicasia , So Abradates be kept from harme . Pan. Ye Persian Deities for Cyrus sake , Assyrian Gods for Abradates sake , Giue victorie vnto the Persians , That I may see my husband weare this wreath . Ni. Madam , Bellonas shrine is heare at hand , O let vs go to offer sacrifice , To make her more propitious to his grace , For now he is amongst th' Assyrian troupes . Pan. I le offer all my iewels on the shrine , And make sweet fumes of Ambergreece and Myrrhe , Of Indian Cassia , Muske and Frankinsense , That Abradates may be conquerour , First at her aulter let vs ioyntly sing , For Mnsicke is a sacrifice to her .

Actus quintus , Enter Cyrus . Panthea , and the armie . Pan. Great lords to whom the Assyrian scepter yeelds and Babylon through right of victorie , Lies open to those conquering swords of yours , How fares my lord , my lord and louing feere , My Abradates , liues he conquerour , Or left by destnie numbred with the dead ? Cy. Faire Ladie , vertuous , chast , and amiable , I trust your loue among the liuing dwels , and like a champion and a knight at armes , will shew himselfe or manie houres expire , His temples adornde with victorious palme . Pan. When to the sight my lord adrest his bands Deuoutly entred I Belonas fame , And there before the aultar of the Saint , Perfumde the ayre with smoke of holie fire , And breathed forth my plaints and eke my mones , Thrice I me seemed the Goddesse turnde her face , Offending-like frowning with angrie browes , Against my prayers and my holie vowes , O Cyrus , if my iealous thoughts diuine , Some dismall sequell to this fantasie , Yet pardon me seeing womens wittes are weake , And loues aboundes with superstitious feare . Cy. Madam , I trust the presence of your Lord , Returning backe in triumph and renowme , Shall soone remoue those thoughts out of your mind , So graunt the Gods my countries presidentes , Abradates borne in dead . Cy. What slaughtered bodie do you Persians bring ? Captain . Cyrus the bodie of the Susian king , Stout Abradates by the Egyptians slaine . Pan. Now let my Lord the prince of Persia iudge , whether vnhappie Panthea feared in vaine , O noble loue whose manly heart deserude , To ioy the benefite of longer life , And richer Trophes to enlarge the same . But tell vs now after what sort he died ? Cap. Mounted aloft his chariot armed with sithes , Beating the strong Egyptians downe , A few of his familiar trustie friends , With dreadfull race insist his chariot Wheeles , While the other in the battaile turning backe , Abandoned him among the Egyptian pikes , Yet Abradates with the few remained , By force and vertue of his puissant hand , Sendes thousand of the heathnish foes to hell , Till at the last dismounted from his seate , And round enuironed with his enemies , After so many mortall wounds receyued , He fell and yeelded vp his kingly ghost . The Egyptians as their barbarous custome is , when he was dead cut off his stout right hand , And left it lying by the breathlesse corps . But with a band of Persian men at armes , we rescued him , and brought him to your grace , Here to receiue such worthie funerals , As fits the honour of so great a Lord . Pan. Now Euphrates whose sad and hollow bankes , Haue suckt the summe of Abradates blood : which from his wounds did issue with his life , Now cease thy course of thy disdained teares , And let thy courage turne against the tide , Of mere remorse of wretched Pantheas plaints . Is this the hand that plighted faith to me , The hand , that aye hath managde kingly armes , And brought whole troops of mightie warriors down , Now sended from the bodie of my Lord , Cleane voide of feeling , sense and vitall breath , So Gods and cruell destnies commaund , Malignant of poore Pantheas happinesse . Liue Cyrus . You Lords of Persia , Command my honour to posteritie , That ages hence the world report may make , That Panthea died for Abradates sake . She stabs her selfe . Nic. Gone is my Ladie pearlesse Panthea . Slaine with selfe griefe for Abradates sake , Nicasia loathes to liue when she is gone , The pride and Phenix of Assyria , I le not presume to touch the fatall steele , Wherein my Ladies sacred blood do smoake , Receiue me in thy bowels Euphrates , And let thy bottome be Nicasias graue . Enter Cyrus , Araspas , and Gobrias , to Abradates dead Cy. O Persians see if any breath remaineth . Ara. Cyrus alas all sense of feeling is gone , His senselesse lims with stiffenesse ouergrowne , No rubbing warming , ought auaileth vs , But pale death sits as conquerour ouer him . Let Araspas kneele downe by Abradates . Cy. Mirrour of honor and true Nobilitie , No age , no time shall euer race thy fame , Whilest Euphrates doth keepe his running streame . What Abradates , and chast Panthea too , O Abradates worthie man at armes , O Panthea chast vertuous and amiable , This office Cyrus to your wandring ghost , Reserues in store to grace your funerals , with monuments of fatall Ebonie , Of Cedar , Marble , let , and during brasse , That future worlds and infants yet vnborne , May kisse your tombes wherein your bodies lie , And wonder at the vertues of your minde , Assyrian Lord , such honour thou shalt haue , As neuer had Assyrian at his graue . Six hundred head of cattell shall be slaine , And sacrificed vpon the funerals day . Twelue thousand horses being manned each one , Trapt all in blacke shall goe before thy hearse , The towred battlements of Babylon , Bend in contempt of heauen and earth , and men , Those markes of pride shall be abated downe , To make a shew of mourning for thy death . Such honour as you both receyude in life , Such honour shall you both receiue in death .

FINIS .